Night had fallen in Equestria. Inside the dining hall of Canterlot Castle, Celestia and Luna were engrossed the recent events happening around Canterlot, so much so that the parsnip soup in front of them had grown cold.

“I'll send word to the Crystal Empire in the morning.” said Celestia after a long silence. “Twilight will have certainly filled Cadence and Shining Armor in on what Bardac has told us so far. Though I'm sure there is plenty more he could tell us.”

Luna finally took a small sip of her cold soup. “The idea of a second Bardac running loose in Equestria does not fill me with joy... if they can summon these creatures at will, we could be looking at a full scale invasion not unlike the Changelings with the Crystal Empire bearing the full brunt.”

Celestia looked down at her own soup before heating both their bowls with a small flash of light from her horn. “Have faith, my dear sister,” said Celestia with a smile, taking a sip. “Need I remind you that it was the Crystal guards who trained our own? After they were freed from King Sombra's control, their strength has increased tenfold.”

“Still...” muttered Luna. “I would rather be out there myself, searching for this threat looming over Equestria.”

Celestia fell silent, gazing at her reflection in the glass of lime juice next to her soup. “I know how you feel, Luna. But we have our duties here,” she said. “Once Bardac reaches the Crystal Empire and meets with Cadence, I'm sure they'll have this figured out without any issues.”

“Unless he does something utterly stupid and winds up behind bars. You cannot deny Celestia. The Nord has form for finding trouble,” said Luna, shaking her head slowly. “I do not need to remind you of the list.”

Celestia shuddered at her sister's words, hissing. “Please don't... you know full well I still suffer nightmares from that. I have never seen so many zeros and the dungeon's still not repaired.”

“Speak of which, where is he? It has been suspiciously quiet since he left the throne room earlier. Not that I'm complaining... I will take all the peace and quiet I can get,” Luna hummed, finishing off her soup before wiping a slice of bread around the bowl.

“I believe the guards reported that he was in the library with Sweeper. Something about needing an extra pair of hooves on a small project. Exactly what I'm not sure,” replied Celestia, “But if he's taken Sweeper along, then I doubt it will be dangerous.”

Just then, the doors to the dining hall opened. On the other side was Sweeper, looking a little nervous while being flanked by two guards. Behind Sweeper stood a large, slatted wooden crate filled to the brim with sealed scrolls. “Please excuse the intrusion Princesses,” spoke one of the guards. “But Sweeper insisted that he speaks with you urgently.”

“It's quite alright,” said Celestia, beckoning Sweeper over with a wing. “How are you Sweeper? I heard you were working with Bardac on a small project.”

“I'm just fine,” answered Sweeper with a smile and a bow before dragging the crate into the hall. “It's a pleasure to see both of you, your Highnesses and yes, I have! It's certainly been interesting.”

Luna on the other hoof seemed much more interested in the pile of scrolls, each one tingling with a magical energy that made her horn twitch. “Just what have you and Bardac been up two? Are those spell scrolls?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

“I'm... not sure Princess Luna,” answered Sweeper truthfully. “Bardac fell asleep just after sealing the final scroll. But he said that they needed to be passed to every guard who couldn't cast magic. Muttering something about giving them another way to protect themselves against... Dremora?”

Celestia rose from the table and approached the crate, examining the scrolls within with almost foal like curiosity. “These scrolls have certainly been imbued with powerful magic,” she said, passing one of the scrolls over to Luna. “I believe this was your area of expertise back in our younger days. I could never master this art.”

“You flatter me sister,” said Luna, struggling to hide a smile as she took the scroll within her magic. “Before we pass these out to the guards. We need to have Bardac tell us exactly what spell he's placed upon these scrolls, and of course... how and when to use it.”

“A wise idea,” agreed Celestia. “But that can wait until morning. He's probably fast aslee─”

“No need.” echoed a voice through the crack of a heavy wooden door. There was no mistaking that gruffness.

All eyes snapped to the creaking door. The usual sound of clanking armour was no where to be heard, in fact there didn't seem to be much sound coming from the doorway at all. “I thought you were sleeping! I even left you a blanket and everything,” said Sweeper, trotting over to the door to meet Bardac.

“I smelt soup,” replied Bardac, blinking a few times as the light from the dining hall stung his eyes. “Evening Celestia, Luna.” Joining them at the table, Bardac helped himself to a large bowl of parsnip soup. Gone was his armour, wearing instead a soft cotton shirt and trousers used to keep the armour from rubbing.

“Bardac,” said Luna. “Look this way.”

“What?” muttered Bardac, looking up to see his face reflected in a silver platter held up by Luna. “Oh damn it to Oblivion.” Outlined in his left cheek was the perfect copy of a book cover he'd fallen asleep on.

Celestia couldn't hold back a giggle. “May I suggest a pillow next time? It's nice to see you out of your armour. I can imagine it gets a little irritating to wear it all the time. Not to mention it does wonders for your approachability.”

“I will keep that in mind,” grizzled Bardac, wiping his cheek with the back of his hand before looking over to Sweeper, saying in a much lighter tone. “I appreciate your help this evening. I trust those scrolls will find their way to the guards as quickly as possible.”

“Happy to help,” replied Sweeper with a beaming smile. “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna would like to know what they do, before they get passed on to the guards. But I doubt that'll be too much trouble for you.”

“It's merely for peace of mind, you understand,” said Celestia, “While I trust you wouldn't do anything to put our guards at risk... on purpose. None of them are trained in using spell scrolls.”

“You have this type of magic here?” asked Bardac in surprise, looking up from his soup at Celestia and Luna. “Huh... I found no mention of it while I was in the library.”

Luna shook her head slowly, sighing, “You wouldn't. It was a type of magic that became outdated a millennia or two ago. Celestia and I were the last two to study it. It was a highly useful form of magic. I still do not know why they decided to let it die.”

Bardac smirked behind his spoon, muttering, “A millennia huh? I thought you were an old nag... but that takes the sweetroll.”

Celestia nearly choked on her soup. “Bardac!” she exclaimed, trying her best to hold back a fit of giggles. “That's no way to speak to Luna!”

“Celestia, may I remind you who the older sister is?” retorted Luna, raising her eyebrow while glaring at Bardac. “As for you, you're lucky Sweeper is here otherwise I would have had some choice words for you.”

Sweeper waved his front hooves in alarm, crying out, “Don't drag me into this Princess! I've already been used as a shield once!”

“And a damn fine shield you were as well,” called out Bardac, raising a glass to toast, only to be slapped around the face with a smoked kipper basked in a golden light. As the fish slid down his face, Bardac glared at Celestia... who just whistled innocently.

One of the guards cleared his throat while eyeing Bardac and the cupcake he had in his hand. “May I remind you all what happened the last time the chef caught you wasting food,” he called. “Princesses, if I may. The issue of the scrolls still need to be addressed.”

“Yes, yes. Of course,” said Celestia, “Bardac, if you're done teasing my sister and servants. Would you be kind enough to explain to us what spells are in these scrolls?”

Flicking the kipper out of his lap, Bardac said. “A banishing spell. Designed to send Daedra back to Oblivion. Though even the highest version of the spell only have a twenty percent chance of working. It took some effort, but each scroll is imbued with the highest level I could cast.”

“Will it harm anypony who uses it?” asked Luna, looking over at the scrolls. “It won't take much training before our pegasi and earth pony guards are as accurate as the unicorns. But the chances of badly aimed spells are high.”

Bardac shook his head, “No, even if you aimed at a foal, all the foal would feel is a very slight tingle. It works on Daedra and only Daedra. On the plus side, if the spell fails to work it will still do a vast amount of damage to the Daedra, sometimes killing a lesser Daedra outright,” he explained.

Luna let out a thankful sigh, “That makes me feel much more at ease. So despite the low chance of the spell successfully working, it would still do enough damage to give who ever uses it a chance to get away.”

“Or distract the Daedra enough to get in close and deliver a killing blow,” said Bardac, drawing his finger across his throat. “I know it is not in your way to kill, but I could not forgive myself if I did not warn you. You cannot hesitate with Daedra. Either you kill it, or it kills you.”

Celestia had another thought on her mind. “Bardac, you mentioned earlier that the only way these creatures could of entered Equus was if somepony summoned them. Being that your own knowledge of magic is simply astounding... does that mean you're also capable of summoning these creatures?” she asked.

“Yes, I can, though for Daedra such as the Dremora, I cannot summon them permanently, not without a great deal of effort and risk,” replied Bardac without a moment's hesitation. “But to offer a few words of comfort. The Daedra I summon would be bound to me, they would only harm who I commanded them to.”

“Just how much magic do you know?” asked Sweeper, tilting his head. “I've only seem snippets of it here and there.”

“More than I should, less than I would like. The more you learn, the more you want to learn, need to learn,” Bardac replied, “It is an addiction.”

“Bardac,” pondered Celestia, deep thought. “Would it be too much to ask for a demonstration for the guards? Not now of course, but tomorrow. I would be extremely interested in seeing one of these creatures up close in a controlled environment.”

“As long as you give the guards plenty of warning on what they are about to see,” said Bardac. “And bring Twilight, where ever she is. I am not sure any of us would hear the end of it if we demonstrated magic she had not seen without her.”

“That... is a very good point,” said Luna, getting up from the table to stretch out her wings. “I'll go send her a letter. If we plan for tomorrow afternoon at the guard training grounds, in the largest sparring circle, that should give everypony a chance to organize.”

“And plenty of time for the word to spread among the guards,” agreed Celestia, “Sweeper, since you assisted Bardac in the creation of the scrolls, you're more than welcome to attend, if you wish to.”

Sweeper shook his head and said, “As generous as your offer is Princess, I'll have to decline, I'm behind on my duties. Which reminds me! The librarian is going to skin my flank if I don't return and clean up.” With a bow and a dirty look at Bardac, Sweeper excused himself.

The two remaining guards also excused themselves with a bow, pushing and pulling the crate out of the dining hall, followed by Luna who had a quill and scroll hovering near her head. “One more thing,” said Luna just before she left. “Light Flight will more than likely be attending, so try and behave, please?”

“Well... since you said please,” murmured Bardac, leaning back on his chair. “Just tell her not to irritate anything once it is summoned. While the Daedra will be under my control, they have a small habit of defending themselves against anything too aggressive.”

“I'll keep that in mind,” said Luna with a raised eyebrow. “I wish you both a pleasant sleep. I shall see you in the morning.” With that, Luna excused herself.

Leaning down, Bardac picked up the Kipper he flicked on the floor earlier and dropped it down on a side plate. “So. I have been meaning to ask. The two ponies who were with Discord. Are they okay?” asked Bardac. “I cannot say for sure if I realised they were there. Until you made your point.”

Celestia poured herself a glass of carrot juice, replying. “Fluttershy and Rarity. They were unharmed, but severely shaken. As was Discord. If it wasn't for the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the event, I would have had to arrest you, I'm sure you're aware of that. Though, why bring this up now?”

Bardac leant back on his chair, sighing heavily, “I feel as though you would offer a more reasonable answer to my next question than your sister.” Leaning forward, Bardac linked his fingers, resting his chin on them. “In my world... a gift of suitable expense to the offended party would have been enough to solve this. Yet, I see two problems with this.”

“And what would those be?” asked Celestia, “Though, if I may ask a question of my own. Are you implying that any crime or disagreement can be gotten away with if you are rich enough?”

“No implying needed, Celestia. If you are rich enough, you can get away with almost anything you desire. Except high treason. That is usually fixed with a swift beheading,” said Bardac, drawing his thumb across his throat. “As for my two problems. The first would be that in this world I do not hold enough coin to fix what I have done. Second, I feel as though it would be taken as an insult, rather than the desired intent.”

“And you want me to help you come up with a solution to this problem? A way of apologizing to Fluttershy and Rarity? I assume you'll also extend this apology to Discord? You did punch him in the eye and almost strangle him,” Celestia said. “I would also consider apologizing to Light Flight too. You have been causing her an awful lot of paperwork lately.”

Bardac cupped his face in his fingers, groaning loudly, “Adding Sweeper, Luna and yourself... Talos help me.”

Celestia couldn't help but chuckle, seeing Bardac like this was oddly amusing, “Luna and I have been alive too long to hold such grudges. Perhaps it would best if you retired to the guest chambers, just let the guards know which room you take,” she suggested. “I often find my best ideas come to me while I sleep.”

“Maybe,” muttered Bardac, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand before piling a plate full of bread, cheese and a large knob of butter. “Goodnight Celestia,” and with his plate in hand. Bardac excused himself.

“Goodnight Bardac,” said Celestia, watching as Bardac disappeared down the corridor. Once he was out of earshot, she let out a long sigh. “I do hope tomorrow goes smoothly, for everyponies sake.”

Morning came and morning went. A powerful storm battered the castle since dawn and was still raging on come afternoon. While on the outside nothing seemed out of the ordinary, there was a certain unease that ran through the halls.

“I remember there being rain scheduled for today... but a storm?” muttered Celestia to herself, walking side by side with Luna through the halls. “I feel bad for sending a patrol down into the forest in this weather. But with the strange lights sighted last night...”

“It needed to be done, the reports from the night guards were worrying to say the least,” said Luna, stopping to gaze out the window at the rain battering down. “Do not worry about the patrol, I've sent Raven with them. That young unicorn lives in the darkness more than I do and knows that forest like the spirals of her horn. Nothing can unnerve her. I've seen her dreams.”

“I do hope so,” replied Celestia, “Raven was your personal guard for a while. What ever happened to that arrangement?”

“Oh nothing serious,” said Luna, “While she was a wonderful guard, she also enjoyed studying much like Twilight. Raven wished to expand her knowledge on teleportation. She's the most gifted unicorn I've ever seen when it came to that, there's not a single place in Equestria where she couldn't teleport to, somehow she managed to overcome the range teleportation has. Last I heard, she could teleport several hundred miles in a single spell. I wasn't about to let that gift go to waste. I believe she's captain of the unicorns now.”

“No wonder you sent her on the patrol. With skills like that, she could bring back the entire patrol before they got into any danger,” said Celestia as Luna and herself continued down the halls. “They should be returning soon for a break. They've been out since dawn.”

However, before they got more than two steps away from the window, a small pop and a bright flash burst in front of them. A tiny, snow white and sodden unicorn stood before them, her cutie mark displaying a thin wisp of smoke. “Patrol's returned. Others are drying.”

“Anything to report, Raven?” asked Luna, “Did you find anything, see anything?”

“No,” said Raven, looking up at Celestia and Luna. “Princesses. Storm's getting stronger. Cut the patrol short. Couldn't see a thing.”

Celestia glanced out the window just as a bolt of lightning arced across the sky. “I believe you're right, Raven. We can't risk sending any pegasi to clear it, not now. We'll just have to put a shield over the training ground for the demonstration.”

With a flash of her horn, Raven started to dry herself off. “Is there anything you need done before it starts?” she asked.

“Not at the moment Raven, but thank you. However, I've not seen Bardac all day. Knowing him, he's probably in the kitchen.” replied Luna. “That's if he hasn't already picked them clean.”

“He better keep his hooves off my special supply,” grumbled Celestia, looking down at the floor as though she could see the kitchen a few floors below.

“I'm sure your cakes are safe,” chuckled Luna, “My word Celestia, and you wonder why Bardac is so protective over his mead.”

Celestia just scoffed, looking away with her cheeks puffed out. That is until she heard a tiny giggle. “I just, really like cake,” she muttered sheepishly. “Okay... I love cake.”

“Your highness,” said Raven, placing her tiny hoof on Celestia's much larger one. “Gonna steal your cake.” Then disappeared in a bright flash.

Luna's cheeks puffed out, holding back the intense laugh building in her throat. The look she saw on Celestia's face was utterly priceless before the white alicorn disappeared in a golden flash. Composing herself, Luna finally managed to exhale. “Well, that happened,” she giggled to herself. “I forgot what a prankster that little pony is.”

Even with the strange storm raging outside, Luna continued down the hallways with a renewed spring in her step. Eventually winding up in the entrance hall where she was greeted by a high speed blur of pink.

“Princess Luna!” squealed Pinkie Pie, hugging the alicorn around the chest before letting go with her trademark smile.

“Good afternoon Pinkie Pie,” coughed Luna, giving her chest a small rub. “Are you here for the demonstration later?”

“Mhm!” hummed Pinkie Pie, hopping down the stairs to the group of five waiting at the bottom.

“I must admit, I did not expect to see all of you here,” said Luna, casting her eye mostly over Fluttershy and Rarity.

“Well, while I agree we didn't meet Bardac under the best of occasions, I do believe in second chances,” said Rarity with a slight cough.

Fluttershy gave a nod in agreement. “Applejack told us that he's actually really nice once you get to know him,” she said.

“I usually ain't too bad at judgin' character,” chuckled Applejack. “Once you figure out how to get on with somepony, it's pretty easy.”

With a rustle of her wings, Rainbow Dash grumbled loudly, “I can't believe you made me walk all the way here. You know I can fly through these storms! Kinda...”

Twilight just shook her head and ignored Rainbow Dash's grumbling for now. “It didn't take much convincing,” she said, though before it slipped her mind, added. “I've also had a reply from Cadence and Shining Armor. Besides the one sighting, there doesn't seem to be any more. They've increased the number of patrols around the Empire, just in case.”

“That is much needed news, thank you Twilight,” Luna said with a grateful sigh.

“However...” muttered Twilight, hesitating just a little. “They do want to meet Bardac. Sooner, rather than later. They'd like to know more about this Dremora.”

“He should like that,” said Applejack, looking up at Luna. “Bein' as cold as it is up there he'll be right at home I reckon.”

Looking over to Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash said, “Remember when we found him in Ponyville? Wonder how he's handling the heat now.”

“Oh oh! Rarity should make him some summer clothes!” squealed Pinkie Pie, bouncing around the hesitant seamstress. “Wait, does that mean he's been wearing the same clothes since he got here? Eww!”

Luna chuckled quietly, “My ponies. I'm sure Bardac will be thrilled to know you've got his health at heart. Oh, while we are on the subject of health. Fluttershy, how is Discord doing?”

Fluttershy looked up with a smile. “Discord's doing well. His eye's still quite bruised,” she replied. “Though... he's not too happy.”

“I can't say I'm too surprised. Discord can hold grudges for quite a few thousand years,” murmured Luna, shaking her head slowly. “You ponies know that first hoof.”

“Don't we know it,” groaned Rainbow Dash. “We did ask him if he wanted to join us today, but surprise surprise he didn't wanna come. I can't count the amount of black eyes I got as a filly.”

“But don't forget my dear,” sighed Rarity. “When we fought Discord in the maze. Nothing affected him except the elements. I don't think I've seen Discord with so much as a scratch before.”

“Y'all gonna have a hard time hurtin' somepony who can take their head off when ever they want,” added Applejack with a shiver. “Gives me the creeps every time.”

“You get used to it,” giggled Fluttershy. “Just never ask him for a helping hoof.”

Luna groaned loudly, “Yes... I've fallen foul of that particular habit of his. Amusing at first but the tenth time a hoof goes sailing across the room? Not so much.”

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie became enthralled with something going on outside. “Ooh... pretty,” she sighed out. “What're they doing out there?”

The group joined Pinkie by the window, gazing out at a beautiful golden sheet glowing above the training ground. Slowly, the sheet started to mould itself into a deep bowl before slowly lowering to the ground. Wide enough to encircle the largest sparring circle as well as space for a substantial crowd, just in case.

“That must be Celestia's shield over the training grounds. To keep the rain off and if needed, enclose the ring, as we're somewhat unsure of what Bardac will be summoning exactly. Better to have a controlled environment,” said Luna.

While on the outside Twilight appeared calm, inside she was as giddy as a filly on her birthday party. “Shall we head over? Make sure we have a good view,” she asked, glancing up at Luna though unable to hide the wide smile growing on her lips.

“We still have an hour before it's due to start. But I don't see why not,” replied Luna. “Though, we'll take the long way round, much drier. Follow me please.”

As they made their way through the castle, Rarity noticed something about the guards that they passed. “Princess Luna,” she said quizzically. “What are those scrolls the guards are carrying and why do the unicorns not have them?”

Looking over her shoulder, Luna replied, “Those are spell scrolls. Crafted by Bardac for the earth ponies and pegasi to use. I'm sure Twilight's already told you about this, dremora creature that was sighted in the mountains north of the Crystal Empire. Bardac mentioned that they are extremely vulnerable to magic, so those scrolls are to protect the guards who cannot cast their own magic.”

“That was mighty thoughtful of him,” chuckled Applejack, “Can't rightly say I'm worried though. If magic hurts them, Equestria ain't the place to be to cause trouble.”

“Equestria does have many powerful ponies protecting us,” said Fluttershy, smiling softly. “Earth ponies, pegasi, unicorns and alicorns alike.”

“Most definitely,” said Rarity, “Though I'd hate to sell us short. We've certainly had our fair share of adventures to help Equestria.”

Pinkie Pie, who was hopping in front of Rainbow Dash stopped suddenly, causing a backlog in the narrow side corridor they turned down. “Oh no! My scrap book! I haven't written in it since our adventure with the breezies!” she gasped.

“Pinkie!” groaned Rainbow Dash, rubbing her nose after coming to a sudden stop. “You got an anvil in that tail?”

“Whoops, sorry Dashie,” giggled Pinkie Pie.

Chuckling quietly, Luna opened the door at the end of the corridor. After climbing a steep set of concrete stairs and through another door, they arrived at the training ground. With a quick dash underneath the shield, the seven ponies took their spots around the edge of the sparring circle.

“My ponies!” Celestia called over, waving slowly with her wing before trotting over to them. “I am so pleased you all managed to come. I must apologize about the weather. We're still trying to figure out how to clear this storm.”

Rainbow Dash looked up at the clouds swirling overhead, the rain trickling down the edges of Celestia's golden dome. “There's nothing normal about that storm,” she grumbled, rustling her wings. “I can feel it in my feathers. It's only over Canterlot.”

“It's a beautiful, sunny day in Ponyville,” added Fluttershy, looking up at the storm as well. “Could it be magical?”

“I don't think so,” answered Twilight, scratching at her chin with her wing. “Far as I'm aware there are no spells that can alter the weather. Besides the magic Celestia and Luna use.”

“Quite correct, Twilight,” said Celestia, smiling. “That is precisely why the pegasi control the weather. They are the only ones that can manipulate it.”

“Anypony else thinkin' it's a little strange it's only been blastin' lightning down into the forest?” asked Applejack, watching a few strikes flash off in the distance while the low rumble of thunder echoed above them. “The storm's all over Canterlot, but it's only been fryin' the forest.”

“That one hit the spire,” said Rarity, pointing up at the lightning rod upon the highest tower of Canterlot Castle. “Wait...” squinting her eyes, Rarity was sure she saw something hanging onto the rod before the strike. What ever it was, wasn't there now. “I must be imagining things.”

“You okay Rarity?” asked Pinkie Pie, hopping over to her friend. “What'cha looking at?”

“It's... nothing, don't worry about it Pinkie,” answered Rarity with a hesitant smile, turning away from the spire to take her mind off it. “So! How many are we expecting today?”

Celestia hummed to herself, tapping her chin thoughtfully. “The captains of the pegasi, unicorn and earth ponies should be here soon. Plus the guards who are not on duty or on patrol... any servants who wish to come too are welcome as well. So, perhaps twenty or so? At least.” she said.

“Shall we offer something to the guards who are on duty? A condolence for not being able to attend?” suggested Luna. “Only seems right.”

“A marvellous idea Luna,” beamed Celestia, laying her wing over Luna's back. “Oh! Here comes Light Flight.”

Skidding to a halt on the sodden stone, Light Flight landed in front of the group and after sharing a strong wing-shake with Rainbow Dash, asked, “Which bright spark at Cloudsdale decided to flip the insanity switch?”

“Ain't it dangerous to be flyin' in this weather?” asked Applejack, “Ain't you worried bout fryin' a wing?”

“Guard secret I'm afraid. One Dash here's been trying to get outta me for years,” smirked Light Flight. “Still ain't cracked me yet.”

“Still as tight lipped as ever,” groaned Rainbow Dash, though she was smirking just as wide. “I'm gonna outfly you one of these days!”

“But we all know you're the fastest flyer in all of Equestria, how can Light Flight outfly you?” asked Pinkie Pie, tilting her head in confusion.

“Ever seen the way a wasp flies?” replied Rainbow Dash. “That's how this pile of feathers is in the air. I might be the fastest, but this pegasus can fly rings around me. I ain't got nothing on her agility.”

Light Flight's chest puffed up with pride. “And don't you forget it!” she said.

Just then, a small pop echoed nearby. A tiny, snow white unicorn approached them. She didn't speak, instead she found herself a spot on the edge of the sparring circle and sat down with a huff.

“Who is that?” asked Fluttershy quietly, tilting her head. “What is a little fi—”

“That's Raven, captain of the unicorns!” bellowed a thunderous voice from behind them. A truly colossal, dark blue earth pony made his way over. He stood taller than even Celestia. Though leaning down to Fluttershy, said in a whisper. “Don't call her a filly. Trust me.”

Craning her neck to get a good view of the colossal pony, Applejack whistled quietly, “That stallion makes Big Mac look like a colt.”

“That's Stampede, captain of the earth ponies,” replied Twilight, “With a hide so tough not even a manticore can bite through it.”

“Don't you be listening to rumours, young ones,” smirked Stampede. Clearly his hearing was better than the two small nubs that once were ears implied. His cutie mark that of a simple fibre of muscle.

“Raven, Light Flight, Stampede. Thank you all for coming,” said Celestia with a smile. As she looked around, guards and servants alike started to fill the grounds. “I believe it's almost time to start. Has anypony seen Bardac?”

“If he's like what you described, Princess,” said Stampede, looking around curiously, “I doubt he'd be that difficult to miss. Didn't you say he hasn't got the best sense of direction once?”

Light Flight groaned, rubbing her hoof on her forehead. “Oh please don't tell me he's wandering around the castle trying to find this place.”

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie giggled loudly, glancing at one another. They've experienced Bardac's distinct lack of direction first hoof. “He usually turns up when you least expect it,” snickered Pinkie Pie. “He'll be here. I feel it in my... my...” Pinkie Pie froze, then, her entire body shuddered violently before she started to itch at her knees.

“Oh that ain't good,” gulped Applejack, looking around for what might of caused it. “Body shudder plus pinchy knees? I ain't seen that combo before.”

“G... girls?” gasped Fluttershy, pointing to the other end of the training grounds. In the distance were three creatures walking their way. Two immense beings of pure ice, flanking a single creature in the middle, which seemed to be leaning on them for support.

“Sweet Celestia...” whispered Twilight. “Well, he... certainly knows how to make an entrance. Wait, is he limping?”

Pinkie Pie let out a whimper, on one hoof she wanted to get to Bardac. But on the other, something was holding her back. “Not good not good not good,” she said over and over again.

“My dear,” said Celestia, looking down at Pinkie in concern. “What is wrong?” Though, when she looked back up towards Bardac, something felt... off.

Not a word was uttered as Bardac approached. The air swirled violently around him, armour smeared in a thick, red liquid that not even the rain could shift. His sword and shield, still drawn, dripped with the same thick liquid. A huge split ran down the face of his helmet from top right to bottom left, his breastplate cracked and torn open with numerous puncture holes while the knuckles of his gauntlets had been torn off completely, blood slowly oozing out of the exposed skin.

“Wait here,” commanded Celestia, slowly approaching Bardac. As she drew close, the two beings of ice stared down at her. “What on Equus happened to you?” she asked.

Bardac didn't reply instantly, instead his gaze rose to the storm above them. With a sharp inhale of breath, Bardac bellowed, “Lok Vah Koor!” A blast of pure energy erupted from Bardac's mouth, as well as a shower of blood. The storm that'd raged all day disappeared in mere seconds.

“I should of known,” muttered Light Flight, glancing up at the bright sun that now burned above them. “Wait, don't tell me it was him that created the storm too! Why would he do that?”

“I'll bet a few bits on that,” said Stampede, eyeing Bardac closely. “Either he's been rolling in paint. Or that's a barn full of blood he's got covering him as well.”

The guards and servants were stood stock still, all eyes upon Bardac, Celestia and the other two creatures. Not a sound was uttered from the crowd. More eyes were upon the constructs of ice, rather than Bardac himself.

“Fluttershy, call me crazy, but don't that look like a cragadile bite? Only... bigger?” asked Applejack, eyeing the marks on the armour.

Fluttershy responded only with a silent nod.

Getting up from where she sat, Raven walked over, getting as close as she could while still being able to see him. “In the forest, that was you,” she said, pointing at Bardac's boots. “I remember the tracks.”

Bardac gave a slow nod of his head. Between his fingers, soft sparks of orange fizzled and popped, barely a glow could be seen. “Celestia,” he finally whispered. His voice strained, if it wasn't for the two ice beasts, he would have fallen long ago. “We need to have a small talk.”

“Can it wait? You're barely able to stand, let alone talk,” sighed Twilight, “I've got half a mind to teleport you to Canterlot General right now.” Then she noticed the faint glow surrounding Bardac's fingers. “You're almost out of magic, aren't you.”

With a low chuckle, Bardac grasped his helmet and slowly pulled it off. Blood poured from the neck as he dropped it to the ground. That gash that split his helmet had nearly done the same to his face. A horrendous, jagged slice marred his skin, his nose split nearly in two while thick, red welts started to swell on his throat. His magic had all but halted the flow of blood and started to stitch together the wound, one minute piece of flesh at a time.

It was then that Celestia realised that the only blood that wasn't Bardac's was slowly dripping off his sword and shield. Turning to Luna, she said. “Get a medic here as soon as possible. Raven, if you please.”

With a soothing white glow from her horn, Raven enclosed Bardac's hand in a white bubble, adding her own healing spell. “This'll help,” said Raven. The wound was deep and her lack of knowledge about Bardac's anatomy only made it harder.

“What in tartarus did that to him,” muttered Light Flight, looking over to Twilight. “Didn't you say he destroyed an entire swarm of tatzlwurms with a single spell?”

Giving a nod, Twilight replied, “Tatzlwurms, diamond dogs, dragons, cragadiles. Barely a scratch. What ever it was he fought was strong... impossibly so.”

“Bet you he's got a few broken ribs under that armour too,” said Stampede, glancing over at Luna. “Princess, orders?”

“None, for now. While we can't keep the news from spreading, I'd like to try and keep this as quiet as possible,” said Luna, her horn pulsing three times. “No need to cause unnecessary panic.”

“I think it's a little late for that, Princess Luna,” said Rainbow Dash before flying off into an open window in a nearby tower, returning a few seconds later with a stool grasped in her hooves which she put behind Bardac. “C'mon buddy. Sit down will you?”

The moment Bardac sat down, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie ran over. “Can we do anything to help?” asked Fluttershy quietly. “Does it hurt?”

“Everything is... a little numb,” murmured Bardac, holding out his hands and destroyed gauntlets. “Pull these off for me, please.” Uttering a sharp whistle, Bardac looked over at the two ice beasts, gesturing to the middle of the sparring circle. The two lumbering beasts slowly stomped their way to the centre. “Frost Atronachs. Have the guards study them closely.”

“Is that even possible?” asked Rarity, raising her eyebrow ever so slightly. “Do... you even realise how bad you're hurt?”

Light Flight just shook her head, muttering, “Sustain enough damage and everything just goes numb.” Glancing over to Stampede, she added. “Kinda like sparring with this bull of a pony.”

Flexing his fingers, all Bardac could do was let out a silent hiss as the medic pony that just arrived started to pour a vast quantity of freezing cold liquid over his knuckles to wash away the dried blood. “It's just saline” sighed the medic, holding Bardac's fingers up to her eyes. “You're lucky, any more and you'll be seeing bone.”

With help from Rarity, Applejack and Rainbow Dash, Twilight started to slowly unclasp Bardac's breastplate, remembering how it was done back in Sugar Cube Corner. Piece by piece, the four managed to peel off the shattered metal, exposing the extensive bruising on his chest and deep punctures in Bardac's skin. “Bardac, what did this to you?” she asked quietly.

A thunderous, ground shaking roar in the distance answered her question.