Chapter 1: It Is Bright

I feel as if I am standing between worlds. My back half is still in the tunnels leading home. My front is not. It is for the first time exposed to the surface world. My first thought is that…it is bright. Tak assures me it is night and considered ‘dark’ to the creatures that inhabit this realm. I chance another quick look up at the horrifyingly ceiling less sky and see an endless blanket of black dotted with points of light so bright it stings my eyes. And there hanging like some great glowing eye is the ‘moon’ he says.

“Yup! Luna likes t’keep that baby full year round.”

Tak, my friend and companion. The curious changeling who seems to despise his own nature. One moment he speaks like this, the next his tone and inflection are educated, cultured. Not unlike my own. I am still unsure which is the real Tak, and which I prefer. I tear my eyes away from the frightening sky above, focusing instead at the white uncomfortably cold substance around my hooves. It is almost like powder, but feels wet.

“Y-you are SURE I cannot…fall UP into the sky?”

Amusement flashes across his solid blue eyes for a moment before he realizes I am not in any way making a jest. “Yeah…course I am. An if ya do I’ll just zip up and catch ya.”

I keep my attention focused on the powder about me. I feel foolish needing to be comforted like some hatchling but his words put me at ease. I know he is sincere in his promise to guide me through this strange new world. Steeling myself I step forward fully emerging from the safety of the pitch black tunnels behind me. My tail twitches in annoyance, the tip of it brushing the powder as well. “What am I standing in?”

He kicks a puff of it into the air casually. “Snow. S’always winter round these parts, so there’s always snow. Never got what you ponies loved about it so much, but every winter the bird brains churn out alla th’cold clouds they can, and dump this crap all over. S’posed t’be ‘cheery’. Y’ask me it’s cold, wet, an’ inconvenient.”

His complaining brings a faint smile to my face as I gaze out. The snow rolls on as far as my eye can see. Great spears of…something brown with green jut up from the ground all about breaking up the monotony of white. I must admit the silvery light created by this moon of theirs reflected off the snow is beautiful. The sensation of it crunching beneath her hooves was…amusing as well. I lift a forehoof and stomp it down, delighting in the sudden puff of snow that rises up.

Lifting my leg I smile at the indentation I have made. I begin to; admittedly childishly spring from spot to spot kicking up great tufts in my wake and crunching it beneath my hooves. Seized in my flight of fancy I flop onto my back and squirm in it…luxuriating in the unusual feel and coldness.

Tak is laughing while he watches, but I do not care. I am in a new world…everything is new and interesting and perhaps a bit frightening as my posture is inadvertently forcing me to look into the endless sky. I roll onto my hooves if only to stop looking up into that void. Gradually I compose myself.

“Done playin’ in th’snow princess?”

I snort indignantly and finish brushing some snow from my armor. “Yes. Lead on.”

He raises a brow. “An’ where am I leadin’ us onto?”

“Well I do not know. To ponies. You know why we are here. I must find their Princess Luna, and the thief of Bleeding Heart’s sword. So…find me ponies.”

He rolls his eyes. “Right right fine. Well we should wait til mornin’ at least. Travelin’ at night this far from civilization is dangerous. We ain’t far from onna the old pony settlements. We’ll hole up there, mebbe see if they got somethin’ t’eat b’sides mushrooms an cave goop.”

Tak begins to trudge through the snow and I follow. Ploughing through it with significantly less difficulty than Tak seems to be having. He glances back at me and his wings snap open. I crane my neck to follow his progress as he lands behind me into the path I am creating. “You take the lead yer tankiness. Jus’ keep on goin straight ahead. Ain’t far an th’castle’ll be in yer sights.”

With a grunt of ascent I begin to lead the way. It is only practical, my physical strength far out strips Tak’s after all. Though the brightness is beginning to make my eyes hurt. Below encased in near perfect blackness at all times, I could only see by using my magic to enhance my sight. I do not need that now…but I am beginning to wish I did.

Suddenly a horrific howling sound cuts through the air and force of its roar is blowing the snow all about us into a frenzy. I scream in alarm and ready myself for whatever beast is approaching, dropping into a low ready stance. Tak’s laughter soon reaches my ears and I scowl back. “Why are you guffawing you buffoon something is stalking us!”
“Yah, th’wind is stalkin’ us kid. S’all it is, th’wind blowin’ through the mounatins.”

With narrowed eyes I relax my posture, casting my gaze about as if daring the wind to startle me a second time. “I see.” I say no more as I resume my trek. A massive stone wall rises on my side and I find myself staying near it. It is a slight comfort being so close to the stone I have been surrounded by my entire life.

Tak was correct about his ‘castle’ not being far. I could see it ahead, up a rather steep incline. I give another resigned grunt and begin the climb. Halfway up however something in the distance to my right catches my eye. I turn and feel my mouth gape. Trembling I lift a hoof. “What…what is THAT?”

My friend follows my gaze and chuckles. “That kid, is th’great city a’Pegasopolis or some nonsense. Bird brains tend t’live in city made of clouds.”

I find myself entrance by the floating city. Even from this distance I can see the dwellings faintly and they seem to be made of some sort of white fluffy material. “Is it made of snow?”

“Heh. Nah them’re clouds. Th’birdies make their cities outta ‘em. Pretty snooty I always thought, since none’a th’other tribes c’n git up to em.” He gently taps my armored flank. “Let them wings out and strengthen em up, mebbe you c’n see what it’s like.”

I scowl and turn away from the cloud city, pushing forward with more speed. “I think not.” I am a foundling princess of the spiderkin my mother the queen raised me as her own. For as long as I can remember my family has been warring with a clan of changelings within the tunnels beneath the surface. Mother explained my unusual appearance as a birth defect. Even I believed this until I met Tak in the tunnels near the surface. At first he thought I was a ‘unicorn’ pony. My wings are as black as my coat and when tucked against my sides they are nearly impossible to see. Evidently I am something called an ‘alicorn’ which from what I can gather is a very rare type of pony. With both wings, a horn, and a body shaped like the changelings I knew only shame at my assumed deformities and never once tried to use the wretched things.

Before she was murdered my mother admitted that I was not her true daughter by blood even if I was in soul. She told me my birth mother was Princess Luna, and that I was left in the care of the ponies in a village known as Colton. Some sort of falling out occurred between Luna and her sister, resulting in the former being banished. The ponies of Colton remained loyal to her, and she rewarded their loyalty by leaving me in their care. This resulted in their destruction by a creature called simply ‘the lich’. I was rescued by one of the ponies, and found by Kasson a scout of the spiderkin.

Tak lets the matter drop; he does not fully understand why but knows I am very sensitive about the wings. Soon enough we are at the great doors to the castle. I gently scrape my hoof against them. “This is odd stone.”
“Heh that ain’t stone. It’s wood. Jeez y’really dunno nothin’ do ya?”

I scowl over my shoulder. “You know full well WHY I do not know anything of this realm, if you insist on insulting and laughing at my attempts to learn I will find my own way.”

He sobers instantly; the smirk vanished from his face. “You’re right Umbra, I’m sorry.”

And like that he is the other Tak. Not physically…he can become larger with much more intriguing red eyes. I have not asked about it and he has not volunteered the information. “I accept your apology…shall we go in?”

He nods and begins to push against the door, when a shrill feminine scream pierces the air. I look at him brow furrowed. “The wind?”

“Definitely not the wind that time.” We both ram either door and burst into the entrance of the castle. I do not have time to study the odd décor about the place as another scream pierces the air. We are both running now and I recoil as a brilliant flash of light streaks across the hall ahead. I see a large shape caught in it before I am forced to look away from the brightness.

Tak is more used to the light than I am, and he is not hindered. He dashes around the corner and I follow at a more subdued pace, working to clear the spots obscuring my vision. I examine the creature laying crumpled against the wall. It is massive, heavily muscled and covered in filthy shaggy fur. It also smells unpleasantly. I scowl as I begin to note it vaguely resembles the thief I seek, with two long arms and legs ending in humanoid hands.

Another bright flash illuminated the hallways and I hear Tak cry out ahead. “Umbra I could use a hand!” His voice spurs me to action and I charge ahead ignoring the throbbing pain in my head. Rounding the corner I see Tak engaging one of the huge furry brutes, while another has…a unicorn cornered. Her fur is a pale blue and her mane silvery like the moon outside. I hesitate a moment. This is the first pony I have met aside from the ancient ghost Bleeding Heart. She looks terrified her horn glows brightly emitting light a color of which I have never seen before. The bright garment clinging to her back flaps in the magical winds her power is generating but the beast is pushing against it, reaching for her with a large hand.

My hesitation flees at that. I charge forward ignoring the one Tak is engaged with, I know he is more than capable of dealing with such trivial threats. The unicorn, despite her downing of the first beast seems to be tiring however. I coil my hind legs and jump, kicking off the wall and hurling myself at the brute’s head. Twisting in mid-air I line my hind hooves up and snap them out with as much force I can muster. There is a crunching crack as I connect and the thing drops like a stone.
Landing I turn to watch Tak with a bemused expression. “Are you not done yet? Mine is slain already.”

“Ha ha…what happened to ‘oh please don’t laugh at me it hurts my delicate pony feelings?’ Does that not apply to me either?” His own horn flares with the noxious green color that is his own magical aura, and he launches a beam of energy from it and through the towering creature he is engaging with enough force to lift it off the ground. I turn my head to prevent the ensuing spray of blood from covering my face.

I snort and paw the floor with a hoof in my discomfort. “You are right. I apologize.”

His irksome smirk returns. “Aw I was just messin’ with ya kid.” As does his irksome speech pattern. “I know ya don’t mean nothin’ by it. How’s our filly in distress?”

I shrug and turn to regard the unicorn. She has forced herself back into the corner of the room as tightly as she can gazing at us with as much fear as she reserved for the creatures we saved her from.

“Y-you had best leave! The great and p-powerful Trixie is not to be trifled with!” She does her best to salvage some of her dignity; attempting a pose I assume is to look impressive. In confusion I look back to Tak.

“Is this usual behavior for ponies?”

“Eh…not that I ever seen. What happened then filly, ya hitcher head? Onna these besties knock a screw loose?” Tak approaches grinning, but the pony…I assume she is called Trixie recoils.

“A changeling! Just…just leave me alone! Please I don’t have anything you’d be interested in really I’m just…I’m…” She trails off looking away. “I’m nopony.”

I step forward blocking Tak from her view, if anything my appearance seems to frighten her further. I slowly lift a hoof and remove my helm letting my mane fall free about my head. “We do not wish to hurt you. We merely seek shelter for the evening.” I force a smile on my face and hope it looks comforting.

To my surprise it seems to work. Her posture relaxes and the terror leaves her eyes…a little. “Y…you’re a pony! But…you’re travelling with a changeling.” Her eyes dart to Tak again.

“Yes, but Tak is not like most of his kind. He is a dear friend and he has no wish to harm any if it can be avoided. Surely you do not intend to give us a reason to defend ourselves?” The familiar green flash of Tak changing his form goes off at my side. I look and see a grey coated winged pony…a pegasus he told me they were called though he seems fond of calling them ‘bird brains’…standing in Tak’s place. It is curious; I can recognize my friend’s features in his new shape even if he looks like an ordinary pony now.

“There, this might help a bit. Not so scary eh?” His smile goes from the usual smirk to a warm comforting one.

The unicorn has calmed further now that Tak’s appearance apparently meets some unknowable standard. “I suppose not. And thank you for your help, those things would have killed me I’m sure.” She carefully steps around one looking quite ill at the blood pooling around the bodies, and retrieves a large hat patterned much the same as her cloak which she settles upon her head.

“Heeey I recognize you now! How could I forget. “Behold as the great and powerful Trixie performs feats of magical might beyond your meager minds comprehension!” Heh…good show butcha come off as kinda a jerk.” Tak was leaning against the wall casually now.

A pained look flashes across Trixie’s face at Tak’s words. “Ah…yes that’s me. Trixie Lulamoon showmare extraordinaire!” She lifts a hoof striking a pose…for a moment I see genuine happiness in her eyes, then her face falls as her leg lowers. “Was me.” She regards us for a moment. “I’m just squatting; this isn’t my castle of course. You can come or go as you please it makes no difference to me. There are bedrooms upstairs lining the halls, I’ve been sleeping in the one at the far end so I’d appreciate you keeping out of it.”

“Tak go make sure the creature she disabled is dead and toss them outside. They have a very offensive smell.” I do not always mean to sound so demanding, particularly with Tak but I cannot always help it.

He takes it with good cheer as he does most anything. “Tak kill this. Tak dump the bodies. Tak, Tak, Tak.” But he’s ambling off to do just as I commanded. I make a mental note to soften my approach with him.

The colorfully garbed Trixie has a look of undisguised disgust on her face. I frown and regard her in confusion. “What?”
Delicately she waves a hoof at me. “It’s nothing I suppose. I know they were going to eat me but the idea of killing them…” She shivers.

I regard her earnestly. “Go on.”

She opens her mouth to speak then stops. She stares at me hard now, taking in every inch. “…who are you?”
I blink. “I did not introduce myself, I apologize. I am pr…I am Umbra.”

She begins to walk toward a staircase leading up. “We can talk upstairs if you don’t mind. Being around these…things is making me a little sick.”

Perhaps she has a stronger sense of smell than I do? I certainly find the odor offensive enough that prolonged exposure would likely make me ill as well. I follow her wordlessly, glancing back to see Tak in his natural shape levitating the bodies toward the doors.

I find myself growing more and more uncomfortable as I follow Trixie upstairs down a corridor lined with wooden doors. This is the first living pony I have met and I somehow feel as if I have offended her. I do not know how this is possible. Could my association with Tak be the cause? Perhaps she simply does not like other unicorns, but this strikes me as odd. Tak told me ponies are very social and enjoy one another’s company. If this is so why is she here, on her own?

The door at the end of the hall glows gently as I assume Trixie opens it with her magic. She enters the room leaving the door open for me to follow. The room is very large. It could easily fit my chambers at home within it several times over. I lift my hoof with a soft gasp. The ground is oddly plush. Stepping on a bed of mushrooms is the closest comparison I can make. It is soft, plush, and a dull red color. Strange furniture made of wood like the doors fills the room. As I look about I am struck by the amount of colors. More colors than I could have imagined exist in this one single room. It is illuminated by gently burning candles set along the walls.

I feel Trixie’s eyes on me as I move about examining this or that. I tug at a handle on one of the pieces of furniture and yelp in surprise as the wood pulls out revealing a hidden shelf! With a playful smile I push it closed…then pull it open again. Closing the small shelf I turn to something new. A pool of very still water is sitting upright against the wall but it does not ripple or sway. I approach eyes wide with wonder at my unblemished reflection. I turn my face this way and that, examining myself curiously. I have seen my own reflection of course, but always in the stark black and white my dark vision provided, or with the reddish light my horn provided when I used it. And always it was distorted the ripples in the water I would use.
I poke it gently with my hoof and jerk it back at the soft ‘tink’ sound my actions elicit. I look back at Trixie unable to hide a smile of wonder. She is watching me with her head tilted to the side, but I see the beginnings of a smile threatening to appear on her face as well. “…WHO are you? Not just your name. You’re…odd.”

I Turn away from the still pool and settle on my haunches to regard her, my face returned to its usual neutral expression. “It is…complicated. And likely hard to believe.”

Her eyebrow rose in a fair imitation of one of Tak’s favorite expressions. “I find a unicorn in horrifying spider armor travelling with a changeling, both of whom can slay yeti effortlessly hard to believe. Yet here we are.”

I nod slowly at that. She is correct of course this is already an unusual situation I am sure. I wonder just how much I should tell. “As I said my name is Umbra. Days after my birth the village I lived in was destroyed and I am, so far as I know the only survivor.” She gasps at that and looks genuinely horrified. Ponies truly do seem very emotional. “I was found by Kasson, a scout of the spiderkin.”

Now the look of incredulity returns. “What’s a spiderkin?”

“Tak tells me you have spiders in your realm?” She nods. “Well they are a spider-like race divided into castes. The workers, scouts, and warriors look like ordinary if enormous spiders. The royal caste have lower bodies like a spider, and humanoid upper bodies. Arms, hands, a straight torso…it is hard to describe.”

Surprisingly she shakes her head. “No I can picture it quite clearly. I’ve had experience with such a creature, even if her lower half wasn’t a giant bug. Please go on.”

“I was taken in by Queen Spinnerette, ruler of the family as we called ourselves. She raised me as her own hatchling. Not long ago I met Tak, and it was only then I learned I was not some badly deformed hatchling, but a pony.”

“Wait wait. You were convinced you were just a mutant…spiderkin?”

I shrug. “I had never seen another living pony. I had no way to contradict her, and no reason to suspect what she said was not truth. I have been feeling a strange sense of…unrest recently. Some unpleasantness at home spurred my decision to leave. And so with Tak guiding me, I have come to the surface to learn of my kind. This is my first evening on the surface world.”

Her eyes widen and she sits very quietly for several moments. “Well…I think I’m not the best example of a pony for the first you meet, but here we are. I guess it’s a pleasure to meet you Umbra, and welcome you to the surface?”

“Thank you Trixie. It is a strange place but I am finding much to be intrigued by.” I look around the room for a moment. “You may depart this place with us if you like. We do not plan to stay long. I have much I wish to see.”

She looks away. “No. Thank you but no. I’m not the best company and would only be a hindrance. Besides everypony gets sick of me before long.”

This is a surprise. From what I have heard from Tak these ponies are almost ridiculously welcoming and forgiving. “Why is that?”

I can see she is struggling to speak the words that are in her heart. Her response does not surprise me; it is almost comically easy to see her emotions after spending my entire life learning to read the subtle inflections and facial tics of my impassive family. In contrast this pony’s eyes hold absolutely no mysteries for me. I see pain, despair, and resignation. “It doesn’t matter. I’m sorry but I’m very tired…would you mind letting me get some sleep?”

“Yes of course. I am sorry to have kept you awake. Sleep well Trixie. I hope we may speak more before we depart.” I leave the room and gently shut the door behind me. Tak is in the corridor waiting.

“C’mon kid there’s plenty’a rooms fer us to bed down in. Yer in fer a treat.” He turns and leads me to a door at the far end from Trixie’s room, opening it for me. It is much smaller than the unicorn’s chambers, but has many similarities. Curiously I approach the bed. I wanted to examine Trixie’s in more detail but felt it may be seen as an invasion of her privacy. I had a bed at home of a sorts. Smooth flat stones with thick moss coating them.

I work the clasps of my armor and let it fall away on the floor stretching and shaking myself out. Then I hop up to the bed…and yelp in shock as I sink in. “It is so soft!”

Tak laughs, but I cannot get angry at him this time. “I thought about warnin’ ya but figgered it’d be cute t’letcha find out th’hard way.”

I am too busy attempting to stand on the soft unsteady surface to get upset at his words. I rise to my hooves but the bed shifts and I tumble onto my side. Still it is…very soft. Very comfortable. I find I do not wish to rise. Tak’s horn illuminates the room as he closes the door behind himself. “So whaddya think’a yer first pony.”

I lift my head to regard him. “She is…not what I expected. Do all ponies carry such…pain inside of themselves?”

“Nah…I heard a little about her, she’s had a rough time’a it. Her own fault but still. She’s a showmare…travels around puttin’ on shows t’entertain y’see?”

I am unfamiliar with the profession but I grasp the concept. “Yes, go on.”

“Well…she made a name fer herself pretty much from lyin’ through her teeth ‘bout everythin’. Which is a shame cause the kid really DOES have talent. Not alotta unicorns with special talents bein’ magic specifically y’see? So she rolled inta this little burg, Ponyville. Did her song an dance, got called out by the local savant or somethin’. I dunno the details but I know she got run outta town.”

“For lying? That seems extreme. Is this a great crime?”

“I doubt it was just fer bein’ a big mouth. Ponyfolk might think yer a jerk but they ain’t gonna shun ya fer that. Anyway she comes back bigger an’ badder. Now this part I heard a bit about. Kid found some kinda trinket that upped her magic t’pretty amazing levels. Showed up her rival from last time til she of course got beat again. After THAT well…it weren’t just that she was a liar, but that she was dangerous started t’get around. Now she couldn’t set hoof in ANYtown anywhere.”
Slowly I nod. “She is an exile from her kind then.”

“Yup. That sounds about right. Dunno how she found her way out here, we’re pretty far from anypony else. Mebbe that’s th’point though I guess.”

“You told me ponies crave contact with one another did you not? She must be in great pain to be so isolated.”

Tak shrugged. “Yeah it’s sad kid but what can we do? We dunno the whole story, for all I know she’s dangerous an’ we’d be better off puttin’ as much distance b’tween us an here as we can.”

I frown as I consider this. “I do not think so. She seems very…sad. That is all. I offered to let her join us but she turned me down. Perhaps I will try again before we leave.” I yawn as I finish speaking. I had not realized how tired I was.

“Heh…well we’ll see. I’ll letcha get some sleep kid. I’ll be in th’room ‘cross th’hall if ya need anything alright?”

At my nod he departs. I roll about on the bed for a few moments to get comfortable. Another of the large reflective pools is on the wall of my room. Gingerly I force myself to sit up on my haunches again. I reach within myself and call forth the magic I rarely use, bathing the room in a soothing crimson glow. For so many years it was the only color…the only light I knew and I am most comfortable in it. I look across the room to my reflection and ever so slowly flex the badly neglected muscles of my wings. The appendages slowly spread and I scowl at the image. They are thin and sickly looking, I hastily snap them shut again and fall on my stomach in the bed.

Gazing out the large window to my side I look at the moon. So bright my eyes begin to water soon. I am told that is Luna’s moon. My birth mothers. What is she like? Will she even wish to speak with me? Has she known I was alive all along? So many questions, most of which I am not sure I wish to know the answers.

It is very easy to fall asleep on this bed. I do not know how long I slept but when I wake…something wondrous is happening outside. The moon is gone and the sky is…changed. I do not see the twinkling lights, the stars Tak called them. It is not the deep black but…a brighter color. I will have to ask Tak to educate me on what the colors I keep seeing are called. To my astonishment it seems as if more and more colors are appearing. Something is happening over the horizon and I rush to the window, pushing it open eagerly. There, ever so slowly some…sort of great glowing disc is rising. It slips over the horizon line and bathes the world below in an unimaginable golden glow. Transfixed I watch as the light races across the ground and reaches the castle…and than my room.

And then I scream.

Chapter 2: Two Become Three

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Chapter 2: Two Becomes Three

Never in my wildest imagining’s could I have conjured so horrific a spectacle as the terrible ball of fire rising into the surface sky that struck my sight from me. I feel the heat it generates on my fur and expect to burst aflame at any second. Wildly I recoil from the window slamming into the bed behind me, staggering away blindly with another cry.

I hear the door slam open as Tak arrives responding to my scream no doubt. “Umbra what happened!?”

Through the haze of pain coming from my still burning eyes I realize he’s using his ‘serious’ voice. He must be greatly concerned. “I was watching the sky when that THING appeared!” I gesture wildly with a hoof.

It takes him a moment to realize what I mean. “The sun. Oh I’m an idiot I should have warned you.”

My ear flicks toward him as I hear him moving to the window. Hastily he draws the curtains as I pick up another set of hooves charging toward my room. “What’s all the commotion and…” It is Trixie of course. “What happened to her eyes?”

“The sun happened to them.” Tears run down my cheeks though I am unsure whether their source from pain or terror.

“Well what’s wrong with the-“ She stops at the realization. “Oh she’s lived underground her whole life, was that her first sunrise?” The concern in the unicorn’s voice surprises me. We have only just met yet she seems to care for my well-being.

“It was and I’m an idiot for not thinking to keep her away from the window this morning.” I feel Tak’s hoof gently lift my chin. “I need you to open your eyes for me Umbra. I have to see if they’re damaged or if you just got a little dazzled.”

I do not want to, but I know his words have merit. Slowly I force my eyelids to rise though I have to blink rapidly several times as I do so. Opening them brings fresh waves of pain and I feel close to swooning. Finally I manage to open them without immediately squinting them shut again.

I see Tak’s horn glowing through the filmy haze obscuring my vision. “Can you see my horn Umbra?”

Slowly I nod. “Y-yes though it is very blurry.” I follow it with my eyes as he slowly moves his head about.

“Well that’s good. You’re not BLIND blind, just temporarily blinded. You should recover with rest. We can stay in the castle here a bit longer than intended.”

I frown at that. “Why? There is no reason to delay. Before I received more responsibility I routinely made my way by sound alone. I found the darkness comforting.” It was also easy to imagine I belonged with my arachnid family when I could not see the glaring physical differences. I shut my eyes again though not quite as tightly as before.

“If you’re sure Umbra, though I want to at least wait a little longer.” He moves away from me toward the til now silent Trixie. “Is there food?”

“There is. I’ll show you the kitchen. They had some kind of powerful refrigeration spell on their larders and were very well stocked before they all ah…” She trails off. “Come on I’ll show you.”

For a moment I consider asking Tak to assist me with my armor but after I just finished telling him I could get by without sight I would look foolish asking for assistance immediately after. To further complicate matters I find the plush carpeting of the room dulls my hoof steps and mutes the sound vibrating through the floor making it nearly impossible to navigate by sound. I resign myself to blindly fumbling about until my hoof tapped against one of my leg guards. My quarry located I set about the arduous task of fastening it about my person.

I hear Trixie returning as I wrestle with one of the straps on my breastplate. I recognize the sound of magic at work as the straps gently tear free of my grip and fasten themselves. “Why don’t you use your magic for that?”

I tilt my head in the direction of her voice. “I do not know any abilities related to moving other things. I can give myself sight in darkness, stronger leg strength and climbing on sheer surfaces. That is all.”

She invites herself into my room and settles before me. “Really? I’ve never come across any spells like those before. But you really can’t levitate? Every unicorn learns that early off.”

I shrug and settle comfortably on the plush floor secretly enjoying the feel of it on my stomach. “I used my mouth or hooves for what I needed to do. My mother did her best to quash any curiosity I had with my magic. She allowed me to pursue it so long as I focused on necessary abilities.”

When she speaks again her confusion is clear. “Why would she purposefully limit your abilities? A unicorns magic is a very strong part of her identity, even when it’s not their special talent.”

I ponder my response. “Our family was always at odds with a large hive of changelings. I already bore a strong resemblance to them and she felt the more I distance myself from comparison to our hated foes the better.”

“Well I suppose that does make sense. Still I can’t imagine trying to make do without levitating anything.” She lapses into silence though she has not moved; I can only assume she is staring at me.

I shift uncomfortably and clear my throat. “So…you are an entertainer? You perform for the amusement of others? Why is this?”

“Why?” She has a new tone of voice now, almost upbeat. “Well I’ve always loved the stage. I guess it started with my grandfather. Magico The Magnificent!” She throws a good deal of theatrics into her voice and I can tell she is smiling now. “Not his real name of course. Though I never did learn what exactly it was. My parents left me on his doorstep when I was too young to remember them. It was just he and I, touring Equestria. We went everywhere from Neigh Orleans to Los Pegasus. Grandfather performed all kinds of magic, not just spells mind you but sleight of hand and illusions too.”
I furrow my brow. “I am not familiar with the terms.”

She takes a moment to consider. “I could demonstrate but I think it’d be difficult to show you a card trick or make something disappear for you in your current state. The height of his career was when he was invited to Canterlot to perform for Princess Celestia. We drew the wagon right up to the castle. Oh how the noble ponies turned their noses up at us. I just wanted to go but not my grandfather. The show must go on! I swear it was his mantra sometimes.”
Now she sighs. “Well we set up the stage, had all our props arranged. By that time I was old enough to assist. I was his lovely assistant!” She laughs softly. “Sawing me in half, making me disappear, he reworked his whole act to incorporate me. This was his most important show and I was determined to be on my best behavior. The show started and he did something he’d never done before. He just froze up. We discovered later that one of his competitors was in attendance and cast a freezing spell over my grandfather.”

“At first I was panicked, what filly wouldn’t be? But then I remembered what he always told me. “The show must go on!” So I claimed his far too large hat for my own and pounced to center stage.” Her tone had changed to a more wistful one. “Behold fillies and gentlecolts! As the Great and Powerful Trixie performs magical feats beyond comprehension! And I did. All of grandfathers tricks I pulled off nearly flawlessly. The old stallion had tears in his eyes when the spell finally ended on him and we got backstage. That’s when my cutie mark appeared, and I knew my destiny was to be on stage.”
I remain silent, oddly enraptured by her tale. I have questions of course but wish for her to reach the conclusion before I voice them.

“Princess Celestia herself came backstage to congratulate me. She even invited me to her school for gifted unicorns. I declined however. I had no interest in leaving my grandfather’s side. He wasn’t getting any younger and needed me despite his protests otherwise. He passed away a few years later. By then I was almost a full grown mare in my own right so I just kept on where we left off. Pulling our little wagon from city to city putting on shows.”

My curiosity will not allow me to remain silent any longer. “How did you end up here?”

She is quiet for a time. “I was foolish. I let my growing fame go to my head, and decided I deserved greater recognition. I began to punctuate my shows with little stories, made up fables of great feats I had performed and monsters I had slain. I can be quite charismatic and nopony really thought to contradict me. Eventually it grew worse. Instead of performing the magic and illusions I had spent so long learning from my grandfather I turned to making less talented ponies look bad in front of crowds to make myself feel better. Naturally I met my match.”

“It was some Podunk town called Ponyville. I pulled in and began my routine. To make a long story short I found a unicorn who far eclipsed my own ability and fled the town in disgrace. Through my own actions the only home I had ever known was destroyed, and I was disgraced. Word of my lies and misdeeds spread and I soon found it impossible to perform anywhere I went. Rather than reflect on my actions and try to improve I took the opposite route. I blamed the unicorn for my situation and sought long and hard a way to get even. I returned triumphant with a cursed trinket bolstering my power. I humiliated and banished her.” Trixie’s voice drops lower; I can hear the shame as she speaks. “She returned soon enough and showed me up once again of course. I left again after apologizing, perhaps even reaching a place of reconciliation with her. We weren’t friends but the animosity I felt toward her was gone.”

I tilt my head. “It sounds as though things should have improved for you then.”

“Oh no. After word got around of how I terrorized Ponyville with a forbidden artifact no less I was actively sought out as a wanted mare. I had to go into hiding living in the Everfree forest.” The way she says the name makes me feel as if I should react in some way, but of course it has no meaning to me. “I was approached by an…individual. He promised to erase my sins if I assisted in besting some kind of foreign creature in a race. I had heard the stories of him of course but by then I would have agreed to anything to get my old life back. All I wanted was to perform again. Obviously my being here says it didn’t work out as I had hoped. It’s not ideal but I can at least have peace here.”

The sadness in her voice causes uncomfortable pangs in my chest. “Jeez kid that’s one’a th’sadder stories I ever heard.” Tak has returned. I do not know how long he was listening in but I smell food in the air before me. It is a far more appetizing scent than I am used to. Gingerly I lower my head and find a number of small squishy objects. Curiously I take one into my mouth and bite down, the juice explodes within my jaws and I taste a tangy sweetness far beyond the flavor of any of the edible fungi I consumed below the surface. Eagerly I began to clean the plate before me.

Trixie sniffs a couple of times and sighs. “Well everything that led me here was my own fault. I’ve nopony to blame but myself.”

I remain silent letting them speak while I eat. “Well yah sounds like you were a real jerk, ain’t gonna argue ‘bout that. But that don’t mean ya gotta pay fer it yer whole life. Ya didn’ kill nopony, ya jus’ acted like an ass. M’sure if ya went an apologized folk’d forgive an’ ferget.”

The unicorn sighs as she nibbles the food on her plate. “Not for what I’ve done.” I hear her rise. “Thank you for listening, the both of you. Good luck on your journey Umbra. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

I frown as she goes but say nothing. I feel Tak’s eyes on me. “What?”

“Whaddya mean what? Go after her.”

“Why? She made her intentions clear.”

He huffs. “Kid she just opened up an told ya her entire life story. A pony don’t normally confide in a stranger THAT much when they first meet.”

It did seem odd to me. Come to think of it I now know more about Trixie Lulamoon than I do about Tak. “What am I supposed to say?”

“I dunno didn’t ya learn any fancy diplomatic talkin’ from yer ma? You WERE a princess kid.”

With a grimace in the changeling’s directions I stand and step out the door. The hard stone echoes pleasantly and paints a much clearer picture of my surroundings to my ears than the plush carpet did. I hear hoof steps descending the stairs at my side and turn to follow. Picking my way down perhaps a tad awkwardly. She is moving down the corridors and her steps go from clopping on stone to crunching snow. Curious at the sudden shift I follow and feel the wind on my face.
“Where are we?”

I hear her magic at work but of course cannot see what she is doing. “A courtyard just off the main corridor. There’s a tower here that belonged to a famous unicorn, I’ve been trying to get inside but nothing I try opens the door.”
I approach following her voice. “It is important to you?”

“As important as anything else I suppose. I’m more curious than anything. Some powerful magic is locking the door.”

I carefully feel about finding the door in question then turn backing toward it. Rearing forward I slam my hind hooves into the door bringing a deafening CRACK. To my chagrin however I do not feel it move an inch. “That is…a very solid door.”

“YOU are a very strong unicorn Umbra. I’ve only ever seen earth pony’s buck like that. I didn’t think that would work though. If it was as easy as a good kick to break it, it wouldn’t be much of a spell lock. Given the power and complexity I think it may have been placed by the princess herself.”

“Hm.” I turn from the door to face Trixie. “I would like you to leave this place with Tak and I.”

“I told you I can’t Umbra. I’m a fugitive! I couldn’t show my face in any halfway civilized city!”

I regard her for a moment. “Do you not wield many powerful…spells…you called them? Can you not simply alter your appearance?”

She scrapes the ground with her hoof and I can imagine the look of consternation on her face. “Well I could I suppose.” Her tone grows more hopeful. “I wouldn’t even have to do much, just my coat and cutie mark really. It’d be simple.”

I nod firmly. “Then it is settled. You will travel with Tak and I. Perhaps I can learn more of magic from you. If nothing else moving objects about with it would be useful.”

Trixie seems excited now. In higher spirits than she has been since we arrived. “I could do that!” I hear her run with all speed back the way we came. Shaking my head in amusement I follow at a more sedate pace. Tak is sitting in my room still, and while I cannot see it I know his smug smirk adorns his face.

“She sure seems excited ‘bout somethin’. What could it be I wonder?”

I snort in irritation. “Do not play the fool with me. Fill our packs with more of those…whatever they were you fed me earlier.”
“Strawberries. That ain’t th’only fruit they got neither. The kid wasn’t kiddin’ ‘bout them bein’ well-stocked. Should be enough for us t’eat somethin’ new every day til we reach a city. Course then we got the problem of neither one’a us havin’ a single bit t’our name.”

I shrug. “If we do not have money we will find our own nourishment in the wilds. I did it my entire life and the surface despite your horrible flaming balls of light in the sky, seems far tamer in comparison.” I look toward Trixie’s room, the sound of packing can be heard from within. “Besides we are not alone, Trixie may have money. And if not entertainers are paid for their work are they not? Perhaps she can perform for our meals.”

He grunts. “Yah ain’t a bad idea. Hafta find someplace that’ll LET her up on stage first though.”

I wave a hoof at him dismissively. “It is being dealt with. Prepare our rations, I wish to be away from this place soon. The sooner we reach a city the sooner we can find Princess Luna.”

He turns to go, but pauses at the door. “She ah…the ONLY thing we’re lookin’ for?”

My silence is answer for him enough. With a sigh he turns and makes his way down the stairs. When he is gone I crack an eye experimentally. The brightness alarms me and stings my eyes but it is not the fiery pain from before. I sit in the hall slowly opening my eyes wider and wider as the minutes tick by. My vision is still somewhat blurred, and the light even in the darkened corridors is borderline hellish to me but it was progress. Eyes squinted to thin lines I entered Trixie’s room.
“Can you do something for me about all this light? A spell or…something of the sort?”

She turns to regard me with a thoughtful frown. “Perhaps. I’ve never considered such a spell but it’s certainly not impossible to do. I can work on it and see what I come up with. In the meantime…” Her magic grips a garment that she drapes across my back. She then tugs a thick hood over my face and ties it around me throat. “There not perfect but it should help. And it should conceal that ah…interesting armor of yours.”

I shift my head to situate the hood more comfortably. It does an adequate job providing some shade for my eyes, though I doubt it will stave off a direct glare from their sun. “What is wrong with my armor?”

“Besides the fact that nopony WEARS armor at all save the royal guard…it’s creepy. It makes you look like a bug.”

I frown. “Tak looks like a bug.”

“Yes well Tak is a changeling, and also found creepy by ponies.”

“Hrm. You ponies are an odd and skittish bunch.”

She scoffs softly. “WE ponies thank you very much. And…yes I suppose we are. Ponies tend to shy away from new things, but given a chance to adapt to the new element so long as it proves harmless they’re very welcoming.” A pause and then. “For the most part.”

I nod and adjust the cloak to more fully cover my armor. “Well I do not wish to unsettle the people I am hoping to integrate into and learn about. Thank you for the gift, it will do until a more permanent solution is discovered Trixie.” I bow my head.
The unicorn looks a touch flustered, but pleased. “Think nothing of it; Trixie is always happy to assist her…friends?” She says the last part without the flair she started with.

I raise my eyebrow at the sudden shift in her speech patterns, but enough time around Tak has given me a curious immunity to the oddity of such behavior. “Yes Trixie I believe we are friends.”

My response seems to please her as she tugs her hat down to conceal her watery eyes. Not fast enough for me to miss it though. “Well then Trixie supposes we have made our companion wait long enough.” I am content to follow her lead through the corridor.

Tak is in the corridor at the end of the stairs as we reach the bottom. “Gotta say I could get used ta us pickin’ up a pretty filly everywhere we stop. Might make this trip a lot more enjoyable.” Even through my blurry vision I am sure he is leering at Trixie and I.

Our new companion flounces by him lightly brushing her tail under his chin. “Perhaps if you can find a form more pleasing to Trixie’s eye she will consider you for companionship. Having a changeling stallion at the head of a herd could prove…interesting if nothing else.”

Tak watches her flounce toward the doors; I can see his mouth open a little. “…dunno whatcha said t’her kid but she sure did a one eighty! Not that I’m complain’ a’course.”

We move to follow. “What did she mean by a herd?”

“Oh! S’an old pony tradition. Yer gonna find once we git around more there’s like…ten mares, that’s th’ladies like yerself, t’every one stallion like my extremely handsome an desireable self. So it ain’t totally unheard of fer one stallion t’have himself a few different wives.”

“A surprisingly practical concept given how…whimsical ponies sound.”

He shrugs. “S’mostly a matter’a survival. Species would probly die off if alla yer stallions stuck t’one mare.”

Trixie pushes the doors open for us with her magic. I flinch away from the rush of sunlight, but slowly I step one hoof, than the next into the light. It is warm but not uncomfortably so. The light is still hellaciously bright but I find the cloak makes it somewhat tolerable.

The three of us step out into the bright daytime sunlight. I keep my head lowered firmly to the ground and waste no time ploughing ahead. Tak and Trixie fall into step behind me.

“She’s certainly a physical mare isn’t she?”

I hear Tak chuckle over the blowing wind. “Yup! She’s a regular earth pony at heart. Practical, hard headed, stubborn, and boring!”

They are both laughing now, at MY expense. But rather than growing upset I feel a smile forming on my face. Their bantering back and forth is somewhat comforting to me. A small cluster of buildings in the valley below catches my eye. I point. “What is that? Are there ponies there?”

“None living. When Trixie first came here she was told this was the setting of the usual Hearth’s Warming Plays.”

Tak gives a low whistle. “Th’one with th’windigoes an’ everything? Are there really frozen ponies all over th’place?”

Trixie’s response is soft, it lacks her dramatic flair. “Yes. The castle was filled with them too but one of the first things I did when taking up residence was to move them to the basement. It was so sad to see them like that.”

I am beginning to figure my companions out a bit. It seems when they are overcome with their emotions they revert to a natural way of speaking. So the buffoon and the diva would appear to be their false selves. “Tell me the story of this Hearth’s Warming while we travel.”

And so they do. Each tells one part the two of them switching speaking roles as smoothly as if they’d rehearsed it together. It is a whimsical tale of love and friendship overcoming the elements and to my ear rings utterly false and ridiculous. Both seem to delight in their fairy tale however so I keep my thoughts to myself.

“Why do your all-knowing, all powerful princesses not swoop in here and restore the frozen ponies to life?”

Neither seems to have an answer to that, and the only sound for some time is the wind.

Chapter 3: A Star is Born

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Chapter 3: A Star is Born

After spending the past three days trudging along beneath the wretched ball of fire they call the sun, I have decided I do not care for the surface very much. I have had a constant headache the entirety of my time here, and it only eases at night when the cursed thing sets. The cloak Trixie gifted me helps, but not enough for my tastes.

Then there is the other source of my headache. Trixie and Tak. The pair seem to delight in tormenting one another. At every opportunity they snipe back and forth. Little comments and one particularly memorable morning little bursts of magic. It wasn’t until an errant spark caught me in the backside and I threatened to buck their heads from their bodies that the fight abated.

I find myself missing the scouts I had previously commanded. While I allowed them more freedoms than I likely should have, they still respected me. Followed my orders to the letter. They were professional. Now I command a troupe consisting of an obnoxious changeling and a possible more obnoxious unicorn. Not for the first time I question the intelligence of bringing her along.

Of course there are times like this evening. Tak is already snoring (oh how I miss the silence of home when I slept), and Trixie is sitting awake gazing up at the sky. I settle next to her quietly so as not to disturb Tak’s sleep. Not so much that I care if he gets woken up, more that while he is asleep his mouth is silent. …relatively speaking.

“What occupies you this evening?”

She looks at me a moment before returning her eyes to the stars. “Trixie has been considering your plight and believes she has a method with which to make your daytime travels more hospitable.”

This is news to me. I had thought she had forgotten about her promise to do just that. “Truly?”

“But of course. There is no feat of magic beyond the great and powerful Tr-r-rixie!” Her eyes widen in alarm at the hateful glare I am directing her way. She glances Tak’s way fearful she has awoken him, and thus awoken my wrath. He simply rolls over and resumes snoring. “Ahem. Yes. The blindness spell I use creates a shroud over the victims’ eyes to put it simply. I believe I can modify the shroud to block out the brightest of the sunlight. In a small area mind you.”

“This is excellent news Trixie. I will be pleased with you if it functions as you describe.” Back home such words would swell the hearts of my scouts with pride. It is not often one of their princesses’ offers praise. Trixie seems…less than enthused.
“Well I live for nothing more than to please YOU of course.”

I frown at her confusing reaction but assume it is another pony eccentricity. Or perhaps it is a Trixie eccentricity? I have come to wonder if she suffers from some derangement or another. “What of our other problem?”

“You mean the night black unicorn in the horrifying spider armor travelling with one of Equestria’s most wanted fugitives going into a town? Tak claims he has a spell that will see to that.”

I nod slowly. “Very well. Are we near our destination? You said you left your wagon where?”

“Minneighsota. And yes we’re near. In fact we should arrive tomorrow afternoon. So whatever your pet insect has to get us into town had best be ready.”

With another curt nod I move away and settle back down by the fire. I find the surface world unpleasantly frigid. And while the open plain we are on is not quite as unpleasant as the valley of howling winds and snow almost up to my chest, it is still colder than home. I have been having difficulty sleeping. At home I slept when I tired, and rose when I was rested. Now I sleep to the remorseless schedule of the sun and moon.

Blocking out Trixie’s complaints of another day spent on the ground I slowly drift asleep.

I am dreaming. I assume. I am lying where I took my rest the previous night, but the landscape is hazy and indistinct. Tak and Trixie are nowhere to be seen. Looking upward I do not see the terrible empty sky, but a comforting ceiling of stone. It is an unusual picture my mind has painted this evening. More unusual of how lucid I appear to be.

I see a little light glimmer in the distance and my curiosity compels me to follow. Mother once told me our dreams are a way of our subconscious mind trying to tell us something in one of her more whimsical moments. I do not know if I believe that but seeing as there is little else to do I approach the light.

It is a sickly greenish color I see as I get closer. There are a pair of dark silhouettes standing before what reveals itself to be a massive fire climbing high into the sky, twisting and churning as if alive. I am close enough now to make out the figures, Tak’s carapace reflecting the eerie light unpleasantly and Trixie’s hat and cape style of dress I pray is unique to her. I open my mouth to call out to them before the fire lurches downward and engulfs my friends.

I recoil from the stench of rotting flesh as the flames peel back. They slowly turn to face me and my stomach turns. Tak’s carapace is cracked and missing in places, green ichor oozing from the wounds. One wing burned away and the other twitching feebly at his side. Trixie looks worse if that were possible. Her pale blue coat worn, ragged, and large patches of not only fur but flesh missing. Her lower jaw is simply…gone, her tongue lolling about grotesquely. Worst of all are their eyes. Their eyes are dead, the eyes of a corpse. But they are walking. Shambling toward me.

Then I hear it. It is like nothing I have ever heard before a voice but so…cold. It makes me wish I had died with them. “Ah…I was beginning to think you had been swallowed up by one of my overzealous children after all, little heiress to the night.”
He stepped from the flames calmly. He resembled a pony, or what I assumed our skeletons would look like if they were walking about on their own. Bits of flesh and stubborn patches of fur clung here and there. His empty eye sockets blazed with a hellish red light. He bore a bony horn atop his brow, and featherless wings twitched now and again at his shoulders. He followed my gaze to his back and chuckled a dry raspy laugh. “Do you admire my wings little heiress? They are not real of course, oh no. Only you perfect, mighty alicorns are allowed to possess a horn and wings. I found a…donor willing to offer me her wings in one of my early experiments with immortality.”

I want to turn. I want to run. But I cannot. I am trapped by his gaze. Unable to look away from those burning red eyes I have seen in my dreams since I was a tiny hatchling. The creature laughs again. “Ah! I was beginning to worry you did not recognize me. It has been many years since we met of course. You were such a tiny little thing. Come now…introduce yourself little heiress. I have waited so long to meet you properly.”

My lips tremble and my voice is shaky as I speak. “I-I am Umbra…p-princess of th-“

His eyes blaze in fury and the green fire behind him leaps into the air burning all the hotter. “You are princess of NOTHING little Umbra! Nothing! Your mother abandoned you to those worthless ponies in that worthless nowhere town! You were cast aside like so much refuse!” Calm returned as quickly as rage had formed. “But I would never do that, oh no.”
I try to tear my gaze away but still I cannot. I cannot move as he approaches. “And you know who I am of course, don’t you little Umbra?”

My lips are numb, I barely managed a whisper. “Lich.”

A horrid smile forms on the skull that is his face. “Ah! You DO remember me! How delightful. If I had it heart I’m sure it’d be warmed by the sentiment.” He began to pace around me casually. “Now that the pleasantries are out of the way I believe it’s time we moved onto business hm? You must be curious. Why I slaughtered the village of Colton, why I was seeking you?”
I do not nod, or speak but he does not need me to. “I want you. Your essence Umbra. The essence of an alicorn, while she is young and weak and oh so easy to take for my own. But do not fear little Umbra. You’ll live on. As a part of me. Won’t that be glorious?”

In vain I struggle to run, to fight, to do anything but I am anchored in place. “Now now, none of that. This won’t hurt.” He smiles again. “Much.”

I brace myself for the inevitable, but it seems my time has not yet come. The stony ceiling above begins to crack, violently exploding inwards and showering the dreamscape with dust and bits of debris. A brilliant shaft of silver light punches through the new hole in the ceiling. As it sweeps across the lich and the undead abominations they howl though in fury or pain I do not know. Then they are gone, and it is quiet.

My body is my own again and I collapse breathing heavily. I sense her presence before I see her. Just as powerful if not more so than the one she banished. “Are you well my little pony?”

Her voice is gentle and melodious. I find my frayed nerves calming almost instantly. I slowly open my eyes and first see her hooves adorned in glittering silver shoes. Her coat a deep blue, almost the shade of the night sky. Her mane and tail glitter as if they contained the stars themselves and flowed constantly. Cool blue eyes gazed down at my own. In them I saw immeasurable concern and care. “I…” I swallow. “I believe so.”

Gently she extends a hoof, helping me to my own. I note her horn, far longer than my own. More surprising to me are the wings folded gently at her back. “This was no ordinary nightmare. That creature’s presence was all too real. I had hoped in vain it seems, that he was destroyed.” She looks me over closely now. “Your armor is impressive young one. I have never seen the like before. Who are you?”

I swallow heavily and consider my response. Referring to myself by my proper title seems…not right in the presence of this majestic pony. “I am Umbra.”

“Umbra. An interesting name, though I believe it suits you. Do you know why the lich seeks you?”

“He said something about…wanting my essence. Though I do not know what he meant precisely.” I stare at her for a time. “Who are you?”

For a brief moment a twinge of irritation flashes across her face, but it passes quickly. “I suppose my return may not have been heard in some of the more rural areas of Equestria. I am Princess Luna, sovereign of the night.”

She seems taken aback by the abrupt change in my demeanor. I feel my fury rising unrestrained as I look upon the pony I felt such awe and reverence for a moment ago. “Luna. You are one of those I seek on this sun blasted surface realm. You have quite the nerve to so brazenly let yourself into my mind after what you did to me!”

Judging by the look on her face I doubt it has been some time since anyone has spoken to her as I have. “Umbra I do not know what slight you believe I have committed against you but I have been away for a very long time. Far longer than you have been alive. We have not met.”

The world around us is beginning to shake as my fury builds. She does not recognize me! She does not remember me! “Begone so called Princess! Pray my mood has cooled when we meet in person or I shall show you how a Princess of the spiderkin deals with those who have wronged her!”

My rarely used magic is flaring wildly from my horn, and were my wings not hampered by my armor I am sure they would be flaring as well. Crimson lances of magical light ripped through Luna’s representation in my dreamscape. And then she was gone.

I sit up with a grunt. The fire is all but embers now. Tak and Trixie are both snoring contentedly. Alas, sleep will not return to me this night I am sure. I pace away from our campsite glaring hotly up at the moon. Tak told me that Luna used to reside within the great silvery orb. That she was trapped. Yet she escaped long enough to deliver me to Colton.
“Look like you’re about to pop there Umbra.”

Tak’s voice causes me to start in surprise. I do not turn to face him as he approaches sitting next to me uninvited.
“Unpleasant dreams.” I glance at him from the corner of my eye to reassure myself he is whole and healthy. He is of course. To my surprise he’s the larger more elegant Tak from the battle in my mother’s chambers. His cool red eyes meet mine for a moment and I look away.

“I heard you talking in your sleep. I’ve heard rumors that Princess Luna guards her subjects from particularly heinous nightmares. You met her didn’t you?”

The grinding of my teeth is my answer and he chuckles. “Not a cheery family reunion?”

I turn to face him, emotion warring across my face. Anger and sadness more prominently. “I had so many questions Tak. There she was descending from the sky and saving me from the creature lurking in my dreams. But all I felt was…rage. She abandoned me. Just left me in the care of strangers.”

To my surprise he moves closer, his flanks resting against mine. His shell is surprisingly warm. “I’m sure she had her reasons Umbra. I’m not saying that she was right to leave you like she did, but Luna’s…old. OLD old. She doesn’t do anything without good reason. And at the time she might not’ve been in her right mind.”

“Elaborate.” Part of me says to push him away; he is being far too familiar! Another quieter voice is saying to pull him closer. I take the middle ground and do neither.

“Well. I wasn’t there of course but from what I’ve gathered she and her sister Celestia had something of a falling out over…something stupid I’m sure. I dunno what. Luna became Nightmare Moon, and swore to bring about eternal night.”

I shrug. “I suddenly like this Nightmare Moon.”

Tak laughs. “Well without the sunlight the food the surface ponies need to eat would shrivel and die. The land would be shrouded in perpetual winter. Snow all year round.” He pokes at me when he says that.

My grimace returns. Despite the initial novelty of walking in the snow I have found it cold, wet, and annoying to travel through.

“Anyway. Celestia had to seal her in the moon. She was there for a thousand years, but apparently she could still pop out for a visit? I dunno the deal with that. Anyway Nightmare Moon was what kind ponies would call ‘unbalanced’. Less than kind would call her a loon. So if Luna was still all Nightmare Moony when she had you…who knows? Maybe some part of Luna that was in the nightmare thought you’d be better off with not-crazy ponies.”

I grunt softly as he finishes. “Perhaps. When next she and I meet I will endeavor to keep my temper under control and offer her the opportunity to explain herself. This is all assuming she IS in fact my birth mother. I could be angry at her for no reason.”

A heavy groan comes from the evidently awake Trixie. “If you two insist on running Trixie’s sleep she suggests we get back on the road. A real bed is sounding better and better. …plus her wagon is still parked in Minneighsota. She would like to ensure it has not been robbed or stripped for parts.”

Tak shrugs and kicks some dirt on the fire pit. “Well you heard the great and powerful one. Shall we?”

I shrug. I certainly am not getting more sleep this night and the more distance we can go before the hated sun rises the better. I pick up the sounds of Tak and Trixie starting in on one another already and with a roll of my eyes I trot forward a bit quicker. I wonder what Bleeding Heart would think of our companion. Would she find her insufferable as I do, or do unicorns share some sort of bond with one another?

Suddenly I realize she is looking at me. “What?”

“Do either of you have any bits?”

I raise a brow. “Bits of what?”

With a disgusted groan she looks to Tak who shrugs. “Nope. Don’t got any use fer money m’self.” He is small again, and using his irksome accent again.

Trixie frowns now. “Well we need money for supplies. If we’re going to be travelling to Ponyville than on to Canterlot we’ll need food at the very least. Normally that’s not a concern but during winter it’s harder to forage.”

I shrug. “Did you not say you earned these…bits from your performing? Perform for the money we require.”

“I…” She looks down letting the brim of her hat fall over her eyes. “I can’t. You KNOW I can’t.”

Tak decided to speak up. “Aaaactually! I think I gotta way around that. If y’can manage t’keep yer big trap from givin’ away who ya are I got a disguise spell that’d stand up t’a princess eyeballin’ ya.”

I see a faint glimmer of hope light in the disgraced show mare’s eyes as she looks at Tak. “That COULD work! I could adopt a stage name like my grandfather.” She was grinning now. “YOU two could be in the show as well! I have a large box I use to make ponies disappear but we can do one better and make a pony transform into somepony or something else!”
Tak’s looked intrigued. “That ain’t a terrible idea kid! Always wanted t’be on stage m’self.”

I flinch back as she whirls at me. “And Umbra is monstrously strong physically! We can pass her off as…as…Equestria’s strongest unicorn! Oh I like that.”

I scowl. “I am not going to…life heavy objects for the amusement of the locals.”

Tak smirked. “So yer fine freeloadin’ offa our work? Tsk tsk Umbra. What would Heart say if she were here?”
My eyes narrow dangerously. “Do not invoke her name so flippantly Tak. But…you are right. Very well, I will bow to your expertise in this matter Trixie.”

I flip the hood of my cloak over my eyes as the sun begins to crest the horizon. In the distance a faint blot mars the landscape. Trixie declares it to be the city. The road has changed from packed dirt to cobblestone. Tak pulls us off the road soon.

“Right then girls!” His horn flares and with a flare of green flame he appears as the dark grey coated pegasus stallion he seems to favor. “Now for Trixie.”

I watch curiously as he leans toward her, touching his horn to her side gently. Green flame engulfs her and she rears back with a yowl of alarm. When her forehooves next touch the ground she looks nearly nothing like she did before. Her icy blue coat is a crimson red color now. Her silvery mane black with streaks of red. Even her eyes have changed, dazzling green orbs blink out beneath the brim of her star covered hat. “Well that didn’t hurt at all.”

“Right! Now fer Umbra.” I remain still as he approaches. The rush of green flame feels warm but not unpleasantly so. When it fades I lift a hoof to push back the golden blonde locks of my mane. My coat is a pale pink color like the rising sun. I cannot see my armor though I still feel it.

“You have done well Tak. I believe Trixie will not be recognized…though I am curious why you felt the need to change my coloration.”

The changeling shrugs with a grin. “Artistic license a'course!”

I grunt but do not protest over much as we return to the road. Soon more ponies are walking it alongside us. Despite myself I pull closer to Tak, feeling uncomfortable among so many of the colorful and evidently very cheerful creatures. Trixie walks confidently as if she knows the streets well so I follow.

Once through the city gates however I have to stop. There are buildings. Homes, shops, and eateries. Many have signs over the doors proclaiming what services they offer. Lining the streets are smaller stalls where merchants hawk their wares to passerby’s. Every few steps I stop to take in another sight, finally earning a glare from our guide. Sheepishly I lower my eyes and work to keep up with her.

Tak chuckles and brushes against me gently. “Relax kid, mebbe when we find her wagon an git ourselves a few bits she’ll let us see the sights.”

I nod. While I wish to confront Luna and retrieve Bleeding Heart’s sword, I am also here to learn about my kind. A city seems a fine place to start my education, but duty takes first precedent. Trixie leads us through a narrow alley way between two large buildings. Suddenly she shouts in excitement and there parked behind the largest is what I assume to be the wagon she’s been going on about. It seems plain enough but her smile says it has meaning to her.

She removes a key from inside her hat and opens the door, looking around carefully. “Everything’s still here! Oh that’s lucky. I feel like such an idiot for just abandoning it for so long. Alright! I’m sure you’re excited to see the city Umbra, but we need some bits first. There’s a park nearby we can set up there and get started! Umbra would you mind pulling the wagon?”

I shrug and allow her to fasten the harness around my back. “Lead on.” She does, practically prancing she is so pleased.
Tak chuckles as he walks next to me. “Y’know y’don’t gotta pull her wagon for her.”

Another shrug. “It weighs little enough to me. And she is aiding us while asking for nothing in return. I do not mind…pitching in as you say.”

He smiles and trots ahead to speak with Trixie in a low voice. I find I do not like the looks they keep throwing my way. It is slow going through the streets with the large wagon trailing behind me but soon we are in the ‘park’.
Trixie unhitches me from the wagon and ducks inside. Tak begins to fly overhead bellowing as loud as he can. “Fillies and gentlecolts may I have your attention please!” To my surprise his calls are attracting a small crowd of curious ponies. “Hello hello! Welcome one and all! It is my pleasure to announce our little performing troupe is preparing for our first show right here in your grand city of Minneighsota! And might I add it’s certainly the finest city I’ve had the honor of performing in!”
This brought a round of cheering and stomping from the steadily growing crowd of ponies. He is still extolling the virtues of the city as I enter the wagon to find Trixie pacing nervously. “What am I expected to do?”

The unicorn starts at my interruption. “O-oh! You! You’ll be the intermission event. Between acts you’ll take the stage. We’ll set up a table and challenge other ponies to test their strength against you. So…don’t lose.”

I frown. “You wish me to battle the spectators?”

Her eyes widen. “No of course not! You’ll hoof wrestle them or see who can lift more weight, that sort of thing. No combat!”
I nod slowly. “Yes I see. Very well I will…wait until I am called?”

“Yes! Good now out you go, Tak’s about to announce me.”

I step back out in time to hear Tak’s next announcement. “And now allow me to present the finest magician in Equestria! The Magnificent Magica!”

A loud fanfare plays from…somewhere and I jump back as Trixie’s wagon unfolds. The walls fall aside and settle in a new configuration forming a large stage I jump again as brightly colored smoke and large bursts of light flare above the wagon. There in center stage stands the disguised Trixie.

The crowd is watching expectantly but she seems…frozen to the spot. A look of panic forming in her eye before Tak lands and whispers in her ear. Slowly she relaxes and stands proudly. “Greeting Minneighsota and welcome to my show! Prepare to be amazed by feats of magic unseen by ponykind for years! Prepare to be amazed by…the Magificent Magica!”
An exciting round of cheering goes up from the crowd. I admit I find myself somewhat interested in the show as well. She uses very little actual spell work in her show as I observe, though it is still impressive and the crowd seems to agree. She pulls all manner of objects from within her hat. Transmutes an egg into a living bird. The crowd roars after every trick.
After sometime she raises her hooves. “And now good ponies my assistant and I will need a few moments to set up our next trick! In the interim we wish to present our very good friend…the strongest pony to walk our beautiful land…Sunny Days!”
Tak is grinning ear to ear when Trixie announced what I am assuming to be my stage moniker. I slowly ascend the steps to the stage, the expression on my face quite at odds with the image the false name would expect one to have.

“This is no illusion fillies and gentlecolts. Before you sits a unicorn with more physical strength than any earth pony! While using absolutely no magic at all I guarantee she can out muscle anypony in the audience here! And to show how much faith I have in her ability, I am willing to wager ten bits to anypony who feels they can best her in a hoof wrestle! Of course in the essence of fairness we ask you to match the wager.”

Tak gently tugs my cloak off and I grimace at the brightness of the sky. Seeing my discomfort Trixie acts quickly, and she’s soon formed a cloud cover over head. Her hat concealing her quick magic use.

I relax as the clouds provide some relief, but find my irritation growing at the crowd’s laughter. Trixie ducks backstage to prepare her finale while Tak sets a small jar at my side. It is not long before our first competitor trots on stage. A stallion, certainly larger than myself. With a grin he places a small stack of golden coins near the jar.

“Don’t worry little lady, I’ll be gentle.”

“Indeed.” He puts a foreleg on the table between us hoof up; at Tak’s gentle nod I do the same.

“And go!”

As soon as Tak says go the stallion begins to push. He takes me by surprise at first and my hoof nearly touches the table. I gently begin to apply pressure back and am rewarded by his eyes widening as his hoof is suddenly back in the air, and lazily descending to his side of the table. I tap it against the table and he rears back. “Y-you musta used your magic!”
The crowd began to boo him. “Git off the stage y’bum her horn didn’t glow once!”

Tak gave him a smile and a shrug scooping the coins into the jar. Soon enough there was a small line to challenge me. A few mares but most were stallions. Each trotted from the stage ten bits poorer. The final challenger strode up. It was another mare, and earth pony. An orange coat and yellow mane not unlike my own disguised one. Though she had a large hat atop her head, one I found far less obnoxious than Trixie’s.

“Figger Ah’ll give it a shot partner!” She cheerfully tossed her ten bits next to the jar. I was surprised to find the crowd had grown rather still, watching intently. I idly wondered if this pony was someone of import. She seemed ordinary enough to me. I rested my hoof against hers and prepared for another easy victory.
I was disappointed.

She had my hoof against the table almost instantly. Eyes wide I heaved back only barely managing to force her up to an even position where we remained locked. Tak was staring in surprise but I was too focused to pay him much mind. A little smile found its way to my face, one mirrored by my opponent. A worthy challenge at last.

I do not know how long we remained locked in combat. Certainly longer than Trixie expected as she was already back on stage watching me with an unreadable expression. At times I would falter, at times the earth pony across from me would. Sweat was breaking out on both our coats and I could see she was beginning to tire. Unfortunately so was I.

Salvation came from an unexpected source, as a bright pink mare suddenly began to shriek. “Hey Applejack what’re you doin up there?!”

My foe…Applejack against her will glanced to her side. “Pinkie whu-“ WHAM. I seized the opportunity to pin her hoof. The crowd seemed to collectively gasp and the mare I bested through admittedly dishonest means fixed me with a glare. Then she chuckled. “Reckon we woulda been here all afternoon at the rate we were goin huh?”

Seeing her anger was short lived I relaxed. “Indeed. You were a worthy foe Applejack.”

She tipped her hat to me. “Heh, well thank ya kindly pardner. Never thought Ah’d see a unicorn that could match up t’me.”
I left the stage soon after reclaiming my cloak and pulling the hood back over my eyes. Trixie begins her rigamarole again helping Tak into the box. I chuckle as I am sure the transforming changeling will sufficiently dazzle the crowd. My focus is drawn from the show as the mare, Applejack approaches.

“Interestin’ show y’got here.” She was eyeing Trixie intently. “Yer friend up there’s mighty familiar. Reminds of a’somepony else Ah know.”

I feign disinterest. “Oh? I am told shows like ours are not too uncommon. Perhaps a different performer?”
“Reckon it must be. Surely didn’ look nothin’ like yer friend an Miss Magica up there likes th’sound a’her own voice but she don’t seem t’wanna make everypony here look bad.” She sits with surprisingly familiarity next to me. “Reall Ah’m just here on business an wandered over t’see what all the hullabaloo was.”

I am not sure how I feel about this strange mare simply…talking to me as if she knows me. Of course perhaps this is how a typical pony is around her fellows? Any excuse to talk to someone new and they will take it. I will have to experiment on others. “Oh? What business are you in?”

She brightens. “Well apples a’course! Best business there is.”

I nod slowly. “And what are apples?”

Applejack chuckles gently and looks at me with a smile, until she sees my face. “Y’ain’t jokin’ are ya? Where in th’hay are y’all from y’never heard’a apples?”

I seem to have made a fool of myself and I curse silently. “Ah…very far away. We have travelled from quite a distant land.”
“Well shoot sugarcube! Sounds like y’all gotcherself quite a story an Ah surely do wish Ah could hear it. Don’t suppose y’all’re headin’ t’Ponyville on yer little tour are ya?”

I suck in my breath gently. Ponyville! That is where Trixie believes I will find the thief I seek. I nearly ask Applejack about the thief than I pause. Such an exotic being would surely be well known in the settlement, but given how friendly these ponies seem with their fellows what if she is an ally to the thief and warns her of my coming? “As a matter of fact we DO plan to visit Ponyville. That is your home?”

“Sure as shootin’!” I assume this means yes. “M’family runs th’finest apple orchard in all equestria, Sweet Apple Acres! Ah tell ya what Miss Sunny Days.” Pain will be inficlted on Tak for that, I know that much. “When y’all roll inta town y’come look me up. Ah’ll gitcha an old fashioned Apple Family dinner. Y’all’ll know what the hay an apple is then THAT Ah promise.”
Despite the situation I find myself somewhat taken aback. This pony has known me for all of fifteen minutes, and half of that I humiliated her on stage. Now she is inviting me to her home to share a meal with her family. “I…would like that Applejack. I will be sure to find you when we arrive.”

“Great! Ah’ll make sure t’look for y’all! S’pose Ah best get t’moseyin’ though. Ain’t a good idea t’leave Pinkie Pie unattended fer long. Good luck with yer show now!” She waves and I…wave back. It is a strange gesture but a pleasant one.

Judging by the thunderous applause coming from the crowd I assume Trixie’s finale was met with success. I actually laugh aloud when I see that it is not a stallion, but a mare standing with Trixie on stage in Tak’s place. The stage is being showered in coin but Trixie seems not to notice. She simply bows low and I see faint tears glimmering in her eyes.

Soon the crowd thins and disperse leaving us to collect our profit. Tak seems in high spirits as she fills the jar almost to over flowing. “We made a killin’ out there!”

I smirk. “I think this rather suits you Tak.”

She sticks her tongue out at me, and as Trixie closes the wagon Tak assumes his masculine form. Before either of us can speak again Trixie throws her forelegs around us, pulling both of us in tight against herself. “Thank you…thank you for this. For getting me on stage again. I had forgotten what it felt like to perform, to REALLY perform and not just…make myself look good.”

We gently disengage from the embrace. “It was…interesting.” I almost say fun.

Tak is grinning of course. “It was great! We gotta do this again! We c’n stop in every town an city from here t’Canterlot! An we made a killin’! Lookit this haul!”

The two of them excitedly begin to count their coin. I will not forget my mission. Luna, the thief…and now a new threat. The lich is out there hunting me. No, I will not forget my reason for coming to the surface. But in the interim…I imagine there are worse ways to spend my time.

Chapter 4: Ponyville

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Chapter 4: Ponyville

I have learned much in the days I have been on the surface. The first of which is that ponies are…strange. Each one seems so very unique from the last. There is very little formal organization by their rulers. They have laws to follow but for the most part they seem to just settle where they please and do what they please. My already low opinion of their princess seems to be dropping with each new settlement we pass through. She cannot be so great a ruler if she has so little control over her subjects.

They all sport a strange marking on their flank. I asked Trixie of its significance as she too was branded such. She rolled her eyes, told me she is not a school teacher and to ask Tak. He of course was equally useless. All he would say is that they are ‘cutie marks’ (I refuse to call them such, referring to them as brands) and they represent a pony’s destiny. Evidently their brand appears when they discover their ‘special talent’. I would dismiss it as asinine drivel but the ponies are so incessantly pleasant and cheerful that something so foolish could very well be true. Tak informs me that my lack of a brand is highly unusual in a ‘mare’ my age, and that is why my Sunny Days persona possesses one. Three irksomely smiling little suns adorn my flank when I am in disguise. I am certain Tak and Trixie came up with it to mock me.

I have also discovered that the larger a pony settlement is, the more unpleasant the populace grows. Nowhere have they been as formal and emotionless as my people back home but the difference between the ponies of a large city such as Fillydelphia, and the small settlement of Appleloosa we just left is astounding. In Fillydelphia ponies watch our show, applaud and leave. In Appleloosa they watched our show, applauded, and then demanded we stay for a home cooked meal. Every pony in the little town worked together to put a banquet on in our honor. This was not the first time this happened. Several other smaller towns did the same.

As always the offered food was both delicious and new to me. I have experienced apples for the first time and find them to my liking. I have also discovered I do not care for most ‘desserts’. I find them far too sweet to tolerate, the only exception being an apple pie. While sweeter than I prefer my food it was not so overpowering I felt the need to retch.

Trixie’s spirits have been improving daily and I find it pleases me. When we first met she seemed morose, withdrawn, and despondent. Now she is far happier though she and Tak still insist on attempting to insult the other at every opportunity. I do not understand their odd rituals, but neither seems to genuinely hate the other so I let them continue as they please. Their ‘stallion into a mare’ trick has become a crowd favorite, and now she performs it early in the show. Evidently a ‘lovely assistant’ is more traditional than a ‘handsome’ one. I do not question her methods as we now have more money than we could spend without going well over the line into decadence.

While we travel she has begun my instruction on magic. I find the subject…difficult to say the least. My lack of progress seems to frustrate her. Specifically my inability to ‘levitate’. The spells (she insists this is what they are) I already wield to enhance my vision or physical prowess are supposedly far more complicated than levitating and she at times suspects I am refusing to progress on purpose. Perhaps I am? Trixie and Tak both insist that magic is an intrinsic part of my very being but I do not much care for the un-seeable power dwelling within me. I was raised to focus on the tactile and practical. Magic is neither of these.

Tak is as great an enigma as ever. At times I have tried to prod more information from him regarding his background but he remains tight lipped. Always vague answers and attempts to redirect my attention (regrettably successful more often than not). He has begun hinting that I should perhaps allow him to tend to my wings in the near future. Even if I do not intent to use them he feels they should at least be properly cared for. I am not sure I agree. I have spent my entire life hiding and ignoring the feathered appendages and see no reason to alter my behavior now.

Our next stop is Ponyville. Tak seems the only one indifferent to our destination. I am excited at the prospect of confronting the thief at last. Trixie seems unusually nervous. Several times she has mentioned her plan to remain outside the town itself. When pressed all she will say is she suspects some of the residents may see through her disguise and they are not ponies to be trifled with. As this town is home to those who murdered a patrol of my scouts, made off with Bleeding Heart’s blade, and houses the formidable Applejack, I am inclined to believe her.

It has been two weeks according to my companions. The going has been slow. Tak informs me that if we had walked straight from Minneighsota to Ponyville we would have arrived in half the time. I should perhaps be annoyed by this but instead I find I am not quite so upset. The journey has been rather pleasant all things considered. The lich has not troubled me again and Luna has remained out of my dreams.

I hear the gentle flap of the disguised changeling’s feathery wings, and Tak lands beside me. “Hey kid, y’want me t’take a turn pullin’?”

I shake my head. “No. As I have said it is no real burden. I would be remiss asking do delicate a pony as yourself to perform heavy labors such as this.” I keep the humor from reaching my voice but cannot keep it from my eyes. Tak glances down and huffs a bit. He is still in his mare shape.

“Trixie had me practicin’ in th’wagon. Had t’get outta there fer a bit is all.” In a flash he is his stallion self once again. We must retain our disguises at all times now unfortunately. We constantly pass curious ponies on the road and he assures me that while my armor would raise eyebrows an undisguised changeling would draw angry mobs.

“See y’got yer hood down. Ain’t the sun buggin’ ya?”

I shrug. “Yes but the longer I am exposed to it the more I am learning to tolerate it. It pains me but not to a debilitating degree. I have made progress.”

“Well that’s great! Bet in no time yer real cutie mark’ll come in matchin’ yer fake one!”

I glare but find my irritation withering under his smile. More and more this has been happening. He says something moronic but with a disarming grin and I almost (ALMOST) return the smile. “I sincerely doubt it.”

“Eh me too. I betchur more of a flowers gal th’way ya went nuts for em at that shop in Detrot.”

I snort and turn my focus back to the road before me. “I find that equally unlikely.” Before I would ignore him after all the more I talk the more he insists on talking back.

“Umbra why don’t we skip Ponyville?”

Now I glance at him again, brow raised. “Why do you suggest this?”

He seems emboldened when I do not outright refuse. “Well Trixie says a lot of ponies there have bad blood with her so she’s definitely on board for not going.” I can tell he is serious by his more intelligent speaking voice. “Plus some important ponies live there who aren’t exactly the biggest fans of my kind.”

“Is anyone?”

“Anypony.” He automatically corrects. “And no not particularly.” I frown at the sudden melancholy that comes over him at the simple statement. For some reason he seems ashamed or distressed at the way his people are viewed. “Plus you know you don’t have to search out that weird creature that took Heart’s sword.”

And there it was. The real reason he wished to avoid the town. Both had been subtly hinting at avoiding the town for some time now though their subtlety has been more and more obtuse each passing day. Trixie has already outright refused to enter the town and now Tak seems to share her opinion.

“You wish me to ignore the theft and death of Bleeding Heart?”

“To be fair Bleeding Heart was a ghost Umbra. She was already dead. I get what you mean though. And I’m not convinced it was a theft. After all we couldn’t touch the sword right? But that creature picked it up without getting flash fried. It seems likely Heart gave her the sword.”

I scowl now. “Why would she give it to some foreign creature and not me? We have been friends for many years.”

“Dunno. But it smells like magic. Old magic. And old magic has funny rules to it.”

With a grunt I signal this conversation is finished and return my focus to the road. “Just think about it Umbra. Alright?” He leaves me in peace once again. I try to consider his words but when I do all my mind conjures is the image of Bleeding Heart, my first and dearest friend vanishing before my eyes. And then all I feel is anger.

Dismissing the unpleasant thoughts I quicken my pace along the road. A few other travelling ponies have begun to fill the road. Usually I would return their friendly greetings with at least a cursory nod but I am too upset to pay much attention to my surroundings. More and more ponies have been filling the streets and when I finally raise my head I am alarmed to find I have blundered into a town without noticing. Cursing my stupidity I hail a passing pony. “What town is this?”

It is a unicorn mare. Purple with an interestingly deep indigo (Tak says he is proud of how many colors I recognize now) mane with a streak of pink and purple through it. She offers me the same friendly smile I am now used to receiving from pony’s. “Well Ponyville of course! Do you really not know where you are? Are you lost miss…?”

“Sunny Days.” I still loathe my false name. “And no Ponyville was our destination. I was engrossed in my thoughts is all.”
“Oh! Well that happens to me all the time. Usually when I’m in the middle of a good book.”

“Ah. Yes I have seen Magica reading books.”

The unicorn regards me curiously before she turns her gaze onto the wagon. Painted brightly on the side in large letters it reads “The Magnificent Magica!” In smaller text “With her assistant Tak and Sunny Days the strongmare!”

Now the mare looks far more interested. “Are you travelling performers?”

I nod. “Yes. Magica the Magnificent is the most magical unicorn in Equestria.” I have rehearsed the proper response if not the enthusiasm Trixie injects into it. “Magica and Tak perform illusions. I lift heavy things and hoof wrestle stallions.”

“Ohh I love to see new magic! Will you be performing in town?”

“I believe so.” Trixie is already within the town so there is not helping it now. “Is there someplace we may prepare?”

“Of course. The park is just a little further along the road. There’s usually a few musicians and such performing. Oh I’ll have to go find my friends! This is so exciting. Between you and me the LAST showmare to pass through wasn’t really the sort of pony we like here in town.”

I simply nod again. “Well Magica’s show has not disappointed any…pony thus far. I am sure you will be pleased.”

She gallops off excitedly and I find my spirits lifting slightly. I much prefer the small towns to the big cities. The ponies are generally more agreeable sorts. I even return the calls of greeting from the residents as I pull the wagon to the park. Once it stops the door swings open and I am seized in Trixie’s magic as she drags me into the wagon. “WHAT are we doing here?! You were supposed to stop the wagon outside of town!”

My pleasant mood evaporates. Trixie is not simply angry, she is furious. “I…am sorry. I was lost in thought and did not realize I had entered town. I hope you can forgive me.”

She seems taken aback at my very genuine apology. “I…” She sighs. “I’m sure you didn’t do it on purpose Umbra it’s just dangerous here.”

My frown deepens. “We can leave if you wish. There is not much of a crowd gathering yet.”

Trixie begins to pace up and down the length of the wagon interior. “No. No the show must go on. This is my chance to…to redeem myself even if they don’t know who I am. This time will be different! I’ll put on the show I should have put on those years ago.”

Tak grins and gives her a comforting nudge on the shoulder. “That’s the spirit! Magica the Magnificent don’t disappoint nopony!”

At times like this I vaguely wish I was as comfortable expressing affection as my companions. Instead I simply gaze at her head lowered still.

She sighs and rests a hoof on my shoulder now. “I’m not angry Umbra. We’re here now and there’s nothing to do but go out there and put on a show! Though I think I’ll leave the hat and cape off today.”

I relax and nod. “I believe I shall explore the town while you and Tak prepare.”

“Alright just be careful Umbra. You can’t make any slip ups here.”

I grunt softly and step out of the wagon. I cannot be too upset at her insistence as I have already put her in danger due to my negligence once. I leave my dark cloak in the wagon as well. My tolerance of the sun has grown slightly and I find I tend to draw curious looks when I wear it. Today I simply wish to be just another pony in the town.

I was unprepared for what awaited newcomers to Ponyville. Things had been going well in my opinion. I found a flower stand tended by a soft spoken earth pony mare and enjoyed several new types. I have begun to see flowers as something of a delicacy. Each variety has its own unique flavor. Turning to leave the stall I rear back in alarm as I nearly bumped noses with a blindingly pink pony whose smile looked uncomfortably wide to me.

“Hi there! Yooooou must be new! D’you know how I know?”

Eyes wide I mutely shake my head, mouth open a little. “Becaaaaause we’re not friends already! I’m Pinkie Pie!”

Slowly my breathing is returning to normal from its previous frenzied gasping. My fear is swiftly being replaced by irritation. “I am Sunny Days. Excuse me. Please.” I nearly forget my ‘manners’ that Tak and Trixie have worked so hard to drill into me. I calmly step around Pinkie Pie and prepare to finish my walk. To my dismay she falls into step with me.

“Nice t’meetcha Sunny Days! And what a nice name, it matches your cutie mark perfectly!” My sour mood is back in full force. “What brings you to Ponyville? Moving or visiting?”

“Visiting.” Perhaps if I act more my brusque self she will leave me be. Alas.

“Ooo well how long are ya staying? Long enough for a party?!”

She has started…bouncing at my side now as I walk. I increase my pace but to my horror she keeps up with me easily. “I do not think so, please excuse me.”

“You’re excused! And that’s too bad cause I throw the besterific parties! Say was that you pulling that big wagon over to the park?”

Aha. Perhaps if she feels the show is about to begin her attention will be diverted. “Yes. We are travelling performers. You should go. The show will begin soon!”

With a loud gasp the pony mercifully galloped off. I allowed myself a cleansing breath and resumed my trek. My relief was short lived. She was back with a vengeance in short order. “Look! This is my welcome wagon! It’s like we’re wagon buddies!”

It takes all of the formal training and decorum my mother drilled into me over the past nineteen years to not drive my hooves into her face. “That is…lovely. I would appreciate it if you let me be.”

For a moment I see her deflate and think that I have succeeded in making my intentions known. She perks up. “Alright but first you have to get the special welcome that comes with it!”

“THEN you will leave me be?”

“Yup!”

“…very well.”

Her wagon flipped open and began to blare music not entirely unlike Trixie’s own. Though her music was far less grating on the ears. Pinkie Pie even sang me a little ‘welcome’ song. I found myself softening toward her. Perhaps she was a trifle…energetic but she seemed genuine enough. As she finished her song her wagon emitted a thunderous BOOM as a thick viscous liquid launched out of the tubes at the top of the wagon. I recognized it instantly; it looked nearly identical to one of the most potent toxins I had ever brewed.

“Treachery!” I vault forward as the mess lands on the ground in the place I just vacated. Shouting a battle cry I smash into the cleverly disguised weapon it rocks back and as a small door flips open no doubt preparing to unleash another barrage I turn and slam my hind hooves into it, lifting it high into the air to smash upon the ground in a dozen pieces. Whirling on my assailant I prepare for her next assault only to be stopped short by…a flood of tears?

“L-looks like…I got the cake in the confetti canons again…I-I didn’t know you…didn’t like cake…” She begins to wail and her cries are drawing a crowd. Most do not have very favorable looks for me.

Cake? I look at the thick mound of toxic sludge oozing across the grass. It…smells pleasant. Certainly not like the very fatal poison I brewed back home. Slowly I realize my error but the gathering mob does not seem inclined to listen.

“Now what in th’hay is happenin’ here?”

My ears perk at the familiar voice. Applejack pushes her way through the crowd taking in the scene. The ruined wagon, Pinkie’s tears and the look on my face. She tilts her hat back to look me firmly in the eye. “Ah hope y’all have a darn good reason fer ruinin’ Pinkie’s wagon.”

I frown slightly. “The…wagon spewed cake batter at me. I believed it to be an attack. It…resembled a toxic substance from my home.”

She raises her eyebrow and stares at me harder, but she seems satisfied I am telling the truth. Then she wheels on the pink mare whose sobs are slowly ebbing. “An Ah suppose Ms. Sunny Days asked ya t’let her be Pinkie?”

A final particularly loud sniff and Pinkie gives a small huff. “I couldn’t NOT give her the special welcome to Ponyville welcome Applejack!”

Her fellow earth pony frowns at her now. “Pinkie Pie what’d we talk about? Some folk don’t like a whole lotta hullabaloo an prefer things nice an quiet. Does nothin’ about Miss Days here give ya that impression?”

“W-well…I suppose.” She sighs and her ears droop again. “I got carried away. I’m sorry Sunny.”

SHE is apologizing to ME? Every time I think these ponies cannot surprise me further they of course do. I take a deep breath. “I must apologize as well. I may have overreacted. I will of course pay for the damages to your wagon.”
Pinkie Pie looks up at me, a faint glimmer of hope in her eyes. “Friends?”

I purse my lips and strongly consider making my way back to the park without another word. But Applejack is still staring at me and I find that I do not wish to disappoint her. Gingerly I extend a hoof as an olive branch. “Very well.”

To my relief she shakes gently, her demeanor has shifted abruptly. She is still cheerful and childishly happy, but it is not an overflowing vat of insanity. “Good. My friends tell me I can get a little carried away when I meet somepony new, I just love making new friends! Don’t you?”

“Mmm. I suppose. Allow me to help clean the mess I made.” It does not take long to remove the wreck from the road. Pinkie Pie claims she will have a unicorn friend of hers transport the wreck to her dwelling for repairs. Not wanting to cause another scene I make my way to the park, Applejack at my side.

“Well Ah’m surely glad y’all found yer way t’Ponyville. Invitation fer some Apple family cookin’ is still good.”

I am relaxing again. I find the forthright earth pony’s demeanor similar to that of my family back home and enjoy her company. “I would enjoy that. I had the opportunity to sample many varieties of apples in Appleloosa. I am eager to compare yours to theirs.”

“No kiddin’? Why m’cousin Braeburn lives out thattaway. Didja run inta him?”

“Indeed. He was an agreeable fellow and looking back on it I can see the familial resemblance.”

“So if y’don’t mind mah askin where abouts are ya from? Ah don’t recognize yer accent an I sure dunno anyplace that has cake batter than can do a pony in.”

My mind races as I try to find a proper response. This is something Tak and Trixie had not gone over with me and I curse my lack of foresight. “…far away? I am from a town called Colton. In a valley in the Crystal Mountains.” I feel proud of myself. It is technically true.

“Izzat right? Well Ah had no idea ponyfolk had settled out there again. Y’all a big town?”

I shrug. From mothers story it did not sound like a large city like Minneighsota. “About the size of Ponyville.”

“Huh. Well betcha got all sortsa fascinatin’ stories bout home! Reckon y’might share a few over supper t'night?”

I am sure stories of home would astound the ponies of Applejack’s family. I may be able to share some if I alter a few details. “I do not see why not. If that is all you ask in exchange for a hot meal I am happy to oblige.”

“Heh. Well sounds like we got ourselves a deal.” Faintly I can hear the fanfare of Trixie’s introductory music begin. Applejack nods toward the park. “Sounds like y’better gitchur caboose in gear there sugar cube. Ah’ll see ya at th’show. This’ gonna be a good one Ah think.”

I nod and break into a run. A rather sizeable crowd has gathered and already they are gasping in delight and amazement at Trixie’s display. Judging by the thunderous applause they just performed her signature ‘lovely assistant’ trick. I chuckle in amusement at Tak the mares’ antics on stage. She seems to delight in over exaggerating her feminine movements.

I note the purple unicorn from earlier at the front of the crowd whispering softly to a blue pegasus mare with a bright, multi-hued mane. She seems very familiar and I scrutinize her closely. She could have been the pony in the company of the thief but I am not certain enough to openly act. It was pitch black in the tunnels of home after all and I could not make out any color.

My musings are interrupted as Tak announces my name. I climb onto the stage. Outwardly I complain and act as if I do not enjoy being the focus of attention. Secretly I have come to look forward very much to my performances. While I certainly do not have the flair my more outgoing companions possess I delight in the gasps of astonishment my feats of strength elicit. My act has refined in our travels. Before I begin my challenges against various audience members Tak and Trixie have acquired all manner of heavy objects for me to lift. Trixie makes a note to collect a large enough stone for me to impressively shatter between each show as well.

My antics of course draw the usual responses. Most wonder how a unicorn is capable of displays that could put many earth ponies to shame. The downside of this is that I receive far fewer challengers than I used to. A small scuffle is ensuing at the side of the wagon. I see Applejack forcefully shoving the largest specimen of a male pony I have seen since coming to the surface.

He is a bright red color with a mussed orange mane. His large green eyes are wide in protest and even through his coat I can make out an embarrassed flush. “C’mon everypony let’s give mah brother a little encouragement!”

The crowd’s sudden applause seems to have the opposite effect on the massive stallion and he looks ready to run. I would normally be indifferent but I recall Applejack’s words before, promising her elder sibling to be a greater challenge than even she. I regard him coolly though inwardly I am growing more excited. And I am certainly not finding the way his muscle ripples his coat displeasing either. At my side Tak seems to follow my gaze and a strange look crosses her face as she sets out the collection jar.

Reluctantly the stallion places the ten bits next to the jar and takes his seat. I do the same and to my surprise find I am smiling a little. Not much of a smile, just a coy tilt of the corner of my lips upward. We place our hooves together and an electric thrill runs through my leg causing my tail to twitch. I hear a grunt from the disguised changeling as she backs away. At her cry of ‘go!’ we both press.

Almost immediately I realize I am outmatched. I am physically very powerful by pony standards I have come to learn but this stallion is in a whole other class. It is slow, and he is clearly exerting much effort but he is inching my hoof closer and closer to the table. My smile is gone. I expected a challenge but not to be humiliated so fully. Panic begins to well within my breast. With a grimace I will my leg to push back and for a moment it seems as if I am going to gain ground.

He looks more than a little surprised at my burst of resistance. He looks into my eyes and I see something flash in his that fills me with rage. Pity. He feels SORRY for me?! To only add further to my humiliation his grip relaxes immediately and before I can stop myself I slam his hoof against the table. My mouth is open and my outrage is clear in my eyes. The crowd is deathly silent as he hastily breaks into a gallop off the stage and into town.

Barely able to contain my seething anger I storm from the stage and take shelter in the back curtain. Trixie frowns seeing me in this state. She has often seen me angry, generally directed at her and Tak but never so incensed. “Umbra…Umbra calm down. The show isn’t over yet. I know what he just did wasn’t right but you can’t lose your head now. We’re almost done and it’s all been going so well!”

Her pleading tone somehow pierces the red haze in my mind and I close my eyes taking deep steadying breaths. “I have never been so disgraced Trixie. I am a warrior princess. To best me in fair combat is one thing but to…to ALLOW me to win because I am seen as an inferior?”

She sighs. “I have to get back out there. We’ll talk when the show is over alright? I promise. Just calm down. There are some strawberries for you in the ice box alright? They’re your favorite!”

My anger DOES ease at that. Not so much at the promise of my favorite treat but seeing my friend trying so hard to comfort me. “Go. Finish your show. I know how you love the finale.”

After one concerned glance back at me she retakes the stage. I sigh softly and nose open the icebox retrieving the bowl of fruit and settling down to enjoy the frozen treats. From the amount of applause from outside I assume the finale went well. Trixie and Tak enter the backstage area both wearing pleased expressions.

I raise my head with a faint frown as the purple unicorn and blue pegasus from the audience enter behind them. Trixie whirls and looks alarmed backing up hastily. “O…oh I’m afraid the backstage area is off limits.” I rise to my hooves and move to Trixie’s side.

The unicorn smiles but it lacks the warmth of the smile she had for me when she and I first met. “I just wanted to congratulate you. That was some very impressive magic.”

Trixie’s alarm fades slightly. “A-ah! Well thank you! Lots of practice you know.”

“I’m sure.” Her smile vanishes and a purple aura of magic flares form her horn before we can react. A bright flash fills the room and I feel an odd ripple run over my body. When my eyes clear I am…myself. My black coat and armor is visible to see. Trixie and Tak are likewise exposed. The intruding pair of ponies seems torn between staring at me and Tak.

“You had better have a good explanation for being he-“ The unicorn leaps back as I spring into action. I do not know who she is or what quarrel she may have with Trixie and I do not care. I easily bat aside her riled pegasus companion and bear down on the unicorn. The look of terror she has makes it clear she was not expecting an attack from ME over Trixie. I am nearly upon her when Trixie’s pale pink magical aura seized me and flings me off my hooves and into the air.

“Stop! Please stop! Don’t…don’t fight. We’re not here to fight you Twilight Sparkle. This isn’t some…crazy revenge scheme.” The mood is calming again and Trixie gently sets my hooves back on the floor of the wagon. I remain where I was keeping a close eye on the unicorn, Twilight Sparkle.

She moves to check on her fallen friend. The pegasus I struck seems more or less fine, simply dazed. With a cautious glance at me Twilight Sparkle turns her focus back to Trixie. “Why are you here Trixie? With a CHANGELING no less?”
I see Tak bristle but he keeps silent. Trixie looks to me and I move to her side. “It is a tale that would take some length to tell in full. Though they are here because of me.”

Twilight Sparkle looks to her fully recovered companion who eyes me unpleasantly but shrugs. “It’s your call Twilight. I can fly and get the others.”

She nods. “Do that. We’ll hear you out but if we don’t like what we hear Spike’s going to be on hand to get a letter to the princess right away, got it?”

I am about to rebuke her demanding tone when Trixie speaks first. “That’s more than fair Twilight. Hear what we have to say and we’ll accept your decision.” Tak does not appear to agree with her sentiment but he keeps his silence all the same.
I find myself growing disturbed at Trixie’s new submissive nature. “While we wait I would have you tell me of the misdeeds Trixie has brought upon you and yours that has you so angered at her presence Twilight Sparkle.”

The unicorn frowns, perhaps at my commanding tone? I do not care. I am weary of dealing with mentally unbalanced ponies. “I guess that’s fair…” And so she tells me the stories. Of the Trixie I briefly heard of who cared only for making herself look better and others look worse. How she inadvertently endangered the town through a tall tale though it sounded like a pair of hatchlings was more to blame than she. The next tale of a magic amplifying amulet she used to terrorize the town and humiliate Twilight paints her in a far harsher light. By the time Twilight Sparkle finishes her third and final tale of Trixie assisting a mad god known as Discord her friends have arrived. I recognize Applejack and Pinkie Pie (of course SHE would be included in their number). There is an unknown unicorn and pegasus with them, but frankly I do not care who they are.

“Alright Sunny Days…or whatever your name is. We’re all here. Let’s hear what YOU have to say.”

I begin my tale. I spare no detail save that I am not a simple unicorn but an alicorn who hides her wings, that their princess Luna is supposedly my mother, and that I hunt for the strange creature who stole Bleeding Heart’s sword. Their looks of skepticism turn to enraptured interest as I tell the stories of growing up amongst my adopted arachnid family. I tell of my first silent friend Bleeding Heart, and of meeting Tak much later. They gasp in astonishment and horror when I reach my eldest sisters betrayal, and Pinkie Pie and the yellow pegasus are shedding unashamed tears when my mother passes.

“After mother was dead and Neela assumed control I felt it was time for me to leave. I intend to return someday but I wish to learn of my birth race. I have felt restless at home of late and believe this is needed to satisfy my needs. Tak and I met Trixie in an abandoned castle and convinced her to accompany us. We have been travelling Equestria together as they educate me on your lands and customs.”

Tak and Trixie remain silent through the telling though the changeling shifts restlessly. I can tell he is uncomfortable around these ponies. The six confer quietly amongst themselves before Twilight Sparkle whom I have come to see as their leader speaks. “We’re not going to call the guard. Or tell the princess about Trixie and Tak.”

The relief coming from the fugitive duo is palpable. “Thank you Twilight. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness but it means so much to me.”

Twilight sparkle frowns a little. “I think you meant it the night after the amulet incident that you were sorry. And the only reason you helped Discord at all was out of desperation. I can’t really imagine what it must have been like to lose everything important to you and to not have any friends to help you through such a tough time.” The unicorn smiles faintly. “I’m glad you found some though Trixie. They seem to care about you a lot.”

Her fellow sorceress returns the smile. “I’m glad I found them too.”

There is a bit of a silence after this. Broken of course by the pink earth pony, her eyes shining in delight. “You know what this calls for?”

Her companions each roll their eyes, while I and mine shrug uncomprehendingly.

“A party!”

I find my first party to be an…interesting experience. Tak has disguised the three of us again and we are in Pinkie Pie’s place of business. A whimsical looking bakery dubbed Sugarcube Corner. I find the music obnoxiously loud and the refreshments far too sweet for my tastes. Tak and Trixie however seem perfectly relaxed and at ease among the ponies both seemed to fear so much. The large group so distracted I Take a moment to slip out into the cool night air.

Again the ponies have managed to surprise me with their benevolent natures. After all the misfortunes Trixie had visited upon this town and these ponies in particular they seem very willing and even happy to forgive and forget her transgressions? Is this was it means to be a pony? To not hold grudges, not accept an apology for any misdeed no matter how heinous if the apology is genuine? They all seem so willing and even eager to accept their fellows into their hearts. Even Tak is finding some acceptance here. The pegasus Rainbow Dash and he seem to enjoy one another’s company.
“Pinkie can be a little much for somepony’s huh?”

I look up. Twilight Sparkle has followed me out and settles on the ground beside me. “I do not believe I will ever become accustomed to so overt displays of exuberance.”

She nods. “I know what you mean. She gets on everypony’s nerves a little bit sometimes but she always means well.”

“Yes I can see that.”

The mare digs at the ground before her idly. “I think I owe you an apology too Umbra.”

I regard her curiously. “Oh?”

She nods. “Some of my friends and I, we passed through an underground tunnel while trying to stop Discord and Trixie. There were….spiders. Giant spiders. They sound like some of your spiderkin?”

Realization slowly dawns on me. “It was you. You killed my scouts.”

She winces. “Yes. I…that is WE had no idea they were, well…anything more than giant spiders. It was dark and they were dropping from the ceiling all around us hissing and…” She makes a little motion with her forelegs in front of her mouth. “Their mandibles were wiggling and it was…scary.”

I was prepared to unleash my wrath upon the murderers should I ever encounter them. Now however I find my anger not as quick to rise as I would expect. After spending a short amount of time among Twilight Sparkle and her companions I find it impossible to believe they struck out in anger against the squad I had stationed there. It really was a misunderstanding.
“Your apology is accepted Twilight Sparkle. It was an…unusual situation. And no true harm was done. You merely slew scouts and a few workers, they are all easily replaceable.”

She seems surprised by my cavalier dismissal. “That’s it?”

I shrug. “If you wish I can escort you back to Queen Neela for her judgment though I suspect she will care even less than I. There was no malicious intent in your actions and any vengeance I would seek would be hollow.” A thought suddenly occurs to me. “Who else was among your number at the time?”

Twilight frowns gently. “Well Pinkie Pie was with us. And Rainbow Dash and Jennifer. We got separated in the tunnels.”

“Jennifer. That is a strange name. What sort of pony is she?”

The mare perks a little glad for the change in topic. “Oh! Well actually she’s not a pony at all. She’s really a being from a whole other world called a human! Of course she’s becoming a pony but it’s a pretty slow process and…”

She chatters on about this Jennifer creature. This human. But I am no longer listening. Through a stroke of good fortune I have found my quarry. I find it surprisingly easy to forget my previous musings on the easy forgiveness of the ponies. For the loss of Bleeding Heart, there will be no forgiveness.

Chapter 5: A Planned Encounter

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Chapter 5: A Planned Encounter

I excuse myself from Twilight Sparkle’s company and quickly round up Tak and Trixie. Neither seems terribly eager to leave the festivities, but my urgency is clear and they reluctantly bid our hosts good night and return to the wagon with me.

“Just what is so important you had to interrupt Trixie’s drinking? She was about to best that lunatic Pinkie Pie!”

Ensuring the door is closed and locked behind us I turn to my companions. “I have found the thief. Her name is Jennifer. She is in Canterlot until Sunday as a guest of Princess Luna. Can we reach her without drawing the princess’ eye?”

They exchange an unhappy glance. “Umbra if she’s personal friends with one’a their princess’ we should definitely not be messin’ around with th’kid. It don’t matter what she did, Luna an Celestia ain’t exactly the types to take someone gettin’ in the business of th’ponies they take a personal notice in well.”

To my further irritation Trixie nods. “He’s right Umbra. Upsetting them tends to ah, get one punished. Severely. Like turned to stone or locked in the moon for millennia.”

I feel my anger rising now. “If you refuse to assist me I will travel to Canterlot and deal with this myself!”

Tak heaves a resigned sigh. “No. No you don’t have to do that Umbra. This is important to you so it’s important to me. I have a few contacts from my hive in Canterlot. I’ll put out some feelers and see what I can find out, alright?”

With a curt nod I look to Trixie. “And you?”

She frowns and sighs as well. “I won’t hurt anypony unless they attack us first Umbra. I’m trying not to be that pony anymore. I’ll go with you and help if I can do so without hurting anypony. That’s the best I can offer.”

I am not entirely pleased with her offer. Trixie has powerful magic and would be useful if the human creature decided to attack but hearing Twilight’s tale of my unicorn companion I do not wish to force her back down a dark path. “If that is how it must be Trixie. Thank you. Tak do what you can.”

Casting me an unhappy backward glance he ducks out the door, disguised wings flapping as he takes to the air leaving Trixie and I alone. She is regarding my with an unhappy look. “If you have something to say, say it. Do not sit there staring at me.”

She bristles at my tone. “Fine. You’re being an idiot. I met this Jennifer human briefly and she’s not the thieving murdering sort. Whatever happened with your fellows and this Bleeding Heart pony I know no harm was meant by her. You’re making a huge mistake Umbra, the sort of mistake I made with the alicorn amulet. No good can come from revenge.”

Her words are wise and her advice sage. However at the time I was too consumed with my anger to pay them any heed. I give her a harsh glare. “If you do not have the spine to assist me in this endeavor tell me now that I may properly plan for your absence.”

The hurt that flashes in her eyes causes an uncomfortable pang in my chest. I nearly take back my harsh words. Nearly. “I said I’d be there and I would. For Tak. This girl may be nice enough but she’s dangerous if she faced down Discord and walked away from it and I don’t want him getting hurt because he’s caught up in your revenge scheme. After this.” She almost falters but steels her resolve. “After this I think it best we go our own ways. I don’t like this side of you Umbra and I don’t think I want to be friends with a pony who acts like this.”

I flinch back as if struck. “…very well Trixie. If that is what you think best. I believe I will sleep outside this evening.”

She does not move to stop me as I leave the wagon, barely managing to keep from slamming the door behind me. So what if Trixie is leaving? I do not need her. I have Tak.

I am pacing angrily before the wagon now, shooting it occasional angry glances. Then a though occurs and I slow. What if Tak chooses to go with HER? They have been spending much time together and despite their arguing I know they enjoy one another’s company. Whenever Tak has spoken with me of late I have been more rude and dismissive than usual. He could very well choose to depart with the unicorn when we go our separate ways.

With a grimace I climb beneath the wagon and lay flat on my belly preparing to sleep. Tak will not leave me. I am sure of it.

***

“Umbra. Umbra!”

I jerk awake, than knock my head against the wagon just above me. Groaning softly I climb out to see Tak gazing down at me. “I talked t’one’a my boys in Canterlot. This Jennifer kid is leavin’ Canterlot this afternoon, bein’ escorted by just a single guard. A cadet at that not even a full one.”

“You know their route?”

He shrugs. “Close enough that we can find ‘em easy. How d’you wanna handle this.”

I frown. My temper has eased somewhat from last night. “I would have words with her. If she returns Bleeding Heart’s property to me without protest that will be the end of it. Is this acceptable?”

He nods. “And if she doesn’t?”

My frown deepens. “I will convince her.”

He slowly nods again and steps into the wagon. Soon he and the disguised Trixie exit. She is pointedly not looking at me. “Let’s get this over with. I want to get back on the road as soon as I can.”

Tak looks between the two of us frowning faintly but he says nothing. He leads us from Ponyville a short ways into the forest on the outskirts of town. “Tak says that they will be passing by the road outside the forest soon. Is it safe to assume this Jennifer would likely harbor a grudge toward you Trixie?”

Still she refuses to look at me. “Probably. I would if I were her.”

I nod. “You will go to the road and make yourself known to her. Lead her to Tak and I. We will handle it from there.”

Now she lifts her eyes to meet mine. Silently she is pleading with me to not go through with this, but I will not be swayed. I return her gaze with steel behind my own eyes and she of course relents first. Tak removes her disguise and she trots from the small clearing we have claimed.

“What’s going on with you two?”

I shrug. “She no longer wishes to share my company. She is leaving when this is finished. She stays only to ensure you are safe.”

His wings now flicker in irritation. “Umbra. It’s not too late to stop this. I can bring her back here; we can hitch up the wagon and just move on.”

I snort angrily. “This is the course I have chosen Tak. Walk it with me or leave with Trixie.”

The hurt in his eyes pains me more than when I saw it in Trixie’s. “You know I’m not going anywhere Umbra, not unless you want me to go.”

More hastily than I had intended I shake my head. “No! …no. I do not want you to go. I do not want TRIXIE to go, but I-I do not know how to tell her so.”

He sighs and rests a hoof between my shoulders. “We’ll talk to her. When this mess with the sword is done alright? I’ll help you through it.”

I begin to respond until I hear a pony galloping our way. It is Trixie. “They’re right behind me!”

I flick my gaze up to the sunny sky over head. “If this should turn violent I am at a disadvantage in this bright sunlight.”

Trixie eyes me hard for a moment before her horn begins to glow brightly beneath her hat. A dark hazy wall of fog is rolling in above the tree line effectively blotting out the worst of the sunlight. “I meant what I said Umbra. I won’t hurt them.”

I ignore her now as the sound of something else approaches. I can tell by the footsteps it only has two legs. They were an unusual pair. The pony was like none I have seen before. She appeared young, in her teenage years likely. A slate grey coat and wild purple mane were not her unusual features. She had large yellow eyes with vertically slit pupils, and the wings at her back looked more akin to those of the deep bats I had seen back home.

The other…the human Jennifer was less bizarre to me. Ignoring her strange slender legs of which there were only two, her upper half looked eerily similar to that of my mother and siblings. Though she only had two eyes and the tanned skin and red hair were unusual, the rest was the same. Two arms, a slender torso. The mouth and eyes. I remember my carefully prepared speech from last night but then I see the shield she wears on her arm and a red haze is creeping into my thoughts again.

“Thief.”

She does not seem to hear me. In fact her companion speaks first. Whipping her head between Trixie behind us and to the undisguised Tak she thrust a forehoof at us. “That’s Trixie Lulamoon…she’s a wanted criminal. And THAT’S a changeling…they’re ALL criminals!”

Tak bristles beside me. “Oi missy we ain’t ALL criminals, that’s racist plain an’ simple. How’d ya like it if I said ‘hey that’s a night pony they all suck blood an’ eat foals’ hm?”

To my rising ire the human smirks at her companion in an expression eerily identical to Tak’s own. “He’s got you there.” Her voice is similar to my sister Neela’s, the gentleness of it if not the accent.

“Tak enough!” I vent my anger on my friend when I should not. “We are not here for you to engage in banter with bizarre looking ponies. We are here for the thief and killer.”

The girl’s brow furrows in confusion as she looks from Trixie, to Tak, and finally to me. “Look I think you got me confused with someone else, I’m not a thief and I’m DEFINITELY not a killer.”

“You wear your pilfered goods brazenly upon your arm. Tak and I witnessed you and your flying companion pass through the chasm over the still smoking corpses of my kin. You will return the shield and surrender yourself to justice, or I will take you by force.” By the end of my tirade I am nearly spitting the words as my anger builds.

“Now hold on. I’m not surrendering anything and this was given to me!” Her hand moves to the hilt of her sword.

“Tak deal with the flier!” I do not wait for his response as I break into a charge, but a lance of magic soars over my shoulder toward the bat-winged pony. She is in the air with startling speed and angling toward Tak behind me. I cannot shift my attention however; Bleeding Heart was a formidable warrior and her weapon likely powerful.

The girl abandons her attempt to draw the blade when I close the distance, my horn flaring as I call to life my preferred spells when in combat. I line a kick and spin thrusting my hind hooves at her chest. I feel a jarring impact as my hooves meet her shield, but am rewarded for my efforts with a shriek from my quarry as she launches through the air into the brush.

Rather than barreling after her I leap and cling to a tree’s surface as easily as the cavern walls back home. Running along the towering plant I gaze through the branches and spot her climbing to her feet and looking about slightly dazed. I smile knowing this farce is at an end launching myself down at her. A single blow to the head should finish the weak creature.

My movements must not have been as stealthy as I predicted, as she looks up and raises her shield in time to catch my forehooves. I grunt in surprise when she does not immediately collapse under my assault and feel the pommel of her weapon smash into my ribs between the plates of my armor, launching me back into the air. I twist my body and mange to get my hooves back on the tree behind me again clinging to the surface.

Her mouth falls open in astonishment and I waste no time launching forward in another attack. Again however she meets my fall with her shield but before she can strike with her sword I lunge back sliding along the snowy ground and coming to a stop.

She is growing more confident now. Falling into a warrior’s stance. I can tell from her rigid movements it is a new and unfamiliar position for her to take. Likely she is in training and still learning the art of battle. I launch forward again delivering a flurry of strikes with my forehooves. One slips through striking her hip but she manages to swing her shield and catch me in the side of the head. I roll with the blow getting back to my hooves some distance away.

We begin to circle one another slowly. She and I both gaining a measure of respect for one another. Though raw and untrained she possesses great physical strength, and she IS armed while I am not. “Look…I don’t wanna fight you! I don’t even know who the heck you are lady!”

I glare from beneath my helm. “I am Umbra, Princess of the Spiderkin. Are you truly so callous you have forgotten taking the lives of my kin so soon?”

I see recognition light in her eyes. “Spiderkin? You mean those…giant spiders in the tunnels? You’re talking about THEM?”

“Yes! Them! Thirteen of my scouts, slaughtered by you and your companions!”

“They attacked us first! We were defending ourselves!”

“Liar!” The word rips from my lips and I pour all my anger into it. With a wild cry I charge her recklessly. My foolishness is punished promptly. The novice swordswoman turns deftly and brings the edge of her shield down hard on my back. My armor absorbs the brunt of the impact but she is SO powerful I am forced to the ground. She stumbles back a step then swings her leg and catches me in the ribs with her foot. It is my turn to fly through the air into the foliage.

I feel the air refusing to fill my lungs. Did she crush them? Am I dying? No…she merely knocked the wind from me. With a groan I try to get back up, but she is already charging in after me. Suddenly a streaking black form is between she and I. Tak has arrived. His horn flares brightly and I see the fury twisting his face. A blast of magic catches the human in the face and she staggers back.

Suddenly my changeling companion is on her back bashing her with his hooves in a brutal assault that takes me by surprise for a moment. The fight seems all but over when a horrifying shriek splits the air and Tak staggers away from the girl. Her pony companion has returned and is unleashing a furious assault against the staggered Tak. Hooves and those horrible shrieks from her mouth are taking a toll on him.

I am on my hooves now charging toward them. Tak has fallen and the pony turns back to the human, she does not see me coming. I hear the girl call a warning to her friend but too late. My hind hooves connect solidly with the young ponies head and she crashes against a tree completely senseless. One wing snapped and crushed beneath her body. Breath coming in furious gasps I stomp to the girl who is slowly rising to her hands and knees, glaring at her back. “This farce is ended.”

I do not know precisely what I expected her to say or do. It was certainly not what she said. “Eeyup.” The single word said so simply. Then her leg snapped out and crashed into my side. I feel my armor give and splinter from the force of her powerful buck. I am propelled from her with such force I snap through a small tree before slowly skidding to a stop.

My exposed wing slowly flutters free in the breeze. The pain in my side is excruciating and my breathing is again hard to manage. For one moment I almost succumb to the promised rest of unconsciousness before the image of the beaten and bloodied Tak flashes through my head. Bleeding Heart disintegrating before my eyes. The dead scouts, while replaceable were MY scouts. MY men. They died because of my incompetence, but at THIS creature’s hands. The armor my brother put so much care into crafting for me, shattered at her hands.

No. I this fight is not over yet. Not until I say it is! As my fury builds so too does the harsh glow from my horn. Soon my body is sheathed in a roiling crimson aura of magic and I suddenly feel my aches and pains vanishing. I am galloping back to the human and her downed pony companion.

I smash through the bushes aiming right for the girl who is kneeling by her friend. Through my haze of rage I hear the pony shout in fear. “Jennifer you have to run! You can’t beat her! Alicorns are fueled by magic; she’ll only get stronger the longer you fight!”

Roaring with fury I charge her head on. I feel a moment of confusion as she sheathes her sword, and again she sidesteps my charge. Instead of an attack she grips my haunches with one hand, the other holding a jewel at her neck I had not noticed before. Preparing to buck the idiot in the face I am suddenly falling! A blinding swirl of color has swallowed the both of us up.

The color vanishes and I am falling still. The girl pushes herself away. I only have time for a brief glimpse of the odd stone buildings on all sides before I drop through the sky and smash hard into the stone below.

The air here feels…wrong. My magic flickers and falters and I have a growing pain in my head, and not just from the large fall I took. I shake that off easily enough but the sense of wrongness is powerful and makes me feel as if I need to retch.
The human is lying beside me groaning softly. She rolls onto her side regarding me with one eye open. “You ready…to…talk yet?”

I narrow my eyes and focus on my horn. I do not like my magic but Trixie has been insistent on my learning of it. Still too dazed to get to my hooves I instead focus my faltering energy into IT, and release a blast of red light. It strikes the girl and sends her through the alley we have landed in, across a street and slamming into the wall against a building opposite us.
I find my hooves again and charge. Momentarily taken aback at the sight of so many creatures like herself wandering the streets. Where am I? Is this HER world? Has she drug me here? Many of the other humans all hold small devices I worry are weapons but they do not attack. Ignoring them I press my quarry who has shifted to a defensive stance. She blocks my buck but I am ready now. I spin with her push and rake my forelegs against her unprotected middle. The razor sharp obsidian slices through her clothing and flesh easily, leaving deep red lines.

Rather than finally surrender rage finds her eyes as it has mine this entire time. Rage and a primal terror. There is a much larger scar on her stomach already, perhaps she is reliving the moment of receiving it? My musings are cut short as she begins to swing her blade wildly. The sudden assault is so ferocious and unexpected I barely manage to shift aside and take a thrust on the flank still protected by my armor. She opens a cut on my muzzle and foreleg however and I feel doubt creep in. Again I focus my magical power this time into my hooves. I rear back and slam them against the ground, launching her into the wall again.

I can barely feel my magic by now. My horns glow barely visible at all. We stare one another down for a moment, both needing to catch her breath. Suddenly her hand slips down toward the trinket on her wrist. I do not know what she is doing…until with a sudden burst of light the girl now sports a horn similar to my own, though a verdant green color.
Not knowing quite what to make of this sudden development I step back, but ready for another charge. “This is the last time I’m asking you to stop fighting!”

Still she talks! Jabbering at me endlessly! As if I will ever stop! “I will not stop until you lie broken and beaten at my hooves!”

I lunge and this time she does not raise her shield, but her free hand. Her horn bursts to life and my body is surrounded in a vividly glowing green nimbus of light. I recognize it as magic. She can wield magic as well?! I try to focus my own into breaking the hold but I receive no response. She clenches her fist and the aura about my body tightens enough I involuntarily scream. Then I am soaring straight into the air…than straight into the ground at breakneck speeds. I barely have time for another scream as I impact the hard unyielding stone.

I feel my badly beaten armor fracture and finally shatter into dozens of obsidian shards about my body. Everything is in pain. I cannot think of a part of my body that is not screaming in protest. Mercifully I do not have to endure it long. As darkness encroaches on my mind…and I do not have the strength to stave it off this time.

***

Ugh my head. That bat pony’s shrieking nearly made my ears bleed! What am I DOING here?! I shouldn’t be here! Where ARE they? It’s just a little girl and filly! I get back to my hooves and retrieve my grandfather’s hat, soiled again of course. At least I learned that cleaning spell…oh what am I doing whining about my hat?

With a groan I gallop in the direction I saw the night pony flying before I lost it. Breaking through the bushes I see Tak and the filly but no Umbra or human. Suddenly there is a burst of colorful lights and they appear. Umbra’s armor is only a few broken fragments stubbornly clinging to her body. The human doesn’t look much better off. I can see plenty of angry looking cuts and bruises all about her body.

She ignores Umbra and staggers over to her downed friend, dropping to her knees to check on her. I glance at my own fallen friends. Idiots! Why didn’t they just listen to me? Now they could be…no. No I can’t think like that. They’re all I have, they’ll be fine! I have to get them away we’ll find a doctor or-or SOMEthing! Ugh why didn’t I learn any healing spells?!
First things first. I call on the formula for the blinding spell though I toss in a quick modification to shorten the duration. It’s not Jennifer’s fault Umbra attacked her. I feel the pleasant rush of power from my core to my horn as the spell streaks across the clearing at my target. She seizes up and looks about blindly.

“Wh…what the hell NOW?!” She sounds so tired and I feel an involuntary twinge in my chest for her.

“I’m sorry girl but I can’t let you take them to the princess or whatever you’re planning. Friends aren’t something I have an overabundance of and I’m not losing them now. I’m sure this is little consolation but I tried to talk her out of this…apparently she was very good friends with the…ghost? Of your sword or something along those lines.” I reach out with my magic to lift Tak and Umbra.

“I…don’t care about them. How’s Echo?” The desperation and exhaustion in her voice again strike a chord with me. I canter passed her to examine the filly.

“She’s fine…well not FINE but she’s not dying. She’s asleep, unconscious…I don’t know. She’s breathing fine. I’ll send up a magical flare. Help will be coming soon.” I turn to go after sending up a bright burst of magic. I add in a rhythmic pulse that’s a universal call for help among ponies familiar with such things. Gently lifting my fallen friends in my levitation aura I move to leave slowly at first but picking up speed as I see the blood running down Tak’s muzzle and from his ears. I think it’s blood at least. It’s green and goopy.

I run for I don’t know how long. Longer than I’d like. I’m a performer, a magician and sorceress. Long distance running is not an activity I enjoy. Once I am comfortably far from the distress signal I lower Tak and Umbra to the forest floor. Small green flames lick around the edges of Tak’s wounds and I nearly cry in relief as he cracks an eye. “Trixie? Di-did we…win?”
I roll my eyes but can’t hide the happy tears in them. “No we didn’t win Tak. Are you going to be alright?”

He groans softly. “I need…something to eat. Sorry t’ask but…d’you mind?”

To eat? Of course. Emotion. I’ve seen Umbra feed him numerous times on our journey. Well if it’s what he needs. “Of course. Ah…help yourself?”

I do not know what to expect, but it’s not the almost gentle touch he gives me with his horn. I feel my cheeks warm as he looks at me with those striking red eyes. So alien but so alluring at the same time. Some of my anxiety flees as I assume he consumes it. His wounds already look much better.

“I don’t suppose you can do that for her?”

He frowns and shakes his head looking her over. “She’s not in good shape. We have to get her help soon or…”

He trials off but I do not need him to vocalize it. I’m no medical pony but I’m not stupid. “Where do we go?”

He shrugs helplessly. “I guess Canterlot? I have some hive mates there they might be able to help.”

I gently lift Umbra again and we make for the edge of the forest. It’s gotten dark out by now, the moon high in the sky. Though the light it normally sheds seems…odd? With a frown I look up, then gasp. Tak follows my gaze and does the same.

The moons normally pristine surface is marred by the silhouette of a pony. A MOVING silhouette. Suddenly it snaps its eyes down and my heart nearly stops as I realize it’s looking at me. RIGHT at me. A bright shaft of silver light erupts violently from the sky slamming into he ground before us. Trembling I look up…into the face of the princess of the night. Luna herself descended from the heavens to render judgment on my friends and I. Somehow I doubt it’ll be in our favor.

Chapter 6: Moving On

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Chapter 6: Moving On

Well we’re hosed. Umbra’s down for the count, Trixie looks about to wet herself and here’s Luna in all her angry ‘I’m gonna turn you inside out’ glory glaring down at the three of us. Looks like it’s up to me to make sure we come through this with our flanks intact. I do my best to look as dignified and impressive as possible (which next to THE princess of the night is not very easy to do), before dipping into a courtly bow.

“I’m Prince Tak’thiss of the Crystal Mountain Hive requesting formal parley with the royal court of Equestria.”

Trixie forgets she’s in mortal terror for a minute looking at me in astonishment. Man if we live through this is it gonna be fun to hassle her about that ‘duh’ look she has goin on. For her part Luna is just staring at me like pretty much every pony looks at a changeling, like I’m a bug to be smashed underhoof.

“What pray tell, Prince Tak’thiss of the Crystal Mountain Hive makes you think I have any interest in anything you have to say to me?” I’m pretty tall in my natural form. Bigger than most ponies that’s for sure. Our Queens are a bit bigger than I am and Luna’s about the same size as them. Except the pony princess just seems to ooze power and confidence. So I find myself swallowing hard as I look up into her eyes stumbling back as she advances. “Will you regale me of the many excellent reasons you have assaulted my protégé and one of the cadets training in my guard? Both highly executable offenses? Perhaps why you travel in the company of one of the most wanted mares in Equestria?”

Well she’s talking! And if she’s talking she’s not blasting us or launching us to the moon or something. “Ehe…well those are both very excellent topics for conversation your highness! Though if I may be so bold, our friend here is in need of a little medical attention.” I step aside and she lays eyes on Umbra for the first time. I’ll give her this; she’s got a good poker face. She doesn’t seem at all surprised to see a young alicorn.

“You will come to Canterlot with me. Your friend’s wounds will be tended to and then you will explain yourselves. If I do not like what I hear I will not be kind with my judgment.”

Poor Trixie’s looking more nervous than ever. Poor kid, she’s not cut out for this life of a fugitive business. Of course I know this is the best we’re going to get so I dip into another bow. “You’re too kind your majesty.”

She stares at me hard for a minute, probly trying to figure out if I’m making fun of her or not. Maybe I am a LITTLE but I’m working to reign in my more frivolous nature here. “Disguise yourself. Your presence in the castle would cause a small riot I am sure.”

Nodding vigorously I do as she asks. The warm flames lick over my body, softening it to the point I can reshape it with my thoughts. I do so, and am in the pegasus shape I’ve been using the last few weeks. I flinch as her horn glimmers softly, but to my relief she just takes Umbra from Trixie’s own magical aura. Surprisingly Trixie seems reluctant to release her, but at a glare from the princess she does so with a soft whimper. The ancient alicorn looks my friend over for the first time up close frowning at what she sees.

“She is likely dying from her wounds. We will need to travel quickly to save her. I suggest you brace yourselves.” She doesn’t actually wait for us to do as she says before a shaft of silvery light erupts all around us. Despite the less than favorable circumstances I can’t stop from shouting excitedly as we rocket through the air faster than I’ve ever dreamed of going. Trixie’s screaming too, but I doubt she’s doing so in excitement.

Soon, (too soon in my opinion) we’re standing in what I assume is a courtyard in Canterlot Castle. The princess doesn’t speak to either of us, just breaks into a quick canter. Me and Trixie have to work our legs a bit harder to keep up, but Luna probably wouldn’t approve of us wandering about on our own. Rather than head to an infirmary or something she’s carrying Umbra through the castle proper up a long and winding staircase.

A regular, (if stupidly lavish) bedroom is our destination. She settles Umbra on the bed carefully. By now of course we’ve attracted a few of those creepy bat ponies Luna uses as her guards. She glances at them. “Fetch the royal physician. Tell him to come with all swiftness.”

They dart away, obeying without question. Kinda reminds me of the drones from the hive really. Trixie’s huddled up on the floor by the bed shivering something fierce and with a sigh I move to sit next to her, resting a hoof on her back and rubbing gently. It seems to soothe her somewhat. Luna is eyeing me curiously but not speaking yet.

She turns her attention back to Umbra and begins removing the fragments and straps of her armor still fastened. I can’t see a lot of damage; of course with that black coat of hers bruises aren’t too easy to spot. She’s got a few cuts but nothing bad enough to kill her. “What happened? Why’s isn’t she waking up?”

Luna looks back at me. “Her injuries are internal, and very grave. I can only guess at what happened, but likely she forced Jennifer to resort to wielding her magic. The girl has great power but is untrained and has little control. If this mare were anything but an alicorn she’d have died on the spot.”

Trixie’s started crying now, and Luna’s face softens just a bit. “You care for her a great deal, the both of you?”

“We do your majesty. She’s been a good friend to us for as long as we’ve known her.”

An old unicorn stallion is shuffling into the room now, blinking at us from behind a thick pair of glasses. He dismisses me and Trixie right away and even pushes his way by Luna less than gently. “Give me room, give me room.”

The princess obeys without question standing back as the old codger gets to work. His horn glowing with a pale yellow shimmer he runs it along Umbra’s body tsking softly now and then. “It’s a wonder she’s still alive at all. I’ll do what I can. Got a few spells and tricks that should get her on the mend. She took a nasty blow to the head, dunno if she’s gonna wake up. It’ll depend on how bad she wants to.”

Trixie’s crying harder now and I suspect if I had the tear ducts I would be as well. Changelings don’t make friends easy. Inside the hive it’s all about politics, and princes like me are basically stronger and bigger drones. And drones don’t make for excellent conversation. We can pretend to be ponies and make friends outside the hive but it’s only a matter of time before we slip up and get found out. I never heard of that ending well.

“Do what you can doctor. I leave her in your capable hooves. I must see to my other guests. If you will excuse us?”

He doesn’t bother to respond as the princess leads us from the room. She’s climbing the stairs again and I have to help pull Trixie along. She can barely walk on her own. Finally I grunt and thrust her onto my back. She protests but not much. Soon she’s hanging miserably and sniffling now and then.

Luna opens another large door and steps inside, shutting than locking it behind us. We’re in what I assume is her study now. Big fireplace with a nice hot fire already going. Shelves with books, fancy desk blah blah. It’s a Princess’ office. I let Trixie down by the fire and she curls up quietly. Her tears have stopped at least.

The princess stands regarding us coolly; I decide to stay on my hooves too. “You are from the Crystal Mountains Prince Tak’thiss?”

I nod. “Yes highness. And just Tak is fine if you please. I haven’t used my title in a while.”

“Very well Tak. Where did you meet Umbra?”

With a little sigh I begin my story. “I’m a changeling prince. My hive was recently wiped out by Queen Chrysalis who I’m sure you’re familiar with? She killed my mother and siblings to absorb our hive into hers. I ran and escaped with a few of the others of my hive. We split up and went our separate ways. I ended up in some underground tunnels. I was starving by then, not much for us to eat in that valley with all the frozen ponies of course. I found Umbra down there, she offered to feed me and we just sort of hit it off from there. She’d never even heard of ponies or anything from the surface. I offered to tell stories in exchange for nourishment.”

“And she is how old?”

“Eh? Twenty I think your highness. She said Colton was destroyed twenty years ago on the night she was born. Least according to her mother.”

She frowns now. “Mother?”

“Oh. Right well…” I go into Umbra’s story. Getting dumped in the spider tunnels and being raised by their queen as a princess. All the way up to her oldest sister turning traitor on em all and nearly wiping out the whole family. Her youngest sister taking the throne and her decision to come to the surface to learn how to be a pony.

By the time I finish Luna has an odd smile. “She’s a princess?”

I shrug. “Yeah, I mean princess of the creepy talking spider people but yeah.”

She shakes her head slowly. Trixie is dozing by the fire by now and the princess fills a pair of glasses with a sweet smelling apple brandy. “From a friend.” She keeps one for herself and offers me the other. I have a small sip to be polite. Not like I eat or drink food often. It’s pretty good though.

“So uh…what now?”

She takes a longer sip from hers. “Why did you assault Jennifer and Cadet Echo?”

I set my glass aside. “Umbra’s ghost pal, Bleeding Heart? When your Jennifer took her sword the ghost vanished. Umbra assumed the human stole the weapon and ‘murdered’ Heart by doing so.”

“So it was all Umbra’s idea? Trixie didn’t seek revenge? You didn’t…want whatever rogue changeling princes want from unwary travelers?” She is quirking a faint smile at that. I’m starting to like this Princess Luna mare.

“It was. Me and Trixie tried to get her to forget going after the kid plenty of times but she can get a little stubborn. It’s too bad too, we were having fun y’know?”

She drains her glass and finally settles comfortably on her stomach on the floor. “Tell me of your travels Tak.”

So I do. From leaving the tunnels to meeting Trixie. The hair-brained scheme of ours to meander about Equestria disguised as travelling performers. The princess actually laughs at ‘Sunny Days’ with her cheery little cutie mark. I’m actually relaxing by the end of it.

“So uh…what’re you gonna do with us?”

Luna sighs. “Trixie has committed several severe crimes. Though your words paint her in a more positive light than I would have expected, she attacked Ponyville and aided Discord. She did not take part in the assault on Jennifer and Echo but you and Umbra must be made to answer for that as well. I will not levy the full punishment your crimes deserve, but justice must be met. I believe the two of you will perform community service while Umbra recovers.”

Huh. Wish changeling queens were more like pony princesses. “Sounds fair to me your highness! I’m sure Trixie will agree too.”

The princess rises to her hooves. “You two use one of the guest rooms here in the castle for the duration of your sentence. I believe I will put Trixie to work in the libraries. Though I am unsure what to do with you.” Suddenly her smile is not quite as warm and pleasant as I’d like. “Ah! I have JUST the job for you Prince Tak’thiss. Report to the post office at five o’clock this morning. You will volunteer your services to assist a Miss Ditzy Doo. I have been getting numerous requests from her for an assistant. It seems nopony has an interest in delivering the mail with her. She handles all the mail between here and Ponyville.”

Huh. That’s not so bad. “Sure I can run some deliveries while Umbra’s on the mend.”

“Excellent.” She gently levitates Trixie onto my back; the mare only stirs gently but doesn’t wake up. “I will show you to your room and then I must return to the night court. I have been getting more petitioners of late and do not like to make them wait.”

I gotta trot to keep up with her as she takes us back down the tower. I pause at Umbra’s room but the door’s shut and Luna doesn’t show any sign of stopping in. “Er, Princess Luna?”

She doesn’t look back at me as she answers. “Yes?”

“Where’d Umbra come from? I mean…there aren’t tons of alicorns running around the surface of Terra after all.”

She stops walking and opens the door to a room similar to the one Umbra’s recovering in. “Good night Tak. I will leave instructions with the morning guard to expect you and Trixie’s presence. Do not be late to the post office in the morning.”
I frown as she leaves me alone with the snoring unicorn on my back. It’s not like I can force an answer out of her. With a grunt I ease Trixie onto the bed and settle down on the floor, retaking my natural shape once the door is locked. Sleep isn’t easy to come by. All I can think of is my battered friend fighting for her life across the castle.

***

I believe I am dreaming again. At least I assume it is a dream. The last thing I recall is the thief laying me low with her cowardly magic’s. Then I was here. This…plane of infinite grays and fog. I see no ground, no sky, and no walls. Nothing but an endless field of blankness. I find myself yearning for anything to break the monotony, even the accursed sun. It is not to be.
I am unsure how long I have been here, or how far I have walked from my starting position. I walk because I find it preferable to lazing about doing nothing. When I grow still the fog aggressively creeps up my legs bringing a numbing cold with it. I do not intend to be still again.

It feels as if I have been here for days but I have no way of knowing. Something glimmers in the corner of my eye. I almost dismiss it as my mind conjuring something to occupy itself but I soon see it again. A light shining in the darkness. Hope stirring within me I break into a run toward the light. It is so very far, but I am gaining ground. As I get closer I feel a warmth begin to suffuse my being. The light is very bright but it does not hurt my eyes. I simply feel at peace.

I stand before it now. I do not know what it is, only that I am comforted for being so near it. Feeling a smile form move to step into the brightly glowing sphere of light only to find myself halted by an armored hoof cracking solidly against my muzzle. I sprawl back onto my haunches dazed. Though the form of my attacker rocks me back far more than her blow did. It is Bleeding Heart, though she is a good deal more solid than before.

“Tis not thy time to depart for the Elysium Fields Umbra. And after thy behavior toward the children thou so cravenly ambushed tis my opinion the eternal peace offered within be not for thee.”

Never have I seen her so incensed. So furious. It takes several moments to even find my voice. “Bleeding Heart? How...how are you here?”

She advances and against my will I find myself stumbling back. “Thou be near to death Umbra. Near enough to find thy way to the gates of the fields. Because of our past friendship I give thee one chance, and one only to explain thine actions.”
I shake my head. “I do not understand. I hunted her for you! She stole your shield and made you leave!”

If anything my words seem to anger her further. “How dare thee accuse her of thievery! Do not try and pass the lies thou hast told thyself onto me as well Umbra. Thou know quite well none could touch my blade without my permission. She is my chosen successor Umbra, I passed Mercy onto her gladly and my duty discharged I was free to move onto the next part of my journey.” She shakes her head and turns back to the light. “I take my leave Umbra. This be not at all how I hoped our reunion would be.”

“W-wait! Bleeding Heart please! I…” I close my eyes exhaling slowly. “You were my first real friend. You just…left me. Without warning. It was so sudden. The child, Jennifer had encountered a squad of my scouts. She and her companions slew most of them.” I glance up to find her regarding me sternly, but not angrily. “After your departure I discovered my eldest sister had assassinated my siblings and mother. It has been a…difficult period of time. I left for the surface and hunting that…human creature gave me the drive I needed to ignore my grief.”

“Tak and Trixie both tried to dissuade me from chasing her yet I ignored them. I am sure Trixie is already gone, she said she was leaving my company because of my obsession with Jennifer.”

Bleeding Heart settles on her haunches in front of me. “Tell me of this Trixie.”

I do. I tell her of how Trixie was the first pony I met after reaching the surface. She is smiling faintly as I tell of our travels together. The three of us performing for ponies across Equestria. She outright laughs when I tell her of my false name and brand. At first I speak haltingly, but grow more animated as my story goes on.

“I believe it unlikely Trixie has fled your company Umbra. She sounds a good friend. One thou hast taken for granted. Tak as well, he has been by your side longer than she and you two have been through much together.”

With a pained sigh I slump down onto my stomach, head on my forelegs. “I know. I know that now. I suppose I knew it all along. I knew I should leave the girl be but I could not let you go. I am sorry Bleeding Heart.”

She rises and shakes her head. “Tis not I that thou should apologize to. Though it cheers me greatly to know my departing did not leave thee alone in the world. T’would sound that thou hast found another dear friend in my stead.” She gently lifts my head with one of her hooves. “Do not let thy grief consume thee dear Umbra. Loss is a part of life for all, and we must make it a part of us. Do not dwell on what is lost, rather remember what was had.”

I swallow and ignoring the burning in my eyes I embrace Bleeding Heart as I wished to those many weeks ago when she first departed. She returns it tightly, resting her muzzle against mine. “Tis time I took my leave Umbra. We shall meet again though hopefully not for a very long time.” She smiles gently before a look of surprise crosses her face as she gazes over my shoulder. “Twould seem thou has another visitor. I shall make her wait no longer. Grow strong again Umbra. And live a long, full, happy life. For me my dear friend.”

Then she is gone again. Though this time our parting is not quite as painful. Just the opposite in fact. My small smile drops immediately as I turn to find the OTHER surfacer standing behind me. Luna gazes at me with a wary expression in her eye. I scowl now. My anger at Jennifer may have been misplaced but not so with this one. “How much were you listening in on?”
She does not speak at first. Just stares at my in silence long enough I begin to shift uncomfortably. “Walk with me Umbra. I prefer to give the gate to Elysium some distance lest the temptation grow too strong. And neither of us belong there just yet.”

For a moment I think to remain where I am simply to defy her, but I think such behavior would upset Bleeding Heart again. Finally I follow and she slows her pace to match mine. “Why are you here?”

Luna glances down at me. “Why are you?” She is equal to my mother in keeping her face emotionless, though of course her eyes tell me what I wish to know. Two emotions seem most prominent in her eyes. Fear and hope.

I look away first. “I heard a story from my mother. I wished to see if it were true.”

“Mmm. Seeking truth is always a worthy goal. Why did you assault my protégé?”

I find my gaze locked on the ‘ground’ before me. “Because I was acting like a foolish hatchling, lashing out at something I had no business turning my ire on.”

“Hatchling. An interesting phrasing. We say foal among ponykind.”

I nod. “So Trixie and Tak have told me numerous times. I am not sure which of the two enjoy teasing me more.”

“They are certainly an interesting pair. I have spoken with Tak more than Trixie though I plan to rectify that soon.”

“They are unharmed?”

“They are.”

I do not know how far we have walked but looking over my shoulder I cannot see the light any longer. “Is it true? Are you the one who gave birth to me?”

I intentionally avoid asking if she is my mother, and my jab finds its mark judging by the flash of pain in her eyes. “Yes Umbra. My time trapped with the Nightmare is difficult to recall with clarity. When my jealousy consumed me fully I felt myself slip away, as if going into a deep sleep. When next I woke I was imprisoned within the celestial body I governed. I could only vaguely remember what happened. Attacking my elder sister, my banishment.” She finally settles on her belly, forehooves folded gently in front of her.

I simply settle back on my haunches again, listening silently. “My periods of lucidity were few and far between. The most pervading sensation was the crippling loneliness. I am sure it is difficult to imagine being the only living being for a million miles. One day it became too much for me. I splintered a part of my essence and attempted to weave it into a companion. The Nightmare awoke during my work and the being was incomplete. By then it was far too altered to simply rejoin me so it did the next closest thing, and took root here.” She places a hoof against her stomach.

“So…I am not even a true pony? I am a…construct? A magical creation?”

“No Umbra. No. You are a true pony. I must have been erm…” She looks uncomfortable and I find the urge to laugh rising. “…well ready for a stallion at the time. But you are as much a natural pony as any in the land. Your conception may have been unusual but you are most certainly a full flesh and blood pony.” The topic passed us she relaxes again. “I knew there were ponies still loyal to me in Colton. I heard their prayers every night. I sent part of myself to their village, merely a fragment of the true me. It was small and weak enough to slip through my sister’s bindings.”

“I arrived in Colton with you just hours old. As much as I craved companionship I knew the Nightmare would not be kind to you. I had to make sure you were safe. I left you in their care knowing they would raise you with love. Had I foreseen what my actions would wrought upon those ponies still loyal to me I would have risked keeping you in the moon.” Her pain sounds genuine. Too genuine to be faked. “Tak has told me of your life. Amongst the spiderkin, and their queen who was kind enough to take you in. I very much wish I could have met her. She sounded like a fine mother.”

I nod now. “She was very stern. The spiderkin do not show emotion like ponies, most do not experience it. The royal family is expected to be the epitome of our kind. Flawless and rational at all times.” A small smile forms on my face. “But there were times…she would sneak me smiles. Treats she found. Usually especially succulent mushrooms. She would tell me stories when I had trouble sleeping, and gently tend the many, many cuts and bruises I accumulated before I learned to use my magic to see in the perfect darkness of home.” The tears that threatened to flow at meeting Bleeding Heart unexpectedly finally break loose at the memories of my mother. “She was….she was the finest mother I could have hoped for.”

Luna raises one of her hooves. She wishes to reach out to me, to comfort me I can tell but…she does not. “How long have you been free? How long have you resided here comfortable and happy in your Canterlot?”

Her hoof slowly returns to its resting place. “It will be four years this summer.”

“Four years. Did you not think to seek me out in that time?”

“I did!” She jumps to her hooves and I stumble to my own in surprise. “I scoured the valley for any sign of you, praying that you had somehow survived. I did not even know these spiderkin existed let alone lived so nearby! Had I been aware I would have torn the mountain apart searching for you!”

Her perfect mask has cracked at last. Anguish so deep I cannot begin to fathom how it must feel marring the perfection of her beautiful countenance. “I…” I lower my head. “I believe you Luna. I do but…it does not change the fact that you did not. I knew my mother loved me and showed me it in her own way whenever she could but…such times were few. I lived a life of cold passionless duty. That is all there is to being a spiderkin you see? Duty to the queen and family. I eventually had Bleeding Heart and she eased the burden but my whole life I knew I did not belong. I tried to be one of them but…I was not. I was not the only living soul in the deep darkness that was my home, but I was very much alone for most of my life.”

Another stretch of silence between us. “In time I hope you can forgive me my selfishness Umbra. I understand it will take time to heal such deep wounds, if they can be healed at all.” She flexes her wings looking away at a sight only she can see. “You will recover Umbra. You were badly hurt by Jennifer but you are healing. It will take time. Your friends are performing service to the community in lieu of the punishment their crimes have actually earned. So do not fret over their fates. I would like you to focus on recovering your strength. I must leave now. The night is ending and I must rest myself. I can return if you like.”

Slowly I nod. “I believe I would like the company. I prefer not to be alone in the dark for too long.”

“Then return I shall. As soon as I am able. Rest now Umbra. Rest and try to find some peace at last.”

Then she is gone. And I close my eyes, idly wondering if one can dream within a dream.

Chapter 7: Tak'thiss

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Chapter 7: Tak’thiss

I take it back. Hive justice is definitely more merciful than the torture that is ‘Ditzy Doo’. See now, ya look at her and think ‘oh she’s a funny looking mare, goofy eyes and silly bubbles for her butt mark.’ But then ya spend time around her. Start bein’ the victim of a few of her ‘accidents’. Now I’m not sayin’ she does it on purpose, least I hope she don’t. But that don’t make them any less dangerous. If I were a lesser changeling I’da been dead five times over after the first week.

Collapsing ceilings, runaway apple carts, surprise lightning strikes. If it’s a disaster that a lone pegasus mare can cause she causes it. I didn’t know what t’think when I heard some’a the other ponies callin’ her Derpy. Don’t hear alotta grown pony’s teasin’ each other like that. But seein’ her in action is enough to inspire names a lot worse in my opinion.

Still, it could be worse. I’m out an’ about in the fresh air rather than rottin’ in the Canterlot dungeons where I belong. Sure I gotta keep up my pony disguise alla time but that ain’t anything I’m not used t’doin. Spent more’n my fair share of time livin’ among the technicolor citizens of Equestria in hidin’. Course I was doin that in Filly, best city inna world if ya ask me. Think I might be gettin’ a lil fat though.

If there’s one thing pony’s love it’s meetin’ a NEW pony. An I definitely fall inta that category. They got me runnin’ the mail from Canterlot t’Cloudsdale. Not door t’door stuff a’course but I run deliveries between the post offices in th’two cities. Never paid much attention t’the mail service myself but I’m learnin’ all about it now. Lucky me. Everypony I stop an’ have a quick chat with is friendly and excited t’make my acquaintance o’course. An I really don’t even gotta do nothin’, just be my usual charmin’ self an I get all the tasty love an friendship I could dream of eatin’.

Time’s like this make me wish more’a my kind would pull their heads outta their thorax an wake up t’the smart way t’collect love. Sure we can stuff a pony in a cocoon an suck ‘em til they’re a withered up husk but then whaddo we got t’show for it? Right, a withered up husk. An that ain’t much good t’nobody. Now my dear old ma had a brain rattlin’ around in her head. I’ll never forget the day she took me aside.

“Tak,” she first called me Tak. Dunno why, she didn’t have nicknames for none’a my siblings. “Tak, I have an important mission for you. I want you to leave the hive and go to a city called Fillydelphia.”

Now this was the first time I was allowed t’leave on my own so I was excited. What sorta mission would it be? Espionage? Assassination? Kidnapping? “Yes my queen! Go there and…?” I sounded like such a mook back then.

She had to ponder her response. “Go there and find a job.”

“A job.”

“Yes, a job. Find a job and preferably someplace to live that isn’t the streets or gutter or something.”

“Find employment, find a domicile. And then?”

“Work, go home. Eat pony food. Blend in perfectly with their society. Make friends around your home or place of business. This is a very important mission son, possible the most important a changeling has ever undertaken for his hive. Can I trust you to do this?”

Now at the time I had no idea what the old lady REALLY had in mind for me a’course, but I figured it had ta be big. I wasn’t about t’let her down. “Of course my queen. I will do as you order and blend perfectly into their city to await further instructions.”

“Good. And Tak, you’re not to harm any of the ponies. Feed only from the ambient emotion in the air, not from a pony directly. Am I understood? You are to never let slip your pony disguise.”

So my ma slapped a map in my hooves and shoved me outta the hive. Then I was off inta the big wide world on my own. Now I weren’t no hatchling or anything, I’d been out an about a few times but always with ma or with a buncha drones. I WAS a prince after all, an’ while that ain’t as important as bein’ a princESS it was still a big deal.

It didn’t take me long t’find Filly. Oh she was a beauty; I could feel somethin’ special about her the second I laid eyes on her. I was always more fond’a flyin’ than spell slingin’ so I went with this dashin’ shape y’see here before ya. An lemme tell ya the fillies couldn’t get enough of old Tak. Er, eventually. At first everypony thought I was a weirdo an’ I guess I can’t really blame em.

Things in a hive don’t exactly work th’same as things in a pony city as I’m sure y’managed t’riddle out. Course I didn’t have th’awe inspirin’ street smarts I’m gifted with now so I introduced myself as ‘Tak’ t’the ponies I met. Not exactly a normal name, most folk though I worked with tacks, them things pony’s use t’hang stuff on their walls? Eh mebbe ya haven’t seen one yet. I’ll show ya sometime I s’pose.

Anyway I was all fired up t’do ma proud so I found myself a job at one’a th’waterin’ holes. A bar like th’one we stopped at in Appleloosa? I’m not alicorn a’course but I was sure stronger’n any normal pony an they hired me on as a bouncer. Basically it was my job t’toss out any trouble makers. Worse it got was somepony havin’ a bit too much t’drink an gettin’ grabby with the bar filly. Not that I could blame em. I hadn’t been around too many ponies but old Tak knows a knock out when he sees one.

An’ Berry Punch…there was a filly with some zest in her. She had this pale purple coat an’ …I dunno magenta or somethin’? Some fancy word for dark red mane. Eyes matched th’mane an she was always smilin’. Always laughin’. Always had somethin’ nice t’say about me too. I didn’t know what it was at th’time but I never went hungry around Berry.

Th’owner of th’bar was a retired royal guard. Name’a Blitzwing. Tough old bastard, pegasus lost his wing in some fight or another, probly with a griffon; he never liked t’talk about it. Gave me a room above th’place. I had my job an my home. Mission accomplished. So then all I had t’do was wait. Keep up my masquerade an wait for orders.

Days turned inta weeks an eventually I stopped keepin’ track. I knew when ma wanted me t’report she’d get in contact. She’d lemme know. An b’tween you an me I wasn’t exactly in any hurry t’leave anyway. While we don’t need t’eat pony food it don’t mean we can’t enjoy it. An kid did I ever enjoy Blitz’ cookin’. Me an Berry started gettin’ cozier. I finally figured out what was always rollin’ offa her when we were around each other. Lust ain’t somethin’ changelings get t’experience directed at em very often but Berry had it bad for me. An I was startin’ t’realize I had it bad for her. Course this wasn’t somethin’ I had planned on. Pony’s are food for us, not companions, mates, or anythin’ else. Just food.

But I didn’t see Berry Punch like that. Or Blitzwing. Or any’a th’regulars who’d come in after their shifts workin’ th’factories. They were friends, an I didn’t want t’lose that. They liked me not cause I put a mind whammy on ‘em, just cause’a who I was. Course I was young an stupid at th’time an ruined everything.

I s’pose this was about…eh…ten years ago or so? Nowadays we changelings have quite the reputation on account’a that bitch Chrysalis up an ruinin’ everything any o’the other Queen’s had worked so hard t’do. Most of ‘em had been gettin’ t’gether for some time t’talk about this little scheme o’theirs. Sendin’ our some’a us t’see if we could live with yer kind. Be ponies in everythin’ that mattered. An it worked t’a degree.

Still even though we didn’t have th’high profile rep we got now, pony’s still heard’a us. We were a scary story mares’d tell their foals t’get em t’behave at night. “Be good or the changelings will get you!” Still I didn’t think any’a that would matter. Not t’Berry. So I did somethin’ I’ll regret my whole life. I showed her th’real me.

I didn’t want our relationship t’be built on a lie y’see? I s’pose it might be hard t’understand, ya ain’t exactly a social butterfly, but yer getting’ there. I can see ya tryin’ so hard an I like that. But Berry, she didn’t take it well. More like she screamed an ran for Blitz. Up came the old war vet, Berry shriekin’ about how a changeling went an took Tak. Replaced him.

Now Blitzwing weren’t no fool. Lookin’ back on it I’m pretty sure he had me pegged the minute I walked inta that bar. But he knew most pony’s weren’t quite as well travelled as he was, they wouldn’t understand. All they’d see is a monster. So he made a big show of chasin’ me outta town. Saved my life is what he did. Berry had rounded up herself a mob an they would done me in on the spot.

I wound up back in the hive. And my mother, sweet old lady was there waiting for me. She took me aside and we talked for a while. I don’t remember what about exactly but…it was a nice talk. I was pretty broken up and I couldn’t understand why she thought that was such a good thing. Then she explained it to me. Explained the idea she and the other queen’s had come up with, about how we could live WITH the pony’s instead of feeding off them. Told me how proud she was of the huge steps I’d made for our people. How this could be the start of something truly amazing.

Mother, and a few other queens were making preparations to go to Canterlot and speak with Princess Celestia. Those of us who’d participated in their big experiment had learned enough about the good and generous princess to know that if we approached her openly and honestly she’d be willing to listen to our request.

Of course not every queen was a fan of this plan. Some clung to the old ways stubbornly; felt that we were better than the pony’s we so heavily depended on to survive. What rubbish. But there was one who was even worse than that. She saw their dream for a better future, and twisted it in her mind. Why live beside pony’s? Why live in their shadows? Why don’t we rule them?

That’s what Chrysalis wanted. A kingdom of enslaved pony’s for us to feed on for all time. What an idiot. Make all the pony’s miserable and what do we have to feed on? Misery. And let me tell you, misery is not exactly any changeling’s idea of a tasty dinner. I sometimes wonder if things would have been different if I were with my mother when Chrysalis attacked. Would I have made a difference? Could I have saved her? You can’t spend too much time on questions like that or you’ll drive yourself nuts of course.

Chrysalis had been hoarding her power for months in preparation for her attack. While the queen’s looking for peace had been feeding on the trickles they could share from the scouts like myself who had been living with the pony’s. It was a massacre, they had no chance against an over fed monster like her. By the time we found our murdered queen’s Chrysalis was already in the process of absorbing as many hives as she could. The Crystal Mountains were the furthest and I managed to scatter as many of my hive as I could.

Well you know the rest. I wandered without a home, friend, or family. I probably could have gone back to Filly, taken a new identity. Probly even get my old job back. But it somehow felt wrong to me. I bummed around Equestria for a while never staying in one place for too long. Turns out Chrysalis had been hunting for me all along. She didn’t take kindly to my cleaning out the hive and depriving her of a huge source of drones. Some of her boys caught up with me outside Detrot and we had ourselves a bit of a tussle. I walked away, they didn’t.

I wasn’t in the best of shape. Really I think I crawled down into those tunnels expecting to die. I didn’t have much to live for, didn’t care about what happened to myself anymore. Imagine my surprise when I found you. A pony just happy as can be…well as happy as you ever get anyway, living with those giant spiders of yours.

“That’s why I need you to wake up Umbra. You gave me something I never thought I’d find again. You gave me your friendship. And while you’re not the cheeriest of friends, you’re the first pony who’s ever really accepted me for who I am and I…” With a sigh I gently rest my nose against hers, lying muzzle to muzzle on the bed. “I really don’t want to lose you.”
The room Luna gave my friend to recover in is dark as always. The heavy curtains drawn shut to keep the sun she hates so much out. I’m tempted to throw them open. Maybe if pleading doesn’t work I could try annoying her into waking up? It’s definitely not hard to get a rise out of the kid. She looks so peaceful lying on that bed there. It’s strange seeing her without a scowl on her face. Strange but nice. With a sigh I climb down and make my way from her room, carefully closing the door behind myself.

Five weeks tomorrow now we’ve been ‘guests’ of the princess. Though she has given us rooms in the castle so that’s not too bad. Trixie seems to enjoy her work in the library even if she spends most of her time fretting over Umbra. My deliveries for the day are done so I trot on down to check on my conscience pony friend. It wasn’t too long til the crazy mare practically took over in the library. M’sure she was quiet at first, had t’adjust o’course. Once she got comfy though…

“No no no! Honestly doesn’t anypony in this entire castle know their alphabet? Get those books straightened out. Magica cannot have somepony wandering into her library and not be able to find Magical Mysteries because one of you shelved it after Myths and Legends!”

Shaking my head I wander into the maelstrom. There’s Trixie directing the poor librarians who should by all rights be bossing HER around. She does have a very commanding presence though I’ll give her that. Th’kid can be pretty charismatic when she wants t’be. “Hey uh, Magica. Y’think maybe y’wanna tone it down? Don’t gotta remind ya of angry mobs an bein’ run outta every town in Equestria do I?”

Her smug look switched to chagrined in a blink. “A…ah. Magica supposes she may have gotten a trifle carried away. But honestly Tak these ponies must have forgotten how to shelve books without Twilight Sparkle breathing down their necks.”
“C’mon kid let’s go get somethin’ t’eat. My treat.” The poor ponies in the library look up eagerly as she reluctantly agrees, following me from the room. I can almost hear the cheers as I drag her off.

“I’ll apologize to them. I’m just getting a little stir crazy I think. I don’t like being in one place for so long. I like to be on the road.”

Poor kid. She does sound genuinely upset. “Eh buy ‘em some cupcakes or donuts or somethin’. They’re a buncha book nerds; they’ll go nuts over a pretty mare bringin’ ‘em treats.”

She eyes me with an arched brow. Uh oh. “Pretty” hm?”

I laugh weakly. “Y’got me. I can’t getcha outta my mind. Magica the Magnificent is all I think about all day every day.”
Her amusement fades a bit. “I know you’ve only got eyes for her. I’m not some school filly with stars in her eyes.”

I shrug casually holding the door for her. A quick glance around to make sure we’re alone before I talk again. “Remember where I’m from. I ain’t some pony who’s lookin for his ‘special SOMEpony’. I’m a changeling, males are used mostly for breedin’. Old Tak’s more than happy t’take on a couple’a mares at once. Plus I doubt Umbra’s really lookin’ t’start a relationship.”

“My my Tak, with such romantic words as that how are you not draped in mares at all times?”

“Hey I wanna woo me some cute piece’a tail I can pour on th’charm. But yet not just some bar room floozy t’me. We’re chums y’know? Just wanna be straight with ya.” An’ truth be told I ain’t exactly ready t’put my heart out there fer another pony t’stomp all over. Sure Trixie already knows the real me but that don’t exactly make the bad memories just disappear.
She’s eyeing me appraisingly. Probly tryin’ t’figure out how serious I am. Partly my own fault I s’pose, I may or may not make it a habit t’double talk an dodge questions as much as I can. She’s quiet th’rest a’the trip down town. It’s Friday night so the eateries are packed. We get in line behind a couple’a nervous lookin’ giggling fillies. Oh emotion is just oozing off’a them. By the hive but I love teenagers. I feel myself getting full just standin’ there behind ‘em. Kinda an unusual couple, one’a them night pony’s and a pegasus filly. Night pony looks a little familiar. Trixie’s starin’ hard at her too.

That’s when I see what the green filly has around one leg. Bleeding Heart’s sword. This couldn’t possibly be the same creature who knocked Umbra inta a coma could it? Trixie’s looking at me wide-eyed. It’s definitely the same night filly I thrashed; the other one has t’be the girl somehow changed inta a filly. Not too surprisin’ I guess since she pals around with Luna.

Trixie tugs me outta line an down the alley between the restaurant an’ the café next t’it. “What do we do?”

I shrug. “What about? They dunno who we are like this. That’s th’whole point’a th’disguise Trixie.”

She frowns and I gotta bad feelin’ I know exactly what she wants t’do. “We need to apologize to them Tak.”

“I don’t think that’s a great idea.”

Her eyes narrow a bit. “You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but I’m going to. I might not have attacked them but I was the one who lured them to you and Umbra. I have to clear my conscience and I hope you feel the same.”

Before I could call her back she was already muscling her way through the line back to the fillies. Ugh, mares. If they weren’t so easy on th’eyes I might swear ‘em off forever. Trixie’s talkin’ em outta th’line. The night pony don’t look happy ‘bout losin' their spot but her friend talks her inta it. With a grimace I take off after the three of ‘em as Trixie walks ‘em out to one’a the like, dozen parks around this city. Seriously if they love parks so much why th’hay don’t they just live without alla walls an stuff?

“…can’t apologize enough for the trouble, and pain we caused. We’re here performing community service at Princess Luna’s behest while Umbra recovers. I don’t expect you to forgive me, but I had to say something.” Trixie sees me comin’ and shoots me a look I read as ‘you better apologize too or I’m gonna make your life a living hell’. I’m a changeling prince, a pretty powerful creature in my own right but I’d rather not get on her bad side.

It’s hard t’tell just what th’fillies are thinkin’. The green pegasus looks conflicted. Maybe she’s the only one who’s hard t’read, the night filly looks pissed. “Erm. What she said. M’sorry about th’fightin’ an’ all. It was a big misunderstandin’.”

Oops. That wasn’t the right thing t’say. Now the junior guard pony or whatever looks a lot angrier. Her good wing is flaring at her side as she stares me down. What’s with me an runnin’ inta all these scary broads all’a sudden? I can’t look at this filly an’ not think’a that awful shriek she’s got goin for her.

“A misunderstanding? Your crazy friend shattered my wing and YOU nearly killed Jen!” The night pony tugged her friend’s tail. “C’mon Jen let’s get outta here. If Lady Luna’s already dealt with them then they’re not our business anymore.”

That was the name. Knew it was somethin’ weird but she’s normally an alien or somethin’ right so I guess that ain’t too surprisin’. She ain’t budgin’. She’s just sittin’ there starin’ at me now.

“Were you two getting dinner? Why don’t we eat together? You can explain to me and Echo what all that was about.”

Trixie looks relieved, me not so much. In my experience ponies do one’a two things when they get a known changeling inna big crowd a’their own. Start screamin’ that we’re there, or outright bucks us in th’face themselves. Course if that was the case she’d probly already be roundin’ up the posse. Or at least throwin’ that sword a’hers around. “Sure. Your treat?”

To my relief the green one, Jen smirks. “That’s not very gentlemanly of you.” Her friend just looks aghast. Can’t say I blame her. If someone broke my wing an nearly beat Trixie or Umbra t’death I’d probly not wanna be sittin’ with em either.
Echo’s grumblin’ in the alien pony’s ear the whole way. Gotta admit I’m curious how she swung that. Transformation ain’t exactly easy for folk who aren’t born with th’ability like me an mine. Plus she ain’t gotta horn now but wings, what’s all THAT about?

The pegasus trots up to the front of the line cool as a cucumber talking quietly with the maître dee whose eyes widened slightly as he took her in. Soon he’s rushin’ us through th’restaurant an up t’one’a the nice V.I.P. booths. Me an Trixie share a look before slidin’ in across from th’fillies. “What th’hell was all that about?”

Jen shrugs a little as she fumbles with her menu. Looks like somepony ain’t use t’her hooves yet. I know how that can go. “Around Canterlot I’m Jubilant Surprise, student of Princess Luna. Never tried using that to get favors around the city. I might have to name drop a little more.” She grinned with just th’right amount’a wickedness I like in a pony.

“S’pose there ain’t alotta green fillies with no cutie mark and a big magic sword on her leg runnin’ around huh? Not hard t’prove who y’say y’are.”

She’s starin’ again. “So what’s your deal? You’re some kinda shape changing bug pony right?”

I look around in a bit of a panic but I shouldn’t worry. The booths up here’re pretty far apart an’ unless the waiter’s lurkin’ around th’corner nothin’ we say’s gonna get heard. “Somethin’ like that. M’called a changeling. We eat emotion an such.”
The night pony doesn’t try to hide her scowl as she buries her muzzle in the menu; the other one though just looks more an’ more interested. “So d’you all run around jumping girls in the woods or what?”

“Nope!” I inject a bit of my trademark humor. “Just me. I think. I used t’run with a hive but m’a solo act now. Well cept for th’two lunatics I gotta keep an eye on.”

Trixie jabs me indelicately in the side with a hoof. “Tak and Umbra found me in the castle where we ah…last met. I’d taken up residence there. Umbra’s new to the surface world and was looking for a guide.”

That seems to’ve grabbed the night filly’s attention as she looks up curiously from the menu. “New to the surface? So where was she before?”

I take over now. Only pausing in my story when the waiter comes for our orders, and comes again to bring the food. I’m straight with the pair, I owe them that much at least. About Umbra that is. I don’t see any reason to go into my own life story with these two. I tell what I know. Meeting her and she believing she was one of those spiders of hers. Jen looks a little disturbed when I get to the part about Bleeding Heart and how she was Umbra’s only friend.

“No wonder she seemed so mad. I wish she’d just talked to me. I could have summoned Heart to chat with her.”

Even Echo seemed to’ve warmed up a bit. At least she wasn’t scowling at us the entire time. “Tak and I tried to talk her out of it but she was so…determined to demonize you. And now look where it’s gotten her. She hasn’t woken up in weeks. The princess says she’s recovering but…she just lays there.”

Trixie’s voice catches in her throat and I put a leg around her shoulders pulling her a little closer. She doesn’t resist. The alien filly is frowning now. “I didn’t mean to hurt her so badly. If there was anything I could do..”

I shake my head. “No. You were just defending yourself. You don’t have anything to apologize for. We don’t blame you for what happened I promise. This is all on us.”

Her wings ruffle in agitation. “Well if you need anything, just someone to talk to I’m here every weekend. Luna’s usually bashing me around in the training hall at night or I’m out with Echo, but during the day I’m just bumming around the city.” She brightened and nudged her fillyfriend. It was pretty obvious the two were an item. “And Echo’s here all the time! She’s always looking to meet new ponies.”

The sudden look of alarm on the young cadet’s face had me cracking a grin of my own. “Well we’ll keep that in mind. I think me and Trixie’ve taken up enough of your night though. Thanks for dinner girls.” They don’t seem in any hurry to be on their way so Trixie and I leave alone, heading back to the castle.

“There now, don’t you feel better?”

I grunt. “Not really. They’re good kid’s. Now I feel worse. So thanks for THAT oh great and powerful one.”

She trotted ahead of me with a slight spring in her step. “Well I feel better.” She paused and dragged her tail across my muzzle, finishing with a light slap to my cheek. “Maybe I can help YOU feel better too.” She slipped into her room casting me one last glance over her shoulder before the door closed.

I may be a little twisted up inside over those fillies but I’m not one to refuse a pretty mare a request like that. She’s hurting just as much as I am. I think a little escape will do us both good. Even if it’s just for one night. Mind made up I follow her into the dimly lit room, and with a girlish giggle she tosses that hideous hat of hers over my face. When I pull it away and see her waiting for me on the bed, I grin and join her.

***

I am not sore. This is the first of the evening’s pleasant surprises. The next is that I am actually opening my eyes. I hear light hoof steps stepping across a thickly carpeted room. With some effort I force my eyes open further in time to see the imposing shape of Princess Luna making her way from my bedside to the door.

“….h…” My voice is irritatingly difficult to find. Barely more than a hoarse whisper. “…how…” Though it is enough. She whirls at the sound of my torturous croaking’s, eyes wide the alicorn princess rushes back to my side. The concern in her eyes is clear as she stares down at me. Mercifully the only illumination in the room is her horn as it shines with a gentle azure aura drifting a glass of water to my lips. I swallow small sips without hesitation. It helps.

“…how long…have I slept?”

She is quiet for a few moments as she stares down at me. “Five weeks. Your recovery has been slow. We can recover from much but it is possible to slay us.” The ghost of a smile finds her lips. “You are a stubborn young mare Umbra. I had no doubt you would awaken in your own time.”

This is not what I wanted to hear. Five weeks? Five WEEKS? So long a time gone, slipped away from me while I languished here in a sickbed. “Tak? Trixie?”

“Your friends are well. They are paying for their crimes by performing work here in Canterlot. Tak is running deliveries for our mail service and Trixie is…helping in the library. Both seem to have few complaints. I can fetch them if you wish? I am sure they wish to see you.”

I struggle to rise to my hooves and to my horror find I am barely able to lift my legs, let alone rise fully. Luna watches my efforts with mixed emotions. I feel she wishes to assist me, but does not wish to over step her bounds. I do not encourage her to do the former. With a defeated sigh I slump back into the comfortable bed.

“It is late is it not? Let them rest. I will see them in the morning I expect.”

She nods slowly. “Do you…require anything? Anything I can fetch you?”

Luna is hesitant. Nervous. I have a feeling this is not her normal demeanor. Of course I imagine being reunited with the child you thought dead for two decades would be a jarring experience. Perhaps it is not so profound a moment for me because I had a mother who loved and cared for me my entire life. I think perhaps I should say something to put her at east, but what can I say? I could lie I suppose. Tell her I am no longer angry, that I have forgiven her. But I do not feel she wishes to hear empty words, nor do I think she will be fooled.

Instead I shake my head. “I am fine. I will see my friends in the morning. I am sure they will provide anything I wish.”

A slight twitch of an ear is her only outward tell that she is pained by my response. “Yes of course. I will make sure they are made aware you have awoken. Should you wish to speak with me I will post a guard at your door. Do not hesitate to call on me.” Another pause hangs heavily in the air. And then she is gone.

With a soft sigh I set my sights at a more reasonable goal. Lifting and holding my left forehoof aloft. Perhaps not the most impressive of tasks, but in the state of weakness I am in a reasonable goal for me to aim for. Am I being too hard on Luna? She certainly seems genuine in her desire to reconcile with me. Perhaps I will speak with her tomorrow. Or the day after.

…perhaps I will speak with her soon.

Chapter 8: Forgiveness

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Chapter 8: Forgiveness

I drift in and out of sleeping and wakefulness. I do not wish to sleep, I have slept more than enough already but I understand it will be some time before my full strength has returned. I am assured it will return at least. Luna sent her physician to examine me after I woke. His visit was brief and to the point. I am ‘out of the woods’ he said. Though I will need time to regain the strength in my limbs.

Though I have asked for no such thing, a servant is on hand at all times. Apparently she has been given instructions to see to my needs. Food, drink, and other functions I am embarrassingly incapable of seeing to myself at the moment. She goes about her duties with the cheer I have come to expect of the Equestrian’s. Her pleasant demeanor makes it hard to retain my dour mood. Perhaps that is why caring for recovering ponies is her special talent?

She is a true professional at least. She does not question my lack of brand, or the presence of my wings. In her eyes I am simply another patient in need of her care. Our only hiccup thus far was when she wished to open the curtains to admit the rising sun’s rays into the room. Despite my exhausted state I can still muster an appropriately commanding scowl it seems. I am sure this would amuse Tak.

I frown a little as my nurse departs. Where is he? I understand Trixie not being here. She made her feelings very clear to me that she intended to leave my company. I am sure her punishment is all that keeps her here in Canterlot. It is still early in the morning, and he does not enjoy waking at first light. I am sure he is simply sleeping late.

Sure enough he wanders into my room blinking blearily about. He must have come here straight from his bed. I suppress an amused chuckle as he invites himself up onto my sickbed settling comfortably. Then I smell it, Trixie’s scent is all over him. And while I am unfamiliar with pony mating habits I am not so naïve to be unable to recognize the signs. My sister’s would take advantage of some of the more virile males back home often enough. Is this the same thing then? Female pony’s certainly seem the dominant sex here…or is there something more between them? Is he going to leave with her when their sentence is up?

“I’m glad you’re awake Umbra.”

His voice draws me from my inner thoughts. I raise half lidded eyes to his face; my voice is still a hoarse whisper. “Well I was in need of a nap.”

He smiles at my jest. “Did you spend your whole time here waiting to use that one?”

My shoulders twitch in the best approximation of a shrug I can manage. “Only the first week. I am not as adept with humor as you are after all.”

Now he laughs. “I don’t know, you’re getting better.”

He is in his pegasus guise. It is handsome enough I suppose but not nearly so much as his true changeling persona. The one with the piercing red eyes. “I am glad you are using your proper voice. The other grates on my nerves.”

He rolls his eyes now. “I know. See what great lengths I’m going to to make you comfortable? Suppressing my true self and all?”

I snort. “I believe this is your true self. I note you have to make an effort to maintain the other accent, this is how you speak when you are overly emotional or distraught.”

His familiar smirk slips into place. “Do you think I’m overly emotional right now?”

“Perhaps.” He looks away from me for the first time since he entered, are his cheeks darker? “Where is Trixie?”

“Eh? She’s asleep. She doesn’t have to get up and go to the library til later. I Can go get her if you want.”

I shrug. “If she wishes to see me she will make her way here in her own time. I am surprised you are not still with her. Or is it customary for the male to sneak away from his mate’s bed while she slumbers?”

His eyes widen a bit then he huffs. “I was perfectly comfortable with her until Princess Luna less than gently made me aware of your waking up in my sleep. Not big on privacy is she?”

I shrug again. “She is this lands ruler, one of them anyhow. We are in her kingdom so it is her right to breach our dreams if she wishes I suppose.”

“Did she talk to you?”

I nod. “Once. When we first arrived I assume. Then again when I woke. She was here at the time.”

His wings twitch. A sign something is bothering him. “Talk about anything interesting?”

I do not know why I never told Tak and Trixie of the true reason I sought Luna. Perhaps I was ashamed of her? Or did not wish to look foolish for dragging them across the country if it turned out she was not my birth mother. “She confirmed that she is my mother.”

The look on his face does more to bring me cheer than anything Healing Hooves has done for me thus far. “Your WHAT?”
I nod slowly and lazily motion with my head toward the glass of water on the stand by my bed. He obliges grudgingly, holding it for me as I sip. “My mother, my REAL mother, told me she suspected Luna was the one who gave birth to me and abandoned me in Colton. Luna confirmed this for me.”

“Jeez Umbra…so what’re you gonna do?”

“About what? I wished to learn the circumstances of my birth and subsequent abandonment. I have done so. Assuming she does not punish me similarly to you and Trixie, I will leave Canterlot as soon as I am able.”

He frowns now. “You don’t wanna stick around a little bit? Try and get to know her? I mean…she’s your mom.”

I shake my head angrily. “She is NOT my mother.” My voice rises very slightly. “She birthed me, but she did not raise me. I HAD a mother, one who loved and cared for me!” My back and throat simultaneously flare dangerously at my increased agitation and raised tone. With a soft groan I settle down again forcing myself to calm.

“Sorry…sorry I didn’t mean to imply that the Queen wasn’t your mother Umbra.” He fetches me more water which I take slowly. “But I mean…it can’t be as simple as that. Ponies don’t abandon their foals. Ever. If she left you in Colton she had to have a really good reason.”

The glass is empty so I let it fall onto the bed beside me. “Perhaps she did. It does not change what happened to me Tak. I loved my mother, I love Spinner and Neela. But now that I am here on the surface…now that I see the way the ponies treat one another. The open care and affection that none even try in the least to hide…I find myself dwelling on the life I could have had. Everything I was denied by Luna’s actions.”

Tak’s frown has not faded. “It wasn’t all the princess’ fault you know? She didn’t just dump you in the middle of nowhere Umbra. She left you with ponies she trusted, ones who stayed true to her even after her banishment. If anyone’s to blame for what happened to you it’s the lich.”

His words ring true. As they always do. She surely could not have foreseen what my presence would do to the ponies whose loyalty to her never faltered. How could she have anticipated such a monster would come for me? And if this Nightmare Moon creature was as horrible as I am lead to believe she truly did have my best interests at heart.
“Perhaps you are right Tak.” I sigh softly. I am suddenly exhausted again. I have been awake for perhaps half an hour now and already I feel as if it has been a week. “I suppose my heart and my head are telling me two different things, and both are quite insistent.”

He slips from the bed placing the fallen glass back on the stand. “I’ve gotta get to my job Umbra. I’ll be back later this afternoon though. One last piece of advice before I go. Most ponies listen to their hearts over their heads. The mind can play tricks on you, but your heart’s always true they say.”

And then he leaves, closing the door softly behind himself. At times I think I prefer him to act the buffoon, when he is being wise he so easily manages to muddy my thoughts. Against my will I find myself sleeping again. It is a peaceful dreamless sleep at least. In fact in the weeks I have been staying here I have had no unpleasant dreams at all, most if any were about my time at home. More of Luna’s doing perhaps?

My door opening rouses me sometime later. To my surprise it is not Tak or Healing Hooves, but Trixie who enters. She is in her crimson coated Magica disguise but it is her none the less. She pauses a moment at the door to allow her eyes to acclimated to the darkness of my room, before dragging a chair to my bedside with her magic. I follow her movements silently as she climbs into the chair and settles herself.

She is carrying a tray laden with what I assume is my afternoon meal. Simple but hearty fare that is to encourage my recovery I am told. I have not developed a fondness for hay but the oatmeal is good enough when flavored with enough cinnamon. My eyes are drawn to the beautifully green, plump apple sitting on the tray however.

“Tak told me you were up. Sorry it took so long to get over here, that library is a disaster area.” She looks me over for a moment. “Are you hungry? Your nurse said it was time for your lunch but I told her I’d take care of it.”

I do not understand. She seems so pleasant. Friendly. “Why are you here?”

She blinks, taken aback by my question. “Where else would I be? I get a lunch break you know? It’s not like I’m a slave. Now she said you have to get through the hay and oatmeal before I give you the apple. Apparently you put up a fight at breakfast.”

I ignore the tray. “When last we spoke you said you were going to leave. Has something changed?”

She frowns now. “I was just angry Umbra. Sometimes when somepony gets upset we say things we don’t mean. I guess I forgot how literal you take everything. I’m sorry for that. Now eat some of this hay. I can dump salt on it if you want.”
I shake my head and obligingly take a bite from the plate. “So…you do not hate me? You do not wish to leave Tak and I?”
She laughs. “No I don’t hate you. And I don’t plan on going anywhere until you’re back on your hooves and can come with me. Definitely had enough of Canterlot though.” She levitates a spoon laden with oatmeal to my mouth. While embarrassing I eat it; the promise of the apple is too great to ignore.

“Tak is your mate now?”

The spoon clatters into the bowl and sends bits of the oatmeal across the tray and bedspread. “W-well…we ah…were together last night, yes. I don’t know if I’d say MATE, or even a special somepony. Just...” She frowns as she cleans the small mess you made. “Sometimes when we’re distressed, we seek comfort in another’s hooves. Tak and I’ve both been upset for a while now and well…he was there, I was there…” She shrugs.

“So you mated out of convenience? To make one another feel better?”

Another shrug as she offers me the hay again. “That’s a very simplified way of putting it, but basically. I like Tak a good deal. He’s a good friend to me, something I don’t have a lot of as you know. And I suppose we’ve been spending a lot of time together over the last few weeks. I could certainly see myself doing it again but…” She shrugs. “He’s a little conflicted I think. He cares about you a lot.”

I am pleased to discover the hay is gone leaving only the more palatable oatmeal between me and my prize. “Did he not mention it customary for one male to have multiple females here?”

“Well it is. I mean it’s not like every stallion in Equestria has a dozen mares living with him but it’s not the rarest thing in the world for a family to form with several mares around one stallion. Though the mares do all have to be on good terms of course.”

I am nearly finished with the oatmeal. “Are we not on good terms?”

She raises her eyebrow regarding me curiously now. “I suppose we are. Are you suggesting we share Tak?”

The oatmeal is gone, the apple is mine! She sees where my focus is and rolls her eyes, deftly splitting it into fourths with her magic and resting it near me so I can eat it easier. “I do not know. I am unsure if I wish to become…intimate with Tak. I had never given mating much thought. Obviously it would be difficult for me to find a male among the spiderkin.”

“I suppose living around giant spiders her whole life would put a damper on a mare’s romantic side. And no, I wouldn’t mind sharing Tak with you Umbra. I spend all my time with the two of you anyhow. You’re both somehow able to put up with me at my worst and neither of you do anything that annoys me too much.”

“Is a herd situation agreeable to Tak? Do changelings share such customs?”

“That’s a good question. I know they have queens and drones like bees and ants do. I never studied bugs much but I doubt romance entered into the equation with him much either. You could always ask.”

I have finished the apple; it was as delicious as it looked. Trixie moves the tray from the bed and stands. “Before you leave…I must apologize.”

She looks even more surprised at that than the herd suggestion. “Apologize? What for?”

“The girl, Jennifer. You were right. You both were. I should have left her alone, or at the least approached her in a more…open state of mind. I had questions I needed answering but attacking her as I did was foolish.”

Her expression softens a little and she nods. “We ran into her and the bat pony last night. Tak and I were getting dinner and they were at the same restaurant. We talked. I think you’d like her, Jen that is. You have a lot in common.”
I snort. “I very much doubt that.”

Trixie raises her eyebrow again. “Consider who and what she is Umbra. A stranger not from this land, living amongst us ponies trying to learn how to fit in with us. Does that sound familiar?” She smirks at my grunt. “She’s here in the castle. Apparently she’s Princess Luna’s protégé. She’s teaching her sword play and Equestrian politics. Would you like me to send her over?”

I blink. “Send her over? To see me? Why in the world would I want that? Why would SHE want that?”

“Well. While you’re apologizing to everypony I’m pretty sure she deserves it more than me and Tak. She’s a very sweet filly Umbra. You at least owe her that much.”

In truth I owe her a good deal more than a mere ‘I am sorry’. I tried to slay the child for imagines crimes. There is no forgiveness for that. But…Trixie is correct. “You may tell her I am here. If she wishes to come, I will offer my apology.”
She grins. “You’ll feel better. Trust me, I know.” She departs swiftly, an excited smile on her face.

I do not expect the alien creature to come and so I prepare to sleep. I am just drifting off when I hear my door open slowly. “Uh…hello?” I recognize her voice immediately. I heard it enough when she pleaded with me to stop fighting her. Though the figure in the doorway is…a pony. A young pegasus filly.

“…what happened to you?”

She jumps a bit and looks to me on the bed at last. “Oh! It’s dark in here. I didn’t see you.” She moves timidly, nervous. I cannot fault her. Our battle was particularly viscous. Slowly she makes her way to the chair Trixie vacated and climbs into it, looking at me quietly.

“Well?”

“Oh! You mean…why’m I a pony?” I nod. “It’s Luna’s idea. It’s a long story but basically I’m gonna wind up as one eventually. She gave me this bracelet to spend some time as each tribe to see where I fit in the best.” She lifts a leg to display a silver bracelet dangling. I recognize it from our battle, it is what she used to grow her horn and ultimately subdue me. She presses a hoof to one of the charms and in a silvery flash she is sitting before me in her natural state once more, save the addition of a large pair of wings.

“I see. Luna seems a…wise ruler.”

She shrugs fidgeting with her fingers. A gesture Neela used when she was nervous. The similarities between the two are somewhat jarring now that I am not trying to kill her. The girl is soft spoken, though I know from experience there is a fire burning within her that she is not afraid to release if pressed. “She’s been nice to me, yeah.”

My eyes linger on the three scars at her stomach. One is far larger than the others, but the pair that crosses over it came from my leg guards. I am about to speak again when I see Bleeding Heart’s sword on her arm. The sheathe that holds it in place has changed, rather than the simple leather strap it is now the same metal as the shield itself. A large pink gemstone sits in the center. “What happened to her blade?”

She frowns only slightly. “My blade. And it’s completed now. Luna gave me the missing piece. All of the Arms of Harmony come in a set. The weapon and the armor.”

I let her correction pass. My curiosity is aroused. “I do not wish to provoke you, but that seems rather poor protection to be considered armor.”

She blinks down at her arm then laughs. “Oh! Oh right um…” She stands and presses her hand against the gem. In another flash she is covered head to foot in gleaming gold and pink armor.

“Ah. That is…more impressive.”

Touching the gem inlaid into Bleeding Heart’s sword her armor vanishes. “Yeah. I just got it from Luna for my birthday last week.”

I nod again. “You mentioned the Arms of Harmony? Is…your sword part of a set?”

She nods now, looking excited. “It is! Its name is Mercy. A long time ago, before the princess’ ruled Equestria, even before there WAS an Equestria I think…I’m not done with the book yet, there was this group of unicorn knights called the Order of Harmony. Back then I guess the pony tribes didn’t get along, and they were always getting picked off and eaten by dogs, dragons, giant monkeys, and uh…griffons! Yeah. So the old unicorn king told his royal wizard to like, come up with something to stop them from getting eaten all the time I guess?”

I am slightly taken aback by her sudden enthusiasm, but her tale is interesting to say the least. “Go on.”

“Well the royal wizard, Meteor Trail was his name by the way, had these two apprentices. Starswhirl Lulamoon and Healing Touch. THEY were friends with a soldier and an assassin, and the cook and her apprentice in the castle. Meteor Trail got this idea that if he could find six ponies who perfectly displayed the um…tenants of harmony, then he could use a ritual to bind them together and make them crazy strong. Each of the six friends represented kindness, loyalty, honesty, generosity, laughter, and magic. Well the spell worked and now they were all really juiced up on friendship power or something. Meteor Trail said they were each in perfect harmony with themselves, and each other.”

Lulamoon? That is Trixie’s second name. Perhaps there is a relation? I will have to ask her. While fanciful and perhaps a touch childish her story only grew more fascinating as she went on. “And the Arms of Harmony?”

“Oh! Right well. The six got sent to deal with the dragons first. Along the way the wizards and warriors of the group were coming up with a battle plan. Then Sunshine, the cook’s apprentice who embodied laughter just wandered off on his own. He was sitting there SINGING to the dragons. It doesn’t say if it was magic singing or what, but he calmed them down and they all started to negotiate. Turned out dragons don’t like eating ponies, they wanted the gems they were always digging up.”

She stands now and crosses the room, filling the empty glass from the sink in the adjoining rest room. With a big drink she retakes her seat. “So now they’re all excited thinking their problems are gonna be solved without fighting. Turns out not all of their enemies just wanted some pretty rocks. The griffons straight up wanted to eat them and take their land so they had to fight. They chased off the griffons but only temporarily. Starswhirl decided that they needed to be properly armed against anyone not willing to settle things peacefully…so he crafted this.” She displays the shield and sword on her arm, Mercy she called it.

“He had each of his friends pick a weapon they were most comfortable with. Comet Streak, the soldier had this huge broadsword. The assassin Silent Step used a pair of curved swords. Sunshine picked the rapier, Abundance the cook a heavy war hammer, and Healing Touch a scepter…which I guess is some kinda like, little magic wand or something? Starswhirl picked this one himself.” She taps Mercy’s shield. “Using some fancy spell he put a small piece of their…their souls I think, It’s a little unclear, into each weapon. The weapons each got one of these little runes here, and got special abilities. They became nearly unbreakable and apparently they could channel their magic through them but I haven’t learned to do that yet.”

She takes a deep breath to continue. “Anyway, they used the weapons to chase off the griffons. But they knew that they couldn’t be at every border at once so they decided they needed help. They found some other ponies who’d fit into the group and using the spell extended their bond. Starswhirl made the new harmonious ponies weapons of their own. There ended up being thirteen of them. In the end they called themselves the Order of Harmony, and protected their fellow ponies for a really long time.”

She finally stops talking and I nod slowly. “What happened to the order?”

She shrugs. “I dunno. Luna said somepony showed up and forced them to split up. She won’t tell me anymore than that though. Says it’s dangerous knowledge or something.”

Not a very satisfying answer. Perhaps I will ask her directly later. “And the other Arms of Harmony? The other knights?”
She shrugs again. “Luna, Celestia, and Cadence each have one of the arms. Then my having Mercy makes four. The rest were lost I guess. Luna says she doesn’t know what happened to them and I believe her.”

Thirteen weapons of such unimaginable power. “And the Arms…they must choose their bearer? Like Mercy did with you?”

She nods. “Yeah. Back when the Order was around the knights would pick squires and train them to be ready to accept their weapon, and take their place in the Order. Each new bearer adds their own piece of themselves to the weapon and adds a new rune and power to it. I haven’t mastered all six of Mercy’s runes yet so I can’t add my own.”

“Thank you for telling me this. It is a very interesting story. One I think I will look into myself.” If I could call one of these weapons my own, perhaps it would be what I need against the lich. While he has been silent since our initial meeting I do not doubt he fully intends to go through with his promise of seeking my out. I suspect it is only through Luna’s intervention my rest has been so peaceful.

She fidgets with those fingers of hers again. “I ah…just wanted to say how sorry I am. For hurting you I mean. I really didn’t mean to slam you so hard. I’m still learning magic and I’m pretty terrible at it. I don’t have a lot of control y’know? And uh…I’m just glad you’re alright.”

Of everything she could say to me, an apology was certainly the furthest thing from my mind. I attacked her, badly harmed her friend and herself and now she is telling me she is sorry for hurting ME. I fear I will never understand how the minds of these surface ponies work. Though she is not native I can tell she is more of an Equestrian than I am. For now at least. Perhaps one day I too will be like the rest of them. I so wish to be.

She is staring at me. “I accept your apology Jennifer. And offer one of my own. Had I listened to my friends I doubt we would have come to blows at all. I hope you can forgive me.”

Now she is smiling. “I do. I talked to them last night, they’re nice. I can’t even be mad at Trixie anymore really. And Tak seems like a nice guy.”

“He is. They both mean very much to me.” She touches her bracelet and returns to her pony shape. I watch curiously. “I am not so good with magic either. I only know a few spells Trixie calls them. She tries to teach me but…”

She grins. “But it’s so boring right? Like there’s so much cooler stuff you’d rather be doing?”

I nod. “Yes. That is it exactly! I would much prefer to see a new city or try some new food than attempt to memorize complicated equations to recite in my head.”

She flares her wings to their full length. “I much prefer these babies to a horn. I mean hooves suck to try and hold stuff with but I can learn to do without hands or magic if it means I get to fly.”

I shift my gaze to the wings I keep tucked at my side; I never gave them much thought other than keeping them concealed. “Is it…truly such a wondrous experience?”

She looks sheepish. “Well I haven’t ACTUALLY flown with my OWN wings yet. Pinkie wouldn’t let me start learning til just a bit ago. I’m learning all about being a pegasus from one of her friends though. She taught me how to preen and care for my wings, and all sorts of neat stuff about wind currents and thermals and things like that.” She wrinkles her nose in confusion. “Haven’t you flown before? I mean you were born with wings right?”

“I was but I was…ashamed of them. My situation is complicated.”

“Tak told me. About the spiderkin and you looking kinda like a changeling?”

I nod. “Yes. The horn I could not hide but the wings are all but invisible unless I move them.” With considerable effort I force the one closest to her open. She gasps audibly.

“Your feathers look…pretty awful. I mean I’ve only been learning about them for a little bit but…wow.” She touches it gingerly with a hoof frowning some. “You should tell somepony about them. I mean you’re not living underground anymore, you should be learning to fly too. I’ve only done it from a chariot so far but…it’s pretty amazing.”

I let the wing snap closed against my side. “Perhaps I will. And…thank you for visiting me. This was a pleasant and very interesting conversation.”

She smiles warmly now. “It was. Maybe sometime you can tell me about your home yourself? It sounds like a really interesting place. I’m here every weekend.”

I nod. “I have a few tales I am sure you would find interesting. Perhaps we can make a bargain? I will tell you of the spiderkin and the tunnels beneath Equestria in exchange for tales of your own homeland. No doubt your world has its fair share of strange and interesting wonders. Even the mundane to you would likely be fascinating to me.”

She looks thoughtful. “Yeah I guess that’s true. Alright, you got yourself a deal. But uh…next weekend. I should get going; I got a train to catch soon.”

I nod again. “Next weekend then. I believe I will not be leaving anytime soon.”

“Alright then. Get well soon Umbra.”

She is gone and I am once more alone with my thoughts. Thoughts of the inhabitants of the surface. While I know there is darkness, the lich is clearly a great evil and Luna herself was once such a blight to these people…the majority of Equestria’s inhabitants are warm, kind, and caring. And oh so quick to forgive. If an apology is offered they accept without hesitation, eager to turn an enemy into a friend. Perhaps I should accept Luna’s apology.

…perhaps.

Chapter 9: Recovery

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Chapter 9: Recovery

If I had been told several months before my life completely turned to insanity that I would be eagerly anticipating the day I could resume my career as a ‘strong pony’ in a traveling magician’s show I would have thought you insane. Yet here I am still stuck in this bed barely strong enough to walk unaided. It has been a week since my return to the waking world and my progress has been unsatisfactory to say the least. The doctor tells me I am recovering at an impressive rate; evidently one does not shrug off a broken spine often. But to me it seems to be taking forever.

Tak and Trixie’s frequent visits help however. Even if the former insists on throwing open the curtains. ‘Can’t let all yer hardwork getting’ used t’the sunshine go t’waste now can we!’ I cannot fault his logic even if I do find the light unpleasant. Trixie has seen this as an excellent opportunity to focus on my magical studies. I am more pleased with my progress there than in my physical recovery. While deeper spell work is eluding me, my levitation is coming along well.

“Trixie believes she has been approaching this the wrong way. It might be difficulty for you to learn levitation the way a normal foal would.” I would protest her use of the word for a pony hatchling in describing me, but when it comes to magic it is an apt title. “Since nopony uses magic where you’re from, it must seem a nearly impossible concept to move something without touching it. So Trixie has come up with yet another brilliant plan!”

Normally I would find her use of her stage voice in ordinary conversation grating, but I am cheered to see her spirits lifting. Nearly every day she seems happier, brighter, and in a more pleasant mood. “What pray tell is this brilliant idea then?”

She smiles widely. “Trixie would like you to focus on your magic. Call it to your horn.”

This is a simple enough task and I do as she asks. The room soon bathed in the crimson aura of my magic. “Alright…now what?”

Her own horn shines with a gentle pink shimmer and she moves a glass of water to hover before her face. “Trixie wants you to take the glass.”

Brow raised I reach out to do just that but she slaps my hoof away. “With your magic.”

I scowl now. “You know I cannot Trixie.”

“Trixie wants you to close your eyes.” With another small glare I do so. “Now your family, they had arms and hands yes?”

“Yes. I have told you this before.”

“Good. Now keep your eyes closed and imagine YOU have such things. Sprouting from your shoulders or wherever they come from. Imagine their weight, how it feels to flex them and grip things with those…creepy fingers.”

With a grunt of exasperation I open my eyes. “Trixie this is stupid. Your requests are nonsensical.”

She scoffs. “Do you want to learn to use magic, or do you prefer to continue looking like an ignorant foal to everypony you run into?”

I snap my mouth shut and close my eyes, again focusing my magic through my horn. “That’s what Trixie thought. Now are you imagining the arms?”

Sighing softly I nod. “Yes…I think so.”

“Good! Now Trixie wants you to imagine reaching your arm out, opening your hands and taking the glass. Bring it right to your lips and have a drink.”

Snorting softly at the foolishness of this exercise I nonetheless comply. Picturing in my mind’s eye possessing a slender arm similar to Neela’s, I reach for where the glass was. And then…I feel it gripped in my hand. I almost drop it in shock but Trixie’s voice interrupts. “Good. Bring it to your mouth Umbra.”

I do as she instructs slowly. I feel the glass bump my lips and cautiously I open them to take a drink. Opening my eyes I find the glass gripped in a shimmering red aura emanating from my horn. With a soft gasp I drop the still half full glass. “I did it! How did you know that…absurd nonsense about arms would work?”

She smiles smugly. “It occurred to Trixie that growing up having never seen magic performed, the very idea would be too foreign for your mind to grasp. Even though you’ve seen Trixie perform her own mind boggling feats in your mind performing magic for yourself was impossibility. You are free to thank Trixie at your leisure.”

Her ego is swollen enough but I AM grateful. “Thank you Trixie. I am glad you are such a patient teacher. And I am glad we are friends.”

Trixie’s smile eases a bit to a more normal expression. “It’s nothing Umbra, I’m happy to help. So how are you feeling anyhow? Want to go for a little walk?”

I frown. I do not wish to go for a walk. It is generally an embarrassing experience with the castle staff gawking at me. But I know I need to keep exercising my lax muscles to get my strength back. With a small grimace I laboriously pull myself from the bed and shuffle to the floor. Trixie is close at my side ready to offer support should I need it. “How is your relationship with Tak progressing?”

She shrugs affably as she opens the door for me. “We’re keeping it casual. We went to the art district last night for some musical festival they were having. It was fun. We’d love it if you’d come out with us Umbra. We don’t mind moving at a slower pace for you.”

Bad enough my humiliating condition is on display for every pony in the castle. I certainly do not plan on displaying myself to the city at large. “When I am well you may show me the city.”

Trixie rolls her eyes and her tail flicks in annoyance. “Fine if you want to stay cooped up in your room all day it’s none of my business.”

Our attention is drawn to some sort of commotion in the gardens. Trixie patiently waits for me to shamble to the ballroom and out into the spacious Canterlot Castle gardens. The moon has climbed high into the sky by now illuminating the gardens in soothing silvery light. More and more I find the night sky soothing, particularly when compared to the hellish daytime sun. There is a large collection of Luna’s night pony guard assembled in a circle watching some sort of spectacle. They make way for Trixie and I, allowing me to move toward the front.

Luna is there, garbed head to hoof in midnight blue armor lined in silver. A pair of curved blades hang in the air gripped by her magical aura. Facing her is the filly…girl…whatever she is, in her humanoid guise with the unicorn horn. She is similarly armored though in pink and gold rather than Luna’s blue and silver, Bleeding Heart’s blade is drawn and in her hand. The pair circle one another slowly. I look about confused as to why the guard are not more concerned…but rather than fret they seem to be taking bets. I lean to one I am familiar with, the guard assigned to my door.

“What is this? Why are you all spectating? Are they not going to harm one another?”

The mare, Shadow Slinger glances at me. “Oh! Umbra! Uh…no. Lady Luna trains Jubilant like this every weekend. It’s not all court manners and Equestrian history. Apparently m’lady was a member of the old knighthood Jubilant’s been so interested in lately. So they spar and Lady Luna trains her to use her sword properly.”

I return my attention to the combatants. I recall now the girl said Jubilant was her Equestrian name. Luna seems the calmer of the two obviously, but the girl carries herself far better than she did when facing me a few weeks ago. She makes the first move lunging forward with a quick thrust. Luna parries with one of her blades, the other slicing through the air at the girl’s armored abdomen. She catches it with her shield and thrusts it aside, spinning in closer to the large pony and swinging her blade up between Luna’s forelegs. The princess does not try to block this time, she simply leaps into the air beating her wings hard and landing behind the girl.

More ponies exchange bits as the two dance about one another. “What do they wager on?”

“How often Jubilant manages to strike Lady Luna. Last week was the first time she scored a hit on her. Right on the flank! THWACK! M’lady wasn’t using her proper blades then, just practice ones. She has an enchantment over the field so they can’t wound each other. Once she was struck though she fetched Night Singer and they have proper bouts. Though it’s still pretty one sided, Jubilant’s getting a lot better. Oh! Looks like it’s about to get good!”

Trixie is eagerly joining in on the wagering as I turn my attention back to the dueling pair. Luna has been striking the girl repeatedly with her blades. They clang harmlessly off her armor but from her body language it is clear each strike still causes some discomfort. One of the runes on her blade flares and I gasp sharply. Bleeding Heart materializes at Jubilant’s side and joins the fray. The pair fight in perfect synchronization and now it is Luna being pressed by their flashing swords. At first I wonder if the image of Bleeding Heart is just that, as they move with such fluid synchronization I suspect she is only a reflection. Then Jubilant ducks abruptly and Bleeding Heart launches off her back high into the air slamming her blade down on Luna’s helmed head.

A great cheer raises from the crowd and more bits exchange hooves. The crowd moves as Luna lands closer to the informal barrier. She canters about the edge eyeing the duo of Mercy bearers, shaking her head once or twice. Clearly the blow dazed her. Suddenly a rune on her own weapons glows, and the princess vanishes from sight.

Jubilant stiffens immediately but Bleeding Heart moves into a defensive position. Somehow the specter can see the invisible princess. She fights to defend her summoner fiercely but alone she is overmatched. The girl is spirited. She lunges in swinging her blade over Bleeding Hearts head. Her strike is blocked by one of the invisible blades but Bleeding Heart takes advantage and abruptly bucks upwards. Her hooves connect with a resounding clang and a sharp whinny is given off by the princess as she shimmers into view. The girl shouts in triumph lunging for a more practiced strike but hits only air. Luna melts into a cloud of shimmering mist and swirls about the field, reforming behind Jubilant and Bleeding Heart. The pair spin but too late. Luna ducks low and sweeps Bleeding Heart from her hooves with a swing of one of her wings, while her blades catch the girl in the back of the knees sending her tumbling forward with a curse.

The fight is ended as the princess rests a blade against each of their necks. Bleeding Heart melts back into the sword and the girl retracts her armor, sheathing the weapon. She is covered in welts and bruises but smiling toothily. Luna likewise sheathes her blades and touches the gem at her throat, her armor melting back into the jeweled torc she always wears.

“Ponyfeathers! Th’kid couldn’t whack her one more time? I woulda made a killin’!” Trixie and I both turn to the familiar voice. Tak in his pegasus form is standing with a group of betters, handing over a small fortune in coin. Trixie happily scoops up a smile pile of her own winnings, depositing them into her hat.

She looks at me in concern for a moment. My breathing has steadily grown more labored and a faint sheen of sweat is covering my coat. “Are you alright? Should we go back to your room?”

With a scowl I shake my head. “I do not wish to go back inside just yet. Let us try and console Tak hm?”

Trixie trots ahead of me, already loudly proclaiming how much money she made from the fight. Tak looks disgruntled for a moment but breaks into his usual smile as he sees me approach. “Hey Umbra. Some fight huh? Y’know they do this EVERY Friday night? I found my newest vice I think.”

I settle on my haunches. “Yes the girl has become very skilled, and in so short a time.”

Tak shrugs. “Eh ain’t that surprisin’. Th’kid’s been trainin’ with Luna herself an word is she summons up Heart an practices all’a time with her too.”

Looking back I see Luna and Jubilant making their way back into the castle as the crowd begins to disperse. “Yes. Though I do not believe that is truly Bleeding Heart. Merely an…echo.”

My friends share a quick glance before looking back at me. “What makes you say that?”

“Hrm. When I was first wounded I had a…vision of Bleeding Heart. She was in this…I do not know for certain, a gateway of golden light I believe. She told me she was at rest in the Fields of Elysium.”

Trixie’s brow furrows. “Are you sure it wasn’t just a dream?”

"I do not believe so. Luna came to me soon after Bleeding Heart left and we shared words.”

“Wow. That’s some pretty heavy stuff. I mean I ain’t exactly a big believer but I know a few ponyfolk are inta that spiritual junk. Everypony wants t’know they got somethin’ good waitin’ for em when they die.”

The three of us are quiet for a time, each absorbed in their own thoughts. Trixie breaks the silence first. “Alright you’ve been up long enough Umbra. Let’s get you back to your room.”

I do not argue this time; merely begin the arduous journey back to my bed. Tak and Trixie walk on either side of me. “So! There’s some kinda big play goin’ on t’morrow Umbra. Me an Trixie were gonna check it out. Why don’tcha come with?”
With a gentle snort I shake my head. “I am not well enough to venture into the city.”

He shrugs. “We’ll getcha one’a them chairs with th’wheels on it then. Sides if we do that we get choice seatin’!” He smirks.
“Perhaps. I will think on it this evening. Is that acceptable?”

They both smile. “Yup! No pressure or nothin’. Butcha really should come out. I know ya ain’t a hunnerd percent but’cher good enough fer easy stuff.”

I see Luna and Jubilant go their separate ways ahead of us. “Trixie, your second name is Lulamoon is it not?”

She looks at me curiously. “It is.”

“Are you familiar with an ancient unicorn magician known as Starswirl?”

Now she laughs. “Of course. He’s only the most famous unicorn of all time. He developed many of the spells and magical theory we use today. Why?”

I nod toward the departing Jubilant, now in pony shape. “She is under the impression his second name is also Lulamoon.”
Now she AND Tak laugh. “Trixie? Related t’Starswirl th’Bearded. I think th’filly’s just a lil bit confused.”

“Yes I think I’d know if I was related to Starswirl.”

I shrug. “According to Jubilant he found Lulamoon embarrassing and tried to keep anypony from learning it. The book she is studying on her knightly order was penned by Starswirl and he is identified as Starswirl Lulamoon within.”

The more I speak the more stunned Trixie looks. She looks from me to the filly before breaking out in a gallop after her. Tak watches her go with a chuckle. “Betcha just wanted some alone time with ol’Tak eh? Miss the good old days?”

I chuckle. “While I enjoy your company, no. What I said was the truth. I do not know if it is factual or not but Jubilant is under the impression it is. I thought Trixie should know. Now if you will excuse me I believe Luna is alone and would like to speak with her.”

His wings ruffle with a touch of huff. “Fine fine. Nopony wants t’keep me company t’night. Just as well that Trixie’s wearin’ me out. I’ll see ya t’morrow then Umbra. Think about that show!”

I promise to do so and he is off to his rooms. I make my own way slowly in the direction the princess went. I am greeted by a long hallway and I sigh. I shamble my way along, politely waving off the many offers of assistance from the guard and castle staff. My heart sinks when I come to a winding staircase. With a heavy sigh of resignation I begin to ascend.

The climb is almost comically long. Not just due to my weakened condition. I must be climbing one of the towers of the castle. Several times I must stop and rest but eventually I make it to the top floor. A startled pair of guards gape at me a moment before they recover. “One moment please, Lady Luna said if you came she was to be informed.”

I can only nod as I sink wearily to the floor, sides heaving as I suck in air. One of the pair departs while the other gazes down at me in concern. “Do you need anything?”

I chuckle weakly. “Only to have my health back. Slowly but surely yes?”

He laughs with me. “Yeah you were pretty banged up. Lady Luna didn’t say what happened t’you just that you were to be treated as an honored guest.”

Obviously the story of our encounter with Jubilant and Cadet Echo is not wide spread throughout the castle. I am unsure of how to feel about my status as ‘honored guest’. Luna has been nothing but cordial to me since arriving, but I sense she is holding back what she truly wishes to say. The pain in her eyes when she looks to me is…difficult for me to brush off the more time I spend here. The first guard arrives soon.

“Lady Luna is recovering from her match with Jubilant in her baths; you’re welcome to join her.”

I nod my thanks and follow the guards as they swing open a large pair of ornate doors. The room within is nearly as spacious as my mother’s web chamber. The floor is a dark blue marble with similarly colored pillars supporting the ceiling. It is dominated by a massive pool of gently steaming water. Luna herself reclines within sighing softly and nursing a few welts of her own. She smiles as she sees me. “Umbra, I am glad to see you.”

With a slow nod I ease toward the pool cautiously dipping ah oof in. The water is hot and I slowly ease myself in. It brings a wonderful sensation of lethargy on my weary muscles. “Thank you for seeing me.”

She shakes her head. “I always have time for you Umbra.”

Already I feel more energetic than I did moments ago. “This bath is very impressive.”

“Oh. Yes the water is enchanted. It restores and rejuvenates. I did not need it until recently but Jubilant is improving daily. I find the combat very invigorating. It has been more than a few years since I was engaged in swordplay, even with a novice.”

“You are one of them yes? A Knight of Harmony?”

She looks surprised. “I am. Did Jubilant speak to you of the order?”

I nod. “Yes. As you know Bleeding Heart was a dear friend and learning of this order is akin to learning more of my friends past. Those swords you wield, they are of similar power to Mercy?”

She looks contemplative as her horn shimmers warmly, bringing a pair of glasses to the both of us. She rests mine on the edge of the pool beside me. I surprise her by taking it with my own magic. I handle it gingerly but manage to sip the sweet juice within. I do not believe I will ever tire of apple-anything. “It depends. Mercy is arguably the most powerful of the Arms of Harmony in what it can accomplish. The most heinous of wounds can be taken from an ally onto Mercy’s bearer, than Mercy can heal the wound to its owner. My own weapon, Night Singer is an assassin’s weapon. They are meant for quick decisive strikes.”

I frown. “An assassin? I have trouble picturing you in such a role.”

Luna laughs lightly. It is a gentle sound, and one I find pleasing to the ear. “Night Singer’s crafter was an assassin Umbra. This was nearly two and a half thousand years ago. Equestria was a very different land then. In fact there was not even an Equestria. It was called something different. Silent Step was her name. She gave up her old life when she founded the order alongside her friends, but the skills she learned she applied to protecting her fellow pony’s. She passed Night Singer on to her squire, and he passed it on to me. Generally one does not remain in the order for as long as I did, but my sister and I do not age.”

“Your sister. Celestia? I have heard a little of her. Does she not live here?”

She frowns. “She is…away. Recovering. Our kind are very long lived, but even we need rest. Typically only a week of time in stasis is needed and we are refreshed for nearly a century. However in my…absence Celestia refused to leave Equestria untended, even for a week. So she prolonged her rest. It will be nearly a year before she is fit to return.” Her gaze turns stern. “This is privileged information Umbra. Nopony save myself, my niece, her husband, and my sister’s student know of Celestia’s incapacitation. You must not speak of it.”

I am…taken aback by the trust she has shown in me. I simply nod. “I understand. I will tell no one.”

Her smile returns. “Thank you. Is that all you came to see me about? My sword?”

“Oh. No it is not. Tak and Trixie mentioned a performance tomorrow. A play he called it. I thought perhaps you could…ah…join us.”

Her smile falters a bit and for a moment I fear she is about to cry. But she composes herself. “I would be very pleased to accompany you and your friends Umbra. In fact I will arrange for the four of us to view the play from the royal box.”

A pause stretches between us now as I nod. “Well. I shall leave you to your relaxation. I hope I did not intrude too much.”

She stands swiftly; wings flared and sending small waves rippling though the pool. “Wait! I…” She calms herself and her wings close at her sides. “That is…you are not disturbing me. Please, stay.”

I find myself torn. She clearly wishes for me to remain and converse more, though I have no idea what I would say. I started this however; I sought her out without prodding from anyone else. Certainly my anger toward her has diminished considerably. How could it not? But am I betraying the mother who raised me by allowing myself to become closer to the one who birthed me?

The silence stretches between us and she frowns. “Tell me of your mother Umbra.”

I look to her now, and settle back in the pool. “As I told you before, she was our queen. Queen Spinneret. Physically she was enormous. She would fill about a third of this room on her own. Her lower half was a massive arachnid while her upper torso resembled Jubilant in her natural state, though mother’s skin was black as polished obsidian. Royal born spiderkin have eight eyes and no nose like the girl either.”

I smile a little. “Mother was very stern. Emotion is not known to the workers, and little known to the scout and warrior castes. She expected her children to emulate them so that we did not alienate ourselves from our subjects.”

Luna’s frown deepens. “You grew up without emotion?”

“Not precisely. When we were alone mother would smile for me and tell me how she loved me. She would bathe me in the stream beneath her web and save the choicest of mushrooms for me to snack on in our private moments together. Even in public however, her eyes betrayed her. After years of study I learned to read the emotions my family hid by staring into their eyes. She loved me dearly. I would do my best to make her smile each day and typically I succeeded.”

Now the princess regards me with a softer look. “I see. You loved her very much. And it sounds as if she loved you just as dearly.”

I am quiet now as I nod. “Yes. Yes she did. My eldest sister betrayed her to the changelings we warred with for land. She poisoned nearly all of my siblings and had been poisoning mother for some time. My surviving sister and now queen Neela and I, along with Tak slew the traitor. With the last of her life mother saved me from a grievous wound.” To my annoyance I feel my eyes burn as tears come unbidden.

Luna hesitates before she moves closer, settling in the pool beside me and gently resting one of her wings across my back. “I am very sorry I never had the chance to meet her. She sounds like a wonderful woman.”

I do not push her away, or try to duck from beneath the wing. “She was. She cared for us all so very much, even if she could not show it all the time. I…I miss her very much.” The tears flow harder now, obscuring my vision. I try to resist but soon I am wracked with powerful heaving sobs.

Luna stiffens at my side before she lies in the pool beside me, using her wing to pull me close against her side. “It is alright Umbra. I…know what it is to lose a mother. I miss mine dearly as well.”

The princess is so very warm. Her silken coat against my own feels incredibly comfortable. I wipe my nose with the back of my hoof, resting it back in the warm water. My crying has eased somewhat. “…tell me about her?”

“Like yours she was a queen. Very stern so I suppose we have that in common too hm? She loved Celestia and I dearly at one time. But…her time as queen did something to her. Warped her perceptions. Where we came from originally we were a far cry from royalty. Quite the opposite in fact. My mother was a chambermaid and Celestia and I worked caring for our lord’s animals. It was not until we came to the land the pony’s had named Equestria did we come to power. We played a small role for a time, content to use our great power to help the ponies. Celestia and I joined the Order of Harmony, we were honored to have been invited and accepted eagerly.”

She sighs a little, her wing tightening around me. It is not uncomfortable…just an unusual sensation for me. “While my sister and I were championing the cause for the common pony, our mother fell in with the nobility. Things were different before we came, the three pony tribes did not live in harmony with one another as they did then. The unicorns ruled all before the Order forced their King to accept the earth and pegasus tribes as equals. Mother…liked that idea. Celestia and I were on a mission of peace with Starswirl, the only remaining knight of the original six founders. By the time we returned, she had destroyed the Citadel of Harmony and scattered the knights. She offered Celestia and I the chance to join her, to rule alongside her. With Starswirls aid we used a spell to…depose her. By our own hooves we slew our own mother but…it had to be done. She would have enslaved everypony in the land and likely spread her influence beyond Equestria’s borders.”

I look up to see Luna’s eyes are wet with unshed tears of her own. She huffs lightly and brushes her free wing across her eyes. “I apologize…it has been some time since I spoke of her. I asked to hear of yours and here I am whining like a foal about my own lost mother.”

I am unsure of what possessed me to do so, but I learn my muzzle forward and gently brush it against her neck affectionately. She looks surprised, but returns the gesture. “So we both lost our mother to tragic circumstances?”

She nods. “Yes I…suppose we did.” She stands slowly and lifts me gently with her magic. “It is late and I think you should be in bed yes?”

I had not realized how weary I was until she said that. With a small chuckle I nod. “I suppose so. Thank you Luna. For asking about her.”

Her smile is warm and genuine. “Perhaps we can speak again of our family’s tomorrow. I would love to tell you about Celestia. I have a few good stories that should be very embarrassing for her when you two meet.”

I find the prospect of meeting Luna’s sister…my aunt I suppose…rather pleasant. “I would be happy to when she returns.” She walks with me to my room. “When I am well enough to travel…will we be allowed to depart?”

She looks confused. “Why would you not be?”

“Trixie and Tak are paying for their crimes; I assumed I would be doing so as well.”

“Ah…of course. Between you and I their community service was more for their own benefit. If they have something to keep them busy they would not spend every waking moment fretting over you. And the coin they are earning will make your travels easier I believe? As for your own crimes…Jubilant and Echo have both forgiven you. They are the wronged party and if they feel you have nothing to pay for…who am I to argue?”

I step into my room and climb into bed. “Thank you Luna. Truly…I am very grateful for your kindness toward myself and my friends.”

She simply nods. “Good night Umbra. I will…see you tomorrow evening.”

Luna turns to leave and I sit up. “I am…not angry with you any longer. For what you did to me. I know you did not intend for events to unfold as they did.”

She glances back at me from the corner of her eye. “Thank you Umbra. Sweet dreams.”

And then she is gone, and I am alone. I lay back in the bed and am soon sleeping soundly. My dreams that night were indeed sweet.

Chapter 10: Crystalline Visions

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Chapter 10: Crystalline Visions

Tak and Trixie were both delighted at our deluxe accommodations for the show. Personally I found it confusing and hard to follow but my friends seemed to be enjoying themselves, so I was enjoying myself. At first both had balked at the idea that the princess would be accompanying us. Luna was a consummate companion to our threesome however. She spoke very little, purchased my friends’ refreshments and was nothing but cordial and polite to both.

Tak sat between Trixie and I, with Luna at my other side. Occasionally she would glance toward the changeling, particularly when one of his feathered wings found its way around my shoulders and I leaned against him.

The show ended soon enough and to my delight it was already dark outside. I am growing more used to the day, but find the night time sky far preferable. A carriage returns us to the palace. Casting one last look at the three of us Luna bids us good night and leaves to tend to her evening affairs. Likely lessons with the filly Jennifer.

“Now that you’re feeling better Umbra, I’d like to talk about our future plans.” Trixie pushes open the door to my room making herself comfortable on my bed no less.

Tak helps himself to a chair as I get some water. All the activity has left me annoyingly drained. “Very well. Do you have a destination in mind?”

Smiling widely, as if she’d expected that very question the mare nods. “I do in fact! We are taking our show tooooo…the Crystal Empire!”

I look confused, Tak looks horrified. “Heh, yer jokin’ right? Pullin’ my leg?”

Trixie frowns. “Why would I be joking? It’s an entire city of earth ponies! We could make a killing with a magic act, especially one with no spells. That’s relatable Tak.”

“Uh huh. An d’you know who runs the empire?”

“Well of course. Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor.”

“Right. An didja hear about that changeling invasion a couple years back?”

Trixie rolls her eyes now. “Well who hasn’t? When that Queen replaced Princess Cadence and brainwashed Shining Armor in an attempt to overthrow Canterlot. …ah. Right.”

“I for one don’t got alotta interest in goin’ anywhere that hostile to my kind if ya don’t mind.”

I remain silent watching their exchange, but to my chagrin Trixie rounds on me. “YOU want to go don’t you Umbra?”

I shrug. “If Tak is so against it I see no reason to go. There is a good deal more of Equestria I have not seen that is not ruled by ponies who hate Tak’s people. One city is as good as any other to me.”

Now she was on her hooves, still on my bed. “But this is the CRYSTAL EMPIRE! The entire city is carved right from crystal! Everything glitters and shimmers, even the ponies! Crystal ponies Umbra! There’s no place like it in the world!”

I look to Tak, who sits with his forelegs resolutely crossed. “I will speak to Luna. Perhaps she can contact this Cadence and seek permission for your presence in her city Tak.”

He snorts. “You mares are all the same. Somethin’ shiny an yer all over it.”

“Tak I am here to learn about pony kind. That includes these…crystal ponies apparently. I would at least like to see their city briefly if it is truly such a sight to behold. I will speak to Luna. If she counsels against it or if Cadence refuses we will not go. Is that agreeable?”

Neither Trixie nor Tak looked entirely pleased with my proposed solution, but neither disagreed either. “Good. I will speak with her this evening. We can depart tomorrow, either for the empire or some other new destination. I suggest you find a suitable one in case we cannot go to the empire Trixie.”

She sighs heavily. “Yes fine, I suppose if this is the best I’m getting I’ll have to make do. We haven’t been to Trottingham I suppose.”

I nod and rise. “Good. I will come to your room and tell you Luna’s answer.” My friends do not speak again until I leave the room, but I hear them conversing together in a hushed whisper. My name arises more than once but I resist the urge to eavesdrop and climb the steps to Luna’s chambers. I am not quite as exhausted as last night so the walk is not neatly such a strain.

The guards direct me to her study without delay and I find her sitting behind a large desk behind a small mountain of papers. “I am sorry, are you busy?”

By her smile I believe my interruption is a welcome one. “Never for you Umbra. What do you need?”

“Trixie and I wish to travel to the Crystal Empire. Tak has concerns about his presence upsetting their rulers; I had hoped you may be able to ease his doubts.”

She nods slowly. “I can see why he worries about that. Cadence and Shining Armor were badly wronged by his people and I suspect both still harbor a grudge. Just a moment and I will contact them and see if they would be amenable to his presence.”

I nod now and settle comfortably on one of the cushions before her desk. Her horn shines with the midnight blue hue I find rather soothing, as she withdraws a small mirror from her desk. Luna peers down into it intently and works some sort of magic. Almost immediately I hear two new voices, male and female. The female is giggling frequently.

Luna’s cheeks darken and she clears her throat gently. I hear a sharp gasp and the sound of a hoof colliding with flesh, then the male yelp. “It’s Luna! Shining move!” A minor scuffle ensues, during which I walk to Luna’s side and lean on the desk to see into the mirror as well.

Soon a pink coated mare with a rather unique three toned mane looks back. “Luna so lovely to hear from you! In the middle of the night no less…” She looks at my curiously. “And who is this?”

Luna looks at me for a moment and I nod once. “This is my daughter Umbra. She would like permission for she and her friends to visit the empire and perform their show.”

The mare, Cadence I presume is shoved aside by a white stallion with a dark blue mane with electric stripes. “Did you say your DAUGHTER?”

With a yelp Shining Armor is flung away from the mirror by Cadence’s magic as she shoots him a glare and settles before it again. “Do you mean the same way Aunt Celestia took me in? I’d heard there was a new visitor…”

“No Cadence my biological daughter. She was lost to me for many years and has returned recently.”

“Oh! W-well that’s wonderful and congratulations to you both!” She is clearly surprised though I doubt the princess’ have lost daughters cropping up frequently so it is to be expected.

I remain silent while Luna smiles cautiously. “Thank you.”

“And of course she’s welcome in the empire, why would you think otherwise?” Cadence is studying me more intently now and I resist the urge to retreat from the mirror.

“Well the ring leader of their traveling act is Trixie Lulamoon, you may have heard of her?”

Cadence’s eyes widen further. “What?! She’s a wanted criminal!”

“I have pardoned her, she was desperate and misguided. At her core she is a good mare if a bit...flashy at times.”

“…I almost don’t want to know about the other.”

Luna looks more uncomfortable. “Yes. The other is a changeling prince.”

For a moment Cadence just stares. Then she laughs. I can hear Shining Armor laughing too. “Oh! Oh you had me going! This is a prank yes? Like Aunt Celestia! You had us going for a minute with the whole long lost daughter routine.”

Luna however is not smiling. “I am not known for my sense of humor Cadence. This is my daughter Umbra, her companions Trixie Lulamoon and Prince Tak’thiss wish to visit the empire.”

Cadences’ cheer is fading quickly. “If this is a joke it’s going a bit far. If it’s not, absolutely not. We’ve been working to develop ways to specifically keep those filthy things out of our city.”

I bristle and lean over the mirror. “You may deny our passage but you will not insult my friend.”

The princess shifts her focus back to me. “You have very poor choice in friends if you really do count a changeling among them. They’re all sneaks, liars, and worse at times. You are welcome to come, as is Trixie I suppose if Luna has pardoned her but no changeling will step one holey hoof in my empire if I have anything to say about it.”

I scowl now. “I find I do not wish to see your city of crystal. If it is ruled by such a bigoted mare that she judges every member of the changeling people on the actions of one rogue queen it is no place I care to see.” I look back to Luna. “I apologize for interrupting your work. Good night Luna.”

As I leave I hear Cadence ask for clarification on something I said but I do not care. I am angry and do not wish to embarrass Luna in front of one of her peers, however much I may dislike her. I brush by the guards briskly and return to my room to find Tak and Trixie still waiting.

“We are not going to the empire, choose another destination Trixie.”

She opens her mouth to argue, but seeing the look on my face she simply nods. “Alright Umbra. Maybe we can head out west? I’ve always wanted to perform in Las Pegasus I suppose.” The disappointment in her voice is clear.

“Tak is not welcome, so I will not go either. If you wish to see the empire Luna will make proper arrangements Trixie.”

Trixie snorts softly. “The great and powerful Trixie does not perform where her cast is not welcome. If one of us can’t go, none of us will. It’s as simple as that.”

Tak is grinning widely. “Aww thanks girls. Yer gonna make me blush.”

My foul mood is clearing slowly being back among these two I have come to care for. “Well then whatever destination you choose will be acceptable. I think I would like to rest if you do not mind?”

“Of course Umbra, we’ll see you in the morning.” Trixie makes her way to the door with Tak in tow.

“Tak, will you remain?”

They both look a bit surprised but he shrugs. “Sure. I’ll see ya later Trixie.”

She leaves shutting the door behind her. Tak approaches curiously. “What’s up?”

I frown now feeling suddenly unsure. “I do not know the appropriate pony courtship rituals, but I wish to be intimate with you. Among my family when a female wishes to mate she simply choose a male and they perform the deed. I suspect it is not so with ponies but it is the only way I know.”

Tak stares at me for a moment before breaking into a grin. “To be honest it’s kind of a relief. It’s the same with changelings. When a female wants a male they just take him. It’s kinda nice to get a bit of directness after so many years of doing the romance dance.”

My nerves flare slightly but I keep my voice steady. “Excellent. You may begin when ready.”

He raises a brow eyeing me quietly. “…have you done this before?”

My tail twitches noticeably. “I have not.”

Tak chuckles softly. “Alright, well we’ll take it slow ok?” With a flare he stands in his normal pegasus guise.

“I prefer your true self. If you do not mind.”

Green flames lick about his body burning away the false image, revealing the imposing changeling male with his intriguing red eyes. “Umbra that was probably the most romantic thing anyone’s said to me in a long time.”

He pauses to douse the candles that bathe the room in a warm orange glow, and then he joins me in the bed.

***

I wake slowly the next morning. Giving a happy sigh at the pleasant warmth of Tak’s body pressed against mine beneath the covers I shift my weight to lean against him a bit more. He in turn rests a leg around my shoulders.

“Morning Umbra.”

“Good morning Tak.” I am chagrined to find I have no idea what to say. More often than not when a female finished mating with a male she would eat him in my home. I do not know much about pony courtship but I am fairly certain this is not a practice our two kinds share.

He of course senses my hesitation and gives me a gentle squeeze. “Relax. You don’t have to do anything. In fact I should be getting you breakfast or something. Just promise not to eat me.”

I grin at that. “Do changelings do that too?”

With a roll of his eyes he climbs out of the bed…I miss his presence already. “Sometimes. If a drone doesn’t y’know, do a good job.”

“I do not have much to compare to but I believe you performed satisfactorily.”

Tak barks a loud laugh. “Well thanks! I always aim for a satisfactory performance.”

My ears splay. “I apologize. It was a…very satisfactory performance?”

He laughs again but it is gentler. With a quick lunge he kisses me on the bridge of my muzzle. “I know what you meant Umbra. You were very satisfactory as well.”

There is a question I wish to ask but some instinct tells me it would be unwise to demand he compare Trixie and myself. “Very well. You mentioned you were fetching me breakfast?”

With another laugh and a shake of his head he slips out the door. I smile and settle back in the pillows feeling strangely light hearted. It is going to be a good day I think. My happy musings are interrupted as my door opens, Trixie shows herself in.

“Good morning! Sleep well? I sure did. I was going to head down and check on the wagon. We’ve got a long ways to go and I figured it’d be a good idea to make sure it was in perfect shape for the trip.” She has a small tray she is in the midst of eating from as she seats herself by the bed.

“Oh…ah…I did sleep well yes. Tak is getting breakfast.” I was told this would not be uncomfortable but I am unsure how Trixie will actually handle the situation.

“Oh! He always does that for me too.” She grins. “How would you like to have some fun with him?”

I smile and nod. Trixie sets her tray aside and climbs into bed beside me, cuddling up rather close. I squirm a bit but she presses a hoof to my mouth. “Shush. Just lay there and look I don’t know…aroused.”

I genuinely have no idea how to do this. No doubt I was last night but I certainly don’t recall what I looked like at the time. So I settle for mimicking Trixie’s half lidded gaze as she drapes herself over me.

Tak arrives soon and at first our prank seems successful. His eyes nearly double in size as the tray he was balancing in his forehooves slips to the ground. “Wha…” His surprise fades as he grins. “Must be my birthday! Make room fillies!”

He leaps into the bed atop us. Trixie squeals and wriggles to get out from under him as I simply lay still with a bemused smile. He loops a leg around Trixie’s neck and tugs her in for an embrace while his other settles about my shoulders. “Did y’really think I’d fall for that? I can taste the emotions in the air an while you two care about each other y’definitely don’t wanna be in bed t’gether.”

I chuckle softly and disentangle myself from the press of bodies. Tak is strong but certainly not my match physically, as the several new bruises he spots can attest to. “I am going to get breakfast. Please clean up the mess you made of my floor before I return. Both of you.”

Trixie’s wail of dismay brings a smile to my face as I make my way to the dining room. To my surprise I find a very tired Luna sitting at the table as if she had been waiting for me. “Umbra, I am glad you are awake. I had something I wished to discuss early.”

I have a feeling a chastisement is coming for how rudely I dealt with the Princess Cadence last night but I do not regret my actions. “Very well.” I seat myself beside her at the table and gingerly collect an assortment of fruit with my still shaky magic’s.

“Princess Cadence has agreed to allow Tak into the city with you and Trixie. How soon did you wish to leave?”

Of all the things I expected to hear this was not even on the list. “…what? She changed her mind? Why?”

Luna ponders her answer for a moment, sipping her glass of juice. “We alicorns have chosen to specialize in one particular field. I the moon, my sister the sun and Cadence wished to become the princess of love. It is her special talent, spreading love and harmony to all of Equestria. Your words cut her deeply Umbra and made her realize she was being unfair toward some of Equestria’s more…unique citizens. If a changeling wishes to live peacefully among us they may do so. I plan to draw up an official announcement to just that effect. Tak’s story has shown me that they are not the monsters we thought.”

“Well thank you Luna. This means very much to me, and will surely mean more to Tak.” I feel I should say more to properly express what this gesture means to me. Luna is clearly going to great lengths to earn my favor.

“I also wish to thank you for the hospitality you have shown me and my friends. I am sure I have not been the easiest guest to get along with on top of our complicated…familial issues.”

Luna’s smile is very gentle. “You do not have to thank me for anything Umbra. I am not sure where our relationship is going to go in the future, but I will always be here for you no matter what you need. Day or night my door is always open and you and your friends are most welcome in Canterlot.”

The silence stretches on threatening to become awkward. I eat several of the delectable fruits offered before standing. “Well I should inform them of our plans. I will make Canterlot our first stop when we return from the Crystal Empire. We can…talk more.”

“I would like that very much Umbra. Be safe, and enjoy the empire. It is very beautiful. I suggest you make it a point to visit Cadence and let her know you have arrived. Now if you will excuse me, I believe I shall retire for the day. I have been awake far too long already.” She rises gracefully and pauses standing before me. I suspect she wishes to embrace me, and some small part says I should initiate the gesture…but I do not. She does not either and so after a moment she departs.

I remain seated staring after her for a time before slowly I too rise and make my way back to my chambers. Tak and Trixie still scrubbing at the floor. “We are going to the Crystal Empire.”

They both look at me in surprise. “What? But what about what you said earlier?”

I shrug. “Evidently my words convinced Princess Cadence to allow Tak admittance.”

Tak looks even more surprised. “She did? Jeez y’musta been one helluva slick talker.”

I shrug again. “I was quite earnest I suppose. Regardless shall we depart? I am eager to be on the road once more.”

“Oh! I need to pack! I’ll meet you two at the train station, go ahead and get us tickets!” Trixie gallops away in a flash leaving Tak glaring at a stubborn stain.

With a roll of my eyes I simply focus on it with my magic and rip the offending bit of carpet away stuffing it beneath the bed. “Our problem is solved, shall we?”

His grin widens. “Y’know I really think I love ya.”

I stride passed him allowing my tail to tease beneath his chin, a gesture I have seen Trixie perform several times. “You would be a fool not to.”

He seems shocked at my behavior and this pleases me. I find I quite enjoy rendering the normally talkative changeling speechless.

***

The train station is busy as before. Tak is disguised as a pegasus once more and I am…Sunny Days again. While I would prefer a simple cloak to conceal my wings and lack of a brand I understand striding about in a black hooded cloak would draw attention. Tak proceeds to get our tickets while one of the train officials eyes the wagon I haul behind myself dubiously.

“You plan on taking that on one of the trains?”

I regard him coolly and nod. “The Crystal Empire is our destination. My companion is purchasing our tickets now.”

The official, a burly earth pony stallion nods. “You’re gonna need to pay extra to transport cargo that big. We can fit it but it’ll be about a hundred extra bits.”

“Very well. Thank you, I shall inform my friend.” I remove the harness from my back and seek out Tak. The search is short as he was already on his way back toward me.

“Hey we’re all set! Train should be here in a few minutes.”

“I have been informed we must purchase space for the wagon as well.”

He chuckles. “Well yeah I already took care of it. That’s definitely a bit bigger’n a carry-on bag.”

I should have suspected the world wise changeling would already be aware of the necessary requirements. “I see.” My attention turns to the trains. “How do they move? Magic?”

Tak settles beside me. “Nah somethin’ about steam power? I know they toss coal inta th’engine an it heats up then makes steam or somethin’ that turns the gears? I dunno y’could probly ask the conductor t’see th’engine room if y’really wanna.”

“Perhaps I shall.” I shuffle on my haunches, resting my flank against Tak’s.

“Aha! There you two are!” We turn to see Trixie approaching. “Are we all set?”

Tak nods. “Yup! Got our tickets an th’cargo space fer th’wagon.”

She grins sitting on Tak’s other side. “Good! Are you two excited? I’m excited.” Her smile is nearly ear to ear.

I find her good cheer infectious. “I am growing excited yes.”

Our wait is not long. Another, larger train is pulling into the station soon. My ears splay back at the loud screeches it gives off as it slowly comes to a halt at our platform. I watch as ponies of every tribe step off the train, some reuniting with friends or family, others simply going about their way. I find observing ponies going about their day to day activities very interesting. They are so emotional, so pleased to see one another.

Soon we are allowed to board. My heart flutters in excitement at the prospect of riding one of these colorful metal constructions. A flash of green catches my eye and I peer into the cabin window I am passing. “Tak is that Jennifer?”

He stops and looks. “Hey it is! Wait is it Jen or Jubilant? I can’t tell with that filly.”

I shrug. “It is my understanding she prefers Jubilant when in public about other ponies. So as to not…unsettle them with her sometimes odd appearance. I believe she uses her real name in private.”

Now Tak’s nose is almost pressed against the window. The young human turned pegasus filly within has Bleeding Heart’s blade bare and in her lap most likely conversing with the spirit within. “She’s in the royal car!”

Trixie joins him now. “Ohh she is! I bet she’s going to the Empire on business for Princess Luna. We should see if we can ride with her!”

I frown. “We are not going to disturb her. We have seats of our own.”

Tak and Trixie both round on me. “But that’s the ROYAL car Umbra! How often do you think ponies like us will get to ride in one?”

Given that I am Luna’s biological daughter, most likely as often as I wished. “Regardless Trixie I am sure she is…busy…”

They both share a look and seem to come to a silent agreement. “I’ll scope out the situation. Don’t worry I’ll be subtle.”

Before I can stop him Tak darts ahead and into the train. With a scowl I try to give chase but a particularly portly earth pony mare gets in my way. Trixie is at my side shifting from hoof to hoof, though in anticipation of our trip in far improved accommodations or in worry over what I plan to do to Tak I am unsure.

After what seems an eternity the mare finally moves along allowing me to pursue Tak. It is not difficult to find the royal car. A rather ostentatious sign proclaims it to be so and I waste no time shoving my way through the door fully intent on dragging Tak out.

Tak is draped casually on one of the cushions in the car while Jennifer watches us enter looking highly amused. She turns to Tak with a raised brow. “You just HAPPENED to wander by my car and hear my talking to Heart huh?”

He rubs the back of his head. “Oh well y’know…”

I huff in irritation as I enter. “We saw you from the window when we boarded the train at Canterlot. I did not wish to impose but Tak and Trixie insisted you would not mind.”

“Hmph! Don’t rope Trixie into this; it was all Tak’s idea!” Even as she says it Trixie strides in as if the car were her own and settles on one of the cushions near the seated pair.

I frown gently and settle down slowly. “If you wish your privacy we will leave.”

Jennifer smiles and shakes her head. “No you guys are more than welcome to share the car with me. I was in for a lonely trip. I wish Luna had told me a bit more about why I’m going to the empire.”

This allows me to relax more so than before. Though she and I have been on friendly terms recently it is still hard to completely relax one’s guard around someone who nearly killed you. Trixie and Tak seem to have no such difficulties. The latter busy gorging himself on the fruit within the car.

Trixie eyes Jennifer quietly a moment. “Jennifer do you happen to have that book by Starswhirl with you? I was hoping to read it for myself.”

The filly looks at Trixie and shrugs. “Sure you can borrow it for a bit…but you gotta be like SUPER careful or Luna’ll kill me.” So saying she retrieves the requested tome and hands it to Trixie.

There is a loud whistle and the train suddenly lurches into motion. I press my hooves tightly into the floor beneath me, but seeing the other three barely take notice I relax feeling slightly foolish. Slowly I relax and study the filly quietly. She seems so different from when we first met. More sure of herself, confident. Though her limbs are just as long and gangly as a pony then a human, I know the strength she can muster within them if motivated. I find my eyes constantly drawn to the silver bracelet around her leg.

She notes my staring and shifts self-consciously. “Uh…did you want something?”

I shift guiltily having been caught staring. “Your bracelet. Will it work for anyone?”

She shrugs and lifts her leg to her mouth using her teeth to remove the bracelet before she flicks it to me. “Go nuts. But I kinda need it back.”

I stare at it quietly on the floor for a moment before I work it over my own hoof. The metal feels strangely warm against my fur, as if it has its own very faint inner warmth. “How do I activate it?”

Jennifer is staring at my curiously. “Just press a hoof to the charm you wanna change to.”

I look back to the bracelet and find the charm I seek. With a deep breath I press my hoof against it. Immediately my vision is filled with silvery light. I feel myself change though it is different than Tak’s disguise magic. I do not know precisely how to describe the sensation of growing…losing my coat and feeling my hooves soften and split. When my vision clears I look down upon my new hands. Hands that I have desired to own for as long as I can remember. Though the bizarre two legged lower half Jennifer’s species sports is not like my family’s at all…the upper half is so very much like mother’s.

The others watch me flex my fingers slowly. Tak leans closer to Jennifer speaking softly. “Her family, the folk who raised her were shaped like you. From the waist up I mean. Kid’s probly always wondered what it was like.”

The young filly nodded slowly. “Well uh, happy to help?”

My skin is much darker than Jennifer’s when she was a human. Not as dark as my family’s…a very deep brown. My mane is the same stark white however and I suspect my eyes retain their red hue as well. Inspecting the amazing deftly appendages at the ends of my arms I feel my excitement growing. “I want to grab something!”

Tak’s grin widened. “I got somethin’ for ya t’grab!”

I do not understand why Jennifer and Trixie suddenly bury Tak beneath a barrage of pillows but I do not care. I try to rise on my two legs but find it is a very shaky method of walking and topple forward catching myself with my hands. With a grimace I crawl toward the cooler containing the beverages. “How do you move about with only two legs?”

She shrugs. “Lots of practice. Baby humans crawl like you are now when we’re first born. I’m sure there’s some kinda smart explanation I never bothered to learn.”

I finally reach the cooler and open it. Slowly I take a can in my hands…it feels so very cold. Having no fur is a strange sensation but I find I very much enjoy having hands and fingers to grasp things. Slowly I open the can and take a long drink. “This is…more fun than I expected.”

Tak finally frees himself from the pillowy prison. “Well now I wanna try! Gimme.”

I look to Jennifer for permission and at her indifferent shrug I hand the bracelet over to Tak. “What do you need this for? You change shape at will.”

He slips it over his leg with a shrug. “We gotta stay kinda the same mass. Like when I squish down to a pony or a drone shape I get pretty beefy y’ever notice?”

That makes a good deal of sense really. “Now that you mention it I suppose I have. I assumed it was to make yourself appear more impressive.”

“I don’t need t’look more impressive. My natural awesomeness oozes no matter what shape I take. Observe!” With a flash there is another human in the train car. This one male, with slicked back blueish hair and eyes as red as my own, though he has the same catlike pupils he has as a changeling. His twisted horn remains, as do the insectoid gossamer wings. “Whoa this is freaky. My hooves are all wiggly.”

Jennifer blushes and shifts her eyes away from Tak, but holds out her hoof toward him. “Hey gimme the bracelet.”

Tak fumbles with his new hands, slowly removing the bracelet. “Wow these things ARE handy. Haha, handy. Get it?”

This time Trixie does not look up from her book, simply lights her horn and buries Tak beneath another barrage of pillows. The filly eyes her bracelet curiously. “Huh I thought I’d get alicorn and changeling.”

I raise a brow curiously. “That is how you acquire more charms? Have other races use your bracelet?”

“Yeah. My fillyfriend Echo became a normal pegasus and I got the night pony charm. Then my dragon friend Spike wanted to impress a mare so I picked up dragon too. I guess alicorn is just a mix of the three tribes so it doesn’t need it?”

This is interesting information. With such a bracelet could I finally become a true member of my family? Though do I wish to anymore? I love Neela and Spinner dearly, but I am developing strong feelings for Tak and Trixie. I could perhaps truly become one of my family’s people now but…that would likely mean bidding farewell to my friends and the wonderful feelings being around them bring about.

I barely notice the flash from Jennifer as she utilizes her newest charm. Sitting in the pegasi’s place is a changeling very much like Tak. Though clearly female she shares his unique eyes, though hers are hazel rather than his red. “Ooo this is weird.” Even her voice has the buzzing quality his does.

“Hey! Yer a royal changeling huh? Must be cause’a my awesome genes.” Tak the human has once again cleared the pillow prison.

The new changeling had craned her head about to focus on her new wings, buzzing them experimentally. “Oh yeah? What’s the difference?”

Tak shrugs. “Eh about two feet’a height and more magic. Plus if ya run inta any drones y’can totally boss em around.”

With a laugh Jennifer grins. “How do I y’know…change?”

“Oh. S’real easy. All ya do is focus yer magic up an picture whatcha wanna be. Even th’littlest hatchlings can do it.”

Her smile turns mischievous as Jennifer focuses on Trixie. Her horn flares with the same noxious green Tak’s does, and in a flash there are TWO Trixie’s in the train car. Though only one has her hat and cape.

Tak claps with a laugh. “There ya go! Easy right?”

The faux Trixie clears her throat. “The great and powerful Trixie demands a can of juice! Fetch it for her before she drops a giant star bear on your heads!”

I am taken aback by how perfectly she mimics both Trixie’s voice and mannerisms. It is…amusing. Tak certainly seems to think so, he is howling with laughter holding his sides. Trixie looks up from her book with a soft snort. “Oh very funny.”

Smiling like a mad woman the fake Trixie’s horn glows gently as she takes the real one’s hat and cape for herself, settling them about her person. “Prepare to marvel as Trixie performs magical feats your tiny NORMAL pony minds could only dream of!” Flourishing her hooves Jennifer reaches behind the recovering Tak’s ear coming back with a bit. “Behold! Trixie has pulled a bit from your ear!”

I have tried to resist but this newest mimicry is too much and against my will I laugh softly. Tak has tears in his eyes he is laughing so hard, and even Trixie is smiling faintly. Jennifer’s smile softens as she returns Trixie’s clothing. “That’s actually pretty fun.”

Trixie smooth’s her cape. “It’s called showmareship. You have a flair for it. If you get tired of Equestrian politics or whatever it is you do with the princess let me know. I’ll find a spot for you in the show.”

With a green flare Jennifer reverts to her changeling shape. We all turn our heads to the door as it slides open. “I know this is the royal car but everypony is complaining about the noise and…” Slowly the conductor takes in the scene within the royal car, most notably focusing on Jennifer before he slowly retreats and slides the door shut.

A long moment of silence hangs in the car before the youngest of us shrugs. “Eh I’m sure nothing bad’ll come of that.”

Chapter 11: Cousin Cadence

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Chapter 11: Cousin Cadence

I feel quite the fool as Jennifer passes the bracelet about and we all return to our normal forms our wait for the repercussions of our actions is not long. Little more than a moment passes as the train stops and armed guards flood the car.

“We know at least ONE of you is a changeling! You’ll all come with us to the barracks for questioning until your true identities are confirmed.” This my first time seeing a crystal pony and it is easy to see how they earned their name. Their coats shine and glimmer as if carved from precious gemstone. It bothers my eyes a good deal to be honest.

Tak is in his pegasus shape likely to avoid being skewered by one of the incensed soldiers. Though if things turn violent I have no doubt we can overpower them with little difficulty.

Before I act on my thoughts Jennifer steps forward wearing an embarrassed smile. “I can clear all this up for you guys real quick. I’m Jubilant Surprise, Luna’s student? I’m here to meet with Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor. I can explain everything, really.”

The leader of the soldiers keeps his stern gaze locked on the young human turned pegasi. “Very well, word will be sent to the Princess. Until then you WILL come to the barracks to await her arrival. Princess Cadence may be the youngest of the alicorns but she’s still got enough magic to put four changelings in the ground if you bugs try anything funny.”

Tak bristles at the insult and even Trixie looks ready to speak up. I lift a hoof calming both at once and follow as we are lead from the train car. I tighten my cloak about my neck and pull the hood low. I have a feeling it will be very bright outside. Trixie and I walk on either side of Tak, both leaning against him to provide tangible support. It seems to go a long way toward soothing his mood.

My guess was not wrong. The empire is dazzlingly radiant. Everything shines and glitters with painful brightness and I am glad for my hood. Despite the odd setting and coat coloration however these crystal ponies carry on like any other city we have passed through. We are receiving a number of stares and I am unsure if they do not often receive outside visitors or the presence of so many guards is the cause.

We are lead to a small squat building near what I assume is the palace. The silence is finally broken as our escort gestures to a small room. “You’ll remain here until the Princess or prince consort arrives to question you directly. Don’t give us a reason to be sorry for trusting you this far.”

The four of us shuffle in wordlessly as the door is shut and locked. Neither Tak nor Trixie seem to be taking our imprisonment well. As she was only recently a fugitive and Tak’s entire people seem to be hated by the ponies in general I cannot blame either.

Jennifer is the first to speak. “So uh…does the princess know about Tak?”

I slowly nod. “Yes. Luna sent word that I would be coming with a changeling companion. Even so she felt it best we keep his identity secret from everypony in the empire save the royal couple.”

The filly sighed in relief and even smiled. “Well then there’s no problem.”

Again our wait was not a long one. The door swung open soon admitting a stallion nearly the size of Big Macintosh. Though this one was a unicorn with a stark white coat and two-toned blue mane. He wore rather impressive looking armor though I suspect it was more for ceremony than function. His gaze sweeps across the room and holds particular malice as he settles on Tak. “On your hooves. We’ll talk once we reach the palace.”

He turns and speaks to his subordinates who do not follow as he leads us from the barracks and into the streets toward the palace. Jennifer seems distracted as she gazes at the brightly glowing heart carved from crystal hovering above the ground. Her delay draws our guides’ ire however. “Don’t dally back there!”

I allow a faint smile as the young pony jumps and rushes to catch the rest of us. We are lead up a shining staircase into the palace proper. The stallion keeps us moving at a swift pace leaving no time for sight-seeing. It is not until we reach what I assume is his office he slows. Taking a seat behind the large desk he glowers at us. “I’d like somepony to explain to me why there are rumors spreading like mad through the empire about a changeling invasion.”

Jennifer clears her throat before speaking. “W-well…didn’t Luna tell you Tak would be coming?”

“Yes. And Cadence allowed it against my will I might add. But she was lead to believe he would keep himself disguised as a pony at all times. Now that the ponies KNOW a changeling is in the empire rumors and panic are going to spread like wildfire!” He finishes by slamming a hoof atop his desk.

I feel my anger rising. While we were in error but I am losing patience with this constant racism toward Tak. Again the filly speaks first. “Um…it wasn’t his fault sir. The changeling they saw was me.”

A look of surprise flashes across his face as he focuses back to her. “How is that possible?”

She rests the leg bearing her bracelet on his desk. “It um…picks up new forms when some other species uses it. Tak and Umbra were being human and I wanted to try being a changeling…”

He regards her quietly before nodding. “I see. It was still very irresponsible. Especially you three. She’s a filly but you’re all adults and should know better.”

Now I speak. “Yes. You have our apologies. It was a very poor choice in judgment on our part that lead to this situation at all. The fault lays with myself over any of the others.” While I do not like him very much thus far he is apparently the authority figure at the moment, and we were warned of what Tak’s presence could do.

He merely grunts at me. “You three are free to go. Keep your noses clean, we’ll be watching. Princess Luna is vouching for you but as far as I’m concerned you’re potentially dangerous criminals running loose in my city. Don’t make me regret it.” Then he looks to Jennifer. “As for you…we’re going to make an official announcement. Explain to the public who you are and how you…change shape. We’ll say I dunno, it’s part of your education on Equestria alright? That should settle everypony’s mind.”

She is nodding eagerly. “Yes sir. That sounds just fine.”

He looks back to me, his frown still present. “Your wagon is waiting for you at the train station. I’ll have one of the guards escort you to it. The empire can be confusing for first time visitors.”

Trixie’s relief at her wagon’s safety is palpable and I bow my head in thanks. “Thank you, we will not cause any more trouble in your city. You have my word.”

Jennifer smiles to Trixie now. “Go ahead and hold onto the book if you want Trixie. I’ll be here for a week according to Luna so as long as you drop it off by then and be SUPER careful with it…”

The mare nods smiling slightly as well. “I will Jennifer. Thank you, it means a lot to me.”

I nod my thanks as well before the three of us depart with haste from the office. As promised a crystal pony mare in the guard uniform is waiting. “I’ve been asked by Prince Consort Shining Armor to escort you to your wagon.”

She is smiling as I have come to expect most ponies I meet to do. “Thank you, we appreciate your assistance.”

“No trouble at all! Just follow me.” She prances ahead with even more cheer than many ponies I have observed. I glance to Tak and find him staring ahead ignoring both Trixie and myself, his expression trouble. I cannot speak freely in front of our guide but once we are alone again I intend to say something to help ease his worries.

My friends have both told me numerous times I should make an effort to be more social. Now seems as good a time as any. “I am Umbra; my friends are Tak and Trixie. We are performers here to see the empire.”

The mare slows her pace to match my own. “Nice to meet you Umbra! And your friends too! And welcome to the Crystal Empire. So the whole misunderstanding with the prince is all set huh?”

I nod forcing a smile. It is small but a smile none the less. My friends say I should try to do that more as well. “Yes there is no trouble. I apologize for inconveniencing you.”

She waves a hoof casually. “No trouble at all. Usually I just stand outside the princes’ door for my whole shift then go home. This is the most excitement I’ve ever had.” She laughs warmly. “Oh! I’m Amethyst Star by the way.”

She is aptly named. Her coat shines like the jewel she is named for and her mane and tail are a radiant blue. “It is a pleasure to meet you Amethyst Star. Perhaps you will see our performance when we have settled.”

“Oh I’d like that! What sort of show?” She is leading us in the general direction we came from.

“Trixie is a magician and Tak her assistant.” The train station is soon in sight and Trixie shouts happily, rushing ahead to her wagon that sits off behind the station.

“A magic show? Wow we don’t see a lot of that up here. You guys are gonna make a killing. I’m definitely gonna look for you. D’you need any directions before I get back to the palace?”

Without speaking Tak follows Trixie to the wagon. “I do not believe so. Though I was hoping I would have a chance to speak with Princess Cadence. When does she hold her open court?”

“Well it’s starting in about an hour I think. She holds court until early evening so there’s plenty of time. Nothing too serious I hope?”

I shake my head. “No I merely wish to speak with her about a matter of passing interest. Thank you Amethyst Star you have been a great help.”

She smiles brightly again. “No problem at all! I always like meeting tourists and you guys seem like a pretty interesting bunch. I’ll try to catch your show. And enjoy the empire!” She departs with a cheerful wave and I relax my face again. Holding a smile for so long gets slightly painful for me.

Trixie is critically examining the wagon as I approach. Tak stands off to the side and I seat myself next to him, letting my tail brush against his. “I do not hate you or your species Tak.”

He blinks and looks at my strangely before he laughs. “You always know just what to say Umbra.” He is teasing me I think, but he is smiling so I do not care.

“Thank you. I am getting more eloquent in my speech I believe.” My smile is not forced now. More and more spending time about Tak and Trixie makes me happy and I just…smile.

“If you two are done making kissy faces we need to find someplace to set up. Let’s get you hitched up Umbra. We have a whole empire of magic less ponies to perform for!” Trixie is practically buzzing with excitement, and I allow her to hitch me to the wagon without complaint.

Trixie hails a passing pony for directions to the nearest public space and we are moving through the streets toward a park, our most common place of performing it seems. Our progress is only slightly hampered by the crowds milling about and we are already drawing a few curious spectators.

Happy for an excuse to forget the previous unpleasantness Tak is flying overhead extolling our one of a kind show to the crystal ponies. Trixie seems quite pleased at his antics. I am just happy to see him acting more himself. “Trixie?”

She looks back at my curiously. “What is it Umbra?”

“Can you manage the show without me? I had hoped to speak with the princess.”

She blinks. “Well…I suppose so. We’ll just have nothing to occupy the crowd during the intermission but if this is something you feel strongly about?”

I nod. “I do. I have questions for her, and an apology would be appropriate I believe.”

Trixie giggles now. “I can imagine you gave her a good piece of your mind when she refused to let Tak come. We’ll be fine. You go ahead and talk to their princess or empress or whatever she is.”

I pull the wagon into the park and Trixie removes the harness. “She is a princess according to Luna. I do not know why she is not empress since this is an empire.” I shrug. “A pony thing I presume. I shall return as soon as I am able.”

Tak watches me go overhead but Trixie jerks him to the ground with her magic before he can follow me. Already they are loudly arguing and I shake my head with a chuckle at their familiar antics. I typically have a poor sense of direction in these confusing surface cities; with no ceilings or walls to keep things contained they seem to grow out in randomly chosen directions. However the crystal palace towers above all so my way back is simple enough to find.

I draw curious glances for my lowered hood but when I return a friendly greeting with a smile of my own it seems to put them at ease. Nearly to the palace I feel a curious tickle run up my spine and glance from side to side. There staring intently at me in front of a large building labeled ‘Public Library’ is a dull coated elderly earth pony.

I turn to regard him fully and feel a terrible chill run over my coat. He is so thin that he seems nearly skeletal. His dull grey coat missing a patch here and there while his mane and tail hang limply. His eyes are the worst though. Dull lifeless grey eyes covered in a milky white film.

Who is he? Why does he stare at me so? I feel my fight or flight response begin to kick in. Typically it is fight but this pony…something about him…I tear my gaze and run as fast as my hooves can carry me away from the library. I do not slow until I reach the palace. I am disconcerted to find my coat slick with sweat and my breathing coming in labored gasps.

I frantically look over my shoulder half-expecting him to pursue but there is no one but a few concerned looking crystal ponies watching me. I force a smile for their benefit and hurry up the stairs into the palace. It is a simple matter to find the line to see the princess.

A concerned servant brings me a glass of water which I thank her profusely for and take up in my magical aura. This draws a gasp of surprise from the ponies about me. I finally realize I have not seen a single crystal unicorn or pegasus. Gently I flick my hood back revealing my horn to the assembled ponies who stare openly.

“I am sorry, is magic…not allowed in the empire?” I fear I may have broken some law or social taboo.

A stallion next to me recovers first. “N-no ma’am we just don’t see many unicorns is all. Aside from the prince of course. “

I nod and sip from the glass smiling my thanks to the mare who brought it. The water has a curious tartness I find pleasing. “I see. You are all earth ponies?”

He nods. “We were! We’re crystal ponies now of course. But generations ago earth ponies left Equestria to get out from under the oppressive unicorns and find their own homeland. We crafted the crystal heart and it changed us over time.”

This was certainly news to me. “Truly? How very fascinating. You do not have any non-earth pony foals? I had thought it not too uncommon for a pegasi or unicorn to be born to an earth couple.”

He was alone in the line and seems happy to have a conversation partner during the wait. Interest in me had faded by now and the other ponies go back to their own conversations. “Nopony’s entirely sure why but no. We’re sort of our very own tribe now like those night ponies you folks have over in Canterlot.”

“Very interesting. I apologize if I seem ignorant; I have only recently come to Equestria from a land where ponies are a rarity.”

It’s his turn to look intrigued. “Really? Where exactly is that?”

I see little reason to outright lie. “The crystal mountain valley is the region it is known to you I think. I was raised by a people who were not ponies at all. I was the only one of my kind for many years there.”

“The valley? Where the frozen ponies are? You grew up THERE?”

I shrug. “Below the surface there yes. I have recently come to Equestria to learn of my people. We travelled across much of the country before journeying here to your beautiful empire.” Another social nuance my friends have drilled into me. Drop small compliments in conversation and your partner will find it pleasing.

It seems to have worked as he puffs his chest a bit prideful. “Well ever since Princess Cadence took over things have been getting better all the time. Lots of ponies have started coming from all over; we even have a few griffons visiting too. They live just north of us over the mountains.”

“Truly? I have not seen one though from what I have heard I would enjoy their company.” That much was true. The stories paint them as a strictly regimented militaristic people.

He chuckles. “Not the friendliest bunch sometimes but they’re good enough if you get to know one.”

We continue to chat, discussing the empire mostly. I probe him with endless questions and he patiently answers them all, only stopping when it is his turn to see the princess. He bids me a fond goodbye and promises to go by the park and see our show. Then I am alone waiting my turn.

It is not a long wait fortunately. The servant asks my name which I supply. He then opens the doors announcing me.

I enter and look upon Princess Cadence in the flesh for the first time. She is about Luna’s size so roughly twice my own. Her mane and tail are a pastel yellow, purple, and blue mix and curiously do not flow and shift like Luna’s. Perhaps it is a trait unique to the princess of the night? I see her visibly stiffen at my approach, but she relaxes as I dip into a polite bow. “Thank you for seeing me.”

Her wings ruffle and she shifts uncomfortably on her throne of crystal. “O-oh well of course Umbra. We’re family after all yes?”

I had not thought of that. But if she is Celestia’s niece and Luna is Celestia’s sister that makes us…cousins of some sort? “Yes I suppose we would be would we not?”

She still does not look entirely at ease. “What can I do for you?”

It is my turn to look uncomfortable. “Nothing. I came to apologize. I lost my temper and have been told numerous times that it can be a dangerous thing.”

Now she looks surprised. “You came to apologize to ME? Umbra I should be apologizing to YOU. Everything you said that night was absolutely right; I was letting my past experiences color my opinion of somepony I hadn’t even met. That was wrong of me.”

She clears her throat and her horn glimmers as the doors open and the servant returns. “Please tell the waiting petitioners I am taking my lunch early. I have to have a discussion with my friend here.”

The stallion dutifully nods and steps out closing the doors behind him. The princess then looks back to me. “Would you join me for lunch Umbra? We can talk at length in my chambers I think.”

Trixie and Tak will be busy for at least two hours or so performing. “Very well, I am not needed anywhere for some time.”

She nods smiling warmly and leads me from the throne room. I have more time to examine my surroundings this time. The walls are decorated with several aesthetically pleasing paintings and intricate crystalline sculptures. What truly draws my eye however is the angry alicorn filly scowling at the pair of us as we pass her door. She has a snowy white coat and bright pink mane and tail. I stare back for a moment before Cadence clears her throat softly and I catch up.

“Was that your daughter?”

She shakes her head nosing open a door at the end of the hall. “My aunt. Luna explained that Aunt Celestia was incapacitated from her years without rest? Well her rejuvenation was more drastic this time. A few months ago she was like a newborn foal, now she’s about…oh eight or nine years I’d guess? She’s aging rapidly but it’ll be awhile before she can retake the throne.”

“She looked angry.”

Cadence sighs softly as I follow her into her chambers. They are much like Luna’s in Canterlot save the floor and walls are crystal. “She’s been…difficult. It’s why we called Jennifer out here. I’ve been told she has a way with problematic foals and I’m hoping she can get through to her. I used to think there was no foal I couldn’t handle but…how do I discipline my aunt?”

I shrug and find a comfortable place to seat myself. “Sternly I should think.”

She laughs at that. “Luna said you could be funny when you wanted to. You can remove your cloak in here by the way, I’m sure it’s uncomfortable for your wings to be smothered all the time.”

I gingerly undo the string about my neck letting the cloak fall. “Not particularly. I kept them folded or covered my entire life. Though it is uncomfortably warm in the empire.”

She is in a small kitchen in the adjoining room preparing our meal I imagine. Cadence emerges soon with a large tray baring several sandwiches with a variety of flowers between the bread and some rather simple soup. A bowl of frosted berry of some sort rests next to the plates. “That can’t be good for them.”

I shrug and with some effort stretch the sickly appendages to their full length allowing her to see them. Her reaction is similar to Luna’s though she hides her shocked horror much worse. “Umbra! They look terrible! How can you even fly with them in such a state?”

I snap them shut with another shrug turning my attention to the food. “I have never attempted flight. There was no need; I lived my entire life beneath the ground. Did Luna not tell you that?”

She slowly looks away from my once more folded wings. “I…yes she did. The…spiderkin raised you? I’d never heard of them before. Then again there is a lot my aunt didn’t tell me when she was raising me.”

I begin to eat my meal, happy to find the flowers a variety I’ve yet to taste. “What of your parents?”

She blinks. “My parents? What about them?”

“You were raised by your aunt yes? What happened to your mother and father?” It then occurs perhaps this is one of those ‘awkward’ questions I should not ask so frankly. “I apologize if it is too personal a matter to discuss.”

She laughs softly. “No, no it’s not. I was…separated from them when I was very young. Aunt Celestia took me in and raised me as her own.”

“Separated?”

“Yes.”

There is a long stretch as I wait for her to elaborate…but she does not. I shrug and shift my focus back to the food. “Why do you hate changelings so?”

My question again takes her by surprise, though she seems to recover more quickly. “Did Luna or your friend Tak tell you at all about what happened two years ago?”

I shrug. “Something about Queen Chrysalis masquerading as you to conquer Equestria yes?”

She laughs again. “You’re very blunt Umbra, but yes. She imprisoned me and stole my face. Then she controlled my husband’s mind and fed off his love for weeks. If not for Twilight she would have succeeded too. I suppose it’s not fair to judge the entire species by the acts of one queen but we know so very little about them.”

“Perhaps you would like to meet Tak? I am told he is…very likeable by all he meets.”

She tilts her head at that, staring intently at me now. “Oh my. You love him don’t you?”

My eyes widen and I nearly spit out the mouthful of soup I was in the midst of eating. Forcing it back down I swallow. “W-why would you say that?”

Her smile is soft now…the same smile Luna had at times. “I’m the princess of love. The subtle shift in your voice, the way you speak about him. A pony loves a changeling all on her own.” She seemed lost in her quiet musings for a moment. “Perhaps I should meet him.”

“Two ponies actually. Trixie and I both have claims to Tak.”

Her eyebrow rises. “A herd? It’s been a long time since I’ve seen one of those.” She laughs. “And with a changeling as a stallion no less. Umbra you are a very strange pony, but that’s not a bad thing.”

“Thank you, I think? I find every one of you ponies to be strange. But that is not a bad thing.” I smile and she smiles back. Our meal is much more comfortable after that. She asks me of my life with my family and what it is like in the tunnels of our home. She seems more curious than put off by the stories of my subterranean lifestyle.

“It all sounds so very exciting. I wasn’t really allowed to leave the castle until I was nearly an adult. It seems like everypony I meet has led a fuller life than me.”

I frown now at her dejected tone. “Nonsense. You are married to the pony you love yes? You have friends, family, and an entire empire you rule over. You and your husband repelled Chrysalis’ invasion and saved Equestria. That is an impressive list of accomplishments in my opinion.”

She stands levitating the empty tray to the kitchen. “…thank you Umbra. I think you’re more of a pony than you realize. You and your friends should come back for dinner. Shining Armor and Jennifer will be there, maybe Aunt Celestia if she behaves.”

“I believe they would enjoy that, and I most certainly would. Tak may need some convincing, your husband was less than kind.”

Cadence sighs as she begins the trip back to her throne room. “I’ll have a talk with him. I think it was worse for him than me, being controlled as he was. Not being able to help me. But he’s a sweetheart underneath it all. He just needs time to warm up to the idea.”

“Very well. We will return this evening then. Thank you for talking with me Cadence. I have been missing my family of late…but Tak and Trixie help. My time with Luna was pleasant eventually, and I certainly enjoyed this afternoon. I did not expect to find family on the surface but it appears I have.”

Tentatively she embraces me. “It’s always nice to make new friends, and meeting new family is even better. I’ll see you tonight cousin.” She grins playfully before seating herself upon her throne once more.

I leave the palace feeling refreshed. Family on the surface. A cousin in Cadence, an Aunt in Celestia one day perhaps? Tak and Trixie are…what? Mate and sister perhaps? And what of Luna? My smile fades as I think on the lunar princess. My birth mother. Queen Spinneret was the only parent I had growing up. But is it not the norm for ponies to have two parents? And not always a mother and father. Two females coupling is quite common I have found and the unicorns use magic’s to allow them to bear foals.

Perhaps I could have two mothers, even if they never knew one another. It would not necessarily be a betrayal to the woman who raised me, merely an acknowledgement of the mare who birthed me. Certainly something to consider when next I meet with her.

I shake my head with a sigh as I approach the park. Pointedly avoiding the route that would lead my by the library again. I arrive in time to hear the thunderous applause signaling the end of the show. I make my way through the crowd to the wagon as my friends step backstage. “It sounds as if the performance was well received.”

“Ha! Well received is an understatement! We killed out there! Oh I was practically swimming in the bits!” Trixie is smiling ear to ear levitating a huge sack of coin.

Tak resumes his stallion shape with a flash. “It was pretty great, y’shoulda been here Umbra.”

I shrug. “I was having lunch with my cousin.”

The pair exchange a surprised glance. “Cousin? You mean Princess Cadence?”

Tak shrugs. “S’pose it makes sense. She’s Celestia’s niece that makes her Luna’s niece too. Luna’s yer ma so that makes y’cousins.”

“Indeed. We are invited to dinner this evening. Cadence is very eager to speak with you Tak.”

His smile fades. “I dunno if that’s a good idea.”

Trixie snorts. “Of course we’re going. If she wanted to throw you in prison or something she wouldn’t need to lure us in with a dinner invitation Tak. She’s an alicorn princess. Immortal and all powerful?”

Immortal and all powerful. Does that apply to me as well? I certainly do not feel all powerful, having been bested by Jennifer and Kilanna. Tak looks about to protest but at the look both Trixie and I give his words die in his throat.

“Cripes it’s like I got two queens alluva sudden. ONE was more’n enough thank you very much.”

Trixie grins. “Well now that that’s settled, what am I going to wear? I haven’t needed formal attire in…ever!”

I shrug. “I do not believe you need it now. She did not seem as though she stood on ceremony very much.”

Trixie snorts. “So? I want to make a good impression.” Her eyes light up as she focuses on the sack of money. “We’re going shopping!”

I gather from the horror stricken look on Tak’s face this is not a prospect he would enjoy. Odd because it seems such a simple endeavor. “For clothing?”

She nods. “Of course! We need dresses! Big fancy crystal dresses! Come on you two the market’s nearby!”

Tak looks reluctant but at my smile he sighs and falls into step with us. Several hours later I understand his hesitance. Trixie insisted on trying on nearly every gown in the poor dress maker’s shop. She forced me into more than a few as well but I made a selection with haste, eager to be done. The hour was already growing late as we left the shop, gowns clutched firmly in her magical aura.

“A quick stop at the wagon to change and then we’ll be off!”

I sigh and begin to protest when suddenly the sun vanished and the moon seems to fling itself into place with unnatural haste. A bright shaft of silver light lances down from the glowing orb aiming somewhere in the city.

“I do not believe this is normal.”

Tak shakes his head. “Sure as Tartarus ain’t. Let’s go ladies!”

Trixie as we break into a run, looking torn between following and dropping her dresses safely at the wagon. With an anguished wail she tosses them to a nearby roof top and gives chase.

If I knew at the time what we were running towards I would have had Trixie remain with the wagon.

Chapter 12: Home Again

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Chapter 12: Home Again

“Umbra what’s goin’ on? You know somethin’ yer not tellin’ us!”

I glance at Tak galloping at my side and frown. “I saw him. The lich. At least I believe it was him. I think he is responsible for this darkness.”

I hear Trixie squeak in alarm behind me. “The lich? The LICH lich?! The undead pony monster who destroyed your home? He’s here in the empire?!”

Before I can answer our attention is drawn to the center of the empire, specifically the grand crystal palace. Tendrils of magic blacker than the deepest darkness of my home tunnels twists and writhes from the huge structure. I feel an unpleasant sensation twisting in my stomach at the sight. It is magic and it feels…strangely familiar. We all have stopped to stare at the distant spectacle, as the magic grows more and more oppressive in the air. It reaches a crescendo with a roaring explosion, blowing the walls and roof of the palace to pieces.

I feel stab of fear in my heart. “Cadence! She may have been in the blast!”

I do not wait for my friends as I race ahead, spurred on by the fear of losing yet another family member. One I have only just met but who has shown me great kindness. My ear flicks at I catch the sound of Tak’s buzzing wings. He has shed his pony guise and races ahead in his natural state.

Again we are interrupted in our frantic race for the palace. A body flies through the air trailing faint green motes of magic, streaking overhead to land with a crash a few streets over. Even from here the panicked cries of the crystal ponies reach our ears. Torn between checking on the newest disaster and confirming my cousin’s wellbeing the decision is made for me as a second form flashes by, one I recognize.

Tak twists in the air looking to me for a decision. “Umbra that was Jen, and she was wearing her armor. She might be in trouble!”

I nod. “The princess is powerful and can see to her own problems. We will assist the girl, come.” I know they follow my directions without question. It is not quite the same as the scouts I lead, but they place their trust in me and I do not intend to fail them.

The changeling races ahead of us once more and I feel yet another stab of fear. What if the danger is too great? I look back at Trixie panting from all this physical exertion. Am I leading these two I have come to care for more than any other to their deaths? For a moment I ponder sending them away, but I know that order they would refuse.

Pushing such thoughts aside I lurch forward as I recognize the green flash of Tak’s magic. My fear ebbs somewhat as his voice reaches my ears. “Hey kid! Y’look like crap!”

I round the corner and see the girl, Jennifer smashed into a fruit stand clutching her injured stomach. She chuckles with a wince and smirks at Tak. “Not as..ugly as you I hope…” She groans again and sits up. I do not believe I will ever understand how they can jest in the heat of battle.

Rushing to the girls’ side I look down at her in concern. It is difficult to tell the extent of her injuries through the gleaming pink and gold armor she wears but her movements are stiff and pained. “What is happening? Why is it night out? Who is your assailant?”

I see her eyes focus on mine through the visor of her helm. “Luna’s mother is here. She’s some crazy queen from forever ago and she’s on the warpath to conquer Equestria again. She’s controlling Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. That’s uh…Luna there.”

I look to the hole Tak blasted her attacker, Luna through. My heart skips a beat as…a human woman emerges. She is clad in armor much like Jennifer’s in design, though it is a deep midnight blue trimmed in silver. Her long horn and majestic wings are still present. She bears the crescent blades I witnessed her spar with the girl at Canterlot in each hand.

Trixie wrinkles her nose in confusion. “Why is she a human?”

The girl sighs. “We can go over all this fun stuff once Galaxia is down. For now we need to take Luna out of the fight and help Cadence and Shining Armor with Celestia.”

I look now to the older human, supposedly Luna my birth mother somehow transformed? It matters not if she is a threat she must be neutralized. I summon my magic and feel strength and energy surge through my body. Luna moves jerkily, her movements erratic and difficult to understand. Perhaps she is fighting her mother’s control.

I spring over her head but she does not even turn to face me, she is fixated on Jennifer. Planting my forehooves solidly I rock forward than deliver a powerful buck to her backside. She launches forward without a sound straight into the lance of magic released by Tak’s horn, vaulting her into the air. Finally Trixie throws a magical tether around the airborne woman’s abdomen, jerking her head downward and smashing Luna to the ground with a painful sounding crack. She does not attempt to rise again.

Much to Tak’s seeming delight the girl’s mouth is hanging open in awe. “Wow. You guys are A LOT better at this than I am.”

I move toward the fallen Luna and gently kick her blades aside before looking back at Jennifer. “You are young. I have had much experience with combat, as has Tak. I have seen you training with Luna, one day you will be our equal. For now we should make haste yes?”

“Er…y-yeah…Trixie can you bring the princess?” Jennifer struggles to rise and I move to her side to assist her. Using me as a brace she gets to her feet nodding her thanks.

Trixie eyes the fallen woman dubiously. “She’s not going to jump awake and start attacking is she?”

Jennifer shrugs. “Maybe. But with her swords here she’ll be less dangerous at least. She and Celestia can’t use their magic while they’re being controlled I think, so as long as we don’t let her get her hands on us we should be fine.”

Reluctantly Trixie hoists Luna into the air with her magic…well out of reach of any of us. Nodding to us that she is ready we again make for the palace…only to AGAIN be interrupted. Shrill screaming comes from the next street over and without hesitation the four of us race to the sound.

Shambling through the streets with jerky movements were corpses. Moving corpses like Tak and Trixie appeared in my dream. Only these are very real, and are attacking any crystal pony unfortunate enough to get in reach of their teeth or hooves.

The three of us turn from the horrific spectacle at the sound of an armor clad body being dropped atop a roof. We look to Trixie who shrugs. “I don’t want to be otherwise occupied while we’re fighting the ZOMBIES. I’m sorry.”

I do not have time to admonish her, there are ponies in trouble. Without a second though I rush forward leaping over the panicked throng of crystal ponies landing amidst the undead. They turn to face me and I do not hesitate to smash my hooves against their skulls. They break apart easily enough fortunately, and I am leaping from pack to pack breaking them apart before they can retaliate.

The occasional lance of acidic green magic will streak from behind me to blast apart the creatures here and there. Tak wielding his magic to great effect. I also see Trixie’s pink aura pushing the beasts back, or lifting fleeing crystal ponies to safety. Jennifer of course simply wades into them slashing and bashing with abandon, the few who do strike her glance harmlessly off her armor. I am very much missing my own about now.

We make good progress, clearing the first street. But there are screams from all around us now. I rejoin the others I had left behind. “There are so many, and I am beginning to tire.” Tak and Trixie look exhausted as well, and the girl was already wounded before. She looks ready to collapse.

Still she squares her shoulders. “I…might have something that can clear A LOT fast, but it’s really draining. I don’t know how often I can do it.”

Tak regards her thoughtfully. “You got any changeling mojo goin?”

She lifts her visor revealing her vividly green changeling eyes; bits of chitin are visible around her cheeks and jaw. “Uh…yeah I used that charm too. Figured why not right?”

He nods once. “Right. Time for a crash course on emotional feeding. Have you been feeling anything in the air? Fear would be the most likely.”

The girl frowns as she looks about quietly. “I…feel something. Like a kinda sour taste in the back of my throat?”

Tak nods again. “That’s it. Normally fear isn’t very filling but there’s SO much I think you’ll be able to get more than enough. I want you to focus on that sensation, and try and taste it more. Can you do that?”

Jennifer closes her eyes as her horn begins to glow the same acrid green color of Tak’s. “I…I think I’m doing it.”

He is smiling now. “It’s basic stuff same as shape changing. Just focus on the feeling, and try to picture yourself uh…eating it. You might start to feel full but try to ignore that and really y’know…go whole hog. Just pig out on it.”

Her horn glows more fiercely as her body practically vibrates with all the absorbed energy. She was visibly growing brighter and brighter with the constant influx of magical energy. “I think that’s enough kid! You don’t wanna pop!”

She blinks her eyes open, both orbs glowing the same fierce green her body gives off. She looks to the next street and raises her blade, swinging it in an arc before her. The released energy threatens to knock the three of us from our hooves as she looses a shockwave of magic from the sword. It rushes through the street knocking ponies on their backsides, but blasting the undead to powder instantly.

The girl grins fiercely back at us. “Yeah…I think this’ll work.”

We are moving again. She leads the way this time swinging her blade and clearing street after street. Her aura dims after each blast but she simply drinks in more fear and it glows brightly again.

Tak was grinning like a lunatic through it all. “That’s changeling and pony magic working together! Saving the day! Stick THAT in your pipe and smoke it Mr. High and mighty Shining Armor!”

Any that the girls’ power did not immediately destroy Tak and I were quick to dispatch. As I watch her work I again focus on her blade. Mercy is its name, the sword of Bleeding Heart. Luna told me it is part of a set, the arms of harmony. I wonder where the rest are? Perhaps I could acquire such a weapon for myself.

Several flares of magic the next street over draws her attention and Jennifer rushes toward it, the rest of us close by. Trixie has resumed carrying Luna in her magic, and anytime the woman stirs Trixie unceremoniously bashes her head against whatever nearby object looks hard enough to render her unconscious.

Tak is ahead of me as usual. I hear Jennifer call my cousins name, then I hear Tak shout a warning. Frowning I sprint forward in time to see the girl soaring backward through the air, acrid green smoke rolling from within her visor where she must have received a blast of magic. Magic that looks identical to Tak’s. I do not have time to check on her well-being as my attention is drawn to her attacker.

It is Cadence. Or it appears to be. I see hatred on Tak’s face the like I have never seen before. The pink alicorns body is soon enveloped in green flames, burning away the pony façade and revealing the changeling beneath. She is as tall as Cadence, so nearly twice my size and even a touch bigger than Tak. She throws her head back and laughs long and loud, tossing her wispy blue mane and focusing on Tak with a wry grin. Her fangs glisten in the mid-day moonlight. “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Prince Tak’thiss. When Queen Galaxia sent her summons I had no idea you would be here.”

I note Trixie darting into the building Jennifer crashed through, Luna in tow. I turn my attention back to the changeling; it could only be the queen that murdered Tak’s mother judging by the hatred etched on his features. As if that were not enough she injured, perhaps even slew Jennifer. I dash by a suddenly surprised Tak but the queen snaps her wings open buzzing over my head.

With a mocking laugh she smirks down at me. “Does the little pony not know how to fly?”

I twist without missing a beat, coiling my hind legs beneath me and leaping into the air far faster than she expected. I twist in mid-air driving my hind hooves into the bottom of her jaw. Her head snaps back and she tumbles end over end crashing hard to the ground while I land lightly. “I do not need to fly. I jump very well.”

The carapace about her jaw is cracked and bleeding as she slowly raises, already the wound is knitting closed much like Tak’s when he feeds. I realize then of course if Jennifer has been gorging on the fear in the air this whole time likely the queen has as well. She levels a heated glare my way. “You pack quite a wallop filly; let’s see if you can take it too!”

I try to leap aside but she is too quick. My world explodes in pain as her magic rips into my side, sending me crashing through a nearby fruit stand. I grit my teeth trying to rise but my body does not respond. Very much against my will I find myself slipping into darkness.

***

I watch as the bitch who ruined my whole race’s chance for peaceful integration with Equestria drill a hole in one of my mares’ flanks. Huh, ‘my mare’. Kinda like the sound of that. Hope I live long enough to tell her I feel that way. Chrysalis looks my way grinning confidently.

“Where were we?” Her voice has a silken quality to it. It takes all I got to not just drop and grovel at her hooves. Stupid pheromones. I feel my resolve weaken, but it only takes a glance at Umbra, her side still smoldering to drive away the compulsion.

She looks surprised. Good. Oops, now she looks angry. Her horn blasts at me but I’m ready, rolling aside and returning a lance of my own. It crashes into her chest and leaves melted carapace in its wake. She looks down at her chest incredulously. I might not be a queen but I’ve been feeding on plenty of the energy in the air myself.

Her eyes narrow and she hisses. “Wretched little prince! Know your place!”

My own wings snap open as I prepare to charge. “Oh I know my place. It’s here at their sides protecting the pony’s I love from you!”

With a shout she charges me in turn. We crash together biting, bucking, and trying to hit one another with magical bolts. Her fangs sink into my shoulder and I scream in pain, but I focus through it and catch her full in the face with my magic. She howls in pain and recoils long enough for me to get under her and buck her right in the gut. As she doubles over I dart from under her and smash my hooves against her muzzle firmly.

Chrysalis staggers and falls, but I’m already at Umbra’s side. Some of those creepy zombie ponies had been making their way toward her. Before I could reach them a huge wave of magic rolled through the streets, a pale blue color. I brace myself but it passes through my harmlessly. Peeking an eye open I see the undead are just glittery blue powder on the ground. Giving silent thanks to whoever just got rid of them I kneel by Umbra nosing her gently in concern.

To my relief she cracks an eye open. “…that was unpleasant.”

I laugh and nuzzle her firmly. “I bet. How about you take a few less magic shots in the flank huh? You’re gonna give me a heart attack.”

I hear approaching hooves and ready for a fight, but it’s just Trixie. I look around frantically a minute but Chrysalis is nowhere to be seen. “How’s the kid?”

Trixie waves a hoof. “Fine. Princess Luna’s working on her face. It’s…not good. What happened to Umbra? Where’s the queen?”

I wave vaguely. “Ran off. Umbra took a nasty shot to the flanks. Did you say LUNA is helping her?”

Trixie hoists Umbra into the air, to her weak protests. “She’s herself again. Still human but she’s not being controlled anymore.”

We both look to Umbra as she speaks softly. “Take me to her.”

***

Trixie holds me gently in her magical grip. I do not enjoy needing to be carried about like a hatchling but I cannot walk on my own with my flank burning as it is. I look ahead and see the two humans exiting the building. The younger moving stiffly, clearly in pain. Her helm removed exposing the horrid burns on her face. The right side simply seems…gone from the cheek downward. A melted lump of flesh, her right nostril and a bit of her lips melted as well. The pain must have been tremendous.

I turn my attention to the other woman. Her helm is removed as well and though the features are odd and certainly not those of the pony I am familiar with, her eyes are the same deep blue of Luna’s. She moves to me looking concerned and lays one hand on my flank, the other against my cheek.

For a moment I AM a hatchling again. And mother is tending one of my many wounds I accumulated before I learned to see and move in the tunnels more easily. I always loved feeling her hands against my coat. I feel a pleasantly warm sensation spread from her hands to my pains as the aches fade a good deal. I look up to see her smiling softly down at me, a smile I find myself returning.

“Thank you.”

She helps me stand on my own. “Of course. Now we must hurry, the others are still dealing with my mother.”

My flank still aches but I can stand and walk. That means I can run. Jennifer replaces her helm fastening it securely and nods. The five us us make for the palace as quickly as we can, wounded as we are. Suddenly the girl staggers clutching at her throat. I move toward her in concern but she recovers quickly. I hear her speak one word before her horn flares to life and her body is enveloped in magic. She crouches and leaps into the air, streaking toward the palace.

I look to Luna. “What happened?”

She wears a small frown. “She and Echo wear matching heart stones. Gifts night ponies exchange with their special somepony. It lets them know if one another is in danger. Echo must be in trouble. WE should hurry.”

We move quicker now. My flank screams in protest but I ignore it. I cannot help but look to Luna running at my side. “…so you are human?”

She chuckles. “I was. When Celestia and I first came to Equestria over a thousand years ago.”

Tak and Trixie share a look of shock as they stumble in their dash at this surprisingly revelation. “Am I?”

Luna shakes her head. “No. You were conceived while I was a pony and are fully equestrian.”

I am unsure if I am relieved or disappointed. While the human body is strange and awkward it’s top half is so very much like my mother and siblings’. It may have been pleasant to learn that I was more like them than I realized. Still the past few months I have come to enjoy pony society, and counting myself among their number is a pleasant thought.

Again I look at Luna and see so many warring emotions on her face. Of course her heart is in turmoil. She and her sister, likely their niece too are fighting for their lives against her mother. How can a mother work to harm her own children? The concept is utterly impossible for me to imagine. I try to find words to speak, words that may bring her comfort but of course as my friends are happy to tell me constantly I am helpless in these situations.

All thoughts of familial comfort are banished as we reach the palace and I get my first look at both my aunt and apparently my maternal grandmother. The massive golden armored alicorn mare swinging the huge broadsword blazing like the sun could only be Celestia. She is frantically battling a human woman, like her daughters the woman has both wings and horn though they’re a midnight black color, not unlike my own coat. Her hair flows as Celestia and Luna’s does, black with twinkling star motes.

I splay my ears as the night pony cadet, Echo streaks overhead shrieking at their mother. I can see the waves of sound distorting the air as her scream shatters stone under the woman’s feet and she staggers holding her head.

Shining Armor charges in punching her in the stomach with his magic. Celestia does not waste the opportunity and brings her massive weapon to bear, batting aside her mother’s own blade and sending the woman sprawling to the ground.

I feel relief for a moment as it seems the fight is ended. My relief is short lived. She clenches her fists tightly. “Enough.” Her voice is barely a whisper. “Enough.” Louder now, her horn flares with a harsh black light. “Enough!”

The magic in the air feels so heavy and oppressive it is all I can do not to fall to my knees. The others have similar difficulties, save Celestia and Luna. The alicorn charges, blade raised while Luna rushes in her horn and hands glowing brightly. Their mother thrusts a hand at each of her daughters, her magic racing out and twisting around both mare and woman. I hear them scream as they vanish in the blackness of her power. They disappear from sight behind the globes of magic, as both rocket away from the field. I can only watch in horror as Luna’s globe flies unerringly for the moon. It glows for a moment before the profile of a mare appears on the moon.

“Mother!” I do not even think to consider my words as I watch her sent away, far from my reach and out of my life so soon after we had met. Celestia I suspect is imprisoned within the sun, like Luna…like my mother now is on the moon.

She stretches her arms and rises to her feet. The assembled ponies only stare in horror at the moon. My attention however is riveted to her. She stares at me curiously. “Did you say mother? Lucinda actually rutted with one of these animals and had a child?”

My eyes narrow and I scuff a hoof preparing to charge. This only seems to amuse her. “Well don’t think that I’m going to look at YOU as family. You animals are lesser beings, to be controlled by their betters.”

I wait no longer rushing forward in a charge. She raises her arm to swat at me…no doubt she is as monstrously powerful physically as she is magically and I do not intend to find out first hand. I spring over her head much to her surprise and land behind her, driving my hooves into the small of her back.

I hear her howl in pain and rage as she staggers forward. STAGGERS forward. I delivered a solid buck and it did not even knock her from her feet. My friends are quick to assist me however. Green and pink blasts of magic slam into her chest sending her stumbling my way again.

Shining Armor charges now, lowering his shoulder and slamming his entire body into the woman. With a shout she rocks back. Echo flashes by screeching in her face and finally sending her tumbling to the ground.

Gritting my teeth I charge again only to be met with the woman’s magic. I feel a bone numbing chill spread through my body as the ground is very abruptly ripped away from me. I am flung so high into the air at such great speeds I do not even have time to cry out in alarm as I am wrenched away from my friends battling for their lives.

***

Why didn’t I stay with the wagon?! Because I love those two idiots that’s why! Ugh and now I’m fighting some crazy human alicorn whatever. The princess’ mother?! Well this is just great. This is how I always imagined dying of course.

I watch her fling Umbra away magically and try to catch her with my own magic but she’s too far already. Tak’s in the air streaking after her and I have to hope he can handle it. The crazy person has turned back to Prince Shining Armor and me. With a gulp I summon images of him and me, perhaps a dozen apiece and send them racing about every which way.

While she attacks the fakes I duck into a nearby shell of a building. To my surprise Jennifer’s already there, clutching her heavily bleeding throat. A gentle pink aura of magic surrounds it; I recognize the healing energy and look to the glowing rune of her sword questioningly.

It seemed a struggle for her to speak. “Echo was hurt. Used sword to heal her…though it gives me the same wound. It heals fast.”

Her words seemed the truth as I could see the flesh knitting back together. It was…gross but fascinating from a magical standpoint. “Who IS she? What’s happening Jennifer?”

She frowns. “Her name’s Galaxia. I…accidentally summoned her from a book. Luna and Celestia sealed her away who knows how long ago. I don’t know the specifics.”

I look to the battle. Only Shining Armor and Echo remained, most of the fake copies gone. Before I can consider the suicidal course of rushing out to help them the heavily wounded girl is already on her feet rushing at the other human, at Galaxia.

How can she be so brave? She’s practically dead on her feet but in she goes charging fearlessly. Obviously she’s a raving lunatic. She’s not even drawing her blade; instead her hand reaches for the jewel around her throat. Aha! She intends to draw Galaxia back to her own world where there’s no magic. But would that work against Galaxia like it did Umbra?

My fleeting hopes are dashed as Jennifer grapples Galaxia but they don’t move at all. I can barely hear them speaking. “Young lady I hardly think we’ve known one another long enough for such familiarity.” She clamps one of her hands around Jen’s throat lifting her off her feet. “Oh my…that looks absolutely garish dear. Let’s see if I can’t help you a bit?”

She wormed her fingers into Jennifer’s throat and the world swam before me as I felt nauseous. “Did you think I wasn’t watching how you defeated that Umbra creature? Did you think I couldn’t counter the buffoon’s magic? Even at FULL strength he was not a match for me!”

I can’t just sit here and watch this. I need to help! I call on my own magic, however good it will do…ready to shoot the woman’s legs out from under her. Before I can, the same pale blue magic that turned all the zombies to dust flares between the pair, pushing Galaxia away. I catch the girl as she falls drawing her back toward myself.

Galaxia rounds on the recently arrived Princess Cadence. She looks like she’d seen better days, but if it WAS her who unleashed the city wide wave of magic the fact that she was on her hooves at all was a miracle. “What does it take to be rid of you annoyances?!”

She reaches into…thin air; her hand disappears as she draws out a sword. Long and jagged, the same black starry substance her mane flows with. She hurls the sword unerringly at the unprepared Princess. I look away expecting a bloody end but her husband saves the day, deflecting the deadly missile with a powerful barrier spell.

She screams in rage but I see something over her shoulder that gives me a bit of hope.

***

“I am beginning to feel we are outmatched!” Tak has me in his hooves carrying me back to the sight of battle.

“What? Just cause she sent the two most powerful ponies I Equestria away with a wave of her hand? That’s nothin’. We got this.”

Tak tries to be brave but I hear the fear in his voice. “We have wounded her, this is true. And I do not believe she has as much control over us as she did her children. We have a chance Tak. We have to stop her.”

I hear him sigh. “Rather we just run back to the tunnels but hey, where’s the fun in that?” He tightens his grip around my forelegs as the battlefield comes back into sight. The woman is bearing down on a staggered Shining Armor and Princess Cadence.

“Throw me!”

He does not hesitate and I am again streaking through the air…something I have done entirely FAR too much of today…I collide with her solidly, rocking her forward and off her feet. She fell and did not rise immediately this time. I feel hope again that this battle may be near its end.

Then I feel another sensation I was not eager to experience again. Green energy rips into my side sending me sprawling. I struggle to rise…and see a sight that freezes my heart in its chest. Standing over a writing Cadence and Jennifer is a dead looking crystal pony mare, though her eyes blaze with unnatural red light. A fleshless horn juts from her forehead.

When she speaks…it is in the lich’s deep cultured tones. “I expected more of the supposedly unbeatable Queen Galaxia. Apparently she needs aid after all.”

Shining Armor is rushing to his fallen wife’s side, only to be felled by another shot from Chrysalis. “Come come now Sir Lich. Our new friend here has been asleep for some time. She’s not at her best.”

Now the woman was raising to her feet…Galaxia. I could feel the chill of her magic as it rolled off her body. “I am not…but I am swiftly reaching that point.”

She is not even at full strength?! This must end. I reach deep calling up my magic. I imagine her banishing Luna, my other mother away. I feel the rage I felt when facing Jennifer in the forest not too long ago. New strength surges and flares through me as my magic manifests visibly about myself in a crimson nimbus of light. Then I charge.

Tak is attacking Chrysalis, and I see Trixie distracting the lich from finishing his victims with more images than I believed she could conjure at once. My attention is drawn from my friends as I close on Galaxia. She sends blasts of magic and conjures swords hurtling at me, but with my own magic fueling my muscles I move quicker than she can react. Darting from side to side I begin striking with my hooves when I get close enough, leaping back before she can counter.

To my relief Echo is still in the air, devilling our opponents with her screams and keeping them from focusing on any of us too firmly. The fur on the back of my neck is standing on end as I feel a new power behind me. It is not so great as Galaxia’s but it is still impressive nonetheless.

I am surprised to find Tak at my side soon, assisting me in keeping Galaxia off balance. A moment passes before Trixie’s pink lances of magic are striking her from the other side. “You have dispatched Chrysalis AND the lich?”

Tak wore a worried expression. “Not us.”

Before I can question what he means we are all sent stumbling to the ground by a wave of magic from Galaxia. “You pests can die now!” She raises her blade charging forward…then…steps on a banana peel that seemingly materializes from nowhere beneath her foot. She slips and smacks her face into the ground with a meaty thwack.

I look up incredulously to see the girl, Jennifer swirling with the chaotic magical energies she used to drag me to her home world. She’s grinning manically as she darts forward and delivers a swift kick to Galaxia’s rear, sending her skidding along the ground and lodging her head in a nearby wall.

“Bwaaahahahaha! D’you guys see that! Her head’s stuck!” She was clutching her sides rolling along the ground laughing hysterically. I felt my concern grow as Echo rushed by gripping the girls face in her hooves.

“Jen I know this is bad but this isn’t the way to fix things! Discord’s power is going to make you just like he was; we’ll just trade one monster for another! You have to shake it off. You have to come back to me!” The girl blinked a moment and looked herself again, but just for a moment. With a snort she swatted Echo aside.

“Oh stop your bellyaching. Such a crybaby all of a sudden.” Her smile dimmed somewhat as she looked to where she’d slapped Echo to the side, the night pony lay one wing mangled and she was not moving to rise. Real concern in her eyes she rushed to her side.

I do not give the spectacle more attention. Galaxia is down, perhaps wounded. Tak nods to me and we rush in. He levels blast after blast of his magic at the trapped woman while I leap, slamming my hooves squarely into her exposed back.

She howls in pain and wrenches upwards, obliterating the wall she was trapped in and spins, her horn flares as we are both seized in that horrible numbing chill of her magic. The cold is so painful, like nothing I have experienced before. Tak and I can only curl tightly shivering and trying to fight it off.

I vaguely note Jennifer rushing back into the fray, still wielding the unhealthy magic she borrowed from Discord’s amulet, but there is more clarity in her eyes. She swings a fist at Galaxia but the woman catches it, forcing her to her knees.

“Did you think borrowing the buffoons’ power would be enough? He couldn’t stand up to me at full strength and you…you do not have his full strength.” She lifted the girl overhead and slammed her to the ground where she lay groaning. Her horn glowing brightly as she no doubt tried to escape; Galaxia slammed a foot on the small of her back drawing a screech of agony.

“Oh no. No more teleporting for you girl. No more pranks, no more tricks, no more jokes.” She lifted her foot to deliver another stomp, only to have a pink magical tether lasso it and tug her off balance. She slammed her face to the ground whirling to glare at…Trixie

The mare shrugged helplessly. “Er…s-sorry?”

Eyes blazing with fury Galaxia stormed toward her. “You’re GOING to be.” I want to cry out as Trixie is seized in her magic, hoisted into the air by that awful black aura keeping Tak and I pinned. Trixie’s mouth is open in a soundless scream as she writhes and twists.

I am forced to look away…I find Jennifer’s gaze locked with mine. She looks…resigned, but determined. Offering me a faint smile she clenches the jewel in her fist tightly. I see the swirl of color form around myself…Tak…Trixie, Echo, Cadence and Shining Armor…then the world disappears into darkness.

***

I wake slowly. My body screams in agony but I ignore it. I am lying on cold stone. The chamber we are in is lit by Cadence’s gentle blue glow of magic. I recognize it immediately of course. It is Bleeding Hearts cavern, where we used to meet all those months ago.

I cast about frantically but see Tak and Trixie struggling to rise as well. Cadence is fretting over her husband, healing him with a spell of some sort. The only one who is NOT here is Jennifer.

Echo breaks the silence. “Where’s Jen?”

Cadence looks up from her work, pain etched acrossed her face. “She…didn’t come with us Echo.”

The young mare looks confused. “What do you mean she didn’t come with us? Where is she then?”

Now my cousin looks away, unable to meet her gaze. “She stayed behind. She saved us but…I don’t think she could save herself.”

Eyes wide Echo shakes her head. “We have to go back! We have to help her!”

I finally speak. “We cannot. We are…many weeks travel from Canterlot. These are the tunnels of my people. This is Bleeding Heart’s final resting place. She must have sent us here, knowing it was beyond Galaxia’s reach.”

Her wings flared as she leapt to her hooves. “I don’t care I’m…” She falters and staggers, clutching her chest with a pained expression.

I suspect what ails her, but Cadence rushes to her side. “Echo…Echo you need to calm down and let me heal you.”

“It-it can’t be…she can’t be…” Her hoof falls limply from her chest. I see the small crystalline heart hanging from a string about her neck. It is glowing gently, but the glow is flickering. Before my eyes I watch it fade entirely, leaving the stone a solid black.

I look at the slowly recovering Trixie and Tak, than back to Echo. What must it feel like? To lose the one you love? I…cannot imagine. I move closer to say something, anything to give her comfort. I do not get the chance, as she opens her mouth. I sense what is coming and cover my ears in time to block out some of her anguished wail. It goes on and on, shaking the cavern and dislodging rocks from above. Cadence has to leap aside to avoid being crushed.

The princess works quickly, her magic enveloping the out of her mind with grief pony and putting her in a deep sleep. Even unconscious tears flow freely form her eyes. Cadence regards her sadly, then turns to me. “Umbra we…is there somewhere safe we can rest?”

I nod. “Of course. My home is not far. My family will shelter you, all of you. Can you carry the others? I do not trust my magic to do so.”

My cousin looks exhausted but she nods. “Of course.” She hefts the four in her magic, Tak and Trixie do not protest while Echo and Shining Armor are still unconscious.

I step out leading the way along the familiar path home. It is all so familiar though I have been gone nearly half a year. Cadence looks increasingly nervous as we begin to see signs of the family. Thick webs hang here and there.

“Do not fear. Even if you were not with me you would not be attacked, merely turned away.”

She nods, but gasps as the first of the spiderkin approach. A scout I recognize well. “Kasson! It is good to see you!”

The scarred veteran looks shocked. “C-commander? What…how? Were YOU making all that racket?” He looks from me to the group of ponies.

“No…one of our number. Her love has passed and she is…not taking the loss well. This is my cousin, Cadence. She seeks sanctuary.”

His mandibles click agitatedly. “From what?”

I shake my head. “I will explain all when we are in Neela’s chamber.”

Kasson does not seem happy at allowing four ponies to wander in, but he nods. “Very well. Come along, quickly. And tell your pony cousin not to damage anything with those clumsy hooves.”

He sets a brisk pace, and I turn an apologetic smile to Cadence. “Do not be offended, Kasson is very kind just…gruff.”

She nods. “He called you commander?”

Now I nod. “Yes. Before I left I was scout commander of the family. We explored new tunnels, securing them for the family to use.”

“I see. Is there somewhere I can put them down? I’m getting a little winded. I used most of my magic to clear the empire.”

I nod. “Of course.” I make a brief detour to my old room. Cadence lays her charges on the moss. I give Tak and Trixie a brief nuzzle before leading my cousin to my sister’s web.

Neela looks delighted to see me, smiling grandly. “Umbra you are home! With…guests I am told.” She eyes Cadence curiously.

The princess returns the curious gaze. I smile and go to meet my sister, who has left her web and crouches to embrace me. “It is good to see you again Neela. And yes there is…trouble above. It is not safe any longer.”

Neela chews her lip. “Not safe? You will need to explain. And who is this?”

I step back. “Neela this is my cousin, Princess Cadence. Cadence this is my sister Queen Neela.”

Cadence blinks and bows politely. “It’s nice to meet you your highness. I’m so sorry to impose as we are.”

Staring at the large pony for a moment Neela shakes her head. “It is no imposition. Of course friends and family of my sister are friends and family to me. You are welcome here for as long as you like. Spinner will complain but then, when does he not?”

We share a smile at our absent brothers expense. “Where is he?”

She shrugs. “Securing a new tunnel. Business as usual. Let us find accommodations for your pony friends, than you and I can speak at length. I wish to hear everything about the surface.”

Feeling better suddenly I cannot help but smile. Down here so far from the surface it feels as if the last few hours events happened far longer ago. “I would be delighted sister.”

***

I leave Neela’s chambers seeking Cadence and the others. She and Shining Armor are lying on my old bed, while Tak and Trixie speak softly by the pool. “Where is Echo?”

Cadence looks up. “She left. Said she…had to see for herself what happened to Jennifer.”

I frown. “The tunnels are dangerous, will she be safe?”

The princess shrugs. “I think so. Night ponies are very capable. They flourish in the dark as well. She should be fine.”

I sit with my friends smiling to both as they rest against me. “I have explained the situation to Neela. She will give what aid she can, and offers whatever resources she can spare to our coming efforts.”

Cadence and Shining Armor exchange confused looks. “Efforts for what?”

I raise my eyebrow. “Reclaiming Equestria of course. You two did not intend to allow Galaxia and those others to get away with what they did?”

It is Shining Armor who speaks now. “I don’t like it any more than you do but what can we do? She’s too powerful alone let alone with those other two helping her.”

I sit up straighter. “What has Cadence told you of the Arms of Harmony, Shining Armor?”

He looks to his wife curious…but Cadence is smiling now. I see something in her eyes that warms my heart. There is hope.

Umbral Travels

by pchn00

Chapter 1: It Is Bright

Chapter 2: Two Become Three

Chapter 3: A Star is Born

Chapter 4: Ponyville

Chapter 5: A Planned Encounter

Chapter 6: Moving On

Chapter 7: Tak'thiss

Chapter 8: Forgiveness

Chapter 9: Recovery

Chapter 10: Crystalline Visions

Chapter 11: Cousin Cadence

Chapter 12: Home Again