Upheaval: Reckoning

by Visiden Visidane

First published 26th of February, 2012

Sequel to Breaking Point. The barrier is no more and the Legion is on the move. What happens next?

Following the events of Breaking Point, Twilight Sparkle and her friends discover that Equestria's demise may not come from an enemy invasion, but from within. The Barrier Lands and the Heartland begin the slow and uneasy process of reuniting into a single Equestria, but this long-delayed joining is already in danger at its conception.

With Celestia's power in her grasp and her agents by her side, the wheels of Black Rose's plans for Equestria's future continue to turn. However, her brazen gamble has done more than just bring down a centuries-old barrier. Ancient powers begin to stir: the remnants of a dark period in Equestria's history, the immortal inhabitants of Celestia's homeworld, and a rising tide of darkness coming ever closer.

Dragons and Ponies

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 1: Dragons and Ponies

My beloved subjects,

I, Princess Celestia of Equestria, am well aware of the apprehension I have put the realm through in these recent times. It is time I told everypony the truth behind the banishment of my faithful student and her loyal friends.

Equestria is under attack, my little ponies. It has been under attack throughout the centuries. At the borders of our realm, my brother, Terrato, continues to lead the Equestrian Legion in defense our home. In my desperation to protect all of you from the horrors of this conflict, I have kept this a secret. Twilight Sparkle wanted to share this secret with all of Equestria, for which I banished her. The only “unspeakable crime” committed was mine.

I humbly ask for forgiveness from each and every one of you for this secrecy. I was blinded by prejudice towards those who I have been counting on. I have failed as your princess to adhere to the same honesty that I have asked all of you to live your lives. All I can offer is that I face my own punishment for this and that, henceforth, there will be no secrets like this ever again.

Now that the truth has been revealed, it is time to act upon it. The war continues to rage. My brother and the Equestrian Legion have been pushed to their limits and they need our help. So dire is the situation across our borders that it has become necessary to call upon everypony in Equestria do its share. Soon, you will meet your defenders for the first time. They will ask that each family to have at least one member to join them. My heart goes out to those who must serve in this new duty. Know that if there was any other way to keep our home safe, I would not ask this of any of you.

I ask that you see the ponies of the Equestrian Legion as your long lost fellow ponies, not as foreign invaders. If Equestria is to survive in this difficult time, all of us must work together in harmony. I shall return to Canterlot soon. For now, my siblings must see to the royal duties that must be tended to. Please treat them with both respect and understanding.

Within his quarters, Terrato frowned at the end of the decree he was reading. Celestia’s royal seal marked the document as genuine. Copies were already circulating the Heartland. Behind him, Luna was also reading a copy.

“I know that this is necessary, but it does seem quite sad," Luna said with a sigh. "Don’t you think so, big brother?”

Terrato crumpled the decree and tossed it into the nearest garbage can. “What it seems is a little too sensitive,” he said. “It can stand to be more authoritative.”

“Big sister has never been one to impose authority on the Heartland’s ponies.” Luna folded the decree and set it aside.

“Is that why her capital is full of fops?”

Luna let out another sigh. “Of all the cities in the Heartland, you had to visit Canterlot. There are plenty of places that could have been more to your approval. You should have visited an earth pony settlement since you have such a fondness for them.”

“I assumed that a realm’s capital would be a good representation of its ponies in general,” Terrato replied. “I want you to go to the Heartland ahead of me, Luna. Settle their nerves a little before I show up.”

Luna tapped the floor with a front hoof. “And by 'settle their nerves', you really mean 'settle the barrage of questions this decree will set off by myself', don’t you?” she asked.

“That’s true too,” Terrato said with a shrug. His tone grew serious. “But that doesn't mean that my point doesn't stand. I have a few more details to take care of here. One of them should be responding soon.” As if on cue, his horn began to glow. “About time,” he muttered. He pointed his horn at the center of the room and an image began to materialize.

Luna gasped as the massive image of a dragon, a mere dragon’s head, nearly filled the room. Its individual scales were bigger than her hoof and as black as night itself. The four gigantic, sweeping horns were what commanded her attention. They curled around each other in an elaborate fashion until they resembled a crown. Despite the long time she spent away from this world, she had no problem identifying the sort of being with such an arrogant feature: Pride Dragon.

“The annoying frequency of your attempts at contact tells me that this is urgent, Prince Terrato,” the dragon said. Its rumbling voice echoed in the cave it was likely in. “What business do you have with me?”

“Celestia’s barrier has come down, Afralhadar, don’t tell me you haven’t noticed,” Terrato replied.

“The affairs of ponies are beneath my notice." Afralhadar sneered, revealing a row of enormous, dagger-like fangs. "What concern is it of mine that your sister has come out of hiding?”

“I’m not talking about ponies," Terrato said. "I’m talking about the dragons that have been living inside the barrier. The enchantments on them will have disappeared and it’s only a matter of time before they start feeling the effects. I can imagine that they've developed a different set of traditions than the ones you approve of. I can also imagine what they’ll do once they start acting on their revived wilder instincts.”

Afralhadar paused. An enormous claw appeared in the image to scratch the scales under his chin. “Dracodar behaving like animals," he growled. "You are right in bringing this matter to me after all. The Draco’dim will see to this affair.” The image shimmered, then slowly dissipated.

“I know that the Heartland’s dragons will start regaining their more violent sides, big brother," Luna said once she was sure that the last traces of the communication spell was gone, "but what did you just ask that pride dragon to do?”

“Afralhadar is a prominent member of the Draco’dim,” Terrato replied. “They’re a loose coalition of some of the oldest dragons around and the closest we’ll get to any form of organized dragon government. I just asked them to keep the Heartland dragons in line with Celestia’s enchantments fading.

“Can you trust them to just go into the Heartland without harming the ponies within?” Luna asked.

“They might eat a pony or two, but I doubt it. The Draco’dim consider ponies low-class fare. Unless one of them somehow starves while they’re there, the Heartland should be safe. A few eaten ponies will also a better alternative to a bunch of dragons rampaging about.”

Luna wrinkled her nose at the thought of some dragon casually tossing a pony into its massive jaws. “Just what exactly are they going to do there?” she asked.

“The high dragons are not interested in ruling, but they do follow a strict ideal of what it means to be a dragon; that is to carry one’s self with a degree of dignity and principle.”

“I can imagine that there are a lot of pride dragons in this coalition,” Luna said. “I've never heard of this group before.”

“Most of them are. They’re also relatively new. They started around eight hundred years ago. I don’t care much for their ideals, but it has been convenient in dealing with dragon attacks. They’ll make sure that the Heartland dragons don’t give them a bad reputation.” Terrato frowned. “The most likely scenario is that they will cull most of the Heartland dragons. The greed, lust, and gluttony ones that are too far gone will certainly be shown no mercy. The rest won’t fare better if they insist on resisting the Draco’dim ideal.”

Luna shook her head sadly. She was the one who told her brother that the dragons were slowly getting violent, but most of her concern was for the ponies of Equestria. That war and death would also take their toll on the dragons had not really crossed her mind before.

“One more thing,” Terrato said. Luna looked up. “Advise me, little sister. It’s about that young dragon with the Elements of Harmony.”

“His name is Spike,” Luna said.

Terrato raised an eyebrow. “Not exactly a dragon’s name.”

“He’s been raised by ponies and has spent his entire life assisting Twilight. Spike has the body of a dragon, but is essentially a pony in everything else.”

“At first, I was thinking of sending him to one of the Draco’dim.”

Luna gasped. “What? Why? Why let a bunch of pride dragons influence him?”

“Because he’s looking a little stunted. He’s not the first hatchling I've seen living with ponies. Spending a few months in the Western Barrier Land with the right dragon should give him a bit of growth and the proper skills to use his natural weapons. The Legion knows little in training his kind.”

“Are you doing this simply because you want a better soldier?” Luna asked.

“His friends are getting stronger and the front lines aren't exactly a place for him," Terrato said. "I need the Elements of Harmony nearby, but they don’t include him, do they?”

“He is still a very important friend to them,” Luna insisted.

Terrato snorted. “Then they should be glad that he’s being transferred to a safer place. It’s true that the Legion stands to benefit from a stronger Spike, but that doesn't mean I haven’t considered how this would help him.”

“I know that you mean well, big brother. From what you've told me, however, I don’t think the Draco’dim will be a good influence on him.”

“That’s why I said 'at first',” Terrato said with a sigh. “If the Draco’dim find out that he’s been working as Twilight’s 'assistant', they will kill him, then demand that we give them her head on a platter.”

It was Luna’s turn to raise an eyebrow. “Then, where are you planning on sending him?”

Terrato smiled and stared off wistfully for a moment. “I know of a safer more reliable companion for him for the next six months or so,” he said. “A servant of mine who won’t kill him for being 'undignified'.”

“You have a dragon legionnaire?” Luna asked.

The smile lessened. “Not quite. She’ll do though.”

“I think that you should talk to Spike about this, big brother," Luna said. "Given his need to make up for his part in Black Rose’s plans, he's likely to agree, but you shouldn't use that to manipulate him into going along with your plans.”

Terrato's horn flashed gray and the image of his chamberlain materialized. “Rough Cut, send for Spike the dragon. Have him meet me here in my quarters.” His eyes narrowed. “He is not to be accompanied by any of his friends, especially Twilight Sparkle.”

“Yes, your Highness.” The image of Rough Cut disappeared.

“Did you really have to put that emphasis on Twilight?” Luna asked.

“I want his decision, not his friends’," Terrato muttered. "Especially not the pony who’s been giving him orders all his life.”

“Sounds like somepony I know,” Luna said. Terrato merely frowned at the jibe and waited. It took less than half an hour to have a very nervous Spike standing before them. Luna put a hoof on her brother’s shoulder when she noticed his frown deepen. She knew the signs. Courage and the ability to remain calm before his intimidating presence impressed Terrato. Unless it was Twilight. On the other hoof, groveling and nervousness irked him.

“Am…am I here because you want to punish me for helping Black Rose?” Spike asked. “Am I going to be whipped?”

“Why would I send you to my quarters to have you whipped?” Terrato asked. “Are you accusing me of something, Spike?”

“Big brother…” Luna said.

Terrato let out a long exhale, then spoke of his plan. By the time he was finished, Spike was still staring in confusion. His irritation grew again when it seemed that Spike hadn't understood a word he had just said. “Well?” he asked.

Spike eventually found his voice and the courage to use it. “This…this legionnaire you mentioned, what’s she like? Is she a dragon?”

“Her name is Seethe Scale," Terrato replied. "She gets a little broody at times, but I think you can work with her. She’s a kirin, not a dragon. Don't worry, she’ll know enough to help you.”

“Kirin?” Spike’s eyes widened further. “What’s that?”

“The unfortunate result of a meeting between a unicorn and a lust dragon. Enough about that. You can take your time in getting to know Seethe Scale once you meet her. So what’s your decision, Spike?”

“I want to go.”

Both Terrato and Luna’s eyes widened at the quick response. “Are you sure you don’t want to think it through at least?” Terrato asked. “I’m not going to punish you for taking your time on this.”

“Don’t think you’re being ordered to do this, Spike,” Luna added. “You were called here because it’s a choice you can make.”

“I’ve made my decision,” Spike said. “I’m not making it rashly either. I've been thinking about my part in all of this fighting these past three days. I can’t just stand around worrying while my friends are fighting so hard. I promised myself that if there was anything I could do to be of better use, I’d take it.”

Luna smiled. “That is very noble of you, Spike."

“It’s decided then,” Terrato said. “Settle your affairs here. Afterwards, I’ll have you transported to the Western Barrier Land.”

Spike saluted. All the nervous shaking had gone from his body. “Yes, sir,” he said.

Spike left the room. For all his determination, Luna noted the lack of hurry in his steps. As sure as Spike may be, breaking the news to his friends wasn't something to look forward to. “You should be going too, Luna,” Terrato said. “Put in a good word for me, will you?”

“I will, big brother. I’ll see you in the Heartland. One more thing…”

“Yes?”

“Try to have a talk with big sister before going.”

Terrato snorted just before the teleportation spell took Luna away.

“Six months?” Twilight asked aghast. “Why? Why do you need to be sent away? You’re already plenty of help as it is!”

It was nighttime when Spike finally brought the topic up. Everypony was in already in their shared quarters. He had his reasons for delaying so much. For one thing, he was afraid of this sort of reaction from Twilight. For another, he knew that he’d be disturbing their duties if he brought it up during the day. It had been three days since the wolven were driven from Bastion City. Soon, they were going to be sent out to the front to help take back Fangbreaker Fortress. News had already trickled back to the city that some of the wolven were stubbornly holding on to it and they were proving difficult to root out.

“I’m not being sent away, Twilight,” Spike said. “His Highness gave me a chance and I took it. I know it sounds like a long time, but I’ll be back by spring.”

“We’re going to miss you, Spike,” Fluttershy said with a sad smile.

“Don’t say that!” Twilight glared at Fluttershy. She looked towards the rest of her friends. “Help me talk him out of it!”

“I dunno, sugarcube,” Applejack said. “He sounds like he’s made up his mind. You can’t argue with anypony who sounds like that. Or any dragon.”

In the background, Rainbow simply nodded.

“Let’s have a sending off party!” Pinkie said. “It will be fun! We can mix it in with our victory celebration!”

“I’ll bring the booze!” Scarlet said. He was gone before anypony could even react.

“Take care of yourself, Spike,” Vanguard said. “The next time we meet, we’ll be fighting side by side.”

Rarity embraced Spike. The feel of her forelegs around him nearly made him faint. “Working with Hammer Chain won’t be the same without you, Spikey-wikey. You’ll bring back a souvenir or two, won’t you?”

The sight of her friends going along with Spike’s departure all but deflated Twilight. Spike walked over to her with a sad smile of his own and a hug. “You’re really going to go through with this?” she asked.

“Cheer up, Twilight,” Spike said. “I’m more worried about you. I’ll be somewhere safer while all of you stay in the front lines. I’ll write to you too. It’ll be spring before you know it.

Twilight’s lips pressed together tightly. Spike wasn't bothered by her stubborn refusal. Twilight didn't always make the best decisions. She was easily flustered, prone to overreacting, and often got bogged down in details. But she always wanted what was best for those around her and she was more than smart enough to see the sense in this plan. “Just…stay safe, Spike,” she said. He beamed inside. As he expected of her. “Tell this Seethe Scale that if I see so much as a scratch on you when you return, she’ll have to deal with me!”

Spike chuckled, then nodded. “Take care of yourself, Twilight,” he said. He paused for a moment, then just stared at her. This was going to be the last time he would get a good look at Twilight for a while. For all his smiling reassurance, he was scared. Not just at the thought of spending several months away from his sister, but at the thought of meeting her again only to find a mare he didn't recognize. A lot of changes had happened in the short time they had spent here. How many more could he expect in six months? This could be the last time they were all together like this. The smile on his face threatened to crumble, but he fought to keep it, and turned around to look at Pinkie. “How about that party?”

Still grinning from ear to ear, Pinkie was already going for the door. “On it!” she sang out.

For the remainder of the night, Twilight and her friends celebrated. It didn't matter that it was late or that she was just one cook in the kitchens. Pinkie promised a party for them when the wolven siege was broken and she promised Spike a party before he left in the morning. True to her word, there was indeed a party ready in less than an hour.

“This much of a spread in such a short time, and in such an impromptu start…” Vanguard said. “I’m impressed.”

Pinkie had managed to scrounge up a turntable from somewhere. The others could only hope it wasn't stolen, even accidentally. The upbeat music encouraged dancing and most of the ponies in the party were already doing so. Vanguard and Twilight, however, stood by the sidelines.

“Don’t be impressed yet,” Twilight said as stood next to Vanguard. Two plates with slices of cake floated next to her, one of which she offered to him. “You should see her with her party cannon. This was at a snail’s pace compared to that.”

Vanguard took the plate with a nod of appreciation. Twilight noticed him look to one side. She followed his gaze, and spotted Scarlet guzzling a drink. At the other side of the room, she spotted Applejack chatting up Rainbow. As always, Vanguard seemed more concerned with how everypony else was doing instead of his own enjoyment. It was only when he suddenly looked at her did Twilight notice that she was staring. She quickly looked away before he noticed anything. “So...uh…that’s some interesting music that Pinkie found,” she said. “Is it the sort of music that’s popular in the Barrier Lands?”

“That's Runthrough's music,” Vanguard replied. “It looks like somepony in Bastion City still keeps up with music from the southerly cities. From what I heard around the fortress before, he’s a little too traditional for some of the younger legionnaires, but his music is still danceable.”

"Do you like that sort of music?" Twilight asked.

"Not really." Vanguard smiled. "Although, if you played some of my favorites here, passing ponies will think that there's a funeral going on."

“I see…” Twilight’s voice trailed off. She filled the silence by taking a large bite of the cake.

Vanguard chewed on a more modest bite of his slice. “Still sad?” he asked after swallowing.

“I can’t help it,” Twilight replied. “So many things can go wrong with this, and that’s not even considering that I will miss him.”

“There will be plenty of time to be sad and miss Spike in the next six months,” Vanguard said. He turned his gaze towards the middle of the room where Fluttershy, Spike, and Pinkie, were dancing. “But you won’t get to be happy for him until he comes back.”

Twilight was quiet for a moment. “That’s true,” she said. Before she could say anything else, Applejack trotted over to them.

“Don’t stand there like a stick in the mud, Vanguard, dance with us!” Applejack said with a grin. She grabbed hold of Vanguard’s unbarded forelegs, and pulled him to the center of the room.

“I don’t know any of your chosen dances,” Vanguard said.

“Oh horse apples! Stop thinking about chosen and barrier lands ponies for minute, and just move those legs!” Applejack turned her attention towards Twilight. “You too, Twi,” she said.

Twilight let out a long exhale. Vanguard was right of course. She set aside her own melancholy, even the strange twinge in her chest when Applejack started dancing next to Vanguard while giggling at his awkward steps. She was going to celebrate along with her friends no matter what lay past this night. The smile came less forced this time when she spotted Pinkie at the center of all the dancing. This was her element after all: Joy in the face of all the crushing uncertainties of the Barrier Lands, joy spurred by will not emotion. For tonight, Twilight was going to wield that joy against the fangs of Fenrir, and the machinations of Black Rose.

Tomorrow, the rest of the battle will go on.

A Fated Encounter

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 2: A Fated Encounter

“My cousin’s out making a name for himself with the rest of the offensive and what do I end up with? Guarding Princess Pansy!” Redtail tapped the stone floor lightly, and impatiently with her front trampler.

Her fellow guard, Lowlight, looked at her askance. “You sure you should be calling her names when she’s so close?” he asked.

“Didn’t you get a good look at her, and hear what’s going around the guard?” Redtail asked in return. “She’s just some normal pony now. No special hearing powers or whatnot. Those wings, and that horn are all probably just there for decoration.”

“Interesting that you mentioned special hearing powers,” Lowlight said. “You better hope her brother’s not using his at the moment.”

Silence filled the empty hall afterwards. This was the fourth day since Bastion City was saved from a horde of invading wolven, and the two of them were tasked with guarding their prince’s eldest sister. For the most part, guarding Princess Celestia was a monotonous wait. She had spent almost the entirety of her first four days in the Barrier Lands resting quietly inside her room. Meals were delivered at a regular basis. Several times, Lowlight had to sternly warn his partner about helping herself to them as they were brought. Princess Celestia didn't dine on moss and lichens like most of Bastion City. Instead, fresh dragonspine grass, and mountain wildflowers from the Western Barrier Land were wheeled into her quarters. Redtail’s mouth watered with each delivery, and she scowled when leftovers were taken out.

This morning was different, however. When breakfast was finished, the dishes were clean when they were taken away. They snapped to attention when Princess Celestia stepped out of the room.

“Good morning,” Celestia said in a pleasant tone. There was a hint of tentativeness in her greeting. She was looking much better since she had first stumbled into her quarters a few days back. Though she towered over them like their prince, she did not have the same intimidating aura as he did.

Redtail was dangerously vocal about how that was a sign of weakness, yet one more symptom of both Celestia’s loss of power, and the centuries she spent hiding from battle. Lowlight wasn't as reckless.

“Good morning, your highness,” Lowlight replied as he saluted. Redtail said nothing, but she saluted smartly enough. Lowlight was thankful that the heavy barding that all guards wore hid Redtail’s face. Unlike his partner, he sort of liked the much softer presence that his prince’s sisters had. For him, the differences among his rulers reminded him that there should be more to Equestria than the Legion. Ever since Princess Luna first arrived in Bastion City, he had been entertaining thoughts of a more peaceful Equestria.

“If you don’t mind, I wish to speak with my brother,” Princess Celestia said.

“As you wish, your highness," Lowlight said. "We will escort you to him at once.” He took the lead while Redtail brought up the rear. Their instructions were clear: they were to escort her anywhere within the Grand Meeting Hall, Prince Terrato was to be consulted for anywhere beyond that. Nopony save for assigned legionnaires was to be allowed near the princess, and any attempt to harm her was to be met with swift and lethal retaliation. It was a relief that the princess made her brother their first stop for the day.

“He should be arriving within the week,” Terrato said.

“I will do as you command, your highness,” Seethe Scale replied. Despite her name, she answered in a completely neutral tone. Terrato had come to expect that from her. Even when he had mentioned that he was entrusting a very young dragon under the care of the notoriously antisocial kirin who specialized in hunting rogue dragons, she didn't so much as bat a scaled eyelid. She bowed low, and Terrato dismissed the spell so he could focus on other pressing matters.

With initial reports from the siege of Fangbreaker coming in along with scouting reports from his spies in Wolvengard, Terrato braced himself for a busy morning. So far, Nightmare Moon had not made an appearance, and Fenrir was staying true to the pact. However--

Terrato paused at the “feel” of hoofsteps approaching his quarters. He could identify his visitors through tremor sense before they could even come close. He recognized the hoof-steps of two of his heavily barded guards. It was the third pony that piqued his attention. There was no mistaking his light-stepping older sister. Despite being taller than any of her subjects, Celestia walked softly enough to put a filly crawling on a thick carpet to shame. When the door finally opened, he had already set aside the papers he was supposed to deal with so he could focus his attention on her. The guards bowed upon entering his presence while Celestia hesitated for a moment before stepping inside his quarters. “How are you feeling?” he asked. He gestured for the guards to leave, and remain outside his quarters, then shut the door behind them with his magic.

“I’m much better now,” Celestia replied. “Thank you.” She took another step towards him.

Towards any other pony who showed him this sort of nervousness, Terrato would have already been annoyed. For Celestia, it was easy to make an exemption. “Do you need something?” he asked.

“I would like to walk around this city, Terrato," Celestia replied. "To see what Equestria is like beyond my barrier.”

Terrato snorted. “Are you under my command now, Celestia?” he asked. Though it was good that she did take the time to ask him, part of him still wished that she didn't come here so meekly. She was their eldest. Quite possibly the next Queen. A certain degree of imperiousness was to be expected.

A puzzled look crossed Celestia’s face for a moment, then a slight frown creased it. “Certainly not!” she said.

“Then, why are you asking for my permission to do things?”

The frown disappeared followed by a look that Terrato could have sworn was apologetic. “Even if I’m not asking for permission, I still want you to be happy with my decisions,” Celestia said.

An awkward moment of silence passed. The conversation threatened to shift towards their past, but Terrato refused to let it. “Not with this one,” he said. “I would rather you stayed put for now. There are a lot of ponies out there who weren't happy with your barrier, Celestia. You risk being attacked if you decide to wander around the city. I can’t accompany you, and take care of my other duties at the same time so that leaves moving a lot of legionnaires to keep you safe.”

“Is the danger truly that great, brother?” Celestia asked.

Terrato’s face twisted in embarrassment. How he wanted to say that he was exaggerating, and that the ponies of the Barrier Lands respected and adored her. The truth, however, was that even the harshest punishments could not hold back centuries of building resentment. He knew the grumblings that his subjects thought they were hiding from him so well. “It could be just one doddering, half-blind pony with a rusty shank and a grudge, and I would still have you guarded at all times,” he answered.

“Perhaps they don’t have to know that it’s me who’s wandering around,” Celestia suggested. “Just a touch of transformation magic would do.”

“True,” Terrato replied. “And with all the preparations for retaking Fangbreaker, you won’t be drawing too much attention.” He stepped forward with his horn glowing. Black Rose may have let Celestia keep her immortality, but he could barely sense any magical power from her. He doubted that she could manage basic telekinesis without breaking a sweat. As he moved closer, however, Celestia took a step back. The surprise on her face when she noticed this movement told him that it was instinctive. He stopped, and stared at her quietly.

Celestia lowered her head, and her voice trembled slightly. “I’m sorry,” she said.

Terrato snorted. “What’s there to be sorry about? Flinching? It hasn't been a week since we fought each other, Celestia.”

“It’s not just about that fight.” Celestia said. She managed to walk forward until she was a leg’s length from him. “This ‘flinching’ is just one symptom. The way I've been thinking of you and treating you, I--” She caught a glimpse of his face.

“I see where this is going,” Terrato growled. “Now that you need me more than ever, I’m suddenly your dear brother again, am I right?”

Celestia’s eyes widened. Indignation tinged her voice when she responded. “What? That is not true at all!”

“Then don’t do this to me, Celestia, not when the back of my mind keeps saying that!”

Celestia took another step back. This time, it came as no surprise to Terrato. When he raised his voice, he had instinctively raised himself up, and leaned forward in a combative stance. He cursed at his own reflexes, his volcanic temper, and the centuries that created the two. ‘I’m sorry, Luna,’ he thought, ‘but this is going to be much more difficult than I thought.’ He lowered his voice, and the threatening stance he was in. “I swear I will restore your powers,” he said. “Until that time, don’t do this. Don’t bait me with something that I’m terrified you’ll take away again once everything is ‘back to normal’.”

“Terrato…” Celestia extended a foreleg to touch him, but he raised his glowing horn, and cast a spell before she could do so. A burst of gray magic engulfed her. When the spell settled, he was no longer staring at a weakened alicorn, but a lavender earth pony mare no bigger than Twilight. Her mane was a much darker shade of purple, cut short, and swept to one side. Her tail was short, and straight.

“There we go.” Terrato said. He smiled at his hoof-work. “You’re Sun Drop, an earth pony volunteer from Hearthstone City." He walked back to his desk, where the reports he had been ignoring awaited him. “You’ll look suspicious with armed guards following you, so I’ll have Special Operations keep a careful eye out. Try not to get into any arguments as they will be instructed to shoot any pony who so much as spits in your direction.”

Celestia looked her disguise over, even running a hoof down her mane. “Is there any particular reason you chose this form?” she asked.

“I like earth ponies,” Terrato replied. “Also, you won’t be called upon to use magic, or fly. Redtail and Lowlight will escort you out of the Grand Meeting Hall, you're on your own after that.”

Celestia stared at her brother a little longer. Terrato had already buried his nose into a pile of papers. She wasn't sure what spurred that halting apology from her. Perhaps it was the hurt she saw flash on his face when she had instinctively stepped back. Perhaps it was because she felt obligated after attacking him without cause just a few days back.

“You stubborn foal…all you had to do was visit our brother once, and you could have seen for yourself what sort of ponies served with him to protect Equestria. You could have seen how he ran the Legion, and how faithful he has been to the laws you laid down. You had more than a thousand years to spare a day to see him, and you didn't!”

Celestia’s outrage over what she felt was a betrayal had blotted out the meaning in Luna's words. Now that things have calmed down, Celestia began to consider them. A single day of visiting…perhaps that could have worked in the past, but what could be done now? There was nothing physically standing between her and her brother save for a desk of wood, and several feet of air, but it felt as if he had already constructed a fortress around him. He had centuries of experience defending both Equestria, and himself. There was no getting through to something he wanted shut away. But, perhaps there was a way around those walls…she could only hope that she would find such a way by spending more time here in the realm he had been reigning over all this time. With one last glance at Terrato, she followed her guards to the Grand Meeting Hall’s exit.

Vanguard’s hoof smacked into Applejack’s shoulder, knocking her down to the ground hard. It wasn't that he had struck her hard, or that he was wearing tramplers, the force that sent her sprawling on the pavement came more from precision and timing. Her barding scraped loudly against the stone, setting everypony's teeth on edge. Nearby, merely watching made both Fluttershy, and Pinkie wince.

Fluttershy had her medical kit ready in case of any accident. She looked towards their shared quarters, remembering another friend who had just gotten hurt recently. Earlier this morning, Twilight tried to use Rarity’s mage-blades again. One of the blades spun erratically in her telekinesis before burying itself into her foreleg. Fluttershy couldn't understand why Twilight had to insist on trying to use the weapons in the first place.

“I’m starting to see some bad habits here, Applejack,” Vanguard said. “Just because you bear the Element of Honesty doesn't mean that you have to honestly tell me every move you make before making it.”

Then, there was Applejack, another pony that had been full of surprises for the past few days. Twilight had fussed over her, trying to find out more about the strange shield she had called out during their last fight. When pressed to do it again, Applejack had been unable to do so no matter how much Twilight prodded her. There was also her promotion to vice-captain. Everypony was fine with it. At least, Fluttershy thought they were. Twilight has been looking a little edgy ever since Vanguard revealed his decision.

“What in tarnation are you talking about?” Applejack asked. She shook off the impact, and readied herself for another attack. “I haven’t said a word since we started this! How can I be telling you what I’m going to do?”

The morning after their celebratory party, Spike had left with a few pegasi, and made his way to the Western Barrier Land. The departure was short and simple enough: no tears, no long farewell speeches, just a hug for each of them, and a wave from Spike. After that, Applejack had asked her new captain for a sparring session near their shared quarters. The results so far were more than a little eye-opening. Applejack may not have been in the Legion for a long time, but she had seen her fair share of fighting, and trained everyday with her platoon. Nevertheless, Vanguard tossed her around with barely any effort. He didn't even look like he was breathing hard.

“Maybe not with your lips,” Vanguard replied. “The rest of your body is a different story. Pay attention to where your eyes linger, and how your shoulders and legs tense. Keeping your lips shut doesn't mean anything if your expressions say everything.”

“Okay, no more getting knocked on my rear!” Applejack pawed the ground, charged.

Before they continue, however, Vanguard looked to the side. Fluttershy followed his gaze, and found a pegasus standing nearby. “Captain Vanguard Clash?” the pegasus asked.

“That’s me,” Vanguard replied. He didn't recognize this pony. Fluttershy guessed that this must be one of the reinforcements from the cities to the south of Bastion City that had only recently arrived.

“I heard that you are in command of a squad of chosen," the pegasus said, "is this true?”

The mention of “chosen” caught the attention of the rest Vanguard’s new squad. Fluttershy, Applejack, and Pinkie walked over to see what was going on.

“It’s true,” Vanguard said. “What of it?”

The legionnaire's knees shook as he let out a long, relieved exhale. “My name is One Trick," he said. "I’m here on behalf of a high scholar from the Order of Speech.”

Vanguard raised an eyebrow. Seeing his puzzlement, Applejack trotted over to stand next to him."What's this Order of Speech about?" she asked.

"The Order of Speech is an ancient organization focused on the maintenance of language in the Barrier Lands," Vanguard replied. He turned his attention back to One Trick. "What does a high scholar want with the chosen?" he asked.

“High Scholar Crow Quill journeyed here as soon as he first heard the rumors that there are chosen here. He wishes to meet with the chosen if it is possible.”

Vanguard considered it for a moment, then nodded. “Alright then,” he said.

“Excellent! High Scholar Crow Quill is staying here in…”

Half an hour later, Vanguard, and his new squad were visiting the Snow Mare, one of the many full inns in Bastion City thanks to the influx of ponies coming in. They waited in the dining area until an old unicorn stallion with a dull, black coat, and a gray mane approached them. This must be Crow Quill. He wore an indistinct brown robe as well as a pair of saddlebags, one of which was stuffed with scrolls while the contents of the other could only be guessed at. Out of all of them, it was Twilight who looked on with interest. Vanguard wasn't surprised. This was going to be her first encounter with a scholar from the Barrier Lands.

Crow Quill approached the group slowly at first, but when his gaze alighted on their cutie marks, he stepped with a lot more spring. “It’s true!” he said. “Chosen!” He focused his attention on Twilight. “You there, do you understand a word I’m saying?” he asked.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Of course, I do,” she replied. To her surprise, Crow Quill closed his eyes, and a couple of tears ran down his cheeks. “Are you alright?” she asked.

“I’ll be fine,” Crow Quill replied. “I simply wish to relish the validation of my life’s work, and of the life’s work of the ponies before me. Despite a millennium of separation, we understand each other clearly. By your words you have brought meaning to centuries of vigilant service.”

“Um…you’re welcome?” Twilight said. She scratched her head, and took a step back, clearly uncomfortable with this kind of attention and grandiose words.

A minute of silence passed before Crow Quill collected himself. “There is one more piece of business to deal with,” he said. “As unlikely as it may be, have you perchance heard of the Apple Family?”

It was Applejack’s turn to step forward. “Heard of ‘em?" She grinned, and tapped her chest with a hoof. "Why you’re looking at one of them! The name’s Applejack, what can I do you for?”

Crow Quill’s eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “You…you are a member of the Apple Family?” He shook his head in disbelief, and stared at Applejack. “By the Three, if I were to fall down dead this very moment, I would have no regrets!”

“Uh…please don’t.” Applejack said. “There ain’t a pony here who’d like to see that.”

“Why are you looking for the Apple Family?” Twilight asked. “How do you even know about the Apple Family?”

Crow Quill fell to his knees, and fiddled with one of his saddlebags. He pulled out a silvery chain easily several feet long. With a trembling voice, he spoke solemnly to Applejack. “Centuries ago, during the first few years of the division, the Last Great Apple not only saved my ancestor’s life, but restored his honor. Before his final stand, he asked that ancestor of mine to find a way to return this to his family. This task has been handed down through the generations. Now, I have the honor of finally repaying that debt.”

Applejack turned towards Vanguard in confusion. “Last Great Apple?" she asked. "What’s he talking about, Vanguard?”

Vanguard was silent for a while. “Apple Slice,” he said. He walked over to Crow Quill. “It’s unlikely that this is even the same Apple Family as the one Apple Slice was part of. It’s been centuries, Crow Quill, that bloodline is probably long gone, and a new bunch of ponies have taken up the name.”

"Aren't there any Apples in the Barrier Lands?" Twilight asked.

"From what I've read, Apple Slice was the last." Vanguard said. "He stayed in the Barrier Lands while the rest of his family migrated to the Heartland as chosen."

“This task has been passed down my family despite all the impossibilities of it being completed,” Crow Quill said. “No matter how distant the relation, this chain will return to the hooves of an Apple.” He coiled the chain loosely around one leg, and offered it to Applejack. “Please take the burden of this debt from my family, Applejack,” he said. “I have no foals to pass this duty on to. It must be fate that I chose to travel to this city.”

“I’ll take it if it means so much to you, old timer,” Applejack replied. As soon as she touched the chain, she stopped, and looked ahead distantly as if recalling something. “Don’t worry, you got the right Apple. You don’t owe Apple Slice anything anymore.”

“Thank you,” Crow Quill said. Before he could continue, a violent cough wracked him.

One Trick helped Crow Quill up to his hooves. “I beg your pardon,” he said. “All this excitement has taken its toll on Crow Quill. I’m going to escort him back to his room now. Thank you for helping him in this, Applejack.”

As the two made their way out of the dining area, Vanguard stared at the chain. What kind of metal could survive for so many centuries? Surely, there was more to it than just being a simple tool for a long dead pony. The rest of his friends walked over to have a good look at it.

“Superb craftsmanship,” Rarity said. “Look at the detail on each link! Why it still looks brand new! It’s hard to believe that this was made hundreds of years ago.”

“That’s because it’s magic,” Twilight said. Her horn was glowing as she approached. She winced slightly each time she stepped with her bandaged foreleg. “It’s a pretty powerful enchantment too. This Apple Slice must have been a powerful unicorn, or knew one to be able to do this.”

Applejack continued to stare at the chain for a while, then looked towards Vanguard. “Say Vanguard,” she said.

“Hmm?”

“What Black Rose did was wrong, right? Stealing Princess Celestia’s power…hurting, and killing ponies to get what she wants…”

Vanguard understood the meaning behind the question. This chain could have only found its way back to its rightful owners if the division was ended, and Black Rose had done what she did. “Yes,” he replied.

“Is it bad to think that something good came out of it?”

Vanguard fell into thinking himself. “No,” he eventually replied. “Not at all. Get ready, we’re moving out.”

Dangerous Roads

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 3: Dangerous Roads

The march towards Fangbreaker Fortress was the exact opposite of the shameful retreat that the Legion had gone through. Even though the weather was worse, every pony made good time. They dragged their supply wagons, and siege engines with fervor. The thought of bringing the fight to the wolven who had dared to invade their lands warmed them through the frigid journey.

With Fangbreaker just a day away, the latest wave of reinforcements picked up their pace as snow continue to fall all around them. The pilling snow drifts made each step a struggle, but nopony paid too much attention to that, especially the pegasi. Among them, Rainbow not only flew all the way up front, but she flitted about in her impatience. Her back still hurt, and her head still had some bandages, but she was ready for another battle, and another chance to redeem herself. For this march, she purposely distanced herself from her new squad mates. Applejack’s forgiveness felt…reassuring, as if she had reached out and removed an enormous load that had been dragging Rainbow down. It was for that reason that Rainbow needed to keep some distance. It was her fault that Applejack was hurt, and she had to do something to redeem herself. It was so tempting to just accept that forgiveness, and try to get back to some semblance of how they were in the Heartland, but she couldn't let it go that way. She couldn't let Applejack, or any of her friends, do everything. She had to do something truly heroic, something that would show them how awesome it was to be her friend. She couldn't just wait around until one of them was in danger, she had to keep doing things.

She looked past the gently falling snow, and saw the faint silhouette of Fangbreaker Fortress’s walls. Its retaking would be her opportunity. She listened often to her flight mates talking about the place. Every member of Flight Dreadwing spoke of the fortress with a reverence she once thought was only reserved for royalty. The fortress was more than just a bunch of buildings to the Legion. Even Flight Captain Tailwind had some wistfulness in her tone when the conversation shifted to the place. Taking it back was going to be the stuff of legends in the years to come. Playing an important part in the process…well, it would help. A lot.

Before she could go on, something hit her from the side, then carried her away like a great blast of wind. Except that this blast felt solid, and metallic. The landscape turned into a blur of grays and whites. She was soon hovering high above the line of troops, even above the other pegasi. “What in the--” she spluttered.

A hoof covered Rainbow’s mouth before she could say anything else. She focused on what had brought her so swiftly here only to find a familiar pony holding her up. Her forelegs were pinned to her sides by a red-furred leg. ‘Scarlet,’ she thought. The name shifted her thoughts into an entirely different matter, one that she had been talking with Applejack, and Vanguard for the past few days. Scarlet held her with one foreleg without so much as straining while he shoved the other one into her mouth.

“Shhh!” Scarlet searched below him, then focused on Rainbow with a grin. “Not too loud!” he whispered. “The Captain’s going to kill me if he finds out about this!”

Rainbow nodded, and Scarlet took his hoof from her mouth. He didn't let her go, however. Instead, his other foreleg encircled her as well. Rainbow tried to free herself, only to realize that she couldn't break Scarlet’s grip. “What do you want, Scarlet?” she asked. Inside, she was starting to panic. Scarlet had easily separated her from anypony before she could so much as blink. He held her in an iron grip she couldn't escape. While he was grinning casually, the look in his eyes was a little too intense.

“You know, I should be a little mad at you,” Scarlet said. “You got pissed because I raced you with my barding, and weights on, but it turns out you've been holding back on me too. Why haven’t you mentioned your sonic sparkly dash to me before?”

Under the intense, disturbing stare, Rainbow could barely get the words out. “I…uh…well, it just sorta happens.” She swallowed when the grin lessened on Scarlet’s face. “I can’t do it whenever I want to,” she said. “It just happens when it’s really important so I wasn't holding back on you at all.”

Scarlet’s silent, uncomprehending gaze filled the few moments of silence that came after Rainbow’s response. After that, his grin returned. “So you still want to race against me seriously?” he asked. “No barding and weights, just Scarlet Rabbit at his very best, and Rainbow Dash with her sparkly flashy exploding move!”

Rainbow didn't answer right away. A serious race against an unhindered Scarlet…ever since that last race they had, she had been thinking of how such a thing would play out. Scarlet was right, she still had the Sonic Rainboom. If she had managed that during their first race, she could have left Scarlet behind easily. Accepting his invitation, even if she wasn't sure she could pull it off, should be an easy yes.

Except...

“I think it’s wonderful that you’re staying here again, Rainbow,” Rarity said with an approving nod.

Rainbow didn't have much to say to that. After how she had been treating them, she wondered why any of her friends would be glad to share these quarters with her. But Applejack had insisted, and staying here was more convenient than constantly avoiding her. Flight Captain Tailwind telling her to stay with the other Elements of Harmony also helped. “What’s the matter, Rarity?” she asked with a half-forced smirk. “Couldn't stand not having my awesome self around?”

To Rainbow’s surprise, Rarity smiled. “I admit I even missed that ego, but it’s also because I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Huh?” Rainbow eyed Rarity skeptically. She’d been doing plenty of talking with Applejack already. She certainly didn't want to have a repeat with Rarity.

“Rainbow, has Scarlet Rabbit challenged you to a race?”

Rainbow frowned. “No. Why are you asking that all of a sudden?”

“Well, I just heard this rather disturbing tale from Hammer Chain…”

Rainbow listened despite the urge to just dismiss Rarity’s concerns. She had heard this before: Scarlet’s a good legionnaire, but his sort of influence wasn't, the things Scarlet does work for him, but won’t necessarily work for other ponies, Scarlet’s a veteran, and knows what he’s doing in combat. Rainbow wasn't interested in hearing more. It wasn't Scarlet’s drinking ability, or even his skill at fighting that she admired, but she wasn't ready to talk to anypony about that.

As Rarity recounted Hammer Chain's tale, Rainbow did end up listening intently. Rarity was convinced that Scarlet had done something horrible to this Overcast, Rainbow wasn't so sure, and she wasn't going to simply speculate like the Queen of Overreacting. It was better to get the answers straight from the source.

Vanguard eventually entered their shared quarters, and Rainbow immediately spoke to him about what Rarity had told her.

“All of that is true,” Vanguard replied. He looked around to see if anypony else was listening. “I can’t fault Hammer Chain for giving the point of view of an observer, and I’m willing to fill in the details if it convinces you not to seriously race against Scarlet.”

“So Scarlet really did kill Overcast?” Rainbow asked.

“No." Before Rainbow could breathe a sigh of relief, Vanguard went on. “That's because we managed to stop him in time, which we were able to do because he was slowly beating Overcast to death as opposed to just snapping his neck.”

Rainbow tried to reply: to voice some kind of skepticism. She wanted to reason out that Vanguard was exaggerating to keep her from racing against Scarlet, but Vanguard had never been the sort to exaggerate. Every time he opened his mouth, nothing came out but growling, somber truth, even when he was trying to be light-hearted. He spoke so seriously that she did believe. “But why?” she asked. “Why did he do it?”

“You’ll need to understand more about Scarlet. He’s not a Bastion City pony like most of us in the fortress. He was sent here from the Southern Barrier Land before recruitment.” Vanguard paused, hesitating one last time about telling his old friend’s story to a newer friend. “Scarlet wasn't born like you and me. He was…built.”

“Built?” Rainbow asked. “Like a machine? How’s that possible?”

“His parents came from a line of ophidite slaves. Their owners had been selectively breeding them for pegasus racing, and Scarlet was their best result.”

Rainbow’s eyes narrowed. Ophidites. She had heard about them often whenever the transfers from the south told stories. They were enormous snakes who lived far to the south. She heard a lot of terms about them: Constrictus tribe, Cobrahn tribe, Vipren tribe, Coatl tribe, Sesyth, spitters, poison arrows. Now, Scarlet was part of that group.”How do you know all of this?” she asked.

“I garnered a lot of information from Scarlet himself. I've also spoken with some of his fellow liberated slaves.” Vanguard paused. “Scarlet’s masters applied every bit of knowledge they had on producing an unbeatable racing pegasus: experiments, medicines, conditioning…they succeeded to a great degree. To Scarlet’s luck I suppose. In Ophidus, pegasus racers were a couple of losses from being dinner. When the Southern Legion attacked the holdings of his ophidite master, Scarlet was a champion several times over.”

Rainbow swallowed again. “What does all of that have to do with challenging him to a race? I mean just because he’s got special training--”

“Don’t you understand?" Vanguard growled. "The ophidites took away Scarlet’s parents, his chance for some semblance of a normal foalhood, even some of his ability to interact with his fellow ponies and feel some emotions. They took all that away, and replaced it with speed. That’s what I mean when I say he was built. There is no beating him when he races unfettered, and I say this after seeing your Sonic Rainboom.”

“You can’t know that until I try!” Rainbow said.

Vanguard held Rainbow by the shoulders, and looked her in the eye sternly. “Don’t race him. He’ll ask you now that he’s seen what you can do, but he won’t persist if you put your hoof down. If you lose a serious race, he’ll go berserk. The ophidites conditioned him that way.” Vanguard’s voice lowered, and he let his worry tinge his words. “There won’t be a second cover up. If he tries it again, he’s dead. The only variable is if he kills you first, or not. Do you understand now? Don’t race him.”

“Rainbow.”

For a moment, Rainbow didn't even recognize her own name in the swirl of indecision.

“Rainbow!” Scarlet followed the name up with a vigorous shaking. When he finally noticed her eyes focus on him, he frowned. “What are you doing spacing out? You want that race, or not?”

Vanguard’s warning played itself in Rainbow’s mind. That, and the concern all her friends had for her. She should say no. That was all it took to put a stop to this. A single word would stop Scarlet’s pestering, and keep her safe from that dangerous, ophidite-made…thing that lurked beneath his cheery smile, and boisterous laugh. There was still a war to fight, Nightmare Moon, Black Rose, getting Celestia’s power back, and a hundred more reasons. All she had to do was say--

“Yes.”

A smile spread across Scarlet’s face. Rainbow recognized this smile. It was the sort of smile Pinkie had…when she spotted another cake to devour. “Great!” he said. His smile widened, until his teeth showed. “You tell me when you’re ready, then we’ll plan a nice private spot. Don’t worry about witnesses. I’ll be the first, and the loudest at proclaiming your awesomeness when you beat me!”

Before Rainbow could speak again, she was hovering alone in the chilly sky. All she caught was a faint streak of red from the corner of her eye. ‘Just one word, huh?’ she thought.

Not everypony was excited with the walls of Fangbreaker coming ever closer. Trailing behind her friends, Pinkie quailed at the prospect of having to fight again. It wasn't fear for her life that put a damper on her spirit. During the last fight with Nightmare Moon, she had done nothing to help her friends out. Indeed, Worse than nothing, in fact. She was a burden, having to be protected by Twilight’s shield, and watching helplessly while Nightmare Moon almost killed her friends. Despite that disastrous show of support, she was grouped with the rest of the Elements of Harmony, and sent to fight once again. She couldn't understand it. What was expected of her? She wasn't super magical like Twilight, strong and tough like Applejack, or fast like Rainbow. At least Fluttershy could help with the wounded, and Rarity had those magic blades of hers. She just…didn't fit in the front line.

“What’s the matter, Pinkie?”

Pinkie easily recognized the soft growling tone. Sharpfangs sounded a lot like his son, only a little gruffer. While she got along well with everypony in Kitchen Division, she spent just a little more time chatting with him. “I was just thinking of what I could do when the fighting starts again,” she replied. Sharpfangs raised an eyebrow. “I mean, I’m just a cook. Sure I’m also a bearer of an Element of Harmony, and Prince Terrato thinks that we can do a lot more if I’m out there helping, but what am I supposed to be doing? Hey, you’re a cook too, Sharpfangs, do you have any idea what to do when you need to fight?”

Sharpfangs cleared his throat. “I don’t know how these “Elements of Harmony” are supposed to work, Pinkie,” he said. “I can’t help you there. Maybe you should get some weapons training if you’re going to be spending time in fights.”

“I suppose,” Pinkie said with a downcast look. “More time in fights” was exactly what she was afraid of. Her tail started to shake violently. On instinct, she dropped to her belly with her forelegs covering her head. “Twitchy tail, watch out!” she yelled. “Something’s going to fall from above!” As she said that, a crashing sound came from behind them.

At Pinkie's yell, Sharpfangs looked up, and spotted a small jar about to land on him. He stepped to the side, and it fell to the ground. The jar had been saved from shattering by a large pile of snow. He stared at it for a moment, then picked it up. With the danger gone, Pinkie stood up and look at the thing as well. It turned out to be a jar of salt. Behind them, one of the supply wagons had been upended, and the pony pulling it had fallen face-first into the snow. The jar had likely flown from the wagon, narrowly missing Sharpfangs's head thanks to Pinkie’s warning. Sharpfangs looked towards Pinkie with a mixture of disbelief and gratitude. “Good call,” he said. “Thanks.”

Pinkie replied with a wide grin, then hopped next to Sharpfangs as he went to see to the wagon.

“So what happened here, Whitesnout?” Sharpfangs asked the wagon’s puller.

“Prince-damned snow was hiding a shallow pit,” Whitesnout grumbled. Several wagons passed by him as he struggled to get his back on track. “I guess I should count myself lucky I didn't break a leg.”

Sharpfangs and Pinkie lent a hoof and got the wagon moving again. They were about to get back to the march when a couple of ponies headed towards them. Sharpfang’s eyes narrowed, and he pulled Pinkie behind him. Surprised and curious, Pinkie looked over Sharpfang’s shoulder to see what was going on.

The two earth ponies coming towards them looked…odd. Pinkie had not really known a lot of Barrier Lands ponies, but she did know the sort of appearance that the ponies of Bastion City favored: thick gray furs, barding on the legionnaires, rugged faces, and the like. These ponies were clad from muzzle to tail in thickly layered browns and greens. They wore wide-brimmed, conical hats to protect themselves from the snow. The lead pony still had his face exposed, revealing a young stallion with a dark brown coat, and a white mane. The one behind him wore a wooden mask made to resemble a featureless pony. The colors made it look like it was chiseled from stone. “Who are these ponies, Sharpfangs?” she asked. “Do you know them?”

“Never met one before,” Sharpfangs growled, “but I recognize the outfits. They call themselves ‘True Earth Ponies’. They probably came with the other reinforcements from the Western Barrier Land.”

The masked pony held out a square, flat piece of slate, no bigger than a dish. There were all sorts of strange writings on it as well as four embedded gems set in a cross pattern: a ruby, a sapphire, an emerald, and a diamond. The diamond, the gem that was pointing towards their direction, was glowing softly. Upon seeing this, the masked pony turned to his companion, and whispered something. The other stallion listened intently, then nodded before turning towards Sharpfangs. “Which one of you was channeling ley energy just now?” he asked.

“What?” Sharpfangs asked. “What are you talking about?”

The masked pony whispered something again, then pointed a hoof at Pinkie. The lead pony responded by taking a step towards Pinkie. Sharpfangs blocked his path. “This doesn’t concern you, half-dog,” the stallion said angrily. “Our concern is with the novice channeler.”

“Take your ‘concern’ and shove it under your tail!” Sharpfangs snarled. He bared his teeth, revealing just how wicked and curved his namesakes were. “I’m not letting you fill this filly’s head with your worthless grudges and philosophies.”

The stallion reared up angrily. Before anything else could transpire, a shadow fell upon him accompanied by the sound of beating wings.

“What’s going on here?” Tailwind asked. She hovered close to Sharpfangs, and glared at the two ponies. “You've got a problem with my husband, colt?”

“So the half-dog is married to a bird,” the lead stallion said, his upper lip curling. Tailwind’s hoof went the crossbow strapped to her harness, but Sharpfangs stopped her.

The masked pony also held out a hoof to hold back the lead stallion. When the lead stallion backed down, the masked pony stepped forward, and spoke directly to Pinkie in an aged, cracked voice. She didn't recognize a word.

More ponies arrived to see what was going on. Many of them were more unfamiliar ponies that looked like they came from other parts of the Barrier Lands. Upon seeing the commotion, the masked pony whispered to his companion, and both of them walked away. “What was that about?” Pinkie asked. “Did any of you understand a word that masked pony said?”

“True Earth Pony gibberish,” Tailwind muttered. “Stay away from those nutcases,” she told Pinkie. “They can’t be anything good.” She patted her husband's shoulder, and flew off.

Before Pinkie and Sharpfangs could move on, one of the observing ponies, a white earth pony stallion with a buzz-cut brown mane, trotted over to them. “Sorry about that,” he said. “They came with my group. I didn't expect them to start acting out. They were pretty behaved with us, even when they were with unicorns and pegasi.”

“They probably would have stayed that way too,” Sharpfangs replied. “I think something provoked them.” He looked over to Pinkie.

“So why are they called “True Earth Ponies”?” Pinkie asked. “I mean, does that mean I’m a fake earth pony? How do they tell?”

They resumed walking. “The name’s Cold Forged,” the pony from the Western Barrier Land said. “Don’t let their name fool you. There’s nothing particularly true about them. Just a bunch of isolationist earth ponies if you ask me. I guess that doesn't sound as good as ‘True Earth Ponies’.”

“So why do they call themselves that?” Pinkie asked.

“Well, according to them, they are very ancient group,” Cold Forged replied. “They say that, even before the reign of our prince, the pegasi controlled the weather while the unicorns controlled both the sun and moon. The earth ponies were required to pay tribute to both. Their group’s ancestors supposedly started a revolt against this, then fled underground where neither sun nor moon could be seen, and the weather meant nothing.”

Sharpfangs shook his head while Cold Forged gave a wry smile. “Sounds like hogwash made up to hate unicorns and pegasi to me,” Cold Forged said. “I mean pegasi controlling weather?” He laughed derisively.

“Just stay away from them, Pinkie.” Sharpfangs said. “They’re a dangerous lot caught up in their bigoted beliefs.

“I've heard that there’s also a very rare sort of them practicing bizarre rituals to create some kind of magic,” Cold Forged said. “Earth ponies practicing magic, it’s just not right, I tell you.”

Pinkie was about to say something when Twilight and the rest of her friends galloped towards her.

“There you are!” Twilight said. “You should have said something before falling to the back of the line like this!”

“Oh hey, Twilight!” Pinkie said. Her confusion about what the masked pony had said faded to the back of her mind for now. “I just met--“

“Later,” Twilight said. She looked behind her. The walls of Fangbreaker Fortress loomed over them. The rest of the reinforcements were already spreading out to assist the besieging forces. Pinkie followed Twilight's gaze towards a great pillar of black flame burning on top of the fortress’s highest building. “This will be round two,” Twilight said grimly.

One More Fight

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 4: One More Fight

It had been less than a month since the wolven captured Fangbreaker Fortress, and their great symbol of victory already represented something else: a giant grave marker for its new wolven defenders. With the army on the retreat, and enraged thunder-foots already surrounding them, Fangbreaker’s wolven occupants had dug down, and prepared to be slaughtered to the last warrior.

Most of the main army had already retreated to Wolvengard to prepare for an invasion. Not a single wolven believed that the Legion would be satisfied with simply taking back its fort. A large group stayed behind to delay the thunder-foot advance. It was no secret that to stay was a sure and violent death, which was why hundreds volunteered. So many wanted to that not every wolven was allowed. Otherwise, Fenrir would have lost his entire army holding the place.

The wolven didn't really understand their ultimate goal in conquering Equestria. They knew of their king’s desire for fair Luna, but very few of them really understood it. Settling the land was no great prospect. Indeed, the few wolven that managed to journey into the western and southern portions of Equestria found the place uncomfortably warm, and did not relish the idea of settling in such place. The final goal didn't matter, however. The fighting was what did. All of the warriors who had consigned themselves to the last stand had joined the army because it was simply the natural thing to do after growing up. The bloody death that accompanied that career at some point was accepted as a natural, even preferable, end to one’s life.

For Hasrok, that basic choice was not one without some pleasures. He picked his fangs of the last bits of sinew, and threw it to the nearby pile of gnawed wolven bones. As far as the physical meal was concerned, Hegiskra was an awful dinner: far too gristly, and bony. Hasrok enjoyed every bite regardless. The old crone was an arrogant witch, and it was almost worth seeing the siege of the thunder-foot city fail just to see her “visions” count for nothing. Not one wolven protested when he meted out her punishment.

“Enjoy your meal, pup, you think I was mistaken only because you can barely see past your snout!”

Hasrok snorted at his meal’s last words. He had never met a more delusional dog in his entire life. He was far too ashamed of her to call her a proper wolven. A true wolven would not rely on dreams and strange creatures. It was a shame indeed. He had known Hegiskra before old age had broken most of her fangs. A few years ago, he would have happily slaughtered thunder-foots by her side. Now, she was doing him a final favor by filling his belly, and granting him the strength to kill as many of the thunder-foots before falling in this wretched fortress.

There was one more complication. Moon-Shadow was still around. As was her thunder-foot slave. Like the rest of the wolven army, Moon-Shadow had been forced to retreat by the coming of both cursed Celestia, and the unrecognized thunder-foot leader that decimated their forces. Unlike the rest of the wolven army, she wasn't doing her part in slowing the thunder-foots down. All she had done so far was stand on top the fortress, and glower uselessly for the past few days.

‘Here I am just a battle away from getting into the Final Hunting Grounds, and it has to be marred by this unnatural thing,’ Hasrok thought. The walls continued to take a pounding while he waited. The thunder-foots didn't have a problem with destroying their precious fortress. The reinforced gate the wolven built over the ruined ones was also on the verge of falling apart. Even with the final surge of thunder-foots so close, Moon-Shadow was only there to watch them die.

“How long are you going to put up this infantile resistance?”

A few days ago, Pyre Valor would have answered Nightmare Moon’s angry taunt with a stinging remark of her own. Now, she just didn't have the strength. The humiliating retreat to Fangbreaker for Nightmare Moon had been a triumphant return for her. The Legion had pulled through, just as she knew it would. She wasn't interested in the why’s and the how’s. The Legion had done what needed to be done, just as she did. Now, she was on her final mission. As soon as Nightmare Moon had landed on the fort, she had summoned every ounce of her will to hold her body rigid, preventing her from aiding the wolven.

That was days ago. She had been locked in a battle of wills with Nightmare Moon for all that time, and was on her last legs. Already, Nightmare Moon was able to move her legs, and was slowly climbing down her perch. She was barely aware of their surroundings, having already given up the use of her senses to Nightmare Moon. She had focused on holding her limbs, and shutting down her magic, but control over those was also being slowly wrested away. Nightmare Moon’s mental strength was limitless, while she was only mortal.

The faint sound of howling among the wolven brought some ray of light to Pyre’s slowly darkening world. The Legion was taking back Fangbreaker, and their last push was almost here. Nightmare Moon lifted her legs with more ease. They were galloping from the rooftop now. Pyre abandoned trying to control her legs, and focused all her remaining strength on trying to keep Nightmare Moon’s magic down.

“They’re here.”

Nightmare Moon’s mental tone all but assured Pyre as to who “they” were. She had heard “Elements of Harmony” often enough, and it was always with a tinge of concern. Nightmare Moon feared the Elements of Harmony. The thought of it was amusing if nothing else. Pyre hadn't cared about the Elements of Harmony save for Twilight Sparkle being part of them. Recently, she had viewed them with a bit more concern. They were important tools, the only tools good enough to destroy her “passenger”. Through Nightmare Moon’s enhanced magical senses, she had felt the barrier go down. She had seen Celestia appear in the Barrier Lands. For all intents and purposes, her mission had been a success. Nightmare Moon’s presence was the final wrinkle in this whole affair, and her disposal will be Pyre’s final gift to the Legion.

Then, there was Blademane.

With her vision gone, and her hearing following, Pyre had no idea what had become of Blademane. He was in the fort somewhere, likely waiting for the right opportunity to die by her side. She had told him to leave even during the siege of Bastion City, begged him when he refused, berated him when begging did nothing, going so far as telling him that his devotion was useless, and she was never going to return his feelings. Nothing moved Blademane. She would have been touched, but all she felt was a wish that it was Vanguard instead.

A trickle of magic slipped past Pyre, and Nightmare Moon used it to float to the front gates. Cursing at her distraction, Pyre shoved aside all her other thoughts.

There was little time to get their bearings once Twilight and the rest of her friends arrived in front of Fangbreaker Fortress. The Legion was pounding the front gates with catapult shot and fireballs. The snow had let up momentarily, providing a small measure of respite. Vanguard led them to the front lines, then went over to speak with the siege commander.

“How’s the siege going?” Vanguard asked.

“We’re giving them a thorough beating," the siege commander replied. He was a heavy-set earth-pony. What few signs of his coat that showed past the cloak and barding were light blue. "Losses have been minimal and we’re expecting the final charge pretty soon,” the siege commander replied.

“What about Nightmare Moon?” Twilight asked.

The siege commander looked at Twilight, then glanced at Vanguard. When Vanguard nodded, he spoke with some reluctance. “If by “Nightmare Moon” you mean that black flaming thing that’s been perched on top of the fort throughout the siege, it hasn't moved an inch since we started attacking.”

The burning figure suddenly jumped from its perch, and floated downward.

“Well, will you look at that,” the siege commander muttered. “Almost like it was waiting for your group.”

“She was waiting,” Twilight replied. Vanguard gestured for her and the others to move forward.

“Twilight,” Vanguard said. He looked at the gates that the wolven had constructed after Pyre destroyed the previous ones. Their enemies had done well with the time and material that they had, but there was no way that their makeshift gates could hold out much longer. It was badly scorched, and splintered by the time he and his squad had arrived. “Finish the job."

Twilight stepped forward. There were still bolters on top of the gates, but the pegasi kept them pinned with crossbow fire. There were also several earth ponies in front of her carrying enormous shields should a bolter risk getting turned into a bloody pincushion to take a shot. Upon Vanguard’s order, she remembered the first time she came to the Barrier Lands with her friends, and the horrific sight of the ruined gates of Fangbreaker. Pyre Valor had destroyed those gates. This time, she was going to do something similar. She went through the spells she could use. A fireball won’t cut it in one shot. No, she was going to have to use something with a stronger impact. Chunks of earth rose in front of her, forming a large sphere of red-glowing rock. After a few more moments of concentration, the rock burst into flames.

The siege commander looked on in awe. The meteor hurtled towards the gates as if it was launched by one of their catapults. It struck hard, splintering the wood, and igniting it. In the next instant, it exploded into a massive blast of red-orange flames. The explosion flung smoldering splinters as far as the rear lines, and left a partially burning and open path towards the fortress.

There were no cheers at the sight of the gates collapsing. No battle cries followed by a rush of charging legionnaires. For the next few moments, there was only an awed silence, like a brief calm before a storm. Several ponies stared at Twilight dumbfounded until one pony decided to shout. That shout was soon followed by others until there was finally a wave of legionnaires pouring in for an attack.

The wolven, after an initial daze from such a powerful blast, quickly filled the resulting opening with their troops. Legionnaires crashed into them so violently that several wolven were flung back into their rear lines. The air filled with snarls and howls mixing with fierce neighs, the thuds of something hard and blunt striking flesh, and the awful whining of metal grinding against stone.

Twilight stepped forward to cast a spell, and help out the attackers, but Vanguard pulled her back. “Stay together,” he told her. “This squad was brought here to deal with Nightmare Moon. Don't let yourself be distracted by anything from that mission.” He turned towards the rest of his squad. “Vice-captain!” he called out.

From the back of the squad, Applejack trotted forward. In addition to her usual barding, she now had the chain she had received earlier wrapped around her neck. It was too short to be used for any kind of lassoing, but she insisted on keep it around just in case. When Pinkie had been briefly separated from them, Applejack was assigned to rear guard to make sure that the squad stayed together. “Need something, Captain?” she asked.

“Make sure the squad stays together. If the Elements need some kind of formation make sure you can get into it right away. Scarlet and I will see if we can lure her out to a more open place.” Vanguard pulled out his weapon, and clamped it between his teeth. He gestured at Scarlet, who was already taking to the air.

Applejack saluted. “Right away,” she replied.

Twilight watched the two in confusion. It was a simple exchange between a higher-ranked legionnaire and a lower-ranked one. That was all. At least, that was what her brain told her. Applejack had told them a few nights ago about her new position. Nopony seemed to have a problem with it. She was certain that she didn't. Yet, that increasingly annoying twinge in her chest was back. It made no sense. Was she envious of Applejack’s promotion? ‘No,’ she told herself. ‘Applejack has worked very hard in the Legion so far. She deserves it.’ A cold, resentful tone badgered her anyway. ‘I've been working hard too. And wasn't Pyre Valor the previous vice-captain in his squad? She was a unicorn mage--’

“Twilight, what are you doing?” Applejack’s sharp question shook Twilight out of her reverie. Applejack was already wearing her necklace. “Put your big fancy crown on, and let’s get everypony here!"

They turned towards the rest of their friends. None of them needed any prompting. The Elements of Harmony were out and ready. Twilight closed her eyes for a moment, trying to get a feel of how ready they were. The Elements of Harmony resonated silently with each other. There was still a lot of wavering between them: Rainbow in particular, but she sensed some in Applejack as well. To her dismay, she also felt a lot from herself.

Nevertheless, actually having the Elements of Harmony with them this time had a reassuring effect. The ones who weren't used to the front lines: Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie, looked a bit more confident. They could still use some more harmony, but Twilight was sure that they were coming into this fight in better condition than the last time. Besides, they didn't have Fenrir howling at a distance to paralyze them.

It wasn't long until the daunting sight of Nightmare Moon’s blackened aura approached them. Vanguard was slowly backing up while Scarlet was hovering nearby firing bolts. Twilight focused Nightmare Moon, and immediately noticed that something was wrong. This wasn't like their previous battle, and it wasn't just because of the different location, or their possession of the actual Elements of Harmony.

When Nightmare Moon moved past the wolven defenders, it wasn't through the blazing, explosive leap she had done the last time. Instead, it was a slow, laborious walk that made Twilight hesitate, not out of intimidation, but out of sheer confusion. Was this some kind of trap? Was Nightmare Moon baiting them into attacking? Sensing weakness, the other legionnaires were about to charge in, but Vanguard warned them to stay back.

“Twilight!” Applejack looked towards the center of their formation. Twilight answered the look with a determined nod. This wasn't the same Nightmare Moon who had so proudly attacked them, but that didn't mean they were going to be complacent.

The effect was telling. Faced with a weakened Nightmare Moon, their determination to finally defeat a dangerous foe resonated well. Everypony took a step forward. That lone step increased the flow of magic from one Element to the other. Twilight's crown hummed with energy; the same hum from when they drove Nightmare Moon out of Princess Luna, and when they returned Discord to stone. When they took another step forward, Nightmare Moon visibly flinched, and raise a hoof as if to step back.

“Why are you still doing this?” Nightmare Moon snarled. “Twilight Sparkle is standing right there! Don’t you want her dead?”

There was no response from the wretchedly obstinate Pyre Valor. The Elements of Harmony were steadily gathering their courage. Nightmare Moon took another step forward to show them that she was not out of the fight yet. She unleashed her magic, or tried to. Instead of unleashing, it felt more like desperately coaxing an animal out of its den. The blackened aura of her magic was no longer ablaze with Pyre Valor’s rage when it finally burst from her horn. This was even worse than trying to fight against the Elements with Luna’s constantly hesitant body. Her synergy with Pyre Valor had been superb because Pyre Valor never hesitated. When she wanted to do something, she dove right into it. When they both wanted the same thing, the resulting power was incredible. Now that Pyre Valor planned on hindering both of them, she did so with equal fervor.

Pyre Valor was already weak from the struggle, however. Nightmare Moon had control over all their physical form. It was their magic that the stubborn Pyre shackled, and that was failing as well. The blackness spread from their body like ink spilling, threatening to engulf anypony that tried to close in. It was no field of dark tentacles, but it gave even the Elements of Harmony some pause.

The pause didn't last long, Twilight had likely gauged the amount of magic she was putting forth, and realized how weakened she was. Twilight's horn blazed with magic while the crown on her head glowed brightly. A dispelling wave burst from Twilight, and smashed into the gathering darkness around Nightmare Moon. Her weakened array easily dispersed, like a guttering candle held up during a gale.

“Now!” Twilight cried out. More power swirled around the Elements of Harmony, centering on her crown. What started out as invisible wisps of power were now brightly colored streams of light. They swirled around until a prismatic tornado whipped into being. Nightmare Moon let out a cry of rage and frustration. It was happening again. For the second time, she was going to be beaten back by toy-wearing foals!

“Let go, damn you!” Nightmare Moon shouted at Pyre Valor. There was still no response. No words anyway. To her rage, Nightmare Moon felt a measure of amusement coming from Pyre Valor. The wretch was actually pleased by what was happening! She considered abandoning the body, itself a painful process, but it was unlikely that she would find another body even remotely compatible.

The prismatic cyclone enveloped Nightmare Moon, searing away any magic she tried to use. Desperate, she flailed her front hooves about to push away the inevitable banishing. “Not again!” she shouted. It couldn't end like this. Trapped in a falling fortress like a rat, then shoved aside by foals like a fly. She felt her grip on Pyre Valor slowly tear away. Desperation seared away any other concern, the only option remaining was…

“Oceanus, tuum ancillæ obsecrat!”

It was a final plea said more out of rage than any realistic belief that aid would come. The firstborn was still dormant, as was nearly all his followers. But, to complete her remaining tasks, she had to try. She wasn't going to face him with tasks still to be done. Especially with all the opportunities she had been provided with. Especially when Coruscaria would have a glorious offering ready.

Twilight had to admit that seeing the Elements of Harmony working in full concert was a little surprising, and immensely elating. She was worried that they wouldn't be able to get the Elements to work. The light surrounded Nightmare Moon just like it did the last time. All it would take now was that final flash and--

“Oceanus, tuum ancillæ obsecrat!”

The sudden outburst nearly caused Twilight to lose her focus. Oceanus. She had heard the name before. Hearing it from Nightmare Moon enclosed her heart in an icy grip. The bright glare of hope that the Elements gave forth wavered.

A small spark of blackness suddenly pierced the whirlwind of light. There was magic that accompanied that spark: a small yet chilling presence that sent the hairs on the back of Twilight's neck rising. Something was wrong. Something was going to go horribly wrong.

The light from the Elements flashed, but the brilliant white explosion was tainted by great arcs of blackness, and a drawn out and unearthly scream that set Twilight’s teeth on edge. One look towards her friends told her that none of them expected it. Around them, the Legion continued to fight against the remaining wolven defenders, but several had stopped to see what was going on.

That was when Twilight realized that something else was still coming after that blast: an immense explosion of harmful magic that could very well destroy all of them. “Everypony, stand back!” she cried out. She ran forward, and raised a magical barrier. It wasn't as good as Applejack’s golden shield, but it was more reliable for now.

Another explosion, this one as dark as midnight, erupted from the still fading light. Twilight gritted her teeth, and concentrated all her magic on the shield. The last thing she saw was a wave of darkness advancing towards her, then nothing at all.

The sudden explosion of darkness sent Applejack and the rest of her friends flying. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Vanguard try to reach Twilight only to be sent careening, his armor dragging loudly against the ground. She rolled on the ground for a good distance before finally coming to a stop. She squinted against the clouds of dust and snow raised by the blast. “What in the hay just happened?” she asked between coughs.

“Did we do it?” Rainbow asked as she dragged herself to her hooves. She was just a few feet away from Applejack. “Is Nightmare Moon gone?”

“I don’t know,” Applejack replied. “Things went a little too smoothly. Except for that second explosion. I can’t believe something could explode twice.”

“Is anypony hurt?” Fluttershy called out. Her hovering silhouette slowly approached them.

“I’m fine,” Rarity said from behind them. “Pinkie here hit her head on the ground, but she’s already recovering.”

"I'm over here!" Scarlet yelled. He flew through the dust and snow and landed next to Vanguard.

“Everypony regroup on me,” Vanguard called out from the cloud. They followed the sound of his voice, and soon found each other. “Did you do it?” he asked. “Has the threat been neutralized?”

“I dunno,” Applejack replied. “I think--” When a faint, metallic cracking sound came from around her neck. Worried, she looked down on her necklace. To her horror, a thin crack appeared near the apple-shaped jewel. The crack quickly spread into a spidery network of lines. “No!” she cried out. “How in the hay--”

The cracks continued to spread for another second, then the necklace shattered into fine, powdery pieces. With a gasp, Applejack tried to save the fragments as they fell, but a stiff breeze caught them, blowing them all across the snowy plain.

Cries of alarm came from Rainbow and the others. Applejack looked to them, and found Rainbow desperately crawling around, while Fluttershy held up an inch of crumbling gold chain, ready to burst into tears.

“How can this be?” Rarity asked. “The Elements are gone!”

Applejack looked around. The dust had settled. A lot of the legionnaires around them were also recovering. Where Nightmare Moon was standing was now an empty, still-smoking crater. “Wait a minute--”

Vanguard had looked around as well. “Where’s Twilight?” he asked.

With all of them now frantically searching, Vanguard walked over near the edges of the crater. As he did so, something crunched underneath his tramplers. He raised his hoof, and looked down.

On the ground was a crushed fragment of large crown.

Unicorn Magi

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 5: Unicorn Magi

“What has happened to Master Oceanus?”

Bereft of any vision, Twilight focused on what she was hearing. The oily, menacing voice as Nightmare Moon’s. She tried to open her eyes, only to realize that they were already open. Her attempts to move revealed that none of her limbs were responding.

“He has already gone dormant as have most of our comrades.”

A second voice replied to Nightmare Moon’s question, this one of a slightly higher pitch. There was that name again. Oceanus, the prince who had been born before Princess Celestia. But, why was she hearing these voices now? Where was she? She listened intently when Nightmare Moon spoke again.

“I will leave my body here in dormancy while I venture out to strike against any agents the Eternal Herd sends. Thus, I shall pave the way for his majesty's rise without risk of being permanently destroyed. You must stay awake here, and turn these mortal ponies into a proper welcome for him.”

“How can you affect anything in this world without your mortal body? Have you forgotten how it works already?”

“I will work through hosts. There will be others out there who will become compatible with me.”

“As you say. When his majesty awakens, I expect the rest of this world to be ready to fall.”

“And, when I reunite with my mortal body, I expect a proper army out of these spawn.”

“For the rightful king, Lunalux Umbra!”

“For the rightful king, Solis Coruscaria.”

Twilight wanted to listen some more. However, just as things were slowly beginning to make sense, something struck her mind like an indignant slap to the face. The words faded. All of a sudden, she started to feel again: she was cold, freezing even. Her whole body shivered uncontrollably. Smell and hearing followed suit: snow crunching against hooves…or were they paws? Guttural, unfamiliar language, and the foul odor of wolven. Sight, and a sense of direction, were the last to come back. When her vision cleared, she realized that she had fallen on her side, and was half-buried in the snow.

The wolven presence brought back her alertness quickly. She tried to get to her hooves, succeeding only on getting to a kneeling position. She looked around for enemies, and cringed inwardly. She was somewhere in the middle of a vast field of snow with a pack of wolven closing in on all sides. She felt around her head. The Element of Magic was not on it.

Fireball. That was the first spell that came to Twilight’s mind. The wolven were particularly not fond of fire. She was a little woozy and drained. A fireball would be simple enough to cause some damage, and buy her time. She stood up, her horn crackling with magic.

Before Twilight could complete the spell, however, her vision blurred, and her balance failed. Panicked, she staggered a few steps forward. The wolven were quick to jump at this show of weakness. She was still desperately trying to complete the spell when the first wolven’s claws were inches from her face. At the last moment, however, fire did blaze up, and consume her attacker. At first, it seemed that she had completed her spell, and was lucky that she didn't blow herself up by using a fireball on a wolven so close. Another second passed, and she realized that she was still “holding” her fireball. The wolven searched for the source of the new threat, allowing her to lob her fireball towards a trio of them that had mistakenly decided to clump together.

The white-hot sphere connected with one the three, and erupted into a searing blast. There were no screams this time. The knowledge that she had killed them was still there, but the pitched cries that tore at her insides were not. Instinctively, she covered her nose with a hoof. The awful smell that wafted from those that burned to death still unnerved her.

“What’s the matter, Twilight Sparkle? The smell of battle too strong for your delicate little nose?”

The familiar mocking tone caught Twilight by surprise. There was no mistaking the stinging remark, and the angry voice that carried it. She joined the wolven in looking for the pony who had cast the earlier fire spell, and spotted Pyre Valor standing across her, horn already ablaze with another fire spell. A glimpse of Pyre’s eyes showed nothing but angry contempt as usual. “Pyre Valor…” she whispered. Now, she was unsure which to focus her next offensive spell on: the pack of bloodthirsty wolven or the traitorous unicorn mage. She assessed the situation briefly. The wolven surrounding them were of the smallest sort, likely a foraging party for the fleeing main army. She didn't even see any bolters.

A pair of wolven jumped at Pyre, but she lit one ablaze halfway through its jump without even taking her eyes off Twilight. With a yelp, it collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony. She sidestepped the other one, already focusing on another spell. The wolven snarled, and recovered, rearing up on its hind legs to scratch at her. Pyre completed the spell, conjuring a curved blade of concentrated flame from her horn. She ducked under the wolven’s claws, then slashed up, cleaving it in two. The wolven’s halves crashed next to her. There wasn't even a spatter of blood from its completely cauterized wounds.

Finding themselves caught between two spell-wielding ponies, the remaining wolven focused on one target. Twilight tensed once it was clear that the wolven picked her. She didn't know if she should be flattered that the wolven considered her a bigger threat, or angry that they thought she was the easier target. Her heart was racing either way. The wolven were too close, and she didn't have a line of earth pony infantry to engage them, or even a few friends to rely on. She reared up, and pointed her forelegs towards one wolven that was edging in too close for comfort. Twin jets of flame burst from her front hooves. The blast caught the wolven at its edges, lighting its fur on fire, and sending it rolling on the ground in a panic.

“Shield up!” Pyre shouted.

The ease by which Pyre’s voice could cut through anything occupying her mind at the moment surprised Twilight. She dropped the next spell, and focused on raising the same shield she had used against Nightmare Moon. Only a second after she completed the spell, a quartet of meteors came flying at her. She looked away as fiery chunks of rock collided with her shield.

Twilight winced as bright light penetrated her eyelids. She cried out as loudly as she could, but the ear-shattering boom drowned out all sound. She almost fell to her knees, and she was afraid that her ears would start bleeding. Her dome-shaped shield dispersed the shockwave, and the flames all around it, but a prickling sensation ran across her body at being so close to so much destructive power.

The blast dispersed, and the clouds of dust, smoke, and ashes, began to slowly settle. Twilight doubted that any wolven had survived that spell. They had surrounded her, hoping to bring her down. That was a big mistake easily capitalized by a unicorn mage whose love of magic was synonymous to her love of fiery explosions. She kept her shield up, and waited. With the wolven gone, she expected a second barrage of meteors to come at her any moment.

No explosions followed. Not even a singular blast of flame or an angry curse. As she waited, Twilight fought down one particular feeling welling up inside her. It wasn't the disgust at the horrid smell, nor was it the fear of facing down a unicorn mage that had previously beaten her in a fight. No, it was a more insidious feeling that she refused to acknowledge. It was…admiration. She now knew a lot of fire spells thanks to all the time she spent studying. She also knew that she could match Pyre as far as raw power was concerned. But the sequence by which Pyre took out her attackers was something to watch and learn from. Pyre made it look easy; transitioning from attacking at long range to short range bursts to attacking with a melee spell without any sign of hesitation or panic. No amount of reading, or even sparring, could provide that sort of ease, only battle after battle of experience. The dust and ashes settled, revealing Pyre just a foot away from her shield.

“How long are you going to waste your strength on that shield?” Pyre asked. “The wolven are all dead, coward. We’d better move, or more will come looking for their foragers.”

The mere surprise of having Pyre talk to her instead of attacking was almost enough for Twilight to bring her shield down. She caught herself, and kept a guarded stance. “What are you talking about?” she asked. “Aren't you going to attack me?”

“No, and your inane questions are making that decision difficult.” Pyre looked around. Twilight guessed that it was to ascertain their position. She tried to do the same, and failed. She didn't know the landmarks of this land, but she had to be sure that they were heading for Fangbreaker Fortress, not slowly crossing Wolvengard's borders. With the sun already setting, it was easy to determine where south was at least. Whether it was going to be equally easy avoiding the rest of the fleeing wolven army had yet to be seen.

Twilight eyed Pyre warily, then slowly dispersed her shield. When Pyre began to walk on, she followed slowly behind. “Wait,” she said. “Are you…just you? What happened to Nightmare Moon?”

Pyre stopped for a moment. “She’s gone,” she replied. “I don’t know where she went, but your last attack banished her somewhere. She teleported at the last moment, and we were caught up in its wake somehow. Now, keep walking.”

Still perplexed, Twilight obeyed for now. Perhaps, once they came to a safer location, Pyre would start explaining. It was a difficult walk, however. Each time Pyre made or looked like she was about to make a sudden move, Twilight would go for a shield .

“Hey,” Pyre finally said.

Twilight nearly completed the shield spell. “What is it?” she asked.

“When you were out…did you experience some kind of vision? Something about Nightmare Moon talking with somepony?”

“Solis Coruscaria,” Twilight said. “I did. Did it happen to you to?”

Pyre was silent for a time. “I thought it was just some worthless dream. I think I’m beginning to understand a little.”

“What do you mean?" Twilight leaned forward. "What happened during that explosion?”

The annoyed look that Pyre shot her told Twilight that the prodding was not appreciated. But this was Pyre Valor. Twilight guessed that her being still alive was not appreciated from Pyre’s end. It wasn't just annoyance that she saw. It seemed that Pyre herself wasn't sure why she wasn't hurling angry fire spells.

“While we were linked, Nightmare Moon was able to peer into my memories, but the reverse wasn't true,” Pyre said. “When she was about to be banished from my body, she let her guard down.”

"I was able to see as well," Twilight said. "How was that possible?”

Pyre snorted. “Maybe it was because you’re such a nosy nag.”

Twilight swallowed an angry retort. She had a lot to find out, and she didn't know how long Pyre was going to stay amiable. “That’s not a feasible explanation,” she said.

“I’m surprised you noticed,” Pyre replied flatly. “I don’t know how you listened in. Maybe it had something to do with the clash of magic. You had Nightmare Moon’s collapsing defenses, that touchy-feely beam of rainbows and sunshine, and…whatever it was that Nightmare Moon called out at the last moment. Did you add anything to that mix?”

Twilight’s eyes narrowed. “I threw up a shield to protect the others,” she said. “I was also standing at the center of that blast from the Elements of Harmony.”

Pyre didn't say anything after that. Instead, she quickened her pace, forcing Twilight to do the same.

“The wind’s picking up,” Twilight said as a breeze blew her mane about. To make matters worse, it was also starting to get dark. If they didn't make it to Fangbreaker Fortress soon, they were going to be caught in a blizzard at night. Her mage-coat should protect her to a degree, though. This was a familiar sight; trudging across the plain behind an uncaring Pyre Valor. When she still received no response, she trotted over, and put a hoof on Pyre’s shoulder.

The next moment, Twilight found herself sprawling on the ground with her face aching. “Don’t touch me,” Pyre hissed. Twilight rolled to her hooves quickly, ready to defend herself. Instead, she found Pyre already walking on.

“Hold on!” Twilight called out. “What’s going on, Pyre Valor? What’s with this sudden truce? What are you going to do now?” When Pyre Valor kept walking, Twilight cast her spell. A thin bolt of lightning, barely enough to give any pony a mild jolting sensation, flew from her horn and past Pyre’s face. “Stop running away from me!” she shouted.

The bolt had come close enough for Pyre to feel a little heat on her cheek. She stopped in her tracks, fighting back her natural instincts; instincts which seemed to be "break Twilight Sparkle’s legs and leave her for the wolven". “I’m trying to keep you alive here, Twilight Sparkle,” she said, her voice even.

“This is coming from a mare who told me she was going to kill me for showing her that the chosen can be strong too,” Twilight retorted.

Pyre looked to the distance. “The situation has changed since then,” she said softly.

Twilight raised an eyebrow. “How?”

“Can’t you just take things in stride?” Pyre snapped. “Terrato’s blood-smeared hooves! Every time you open your putrid mouth, you make this decision twice as hard!”

Twilight let out a long, frustrated sigh. She would have continued to stand there, but the sun had all but completely set. Pyre was right. They had to keep moving. Besides, she was completely lost here. Pyre seemed to have a good bearing on where they were. Without Pyre as a guide, she would have probably wandered around until she froze to death, or got overtaken by wolven.

They spent hours, or perhaps it just felt like hours for Twilight, walking in darkness. She focused on the steady crunching of their hooves in the snow, and making sure that she was just a few feet behind Pyre. Though it was difficult to see in the dark, she followed the heat radiating from her guide. Bereft of a mage-coat, Pyre was using another fire spell to stay warm.

‘She’s steadily using up her magic. At this rate, I can--‘ Twilight nearly hit herself. That was a horrible thought! Was her drive to beat Pyre that bad? Sure, constant insults, and the several attempts on her life merited some hostility, but-- She shook her head. If she was going to fight Pyre, it was going to be a fair fight. Her mind went to other things. It galled her that she actually needed Pyre to get back to Fangbreaker just as it galled her that something had happened during that last clash of magic that she didn't understand . The silence didn't make them move any faster, it just left her to stew on her own. “So how has the situation changed?” she asked. This time, she kept her tone low. If she could get past Pyre’s hair-trigger temper, she might get a discussion going.

Even more silence met the question.

More time passed. Twilight had consigned herself to walking for hours in total silence, and darkness, when Pyre finally decided to speak. “How’s Vanguard?” she asked.

“He’s fine,” Twilight replied. It wasn't the topic she wanted, but they were talking now. “Those burn marks you left him are still there, but he’s doing well.”

Pyre sighed. “Good.”

Twilight strained to hear that last word. It was a rare moment of Pyre Valor expressing something besides anger, and she didn't want to miss it. She looked away in a hurry when Pyre looked back in time to catch her leaning in. “Do I get to ask you a question this time?” she asked. Again, there was silence. Twilight picked up her pace so that she was walking beside Pyre. “You’re not being fair,” she said.

“This world is full of injustice,” Pyre replied.

It was Twilight's turn to snort. “And you’re just adding to it. Why--“

“Are you so desperate to know why I haven’t tried to kill you?” Pyre snapped.

“Yes." Twilight paused. "I mean, not so desperate that I’d do anything but--“

Pyre let out a slow exhale. “I still want to kill you, if you have to know,” she said. “I’d be very happy to rip your guts out with my teeth right now.”

Twilight tensed again. This was now sounding like the Pyre she knew. “Why aren't you?” she asked.

“If I had spent my life doing the things I wanted to, instead of things I had to, I’d have some ridiculous sparkling things on my flank too.”

“That’s not how cutie marks work…” Twilight muttered.

“Shut your horse mouth, and listen," Pyre growled, "or we can end this talk right now.”

“Fine, I’ll keep quiet.”

“When I woke up, I planned on going north. I was going to throw myself at Wolvengard until I was dead. Unfortunately, I spotted you about to be eaten. I had to change my plans.”

“That doesn’t make any--” Twilight caught herself and fell silent again.

Pyre’s voice lowered as she went on. “I’m going to die soon, Twilight Sparkle. I had hoped that it was while fighting wolven, not dangling on a rope for the nag princess’ amusement.”

Twilight stomped a hoof. “She’s not a nag and your hanging won’t amuse her!”

Pyre didn't even seem to notice the outburst. “Before I go, I still want the Legion to be as strong as ever. Especially after the price I asked it to pay. You’re part of some weapon that can hurt even something like Nightmare Moon. The Legion should keep that weapon, even if I want you dead. Also…”

Pyre’s voice trailed off, much to Twilight’s curiosity. She wanted to prod Pyre Valor, but she knew that it would only succeed in shutting her up completely. Fortunately, Pyre did continue without the need for prompting.

“I want Vanguard to have a strong unicorn mage by his side. Somepony who won’t throw a fireball at him at some point. The choice was either you, or Nightcanter. You’re just a slightly better choice than that ravening ditch pig.”

“I’m flattered,” Twilight muttered. She didn't miss the part about Pyre about to die however. That had her thinking again. How would that possibly feel? Knowing that your death was imminent one way or another…how could Pyre Valor continue to act as she did with that kind of weight upon her?

“Quiet!” Pyre Valor hissed. She had stopped as well, prompting Twilight to do the same. With her vision almost useless in the darkness, Twilight concentrated on listening intently. “Wings,” Pyre whispered.

Both of them looked up. Outlined by the light of the moon were the silhouettes of several pegasi. They carried lanterns constructed so that the light focused into a cone-shaped beam. They flew low, and seemed to be searching for something.

“Just as I expected,” Pyre said. “You have become important enough.” She fired a spell straight into the air: a small, brilliant, sparkling sphere that could be seen from a long way away. The pegasi were quick to converge on them.

“Over here!” one of the pegasi said. They surrounded the two in an instant. The sight of Twilight seemed to relieve the pegasi, but they tensed up right away when they focused on Pyre. One pegasus took out a piece of paper, glanced at it, then nodded at his fellows. They pointed their crossbows at her, anger and fear mixing on their faces. “Pyre Valor,” the lead pegasus said, “you’re under arrest for--”

“I know what I did, mule-feathers!” Pyre Valor snapped. She held out her hooves. “Clap me in irons already!”

Taken aback by the ferocity of their “prisoner”, the pegasi approached her warily, then produced a length of rope to tie her up. Through it all, Pyre didn't so much as flinch. Twilight watched her, more unwelcome admiration welling up inside. Another pegasus hovered by her side to offer her a lift.

“Your friends are causing a stir in the fort,” the pegasus said. “We’re lucky to have found you quickly.”

“Yes,” Twilight said. She didn't take her eyes off Pyre: the unicorn mage whose actions she might not fully understand. Pyre’s fate seemed perfectly clear. It was a fate that she, and Vanguard, had consigned herself to. Yet…Twilight didn't like that notion. For all the anger Pyre Valor stirred in her, for all the nights she spent learning every possible means to win their next fight, she didn't want Pyre Valor to die. Not like this.

With a flutter of wings, the two unicorn magi were taken aloft, and straight to Fangbreaker Fortress.

Two Royal Sisters

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 6: Two Royal Sisters

“Your papers are in order, Sun Drop. I'm glad to see more volunteers coming to help out here. Report to Task Sergeant Moldbreak over there so you can start.”

The sentry handed Celestia’s “papers” back, and nodded her along. A mere half hour since she left the Grand Meeting Hall, some guards challenged her for "lollygagging". She wasn't surprised. Every pony in Bastion City moved with purpose while she wandered. At first, she wanted to visit Twilight and her friends, but one of the Special Operations ponies mentioned that the Elements of Harmony had been deployed earlier that morning.

Fortunately, Special Operations had provided her the appropriate papers: she was Sun Drop, one of the many volunteers now streaming into Bastion City to help prepare for the offensive.

However, staying true to her disguise also meant that she had to take part in the work the volunteers were tasked with. She walked over to Task Sergeant Moldbreak, a burly, square-jawed earth pony with a tan coat, and a cropped dark brown mane. He was directing several groups of earth ponies when he noticed Celestia. With a frown, and flick of a foreleg, he gestured for her to come over. “You come to this city alone, lass?” he asked. “Where're you from?”

“Hearthstone City, sir,” Celestia said.

“Hearthstone!” Moldbreak exclaimed. “Haven’t been down there in ten years! Is old Blackdamp still running the mines?”

Celestia's heartbeat quickened. This was certainly an unexpected situation to come to so early. A quick and innocent admission would be better than a steadily rising mountain of lies. “I’m afraid I don’t know who that pony is,” she replied.

“Pah, filly!” Moldbreak said. “Let’s put you to work, Sun Drop.” He looked at his list. “Let’s see…they need a few more hooves for corpse duty. Head on over to the execution grounds to start off.”

Celestia swallowed a lump in her throat. “May I ask what ‘corpse duty’ entails?” she asked.

Moldbreak looked at her as if she had asked what the hair growing on her head was called. “We’re still cleaning up after all the recent battles,” he said. “We need ponies to haul our dead in for identification and burial. You and a bunch of others are going to spend your time dragging corpses around, and digging graves. Now, get over to the execution grounds. You’re starting with that latest batch of Black Rose rebels they caught.” He motioned to a couple of earth ponies, a stallion and a mare, who were already on the move. “Follow them if you don’t know where the execution grounds are.”

Celestia nodded, and did as she was told. She felt a little awkward, taking orders from a mortal pony. Far from it being unpleasant, there was a certain comfort in being told what to do, instead of deciding for others.

“So what’s your name, miss?” the stallion asked Celestia. They rounded one corner, then took a side road, avoiding the incoming heavy traffic brought by a long line of supply wagons.

“It’s Sun Drop,” Celestia replied. The friendly smile on the stallion’s face let her relax a bit. For all her fears of Terrato's ponies being savage monsters, they had behaved politely, and calmly.

“I’m Knifepoint and this is my sister, Hilt Twist,” the stallion said. He had a coppery coat and a long, unkempt mane of green. His sister was a more subdued golden-brown, and had a short, curly mane of the same green as his.

Hilt Twist frowned, and poked her brother with a hoof. “You promised to keep your flirting in line,” she said. She also smiled when she shifted her attention to Celestia. “Did you come to Bastion City all by yourself?”

“I came with my siblings,” Celestia replied. She looked towards the Grand Meeting Hall. Terrato was occupied by his invasion plans, and how to best utilize the Heartland. Luna was back in Canterlot, dealing with the mess that she should be dealing with. While they worked on those agendas, she was out here merely observing. “They’re busy with their own tasks at the moment,” she added.

“Who isn't?” Knifepoint said. “It’s been crazy these past few days. First, there are all the horror stories about the north about to be overrun by wolven. Now, we’re actually launching our own invasion!”

“About time we took the fight to Wolvengard, I say,” Hilt Twist added.

Celestia watched the two carefully. They weren't bloodthirsty killers. Far from it, they looked like simple farmers who came out here to help. “Do you really think that invading Wolvengard is a good idea?” she asked.

“Of course it is!” Knifepoint said. “Can you imagine what would it be like if we wiped the wolven out, or got them to stop attacking for good? No more worrying about their raiders sneaking into your farm, or attacking a vital caravan! We'd have a peaceful Northern Barrier Land. We can send support to the west and south so it’ll only be a matter of time until they start pushing forward.”

“I’m only calling it a good idea once we win,” Hilt Twist said. “Who knows what’ll happen in Wolvengard? Even if we win all our battles, it’s going to be a long, and brutal march to the north. How many of our own will die before we win?”

“Dying to bring an end to Wolvengard’s invasions?" Knifepoint said. "I think that’s a good end.”

“How come you haven’t joined the Legion, then?” Hilt Twist asked.

An embarrassed look crossed Knifepoint’s face. “You know I want to,” he said. “But who’s going to manage the farm if I sign up? Dad’s not getting any younger, and you can’t do it alone. With Wintercoat and Grizzleback already signed up, the farm can’t afford having me gone.”

“If your farm needs you, why have you come all the way here?” Celestia asked.

“Harvest’s done for this year," Knifepoint replied. "With all the big things happening to the Legion, everypony should be coming here to help with invasion preparations. Even if it’s just a few months worth of volunteer work, I’d--”

Hilt Twist prodded her brother again. “We’re here already." They stepped out of the street, and into their destination.

The execution grounds were wide, flat spaces of concrete just behind Bastion City Prison. Here, punishment was meted out for criminals of all sorts. The prison itself was small. Luna had mentioned earlier that there were few crimes in the Barrier Lands punishable by imprisonment. Preferred non-lethal punishments included whipping, branding, docking, and heavy fines. Ponies stuck in prison were those unable to pay their fines, and they usually spent most of the day in hard labor.

They entered from behind the gallows. Another earth pony mare, this one wearing the chain barding of a legionnaire, was waiting for them.

“About time I got some volunteers over here!” the earth pony shouted. “The first batch just got finished! Get over here, and haul these rebels off before the next batch piles in!”

Celestia barely heard the barked orders. For a moment, she stared at the huge, wooden gallows that dominated the execution grounds. Eight ponies, their heads covered in black cloth, hung by their necks. A crowd watched from the opposite side of where she was. The bodies were already limp, and a steady breeze made them swing slightly, and slowly spin in place. A pony was already cutting one of them down while Knifepoint and Hilt Twist stood at the ready.

“Over here, Sun Drop!” Knifepoint called out. When the first body dropped on his legs, he and Hilt Twist wrestled with the sudden load.

Celestia went over to them hesitantly. Her face remained calm, all the while she fighting down the horror. Ponies killing each other. Not just that, they were doing so with an eager audience, and a process that reduced the act to just one more task. She doubted that she’ll ever get used to this sight. Knifepoint placed the first dead pony on his back, and carried it over the wagon while the legionnaire on top of the gallows cut down a second body.

“Who are these ponies?” Celestia asked. “Why did they have to die like this?”

“Save your pity,” the legionnaire on top of the gallows said. She dropped the second body on Hilt Twist’s waiting hooves. “These are Black Rose rebels. Ponies who turn on their fellows don’t deserve any mercy.”

With a grunt, Hilt Twist lifted the corpse onto her back. “Black Rose rebels?” she asked. “What are those?”

“Prince-damned traitors are what they are,” the legionnaire replied. She cut down a third corpse, and motioned for Celestia to get into position. “They helped the wolven so our prince would be forced to break the barrier, and turn to the Heartland for help.”

Though Celestia had braced herself for the weight, the impact nearly buckled her legs. She shook as she recovered, remembering that it had been a long time since she had lifted anything physically, and that she may have overestimated how much she had recovered from having her power stolen.

“You alright there, Sun Drop?” Knifepoint asked. He walked over, but both Hilt Twist’s hoof on his shoulder, and a shake of Celestia’s head, stopped him.

“Nopony likes being a burden, Knifepoint,” Hilt Twist said. The two of them walked past Celestia as she made her way slowly towards the cart. She placed the body there, then wiped some sweat from her brow. She paused midway to check her now damp foreleg. Exertion…yet another thing she had yet to get used to. She had tired herself out before, but it was from using up her magical strength. Sweating, breathing hard, and feeling the burn in her muscles were not everyday sensations.

“What’s the matter there, volunteer?” the legionnaire on top of the gallows shouted. “Never seen your own sweat before? Hurry, they’re lining up the second batch of rebels!”

They repeated the motions, eventually placing all the bodies onto the cart. When the ninth body was loaded, Celestia was panting heavily. She looked up in time to find that the gallows were occupied again. Six more ponies were being led to prepared nooses. Four of them already had black cloth draped over their faces. The fifth was struggling against the pair of legionnaires holding him.

“Nags!” the pony shouted. “You nags! Killing me won’t bring back the lives that were lost!” One legionnaire struggled to get the black cloth over his head. “You hang us as traitors, but we were the ones who did what had to be done! Look to the south, the barrier’s gone! Who do you think you should thank? The Legion?”

The crowd booed and jeered at the outburst. Celestia wanted to stop the gristly affair, but she knew she would accomplish nothing other than causing more trouble. She also thought about speaking to Terrato about his methods, but how long had he been executing ponies like this? How many rebels had he killed to protect her barrier? A weight greater than any corpse slung over her back came down on her shoulders. She pictured hundreds of ponies hanging by Terrato’s orders, all for the sake of protecting the Heartland.

“An ocean of blood has soaked him, and the corpses of millions weigh down on his shoulders. You would know of what he has become!”

‘An ocean of blood has soaked me as well…and I didn't even notice.’ Celestia lowered her head, unable to watch the execution.

Finally, one of the legionnaires smashed a hoof against the struggling pony’s face while the other one slipped the cloth over his head. They dragged him to position and placed the noose around his neck.

“Is there no way they can be pardoned?” Celestia asked Knifepoint. The muffled shouting the condemned clawed at her insides. Her two companions continued to watch while a second wagon wheeled into place behind them.

“Why should we even try?” Knifepoint asked. He smiled grimly as the proceedings continued. “I hated that barrier too, but they turned on their brothers and sisters in the Legion. Nothing’s worth that. They should hang.”

The trapdoors beneath the condemned swung open. They fell, and jerked once before going limp. The legionnaires inspected each body, then they cut them down. Celestia and the others moved into place. When all the bodies were hauled onto the second wagon, they were handed shovels. “That is a lot of graves to dig,” Celestia said quietly as she stared at the two wagon-loads of corpses. A couple of volunteers were already pulling them away.

“Graves?” the legionnaire that had cut down the bodies said as she walked past Celestia. “We’re not burying these ones. Traitors don’t get to be absorbed into our prince’s element. We’re going to have an open pit fire for this lot.”

A second legionnaire walked over, and watched the wagons pull away. Celestia and her companions were about to move on when he spoke. “With the barrier down, maybe the stink will waft all the way to the south, so Princess Celestia can choke on it,” he said.

The two legionnaires laughed among themselves. Celestia glanced at them before moving on. Her shoulders were aching, and she already felt sick. ‘She already is,’ she thought.

“Greetings, citizens of Ponyville,” Luna said before a gathered group of ponies. She kept her voice soft this time, having learned her lesson from a previous visit. While she was not greeted by screams of terror, the town’s reception did not exactly exude warmth. She had come without any guards for this part of her tour. Their presence would have made it more difficult to talk to the increasingly worried citizens. Though, now that she thought about it, the Heartland was going to have to get used to the presence of grim, armed, and armored, pony soldiers from now on. Even now, she could practically smell the fear from the crowd. The only reason that they didn't cower like the ponies in Manehattan did was because she had spent just a bit more time to get to know these ponies better.

It grated on Luna to admit it, but she was relieved that Black Rose continued to perform Celestia’s duties. If the sun had stopped rising, Celestia’s sudden absence, and the strangeness of her decree would have sparked a realm-wide panic that Nightmare Moon had returned. All of these ponies would be fleeing in terror.

“Your highness…” The mayor stepped forward hesitantly, her head bowed so low that it almost touched the ground. She held up a copy of Celestia’s decree with a shaking hoof. “We received this a few days ago, but we’re not sure what it means.”

“I am here to explain just that,” Luna replied. The other ponies stepped closer. Her first attempts at Canterlot had not gone very well, partly because the ponies of the Heartland found it difficult to even grasp the idea that she was presenting to them, and partly because she was unsure of the best way to clarify the situation. The nobility took some time to let the truth sink in. When it did the reactions were…unclear. There was no panic or rioting, not even outrage over the idea that Celestia had hidden something so important from them. Instead, there was a slow, simmering fear; a fear that she doubted that they understood or were even aware of when they returned to their homes. An unseen terror was permeating the Heartland, and none of its inhabitants had any clue how to deal with it. They instinctively knew that running or hiding in one’s house did no good. They couldn't even pinpoint the source of this fear. All they knew was that Equestria now had enemies. There were so many things to consider and worry about that they were simply overwhelmed into inactivity.

Even with Luna there to speak about it, the ponies of the Heartland simply could not grasp the gravity of the situation. It was frightening, and saddening to think that they would probably only see what was now being asked of them when they were finally faced with Equestria’s enemies. ‘When legionnaires start knocking on their doors, they might have a clearer idea,’ she thought.

“Your highness, what is this Equestrian Legion?” one pony asked.

“Are we going to meet this Prince Terrato? Why haven’t we heard of him before?”

“Is Princess Celestia alright? What happened to her?”

“Can I join this Legion for a week, then go back here? I can’t leave my garden for too long.”

“Can’t the Royal Guard deal with whatever’s attacking us?”

It was the same heart-breaking questions in every settlement. It almost felt that Terrato was asking for too much. That she as was asking for too much.

“What about my sister and her friends?”

There was no mistaking that high-pitched voice. It cut through the confused murmurings of the crowd with such ease that everypony turned to see who it was. Luna looked at the yellow earth pony filly with a bright red mane. She had seen this one before, back in Canterlot when she was angrily leaving her sister’s room. The filly was flanked by her friends, a white unicorn with a curly, pink and purple mane, and an orange pegasus. Behind her was the red stallion, and the old light green mare she had also seen in Canterlot before.

“The letter said Applejack ain’t a criminal, so where is she? Is she still banished?” the filly asked.

“No, she is not,” Luna replied. For the first time since she came back to the Heartland, she found something to smile about. She approached the filly, and gave her a reassuring pat on the head before turning to speak to the crowd. “Applejack and the rest of the so-called ‘criminals’ are, in fact, heroes, and should be welcomed as such when they make their return here!”

The wide, beaming smile on the filly’s face alone made this trip worth it. Much more so the wave of joy from her family. Ever since Luna promised the Apples her help, she had hoped to accomplish something like this. The murmurings among the crowd began to take a tone of relief. Ponyville had not dismissed Twilight and her friends as criminals after all.

“Then, they’re coming home soon, right?” the yellow filly asked. She and her friends were already doing a little dance among themselves.

“No…” Luna replied sadly. Their smiles turned into confused dejection. “They’re part of the Legion now, and they have much to do to continue protecting Equestria.” It warmed her heart to see some hope return to the three.

“Then, can we join the Legion so we can help them out?” the pegasus filly asked.

The curly-maned unicorn brightened at the idea. “That’s a great idea! Maybe we can earn our cutie marks there!”

The response took Luna aback. That was something she hadn't thought about. Cutie Marks. For the first time in the Heartland’s history, cutie marks involving the Legion's work would start appearing. That would certainly be quite a conversation between her siblings. Those enchantments were still in place, a strange choice by Black Rose. Would Terrato start marking the Barrier Lands ponies, or would he insist on removing the ones on the Heartland ponies? A yank on her tail put a stop to all her speculation.

“So can we join the Legion, your highness?” the three fillies asked.

“I’m afraid that the three of you are too young,” Luna replied. She was about to add “perhaps when you’re older”, but she stopped herself. That just didn't sound right. She wished that the need to draft ponies would no longer be there by the time these three had grown up.

“What about us, your highness?” a pony from the crowd asked. “Are all of us going to join the Legion now?”

“One pony per family,” Luna replied. More questions followed, and she began to answer each one in earnest.

It was almost evening when Luna prepared to leave Ponyville. After making the situation as clear as possible for the villagers, she had spent some extra time visiting the families of Twilight’s friends, just like she visited Twilight's parents back in Canterlot. Seeing their relief and pride as she told of what had actually happened was likely going to be the one bright spot in this long tour. She wanted it done as quickly as possible. Legionnaires was already entering the Heartland, but she had instructed them to camp out in the wilderness until she gave the go ahead. There were other things entering the Heartland as well. The Royal Guard had already reported hearing a great amount of rumbling from the dragon territories. The Draco’dim had already begun enforcing their “code”. That was another problem that had to be dealt with sooner or later.

For now, she had to raise the moon, then fly off to the next settlement.

Divided Feelings

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 7: Divided Feelings

To walk the halls of Fangbreaker Fortress again was a triumph in itself for Vanguard. It didn't matter that many of the walls were covered in wolven graffiti. This was his home. More so than the house he was born in back at Bastion City. He hoped that his quarters had not been heavily vandalized. One infantry captain had the misfortune of discovering that his quarters had been converted into a latrine.

Vanguard’s destination wasn't his room for now. He descended the stairs to the dungeons, one of the first few sections of the fortress that the Legion had operational after reclaiming the fort. Fangbreaker reclamation concluded quickly after Nightmare Moon’s disappearance. The sight of their “Moon-Shadow” being blasted by light so soon after their army had been decimated by a similar spell all but crushed the wolven defenders’ morale. What followed was more of a slaughter than a proper battle. The Legion smashed the wolven resistance into isolated pockets, then systematically crushed those pockets. Vanguard kept his new squad out of most of the fighting. When Twilight disappeared, and their jewelry shattered, most of the fight had been knocked out of them anyway. He had them busy searching for their missing friend; a fruitless search in the end.

A pair of guards stood in front of the main entrance; the first of several pairs assigned to guard the two prisoners taken during Fangbreaker’s reclamation. Both saluted when Vanguard approached. “I want to talk with the prisoner,” he said.

“Of course, Captain Vanguard Clash,” one of them replied. He opened the door, and stepped aside.

Echoing the same principle behind Bastion City’s prison, Fangbreaker’s dungeons were small for its population. Vanguard walked through the torch-lit corridor, and passed by two more pairs of guards. He eventually came upon an occupied cell. Two more guards stood nearby. He looked at these ones closely, taking note of the damage on their plated barding. One guard’s champron was severely dented inward. Blood oozed from beneath the plating. The other guard’s chest plate was badly dented as well. “How’s the prisoner?” he asked.

“Still alive, sir,” the guard with the dented champron mumbled through a missing tooth, and a swollen cheek.

“I want to speak to her alone,” Vanguard said.

The two guards looked at each other. “I-I don’t know, sir, she was a member of your--”

“You've already taken some liberties with the pony who almost burned my face off,” Vanguard said. “I’m sure you can grant me that opportunity as well.”

Both guards blanched at his hardened stare. “Just a few minutes." Both of them left the hall, and closed the door behind them. Once they were gone, Vanguard peered between the tempered steel bars.

After she surrendered to the same scouts that had found Twilight, Pyre had been thrown into the dungeons. There was no doubting the sort of penalty she was going to get. Indeed, the only reason why she was still alive was because she was to be executed before the prince.

“Come to gloat?” Pyre asked in a weak and ragged voice. The flickering light made out just enough of Pyre to show the heavy shackles that bound her legs. She dragged herself closer to the cell’s door. Her left eye had swollen shut, her right was only a little better. She was bleeding from her nose, from a split lower lip, and from a long gash across her forehead. She wore the steel of a horn-lock, the disruptor crystal embedded in the band glimmering pink.

Though it hardly mattered, Vanguard felt a little glad that they had a horn-lock in supply. He doubted that Pyre would have attempted to blast her way out of prison if they didn't. Without it, however, the Legion would have been forced to saw off her horn. “Why should I gloat?” he asked. “You got everything you wanted, Pyre. The barrier is down, and the chosen are being drafted. Oh, and hundreds of ponies are dead. Just as you planned. I'm surprised you're not dancing in your cell.”

Pyre dragged herself to her hooves. The chains around her legs jangled heavily. “Those deaths were a necessary sacrifice, Vanguard,” she replied. “I didn't want them, and I certainly didn't plan them.”

“But they’re there, aren't they?” Vanguard snapped. He removed his champron, and banged his head against the bars. “What do you do with that, now that your ‘cause’ is over?”

“I’m going to die, Vanguard!” Pyre Valor snarled. She pressed her face against the bars. It was as close as she could get to bring her head against his. “I’m going to hang in front of the Legion, and die! What else do you want from me?”

“How about regret?" Vanguar spat. "Or fear? Anything besides your high and mighty, inconsolable, self-righteous anger!”

They fell silent. With their faces so close together, Vanguard did not doubt that Pyre could see the burn that marred one side of his face. Some fur was beginning to grow on the spot again, but the area was still discolored. In return, he could pick out each bruise on her face. He could smell blood whenever she exhaled.

A minute passed before Pyre broke the silence. “I don’t feel any regret over betraying Fangbreaker,” she said. “Maybe responsibility, but not regret. I’d do it all over again if I have to.”

“Then you’re already dead, Pyre,” Vanguard growled. “Your execution’s just a formality. Your cause killed, and ate you long before the guards even dragged you here.” He was about to turn away, but the sudden softening in Pyre’s gaze held him fast. She raised a hoof to touch his face, and he let her.

“That’s almost true,” Pyre said softly, “but, I do regret something.” She ran her hoof across Vanguard’s burn. “I should have never struck you, Vanguard. I’m sorry.”

Vanguard closed his eyes. For a moment, he was a colt again, sitting in an alley, and tending to his bruises while the local gang of bullies dragged themselves out of sight. There was Pyre in front of him, grinning ear to ear, and pressing a damp handkerchief to his face. Two against six, and they still came out winners. Then, he opened his eyes, and he was a legionnaire once more, standing inside Fangbreaker’s dungeons, and talking to a condemned criminal. It was just the two of them here, and they had both come out losers. He held Pyre’s hoof briefly, then set it aside. “The burn will heal, Pyre. Soon, I’ll look in a mirror, and find it gone, but you’ll still be dead.”

Pyre smiled wryly, stepped away from the bars, and lay on the floor. “True,” she said, “but you’ll have others with you by then, Vanguard. You already do, right?”

Vanguard watched Pyre settle down for a moment longer, then turned around. ‘Goodbye, Pyre,” he said.

“Goodbye, Vanguard,” Pyre replied.

Vanguard headed for the exit. As the two guards walked in, he grabbed the both of them by their chest plates. “If I see any new injuries on her by morning, I will murder the both of you in your sleep,” he growled. He shoved them aside, and left. The dark, dreary atmosphere was starting to bear heavily down on him. He needed something to stave off the awful mood. He had considered going over to visit Blademane, but he changed his mind. The stallion had nothing to say to him, and he had nothing to say to that stallion either.

It was close to midnight. Rather than sleep, the forces that reclaimed Fangbreaker were still celebrating. Vanguard decided to join in. A quick stop by his old quarters, and he was free of his barding, ready to relax. Several bonfires burned brightly while groups of ponies danced away around them. He scanned the courtyard until he found Scarlet, who was shouting over the crowd, and waving a bottle in one hoof. Scarlet noticed him, and flew over.

“Hey, Captain, ready to join the party now?” Scarlet asked. “They found a bunch of barrels of booze the wolven hadn't touched! Can you believe it?” He guzzled the bottle he was holding, and let out and excited yell towards the celebrations.

Applejack heard Scarlet's yell, and glanced towards his direction. To her delight, she also spotted Vanguard, who, surprisingly, was out of his barding. She walked over to talk to him. Scarlet flew off, leaving Vanguard to focus his attention on her. “Still up, Applejack?” he asked.

“I didn't want to be a party-pooper, and go off to sleep while everypony’s so happy,” Applejack replied. She looked over to the celebrating crowd. “I mean really happy. A lot of ponies were crying and everything when we started to occupy this place.”

“Not surprising,” Vanguard said. “This fortress means a lot to the ponies who defend it, and not just because of strategic value. How are Twilight and the others?”

"Twilight's gone to sleep in our new quarters. Poor filly looked exhausted when the guards brought her back." Applejack glanced at the party behind her. She didn't mention to Vanguard that all of them were still weighed down by the Elements of Harmony shattering. It was a bleak several hours for them when Twilight was gone. When she came back, it became an unspoken agreement to set aside the loss. For now, they should celebrate with the Legion for having defeated Nightmare Moon again, and seeing that Twilight was safe. "Rainbow's having fun with her flight, Pinkie's helping out with the food, Fluttershy's asleep in the medical ward, and Rarity let Scarlet convince her to try out some of that stuff he's guzzling. She's passed out over there." She pointed towards a quiet section of the courtyard where several legionnaires were sleeping off a combination of exertion, elation, and too many drinks.

Vanguard smile a bit. “You really did keep tabs on all of them, didn't you?”

“I figured you’d want to know,” Applejack replied with a grin. “We’re all fine, Vanguard. You should go have some fun too.” A look of concern dampened her cheery mood. “You’re looking under the weather.”

Vanguard’s fell silent, and his expression darkened. He seemed to notice this, however, and forced the smile to stay. Applejack wasn't buying it for a second. “You need to talk about something?” she asked.

“Over a drink perhaps,” Vanguard said after another moment of silence.

Applejack smiled and nodded. “Sure!" She glanced briefly at Scarlet, who was still guzzling that bottle he had. "Just not whatever he’s drinking.”

They headed over to the stack of barrels that the legionnaires had brought out. One pony was in charge of refilling mugs as they came while a pair was tasked with keeping the more inebriated ponies from making off with entire barrels. “You’re in luck,” the pony in charge said. He handed both of them a full mug. “This is the last of the ‘Good Stuff’. The next pony gets a mug of 'Stormbrew’s Passable If You’re Wasted Enough Swill’!”

With their drinks in hoof, they settled down by one side of the courtyard. “So what’s bothering you?” Applejack asked.

Vanguard took a sip from his mug. “I just came from visiting Pyre,” he said.

Applejack recognized the name. That was mostly because Twilight had mentioned it several times. All she really knew about Pyre Valor was that she was the pony that Nightmare Moon had possessed, she was once a member of Vanguard’s squad, and that Twilight really, really, didn't like her. As a good friend, Applejack was inclined to share in Twilight’s animosity. If that wasn't enough of a reason to dislike Pyre Valor, there was also her betrayal of the Legion, beating up Twilight, and burning Vanguard’s face. Ever since Zecora, Applejack had never disliked anyone before meeting them. Pyre Valor was proving more and more to be the exemption. The lack of any anger or hate in Vanguard’s tone, however, was a little troubling. “So what happened?” she asked.

“Nothing,” Vanguard replied. “I don’t know what I was even expecting. She wasn't the least bit remorseful for what she had done and, even if she was, I wouldn't have been able to forgive her anyway.”

“Sounds like the two of you were friends,” Applejack said. Her boldness surprised her. She glanced worriedly at Vanguard.

“We were. I think we still are, and I don’t know if that’s good or bad.” Vanguard took another sip from his drink. “As ridiculous as it seems, she now has me considering things I shouldn't be.”

“Ain’t a crime to be just thinking of things,” Applejack said. “What were you thinking about?”

“Before you came here, Pyre asked me to help her with her plans against the Legion. I refused, and she burned me. Now, I can’t help but think that I failed her as a friend by not supporting her, even if I knew she was wrong.”

“If you helped her…” Applejack’s voice trailed off, and her throat went dry. Flustered, she took a large gulp from her mug, and winced at the electric shock. She imagined that first hour into this land without Vanguard. “If you’d done that, then I’d be dead. We’d all be dead.”

Vanguard lowered his mug, and looked at Applejack. “Would things really be that dire?”

“Ya darn tootin’ they’d be! That wolven would have torn Twilight’s face off, and we’d all have followed! None of us would have made it far out here without your help.”

“Except that none of you would even be here if it wasn't for me.”

Applejack softened her tone. “I’m no good with these messy friendship troubles. I don’t study it day in and day out like Twilight used to do, and I wouldn't know what to do if I had to fight any one of my friends like you did yours. I sure as hay can’t tell you if you did right by not helping your friend, but I…” She hesitated, afraid that she sounded pretentious.

There was no backing out for her, however. Vanguard now looked at her curiously. “You what?” he asked.

“I’m...I'm just really happy you didn't. We wouldn't have met you if you did. Meeting you…well…” Applejack’s voice shrank until it was barely audible. “...it’s almost worth getting banished for…” She felt herself shrink to match her mouse-like squeaking. Vanguard looked at her as if he didn't even hear a thing. And why would he? The partying was still pretty loud even if it was beginning to wind down.

Vanguard chuckled. “The both of us are getting sentimental. At this rate, we’ll be maudlin once we get to the bottom of these mugs.”

Embarrassed, and eager to move to a new topic, Applejack nodded. She took another gulp, gritting her teeth, and shaking her head at the inevitable shock, before setting her mug on the ground. “We should do something fun!” she said. “Land’s sakes, we’re at a party and we’re acting like sticks in the mud!”

As if to answer Applejack, the music began to shift. She followed the sound to a group of legionnaires with flutes and a guitar. Vanguard stood next to her, his mug also on the ground, and listened. The ponies that hadn't passed out yet laughed, nudged each other, then started forming pairs.

“Is that a dance they’re starting?” Applejack asked.

Vanguard bobbed his head slightly at the music. “I know this one: Snakedodge. Looks like somepony has a taste for Southern Barrier Land dancing.” He smiled at Applejack. “Come on,” he said.

Before Applejack could say anything, Vanguard grabbed her by one foreleg, and pulled her towards the gathered ponies. “Hey, wait!” she said. “I don’t know that dance!”

“Do you really think I’m letting you use that excuse now?”

Now among the other legionnaires, Applejack could only bob to the music. “Snakedodge” was a fast paced jig of a dance. Some of the more tipsy dancers only got in a few seconds before falling over laughing. Applejack concentrated on following Vanguard’s movements. Seeing such quick steps from him was a little surprising.

The music sped up just as Applejack was starting to get used to the movements. “Snakedodge” was appropriate. The music did have a lively, frantic feel to it. So frantic that she tripped over her own foreleg, and stumbled forward.

“Steady there.” Vanguard caught her before she could fall face first to the ground. The music began to wind down afterwards, allowing the ponies still dancing to catch their breath.

“Sorry,” Applejack mumbled, glad that the early morning darkness made it difficult to see her face. Vanguard didn't seem to hear her, however. Applejack turned around to see what had caught his attention. She quickly noticed a familiar white unicorn with a bedraggled purple mane. She had to stifle a laugh at the sight. “Rarity!” she said. “You up already?”

Rarity answered with a bleary squint from her bloodshot eyes. She stumbled forward, forcing Applejack to step in, and hold her. “Steady now, partner,” Applejack said.

Rarity didn't say a word. Instead, she leaned against Applejack with her head low, and opened her mouth. A stream of nearly clear fluid gushed out, splattering onto the ground.

“Oh for-- Gross! You got it all over my hooves! That’s it, no more boozing for you, ever!”

Chuckling, Vanguard stepped aside, and let the two of them walk to the sides of the courtyard. “You better take her to your shared quarters, Applejack. In fact, I think it’s time we all turned in.”

“Sure,” Applejack replied. “Goodnight, Vanguard.”

“Goodnight.”

As Applejack walked away, Flight Captain Tailwind walked past her, and towards Vanguard. “You watch yourself, Captain Vanguard Clash,” Tailwind said over all the partying. “There are some nasty situations even my flight can’t provide extraction from.”

The halls of Fangbreaker were eerily quiet compared to the celebrations going on out in the courtyard. Applejack half-dragged, and half-carried Rarity through one stone hall after another, looking around to make sure that she hadn't gotten herself lost.

“I saw that,” Rarity muttered.

"Saw what?” Applejack asked.

“You foaling around with Vanguard Clash.”

“We were just dancing." Applejack snorted. "Nothing foalish about that.”

Rarity planted her hooves on the ground, forcing Applejack to stop. “You know that Twilight likes him, don’t you?” she asked. Though she still slurred, her tone brooked no nonsense.

Applejack raised an eyebrow. “Of course she does. He’s a likeable pony. You like him too don’t you? I’m sure, Rainbow, Pinkie, and Fluttershy--”

“Oh my stars, how dense can you be? You know what I mean!” Rarity snapped. “You have a crush on him! You’re in love with him! You want to push him to the ground, and mash your lips together! And so does she!”

Applejack's jaw dropped. “What? No I don’t! And Twilight--”

“For the Element of Honesty, you have a remarkable talent for deluding yourself, Miss I-can-do-all-the-farmwork-by-myself!”

Applejack's eyes narrowed. “Are you picking a fight? I’m letting this slide ‘cause you’re drunk and all, but--”

“Oh, you don’t have to worry about me picking a fight. If there’s a brewing fight here, it’s between you and Twilight. I’m here trying to nip it in the bud while you're pretending that nothing’s wrong.”

Applejack couldn't respond beyond a confused look. Rarity stepped away from her, and gave her a hard stare. “I’m prying," she said. "I know. I’m sorry. This shouldn't be any of my business, but you’re making me worry, Applejack. We’re supposed to be in harmony, and it would be simply dreadful if Equestria’s fate is ruined because of a botched love triangle formed by our captain, and two of the densest ponies I know.”

Applejack's eyes hardened as well. “That ain't gonna happen!”

“I hope so," Rarity said with a sigh. "You’re both my friends, Applejack. Far be it from me to decide who makes a better match for Vanguard, but you should know that it’s impossible for this to have any pleasant end. As soon as you stop deluding yourself, you have to realize that one of you has to give way.”

“So why are you only telling me?" Applejack asked. "Have you told Twilight?”

“I would. Except that…well…” Rarity's lips twisted.

“Well what?”

“She’s been quite scary lately,” Rarity said. “Now she has to deal with her teacher losing power, Spike going away, whatever happened to her this afternoon…making her deal with this might cause something bad. I know this is unfair, but you’re the more sensible between the two of you as of the moment, Applejack. You have to step aside while this is still nothing but a passing crush.”

The hard stare turned into a scowl. “Unfair is right!” Applejack said. “I’m not even sure if what you’re saying is true. What do you want me to do, start giving Vanguard the cold shoulder?”

“Just put some distance between the two of you. No more dancing in the moonlight for starters.”

“I...” Applejack's face softened. "I can't."

It was Rarity who was frowning now. “You mean you won’t,” she said. “This is only going to get much worse, Applejack. Now, while it’s not yet too late--”

Applejack turned around. She didn't want to hear any more of Rarity's explanations. She placed a hoof over her chest. “Besides,” she mumbled, “it probably is already." Flustered, and more than a little angry, she left Rarity behind. “Since you can walk on your own now, I’ll see you in our quarters," she called out. "Get some sleep, Rarity."

“Sleep?” Rarity said from a distance. “Between the two of you, I think I need another drink.”

The Truth of the Matter

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 8: The Truth of the Matter

A chorus of pained groans greeted the day after Fangbreaker's reclamation. The courtyard was littered with empty barrels, mugs, and unconscious ponies, while the air reeked of vomit, piss, and warm booze.

Work still had to go on despite the mess. Laborers assembled scaffolding while waiting for the construction materials to be moved into the fort. Dreadstep wanted Fangbreaker Fortress completely repaired before the spring offensive. Working through the winter was a tall order, but a lot of the ponies stationed at Fangbreaker were enthused. The harsh conditions would serve as an additional penance for even allowing the fort to reach such a state of disrepair.

Though she had stayed up past midnight, Applejack was up with the dawn. It wasn't because she was needed for pressing matters, though. Until she received some kind of order from Vanguard, or his higher-ups, she had to stay in this squad with her friends instead of going to Infantry. For now, they didn't seem to have any other duties other than dealing with Nightmare Moon, leaving her with free time that she had to fill up somehow.

The rest of her friends were already preoccupied: Twilight had volunteered to sort out what was left of the fort’s library, and re-shelf the books that the Legion had saved during its retreat. After Rarity’s talk last night, Applejack considered talking to Twilight. However, when she tried to approach Twilight, something inside her shrank back. The information was…too fresh. She was still so unsure about how much of Rarity’s words were true. She needed some time to figure this out.

“You have a crush on him! You’re in love with him! You want to push him to the ground, and mash your lips together!”

Applejack shook her head. ‘Rarity’s overreacting like she always does,' she thought. 'She's fussing over tiny details, and making them out be more serious than they really are. So what if I like being around Vanguard? Nothing wrong with enjoying a friend’s company. And what’s not to enjoy? He’s brave, reliable, honest, kinda good looking…’ She shook her head again. ‘Darn that Rarity! Now, I’m starting to doubt myself!’ She looked around for any recognizable faces. Fluttershy had slept in the medical ward last night, and got right back to work in the morning. There were plenty of injured ponies to keep her and the rest of Medical busy. Rarity was sleeping off a headache. Rainbow had mentioned getting some target practice once she could aim straight.

With nothing else to do, Applejack had gone over to the training grounds for earth ponies. The walls and floor were still covered in wolven graffiti. Most of the debris had been cleared, however, and somepony had been considerate enough to set up a few target dummies. She looked down her chest, painfully remembering that the Element of Honesty had shattered just like the rest of the Elements of Harmony. She didn't know what caused the necklace to shatter, but she instinctively assumed that it was her fault. With the elation of reclaiming Fangbreaker, and the celebrations now behind her, all the foreboding feelings began to crash down. Nightmare Moon was just one problem, and she wasn't even sure if they had dealt with her completely. More problems loomed ahead. She felt restless just sitting around, waiting for somepony to tell her what to do.

That was why she had come to the training grounds. She had brought the supposed chain of Apple Slice, though she had no idea what to do with it. She figured that something that was passed along generations of ponies just to be given to her had to be useful. Despite being metal, the chain was as light as rope, and its length made it easy to carry. However, its length also made it useless for anything but tying up something small.

“Hey there!”

Applejack had heard the soft-speaking tone somewhere before, but she couldn't place it. She turned around and saw a dark blue unicorn whose purple mane came down in elaborate ringlets. A few more seconds passed before she found the name that went with this pony’s features. “Captain Nightcanter,” she said with a salute.

“So formal!” Nightcanter remarked, her crooked smile widening slightly. “No need to stand on ceremony. By the way, you’re that mare that Vanguard was dancing with last night, aren't you? He mentioned your name before...what was it? Applejack?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“I've never seen Vanguard dance before, and I've done my share of trying to get him to.” Nightcanter leaned forward, and nudged Applejack slyly. “So what happened after that? Did you start rolling your oats once you got somewhere private?”

“Rolling my oats?” Applejack asked. “No, ma’am. I’m an apple farmer. Don’t know much about working with oats. I do have an uncle who tried his hoof in the oat business once.” She turned grim for a moment. “The Oat Family didn't take too kindly to that.”

The smile on Nightcanter’s face lessened. “I meant if you did some horizontal dancing,” she said.

“Uh…no, we just stuck to ‘Snakedodge’. That was pretty hard too. Not as hard as ‘Horizontal Dancing’, I reckon." Applejack tapped her chin with a hoof, and tried to picture such a dance. "How do you even do that?”

Nightcanter stared at Applejack incredulously, then shook her head. “Nevermind,” she muttered. “I’ll just assume you didn't do what I thought you might have done.” More ponies began to enter the training grounds. Some of them worked on cleaning up the place, while the others started exercising. Nightcanter focused on the chain coiled around Applejack’s neck. “So what do you have there?” she asked. “Not planning to strangle ourselves, are we?”

“No,” Applejack replied. “This here chain’s supposed to have belonged to Apple Slice, but I don’t know what to do with it.”

Nightcanter’s eyes widened. “Apple Slice?” she asked. “As in ‘the Last Great Apple’?“

“There’s that title again." Applejack frowned. "There's lots of great Apples out there. Not just whoever this pony is! Why, there’s--”

Nightcanter put a hoof up. “You can list off a hundred of your chosen Apples, Applejack. They might be great, but not in the same way Apple Slice was." She focused on the chain. "May I have a look?”

Reluctantly, Applejack handed the chain to Nightcanter, who inspected it with a spell. “Obviously magical,” she said. “How’d you get this?”

Applejack narrated her encounter with Crow Quill. She stumbled on some parts, mostly because Nightcanter's intense stare.

“You should be honored,” Nightcanter said. "An enchanted weapon requires powerful magic.”

“Magic, huh?” Applejack eyed the chain warily. In the past, she had only one response to magic: leave it to Twilight. “Twilight mentioned that. I’m sure the unicorns here have a lot of these stashed away.”

“Not really," Nightcanter replied. "Some transmuters, and conjurers can make temporary ones, but an enchantment to last through centuries…a unicorn died to make this, Applejack. Probably several.” A frown creased her face, but she quickly replaced it with a smile. “There are a lot of stories about Apple Slice bringing down ursans by lassoing them,” she said. “Have you given that a try?”

“Lassoing?” Applejack asked. “Just look at how short it is! Sure, I could lasso things with it, if they were a spitting distance away.”

“That’s your earth pony-ness talking," Nightcanter said with a snort.

Applejack frowned. “My what?”

“Your earth pony-ness." Nightcanter tapped Applejack's chest with a hoof. "That stubborn, no-nonsense tendency of yours not to trust anything that you can’t get a feel of with your senses. This is a magical object, an artifact even. You have to trust in its magic, not in what it looks, or feels like.”

“I've never used magic before,” Applejack said. “I’m no unicorn. Guess I’m better off giving this to Twilight or Rarity.”

Nightcanter’s horn was still glowing as she stretched out the chain. “Then you’d be handing them junk,” she said. “These enchantments are pretty specific. There aren't any stories about ponies in the Barrier Lands wielding a magic chain after Apple Slice. You’d think somepony would have taken up some magical equipment, but no. One explanation I’d consider is that it doesn't work for just anypony. If you really are related to him in some way, you’re the best candidate.”

Applejack looked at the chain with even more distrust. For a moment, she didn't want to have anything to do with the chain knowing that some unicorns died to make it. She thought about it, then decided that it would be more disrespectful to throw it away. After all, they had sacrificed a lot to create this, and made sure that only her family could use it.

“Just give it a try,” Nightcanter said.

“Okay.” Applejack tied the chain into a lasso. Despite being made of metal links, the chain proved easy to work into knots. She gave the thing whirl, still surprised by how easy it was to wield it. Nightcanter pointed her to a distant, practice dummy. With a shrug, she tossed the lasso, expecting the chain to jerk once it reached its very short maximum distance.

The links stretched out…and kept flying.

Applejack nearly dropped the chain as the looped end reached the target, landing on point. On instinct, she tugged once when the chain landed to tighten the loop. The target dummy snapped near its base, and clattered on the ground.

Nightcanter examined the extended chain. “Force,” she said with awe. Other ponies had noticed now, and were moving in to see the strange weapon.

Applejack chuckled nervously at the increasing attention. “Sorry about the target,” she said. “I didn't mean to. I swear I just gave it a good tug.”

“Did you really?” Nightcanter asked. “It boosts its wielder’s strength too. Probably important seeing as trying to lasso a rampaging ursan would be impossible without such an enchantment.”

The murmurs among the crowd were enough to make Applejack break into a nervous sweat, despite the cold morning breeze. She pulled back the chain, and tried to put it away when links suddenly clicked together, even going so far as undoing the loop. In an instant, she was holding a short chain again.

“You lucky pony,” Nightcanter said. “To wield the weapon of the legendary Apple Slice…I’d cut off a leg for that honor.”

A loud, mocking snort came from the gathered ponies around them. Nightcanter frowned, then looked over to them. “Who did that?” she asked.

“I did!”

An orange pegasus stallion with a cropped, bright green mane stepped forward. His barding was similar to the one Tailwind wore, including the stylized wing. “You were gushing about the 'Legendary’ Apple Slice. Hah! That stallion was a glorified murderer, who dragged his ponies with him to a massacre!”

“Hey!” Applejack snapped. “Don’t you badmouth my family like that!”

“You've only stayed in this place for a short time,” the pegasus said. “Of course you have no grasp of our history.” He looked back to Nightcanter with a sneer. “I’m surprised that a Special Operations captain is feeding a legionnaire the same sugar-coated tripe that they tell earth pony foals before bedtime.”

“And I’m surprised that a flight captain thinks I won’t strangle him with his own tail just for that snort,” Nightcanter hissed. “You better stay out of dark alleys, Sunray.”

“You should hear the truth if you really are related in some way to Apple Slice,” Sunray told Applejack. “He's no hero. During the division, Princess Celestia chose the Apple Family to settle in the Heartland. That same family cast Apple Slice out because he was a budding violent psychopath. He worked his way up the Legion’s ranks by being a ruthless murderer until he snapped, led his ponies against a horde of ophidites, and got massacred. It was such an embarrassment that the Legion whitewashed the event as a ‘heroic last stand’.” He looked at the chain with disgust. “I can only imagine how many…creatures he strangled to death with that thing.”

“Celestia drill my backside,” Nightcanter snarled. “You’re one of those conspiracy nags. Don’t listen to this idiot, Applejack, he’s a damn chosen apologist who thinks Apple Slice must be garbage because his high and mighty clan tossed him out!”

The two ponies sized each other up. Now, most of the crowd were more interested in what would happen between the two quarreling captains than the mysterious chain.

“That’s enough quibbling!” another pony from the crowd said. It was a unicorn stallion this time: a bright blue one with a long, curly white mane. “You’re both wrong anyway,” he said. “Apple Slice couldn't have possibly been a hero, or a psychopath. He’d have to exist to be either.”

Nightcanter rolled her eyes. “Here we go,” she said, “another ‘earth ponies are useless’ lecture from Mage Captain Drizzlecloud!”

“I hate to disappoint you, but Apple Slice is not real,” Drizzlecloud said to Applejack. “He’s a myth created by the Legion to inspire earth ponies during that time. Prior to the legend of Apple Slice, earth ponies had no heroes to look up to. Pegasi had Wind Runner and Ash Frost, while unicorns had Afterthought and Moonrage. To keep Infantry recruitment going strong, the Legion invented Apple Slice, the noble farmer who gallantly refused to join his family in the Heartland to continue protecting Equestria. A few centuries later, when the earth ponies finally had actual heroes, some pegasi started spreading stories about how Apple Slice was actually a monster. Likely because they felt that the earth ponies were getting too proud.”

“Of course the unicorns had a clear conscience in the entire affair,” Sunray muttered. “They always do in Drizzlecloud’s ‘historical facts’.”

Drizzlecloud turned his nose up. “Don’t blame me, blame the truth.”

“Hold on for one pony-picking minute here!” Applejack said. Despite being faced by captains, she wasn't going to sit there while they threw one story after another about somepony who might be family. “The Queen told me that Apple Slice fell valiantly in battle during his last stand!”

The three stopped, and looked at Applejack.

“The Queen?” Drizzlecloud asked. “Our prince’s mother, and one of the Eternal Herd’s great rulers?”

“Yes, that Queen,” Applejack said.

“I believe her,” Nightcanter added. “I heard it from Vanguard Clash. The Queen spoke to our prince through this one.”

“Then I will not doubt that the Queen did speak with you,” Drizzlecloud replied. “As to what she actually told you…that I can throw some doubt on.”

“What do you mean?” Applejack asked.

Drizzlecloud raised an eyebrow. “Rather convenient to say that the Queen told you that now that Apple Slice’s story is the topic of the conversation.”

“Are you calling me a liar?” Applejack stepped towards Drizzlecloud. “I oughta--”

“You can roast me over a slow fire if you want,” Drizzlecloud said. “It doesn't make you more truthful in anypony’s eyes. You’re better off showing proof.”

Applejack fell silent. There was no proof. To be doubted like this was painful, irritating, and humiliating. She wanted to lash out, but Drizzlecloud was right, hurting anypony would prove nothing.

“And I suppose you have proof, Drizzlecloud?” Nightcanter asked.

“I can show you documents if you want,” Drizzlecloud replied. “I happen to have done some research into this personally.”

“And I've got a few books about the subject back in Bastion City,” Sunray said.

“No doubt written by pegasi,” Drizzlecloud retorted.

Before anypony else could say something, a sudden blast from a horn sent them scrambling. The training grounds cleared in less than a minute.

“What’s going on?” Applejack asked. “What was that horn blowing for?”

“The prince is arriving,” Nightcanter said. “It’s to be expected though. Don’t know why everypony’s in a panic.”

“Uh…Captain Nightcanter?”

“Yes?”

“Thank you kindly for helping me out with this thing.”

Nightcanter smiled in return. “No problem, Applejack. If you and Vanguard finally start doing it, and need some company, give me an invite. I really want to see him cut loose.” The smile widened. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Applejack didn't know if she should smile back, or be afraid.

“You better get back with your squad. I’m willing to bet that our prince is going to want to see all of you!” Nightcanter walked off. Applejack coiled the chain around her neck, and made her way back to the shared quarters.

Terrato had arrived within the audience hall by teleportation, to the shock of the workers still there. He had not come alone either. With him were Dreadstep, and Celestia. Whispers quickly went rampant throughout the fortress, especially when ponies noticed the sun symbol on his sister's flank. The word was out: Celestia was in Fangbreaker Fortress. Rumors were already abounding in Bastion City and they only grew in number here.

Most of the morning was spent on inspection. Terrato surveyed his newly-reacquired fortress with a sense of pride for his legionnaires. and grim speculation. If he was going to use this place as a launching point for his invasion, expansions would have to take place. By noon, he was receiving reports in the audience hall with Celestia, and Dreadstep. Celestia had been silent ever since she spent a day in Bastion City as an earth pony. When asked her what happened, she had not answered. He had called for the Elements of Harmony. Perhaps the sight of her beloved student would put some cheer in her. Afterwards, he had an execution to attend. It was best to do that without her at his side.

When the Elements of Harmony did walk in, however, it looked like they were going to do the opposite of what he wanted of them. Celestia noticed as well. Her eyes widened, and she leaned forward out of concern. Before she could say anything, Terrato spoke first. “You’re looking significantly less gaudy than when we last had a meeting,” he said. “Are my aesthetics starting to rub off on you, or is there something you’d like to tell me?”

Twilight stepped forward, her head low as she spoke. “Your highness, the Elements of Harmony….well…they shattered.”

“Twilight…” Celestia went among them. They gathered around her, seeking comfort. Terrato let them stay that way for some time while Dreadstep looked to him nervously. The old stallion knew the signs of his prince’s growing impatience.

“That’s enough feeling sorry for yourselves!” Terrato said. He looked to his sister. “Stop coddling them, Celestia! Harmonia Intus!”

Applejack’s eyes widened. “Hey, I recognize that! The Queen said it to me before.”

Celestia shot a disapproving look at Terrato before addressing Applejack. “Harmony comes from within,” she said. “Don’t be so sad, girls. It’s true that the loss of the physical elements is a terrible thing, but all is not lost.”

“What do you mean, your highness?” Twilight asked.

“True Harmony does not rely on metal and stone,” Celestia said with a smile. “The jewelry you held served as focuses to channel the power of harmony. Without them, it will be difficult to call forth the power of the Elements, but not impossible.”

Twilight's face brightened. “How do we do that?” she asked.

“Tell me first as to how they came to shatter,” Celestia replied.

Twilight narrated their last encounter with Nightmare Moon. Her friends added their experience after she had disappeared. Celestia fell silent when Twilight mentioned the voices she heard when she was transported into the middle of nowhere. Terrato also fell into a frowning contemplation.

“From what you've told me, I can only guess that you were not in harmony when you tried to use the elements,” Celestia said. “The devices sensed your great need, and activated anyway, but the strain of doing so was too much.”

“So we broke the elements…” Twilight said.

Celestia shook her head. “No, Twilight, you broke the devices. Whatever has come between all of you must be dealt with, and then…” She hesitated. “It is difficult to explain. You must simply remember that Harmony has personal as well as social aspects. You must grow in both.”

The depressed, self-pitying look on Twilight disappeared. “We will, princess!" She looked to her friends, who nodded in return. Both Rarity and Applejack were doing so with less enthusiasm.

“I have full faith in you, Twilight. One more thing...” Celestia leaned forward to whisper to her student. Curious, Terrato listened in. “Later, I would like to talk to you about this Pyre Valor.”

Twilight nodded with less enthusiasm, and Celestia walked back to stand next to Terrato. “Good that you have that settled,” he said. “With Nightmare Moon gone, there won’t be much of a need for you to remain a squad. I want you to return to your previous positions, and concentrate on your training.”

“Terrato, perhaps you should let them see their families first,” Celestia said. “They were forced to leave their homes so abruptly.”

Terrato paused, then returned his gaze to the bearers. “Would you like that?” he asked. “Would you like to see your families?”

“That would be lovely!” Rarity said. The others nodded vigorously.

“Go then. I’ll give you a couple of weeks. While you’re there, I want you to help facilitate the drafts. Having fellow chosen tell them the importance of what needs to be done should move your neighbors along." Terrato waved a hoof. "You are dismissed.”

Twilight bowed along with her friends before leaving the audience hall. Once they were gone, Celestia turned towards Terrato. “Lunalux Umbra, and Solis Coruscaria,” she whispered. “The last of Oceanus' handmaidens. Is he on the verge of returning?”

“He’s a rebellion short,” Terrato replied. “I had thought that all the betrayers had fallen into dormancy. I don’t know how those two stayed up, but we’ll deal with them when the time comes. Hopefully, with you back in full power.”

A knock on the doors of the audience hall drew both their attentions. A legionnaire entered, and bowed low. “Your highness, we have a pony here who teleported into the fortress asking for an audience with you.”

“You sound pretty shaken, legionnaire,” Terrato said. “Something else I should know?”

“Yes, your highness. He said that his name was Blue Moon, leader of the Thorns, and that it was imperative that he see you at once.”

Terrato's frown deepened. “Bring him in,” he said.

“Terrato, who is this pony?” Celestia asked.

“Blue Moon is Black Rose’s younger brother,” Terrato said. “The Thorns served as her special tasks group. They should also be dead, but this shouldn't come as a surprise when dealing with her.”

Celestia tensed. Black Rose: the pony who had brazenly stolen her power during that fateful day. It had been some time since Terrato last heard of Black Rose. He looked towards the doors, and watched as a unicorn stallion, flanked by a pair of guards, walked through them. Blue Moon was so slender, and delicately featured, that it was easy to mistake him for a mare. He had a flowing, silvery blue mane, and his coat was a very pale blue. He wore an elaborate soft-clothed coat, partly armored around the neck and shoulders with gracefully curving plates of metal. On his collar was the emblem of a black, five-petaled rose with six thorns protruding symmetrically around it.

“Blue Moon,” Terrato said. “Your sister has been quite a headache lately.” He unleashed his magic as he spoke, looking to break down any magical defenses around Blue Moon before trapping him. To his surprise, he found none. He delayed the caging spell for now. “I assume the rest of the Thorns are up and about as well?” he asked.

Blue Moon knelt with his head held low. “Lion Court, Longstride, and Sablesteel have all been given their assignments, your highness,” he replied. “Rhapsody failed to revive, but Black Rose still has Warsinger, and only needs somepony it is willing to attune to. Frenzy Heart also failed to revive, and will have to be replaced completely.”

“That’s…unusually informative,” Terrato said. His eyes narrowed. “What are you up to, Blue Moon?”

“Your highness, I am here to warn you of my sister’s plans.”

Teachers and Students

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 9: Teachers and Students

“Is there something wrong, little brother? I've given you your assignment, but you haven’t moved.”

Blue Moon stood at perfect attention while Black Rose reclined on a sofa. He was still getting used to her new appearance. Though still slender and delicate, Black Rose had more than doubled in size, and that growth was accompanied by an awe-inspiring aura of power that she unconsciously exuded. Even staring at her directly gave him a mild trembling. Whenever she stretched out her black-feathered wings, they cast a truly ominous shadow against the fire light. Nevertheless, she spoke to him with the same fondness that she did back when he was a colt, desperately trying to follow in her hoof-steps. He knew better than to feel comfortable, however. He had never seen Black Rose angry or upset, but he had seen her mercilessly bring about the deaths of hundreds of enemies.

“With your permission, I would like to understand something first,” Blue Moon replied.

“Of course, what would you like to know?”

“Celestia’s barrier is down, and Equestria is on the path of reunification. The wolven have fled, and there doesn't seem to be any imminent threats from our other neighbors. You've accomplished everything you set out to do.”

“How kind of you to say so.” Black Rose smiled, and dipped her head slightly as if Blue Moon had just complimented her mane. “However, I have not accomplished everything. Indeed, I've only won minor victories.”

“Do you really need Princess Celestia’s power for your remaining goals?”

Black Rose shook her head. For a moment, Blue Moon felt like a colt, once more failing to grasp Black Rose's plan so she had to repeat herself. “In truth, little brother, I will need more than the power of sunlight" she said. "The salvation of Equestria will require more, and I plan on drawing on every available resource to achieve it. Princess Celestia lacks the proper disposition to wield this power, at least for now. My ascendance is not a matter of ambition, but part of a very important process. You will see soon.”

It took willpower for Blue Moon to avoid biting his lip. “It’s just that I would be more at ease if the methods you used were more indicative of your goal of helping Equestria, High Commander,” he said.

Black Rose's lower lip stuck out a bit. “Come now, Blue Moon. Didn't I tell you that you may call me ‘big sister’ when we’re alone?”

Blue Moon didn't respond to that. A look of disappointment crossed his sister’s face. “I frighten you as well, do I?” she asked. “Would it put you more at ease if I told you of what I planned to do next?”

“Yes.”

“Then listen closely…”

Blue Moon remained kneeling. Terrato's magic had come upon him the moment he entered the audience chamber. It was only when the prince relented by not slaying him did he relax a little. His lack of defenses had paid off, and he could say what he had come to say without being smashed into a bloodstain.

“Before I even bother listening, you’d better explain yourself,” Terrato said. “As silly as it may sound, I’m not going to just believe that the captain of Black Rose's Thorns betrayed her on a whim.”

Blue Moon raised his head. “It was Black Rose who betrayed me, your highness!” he said. “I supported her because I believed she had the good of Equestria as her goal.” He shifted his gaze to Celestia. “I believed that the barrier was wrong, and that Equestria needed to be reunited. I even agreed with her plan to take away Princess Celestia’s power to bring about those changes. However, I cannot support her now that I've found out what she’s planning.”

“And what exactly is she planning?” Terrato asked.

Blue Moon paused. He had spent so long serving his sister, and convincing himself that he was independent of her, but it was only now that he was finally going to be able to separate the two. “Your highness, Black Rose plans to utilize the Blasphemous Rift.”

Terrato's face darkened; the only outward sign of his reaction. Next to him, Celestia clenched her jaw tightly. Blue Moon guessed that it was all she could do not to start trembling.

“How does she plan on getting in there?” Terrato asked. “Not even Celestia’s full power can open the seals placed on the Blasphemous Rift.”

“She devised a method after going through the library of Lexarius. As to what it is, I cannot say.” Blue Moon looked aside briefly. “She would not trust even her brother with that.”

When Terrato finally decided to speak, his voice betrayed nothing of the tension around him. “Dreadstep, have Blue Moon horn-locked, and imprisoned,” he said. “I want him guarded by your strongest unicorn magi at all times.”

“At once, your highness,” Dreadstep replied. He didn't even have a questioning look in his face despite all the information he had just heard.

Terrato turned towards Blue Moon. “I’m sure that won’t be a problem for you. I need to verify your information, and keep you available.”

Blue Moon bowed his head once more. “I fully expected this, your highness.”

The mortals left the audience chamber along with the guards, leaving Terrato alone with his sister. For some time, they didn't even so much as look at one another. The information was still sinking in: the audacity, the ambition, and the sheer magnitude of what Black Rose was planning…even for alicorns, it was just too much to take in at once.

“Your student has gone too far, Terrato,” Celestia said.

“I had her at pitting us against each other and stealing your power,” Terrato replied.

“Even we don’t know what Oceanus left in the Blasphemous Rift before the Eternal Herd sealed it," Celestia said. "She is basing her plans on a dangerous unknown!”

“We know that Oceanus severely harmed father with it,” Terrato said. “Now, we know that even taking your power is just one more step for her. Black Rose's ambition knows no bounds. I doubt even Oceanus or the Eternal Herd is safe.”

“You sound a little proud,” Celestia said. The worry in her tone was unmistakable.

“Maybe,” Terrato replied. He didn't meet her gaze. “I used to praise her for her grand planning, and her occasional bold gamble. She’s come a long way from clearing out ursan outposts.” He shook his head. “Regardless, I’m going to have to move more of the Legion to the Heartland so we can monitor the entrance to the Blasphemous Rift.”

Celestia frowned at this, but she stayed silent.

Including the rift where Oceanus first fell in the Heartland’s creation was an unfortunate, but necessary, evil. It lay almost at the very center of Equestria; a gigantic crevice that harbored the lingering traces of the most evil creature in existence. It was also within the rift that the first mortal ponies came forth. When Lexarius had first arrived in this world, he, and several of the highest-ranked stewards in the Eternal Herd, were tasked with obliterating any traces of Oceanus and his followers. They had succeeded in every area except for the rift. There was something within the darkest bowels of that place, something that Oceanus left behind when he and his followers desperately dragged themselves into hiding. Not even the combined efforts of the strongest stewards in the Eternal Herd could so much as move the thing. With the King and Queen unable to enter this world without annihilating half of it, the stewards channeled as much of their rulers’ divine power as possible, and sealed the thing away. Lexarius then altered the very landscape of the place to hide it from prying eyes.

Terrato looked to his sister. When Celestia took over where the insane Lexarius had failed, she placed her own safeguards over the Blasphemous Rift, hiding even the structures that Lexarius built around it away from her little ponies. The Heartland had no need of any reminder of a conflict none of them should be involved in. Let Oceanus be hidden away until the time of his final defeat arrived.

There was still one more puzzle to Black Rose’s plan. How was she going to get inside the rift? Black Rose was a cunning, manipulative mare with the power of an alicorn princess, but the seals that barred her way were beyond even the power of sunlight. “Celestia,” he said.

It took a few seconds more before Celestia realized that he calling her attention. “Yes?” she asked.

“Perhaps it’s time to bring the Eternal Herd into this. Luna and I can open a gate and--”

“No!” Celestia's tone brooked no argument. “If we call for aid, that zealot, Gravitas, will have the ammunition he needs to subjugate Equestria. How much will be destroyed because of his methods? No. I will not call out to the Eternal Herd unless this world is truly on the verge of destruction.”

“You've opened a gate before,” Terrato said.

“And it was a foalish, reckless, and paranoid thing to do, even if I only called out a small number of enforcers. Gravitas will bring so much worse without any concern of what it would do to this world, or how the other heavenly realms will react.”

“I doubt that the King and Queen will not allow their general to act so rashly,” Terrato said.

Celestia’s brows furrowed. “If I could say without a single doubt that Father and Mother’s foremost concern was protecting the ponies that sprang from Oceanus, I would not have insisted on staying after we defeated Lexarius.”

Terrato shook his head. “Stubborn…” he muttered. “Fine, we’ll do everything we can to make sure that the Herd isn't involved any further. Moving on, I’m going to the Heartland soon. You should come with me. There’s only so much reassurance that Luna can provide in your absence.”

Celestia nodded. “May I ask you something, Terrato?” she asked.

“What is it?”

“Why are you separating the bearers?”

“I don’t need them together right now," Terrato said with a shrug. "They’ll serve the Legion better in their respective fields, instead of hanging out as a group doing nothing.”

Celestia frowned. “The elemental foci shattered clearly due to a lack of harmony on their part,” she said. “How can you expect them to mend their bonds if you keep them apart?”

“Because I want them to depend on each other, not be dependent on each other!” Terrato snapped. He let out a sharp exhale. “They've been together for a long time. They even got banished together. That’s all well and good, but I want them to think for themselves this time. I want them to think carefully of where they stand with all the changes in their world. If, as a group, their whole is greater than the sum of their parts, then strengthening them individually should produce greater results.”

Celestia's frown only deepened. “And what if they drift apart further?”

“They are the Elements of Harmony. Coddling them will accomplish nothing. Their bonds should be tempered with some isolation and conflict in the same way steel is tempered with fire and hammer blows.”

Celestia stomped a front hoof. “These are living ponies you are dealing with, Terrato, not lifeless weapons! Their bonds should be nurtured and sustained, not strained until they break!”

Terrato matched Celestia’s indignant glare with a hardened one of his own. “Those ponies have been under your care for a long time,” he said. “The results haven’t been good enough against what they've had to face. It’s time I took care of things my way.”

Celestia reeled. Once more, Terrato realized that he was going too far. The barrier was one thing, but for him to suggest that she had failed in properly guiding the Elements of Harmony--

"If they break from your rough treatment, there will be no turning back,” Celestia said. “Ponies aren't tools that you can just repair when broken.”

“I've ruled over ponies too, Celestia!" Terrato growled. "You've taken a look around. You weren't surrounded by broken tools, you were surrounded by an army that has stood strong throughout the centuries. I believe in my methods.”

“The greatest result of your methods knifed me with her magic and--” Celestia stopped. “Terrato, I’m sorry. I’ve been with your ponies and they’re--”

Terrato put a hoof up. He looked far away, and he spoke with a slight tremble in his voice. “My student played you like a fiddle, then took what she wanted from you," he said. "Hers is an intelligence and drive that Twilight Sparkle can only wish she had.” He walked to the doors. Before opening them, he looked back one more time at his sister. “The assignments stay. All six of them signed a contract when they joined up. If they break it by going against my orders, I will punish them.”

The doors slammed behind Terrato as he left.

“Are you alright, Princess?” Twilight asked.

“I’ll be fine, Twilight,” Celestia replied. She walked into Fangbreaker's library with six armed guards in tow, each one likely hoof-picked by the prince himself. Knowing the princess, she would have preferred a less imposing escort. Knowing the prince, he would have had none of it. When Celestia sat down, the guards positioned themselves at a distance around her. The ponies working in the library gave her and Twilight a wide berth.

Twilight took note of the choice of words. Her mentor was not fine now. She looked tired and visibly shaken. It wasn't physical exertion that weighed down on her. Twilight could only frown as she suspected its source. For all his talk about his “dearest sister”, Terrato showed about as much affection for Celestia as he would an unwanted house guest.

For the rest of the afternoon, Twilight had returned to helping out in the library while preparations were made for their departure. The prospect of returning to the Heartland, to Ponyville, left her both elated, and apprehensive. She looked forward to talking with her neighbors, and seeing all the familiar sights. The warmth of someplace that wasn't so far to the north would be most welcome. But there were also the things that she dreaded to see: how everypony would react to the returning exiles from a land of war, and seeing the Legion’s presence in their old homes. No matter how much she wished it were so, going back to Ponyville was no return to how things used to be. Soon, she would see how war would affect all of the Heartland. To make matters worse, she and her friends had a hoof in making it happen.

Being surrounded by books, however, helped set Twilight at ease. Proving their penchant for hideous atrocity yet again, the wolven had been using library books as bonfire fuel. The ones that had survived proved to be a fascinating source of information. A particularly interesting find involved Starswirl the Bearded. It was surprising to find that the two realms shared some lore. Learning about the Barrier Lands’ account of the great unicorn would be eye-opening.

That would have to be set aside for later, however. Right now, Twilight expected a talk with Celestia involving a subject she was less enthusiastic about. She moved to Celestia's side, ready to offer her support when Celestia took a seat by one of the long tables. Afterwards, Twilight took the opposing seat.

“Tell me more about this Pyre Valor,” Celestia said. “There was something peculiar in your tone when you were talking about her.”

“Pyre Valor was the first pony I ran into when I first came here,” Twilight said. As much as this topic didn't sit in well with her, she wasn't going to disobey Celestia over something like this. “Landed on, to be exact. We…we didn't get along.”

Celestia settled into her seat, and leaned closer to listen. She had to shift her weight a bit because of her size, but she was fine otherwise. “Yet, she saved your life,” she said.

“Only because I was useful to her!” Twilight replied. “We've fought a couple of times. She hates my guts, and I hate her too! But--”

The intensity in Twilight’s voice took Celestia aback. Seeing her looking even more apprehensive, Twilight stared at her forelegs, and pressed her lips together. Ever since she returned to Fangbreaker, her thoughts about Pyre had been a confused and dark cloud. She tried to think back to their fight on that rooftop, then their fight with Nightmare Moon. Her feelings were much clearer during those times: clearer and purer. She had matched Pyre’s anger with her own, and used that to fuel her spell casting. The world shrank when she fought Pyre. Everything was sharper, move vivid. She could only imagine it once the fight was over. Now, she was reminded of previous conversations with Vanguard. He had been adamant about treating Pyre as an enemy. It was only now that she really understood why. It was just so much easier. She knew what to do with a Pyre who wanted her dead. She had no idea what to make of a Pyre who saved her life.

“They’re going to execute Pyre Valor soon,” Twilight said. Throughout her reverie, Celestia had waited patiently. “They’re just waiting for the rest of Fangbreaker’s troops to arrive so every defender of the fort can see it. She’s tried so hard to kill me, and I've fought back just as hard but…I don’t want her to die. Certainly not like this!” She looked desperately towards Celestia, hoping that her mentor would know an answer to put her at ease. “I don’t understand, Princess. She’s my enemy, and she brought this on herself, but I just feel that, if she dies, I’ll lose something important!”

Celestia reached out with a hoof. Twilight trembled and closed her eyes at the touch. “It’s alright, Twilight,” Celestia said. The calm in that voice smoothed over her frazzled nerves, and quieted the confused thoughts in her mind. A tear sprang to her eyes.

Twilight opened her eyes a little. “Princess?” she asked.

“You've done nothing wrong,” Celestia said. “Showing respect, mercy, and even admiration for an enemy, is not a betrayal of what you believe in. You have seen some good among all the qualities that you dislike, think about that.”

“But she’s going to die soon…”

“Yet, not everything she is needs to die with her. Have you tried to talk to her since her imprisonment?”

Twilight’s lips pressed into a pout. “She never has anything to say to me. If I try, she’ll just call me a bothersome nag again.”

Celestia smiled. “She’s attacked you with worse, hasn't she? A few rude words should count for nothing, especially with her time so uncertain.”

Twilight’s pout disappeared. A talk would settle things somewhat. She was going to try, and she wasn't leaving that dungeon until she got something. “You’re right, Princess,” she said. “I should go right now!”

Celestia nodded, and waved as Twilight left.

With new details to consider, Terrato went through his troop placements once more. He didn't trust every word that Blue Moon said, but he had to take them into account. Regardless of what was inside the Blasphemous Rift, it was still a source of power.

He also had to consider what Celestia said. Sending even more legionnaires into the Heartland would make it look even more like an invasion. He already passed the word that Black Rose’s Thorns were active again. As he watched the night settle from a window, he remembered to warn Luna about Black Rose’s agents as well. With the Blasphemous Rift as a potential target, Luna may be closer to the fighting than originally anticipated. The door opened slowly. He didn't even need to look to know who it was. “Do you need something, dearest sister?” he asked.

“I need to make amends, Terrato,” Celestia replied. “And not just for what happened today.”

“I've already told you that I don’t want to hear it while you’re like that,” Terrato growled.

Celestia stepped farther into the room. “I am Celestia, with or without my power. Do my words still mean anything to you?”

Terrato's lips remained straight, and grim. “You’re wasting your time,” he said.

“I will stay for as long as it takes. We’ll do this your way if that is what’s necessary." Celestia closed her eyes, and lowered her head. "I will accept any punishment.”

Terrato refused to meet Celestia’s gaze. “Did you come here expecting a flogging, or a branding of some sort?” he asked. “As if I could do those things!”

Celestia’s voice softened. “We have to start somewhere, dearest brother.”

“That doesn't have much of an impact when you have only one.” Terrato snorted.

“That doesn't make it any less true.”

Terrato faced his sister at last. “Do you really have such a problem with how I’m dealing with the Elements of Harmony?”

“I’m willing to try your way,” Celestia said with a smile. “But let me have a hoof in it as well.”

Terrato matched the smile this time. “Fine, let’s see how we can work that in.”

The two of them settled down for a talk. Terrato glanced out a window as he did so, just to catch a glimpse of an especially bright moon out tonight.

Fangs and Scales

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 10: Fangs and Scales

To a citizen of Ophidus, Ervain Reis could not be further from an ideal home. As the northernmost of the empire's settlements, it was more an outpost, and an invasion stage, than a proper home. The streets were a chaotic mass of soldiers slithering about, vendors selling their wares, and slavers herding their ponies to the nearest bidding stall. It was only to be expected given that it was so close to the pandemonium that was Equestria.

Hassyth surveyed it all from his manor’s balcony with an impatient sneer. Despite the time he had already spent here, he was never going to get used to the rabble, or the smell of so many unwashed ponies milling about in the open. Ervain Reis would always be a prison to a noble coatl.

Of course, whenever Hassyth’s thoughts strayed towards that subject, he only needed to glance back to the sad state of his manor to remember that he was barely a coatl noble. He was down to this one manor at the borders of the empire, a dozen servants, a couple dozen pony slaves, and two concubines. It was a far cry from his time in the capital, where he was among the very elite of the emperor’s tribe. That was not so long ago, but even a mere decade of misery in this city made the best of times seem a mere dream.

A sudden draft, and the whistle of something flying past mere inches from his face, shattered Hassyth's reverie. With an angry hiss, he unfurled his wings, and unleashed his magic, covering himself with a crackling barrier of protective force. He looked behind him, and found a quivering arrow stuck to the wooden floor. ‘Sniper,’ he thought. He cast another spell, and the arrow glowed. A thin trail of light extended from its fletched end, tracing its path through the air. Hassyth followed the trail only to find it go on and on to the late noon sky. He squinted at the distance, and noticed something. It looked like a pegasus, but it was so far away that it was barely more than a dot. A second later, and it was gone.

‘So Equestria has decided to send assassins after me?’ Hassyth thought. That didn't make sense. He had lost his place of importance a long time ago. Equestria had little to gain with his death. He looked back to the arrow, and noticed the twist of paper tied to the shaft. A pair of cards were attached next to it. Telekinetically, he separated the paper from the shaft, and took a look.

Hassyth of the Coatl tribe,

Greetings. I apologize for the rather rude method of message delivery. I would meet you myself, but I am pressed with important matters. I hope you understand.

I have done a bit of research lately, and came upon your name. You have a past as colorful as your wings, and I understand that you have gone down in the world these past years. Attached to this message are a couple of photographs that you are certain to find very interesting. If you wish to pursue this matter, signal my agent in your area through a flare spell. Longstride will coordinate with your plans.

Sincerely,

Black Rose

Hassyth crumpled the note, and tossed it aside. He knew nothing of the name, only that it was Equestrian. The offer was a bit intriguing, though. He took the photographs and looked. “Scarlet Rabbit!” he hissed. The red coat and the darker red mane were unmistakable, as were the facial features, and the wings. It was his prize racer, still alive and healthy. He trembled with excitement. Scarlet Rabbit's loss was the highlight of that disastrous pony raid on his holdings. He had lost a great deal of resources, and the greatest source of his income. To think that the Equestrian Legion now benefited from his most valuable racer! They had likely messed with its conditioning. Already, he imagined reacquiring it, and resetting the proper training. It would corner the races once more, and his fortune would return.

“The brave hunter Nasihihyth ignored the warnings of his fellows, and chased after the strange scarlet rabbit. Through brushes, woods, and rivers, he pursued the creature. For days he could not stop in his chase until he finally ran it down. With a loud hiss of joy, he raised the animal. It was then that Nasihihyth looked around, and discovered that the creature had led him far away from any known trails. He was tired, hungry, without supplies, and lost. The hunter cursed at his folly, and was never seen again.”

Hassyth laughed inwardly as he remembered the old bedtime story of his grandmother. He was no foolish hunter, the rivals of his unbeatable racer were. He was a determined noble who was merely reacquiring his possessions. He put the first photograph aside, and looked at the other one. Acquiring Scarlet Rabbit was more than enough for him to consider working with this “Longstride”. What else could be there?

The next one was of another pegasus: a light blue mare. He could tell from its sleek build, and well-developed wings that this one would be a good flyer as well. It was still young, and easily trainable if he could get her to a proper racing stable. Its mane quickly grabbed his attention. This one had the most fascinating mane he had seen among pegasi. “Coatl coloration!” he exclaimed. He looked to his own rainbow-colored wings, then back to the photograph. This was a valuable find indeed. Never mind its potential as a racer, if he could present a fine pegasus specimen with the colors of the Coatl tribe before Emperor Sesyth, he would surely be rewarded with a fortune that not even Scarlet Rabbit could acquire after a lifetime of winning races. He imagined bringing it to the palace on that day, and having it bow obediently before the emperor. Better yet, if he could train it to dance to “Pride of the Ophidites”, his fortune was assured.

“Hashymissa!” Hassyth called out. His majordomo slithered into his chambers. Hashymissa was Scarlet Rabbit’s trainer, and was responsible for all his pony slaves. Typical of vipren, she was adept in slavery, inflitration, and, above all else, cruelty.

“You called, master?” Hashymissa hissed.

“I have an important mission for you, something that may take you to Equestria itself.”

“That is a truly perilous mission indeed, master.”

Hassyth nodded. Equestria was a dangerous place filled with vigilant pony legionnaires eager to kill any ophidite who dared to trespass. “I have heard the scouts,” he said. “Equestria is dealing with matters by its other borders. If there was ever a time to infiltrate, it would be now.” He looked down his balcony again. Ervain Reis was marshaling its own troops for a raid on Equestria itself. If it wasn't for the growing crisis of the Crocodilian Rebellions closer to the capital, Ophidus would be launching an all-out assault on its northern neighbor. “Bring eight of our best slaves with you. You are to capture these ponies alive.” He tossed the photographs at Hashymissa, who grabbed it with her hands.

With that, Hasyth looked up to the steadily darkening sky, and fired a flare spell.

Effigy

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 11: Effigy

In its centuries of history, Fangbreaker Fortress had seen more than its fair share of executions. The Legion valued unflinching duty, and discipline. Ponies who failed to embody those virtues were looked upon poorly, and swiftly punished. Deserters, spies, rebels, and those whose incompetence brought about the deaths of many...all met their fate at the end of a noose. Hanging was a traitor’s death, and a punishment that didn't end with merely the criminal’s corpse. The shame of the crime often continued to haunt the families of the condemned. The ponies of the Barrier Lands were not above casting some of the blame on a criminal’s parentage, or even ancestry.

As she walked the passageway that led from her cell to the fortress’s main courtyard, it was that last sentiment that gave Pyre a vague twinge in her chest. Her parents were still back in Bastion City. They had survived the siege for sure. She had confidence in the Legion’s protection. She knew that even without being told.

That didn't stop an annoying pony from telling her anyway.

“Your parents are still alive and well, you know,” Twilight said.

Huddled against a corner of her cell, Pyre rested her head against a wall. Being beaten up by guard was better than putting up with this. “And why should I care about them, nag?” she asked. “I just ruined whatever shambles of a name they had. And I would have let the wolven kill them if the siege had succeeded.”

Twilight tilted her head, her eyebrows furrowed in disapproval. “Do you really care nothing about them at all?”

“What’s going on here, Twilight Sparkle?" Pyre snapped. "What are you pestering me for? Entertainment? How did you get the guards to let you in anyway? Did you convince them that you’ll torture me with your inanities?”

Twilight took a step closer. “I just…I just want to understand you better!”

Pyre leaned forward from her corner. Her face was so swollen and bruised that even scowling hurt. “We haven’t become friends, Twilight Sparkle!” she hissed. “Don’t think that I’m going to ‘open up’ to you because of what happened earlier!”

“Oh, I know we’re not friends,” Twilight replied.

Pyre stomped a hoof, stifling a wince in the process. “Then stop wasting my time and yours!”

“There has to be more to this, Pyre Valor!” Twilight said. She took another step forward, coming tantalizingly close to Pyre's cell. “You’ll be executed tomorrow! I can’t accept that as the end!”

“You've only known me for about a month! What could you possibly know about how it all ends?" Pyre's eyes narrowed, and her tone dropped. "Tomorrow will be a conclusion that has taken all my life to reach.”

It was Twilight's turn to stomp a hoof. “So that’s it? You’re just going to walk out there and hang?”

Pyre leaned back on her wall. It was late, and she was tired. This was only her second night of being able to sleep without being angry over the division, or being possessed by Nightmare Moon. It was probably also her last, and she didn't want to waste minutes of it talking to Twilight. “Yes,” she said quietly. ”What else do you want, Twilight Sparkle? The pony who kept kicking your flank is going to die.” She smiled wryly. “You should be dancing jigs, not making it sound like you’re going to miss me.”

Twilight reared up, and struck the bars with her front hooves. “Don’t be flippant!” she said. “I haven’t even beaten you yet!”

The smile disappeared momentarily as Pyre processed the information. Beaten her? The idea hadn't even occurred to her. She had come to respect this annoying filly's magical power and focus. That Twilight could stand up to Nightmare Moon, even for a short while, made her worthy of the Legion’s uniform. The idea of some form of rivalry…“Is that what this is about?” she asked. “You don’t want me executed so you can have the pleasure of killing me yourself?”

“No!” Twilight answered. She looked aside, unable to meet Pyre’s questioning look. “It’s not about killing you." Her voice lowered. “But I…I've never wanted to beat anypony before. Not in my entire life.” She looked at Pyre. “You asked me before if I've ever looked at another unicorn, and asked myself ‘How can I beat her?’. The answer was never. Not until you came along. Ever since that day, I've thrown myself into study and training so I can beat you. I've never studied that way before. That kind of drive and focus...pushing myself, and imagining that scene when I win…” A minute passed in silence. “I liked it…” Twilight stared at the floor, looking embarrassed, and unsure of herself.

Pyre Valor laughed.

At first, a look of confusion spread across Twilight’s face, but Pyre’s laugh quickly changed that. “What’s so funny?” she asked, her face red.

“That was pathetic!” Pyre said. She walked up to the bars of her cell. She was serious before she spoke again. “Nightmare Moon called me an insect when she first possessed me,” she said, “but she was scared when she faced you. I was an insect, and you were a threat! Yet, here you are talking about your lofty goal of beating me in single combat!” Her hooves shot through the bars so quickly that Twilight had no time to react. In an instant, Twilight's face had slammed against the bars with Pyre holding on to her mane. “Protect Equestria. No matter the cost, and no matter who pays it!” Pyre snarled. “I almost lost sight of that goal because of you. You don’t get to make that mistake. Not when you get to live! Put it above yourself, and whatever small, pathetic, personal goals you might have!” She let Twilight go, and walked back to the corner of her cell. “I’m just one unicorn mage. Tomorrow, I’ll just be a corpse. You’ll have more enemies ahead. Stop feeling sorry that your little spat with me ended before you could get the upper hoof.”

Twilight had no answer. She was still rubbing her forehead painfully when Pyre shouted for the guards.

Pyre reached the section of the passage that connected her branch of the dungeon with Blademane's. He had been led out as well, and now walked behind her. Their guards surrounded them like a wall of silent, moving metal. A quick look showed that Blademane had been severely beaten up too.

“Are you alright?” Blademane asked. The genuine concern in his tone hurt.

“Does it matter?” Pyre asked in return. “We’ll both be dead soon.”

Blademane snorted. “True.”

After a few silent minutes, they could see the light from the courtyard at the end of the passageway. “Tell me something, Blademane,” Pyre said.

“Yes?”

“I am never going to be able to return the sort of loyalty you've shown me," Pyre said. "You knew this from the start. No more silent treatment. Now that we’re so close to the end, tell me why you've come this far.”

Blademane answered his usual silence first. Pyre was about to prod him when he spoke. “I never expected you to reciprocate. At the start, maybe I did. But it wasn't even about that in the end. Has it really not occurred to you that I might actually believe in your cause?”

“It could have if you actually talked,” Pyre replied.

“My fault then. To be fair, I didn't believe in it right away. I thought that you’d eventually calm down, marry Vanguard Clash, and be a quiet, productive legionnaire.”

Pyre frowned. “You were wrong.”

“In more than one way. I agreed with you. I never said I did. I didn't have the courage to be as outspoken as you were. I got my chance to change that when you two fought.”

Pyre looked behind, her and found Blademane smiling for the first time she had known him. She looked away when she felt a smile beginning to curve her lips. “What a pair we make,” she said. “The mare who talked too much, and the stallion who talked too little.”

“Thank you, Pyre Valor.”

Pyre nearly stopped in her tracks. “What could you possibly have to thank me for?” she asked.

“Giving me a chance to say something I would never have if I spent the rest of my life serving in the Legion. You said all the words, and made all the decisions. All I needed to do was stay by your side. Thank you for that.”

Pyre snorted. “Now, you’re talking too much, Blademane.”

Both of them fell silent when they finally made it out to the courtyard. The open space was full of legionnaires today, all present to see the execution of the two villains of the wolven invasion. Any other work around the fortress, save for guard duty, had been delayed. As Pyre walked past the rows of legionnaires, she looked towards the gallows. Though she didn't look, she could tell that Vanguard was watching, as was Twilight. Perhaps they were even watching together. On the gallows was the imposing figure of Prince Terrato.

It wasn't until she was climbing up the wooden stairs of the gallows that Pyre noticed something strange; there was no hangpony around. The nooses were prepared, but the only pony on the structure was Prince Terrato. Was he going to hang her himself?

Terrato gestured for the guards to remove her horn-lock. “You have some nerve pushing me as you have, Pyre Valor,” he said. His voice carried over to every pony present. “Hundreds of your fellows are dead by your betrayal, and you aided Nightmare Moon, an enemy not just of Equestria, but of the Eternal Herd itself. Every Black Rose rebel has paid for this betrayal by hanging, but I think something different should await the pony who has done more.”

Pyre held her prince’s gaze without flinching. She wasn't going to lower her head in contrition when she was contrite over nothing. When Prince Terrato remained silent, she decided to speak for one last time.

“Terrato, wait!”

Before Pyre could utter a word, another alicorn fly towards them. She didn't recognize the white coat, and the pink mane, but she could tell who this was. She braced herself for the rage, the same rage that had smoldered within her nearly all her life. To her surprise, all she felt was a mild annoyance. It was more because Princess Celestia had interrupted the procedures than any anger towards the worst of Equestria’s royalty. For a frightful moment, Pyre considered that she might have unconsciously forgiven the nag princess. However, it wasn't forgiveness that sapped her rage. She was simply spent. She had thrown what she had at the nag princess, and her foul edict, and she got the results she wanted. The anger had been slowly dissipating even when Nightmare Moon had still possessed her. Now, she just wanted to get things over.

“Celestia, I thought you had your fill of hangings from your time in Bastion City,” Terrato said.

“You told me yourself that my division was wrong, Terrato,” Celestia said. “This pony has done terrible things, as had those rebels in Bastion City, but what end do their deaths accomplish?”

Terrato lowered his voice before replying. “Why don’t we ask her?” he suggested. He turned his attention back to Pyre. “Do you wish to be spared?” he asked.

“No,” was the quick and sure reply.

Celestia shifted her attention to Pyre, and took a step back when she met a fierce stare. “Pyre Valor, do you honestly wish to be executed like this?” she asked.

A spark of her old rage lit up in Pyre. “Like this”. Celestia certainly had some nerve looking down on her. Terrato took only one look at her, and he quickly understood. He stepped between the two of them.

“My sister hasn't quite grasped the way things are in the Legion,” Terrato said. He glanced at Celestia briefly. “I think you understand why there’s no hangpony around, and why I had your horn-lock removed.”

“I understand perfectly, your highness,” Pyre replied.

Terrato raised his voice again. “Pyre Valor, you've spent your life taking matters into your own hooves. It’s only fitting that your death be of the same manner.”

Pyre dropped to her knees in response. “This is an honor I don’t deserve, your highness,” she said.

“I’ve heard your reasons from Vanguard Clash and Dreadstep’s reports,” Terrato said. “Not only that, you could have run off when you had the chance. A lot of Black Rose rebels certainly tried. Instead, you performed one last favor for the Legion. Crazy as it may sound, I can actually respect that.”

After that, Pyre stood up, and jumped down the gallows. The ponies closest to her gasped, and backed away. Her horn glowed a deep red as she intoned a spell.

From the crowd, Twilight moved forward, her horn glowing with a spell of her own. She knew it! Pyre wasn't just going to fade into nothing like this. She wasn't--

A deep red blaze engulfed Pyre, quickly consuming her mane, tail, and coat, and sending clouds of smoke spiraling upward. She dropped to her knees, her face twisting in terrific agony, but she didn't so much as let out a cry of pain.

Twilight stopped dead in her tracks, her spell fizzling out before it could be completed. She watched in horror even as the heat and smoke obscured her view. “No!” she cried out. She tried to run towards Pyre, but somepony suddenly grabbed her from behind, and held her still. With a cry of rage and frustration, she looked at who it was and found Vanguard. He looked at her sadly before looking back to the burning spectacle. Mollified somewhat, she followed his gaze.

“And that’s why you make them white-hot.”

A white-hot blaze would have consumed Pyre quickly, and without suffering. “You foal…” Twilight said with a sob. “This doesn't make up for anything!”

Atop the gallows, Celestia moved forward, but Terrato blocked her path. With nopony to stop him, Blademane jumped down, and hugged Pyre. The flames blazed even fiercer, and engulfed him as well.

Though the crowd had been surprised at first, they soon realized what had just happened, and went on to calmly watch the scene. Through it all, neither Pyre nor Blademane made a sound. It was hard to even tell if they had already died. The only sound that could be heard throughout the courtyard was the crackling of flames.

The blaze eventually died down, leaving behind vaguely pony-shaped masses of ash that crumbled into an indistinct pile. Terrato stared at the pile grimly, then motioned for some guards. “Gather their remains,” he told them. “Mark their graves with what exactly they did.”

As the guards hurried to do his bidding, Terrato passed by his sister, who was still looking at the smoking pile in confusion. “I don’t understand,” she said softly. “Why did she want to die so badly?”

“Want has nothing to do it,” Terrato replied. “Get some rest, dearest sister, we’ll be at the Heartland before the day’s end.”

Terrato flew off. Celestia glanced sadly at the smoking pile one more time, then flew after him.

While the crowd began to disperse, Twilight and Vanguard continued to look on. A few more tears ran down Twilight’s cheeks when she finally turned away. She wiped them away angrily, silently reminding herself that she despised Pyre. It didn't work. Her friends were already coming over, concern and confusion mixing on their faces. A foreleg went around her shoulders.

“Save your grief,” Vanguard said. Even his normally stoic voice cracked. “We all knew that this was going to be the end of it, her most of all. If you have even a shred of respect for her, you should be glad that his highness granted her the honor of ending her own life.”

“Is that what honor’s supposed to be?” Twilight whispered harshly. “Do you want something like that, Vanguard?”

“Dying for something I believe in?” Vanguard asked. “When the time comes, perhaps. Put this scene behind you, Twilight. You wouldn't want to go home with a burning mare in your thoughts.” Once the others had come close enough, he let go of Twilight, and left.

A few hours later, Vanguard made his way towards Storm Brew’s newly rebuilt bar and brewery. The ashes were supposed to be buried in marked graves, but a discussion arose among the higher-ranked officers as to what that meant. A lot agreed that blank tombstones should suffice. Somepony said that a plaque of sorts should mark the site as a warning for others. Another said that placing such a mark would only plant the seeds of Pyre being called a hero. Yet another argued that such a scenario may not be so bad.

Through it all, Vanguard was only interested in finally laying his friend to rest. The squabbling only reminded him that, ultimately, Pyre had gotten off easy. She did not have to deal with the events that she had helped set into motion. As he approached Storm Brew’s, he found Twilight already sitting by the bar. She wobbled slightly, then looked up at him with a half-smile before waving a hoof. “Vanguard!” she called out. “About time you showed up! Does it take that long to bury a pot?”

Storm Brew walked over to Vanguard before he could reach the bar. “How much has she drunk?” he asked.

Storm Brew rubbed her messy mane with a hoof. “I gave her a mug that’s a quarter ‘Good Stuff’, and three quarters water,” she said. “She’s made it to half the mug. Rounding up that is. You're going to have your hooves full with this one at some point, Vanguard.”

“Thank you,” Vanguard said. He took a seat next to Twilight, but didn't order a drink of his own.”This better not become a new habit of yours, Twilight.”

“Then unicorns should stop lighting themselves on fire!” Twilight snapped. She stared morosely at her drink, looked like she was about to take another pull, but stopped halfway.

“I must admit, I didn't think her death would affect you this much,” Vanguard said.

“She was such a nag…” Twilight mumbled. “To the end she was mocking me. How did you ever put up with that?”

“There was more to Pyre than just her anger over the division. If you had only met her a couple of years earlier…she would have been happier knowing you.”

“I doubt it,” Twilight replied. “We would have never gotten along.”

“Not as friends,” Vanguard said. “You would have been great rivals. Sparring duels in the day…boasting, and comparing victories in the night. I would have never heard the end of it from her when it came to you.”

“She would have liked that kind of relationship?” Twilight asked.

“Of course. She would have prized it more than some friendships.”

“I’ll never understand her.” Twilight looked at her mug, and tried to take another pull again. This time, the mug made it all the way to her lips before her she set it down. Some time passed before she ventured to talk again. “Say, Vanguard?” she asked.

“Hmm?”

“Does your squad still need a unicorn mage?”

Vanguard raised an eyebrow. “Why are you asking?”

“I want the job.”

“Why the sudden interest in Special Operations?”

Twilight paused, fighting the alcohol fog in her mind for the answer. “I’ll be able to do a lot more in a small special squad like yours," she said. "Especially against somepony like Black Rose who won't act through giant, predictable armies.”

“That’s a good reason." Vanguard said. "I hope it’s the real one, and not because of something Pyre said, or did.

Twilight looked away sheepishly. “Well…there might be that too.”

“Ask me again when you’re sober.”

Twilight pushed the mug away, and stared at Vanguard. There was an intensity in her eyes that even the haze of alcohol couldn't blur. “Is that all I need to do?” she asked.

Vanguard rubbed his temples, and let out a slow exhale. He had expected this somehow. He didn't know why, but he did ever since his mother brought it up. Twilight could do the job. She needed a bit more experience, but she was certainly going to get that soon. She was already working with specialized groups anyway, as were the rest of her friends. Since she finally asked, he couldn't ignore this anymore. “What you need to do is to go home, Twilight,” he said.

Twilight opened her mouth to protest, but Vanguard raised a hoof.

“As soon as you make it back home, talk to all the friends you left behind. Reunite with your family. Reconnect with your old life. Once you've done all of that, ask yourself if you still want Pyre’s old job. If the answer’s still yes, ask me again. I’ll give it some serious thought then.”

A smile crossed Twilight’s face. “I’ll do that then!”

“Have you made all the preparations?”

The smile disappeared. “Uh…let me check on that!” She ran off, leaving behind the still half-full mug of watered down “Good Stuff”.

Vanguard shook his head, and turned his gaze skyward. “Even dead you’re causing me problems, Pyre,” he whispered. He walked off to finish his preparations too. Earlier, he had received his latest orders. Third Squad, as well as a few more Special Operations squads, had business in the Heartland.

The Road to Reunification

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 12: The Road to Reunification

When she heard that her siblings were teleporting to the Royal Palace, Luna immediately returned to Canterlot to greet them. After days of going from one settlement to the next, she was both glad and frightened that this day had finally arrived. It was already sunset by the time she made it, and she was just in time to see the gathering gray light that heralded Terrato’s teleportation spell.

The transition from Barrier Lands and Heartland to a single united Equestria now hinged on how well the next few days went. Terrato’s first appearance before the Heartland’s ponies needed to be carefully managed so this teleportation was kept secret. Celestia’s de-powered state merited the same thing.

Luna's heart dropped when her two older siblings stepped out of the teleportation spell. They were not even looking at each other, and the space between them said more than any explanation on their part would have.

Though she had recovered well physically, even traveling on somepony else’s teleportation spell sapped Celestia’s fragile magical strength. Luna gestured towards the only royal guards so far who knew of their princess’s current condition: Pegasus Guard Captain Bright Shield, who was still struggling with the nervous tremor in his right foreleg since his encounter with the Equi Ignei, and Unicorn Guard Captain Shining Armor, who was still recovering from the disturbing things he had been hearing about his younger sister. That had to be as traumatizing as hearing the alien tongue of the Eternal Herd’s enforcers. It was not yet even a week since Luna was able to assure Shining Armor that his sister was neither a criminal, nor dead. The two escorted Celestia to her quarters.

With Celestia in no condition to talk, Luna approached Terrato. The guilty and annoyed look on his face only proved further that they had to talk before tomorrow.

“You weren't the least bit fair, big brother,” Luna said. After about what had happened. It was all she could do to stem her resentment. She had never met this Pyre Valor save for her encounter with Nightmare Moon’s new host. Yet, even second-hoof knowledge was enough to make her feel something over the execution. They had both been possessed by Nightmare Moon, and they had both attacked Celestia in a rage. While Luna was spared, Pyre Valor was condemned to a slow and painful death. Terrato settled into his quarters. It was easy to tell that he had a lot in his mind. The seeming betrayal of this Blue Moon must be difficult to deal with, and the information about the Blasphemous Rift…steps had to be taken. He was in no mood for what she had to say, but it was because of so many decisions that the three of them had to make that she had to confront him over this brewing issue.

When they heard that they were to set up a room for royalty, the castle’s staff tried to outdo themselves in decorations, and luxury items. Terrato sat gingerly, and looked around in disapproval. He looked as if he had been forced to wear the frilliest dress ever sewn together. “Oh so I’m to blame in this?” he asked. “Isn't it enough that I take what she says into account when it comes to the Elements of Harmony?” The chair was the biggest one available in the palace, but he was still too big for it. His uncomfortable expression made him look even more out of place in the Royal Palace.

“I asked you to talk to big sister before I left for the Heartland. I was hoping that things would be better between you two when you get here. Instead, they've gotten worse! She protested against that execution, and you just shoved her aside!” Luna let out a sigh. “It’s good that you let Twilight and the others return to their homes here but ‘taking what she says into account’ isn't enough. We may get to suggest things, but you still maintain absolute control of the Legion, and the Barrier Lands.

“All I did was enforce my laws!” Terrato said. “There’s nothing--”

“Your laws don’t cut it anymore, big brother!” Luna said. “We’re done with ‘your realm’, and ‘big sister’s realm’ remember?” Her frown deepened. “Your legionnaires look at you through rose-colored glasses because you've fought alongside them for centuries. They don’t consider that you’re just as guilty as big sister when it comes to the existence of that barrier. If big sister was the judge who sentenced them to their fate, you were the warden that enforced that sentence.”

“Are we going to throw blame around now, Luna?” Terrato asked, his voice dropping dangerously.

For a terrifying moment, Luna thought that he might actually attack. The moment passed, and she remembered that, her brother instinctively fell into a fighting stance even during arguments. “I’m not interested in blame,” she said. “What I want is for us to fix where we keep going wrong. Big sister was wrong for banishing Twilight, you were wrong for punishing Vanguard Clash, and you were wrong for letting Pyre Valor burn, and the Black Rose rebels hang. We can’t move forward with a united Equestria if we keep falling back to the old ways we created. Now, I’m starting to think it was wrong to let you maneuver your legionnaires within the Heartland for a draft.”

“What are you talking about?” Terrato asked. “The Legion needs resources. I thought you understood that. Didn't you agree when Celestia protested against it?”

“I did because I believed it was necessary to protect Equestria. Our Equestria, not just yours!”

“You have some nerve of accusing me of being a tyrant!” Terrato snarled. He banged the table with a hoof, causing cracks to spread out. “I never wanted to rule over these ponies!”

“But when big sister’s power was stolen, you had no problem assuming some of her authority!” Luna shot back. “Yet, you haven’t reciprocated by sharing control over the Barrier Lands.”

“The Equestrian Legion serves not just me, but all of Equestria. I thought I made that clear already.”

“Then prove it tomorrow,” Luna said. Her brother gave her a questioning look. “Give me and big sister authority over the Legion that’s equal to yours so that no major decisions on their part can be accomplished without an agreement between all three of us.”

“That’s insane!” Terrato said. “You think I can just wave a hoof, and get the Legion to accept the two of you as its leaders?”

“Certainly not, but it’s a start. Just as Celestia and I approving of you is only a start to get the Heartland ponies to accept you as a leader.”

“No!”

“I may have spoken on your behalf, big brother, but I will organize a resistance with big sister if I have to. ‘Your’ legionnaires will have to drag their new recruits kicking and screaming to their posts, and they’ll have to pillage their resources instead of having them delivered.”

“I thought you wanted to help, Luna,” Terrato growled.

“I want to help reunite Equestria under the three of us, not under just you. That’s Black Rose’s goal, if I recall, and I will fight her every step of the way to prevent that.” Luna put a hoof on the table right next to her brother’s for emphasis. “You have no idea how to deal with the ponies here, big brother. Big sister has no idea how to deal with the ponies of your realm, and I certainly can’t deal with both. We need the two of you working together, not going back to your old ways. We either share in ruling this united realm, or we fall apart.”

Terrato crossed his forelegs, and fell silent. Luna waited patiently. Terrato could be stubborn, and hard-headed, but she still had faith in him. Celestia had been wrong about him becoming a monster, but she wasn't entirely wrong about the change. In the Barrier Lands, Terrato expected unquestioning loyalty from his ponies. For a thousand years, they of the Barrier Lands considered it a virtue to never question him. Those who did were severely punished. It was no wonder that he found it difficult to rule with anypony as an equal. It was becoming more apparent that, for all his declarations of devotion to Celestia, he would prefer to just place his sister on a pedestal, and shower her with adoration while he commanded Equestria through the Legion. At least Celestia wanted to share some of her power. The last time Terrato had tried, it was with Black Rose. ‘Yet another problem I can partly lay at your hooves,' she thought at the new “alicorn”.

It felt like an hour before Terrato finally deigned to speak. “Alright,” he said. “I will gather the Legion’s High Command as soon as possible, and they will swear fealty to you and Celestia. I will commit to your idea of reunification, Luna. Your thousand year time-out has saved you from developing the biases that Celestia and I have. It may well be a blessing for these circumstances. ” He smiled wryly. “You haven’t steered us wrong yet.”

“I’m not blameless in this,” Luna replied. “I wasted so much time because I was blind and jealous. Even when I finally returned, I didn't even have the nerve to act until Twilight set off the events that brought us to this.” She looked at Terrato, and matched his smile. “What I've realized is that, left alone, the three of us keep making stupid decisions. But working together…”

Terrato stood up. “I will admit that I've had more than a hoof in how this all turned out, just as I admitted to Celestia that we were both wrong when it came to the division. I’ll also admit that I've preferred to do things my way lately. I figured that letting Celestia make all the decisions was what caused all this trouble.” He looked out a nearby window, and to the night sky that Luna had just prepared. “My way hasn't been good enough. This reunification will change that.” He made his way to the bed. “It’s time for us to turn in. We have a lot of work tomorrow.”

“Goodnight then, big brother, and good luck to all of us.”

When she and her friends had gathered together for a teleportation spell from Prince Terrato, Twilight had braced herself for both the return to her old home, and the sight of the changes.

Actually appearing in the middle of Ponyville, however, quickly proved to her that she hadn't braced herself enough. It wasn't just the village. It was the very land itself that felt different. The colors were so vibrant that they hurt her eyes. The fragrance of flowers was so strong that she was dazed in a minute. And the warmth…she trembled, she never imagined that mere warmth could feel so good. She shook her head, and waited for her senses to settle.

“Look everypony! They’re back!” somepony called out.

In an instant, they were surrounded by nearly every pony in Ponyville. Except for Fluttershy, that is. Before anypony could come close, she was already surrounded by a horde of woodland creatures, shielding her from the others in a living wall of fur and feathers.

“Rarity!”

Sweetie Belle broke through the crowd, and jumped towards her sister. Rarity answered with a cry of joy and a tight hug. As she did so, Sweetie Belle bumped against the saddlebags she was carrying. The clink of metal was unmistakable. “I missed you so much!” she said between sobs.

Rarity couldn't say anything to that. She was crying too. Just being near the loved ones she once thought she’d never see again left her speechless. She heard a meow, and felt something furry rub against her legs. Before she could look down, however, she heard her name called out by another familiar voice. Her parents made it through the gathered ponies, and joined their daughters in embrace.

After some time, Sweetie Belle finally noticed Rarity's saddlebags. She nudged them, and heard the metallic jingling again. “What’s this?” she asked. “Did you bring back some presents from the ‘Barrier Lands’ Princess Luna was talking about?”

“No, Sweetie Belle,” Rarity replied, “that’s actually--”

Sweetie Belle opened the bag, and pulled out one of the mage blades with her mouth. “What’s this?” she asked, her words muffled from having to speak while her teeth clamped on the leather casing. “Some kind of knife?” The casing came loose slightly, and her eyes fastened on the brilliant mana crystal embedded into the slender blade. “It’s so pretty…” she said. “Do they give one to anypony who joins the Legion?”

“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity admonished, thankful that she had taken the time to sew up some leather sheathes for her mage blades. She lifted the weapon with her telekinesis, pulling it out of Sweetie Belle’s mouth, and replacing it in her bag. She didn't miss the mention of the Legion.

“Can you put in a good word for me so I can join?” Sweetie Belle asked.

Rarity gasped. “Certainly not! You’re too young! Besides, joining the Legion is a life-long commitment. You can’t just join to see if you’ll get your cutie mark there, and then leave…”

Rarity’s voice trailed off when she caught sight of her boutique from a distance. To see it still standing tall and proud, brought fresh tears to her eyes. Some kind pony had apparently maintained it while she was away. It was a nice sentiment, a little unnecessary, but she certainly appreciated the gesture. She looked to her sister and her parents. They were probably the ones responsible. The beautifully constructed house, her personal design, beckoned tantalizingly for her to go back to business. But she remembered what she was saying just now.

“Rarity?” Sweetie Belle asked. “Are you alright?”

Sweetie Belle's voice jolted Rarity out of her melancholic thoughts. “I’m fine, dear,” she replied. “Let’s not talk about the Legion for a while, okay? How have you been?”

Applebloom had not been far behind Sweetie Belle when the crowd parted. She raced towards Applejack with the other Apples not far behind. In Big Macintosh’s excitement, he bowled over a few ponies too slow in getting out of his way.

Applebloom reached Applejack first, jumping up, and then wrapping her forelegs around her neck. Big Macintosh came up, and swept both of them up in his forelegs in a crushing embrace. “AJ!” he cried out joyously, his eyes already watery.

“Hey, big brother,” Applejack gasped, as soon as she had managed to loosen his grip. She closed her eyes, and returned her siblings’ embraces with one of her own, enjoying the familiar warmth and the scent of home.

“You missed the harvest, young’un!” Granny Smith said in a mock stern tone.

Applejack’s lips split into a wide, sheepish grin. “Sorry, granny,” she replied. “I’ll make it up to you somehow.”

“You darn tootin’ you will!” Granny Smith walked over, and then gave Applejack a hug once Big Macintosh set both his sisters on the ground. Her forelegs were trembling, and it was not just due to exertion. “Double the work for you once Winter Wrap Up, and the spring planting starts!”

The grin all but disappeared on Applejack’s face. “I’m sorry, granny…” she said. “I’ll be headin’ out before spring gets here.” Watching the joy on her siblings’ faces wane at her words was heartbreaking.

“But why?” Applebloom asked. “Ain’t what you did for this Legion enough?”

“I’ll take your place, AJ,” Big Macintosh said. “I can’t let my little sister go out there, and fight monsters for a living!”

“I can’t just quit,” Applejack replied. “I signed up for this, and I ain’t going back on my word.” Her siblings looked even more downcast after that. She didn't bother mentioning that she couldn't even if she wanted to. Leaving the Legion was considered treason and she had plenty of opportunities to see what the Legion did to its traitors.

Granny Smith seemed unfazed. “Well then, let’s make good use of your time here. First of all, let’s get you fed. Land’s sakes, girl! What are they feeding you over that Legion you joined? I can see your ribs! And what’s that chain you got wrapped around your neck? Some kind of fancy-pants, big city jewelry?”

“No, granny. It’s some sort of magic lasso. Now that you mentioned it, I’d really like to talk to you about it.”

Pinkie was jumping up and down the moment she noticed everypony in Ponyville gathering around her. In her excitement she ran over to the crowd trying to hug as many ponies as possible. Several were happy to return the hug, even if it meant being squeezed in with other ponies in her giant embrace. A few patted her back reluctantly.

“Pinkie!”

Pinkie whirled at that call. The Cakes stood at the edge of the crowd, unable to push their way in as Cup Cake was carrying their two foals. She jumped over several ponies and rolled under a few more to reach them. “I missed you guys so much!” She drew both of them in a hug before focusing on Pumpkin and Pound Cake. “Especially you two,” she said, playing with their forelegs as she did so. “You've grown since the last time!”

Both foals cooed with delight, and grasped at Pinkie’s front hooves. Pumpkin noticed Pinkie’s saddle bags and gave it a curious look. Her horn glowed, and the bag’s front flap opened. By the time Pinkie noticed what she was up to, the bag’s content was already floating out. “Oh no!” Pinkie exclaimed. “Pumpkin don’t--”

Pumpkin had telekinetically lifted a strange stone tablet from Pinkie’s bag. It was covered in strange markings and gems. All of a sudden, the gems glowed briefly and sparked. The magical glow around the tablet disappeared, causing it to fall inside the bag again. Pumpkin Pie cried out in pain and grasped her horn. Her eyes watered and she started wail.

“Oh no…” Pinkie said. “I’m so sorry, Pumpkin, I should have stopped you faster.”

Cup Cake inspected her daughter worriedly. When she could see anything wrong, she concentrated on comforting the crying foal. “There, there, Pumpkin, it’s alright.”

“What is that thing, you got there?” Carrot asked.

Pinkie lifted the piece of slate to show them, then returned it to her saddlebag. “It’s some weird device those weird ‘True Earth Ponies’ gave to me before I came back here,” she said. “They said it would help me with something…”

“Legionnaire Pinkie Pie.”

Pinkie turned around and spotted the two ponies she had met earlier during the march to Fangbreaker Fortress. “Oh, it’s you ‘True Earth Ponies’ again!’ she said. She backed up a step. Sharpfangs and Tailwind didn't like these ponies and, the truth be told, they were a little scary. Still, suddenly running off when it looked like they only wanted to talk would be rude.

The pony in the funny-looking stone pony mask turned toward his younger companion and said something. The younger stallion listened intently, then shifted his attention to Pinkie. “We did not get a chance to properly converse the other day, Legionnaire Pinkie Pie,” he said. “We would like to correct that.”

“Huh?”

The younger stallion looked taken aback. “We would like to speak with you,” he said.

“But you’re speaking with me right now!”

The masked stallion leaned over to whisper again, then handed something to the younger stallion. Pinkie recognized the object. It was the same piece of slate she had seen with the two during their last meeting. “Please take this,” the younger stallion said. He handed the bejeweled slate to Pinkie. She took it as if it might turn into a snake, and bite her if she wasn't careful.

“Uh…thanks? What do I do with this though?” Pinkie tried to make sense of all the markings. When that didn't work, she tried pressing on the gems. As a last resort, she bit into the stone. Except for hurting her jaw, she accomplished nothing.

At the sight of Pinkie trying to eat the slate, the younger stallion panicked, and stepped forward. The masked stallion held him back, and whispered something else. “When you begin to channel ley energy instinctively, the device will react,” the younger stallion said. “Once it does, you will learn much from just observing it. We are confident that, once you notice this, you will seek us out to learn more.”

“Okey dokey lokey,” Pinkie replied. She had thought that these strange ponies would ask her to do something that her friends wouldn't approve of, but carrying a piece of stone around sounded reasonable. Besides, these two mentioned “channeling ley energy” again. She had no idea what that meant, but from what Cold Forged had mentioned earlier, it might be some form of useful magic. The prospect of having something useful during an emergency was too good to pass up.

“And another thing,” the younger stallion added.

“What is it?”

“We are aware that you are good friends with a pair of goats,”

Pinkie tilted her head to one side. “Goats? I don’t recall meeting any goats in these lands.”

The younger stallion let out a sigh. “We mean the purple one, and the white one who marched with you after we last spoke.”

“Purple one and white one marching with me…you mean Twilight and Rarity? Oh, you silly! They’re not goats!”

The younger stallion frowned at this while the masked one shifted slightly. “Regardless, make sure that they do not try to use their magic on the device. It will react badly.”

“Okey dokey lokey!”

“I’m sorry,” Pinkie said. “I should have put my bags away first.”

“That thing looks dangerous,” Carrot said. “Maybe you should get rid of it.”

Pinkie looked at her saddlebag, and considered it. Maybe she should just get rid of this stone. It hurt ponies, and it might continue to do so. She suddenly remembered the fight in Bastion City again: cringing behind Twilight, and wishing that all her friends would be fine… “Sorry,” she said. “I think I still need it.”

While her friends got swarmed by ponies, Rainbow took to the air, barely dodging a large flock of birds and other flying creatures heading for Fluttershy. She had missed Ponyville, and she had missed everypony in it, but she couldn't bring herself to go among them, and try to reconnect with her home. She should be glad to have this break. Instead, she felt agitated and restless. Home was important, but it just wasn't the right time to deal with it. It was as if she was in the middle of a sporting competition, and then asked to sit it out so she could relax. The sense of urgency refused to go away no matter how much she tried to convince herself to calm down.

“Rainbow Dash!”

Rainbow looked down and spotted a small, orange-coated pegasus filly standing there. Scootaloo looked up at her happily, and expectantly. Despite herself, Rainbow flew down, and landed. “Hey, pipsqueak,” she said. “How have you been?”

“Things got really boring here without you around!" Scootaloo hopped in place. "I’m so glad you’re back!”

Rainbow snorted. “Well, don’t get used to it, I’ll be flying off in a couple of weeks!”

Scootaloo's ears flattened at this, but she quickly perked up again. “Princess Luna said that you joined the Legion. Is it great being in the Legion, huh?”

Rainbow nodded. “It sure is! You get to fight for Equestria’s sake, fly into battle, and shoot at the bad guys! It’s pretty awesome!”

“Wow! Is it more awesome than joining the Wonderbolts?”

Rainbow stopped dead in her tracks. Joining the Wonderbolts…that was her life-long dream here. All the training and practicing was so she could join that team of elite flyers. Yet, all that training and practicing now felt like a long dream, and reality had just caught up with her. Even if she wanted to join the Wonderbolts now, it was impossible. She knew a lot about the Legion’s draft, probably more than any of her friends after asking around about it in her flight. The Wonderbolts were Equestria’s best flyers. They were likely going to be absorbed into the Legion like the Royal Guard once drafting began. Logistics would divide them among the various flights.

“Y-yeah…” Rainbow answered with barely a fraction of the enthusiasm she had a few moments ago. “It is. The Wonderbolts are awesome and all, but they focus more on air shows, and racing. The Legion gets up to a lot of hardcore stuff.”

“Awesome!" Scootaloo sang out. "I should really join the Legion then!”

“Hey, wait! You can’t!” Rainbow raised a hoof, as if she were trying to stop a runaway carriage.

Scotaloo's hopping stopped. “Why not? You just said it was awesome, and Princess Luna said that they were looking for members.”

“It’s also really dangerous. A lot of bad things can happen to you!” Memories flashed through Rainbow’s mind: a giant wolf’s paw slamming into her, a bloody Applejack lying motionless on the snow-covered ground…“A lot of bad stuff,” she mumbled.

Scootaloo tilted her head. “You just said the Legion was awesome. Now, it’s bad?”

“It is awesome…and bad stuff happens and…” Rainbow shook her head, and began to hover. “Sorry, Scootaloo, I...uh…I need to think alone.” She flew off, and took shelter in a cloud. It was a mistake to come back to this place. In Fangbreaker, everything was clear and straightforward. She just needed get better at being a legionnaire, beat Scarlet, then rise to the top of her flight. Coming back to the Heartland just muddled things up.

While all her friends met up with loved ones, Twilight dealt with the citizens of Ponyville in general. Somepony had mentioned that Spike wasn't around, reminding her that her assistant was still somewhere in the Western Barrier Land being tutored by a kirin. She wanted to head on to Canterlot to see her family, but she didn't want to go ahead of her friends.

“Twilight Sparkle, is it true that you are a member of this ‘Equestrian Legion’?” Mayor Mare asked.

“Yes, it’s true,” Twilight replied.

“Then you would know what they’re really like!” somepony from the crowd said. “Can they be trusted? What do they really want?”

“The Legion seeks to protect Equestria,” Twilight said. Princess Luna should have come here to allay their fears. That they were still asking these questions meant that they had yet to completely trust Luna despite the time she had spent here before. “They can be trusted.”

“What about this Prince Terrato?”

“He’s Princess Celestia’s brother. He may be scary…and rude…and violent…and always in a bad mood…”

The crowd started to look even more worried as Twilight continued. "But he means well,” she finished with a sheepish grin. The crowd looked a little mollified, but not enough for her to feel sure about them. She looked up in time to see Rainbow fly off.

It hit Twilight yet again. This homecoming would have nothing to do with relaxation, or reconnecting. She and her friends may have just come here to see the last vestiges of their old lives be consumed by the Legion. Night had completely settled by this time. The familiar lights of Ponyville did little to take the edge from her worry.

The Royal Guard

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 13: The Royal Guard

News of Terrato's, and Celestia’s, arrival quickly spread throughout Canterlot. By morning, the city was abuzz with rumors. Nopony, save for Princess Luna and the highest-ranked among the Royal Guard, had actually seen the two, but the prospect of finally having Princess Celestia address her subjects was both reassuring, and disconcerting. Likewise, the chance to meet this Prince Terrato.

With such important events centering on the capital, the Royal Guard was swamped with complications. A few hours after Celestia and Terrato arrived, a small group of ponies teleported into the palace as well. The prince explained that they were some of his legionnaires on an important mission. The Royal Guard was more than a little suspicious. The last time the palace witnessed the arrival of strange, armed ponies, nearly a dozen stallions were killed. Now, with barely a clear explanation as to what happened that time, they were expected to work with these ponies.

Representatives of the two martial organizations met inside the planning room of the Royal Guard’s barracks. The legionnaires had come unarmed as a show of good faith. The Royal Guard, however, had no shortage of spears. The legionnaires explained that their fellows that had previously attacked the palace were mind-controlled agents of the new alicorn, Black Rose, and that they were not of the same sort.

For Shining Armor, it didn't help that the legionnaire he was talking to was covered in black armor from head to tail, that the eyes that stared out of the armored slits were a feral red, or that the pony spoke in a growling, wolfish voice when he introduced himself as “Captain Vanguard Clash of the Northern Equestrian Legion, Special Operations, Third Squad”. Shining Armor accepted the offer of a hoofshake, though. If there was going to be a breach in relations between Terrato’s guards and Celestia’s, it wasn't going to start with him, or Bright Shield. “Captain Shining Armor of the Royal Guard, Unicorn Division,” he replied. “This is Captain Bright Shield of the Pegasus Division. It’s an honor to work with the ponies who defend our borders.”

“The feeling is mutual towards the ponies who maintain order within the heart of Equestria,” Vanguard said. He glanced at the other ponies lined up behind him. While they all wore some barding, none were as heavily armored as this one. They remained completely expressionless except for one dark blue unicorn who looked at him a little too intensely. When she noticed him paying attention to her, a playful smile curved her lips. “The prince has ordered a few squads from Special Operations to work with the Royal Guard,” Vanguard continued. “We are to update you on Equestria’s enemies, especially Black Rose, and her Thorns, assist with the merging between our two organizations, and ensure that the prince’s address tomorrow will go smoothly. We’d appreciate it if you tell us about potential problem spots in this city for tomorrow’s address.”

“We’re still unclear about how this merge is supposed to happen,” Bright Shield said. “From what Princess Luna has been saying, it seems that the Equestrian Legion will be absorbing the Royal Guard completely.”

“That is correct,” Vanguard replied.

“That’s absurd!” Bright Shield said. “The Royal Guard has been protecting Equestria as an organization for centuries! Now, you’re just going to dissolve it into your group?”

“I’m not here to debate history with anypony, Captain Bright Shield," Vanguard said. "I have my orders, and I’m sure you have yours.”

Bright Shield ground his teeth. Vanguard was right. He did have his orders. Both princesses had already told the Royal Guard about their plans to merge the two groups. He had another retort, but a raised hoof from Shining Armor held him back. “You’re fine with this?” he asked.

Shining Armor closed his eyes.

“I will be fine here,” Celestia said once she entered her room. “Thank you, both of you.”

Both captains saluted, and turned to leave.

“Shining Armor!”

Shining Armor stopped while Bright Shield kept on going.”Yes, your highness?” he asked.

Celestia trembled with fatigue. “I’m sorry,” she said. “What I did to your sister was wrong. Please, forgive me.”

Shining Armor’s lips twisted slightly, the only sign of the emotion that Celestia stirred up. “I can’t,” he said. “Not yet, your highness.”

“Shining Armor--“

“It was hard enough to accept that you banished Twiley because she had done something wrong," Shining Armor said. It took all he could to keep emotion from affecting his voice. "Now, it turns out that you threw her into danger even when she hadn't. Not only that, I have to find out that you've been lying to me since the day I was born.”

Celestia tried to take a step forward, and stumbled. Shining Armor was by her side in a heartbeat. “I’m surprised you still show this much concern,” she said.

“I swore an oath to serve when I took this position.” Shining Armor’s face softened a bit. “Just…give me some more time, your highness. I need to take this all in. I can’t forgive you just yet.”

“Thank you for that much.”

“No,” Shining Armor replied when he opened his eyes again. He stared at Vanguard as he spoke. “Not really, Bright Shield, but Captain Vanguard Clash is right. We have our orders. The Royal Guard will cooperate with the Equestrian Legion.”

“I must admit I was expecting a lot of resistance from the Royal Guard,” Vanguard said. “Your cooperation is appreciated, Captain Shining Armor.”

“But we’ll do so with our eyes open,” Shining Armor said. “I’d like to know how the Legion deals with ‘problem spots’ before I share any information. Forgive me, but I was part of the clean up when some of your rogue troops attacked this palace.”

“We will observe for the most part, leaving any domestic issues with the Royal Guard,” Vanguard replied. “We will act if we determine that Black Rose’s agents are involved. Things should remain in simple arrests unless Black Rose decides to escalate matters.”

“Good.” Shining Armor said. He hid a sigh of relief. The mere sight of these legionnaires enforcing the laws they knew would cause more unrest in Canterlot. “Now, about this Black Rose…”

Vanguard turned towards one of his companions, who gave him a sheaf of papers.

Tomorrow came about swiftly, far too swiftly for Luna. She doubted that a few hours of rest would be enough for Celestia, who walked the halls with her weakly. Part of her dearly wanted to postpone the event. Terrato made no secret of his dislike for the ponies of Canterlot. It was quite likely that the ponies of Canterlot won’t like him either. She envisioned a lot of things going wrong. If Canterlot’s inhabitants refused to listen, and started resisting, Terrato would certainly order the Legion to subdue them violently, if he didn't simply crush them all in anger.

Yet, it was better to get this out of the way. The longer it took for them to address the ponies of Equestria, the longer the unrest would brew. She looked ahead, and saw that Terrato was already waiting by the palace’s entrance along with a contingent of royal guards. She looked around suspiciously, noting that not a single legionnaire was in sight. What had her brother put them up to?

“About time you got here,” Terrato said. He looked towards Canterlot’s main plaza where he and his sisters were to make their address. Luna followed his gaze. Even from where they were, they could see ponies gathering.

They flew off together. Below, a few ponies still walking the streets gasped, and pointed at them.

The plaza was abuzz with the worried chatter of ponies when they reached it. On the ground, some royal guards blew their trumpets to signal their arrival. A hush fell upon the crowd as the they them landed on an elevated platform. Luna observed the reactions closely: shock, confusion, and a great deal of fear. The whispers among themselves were telling.

“Is that the Prince Terrato we keep hearing about?”

“He’s so big! And his mane is on fire!”

“He’s gray like a tombstone!”

“He looks angry, is he going to attack us?”

“Where is Princess Celestia?”

“Isn't she the one at the center?”

“That can’t be! The princess’s mane isn't pink!”

“But she looks every bit like the princess except for the mane. Didn't Princess Luna say that her powers were stolen by an enemy?”

“I don’t know, she looks…smaller. Do princesses shrink when they lose power?”

“Shush! She’s about to speak!”

Luna could understand why the ponies of Canterlot even doubted that their princess had come back. Celestia had not changed in size at all. She seemed smaller because she lacked presence, something caused by two things at the moment: her loss of power, and the prospect of finally facing her subjects for the first time after the division’s end.

“My dear subjects…” Celestia said. She spoke through a microphone. Normally, this would not be necessary. The Royal Canterlot Voice was all it took to address a large crowd, but that required a degree of magic that she did not have to spare. This was not lost to the crowd, particularly the royal guards stationed around, and among them. “Today will mark the beginning of a new period for Equestria. For more than a thousand years, I partitioned the realm into two parts in a misguided attempt to protect ponykind.”

Luna found herself breathless. Celestia had mentioned before that she had been too hasty in judgment, but this would be the first time ever that she would admit that the barrier was wrong. Terrato looked like he had noticed as well.

“That partition is over. My sister has already told you of the troubles that have been hidden from you for so long. I now stand here to confirm them.”

There were no overt reactions from the crowd, but Luna could feel a collective sigh come from them. When she had spoken to them of the situation, they had listened earnestly and tried to understand, but she knew that part of them still hoped that whatever bad thing that was happening would blow over and they would not be needed. Celestia’s words hammered in the reality that such a thing was not going to happen.

“Equestria needs your help, my little ponies,” Celestia went on. “The Equestrian Legion, led by my brother, Terrato, has come here today for your support.” She looked towards Terrato, who kept his eyes on the crowd.

“Don’t believe her!” a stallion shouted from afar. Everypony’s eyes went towards the one who spoke. By the edges of the plaza, a white unicorn stallion with a blond mane walked slowly towards the crowd. Luna recognized Blueblood, a rather annoying, but mostly harmless "Royal Nephew". From the way he was acting now, “harmless” might have to be reconsidered. “That’s not Princess Celestia!” Blueblood shouted. “It doesn't even look like her!”

A deep growl came from Terrato. She placed a hoof by his shoulder in response. “Big brother, please," she whispered. "No earthquakes, or ‘surprise volcanoes’. This city is dangling by a cliff, remember?”

Terrato let out a snort, and relaxed. “I know,” he said.

“The real Princess Celestia would never force us to join some army, and go off to a land we've never seen!” Blueblood shouted. “This one must be a fake being controlled by those two behind her!”

Luna stepped forward. “This is the real Princess Celestia!” she said. “I've already explained why she looks like this!”

Blueblood sneered. “A likely story! I never trusted your so-called conversion! This is a Nightmare Moon plot! She’s trying to recruit us into her army!”

“I believe her,” another pony said. This one didn't shout like Blueblood, but his voice carried clearly through the crowd. Everypony turned to look, and found Captain Shining Armor standing next to a squad of unicorn royal guards by the opposite side of where Blueblood was. “I’ve been with the princesses long, and often enough. I know the real Princess Celestia when I see her. In fact…” He turned his gaze towards Celestia. “She’s more real now than she’s ever been!”

“How can we trust you?” Blueblood asked. “Aren't you the same pony who was fooled by the changeling queen?”

“And thus the one who’s even more vigilant than before!” Shining Armor shot back. “What’s really going on here, Blueblood? Are you really doubtful of the princess’ identity, or are you that scared of the draft?”

“Who isn't afraid of the draft here?” Blueblood replied. He looked around him. “Who wants to be part of some army and work,” he shuddered, “for a prince they've never met?”

“I’d fight for Equestria!” a third pony shouted from the crowd. A light yellow stallion, still wearing the uniform of a café worker stepped up. “That’s what it’s all about right?” Several ponies next to him nodded.

“How can we be sure it’s for Equestria, and not the private army of Nightmare Moon?” Blueblood asked. Some of the nobles walked over to him as a show of agreement. “Why can’t they just get the Royal Guard, and leave us alone?”

“Nightmare Moon’s long gone!” another pony shouted. “I’m siding with Captain Shining Armor! That’s the real Princess Celestia, and she really needs our help!”

The crowd erupted into a confused argument while the guards struggled to maintain control.

“I have a family to care for, and a business to run! I can’t join this Legion forever!”

“Equestria’s in danger, and we've been called to help! I say anypony who refuses to be drafted is a coward!”

“The nobles don’t want to move their rears, and help out! What can you expect from those hoity-toity do-nothings?”

“Let the rabble join up! Surely their numbers will make up for all the ponies needed!”

“I still can’t believe we've been lied to for so long! How do we even trust this Legion?”

A powerful boom, like the distant crack of thunder, or a far away eruption, came from Terrato when he clapped his front hooves together. It rolled through the crowd, and silenced them in an instant.

Once he got the crowd’s attention, Terrato stepped forward. “I am Prince Terrato of Equestria,” he said. His words rumbled like a distant earthquake. Unlike Celestia, he had no problem projecting his voice. “It seems a lot of you have issues over not knowing who I am. There will be plenty of time to do that, given that I’m not going anywhere.” His gaze swept over the crowd. Seeing them cower was an annoyance, but he kept his voice even. “For a long, long time I have protected this land from its enemies. If you have doubts, come forth, and I will take you to see them for yourself.” He paused, waiting for somepony to accept his offer. Celestia and Luna gazed nervously at him during the silence. Nopony stepped forward, yet one more source of annoyance. He put on a smile when he continued. “I am glad to meet all the ponies I have been defending for the first time. My sisters have done well in caring for you during their reign, regardless of the mistakes we have made. A lot of you fear the Legion. I understand that. But what you should fear is what would happen if it falls. The Legion and I cannot protect Equestria by ourselves for much longer. Though it pains us to do so, we have to call upon all of you to do your part.”

Terrato paused again to let his words settle in. Many among the crowd were whispering among themselves. He heard the doubts, and the hesitation. Some changes had to happen on the spot. “I must also add that your service to the Legion need not be permanent. All ponies recruited during the draft will be allowed to leave, and go home once the worst has come to pass. I am confident that plenty will stay once they see the necessity, and nobility, of the Legion’s work.” Terrato glanced at his sisters, and relished the surprise on their faces. “I am asking for a lot of things from all of Equestria now. I ask for your cooperation for we will all fall without it. I ask for your forgiveness. Your rulers have made grave mistakes, and continue to pay for it. Most of all, I ask for your courage. The future ahead is dark, but we can go through this together.”

The crowd was silent after that. No more whispering among themselves this time. “Count me in!” somepony from the crowd shouted. Others quickly picked up on it, and yelled their agreement. The crowd came to life with determined cries.

Luna stepped closer towards her brother. “See?” she said. “Not so full of fops after all.”

“Maybe,” Terrato said. There were some ponies were not so eager to join. Many nobles bunched together around Blueblood, and watched the crowd in horror. While Luna saw the crowd’s willingness, he saw the pockets of resistance. Small groups of ponies were trying to get away from the crowd, and fall back to their homes or, perhaps, to get away from the city itself. That wasn't going to work, he had already scattered his eyes and ears throughout the city’s potential hiding places, and exits. It shouldn't be hard with the Royal Guard’s cooperation.

“You surprised me,” Luna said. “I read from your laws that joining the Legion was permanent.”

“The old rules don’t cut it anymore,” Terrato said. “These ponies need hope. They need to see their joining as a service they have to give for now, not a fate they are irrevocably condemned to.”

“Will the same be true for the Elements of Harmony?”

Terrato let out a snort. “They weren't drafted, they joined up on their own, even though we discouraged them. I’m off for now, little sister, I have to coordinate with the legionnaires waiting to enter the cities, and I need to have a strict hoof on these things.”

Luna nodded. “Of course, big brother.”

With a flap of his wings, Terrato took to the air.

After the address had finished, the princesses stayed to talk with the ponies on a more personal level. Luna had feared that the Heartland’s ponies would be resentful, and angry. That they would demand some sort of physical punishment for Celestia, or even demand that she step down from her throne. The very nature of the Heartland kept either from happening. Heartland ponies did not believe in swift and merciless vindication as the ponies of the Barrier Lands did. Punishments were rare, and they were certainly not turned into public events like Terrato’s executions. These ponies had also spent so long in Celestia’s benevolent rule that they could not imagine what their life would be outside it.

Whatever the reason, the ponies that approached Celestia were not of the vengeful or angry sort. Luna was glad for it. Having the ponies of the Heartland turn on her now would break Celestia’s heart. Instead, they showed concern over Celestia's loss of power, and promised their support. Terrato would have called them naïve, but their naiveté helped now more than any sense of worldliness.

Unfortunately, that wasn't going to be the case each and every time in the Heartland. It wasn't even so here in Canterlot. Luna looked to the far side of the plaza, where the Royal Guard was dealing with a group of nobles led by Blueblood. She wished that they were an isolated case, but they were likely only the first of several.

"No!" Blueblood said with a tilt of his chin. "I refuse to join! I am a prince of Equestria, and I will not be reduced to working with common soldiery!"

Several of the royal guards scowled, and stepped forward, but they were stopped by one of their captains. Shining Armor shared in his ponies' desire to show Blueblood that he was talking to "common soldiery" at the moment, and they didn't appreciate his tone, but he kept his feelings aside. "Nopony's asking for your permission, Blueblood," he said. "The draft is mandatory, and you're going to represent your family."

"Is there no way at all to avoid this 'draft'?" another noble asked. "Perhaps we can hire somepony to go in our place. Maybe a generous donation to the right pony?"

"I'm going to ignore that you just asked if you can bribe somepony," Bright Shield replied. He allowed a hint of anger to creep into his voice. "The answer to your other question is no. Everypony will do his or her part. You can't hire somepony to do your part for you. For now, we ask that all of you return to your homes, and wait for the actual draft. Don't try to skip out of this, the penalties are stiff."

Most of the nobles left, nearly all of them deflated by the response. Blueblood stayed, however. "I am still royalty," he said. "If money won't exempt from the draft, blood will."

Shining Armor grabbed Blueblood by the lapels, and forced him to look at Celestia. "This crisis has taken from Princess Celestia herself," he snapped. "What makes you think her nephew's going to get an exemption? Go home, Blueblood. We may be related, but I'll personally throw you into the dungeon if you cause any trouble!" He let go of Blueblood, who stumbled, and fell on his rear before running off.

"That's not the last we'll hear from him," Bright Shield said. While the rest of the guards went back to their assigned posts, the two captains walked back to the barracks. The legionnaires from earlier had asked for a few strange things: the location of the Coldhorn the Watcher wing, which was really just a small, obscure room deep within the library, the location of Skymirror Lake, which was in the middle of changeling territory, and the location of Everfree Castle. They refused to explain why save for mentioning that it involved Black Rose.

Shining Armor pulled out the sheaf of papers that the legionnaires provided him with as he walked on.

Blue Moon - unicorn mage and leader of the Thorns. Specializes in Abjuration magic. Known best for his part in the Battle for Sharpstone Bridge where he held off an ursan army by himself for two days. Currently under custody.

Lion Court - unicorn mage. Served as a diplomat and spy. Credited with two hundred kills from formal duels. Specializes in Enchanting, and uses the extremely rare skill of mage-blade wielding.

Longstride - pegasus sniper. Armed with a magical bow with line-of-sight range.

Sablesteel - pegasus infiltrator. Uses a variety of poisons, and extremely dangerous in close range.

Rhapsody - earth pony bard. Plays "Warsinger" a dangerous magical instrument that tears into the enemy's nerves. Believed to be still dead. Black Rose is looking for a replacement.

Frenzy Heart -earth pony berserker. Wields a giant stone blade, a True Earth Pony heirloom, with ease. Also believed to be still dead.

Equestria's enemies appeared daunting from just reading the information about them. He had to steel himself for facing them for real. He read the descriptions, but they weren't what made him worry.

"That was some standing up you did for Princess Celestia," Bright Shield said. "You're really all in for this Legion huh? What did they do to impress you?"

"Nothing," Shining Armor replied. "All I know is that Twiley believed in these ponies enough to be banished for them. That's good enough for me."

They turned one corner, and passed by a group of ponies arguing among themselves about the earlier address.

"Legion aside, you never told me how your honeymoon went," Bright Shield said.

Shining Armor grinned. "You're right, I never did."

After a moment of silence, Bright Shield grinned as well. "Oh, that's how it is, eh?"

Shining Armor snorted. "Maybe if you finally marry Sky Piercer, we can swap stories."

"As if that's going to happen." Bright Shield let out a sigh. "That mare's going to tease me forever!"

Shining Armor chuckled. They walked on silence for a while until Bright Shield spoke again.

"You know, at the risk of sounding bloodthirsty, part of me's actually glad about all these recent revelations."

Shining Armor's smile lessened. "Why's that?"

Bright Shield shrugged. "It's just a little comforting to know that there's more to this job than guarding tea parties, or dealing with the rare attack that will be resolved without our help anyway."

"Be careful what you wish for, Bright Shield," Shining Armor said, his tone darkening.

"I don't have to wish for it. It's happening anyway."

The two of them stopped in front of the barracks. "Well, Bright Shield," Shining Armor said. "The Guard's chance to really shine has just come."

Heroic Strangers

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 14: Heroic Strangers

After her first night back in Ponyville, Twilight was scanning the shelves of her beloved library. At first, it appeared that everything was neat, and in order. Fortunately, somepony had taken over the library’s maintenance.

Closer inspection, however, left Twilight wide-eyed in horror. The library may be neat, but the shelving was in complete chaos: Classics mixing with History, Fiction with Non-Fiction…it was a disaster hiding under a veneer of order. She grabbed hold of every book in sight with her telekinesis, and dropped them on the floor. “Spike!” she called out. “Get down here and help--”

Twilight stopped. There was no Spike sleeping upstairs to wake up. Though Twilight had agreed because Spike had felt so strongly about it, she still wasn't fine with his decision. He had tried something like that before, and he gained nothing from being around dragons. Why would a half-dragon be any different?

Spike’s absence only served to make the library seem even emptier. Twilight considered setting aside re-shelving, and visiting her friends. However, Applejack, and Rarity were spending time with their families. Cutting in on that time only made her an intruder. Pinkie, and Fluttershy were also spending time with their adopted families.

That left Rainbow, who looked uncomfortable all throughout yesterday. Perhaps, she could use some company. Twilight replaced the books without any attention to their order, then headed out. She paused when she opened the door. Traveling to Canterlot to see her family was also an option. It would ease the lonelinesst. Besides, today was Princess Celestia’s and Prince Terrato’s address. She could go there, and help out.

Which might be exactly what Black Rose wanted.

Twilight peered outside, suddenly aware of an enemy she had nearly pushed to the sidelines because of Nightmare Moon, and Pyre Valor. Black Rose was out there. It was Black Rose's sun that now covered the village with its early morning rays. She could already have agents running around the Heartland this very moment. She might even be in the village in disguise. It would be so easy for her to abduct somepony, then replace him or her. Twilight felt unprepared. She didn't even bring her mage-coat, and none of her friends had come in barding. They were unprepared, and surrounded by loved ones should an attack suddenly come.

Twilight shook her head and headed out. If she started thinking that, she would soon be suspecting everypony of being either Black Rose, or a pawn of Black Rose. And all of this because Black Rose had actually succeeded in making sunlight ominous.

Morning always started with a hearty breakfast in Sweet Apple Acres. With the harvest done, and the first snow already falling, breakfast was heartier, and livelier than ever. That was also due in no small part to the return of the Apple Family’s lost daughter. Applejack sat at the center of a veritable feast. After the big dinner last night, she had to show a little restraint to make sure her barding still fit by the time she returned to her duties.

“…then I tried again, and a bunch of them actually fell!” Applebloom said. “Ain’t that right, Big Mac?”

“Eeyup,” Big Macintosh replied.

“I can’t believe I wasn't around to see my little sister buck her first apple tree,” Applejack said. “I’m mighty proud of you!” Applejack grinned, and ruffled Applebloom’s mane. She finished an apple cobbler in a few swift bites, and washed down the sweetness with a couple of gulps of cider. All the while, she was careful not to spill anything on the chain she still had wrapped around her neck. After weeks of D Grade Winter Moss and water, having so many apples in one sitting was utter paradise.

“Woah there, AJ, you’re done?” Big Macintosh asked.

Applejack looked at her clean plate. Had she taken too little? No, she recalled filling it with food before settling down. “I, uh…” She considered filling the plate up again so she could keep pace with her family, but she was already full. “I guess I am.”

The others were barely halfway through their dishes. Applejack realized that she had been eating as she did back with the Legion; with a strict time limit, and an officer watching if they were delaying. She was chowing down her plate quickly, and efficiently throughout Applebloom’s story, and was done by the end. She needed to start up a conversation as an excuse to remain at the table. “By the way, Granny, I was planning on looking through some of our family records for today,” she said.

Granny Smith looked vacantly ahead of her for a while. “Huh?” she asked. She perked up a second later. “Oh, records? You know where the family albums are.”

Applejack shook her head. “I was hoping we had ones that go back longer than those.”

Granny Smith tapped her chin with a hoof for a while. “Longer than those huh? Just how long are you goin’ back?”

Applejack thought carefully for a moment. Apple Slice was “the Last Great Apple” who stayed behind while the rest of the Apples moved into the Heartland. That would be around a thousand years or so. “About a thousand years back,” she said. Her heart sank when she actually said the words. There was no way that they’d have records going back that far.

“Silly filly, we don’t have albums that go back that far! They didn't have photos back then!”

Applejack lowered her gaze.

“I think we have a bunch of scrolls that might have something. You know us Apples stay close to our roots, and best way to do that’s to make sure everypony’s accounted for!”

Applejack brightened. “Great!” she said. “I really want to find out about somepony."

“Well, I’ll have you know that I know a lot about the Apples of old. Which one are you looking for?”

“A pony called Apple Slice.”

Granny Smith nearly choked on a bit of apple. “Apple Slice, you say?” she asked.

“Do you know him, Granny?” Applejack asked. She leaned on the table eagerly.

“Who’s this Apple Slice, and why’d you want to find out so much about him, AJ?” Applebloom asked. Though Big Macintosh said nothing, he looked on curiously.

“Not personally,” Granny Smith replied. “My great grandpa told me the story of Apple Slice, and his great grandpa was the one who told him. It’s an old, old story that one.” With the siblings finished, Granny Smith led all of them to their living room, where the old family albums were kept. She looked around aimlessly for a while. “Now, where was that again…ponyfeathers, I keep forgetting…oh!” She fiddled with the walls until one section slid to its side, revealing a small shelf-like space. She took out a few scrolls, and laid them out on the floor. “Now, Apple Slice…Apple Slice…here we go!”

Applejack followed her grandmother’s hoof as it traced a path from one Apple to another. The scrolls were impressive; there had to be hundreds of Apples listed in there, each one connected to the rest like a branch from a massive apple tree. Eventually, she spotted Apple Slice. Two things quickly stood out: the name was quite close to the very beginning of this family tree, and the name wasn't attached to anything.

“Here he is!" Granny Smith said. "‘The One Bad Apple’ Apple Slice!”

“Why is he just floating there?” Applebloom asked. “Ain’t he related to anypony? How can he be an Apple, and not be related to anypony?”

“And what do you mean by ‘the One Bad Apple’?” Applejack added.

“I was just getting to that until you young’uns interrupted me!" Granny Smith snapped. "Now, like I was sayin’, Apple Slice lived a long, long time ago, when the Apple Family was barely starting out. Even when he was colt, he already stood out in all the wrong ways: he couldn't grow weeds even if he tried his best, animals hated him, and he was just as bad at trying to trade, or sell their harvest. His one good talent was that he was really good at lassoing things, but that didn't help much on account of the rest of the family not wanting him anywhere near animals he could lasso. Worst of all, Apple Slice was afflicted with one of the worst conditions that could fall on our family.”

All three siblings leaned closer, and held their breath. Granny Smith gave them a foreboding look, and paused for dramatic effect.

“He was allergic to apples!”

Applebloom gasped, and Big Macintosh shuddered. Even Applejack winced at the thought of being unable to be anywhere near apples.

“It’s true!” Granny Smith said. “The poor stallion couldn't even touch a single peel without breaking out in hives. Now, being left out does strange things to a pony, and Apple Slice was no exemption. He started to blame and hate the Apple Family for the things he couldn't do until, one day, he just went plumb crazy. According to his brother, Apple Peel, Apple Slice lassoed every apple tree he could find, and ripped them from the ground, ruining that year’s harvest. He then lassoed his family’s house, and tore it in half.”

“He must be awful strong to do all that!” Applebloom remarked. Big Macintosh nodded.

“Or have a magic lasso…” Applejack mumbled.

“Did you say something, Applejack?” Granny Smith asked.

“No…nothing." Applejack shook her head. "What happened then?”

“Oh, he didn't stop there. Apple Slice turned on the family in a rampage. He even attacked his own pa, Apple Core.” Granny Smith shook her head sadly. “Apple turning on Apple, ain’t nuthin more tragic than that. After that, he disappeared, never to be seen again. The family cast him out. His name appears on this scroll so everypony can remember that he existed, but he ain’t connected to the tree ‘cause of what he did.”

Applejack tugged on the chain around her neck. “But…but that doesn't make any sense!” She brightened briefly. “Maybe there’s more than one pony called Apple Slice. I mean, there can’t be only one Apple Slice this long list of ponies right?”

“I don’t know,” Granny Smith replied. “After this Apple Slice, nopony in the family dared to name their foals with that name. It’s a bad omen naming your foal after ‘the One Bad Apple’.”

“Why are you getting so upset, AJ?” Applebloom asked.

“Because Apple Slice is supposed to be a hero!" Applejack put a front hoof down hard. "The Queen said that he died valiantly, and that Crow Quill feller said that Apple Slice did something really nice for his ancestor, so generations of his family made sure that Apple Slice’s magic lasso returned to the Apples! In the Barrier Lands, they call him ‘the Last Great Apple’ because of all the heroic things he did. Wait...since the princess didn't want stories about Barrier Lands spreading through the Heartland, the Apples must have done some changing to it, and--”

Applejack paused at the sight of her family watching her with wide eyes.

“Apple Slice...a hero?” Granny Smith asked.

“He had a magic lasso?” Applebloom added. She noticed the chain hanging by Applejack’s neck. “Is that it? Is that the magic lasso that Crow Quill feller returned? Can I try it out?”

Before Applejack could reply, Big Macintosh broke in. “Hold on now, I don’t know who this “Queen” is, but I think we Apples know our kin best. Even the bad ones.” He looked at Applejack in disbelief. “Are you honestly going to believe some strangers from a far away land over your kin?”

Applejack looked away. “Well, I--”

“And if that’s his lasso around you like what Applebloom was asking about, I don’t think you should be carrying it around,” Big Macintosh said. “I reckon it might be cursed!”

Applejack put her hooves on the chain. “It ain’t cursed!” she said. “Why, it’s mighty useful for what I’m doing in the Legion. Besides--”

“I still don’t like it,” Big Macintosh said. “Maybe you should keep it outside the house.”

“I’m keeping it right where it is!” Applejack snapped. “Unless I should stay out of the house too?”

“Hey, now…” Granny Smith said. “No need to get your manes ruffled up.”

“I’m really starting to worry about you, AJ,” Big Macintosh said. “I don’t like that them Legion types look up to somepony who abandoned his family as a hero. Maybe it ain’t right for you to be around them.”

“Now just wait a pony-picking minute here!” Applejack said. “That ain’t fair to the Legion, Big Macintosh!”

Big Macintosh scowled. “What ain’t fair is them thinking that ‘the One Bad Apple’ is ‘the Last Great Apple’, and making you fight for them for the rest of your life!”

“Nopony made me fight for them for the rest of my life,” Applejack said between grit teeth. “I didn't get drafted, I joined up. The Legion does good work, Big Macintosh, just 'cause it ain’t about apples doesn't mean that it’s bad. If a lot of ponies in the Legion think Apple Slice is a hero, there has to be a good reason!”

“There ain’t a reason good enough to--”

“Stop!”

Both of them fell silent at the loud cry from their youngest sibling. Applebloom was in tears by the time they noticed her. “Stop fighting please!” she said between sniffles. “Applejack only has two weeks to be with us, and I don’t want to spend that time with the two of you being angry at each other!”

“Your sister’s right, you two!” Granny Smith said. “There ain’t gonna be more Apples fighting each other in this house, you hear? Applejack, what are you crouching like that for?”

It was then that Applejack realized that she had fallen into a low stance. She had all her hooves on the floor, ready for a low charge to sweep the bigger enemy off his legs, just like she was taught during training. She righted herself quickly, and guiltily. “Hey…hey, there’s no need to cry, Applebloom,” she said. “Big Mac and I weren't really fighting. We were just…expressing our ideas really loudly. Ain’t that right, Big Mac?”

“Eeyup,” Big Macintosh replied. He moved closer to comfort Applebloom, giving the chain around Applejack’s neck one more suspicious glance.

“I’m gonna take a walk,” Applejack said. “I need to cool off.”

The bolt flew from Rainbow's crossbow, and struck the makeshift bullseye just a couple of inches from the center. She clucked her tongue, loaded another one, and adjusted her aim.

During this time of the morning, Rainbow would normally still be fast asleep on a cloud around Ponyville. Normal times, however, had long since gone. Now, she was spending her morning practicing in at the very edge of the Everfree Forest. She had been up almost at dawn, a habit she had to learn in Flight Dreadwing, and wandered aimlessly through the skies of Ponyville. The back of her mind would not stop nagging her about how she should be glad to be back, and that every minute of the two weeks she was given should be one heartwarming moment after another. The rest of her, however, was stuck on waiting for the break to be over so she could get back to doing her part towards protecting Equestria. She had flown over to Sugar Cube Corner, Fluttershy’s Cottage, even Carousel Boutique, but she couldn't bring herself to disturb them when she saw them enjoying their time with their families.

The second bolt struck much closer to the bullseye. With a grin, Rainbow loaded a third bolt. It was a good thing that she decided to bring her crossbow along for the return home. Target practice wasn't much, but it helped ease her mind a bit. At least she was moving towards something useful. She looked towards Ponyville. She knew every pegasus in there, and was friends with all of them. It should be easy to strike up a conversation: talk about good old days, tell them about her adventures in the Northern Barrier Land, and all the ponies and creatures she encountered there…

Yet, she couldn't. Some kind of paralyzing apathy rooted her to the spot whenever she thought about doing that. Underneath the need to focus on the fights to come, she felt…tainted; unworthy of going back to a life that she had willfully abandoned for a life in the Legion. She was so smug when she told Applejack about candy-hoofed chosen. During her time in the Northern Barrier Land, she had missed nothing. She hadn't even paused for a moment to think about missing her home here between fighting, training, and drinking. How could she go back here, and act like it was the most wonderful thing that had happened to her recently?

“Hey, Rainbow Dash!”

Scootaloo ran towards Rainbow excitedly. How Scootaloo managed to find this spot was beyond her. “Hey, pipsqueak,” she said.

“I was looking all over town for you! What are you doing all the way out here?”

Rainbow finished reloading. “Just a little target practice,” she replied. “Got to keep myself sharp, you know.” Scootaloo held herself still while Rainbow took aim, and fired. The bolt struck much farther than the first shot. “Foal of a nag!” Rainbow said.

“What was that?” Scootaloo asked.

Rainbow clapped a hoof over her mouth. “Nothing!” she said. “Nothing at all! Say, pipsqueak, want to make yourself useful?”

“Sure, Rainbow Dash! What do you want me to do?”

Rainbow pointed towards the target. “Go pull those bolts out, will you?”

Scootaloo galloped over to the target, and did as she was asked while Rainbow watched quietly. Scootaloo… wasn't bad. The constant admiration was actually a comfort. Yesterday, there was a lot of hesitation on the faces of the other ponies from Ponyville when she and her friends arrived. There was gladness there, but there was also apprehension. The villagers did not just see returning friends, they also saw messengers of war.

It wasn't so for Scootaloo, however. She still only saw the amazing Rainbow Dash. In fact, she probably saw Rainbow as having become even more amazing for taking part in a war to protect Equestria.

Before Rainbow could continue to ponder that, however, Scootaloo had come back with the bolts grasped firmly with her teeth. Rainbow reloaded, and was about to take a shot when she looked at Scootaloo with a smile. “Want to try?” she asked.

“Would I?” Scootaloo sang out.

Rainbow offered the crossbow. As the weapon was still too big for Scootaloo, Rainbow stood behind her, and held the weapon steady. “Alright,” Rainbow said. “You just keep your shoulders relaxed, take aim and, when you’re ready, pull the firing lever.”

Scootaloo did as she was instructed, and fired. Before Rainbow could see how the shot went, a sudden, familiar voice called from behind them. Rainbow nearly dropped the weapon when she saw who it was.

“What are you two doing?” Twilight asked as she approached the two. She looked disapprovingly at Rainbow, who hastily took the crossbow away from Scootaloo.

“H-hey, Twilight, what are you doing all the way out here?” Rainbow asked.

Twilight’s expression softened a little as she turned her attention towards Rainbow's companion. “Sorry, Scootaloo, I need to talk to Rainbow about something. Mind playing somewhere else for a while? Preferably somewhere not so close to the Everfree Forest.”

“But I--” Scootaloo looked to Rainbow for some support.

“Sorry, pipsqueak,” Rainbow said with a sheepish grin. “I’ll catch up with you later!”

Scootaloo kicked up a bit of dirt with a foreleg. “Oh, foal of a nag!” she said before running off.

“What?” Twilight looked at Scootaloo’s distant figure first, then glared at Rainbow. “Rainbow Dash!”

“I didn't teach her that!” Rainbow said. She shook her head, and waved her front hooves in front of her. “I…uh…I accidentally said it, and she picked it up on her own!”

Twilight let out a snort. “We’re going to have a hard time getting her to unlearn that, if we can even do so. And if she spreads that to Applebloom, and Sweetie Belle…”

Rainbow cringed inwardly, already imagining the looks on Applejack, and Rarity. She made a mental note to talk to Scootaloo later. “Anyway,” she said. “What about you, Twilight? Don’t tell me that you were just taking a walk, and found yourself all the way out here!”

“I was looking for you,” Twilight replied flatly.

“And you found me. Now what?”

Twilight frowned. “You just looked really uncomfortable yesterday. Are you alright? How are you adjusting back here?”

“I’m not,” Rainbow replied.

The frown softened. “What do you mean?” Twilight asked. “Aren’t you glad to be back here?”

Rainbow shook her head. “Princess Celestia meant well when she asked her brother to send us here, Twilight, but I just don’t think this is what we should be doing right now.”

Twilight gasped, then stomped a front hoof. “This is our home, Rainbow!”

“I know that!” Rainbow snapped. “It’s not like I haven’t tried feeling great about coming back! It’s just that…this place doesn't feel like home anymore.” She paced about, trying to get her thoughts into the right words. “I mean, all our friends are still here, so are all the sights. I just don’t understand what’s missing. We spent about a month out in the Northern Barrier Land. How does a month change so much?”

“It may have been only a month,” Twilight replied, “but we had to take in a lot during our time there. What’s the matter, Rainbow? Didn't we join the Legion to protect our home?”

“Did we?” Rainbow asked. “Tell me, if you had known that Princess Celestia would put down the barrier in a month, and we wouldn't be banished anymore, would you have still joined the Legion?”

“Well, I…” Twilight opened her mouth, but all that came out was air.

“I was so sure that the Northern Barrier Land was going to be our new home,” Rainbow went on. “I was even making fun of Applejack for not thinking that way! I don’t know why, but it was so easy to make that change…”

“Do you regret it now?” Twilight asked.

Rainbow stopped pacing. “Regret what?”

“Joining me in getting banished." Twilight took a step towards Rainbow. "You were the first to burst through those doors, and tell the princess that you’re going to be banished alongside me, remember? Do you regret that?”

Rainbow’s eyes narrowed. “Not for a single minute,” she replied, her voice steely. She sighed, and relaxed. “But the others…Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, even Fluttershy...they just looked so happy when they met up with their loved ones. I…I don’t have that.”

“I didn't have anypony specific waiting for me here either,” Twilight replied.

“Then you’d understand how it feels, right? Or are you just waiting to get back to Canterlot before you get your heartwarming homecoming?”

It was Twilight’s turn to sigh. “Yes, and no,” she said. “Of course I want to see my family again, but I think I also understand what you feel.” She paused for a bit. “If you think about it, we haven’t come back anywhere. In a few days, the Legion will start drafting ponies here. Now that we've found out about the Barrier Lands, and the barrier is gone, that Ponyville we were hoping to go back to is long gone.” Twilight’s gaze turned towards the ground. “And I caused it,” she added.

“So do you regret getting banished?” Rainbow asked.

Twilight sighed again. “What for? It’s done, and I still think it was the right thing to do.”

The lack of conviction in Twilight's voice didn't go unnoticed. There was regret there. “So what do we do about it?” Rainbow asked.

For a time, the two of them shivered without another word as a cold breeze rustled through the Everfree.

“How about we pledge to protect this ‘new’ Ponyville?” Twilight suggested.

Rainbow raised an eyebrow. “Huh?”

“It’s not so bad," Twilight gestured towards Ponyville. "So a lot of ponies will be leaving and a lot of changes will be arriving. It’s still worth fighting for.”

“That’s all we have to do?” Rainbow crossed her forelegs in front of her.

“I don’t think the princess just sent us back here to relax for a while,” Twilight said. “We needed to be reminded of what we were protecting even if that something has changed. Maybe it’s a way to get the Elements back, and working properly.”

“Maybe,” Rainbow replied. She looked towards Ponyville. Perhaps there was something true in what Twilight was saying. She could reconcile her urgent need to get back to the fighting with a desire to make sure this place was safe. “I’ll take that pledge,” she said with a grin.

“What’s this about a pledge?” somepony called out. They looked towards the speaker and found Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie, all walking towards them.

“What are you two going about here?” Applejack asked.

“I could ask the same of you, Applejack.” Twilight said.

“I got to walking for a while, and decided to see how the others were doing,” Applejack replied. “We saw Scootaloo and she told us about this place.”

“The truth be told, I was also worried about how you were doing, Rainbow,” Rarity said. Pinkie and Fluttershy, nodded. “You did look a bit upset.”

“I’m feeling a little better now,” Rainbow said. “Much better actually!” She laughed heartily. “I can’t believe I had to drag all of you out here for that!”

The others followed suit, and came together. Around them, the wind continued to blow, and fresh snow began to fall.

For the Legion

Upheaval : Reckoning

Chapter 15: For the Legion

Six days had passed since Canterlot's public address. The past few days had been peaceful enough. Twilight had taken the time to keep up with news coming from Canterlot, and other nearby cities.The address had gone well enough, and the Legion was moving in.

The larger settlements were first: Manehattan, Cloudsdale, Baltimare, Canterlot…the big cities with plenty of recruits to gain. It was only now that the Legion had started to pay attention to the smaller settlements, including Ponyville.

Twilight watched the first few squads of lightly-barded earth ponies arrive. She had woken up early, and had been watching for them ever since news of them coming arrived yesterday. She wasn't alone. Applejack had thought of doing the exact same thing. “What’s with the disappointed face?” she asked.

The last of the legionnaires had entered the village when Applejack answered. “I was hoping Vanguard would be with them,” she said.

That familiar and annoying twinge was back. “That’s completely ridiculous,” Twilight said. The tinge of harshness in her voice surprised even her. “He’s Special Operations, not a recruiting officer, why would he come here?”

“To see us,” Applejack replied. She kept her gaze on the legionnaires, ready to interfere if something went out of hoof. Twilight bit back another harsh reply, berating herself for suddenly being so irritable.

There was something anticlimactic about the way the legionnaires arrive: no trumpets, no procession. A small group of armored ponies simply walked into town as if they were merely visitors. Indeed, it took some time before somepony realized that the draft had finally begun. The mayor hurriedly arrived to greet them while the rest of Ponyville gathered behind her.

“Greetings, ponies of the Equestrian Legion,” the mayor said. She had that prepared script with her that Twilight helped with. "Welcome to our fair village.”

Twilight watched nervously as the lead legionnaire stepped forward. They were probably from the Western or Southern Barrier Land. They were all earth ponies, clad in light chain armor, and carrying enormous blades or spears on their backs. Northern Legion infantry were more armored, and less armed. She and Applejack moved closer. Among the crowd, Rarity and the others also looked on.

“I am Recruiting Officer Mineshaft,” the lead legionnaire replied. “Behind me are legionnaires from the Fourth Infantry Platoon of the Western Legion. We greet you, citizens of Ponyville, and we look forward to working with you in the fight for our realm.”

Mineshaft must have replied to the prepared script with one of his own from that delivery. ‘I suppose I should be glad that he, at least, made a decent attempt at enthusiasm,’ she thought.

“We request access to your registry list to determine who, and how many we are expecting to draft,” Mineshaft said. “We are also going to set up here in your main plaza.”

“Of course, sir, right away,” Mayor Mare replied. She and her assistants trotted back to her office.

Mineshaft turned his attention to all the gathered ponies. “All ponies expecting to be drafted, and all volunteers should remain. The rest of you, please return to your daily business.” As he was saying that, the rest of the legionnaires were already spreading out. A few asked for chairs and tables, while others were already organizing lines and herding out the ponies who were not expected to be recruited: colts, fillies, and the elderly.

Twilight and her friends approached Mineshaft. “Excuse me, Officer Mineshaft,” she said.

“Yes, ma’am?” Mineshaft replied.

Twilight glanced at the lines. “Does this mean that all the ponies recruited here will be stationed at the Western Barrier Land?”

Mineshaft nodded. “That is correct.”

Twilight relaxed a little. She didn't know much of the other Barrier Lands, but she could expect the fighting there to be less intense to the west. At least, as long as the ursans didn't decide to launch their own major invasion. Mayor Mare returned with the registry list, which she promptly handed over. “Thank you, madam mayor,” Mineshaft said. “The Legion appreciates your cooperation.” He looked over the list, then eyed Twilight curiously. “We received a memo that there are chosen legionnaires currently staying here. Do you happen to know who they are?”

“That would be us,” Twilight replied. She gestured towards her friends. “We’re from the Northern Legion.”

“In the thick of the fighting, eh?” Mineshaft said. He looked glad to encounter fellow legionnaires. “I can respect that. I understand that you’re on some kind of leave, but we’d appreciate any assistance.”

Twilight nodded. She was actually hoping for that. If nothing else, she wanted to make this draft as easy as possible for Ponyville.

By the time noon rolled around, the draft was well under way. Though the smooth proceedings were a relief, the lack of volunteers proved disappointing. Twilight had believed that some of her fellow chosen would join in on their own volition. The looks on their faces, however, were more resigned acceptance than any sort of enthusiasm. Twilight was now glad that Vanguard had not come to see this, not after all her talk about how ponies from the Heartland would help if they knew. The legionnaires matched the resignation with emotionless, mechanical movements that were only a little better than outright hostility.

“They should really make this into a happy occasion,” Pinkie said. “Think of how much better recruitment would be if these legionnaires threw a ‘Welcome to the Legion’ party to celebrate all the new recruits!”

“I don’t think our friends and neighbors are in any mood for a party, Pinkie,” Rarity said.

“They won’t be if these legionnaires keep acting like grumps,” Pinkie replied. “Can't they take off those champrons, and smile?”

“I don’t think the legionnaires are in any mood for that either,” Fluttershy answered.

An hour passed when a legionnaire approached Twilight’s group. “Legionnaire Sparkle, we need your assistance,” he said.

“What happened?” Twilight asked.

“We've encountered some resistance with one of the chosen,” the legionnaire replied. He led them to a house where several legionnaires were standing by the entrance along with a mint-green unicorn. Twilight recognized Lyra Heartstrings, and knew who was inside.

“Open this door, Miss Bon Bon,” one the legionnaires said. “By unified Equestrian law, avoiding the draft is punishable by jail time!”

“Never!” Bon Bon shrieked. “I don’t want to go to some far off land and fight! Leave me alone!”

“Bon Bon, please come out,” Lyra implored. “You’ll only make things worse in there!”

There was no answer this time. The legionnaire that brought Twilight and her friends along turned towards them. “Maybe you can talk her into putting a stop to this tantrum,” he said. “Otherwise, we’re arresting her.”

Twilight knocked on the door briefly. “Bon Bon, it’s me, Twilight Sparkle."

“Go away, Twilight Sparkle!”

“Bon Bon, the Legion needs your help…”

“They’re not getting it! There are hundreds of ponies out there they could get, they don’t need me!”

“Don’t you care about protecting Equestria?” Twilight asked.

“I’m just one pony,” Bon Bon answered. Her voice quivered. “I’m not a fighter. I don’t have magic or great strength. What am I supposed to do against monsters? Please, just leave me alone!”

“Bon Bon--”

“This is all your fault, Twilight Sparkle!” Bon Bon sobbed between the words. “Why couldn't you have just left things alone? Why couldn't you have just stayed banished to wherever you were? Everypony was happy! Why did you have to ruin everything?”

Twilight’s gaze lowered. “I just…”

Eventually, one of the legionnaires planted his forelegs firmly on the ground, then bucked at the door. His tramplers smashed into the house’s wooden entrance, breaking it in half, and sending splinters scattering into the interior. Inside, Bon Bon gave a panicked yelp, and tried to run farther into the house. The legionnaires quickly surrounded, and restrained her.

“You’re under arrest,” one of the legionnaires said. With his fellows surrounding Bon Bon, he pushed her forward roughly. Tears streaming down her face, Bon Bon gave one last angry look at Twilight.

“You’re not going to hurt her, are you?” Lyra asked as the legionnaires walked past her.

“Our orders are to arrest anypony who tries to avoid the draft. Seeing as this village doesn't have a jail, we’ll probably have to transfer her to the nearest city. Get to the plaza, Miss Heartstrings, you’re on the list too.” The legionnaire softened his tone. “We won’t hurt her unless she makes us defend ourselves,” he added.

“Coward,” Rainbow muttered as Bon Bon was led away.

“Rainbow!” Applejack said. “It ain’t that simple!”

Rarity put a hoof on Twilight’s shoulder. “Are you alright, Twilight?” she asked. “Don’t let what she said get to you. You did the right thing by going against the division.”

“But is it really our fault?” Fluttershy asked. “Are we the ones who dragged Ponyville into war?”

“The war didn't need any help in bringing itself here,” Rarity said. “It was going to happen eventually thanks to Black Rose’s meddling. If there’s anypony to be blamed it’s her, and all the creatures trying to invade Equestria!”

“We still had a part in it,” Twilight said. “But you’re right, Rarity." She watched as Lyra ran off to the plaza. “There’s going to be more of these incidents, and not just here in Ponyville.”

The Ponyville was almost finished by late afternoon. Throughout the entire procedure, Twilight kept looking for at least one volunteer. She was disappointed to the end. She didn't consider the Cutie Mark Crusaders, who tried to sign up, only to be shooed away. “So what’s going to happen to all the new recruits now?” she asked Mineshaft.

“We've got a large training camp set up near Cloudsdale,” Mineshaft replied. “They’ll start their training there, then it's off to their new posts.”

As Mineshaft was speaking, a large, red stallion approaching the legionnaires. ‘Big Macintosh,” Twilight thought. It looked like she was going to find that one volunteer after all. Applejack was already moving to intercept her brother.

“Big Macintosh!” Applejack called out. “What are you doing here? You’re not being drafted!”

Big Macintosh ignored his sister, and walked over to Mineshaft. “Sir,” he said. “I’d like to replace Applejack in your Legion please.”

“I already told you that it doesn't work that way!” Applejack said.

“I still got to try,” Big Macintosh replied.

Mineshaft looked Big Macintosh over, then turned to one of the other legionnaires. “Scree Trail! Why aren't we drafting this big, strapping stallion?” he asked. “Just looking at him, I know he’ll do well!”

Scree Trail walked over, and inspected Big Macintosh. “Which family are you from, stallion?” he asked.

“The Apple Family,” Big Macintosh replied.

“Well, there you go,” Scree Trail said. “It says on this report that the Ponyville branch of the Apple Family is exempted from the draft. The Legion already has a member in the ranks.”

“Well, that explains it,” Mineshaft said. “We’re not drafting you, and the Legion doesn't do trades.”

“But--” Big Macintosh said.

“Not just any legionnaire too!” Scree Trail said. “It says here that she’s a Special Operations Vice Captain!”

Mineshaft gave a low whistle. “A chosen in Special Operations that fast?” he said. “From the Apple Family too. It’s the legend of Apple Slice all over again.”

“Wait just a golldarn minute!” Applejack said. She cringed when she saw the look of horror that Big Macintosh gave her. “I’m not Special Operations! That report’s a mistake!”

“It’s true,” Twilight added. “We formed a squad under a Special Operations captain, but we weren't part of that group.”

“Would you like to be anyway?” somepony said from a distance.

Everypony turned towards the newcomer. Applejack took one look at the dark blue unicorn mare with the curly mane, then shook her head. “Captain Nightcanter,” she said.

Behind Nightcanter walked towards the gathering of ponies, and looked around. Behind her, several ponies followed. “So what do we have here?” she asked. She focused on Big Macintosh, who was still staring at Applejack. “You looking to join the Legion, big boy?” she asked. “I can think of several uses for you. A few might actually involve fighting.”

Applejack planted herself between Nightcanter, and Big Macintosh. “Why don’t we just talk about why Special Operations is here?” she asked. Her tone was tense, but still respectful. Twilight agreed with the approach. Captain Nightcanter may often talk playfully, but she was still a high-ranking pony, one who had defeated her in a sparring match before.

“I…I’ll be back in the farm,” Big Macintosh said. When he turned around, he did so in a daze.

“Big Mac!” Applejack called out to him. “We’ll talk about this later!” She pressed her lips together tightly when he didn't respond as he trotted off.

“So what is Special Operations doing in Ponyville, Captain Nightcanter?” Twilight asked. “Does it have something to do with us?”

“No,” Nightcanter replied. She gestured for Mineshaft and his legionnaires to move on, an order that they promptly obeyed. She lowered her voice slightly. “We’re here to set up a base of operations, then we’re off to investigate the Everfree Forest. Maybe we can talk somewhere more private than the middle of a public plaza."

“The library is pretty empty,” Twilight said.

Several minutes later, Twilight found herself playing host to two squads of Special Operations legionnaires, and her friends. She peered outside, then closed the curtains. Nightcanter cast a spell, temporarily engulfing everything in the tree-house in dark blue light. “Just something to make sure nopony’s spying,” Nightcanter said.

Most of the Special Operations ponies remained in the other reading rooms while Nightcanter sat at the center of Twilight, and her friends. “So why do you need to go to Everfree Forest?” Twilight asked.

“Not the forest,” Nightcanter said. “Our destination is Everfree Castle. We've received information that it might hold what we need to finally get a grasp of Black Rose’s plans.”

“You mean the goal isn't even to defeat Black Rose?” Rainbow asked. “She’s already stolen Princess Celestia’s power, and we’re still just getting to know her?”

Nightcanter’s eyes narrowed. She set both her forelegs on the table before resting her chin behind them. “Things aren't as simple as your rainbow-stained brain might take them to be,” she said. “It’s easy with the wolven, or the ursans, or the ophidites. They want to attack Equestria, and the goal is to defend against them. We’re in the dark with Black Rose here. We originally thought that she wanted to kill Princess Celestia, but she’s not dead now is she? Our best lead is the one provided by her brother, of all ponies. Special Operations is spread thin, and clutching at straws so, yes, our current goal at the moment is to get to know her better.”

“And you think that there’s something in Everfree Castle that could help with that?” Rarity asked. “What could it be?”

“You only scratched the surface during your last visit,” Nightcanter replied. “We’re going deeper than that. Thanks to what we found inside Canterlot’s Great Library, we know that the castle is sitting on something even older.”

“What’s that?” Twilight asked. She leaned closer, her eyes wide.

“The Last Refuge of Clover the Clever.”

Twilight's heart nearly stopped. “You’re kidding,” she said. She had to force the words out.

“How much do you know about Clover the Clever?” Nightcanter asked.

“She was Starswirl the Bearded’s disciple, and a great spell caster in her own right,” Twilight answered eagerly. “She helped found Equestria during the Windigo Crisis along with several other ponies.”

Nightcanter failed to hold back a snort.

Twilight frowned. “What? That’s not how Barrier Lands lore remembers it?”

“No, but it’s not about Barrier Lands lore, it’s about what we found in the Great Library's hidden archives.”

“There are hidden archives in the Great Library?” Twilight asked. Her breathing quickened. Plans to schedule a trip to Canterlot started forming in her mind.

“Woah, nelly,” Applejack said. “Let’s focus here.”

“Right,” Nightcanter said. “According to the sealed histories, the ponies before Lexarius’s dominion migrated outward from the Blasphemous Rift. The Windigo Crisis prompted a move inward in a desperate attempt to survive.”

“And then they discovered that the power of friendship, and defeated the windigos,” Twilight said. She made a mental note to find out more about this "Blasphemous Rift" later.

The corners of Nightcanter’s lips twitched a bit, but she controlled herself. “Well, they found something. I don’t think it was friendship though.” She grew serious as she went on. “Clover the Clever, and her companions strayed very close to the Blasphemous Rift, and managed to attune themselves to the lingering power of Oceanus. They used this power to destroy the windigos, and claim Equestria.”

It was Twilight’s turn to settle down grimly. ‘So much for Hearth’s Warming Eve,’ she thought. “What happened then?"

“While the rest of the ponykind settled the land, the Six Companions delved deeper into utilizing the power of Oceanus. They built a great capital city around the rift dedicated to further attuning all of ponykind to their progenitor. A lot of bad things were committed during those times. Several books worth, in fact.”

Nightcanter paused to massage her throat. “Say, you don’t happen to have some booze in this library do you?” she asked.

“No booze,” Twilight replied. “I’ll get you some water.” Once she set down a glass of water for Nightcanter, she spoke in a grim tone. "Was Starswirl the Bearded attuned to Oceanus too?"

"Starswirl the Bearded died of sickness immediately after the discovery of Oceanus, and the Blasphemous Rift," Nightcanter replied. "At least, that's what the records say," she added with a sly smile. After several gulps of water, she went on. “Lexarius eventually interfered. He arrived in this world, and rallied every pony who was horrified with what the Six Companions were up to. To our race's credit, there were a lot of them. With his army, he met the Oceanites in the battlefield, and annihilated them, reducing their mighty city into a rubble-filled crater, and then teaming up with his fellow stewards to seal the Blasphemous Rift for good.”

“That wasn't the end,” Rarity said. “You wouldn't be here if that was the end.”

“Of course not," Nightcanter said. "Clover the Clever survived, and fled into where the Everfree is now. She went into hiding, and spent the rest of her life trying to find a way to undo the seals, and reach Oceanus’s power. The sealed histories say that she came up with a way but…”

“..but what?” Twilight asked. She tapped a front hoof on the table impatiently.

“She didn't get to use it. Lexarius intercepted her. That was the end of Clover the Too-Clever-For-Her-Own-Good. Lexarius sealed away her last refuge. Centuries later, Princess Celestia built Everfree Castle over it for extra protection.”

“Why didn't they just destroy it?” Rainbow asked.

Nightcanter shrugged. “Clover stored a lot of power in that refuge in order to hide and protect it. That power was distilled from remains of her former companions, and the last traces of the Blasphemous Rift she could gather. Destroying the refuge would have spread that power all over Equestria. Who knows what effect it could have?”

“So why go there now?” Twilight asked.

“Black Rose plans to get into the Blasphemous Rift. She’ll need a way how, and whatever’s in that refuge is a good lead.”

“She’s been on the move for a while now,” Twilight said. “She may have already gone there and taken anything useful.”

“Maybe, but she doesn't have free access to the information we just got like we have." Nightcanter took another gulp. "The prince is sure that what she learned from the Library of Lexarius only has vague clues about the sealed histories, which hadn't been disturbed when we got to them. She still needs a means to complete her goals. We just might get the jump on Black Rose this time. At the very least, we can actually be on her trail instead of floundering around.”

“Then what are we waiting for?” Rainbow asked. She stood up, and flapped her wings. “Let’s go!”

“Hold on there, RD,” Applejack said. “This ain’t our mission. It’s Captain Nightcanter’s.”

“You’ll need help, right?” Twilight asked.

“We could use some assistance navigating the forest,” Nightcanter replied.

“We can help with that,” Twilight said. “We’d like to go into the castle with you as well.”

Nightcanter paused again. "You know...Vanguard asked me not to bother you mares on your vacation..." she said. She smiled the same sort of smile that made both Twilight, and Applejack shudder. "But why not? It sounds like fun."

Triumvirate

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 16: Triumvirate

From her room, Luna watched as a group of legionnaires made their way through the streets of Canterlot. It had been six days since the public address, and reunification was finally on its way. What had been a dream a couple of months ago left her both satisfied, and apprehensive at once. She glanced at the piles of reports by her desk with a weary smile. Before, her only duty was managing the moon and occasionally mingling with her subjects. Now, she was up to her neck in reports.

Luna walked over to the most important pile: the one which contained the medical reports. Before she even left the Barrier Lands for the Heartland, Terrato had discussed the health of both his legionnaires and the chosen with her. Though the Legion had strict health practices, especially when dealing with the plague-loving ophidites, Terrato suspected that many legionnaires still carried some disease or another that didn't affect them anymore. Once they reach the populated areas in the Heartland, these diseases could run rampant among the ponies who never had to deal with them before.

Terrato allowed Luna to take as many unicorns as she needed for a new medical unit, and she took her brother's words to task. In a short period of time, she had to teach all these unicorns some the proper spells to treat and prevent diseases. It certainly didn't help that healing magic in Equestria had suffered because of her time in the moon. Every legionnaire had to be magically inoculated, and cleansed before stepping anywhere near a Heartland settlement. Even then, reports of legionnaires falling sick with Cutie Pox, which they called “Chosen Disease”, and chosen coming down with cases of Hiderot trickled in.

Luna read through every gristly detail, and mentally noted the necessary spells she was going to have to teach her new division. She glanced occasionally at the pile of reports she wanted to read. She knew about the Special Operations ponies that her brother had brought along with him. When she saw them reporting to him, she had made a request of them: send her some reports on how the interactions between the Barrier Lands and Heartland ponies went. It didn't have to be formal or extensive, she just wanted to hear the initial thoughts that the legionnaires had of their long lost brethren. She had found some time yesterday, and she still remembered a particularly interesting one.

Three days after the public address, the first legionnaire recruiters entered the city of Canterlot. The first thing they had noticed was the strange manner by which it had been built. Canterlot hugged the sheer cliffs of Mount Unicornia; a gigantic testament to unicorn aesthetics: tall and stately towers, pristine white walls, luxurious amenities, and a touch of fancy over practicality. The earth pony, and pegasi legionnaires were quick to agree that Canterlot must have been designed by a unicorn’s unicorn: a stallion or mare who weighed the danger of plummeting down a cliff against visual appeal, then decided that visual appeal mattered more.

Comparisons to Arcanotropolis, Canterlot’s equivalent in the Barrier Lands, were inevitably made. Even the unicorn magi had to agree that Canterlot was grander, and better maintained. They added, however, that Canterlot had no Grand Arena like Arcanotropolis, and did not have a tradition as wonderful as the annual Mage Battle tournaments, which would explain why Canterlot did not have to deal with frequent explosion damage. They also added that Canterlot served as Princess Celestia’s choice of dwelling, making it more important, better funded, and likely explained why no earthquakes had touched the city. Arcanotropolis, on the other hoof, was not the capital of the Barrier Lands. That honor belonged to the Great Delve, which was primarily an earth pony city. The mention of the Barrier Lands capital piqued Luna’s interest. She had found neither the time nor excuse to see what kind of capital Terrato managed.

While she had yet to lay eyes on the Great Delve, Luna did get to see some of her brother’s management. Barrier Lands ponies were now trickling into the Heartland as fast as her medical division could get to work on them. Not all of them were legionnaires: craftsponies, engineers, even scholars, were already on the move to integrate Barrier Lands and Heartland technology into a unified whole. Terrato also gave them the same stern warning he gave to the Legion: any abuse heaped on the chosen will be considered sabotaging the reunification effort, and will be treated as treason.

The movement wasn't one-sided either. Terrato had asked Celestia to pick out “ponies of integrity and influence” among the chosen to be brought to the various Barrier Lands so they could assess the situation there. It was his hope that these ponies would see the danger, and speak out among their fellows, allowing for a smoother reunification. That was Luna’s hope too. Aside from the chosen not suspecting that the frightening, and stern alicorn had sent these ponies to a far off land, killed them, then replaced them with clones. When Terrato later added that he wanted Prince Blueblood among those ponies, even she had to be suspicious.

“I like that one,” Terrato had said. “His mouth says he’s a coward, but the rest of him says otherwise. He should see the truth as I want him on my side.”

Terrato had also made good on his promise. Two days ago, he had the Legion's High Command meet through magical projections, then had them acknowledge the authority of his sisters. Some of the commanders were uncomfortable with this decision, as Luna had predicted. Still, she now had a grip on the Legion, and planned on making good use of it.

In that same meeting, Terrato also gave more specifics on his plan with the draft. All draftees were required to serve for a minimum of four years, and would be allowed to go home if that was what they wanted. They were to be held in reserve, and sent to the rear lines until they racked up some experience. He had done all of this while he managed the Legion still in the Barrier Lands. Fangbreaker Fortress still had to be converted to a proper launching point for an offensive. Great amounts of resources and a lot more ponies also had to be transported.

Celestia also had her own duties to attend to. She continued to speak with the chosen, reassuring them that times would get better. Terrato was content with just having Celestia rest, but Luna would have none of it. There were problems to be dealt with and the two of them weren't enough to take care of everything.

First, there was the money problem. Incidents had arisen when legionnaires would attempt to buy something with Barrier Lands bits only to have the chosen store-owner refuse to accept it. The legionnaires took it as mocking Terrato’s authority, and reacted violently. A new form of currency had to be adapted by a reunified Equestria. At the very least, values had to be assigned so money changers could get to work. Celestia had elected to deal with the matter.

Then, there was the growing booze problem.

Alcohol was not a complete unknown in the Heartland. It just happened to be a very scarce commodity for a very small fraction of the population. Sweet Apple Acres, for one, produced about a small crate or two of applejack each harvest time to be shipped to Canterlot, and sold at exorbitantly high prices. A lone bottle would last a noble a year as a sipping drink. That was about as much of a presence alcohol had in the Heartland, and Celestia preferred it that way. When the legionnaires heard about the scarcity of such a familiar comfort, they had no compunctions about bringing their own supply. When the first legionnaires arrived in the Heartland, barrel after barrel of cheaply-made, highly potent booze poured in with them. With the health concerns, it was natural for the Barrier Lands ponies to prefer their booze over the local water. This wasn't bad in itself. Legionnaires have had a lifetime to deal with booze. Faced with especially harsh penalties should they get rowdy in the Heartland, it was easy for them to moderate their drinking.

The trouble started when a group of legionnaires, in a commendable, but ultimately misguided, attempt to ingratiate themselves with the locals, shared some of their booze with nearby curious chosen. Ordinary chosen did not have the same sort of incentives the legionnaires had to moderate their drinking. They knew almost next to nothing about the stuff. They accepted the drinks, enjoyed them, then proceeded to besot themselves. In the following days, the Royal Guard scrambled to quell the drunken antics of chosen around the streets.

Terrato refused to have the legionnaires get rid of their booze as Celestia asked, stating that it was one of the few comforts they had in such a strange land. He did issue orders for the legionnaires to avoid sharing anymore, but it was doubtful that would be enough of a measure. It wouldn't be long until the chosen applied their resourcefulness to support their newly acquired habit. It was up to Celestia, and the Royal Guard to temper that habit lest even Canterlot turn into a drunken orgy.

Luna sighed as she set down the reports. With so many things to take care of, she hadn't even put a hoof on the problem of Black Rose. The usurper was out there somewhere, planning something involving the Blasphemous Rift.

Special Operations, however, had made good use of the hidden archives. Terrato was confident that Black Rose had not gained access to them yet, but he doubted the likelihood of things staying that way. With Terrato actively looking out for her with his magic, it would be difficult for Black Rose to move about personally without revealing herself. Hopefully, she would be forced to rely on minions. The movements that Terrato asked of his Special Operations ponies concerned her a bit though.

That led to another issue Celestia insisted on taking care of. Luna left her room, and strode through the halls until she stood outside the room she was looking for. She opened the double doors, catching Celestia’s patient and imploring tone.

“All we ask for is unhindered access to Sky Mirror Lake,” Celestia said. “We have no intention of attacking your hives, but it is imperative that we are able to go there.”

“The changelings owe you nothing, Celestia!” the magical image of Queen Chrysalis spat. “Tell me why we should bow, and part before you and your pathetic little ponies while you make your way through our territory?”

Luna stood outside the room, and looked on quietly. Terrato was also inside, using his magic to facilitate the meeting with Chrysalis’s projection. He had his eyes closed, and his forelegs crossed. Luna could understand why. Celestia had been reluctant to tell him about the Canterlot Wedding Incident, knowing the sort of action he would recommend. Even Luna didn't want to bring it up even though what had overcome the changelings was, perhaps, the greatest sign of the barrier’s inadequacy. When access to the Blasphemous Rift became necessary, he eventually had to know.

“No pony will set foot on our territory!” Chrysalis snarled. “Those who try will be sucked dry!”

Terrato’s eyebrow twitched. Luna and Celestia could only watch him nervously. Sooner or later, he was going to lose his patience, and recommend exterminating the changelings as both retaliation for their previous attack, and as a precaution against any more attacks. For that reason, Celestia insisted on taking charge of negotiations. Despite what the changelings had become and what they had tried to do, she didn't want them destroyed like pests.

Luna still remembered what the changelings were like before the change. They were strange hybrids of pony and butterfly, gifted with amazing powers of transformation. They delighted in mischief through impersonating others, but never meant any harm. Indeed, those who displayed good humor towards the changelings’ pranks were often rewarded. Celestia had no problem with their remaining inside the barrier. During Luna's banishment, the changelings had apparently become more and more withdrawn. Celestia admitted that, while she had found it a bit odd, she believed it was simply a slight shift in their lifestyle, and continued to have faith in the changelings’ immortal queen. Even when the changelings settled around Sky Mirror Lake, there was little cause for concern. The seals laid down by Lexarius ensured that the power of Oceanus did not infect Equestria.

What happened after that was difficult to pin down. By Celestia’s account, the changelings isolated themselves further for the next three hundred years. Though she had the Royal Guard keep a vigilant watch, she was loathe to use more militant methods in preparing. At that time, she still hadn't believed that Queen Chrysalis could have changed so much or gone so far. After her return, Luna had grown suspicious, and worked with one of the royal nieces. Princess Cadance confirmed what Luna had suspected; the changelings had turned into the dark, emotion-feeding creatures they were today, and Chrysalis had taken great measures to hide that fact from Celestia. It seemed that even the seals of the Eternal Herd’s stewards were not perfect or, as more rebellions took place, the power of Oceanus grew.

Unfortunately, Cadance had not been subtle enough. Chrysalis discovered not only her spying, but also her wedding, choosing that time to make a move. It was only during the Canterlot Wedding Incident did Queen Chrysalis reveal the full extent of what the changelings had gone through. The surprise attack allowed for a Canterlot invasion even with Shining Armor’s powerful barrier. The combination of Celestia’s hesitation to reveal any great degree of fighting prowess to her subjects, her underestimation of the threat, and the sheer surprise by the boldness of Chrysalis’s attack nearly resulted in complete disaster. Afterwards, Luna finally decided to go to the Barrier Lands to talk to her brother, ironic given that it was the incident she hesitated in mentioning.

“You are flirting with disaster here, Chrysalis!” Celestia snorted, and a stomped a hoof. The sudden angry gesture surprised both Luna, and Terrato. “You seem to be ignoring that I chose not to retaliate after your attack on Canterlot. Do not exhaust my options for settling this peacefully!”

Luna took some satisfaction when Queen Chrysalis visibly flinched. The changeling quickly recovered, however. “Your little tantrum does not impress me, Celestia,” Chrysalis replied. “But it’s easy to see that this means a lot to you. I’m willing to negotiate safe passage in return for some tribute.”

Celestia smiled, and Terrato relaxed. “Name your price,” she said.

“I will think it over first." Chrysalis turned away with a dramatic flourish, but Luna suspected that it was to hide her increasing fear. "This meeting is over. I will contact you once I've made up my mind.”

Chrysalis’s image dissipated, and Terrato opened his eyes. “I still think we should just destroy them,” he said.

“Equestria has more than enough enemies,” Celestia replied as Luna entered the room.

“Which includes them already,” Terrato said. “They attacked first, remember? You may have cowed them for now, but they’re still a disaster waiting to happen.”

“The changelings were turned into this. There is still hope in turning them back, but that will be impossible if you wipe them out.”

“Luna?” Terrato asked. He threw a glance her way.

Luna cleared her throat, suddenly aware of her place between her siblings. “The changelings will have to be dealt with soon,” she said, eliciting a frown from Celestia, “but I think we should bide our time until the reunification has settled some more.”

Terrato let out a snort. “So what did you come by here for, little sister?” he asked. “Just passing by to see how negotiations went?”

“I just wanted to know why you’re moving Special Operations around,” Luna replied. “You've sent a couple of squads to Ponyville of all places. Now, you've got more working with the Royal Guard to delve Mount Unicornia. What for?”

“If Black Rose plans to open the seals to the Blasphemous Rift, there should be two ways to do it,” Terrato replied. “She can break them externally, which would require more power than she has at the moment. She can also break them internally.”

“What do you mean by that?” Luna asked.

"The Foul Weapon possesses immense power,” Terrato said. “It’s certainly enough to break any seal Lexarius can come up with. If Black Rose can slip in just a small amount of magic through the seals, she can coax that power to go off. This was the same plan as Clover the Clever was developing before Lexarius struck her down.”

“So you had some squads sent to Everfree Castle,” Celestia said. “But why Mount Unicornia?”

“Haven't you been reading from the hidden archives?" Terrato asked.

Celestia sighed. "I hid it away, and put it out my mind, remember?"

"Mount Unicornia's mines contain the Crystal Grave, a strange device discovered by Princess Platinum when her ponies settled around this area. Even though she lost the mine's use, she spent a lot of resources tinkering with it. After she retreated to the Old Kingdom's capital, Lexarius found it, and sealed it away.”

“So Black Rose’s plan is to break through the seals using the various projects of the Six Companions?” Celestia asked.

“If we’re willing to believe Blue Moon entirely,” Terrato said. "It’s the best way to open those seals. Even if that’s not her goal, controlling these dangerous sources of power is important.”

Luna watched Terrato carefully. He had already mentioned in earlier meetings that Black Rose may have deliberately allowed Blue Moon to betray her with that much knowledge so the Legion would do most of the legwork. He spent a great deal of resources monitoring his own Special Operations to ensure that none of them were spies for her, but he mentioned that he was banking more on one thing that even she wouldn't be expecting. When Luna pressed him about what that was, he refused to say anything more.

Unable to gauge anything else from Terrato, Luna looked out a window. This one had, fittingly enough, a good view of Mount Unicornia's summit. Terrato had not mentioned which squads he had sent, but she had found out earlier. First, and Third squad, along with a group from the Royal Guard were currently spelunking in that abandoned gem mine. She could only hope for their success.

Though they were already quite deep into the mine, Vanguard, and the rest of the Special Operations ponies sent with him, found it easy to navigate the tunnels of Mount Unicornia. The walls were lined with luminous gems that served them better than any torch. Nevertheless, they moved slowly. One of the ponies with them was mapping everything down.

The presence of the gems begged the question. The mine clearly had plenty of resources. Why was it abandoned? Not even Canterlot’s residents knew. The mines were off-limits, and they weren't the sort to pry. Vanguard could understand that part. A sense of wrongness permeated the mine’s tunnels like thick fog. The walls, the scattered mining tools, the overturned carts…this mine wasn't abandoned because it was depleted.

“I spent my entire life reading about Princess Platinum being insufferable snob who eventually learned the importance of friendship,” Shining Armor said. “Now, I get to find out that she was up to some horrible things down here.”

“You’re welcome,” Vanguard replied. It was a bit unusual working with the Royal Guard, but Special Operations was low on ponies in the Heartland. He suspected that Princess Celestia requested it to foster better relations between the two groups. He empathized with Shining Armor in this case. The Heartland seemed a place clean of the grim incidents that happened often in the Barrier Lands, but it turned out that there are still niches of such things carefully tucked away beneath a veneer of peace.

They descended a particularly steep slope as they followed a large tunnel, carefully making sure that none of them started sliding down the chasms around them. There were stalagmites, and pointed crystal formations at the bottom of those chasms, ready to meet any pony unfortunate enough to fall.

“So what happened here anyway?” Scarlet asked. When Vanguard looked at him sternly, he grinned sheepishly. “Hey, I didn't get to read from the hidden archive!”

“After the Windigo Crisis, Platinum ran a gigantic mining operation here with a city’s population of earth pony slave labor,” Vanguard replied. “Eventually, these earth ponies developed a magic of their own, and started an uprising. Led by Rock Maven, they massacred a small army of unicorn overseers, and fled to the outskirts of Equestria.”

“Rock Maven…I've heard of that name before,” Scarlet said.

Vanguard snorted. “Rock Maven, the first leader of the True Earth Ponies.”

“Well, if I--”

Before Scarlet could say anything else, Vanguard raised a hoof. “Did you see that?” he asked. He focused his gaze towards the far end of the tunnel. The ponies with him readied spells and weapons.

At a distance, a dim, pony-sized figure was approaching the group. Vanguard’s ears perked, but he couldn't hear a single sound despite all the loose rocks and gems around.

“Who goes there?” Shining Armor called out.

“Get back to work…” was the faint reply. Shining Armor tensed.

The figure came close enough for a better view. One of the royal guards gasped. Standing before them was a pony-shaped blob of shadow. There appeared to be a horn and a mane on it, but the rest of its features were too indistinct.

“We’re not workers here,” Shining Armor said.

“Not yet…” the thing replied.

Before anypony else could react, the thing gave a loud wail, and charged. More shadows burst from the walls, the ceiling, and from the ground itself.

Unwanted Legacies

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 17: Unwanted Legacies

The Everfree occupied a unique place in the minds of Twilight, and her friends. It was a dangerous place, full of creatures like cockatrices, parasprites, and timber wolves, as well as unnatural things like self-moving clouds, and independent wildlife. Yet, it was also in this place that they went from random acquaintances to the closest of friends, where they freed Princess Luna from Nightmare Moon, and the place Zecora lived in.

Some of the trepidation that came from visiting Everfree had disappeared now that they were back here. Perhaps, it was because they had gotten used to uncontrolled weather in the Barrier Lands, as well as being around constant danger.

The trip to Everfree Castle proved uneventful, the lone highlight being a brief encounter with timber wolves. A pack investigated their presence at a distance, only to give them a wide berth; an understandable decision. Predators preferred easy pickings: lost young, or injured prey, not a group of armed ponies. Twilight subtly steered the Special Operations ponies away from Zecora’s hut. She didn't know the Barrier Lands attitude towards zebras, and now wasn't the time to find out.

It was a late afternoon sun’s rays that filtered through the canopy of leaves by the time they were looking up at the ruins of Everfree Castle. While the forest lost some of its mystique, the castle made up for it by gaining a dark aura. This was a place of betrayals: Princess Luna betraying her sister all those centuries ago, and Clover the Clever betraying the legends of her greatness that they had grown up with. Despite hundreds of years of abandonment, the forest had barely reclaimed the area around the castle. A few vines and stunted trees were the only attempts on the foliage’s part to blot out a site where Clover the Clever did who knew what.

“No lollygagging now,” Nightcanter said as she walked past Twilight. The ponies from Special Operations didn't seem affected by the dark atmosphere.

Twilight couldn't say the same for herself. She swallowed nervously, taking note that the sky seemed darker around this place even though it should still be afternoon. She looked to her friends; they looked just as nervous. Afterwards, she trotted after Captain Nightcanter.

“So where are we going?” she asked. “We didn't see any other passage the last time we went here.”

“We’re not looking for hidden passageways,” Nightcanter replied. “You don’t really think that Lexarius, and Princess Celestia would rely on hidden passageways to hide a place like Clover the Clever’s last refuge, do you?”

“I suppose not,” Twilight said. They were back in the Chamber of Elements, the same place where Nightmare Moon was driven from Princess Luna. Nothing had changed since their last visit here. The gray stone walls looked a little more worn, and there might be a few more cracks on the floor. Nightcanter pulled out a scroll from a saddlebag, and held it with magic. “What’s that?” she asked.

“Our way in,” Nightcanter replied. “We’ll use it to both enter, and leave. Everypony get close to me, we’ll be teleporting there once I read this.”

Everypony gathered around Nightcanter as she began reading. Twilight couldn't make heads or tails of the words, but the language sounded familiar. She turned towards Applejack. “Do you think it’s the same language that the Queen used?”

“Dunno,” Applejack replied. “I can’t even tell where one slippery word ends and another starts, to be honest.”

A circle of golden light surrounded them, followed by a faint humming sound, and a blinding flash. They shut their eyes tight to keep from being blinded. The familiar feeling of a teleportation spell tugged at them. This was no ordinary teleportation, however. Twilight felt like she passed through something: some kind of intangible wall. The next thing she knew, she was neck-deep in some kind of cold liquid.

Rarity suddenly shrieked, followed by some frantic splashing. For a bleak moment, Twilight thought that they were under attack. She shook her head, as if that could clear her vision faster. “Nopony told me we were going to start wading in water!” Rarity wailed. “This moisture is going to wreak havoc on my hooves!”

“What’s going on?” Fluttershy yelped. “Help! Something just slithered past my legs!”

“That was just my tail,” Rainbow said. “I think…”

“Shut up, and stop splashing about!” Nightcanter snapped. “We’re blinded, and the first thing you do is drown out any sound?”

The splashes and cries stopped at once. Without any distractions, Twilight could now focus on her other senses. She couldn't see well enough to tell what the liquid was. The ground beneath was slick, as if they were standing on a layer of mold. The air was musty, and damp, with a foul lingering odor she couldn't quite place. As the glare faded enough to reveal a new problem: it was pitch dark.

“We need a light,” Nightcanter said. Both Twilight, and Captain Foxfire cast the same spell. Two balls of soft-glowing light floated next to their casters, bathing the nearby surroundings in pale blue illumination. Twilight looked at what she was standing in.

The dead eyes of a pony’s corpse stared back at her.

Despite Nightcanter’s previous warning, Twilight screamed. She reared up in a panic that quickly infected the rest of her friends.

“Where in tarnation are we?” Applejack shouted.

Fluttershy looked down, shrieked, and flew out of the water. Rainbow also began hovering. Rarity, and Pinkie were floundering as if they were about to drown. Even the Special Operations ponies looked disturbed.

Thanks to the light, the group got a good look at what they were standing in. They were wading in a wide pool of what appeared to be water. Scattered around the bottom of the pool were the bodies of several ponies, their eyes still open. Despite what may well be thousands of years, they were remarkably well preserved. All the trashing also caused the water to displace them, panicking Twilight and her friends even more.

“Settle down!” Nightcanter snarled. “It’s just corpses!” She looked around, then pointed towards the elevated edges of the pool. They were inside a large chamber with this pool as its central feature. Their lights didn't extend far enough to see the edges of the room. “Let’s get out of this pool." Everypony else was all too happy to comply. A minute later, they were collecting themselves by the edges.

“W-w-where are we?” Fluttershy asked. She shivered violently. The others were concentrating on drying up. Twilight conjured a small ball of flames to help them. After that, she looked around. The floor was dark blue marble as were the walls. They appeared in good condition, perhaps as a side-effect of the sealing.

‘Got to give it to Clover the Clever,’ Nightcanter said. "This may be her last refuge, but she still built it with some style. Sparkle, can you get your light to the ceiling?”

Twilight nodded and pale blue light soon illuminated the rather high ceiling. There were no windows. It was likely that they were deep underground. She tried not to think of the tons of rock that were bearing down on them. Instead, she focused on making her light hover across the room to get a better look at the surroundings.

“Check that out…” Nightcanter said breathlessly when the light reached to the center of the chamber’s ceiling. Twilight could understand the sudden sense of awe when she saw it as well. She increased the intensity of her light to give them all a better view.

An enormous engraving dominated the central part of the ceiling. At the center was a pony’s head looking down on the pool of water beneath it. Twilight wasn't sure if the head was supposed to be a stallion’s or a mare’s. Its features closely resembled an alicorn’s, instead of a normal pony's. A great mass of tentacles emerged from the head, like a twisted version of the sun’s rays. They extended throughout the ceiling, reaching where the edges of the pool were beneath. Caught in the morass of tentacles were several ponies: unicorns, pegasi, earth ponies, even alicorns.

“Oceanus,” Nightcanter whispered.

“What was going on here?” Twilight asked in an equally soft tone. It was as if they were standing in the presence of Oceanus himself, and were trying futilely to avoid drawing attention to themselves.

“This must be the sacrificial chamber,” Nightcanter replied. “Sacrifices were done often in the Old Kingdom.” She looked at the pool of water, and wrinkled her nose. “The preferred method was drowning. They broke the legs of their sacrifices, and dumped them in the center of pools like this one.”

Twilight refused to look at the pool again. The bloated bodies were one thing. The idea behind them was far worse; ponies sacrificing each other for power. She stared at the central figure above them. What kind of prince demanded that his ponies drown others for his favor? The outrage in Prince Terrato’s answer when she had called Oceanus his sibling echoed in her mind. She understood that outrage now. Oceanus was supposed to be their progenitor, the father she shared with every pony in Equestria. To be related to this monster in any way, was disgusting. Even the very blood running through her suddenly felt tainted.

Nightcanter stood up. “That’s enough warming up," she said. "We’re not here to get cozy with each other, so let’s go.”

The others complied. Nightcanter's squad was doing fine. So was Fourth Squad. Twilight's friends, on the other hoof, had taken a hit from just arriving in this place. Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity were looking a little sick. The darkness, and dampness were smothering their spirits. Applejack, and Rainbow were holding up better, but were still clearly affected by this place.

Nightcanter cast her own light spell to help brighten the conditions. It didn't take long for them to spot a hall, large enough to accomodate their group with ease, leading out of the chamber. The only sounds came from their steady hoof falls as they walked through the corridor. Nightcanter passed a hoof over the marble walls as she walked past. They were adorned with an undecipherable, spidery script that seemed to dance about if stared at for too long.

“Captain Nightcanter,” Twilight said.

“What is it?”

“Once I get to Canterlot, you think I can spend some time in the hidden archives? I’d like to learn more about this ‘Old Kingdom’.”

“Not really my call there, Sparkle,” Nightcanter replied. “Try talking to one of the royalty.”

“I will,” Twilight said. She tried once again to make some sense of the writings. The characters writhed before her eyes as she focused on them, mocking any attempt at trying to get them to make sense.

“Woah, what was that?” Rainbow hollered. Loaded crossbows were quickly pointed towards where she was looking at, only to end up being pointed at a wall. The Special Operations ponies looked at her askance. “The wall moved!” Rainbow tapped the wall with a hoof. “I swear, I saw it move!”

“Don’t look at those squiggly letters, sugarcube,” Applejack said. “They do some funny stuff to your eyes if you look too hard.”

They stopped at an intersection. From where they were facing, the hallways going left and right ended in double stone doors, while the hallway straight ahead continued to go on.

“We’d better split up,” Foxfire said. She surveyed the group, then looked at their choices. “Two groups of five and a group of four?”

Nightcanter nodded. “Make sure each group gets a light,” she said. She looked over to her vice captain. “Shale, take Riproar, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and that white unicorn with you. Quillfeather and I will go with the pink earth pony, the yellow pegasus, and the rainbow pegasus.”

“You could at least learn our names,” Rainbow muttered as she took her place by Nightcanter’s side.

“Fourth Squad will take the central hallway,” Foxfire said.

Nightcanter led her group towards the left hallway, and gestured for Shale Hide’s group to take the right one. “Call out at the first sign of our objective or trouble,” she told them.

It took three ponies to eventually pry open the double doors that blocked off Twilight’s group. Though Shale Hide was clearly the leader for this occasion, it was Twilight who walked ahead of them. She shone the light into another room. This one was smaller than the sacrificial chamber, but still quite sizable. The ball of light hovered over a fallen bookcase and a large pile of scattered books. With a gasp, Twilight moved the light about quickly, and saw even more books.

“Library,” Shale Hide muttered. He picked his way past the scattered books, then looked back to the rest of the group. “See if you can find anything useful among those things.”

Twilight eagerly grabbed the nearest book she could find. To her disappointment, she was faced with the same spidery script that marked the walls. She doubted that the others would make sense.

“I don’t think you should just go around diving into any book that Clover the Clever wrote, Twilight,” Applejack said with a disapproving frown. “This whole place doesn't feel right, and I don’t trust any book written by a pony who’d live here.”

“Clover the Clever is dead, Applejack,” Twilight replied. She continued to search through the books. Perhaps, Clover the Clever switched languages at some point. “Knowledge about her, and what she associated with, can’t be inherently evil.”

“I’m not so sure about that." Applejack's frown softened. "Anyway, are you really going to head for Canterlot after this?”

Twilight shrugged. “Probably. I want to find out more about the Old Kingdom as soon as I get there.”

“I think you should see your family first.”

“That goes without saying, Applejack,” Twilight said through gritted teeth. She was getting completely fed up with this annoying hick. Even Applejack's presence was setting her teeth on edge. It must be that sweaty farm pony stink that clung to her constantly. Combine that with her better-than-you “integrity”, her shameless flirting, her obsession with apples, those ugly freckles, and that annoying accent, it was no wonder that Rainbow tried to beat her face in back in Bastion City. Why couldn't she just fade into the background? Nopony liked her. She was just some backwards, inbred, caricature of a countryside bumpkin.

An idea came to mind. The right spell should put Applejack in her place. Something flashy to make her an example to others…a fire spell sounded just about right. She could just imagine it: flames charring that orange hide, the flesh underneath melting, her cutie mark turning into roasted apples...

‘What…what am I thinking?” Twilight pressed a hoof against her head. She dropped the book, and looked guiltily behind her.

Applejack continued to stare while Twilight flipped through that evil book. It was becoming more and more obvious that this witch had to be put down for everypony’s good.

Twilight was out of control. She stuck her nose into things she shouldn't, and tainted everything she touched with her filthy magic. How many times had Twilight's magic caused trouble in Ponyville? She wielded spells that controlled others without any hesitation. She bossed everypony around at every opportunity, and paraded her status as Princess Celestia's student as if that made her crap gold, and her fart perfume.

Applejack's eyes shifted to the chain she had around her neck. Twilight’s magic was dangerous, but a lasso around her neck would snap it with a single tug before the first spell could fly. It wouldn't be too hard either. The miserable bookworm probably had glass bones from being a layabout, hoity-toity, Canterlot snob. But a surprise attack would be too quick, and unsatisfying. No, it would be better to knock Twilight with a jaw-shattering kick, then choke her. Unicorn magic was useless if they couldn't concentrate, and Twilight was going to have a hard time concentrating with a broken jaw, and her lungs about to burst. Applejack was going to enjoy seeing the smug little nag struggle desperately. Twilight’s eyes would bulge in terror, realizing too late that all the knowledge she had learned, all the magic she had accumulated, and all the plans she had carefully prepared would amount to nothing. Then her tongue would loll, and her heart would stop…

Applejack shook her head. ‘What in tarnation? Why was I--” She saw Twilight eyes on her, and looked away, suddenly afraid that Twilight had caught a glimpse of what she had just been thinking.

Twilight opened her mouth to say something. “Applejack I--”

A stallion screamed from a distance. Their group turned around, and galloped towards the intersection.

Nightcanter, and her group had ended up in a bedroom. This must be the place Clover the Clever slept when she wasn't trying to break the seals on the rift. The trappings of luxury were still in place despite all the centuries. The bedside table had silverware on it, finely engraved, and looking as if it had just been polished hours ago. Sheets of fine dark blue silk, embroidered with gold thread covered the bed, and the many soft pillows. She placed a hoof on the bedding, and sniffed at the mild fragrance of spices. It was as if the room had removed itself from the passage of time.

The bed look so inviting that Nightcanter instinctively glanced towards the three chosen mares in the room. That would be an interesting situation...she shook her head. That was crazy, she was in the middle of work and she wasn't going that far no matter what. She looked to see how they were doing.

“Pinkie, are you alright?” Fluttershy asked. Pinkie was visibly shaking, despite the room being tolerably warm. Nightcanter looked around the room with her light, and found nothing to merit that sort of fear.

“What’s going on here?” Nightcanter asked after walking over to the two. She looked at Pinkie. “Is she coming down with a fever or something?”

Fluttershy felt Pinkie’s forehead with a hoof, and shook her head.

“W-w-we should get out of here,” Pinkie said. “M-m-my Pinkie sense is going crazy!”

“Not until we get what we’re looking for,” Nightcanter replied. “Spread out, and look for anything we can use.”

Fluttershy continued to stay with Pinkie, while Rainbow, and Quillfeather did as ordered. “Can’t you turn your Pinkie Sense off?” Fluttershy asked. “All that shaking can’t be good for you!”

“I w-w-wish I could!” Pinkie answered. “I t-t-think my teeth are going to fall off!” Her eyes widened, and she went for her saddlebags. She pulled out a small piece of slate covered in strange writing and gems.

As soon as Pinkie touched the piece of slate, she noticed what seemed to be a stream of faint colors running through the walls, ceiling, and floor. She squinted at the sight. It was as if the walls had become partly translucent and she could barely make out something at the other side. As she looked on, she noticed even more of the stream around her. There was something going on with the walls as well. They looked…squirmy.

“Are you alright, Pinkie?” Fluttershy asked again.

“Ooooh…”

Pinkie stared as several black tentacles sprouted from the walls. The bright colors around them darkened, and blurred around the spot where the tentacles were. One of them wrapped lightly around Rainbow's neck. 'Why hasn't anypony noticed this?' she thought. She looked towards the others, but a loud cry from Rainbow jerked her attention back to her friends. There was a loud thud of something heavy striking the ground. Something struck the wall behind Fluttershy with a metallic clink. Pinkie walked over to see what it was.

Fluttershy didn't look to see what just flew past her. There was a mild stinging sensation around the edges of her left ear, followed by the feeling of something thick trickling down from that spot. She ignored it, however, and ran over to Rainbow. “Rainbow, are you alright?” she asked. “What happened?”

Rainbow was lying on her side. She looked dazed after apparently hitting her head against the wall. Her unloaded crossbow lay right next to her. She shook her head to clear it, then looked worriedly at Fluttershy. “Fluttershy, are you hurt?” she asked. “Are you bleeding?”

“I’m fine,” Fluttershy replied.

Pinkie searched the floor briefly, and spotted the thing that flew past Fluttershy. It was a bolt. She looked back to Fluttershy, and saw the thin trail of red that ran down Fluttershy's ear only to soak into her long, pink mane.

Rainbow stared at the crossbow before putting it away. What had just happened? Why was she trying to shoot Fluttershy, thinking that useless, whining mares were better off being put out of their misery? The next thing she knew, she was already pulling the firing lever on her crossbow. She had managed to jump to the side to make sure she missed. A quick look at Fluttershy showed just how close she was to failing.

“What do you think you’re doing, Rainbow Dash?” Nightcanter asked as she came over.

“I…I don’t know," Rainbow pressed her hooves against her temples. "I’m with Pinkie, I think we should get out of here.”

The scream of a stallion came from outside the room. Fearing the worst, all of them swiftly ran out. They encountered Shale Hide’s group, then headed straight for the central corridor. It was Nightcanter who first crossed the doorway. “Foxfire!” she shouted. “What’s with all the screaming? Celestia drill my backside, what happened?”

The central hallway had also led to a pair of doors. Inside was a circular chamber as large as the one with the sacrificial pool. Instead of a pool, however, a large podium stood at the center. On top of it was a plain, leather-bound tome. In front of the podium appeared to be a coffin made of black glass

Three ponies lay on the ground while a panting Captain Foxfire stood just a few feet away. “Fogbound suddenly pulled a knife on us,” Foxfire said between pants. “He got Palemane, and Cloven before I took him out.”

Nightcanter scowled at the sight. “There goes Fourth Squad,” she muttered. She inspected the tome while Fluttershy trotted over to Foxfire to check for injuries.

“Wait!” Pinkie cried out before Fluttershy could even come close to Foxfire. The others stared at her in puzzlement. As she continued to hold on to the piece of slate, the colors slowly became more vivid. Now, it was as if the entire refuge was submerged in a giant river of colors. The walls were still black and translucent, but she saw something else as well. More slender black tendrils slithered out of the letters. They were all over the place, like some monstrous infection. Some were trying to touch her friends, but a bunch of them were already wrapped tightly around Foxfire. “She’s the bad guy,” she said.

“What?” Nightcanter asked. She took a step towards Foxfire, who was now staring intensely at Pinkie.

“She’s the bad guy!” Pinkie said again, louder this time. Foxfire snarled, then began to intone. Before she could finish, a pair of bolts, and a lone blade, struck her side. Rainbow, and Shale already reloading. The blade removed itself from Foxfire, and floated back to Rarity, who immediately set about wiping it clean with a piece of cloth.

“Why did she do that?” Rarity asked. “Was she…was she working for Black Rose?”

Pinkie barely heard Rarity, however. The colors were fading. It was as if all the energy in her body had just leaked out. The next thing she knew, the ground was coming up to meet her, and everything was going dark.

“What just happened?” Nightcanter asked. She looked Pinkie over to check for injuries. Other than being completely out, Pinkie was fine.

“It’s this place,” Twilight answered. She lifted her by magic, and settled her on Applejack's back. “It’s doing something to us. We need to leave.”

Nightcanter nodded, then went over to get the tome. It looked like it was the most important thing here. She looked over to the coffin, and considered bringing it along as well. “So Clover the Clever spent her last days sleeping in a room next to a tomb,” she said. “Whatever worked, I guess.”

The lid suddenly slid to the side at a touch from Nightcanter. All of them gathered behind her in alarm. The inside was still covered by a clear glass pane. Past that, suspended as if by magic, were the skeletal remains of a pony.

“Twilight…” Applejack said. “Why is that skeleton wearing your country music singer outfit?”

Twilight swallowed, then put a trembling hoof against the glass pane. It looked as if she was having trouble breathing. “It can’t be,” she whispered. "The bells...the hat...the cloak..."

“Brace yourselves,” Nightcanter said. “We’re taking it with us.”

The Crystal Grave

Upheaval: Reckoning

Chapter 18: The Crystal Grave

“Unicorns, enchantments!”

Vanguard's first swing of his two-bladed sword went through one of the shadowy unicorns coming at him. He didn't know if anypony heard him through the din, especially as he had shouted while still biting into his weapon’s hilt. He took a few steps back, and ducked a swing from his frontal attacker. Behind him, the rest of the group were dodging desperately. Their enemies were numerous, and were coming from every angle, including directly beneath.

Captain Bad Arc looked to his unicorn mage, then fired his crossbow at a nearby shadow. The bolt struck a crystal formation a good distance behind his target instead. “Enchantments!” he shouted. “Move it, Moontail!”

A shade plunged its hoof into a royal guard’s armored chest. The blow passed through the metal plating as if it wasn't there. The royal guard dropped to the ground, shivering violently, his eyes constricting. His attacker disappeared into the ground to attack another target. A second guard dropped next to him, also shivering.

“Stand next to me!” Moontail shouted. His horn already glowed while the others desperately tried to get to him with all the shadows flitting about.

Shining Armor wasn't to be left out. Once he rallied the royal guards to him, his horn flashed purple, enveloping their weapons and armor. Several feet away, Moontail had done the same.

His two-bladed sword now sheathed in magical energy, Vanguard took another swing at one of the shadowy unicorns. This time, he felt some resistance, as if he was cutting through felt. His foe let out a furious wail, then retreated into the floor. He turned in time to jump out of the way as a two more of them emerged from the ground to grab him. “Fall back!” he called out. Even with the ability to strike at these things, they were still surrounded by enemies that could literally attack from anywhere.

Shining Armor sent a shadow hurtling back with a bolt of magic. His fellow guards fought back valiantly, but it was clear that they were looking to back away. A guard was about to be overwhelmed by a couple of shadows, but Shining Armor encapsulated him in a spherical barrier, forcing the assailants to seek other targets. The barrier disappeared after a second more, allowing the guard to stumble towards his fellows.

“Riot!” one of the shadows wailed. “The new slaves are rebelling! Call the forepony!”

With shadows still closing in, Vanguard spat his weapon onto his hooves, and turned towards Moontail. “We need a spell that can sweep groups of them,” he said.

“Not really my forte, Vanguard Clash,” Moontail said as he blasted another shadow flying towards him. “Although, I've got a fire spell that could work reasonably well.”

‘Fire,’ Vanguard thought. He didn't know how well it would even work. These things seemed to be made of nothing but darkness and cold. Perhaps a blast of heat and light could take them out. Or the flames could simply pass through them. “Do it,” he said. “Aim for that cluster that’s closing in on Shining Armor’s group." He grabbed his weapon with his mouth again.

A stream of flame poured from Moontail's horn, and towards the shadows Vanguard pointed out. It wasn't a particularly impressive spell, but the shadows shrieked at the sight, and dispersed towards different directions before it could even touch them. With a break between the attacks, the royal guards quickly regrouped. Without another word, Vanguard ran towards them.

Free of having to watch out for his fellows, Shining Armor created a shimmering cover over the ground. Vanguard silently agreed with the idea. Their biggest problem was being attacked from beneath. They needed a way to force their attackers to use more conventional directions. A shadow emerged from the ceiling, and descended on Shining Armor only to be cut down by an enormous two-bladed sword.

“I’ll watch your back, Guard Captain!” Vanguard said. He positioned himself next to the unicorn. “Concentrate on that barrier of yours, and get the nearby walls!” Two more shadows flew towards Shining Armor, but Vanguard kept them at bay. The shimmering barrier coated the nearby walls, forcing the shadows to attack only from the ceiling.

With their targets funneled into a single direction, they began to drive the shadows back. Moontail fired another stream of flame at the ceiling, this time striking a pair of shadows. They wailed, then dispersed. The others phased through the stone, and didn't appear again.

A tense minute passed while they waited for the attack to resume. Most of them were panting with exertion. The other royal guards checked on their fallen comrades, only to find that the poor stallions had stopped breathing. Their bodies were cold and rigid, as if they had been dead for days.

“Are they gone?” Scarlet asked. He kept his crossbow pointed at the ceiling.

“For now,” Vanguard replied. “Keep your guards up.”

“Did we kill some of them?” Bad Arc asked.

Moontail shook his head. “How do you kill something that’s dead to start with? No. At best, we disrupted their physical forms. They'll reform in a while.”

“We should get some backup,” Shining Armor said. He looked at the scorch marks on the ceiling. “Some more fire would help."

“Sounds good,” Vanguard said. He looked to some of the guards, and one of the ponies from First Squad. The shadows managed to graze them with their freezing incorporeal touch. They complained of pain, and itchiness. Long years in the Northern Barrier Land taught him to recognize frost nip when he saw it. These ponies were lucky that what they got was the equivalent of a minor scratch from their ghostly enemies.

“Bad time to lose Third Squad’s unicorn mage then,” Bad Arc said. He stretched out his wings. “Just as when we need a fire specialist, the best one in the Legion dies.”

The rest of the squad glanced at Vanguard nervously. “I’m sure Pyre Valor regrets that her being incinerated inconveniences you, Captain Bad Arc,” he said flatly.

After a couple more minutes, Bad Arc spoke again. “Wasn't Third Squad going to get Twilight Sparkle as its new unicorn mage? I've seen her fire spells. Even she would be a boon to this mission.”

Shining Armor's eyes widened. “Twilight Sparkle?” he asked. “What’s this about Twilight Sparkle?” He turned towards Vanguard, who gave him a stern look in return. Vanguard's message was clear, even without speaking: mission first.

As they headed back, Vanguard found Shining Armor walking beside him. Shining Armor's reaction to Twilight's name was intriguing. Perhaps, the two were related, but he had a mission to deal with first. Fortunately, Shining Armor matched his professionalism.

Before they could continue ascending the slope, a cold draft suddenly blew from deeper into the mine. Vanguard pulled out his two-bladed sword. “Fenrir's hide,” he growled. “Looks like they’re not done yet!”

Shining Armor raised his barrier again, this time covering all sides of the tunnel to make sure that their enemies came at the front. Vanguard considered asking for individual shields, but he doubted Shining Armor's ability to maintain so many, as well as the shielded pony's ability to move once inside those things. Even what they were doing now was a flawed defense. These things could go under the ground and then emerge from behind them where Shining Armor's barrier didn't cover. He hoped that the enemy wasn't particularly good with strategy, or adapting.

The cold intensified as the wind picked up. An eerie, high-pitched howl assaulted their ears. It was hard to tell if it was coming from the ghosts, or merely the distorted sound of the wind passing through the mine’s tunnels. The answer to that came soon enough.

First was the same swarm of shadowy ghosts earlier. This time, the shadows didn't attack. They swarmed about in front of the group like a black cloud of angry bees. Everypony raised their weapons, and the unicorns refreshed their enchantments. That there seemed to be even more of the things was not lost on them.

“This rebellion ends here!”

The voice boomed from the far end of the tunnel, shaking the walls, and the ceiling. Bits of dust, and pebbles, fell on Vanguard. He didn't have time to pay too much attention, however. Something was approaching. The lights from the crystals at the far end seemed to be extinguishing themselves at first, until he realized that it wasn't the crystals. A great darkness was heading for them.

“Forepony!” one of the shadows wailed.

The blackness seemed to coat the sides of the tunnel at first. Then, it extended like living ink, coalescing in the middle of the swarming ghosts. An enormous, shadowy unicorn filled the tunnel, then erupted into a blaze of black fire. Even from a distance, Vanguard could feel the cold radiating from the thing. Also, unlike the smaller versions, this one had a pair of “eyes”. Two orbs of blue flame shone from its head. “The forepony,” he muttered. “Maybe if we take it down, the others will scatter for good.”

“Or we could get ourselves killed while committing to that attack,” Shining Armor replied. Behind him, Moontail cast his fire spell at the enormous shadow. The stream of flame barely seemed to hurt its target, quashing any notion of defeating the thing head on. The giant shadow let out a ferocious wail that sent the walls shaking. More dust fell on them. “We have to get out of here,” he said. “It’s going to collapse this tunnel!”

“Come on!” Bad Arc shouted. The others made a run for it while he and Scarlet fired their enchanted bolts at the shadows. Shining Armor dismissed his barrier, and retreated as well. The enormous blazing shadow took in the bolts fired at it as if the pegasi had been firing at a pool of ink. It wailed again, shaking the tunnel some more.

“Look out!” Vanguard shouted. A large section of the ceiling broke loose above Shining Armor. Vanguard dove, pushing Shining Armor out of the way. The chunk of rubble broke through the floor, leaving behind a gaping crevice. A network of cracks quickly spread from the initial hole.

“Captain!” Scarlet shouted. He was about to fly forward when Bad Arc held him back. The giant shadow had grown tired of the two of them shooting at it, and was heading their way. They had no choice but to fly back to the rest of the group.

Both Vanguard, and Shining Armor got to their hooves. Fortunately, the other shadows were still swirling about, seemingly uncaring about anything other than watching the giant one attack. Vanguard was about to take step forward when he looked to the ground. There were cracks all over the place. Suddenly, he found himself in one of the rare moments in his life when he cursed at his armor’s weight. Though he stood still in desperation, the cracks started spreading rapidly.

The floor around gave way, sending him, and Shining Armor, plummeting into the chasm beneath.

“Damn it!” Scarlet shouted as they ran back up the tunnel. Behind them, the giant blazing shadow continued to give chase, leaving him no chances to even check on the two left behind.

They galloped in a panic while shadows dogged their heels. Bits of barding clattered to the ground as some of the guards tried to make themselves lighter. One guard cried out as a shadowy hoof brushed against his hind leg. He kept running nonetheless.

By the time they were near the entrance, their lungs and legs were burning from exertion. With one last wail, the shadows turned back at the sight of sunlight. Nearly every pony in the group collapsed at the all clear.

“Damn!” Scarlet shouted again. He slammed his front hooves against the ground, sending pebbles scattering. “Damn shadows! Damn falling roof! Just damn!”

“Calm down,” Bad Arc said. “We don’t know if they died. The ghosts ignored them remember?”

“Of course they’re not dead!” Scarlet said. “The Captain can’t die from random encounters.” He looked wistfully down the tunnel. “He and that Shining Armor fellow are probably having an adventure this very instant!”

Bad Arc raised an eyebrow. ‘Interesting subordinate, Clash,’ he muttered. “Right, let’s get reinforced, then get back there for them.”

With a groan, Vanguard opened his eyes. He felt around his body to make sure he was still in one piece. His right shoulder ached badly. He recalled banging it against a ledge while he was falling. The pain was nothing compared to the ache in his left side. He looked up, trying to find the hole he and Shining Armor had fallen through. He couldn't, and that was a bad thing indeed. 'Come on, Clash, time to get a move on,' he thought.

A groan a few feet away caught Vanguard's attention. He stood up shakily, glad to know that all four legs were still reliable after that banging he took. "Shining Armor?" he called out. He had caught a brief glimpse of Shining Armor falling with him when the floor gave way.

"Here," Shining Armor replied with another groan. Vanguard walked over to find him lying on his left side. A chunk of rubble pinned his upper half to the stone floor.

"Hold still," Vanguard said. He set to work on the chunk of rubble, shoving it aside with a grunt.

Shining Armor tried to rise, only to stumble when he put some weight on his left foreleg. His face crumpled in pain as he dropped to his knees. "I think it’s broken," he said almost apologetically.

Vanguard touched the injured leg gingerly. The bone still felt whole. "Probably just a fracture," he said. "Come on." He offered a shoulder, and helped Shining Armor stand.

"We're deep in the bowels of a long-abandoned mine, I'm injured, and there's a swarm of pony ghosts still lurking about," Shining Armor said wistfully. "Any ideas, Captain Vanguard Clash?"

"Let's go look for that Crystal Grave," Vanguard replied without missing a step. “We should try to secure it at least. With any luck, it might be the key to completely defeating those ghosts.”

“Maybe we should sit here, and wait for the others," Shining Armor said. "We might just get hopelessly lost or outmatched if we keep going.”

“We’re more likely to be cornered by ghosts if we stay in one spot. We should also consider that the others may believe we’re dead, and reinforcements won’t be sent anytime soon.”

Shining Armor smiled wryly, and limped on.

As before, crystals embedded into the rock walls provided them with a reliable light source.The floor was littered with bones, fragments of barding, ancient mining equipment, and rubble from the ceiling above. Vanguard inspected one of the broken picks. The handle had shattered, and the sharp point was discolored by dried blood. It was no difficult guess to say that this tool had not been used for mining in its last moments. Unfortunately for them, they had fallen into a chamber with multiple tunnels leading out of it.

“We should keep descending,” Vanguard said. “If Princess Platinum hid something valuable in this wretched mine of hers, she most likely hid it in the deepest parts.”

Shining Armor nodded. They agreed on a tunnel to take, and began to walk. Progress was painfully slow, as well as outright painful for Shining Armor. Though Vanguard did his best, each stepped jarred him ever so slightly, and that wasn't even counting what was likely the pain of suddenly being a burden.

After what seemed like an hour of following a steadily descending tunnel, Vanguard stopped. “Let’s take a rest,” he said.

“I can still go on,” Shining Armor said.

“It’s not a matter of being able to go on. It’s a matter of being ready if something is waiting for us at the end of this tunnel. You’re sweating from exertion and, to be honest, I’m tiring myself.”

Shining Armor snorted. “Fine. A quick break then.”

They sat with their backs against the cool, stone walls. Fortunately, both their water canteens survived the fall. As they took their mouthfuls, they also had to consider that they only had a limited amount of time to spend in this place before thirst became a serious issue.

Shining Armor swallowed a mouthful of water, and replaced his canteen’s cap. "So," he said. “How do you know Twilight Sparkle?”

“We've worked together,” Vanguard replied.

That answer alone seemed to gnaw at Shining Armor. Perhaps, he didn't like the idea of Twilight working with legionnaires. He had to have expected it since she had been banished, and was making the best out of a very bad situation. Still, how had Twilight and the others been received back in the Heartland? Was there a joyous reunion, or were they considered tainted ponies?

“Is she Special Operations like you?” Shining Armor asked.

“No. Well…” Vanguard recalled Twilight’s request back in Fangbreaker Fortress. He may have painted himself to a corner. If Twilight still insisted in joining, he would be hard pressed to say no, especially with the pressure on him to get his squad back to full strength.

Shining Armor's eyes narrowed. “Well…what?”

“It’s nothing," Vanguard said. "You seem particularly concerned about her. How do you know Twilight Sparkle?”

“She's my younger sister.”

It was Vanguard’s turn to frown. “Twilight never told me that she had a brother.”

Shining Armor snorted, then smiled. “Don’t take it badly," he said. "She didn't tell her best friends about me until I invited them to my wedding. Anyway, how did you meet her?”

“She fell out of the sky, and landed on my vice captain.”

Shining Armor chuckled a bit. “Thank you,” he said. “That means you were among the first ponies she met when she went to that place, and she’s managed to make it back safely.”

“Save your thanks for until you've heard the whole truth, Captain Shining Armor,” Vanguard replied. Shining Armor looked at him questioningly, but he refused to pursue that thread of conversation for now. “She’s a good pony, your sister.”

“Tell me something I don’t know.”

Vanguard avoided looking at Shining Armor. He did have some things to say that Shining Armor probably didn't know, but he didn't bother saying it. Shining Armor wouldn't believe him anyway. After several more minutes, he helped Shining Armor up. “Let’s keep going,” he said.

The tunnel began to descend sharply, forcing them to go even slower so they didn't lose their footing. It was getting colder as well. They tensed as they kept walking, expecting the giant shadowy unicorn to emerge any second. It seemed like an unwarranted fear, however. Nothing had shown up so far. They were instinctively following the cold now. When they took one side tunnel, and felt it become warmer, they double backed.

After what felt like another hour, the narrow passages started to widen. An eerie, grayish-blue light shone from the end of the passageway they were following. Vanguard’s weapon was firmly clamped in his jaws, and Shining Armor’s horn was aglow as the light came closer. When they reached the end, they stopped in awe.

The passageway opened up to a massive, brightly-lit chamber. The ceiling was so high, they could barely see it. Instead of a natural cavern floor, they were faced with a carefully cut, and polished gemstone floor. The walls were worked white stone, polished to the point that they felt like glass.

Then, there was the gigantic crystal that dominated the cavern.

The two could only stare at the thing: a blue-gray crystal that appeared as a sphere first until they got a better view of the thousands of facets on it. It was easily twenty feet in height. Some sort of magic suspended it in mid-air, and rotated it very slowly. It wasn't the size, beauty, or strangeness of the crystal that held them. There was something inside the crystal, some vaguely familiar shape…

Both Vanguard, and Shining Armor tore their eyes away from the crystal long enough to look around for danger. As they had feared, dark shapes began to swirl towards the crystal from the ceiling. They immediately backed down the tunnel to hide. One by one, the shadowy unicorns surrounded the thing silently. They had not been noticed it seemed.

“Is that the Crystal Grave?” Shining Armor whispered. “What do you think it has to do with those ghosts?”

“Maybe the name is more literal than we expected,” Vanguard whispered back. The hidden archives were vague on details, but he could tell that it was hardly a mana battery. And that thing inside...perhaps there was more to this thing than what had been mentioned.

The giant form of “the forepony” emerged from the ceiling, joining the smaller ones in circling the crystal.

“Any plan?” Shining Armor asked.

Vanguard smiled wryly. “Didn't quite expect to make it here without complications,” he said.

Shining Armor focused on the crystal, likely going through his spells for something useful.

“Shining Armor,” Vanguard said.

Shining Armor glanced Vanguard's way. “Huh?”

“How long can you hold that barrier of yours?”

Shining Armor snorted. “Days if I have to.”

“Think you can encapsulate that crystal?”

“I could if it doesn't react badly to magic and--”

Shining Armor quickly silenced himself as one of the shadows swirled nearby. The shape had no visible eyes like the giant one, but they could tell that it was looking around. It stopped mid-flight, then slowly hovered towards where they were.

Vanguard's heart raced. This was it. They would be discovered, and slain. “Do it,” he said. With that, he sprang from their hiding place, and made a run for the crystal. The ghosts sent up a wail, and began to congregate around him. The plan was a simple gamble. Something must be tying these ghosts here, especially since they were killed so long ago. Something called “Crystal Grave" was a good candidate. That they were constantly swirling around the crystal helped confirm that theory. Behind him, Shining Armor cursed, then hobbled as close as possible to the crystal.

With the ghosts chasing after Vanguard, Shining Armor concentrated on the crystal. The purplish light of his barrier began to surround the thing easily enough. Halfway through the spell, however, the barrier slowed down.

“Any time now, Shining Armor!” Vanguard shouted. He ran zigzags across the massive cavern with ghosts in hot pursuit. The giant shadow descended upon him as well.

Three quarters of the spell in, Vanguard took a quick glance at his ally. Shining Armor was sweating profusely despite the cold, and was forced to close one eye when a trickle went over it. He looked as if he was trying to push a boulder up an almost vertical slope.

“Shining Armor!” Vanguard yelled again. He waved his two-bladed sword desperately to keep his foes at bay.

After what felt like an eternity of struggling, Shining Armor finished his spell. The ghosts gave a long, dolorous wail, then dissipated like smoke.

Panting, Vanguard walked over to Shining Armor. “Cutting it a little close, Unicorn Guard Captain?” he asked.

“You’re not a frozen corpse are you?” Shining Armor replied. “That’s good enough.”

“How are you holding up?” Vanguard asked.

“It’s easier now that I actually completed it. Still, I hope our reinforcements have some willow bark with them.” Shining Armor stared at the crystal. "I have to say I'm glad that my wife, and my sister hadn't gone deep enough to encounter these things when they were stuck in the mines."

Vanguard didn't reply. That was a curious incident that Shining Armor casually mentioned. Perhaps he could hear more about it once they were safe. Twilight wouldn't have been able to proceed deeper anyway. Their group encountered Lexarius's protective seal while they were descending, and had to use an incantation to attune themselves to it, and pass through.

Without any threats so close, they could now focus on the crystal. Just as they had thought, there was something inside it; a large, pony-shaped figure. They could see a long horn…wings…