Chapter Three: Votum.

Colton Mansion: Year 2030

Colton Mansion had once belonged to the mayor of Colton. While the war on humanity had been Solamina’s priority, he and his staff left to help the cause in various ways. This left the mansion to be used briefly as a recruiting/training facility for the newest soldiers of Equestria. The building’s tunnel like corridors wore the marks of miss-thrown spears and unmanaged spells with pride. The more serious damage had been patched up at the time but only to a certain point. What had once housed a member of the upper class and positively shined with the most fabulous of decores now clattered and clanged with the sound of marching armour.

Nopony ever found out what happened to the mayor of Colton City. He was presumed dead, if not from the first war then by the war they were currently in. Some would say calling it a war would be too much. More like a minefield. Ponies from all walks of life had to be careful where they tread for fear of Lucifer’s armies.

Blueblood watched Impish Laugh carefully. Whichever pony teleported this stallion in must have done so with reason (if that was how he got in here).

“You can help me?” Blueblood asked, puzzled at the pony who was inspecting the map.

“Yes,” the cheery Laugh replied. “You said you needed something and I know the perfect something.”

“Oh really?”

“Answer me something.”

“Pardon.”

Impish Laugh nodded. “A simple question.”

Blueblood eyes narrowed on Laugh. “Your help is a question for me?“ As Blueblood moved back around to the study door and unlocked it, he kept a close eye on Impish Laugh’s expression. The stallion’s smile looked tired, worn down from what probably was a wider, brighter smile.

“Just a small question and I’ll set about to helping you,” Laugh noted.

Blueblood walked back over, making sure that he kept the door open somewhat. In these times, you could always use an easier exit.

“What do you think the Humans are doing?”

The Prince turned cold and stopped. All Solaminan soldiers had been pulled back from Earth once Lucifer declared war on the empire. If he had to hazard a guess, they would be at peace. No war to worry about. They would have rebuilt at least a portion of what they had. From the reports that Blueblood had read, many Equestrians stayed in Britain. Maybe if they found out their home was being attacked...no. Why would they come home to more war.

“Sorry, one more question,“ Impish Laugh chimed in. “How happy would they be if you gave them dear Solamina?”

The wheels in Blueblood’s brain were overheating. Was Laugh suggesting to ask the Humans for help? It was an idea, perhaps that same magic that kept the barrier from advancing would be effective against Lucifer and his armies.

Solamina’s war devastated the Humans, almost to the point of extinction. They probably would love the chance to get revenge.

Blueblood’s horn began to glow as Impish Laugh began to float towards him, seemingly unfazed. The guest was brought face to face with the burning anger that now consumed Blueblood.

“Are you suggesting I give them Solamina in exchange for help?” Blueblood’s was struggling to get his voice at a restrained level.

“Think it through your highness.” Seeing Blueblood’s piercing gaze, Impish Laugh dropped the smile. “The Empress had a choice, give up the soul of an already departed Converted or wage war on a being she knew nothing about.”

Blueblood let Laugh float back onto the ground and he continued.

“She chose the latter and now we are growing nearer to extinction. One more question.”

“All you seem to do is ask questions,” Blueblood growled.

“Why don’t you refer to her as your aunt anymore?”

The Prince fell silent.

“I’ve checked around. You don’t refer to her as your aunt even when talking to your closest advisers. I’ll tell you why. Celestia died the moment she became Solamina. Surely, even you could see that she manipulated news and ponies to her advantage.”

Blueblood thought back to before Lucifer. He thought back to the last war, to when their enemy was far more cemented in an earthly realm. Converted were arriving every day to Equestria and he had spoken to them. They were less ponies as they were possessed husks that looked like ponies. All they could talk about was how great it was to be a pony, not a single one Blueblood had talked to actually seemed to like anything about their previous lives.

“Still awake?”

Blueblood nodded and gestured towards the fine chair by the fire. His mind was still cast back to earlier days.

Impish Laugh took his seat. “I didn’t say my help would make things easier.”

Blueblood held up a hoof. “Easy wouldn’t have been real,” he sighed. “Would Humans know anything about Lucifer?”

Laugh chuckled. “He is apart of their culture as well. Their ultimate evil, so to speak.”

Blueblood’s eyes lit up. “Then they may have something to use against him.”

“If only you could get there,” Laugh mocked.

The Prince stomped his hoof down on the floor and made his way out of the study.

The longer he walked down the corridors, peering into each room in search of his most trusted friend, the faster his pace got. Prince Blueblood had a plan now and he was damn sure he was gonna see it through.

The Humans had had time to rest, surely they would have supplies that Equestria could use to mend itself while taking down Lucifer. All Blueblood had to do was give them Solamina. Everytime he ran the image of the Empress bound in chains and being trotted to her death by a line of human rifles though a chill went down his body.

****

Colton Mansion: Guard’s Office.

Lieutenant Colonel Fancy Pants was looking over the guard schedules. His office was his one room apartment. He ate, breathed and slept military operations these days. Ten years ago the office was the very definition of neat and functional. Ten years ago. Looking around, Fancy Pants could definitely say that the room was functional. The little supplies that Fancy kept in that room were scattered around in draws and half broken cupboards.

After the council had been dissolved, he and a few lower ranking guards were assigned to Prince Blueblood but they had very rarely gotten newer guards to fill in the places of those that were slaughtered by Lucifer’s armies. As the days went on, the guards spoke more with fear in their voices. It was understandable, they were civilians before Lucifer arrived so were no where near as used to fighting as Fancy had become.

Fancy Pants had taken to giving them morality speeches about how it was their right as ponies of Equestria to strike down Lucifer’s armies. That seemed to shake the fear off for a while. Fancy couldn’t help but admire the fact that even despite the higher level danger in this war (and that was saying something) and despite the fear that the guards shared, they never doubted Solamina’s campaign. True soldiers through and through.

Lambs to the slaughter.

Perhaps a change of schedule might of helped the guards gets some much needed rest, as well as keep Fancy’s mind off the nagging feelings he had been getting.

“Why is this war still going?” he thought to himself. Prince Blueblood had been one of the few ponies to know why the war had started. When he had finally told Fancy Pants, the answer didn’t ease his mind.

Blueblood took a deep breath and sighed before turning to Fancy Pants.

“I was just curious your Highness. I meant nothing by it,” Fancy said.

Blueblood held up a hoof. “It is fine. You have the right to know.” He brought his voice down to a whisper. “What I am about to share with you must not be shared with anypony else though. Can I count on you for that?”

“Of course,” Fancy Pants replied, bringing his voice to a whisper also.

“Thank you,” Blueblood began. “Two years ago, a converted named Hell Blazer was killed. According to Lucifer, while the pony was human, Hell Blazer sold his soul to him and now that it is shattered Lucifer wants it back but Solamina refused to give it up after the stallion died. It led to the war we are now in.”

Fancy Pants turned pale. “Forgive me Blueblood but that doesn’t make sense. That couldn’t be how all this started. A single departed soul? There has to be more to it.”

“It doesn’t make sense, you are right about that, but that is the truth of the situation.”

Fancy Pants stood there stunned. He could hear some of the guards approaching and would probably need to speak with him.

“Thank you Prince Blueblood,” he said bowing,

Blueblood turned away sombrely. “There’s no need to thank me.”

Fancy Pants had tried to look at it in a different way but it didn’t make any more sense as the war continued. All over a single soul? He shut his eyes and shook his head, trying to focus back onto the work at hoof.

“Frustrating isn’t it?” came a new voice.

When Fancy opened his eyes again, they were met with the image of a light brown pony who was close enough to Fancy that he could see himself reflected in the visitors red eyes.

Fancy Pants swiftly grabbed a spear from under his desk and pointed it at the smiling chap’s thought. “Who are you?”

“Impish Laugh, lord of disliking spears.”

“What are you doing in my office?”

“I wanted to ask you something, or has that become punishable by death? Considering I’ve asked you three questions, I take it that means I’m extra dead?”

Fancy Pants lowered the spear. The last thing he wanted was an unneeded casualty.

“Not a very fancy spear, you rarely live up to your name these days.” Laugh chuckled.

“Please just tell me who you are and ask your question,” Fancy said, already feeling annoyed by this Impish Laugh.

“I’m just a pony trying to do their part in this mad world. I just wish Solamina was another of those who shared my sentiment.”

Fancy was about to levitate the spear once more when Laugh asked his question.

“What do you know of Hell Blazer’s soul?”

The Lieutenant froze. How did he know?

Laugh grimaced. “From the looks of it, you know why the war started. That makes my job a lot easier. By the way things are going, Soly’s hold on ponies like you is loosening.”

“What are you talking about?” Fancy said angrily. “I have always been loyal to Solamina and Equestria.”

“Two very different things I can assure you Fancy Pants.”

Two guards appeared in the doorway, having rushed to office when they heard the anger in Fancy’s voice. Their own spears were aimed squarely at Impish Laugh’s head.

“Do you need help sir?” one asked.

“Why is everypony so spear happy today?” Laugh replied.

“It’s fine,” Fancy Pants said, ignoring Laugh’s comment. “Our guest and I were just discussing something. Please, return to your patrols.”

The guards shared a brief glance before moving along, looking back towards Fancy Pants for as long as they could.

“You can’t say that you are fully happy with fighting for such a petty cause,” Laugh continued. “I would maybe understand if Hell Blazer was still alive but he is dead. Blown up. Deader than dead actually. I think the word ‘deaded’ might be good. What do you think?”

“...Solamina does everything for the good of Equestria,” Fancy said, the confidence of his own words failing him.

Laugh raised an eyebrow. “It must be awfully nice to live in ignorance.”

“How dare you-”

“-Calm down. I know you fight for Equestria. I’ve told Prince Blueblood of a way to help end the conflict. He’ll probably ask for your assistance.”

Prince Blueblood!

Without hesitation, Fancy Pants ran out of his office in search of his friend. If this “Impish Laugh” had spoken to him there was no telling what was said or what happened. Fancy was almost sure that Laugh was lying about the help but he had to be certain. There couldn’t be any new way to help Equestria. Solamina would have tried it, wouldn’t she?

Still in a rush, he stopped by two onlooking guards. “I want the stallion that was in my office tracked down if he has gotten out. If he is still there than I want you two to keep him there until I get back. Understood?”

They saluted in unison and Fancy Pants was on his way once more.

***

The Prince was still wandering the mansion in search of Fancy Pants. His head was full of “what ifs” about his quest.

What if the Humans are gone?

What if the Humans refuse to help us?

What if we perish on the way?

What if Impish Laugh was tricking him?

Blueblood’s pace had slowed down to a gentle walk. It gave him longer to think. After a few more moments he found himself stood still, looking out of a battered window towards Colton, or what was left of it.

Colton was now more a city for the express purpose of housing and training new recruits into the “war” against Lucifer.

War.

A ridiculous term to give to this situation. This war was essentially two powerfully children fighting over a broken toy. Equestria was suffering for it.

The once bountiful trees that lined the gardens of the mansion were now little more that stumps for soldiers to rest their weapons on. The wood had been needed elsewhere. Children didn’t learn in the school or play in its yard anymore, soldiers practised their strikes inside and out, hoping that every hour they heard the metal clash, every hour that the beads of sweat dripped down their brows would be a new hour of life before they met their ends.

From that high up window, Blueblood could see a few new recruits guarding the front entrance. Both were too young in Blueblood’s eyes. The armour that they were wobbled as it tried desperately to cling to its soldier.

“They should not need new recruits. This war should never have gone on this long,” Blueblood thought to himself.

Then a new batch of “What ifs” came to the Prince’s mind.

What if the Humans agree to help?

What if their help finally ends the war?

What if a new generation can finally be born where there is no war?

Blueblood knew the price that the Humans-

“Are you alright,” came a familiar voice.

Blueblood turned to see an out of breath Fancy Pants, his eyes wide with his military jacket untidy and hanging on by a single button.

“I’ve been looking for you,” Blueblood smiled.

“Likewise”

“I wanted to talk to you about the Humans.“

“...what about them?“ Fancy Pants moved in closer.

“I think we should go and ask them for help.”

Silence fell. The two exchanged glances. Fancy’s first glance was confusion. Blueblood in contrast never looked surer ('looked' being the key word).

The confusion on Fancy's faded away with a nod. “They could know something about Lucifer that we don't,” he said.

“That’s one idea. If they don’t, we could still use the extra power.”

“They won’t help,” Fancy said grimly.

There was a pause. “I'll be leaving as soon as possible,” Blueblood added sternly.

Fancy shook his head. “You mean we. I can't let you go alone.”

“It will be far from easy,” Blueblood said, teasing Fancy Pants.

“What isn't these days. Desperate times call for desperate measures as they say.”

“Yes...which reminds me.” Blueblood paused. “Do you know a pony by the name of Impish Laugh.”

Fancy frowned. “Unfortunately yes.”

“That didn’t take you long,” echoed Laugh's voice down the hall.

Both upper class stallions turned to see the visitor approaching, now carrying a beaten old satchel at his side.

“What do you have there?“ asked Fancy Pants, getting between Impish Laugh and the Prince.

“Oh this old thing? I have a gift for both of you,“ he declared with a spark in his step.

Before Laugh could reach for the satchel Fancy stopped him.

“If you don’t mind, I think I’ll get the gifts Mr Laugh.”

“Mr? That’s a new one. Sure, help yourself.”

Fancy Pants levitated what was in the satchel out. At first Blueblood didn’t know what to make of them. Wrapped in a cloth were two jewels on silver chains. They shone even in the dim halls of the mansion. Something about them made Blueblood feels...at peace. Perhaps carrying these things around was why Impish Laugh seemed so jolly in these times. Blueblood looked over to Fancy Pants, as he watched the jewels float to his side, a glow flashed across his eyes.

“What are these?” asked Blueblood.

“Very important to your mission so don’t lose them,” replied Impish Laugh. “It took me a while to get them. Wear them around your neck on your travels.” He turned to go but then stopped and glared back. “Oh and you better cover them up as well, don’t want old Soly finding out that you have them do we?”

Fancy placed one jewel around his neck. “If they help Equestria I’m sure she’ll-”

“That’s fine. Solamina will have no knowledge of the quest,” Blueblood interrupted, placing the other jewel around his neck. The jewel was lighter than it looked.

“Goody,” Impish Laugh chuckled. “I’ll leave you two to it then. Try not to die.” With that last piece of advice, the grinning stallion took off down the halls.

“Why aren’t we going to tell Solamina?” Fancy asked. “Surely, she would be able to help us in some way.”

Blueblood sighed. “Perhaps back when she was Celestia, nowadays I don’t think so. We will stop this war Fancy Pants.”

“But the empress-”

“Will no longer use ponies like cannon fodder.”

Fancy Pants cringed. His breathing became more erratic. Blueblood approached Fancy but his friend simply held up a hoof as he slowed his breathing down.

“Are you okay?” Blueblood asked.

“They come and go, nothing to worry about.”

“You looked like you were in pain.”

“I’ll survive, they’ve only happened recently, guess I’m overdoing it.” He shook it off. “How shall we get to the Human world anyway? Getting there without Solamina knowing can’t be simple.”

He’d come around to the idea of secrecy quite fast. Blueblood found that curious but decided he’d leave that topic for another time. He had his friend by his side and a quest ahead. Fortunately Blueblood had kept an eye on ponies of interest, ponies who might be able to get them across realms in secret.

Once he met the Humans...who knows. Coming back without some sort of help was not an option for him though. Blueblood would save Equestria, he would end the age of wars that they lived in. No matter the cost. With everything that Solamina had done, the ponies she’d sacrificed, the lives she’d ruined, she didn’t deserve to lead Equestria anymore. The Humans could have her. Maybe then they would help.

****

Canterlot Palace

The walk to the throne room was the longest walk of Golden Shield’s life. The news he had to deliver to the Empress would not be well received. She would be furious and he, the lowly messenger would take the brunt of her fury. This was the last thing Solamina needed. Everypony knew how hard she worked to keep Lucifer and his demons at bay so such news would be a blow to her. Nevertheless, Golden Shield had to tell her. He had to tell Solamina about the theft.

Solamina sat on the throne looking as majestic as she did when she addressed the crowds. She greeted Golden Shield with a nod. Golden gave her a smile in return but it was nervous and shaking.

“Are you okay guard?” she asked as he approached.

The walls of the room were marked with scorches and unfamiliar ooze. Another battle. The other guards who stood in straight lines down the throne room were riddled with scars and a few still had their weapons stained.

“Empress Solamina,” Golden Shield began. “I bring grave news. There has been a theft in one of the vaults.”

Her smile quickly dropped and she trotted towards Golden Shield.

“What was taken?”

“We don’t know the full extent of what was taken as we are still double checking but it looks like the Elements were among them.”

Silence fell in the hall before a stomp of Solamina echoed causing all the guards to flinch. She met the now sweating Golden Shield’s gaze at his level.

“Worry not” she said calmly. “simply tell me everything you do know about the theft.”

Golden gulped. “It was discovered this morning as we placed another relic in there per your wishes. The pony on watch during the night says nothing got by her and there were no signs of forced entry but she became suspicious when she went into with the others and noticed a few things were not exactly where they were supposed to be.”

“A very observant mare.” Solamina grinned. “I’ll see to it that she is rewarded. Are you sure there was nothing else you found that may aid their recovery?”

“I’m sorry but there were no marks in vault or signs of other means of entry. If something stole them they were stealthy.”

Solamina thought for a moment. “I want you to bring me the mare that was on duty as soon as possible.”

Golden Shield saluted and ran for the doors. The message had been passed on and he hadn’t been yelled out. Solamina truly was a gracious Empress.

****

Solamina gestured and two of the guards shut the doors, locking them before making their way back into formation.. For a few moments, she sat their. She didn’t meet any of the guard’s gazes and she didn’t speak. Solamina closed her eyes and thought.

Lucifer?

No. that wouldn’t make sense. If his demons stole the Elements then there would be marks as well as a body count. If Lucifer himself stole them, for what purpose? Solamina hadn’t permitted their use since before the Lucifer war began so he wouldn’t have seen their effects.. For that matter, how would Lucifer had known about them?

Solamina stood strong and addressed her guards. “I want a group of guards whose soul purpose will be to discover and capture the scum that stole my Elements,” she declared. “This group will not rest until the criminals are captured, not a single minute of sleep until the job is done. I want whoever stole the Elements brought to me at once. Lucifer and all of Equestria will know that you do not steal from me. Is this understood?”

In unison, the guards saluted Solamina. “Yes your majesty.”

“One more thing. I want the mare who was on watch last night brought to me immediately for questioning.”

The guards nodded and quickly began to speak with each other about the aforementioned tasks. In no time a few went off while the others got back into position once more.

Now the Elements were gone. Was there another enemy that Solamina had to deal with? The sad thing was what this enemy failed to understand. They failed to understand their true worth. This thief was nothing but that. He/she was not a threat to Solamina, they were a mild annoyance. It just so happened that Solamina was in no mood for minor annoyances, she had a war to win. No thief was going to stop her.

Solamina got up off her throne and headed out of the door. A few of the guards followed her. No thief leaves no mark. She would go into the vault herself and look. Solamina believed that it wasn’t demons, she could even believe that they got by the guard on duty but she couldn’t believe that something could go into her vault and leave without a trace.