The ride to Mooseden was rather funny. The guards tried to chase us down, but ran when the I.T.A. landed before us. Once we got everyone on board, things grew quiet... for the most part. Nederige must have thrown up at least four times on the way here. I guess flying for the first time ever would do that to a person. Sappige was fine though, funnily enough. Once we leveled off and started maintaining speed Nederige calmed down enough to sit up.

"Weak stomach?" I yell over the engines, getting the others to chuckle. Sappige rubs his back a bit, but he still looks as if he's about to hurl.

"Minotaurs were not meant to fly," he grumbles back to me, making me laugh.

"Yeah, and slavery was suppose to end after the Pre-Purgian North American Civil War; yet here we are." He groans and leans back, trying to quell his stomach pains. "Don't worry, we'll be there in an hour or so. It should be easy flying from here on out."

"Are we fugitives?" Sappige asks, making me laugh.

"Not where we're going. Just sit back, relax, and try to be a bit more modest." She looks down for a second before crossing her arms over her chest.

"What will we do when we make it to Terradisia?" Nederige asks weakly.

"At first we'll have to run a few tests on the two of you. Nothing major, we just don't want anyone getting sick. Afterwards we'll finalize your citizenship and get you somewhere to live. If you need assistance finding work we can help with that as well. Once everything settles down though, we'll have to pull each of you aside to check your memories. Just to verify certain events. You may also have to speak at the next Summit meeting as witnesses, but we'll get to that when it arises."

"You're going to just give us a home! Why?" Sappige asks.

"We watch after our own. It might not be the nicest thing in the world, but it's a roof over your head that'll keep you warm. Plus we-"

"Captain?" Easy cuts me off from the front. "There is an incoming call for you via bot from a Prince Blueblood. Do you accept?" What the fuck does this little cunt want. I grab my helmet and set it back on, pressing a few buttons so I can speak in private.

"This is Spartan Captain, how can I assist you?"

"Miles Eremita, this is Prince Blueblood-"

"I know who you are, what do you want?" I cut him off shortly.

"I need to have a word with you pertaining the embargoes on the Terradisian people."

"... where do you want to meet?"

"I'll be in Ponyville to pick up a suit soon, meet me there. And Miles, leave your lackeys behind." The transmission ends there. I grit my teeth for a moment as I try to keep my composure about myself. I knew asking this prick for help would lead to fucking annoyances like this, but... the fucker seems to get results. I'll have to see what he has in store for me when I meet up with him. This better be good.

I stay quiet the rest of the trip, thinking deeply about Blueblood. I'm not sure if he does or doesn't know about me. He should, that much is certain. But... the way he acted around me more recently says otherwise. I don't know if he's just playing the part, or actually an idiot. I want to give it to the latter... but I can't just make a rash decision. He has an agenda. I don't know what it is, but I have to tread carefully over what he does and says.

When we finally make it to Mooseden a bot runs up to me and gives a report. Literally everything that could go wrong, is going wrong.

Starke is waiting for me in the main meeting hall. E'Claire needs me to hunt down some thief that's been causing all sorts of mischief. Blueblood is waiting for me in Ponyville, in Rarity's shop no less. And, to top it all off, Storm just left a message saying I need to rush back to Fort Corium Guttur because some shit is going down with Spike! All of this told to me before the dust could even settle from our landing. Fucking perfect!

"Night, you and the others take Sappige and Nederige to E'Claire and get them situated. I'll swing by as soon as possible to finalize their citizenship. I have to head over to the meeting hall to meet up with Starke, got it?"

"Do you need back up?" Night asks.

"No. I should be fine on my own right now. We don't have much time, get going." I rush off for the meeting hall, trying to psych myself to talk with Starke. It's proving to be a bit difficult to do when you're jet lagged. I pause at the door to take a breath before walking in, finding Starke and his men sitting with E'Claire at the front, along with several bots waiting on the sides.

"Miles! Emperor Starke-"

"Thank you for your help E'Claire. You can go now." She eyes me for a second before taking her leave. I don't have the time for pleasantries right now. I walk over to the seat in front of Starke and sit down, eyeing the large luggage crates he has with him. "Are these what I think they are?"

"Like you asked. Here are all of the shipping manifests from every arms and armorer within the Goblin Empire! There were more, but your... soldiers, took them for analysis. What are those metal men?" I ignore his curiosity and motion for one of the bots to come over, whispering to it to give me status updates of the analysis.

"We call them bots. Machines with artificial intelligence that we use for a work force." I can see the intrigue rise in him. These are obviously something he would barter for. "I'm a little surprised at you Starke."

"Oh? How so?" He asks, resting a foot on his knee.

"You're here. It took you awhile, but you did it. How did you manage to make it through Equestrian Airspace without causing riots in the streets?" He chuckles at that, running a hand through his long silver-grey hair.

"Just because we don't have wings, doesn't mean we don't know the air." He glances to one of the guards who nods and reaches down for something. I rest a hand on my pistol as he digs through one of the crates, waiting for him to make a move. "I brought you a gift. As... a token of my gratitude for letting me within your country." The guard pulls out a strange little gizmo that looks like half of a brass ball with gears sticking out of other half.

"Thank you. What is it?" I ask as I take it, eyeing it closely.

"A creation of mine. Rudimentary in design, but it was made well before I became Emperor." He doesn't answer my question. Not directly at least. I set the strange ball down and remove my helmet to scratch my head slightly. I really need to wrap this up already.

"Usually one would give a gift for a gift, depending on the circumstances. Would you say these are circumstances worth trading gifts?" He puts on that sinister smile of his. I try to hide me discomfort from it, but I don't like that smile.

"For that, no. For the location of the remaining Kroth?" I stare him down for a moment, feeling my heart skip a beat. He knows where the last of the Kroth are. Six years of searching and I can finally hunt those bastards down.

"I think I can whip something up. A nice part of my own history to give."

I take a deep breath and stare down the door to Carousel Boutique. It's been... almost five years since I've last set hoof in here, and I'm determined to make a new impression! I doubt I'll make up for years of groveling and pestering, but I have to start somewhere! And with the dragon gone I'll actually be able to step inside without having to worry about some monster torching my flank. I'll only have to worry about scissors being thrown. With my mind made up, and my courage steeled, I take one final breath before stepping into the building.

The interior is different than what I remember. Rather than the light pastels from before the walls are a warm summer theme with splashes of deep purple. It's daring, but welcomed. There is a bit of familiarity here though. Like the mannequins, the general layout, and the bell on the door.

"One moment please! I am in the middle of a very difficult stitch right now and will need just one tiny minute!" And there's that familiar voice as well. "Feel free to look around while I finish this up." I keep quiet and take a look around, letting her work.

It was bold to make the meeting here. I could have easily picked any other store in this small town. Even after all these years though, I can't escape her. No matter how many objects she threw at me or what ever harsh words she yelled, I couldn't get her out of my mind. I wouldn't. I was a fool not only once, but twice! And I let her slip away. I thought I could just swoon her away, but that was foalish of me to think. She is a lady, and a lady would never be so easily carried away like that. I have to earn the right, I have to persuade her, I have to-

"Hey Rare! I'm home!" An angel sings as she walks into the room. I stare at her as she walks right past me, busy looking through her saddle bag. She's a beautiful white unicorn with lavender and pastel pink hair that curls perfectly at the end. She's young, but has a maturity about her that exudes both confidence and passion. She's humming something to herself in what has to be the most beautiful voice I've ever heard. Who is this mysterious mare? "Oh! Sorry, I didn't know a guest was here. Hi! I'm Sweetie Bell, have you been helped yet?"

"I-I..."

"Sweetie! Be a dear and get our guest something to drink please!" Lady Rarity calls from the back.

"Is there anything you would prefer? Water? Tea? Coffee?" She looks up to me with those amazing pastel green eyes and smiles genuinely, eager to help. I flounder over my words before simply nodding to her, getting a confused look in return. "Um... I'll make some tea then. I'll be right back."

"..." She smiles again, a bit more uncomfortably this time, and backs into the kitchen to start working on the tea. Only when she is out of the room can I finally shake myself back into control. I must know who this mare is, if only her name at the very least!

"Sorry to keep you waiting darling! How can... I..." I look over to Lady Rarity and smile sheepishly to her, trying to get myself back on track. I came here with a purpose, I can't lose it now!

"Lady Rarity." I say carefully.

"Blueblood." She states, still eyeing me.

"I-I know I'm probably the last stallion you want to have in your store, as you've said multiple times. I am here on business though! I am picking up my suit... I can wait outside if that would make this easier for you."

"..."

"Lady Rarity?" I can see her eye twitch, I better get ready for something to be thrown my way.

"..."

"I... Uh... Is the suit ready? Perhaps I should-"

"Tea will be ready in a few moments! Why don't you take a seat in the kitchen!" The mare from before announces happily, oblivious to the tension between the two of us. I look back to Lady Rarity and wait for her to give me permission before moving. She looks between the two of us before nodding to me. I stare at her in surprise for a moment before heading to the kitchen and sit at the table there. Lady Rarity takes the seat across from me as the mare, Sweetie, prepares the table.

I eye the silverware and feel my stomach tense up from the brand. It's a lower brand, not quite peasant, but nothing you'd see in the castle. I bite my tongue and try not to make my discomfort obvious. Though, if her stare is any indicator, I may already have been caught. A warm scent fills my nose as the tea is poured before me. She does a good job of it, obviously having done this before. Once we're all served we sit there in silence once again. I don't want to take the first drink, knowing you should let the lady of the house have the honor. But she isn't moving. She's... just staring at me.

"Sooo... do you two know each other? Because I feel as if you do." Sweetie says before taking a sip from her cup. We continue to stare at one another, waiting for the other to budge. "Is he an old coltfriend of yours?"

"Sweetie!" Lady Rarity gasps, finally breaking eye contact with me.

"What? Who are you anyway?" She asks, ignoring Lady Rarity’s discomfort.

"I-I am Prince Blueblood. And... no. I am not an old coltfriend of hers." She eyes me for a second before leaning closer to Lady Rarity.

"Is this the same Blueblood from you diary? The one from the G.G.G.?" She asks in a loud whisper.

"Yes... And what did I tell you about reading my diary?!" Lady Rarity responds, equally as loud. I was about to let them know I could still hear them, but they continued on anyway.

"Whatever! I know for a fact you still read mine! And must I remind you about last-"

"We promised to never speak of that again!" Lady Rarity blurts out quickly, silencing the room. They both look to me for a second before putting on smiles. "Could you excuse us for one moment please. Eeeuuhhh... family matters to attend to!"

"Of-" Before I could finish Lady Rarity grabs Sweetie and rushes her out of the room and up the stairs. "-course." I can hear them whispering to one another in the other room, but can't make out what they are saying. They're both heated over the topic though. I take a few more sips from my tea to try and calm my nerves though. I am trying to make amends with Lady Rarity. I know it won't be the easiest task, but I will endure whatever she throws my way.

I finish my tea well before the two of them finish speaking with one another. Things got pretty heated between the two of them too. I almost understood them for a moment. Something about hooves and shows... not entirely sure what that could be about. Sweetie eventually comes back though, giving me a nervous smile as she takes her seat again.

"Sorry about that! Rarity is getting your suit ready for you. We weren't properly introduced either. I'm Sweetie Bell, Raritys little sister." She offers me her hoof which I take hesitantly. I didn't know she had a little sister. I'll have to demand a refund from that private investigator I hired a few years back. She couldn't even tell me she had a sister!

"Charmed. I take it Lady Rarity doesn't wish to see me." She offers me an uncomfortable smile, which I sigh to. "It is alright. I did not have high expectations for today. I am glad I was even allowed to do business with her."

"Well, you are a Prince after all. If she denied you service, it would ruin her reputation."

"Never. I would never allow her name to be muddied because of something like that. I may not be the stallion she wants, but that doesn't make me any less of a stallion. It would mar my honor to let her name falter."

"Hm. Thanks... I guess." I toy with the tea cup between my hooves as a silence falls between the two of us. Lady Raritys work fills the background quietly, but nothing is said. I doubt anything said would be sincere anyway. "Can I ask you a question?"

"Of course." I perk up at this, giving her my full attention.

"Well... why Rarity? I mean, I'm sure there are plenty of mares in Canterlot that would fawn over you. Being a prince and all. Why chase after Rarity like this? And don't give me any of that lovey dovey junk either! Lovey dovey doesn't last eight years." I chuckle at her question, looking back to the cup in my hooves again.

"It's exactly the reason you said. I could have any mare in Canterlot. They would fall at my hooves and follow me mindlessly. But, that is not becoming of a Lady. No, after a period of this I decided that I would only settle for a true Lady. I guess during my quest for the perfect mare I sort of..."

"Made unattainable standards?" Sweetie offers.

"Not entirely. I was looking for the perfect mare, so I tried to be the perfect stallion as well. Because of that... well..."

"Grand Galloping Gala?" She asks with a slight chuckle.

"Precisely. I still hold myself to many of those standards now, but... a change was necessary. Lady Rarity showed me how flawed I was. I guess... that made me realize how perfect she was... is. It's been a slow transition, and I still hold myself to many of those old standards. But... recently... I don't know anymore."

"Do you think you could move on? Try again?" I look back to her and stare into her eyes for a moment. I lose myself again in her pastel green iris. There's something calming about those beautiful orbs. They calm me in a manner that I haven't felt... since I said goodbye to mother...

"Blueblood!" Sweetie jumps when a new voice suddenly erupts from the other room, accompanied with a door slamming open and shut. I blink a few times to steel myself before looking over, seeing Miles in his armor standing in the doorway. "Sweetie, I need you to go to the other room."

"But-"

"Now." He pulls out something that looks like a small mace. He adjusts the bottom before throwing it up at the ceiling, having it stick perfectly in the drywall. The handle points straight down before opening up and creating an aura around the small table. Before either of us could say anything further Miles grabs the back of Sweeties chair and drags her out of the aura, pointing to the other room before taking another seat at the table.

"Right... forgive me. I... suddenly had a thought." I tell him slowly as I try to gather myself.

"Surprising."

"Right... right..."

"I don't have much time Blueblood. I need to know about the tariffs on Terradisia." Miles tells me firmly, getting me back on track.

"Right! The tariffs. It would seem that the House of Goods has made some sort of coup to take you out of the market, and I know who is backing it. Filthy Rich-"

"Fuck mothering asshole!" He yells with a slam of his fist against the table. All of the contents fall over as he pushes the table away and starts to pace around feverishly.

"I take it you know him." I mention as I start to set all of the porcelain back up.

"That ass hat has been a pain in the fucking neck ever since we fucking met!"

"How so?" I ask with a tilt of my head. Miles is an alicorn and a figure head of this town. What could Filthy Rich possibly have on him?

"It wasn't much at first. Snide remarks here, difficult transactions there. He would constantly try something new though. At this point I don't even remember what he was mad about!" He slumps into a seat and lets out a long sigh. I hum to him and look back to my tea cup, trying to think of a possible way to aid him.

"He's a small time business pony. Crushing him wouldn't be hard. I know a few ponies that could-"

"No." He says firmly, sitting up right. "I'm not lowering myself to his standards. No backroom deals. I'm going to take him out legally-"

"His master move was legal." I cut him off firmly, bringing my attention back to him. "He found a loop hole to take a jab at you and it hit somewhere vital. Any form of retaliation would take too long to aid the ponies that are hurting from this. There will be no income for your country for at least a year while legalities are formalized. Can Terradisia stand such a loss?" He sits back and thinks about what I said, lowering his gaze slightly.

"... No backroom deals." I huff from that, of course he's going to be stubborn about this. "But that doesn't mean we can't use a little muscle."

"What do you have planned?" I ask, intrigued.

"If I can get the rest of the Apples to sign over to Terradisia, I can cut produce production down five percent in Equestria. We'll plaster Barnyard Bargains as the ones responsible for this as well. For the time being, we'll have to short hand ourselves a bit and sell to the griffins to keep product moving. In the mean time I'll talk with a few others to see if we can find a way out of this loop hole."

"How is that not a backroom deal?" I ask, confused by his plan.

"The Apples have been on the fence about joining for some time. This deal is already public in some areas, like Appleloosa. If Filthy didn't know about this, then he's an idiot. As for the smear campaign... This is common tactic in Terradisia. Politicians back there were much more elusive about their affairs. So when one was caught doing something wrong, simple broadcasts telling of their crimes were enough to end their careers. I guess that won't work as easily here though, huh?"

"Not entirely. But I know where it might have some validity." I tell him, thinking to myself.

"I must admit, I didn't think you'd take this job so seriously. And for Terradisia no matter. Why are you so adamant in aiding us?" I chuckle at that, looking back to him to smile confidently.

"Anything for the King." He goes ridged from that, keeping his focus on me. "Terradisia and Equestria are allies after all. If the King deems them a worthy people, then I should aid them as I would any Equestrian-"

"Sorry to interrupt, but your suit is ready." We both look over to Rarity as she pokes her head through the dome around us. Miles nods to her and grabs the device, disrupting the sphere around us.

"You know what needs to be done," he tells me before taking his leave. We all stare at him as he storms out of the building, barely having the mind to wave goodbye to the others. I look to Lady Rarity and take my suit from her, pulling it out to look it over. I don't really need to check it over, knowing her work is second to none. I just need something to distract myself from the awkwardness of the situation.

"What was it he-"

"I must be off." I tell her, cutting her off rudely. "I apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused."

"But-"

"I have a busy schedule to attend to now. If any alterations must be made... may I... uh... would it be alright with you if..."

"If your suit has any problems, I will hold my end of the bargain and attend to them," she tells me in a business tone. I nod to her and begin to take my leave. On my way out I pause when I see Sweetie standing in the main lobby, eyeing me curiously. I give her a slight bow, one that she returns in kind, and leave the building. Outside I take a moment to catch my breath, suddenly realizing that I was holding it in.

I never thought a mare could take my breath away the way Lady Rarity has. But... I know my heart waits for her, not this Sweetie. Or... or was it truly never meant to be? I need to do something different this time. I need to... I need to ask for somepony’s opinion on the matter. But, who can I ask? I can't ask Auntie, not with what I'm planning. Actually, I can't ask any of the nobles or family members. Who is out there that I can go to for advice? Somepony that will listen to me openly, unbiased.

"Hey! It's the Prince guy I was telling you guys about!" I shake my head and look over to see... no... no, it can't be. "Hey Prince Blueblood, remember me?"

"... O-of course. Tempestive, what brings you here today?" I ask in a bit of shock. He shrugs and starts to walk down the street, nodding for me to follow.

"Well, Mom had to run an errand with Mama Applejack, so Rampant and I were going to hang out on Sweet Apple Acres. But when I made it there Mama Fluttershy told me that Rampant was grounded. So... now I'm kinda just walk out and about... by the way, don't tell my mom! I'm... kind of not suppose to be out on my own." I stop in my tracks and have an idea go off in my head.

He's not suppose to be out on his own. Queen Luna would appreciate the pony who kept him indoors and safe. I could use that to either get some favor with her, or some advice... possibly even both! I quickly look around and try to think of a way to get him to go along. I spot some lanky pegasus with a camera taking pictures of flowers and get an idea.

"Actually, I need to get going!" I tell him in a hurried, hushed voice. "Remember? I'm a prince!" I whisper to him, getting a confused look from him.

"So?"

"So... so if ponies see me 'out and about' it could cause a scene! You don't see royalty everyday now, do you?" I ask, noting the irony to myself.

"Oh... I guess not. Well-"

"But! My ride is still a ways away! And I have nowhere to hide from the public! If only there was somewhere I could go that wouldn't keep me in the public eye!" I feign my concern, putting a hoof to my head as I strike an over dramatic pose. I glance down to Tempestive and watch the gears in his head begin to turn.

"Well... I guess you could hang out at my place. No one is ever there and it's out on the edge of town-"

"But I couldn't simply reside within the domicile of another pony without them being there! My honor as a Prince simply wouldn't allow me!" He deflates a bit from that, nodding to me.

"Alright. I guess I can always go to Sugar Cube Corner another time-"

"Well, I could send one of my guards to pick us up something while we wait at you home. If that would suit you?" He perks up at that, smiling to one of my guards.

"Would you really?" he asks innocently. The guard nods and pulls out a notepad, taking down his order. This is perfect! All I have to do is entertain this foal for awhile and win over Luna when she comes home. It couldn't be easier!

I pace around the barracks impatiently as I wait for Miles to make some form of response. We only sent the message awhile ago, but it feel as if it was days ago! Any Spartans that weren't out on the expedition are in the room with me as well, watching over Maant Iliis. Dad hasn't said anything to me since we showed up here. He's just... staring at her. I can only imagine what he's thinking about. I know I shouldn't doubt what he's thinking, but his silence isn't helping any.

Maant was hesitant to come in here, and not just because of the giant crystal lizard chicken sitting on top. The instant we dropped in they nearly tore her apart! No shots were fired, but a lot of threats and forceful moves were used against her. She didn't fight back, luckily. So, here we are. Sitting in the barracks of Fort Corium Gutter waiting for Miles to show up. Or, at the least call back.

"Where are Dash and the rest of the Jumpers?" I ask Dad, getting him to nod away.

"They went out on a recon mission. They should be back before sun down." True Will tells me. I let out a huff and nod to him, keeping my eyes away from Dad. I'm sure I'll hear what I need to later on.

"Spike?" Maant whispers to me. "Los hi bek niidro tahriik het?"

"You don't have to hide what you are saying, and yes. It is safe here. We're probably safer here than anywhere else." I tell her, making her blush slightly from outing her.

"Speak for yourself," she mutters, glancing to Raz.

"Incoming message from the Captain." Dad says officially, pressing a button his helmet.

"This is Miles, whose present other than Spartans?" Miles asks through his speaker.

"It's me, Spike. And I have a guest here as well." I tell him, motioning to Maant to speak up.

"Oh, hello? I-I am Maant Iliis. I... uh, I wish-"

"I wish to take her on as my student in magic." I cut her off, trying to sound as authoritative as possible. A silence fills the room as we wait for him to respond. The way I see it, he either goes along without any complaints, or chews me out.

"... I'm sorry, there's a part of that I... am having a hard time understanding. Who is she?" I glance around the room, a little caught off guard.

"Uh... she's a weaker dragon I met at the moot. I wish to train her-"

"Spike," Miles cuts me off, silencing me. "How wet is your dick right now?"

"WHAT!?" My face instantly heats up from his blunt question. I look to the others for help, but can't seem to find any in their stoic states. "I'm not- we never- it's not like that!" I yell, waving my arms before myself.

"Storm?"

"Yeah Miles?" Dad asks calmly.

"How red is he?" I look down to Dad and stare at him, trying to... I don't know! Look innocent?

"Remember the first time he had his first boner?"

"DAD!" I yell again, my voice squeaking slightly. I hear Maant chortle, so I glare at her, getting her to stop immediately. Though, I can still see her smiling at the thought.

"Equal or worse?"

"Far worse." I grab my head and trying to calm down, knowing now that they are messing with me. Of course they're going to mess with me! They always mess with me! It can never be easy, could it!?

"Hm. Alight. Mark her, book her, and Spike?"

"Y-yes Master?"

"She's your responsibility. She fucks up, that's on you. Someone dies because of her, that's on you. If she even sneezes on something it's your responsibility. Am I clear?"

"Yes sir!" I stand a bit straighter, even though he isn't in the room.

"Good. Now get out of the room, I need to have a word with my Spartans." I nod and motion for Maant to follow after me. Before I step out of the room Raz tosses me a Virgum de Marcus. I nod to him before hurrying out of the room. Once we're clear of the building, and the giant creature on top, I drop against the wall and let out a long breath. One day I'll be able to get them all back for this. I don't know when or how, but my day will come.

"So... I'm in?" Maant asks eagerly, holding her claws behind herself and smiling.

"Pretty much." I tell her, leaning my head back against the wall as I close my eyes.

"How does it work? What's the bar for? Will we-"

"Ease up there." I tell her, keeping my eyes shut. "We'll mark you at the moot, assuming the other dragons accept my offering."

"But... what if they don't accept it?" she asks, losing her eagerness.

"They'll accept it. They have to." I tell her, flinching when I feel a shadow flash over my eyes. I peer up and watch as the Jumpers begins to circle down towards us. I stand up and wait for them patiently. Dash lands just before me and takes her helmet off quickly, giving me her signature grin. Oh no...

"Does Rare know you have some scaly poon on the side?"

"Hey Rainbow. It's good to see you too." I drone back to her, getting her to chuckle.

"Heh-heh, don't get your panties in a bundle! I'm only teasing! What's going on though?" she asks, waving for the others to head off.

"I'm taking her on as my student in magic as an offering at the moot. I only came back to get permission from Miles." I tell her, getting a thoughtful nod from her.

"You got a plan B?" she asks, eyeing Maant closely.

"Well... maybe. I'm kind of just winging it here at the moment." I tell her with a shrug. I move to put my claws in my jacket pockets, but remember that I'm not wearing it at the moment. So I end up just looking dumb in front of Dash and Maant.

"Pfft! Anyway, I've got-"

"RAINBOWED FLYING HORSE!" We both jump when Raz comes running out of the fort, helmet off. "Is it true!?"

"Uuuhhhh-"

"Show me the egg!" He demands as he approaches us, grabbing her bag before she could answer. With it still attached to her, he ends up picking her up as he digs through it. Dash flails around a bit before she smacks him away.

"Ease up there private!" she barks at him, jumping back slightly. "Give me a good reason I shouldn't have you flogged!"

"Did you bring a Shadow here?" He asks, making her go quiet. She reaches into her bag and pulls out this odd looking egg. Raz takes it and looks it over quickly, giving it a few sniffs and pokes. "Good, it's not ready to hatch yet."

"What is that thing?" Rainbow asks as all of the others come out to inspect it.

"They are called Shadows. Creatures born of the dark and twisted by the depths. It was said that they plagued the Pit long ago, but Oni purged them from our lands. It would seem that they have found their home here now."

"Those used to live in the Pit? That explains why they're so tough then." Ellzy mentions, getting a few of the others to nod with him.

"You fought them?" Raz asks.

"Yeah. We lost a few goblins to them though. Nothing really seemed to hurt them though." Raz nods and takes a knee, setting the egg on the ground.

"In darkness, these creatures are near immortal. But... in the light..."

CRACK

With a sharp snap he brings his palm down on the egg and cracks it open. Most of the shell holds together, but a small enough opening is formed on its side. Raz smiles as he begins to pour the contents out into his hand until a small black creature slides out. It looks like a tiny, lifeless man of darkness. Raz chuckles before he holds it up and drops it into his waiting mouth, chewing it happily.

"Aw, that's sick." Ellzy complains, moving away from the orc.

"A most delectable treat indeed." Raz says happily, chewing loudly. Dad steps forward and takes the egg shell from him, looking over it curiously.

"Is this all you found?" he asks.

"They had crates of these eggs waiting to be shipped. Any idea why?" Rainbow asks, getting Raz to hum.

"These eggs, when in darkness, are stronger than diamonds. Followers of Oni would often fashion weapons with these when they would venture into the depths of the Pit, in olden times at least."

"That's not the only reason." Si ye mentions, getting everyone's attention. "Goblins use the shells as capsules to capture elementals. When put in darkness, nothing can break free from within. I would take a leap of faith and say the goblins are getting ready for a massive invasion of the Southern Badlands, if the crates you speak of are what I imagine them to be."

"Spike." Dad mentions, stepping aside from the others. I follow after him until he comes to a stop, a good distance from the group. "I just got the word from Miles. We need to accelerate our plans-"

"I can't make him host the moot-"

"I don't mean that. Go back to Bolas, tell him what you saw here and see if you can use that to manipulate him. If at the very least, we need him against the Goblins here. Am I clear?" I nod to him.

"What about Maant Iliis?"

"The girl? Train her. She may come in handy later. The minute you get Bolas against the Goblins send us a flare. Miles needs the Spartans for a mission in the G.C. asap. We'll leave a few here, but he's pulling a few of us aside for a time."

"Are you going?" I ask worriedly. He smiles up to me and chuckles lightly.

"Scared for your old Dad?" I roll my eyes at that. "Yeah, I'll be going with him. I don't know all the details yet, but it sounds serious."

"Stay safe." I tell him, holding my fist out. He chuckles again, bumping his hoof against my fist.

"Impossible, but I'll do my best to make it back in one piece. Now get going. You don't have that much time left as it is." Right. I have a moot to attend to. I give him a quick hug before running over to Maant. I give her a quick motion before taking off into the air. I pause to wait for her to follow after me before taking off for Mom's cave. I don't need to worry about Dad. He can take care of himself well enough.

I need to worry about this moot instead.

War's Calling.

Famine's Calling.

Pestilence's Calling.

May 2015 Updates!

Brony on!