> Land of the Rising Sun: Quelling the Ryu
>  by TheronSniper
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> Ch. 1 Arrogance of Equestria
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	A large lake spanned across from a grassy park, crystal clear water slightly churned by the mild wind flowing from the nearby sea right off the coast. The sandy gravel shore being lapped by the water appeared to be as flat as glass, giving the feel of thousands of fingertips upon the foot or hooves. Surprisingly the temperature of the lake was a nice seventy degrees, even under a sunny sky with no sign of clouds to cast shadows. Large ancient trees hung their expansive canopies to offer shade to the passerbyer, and the season permitted flowers to bloom. Butterflies and bees drifted to each cluster of soft pink petals, gathering nectar and pollen for food.

Off in the distance, a long iron bridge stood above the water to connect to the other side, giving way to trains and cart passage. Grey metal beams gave the skeleton support on top of red brick foundations anchored into the lake bed. A large and very long freight train steamed on slowly, churning smoke up into the sky as it chugged along with goods in the many cars attached. The glorious industrial revolution Neighpon had undergone had given rise to such inventive ways to advance their infrastructure and to feed the ravenous industry that bloomed. Though noisy as they passed, each citizen knew they allowed their way of life to continue improving, leaving no one  in need of affordable goods and materials. Life in the Empire was a good one for those born into it during the Restoration era, the Emperor made sure of it.

The sound of young ones playing and laughing nearby added to the sounds of nature in the serene scenic rest area. Splashing in the lake or enacting their role models from the Empire's most glorified soldiers, it drew the attention of the ki resting against a cherry tree with a book in one claw while a quill worked in another. The male Kirin had been going over the latest letters from the Equestrian royalty that said it would send few delegates to see to an end to the war being fought for the last two years. He was a dracony of high blood, a son to a cabinet member of the Privy Council that lead the war effort and the propaganda. Serving as his father's advisor, he had been given the mail and told to determine how to go about the incoming Equestrians. On one hand the government desired a one sided trade deal which had been in effect for years, benefiting the country more than those who received their exports. The other had been to give access to his country only to the crown of the land of ponies and who few they deemed necessary to accompany. Beyond that, they had no obligation to let an Equestrian onto their shores, they knew nothing of their people and the council wanted it that way.

He himself, Broken Yumi, had been the secret few that knew isolationism only dwarfed a country from evolving into something greater. A memory during his travels with his family to other places, other island nations and they were often lacking in many things. The Way spoke to him, and unlike the majority who interpreted the writings of long dead author, what Neighpon was steering into was its own apocalypse. Perhaps that was why for the last decade, the Emperor decreed the most intelligent students would venture out and bring back the modern world to their homeland. It would explain why the trade deal allowed visitors if only they held the ultimate rank, so they could comment on the Empire's great accomplishments?

"A young alicorn and her dragon assistant... a magistrate for some odd reason, several royal advisors, and... a few Night Guards as security?" the ki spoke to himself quietly after he turned his attentions back to the paper scroll.

Ever since their ambassador gave word of the war going on, merely out of respect it seemed the ponies felt it necessary to butt into their affairs. The act was just to ensure they wouldn't get involved, it was a fight between their two countries and certainly none of their business. Though he supposed their reliance on their harmony meant it gave them the self entitled job of Peace Keeping, a rather boisterous move on their part. One he hoped this new young alicorn would only make one attempt at brokering a ceasefire before taking their leave back home. The council did not take usurpers lightly, but they would be frustrated to do nothing to stop her but act as the unmoving rock in the river. Broken knew they were no fools like the princess was, jailing her or silencing even would call upon the wrath of the one who supposed raised the sun and her newly returned sister that handled the moon. A war of two fronts would tax the country beyond its limits, and they were just now getting their newest battleships out of the harbors of allies. They might even have to wake Shinryū, but that was a terrible gambit to ask their god for help. If they did, they could not ask of the spirit dragon again until another thousand years, a trump card only to be used when all else failed and the Empire was on its death kneel.

"How very unfortunate, they misunderstood our message. We were not asking for help you poor things, nor did we need a group of bundlers to stick their noses into our business. I can see why father gave me this task now, an alicorn here and now at the worst possible time?" he exhaled through his nostrils and set the letter down beside himself.

His draconic jade eyes looked about as a way to distract himself for the moment, to get away from the preposterous move their neighbors had done. Had they no semblance of life and politics? Did they even know how the world worked beyond their walls and guards? Surely the famed Nightmare Moon, The Great Hunger of Tirek, the Lord of Chaos, and other threats that assailed them should have moved their thinking more like the Emperor's? They had to feed the many clans that were expanding exponentially, and Coria had begun to demand even higher prices for their agricultural goods. Business deals crumbled from their stubbornness even with the increase in buyers that should have been enticing to them, but the greedy Kouls and Water Deers washed away peaceful negotiations.

Since they were the closest bread basket country to the Empire, it was decided that an invasion would be needed to lock down a reliable food source. The peaceful nation had little chance to stand up when it all started, and thankfully it took only a riot to spark the war. Yumi remembered the day it occurred, farmers were distraught at the sudden withdrawal of Neighpon traders and few who they could fall back on. The embassy had become a scene of protests, calls for trade again after the guilds ruined what kept the farmers alive and paid. Somedeer started the riot after chucking a firework through a window and after that, it became a deadly altercation between the few guards who fought valiantly and the mobs that stampeded into the building. They spilt first blood with the death of the Red Warriors, chasing after the evacuating ambassador and the staff with the last two remaining guards keeping the fury away.

His father hated that it came down to this, but the Emperor had become furious with the attack and demanded compensation. That was what allowed the occupation and it was justly called for or so many thought so. The criminals were dealt within reason, as dead farmers yielded no produce, and instead of money trade was renewed under Neighpon's judgement and prices. To the Privy Council, the deals that were struck were enough to give the country enough to live and grow, but others saw a role reversal in price gouging. Cinia moved a year later to the pleas of Coria, and thus started the war that now raged. In all honest, Broken knew the Equestrian crown would side with them, they were the ones who lost lives at the start and perhaps he could convince the new princess of this.

A small red ball bounced towards him from a wayward toss, caught by his long scaly tail in mid air as it wrapped around it. The reflex honed by training at the family dojo since he was a hatchling raised on education and experience once he was old enough. He never stopped going to the training sessions, and it showed now through his effortless reflex at the incoming object. The young kirin and ponies who ran up to him stopped a few feet away seeing their ball at his mercy. Watching as his gaze never left his work even as he spoke to them.

"You should be wary of where your tools goes little ones, you might stir the giant hornets nest with your carelessness. Now wouldn't that be a sad end to such youthful lives?" he said to them though most wouldn't comprehend what he meant by the life lesson.

"Can we have it back? Please?"

"Ya we won't throw it your way ever again, Hamada can't throw to save his life!"

"What?!! But Copper was the one who ran at me!"

He could see the mothers nearby on the benches, they were worried their young had offended a government official and seemed ready to intervene on their behalf. The way they fidgeted in place, staring at him as if shame were hovering over their family's heads. He couldn't fault their offspring though, they were just younglings with narry a mind of their surroundings. Their beautiful mothers added to the greatness of the Empire with more citizens, who was he to slap them with a citation? 

By now the dracony could see who the foals and youngsters look like as they stood their ground a few feet from him. Five hatchling kirins ranging in many colors and patterns stood at attention and awaited the release of their toy. Most had their horns growing out and likely practicing magic, the scales on their nasal bridge like polished lacquered wood meant they were barely close to young adulthood. The pastel colored keratin plates of their bodies had yet to mature enough that those armored pieces would be hard enough to endure battle much less training in the arts. Hair among his kind had always predominately been black or dark brown, the few sacred white haired ones usually were taken to temples and treated as representatives sent from their gods. The sharp inquisitive eyes doing their best to study him and the situation that held their fun hostage. Unlike them, the pony foals were behind their taller counterparts looking rather skittish of the older bigger kirin their friends were talking to.

Three ponies were among them, two of blue hues and one creamy orange. They possessed marks on their rumps to signify something of their culture and designation of their talents. Odd little creatures that were brought over from Coria whose families sought better economic opportunities. One lone griffin stood with the group, avian chimeras with great skills as fishermen and often made the bulk of Neighpon's fishing fleets. The rag tag group were living the Way, enjoying youth and malleable bodies to the peak of their performance as they should. Too young were they to be thrust into the life of a contributing member of the Empire, they were unripe as it was often said.

He looked to them, with his dark blue scales glinting in the sun light reflecting off the surface of the lake. His obsidian hair tied into a bun and held in place with instruments, as his status demanded of his appearance to be so regal. Violet eyes looked over the swarm before him as his fangs showed to the smile he gave them, while tossing the rubber ball over their heads.

"Be careful and be safe." he told them as they bounded for their source of joy again and forgetting his very existence as younglings did.

He lifted a forelimb claw to run across the facial scales of his, a little fly tingled as it landed on him. The robes he wore slid down to the crevice of the other side to the elbow, their traditional long clothing clean and scuff free even though he spent most of the day at the body of water. Though he figured by the end of the day they would be stained with sweat and stress. Somehow he would need to plan out the new arrivals routes around the country to satisfy their blatant regards to the countries ambitions. Before going back to his labors, he gazed back at the anxious mothers who looked to breath a sigh of relief. With a friendly wave to them as the sign that no shame was brought upon their families.

Using the horns on his head, he summoned illustrations of the visitors heading their way, "With the Vespids plaguing the country side, and now Cinia opposing our need for more raw resources, this is nothing short of baby sitting another country's ambassadors. How troublesome..." he gazed at the picture of the alicorn and her entourage.

Tomorrow they'd host the Equestrians, where they had to display their ability to be independent of the so called sun goddess and to win the war with their neighbor with as little bloodshed as possible. The holy might of the Empire could not be stopped, not even the Cinians nor their northern neighbors will be able to cease the tide of the Emperors loyal servants. Their Ryu would protect them as they sought fresh feeding grounds, and empower the troops as they dealt with resistance. Coria was all but theirs if Cinia had not sent another several thousand troops after the riot.

"Guess I'll be the one stuck to this Twilight Sparkle during their stay, at least the mare has a dragon with her even if he's still a hatchling. Luck is on our side with his arrival there be no doubt about it." the dracony smiled as he looked to the sky through the dense leaves.

"Just as the earth does nothing but exist, so does the universe continue one without acting on the fleas upon the planets that orbit every star that give life to it. Inaction is peace, and thus is my station to tend to the Equestrians and present them the Way or else we will find another enemy and a new front to shoulder. They must know inaction in this conflict is in their best interest." he sighed as he let himself nap against the hard bark behind him feeling exhausted from the workout earlier in the morning.
> Ch. 2 The Trojan Horse
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Ch. 2 The Trojan Horse


Somewhere in the royal gardens, Princess Celestia sat among a throng of hibiscus bushes with flowers of varying color combinations that were her favorite to pass by the time. From white petals which sunk into blood red stamens, to the vibrant orange sunbursts, even a few neon purple with violet fringes that always brought her into a good mood which she needed more than ever now.

A recent influx of reports of exhausted foals had come in from philidelphia, and doctors were pointing at mysteriously drained mana wells within them which there was no sign of a perp. The best their police departments could offer tracked no residual washes which even Tirek left during his start of rise to power. The foals simply had the environment yank it all away, no matter if they were also pegasus or earth ponies. Unicorns were the hardest hit as they were naturally talented with magic, to have it removed was the equivalent of taking way their limbs.

This was just one of three cities reporting such situations, the others places had adults lose their magic but as with the foals the incidents were far to spread out to be the act of one or a few. Ever since the medical issue had arose a century or two ago, perhaps even more it was hard to tell when it began. Celestia had stayed up a few nights here and there being unable to get proper sleep as she thought of the poor ponies afflicted by the travesty. Those never stopped happening and even after all these years they never let up. With Luna back, she had done what she could in the dream realm to find any hints as to possible culprits but none came. With the frequency of her protégé visiting her, she’d been taken accustom to use Pick Me Up charms to remove the slight tired look in her eyes and muzzle. Her magic was powerful enough that it none of the others noticed unless they used a detection spell. For now Twilight did not need to know about the problem until the one she assigned herself to had been resolved.

What plagued her nights now besides the state of her citizens were the ambassadors from the east. Across the open ocean on another continent, the famed for their magical forests and diverse biomes that she use to visit long ago for their delicious fruits and pastries. She never could get enough of the cakes they made with something called the Jackfruit and the Durian, the latter of which many of her staff and guards couldn’t handle for some reason.

“Neighpon… the nation of the rising sun and much like it they are alone on their island living in peace, or so they did. Something had happened in Coria, which the honorable dracony were wounded by and for some reason let them take control over the little farming nation. Cinia found it as an affront to their territory and sent troops over which started the war that has been going on for two years without my notice. Have I really become so old I cannot see everywhere and protect the lives of the confused?” she sighed to herself as her own self mourning took root.

Lately, as part of the diarchy, it became apparent of how little she now did for Equestria which she’d done in the past before much of the peace had started to become upset. She use to travel and visit far lands with the frequency of a messenger, she’d bore witness to the evolving cultures who’d always changed into something better whether it was from Saddle Arabia or Mustok. If they had a problem, they usually overcame it when she arrived, her mere presence and vast experience over the eras quelled the troubles with words. Friendships were made and forged new alliances, trades were made instead of fighting and the citizens were given better lives besides war.

“I now listen to nobles bicker like foals fighting over a ball, because of a tax they want to impose to gain more bits! I hear of the troubles and I rarely see to them myself, instead I send my most faithful student and the former bearers of the elements to handle the issues abroad. I’m a figure head at festivals, but I let war go on behind my back like this… Am I no longer the Solar Goddess who guides the soul to a better life? I’m starting to believe even Discord’s little taunts to be true. At least he gets out and around, reversing catastrophes as they happen.” She quelled the ache in her heart and went to sniff one of the sunburst flowers.

She was surprised, yet not showing the reaction when somepony answered, “Princess? Is everything okay? The guard told me you wanted to speak to me, but I only heard a little of what you just said.” Twilight looked worried as she trotted up to her mentor.

The tall alicorn closed her eyes and breathed in, she spoke in her usual motherly tone with a smile, “Good afternoon Twilight, I’m glad you could make it, we have a friendship problem that I need to entrust to you of which I can’t myself at the moment.”

The royal rose to her hooves and turned around to the younger mare behind her with her mane and tail waving in the ethereal wind, “Whatever it is I’ll do it Princess, did it happen as of late? I actually went on a couple missions the crystal map provided while on break.”

Celestia maintained her regal appearance for a moment before she looked with a very serious intent, using her magic she summoned a map, “It has come to my attention through the representatives of two countries that a war has been going on, one that even the bison conflict you and your friends helped mediate is dwarfed by such magnitude.”

The cartography showed the lands far away, even farther than Griffonstone. By her estimation they were the eastern kingdoms of the second continent of Equis, places who no pony did not even really know about other than Equestria itself, due to the vast dangerous and monster filled seas.

“I feel as if it’s my fault that these nations are left out of our harmony and peace, they are unique beyond question. Though I don’t believe even the Crystal Castle’s map can go that far, the roots of the tree of harmony do not cross large bodies of water I’m afraid.” The princess soon illuminated three areas two in red and one in green.

Twilight looked at the map with foal-like intrigue, “Amazing… who are these countries? I don’t believe I have books or records beyond the seas. I thought the continent of Equestria was the only one with a few satellite nations in the north and south? I wonder if the dragon migration extends that far or if even Lord Torch has control over those dragons?” Twilight stepped closer to view the foreign map which she visually took in with photographic memory in seconds.

Celestia gave a fond gaze at her former student and shook her head, “You still have much to learn my little pony, the reason we don’t have much in terms of knowledge of this second continent and its denizens is the fact that they don’t want Equestria involved with their lives. They are independent of the crown and rule over themselves as they see fit. I use to visit them and offer my services to maintain civility and friendship amongst their many countries. Alas, the governing of Equestria had become too much for me to take such trips after the boom in population during the last era.” she sighed joining her former student next to her to view the contents of the papyrus paper.

“WHAT??!!” Twilight nearly yelled at the top of her lungs which she quickly apologized for.

Giving her a giggle to know the outburst wasn’t taken wrong, “Yes Twilight, not everypony are like those here in Equestria, they did not experience the warring of tribes instead they embraced them or took over the land when ponies congregated towards Equestria. They did not endure the endless winter caused by the civil infighting which drew the Windegos, they prospered to grow into something massive and majestic. What Discord forced on Equestria thankfully missed their lands. Though, leaving them alone far across the seas as legends tell of their worship of godly dragons who are in essence possessing of Alicorn levels of magical ability. I believe even Discord feared incurring the wrath of the dragon lords and the might lungs of those costal nations. I don’t need to go into the more inland societies and their protectors, but there was a very kind trio who represented moral values in the more western areas. Sadly, you likely won’t have time to go to those lands, the tea times I partook with them were very pleasant and memorable.” the memories lightened the mood that signified how well the princess use to go about.

Although a little displeased at not being told of the existence of such cultures, Twilight knew not to press with the mission still needing explanation. She coughed a little to bring her mentor back into their time frame, as an evident blush of embarrassment flashed on her white fur cheeks.

“Excuse me, it has been so long since I last saw everypony there. Nonetheless, we’re going on a tangent… Twilight I’m going to have to send you to Neighpon to work out a ceasefire between the two countries and save the third from the darkness of conflict. I must warn you, they are a rather uptight group that puts nobles to shame, but they have a code of the warrior long since engrained in their psyche before their latest transition into a new age. Cinia will be second to visit, they are vast with a massive population to boost. Though like Neighpon, they are strong willed and very hard headed with customs and traditions reaching long back into time born of strife from roving raiders. It will be difficult, but you need to do what I once did and keep the peace, bring logic back into action so they may see the error in their ways.” The map magically rolled up together and a royal seal stamped it shut.

“But why me? I mean I understand that I am the Princess of Friendship, but if you’re more knowledgeable of their kingdoms wouldn’t you better qualified handle the negotiations? I could help Princess Luna run the country while you’re gone?” she proposed as she rubbed a foreleg with the other nervously.

Seeing what she was trying to do, Celestia shook her head at the humble nature she thanked the heavens her student possessed. Unlike Sunset Shimmer who would have in her past self, taken it with open hooves and gone into even knowing she knew just enough about politics to get her hooves wet. However, she trusted her former student to see the bigger picture and learn all she could before making a decision that would hopefully steer the two factions into a better direction.

“That is where you are wrong Twilight, I’ve been away from those lands for far too long. So much has likely changed that I’ll know no more than you. A fresh face, one without the power of the sun behind her back would probably have a far more effective approach, they are warriors by nature. I’m sure they’ve heard the tales of your bravery against Tirek, Discord, and saving countless lives since you arrived at ponyville. Your travel to Neighpon has already been secured and I cannot think of a better pony than you to go to them. As they only will allow the crowns and their staff onto their soil. No other Equestrian has ever been there before other than traders, and even they are rare and permitted so far. If I’m correct, you’ll be the first Equestrian to step hoof in over a thousand years.” She said as one of her massive wings draped over the lavender princess.

“I’m sure you’ll use every possible option to better their lives and show them that harmony and friendship truly are worth the merit. Dracony are not the only ones who inhabit those lands, so do not fear their stubbornness as there will be others who will desire peace too. Now, I want to give you the option of who you want to go with you on this trip, the foreign lands of the east are mystical as they are beauty incarnate. Choose your guards and the staff that will be with you through and through.” Celestia looked back to the flowers as a hummingbird dove into their view, giving them a momentary glance until their need for energy drove it the beckoning plants.

Twilight pondered for a moment, using her knowledge of the griffons and minotaurs from the recent friendship quests the crystal map had sent her friends to.  The problems they solved and how those independent creatures tended to view new comers that would play a big part in the ponies she’d take with them. Three minutes of thinking and it occurred to her that she still needed the Princess’s knowledge of the dracony of old. Of course her friends couldn’t go, she worried for them too much to risk such travel this far away from home and for so long.

“Celestia? If I might ask, what were the citizens like? You’ve talked with their ambassadors, recently so are there any clues I could key in on?” she questioned while still formulating combinations of solar and night guard detachments.

Withdrawing her huge wing, she brought her golden shoed hoof to her chin as she deciphered the short audience they had with her. Both dracony scheduled at different times, since they were at war with each other it made no sense to be before her bickering over who fired first.

“Neighpon dracony are how do you say? Practical, they are beings of utility and of something called the Way. Unfortunately this, Way, is only a name I can give you, just something that the ambassador wished I knew about and respected before he left. From the times I visited, they wasted little and used space far more efficiently than ponies do here. I’d say they are strict yet peaceful ponies most of the time, and the Samurai of old often battled each other for territory. Though, during my trips those were mock battles with fake weapons, those mattered as much as if they were truly at each other’s necks. Many things were different then, and I doubt those dracony are still in power. A quick mind and vast wisdom are needed when dealing with the Neighponese.” She hummed as the Cinia ponies came to mind.

“That means I need to consider very deeply who will be the guards, if they respect power and prowess with a sword that is.” Twilight said to herself.

“The Dracony of Cinia are a rather stagnant group even if they are a large country, they seem content with the way things are and don’t goad the sleeping beast that is war. In fact, long ago they erected a massive wall to buffer invasions by the yaks, they did not want to fight them but rather force their rampage elsewhere. They are a very diverse culture and thankfully the majority of them are seekers of serenity and control. If they are at war however, I fear the dragon in them has come out or the other groups have risen to enough power to push their agendas. If that is the case, you’ll want someone versed well in history and philosophy, some of the greatest minds to self enlightenment have come from their land. They are the ones you’ll want to seek if all goes to the wind.” Twilight had a bulb pop over her head.

“A.K. Yearling! Otherwise known as Daring Do! If anyone knows their history over sacred artifacts and myths she’s the best pony for the job, not to mention she does fight to protect them from getting into the wrong hooves too. She could help me with adjust with their culture, and if magical artifacts are being used in battle I’m sure she’d be happy to take it off the board. But asking her to do that… how to find her is the harder part.” Sparkle mulled over the seemingly lost asset.

Celestia giggled, “Actually I have her on immediate call if the need should arise, she can be here within a week if she’s out on a quest that is. She’s helped the crown keep powerful items out of those like the blue one who dwells in the southern forests.”

Twilight’s wings popped open, “That’s great to hear, so if we’re going to Neighpon and Cinia who seem to share much in common, I’ll have to ask for the Night Guard hoof picked by Steel and Stellar if that can be done? I’d chose the Solar Guard, but from what I’ve been told from the commanders themselves they’ve had no real combat experience. Not that I mean any offense by it that is?” she meekly grinned at the fact after recalling the battles the thestral commanders told her of and the scars they had as proof.

Gently shaking her head, “I’m not surprised really, the Changeling Invasion was as far as battle they’ve come close to. Beyond driving away Timberwolves or a manticore. At which I’m both glad at the inexperience while at the same time troubled by it. Regardless, I’ll have Luna send the request to them since you’ll need to pack for the trip. By the way, anypony else you wanted with you?”

Again, Sparkle looked to the ground deep in thought, who would she need to go on a mission out of Equestrian law and into foreign rule? Someone who could handle potential misunderstandings and any offenses they might accidentally commit against the royalty there.

“What about one of the magistrates? Somepony familiar with the legal system and help us navigate it or even forge a treaty of some kind? Surely a law pony would be a great addition? Who knows how hostile some groups might be towards us if we step over their comfort zone?” she guessed well enough to earn a nuzzle from her mentor.

“I was hoping you’d catch that, lest I send one of them with you at the last second. As I said about them before, they are very independent and wish to be that way, so your presence might seem like Equestria is trying to goad them into joining through subversion. I wish to not have our image tainted like that, we are far from anything of that nature. I respect them to not have ever asked for a merger of our countries, but war steps over the lines.” She started to walk back into the palace with her student in tow.

“Thank you Celestia, I knew from Minotaur businesses that if they use the law frequently to uphold order and trade around, then it would be best to have a lawyer as they say. I still dislike that one contractor who tried to take out that huge swath of forest just to build a travel destination and condos. He nearly started a war with the Deer King and yet he still kept the project going until we rallied against him.” She huffed in aggravation.

“I remember that friendship report you sent me about it, as sad as it was to know that Hydra swallowed him whole. He really was inflicted with the dragon sickness with the bits, and he could have chosen to build what was truly needed around the cities rather than destroy for profit.” She swayed her head at the misguided bull.

“By the way Celestia, I’ll be taking Spike with me. I feel he might be useful with understanding them and my number one assistant would be perfect to send you updates of what happens. Though I was wondering how we’d get there? By boat or airship?” the guards opened the doors for the two mares and walked in with them.

“Ahhhh good that you caught that one as well, they have customs among nonviolent dragons such as Spike, they consider them visiting as good luck and perhaps one of the few they ever let onto Neighpon. Cinia however, they’re like any normal pony so don’t expect for his charm to work on them. As for your method of travel, you’ll be going by the airship I use to take myself ages ago. Its armored and armed for the things that swim in the abyss, rest assured my little pony you don’t want to go the way of the ships unless your knowledgeable of where to go. We’ve been losing many Arcana vessels that go abroad to collect magical items and supplies.” The solar goddess turned into a dead end with a large intricately carved floor showing off a diagram of some kind. Strangely enough it is when they return that they mysterious lose one in five.”

“Won’t they see the ship as hostile? They know already that I’ll be arriving right?” she asked a little worried.

“Correct, they are expecting you, but the ship will also show a little strength of Equestria since they value might and confidence. Your weapons will not be loaded for bear, but the guards will just in case they take the approach a little too serious. Honestly though, the armaments are really obsolete with today’s magical studies far beyond the age of this ship. The escort Unicorn Guards will be enough to keep beasts away while you cross the ocean. Now hold on Twilight, where the ship is located requires a special teleportation spell can only permit access to.” She closed her eyes and began to summon magic to her long horn to which Sparkle barely had a moment to prepare herself for.

In a flash, the two vanished, reappearing somewhere below Canterlot yet not quite the Crystal caverns. There were unicorn guards in gray armor plating waiting for them, saluting as one while the two passed by with Celestia giving them a nod to ease up. Twilight tried to recover from the bout of vertigo from Celestia’s transportation in order to study where they were. The long passage from the enchanted magical pad had been carved by unicorn power through hard stone. Torches lighting the way to what Sparkle assumed would be the storage area for the barge.

Steadying her eyes, It became apparent the flickering flames in the distance moved rather than stay stationary, meaning the hanger had a stationed staff there in case this moment ever arose. Two rather thin looking ponies took the lead when the two princesses arrived in a end and into the vast dimly lit abyss. Like a smooth glass dome of a greenhouse, the interior was meant to house something large as the anchored candles that reached far up to the top nearly disappeared barely giving the object they surrounded any semblance of what it was.

“Lieutenant Bronze Shield, please activate the primary lights if you will?” Celestia looked to one of the guards before them.

“Understood Princess.” The husky voice answered and his horn attained an yellow glow.

The spell the stallion casted snaked out and waved like the legs of a spider in the air, growing slowly as it worked towards the walls to their peripherals. In a flash, the magic connected to the conduits and ley wires which activated the mana lights all throughout the chamber spiraling upwards in a wonderous show of ice blue fire. The illumination finally gave sight to the behemoth that was Celestia’s private airship. Twilight’s hungry eyes traced the blue whale sized hull which towards the back sprouted two protrusions in its sleek form to give it a cross design. Primarily constructed out of a dense yet light wood, the belly side of the ship sported bolted on metal plates form fitting without error. Sparkle surmised the armor was for ground attack that would spear most air boats with spells or arrows, likely enchanted for additional protection. Though those were not the only metal components, creating a horizontal fence line just below the guard rails were what appeared to be lightning rods. A useful addition across the chaos of the seas where the weather did not conform to pegasus magic, and likely they would have no such help either way.

The ship could easily fit her retinue onboard without issues and more, but likely the supplies they needed as well as mechanics knowing the dangers traversing alone. Sliding wood windows dotted the port and starboard, likely the cannons that had never been used since they were forged by ponies of old. She made a note to investigate them and see their design compared to the recent armaments of Equestria. Though there were additional repeater crossbow emplacements anchored into the deck of the prow, the bow, and the two protrusions near the back. Perfect for anti air defenses and to keep flying predators at bay, though like the cannons she guess they were outdated designs by a quick look over. Arrows were stored in wood boxes which essentially allowed one arrow into the chamber with a crank to work the pull of the bow, easy for an earth pony to work. She marveled at the swiveling mechanism which had been swapped out years ago for the present day use of a gyro crystal apparatus. Those leveled the gun when not in use versus the rust prone components of the one before them. There were likely more features hidden in the vessel, to which she had the whole trip to explore.

Of course, the main feature was the lightweight metal blimp portion chained to the ship in various methods with fail safes in case enemies or foes wanted to cut the barge away. Since the whole top portion of the deck was flat, the concealed gas bag leveled out easily. Unlike a traditional frigate or galleon, all the important areas from steering to quarters were below deck which in hindsight would confuse borders during an assault. The cutie mark of Celestia had been painted onto the sides of the zeppelin large enough for even a crow’s nest operator to catch sight of miles away. 

“Wow!! I can’t believe you own this… Its… its… “ Sparkle stuttered as she slowly trotted to the ship.

The prime condition of polished wood planks and metal braces, “An ode to my past when Luna was… banished, when she was gone Equestria appeared weak and thus I had to give annual visits. As hard as I tried, appearing peaceful and kind was never welcomed by the more… militaristic and developed nations. It seems they needed new arrivals to assert themselves to get respect and I was not about to make my power over the sun be that either. So Equestria was known for its military might, and thankfully not their goddess. It always ended aggressive first encounters before they started.” She joined Twilight taking a deep gaze at the magically entombed construct, a spell that slowed aging and decay through time giving it the same appearance as she last left it so many years ago

That admission made everything come together, even then Celestia still refused to give into the world’s disharmony. She desired no one to fear her, but to welcome her as another friendly face. A bit of an underhanded trick to play their games, but it served the purpose of getting other cultures to permit her into their lands. How strange the old world was not a thousand years ago.

“Twilight Sparkle, Princess of Friendship, this ship will take you and your retinue safely to your destination as she has done for me. Her name is Hera, may she serve you well.” The princess announced formally.

The lavender mare took it all rather well on the surface, but deep down she had so much swirling about that it was a wonder she could ghost her response at all. Putting everything into taking the transportation modestly, she soon took a seat on the floor with her plot on the cold stone ground a stared at the weaponized air boat. Thinking over all she needed to do before the trip and while on it, how the interact with the dracony, and what to do about Cinia and their relations. What if she failed and caused the war to include Equestria? Was it another test by the Princess? All of this one huge quiz to see if she was ready for the big time as part of a backup plan should some evil force like Discord or King Sombra arise from the beyond and take the two sisters away leaving her and Cadence to handle ruling over the land? How could she even move the Sun and the Moon? Was there more to her alicorn status than she guess?

Considering she just escaped the last meltdown and broke into her mentors study to find that book to talk to Sunset, this was now a full on relapse. Though to others, it seemed like she was quietly admiring the warship lost in thought of the hidden vehicle and the wonders of its construction. Celestia left her former student alone with the unicorn guards, the Solar Court couldn’t be left alone for too long. The break she took had eaten up enough time that she’d have to suffer the nobles and their foolish demands.

> Ch. 3 Comprehension of the War
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ch. 3 Comprehension of the War

A couple of hours of enduring a panic attack, Twilight awoke still before the barge she’d soon ride to another country. One with a purpose to show the capability of Equestria just to show it wanted nothing more than friendship and harmony for all. Ironic as it felt, she had never gone to a new place with such a boisterous hello, she felt dirty taking the air boat. If she had brought the girls, they’d all still marvel at the construction even if it was dated, but like Fluttershy would probably faint as well. From what she remembered Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie handling Griffonstone, you needed bits and a good business sense to work around the cranky griffons. Guessing that would be the only example she had to go off with, it did not make her task any easier. 

“A two year war…” she sighed to herself remembering some of early Equestrian history where the tribes had fought each other in small scale conflicts before the Windego Winter both in the land that would be Equestria and abroad, “Ponies here just hurt themselves a little with the usual stalemate when the tribes were not yet unified. Now… two major countries have… and who knows how many lives... stupid violence!”

Just touching upon the subject made her realize that Equestria had no real idea of the world around them that only the brave adventurers and sailors know even of. How long had she been in Ponyville doing princess things and keeping the library in shape before the Dazzlings had caused problems? Before them, what parts of the world were warring for whatever reason that had no true reason for ponies or others to accept fighting for? Where they really so convinced to see that arguing on such a level produced no positive results?

“I haven’t even been at the Castle with Spike for that long before Celestia had me go there to rest. Although he’s done a marvelous job of keeping it in tip top shape and educating the ponies around, I’ve been locked up in the Black Tape Archives looking for what might be causing more trouble where Sunset resides. All that has been my life worrying about being there and here, finding that blasted book, and figuring out if Equestria is truly in danger! While the rest of the world is still apparently undiscovered and at one another’s throats!” she stomped a hoof in frustration, the echo carried through the hanger bay like a ball pin hammer to a sheet of hallow armor.

She stood up and headed back to the teleportation pad, the boat already put enough on her mind and being so close to it wasn’t helping. The revelations of other regions of Equis that she could have gone to and helped with who needed more assistance than what the cutie map ever showed. The reports she’d gotten from the others where they were sent, it flabbergasted the young alicorn beyond her perimeters when matched with a global scale issue. How had anything gone past her radar, surely after she ascended the princess would have given that knowledge over to her sooner? There had to be a reason to this madness, even the princesses wouldn't turn a blind eye to their allies. Were they so content to await a form of declaration of war to care? Where were Equestria's embassy's that could have sent news at the start of it all? Did others of the world have a reason to hate Equestia? Was it something else she had yet to figure out as if it were a maze elaborately developed by Discord himself?

Most of the unicorn guards did not engage or react to the perturbed mare, most knew their station and what a highly magical alicorn like her could do in her state. The unlucky pad operator up ahead though had taken the few seconds he had to breath in and be ready for the trouble heading his way.

“They HELPED a failing restaurant! Brought a community together!! Helped those con artists that contested against Applejack’s FARM!?! And we had no idea a war that could be sending many innocent PONIES to their untimely END! Or... whoever lives over there?!” a few hairs on her mane stuck out just as that day she devolved into thinking the want it need it spell was a good idea.

She snorted before arriving at the pad to which the guard wordlessly activated the spell. The magical route of course did its thing and left her with a touch of vertigo which tossed away her perturbed state which would have sent her into an unbecoming mare. With her hooves giving out beneath her, she ended up hugging the carpeted floor as she regained her body and mind. Unlike her usual teleportation spell, this one went through palace and the mountain itself with the anchored beacons. More magic was needed to activate which meant the usual feeling she could overcome had been tripled. Though to her fortune, two maids were nearby and came up to her to assist.

“Princess do you require any help?” a copper colored earth pony mare softly trotted to her after setting down the feather duster.

“Maybe a doctor? You don’t look to well?” a blanched white unicorn mare asked as she held a hoof out for her to grab.

Shaking her head as she used healing magic to restore herself, “Thanks, but I’m fine… I think. Just need to rest for a moment is all.” She sighed as the lingering effects were managing to persist like a deeply burrowed tick.

The two mares looked at each other, knowing protocols dictated aid be immediately called upon the ill state noticed of a Royal. However, they knew about the pad and what could happen to those besides the two sisters. Training meant in most cases, nausea and disorientation were the most common and usually only ailments. If the Princess of Friendship said she was fine, caution to not cause a ruckus meant they had to take her word for it.

It did not take long for Sparkle to leave to her room, thinking of nothing in general besides the vertigo that still glued to her flank like a tick. She almost could not even figure out why she was angry at first, just rest and prepare for the big trip ahead. Even the fear of doing the best job possible wasn’t even on her radar anymore. All in all, Twilight had to seek bed rest and get a fresh start, everything else could wait.

Palace Guest Room 9pm

It had been late in the evening before Sparkle stirred again, her body had long recovered from the side effects hours ago with sleep. Feeling rested and lively once again, she stretched her limbs out as she laid sprawled on the large bed, how she even got into the room was a loss much less the sheets covering her. Until her eyes fluttered open and she lifted her head to find Vibrant silently reading over notes to something. Even if she could have wanted to shout at the stallion for being in the room while she was at her most vulnerable, that lone question in her mind had to be answered first.

“Well, its good to see you're awake Princess Twilight! Princess Celestia asked me to escort you after the palace staff and a few guards found you wandering the halls aimlessly looking rather ill. I took it upon myself to check up after you’d been asleep for a good eight hours. Don't worry I just arrived.” the gray unicorn popped an eyebrow looking up from his papers.

Twilight sighed thank full for the reason he was in the room, rather than one of those pepping toms which were rare but very unpleasant nonetheless. At least his image in her mind wasn’t tarnished, he wasn't the type of stallion to do something so low or so she had thought prior. Reaffirmed in her safety she took a deep breath and a left the bed, the worry about her up coming trip had her resurfaced to bother her again.

"Oh and before I forget, Princess Luna had came by three hours ago to check up on you herself. When she assured you were fine well, she sort of asked me to remain here till now." he added.

“I’m very fortunate for everypony looking out for me. What are you looking at by the way?” she asked in hopes to delay the scheduling mess she knew she needed to organize, she was still too confused with the ordeal.

He folded the scrolls up and stacked the papyrus sheets into a neat stack, “Oh its nothing Princess Twilight, I just really needed to double check on a new portal theory I found looking through a few diaries of Nocturne the Elusive. Much of it is all archaic and outdated, but there are a few spells that I believe are worth revisiting and refurbishing into something viable.”

“Oh? And to what end if you don’t mind me asking.” She wondered at what old spell crafting the mage found interest in.

Vibrant looked at her and gave her a quick grin, “It would allow me to see into a less taxing transportation method of goods to disaster truck areas so that even the untrained unicorn could set down anchors and keep it sustained. After the last cyclone that hit Seaddle, there's been a call for inventive minds to help ease with recovery and rescue.” He shrugged.

“Well I wish you luck, Harmony only knows what I’ll be dealing with…” her curiosity mellowed into gloom, she remembered seeing that horrible storm in the newspaper one morning when she and Luna ate together after a night in the Archives.

The Adept tilted his head to try and keep eye contact with the Princess as his magic stashed away the papers, “Something’s bothering you? Are you not going to be here for the completion of our research? I know you were looking forward to proposing our final findings to Princess Celestia?”

The mare gently swayed her head as he would be the first pony she’d tell her new assignment to, “Vibrant? Are you aware of the world beyond our borders? Other places our normal maps don’t show?”

He appeared confused at first, lifting an eyebrow in consideration, “We’ll I’m going to assume you meant before I stepped hoof into the Archives. So going off on that, then no I was not aware of any other kingdoms or beings we’ve known to exist here on our continent.”

Knowing he could have some semblance of why she felt as such, she jumped into her concern that clung to her coat like a sickly tar. The huge responsibility which she deeply wished she’d known before hoof and put a cease fire into affect for all kind. Most of all, the differences in culture which put the two halves of the world on opposite ends of the way life went on.

“Princess Celestia is sending me to the eastern lands, I’m not being forced to but it’s important that I go there for her to stop a war that’s been going on. A war… could you imagine that here?! Conflict that harms lives and destroys homes! It's like Tirek all over again! I mean we came close war with the Yaks!” her breathing picked up as anxiety kicked in.

He gave an approving nod and attempted to cool the Princess down, "I can see why your rather disturbed then, I cannot relate but I've been in a similarly stressful situation. I discovered an already affirmed theory when I went about my early work. You never want to plagiarize in the Arcana even if it is by accident, the Head Master and the council would ban anypony regardless of the intent. I had to restart from scratch, my focus had been in the Biologis studies prior and surprisingly enough portal magic was the next best thing. I... don't know where I could have ended up if I was denied from the Academy. It's been my dream to earn a mastery and serve Equestria for the better." he smiled as he reminisced over the unpleasant memory.

Twilight's wings spanned outward as she huffed in frustration trying to keep her cool, "I'm not joking Spectrum! I seriously don't know anything about the second continent or what else there is and you'd think the Princess would have at least informed me?! I was her student for Harmony's sake! After all I've done and I was never given the chance to meet these kirin or dracony ambassadors that came bearing such bad news!?"

Spectrum shook his head and chuckled at her frustration, "Princess Twilight if I may? Think of this as a learning adventure just as it was your first time going into the Black Tape Archives. A section of the library closed off for various reasons all of which are due to forgotten knowledge, buried under the rug all the black and dark magic that has ever been conceived by ponies or others? Information of dead cults and gods who'd come back if enough ponies believed in them and bring Equestria into a world that would make Discord's reign look like a daycare event. All to the point, if she had to keep this land a secret it was probably for the best. Perhaps our cultures are far too different and incompatible? Maybe they have their own kind of harmony that does not sync up with us? There is no telling what lies beyond the oceans from whence ponies traveled from after Hearth's Warming Eve that united the three tribes in this sacred land under friendship? Those records were forgotten and lost to time as far as I knew, though why the Black Tape possesses them for some reason I cannot fathom. That's my two bits for you. That and... would you have become the mare you are today if you instead went off sailing to such unknown lands to help them and not your fellow pony? As they say help yourself before you help others." Vibrant sighed as he rubbed his forehead just below the horn.

Sparkle was as mulled in the fact that somepony thought it to be wise to hid such knowledge from the masses. They did essentially cover up pony ancestral lands, leaving many to believe Equestria was and will always be the homeland of ponies. While there was a moral crime to essentially deny common knowledge to ponies, could she herself really say doing so she had not done herself to others? None really questioned where the three tribes had originally lived and what was colonized before they migrated for better lands. The story itself is more of a foals story than a factual depiction of true history, but it served its purpose to maintain friendship and give reason for everypony to feel the joy of harmony with all. Even if it fell short in such occasions as with Zecora.

"I kind of see what you mean, I'm still just... I don't know. I just wish the Princess trusted me enough? I'm the Princess of Friendship! I've defeated Discord, Tirek, survived a Hydra... went to another world and saved it twice with the help of friendship! What good is a global community that can stop wars from starting if it is barely maintained beyond informing declarations? Are we ponies really so... oblivious to the plight of others?" she replied morosely.

Vibrant turned off the oil lamp on the desk nearby that he used to read with, leaving the other two on the other side of the room to provide lighting. Knowing how Twilight could get when she fussed over something, just like with her missing book scene she needed to focus on the task at hand. Lest she cause herself to go into a path of depression which would hamper her ability perform wherever she decided to go on. He would not be the one pony who could have prevented a mental breakdown that crippled the morality of a princess.

"As the saying goes, if there is a solution then there is no need to worry. If there is no solution then worrying is meaningless. Princess Twilight Sparkle, I may be an Adept myself but I know when an aspiring student is about to crash and fail when they could easily press on in the right direction. The Princess had her reason for keeping all of us in the dark, that I'm sure of since she's been around far longer than any of us. Now you can either keep wondering and accomplish nothing, or prepare yourself for the journey you've taken upon yourself. There are nations apparently at stake and in need of some kind of peace, you'll learn and you'll make new friends that will hopefully see us as a whole as friends too? Reconnect the bridges crumbled by paranoia and distrust! So are you going to do that or not?" he spoke in no stern manner, though his words held heavy upon her sense of guilt as it melted away to the clarity.

She gazed at him and lost the irritability, shying away the very idea of her foolish train of thought that was then all too clear. Just as she embraced tests she thought were planned for her when in reality they were not even existent, tunnel vision overtook her better judgement and she let it eat away at her energy and spirit. Celestia did everything she could for the betterment of ponies and friends to them all over, if she truly needed ponies to be oblivious to other countries and lands abroad then who was she to question it? 

She was still barely ascended herself so what right was it of her to demand access to anything classified? The dracony did seem to want to remain hidden, trading through tight lipped merchants and the ever elusive representatives was a political move that had to be respected. Twilight could envision her friends right now as Applejack would have slapped some sense into her, Rainbow would have scorned her for wavering loyalty, Fluttershy reminding her that a war should not go on for very long, Pinkie giving a much needed smile to shake off the descending notions, and Rarity offering her whimsical words to cement everypony's take into one whole lesson that had to be realized.

Twilight's muzzle sported a slowly growing look of satisfaction, one that Spectrum had hoped would be one of calm understanding. There was no evidence of doubt nor negativity, just the mare who looked ready to take on the world with warmth in her heart and an open sky of the spirit.

"You're right! I don't know why I let myself get wrapped up so badly." she began to say until it appeared something important popped up, "I let myself get distracted... that means I have less time to prepare! I need to get my supplies ready! I need to meet ponies! I have a list to make first! Bye! Gotta go! Thanks Spectrum!"

The princess teleported away, leaving a smiling stallion with a crisis averted for the better. Allowing a breath of relief, he reached into the pouches of his Adept robe and extracted a little quartz stone using his horn. It gently fell onto a hoof he extended outwards, then looked to the door to lock it with his magic. Once he was sure no one would disturb him he caste a spell upon the crystal which began to glow white.

"This is Spectrum, I've completed the task. The Princess will soon be off in another land too far for her to meddle with the plan. What are your orders?" he spoke directly into the magical item.

The crystal glimmered as another voice echoed off of it, 'Good... return and your reward will be granted.'

Vibrant let the magic fade away as the recipient ended the communication, he began to put it back in its proper pouch as a mad grin overtook his snout. Like a foal in a candy store with a bag of bits just waiting to tell the cashier what he wanted.

"Excellent!"

Princess Celestia's Private Study

The indigo purple themed room hosted a few common things any ethereal being would find necessary to rest in. Unlike a bedroom, Celestia's private study was essentially one third a library, one third an office, and the rest held her tea collection and constantly stocked cake repository for easy access. A fire place lit upon her entrance through a simple spell which reacted to her magic by proximity. Complimented by a large throw mattress which really counted as a futon with a fancy design and elaborate dressings making it royal and expensive. A large supportive pillow sown into the base offered the neck and back rest for the Princess to find reading easier.

At the time she simply read over documents detailing the latest affected with the magical exhaustion ailment to date and the numbers were not looking good. Even after the latest boosts to medical studies to train more staff, everything seemed to be as if it were a slowly sinking galleon with a hole that would not stay sealed. She herself was tired from the day court and the attempts by other noble mineral houses to try and push their coal agenda through with the crowns support. Celestia however shut them down and ensured her sister knew the constituents that would likely attempt again with her. Ever since the failures of the past that became the Ankarda incident, coal producing factories were forbidden unless they were headed by the Obsidian noble family who had proven time and again to uphold high standards for both the environment and their workers. From what she'd experienced in the last ten years were a surge of opportunistic vultures trying to gouge out mountain sides for coal and push the train industry in a different direction in which magic and horsepower was no longer the fuel of locomotion. The use of more mechanic means to propel vehicles were not only detrimental to the environment, but they were obviously bad for with their byproducts that even had her gagging. The Ankarda incident reminded her and now Luna of what happened when technology grew beyond understanding and in favor of profit. She barely remembered the details itself, but the reports came in to the fact that coal dust had ignited and detonated the buildings which processed it. All sorts of heavy metals and poisonous materials drained into whatever nearby water source there was and polluted for forty years before unicorn teams could clear up the toxic waste. 

Since then, unless it was from the Obsidian nobles, all others proposed very lax restrictions of safety and disposal of waste. Once they even hinted at such aims, Luna or her would immediately drop the case as if it were dry ice in their hooves. Only bits lingered in those ponies minds and not the environment which further study after Ankarda revealed how many creatures were inadvertently killed off by the run-off even, from containment pond as well as ash. Twenty of the species were known to react with a horrible magical allergic reactions that ended in their untimely doom upon a mere sampling of the metals. Most of the bodies were too fargone before Arcana teams descended upon the affected areas and took over the damage control. Never again would she let that happen, from small fish to large creatures the death toll reached even the merponies who were found to be victims in the ocean the rivers flowed into. A near war with Aquestria had nearly happened from the Ankarda incident, and it took everything Celestia had to prevent a war with the mysterious ruler known as Poseidon. The one who'd sink Equestria under the raging seas to exact proper revenge, the being similar to her even if she never met him in person. The messenger they had sent gave the dire warning, one of which she placated as best as she could so that no pony would be harmed. That was when the Obsidian Nobles were given exclusive rights over coal for the next two centuries before she relaxed the restrictions on how could join the coal scene there after.

Just another second of memory in her thousands of years of being, and now the latest was the illness. No matter how bad it would try to be, no matter how virulent Luna and her would see it eradicated. Even in her down time before sleeping, she took up medicine and healing magic studies to see if she might offer another perspective to guide her ponies through. Though there were an army of ponies who were put through the educational grinder in such a field and hard at work since the magical exhaustion blinked on the news papers. It was never too late to keep adding to the think tank, one of the reasons she used cosmetic spells to appear lively and well rested. She may have lead the ponies into an age of harmony and prosperity, but most of the work was by their own hooves and she on the throne passing a few bills and making herself known to her ponies. This was not a problem in which she'd hope her loyal subjects would figure out by themselves this time, it had needed her help if she wanted to or not.

Closing the sixth tomb that Starswirl the Bearded had gifted her in those younger years of her life, the alabaster equine deity gazed in contemplation at the fireplace before her. How little she really needed the fireplace for warmth so much as it was something that eased her mind when haunted by the many worries of an immortal in power. As the solar goddess she had a natural element with the sun itself, lending her an unending warmth that even in a harsh blizzard she'd never feel the claws of below zero temperatures. How the fire moved and its shapeless form dancing about, the flames of reds and yellows in an endless waltz with the air current drawing fumes and smoke up into the chimney. One of the many small things she could rely on like a breath of fresh air.

"What has befallen my little ponies that even a legion of highly trained minds cannot figure out after so long?" she sighed as her magic levitated a cup of herbal tea that had been sitting at her side for a while.

It was cold, though the sweetness of the honey she used mingled with the hints of vanilla, cardamom, and various other flavors. As soon as her lips met the rim of the porcelain cup, she applied some of her mana towards the liquid to mirror the radiant aura of the crackling logs before her. Another sip and the tea came back to life as she very much preferred. Delighting in the moment, she pondered if she should call it a night and head off to bed. With Twilight under the care of the Palace staff and the Adept called Spectrum, there was little she had to close on that wouldn't bother her dreams. Though as she motioned to do so and stack away her reading materials, a knock came to the door from an armored hoof belonging to her door guards.

Muffled by the thick enchanted door, "Your majesty! You have a visitor requesting an audience, it is the Head Master of Scholar Arcana. Nova Star."

She continued putting her books away with a continuation spell that needed no control from her after she caste it, allowing her to to guess at why they would need her at this time of the night. She never closed her doors to a concerned citizen much less her advisors, though why they did not go to Luna was baffling enough. A Royal Decree she crafted upon Luna's return had all Night Court hours to receive developments or dangers so her sister could be assimilated as lovingly as she was to the ponies and government. If Head Master Star came to her, than it was truly worth a need to at least please the second most magical capable unicorn alive in this time.

"Send him in please?" she beckoned and pulled herself up to her haunches to sit.

The tall redwood doors opened inward with a Solar Guard appearing first in his golden armor and magical uniform white coat, nodding in confirmation the pony behind him was safe. Moving aside with his armor clanged a little as he allowed the way in to a wine red coated stallion with aged dull pruce main curly at the ends yet well kept. Head Master of the Arcana was a position that was earned through feats of magical knowledge and casting prowess, magical potential was also key. They were also older mares or stallions who dedicated their lives to preserving the magical arts of all the tribes, their commendations paved the way to the title. Nova Star had been in the seat of the Academy for the last forty years and he was nearing his time to retire. She could see it in his indigo eyes that he was a very worn out unicorn mage, one who would have become the Transcendent Master if he so desired. The type of pony Star had become was one who looked out for those who joined the Arcana and journeyed to create new magic to help the world or fight the enemies who'd assail the kingdom. By giving up the position that could have been his easily, like she herself, his machinations within the Scholar Arcana allowed for much progress to be taken. Some of it even Twilight had been privy to in their vast book stores of the latest research he ensured was captured and copied for everyday ponies to have access to.

Wearing the trappings of his position, a dust gray robe with silver borders containing every commendation he'd ever received written in old equish. A few badges of his later achievements fluttered in the air pinned near the collar of the neck, and to compliment it all was a wizard's traditional conical hat. Although his was bent and worn with some similarity to Queen Chrysalis's horn, it seemed to suit the master just fine.

"Presenting Head Master Nova Star." the guard said before motioning to leave himself and seal the door behind him.

The cloth dragged on the ground a little, but a charm protected it from wear and tear. A few wrinkles around his eyes and mouth garnished his otherwise still capable body, it was a personal quirk of the stallion to always have a reliable body should danger ever threaten Equestria. To know ponies could still keep in shape even as they neared their senior years was a pleasant piece of information to have. At least the illness had not affected the Arcana's vital assets, there was word of how he alone kept the Changelings from breaking into the Arcana when Chrysalis and her ilk invaded.

The door closed and locked gently, "My Princess, it is good to see you. Has it really been ten years since we had a moment for tea?" he spoke in a fluid manner with a docile kind tone she remembered of him.

"Yes it has unfortunately, I do apologize for not visiting the school as of late. Please take a seat with me I still have a cup to share if you'd like? It is a Rooibus blend, quite the fall tea if I do say so myself?" she smiled warmly at him, it was always a treat to enjoy pleasantries and general quality time with her subjects than be their near all mother.

The Head Master nodded with tamed glee, "I would love that. I do have news to bring you, but how about we enjoy a little talk before hand?"

As her magic poured what was left of the brew from the copper teapot, she inwardly lost her happiness as worry came back to the surface. What news did he have and was it good or bad? It felt as if she had another item to add to her conundrum as it seemed, indeed to have a pony like him here reminded her that she was still one of the diarchs of the land. Friendly calls were rare and far between, what ponies who really did such a thing was Twilight herself or Cadence without doom and gloom in tow. As the honey was spooned and stirred in, she mixed the contents together and maintained her mask.

Floating over the cup, "How is the Arcana doing these days? I've seen the names of the brightest undergraduates and graduates making the headlines these days."

Nova took the cup in his own magic and enjoyed the steam wafting away, "Rather well your highness, I'm proud to see former adepts and masters doing so much for Equestria. May their progress please you and Princess Luna, I've always aimed to satisfy since I was made the Head Master.

Celestia giggled, "All my little ponies make me proud no matter what they do so long as they live in harmony and befriend all. Now then... pray tell why have you come seeking my council? As late as it is I'm surprised you bypassed my sister for this?" with the niceties aside she had to know sooner or later.

Nova did not lose his placid state as he swirled the cup softly around, those deep blue eyes starring into the moving particles of the tea that escaped the fabric bags that kept the larger pieces out. A deep exhale left his nostrils, giving no hint or prediction of the message he came to bring.

"It is a little bit of a mix I bring you my princess. Though I guess it would be best to relay the bad news of course." he sipped from the cup and let the notes of every part of the tea blend coat his tongue, "I'm not sure if Twilight has presented her finding yet, but there was a book found missing from the archives."

"Missing you say?" she asked.

"I'm sure it would have been very crucial to their labors. The Master who had it has returned it with his utmost apologies for the error. I bring this up because of the contents of the manuscript are relevant to the danger being presented."

Celestia nodded, "What did the book hold that would have a Master Mage possess it outside of the archive? I thought it was illegal to remove anything with the Agents of Shadow running about?"

"Yes it is, under certain conditions of course. They were working with the Night Guard. Arcana rules apply I'm afraid, but onto the contents shall we? It had been the old banishment records before Starswirl had ended the practice. Every top tier criminal that threatened the nation of the likes of Tirek himself. I say this as a warning for us all. I fear exiles may be the ones trying to return to finish what they started." he shook his head in disbelief himself.

Something clicked in the ancient goddess's mind, slapping her head like with a gust of air, "I do remember a little about that magical imprisonment sentence, but I also remember why it was stopped in the first place. To which I am ashamed to admit I did not realize how the siren foe Princess Twilight battled had been connected to it. I remember when Starswirl held a seminar of which I then made a ruling to ban such cross dimensional sentences. How we were sending our problems to other worlds in hopes they would find a way to stop them when we could not. I recall the magic mirror being the concentrated form of that banishment portal mages of old used, Nocturn the Obscure had something to do with that?" fragments dawning on her about the truth to the mystical portal to the magicless world.

Nova sighed as if it pained him to see his Princess surmount regret upon her spirit like the weight of the moon prison she sent her sister to way back then, "Even for us on older years can make mistakes Princess. Such as I for not keeping a tighter record on who enters the archives so long as they have a key and Luna's permission. As it stands the Shadow's claws have been quiet for a reason. Now you might know why I suppose."

"All this time such a dangerous artifact had existed, once only opening every thirty moons for barely even a day in our world... what manner of evil exists in the human world seems to have thankfully not harmed them. From the reports Twilight has given me, they've... do you believe they've been biding their time?" she lost her smile to a still emotionless expression, her mane and tail still blowing softly in the ethereal winds.

"I would have done the same your majesty. It looks like we will be run afowl soon if they have any use of that gem I've heard about." he finished his drink and gently set it to his side.

He cleared his throat as he noticed the royal taking the news rather ill even if she did not believe he could detect it. If being near the pinnacle of unicorn power did anything to one such as him, it was to be sensitive to the aura of others with such mystical energies. He could feel what worry, anger, sadness, joy, and all other powerful feelings that could affect a caster in action or push them beyond their limits. Now was the time to guide the deity to the right path.

"I would also say the Arcana has not sat on its plot since the Changelings. We've been fighting the Agents of Shadow long enough. There is a response force ready at the crowns call and one that can take down even the Dragon Lord himself." Star bowed to the sun goddess who took his offer of aid with a pinch of salt.

With war abroad, the Arcana was stepping forward to offer help if she still chose to send Twilight overseas. To think that such powerful beings that needed to be imprisoned in Tartarus below in the present day Equestria were a threat now? There was no end to the chaos that would be wrought upon the lives of ponies everywhere. One Sombra was enough to do what he had done to the Crystal Empire, the use his name in the plural sense was madness. Not only that, but these haunting shadow's of Equestria's past would be coming back with a vengeance no doubt about it with no aim at forgiveness. She started to believe that even with every alicorn on the front lines that they'd still have a hard time repelling ancient magic. Her ponies wouldn't be equipped for this magnitude of an attack for when not if they came, she'd have to assume they may have been caste to the human world in hopes they'd no longer endanger ponies again. They were likely sent away without any methods or cautionary taken to strip them of their powers and with a reconstituted siren gem in their grasps. This far surpassed the magical ailment in scale of danger.

Celestia took in a deep breath to clear her thoughts as they ventured over the many strategic ways to handle the threat. To both prepare her ponies in secret and fight off what might become an army of evil at their doorstep. Using a small meditation trick she learned from the ponies of Bhārat, she quelled the negativity as if a small bell rang with a single tap. Her mystical mane and tail ceased flowing and lost their color, reverting back to their pink hue of her natural color before her ascension. It came as no surprise to the elder, even he had to use calming spells when things had gotten too complicated.

When Celestia finally spoke it was with an soothing voice like that of a mother before her child, "I will consider this and the Arcana's help after I have taken some rest. This is a very delicate matter of concern to everypony involved... even the foals of every creature around this world. I will hope this danger does not come to pass, but I'm aware that not even all of my best royal guards nor unicorn regiments will have the magic to defeat those who have been banished. If there was anything Starswirl the Bearded told me about that spell he fought to seal away into the Black Tape Archives..." she paused as the most prodigious magician to have ever lived appeared in her forethought, reciting his own words himself.

Nova awaited like a statue before his ruler, feeling the placid spirit that could conquer any problem and decimate any army's will without having to fire a single spell, "The Gardens of Elysium will be our new home should the deported ever find their way back. Mother Faust help us all."

Celestia stood up on all her hooves, her wings spread wide with an all encompassing warmth to the air as if she were a black sun within the room, no blinding light nor reaching flares. She stretched every ounce of her magical network as if to cleanse any clots in the lines, the mana she flexed had enough might to be felt by every pony in the palace and then some. The act had no physical force itself, she did it as a means to revitalize after years of essential docility. Those many decades after she began trying to figure out how to help solve the sickness that had been steadily becoming infectious, unlike any common flu. She held this for a couple moments before the magic died away, falling into normal levels she maintained in a passive state with her mane and tail returning to their multiple hues. The doors opened to her magic and the two Royal Guards flanking the entrance saluted to the approaching princess.

"You have the Arcana's support in whatever decision you choose, your highness." Nova said as he joined alongside her with the fireplace blinking out into cold inactive burnt logs, "Shall I depart then and let you have your rest?"

"Yes my little pony, you may go." she smiled to him from up above as she towered over the stallion.

She having took to the left hallway to her quarters, the Head Master went down the right trotting at a slow gait. With the day adjured, there were little other ponies about except maids and cleaning staff preparing the palace for the next day. Feather dusters cleaned vases, tables, pictures, and all sorts of decorative assets one would see around every turn. Vacuum spells quietly hummed as they sucked in floating debris and cleaned the floors, glacier blue spheres inhaled all the little things into a small compacted ball of dirt. The most numerous however were the Night Guard who stood watch over as many turns and angles throughout Nova's trek, the windows and exits being their primary stations.

After the Head Master departed the Palace, he made headway to an awaiting carriage. Across the long front lawn designed specifically for land battles, forcing any invading force to march across killing grounds. An Arcana transport awaited with the dedicated runes of the Academy and Department of Magic, two earth ponies awaited in full armor unique to the sanctioned school ready to pull after their occupant embarked. Two more Night Guards stood at the large golden gates hosting the two sister's marks, armed with sheathed swords and their midnight colored combat gear they opened the primary entrance. The two bowed to the powerful mage as their golden eyes shimmered in the rising moonlight.

Nodding his head at them, the wizards hat jiggling slightly by the motion he mounted into the vehicle and closed the door behind him. Which the ponies tethered in began the trip back to the Academy twenty minutes away through mostly empty streets. The oil lamps lighting the way over the cobblestone roads forward besides the night sky.

Nova looked out through the thin cloth privacy curtains, through his aged eyes he gazed at the pony kingdom with admiration and love, "The final pieces are in motion, and so it begins... for the good of Equestria."

A bright light managed to shone just barely through his robe, which when it's illumination reflected off the glass window of the viewing port he extracted it. A pure unblemished white quartz hummed low as it relayed a message from another pony.

"This is Spectrum, I've completed the task. The Princess will soon be off in another land too far for her to meddle with the plan. What are your orders?"
> Ch. 4 Among the Warriors
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ch.4 Among the Warriors

Deep inside South Coria, through the many green trees which populated the landscape walked Neighponese soldiers. It had been another move upon a Cinia stronghold and remove their meager naval base, with mana rifles and bladed weapons in arms all that awaited the confrontation. Leader Nozu had taken command of the elite brigade on land which spearheaded all the recent offensives. He and his fifty guards held tightly their Lotus staffs enchanted with paralysis spells that glowed dimly with coursing magic. Dawning the standard military uniform of cloth over their hardened dragon scales, just like their opponents they were mostly hybrid kirin with some support pony or griffon. The days of yor using contests of brute strength and skills with close combat were long gone in favor of projectile casting spells, the finest Neighpon had to offer were often at the forefront of combat with no ranged weapons. This yielded more prisoners to bargain with as the years went by with Cinia on the losing end of the war. The more of them they held captive, the most land they could gain as the enemy lost both their numbers and control over Coria.

In truth, Nozu had heard of loss of life at Ryojun after what was described as a rigged detonation of a hospital ward. It had been full of Neighponese soldiers as well as some locales and prisoners, they met their unfortunate end in a very painful way from gunpowder barrels in the basement. Many were still alive in the rubble, yet the few who could be extracted didn’t make it either. Since then, every able warrior has been on the warpath earning victories after victories, some striving to gain the most prisoners themselves for the honor itself. That was the reason for Nozu and his soldiers to be out this far towards the Shandong Peninsula, there were two other regiments on their way by flotilla and they were the distraction for the fleet.

As it were they listened to the sound of birds chirping in the trees and the occasional rodent scurry away. Their claws carefully treaded awaiting the messenger bird to signal the assault of Dengzhou, they had run into a few patrols and quickly dispatched with them. Though once the order was given, they would face a much stronger force than twenty warriors and they’d test their abilities once again. Chihiro had claimed the night before that he’d earn the most captives by the end of the operation, the teal scaled kirin had even redone the runes on his glaive in anticipation.

“This has been an easy war so far Nozu, do you think we’ll take the port by the end of the day?” he laughed heartedly.

Another of the elite cadre added, “Watch as I take the most officers while you get the dredges!” Isamu taunted, it was a far more difficult act to capture leadership with how few there were to the standard infantry.

Nozu tapped his staff to his chest with his right forelimb, “The honor of the commander falls on me and only me, just remember that younglings. Now keep your heads on those scrawny necks! The Way would see you fall in battle with such arrogance as you’re displaying now. Besides… I believe the time has come.” The faint flapping of wings reached his swiveling ears as he stopped to look up.

Though the other two grunted with disagreement they knew the messenger bird meant the battle was about to begin. Every other soldier slowly caught on to the pigeon which landed upon the claws of their commanding officer, their anxiousness palpable in the air like a musk from a yak. They had been traveling for a week with little excitement to keep them in check other than their training and the ever watchful hawkeyed officers.

Nozu removed the miniature scroll tied to the little leg, using his magic he unfurled it so he could read, “The fleet is in position, we are to begin the attack!”

The commander was one of the rare copper colored variations of his kin, it held a mystical belief that he was destined for greatness and to be highly useful to the Emperor as was the metal he embodied. For his subordinates that meant they were in safe claws and he had the history to back it up, when they charged into a fight his copper gleam shone as a lighthouse in a storm. Rather than serve from the back and bark at them into harms way, Nozu was always on the frontlines bearing the cannon fire and melee alongside them. No matter if they were pony, kirin, or griffon they all looked up to him and few ever fell in battle. When a section of the line gave to concentrated enemy attacks, he and his elites would move to buffer while the injured or paralyzed were removed and fresh forces sealed the gap.

Sensing the pride coming off of the second division of the IA, the alpha male turned to face them, “I will be honest with you, this will be a fight to remember! As we are to serve as a distraction for the landing boats, we will earn most of the Cinian’s retaliation! All the other battles will be play fighting compared to what lies ahead this forest. The army up ahead… is in the thousands. I want to see all of you earn your keep! Though they are numerous! We! We are their betters! Bring honor to your lines! Show these Cinians what a Neighponese soldier is!” he shouted out a war cry akin to that of a dragon in their younger years.

The bellow soon joined in by the second division even though they were widely dispersed, no one missed a single word of his. The fire in the commanders spirit surged through the ranks as their want of combat would be finally met.

Birds flew away at the war cry, creatures scampered away, and even the insects were silenced as the army started to march on as the act finished. Adrenaline started to empower the warriors, their hooves, claws, and talons all stomping as one with the few miles they still had to cover. This however was the state Nozu needed them to be in, at least for the majority who were kirin would be diving deep into their dragon side and bring the inner flame into a blazing furnace. They could fight better and with much more fervor than normal, the other races would see this and be far more resilient when the fighting started. The griffons he could trust to hold their own, but the ponies however were still seen as weak unascended halves of Neighpon. He wondered why they stayed in their herbivorous forms when the worship of the Dragon Lords could give them so much more just as he. Contemplation he’d have to save for later, as of then they needed him focused and on the ball.

Walking on all four, he like the rest of the elites used their right or left forelimb to hold their primary weapon. The mana rifles walked on their hind legs easily though they had to crouch to avoid making themselves targets to hidden archers. Unless of course they were non-kirins in which their ranged spell casting arms, the latest in magical military ingenuity. These were proven to lengthen a unicorn or kirin spell over twice the distance and provide a good gap between possible return fire or close in combat. Previous battles proved their usefulness, where the Cinia troops were often given inferior firearms which lobed tar rounds that held together with a simple spell. While they could slow and eventually trap an opponent on the spot with enough volleys, Neighpon Mana Rifles were able to send freezing spells, blinding star shine, incendiary fire castes, and several other spells.

From what Nozu knew of the weaponry were the two gems on the top back section of the gun, they absorbed the users spell compacting it. They hosted strange magic from Mount Fuji where they were mined, said to have the blessings of the great Ryu that dwelled within as their all father and patron god. In some complicated fashion the spell was then primed inside the chamber and sent forth upon the pull of the trigger. The condensing process allowed the spell to have a longer life before it fizzled out on its path. Where a normal mage usually only had the range of initial proximity aside from a beam energy, any magically capable being could aim with great accuracy and reach. These would be tested soon enough, with thousands of enemies and twelve fortifications with heavy coastal cannons from Mustok.

Their march stopped just before the forest cleared into sparse farmland, Nozu could see the tall walls of protective guard towers and entrenchments. A well dug in enemy as it seemed yet under careful study revealed at most five warriors per wall section and only one guard in each tower. If they spearheaded two sections they would fall easily to a simple shock and awe, but the problem came from the dead zone between them and their target. With the likelihood of dug-in cannons that could launch sticky bombs or worse, they had a conundrum.

Chihiro stood beside him, “The Major did say we were to act as a distraction? We’ll be facing a northern snow storm soon by the looks of the skies as well. Shall we wait till we can use the snow as cover? Launch smoke shells from the three cannons back there to bolster our cover? Otherwise we’ll lose a third of our force by trying to get through that alone.”

Nozu nodded, “We shall use the storm yes, but I want the cannons to fire on the left five hundred meters away and stage a distraction. The enemy will think we’ll be attacking there and aim their artillery in that direction, buying us time to get in closer before they readjust their fire. It will also divert more of their soldiers to defend the smoked embattlements, leaving a gap we can focus on piercing.”

The teal kirin nodded, “Is that your final order?”

“Yes, go get the men to get the guns in place, I want six shots put down on most of that wall to make it convincing and have them shout after. It’ll add to the trick.” He affirmed.

“Right!” the elite said with a salute and dashed away.

Isamu strode to the commander who took a seat on the ground to await the storm and his force to set up, “Going to be a long run through those flooded fields. We have fifty griffons air capable and one hundred flyers of ours we could drop fire from above? Or shall we ground them on foot?”

“No flyers until we reach the port’s inner perimeter, archers would be the danger here… too open. Besides, I have an idea for making our distraction all too potent not to earn the ire of every Cinian there.” Nozu answered.

“I will send the order then, did Chihiro say there was a storm coming?” the redish hued dracony asked just before saluting.

Indeed, past the dense leaves overhead there was a huge line of storms sucking in the air from the southeast. The feel alone from the mitigated breeze by the trees they hid in meant there was a good blizzard about to hit the area. It was that time of the seasons where it was most possible, but hopefully it affected their foes more than them.

“By the keen eyes of my mother I will attest to it, tell the warriors to suit up. We will be using it as cover.” Nozu gazed over the far distant walls checking for anything he might of missed.

A salute and a verbal affirmation and the kirin was gone, leaving their leader to be alone with his calculations. In two hours the weather would change and the battlefield would become saturated in white as the storm gathered power from the arctic blast. Their foliage cover cried and groaned as the winds swept through like tidal waves, Neighpon soldiers could feel themselves forced a little to lean on one side as the gusts passed by. Yet they were stalwart as if it were a common occurrence, they still had the commander’s energy within them and they couldn’t wait to engage in fighting.

With the plan set, Nozu waited a little longer till the snow became dense enough that the walls were just barely visible from his spot, “Signal the cannons!”

“Signal the cannons!”

“Signal the cannons!”

The line of callers between the main force and the guns carried the message over and soon the eruption of the metal bores blowing out the smoke screen capsules. The wind managed to slightly deafen their sound wave and nearly remove the explosion which sent out the precious exhaust of burning fuel. The good thing about the storm was how it carried away the cover further down the wall, it proved to do much more than Nozu expected. The walls would have even less defenders as their force would be stretched thin to reinforce the long line of obscured positions.

Giving ten minutes to pass, Nozue rose his staff in the air and stood on his hind legs to his troops, “Your Empire! Your Emperor! Your fellow citizens need your best!! You will give them your all! And if you need more?! The Equestrians are sending a princess to visit. That means we must show those ponies that WE hold our own! That WE are a force to be reckoned with!! On MEEEE!!!!”

With that final word the officers blew their whistles and joined the mad dash to the ramparts. In a massive inflow of bodies, Neighponese blindly attacked their enemy with their leader at the tip. Using their magic to keep their weapons to their backs, the warriors gained further momentum by galloping on all four. They ignored the ice cold water soaked fields and muddy rows of sprouting grains which splashed upon their scaly legs or furry fetlocks and coats. Griffons screeched in their native tongue of avian origin, and ponies shouted all eager to prove their worthiness and bring the reward of combat to their parents. What gear they had upon their belts or saddle packs jiggled and clanged against their bodies, yet like the environment as harsh as it was they endured.

Nozu could see there were at best six guards they’d have to deal with and he had an entire division at his claws. The Cinians only caught wind of their approach with barely half a mile left in between both forces, of course it was too late to react.

Two ponies working the heavy gun were ordered to reposition the weapon, but the snow had already melted enough into the ground to make it a muddy mess. They slipped trying to make the wheels budge which angered the dracony on the walls, one joined in and tried to help. Seeing little to be done else with the useless piece of metal, the defenders prepared for the coming fight as the towers fired off alarm fireworks. They were ignored with the cannons Nozu had used to fire the smoke screen shot off their explosive payloads, obscuring the sound. Only a few still rallying to the false attack point noticed the red gleam up above and changed course.

Before the enemy could attempt to send a volley of tar rounds at Nozu’s force, the kirin before them changed to a standing run on their hind legs. With Mana Rifles ready they loaded the purple gems with blinding rounds to buy more time, the kickback from the expelled energy shook the soldiers slightly. Though the sight of the flying projectile spells were all too pleasing to the massive force, like shooting stars of many colors sailing in an arch until they detonated in a flash all along the walls where awaiting guns were set to harm the Neighpon army.

Cinian troops recoiled away at the sharp pain in their eyes, some accidently firing their guns into the air to no affect. They never saw Nozu scale the stone wall and leap into the air above them in time, nor did they see the coming paralyzing staff which came slamming down upon their skulls. His first captive, colored with the magical aura of his mana so no one would steal his spoils the victim crumbled down like a rag doll. The glory of being the first was his now and he would present his record to the alicorn, how his skills and abilities would probably trump their Captain of the Guard he heard about. Some kind of attack by Changelings which he repulsed through some arcane use of love, how strange the ponies were from that land they called their own from their old exodus. Weak things they were who couldn’t survive out here in this world of theirs, they needed to be taught how to live. War was life…

	



	

> Ch. 5 The Gears Move
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ch. 5 Knowing Your Allies

Two days had passed after Twilight had the enlightening conversation with the Arcana Adept, now she held no hesitations whatsoever and the feeling was akin to that of freedom of mind. Spike had received her letter to come to Canterlot, though she knew he would miss the book days she had him take over for. Though his response did not show any qualms with going on the trip with her, she figured the willingness had come from his comic book reading which enticed the mystical lands he’d visit soon. She had to admit, those illustrated novels were said to mush the brain of foals into their later years of adulthood, but seeing as what Spike had done to help Equestria on numerous occasions she never intervened. She was on her way to the station as of the moment to pick him up, it would be then that she’d really find out how he felt. Twilight hoped that Ponyville could do without the Book Days event for a month or so, even as her attention peeled off to the war abroad she still felt guilty of interrupting their educational experience.

Passing by pedestrians on her way to the train depot, Sparkle made a note to hire a proxy for her and Spike when such royal duties came barging in. Opting to forgo a chariot and gaze at Canterlot's suburbs and shops once more before the voyage across the North Luna Sea, her mind memorized the latest changes to the zoning and the new housing districts popping up to accomodate the ever expanding population. Of course she also noticed on her way four emergency chariots carting away the sick, thinking it to be flu season in such a populated area was not out of the question and thus she gave them nothing beyond a passing glance.

Passing by a couple tourist shop carts showing off specialty items and crafted gem keepsakes she thought about Spike once more, “I’m sure he’ll be fine, he’s my number one assistant after all and why wouldn’t he pass up on a chance to meet the kirin over there? Not to mention the four dragon lords who guard such a small nation?! It's practically out of one of his little comics.” she spoke out loud her thoughts entering the train depot with time to spare.

Trotting onto the reception deck of the blue hued depot, she immediately noticed no pony outside. Curious as it were as there were always ponies of rich and common going places even on the weekends, surely she couldn't be the only one waiting for the train.

Her head swiveled about from the expansive scenic view beyond the mountain city to the windows of the station. Seeing nothing out of place she inspected the ticket area and rest seats normally used when a storm had been scheduled for the day. Oddly enough there were some ponies inside, though most were either staff or maintenance workers tidying up the interior. A family with six foals running around and two parents watching attentively were the only patrons as it seemed, and of course that made sense to Sparkle considering how rambunctious foals can get. An accident can easily happen if they were allowed freedom near the rails of a train which was a danger in itself to a haphazard youth.

With her curiosity sated, she trotted over to a bench to wait as she used her magic to open the saddle bags she brought with her. Extracting a book she used to keep her lists for the trip, notes on the last two days of studying the ambassadorial codes and laws she could get a hold of, to the latest updated negotiators manuscript in which she hoped she’d use to end the war. She intended on reviewing the preparations list in full detail to see if she overlooked anything or if more supplementary guides might be needed. If she was to be a stand in for Princess Celestia she needed to be completely brushed up on everything to make the trip end in peace and friendship between the three countries.

Just as Twilight began to review her labors somepony had trotted up next to her seat and stood waiting for her attention. Blinking, she smiled as she lifted her head from the book and found not a citizen wanting a photo or an autograph from the alicorn, but Adept Lapis who appeared to have arrived for no other reason that she knew of. Their conclusive report to Celestia was to be postponed till she returned or presented by Princess Luna in her stead if it seemed necessary, so for her to be coincidentally at the depot seemed odd.

Her eyes immediately locking onto the mare and nothing else, “Oh! Lapis Lazuli? What are you doing here? Heading off for a study trip I guess? I know Spectrum has been adding some of the old knowledge to his work as of late.” Sparkle asked as she set the keep she'd been looking into onto the bench beside her.

The mare however hesitated and kept her glance before her starring off the countryside where vast rolling hills and lush lands painted a glorious landscape. Not far off would be Ponyville hidden partially by the thick dense trees that dotted around it, the mountain ridges to the sides, and beyond were Equestria’s true treasure, prosperity that the Princesses strove to nurture as much as she herself worked on friendship matters. Though what happiness in the view could be taken, Lapis seemed chew on her tongue.

Asking again, “Has something come up? Has anyone found my book by chance?” she chuckled at the notion that the pesky missing item was likely lost in a place that was obvious.

The Adept closed her eyes and let out a held breath trying to steal herself for what she had to say. Twilight couldn’t see it, but there was a horrible secret she was about to receive and one she'd be unable to act on with it being so sudden. The shock of it would deaden the actuality it entailed, and the consequence would be a later symptom of the threat that was in need of exposing.

Still keeping her eyes to the wide expanse of nature, “Princess? I come baring a secret... I need you to keep this between you and me and no one else.”

The lavender alicorn tilted her head startled by the rather strange conversation brought before her, “What are you talking about Lapis? What’s happened…” she asked in worry.

With a stern intrusion to her query, “I NEED you to promise!” she hissed as if somepony might be listening other than them and it hushed the young royal into simply nodding from the sting of the Arcana’s assertiveness much like that of Rainbow Dash.

Seeing that she would carry out the sealed lips policy Lapis went on with ever alert eyes searching for something around them, “Princess I have to be short, I accidentally found something in the Academy. Something that worries me… I never meant to come across it I swear!” she appeared to quiver as if it hurt to speak of it, earning a sympathetic gaze from her sole audience, “Princess… the Arcana has been amassing a fighting force of our best offensive mages! For the past twenty years!! To my knowledge we are a school who trains the future of Equestria to help for the betterment of all… and not just ponies! Why would we even need battle wizards for that matter?! They have over one thousand magicians on standby if I looked at the report right... all trained and fully capable of besting even the Unicorn Regiments of the Palace Guard!! I have assumptions… but assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and rumor...”

It took a few seconds for the secret to hit home for Twilight, her first thoughts were likely in favor of such an act ever since the foes she and the girls vanquished had given the kingdom a run for its money. Of course that lasted barely a moment before even she realized that the Royal Guard should be all that Equestria needs and if anything trained more extensively in case of another race like the Changelings attempts again. For the Scholar Arcana to be accumulating the finest of the fine to be trained for war, it did set off a few warning bells but ultimately she also went back to the sirens and the missing gemstone. There had to be more to the story than what the Adept was concerned with, of course for her it was a legitimate fear over the reputation of the school. It was and foremost a learning facility meant for peace and advances in magic and technology after all, combat was not in its repertoire or at least it shouldn't be. 

Lapis slowly stepped in front of the princess but it appeared as though she were making to leave, “We’re a school… not a private army. I believe the Head Master might be involved, his signature was on one of the files… maybe forged I don’t know. I fear… there is something else going on besides a move to protect Equestria and I think... no... he can't be involved. I've known him for too long." she paused, "Princess, they were never used when Equestria had come under attack or by a threat, so what are they meant for?"

Twilight couldn't piece together a reply before the Adept began to move her hooves again, "Be careful who you trust!” she warned under her breath barely making a sound.

It was then that Twilight realized the young mage in training had been in normal pony attire, the kind of garb a high noble would wear or a middle class mare. She only knew it was Lapis by her face which was visible just enough under the common frilled headdress, her looks, and control over the short meet  that stalled Sparkles usual attentive senses. Just as if Rarity would have shown up out of the blue in her latest dress that might have been a tad too flamboyant. Her and the girls as it normally occurred during one of their get togethers would call her on the wardrobe first before greeting the fashionista. It was all in jest and Rarity would always find a silver lining in their commentary.

What Lapis had done was drop a veritable political bomb, harness the interaction firmly, and done all that while disguised which immediately put Twilight onto her hooves. If this was not the most alarming situation she’d been placed in, she’d have jumped to her hooves and chased down the Adept to immediately figure out where the information had come from much less the circumstances surrounding its reveal.

Instead however, Sparkle only let herself witness the disappearance of the startled Adept as the last of her cream white lacy dress vanish behind the corner of the depot on the far right end of the deck. Just as wisp became nothing more, in the peripheral of her sight the train had made its debut from the incline below as the rails wrapped around the mountain. Twilight’s tendency to always seek answers and solutions, for this moment she was saturated with the mare’s concern and the potential problems brought on by it. She could only sit with a mind swirling with a new web in which she managed knowing all she could easily do would be to bring it up to the Princesses and the outcomes from doing so. They would be the checks and balances to which Twilight hoped was just something small and most likely misunderstood by the panicked pony. The web also included not taking such actions and looking into it herself using her royalty as leverage and the connection she had with the two sisters if trouble came brewing.

Tid bits aside, she’d have to consider her next move carefully with why Lapis had brought it to her specifically. The final screeching of the brakes of the locomotive drew her ears down out of pain from the groaning metal, her concentration broke and her eyes went to the transport as the mass of engine and carriages finally inched to a stop. A conductor in the first cart closest to the engine compartment opened the doors with a mechanical lever near the door’s upper most part, the uniformed stallion called out for the stop at Canterlot. Ponies disembarked accordingly ranging from everyday pony to the nobility all coexisting as the same passenger identity using the method of transportation. Of course this was as close to being equals as Twilight knew they could get, having experienced it herself at the Gala and with Prince Blueblood’s show of his lackluster personality.

She wondered about the lives of these folks who were going about their daily routines without a care in the world. For so long they had a cultural innocence until the Changelings arrived, and even then life went back to normal after a time. If the Arcana was not suppose to be amassing an army as it seemed, why were they doing if so to protect Equestria? Was there a war or conflict about to befall the lands of harmony and friendship which did see its fair share of disasters and villains aside from the conflict in the East? What was going on beyond her understanding that she could make an impact on which fate seemed to deny her the ability to do so? She had a trip to Neighpon in less than couple of weeks.

“Twilight?”

Was Princess Celestia and Luna in on the Arcana’s little build up of force or were they behind it?

“Hey Twi!?”

Was this some kind of test for her to be ready to help rule over Equestria as it had already begun to enter a new age? With the recent population booms and the Arcana’s teachings spewing out well capable mages to better all lives. Did she need to learn a lesson to prepare her beyond her comfort zone to the real world out there just as what was happening with Cinia, Coria, and Neighpon?

“TWILIGHT!!!” Spike shouted for the third time and snapped the purple alicorn back into the real world.

“Spike!” she cried back as if Pinkie Pie had come up behind her and announced a greeting, “Spike? SPIKE!!” she looked down to see the baby dragon with a curious look about him that hinted at concern, he was a good break from what just bothered her into lost in thought.

She lowered her head down and nuzzled him even though he was too focused on her minor trance, “Your train was early? I calculated a forty five minute wait before you arrived, I even brought my checklists and books to pass the time so I wasn’t expecting you for another thirty five minutes?”

The dragon hatchling scoffed as he released a claw from the bag he had, “Fewer travelers this time I guess, heard some of the ponies talk about sick family and such. Guess a flu is easing up the scheduling. What’s up Twi? You looked… I don’t know, like you normally did when you were worried about being late with a friendship report?”

He grinned slightly as he poked at her old bad habit of being on time, but she knew she couldn’t tell him what really halted her gears, “Nothing at all just the trip has me wondering if I’ll need something else to help end the conflict over there. I won’t leave until they make peace and start on the road for friendship!” she lied in a way that sufficed the little drake as he shrugged and patted his backpack and parcel to ensure he himself had all on his person.

“Oh ya! I’ve come prepared for it too! I brought my favorite reads which show the problems that are associated with war and the after effects that come with it. That and along with the history of the Hearth’s Warming Eve for them too!” he gleefully tapped the satchel behind him he had dropped to get Twilight’s attention at first.

“Spike… Power Pony comics won’t do much for bringing peace to their lands, but the history book will be a good reference for them.” She giggled at his foalish notions to which he frowned before the two left the station.

As they passed by ponies towards the palace, Twilight couldn’t help but think back to the secret she had to bear. There was one pony she’d know that secrets and dangerous plots were her life’s work, thwarting the likes of criminals and false demigods almost every day. If her books were as true as they were and from her own personal experience with Daring Do, she was thankful for the adventurer to be able to tag along. They'd have plenty of time to go over the siren stone she altered and its status, as well as all she knew from the Black Tape Archive research, and the Adepts warning.

“Hey, so your letter kinda missed on the details on what exactly is going on with this other continent no pony knows about?” he inquired as they entered a main road filled with the traffic of store fronts and civilians, a few guards popped out as the roaming peace keepers with their golden armor.

She shook her head, “Oh right, sorry I forgot to explain a little more. I just had to get the letter to you and make sure you were on your way here. However, I’m afraid I’ll have to wait until we’re in the Palace compound, anything pertaining to our trip is unfortunately top secret right now.” She kept her vision forward as the crowds parted for her and Spike out of loyal nature.

Spike wasn’t sure why she couldn’t explain anything before all the other ponies about them, “Why not? Why all this clandestine stuff like in comic number 49, Bonds of the Unforgiven?”

“Again this is not a comic book Spike! Let’s just get to the Palace and I promise you I’ll let you in on everything.” She sighed, ‘Or at least what I can…’

The little drake simply shrugged and took her word, if she had reason to not speak publicly about something it was usually for a good reason. So they ventured occasionally talking about what new went on since she returned to Canterlot from her break there. Speaking no more about the trip, it was a nice semblance of calm for the princess and she soaked it all in. Having a friendly face with history leveled the stress just like when she went on her forced vacation.

It was not long in the day before they arrived at the golden gates protected by patrolling pegasi and armored guards with spears. After they were let in automatically by Twilight’s presence and magical scans, the walk across the front lawn was met with an unusual sight. A score of crafts ponies, specifically masons and sculpture artists judging by their cutie marks, uniforms, and tools they were leaving the Palace with. It was not often that new work had been added to the interior much less the gardens, a new addition would be pleasant to see with Spike before they engaged in the postponed debriefing and the worries with it. Eager in sprite, she galloped to investigate as Spike waddled behind her still towing his luggage as fast as his little legs could.

“Come on Spike! Let’s see what they were working on!?” The guards at the front entrance kept the tall arching doors ajar for the two.

The artists were far too busy to bother as they struggled with their equipment, so even the alicorn’s assistant saw no easier way of learning more until they came across somepony that did or the piece itself. Though what had been recently created was not some bust of the crowns or a legendary noble, instead it would be something that would be unforgettable for the rest of their lives.

Twilight had entered the Palace lobby and looked about for the artwork, asking a nearby maid who served as the greeter for anypony who had business with royalty or the day court.

She was a thin mare, wearing a more elaborate and decorative dress of black cloth and white trim signifying her role among the maid staff. Petite mulberry glasses sat on her nose with a strap that tied around the back of her head to keep them in place. Sandy brown fur coat with a pearl white mane colored her figure as she waited behind a black podium emblazoned with the two sisters cutey marks in gold. Once she noticed the excited alicorn, the poor mare jumped in her skin and scrambled to look her best only to make a fool out of herself incidentally. 

Twilight blinked from her spot and reappeared before the staff in a flash of blue magic, “Has something new been added? Anything those builders and artists made for the Palace? If you could point me in the right direction I’d love to see it!” her mirth filled her heart with something other than the trip and the curious secret.

The binder filled with all the information the hostess needed to schedule, guide, and host visitors had clamored to the stone floor as the nervous greeter panicked in her spot. She fumbled to compose herself and pick up her mess to which the sight of her actions caused Twilight to shy away a little as she realized she was the cause of it. She usually took either the west or eastern entrances in the past, but this one time she used the primary access way as rarely as she did and essentially barged in to a new face totally unprepared for a royal.

Spike finally caught up huffing a little when he saw the interaction going south, he proceeded to correct as he usually did at times. With his pack over the back and the satchel by his tail, the little drake jogged over and tugged at the greeter’s skirt who had essentially locked in place unsure of what to do.

“Do you know if anything new has been added to the palace? Kinda saw the crafts ponies just leaving.” He thumbed to the huge doors he came from as his breath equaled out naturally.

The mare seeing someone other than an alicorn had less of a hard time drawing up words and almost sounded happy to answer, “Y…yes yes I um… I believe it’s just down the hall over there. But… uh… It’s actually a memorial to the lost Night Guard by Seaddle's coast.” Whatever comfort in talking to him instead gave way to the morose air from the term she used.

Twilight fluttered her wings, “Memorial? To the Night Guard? What happened?”

With her bearings collected, the host had an less abrasive time answering the young alicorn as she cleared her throat and brought her binder back onto the podium, “I’m afraid I do not know the details your majesty, it... it has recently been completed so I’m sure it will have the information there… if you wish to see for yourself my princess? It'll be down that hallway just a few steps to the left.” she still shied a little kind of like Fluttershy.

Sparkles thoughts quickly went to the two Thestral commanders and wondered whose ponies they belonged to. Then she wondered about the Agents of Shadow and the Arcana’s sudden build up, hoping the loss of life was in no way connected. Immediately she knew she had to get the details and started  to head away to the location.

“Thank you for your assistance I’ll go see it now.” She nodded gently and trotted off leaving a very relieved hostess.

Spike tapped the mare’s foreleg, “She still hasn’t gotten use to the whole princess thing so she’s always thinking everyone still sees her as the unicorn she use to be. So don’t sweat it, kay? By the way there’s a few sheets behind you.” he gave her a thumbs up with his right claw and waved himself off.

The hostess was lost after that as they disappeared down the east wing, and then she snapped too when she realized what he wanted to pick up on. A couple butlers passed by seeing the mumbling jumbled maid trying to gather her precious resource to her position. Of course to them they knew she was still on her second day of being on that particular job, easily reminding them of their first days in the Palace.

Not far from the main lobby, on the wall parallel to the windows stood a ceiling tall thin marble slab freshly polished and carved exactly where the hostess said it was. Upon nearing the features there were no depictions to be marveled at, no statue to study, there simply existed a long list of names of the fallen Night Guard and at the top a parting send off by the Princesses. Twilight had slowly approached as she saw Commander Vigil sitting on his haunches starring up at the top as if he were reading every single name from the start to the bottom. The list at least forty long at first glance, each and every one a Thestral with Luna’s cutie mark as the header and footer with words of remembrance and honor to the warriors for future generations and the visitors to the Palace. She knew her arrival had been detected, after interviewing both Steel and Stellar about their tribes biology. The fact that his ears swiveled towards her not even before she reached twenty feet from him was also a dead on clue.

Quietly she strode towards him, the sense of grief befell her as it reminded her of where she’d be going soon enough. She instantly forced any unrelated thoughts aside as she took a seat next to the mighty Night Guard commander and began to pay her respects to such a massive loss of life. Something which was thankfully only every other century or so though when it happened it was always demanding the proper rites and respect.

Spike had joined in, though he kept to himself as he arrived at Twilight’s side. Even he marveled at the many names and the reason for which they were inscribed onto stone for all to see. His slitted eyes brought his little head so far up that it nearly reached ninety degrees, his greater vision picking out the detailed introduction to the memorial. All three would spend the next few minutes going over the stone until they reached the bottom, the gone deserved that much at least even if Spike’s attention span had threatened it halfway.

Hoof and horn carved writing as perfect as fine craftsponyship could buy spoke volumes.

'Battle at Montgomery Coastline'

'Let it be known that on this day the Royal Guard has suffered greatly in the line of duty. When a viable threat to Seaddle arose, spotted by the scouts of the Hunter's Eye Recon Team, Night Guard Commander Steel Vigil and the late Captain Sabor stationed in the Seaddle region responded accordingly. To quell the threat the brave Thestral Warriors of Equestria performed admirably in service to the crown and the citizens of the kingdom. Fate would befall them as a natural predator of the North Luna Ocean joined in the melee and take the lives of both forces. The beast of the depths was successfully driven away, but at a terrible cost which should never happen yet a risk of which every Guard knows upon joining the ranks. Death and deliverance to Elysium should only come after a long life and good age, but peace and prosperity knows the cost as does everypony. Honor the fallen, respect the price paid to protect such a city of many like Seaddle, for without their sacrifice many more ponies would have suffered from the threat to harmony.'

'Princess Celestia Ravi Aditya and Princess Luna Senay Selene of the Equestrian Kingdom.'

'Ad Eternum Concordia'

A passing Day Guard squad marched by as their armor clanked, all ten heading to new posts gave a wordless salute to the marker in tradition. A hoof to the helmet marked their passing as they soon vanished within the minute of their arrival. The commander closed his eyes and breathed deeply, he loosened his stiff joints as he had monitored the progress of the commemorative slab in its closing completion. Popping joints snapped Twilight out of her mournful gaze upon the names, without turning her head she let one eye wonder over to him.

His voice sounded deeper than she remembered and it made a few hairs stand on end, “Not every mission a guard goes on guarantees their safe return. We’re taught this when we enter our training age to harden ourselves to the inevitable every warrior must come to terms with.” his leathery wings shuffled slightly.

Taken aback by the announcement, Sparkle looked at him in earnest, “No pony should ever meet such an end, no matter their profession Commander Steel. That is something I plan to ensure never happens when I… I…” she was caught by her own words when she would have finished with ruling Equestria alongside the Princesses.

The bulky thestral turned his gaze to the tile floor with the red rug down the middle of the hallway, “Life is not white and black your majesty, though you know what powerful evil beings and monsters can do when on the loose. A soldier sees many more things than your average pony… even with your record as it seems. You cannot hope to stop every soul that is sent to fields of Elysium. Not even I.”

Sparkle wanted to refute him, but a clawed palm from Spike kept her from speaking out. It kept her from putting her own hoof in her mouth, as the case with the war abroad as a testament to the commander’s words. Indeed, Equestria couldn’t rely on the crown nor the former element bearers for every little thing all across the world that had the potential of taking lives. They were six ponies with magical potential used for good when things like Discord and Tirek rose from the depths of Tartarus. Handling a rampaging dragon in one city, stopping dangerous rouge elements on the opposite coast, and helping a storm ravaged town in the southeast were far beyond their capabilities to be on call and arrive in time.

In real life, beyond Ponyville and its quiet nature were the lives of many and far too many to count that not all could be saved by their abilities and luck. That was why Shining Armor went into the Guard, why the Captain of the Guard existed who commanded all three organizations that defended Equestria. Something she occasionally forgot after all she’d done with the girls, they couldn’t be everywhere all at once. Discord's abilities were also finite even though they were chaos unlimited, he could only focus on one natural disaster at a time as it usually required restoration magic to set the damage back into reverse. A god of the natural universal energies had a hard time performing his tasks, then what could she hope to step up to on the batters plate and prevent the grim reaper's collection?

“Every single warrior here… died fighting to protect Equestria from a brood of sirens.” He declared subtly, “They were ambushed by a beast of the ocean and devoured by the massive leviathan. From the reports I received at least. The sirens were being tracked by it… and the subsequent fighting between both our forces coaxed the sea serpent into feeding frenzy.”

Spike could envision the scene somewhat, “Wow, must have been awful. What's a leviathan anyways?”

Vigil breathed out through his nostrils, “Something you don't ever want to meet little dragon, for I fear they could feast upon one of your kin in adult form easily." closing his eyes as if to recollect himself, "They were ill prepared for the hasty call to arms under the cyclone which hit Seaaddle at the time. It was Tartarus on Equis for those poor souls fighting in the rain and wind. Some of our best served the kingdom in the ultimate fashion.”

So many had fallen during an operation against sirens it was unthinkable, the mere mention of them around Equestria frightened Twilight. She couldn’t break their song without Sunset’s bold save at the last minute before defeat, what if she had to encounter five or ten sirens all at once? What kind of study awaited to understand the beasts who might try to sway ponies to their will here?

“I had hoped they were spirits like Discord even after you told me the Guard was already aware of them, just three who roamed the world back during Starswirl’s time.” Twilight commented, “I even read about the hunts that were called for with bounties on them, but none were ever found. To know that they were near a big city… it’s scary. You have my condolences Commander Vigil, your warriors took on a threat that would have seen Seaddle turn into Discords paradise.” She glanced at him and smiled in a way that conveyed her gratitude and appreciation for the fallen’s service.

Another patrol squad passed by, Unicorn Guard, who saluted in the same fashion as the last before heading off to their next area. The Thestral stood up and moved his wings a little again, his heavy armor making a little noise in the process to which the other two joined in motion. With a heavy heart that showed through his predatory eyes, he spoke in his native tongue that the alicorn found soothing and unfamiliar from the other words they described to her.

“Mauishi burzum. Mauishi aruku mazauk.”

For a couple of moments no one said a thing, just the sounds of a busy palace echoing in the halls. Twilight had heard a little of the Thestral language but she had no time to brush up on the speech or dialect. With all that had been going on she was far too removed to spare any time.

“I… don’t mean to intrude, but what was it you just said?” the princess hoped she wasn’t prodding into a tribe only practice, Spike also wanted to learn himself as he’d never heard anything other than Equish all his life much less the roaring of Dragons.

Steel answered, “It is a final send off to my brothers and sisters, Commanders of the Night Guard are said to be the guiding light for their souls on their journey to Hellia in doing so. Where they’d lead all those who die of old age or illness to a realm of peace and bountiful lands that is Elysium. Beyond our lives here in this world, we still strive to protect and aid the weak from losing the path where Grogar awaits.”

Twilight logged in the latest data into her personal mental library for later, “I understand." she simply replied seeing no reason to give lengthy responses. 

The commander rose to his hooves and turned a golden eye towards the alicorn princess, "Princess? If I may?"

Twilight smiled at him again, "Please, if there's anything I can help with?"

Giving a very dower look upon his muzzle, "I wish greatly that the danger posed by that missing gemstone turns out to be a one out of a three million chance of happening. Losing even this many Thestrals... There will be a memorial in the village later this evening, I invite you to attend as I know you've wanted to see our home in the mountain. You can find me in my office after six, but I would suggest you avoid Commander Stellar Aileron... she's lost a brother on that mission." he seemed to give her a dire warning.

Sparkle hesitated for a moment and shook her head, "Yes, yes I will be there, I need to in respect to the lost. Thank you Commander, I know this is a hard time for you and your tribe."

He couldn't bring himself to say anything else much less express anything beyond a failing stoic look, instead he bowed and dismissed himself. As he parted another patrol passed by repeating the same gestures as the rest to which Twilight couldn't help but feel that it was more mechanical than self imposed. If what the Commander said was true, this was an inevitability as a soldier to the kingdom and one none expected to happen to themselves until it was too late. This felt as if it would be a taste of what was to come when she arrived at Neighpon and likely saw the battles for herself, her heart though swayed with regret moved her as well.

Even as Spike patted her shoulder sympathetically, Twilight knew the Princess of Friendship had a long road ahead of her.

> Ch. 6 Out For Blood
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The distant sounds of retreating horns echoed throughout the harbor and the surrounding habitats. Stone buildings helped guide and reverberate the haunting call which for the Neighponese Imperial Forces had been received as both victory and a ghostly wail. Carts, personal effects of civilians, and supplies from the Cinian garrison were strewn about the roads in a frantic attempt to escape capture. Silk cloth and ceramic storage jars littered the streets among the detritus of war, from earlier bombardments to the harbor by Imperial ships and the landing craft which delivered artillery pieces. The snow storm had begun to bury up to half of everything under a dusting of white, with winds gusting as predicted earlier before. Leader Nozu felt a sense of relief that none of his flyers disobeyed an order in their desperate attempt to secure captives during the operation. None had fallen and that would bring much honor to his unit which was intended to be overwhelmed at first as a sacrifice to weaken the Cinians ability to hold off the additional marine forces.

As his column walked through to the center of Dengzhou, Nozu recalled the intense battles which occurred over the past nine hours since the start. He had surprised himself in securing well over one hundred prisoners with several being high ranking officers, and yet he remained free of any tar pellet. When the adrenaline of battle called upon him he often saw the results and they were never satisfactory to him, while the extra stamina and alertness added to his ability. In the grand scheme of things it was likely the reason his unit had been given first dibs on the placement in the assault. He knew his thirst for a fight made him impulsive once the first victim was stunned, after that... it was nothing but a blur to him as the instinct of survival and greed overtook him rather than careful thought.

A flaw in himself he knew needed to be quelled and thus far he had barely made a dent into it. How long would he have before his luck ran out and he ended up sending his forces into an ambush and be trapped, an utter embarrassment and shame. So far he was fortunate to have risked everything and still come out on top with every Kirin, pony, and griffon under his command still standing. At least he had his record to feel good about, for the time being at least.

A clawed hand took a resting hold onto his shoulder that stopped him in place, "Sir. General Yasuzumi is entering the area. Messenger bird confirms it with the proper signature and magical print. Are you sure this place is safe for him?" Chihiro asked with a hint of concern.

Letting a yawn escape him as his blood simmered into normal levels, losing all excitement from earlier, "Our scouts have been checking every building for anything suspicious. Thus far none have reported back. I believe it is safe to say we are in the clear."

The elite warrior still seemed to linger on the potential of a trap somewhere, as it was his gift in his family's bloodline to sense such things, "Nozu, I must recommend that the Major use the side streets just in case. He's taking the primary route we'll be intercepting soon and it is just begging for trouble."

Sighing, "I'm aware of it Chihiro. The Major is no foal straight out of the nest either, he'll have a forward detachment of bomb detectors double checking the route. I doubt the enemy has any new ways to get past our finely trained warriors as it is." Nozu kept walking onwards with the troops.

From what they had seen, the main thoroughfares were so wide it would be easy to place gunpowder kegs in surrounding buildings and set them off with spider holes to escape through. Just like the incident a few days ago, one that made it possible to have succeeded in today's mission. The issue with that was the amount of gunpowder to bring down a Corian built structure, they knew how to craft strong sturdy buildings. Recon teams would see the amount of explosives long before they harmed the Major that he was sure of.

"If you have time to be worried about the Major General, then I believe you have enough time to keep your wits about in case of packets of resistance are still out there. Stand at your post until we meet with the Major's convoy." Nozu shook his head in annoyance.

The other cadre of elites were mixed in his response, he'd need to correct that later on before descent took root. While it was a good thing to be wary of the foe and such traps, the obvious had to be seen and recognized. Unmitigated fear was the destroyer of moral and currently they needed to be all of the same heart and courage. Their focus was to clean out the structures in their newly designated sector just as the other units were doing beyond the landing zones. For to allow their minds to go anywhere else would risk leaving a Cinian gorilla squad to cause trouble for the rest of the Imperial Army.

Gripping his enchanted Yari, causing the runes to light up out of anticipation of use and to knock out another foe for the tally, "We'll be joining the Major in one more mile! Keep your heads on your shoulders! Least you want to be responsible for letting an archer come within range of the General!!" he warned with a bellow and a slight growl to his soldiers behind him.

The snow crunched beneath each step with the lowly howl of the gusts snaking through the roadways and tall buildings. Though loud as it were he could still make out the compliance of every warrior, most noting the hint of aggression in his tone. The guttoral rumble served its purpose though he loathed to use it much, it was unbecoming of him as it also signaled a lack of obedience in his subordinates.

After capping the urn tightly, Nozu received no other problems and they swept through their area finding no hidden enemy thankfully. Had they did, code would have dictated another sweep for explosives and such, and so far the Cinians were proving to be incompetent and only desperate rather than inventive. That hospital was a revenge strike more than likely, improvised on the spot to destroy moral or for some other goal possibly to incite local retaliation against Neighpon forces and slow the war effort. Nozu knew that was a line of thought however better suited to the logicians under the Imperial Generals.

In an hour they managed to reach the intersection of the main roads earlier than the command column, letting them secure a perimeter for the leadership.

"Isamu! Have every flyer posted at the roofs of these buildings around us, they'll be able to react quickly to anything that pops out we may have missed. Chihiro, have four squads sweep the structures for trap doors! All others!! You're on guard duty! Anything moves that is not Neighponese knock them out!" Nozu commanded and his orders were heeded at the snap of the claws.

Winged kirin, griffon, and pony alike took to the blistering sky and posted themselves on high perches where they would see best, mana rifles ready or sticky bombs lolling in grasp to be tossed at an unlucky victim. Nozu admired those with such appendages to be able to see the battlefield from so far up, it offered a breathtaking view any commander would commit their all for. Of course it made them vulnerable to arrows and spell casting with no cover, their bodies were also fragile in order to allow lift off and that was a sacrifice that made such a weakness beyond his to handle.

The snow drift gave to their movements, parting away in their graceful fall like a swarm of white flies. He could barely hear their wing beats through the winter storm, yet he needed not to as he knew they were executing his tasks perfectly. The infantry mulling about were on alert with their rifles scanning with their eyes just in case of an ambush, using the flurries to mask their approach. Multi colored tails of hair and scaly extremities swayed nervously, betraying their owners otherwise steely gazes. The fires of the kirin would keep them warm in these conditions brought by the northerner, but the birds and equines needed coats and he could not fault them for it.

They were loyal to the bone and even as they shook from the freezing conditions, they were as strong and durable as any kirin. The sensation of delight of such capable assets trained by him and his elites almost made the weather nearly undetectable, as if it were sunny with a warm breeze off the bay.

"The Majors approaching!!" one of the unicorns shouted from the ring of pointed rifles, interrupting Nozu's tranquil notions.

Turning around, he noticed the incoming formation of additional kirin warriors leading the procession, unlike his own they were marching more than being on their claws in a combat zone with none checking the ground for traps. Similarly dressed soldiers walked on all fours with their mana guns resting on their backs as if the entire harbor had been declared a green zone. While the Major was a seasoned commander, it seemed odd for such laxity to be allowed even if they were heading into friendly controlled areas.

"Somethings not right...." Chihiro whispered nearby.

"You sense it too?" Isamu added.

Nozu did not detect anything off about the approaching General and his warriors, neither did the other soldiers posted on the road that the high ranking officer used. A frown dawned upon his snout, he'd have to have a word with those two about potentially putting the others on a hair trigger by saying such things. Those sent to find traps and hidden passageways should have reported about anything dangerous long ago, if they were making good time and locating such things.

His tail swayed in annoyance, even if a group of Cinian warriors jumped out of the ground now they'd be repulsed and subdued faster than they'd be able act. Not to mention the General himself rode a mighty Giant Monitor Lizard adorned with additional armor complimenting the saddle and reins. The beast took up a good third of the main pass with hearing and a sense of smell that should be sufficiently trained to detect foes hiding even in this hampering weather. With mighty racking claws, dense scales, and runic wards to protect its body temperature from cold the reptilian was an army in itself. Smart and capable of obeying orders through special commands, Nozu knew they were to be treated as equals least they became untamed wild dogs. Its dark tree bark brown head with beady eyes swayed with each step it took forward, imposing as any drake.

As Nozu prepared to report to Major General Yasuzumi with just minutes to spare before both forces were within greeting distance, a frantic call went out from one of the houses around them. Kirin and pony alike shot their heads and ears towards the soldiers pouring out of a three level home of stone and wood with statues of caricatured beasts standing guard by the doorway.

"BOMB!!" the violet hued dracony shouted loud enough for Nozu to pick up.

"BOMB!!!!" another tan hued soldier behind him hollered.

Flashes of mana rifle fire flickered behind the two panicking scouts as what appeared to be a battle raging from the lower level basement of the home. The harsh wintry gales made it impossible for the battle sounds to reach Nozu and his brigade, but his hearing also collected the screech of three griffons on the rooftops. They and the other flyers had begun to fire off in the distance, likely spotting runaway enemy soldiers as their own weapons spewed soft aqua bolts of concentrated spells. Paralysis shots they were, that specific color meant they'd scatter after a certain distance to cause a splash zone of effect.

"BOMBS!!! There's a cache under the street!" the first of the horror stricken scouts went wild as if he'd seen darkness made real.

As everything became chaotic and additional soldiers poured into the affected building to bolster the fighters already engaged in the fire fight. Nozu soon lost his hearing and sight as a pressure wave passed through his body as it did everypony else around him. He felt a sharp pain on his right leg even as he was lifted off the snow covered cobble road and harshly tossed about by a detonation. Upon bouncing for the second time, the earth sickeningly lurched from the ruptured terrain as if the planet itself reeled from the injury inflicted upon it. He felt one of his horns snap off in the tussle by the feel of it breaking, his whole body immediately surged with pain and that was all the world was too him in its muteness. Whatever happened he had not the faculties to determine what just transpired, as even when his lengthy form and almost obliterated clothing finally settled to a stop did something hard and heavy land upon him.

With his lungs forced to evacuate any air they had, refusing to let any back in even in his stunned state attempts were made. The unrelenting tinging sound filling his skull amidst the pain, even being a dracony did not guarantee to be impervious to catastrophic damage. That was the real world tugging at the little ability towards thinking that Nozu could muster, conflict over dying to a bomb or facing against a highly skilled combatant soured his taste buds even though that was bile.

Unable to even grunt, his still intact arms flailed against the chunk of stone masonry which laid upon his diaphragm. Quickly acting almost out of instinct, his one horn still in one piece gathered mana through a subconscious need to survive into a tiny ball of coursing magic over the horizontal bony protrusion. Nozu just wanted to breath again and thus that pressing thought fired off the reactionary build up, sending a strong enough force that saved his life. Though his head jerked down by the act the stone fragment flew backwards and safely away. There was still a fight to make his body work to his whims, but eventually air worked its way back into his airways and the sweet relief soothed the deaf leader.

For what felt like days to Nozu, he lay in full body aches and soreness not wanting to even move as a single twitch tripled the sensations. His nose picked up on smoke from burning wood, metal, and soon the fresh crispy arctic air as the northern front forced away the smoldering atmosphere. Dust still lifted off the ground about him, still causing the battle scene to be murky at best as he opened his eyes from the stinging particles which found their way through the lids protection.

His ragged breaths threw up additional wafts of sediment and dirt, tears doing their best to remove the foreign material out. With each blink, the devastation started to take form as the small intersection and the thoroughfare the Major had been on was far too consumed by the still rising plume of the ruination. The very houses his flyers were firing from had lost their tops and collapsed, there was no sign of his warriors there. Looking at everything from a sideways perspective had almost caused vertigo for the once healthy officer, even with prayers of protection to the four Dragon Lords Nozu still feared he'd slid along the road as if gravity worked in a different way.

By now snow flakes had started to penetrate the intense heatwave pulsing from the giant smoke pillar before him, though most still sizzled away hitting his scales. Whatever explosive was used it generated an intense amount of energy, possibly mana as the tall tale signs made sense. Thinking about it was the best Nozu could manage with what recovery began to occur. Unable to move much anymore as his body locked up in shock, he could see his kirin soldiers scattered about his vision though they were scarce in number. The ravages were just as painful to witness as he was in currently, many of whom he knew since they were inducted into the Imperial Army as youths. None of his elites were even visible, just fragments of a broken neighborhood and the casualties before the blast zone.

The ceaseless ringing pervading him though thankfully he'd gotten use to it soon enough. Another building collapsed in the veil of the wreckage, the quake it produced was all he could go by. If there were any survivors of the General's column their chances were heavily at risk from being squashed by the ruins. He still found it in himself to worry about others even though he knew little of his own state and fate.

Small vibrations were picked up behind him, even through his scales the minute amount of padding on the cobble road was detectable. The numbness since faded, Nozu discerned the feelings of hooves galloping as fast as they could.

'One set... after another.' he thought.

'It... drawing closer...' the kirin tried to move again only to be greeted with every nerve in his fiber flaring angrily.

'Uuuugghhh... pony... not Cinian... Ryu King please not... Cin...' he winced as the wash of agony died away.

Shuttering internally, somepony had reached him and nearly skidded to a fall as they swung about to face him. It wasn't a foe who'd take his life as a prisoner, nor was it a dracony of Cinian origin but a gray coated mare with two toned violet rich mane that bore the marks of the blast. It had pins and ties disturbed and out of place as her long hair hung by her neck and shoulders, she was somepony familiar to his memory but the catastrophe made it hard to piece the puzzle together.

Almost immediately as if his body had hung out for help, the sight of the saddlebags on her flanks with the mark of the Southern Dragon Lord of the East Cinia Sea set off a reaction in him. The azure Ryu stylized to the field nurses and doctors garbs and bags of white fabric, it was a charm to believed to aid in saving lives and it was a comforting thought to the kirin officer.

His eye lids grew too heavy to keep open, his lungs slowing down, the mare had a very ghastly look about her as she quickly went to administer medicine. She begun to dig out of her satchel using her unicorn magic and set out with a few rolls of gauze and salve jars. He couldn't hear her voice as she no undoubtedly tried to keep him away, her words vibrated every so softly along his armored suffering body which gave any hint to it. And then there was nothing but darkness...
> Ch. 7 The Shadow Host
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ch. 7 The Shadow Host

Twilight had taken the commander's offer with gusto and appeared before his office exactly at six in the evening. Dressed accordingly with a black blouse and skirt acquainted with the trappings of mourning befitting of a princess, she found the cloth from the royal seamstress who had the dress since Celestia and Luna's younger years passed down to her from predecessors. How such an aged clothing not succumb to the ravages of time was likely due to the spell work of the very unicorns who couldn't fathom seeing their illustrious labors fall to the sands of time. It oddly enough fit her frame without much editing, as it came from Luna's size even bearing a small cutie mark matching moon goddess. Sparkle kept the insignia rather than have it removed, she couldn't stand to alter such an ancient relic even if it would never be used again since the Princess grew in size. She hoped to never wear it again as well, yet that was a fleeting hope as she started to acquaint herself with life as an alicorn.

Spike wore nothing but a small black suit, seeming to feel confident in that his choice of clothing would be sufficient enough for the service. Even against her own wishes to change into something a bit more formal, Spike resisted and held firm to his decision since he spent his own bits from working the Book Days on it. Twilight held her tongue and let the young baby drake to his choice of clothing as it still fit the boundaries of respect, she knew he was smart enough to know that a mourning was vastly important to any culture and not to be made fun of even if unknowingly. Though why he was so stubborn about it was beyond her reasoning as they neared the office of the Night Guard.

In the solemn trot to the deep bowels of the Palace, the young alicorn took in the little differences where the thestrals resided. While they did not claim any barracks within their village within the mountain itself. Their armory, training grounds, and offices had been given the older sections of the Palace as it grew and expanded since its founding. Twilight took note of the gothic style architecture filling her attentive eyes with the feeling of being inside a rib cage of a giant serpent. Arches and curves had her constantly wanting to look up at their apex, they were truly in the old palace which was built outwards with no care to modify and adapt the first of the structure. She occasionally looked to the walls and noticed how even the portraits and marble busts of old nobles and the princesses appearing younger than present harkened back to the founding of Canterlot.

Spike had not given much care to the vague subtle changes as they headed to the office of Steel Vigil, his consciousness was still trying to wrap around the summed up version of the trip. Much like how his best friend had pondered and wracked her mind with the questions of why things had happened as they did, he was generally hollowed out to the sights about them until they reached the door they journeyed to. Letting the young alicorn knock on the door with her hoof, the two waited for a moment until the sounds of movement grew from nothing to little taps of hooves on stone. A twist of the metal brass knob and there before them stood one of the two commanders of the Night Guard, armored from head to hoof in segmented Night armor of some unknown pattern. Sparkle recognized the ceremonial design, unlike her number one assistant she knew about the commander and was able to see the decorations and inscriptions which gave it away.

The dark satin gray metal plates bore the excellent craftsponyship of fine art, whoever they were they took delicate pain staking labors to carve out thin lines to make intricate scenes. Borders and images spelled out the history of the thestral tribe and the combat experience of the wearer. Nothing was out of place as if it there was no order, far from it as the forger used a reneighssiance style to paint the scenes. Both Twilight and Spike were taken by the ornateness of his attire, which Steel had taken no offense to and figured he'd explain it all after the service. Seeing that their eyes would be too consumed by the endless tales each image the sgraffito visually told, he decided to break the silence.

"You have my gratitude for showing, follow me to the village and the passage of souls can commence Princess Sparkle." as he said, his audience shook their heads and snapped to attention.

"Yes... sure thing Commander Vigil. By the way this is Spike, he's my number one assistant at the castle. I hope you won't mind him joining us?" she asked cautiously though she received no negative response.

"Your highness, there is no offense, shall we proceed then? It is good to meet you Spike." he gave a curt nod of recognition to the baby drake but nothing more. He closed his door and locked it with a small quartz crystal that snapped the internal locking mechanism into place by merely bringing it within inches of the lock.

Falling shortly behind the mighty thestral in mourning, Twilight whispered to Spike so as only they could hear.

"Don't worry about anything, he's lost good ponies... equestria's lost good ponies." her admittance had a sad tone to it.

Spike agreed, "Ya you said something about that earlier in your room. Don't worry about me Twilight, losing somepony can do things to those who knew them." he spoke knowing the old history of Equestria and notable figures who acted on loss of friends and loved ones while making history. Lost to the annals of records during the warring of the tribes before the hearth's warming event.

The two would follow the high ranking officer through the Palace all the way down into a far older passageway where no maid or guard except thestral traveled. Deeper and intricate ribbed vaults and flowing buttresses became far more detailed and nearly insidious to gaze upon. Portraits were almost rare with knight armor and old prints replacing the norm. The strong presence of the Night Guard meant this was their territory if Twilight had a shot in the dark guess. So deep into the Palace itself there was little to reason of an enemy threat penetrating this far down, so there was little reason for the Solar Guard to even be in the area. Princess Luna's cutie mark pervaded the zone growing stronger the closer they neared the village entrance. Sparkle figured this tribe had a deep connection to the alicorn in some form or fashion forgotten by the sands of time. Perhaps she'd learn a few things before her trip to Neighpon, clear up missing pieces in her knowledge bank as vast as it was.

The three soon entered through a double door guarded by ten heavily armored guards, all of whom wore encompassing armor which hid their faces with ghastly helmets. Each held swords or crossbows, all primed and well maintained for any chance of combat with what might try to get through who was not authorized. The layers of armor were akin to that of the spiny lizards of the badlands, each segment given a rune of protection stained into the metal that glinted in the oil lamps dancing wick. Twilight and Spike could only gaze at them in mixed fear and fascination, these bat ponies were imposing as they were likely proficient in their service. The experience was short lived however as once the doors closed behind them all before was a deep cave showing evidence of a mining network.

Twilight had to let her eyes adjust for a couple minutes before the luminescent fungus on the ceiling provided sufficient sight. Like trying to go to sleep after spending the day under Celestia's sun, you only saw nothing but brightness for a time and it delayed sleep like no other.

Spike noticed the scars in the rock floor, rails once existed which meant the corridor they walked down into had to have been a transportation route for the gems. The evidence was old and worn which meant the rails were long since removed and constant travel had worn into them. Railroad nails and rotten wood also betrayed the otherwise sterile dark path, he wondered how many delicious gems were carted away from the mines back in their hay day. His stomach started to rumble if only at the mere thought.

It was then that the commander spoke up before they reached the final door before the mountain, "Princess, we will be passing through a checkpoint where they will perform tests to ensure that all who enter are who they appear to be."

His warning hearkened back to the Changeling threat though he more than likely hinted at the A.O.S., "We're both fine with anything you need to ensure the safety of your village commander." Sparkle replied with a thumbs up from the baby drake.

As they trotted closer to the gate he smiled faintly before turning his attention to the guards before them, comprised of six thestrals wearing heavy armor geared for intense combat as the ones before them. They appeared as mean as a minotaur bull with the vigor of a hydra, the first to shine were their silver eyes reflecting the blue flames of burning alchemical lamps. Four of the sets kept their sights on the environment and the tunnel they had taken, the other two bore straight through Twilight and Spike almost as if they could see the very stone behind them. It was unnerving to say the least, never had a regular pony guard even seemed capable of observing others beyond Fluttershy's famous Stare. Yet the feeling was very much as frightening as being eyed by some forest predator from the Everfree. Their slit eyes studying them from every piece of clothing to possibly each strand of hair in her mane, almost like the evenings she spent on a really good book dissecting the latest edition. Whenever Spike happened upon her in those times he almost always winced and spoke with his back to her shaken by some mysterious sight that abhorred him.

Coming to a stop before the entrance, Twilight gandered into what pattern the warriors wore or if they might have some access to restricted high quality wards and spells. Combating the likes of the fell spell casters of the Shadow who were probably toned down Sombra likely earned them far superior and expensive armory. As she quickly scanned the more obvious features of the overlapping steel plates to protect vital areas, the largest of the runes upon each piece hinted at the shielding system in effect. Glowing cobalt blue glyphs decorated the edges mirroring the source of lighting, the specific designs were made to deflect offensive spells primarily by sending out a blast of counter mana to neutralize or redirect the attack. That kind of magic was still experimental and hard to commission for that much she knew, not only that but they were notoriously expensive unless the wearers were test subjects. The commander began to speak as Sparkle had nearly investigated the minute patterned rune work that flowed around the larger ones. As interesting as the magic was, she had been jarred to attention by the interaction happening in front of her.


"I am Commander Steel Vigil of the Night Guard, I am claiming Princess Twilight Sparkle and her assistant the young drake Spike as my guests." he announced with a borderline bored tone.

"Will you submit to a scan sir? As will the rest of the party?" the one guard with notable lightning strikes carved into the shoulder indicating his rank.

The soldier himself was a stallion with a lengthy frame and a chestnut coat, his wings sported gray membrane. The armor obscured his mane though his tail was exposed even though cropped behind his flanks painted the hidden mane in a smokey charcoal. Like the rest, he possessed retractable blades on his hooves with a button press to activate the spring loaded mechanism as they currently were in idle position. Long silver vipers fangs fully capable of doing horrendous damage to an enemy that Sparkle nearly gagged at the end results of their intended use. Interestingly enough, to tear her thoughts from violence she noticed that the guards were seasoned just as the commanders were with scars breaking their fur with blind areas from slashes, cuts, and burns. 

"We accept the scans." Steel nodded, two different warriors parted from the line of metal and magic.

"So uhhh... is this some kind of basic mana check or will this hurt?" Spike inquired a little unsure of the check.

"Do not worry little drake, you may feel a small pinch all over but nothing more. Hence why the the question was asked, as it is not suitable for expecting mothers or those with unstable magic like foals." Steel explained without moving anything other than his mouth as the two guards equipped themselves with bright yellow gemstones no bigger than a mouse, "The Agents of Shadow have everything at their disposal to get into secured areas or harm those that protect and govern Equestria. We are thankful they are untrained and rather deluded of reality to prevent discovery. That and the black magic they use cannot be smuggled in either, dark magic has a faint wisp to it that the scan will find. I cannot say more however as you can undoubtedly see."

Twilight noticed that as the stones were placed on the ground, the two of them connected in a ring of fire similar to the Aurora Borealis near the Crystal Empire's northern mountains. The colorful light shown rose from the ground up in its many hues, growing upwards till they converged at the apex into a bubble of iridescent light. She could sense the magic in the wall, it was no magic she was familiar with and that may of been why the commander was reluctant to speak more into it. Of course it was understandable given the nature of the Shadow worshipers, they might have an ear somewhere just waiting to pick up on something good.

There was a slight hum from the spell itself, an array of matrices arranged throughout the bubble all acting together in harmony as they positioned themselves to search every ounce of their being for taint and corruption. Spike drew in a deep breath and held it, unsure of what it was going to feel like he braced himself with shut eye lids. Sparkle and Vigil simply awaited the coming scan since they were either use to such things or had performed it once before and knew what it was like. Sure enough as the atom thin mana sphere fell upon them it really felt as if tiny griffon claws were pinching every surface of the body, though it was small enough to feel nothing more than a limb that lost feeling. Prickling nerves continued all the way down to the hooves until the spectral magic faded back into the stone, with nothing else indicating that they were guilty of heresy.

The baby dragon let out his air excitedly, the lead guard reporting the results, "You are free to enter, please enjoy your stay."

With that done, the only way into the village came in the form of a wide rectangular black wooden door opened up with assistance by two of the guards who had not participated in the scan. Twilight's eyes as with the others had adjusted to the dimly lit conditions of the subterranean route, what was before them spewed forth color and brightness to the likes of which their pupils had to contract painfully. Twilight heard the sound of the commander stepping onwards and followed after him, holding her right wing out to spike to grab onto.

Wandering without true direction beyond hearing, the three were assailed with the distant sounds of activity which likely belonged to the village itself. They echoed in the corridor they traversed, bouncing all around like some areas of Canterlot during festivals. Thestral tongue and the clatter of activity mingled into wordless jumble, here and there cheers of foals piped up. Valiantly, Twilight tried many a times to crack her eyes just enough to see anything only to fail and clamp them protectively away, but the sound of younglings giggling and ponies talking kept tempting her. Tantalizing as it was to get her first glimpse into the village which no pony but royalty knew about or likely step hoof into. The two ponies of the trio clopped on carved stone unlike the gravel strewn path prior, if it were wet she assumed it was a nightmare to slip on. One minute into sightless trotting and the ground was soon paved with what felt like grass, a welcoming feeling like jumping into bed after a long day organizing the Castle's library. An odd thing to consider ground cover in a cave system, the feel of it was nothing but and it perplexed Twilight to no end.

"We're almost there, what the first step though." Steel's voice bounced about them.

Sparkle groaned at another failed attempt to see, "What first..."

No sooner had she begun to talk did her next hoof forward dip farther down and with it came her forward stability. She yelped as her other leg tried to stop herself only to slip on smooth rock damped by something or covered in perhaps algae. Whatever it was would inevitably lead her to announce herself to the thestral village in the most embarrassing way possible.

Her muzzle never impacted the rock however, even with her own wings expanded at the last second to try and lift her up and pardon her from the shenanigans she wondered if Discord had a part in. Something soft and velvety cupped the bottom of her head causing her to wobble a little until she found purchase on her own. Out of want she cracked her eyes again knowing it would be denied, mumbling to herself she found no overpowering spectrum of light. Her eye lids popped in breathtaking wonder that was the thestral village in all its remarkable homeyness.

Thestrals of all muted earth tones milled about or headed off in some direction to where ever they needed to go. Mares, stallions, foals appeared lively and in good numbers meaning the village had a healthy population if she were to guess. The village itself was a sight to behold and nothing like the claustrophobic atmosphere she had expected when she interviewed the two commanders. Far from her own personal experience in the section of the crystal mines she was sent to by Queen Chrysalis once before. The rock all around had been smoothed out and stylized over generations through careful consideration of structural integrity. 

Their engineers did not simple etch out bulbous chambers where shacks and homes could be erected within, nor did they seem to do what older civilizations did in massive mountain ranges such as the fabled Enk's of the north. The thestrals seemed to work with the Mount Canterhorn and the natural cave networks after the miners had their work on it, they only widened ways just enough to be traversable both by wing and hoof. Where they were specifically had to be a market of some kind judging by the number of carts and sellers in the background behind the traffic. Banners hung like glow worm webbing up high sporting the thestral language and caricatures of goods and services, making the village almost indiscernible from Canterlot's own market zone.

Just coming down from her brain twitching in ecstasy over seeing something so remarkable, Twilight realized she was still being held up by something. Looking down to her nose she recognized the winged limb and who it was connected to, the bony digits tirelessly supporting her head gently lifting her back up to a proper posture. Gazing further up was Steel Vigil with a slight grin looking back at her, proceeding to shake his head at something till he could withdraw his wings from the royal.

"Cannot have a princess hurt herself while I'm around. I'm sorry for the visual inconvenience by the way." he said to her while saluting two new heavily armed Home Guard who appeared out of no where.

Titling her head, "What do you mean by that?"

Pointing with a gauntleted hoof upwards, Twilight spotted a rising contraption of supports with a tethered Apatite gem as big as her own head. Ropes and a crank system operated its angle and it appeared to be setting into a resting idle worked by more guards on either side of the entrance she stood at, though what it was for was unknown to her. Apatites were not famously used in spells so what were the thestrals doing with it and such a large specimen at that, it could fetch a very large sum of bits. Rarity likely would have sold it as soon as she found it, knowing how well off she could be and thrust the funds into her boutique.

The two guards saluted and left the trio, "That is Luna's Eye, our last defense against the forces of darkness. It was a gift from the Princess of the Night after her first visit to our humble cavern long ago, she said it unmasked and burned fell casters and spirits. It was before the time that we were her recognized guard, but shortly after that we were given the honored position that we've given our all to since. This is the only way into the village, everywhere else is rock and stone so to protect our families she thought this gift would help. Coincidentally we'd be tasked with hunting down the likes of the A.O.S. later on." he paused looking up at the stone, "How it works we've never attempted to figure out, but it has stopped attacks before. Impersonation and teleportation are disrupted by the magic within it, it hurts the cowards who'd come to assail us where as we simply see light alone."

"Wow... I never knew Luna did such a thing, I can see how it comes in good use." she replied knowing this particular tribe had no magic innately unique to them as they were reliant to their own bodies than mana, "You said you've had attempts though, does that mean they get through the initial inspection?"

"Yes unfortunately they do, dark magic and black magic can go through extreme means to hide behind a well crafted farce. Or lay in wait till the door is opened and attempt to use portals to get past the guards. We have secondary and tertiary guards posted here hidden away ready to spring when the heartless trash try to barge through." his voice dipped into rather harsh tones for a moment.

Amidst the commotion of every thestral beginning to take heed of the presence of royalty in their village, Sparkle tried to see through the haze of vagueness in his muzzle. He always seemed to be the kind of pony who'd weather anything, whether it was his station or his personality it would keep his emotions in check in an odd efficiency. Why that momentary speech seemed to contain venom seemed beyond the mourning state he was in, as if there was an incident which made him particularly hateful of the A.O.S.

Almost as if on queue, the commander changed face, "I appear to be ahead of myself, I... apologize princess, you are here to witness what no other pony than an alicorn has seen and here I taint it with my own dribble."

The mighty thestral moved onwards into the awe struck crowd who bowed before the young royal who sheepishly retracted at the attention. She wanted to excuse him and make nothing of the matter, but the way she was treated by the enthralled viewers made her catch her own words. Spike looked about himself, seeing the same manner albeit in a more conservative take, how the Crystal Empire received him to the manner of which Twilight was taken. It was rather amusing to say the least, how he finally got the mare to see his own pain and rather take the humble road. Foals soon clamored past their bowing superiors wanting to see the princess up close and one who wasn't just Luna. They were utterly enthralled by the lavender royal much as how a foal would a spectacular spell casting or a colorful toy, shimmering eyes enshrined the mare with their unadulterated adoration.

"Princess Twilight Sparkle, welcome to the thestral village in Mount Canterhorn... Tok Ob Han!" the commander smiled as he took a stance before the two visitors and bowed like the rest in silence so far that the entire sections of the cavern joined in in unison.

Twilight beheld the entire spectacle with utter strangeness, she knew not how to receive the reception much less what to say. As always she was far too shy to even hint at her status, preferring to ease anypony into knowing her as if she were a normal citizen. However, the way life seemed to be flying her in made it obvious to her that her preference in life would take a back seat at times, she was an alicorn and it was not so easily brushed off by a personal request.

"Wow, there's a lot of ponies here!" Spike said making a shot in the dark note.

True to his word there were at least a hundred thestrals of all age and walks of life, Sparkle noticed their individual queues right off the bat. Some were mothers and father with their foals, others were merchants of course, passing loaders sporting hefty bodies crafted into lifting with powerful wings. Of course there were young, old, middle aged, and young at heart such as herself who happened to be in the area at the time but all were civilians by classification clues. Some sported the garbs of a salespony, others wore gardener aprons dirtied by signs of work, and of course there were many many warriors hidden among them hefting many weapons from the discrete to the noticeable. All of which knelt to her status like a moth to a flame waiting for her to say something or mention a praise, an act which took Spike to enact as he elbowed her gently.

"I think they are waiting for you to say something... again." he whispered playfully grinning.

Everfree Forest, Northern Region near Dragon Mountain Ridge

The night was quiet, chilled by heavy humid air sucked in by a previous northerner generated by the machinations of the pegasus not far from the edges of the Everfree. Creatures chirped, sang, and roared in the full moon of Luna's beautiful cosmos. Insects to rodents, cockatrices to bears, and all the magical nocturnal entities went on their lunar routines to feeding rumbling stomachs or fighting for their territory. Trees swayed and whispered to each tidal wash of wind, the breeze rustling the leafy canopies in a livid fashion yet not enough to disturb the livelihood of the denizens lurking within.

Through the dense shrubs and trunks flickered the wavering brilliance of flame, even in the darkness of the unknown that was the mysterious and chaotic woody zone. If one were to focus through the hanging ivy and vines, the untamed nature which could choke a pathfinders knowledge and instinct within the abyss to be lost forever waiting to be eaten or killed. The source of the illumination was that of torches, it was as though there were inhabitants or some wayward convoy of travelers. By the track of the procession of light they were in no miring effects of the forest and its many dangers, they were calm and resolute, dead set on going where they intended to. They were not alone either, zipping from tree to tree with the stealthiness of an owl they made no sound. Maintaining a couple hundred foot distance, two pairs of keen investigative eyes were locked onto the stream of torches with ears moving about as they picked up on the vocalizations of their quarry. Gleaning through branches and tendrils of climbing plants as swift as a thrush through cactus, they clung onto bark effortlessly before heading to another perch. No one the wiser even to a pack of timberwolves they passed over, the golems made of forest debris simply trudged on in their normal routine. Completely ignorant that two Night Guards had flown overhead, one of which took pleasure in the fact alone and made it known as they stopped several black pines away.

A mare in sleek dull form fitting as it was practical scoffed, "Didn't think we were that good at evasion these days. What do you say about that Obsidian?" she spoke softly in low tones.

The stallion she was with wore the same trappings and grunted, "Focus on the mission Bright. Remember we haven't seen cultist activity for awhile now and here they are out in this death zone. The A.O.S. are up to something, so for the Moon's sake keep your head in the game!"

Giggling that she got under his coat, "Awww... you're no fun. Besides we've been tracking these guys for the last hour, don't you think we should get closer? Our Watcher gem has them pinged with the same black magic as any agent! That's grounds for arrest or at least reinforcements?" the pair stretched their wings out and moved to a new spot.

They were no closer to the convoy than before, "... but you got a hint don't ya?" she whined, "You always do..."

With a deep sigh, "We don't need to be closer to them to do anything, calling reinforcements will just scrub what they were trying to do. Bets on they have some way of destroying the evidence, remember the Lieutenant stationed in Trottingham? The two meetings they broke up... and right when they smashed in the necromancers decayed everything. Both operations went in before they got the meat of the gatherings."

His gaze never missing a single movement of the targets, "I need to see why they are out here first, and the reason we've been waiting has been to see if they have any hidden scouts waiting for us or reinforcements to act. That's why I thought to bring this." his right wing scrounged around in between the armor joints of his breast plate and neck armor.

Bright glanced over and saw what her partner was drawing her attention to. It was some kind engraved stone, layered glyphs hinted at a magical item though what it did she could not figure out right out of the cave. It was attached to a black metal chain which obviously tethered it to the guard, slightly bigger than a bit with the shame of a drop of water on glass.

"What? Are you proposing to me?" the mare grinned.

"No... I snagged this from the Arcana, some horns there developed this "Third Eye" that's supposed to draw in the bio-electric signatures of ponies, griffons, and minotaurs. Experimental though, the horns sought me out since well, we're recon. They gave me fifty bits to give it a test run ASAP, just gave me a quick overview and..." Obsidian halted when the mare issued a venomous glare though it had little effect on somepony like himself.

"You mean to tell me we were reposted from Manehatten out to this swamp? For some coin and trinket?! You know they are not to be trusted on top of that!" the sting of her vindictiveness towards the Academy.

Snorting as initiated another glide to another spot, "Yes, and I tricked the horns into thinking I was doing this for the coin, makes them believe I can be bought and that I'm not working under the guise for the Council."

The mare fluttered her leathery wings still miffed, "I'd kiss you if I still weren't angry about this. You know how long I was trying out of the next stake out in that city?! Five months! We were about to crack the A.O.S. presence there and the spots were limited!"

"Yes I'm aware... because all that time you kept telling me about it since you first submitted your papers. Now if you're done, let me finish speaking about the item?" something from the distant line of cultists caught both their ears.

"Fine! But you better tell me about this whole mess involving the Council, the elders committing to such a tasking to you... means there's bigger trouble happening." she grimaced for a moment.

Huffing in displeasure, "The item is supposed to receive the signature and activate all four glyphs on the top of it. However, it needs to scan the area by being pointed in the general direction for roughly thirty minutes. Since we have to keep moving it slows the registration. As you can see it's ready to give the body count." he once again extracted the stone, against its dark granite the etched markings all glowed red to which he used one of his wings to shield it from their quarry even as far as they were.

Before Bright could speak, a mist of mana swirled upwards five inches above the trinket. In a few seconds the cloud formed into a vague looking number that put the column at sixteen heads, using his other wing he tapped the stone and it deactivated. Stowing it back in his armor segments the guard nodded sternly as the two mutually understood what was just done.

"I also wanted to take the time to study them, see if there were anymore joining in or swapping out with any cloaked scouts. I saw nothing of the sort and they've been at sixteen since the start. So it's safe to say now that we can do something soon, but again we need to wait for the right moment. Besides we're reaching a clearing soon and I can only guess that is why they came out so far." he took off again with Bright closely behind.

As the grotesque foliage did indeed give way, the Shadow worshipers entered the small pasture which showed off previous activity and preparation. Oddly enough the zone had been readied for their arrival as it seemed, short stone structures were built appearing like obelisks. A few hastily built shrines made from branches and saplings stood erect on the outer fringe, appearing like giant multi toothed forks with grisly looking images of their deity. Using straw to craft the ambiguous iconography, it appeared to be either a bearded thing or something with strange bodily appendages the guards were unsure.

Perched deep enough into cover, the two watched as the misguided ponies filed in hidden away by flowing robes of muted reds and blues. No signs of wings, horns, or lack thereof could be made out, they were uniform in appearance in all but one. Led by what looked to be the head of the snake, a cultist walking with a golden staff, appeared to be what was was a drugged mare of cream fur and lemon yellow mane. The guards beheld the ornate dressings they gave to the unicorn, so much gold hung around her limbs, horn, neck, and even tying her tail in a way that the Crystal Empire ponies often adorned themselves with. A few bits of cloth were present in pearl white, washing in the breeze around her legs, midriff, and flanks which covered her cutie mark. Her half lidded eyes told the team the state she was in, captured like all the other poor souls in other stings before such rituals were carried out of course.

Obsidian mental prepared himself for the worst and slowly accessed a pouch by his thigh, holding the hoof over the portal summoning gemstone. Courtesy of the horns of the Arcana, specifically Adept Spectrum if he remembered right. It was a one time use piece of gear, containing a portal spell that was anchored to the reserves department where Night Guards stood ready for deployment should such a gemstone were smashed anywhere in Equestria.

The rouge elements spanned outwards into a circle with the leader directing the mare with him towards the center. All of the sudden, chanting, singing, and utterly alien noises all started up at once from the minions of darkness. Taken aback by the sounds which would madden anypony if stuck in a room with them for even five minutes, it was just utter noise that made griffon claws scratching on a chalkboard the pleasant sound of a century. Mixtures of howls, gurgles, hissing, and choking somehow were made into what passed for a hymn of some kind. For Bright, it made her hair stand on end as she realized it had magical connotations to it, something big indeed was going down. 

Obsidian took heed as well, but he was far too enthralled with what was going on. The rest of the followers either sang properly in choiresque form or read over lines of memorized scripture. The signs were pointing to some kind of sacrificial rite, it had to be a necromancer at work with this trying to summon some abomination or gain power of some kind. They just needed to wait for the last moment where the cultists would reveal the goal and they'd pounce on them with the vigor of a tiger.

The breeze died out which was a rather disturbing reality to comprehend, the singing cacophony was altering the very air to still it for the evil act to follow. Insects and birds all stopped making calls to the starry night, nothing moved after that as the black magic worked its way outward in its miasma of fear invoking energy. The suspected necromancer removed his hood to reveal him as a unicorn, a dusty red one at that, a white mane streaked with black which was a common sign that one used black magic. He swung the staff he held in the air as if making signs or runes, seven were made before he stopped and his long horn lit like a candle at the tip.

The followers of the mad pony all went silent, as if they knew when to stop or were given a command to do so through wordless means. The obelisks took over next, manifesting green fire at their angular tips from whatever spell the fell caster started up. Runes of dark forbidden wisdom began to light up along the short structures which soon bled into the ground. The grass above the magic markings looked to be ablaze with inferno as a huge diagram began to take shape, Obsidian took out the portal stone and readied to smash it. He had to wait even more as voices from no pony started to whisper in the very atmosphere of the scene, voices speaking in anything but Equish. They made it almost intolerable to bear much longer, the adrenaline pumping in the guards veins made their limbs antsy to engage the threat and save a life.

Their chance would come soon enough as the mage spoke out loud, "Hear me Sleeping Powers! I, your humble servant, have brought you a sacrifice! I have followed your commands you've given to me in my dreams... many more shall know you exist. They all will."

"I got dibs on him first!" Bright hissed as she used her hatred of the agents to steel herself from the dark forces at work which threatened to collapse her mental facilities.

"Under rock and seal do you wait to be free, powers you grant to those who upset the order of she! May our offering please you and grant this one pony their wish!" that last word was the final tap to the hair trigger of the two Night Guards, they finally knew what was the goal of the A.O.S..

"Strike hard and strike fast, by the Princess of the Night don't screw this up!" Obsidian warned as he shot his wings out and took off like a mad hare, smashing the portal gem against a mighty conifer to bring in the muscle.

Bright followed in kind, "Only if you get that mare out of there!!" she forced herself so quick she even passed her partner overhead.

Like a mad arrow, she made a B-line for the necromancer who was blind and dumb to her jet approach. Even the followers on the ground who had just begun to sing again saw nothing but a blur that most ignored, the few who passed a wondering guess were attracted by a glowing electric blue beyond the perimeter. Leaving no one to protect the cult leader who was moments away from earning a well deserved serving of justice.

He had begun the next phase of the summoning, from his tongue came foreign words that could only be described as gibberish. The kind only crazy mentally instituted ponies spoke, lost in the fragmented minds that doomed a normal life. His pitch went everywhere as he recited the incantation which started to pull magic from the unicorn next to him, a faint custard yellow aura that lazily drifted to the air above the ritual. His mane rose with the mana he exuded to give life to the spell, acting as if gravity no longer existed.

Before he could draw another breath and continue, it was as if a crack of lightning had struck him appearing out of no storm cloud in the clear open night air. The singing died out almost immediately after the ear shattering concussion first boomed accompanied with an eye searing flash. Most were shielded by their hoods of the robe, but their ears rang in an insufferable agony being so close to the eruption. Some rolled on the ground screaming, others simple collapsed trying to nurse away the damaged eardrums, those close enough were knocked out by the sheer force of sound. As the small amount of smoke dissipated, it became all too clear what had become of the necromancer.

The patch of scorched earth indicated where he was and how far he flew, his form smoldering with both heat and haze. His wardrobe burnt black with remnant flames dying out slowly, he laid unmoving five feet away from where the staff stood unaffected. A few twitches of the limbs but nothing to prove he was conscious enough to recover if at all. Behind him at the very edge of the clearing were disturbed areas of earth which lead up to both Night Guard and the hostage, they had no landing as the act occurred within barely half a minute. Having acted upon years of training and field combat, the flyers managed to control some portion of their escape so that their wings were saved from the brunt of it. Obsidian held the mare in his legs using his own body to protect her like a pill bug rolling into a ball, some of his armor was missing in the bounces he endured. The natural durability of thestrals saved him from broken bones, but that did not excuse the bruising he'd welcome in the morning no less. His hearing also suffered from the burst of lightning, having no protection to sound all he could pick up was a dull ping which did not appear to be leaving.

To his right with a trail of shoveled dirt, leading up to her upside down form was Bright Nova who like the necromancer smoked from the attack and much of her armor rend beyond functionality. Her wings were distended out as she groaned in pain and deafness, empty pouches under her barrel were open with some still burning slowly like a candle wick as much of her fur as well. Soot covered her wings and her tail singed halfway up its length. She was down for the count and any movement made a days worth of practice in the ring far more preferable to her than what state she was in of her own doing. The trio entirely was out of the fight, but thankfully in the distance were swarming Night Guards geared for battle as the flew across the expanse.

Most were already arresting and capping any unicorns with magic restraints others hovered in the air to establish aerial dominance and scan for escaping criminals. Their armor christened by Luna herself, gleamed with protective wards, they were brawlers through and through and yet none put up a fight the least of the pawns. The necromancer however stirred with foul energies which begun to help him recover, even in his condition he continued on with the spell as he choked on the unintelligible words.

Those nearby swiveled their ears to the voice which croaked, but the guards were too late to act anyways. The drugged mare's mana began to leak away again and this time with far further flow, her guardian unable to do much himself as he tried to get his bearings back. This time however, the fell mage began to collapse during the act sensing his likely capture in the process of the caste, the interruption had broken the flow of mana and reestablishing the connection with the black magic was strenuous and taxing. Knowing he'd fail and be interrogated by the bat ponies, he switched the spell around and diverted what mana he tried to build up and absorbed it. By then the nearest guards swooped onwards with void stone nets and gum spheres to incapacitate the mage. Before they could act, the mage shouted in hopes the interlopers would hear him with anger and rage unbeknownst to any pony.

"Da'goh Me Tagrath Achshou!!!"

With another crack of sound, he teleported away spiriting a quarter of the mares essence with him though she was still too lost to even register it. The obelisks detonated as their use was attained, denying investigation into them through the fail safe. Runes and the diagram lost to time forever with no one to record it, and the recon team only knowing the purpose of it through intuition alone.

Guards arrived to the two who stopped the summoning, two medical operatives moved in to treat wounds and heal their perforated hearing. Thestrals dawning saddlebags brimming with healing salves, medical supplies, and potions who went to work on the three. With Bright Nova the worst off, the other two were stabilized and carried off by a gurney team to the portal which still swirled in the woods permitting access between the battle scene and the palace. The medicae could work on her for the moment under careful watch of fellow warriors and clanmates.

Though the mission was a success, the higher ups would have to wait before a proper report could be made. As only the two who rescued the mare knew of what went down and why a portal summons had been generated. 
> Ch. 8 Inner Sanctum
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Princess, Twilight Sparkle, herald as the savior of Equestria from many a dangers stood nervous and confused by the manner in which the Thestral tribe had taken to her. With Spike poking a jest and the Commander offering little respite for her, she regressed to a trained mental state she'd been trying to master through the aid of the other Princesses on Celestia's request. Royalty was her new station no matter how much she wanted to down play it, in this case it was one of those situations that she'd have to endure. Though the many eyes upon her made it rather difficult to sum up the courage, notes upon notes flew by her forethoughts as she decided on the right way to respond.

‘Where did I… I know I memorized R.I.-4 series 2? I specifically tailored the greeting based upon… ah! There it is, I knew I studied those lines after the Yakyakistan incident.’, she smiled in relief seeing she’d be equipped to make her first royal debut to an unknown village, a foreshadow of how she’d interact with Neighpon and its neighbors.

Stiffling the butterflies in her stomach that tried to rustle her nerves she straightened her posture and imagined Celestia as she spoke eloquently, "Greetings everypony... I am the Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle... um… please rise... we are all Equestrians no matter the status we hold." she watched as the thestrals rose as one from their bow, the little foals seemed eager to talk to her with tongues stilled and hooves shifting anxiously like a levee near bursting from flooding.

"Not too bad." Spike noted with the signature grin of his as he whispered under his forked tongue.

Clearing her throat in spite of her assistant's commentary, "I have been informed that the frequency in which the princesses of Equestria is a rather... rare occurrence than it should be in your village. I've come to rectify that, I will be a common sight here among your village, once I return from a trip to bring friendship and peace to a distant land. Please do go about your business, let me not cause you any delay in your daily schedule. I look forward to seeing your home and your culture." she dipped her head as a signal that she concluded.

There was a momentary silence as a few among the gathered crowd of nearly a hundred tilted their heads, the rest stared blankly at her as if she'd given them a riddle and even Spike was left speechless. Twilight lifted her head slowly with unease growing in her mind, seeing not the exact nor expected results she’d versed herself in from watching the two sisters and Cadence. An anxious grin tore into her lips spreading along her muzzle with the sense of failure weighing heavily upon her like any test given by Celestia, they could see it in her eyes as they panned across the thestral gathering and the otherwise quiet tunnel section. For the whole mass was nearly every pony in the area save for the few cart vendors who understandably couldn’t leave their goods and crafts unattended. Even if it were the initial section of the cave system the tribe inhabited and undoubtedly more villagers to encounter, the confused looks about the muted furred denizens quickly set off a rising panic attack.

Spike having sensed things were not going to plan did what he could, “Psst!! Don’t freak out okay Twi? Just say something else?”

Sparkle spoke through the corner of her mouth as quietly as she could, “I… can’t!” her nerves started to quiver her frame.

Respite thankfully came from not from a then alert Thestral Commander nearby, but the eldest of the many who wore a dusty white beard flowing down their muzzle. An elder of some sort who saw the black suited baby dragon and the small similarly dressed regal for who they were and not what they came as. His well groomed dark blue coat shone in the torches and gem lights of the cave, scars of a bygone era decorated the long lived pony who seemed to be familiar with the etiquette of the speech. The two hadn’t noticed him yet as speckled white mane stallion tapped an old mangrove cane attached to the left elbow of his forelimb a few times echoing throughout the marketplace for all to heed. The Commander Vigil was the first to pick up on the wordless command while everypony else simply turned their ears towards the source. Then as a flight of birds every mare and stallion broke composure as if realizing what the gesture meant. The three watched as the crowd thinned out orderly and peacefully to go back to their previous tasks, though they murmured and smiled at her with such happiness it appeared as if there were no hard feelings of being sent away. The foals who were not dragged away by their parents appeared to want to stay and talk to her as evident by their massing numbers where the adults had once stood. Like a flood of muted browns and blues with a few off colors, furry bodies with wings and piercing metallic eyes surged forth after enough of them had gathered until the two new arrivals were but a mere island among a sea of questions and fascination. Tiny bodies hopping and bumping into each other as they all wanted to make contact with another alicorn.

Even as she was bombarded with queries she could make out the closest ones to some degree, “Princess! Hey Princess! Did you really defeat the Indomitable Tirek!?” a chestnut filly asked huffing from excitement.

“Princess!? Were you really there when the Crystal Empire came back?!” a charcoal black colt to her right even tried to fly to get above the two older colts that flanked him.

“Pwincess!!?! I like your mane!” another filly shouted.

For a moment she felt reasonably capable of handling the some fifty odd foals begging for her attention, until they wouldn’t cease and let her get a word in.

“Twilight?! Princess Twilight! Is it true there is another world you went to?!” sought a much older filly the height of to her left whose head just made it above the others naturally from her age.

“Ohh ya?! Hooman World?!” then some ten other foals said together in unison whose positions couldn’t be ascertained.

“What was it like?” more asked simultaneously, the elder to whom dispersed the original crowd was nowhere to be seen.

She began to panic, even with Spike’s help trying to answer every filly or colt as he leapt onto her back to get out of being smothered and trampled on or less his attire be sullied. Her breathing started to climb as did her heart rate with her own failure to calm the situation down or satisfy the inquisitive little ones. She felt like she had been given a test by the Princesses to see her worth with future subjects and perhaps maybe it wasn’t, then why they didn’t come down to visit such a close tribe of citizens when they were just under the castle? Maybe she was to preside over the citizens while they handled the cycles of the sun and moon as well as government when her time came, yet Luna seemed to be their only visitor so was it not the Princess of the Moon? Would they force her into a new position or was it out of their hooves to prevent and just let her remain in Ponyville without a populace to rule?

“Did you fight other baddies too?!” a squeaky filly much like Rarity’s younger sister squirmed her way through the large pond that were foals around her.

Some questions went so far as to be in both Equish and the Thestral tongue which made it even harder for her to fathom answering so much as she stuttered to attempt to answer another. Suddenly she noticed how deeply curious the crowd had quickly become as they started using their wings to touch her mourning dress unaware of personal space though who could fault them. A rather odd behavior as when young pegasus rarely did it was among friends, something about the sensitivity of the winged limbs lent to a greater degree of understanding what they were curious about. Of course her status might have had a play in encouraging such a thing, she did note that it might be a thestral custom to feel or embrace another much like the Saddle Arabians method of greeting which involved touchless peaks on both sides of the muzzle. A good breather from the whirlwind that was her thoughts, she was grateful for the distraction of culture from the still pouring stream of questions.

One voice managed to go through the myriad of maddening sounds just as the commander had begun to wade through the undulating throng, “Princess!? Are you related to Princess Luna?” the tiny filly earlier of gray and ocean blue had put herself front and center where even Spike could see her from a top Sparkle’s back.

Thankfully, as Twilight noticed the gathering go silent and perk up even more upon the little foals words, had the booming voice of Steel not put a stop to it all she would have had all of them berate her ears altogether, “Alright!! Alright younglings! It’s time you were off to whatever you were doing before! The Princess will be here for a while and you can see her at another time. Scatter before the Moaka comes from the shadows and takes you!!” he playfully tried to scare them which had the foals scatter like startled cats, giggling all the while as they bounded and flew away.

Relieved of the swarm and the numerous claws of their wings, Twilight could breathe easy as the commander strode up to her wearing a rather jokingly humorous smirk. She would have thought herself near the precipice of snapping as she had with the day she created that awful want it need it spell, being late to offer a friendship report. Even spike wiped a claw down his face as he then fell backwards still on the alicorn’s frame mentally exhausted from that impromptu youth press conference.

Looking a little frazzled though her wardrobe suffered no damage, she was fully unprepared for the actions of the commandant as he used one of his wings to fix her mane from the many strands that stuck out from the stressful moment. Locking in place as if she were hit by a freeze spell, she didn’t stop him once she realized what he was doing while keeping it very professional. A few combs with the one clawed digit of both appendages and she was prim proper to walk the halls like a royal should appear. Once he withdrew he nodded his head proud of his work before speaking up again, giving a couple cresses in her dress a once over on the black fabric.

“Shall we be off Princess Twilight? We still have two hours before the ceremony starts, I can show you around and take you to our educational wing. I know you wanted to help revamp our learning system if I recall correctly?” He smiled at the two of them coaxing them to follow, “Besides your presence here gives much needed respite from what has transpired, an alicorn royal is an icon of safety to us as a whole.”

Spike had only just begun to recuperate enough to sit back up before Twilight started to move on ahead. Still feeling slightly overwhelmed from the experience the two joined Steel in a slow trot back among the many others that had gone to the market area. Indeed as they witnessed, the entrance to the tribes village had opened up to a shopping district and how intricate it was became all the more evident. They headed down towards the west wing of the tubular section of the cave system, fresh food stalls dominated the initial trek as vendors harkened in words Twilight knew so little of. Garbed in shop keeper attire or wearing cloth covers over their muzzles, they appeared to promote prices and the quality of which their products through fine displays and illustrations on flags all varying the color spectrum. From fresh fish on ice of many species to the most succulent of fruits and vegetables there seemed to be no end in the variety of goods to be had. There were even cooks mixed in the farmers and fishmongers, pastries to sizzling meats gave the air an added savory atmosphere for which at least two of the three took delight in. From the swarm of announcements by the carts and wooden venues did they and passerby’s greet Twilight and her entourage with the utmost sense of respect and reverence.

“Wow… your market has so much to offer?! Even the Canterlot square seems more redundant than this!?” The princess awed as her mind began to list the names of most of what she saw, though some escaped even her vocabulary by far they were documented nonetheless.

With a note of pride the Night Guard officer agreed, “Tis something gained when your tribe is given the task of looking over all of Equestria, where as the Solar Guard are more stationary and less… adventurous. My troops bring in news of exotic foods from as far south to the roughest drought tolerant succulents to the fertile grounds near the northern tundra. They especially enjoy the main ports of the coasts where the more… rarer items can be found. Such a wide range of foods has allowed us to become as diligent and capable as we are today, with no offense to the other tribes of course to them I mean no offense.” He swayed a hoof to excuse his remark.

“No I quite agree with your statement Commander Vigil, the Health Ministry has studies of pony, griffon, and minotaur diets which range from limited food choices to the equivalent of a banquet on five year research trips across Equestria. The correlation between health of body and mind and various edibles has been made very clear and proven. Primarily due to the rise of places such as my favorite fast food eatery the Hay Burger in Ponyville.” She blushed at the admission she herself made, “While it is okay to have what most call junk food, a steady diet of such a way has lead to short comings in learning capabilities as well as physical aptitude. It has always been advised to eat a wide assortment of vegetables, fruits, and grasses for ponies at least. Minotaurs are along the same line, but for the Griffons they of course need a steady supply of grains and seeds for proper feather and bone health… with the exception of the Birds of Prey who need fish of course.”

Steel chuckled gently, “I see you are going to make a fine impact upon our foals Princess, with the ever presence of the A.O.S. we must be sound of body and mind. We’ll be passing by the cooked food stalls in a moment, care to try Thestral cuisine? I know there will be a Feast of the Dead after the ceremony, but trust me you’ll love it!” He offered just as the smell of something sizzling caressed the two newcomers nostrils making its way by all the other scents, even for Spike who with a lick of his scaly lips began to search for the origins of the heavenly aroma as proper for a dragon.

“All the health facts aside, I’d sure love to see if you guys have anything with gems perhaps?” his reptilian eyes searched for anything of the sort.

“Ahh… sir Spike, why you’d be surprised what has grown in the crystal mines the miners did not want. Since our tribe has lived in Mount Canterhorn, we’ve come to learn of the nutritional uses to certain minerals among the gems. Something a fine young drake such as yourself would appreciate no?” the commander chortled as he moved his wings a little, more citizens passing by giving a greeting to the three.

“Well now that you mention it, ya we totally eat that kind of stuff. But I’ve kinda been spoiled by precious stones which are pretty easy to find around Ponyville.” He sheepishly admitted before catching another whiff of something particularly fancy.

Offended at being denied such valuable information on her number one assistant, “Spike?! Why didn’t you tell me before!?! I would have made sure to have picked up anything you needed so your growth pattern remained immaculate! Now I’ll have to reformulate the pantry when we get back from the trip mister. No stunted growth or soft scales for you! That would explain why you haven’t grown at a faster rate without a hoard of your own.” Twilight chastised the little one before the question came to head, “Wait, what do you do with the minerals then to make them edible? I know that specific gems themselves can be toxic depending on the heavy metal or chemical composition that compose them. Only the constitution of a Dragon can nullify the toxic metals while still deriving particular use from the stones towards scale health and bone density.”

The Commander simply gestured with a head nod to the right side of the pathway they were taking of the west wing, zeroing in on a rather simple looking cart whose cooking apparatus seemed to glow like fire from over the heads of those who surrounded it. Mares and stallions alike wearing pouches, saddlebags, or hanging canvas bags around their necks seemed to be waiting in line for whatever was being served.

“This is my foalhood favorite, run by a family for three generations now. They discovered the use of Black Moonstone and Basalt which not only boosts our metabolism, but they also fend off the fungus which can gestate inside the airways due to the living in a moist cavern as we do. The mineral they provide creates an inhospitable surface for the spores to land on and thrive, the problem has always been making them palatable enough to ingest. Hence why I love them.” Even the mighty thestral stallion seemed to give a slight drip of saliva from his eager mouth.

Twilight wanted to know more about it and the potential dangers of living in such an environment as within the former crystal mines, what were the infectious diseases the Night Guard put up with daily and lived to fight the next day? Perhaps there were minerals for ponies too, some that might help infections that would become resistant to normal methods of healing? Ponyville Hosptial would love to have some samples to run tests on if only she could get the thestrals to agree to it.

“I know about Basalt and its uses in magic, though I would have never figured to use it in ones dietary reqitour? Black Moonstone however… I’d like to take a sample with me for test if that’s okay?” her mind running with potential avenues of new knowledge for an unknown material only to be bogged by the scent of the delicious food stall just beyond their reach, “Speaking of which they really made it smell fantastic, I wonder what the minerals must taste like to go to such lengths?”

“Who cares! I gotta have some of that!” Spike gleefully said as he rubbed his grumbling stomach.

Just then it seemed as the orders for the initial patrons were fulfilled as they disseminated from the area and allowed entrance to the cook and his station. There stood a simple cherry wood cart which had been crafted directly from tree trunks all the way around, varnished to perfection but possessing a satin surface. A top the wheeled business inlaid into the counter top was a granite basin with an iron grill over what appeared to be burning crystals. Sitting freshly deposited over the small emission free flame were seven sausage shaped items speared onto wooden kebab spikes lay sizzling as they cooked to perfection. The blended mix sported powdery deposits which were soon glistening as the juices of the foods started to coat the surface along with it. From the smell alone it was a blissful aroma of the most fragrant of spices and seasonings combining seamlessly with what had to be a composite of vegetables or so it seemed. Both the Princess, the Commander, as well as the young drake were awed by the senses tickled into oblivion which nearly caused them to miss the cook of the small shop as he went about his duties.

“I see my family’s secret recipe has even the crown enraptured by its delicate show?” spoke the owner, “Well if it isn’t good ole Steely! My lad it’s been a week since I’ve seen you around. Come now, partake and enjoy, my dish is half off in memory of the lost. May their souls rest well.”

As if the trance from the edibles were shattered, the large stallion rose to his full height in seriousness, “May their souls rest well. Copper Pot you are well I see.”

Twilight and Spike properly rose from their own captivation and made themselves presentable for the coming introduction, though Spike was a little slow on the up go.

“Aye, been fine lad, got another call for service soon for a three month outing to the north. Spooks up there and all that, so me nephews will be runn’n the show while I’m off trouncing around and knocking some heads. So what’s a busy Commandant like you doin with the newest Princess of Equestria? Show’n her all the fun and splendor eh?” Copper laughed heartily, the bronze furred stallion pushed back a rouge gray lock of his mane away.

“Yes as a matter in fact, we have the Princess of Friendship and her assistant Spike the Drake. I’d like you all to meet the best cook around in the village, Copper Pot.” Steel introduced as he gave room for the three to meet.

“Princess Twilight it is an honor to my family’s food cart, if only me pa could be here to see this!” Pot actually shed a crystal clear tear of joy from his one eye, a black patch over the right one made it understood that he was indeed a veteran in combat.

“Yo!” the little dragon waved.

“Salutations Copper Pot, Commander Steel just finished explaining why your meal on a stick was so important to life in these caves. By the way what’s in them and are those firestones you’re using in lieu of combustible carbon fuel? I thought only laboratories used them much less had access to a steady supply?” she inquired innocently.

The cook simply nodded with a look of cockiness behind his smile, “Aye Princess, safer use’n in here that we can both agree on. Get them from imports of Cinia and Neighpon honestly though, cheap and easy for a thestral such as myself. As for my menu well it’s up to what you prefer lass! The ones to the left are mainly fish, center are good healthy veg, and the right are mushroom all blended with asparagus and broccoli as a base and flavored with my clan’s secret sauce all of which are dusted with your fungi fighting minerals we grind by hoof. Sell a hundred a day and usually close early!”

“Oh, I’ll be heading to Neighpon soon, unfortunately not for the best of reasons I’d rather not talk about. Strange though I would have thought customs regulations would prevent civilian purchase without a license? Normally speaking of course?” she cleared her throat hoping she did not offend the thestral warrior.

“Aye, but I’m enlisted in the Guard which allows me access to firestones as part of armory restocking. But since they only bring them in bulk we’re often supplied with more than is needed for month long trips or more, so the Commanders receive payment back for extra that we cooks take.” He nodded with a wave of the hoof, “Something trouble brewing up around there huh? Might explain the slow increase their them prices huh? Oh well I can bite the extra bit.”

“Enough financial politics, I gotta try me one of those! How much for one?” Spike interrupted as he pulled out a small bit pouch he had hidden in his suit.

“Eager stomach this one has! Ha hahahahaha!!” the cook went on, “It’ll be two bits fer the Princess’s assistant. Will you be having any Princess Twilight Sparkle?” the one eyed cooked asked as he took payment.

The mare seemed shy at first from the fish inclusion to which her little dragon had started to gluttonously devour even almost the stick itself, “Are the vegetable and mushroom as is or do they have any meat in them? Sorry for asking.”

“Worry not your highness, Copper here gets more business with the greens anyways, but a little seafood here helps draw in the meat hungry ones. Try one, I promise you won’t regret it.” Steel offered as he shelled out two bits for himself and tossed them to Pot’s waiting wing, grabbing the mushroom sausage he was soon hoofed to grab.

She eyed the long tubular food as it sizzled from the liquid it expunged, something about the mushrooms had a very aromatic scent that even she found irresistible. If the Commander vouched for the stall then she had no reason to fear, besides all the worry she had about the trip had worked her appetite once over. With a soft and slow yes with her head, she reached for her own bits pouch she stored in her mane, using her magic to remove three bits after she saw the sign behind Copper Pot. Hanging on the stone wall was what appeared to be a menu from the three listed entrées with an image of a bit and a number she could thankfully understand. Though when she offered the coinage to the cook as he presented the other shredded mushroom on a stick he swept his head in a no while the other wing pushed her levitating bits back towards her.

“Princess you eat free here, you be doin us a favor just visit’n. Knowing you your time must be hard to give away.” He smiled warmly as her magic grasped the meal, the look of conflict clearly evident upon her features.

Vigil knew what was occurring and figured it would be best explained from his end to avoid a verbal mishap, “Copper, I think we all know how new to the crown she is. The generosity of other ponies would make any of us feel too entitled. We are all equal under the Moon’s light, so perhaps two bits for her wouldn’t hurt noone especially since I’m around to witness.”

The Commanders bare kebab stick held in his right wing carried along with his words like a conductor of sorts. He spoke every word Twilight herself would have went on to negotiate with and if she did not feel relieved at someone familiar with the vendor she’d have been facing a cultural barrier she might have mucked up. Of course that was going off how she originally announced herself to the crowd in the beginning.

Spike belched a little as his 10 inch fish stick had vanished into his gullet, “Well… I guess I can see that? Fair enough, no need to put pressure on the princess like that. Guess I’m just use to Princess Luna when she shows up… my apologies your highness.” Copper extended his wings and bowed.

“It’s quite alright honestly, here take a few extra from me to your cart. A gift to your nephews when they take your place?” she told while grasping the menu item after depositing the golden disks on the table from her own bit bag from her dress.

“You’re too kind, the wee little ones always had a fasincination with ya after you beat Tirek and helped fight off those bugs that invaded the Capitol! Fancy that!” he giggled and collected the payment.

“Twi you’re going to love these things! It’s like an… an explosion in your mouth! You did something awesome with these ha ha I gotta tell ya!” Spike complimented as he gave another two bits for another serving.

As the two made another business transaction, Twilight looked to her own piece and then glanced at Steel feeling nervous to try the thing she’d never had before. He left her no room to doubt as he joyously promoted her to partake in it through silent gestures mimicking the action to eat. Eventually she did with a small nip off the side as if it were a corn cob and daintily chewed. She wasn’t sure if the mineral dust might feel like sand in her mouth grinding and crunching like sand swept onto an ice cream cone. Her hesitance however amounted to nothing once the compacted mushroom cylinder worked its magic upon her taste buds. There were no words to describe the concoction which burst every taste receptor she’d known into ectasy, even the Hay Burger failed to even come close. The bliss of endorphins kicked up by the supple flavor had her melt like a bar of butter during a heat wave. The little morsel she took had a heavy potency to it and in no time did she follow in Spike’s eagerness to devour the goodness on a stick much to Pot’s delight.

“Ha hahaha!! No one has ever not liked our home grown Oyster Mushroom and Puffball sausages! Me great great ole gran’s recipe is unparalleled.” Copper lauded all the while as he replenished what the trio had taken from within the cart’s storage door.

“See? Nothing to worry about Princess, it’s not only harmless but good for you too. Let’s continue on before you end up buying all his supplies. Come on now you two. Thanks Copper, I’ll catch you later.” The big stallion used his right wing to corral the two and hasten their leave.

“Ya come back now ya hear?!” the cook sent them away laughing to himself as if a bar joke had been successfully told to a drunkard, his cackling echoing even amidst the common static of the busy market.

Unlike her assistant, Twilight took careful pleasure in her bites to maximize the experience and to attempt an analysis in hopes she might recreate the treat later on. Though her dreamy eyes and ravenous moans made her deaf to anything the thestral that accompanied her explain as they trotted on slowly.

Taking a long route to the next section where only civilians passed by from either direction, Steel made sure the shenanigans were through before they made any more progress into an inner sanctum. From the Marketplace they traversed into a snake hole devoid of crystal shards where they merely existed as speckling dots in the tunneled out section flushed with the walls. A good eight minutes took the three through a traffic ladened path, but it was not in anyway an inconvenience with the addition of hoof food to pass the time as they shortly trotted to their next destination to which the commander invoked.

“Well your Highness, I welcome you to the Dwelling… the first collective ever made since the tribe called this mountain home.” Steel proudly looked about before them, many of his most reliable stallions were based in the zone with their families if they had any.

They emerged from a packed corridor riddled with smoothed tool marks from use over the ages and into the residential zone of the village’s western area. It was home to half the clans that made up the tribe with some seventy pairings and half that amounted with the mateless individuals held within a huge horizontal oval space. The rock had been chiseled with such precision the walls were nearly textureless in their appeal, the openings into homes dug into the mountain were perfect circles. It made it easy for those who lived up high to fly in and out of through heavy cloth drapes rather than solid doors. The idea made sense to Sparkle in her post foodgasm state, a tribe which operated as the elite fighting force to Equestria and constantly under threat of infiltration needed quick ways to evacuate should the need arise. Having a solid door only took away precious seconds in response to an alert and could mean the difference between trapping a family or making it out safely. There was little else to speak of the Dwelling except to admire the abilities the thestrals possessed to have used nothing but their hooves and possibly tools to forged their first sanctum.

“Neat! Kinda reminds me of issue seventy nine of the Stallions in Black, they came across a subterranean city of super mutants living deep under the planet’s surface!” Spike iterated with excitement.

“SPIKE! Manners!” Twilight scolded only for Vigil to agree with a chuckle.

“Tis true, was the author Sooty Pencils by chance?” he asked with a smirk as the three moved on down the seven hundred foot long chamber.

Spike’s jaw dropped, “How did you know?”

With a giggle, “Because that pony my draconic ally is a thestral too. Served two tours and was maimed pretty badly during an A.O.S. counter assault upon an operation, he left with high honors to start a new life in Manehatten writing stories. He’s been under guard protection of course but the baddies seem to have no interest in him thankfully. I’m glad you like his work.”

“Woooooww… I would have never known?” Twilight rolled her eyes at the wonderment in her assistant’s dilated pupils as he awed at the newly revealed identity to a comic book series creator.

Steel cleared his throat, “Each room on the lower to mid levels are designed for family units, a main room, kitchen, two bedrooms, and of course a small personal armory. Restrooms are at the corners besides the ways in the Dwelling. Upper rooms are smaller and made for singles, those who either cannot raise young or do not want to foster any. The other Dwelling we call the Concave was only recently constructed several centuries ago after a boom in the population required the next housing section. We call it that because the way we’ve designed the entire cave network, all to funnel the would be enemies into killzones.” He seemed delighted to admit.

His rather straight forward use of vocabulary drew a double takes from the princess, “I’m sorry come again?”

“Killzone your highness? We took into account those who’d seek to exterminate us and make Equestria an easy picking, devised a plan halfway through the village’s creation. Then figured out how an invasion might occur and ways to weaken it or delay in time for reinforcements.” He answered as they exited the Dwelling and into another busy tunnel filled with trotting and flying villagers either bound for their home behind them or shopping at the market, “This way leads further in for a complete circle around into the market, but there is also a third hall from the market to where we are going. Either which bottlenecks the enemy.”

“But didn’t you say there was only one way in? How would anypony else know you were in trouble?” she seemed honestly concerned even as she periodically waved to a bowing pony.

“Ahh but you don’t give us enough credit my princess, all officers of high rank possess one way alarms. These to be precise…” he dug into one of his armor plates of the shoulders with his left hoof and brought out a pendent containing a Tiger’s Eye stone, “Like the old name sake in that it wards off the ‘Evil Eye’, these were gifts from Princess Luna when the A.O.S. began a resurgence many years ago before she was banished. Instead of warding away evil, it pierces through it and communicates with all other Tiger’s Eye stones from the same quarry that were blessed by her majesty’s mana. If one of us triggers the stone, no matter where they are the magic will light up all other stones and alert everypony to a coming danger. It also recalls every unit within 500 kilometers of the initial trigger.” He explained as he placed the charm back where it was safe and sound.

Such news of magic she had never been told of put off a mixed reaction in Twilight, wowed by the method of security and fuming about once again missing out on very important magical knowledge. While she reasoned herself into placidity that the case with the Tiger’s Eye had been a genuine act of protection for the hidden village, she still would have appreciated some rudimentary details for her own theorization and research. It had begun to paint a rather unique picture of the younger princess, maybe perhaps she gifted such magical artifacts to the thestrals for their loyalty. They may have put themselves in her favor and thus Luna studied hard to come up with such items for her once believed only support within the kingdom.

“Dude, that’s some next level stuff!? Think the Crystal Empire might want something like that? I mean what if Sombra comes back again? He wasn’t really defeated, just subdued!” Spike seemed worried when it was in fact true that the black magic warlock had his mana still detectable, dispersed throughout the icy wastelands of the North.

“While it may be true we broke the corporeal form he manifested, I don’t think he’ll ever come back to power with the Crystal Heart back where it belongs?” Sparkle added with a raised brow of how he even knew about that information.

“Fear not young drake and princess, the Night Guard are already stationed up there by Princess Luna’s orders waiting for him to come back. Now… enough about that bloated hot air bag, we are soon to pass into the training vault so please stay near me just in case. Only Princess Luna has ever been this far deep so there may be some jumpy recruits.”, their guide warned to which Twilight finally understood why there were so many thestrals coming to and fro through the narrow way.

The three finally broke through the nearly congested thoroughfare which expanded into another intricately excavated cavern which put even the Thunderbolts hanger to shame. A long line awaited them before an metal gate they could barely get a glimpse of, even for Spike as he used Twilight’s head to add another foot to his height. Ponies chatted as their held their spot which moved at a decent if not slightly slow pace, most wearing saddle bags or draped in robes of reds and white. Foals behaved as foals would when nothing interesting occurred, annoying their parents or playing some kind of game of tag with any others nearby. Their joyous hollers and squeaks shrilling in the air like the whistle Rainbow Dash used when training Scootaloo, to Twilight the waiting line already had her brain on auto record for later writing.

As they stopped just a few feet past the end of the three lines of awaiting thestrals, Steel gave the two a wink and unfurled his large powerful wings. After a few pumps he started to take to the air shortly followed by Twilight with Spike taking a proper seat on her back. Reaching the proper distance it all became clear as to what the Training Grounds were to the village, earning an astounding awe from his guests he easily picked up with his superb hearing.

The vast expanse revealed a complex system at work and one of which put the Solar Guard to shame with its incorporation of villagers among the Night Guard in a very effective process. Immediately, Twilight saw what appeared to be sparring matches and workout zones with families and soldiers participating together in intense and friendly activities. One on one refereed hoof to hoof as well as aerial duels clashed like a swarm of angry bees in a concerted coordination. That being the first zone she noticed right off the bat, as on the other side of the traffic lanes which appeared to part the four areas there were grounded thestrals eagerly at work. Using mock armaments such as swinging wooden replicas of varying types creating pops as the sturdy wood did its best to withstand the abuse. Like the Prance art of fencing, only instead of using thin bendable metal rods the tribes members were locked in artful contests that had them bounding, leaping, sliding, and every other bodily movement to evade and attack. Such initial inspection over their training bore the reason the fourth tribe were so successful against bigger threats of fell mages or at least anything below a Chaos God, a magic sucking centaur, and a loose astral bear cub.

Further back the other two areas hosted a range for long distance arms with a huge line for users practicing javelins, spears, all manners of arrow launching, and some rather weirder tools she was not accustomed with. Then there was the ‘Rank and File’ discipline zone for the Night Guard home guard to maintain coherency and unity just as with what Shining Armor endured or close enough. She could barely hear the shouts and commands of officers leading their troops into organized formation, but her eyes spotted a decent endurance course which ran along the borders of the fourth zone. Obstacles that had to be maneuvered with and without their use of flight, dummies that had to be struck in particular fashion, and even an inner ring where flight and full on gallops appeared to be enforced for a good portion of time. All this could be seen with the use of gemstone lighting, giant shards embedded into the caverns steep arching bulwarks which provided the illumination that was nearly as good as daylight itself. Last but not least, the trio took sight of the many brightly colored and clothed thestral warriors who appeared to be surveying the actions of their fellows high in the air near the ceiling. Occasionally one would swoop down and stop a battle in progress, another might power down into the running course and pull an exhausted soldier out of the line. Off the sides were possibly medical stations of some kind, white with red striped scarves decorated the ponies operating in the dug in rooms. For what it was worth, it was an all too impressive experience that she’d never soon forget especially if they were going to walk through it in a moment.

Twilight fluttered back down onto the cavern floor with the Commander popping a very unique question, “How is it not an ear shattering atmosphere? You’d think the confines of this village would echo and amplify the activities going on over there?”, though she failed to notice how the line of awaiting civilians to their left had gone deafly silent themselves.

“Sound absorbing spell fixed into the gem lights my princess” he trotted off with her right behind him, “Even our own hearing would be maddened if we trained without it. Now then… here we are!”

Three burly looking warriors stood at the iron gate which blocked the legged route in, wearing weathered and stern faces the likes of which meant they’d seen combat in its ugly form. Above them hovered a grid of armed and armored Night Guard standing vigilant for anything that appeared to be bringing trouble. Upon seeing Commander Vigil they appeared to liven up quickly as one of them cleared the way with a spear, their other weapons stayed and holstered as they welcomed one of the most capable of their kin.

“Commander! Attention!!” the thinnest one ordered to which even the civilians parked a hoof over their hearts though some foals simply looked from under their parent’s forest of legs.

“At ease!! Lieutenant Burning Glaive, I am here to show our guest the village. Her highness Princess of Friendship, Twilight Sparkle and her assistant Spike.” He stepped aside and let the purple alicorn be seen past his bulk.

“Uhh… greetings?” she stumbled with her words unprepared for being put under the light.

“Hiya!” her little dragon waved back to the then bowing ponies, even the guards in the air above the gate put their heads down in respect.

The mumblings of ‘Princess’ and ‘The holy Ones’ stirred through the common folk in worship, the guards however were rather restrained and simply acted as they had been drilled to do before one of the crown. For a tense few moments there was little again she knew of how to react to such a greeting, and it took Spike once more to help her.

He whispered into her ear, “You may want to say rise my fellow ponies! Do not let me interfere with your lives. Or something like that?”

Her ears perked up as she recited the phrase and instantly the queues stood back up and slowly went back into routine though they bore minute smiles from the drone emotionless ways they had partaken in. Another deed well done by her number one assistant, she’d have to give him something special or treat him to a good meal in Neighpon for his help as long as it had the new minerals she needed to ensure he had. Even being a comic book lover he still did his studies into old Equestria and cultures of time past she asked him to read. As she left the train of thought for later, Steel had trotted up to the guards which initiated the access they requested by his being there alone.

“You may enter.” One of the guards sounded as he and the other armored soldier moved the gates ajar, their steel plates softly clattering and scraping against other segments.

“Let us head out then shall we? You’ll be able to see why we hold our position in Equestria’s defense far above anything the Solar Guard can muster.” Vigil joyfully trotted through with Twilight close behind, “And maybe you too may lead us in the future?”

His last words fell on deaf ears as he purposely whispered and then mouthed out the comment, as it was further obscured by the prideful grunts and agreements by the overwatch guards around them. Like a foal going through the fence of an amusement park, out into the unfiltered light of the training section the spectacle before the two upworlders appeared far more stupendous without the checkpoint in the way. With detail easier to discern as they drew closer, past the leaving mares, stallions, and foals in tow Twilight soon understood how the system seemed to work as both a gym and a military boot camp. The moral ramifications justified considering who these ponies were as the intensity of the combatants really were the closer they got. Even Spike seemed rather enthusiastic to observe as if one of his comic books had come to life right before his eyes which was likely as it seemed.

Trotting down the initial lane of the flat oval-like staging grounds, staffs implanted into the substrate held more phosphorescent gemstones to further light the way for the sake of order. Occasionally a banner or two would appear though no wind would move it naturally they seemed to flutter by the batting of the thestral wings which were many. Twilight found herself just feet away from the first quadrants for observation, the sparring ground to the left where mainly villagers and a few armored or robed bat winged equines wrestled till one side submitted seemed to be fever pitched in their attempts. The first few were a mix of both genders having it out with some sporting smiles while huffing or scowls of determination. There had to be as many as forty pairs if her initial calculations were correct with rock piles acting as bleachers on the edges with resting and rooting watchers too scattered about to count. The duels on the gravel strewn floor were appearing restricted to their hooves only, as the trio passed even deeper along the route Twilight saw none even attempt to fly and used skill and tactic to overcome their opponents in quick succession before another repeat. Those who lost too quickly and beyond thrice flew up into the air to swap out for air combat.

One particularly interesting set of duels drew Twilight’s interest as what appeared to be triplets with subtle differences. Three mares without any garb easily downed and pinned their opponents consisting of two stallions and one other mare unrelated. Their golden yellow eyes shimmering, sweat darkened their gray brown coats as they removed themselves simultaneously from their defeated, victorious as they were they basked in the afterglow. All three wore their mane styles akin to Pinkie Pie’s firm sister Limestone though a little longer and with more jaggedness to their bangs, tinted in a soft azure darkest upon Lattice and lighter with Sheer. The beaten flew away to another match as Steel caught on to the Princess’s fascination quickly and held the walk.

“Those are the best of block nine, a rare birth to ever have… three from the same mother. They are known as the Viper Sisters, left is Sheer Cliff whose well known for quick K.O’s with her hooves alone even against armored enemies. Center is Night Shade who specializes in take downs and submission holds for live captures of A.O.S. or any who hold information that could save a life. Then, lastly, is Golden Lattice with the fastest rate of jabs known to any thestral mare. Together they form a core unit who have taken down thirty fell mages, seventeen rouge animals, and busted up to forty odd guarded A.O.S. magic caches to date. Viper Sisters this is Princess Twilight Sparkle.” Steel gladly introduced the five.

While they waited for their next in line to duke it out the three ponies looked behind them and did their own form of a bow. Though it was not meant to offend it did urk the Commander, his guests however found nothing suspicious as they rose back up with bright entrancing irises each fitting of the mares. The Viper Sisters exited their square fighting ring and walked up to Sparkle and Spike almost as a cat would investigate a strange new object.

“Wow, so ya the real deal huh? Tamed Discord and beat that six legged red freak? My… color me impressed!”, Night Shade whistled, “I knew when I got that poster of ya after you beat Nightmare Moon it was worth it! Ha!! Back at ya Sheer!”

Spike leaned in close to speak only to the lavender mare’s ears as the sisters playfully teased each other, “Wow I don’t think even the Royal Guard has any mares in their ranks?! Even with that kind of record.”

Though nervously Twilight did little than hum in agreement as the three siblings turned their full attentions back onto them with Golden next to engage, “So who’s the squirt? Nev’a seen a baby dragon that wasn’t try’n ta burn me.”

“Ohh Spike?! He’s my number one assistant! I raised him myself ever since my exam at the School for Gifted Unicorns. Why he’s even saved the Crystal Empire from King Sombra by rescuing the Crystal Heart with Princess Cadence, they erected a statue of you didn’t they?” she nervously inquired as the assertive spirits of the Viper Sisters were putting her off incidentally.

“Dang bro! Nev’a would have thought some drake like you was the Savior of that place. King Sombra nonetheless… Them shadow lovers always envoked his name whenever we were beat’n them into the ground. Good on ya.” Lattice swept part of her mane from her sight.

Sheer Cliff hummed in agreement, “Big things come in small packages as they say? So what’s ya doin around here of all places, somepony… errr I mean a princess as you figured would be out there doin stuff?” she corrected herself after a glare from Steel sent her manners back into proper place.

“Oh… well… I wanted to pay my respects to those lost in the recent operation, I’ve been invited by Commander Vigil in place of the princesses. I’ve also wanted to see your village because I was curious and maybe help refine the educational phase of the foals. Nothing builds better character than a good mind and a good book.” She proudly said with glee.

Night Shade seemed to embrace the generocity, “Well bout high time the crown lends a hand about that, fitt’n it be you Princess Twilight. Pretty sure the Commander’s mentioned the state of our book keep’n. Battle only teaches you so much, like Colonel Amber. That stallion spent just enough time in those books it made him keep his warriors during the tough years.”

“Could ya be anymore of a crush on that stallion?!” Cliff prodded her sister in jest.

“I wasn’t hitt’n on him I just mean he’s one of the few who didn’t sacrifice when the enemy made it hard to win is all…” the mare’s face flushed slightly, turning away sheepishly.

“Lay off Sheer, she speaks the truth and you know it. Commander Hurricane’s Blitzkrieg strategy will learn ya a thing or two instead of just running and sock’n.” Golden harshly reprimanded.

In no time the sisters were quarreling, earning them a very perturbed disappointing frown from their superior as they acted before one of the crown. Having sensed the potential backlash from Steel Twilight felt a change of topic might earn the girls less punishment for breaking behavior code if she suspected right.

Loudly she made herself the center of attention, “Wow, you guys must have a pyramid assessment! Those on the ground hoof combat only, hovering in the next tier, moderate flight above that, and the wing only high air warfare where the most space is to maneuver while others engage simultaneously!” she pressed the interest factor.

Spike coincidently followed suit, “Awesome, just like in the Redeemers comic series!”

“Quite the observation there sir Spike, yes we use a combination of Minotaur fighting brackets and Pegasi training regimes all in one. Where those in need of more practice continually are pushed to their limits by being transferred to the next level of dueling until they return to ground level. Minotaurs do this for fun however leaving the superior bulls in their rightful rank until they can be upended. It allows us to focus the best qualities of each warrior and then place them where they need to be to make the Night Guard fully capable by maximizing each guard’s unique concentration. While one may be good in hoof combat to some extent, if they remain in the aerial dog fighting tier then they show more promise as a scout and rapid response units.” Steel detailed though his demeanor maintained its discontent which the Viper Sisters realized too late.

“Uhh… ya, like for us we… uh… we’re CQP, low level flyers who engage enemy hoof mobiles when they are totally expecting an attack from the air! Isn’t that right Golden?” Night chuckled nervously fearful of the punishment that was likely to come at them.

“Yes yes ohhh very much, baddies think they’re expecting wings and don’t watch their chins! Us’n magical tomes and items to get the upper ground, when ya know how ta disarm them they’re worthless at protecting themselves like toothless Timberwolves.” The second sister nodded vigorously.

There was little else to be said under the ire of the alpha thestral looming over even one of the most elite Nigh Guard, for a terse moment even the countless sounds of battle surrounding them were of little distraction like the flapping of a butterfly. Few caught on to what happened yet dare not try to watch, their ears were more than sufficient to gather what was happening. To embarrass a Commander of the Night Guard and not just any commanding officer, the punishment was usually so harsh that words were never shared of it.

Twilight chewed her lower lip before feeling a tap from Spike, once again he helped her go the right path as she picked up on his claw gestures.

Clearing her throat with a hoof to her muzzle, “Commander Vigil I find that my own close friends, the former element bearers, are rather similar to the Viper Sisters. I’d like to interview them if that is at all possible? And as agreed it would be for my personal library, a birth of three triplets is rare indeed but so is the chance that they’d be so powerful an asset to your Guard.” She smiled honestly looking to both the three mares and then to him.

“Hmmm…” he rubbed his slight scruff of tuff under the chin as the glower wore off, “I think you’re right my princess, then it is settled. You three, Viper Sisters, will report immediately to the princess whenever she summons you and you will remain with her for as long as she deems fit or you are called onto the field. In which case you WILL resume the interview and questions after so, is that understood?” his dominating aura instantly had the girls salute crisply.

“SIR YES SIR!!” they said in perfect unison.

“Dismissed!” he turned with a wing to direct the other two to follow.

Spike looked behind them and saw what had become of the punished, happy he could save them from something worse. They did not sulk nor show much of anything or at least as much as he could study. The Viper Sisters turned tail and calmly went back into their spots where new opponents awaited flexing and stretching. That kind of reaction meant he shouldn’t feel sorry for the mares so much as those whom they’d take their anger on. Poor ponies wouldn’t know what hit them or the next batch, quite potentially even further down the line.

Ponies who took notice bowed before Twilight or saluted to the Commander after the spectacle from some of the stars of the village, occasionally some engaged in the duels lost outright when they responded as such which usually ended in a knock out in the most comedic way possible. As humorous as it was to see it did not bold too well for Twilight who waved back at them and continued on seeing the ponies return shortly to their activities or murmur about the presence of an alicorn. Though what she saw within the second zone was a little more than breathtaking from the first quadrant if somewhat extreme for her at least, being from such a peaceful albeit occasionally monster invaded surface world. The epic clashes for dominance vying for control with what was at hand really drove the point home to the perfection the thestral tribe pursued.

“So those ponies there, using replicas to hone their own focus with a particular weapon?” Spike asked in place of Sparkle, having noticed her squeamish reaction being so close to violent activity even if it was under constant watch of referees in the air swooping around like falcons for anything over aggressive and careless.

Vigil waved a wing towards the other group of fighters, “While fighting without a weapon is key to survival, the A.O.S. and other threats to Equestria may require a bit more handiwork with a tool such as those they wield. That’s not to say we aim to remove anything from their possession per say, but to simply disarm our opponents if they have a weapon of their own no matter what it may be. Each warrior and civilian has their own preference and specific bodily coordination, so to figure out if they are best with a battle axe, small daggers, swords, and the like. Our Sergeants pick out the promising and ensure they receive the full course in tactics with what they are naturally fluent in, it is best this way to avoid… unnecessary accidents while in the field. The real weapons are often blessed by Luna with some kind of sacred rune or gemstone, capable of breaking through any wards or charms a mage might have and to which a simple knock to the keester with the butt of your weapon ensures they are in for a little sleep.”

“Just as the Redeemers said, ‘A lost enemy tells no secrets.’… woooow.” Spike recited.

“Correct, there is no need for any loss of life if it can’t be forced to help. Luna’s taught this whenever she visits when she can. A memento from her darker past, for she who knows the shadow itself can find empathy in the lost and guilty. So to take a life means we only feed the darkness until it regains power and reforms once more.” He solemnly recanted eyeing the progress of the dueling whose sweat flew threw the air with every impact and evasion.

The closest were mighty stallions using what surmounted to a shield breaker or club, poles whose ends were thick metal with stubs or in this case an oak copy. Twilight knew how those were used and the damage they could inflict, they had a reputation when the pony kingdoms still vied for supplies before Hearth’s Warming Eve ever came to unite them. They were a pegasus worst enemy as a single impact would obliterate the wings and shatter their hallow bones which permitted flight. Those two thestrals danced with the grace of striking griffon fisher birds, those of the eagle and hawk variety more often than not perfected a method of grasping silver morsels and swooping back into the air. Where one would side swipe their club, the other stepped away or twirled with the strike before bringing their own attack with such power that dust kicked up with stone fragments. Using either their mouth or their forelimbs to hold the pulverisers they traded attacks in expertly coordinated dances until one slipped up and received what they had been trying to prevent the whole time. Though what amazed Sparkle was the restriction and control by the victor who swiftly retarded the energy they had initially put in till the clubs head merely tapped or drummed upon their conquered. Having nearly passed their session the two stallions burst into laughter as one helped the other up, as if nothing serious was ever even taken.

Twilight couldn’t help but find relief in the doctrine they seemed to follow as rather brutally efficient as they seemed to be, until he brought up the nightmare. Nightmare Moon and Nightmare Rarity came to her forethought which conflicted with what the Commander had explained just then.

“But I thought Princess Luna destroyed the Darkness after it tried to take over my friend Rarity?” she raised the question.

A shake of his head told otherwise, “That was a clever ruse to keep you six and others safe, fear of the darkness fuels its resurgence. Darkness has been seen as part of the cosmos where we have Light and Dark working in tandem to balance the world as well know it, both must exist or there lies no existence. It is an eternal battle that we hope to keep the Light forever overwhelming the Dark. She knows this from merging with it when she became Nightmare Moon… she’s seen its past and what it plans eternally for the future no matter how many times it has been defeated. I’m afraid the Darkness is very real, the issue at hoof is what form will it come through again? Will it be smarter than last? And if so… how far will it sink its tendrils in hopes we slack in our vigilance.”

“I hadn’t thought of that, I truly believed we… then if what you say is true I can’t dwell on it then. I should be resilient as Luna would want of me!”

“That’s the spirit, now princess we’re entering the Range and the Drill zone. While the Range is open to everypony, only Night Guard are in the…” the Commander ducked just as a wayward thestral lost his bearings and through disorientation from the circular flight path flew off like a fresh recruit of the Wonderbolts.

Two overseer Guards rushed over but Twilight and Spike never learned anymore of what happened to the poor stallion, “In the Drill zone, there we ensure our newest members know the hierarchy and how to function as a unit. Becoming one with twenty others and knowing each other to the point you can rely on the next set of wings to your right means all the difference in battle.”

The two gazed upon the swirling twister of circuit runners encompassing officers and instructors who commanded processions and maintained the ranks as they marched in numerous manners. They appeared like golems in their lack of any individuality from the slightest turn to the movement of their limbs, the Guard had a different feel about them separate from the Solar Guard in some fashion. Even after they caught glimpse of her in the traffic lane they acted solely upon whatever their orchestrator deemed of them. One massive block of warriors had such a authority as they shouted for their salute to her. As one their hooves stomped loudly, their heads turned to her with one hoof over their chest, little more than dolls poised by their puppet master as they passed by them. It was eerie to see the efficiency compacted so tightly into a unit more than she’d seen already, it was a step up from how Shining Armor commanded the Guard when she arrived for his wedding. How peeved she was and nearly received a shower of spears upon her from eager soldiers.

“Those laps they run keep them awake and active, running marching drills can wear down your mental energy. So a few dozen laps in and around a few barriers or flying in a perfect circle keeps their blood going.” Steel further explained before pointed with his head to the Range.

“Hey isn’t that a mana bomb they’re using?” Spike pointed out the glowing spheres of magic held within what appeared to be a glass ball.

Twilight took notice as well and her eyes widened in fear only to feel a wing from the officer try to keep her calm, “Yes those are, but they are duds. We don’t trust such munitions in our caves so we have simmunitions instead. Unicorn crafted visual spells charmed upon those decoys, once they are activated and thrown, they technically go off to show the effective range of the thrower.”

He could hear a sigh of utter relief, “Never thought that was possible?” her assistant scratched his head.

“Here we let our tribe ensure they know how to use the armory should the need ever arise or for our guards to be ever ready for deployment. Anything that can be shot, thrown, and swung is permitted and you’d be surprised of what the foals can do with the miniature versions.” To which Twilight noticed several young colts working properly sized crossbows with an adult sashed officer helping them as they aimed.

All the ponies on the Range were far too busy to notice the alicorn nearby, far honed in their skill and performance to pay her any heed. The loud thwacks of thick poles tipped with bronze and iron spearheads embedding themselves in self repairing circular targets thumbed the pair’s hearing. The sharp hiss of arrows and bolts flying at high speeds added to the chorus, all of which were majestic to see occur as their one spot accuracy showed. Mares, stallions, foals alike showed prowess that Twilight was sure the Cutie Mark Crusaders would spend a few months on using as an attempt to gain their marks from. All in all, the thestral tribe left her speculating just how they lost so many to an incident they seemed fully capable of withstanding even a few losses from. What exactly had done such harm to them that even their might in combat couldn’t topple?

Having followed close by the Commander closely they neared the edge of the Training grounds quickly enough and judging from the checkpoint nearing them the guided tour seemed close at hoof to end. Spike kept a keen eye as the scenes of war preparation started to shrink away, but to Twilight she observed the total of three checkpoints which all were under close observation. Her mind tickled with theories and speculations as to who the A.O.S. might even be and how effective they were compared to a Changeling to warrant such a high breed of capable fighters. She shuttered a thought and left it for another time just as Steel spoke up to announce their next venture.

“Well my princess, I hope you enjoyed that aside from the slight mishap in conduct… I am taking you to the next Dwelling but before that we shall visit the Elders. They are eager to see you.” The three passed through the far less busy eastern checkpoint.

“I’d… be happy to! Please lead the way.” She agreed hoping the older ponies might offer a prospect less testosterone fueled atmosphere and a more reasonable interaction, not that she was put off by the Viper Sisters or the battle readiness of the tribe.

Having relived the same experience as with the other side, they side stepped the waiting queues who gave their respects to the princess before heading down the rough walls and pebble littered floor. The path took a left halfway down the gloomy granite tunnel which spoke of antiquity since its carving into Mount Canterhorn, into the new route a smaller Dwelling of a sort sporting the same kind of rooms that were carved into the walls with vacancy apparent. Those she felt were in use had been covered by drapes of various cloths and textiles more rich and decorated with ornate patterns befitting of an Elder’s home. Some were shown to have a candle or gem light from deep within their bowels peering through the fabric doors, leaving her to wonder what secrets had the thestrals kept behind rudimentary access points. Perhaps even without horns they had mystical powers similar to Zecora, maybe even alchemical and scientific wonders of bygone ages were waiting to be shared? The thought brought the lavender princess back into her normal cheery mood as she looked forward to meeting the most experienced ponies of the fourth tribe. So many questions wrought her brain wanting answers though she knew she was on borrowed time as her trip drew nearer.

The avenue of the reserved residential hollow went further inward into another part where a rose hued fire flickered lively, a portion that the engineers had shrank the high arching ceiling into one last room made for special gatherings. The dancing light had to be more firestone being used and providing illumination to the older thestrals like the bison bonfires, but what drew Twilight’s attention as they proceeded towards the final area of the sanctum was the slight sound of giggling and a scraping of sort behind them. She turned her head to the surprise of her little dragon with the speed of which even he was unprepared for and nearly shocked him into falling off if not from the whip of her mane on his snout. She barely caught the glimpse of something of a tail or a wisp of some kind too blurry to make out. Not like that of the thestrals she knew but it happened within two seconds of time and her ability to analyze that minute data failed her. She could have sworn she saw something yet nothing was there for her to study which peeved her like a random floater in the eye betraying a sight in the peripheral much to Spike’s confusion. Seeing his friend act all weird for no reason he too looked behind them, finding nothing that his draconic sight could lock onto. The little guy looked back and shrugged to both her behavior and to nothing out of the ordinary.

“Come… we’re almost there.” Steel said as they reached a long line of suspended raggedy cloth that fenced off the other side.
> Ch. 9 A Broken Warrior
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nozu gasped as his vision and hearing came to him with the swiftness of an arrow, wide eyes stung as the dryness of the once wet surface spurned the pain. His lungs burned from merely moving to breath as did every ounce of his body, it hurt to even exist for mere seconds already. The Imperial commander could only see but the color of palm leaves which filled his sight, nothing existed before nor present to him. He simply awoke to a new life and one that was consumed by anguish, his body writhed and squirmed in place on something soft and wide. Mouth open in a soundless scream from the surging trauma his body was engulfed in, the only question going through a single thought that formed as 'Why'?

Muffled voices greeted his hearing as something pressed him back down, "Sir! Please calm down! I need help! I need help in here!!"

"Right!" another replied, a race of thuds approached his prone form in haste.

A pair of blunt objects pressed down on his right shoulder, two long sticks held down his thighs, then rakes caught his left arm before he could swing to free himself. Everything was numb to the touch yet nerves flared as if he'd been tossed into a bed of burning coals. The suffering he felt down to even each heartbeat belayed any further attempts to fight in panic as more and more things caught hold of him.

"He needs the ambrosia! Can't you give him anything!" something barked.

"I can't! If I do... the dosage will be received in full effect with the medicine I had to give for the leg. I won't risk shutting down his heart!" another replied.

A deep grumble resonated in the air as Nozu's muscles tensed into a full body cramp that he finally ceased any movement at all, only the seizing performed any twitch or jerk. Just a labored breath as even the jaw muscles flexed  to the point his mouth was agape, it hurt to the point he couldn't even form a thought anymore.

"You USELESS pony! Get me a dracony in here if you can't save him!!"

That was when a snap cracked the air, something flat smacking another surface with a force to be reckoned with. The grips on his body lessened a little, Nozu's eyes clamped shut from the ringing in his ears. Two things wormed their way out from the angle his head was at, like pebbles that had been stuffed in them yet hadn't closed off the sounds.

"I am a servant of the Emperor as well as you! All of our medics are either dead or wounded themselves! So unless you want to run to the next province or swim the bay for a different combat nurse then you will treat me with the respect I've earned! He'd be dead if I hadn't found him... that goes for the rest of you!" the sounds were beginning to come in clearly, it was some female speaking and a pony as it was stipulated prior.

A silence befell the area as if all sources of the voices and grunts fell dead where they stood, a slight ruffle however did make it through and it came from a flapping canvas. Nozu willed himself out of the pond of torment, knowing only pain meant he had to rescue himself for all he knew he could be under Cinian control. He powered past the cramps that claimed his legs, arms, chest, back, and neck until he could at least hear himself.

Wherever he was his eyes had come to understand that he was inside a construct of sorts, one made of fabric on an iron frame which moved like the surface of water if one were submerged looking upwards. If he was captured he had to try even harder to fight for control and rest himself from whatever serum was injected into him. Alas, all that came from his efforts was a return to the former state as he lost strength in himself and sunk back under the shimmer surface. He felt something slide towards the back of his throat and stifle his haggard lungs desperately trying to breath, he knew he would choke within a matter of seconds and would rather be a more fitting end than interrogation by Cinians.

"Hey... somethings happening to him!" a male pointed out to his left.

"His tongue! He's locking up! On his side! On his side!!" the female ordered as half the amount of things that had touched him shoved him over to his left.

The world swayed as his vision nudged over to see scales and bandages, a wall of moving muscle guarded by armored plates. A clawed arm caught his head before it fell onto a canvas bed of which he laid upon ever gently, a talon had his right arm which carefully put it to rest in his new position. The elongated forms of the torsos and waists were unmistakably Neighponese, the only relief he received since waking which slowly his musculature began to even relax as well. Notches and tugs were loosening enough to bring the suffering into tolerable perimeters.

"The army is pressing on after the retreating enemy, we can see if the fleet can take him but... the general's death may not help his treatment." one of the warriors before him mentioned as he knelled down to look into Nozu's eyes, a name escaped the soldier but it was clear how wounding it was to even looking upon the casualty. Even so the commander couldn't help but feel happy to be in friendly care, one last thing to have concern over was not to be in enemy hooves.

Another grunt came forth, "It was the enemy detonating something under the road, it was not his fault!! Anypony else notice the General's approach?! It was unorthodoxed and a security risk already happening! We cannot let them blame our commander, not after all he's accomplished. Even after..."

"I will not let my patient be court marshaled while he's in my care! In doing so would invoke the wrath of the Southern Lord, and I believe the Council wouldn't want that... not while we're at war with such a dangerous enemy." the female resolute and stern had come around the bed which the reptilian bodies backed away to give her space.

The first thing the commander took heed of was the colorful striking mane of hair that swayed not a foot before his snout. The rich red violet color bore resemblance to something that pierced the embargo between memories and waking conciousness, the flotilla of physical malady missed the flyer which birthed a single image buried by the war and years of rigorous training. A quick flash came to him in his dire need to relinquish the crushing pull of every joint in him, and for a moment his spirit felt as if it were lifted from his body and deposited in the thought that took over him.

It was a garden of some kind, deep in a forest which surrounded a large patch of Irises the flowers from his youth as he recalled. They shone under the noon sun as their saturation reached its maximum potential, how heavenly they were to gaze upon. Their lustrious petals imprinted on him before they fell away as something new washed over him suddenly.

"The medicine I gave him should be wearing off in a moment, now watch you stubborn mule." the mare of gray fur and violet mane told her audience as she felt his forehead with the wrist of her forearm.

Nozu's body gave way from the convulsions which pervaded the poor warrior, a state of laxity which no gratitude could ever repay finally saw him like some spirit of legend. With the sweet release, gone was the fond memory and the wounded dracony could finally feel at peace in his own scalse. He could understand who he was and who the rest were, bit by bit he began to remember how he likely came to be in such a hellish condition.

"By the four lords!?" a voice gasped.

The mare followed Nozu's eye's as they moved about taking in what he could, she could see his faculties returning to him, "I had to give him the Moon Root after the amputation, in addition to Tsūsensan since I was the only one qualified to perform the procedure. He will never feel the ghost limb effect, but it comes at the price of the systemic contractions he just endured. Dracony physiology burns through the potion faster than pony or griffons, such as Lotus here. He'll need no rest now, give him a couple minutes and..."

The bandaged and ravaged limb that was Nozu's right arm lifted up and grasped the mare by the shoulder, his clawed digits closed and she winced. She could feel the prickling poking nails threatening to draw blood, but Isamu gently lifted it off before the force eventually harmed her seriously. The very elite kirin soldier stood next to her with a mournful gaze meeting his officer in command, something bore heavily on the stallion which emanated off him like a depressing aura.

"Commander!?" four voices said at once.

By this time the copper kirin could move without feeling much of anything, even after what he heard it meant nothing to him. His head however still felt some kind of throbbing in and around his ears though he handled it as any worthy Imperial Stewart would. His neck lifted his vision upright where he finally understood his position, indeed he was in a tent filled by his own brothers in arms. Tent flaps to the outside were steps from the foot of the stretcher he laid upon where an olive green blanket laid upon the length of his body below the shoulder. Something poked out the end and moved which he nearly mistook for a snake that just snuck into his cot, it wasn't until a spear of irritation peaked in that the tail had twitched with his emotional reaction. His own tail betrayed him oddly enough, a part of him that he mistook as the large silky tuft of hair which had been there was burnt off cleanly like a scalded potatoe.

"Sir? Please move slowly, you've... survived an attack which should have killed you." the mare advised with a voice as caring and soft as she could manage.

The same grunt came forth again, "You disrespect him... he's not some fresh recruit!"

"Shut it Chihiro!" a harsh whisper warned.

Nozu blinked a few times before he rushed the act of standing up, he needed to move and stretch. His body demanded it after what felt like decades of being in bed, it was anxious to feel something after the cramps had seized him. Compelled to listen and even greet his warriors, his lower half shoved off the edge of the rectangular stretcher before anyone caught him in time. He fell after his right leg failed to even find a footing, in fact it was not even there as he felt the hard cold ground meet his body and the stump of a thigh that the limb had become. Instantly his hearing became nothing more than a one note flute which played so close to his ears it felt as if his eardrums would rip.

"You fools! Get him up!" a Chihiro yelled as he rushed in to help the wounded officer.

Before a claw or hoof reached him, a deep rumble escaped the inner throat of the kirin as a warning to back off. The deep low frequency threatening call staved away all but the mare who still persisted, but she didn't help him back up as merely touching the gauze wrapped forearm. In a way she reminded him to look at himself first, a medic conveying the truth he needed to realize and understand.

"Sir? Lord Nozu? We're not your enemies..." she spoke barely touching him as if she knew the limits she could push.

Floundering like some fresh foal out of the womb, he managed to maneuver enough of his remaining legs to prop himself up and lean into the skinny bed for support. The ire in his face was beyond words to describe, as a mixture of resilience and resentment towards himself crafted a show stopping rage nopony dared offend. Yet their beloved and respected commander stood before them as a veteran of a heinous attack that broke conventions set in place dynasties back. Where he lacked a leg was a bloodied bandaged tip at the knee, copper scales lacking where shrapnel had torn them clean off leaving scar tissue the likes of which if he'd been hit with a grater. Lacerations had ripped across his sides where even more of the armored bony plates were forcibly yanked away from rock and debris the blast had sent off, vulnerable skin lay open for an opportunistic foe to jab a poison tipped barb through or a sleeping dart.

Above all the other lesser wounds Nozu sustained it was the missing horn from the set that all kirin possessed in order to perform magic. While one remained albeit burnt at the tips, the other was not so lucky and seemed to have broken off at the root. A coating of sorts had been dabbed on like a dollop of bread dough which he felt with his free left claw, suffice to say the dried blood near the site meant it had been bleeding when it was given as the flakes spotted a digit or two pulling the limb away. Somehow the audience knew Nozu was very well aware of the facts to his new life as he swept his right arm at them and pointed towards the snow frosted tent flaps.

"Leave me... Medic you shall remain with me." he ordered, woozy and teetering on falling down.

Chihiro was not the happiest, "Sir, you need more help than that pony can..."

"NOW!! That's an order!" the barking command had sent all but the two elites scrambling outside, the griffon among them even flapping their wings in fear.

Isamu thumped the resistant soldier on the chest giving a glare that reinforced the edict they were given, and so the two parted for the outside. The cold northerner blistering the warm air with each exit of the construct, were it not for the hot stones around there would be frost forming everywhere.

Nozu let a curse escape his muzzle before he collapsed from exhaustion, the first aid had only done so much for him. The unfortunate soul splayed out like a dragon who had crashed into the ground after being struck down from the sky, his chin pushed dirt and his tail slapped behind him. He felt the chilly touch of winter through the earth but knew it was nothing compared to the disgrace he suffered at the hooves of a desperate and folly foe, the buried bomb had forever shamed his record. Forever mangled was the leg that bobbed as he tried to move himself back up, but all that came of it was a dull rudder trying to push him forwards. The pain was numbed thankfully as he only succeeded in reddening the gauze which sent the mare into action.

"Sir!! Please don't! I only barely sutured the blood ways, if you rub it anymore you'll bleed out... and I don't have enough wire for another patch." she pleaded using her head and neck to lift him up by the chest and ribs.

The copper dracony allowed the contact if only to get back on the stretcher, once on he simply laid himself out again and let the medic look him over. A blank gaze towards the back portion of the mostly empty tent gave no further indication he cared whether she attended to him or not.

Minutes passed before the mare was sure he was ready for more rest, though she eyed him in pity as well as sorrow, 'For a pony like the commander, to be mutilated in action is a death sentence to their career in the Imperial Army. There's no place for slackers or the bummed no matter how talented they are or experience they've garnered. If one could not attack an enemy position effectively or lead their troops, they are sent back home where their futures were uncertain nor warranted. A fate you don't deserve Lord Nozu...' she thought to herself.

"It will be by tomorrow that a relief force and... likely an investigation team will make contact with us. By then you should be able to be sent aboard one of the transports in the bay. But you'll... likely have to face questioning." she admitted with a wrenched heart, "You don't deserve what is coming sir. You don't."

The wind howled outside as it had been doing since he awoke, but only presently could he really hear it. How the drugs seemed to have put his senses to sleep while he was under and minutes after coming to, be even admiration to modern medicine could not stave what was indeed coming to him soon enough. The flute had thankfully petered off slowly if not annoyingly as he managed to keep it from being noticed by the rest. A crippled officer, ruined magic, and a dead general at his claws secured a harsh punishment for him when he was sent home, even after the siege and the captured heads nothing else would matter except for his own failings to secure the area.

Worst of everything that had befallen his forces, were the casualties they sustained since the detonation. How many of his own warriors gave their lives trying to stop the improvised bombs? How many never even realized the deadly munitions that went off, thinking only of their next conquest before being snuffed out? Dracony, pony, griffon it did not matter to him as they all fought, bleed, and gave their lives for the Empire to feed the populace and its future.

He croaked through the dry throat which stifled his next words, "How... many?"

"I'm sorry sir?" the mare asked as she finished packing her medical pouch just barely keeping her emotions in check to remain professional.

Still he starred at the wavering canvas tent, "Whose left?" the wind blew again as if a war host were crying out over the senseless carnage.

Having heard a clear enough question she paused before reattaching the satchel onto herself, her body language spoke for her if she wouldn't. Out of his peripherals his fears were justified, just how young was the medic if she wasn't already desensitized to wounds and injuries or was the aftermath that gruesome?

"Tell me." he sighed, a gust of air flew from his nostrils enough to drive his demand home.

His bald tail slapped the bedding as his sorrow grew into anger, no immediate answer began to set him off once more. He could only give her so much time before he felt he'd assail her or die from shame, either of which would not help rectify what was taken so tragically.

The medic slouched a bit, a hoof extended out to his wounded arm as she tried to brace him for what was seeming to be the real reason that Nozu he knew himself to be would die for inadequacy. She shook her head fighting back the tears which began to overwhelm her, lips quivered like loose pebbles after a cannon went off.

"Thirteen survived... including all of us who were in here and you, Lord Nozu. There were other bombs nearby. We're all that's left." she rubbed away the liquid that collected around her shut eyes.

As if he were not already impacted by his wounds and their treatment, it as an utter stonewall to hear the truth. A mace to the muzzle would have been more preferable to have taken, but so many dead and yet he survived being so close to ground zero was impossible to comprehend. What Lord of the Sacred Four decided he needed to live to fight another day, in some twisted parody of a saintly move to grace him with? 

His fangs were shown bared like a tiger, but it was not rage that forced the intimidating snarl. It was anguish the likes he knew nothing of until then, even his bandaged arm gripped the frame of the bed and broke it in a slow grasp of his claws despite the raw nerves ablaze.

"Two thousand..." he managed to whisper, "... thir... thirteen lef...left..."

The mare placed herself so close to his ruined right arm that she nuzzled it, they both felt the heavy loss. Nature seemed to go along with it as the gusts kicked up, winter had come to lay rest the souls that passed on.
> Ch. 10 Council of Elders Part I
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

'I can't believe it! I'm going to be one of the few privileged to meet with the ruling governing body of the hidden tribe!' Twilight gleefully thought as the first ragged sheet passed over her head.

'No one but the princesses know of their ways or who they are. Which means I can create my own personal section, though sadly for my eyes only, on the thestrals! They seem so happy to have royalty visit them, which will allow me to indulge in every facet of their lives.' another rough wool textile tickled at her fur and horn, gaining a sneeze from Spike aboard her back.

'Though that begs the question as to why Luna has been the only one to really pay them a visit? Why hasn't Celestia at least stopped at the entrance? Established some line of communication?' the third dusty cotton spread brushed off her head where a glow of blue light peaked past the edges and curving cavern wall.

As she mulled over the strange circumstance of the Tribe and the crown, a slight hum emanated up ahead as the glow brightened thrice in strength. Each cloth section seemed to be two full steps in between, with what appeared to be the last section as dark as it were. The commander had just disappeared past the layer and hummed again, she could see the edge of his tattered tail which snaked under the resting fabric.

"Please step through this last one Princess, the Council is quite eager to see you." Vigil beckoned.

Spike sneezed again though this time a green cone of sparks flew outward and bounced off the final sheet, the dwarfed flare of his breath forced her eyes to shut out of protection from the embers. Blinded vision lent her through into the room or chamber up ahead, either which could have been the location though there was little she could do to anticipate the experience. 

"SPIKE!!" she harshly whispered as her horn tickled from the running roughness of the cloth, a shiver sent down her spine that quivered her folded wings.

The stone under hoof up to the short tunnel had been rough and dirt strewn, with small fragments of the gems that had once permeated the cave system. In the tunnel to the Thestral governance, the young mare could feel smoothed over bare granite, rough enough to create traction but smooth enough to not wear ones hooves if they walked over it repeatedly. She also noted the quickly warming air as soon as she touched the last barrier, a possible fireplace burning through the use of the stones as the cook used. While the cave system was not unpleasantly cold, the body heat of the denizens seemed to keep the overall atmosphere in a stable temperature. Only feeling a slight pinch of a coolness once they came towards the council's gathering, a deeper section of the tunnels that likely made the drop in heat a reasonable expectation.

While her mind split between how she would introduce herself and analyzing the surroundings down to the letter, the blue light grew ever more intense the farther up the sheet went above the two. Even half way up her chest with her head ducked down her squeezed eye lids did little to buffer the pain that came from whatever fire had been dancing.

"Welcome to the Fosum, Princess..." came Steel's voice as the last obstacle finally gave way, triggering a twitch of the contracted muscles which opened her eyes by a sliver.

"Finally! I don't want to sneeze..." the baby drake started to sigh in relief before he too gazed at the bright fire a few feet away.

"AAhhhh!!" the two scornfully hissed together.

The alicorn's ears pinned closely to her skull just as Spike lost his balance and fell off her with a soft thud on the rocky floor. She took a step back and shyly looked away from the pure illumination, the same kind that felt as real as the giant crystal that protected their home from evil. Although knowing so little of their ways and paranoia rightly justified, it did make sense to her that they would have a final test to anypony who wished to see their elders. She did not see any line of guards as the Palace would have, no armored sentinels trained to watch for evil attempting to sneak in. Though the way in which her body naturally reacted to the pain to her ocular nerves was less than satisfactory, already she sensed her regal appearance had taken a dive and she hadn't even seen the important thestral leaders.

"Ahh hahahah! That's brisk!" Spike's claw went up to block the shine as his other three limbs rose him off the ground, "Ya really need another crystal scanner here too? Almost like the scenes out of the Pantheon of Olympius I read to foals last week."

Nothing but orbs of colors filled what had tried to come to her senses, her hooves eager to stabilize her posture with minimal success, "Commander Steel? I... I can't... see. Again!"

Thinking quickly she extended her wings and used the tips to drag on the rocky floor, in effect she figured mimicking certain cave dwelling insects might save her from a mishap that would majorly folly her first appearance before the Council. Intending on appearing as confident as one of her role should be she tried to take a few steps forward as her wings kept her balance. Yet three hooves into the process came a good step where the drop caught her off guard, already the unexpected decent sent her into a destabilized fall in the making. Only as panic spiked in her heart did a bat-like wing come to her aid once more halting her progress before she kissed the ground.

The thick membrane webbing cushioned her mishap and held her aloft while hooves scrambled for proper stance, "Careful there your majesty, you were about to put a hoof into the Chou'ka. Not sure about you but I think only the young drake can tolerate fire am I not correct?" Steel seemed to quietly chuckle, his gruff voice went silent while he guided her away from the searing brightness which she then only sensed ever painfully as heat caressed her fur and muzzle.

Twilight nervously giggled, "Ya... let's not find out."

Spike however had begun to see to some extent, seeing her tail he grasped onto it while his eyes fully recovered. Surprised to an awe that while he felt nothing when his flame sent a scroll to Celestia, he was sure the light was something precious to the tribe's elders.

"I get that you guys don't want to have shadow agents infiltrate your home, but maybe a little warning next time?" Spike grumbled to himself rubbing away the lingering balloons his slit pupils beheld as if it were one of Pinkie's surprise parties.

A pinch of embarrassment nipped at Twilight as she heard him talk to himself so loudly, "SPIKE!!"

"What?! He could have warned us?" the dracling protested with a huff, his clawed toes lightly clicking on the hard stone.

"Ha haha ha! Need not worry there little one, all new folk that see the sacred fire say the same thing. As rare as the occasion is." the officer chortled, "Yes, it is indeed a final test to those we let in this far into the village. It burns into the souls of those who look upon it for even a moment, and those found wanting show their true colors. Which for you two it's nothing out of the ordinary."

Having followed the guiding wing of the mighty stallion, Twilight had come to a stop before a cushion of some sort as her front hooves had stepped upon. The route held upon the spot which she managed to peak past her eye lids to see a maroon red seat, large enough to accommodate herself and even Spike. The wing which had kept her on the proper way had retracted before, but she sensed the commander was not far from her.

"Um... thank you Commander Steel, I do apologize nonetheless for the uh... way I've presented myself." she said while taking a seat on the soft plush furnishing, her number one assistant plopping beside her left.

A clop of hooves came instead of a response from any other pony, the only other sound came from the flickering fire safely away from the two. Still fighting the need to see, Twilight heard every step as the pony drew closer and closer to her with still not a word uttered. Dancing reds, blues, and greens still played across what little she could make of with her vision, thus a growing trepidation seeped out of her spirit as uncertainty played with her ability to function.

"I should probably introduce myself so I don't seem rude... I am the Princess... of Friendship! Twilight Sparkle, though I prefer my name than..." she caught her tongue a few times trying to speak, stopping as some pony stood before her.

A gentle blow of air and something akin to dust swam across her muzzle and onto her eye lids, where she pulled away there was a sudden coolness to the debris as it clinged onto the fur of her face. Instantly she could feel no lingering pain of light blindness, she could see again with utmost clarity as if she had night vision herself. Where her eyes had come upon was the dark gray granite floor of oddly naturally smoothed rock, bands of striations patterned along like cracked pebbles. Spike seemed to have had the same experience as she felt me squirm beside her.

"HEY!!" he protested only to change tone as quickly as he spoke, "Oh... oh wow!"

The both of them quickly looked at one another astonished as a hound would upon finding a pile of bones. Safe to say that whoever rendered aid was still before them they glanced up front and took in the silhouette of a thestral mare by her physique before the azure flame. Standing with one hoof held aloft by her muzzle, a mane and tail crafted into braids, white robes hung off her shoulders with barely decipherable sigils and imagery. A stout pony the thestral made herself to appear as with stunning bronze eyes that seemed to reflect the intensity of the light behind her as it bounced off the chamber around her. Eyes like Spike's and the commander's, they held a firm tract onto the princess like that of a viper ready to strike.

The concentration upon the new pony broke only when Steel's wing came to tap upon her shoulder, "You should be able to see now, though if you could? You're making Shamaness High Sky a little nervous."

"Wha...?" Twilight blinked a few times before shaking her head, "I'm sooo sorry about that! It's just... you see..."

"I think I speak for the two of us when we're trying to see ya, but the bonfire behind you is making it hard to pick out your appearance." the dracling shrugged sensing little in the dismay of their healer seemed to withdraw into herself.

The figure shirked away and allowed the flame to enlighten the two, in the process the very healer herself was all the more easier to study. The slight striations in her coat like a feline, the few pieces of amethyst rings along her ears, the kindness in her face much like Fluttershy, and the small pouches that dangled off bands that attached to her ornate robes through sewed on loops. Timid was the air that Twilight picked up on and it only lead her to attempt to coax the thestral, for one thing she did wish to know what was done to them.

"Please, no need to be afraid? I'm Twilight Sparkle, just an ordinary pony... who happened to help Equestria in its time of need... on many occasions." she grinned trying to not make herself so glorious.

The healer nodded, her bronze eyes ever glamorous themselves were still a sight to behold in the dim lighting of the chamber. At the same time as the mare could be seen in greater light were orange flares lit all around the whole room though the two hadn't concerned themselves with the sources. With ease they were able to note the chestnut hair of the braids against the white clothing that swirled around her form like drooping boas. Legs and her upper chest to head gave the fur its color as a cool cappuccino brown, complimenting the eyes with such supple naturalness that hadn't been seen yet in the village.

"Princess of... Friendship? Defeater of the dark one? Vanquisher of the Great Eater?" softly spoke the shamaness who appeared lacking in social talent just like her animal loving friend.

Nodding in agreement, "If you mean reforming Princess Luna and defeating Tirek then yes, those are a few accomplishments my friends and I have acquired. But those don't make us any more of a pony than one at a market or a guard on post. If I might say whatever you did we are grateful, by the way what was it you did?" she asked with a generous smile and open mind.

Spike jumped in as he leaned forward on the dull red pillow, "Ya! You blew something in our faces and BOOM!! We can see again!"

His enthusiastic inquiry giving a jerky hesitance from the healer, she answered with a pause first, "...it's just Mollemor Root... a mushroom that grows in the caves. We use it only on guests who see the light and are blinded... it relieves pain and relaxes the muscles in the eyes from the hold the body has after going blind."

"Yes, as I said it is quite a treat to have an outsider in our home. So we endevour to entreat them with kindness to the best that we can. High Sky has studied under the dedicated shaman and medicine ponies local and abroad, she's got quite a record of experimentation under her wing." Steel said, new voices came as murmurs all around giving life to the room that had at first seemed devoid of all but the fire.

Twilight's ears jerked every other way as her head detected the sounds, bringing reality back to her to which the chamber then properly visible had somehow become populated with life. Looking to her left there were seven adults decorated in lavish armor not in any way ceremonial, plating of mulberry and weathered iron protected their core and vitals while heads remained open. Like Steel they too bore scars of some fight, most appeared to be claw marks while others were grievously attained by mauling weaponry the likes she didn't want to fathom. They were happily speaking to one another as they poked sights at her, whatever they said did not seem ill in nature as it was more of fascination.

She turned to the right past High Sky and Commander Steel, there sat more civilian looking thestrals who either wore nothing over the earth tone fur or had on some form of robe that served to identify their role. Like the warriors she saw they were talking amidst themselves while glances at the alicorn, some even waved at her or bowed. Two seemed to be in the process of eating fruit and meat, but none dared to speak out loud or introduce themselves. Males and females alike were all in seemingly equal power and holdings, likely important beings to be in the Council area that Twilight was sure of. It only served to keep her on her hooves from the get go if she were to prove herself the princess she had been made into. Certain lessons from Celestia herself came forth like a cork rising from the bottom of a tub, rank had its own rules and expectations that couldn't be brushed aside.

Yet before she tried to peer over the bonfire before her, her sight swept over the area they had ended up in for the first time. Like the floor beneath her cushion, the cave walls were all natural and showed signs of water erosion visible from the fire of the torches of the surroundings. Orange glow pronounced the bulbous heads and curving ledges that rose high up above, to how old the system may have been before the unicorns mined it out was best left to a geologist. Yet the appreciation for nature and its inner workings were to be complimented, Twilight was utterly taken by the sacred area in its soothing peaceful atmosphere calmed by the lighting that gave to the obsidian darkness beyond the light in the shadows.

When she finally looked back down, there ahead of the ice fire were the elders that had been mentioned to her and elders they were through and through. Four thestrals sat on plain blankets with small piles of cushions of which they sat upon, their unmoving forms only served to give them a semblance to statues of stone until one of them moved limb or head. Two stallions of unknown age bore long beards unlike the type Starswirl had been depicted as, silvery drapes ran from their muzzles and eyebrows that extended just to the front elbows. Leading to wooden staffs which were laid to rest by their fore hooves, of their purpose the lavender mare couldn't discern. When she took in the two mares on the other side of the old stallions, she beheld not frailty but strong beauty that did not seem possible. While she did not want to assume being on the council was due to age, she was sure the two were around Granny Smith's years by subtle hints. Yet their faces were barely wrought with crows feet and missing teeth, their wings as sturdy and healthy looking. Taunt their skin was they were quite apparent in capability of fast movement judging by the musculature she picked out in their withers and haunches. Also bearing staffs the mares had several strands of moon kissed locks down their manes and tails just as the stallions, exemplifying their already immaculate visage.

Unaware of how long she had been looking at the elders she had her focus shattered by Commander Steel who cleared his throat, "Council of Elders, I present you the Warrior Princess of Equestria! Princess Twilight Sparkle of Ponyville, former student of Princess Celestia... and savior of our patron saint Princess Luna!!"

His announcement came with silence among the ranks, the depth of his voice echoed in the little section of the cave where it vanished off through crevices and holes. All sets of eyes became glued upon her as if she were Luna herself, anxiety had risen ever sharply as the scenario' she had ran in her head became voided. Having already tried to introduce herself to the healer she hadn't known that so many others were in the same area much less the council, and with Steel giving her the open pulpit she couldn't figure out where to begin.

She became fidgety with a locked tongue, eyes zipping to each body she could see. The congregation was nothing impressive, it felt as if she were before a test given to her and short on preparation time to anticipate the questions. Being the second princess and pony to enter their protected home already surmounted so much onto her shoulders, she had to be perfect to prove she was worthy of the honor they gave to her. Being inside Mount Canterhorn had not served her very well either, claustrophobia ate away at her will to stand resiliently. Beads of sweat had started to form along her brow wetting the hair there. The warmth of the fire only served to trick her nerves as the saline cooled quickly in the atmosphere that leeched heat away quickly like they were in the deep woods after a cold front.

A claw poked her barrel gently, "Umm... Twilight? You okay there?"

The encompassing factors all served to entrap the young princess in a vexing ring of mind halting nervousness that her assistant took heed of. Like all the other times when the situation seemed to relapse her fear of pop tests born of her obsessive compulsiveness, she just needed to be brought back from drowning in her own muck. Thus the drake youngling took it upon himself and took in a deep breath, surprise was key to freeing her of the hold it hand on her.

A whoosh of green flame jet spooked the mare with wings shooting outward, a yelp followed the shock as her front hooves kicked in the air. She nearly fell back had Steel not caught her once more, though the alicorn had no senses to realize his nor Spike's aid. Once the fire died away leaving only the azure one at the center of the chamber and the regular torches in the background, Twilight felt her breath catch up to her with a slight high from the quick gulps of air taken quickly.

"You know you should really take it easy Twi, you stress yourself too easily. Besides everypony here seems as lax as ponyville after a monster comes stomping through." he gestured with a claw outwards for her to follow.

Right as she was about to reprimand him, Steel appeared right beside her sitting down with gusto, "He's right your majesty, though this whole place may seem like the Royal Court to you. I can assure you that we treat everypony and dragon like family, we don't have any need of formalities except for the Elders own personal choices. Aside from that we are no noble house ponies, just a gathering of essential figures on a day of importance that just so happens to make room for you before the ceremony occurs." his voice ever masculine bore no lie.

Indeed, Twilight took him for his word as she observed her surroundings once more from the ponies at the flanks to the senior heads of the tribe. None seemed to act with the air of the Royal Court, none seemed to be prim and proper, wearing much of anything gaudy for the sake of their position. Practical was the word best suited for the thestrals in attendance, and all of which bowed to her humbly where smiles graced their muzzles meant for her.

"See? Told ya." Spike rose a corner of his mouth in a firm stance of his belief proved true.

She nodded and turned to him, "I... I guess you're right about that. Sorry for going a little worrisome for a moment, and thank you for catching it." a quick nuzzle along his head and she turned to the officer to looked ahead.

"You need not apologize to anypony here princess, now if you'd like we can move onto introductions? I'm afraid we are a little short on time, rather fast these days seem to go." he said to her as if his eyes were having a gestural conversation with another pair.

"Yes, please let us continue. I really don't want to waste anypony's time. After all, what has happened to the Night Guard is beyond words and my presence here. I do not wish to detract from any of the grieving that must be going through your hearts at this time." she bowed to the gathering, the baby drake scrambled seconds after catching on.

Another wave of whispers went about the ponies around before one spoke out, a charcoal gray stallion swiveled his head to the others around,  "This really is her? Truly she befits the mantle that has been bestowed upon her withers!"

"Aye, born of the Spire City in the Sun yet warm of heart unlike the fluffed full bloods that amass there. Victories and honors have not festered in the soul." one of the armored thestrals on the left commented with following hoof steps in agreement.

Several others added similar compliments swaying further congratulatory favors in her initial introduction, but those soon died away when somepony interjected. Twilight rose back up to see who had quieted the meeting, awed by the only one beside the elders who had any reason backed by their position if she had assumed their cultural hierarchy.

Steel rose a hoof to interject, "Yes my fellows, let I not speak for her though. She's been through enough as it is, trying to save another world from catastrophe she's pardoned twice already. As interested in speaking with her as you all may be, tis not the reason I brought her here after informing the council of her desire to see our home." he leaned towards her and quietly told her, "Princess if you would, the Elders will speak and after which you can meet with the rest of the Arbitrators."

Being lead into a proceeding she felt a line she could grasp onto, training her next moves based on something feasible. Thankful for the halt of an uncoordinated greeting, she sat upright as straight as her spine and muscles could allow. Hosting no crown made it all the more easier for her to envision herself in their minds, she was just Twilight Sparkle with wings. Not a princess of a nation or goddess of the sun or moon, but the believer in bonds born through understanding and compassion. Where violence was not the first thing to resort to, but taken when all else failed. The thestrals were familiar with her life's work and beyond after the commander's proclamation, thus she knew she had some level among the warrior tribe. As with the ponies of the forbidden jungle and lost temples, a capable pony was a respectable pony and she earned it all whether she wanted it or not.

She noticed a few ponies arrive from the farther recesses of the cavern section behind the location, though no light came from where ever they exited she was sure there was more to be had. Mares and stallions came in with crystal trays holding wooden and metal drinking apparatuses, pitchers and cups in shape set beside the aged elders who gave them a side glance. Their nodding indicated they registered the servings to which they slowly together poured their own drinks, clear liquid she assumed to be water were poured and sipped at within minutes. Minutes she took the time to review possible questions and the proper responses she'd give, which in the act of doing so more servers went further out and brought beverages and treats to all in the gathering. Rather than fly they trotted around depositing the items to every grouping up to Twilight's seat, she missed their approach and wordless visit. It took Spike's slurping forked tongue and happy chuckles to steal her attention away and see the hospitality brought before them.

The baby dragon munched on rather generous portions of precious stones of various colors, each supposedly their own flavor to the king of reptiles. Her eyes curved onto the wooden pitcher with a bite handle for pouring, in it she could smell a floral aroma just barely in the semi cold and warm air. Her right ear jerked to the sound of a crunch, out of the corner of her eye sat the officer patiently working on a miniature poultry carcass seared and browned to the point that it leaked with each bite.

She drew in the new information and summoned a conclusion, 'Need to see this through fresh eyes, remember what the two of the said about their ways of life. Food means everything to them as is the capability of fighting any foe, to share ones food if even a spoonful is to trust and respect the pony they do so with. Thus by doing this with a small meal if by Commander Vigil's own consumption when we ate together speaks volume, it means I'm already placed on a stable foundation.'

The servers had left her a strange bundle of blobs, coated in seeds and mushrooms the likes of which reminded her of the kind of foods Zecora once shared with her in her visits to the zebra for educational purposes. Merry in the strides she made thus far she thought little of the morsels and took one in her magic, it quickly vanished in her mouth to which she chewed eagerly expecting Cherryroot or licorice. Instead, she came across something that had a pungent sweetness that stole her guard and froze her jaw in place.

'This... this tastes like a mango rind! Ohhh... but if I breath it out I can smell such putrid decay!' she caught her throat before the taste of bile touched the back of her tongue, 'Why does it taste... rather okay but have such a horrible smell?!'

Unable to shut off her sense of smell and only taste, she held the partially masticated treat for a moment nervous that she might insult the tribe's cooking by spitting out the food. It was an afterthought when she first arrived in ponyville years ago, visiting the Apple's farm and given tasting privileges over what was to be served at that Festival which changed her life for what it had become. How she spat out the hoof crafted pastries after being overly stuffed by the samples, luck have it that no pony noticed her do such a thing. Ever since then she worried repeating that little act, and especially at the moment before a tribe of ponies rarely seen outside their posts under Luna's command.

A slight giggle came from the stallion next to her as he swallowed the breast meat of the bird corpse, "I see you were given the specialty? I can smell the delicious fruit from here. Hmmm... Durian."

A server passed by and overheard, "Oi yea! Durian, the king of fruit! Ma da crafted that little one last night for Elder Orion, guess'n the old guff wanted you to enjoy it as much as he. Spiff'n ya took to it like a cat to catnip, you really fit in like the Goddess does."

The mare went on her way without saying anymore, little of concern to the princess as a new fear was stoked in her spirits. In panic she forced a swallow of the mush in her oral cavity, happy she took in the smelly dessert yet worried she'd have to eat more and mess up by vomiting the second attempt if only to please the council. Her stomach already began to tighten and churn like a starving Pinkie Pie during Free Cupcake Day, in her case however it was indigestion.

A hoof instinctively went up to her muzzle though she tried to make it look less intrusive, but Steel seemed to notice easily of what was going on. The veteran shrugged as he took a leg off bone and all, his teeth breaking everything down with popping and cracking to signal the mutilation of the limb behind the cheeks. A quick swallow and a chug of the drink straight from the pitcher had the stallion give her a queer look that came with a smirk.

"Worry not your highness, Durian is a delicacy best suited to natural lovers of the custard flesh. The fact that you took in a piece and swallowed even one is all that Eldar Orion or the others could ask for." he leaned towards her ear so only she would hear, "Personally I don't like it myself, but to each their own."

Left as the only one still as an ice sculpture, Spike and the officer went on their snacking as she looked beyond the edges of the bonfire to the only likely council member how enjoyed the weird food. The one whiskered stallion whose coat lighted around his hooves and muzzle, whose eyes were just visible behind the white eyebrows that hung a foot below their roots as bright as moonlight. He who seemed to be smirking at her in a devilish way with the same dish beside him only down to a single globular orb.

'I'm not ready for this.' she thought to herself.