“Espirit, as recognition for your aid in defeating Celestia, I hereby grant you the crystal heart,” Clearpond said as she gently put the small imitation crystal heart against the zebra's chest.

The battle had been won and the tribe routed. Though it hadn't been an easy fight and now hundreds were dead, possibly thousands. But Celestia had fallen, her power returned to the land and the tribes sufficiently disciplined so they would never bother the ponies again. Or at least, not for a long while.

Since then there had been a whirlwind of activity. She, Steelhorn, Silverwing and Ganry were being hailed as heroes and she was adoring the extra attention. The whole trip home ponies had been pulling her aside, asking how it had happened, what she had done, could they carry her bags, did she want any of their rations, could they tell her again. She'd been as polite as she could and refused to let anypony carry her supplies, though she couldn't deny trying an occasional pastry or two. The ponies offered, it would have been rude to refuse.

Best of all, ponies were pointing her out, talking about how amazing she'd been. Well, how amazing they'd all been. Despite her youth, she was getting respect and being seen as more than just a child adventuring with adults. She was a hero in her own right. Now was the crowning moment. They had come back to the city and she and the other three had been pulled aside and brought to an award ceremony. All those who fought were being honored. But they, along with a few others, were being singled out and recognized for what they had done.

“Espirit, Ganry, Silvering and Steelhorn, You four are recognized for your bravery when Celestia drove through our forces. Taking on the princess could not have been easy, but your efforts kept her from attacking and destroying our back line. For that, all of Crystalopolis thanks you.”

The zebra glowed with pride, her mouth in a wide grin as she watched the proceedings. She was a recognized hero, if only her father could see her now. It didn't matter if he was a mare now. She was a hero. A true hero.

Finally, the time came and the recognized ponies turned to the crowd and bowed. Ponies yelled and hollered, stomping their hooves. In the back, a few dragons stood tall over the crowd, flapping their wings gently.

Next came the party and it was beyond anything she'd ever imagined. She was practically dragged from stall to stall, ponies calling out to her constantly and trying to get her story, her name, even the right to touch her hoof. The occasional squeals of glee were lost in the crowd. She quickly decided the pain and fear in facing Celestia had been entirely worth this. There were even little action figures of her. Sold right along those of the ancient warriors of the sun. She was even given a full set, free of charge. Then there was the food. Sweets that melted on the tongue and sent spikes of pleasure through her body. It was all she could do to keep from being overloaded by everything.

By the time she returned to the company house her stomach felt so bloated she wanted to roll inside. Her head was pounding from all the fireworks and yelling. Her muscles had it worse of all, though. Having to carry all her new treats was taking its toll on her back. All she wanted to do was crawl into bed and let the excitement of the day trail off, before she went back out tomorrow.

Clearpond was waiting in the main room for her. “Ah, I was hoping you'd show up soon. Espirit, we need to talk.”

“W-what?” She gulped nervously. “Am I in trouble? I--”

“No,” the pegasus said, holding up a wing. “I've already spoken with Silverwing and I will be talking with Ganry and Steelhorn when they return. This is about something else. You may drop off your things if you like, but then meet me in my room.”

The young mare trotted to the room she still shared with Steelhorn and put her things away, before galloping back out and up the stairs to Clearpond's room. She waited outside the door for a few seconds to compose herself, before reaching out to knock.

“Come in!” the white mage's voice rang out before she touched the door.

Espirit took a deep, calming breath before pushing the door open. She stepped inside and gasped. The room was nothing like she'd imagined. There wasn't a single medal of honor anywhere in the room. There were a few pieces of furniture, a lot of little trees and a makeshift little pond.

“Please, have a seat. Would you like some tea?” Clearpond asked before motioning down to a small tea pot and cup on a small table. The pegasus was sitting on one of the many large chairs surrounding it.

Espirit shook her head and sat in the chair opposite her. “No, I'm fine,” she mumbled softly. “Did we do something wrong?”

“Of course not, child,” the pegasus said as she looked her up and down. “I must admit, you're far stronger than I gave you credit for.”

“W-what? No! I was just lucky, that's all! The others were there to help and I--”

“You all worked hard to defeat her, of that there is no doubt.” She paused. “It was my own foalishness that led to you having to fight her. Steelhorn and Silverwing had their wings to take them across the battle quickly. I, unfortunately, did not. My wings were damaged and by the time I was able to get up and fight again, I had lost track of the princess in the battle. Had you not been there, the others may have very well been unsupported and perished.” The pegasus poured a cup of tea and offered it.

Espirit nodded before slowly taking the cup of tree and sipping it. She looked up at the pegasus. “Thank you. I... had to though. I could feel it. The way her magic... the corruption in the land. It was so strong it made me sick.”

“Indeed? Tell me more,” Clearpond said before sipping her tea.

“Well... that's it, really. When she got closer, it all felt so weird. Like the land was calling out for me to save it. Like she was poisoning everything around her.”

Clearpond nodded. “That is common. When these creatures are made, they get stronger by absorbing the offered belief and feelings from their followers, as well as the magic from the earth. Normally. The land doesn't like it. However, I am sorry to say, this time Celestia was... well...”

“She was weaker, wasn't she?” Espirit asked softly.

Clearpond nodded. “Indeed. I do not mean to dampen your spirit or take your accomplishment from you. What the four of you did was magnificent. But you must not allow it to go to your head. This incarnation was powerful, but not as powerful as her last.” She paused for a moment. “However, during her last incarnation there were ten of us to face her. The fact the four of you managed to defeat her is something you should take great pride in.”

Espirit nodded. “Thank you. She was... terrifying. But it was also... it felt so weird. I mean, bad. She felt so... horrible. Like my stomach was twisting up, the way she tormented the aether in the world. As if she was doing it to me.”

The pegasus gently reached out and patted her hoof. “Indeed. Many conjurers feel that way. When the world is corrupted and different, it can make them ill. Depending on how bad the damage is. Did you feel it back home as well?”

“No. But I lived in Canterlot. The land there was so pure and clean, there wasn't any corruption. Well, there was a little.”

“Of course. But with so many conjurers, Canterlot tends to keep it under control. I do believe the feelings will pass. I'm sure you can feel the corruption in the lands around here as well, can you not? Do they make you sick?”

“No. A little unease but they don't... it's like they flow. Constantly being corrupted but also being cleansed.”

She nodded. “Crystalopolis is the center of magical research in Equestria. Where the arcanists and thaumaturge gather in order to practice their magic and learn new kinds. The crystal heart is constantly working to keep the damage from being too severe, but such magic always has an effect on the land.”

“Why do they do it then?” Espirit asked softly. “Why do they have to use such magics if they're so damaging? Why can't they just use conjury? We don't need them to do all this, do we?”

“We do,” the white mage said with a smile. “You're still young and have only seen a part of the threats we face, but you've seen a great one. Celestia. Such great enemies must be defeated and sometimes that requires great magic.” She paused for a moment and looked out the window. “It's said, long ago in the times when Celestia and her sister ruled, the magic we used was different. It was weaker, but more in tune with nature. That it all came from within us and wasn't drawn from the earth like we do these days.”

“Why can't it be like that now?”

“Because times change and we must defend ourselves. These new magics aren't just for us to use, the centaurs and tribes have them. Perhaps one day we will have true peace and we won't need these magics anymore.” She paused before looking the young mare in the eyes. “But don't misjudge these magics either. They damage and hurt the land. But they don't kill it. It's a fair sacrifice.”

“W-what? How is that fair? The world--”

“Cares for us,” Clearpond said before picking up her tea and softly taking a sip. “It nurtures us, feeds us, protects us. We do what we can to heal it, but sometimes we must draw what's needed to protect and help ourselves. The world understands and accepts the pain so long as its children still survive.” She paused again. “Perhaps one day there will be no need for this. Should the alicorns ever return. Truly return as caring, kind ponies who protect the races, there will be no need for us to draw from the land. For now, however, we must use what we can and be thankful for the opportunities it allows us.”

Espirit nodded. “I... I guess.”

Clearpond nodded before leaning back in her chair. “You are still young, I'm sure this must be hard for you to grasp. But there is no such thing as pure good or bad. The world is filled with mixes, even amongst the evilest types. Sometimes sacrifices must be made in order for good to thrive.”

“Okay,” the zebra said, her eyes lowering. “Is... that everything? Can I go now?”

“No. That's not actually what I wanted to speak with you about. It's been a long, long time since Celestia has risen. Unfortunately, with the centaurs waging their war to the north, there has been very little for ponies to celebrate as of late. The quick defeat of the princess, however, is something everypony can be excited about. I've already received requests for you to attend quite a few celebrations as well as to visit both Cloudsdale and Canterlot. The full cities as well as tours through the lands. All four of you.”

Espirit's eyes widened. “W-what?”

“Many ponies wish to see the ponies and griffon who managed to defeat a god. There are some who even call you warriors of the sun.”

The zebra flushed. “But... you helped defeat her too, didn't you? Long ago? Shouldn't--”

“The glory fades,” Clearpond said with a smile. “You will always be remembered, but ponies won't always see you as their newest hope. But now, with your fresh success, it will bring much joy to ponies and happiness to see their new heroes. Peace of mind. Will you come?”

“O-of course!” Espirit nodded her head rapidly. “It really means that much to ponies?”

“Indeed. Never underestimate just how much morale can mean.”

Espirit nodded, a grin on her lips. To think all those ponies would be lining up and wanting to see her. Her of all ponies. “Which would be first?”

“Cloudsdale. We will be traveling through their lands first. They were chosen due to the fact two of our newest heroes originate from those lands. I do hope that is acceptable?”

“T-that's fine. More than fine. Is that everything?”

“Indeed. You may leave if you please.”

Espirit nodded and turned to walk out, before stopping. “Oh. Ummm, miss Clearpond? Can I ask you a question?”

“Yes, child? What about?”

“Well, errr, it's about my debt to the company. I was wondering how much--”

“It has already been stripped from you. Your accomplishments have more than earned payment for it.” She paused. “A room should be prepared for you shortly if you so wish, otherwise you can stay with Steelhorn and Ganry if you desire.”

“I'd rather get my own room. Thank you.”

“It will be ready by the time you return.”

“Will you be coming with us?”

The pegasus gave out another soft sigh. “I am afraid not. As much as I would like to, the damages and loss of life from the battle were extremely severe. There is much work that must be done to keep the company afloat.”

Espirit's eyes widened. “Is that why you want us to go? Is it... is it helping keeping the company going?”

“Indeed.”

The zebra nodded and gave a smile. “Then I will do everything I can to make sure I don't let you ponies down. Thank you! Bye!” She galloped off before the pegasus could respond.