After being banished from Equestria after the Fire Wars a little over a millennia ago, Flame Ponies have lived isolated and alone ever since. However with recent events an opportunity presents itself for them, an opportunity for their revenge.
Prince Flameheart Von Ashen, or simply known as ‘The Flame Prince’ is the Heir to the Royal Throne of The Kingdom Of Fire. Based out of the city of Ashen in the northwestern corner of Equestria. He and his Flame Ponies have lived alone, isolated, and in near poverty for over a millennium after they lost the Great Fire Wars many centuries ago. However they have not remained inactive, and the young Prince will soon find himself the centerpiece of a plot to reclaim their place in the sun.
The Fire Lands, a place of smoke, fire, ash, and just a flat out dangerous place overall. Many a horrifying creature can be found here, from the largest dragons to the most ruthless of Deathworms. It takes a lot to survive out here, but some like a challenge or two in life. My kind being no exception.
My name is Prince Flameheart Von Ashen of the Fire Lands. Or simply known as The Flame Prince. I am the heir to the throne of the Kingdom Of Fire, and currently I am in deep shit.
I was leading a small contingent of soldiers on a noble quest to locate and destroy a Deathworm that had recently attacked one of our mining outposts about a fortnite ago. Suffice to say, we found it.
I was already two mares down from its ambush, and with it preparing to strike again I ordered a defensive formation around the two before it could finish them off.
“Captain Plasma, hold formation here with the legion”. I then quickly selected two knights out of our contingent. ”You two, with me” I ordered. They both nodded their understanding and took off with me.
You see, a Deathworms hide… or would carapace be a better name for whatever casing the blasted thing even has for its outer shell. Regardless whatever it is it’s much too thick to be penetrated by conventional weapons and is even magic resistant to some extent as well. So me and my two knights were going to have to go inside the Deathworm in order to kill it.
Not exactly the best plan, but this was hardly my first time inside one of these things. The same for the two knights with me, and so with our wings working overtime we charged the worm. Seeing us and most likely acting on instinct at this point, the worm counter-charged right back at us.
We flew as quickly as possible in order to put as much distance between us and the legion of soldiers that were now retreating with the two wounded mares.
We were only flying for about seven seconds before the creature finally reared fully up out of the ground, it’s head a monstrous size. We charged straight into its waiting maw, expertly dodging the massive fangs it possessed. The creature thinking that it had just devoured three ponies closed it’s mouth and tore back into the ash covered ground. However it had made one fatal mistake. It hadn’t devoured a normal pony, but a Flame Pony.
Flame Ponies did not exist anywhere else in the world except in the Fire Lands. Our origins have unfortunately been lost to time, but we do remember tales of our great ancestors who fought the sun and moon tyrants in many wars over a millennium ago.
Like the name suggested we aren’t like the traditional ponies of Equestria. Our bodies are constantly covered by a small fire that keeps other creatures from touching us, which is quite useful when in a fight. Plus we also possess fire resistant fur which can be used as a shield to protect us from water and other elements that can easily extinguish a flame ponies… flame.
However, in addition to possessing wings of flame we can also swim in lava/magma, inhale smoke, and even breathe fire like a dragon.
We also burn anything we touch, which is why stone is such an important resource for us. But when we come into contact with something flammable like paper, or soft and squishy like flesh, the end result isn’t very pretty for whatever poor creature decided to let us touch it. IE the Deathworm.
It bellowed as we burned its throat, and almost let out a coltish scream as we tore into it with our weapons. Not long after smoke began to appear around the inside of its throat, and we didn’t stop hacking.
Captain Plasma did not like what was transpiring. Sure she had sent many soldiers to their deaths in battles, and given orders that were near suicidal before. But those had all been mares in those suits of armor.
She would however give Flameheart the credit he was due, that being he was an exceptional fighter. The years he had spent training with her and the soldiers/knights that made up the Kingdom Of Fire’s Royal Army had molded him into a feared and respected warrior. Plus, in her own opinion, he was also an excellent leader who would make a fine king one day. But currently he was just a colt, a colt who had just turned 18 at that.
“Ma’am?!”
“Huh, what is it Blaze” she asked the orange colored mare next to her. “We’ve reached a safe distance ma’am, should we send a squad back for the Prince, Inferno, and Fire Strike?”.
”WHAT, of course go back for the prince you dolt!. “Yes, take Ember, Hearth, and…” But Plasma would never finish that sentence as the ground began to shake violently. Every resident of the Fire Lands knew that was as obvious as it got when a Deathworm was about to breach the surface.
The best thing they could do in this situation was simply run. Deathworms can literally sense movement in the ground. When they do they spring upwards and swallow their unsuspecting prey whole.
Every single soldier and knight immediately began sprinting as fast as they could. As it was common knowledge that when a Deathworm was about to breach the surface, the best tactic available was to just move. Move and get out of there.
Not two seconds after Plasma and Blazing Sky took off from the ground the Deathworm tore itself out of the ground.
The worms velocity allowed it to reach around forty hooves in height before it came crashing back to the ground, twitching and convulsing all the way. It screamed and bellowed as fire and smoke began consuming it’s entirety.
After about a minute of constant screeching it’s soul finally seemed to have been sent to Tartarus, but they’re was no sign of the prince…
"Oh Tartarus, Queen Radiance will have my pelt if something happened to him! Why did that stupid colt just have to up an charge that beast of a”- “There they are!” a pony yelled out.
Sure enough Flameheart and the two knights that had been with him slowly strolled out of the burning carcass that used to be a Deathworm. While the mares wore grins of pride he just sported that smile of his, just as if he was walking in to greet a guest in the castle’s throne room. Plasma would never admit it but whenever she saw that smile she would always be put at ease.
“Well then, it seems that solves our Deathworm problem. Well done all of you” Flameheart announced. Her mares cheered and reveled in their victory. However he wasn’t done.
“We’ll camp here tonight before heading back to Ashen tomorrow morning, until then get some rest and have something to eat. You’ve all earned it” he added.
Yep she was right, he’ll definitely make a good ruler one day.
The night sky was awash with stars, each one glowing brightly as we made our way home. With the city of Ashen’s lights glinting in the distance.
We were three days and two nights into the march and counting. Behind me Plasma led the formation as we trudged through the almost knee deep ash that covered the region known as The Fire Lands.
Thanks to dozens of volcanoes and their countless round the clock hours of activity The Fire Lands were constantly being covered in ash. That and the constant danger from the animals as well meant that just walking from place to place was quite an ordeal.
It was the main reason we had almost no contact from the outside world, although a mare make the trek out here a couple of years ago. What was her name again… Daring Truth, no… Daring Knew, uh Daring Due… ahh buck it. Her name doesn’t matter.
What does however is that she was the perfect example of why outsiders like her are not to be trusted. Not only did she try and fail to pilfer one of our temples dedicated to one of our oldest knights, but she actually had the audacity to fight back when we tried to apprehend her. I mean honestly, it’s the poor ponies’ resting place. Is there no respect for the dead anymore?
“My Prince?”
“Hmm, oh yes Plasma. What did you need?” The silverish black maned mare that had been one of my mentors ever since foalhood gave me a small smile before continuing with her question.
“Are you all right my prince, you’ve been very quiet tonight?”
Hmm, now that’s an interesting question. Though I suppose I’m not always the most social individual”. Although I would never admit it I did like to spend a considerable amount of my time in my room playing and sometimes just daydreaming when I was little. Plus when I got older that changed into coming up with new battle strategies and ideas to help the kingdom, as was my duty.
“Do not worry Captain, I am fine” I answered.
“Very well my prince”. However I could tell by the tone of her voice that something was up. After checking to make sure that the mares behind us were either on the lookout for any threats or simply talking with each other I asked Plasma a question of my own.
“Do you worry about my health captain?”. To her credit Plasma did not stutter or even break in her stride, a testament to her resolve. Unlike so many.
“Only when said prince and only heir to the throne charges straight into the maw of a Deathworm” she answered.
“Touché” I replied. “But I know of your capabilities, as I’ve trained you since you were a little colt. Per your mothers… wishes” she continued.
“I knew that you, along with the two knights that accompanied you, would be able to kill that worm. The only question would be if you would receive an injury for your efforts”.
“Well then I’m glad that I did not disappoint” I cut in. Plasma just smiled before she spoke again.
“Indeed my prince, indeed”. With that it seemed that our conversation was concluded. Especially as we were now approaching the main gate of the massive wall surrounding the city of Ashen.
Ashen was an impressive city, or at least from the probably outdated pictures I had of other cities to compare it to. The majority of it was made out of stone. Since that was the most non-flammable material we had easy access to.
It was built within a small hoofshoe shaped valley at the base of a decent size mountain. With the market and commercial districts both located at the lowest levels. Market stalls, the trade guild, a guard station, church, and other related buildings were located within these districts as well.
Above them was the housing district were about 70% of the population of Ashen lived, and if you went a little higher then you would reach ’Upper Ashen’. Here was were the wealthier Flame Ponies lived.
Large manors, the barracks, the guard’s headquarters, and even a small university could be found here. But all of this paled in comparison to the massive castle that rose far above everything else. From the many manors to even the massive lava fountain in front of it, Castle Phoenix loomed above the entire city with grace and majesty.
It was a symbol of our resolve. That even after being banished to one of the most inhospitable climates in the whole world we not only survived but thrived… or at least a little.
While we probably were the best species of ponies and best species in general besides dragons that were suited for this climate that did not mean we were without problems. The biggest example being food, as we were still ponies, and ponies were herbivores. Thankfully we had been able to adapt overtime. With us now being able to consume some bits of meat. However the majority of our diets still needed to be plant based.
This we solved in the form of underground farms. Which obviously did wonders for keeping the ash off of our crops. All the while hunters would go out and bring in small game for us to eat alongside our normal meals.
The upper districts of Ashen also housed many of the famed ’Ashen Lords and Ladies’.
If you were of noble blood in the Kingdom Of Fire then you were automatically granted the right to be addressed as an Ashen Lord or Lady, depending on your gender. Though there were significantly more Ladies than Lords. Regardless as the heir to the realm I was obviously regarded as an Ashen Lord ever since I was old enough to become one.
All in all we had built a quaint little society over the centuries, and it was all protected by another of our great achievements. The Wall, it encompassed the entire city, with some sections even having been built atop the cliffs overlooking it.
When we first came to The Fire Lands after having been banished we decided to settle within this valley, as it proved to be easily defendable from many of the dangers out here. Eventually as we expanded and the small settlement grew larger and larger the task of defending it became more difficult. Therefore the wall was built to aid in this quest. Providing the Royal Army with excellent defensive capabilities.
This was even demonstrated during ‘The Battle Of The Two Queens’ over 650 years ago. When the Changeling Queen Aristata besieged Ashen in order to try and subjugate us. It was largely thanks to the wall that we were able to rack up so many casualties without many of our own losses. Plus with it being made out of concrete with metal reinforcements, along with a brick made outer shell meant that the wall was practically indestructible. Along with it actually being considered such a high priority of importance meant that only 5 years later they decided to add a massive moat of lava in front of it.
All of this combined with 1,000 years of hardship on all fronts and you can start to see why we hadn’t been defeated. That even when we had every single disadvantage possible thrown at us we had still prevailed, and we were quite proud of that.
We continued to trudge ever closer to the wall. It was only when you got up close was it truly imposing. The wall had to be at least around 100 hoofs high. That and combined with the lava moat running down the mountain on each side before joining to form the River Blaze meant that the approach to Ashen was not only a nerve-wrecker but awe-inspiring as well.
“Hold there!” a voice on the gantry above commanded. Although we all knew who it was, the old gatekeeper Enya. A veteran in the Royal Guard, she was considered one of the oldest and best that the Kingdom currently had to offer. For decades she had stood watch over the city upon its wall, and under her watch many a infiltration attempt had been snuffed out.
“Who goes there?” she added. ”Heh, Enya always was one for dramatics. If I had a bit for every time that line had ever been said”.
“Prince Flameheart Von Ashen and his contingent of soldiers have returned!” I yelled back, deciding to humor Enya.
“Ahh the noble prince returns to us at last. Did you manage to bag the worm my prince?” she asked.
“Done and dusted, now not to sound out of place but can we please be let in. We’ve been on the march for weeks now and I would like to sleep in my actual bed tonight”. Enya seemed to pause for a moment before nodding to one her subordinates.
“Very well my prince, welcome home” she answered. With that the massive steel gates slowly swung open with a creak and a groan. Along with the steel drawbridge dropping to allow us easy access over the lava moat. Slowly they revealed the lower district of Ashen. Dead in the dead of night as we marched forward.
However some ponies seemed to have either heard the gates being opened or had been woken up by the sound, as some began to emerge from their homes, open their windows, and for the ones that owned them stepped out onto their balconies to watch us march past.
We probably would have broken out into one of our marching songs had it not been so late at night. But there would be other times for that, preferably when we would not wake up the entire city.
We marched straight upwards to the Knight and Royal Guard barracks in Upper Ashen. We’re we would retire for the night after unloading our cargo, several of our items being some of the massive Deathworm teeth we had taken as proof of the kill. The citizens of Ashen were also taking great interest in these as we marched past.
About 15 minutes of marching later and we arrived at our destination. After offloading our cargo for tomorrow’s announcement and formally dismissing my soldiers I turned to Plasma.
“Well Plasma, it certainly has been a fun few weeks”.
“Indeed my prince, indeed. If you can call hunting and killing a highly dangerous adversary fun” she joked.
“Eh, something’s gotta keep our spirits high wouldn’t ya say” I replied. Plasma gave a good chuckle before looking at the massive teeth. “Combat training tomorrow?” I added.
“Hehe, if you think you need it, then sure” she replied. “Oh come now Plasma, I thought you liked when we trained together”.
“Heh, you know me well my prince” she responded.
“Plasma please, we’ve been over this. When in private you can just call me Flameheart”. Plasma actually giggled at this, something which was a rare sight.
“Very well, I look forward to our training tomorrow. Have a good night Flameheart” she replied before turning and heading to the castle. I was about to follow her when another guard trotted up to me.
“Prince Flameheart” she called. “Guardsmare” I saluted. “What is it you need?” The guard saluted herself before she answered me.
“I bring a message from your mother my prince. She wishes you to report to the throne room immediately”.
…
”Well then, how unexpected, and just as I was about to go to sleep to. Ah well let’s get this over with”.
The Royal Castle Phoenix, the ultimate symbol of our victory over the inhospitable wastes that we called home, was quite a sight. Even after having spent my whole life here I would always find myself captivated by its majesty to this day.
For over 500 years it has stood guard above the city of Ashen. In proud defiance of the destructive wastes surrounding it. Designed and built under Queen Phoenix, my seventh grandmother, it was originally more of a stronghold for the army and place of refuge for the ponies of Ashen to escape to in the event of an attack or siege.
It also served as a last line of defense in case the wall was ever breached. Thankfully this need never arose, and thus over time it gradually became less of a fortress and more of a palace for the Royal Family. Which sadly was currently only myself and my mother.
Having been built upon the highest section of the city meant it was located halfway up the mountain. Which like the wall gave off an imposing image to anypony approaching said city.
It had been constructed mostly out of hard stone, brick, and clay for the roof tiles. Which were colored black and red respectively with a few exceptions.
Like the city itself the castle had also been built into a small triangle shaped valley. With two outer walls acting as it’s most forward defenses. After those you arrived at the main courtyard. The Royal Guard offices and barracks were located here. Along with another building, the headquarters of our order of Knights.
On a more official level they were known as ”The Knightly Order Of The Holy Flame”, and they traced their roots back to before the Great Fire Wars. Which meant that over 90% of that part of their history has been lost to time.
However we do remember the three principles that the order was founded upon. That being justice, morality, and fraternity. For hundreds of years they have served the crown well, whether be it from fighting in wars to keeping the peace. They were the textbook example of knights, and they took great pride in that.
In reward for their loyal service they had also been granted 1/4 of the castle to do as they wished. However aside from the few offices, archive, and two barracks they possessed meant that there was only enough room left for a meeting room and ceremony chamber. Most of these rooms we’re located below the castle’s main levels, in conjunction with the dungeon.
The courtyard also housed a great lava fountain surrounded by a roundabout brick road. Behind the fountain were the great double doors that granted one access to the main hall, and by default the castle itself. With two massive fireproof banners fluttering high and above each side of the doors. Adorning them was the symbol of our kingdom, a rising flaming phoenix upon the Knights Cross, the highest award of our military. Said phoenix was colored orange, the cross itself blackish grey with a white outline, with the banner’s background being a pure red.
The main hall was arguably one of the two most decorated rooms in the castle. Fireproof tapestries hung from the ceiling depicting events long since past, from statues depicting heroes of valor all the way to politics. There were also a few doors on either side of the rectangular shaped room which led to other miscellaneous rooms and chambers on each side. But the most noticeable door was located at the end of the hall.
These doors granted you access to the throne room and, while not as large as their cousins at the courtyard entrance they were still quite large. Like at the front there were also two banners hung on each side which had my family’s crest engraved upon them. A black u-shaped shield with a red outline while red and white ribbons adorned its sides, with a red colored Knight’s Cross making a second appearance in the center. A pony clad in armor while raising a sword in their right forehoof was displayed in front of the cross.
This was my 12th grandmother, Queen Vesta Blaze. She was the one who had led us through the Fire Wars, our ultimate defeat at the hooves of the ponies to the east, and oversaw our retreat to the Fire Lands. Where through a heroic sacrifice we were eventually able to establish ourselves here. She was practically a god in all but name to us. The textbook example of what a leader should be, and a huge inspiration for myself.
Two Royal Guards stood on each side of the massive doors. I recognized them immediately, mainly because the number of guards we had did not exceed a three digit number. That and I had grown up with a lot of these ponies making it quite difficult to not recognize them.
“Prince Flameheart” the one on my right saluted as I approached. Her name was Firestorm, and an old friend of mine.
“Guardsmares” I replied and saluted back. “How goes the watch tonight, not too many ponies throwing a ruckus over our triumphant return I hope?” I said. The mares giggled before the second guard named Ruby decided to reply.
“No no my prince, nothing that guardsmares of our caliber couldn’t handle”. A smirk soon found it’s way to my face, for whatever reason I had always loved playful banter. Which was exasperated when it was between friends.
“Excellent, is my mother still up by any chance?” I asked, although I already knew what the answer was. “Yes my prince, she is actually waiting for you inside” Ruby responded.
“Wonderful, and if I don’t see you two on my way out then I bid you both a goodnight”. The guards chuckled once more before parting to the side and open the doors to let me into the throne room. I nodded my head in thanks before entering myself.
The throne room was very similar to the main hall in its decor. Tapestries, banners, statues, and trinkets lined it’s walls. It was also rectangularly shaped with a u-shape at the end encompassing the throne itself. Behind said throne was a massive window overlooking the core of the volcano the castle had been built into. Where the citadel was located.
Sitting upon the throne was a mare a little taller then average. She had light orange fur accompanying the burning flame surrounding her, a red mane, and two blazing golden eyes. This was my mother, Queen Radiance Von Ashen, queen of the Kingdom Of Fire. Flanking her were her two personal guards, sisters Solar and Shining Spark.
She was also wearing her Royal Regalia, which consisted of her crown and neckpiece with a blood red fireproof cape. All in all giving her a very foreboding/attractive appearance most colts would kill for. As I approached she decided to initiate the impending conversation.
“Prince Flameheart, it is good to see that you have returned my son”. I smiled as I finally reached the desired distance before I bowed. “Queen Radiance, as always it warms my heart to return home after a successful mission” I replied.
My mother just smiled before she beckoned me to rise. “As always it is a relief of mine to see you return without injury. Again I apologize for the haste in which you were called upon, but we did not have many options available to us” she stated. It wasn’t a surprising statement at all. While we did possess excellent fighters, we did not have very many of them. Courtesy to the environment we lived in.
“It was not a problem at all mother, as an Ashen Lord and prince of the realm it is my responsibility to oversee such problems and make sure they are resolved” I replied. To which my mother seemed to mutter something under her breath before addressing me again.
“I have taught you well my son, and you will make a fine ruler one day. But for now I have another task for you. However this one is not as simple as tracking and eliminating a Deathworm. For this requires patience, espionage, skill, and thievery. You will be getting your hooves very dirty”… She trailed off before looking at the floor, and I swear I saw a tear fall from her eyes.
“Mother, I swear that no task you could ever bestow upon me would be too great. That no matter what happens I will always take it in stride” I said. She looked up at me with a smile that beamed of pride and I couldn’t help but reciprocate it.
“That is just it Flameheart” she said with a sigh. “This is not a conventional issue”. Then she did something unexpected by rising from her throne and walking towards me. Once she reached her desired distance she reached out with her right forehoof to rest it on my shoulder.
“I shouldn’t be asking you to do this, but you are the most qualified pony we have for this job. For you have exceeded my expectations in everything I had ever hoped you would master. From the battlefield to politics, from architecture to espionage you have succeeded”. I felt joy, pride, and a bit of love swell in my chest at her words.
“Mother… I, I don’t know what to say but… thank you”. She only smiled before we embraced. “You don’t know how proud I am of you Flameheart. Oh it feels like only yesterday I was holding you in my arms on this very throne, with your…” she trailed off, but I knew what she was going to say. While this had brought great pain to us over the years it seemed that this time she had thankfully managed to recover quickly.
“Oh never mind, I’m sure your father would be even more proud than I am if he was here to see the wonderful young colt you’ve grown into”. By this point I could hardly contain my happiness.
“Which is why I believe you’re the best pony we have for the task ahead” she reiterated. By this point I was very curious in what she meant. “Mother, what are you talking about?” I asked.
She looked guilty, like she knew she shouldn’t be asking what she was going to say. At last she took a small breath and spoke up. “Flameheart… before I say this, please know that I love you very much and that I simply want what’s best for you”. I nodded and motioned for her to continue. “But I also want what’s best for my subjects, and I’m sure you’re one of the most aware in the realm of the hardship we all face”. I nodded again.
“Which is why in the coming weeks plans are going to be set into motion, plans to rid our nation and subjects the burdens that currently plague them and launch us into a new golden age” she announced.
“Flameheart, we are going to take our revenge against the ponies to the east. For the time has finally come, they are ignorant and weak. A thousand years of peace being the culprit. While we have grown strong in the war enveloped shadows”.
“Equestria used to be ruled by two princesses as I’m sure you know, but after the war the younger fell to dark magic and had to be banished by the elder. She has managed to this day despite her absence, and despite being physically capable she is suffering mentally. Not that she doesn’t deserve it of course”.
“Over time with no real threats their army has dwindled to the point that it is comically laughable, for a nation that controls as much land as they do their army is about as large as ours. Which is to say ‘not that big’”. I nodded to her to keep going.
“Which means that in the first time in neigh a thousand years we finally have a chance at our revenge, but there is one more weapon that could turn the tide in their favor. One weapon that could instantly destroy us before we could even reach the Equestrian heartland. Tell me Flameheart, do you know what these are?” she asked.
I thought for a second before answering. “The Elements of Harmony?” I guessed, to which another smile appeared on her muzzle. “Good, you seem to have memorized that book on ancient artifacts I had you read”. I only smiled in response.
“Regardless, they are powerful artifacts and very dangerous. Which is where you come in” she said. By now I was very intrigued, and just a little bit nervous. But I swallowed my nerves just as I always had. For as a prince I had a responsibility. A duty to my subjects, and I wasn’t about to let my nerves get in the way of that.
“I am ready for anything that is required of me mother” I said. Once more her smile appeared on her lips, the smile that helped me fall asleep when I was just a foal. Helped me get through rigorous training sessions, studying for a test, and other prince related things throughout my life. She had always been there for me, just as she was now.
“Flameheart, I know that what I am going to ask you is ludicrously dangerous. Something that not even the best of our knights could hope to accomplish. But I know that if I gave you a choice you would do it anyway, regardless of how dangerous it is. That and I know that you can do it. I’ve seen you in action during your espionage training before and I know you can do it” she said, though it sounded like she was trying assure herself more than me.
“Flameheart, I… I want you to find and steal the elements of harmony” she finished. I was speechless, I’d read about what little was known of them and… well there were a lot of theories about what had happened to them, and not a lot were good for my situation.
They were what had granted the elder sister the power she needed to banish the younger, but after that battle they just up and vanished. Nopony knew what had happened to them.
“Do we know their whereabouts?” I asked my mother. Hoping that I could catch a break. “Sadly no, only where they were last used, the ’Castle Of The Two Sisters’, deep in the heart of the Everfree Forest” she explained.
“Which is practically in the heart of Equestria” I concluded, realizing just how dangerous this mission was. I would be going to Equestria’s version of The Fire Lands, march right into the heart of it, and only then I might be able to acquire a clue or two about what happened to the elements. The only good thing about this is that I shouldn’t have to step hoof in Canterlot, the capital city of Equestria and home of the Solar Tyrant.
“I understand mother” I said while looking at the floor, I was not looking forward to this at all. In response she just hugged me again, her flame warming my heart.
“I understand if you’re uncomfortable my son, and please know that if I didn’t have to I would not ask this of you. But I can’t leave something this big up to chance” she said. I understood perfectly, knowing full well what would happen if those elements were used against us. We wouldn’t stand a chance.
“Very well, when do I leave?” I asked. Mother released herself from our hug and answered. “By the end of the week, in the meantime you will have tomorrow off. Then you can catch up on some your other duties before you leave” she answered.
“Very well mother, I understand”. With that silence permeated throughout the throne room for the first time that night. Up until a yawn found it’s way from my mouth. My mother giggled and an embarrassed blush found it’s way to my face, but before I could apologize she beat me to the proverbial punch.
“It seems like someponies tired” she giggled. I just silently cursed my lack of body control. “If you’re tired then you may retire for the night Flameheart. Get some rest in for the upcoming days, you’ll need it”.
“Very well mother, I bid you goodnight” I said as I bowed. My mother acknowledged me and with that I turned to leave the throne room. Shining and Solar opened the doors for me as I left, having maneuvered around us during our conversation. I nodded my thanks and once more said goodnight to Ruby and Firestorm.
After that I went through another door which led to a small hallway. I walked all the way to the end before reaching another door, this one guarded by Flaming Lance. Another guardsmare I knew from my youth.
We talked for a bit before I fully retired for the night. After going through that door I came to the bottom of the staircase that was my tower. It took about three minutes to climb to the top of it, something which I’ve always hated, but the view I was rewarded with was nice enough. Once I reached the top I pulled out a key and inserted it into a lock. Once I was met with a click sound I opened the door it was attached too. Satisfied to finally be alone with my thoughts.
My room was exactly as I had left it. To the right of the entrance was a two pony sized bed, complete with two nightstands on either side. A dresser was against the wall to my right which held all of my ceremony outfits and uniforms which were enchanted to be fireproof. ”Thank Unicorns and their magic”.
To my left was a mirror which was there for obvious reasons. My desk was to the right of that in front of a window which overlooked the city. A bookshelf was to the right of that on the far wall, about half full from books that I had stolen, purchased, or in most cases had been given to me for studying purposes. They ranged from subjects of magic, languages, politics, philosophy, history, military history and tactics, and even science.
In the far right corner of my room a weapons rack, empty armor stand, and a personal chest were placed. My collection included a saber, mace, battle axe, crossbow, and even a war hammer. For my duel with the Deathworm I had taken my saber, warhammer, and crossbow.
Every bit of furniture in this room that was made out of wood or other flammable material had also been enchanted by a unicorn to not catch fire. Unicorns were so valuable to us that we took every opportunity we could get to acquire them.
In the old days we foalnapped some and forced them to enchant objects for us, which I believe was one of the reasons why the ponies of the east initiated their ”crusade” against us.
Some realized the value of their abilities and stayed here willingly, charging a fee for their services. Others came here and did the same, looking for quick cash. To this day we still have a small unicorn community living here in Ashen, with almost all of them Ashen Lords or Ladies.
A few oil lamps and candles were also placed throughout my room, I lit them as I walked towards my armor stand. Where I slowly took off my armor and weapons.
Once that had been completed I trotted over to my desk, seeing the book about the elements themselves with a bookmark about halfway through placed in the center. Showing my progress before I had been called to action about two weeks ago.
I looked out through my window over the expanse of Ashen and beyond. Despite being on many a quest I did not actually ever willingly leave The Fire Lands. I knew it was different out there, different and dangerous. It was also expressly forbidden to leave as well, although there were a few exemptions. Mainly for the few spies we had.
I could also see the moon, high in the night sky. With The Mare In The Moon centered on its surface. Outside of Ashen most just thought of her as an old foals tale used to scare said foals into behaving, but we knew better. We knew who she really was.
”Princess Luna”, the younger of the two sisters and a massive advocate for their war against us. She had the blood of many Flame Ponies on her hooves, and it somewhat irked me that I would never be able to avenge them. But the past is the past, and we must attend to the future. Besides, she got what was coming to her anyway.
Another yawn soon found it’s way out from my mouth and I decided to turn in for the night. Using my wings of fire I gave a light flap and candles were dispelled, however quite annoyingly I had to turn off the oil lamps mareually. Once this had been completed I rolled onto my fireproof bed. Then slipped the covers over me and soon found sleep claiming my tired conscience.
If there is anything that is not what is seems at first glance, it is the life of a royal. ‘They can have anything they want. Any food for dinner, any clothing they wish, and could still have enough money left to buy anything from their dreams’.
While all that that may be true it only covers the positives about the life of a royal, not the negatives. Such as constantly worrying about politics, the state of the realm, any problems that could bring harm to their subjects. Sitting on a throne all day, conflicts with the nobility, and last but certainly not least is having to wake up at this un-godly hour, 6am.
Yes indeed, 6am. As to the reason why I am up at said un-godly hour is that I have work to do. My mother wasn’t kidding when she said that work had piled up in my absence, and had only continued to do so since I had taken yesterday off as well. Though I hadn’t been daydreaming the whole time.
I had cancelled my training with Plasma and spent the day cooped up in my room researching everything I could about the elements, where they were, and what they were capable of. Suffice to say, for such powerful artifacts it was surprising nopony knew practically anything about them. The only reason that they were still even mentioned in the history books at all was probably because of the battle between the two sisters. ”I honestly wonder what it was like to witness a battle like that. Probably terrifying to be honest, watching practical gods duel right before your very eyes”.
The sun meanwhile had just started to peak over the horizon. Bringing even more warmth to the Fire Lands. From my window overlooking the city it looked quite beautiful in its own way.
However I couldn’t sit there all day, I had work to do, and so I trudged over to my dresser to select my outfit for the day. Although almost no flame ponies wore clothing at all. With the exception of their jobs or formal events as they would catch fire and burn away unless enchanted by a unicorn, which the procedure to do so was very expensive. So it was really only the upper class that had access to clothing anyway. Armor didn’t count.
Opening my dresser I was greeted to the same old clothes I had worn for years. A golden crown with a phoenix headpiece, a sleek black garment for my barrel, a red cape much like my mothers for my back, and completed by my own ’Knights Cross’ to go on my collar.
I looked myself over in the mirror. Thanks to the enchantments they had the clothes weren’t burning away, and my flames were actually passing over them like they weren’t even there. My light grey colored fur, red eyes, and well kept brown/blackish mane were only accentuated thanks to them. All in all creating an image that I liked. ”The image of a confident, proud member of the nobility” mothers voice rang in my head.
Anyway I would probably be expected to arrive in the dining hall soon so I would need to get a move on. Opening my door I hurried down the stairs to ground level.
A few minutes later and I had arrived at the dining hall. It was a grand, massive room located just off the main hall with a great view of the city and surrounding land. For what we had it was also furnished quite well, and I believe that the table and chairs had actually been plundered from a Changeling Hive long ago.
During breakfast or in the evening this room would be bustling with activity. However I had arrived a few hours early and so the kitchen only had a skeleton crew currently, they hadn’t even started on breakfast yet. To my knowledge they had actually only come in about thirty minutes ago to begin preparations for breakfast.
But this was hardly the first time I had ever been up at this hour, and since I had given a heads up the day beforehoof they knowingly had prepared a small breakfast just for me.
This was actually quite normal as I had been getting up at this hour for many years as I deemed it necessary to review the days schedule and inevitable paper/chalk work ahead of time. Any ruler worth their salt would tell you it is always a life saver to know what is going on in your realm at all times.
“Your food, my prince” said Smoker. An old and gruff stallion announced as he brought me back from my thoughts, he was also the head chef for the kitchens.
“Ah, thank you Smoker. It’s never too much trouble to prepare breakfast this early correct?”. But as always Smoker only laughed. “Ahh Flameheart my boy, how many times do I have to tell you. It’s never a problem, you always give us plenty of a heads up and with the size of your orders it’s hardly missed from the food stores”.
“Heh, I suppose you’re right Smoker. But I know how difficult it can be to acquire food, and I don’t want my subjects going hungry. So if the castle starts to pull food away from the common folk then“. “Tell you and make sure the commoners get enough to eat, I know Flameheart I know, haha. If I had a single Reale for every time you’ve told me that exact same sentence I could have retired by now” Smoker said.
“Ahh… right, we’ll just see to it that you do if it happens… alright?” I asked. “Hehe, will do my prince, will do. Would you like anything else before I return to my duties?” “No I will be fine, thank you Smoker” I replied.
With that Smoker left, he had been around the kitchens for as long as I could remember. Always producing some of the best food we’ve ever had here in the castle.
Speaking of food I looked down at my own. A nicely cooked steak with a Fireflower side dish. For my drink he had given me a simple glass of lava, which is basically our version of water. Except that water is highly dangerous to us, whereas lava almost recharges our energy. Like how a changeling needs love.
After I had eaten and brought my dishes into the kitchen to hoof off I began my trek to my office. It was located on the western side of the castle, or simply on the left side if you came in through the main doors.
The western side was also one of only two ways to get to the citadel, a massive underground fortress deep inside the mountain the castle had been built into. The mountain was actually a volcano named Vulcanus, or Vulcan for short. It was also one of the reasons we had settled here as well.
But I wouldn’t be going in that far, as my office was located in the castle proper. After walking through dull gray hallways for about six minutes I arrived at my destination. Right on time too as two guardsmares were approaching my door from the opposite direction. Though once they were within talking distance they stopped and saluted.
“Prince Flameheart”.
“Guardsmares, I take it that you two are my personal guards for the day?” I asked.
“Yes sir… I mean your highness” the one the right spoke. I recognized her as Blazing Sky. An orange colored flame pony who was about a year younger than myself. Her companion however I did not. A more reddish colored mare with blue eyes and a yellow mane that seemed a little younger than her.
“Very well Blaze, who’s your friend here. A new recruit?” The mare smiled sheepishly before clearing her throat and speaking up. “Yes your highness, my name is Solar Wind and I am a private in the guard”.
”Just as much as I suspected” I thought. “Well met Solar, is this the first time you’ve ever acted as a bodyguard?”. The mare coughed and I swore she blushed a little as well, but it was gone before I had the chance to do a spit take.
“Yes sir, this is actually my first assignment” Solar stated. “Well then, welcome to the guard. Today will be a relatively easy day. You two will just be following me around running my errands with me” I added.
“Understood sir” she replied. “One more thing Solar, when we’re in private just call me Flameheart, okay?” I asked. Solar seemed surprised by this but seemed to rebound quickly. “Yes sir err… Flameheart, understood”.
“Very well then, let us get to work” I said as I unlocked the door to my office. The three of us stepped inside, ready for the days work.
It had been roughly two hours since I had begun to file through the endless amount of paper/clay tablets on my desk, though mostly clay. The reason for which I’m certain is self-explanatory.
Paper was another resource that was next to impossible to acquire out here. Even if you had the bits for it, it almost always had to be artificially made. Through multiple methods from spellcasting to playing with chemicals. Along with the spell required to keep it from bursting into flames when picked up by a flame pony meant that even the nobility sometimes had trouble acquiring it.
Which only added to my surprise when I saw the practical mountain of paper sitting on my desk, alongside the tablets, waiting to be read. My main duty over the years had been the position of Regent of Ashen which meant that I had grown accustomed to micro-managing a lot at once, but even this was getting to be borderline outlandish. Thankfully however a lot of it was simply reading a petition or request and deciding to sign off on it or not. Ranging from a proposed construction project to new weapons for the army. However a few things would have to go through a meeting or two before they would get the metaphorical green light.
I looked over at the two guards stationed on either side of the door to my office. “Blaze, Solar?” I asked. Both returned my gaze before Blaze spoke up. “Yes, my prince?”
“How are your accommodations in the barracks?” Solar looked puzzled but Blaze answered my question. “They are fine, but the beds could use some repair. Same with the weapon racks. That and some of the spears are getting on in life” she added.
“Yes, this report by General Pyre said as much. At that I do believe an inspection is in order” I replied, Blaze simply nodded. “We’ll begin once I get through these last few bits of papers sorted”. Then I turned my attention to the other guardsmare in the room.
“What do you think about the state of the barracks Solar?”. The guard seemed surprised that I had spoken to her directly, and it took her a second to formulate a response. “We-well my prince, everything that Blaze said is correct. But it really isn’t an issue, just more of an inconvenience really”.
“Be that as it may Solar, an army can have the best, most motivated soldiers at its disposal. But if they are not well rested, not equipped with the best weapons and equipment available, and are not in peak physical condition you will hoof your enemy an advantage. A situation like that in combination with our already low marepower would almost certainly lead to our defeat. We cannot have quantity, so we must have quality” I explained. Solar seemed to understand this, and looked at the floor, as if in thought.
“Actually my prince, I’ve noticed that some of our armor’s enchantments seem to have dulled a little recently as well”. Blaze also nodded her head at that, I was actually genuinely surprised. “Really now, huh I was not aware about that Solar, and to think that I might have sent your comrades out in weakened armor last month… Well we can’t have that, I’ll have some of the unicorns look at the enchantments later today. Thank you for bringing this to my attention”.
“I-it was not a problem at all my prince” she answered. “Hehe, believe it or not Solar but you’ve probably saved quite a few lives, valuable ones at that” I said.
“Oh, uh thank you my prince” she replied. To that I smiled, “Solar my dear, please, when in private call me Flameheart”.
About an hour or so later we had arrived at the barracks, soon to begin our surprise inspection. First however I wanted to speak with Plasma and inform her what I would be up to. Since she ran a tight schedule and I wanted to be considerate of that.
Blaze thankfully was able to inform me of where she was, that being the training grounds. Which were located behind the barracks, built into Mount Vulcan.
When we did find her she was sparring in one of the training arenas, but the surprising part was who she was sparing with. That being General Pyre herself, the Supreme Commander of the Royal Guard. She worked in conjunction with Grand Master Holy Spark, ’leader’ of our order of knights, to keep Ashen and it’s surrounding communities safe.
The black furred, orange maned mare with bright orange eyes was of great contrast to the silver furred Captain. Even if it was a bit hard to tell thanks to the red, orange, and black armor they wore. It seemed their fight had attracted a small crowd as well, with royal guards and knights both lining the railings of the arena. Watching with such great interest that none seemed to even notice my arrival.
Both ponies struck their swords at each other at the same time, producing a cling noise before said swords met at their crossguards. Plasma then tried to kick and sweep Pyre off her hooves, but she managed to jump over her. Bringing her sword around to try and strike Plasma, who dodged to the left just in time as the sword grazed her helmet.
Pyre kept up her momentum however and began to slowly crawl forward while striking madly. However she was still swinging conservatively, saving most of her strength for the hits that mattered while keeping Plasma on the defensive. It seemed to pay off as Plasma was slowly backed into a corner.
Then something unexpected happened. Plasma charged straight at Pyre while unleashing one of our great many gifts that have been bestowed to us since time immemorial, Fire Breath.
Pyre was soon covered head to hoof with pure, hot, flame. If she had been a regular pony she would have likely received serious burns or if she was a unicorn she may have very well been incinerated. But as she was a flame pony she was fine, if a bit warm. Same for the armor which had protective enchantments.
But Plasma hadn’t used the heat to try and incinerate Pyre. She was instead relying on the blinding light to escape Pyre’s offensive, and it worked. As she had managed to jump around to the side and then get behind the general.
Seeing her opportunity she struck… and met metal, and then a hoof to the face. Pyre then forced her sword to the ground with her own before tackling Plasma, pinning her to the ground as the ponies around us began to chant the numbers one to five. When the former number was reached I stepped forward, content with the entertainment I had seen and eager to continue with the days activities.
“Captain Plasma has been fairly bested in combat, the winner is General Dante Pyre” I proclaimed. Much to the surprise of many of the soldiers and knights that had been spectating. Pyre herself actually seemed surprised to see me, as we didn’t interact much thanks to our jobs. Still, we got along quite well when we did have to work together.
“Prince Flameheart… it is good to see you again your majesty” she said.
“Likewise, general”. Pyre was an older mare like Plasma, which was rare in the guard. The Order was a different story though. “How goes things in the guard. Anymore Deathworms giving you trouble?” I joked.
“No no, nothing that requires your immediate attention my prince. Though I assume you received my letter?” she asked. “Indeed, and that is the reason I’m here. I would like to personally inspect the barracks to see for myself the issues you described as well as to find any others that may have slipped through the metaphorical cracks”.
“Very well, do what you need to do. Though I ask you do not get in the way of Captain Plasma’s and my own training and demonstrations”.
“Reasonable, though you should probably let others have a chance in the ring if you wish for them to improve” I joked. Pyre merely gave a light chuckle in response.
“Perhaps the young colt is right general, we can’t expect improvement from them if we never let them fight” Plasma added. Seeming to have fully recovered from the fight.
“Hmm, how observant of you captain” Pyre retorted. “Indeed general, I myself may jump in for a round or two tomorrow or before the end of the week” I added. Both mares seemed surprised at this.
“Really my prince, I thought you were too busy these days to train with us?” Plasma asked. “Well, when your job may require you to fight you should be as prepared as possible” I replied. Both mares shared a look before at this.
“While I understand that as heir to the realm you should be trained in combat, but why would you need to fight. Is an invasion expected?” Pyre asked.
“No but I am to be departing for Equestria by the end of the week for confidential reasons”. Not only were the two ponies infront of me shocked but some of the surrounding ones were as well, including Blaze and Solar. Plasma opened her mouth to say something but I beat her to it.
“It doesn’t matter Plasma, what’s done is done and what’s said is said. I won’t be gone for long and once I return we will have more power than we know what to do with” I proclaimed.
“Very well my prince, very well” Plasma replied.
“Anyway, while this conversation has been nice I have work that I need get back to, so I will leave you both to it” I proclaimed.
“Very well, have a good day your highness” Plasma added. “The same to you both”. I looked back towards my own guards. “Come along you two, the barracks aren’t going to inspect themselves”
The inspection had taken about an hour and a half. While Pyre’s report had been quite accurate the damage could really just be chalked up to required maintenance. Though Solar also seemed to be correct on the armors enchantments needing to be worked on as well.
All in all it wouldn’t be a very noticeable drain on the treasury. Which after letting the mage company know about the waning enchantments let us get along to our next destination for the day, the underground farms. They, like the barracks, had been built into and under Mount Vulcan during the early days of our settlement here. As underground was the only place water could survive here, and since the rocky surface was not capable of sustaining plant life this was the only place we could grow anything.
When we arrived the head farmer, an orange mare with a white mane called Fire Flower informed us that several of their crops were failing this year. This wasn’t unusual, as trying to grow regular flowers, wheat, barley, oats, and other fruits and vegetables was next to impossible even all the way down here. Even with enchantments.
What the problem was is the fact that more crops than usual were failing this year, and nopony had any idea why. Nothing should have really changed. So it was a complete mystery.
However, after a quick test of the soil/rock that the crops grew in revealed that there was very little nutrients in the soil itself.
“So we have two options. Either wait for the ground to regain the nutrients naturally and forbid this and next years growing seasons. Or find a way to enrich the ground naturally” I proclaimed.
“It appears that way your highness” Fire Flower said. This was bad, while I did understand agriculture somewhat I could hardly be called little more than a novice. Which meant I didn’t really have an answer for Fire.
“Very well Miss Fire, thank you for bringing this to my attention. I will look into this and find a solution, is there anything else you need before I depart?” I asked. “No my prince, thank you for your time today. We all appreciate it” she replied. “Very well, and it is not a problem Miss Fire, you are all my subjects and as a ruler it is my job to take care of you, good day” I added. With that I turned around and signaled to Blaze and Solar that it was time to leave.
“How bad is it my prince?” Blaze asked. “Bad Blaze, we’ve had crop failures before but this is in a new league”.
“But I thought that the unicorns’ magic could keep the ground fertile?” Solar asked. “If that wasn’t the case wouldn’t it have already become barren” she added.
“Yes, you are correct Solar. But the ground, even that far below, was already so barren when we arrived that even with magic it was a miracle that we got anything to grow at all. Their magic just kept the ground fertile, if increasing its fertility at all. Until now it seems” I explained. “Oh” was her reply.
“I’ll see if I can come up with a solution, but if not we’re just going to have to construct more farms” I added.
With that we continued on, our next stop was a meeting held in the town hall about building regulations. Apparently some of the stone used in the construction of a new bridge over one of the lava rivers that run through Ashen was more brittle than usual. Which was also confirmed by a team of specialists.
I ordered that the bridge be closed and rebuilt, as well as to make sure the stone was strong enough to handle the weight of a decent cart.
After that I checked in personally with the mayor and oversaw a training exercise of Ashen’s youth, as thanks to the dangers out here military service was a requirement, of which you had to serve for ten years before you could retire. With a lot not… but that was why we had them go through exercises like this so early on in their lives. To prepare them for the hardships to come. Though that would change once I got ahold of the elements.
With that completed we stopped at the local tavern to get lunch. I also used the opportunity to check in with the taverns keeper, Brandy. She almost always knew every little tidbit of information in and around Ashen, and was my go too for when I wanted said information. Though today it would just be checking in to see what had happened in my few weeks of absence.
“Good afternoon Mrs. Brandy, how are you” the cream coated, red maned earth pony mare smiled back, and yes she was an earth pony. The only one in Ashen. She used to be some sort of criminal, a bootlegger” I believe they called her. Apparently all she did was smuggle an illegal form of alcohol from place to place. While on the run she had found herself here and decided to start up a proper business. That was eight years before I was born.
“Afternoon my prince, and it’s just as I always say, business as usual. Why’d ya come by, it’s been a minute. Need more information?”. Brandy always was more on the talkative side.
“No no, just wanted to check in while grabbing some food. How’s business?”.
“Same as before your highness, now how is my favorite prince doing?” she replied. Brandy was always a bit more of the flirtatious type as well. Either that or she was emboldened to make those comments by being constantly drunk.
“He’s doing quite well, thank you” I smiled. We continued to talk about irrelevant topics for about six more minutes before I said farewell to her for the day, me and my guards taking my food for the day. Though I would probably be back just before I left for Equestria. I would need to know as much as possible about it and she was the best pony we had to mitigate that issue.
After that we inspected the city’s defenses for about two hours before retiring back to my office for the rest of the evening. Blaze and Solar stood guard like before while I mused around with the documents still waiting for attention on my desk. Occasionally asking them for how they felt or thought about something.
Eight o’clock was dinner time for the residents of the castle, and since I hadn’t eaten for over eight hours I did not want to miss it. Blaze and Solar were still following me but would be relived once I reached the dining hall, as I wouldn’t be leaving the castle this late at night so the guards on duty were considered more than enough for security.
A part of me was always excited to see what Smoker and his team had prepared for the evening. Something which was not disappointed when the two guards stationed outside opened the doors.
The scent of steamed carrots, mashed potatoes, alongside cooked meat filled my nostrils.
“Good evening Flameheart”. My mother was also present, seated at the head of the table. “Good evening mother, how was your day?”.
“Oh long and boring, yourself?” she replied.
“The same I suppose, running around the whole city like a headless chicken”. She chuckled at this as I sat down at the opposite end of the table. ”So many nights like this one. Just me and her… and the guards I suppose”.
She never did tell me exactly what had happened to my father, but it had nearly destroyed her. From her incoherent ramblings to muttering how she failed to protect him.
Although I had tried at first I eventually gave up on trying to coax it out of her, for fear that it was driving her even more mad. That coupled with me comforting her when I was young to taking on some of her responsibilities over the years had seemed to help her regain her sanity. Or get over the heartbreak, whichever it was.
“So, anything actually interesting happen on your ’long and boring day?’” I asked. “Hehe, well Lady Brimstone came in to inquire about the establishment of another quarry. That was about as interesting as it got, the rest were just about laws and general politics” she replied.
I nodded and proceeded to tell her about my own day as we ate. She didn’t like the situation with the farms but relaxed when I told her I would handle it. She laughed as I recalled the fight between Plasma and Pyre, stating that the former ”has still got it”.
After that our conversation ranged from the state of the realm, old memories, and to how the chandelier above us needed to be dusted. Eventually we finished our meals and I informed her that I would be taking a few more days off to train with Plasma before I departed for Equestria.
“Very well, I will manage in your absence but please hurry back. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to micro-manage everything on your level” she joked. “Ha, I will try mother, I will try”.
With that we both parted for the night and I headed straight for my tower, as always greeting the guard stationed at the bottom. Once I reached my room I all but flopped onto my bed, throwing my clothing onto my desk chair infront of my bed. Once again getting a good view of the mare in the moon.
For some reason in that moment I felt something well within my chest, something that felt… unnatural.
A blueish mist surrounded me on all sides, completely impervious to sight. It seemed to emit a low hissing sound as it circled me.
A mighty flap from my wings didn’t seem to do anything at all, and I gave up after a second try. Instead opting to try and make sense of what I could see.
I seemed to be standing on some type of rocky surface, similar to that of the Badlands, a region south of the Firelands and west by southwest in relation to Equestria in general.
However, the ground was… a lot whiter than the rocks in the Badlands, too white.
Flap
I frantically recalled my memory of the last two seconds and did not remember flapping my wings a third time.
Flap
What is that, maybe a dragon. This does look like the badlands.
Whoosh
The creature flew by right in front of me and back into the fog as a hawk would circle its prey. But it didn’t look like a bird, nor a dragon. It looked… equine.
Where did it go, what is going on, where am I?
With me. I jumped immediately upon hearing the creature whisper directly into my ear.
Once I landed I attempted to spin around and face it directly. However I was swooped off my hooves and then slammed onto the ground. My face having taken the brunt of the landing.
I was then grabbed by telekinesis and thrown into a crater. However this time I managed to roll into the impact and stumble to my hooves. The mist seemed to be blocked from entering said crater, no doubt some kind of spell.
“Hmm, quite impressive for a colt” the voice spoke once more. Now that my head didn’t feel like it was being rammed into a bell over and over again I could tell that the voice’s owner was female.
“Who are you, and where am I?!” I said, however all I got was chuckling.
“Well coward, show your face. Or are you all bark and no bite?!” I added.
Almost immediately the chuckling stopped, and I heard a soft clink clink noise. ”So she has hoofguards, likely some kind of suit of armor too”.
At last the outline of the pony came into view through the fog, and they were quite large.
“Hmm, thou is quite knowledgeable. To recognize the sound of metal upon stone. Thee must have spent quite a lot of time in a barracks, or perhaps thou is a cook in a mess hall”. The pony was annoyingly staying just out of sight.
“I am neither, now tell me who you are and why you’ve-gah…” Once more telekinesis wrapped itself around my body, or more specifically my throat.
The pony also choose this moment in time to finally reveal themselves. She slowly sauntered forward, her blue slitted eyes coming into view first.
Then a pure black muzzle pierced the fog, with a ethereal dark blue mane, horn, and two black ears accompanying it.
Next came her neck and front legs before her barrel made itself known. She slowly began to circle around me, giving me a view of her flank, wings, and ethereal dark blue tail.
Although she was wearing armor it was only relegated to a peytral and helmet. Leaving her cutie mark, that being a crescent moon that looked like it was plopped onto spilled purple ink, exposed for all the world to see.
If the history books and few pictures were to be believed then this was The Mare In The Moon. Nightmare Moon, and she was currently choking me to death.
Only when I thought that I was actually going to die did she let me go, and I fell to the ground with a thud.
“Though it still seems that magic prevails over all” she added. Her air of confidence having left her and replaced by a sense of boredom.
“What… do you want from me?” I gasped.
“Oh not much, in fact yesterday thee were nothing but an insignificant little pony. In line to rule an irrelevant backwater nation” she replied.
“Alright, so what changed” I growled.
“Thou shall address thee as her eternal highness! she roared. As lighting and thunder shot down around us.
”Oh this is bad, this is oh so bad”.
“Where-where am I… your eternal highness” I asked, barely keeping my cool. Seeming pleased with my compliance Nightmare answered my question.
“Thou is in the realm of dreams, an eternal domain outside of time and what some might say ”reality”” she explained.
“So why am I here?” I asked.
“Thee ist here because thee intends to make off with the Elements Of Harmony” she explained.
My blood turned cold. ”The Elements, but why would those get her… wait, the legends said that she was defeated by… no. But she couldn’t be… returning, could she?”.
Nightmare’s face soon bore a grin. “Hmm, I have given thee less credit then thou is due. You are smarter than most, I will give you that”.
“But know this, when we return we will defeat that tyrant Celestia, and with our army of loyal Thestrals we will conquer Equestria and bring eternal night” she added.
Suddenly I was choked by telekinesis once more before being picked up and slammed back to the ground. I was then rolled onto my back before Nightmare slowly climbed on top of me, her muzzle now just an inch from my own.
“In addition, if thee does pursue thou’s plan and attempts to change fate, We will raze the city of Ashen to the ground”. As if to punctuate that statement, Nightmare light her horn and immediately my flame was extinguished. With a stinging pain erupting all throughout my body.
“Gah... I’d like to see you try. If you even attempt to scale its walls you’re gah you’re army will be… decimated” I squeaked out. Her response was to only choke me harder.
“Thee would be wise to take our threats seriously” she stated.
“Kind of difficult to do when I know you can’t actually harm me when in a dream, you can only bring me pain” I retorted. Nightmare’s eyes actually lit up in surprise.
“Hmm, thou actually knows a bit about dream magic. Tell me, how did thou find out about this information?” She asked.
“Books mostly, along with mareuscripts and other documents. You’d be surprised how much has actually survived, and even more with the methods of how I got it” I gloated. Hoping to seem confident and make her think twice about attacking Ashen.
“Hmph, we would call your bluff on that but we grow tired of this and have more important matters to attend to tonight. So we shall just lay out Our foal-proof plan and show thou how unmatched thy truly are” she replied.
And so she explained how she was going to defeat Celestia the moment she returned, locate and secure the elements, and then conquer Equestria.
Suffice to say she had a well thought out plan, with plenty of magic to back it up. It seemed that Equestria would fall, the only question would be when.
“Now that thou sees the futility and overwhelming odds stacked against them. We will make thou a proposition, stay in the Firelands and don’t interfere whatsoever in Equestrian affairs and we will not raise arms against The Kingdom Of Fire”.
“However, if thou does test us we will bring the might of the moon itself unto thou’s doorstep, understand?” she said. Before I could reply however, she spoke up again.
“Though, given thou’s… uniqueness. We almost wish for you to go ahead and call Our bluff” she added.
“Wha-what?” I asked. But Nightmare had already begun to disappear. Shortly after the dreamscape? Buck it, the dreamscape began to collapse, and I woke up with a splitting headache.
Suffice to say I did not get much sleep for the rest of that night.
I jumped just in time to avoid a shock wave of magic. Then, with a flap from my wings I did a twist mid-air and three throwing stars were on the way to their target, a unicorn.
Her name was Star Fire, and somewhat of a rising star in our ranks. As well as a soldier in the mage company ”Aeternum Unicornium”. Or simply just known as the unicorn legion.
We were currently running through many different types of spells and to an extent magic in general, as to help better prepare me for my mission to Equestria.
It had been five days since I had returned from defeating the deathworm. Of which the last three I had spent training myself in combat after catching up on my political duties. Though mother would take over those for the extent of my absence.
Star Fire once more demonstrated her effectiveness in combat as she grabbed two of my throwing stars through telekinesis and sent them hurtling back towards me.
They connected… but not with any important parts. Instead I had expertly blocked them both with my hoof-guards. Which were made of an anti-magical material known as adamantium. Which absorbed magic and by extension cut off Star’s magical connection with them.
Adamantium was rare. Found only in some of the deepest parts of the earth it was next to impossible to find enough to make a chest piece with, let alone an entire armor set like I was currently wearing. Though with time several of our mining colonies solved that issue.
It was also quite hard, as in near diamond level durability. Which meant that even if you could find some it was a pain in the flank to get it out of the ground. Though there were ways.
Star suddenly teleported and reappeared right behind me, managing to swing one of her hooves under my own and almost trip me. However I recovered and managed to block two blasts of life-ending magic with my hoofguards.
Then I decided that it was time to go on the offensive. Star managed to get one more blocked strike off with her sword before I conjured a fireball from the bowels of my stomach, which forced her to back off or be incinerated.
Using this bought momentum I leapt over her, with two throwing stars to keep her down and distracted, before landing behind her, grabbing her tail with my teeth, and sending her flying into a stone wall.
She managed to teleport just in time before coming into contact with said wall, before reappearing right above me. Effectively tackling me to the ground. We began wrestling with each other, each trying to overpower the other. Until I once again bore fire from my throat, which managed to set her fur alight before she teleported again.
She reappeared about 15 hooves away. The teleport spell having put the fire out for her, since when she teleported they’re was no matter left for the fire to burn. I assumed she was ready to call it before her horn lit once more and ethereal tridents began bearing down on me.
I either dodged or let the spears collide with my armor, the adamantium working overtime to dispel the magic. At the same time I dispersed fire and smoke throughout the room, in order to blind the unicorn and throw off her aim.
The effect was immediate. The spears became erratic and soon stopped coming. But by that point I had already flanked Star and was charging her.
I barreled into her at full speed and knocked her to the ground, finally managing to pin her down before disarming and getting a magic inhibitor ring around her horn. Cutting off her ability to cast magic and signifying my victory.
“Hmph, well played Flameheart, well played” Star conceded. The spectators around us either began cheering or were disappointed and conceded their money to other ponies in bets they had made.
After taking a second to calm down I helped Star to her hooves and took the inhibitor ring off her horn.
“You’re not a bad fighter yourself Star, keep fighting like that and you’ll be an absolute juggernaut on any battlefield” I replied.
We continued talking for a few minutes, going over battle strategies and tactics. As well as potential upgrades for our gear when Captain Plasma arrived. She went on to explain that she was sent by my mother and that I was to report to the throne room immediately.
“Very well then” I replied. I said my goodbye to Star and left for the palace. We decided to go through the citadel since we didn’t want to have to deal with the end of Public Court. Where petitioners would come and make requests to my mother. This however made it a bit of a trek, a long and boring trek.
“Private Star Fire seems like she’s turning out to be quite a good fighter” Plamsa pointed out. “Indeed, I wouldn’t put it past myself to say that given a few years she could become a good captain” I teased.
“Oh ha ha, fat chance of that Flameheart. She may have skill, but it takes years of experience and leadership to command a legion of soldiers. Something that you yourself are still learning” she shot back.
“Well, when I return I might allow you to educate me on such matters. Besides did I not lead a legion just last week against a Death-…” I trailed off as Plasma looked away, towards the ground.
“Um, Plasma, are you all right?” I asked.
“Flameheart, I know that it’s not my place. But… what is your mission?” she asked. I debated telling her, one on hoof you did not share information like this. Even to fellow comrades-in-arms who weren’t part of said mission.
But Plasma, she was a friend. Like Ruby and Firestorm we went back many years. When in politics you could not trust many individuals… but Plasma, she was different.
She was not a politician, noble, or even involved at all in court life. Ever since I was old enough to wield a sword, be it with my mouth, hooves, or wings she had been there to instruct me. Whereas my mother had focused more on the political side of things.
They’re weren’t many ponies who I could trust with this information. But Plasma was one of the few ponies I could, and so I made my decision.
After checking for any eavesdroppers and finding none I turned back to her. “Plasma, I’m going to Equestria to steal the Elements Of Harmony” I told her.
“Wha-what! That’s what you’re mission is!” she hissed. “Why the buck would your own mother make you, her only heir do this” she added.
“I don’t know, most likely because I am the most capable and in the best position to do so, if you want to know so badly then just ask her yourself” I replied.
“Plus… things are moving forward and if we wish to survive then we need to be prepared for them” I added.
“What do you mean, prepared for what?” Plasma was now more confused than ever. I needed to be blunt if we weren’t going to be late.
“Plasma…” I did a quick check again for any passerby's again before I spilled it. “Nightmare Moon spoke to me last night”.
At the mention of that name Plasma was understandably shocked and horrified, and after five minutes were spent calming her down I finally told her of the situation we were in.
“So, let me see if I’ve got this right. Nightmare Moon is apparently returning, knows who you are, knows that we want the elements, is bringing an army of thestrals with her, is probably going to immobilize and defeat Celestia within seconds of her return, and is going to seize power as well” she said.
“Pretty much” I replied. Plasma looked at the floor in deep thought. “Buck me”.
“Buck all of us Plasma. But the fact of the matter is that we are not going to solve this sitting on our flanks, we need to be proactive” I replied.
“Have you even informed your mother yet?” she asked. “No, I didn’t get a chance too this morning so I plan on doing it as soon as I can tonight”.
Plasma let out a long sigh. “Well we’ve wasted enough time as it is, let’s get to it”.
Upon arriving at the throne room we caught the last few stragglers leaving. A small band of unicorn nobles. They bowed and I gave my signature nod before we passed them and entered.
My mother was seated on her throne as usual. Her regal appearance not quite hiding the exhaustion plastered on her face, however once she saw me it seemed to melt away.
“Ah Flameheart, how did your training go?” she asked. “Very well mother. Captain Plasma here always seems to produce good soldiers, private Star Fire is an excellent addition to the guard” I replied.
Plasma, ever the gentlemare that she was, gave a me a small nudge with her hoof and motioned for me to get to the point. Upon seeing this my mother spoke up as well.
“Flameheart… is there something that needs to be brought to my attention?” she asked.
“… Guards, leave us” I responded. Everypony in the room seemed surprised at what I said but complied regardless.
“Flameheart, what is going on?” my mother was serious now. I waited for the guards to file out before I answered her.
“Mother, Nightmare Moon visited me last night in the dream realm”.
Instantly her eyes shrank to the size of pinpricks, and she began slightly hyperventilating as well.
“What, bu-but why, why you specifically?” she asked.
“I don’t know, and I don’t know why. But she could be returning in the next few days. Probably with an army to conquer Equestria, and I’m afraid that we could be next on her list” I replied.
“…You’re absolutely certain that it was her?”
“I don’t know about any other Alicorns besides Celestia and that upstart Mi Amore Cadenza, but who knows. Though the cutie mark was definitely correct” I answered.
My mother took a long, slow deep breath before slowly exhaling. “Okay, this changes nothing. If anything your mission is even more important now”.
“Tomorrow morning we, the military, and the court will meet to discuss this” she added.
“Very well mother, am I to receive a legion of guards for my mission now?” I asked.
“More like a legion of knights, though stealth and surprise is still to be valued over strength. At least until the Elements are located”.
“Very well then, now if that’s all settled I would like to know why you summoned me in the first place?” I asked.
“Ah… right, I almost forgot. The reason I called you here was to see how well you have performed in the past few days, and see if you’re truly ready for this mission” she answered.
“Of that I can say with certainty that he is, nothing short of an entire legion of the finest guardsmares or the princesses themselves could defeat his highness” Plasma spoke up. Mother seemed pleased with her answer.
“Very well, while I did want to have a small tournament before this. To gauge your readiness. I see now that we don’t have much of a choice, we either succeed or fail” she said.
“Do not worry mother, I will not fail” I replied. Though in truth I said that more to try and calm her nerves rather than my own. I was honestly terrified of the prospect of fighting Nightmare Moon. Especially if I couldn’t locate the Elements.
“All right then, let us retire for the night. It has been a long day” mother stated. Plasma escorted us to the dining hall before dismissing herself for the night.
We ate in practical silence, only engaging in the barest of conversation required to get through dinner.
After that I retired to bed to get some shuteye, and tried not to lie awake all night. Since I was still terrified of meeting Nightmare again if I entered the state of sleep.
Suffice to say I did not get much sleep that night.
My hoof tapped quietly against the stone floor. Myself, along with several important political figures, nobles, and high ranking members of the military were all sitting around a circular table.
Upon said table lay several maps, documents, and other assorted items.
Currently we were waiting for my mother to arrive before we would begin this last second emergency meeting. Afterwords I would depart for Equestria.
I decided to kill some time by trying to eavesdrop on several conversations around the room. I didn’t exactly enjoy this but it is an essential skill to have in politics. However, before I could become too engrossed a voice to my right spoke.
“Well now it’s not like your mother to be late to her own meeting your majesty. Any idea on what might be keeping her?”.
“No idea Cyrus, though I suspect that if it’s keeping her occupied. Then it must be important”. I replied to the old, dark purple stallion seated next to me.
Cyrus was in his late 70’s, and was the oldest living member of the triumvirate. The title for the council of my mother’s three advisors.
He had been in politics for the better part of fifty-five years, and had acted as a substitute for when my mother had been too busy to personally instruct me in the art of said subject. Which had unfortunately been quite often.
Still though, it didn’t make him any less of a friend. Plus we had grown quite close over the years.
“Well when she does get here I expect there to be quite a tiffy” he joked. “Ha, of that I have no doubt” I whispered back.
But before he could reply the doors finally slammed open to reveal the mare of the hour and her entourage. They quickly filed in before we could salute her and took their respective seats.
“I apologize for taking so long everypony, there was an unexpected issue involving the stability of Mount Vulcan” my mother announced. At this several concerned glances were thrown in her direction.
“Please, rest assured that the volcano is not going to erupt, nor collapse. Rather we believe it was just erosion taking its toll on the old boy” she added.
While initially concerned I chose not to comment on it, I had read several reports on the mountains condition before and aside from the event of a powerful earthquake or eruption. Vulcan would probably stand without pony intervention for at least another five hundred years.
“Now then let us get this meeting underway. I also apologize for it being quite so last minute”.
“I believe I speak for everypony here when I say it is not a problem your highness” Cyrus replied.
“Thank you Lord Cyrus” she smiled. “Now then, this meeting isn’t actually about me, nor is it about Consilium Vindictae, it is about my son. Or The Flame Prince is what I believe he likes to call himself” she joked.
Ignoring the fact that it was more of a nickname given to me by Changelings I smiled and spoke up.
“Indeed mother, this sudden meeting is because of a dream I had last night. Where I believe… where I met Nightmare Moon”. At that several eyes shot up and a few gasps were heard.
“Nightmare Moon!”
“What, how is that even possible!”
“Is she coming for us, we need those elements more than ever now!”
“Your majesties, with all due respect I-“
I raised to a hoof and immediately all conversations ceased. I could have chastised them for these outbursts, and I probably should’ve. However I didn’t have the time nor the energy to do so.
“Listen, all of you. I’m not going to… repeat what she told me. But this changes nothing, if anything we need the elements more than ever now” I stated.
With that the chaotic shouting stopped, and quiet returned to the room as everypony took it all in. The gravity of the situation.
“Do you think that if Nightmare Moon is successful in regaining power she’ll come for us?” A dark orange mare named Carmen asked? Like Cyrus she was also apart of the triumvirate.
“I believe so Lady Carmen. From what I gathered a mare like her would sooner or later come for us, and we do not need another Alicorn complicating things. Especially on the eve of our return” I replied.
“Right”.
After a few more questions silence reigned once more throughout the room as everypony silently dwelled on what they had been told.
“My prince, what did she tell you?” Spymaster Crimson Blade asked.
“I… she more or less threatened me, and promised that if we continued with Consilium Vindictae then there would be consequences” I replied.
At that several mares around the room scrunched their faces, but my mother actually looked furious.
I thought I’d heard her mutter “Hmph, the cheek of that demon to threaten you” but it was so quiet that I just dropped it.
Cyrus meanwhile looked like he wanted to say something. But chose to stare at the table instead, and the conversation soon moved to other subjects.
We continued for another two hours, after moving on from Nightmare Moon and how this forced us to change our strategies we went over subjects from how we were going to supply our invasion force to what if the assault on Canterlot failed.
However once the clock hit one in the afternoon I prepared to excuse myself since I would depart for Equestria in two hours and would need to prepare.
“And so that is how we will defeat any Equestrian counter-incursion into the Firelands. The same way we have defeated all of our foes in the last thousand years, and should they be able to actually reach Ashen… well. Let them charge into our walls… towards their own deaths” I proclaimed. Several chuckles followed.
“Well then, I believe this is all we have time for. You all have your assigned duties for the next few weeks so see to it that they are properly fulfilled” my mother announced.
Slowly everypony stood up and filed out, save for myself, my mother, her guards and advisors.
“Flameheart” she called me over. “I cannot stress how important this is now. Overnight this has gone from our first actual shot at vengeance in over a millennium to our outright survival as a species”. I’m not going to sugarcoat it, if we fail, if you fail…”
“I understand mother, and I will not fail”. She smiled and I felt that familiar warmth flow throughout my body.
“Hehe, in that I have no doubt my son. Now, take these last few hours to do your final preparations, as I believe you leave at… three?”. At my nod she continued.
“Right, also take these. First this necklace, we swiped it from a Changeling hive a few centuries ago. It will let you change into a normal pony. As for the legion the unicorns they will simply cast an illusion spell on their non-magical members”.
“The second item is a crystal that will allow you to communicate with us from anywhere in the world” she explained and I nodded.
“Lastly… I… I just want to tell you how proud I am of you Flameheart. You’ve really stepped up these last few years, nay, you’ve gone above and beyond. Words cannot express how proud I am of you, and I know that you will not fail” she added.
“Thank you mother, I love you” I replied. She smiled and we embraced each other.
“Likewise my son, and I know you will not fail me nor our subjects” she replied.
Soon after we separated and I looked at the clock, I needed to get a move on.
“Thank you mother, but I must beg my leave if I am to be on time”.
“Of course, I shall see you in a few hours Flameheart” she smiled.
“Let’s see, saber check, Changeling necklace check, bag of holding with my other weapons, armor, crystal communicator and other supplies… check”.
With that I looked myself over one final time in the mirror before I would present myself to my mother and the soldiers.
I was wearing my polished steel grey adamantium armor set. My usual clothes packed right into my bag of holding.
Once I was certain I was ready I grabbed everything I needed and headed down the staircase to meet my mother in the main hall. My saber at my side and my bag of holding hidden in a cavity in my helmet.
Like I had presumed my mother was waiting for me in the main hall. Conversing with her advisors, guards, and a few other important individuals that I had seen in the meeting a few hours ago.
“Are you ready Flameheart?” she asked.
“Of course mother, always”.
“Heh, just be sure to be careful when in Equestria… okay” she added.
“Yes mother I understand” I replied.
“Good, now then let us proceed”. We proceeded through the palace and down to the citadel, where the legion ‘Aeternum Unicornium’ was waiting.
They were the best and most capable we had to offer. The legion was obviously made up of unicorns, though that was only 3/4 of the way.
The other quarter was taken up by Flame Ponies. This was mainly due to them being able to fly and breathe fire, two abilities that we're nothing but foolhardy to give up in combat.
We made good time and soon reached the main parade grounds, were the legion was waiting. Along with their commareder, a purple unicorn with a light grey mane coupled with purple eyes to match her coat.
Upon seeing our little entourage she ordered them into parade formation before walking up to address us.
“Commareder Calla Asteria at your service, my liege” she bowed.
Due to being a unicorn Asteria was a little smaller than the average Flame Pony. Still she possessed a good frame with quite a bit of muscle, and could definitely hold her own against a pegasus or earth pony.
“Rise commareder” my mother replied. She did so.
“I’m certain that you have all been briefed on this already but I feel that I should remind you of just how important this mission is. Our entire existence could be waning on your success” she added.
“I understand your majesty”.
“Excellent, Flameheart, do you require anything before you two set off?” Radiance asked.
“No mother, I am ready if she is” I replied.
“Very well then, I shall let you two become acquainted” she said but whispered into my ear. “Be careful please, I love you” before she walked away. I watched her go for a few seconds before turning back to Asteria.
“Sigh well commareder, are you ready?” I asked.
“Yes your majesty”.
“Very well, let’s not keep the soldiers waiting then” I added.
She nodded and I proceeded onto a small stage overlooking the parade grounds. It was usually for overseeing training exercises or for small events like the graduation of a class or award ceremonies.
This was however the biggest event it had likely seen in quite a while. 39 unicorn mares wearing grey steel armor stood infront of me, while Asteria stood to my right.
“Guardsmares of the fourth legion of the Kingdom Of Fire. Today we begin one of the greatest adventures in our history to date. Today, after twelve hundred years we are leaving the embrace of the Firelands and returning to Equestria”. Several eyes shot up at this but I continued on as if they hadn’t.
“With the late Queen Vesta Blaze’s prowess and courage we will march straight into the heart of Equestria and retrieve five artifacts considered so powerful that they have stopped Discord himself, and we will do it regardless of strength, regardless of fear, and regardless of death”.
“For duty, for honor, and for the holy flame itself!” I shouted. “For duty, for honor, and for the holy flame itself!” thirty-nine voices shouted back at me. Satisfied I gave a nod to Asteria.
“Right… Face!” she shouted. It only took one second for the legion to complete that order.
“Forward… March!” The first set of flaming armored hooves slammed down upon the stone they stood upon. Then the next came a second later and the process repeated.
Other ponies around the room stopped what they were doing and saluted the column that was marching past them.
Me and Asteria trotted alongside and slowly overtook them and assumed our place at the front of the two row column. With me infront and Asteria to my back right, four hooves behind me. With four sets of soldiers following us.
We exited Mount Vulcan through a secret emergency tunnel and set off for Equestria.
We circled around the city and began to head east. But in order to reach Equestria we would first have to march through the Firelands, which wasn’t going to be a walk in the park.
Once we finally crested a hilltop named ’Discovey Ridge’ I looked back, the city of Ashen was directly behind me as the legion marched past.
I thought of everpony behind and on those walls, every Flamepony who’d died defending them, and every single injustice they’d had to suffer because of another’s action. But mostly I thought of my mother and late father, and what she had told me.
The ash piled around our hooves every time we took a step. Annoyingly it also managed to get in between every single nook and cranny of our armor pieces as we marched, making us itch all over.
We couldn’t focus on this at all however, as we had to remain hyper-focused for any movement in the ground, as well as the surrounding area. Deathworms weren’t the only threat out here after all.
I however alternated to looking from my compass and map to the horizon. The legion remaining on guard 24/7.
We were about two days into our journey and I wasn’t sure how long it would be until we reached the border with Equestria. Only that it would likely be tonight and I wanted to get this first part of our journey over with as soon as possible. Mainly because I didn’t like being out here, where we were exposed to threats constantly. That and I was excited at the prospect of seeing something new, something I had never seen before.
Apart from a few excursions to the Badlands I had never left the Firelands before, and had thus never actually seen an environment with grass, flowers, and trees.
Sure I had read about them in books and looked at pictures, but it was a whole different experience to see it in pony.
But for now I could only watch the ash fall around us and wonder.
“My prince”
“…Yes commareder”. Brought out of my daydream I looked up from the tools in my wings to Calla smiling and pointing her hoof infront of me. Intrigued I followed her gaze and my eyes widened.
Right infront of us were mountains, but the difference to the ones behind us were that these didn’t have fire and rock spewing out of them twenty four hours a day. No, these were actual mountains.
They were also devoid of any vegetation all the same but they were actual, regular mountains. I looked back to Asteria with a smile of my own.
“Well commareder, it seems we’ve had our first sign telling us that we are actually exiting the Firelands” I said.
“Indeed my prince, indeed”. After marching for about ten more minutes we paused on a small hill overlooking the giant mounds of earth. Mainly so the legion could have a moments rest. We had been marching all day after all.
Meanwhile I sat down against a rock and took a small notebook and pencil out from my bag, I had decided to draw the mountain range infront of me.
I had always liked drawing ever since I was a colt, as it was a calming feeling. One which I enjoyed on the days when I was alone in my tower and wanted something fun to do.
This was also probably the reason why I liked to draw pictures of things I liked or the moments of my accomplishments or adventures. Like winning my first ever duel or my first act as a prince.
After about fifteen minutes or so I had a pretty accurate representation of the mountains drawn in my book. Which also seemed to coincide with the rest of the legion being ready to move out.
The pure black alicorn watched with an annoyed expression.
”That damnable prince is actually going for it” she thought.
Through the massive magical telescope in her chambers she could see him and his ”legion” of mares marching ever closer towards Equestria. Marching closer towards the false princess, towards the elements!
It mattered not though, she knew his intentions were not to seek an alliance with her. If they had been she would have just killed him within his own dream a few days ago.
"To think that he thought that he was truly safe from Us, in Our own realm, ha".
While within his mind she had also looked into his memories. While he was a capable warrior he was no match for an alicorn, never mind one as old and experienced as she was. After all, she had been blasted by the elements and lived to tell the tale! Not to mention her foal proof plan for revenge.
The only question remaining was what to do with him. He’d already defied her warning and was now actively working against her. She could just kill him, and she probably should, and yet…
No… once she had Celestia out of the way and him begging for mercy she would kill every single one of his subjects and… conquer his entire kingdom and…
”Hmph, ‘Queendom’ wouldn’t that be the correct term”, she would never understand why they chose the term ‘kingdom’ when they had never had a stallion ruler, and since their nation wasn’t founded by one.
Oh well, she supposed she could just ask him when she confronted him. She didn’t feel like spending the better part of her evening looking for that little tidbit of information.
However, something continued to not sit right in the mare’s gut. Like she’d forgotten something, but what!?
She was on the eve of her return, just a few days away, and yet after a thousand years of planning she still felt like she was forgetting something. With it somehow involving this little Flame Pony prince as well.
With a quick light of her horn the image of the group appeared in a small crystal ball on a pedestal in the center of her room.
“But what am I forgetting, what am I missing?” she muttered.
Disgruntled she looked back at the stallion once more. He was confidently leading his troops through what looked to be a mountain pass.
She’d never seen such bravery from a colt before. They were usually terrified of violence, and yet this one had never shy’d away from a fight. Whether it was Changelings, Dragons, Diamond Dogs, or even those massive Spiders and Snakes of the western mountains and the Badlands region respectively.
She certainly admired that about him, if anything. That and for a hedonist light lover he certainly didn’t look all that bad, and just like a few nights ago she began to scrutinize him once more.
His grey fur was a bit of a turn off, she preferred black honestly. Though the red eyes and blackish mane helped ease that off, and although it was hidden by his armor and partially obscured by the accursed flame which surrounded him she could still see a decent bit of his flank, and she liked what she saw there.
A nice and well toned but not overtly in your face plot, coupled with four nicely muscled but still quite coltish looking legs. Nice and lean but with a bit of girth to them, just how any mare would want them.
She couldn’t see his ”undercarriage” with that undergarment of his, and while a simple memory spell could take her to a moment where that piece of clothing was removed she felt apprehensive. Like it would be all too easy for her to do that.
Then it all came to her, so quickly she felt retarded for not thinking of it sooner. She finally realized what she had been missing, companionship!
While her Thestrals were loyal they had been trained to practically kiss her plot since birth, and while that did make them excellent subjects it didn’t exactly make them the most conversible.
It also didn’t help that they were either in complete awe or fear whenever she was within a hundred hooves of them, and so a different solution to her dilemma would have to be found, and this colt may be the best opportunity she was going to get.
”Yes, he’s brave enough to not drop to the floor in fear and yet… Hmm, We suppose we would enjoy in breaking him to our will. Not to mention that he’s… decent, but We suppose a beggar cannot be a choser now can they”.
It certainly would be nice having a stallion to come back too after a long night of dealing with moronic nobles in court, hmm…
She certainly wasn’t falling in love, that much was certain. But she definitely began to feel something for this colt.
He was small (to her at least), brave, and while not overtly attractive in her opinion he would make a good housecolt.
One for her, her little housecolt.
“Yes” she said to nopony in particular. “He will be ours, and only ours! Hahahahaha!”
The perfect ending to a perfect plan. Yes, she would have her revenge. Equestria would be hers, her subjects. Both Thestral and Pony, would bask in her glorious eternal night! Along with a cute little trophy of a colt just for her, the perfect metaphorical cherry on top.
To rub in Celestia’s face the moment before she banished her, like salt to a wound.
She looked back to the stallion once more. He would be hers!
We began to slowly descend into what looked to be a small pass between two of the mountains.
A quick glance at my map showed that it was the quickest way through the mountain range and into the Whitetail woods. After which it would be a small trek southeast towards the Everfree Forest.
The only trick would be staying undetected by the Equestrians. We could probably fight them off if needed, but I wanted to keep quiet until we secured the Elements at least. Only then would I even consider dropping our disguises and going loud.
In the meantime however I needed to locate a good location to make camp for the night. As glancing at a small watch I had brought with me revealed that it was already three in the afternoon.
After a quick study of my map I believed I had a good location in mind. Now I just had to inform Calla.
“Commareder Asteria”. Almost immediately she was at my side.
“Yes, my prince?” I pointed to the small picture representing the Whitetail Woods on my map.
“We will camp at this location tonight once we reach it” I explained.
“Understood my prince” she replied.
“Very good”.
“…My prince?”
“Yes commareder?”
“I understand that Queen Radiance let you plan most of our expedition correct?” she asked.
“You are correct commareder, do you have any questions about it” I replied.
Calla seemed to hesitate for a moment before speaking up.
“Not so much about it your highness, but if you are going to inform us about it?” she said.
…Huh, she’s got me there. I guess I never did share any parts of my plan with them. I just gave a little speech and led them out here. Good job Flameheart, great even. Optimal performance as always”.
Only realizing that Calla was still awkwardly awaiting an answer and likely contemplating if she’d just misstepped a boundary was what brought me back from my thoughts.
“Hmm… I believe that I haven’t given you mares an explanation of what I have planned, and that will be something I will amend tonight” I replied.
Seeming pleased with my answer Calla smiled.
“Thank you my prince, I’m sure the legion will appreciate this”.
“But of course Calla” I looked away, still chastising myself for making such a simple mistake.
Fires crackled and wood popped about the small camp we had constructed. Most of the legion were either resting, making small talk, or cooking small animals we had caught earlier in the day. Along with a group of crossbowmares practicing shooting in a makeshift range.
Meanwhile along the outskirts a few soldiers were finishing putting up spike posts around the camp’s perimeter.
I was sat alone upon a small rock looking over what I had cobbled together throughout the day for my speech I had promised to give.
Suffice to say I liked what I had, even though I knew it wasn’t perfected yet. But if I were to just use it just as a basis point to go off of I would probably do okay… hopefully.
“Prince Flameheart”.
“Gah!” Whipping around I found myself nearly pressing my saber against private Star Fire’s throat.
“Oh, uh sorry… sorry Star Fire, what is it?” I asked, wanting to change the subject as fast as possible.
“Heh, I am just here to inform you that the outer fortifications have been completed your highness” she answered.
“That and to tell you that if you want to give that speech you promised us then now is your best opportunity before the first night patrols are sent out” she added.
“Right, thank you. Tell your superior I’ll be over momentarily” I replied.
“Understood my prince” she replied, saluted, and trotted off.
”Well then, looks like what I have is going to have to do” I thought.
Skimming over my rough draft I slowly walked over to my chosen spot. It had me standing on a small rock overlooking a small clearing between the tents, fire pits, and other pieces of equipment we had brought with us.
Ponies stood all around me, patiently waiting for me to start speaking.
“Guardsmares of the fourth legion, what I am about to say is long overdue. However it is necessary nonetheless”.
“Over the past few days and nights we have been marching together towards the Equestrian Hinterland in order to retrieve five objects. That much you all have been made aware of”.
“However I have foundered in my duty as a Royal and as a commander by not fully informing you about the danger this mission poses, and I hope to rectify that now”.
“The artifacts that I have alluded to are called the Elements Of Harmony, and they are widely considered by historians to be some of if not the most powerful objects in history.
“Nopony knows where or why they were made but I have a suspicion that it was either commissioned or constructed by Celestia to combat the ”Lord Of Chaos himself, Discord. Seeing as he was defeated by them”.
“Regardless we are going to retrieve them in my mother’s name. The reason being is that after more than an entire millennium we are preparing to take our revenge upon Equestria”.
At that several brows raised and eyes widened.
“That and… we believe that there is another threat out there. That plans are in the works against our nation. Plans that could set off a war the likes of which haven’t been seen on such a scale since the Great Fire Wars themselves, and so we need to be prepared for that”.
“So when we set out tomorrow remember who you’re fighting for. For you’re friends and families, and for all those that sacrificed themselves to protect you when you were but foals. Remember that tomorrow” I finished.
The guards looked speechless. One even had her mouth slightly open. All was silent until one raised her hoof and at my nod spoke.
“Prince Flameheart, what is this second threat you spoke of?” she asked. ”Great, how much of this do I tell them”.
“Th-there is a third alicorn. She is pure black save her turquoise slitted eyes, and she is known as Nightmare Moon. Otherwise known as the corrupted Princess Luna” I replied.
Now several terrified eyes stared back at me. We had all heard the stories of Princess (more like ‘butcher’) Luna when she fought against us so long ago.
Most of them were about how masterful of a warrior she was, even when compared to her sister. With words like, slaughter, demon, and bitch being quite commonplace.
“However, we have time” I conciliated. “We do not know when but we should at least have at minimum two weeks before she arrives” I added. Though it did practically nothing to alleviate the tension in the air, and the silence was only broken when a guard raised her hoof.
At my nod she spoke. “Prince Flameheart, with all due respect how do you know this?” she asked.
“She contacted me, I suppose a few nights ago in my dream. She said a few weird things but more or less threatened me and said what I told you just now” I replied. A few eyebrows raised at that.
“Regardless I and the rest of the monarchy along with the triumvirate believe that she will come for us eventually, and that the elements are key to stopping her” I added.
A few more questions were exchanged but one by one the guards began to disperse. Though I remained until every guard’s question was answered.
“Do you think we’re honestly ready for a war with Equestria my prince?”.
“…Yes, I believe we are. We may not have as many soldiers but that hasn’t stopped us from winning battles before. We probably have the most elite soldiers in the world, while Equestria only has a volunteer guard force, and therefore as long as we play our cards right we should be able to defeat them” I replied.
The guard, satisfied with my explanation thanked me and we both retired for the night.
The walk back to my tent thankfully went uninterrupted and as always I nodded to the guard outside my tent before I slipped inside.
What greeted me was a messy collapsible table strewn about with parchment, paper, and a few other assorted items. Completed by a small fold up chair pushed in beneath it. A small bed had been set up against the back left corner where my bag lay against it.
As much as I wanted to just dive into that bed and fall asleep for the night there was still work to be done. As such I grabbed the communication crystal from my bag and sat down at the table.
I tapped it and a swirling image began to be displayed upon its surface. This continued for about two minutes before it changed to reveal my mother’s chambers, along with the mare herself.
“Good evening Flameheart” she said.
“You as well mother. How was your day?” I asked.
“Dull… yours?”.
“Informative” I replied. “Also we should arrive in Equestria proper tomorrow morning” I said as I switched topics. Not wanting to mentally linger on my most recent failure.
“Good”.
“How are things in Ashen?” I asked.
“The same as usual. Though you’re absence here has surprised many a pony”.
“Not surprising given how active I was in just about everything”.
“Indeed”.
We continued talking for about half an hour before we decided to call it quits for the night and shut off our respective crystals.
I then attempted to get some sleep without any more Nightmare Moon sponsored dreams plaguing my subconscious.
My efforts were in vain.
“So that’s it then?” Asteria asked.
“Indeed” I replied.
“The Everfree Forest. I never thought I would ever see this place” she said.
We were overlooking a small cliff at the infamous magical forest residing about two kilometers east from us, along with a small town to our northeast.
“You’ve heard of this place before?” I asked.
The Everfree Forest was a place as magical as it was dangerous. Ranging from dangerous fauna to creatures that could outright take on a Deathworm, probably.
“I come from a long line of noblemares that go back centuries, before Nightmare Moon herself. My ancestors once served as guards at ”The Castle Of The Two Sisters”, and we’re there at the beginning of the Equestrian Civil War” she replied.
“I see… but I thought that - That it was once called the Everfree Plains” she cut me off.
“Yes, it once was called that. But once Celestia banished her sister and ended the civil war… something went wrong. Either they casted some weird spells during their fight or the Nightmare attempted one last desperate attack against the Solar Tyrant and attempted to modify her spell” she added.
“Wouldn’t that be at a great risk to both ponies?” I asked. Asteria shuddered. “More than you think my prince. Any spell being subjected to foreign interference while being casted can lead to… severe consequences…” she trailed off.
“Let’s just say that if that was the case then Equestria got damn lucky that an uncontrollable magical forest was the worst that came about from that fight” she paused and her expression changed to apologetic.
“My apologies my prince, I didn’t mean to swear” I smiled.
“Ha, no worries commander, I could care less of a few words to be frank” I replied.
“Right, thank you your highness” she replied.
“Of course, now then” I pointed at a small map laid out on a traditional picnic blanket under us. I had also used the Changeling necklace to modify my appearance to a regular pony, a Pegasus.
As while a Flame Pony could control the intensity and to a degree the shape of the flame around them we could not stop it completely.
Thus for secrecy's sake using the Changeling necklace to alter my appearance was a must, and with Calla already being a regular pony we now just looked like a young couple having a picnic to any would be passerby's.
“Assuming this old map is correct the only nearby town is this Ponyville settlement, correct?” I asked.
“Yes sir, all the scouts have reported this to be correct”.
“Good, how far is it from the castle?”.
“A fair distance, a kilometer and a half at minimum, two at most. It would probably take a half hour at least to get to it from Ponyville” Asteria replied.
“Right then- oh shit”.
“Sir... what’s wrong?” Calla asked.
“Calla… do you think that the average Equestrian citizen has a gilded carriage?” I asked.
“No… why do you, oh buck” she realized.
Sure enough flying just above us a golden chariot pulled by two golden armored guardsponies flew overhead, heading for the small town. They had definitely seen us. The only thing in question was if they cared enough to ask why two ponies would be having a picnic this far away from civilization.
“Should we be worried about that?” I asked.
“I don’t think so, but I’ll assign two scouts to make certain of it. But I don’t see why they would think anything abnormal, seeing as they don’t really have a reason too” Calla replied.
“Very well, but I want to be apart of that little excursion” I replied.
“Very well your highness. Just be careful please” she asked.
“Of course commander, when am I not careful” I grinned.
Calla met my grin with a blank stare, then shook her head.
“One, I can name three separate occasions of the top of my head. Two, those are just the little stunts I have witnessed, and three, I can name a fourth stunt that happened this month” she replied.
Me and two guards walked along the small dirt road. The afternoon sun beat down on my disguised light grey coat and black, brown mane. With the village of Ponyville growing closer every step.
After the chariot had flown over us me and Calla immediately packed up and raced back to where the legion was stationed in a small forest grove. Where we explained the situation to the rest of them. The plan was for Calla and the rest of the legion to secure the castle the elements we're supposedly located in. While we would see if the individual who had arrived on the chariot was a potential threat to us.
We knew it wasn’t the Princess herself. Otherwise there would be a small army at minimum stationed in the town right now. As it stood we had yet to see a single guard, which was weird. Which considering only the Equestrian nobility or high ranking military officials used decorated chariots made this even more peculiar.
Soon we began trotting into the town proper, Ponyville was… quaint I supposed. Cobbled roads, wooden houses with thatch for roofing, and ponies that seemed nice.
Of course it couldn't compare to the camaraderie that you saw in Ashen but I could tell they cared for one another. But I couldn’t dwell on this for long, me and the two disguised guards that were with me had a carriage to find after all.
Giving my head a light shake I refocused on the task at hoof, and we continued on in an arrowpoint formation, with me at the point and the two guards on my flanks.
After trotting about for thirty minutes we still hadn't located our target, though the locals at least turned out to be nice. Letting off a few “good mornings” or waves of greeting. Though something felt off, for whatever reason it felt like some of the ponies were staring at us. Almost like they could see through our disguises.
At first I simply shrugged it off at us being newcomers to the town. But as we went on it only got worse. Especially when we hit the marketplace, which was fit to bursting with ponies. They even seemed to be whispering amongst themselves, though what they were saying was lost to me and by glance my comrades as well.
Eventually we silently agreed to take a break and headed for a nicely decorated tavern appropriately named the "Ponyville Cafe" and sat down at one of the outdoor tables, away from any other ponies.
“Do you think we’ve been made already?” a disguised red Pegasus/Flame Pony knight by the name of Fire Strike asked.
“No way, how could they know. It’s not like my disguise spell failed” the other mare, a violet unicorn by the name of Delilah Evadne. A very experienced and highly decorated mage from the fourth legion.
“Precisely, and it’s not as if our weapons are unsheathed-“ I stopped talking as both ponies made shut it motions with their hoofs and I soon found out why. A green ”earth” pony with a green mane and tail wearing an apron was trotting towards our table.
“Good morning and welcome to the Ponyville Cafe, my name is Green Jewel and I’ll be your waitress today” she said.
For a second none of us moved or spoke, as we didn’t really know what to do. We didn't think anypony would come over to serve us just like that. I don't think that Fire and Delilah even knew what a waitress was. Thankfully however I managed to come out of the shock relatively quickly and speak up.
“Umm, do you have a menu we could browse for a minute or two… please?” I asked. The mare smiled.
“Of course sir, here you are”. She pulled three menus’ from her apron and hoofed them to us.
“Whenever you’re ready to order just wave me down or call me over okay” she added.
“Of course, we’ll be sure to do that, thank you miss Jewel” I smiled.
“Not a problem sir, anytime” she replied and trotted off.
”Green Jewel”, that’s her name” Delilah scoffed once the mare was out of earshot.
“Honestly if that’s a perfectly acceptable name around here then I’m glad that I was born where I was” she added.
“Enough, focus on the task at hoof” I replied.
“Agreed, let’s just get out of this situation as fast as possible and resume looking for that chariot” Fire Strike added.
We then directed most of our attention down at the menus’ before us. It was thanks to Brandy that I actually knew what a ”menu” was and what "waitress" meant and so I could guide the mares through the process of ordering. Meaning that it wasn’t long before we had our meals before us, if they could even be called that.
“Are you sure this is all that you want” Green Jewel asked. Gesturing to the small croissants and three glasses of water before us.
“No offense but this is kinda small for a breakfast, and we’re always happy to wipe ya up anything that we serve” she added.
”Great, now she’s suspicious”.
“Thank you very much Miss Jewel but we’re kind of on a tight schedule and just stopped for a quick break” Delilah replied.
“Well… okay then. If you're sure” and with that said she turned to leave. But not before giving the mares a small but quick glare before giving me what looked to be a look of pity for whatever reason.
Shrugging that bit of weird behavior off we ate relatively quickly and, in our rush to leave probably left far more than required on the table as payment.
Unfortunately, even after another half an hour of searching we still hadn’t managed to find the chariot but, something else. A somewhat chubby but not overtly fat pink Earth Pony was literally bouncing through the streets of Ponyville infront of us, only for her to jump into the air when she noticed us and looked to be about to charge.
My guards immediately moved infront of me and Delilah lit her horn, both ready to die if required.
Only for the damn mare to take off in the complete opposite direction at a speed that I didn’t even think I could match when I was flying. Which left the three of us just standing there. Completely and utterly dumbstruck as to what had just happened.
I think we were honestly so surprised and dumbfounded that we didn’t even move for a good two minutes minimum. Or at least until two beige and green mares walked up to us.
“Hey there, um… sorry about Pinkie. She gets really excited about new ponies in Ponyville. My name is Bon Bon by the way, and this here is Lyra” the beige mare said, and outstretched a forehoof.
“Delilah Evadne, charmed” and tapped the mare’s forehoof with her own.
“Fire Strike” she bowed.
“Night Storm, a pleasure.” I nodded and finished.
“Well it’s good to meet you three, especially new ponies. We don’t really get a lot of new ponies here in Ponyville. Which is kinda surprising considering how close Canterlot is” Lyra spoke up.
“Right… well, um we don’t need to be worried about this Pinkie… right?” Delilah asked. Bon Bon laughed.
“I wouldn’t think so, unless you three are enemy spies or something” she rolled her eyes.
“… uh, right!… ahem, uh, thank you miss but we really need to be on our way" Delilah added.
"Indeed, have a good day you two" I said.
"You guys two!" Lyra called after us as we pressed onwards throughout Ponyville.
For the next five minutes or so all was going well until we stepped out onto "Mane Street" as it was so strangely titled.
"Woah look out!"
"Wha - ouf!", and just like that a cyan blur slammed into me. Taking both of us to the ground. Though apart from a few scraps and scratches I was relatively fine and managed to stand up quickly with the help of Delilah, Fire Strike meanwhile looked to be ready to send the pony that hit me straight to Tartarus.
"What do you think you are doing! Doesn't this town have any rules or regulations on how low or fast a pony can fly!" she yelled. The blue mare, having scrambled to her hooves at Fire's voice, seemed to be dazed and surprised but relatively calm.
"Ah buck, look I'm sorry okay. I was just trying to practice a few new tricks and I lost track of where I was going and how low I was" she replied. Fire Strike only seemed more angry at that.
"Grr... that's no excuse. You could have hurt somepony! You could have hurt my char... my... my-".
"Yeah yeah I could have hurt your coltfriend, and I said I was sorry okay. Jeez, accidents happen mare" she interrupted.
"...I, he, we're n, uh... w-whatever just be more careful in the future, okay" Fire replied. The mare smiled.
"Oh, I see, well don't worry, you're talking to the fastest and best flyer in Equestria, it won't" she said. Then turning her attention to me.
"Are you okay back there hot stuff, I did hit you kinda hard" she grimaced.
"Is, is she actually flirting with me right now. Now!" I thought. A quick glance at my comrades showed they we're just as shocked as I was.
"Okay Flameheart, it's just like fending off those suitors from the court when you we're little. Just tell her to buck off-", "I cannot bucking believe you!". It seemed that Fire Strike wasn't quite done, and Delilah had also positioned herself infront of me as well.
"First you come out of nowhere and barrel into my stallion, and then you have the gall to just play it off like you lightly bumped into him in a marketplace, and then you flirt with him!" At this point it looked like literal steam was coming out of her ears, and the mare who before had been carefree and calm was now scowling herself. If we wanted to avoid a fight then I had to step in now!
"Alright alright, Fire calm down" I said. To her credit she closed her eyes, mumbled something, and then backed off.
"Now as for you" I began. "I am willing to forget what just happened. On account that you leave me and my friends alone, understand" I said.
"Psch fine, whatever colt. Guess you won't get to experience Equestria's best, you're mid anyway. See ya later simps" and with that she took off into the sky. Leaving the three of us standing in the street.
"Come on let's go, we've wasted enough time as it is" I ordered the guards who silently obeyed the order. We got about ten steps before two more mares, a walking marshmallow and the other stereotyping a farmer, trotted up to us.
"Hello there you three" the white one spoke, and both of the guards moved slightly closer to me.
'My name is Rarity and this here is Applejack and we would like to apologize on behalf of Rainbow Dash" she said.
"Indeed, she's a good pony at heart. But she's got this whole macho mare thing going on. I'm sure ya can guess how well that's going for her" Applejack added.
Silently we scrutinized them. Looking for any possible hint of malice, intention, or lies.
"Well... I suppose it wouldn't be right to hold a grudge over an entire town just because of one mare" Delilah said. With me and Fire Strike both giving silent nods.
"Brilliant" Rarity smiled. Applejack seemed just as happy.
"Are ya three stayin in Ponyville long, we could show ya around if ya like?" she asked.
"No we are just passing through, we'll probably be gone by tonight" I replied. The mare's gazes snapped to me, like they almost seemed surprised that I spoke up.
"But ya are here for the Summer Sun Celebration, right?" Applejack asked. Our eyes must have widened to the size of dinner plates upon hearing that.
"Th, the... the what!" Delilah near shouted. The two mares even winced slightly.
"The Summer Sun Celebration" Applejack repeated.
"Darlings, you do know about the-" Rarity began but was cut off.
"Yes I know what The Summer Sun Celebration is!" Delilah replied. "It celebrates the longest day of the year and is the anniversary of Princess Celestia's victory over Nightmare Moon!" she added. Though what Rarity said next only shocked us even more.
"Darling's, who is Nightmare Moon?" she asked. If our eyes had widened to the size of dinner plates before, then they must have been the size of a damn cauldron upon hearing that question. We looked at each other, the message was clear, we had to choose our next words very carefully.
"I... it's an old legend from where we're from" I explained. "It tells of two alicorns who ruled together in "peace" and "harmony". The elder used her sun to warm the earth, to light and guide ponies throughout their days. While the younger used her moon to shine down upon evil and protect ponies. Though in time they grew to view her warlike ways with distrust and hidden malice, while her older sister was loved and revered for her "benevolence'.
"Eventually she couldn't take it anymore, and gave into dark magic in order to get her subjects to pay attention to her. A brutal four-year civil war broke out that claimed the lives of thousands, and in the end the younger was defeated, and the elder victorious" I finished. Of course there was a lot more to that conflict than the brief summary I just gave, but I didn't want to be standing there for six hours.
"Well... ah, I've never heard of that tale ya got there. But I'm not gunna call ya'll liars" Applejack said.
"Indeed, though I must admit that I have never heard of that myself" Rarity added.
"It doesn't matter, or it won't in a couple weeks time. Good day to you both" I replied. Delilah and Fire Strike excused themselves with two small bows and we trotted away quickly. Eager to just get away from those two mares. Eventually we found a small alleyway and ducked down it when nopony was looking.
"Okay what the buck was that!" Fire Strike hissed. "How do they not know about Nightmare Moon! Do they not even know about Luna!" she added.
"I don't know Fire, I don't know... But I do know that we need to find what we're looking for, now! Or get the buck out of this town before Princess Celestia shows up to raise the damn sun!" I replied.
"Alright how about this then, if we don't find the occupant of that chariot by sundown we'll cut our losses and go back, sound good?" Delilah proposed.
"Agreed, Fire?" I added.
"Sounds good" she replied. "Ugh, I just wish we could ask them who was in that damn chariot or where it went" she added.
To say that we we're scared would be a lie, we we're terrified. But of course we didn't say that to each other. Though our faces betrayed us.
What made it worse was that the residents of Ponyville seemed to notice this as well. As we walked about we noticed more and more ponies glanced in our direction. Like before their expressions we're nice enough, but as time went on I couldn't help but grow more and more nervous around them. Especially the mares, as they seemed to stare more intensely at us.
It also didn't help that like this morning they seemed to be once more whispering amongst themselves, and it was made worse since I could, at best, barely hear what they we're saying.
"Hey, are they those new ponies Pinkie was going on about?"
"So that's why me and my herd all got invitations for a party tomorrow night at Sugarcube Corner".
"Two Pinkie parties in one week, along with the Summer Sun Celebration, buck yeah!".
"Oh, I have got just the perfect outfit for it too".
"Is that the new stallion that was accosted by Rainbow Dash earlier".
"I heard that she almost got into a fight with the red pegasus".
"Well yeah, she's Rainbow Dash. Come on Cloud Kicker, you know how that mare operates".
I sighed, this was going nowhere fast, and I could clearly see just by glance that the mares we're uncomfortable as well. So I decided that I needed to do something to fix this. As we trotted along I noticed a shop on our right with a sign of what seemed like a cat and dog playing together.
"Perfect, a more private place to talk without making anypony suspicious of anything" I thought.
"Come" I ordered, and the mares obeyed without question.
As we approached a set of steps leading up to the front door Delilah cantered past me and opened it, I nodded my thanks and walked into what had to have been the loudest room I had ever been in. Literal hordes of animals barked, meowed, screeched, and hissed.
Though they clearly had been domesticated and thus, we're not hostile. I could immediately tell that regular talking was not going to happen here. Especially if the fillies and occasional colt that we're playing with a few of the animals under supervision by presumably the storekeepers and spurring on their excitement weren't checked by their parents. With most seeming to be in their own little group talking to each other, sitting in chairs lining the wall to our right as we walked in. However that changed once they saw us.
The mare's eyes damn near simultaneously snapped to us, then to me. While the few stallions almost seemed to glare at me. Suffice to say, I was quite weirded out.
"Uh, lets just go find somewhere else girls" I said. Delilah nodded and Fire Strike, who had just shut the door, grumbled but agreed. We reassumed formation with Delilah opening the door once more. Again I nodded my thanks, stepped out, collided with something soft, and fell to the ground, again.
"Cough, cough... buck" I choked out, my vision was obstructed by something fluffy and warm. Though before I could lift my head to see what I had run into a ponies telekinesis ripped me from it. As I flew back into Delilah's hooves Fire Strike raced forward. Vaulting over us and putting herself between me and the yellow pegasus whom I had just run into, pushed backwards onto the ground, and then subsequently landed in her chest fluff. At this revelation I felt my cheeks flush slightly as well.
"Oh... oh my sir are you alright?" she barely managed to squeak out, her quiet voice laced with concern. Delilah meanwhile was checking me over to make sure I hadn't broken anything, while Fire looked about ready to slit the mare's throat. The only reason all four of her hooves we're still on the ground was probably because the mare hadn't moved from where I had forced her to said ground. Realizing that the mare had asked a question and was looking at me I spoke up.
"Uh yes... yes I am fine thank you" I coughed. The mare looked relieved upon hearing that but cowed once more when she noticed the death glare Fire Strike was giving her. I glanced about and noticed that quite a few curious ponies we're also throwing looks our way, ranging from anger to pity. Directed at the yellow mare and myself respectively.
"Damn bastards, mind your own business" I thought. I needed to do something.
"Fire please, that is enough, if she wanted to hurt or foalnap me then she would have made her move already or bolted" I said. Fire Strike didn't look pleased that I was politely ordering her to stand down for the second time that day but complied nonetheless. The yellow pony then stood up.
"Again, I'm really sorry about that mister. I, I wasn't watching where I was g, going and- no" I firmly cut her off. Much to her surprise.
"I am sorry about running into you. I wasn't watching where I was going and I hurt you" I added. The mare, much like the mass of spectators, seemed surprised by what I said.
"B, but I was in your way, and I should have c-checked to see if anyp-pony was coming out, and besides I-it's a mare's job to-to-t..." though whatever she was trying to say died off into little indecipherable squeaks. It was actually kind of cute.
"Well don't dwell on it. It was an accident and I'm fine, and I can only hope that you are as well" I replied. The mare seemed too embarrassed to offer a proper response and so just smiled, which I returned.
"What is your name?" I asked. The mare's smile left and she only seemed to clam up more. So I strode forth and put a hoof on her shoulder to try and calm her down, and it seemed to work.
"What is your name?" I asked again, this time softening my voice.
"I, it's Fluttershy" she whispered.
"I'm sorry" I replied.
"Fluttershy" she blushed.
"Didn't quite catch that" I smiled.
"..." her blush only deepened.
"Well um, my name is Night Storm and these two behind me are Delilah Evadne and Fire Strike" I said, the mare nodded, mumbled something again, and seemed to completely shut down. Looking back at my guards revealed that they we're just as lost as me, and nopony from the gathering crowd seemed to be interested in helping. In fact it seemed that we we're going to be stuck at an impasse until an unfortunate familiar voice made itself known.
"Alright what the buck is going on here!" it said. We turned around to see none other than Rainbow 'Crash' as I had now taken to calling her standing behind us. "What are you three doing to poor Fluttershy!" she added.
"Nothing, there was just a small... err, misunderstanding" I offered, wanting to avoid more trouble with her. Unfortunately, as had been proven many times in my life, trouble liked to follow me around.
"Well guess what buster, this mare right here is the absolute sweetest, kindest, and most caring mare you'll ever meet! Any stallion would be incredibly lucky to have her in his herd. So you'd better be treating her right!" By this point the cyan bitch had taken to hovering a few hooves off the ground. It also seemed like both my guards had had enough of her shit as well.
"So you're not just a shameless flirt, but a dyke as well. I've only ever seen a stallion defend a mare's honor like that!" Fire laughed as she positioned herself between me and the rainbow maned mare. Normally I would have told her to calm down, and her direct superior would have probably demoted her. But as it was we we're stressed from the day we'd had and this mare was a big part of the reason why. So as it stood I would tolerate Fire's insults for now, though I was about one more sentence from snapping at either of them. Regardless of who spoke next, and to the bitch's credit, if she was hurt by Fire's words she didn't show it.
"Well at least I'm not some pathetic simp kissing his hooves twenty four seven- enough!" I yelled. Both mares looked at me with wide eyes, though I would come to learn that both had different reasons as to why.
"Miss Rainbow Dash, we have tried to be nice. But quite frankly we have found you to be prudish, rude, and arrogantly prideful" I then turned my attention towards Fluttershy, who had remained on the ground during the whole affair.
"Miss Fluttershy, you do not have to be afraid of me. I was never upset over what happened and I never will be. You seem like a very kind mare and as much as I hate to agree with the walking rainbow here, any stallion would be lucky to have you in his herd. You're pretty, kind, and while I don't know for certain I bet you're absolutely lovely to live with. Don't ask why, I've just always had a knack for assuming things like that" I finished and gave the mare a hug, and she practically melted into my forelegs.
After twenty or so seconds I released her and turned back to the mares behind me. "Delilah, Fire, let's go. As for you Rainbow "Crash"... I paused to let the insult sink in. "I pray that we never meet again, especially where there aren't witnesses" I muttered. With that I turned forward and began to walk in our original direction, with both of my guardsmares following me.
"H-hey, where do you think you're going colt. I'm not done with you" Rainbow called after us. I didn't dignify her with a response as we walked past stunned townsponies.
I felt tired and just wanted this day to be over with. However I still hadn't been able to help my guards, and I owed them that at least. Especially after dragging them through this forsaken village for half the day, and that was when an idea came to me.
"Delilah, Fire" I looked back once we we're out of earshot of anypony. Both mares seemed concerned that they we're about to get a tongue lashing. "Follow me, you've both put up with quite a lot today. Even though we're on campaign I wouldn't feel right if I didn't give you a reward for what you both have put up with today" I said.
"What!" both mares looked incredibly flustered.
"S-sire, p-please we're just s-soldiers. W-we have a duty to you and the kingdom. We certainly don't need a r-reward" Delilah stuttered.
"I... indeed my prince. You don't have to do t-that" Fire Strike added.
"Oh but I want too" I smiled as we neared the Corner Café, and both mare's faces paled and flushed at the same time.
"Sir please I... I must protest" Delilah whispered hoarsely as we trotted past the same table we'd sat at just a couple of hours ago.
"I-I agree, you should save your... ah, oh tartarus, your, y-yourse- you mean my bits" I cut off whatever Fire was trying to say as we walked inside. The stallion at the counter giving us a polite nod as he noticed we we're still in conversation, which I returned.
"Nonsense, I have enough bits at my personal disposal to feed this entire town three times over. Besides, we got a rather poor lunch. Please take your pick of whatever you want and I'll pay for it" I gestured to the menu. The guardsmares looked confused for a moment before they looked at each other, then at me.
"W-wait, y-you're just going to buy us something?" Fire Strike asked.
"Well yes, what did you think I was planning?" I replied. Both mares blushed bright crimson and looked anywhere but at me, which with Fire Strike's fake bright red coat was somewhat of an achievement for her.
"Hehe, I'll give you two a minute to decide what you want to order" I smirked and turned around to admire the menu myself.
"Good ole mares, somethings never change" I thought.
Twilight Sparkle was not having a good day by any stretch of the imagination. She had been force-fed way to much food by Applejack. Then crashed into, dropped in mud, drenched, and had her mane puffed out by Rainbow Dash, had said mane then smoothened out by Rarity before being forced to try on half of her wardrobe, then the whole calamity with Fluttershy's well... shyness, as well obsessing over Spike.
Plus, to top it all off she still hadn't been able to do any research on Nightmare Moon at all. It was ridiculous! Especially how Princess Celestia could just blatantly ignore her warning. Sure it was an old foals tale to scare said foals into obeying their parents and keeping them from eating too much candy on Nightmare Night but come on. Threats like this shouldn't be ignored. Especially as the bucking sun was already beginning to set.
At least they finally arrived at the library she was staying at.
"Oh, do you wanna hear about today?" her number one assistant asked the butter yellow pegasus from his perch atop her barrel.
"No!"
"Oh yes please" the yellow pegasus replied.
"Nope, not gonna happen butterscotch!".
"Woah".
"I am so sorry, how did we get here so fast. This is we're I am staying while in Ponyville and my poor baby dragon needs his sleep" she said.
"No I don't, woah ugh!"
"Aww look at that, he's so schweepy he can't even keep his wittle bawlance" she smiled sheepishly before her eyes caught on to something else. Something so distracting that she didn't even notice Fluttershy dash past her and begin cradling Spike. There, infront of her eyes was probably the hottest bucking pegasus stallion she had ever seen!
"Poor thing, you simply must get him to bed".
To most ponies, darker coats and manes we're a bit of a turn off. But it was still a nice light grey which only accentuated his red eyes and black mane. not to mention his body as well. What she would give to have those wings wrapped around her. If there was one word which could be used to describe this stallion, woah!
It was then she noticed the three mares accompanying him, a red pegasus, a violet unicorn, and a beige earth pony.
"Ugh, of course a stud like him is already taken" she thought. "Here I thought that I might actually get a coltfri... wait where did Spike go!" she added.
Then, remembering that Fluttershy had carried the young drake into the library moments later Twilight all but dashed into the tree. Thankfully she managed to locate the pegasus and dragon quite quickly in what looked to be a darkened room and all but politely shoved the mare back out through the doorway.
"Yes yes, we'll get right on that. Whatever you said, err... good night" she smiled and slammed the door in Fluttershy's face.
"Ugh, sweet Tartarus I thought she'd never leave".
"Huh, rude much" an annoyed Spike declared.
"Sorry Spike" she said and turned to face him. "But I have to convince the Princess that Nightmare Moon is coming and we're running out of time. I just need to be alone so I can study without a bunch of crazy ponies trying to make friends all the time, now where's the light?" she added.
"Surprise!"
"Ough..."
After we had acquired our treats, and Delilah and Fire calmed down, we began to slowly slink our way out of Ponyville. I had chosen to head west, as the setting sun would partially blind anypony attempting to follow us. Making that task more difficult for them.
"Oof".
However... it also meant that we we're partially blinded as well.
"Faust damn it, how many times am I going to run into somepony today" I muttered as I forced myself to my hooves.
"Ow Celestia damn oh Night Storm, nice meeting you again" Bon Bon greeted me.
"Ah, hello Bon Bon" I replied. The mares giving two small smile's and nods in greeting.
"Are you three going to Pinkie's party as well?" she asked. We looked at each other in confusion.
"Um, Pinkie's party...?" Delilah asked.
"Oh right, you three just got into Ponyville today. When a new pony... or ponies come to Ponyville our resident err, party planner Pinkie Pie always throws them a "Welcome To Ponyville" party" she explained.
"I see" I replied.
"Wait, wasn't she that weird pink mud... err, Earth pony from earlier" Fire Strike added. Bon Bon's face contorted into a glare.
"Well yes Fire Strike. There isn't anything wrong with earth ponies, is there?" she asked.
"No no, just... old habits die hard" she muttered.
"It's all right Fire, you're getting better, progress is progress" I consoled.
"W-what?" she dumbly asked. At this point I yanked her towards me in what to anypony standing more than a few hoofsteps away, ie Bon Bon, would recognize as a simple hug. Though to Delilah, who was standing right next to us, and especially Fire Strike would see me aggressively shoving her into myself.
"Play along!" I whispered harshly, and she nodded dumbly at my order. Then I slowly extracted her from my forelegs.
"You're not that kind of pony anymore, okay?" I asked.
"Y-yeah, thanks si-Night" she quickly corrected herself. I then let her go and turned to face a now very surprised Bon Bon.
"Apologies Bon Bon, Fire here had a very traditional upbringing in a rural pegasi town. To very traditional parents. To a very traditional family" I fabricated. Though based on the earth pony's expression she believed the lie well enough.
"Alright, I'll buy that" she muttered. I wasn't certain if she intended for us to hear that but decided to remain silent.
"Alright Fire, if your stallion is willing to vouch for you then I'll let it be water under the bridge. Just watch your vocabulary in the future, okay?" she asked.
"Oh, well, I uh, well he's- thank you Bon Bon. Don't worry it will not happen again" I cut her off. Eager to change topics.
"So, uh how do these Pinkie parties work?" I asked. Thankfully Bon Bon seemed happy to change topics and humored me.
"Well like I said Pinkie throws a party for every new pony that comes to Ponyville, though that mare will take any excuse to throw a party. I think she once even threw a party for a donkey when he got his teeth whitened" she said as she began walking towards a massive tree.
"Regardless, you three apparently aren't the only ones new in town today. Some unicorn mare arrived in town via a chariot shortly before you guys showed up believe it or not. I think I also heard she's from Canterlot to oversee the preparations for The Summer Sun Celebration" she added.
At this my interest peaked. If it simply was a single mare here to just help plan for their little celebration the following morning then it would be fine, even if she was from Canterlot.
"Wait, did you say she came in on a chariot?" Delilah asked.
"Yep" the beige mare replied.
"A golden chariot?" Fire added.
"Uh, yeah I saw them touch down" Bon Bon answered. The three of us looked at each other, we could practically see the fatigue in our eyes.
"Well, at least that damned mystery is solved. This mare doesn't even look like she suspects anything. Maybe we should've asked around a bit earlier" I thought.
"Well it was nice talking to you Bon Bon but unfortunately we have too-oof" I was cut off by a quite large wooden sign with the picture of a book on it. A sign which I had just trotted straight into, well done me.
The mares it seemed couldn't help themselves and let small chuckles escape their mouths.
"Jeez Night, you just can't catch a break today huh" Bon Bon laughed.
"Ugh, so it would seem" I replied.
"Well come along, you haven't lived if you've never been to a Pinkie party. Now come inside" she said and opened the door for me.
"Oh ah well, we're kind of on a tight schedule and- oh nonsense" Bon Bon cut me off.
"I know what you three have been doing all day" she added sternly
"You... you do!?" Delilah asked.
"Mhm, if you have the time to prowl around this town for the better part of six hours then you can stay the night for the summer sun celebration" she replied.
"Actually miss, we really need to go. Like right now ahh" I yelped as me and the guards suddenly found ourselves being pushed from behind into the tree the supposed party was taking place in by very excited ponies. I even managed to find myself all but shoved into another pony's back side.
"Oof, hey what's the... oh, heyyyy there stud" she looked back.
"Oh uh h-hi" I sputtered out. She was kind of attractive, nice pale shade of purple, with a slighter darker two tone purple mane and tail. Complete with two purple eyes.
"Usually I leave the sex for later, when we're all drunk, socked, and ready to buck. But for a stallion of your caliber... I think I'll make an exception" she purred.
"No way Amethyst I saw him first" another mare yelled.
I had found myself subjected to at least fifteen different mares by the time Fire Strike managed to locate me, and it only took her ten Faust damned seconds!
After Delilah casted an illusion spell while Fire lifted me up and away before practically hurtling us up a staircase and through a doorway into the upper levels of the apparent library we we're in. Why and how the residents of this town decided to carve out a tree and make it into a library I just don't know.
Eventually we found what appeared to be a small bedroom and darted inside, Delilah quickly following after us.
"Okay, does anypony have any idea what just happened or what?" the unicorn soldier asked.
"Apparently the mares of this town are crazy for a start" I replied.
"Yes, apparently they are" Fire chimed whilst checking me over. Delilah looked back towards the door.
"We should be safe in here. With the amount of mares that dogpiled onto each other while chasing my illusion we should have a bit of time before they realized what happened, and by then they won't have any idea where we are" she added.
"Excellent, good work you two" I said.
"Hardly" Fire muttered. Though it was quiet I had been straining to hear the ponies of Ponyville's hushed conversation's all day. With the mare herself right next to me it was easy to hear her.
"Fire, are you alright"? I asked, though I already knew what was wrong. The mare looked up at me in surprise, then to Delilah, and then at the ground.
"No sire, no, yes, grr...- take your time Fire" I cut in.
"It, it's just that you tell us we've been doing a good job and yet I feel like where just getting by through the skin of our teeth" she replied.
"From the calamity with Fluttershy, the Rainbow Dash incidents, to what just happened out there" she emphasized by pointing her right forehoof to the door moments before we barreled through.
"I... I feel like I've failed you my prince. I feel useless to you" she added.
"I agree sire, we have failed to protect you on multiple occasions today. With what happened down there being unacceptable. We should have just forced that mob of donkeys back, why didn't we! You... you shouldn't have to suffer by having pathetic guardsmares under your command like us..." Delilah added.
"Delilah, Fire, look at me" I began. Once both mares did I continued.
"You two are not useless to me, I might not have as many years of experience in the army under my belt as you two do but I do know that the unexpected will occur when in the field. What matters is how you react to it, as that can make the difference between life or..." considering our situation I decided not to finish that sentence. "Victory or defeat" I substituted.
"If you say so sire" Delilah replied.
"I know so, and besides I'm still alive am I not. It takes more than a few crazed mares to take me down" I laughed. At this a small smile graced both mare's faces.
"I suppose you are more than a match for a few mares" Fire chuckled.
"Crazed madmares but the point still stands" Delilah smiled.
"Indeed you two, indee- ugh I can't believe this. I swear that every single pony in this bucking town is gah" Immediately Delilah covered the both of us with a shield spell while Fire took down the intruder by diving across the room straight into her. Once she was restrained Delilah dropped the shield and we trotted over.
Fire had her front pressed against the purple unicorn's back. With her hindlegs draped around the mare in a crisscross style, keeping the mares own legs pined. Her right forehoof was against her horn keeping her from using magic while her left was around her mouth, to keep her from yelling.
The three of us looked at each other. We had unknowingly shared sensitive information while she could have been listening. For all we knew we might have to kill her.
"Guard the door" I whispered to Delilah and trotted forward to begin the interrogation. The mare looked terrified, I kind of felt sorry for her. Though if she was eavesdropping that would change quickly. I got right up into her face for maximum intimidation.
"Now, you aren't in trouble. I just want to ask you a few questions. You will answer them when my friend removes her hoof from your mouth, and if you scream things will only get more ugly for you. Do you understand?" I asked.
The mare rapidly nodded her head and so I backed off a bit.
"Good, now what is your name?" I began softly, Fire removed her hoof from the mare's mouth.
"Twi, Twilight Sparkle" she trembled. "Well met Twilight, my name is Night Storm. Now why are you in this room with us?"
Thankfully at my more relaxed tone and stance she seemed to calm down. "I... I accidentally put hot sauce on a cupcake. S, so I tried to find some milk or water to help with the taste. This was the first place I found that had a unoccupied sink" she replied.
"I see, I suppose that we we're not in the room at the time?" I asked. Upon hearing me the mare's eyes seemed to contort ever so slightly before she remembered that Fire Strike had her restrained. We hadn't shown her our concealed weapons yet, but the few spies we had always liked to joke about how weak Equestrians we're when compared to us.
"I guess they we're right, but why do I feel that I should recognize this mare's name?".
"No you we're not" she replied.
"Right... do you have any family Twilight?" That question seemed to have caught her off guard, and even Fire Strike raised an eyebrow.
"W, well I have two parents who live in Canterlot along with my two brothers".
"Hmm, answering my question but vaguely. She's obviously scared but still hiding something, and clever enough to do so... This needs to be explored further" I thought.
It was then that I noticed a saddlebag up against the door to the bathroom, a saddlebag with the mare's cutiemark on it. I nodded to Fire and she released the mare fully.
"What do you like to do Twilight?" While the mare got up and thought over my question I discretely looked at Fire and motioned my right forehoof in the direction of the bag.
"Well I like to read... a lot. Same with studying... anything and everything really" Twilight answered. By this point Fire had reached the bag and began to rummage through it.
"You never played a sport, I know fillies and young mares like to do that?" While it was true that the definition of what a sport was, was quite different in Ashen when compared to Equestria I had done enough research throughout my life to know what hoofball, tennis, and basketball we're. As well as have a basic understanding of how each sport worked.
"I... wasn't really into that kind of stuff" she said sheepishly. Almost as if she was embarrassed by the topic.
I decided to throw her a bone and changed the subject. "All right, though as it happens I also like to read and study things".
At this the mare's behavior changed from reserved at best to almost fanatically interested.
"You do!?" she nearly yelled.
"That's right Flameheart, keep her talking".
"Please calm down, the whole party downstairs doesn't need to hear us" I was only joking but Twilight seemed to almost take it as a threat.
"Oh uh right, s, sorry sir" she apologized.
"It's alright, now what do you like to study about" I continued.
"Like I said before anything really. From science to history, languages to math even" she answered, regaining a little of her earlier proverbial spark.
"Give me an example?" I asked.
She took a second to think. "Well recently I was doing an essay for my teacher about the eruption of Mount Illomarego and how it... sorry that's a bad example. I don't expect you to know about- and how it may have been the direct cause leading to the disappearance of the Mareyan civilization around three thousand years ago?" I cut her off.
Twilight stopped and stared at me for a good ten seconds. While Delilah looked back with a bemused expression on her face, even Fire looked up from the bag with a similar expression.
Twilight meanwhile finally seemed to find her voice. "Y, you know about that, and you actually are knowledgeable enough about it to keep up with me!" she actually yelled this time.
"First yes, second quiet" I admonished.
"R, right sorry. But how do you know about that. All the stallions I've ever met only cared about appearances or whatever their friend group's daily gossip was. I don't think I've ever met a stallion who know when the Mareyans existed, if they ever knew about them at all" she emphasized.
"Well I'm glad that I've been able to impress" I smiled.
"Yes, yes, you have" she replied. Then her expression went from elated to nervous as Fire quietly pulled a book from her saddlebag.
"N, Night um, do you live here? In Ponyville I mean".
"Well that's a weird question".
"No, me and my two friends are just passing through" I replied. Twilight seemed to perk at this for some odd reason, and for whatever reason Fire's eyes grew as wide as dinner plates behind her. Remembering Plasma's interrogation lessons from when I was a young colt I remade eye contact with Twilight.
"Why?" I added.
"Oh w, well, you see I... well" she paused and took a deep breath. Then muttered something I couldn't hear before she spoke up again.
"I was wondering if maybe you'd like to... well, go on a- excuse me miss" Fire interrupted her. If Twilight was angry when she turned around she was absolutely furious when she saw that Fire had been going through her things.
"What do you... hey that's my saddlebag, mine! Why are you going through it!?" she yelled. Fire remained calm and held up the book she had been looking through. Opened to a page with a very familiar mare.
"Sweet Faust, that... that's Nightmare Moon!"
"Do you know who this mare is?" Fire asked.
"What's it to you, and why are you going through my things?" Twilight replied.
"I'll answer your question if you answer mine" she replied. For a second I thought I saw literal steam come from Twilight's ears before she calmed herself down.
"Fine, I... I was looking through an old book because I like to read. I just got this as a gift from Prin... my teacher and I was reading through it when I stumbled across this old legend. It's about- The Mare In The Moon, Nightmare Moon" I interrupted her again.
"Y, you know about her!" Twilight astounded.
"...Yes I know about Nightmare Moon" I replied.
"So... it's not just an old foals tale then?" she lamely asked.
"Old foals tale? Absolutely not, I can assure you of that!" I said. Twilight then did something completely unexpected.
"Yes!" she almost danced. "Haha I was right, I was right, I was... then why did she say to stop worrying about an old foals tale?" she muttered.
"Who?" Delilah asked, having grown bored of standing by the door.
Given the nature our conversation had turned I didn't blame her.
Twilight meanwhile had gone from extremely elated, to confusion, to downright horror in about six seconds. "Wait, if... if you're saying that she's real- which she is" I cut in for the third time.
"Which she is" Twilight continued as she swiped the book from Fire's hooves. "Then on the thousandth anniversary of her banishment, on the longest day of the year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about nighttime eternally!" Twilight panicked while flipping through the pages.
"... no, just no... this is not happening, this is not happening!" I thought.
"Oh no, this bad, oh how I am I going to stop Nightmare Moon if I keep letting distract... wait, how do you know about Nightmare Moon?" Twilight asked, her eyes narrowing.
"Uh... let's just say that where I'm from we like to write things down" I answered.
"Okay..." she replied. However I didn't even hear her, as I was too busy panicking myself.
"This was never supposed to happen damnit, we we're supposed to still have time to prepare. Now we're still without any means of defeating her and she's coming in less than twenty four hours. We are so bucked, we, we've failed, I've failed...".
5:30am, Nine Hours Later
"Make sure the legion combs that castle from top to bottom. We have to find the elements, Nightmare Moon could return at any moment now".
"Understood sir" Fire Strike replied before taking off into the night sky from the balcony. I then trotted back inside the libraries bedroom we had commaredeered, shutting the door behind me. Delilah meanwhile was standing guard on the other side of the room while Twilight was lying on the bed and had been going over books for hours now. Though she looked just as determined and resolute as she had when we began.
"Mare, she really wasn't lying when she said she enjoyed studying".
I however was absolutely exhausted. From the days prior events to an eight hour study session with Twilight had left me dead tired. It also didn't help that "The Lunar Rebellion" had been practically wiped from Equestrian history books.
"How did it come to this, how did we go from being on the doorstep to enact our vengence upon Equestria to scrambling to prepare for the Mare Of The Night's return" I thought.
I was brought from my thoughts when Twilight floated a book over to me via magic. I nodded and she returned her attention to her own book to try and find anything else that could be of use to us, though at this point I was beginning to doubt it. I also wasn't fully certain on the credibility of the book that Twilight had in her bag with her, but with the mare in question having contacted me herself in the dream realm and self-admitting her return was near I wasn't taking any chances.
As I sat down at a small desk and opened the book on the ancient siege of Rudhelm the door suddenly opened. Surprised Delilah moved to intercept the intruder, however it spoke before she could.
"Hey Twilight, Pinkie Pie is starting 'Pin The Tail On The Pony', wanna play?! he asked. Me and Delilah we're shocked.
Meanwhile Twilight, given that she had been concentrating very hard towards her book did not take this interruption lightly.
"No! All the ponies in this town are crazy! Do you even know what time it is?!" she yelled.
"It's the eve of The Summer Sun Celebration" the purple dragon replied with... something on his head. Perhaps a hat of some sort. "Everypony has to stay up or they'll miss the princess raise the sun. You really should lighten up Twilight, it's a party" he added and turned around to head back down towards the festivities. Not seeming to notice me or Delilah thanks t his hat.
Twilight meanwhile muttered out the most mature and intelligent response I had ever heard of.
"Whibididiwibididiwibididi" she whined before noticing me and Delilah still staring at the door.
"Yes he's a dragon, no he doesn't bite, nor is he evil and has never given into hoarding instincts" she grumbled.
"H, hey I... we didn't mean anything by it. Just... back home we didn't get along very well with dragons" I replied. Which was true, dragons in theory where a united tribe under "Dragon Lord" Torch. However they we're mostly more solidary creatures, only coming together to breed or during other events, such as... feasts.
"May Faust have mercy on those poor souls".
Twilight looked at me quizzically. "Where are you two from anyway, I don't think you guys ever mentioned that?" she asked.
"Grr, bad question Twilight!"
Later Twilight, first let's focus on the task at hoof" I deflected. She nodded and she went back to her current book. I however only pretended to read since I already knew how to defeat Nightmare Moon, that and I knew about Rudhelm well enough as it was.
It was only a matter of time before the legion located the elements. The only questions remaining was if the elements we're in the castle, how long until they we're located, how long did we have before Nightmare Moon arrived, and the wildcard... Twilight Sparkle.
She was obviously very smart and determined, why I didn't know, and that made her dangerous. Potentially, but still. She seemed to be knowledgeable in a vast amount of subjects, and if she knew how to fight... Tartarus she could turn into a real pain in the flank extremely quickly. Especially if she was in cahoots with the Equestrian government, which at this point wouldn't surprise me.
"Just my damn luck".
As time went on I asked the occasional question trying to learn more about her. Anything that could answer one of my many questions about her, especially her name. I knew it from somewhere, I just couldn't remember.
However she remained closely guarded against my prodding. Giving only vague answers to my questions. Eventually I just decided to stop with my questions as she appeared to grow suspicious and annoyed.
"Augh this is hopeless" Twilight vexed and threw herself back onto the bed. "We've gone through nearly every non-fiction book in this whole Celestia damned library!" "Here I thought I would have time to learn about the elements of harmony, but silly me. All this ridiculous "friend making" has kept me from it!"
I kept quiet and thought of how to turn this outburst to my advantage while Twilight stood up from the bed.
"Legend has it that on the longest day of the thousandth year, the stars will aid in her escape, and she will bring about everlasting night" she muttered and brought her original book closer to her.
As I watched the distraught mare I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her.
"I hope the princess was right, I hope it really is just an old foals tale..." she muttered.
"Princess... buck, maybe my hunch on her being a government official wasn't that far off. I'll need to watch my back around her".
I got up from my seat. "Twilight, are you all right?" I trotted up to her. She looked back and I could see the worry in her eyes, plain as day.
"No Night I'm not, either nopony believes me or isn't taking this serious... except you that is" she smiled sheepishly, which I returned.
"Is there anything I could help you with?" I asked and placed my right forehoof on her withers.
"Uh... n,no Night. Thanks it's... just been a rough day" she looked away momentarily.
"Night, why are you and your mares helping me with this... how do you guys even know about Nightmare Moon? Tartarus I didn't even know until this morning".
"Great, more difficult questions".
"Well uh, you see Twilight- come on Twilight it's time to watch the sun... who is this?"
"Oh Spike! Um, uh, this is Night Storm.. He and his mares have been helping me with research on the elements and Nightmare Moon" Twilight replied to the drake.
"Right... okay then" he replied. "Anyway it's almost sunup, you guys coming or what?" he added.
"What! No it can't possibly be morning yet, we still have an hour or so!"
"We'll... be along shortly Spike. Just give us a second okay" Twilight asked.
"Kay Twilight" he replied and shut the door. Meanwhile I looked at Delilah. Twilight opened her mouth to speak but I cut her off.
"Give us a moment as well please Twilight" I asked. She looked like she wanted to protest this but acquiesced.
Me and Delilah then trotted into the opposite corner of the room before she casted a small near invisible shield around us to keep out any eavesdropping spells. She was subtle about it but any experienced enough unicorn could detect magic being casted in their general vicinity.
"All right this is what we're going to do" I began.
"We're going to play for time and be inconspicuous. Princess Celestia is probably already here along with an army of Royal Guards. I've given the legion orders to remain within the Everfree and around the castle as well. If Nightmare Moon or anypony for that matter enters the area they are to either capture them, kill them, or withdraw while remaining undetected, though Fire Strike will be arriving with a small detachment for our own security soon. Though they will be remaining inconspicuous as well, even to us".
Delilah nodded to signal she understood and I continued.
"We are going to stay throughout this event and act like normal Equestrians. Princess Celestia is wise and powerful I'll give her that. But even she shouldn't be able to just look at a mare and stallion and know they're spies. Once the celebration is over we'll quietly sneak out, either alone or in small groups as not to arise suspicion. If anypony asks the cover story is that we're just here for the holiday and nothing more. As for Twilight leave that to me" I finished.
"Huh, that's actually not a bad plan sire. You really seemed to have thought of everything" Delilah complimented.
"Indeed, I've been taught well" I smiled.
"Of course, on your lead sire" she replied. I nodded and she ended the spell. Then we walked back over to Twilight who'd been looking away the whole time.
"Alright Twilight here's the plan. If Nightmare Moon shows up we're going to let Celestia deal with it. Our job will be to help any unfortunate civilians before falling back ourselves. The Royal Guard can take over from there" I stated.
Twilight however didn't like this plan. "No Night, I'm not just going to sit idly by while the princess is in trouble" she replied.
Damn mare, why can't you just make things easy!"
"Then you may do that while we help civilians or afterwards. Though I would strongly advise you to not go horn to horn with an Alicorn... especially one fluent in dark magic" I said.
"Ugh fine... damn colt. This is a mare's job anyway" she muttered.
"Pretending I didn't just hear that are we ready to go?" I smiled.
Twilight's eyes shrunk to the size of pinpricks while Delilah just chuckled. "I believe we are Night, shall we go Twilight?" she added.
Twilight, to her credit did manage to make proper words after about five seconds of sputtering.
"I, um, y-yes, let's go!" she squeaked and quickly trotted out of the room.
"Heh, what a beta" Delilah chuckled to herself.
"Come along now Delilah, no need to subside to her level now" I said.
"Uh... yes sir, of course" she replied quickly, and we made our way down. Though as soon as I re-entered the main area of the library I once again found myself as the center of attention.
Though many had seemed to have left by now there still remained a considerable amount.
"Woah, I-is that him?"
"Yep, quite the looker ain't he".
"Sweet Celestia, now that is a stallion!"
"Aww he's got two mares with him already"
"Do you think that they're still accepting?"
"Wow, they might actually be worse than those suitors" I thought as we approached a frowning Twilight. Ignoring the townsponies.
"Remember Twilight, stick to the plan and you'll do fine, alright?" I said.
"Thanks Night, thank you. The main celebration will be at the town hall, follow me" she replied. I nodded and we started off.
"So do you guys live here, I didn't see you earlier?" Spike asked from Twilight's back.
"Just here on business... and the celebration. After tonight we'll be moving on" I answered. Twilight seemed to deflate at that.
"Well... m, maybe we should keep in touch. You know too uh, uh... share theories and stuff?" Twilight said.
"I would very much like that Twilight. Especially when talking about history" I replied. "You've a lot to learn about subtlety little filly".
"R, really! Oh wow that's great. We can study so much together, put forward new theories of spellcraft, even- Twilight!" I interrupted.
"Oh, I got carried away again didn't I?" she said.
"Yes, yes you did" I smiled.
"Sorry" she mumbled.
"It's alright, just try to focus. We seem to be here anyway" I stated.
The townhall was a massive... tower I guess. Like most things in this town it had been built out of wood with a small raised deck that ran the perimeter of the building. Along with massive windows with a smaller tower located at the top with the Equestrian flag flying high above in the night sky.
We trotted up the stairs along with a few other ponies and soon entered into the main hall. Where a massive congregation of ponies was located. There we're a few pegasi hovering and flying about and some balconies we're occupied, but most ponies we're on the ground.
We soon found a spot not far from the exit but still somewhat in the center of the room, this would give us the ability to keep an eye on everything around us while also allowing us a quick exit should we need it.
In addition it also- isn't this exciting, are you excited cause I'm excited I've never been so excited well except for the time that I saw you walking into town and I went augh!" Pinkie Pie made herself known.
"Holy shit mare calm down, bucking hell you nearly gave me a heart" however I would never finish that sentence as a group of birds... began to sing? Yes sing, the classic royal attention tune, the room fell silent, and a spot of light landed upon a mare on a small stage.
"Stallions and gentlemares, as mayor of Ponyville, it is my great pleasure to announce the beginning of The Summer Sun Celebration". A cacophony of cheers sounded out from the gathered ponies.
"In just a few moments our town will witness the magic of the sun rise and celebrate this, the longest day of the year... and now it is my great honor...". Suddenly Twilight nudged us and motioned to the moon, me and Delilah just happened to catch the last second of a few stars seeming to crash into it... and "The Mare In The Moon" disappear entirely.
"Sweet bucking Tartarus! All right... here we go. Buck, a thousand year old prophecy in the making. Right before us".
"...Princess Celestia!". A band trumpets blew out more fanfare as a curtain was pulled back by a mare i recognized as Rarity, and to the shock of many ponies it revealed nothing but an empty room. Instead of cheers and applause now gasps and murmurs filled the hall.
"This can't be good" Twilight said.
"Remain calm everypony, there must be a reasonable explanation" the mare on stage said.
"Oh oh I love guessing games, is she hiding?" Pinkie asked.
"She's gone!?" Rarity announced.
"Oh she's good!" Pinkie then abruptly screamed as a blueish mist began to swirl into existence upon the very balcony Celestia was supposed to stand on.
"Oh no... Nightmare Moon" Twilight whispered.
Sure enough when it cleared there stood The Mare Of The Moon in all her glory. A pure black coat, blue fluorescent ethereal mane and tail with flickering stars. Accentuated by her blue greenish eyes and purple eyelashes.
"Holy. Bucking. Shit."
Delilah meanwhile was just as in as much awe and terror as many other ponies while poor Spike succumbed to shock and fainted, though he was caught by Delilah's magic.
"Oh my beloved subjects, it's been so long since we've seen your precious little sun loving faces" she purred.
"What did you do to our princess!" Rainbow Dash yelled out before attempting to charge. Though thankfully for her she was spared a gruesome death by being held back by Applejack.
Nightmare just cackled. "Muhahahaha, why, are we not royal enough for you? Does't thee not know who we are" she asked.
"Oh oh more guessing games, um hokey smokes, how about Queen Meanie, no Black Sooty Black Snooty ahm mhm mhm" Pinkie replied before a cupcake was shoved into her mouth. Courtesy again of Applejack who mayi] have just saved the foolish mare's life. Though just to be safe myself, Delilah, an unconscious Spike, and Twilight had moved well away from her by now.
Thankfully however Nightmare took no notice of us. "Does our crown no longer count now that we have been imprisoned for a thousand years? Dids't thee not recall the legend? Dids't thee not see the signs- I did!" Twilight spoke up.
"No Twilight what are you doing!"
"...and I know who you are! You're the mare in the moon, Nightmare Moon!" she growled.
"You dumb, stupid, arrogant filly! You're going to get us all killed!".
"Well well well, somepony who remembers us. Then you also know why we are here" she narrowed her eyes.
"You're here too, too... " Twilight started but wilted under her gaze.
"Mhmmhmhmhm, remember this day little ponies. For it was your last. From this moment forth the night, will last, forever! Ahahahaha, ahahahaha, ahahahahahaha!" she laughed.
"Seize her! Only she knows where the princess is!" the mayor yelled. Almost immediately Nightmare was swarmed by snow white Royal Guardsmares with golden armor.
"Stand back you foals!" She yelled before smiting them with conjured lightning strikes, sending them flying across the room. It was also at this point that ponies began to panic and rush around like headless Cockatrices. Nightmare decided to take this time to escape and began slowly floating down towards us...
It wasn't until she made eye contact with me that I knew something was up.
I did not yelp, I did not jump, but I will shamefully admit I was more than a little intimidated as Nightmare Moon herself approached us.
"A little colt playing the role of a mare? How cute. We warned thee of what would happen should thou attempt to interfere with our plans! But as usual it seems colts do not listen to requests, and only listen to demands and displays of force" she flaunted. Raising her wings to convey power.
Delilah meanwhile moved infront of me while telekinetically placing Spike on Twilight's back. "Oh, and what does thee think thou ist going to achieve... little filly?" Nightmare taunted. Undeterred Delilah rushed forward and teleported just before she collided with the dark mare.
Thrown off by this Nightmare didn't register Delilah reappearing behind her until it was too late. Though fortunately for her Delilah didn't have time to draw her weapon. Meanwhile Delilah's hooves, while not an Earth Pony's, we're still capable of doing damage. Especially when equipped with her still disguised bladed hoofguards.
Nightmare staggered forward with the blow to the back of her head and I capitalized on this by uppercutting her with my right forehoof. While another pegasus mare raced down from above with a barely concealed sword and sliced Nightmare's horn clean off. Me and Delilah then went in for the kill.
Using her magic Delilah held the mare down while I dashed forward with my saber going straight for her throat. But the Mare Of The Moon had her own tricks as well. Turning into a purple bluish mist I soared right through her and collided with the disguised rebounding Flame Pony from earlier.
Nightmare took this chance and summoned more lightning to vaporize Delilah, who by some miracle managed to step back and dodge the worst of it. While Nightmare backed off and retreated out of the building before soaring into the night sky.
"Buck!".
"Sir, are you ok!?" the mare whom I had crashed into asked.
"Yes yes now come on, we need to get moving!" I replied. She nodded and we got to our hooves while Twilight galloped over. Noticing her the guard readied her weapon and leveled it towards Twilight, who stopped a few trots away from us in shock and confusion.
I put a hoof to the guards shoulder. "It's alright, she's with us".
"What, but... isn't she an equestrian?" she whispered.
"Yes, so shut it and press the advantage" I replied. The mare seemed surprised but sheathed her sword.
Glancing about the room thankfully revealed that only a few ponies seemed to notice our little exchange with Nightmare, and those that did seemed to be caught up with their own problems for the moment. Rainbow Dash in particular was causing quite a ruckus. Several curses left her mouth before she finally managed to break Applejack's grip of her tail and dashed out of the building after Nightmare.
"All right, let's move before more problems make themselves known" I ordered and helped Delilah to her hooves.
"Come back here!".
"Stay with your detachment, we'll be fine" I told the disguised guardsmare.
"Wha, but sire you shouldn't even be here... - this is not the time for this guardsmare" I cut her off. "Return to your duties now" I added. The mare thankfully nodded reluctantly and flew off.
"All right we've done all we can - are you kidding me?!" Twilight interrupted. "You... you we're amazing. I've only seen royal guards fight like that, and even then those ones we're veterans at that. Why didn't you guys tell me you could do that before. If you can just kick Nightmare Moon's flank then why did we stay up all night researching the elements!?" Twilight asked.
"Because that was stupid and reckless, had we been a little bit slower. Especially in Delilah's case... one or both of us could have easily been killed" I answered.
"That was still amazing sugarcube, I've never seen anypony fight like that" Applejack praised as she and Rarity walked up. "Indeed darling, that was... well amazing, astonishing even" Rarity added.
"We got lucky, unless Nightmare is a fraud then she's probably just weak at the moment... magic wise, thanks to breaking Celestia's thousand year long imprisonment spell" I said. The mares just looked at me in surprise.
"Well regardless we still need to stop her" Twilight affirmed. "Oh the princess should have been here by now, why isn't she, where is she!?" Twilight panicked.
"Knowing Nightmare she's probably already dealt with Celestia. She's prideful, arrogant, and far too overconfident in her abilities... but she's not stupid".
Me and Delilah shared a look, it was time to hightail it from this town. We had more than overstayed our welcome.
"She's probably already been incapacitated by Nightmare Moon, and we should be moving if we don't want to be either" I said.
"No" Twilight stomped her hoof. "The princess needs me, and as her faithful student it falls to me to help her" she proclaimed.
"...Well you have fun getting yourself killed then. Me and Delilah are going to be doing the smart thing and heading the opposite direction, and I urge you two" I pointed to the two other mares with us. "Too do the same along with those you care about. Good da... poof ah!" I yelled. Suddenly it appeared that we we're back in the library, along with Delilah, Rarity, and Applejack on the ground with me.
"What the... what the buck! Who just teleported us" I barked. Delilah tried to help me up but I was far too tired to have to deal with a mare's chivalry currently and just got up myself. Glancing about revealed that Rarity had seemed like she had fared well with the surprise teleport but Twilight's lit horn told me all I needed to know.
"I'm sorry Night but you two aren't going anywhere right now" she said.
"What"
"What!" the mares yelled.
"Tw... Twilight, what has gotten into you. What has this innocent stallion done?" Rarity asked.
"First, he is far from innocent Rarity, you saw him fight just as I did. Secondly, he and his mare clearly know about Nightmare Moon" Twilight replied.
Rarity looked like she was going to say something but the words died on her lips. "He... did say something about her earlier to me and Applejack today" she acquiesced.
"Well ah don't approve of this at all Twilight, even if he knows somethin holdin him hostage here ain't right!" Applejack added.
"Again I am sorry but - gah!" Twilight shot back just as a bolt of magic hit her square in the tuft, sending her straight into a bookshelf.
"Are you little fillies certain you want to hold us here still?" Delilah asked. Her horn still lit. At that none of them moved while Twilight slowly recovered from her unexpected flight.
"Smart fillies, and you'll stay down if you know what's good for you" she added and we began our way out. However before we could get through the doorway another problem, or rather pest, made itself known.
"Just where do you two think you're going huh, how do you know about Nightmare Moon, and how are you both so good at fighting, and who was that other mare you we're talking too in the town hall earlier!" Rainbow Dash angrily made herself known as she charged right through the doorway, and right into Delilah's face. Who then turned around to face me with a neutral expression.
"Sir, may I kill this harlot?" she asked. To which the surrounding mares eyes went wide once more.
"No, though as much as I would like to see her throat slit open it will lead to far too many problems unfortunately" I replied. "Now then, if you will excuse us we will be making for the other side of Equestria, good day... or evening. Whichever you prefer at this point I guess" I added. However just before we could get through the doorway it slammed shut.
"Wait!" Twilight begged. "Please Night... Delilah... please. I'm, I'm sorry that I did that it's just... Just that I've been trying all day to find a way to stop Nightmare and finally I met you guys and you just seemed like you could help me solve everything and I... I bucked up" Twilight said, and lowered her head in shame.
"I know that I've no right to ask this but... please, I need your help. Equestria needs your help" she added.
"Please, tell me you know of a way to stop her that doesn't involve the elements, please" she all but begged. I wouldn't be lying if I said that I felt bad for her. Even if she did try and hold me hostage. But I couldn't betray my country, my friends, my family! Could I?
"I'm sorry Twilight, I know we need them but I have no idea as to where they could be" I lied. I could almost see the tears well up in her eyes at the end of that sentence, and it genuinely hurt me to see her like that. Though that was about to be replaced by shock and fear.
"Buck, the princess, my parents, Shining, Spike... oh no no no - The Elements Of Harmony, a reference guide" Pinkie Pie blurted out.
"When the buck did she get here!?" I thought. Twilight meanwhile launched herself to the bookshelf Pinkie occupied moments prior, and in the process all but shoving her aside.
"How did you find that!?" she asked.
"It was under e..." the pink mare sang. Me and Delilah just looked at each other.
"Well, it's not likely to have the elements' location or anything. It's just a dusty old book" I whispered to Delilah.
"Agreed, I'll eat dragon shite if it does" she laughed.
"There are six Elements Of Harmony, but only five are known. Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Honesty, and Loyalty. The sixth is a complete mystery. It is said the last known location of the five elements was in the ancient Castle of The Royal Pony Sisters" Twilight read.
Me and Delilah couldn't keep our mouths shut from shock.
"It is located in what is now... The Everfree Forest!" the mares yiped.
"Are you bucking kidding me... are you actually bucking kidding me right now!" I seethed.
We stood at the edge of the forest itself. The mares save Delilah we're all wearing unsure looks at the forest before them. Even Fluttershy, who had joined us as we trotted through town. Where I spent near ten Faust damned minutes trying to convince the mares not to go into the forest. Of which there we're many reasons, but the main one was that it was an uncontrolled magical forest with some of the most deadly creatures in the world calling it home.
"I still don't see why in the seven layers of Tartarus you think you'll find the elements in here just because an old book said they may be here, it's not even confirmed!" I said.
"While that may be the case this is the only lead we have. So like it or not we should at least see if it has any merit" Twilight replied.
"Oh for bucks sake. Do any of you know how dangerous this forest is!?" I glared. The mares either glanced away or softened their features.
"It is on a different level than anything else in Equestria. Dangerous animals, dangerous fauna, uncontrolled magic! You'd be lucky if you went in there and got out with a few scraps and scratches, nevermind death!" I added.
"That may be Night, but I'm willing to risk that for the Princess and Equestria" Twilight said.
"Why, just why do you care for the princess that much. What could she possibly mean to you for this!?" I asked. Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath before she answered.
"Because she is practically a second mother to me. She saw me at my weakest, when nopony wanted to be friends with me. She took me in under her care. Taught me, listened to me, even helped me no matter what! She was always there for me... so I need to be there for her".
"... Fine then, go in this death trap of a forest. To a castle that may exist, for five shiny objects that may be there, all for a chance that they may stop Nightmare Moon. I bid you lot good luck, for you'll need it. Come Delilah, you can't save those who don't want to be saved" I said.
However just as I started to walk off Fluttershy decided to speak up.
"N, Night wait". For some reason that I couldn't explain I felt compelled to stop.
"Yes Fluttershy?".
"Why... why don't you c, come with us..."
"Why?" I asked.
"Well y, you s, seem to know a lot about t, this forest s, so m, maybe you c, could help us...ifyouwantedto".
"Grr... bucking Tartarus these mares, honestly I... wait a minute. Maybe I can turn this around into an advantage for us" I thought.
"One moment please" I asked and motioned for Delilah to follow me a little ways away.
"Has the message been received?" I asked once we we're a considerable distance away.
"Yes, they know and have acknowledged, and Commander Asteria is handling everything. In addition they believe they are close to locating the elements. I'm assuming you want to play for time with these mares?" she replied.
"Indeed, you catch on quick. Just follow my lead. Yawn, hopefully this is the part of the day where things start to go plan" I joked.
"Hmhmhm, everything will work out sir. One way or another" Delilah smiled. I nodded my thanks and we trotted back over to the Ponyvillans.
"All right you six" I began. They all looked up with what looked like hopeful to interested expressions. "Out of the kindness of our own hearts... Me and Delilah have decided to accompany you on this little endeavor, however..." I cut off whatever Twilight and Rainbow were going to say.
"However, this is not an excursion... this forest is extremely dangerous. You all will do what I say when I say it, understand?" I said.
"Psch, colt aren't you forgetting we live here... well except for little Twilight here. But we've lived here for years. It's us who should be guiding you through here. Come on guys, you gotta agree with me on this right?" Rainbow spoke up.
"Well... ah suppose it ain't appropriate for a colt to be here" Applejack agreed.
"I, I'm afraid I must agree with Rainbow Dash here Night darling. While it is very noble and brave of you to offer to help us we can do this on our own dear" Rarity added. The other mares nodded along.
"I... what! Oh buck this, buck this day, buck these mares, buck this whole bucking situation! Why are we even here! Maybe I should've started asking more questions about my mother's plans before I just went along... No Flameheart she, she knows what she's doing. Just have patience and faith".
"Buck this, come" I ordered Delilah.
"Wait Night, where are you going?" Twilight called.
"To this castle of course" I replied.
"What! Are you just going to go along with this!?" she then called after Delilah. Who in turn just shrugged.
"Jeez talk about a white knight eh" Rainbow added.
"Come now Rainbow Dash, while I agree with your earlier statement may I remind you that the Stallion is acting more marely than you right now" Rarity said.
"Uh, so what! I'm still the one who said he shouldn't be here. That makes me more marely than all of you, ha!" she replied.
"Hehehe, who's the white knight now Dash" Applejack joked. Rainbow just grew red faced and anger began to contort her features before I spoke up.
"In case you colts haven't noticed we're burning moonlight, and unless we want to give Nightmare an even bigger advantage then we should be moving" I called. At that the now red faced mares began to just silently follow me and Delilah as we entered the forest.
"Bloody fools, does't none listen to thee word of a Royal anymore. How far has't this world fallen in Our absence... Fine then little foals, if thee wants a battle, thee shall receive a war!"
We had been walking for about ten minutes now along the same path me and Delilah had used the previous day to get to Ponyville. Along with some detours it would probably take us around an hour or so before we would arrive at the castle. In addition with the time wasted at the forest's entrance this was plenty for the legion to locate the elements and retreat from the castle before we would arrive.
After that me and Delilah would bide our time and then slip away when the coast was clear. Then it was a straight shot back to Ashen and let Celestia deal with Nightmare Moon. We might actually be able to take advantage of the chaos she was going to cause and invade Equestria after it was weakened by her. Or during, whichever was more beneficial to be honest.
"So... none of you have been in here before?" Twilight asked.
"H, heavens no. Just look at it, it's dreadful" Rarity replied.
"And it ain't natural, folk say it don't work the same as Equestria" Applejack added.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"No pony knows..." Rainbow Dash said while slowly flying from the shadow of a tree. As if she was a ghost attempting to frighten young foals.
"You know why..." she smirked and began stalking towards me.
"Rainbow, quit it!" Applejack called but she didn't pay her any mind.
"Cause everypony that's ever come in" she continued. "Has... never... come... out!" she jumped right infront of my face.
"...Is that supposed to scare-" crack!. Unfortunately I was interrupted by the ground beneath us breaking, making us lose our hoofing and thus begin to slide down an embankment. The mares screamed while me and Delilah quickly grabbed hold of each other and steadied ourselves by digging into the ground with our hooves.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy meanwhile managed to grab ahold of and steady Pinkie and Rarity respectively. While Applejack managed to grab ahold of a root growing out of the ground to stop her descent. Twilight however wasn't so lucky and kept sliding directly towards a massive cliff face. Just managing to stop herself before fully going over, though I was already moving at that point.
"Hold on, I'ma comin" Applejack called and gently slid down the rest of the embankment to grab Twilight's front hooves and keep her stable.
"Applejack, what do I do" she cried. I gave a signal.
"... Let go" the orange mare replied.
"Are you crazy!" Twilight spat.
"No ah ain't, ah promise you'll be safe".
"That's not true!".
"Now listen here, what I'm sayin to you is the honest truth. Let go and you'll be safe..." and she did. Fell a distance of about 5 hooves, screamed bloody murder, and then landed in mine and Rainbow's waiting hooves.
"Ah, huh, oh, phew" Twilight let out a breath of relief as me and Rainbow slowly descended towards the ground.
"Thanks you guys, really" Twilight smiled.
"No problem. I could totally catch you in my sleep if I had too". It seemed Rainbow's pride was showing through again. Although I was more concerned with why the cliff face had suddenly given way like that. Especially as the rest of it looked sturdy enough to support a small house at least.
"Oh yeah Night, good job too" Rainbow added. This surprised me.
"Excuse me?" I asked.
"What, a mare can't give a stallion a compliment anymore" she joked. "Besides it take guts from anypony to do that" she added.
"...Right, let's just get moving" I replied. The mares nodded and we started off once more. Though not before I saw Rainbow shoot Fluttershy a small glare before turning away.
"Now what could that be about?" However I wouldn't be able to dwell on this for long as another problem soon became apparent.
"Rawr!"
"A Manticore!" Twilight yelled.
"Sweet bucking Tartarus... well I can cross facing one of these off the bucket list".
"We've gotta get past him!" Twilight yelled when all of a sudden it jumped and attempted to pounce upon Rarity, who managed to dodge and then drop buck it in the face.
"Huh, that's actually quite impressive"
"Take that you ruffian!" she taunted. The manticore simply replied by roaring in her face, and she decided to smartly back off rather than risk injury.
"Wait".
Applejack meanwhile decided to use the opportunity Rarity provided and jumped onto the distracted manticore's head.
"Yeehaw, git along little doggie!" she called and even threw a wink at me.
"Wait".
However this didn't last long as the manticore unsurprisingly managed to throw her from it's head by throwing itself around. Sending her careening towards me, Rainbow, and Delilah. Who both had seemed to agree on something for the first time today and that was to protect me from the manticore. Though Delilah lit her horn and caught Applejack with telekinesis before she faceplanted into the ground.
"Thanks Delilah, he's all yours you too" she said.
"I'm on it, watch this Night" Rainbow smiled before she charged the manticore.
"Wait" Fluttershy said. I looked at her but she had already turned her attention back towards Rainbow Dash. Speaking of the blue mare she was currently trying to confuse the manticore by flying fast around it? Unsurprisingly this didn't work with the manticore slapping Rainbow with it's tail, launching her straight back at me. Thankfully for her I was able to catch her and then held her groom style.
"So... what exactly was I supposed to be watching there?" I smirked.
"S, shut up" she blushed. I sighed.
"Well Delilah looks like it's up to us" I said and put Rainbow down. The mare smiled.
"Of course it is, ready?".
"Born ready, drop the spe - wait!" Fluttershy yelled.
"... Fluttershy what are you..." I trailed off in shock as I saw Fluttershy walking up to the manticore! I almost rushed forward again when it raised it's right forepaw to strike but Fluttershy just nuzzled it's left one instead, completely unfazed at the manticore's actions.
"Shh, it's okay" the butter yellow mare consoled. To my absolute shock the manticore instead lowered it's paw and held it's other one out for her.
"Aww you poor poor little baby" she added.
"Little" Rainbow Dash blurted out, and it seemed Delilah was actually going to agree with Rainbow Dash on two things today.
"Now this might hurt for just a second" and without a second thought she leaned down and pulled what looked to be a thorn right out of it's paw. Completely and foolishly exposing her neck in the process and oh my Faust it's actually going to... lick her?
"Tehehe, aww you're just a little old baby kitty aren't you. Yes you are, yes you are" she laughed. Me and the mares all looked at each other before Twilight smiled and began simply trotting past the manticore. Who was now purring and licking Fluttershy fervently.
We hurried past and the manticore eventually released Fluttershy who trotted freely away from it and towards us, while the manticore went on it's way in the opposite direction.
"How did you know about the thorn" Twilight asked her. "I didn't, sometimes we all just need to be shown a little kindness" she replied.
"Hm, good job Fluttershy, good job" I thought.
We continued our slow trot in silence for about forty more minutes. We we're now getting close to the castle. With just a little bit more of forest to cross, a river to cross, and a ravine to... well, cross and we would be there. The only things remaining in question where how we we're possibly going to have to fight Nightmare and then ditch these mares.
Though it probably would just be foals play to simply teleport away right from under these mare's noses. Nightmare is defeated or victorious, either way Equestria is hopefully extremely weakened, and with us finally in possession of the elements Consilium Vindictae could finally... -
"Ugh, my eyes need a rest from all this blasted muck" Rarity complained. No sooner had she finished that sentence when the forest almost seemed to humor her and the canopy became much more condensed. Plunging us into near total darkness.
"Well I didn't mean that literally" the mare replied.
"That ancient ruin could be right infront of our faces and we wouldn't even know it" Twilight added. Though as we we're plunged into near pitch black I couldn't help but notice a blue cerulean mist snaking it's way past us. Though before I could do anything more acknowledge it we all ran into another problem.
"Just keep calm and carry on oof... at a slower pace if necessary, apologies Delilah" I said.
"I'm not Delilah".
"What? But I was right next to her ow! Damn you too tree!"
It seemed that the ever growing darkness was not making it easy to see. Usually I didn't have this problem as the fiery flames that surrounded our bodies also acted as a source of light, though for obvious reasons I could not use that.
Thankfully though Delilah had another solution of simply casting a glow spell, instantaneously fixing our light problem. Soon Rarity and Twilight realized that they we're both unicorns as well and light their own horns.
"Whew, thanks guys, ah upon thought ah was gonna -squish- ahh dagnabbit" Applejack cried out. The unicorns fixated their light on her, revealing that she had stepped in a mud puddle. We then all about jumped when Fluttershy let out a very unmarelylike scream.
"Fluttershy it's just mud - ahh!" the orange mare then actually jumped and retreated a good ten hooves away from to be honest, a quite terrifying looking tree. It had an open circular mouth with what looked like to be wooden teeth in them, along with eyes and branches looking like outstretched arms. Almost like how an animal tries to be intimidating to ward off predators or competition.
Overall once you realized it was a tree it wasn't that hard to look at.
"Ahh!" though apparently the mares didn't seem to think so. But apparently there was another mare besides Delilah who didn't seem to be terrified of them. Though of course it was the potentially mentally insane one... how fitting.
"Pinkie what are you doing, run!" Twilight yelled. While the mare did pause her... face making... competition? Buck it, face making competition with a tree she instead choose to simply laugh back at Twilight.
"Oh girls don't you see..." she laughed. "When I was a little filly and the sun was going down..." she continued.
"...Tell me she's not - The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me frown..." Pinkie interrupted Twilight.
"She is" me, Delilah, and Rarity replied. Utterly dumbstruck by what we we're witnessing.
"I'd hide under my pillow...
One Mentally Difficult Melody Later I'm not writing the rest of this fucking song
"Well, that was hard to listen to" I whispered to Delilah.
"Indeed..." was her single worded reply.
"How... how goes the legion's progress. Has Asteria sent an update?" I asked.
"Unfortunately no, though that probably means they have the elements and are retreating".
"Hopefully... some good news would be a godsend right now". Delilah chuckled.
"Cheer up Night, I'm certain everything will fall into place and work out. We only need to be patient dear" she smiled.
"Oh... first name basis, that's quite bold of you given both of our positions... Guardsmare" I smiled back.
"Oh I am fully aware of all that Night Storm. I know about the little games that you play with those under your... jurisdiction" she deepened her smile into a smirk.
"Oh do you now. Are you interested in joining the next time we play?" I asked. In truth those games we're little more than banter between myself and those that I would call close friends within the guard and knighthood. Like Firestorm, Ruby, and to an extent Plasma as well.
"Perhaps" the purple mare replied.
"Very well, but do know that this is not a way for us to get... involved together. The others understand that and I trust that you will too. But if that is not the case then other arrangements will be made, understand?" I asked.
"Indeed sir, I'm not that kind of mare anyway" Delilah replied.
"Good, I didn't take you for it anyway. Now lets get - oof" It seemed I hadn't been paying as much attention as I thought I was and had run into poor Fluttershy's back, who let out a small squeak.
"What's going on, why are we stopped?" I asked. Pinkie Pie, who had been leading our little herd, no don't say it like that Night err... Flameheart! ...Pinkie Pie pointed ahead towards the raging torrent of a river that was infront of us.
I immediately thought of just flying or teleporting over it, but before I could converse my idea the sound of crying began to reach our ears. Prompting us to investigate. After trotting through some bushes we found what looked to be a... sea serpent? Yeah let's go with that. A sea serpent crying and thrashing about like a madmare in the river we needed to cross.
I again attempted to convey my idea of simply flying or teleporting but Twilight beat me to it.
"Excuse me sir, why are you crying?" she asked. Me and Delilah, wisely recognizing the serpent as a potential threat backed off a good twenty hooves behind them.
"Well I don't know, I was just sitting here minding my own business when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just whizzed past me and tore half of my beloved moustache clean off!"
"That's why he's crying like a foal?"
"And now I look simply horrid... ohhohoho!" the serpent replied, threw himself backwards, and promptly splashed the six foolish mares with a wave of water. I was now very happy I had moved. If that water had hit me... it would have been very, very painful. Regardless if I was disguised or not.
"Do you want to just teleport across?" Delilah asked me. With me still agitated over the water I couldn't nod fast enough. I wasn't necessarily afraid of water, just... most Flame Ponies of the modern day hadn't even seen water outside of our underground farms, and even then there's barely enough to fill a single barrel there. This was an absolute torrent of a river that if somepony fell in they could very easily be simply pulled under and drown, and that's before adding a flame ponies body being extinguished... All in all, not a nice way to go huh...
I was very suddenly pulled out of my reverie with six mares along with the sea serpent staring at me. While Delilah had a hoof on my withers, slowing shaking me.
"Wha, what happened?" I asked.
"You blanked out darling. Are you alright?" Rarity replied.
"I what?!"
"Oh... ah, yes thank you Rarity. Apologies let's... get across the river" I said.
"But Night, we are across the river. You and Delilah teleported across while we jumped across on Steven's back" Twilight answered.
"You... you, you jumped onto a sea serpent" I was dumbfounded.
"Yeah he's really nice" Pinkie added.
"What?!"
"Are you okay sir, I didn't frighten you did I?!" the now named Steven asked.
"N, no I just... I... - can't swim" Delilah interrupted me.
"Night here can't swim and with you making all those waves it brought up a few bad memories. That's why I teleported him over here" she added.
"Oh well I'm dreadfully sorry sir, I did not mean to cause you harm!" the serpent near panicked.
"Your... fine Steven, come on let's keep going... Rarity what happened to your tail?" I asked and her eyes turned to pinpricks.
"N, nothing darling. Now come along as you said before we're burning moonlight and it was nice to meet you Steven but we need to be going bye!" she said and began trotting away, albeit at a somewhat faster pace than our one before.
We said our goodbye's to Steven and hurried after her. With me and Delilah ending up at the back of the pack once again.
"Sir are you sure you're okay? I know water is a big deal and threat to you guys" Delilah asked for the umpteenth time.
"Yes I'm certain Delilah. I just didn't think that water could... move like that. It looks so tame in the farms" I replied.
"Well no matter, that's behind us now" she smiled.
"True... has Asteria sent an update?"
"...No she hasn't, this is unusual. Especially since we haven't seen nor heard from Fire Strike as well".
"Indeed, plus I believe we may not entirely be alone out here".
"Sire, what do you mean?" she asked.
"I think that Nightmare may be following - There it is! The ruin that holds the Elements Of Harmony, we made it!" Twilight cheered and took off towards the old castle.
"Twilight wait fer us!" Applejack called after her and they to took off. Leaving us behind
"Well I don't see any activity by the legion so maybe they just haven't had a chance to reply to us" Delilah said and we slowly began trotting after the mares.
"That's possible I suppose, though I just have this feeling that something's gone wrong". At Delilah's deadpanned expression I slightly wilted and corrected myself.
"With them, the legion I mean. We should have at least heard from Fire by this point" I added.
"True, though what can we do in the position we're in. Besides I've been under Asteria for years. You couldn't ask for a more capable commander. As for Nightmare following us... I take it you've noticed that blueish mist as well?" she asked.
"Yes, as well as what Steven said. I saw it earlier moving about those trees too".
"That is... concerning to say the least" she replied.
"So yes, I cannot help but worry" and I really couldn't. These we're my subjects. Those who I was duty bound to protect and guide.
"Well... going back to what I said before sir. I believe that they'll be fine, at that I promise." Delilah replied.
"I hope you're right Delilah..." I trailed off seeing the mares stopped at what looked to be another cliff ahead of us.
"What's going on?" I asked.
"The bridge for this ravine was out, Rainbows gone across to tie it on" Twilight answered me. I looked out over the fog covered ravine where the far end of the bridge disappeared into said fog.
"Very well" I replied.
"Though come ta think of it she has been takin a while" Applejack added.
"Hmm, Rainbow! Are you alright, what's taking so long" Twilight called. Suddenly the fog slightly parted to reveal three other ponies, from what it looked like there was a mare and two stallions talking with her on the other side before the fog closed up again. One look between me and Delilah was all we needed.
I took up into the sky while she teleported across. Unsheathing our hidden weapons and cloaked armor in the process. Though just as I touched down and Delilah appeared Rainbow turned around and the other three ponies who... had a look of shock and anger on their faces...? Dissipate into a cloud of blueish mist before retreating back into the forest.
"Woah guys chill out, they're not a threat they just wanted me to... huh, where'd they go?" Rainbow asked. Not even seeming to notice our weapons and armor.
"I feel that whatever they asked of you they we're not being truthful Rainbow Dash" Delilah said as she reactivated the spell which cloaked our armor.
"They wanted me to be their captain" she said as she tied the ends of the bridge together.
"Though they made the mistake of making me choose between them or my friends and future coltfriend, and I'd never leave either hanging" she added.
"What was that last part?" I asked but the blue mare had already turned away from me.
"Great job Rainbow" Twilight said. The other mares gave her similar praise.
"Come on let's get to that castle" she added.
"Indeed..." I said. The mares slowly trotted past while I moved towards Delilah.
"You saw how those ponies dissipated into smoke right?" I asked.
"Yes, and with it's color being the same that signaled Nightmare's entry into the town hall I'd say your hunch of her following us wasn't that far off" she replied.
"Well, let's just hope this gave the legion the time they needed to get the elements and get out" I said.
"Don't worry sir, I'm sure they did" Delilah smiled. I hesitantly returned it and we both pressed on towards the castle, and destiny.
The old castle was certainly showing it's age. From collapsed walls to caved in floors and shattered windows, complimented by the occasional patch of moss or other type of plant growing in the walls or floor. There was also no sign of the legion who just an hour ago occupied the structure.
That was good, it hopefully meant they had located and secured the elements. Now me and Delilah just had to slip away unnoticed.
"Woah, there really is an old castle here. I can't believe it" Rarity said.
"Guess we proved you wrong huh Night" Rainbow taunted.
"No comment" I replied. By this point the mares had all trotted through the front entrance, which left me and Delilah behind them.
"Once we make sure the legion secured the elements we're going to bolt, okay" I whispered.
"Understood sire, ready when you are" she replied.
"Come on Twilight, isn't this what you've been waitin for" Applejack called.
"The Elements Of Harmony, we found them" she proudly exclaimed towards a massive pedestal with five rocks carved with strange symbols atop it.
"Of course... nothings ever that easy is it" I sulked. Meanwhile Rainbow and Fluttershy got to work moving the boulders down onto the ground.
"Have you received anything from Asteria yet? I asked Delilah.
"No sir, I am beginning to suspect that something has happened. Or they are remaining silent for a reason" she replied.
"Indeed, be ready. We may have to get violent here".
"Right... wait, according to the book there should be six elements correct?" she asked.
"...Oh my bucking Faust!"
Meanwhile it seemed the mares had noticed this little dilemma as well.
"One, two, three, four, ah... there's only five" Pinkie counted.
"Where's the six?" added Rainbow.
"The book said, when the five are present a spark will cause the sixth element to be revealed" Twilight reminded us.
"Oh, uh right... I'm too bucking tired for this shit" I mentally added.
"What in the hay is that supposed to mean?" Applejack asked.
"I'm not sure but I have an idea" Twilight replied and crouched down towards the elements.
"Stand back, I don't know what will happen" she added.
At this point I was starting to get nervous. Although it looked like all Twilight needed to do was simply give a little spark from her horn and the sixth element would appear Nightmare Moon could show up at any moment and we had planned to be long gone by now. The fact we didn't even know where she was didn't help either. Although it seemed we we're about to get a break for the first time this night.
"Come on now ya'll, she needs to concentrate" Applejack said, and for whatever reason the five other mares just followed her out of the room. I was so surprised that I looked to Delilah as if to confirm what I was seeing. Sure enough she was just as stunned as I was and we smirked to each other.
Once Twilight summoned the sixth element all we had to do was simply knock her out and make off with them before the others or Nightmare Moon showed up. It was foolproof.
As Twilight attempted to get the elements to spark we anxiously waited for our chance to strike.
"They don't seem to be anything more than rocks sire, are you sure these are the fabled Elements Of Harmony?" Delilah asked me.
"This what we have to go off Delilah, and until something says otherwise we should assume these are them. Looks can be deceiving after all" I replied.
"Indeed but what if Celestia moved the elements and these are mere decoys?" she asked.
"...If she did then we'll adapt to the situation we'll find ourselves in" I countered. Delilah simply nodded her response.
When Twilight did finally make progress on the elements they did something completely unexpected. A blue mist began to form and encircle the elements. Before spinning faster and faster to the point it completely enveloped them in a practical tornado.
Twilight screamed and before myself or Delilah could react we we're all simultaneously teleported away.
Appearing in what seemed to be another part of the old castle me, Delilah, and Twilight stood facing Nightmare Moon. Who seemed to be charging us down oh buck...
Nightmare barreled straight into Delilah and slammed her hoofguards into her stomach which sent her backwards into a wall. Thankfully for her the armor she was wearing saved her life. But before she could get up nor could I launch a counter attack Nightmare teleported behind me and struck my right rear leg with the same attack. Breaking it and sending me to the ground with three good legs remaining.
"Night!" Twilight, who had been the most disorientated by Nightmare's surprise teleport screamed out in shock. While I slowly staggered to my hooves Nightmare teleported to Delilah and threw her into me via telekinesis. Then she turned towards Twilight.
"Well well if it isn't our sister's star pupil, Twilight Sparkle" the black mare taunted.
"You... how do you know my name?" she gulped.
"Mwahehehe, We have our ways little pony. We've had our eye on thee ever since that fateful day when thou became Celestia's student. Though We expected... more from somepony of thou's position" Nightmare replied.
"You won't get away with this, when Princess Celestia returns she'll - ahahahaha" Nightmare laughed and cut off Twilight.
"Thee still dons't understand do you. Thou's princess is gone, suffering the same fate she bestowed to us a thousand years ago!" she taunted. "Thou shoulds't be grateful that We have been as merciful as We have, though We suppose thou is't not much of a threat?" she taunted.
Twilight either didn't care or didn't show any distress.
"Then why have you hurt them!?" she angrily gestured towards us laying on the ground. Nightmare meanwhile actually looked confused for a second.
"What... what dos't thee...?" then she understood.
"Thee... thee does not know. Thee does not know! Ahahahahaha, thee does not even know!" she bellowed. Twilight meanwhile showed absolutely no reciprocation to Nightmare's humor.
"What are you talking about?" Twilight growled. While Nightmare continued laughing almost like a madmare Delilah helped me to my three good hooves and began slowly helping me towards the exit of the room we we're in.
"Ah... oh there is so much that thee does not know" Nightmare finally calmed herself.
"Now then" she started and teleported both of us to her side. "If thee wants to see this stallion and his mare live thou shall stay we're thy stands" she added while telepathically suspending me and Delilah in the air behind her, with conjured swords to our necks.
Twilight glared at Nightmare but relented, and the alicorn looked back and moved the swords away slightly.
"Good... now oof!" Nightmare cried and fell to the ground. Glancing ahead revealed Twilight was woozy with a slight amount of smoke coming from her horn.
With Nightmare's concentration gone the magic around me and Delilah faded. Which with that gone there was now nothing to keep us aloft in the air and gravity pulled us back to the ground, hard. While I landed less than gracefully with my broken leg Delilah took the opportunity provided by Twilight to attack Nightmare once again.
"You little foal, We shall crush thee!"
Which was probably not a smart decision.
Gazing up revealed that Twilight had probably shot some form of raw magic at Nightmare, if the blackened spot on her chestpiece was anything to go by.
"Quite a bit of p-power behind that too it seems" I thought.
Meanwhile going up against an enraged Nightmare Moon did not end well for Delilah. While she did manage to get a few strikes in with her sword Nightmare was still an alicorn, and therefore able to take an insane amount of damage and simply shrug it off. Which led to Delilah being marehandled by Nightmare's magic, struck multiple times, and then thrown into a support pillar.
Nightmare then shot a magical beam into Twilight. Who was sent back a good twenty or so hooves, and then turned her attention to me.
"Greetings Prince Flameheart" she smiled deviously.
"B-buck you" I oh so gracefully replied.
"Hehehe, do not worry my prince. Soon all thee's pain shall be gone. We can only imagine thou's burden. Being the only survivor of your family apart from thee's mother is already a travesty. Made even more so by the duties that being the only heir to the throne imposes" she continued.
"We should kill thee and raze thou's pathetic little city to the ground for attempting to interfere with our plans, however... We art feeling merciful this evening. If thee comes with and marries us we shall spare thyself along with thou's subjects entirely, though should thee continue down this rebellious path... We will promise that it will only end in pain".
My eyes couldn't have gone any wider.
"Wha, what!"
"Does't thee need it repeated, We understand that thee is a stallion and that it is harder for your gender to...". That was about as far as Nightmare got before my brain had to tune her out to keep any kind of function going.
"D... d... did Nightmare Moon just propose to me!? Am I dreaming!?"
"...and if thee comes and marries us we shall... is thou listening to us!?" Nightmare yelled.
"I... I... I..." at my quite honest pathetic attempts to form a coherent sentence Nightmare chuckled and placed a forehoof on my withers.
"We understand that this is probably a bit of a shock but We intend to make good on our promises" she smiled.
"I... wha, why...?" I skeptically asked. For a moment Nightmare actually dropped her off cocksure smile and replaced it with a smaller, more placid one.
"Because We... it gets... tiring, ruling over a nation. Holding court, holding audiences, reviewing scrolls, planning conquests... among other things" she then lowered herself so that we could look each other in the eyes and our muzzles almost touched. "Thee especially should know how tiring ruling can be. All We wish is to have a companion to come back to at the end of a long night. One whom will not suck up to us nor grovel at our hooves. One who can stand on an equal level with us" she added.
For a moment Nightmare looked more pony than like a god to me.
"What... I... I... I... - rah!" suddenly Twilight and Delilah both appeared from behind Nightmare with sword and spell, and it ended as predictably as last time. Delilah went for the horn and nearly succeeded while Twilight nearly managed to free me from Nightmare. But the dark mare was just too strong.
She managed to intercept Twilight but Delilah was faster. While Nightmare did manage to block her horn from the mare's assault that just made Delilah target her eyes in a follow up attack, which was successful. Delilah struck firm and true right across Nightmare's face with her sword. Crippling both of her eyes.
"Agh, thee will pay for that!" Nightmare yelled. She lit her horn and managed to pick Delilah up and throw her into Twilight. Then she conjured two throwing knives and threw them into Delilah's face. Thankfully her invisible helmet managed to stop them and left Nightmare confused for a second. Before she threw her to the ground hard and pinned her legs using magic.
"Invisible armor... very clever little foal. I wonder what it will look like once We break thee's horn" she chuckled darkly. Delilah's eyes went wide and she struggled to try and free herself. I knew I had to at least try and help her and so forced myself to my hooves and began to slowly and hopefully sneak up on Nightmare. If I could remove her magic from play, even if only temporary, would be a massive boost to us. Though I had failed to account for one factor, Twilight.
The purple unicorn was also sneaking up behind Nightmare, and when she noticed me she held out a hoof in protest to my plan. For once I decided to agree with her in matters related to the martial and let her attack Nightmare, first at least. I would right behind her. With or without her consent and knowledge.
Twilight positioned herself directly behind Nightmare and prepared to fire a spell of some kind before it all went wrong.
When Twilight fired the bolt of magic Nightmare simply turned around, intercepted it, and sent another bolt right back at Twilight, then teleported Delilah behind Twilight. The bolt hit Twilight and sent her careening into Delilah, who in turn was sent into me, and we we're then traveling at such a velocity that me and Delilah we're sent through a window at the back of the room. Twilight barely managing to teleport in time.
We fell about sixty hooves, landed on and then rolled down an embankment of some sort, and just before we came to a stop the ground beneath us suddenly gave way. Having us fall another fifteen hooves before rolling to a stop against a wall in what looked to be some sort of old quarters. While it could have been the fall making me dizzy though I swore I heard about three or so sets of voices come from the castle during our said fall.
"Night!"
"Flameheart"
"Twilight!"
Though I had more pressing concerns at the moment. Like where we we're and the magenta unicorn on top of me respectively.
"Ah, ow. That bucking hurt" I whimpered.
"I c... concur" Delilah wheezed into my chest. For about a minute we just laid there, trying to get air back into our lungs. Eventually Delilah found her voice first.
"We sh, should probably get moving sir. Can you walk?" she asked.
"I think I c-can m-manage a h--hobble" I wheezed myself.
"Come on I'll put you on my back and teleport us away from here" she said.
"Alright, we can always regroup and c-come back for the elements anyway" I replied.
"The elements, buck the elements, we should get you the buck out of here before Nightmare kills that foolish unicorn!" she said.
"Wha-whatever just get us out of... here" I trailed off as the ground beneath us began shaking, slowly building in crescendo. Delilah slid off to my right side as we looked above us through our entrance hole into where ever we we're. From our perspective we could only see the night sky and the top floor of the castle. Where a window now sported a large hole in it with a near blinding white light emerging from it.
"Delilah I think we should leav- noooooooooooo!" A massive magical surge of energy cut me off and nearly blinded the both of us.
"What the buck was that!" Delilah hissed.
"I don't know but I don't think we want to find out..." I trailed off once more as the night suddenly began turning to day above us.
"Did... did Nightmare Moon lose!?" Delilah asked.
"No idea, but again I don't think we want to be around here to find out. Now I care for you as a subject and friend, but please get us the buck out of here!" I shouted.
"Right" she replied, lit her horn, and screamed in pain. Falling back onto me while clutching her horn revealed that it had been cracked at the base. This obviously was quite detrimental to the unicorns magic abilities, but thankfully for her it could have been much worse. Nevertheless I held her and rubbed her head and back to try and take some of the pain away.
About twenty or so seconds passed before I spoke up again.
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"Yes and no, I take it that my horn is cracked?" Delilah replied.
"Yes it is, I take it that magic is a no go now?"
"Yes sir, I can still keep the invisibility spell on our armor since it's low level maintenance magic, though slightly painful. But casting is out of the question" she said.
"Wonderful" I sighed. I glanced back up at our entrance in the ceiling and concluded that we weren't going to be scaling the wall in our current condition. I also noticed that this room's rotten wooden support beams we're probably what gave way thanks to our hard landing above them.
Looking around the room while Delilah took a second to recover revealed that we we're most likely in a servants quarters. Judging by the beds and the other assortment of furniture. There was a door that hopefully led into some sort of hallway, though it would probably lead back into the main part of the castle.
"All right, we'll wait here for a couple hours, let you recover, and then we'll see if we there's a hallway on the other side of that door. With any luck it'll take us back into the castle and we can get topside that way" I said. Delilah nodded her thanks.
"That will not be necessary" a new voice called. Looking up revealed my worst possible nightmare, the one pony besides Nightmare Moon that I had hoped to never cross in my life. This pony went by many names, such as The Paragon Of The Sun, The Eternal Light Bringer, Knight Of The Order of Starswirl, but the most common and known title she boasted was the Ruler Of Equestria.
As Princess Celestia Radiatus Morningstar looked down upon us I could in shock only utter one singular word.
I do not scare easily, or at least not since I had learned proper combat training under Plasma. But some things... they still... get to me, I suppose? One of them being Princess Celestia. Now I have faced horrible, abominable, and outright ruthless creatures in my life. But... she... terrifies me.
She was thousands of years old, and while nowhere near the levels of Luna she had ended lives before... a lot too if the records and stories are to be believed, as well as imprisoned the aforementioned mare to the moon for a thousand years. On top of all her other achievements and well, she was quite literally a goddess in the flesh.
I never thought that I would've faced her in my life. I had always thought that I would've stayed out in the wasteland that I had called home for my entire life. I was aware upon entering Equestria that I had a chance of encountering her, especially once Nightmare Moon became involved but... I had planned to steer clear of her entirely. Or at least be one face in a crowd of a hundred.
So when the white mare began descending towards me I began freaking out internally. Wishing that I had done things differently, or just stayed away from Equestria entirely. To just go back in time... but I couldn't, and now I had to figure out how to get us out of this mess... and fast.
Princess Celestia touched down as gracefully as I would've expected. "You needn't fear me young stallion, I only wish to help you" she smiled.
"What". Suffice to say that was not what I had expected the first words she would ever speak to me be.
"I have heard from my dear student that you and your mare have helped and even saved her life last night, as well as having helped free my sister. To which I am in a great debt to you for" she continued. Meanwhile Delilah also turned around and began having her own little freakout.
"Huh... wait, does she think that me and Delilah- Are you two okay?" Celestia asked as she interrupted my internal musings.
"I... uh, I... y-yes we are. I-I take it you're Princess C-Celestia right?" I squeaked out. The sun tyrant smiled.
"Indeed I am, now my student has informed me of several things" she began.
"Oh... well I tried, better to just play nice and pray for the best possible outcome I suppose. Wait what does Twilight even know, shouldn't she be referring to Luna in this case-". "First, you both have helped free my sister from the clutches of Nightmare Moon. To which I am most grateful for" she reiterated.
"Secondly, Night Storm, you helped save my student from certain death and the both of you helped in her fight against Nightmare Moon". We both gave a weak smile.
"And third, you both have received grave injuries from your fight with her" she added.
"Now, usually I do not do this. But for your actions last night I would like the both of you to come to Canterlot with me to be treated by my personal doctors and physicians for your injuries" she finished. Me and Delilah looked at each other.
"So that's her plan, lure us into Canterlot with the promise of help. Then detain us in a gilded cage".
"I - thank you for the offer Princess, but we will be fine and need to be going" Delilah interrupted me.
"But I thought I was told you both we're staying for the Summer Sun Celebration?" the goddess replied.
"Buck!".
"Please, you do not need to fear me. I am not angry with you attacking my sister if that is what plagues you so. I only wish to repay the both of you for all that you have done for me. You both are not in any condition to be traveling anytime soon. So please, let me help you. As a thanks to all you have done for me" Celestia said.
"Does... does she not know, but how!? No, she's just playing dumb because she wants to do this sneakily... for whatever reason".
"We do not need your help... princess. Though we appreciate your offer" I replied. Celestia frowned and just before I was certain she would have showed her true colors the other mares appeared in a flash of teleportation, though most notably without Luna.
"Night!" they all yelled.
"Oh great, why now of all times". I thought as Twilight ran up to me.
"Are you okay, Nightmare Moon didn't hit you too hard did she, oh who am I kidding of course she did and it's all my fault and if I didn't suck at combat magic then Nightmare wouldn't have hit you and use me as cannonball and -Twilight!" I raised my voice. This thankfully got her to shut up.
"It is okay, Nightmare Moon is... was an alicorn. Even if you we're a battle mage you wouldn't have stood a chance against her. Alicorns are just too powerful" I consoled. Twilight for her part looked like she wanted to contest my statement with more self-loathing, but decided not to.
"Thanks Night, now I know you probably have this "I don't need a mare thing" going on but the fact of the matter is you're wounded... badly" she began. I chose not to say anything upon glancing down at myself. There was quite a bit of blood on both myself and Delilah.
"You have a broken leg, probably several other broken bones due to your fall, as well as possible internal bleeding, the same for Delilah too" she continued.
"In addition to any other injuries thanks to your fight, so you will be going to Ponyville's hospital to recover and that's that" she finished.
"Twilight- I said was that" she interrupted me.
"But- that was that!" she asserted.
"No! I can't go to Ponyville, we have to get out of... here. That's it! If we go to Ponyville it's us not going to Canterlot!" I thought.
"All right Twilight, I'll go to Ponyville... but!" I said just before she could let out a cheer. "Once me and Delilah have recovered we will be on our way, deal?" I asked.
"Deal" she replied.
"All right, now how are we going to..." Flash "Get to Ponyville?" I asked as Celestia lit her horn and me, Delilah, the mares, and Luna all appeared outside Ponyville's townhall to a crowd of very surprised ponies. Me and Delilah held aloft in Celestia's magic.
"Well then, that works I suppose".
"Make sure that you eat your fruit dear, I'll be back to help change your bandages once you finish okay" Nurse Redheart, a snow white earth pony with a pink mane and tail, told me.
"Yes yes, mother" I rolled my eyes while the mare narrowed hers. "Your injuries are very serious Night Storm, had Princess Celestia not had you brought here you could have succumbed to your internal bleeding, and with your ribs as cracked as they were you are lucky that they did not shatter and pierce your heart or lungs" she admonished me.
"I understand that nurse, I just do not wish to referred to as a foal" I replied and she chuckled.
"Hehe, well if you do not want to refer to me as your mother you could always refer to me as mommy" she smiled.
"Huh?"
"Once you get out of the hospital I wouldn't be opposed to doing something with you" she then rolled her head and puffed up her chest fluff. "If you wanted too" she added.
"Is she... trying to court me?"
"Now remember what I said about your dinner dear, it's getting cold" and with that the nurse trotted out of my room and shut the door behind her.
"Well that was the weirdest attempt at courting I've ever seen" Delilah said from her neighboring bed.
Trying to forget what had just been said to me I looked down at my dinner. A pair of pears (pun unintended) with some tomato soup. After a few test bites I found that it tasted surprisingly well compared to the slop that we had for soup in Ashen. Though what it lacked in taste it made up for in nutrition, and helped remarkably with recovery from injuries which made it popular with our herbalists and physicians.
As I ate I thought back to when me and Delilah arrived back in Ponyville. When Princess Celestia had so unceremoniously teleported us into town the ponies had all but gawked and bowed as quickly as possible. Then when they looked up and saw Princess Luna they cried out that Nightmare Moon had entranced their princess and began to panic.
However Celestia quickly managed to calm them down and explained that thanks to me, Delilah, and the six other mares Nightmare Moon had been defeated, and her sister. Princess Luna had been freed from her clutches.
The ponies then noticed me and Delilah being held aloft by their princesses' magic, our injuries visible for all of them to see. This resulted in quite a lot of looks being thrown at Luna, who began to shrink into the shadow of her older sister.
At the same time Celestia seemed to take notice of this and re-explained that Luna and Nightmare Moon we're not the same pony, and that Luna had been possessed by a madmare. Fortunately for her that seemed to calm the masses. But I could still see the lingering fear in them.
After that Celestia called upon the medical staff of Ponyville General to help both myself and Delilah with our injuries. Many of whom seemed very enthusiastic to help. After that they had all but dragged us off to this hospital where we had been confined to this room together and I had been fawned over by the female medical staff while Delilah had been attended to by two stallions, one a doctor and the other a nurse.
I had also feared that once they began to touch us and begin administering treatment for our injuries our invisible armor would start bringing them to ask difficult questions. Fortunately that didn't happen. As just before Celestia hoofed us off to the physicians I felt our armor being teleported off of us, and my eyes caught Star Fire's in the far back of the crowd before she disappeared back between two buildings and into a dark alleyway.
That was good, it meant that the legion knew what was happening to an extent and that Asteria was not sitting idly by. However it was also apparent that with Nightmare's defeat that they had not been able to secure the elements. How I did not know, they had several hours to comb that castle and locate them. But that did not matter anymore, we had failed, and now we we're in the most precarious position we had ever been in since the founding of Ashen and our great exile from Equestria proper.
Which brought me back to Celestia, and no matter how I thought about it it just didn't make sense. If she knew who we we're then why didn't she just detain or kill us. But she didn't, in fact she acted like we were just two random ponies who had by chance met and decided to help Twilight.
Which supported the idea that Celestia didn't know who we we're, but how! Luna knew who we we're as Nightmare Moon, and I didn't think the Elements could wipe a pony's memory but... they we're known to be extremely powerful artifacts. Plus, with not that much being known about them it stood to consider that as a possibility.
But why, why would they do that then? Was this the universe's way of apologizing after all the bullshit I had to put up with last night or was there some greater plan at work?
More importantly what would my mother think about all these developments. I had never failed her to this great of an extent before. Sure I had let her down but I'd always made up for it, but this... this was nothing short of a catastrophe.
"No, I will... cross that bridge when I come to it. For now I should focus on escaping Ponyville, rendezvousing with the legion, securing the elements if possible, and escaping Equestria... all without alerting said Equestrians to our presence, buck.
But I'm The Flame Prince, I am the Son Of Ashen, and the last of the royal line as well... buck. I need to be more careful in the future. If something happens to me before I can sire an heir Ashen could descend into anarchy, Tartarus the whole kingdom at that.
"I should probably stay away from field duty for a while, at least while in Equestria. If we are discovered at least that gives me a chance to get away".
While I detested the thought of cowering while my subjects fought I knew that in some cases it was better for the commareder to sit and direct from the back. Soldiers existed for a reason after all, and it was their superior's job to guide them, and history had shown that such ponies we're often the target for assassins.
"Alright then, new plan. Recover in Ponyville, rendezvous with the legion, secure the elements if possible, and hightail it back to Ashen. We can always come back in the future anyway, wait for things to die down. Though Luna's return complicates things, buck!
Once me and Delilah finished our food Nurse Redheart trotted back in and retrieved our empty dishes. Thankfully without anymore comments. We we're then told it was lights out and that we would see her or another pony in the morning and she left.
"Sir, about yesterday" Delilah began once we're alone.
"It is fine Delilah, you did a good job and I'm already formulating a plan for our situation. Now keep quiet they could be listening" I replied. She nodded and we both fell asleep, I didn't know what tomorrow would bring but I prayed it would be good.
"Are you alright Luna, I understand that Equestria has changed a lot since you've been gone, and that you'll need to adapt to unfamiliar customs, as well as the whole... banishment issue". Princess Celestia, the ruler of the Constitutional Principality Of Equestria asked her newly returned and soon to be reinstated as a ruler sister, Princess Luna Argentis.
"Yes... We art well sister, though whilst many things plague us. Including this... change in the Equestrian alphabet we art more troubled by that stallion from Ponyville" she said. The two of them we're currently in Celestia's personal carriage returning to Canterlot, the capital city of Equestria. Celestia looked over at her sister.
"Yes, that's another thing we will need to talk about. Since you've been gone, well more recently in the past twenty or so years stallions have... well..." she trailed off.
"Just speak thee's mind sister, we've been gone for so long that it's a pleasure just to hear thou's voice. Especially when complaining about stallions" Luna teased.
"Very well, in laymare's terms stallions have changed, somewhat. Don't mistake my warning, the colts of the nobility are still the snobbiest, most uncaring, arrogant, vain, whimsical whorses we've both ever had the misfortune to meet. However... some stallions, a very small minority at that. Have taken an... interest outside of the traditional roles our ponies have maintained for thousands of years, so... you're going to see some things... Things that may seem weird to you" Celestia explained.
"Sister, We do not understand. Wasn't... wasn't Starswirl one of these stallions that thee's describing, Flash Magnus... or Rockhoof even?" Luna asked.
"No Luna, they are different from these stallions because I actually enjoyed talking to and being around them. However these colts are only in the guard because they think they have something to prove or are superior to mares... minus a few individuals, to be fair to them" Celestia sighed.
"We see sister... should We be informed of anything else regarding changes in culture?"
"Just do not antagonize them Luna, it will only lead to headaches that we do not need right now. Besides, like you said earlier we need to have a discussion about Night Storm and that other mare. But for now, I am glad to have you back" Celestia smiled and hugged her younger sister.
"Likewise sister, likewise" the Lunar Alicorn smiled back.
I woke to the sound of small squeaks and a tune being hummed outside of my door. A moment later a familiar nurse opened it and trotted in pushing what looked like a cart of some sort?
"Good morning Night Storm, good morning Delilah" Redheart greeted us. Now that I wasn't utterly exhausted and dealing with as much pain as I was last night I noticed that she had a small white hat with a red cross atop her head to go with her pure white coat and pink mane. While a glance towards my guard showed that she had bags under her eyes, likely from staying up all night on guard.
"Here's your morning breakfast dear. Some hay and scrambled eggs along with some coffee and water" Redheart added and pushed the cart up alongside my bed. She then pulled out a small table looking thing out from under the cart and set it over me on the bed, until a faint clicking noise was heard and then placed my food upon it.
After doing the same for Delilah and making sure we we're both comfortable she said her goodbyes and gestured to a small red crystal on our night stands and instructed us to speak into them once we we're done eating or if we needed anything else, then she left.
We both looked at the food before us.
"Well Delilah, it certainly has been a week hasn't it" I finally began conversation.
"Yes sir... it has" she replied and bit into her food.
"Did you stay up all night?" I asked
"Mmhm" she answered and began to chew.
"All right then, once we're finished eating I'll take watch while you get some sleep" I said. She nodded and continued eating while I held off for a few minutes. Once it became clear that the unicorn's mind wasn't altered in any way or she wasn't going to drop dead only then did I begin to eat myself. Giving a silent prayer to Faust in the process.
"Sire..." Delilah began.
"Yes Delilah?" I replied.
"Am... am I a worthy mare?" she asked.
"What, where is this coming from?"
"Worthy of what, being in my service?" I asked.
"...Yes, I feel that I am not worthy to be your guard. That I have failed in the mission that you so graciously bestowed upon me, and for that I am sorry" she said sadly.
"Delilah, I'm two years your senior, and I picked both you and Fire Strike for our... reconnaissance because of your successful mission records. You still have your entire life ahead of you. So please, if you ever feel like you aren't good enough, remember this conversation and why I picked you, okay" I smiled.
"Besides, you fared quite well against Nightmare Moon. Most would probably have lost near instantaneously but you didn't, and you never gave up. I and the kingdom need that kind of determination" I added.
"Thank you sire, doesn't really change what happened but... thank you" she smiled herself.
Once we both had finished our food Delilah passed out almost immediately, while a new pony, a stallion this time dressed in a similar garment to Redheart entered and took our plates from us. He also informed me where the bathrooms we're and if we needed help using them then we could call for help via the red crystals.
I replied my thanks and he left. Now I was all alone with Delilah's soft snore's being my only company, though that wasn't to last. As only a couple minutes later six very familiar mares entered our room. Interrupting my musing of a plan to get us out of this town.
"Hello Night, how are you feeling?" Twilight asked.
"I've been better I suppose... what happened with Princess Luna?" I replied.
"She and Princess Celesta both returned to Canterlot" Rarity spoke. An uncomfortable silence followed.
"Night... about last... night?" Applejack began.
"We're really, really sorry about what happened" Pinkie added.
"Mhm, and we want to try and make it up to ya" Rainbow said.
"That is... if youwant us to?" Fluttershy finished.
"Hah... of course these mares aren't through with me yet, are they".
"Look, while I appreciate your apology me and Delilah need to be going with haste as soon as we are both able to" I answered. Gesturing to the still lightly snoring mare.
The six non-asleep mares looked at each other.
"That's another thing that we wanted to discuss with you. Who exactly are you Night?" Twilight asked.
"And... here we go".
"Well I don't know Twilight, who exactly are you?" I rebutted.
"Hey now, don't ya try to flip this around on us Night. We asked the question first" Applejack cut in.
"And why exactly is this important?" I asked.
"Well je, I don't know. Some random stallion and two mares show up out of nowhere a mere day before the summer sun celebration. Are the only ones who know about Nightmare Moon, other than Twilight who herself just found out about the story the day before, have weapons that can go invisible, and on top of that are physically able to hold off against an Alicorn in hoof to hoof combat" Rainbow Dash said.
"Faustdammit".
"Well... I wouldn't say hold off - So we'll ask again. Who are you Night Storm?" Rainbow cut Fluttershy off, which only I seemed to notice.
"Buck this not good, how do I get out of - "
"By the way, where is Fire Strike? I don't remember her being with us ever since we left the library" Twilight added. The other mares agreeing with her as well.
"It's nothing that you lot have any business in. So I'd appreciate it if you left this matter alone. Lest you find the answer unsatisfactory" I warned.
"Night... you aren't being forced to do anything you don't want to do, right?" Rarity asked this time.
"Absolutely not, everything I have done in my life has been done voluntarily of my own goodwill" I answered. The mares visibly relaxed at this.
"Okay then, who are you and where is Fire Strike?" Rainbow Dash repeated. Knowing that I was not going to get out of this without giving the mares an answer I gave in and told them about myself, just a little bit.
"My name is Night Storm, my birthday is the twenty-ninth of September, my favorite color is red, and I enjoy reading, art, history, swordsmareship, and helping others with whatever may ail them" I said.
"Swordsmareship, who taught ya how to wield ah sword?" Applejack asked.
"Not important, next question" I more ordered than asked.
"Okay... what about your family" Twilight inquired.
"What about them?" I rebutted.
"Oh fer bucks sake, how does yer father feel about you running around fightin other ponies with swords like a knight?" Applejack, now quite more agitated, queried me.
"I wouldn't know, he's been dead along with my two sisters for over a decade" I dryly replied. At that revelation the girls' eyes went wide and they backed off a bit.
"Oh... I'ma, I'm sorry to hear that Night. Ah, Ah didn't know" Applejack replied dejectedly. Along with similar replies from the others.
"It is fine, you couldn't have. Besides I've come to terms with it anyway" I replied.
"Ah, right... of course darling. Come on girls, I think that we've... questioned the poor colt enough" Rarity regretfully stated. The other mares unanimously agreed with the only outlier being Rainbow Dash.
"What, but, come on girls... after everything that's happened you're all just going to walk away from wha hey!" Rainbow yelped as she was dragged from the room by Rarity, the door shutting behind them.
"Well that was interesting".
"Well, that was certainly something" Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia's prized protégé, and current holder of The Element Of Magic. Stated as they we're leaving the hospital Night and Delilah had been checked into.
"Something indeed" Rarity agreed.
"I still don't understand why we're just walking away from something like this..." at the number annoyed stares Rainbow got thrown her way over that sentence she reiterated.
"Well... I mean they aren't normal ponies, and I get that he's a stallion. But come on, have you guys ever heard of a stallion fighting like that. Not to mention what happened to his father and siblings, which is bad Applejack" she added.
"What do you think even happened to them? Something really really bad!" Pinkie chimed in.
"I don't know but probably it wasn't good, especially if Night has been forced into fighting like what we saw yesterday night" Twilight said.
"So... what do you think we should do darling?" Rarity asked.
"I think... that Princess Celestia left too quickly" Twilight replied.
It was the next day at what I had learned was Ponyville General, or more collectively known as the region's hospital. Thankfully Twilight and her comrades had not yet returned, though that could obviously change at a moment's notice.
Presently me and Delilah, who thankfully seemed to doing better with her self imposed depression, we're waiting for the clock in our room to strike twelve. As that was the time set for our release, for it seemed Equestrian healing magic had surpassed our own. and had healed our injuries in record time.
"Five minutes to go".
Suddenly Nurse Redheart opened the door and trotted into our room.
"Good morning you too, how are you both doing" she asked us.
"We are well, thank you nurse" I replied, Delilah nodded.
"Good, how is your leg Night?" the nurse asked.
"Better, it's healed quite quickly thanks to your hospital's healing magic Redheart" I answered. The white mare smiled and puffed up her tuft before replying to me.
"That's good, while we may not be a Canterlot hospital that doesn't mean us Ponyville mares aren't capable of treating broken bones" she smiled.
"Indeed, you are most proficient" Delilah added.
"Thank you, now before we discharge you from here we do need to record some information for your medical records" Redheart said.
"Wait what, medical records?".
"Um, okay... are we going to this now?" I asked.
"We can, or you can do it at the front desk if you want. Did you want to do it now?" Redheart responded. I looked at Delilah.
"Sounds fine to me" she said.
"Very well" Redheart said and withdrew a piece of paper on what looked to be a piece of wood with a metal clip at the top that held said paper in place.
"Huh, that's interesting".
"First off I need both of your full names please" she asked.
"Night Storm".
"Delilah Evadne" after Delilah had to spell out her last name for Redheart we moved onto the next question.
"How old are the both of you?".
"Eighteen"
"Sixteen"
"When was you're last check up?" I looked at Delilah.
"We've never been to an Equestrian hospital before" she answered. Redheart seemed surprised by this.
"Really" she asked, and at my nod she continued. "Well that's not a major issue, what was the name of the last facility you we're in?".
"It didn't have a name, it was just collectively known as the infirmary" I answered.
"Okay then, I guess that's the answer they're going to get then" Redheart muttered.
"Next question, where are you both from?" she added.
"And why does that matter?" Delilah rebutted.
"It's important that we document where our patients are from so that we can help treat for any local diseases or ongoing ailments" the nurse explained.
"Well we don't know, as far as we both can remember we've always been on the road" I replied.
"So you've never sat in one place then...?" Redheart questioned, I nodded.
"I see, I take it that this infirmary also went with you wherever you went?" she asked.
"More or less" I answered.
"Alright then, what are the names of your parents?".
"My mothers name is Radiance, my father's was Solaris" I said, obviously leaving out their titles.
"Cyra and Ignatius respectively" Delilah added.
"Thank you, one last question" Redheart said.
"Oh thank Faust, we can almost finally leave"
"Have you both ever been checked into a medical facility for any reason in the past?" she asked
"No" I answered quickly, hoping to get this over with already. Delilah nodded when Redheart looked in her direction.
"Okay, that's it. Let's just get your bandages off and you'll both be good to go" she said.
"Finally let's hightail it" I smiled.
Sometimes I genuinely hate my life. Be it from having to stay up late into the night thanks to my occupation, training, or some unforeseen issue forcing it's way into my schedule. To fighting on the battlefield and seeing close friends get killed and then having to bury them in the following days.
I thought I had seen it all, I really did. But it seemed that Faust, fate, or whoever governed how the universe was run, always found a way to surprise me. Today it seemed that it was once again the mares of Ponyville. Making anything I tried to do a headache, even leaving. How they managed to give me a headache this way I do not and probably never will know.
"Are you sure you couldn't stay for one more day. I promise I'll show you how much I can give you here".
"I am certain Cherry, thank you though" I responded for the umpteenth time to the alcoholic.
"Nevermind her Night, she's just an alcoholic who'll abuse you. I can provide you - thank you Carrot Top but I unfortunately must be going" I interrupted.
"Unfortunately for you that is" I silently grumbled. This continued on and on until I was not the only pony utterly frustrated with the townsmares. Even Redheart had asked the same questions and made the same suggestions as half the town was to me right now.
"Oh but you like foals right... of course you do all colts like foals, and since I'm a school teacher I'm always around them. Oh you could come to my classroom and read to - enough!" Delilah shouted.
"I have had it with all of you, if the poor stallion wants to leave then just let him!" she yelled.
"And who exactly are you, some stallionizer that's gonna take advantage of him once you're all alone with him" some random mare in the crowd around us yelled. This seemed to ignite Ponyville's mare population into a powder keg about to explode upon Delilah.
Though in any sort of fight my money was still on the unicorn.
The second they started their advance on her Delilah conjured a sword and leveled it at the nearest mare, who stopped in her tracks. The rest following suit after a few moments.
"Enough of this foolishness, my name is Delilah Evadne. Descendant of the faithful and virtuous guardsmare Helia Evadne. Not that any of you harlots would understand that, now get out of my way or I'll blast you out of it" she threatened.
"That got the mares to make a small pathway out of the crowd, and with her head held high and a smirk on her muzzle the young mare escorted me out of Ponyville".
"Hmm, nice work guardsmare" I smiled once we we're at a sufficient distance.
"Hah, I just got fed up with all those remarks my prince, a pony of your station shouldn't have to deal with that" she replied.
"Well thank you nonetheless. I fear I was about to snap myself then" I said.
We made some more small talk as we continued to trudge west, towards where I hoped the legion would be. In truth I had half expected Equestria's royal guard to be stationed in Ponyville, waiting to take us into custody the second we stepped out of that hospital. Thankfully however the greatest foe me and Delilah had to deal with we're excited mares. Which I would almost always take over a battalion of guards.
I was also thankful that we did not have to wait long before a squad of mares in armor sporting our colors raced out of the neighboring Everfree to surround us.
Once pleasantries we're exchanged we we're then escorted to where the legion was encamped, where I noted that it was not in the same location as a couple days previously.
"Commareder Asteria" I said as I walked up to the commareder of the fourth legion, she honestly looked terrible. Much like the rest of her mares, who bore disheveled, exhausted, and panicky but relieved expressions when they saw me.
"Oh Flamehear... Prince Flameheart, thank Faust you're alright. They didn't hurt you did they, touch you inappropriately? We will all gladly raze that town to the ground if they so much as harmed a hair on your mane - Commareder, I'm fine" I tittered. She did not share my amusement.
"My prince, you have been held capture in that town for two days, on top of that been injured by Nightmare Moon and marehandled by Princess Celestia herself, and you just tell me that you're fine!" she near screeched.
"Alright, yes Nightmare Moon broke my leg, yes Princess Celestia levitated me. But I am still alive and no longer injured. On top of that I have seen several things that I want to try and reinvent in Ashen" I replied.
"How can you be so calm about this?" she asked me.
"Because it happened and myself and Delilah came out just fine, now why were we not able to secure the elements" I changed subjects.
At that Asteria froze, and the other guardsmares of the fourth legion shrunk back as well. This was clearly a conversation that they did not want to have.
"We... we tried your highness. But we really didn't know what we we're looking for. Still, it wasn't hard to locate five small stones that resembled the elements" she said.
"Alright, so why does Celestia now hold them and not us?" I asked.
"After thoroughly combing through that castle we took the elements and a few other things of value and began making our way out of the forest, when... she struck" Asteria shuddered.
"Who?" I replied
"The Nightmare, she attacked us and killed the mares carrying the elements before making off with them. We tried to track her down but there we're Equestrian guardsmares in the forest as well. So it was either pursue or keep ourselves hidden" she continued.
"Well it sounds like you made the right decision then..." I said.
"Who was killed?" I asked a moment later.
"It's in a report I have written out for you, right now your mother wants to speak with you. She said that as soon as you we're recovered to have you speak with her" Asteria added.
"Of course, thank you commareder" I said and turned to my tent where my communication crystal and the rest of my belongings I had brought with me we're, Delilah following me in order to activate the crystal.
A moment after she activated it and then stepped out for privacy my mother's concerned face appeared.
"Yes commareder As, oh Flameheart thank goodness, are you okay. If those fillies hurt you in any way I swear I'll - mother please, I'm fine... okay" I smiled. She smiled back and took a second to calm herself before continuing.
"Good good, now then. What the buck happened, why did Asteria report you and another guardsmare being held captive, Celestia now holding the one, or rather six objects which are the only things capable of defeating her, and you being injured by Nightmare Moon herself!" she cried.
"Yeah... about that" I nervously smiled.
I told her everything about my failed reconnaissance mission to how I witnessed Nightmare's return. All the way to me and Delilah's escape from Ponyville. Suffice to say she was not happy.
"So how many throats do I have to slit - mother!" I cut her off.
"They're mares not rapists, need I remind you that you are also a mare" I added.
"Yes, and I never said any of those crude remarks on your father when I courted him" she retorted.
"Perhaps, but that still does not warrant death for them" I replied.
"Very well, now about our next course of action" she began, I nodded.
"The fact that Luna did not immediately order your imprisonment suggests the mind wipe theory. As such that means that unless we are missing something here then the princesses are still none the wiser to our presence. So you will go back to that town and observe the bearers of the elements. Get close to them, learn as much as you possibly can about them and by extent the elements themselves. Then once we have enough information we will choose how and when we strike" she said.
"Celestia is likely to have them under lock and key in Canterlot" I replied.
"Indeed, which is something I'll put our Canterlot agents on. For now you just focus on the bearers themselves and find out they're weaknesses. Everypony has weaknesses" she added.
"Very well..." I replied.
"Is there something else Flameheart" she asked. She had always been good at reading ponies, especially me.
"Yes mother, I... am beginning to have second thoughts about all of this" I said.
"Why?" she asked.
"I feel that we are playing with luck we don't have. We've already gotten incredibly lucky that we haven't been discovered. In my opinion we should hightail it while we've still got the chance" I said.
"Flameheart, have you forgotten the conditions our subjects have to live in. The hardships they endure, because I haven't. Everyday when I see somepony's daughter being buried or colt being forced to father five foals at minimum just so that one might live to adulthood I only think of one thing. Do you know who I think of Flameheart?" she asked me.
"Celestia?" I replied.
"Precisely, I think of her and her betrayal centuries ago that put us into the position we find ourselves in today, and that makes me angry. Makes me want to avenge our fallen, who gave their lives so that we may live. Yes Luna's return complicates things, yes the elements being active again complicates things, and yes the Thestrals potential reinstatement exists now, however" she paused.
"We are Flame Ponies, we do not fear, we do not run, and we do not cower. We fight... we fight and we win. Even if takes us twelve hundred years" she added.
"Do you want the both us and our subjects to continue to have to live like that Flameheart, or are you satisfied with the new normal?" she asked.
"No mother" I replied.
"Good, then get out there and do your late grandmother Vesta Blaze proud!" she cried.
"As well as devoting themselves wholly unto their duties".
It was extremely early in the morning, and I was tired. But currently I had obligations. Obligations to those that I had failed.
Fire Arc
Ember Ignacia
Ace Strike
Carmen Cassion
Alna Hellfire
All five of them had died to Nightmare Moon several days ago during her return, and from what I had been told it was in an attempt to delay the dark alicorn long enough to give their fellow soldiers time to escape the castle.
"To give their lives in such a matter. Not only for the realm, but for their fellow comrades-in-arms, their friends... is one of the highest honors that there is".
As a royal I had given this speech many times before. As it had been customary since time immemorable for a royal to preside over a Flame Pony funeral.
"And for such selflessness and bravery I bestow them the highest award there is, the Knight's Cross". I then began to descend from the small hastily constructed wooden platform I was standing on and towards the caskets laid horizontally infront of it, Asteria following me with a plank of wood in her magic with the five crosses atop it.
Once I reached the first one both myself and Asteria halted infront of it.
"Fire Arc gave her life in defense of the realm, her comrades, and her loved ones. May her soul find peace in Elysium" I then placed one of the crosses on the casket of the fallen Flame Pony. Moving down the line I repeated this four more times before myself and Asteria returned to the top of the wooden stage, where we both pulled our sabers from our hilts and presented them with our right forehoofs.
"Soldiers... salute" Asteria yelled.
Almost immediately the mares of the fourth legion raised their right forehooves to their chests while their officers presented their own swords in the same way me and Asteria did.
For ten seconds we stood there, the soldiers in formation facing the caskets and stage, with me and Asteria facing them. Once I lowered my sword and they lowered theirs in response the first row of mares then stepped forward and grasped their designated casket. They would load them onto a newly constructed wagon that we would take with us back to Ashen for a proper burial.
I watched them go with a solemn expression. Those mares had sworn their lives to me, and how did I repay them. By getting them killed....
"Mainly by not being there!".
If I had been then maybe we together we could have driven Nightmare off, but I hadn't been there. I had been in Ponyville chasing something that didn't need to be chased at all!
Or... maybe it did. Nightmare Moon had been stopped by those mares, mares that I had helped find the elements with. Maybe it was for the best that we all met... Celestia has proven that we would benefit more with her on Equestria's throne rather than Nightmare Moon, though unknowingly.
Regardless that didn't change my orders. As now that those brave mares' funeral was over it was back to business, infiltrating... re-infiltrating Equestria and stealing the elements. Though I had a plan, and although I had stayed up all night formulating it it was still extremely dangerous. Mainly because I was counting on the fact we've been largely forgotten about by the Equestrians. Though that still didn't change the fact that if we we're discovered we we're done.
Which was why I was going over every single contingency plan I could think of. I was going all out this time, no exceptions! We had gotten extremely lucky beforehoof. This time we had to be successful.
"Prince Flameheart?"
"...Yes commareder?" I asked, slightly annoyed at her interruption.
"Are you going to dismiss the soldiers?" she asked. I blinked, and realized that the remaining mares we're still infront of me and Asteria. Waiting for further orders.
"Oh right, soldiers... dismissed" I shouted. They saluted once more and dispersed to resume their various duties.
"Sir, are you well?" Asteria asked me.
"I am, thank you commareder. Just... deep in thought" I replied, she smiled.
"Very well, just don't lose track of what's directly infront of you my prince" she replied.
"Of course, I just don't want this to happen again" I said, gesturing to the caskets that had been set down. Now awaiting their cart to be built.
"Well then let's not let it, well go slower this time. Take our time, gather intelligence, then strike when we have the advantage" she answered.
"Yes, though I fear even returning to that town will prove to be complicated" I replied.
"Then we'll deal with it, and with any luck we may not even have to return to that town" she said.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Why not just go to Canterlot and knab the elements from there, instead of wasting our time in that backwater village?" She replied.
"Because Canterlot, and by extension the castle, will have many more guards than Ponyville... if there's any guards here at all. Not too mention not two but three princesses now. Besides my mother has given us explicit orders to infiltrate the town and gather intelligence about the bearers" I answered.
"Very well" she replied.
"Are we still on schedule?" I asked.
"Yes sire, the mare's you've hoofpicked will be ready to depart in thirty minutes" she replied.
"Good, tell them I'll meet them just before we set off" I said.
"Yes sire" Asteria replied. With that I parted ways with her and returned to my tent to gather what I would be bringing with me to Ponyville... and review my plan for the umpteenth time.
Princess Luna was not having a good morning by any stretch of the imagination. Ney scratch that, the last thousand years had all but been utterly horrid. She had thought that having been freed from Nightmare Moon's control would at long last usher her into a new era. One where she was looked up to and beloved by her subjects, just like her sister.
Instead nothing had seemed to change. Although her sister had done well in suppressing the legend of Nightmare Moon, rumors and tales from that era continued to persist throughout the centuries and even into the modern day.
Once she had returned to Equestria's new capital city, Canterlot. Celestia had been beset upon by royal guards, nobles, and frightened commoners. While she had been left utterly alone. While Celestia had quickly noticed this and introduced her to them their best reactions had been wariness, while some stallions had practically dragged their mares away from her.
Nothing had changed it seemed, in fact if anything it had only gotten worse. For now she was not just the mysterious and frightening princess of the night. Now she was more commonly referred to as The Nightmare, who had come to conquer the world and plunge it into eternal night.
On top of that her actions in Ponyville hadn't helped either, especially with what she had done to that poor stallion. Her memories of that fight and of the last few days in general we're pretty hazy at best. But thanks to what the new bearers of the elements had told her she now knew she had beaten him, broken one of his legs, and then sent him out of a multi story window. The fact that he hadn't been injured more was in itself a miracle. Not to mention that it seemed that those particular actions wouldn't make it to the Equestrian public's ears, thank Faust.
Alas however it seemed like she was descending right back into the same situation she had been in one thousand years prior. Except now armed with the knowledge of what would happen if she we're to make a deal like that again...
"We art a damn fool..."
Thinking back she honestly didn't understand why she had trusted that... demon. During their many conversations before Luna had let the dark mare fully into her mind and corrupt her something in the back of said mind had repeatedly told her that if she accepted that mare things would only get worse, and they did... fast.
The few friends she did have we're now all dead, along with any respect her subjects ever showed her. Now all she saw in them was fear and anger. Directed directly at her, and the worst part was that she deserved every single ounce of it.
The war, the death, the famine, the countless souls she had led astray...
"No, we art more than a mere fool, we art a monster" she thought.
At least she still had Celestia. Though that was of little solstice in her current situation. She couldn't even count on her loyal Thestrals now, as they had all been but expelled from Equestria during and after her rebellion. In addition to her whole trained army now stuck on the moon. Though thankfully they would survive without her direct supervision.
From her bed the alicorn then found herself looking towards the silver celestial body. It had been so long since she'd seen it from Equus, so long since she'd been able to fully see the one thing in the world that was truly hers.
She didn't even want to look at it anymore.
Tossing and turning also reminded her that she had been unable to get any sleep at all, which was unfortunate as the ceremony where Celestia would pardon and reinitiate her as a Princess Of Equestria was later today... why did they listen to Starswirl when he insisted that their royal titles should be princess and not queen?
...Heh We suppose that perhaps We simply wanted to please thy silly stallion as he always referred to us as his little princesses... no wait, wasn't it Celestia whom still fancied the colt and made Our titles a royal decree out of her devotion to him? Or... mayhaps it was that tyrant Queen Simaneu who's actions soured the word... Probably a combination of all three.
While her reminiscing about simpler times did bring a smile to her face it was short lived as a small clock in the corner of her room struck twelve. This meant she now had to get up and prepare for Celestia's announcement at one, and if there was one thing that she hadn't missed during her thousand year exile it was politics.
A few hours later myself, Delilah, Fire Strike, and four other mares arrived once more back at the outskirts of Ponyville.
Suffice to say I was not looking forward to having to deal with this town again. Though at least I would have a decent amount of guards to help with that now. Though of course that raised even more concerns, what would the town think of us. They already knew who me, Delilah, and Fire Strike we're. Or at least to an extent...
They could take my sudden return as that I had changed my mind about wanting them to pursue courting me. Which would be... suboptimal, to say the least. Along with several other concerns were those six mares as well. Twilight I now knew had personal connections to Princess Celestia herself. That by itself was bad but now with Princess Luna's return from her banishment made our return to this town even more dangerous.
Then there we're the other bearers of our coveted elements. They may be less important mares but they we're still element holders. Along with Applejack and Rainbow Dash both being quite fit if I remember correctly, Rarity could also have connections in Canterlot as well. She did tend to act a bit like a noblemare.
"Always assume that your enemy has the ability to counter you, and be prepared to counter them" Stirrup Sword - The Art Of War.
Fluttershy and Pinkie we're well, Fluttershy and Pinkie. One was a poor, shy, little mare who couldn't hold a sword even if her life depended on it. The other was a potentially insane madmare with unknown variables that could make things complicated.
All in all not an ideal situation, though I had seen and been in worse ones. My surprising victory over Princess Sharn in the battle of Youstergof was testament to that.
I would pull through... we would pull through. One way or another.
"Are you all ready" I asked and my entourage.
They nodded.
"Excellent... and remember. While in this town you are not my guards, you are family of mine that I am traveling with and due to circumstances we do not want to talk about we decided to settle here in Ponyville for the foreseeable future" I added.
Once more they nodded their understanding and we entered the town proper. While Delilah and Fire stayed by my side the other four mares separated off just before the first few residents noticed us. They would be blending in for the time being, so as not to arose too much suspicion.
As we trotted throughout Ponyville, three things became apparent very quickly. The first was that the mares of the town seemed surprised that I had decided to come back. The second was that they we're, as predicted, very happy to see me back, and the third and final were the saddened expressions on their faces when they once again saw Delilah and Fire Strike walking very close alongside me.
I wont lie and say a small smirk didn't come to my face when I saw that ...though perhaps that was a bit cruel. Mares we're well, mares. I had learned long ago that they couldn't help what they we're... though I was still annoyed at their actions from the previous days.
Regardless we made good time towards the town hall. Our first step in settling in would be to purchase a home or if need be build one, though that would require land.
The building looked the same as it did the night Nightmare Moon had returned to Equestria, only now without much of the fanfare it had sported during that night.
While I did somewhat hesitate just as we walked in. As my eyes we're momentarily drawn to the balcony Nightmare had appeared upon, and the memory brought a shiver to run down my spine. However I got over it quickly and managed to spot the mayor who seemed to be in conversation with another mare.
"... Thank you very much Miss Inkwell, it shouldn't be a problem" she said. The other mare, a black maned white unicorn mare who sported glasses and had a cutie mark of some writing utensil I couldn't recall. Though I could see that under it was an inkwell.
"Excellent Miss Mayor, though the guard will still do their best to keep away from the town" the white mare answered and began to trot off, nodding to me and my entourage as we advanced past her and towards the mayor.
"Well that was an interesting sentence". Meanwhile Mayor Mare had turned to head off in a direction that wasn't toward us, though I quickly rectified that.
"Excuse me, Miss mayor" I called.
"Hm, oh hello there dearie. You are uh... Night Storm... if I recall correctly?" she asked.
"Wow, she learned my name fast".
"Indeed, I hope I'm not interrupting something important" I gestured toward the main door that Miss Inkwell had just left through.
"Oh no we we're just wrapping up actually. What can I do for you and your mares?" she asked.
"They're not my! ...Oh for buck's sake just go with it, it's not worth the trouble at this point..."
"We we're hoping to purchase a home here in town. Or, if there's not one available currently then a plot of land to build one" I replied.
"Oh, I see, we do actually have a couple available right now. Do any of you have a creditor?" she answered.
"Um... no, I was hoping to just pay for it" I said.
"Very well" she answered slowly. Almost like she was suspicious of something, which of course set off alarm bells in my head.
"Is everything okay?" I asked, to which she seemed confused by my question.
"Well yes, its just that when most ponies want to buy a house or land they put a down payment on it first or just lend the money entirely" she explained. "...Most ponies can't afford to pay for that big of a purchase immediately unless you're quite wealthy" she added at my confused expression.
"I see... how much would that cost then?" I asked.
"Depends on a lot of things, square hoofage, condition of the building, location, current market prices, among other things" she replied.
"Okay... I, uh..." I wasn't really quite sure where to go from here, as I seemed to be way out of my field. Especially because Ashen didn't really have an economy. Though the mayor didn't wait for any response that I would be able to formulate and turned her attention to my guards instead.
After looking at them for a few seconds she seemed to become irritated for some odd reason, to which after a few more a scowl began to form on her muzzle.
"Are you both just going to sit there and leave your stallion to struggle in a subject he clearly doesn't know?" she finally asked. This took all three of us by surprise.
"Ah, that's what this is then... bucking mares and their chivalry...". I sighed.
"No no, it is fine Miss mayor. I actually asked them to let me do all the talking you see, moving here is kind of a new start for us and I want it to be perfect. That includes finding or building the perfect house" I smiled.
"Oh, that... makes sense I suppose" she said after a few seconds of processing what I said. Though she still scowled somewhat at my guards.
"Well come on then dearie, let's get you that perfect house... you do have the bits to pay for it right?" she added.
"Welp here goes nothing".
"I have this" I said as I pulled out a gemstone known as a Fire Ruby out of my saddlebag. I knew that they we're quite rare outside of the Firelands and we're therefore very valuable.
"I... is that a f-fire ruby!?" the mayor nearly yelled.
"Uh... yes" I replied.
"N-Night Storm, you do understand how valuable this is correct?" she asked.
"It seems that I do not based on your reaction, I know that they go for a decent amount but - Are you serious!?" she cut me off.
"Night Storm, you could literally buy all of Ponyville with what this gem is worth. Where did you even find this? From what I understand they're only found in the farthest corners of the Badlands" she added.
"When I was a colt I found it in a forest one day in a small sack and just kept it" I lied. I had actually received plenty of them as gifts over the years, and had amassed a decent collection of them back home in Ashen.
"Okay... okay then, let's just, let's just get you and your mares settled in town" the mayor calmed down.
"Very well, how does this work?" I asked.
"Please follow me" she said as she gestured towards what I presumed to be her office. "I'll show you what we have for sale".
"Well hopefully this is the most exciting part of my day".
Mayor Mare was in probably one of the weirdest situations of her entire life. Everything about it was utterly baffling.
She was currently going over the legal requirements of owning a house in Ponyville with the new stallion in town, Night Storm and his... entourage of mares that had arrived with him. Both of which didn't have any sort of knowledge about owning and taking care of a house outside of pure maintenance. Not one knew about building codes, regulations, or even taxes!
Well except for the stallion himself, who did seem to know what a land tax was. But besides that and that you needed money to buy a house or plot of land, that was it! That was literally everything he knew. Which was absurd.
Everypony knew that stallions didn't have a head on their shoulders when it came to money, much less economics. They typically went more by their emotions first and foremost. Which when the house they wanted cost more than what they or their mares had available in their bank account bad things happened to the ears of said mares in close proximity to them.
Which is how she found herself going over building codes and certain requirements with the ponies infront of her.
"I really need to have any building 'insulated' in order to be able to live in it?" the stallion asked.
"Well yes, having an insulated building will keep the interior warm when it's winter. You may not be able to tell currently with it being the middle of summer. But believe me when I say that when we get to the winter months it gets cold, and you'll be very thankful that your house is insulated" she replied.
"Couldn't a simple fire solve that issue?" one of the two mares that had arrived with Night, she believed her name was Fire Strike, asked.
"Well yes, but as soon as the fire goes out the heat is not being replaced anymore, and with no insulation to keep it in it will escape a building in any way it can. At windows, doors, the roof, even the smallest of cracks matter" she explained.
"In a nutshell you're always going to lose heat, but having insulation drastically slows that process. As well in keeping the costs down in firewood or electricity if you live in Manehattan or Canterlot" she added. At that the mare looked confused.
"What is el - Ahem, thank you for the explanation Miss Mayor but would it be alright if we got back to the topic at hoof?" Night Storm asked her.
"Oh sure, anyway you don't have to worry about all that. Ponyville has a small contractor service which keeps the houses in order. In addition to fixing any issues that may pop up as well" she said.
"Alright, which houses are for sale again?" he asked.
"Three currently, or we have two three thousand by three thousand square hoofage plots of land for sale as well if you want to build your own house" she replied.
"Lets look at the prebuilt ones first" he asked.
"Very well" she said and trotted over to a filing cabinet titled Ponyville Housing. Where after procuring what I would come to know as three file folders she walked back over to her desk and set them down on it.
The first two we're close to the center of town, while the second was placed farther away. Close to the zoning limit.
"Hmm, the third one looks nice" the stallion said.
It was a nice house, built by a farming herd around some forty odd years ago. Which after about twenty years they had left for Vanhoover. The house had been sold to the town and had ever since been in the town governments care.
"I like it, how about you girls?" the colt asked. The mares nodded their replies.
"Alright, I think we'll take that one" Night confirmed.
"Wow that was fast, usually takes stallions hours to choose stuff like this" Mayor thought.
"Perfect, though we will have to go over the issue of payment. For the time being we can get the paperwork out of the way and get you and your herd into your new home" she said cheerfully, and leaned under her desk to get said paperwork. Failing to notice the mares' looks of surprise and shock along with the stallions left eye twitching.
Myself along with Fire and Delilah had just left our meeting with Mayor Mare. However, before I could get settled in I still had to actually pay for the house. As the good mayor couldn't just accept a rare gem as payment... apparently.
It seemed that I still evidently had quite a bit to learn about Equestria.
Thankfully however she had an alternate solution. They're was a wealthy family in town whose stallion seemed to like collecting rare and expensive things, but then again what stallion didn't. Regardless the mayor had said I could get a good amount of bits for the gem and use that towards the payment for our new property. So after obtaining his address from her we went to exchange my gem for money.
However, along the way I couldn't help but be concerned about her reaction to the fire ruby. She seemed to know quite a bit about it. What I didn't know was if it was a coincidence or if she knew a bit about the Badlands and by extension the Firelands as well. Either or it seemed I'd have to investigate that matter further, just to be safe.
I at least knew the probability of her knowing about the Fire Wars and by extension the kingdom we're very unlikely, considering I found zero mention of them during my study session with Twilight the night of Nightmare Moon's return.
"Ugh..." I shuddered. I really didn't like thinking about that mare.
Regardless I knew we would still have to be careful during our stay here. But at least obtaining this stallion's money should be fairly easy.
His name was apparently Filthy Rich, which was a rather odd name for a pony if you asked me, but oh well. If he had the money to pay for the house me and my squad of guardsmares would be living in for the next few weeks then my opinion of his name didn't matter.
He lived on the northeast side of Ponyville close to the river which ran between the town and a well kept forested area with several paths. Which meant it was a bit of a trot to get to him but nothing compared to some of the marches I'd participated in my life.
Nevertheless we made good time, especially without the town's female population constantly pestering me now thanks to Delilah and Fire's menacing looks they gave any mare who got too close, and so we arrived at the stallion's mansion within fifteen minutes.
It was a very nice property, with a big wall of finely cut stone and metal gate surrounding it. The house seemed to be made of some type of wood with a stone foundation. While trees and plants of all types surrounded it beautifully. All in all I was very impressed.
"Woah". Evidently I seemed not to be the only one.
Both Delilah and Fire Strike looked to be just as enraptured by the house's construction as I was, it was huge. It had to be at least three stories tall. With a small fountain of constantly spewing water infront of the front door.
"This has to be one of the nicest houses I've ever seen".
"Well, let's uh, hop to it" I said and trotted towards the gate, both mares followed after me.
Thankfully the gate was unlocked and we simply walked into the compound. Here we also noticed the quaint plots of smaller plants and flowers dotted around the fountain. It had to have been the nicest mansion I had ever seen. Sure the homes of the Ashen nobility we're vibrant and well constructed, but in a dark and almost depressing way.
In fact much of Ashen's construction was like that of Ponyville. Well made and nicely decorated, but what I was beginning to notice was that where Ponyville really seemed to shine was in the amenities area. Even me and Delilah's medical room looked nicer than my own one back home. Never mind that she had to sleep in the barrack - ow!
"And I just trotted straight into their front door because I wasn't paying attention, ...well done". Two hooves to my withers showed that Fire and Delilah we're both silently asking if I was okay.
"I'm okay, just... deep in thought" I nodded sheepishly. They both smiled and nodded while the front door opened.
"Hello, how can I help you" said an earth pony mare as she opened the door. She was wearing a black and white outfit which I found odd, but other than that she looked like a regular pony.
"Yes erm, good morning my name is Night Storm. We we're hoping to see a stallion by the name of Filthy Rich, is he here?" I asked.
"Yes, does he know you?" the mare replied.
"No, in fact we only just got into town. I would like to see about selling him something" I answered.
"Sell him what exactly?" the mare narrowed her eyes.
"A rare gem, I need the money to pay for a house here" I replied. At that she softened her gaze.
"Very well, give me a moment" with that she retreated and closed the door on us. We then had to wait about two minutes before the same mare opened the door again.
"He's interested, please come on in. But remember to wipe your hooves" she said. If I wasn't a royal and not trained extensively in etiquette I would've rolled my eyes at that commared. But unfortunately that was one of the very few male expectant things of my youth that I hadn't been able to escape, so I just smiled and walked inside. Though that smile soon disappeared.
The inside of the house seemed just as if not even more luxurious than the exterior. The walls, floor, and doors we're made of smooth, polished wood while various types of furniture we're placed well... everywhere! Where somepony in Ashen would be lucky to have a chair at a dinner table there we're at least three chairs and a bench in one hallway alone!
A glance at Delilah and Fire showed both mares we're just as in awe as I was. They even had an entire vanity in the same hallway as well, why! What was even the point of putting one here of all places! Did they even use it!? How wealthy are these ponies!?
Seemingly oblivious to our culture shock the mare continued leading us through the mansion until we came to a room I believed to be close to the structure's rear, before opening a set of wooden ebony double doors to what seemed like a sitting room.
Like the rest of the house it had polished wooden walls and floor, along with a glass door that led outside to the opposite side of the house. There was also a lot of furniture in the room as well. From multiple couches and chairs, tables, there was even a chandelier that looked far grander than any I'd ever seen back in Ashen.
Inside the room we're three ponies. The first was a light brown stallion with a slicked back black mane wearing... what looked to be a suit of sorts. The second was a peach colored mare with a lavender colored mane, and the third was a young pink filly with a two-tone purple and white mane and tail. All three we're earth ponies and sitting on a couch or chair.
"Hello there" the stallion began. "My name is Filthy Rich and this is my beautiful wife and wonderful daughter, Spoiled Rich and Diamond Tiara" he said. The mare smiled while the filly simply stared.
"Good morrow you three, my name is Night Storm and these are two of my acquittances. Delilah Evadne and Fire Strike" I replied.
"Nice to meet you, please have a seat" the stallion replied, and pointed to an unoccupied couch opposite to where they we're all sitting. Once we we're seated he continued.
"So Tea Kettle tells me that you want to sell me a rare gem" he said while gesturing to the mare who'd brought us in, now standing attentively at the door.
"Indeed, we we're looking to purchase a house here in Ponyville but lack the funds to do so. I was hoping I could acquire them here" I replied.
"All right, lets see the gem" the stallion said.
Nodding I turned and pulled out the ruby once more, and once the stallion saw it his eyes went as wide as dinner plates.
"Y, you... you have a fire ruby!" he near shrieked. The mares didn't emulate his enthusiasm.
"Um... yes" I replied.
"I... Night, you do understand - I do, Mayor Mare already went through this with us" I interrupted him.
"Ah, oh... okay" he calmed down. "How... how much did you want for it?" he asked a moment later.
"Well the mayor said the house was going to cost around ten thousand bits so lets call it at fifteen in case of any required maintenance" I answered.
In truth I just wanted the extra cash. But thanks to my lack of knowledge in the equestrian economy I really didn't know how much this thing went for, and I doubted even a herd this well off could just drop that kind of money anyway. This wasn't Canterlot after all.
"May I see it?" he asked. I responded by lightly tossing it to him, and after he had a near panic attack trying to catch it and then examining it he turned back to face me.
"Maybe I'm really underestimating this things worth".
"Fifteen thousand bits for this gem, right here right now?" he asked.
"Yes" I replied.
"Done" he said immediately. We then both got up and shook hooves.
"Tea Kettle" he called.
"Y, yes sir" she squeaked.
"Please write Mr. Storm a check for sixteen thousand bits" he said.
"R, right away sir" she said.
"Richie, can I talk to you for a second please?" Spoiled Rich asked.
"Oh, certainly Spoiled. Just a moment please you three" he said.
"Take your time" I replied.
"Richie, know that I love you very much. But what the buck are you doing!?" the mare hissed.
"Do you know how much that thing's worth Spoiled!"
It was a bit awkward listening to the couple argue literally right infront of us, and probably even moreso for the poor filly. Though as we waited I couldn't help but notice that her gaze seemed to linger on me, a lot. Intrigued and with nothing better to do while her parents continued arguing I stared back. Usually foals displayed shyness when directly confronted by an adult, however she only continued to stare.
Concerned that my necklace or Delilah's disguise spell on Fire may be failing I looked over myself but found no flaw, then towards Fire but found the same result. Which raised the mildly concerning question of why this foal continued staring at me.
Just before I was about to ask the filly her reason for staring me down her parents finished their little argument.
"Sorry about that Mr. Storm, me and my wife just needed to discuss a few things is all. Now about your payment... Tea Kettle".
"Oh, right here sir. Just show this to Mr. Time Turner, he's the town's notary. Since Ponyville doesn't have a bank he also handles all deposits and withdraws from the town hall itself" the presumptive maid said and hoofed me the check.
"Thank you, though if I may ask, why sixteen thousand when I asked for only fifteen?" I asked.
"Well... you said you're new to Ponyville and need the money to by a house and get settled in. Think of it as a welcome to Ponyville present. Not to mention the steal this is" he muttered.
"Oh, well... thank you sir, that's very kind" I replied.
"Think nothing of it. Now Time Turner usually only stays till three and it's currently two o'clock, so if I we're you I'd hurry back to town hall" he warned.
"Indeed, thanks again. Have a good day" I said.
"You as well" he replied. With that the three of us stood up to leave, with Tea Kettle once more showing us to the door. Though it seemed that the filly wasn't done with me yet.
"Hey Mr. Night Storm" she called out as she ran up.
"Oh, hi, can I help you with something?" I asked.
"Well no... I just wanted to say... have a good day to you" she said.
"Oh well, thank you very much miss..." I smiled.
"Oh, Diamond Tiara sir, Miss Diamond Tiara" she said and puffed out her chest.
"Hah... cute foals, my one weakness" I thought. It was obvious she had a foalhood crush on me, and though I was sick of the constant flirting with the mares that inhabited this town I wasn't a monster, I'd let her down easy. That and she hadn't just made weird sentences and reasons why should go with her instead of another mare, so bonus points to her.
"Well a very good day to you as well Miss Tiara" I smiled. She reciprocated and hearing chuckling we both looked up and behind her to see both Tea Kettle and her parents smiling at the situation she'd put us in. Now blushing enough to match molten steel she smiled nervously at me one last time before running off behind her father.
I nodded once more and the three of us turned to leave, though just as we walked out the door Diamond Tiara would utter one final sentence that I would partially be in earshot for.
"Hey dad why isn't he wearing a -" though before she could finish that sentence the door closed. Forever robbing me of whatever she was going to say. Though I put it out of mind quite quickly, I had to get back to town hall after all.
We made good time back towards Ponyville's town hall, and arrived with about thirty minutes to spare before the town's notary, Time Turner. Was supposed to leave.
I quite honestly didn't really understand why the mayor couldn't take care of this. Especially since I held a similar position as Ashen's current regent. Which included the responsibility of making sure everypony had a home, whether it was a family of seven or a single mare. The same went with food availability, basic security, maintenance, among other things.
All in all I couldn't see why she would relegate such a duty to another pony, and if he handled all of that what did she do, public relations?
It seemed kind of lazy on her part, but then again who was I to judge. I was from an entirely different country and culture. A foreigner to Equestria. Maybe the mayor had a good reason to pass her work off to the stallion? Either way I probably wouldn't find out until we got there.
Which we soon did, once more trotting into town hall for what felt like the umpteenth time this week. Thankfully finding Time Turner's office quickly thanks to the directions of a mare reading a weird book filled with more pictures than words while sitting at a desk in the front part of the main circular hall.
I knocked before we entered out of good mannerisms and wanting to make a good first impression. After all I was more than likely going to be living here for the next several weeks at least, However the reception I received seemed less than enthusiastic.
"Hello, welcome to Ponyville townhall, how can I... help you..." the light brown stallion, whom I presumed to be Time Turner said as we walked in.
"Well that's a marvelous way to start our conversation" I thought, noticing how his eyes narrowed as we walked in.
"Hello, my name is Night Storm and these two are my acquaintance's, Delilah Evadne and Fire Strike. We we're looking into buying a house here" I continued. At that statement the stallion narrowed his eyes even more.
"We have a select few to choose from" he said after a moment and started to pull some pieces of paper from his desk.
"Oh we already choose what house we wanted with Mayor Mare earlier today, all we need to do is pay for it now" I replied and hoofed Filthy Rich's cheque on his desk.
"As well as withdraw the remaining bits" I added. Time Turner seemed surprised by this turn of events but collected himself rather quickly.
"Oh, okay this should be rather straightforward then" he sighed. Then retreating into his desk once more and pulled out even more paper.
"Jeez the amount of time and effort it would take to make this much paper back home would be astounding".
"Alright since the property has been in the care of The Royal Housing Commission for a little over two decades, though the actual work is handled by a local service that works in unison with them. So everything should be in order and the house move in ready" he said.
"Perfect, how exactly does this work?" I asked.
"Well I have all of the documentation right here so all you'll have to do is simply have your mares sign off on it and hoof over the check for me to take care of" he said.
"Why do they have to sign off on it?" I asked. Time Turner looked at me confused for a moment before responding.
"What do you mean sir?" he asked.
"What, what is he talking... about. No, not that dumb bucking land ownership law, how the buck did I forget about that!"
Yep, thanks to trying to cram my brain with everything I could learn about Ponyville I had in fact forgotten an Equestrian law that stated mares we're technically the only ones that could own land. How it escaped my meeting with Mayor Mare I quite honestly don't know. Or perhaps it was such common knowledge that the mayor felt it didn't need to be brought up. Though that did little to ease my internal anger.
"Those Faust damned good for nothing pathetic excuses that call themselves Equestrian noblemares. I will curse your entire bloodlines until the end of time and then spit upon them you disgusting pieces of sun loving vermin!" I mused angrily.
Of course Equestria just had to buck with me in every, possible, way! As in Royal Decree Num. 47. 'Any property that is not owned by, or subsequently and explicitly left in the care of a named full grown stallion shall always default it's ownership to that of a mare. Unless as aforementioned is left to a male in that of a will, other documentation, or if other circumstances present themselves'.
Or in other words, a group of noblemares attempt at tax evasion. As two years previously before that law was passed Princess Celestia had stated that any household that housed males and we're struggling to make ends meet could apply for a small tax break. It wouldn't make them immune to being taxed but would help them make ends meet.
As such, some of the nobles, the utter cretins of politics. Along with a substantial amount of the peasantry at the time collaborated together to falsely name several non-applicable herds as actually legible for the tax break as they we're still the ones who ultimately ran towns, villages, and cities back then.
In a rare display of comradery nobles and commoners actually worked together to outplay the princess. The commoners would get a tax break, while the nobles received a small payment from said herds savings for their efforts, a perfectly symbiotic relationship, and in an effort to keep their little scheme a secret they passed royal decree forty-seven along with several other little laws and legislation.
Though of course they would be found out eventually, by a stallion no less. So in a way I suppose it made sense for them to pass decree forty-seven, and all parties we're punished. Though that took years to sort out. The important thing however was that there really was no need to change the ownership law and so it remained in effect to this day, annoyingly.
Though thankfully a male could still own property... if it was left to him in a will or if he was literally homeless without a mare to take care of him, among other reasons. Though one of the very few good things about Equestria was that homelessness was basically non-existent, (good job Celestia... I guess),. Coupled with the fact that a mareless stallion would just be snatched up by one almost immediately meant that there was very little reason, or need, to change the law.
"Sir are you okay?" Time Turner asked, which brought me back to my current dilemma.
"Yes yes I am fine" I replied to Time Turner.
"Are you sure, you look... upset" he said.
"I assure you I am fine, please just write Delilah and Fire's names on the deed to the property" I said.
"Okay, I presume to label you three as a herd correct?" he added.
I remember inhaling sharply at that comment, but not his account of my left eye twitching several times. I was far more focused on my internal musing's again.
"What does that bucking matter, why does it? What is the genuine point of them having that tidbit of information?!"
"Um sir, if you're wondering why we record that it's for the safety of stallions and so the government can know who's with us at all times, f... forsafetyreasons!" Time Turner shrunk back.
It was not until Delilah stroked my withers did I realize that I was scowling and subsequently scaring the colt infront of us that I then forced myself to calm down. Looking over to her revealed she was giving me a concerned look, while then switching over to Fire Strike also showed that she sported the same look on her muzzle, and I looked to the ground in anger.
"Time Turner" I began after thinking a few moments later, and the stallion's posture slowly started to come back from being on the brink of 'bucking terrified'.
"Fine then Faust, if it's going to be like that then it's going to be like that. Besides, I'm only doing it for the crown, I'm doing this for the crown!"
"Put down Delilah Evadne, Fire Strike, Star Fire, Ruby Firetail, Lilith Starstopper, Blazing Skies, and myself obviously as a herd" I said, doing my absolute damnedest to keep a straight face and not lash out at the stallion.
"O-okay... w-was there a-anything else sir" Time Turner squeaked.
"Great, now I have scared him. Great job Flameheart, you've had training in espionage and you still buck it up, do better!"
"Other than withdrawing our extra bits then no, that will be all" I replied.
"All right, I just need Delilah and Fire to sign here please" he said. Once they did and he pulled out a few more pieces of paper for them to sign before then shelving them into a folder, which he then put into a drawer in his desk.
"Since the house doesn't have anypony living there currently you three can just make yourselves at home. Now if you'll just follow me we can get your extra bits withdrawn" he said.
After about twenty more minutes the three of us we're trotting through Ponyville's marketplace. Using our extra bits to buy food. I however was still fuming over what had happened with Time Turner. Though I was more concerned with why he seemed to initially act with disdain towards me before I'd unintendedly frightened him thanks to my own incompetence.
In fact now that I thought about it on the rare occasions I did see stallions here they seemed to almost be glaring at me, which was a far cry from the utmost respect they showed back home.
"Night, is everything alright?" Delilah asked.
"Yes, you seem... distant. Uncharacteristically so" Fire added.
"I am fine, just..." I began. But seeing that we we're trotting up to a carrot merchant I faltered.
I'll tell you two later" I replied. To which they both nodded and we trotted up to the mare, who upon seeing us. Or rather me, smiled brightly.
"Night Storm...? You came back!" she smiled.
"Yes I did Carrot Top, but not because of you, or anypony else here. I've come back for... personal reasons, and I'd like to leave it at that, alright" I replied.
"Oh, okay then..." she said.
"Thank you, now then, you're selling carrots?" I asked.
"Yep, did you want to buy some" she replied.
"Indeed, how much?" I asked.
"Five bits for one bundle of ten carrots" she explained.
"We'll take three then" I said, and I nodded to Delilah and she retrieved fifteen bits from a small coin purse and placed them on Carrot Top's stand with her magic. The golden colored mare then followed suit by hoofing me three bundles of carrots and, with our transaction complete I bid farewell to her.
"Thank you Carrot Top, have a nice day" I smiled.
"Thank you Night, you too" she replied. However, after a few seconds of standing there my smiled disappeared, morphing into an annoyed look, and at her questioning expression I gestured to the two mares standing either side of me.
"Oh! Uh, you two have a nice day as well... uh..." she trailed off.
"Delilah Evadne, Fire Strike" they replied.
"Right, I knew that! Just uh... needed to be reminded" Carrot Top smiled sheepishly.
"Thank you Carrot, have a nice day" I said and began to trot away. My food and... mares in tow.
"Ugh... I know our herd is fake but it still feels weird to call them that now they're (even if only in facade) more than just my guards" I thought.
Eventually as the sun began to set we completed our shopping and began heading out of town towards where our new home was, and about four minutes into our ten minute walk Delilah let out a magical pulse from her horn. This was the signal for four more mares to join us.
We didn't speak until we arrived at the house, Delilah had been given the key to it by Time Turner along with the deed to the property. She retrieved it from a pocket dimension spell all unicorns in the legion we're required to know how to cast and unlocked the door.
True to Mayor Mare's words the house seemed to have been well catered too. Though there was a problem of no furniture, though that was an issue a simple trip to a craftsmare, merchant, or just plain old hooves could fix. We would remedy that tomorrow when I wasn't so fatigued from the day's events, and today was a get everypony introduced to the town day anyway.
But there was one last thing left to do today, besides dinner and setting up our sleeping arrangements. A debrief, or rather a second one now that we we're going to be pretending we we're a herd to the townsponies.
A quick trot upstairs revealed five bedrooms as well as a strange room which had a tiled floor as well as several ceramic tub looking things?
"Washtubs? Whatever, I'm sure we'll find out what those are for in due time" I thought.
Returning to what seemed to be the main bedroom revealed the Flame Ponies putting out our dinner while the unicorns retrieved hide sleeping beds crafted from the animals of the Firelands and enchanted not to catch fire. Though even if they weren't the spells the unicorns we're using to disguise us had a small shield imbedded into the disguise so to stop our fire from lighting things aflame. Also included in the spell was a heat inhibitor for obvious reasons, among other things.
Retrieving a lantern from my bag of holding I had purchased earlier from a store called Barnyard Bargains I placed it in the center of the room to help illuminate everything better in the dwindling light. Once we we're all set up in a circle around the lantern and made sure all the window shutters we're shut we all sat down in a circle and began to discuss our situation.
"So... what did you four get up to?" I broke the proverbial ice.
"I managed to draw up this map of Ponyville and the surrounding area for us" Star Fire replied and lit her horn. Slowly but surely an arcane map of Ponyville appeared before us.
"Good job" I said.
"The only eventful thing that happened to me other than having some random clumsy pegasus with a lazy eye smash into me was managing to procure a train schedule" Lilith spoke up.
"All right that may be useful, good job" I replied. I had yet to see one of these metal beasts but I was very intrigued from what I had read in our Canterlot agents reports. They said that they we're massive machines that could haul heavy loads long distances with minimal effort.
"Have you heard about them Night?" she asked.
"Yes, I have, though I've yet to see one of these metal beasts but from what I've read in our Canterlot agents reports about them I was very intrigued. They said that they're massive machines that can haul heavy loads long distances with minimal effort.
"Sounds useful" Ruby said.
"Indeed, but we have no need from something like that. Especially if the rumors are true and robbers and thieves can rob them as easily as they say" I replied.
"...The reports we're very detailed about why they should not be something we pursue" I added at the mares intrigued faces. I then looked back at Star Fire's map of Ponyville.
Suffice to say it looked very detailed, from the river running between the town, with town hall being next to it in the center of town. The Everfree Forest's outer edge running along the southern, eastern, and parts of the western sides of the town with a small but nicely decorated area in between the river and eastern part of the forest.
"What's that?" I said, pointing towards it on her map.
"I asked a local about it and she told me it was called a park" Star replied.
"It's purpose?" I asked.
"Recreation, apparently" the mare said.
"Hm, what about you Blaze" I asked the last member of our septet.
"When Star wasn't occupied with her map we both engaged in conversation with the locals trying to find out about the towns history, along with little tidbits of information here and there about anything really" she said.
"All right then, do you all think the townsponies reacted well to you?" I asked.
"Well enough I suppose" Ruby replied.
"Very well..." I paused, unsure of how to deliver my next sentence.
"Sire, is everything all right?" Lilith asked.
"Yes just, there's been a change in the plan" I replied.
"What kind of change?" Star asked.
"You six are not going to be posing as my sisters anymore, you are going to be posing as my herdmates" I stated, albeit a little bitterly.
Almost immediately four sets of wide eyes snapped to me, and the faces that set eyes belonged to also began to slightly blush as well. It was probably a good solid minute or so before Ruby eventually spoke up.
"Um... s-so h-how exactly is this g-going to work?" she asked.
"Well we're basically going to be your standard herd" I replied. "Though I'll let you six decide amongst yourselves over the position of lead mare" I added.
At that they all looked at each other. More than likely uncertain on how to feel about all this, and I quite honestly didn't blame them.
"Night, if I may ask. W-why the sudden... c-change" Star asked.
"One, Equestrian noblemares. Two, I'm a bucking idiot, and three - you're not a idiot!" At that my own eyes snapped onto Blazing Sky's steadfast face.
"Prince Flameheart" she whispered after checking to make sure the windows we're closed.
"You are the smartest stallion I have ever met. You've governed Ashen very successfully for many years now, you are one of the kingdom's top fighters, nevermind commareders. You're one of the many reasons, though a very big one, that I get up in the morning. In addition to being an inspiration to many a guardsmare in our ranks, not to mention my idol" she muttered.
"So please do not think you are an idiot. You are so far from one that it hurts to see you call yourself one" she said.
"Oh, well thank you Blaze, I... appreciate it" I fidgeted as I more than likely blushed myself. She nodded her own thanks and then slowly returned her gaze the ground, blushing a little herself.
"Anyway..." Fire Strike spoke up. "The reason is that Equestria apparently has a law that males cannot own property" she explained, as I had to her and Delilah shortly after we had left the town hall.
"Really, but what if his mares get killed or pass away. What happens then?" Lilith asked.
"They don't get kicked out if that's what you're thinking. They inherit the property in that case or if it's left to them in a will, they just can't buy land" I said.
"Celestia could have fooled me" she muttered.
"Regardless, in order to purchase this house I needed to have a mare's signature so... here we are" I explained.
"Sire um... with respect couldn't you have just kept us as family. Just without our parents in the picture" Star asked.
"Well... that ownership law wasn't the only reason I finally folded about this herd facade" I replied.
"Really, what was it then?" Delilah asked.
"Well Delilah, I'm sure you and Fire have both noticed how the townsmares act around us. Or more specifically me" I answered. Both mares didn't say anything but their angered expressions told me, and by extension the four new mares all they needed to know.
"They didn't try anything too untoward but the constant attention would be suboptimal in trying to slowly worm our way into the lives of the element holders" I added. The mares nodded.
"Therefore I concluded it was more beneficial to have us labeled as a herd here" I explained.
"All right then, now that that's sorted what's on tomorrow's agenda?" Lilith asked.
"Continue to get settled in, which means buying furniture or crafting it, we should also make me be seen with not just Delilah and Fire so... Lilith and Blaze. You two are on guard detail tomorrow" I said. They both nodded their understanding.
"Excellent... none of you said you we're my brother right?" I asked, just to be sure. They weren't supposed to say our previous relation to each other unless it was brought up by one of the townsponies, and if they correctly followed their previous orders then they should have barely talked to them at all.
"No sir, we all said barely anything to them at all" Star responded.
"Excellent, at least that's gone my way" I said.
"Night, is there something wrong?" Blaze asked.
"Do not worry Blaze, I am fine" I said.
"Very well sir" she replied.
"All right then let's get some sleep" I proclaimed. The mares nodded and turned in for the night, with me following swiftly. Though what I didn't see were the mares looking at each other before turning in themselves.