> Tales of Symponya: the Tower of Harmony
>  by NightCoreMoon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> 0- Mother
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

/x/x/x/

Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there existed a giant tree that was the source of all magic. Two regal goddesses, two sisters, ruled together and created harmony for all the land.

As time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The bitterness in the young one’s heart transformed her into a wicked spirit of darkness, known only as The Nightmare.

She vowed to shroud the land in eternal night: this caused the tree to wither away, and a hero’s life was sacrificed in order to take its place.

The great hero wielded the magical Elements of Harmony to defeat The Nightmare, sealing her away into the moon. Grieving over the loss, the elder sister disappeared unto the heavens.

She left the alicorns with this edict: “You must wake me, for if I should sleep, the world shall be destroyed”. The alicorns bore the Chosen One, a bearer of the Elements.

Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty, and Magic.

The Chosen One headed towards the tower that reached up unto the heavens.

And that marked the beginning of the regeneration of the world.

/x/x/x/

CHAPTER ZERO: Mother

/x/x/x/

“Come on, Soarin...”

Sprinting through a forest, a yellow-coated mare jumped over tree roots and ducked under low-hanging branches. Her teeth were tightly grit, a frantic look of panic glued on her face. Her armor, mainly composed of crossed leather strips and lavender plates of metal, was thickly stained with blood. She raised her sword to cut through a bush, and continued to run.

“Soar!” she cried, wild eyes glancing in every direction. “Where are you!? SOARIN!”

Her bright orange hair clung to her face and the back of her neck, wet with sweat and gore. Coming to a clearing, she put all her weight on one foot before pushing off, leading in with her opposite knee. She performed a flip, landing lightly on her shoulder before rolling fully back up to her feet, bringing her sword to eye level.

Corpses were strewn across the forest floor, mangled and destroyed, limbs separated from their torsos. Pools of blood drenched the air in the salty stench of death. A horrible monster laid in a heap in front of her, green and deformed. Her attentions weren’t focused on any of these details, however, but only on a small shoe sitting in the middle of everything.

She dropped her sword.

Falling to her knees, she simply stared at the shoe. It was nothing special; light brown, tanned hide, befitting of a small child around three years old. Her shoulders slumped, and she let out one shuddering breath before slowly reaching out. She picked up the trinket, so small in her hands. A single tear drop fell onto it.

“Soarin... why...”

Her hands began to shake, and closed around the shoe. She sobbed once before leaning forward, clutching it to her chest. She had difficulty breathing, and began shaking uncontrollably.

“...why?” she croaked, letting the tears fall freely now. “...why... this?”

She could hear her pursuers now, crashing through the forest in her direction. It would only be a matter of time before they found her trail and caught up. It was all over now. They won. They finally found her and took away everything she loved. Now they were coming for her. It wasn’t fair! She was finally happy, and now...

“...Tirek... you bastard...”

She could grieve later, but she had to move. Now.

She grabbed her sword and took off running, never once letting go of the shoe. Vengeance was unattainable, he was too far up in the ranks. There was nowhere to go now. Nowhere, except... back to Her.

/x/x/x/

“Nnn...”

A toddler, no older than three years old, awakened on a lumpy bed in an unfamiliar room. She cast her magenta eyes back and forth, taking in the windowless stone walls. It was dark, only lit by a single candle. She shivered; it was cold in this room, and she was missing a shoe.

“...mommy...” she whimpered. She had a scary dream. Where were mommy and daddy?

With her feet, she pushed back the thin blanket covering her body, and turned to jump out of the bed. Tears began to well in her eyes as she remembered more of the dream. Lots of yelling, lots of teeth and claws, and the color red. Not at all like the crimson of her dress, but darker. She let out a sob.

“Daddy!” she called, before landing shakily on the ground. There was a very big door, so she ran over to it, reaching for the handle. “Mommy!” It was just out of reach. She jumped once, twice, but still failed to grab it. Fortunately she didn’t need to, as it had begun opening by itself. Unfortunately, the one who opened it was a big, hulking, scary-

“Oh, you’re awake now? Are you hungry?”

“DRAGON!” the child screamed.

“...oh boy.”

“MOMMY! DADDY!” she cried, tears streaming down her face, slowly backing away from the monster. She fell on her butt and continued scooting back, wanting to get as far away from this vicious fire breathing monster as possible.

“It’s okay!” she gently whispered, dropping down to all fours rather than standing up at her full height. Her head came even with the child’s, who was still in hysterics. “I’m a nice dragon,” she attempted to placate. “I’m not gonna eat you-”

Saying this only made the child scream louder. The dragon changed tactics.

“Where’s the dragon?” she asked, covering her head with her wings. The child’s crying didn’t falter. “Here I am!” she cried, revealing a smile. Which showed her teeth. Bad idea. Man, kids are hard.

Round two.

“Where’s the dragon?” and this time she waited a few moments before revealing her eyes, this time whispering “Here I am” in a calm even voice. She repeated the process; hiding her face, asking, then showing just her eyes. She did this a couple times, and the sobs slowly dissolved to hiccuping whimpers.

“Where’s the dragon?” she asked one more time, before feeling a tiny hand on her wing.

“Here.” the child stated, clearly still afraid, but clued in to the game. This monster was playing a game that mommy and daddy played, so maybe she wasn’t that scary after all?

“You found me!” she said, rising slightly higher, but not too high. “Are you feeling better now?”

A hesitant nod was her response.

“That’s good... my name is Ember,” she whispered. “What’s your name?”

“R... Raimbow Dash.”

“Rainbow, huh? Just like your hair? Okay, good. So Rainbow, can you tell me how old you are?”

She held up four fingers.

“So you’re four?”

Rainbow shook her head side to side, and more insistently waved her four fingers in Ember’s face.

“...three?”

This time the child enthusiastically nodded yes, now smiling despite the fresh tears still wet on her cheeks, not even having soaked into her cyan colored fur just yet. “I’m three years old and I can count to ten!” she remarked, triumphantly resting her fists on her hips.

“Wow!” Ember replied, putting on a facade of being impressed by the bravado. “That’s really high! Your mommy and daddy must be really proud of you.”

Rainbow nodded again, and Ember’s smile faded slightly.

“So, Rainbow. You’re really smart. Can you tell me your mommy and daddy’s names?”

Rainbow put a finger on her lips and stared at the ground in thought. She furrowed her brows. Mommy and daddy called each other different names. Sometimes it was ‘babe’ or ‘my love’, which aren’t names. But before her scary dream, she did remember them saying something else. Unfortunately she couldn’t replicate all the sounds with her mouth correctly.

“Biss eye oo aaaannnnd... Zorn.”

“Please,” the monster whispered, slowly dragging its hand towards Ember. In its grasp was a crystal, in the shape of a lightning bolt with red and blue accents. “Take the child and this cutie mark far away from here. My name is Soarin... I’m...” It coughed. “I’m her father.”

“That’s really good!” Ember encouraged, though her smile no longer reached her eyes. That monster was telling the truth after all. But that means...

That means this kid’s an orphan.

There was a village nearby, Ponyville. Full of equines. Ember occasionally dealt in business with some of them. She was a craftsmith by trade. Maybe she could pawn this one off on one of them. But the monster... Soarin made it seem like the crystal was important. Clearly it must have been important to the Shadowbolts, since their corpses littered the clearing where she’d found little Rainbow. And if it was important to them, they just might drag this child to the Factory...

No, it was unsafe to trust her care in anybody else. At least out here in the forest she would be safer. Ember vowed to check in on the town, make sure nothing was out of place. There was a child born there recently, she knew, the Chosen One fabled to cleanse the world of hatred and evil and bring harmony to all. Maybe she would speak to her parents.

“I’m hungry.” Rainbow bluntly stated, jolting Ember out of her reverie.

“That’s right,” she reminded herself. Food. Most of what she had was heavily spiced dried meat, but she did have some food more fit for equine consumption in the pantry for guests. Not much, but enough. “Do you like hay fries?”

Stars shone in the toddler’s eyes as her jaw dropped and she slowly nodded yes.

“...You have to eat some vegetables too.”

Rainbow’s jaw locked back shut and she crossed her arms, glaring at the ground. This was gonna be harder than she thought.

It turned out that not only did Rainbow hate vegetables, she also hated a lot of fruit. She loathed tomatoes entirely. Naps had to come frequently and they did not come easily. Although, with the naps came the bad dreams, which was perfectly understandable. Ember had no idea how much Rainbow remembered of what was surely a gruesome fight scene. Hopefully none of it.

Aside from Rainbow being a picky eater and a fussbudget about naps, there weren’t very many issues. The girl had once gotten so dirty that her coat was brown, so Ember had no choice but to give her a bath. It wasn’t that hard, though; fur just needed a little more attention than scales. Clothing was a bit of a problem, too, as she only had the one outfit, a simple red dress.

Ember waited until nightfall one day, after a particularly rough day of playtime and adventure engineered specifically to tucker Rainbow out, and sprinted into town. She checked out books on sewing and purchased a couple reams of fabric, earning many strange looks from the merchants, but they didn’t say anything. Would you say something untoward to an out of breath dragon with crazy eyes asking politely for things while surrounded by highly flammable materials?

Rainbow didn’t take well to the first dress Ember made. Not that it wasn’t a lovely dress if she said so herself, but it never stayed worn for longer than a few minutes. Rainbow was certainly rambunctious and a bit of a tomboy. Ember then got the idea to make pants instead, and the girl was instantly enamored with them.

She also managed to get Rainbow into keeping a shirt on; dragons weren’t exactly bound by the same social norms as ponies (considering their very different biology) and honestly didn’t care about nudity, but other ponies DID care. The last thing that Ember needed was the village bringing torches and pitchforks because they thought she was a child-napping pervert as well as a foreigner. Not that Rainbow would even hit puberty for a long time. She shrugged, it was whatever. There were bigger things to worry about anyway.

Such as...

“Tank!”

Ember was struck dumb upon exiting her house to see what else but a giant turtle standing and nuzzling Rainbow, who was on her tiptoes and returning with a hug.

“That...” she struggled formulating words. “That is... a turtle.”

“Tortoise!” Rainbow smugly corrected, before crawling up on its shell. She hugged Tank some more before the blissful expression of contentment on her face faded away into a sad confusion. “Why is Tank here but not Mommy or Daddy?”

Oh... Ember’s face fell. She was hoping to put this off for as long as possible, but...

“Your parents just... went to a faraway place for a little while.”

“Far away?”

“Uh huh,” Ember lied. “I’m gonna take care of you for a while until they come back.”

“But...” Tears began to form in her eyes. “I wanna see Mommy and Daddy!” And now she was on the verge of sobbing.

“You can!” Ember panickedly cried. “They’re just...” oh no. “They’re deeper in the woods right now, but you can’t see them yet. They love you but... you won’t see them unless you’re a good girl, okay?”

Rainbow sighed. “Okay...”

“Go inside and I’ll make supper soon, okay? Play with your pet.”

Rainbow dejectedly rode Tank inside the house. It took awhile, but eventually Ember was alone. She punched a nearby tree, knocking it completely down.

“...Draconic vow number eleven... Lying is the first step towards the path of thievery... Ugh.” She turned around and leaned back, resting her head against the stump and watching the clouds. “But I can’t just tell her the truth. She’s just a little kid!” Ember raked her claws down the sides of her face in frustration. “I’m not exactly lying... they are far away...” she rationalized. “And I’ll tell her when she’s old enough...”

The dragon sighed and dug her palms into her eyes.

“Why do I feel like I’ve bitten off more than I can chew here...

/x/ Three Years Later, in Another World... /x/

“MOM!”

I shouldn’t do this.

“HELP ME!”

I’m such a coward...

“PLEASE!”

But it’s for her own good...

The vortex is open. It’s too late now; even if I wanted to stop it I can’t. She’s reaching her free arm out to me... But I can’t do the same. My body refuses to respond. My daughter, my precious daughter is being taken away from me forever, and I can’t even reach out to her! I’m such a horrible mother, I...

No...

This is for the best. She’s only twelve years old right now, but through the portal she’ll have a better life than I could ever give her here. A life free from discrimination and hatred. A life in Equestria. I wish I could go with her, more than anything else in the world, but I can’t go. I have to stay. For selfish reasons but nonetheless I cannot join them.

The wind is picking up now. I can’t see her violet eyes anymore behind her midnight blue mane. I refuse to blink, I need to preserve her image in my mind for as long as I may live, as this will be the last time I ever see her. I just wish she wasn’t crying. What I wouldn’t give to hold her one last time, either of them.

Little Starlight is crying too. That makes three of us shedding tears currently. The glow from the mirror is so strong now, I can barely see her. I close my eyes as she screams in pain. I couldn’t look at her any more even if I wanted to... and in just a moment, everything stopped.

She’s gone, the portal is closed, and now it’s just me and Ponehenge. The breeze ruffles the grass at my feet, and I feel myself falling to my knees. She’s gone. I can no longer support my own weight, and now I’m bent over on the ground, and I can’t stop crying. She’s gone.

She’s... gone.

My beautiful darling daughter is gone...

I should have gone in with them.

But I didn’t.

Because I’m a terrible mother.

“I’m sorry... Twilight Sparkle, I’m so sorry...”

/x/ One Year Later... /x/

“Why do you have all those trees?” Rainbow inquired from behind her popsicle.

Ember stood up on her hind legs and worked out the kinks in her neck before turning to face her seven year old charge.

“It’s for our new house, Rain. We can’t just live in my cave for the rest of your life, after all.”

“Will mommy and daddy live with us?”

Ember sighed. “...go back in the house,” she ceded. “And don’t open the door for anyone but me.”

She walked away, pulling the wheelbarrow full of trees as thick around as the door. The stupid door taunting Rainbow. The dumb stupid idiot jerkface door that she slammed shut and turned around, storming off the other way.

“This isn’t fair!” she cried, picking up a stick and swishing it at the ground. “I’ve been a good girl. I take my dumb nap every day. I take my dumb bath every day. I eat my dumb tomatoes without complaining every... almost every day. I take Tank out for a walk two times every day. I always do what Ember says.” She turned and furiously threw the stick off into the brush before crossing her arms and slumping down on the ground.

“She’s not my mom, she’s just a big dumb stinky smelly dragon. I want my real mom. I miss her.”

She heard a distant thud, followed by a distant growling and a crashing noise that was getting louder and louder. Slowly, Rainbow craned her neck and saw two glowing orbs in the distance rapidly getting closer and bigger and- oh no.

Gasping, she got to her feet and started running the other direction as fast as her little legs could carry her. She jumped over a tree root, ducked under a low hanging branch, but lost her footing in the dirt. She went flying, sprawling out into a familiar clearing that smelled faintly metallic. Behind her, a giant wolf came leaping out over her and landing gracefully in the center before turning around and baring all of its teeth. It had a bump on its head.

“Nice doggy...” she whimpered, sitting up and holding one hand out placatingly. “You’re not gonna hurt me... where’s the puppy? There it is!” She smelled its breath; hot and rancid. She could swear that it licked its lips. “I’m not scared of you, I’m not scared of you, I’m not scared-” It barked twice and she screamed.

“MOMMY! DADDY! HELP ME! I’M SCARED!”

Rainbow was backed against a tree, the wolf’s snout inching closer to her throat.

“I’LL BE BETTER!” she cried, tears streaming down her face. “I WON’T BE MEAN TO EMBER! I’LL DO MORE CHORES! I’LL EVEN EAT ALL MY TOMATOES! I’LL DO ANYTHING! PLEASE HELP ME!”

The girl’s mind brought her back to an incident where she’d been bad about one year prior, an incident she regretted not having apologized for before now, since she wouldn’t have a chance to after this wolf eats her for breakfast and picks its teeth with her bones.

Ember had found a young girl, a unicorn, as well as a baby. Twilight and Starlight, two siblings from some other place. Their mother had abandoned them for seemingly unknown reasons, and they had been wandering for days without food or water. Ember fed them and gave them some spare clothes and then dared to ask Rainbow to share her bed with Twilight for the night.

She flipped. Her. Lid.

“No, that’s MY bed!” she had yelled, stamping her foot. “I’m not sharing it with anyone! Her clothes are weird and her hair is weird and her horn is weird and she SMELLS BAD!”

Ember had snorted black smoke at this.

“Rainbow Dash, how DARE you ignore draconic vow number two! Never abandon someone in need!”

Rainbow had snorted back, wishing she could have breathed fire so she could’ve done the same thing. “Oh yeah? Well draconic vow number four! Don’t depend on others! Walk on your own four legs! Or... two legs!”

“Draconic vow number one hundred and thirty four, compassion benefits all dragons! And yes, that includes ponyfolk!”

“Oh yeah???” Rainbow had questioned, realizing she’d been beat, because she’d only been up to memorizing the first seven. But then, mouth working faster than her mind...

“Well, the draconic vows are STUPID!”

The moment the words left her mouth, Rainbow had clapped her hands over it. But it was too late, the damage had been done.

“I’m sorry-”

“Fine.” Ember had interrupted her, turning to glare at the wall, tears already falling. “You can keep your own bed. Twilight can have mine. I’ll sleep on the floor tonight.” She scraped the scales under her eye before turning and slamming Rainbow’s bedroom door. She fell to the ground and started crying, rocking herself back and forth until she had eventually woken up, having been tucked into her bed.

Ember had taken Twilight and Starlight into Ponyville, and when she had returned, they had made no mention of the grave insult she’d made against dragon culture. Things had simply gone back to normal.

Rainbow now wished she had said she was sorry for it, because she truly was. But alas, now it was too late. She was bad, and this is her punishment. Now mommy and daddy will never come to see her. She took one last shuddering breath as its tongue touched her neck. “I DON’T WANNA DIE!”

Thwack!

Suddenly the wolf was gone, and in its place was an uprooted tree.

“LEAVE MY BABY ALONE YOU SON OF A BITCH!” Ember screamed, flapping her wings hard as she could. The wolf shook its head and met its assailant head-on, fangs bared.

It locked its jaws around Ember’s forearm as she turned in mid-flight. Her flight pattern was disrupted as its mouth was very strong, so she found herself laying on her back as the wolf attempted to go for her jugular. It sunk its teeth in, penetrating the scales slightly. With a cry of pain, she craned her neck to the side before bashing her spines into the side of its head, and kicking it across the clearing.

Ember got her footing back and crouched low to the ground on all fours, wings flaring out and tail rising. The wolf followed suit, and the two circled the clearing. It glanced at Rainbow for just a second, which was just the opportunity the dragon needed.

She flapped and launched, this time anticipating that the animal would go head-on, so she curled into a ball at the last moment, and smashed into the wolf, throwing off its momentum. It clawed at her wings, tearing her left between two spines. She growled and swiped at it with her claws, and it jumped in the direction of Rainbow Dash. It turned to face the little girl.

“Oh no you don’t!” Ember cried, running at it and biting its neck. The wolf flipped her around and clawed at her stomach, leaving scratch marks. She screamed, and kicked the wolf off of her before righting herself. The wolf came charging, so she swung her tail around and smacked it in the face. It flipped over, and was still for a moment. This time it feebly stood up, but it heavily favored its left side. Its leg was broken.

Ember stalked it, looking straight in its eyes. Rainbow could see her throat glowing orange. It looked like she’d be eating wolf flambe for the next several days. The wolf licked its snapped foreleg before cowering and whimpering, knowing it was screwed. Suddenly, Ember reared up and shot a fireball directly into its heart, killing it instantly.

She panted, gasping for breath, and collapsed to the ground in exhaustion.

“Ember!” Rainbow cried, scrambling to her feet and running to her guardian. She ignored the scent of burnt hair and charred meat, and instead wrapped her arms around the dragon’s neck. “I’m so sorry I’m so mean to you all the time. I’m sorry I called you smelly and I’m sorry I said the vows are stupid and I’m sorry I don’t eat tomatoes and I’m sorry that I’m a bad girl and you gotta keep me around because mommy and daddy don’t want me...”

“Rainbow...” Ember brought a claw around and stroked her hair. “...you were almost wolf bait. Don’t ever disobey me again, do you understand me?”

Rainbow simply nodded and continued crying.

Ember sighed. “I think it’s time I told you the truth about your parents.”

The dragon simply needed to rest a bit before she was able to take Rainbow and the wolf home. She set the carcass down near the smokehouse before striding over to where she had long since buried Soarin’s remains and placed a stone over it. Rainbow had never been curious enough about it to have asked, and that was part of Ember’s rationalization. She can’t lie about something she’s never asked about, right?

“This is a grave, Rainbow.”

This was met with an inquisitive brow raise.

“A grave is where you bury a dead person so their life energy can return to the ground.”

“Their magic?”

“Yes, Rainbow.”

“So... dragons and ponies get buried?”

Ember nodded. “All living beings eventually end up returning to the earth. This,” she dragged her claw across the etching that read, “this is Soarin’... your father.”

“Daddy?” Rainbow asked, tapping it. “I miss you.” She turned back to Ember. “So... if you go into the ground, can you come back?”

Ember gently shook her head. “Once you die, not through any force of nature can you come back. I’m sorry Rain...”

Rainbow looked back at the grave. “Can he hear me if I talk to him?”

Ember pursed her lips. “I like to believe that the dead are still present among us, even if we can’t see or hear them. So yes, Rainbow, I think he can hear you.”

“That’s good.” She said, simply. “But what about mommy?”

Ember sighed. “I don’t know where her body is. But the fact that she hasn’t come here looking for you yet probably means that she’s dead too.”

Rainbow blinked, and a single tear fell. “But if she’s dead and her grave isn’t here then how can I tell her I miss her?”

“Well... I’m sure your parents loved each other enough that they’re reunited in the afterlife, so I think that she can hear you too.”

Rainbow slowly nodded before turning back to the gravestone. “Mommy? I miss you too. I hope you and daddy are having fun together. I'm not lonely. I have Ember. I hope you like her. I like her a lot. She’s really cool. She fought a really REALLY big wolf today to save me! And even cooler, she’s a dragon! An actual fire breathing dragon like in the storybook you used to read me! But she isn’t a mean dragon, she’s a really nice dragon. I should be nicer to her. It would be really cool if she was my mom too. Ember,” she turned to her guardian. “I’m sorry for- oh no! Did I make you sad?”

“No, honey,” she said, wiping away a tear. “Just the opposite, in fact... I’m very happy that I found you.”

“...okay.” Rainbow said, not fully convinced. She gave Ember a hug, which was returned.

“So...” the girl asked, finally pulling away before sitting down and resting her head on one of the dragon’s forelegs. “Can I talk to mommy and daddy whenever I want?”

Ember nodded. “They’re your parents.”

The two sat in companionable silence and stared at Soarin’s headstone for a time, until...

“Hey, I have something for you,” Ember eventually said, carrying Rainbow inside and into her own room.

“What is it?”

The dragon opened a small lockbox and pulled out the crystal that Soarin had given her those few years ago. She presented it to the young equine, whose eyes began to sparkle along with the mark.

“This,” Ember began. “This belonged to your parents. It's called a cutie mark, and it makes you more powerful when you attach it to your body through what's called a shard of harmony. It belongs to you; I've just been holding onto it until you were old enough to use it. And when you're a fully grown mare, I’ll graft it to you.” She placed it in Rainbow’s hand, closing her fingers around it.

“I know that you must be hurt knowing that they're not coming back,” she continued. “But between the grave, and holding on to this, they’ll always be with you. And as for what you said earlier, about me being your mom too... if you really want that, then I can try. I know that I'll never replace your real mom, but... but I do love you as if you were my own daughter, Rainbow.”

The girl had no reply to this. She simply stared somberly at the crystal in her hand.

“It’s time for supper-”

“Okay.”

“Hm?”

“Will you be my second mommy?”

Ember smiled. “Of course I will.”

And so she was.

/x/x/x/
> 1- Almateria
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

/x/x/x/

Chapter 1: ALMATERIA

/x/x/x/

Ember stepped outside her log cabin, cracking the bones in her long neck. She stood in the sunlight for a few minutes, letting her blood warm up to a functional temperature. One of the benefits of no longer living underground in a cave was that she was able to do a lot more manual labor. She ate much better as well. Every day she thanked the Creator for delivering her a daughter and forcing her to uproot her old, isolated way of life.

Speaking of...

“I feel like something big’s gonna happen today,” came a raspy voice from around the corner. Ember cocked her ears to confirm that, yes, her daughter was indeed talking to Soarin again. And judging by the position of the sun, and the angle of shadows the house cast upon the ground, she certainly was overstaying her welcome at the stone, and probably severely testing her teacher’s patience.

Ember strolled over until the pony was visible, sitting cross-legged in front of the grave. She was resting on her palms set behind her, and talking up a storm as per usual. She was probably there for an hour already, and if the dragon just went back inside, she’d be there for another hour.

“Hey, Rainbow,” she said, calling the equine’s attention. “I don't mean to cut you and your dad short or anything, but aren't you gonna be late?”

Rainbow turned around, then glanced up in the sky. Quickly she jolted to her hooves and slung her bag around her shoulder. “Crap!” she cried. “Twi’s gonna kill me!” She hastily fastened her pair of twin sword sheathes on her back. “Sorry dad, gotta go, talk to you later!” And with that she ran towards Ember.

“Got everything you need?” The matriarch asked, giving the teenager a once-over. Her hooves were a bit dirty and unkempt but that was normal. The ruffled dark gray pants held up by brown leather suspenders were a little off-center, and her scarlet jacket was buttoned with the same level of completion that she applied to her homework. Ember quickly busied herself with fixing everything.

“Ugh, mooooom...” she groaned, embarrassed. “Why do I even have to wear this dumb junk anyway? It's not like you have to wear clothes when you go into town.”

“You're a pony,” she stated, fixing the collar as well. “And more importantly, you're a mare. You have to wear something other than your chest wrappings if you wanna take part in equine society. And yes,” she said, putting a claw to Rainbow’s lips. “You do have to take part in equine society. You're not gonna live with me your whole life.”

“Fine,” she relented, sighing. “But when I sail on my pilgrimage I’ll wear whatever I want.”

“That's your prerogative,” the dragon said before she stepped back. “But you still have to get your license from Trottingham, and to do that you have to finish your education here.” She crossed her arms. “And if you wanna do that any time soon, then I really suggest you head out through the forest BEFORE class starts.”

“Yeah yeah,” she muttered with a dismissive hand wave. “Come on Tank, let's get going!”

“And make sure you cover up your cutie mark,” Ember warned. “Especially when you cross the path to the factory. Don't let the Shadowbolts see it.”

“Alright, I always do, mom. Don't see what the big deal is...” Rainbow rubbed the back of her left hand where the shining mark lay concealed under some gauze. “Anyways, I'm gonna head out now. Bye mom, bye dad, love ya, hurry up Tank!” And with that, she sprinted off into the woods, twin white ribbons trailing behind from her collar, her reptile companion slowly ambling off after his master.

Ember sat down on the slab pew, waving her off. Once she was out of sight, the dragon turned around to face the gravestone.

“Hey Soar,” she greeted casually. “Hard to believe it's been fourteen years since I found her. I hope I've been raising her right... and I really hope that you're proud of our- of your- daughter. I know I am.”

Ember laid back and looked up at the sky. “I love her, you know. Like any other parent. I just hope you're okay with that, wherever you are. Whether her real mom is with you, or somewhere out there. I didn't mean to replace her...” she sighed as the wind blew the grass growing between the cracks of the stone. “Wasn't my intention, but... it happened.”

She turned to look at the inscription carved into the stone. “Although in a way I'm glad.” She turned back to face the clouds. “I'm glad she had a mom growing up. And if her real mom is alive, I’m sure that they'll meet again. I just hope Rainbow never forgets about me. Even though we aren't related by blood... she's still my daughter.”

/x/x/x/

“Kregi safade slehiya tunoleba, watumi yufiniya, waituno se saifiszaiya, faituno se naidizaiya, apeyumetumi ya, shejumani Equestria, krasa meyu, sheina ifil, krezu mani putisala, krasa seidu, fleina, shejumani Equestria, prasa feinu, sheina, 
ikimasi a sheinu fleina... Arumateria...”

“彼は国の一員であり、現在は秘書、ドイツ軍、郊外、シェイク、郊外、郊外、戦士、戦士、師匠、
イキマシ・シヌ・フレーナ... アルマテリア...”

“I turn my gaze towards the dawn, the break of morn, oh, how I can feel it now! As the birds fly, across the ocean, and my journeys set in motion, open your heart to me! This is my home, Equestria, it’s what destiny means to me, always. As the Chosen, I won’t falter. Even though I'll be faced with pain, this is my home, Equestria. I'll release the seals, every one, and what’s to come? Oh please, just have faith in me... Almateria...”

-stone tablet in Tenochtitlan Basin listing the final diary entry of the first Bearer of Harmony in Old Ponish, Nipponeighse, and Common Tongue

/x/x/x/

Rainbow Dash slammed open the schoolhouse doors, tripped over the entryway in the process, flew for a meter, and faceplanted on the ground.

“...ow...” she muttered before pulling herself up. She glanced through the open doorway, seeing an empty chalkboard and empty desk. Wait, it they were both empty, then that meant... “Oh good, Twi isn't here yet.”

“Lucky you.”

“GAH!” Rainbow cried, nearly pulling a sword out. After a moment of recognizing the voice, she composed herself before calmly stepping through the doorway. “Sup, Starlight.”

“Morning, Rainbow,” she greeted. “Something wrong?”

“No, course not,” the teen casually dismissed. “I'm just excited that your sister’s not here yet. Like... gah, this is great!”

“Yeah, she said she’d be a little bit late today.” The young unicorn closed her book. “She said for us to study alone until then. But since you don't study...”

“You know me so well, kid,” Rainbow said, briefly ruffling Starlight’s mane. “So yeah, lemme see the homework from yesterday.”

Starlight haphazardly tossed the book onto her desk before standing up out of her chair. She put her purple and light blue colored hair back where it was supposed to be, fixing her bangs so that they perfectly framed the horn that protruded out of her forehead. “It was an essay,” she chided. “You can't just copy me like you do in math! Honestly Rainbow, you can't just keep forgetting your homework every day.”

She merely shrugged. “I didn't forget, I just didn't wanna do it.”

Starlight’s eye twitched. “THAT’S EVEN WORSE!”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Why should I write a paper on something we’re just gonna talk about the next day in class anyway? It was a waste of time.”

Starlight adjusted her powder blue romper and matching jacket before crossing her arms. “You just wanted to work on the necklace, didn't you.” She accused.

“Of course not!” Rainbow defended, visibly hurt. “I was practicing my swordplay!”

“You're always practicing your swordplay.”

“Well you're always flying your kite!”

“I do that for my rain spell which the village needs to make our food!” The twelve year old mage exclaimed, exasperated. “We don't have a mama dragon that goes hunting every day because we don't eat... ugh... meat.”

Rainbow shrugged. “Don't knock it ‘till you try it. Beef is the most delicious food known to ponies. Aren't you a chef?”

“Yeah, but I eat nuts and beans for my protein, like a normal pony.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes again. “Yeah, but you also eat tomatoes so your opinion is wrong.”

“If my opinion is wrong then why do you wanna copy my homework?” She asked. Rainbow blanched at this. “That's what I thought.”

“Dude, Star, please! You know how bad your sister’s punishments are! Cut me a break here, man!”

Starlight merely crossed her arms and sat down, silently gloating about her win.

“Hey, help me out here, Pink- oh?” Rainbow glanced around the room only to notice that the duo were alone. “Say, where's Pinkie Pie? She’s late too.”

“She's allowed to be late, the church is always on her tail. What's your excuse?”

“I live through the forest. Full of scary monsters. With only these swords, my wits, and a scaredy-cat turtle to protect me.”

“Yeah, bunnies, crows, and honeybees. Oh my!”

Rainbow flashed back to the horrible scars she got from fighting evil rabid rabbits with pointy teeth and a lust for blood, crazy birds with very sharp beaks and a taste for eyeballs, mean wasps the size of her head with six inch stingers, and a certain pissed-off family of giant wolves.

“Well I also have to walk past the rainbow factory twice a day, so there's that.”

Starlight’s face fell. “Right... sorry-”

“It's cool,” Rainbow placated. “It's really not that scary. We’ve got that non aggression treaty with the Shadowbolts running it, remember? They all leave us alone as long as we don't pop in for a visit.”

She bit her lip. “Yeah... hey, Rain-”

“There she is!” Rainbow cried, not hearing the beginning of the quiet question. “Pinkie’s outside, all the villagers are mobbing her.” She strode to the open window and stuck her head out. “HEY, PINKIE PIE!”

The young mare standing amidst a throng of citizens offering well wishes and their vows of absolute trust and faith in her performance turned her head to face the schoolhouse. The small smile on her face was immediately replaced by a huge one, and as the villagers also noticed the source of the voice, they quickly began to file away.

“Dashie!” She cried, skipping over to her best friend. She adjusted her navy-trimmed white tunic, matching poncho, and navy leggings before resting her arms on the window sill. “Hi Starlight!”

“Morning...” Starlight greeted pleasantly. Her smile didn't reach her eyes, however, a detail that wasn't missed on Pinkie. But before she could ask about it, Rainbow started speaking.

“They swarm you like this every single day,” she remarked. “You sure it never bothers you?”

Pinkie shrugged. “Nah. I'm gonna be the Bearer of Harmony, Dashie. They love me!” She glanced off into the distant sky. “I don't mind all the attention anyway. And when I bring harmony back to Equestria... it'll all have been worth it.”

Rainbow yawned. “That's great and all, but you're turning sixteen tomorrow. They could at least give you a little break, you know?”

“We just had the Summer Sun Celebration too,” Starlight chimed in. “Those haven't been fun for you for years!”

“The alicorns are coming any day now,” Pinkie affirmed, crossing her arms. “I gotta be ready to accept the light of friendship at any given moment. They chose me and I can't let them down.”

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “The alicorns aren't gonna care if you chillax for a couple days around your birthday. When’s the last time you even got to throw a party?” She asked, inquiring her friend’s long, straight mane. “You're looking a little flat right now.”

Starlight kicked her leg.

“I'm fine, Dashie!” Pinkie claimed. “My hair’s just still wet, see? Feel it!”

“I'll pass.”

“It's really so~oft!”

“No.”

“Oh well, your loss!” She briefly glanced at the schoolhouse door. “I'm gonna come inside now, see ya in a second!” And with that she left the window.

Rainbow rounded on Starlight. “What the heck was that for?” She asked.

“Me?” The young filly defended. “You're the one being rude to Pinkie!”

“How am I being rude!?”

“‘You're looking a little flat right now,’” she mocked. “Pinkie wasn’t raised by a dragon like you were, she was raised by priests and nuns. She's delicate and super receptive to criticism like that!”

“That wasn't criticism,” Rainbow argued. “That was concern!”

“She's under a lot of pressure, Dash,” Starlight countered. “You said earlier that the villagers need to give her a break, maybe you need to take your own advice.”

“But I... she...” Rainbow glanced at the doorway where Pinkie hadn't emerged yet. It didn't take a genius to figure out why the short distance was taking such a long time to traverse. “...damn it.”

“The fate of the world is on her shoulders,” Starlight continued. “The smile she was putting on for all the villagers was her fake smile. When she looked at you, that was one of her most real and genuine trademark Pinkie Pie grins. She loves you so much, and-”

“And I'm mean to her...” Rainbow thunked her head on the wall.

“Well, no, I wasn’t gonna say mean.” Starlight reached up to pat her shoulder. “You're tactless and insensitive, but you're not mean.”

Rainbow glared at her. “Gee, thanks.”

Starlight gave a sly smirk in return. “You don't have it in you to be mean on purpose... but you should apologize to her when you have a chance.”

“Yeah,” she sighed. “I will after class. Thanks, Star. I don't know what I'd do without you.”

“Definitely not your homework.”

“STARLIGHT.”

“Hey Dashie!” Pinkie lilted, skipping into the room. “I'm here now!” She pulled out a couple pieces of paper from... somewhere... and set them neatly on a desk. “So how do you think you did on the essay?”

Rainbow blanched again.

“I’m sure she did fine,” Starlight answered, returning to her seat. “But since Twilight’s going to be a bit later today than usual, surely she has time to look it over. Right?”

“Y... yeah. I’ll just get right on that!” And with that Rainbow quickly took a blank piece of paper from the front desk, and began furiously scribbling on it with a pencil.

“Why is Twilight gonna be late today?” Pinkie asked.

Starlight shrugged, turning to her bookmarked page. “She didn’t tell me.”

With almost a suspicious amount of convenience, the schoolhouse door opened and the filing steps of a dozen pairs of hooves began filing in, while welcoming in the chatter of as many children. The din filled the room with noise and filled Rainbow with dread. She scribbled a little faster.

“Alright, alright,” a scholarly, mature yet playful voice chided. “I know it's exciting, and you all want to know what it's like inside the temple, but we’ll have plenty of time for discussion later. Have you all completed your essays?”

A chorus of “Yes, Professor Sparkle!”s rung out, excluded by the trio who were there already.

“Very good,” she replied, entering the doorway. Most of her navy blue hair replete with one pink and one purple streak, was tied up in a neat ponytail, leaving the rest as bangs which framed her horn. She shrugged off her long orange jacket. “Please take your seats.”

“Hey sis!” Starlight greeted, only slightly irked at her return to the book being cut short. “We were just talking about you, actually.”

“Oh?” She inquired. “Only good things, I trust?”

“I asked why you were late,” Pinkie explained. “But Starlight didn't know and Dashie is doing her essay last minute like always so I didn't ask her. I heard you say you went to the temple?”

Sparing a quick stern glance to Rainbow, who was pretending not to have heard the exchange, the professor hung her jacket on a coat rack. “I did, Pinkie.” She turned and walked towards her front desk, adjusting her professional-looking white blouse and black slacks. “I asked permission from the high priestess to study its inner workings while it's open and awaiting the oracle. It was a valuable research opportunity that I just couldn't pass up!”

“Twilight, you're doing that thing again...” Starlight muttered.

“What thing?” she asked.

“The thing with the stars in your eyes where you get super hyped up about archaeology enough that you forget about everything else.” She nodded her head to the front desk. “Like lessons.”

Twilight glanced over and back before adjusting her thick black-framed glasses. “It's an important study,” she defended. “But you're right, we’re late enough as it is. Everypony, please turn in your completed essays.”

The children and teenagers filed in a line, doing as they were told. Pinkie was last, and hers was done in pink ink with hearts dotting every i. Twilight sighed but wasn't particularly surprised, making a mental note to include ink color in the next rubric. The absence of a particular cyan mare’s contribution wasn't lost on the unicorn.

“Rainbow Dash,” she stated. “Your paper is due.”

She sighed and set the now-spent pencil down on her desk before taking the walk of shame. Every pair of eyes was glued to her back, except for two. One was aimed a bit lower than that, and the other was scanning the textbook. Rainbow set her half filled sheet of paper on the top of the stack and stopped.

Twilight stared at the paper for a moment before turning to meet Rainbow’s evasive eyes. “Well...” she started before taking a moment to clean her glasses. “At least it isn't a zero.”

Beat.

“YES!” she exclaimed, pumping a fist in the air.

“But it's still an F.”

Rainbow deflated like a balloon.

“The rubric clearly indicated that two pages were necessary to get at the very least a C grade. You know this, Rainbow.” No response greeted Twilight so she continued. “And you, of course, know the punishment for receiving a grade D or lower.”

Rainbow slowly extended her hands, and Twilight placed two empty wooden buckets in them.

“Starlight,” she said. “Please fill these with water.”

Starlight bit her lip. This was less humorous in reality than it was in concept. However, reluctantly, she walked to the desk and began to do as she was asked. Luckily, Rainbow was strong enough that this was no more than a slight inconvenience, and it happened enough that no public humiliation occurred, so that gave her a small comfort.

“Sorry,” she muttered, positioning her hands over the buckets.

“It's cool.”

“...aqua edge...”

The buckets began quickly filling with water, nearly two gallons each. Once the final drops landed, Rainbow rolled her shoulders before turning and walking to the back of the class. Nobody really paid attention to her, except for Pinkie, who bore a worried frown. Rainbow flashed her a supportive grin and a wink, indicating she was okay.

“Well, class,” Twilight addressed the children. “Those of you who have access to their hands, please turn to chapter seventeen in your ancient history textbooks.”

A few of the children groaned.

“Oh, enough of that,” she rebuked. “Starlight, please begin reading.”

“Yes, Twilight.” She cleared her throat. “Roughly five thousand years ago, a war started between the earth ponies of Darus and the unicorns of Carlin. This is referred to as the Darus-Carlin War, of the Ancient War, which lasted for one thousand years.”

“If I may make an interruption,” Twilight said, cutting her off. “This textbook has a few errors in translation. ‘Darus’ and ‘Carlin’ here are two overly simplified terms in our current laconic dialect. The term Darus comes to us from Andarusia, which is Nipponeighse for ‘Andalusia’, and Carlin in original Old Ponish is more accurately pronounced saying ‘Carolina’.” She adjusted her glasses. “However, these are very dated translations, so this is just a bit of trivia.”

Starlight nodded. “We can always count on you to know too much about things that don’t matter.”

Twilight raised an eyebrow before chucking a small piece of chalk at her younger sister. “Oh, just keep reading.”

Starlight hid her smile before continuing to read. “The leader of the Carlin unicorns was named Celestia, and she was known to all as a kind and benevolent leader. The ruler of the Darusian earth ponies was a bitter, iron-fisted tyrant known only as Nightmare Moon, or simply The Nightmare, as all records of her true name were destroyed during the war. It is presumed that her name was either Artemis or Arche, thought this is pure speculation.”

“That's so sad,” Pinkie interrupted. “To go down in history with such a scary name like that...”

“Tragic.” Twilight bluntly replied. “But such a name is befitting of a bloodthirsty dictator such as she was. As you all know, she’s the one who created an army of hate-filled demons and other non-equines known as the Shadowbolts, such as the ones who control the Rainbow Factory in the forest.”

“She also instigated the war,” Starlight said, returning to the reading. “Nightmare Moon attempted to invade and conquer all of Carlin owned lands using a blend of magitechnology, guerilla tactics, and a light-dispelling hex that blotted out even the sun. This dark magic was powerful enough that it drew the power from the earth itself, and the Great Tree that was the source of all magic withered away and died. Celestia herself died in the conflicts.

“But when all hope seemed lost, a hero rose from the darkness. Luna, who bore the blood of the crystal ponies, was a summoner, a warrior mage who sought to end the senseless bloodshed. She made pacts with the Summon Spirits that protect the world in order to harness the power of the fabled artifacts, the Elements of Harmony, which are crystals with enough concentrated magic to rival the power of a hundred cutie marks.”

“Hey Pinkie,” Rainbow asked from the back of the classroom. “Didn't you have an Element of Harmony in your hand when you were born?”

“Mmhmm!” She vigorously nodded. “The Element of Laughter!”

“One that suits you very well,” Twilight said to a round of agreeing chuckles. “Starlight, please continue.”

“Luna took the Elements to a place called Limbo, where she fought the Nightmare. Luna won, and she and her companions used the power of the elements to seal the Nightmare and her demonic military forces into the moon. Unfortunately, her own life was lost during the process. Inspired by her bravery and sacrifice, the citizens of Darus and Carlin signed peace treaties and ended the war.

“The spirit of Celestia persisted past her own life, and the alicorns blessed her with their power. Now we worship Celestia and honor the blessings she bestows on us even four thousand years later. The title of Princess still remains as a sign of respect for the type of ruler she was despite the face of overwhelming odds, a symbol for the kind of ponies we should be to each other.”

“Wait...” Rainbow interrupted again. “If Luna sealed away the Shadowbolts, then why are they back?”

“If you were awake during my lesson yesterday,” Twilight answered, “Then you would have heard me say that the seal periodically weakened over time until it was necessary to start the perilous journeys of Harmonic Restoration.”

“...right...”

Twilight sighed. “The weakening of the seal allows the Shadowbolts to escape their prison and wreak havoc upon the world. They destroy the land and crops, absorb large amounts of magic in Rainbow Factories, and release abominable monstrosities upon the world. Some of which I’m sure you encounter every day in the forest. And the way to fix this is through harmonic restoration, which can only be accomplished by a Bearer of Harmony. Pinkie Pie, why don't you take up reading next, since it's about you anyways.”

“Okie dokie loki!” she cried, saluting before taking her own book. “Every few years comes what the church refers to as a Day of Prophecy. On that day, a Bearer- hey, that's me- is chosen by an alicorn sent from heaven. The Bearer is blessed with the power of the alicorns, and they begin a long and arduous journey full of trials, tribulations, and spooo~oooky monsters. That's not what it says but that's what it means.”

“Please just read what's written.”

“Aww, party pooper. The journey involves visiting each seal, conquering the tests of each sleeping Summon Spirit be they solving puzzles, fighting demonic evils, or braving extreme environmental hazards. While the journey occurs, the Bearer is tested by monsters, Shadowbolts, and the slow, painful process of becoming an alicorn. Once complete, the Shadowbolts are sealed again, the Summon Spirits wake up and begin supplying the world with magic, and the world begins flourishing again. This journey is known as Harmonic Restoration.”

Twilight nodded. “Very good, Pinkie. So in summary, the purposes of the Bearer’s journey are to bring magic back into the world, and to defeat the Shadowbolts.”

“You know,” Rainbow piped up. “You could have said all of that in SOOO many less words. Darus ponies fought Carlin ponies, Nightmare Moon and Shadowbolts are evil, Luna the hero was good, Elements of Harmony are strong, Church of Celestia helps bring harmony, blah blih-blah blih-blah... why can't we talk more about the monsters and demons, or about Pinkie turning into an alicorn!?”

Pinkie sunk into her chair, Starlight facepalmed audibly, and Twilight sighed.

“...what, what’d I say?”

Twilight strode over to Rainbow and delivered a quick smack on the head. She didn't flinch as there was no pain or malice intended, but she did go back and realize the issue with her statement. Rainbow glanced at Pinkie before guiltily biting her lip.

“Pinkie, I-”

“You need to think before you speak,” Twilight whispered. “I'm sure this isn't the first time someone has said this to you today. I know it's harder for you to grasp sensitivity to others’ feelings than it is for others because you think differently from others, and that's not a bad thing...” she placed a gentle hand on her student’s shoulder. “But you still have to put forth effort into thinking about how the things you say can affect other ponies.”

Rainbow apologized to the floor, silently vowing to do the same to Pinkie after class. But suddenly her thought process was interrupted by a sharp and stabbing pain in her left hand, right underneath her cutie mark, causing her to drop the bucket and cry in pain.

“Rainbow, what-”

A bright flash of light filled the room, obscuring all vision. When it faded, Rainbow awoke to find herself on the floor, clutching her left hand in her right. She looked up to see Twilight running to the front desk as nearly everyone else crowded around the windows facing east. The only one still in their seat was Pinkie, whose hands were shaking violently as she gaped through the window as well.

“First aid!” Twilight cried, bringing Rainbow’s attention to her current immediate surroundings. Twilight had a staff in one hand, placing it on her collapsed student’s shoulder, and the other hand was glowing white, outstretched. The pain quickly abated, and Rainbow found that she could breathe again.

Through the window, a swirling helix surrounded a solitary pillar, shooting straight up from the ground into the sky. The kids all began chattering excitedly amongst themselves.

“The oracle!” “The light of Harmony!” “A beam from heaven!” “Friendship’s light!” and countless other expressions exclaimed by the students fused into a single solitary din of hope and faith.

“Are you okay?”

Rainbow struggled to bring her eyes back into focus, head still swimming from the endorphins. That had certainly never happened before! Sure, sometimes it would tingle, but only ever if she got hurt, and it had never sent shooting pain through her entire arm like that before. She blinked a few more times, to find the concerned face of her teacher hovering over her.

“Rainbow Dash, are you okay?”

“Uh...” she sat up, still cradling her hand. “I think so?” She glanced out the window. “My cutie mark probably reacted to the oracle... maybe... it hurt but I'm fine now. Thanks.”

“You're in my care, Rainbow,” Twilight responded. “I'm glad you're okay.”

The schoolhouse door opened, and tromping footsteps lead their way in. Around the doorway appeared two mercenaries and the Mayor.

Twilight stood and turned to face them as Rainbow pulled herself to her feet.

“Chosen,” the mayor indicated, calling Pinkie’s attention to him. “It's time to accept the alicorn’s blessing.” He pulled an amulet out of his pocket and handed it to her, a pale blue crystal inset with gold. The Element of Harmony, Laughter.

With slow, shaking hands she took it, clutching it tightly as if it would still her nerves. He nodded at the two mercenaries, giving them brief hushed instructions, before heading out the door.

“We’re here to escort you to the temple,” the one on the left said. He then turned to Twilight and nodded his head. “Professor.”

She returned the nod. “Flim.” She turned to the other. “Flam.”

He returned this as well, before turning to Pinkie. “Time is of the essence, my dear. It's best not to keep the alicorns waiting.”

“But...” Pinkie turned to look at Rainbow and Twilight. “Can't I say goodbye first?”

“You're coming right back afterwards,” Twilight said. “It's only the ceremony and summoning the Tower of Harmony. You won’t leave until tomorrow. Go ahead and go with these two, they'll keep you safe along the way.”

Rainbow nodded as well. “We’ll be right here waiting for you, Pinks. You can do this. I believe in you!”

She smiled. “Thanks, Dashie...” she took a deep breath and turned to the twin mercs. “I'm ready.”

‘As long as I have your support, Dashie... I can do anything.’

She stepped between them and headed out the doors, tailed by the two armored guards. Swords, shields, halberds, and crossbows... she would be fine, Celestia willing.

“Alright, class,” Twilight declared, gathering their attention. “Settle down. Just because the Bearer is setting out doesn't mean that we can just slack off. I want you all to read the next chapter and write a summary-” she was interrupted by a round of groans. “...of the information. This will serve as your study guide for the test, so make it count.”

Everyone shuffled to their seats and did as they were told. Everyone except for...

“Rainbow Dash, this includes you.”

“...aw, man...”

/x/x/x/

“My lord!”

An armored mare opened the door to an office. She glanced to the stallion sitting in the chair, filling forms.

“This had better be important,” he replied, not breaking off from the signing.

“It is, sir... the oracle has been sent.”

The pen snapped in half, squirting ink all over the paper.

“Good...” he muttered. “Preside over the ceremony and be sure to report any...” his lips curled into a snarl. “...uninvited guests. Bring your findings to me.”

She nodded and saluted. “Yes, sir!” She crossed her arms in an X in front of her chest.

“Don't disappoint me, Lightning Dust.”

“I won't, Lord Sombra.”

/x/x/x/

“Ponyville, huh?” The large hulking stallion shifted the weight of his warhammer in his hands. His red eyes glanced at the fresh corpses at his hooves by the front gate. “For housing the Bearer they sure don't put up much of a fight.”

“That's not entirely fair,” a feminine voice replied. “They're just a militia. The mercenaries are away at the temple right now.” she pulled her large red scimitar out of one of their bodies before closing his eyelids. “Plus they have a non aggression treaty. They didn't expect our attack.”

He shrugged. “Eh. I still wish they put up a little bit of a fight instead of just collapsing like wet paper.”

“These were living ponies just a few minutes ago,” she snapped. “Have some respect for the dead.”

“Whatever.” He tromped off through the center of the village to the other entrance, visible via the path through the market. The streets quickly became deserted once the fighting started.

The four armored ponies stepped in formation around the mare. She glanced down to the dead bodies, feeling guilty for only a brief moment. This was necessary.

“My lord?” questioned one of the four. “Are you coming?”

She sighed. “Yeah...” she muttered. “Let's just get this over with, then report back to D. I don't want to kill any more than I have to.”

“Yes, my lord.”

/x/x/x/

“Rainbow Dash, wake up!”

“[snoring noise]”

“Oh, for the love of...” Twilight exasperatedly threw a chalkboard eraser at the sleeping mare’s head, which gently nudged her awake.

“...huh?” Rainbow asked, sluggishly. “Is class over?”

“It's been ten minutes!”

“...aw.”

Suddenly the doors were forced open and a mare burst into the classroom. Her dark green hair was up in a messy bun, her golden half rimmed glasses were askew, and her black and white scarf was haphazardly thrown on. These are all highly uncharacteristic of-

“Cloudy Quartz?” Twilight asked.

“WHERE IS MY DAUGHTER?” She screamed, slamming a hand on Pinkie Pie’s empty desk.

Twilight rose from her seat and stepped over to console the crying mare. “She's at the temple,” she whispered softly. “Escorted by the mercenaries. Didn't you see the oracle?”

Cloudy was hyperventilating and glancing around the room. “I did,” she said between breaths. “But I, also, saw...” she sat down and began sobbing quietly.

“What was it?”

“The Shadowbolts came and massacred Lucky Clover and Cherry Fizzy!” she whimpered. “They didn't see me, I hid behind one of the market stalls, but they were talking about the Bearer, about my daughter!”

“The Shadowbolts!?” Rainbow cried, standing up and gripping a sword.

Twilight whispered a curse. “They must be trying to interfere with the restoration. But this early...” she turned to look out the window.

“I thought we had a non aggression treaty!” Starlight cried, a touch of guilt coloring her voice.

“I guess they don't care anymore,” Rainbow spit. “All bets are off now that the oracle came. Crystal bastards...”

“Cloudy, how many were there?”

She shuddered but thought back. “There was a big one with a hammer, a mare with an evil looking sword, and four others. I think... I can't... I don't want to think about them anymore, I'm worried about Pinkie Pie.”

“I'll go,” Rainbow stated. “I can take on six of them, no problem.”

“No, Rainbow,” Twilight cut in. “The mercenaries are enough protection, and the priests are there too. And plus, what if more come here, and they raze the village because you weren't here?”

Rainbow grit her teeth. “They're not here for the village, they're here for Pinkie Pie, and if they hurt her then I'll never forgive myself. And if you don't let me go and she dies because I wasn't there for her, I'll never forgive you either.”

“Rainbow’s right!” Starlight exclaimed. “Pinkie’s my friend too, and I want her to be okay.”

Twilight sighed. “Fine... But I'm coming with you so that you two don't get hurt. You'd just sneak out go alone anyway, calling it research.” She turned to Cloudy. “She’ll be okay. If they come back, will you take the children into the cellar and look after them?”

Cloudy slowly nodded, seemingly catching her breath finally. “I can do that... but please make sure she's okay.”

“We will,” Rainbow promised. “Cross our hearts, hope to fly...” and she pantomimed the rest of Pinkie’s famous saying. “Let's go!”

She burst out of the schoolhouse into the quiet, deserted town. It was never usually this much of either attribute. The unicorns followed after her, on guard.

“I can't fault you for preparation,” Twilight ceded, putting her coat back on. “You always have almost everything you need at any given moment.”

“Swords, gels, food, everything I need.”

“Homework?”

“Pfffft, yeah, okay.”

The trio made their way to the rear entrance of the village, only to stop suddenly upon view of what seemed to be a pony stumbling towards them.

“Damn it,” Rainbow muttered, running towards the figure. “Hey, are you all right?”

“Rrrrr...”

“That's... not a yes or no answer.”

It turned its head up to face Rainbow, and its eyes... well, they were missing.

“Rainbow, get back!” Twilight yelled, readying her staff. “It's occult!”

“A cult?” She asked. “That doesn't make any sense!”

“Fireball!” Starlight cried, launching three burning hot balls of flame magic at the zombie. It slumped to the ground once they made contact, and stopped moving.

“What the hell?” Rainbow asked, pulling her swords out. “Why are there monsters out here!? Everywhere north should be a sanctuary!”

“The trial of the Bearer,” Twilight explained, stepping forward. “Once the oracle comes, demons and monsters begin appearing in full force.”

“Man...” she replied. “Good thing they're weak. Good job, Star.”

“Thanks Rain,” she answered, cracking her knuckles. “But now’s not the time to praise me, we have to go save Pinkie.”

“Right!” She said, nodding, before the trio ran off towards the temple. There was no time to sit back and enjoy nature, despite being surrounded by it. Mountains to the left, ocean to the right, plains for miles and a forest in the distance.

Luckily the temple was close by, not too far away. But that was both a blessing and a curse at the moment, because it meant the Shadowbolts would be there quicker as well.

Suddenly something hit Rainbow, and she fell backwards.

“Ow!” She cried, scrambling back to her feet and wiping the blood off her upper lip. “What was that?”

“Probably that!” Starlight cried, pointing at the ghost that appeared before them, brandishing a mallet.

Twilight healed Rainbow’s broken nose before striding towards the ghost. “Let me try something,” she muttered, before planting her staff on the ground and putting her hands together. A white ring of Old Ponish words began glowing in the ground. Invisible wind began blowing her clothes in multiple directions.

“Light!” She shouted, before picking the staff back up and pointing it at the monster. “Photon!” Several beams of light shot out from the end of her staff and enveloped the ghost, causing it to dissolve into the air.

Rainbow and Starlight stepped back in awe.

“Wow...” they chimed in unison.

Twilight continued onward. “Light magic is strong against the undead. Let me take care of them in the future, but be on your guard for more. They don't seem to like being seen first.”

Luckily the warning was unnecessary as the trek to the temple was relatively uneventful. The wild animals gave them a sizeable berth, and there didn't seem to be any monsters left to fight. Maybe they were hiding after seeing Twilight completely obliterate one of their friends?

“That is a LOT of stairs...” Rainbow complained, slumping her shoulders.

“Are you going to let that interfere with saving Pinkie?” the older mare asked. “It isn't too late to turn back, you know. I’m sure the twins have everything handled.”

“Hey, what's that?” Starlight asked, pointing to three figures heading down the stairs in the distance. Two of them were moving very fast, and the third was much slower. The two were heavily armed and armored and looked a suspiciously awful lot like the two mercenaries that were supposed to be protecting Pinkie.

Rainbow sprinted forward with her swords drawn, and Twilight chased after her. Starlight clasped her hands over her mouth in horror at the implications before joining the chase.

Rainbow made it to the stairs as the two mercs made it to the bottom. “Where’s Pinkie!?” she threatened.

“Who knows?” one said.

“Who cares?” said the other.

“We were paid to fight monsters and ghosts, not squadrons of Shadowbolts!”

“Now that they're here we made an executive decision to cut our losses and leave.”

“Can't spend your money if you're dead, after all!”

They shouldered past the fuming trio and ran off towards the village.

“Unbelievable...” Twilight muttered. “Well Rainbow, your impulsivity seems to have worked in your favor, perhaps we were needed here after all.”

“I knew it was dumb to just pay random people up front to keep her safe...” Rainbow turned back to the third figure, who stumbled and fell onto a plateau about midway up. She swore and ran up to meet them.

Starlight and Twilight followed her up, only to see Rainbow holding the mare in her arms, with blood soaking her vestments through. She supported the dying priestess as well as she could given their positioning.

“Twilight!” Rainbow yelled. “She's hurt, bad! Heal her!”

Twilight quietly swore again and readied her staff, casting her healing magic, but the blood wouldn't stop. It began pooling on the ground, drenching the land in dark crimson.

“I... I can't...”

“Starlight!” Rainbow snapped. “There's a bottle in my bag, grab it and one of the red gels!”

The filly stepped over and began rummaging, eventually finding the tools asked for. “This?”

Rainbow nodded. “Pour the bottle on her stomach, then put the gel in her mouth.”

Twilight stepped back and put her head in her hands as Starlight took her place and did as she was asked.

The mare whimpered as the purple liquid hit. Starlight slipped the gel into her mouth and waited. Rainbow adjusted her grip so it was easier to swallow. After a moment the blood flow slowed.

“Try it again!” Rainbow pleaded.

“The longer we take here the more danger Pinkie is in-”

“We can't just let her die!” Rainbow snapped.

Twilight sighed and attempted the magic again. It was pointless to argue with a Rainbow Dash who had her mind set on something. This time there was at least some effect, and the mare began to stir.

“Hey!” Rainbow yelled. “Are you all right?”

The mare opened her eyes and glanced around at the three. “The Shadowbolts...” she muttered. “They attacked the temple... the horror... THE HORROR!” she weakly coughed twice. “Those mercenaries just abandoned us, abandoned the Bearer... you have to save her.”

Rainbow handed off the priestess to a startled Twilight. “Stay with her,” Rainbow warned, picking up her discarded blades. “I'm going after Pinkie.”

“Don't be stupid!” Starlight cried. “You can't just go alone!”

“Then just back me up with magic or something!” Rainbow angrily retorted. “I've got a cutie mark, I’ll be fine. Do something or don't!” And with that she turned and took the steps two at a time.

“Twilight-”

“Be safe,” she warned. “If you get hurt, get back down here. But don't get hurt.”

Starlight hesitated a moment before nodding and following her friend up the stairs. Once she reached the top, she beheld a horrid sight: the temple entrance was strewn with the corpses of priests and nuns, their blood drenched the air and the ground. Many were broken and mangled, bent at unnatural angles.

“For the last time,” cried an authoritative mare, holding a large crimson jewel-encrusted scimitar towards two priestesses, holding small ceremonial athames themselves. “Where are you hiding the Bearer?”

“We’ll never betray the Chosen!” spat one of them.

“You'll have to kill us first!” growled the other.

The mare sighed. “Oh how I wish you would have just cooperated with us and limited the senseless bloodshed...” she turned her head to a large white stallion. “Bulk Biceps, have your way with them.”

“YEEEAAAHHH!!!” He cried, readying his war hammer.

“Hey!” Rainbow cried.

The six soldiers turned to face the new arrival. Four pairs of topaz eyes, one pair of red, and one ice blue and piercing met her own magenta.

“Who's this party crasher?” Bulk asked, forgetting the two cowering mares for a minute.

“Hm,” the mare regarded Rainbow with contempt. “She's just a little filly who picked up her daddy’s swords and thinks she's a hero.” She sheathed her own sword. “Go home, kid. Nopony else has to die today.”

“Shut up!” Rainbow screamed, taking a step forward with each breath. “You invade my village, kill my people, hunt down my friend, and then you have the nerve to insult me?” She crouched into a defiant combative state. “You Shadowbolt bastards betrayed our non aggression treaty, and I’m gonna make you pay with your lives.”

“Shadowbolts?” one of the others asked, before he began laughing. The whole group aside from the mare joined in, causing Rainbow to clench her swords tighter.

“What's so funny?” She spit.

“Well then,” the original one taunted, readying his sword. “Die at the hands of the Shadowbolts you so hate.” And after that he and another one raised their weapons and began running and screaming.

Rainbow turned her wrist slightly before making a full body turn and slamming her sword on the ground.

“Demon fang!” She cried, cutie mark glowing, before a pulsing shockwave broke the ground in front of her and slammed into him. He tripped over and collapsed on the ground, as the other sidestepped it. He came in swinging.

Rainbow backstepped before bringing one sword up for the parry and the other for a feint. The resulting clang of metal distracted the attacking Shadowbolt for just a moment to see the sharp blade rapidly approaching his face. He moved his gauntlet over to deflect the attack, but never made contact.

Instead, Rainbow turned around the other way and, dancing from hoof to hoof, deftly slashed him from shoulder to hip. He took a step back before falling to his knees and placing his free hand on his stomach. The blood shone in the sunlight for a brief moment before turning black, and he fell to the ground.

“Rainbow, look out!” Starlight cried.

Rainbow glanced at the shadow on the ground slightly behind her with a sword poised to strike her neck. In a split second, Rainbow tossed one sword in the air before leaning forward, barely avoiding the attack, and landing on her now open hand. Following the momentum through, she wheeled forward until she was doing a one handed handstand. With a wink, she pushed off the ground.

The sword in the air fell back down to the earth, unceremoniously and with the grace of a falling flower vase, clanging roughly on the dirt path. The swordsponies fully recovered from their respective attack and evade, and now mirrored each other’s positions. Rainbow glanced at her discarded sword and back, doing a quick calculation in her head. Her opponent took the brief lapse in focus to charge.

Rainbow smirked briefly before lurching forward into a roll, cutting deeply into his legs as he wildly overestimated his swing. She immediately stood and picked up the fallen Shadowbolt’s sword, and rewarded her opponent’s turn by burying the steel in his stomach. He immediately fell over, limp.

“How could I lose...” he rasped. “To this... kid...”

Rainbow kicked him away before scrambling for her other sword and defiantly facing the remaining quartet. She resumed her earlier crouching defensive position, cockily cracking her neck.

“That all you got?” She taunted. “I've fought scarier bunny rabbits!”

The opposing mare removed her helmet, letting ringlets of scarlet and cadmium yellow cascade around her shoulders. She tilted her head in towards the brute and whispered something to him before turning back towards Rainbow, scanning her. Studying her. She whispered to him again.

“I can stay here all day, you know,” Rainbow stated, as if attempting to remind them that she was still present. “But what's gonna just piss me off more is if you keep talking about me behind my back... while I'm looking at you!”

Starlight discreetly gathered a small pool of magic in her hand, keeping it hidden from view.

“Oh, you just remind me of someone,” the mare said to Rainbow. “If I were going to say something about your overconfident immaturity or your wide open stance or your amateur swordplay I would say it to your face.

Rainbow grit her teeth.

“Enough talk!” Bulk yelled, hefting his hammer to one hand and pulling out a buster sword with the other the flash of a dark crystal on his hand caught Rainbow’s eye, filling her with panic and dread. A cutie mark! “Don't get in our way!”

“Fire ball!” Starlight cried, revealing her attack. They merely bounced off of the hulking brute’s armor, becoming dying embers on the ground, and he narrowed his eyes at her. She gave a sheepish chuckle before taking a step back. “You can do this Rainbow!”

“Right...” she muttered before taking a less rooted and more agile stance. This guy seemed like the type to take slower, more precise swings to do more bone damage, judging by the cool calculated efficiency that the surrounding bodies seemed to have been dispatched in. “Let’s dance, big guy.”

He took one slow tromp forward before immediately setting off into a sprint, taking Rainbow entirely off guard. He slammed his hammer on the ground where she stood just a moment before, having instinctively sidestepped to avoid the blow. “I don't dance, little filly.”

“‘Course not,” she volleyed, taking a swipe at his exposed elbow. “You don't seem the dancing type.” She ducked the attempted slice of his sword before hopping back to avoid the hammer again. “Stallion your size wouldn't exactly fit in a tutu.” She leaned back in, this time aiming for the neck, but he was expertly deft at dodging as well.

“And you don't seem the dual swordsman type,” he responded in kind, nearly catching her on his backswing. “The boss uses two blades like lesser ponies like you could never dream of.” He attempted a chop, but was a second too slow. “And he talks a lot less too.”

“You saying you aren't enjoying this chat?” Rainbow asked with mock sincerity. “Because I’m having a great time.” She stumbled for only a brief moment, giving him an opening to kick. The angle was wrong, but it was still a hard blow to take, and she groaned in pain.

“I like the fight,” he taunted. “More fun than all these namby pambies around you.”

From her vantage on the ground, Rainbow could see that behind the Shadowbolts’ turned backs, Starlight was leading the priestesses to hidden safety. Good, she did have a hidden agenda after all. Now to stay alive until she could toast him for real.

“Good,” she said, rolling to her knees. “I’d hate to kill someone who’s bored!” She jumps from that position and attempts an aerial attack, but he simply pointed his sword at her body, intending to let gravity help him. Expecting this, she flips and lands behind him instead. “Now, TIGER BLA-”

It seems he was also prepared as the hammer hit her in the stomach and cut off her words. “Me too,” he retorts, casting the hammer to the side as he calmly steps to her crouched, pained form. Weird, that should have outright killed her. “Any last words, earth pony?”

Rainbow couldn't formulate a response as the pain in her stomach threatened to overwhelm her senses. Her cutie mark buzzed and her vision bean swimming. She could only make out the metal-clad hooves getting closer and closer.

‘I messed up... I'm sorry, mom...’

The hoofsteps stopped, and the tip of the sword made its way to her neck. “You almost lasted a whole minute,” he darkly congratulated. “Your prize is a quick death. Good job.”

The weapon disappeared from view, presumably to come down quickly and precisely. A shame.

“Sorry I’m late,” came a raspy, mature voice.

“Who in the fu-”

“GUARDIAN!”

The clang of metal met a high pitched whine as Rainbow saw two hooves land in her field of vision. The purple leggings contrasted sharply with the yellow coat, and for some strange reason this was a vaguely familiar sight from the ground. Behind that, though, was a now-supine behemoth.

“First aid!” The new voice called, driving Rainbow’s pain fully away, bringing her to fully alert attention. In her peripherals she could see on one side that Twilight and Starlight were at the top of the stairs, and that the Shadowbolts were still in front of the temple. Both sides had shocked looks on their faces.

Rainbow pulled herself to her full height and noticed this new arrival. The mare’s orange hair stood high in the air, orange, like a pillar of flame. Her outfit consisted of a violet armored dress and cape with lavender accents and belt. She bore a simple short sword and shield, and on her hand was a tangerine crystal in the shape of a phoenix.

A cutie mark.

“Get out of the way.” She ordered.

Rainbow was taken aback by this. She had heard this stern, authoritative voice before. But... where?

Bulk clambered back up and wiped the blood off of his mouth. “You must have a death wish, earth pony!” he cried, hefting his weapons.

“Bulk, no!” The Shadowbolt leader called, face a mask of horror.

Paying no heed to her, he charged, screaming.

“Air Cutter.” The purple-clad mare stated in monotone, as green energy formed around the attacker, stopping him in his tracks. His scream of rage turned to that of confusion, and then after the trap started hissing, to one of intense pain.

She took a step and in an instant was standing behind Bulk, and after a moment he fell to his knees. He glanced down at the ground where his disembodied arms lay, and then to Rainbow. A slow, dawning realization came over his face before he fell fully to the ground, faceplanting in a rapidly-spreading pool of his own blood.

“Dammit, Bulk!” The Shadowbolt mare cried.

“Lord Sunset!” one of the last remaining troops asked, fear staining his voice. “What do we do!?”

She glanced to her remaining two companions, and to her would-be opponents, who were joined by yet more figures. “We...” she hesitated as the new warrior turned her head to face them. “We retreat!”

They didn't wait for even a second before jumping off the plateau and taking off sprinting towards the forest. Sunset turned to this impossibly powerful and all-too-familiar foe to simply say, “I never thought you'd show up.” And with that she joined her companions.

“Wow!” Starlight cried from the sidelines. “This girl’s incredibly strong!”

Rainbow grumbled to herself quietly as the swordsmare sheathed her weapon. She crossed her arms and turned to face everyone. The two priestesses were now supporting the injured one by her shoulders.

“Is everyone all right?” she asked.

The injured priestess barked a laugh before wincing. “I'm good.”

“Daisy, save your strength,” said the one on her left. “We don't wish you to join the rest of the dead.”

“Yes sister, listen to High Priestess Rose. Let us take care of your wounds before you talk, you're barely holding together as it is!”

Daisy nodded. “Okay Lily...”

“Let me try something,” the warrior said, approaching the trio. She placed her cutie-marked hand over the bloody mare’s stomach. “First aid.”

After a few moments, her pained expression lessened, and she pulled her arms up, standing on her own. She placed her hands on her bloody robe and started laughing.

“How did you do that?” she asked, gleefully grinning. “I don't feel a thing anymore!”

“Don't go dancing a jig or anything,” the warrior mage healer (apparently) warned. “You’re still badly injured internally. Any medical professional ascribing to Mage Meadowbrook’s Theory would advise a week of bed rest with daily doses of minimal healing magic before your health returns fully to normal.”

Twilight gasped slightly, raising her eyebrows incredulously. “You know Meadowbrook’s Theory?”

“Okay, not that I’m not super grateful that you saved our lives,” Rainbow interjected. “But where’s Pinkie Pie!?”

“Don't worry,” Rose gently assuaged. “She's safe in a hidden room in the temple.” She turned to face this mysterious new arrival who can apparently do everything well. “We all owe you our lives, miss. We don't even know your name! How can we ever repay you?”

She cocked her head to the side for a moment. “I suppose food and lodgings for the night will be satisfactory.” She glanced at Rainbow, and her face became unreadable, before turning back.

“I...” Rose bit her lip. “That seems very meager.”

She crossed her arms. “I'm not a materialistic mare,” she simply stated. “Just a traveling mercenary in the right place at the right time.”

The priestess nodded. “Very well.” She then turned to Twilight. “Professor Sparkle, we shall need to hold a town meeting with the mayor to discuss the Chosen’s journey. The twins have probably left to Saddle Arabia by now.”

Twilight nodded. “Right, we clearly can't send the Bearer on the journey alone, after all.”

“Wait,” the mercenary interrupted. “So the Bearer of the Elements of Harmony is here at the temple? Right now?”

Rose confirmed this.

“Yeah, yeah,” Rainbow dismissed. “I'm going to go inside and tell Pinkie she’s safe now since pretty much nobody else seems to really care that she thinks she’s about to die.”

“Do you even know where she is, Rainbow Dash?” Starlight inquired, stopping her.

“And going in alone would be incredibly stupid,” Twilight added. “Don't forget that the halls are full of the undead.”

“Your... name is Rainbow Dash?”

This was enough to set off her temper. Turning around, she rounded on the as of yet anonymous mare. “Yeah, we still don't know who you are so it's really rude to ask about our names, you know.”

If she was offended by these words she didn't show it. “Call me Spitfire.” She turned to face Rose. “Excuse me, High Priestess? May I offer my services to become a financially motivated escort for the Bearer of the Elements?”

The three priestesses convened for a moment. After a few moments of urgent hushed whispers, they pulled away and faced Spitfire. “Of course!” They chimed in unison.

“You'll of course have to discuss things with the Mayor,” Twilight said. “But given the circumstances we have little choice.”

Rainbow groaned loudly. “We can talk about that later, after we get her to the oracle. So let’s just go already!”

“You'll only get in the way,” Spitfire cut, and she motioned to Starlight as well. “This isn't a class field trip. It's dangerous for children. You should escort the priestesses to the village.”

“Excuse me!” Rainbow screamed in frustration. “I get that you saved my life, and you're a big fancy combat wizard doctor or something, but YOU’RE NOT MY MOM!” She didn't notice the nigh-on imperceptible change in Spitfire’s face as she said this.

“Pinkie Pie is my friend, and I’m going to help her through this, and I'm not gonna let someone I just met govern and dictate my every move out of some stupid sense of blood debt! I’m almost eighteen anyway, So don't tell me what to do!” After her rant was finished, Rainbow stormed off into the darkness of the temple.

Silence rang after her departure.

“I'm sorry about that,” Twilight said. “She’s always had a problem with authority. I'm the village schoolteacher and I’ve encountered several difficulties with her specifically. In fact, when we first met, there was a... disagreement between her and her mother. It ended about the same way as it did here.”

“Her moth- I mean...” Spitfire’s face flashed total surprise for a split second before she composed herself. “Understandable. Some children simply behave differently than others. I'll take a different approach with her as we search for and protect the Bearer.”

“Do your have kids yourself, Spitfire?” Starlight asked.

Twilight placed her hand on her sister’s shoulder. “And please excuse this one,” she apologized. “She’s always just... naturally curious.”

“...sis, you're hurting me.”

Spitfire looked off towards the ocean for a moment, fingering a locket that lay around her neck. “...I did, once.” She turned back and began walking to the temple.

“But she died a long time ago. Old wounds. Let's find the Bearer quickly... an evil presence radiates from inside this chapel.”

/x/x/x/

“I don't know if I can do this...” a girl whimpered in a shadowy corner of a hotel room.

“It's okay,” replied a high pitched voice of indeterminate gender. “I believe in you!”

“Well I’m glad that you do, because I certainly don't. It just feels wrong... killing a teenage girl.”

“Sometimes you have to do things that feel wrong if it's to make something right. That's why I stayed at the Elemental Research Laboratory for as long as I did, remember? You said that to me.”

“You're right, I did, didn't I...” she sighed. “And if I don't do this, then everyone at home will die too.”

“It’s definitely sad to think about. Sacrificing one life for the sake of everybody else... knowing that it's for the greater good just makes it bittersweet.”

The girl picked up the rabbit and began stroking it in her arms. “Oh, Angel Bunny...” she muttered. “I'm glad I’m not alone...”

“Me too, Fluttershy,” it said, nuzzling into her ample chest. “Me too...”

/x/x/x/

すべて を かけて も まもりたい と ねがう 
つよく

“Even if it takes everything, my deepest and most sincere wish is to protect you... Strongly...”

/x/x/x/

“Wheeeee!!! Faster, faster, faster!”

Rainbow Dash stood, eye twitching, watching the spectacle of Pinkie Pie riding a giant rock golem.

“I...” she sighed and dropped her shoulders, defeated. “I found her...”

/x/x/x/