> The War of Equestria
>  by rainbowtiger00
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Beginning of it all.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun was just rising from the hilltops, golden yellow with an orange and red glow against a blue-purplish background. There was a single thin cloud lingering above it, providing no shade to the creatures below. An enormous forest that in legend, was called the Everfree forest lay to the south of the hilltops. The hilltops were said to have had apple trees all over them, but now there were no such thing. Only dry brown grass covered the hilltops. 

A boy sat with two of his best friends in the remains of last year's summer. They were looking at two flags on a single hill. If you would call them that. Simple sticks with a strip of colored cloth. One toward the right was red. The other to the left was blue. Each 'flag' had a wooden fort surrounding it. The forts were nothing more than hastily piled sticks in a haphazard position. The fort with the blue flag had two walls of sticks, making it impossible to see inside. It was shaped like a tent, sitting on the top of the hill. The other was lying on the bottom. What it lacked in strength it made up for in size. Each fort had a burning torch hanging at the gate. 

The fire had an herbal powder thrown into it. It only caused a pleasant tickling sensation if it was felt by skin. Wood, however, that was from the other team, burned to a crisp.

To the casual stranger, this would seem strange. But for the children, this was an exciting time. For today, was the day that their parents had first walked on the hilltops. The village had been a settlement made by those who wanted to go somewhere new. Hunt the game that lived in the forest, live off its riches. Such was these dreams. Not all came to fruition, yet none of the settlers wanted to leave the majestic neighborhood, no matter how rough it got.

Ten children were on the left of the boy and his friends. They had signed up for the blue flag.  Eight other kids slumped on the grass. They were the ones who had not been picked for the blue team and were now being forced to play in the red team. Those on the blue team usually won. They were the strongest, fastest. The wealthiest. The boy and his friends were the only ones who had chosen the red team on their own. 

The boy's name was Jonathan.  He was nine years old, and he planned to win the game. Because rumor had it that the winner not only won the honor of it but also received luck. And boy he needed luck. His best friends were a boy and a girl. Lena, and Argon. A sharp whistle sounded, from the previous winner and the kids ran to the forts. 

The blue team was so confident in winning, that they didn't even bother to look at the other fort. Jonathan smiled.

Once Jonathan's team arrived at their fort, Argon had all the wooden sword bearing kids surround the flag. It was a stick with a piece of red cloth tied to the top. Lena took seven other red pieces of cloth from her shirt. She tied these to seven other long sticks with a mischievous smile. As their team watched, they quickly smothered the rising giggles. Blue Team was only full of people who either enjoyed bullying or went along with the crowd, that no one would think of using this trick. That was to the Red Team's advantage. Jonathan had all the scythe-bearing kids and bow bearing kids choose partners. The kids who didn't have either weapon carried the fake flags. Jonathan set some of Lena's arrows on the herbal fire. 

Lena shot the arrows onto the other team's fort, using the one wooden bow. 

Jonathan had taken the torch and got everyone in position. Each group of kids was to go in a different direction. They were to be complaining loudly that Jonathan had made them carry the flag. The other team would go to them, and attempt to take the flag. Each group of kids would have to fight hard to prevent them. 

Once the red team touches each fake flag, they will realize it was a fake because it wouldn't glow. Only the real flag had the ointment made from the mysterious herbs found in the forest. As screams of surprise and anger came from the other fort,  Jonathan had each group move out. Then he, Lena and Argon set out with the real flag in the opposite direction… 

One hour later… 



The heat of the moment made his cheeks flush with excitement. The small wooden scythe that he held in his hands was slippery from sweat. Black, red and gold strands of hair were plastered onto his neck from the moisture. The sound of wood hitting rock came from behind. “Argon!” He whined. 

“Will you please hurry up?” The Blue Team will catch up any second now!” A huffing and puffing sounded behind him. “I'm doing the best I can, John! This flag is heavy! 

Heavy with a capital H!” A loud clunk sounded this one closer. “Besides, I don't hear you saying anything to Lena.” Johnathan groaned, his thin nine-year-old body slumping. “Are we going to go through this again? 

Lena has to guard us against the other team from above. I have to guard you against the other team from below. If I or Lena helped you carry the flag, then anyone could sneak up on us. Right, Lena?” Lena's voice could be heard from the treetops, full of annoyance. 

“Well, they most certainly will sneak up on you two if you keep making so much noise! If you don't want an arrow in your rear, then be quiet and drag that flag!” Argon came into Jonathan's view. He had a light skin tone, with dark brownish hair that fell in a mop around his face. His eyes were as dark green as the forest leaves, mysterious as its depths. In them was a lively spark that danced with humor.

While their words didn't show it, Argon and Jonathan almost always agreed on something. Rarely did they argue on something. The strong bond that they shared was due to the fact that they had always been together. They had both shared a love for adventure, and playing Forts, the name of the game that they were playing right now. Both of their parents had been traders before the two were born. 

But  Jonathan's parents had gotten mauled by a beast and died, leaving him in the care of his aunt. Argon's parents struck it rich, having a total of nine kids, Argon being the third to first kid. But that wasn't to say that Argon was a snob from being rich. Far from it. While he did say things that to outsiders would seem offensive, he really didn't understand the struggles of the needy. 

Argon was unused to hard work, or starvation. So he did complain. A lot. And just sometimes, that got under Jonathan's skin. “Do you want to win, Argon, or not?” 

Argon glared at him with annoyance. “Of course, I want to win!” Jonathan waved his hand in the air. “Then come on!” Jonathan scanned the area for the other team's members to come and try to snatch the flag. They could do so at any second. 

It was then that he saw it. The crispy husks of the blue team's fort, with only two bored kids guarding it. Jonathan turned to his friends, signaling silence. Argon slowly put their flag on the ground, kneeling beside it. Lena jumped onto the grass and strung her bow. Both hidden, Jonathan snuck up silently, placing one foot in front of the other like his aunt taught him. 

Back turned, he waited for the two to notice him. One kid turned, silver hair flashing in the midday sunlight. "Hey, you! Where'd you come from? Some disgusting hole?" Alerted by the voice of his companion the second, brandished his scythe. "Get out before I give you a thrashing you'll remember in your nightmares."

Jonathan stared at them, feeling the soft hairs on the back of his neck tingle with anticipation. His left hand twitched three times. The silver haired kid snarled. "Put down that weapon, or I'll beat you up!" Jonathan stretched his arm out, and slowly let it go. He walked to the side, keeping eye contact with the two kids. For just a few moments, the two children gloated in their victory over him. Then Lena's blunt wooden arrows hit.

Jonathan darted to the unprotected flag, grasping it tightly, as the glow spread. The two kids glared sullenly at Lena's small figure. "That's cheating." One mumbled. Jonathan grinned with delight. "Finally! We won! And just when we needed some good news. Perhaps some good fortune will come about." Argon came up, grinning widely. "Like Lena getting a new bow." He joked. Lena snorted, raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, right." Jonathan shrugged. "Who knows? Anything can happen!" 

Someone came up behind them. “Hey, kids.” Jonathan turned around to see his neighbor standing behind him. “Jonathan?” Jonathan felt his heart sink into his stomach. 

“W-what is it?” The neighbor sighed and hung his head. “I'm so sorry…It's your aunt. The sickness, it.” That was as far as the man got before Jonathan ran past him, and toward the town that was beyond the hills. 

Argon and Lena looked at him with sympathy. “Come on!” Argon said. “Let's go after him.” Lena nodded.



Jonathan knelt beside the bedside of his aunt. She was a tall woman, with long silver hair. Her face was shaped like a doll's. She was rather young, only twenty-nine years old, yet carried an ancient look about her. She coughed into a slender hand. 

“J-john?” Johnathan placed his warm nine-year-old hand onto hers, shivering at its iciness. “I'm right here auntie.” She smiled at him. “You need to know something, before I…” 

Jonathan's hand squeezed hers hard. “You are going to live, auntie. The healer said he wouldn't let you die.” His aunt smiled sadly. “The healer shouldn't make promises he can't keep. 

Johnathan, do you remember the necklace I have in my jewelry box?” Jonathan slowly nodded. His aunt's necklace was in a stone box under the bed. He dragged the box out and placed it at her feet. She smiled. 

"Jonathan? Would you open the box?" He nodded, lifting the lid to reveal the contents inside. A chain made from finely crafted silver metal. It was so thin, that it seemed like one yank would break it. 

But it wouldn't because he had yanked it many times as a toddler. The chain was so polished that it seemed to be made of diamonds. But the prettiest thing about the necklace was the amulet attached to it. It was a pony with a horn and wings. A long graceful mane and tail flowed around the little pony. 

It wore four ankle bracelets around its hooves. Each ankle bracelet had a different colored and shaped jewel. The meaning for each had been long forgotten. A necklace adorned its neck, and a crown was on its head. The pony was made from so many jewels, it seemed to be made from rainbows. 

His aunt softly touched the necklace. A single tear fell down her pale cheek. "Johnathan, would you want to wear it?" Johnathan gasped. "Really?" 

He had never been allowed to wear it before. His aunt weakly smiled, then became serious. "Yes. But Johnathan. If you are to wear it, you will have to take an oath." 

Johnathan blinked. "An oath?" His aunt gave him a tired smile. "It's a family tradition." Jonathan raised his head. "Truely?" Every child knew the weight of an oath, how one does not make it lightly. The stories told by bedsides spoke of the curses given to those who break oaths... He bit his lip but nodded. "OK, I'll take the oath, and wear it. For you." His aunt nodded to the box. "Then touch the bottom of the top lid." He did so, and a golden colored dagger was revealed. 

Nestled in a velvet padding, it gleaned with a radiance to rival the sun. Johnathan gasped. "It's beautiful!" His aunt took the dagger in her hands. "Johnathan, give me your left fourth finger. 

He did so, slightly nervous about what she was going to do. "Johnathan, this is going to hurt you a little." Johnathan gulped. "O-okay." She pricked his finger, and drops of blood fell from the tear in the skin. 

"Ow..." His aunt stroked his cheek. "I'm sorry John. I should have warned you." He touched her hand with his right hand. 

"It's okay auntie. I don't mind a little pain." She smiled and held his chin. "Now, then. Kneel on the ground before the window so that the sun falls onto your face. 

Repeat after me. With the knowledge of the Unicorns." Johnathan cleared his throat. "With the knowledge of the Unicorns." As he said the words, his aunt placed a finger soaked in his blood onto his forehead. 

She drew the outline of a horn. “The speed of the Pegasi.” Jonathan felt her hand guide him to turn his back on her. “The speed of the Pegasi.” Then she lifted off his shirt and placed her bloodied finger on it. 

Slowly, as he repeated her words, she drew the outline of wings onto his back. “The strength of the Earth Ponies.” She turned him back around and lifted both of his hands. She outlined a single leaf onto each. “The strength of the Earth Ponies.”

“I shall guard the Elements of Harmony.” She drew the outline of a six-pointed star with five other stars surrounding it onto his chest. “I shall guard the Elements of Harmony.” She brushed her finger across his bottom lip, leaving a streak of blood. “And protect Equestria from the Demons of Shadow.” 

He blinked but repeated. “And protect Equestria from the Demons of Shadow.” His aunt smiled. “Good.” She placed the necklace around his neck and settled back down. 

Now you must wear that necklace at all times…Promise me.” Jonathan held her pale hand once more. “I will, Auntie.” His aunt smiled with all the warmth that she used to have. Jonathan stared as her breathing became shallow. The healer came in and gave Jonathan a weird look. “Well, Jonathan. 

Why don't you go play outside while I talk with auntie?” Jonathan started toward the door, then stopped. “Healer? Will she live?” The healer's smile faded slightly.

“…She should.” He said finally. Jonathan ran outside and slumped onto the cool grass. It wasn't until then did he realize that hot tears were pouring down his cheeks. Lena and Argon were suddenly there, holding him as he wept. “I don't want her to die!” 

He screamed into the grass. His fist pounded the grass as he raged. Nothing was said from Argon or Lena. Their faces said everything that needed to be said. We are sorry for you. 

We will be there for you. We will pull through this together. We don't care if the luck didn't come. We are needed here. Right now. 

With you. Jonathan wanted to say something back. But then again, what was there to say? The truth? A lie? 

He just cried and embraced the two. “You guys…are the best people in the entire world. No matter what, I'll always think that.” All there was for the three to do was to place their arms around each other and be with each other. Like friends do.


> Sounds of battle.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A deer stood still in the woods, nibbling on a tender, green spring leaf. Morning light filtered through the trees. It lit the place where the deer stood. It was rather young, still having short stubs of antlers. It would not know that the human above it in the tree was dangerous. 

One because it was so young that it most likely never saw a human before. Two, because said human was a rather adept hider. Years spent playing the only game that the children of the village knew, the one where they hid in forts and battled, that had sharpened her hiding skills. She took a deep breath and let it out, slowly. The branches of the trees moved slightly as she shifted her weight. 

Leaves rustled. The deer thought nothing of it and continued nibbling. Slowly, ever so slowly, the arm of the human stretched up to grab an arrow. The arrow was placed on the string of the bow. It was pulled tight. 

The human aimed at the deer, pausing only to take another deep breath. The cool, refreshing air rushed into her lungs. For a moment, she considered not killing the deer. Something so innocent should perhaps not be killed so soon. But then she let go of the arrow. 

And her breath came out. The arrow hit the deer in the back. With a sickening thud, it fell onto the grass. The human took a few more breaths, before leaping down onto the grass, damp with dew. The deer was dead. 

“Good job, Lena!” A voice called out. Lena turned to look at the source of the voice. Jonathan her friend, came out from behind a large rock. He had grown well in years. 

Constant running and fighting with the mysterious creatures of the woods had only given him tough muscles that showed through his light brown wool shirt. Pants made from deer skin dyed dark blue from crushed flowers. A wolf pelt's belt was around his waist. Black, red, gold, and gray locks hung down to his chin. His trusty crystal halberd that he used everywhere was hanging at his side. 

Tanned skin from long days in the sun. Warm, trusting brown eyes that always held sparks of excitement in them were currently focused on her. Lena glanced at herself. She was wearing a light blue shirt that was sleeveless. A leather belt hung over one shoulder, holding multiple powders of poison. 

Before Jonathan's aunt had died, she had taught her many things about the herbs around the woods. Which ones healed, and which ones harmed. All arrows were tipped in such deadly substances. A snakeskin belt was at her waist, with a moonstone at the center. Hidden in the belt was a small silver dagger. 

Dipped in poison. Black, sleek pants graced her thin legs. Leather black boots tipped with silver and owned jade heels were on her feet. Her skin was tanned, but lighter than Jonathan's. Her hair was brownish tan, with one side shaved to her scalp. 

A symbol of the sun was dyed among the short hairs of the shaved spot. The other side was long and reached down to her shoulder. This hairstyle was traditional for archers. Her eyes were a mysterious dark blue. One ear had a string of moonstone beads hanging from it.

Leather bracelets held her wrists. A tight gold ring was on her finger. Argon had given that to her. A tattoo of a crystal blue butterfly edged in black, rising out of purplish smoke was on one arm. It was unique.  

Her bow was made from the wood of a rare white black spotted tree that was called an 'aspen.' The woods that were rumored to be called Everfree held only a few of these trees. It had always been the stuff of legends of the land being called 'Equestria.' Or that the sun and the moon were once raised by ponies with a horn and wings. Children were the only ones to believe in such things now. 

Her bow was carved with symbols of animals and plants, it had strings of beads hanging from the top and bottom. Feathers of an eagle were on the top, held by an amulet of engraved stone. Such was the look of her bow. She could have bought one with borrowed money from Argon, but felt it better to create one from scratch. It had paid off. 

Lena had always been part of the poorer groups of the town. She knew what to do to get a meal, and what to do in case she needed protection from the creatures of the forest. Jonathan almost became a part of that, had it not been for Argon. Argon's family took him in when his aunt had died. In return, Jonathan gathered food for them and kept Argon out of fights. 

Lena smiled at Jonathan. “Come on, Halberd boy. Let's get this deer to Argon before the guy gets into another fight.” Jonathan nodded, his gaze suddenly shifting from her to the ground. The two dragged the deer's carcass through the woods, each of them on guard for danger. 
The birds of the forest watched them with beady eyes as the light of day became brighter with each passing minute. A very small, colorful frog hopped onto the deer. Lena froze. That frog was poisonous. Jonathan looked at her, snorted, and held his hand above the tiny frog. 

He placed his third finger on top of his thumb and held the rest up in the air. With a single motion, he flicked his finger. The frog was sent flying into the trees. Lena looked at him. “I'm glad it's gone.” 

Jonathan rolled his eyes sheepishly. “You have always been squeamish about frogs, ya know.” Lena stared at him with half-closed eyelids. Then she tapped him on the head. “Right, let's keep moving.” 

They continued to drag the deer to the edge of the town. It was in the very beginnings of fall, but leaves were already falling gently from the trees. Lena's eye caught a bush full of colorful berries. They were a very dark purple and owned little bumps all over. Lena picked one. 

“Oh, Morus berries! Argon's little sister, Corina loves these!” Morus berries were very popular among the children, its sweet flavor, and chewy texture making it irresistible. Lena looked guiltily at Jonathan, who laughed. “Go right ahead! 

I'll drag the deer into town.” He continued to drag the deer, leaving Lena to strip the bush of its berries and fill a leather bag with its contents. The road slowly turned from dirt into stone, and the trees became fewer and fewer in number. The houses came into view. The poorer ones were made of wood, the richer ones made of stone. 

All had tile roofing of stone. Chimneys of the richer houses poured smoke, the smell of cooking stew reaching Jonathan's nose. Cats wandered here and there, looking for a mouse to eat. They gave the deer a passing glance as if it wasn't worth their time to look at it. Jonathan knew that it was best to drag the deer through the streets now than to leave it until afternoon. 

Then the market would be full of customers. As Jonathan dragged the deer along the street, he watched as people walked around the street. Many of them were gathering in one spot. Shouts were coming from that spot. Jonathan got close enough to hear what was being said. 

“Get him, Rayon!” Yeah, you can beat the rich guy!” “Give him a black eye!” “How does it feel now, being the poor one eh?” The voices belonged to Rayon's gang. 

The meanest people around town. Jonathan left the deer and came forward. He could hear the sound of fists hitting flesh. Peering over the crowd of heads, Jonathan could see Argon fighting Rayon. Rayon was gray-haired, pale skinned, and full of arrogance and pride. 

He was also light-footed, so he was prancing around Argon while he hit him with speedy shots of his fist. Aron kept having to turn around, and rarely did he score a hit. Rayon laughed. “Why isn't the widdle rich kid able to fight? Does he need his mommy to come rescue him from the big bad Rayon Wayon?” 

The words were said in a mean teasing note, punches coming onto Argon's back. Argon snarled, and tried to punch Rayon. He missed. The gang members cheered. Jonathan waited till Rayon was close enough to him, then punched him in the nose. 

An outcry of pain came from Rayon, and he stumbled to the ground. In a flash, he stood right back up and tried to punch Jonathan in the jaw. But Jonathan was too quick and sidestepped the bully allowing him to trip. Rayon whirled and snarled at him. “Well, well. 

If it isn't Argon's protector. Tell me, Jonathan. How much of your pitiful life depends on.” Here Rayon paused while he wiped the blood from his nose. “ Saving rich kids skin? 

Ever since your weak aunt died.” That was as far as he got before Argon barreled into him, knocking to the stone ground. The gang members gasped. Argon held Rayon by the shoulders and bellowed into his face. “No one insults my friends!” 

Rayon quickly wriggled out and scrambled to his feet. “Alright, alright man. Jeez.” Rayon suddenly spotted Lena come up and a sly grin came onto his face. Rayon stepped right in front of Lena and gave her a winning grin. 

Lena blinked. “Lena, my dear! Where ever have you been?” Lena's eyes slid down to half closed. A sure sign that she was bored.  

Argon growled at Rayon. “Why that creep is going to try and get  a date with Lena, isn't he!” Jonathan's hand went onto his shoulder. “Lena's going to get him for sure now.” They watched as Lena put her hand on her hips. 

“Um, trying to survive?” Rayon nodded too eagerly. “Say, how about me and you go out?” Lena's mouth twisted into a sly grin. “Only if you can take this.” 

With that, Lena punched him right in the nose. Rayon fell onto the stone road, knocked out cold. Lena's eyes danced with laughter as she helped Argon up. “In another fight I see?” Argon growled again. 

“He started it,” Jonathan grinned. “Uh huh. Let's get you home.” The dragging of the deer went much faster now. 

They arrived at the archway of Argon's house. Five girls ran out. They all looked alike and were similar in Argon's looks. Each one bounced up and down rapidly. “You're home! 

You're home! You're home! You're home! You're home! You're home!”

Argon groaned. “Yes, we are home. Now, settle down before you wake the baby. Again.” The last word was said with a glare. 

The girls stopped bouncing and clapped their hands over their mouths. A muffled 'sorry, big brother' came from each of them. Their rich clothing hung from their youthful bodies. Lena smiled. “Where is little Corina?” 

Footsteps sounded, and a smaller girl came out. She was thinner than the others and seemed to resemble a frail butterfly. Her dress was white, with only a red sash tied at the waist. The sleeves reached the ground. Her hair fell down to her waist as well. 

Lena gave her almost all the berries. She saved one in order to pop into Argon's mouth. Jonathan left the deer there. He gathered some of the few remaining flowers at the edge of town and went to the graveyard. He walked slowly, allowing the time to slip by quietly. 

The wind blew gently across his face. The graveyard was a stone wall surrounding wooden crosses, and stone slabs carved with the names of the dead. An ancient apple tree stood guard over the graveyard, each one holding the body of a deceased one. 

Jonathan stopped at a stone slab far off to the right. It was about ten years old now, and the stone was chipping off in some places. Jonathan looked at the inscription:  

Angina Hayworth Markson. 2086-3008. The most worthy gift is one's life. 

That is what the grave said. Jonathan laid his handful of flowers onto the cold stone. “Hello, aunt. Miss you.” Tears fell down his cheeks, ones that he wiped away. “I hope you are doing well.” 

The grave sat there, unresponsive. “I still haven't figured out why you wanted me to have this necklace, but I'll figure out soon.” He touched the necklace that his aunt had given him so long ago. It felt like a dream receiving it.  A sudden booming sound resounded from the woods. 

Jonathan glanced up to see flocks of birds fly into the sky. “What's going on?” He stared at the tops of the trees where the birds had flown from. Something or someone had caused that noise. But what? 

It was unlike any noise he had ever heard before. His gut quivered.  Johnathan turned away and walked quickly to Argon’s house. 

He took a shortcut in order to go faster, going over the hills that they used to play on as kids. From this angle, he arrived from the back of Argon's house. He paused to catch his breath. Argon's backyard was open and field-like with plenty of space. It was in the middle of the afternoon, so the sky overhead was a beautiful blue color. 

Clouds floated lazily in the sky, pushed by a gentle breeze. Argon's mother, Trisha was kneeling in the grass, planting seeds for next spring's flowers and vegetables. 

Beside her, sitting on a tray was a cup of iced cider. Whenever she could pause in her work, she took a sip of the juice. Her long, raven black hair flowed down her back, a great contrast to her fair skin. Her dress was made from fine cloth but was plain for the task at hand. Her rich livelihood didn't prevent her from tending to the family garden. 

Even though she could hire someone to do it for her, she felt more like doing it herself, having learned how. Merry green eyes scanned the seeds, as one hand rubbed her swollen belly. She was on the verge of giving birth, merely days away. Her husband Felix, was sitting on a stool at a table some distance away. He was shaping a pot with his hands. 

The wet clay in his was slowly being shaped into a tall pot. Skillfully, he crafted it, moving it slightly. He owned raven hair too, with sharp green eyes that were focused on his work. A goatee dusted his chin. The five sisters were even farther. 

They were in a straight line, each intently watching a butterfly float over their heads. When it got close to one of them, that one would leap up and clap her hands to capture it. But none of them succeeded. The scene placed a smile on Jonathan's lips.  Trisha saw him as he got closer. 

“Why, hello Jonathan! It is very good to see you again. Thank you for bringing the deer. Felix here.” She waved a hand at her husband. 

“Just loves fresh deer meat.” Upon hearing his name, Felix glanced at them, nodded at Jonathan, then got back to work. Jonathan smiled at Trisha and gave a short bow. “Hello, Mrs. Rowshield. It is good to see you as well. 

Where are Argon and Lena? They were here a while ago.” Trisha brushed a stray hair from her face, as she squinted in thought. The action left a streak of dirt on her forehead. “Hm, I think they are playing with Corina in the old apple tree on that hill near our house.” 

She pointed a finger in the direction. “Say, do you have any idea what that loud boom was? It scared the girls to death. All of them ran to Felix, and crowded around him, hugging him rather tightly. They wouldn't move from Felix's side. 

It took some iced cider, and soothing hugs from each of us to calm them down.” Jonathan frowned in thought. “No, madam. I don't. I plan to go and find out, though.” 

Trisha nodded at him, then turned back to her work, as Jonathan walked away. He headed in the direction Trisha gave him. Ancient apple trees were here and there over the town. No one got rid of them, as the apples picked from their branches were more tasty and long lasting than any other apple. The trees all had scars, from some sort of fire, that had harmed them long ago. 

The tree sat lonely on top of the hill. Corina was sitting at the bottom of the tree. An apple was in her hands. Hanging from her sash was the bag of berries given to her by Lena. She was staring at the forest, and the few quickly fleeing birds that still flew from the treetops. 

“Corina?” Jonathan asked. She turned and stared at him. “Greetings Jonathan.” Jonathan nodded at her. 

“Corina, do you know where Lena and your brother, Argon are?” Corina blinked, then looked up into the branches of the apple tree. Jonathan followed her gaze and saw Lena's grinning face peering at him through the branches. “Argon's visiting Elder Onyx Ashstone. Wanted some advice. 

I can go get him.” Jonathan nodded at her. “Did you hear that loud bang?” Lena nodded. “Sounded like some sort of gunpowder to me.” 

He then glanced at Corina who was tugging at his shirt. “Jonathan, I have a question for you.” Jonathan keeled on the dirt, as Lena ran off to find Argon. “Yes, Corina?” Corina reached out a very pale hand and pulled out Jonathan's necklace. 

She held it in her thin hand. “Was…did…” She paused as if the topic was painful. “Your aunt. When she died, was it painful?” 

Jonathan winced. He took a deep breath. This question wasn't only painful, it was hard. He didn't know if it was painful. All he knew was that performing the ritual on him took all her remaining strength and that soon after, she died. 

If there had been any pain, she had hidden it from him. Jonathan had never gotten over that day. Even the mention of his aunt brought a feeling of great shame that he had run out from her death bed. “I…do not think there was any pain. Why such a question?” 

Corina looked sadly at her thin hands. They were much too pale. Her hair was no longer raven black but was turning a sickly silver. “That disease. The town Healer thinks I have it too.” 

Jonathan drew in a sharp breath, and his heart sank within his chest. “I have all the signs. The Healer pointed this out months ago. Father and Mother have tried everything, to no avail. They told me that he is wrong. 

So has Big brother. I know that they are lying to me. I can see Mother's face when she sees me unable to eat. Father has to carry me when I get too exhausted and fall onto the ground. Big brother…” 

Here a few tears fell from her eyes, ones that she quickly brushed away. “He gets…” Her head cocked slightly as she searched for the word. “Temperamental? Is that the right grown-up word?” 

Jonathan placed a comforting hand on her head. “It will be fine. If it will hurt, the Healer will make it better.” Corina nodded at him, her eyes watery. Jonathan felt a pang in his heart as he was painfully reminded of his own loss. 

"Oh, Corina..." He thought.  



Lena ran through the town street, dodging past people that were in the way. Rayon was still knocked out from the punch she had given him a while ago. The place where Elder Onyx Ashstone lived at was at the village center. There, an old well stood, its original builder having been long gone. The well's stones were burnt black, yet the water was crystal clear. 

Elder Onyx Ashstone was sitting at the front of the well, legs crossed. His hands rested on top of his knees. A blue mat with symbols on it cushioned it from dirt. The elder was dressed in a blue and brown tunic with wide blue shoulder crest reaching above his head. A brown hood with a blue mask covered his face. 

His feet were covered in blue boots with metal at the bottom. The Elder had a very odd way of speaking. He would say one thing, then another higher voice would agree with him. No one could figure it out how he spoke like that. Argon was sitting in front of him, in the same manner. 

He was talking to him. “You see, Elder. John said that.” Elder Onyx Ashstone cut him off with a raised finger. Argon fell silent. 

His normal voice rang out, deep and melodic. “Jonathan's heart is in pain. The loss of his auntie still remains. But he shall grow stronger in the end. If he trusts his dearests and his friends.” 

The last of the sentence was punctuated with a glance at Argon and Lena who had just arrived. Argon glanced at her. “Lena?” Lena panted slightly. “Johnathan, Johnathan needs us.” 

She placed her hands on her knees as she gasped for breath. Argon got up. “I suppose it's for that large booming sound?” Lena nodded. Elder Onyx Ashstone looked at the forest and shook his head. 

“The forest is not a place to understand. (You would do well to stay away.)” Lena glanced at him. “Be that as it may, Jonathan still needs our help. Come on, Argon, let's go.” 

The two ran off toward the forest while Elder Onyx Ashstone looked on. With a slow sigh, he withdrew a staff from behind him. The staff was made from wood and owned a large, blue, glowing crystal on top. “What would I give, in order not to have this happen. (Many lives shall be lost. 

Many friendships shall be tested…” With that spoken, the elder placed the staff back in its place. Far enough to be out of sight. But close enough to use when needed.


Jonathan walked in the forest, with Argon and Lena at his side. The animals were oddly quiet as if they were afraid of something. Johnathan could almost smell the scent of fear as they walked on. Despite the fear, it seemed as if there was also a strange, almost respectful, silence of the forest as if something was there that demanded that respect. 

Besides these things, nothing else seemed to be out of the ordinary, and they were just about to head back when Argon noticed something. “Hang on…What is that over there?” He pointed a finger at some beaten down pieces of wood. Johnathan took a closer look. 

They seemed to be made for a set of wheels to run down but were very ancient. Moss and plants had grown over the tracks. Jonathan looked as they led to an unknown destination. “Let's see where they take us.” Lena shook her head as the trio walked forward. 

“Oh no, here we go on another adventure,” Argon grinned. "Since when has any of our adventures got us into trouble?" Lena snorted. "Right, how about the one where we climbed this very tall, dead tree in which you got stuck at the top and I had to go get Felix to help us get you down?"

Jonathan laughed. "Oh right! I remember that one! Boy, Felix gave us all a big scolding for climbing  that tree. According to him, we could have died." 

Argon snorted, and shrugged, grinning. " Well I'm still alive, aren't I?" Lena nudged his shoulder with her elbow. "That is slightly debatable." Argon chuckled. 

"Oh yeah? How fast do you think a dead guy can run?" Lena giggled. "Not very fast, as he is just lying there like this." She spread out her arms, crossed her eyes, and stuck out her tongue. Argon snorted with laughter and tapped her gently on the head. 

"Well then, my dead friend, let's see if you can keep up." Argon took off running. Lena ran after him. "Hey! Get back here!" 

Jonathan shook his head as he watched his to friends chase each other. "Don't go too far, guys!" He called. He turned his gaze back to the tracks.

They were leading them through the forest, through an area, none of them had ever been in before. No animal track was left near the tracks as if they didn't dare to step near it. Pieces of wood and stone began to appear among the dead leaves. Jonathan glanced around as Argon and Lena arrived behind him. 

Ruins of what seemed to have once been houses appeared here and there. All of them were very old and were burnt badly. A skeleton lay near one such ruin. It seemed like a miniature horse, except there was a horn on the skull. The bones were not burnt, but the foreleg had been smashed, and the chest had an arrow through it. 

Lena snorted, breaking the silence. “That pair of bones looks like what the old legends described the original inhabitants of the land were. It claimed that the sun and moon were once lifted by them.” Argon raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Yeah, right. 

How did they do it? Lift it with their hooves?” The two broke into giggles while Jonathan chewed the inside of his lip. “What's going on here?” He took a closer look at the bones. 

“Guys…this animal looks a lot like my necklace.” He lifted the necklace in front of his face. “Except there are no wings.” Lena glanced at the bones. 

“Hm, it does. Odd.” Argon looked at the necklace, then at the bones. “Eh, whatever it is, it's long dead. Best not to disturb those that are no longer in the world of the living, or so Elder Onyx Ashstone says.” 

Lena nodded. “He would know, he buries each dead person.” Jonathan winced, remembering his aunt's burial. Elder Onyx Ashstone had led that, sending her off into the afterlife. He had read the words needed to send each soul and had thrown seven flowers into the grave. 

Jonathan felt a tear slid down his cheek. He roughly brushed it away. They continued to follow the tracks, to see where they led. The tracks ended after a while. On top of the end was a burnt cart, its wheels made of metal. 

Lena kicked the metal wheel. “Why are the wheels made of metal? Wouldn't that be heavy?” Argon shrugged. The cart was obviously useless since one it was damaged, and two the wheels would have made it rather heavy anyway.  

Jonathan's eyes followed a barely visible trail in the dirt. It led to a pathway that none had taken in years. That pathway led to an enormous ruined building made from stone. A gateway led the way inside. Argon and Lena blinked in surprise. 

“What in the name of the lands is that?” Asked Argon.  

> Creatures of Madness.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
In a long, ago time there had been two ponies that ruled over the rest of the lands. They were the ultimate force in deciding what is wrong, and what is right. They raised the sun, stars, and moon. All creatures had served them. A long-held rumor was that the rulers left one day to leave the lands in human's hands.

Not one believed those legends nowadays. But they did pop in Jonathan's mind as he looked around the enormous building of stone. The building was damp and chilly. Bats resided inside, hiding from the light. The stone was ancient and held a mossy green color.  

It had a ceiling that was far above his head, and lights that burned dimly in their sockets. Vines crept up the stone walls, leaves unfurling in the darkness. The floor was cracked and chipped. Burnt marks were here and there on the floor like a fireball had been tossed around. Statues of miniature horses stood at attention along the walls. 

They wore armor, as silly as that sounded. Helmets and all. Some had horns, others had wings. A few had neither. Books littered the floor, paper pages ripped and lying on the ground. 

A staircase led to the top, but below it was an altar. On the altar was a letter that had been handwritten. The letter was wrapped in a scroll-like manner. It had a red silk ribbon tied around the middle. The echo of their footsteps gave the atmosphere even more creepiness. 

Lena unrolled the letter. It was written in a language that none of them could read. Argon scratched his head. "Wonder what it says?" Lena shrugged. 

Johnathan glanced at it. "Seems like someone left it there recently." Johnathan heard a crunch under his foot and looked down. A lavender blue feather edged with pink was lying on the ground. The feather was as long as his foot. 

It had been broken in half. Johnathan slowly picked it up. The feather was silky smooth and very soft. The light from the glowing bulbs above made it have a sort of ethereal glimmer about it. The feather had been well washed, no greasy oil was there. 

The feather was clean and seemed to have been recently dropped. There was, however, no sign of who had. Lena raised an eyebrow. "What bird left that there?" Argon looked at the staircase. "Maybe that bird went up there." A noise sounded up there that sounded like footsteps.

Heavy ones. Murmurs sounded from up there. Somebody was talking. Jonathan raised his head. "Who's there?"

Whoever had been talking quickly fell silent. Then another loud boom sounded out. The whole building shook violently. Jonathan grabbed onto one side of the altar as Lena held onto the other side. Argon fell onto his back as the floor shook.

Pieces of stone the size of pebbles fell from the ceiling. For a few moments, Johnathan truly believed that the ceiling would fall in. But after a few more minutes of shaking, the building came to rest. Once Lena was certain that the building wasn't going to shake again, she leaped down and helped Argon onto his feet. "What in the lands was that?"

He cried out. Johnathan shakily removed his hands from the altar. "I'm not sure." He glanced at the staircase. "But I am going to go find out."

He ran over to the staircase, and leaped up them, two at a time. Argon shouted something at him, but he didn't hear it. The stairs led to a dark and slippery hallway.  Dead leaves piled in the corners. Johnathan looked around but did not see anything wrong. Then he heard a voice. 

"Die. Die. Die. Die. Die." 

The voice was raspy and old. It sounded like fingernails being drawn across a chalkboard. Johnathan winced at the painful voice. The speaker was nowhere in sight.

The sound of the voice was coming from the end of the hallway. Johnathan slowly crept on the unknown voice as it chanted that one single word. "Die. Die. Die.

Die. Die." The end of the hall was covered by a heavy vine covered wall. Jonathan tried feeling for any cracks in the wall. A small crack was felt near the edge.

He tried to pull at the crack in order to separate the wall, but pulling it only made it move very slowly. Slowly enough for whatever creature that was behind the door to scurry away with a clatter of metal. Jonathan pushed himself between the crack and continued to work on the wall. A hand grasped at his shoulder roughly. Jonathan started, only to see that it was a very annoyed Argon along with a peeved Lena.

"Johnathan! When superbly crazy stuff happens, you should not, I repeat, you should not go running off! You could have gotten killed!" Before Johnathan could reply, Argon smacked him across the back of the head. Johnathan felt a brief flare of pain from the smack.

"Ow! What was that for?" Lena crossed her arms and glared at him. "For running off like that. Don't you dare do that again."
Johnathan held his arms in the air. "OK! OK! I get it. Now could you please get this wall open?"

Argon and Lena grudgingly helped him open the wall. It was opened slow, but faster than when Johnathan was doing it alone. It opened into a very large room. This one was neat and clean. No sign of damage could be seen.

Plants didn't grow here. The roof was missing, though, allowing sunlight to pour in. In the walls had alcoves in them. Inside the alcoves were weapons of all kinds. They were very high quality.

Each sat in its alcove with a glowing bulb hanging over it. But what really commanded their attention was the large statue fountain in the middle. It was a man with his face turned upwards to the sky, and his arms spread out wide. The man had an almost identical appearance to Jonathan. A broken halberd was at his feet. 

One hand held a tiny, broken chain. The other held a feather. Two streams of water were constantly pouring down the man cheeks, falling across his body, and pooling at his feet. The pool held flowers floating in the water. Incense burned at the base of the statue. 

Lena's gasp of awe sounded out. “Who is that?” Argon looked at the edge of the base. There were words there. They read. 

To give one's life is the most worthy gift. Johnathan's brow furrowed. “That's the same line that was on my aunt's grave.” Lena turned suddenly. “Did you hear that?” 

Argon looked up. “Hear what?” Johnathan listened but didn't hear anything. Before he could say so. “Die.” 

Johnathan's head swirled around, looking for the speaker. “Die.” Argon's head cocked. “Wait, I heard something.” “Die.”

Lena grabbed her bow. “Sounds like some sort of high pitched growl.” “Die.” Argon nodded. “Yeah. 

Maybe it's a wolf?” “Die.” Johnathan's head shook. “I keep hearing a word. Over and over. 

Die.” Johnathan walked in front of the statue. He looked back at it, toward the sky. A ray of light hit his necklace, the reflection hitting him in the eyes. “Ah!” 

He doubled over in pain. Lena looked at him. “What was that about?” Her voice trailed off, and her mouth dropped open. Argon looked at her. 

“What's wrong, Lena?”  Then he caught an eyeful of Jonathan. “What in?” Argon's eyes widened, and his mouth dropped open. Jonathan looked at them quizzically. 

Lena's eyes were filled with shock. Argon looked like he would topple over any second. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?” Lena raised a finger and first pointed at his back, then his forehead, chest, hands, and lastly legs. 

Jonathan looked at his back. He gasped. Two large, glowing outlines in the shape of a pair of wings had appeared onto his back, just like the ones that his aunt had outlined onto his back so long ago. The tops towered above his head, and the bottoms brushed the floor. They moved as he moved, and when he held still, the wings quivered slightly.

He felt his forehead. A horn was on there, like the one on the skeleton outside, but larger and slightly thinner. Fearfully, he glanced at his chest. An outline of a six-pointed star with five other stars was glowing there. Jonathan glanced at his hands. 

His hands bore the outlines of a single leaf on each. Then finally, he looked at his legs. An outlined tail lay there, moving as he moved. Five other marks were on his legs, two on his left, three on his right. The two on his left were each a mark of something. 

One was of three balloons. The other was of three diamonds. The three on his right were also a mark of something. One was of three apples. The other was of three butterflies. 

Lastly, one was a cloud with a lightning bolt coming out of it. Jonathan did the only logical thing a human being would do in such circumstances. He screamed his head off. “Ahhhhhhhhhhh!” Lena and Argon both covered their ears. 

Then something happened under Jonathan's feet. Glancing down, he saw the mark of the sun and moon appear in the same glowing lights. Then it disappeared, along with the floor. He fell halfway into a pit that suddenly appeared. Argon and Lena each grabbed onto a hand, crying out his name. 

“Jonathan!” He held tightly onto each of his friend's hands. “Pull me up, pull me up!” Lena and Argon both tried, but failed. Lena panted. 
“I, I think something is preventing us.” Argon looked at Jonathan's necklace. “Jonathan! Your necklace! It is doing this!” 

Jonathan looked at his necklace. It was glowing in the same outlined light. An outlined glowing chain was linked to the necklace and was slowly dragging him into the pit. Lena glanced around the room. “I hear that growling again.” 

Then something attacked her. Her body hit the stone floor with a thwack, and she went out of Jonathan's view. “Lena!” Argon glanced at her. “Grab your bow, grab your bow!” 

Lena cried out. “I'm trying!” Jonathan hooked an elbow onto the edge of the pit. Then he hooked the other. With Argon's help, they lifted him up to waist level despite the chains. 

There they could see what was attacking Lena. A black mass was writhing on top of her. It was shaped like the small skeleton horse outside. It even had the horn. But instead of bones, this one was covered in flesh. 

Lime green eyes glared at her. An ugly wound was on its chest. A flaming red mane rose and levitated in the air. Snarling, it said one word over and over. "Die. 

Die. Die. Die. Die." The words were not said loudly. 

Instead, they were spoken in a whisper, like it was with its very last breath. Johnathan looked at Argon. "Argon, get my halberd. It's by your feet." Argon nudged the halberd over to him, a worried look on his face. 

"What good is that going to do?" Jonathan wiggled his hand. "I've got my elbow on the edge, let go of this hand."Argon looked him straight in the eye, glanced at the struggling Lena, then slowly let go of his hand. Jonathan grabbed at the halberd. 

He then lifted the halberd. Then threw it at the creature. The halberd sliced through the air and hit the creature. It didn't go through the creature entirely, but it did lodge itself into its back. The creature howled in pain and got off of Lena. 

Growling viciously, it tried to bite at the halberd as its back legs bucked at the air violently. Lena scrambled away from the creature and ran over to the pit. She grabbed her dropped bow, and aimed at the creature. The creature snarled, and bucked a final time. Its hooves hit the halberd, hard. 

The halberd went flying above Jonathan's head and fell straight into the pit. Jonathan groaned. “That was my favorite,” Argon growled. “It doesn't matter, we can get you a new halberd. 

I just gotta make sure that I don't lose you. I can't get a new Jonathan.” With that, Argon held Jonathan's arms tighter. The creature snarled a final time before running out of the room. Lena ran after it. 

Argon struggled to get Jonathan out, but no matter how much he tried, the necklace wouldn't allow him. He tried to take it off of Jonathan's neck. But once Argon's skin touched the cold jewel, the necklace glowed brighter. A spark zapped his fingers, and Argon's hand quickly drew back. “Ow!” 

Jonathan felt a cold feeling sink into his heart. “What are we going to do now?” He thought. 

A scream rang out from the hallway that Lena ran down. Jonathan felt his stomach clench in fear. Argon bit his lip hard. Footsteps sounded, getting closer. Argon tugged at his arms.

"Come on, we are getting you out." Loud noises sounded below. Bits of rock fell from what was left of the ceiling. Lena ran out from the hallway. She ran a few steps more, then collapsed at the edge of the pit.

Her arm had a nasty looking bite on it, and her foot was black with ash. She was panting hard, her hair a mess. "There... Is more of those creatures outside." Jonathan looked at her with fear.

"How many?" Lena gasped, and brushed her forehead with a hand. Her hand was scratched badly. "Forty? Maybe?"

Jonathan turned to Argon. "Argon, drop me." Argon reared back slightly. "What! Never!

Have you gone crazy?" Lena glared at him with a mixture of shock and anger. “What sort of friends would we be if we let you fall down that pit? How could you suggest such a thing?” Jonathan shook his head. 

"No, I have not gone crazy. Those creatures are in the forest, heading down the trail. The town, guys. Those things will destroy the town. You need to go protect it."

Jonathan looked in his eyes. "Argon, you need to go protect your family!" As soon as he said the words, the realization hit him. The creatures would attack the town, and hurt everyone. Argon stopped short, his eyes widening.

Lena stopped short as well. There was a bad feeling in everyone's stomach. Everyone they knew... Corina. The five Sisters.

Trisha, and her unborn baby. Argon's father, Felix. Elder Onyx Ashstone. Even rotten old Rayon. He didn't deserve to die from the creatures.

Argon's eyes welled with a few tears. He shook his head violently. "No! Elder Onyx Ashstone will help them! I gotta help you."

Jonathan blinked a few times, then sighed. He knew that if he didn't do something, Argon wouldn't let him go. Not because he cared about him more than his own family. Argon cared for him and them equally. But ever since Argon experienced Jonathan 's aunt die, he became very protective of the people he cared about.

He didn't go out of his way to hurt people, but if someone did to them, Argon would pounce on them like a tiger. The worst he did to them was a bloody nose. So in order to make Argon leave him behind... "Die. Die.

Die. Die. Die." Lena gasped. "Oh no, they are back!"

The same creature crawled out of the hallway and saw them. It growled loudly, proclaiming the same word over and over. "Die. Die. Die.

Die. Die." Argon snarled. "Can't you creatures say anything else?" Lena leaped to her feet and grabbed her bow.

With a swift move, she took an arrow and notched it in with a hunter's speed. The creature ran forward, bits of the smoke falling off as the momentum of the wind pushed them away. Lena aimed and took a slow deep breath. Then her arrow flew off and buried itself into the creature's wound. It stopped short.

Then it let out a piercing scream of rage. Jonathan could see the sharp teeth in its mouth displayed for all to see. Argon was distracted by the noise. Jonathan bit his lip in hesitation. He knew what to do in order to make Argon let him go, but. 

Was this the only way? Then the creature came closer, much more slowly, but still coming. It was decided. Jonathan leaned forward and allowed the necklace to touch Argon's bare skin. A painful scream came out and Argon reared back all the way. 

He fell onto his back, but Jonathan could still see his face. Argon had a look of pure shock plastered on his face. Lena glanced over and started. Her mouth dropped open. Jonathan leaned back. 

"Protect your family!" With that, Jonathan unhooked his elbows. Lena screamed. "Jonathan!" Argon ran over as Jonathan fell into the pit. 

He outstretched an arm at Jonathan's falling figure. “No!” Lena screamed again. “Jonathan, you better not die!”  Jonathan refused to scream in front of Lena, or Argon.

Not after making such a decision. The creature reached the pit and struck Argon across the face. He yelled, and Jonathan swore before they went out of sight that he saw a few drops of blood. Then his head hit something. The pain filled his head and he blacked out.

Memories flashed before his eyes, showing periods of his life. Him playing with a wooden ball as a toddler, as his parents watched him. Smiles were on their faces, and if he looked past them, he could see his aunt in a rocking chair. Tears came to his eyes. He blocked out the memory, and his brain delivered another one.



Jonathan slowly opened his eyes. They were heavy from sleep. Pins and needles pricked at his body, from being too still for too long. Sunlight was pouring over them, warming him to the core. It was spring, and the flowers on the apple tree were blooming with full force.

He was on top of the hill that looked over Argon's house. The five Sisters were playing nearby with a jump rope. Two held the rope while one jumped. The other two jumped up and down with joy beside them. If one tripped and fell, another one would take her place.

Trisha was laying on a picnic blanket, her hands over her enlarged belly. The baby inside was going to come out in the fall. Felix was sitting beside her, looking at her tenderly, and stroking her hair. Corina was weaving her mother's hair into a braid. Jonathan's eyes raised up and saw Argon's face above him.

He was sitting in the tree, leaves and flower petals all over his hair. He was grinning. "Hello to John. You awake there?" Jonathan smiled and nodded.

Then he caught sight of Lena who was also there. She was sitting beside Argon. A wreath of flowers was in her hair. A slight blush crept over Jonathan's cheeks and he looked away. Argon landed beside him, a teasing light in his eyes.

"Say. You are blushing." Jonathan gave him a warning glare. "So?" Argon began to laugh quietly.

"Well, what do you know. John has a crush on Lena." Jonathan lightly punched his shoulder. "Argon..." He warned.

Argon shrugged. "What?" Jonathan continued to glare. Argon stuck his tongue out. “Well if you are going to be like that, then maybe I should tell Lena how you feel about her.” 

Jonathan started. “You wouldn't dare.” He growled. Argon gave him a teasing grin. He took a deep breath and opened his mouth. 

“Le.” That was as far as he got before Jonathan tackled him. The two went rolling down the grassy hill, wrestling each other. Oddly enough, they were laughing. “I've got you now, John.” 

“No, you don't.” They reached the bottom with Jonathan on top. “Ha.” He said. “I win.” 

He glanced at Lena who hadn't heard anything. She had rearranged the crown so that it was hanging from an ear. It was cute looking. She looked down. "Hey, Argon?"

Argon looked up. "Yeah?" Lena looked at the five Sisters. "Your sisters like to be chased right?" Argon nodded. 

"Yeah, they do," Lena smiled. "Good." She jumped down and ran other to the girls. With her arms outstretched above her head, she made a loud sound that sounded like a roar. 

The five Sisters all jumped and looked at Lena. All five grinned. They knew what was coming. Turning around, they ran and screamed happily. Lena chased them, making loud sounds. 

If she caught one, she would lift her up, and toss her around in the air and tickle her madly. Shrieking often came with. One sister waved at Corina. "Corina, come on! You're missing out!" 

Corina bit her lip but began to rise. Felix stopped her with a gentle hand. "Corina's fine. You go on." The sister hesitated, but then shrugged and joined back in.

Corina relaxed, but the look on her face was far from happy. Then she coughed, a thin hand covering her pale face. Her black raven hair had a few silver strands in it, signs that she was severely ill. Argon sighed and looked away. “That Healer better know what he is doing.” 

He muttered, softly enough that Jonathan didn't hear it. Argon sighed. Corina's illness was getting stronger. By fall, her hair would be purely silver. Next spring, she would be bed bound. 

And after she was bed bound, it only took a few more months till she lost the strength to breathe, and felt the agony of her body rotting from the core. Argon gritted his teeth. If only he could do something to help his sister. But he couldn't. No matter how much money had been spent, all the doctors and Healers said the same thing if worded differently. 

The words burned under his skin. “It is a lost cause.” One had said. She was the kindest. “It would be best to turn her out onto the streets now, to avoid infecting the household.” 

That one had flinched from the glare his Father had given him. The strain to not shout had been evident on his face. “Come on now, think rationally. Do you really want your unborn child living with this thing? I mean we really can't call her a human now can we? 

It would be best to kill her now.” The doctor had paused then, unable to see the fact that Felix and Argon were nearly at the point where they were going to jump out of their chairs and pummel the doctor. Corina was shaking slightly, her pale hands moving of their own accord. Even though she was in another room, with her sleeping mother, she could still see them inside. Even though she couldn't hear what was being said, she knew the news wasn't good. 

Corina's hand shook her mother's shoulder. “Mother…” Trisha sleepily sat up. “Mm?” Corina pointed a pale hand at the unpleasant scene. 

“Father will punch him if Argon doesn't first.” Trisha's eyes widened, then she went inside the room. Swiftly, she greeted the doctor and sat between her son and her husband. Delicately, she placed a soft hand onto each of their shoulders. The doctor continued, unaware of Felix's anger. 

“We have developed a new medicine. It will send a person to sleep instantly. Overdose her on the medicine, and she is dead in the next minute. She doesn't even have to know what she is taking. Pretend it is candy or something.” 

Trisha gasped softly, her eyes widening. Felix's eye twitched. Twice. Argon squeezed his mother's hand. He knew what was behind the serene mask she was fighting to keep on. 

That inside her heart was breaking. “A new weapon was made a few years ago. It's called a gun. It is rather fast. One shot and a full grown animal are dead. 

It has been used to kill rabid dogs before. If you have the money, then you could arrange for her to be dealt with it.” Felix was now shaking, nearly about to erupt. Trisha winced internally. “Are you comparing my daughter to a rabid dog?” 

The doctor snorted. “Oh please, anything with that disease is no better than a rabid dog. Worse really.” If Felix and Argon did not have Trisha's soft, but firm hand on them, the doctor would have instantly regretted his words. They had walked out, swearing that Corina would live. 

Somehow, she would. Argon sighed and wiped the memory from his brain. He looked at Jonathan. He was busy watching Lena. Unknown to him, the blush had come back onto his cheeks. 

Argon saw it. “Oh, Jonathan.” He thought. “She'll most likely take you if you do tell her. After all.” 

He glanced at Lena, who had gone over to Corina, and had crowned her with her wreath of flowers. The look on Corina's face was so happy. 
Lena looked so beautiful in that pose. Smiling softly, her sapphire eyes sparkling, her brown hair blowing across her face, as she smoothed Corina's hair. Argon felt his own blush come as his cheeks redden. 

“She'd never have me.” 


> Encounter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The flame danced before him. A twisting pinnacle of light and heat. It literally lived inside of him. Inside of every dragon, there was a heart like no other. One that was built to breathe fire. 

The fire could be out of control very quickly. But with training, one could use it. A fire could help with many things. What had to happen, was a mental process. All he had to do was inhale and imagine a flame coming out to engulf the object.

Then as he exhaled, he had to imagine the receiver. The paper would then be delivered in a matter of seconds. Fire could also be made to create gems. Gems were puzzling things. According to Twilight Sparkle, they were made out of a combination of minerals, and elements. Heat and pressure used to long ago be the main force of creating them. They were much more beautiful when they were made that way.

Tasted much better too. But then greedy Unicorns came and changed the gems. Made them create themselves with magic by using a spell. Now they were littered around Equestria, their value lost. The simple beauty that they once owned was no longer there.

Neither was the delicious taste. Spike sat at a crystal table in his new room. He was sitting on a stool before a rock that was soon to be a jewel. The rock was sitting before a flame and was pinched before a pair of metal pincers. Heat with the flame.

Pressure with the metal pincers. This was the closest thing to a real gem that he could have. Twilight Sparkle came in holding several books. "Spike, what are you doing in here?" She narrowed her eyes.

"Did you finish your chores?" Spike glanced over at her. "I finished them, Twilight. I just wanted to grow this jewel." Twilight Sparkle came over to the rock and squinted.

“Uh, you do know that you can ask Rarity to get you one made from a spell?" Twilight Sparkle asked, her tone of voice suggesting that she thought he was being rather silly. Spike sighed and fiddled with his claws. No matter how much he explained, Twilight wouldn't get it. How could she? 

She was not a dragon. Spike went back to gazing at the flame as Twilight Sparkle placed the books onto the desk. It wasn't hard to believe that long ago, ponies used this to survive. Some textbooks claimed that the first dragons gifted ponies with flame, in return for giving them friendship. But that had come out of an old foal and filly book. 

Hardly worth looking at, according to Twilight Sparkle, his friend, and Honorary big sister. But boy, could she be bossy at times. Like now as she rolled her eyes and scooted the books off the table. “Spike, you are wasting your time. The jewel Rarity makes, are no different than the ones you make.” 

Spike shook his head. “You don't eat jewels. You wouldn't know the difference.” Twilight Sparkle sighed heavily. She was getting annoyed. 

“Still, I don't know the difference, because there is no difference!” Some pony cleared their throat. Twilight Sparkle glanced over at the doorway to see Princess Cadence standing there. “Am I interrupting, anything?” Spike shrugged. 

“Just Twilight looking for the quickest way to do something.” Twilight Sparkle glared at him. “Being quick is akin to being orderly. Being orderly is akin to being on time. Being on time is akin to.” 

Spike waved a claw at her. “Is akin to getting good things, I know. But so is patience. And I'm willing to wait for this to grow. For however it takes.” 

Twilight shook her head. “What did you want, Cadence?”  Princess Cadence smiled at her warmly. "I was just wondering if you could show me the tree of Harmony. I've never seen it before." 

Princess Cadence suddenly crouched down and smiled. Twilight Sparkle quickly crouched down as well. Together they chanted. "Sunshine, Sunshine, Ladybugs awake! Clap your hooves, and give a little shake!" 

As they chanted, they both did the appropriate moves. Spike rolled his eyes. "You always do that little chant." He got down from the stool on all fours. Then he stood on two feet and headed out the door. 

"Hey, Cadence. Tree of Harmony is this way." Princess Cadence smiled and followed him. Twilight Sparkle came behind. Spike glanced at Princess Cadence. 

She had gotten slightly taller, and looked more regal. Her hair was in a high curled ponytail, held together by a jeweled pin. Beads of crystal hung from her ears and ended at her neck. She was wearing a long turquoise blue dress with a white train. Painted purple and pink butterflies were on the train. 

Silver shoes with purple gemstones clicked on the crystal floor. A pendant of deep green rock hung at her neck. Princess Cadence had changed. Twilight Sparkle had not. Twilight Sparkle was still the same old Twilight Sparkle. 

Nothing new was appearing. That was fine with him. To him,  the change of Princess Cadence had happened all too fast. Twilight Sparkle was the only thing that was staying the same. Which was good. Everything else was changing. Flurry Heart, Princess Cadence's daughter, was now in elementary school. She was getting good grades.

They were in the Castle of the Two Sisters. It had been ten years since Lord Tirek came and destroyed things. After they had opened the chest and defeated him, Princess Celestia suggested that Twilight fix up the Castle of the Two Sisters, and claim it for her own. Ponies had changed, so had friendships. 

Ponyvillie had gotten bigger over the time. Some parts of the Everfree forest had been cleared away, a railroad built all the way to the Castle of the Two Sisters.

The bridge fixed, and secured, the Castle remodeled, repaired and cleaned. Rarity was living in Ponyvillie still. Her business had no need to move, she was living next to the princess of friendship herself. Ponies came to her, eager to buy dresses from a pony that hoof made the princess's dresses. Rarity had fallen for a male designer in the Crystal Empire, named Nosam.

He was a Pegasus, yet he was able to make beautiful dresses. The designer created dresses for not only Princess Cadence, but also all the other female nobles of the Crystal Empire. Saddle Arabia gave him his fabrics and in return, he designed dresses for them as well. Canterlot nobles were thinking about trying them. Twilight Sparkle's parents happily bought some of his work.

Some of his work was even bought by Griffins. Applejack still ran an Apple farm. It was much bigger, and better now. Like good Cider, it ripened with age. Granny Smith was still alive, but she was now in a nursing home.

Applejack and Big Mac gave her care packages, and plenty of mail and every week. She wasn't lonely at all. Big Mac now lived with a light pink and purple Earth mare named Angel Skies. They lived on the very edges of Manhattan. On those outskirts, they raised orphans, orchards, and pigs. 

It was a successful business, but the lifestyle was hard. Not saying, however, that is was without its rewards. Apple Bloom was now living in Appaloosa. She was happily married to Tucker and had two foals and two fillies. Her orchard was getting to be pretty big. 

Pinkie Pie now ran the Sugar cube corner. Mr. and Mrs. Cake had retired to Trottingham, content on living a peaceful retirement, running a tavern. Pinkie Pie visited every month. The twins helped Pinkie Pie out, creating several new sweets to add to the variety. Cheese Sandwich had moved in, and taken over the party business.

He and Pinkie Pie were courting. Rainbow Dash was now the principal of a flight school. She had been a Wonderbolt for one year. Then she dropped out after finding that she was becoming more like Lighting Dust and less like Rainbow Dash. Soarin dropped out as well.

He and Rainbow Dash had been seen together quite often. Although they didn't do anything to prove it, the rumor was that they were dating.

He himself had changed. He was about the size of a teenage pony. His tail had grown so that it was dragging on the floor. Wings had grown in five years back. Twilight Sparkle had proudly taught him how to fly the day he got them. 

Teeth turned into fangs, and his head had gotten slightly longer. Fluttershy had also changed. She and Discord had gotten much closer over the years. Discord found that he held feelings for Fluttershy, and Fluttershy felt the same. They dated for five years. 

The Princesses and the other main six were concerned at first but then accepted it. After the five years, they got married. It wasn't a big celebration, just a small ceremony in the woods. But to the group of friends and the Princesses, it was beautiful. Spike had made a personal discovery that day. 

It was about Scootaloo. The feelings he had harbored for Rarity were long gone, replaced by growing feelings for the almost adult Scootaloo. She had noticed how sad he was during the period where he was crushed after seeing Rarity walk away with Nosam. Spike had enjoyed her presence, her blunt humor matching his own. The desire to help in some way, to be a star. 

That was shared as well. Even though Scootaloo did have a temper, she had gotten better at controlling it over the years. She now had long, strong wings. She had gone and dyed the edges of her beautiful purple mane the color of her mentor's coat as a way of honoring her. It added a wild side to her personality. 

Scootaloo was turning into an adept flier, but that meant that she did plenty of stunts that involved crashing. Ever since he suggested using fire, Scootaloo pulled him into the stunts. Her excuse? He had wings and fire. Two things that were necessary for performing her death defying stunts. 

She planned to go to Rainbow Dash's school when she got enough money. Learn enough stunts to become a champion scooter flier. But there was also her cutie mark. Her cutie mark showed her talent of advising young foals and fillies with their cutie marks. Spike had suggested that she combine the two. 

Be the champion scooter flier, but also as well, involve herself with foal and filly lives. Mentor them, show them the way to success. Scootaloo thought it was a good idea. Twilight had spoken to him about him being with Scootaloo. She knew that the feelings that were growing inside his heart were different than the ones for Rarity. 

While it was okay for now since they were only friends, if things were to progress into a relationship, they were going to have to talk. Scootaloo would have to think about the backlash from the society that would come with it. And the very real possibility that any children would be half pony and half dragon. It was something that he would be willing to pay. But would Scootaloo? 

They would only find out if Scootaloo held feelings for him. The change was good and bad. But there was a very disturbing new thing.
Despite the myth that Dragons loved war, most of them preferred to keep far away from any war. There was a rumor that Dragons had a chemical reaction in them that warned them when a war or a battle was about to begin. He had the feeling.

And for the past ten years, the feeling got stronger and stronger. Only two problems stopped him from following the instinct and getting himself and those he cared about far away. One that Twilight didn't believe him at all.

And why should she? The Griffon kingdom was at peace with the Crystal Empire and Equestria. Lord Tirek was in Tartarus. Queen Chrysalis was in the badlands far away, weakened and unable to hurt them. King Sombra was most likely in pieces. The second reason was that lots of good change were happening.

Twilight just could not see any threat. So Spike saw therapy for the feeling and mostly ignored it. But today, the feeling was at boiling point. Maybe that was why he stared at flames and pondered their usefulness. So why did he get these fearful feeling that he had to get everybody that he cared for out?

Was the rumor true? No one could know. Spike came to the end of the hallway. A large, fancy door was at the end. Light purple with jewels in it.

Spike dragged it open with a clawed hand. Walking inside, he led Princess Cadence and Twilight Sparkle into the cave where the Tree of Harmony lived. But as his clawed feet touched the cold rock, he felt the fear hit him in the gut. His tail began to shake violently. Trembling from head to toe, he slowly walked toward the tree.

Twilight was talking to Princess Cadence about the tree. Spike stiffened suddenly. A teenage dragon's nose was very acute. He could smell special scents. Emotions had scents, as well as ponies he knew.

Sadness was a damp, rank smell. Anger was a smoky, fiery, burning smell. Happiness was a nice smell of bread in the kitchen. Love smelled like a sweet perfume. And fear smelled like a sharp, toxic gas.

Friends had a spicy smell of cinnamon. Strangers smelled like coffee. Enemies smelled like trash. Twilight's smell smelled like a fresh, comfortable smell of mint. Scootaloo's smell smelled like a spicy lavender.

A very good smell. Spike could smell everything that was normal, yet. There were two smells in the cave that meant two ponies were there that shouldn't be. He sniffed loudly. The first smell was of an enemy.

He crouched. Then the second smell was a friend. His eyes narrowed. "Twilight?" Twilight Sparkle stopped talking to Princess Cadence.

"Yes, Spike?" She asked. Spike turned to her, his eyes scanning for a possible threat. "Do you sense any odd activity with the Tree of Harmony?" Twilight at first rolled her eyes and glanced at the tree.

But then she frowned and looked at it harder. "There... is some sort of pulse. Like some huge spell just took place." Spike whirled suddenly as a groan sounded out.

He trotted behind the tree. There, on the ground, was something that shouldn't be there. When he went to the other world, where humans walked around in a building called a school, he saw what human ponies looked like. But, this was different.

It was a male human. His skin and hair color weren't on the normal color scheme. The hair was a mixture of black, red, and gray. It was about chin length. His skin was tanned from days in the sun.

His shirt was made from light brown leather and sheep wool. Pants were a lovely shade of blue. A belt made from a furry hide. But what stood out was the crystal weapon that laid beside him. Spike's nostrils twitched. The smell of cinnamon floated up to his nostrils. The human moaned again. 

“Mm?” Spike turned to call Twilight but stopped. An ear twitched. “I win! I win! 

I win! I win! I win!” The triumphant shouts came from a voice that was ragged and torn. The smell of an enemy slammed into his nostrils. 

“Twilight!” He called. “Run back up to the castle. Get Princess Celestia!” Twilight Sparkle opened her mouth to protest, but Spike wasn't listening. 

He caught the sight of something behind her. A shadow form that was aiming a crossbow. At Twilight. Spike didn't get a good look at the thing. All he knew was that in one moment, the loudest roar of anger that he ever heard echoed throughout the cave. 

The next, that he was leaping at the thing.




Jonathan groaned as his head ached. His eyes opened slowly, and the cold crystal ground came into focus. "What in the nine pits of." Suddenly, a very loud roar sounded out, cutting him off. He jumped up quickly, only for him to wince and shrink to the ground. 

Every single part of his body ached. Badly. No broken bones, but it sure did hurt. Slowly, he got up from the ground again, stopping when he felt a flare of pain. Then he noticed that there was a tree next to him. 

But not any tree that he knew. It was light purplish blue, and it was warm to the touch. There were no leaves on the tree. But on its branches were six gemstones. Those six gemstones looked exactly like the ones that were on his necklace. 

His necklace! Jonathan grabbed it and looked at it. It had changed. Instead of being a pony, it had turned into a human female. It still had a tail, born, and wings. 

The gemstones had changed places. One was each on her wrists. One was each on her ankles. One was on her head, and the last was worn as a choker. Jonathan looked at it warily. 

Was it going to do anything weird again? Two loud screams sounded out, both female. Something flew into the tree. He glanced up at the tree, only for him to stare in shock. A lavender pony with a horn, a star on her flank, and wings was sitting in the tree. 

She had a dark purple mane and tail with a white and pink stripe running through both. To say that he was surprised was an understatement. His halberd was lying near him. He glanced at it, then while he watched the pony, and reached for it with a trembling hand. Slowly his hand grabbed the cool halberd. 

Another loud roar sounded out, and with it, a triumphed scream. "I win! I win! I win! I win! 

I win!" Jonathan flinched. Then his brow furrowed. Something seemed familiar about this. Then a dark shape crashed into the wall in front of him. 

It was the same color as the creatures that attacked Argon and Lena. Jonathan yelled and rolled back. He quickly got to his feet, ignoring the pain. The creature moved, and got onto its feet. It looked like a human male, with a crossbow. 

It had the same eye color as the other creature. It even repeated the same word over and over as well. "I win! I win! I win! 

I win! I win!" Something landed on top of a wall nearby. It was purple and green with scales, teeth, claws, and wings. It seemed to be like a lizard. 

A big lizard. Jonathan felt his heart pounding in fear. The pony saw him first. "You!" It cried out. 

"Are you friend or foe?" The pony's words caught the attention of the other two. Jonathan stared for one full second. Then he did what anyone would do if a pony started talking to him. He screamed. 

"Ahh!" Jonathan scrambled away. Ponies were not supposed to talk. At all. An another voice sounded out. 

"Twilight! You scared him!" The pony apparently named Twilight, turned to the lizard. "I scared him?"

It asked incredulously. 

Disbelief was etched all over her muzzle. Jonathan had run to the middle of the cave. The tree had the same star that was on the pony, on it. A silver object with a purple jewel was lying on the ground.
From the way it was lying on the ground, Jonathan supposed that whoever it belonged to, had taken flight. 

The lizard flew in front of him. "Human!" It roared. "What do you know of this creature?"

Jonathan felt his head began to ache. 

So the lizard talked as well? "I, I don't know much. Only that it attacked me and my friends." Twilight jumped, and swirled into the air. She glared at the creature. 

Her wings flapped in the air. "The human has friends?" She asked, her gaze softening. The realization hit him in the gut. "My friends!" 

He cried out. "They are in trouble! I gotta go help them!" He looked around at the ceiling for the top of the pit that he had fallen into, only to realize that he was no longer in the pit. "What? 

Where am I?" At that moment, the creature came from behind the tree and snarled. "I win! I win! I win." 

Twilight snarled at it. "Yes, yes. We get it!" She reared back in the air. Her horn glowed with magic. 

Jonathan stared as the magic from her horn flew onto the creature in a purple glowing streak. The creature shrieked a horrible shriek of pain. Jonathan rushed at the creature and slashed at it with his halberd. The creature barely dodged it. Quickly, it punched him in the cheek. 

Hard. Jonathan fell onto the crystal ground. He could taste blood in his mouth. He got up from his side, and onto his back. He blocked the creature with his halberd's handle as it lunged at him. The crossbow was dropped onto the ground. 

The handle caught it in the chest, and it spat at him. "I win! I win! I win! I win! 

I win!" Jonathan kicked the creature and rolled onto his side. He ended up on top of the creature. It snarled. Jonathan pushed the halberd on the creature, trying to trap it. 

The creature kicked him, sending Jonathan flying. Jonathan fell onto his back onto the crystal floor. He breathed hard as the air was swooshed out of his lungs. The creature got up and wielded the halberd. With a clumsy move, it tried to slice it down onto him. 

The blade missed him by inches, the tip lightly grazing his cheek. A drop of blood oozed from the wound. Jonathan rolled away and got on his feet. The creature lunged at him again. Jonathan dodged the slice and grabbed the handle of the halberd. 

With a few quick steps, he twisted around, wrenching the halberd from the creature's grasp. The creature snarled. Jonathan walked around it slowly, in case it lunged again. Twilight threw another blast of magic at it, causing another shriek of pain. The lizard's tail swept across the floor and knocked the creature off its feet. 

The creature growled and grabbed Jonathan's legs, knocking him down again. This time, the creature made sure he couldn't get back up onto his feet. He could see the lizard out of the corner of his eye. It crouched down. Its tail twitched twice. 

Then with another roar, the lizard lunged at the creature. The lizard knocked it off of him and sent the creature flying into the tree. With a painful smack, it flopped onto the ground, stunned. The halberd landed next to it. Twilight flew down in front of it and turned to the lizard. "Spike! 

What is that thing?" The lizard appropriately named Spike, turned to her. "I don't know." Jonathan picked himself up from the floor. The creature got up dizzily and continued its repeated words over and over. 

“I win! I win! I win.” It was cut off, however, by the entrance of another pony. “WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?!” 

The overly loud voice rang throughout the cave as an another pony flew in. This one was dark blue, with a night sky blue mane and tail. The pony's mane and tail floated in the air as if pushed by an invisible breeze. A spotted patch of dark fur was on her flank. Along with a design of the moon. 

She too had a horn and a pair of wings. The look, however, on her face was truly one that would strike fear into the heart of the wildest creature. With a loud crack, she landed onto the crystal floor and aimed a bolt of light blue magic at the creature. It dodged the blast and picked the crossbow back up. With a swift stroke, it sent a crossbow bolt flinging toward the pony's head. 

A silvery blue shield popped up and blocked it quickly. Twilight grinned at the sight of her. “Princess Luna!” Spike looked at Princess Luna quizzically. “Where did you come from?” 

Princess Luna jabbed a hoof at the silver object. Spike glanced at it. “Well, that explains where Princess Cadence went.” Princess Luna took in a deep breath. Spike and Twilight had the sense to cover their ears. 

Jonathan was not so lucky. “INSOLENT CREATURE! YOU SHALL REGRET THE NIGHT YOU CHOSE TO HARM MY FRIENDS AND NIECE!” Skillfully, she lifted the creature up in the air with a silvery aura and slammed it onto the ground. Hard. 

Jonathan had to appreciate the fact that if she wanted to be loud, she was most certainly loud. The creature got up again, though more slowly. 

The crossbow had fallen to the ground, and so the creature slashed the halberd at Princess Luna. Jonathan quickly lunged forward and grabbed the handle again. Jonathan turned to the talking ponies. “One of you talking ponies, get ready to fire a magic blast!” Princess Luna frowned and opened her mouth. 

Jonathan interrupted her. “You are only going to get one shot with this!” Princess Luna's mouth closed and she got ready. 

Jonathan stared into the hate filled lime green eyes of the creature. It snarled at him with all the hatred it could muster. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath of the cold damp cave air. Then as Princess Luna fired a beam of silvery blue magic, he whirled the creature into the fiery beam. It gave out the most horrendous scream he had ever heard.

The creature disintegrated in the heat of the beam. When the heat of the beam faded away, all that was left was a smoking scorch mark on the ground. Jonathan breathed in and out, slowly. Twilight was panting hard but was smiling slightly. Spike was scanning the area for other potential enemies.

Princess Luna stared at the scorch mark, then looked at him. Jonathan felt his limbs weaken. The exhaustion from the shock and physical exercise caught up to him. His vision blurred, and he slumped forward. Twilight gave a surprised gasp and ran towards him.

Jonathan felt himself collapse onto the ground. He landed on his back. Twilight's head blocked his blurry vision. His limbs lost all feeling in them. "Hey, are you all right?" She asked, her voice fading away. Jonathan blacked out.


A top spun upon the floor. It had been painted with animals in the motion of running so that when it spun, it seemed like the animals were running. The majority of animals on the top were ponies. A string of glass beads spun around with it. The pattern of the colors was in the same pattern as a rainbow.

The spinning top clattered onto the floor as the momentum that caused it to spin ran out. Jonathan clapped his tiny hands together in enjoyment. His giggles echoed through the caravan. A red, black, and gray-haired female came beside him. "You like the top don't you, Johnathan?"

The one-year-old nodded. The female's head turned as someone shouted her name. "Kendra!" Kendra walked over to the entrance. A black haired female with bright green eyes was standing outside, holding an apple pie in one hand, and her two-year-old son, in the other.

Leaves were unfurling in all their glory, as the heat of summer fell upon the land. The mountains could be seen in the distance. The sun was setting over them and if one looked closely enough, one could see Split Mountain. Split Mountain was exactly what the name said. A lonely mountain, that had split into two halves, overlooking the town. No one knew why it had split.

Legends and rumors ran aplenty about it. The only one that was known to be true was the fact that Split Mountain had the ancient ruins of a castle on it. Kendra smiled at her best friend. "Trisha! It's good to see you!" The two friends embraced. 

The two-year-old burbled. “How is little Argon doing?” Trisha grinned and kissed the top of the boy's head. “Tell Kendra what you lost today, sweetie.” Argon opened his mouth. 

His front tooth was missing. Kendra squealed. '”Oh, he lost his first tooth! How wonderful!” Argon closed his mouth and hugged his mother with both of his tiny arms. 

Trisha laughed. “Oh, you shy thing,” Kendra smiled at him. “So, tonight the sprites are going to come and give you sweets in exchange for your tooth, eh?” She asked Argon while winking at Trisha. 

Argon nodded. “Where is Felix?” Trisha glanced at the nearby woods. “Off hunting with your husband, Gelasio. Where is Angina?” 

Kendra rolled her eyes. “Off somewhere. I swear that girl spends days in the woods and returns like it has been only hours. I can't make it out.” Another woman with flowing red, black, and gray hair, walked out from behind the caravan. 

A necklace the shape of a pony, with many jewels, was on her neck. She seemed to be lost in thought. “Angina!” Trisha called. Angina looked at Trisha with a surprised look. 

“Trisha?” Angina embraced Trisha and patted Argon on the head. “What are you doing here?” Trisha lifted the pie in one hand. “Um, tonight we planned to have a dinner together?” 

Angina's eyebrows lifted in surprise. “Really? I thought we planned to have that next week.” Kendra shook her head, bemused. “Uh, Angina. 
It is next week.” Angina blinked. “It is?” She asked sheepishly. Trisha laughed. 

“For a girl that was at the top of our class, and is known in the town for her fine cooking and kindness, you really lose track of time.” Angina uncomfortably shrugged, one hand nervously rubbing her necklace. “I'll get better one day.” A cold wind blew across the ground, as the sky darkened from the sun slipping behind the mountain. Trisha shivered. 

“Brr! For fall, it's rather cold this year.” Kendra nodded worriedly. “I hope that doesn't mean that we will get another big snow.” Kendra waved them inside. 

Jonathan glanced at the two women. “Auntie!” He cried out, his tiny arms waving above his head. Angina smiled and picked him up. “Oof, you've gotten bigger Jonathan.” 

Angina grunted as she heaved the chunky one year old onto her hip. Jonathan grabbed at her necklace. Tugging at it slightly, he laid his head on her side. A smile was on his face. Kendra sighed softly, only loud enough for Trisha to hear. 

Trisha glanced at her. “Kendra, how do you manage to live so far from the town?” Kendra looked at Angina. “Sometimes, even I wonder. It would be nice to have the security that the town provides, but.” 

Kendra looked at the smiling face of her younger sister as she tickled Jonathan. “Angina just loves this wilderness. No neighbors for miles on end. However much I would enjoy to have them around, Angina prefers to not have to deal with them. She is just shy. 

It's a wonder that she got to know you, Trisha.” Trisha giggled softly, then put a soft hand on Kendra's shoulder. “Kendra, if you ever want to have a place to stay in the town, just come by and say so. Felix and I will be happy to let you stay for awhile. And if you need any help, Elder Onyx Ashstone would give you guys the shirt off his back.” 

Kendra smiled at her. “I know.” She looked at her laughing son. “But right now, it would be best if we stayed here.” Jonathan laughed again, a chubby hand clenched around the necklace.
​

> Secrets Uncovered 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jonathan saw the faint darkness of his eyelids. He felt very tired like he had run from one end of the town to the other. He felt the throbbing pain of his sore body. Pain oozed from every pore. But the worst area was his head.

Ouch. It felt like Elder Onyx Ashstone had taken his staff and smacked him in the head. Hard. A groan came from his mouth. He was lying on something soft.

It seemed like silk. Silk. Such a rare fabric to be found in their town. Any silk trader had to travel miles in order to arrive at the village. And there was no guarantee that anyone would buy the goods.

Not because no one would not want a silk item. But because almost none could afford it. Felix, on one of the rare times a silk trader arrived, bought Trisha a silk scarf for their wedding anniversary. It was a purple and blue scarf with fancy light gray designs. It was said to have had a spell of protection on it, but Elder Onyx Ashstone wasn't so sure about that.

Trisha had been thoroughly delighted with the gift. She had become the town envy,  but due to her modest nature, she only wore it on special occasions. Jonathan had felt and seen the scarf on town holidays. Trisha, because of her kind nature, allowed the town girls to wear it. Even Lena was allowed to use it one day.

Jonathan smiled at the thought. She had looked rather pretty in it. A sound startled him. Voices could be heard from above him. A regal, yet kind voice was the closest one.

Something placed a cool object on his head. It felt good. But it seemed like some sort of... hoof? Jonathan slowly opened his eyes and saw another pony standing right beside his lying figure.

This one was white as a pearl. Her mane and tail were a multitude of different colors, greenish teal, pinkish purple, sky blue. It was a lovely combination. They were so long that they would have swept the floor if they were not floating in the air. Her eyes were a regal purple, yet filled with wisdom and kindness.

A long horn was on her forehead, and huge, graceful wings came from her back. A golden crown graced her head. She was looking outside through a stained glass window that was in the room he was currently inside. It was sparsely furnished. Probably was supposed to be only used for guests. 

Jonathan, at first stared at the pony. Then she caught an eyeful of him. “Ah, you're awake.” His eyes widened in fear. Then he opened his mouth. 

"Ahh." A hoof covered his mouth, cutting him off.

"Don't scream. I'm not an enemy." Jonathan blinked. The hoof was removed. "You're in Canterlot, the land of Equestria.

I'm Princess Celestia. You have been out for a day." Jonathan slowly realized that he was staring with his mouth open. He blinked and slowly shook his head. The movement sent off another jolt of pain.

"Ow." He grunted. Princess Celestia placed a hoof onto his chest. "If you can, don't move. You are recovering from a magic spell." Jonathan raised his eyebrows.

"Huh?" Princess Celestia explained. "Somehow, you teleported yourself here. The spell took, like any other spell would, energy. Thankfully for you, you had so much energy from the adrenaline rush of fear that you were experiencing, that you were able to fight off the attacking creature.

But after the adrenaline rush was gone, you collapsed from exhaustion. You would have stayed awake, had you not been experiencing so much shock. " Jonathan nodded very slowly, in case he sent off another jolt of pain. "So, then." Princess Celestia spoke.

"Who are you?" Jonathan's tongue was heavy, yet he tried his best to speak. "I'm Jonathan Markson." Princess Celestia nodded. "Where did you come from?"

Jonathan chewed his bottom lip. "I live near this great big forest. My friends and I were in these ruins inside the forest. We were exploring them to find a source of a very loud noise when we were attacked by one of those creatures. Except that creature looked like a pony. The one that I recently fought looked like a human."

Jonathan's eyes widened with realization, and he tried to leap up from the bed. "My friends! They're in danger!" Princess Celestia placed a hoof on his chest again, watching him panic. "Are you sure that they are in danger?"

She gently pressed. Jonathan nodded fast, ignoring pain. "The creature hit Argon in the eye! Lena was injured! They are in trouble!

I have to go help them!" Princess Celestia's horn glowed with golden colored magic. The next thing he knew, he had been yanked onto the bed by a glowing aura of gold magic. Jonathan stared. That was completely new.

Princess Celestia looked him straight in the eye. “Jonathan, calm down. The best way to help your friends is by healing and then finding out exactly where you live.” Princess Celestia cocked her head at him. “While the former will take time, the best way to use that time is by working out the latter. 

If you like, Twilight and the others could help you?” Jonathan nodded. Princess Celestia turned to the door. The full reality of the situation was beginning to sink in. His stomach growled. 

Princess Celestia's head turned. “Perhaps something to eat as well?” Jonathan weakly smiled. 


The service of the staff ponies at the Canterlot Castle was something to note. Within a few minutes, they set up a desk complete with two chairs and a bench. 

There was also a tray of food. Good smelling food. Although he couldn't figure out why a pile of gems was on the tray. Twilight, Princess Luna, another pony who was pink, and also had wings and a horn, and the lizard named Spike came in a few minutes later. After introducing the pink pony (Princess Cadence,) they all sat down at the desk. 

Princess Cadence expressed her desire to remain but had to go and run the Crystal Empire. Since Jonathan had moved around a little more, the pain was going away. 

Spike began to eat the gems. So big lizards here ate sparkly gems? Okay. Weird. Twilight and Princess Luna's plates consisted of sandwiches with daisies and sunflowers inside. 

Did ponies eat flowers here? Well, that wasn't weird. All the horses he had seen before ate flowers on top of grass, hay, and oats. Still, the fact that a talking pony would as well was still new. Jonathan looked at his own plate. 

It was, of all things, a slice of cake. Well, alright. It was a very good piece of cake. But still, wasn't there something else, that would be more, satisfying? As if Twilight heard his thoughts, she gave him an apologetic look. 

“Sorry, we don't have something else for you. But when I looked in the pantry for human foods, we had exactly, zero. The cake was the best thing I could find.” Jonathan shrugged. “Eh, it's fine. 

I rarely got to eat cake before.” Princess Luna eyed him from her meal. “There is a proposal that we have. Twilight.” She tapped Twilight gently with a dark blue wing. 

“Has gone into thee only known human world, once. Maybe thou art from there?” Jonathan looked at Twilight, who's mouth was full of sandwich. Spike looked up from his meal. “He isn't from there.” 

Princess Luna looked at him. “Art thou sure?” Spike nodded. “I went to the human world as well. I saw all the humans there. 

None of them looked like him at all. Either he is from here, or is from another human world that we don't know about.” Princess Luna nodded and looked back at Jonathan. “Very well. We still hesitate to think that there is a country that we haven't guarded the dreams of.” 

Princess Luna shook her head and took a bite of her sandwich. She swallowed. “So, Twilight has a map. Maybe thou shall be able to find thee home?” Jonathan nodded. 

“Sounds good.” Twilight's horn glowed. A pinkish aura floated around it. A map plopped down on the desk and rolled itself out. “Here we go. 

The most up-to-date map I could find.” Jonathan glanced around at all the cities the land he was now in, had. “Wow. You have a lot of cities.” Twilight shrugged. 

“We do have a big kingdom.” Jonathan looked at her. “And do all of the ponies here have wings and horns?” Princess Luna snorted. “Thee only winged and horned ponies art; we, Twilight, Princess Cadence, Flurry Heart, and our dear sister, Tia.” 

Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Tia? Who's that?” Princess Luna waved a hoof at the sun. “Princess Celestia. 

Our sister.” Spike held up three claws. “There is three common races of ponies throughout here. Unicorns.” A claw went down. 

“Pegasi.” Another claw went down. “And Earth Pony.” The last claw went down.” Something inside him gnawed at Jonathan's mind. 

He was missing something, he could tell. He glanced at the city of Appaloosa. “Hmm, wait, is that a desert?” Twilight stretched her neck over to the spot on the map. “Mm, yes. 

A very hot desert.” Spike rolled his eyes. "Aren't all deserts hot?" Twilight groaned. Jonathan looked at her. “What kind of ponies live there?” Princess Luna answered. “Earth Pony, mostly.” 

Twilight's hoof stretched out to a spot on the map where there was a floating cloud with rainbows falling out of it. “Here in Cloudsdale, there are Pegasi.” Spike's claw tapped a spot on the map where a single mountain stood. “And here is Canterlot. Where Unicorns live.” 

Jonathan looked at Appaloosa. “Have you been in that desert?” Twilight nodded. “Is it really hot?” Twilight glared at Spike but grudgingly nodded again. 

“Yes. Haven't you been in a desert?” Jonathan shook his head. “I've never been outside of my town until now. The farthest I've been is outside of the forest. 

Right in view of Split Mountain.” Princess Luna arched an eyebrow. “Split Mountain? Why does thou have such name?” Jonathan shrugged. 

“Well, the mountain itself is split. Right in the middle.” Jonathan's hand moved up and down in the air in a V shape. “Like this.” Twilight's head turned to one side. 

“…You can see the mountain from the edge of this forest?” Jonathan nodded. Spike tapped a claw on his chin. “What is the name of the forest?” Jonathan chewed his cheek. 

“Um, no one actually remembers. There is a ten-year-old rumor that its name was Everfree, but I'm not really sure that it is.” Twilight started. “Everfree? Are you positive?” 

Jonathan nodded. “No other name has been given. Why?” Spike looked at him closely. “What exactly did the ruins you and your friends explored, look like?” 

Jonathan took a deep breath. “It was some sort of castle. A ruined old castle. It seemed like some sort of battle had taken place.” Spike and Twilight shared a questioning look. “I think we found your home then.” 

Twilight said. She looked uneasy. Jonathan grinned. “Good! When is the soonest we can go there?” 

Spike answered. “Tomorrow.” Jonathan's grin faded. “Oh.” Lena and Argon wouldn't be able to be reached in time. 

Princess Luna glanced at him. “Thou's jewelry has the designs of Elements of Harmony on them.” She commented, frowning at the necklace. He glanced down at his necklace. It sat innocently on his chest. 

“The Elements of Harmony?” That sounded familiar. Twilight nodded. “Yeah. That's a little odd.” 

Jonathan held the necklace in his palm. It was acting normal now. But how could he know when it would act strange again? A thought hit him. Did his aunt know about the necklace's strange powers? 

No, that was impossible. She would have told him about it if she did. Still, something nagged at him. “The oath.” He thought. 

“This is similar to the oath.” His heart chilled. The voice of his aunt came to his mind as he asked Twilight a question. “Wait, Twilight. The races. 

There is Unicorns?” The words of the oath rang in his head. “With the power of the Unicorns,” Twilight spoke. “Yes.” 

He bit his lip. “And Pegasi?” “The speed of the Pegasi.” “Yes.” She said again. 

“And Earth Ponies.” “The strength of the Earth Ponies.” Twilight's wings fluttered slightly. “And Earth Ponies. Correct.” 

Jonathan's hand shook as he gripped the necklace. “This necklace has the designs of the Elements of Harmony?” “I shall guard the Elements of Harmony.” Spike nodded. “Uh huh.” 

Jonathan felt his heart pounding. “This land, it is Equestria?” Twilight nodded. “Yep.” “And protect Equestria from the Demons of Shadow.” 

Jonathan felt the slam of realization in his gut. “My aunt.” He thought. “My aunt knew, about Equestria.”



“I am not going on that!” Jonathan said defensibly, hiding behind Spike's wing as he glared at the annoyed face of Twilight. "It's a train, 
Jonathan. It's not gonna jump to life and hurt you." She said exasperatedly. 

Jonathan stared at the huge metal thing that was on tracks. The tracks looked almost exact to the ones he and his friends had found in the forest. "That thing makes the loudest noises I've ever heard, it moves on these wooden and metal track things, and it pours out smoke.

How can I not be scared?" They were standing in the train station of Canterlot. It was nighttime, and the moon shone brightly. Nobody was around at this time of night. Last night had been horrible. Lying in a bed that was the right size for Unicorns, but not for humans was torture enough.

Add to the fact that when he did fall asleep, he had nightmares of his friends being in trouble. Then in the morning he had cake (again) and talked to Twilight. She had told him that when he had fainted, they had rushed him to Princess Celestia. Twilight had been certain that she would have known what to do. Princess Cadence had borne him on her back with Spike there to catch if he were to fall off. 

But the thing was, in order to get him from Canterlot, back to the place they left, was going to be rather hard. 

Twilight was worried about how other ponies would react to seeing him. Therefore, she had calculated that if they left at night, they would arrive early enough to sneak around without bumping into a pony. Johnathan agreed with her outwardly, in order to be polite. 

But inside he was torn up with worry.

The rest of the day was spent with him, at the request of Twilight, reading in the Canterlot library. The books were interesting, but it was hard to focus. He kept finding himself either pacing the floor or staring out the window. His gut had churned with every hour that passed. When night finally arrived they had gone to the train station where he was currently frightened by the loud, smoky, metal thing Twilight called a 'train." 

The door of the train was open, but nobody had gone inside.

Spike's face looked like he was trying very hard not to laugh. "Twilight, we can just take a chariot." Johnathan glanced at Twilight. "Yeah!" Twilight gave Spike a look.

"One, all three of us would not fit. Two, I'm rather certain that he would freak out like he is doing now." Spike tilted his head. "You do?" Jonathan glared.

"I would not freak out! What do you take me for? A wimp?" Twilight rolled her eyes. "A human that doesn't have magic to catch himself if he falls off, or wings to fly, or has enough agility to grab on and pull himself back on with it moving." 

Jonathan sighed.

He was quickly learning that when Twilight had her mind set on something, it was hard to tell her that she was wrong. Spike looked at him. "I think he could hold on. Besides, I could catch him." Twilight shook her head. 

"The train is faster, Spike." Spike frowned. "But Johnathan has never seen the train before. He is scared of it." Jonathan gave Spike an annoyed look. 

"I'm not scared, I'm just." The train's whistle blew, causing him to jump and hide behind Spike once more. “Very, very… unsure about it.” Twilight face hoofed. 

“Alright, we will do this the hard way.” Her horn glowed with a pink aura. Jonathan felt a tingly feeling all over his body. When he looked at his hands, he saw that they were, along with the rest of his body, covered with a pink aura. “Hey, wait!” 

He cried. Twilight lifted Jonathan into the air and tossed him through the open door. He landed face first onto the train's red plush carpet. 

Light yellow velvet booths stood with a table between each one on either side of the train. In the spaces between each seat were vases of roses. 

“Ow!” Spike came in after him, shaking his head. 

“Was that really necessary, Twilight?” Twilight came in and shut the door. “How else were we going to get him inside?” Spike rolled his eyes. “Twilight, you can be so stubborn.” 

Twilight huffed and glared at Spike. “I am not stubborn.” Jonathan lifted himself off the carpet. “Yes, you are.” Twilight sat down on a train seat. 

“I'm not!” Spike sat next to Twilight. “You are being stubborn, about not being stubborn.” Twilight harrumphed, and looked out the window. Jonathan sat onto one of the seats himself. 

He sighed and rubbed his forehead. It had been a long, long day. Argon and Lena were going to give him the hugest chewing out he had ever had. Boy, weren't they going to be mad. The train started and began to move. 

Jonathan jumped, but stayed in his seat. This new world had so many weird things in it. Objects outside the window were speeding past them at lighting speed. He had never gone this fast before. Twilight and Spike looked like they were completely at ease with the whole thing. 

They had probably ridden the train many times before. A pretty vase caught his eye. It was full of multicolored roses. There was pink, yellow, red, blue, light purplish blue, white, orange, and black. Jonathan blinked, and took a closer look. 

A black rose? “Twilight?” Twilight's head turned to him. “Hm?” Jonathan pointed to the black rose. 

“Is that rose real?” Twilight's horn glowed. The rose was surrounded in the aura and lifted into the air. It was brought to Twilight's face. “Hm, yes. 

It is real. Many pony florists are using dyed flowers nowadays. It's quite interesting to eat a dyed rose. The flavor is somewhat less vibrant than what I'm used to.” Jonathan blinked. 

“You eat roses?” Twilight glanced at him. “Yes, we do eat roses. Actually, we eat all sorts of flowers. Iris, daisies, sunflowers, petunias, bluebells.” 

Spike looked at the flower. “How do you dye a rose?” Twilight cleared her throat and lit up her horn with magic. A glowing picture of dirt and a seed came into existence. “Well, first you grow it in the soil like usual.” 

A shovel appeared, and dug a hole in the dirt. The seed plopped into the hole, and the shovel covered it with the excess dirt. Then with a small pop, it disappeared. “But, what you have to do is water it with special chemicals in order to make the seed grow into a different colored flower.” A watering can came into existence, and watered the covered hole. 

The picture vanished as she floated the rose towards Jonathan. “Quite easy, really.” Jonathan looked at the rose. An uneasy feeling settled into his gut. Spike looked at him. 

“Why do you ask, Jonathan?” Jonathan placed the rose onto the table. “…Back at my village, there was a thief. A very good one too. Whoever it was, was stealing all sorts of things from the houses of people that sold things at the market. Such as food or jewelry. 

Every time they stole something, they left a black rose somewhere in the victim's house. Everybody began to call the thief, 'Black Rose.'” Spike nodded. “Did you ever catch the thief?” Jonathan shook his head. 

“No. Odd thing is, my family and Lena were entirely left alone, even though mine were traders.” Twilight rubbed her chin with the top of her hoof. “Hm.” Spike looked out the window at the speeding scenery. 

Jonathan looked back at the black rose. There was no denying that the rose was beautiful. It smelled pretty, and the black petals were soft. The black color faded away to a light gray at the bottom of the stem. Dark green perfectly accented the rich black color. 

A leaf was on each side of the rose. They were a lighter green than the smooth stem. Jonathan reached out to touch the rose only to feel a sharp sting on one of his fingers. “Ow!” He pulled his hand back sharply and glanced at his stinging finger. 

A drop of blood was on his finger. The thorns had not been clipped from the stem. They looked and felt sharp. Deadly. The drop of blood fell from his finger onto the rose's leaf. 

It was surprising that such beauty held such danger. The black rose was some sort of mixture of the two. Jonathan held his throbbing finger as he laid down on the seat. He was tired, and the moving train was actually rather soothing…



Sixteen-year-old Jonathan was sitting on Argon's front doorstep with Lena. They were working on cleaning their latest kill. A turkey had been shot and was now going to be used for the Rowshield's dinner. Lena moaned. “Ugh. 

I'll never get used to smelling a dead animal.” She pinched her nose and waved a hand at the dead turkey. Jonathan laughed. “I thought all tough hunters could clean an animal, but no, this one is too disgusted by the smell. Call the Healer!” 

Lena lightly punched him in the shoulder. Jonathan laughed again. A girl walked in front of Argon's gate. She was a tall girl, with brown hair and pale skin. She was slender and very pretty. 

A light brown wooden bow with darker brown carvings of leaves was slung across her back. At her waist was a sheathed sword. Two rabbits were dangling from her left hand. Lena glanced up. “Oh, hello Sera Foretor!” 

The girl glanced their way. Her eyes were a pink-purplish color. “…Hello, Lena Keldsworth.” Her voice was silky smooth and pleasant to hear. It was a custom of the village to greet an acquaintance by their full name. 

Elder Onyx Ashstone was the exception. Jonathan glanced at Lena. “You know her?” Lena shrugged. “Bumped into her at the Slob several times.” 

The Slob was a building at an alleyway at the edge of town. The poorer groups of the town went there to trade with each other. It was never cleaned, or properly maintained, therefore earning the name, 'The Slob.' Jonathan glanced back at Sera, who was standing there with a hand on her hip. “Huh.” 

A loud yell came from inside the house. Both Jonathan and Lena jumped. “Yikes!” Lena cried out. “What was that?” 

Jonathan frowned. “That sounded like Argon.” He got up and opened the door. Argon suddenly ran in front him into another room. Jonathan blinked. 

“Uh?” Felix came into another doorway. “What has gotten into him?” Jonathan shrugged. Lena looked at the room Argon had run into. 

“Oh dear.” Sera watched as Argon ran from room to room, going up the stairs, then down the stairs, and all over the house. A spark was dancing in her eyes, and a tiny smile was at the edges of her mouth. Five little toddlers gathered around Felix's legs and watched, their little heads swishing back and forth as he ran by. Corina came from upstairs and gazed at her running brother. 

“I wonder what's the matter?” She softly asked. Trisha walked into the hallway and saw the group. “What's going on?” Argon ran past her. 

“Wha, Argon!” He stopped, and turned to look at his mother. “What?” Trisha looked at him with a puzzled look. “What, is the matter?” 

Argon pointed at the room he came out of. “There's a black rose in our house, something has been taken!” Jonathan's mouth dropped open. Lena gasped. Corina's hands gripped the stairway railing tighter. 

Trisha's eyes widened. Only Sera remained calm. Felix's eyes flared. “What?” He growled. 

Trisha glanced at him, then back at Argon. “Where is the black rose, Argon?” He went past her into the other room. Trisha followed. Lena looked at Jonathan. “Poor Argon.” 

Jonathan nodded. Trisha came out with indeed, a black rose in her hand. Felix growled again. “Whoever did this is going to regret it!” He said as he ran into the room behind him. 

Trisha held up a hand while she gazed at the flower. “Wait, dear.” Felix came back. “Wait?” Trisha looked at him. 

“Nothing has been taken. I haven't seen an object missing all day.” Argon blinked. “Wha? Then why did we get a black rose then?” 

Trisha shrugged. “A prank, I guess.” Argon groaned. “Ah! I bet that Rayon did it! 

He is always getting under my skin!” He growled and punched into his hand. Sera left the house, a spring in her step. Argon saw her. “Hey… 

Who's that?” Lena glanced at Sera. “Sera Foretor.” Jonathan cocked his head. “Some reason her name sounds familiar.” 

Lena giggled. “It should. Almost all the boys in the town have a crush on her.” Argon snorted. “I don't.” 

Lena laughed. “That's why I said, almost.” Jonathan sighed and got back to cleaning the turkey… 



The train rattled, jarring him awake. He sat up, rubbing his eyes with a hand. “Ugh.” He glanced at the table. The black rose still sat on the table. 

If he was superstitious, it would have been a bad omen.  


> Past or Future
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 The sun of Princess Celestia rose with a magnificent sunrise of pink, purple, orange, yellow, and hints of blue. Soft light poured out over the land as the train screeched to a halt at the station. Jonathan opened the door and hopped out rather fast. “Next time, I don't care what Twilight says, I'm not going on that train.” Spike came out next, wings flapping.

“Well, at least we are here.” Twilight came out looking slightly grumpy. “The pony that told me that the train was faster is going to regret it.” Jonathan looked around the station. There was a train cart on train tracks nearby.

A sea green Unicorn with a white mane was polishing the train. The air had a bite to it.

It seemed to be about spring here, so the land was cold during the early morning. 

Jonathan shivered. He blinked, and turned to Twilight.

“This is the place?” Twilight nodded. “This is the place.” Jonathan began to walk around the town with Spike and Twilight. It was early morning, no one reasonable would be up at this hour.

Which meant that he was a little unreasonable. But this whole thing was unreasonable. Jonathan shook his head. All he had to do was to get home. Then he would beg for mercy, and pray that he didn't get chewed out too badly.

He would never go back to the ancient castle, and next time, he would take Elder Onyx Ashstone with them when crazy things happened. He would also hunt more, and help with Corina's illness. Get her a pet bunny, maybe. She would like that. A nice, soft, pet, bunny. It could even be white.  

Jonathan broke himself from his train of thought and looked around at the scenery. There were pretty, small houses with flowers and pretty, small houses with vegetables.

There was a market with vegetables, fruit, and flowers to sell, and there was a fountain. Before they could continue the search, they were greeted by a pink coated, and pink maned, bouncy, pony. “Hiya Twilight!”  Jonathan jumped from her sudden appearance. Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Hello, Pinkie Pie.” Pinkie Pie noticed Jonathan. “Whoa! You look new!” She began to bounce around him, in circles.

“Who are you? What are you? Where are you from? Oh, is it your birthday? Are you going to live here?

Can I throw a 'welcome to Ponyvillie party'? Spike laughed. “Slow down there, Pinkie Pie! Jonathan here is only visiting.” Pinkie grinned.

“Oh, I'll throw a 'Glad you are visiting' party then!” She was about to run off when 
Twilight stopped her. “Wait, Pinkie. Only invite our friends. I don't want every Ponyvillie citizen seeing Jonathan here.”

Pinkie Pie's head tilted in confusion, but then she smiled again. “Well, if you say so Twilight! Bye!” And with that, the mare jumped away, constantly grinning. 

Spike smirked.  “Well, you have met Pinkie Pie.”

Jonathan nodded, slightly unsettled by the energetic pony. He continued to walk around the town. It was interesting to see all the similar, but different things. The land was warming up from its early morning chill. The sky was a perfect blue, no clouds marked the sky.

Somehow, that struck him as odd. “Twilight, why is there no clouds in the sky?” 

She looked up at the clear sky and frowned. “Odd. Normally, it would be because of one of the weather ponies, but the clouds have never been done this fast after Rainbow left.”

Spike trotted next to Twilight. “Huh. Yeah. Normally one of the ponies would still be doing cloud kicking duty.” Jonathan looked at Spike as he was talking.

Therefore, he was not facing the front of the path and did not see the rainbow mare that landed in front of him. Jonathan tripped, and fell over. “Oof!” Twilight and Spike jumped. “Oh, Rainbow!

Good to see you!” Cried out Twilight as she helped her friend up. Rainbow was wearing a very fashionable jacket, and her mane was styled rather pretty, but she had a very annoyed face. “Ugh. I told Rarity to hurry up with this girly thing!”

Spike raised an eyebrow as he helped Jonathan up. “Rainbow? What are you doing here?” Rainbow looked at him. “I arrived at Ponyvillie yesterday in order to visit every pony.

This morning, I got up and saw the sky full of clouds. I couldn't resist.” Twilight laughed. “No wonder they got done so fast. What are you doing in that jacket, though?”

Rainbow sighed and gave an embarrassed blush. “Going on a date with Soarin. Wanted to look nice, but also very, very cool.

I went out so fast that I crashed into you guys.” Twilight giggled. “I bet Rarity had the time of her life dressing you up.” Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, yeah. Laugh it up, Twilight.”

She saw Jonathan. “Hey… What in Celestia's name are you?” Spike answered. “He's a human.”

Jonathan nodded at Rainbow Dash. “The name's Jonathan.” Rainbow blinked. Twilight put a hoof around Rainbow Dash. “We are trying to get him home.”

Rainbow shrugged. “ Huh. Okay, Dokey then. Have fun.” She flew off. Jonathan watched as they arrived at a fancy building.

A white Unicorn was standing outside, and staring at a hole in the building. “Argh! That Rainbow Dash! Always crashing into and out of things!” Spike waved.

“Hello, Rarity!” Rarity turned to look at them. “Oh, hello Spikey Wikey! And hello to you too, Twilight!” She saw Jonathan.

“Who is your friend?” Twilight gestured a hoof. “This is Jonathan. He is a human. We are looking for his home.”

Rarity nodded. “Very well. I'd love to stay and chat, but I have got some dresses to work on. Ta ta!” Rarity went into the building.

Jonathan stopped at the edge of the town. Nothing at all was even remotely similar to his home. There was no well at the middle of the town. No old apple trees. No grassy fields of blowing grass.

Jonathan scratched his head.

“I don't see anything of my home.” Twilight groaned. “But this is where the Everfree forest is!” Spike looked at Jonathan. “Perhaps we could look from above?”

Twilight looked at Spike. “How is he going to go above?” Jonathan looked at Twilight's horn. “Maybe you could lift me up with your magic?” Spike grinned.

“I got a better idea.” Twilight gave him a wary glance. “Spike… What are you thinking?” Spike didn't answer, only spread out his leathery, dragon wings.

Jonathan took a step back. “Yeah, what are you thinking, and does it involve pain?” Spike chuckled. “Depends on your point of view.” Jonathan took another step back.

“That's not a good answer!” Spike ran forward and lifted off into the air. Flapping his wings, he gained altitude, then swooped down. Swiftly, he grabbed Jonathan by the shoulders and lifted him straight into the air. “Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!”

Jonathan screamed, as the ground below his feet disappeared. Twilight stared her mouth agape. An eye twitched. “S-spike! You put him down right now!”

Jonathan clutched at the clawed feet that grabbed at his shoulders. “Yeah, put me down, put me down!” Spike grinned at the tiny moving figure of Twilight. “If you insist.” He let go of Jonathan.

He screamed as he fell toward the ground. “Ssssssssssspppppppiiiiiiike!” The claws caught him again, as Spike grabbed him. “I'm just messing with ya. While we wait for her highness to come up, what do you see?”

Jonathan's limbs shook as he forced himself to gaze out upon the land. There were grassy fields of apple trees farther down the path. The train station was visible. Jonathan screwed his eyes shut as he tried to recall anything familiar. 

Then a thought struck him.

Apple trees...

“Spike! Take me down!” Spike did as he asked, and placed him onto the ground. Twilight glared at Spike. “Don't do that ever again.”

She growled. Jonathan grabbed Twilight's shoulders. “Twilight. Could we go over there?” He pointed at the apple fields.

“That looks familiar.” Twilight looked at him oddly. “Applejack's fields?” Jonathan nodded and began to walk toward them. Twilight and Spike followed, glancing at each other.

As they walked, houses turned into open space with beautiful views. A lone mountain stood, with a castle on top. Jonathan froze. “That looks like Split Mountain…” He muttered.

An icy feeling sunk into his stomach. He began to run toward the apple trees. “Johnathan, wait!” He kept running. A farm came into view.

There was a two story house. A well. Apple trees and a hill out back. Jonathan frowned. The scenery looked so familiar and yet so different.

Twilight and Spike caught up to him. “Jonathan! What was that about?” Jonathan turned to Twilight. “Twilight, this looks a little like my home.”

Twilight blinked. “Huh?” Jonathan pointed his arm out. “Look, there's the town well without the burns.

And over there should be Argon's house. And behind that is the same hill that I played on as a kid!” Twilight chewed on her cheek, then her
eyes lit up. “Oh! You must be in the same place, just in the future!”

Jonathan blinked. “Huh?” Spike gave Twilight a warning glance. “Twilight…” 

Twilight ranted on.

“Things look familiar, yet out of place. People that you know aren't here. They probably already dead and turned into dust!” Jonathan cut her off. “Wait, so you think that I'm possibly in the same place.

Just a different time?” Twilight nodded. “Yep. This is actually pretty awesome! I'll learn so much about the past! How wonderful!”

She gave him an excited look. Spike gave Twilight a look. “Seriously Twilight? I really don't think that this is the future. Who knows, maybe this is the past.”

Jonathan looked at Spike. “Can I get back to my... place?” Neither one answered. Jonathan felt an icy grip on his heart. Their silence was answer enough. “No!” He thought.

He ran away from the scene as fast as he could go.


The mid-afternoon sunlight poured onto the fields of Apple trees. Leaves and ripe juicy apples shook from a gentle breeze. Clouds floated lazily in the sky. A bird tweeted a musical song. Then Applejack's orange back hooves hit the wooden trunk of the apple tree with a loud thwack.

The trunk shook, and several ripe apples fell into the baskets placed nearby. She counted a pile of apples. "One, two, three, four. Four on each layer.

Hm. " A hoof scratched underneath her hat. "Let's see. A dozen in each basket, and I got three baskets. So that gives me..."

Applejack's face screwed up. "Uh, 19?" That wasn't the right answer. She thumped her hoof on the ground. "Ah gotta leave the fancy mathematics to Twilight."

She moved on to the next tree. It was on top of a hill, some distance from her house. Before she bucked it, she paused. There were strange tracks on the soft dirt next to the Apple tree. The tracks weren't like anything she had seen before.

She peered into the leaves, yet didn't see anything. She shrugged, and turned. 

Her hooves hit the trunk with a hard smack. "Ow!" Applejack stopped, then groaned.

"RD! Get the hay out of my apple tree! Her hoof hit the trunk again. " Hey!" The voice was not Rainbow Dash's.

Applejack jumped and leaped back from the tree.

"Ah!" She whipped around fast and stared at the innocently standing tree. "What in the hay is going on here? Trees don't talk." A bitten apple fell down from the top.

Applejack's eyes slowly traveled to the top where she saw a creature. It looked like a hairless monkey wearing clothes. Black, red, and gray locks framed its tanned face. Brown, frightened eyes stared at her.

Applejack blinked, and cocked her head. "What in the hay are you?" The hairless monkey moved further into the branches. Applejack frowned. "And what are you doing in my Apple tree?"

The hairless monkey snorted.

"No, it is not yours! This is my friend Argon's Apple tree!" Twilight came from behind the hill, panting hard. "Apple." She paused and gulped.

"Applejack. Have you seen a human, around?" Applejack raised an eyebrow. 

"What, what in the hay is a human?" Twilight groaned and turned to the back of the hill.

"Spike, try the group of trees next to that patch of light green grass! No, that patch! No, not there, I checked over there. The only thing over there is a bluebird." Applejack tapped Twilight's shoulder.

"Twilight, I gotta a few questions for ya." Twilight turned to her. "Can they wait?" Applejack shook her head, fast. She pointed a hoof in the tree.

What in the hay is that in my Apple tree?" Twilight gave the tree an annoyed glance, only to start and turn to the back of the hill. "Spike! I found Jonathan!" Spike came flying in, looking upset.

"Twilight, this is all your fault!" He scolded. "If you hadn't ranted about him being possibly in the future, then he wouldn't have freaked out and run into the trees!"

Twilight sighed. "I know. Sorry." Her ears drooped. Applejack's hoof placed itself onto Twilight's shoulder.

“Hey, it's okay, sugar cube.” Twilight glanced up at Jonathan. “Should we try to get him down?” Spike shook his head. “Not now.

Wait till he calmed down a little first.” Jonathan held onto the one familiar thing that he had left. The necklace that hung from his neck was of no comfort now.

After some coaxing, Jonathan slowly came down. It was near evening. The land was cooling down, and a breeze blew past them. Applejack's hoof patted his arm softly. "Hey, you.

Ah'm real sorry that your home is gone. Until we find it, however, how bout you stay with me?" Twilight looked at Applejack. "He could stay at my Castle." Spike shook his head.

"Uh huh, you will experiment on him. I should know, I lived with you for years." Twilight grinned sheepishly. "Well, maybe only a little." 

Applejack shook her head.

"He's staying with me." She looked at him. "Ah bet your hungry." Jonathan shook his head no, but then his stomach growled. Applejack smiled.

"Come on, y'all. Time to eat." Jonathan felt numb and allowed Applejack to lead him inside. The inside of the house was scrubbed neat, and the smell of Apple pies wafted around his nostrils. Applejack sat him down on a stool and hurried to the kitchen.

Twilight looked rather sad as she sat next to him. "Jonathan, I'm sorry. Sometimes, if I get excited, I'll say insensitive things." Jonathan looked at her. "It's okay."

He stared at his necklace. It still seemed absolutely normal. Yet there was no way it could be normal. Spike scratched his head as he stared at the necklace. "So, that thing was supposedly able to bring you here.

It doesn't seem like it would." Twilight gave it a studying look. "Can I look at it?" Jonathan hesitated. "My aunt told me to never take it off."

Spike glanced at it. "Well, you could argue that taking the necklace off would probably prevent you from ending back up here if you leave. Also maybe by looking at it, we could receive a clue." Jonathan nodded. "Good point."

He reached up to take it off. He found the silver clasp and unhooked it.

But the silver hoop yanked on the clasp. The necklace didn't come off. Johnathan frowned and tried again. The clasp still stuck. "Twilight, I think it's gotten a little stuck."

Twilight's horn glowed with a pink aura and she tried to unhook it. But then she frowned. "Huh. The necklace seems to be preventing us from taking it off." She tried a few spells, but nothing happened.

The necklace still remained on. The metal was growing increasingly hot, and Johnathan began to feel the heat getting slightly unbearable. "Ow, ow, ow. Twilight that is hurting." Twilight gave a sigh and stopped.

The metal began to feel much cooler. Spike raised an eyebrow. "Did the necklace just tell you no?" Twilight sighed and nodded. " Not verbally.

But I think I can understand why your aunt said to never take it off." Jonathan yanked it a few more times and sighed. "And what is the reason?" Twilight lifted the necklace with her hoof. "For some reason, taking the necklace off would include lots of pain and consequences. 

What they are, I cannot say." Jonathan sighed heavily. "Great. Another weird mysterious thing." Applejack came in with four plates of Apple pie.

Jonathan took a bite of the pie. It was better than having cake again. Besides, he enjoyed the rich taste of the sugary syrup and the buttery smooth crust. He bit into a slice of the Apple. 

He froze.

The Apple tasted just like the apples back at home. The ones that were in Trisha's homemade pies. The ones that he, Argon, and Lena ate by the dozen when it was fall and the Apple trees were heavy with them. Sometimes, if the crop was bountiful enough, there would be Cider. Good rich, tangy Cider.

The last crop that had been turned into Cider was by Chavez Foretor. Sera Foretor's father. Felix had told him the day that the black rose was found in his house, that Chavez Foretor had been a great hunter, even though he was dead poor. His wife had also grown up poor, but she had learned how to prepare the kills with ease. But after his only daughter turned eight, he injured himself in a hunting accident and was unable to hunt.

Sera took up the job and was apparent as skillful as her father. Elder Onyx Ashstone had complimented her once for having a good talent in charisma. It was a joke among the town people, Felix had said, that Sera, with her voice, combined with her talent, was able to charm even the snakes. Elder Onyx Ashstone had also, however, told her that she should never misuse the skill. Sera said that she tried not too.

Many believed her. It wasn't known for sure, but it was said that her mother, Kalia, had learned how to grow flowers. All kinds of flowers. But they were never seen, and Sera always denied there ever being any flowers, so many believed that was just a rumor.

Jonathan forced himself to continue eating the pie. When it was finished, Applejack looked at his eyes. "Ah reckon that your mighty tired. I'll get ya all nice and comfy in Apple Bloom's old room." Twilight touched Jonathan's arm.

"Jonathan." He turned to her. "Be careful. The necklace could affect your dreams if it is that powerful." He shivered but nodded.

He sat down on the quilted bed. Kicking off his shoes, and tossing away his jacket, he tried to take off the necklace one more time. Again it didn't work. Grunting, he settled down under the covers. The bed was big enough for him to be comfortable.

He fell asleep quickly in the soft bed...



The late afternoon sun shone on the gleaming wooden floors of the Rowshield's home. Trisha panted as she swept underneath a table with her straw broom, sweeping away excess dust. A bead of sweat was on her forehead. A pile of dust had grown near the doorway. She was almost finished. Then she wouldn't have to clean for a while. 

With a house this large, it was a chore keeping it all nice and clean. But in the end, it was satisfying to see a well-cleaned house. Trisha swept the pile out of the house and stood still for a moment. Everything felt sore and achy. There were no maids in the house, no servants. 

Despite the family's riches, they chose to do things for themselves and to raise their children in the same matter. She took in a nice, deep breath. 

“Mother!” 

A loud crashing sound echoed throughout the house. Trisha let the breath out in a very tiny sigh. The crash was followed by sobbing. Then putting a smile on her face, she hurried to the source. One of the five sisters was sprawled on the floor, a table that had been turned over on the ground beside her. 

A wooden jar that had been on top was now at Trisha's feet. Muddy footprints were all over the wooden floor. Her raven black hair was covered in leaves and twigs. She was crying. “Oh, sweetheart. 

What happened?” Asked Trisha as she knelt down near her daughter. Hiccups came from the crying as she talked. “M-me and the others were playing hide and seek. I had to go and find everybody, only.” 

She paused to wipe away more tears with a dirty hand. “I, I couldn't find anybody! They were nowhere, no matter how hard I looked! I fell into the mud, and I lost a shoe. My dress is torn, my hair is a mess, and now I wrecked the table.” 

She broke into a fresh round of tears. Trisha embraced her daughter. “Oh, dearest. It's fine. The dress can be fixed, and we will buy you a new shoe. 

I don't mind if you accidentally lose a shoe.” The little sister hugged her mother. “I'm not in trouble?” Trisha smiled and stroked her daughter's hair. “No, honey. 

Another shoe can be gotten. But I can't get another daughter to take your place.” The little sister gave her mother a watery smile. Trisha tickled her daughter's tummy, causing her to giggle. “No, you are too special for anybody to replace you. 

Now, come on. Let's get you cleaned up.” Trisha took her to their bathroom, and taking a wet piece of cloth, wiped the mixture of dirt and tears from her daughter's face. She got the hair all wet and wrapped it up in a towel. She gave the daughter a fluffy sheep robe and took the muddy dress. 

With a swoop, Trisha went out of the room and into the laundry room. She dumped the dress into a washtub and filled a cauldron with water from a hand pump. She placed the cauldron onto a fireplace and set a fire. It roared to life. She went and sat her daughter down on a stool next to the fire. 

She placed soap next to the washtub and then fetched a slice of her homemade bread and a brush. 

Kneeling down behind her daughter, and handing her the bread, she unwrapped the towel and began to brush the tangled mess of her hair. With the hair being wet it was easier to do. The little sister contently ate the bread, enjoying the taste. Trisha began to hum a lullaby. Soon, the hair was silky smooth. 

Trisha smiled. “There we go. All better now.” Her shoulder felt even sorer. Corina came out from a doorway, a worried look on her face. 

“Mother, one of the little sisters is missing. She was supposed to find us but never did. The others are worried.” Corina caught sight of the little sister. “Oh.” 

Trisha took another deep breath, softly enough that no one noticed. She smiled at her and brushed a strand of hair from her daughter's face. “No worries, Corina dear. Everything is good. 

Call the others in, will you?” Corina nodded, hugged her mother, and went out. Trisha lifted the cauldron from the fireplace and poured it into the washtub. Taking the bar of soap, she washed the dress of all mud stains. Her arms still ached. 

The little sister wandered away, munching on the bread slice. She was happy now. Trisha smiled and worked harder. The dirt came off the dress easily, and once it was clean, Trisha took it out and laid it besides, but not too close, to the fireplace. She dumped the washtub outside, allowing the grass to have the water. 

She put out the fire, pumped a bucket full of new, clean water and grabbed a wash cloth. She straightened the table and placed the wooden jar back onto the top. Taking the bucket over to the steps, she cleaned them of dirt. Her back ached badly, from the pain.

Laughter sounded nearby, and footsteps pounded on the dirt. She raised her head and saw Johnathan running away from a panting Argon. 

Lena was laughing and following behind. Jonathan was carrying a freshly killed animal. A wild chicken it seemed. 

Argon had a bag at his waist.

They got close enough to hear. "You will regret that, Jonathan!" "I don't think I will, you're just too slow!" "Says the guy that got a bruise from Rayon!" "He wouldn't have given me a bruise if you had gotten out of the way!"

Both were laughing as they ran. They reached the house, still running. The seventeen-year-old Jonathan laughed and glanced over his shoulder. Therefore, he did not see the rock in the path. Therefore he tripped and landed flat on his face.

The animal went flying and landed straight on the clean floor. Trisha closed her eyes, not wanting to look at the mess on her floor. “Oh. Sorry 
Mrs. Rowshield.” Jonathan's guilty voice spoke. 

Trisha took a slow, deep breath, so softly that no one noticed. She opened her eyes to see the surprised, and guilty faces of Argon, Lena, and Jonathan. Trisha smiled at them. “It's perfectly fine. Please be more careful when carrying.” 

She glanced at the dead animal. “Chickens?” Argon picked it up and looked at the floor. “Aw man. I messed up your clean floor.” 

She patted her son's leg. “It's fine Argon. Place the bird on the counter. We will have it for dinner.” Argon glanced at his mother. 

“Yeah, about that.” Trisha looked at him as he spoke. “Can I eat with Jonathan and Lena in the woods tonight?” Trisha smiled. “Alright, but do not be out too late young man.” 

Argon rolled his eyes. “Yeah, yeah. I won't!” Trisha cleaned her floor once again and went to the kitchen. Sitting on a stool, she plucked the bird till all the feathers were gone. 

Then she cleaned it and chopped the bird meat into little circles of meat. She got out a pan and a jar of cooking oil. She poured a small amount of oil onto the pan and fried the meat. Argon came into the kitchen. “Thanks, mother.” 

Trisha smiled at him. “You know, when I was your age, I spent all my free time in those woods too. Such a mysterious and wonderful place isn't it?” Argon smiled. “Yeah. Oh, that reminds me.” 

He reached into his bag as the little sister in the robe came into the kitchen. “Smells good in here, mommy.” He pulled out several handfuls of nuts. “Look what Lena gathered.” Trisha went over to him. 

“What kind of nut are they?” Argon shrugged. “I don't know, but they are good.” He cracked one open and popped it into Trisha's mouth. It was spicy, nutty, and tasted a bit like pepper.

Trisha grinned. “We will have them with our dinner. Thank Lena for me, will you Argon?” Argon nodded. The little sister grinned. 

“Argon and Lena sitting in a tree. K-i-s-s-i-n-g.” Argon's eyes widened, and he glared at the little sister. “H-hey!” The little sister giggled. 

“You got a crush on Lena!” Argon growled. “I do not! She and I are just friends.” He was blushing, and muttering under his breath. 

Trisha laughed and patted him on the shoulder. “Oh, she is just teasing. Right, dear?” She looked at the little sister who was giggling furiously. “Maybe.” 

She hopped backward as Argon took a threatening step forward. “I'll get you.” The little sister grinned. “First, comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Argon with a baby. Meep!” 

The little sister stopped talking and ran as Argon growled. “That's it! She is going to get it now!” He ran after his sister. Trisha laughed. “You two better not wreck anything as you run!” 

Corina came in with the rest of the little sisters. Trisha directed them to the bathroom to wash up. Trisha fixed the cooked meat onto eight plates and put a handful of nuts on each. Thumping of boots sounded at the doorway. A smile spread itself across her face. 

“Felix.” The door opened, and Felix came into the house. Corina and the five sisters all ran to hug him at once. “Daddy!” Felix embraced them with his arms. 

“Hello, girls.” Argon came looking slightly grumpy. “Hey, father.” Felix nodded at him. “Where are you going?” 

Argon grinned. “On a picnic with Lena and Jonathan. See ya!” Argon left through the open door, closing it behind him. Trisha came in, smiling at her husband. “Hello dear.” 

Felix smiled at his wife. “Were the children good?” The little sisters shouted in unison. “Yes!” Trisha laughed. 

“I suppose they were mostly good. Now come on girls. Off to the dinner table.” The little sisters ran off to the table. Corina hugged her father once more and went to join them. 

Trisha stroked her husband's cheek. “Good to have you home,” Felix smiled and put an arm around her back. His head cocked as his hand stroked her back. “Hm, somebody has been rather stressed today.” 

He murmured. Trisha smiled softly. Felix's skill with pottery also allowed him to be able to feel knots of stress in someone's nerves. “Just a few bumps here and there.” She said, winding her hands in his hair. 

“It's all good.” He kissed her on the lips. Trisha's eyes closed. When they parted, Felix stroked his wife's hair. “Let's go eat.” 

Trisha and Felix walked into the warm kitchen where their family awaited them. 

> Dreams of War
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


It was near the end of fall, and the tree leaves were almost completely done falling off. Their bare branches seemed to be like claws that grabbed at the gray, cloudy sky. The sun now felt cold, and no longer carried a warmth. Animals had grown their winter coats, squirrels had made their leaf nests, and bears were set to hibernate. Jonathan felt a cold fall breeze float over his skin. 

He blinked his eyes in surprise. He was certain that he had been fast asleep in Apple Bloom's bed. Apparently, he wasn't.  

“Huh. This is certainly weird.” He thought. A river gurgled next to him. The water was very low. 

Some people in the town had told him that all rivers had a source. A huge group of mountains that held the springs of all rivers. The springs would be dryer during the winter, hence the low water. The banks fell steeply to the water, and he could see smooth pebbles at the bottom. In front of him, there was a village. 

It seemed to be a small river village, with a few rich families here and there. The majority of the people seemed to be fishermen, with a few traders in the mix. As always, there were a few poor families. 

The village was surrounded by forest, but there was a trail leading to and away from the village. Carts and horses had traveled on the road, as one could see track marks, and hoof prints. The buildings in the village seemed to have been recently built. Jonathan noticed a small girl dressed in rich clothing that was playing with a rag doll. She seemed to be singing to it. Her hair was a rich maroon color, and her skin was pale. 

A teenaged girl was standing next to her, washing a window. She had blondish tan hair, wrapped in a high short ponytail. Her skin was tanned from working in the sun.

Her dress was made out of poorer cloth than the small girl. A poorer boy playing with a hoop came near where Jonathan stood. The clothes he wore were patched and made out of poor cloth as well. His hair was orange, and he too had tanned skin. Jonathan waved at the little boy. 

“Hello.” 

The boy did not answer, only spun around the hoop. “Huh? Uh, hello?” The boy turned to Jonathan but froze. His hoop spun to the ground and lay there. 

The boy's eyes widened with fear, and he began to back away. At the same time, Jonathan heard a grave voice growl out behind him. “Run away, you. Run away, you. Run away, you. 

Run away, you. Run away, you.” Jonathan whirled around, his heart stopping. One of the pony creatures was standing right behind him. Its green eyes stared at the boy with a raging hunger. 

Jonathan felt for his halberd. It wasn't on his back. He looked at the boy. “Run!” He screamed. 

The boy remained frozen in place. Jonathan growled, and kicked at the creature. His foot went straight through the creature like a hand through the morning fog. His foot landed on the dirt. Jonathan stared in shock. 

“I must really be in a weird place.” A thought struck him. “I must be experiencing the dreams Twilight was talking about!” The creature moved forward, lunging at the boy. He screamed and ran as fast as his feet could carry him to the town. 

The creature chased after the boy. Jonathan tried to go after the creature. His feet refused to move. They remained right where they were. The screaming alerted the villagers, and they looked his way. 

The small girl gasped and clutched her doll to her chest. The teenaged girl dropped the washcloth and ran into a house. She came out with a wooden spear. Holding the spear in her right hand, she ran over to the boy. With a swift movement, she jabbed the spear at the creature. 

The creature dodged, hissed, and stopped. The boy kept running and disappeared behind a house. Villagers gathered into the road, fear on their faces. Some were crying, some were screaming. Mothers were clutching at their children, and fathers grabbed weapons to protect their families. The sound of a bell rang out, fast and loud.

The teenaged girl circled the creature, spear held in hand. The creature's ominous gravely voice grated on his ears. “Run away, you. 

Run away, you. Run away, you. Run away, you. Run away, you.” It snapped at her heels with its sharp, jagged teeth.

The teenaged girl jumped to one side, barely missing the teeth. She jabbed at the creature again, scoring a hit. The spear dug into the creature's side. It hissed, and chomped at the spear. The teeth were only able reach a few centimeters from the spear, but scraped off a few bits of wood.

The teenaged girl swung the spear away and lifted it over her head. She crashed it down on the creature's head with a loud smack. The creature shook its head dizzily. The teenaged girl gave a deep breath. Then a look of surprise came over her face. 

She sniffed the air again. Then, she glanced behind her. 

Jonathan saw a circle on the ground. It was fairly large and was made of fancy symbols. Ones he had never seen before. It seemed to be made of fire, and shimmered with an odd, orange light. A rotten smell came from the circle. 

The smell burned his nostrils. It made his gut clench, and his head ache. The grass in the middle of the circle shriveled and burned. The teenaged girl gasped. She quickly glanced around. 

More creatures were slinking out of the woods, their teeth bared. The creature she was fighting lunged at her again, only for it to be knocked down by an arrow that lodged itself in its shoulder. The arrow was made out of pure white wood, and the feathers that edged it were white as well. The teenaged girl's eyes widened. She shouted at the villagers that were watching. 

“The Exile Legion! They are here!” 

Jonathan blinked. “The what, now?” He thought. The shout was a shout of relief and happiness. The villagers cheered, clapping their hands with joy. 

The teenaged girl glanced at the circle, then motioned at the villagers. “Hurry, get out of their way!” She ran from the creature and headed into the woods. The villagers followed, running quickly. The mothers hurried their children, urging them to go faster. 

The maroon haired girl jumped down with her doll. She ran after them, but her foot tripped on a rock, and she fell onto the dirt. Jonathan suddenly heard a loud hissing sound. He turned around to see the circle sparkling with sparks of fire. 

“Uh oh.” 

He thought. A black snake like substance edged around the circle, turning the orange flaming symbols into a reddish blazing glow. Then it exploded into a column of fire. Jonathan felt himself be lifted into the air by the force of the explosion. The creatures snarled, and growled at the column. 

He fell onto the dirt, right in front of the little girl. Her doll was lying a few feet away from her. She was staring at the column, a mixture of wonder and fear in her eyes. Jonathan could barely see what was happening. 

Smoke was stinging his eyes, making them tear up. It was difficult to breathe. He could hear the creatures running to attack something or someone. Then he heard the creatures give out high-pitched screams of terror. One suddenly was in front of him, snarling and foaming at the mouth. 

A wound was on its shoulder. It looked like a sword had made that. A gooey black substance dripped from it. The little girl jumped, then screamed. 

“Mommy!” 

A dagger flew out of nowhere and lodged itself in the creature's other shoulder. It gave out another high pitched scream of pain, and looked for the attacker. A hooded figure jumped out of the smoke and onto the creature. The figure was very thin. It seemed to be male, and was wearing a dark brown cloak with a light brown shirt. 

He had gray pants with black boots and a golden belt. A second silver dagger was sheathed onto it. He pulled the first dagger out and unsheathed the second. Quickly, the man stabbed the creature with the daggers in the neck and kicked it in back. The creature fell onto its face, dead. 

The man kicked it again, making sure it was dead. Then the man glanced at the little girl, allowing Jonathan to see his face. The man had silver gray stubble on his chin. Silver gray hair fell into his silver eyes which carried much sadness and grief. The man's face was sharp and thin. 

His skin was the same color as Rayon. Jonathan frowned. The man seemed very familiar yet very different. He couldn't tell why, though. The man's eyes stared at the girl. 

She stared at him back, then glanced at her doll. She attempted to reach it but faltered. The man's eyes followed her and saw the doll. They softened. Slowly, he reached out a boot and pushed the doll with his foot over to the little girl. 

She snatched it and looked at him. She gave him a nod of her head in thanks and ran off into the forest. Jonathan looked back at the man. He frowned again. “Maybe I just think he looks familiar.” 

He thought. He slowly got up onto his feet. The smoke was unbearable. Coughing into his shirt, Jonathan ran toward the forest himself. The villager's houses were being destroyed by the creatures. 

More figures, men, and women attacked the creatures with surprising speed and accuracy. He got into a clearing where there was no smoke. He coughed violently and wiped his eyes with his arm. Behind him, a blanket of smoke covered what used to be the village. Then he glanced up and stared. A person was standing near a tree and watching the whole scene.  

They were wearing a dark blue cloak, with lighter blue symbols all over it. A hood covered their face, so he couldn't see it. A snake skin belt was at their waist, with a moonstone at the center. Black, sleek pants were on their thin legs. 

Leather black boots tipped with silver and jade heels were on their feet. The person seemed very sad for some reason. But also familiar. A gravely ominous voice sounded behind him. “I'll get you! 

I'll get you! 

I'll get you! I'll get you! I'll get you!” Jonathan turned around to see a creature standing there. It was growling at the person. 

There was another creature farther off. The person merely stared at the creature and didn't do anything. The creature took a step forward, only to stop and be knocked to the ground by an armored female that had jumped out of the smoke. She had a helmet on that covered her face. The top half was a dark brown, with the bottom half being a gold color. 

Two golden wings were on top of her helmet. On one shoulder was a white cape edged with gold. On the other was a dark brown pauldron that protected her shoulder. A tiny golden skull was on the front. Her arms were bare, showing off her pale skin. 

She had an armored suit of dark brown and gold on. She was slender, and quite pretty. A light blue jewel was at her neck. Her hair was brown and she owned pink purplish eyes. On her back was a quiver full of pure white arrows. 

A silver sword with a black sheath was at her waist. A light brown wooden bow with darker brown carvings of leaves was in her right hand. Jonathan cocked his head. She also seemed familiar. Gracefully, she stood and drew an arrow from the quiver. 

The creature snarled and snapped at her. She jumped away, landing onto her hands, and doing a handstand. She jumped back onto her feet and strung the bow. As the creature moved closer, she did a back flip. Jonathan marveled at her agility. 

In midair, she shot an arrow into the creature's chest. The creature stopped and fell to the ground. Dead. The armored female landed onto her feet. The creature in the distance spotted the armored female. 

It charged. Another person came out of the smoke and struck the creature down. The person had two long swords, each attached to their wrist. They were wearing a light brown hood, with a golden mask. Tan grayish metal with several holes was where the mouth was so the person could breathe. 

The person had killed the creature in one blow. Jonathan did not see anything familiar about that person at all. The person in the dark blue cloak stiffened at the sight of him. The armored female turned and saw the person in the dark blue cloak. The pink purplish eyes narrowed. 

Swiftly, she ran to the person with the swords on their wrists. She strung her bow onto her back and placed a slender hand on their back. She bent down and whispered into his ear. That person then spotted the dark blue cloaked person. Jonathan could see the person's dark green eyes. 

They were filled with a great mixture of hate, anger, and grief. The armored female drew her bow and strung a pure white arrow on it. She looked at the person beside her for permission to shoot. The person made eye contact with the dark blue cloaked person. For a heartbeat, they stared at each other. 

Then the person with the dark green eyes pointed a finger at the dark blue cloaked person. The armored female shot at the person. Swiftly, the person dodged the arrow and ran from the clearing. Jonathan turned to look back at the dark green-eyed person. For the briefest second, he could have sworn that he saw the glimmer of a tear. 


> Of Breakfast and Scrolls
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


“Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!” Jonathan shot up, his covers flying into the air. Sweat beaded on his forehead, and he took in huge breaths. He was fairly certain that his hands were shaking. The scream had come from him, a reaction of terror over what he had just seen. 

His heart pounded against his chest with loud beats. He shook his head to clear it.

Jonathan's breathing slowed as he gained control of himself. “Stupid necklace.” He muttered, kicking the rest of the covers away. That second dream… had it been real? 

Had that actually happened? He had no way of knowing. Not till he got home. Sunlight was pouring out of the window, so Jonathan assumed that breakfast was ready. He put his jacket back on, and his boots. 

Not one to leave a mess behind, Jonathan straightened the pillows and smoothed the blankets. He gave the necklace another tug. “If only this could come off.” He thought. Did his aunt ever have trouble with the necklace coming off? 

Running a hand through his locks, Jonathan walked downstairs where he smelled something yummy. Applejack was standing at an oven, cooking. Spike was sitting at a table writing in a notebook. He looked like he had been up all night. Bags were under his eyes. An orange pony with a magenta mane edged with teal was sitting there as well. 

She had wings and a long magenta tail. A shield cutie mark with a scooter on it and wings was on her flank. The table had a wooden butter tray with creamy brown apple butter in it. A knife lay at the edge.

Applejack glanced at him. “Well, howdy partner. Have a bad dream?” Jonathan nodded as he pulled up a chair. “Yeah. 

I think Twilight was right about my necklace giving me dreams. The second one was awful. The first one was good, though.” Spike finished writing and glanced at Jonathan. “Hello, Jonathan. 

Meet Scootaloo. Scootaloo, this is Jonathan, the human I was talking about.” Scootaloo nodded at him. “Hey there.” Applejack placed a plate of two biscuits, and several scrambled eggs in front of him. 

“Now then. Eat up. Don't want to lose your strength.” Jonathan cut a bit of the egg and placed it in his mouth. It tasted rather good. 

Eggs were a rare treat back in the town. Only when he, Lena, or anyone else discovered a wild bird's nest full of eggs did they get to taste them. Trisha had always prepared them by boiling them in hot water, and putting multiple spices on them. A tasty treat, they were. These however, were different. 

They were… fried in a pan. Maybe? Spike tapped the pencil against his cheek. “Jonathan. How many days have you spent here.” 

Jonathan stopped chewing. “Um. Let's see. I was out for a day, then spent most of one in Canterlot, then spent one exploring Ponyvillie, so today is my fifth day here.” Spike frowned. 

“I see. So then, what was the date of the day that you left?” Jonathan began counting on his left fingers with the fork still in his clenched right hand. “Uh, let me see here. It was in the beginning of fall, so that would have been in the month of Augustus. 

There is four weeks in a month, and the moon was full, so the day number would have been 16. And, Felix went to the nearby forest lake the day before all this happened, so that means it was a Tuesday because he always goes to the lake on Tuesday.” Scootaloo stared at him with slight awe. “You knew all that without looking at a calender?” Jonathan raised an eyebrow at her. 

“What is a calender?” Scootaloo blinked. Spike snorted. “Well, there is your answer. Hm. 

Augustus. The Patin term for the last month of summer, heading to fall. About the very beginnings of fall really. So it would be August, the sixteenth.” Jonathan's face fell suddenly. 

Spike raised an eyebrow. “What's wrong?” Jonathan poked at his egg with his fork. “Tomorrow will be the anniversary of my dead parents. And I won't be able to visit my aunt's grave.” 

He sighed and looked at Spike. “Was that helpful?” Spike nodded. Scootaloo looked at him. 

“But today is not the 16th, or is it August.” Spike nodded tiredly. “What year, Jonathan?” Jonathan took several bites of his egg as he thought. “3018.” 

He answered. Applejack sat down beside them. “Why do ya need the date, Spike?” Spike looked up from his notes. “Twilight decided that our world and Jonathan's world were in different times.” 

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. “Different times?” Spike cleared his throat. “You know, like another plane of existence. Another universe. 

Something like that. She wanted to know if our time lines were in the same time periods. Which they are not.” Spike glanced back at his notes, and stuck his pencil behind an ear. “Jonathan's world is in August, and we are on June the 20th. 

One month, and four days behind him.” Jonathan cocked his head. “June?” Spike shook his head slightly. “Or Lunius.” 

Jonathan nodded. Applejack looked at Spike real close. “Spike, you look worn out.” Spike sighed softly. “I bet I do.” 

Scootaloo frowned at him. “Spike, Twilight didn't make you stay up with all her figuring things out. Did she?” Spike gave a very sleepy shrug. “I am her number one assistant.” 

Applejack frowned. “Spike, Twilight isn't staying as well. Is she?” Spike shrugged again. Applejack sighed and shook her head. 

“Typical Twilight. Spike, you go and lay down before you nod off in that chair.” Spike nodded and climbed down. He mumbled to Applejack. "I made blueberry tea before I left. 

Help yourself to it." He settled down onto a nearby couch and closed his eyes. Few seconds later, he was fast asleep. 

Applejack went into another room to fetch something. Scootaloo walked over to the sleeping Spike and pulled a blanket over him. Jonathan finished eating his eggs and started on one of the biscuits. Cracking it open with his hands, he slid a layer of the creamy brown apple butter over the biscuit. He took a bite of the biscuit. 

It was good. A creamy, spicy, cinnamon, apple taste ran over his taste buds. It had just the right amount of spiciness and sweetness. It was very delicious. He took an another bite, this one bigger than the last.  

He could taste the biscuit as well. It was soft, fluffy, and warm the bread taste reminding him of a pie crust. He cracked the second open and spread a thicker layer over it. He took a satisfied bite of the biscuit. Applejack scraped more scrambled eggs from the cooking pan onto a plate. 

She took two biscuits, placed a jar of the creamy, apple butter with a knife, covered it with a cloth, and carried it to the table. “You willing to 
eat that on the way, Jonathan?” He nodded and swallowed. “Where to?” Applejack straightened her hat. 

“Twilight's place. Can't have her stay up all night and plan to stay up all day as well.” 

Jonathan grabbed the two biscuits and followed Applejack outside. Scootaloo followed them, her wings flapping. The outside was full of damp grass, sunny skies, singing birds, and puffy, white, clouds. A gentle breeze pushed against his hair, ruffling it. Jonathan, despite having a bad dream, been to find this mood lifting.

They walked along the dirt road, with Jonathan munching on the biscuits. Scootaloo would fly often into the sky in order to do a few loops, then soar back down. Applejack watched her with a proud smile on her face. "Ah knew Scoots would fly one day." Jonathan looked at Applejack.

"She couldn't before?" Applejack shook her head. "Her wings were unusually small for her age when she was little. But she got a growth spurt after receiving her cutie mark, and boy did those little wings grow. Now, they are slightly bigger than the normal wing span, making her a much better flier."

Jonathan nodded and watched Scootaloo's form as it flew through the sky. They soon arrived at a tree castle made from crystal. Jonathan finished eating the biscuits and wiped the crumbs from his hands. Applejack's hoof knocked on the door. "Twilight!
Are you in there?"

Silence answered them. Jonathan slowly cocked his head. He was certain that he heard a faint sound. Applejack's ear twitched. Then twitched again.

She frowned. Applejack opened the door and walked inside. Jonathan came with her. Scootaloo came in and shut the door. She floated lazily to the ground.

As they walked deeper into the crystal hallway, the faint sound got louder. It sounded a whole lot like snoring. Applejack's brow furrowed. 

They went into a room full of books, scrolls, charts, diagrams, desks, pens, paper, burning candles, smoking potions, a telescope, and symbols of magic. In the middle of the room was a lavender pony with wings, horn, and a dark purple mane and tail.

Applejack swerved around the mess and headed to the pony. Jonathan followed her, stepping over the mess delicately. Applejack's hoof shook the pony's shoulder. "Twilight?" Twilight snored in reply.

Applejack frowned. "Twilight!"

She said louder. Twilight kept snoring. "Twilight!" Twilight's head shot up with her eyes wide open. "The answer is sixty-five!"

Applejack blinked. "Huh?" Twilight blinked several times. "Applejack? What are you doing here?" At the look on Applejack's face, Twilight slowly looked around and began to look rather sheepish.

"Uh, I fell asleep again, didn't I?" Applejack nodded. Twilight giggled softly. "Heh. Oops."

Applejack sighed and gave Twilight a tight hug. "You gotta learn to cut yourself some slack, Twilight." Twilight hugged her back. "I know." Applejack finished the hug with one more squeeze and placed her plate onto the desk.

"Here Twilight. Eat some breakfast. I'll go get some of the blueberry tea." Twilight nodded yes, shook her head to clear it, and uncovered the plate with a hoof. Her horn glowed with a pink aura. 

It lifted a knife and cracked open a biscuit. With a swift swipe, it spread the creamy apple butter over the biscuit. Scootaloo came beside Twilight. “You made Spike so tired that he fell asleep right in the middle of Applejack's floor!” Twilight looked guiltily at her hooves. 

“He volunteered to help.” She mumbled. Scootaloo turned to one of the potions and watched bubbles float to the surface. Jonathan looked more closely at the scribbles Twilight had made onto the scroll before her. “What is this for?” Twilight glanced at it. 

“That is how we are going to activate your necklace.” Jonathan stared at her. “Meaning?” Twilight pointed a hoof at the necklace. “As far as I know, when you stepped into that room with the statue, your necklace was activated. 

Meaning that it somehow knew I was in danger over here and took you there. Automatically.” Jonathan stared at the necklace. A grimace covered his face. “Wonderful.” 

Twilight frowned. “But here is the thing. Unlike what I previously thought, it isn't going to keep doing that. From what I gathered, the wearer of said necklace is supposed to be able to pass between worlds by simply appearing before a landmark. Like the statue.” 

Jonathan nodded. “So it only did that, because I wouldn't have known how to do it on my own?” Twilight nodded. Jonathan's brow furrowed. “But that doesn't make any sense. 

Why would I even need to go here to save you? I'm not saying that its bad that I did save you, but I did have two other people that really needed to be saved at that moment. And I honestly think that Spike had it covered.” Twilight sighed. “Remember how we couldn't take it off?” 

Jonathan nodded. “Apparently, by putting it on, you are therefore bound to do something.” Her head cocked. “Wasn't there a ritual done, or a chant is spoken when you received it? Something like that?” 

Jonathan looked at his necklace. “I had to take an oath. And allow my aunt to draw a symbol of a horn on my forehead, a symbol of wings on my back. Symbols of leaves on the front of my hands. A six pointed star with five other stars on the front of my chest. And a streak on the bottom of my lip. ” Twilight nodded very slowly and took another bite of the biscuit. 

“Your aunt was the previous wearer of the necklace?” Jonathan bit his lip and nodded. Twilight chewed her cheek. “Well here is the thing. When Equestria is in danger, you are now bound by the necklace to come to its aid. 

You will have to literally drop everything to come.” Jonathan covered his face with his hand. This was awful news. How could he ever do anything meaningful when he could get popped away any second? “And to get you back.” 

Continued Twilight. “will take some work. And we shall add onto the fact that the previous wearer of the necklace must have added those UMCS.” Jonathan cocked his head. “UMCS?” 

Twilight cleared her throat. “Unidentified Magic Casting Symbol. I sensed quite a few on you when I examined your necklace in my aura.” 
Jonathan blinked. “What, are they?” 

Twilight shrugged. “I'm not sure. They seem to be there for you to cast magic, I suppose. I don't know what I am supposed to call them, though.” Scootaloo looked up from the potion. 

“How about runes?” Twilight nodded. “Okay, we will call them runes.” She looked Jonathan square in the eye. “Those runes could very well help us get you home. 

So, then we will activate your necklace, and discover how many, and what kind, you have. Sounds good?” Jonathan looked at his necklace. 
Once, back before all this crazy stuff, looking at it brought him comfort. Now, it no longer did. 

Only a sense of loneliness. 



“Sounds good to me, Twilight.”

> Learning Runes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


There was a forest lake in the woods. Not many townspeople knew where the lake was. It was a hidden place, one to go when the soul needed cleansing. The water poured out from a hidden geyser in the ground. The water was mineral rich, and clear as a diamond.

Lena sat on a large rock and stared at her reflection in the crystal blue water. It was in the middle of summer, and the land was warm. Jonathan and Argon were playing with Argon's sisters. She was alone for a few hours. This lake was a special place for her.

Nineteen years ago, Felix and Jonathan's father, Gelasio had been on a hunting trip.

They had discovered the lake and explored it. During the exploration, Felix and Gelasio had found her as a newborn baby on a rock beside the lake.

She was wrapped in a silver colored blanket that had a crescent moon on it. All she knew of her parents was that they had cared enough for her to place her somewhere warm and safe. The two men had brought her to the town. A kind woman with the name, Keldsworth had looked after her while she was a baby. She had been the one to give her the name Lena.

Then when she was six, the woman died from the disease that haunted Corina. Lena had moved to the streets, in order to survive. She took the woman's name as her last name, to honor her.

But she wasn't completely alone. Felix and Trisha gave her food when she couldn't find any back during the first years. It was during that time that she had gotten to know Jonathan and Argon. They were like family to her. Jonathan helped her hunt.

Argon taught her how to read and write. She cared deeply for them all. Lena sighed softly and picked up a gray, smooth pebble. She rolled it around in her fingers. She had a problem.

Ever since she turned fifteen, she had begun having feelings for Argon. But she was certain that he had none for her. She threw it into the lake. Hard. The resounding splash echoed throughout the lake.

She sighed heavily. Having no blood family meant that she had nothing to offer other than herself if she were to go into a relationship. No dowry. A dowry was a gift that you gave to the family of who you were to love. While she did know that Trisha and Felix wouldn't mind not having any bonus to their wealth, it still bothered her.

Jonathan had the status of his family being well known by the village. If he were to love someone, he could use his necklace and halberd as a dowry. She didn't even know if Argon gave her a chance if it would go that far. But her heart wouldn't let her not think of it. Footsteps sounded behind her.

They were accompanied by the thud of a staff. Lena's head quickly turned to the source. Elder Onyx Ashstone was standing on the trail, with his back to her. On his finger was a tiny baby bird. She stood.

"Greetings, Elder Onyx Ashstone." He turned, and saw her. "Greetings, young Lena Keldsworth. (Tis fine to see you)." His eyes searched her, and Lena got the uncanny feeling that he was reading her thoughts.

"Do you know what type of bird this is? (It's not easy to tell)." He asked, stretching out his hand. Lena got down from the rock and took a closer look. The baby bird still had it's fluffy down on it, and it's beady eyes blinked at her.

The feathers were black and white, and its beak was small and black. The wings were small, and Lena guessed that it had tried to fly only for it to fall out of the nest. All animals seemed to have a deep respect for Elder Onyx Ashstone, often approaching him without fear. He in return held a deep respect for them. "No, I don't."

Elder Onyx Ashstone's mouth was hidden from view behind his blue mask, yet she knew from the sparkle in his eye that he was smiling. "It's a mockingbird. (A baby mockingbird.) This little fellow will charm you by copying any tune from any bird and then steal your food. (Nature's little thief)." Lena giggled.

"Really?" He nodded. "Yes. (Very clever these birds are). But there is one thing that they do that is rather odd. (Only a few animals do this.)"

He climbed up a tree and stopped near a nest. Eight baby bluebirds were in that nest, along with a mother and father bluebird. They were chirping softly and cocked their heads at him.

Elder Onyx Ashstone placed the baby mockingbird gently in the nest. It hopped to the mother and father bluebirds. They nestled the hatchling with their wings, seeming to comfort it.

Lena raised an eyebrow at him as he got down. "Shouldn't the baby bird go back to its family?" Elder Onyx Ashstone shook his head. "The baby is already back with its family. (Mockingbirds lay their eggs in other bird's nests).

Their young are raised by perfect strangers. (It's how they work)." Lena stared. "The other bird's don't mind?" Elder Onyx Ashstone nodded.

"Not a bit. (The mockingbird males earn their own way to please a female mockingbird, you know)." Lena turned to him. "Really?" He gestured at a stray bluebird feather on the ground.

"They gather every piece of anything that is shiny and lines their nests with it. (But they really don't need to have it, the female would want to be with them, purely for them being them)." Lena nodded. "Thanks for telling me, Elder Onyx Ashstone." He nodded at her.

"Your welcome, Lena. (I hope that helps you)." She left the lake and headed off to find Argon and Jonathan.




A loud clunk startled him, and Jonathan jumped up with surprise. Twilight was frozen in mid-motion, her hoof having knocked over a large pot of water. She smiled at him sheepishly. "Sorry Jonathan." He mumbled.

"It's okay." The sun was at its very peak, and there were no shadows on the ground.

Jonathan had been laying on his side, watching Twilight. She was drawing a piece of chalk all around the dirt. She was copying the symbols from the scroll onto the ground. Spike was there, having woken up from his nap an hour earlier, and was happily enjoying a cup of blueberry tea.

Applejack had gone off to find the rest of Twilight's friends, for Twilight had said that it was best if they knew what was going on. Although 
Pinkie Pie probably already knew. Then he had fallen asleep and had another dream. Jonathan sighed, and rolled onto his side. His gut was aching from fear.

He was afraid that Argon or Lena was hurt.

He couldn't forget about the armored female, the nimble dagger throwing man, the hateful dark green eyed man, and the dark blue cloaked person that was so sad. Why was an arrow shot at the person? Why were there so many creatures?

Why did most of them seem so familiar? And why was the dark cloaked person sad? It was all so confusing. And there was no elder to go and ask advice from. Which was bad. 

Twilight stopped drawing with the chalk. “Alright, Jonathan. Step right into the middle of the chalk arcane symbol, please. But be really careful not to mess up the chalk. He tiptoed across the ground avoiding the white lines. 

Once he was in the middle, Twilight flapped to the outside. “Okay then. Everything is set. Ah, and there are my friends.” Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, a pink-maned pony with a butter yellow coat named Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie had arrived and were sitting on the sidelines. 

Twilight's horn glowed, and the chalk was set ablaze. “Jonathan, whatever you do, don't panic. Alright?” Jonathan swallowed nervously. “Right.” 

The air around him turned into a dark purple color. The fire itself was light lavender that was glowing. He felt shivers crawl up his back.

He felt an ethereal wind push at his locks, making them move along with it. The necklace lifted into the air as well and began to glow. Jonathan winced internally. “Here we go.” He looked at his back. 

Two large, glowing outlines in the shape of a pair of wings had appeared onto his back, just like the ones before. He felt his forehead. A horn was on there, like the one before. He glanced at his chest. An outline of a six-pointed star with five other stars was glowing there. 

Jonathan glanced at his hands. His hands bore the outlines of a single leaf on each. Then finally, he looked at his legs. An outlined tail lay there, moving as he moved. Five other marks were on his legs, two on his left, three on his right. 

The two on his left were each a mark of something. One was of three balloons. The other was of three diamonds. The three on his right were also a mark of something. One was of three apples. 

The other was of three butterflies. Lastly, one was a cloud with a lightning bolt coming out of it. The outline of Twilight could be seen through the dark purple air. “Okay then. Jonathan, step outside of the circle.” 

He obeyed. The air turned to normal, and the fire extinguished itself. He glanced at his hands. Everything had returned to normal. Twilight was scribbling into a notebook. 

She nodded. “So, then. The tail, horn, and wings are there merely for show, apparently. They simply are there to scare off enemies. Nothing more. 

However, all the five symbols on your legs are runes. Including the stars, and the leaves. Also, the streak on the bottom of your lip. The ones on your legs, and chest all have the same energy source. Light. 

It seems like they could be used for protection, healing, and amplifying spells. The ones on your hands and lip seem to have a mixture of 

Light and normal magic. This could be used for telekinesis, telepathy, and music. The streak on your lip seems to be what is allowing you to know what we are saying.” He blinked. 

“You mean without this. I wouldn't?” Twilight shook her head. “I think all you would be able to hear is a high pitched whine.” Jonathan suddenly snapped his fingers. 

“Of course! It makes sense now! Only I could hear the creature say 'die' over and over. Argon and Lena kept hearing a high pitched growl instead!” Twilight nodded. "But there are three others.” 

She looked at him with a calculating look. 

“I can't tell what they are. But I do know that when I try to tap into their energy source, they flare back at me with what feels like dark magic.” 

Jonathan sighed. “Even more wonderful. So these runes can get me home?” 

Twilight paused, then sighed. “Do you want the good news or the bad news? Or both?” Jonathan bit his cheek. “Both.” 

Twilight gestured at the necklace. “The runes aren't powerful enough for you to be taken back home. We need something in order to charge them. But at your world, I fully believe you could use them without charging them. Here, however, you have to charge them.”

Jonathan looked at her. “How do we charge the runes? Do we use another one of your spells?” Twilight shrugged. “I don't know. 
I haven't figured that out yet.” He groaned and slumped next to Spike. “Argon's gonna kill me…”

Pinkie Pie bounced over to him. “Hey, Jonathan! Guess what I was doing yesterday!” Jonathan looked at her. “What?” 

She kept bouncing. “I was wandering around the edge of Applejack's fields when I came across a rock. It had a name on it. And it was the most curious name I had ever seen!” Jonathan cocked his head. 

“What was the name?” Pinkie Pie answered. 

“Angina.” 
> Memories 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The reaction to Pinkie Pie saying that she found a rock with the name of Jonathan's aunt was rather loud. He had told Pinkie Pie to take him to the rock.

Twilight, Spike, and the other were coming with. There was only one problem. "Over this way!"

Pinkie Pie called, bouncing around the long grass. Jonathan was following her, his legs moving up and down. The grass was up to his knees. She stopped and frowned. "Wait no. This way!"

She called again, bouncing in the opposite direction. Jonathan sighed, and followed Pinkie Pie. The moon was shining it's light on the ground, casting a silvery light on everything.

Pinkie Pie had been running around on the edge of Applejack's property for hours now. And the rock was nowhere to be seen.

Applejack's face was getting more and more annoyed by the minute. Rarity was frowning at her hooves which were getting dusty. She was way less picky with her getting dirty, but there was a limit.

Rainbow Dash was frowning and her wings were flapping so hard that there was a snapping sound. Fluttershy was stumbling on the ground, for she was getting tired.

Twilight was fast asleep on Spike, snoring softly. Pinkie Pie stopped again and cocked her head. "Wait."

Applejack groaned. "Pinkie Pie, please tell me you have an idea about where we are going." Pinkie Pie nodded. "Yeah. I tripped over it when I was bouncing."

She chewed on her cheek. Then her eyes lit up. "Wait! I got an idea!" She ran ahead and stopped a distance away.

Then she began hopping back toward them. Jonathan watched her. His heart was pounding. Could there really be a rock with his aunt's name on it? Why would it be here?

He wished he knew. Pinkie Pie tripped over a hidden object in the grass. She fell flat on her face. "Ow!"

Jonathan ran over to where Pinkie Pie was. "Are you okay, Pinkie Pie?" Pinkie Pie nodded. "I'm okay dokey loikie!" He went over to the section of grass that Pinkie Pie tripped over.

There was a rock with a name on it. His heart almost skipped a beat. The name was Angina. He ran his hand over the smooth surface of the rock. A tear came into his eye.

His vision blurred. Jonathan knelt before the rock as the others gathered over behind him. They watched him sadly.

The necklace dangled from his neck. "Aunt, why is your name on this rock?" The rock was unresponsive.

His vision was obscured by tears. They were running down his cheeks, and dropping off his chin.

"Why did you give me the necklace? Why did you put the runes on me? 
Why?"

Applejack's hoof landed on his shoulder gently. "I'm sorry she's dead, sugar cube." She said softly. Jonathan nodded sadly. "She was the one to take care of me after my parents died.

But then she got that deadly disease and died. Now, Argon's family is all I have left." He closed his eyes and remembered the worst day of his life...



The rain pounded on the back of his neck. It dripped down his back, and onto the ground he stood on. The sky was a pure gray, not a patch of blue shone through.

The birds were huddled in their nests, feathers keeping them dry from the pouring rain. A nine year old Jonathan stood in front of what was soon to be his aunt's grave.

His eyes remained on his aunt's pale face. She was lying in a dark wooden coffin. She was wearing a dark red velvet dress, her hair curled into silver ringlets.

He was wearing a dark brown cloak, the only dark thing he owned. He was certain that he was now going to live on the streets.

But at least, there was Lena who could help him. A hand went on his head. He looked up.

Elder Onyx Ashstone's hand was on top of his head. His clear blue eyes were looking at him with a very sad look.

"I'm so sorry Jonathan. (She welcomed the end)." Jonathan gave Elder Onyx Ashstone's leg a tight hug. "I know. Lena and Argon will look after me.

It's just." He choked, and two streams of tears fell from his cheeks. "I'm gonna miss her so much."

He began to sob. Jonathan buried his face onto Elder Onyx Ashstone's blue robe as his shoulders shook. Elder Onyx Ashstone patted his back soothingly.

Then he saw the sliver chain of the necklace. "Your aunt gave you the necklace?

(Did she make you take an oath)?"Jonathan nodded. "It will be the one thing I will have left from her."

He clutched it with a chubby nine-year-old hand. "I promised her that I will always wear it."

Elder Onyx Ashstone seemed to study the young boy. Then he studied the body of the aunt.

"Well, it was her decision to give it to you. (We only hope that you will accept it)." Jonathan nodded.

"I will. I promise." Trisha, Argon and Felix arrived beside him, carrying little Corina who was only one. Her black raven hair framed her face as she clung to her father's neck. It matched the black dress that she was wearing. 

"Greetings, Elder Onyx Ashstone.” Felix said. He was wearing a pure black outfit, and so was Trisha. The look in her red, swollen eyes was full of grief, and her shoulders were slumped. The black dress she wore had mud on the bottom, probably from dragging it in the wet dirt. “Greetings, Felix Rowshield. 

(It is good that you came to pay your respects).” Jonathan noticed that Trisha had been crying. Hard. She sniffled. “How could we not? 

Kendra and Angina were both like sisters to me. And now… Both are, gone.” She broke down crying and lifted her hands to her face. Felix's eyes softened. 

He reached out an arm, and pulled his wife to his chest. He wrapped it around her waist, stroking her hair and kissing her forehead in order to comfort her. Corina burbled softly, and waved a tiny fist at her mother. 

Argon's hand clutched Jonathan's. “Hey.” Jonathan wiped his nose with the other. “Hey.” Argon was wearing a pure black suit and his dark brown locks were slicked down from the rain. 

His dark green eyes were full of sadness and pity. His foot pushed at the mud. “Lena's coming too. She wanted to wear something dark, so she went to look for a cloak or something.” Jonathan nodded. 

“Wait a minute. What is he doing here?” From the tone of Argon's voice, Jonathan looked away from his aunt to see the person that Argon was talking about. His fist tightened. Rayon was standing a distance away, staring at the grave. 

He looked highly uncomfortable and was pacing. His silver eyes were darting to and fro nervously. Jonathan grimaced. “I don't know, but he better not do anything,” Argon growled. 

“If he does…” Chavez Foretor came into view from behind Rayon. He was walking with his cane. After receiving the injury, Chavez Foretor had to walk around town with a cane. A pretty, slender girl was with Chavez Foretor, one with brown hair, pale skin, and pinkish purple eyes. 

Rayon ran a hand through his sliver hair twice. Then with a quick glance, at the grave he shoved something into Chavez Foretor's hand, pointed at the grave, and ran off. The girl stared at the running figure, and looked at Chavez Foretor's hand.

Jonathan went back to staring at the cold body of his aunt. Rain had fallen onto her cheeks, making it look like she was crying. Jonathan felt tears run down his own. Again. He glanced at Felix, only to see that he was crying as well. 

Chavez Foretor had limped to the grave and was staring at it. The girl was beside him. “I couldn't believe at first that she was dead. Angina was a very odd girl to be sure, but she was always kind. Showed me where to find an important herb was, once.” 

He placed the something that Rayon had given him next to her grave. It was a vial of dirt and water with a tiny water lily in it. Jonathan blinked. 

"Rayon made that?" Chavez Foretor nodded.

Argon frowned. "But he hates us." Chavez Foretor nodded again. "Yes. But your aunt showed him kindness before, and I bet he wanted to repay that."

Jonathan started. "But he hates my aunt! He calls her." He paused. "Called her weak.

Chavez Foretor smiled bitterly. " There is a little thing we do in the poor section of town. Sure, we call the rich and wealthy people all sort of names, steal from the traders, and slaughter animals, but when someone shows us kindness, we feel the need to repay that. You know, your aunt must of helped Rayon's grandmother once." Argon blinked.

"Rayon has a grandmother?" Chavez Foretor nodded. "Yeah. She practically lives in the Slob. Blind, lame, nearly deaf, and doesn't remember one minute to the next.

She is the only family Rayon has left. Rayon wasn't the only one to receive your aunt's kindness." Chavez Foretor looked Johnathan in the eye. 

"Your aunt was always willing to give us healing powders and if it wasn't for her, little Lena wouldn't be here." Lena arrived, wearing a dark blanket around her waist.

She was dragging a large bag. "I'm... Sorry that I'm late. It took me awhile to find this." She dragged the bag to Chavez Foretor.

Her arms hugged Jonathan tightly. "Sorry, I don't look so good." Jonathan hugged her back. "It's perfectly fine. You look great."

Chavez Foretor looked at the girl who went to the bag. She opened it, and took out a wreath of dark red roses. She went to the edge of the grave. She knelt down, and placed the wreath of roses beside his aunt's head.

As I said, we do not like carrying debts around. So the vial with the lily was Rayon's way. This." He reached into the bag and lifted something big out. "Is ours."

Jonathan gasped. Several bags of crystals were in Chavez Foretor's hands. "These, Johnathan can be made into a crystal halberd. Argon's jaw dropped. "A crystal halberd?!

Those take a decade to make!"

Chavez Foretor nodded. "Your father owned several bags of crystal that he received when he married your mother. It was her dowry. When they died, your aunt gave them to me. She wanted me to use them to support my family.

But I never had the heart to sell them. So, we give them to you. Ask Elder Onyx Ashstone, and he will show you how to craft a crystal halberd. 

With the crystal halberd, you can not only defend yourself against things that would attack you, but you can defend yourself." Jonathan nodded and took the bags.

They were very heavy in his arms. "Thank you. Chavez Foretor." He nodded once at Jonathan, then left. The girl followed him, helping him along. Lena stood at the grave, a few tears dripping from her face.

"I wish that she didn't die. I liked her." She placed a necklace made of grass and leaves onto his aunt's neck. Argon put his arms around Lena comfortingly. "I will miss her too.

She was a great woman." Jonathan turned to Elder Onyx Ashstone who had been watching the whole thing. He took the bags from Jonathan. "Come to the well, tomorrow. (This crystal halberd shall be created)."

Trisha placed her hands on Johnathan's shoulders. "Don't you worry Jonathan. I won't let you end up on the streets. If you ever need somewhere to be, just come to us. We will help you."

Jonathan nodded sadly. "Okay." Trisha hugged him tightly, burying his face into the cloth of her dress. Tears fell onto the top right of his head. He wrapped his arms around her waist, and despite his will, felt tears beginning to form.

Elder Onyx Ashstone placed the bags beside his feet, and lifted a hand over Angina's body. "Angina Hayworth Markson. (Younger sister of Kendra Jen Robertson). You lived a good life here, helping the needy and giving advice to the rich. (You defended those that could not defend themselves).

You worked hard, making sure that Jonathan had something in order for him not to be alone when you left. (You made sure that the consequences of your actions would be as light as possible). 

You will not be forgotten in the ancient past, the ever changing present, nor the unknown future. May the Everfree forest keep your soul in forever peace." As Elder Onyx Ashstone finished speaking, he pushed at the end of the grave.

A slow rumble started, and the lid began to automatically close. Jonathan squeezed Trisha harder. Trisha let out a sob, and buried her head into Felix's chest as he hugged Trisha. Corina burbled again, and placed her tiny curled fist onto her mother's head. Argon hugged his mother's legs.

Lena stared at them, tears running down her cheeks. Felix saw her and nodded his head at her. “You can join in if you wish, Lena.” Lena started, then gave him a watery smile. She came in between Argon and Jonathan, holding them both close. 

The sound of the grave's lid hitting the other end came out. It sounded like the breaking of a heart. Jonathan winced, and held tighter. “Don't you worry, auntie.” He sniffled. 

“I'll always treasure this necklace.”



Jonathan opened his eyes and stared at the dangling necklace. He sighed heavily. Then, as he began to get up, the necklace touched the stone. 

The ground underneath him fell away to reveal stairs running down into an unknown place. He fell onto them. 

Hard.
​

> Markings of the Past
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


" Johnathan! Johnathan!" Called out Applejack. "You all right?" Jonathan groaned, and lifted himself off the stairs.

Applejack's worried face was staring at him from the top of the hole. The sky was beginning to lighten up, as the moon slowly set and the sun slowly rose. "Ow. Yeah." Twilight's sleepy voice was heard.

"What's going on?" She yawned. Rarity answered. "Twilight dear, Johnathan fell through that hole over there." Twilight's face appeared next to Applejack.

"Johnathan! I think you found something." Jonathan grunted. "Yes, I did." He got to his feet.

The hole only reached to his waist. Rainbow Dash came over. "Does lead to some horrific monster?" Twilight cocked her head. "Why would that be?"

Rainbow Dash clapped her hooves. "Because a horrific monster would be totally awesome!" Twilight rolled her eyes. "It probably does not." Pinkie Pie jumped up and down beside Rainbow Dash.

"Or maybe we could find a super duper party!" Fluttershy came over beside Pinkie Pie. "Or maybe a new creature." She quietly added. Spike jumped beside Johnathan. 

"Why don't we find out what is there." Jonathan walked down the stairs first, with Spike and Twilight behind him. Behind them was Rarity and Applejack, followed by Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. At first the ceiling was really low, and Jonathan had to duck as he walked along. But the farther they went, the higher the ceiling became. 

But it also became darker. Twilight's horn glowed with a pink aura, giving them a faint purplish light. The steps were made of marble, but they had yellowed with age. Cracks could be seen in the rock, and along the walls and ceiling, spider webs hung down to ensnare their heads. The walls were first made of hard dirt but slowly turned to stone. 

Jonathan glanced at his necklace. “So this necklace is doing even more weird things now.” He thought, a slightly angry feeling settling over him. 

He tried to yank the necklace off once more only to fail. With a grunt, he hid it underneath his shirt so he wouldn't have to look at it. 
Spike looked at Twilight.

“Twilight, when did the Everfree forest came to be?” Twilight's ear flicked once, as the sound of conversation from the others behind them could be faintly heard. “After Nightmare Moon's banishment. The forest was created from the magic that was flung around.” Spike nodded. 

“Jonathan. You said that the forest near your town is rumored to be called Everfree?” Jonathan nodded. Spike looked at Twilight. “Twilight, I think Jonathan's time is the future.” 

Twilight raised an eyebrow at him. “Why do you think that?” Spike answered. “Think about it. If the Everfree forest wasn't created till Nightmare Moon's banishment, then the town couldn't have been there before. 

And if it was there during the thousand years, then Princess Celestia would have taken notice. And it couldn't of suddenly vanished either. So, for it to exist, he must belong in the future. One that is most likely, far away from our time.” Twilight frowned. 

“But then what made humans come into the land, and ponies leave?” Spike shrugged. “I don't know.” Jonathan turned to them slightly as he walked. “I don't have any answers to give you. 

All I know are the legends I was told as a kid.” Twilight nodded. “Well, legends could very well have a grain of truth you know. Take Nightmare Moon for instance.” Jonathan glanced at her. 

“Nightmare Moon?” Twilight blinked. “Oh right, you don't know. Nightmare Moon was Princess Luna before she turned to good.” Jonathan raised an eyebrow. 

“You mean she once was not good?” Spike nodded. “Jealously and grief over ponies shunning her night corrupted her soul. She decided to not lower the moon in order to show ponies how beautiful it really was. An act that had good intentions, but like ponies always say, the road to Tartarus is paved with good intentions. 

So, naturally this would have had enormous consequences. Princess Celestia tried to convince her sister to forgo her plan and lower the moon. The problem was, Princess Luna's jealousy had grown to the point where she hated her sister. In the heat of the moment, she turned into Nightmare Moon from that corruption and attacked Princess Celestia. Princess Celestia, in return, used the Elements of Harmony to defend herself. 

The Elements of Harmony sent Princess Luna to the moon, where she stayed for a thousand years.” Jonathan's mouth dropped. “A thousand years?! How did she live that long?” Twilight flapped her wings. 

“Alicorns live for a very, very long time.” Jonathan looked at Spike. “Those Elements of Harmony just keep popping up. Are they your main source of protection?” Spike nodded. 

“Yes. Most likely, our only.” Jonathan blinked. “Your only source of protection? Well, better not lose them.” 

Twilight sighed. “Yeah, well the thing is, we had to give them up in order to save Equestria. So now, we have no protection.” Jonathan paused. 

“How long ago was this?” 

Twilight chewed her cheek. “Ten years ago. Why?” Jonathan stiffened. “Ten years ago, my aunt died. 

And I received this necklace.” Twilight's head snapped up. “Of course! When we lost our main protection, you must have filled in that gap! That makes perfect sense!” 

Spike cocked his head. “So then, the previous bearer must have been the one to protect Equestria from danger when the Elements of Harmony were not available.” Jonathan blinked. “My aunt.” Twilight frowned. 

“You mean before Discord?” Spike nodded. Jonathan looked at Twilight in confusion. “Discord?” Spike scratched at an itchy scale. 

“He is the god of chaos and has enormous power. He was the ruler of Equestria before Princess Celestia and Princess Luna overthrew him using the Elements of Harmony. Before that, though, we have no knowledge.” Jonathan looked at his feet. “So my aunt must have served that unknown ruler of Equestria. 

That would explain all the absences that Trisha mentioned before. But wait a second. She took off the necklace after my parents died, or so Felix said. Where was her painful consequence?” Spike looked at him. 

“How old were you then?” Jonathan's hand fell. “Three. I guess I wouldn't have been old enough to know.” Twilight's wings ruffled. 

“So after your parents died, she stopped coming. The throne must have been empty at that time, and Discord must have taken it for himself. But the ponies that knew her couldn't have forgotten her.” Spike looked at the walls. “Who said that they did?” 

They arrived at the end of the stairs. Torches suddenly lit up at their entrance. A large room was before them. A stone table was in the middle, with a statue of a female laying on top of it. A painting was behind the table. 

Jonathan walked over to the statue. It was carved to look like a human female with waist long hair. Her eyes were closed, and she had a peaceful expression on her face. A stone copy of the necklace was on her neck. Her head was covered by a circlet with a sapphire in the middle. She was wearing armor down to her waist. 

A long skirt covered her legs, ending at her feet. Two long thin swords were at her belt, and in her hands, she was holding an elaborate upside down rose. Jonathan went over to the painting. It was the same woman at the stone table, yet she was in color. The armor was gold, with the skirt being a bright white. 

Her hair was red, black, and gray. Her face was stern. Jonathan gasped. “Auntie!” Twilight came up behind him. 

“Well, I suppose that this must be the memorial.” Rarity made a noise of discomfort. “That stone rose is upside down!” Jonathan turned to look at Rarity. She was frowning. 

“That is absolutely terrible! The artist should have placed it right side up!” Applejack rolled her eyes. “Don't be so picky, Rarity.” Rarity's eyes flared. 

“Picky? Picky! Well, I say Applejack! I was not picky when Pinkie Pie dragged us through all that mud all night long! I was not picky when we went down those dusty stairs that had spider webs that got in my beautiful mane! 

I was not picky one bit! So let me be picky about this if you please! This rose should be right side up!” With a hump, Rarity tugged at the rose to prove her point. The rose moved slightly. 

Rarity blinked. “Oh, it's movable.” She tugged at the statue's hands and was able to lift them high enough to spin the rose to the right position. 

She gave a satisfied sigh as she placed the hands back into their positions, and stepped back from the table. The statue’s sapphire glowed. 

Her eyes opened. They glowed a sapphire blue. Slowly, she sat up. Rarity's mouth opened in shock. Jonathan stared, and began to shake Twilight. 

“Twilight, you better take a look at this.” She turned around and saw the moving statue. 

“What?” Pinkie Pie jumped up and down. “Ooh! She's alive!” Applejack stared, her eyes unblinking. 

Fluttershy cowered behind Rainbow Dash, who lifted her hooves in a fighting stance. 

The statue bent down and placed the rose gently onto the ground. She grabbed the hilts of her swords and drew them out. She turned to 
Rainbow Dash, and lifted them threateningly. Spike gave out a warning growl, and a ripple went through his back. Jonathan ran in front of the statue. 

“Wait!” He cried. The statue stopped, and the sapphire eyes pierced him. He froze. They were so alike and yet so unlike his aunt's eyes. 

“Don't hurt them, please! We are only here because my aunt's name is on the rock.” The statue remained frozen in place and continued to look at him with unwavering silence. He winced slightly. Twilight's horn glowed with a pink aura. 

Jonathan's necklace floated out from underneath his shirt and flopped onto his chest. The statue's eyes softened at the sight of it, and her arms lowered. She sheathed the long thin swords and knelt before Jonathan. “What is thy command, Master?” Her voice echoed out, light, and lovely as a flute. 

Jonathan blinked in surprise. “Master?” He asked. Spike relaxed, and looked at Twilight. “Good going there Twilight. 

How did you know that would work?” She smiled at him. “Thanks. I noticed that the necklace was the key to this place. In my mind, it would also be the instrument that would help us communicate with the statue.” 

She looked at the statue with curiosity. “I think she is some sort of Golem.” Jonathan looked at Twilight. “Golem?” She explained. 

“Golems are magic creations that obey any command given by their creator or the ones that the creator said to obey.” Jonathan frowned. 

“Don't they get to choose?” Twilight shook her head. “They aren't alive in that sense. 

They only live to serve their masters in any way the master wants them to serve. Basically, they are a being that has no free will.” Twilight's eyes suddenly gleamed. “But they can store knowledge. Jonathan, ask her if she knows how to activate your runes.” 

He nodded and looked back at the statue. “Okay then, Golem. Please tell me how to activate my runes.” The statue replied. “Which ones, Master?” 

Jonathan looked back at Twilight. 

She blinked. “All right then. How about we try…” She paused as she thought. “Neutral Runes.” 

Jonathan looked back at the Golem. “Neutral Runes.” The Golem's voice rang out. “As you wish, Master.” She rose and turned to the stone table. 

Raising a hand, she touched it in the middle. The stone table glowed with a sapphire colored light, and an object came into existence. When the light faded, a scroll was on the table. The Golem's hands delicately pick up the scroll and she turned back to Jonathan. She knelt once more and lifted her arms to offer the scroll. 

Jonathan hesitantly took it. Once he did so, the Golem's eyes turned from a glowing sapphire back into a stone cold gray. Jonathan stared. 

“What happened to her?” Twilight looked at her. 

“She deactivated. Once you need anything from her, all you need to do is place the rose into her hand right side up again.” She smiled at Rarity. “For once, your finickiness saved the day.” Jonathan opened the scroll to peer inside. 

It contained a random assortment of symbols. “What is this?” Rainbow Dash looked over her shoulder. “Hm, looks to be in code.” Twilight's ears perked up. 

“A code? Ooh, I can decode it!” Applejack looked sternly at Twilight who shrank back. “Don't ya stay up all night doing it, Twi.” Applejack warned. 

Twilight nodded. Jonathan handed her the scroll and the group went out of the room. Outside, the morning light was pouring out over the ground as the sun rose. Jonathan sighed. “I've now been here six days.” 

He thought. “Almost a week. Argon. Lena.
You better be okay.”
​

> Backward Numbers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The afternoon sun glinted on the stone walls of the Rowshield house. Lena giggled as she chased an eight-year-old Corina around the street in front of the house. Her raven black hair flew behind her back, and her feet flew as she ran. Trisha smiled as she watched the two run about. Then she glanced at Felix and Jonathan. 

Both were standing on the path to the house, holding wooden halberds. Jonathan's crystal halberd was near completion, his ability to use it would come on his nineteen birthday. Elder Onyx Ashstone had, however, insisted that Jonathan learned how to use a halberd so that when he finally had the crystal halberd, he could use it. Felix had learned the basics from Jonathan's father and therefore had taught Jonathan them over the years. However, Jonathan was now being faced with a new challenge. 

To create his own combos with the halberd. A far bigger challenge than it would seem. The best way to do this was by practicing with Felix. Felix decided to allow Corina to play near them, but not too close, in order for Jonathan to learn to not allow himself to be distracted. Jonathan slowly circled Felix, waiting for him to make a move. 

Felix's eyes skillfully watched him, and when Jonathan became too close to his open back, he turned to face him. Felix made a move, his wooden halberd swinging towards Jonathan from the right. Jonathan swiftly dodged left, and swung his own toward Felix's open back. Felix quickly blocked it with the halberd's handle and pushed Jonathan backward. Jonathan fell back two steps. 

Felix struck at him, causing Jonathan to dodge once more. He took a deep breath, then charged forward and swung at Felix's left. Again, Felix blocked, pushed him back, and struck. This time, though, Jonathan blocked him with his halberd's handle and pushed him. Felix, however, dug in his heels so that he was not pushed back as far. 

He leaned forward against Jonathan, so that his weight pressed onto Jonathan, pushing him back instead. Jonathan blinked in surprise as he stumbled backward. Felix charged. Jonathan tried to block but ended up crossing his handle with Felix's. A glint went into his eye. 

He twisted around on his feet, yanking Felix's halberd out of his grasp and tossing it out of his reach. It landed on the stone wall of the house and fell to the ground with a clatter. Jonathan grinned. Felix wasn't done yet, though and lunged forward to grab Jonathan's handle with his bare hands. Twisting around on his feet himself, he pushed Jonathan backward. 

He fell onto his back. "Hey!" Felix took a deep breath and ran a hand through his raven black hair. "Whew! You're getting quite nimble my boy." Jonathan glared at him as he picked himself up. 

"That's cheating." Felix chuckled. "No, it is seeing an opportunity and catching it. In a battle, that is being smart. Slightly underhanded maybe, but I'd leave that fancy stuff to the ones who wield swords. 

With a halberd, though, you've got a lot of options that a sword wielder doesn't. A nice balance, since they got a sharp blade." Trisha clapped. "Good work! And you didn't even give Lena or Corina a single glance during the whole thing!" 

Jonathan smiled at her and looked at Lena and Corina. They were now weaving flowers into bracelets. "Hey, Lena. Have you seen Argon anywhere?" Lena looked up from her flower bracelet. 

"I think he was at the market, getting Trisha some new blankets. The babies wore through them rather fast."

Trisha looked after some babies of mothers who couldn't look after them. All women of the town, poor and rich, were responsible for those children, but most were too busy looking after their own families to give them much attention. So Trisha used her spare time to give the youngest one's food and rest. They gave them the nickname of 'the baby' or 'the babies' if it was more than one since most of the time they didn't know the baby's name. Jonathan's aunt used to look after them herself before she died.

Trisha frowned. "He should have been back by now." Corina looked at Johnathan. "Do you think that he got into another fight with Rayon?" Jonathan sighed.

"I'd better go check." He went through the gate, and out on the street. Corina looked at Lena. "You better go after him." Lena nodded, handed her flower bracelet to Corina and ran after Johnathan.

The afternoon market crowd made walking difficult as they had to grab onto each other's arms in order not to lose each other in the mass of people. Jonathan allowed Lena to take the lead as she looked around for a possible fight in alleyways. He looked at stalls for Argon in case they were wrong, and he was just buying something at a stall. Lena stopped before an alleyway, then cocked her head. She rolled her eyes and groaned.

"Oh no." Jonathan looked at her and heard what she heard. "Get back here, you!" Argon's voice came from the alleyway. He sounded mad.
Sounds of feet running echoed in the alleyway. "You have to catch me first, you widdle rich kid!" Rayon's taunting voice came out as well. Lena sighed. Jonathan growled.

"Not him, again." Lena took two steps forward into the alleyway, but then quickly scrambled away as Rayon ran past her clutching a brightly colored blanket in his left hand. Argon appeared right behind him, panting for breath. An angry look was on his face, and he glared at Rayon. "Give," he panted.

"That back." Rayon laughed and twirled it around. "First, you have to catch me!" A sneer twisted his face. "Are you tired, already?

Aren't you going to get me?" Argon snarled, and took a step forward, only to trip on a rock and fall onto his face. Both Lena and Johnathan bent down and helped him back onto his feet. Rayon snorted, then laughed harder. "Are you that tired?

I must be faster than I thought! No wonder Johnnie boy here has to protect you!" Jonathan snarled. "Don't call me that Rayon!" Rayon stuck his tongue out at him.

"Make me." Jonathan made a move to punch Rayon but was stopped by Lena. "Wait, Johnathan." She pointed out two of Rayon's gang members nearby. They hadn't seen anything yet, but if Jonathan punched Rayon they would be alerted.

Lena took a step forward, clenching her fists. "If he wants to be chased, then let him be chased." Rayon's face changed from a sneer to surprise. 

"You're going to chase me?" Lena cocked her head at him.

"Do you think I can't keep up?" Rayon opened his mouth, then closed it. He chewed on his lip, thinking. Argon looked at Lena. "Are you really going to chase him?"

Lena grinned slyly. "Why wouldn't I?" Jonathan gritted his teeth. "As long as he doesn't call you names." Lena turned to look at him.

"Ya know, Rayon knows better than to call me names." Argon looked at Johnathan. "I bet he does. Lena punches hard." Jonathan glanced at Argon.

"You know this, how?" Argon snickered. "One of his gang members punched me in the face once, and Lena punched him back. Knocked him out for most of the afternoon too." Jonathan looked back at where Rayon was standing. 

"Hey, he's gone." Lena turned around as well, to see that Rayon was no longer standing there. Where he was, the blanket lay. Lena smiled. "Good. 

He's gone." She picked the blanket up, and went back to Argon, handing him back the blanket. "There you go." She elbowed him in the gut. "Next time, don't chase Rayon. 

He is as nimble as anything." Argon rolled his eyes, but Jonathan could see the smirk on his mouth. "And what if you chased him?" Lena grinned. "I would have knocked him to the ground. 

Then he couldn't have run away." She pulled at Jonathan's and Argon's hands. "I'll race you to Argon's house." Argon grinned. "Oh, it's on." 

Jonathan was already beginning to run. "Last one there is a rotten piece of meat!" Argon chased after him. "Hey, no fair!" Lena ran behind him, laughing as she followed her friends... 



Thump! Jonathan started as the loud noise awoke him. "Sorry Jonathan." Spike apologized as he began to shuffle through the books that he had dropped upon the crystal table. Jonathan yawned, and stretched. 

He remembered going back to the house and collapsing on the table as Twilight and Spike began to figure out the code. "Perfectly fine. What time is it?" Spike glanced at the clock. "1:30." 

Jonathan groaned. "Is it me, or am I falling asleep much more often now?"  Spike chuckled. "I bet your necklace is using some of your energy to give you the dreams. Therefore, falling asleep would not only give you the dream but also create energy." 

Jonathan sighed. "Great." Spike turned to one side and handed Jonathan an apple. "Something for lunch." Jonathan smiled and took it. 

"Thanks." A loud clang sounded out, and Twilight's voice called out. "That's not right either!" Spike sighed and shut the book he was reading. "Great." He opened another and began to flip the pages furiously.

"Another dead end." Jonathan took a bite of the apple. "What are you guys doing anyway?" Spike lifted a piece of paper. "We figured out the symbols. 

They were an ancient Griffon way of putting numbers. So, by  figuring out the symbols, we got this." Jonathan took a look at the paper. It read. 

"8-15  14-15-15-13  20-1-8-20  19-5-14-9-8-19  14-9  5-8-20  25-11-19  5-8-20  14-15-15-13  9  5-5-19  5-8-20  14-15-15-13  9  5-22-15-12  9  11-19-1  21-15-25  25-4-1-12  14-15-15-13  8-20-9-23  18-21-19-25  19-7-14-9-23  23-20-19-5-2  14-15-16-21  5-13  5-8-20  25-22-5-22-1-18-2  9  4-5-5-14  15-20 18-5-21-17-14-15-3  15-20  14-9-23  15-20 15-4  7-14-9-8-20-25-14-1  15-19  7-14-9-18-2  5-8-20  7-14-9-8-20  9  11-5-5-19  25-4-1-12  14-15-15-13  8-20-9-23  5-8-20  19-8-9-14-4  8-20-9-23  25-8-20  20-8-7-9-12  20-19-1-3  14-15-16-21  13-5  9  8-3-19-5-5-2  21-15-25  20-19-1-3  25-22-5-22-1-18-2  18-21-15-14-15-21-8  4-14-1  14-9-1-7  15-19  20-8-1-20  9  25-1-13  7-14-9-19  5-11-9-12  5-8-20  6-12-15-23  20-1-8-20  19-12-23-15-8  6-12-15-23-5-14-15-12  8-15  14-15-15-13  20-1-8-20  19-5-14-9-8-19  14-9  5-8-20  25-11-19  5-8-20  9  5-5-19  5-8-20  9  5-22-15-12  9  11-19-1 21-15-25  25-4-1-12  14-15-15-17  8-20-9-23  18-21-19-25  19-7-14-9-23  23-20-19-5-2  21-16-15-14  5-8-20  25-22-5-22-1-18-2  9  4-5-5-14"

Jonathan blinked. "What is that?" Spike shrugged. "That is what we are trying to find out." He put the book down and ran a claw along the words. 

Twilight's voice groaned again. "Ah come on!" Jonathan looked in the direction that Twilight's voice came from. "What is she doing?" Spike made a few notes on another piece of paper. 

"Trying every math problem she can think of. While I try to figure if the numbers are, in fact maybe hiding letters."  Jonathan cocked his head. "Letters? How can numbers hide letters?"

Spike pointed at the paper. "If you look closely, the numbers only go up to number 26. No higher. And there are only twenty-six numbers in the alphabet." Jonathan took another bite. 

"So maybe the numbers stand for letters? Like 1 is A, B is 2?" Spike groaned and thumped his head on the book. "I've tried that. All I get is this." 

He shoved another piece of paper toward Jonathan. It read. "Ho noom taht senihs ni eht yks." Jonathan stared at it. "What is this?" 

Spike thumped his head onto the book again. "This feels impossible to solve. That language is not in any textbook we have!" Scootaloo trotted in, her wings folded at her sides. In her hooves was a cup of apple juice. "Hey, Spike." 

He lifted his head slightly from the book and grunted. "Where were you?" Scootaloo sat next to Jonathan. "Had to practice some awesome new flying moves." She slid the cup of apple juice over to him. 

"You look like you need this." Spike grunted his thanks and took a gulp. Jonathan crunched on his apple again. Scootaloo glanced at the paper. "Oh, moon that shines in the sky.

Interesting." Spike's eyes widened. Jonathan stopped mid-crunch and began to choke. Spike's claw thumped on his back. He quickly swallowed, and looked at her. 

"Wait, you can read that?" Scootaloo nodded. "Its written backward, me and the girls wrote notes in this language so that Miss Cheerlie couldn't read what we were saying." Spike grabbed a pencil and paper. He turned to Scootaloo. 

"Scootaloo, teach me how to read this language please." Scootaloo laughed. "It's easy to do. Take the word 'ho'. Switch the 'o' in front of the 'h' and you get 'oh'."

Jonathan looked at her. "What if we get bigger words?" She pointed at the next one. "So then we could take the word 'taht' and do the same thing. Switch around the 'T' and the 'H'. 

You get 'that'." Spike grabbed the piece of paper with the numbers and began to quickly copy them into letters. "Jonathan, go get Twilight. Scootaloo, we are going to need your help if we are to get this done by sundown."

> Katzes, Engels, and Fisch.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


“Oh moon that shines in the sky
The moon I see, the moon I love
I ask you lady moon with your wings
Bestow upon me the bravery I need
to conquer, to win, to do anything… 

So bring the thing I seek lady moon
with thy shine, with thy light
Cast upon me, I beseech you
Cast bravery, honor, and gain
So that I may sing like 
the wolf that howls your name

Let me be the lone wolf
Oh moon that shines in the sky
The moon I see, the moon I love
I ask you lady moon with your wings
Bestow upon me the bravery I need.”

Jonathan finished reading the poem aloud and placed it back onto the table. Scootaloo, Twilight, and Spike were all gathered around at the table. It had taken some time to copy down the numbers into letters that were backward, and turn them into frontward. In fact, it had indeed taken them to sundown. But now, at last, they were done and the final produce was before them. 

And it turned out to be some sort of poem. 

His apple core lay nest to the paper, having been eaten some time ago. Glasses of apple cider had been fetched and now sat next to their owners, half empty. Twilight blinked, and took a sip of her cider. “Hm, a poem. Not what I had in mind.” 

Spike yawned and stretched. “Well if you don't mind, I'm off to bed.” Scootaloo's wings flapped. “Yeah, I'm off too. See ya later.” 

Spike and Scootaloo left, leaving Jonathan and Twilight alone. Jonathan chewed his cheek and looked at the poem. “Will this poem get me home?” Twilight shrugged. “It should, but I'm not 100% certain. 

I have never been one much for poems really.” Her horn glowed with a pinkish aura, and she began to tidy up the table. Books, paper and quills flew above his head into their places. The setting sunlight glinted on the table. Jonathan sighed. 

“What exactly are we going to do with it?” Twilight looked at the poem. “I think what I will do is activate your necklace again, then read the poem aloud. If that does nothing then I guess we could try something else. Visit the golem again, I suppose.” 

Jonathan gripped the necklace. “And what if it does?” Twilight swept the final objects off the table. “Then you are home.” She cocked her head at him. 

“I do wonder, though. Are there any other species in your world other than humans?” Jonathan blinked at her. “Huh? Species?” 
Twilight explained. “Ya know, like other people. Different, intelligent life forms.” Jonathan shrugged. “Maybe… 

I don't really know. All I have seen are humans, but that isn't saying a lot. I have lived in a town all my life. If there were any other species, I wouldn't know if they existed. The only one who would know is Elder Onyx Ashstone. He hinted at it once before.” 

Twilight nodded, and trotted off to bed, leaving him to gaze at his reflection on the glossy crystal table.



The crystal bed at Twilight's was his size and the blankets were comfy, yet he just couldn't go to sleep. His gut just ached something fierce as he laid there. The moonlight had come in through the window and lit up the nearby wall with a silvery light. His boots were caked with mud from the previous night, so he had left them outside. His jacket was on the floor where he had dropped it. 

The sheets were strewn across the bed from his constant tossing and turning. No matter what, he couldn't shake the fear that something awful had happened to his friends. It remained, like an ice cold hand on his heart. He kept catching himself staring at the ceiling. He groaned and looked down at his chest. 

The necklace lay there, the cold metal seeping the warmth from his skin. He frowned and yanked it again. It didn't come off. With a sigh, he flopped onto his stomach. 

The window gave him a full view of a perfectly full moon. He smiled. The moon was a pure white, that glowed with a silver light. It certainly seemed like something someone would dedicate a poem too. Lena had loved the moon back at home. 

Always joked about it being a giant eyeball. With a smile on his lips, Jonathan drifted off to sleep… 



The sound of crickets made them open again. He was standing in a grassy field that was surrounded by pine trees. It was nighttime, and the full moon was out. Stars sparkled in the heavens, and several silvery clouds could be seen near the moon. A campfire was before him with several people that had their backs turned to him in front of it. 

They were hunched toward the fire as if the darkness made them afraid.

A horse was grazing nearby, and beside it was a wagon that had several bags in it. The wagon looked like it had seen many days of travel. 

The grass was rather long, about up to his knees. Jonathan moved closer. “I wonder if anything huge and weird is going to happen?” He thought. A boy got up from lying in the long grass. 

He yawned, and sleepily rubbed an eye.

Jonathan froze, and stared. His mouth fell open. The boy looked like a cat.  He had cat ears, tiny fangs, whiskers, a cat nose, green cat eyes, and fur. His hands were like human hands with claws where the nails should be. 

He also had hair, black hair that reached down to his chin. He wore ragged, dirty clothes, but his feet were bare. They looked like normal feet if you could also count for fur, and claws. A tail swished behind him. He seemed about twelve. 

Jonathan slowly closed his mouth. 

“Well, if this dream thing is accurate, it looks like we do have another species in our land.” Jonathan thought. It was rather odd but no worse than all the weird stuff that had been happening. An owl hooted in the night. The boy jumped, and scurried over to one of the people at the camp. 

A closer look told him that there were four of them. 

The four looked like cats as well. There was two males, one older and one younger. And there were two females. One was older than the other. The males both had bandages covering their arms and chests. 

Bruises colored their arms as if they had been in a fight. Jonathan got the feeling that these people were very afraid.

All the ones in the group that looked like a cat had the same color of fur. Gray. 

The only thing that was different was the shade. The younger had a darker shade while the older had a lighter shade. The younger female seemed to be a teenager while the older was about middle aged.
The younger male seemed to be a young adult while the older male seemed to be rather old. His fur had white patches all over, and his hair was turning silver. 

The group of people looked deeply sad. Jonathan could see a small scratch near the older woman's eye. It was a shiny red, like a burn. No fur grew near it. The boy clutched at the older female tightly. 

“Momma, the bad men gonna get us again!” He fearfully cried. She stiffened and grabbed him tightly. The others grabbed at their waists, drawing weapons. For several tense minutes, the group waited. 

The older female glanced around, checking for the enemies. Her cat ears swiveled around as well.

When she found no enemy, she relaxed and patted the boy. "It's all right son. They aren't here.” Slowly, the others sheathed their weapons. The older female stroked the boy's hair softly. 

“They shouldn't be here." The younger female snorted in disgust. "How is this Moon's Eye so sure that they won't?" Jonathan blinked. 

"Moon's Eye?" 

He thought. The older male sighed. "I don't know. But we have to trust whoever this Moon's Eye is. If we couldn't trust someone who has helped many of our kind, then I don't know what we can." 

The younger female shook her head. “But what if they are with the Exile Legion?” The older female shook her head. “The Exile Legion isn't like that.” The younger male growled loudly. 

"The Exile Legion only protects humans from the Demons of Shadow. No one else. They attack our race the Katzes, along the Engels, and Fisch! What did we do to them?!" The older female sighed and smoothed the hair of the boy. 

"They just don't like those that aren't human because of everything that has happened." She looked at the crackling fire. “The only reason we are attacked is because we are most often in their way. Our kind along with the Engels and Fisch have to fight the Demons of Shadow to survive. We Katzes, are physically stronger and faster than humans, so they see us as a threat. 

The Engels have wings for flight, and the Fisch live under the water. All are seen as a threat to humans.” The younger female sighed. “It doesn't help that most humans don't like us right now either.” The older male shook his head. 

“Humans have always been afraid of the unknown. The Demons of Shadow only added to their fear.” He looked at the moon. “Believe me, though. Moon's eye is trustworthy. 

Many of every kind; human, Katzes, Engels, and Fisch, have all found safety thanks to them. I trust Moon's Eye.” Jonathan looked at the moon as well. If one could imagine an iris in it, then it would definitely look like an eye…



Jonathan opened his eyes again to the soft light of sunrise. It had officially been a week. Jonathan kicked off the blankets and put on his jacket. He walked out of the room, and back to the crystal table. Twilight was sitting at the table, reading the poem once more. 

“Twilight.” She turned to look at him. “Good morning Jonathan. Sleep well?” He sat down next to her. 

“No. I keep having these dreams, just like you said. And they are all so confusing.” He yanked at the necklace again. “I keep seeing people I don't even know, and they talk about things I don't know. 

Katzes, Engels, Fisch… What are those? Why did five of those people look like talking cats? Who are the Demons of Shadow? What is going on?” 

He threw his hands in the air and placed his head onto the table. His arms fell down. Twilight looked at him and placed a hoof on his back. 

“Hey, its okay. We will figure it out. 

I think that once you go home, those dreams will go away.” Jonathan sighed heavily. Twilight chewed on her cheek. “How about you tell me what your friends are like.” Jonathan lifted his head from the table. 

“Well, Argon is gentle, funny, loyal, and has a temper. He is protective of the ones he loves and has a big family. Lena is pretty, kind, generous, loyal, skilled with a bow, has a big heart, and boy is she going to be mad at me when I get home.” Twilight raised an eyebrow at him. “Is she now?” 

Jonathan nodded. “I'll be lucky if I don't get smacked on the head. Although, Lena will probably be a little gentle since she'll be relieved to see that I'm alive.” Twilight giggled. “It sounds like you have a crush on her.” 

Jonathan glared at Twilight, his cheeks warm. “What makes you say that?” Twilight smirked and pointed a hoof at his cheeks. “You're blushing.” 

Jonathan huffed and looked away. 

“Yeah, yeah.” Twilight looked at him. “Does she have a crush on you?” Jonathan gave her a half shrug. “I don't know.  

But I'd rather not find out just yet. Wait for a little bit, and see if my feelings stick. Then I'll approach her.” Twilight looked at the poem. “And if she didn't have feelings for you?” 

Jonathan sighed. “I suppose whoever is lucky enough to capture her heart, I won't stand in their way.” Twilight smiled. “Well, let's try and get you home.” She got up from the table and trotted away. 

Jonathan looked out a window. The light of the sun was spreading itself across the land. He sighed. 

“Please be okay Lena and Argon. Please be okay.”


> Tragedy, and Sorrow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The soft dirt was pushed aside by his stick as he dragged it across the ground in order to make a symbol beside the large circle on the ground. Twilight was doing the same on the other side. Spike was reading out what the symbols were supposed to look like to them. Jonathan decided that he had enough with the weird dreams, therefore, he chose to help Twilight make the circle instead of sitting on the sidelines. The mid-afternoon sun beat down on them as they worked, painstakingly etching every tiny bit of each design. 

They were out near the Everfree forest, but close enough to the town that it was a short walk to Twilight's castle. Part of the remolding was that thanks to the Crystal Empire, it got a crystal finish to it. Meaning that there were things like the crystal table, crystal bed and crystal doors inside. And that the outside made it look like it was carved from crystal. 

Jonathan bit his lip as he worked. “Okay, if this works I will end up at the ruined castle with probably one of those creatures nearby. First thing, defeat the creature. Second, go to the town as fast as possible. Third, apologize to Argon and Lena. 

Fourth, ask Elder Onyx Ashstone to please take this necklace off my neck. Fifth, get Corina a white pet bunny. Sixth, get Trisha fresh meat.” He sighed. Was the baby born now? 

Did he miss it? Was Trisha sitting in her house, worrying that he as well had died and that she had lost all of the Markson family? Was Rayon guilt tripping Lena and Argon, without Jonathan being there to give Rayon what he deserved? Jonathan stiffened as a worse thought came to mind. “What if the creatures did attack the town?” 

His gut ached again. He jabbed the stick in the dirt again. The summer heat fell on his brow. It was a very hot day out. His halberd was on his back. 

Twilight flapped away to the edge of the circle.  She grabbed a piece of chalk and drew it across the designs as quickly as possible. His necklace glowed brightly. She put away her stick and sat down. 

“Okay. 

Here we go. I'm going to do things slightly different this time, in order to allow for anything that would happen if the poem causes something to happen. Jonathan, stand right here in the middle of the circle.” Jonathan slowly tiptoed to the middle once more. Spike settled beside Twilight as they worked out the final details on the spell mentally. 

“Hold still now.” Twilight's horn glowed with a pinkish aura.  The air around him turned into a dark purple color. The fire itself was light lavender that was glowing. He felt shivers crawl up his back.

Jonathan felt an ethereal wind push at his locks, making them move along with it. The necklace lifted into the air as well and began to glow. Jonathan winced internally. “Here we go again.” He looked at his back.

Two large, glowing outlines in the shape of a pair of wings had appeared onto his back, just like the ones before. He felt his forehead. A horn was on there, like the one before. He glanced at his chest. An outline of a six-pointed star with five other stars was glowing there.

Jonathan glanced at his hands. His hands bore the outlines of a single leaf on each. Then finally, he looked at his legs. An outlined tail lay there, moving as he moved. Five other marks were on his legs, two on his left, three on his right.

The two on his left were each a mark of something. One was of three balloons. The other was of three diamonds. The three on his right were also a mark of something. One was of three apples.

The other was of three butterflies. Lastly, one was a cloud with a lightning bolt coming out of it. The outline of Twilight could be seen through the dark purple air. “Okay. Spike read the poem out loud.” 
Spike grabbed the piece of paper and cleared his throat.

“Oh moon that shines in the sky
The moon I see, the moon I love
I ask you lady moon with your wings
Bestow upon me the bravery I need
to conquer, to win, to do anything…

So bring the thing I seek lady moon
with thy shine, with thy light
Cast upon me, I beseech you
Cast bravery, honor, and gain
So that I may sing like
the wolf that howls your name

Let me be the lone wolf
Oh moon that shines in the sky
The moon I see, the moon I love
I ask you lady moon with your wings
Bestow upon me the bravery I need.”

Jonathan stared at Twilight as she waited for something to happen. "Spike, is there anything else?" Spike looked over the paper but shrugged. 

"Nope."

Twilight groaned. "You have got to be kidding me." Jonathan sighed. His shoulders hunched over. He looked down at the crackling purple flames. 

The very tips of the flames were turning a brilliant, beautiful blue. "Twilight, I think that did something." Twilight glanced at the flames and blinked in surprise. "Wait. They aren't supposed to do that." 

Spike stared. "Johnathan, your runes."

He looked down at his chest. The six pointed star with the five other stars and the leaves were glowing much brighter than the other ones.
Jonathan watched the flames as they turned from purple to blue. The ethereal wind blew in his face harder, stinging his eyes. His necklace lifted in the wind and floated above his head. 

The chain was at the bottom of his chin. The air turned from a dark purple into a midnight black.

A smell reached his nostrils. It was the smell of the air he smelled on a day when the rain had come and went. When the air was fresh and clean. He reached out a hand toward the spot where he last saw Twilight's figure but then halted.

His hand was wrapped in glowing white chains. A quick glance all over his body confirmed that every part of his body was wrapped up in chains. He began to twist around in order to get them off. "Twilight! Is this supposed to happen?"

Twilight didn't answer.

Jonathan looked for her figure, but he could no longer see her outline. He continued to struggle against the chains. Then he halted. "Wait a minute. These chains are the same ones that dragged me here."

He stopped struggling. The wind continued to blow against him. The summer warm turned into a freezing chill. Johnathan felt himself shiver in the cold. Little white specks flew in the blowing wind.

All of a sudden, the air turned a bright white. He took a step forward. Then he tripped on his fallen halberd and fell flat on his face in a pile of cold, wet snow.



Jonathan blinked, and raised his head up. There shouldn't be snow on the ground. His eyes widened. He was in the ruined old castle. Quickly, he turned behind him.

The statue was there, the water was frozen into ice, and the outstretched arms covered in snow. Jonathan felt a massive grin spread on his face. He stood up and jumped. "Yes!" He cheered.

"I'm back! I'm back!" His foot slipped on the snow, and he fell back down. "Ow." He sat up.

Snowflakes floated down from the open roof and landed on his hand. Jonathan felt the excitement wear off. He frowned. "Since when did it snow in August?" He stood up and hooked his halberd on his back.

An ice cold feeling settled into his stomach. All the high-quality weapons that had been there before were now gone. Jonathan slowly turned to where the stone doors covered in vines were. They were broken in pieces on the ground. One of the creatures lay on the pieces, slain.

A sword wound was on its neck, and on the shoulder was a pure white arrow. The burning stench rose from it. Jonathan's nose wrinkled. "A pure white arrow?" He thought.

"Could those dreams be true?" He shivered. "Argon! Lena! You here?"

He called out. No reply. He carefully stepped over the creature. He walked down the dark, slippery hallway, and into the other room. His breath blew out in a cloud.

There wasn't any snow in this room. The statues of ponies were still standing along the walls.

Jonathan found that now he could make the distinction between Pegasi, Earth Pony, and Unicorn. The books were still littered on the floor, yet some looked like they had been kicked.

He walked down the stairs and looked at the altar. The feather and the scroll were gone. He went outside. Snow covered the ground completely, surrounding the trees.

The skeleton of the pony was gone, and so was the train. In their place was smooth, clean snow. Jonathan grabbed the end of his halberd. He stabbed the snow with the end until he found the railroad. Clattering the end along the tracks, he walked ahead. 

The farther he went, the more concerned he became. The forest was silent. It should not be silent. If it had indeed snowed in his absence, the animals of the forest should be out and about, looking for food. Deer should be wandering around, nibbling the bark. 

Birds should be flying through the air, landing on the branches and twittering their music. Rabbits should be hopping about in the snow. The silence was utterly unnatural. The ruins of the houses were gone as well. All that was left was snow. 

He called out several times more but received no answer. He reached the place where they had found the railroad, and stopped. There was a black-maned horse, with a very dark blue coat standing there. It was saddled and had several bags on the saddle. The horse nickered at him and stomped a hoof. 

Jonathan snorted. “What are you doing all the way out here?” He walked past the horse, checking the area for the owner. “Hm, I don't see anyone.” A crunch sounded from beneath his foot. 

Jonathan glanced down and lifted his foot. There was a lavender blue feather edged with pink lying on the snow. He blinked. “Another one?” A wind blew from the direction of the town, sending the snowflakes scurrying. 

Along with the wind came the smell of smoke. Jonathan's head snapped up. “Smoke?” His gut clenched. Quickly, he ran toward the town road. 

Jonathan halted when he saw another creature. This one was also dead. And beside it was another. And another. And another. 

He continued to run. The road to the town was littered with the bodies of the creatures. His head was facing the ground as he ran. He breathed in short gasps and ignored the burning of his ribs and legs. Then his foot caught against one of the bodies. 

He fell. 

Jonathan caught himself on his elbows to avoid a face plant. His lungs were burning, and he panted. The smell of smoke was stronger now, and with it came another smell. The smell of rotting bodies. Voices sounded some distance away. 

Jonathan raised his head to look at the town. His eyes widened.
The town had been destroyed. Houses were now a crumbling, charred ruin. Rotting bodies of people he once saw every day lay in the streets. 

Dead. 

Next to them were more bodies of the creatures. Jonathan could hear his heartbeat pounding in his ears. Tears fell down his cheeks, fast and hot. One word echoed in his mind, over and over. “No.” 

Argon, Lena, Trisha, Felix, Corina, the five Sisters, the unborn baby. Were they okay? Who was responsible for this? Two men came out from a house. They wore red, brown, and gold armor. 

Both had a hood over their heads. They seemed to be arguing. One was carrying two large brown bags. The other was picking up anything that was of use or value. Then he turned around and placed it in the bags. 

Jonathan stiffened. 

The corners of his vision turned blood red. Somebody screamed an animal-like scream. And the next thing he knew, he was standing in front of one of the men with his fist outstretched. Both men cried out in shock. And one was lying on the snow with a bloody nose.

> Grief, and Madness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Thornton Landerson was not having a good day. First, he woke up from water dripping onto him that had come from the cave stalactites in the cave that they were hiding out in. Then at breakfast, they found that all the food ended up spoiling overnight. So there was no breakfast, which made nearly everyone grumpy. Well, except for Hannah Thompson.

But Hannah Thompson was always cheerful, so no one was surprised that she wasn't grumpy. Then, the Commander of the Exile Legion sent all the scouts to find food. That included him and his twin brother, Carlton to go off to the middle of nowhere for supplies. Again. Any kind of supplies that they could find, especially food. 

They were scouts, and the scouts of the Exile Legion were often sent to do that.

But that didn't make it any less annoying. Not that he was going to say that to The Commander of the Exile Legion, who's temper was rather nasty. Addressing him was hard enough already. You had to call him, by the full title of 'Commander of the Exile Legion' and call him 'sir' at the end of every sentence. Yeesh. 

But, it was the proper way to show respect. They were supposed to only look in this forest that was in the area, but Carlton had insisted that looking through the old ruined town was a much better choice, even though The Commander of the Exile Legion had specifically stated otherwise. Carlton's reasoning was that the supplies left in the town was by now, so old that no one would be able to tell that they were from there. But, Carlton had not counted on the fact on how many Demons of Shadow were in the area.

Nor did he count in all the rotting bodies in the town that made it smell very, very bad. So now, much to Thornton's dismay, he was stuck with carrying the two bags where they placed the loot. He followed Carlton, trampling through a crumbling, charred building that used to be a house. His red, brown, and gold boots had smudges from the ash. "Carlton.

If we get caught, you are taking the blame."

Carlton snorted and waved a red, brown, and gold armored hand at him. "IF we get caught, my little brother." Thornton glared at him. "I am not little! We are twins! Twins have the same age!"

Carlton rolled his eyes as he walked out of the house, and onto what once was a street. "I was born first." He said, with irritating calmness. Thornton groaned. "One minute.

You were born first by one minute." Carlton bent down and picked up a dagger. It was lying next to a charred, rotting body of a woman. "So technically, I am the elder brother." 

Thornton snorted. 

“No, you are not.” 

Carlton examined the dagger, checking to see if it was still useful. 

“Yes, I am.” 

Thornton frowned.

“Says who?” 

Carlton's finger touched the end of the blade, as he tested the sharpness of the blade.

“Says our elder sister who said I was born a minute before you.” 

Thornton sighed loudly.

"And what if you are the elder brother?" 

Carlton opened up one of the bags and dropped the dagger inside. "So I know better." Thornton glared at him. "I still say we shouldn't have come here." Carlton was about to reply when an animal like scream echoed out. 

Thornton jumped back as someone came out of nowhere, and punched Carlton in the face. “Hey!” Thornton slipped, and fell onto his back, the bags falling behind him onto the ground. His hood fell off, revealing his closely shaven caramel brown hair, skin that was red from the cold, and black eyes. 

He stared at the man in front of him. 

An eighteen year old male was standing there, fist outstretched. His brown eyes were lit with a hateful fury, and the red, black, and gray locks that crowned his head shook about as he whipped his head to look at both men. He was screaming, and as he screamed, tears fell from his eyes in a steady stream. 

A crystal halberd was hooked on his back. Tough muscles that showed through his light brown wool shirt. Dark blue pants covered his legs. A wolf pelt's belt was around his waist. And a silver necklace with an amulet in the shape of a miniature horse.

Carlton lay at the man's feet, his nose bleeding from the punch. His hood as well had fallen off. As they were twins, Carlton looked like a copy of Thornton. Closely shaven caramel brown hair, black eyes, he had it all.

Thornton slowly got to his feet while the man's attention was focused on the bleeding Carlton. He had seen this type of situation before. When a hunter left their village to go and collect meat for their families and returned only to find that their village had been ransacked by the Demons of Shadow. They often went mad with grief and attacked whoever they deemed responsible. It was excepted for them to go and hunt down some Demons of Shadow and in the process, find a village that had been destroyed by them. 

Most often there was someone that had not been present at the time of the attack. Some one that wanted justice for their slain family members. The man saw Thornton, and charged. Thornton bolted, running through the ruined streets, jumping over bodies of Demons of Shadow, and humans alike. The man followed, crystal halberd drawn. 
Thornton panted as he tried to keep ahead of the man who was crazy with grief. His feet pounded on the concrete, as his hood bounced on his back. Thornton's lungs began to burn. He rounded a corner, and met with a surprise. A Engel was sitting there in the ruined street with it's back turned to him, wings twitching slightly. 

The wings were a lavender blue edged with pink, so it was a female. The Engel had chestnut brown hair, and creamy, fair skin. She was dressed in dark green pants with a long sleeved gray shirt. A dark blue cape was draped on her back. She was covering a body with a dark gray blanket. 

As he ran toward her, the screams of the crazed man alerted the Engel of their presence. She took one good look at them with her gold brownish eyes, before dashing to the side. Thornton jumped over the body, and kept running. Carlton appeared at the other end of the street. He looked mad. 

“Carlton!” He shouted to his twin brother. “There is a Engel here!” Carlton grabbed his sword that was hooked onto his side. “Where?” 
He shouted. Thornton pointed, and ran past Carlton. Carlton ran past the man who in turn, began to follow Carlton instead. Thornton growled. “Look out, Carlton!” 

Carlton dashed toward the female Engel and swiped his sword at her. He barely missed her face by inches. She dodged, and drew out her own sword. It was a long, very thin piece of metal with an elaborate handle. Thornton snorted. 

“Really?” Carlton ran over, and swung his sword at her. The Engel quickly blocked the blow and returned the attack with a flurry of sharp blows. Carlton quickly backed up as he tried to block the blows. The Engel was stepping forward with her attacks with practiced speed. 
Thornton groaned and turned around. He ducked the slash from the crazy man, and ran over.

He drew his own sword. "Carlton! Switch!" The move, 'Switch' was a move in the Exile Legion where two members switched enemies. It was done to confuse their enemies. 

It often worked. Carlton ran from the Engel and slashed his sword at the crazy man. He snarled at Carlton and began to chase him instead.
Carlton ran away. "This guy is fast!" 

Carlton shouted. They disappeared behind a corner.

Thornton slashed his sword at the Engel. Again, she blocked it with the only, thin sword. Quickly, she made several jabs at him. He dodged half of the jabs and blocked the rest. As she stepped forward with her attacks again, his foot tripped the Engel.

She snarled at the dirty move as she fell onto the ground. "That's cheating!" Swiftly, she dodged the slash he made at her and rolled onto her feet. Carlton's figure ran in-between him. "Help!"

The crazy man ran after him, still screaming. His necklace flashed in the pale winter sunlight. The Engel froze at the sight of it. Thornton took advantage of that and kicked her in the stomach. She flopped onto the ground in pain.

Thornton glanced at Carlton and rolled his eyes. He ran over to the crazy man. He took the flat of his blade and lifted it high above his head. "Carlton! Run over here!"

Carlton obeyed and ran past him. The crazy man followed. Thornton swung the flat end of the blade and smacked him with it. Hard. The crazy man's brown eyes rolled to the back of his skull.

Then he collapsed onto the snowy ground. Thornton breathed out. "You know best, eh?" Carlton rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah.

Laugh it up. Let's get out of here." The Engel was gone. She had probably run away during the fight. It didn't matter and was probably for the best. 

If The Commander of the Exile Legion was there, she would have died… 



Jonathan slowly opened his eyes. His vision was fuzzy, and his head was hurting something awful. Someone came into his field of vision. It was a female with chestnut brown hair, gold brownish eyes, and creamy fair skin. She was wearing dark green pants, a dark gray, long-sleeved shirt, and a dark blue cloak.

She was staring at him. The smell of smoke, and burned flesh was in his nostrils. It took a moment for him to see that she had lavender blue wings edged with pink. His eyes widened. 

The female tensed, and slowly took a few steps back. 

“Hey buddy. You aren't going to attack me, right?” Jonathan shook his head. “No, I'm not. I don't attack people without a reason.” 

The female relaxed. “Oh good. I thought for a second that you going to. I'm Andromeda.” Jonathan gave her a very slow nod. “Jonathan.” 

He looked at her wings. “You have wings?" The female laughed. "Yeah, I'm an Engel. We have these." 

Her wings ruffled slightly. Jonathan nodded very slowly. "Your feathers. I have seen them before. In the forest, and in that ruined old castle.” 

Andromeda cocked her head. 

“My feathers? Well, I know that if you were in the forest that you would have found a feather or two from my preening, but I wasn't in any old castles. 

Then again, the one that you found could have been from another one of my kind. All females have this type of wing color.” She took a few steps forward. Jonathan held his head with one hand. “What happened to my head? 

It aches really bad.” Andromeda bit her lip. “Well, those men that you were attacking had to knock you out to make you stop. Good thing for you, they knew that you were attacking them only because you went a little crazy. If it had been me, well.” 

She gave a bitter chuckle. “I wouldn't be here now.” Jonathan's heart chilled. 

He slowly got up, and looked at his surroundings. The town was now nothing more than ruined, charred buildings. Dead bodies were laying in the streets, weapons beside them where they fell. Snow was lightly falling onto the bodies. Jonathan felt very sick. 

Bile rose in his throat, and he coughed from the smell. Tears fell at the sight of them. “Andromeda, did those men, did they.” He paused, unable to speak. Andromeda raised an eyebrow. 

“No… Those men were with the Exile Legion, you could tell by their armor and by the way they attacked me on sight.” She added bitterly. “The Exile Legion doesn't hurt humans, they save them.” Jonathan blinked. 

“Wait. Exile Legion?” 

His eyes widened. “The dream with those cat people!” He exclaimed. Andromeda blinked. “Pardon?” 

Jonathan quickly looked at her. “Who did this?” Andromeda scowled. “The Demons of Shadow.” She nudged a dead creature with her foot. 

Jonathan stared. “The creatures? But Argon and Lena should have been able to stop them.” He started. “Argon and Lena!” 

He turned to Andromeda quickly. “Are they okay?! Are they hurt, did they make it? Is Argon's family okay?” Andromeda held up her hands. 

“Slow down, there Jonathan. I would love to give you the answers, but I wouldn't even be close to knowing them.” Jonathan blinked. “Why not?” Andromeda cocked her head, confused. “It has been a year since this town was attacked.” 

The news hit him in the gut. “What? You mean the date isn't 3018?” Andromeda shook her head slowly. “No. 

Its 3019.” His heart stopped beating. Jonathan sank to one knee in shock. “3019…” He whispered. 

Out of all the weird things that had happened to him, this was the most awful. He felt a tear slide down his cheek. After it came another, and another. Soon, he was crying in the middle of the ruined street, surrounded by dead bodies. 


“3019…”


> Those That left Us Behind... 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The snow fell from the gray sky. It was slowly turning from a light to a dark gray. The eerie silence was only broken by the crunching of their footsteps in the snow. Jonathan stumbled through the town, his legs shaking with dread. He was now wearing a dark brown cloak, to protect himself from the cold. 

Andromeda followed slowly behind, taking the time to drape a dark blue blanket over every dead body that they could find. If they found a Demon of Shadow's body, they burned it. The dark blue blankets were to soothe the soul of the body that had waited so long to be buried. They would be buried with a proper ceremony, even if he was the one doing it. Every dead body that they found, Jonathan tried to identify. 

He wasn't sure most of the times if he was correct. Memories kept popping up as he walked. Ones on how the town used to look like before he ever set foot in that ruined old castle. If only he could take it back… 

Andromeda spoke. 

“That necklace that you have. I have one just like it.” Jonathan looked at her. “Really?” She nodded and drew something out from underneath her shirt. 

“See?” An exact copy of his necklace was on Andromeda. He blinked. “How did you get that?!” Andromeda's shoulders slumped. “My uncle gave this to me when he died.” 

Jonathan started. “My aunt gave this necklace to me when she died! Did your uncle make you say an oath?” She nodded. “With a golden dagger that he used to pierce my left fourth finger.” 

Jonathan couldn't believe what he was hearing. “Did he paint symbols onto you with your blood?” Andromeda nodded. Jonathan felt mildly surprised. Normally he would think this was really weird, but now he didn't. 

“All right then. Have you gone to the past?” She shook her head. “No. But he did speak to me about legends of the past. 

One of them was about a group of people, each from a different race, that had necklaces that looked just like ours. According to the legend, they were so powerful, that the beings of the land called them 'gods'. But they weren't really, because one day, all of them vanished from their world forever. Or so the legend goes.” Jonathan chewed on his cheek. 

“I don't get it. If this world that I went to was the past, then why does no one here remember about it?” Andromeda shrugged.  “I was sent here to bury the people of this town. According to one of my friends, the known survivors of the town were unable to bury their dead friends and family because many of the Demons of Shadow were around the ruined town. 

But today they were unusually far away, so I was sent here by my friends.” Jonathan looked at her. “Thank you.” She nodded at him. He kept walking along, still checking the bodies.

Among the charred and rotting bodies, there was he caught a glimpse of silver gray hair. A huddled body lay in a collapsed building. For a moment, he thought it was Rayon. But the shape wasn't quite right. He went closer. 

No, the hair was longer than Rayon's. And the body was wearing what used to be a dress. Realization hit him. “This is Rayon's grandmother.” Andromeda placed a hand on the old woman's forehead. 

“She died in her sleep. Not because of a demon.” Jonathan nodded. “I am glad she died peacefully.” She slowly placed a dark blue blanket over the cold body. 

“Did you know her?” She asked, her head turning to him. Jonathan sighed slowly. He felt like liquid lead was in his body. “No. 

I knew her grandson, though. Rayon. The meanest guy I have ever known.” He sighed. “I wonder where he is now.” 

He turned, only to find a dead demon lying nearby. A broken crossbow bolt was on its shoulder. He blinked. He bent over and tugged it out of the demon's flesh. The woodwork of the crossbow bolt was familiar. 

Chavez Foretor… Chavez Foretor had made this. Jonathan felt a pang in his heart. “Oh no.” He slowly turned to where the crossbow bolt must have been shot from. 

His eyes widened. A male's body was lying in the doorway of a small house that had been crudely made from cheap wooden planks. The body had brown hair and pale skin. Beside the body, clutched in one hand was Chavez Foretor's cane. In the other was a crossbow. 

Lying on his back, was a wreath of dark roses. Jonathan ran over to the body. “Chavez Foretor…” He softly spoke. He heard Chavez's voice. 

“With the crystal halberd, you can not only defend yourself against things that would attack you, but you can defend yourself.” In the house, was a woman's body. 

She too had brown hair and pale skin. In her hands was a wreath of dark roses as well. Jonathan slowly went to her body. “Kaila Foretor…” In the back of the room, an open trapdoor was visible. 

Someone had been hidden in there but was gone now. Chavez Foretor's sword was gone. So was Sera Foretor's light brown wooden bow with darker brown carvings of leaves. Andromeda put dark blue blankets over both of them. Jonathan left the house and continued on. 

He almost didn't realize his hands were shaking as well. Andromeda looked at him. “Were they your…?” Jonathan shook his head. “No. 

Sera Foretor's family. I haven't seen her body yet, so I'm hoping she is still alive.” He kicked a nearby rock. “Chavez Foretor is the reason I have this.” He jabbed a finger at his crystal halberd that was currently on his back. 

Andromeda was silent.

“He could have sold those crystals, ya know.” Jonathan sniffed. “He could have used that money. He needed it. And yet, he chose to give it to me.” 

Jonathan gave a bitter chuckle. “And where was I when he needed protection? Off in the past, thanks to this necklace!” He gave it a sharp yank, even though he knew it was useless. They came across a group of bodies that had fallen near each other. 

Jonathan recognized them right away as soon as he saw them. “Rayon's gang members.” The gang members seemed to have grouped together in order to prevent the demons from entering another section of the town. The effort was valiant, but futile in the end. Rayon wasn't in the group either, and Jonathan wondered if he died with the town, or died in the forest as he tried to run away. 

“Why am I so certain that he is dead?” He thought. “Maybe it's because everybody else is dead as well.” Jonathan knelt near one gang member. His face was peaceful, as if he understood his fate, and had been willing to accept it. 

He remembered his voice.  “Get him, Rayon!” 

Did Rayon accept his fate as well? The bully must have taken down many demons after his grandmother died. The taunting voice of the bully was in his mind as well. “Well, well. If it isn't Argon's protector.”

He stood, and helped Andromeda place dark blue blankets over them. Slowly, they moved on. The old well was still standing. 

But Elder Onyx Ashstone wasn't there, neither was his body. His blanket was gone as well. He knelt on the ground. Nothing was around to show that he once was there. Was Elder Onyx Ashstone dead? 

Or was he still alive? Without the knowledge, Jonathan felt so empty and afraid. Elder Onyx Ashstone's words could be heard in the silence of the town. "Come to the well, tomorrow. (This crystal halberd shall be created)."  

As he stood, his foot crunched on something. He looked down. A broken arrow was lying on the snow. 

It was one of Lena's arrows. He felt a sharp dagger pierce his heart. “No.” He looked in the direction of Argon's house. The archway had collapsed, and the wood was charred black. 

He ran over to the house, his heart pounding. “No. Please, no.” In the now cracked cobblestone pathway that leads up to the house was several dead Demons of Shadow. The door was in pieces outside, lying in the cracked cobblestone. 

But what was on the wooden steps of the house is what made his heart crack. 

“Felix…” 

Felix's body was lying on floor, face upwards. Tightly gripped in his cold, white hands was a wooden halberd. He had died there, blocking the doorway, in a last futile effort to save his family. His once sharp green eyes were now glassy and dull. They were still staring at the ceiling, a mere mockery of the anger that had been raging in his body over the Demons of Shadow attacking his family. His mouth was even still clenched. 

Jonathan fell to his knees. “Felix…” 

He began to cry, the salty hot tears dripping from his chin. Felix was gone. If he looked closely, he could even see the dried flecks of clay that hadn't been washed from his hands. He could remember Felix's voice.  

"Whew! You're getting quite nimble my boy." Andromeda stared sadly. “Poor man.” 

Slowly, Jonathan gently passed his hand over Felix's face. Closing his eyes, and relaxing his mouth. He removed the halberd and placed Felix's hands over his chest. Tears fell onto the cold body as he did so. Andromeda placed a dark blue blanket over Felix's body. 

Jonathan willed himself to move his heavy limbs. The hallway had been destroyed, from fire and Demon of Shadow alike. A wooden table had been knocked over. Beside it, a brown, wooden jar was in pieces. He looked at the floor. 

Corina's bag was lying there, having fallen off her sash. The Morus berries were now withered, and inedible. Jonathan removed his gaze from them. He stopped beside the stairs. Three small child-sized bodies were lying on top of them. 

The dresses that they wore were made of rich cloth. The hair was raven black. Jonathan felt his heart crack again. “Three of the Five Sisters…” He breathed. 

Slowly, he picked up one of the girls. Her cold body lay in his warm arms. Her empty eyes were staring at him, mocking the life that they once held. He could hear her voice. "Corina, come on! 

You're missing out!” Slowly, he closed them. He did the same with the other ones. 

And Andromeda lay a dark blue blanket over them. 

He went into the washroom. The sight made his heart crack again, the painful jerks of the sharp dagger making it unbearable. Trisha lay in a corner, her dead body supported by the wall. She had died trying to protect the other two. They lay at her feet, huddled into small balls. 

She was still wearing the dress she was gardening in. She hadn't even given birth to the baby. Jonathan suddenly felt violently ill. There was something very wrong with a child dying before it even experienced life. With tears falling onto his chest, he slowly took Trisha's body, and laid it on the floor. 

Jonathan could hear her voice. “If you ever need somewhere to be, just come to us.” He closed the eyes of the remaining Five Sisters. One's voice could be heard. “Sorry, Big Brother.” Then Trisha's eyes were closed. 

As an afterthought, he wrapped Trisha's arms around the bodies of the two Five Sisters. It made him feel less ill. He was the one to lay the blankets over them, this time. Slowly, he tiptoed past the blanketed bodies as he went up the stairs. Up into the upper story that contained three rooms. 

One for the Five Sisters and Corina, one for Argon, and one for Trisha and Felix. Or rather, had been. He checked Argon's room first. It contained a simple but comfy bed, a desk with a chair, a book with an ink bottle and quill, and a photo of when he and Argon were toddlers. Jonathan took a deep breath. 

He had been afraid that he would find Argon's body in here. Turning, he went into the Five Sisters, and Corina's room. Neither Argon, Corina, nor Lena was in this room. Thankfully. A rather large hole was in the roof, though. 

Six beds lay, side by side, each with a stuffed animal that they had slept with. Jonathan turned from the sight, as he felt another painful jerk. Andromeda peered in, then followed him. He went into Trisha's and Felix's room. There was Corina's body, on the bed. 

It looked more like something, or someone had placed her there. She looked peaceful. Jonathan stood beside her. He felt… empty. 

Like he had run out of tears to shed. He knelt beside her and grasped her pale, cold, thin hand. Her words echoed in his head. “Your aunt. When she died, was it painful?” 

Jonathan sobbed, as the memory brought a fresh wave of tears. “Oh, Corina. Please tell me you died without any pain.” Andromeda put the last dark blue blanket on her. She placed a comforting hand on Jonathan's shoulder. 

Jonathan shuddered. “They… were… the… only… family…  I…  had…  left.”  

He choked out between sobs. “And… now, I only have Argon and Lena left.” On that somber note, the conversation was left. For the remaining time that they spent in the ruined house, Andromeda did her best to comfort Jonathan. 

Even though they had just met, Andromeda felt the need to comfort him as she already seen too much grief in that one long year.


So, she tried to soften the pain that had been inflicted upon him as he cried.

> Uncertain Plans for a Broken Future
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Jonathan opened his eyelids. They were sore from all the crying he had done. His head hurts something awful, and his throat was as dry as the dirt beneath him. His arms felt like they were on fire, and were really itchy. His body had been laying on that dirt for what felt like hours. Oddly enough, though, despite the pain, he felt rather good. 

Like he was energized, or something. His vision was sharper, and so was his sense of smell. If he wanted to, he felt like he could run to the end of the forest and back. He shifted slightly against the dirt. It had been cleared of snow earlier. 

Andromeda must have made a camp. The last thing he could remember was falling asleep on Corina's bed. The bitter cold blew against his back, the small fire doing nothing to prevent it. He closed his eyes, wishing that he was dreaming. That everything he had seen was a dream. “Hey, you awake?” 

He opened his eyes again and turned his head to see Andromeda crouching beside the fire. Dangling from her hands were several dead birds. “Oh good you are. You really fell asleep there.” Jonathan blinked. 

“I fell asleep?” Andromeda nodded as she laid the birds down, and began to strip one of its feathers. “Yep. I left you like that as I went off to get supper. These birds were hard to catch, though.” Jonathan glanced at the sky. 

It had grown black and the clouds were parting, revealing sparkling stars. Andromeda glanced at him. “How are you feeling?” He groaned softly. “…Bitter.” 

Andromeda looked back at her hands. “Yeah, that's understandable.” A silence came between them. Jonathan gritted his teeth. “If I see those Demons of Shadow again, I will kill them. 

I swear on my aunt's grave, I will get rid of every single Demons of Shadow in this land!” He punctuated the sentence, with his fist slamming into his palm. Andromeda looked at him. “Hey… Look. 

I might not know how you bury your dead and everything, but I'm willing to stick around and help. 

Besides, if you have been gone in the past for a week, and actually you have been gone for a year, then you would have a lot to catch up on.” Jonathan nodded and sat up. “Thanks. That would be helpful.” 

He rubbed his head. “Huh. No dreams. I guess Twilight was right about that.” 

Andromeda raised an eyebrow. “Huh? Who's Twilight?” Jonathan looked at her. “Oh right. 

Twilight was the one who helped me figure what was going on, along with Spike. Very nice guys, they are. Or, actually, were. She predicted that I wouldn't be disturbed by dreams while I am in the present. I was troubled by them when I was in the past.” 

Andromeda nodded. “Hm, odd names. Ya know, dreams are said to give us warnings about the future. Or so they say.” Jonathan heard a snorting noise. 

He turned to see the black-maned and dark blue coated horse behind him harnessed to a tree. A brown leather bag was tied in front of the horse. He stared. “Hey. I have seen that horse before.” 

Andromeda looked up. “Oh yeah. That's Lightingfeet. A friend of mine let me borrow him to travel here.” Jonathan snorted. 

“Lightingfeet?” Andromeda shrugged. “Weird name, I know. But Lightingfeet here is rather fast at times. He just has a huge appetite.” 

Lightingfeet snorted and stomped his hoof again. He put his nose in the brown leather bag and began to eat what was inside with loud crunching noises. Jonathan scratched at his arm. 

"Odd. My arm feels like it has been sunburned." 

He peeled back the leather cloth of the sleeve. Indeed, his arm was sunburned. "How did that happen?" He wondered aloud. Andromeda blinked, and leaned closer. 

"Say. You have Nightrunner magic. You're a Nightrunner!" Jonathan raised an eyebrow. "Nightrunner magic? 

Nightrunner? What's that?" Andromeda chewed her cheek in thought. "Ya know its like." She paused. 

"Um. Okay, so you know the designs people paint on their arms or legs, or chest. And they give you lots of power." Jonathan snapped his fingers. "Runes! 

You are talking about runes!" Andromeda cocked her head. "Is that what you call them? Huh. OK, then. 

Yeah. Runes. A very limited amount of people has a rune called Nightrunner. Basically, it's a rune or magic where the wielder is more powerful during the night. It alters the look of the wielder as well.” 

She took a closer look at his face. “Yeah, see.” Her finger poked his cheekbone. “Your eyes have turned black, and your skin is paler. 

Do you feel any different?” Jonathan rubbed his head with his hand. “I feel like I have more energy. And my senses are sharper.” Andromeda held his arm. 

“Well, here is the problem with being a Nightrunner. You were out in the sunlight, exploring the forest without that cloak for some time, weren't you?” Jonathan shrugged. “A couple of hours, yeah. Why?” 

Andromeda pointed at the sunburn. “With that Nightrunner rune, you are more sensitive to the light of the sun. Light of the moon, however, shall heal and strengthen you.” Jonathan glanced at his arm. “So, what you are saying is, that from now on, I will have to wear this cloak during the day to avoid sunburn?” 

Andromeda nodded. “I'm afraid so.” He groaned. “This is fantastic. Another weird thing that has happened to me because of my necklace. 

Why in all of the lands did my aunt give me it?! It just made me lose everything!” He pounded the dirt with his fist. Andromeda winced from the noise. “Well. 

Did she know it would take you to the past?” He nodded furiously. She cocked her head. “Did she know that the Demons of Shadow would attack your town the day that you would be sent to the past?” Jonathan opened his mouth, then closed it.  

He blinked, then hung his head. “I… You're right. She couldn't have known.” He sighed. 

“I just, I wish I knew why she gave me this. Obviously, it is not just because she wanted me to have a family dowry or something to remember her by. Somehow, that world was important to her. And I think she wanted me to protect it.” He clutched his necklace with his hand. 

“If only I didn't investigate that big boom.” Andromeda blinked. “Big boom?” Jonathan raised his head. “Yeah. On Augustus 16th, 3018 me and my friends, Lena and Argon heard this big boom in the forest. 

We went exploring, and found a ruined castle with one of those feathers,” He pointed to Andromeda's feathers. “And a scroll. There was also another big boom, a Demon of Shadow, and a statue that slightly resembled me. After I looked at the statue, I was dragged into the past where I stayed for one week. 
Then I came back.” He nudged the dirt with his foot. "So, tell me everything that I missed." Andromeda cleared her throat. "Okay then. 

So on 3018, Augustus 16th the whole land was attacked by the Demons of Shadow. Katzes, Engels, Fisch, and humans alike were attacked by them. Our kind decided to name them 'Demons of Shadow' because they practiced." She gulped slightly. "Forbidden magic." 

Jonathan blinked. "Forbidden magic?" Andromeda nodded. "One should never use that type of magic. Ever. 

It taints your mind.” Jonathan cocked his head. “Is Forbidden magic a type of rune?” Andromeda nodded slowly. “Only the Exile Legion uses them, though. 

They are the only ones that are strong enough to control them.”  Jonathan frowned. “I see. Those guys again. My necklace showed me plenty of them recently.” 

Andromeda's eyes widened. “Really? Did you see the Commander of the Exile Legion?” She asked in a hushed voice. Jonathan blinked. 

“Who?” Andromeda blinked, then shook her head. “Oh right. Sorry. The Commander of the Exile Legion is their leader. 

He founded the system nearly a year ago and has led it ever since. He always wears tanned leather and gold armor, a brown leather hood, and a gold mask with a tan grayish section where he breathes. He also has two long swords that are attached to his wrists, and dark green eyes. 

If you stare directly at them, they say, you can see the great amount of hate that he carries. He's famous for all the Demons of Shadow he has hunted down and killed, but infamous among my kind for the fact that if he sees one of us, we will be struck down.” 

Jonathan blinked. “You mean he hunts your kind down too?” Andromeda shook her head. “No. But if he or one of his followers sees something that belongs to us that is either in their way or too close to them, they will attack it.” 

Jonathan nodded. “Yeah, I saw him then. He and his Exile Legion were protecting a human village from the Demons of Shadow.” Andromeda nodded. “That's pretty typical for them.

Some of my friends say that all they really want is the survival of the human race. But in that pursuit, they believe anything that is different is not to be trusted.” She said bitterly.   

Andromeda continued to strip the bird of its feathers. "That necklace of yours seems to do a lot. Mine has never done anything." Jonathan yanked the chain of his necklace again. "That is probably because you haven't been near any landmarks of the past.

If you went near one, you would most likely go to the past. Who knows how long you will be gone." He looked at the birds. "I can help clean the birds." Andromeda handed him a bird.

"Here you go then." Jonathan plucked the feathers from the bird with a hunter's speed. Andromeda blinked in surprise. "Wow. You are fast." Jonathan chuckled. "

“You should see Lena. She's faster.” His smile faded. Andromeda sighed softly. “Do you think that they made it out alive?” 

Jonathan quickly looked up at her. “Yes, of course!” Andromeda flinched from the tone in his voice. Jonathan winced. “Sorry… 

I mean, we didn't find their bodies so that means that they got out. They must be okay.” He looked down at his hands. “They've got to be…” Again, tears fell out of his eyes, ones that he wiped away. 

Andromeda finished stripping the bird of its feathers. Silently, Jonathan traded birds with her. He cut one bird open and began to clean it. Andromeda continued what he had started. “So, what is your plan?” 

Jonathan glanced at her. “First, bury everyone in a proper ceremony. Second, find Lena and Argon. Third, get revenge against the Demons of Shadow. Then I don't what.” 

Andromeda looked at him. “Well, I might know how to find them.” Jonathan lifted his head higher. “You do?” She nodded. 

“Have you heard of Moon's Eye?” 

Jonathan started. “I've heard that name before. In one of my dreams. This Moon's Eye helps Katzes, Engels, and Fisch?” Andromeda nodded. 

“And humans. No one knows who the person is, though. Whoever the person is, they are recognized only by their dark blue coat, with lighter blue markings. Some people have said that person would even help those who use unknown magic if they found one that is.” Jonathan wiped his knife clean. 

“Unknown magic?” Andromeda's feathers ruffled slightly. “Yeah. No one can tell what type of magic they are using because they are always shifting from one magic to the next.” Jonathan continued cleaning the bird. 

“So the magic is ever shifting. Sounds like something Twilight would be able to figure out.” Jonathan chewed his lip. “So you think that this Moon's Eye can help me find Lena and Argon?” 

Andromeda smiled. “Most definitely.” Jonathan finished cleaning the bird and skewered the bird meat onto a stick. Andromeda handed him another plucked bird and took the stick. She placed it over the fire, letting it cook slowly. 

The fire crackled, sending smoke high into the night air. The smoke could be seen in the distance by a figure on a cliff. He was in a blue and brown tunic with wide blue shoulder crest reaching above his head. A brown hood with a blue mask covered his face.  His feet were covered in blue boots with metal at the bottom.

He was holding a staff made from wood that had a large, blue, glowing crystal on top in his right hand. Before him was a large boulder with a map of the land on it. Three white candles were on the boulder as well, placed in such a way so that the figure and the candles made an invisible square.

They flickered in a slight breeze that passed by them. In his left hand, he held a gold chain with a diamond on the bottom in front his chest, right in front of where his heart was. 

He stared at the smoke for a bit. 

“So, he has returned to this world of mine. (Even after all this time.) If he has returned, then certain events shall play. (All we need to do is find where to go during the day.) 

He closed his eyes and held out the diamond over the map. He took in a deep breath and let it out. The diamond moved around the map as the candles flickered. Hot melted wax dripped from them and fell onto the cold surface of the boulder where they cooled and hardened. The figure spoke in a deep and melodic voice. 
“Siht si ruo dlrow sa ti si enim. Eht emit sah emoc ot esir dna enihs.
Ot wonk eht hturt fo evol dna thgil.
Ot ekam tahw ecno tnew gnorw og thgir.
Nekawa slous dna eb tes eerf.
Siht si ym lliw, os llahs ti eb.”

The diamond halted over a spot on the map as the candles went out. The figure opened his eyes and looked at the spot. Then he placed the diamond in the folds of his robe. 

Gathering up the map and the candles, he left the boulder to head toward his camp where he would wait until daylight came.

> New Faces, and Hidden Enemies 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

He slowly walked across the graveyard, his dark brown cloak protecting him from the rays of morning sun. Andromeda had finished digging graves and looked at him. They had followed his town's burial tradition, by placing the bodies of those that Jonathan did not know personally in traditional wooden graves. Jonathan then put those that knew personally, like Trisha and Felix in stone graves. They left the bodies in the dark blue blankets. 

As much as they would love to do a long service for them, logic showed that if they lingered around long enough, the Demons of Shadow could return. But Corina's blanket fell off, and as Jonathan moved to replace it, he noticed that her red sash was missing. The two Exile Legion scouts had probably taken it. He gritted his teeth. Andromeda covered the graves with slabs of wood and stone. 

Since there were no flowers except for the two dark red wreaths of roses, they left burning candles and wreaths of tree branches instead. He carved the names and dates that he knew into the stone and wood. Those he didn't know, he was forced to leave blank. 

He found that during the process, he couldn't stop crying. Their voices wouldn't stop ringing in his hands. Once everything was in place he stood back, positioning himself so that he could see the snow covered tree tops. His arms lifted above his head, and he stared up into the sky. Andromeda watched in the background. 

He cleared his throat and addressed the souls.


“Souls of the dead, Hear me now while the time is best. 
You have been buried, and put to rest.
Your friends and family were chased away by those who slain you.
So they could not come to pay their respects, no matter how much they wanted to.
So here am I instead to pay them in full.
Those who have slain you left your bodies a broken shell.
They shall pay by the blade of my halberd.
Let your souls fly like the colorful birds.
Let you be at rest.
You will not be forgotten in the ancient past, the ever-changing present.
Nor the unknown future. 
May the Everfree forest keep your soul in forever peace." 


Jonathan looked at the graves of Trisha, Felix, Corina, and the Five Sisters. “Rowshields. I swear by my blade of my halberd, if your son and my friend is still alive, I will not let him die. I will do everything to protect him from harm. We will get through this together!” 

Hot tears had fallen down his cheeks during the speech, yet he didn't care. They left soon after. He wished he had been able to stay longer. 

The winter sun was in the sky, casting the pale light over the clouds. The sky was clearer today, and he could see the bronze late afternoon sky. Jonathan felt the bumps from Lightingfeet's feet trotting on the rocky, thin path. From the motion of the bumps, his necklace bounced on his chest. Andromeda was sitting behind him gazing at the flat grassland of the plains. 

Her wings were folded onto her back. Bags containing supplies, Andromeda's sword, and his halberd were at the back of the saddle. 

Split Mountain nothing but a fuzzy blur behind them, slowly being eaten by the horizon. Jonathan kept his eyes covered by the hood of his cloak, and stared in front of him, not wanting to see what was left of his home disappear. To confirm that he was heading out into unknown territory, where he had to depend on others to find his way. His hands tightened on the reins. He took a slow deep breath and let it out. 

As predicted by Andromeda, his skin and eyes turned back to normal when touched by the light of the sun. For a few seconds, he wondered what Lena and Argon would think of his changing looks.  

Andromeda looked at him. “If we keep following this path, we will find Craggertooth Fort. A fort for Engels, Katzes, Fisch, and humans that have been deemed 'traitors' by their own kind. My friends live in that fort with their families. Moon's Eye is seen around there at times, but only briefly. 

You can leave them a note, and they will reply. That's the only way anyone has been able to talk to whoever it is. They flee if you get too close.” 

Jonathan looked at her. “Isn't weird to not know who you are talking to?” Andromeda shrugged. “Plenty of such people live around here nowadays. Different people with strange names that refuse to give their gender or real names. They told me that some time ago they encountered a few survivors of the town. Maybe your friends were with them. 

Jonathan nodded. “Argon must be in so much pain right now. At least Lena is with him. She'll help him.” He glanced at Andromeda. 

“You never told me your last name.” Andromeda blinked. “Oh, yeah. Engels  don't have last names.” Jonathan turned to look at her. 

“Truly?” Andromeda nodded. “Last names are more of a human thing, really. Most Katzes and Fisch don't have one either. Just a first name.

Instead we, Engels have symbols to tell each other apart.” She turned over to the supplies bags where her thin sword was sheathed. “See, on the handle of my sword, there is a symbol of a blooming rose with a crescent moon. That's my family symbol. Everyone in my family owns this symbol and carries it with them wherever they go.”

Jonathan chewed his cheek. “What do you do when you get married? Does the symbol stay the same?” Andromeda shook her head. “No. 

They take pieces of their original family symbol and mix it with the other's to create an entirely new symbol. Take mine for instance. My mother's side of the family owned a dove holding a blooming rose and my father's side owned an eagle flying beside a crescent moon. When they married, the two were allowed to pick one thing from each family symbol. My mother picked the blooming rose, and my father picked the crescent moon. They were put together to represent the unity between the families and to show the connections to grandparents.” 

Jonathan blinked. “Huh. So not one is the same.” Andromeda grinned. “Yep. 

But this doesn't mean that you can call me; 'Andromeda blooming rose and crescent moon'. Because some people do that, and that is very annoying.” Jonathan gave her a half smile. “You would have had Argon laughing his head off at that.” Andromeda's smile faded. 

“Yeah…” Jonathan looked out over the plains. It looked like and felt like summer out here. Not a speck of snow was to be seen. “Andromeda, isn't it supposed to be winter?” 

Andromeda looked at the grass. “It is winter. The temperature and the weather here don't change unless Engels change it.” Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Engels control weather?” 

Andromeda gave a half shrug. “A little. Not really. About all the flying ones can do is move clouds about. That's why in some areas of the land, the weather is normal while in others it's a little wacky.” 

Jonathan glanced at her. “The flying ones?” Andromeda looked at her wings. “Some Engels are taught to fly. And others aren't. 

I'm one of those who weren't.” Jonathan cocked his head. “Why don't all of them get taught?” Andromeda's wings ruffled slightly. “In our culture, it's a choice made by the parents. 

Mine decided that I was better off on the ground. My uncle disagreed with them, and promised me lessons, but…” She sighed. “He died before that could be fulfilled. He used to give me rides, carrying me in his arms while he flew through the sky, swirling and diving.” 

She smiled sadly. “The best times of my life really. I miss those times.” She drew her hand over her eyes. Jonathan spoke. 

“Before my aunt died, she used to take me on walks through the forest. She'd point out things and showed me nature's wonders. Like the eggshell that a baby robin had picked its way through or a mushroom hidden in a mossy log. Sometimes, I found them before she did. Other times, if they were movable, I was able to take one home and show it to Argon and Lena. 

I enjoyed those times, but they stopped when she became bedridden.” Andromeda nodded sadly. “Sounds like both of our family members gave us good memories to remember them by.” Jonathan nodded. 

“Yeah…”  A rustle sounded in the grass. 

Lightingfeet halted and snorted. His foot stamped. Jonathan's head turned to look in the direction of the rustling grass. Andromeda looked as well. “Eh?” 

She cocked her head. “Africanus? Is that you?” She called out. Jonathan glanced at Andromeda. “Africanus? 

Who is that?” Andromeda looked at him. “The owner, and trainer of Lightingfeet, and one of my friends. He's Katze, and a scout so the rustling was most likely him.” Lightingfeet gave a whinny of greeting. 

Jonathan turned back to the front and started. The sudden motion made him fall off Lightingfeet. He landed on the path with a crunch. Jonathan glanced up. A Katze was standing there in front of Lightingfeet, staring at him. 

He had just appeared silently in front of the horse. He had medium green eyes that looked like a cat's. His fur was the light shade of brown with light orange streaks. The color of his hair was black, and the hair was strung in a ponytail. He wore a woven shirt and a pair of woven pants the color of the grass that waved in the plains. 

Lightingfeet snorted and nuzzled the Katze. The Katze stroked the horse's mane, while still watching him intently. Andromeda blinked, then rolled her eyes. “Africanus. You didn't have to scare him like that.” 

Africanus looked at Andromeda. “Says who?” Andromeda put her hands on her hips. “Says Jacomina. She told you to stop scaring people, and alert them when you are coming.”

Africanus rolled his eyes. “Whatever.” Jonathan stood up as Africanus looked back at him. “Who is this?” Andromeda looked back at Jonathan. 

“That's Jonathan. He is good. I found him in that ruined town you guys sent me to.” Jonathan decided to be polite and outstretched his hand. Africanus looked at it, then slowly shook it.  Africanus blinked and leaned closer. His green cat eyes widened. “He has a necklace that looks just like yours!” 

Andromeda nodded. “Yes, yes he does.” 

Jonathan got the feeling that Africanus was less afraid of him because he was wearing the necklace. “Pleased to meet you, Jonathan.” He turned to Andromeda and crossed his arms. His tail flickered. “Now, Andromeda. 

You have a lot of explaining to do back at the fort. Jacomina is worried sick when you didn't come back last night. She thought one of these Exile Legion guys got you.” Andromeda raised an eyebrow. “There are Exile Legion warriors out here?” 

Africanus sighed. “I'll tell you the whole story when we get back to the fort.” Jonathan got back onto the horse. “Well, let's get going then.” Africanus ran up the path, and Lightingfeet trotted faster, following him. 

Jonathan looked at Andromeda. “Who's Jacomina?” Andromeda glanced at him. “The founder and leader of the fort. She can be pretty tough at times, but she cares for every single being in it. 

She leaves notes for Moon's Eye often. There is a rumor that they send objects to each other, but I don't believe it.” Jonathan nodded and looked away. He sighed softly as they held on to Lightingfeet. Things were moving along so quickly. 

What was to become of him and his friends? Would they be able to find each other?  Jonathan lifted his eyes to see Africanus running. “He seems like a nice guy.” Andromeda nodded. 

“He is. Sure he really likes to scare people, but he is real good around horses, and his sneaking abilities make him an excellent scout.” Jonathan looked at Lightingfeet. “How did Africanus get Lightingfeet anyway? I thought horses were worth a fortune.” 

Andromeda laughed. “Not if you raise one that you found in a ditch.” Jonathan blinked. “Africanus raised Lightingfeet?” Andromeda grinned. 

“Raised, trained, and owns him. Sometimes, I think the two can read each other's mind.” Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Really?” Andromeda patted Lightingfeet. 

“Yep. Lightingfeet here is a real smart horse.” Jonathan gripped the reins tighter. “I see.”

He glanced back. He could no longer see Split Mountain. Grunting, he turned away. His eyes widened. Another mountain was visible. 

The point of the mountain was not turned upwards but was bent downwards, curved like a claw. Beneath the mountain, in the shade was a wooden fort. Jonathan caught his breath. It was huge. Trunks of trees had been placed together and held by ropes. 

The tops shaved to fine sharp points. A deep ditch had been dug all around the base of the mountain. A gate covered the entrance. He could see smoke rising toward the sky. “Andromeda, is that Craggertooth fort?” 

Andromeda smiled. “Yep. It is. A lot of Katzes and Engels live there to avoid the Exile Legion.” Jonathan looked at her. 

“Why is it called 'Craggertooth?'” Andromeda pointed at the claw-shaped rock. “It looks like a Cragger's tooth, so we named it Craggertooth.” Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “What's a Cragger?” 

Andromeda explained. “It's like a dog except, it's smaller and lives in the water with the Fisch. They are very friendly, especially the babies. But threaten their homes, and they will attack. Trust me. 

You do not want a Cragger's tooth in your flesh.” They arrived at the gate.

Africanus lifted his hands to his mouth. “Hey! Leona! Let us in!” A face appeared from behind the walls. 

It was a blonde haired Engel, and just like Andromeda said her wings were the same color as Andromeda's. She wore a light brown leather suit, with a few pieces of silver armor. Her eyes were silvery blue. “Africanus? What are you doing back so early?” 

Africanus pointed back at Andromeda. 

“Look who arrived!” Leona turned to look at Andromeda and grinned. “Andromeda! You're okay!” Andromeda smiled and waved. 

“Hey, Leona!” Leona saw Jonathan. “Hey… Who is that?” Andromeda looked at Jonathan. 

I'll tell you in a bit. Open the gate for us okay?” Africanus shouted up to Leona. “And tell Jacomina that Andromeda is back and she brought a visitor!” Leona disappeared, and the gate slowly began to open. 

Jonathan watched as they were pulled open by the ropes, allowing them to come inside. For one that had only opened doors and gates with his hands, it was a sight to see a gate be opened this way. Africanus petted Lightingfeet. “Come on, buddy. I've got a nice warm stable for you. 

It has your favorite. Carrot salad.” Jonathan cocked his head. “Carrot salad?” Africanus chuckled. 

“It's his favorite food. Carrots, apple slices, pieces of hay, and bits of corn. He eats it up just as quick as you please.” Lightingfeet followed Africanus inside, nuzzling him with his velvet soft nose. Jonathan stared at the inside of the fort as they walked through it.  

There were wooden houses where people lived and woven tents where the soldiers lived. Cooking fires crackled as Katzes and Engels made their dinners. There were a lot of people in the fort. More than he had ever seen in his town. Most of them were either Katzes or Engels. 

Male Engels had light green feathers with a blue tint. Jonathan couldn't help getting the feeling that no matter how big his town had seemed, there were things that made it seem tiny and insignificant. But despite the wings and the fur, Jonathan noticed that they seemed like ordinary people that were just doing their everyday lives. Something caught his eye. 

A Katze boy was crouching near a cooking fire, watching it. His hair was black and reached down to his chin. His fur was gray, and his eyes were green. He started. Andromeda glanced at him. 

“What's wrong?” Jonathan shook his head and held it with a hand. “Ugh. This necklace is doing weirder stuff by the day. I saw a dream with a couple of Katzes in it, and now I see them here in the fort. 

It's like the necklace is showing me the future or something.” Andromeda smiled. “Well, according to what people say, dreams usually do warn you about the future in mysterious ways.” She looked at the sky. “Just one more hour, and you can take off that cloak.” 

Jonathan sighed. 

“I don't get it. Why did I get these runes or magic? I never asked for them.” Andromeda shrugged. “I wish I knew, Jonathan.” 

They arrived in the middle of the fort. If one looked up to the sky, they got a perfect view of the claw-shaped mountain. Jonathan and Andromeda got off of Lightingfeet. He moved to take off the supplies and his halberd, but Lightingfeet snorted and stamped his foot. Africanus shook his head. 

“You stubborn horse.” Andromeda cocked her head. “He doesn't want us to take them off?” Africanus chuckled. “Lightingfeet prefers you to take them off at the stable. 

Do it any other way, and he gets stubborn. All right you stubborn quadruple legged mammal, have it your way.” Africanus said while stroking the horse's mane. Lightingfeet trotted over to a bucket of water and began to drink. Footsteps sounded behind them. 

Jonathan turned around to see another Katze walking toward them with a stern look on her face. Her fur was the color black, and her eyes were bright yellow. Silvery hair was braided down her back, and in her hair was a beautiful turquoise flower. She was wearing a dark maroon dress with a dark green skirt. She was sleeveless, so Jonathan could see her bare arms.

One arm had the fur tattooed with a symbol. Jonathan stiffened when he saw it. The symbol was of three diamonds. “She has a Light rune.” He thought. 

Leona was with her, a huge grin on her face. “Andromeda!” She hugged Andromeda tightly. “I'm so glad you are okay!” Andromeda hugged Leona back. “Thanks, Leona.” 

Africanus looked at the other Katze. “Jacomina, as you can see Andromeda is now safe and sound.” Jacomina nodded and spoke, her voice carrying authority. “Indeed. Andromeda. 

How come you weren't able to arrive on time?” Andromeda looked at her hands. “Well, you see. I was in the ruined town, soothing the souls with the dark blue blankets that you gave me when I discovered two Exile Legion scouts looting the place.” Jacomina nodded. 

“What happened next?” Andromeda continued. “Jonathan here attacked them out of grief and anger. Since he was a human, they knocked him out and left him there. I helped him bury the dead, and brought him here.” 

Jacomina's eyes scanned him. They narrowed. “…The known survivors of the ruined town reported a 'Jonathan' to be dead. How is he alive?” Jonathan stiffened. 

Andromeda glanced at him and explained. “Jonathan here has a necklace just like mine. His took him to the past where he remained until two days ago. According to him, he stayed only a week, yet here a year passed.” Jacomina remained silent, studying him. 

Africanus looked at Andromeda. “Why did you bring him here?” Andromeda looked at Jacomina. “He is looking for his friends, Lena, and Argon. We were hoping that Moon's Eye would know where to find them.” 

Jonathan looked at Jacomina. “Was there an 'Argon Rowshield', and a 'Lena Keldsworth' in the group of survivors?” Jacomina's tail swished underneath her skirt, and she placed a hand over her mouth. It was clear that she was thinking deeply. “…Moon's Eye will know how to find them. 

I will contact Moon's Eye. As for your question Jonathan, I am afraid that I cannot say. We were only able to help one survivor, and we didn't get her name.” Jonathan blinked. “Wait, why couldn't you help the others? 

How many were there?” Jacomina looked at him. “We discovered only four, and three refused our help. The one that accepted did not remain at my fort for long.” Andromeda bit her lip. 

“Do you know what she looked like? Or where she went?” Jacomina shook her head. “It was a long time ago. The memory has faded from my mind.” She sighed and gazed at her feet.

“Is the Exile Legion so desperate for supplies that they are raiding their own kind?” Leona winced. “Oops. Sorry Andromeda.” Andromeda gave her a strange look. 

“Sorry?” Africanus sighed. “Yeah. You see, an Exile Legion scout came near here about three days ago. Leona here placed a spell on him so that when he got back to their camp, half of the food supplies would go bad. 

But she miscalculated the strength of their Forbidden magic and the spell made all the food go bad.” Andromeda looked at him. “And this is a bad thing because?” Jacomina sighed, her cat ears flicking slightly. “Because now not only Exile Legion scouts are combing the plains, but Exile Legion warriors and Commanders.” 

Andromeda gasped. “Exile Legion Commanders?! Is… is the First Commander of the Exile Legion?” Jacomina shook her head. 

“No, he and the Fourth stayed at the camp. Fortunately. But the Second and the Third are out and heading our way. They will reach us by nightfall so we expect them to attack tonight.” Andromeda's face turned pale. 

“What? We can't take on the Second and Third Commanders!” Jacomina's arms crossed. “I know the strength of my own fort, Andromeda. They will be very lightly armed and without the Fourth Commander, they will only be able to use a small amount of Forbidden magic. 

I can distract the Second Commander long enough for all those able to fend off the Third Commander. With how many people that live in this fort, we can do it. It will be a challenge but we have no other choice. Other than surrender.” Africanus laughed bitterly. 

“You know how the Second Commander is. We all do. Doesn't matter if we surrender, she'll kill us all.” Jacomina nodded. “Yes. 

Which is why we must fight. Jonathan.” Jonathan looked at her. “Yes?” Jacomina placed her hands on her hips. 

“If we are going to fend them off, we will need your help.” Jonathan nodded. “Okay. What do you need me to do?” Jacomina looked at the claw-shaped mountain. 

“At the back of the fort, in front of the mountain is a cave large enough to hold everyone that is unable to fight. I want you and Andromeda to take all the elderly, sick, the children, and anyone who is not fit to fight in there. I will hide the cave with my magic. It will be our job to make sure that the Second and Third Commanders don't find that cave. Once they are in there, join us in keeping them out. 

Everybody got that?” 

They all nodded. Jacomina nodded back. “Then make the preparations to defend the fort!” With that, Africanus and Leona walked away. Andromeda went over to Lightingfeet to fetch her sword. 

Jacomina went over to Jonathan. “Jonathan, I must warn you. The Second and Third Commanders are not what they seem. Whatever happens, be careful.” Jonathan nodded. 

“I will.” He went over to Andromeda as she set off to find those unable to fight. Jacomina watched them with a strange look on her face. She sighed, and spoke as she turned around. “Moon's Eye will have to see this in person to believe what I have seen.”

She glanced at Jonathan. “Those legends are more truthful than I could have ever imagined.” 


> Defense of Craggertooth Fort
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
Jonathan stood at the edge of the cave, holding a torch and watching the stars in the sky. The night sky was a dark blue, with hints of dark purple at the edge of the horizon where the sun was beginning to slowly rise. 

The winter night was growing bitterly cold. Despite the warmth that a cooking fire would give, Jacomina had forbidden any cooking fires as that would locate other Exile Legion warriors to their location. As she put it, torches were bad enough as they glowed like fireflies in the night. Africanus, Andromeda, and he had spent the rest of the afternoon rounding up everybody that couldn't fight. 

Most of them were already inside the cave, but a few had yet to be found. Leona and a male Engel named Hallmark were on the lookout for the Second and Third Commanders. 

The Commanders were taking longer to arrive than expected, as it was an hour and a half away from sunrise. They had awaited them the whole night with Jonathan dozing off whenever he got the chance to sit down. Jacomina found the delay a pleasant surprise, as she could strength the defense of her fort more with the extra time. He found it rather unlikable. The waiting had him antsy and fearful of the arrival of the Commanders. 

His gut ached with fear, something that had been happening recently. 

His stomach growled as he hadn't eaten yet. Africanus suddenly jumped down beside him, startling him. The torch fell onto the ground where it went out. Jonathan bent down to pick it up while Africanus straightened. “Oh, sorry Jonathan. Didn't mean to scare you like that.” Jonathan stood up and gave him a half smile. 

“It's okay. Jacomina probably likes it out anyway.” Africanus smiled and nodded. “True that.” He reached into a hidden pocket in his pants. 

“Here Jonathan. I haven't seen you eat all night, and fighting a battle with an empty stomach is not recommended. As they say, an army marches on its stomach.” Africanus handed him a piece of bread. Jonathan took it and ate a bite. “Thanks.” Jonathan glanced back at the stars, while he chewed the bread. 

They were still in the sky, but the bottom most ones were beginning to fade. Africanus leaned against the stone wall of the mountain and crossed his arms. “It has been a long night for sure.” Jonathan nodded. “Yes, it has.” 

He paused. “Africanus, you have fought battles before, right?” Africanus glanced at him. “Yeah.” Jonathan looked at the ground. 

“When you are waiting for one to start, …is it normal for one to be afraid for the coming of the battle?” 

Africanus chewed on his cheek as he thought. “Such a question. Hm.” An elderly male Katze was slowly walking toward the cave. His hair was white as snow, and his fur was dark brown the color of chocolate. 

He stumbled upon the ground and fell. Africanus started and went over to help the man up. He guided him into the cave and settled him down. Then he returned to his original position. “Is it normal?” 

Africanus put his hand to his mouth in thought. “Well, here is a question for you. Is it normal to have fear?” Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Yeah. 

Everybody is afraid of something.” Africanus looked at his hand and clenched it slightly. His claws came out. “Can the knowledge of something cause fear?” 

Jonathan watched Africanus as he examined his claws as would a human with their nails.  “Yes.” Africanus noticed a claw that broken and picked the broken part off. “Well. You can't be afraid of something that you don't know is going to happen, but you can be afraid of something that you know is going to happen.” 

Africanus glanced at the stars. “I would say that it is perfectly normal to be afraid because in a battle you can lose many things.” His whiskers twitched. “I always have a bad feeling in my gut when I know a battle is going to happen. I think that you would be hard pressed to find a warrior who wasn't afraid.” 

Jonathan nodded. “Thanks, Africanus,” Africanus smiled. “anytime.” 

Andromeda came toward the cave, with the black-haired, green-eyed, gray-furred Katze boy in her arms. He looked frightened. Andromeda was trying her best to comfort him. “It's going to be okay, little one. We won't let the Commanders get you, or your family.” 

Andromeda's wings were folded onto her back so that she didn't have to avoid bumping them into things.

She went into the cave and handed the boy to his mother who cradled him. The boy saw Jonathan watching, and grabbed at Andromeda's sleeve. She bent over to him as the boy spoke to her. Andromeda glanced at Jonathan, then nodded at the boy. The boy nodded in return and clung to his mother.

Africanus's ears lowered. “Poor kittens.” Jonathan blinked. “Kittens?” Africanus glanced at him. 

“I mean 'children'. My kind refers to our young as kittens.” Jonathan nodded. “Oh, all right then. That makes sense. 

Do the other two races call their young different names as well?” Africanus smiled. “Yes in fact. Engels call their young, 'hatchlings', and Fisch calls their young 'Fry'.

He looked at the boy. “Are the kittens of this fort unhappy?” Africanus nodded. “The whole Demons of Shadow was hard enough, but add in the Exile Legion and you have most of them scared beyond anything I've ever seen. They have nightmares at night of their family being hurt by either enemy and they jump at sudden noises. 

It has been awhile since I'd seen them play games with each other. Jacomina has tried everything to help them, but. Well.” Africanus sighed. “What can you do? 

Kittens and kids are smart, they can tell when things are being hidden from them. We want to give them the answers, but we must be careful about it. Any young does not deserve to face the horrors of war. It's my duty to ensure that more of the young of my kind do not have to suffer from other's actions.” Jonathan nodded. 

“A good duty to have.” Africanus nodded in return. “Indeed.” Andromeda walked up to them. “Well, that's the last one. 

Jacomina can now seal the cave up, and we can continue to await the Commanders.”  Africanus stood up. “I shall go and inform her of the news.” He scrambled up the wall of the rock. Andromeda turned to Jonathan. 

“The sun will rise in a bit. Better make sure that cloak doesn't fall off, or you will get burned.” Jonathan looked at the cave. “What did the boy want?” Andromeda glanced at the cave. 

“He wanted to know if you were going to help protect them or not. Seeing a human doing nice things to them isn't as much of a common sight anymore.” Jonathan looked at the cave. A grown up Katze would occasionally stare at him when they thought he wasn't looking. When he turned to look at them, they would quickly glance away. 

“Is it not that much of a common sight for adults as well?” Andromeda shook her head. “Not in this time. Grownups, though, can remember the times when humans were nice. Don't know if that is bad or good in the long run.” 

Jonathan stared at his necklace. “One thing I hope to accomplish is getting this necklace off my neck.” Andromeda raised an eyebrow. “…Can't you just unhook it from the back or something?” Jonathan shook his head. 

“Try it yourself.” He lifted his hood off, revealing his black, red, and gray locks. Turning around, he allowed Andromeda to reach up and grasp the silver chain. Her fingers found the hook and made the motion to unhook it. “What?” 

She tried again, to no avail. Jonathan glanced over his shoulder to find her struggling to unhook it. She growled out each word. “I… can't… get… this… off!” 

She let go of the chain and sighed heavily. “What is with that necklace? Why can't I take it off?” Jonathan shrugged. “Beats me.

Something about me being sworn to protect the past form of this land when I took the oath.” Andromeda cocked her head. “What was the name of this land, anyway?” Jonathan scratched his forehead. “Equestria.”

Andromeda blinked. “Equestria?” Andromeda's brow furrowed. “Wait. What kind of inhabitants are in the past?” 

Jonathan held a hand, counting them off. “Er, let's see. There were Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies.” Andromeda bit her lip. “Was there anything that you were supposed to guard. 

Keep safe? Something like that?” Jonathan chewed his cheek at the odd question. “Well, according to Twilight their main source of protection was these magic items called the 'Elements of Harmony'. But then they have turned unusable ten years ago, the same time that I got my necklace.” 

Andromeda touched hers. “I received mine ten years ago as well.” She suddenly frowned. “And I took an oath too.” 

Her face filled with fear as the realization hit her. “What if I am to be sent to the past for a week, but turned out to be a year as well?  Jonathan stiffened. “That… actually, could be a real possibility.” 

He looked at her necklace, biting his lip. “Okay then. If you do get sent to the past, one do not freak out too badly at how the past inhabitants look like. They… look a little weird.” 

Andromeda began to wring her hands in the air. “But that can't happen. I can't go to the past! I have friends to keep alive; Africanus, Leona, Jacomina. And a family to protect! 

My mother, my father, my grandparents! I can't just leave them behind to save the inhabitants of the past!” Jonathan nodded at her. A tear fell from his eye. “Now you know how I felt.” 

Andromeda stood still for a few moments. “Oh. Yeah.” She turned to look him in the eye. “I… am so sorry Jonathan. I.” 

Jonathan brushed the tear away. “It's okay. I'm fine.” Andromeda gave him a weak smile. “But how do I prevent me from being transported there?”

Her hand touched her necklace again. “Maybe I could just take mine off.” She tried to unhook hers but was unable to. “Oh. I can't get mine off as well.” 

Jonathan put the torch on the ground. “Here's my advice. Stay away from landmarks that came from the past, and you should be good.” Andromeda nodded. “I shall do that.” 

Jacomina arrived on the scene, with full battle armor on. A bronze helmet with an amethyst jewel in the metal, was on her head pushing back her silvery locks so that they flowed down her back. The helmet only covered the back of her head, leaving the front open. There were holes on the top of the helmet that allowed her ears to poke out. A bronze choker studded with tiny amethysts was at her neck as well. 

Bronze pauldrons were at her shoulders, with bits of amethyst lining the edges and her hands were wrapped in bronze colored chain mail gloves. Her chest was protected by a bronze chest plate. A leather belt that held an amethyst in the middle was at her waist. A black skirt draped to the ground, moving like liquid with her movements. Two long, thin swords were strapped to the belt. 

She wore a blood red cape that flowed from one pauldron and covered one arm. She was both magnificent, and terrible at the same time. Africanus stood at her back, a spear in his hands. Jacomina addressed them. “Jonathan. 

Andromeda. Stand back. This will require space. Those in the cave. Stand as far away as you can from the entrance.”  

They did as she commanded, and she walked to the front of the cave. Swiftly she lifted her hand in front of the air. Her hand immediately glowed blue, and a shield appeared at the entrance. For a few seconds, it stayed there, then vanished. The entrance melted away to form solid rock that looked just like the ones surrounding it. 

Jacomina lowered her hand. Africanus blinked, and stepped forward. Smartly, he rapped his fist against the area where the entrance used to be. “Is this really rock here?” He asked, arching an eyebrow. 

Jacomina shook her head. “No. It is only meant to be a cover-up and a protection spell. But if the Second or Third Commander were to attack it with their Forbidden magic, this won't last long.” Jonathan nodded. 

“So we better make sure that they keep well away from here.” Jacomina stepped back from the mountain rock. “Precisely,” Hallmark called down from the wooden wall. “Hey, Jacomina! 

I think I can see the Commanders!” Jacomina stiffened and swiftly walked to where Hallmark was standing. Africanus headed into the town. Jacomina glanced over her shoulder. “You two, follow me.” 

They followed her up the dirt path, and a ladder onto a wooden platform on the wall. 

Hallmark was kneeling next to the wall, holding a silver telescope to his eye. He had spiky red hair and tanned skin. His wings were the turquoise green and were folded onto his back. Leona was standing next to him, her hand over her eyes staring out into the distance. A worried frown was on her face. 

Andromeda bit her lip. “Jonathan, I am pretty scared. 

I have heard so many rumors about the Second Commander. None of them are good. She is utterly merciless. And the Third Commander is known for his twisting dagger attacks, and his ability to hide in the shadows. The stories of what they can do with their Forbidden magic is terrifying enough.” 

Jonathan placed his hand on Andromeda's shoulder. “It's going to be okay, Andromeda. There is only two of them. And lots of us.” Andromeda gave him a weak smile. 

“Yeah, you're right.” Hallmark glanced at Jacomina as she came up to him. “Where do you see them?” He pointed out toward the distance. Jonathan looked in the direction. 

Two far away figures were slowly walking up a hill, scanning the grass for potential animals to hunt. Jacomina glanced at him. “Jonathan, your skin and eyes have changed color.” Jonathan glanced at his hands. They were certainly paler than they should be. 

Andromeda looked at him. “Jonathan has a Nightrunner rune. This is one of the Nightrunner rune effects.” Jacomina cocked her head. “I see. 

Well then, that means he has better vision than the rest of us.” She outstretched a hand to Hallmark, who gave her his telescope. She handed the telescope to Jonathan. “Here. Tell us what you can see.” 

Jonathan took the telescope and turned to the wall. He placed the end of the telescope to his eye. One figure moved with the practiced ease of a hunter. The other was not so smooth and seemed to walk rather stiffly. Jonathan got the idea that hunting was not in the figure's skill range. 

One of the figures's lit a torch and held it above their heads. The torchlight revealed a man wearing a brown cloak with a hood. Daggers gleamed at his waist, and his brown gloved hand held another dagger ready to throw. He could see the glint of silver eyes. Beside him was a woman. 

She was in gold and dark brown armor with a golden winged helmet. 

A light brown bow with darker brown leaf carvings was strapped to her back, and a silver sword was hooked onto her belt. Her light brown hair flowed from her head. Her eyes were purple pinkish. She was slender and muscular. Jonathan started, nearly dropping the telescope. 

A gasp escaped his lips. Andromeda looked at him questionably. 

“What is it?” He pointed at the figures. “Those Commanders. I saw them. In one of my dreams.” 

Jacomina glanced at them. “Before you is the Second and Third Commanders. Fierce, powerful beings they are. It will take all that this fort can give to drive them away.” She looked straight at Hallmark. 

“Have they seen us yet?” Hallmark frowned. “Not yet. But they will.” Jacomina nodded and crossed her arms. 

Her eyes had a hardened steel look in them. 

“Hallmark, if anyone is severely injured, get them out of the battlefield as quick as you can. These people would not hesitate to kill a downed warrior.” Hallmark nodded. “Yes, ma'am.” Jacomina turned to Jonathan. 

“I assume that in this dream of yours, you saw the Second and Third Commanders fight.” Jonathan nodded. “Yes, I did.” Jacomina blinked. “You are capable of fighting.” 

It was not a question, yet he answered anyway. “Yes.” Jacomina gazed at him with her cat eyes. Jonathan got the unnerving feeling that she was studying him from head to toe. “…Do you have a weapon to fight them with then? 

They will be here in a few minutes.” Jonathan automatically reached for the handle of his crystal halberd, only to stop when he touched nothing but air. “Uh.” He turned to Andromeda. “Andromeda, where is my crystal halberd?” 

She looked at him, then turned around and glanced at the inside of the fort. “Um. I don't…” Her face lit up. “Oh! It's by Lightingfeet's stable! Africanus placed it there while you and I rounded up everybody.” 

Jonathan frowned. “Right then. I better go fetch it.” He stepped down the ladder. Andromeda watched him go. 

She bit her lip. The distance to the stable was rather far, and she was afraid that Jonathan wouldn't be able to reach it in time. Leona leaned over the wall. “Ma'am, I think they see us.” Jacomina swiftly turned to the wall. 

Andromeda followed her gaze. The Second and Third Commanders seemed to be arguing. The male, which was the Third, was waving his hand about in the air at the fort. The Second had her sword drawn out and seemed to be polishing it. The Third stomped his foot and pointed toward a spot on the horizon. Then he pointed to the sky. 

More stars were gone, and the dark purple was turning into a lighter shade at the edges. The Second waved a hand at him, cutting him off in the middle of his speech. She turned her gaze on the fort and swiftly advanced. The Third appeared to groan, but put out the torch and followed her. They ran very fast, their legs carrying them with astonishing speed. 

Jacomina sighed softly. 

“So they are coming here.” Andromeda glanced at her. “You sound like there was a chance that they would not. Jacomina looked at her. “There was a slight chance that they would not. 

The Third is known for sometimes not attacking non-humans.” Andromeda felt her jaw drop. “Seriously?” Jacomina nodded. “It is rather rare, but yes. 

Sometimes, especially if it is a child, he will not harm them. I suppose that somewhere in him is a hint of sympathy.” She gazed at the Third. “I wonder. What was he before all of this? 

Has he changed for the better or worse?” For a moment, she watched him after making the odd comment. Then she left the wall. Andromeda followed, her hand straying to the handle of her blade. Hallmark quickly ducked behind the wall. 

“Jacomina! They are here!” He hissed out. Jacomina kept moving swiftly with Andromeda. They arrived back in the middle of the fort. 

The peak of the mountain hung over them. Andromeda stopped when she saw a tiny chunk of rock fall next to her feet. Slowly she looked up. She gasped. The Second Commander was on top of the peak, crouching. 

Her purple pinkish eyes were gazing at her with a sinister curiosity. The light brown hair framed her helmet as she stared at Andromeda. Andromeda stiffened and grabbed her sword. Her hand was shaking slightly as she drew it out. Jacomina stopped farther down the path and turned back. 

“What is it, Andromeda?” She asked, swiftly returning to her. She froze when she saw the Second Commander. With a smooth motion, she drew out her two swords and pointed them. The Second Commander dropped down from her perch and landed smoothly on her feet. 

Gracefully, she pointed her sword at Andromeda with a sparkling glint in her eyes. “Come at me, if you dare Engel scum.” Her voice sounded out like music, tinkling in Andromeda's ears. Her gut clenched. Andromeda took a deep breath and swung at her. 

The Second Commander easily blocked the move and swung one of her own. Andromeda barely had time to dodge it before it sliced off one of her feathers. The Second Commander struck again, and Andromeda tried to dodge. But the Second Commander swung her sword in front of where Andromeda was trying to go. Andromeda stumbled backward with a yelp and jabbed at the Second Commander. 

The Second Commander blocked every single one, ending with their blades locked at the end. The Second Commander was only holding her sword with one hand. Andromeda felt her legs tremble as the Second Commander grabbed her by the shoulder. “You call that, something worthy of my time?” She asked. 

The words were spoken as casually as someone saying hello, and as silkily as if she were speaking to a loved one. Andromeda felt a shiver of fear crawl up her spine. Jacomina's face remained blank, yet her voice carried all her anger. “Leave at once.” She commanded, swinging the blades with a skill to be envied.

The Second Commander glanced at Jacomina and snorted. “Really?” The Second Commander pushed Andromeda away and turned to Jacomina. “You present no challenge to me, Katze.” Jacomina thrust her blades forward. 

“Why don't you find out?” The Second Commander raised her blade and charged.


> Of Forbidden magic, and Thrown Daggers   
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Jonathan jogged along the dirt path of the alleyway that lay between the wooden houses and the wooden wall as he tried to find his halberd. The energy from staying up all night kept his adrenaline pumping. His breath came in slowly. Going was slow, as the lack of light made him bump into many things, people included. After muttering apologies every few minutes, he chose to take the alleyway. One thing that he saw while taking the alleyway, was the lack of cats in the fort. 

For some reason, that bothered him. It was understandable that since the Katzes were probably half cat themselves that they would be able to hunt the mice. Back in the town, though cats were a common sight. They lived outdoors and ate the bugs and mice that otherwise would have plagued the town. As a reward, the rich people left dishes of milk and cream beside their doorstep. 

The poor rewarded the cats by letting them inside the Slob, where the cats would curl up near a smoky fire and fall asleep. Every spring there were several litters of kittens, that lived in the alleyways. They were not drowned, as that was considered bad luck. Most of the male cats and a few female cats would usually go off into the forest to live in the wild, only to return for food, and occasionally naps. Mostly, it was the females, with an occasional male cat that prowled the town. 

Almost everyone petted the cats, especially the children. Even Rayon would stoop down and stroke a cat now and then. Jonathan felt a tightening in his chest. He glanced down and saw his necklace. With a grimace, he stuffed it beneath his shirt and stopped reminiscing. He exited the alleyway and headed down the remaining path to the stable. Both female and male Katzes and Engels were out and about, hands gripping their weapons. 

Jonathan frowned. “Looks like everyone has been put on edge by these Second and Third Commanders.” 

He thought. He dodged past a house and found the stable. At the front of it was several wooden planks cobbled together with nails and rope to form a stall. Several more stalls were behind the first. An empty house was near the stable on the right. 

A rain barrel with a small pile of hay near it was on the left. 

Lightingfeet was stamping and snorting in his stall, clearly unhappy. Jonathan approached him but then froze. A man was there, staring at Lightingfeet. 

“Who is that?” He wondered. The man's face was hidden. He was wearing a brown cloak with a hood. He also wore a light brown shirt,  with gray pants and black boots. A dagger gleamed in his gloved hand. It was the Third Commander. Jonathan gritted his teeth. “Lands!” He thought.

Jonathan began to back away as he quickly scanned the area for his halberd. “This is real bad.” Lightingfeet kicked his foot against the stable door and lunged forward trying to bite the Third Commander. The Third Commander wisely stayed a few feet away. Jonathan continued to look furiously around, while praying that the Third Commander wouldn't turn around. 

Lightingfeet snorted angrily. Then the horse caught sight of Jonathan. His ears suddenly perked up, and he neighed. The Third Commander's grip on the dagger tightened. Jonathan bit his lip, as the Third Commander turned around. 

They made eye contact. The Third Commander's silver eyes fastened on him. Jonathan knew that his own face was partly hidden by the hood, yet he hoped that the Third Commander wouldn't notice how afraid he was. The Third Commander did not move, and neither did Jonathan. Just like in the dream, the silver eyes were full of sadness and grief.

Curiously enough, Jonathan felt like he was rather familiar. But he couldn't place where. For a moment, they stayed frozen like that. 

Then a hair-raising growl sounded out. Jonathan's eyes widened, as Africanus appeared out of nowhere and landed behind the Third Commander on all fours. The Third Commander whirled around, tossing the dagger at him with high speed. Africanus only dodged the dagger with inhuman speed, allowing it to bury itself in the wood. He snarled at the Third Commander much like a cat would, raising his spine, tail whipping about. 

His ears were flat upon his skull, and his lips were drawn back giving him a full view of his teeth. The spear was clutched in one hand, and Jonathan could see Africanus's claws digging into the wood. With the two distracted, Jonathan ran into the empty house and hid to await his chance to go into the stable. The Third Commander swung his arm, throwing another dagger at Africanus. Africanus dodged that dagger as well. 

Lightingfeet drew back his own lips and kicked the door again. The door cracked from the force. Africanus glanced at him and spoke a few words. Then he turned back to the Third Commander.

He crouched, then jumped into the air. 

Jonathan watched as Africanus landed where he had been moments ago. The Katze saw Jonathan in the house and quickly turned his gaze back to the Third Commander. With his back turned to the house, he slowly drew a paw behind his back. One finger pointed to the rain barrel, and the small pile of hay near it. Jonathan looked more closely. 

A glint of crystal shone from behind the barrel. He started. “There it is!” He frowned. “But it is over there, and I am over here. 

And if I go out there, I will have no chance of defending myself.” He sighed, and continued to wait. The spearhead of Africanus's spear had been dug into the ground, leaving it to stick up in the air. The Third Commander turned to where Africanus was and charged. Africanus suddenly moved lighting fast and kicked at the Third Commander. 

His foot nearly hit the Third Commander's head, but missed by several inches. The Third Commander leaped onto the roof of the house Jonathan was hiding in. Africanus snarled again and took off. Jonathan slowly poked his head out and watched him. He ran down the path and turned back. 

He tossed the spear at the Third Commander who dodged it. 

The spear suddenly burst into a fiery red ball of flames. The Third Commander backed away from the fire. Jonathan noticed that the glowing flames didn't catch the house on fire. “It must be magic.” He thought. 

The Third Commander jumped down from the house and ran toward Africanus, leaving the stable open. Jonathan made a mad dash to the rain barrel. Sure enough, behind it was the crystal halberd. He quickly snatched it and hooked it onto his back. “I'd better go help Africanus.” 

He thought. Lightingfeet kicked the door one final time. It broke apart, allowing him to exit. Jonathan jumped. “What? 

Lightingfeet!” The horse dashed outside, his mane flapping against his neck. Jonathan ran after him. “Lightingfeet! Get back here, you dumb horse! You are going to get killed!” 

The horse ignored him completely, continuing to run. And run fast. He dashed down onto the path and galloped across it. People that were in the way had to make a quick getaway in order to avoid being knocked over. Jonathan brushed past them, shouting apologies. 

He panted as he tried to keep up with the horse. “No wonder they call you Lightingfeet.” He thought with a bitter grunt. His legs burned, and breath came with short gasps that left his throat parched.

The crystal halberd was slowing him down. Lightingfeet suddenly stopped, and kicked the wall of a house. Jonathan shook his head. “What has gotten into you?!” An outcry of surprise rang out. 

Jonathan looked up to see the Third Commander on the roof. The kick had caused him to nearly lose his balance, distracting him from Africanus. Africanus was on the roof. His shoulder was bleeding rather heavily from a dagger wound. Jonathan groaned. 

“How did he get up there? How do I get up there?” He unhooked his halberd and looked around. He saw a wagon that had several barrels in it. Jonathan took a step towards it but halted when he saw Africanus move. 

Africanus jumped off the roof, and onto Lightingfeet's back. The horse reared and began to run. Jonathan jumped out of the way, dropping his halberd in the process. It fell to the ground with a loud clatter. Lightingfeet galloped past him. 

Jonathan could see Africanus clutching on the horse. The shoulder was going to need medical attention soon, or Africanus would fall unconscious from loss of blood. Jonathan watched as Lightingfeet went off to another part of the town, bearing faithfully the burden of his master. He stiffened. In watching Lightingfeet, he had utterly forgotten about the Third Commander. 

Swiftly turning about, he froze at the sight. The Third Commander was kneeling on the ground, examining the crystal halberd with his silver eyes. The daggers that had been in his hands were now sheathed at his belt. He seemed like he was ignoring Jonathan completely. Jonathan tried to make a move toward him but was halted by an invisible force. 

An icy hand clutched at his heart. Some force of magic had been cast, to keep him there. “Lands! I shouldn't have been so careless!” There wasn't anything to do about it, though. 

He stared at the Third Commander as he, in turn, stared at the halberd. Very slowly, almost hesitatingly he touched the cool, smooth surface of the crystal halberd with his left hand. 

His hand inexplicably shook, as if there were an emotion invoked by the halberd. 

The Third Commander began to mutter something over the halberd. As he muttered, he drew his hand over his face several times. He looked up and saw Jonathan standing there. Jonathan couldn't see the Third Commander's face very well, but he did notice that he had pale skin. 

And a silvery gray goatee. From the wet trails on the skin, he could see that the Third Commander had been crying. The silvery eyes focused on Jonathan's. They were accusatory, full of anger, and hate. 

The left hand on the weapon clenched. His teeth gnashed. The right hand lifted and pointed straight at Jonathan. His voice sounded out, raspy from emotion. Despite the rasping, there was an unnerving factor about the voice. 

It was very similar to Rayon's. “Thief.” The Third Commander said. Jonathan blinked. “Thief?” He thought. 

The Third Commander snarled, and shook his fist at him. “Thief!” He cried, louder this time. The Third Commander's eyes narrowed. The fist clenched tightly. 

The silver eyes began to change. Jonathan watched in horror. The whites of the eyes turned lime green, the irises bright red. Smoky purple floated from the corners of the eye. 

The clenched fist shook, as black tendrils of magic wrapped themselves around it. Jonathan's nose wrinkled as a rotten smell pierced the air. The same smell that was in the dream. His gut tightened. The same black tendrils of magic were curling around him, lifting him off his feet and high into the air. 

“Uh oh.” 

The Third Commander punched the air with his fist. Jonathan felt himself be tossed into the air as the black tendrils responded to the unspoken command that they were given. The air pushed against him as  the ground disappeared. “Oh, fantastic!” He cried as he flew through the air. With a loud crunch, he landed on the dirt a few feet away. 

Jonathan shook his legs, then his arms, wrists, and hands. Nothing was broken. Incredibly. He had fallen that distance before from climbing a tree. Argon and Lena had to drag him back to town, as he was unable to walk. 

But now, except for being a little bruised, he was fine. Another addition to having the Nightrunner rune, apparently. The Third Commander crouched, then jumped impossibly high. Jonathan jumped up onto his feet. The Third Commander was drawing his daggers out as he flew through the air. Jonathan gritted his teeth. 

“Move, move, move!” He told himself. He ran toward his crystal halberd and dived. Doing a somersault, he grabbed it and rolled back onto his feet. The Third Commander landed right where Jonathan used to be. 

The daggers hit the ground, pushing the dirt aside. The Third Commander turned and tossed a dagger straight at him. Jonathan dodged it and ran at the Third Commander. He swung the halberd at him. The Third Commander ducked under the attack and kicked him in the chest. 

“Oof!” He grunted, falling back from the force. The Third Commander wielded a new pair of daggers, glaring at him. The eyes were back to silver, yet Jonathan was a little unnerved. “Thief!” 

The Third Commander accused. He jumped up again and kicked him in the jaw. Jonathan landed onto his side, tasting blood. With a snarl, he lifted his halberd up to block the incoming attack. The Third Commander smashed his daggers down onto the crystal halberd. 

Jonathan lay flat on his back, pushing against the Third Commander. The Third Commander pushed back. Neither gave the other any advantage. Jonathan grunted. A thought popped into his head suddenly. 

“What would Felix do?” He looked the Third Commander up and down. In the action of pushing the daggers against the halberd, he had left his legs open for attack. Jonathan swept his leg underneath and knocked the Third Commander off his feet. He rolled onto his feet, standing over him. 

The Third Commander crouched, then jumped up. He landed on Jonathan's shoulders. “Gah! Get off!” Jonathan glared back at the Third Commander. 

The Third Commander sneered at him. “Make me, you robber.” He lifted a pair of gleaming daggers. Jonathan lifted his halberd up to block the daggers. “Thief!” Jonathan snarled at him. 

“I'm not a thief!” He ducked down, knocking off the Third Commander. The Third Commander rolled into a somersault of his own and got right back to his feet. “Says the one with that halberd!” The Third Commander threw another dagger. Jonathan turned to the side to avoid that one, leaving his face open for attack. 

Which is what the Third Commander was waiting for. With one quick throw, he tossed a small dagger. Jonathan saw the flash a minute too late. He tried to dodge, but just barely missed getting a dagger in his head. Instead, his cheek was cut. 

“Ow!” Jonathan charged at him, raising his halberd to swipe at him. The Third Commander made a move to jump to the left to avoid it. Which is what Jonathan was waiting for. He swung the staff part of the halberd right into The Third Commander's chest. 

“Oof!” Grunted the Third Commander as he was knocked back by the handle. “Jeez! That hurt!” Jonathan bit his cheek. 

“Good thing Felix taught me that trick.” He thought. Inwardly, he winced from the pain of the memories. “Ahhhhhh!” Jonathan started. 

“That's Andromeda screaming.” He turned his head to see what was beside him. On one side, the path stretched out around a corner of a wooden house. On the other, the wall of the fort. Andromeda came out from behind the corner, and ran toward him, looking rather scared. 

Her sword was held in her right hand. Her necklace was bouncing on her chest. Her gray shirt was missing a sleeve, leaving one arm bare, the area where the sleeve met the shoulder ripped with a very clean cut. As if the wielder of the blade was unnaturally graceful. Jonathan's gut tightened once more. “Oh great, I forgot. 

The Second Commander is also here.” She stopped, panting. “Jonathan! The Second Commander is in the fort. She is turning out to be more adept than the rumors suggested. 

We might be in trouble. Jacomina sent me here to help you. She said she had things under control, but I highly doubt it, considering the skill she was facing.” She noticed the grounded Third Commander who was slowly getting to his feet. 

“It appears you have things in control over here?” Jonathan stepped back. “Nope. This guy is nimble as anything, and seems to think that I am a thief.” The Third Commander turned to look at Andromeda and froze. 

His silver eyes widened in shock. Jonathan blinked as the Third Commander gritted his teeth in anger. “So… Not only did you steal the halberd, but you also stole the necklace.” His voice was calm, yet carried a menacing note of fury.

Andromeda looked at him as if he were crazy. “Stole the necklace? This is my necklace!” The Third Commander glared at her. Then, he raised his hand and snapped his fingers. 

The silver eyes flashed back into the lime green whites, bright red irises, and purple smoke. Andromeda's mouth dropped open in shock. “H-his eyes. They changed.” 

She squeaked in surprise as black tendrils of magic suddenly shot from the ground, and formed a shape. It was the shape of a wolf, with burning red eyes. It snarled threateningly at them. The Third Commander pointed at Andromeda with one gloved hand. “Sunac, kcatta!” 

He growled. The words sounded peculiar, and the meaning was lost. The wolf, however, knew what the Third Commander said. With a bark, it attacked Andromeda. She yelped, and ran from the dog, swiping her sword at it with short jabs. 

The Third Commander then turned to Jonathan and jumped toward him once more. Jonathan groaned, and held up his halberd. This time, when the Third Commander tried to kick him in the jaw, he would be prepared. The Third Commander's foot stretched toward him, only to be stopped by the halberd. Jonathan ducked his head and bent toward the ground. 

He successfully blocked the kick. The Third Commander landed onto the ground behind him. The Third Commander turned and grasped another dagger. Jonathan idly wondered how many daggers the guy had. The Third Commander's silver eyes narrowed again, and he jumped onto the roof of the nearby house. 

Jumping over the roof, he vanished. Jonathan blinked, shrugged, and turned back to Andromeda. She was very busy fending off the dog.

So busy was she, that she did not see Jacomina appear from the corner until she nearly bumped into her. “Oh! Sorry, Jacomina!” Jacomina's face was tight, and she was panting slightly. She had suffered no wounds, but there was no guarantee that she would stay that way. 

The dog jumped up and tried to bite Andromeda's face. Andromeda blocked the dog with her sword. The dog's jaws fastened onto the sword and remained there. It tugged, dragging Andromeda closer. Andromeda dug in her feet and pulled back. 

As they pulled, a gooey black substance dripped from the dog's mouth and over the sword. When the substance hit the dirt, the dirt shriveled and burnt. It smelled. Jonathan got the feeling that if Andromeda's skin touched the substance, it would end badly. The whole thing was like a game, with the loser ending up dead. 

Jacomina watched them. 

Her yellow eyes focused on the dog and narrowed. “Just what we need. A Canus.” With a sweep of her swords, she sliced the dog in half. A sharp wine of pain sounded out, and the halves of the dog melted into thin air. 

Andromeda stared, her sword covered in the substance. “Wow. Thanks, Jacomina.” Jacomina turned to her and sheathed one sword. “Andromeda. 

Quickly, show me your sword. That goo from the Canus can eat through metal if given enough time.” Andromeda started and handed out her sword to Jacomina. Jacomina waved her hand over the blade of the sword. 

Her hand glowed a white color, and the sword was surrounded by a white bubble of magic. Inside the bubble, the goo lifted up and shriveled away. Once all the goo was gone, the bubble vanished. Jonathan headed over to them. “What is a Canus?” 

Jacomina flexed her hand around as if it was sore. “One of the many creatures that can be summoned through Forbidden magic.” Jonathan raised an eyebrow at her. “You alright Jacomina? 

You seem a little tired.” Jacomina smiled bitterly. “Just a little winded from casting a spell. Have you seen Africanus?” Jonathan nodded. 

“He was injured by the Third Commander. Last I saw of him, he was riding on Lightingfeet.” Jacomina gave a sigh of relief. “Good. If he is with Lightingfeet, then he will be okay. 

That horse is very smart, if a little rash.” Jonathan cocked his head. “Have you seen that Second Commander? According to one of my dreams, she is very skilled with a blade.” Jacomina nodded. 

“Yes I have But for a while, she will not be a problem. I am nowhere near the Second Commander's equal. But I know a few tricks to fend her off.” Andromeda looked at her. 

“Speaking of which, what happened to her? I saw you guys do some fancy swordplay before I left to help Jonathan. But then you appeared and she hasn't followed you.” Jacomina grinned faintly. 

“One thing about me. I know a few pieces of magic. Since the Second Commander only uses one piece of magic, her attacks become predictable to an experienced Mage.” Jonathan raised an eyebrow. “Mage?” 

Andromeda glanced at him. “A spell caster.” Jacomina nodded. “I will not assume that my abilities fall into such a category. However, I know enough to seal her feet in large, heavy chunks of a diamond.” 

Jonathan felt his jaw drop. “Seriously?! Diamond? Real, actual diamond? You are able to conjure diamond straight out of thin air?” 

Jacomina looked at him. “Not exactly. I am able to conjure a spell that creates a shackle made out of diamond. I cannot use it for any other purpose. The diamond can only form around the thing it is meant to encase, living or not. If it is removed by the , it will shatter.” 

Andromeda cocked her head and frowned. “She should be able to get out of that pretty easily with Forbidden magic.” Jacomina's ear twitched. “Not if she is distracted by several warriors striking at her.” Andromeda blinked in shock. 

“I thought we didn't strike at fallen warriors.” Jacomina shook her head. “We don't strike at warriors who are unable to fight back. The Second Commander is still fully able to fight back and is fighting back. 

While her sword lies at her feet, her bow is still within reach. So are her arrows. Therefore, several nimble Katzes distract her while she shoots her arrows. It is not a perfect strategy. She is very clever, and shoots quite well.” 

Jonathan nodded and glanced behind him. “Anyone got any idea where the Third Commander went off to?” Jacomina glanced briefly at him. 

“Good chance he is regrouping with the Second Commander. I'm guessing that as we speak, he is fending off my warriors and cutting the Second Commander out of the diamond. They work better together, after all.” Andromeda snorted. “The guys that were looting Jonathan's town argued a lot with each other.”

Jacomina sniffed. “I meant in combat. Their leader has taught them the values of teamwork. It is one of the reasons that they are so efficient. 

To them, any human can sign up. It doesn't matter who the human is, or used to be, they can sign up and help defend themselves. With these Demons of Shadow, there is no shortage of such people.” 

Jonathan sighed. “The Third Commander thought I was some sort of thief. But this crystal halberd is mine.” Jacomina glanced at it. “I wonder why he thinks you stole it. Another mystery I suppose.” 

Andromeda's wings fluttered slightly. “If only someone could help us in fending them off.” 

Jacomina looked at her. “Is the moon full?” Jonathan looked up at the sky. The moon was setting into the horizon, about half full. “Only half full.” 

Jacomina looked up at the sky as well. “Then don't worry. I am certain that help will come. Somehow.” 

Jonathan looked at her. “What help could possibly come?” He wondered. The look in Jacomina's eyes, however, showed that she fully believed that help would come. Sooner or later. 

Hopefully sooner. Jacomina unsheathed her sword, and slowly twirled it around. “We'd better get a move on if we are to get them out.” Jonathan and Andromeda ran off to find the Second and Third Commanders. Before Jacomina followed them, she turned to the sky and looked at the moon. 

“I know you are coming. But please, for the sake of the people in this fort, hurry.” 


> Distraction
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Leona peered from the wall of a wooden house that she was hiding behind. The Second Commander stood in the middle of the fort, her feet encased in Jacomina's magic diamond. Her silver sword lay at her feet. But her bow was currently in one hand, with her quiver strapped tightly to her back. All she had to do was reach behind and grasp an arrow to shoot. 

Leona bit her lip. Her wings were folded tightly onto her back. Her left wing was bleeding from an arrow wound. The pure white arrow that had caused the wound was still in there. At her side, was a wooden club at the point of breaking. 

She had been using it when she could, against the Second Commander. But she was proving to be a tougher foe than the rumors said. Every time someone made the slightest move, they were shot at with her bow and pure white arrows. Distracting her was getting rather hard. 

She winced as the left wing twitched, sending a jolt of pain. The Second Commander was scanning the area for targets. Her pink purplish eyes suddenly narrowed. Quickly, she grabbed an arrow and strung it on her bow. She shot at whatever she saw toward a shadowy spot. 

The arrow flew toward its target and then suddenly stopped in mid-air. Leona started, then gasped. The Third Commander appeared from the shadows, his hand holding the arrow. It was supposed to be impossible for humans to do that, but this was the Third Commander. He was rumored to be able to do a lot more.

The Third Commander walked up and placed the arrow at the crystallized feet of the Second Commander. Then he spoke. “Third Commander requesting backup, ma'am.”

The Second Commander blinked.  Then she spoke. “Third Commander, what are you doing here? I thought you were going to make sure that they weren't holding any humans hostage. Unless you were distracted. 

Again.” Her voice was pretty, but her words were ugly. She turned away to glance at a group of shadows. The Third Commander's eyes briefly flashed a glare in her direction. When she turned to look at him, all traces of the glare were gone. 

“I did make sure, ma'am. There isn't any.” The Second Commander shot another arrow at an unseen target. A muffled outcry of pain came out from where the arrow went. Leona's eyes widened. 

The Second Commander strung another arrow and aimed at the same spot. But a loud noise made her turn around. After seeing that there was nothing actually there, she turned back and shot. No noise came out this time. She kept turning, searching for potential victims. 

Leona swallowed hard. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Hallmark crawling on a bridge next to the wooden wall nearest to the sound. 

On the inside, there were small bridges on top of the wooden walls for the scouts to use. Hallmark was using these. She saw him jump into the shadows. 

A few minutes later, and he came out, helping a fellow Engel over to where the wounded lay. If one knew the fort well, then they would know about a large courtyard that was on the left side of the fort. Hallmark was most likely taking the wounded there, as it was very hard to find. Leona grimaced at the sight. The arrow was deep in their leg, preventing them from walking. 

As well as causing extreme pain. 

Leona chewed her cheek. She was probably the only one left to distract The Second Commander. The Second Commander made a final sweep of the area and looked back at the Third Commander. “So then why exactly are you here? 

If I recall correctly, I told you to let me handle myself unless there was an emergency.” The Third Commander cut her off with a sharp retort. “With all due respect, ma'am. There is an emergency.” The Second Commander raised an eyebrow at him. “Oh? 

And what would this urgent emergency be exactly?” The Third Commander's face very slightly tightened with anger. It was barely visible. “These Katzes and Engels have stolen the crystal halberd and the necklace.” He growled out.

The Second Commander did an odd thing. 

She stiffened and looked at the Third Commander. “Are you certain?” She asked, her voice growing curious. The Third Commander nodded. “ Yes, ma'am. My guess is that they found it at the bottom of that pit we couldn't find back at the ruined castle, and stole both objects from.” 

Here he paused, as if suddenly unable to continue. His head bent down and stared at the ground. His fists clenched. The Second Commander rolled her eyes. “From the corpse?” 

He nodded slowly. The Second Commander sniffed. 

“Sounds like them. They must have hidden the pit so we couldn't get them first. Well, I'm certain that The First Commander of the Exile Legion would be most interested in this.” The Third Commander rolled his eyes, making sure that the Second Commander didn't see him doing it.  “I am betting that you will be the one to tell him, ma'am.” 

The Second Commander's eyes sparkled with a menacing light. “Yes indeed.” The Third Commander sighed, and placed a hand on his forehead. In that instant, he looked very weary and saddened. But when he removed his hand, he regained his composure. 

“Well then, ma'am. Maybe if you help me defeat the ones who stole it, you will get to tell him that you properly punished those guilty.” The Second Commander's eyes gleamed with sudden delight. “Oh yes. That would be lovely.” Swiftly, she snapped her fingers. 

The diamond trapping her feet shattered into tiny pieces. Leona started. She didn't expect that the Second Commander could get out so easy. She gazed curiously at the Commanders. “What in the lands were they talking about? 

We didn't steal anything!” She thought as she watched the Second Commander bend down and grasp her sword. As her hand was about to make contact with the sword, it paused over a symbol. A rose had been delicately carved onto the blade of the sword. The rose was made to look like the petals were black. 

Like it was a black rose.

For a moment, the Second Commander remained like that, staring at the symbol. Then she grabbed the sword and stood back up. Leona then grasped her nearly broken club more tightly. She had to stop them. But how? 

Her wing was injured, so she couldn't fly out and attack them with the club. Besides, the club was half broken. Almost all of her allies were now injured and unable to help. Jacomina was nowhere to be seen. Andromeda had gone to look for Jonathan. 

Africanus had disappeared to make sure that no one was hurting Lightingfeet. And Hallmark had to help the wounded. 

Leona glanced at her left leg. A tattoo of three pink butterflies with teal antennas was there. The tattoo allowed her to cast spells. She could use them for defense, and aggression. But the spells almost never went right, almost always going wrong somehow. 

Like the spell that started this whole mess in the first place. She sighed softly. Spell casting was going to have to be a last resort. She looked at her club. 

She had been smacking it against the walls of the houses to distract the Second Commander. But the club would only be able to stand a few more smacks, as getting three arrows shot onto it made it wear down a lot faster. Approximately, five smacks and it would break, leaving her utterly defenseless. Although, if she was quick enough, she could run to another part of the fort, while the Second Commander was searching for the source of the noise. Perhaps distracting them would be a good decision. 

But the Third Commander was here this time. He could easily jump onto a roof and look down into the dark alleyway where she was hiding. Leona made her decision. A loud noise sounded from the shadows where she was hiding as she smacked her club on the wooden wall. The wood splintered slightly underneath her hand. 

“One.” She thought. The Second Commander paused, then turned around. Her pinkish purplish eyes narrowed. “Pesky scum.” She strung her bow and pointed it at a patch of shadow. 

Slowly, she turned around, looking for her target. The Third Commander said nothing, only watched the Second Commander as he waited for her. Impatience was clear in his silver eyes. Leona quietly moved away from her corner. Instinctively, her wings spread out. 

She flattened herself on the wooden wall of the alleyway so that her wings wouldn't betray her presence. Slowly, she edged over to another house. She went about two steps before a flash of pain in her right wing stopped her cold. Her teeth gritted to keep from crying out. The club fell and landed on the dirt with a soft thump.

When the danger of crying out in pain had passed, she glanced at her right wing. 

A dagger gleamed, pinning the wing to the wooden wall. Feathers were broken from the force, piercing the delicate flesh that they grew from. She turned to look at the Third Commander. He was looking straight at the patch of shadows she was in. The Second Commander had spotted him throwing the dagger, and now was also gazing intently at her. 

Leona panicked. Like a frightened rabbit, she remained right where she was, trembling like an autumn leaf in the wind, frozen from fear. The Second Commander came slowly closer, her pink purplish eyes seeming to be staring straight at Leona's silvery blue ones. Her heart pounded in her ears, and she felt the sweat from her forehead run down her neck. Logic screamed at her to move, but she stayed there, paralyzed by the gaze of the Commanders. 

All the rumors she had ever heard of them floated around in her head, adding to her fear. Her breath was fast and short, making her feel like she was suffocating. The Second Commander's eyes narrowed, and she walked even closer until a loud noise sounded out. The Second Commander turned around swiftly and glanced about. She moved to the center and swirled her sword expertly. 

The Third Commander's face was now covered by his hand. 

He seemed exasperated. The Second Commander looked around a final time, then shrugged. The Third Commander muttered something that she couldn't hear. The Second Commander turned to him and said something back. Her hand went to her hips. 

The Third Commander gave the ground an annoyed look. The two were apparently arguing. Just then, Leona saw movement behind the Third Commander. A crouched figure was slowly creeping up the wooden wall behind him. It must be a Katze since they would have claws to hook onto the wood. 

The figure climbed on the bridge of the wall and looked down with a look of contempt. There was just barely enough light from the sky to see that it was Africanus standing there, holding a cloth to his shoulder. Leona breathed a very soft sigh of relief. Africanus was okay. She took several deep breaths to calm herself down. 

Hallmark inched along on another bridge and singled Africanus to follow him. Leona watched as they crawled along. Hallmark caught sight of her and her injured wings. He grimaced. He glanced at the Commanders, then slowly crawled over to the bridge above her. 

Hallmark then bent down so that the upper half of him was in front of Leona's face. He shot her a look that plainly said. “Don't you make any noise.” She nodded. He steadily grasped the handle of the dagger. 

Leona bit her tongue hard. 

Jerking his hand, he removed the dagger. Leona made no noise, but she tasted blood in her mouth. Hallmark slowly placed the dagger beside him. Silently, as the Commanders argued, Hallmark used his strong muscles to lift Leona up onto the wall. She crawled with him over the wooden bridges, leaving the Commanders behind. 

Seven bridges later, and they arrived at the courtyard. Twenty other people were here, all injured. Medical supplies lay everywhere on boxes from cloths for bandages and knives for cutting, to needles and powders. Potions were also here, some bubbling, others frothing. 

Hallmark first helped Africanus get off the bridge and sit down near a corner. His shoulder was bleeding quite badly, and his face was twisted in pain. Hallmark took one look at him and shook his head. He then helped Leona down and placed her next to Africanus. He grabbed a long piece of cloth from one of the boxes and began to wrap it around Africanus's wound. 

Africanus's ears flattened slightly. “Not too tight now.” He said, gritting his teeth. Hallmark grunted.

“What happened to you?” Africanus smiled bitterly. “Got clumsy. Slipped while dodging a punch, allowing the Third Commander to stab me. Good thing Lightingfeet was there, even though he was supposed to be in his stable.” 

Africanus's breath hissed in pain as Hallmark tightened the cloth.  “Dumb horse. He always kicks down the door to his stable if he thinks I'm in danger.” Africanus's teeth clenched as Hallmark tied a knot and finished. “Is the horse safe now?”

Africanus nodded. “Is he going to stay put?” Africanus shrugged with the unhurt shoulder. Hallmark shook his head again. 

“Lightingfeet better stay put.” He turned his attentions to Leona. “Leona, the only way I am going to remove that arrow in your wing, is by tugging it out. I promise I will be quick.” He handed her a strip of leather. 

“Bite down on this while I do it. Don't worry, I washed it this evening.” Leona took it and bit down on the leather. The taste was bitter. Africanus glanced at him. 

“Is it really going to hurt her that bad?” Hallmark nodded. “Engel wings are very sensitive. This is really going to hurt.” Hallmark gripped the handle of the arrow and looked at her. 

“Ready?” Leona felt one of Africanus's hands gripping her own tightly. Giving him a grateful look, she nodded at Hallmark. Hallmark then tugged the arrow free, leaving a wound where it used to be. Leona bit harder on the leather, trying her best not to scream. 

What came out was a muffled groan. Her grip on Africanus's hand tightened. Hallmark placed the arrow on the ground. Leona spat out the leather. She wiped her mouth with one hand. 

Slowly, she let go of Africanus's hand, flexing her own. Hallmark patted her shoulder. "You did well." He grabbed another long piece of cloth and ripped it in two. Using both pieces, he wrapped up Leona's wounds. 

Once that was done, he handed both of them a bottle full of a bright, glowing, bubbling, purple potion. “Here, drink this up. 

This will ease the pain that you are experiencing.” Leona took the first drink. The liquid tasted like vanilla, with a hint of sugar. She handed the potion to Africanus, who also took a drink. Between them both, they drained the bottle dry.  

Hallmark went off to tend to the other patients. Leona looked at Africanus. “Do you think that Jonathan, Andromeda, and Jacomina will be safe?” Africanus snorted. “Totally. 

Jonathan has that crystal halberd of his, and Andromeda knows some special moves with that sword of hers. Jacomina also has magic and skill to boot, so they will be fine. Besides, it's nearly morning. Only twenty minutes to go. Those Commanders will have to leave at some point. 

Plus, we won't have to worry about them coming back.” Leona nodded. 

She glanced at her hand, wondering about the things the Commanders had said. “Watch out Jonathan. I think they are after you.”