Chapter 17: The Tale of Two Friends

My eyes slowly crept open. I must have fainted at some point. Goldie was still there, lying motionless beside me, drying blood pooled beneath her broken body. I, of course, was covered in it as well. My rear left leg still seemed to not want to move and when I tried a gritting, shooting pain swept through my body. My leg had to be broken or nearly broken at least.

The main thing I noticed now as I lay on the cold, stone floor was that I was alone(besides Goldie's body which was perhaps the worst company I could ever imagine). I did manage to pull myself away from Goldie at least. My forehooves still seemed to work with only a few bruises here and there. The cut on my face seemed to have scabbed over so blood no longer would blur my vision. I grabbed my torn saddlebag in my mouth and slung what was left of it on my back, crawling away from the horror scene behind me.

I looked around, I had completely destroyed this section of the ruins. I could just imagine Grit having a heart attack if he saw what I just did. Who know what that room held, ancient writings, hidden treasure, lost knowledge; now we might never know and it was because of me. I was an absolutely horrible archeologist; so much for all those artifact preservation techniques Grit had taught me.

“Ivory!” a familiar, Celestia sent, voice called out.

“Jackpot! I'm over here!” I called as loud as I could which still came out as barely more than a whisper.

It must have been enough though as within seconds Jackpot deftly flew through the fallen stones and debris to where I was laying. I had crawled a good ways from where Goldie was laying so that her body wasn't visible from where we were(a vast improvement if you ask me).

“Where's Goldie?” he asked hastily, not looking carefully enough at me through the dark and dim light given off only by Sparky.

All I did was look up at him and move my hoof so Sparky's light washed over me. I was still covered in her blood, it was all over my hooves and parts of my upper chest and neck. If I looked as horrid as I currently felt then I was probably the ugliest pony on the planet.

Jackpot's eyes widened when he saw the blood and no gashes in me where it all would have come from. All I heard from him was a small, nearly inaudible gasp as he realized what had happened, or at least the general outcome. After his second of realization his eyes shrank back down to being only half open as his face suddenly turned depressed.

“Let's get you out of here.” he said solemnly. He knelt down, slid me onto his back and limped his way back to the entrance to the chamber. Jackpot had been knocked over there by Goldie; that was what must have saved him from the cave-in as the worst of it had been near me and Goldie, Jackpot must have only been hit by a few stray stones at most.

Jackpot had a pathway out. Well it was more like a general direction where a few holes that he had to slide me off to squeeze through made travel slightly less than impossible. We were silent as Jackpot, with me on his back, made our way back out through the underground ruins of Numnah and back into the antechamber. The only thing of note was that the two ponies who had been with Goldie and that Jackpot had knocked out had disappeared. Once we got here Jackpot gently set me down and dropped himself down a few feet from me.

“Where's the helmet and that spear that Goldie was using?” he slowly asked.

“I don't know.” I answered, my own voice low and slow. “The helmet was next to me but when I woke up it was gone. I don't know what happened to the spear.”

“How did Gol...” Jackpot began to ask but couldn't finish.

I didn't want to answer, so I didn't. I looked over at Jackpot's face, it was sunken and tears were in his eyes. I wanted to believe that it was from dust but I knew better now. However messed up it might have been, Jackpot had still known her practically his entire life and they were friends and then...still creepy to think about, even now. I know how bad it feels to lose somepony that you've known for so long and were very close to so I could understand what he was feeling at least somewhat. If only that loss hadn't been caused by the very pony he was now crying for.

I almost wanted to hate him now. Goldie wasn't worth crying for, she was scum, the worst kind of scum, no she was even worse than that. But now, sitting here, after the fact, I still didn't feel much better, if anything I felt worse. Oh merciful Celestia...I had just killed somepony.

I fell over, tears falling from my eyes. I hated Goldie, I hated her with every fiber of my being and I knew that if I hadn't killed her just now then she would have gone on to hurt more people. I did a good thing, I did a just thing...so then why did I feel absolutely abominable. My stomach was twisting and wrenching itself within my body, my brain just wouldn't, or couldn't, keep from forming the image of her dead face staring back at me. She had been practically helpless. All of her legs had been broken, her energy and stamina were gone, she couldn't have fought back if she tried and I just took her knife and...

If my tears didn't give it away then my loud sobbing did. Some of her blood had gotten in my mouth it seems, even now I could taste it. I hated it, I loathed it, but it was there, or maybe I was just imagining...I didn't know. I tried licking the floor of the chamber, not wanting to touch the Ungul scripts on the walls, feeling that I had destroyed enough history(I would probably have this place's destruction added to the already damming charges Karfiso and the Zebra Council were putting on me). This act accomplished nothing except adding the taste of old, cold stone to my mouth that made me almost gag(it was a bad idea, I don't even know why I did it).

“We should go.” Jackpot said, breaking the sounds of my sobbing. “Who knows how long until more Unicorns come down here.”

He was right of course, if any of Goldie's Unicorns came upon us we would be dead. Neither of us were in any state to fight, physically or emotionally. Jackpot could move at least but I could weakly limp a few feet at a time at best. The stairs leading back up to the surface were quiet. There were no sounds from up top, the explosions, even the rain, all seemed to have stopped. Just how long were we out for?

Jackpot helped me slowly limp my way up the narrow staircase back up to the surface. Neither of us really knew how we would get past the Unicorns in the camp but we would have to think of something. If we were spotted we were dead, simple as that. That little bit of knowledge, I hoped, would spur us onward to some great and amazing act of heroism that only the most overpowered and awesome action heroes could preform but it turned out not to be. Instead when we exited the doorway leading out of the tower we came upon quite the welcome surprise.

The rain had stopped and Karfiso was there, along with the green-eyed Siri and a whole bunch of very grim and intimidating looking Zebras. There had to be several hundred at least and they had mounted the wall and stood in every inch of the courtyard inside those walls. The Unicorns(the ones who were still alive) were rounded up and had been herded into one of the corners of the fort. They were being watched by many very unhappy looking Zebra Socotras. As I leaned off of Jackpot I noticed that the two Unicorns I had seen talking about their wedding were alive and among them. Even though I was hating them I felt glad that not everything that could have gone wrong did and maybe, with Goldie gone, they might be made to see the error of their ways.

Karfiso, on the other hoof, looked a little bit surprised to see Jackpot and me exit the ruins. He probably didn't really expect me to survive this little adventure; hell I didn't expect me to survive this. Be this as it was, he still looked somewhat pleased to see me, covered in blood and bedraggled as I was.

“Where's Scarlet and Silver?” Jackpot asked, speaking before I could say anything.

“Scarlet Aloe is assisting our doctors with the wounded and Silver Chaser fell behind on the march over here.” Karfiso answered.

“You just left him in the jungle!?” Jackpot sounded a bit incensed.

“If you worry about his safety, do not. The fighting is over, we have won.”

“Looks like you got a few more Zebras here than last time.” I noticed.

“Yes, it seems the Council finally decided to send aid. Two hundred more Socotra arrived ten hours ago; not long after you were seen entering the ruins.”

Ten hours huh. That was a long time to be unconscious.

“And speaking of the ruins.” what Karfiso meant by this was obvious.

“Goldie Grail is dead. I think Abila's helmet was taken while Jackpot and I were unconscious in the ruins, along with a spear that went with the helmet.”

“Spear?” Karfiso looked confused.

“Something I was after, you don't need to worry about it.”

“I see.” Karfiso said cautiously. “So, you failed to retrieve the crown but you succeeded in killing Goldie Grail. I sense the hoof of Sable Granite in this.”

It had to be him, I mean it was pretty obvious. But if Jackpot and I were unconscious then why were we still alive?

Karfiso took a deep breath and sighed. “I have one more question.”

“What?” I answered.

Karfiso pointed to my leg. Sparky was still glowing dimly and looking very impressive as it still had not receded into it's normal bracelet form.

“This is an Equestrian artifact. I got it in Canterlot and have it with the express permission of princess Celestia.”

“It is not of Zebra make so I will believe you. It is still quite interesting though.” Karfiso did seem to be staring at it intently.

“What's going to happen to them?” Jackpot asked, pointing at the captured Unicorns.

“They will be brought to the heartland; some will be executed and the rest will be put into forced labor until they die of exhaustion. The usual punishment for terrorists who cause so much trouble.” as he spoke the Socotra guarding the Unicorns began to lead them out of the fort, looks of despair and defeat on their faces.

It was disappointing but I felt no particular love for these ponies and Karfiso had the point of them being murdering terrorists. In my heart of hearts I hated his decision and I hated him just that little bit more for it but I raised no public objections to it. That is of course until Jackpot shot me a look. The kind of look where he wanted me to say something and I knew what he wanted me to do. He wanted me to say something to save his former comrades. He wanted me to convince Karfiso to let them go or at least spare their lives.

“Ivory,” he whispered, “can I get some help here.”

“These are their laws Jackpot, we need to let them take care of their own justice.” I answered back, Karfiso giving a quizzical look at out conversation.

“Ivory please, just get them life sentences or something. He'll listen to you more than me, just please try.”

He was giving me puppy dog eyes, how could I have said no.

“Hey Karfiso!” I said loudly so he couldn't ignore me. “Is there any way I could convince you to not have all these ponies killed?”

Karfiso thought for a moment before answering, “Your Scarlet Aloe has been most helpful and has saved several Zebra lives.” he rubbed his hoof beneath his chin, “If you will do one more task for me then I will consider it.”

“What's the task?”

“Goldie Grail is dead, that is one of three people I want dead, you will finish off the second one.” he smiled a bit, “No no, do not give me that look(what look?), this one you will like. I want you to kill or capture Sable Granite and retrieve the crown. When you have it, you will return with the crown and if he lives, Sable Granite. When that is complete you will be taken into custody, given a trial, then imprisoned.”

Fuck me with a parasprite.

He was right though, I still did need to stop Sable and if he was going to give me the chance to do that then who was I to refuse. The only real question is, where was he going to strike next and how, now that Goldie was dead and most of the ponies who worked for him were dead or captured. He had nothing, what exactly could he expect to do?

“It's a deal.” I answered.

“Thanks Ives, we'll get him, I know we will.” Jackpot said, his smiling face revealing his gratitude.

“Very good.” Karfiso said, satisfied. “But now on to your reward.”

I looked up at Karfiso, a confused look on my face now.

“Reward for what?”

“For helping. You killed Goldie Grail and your medic friend saved the lives of a dozen of my Socotra. I am grateful for your assistance and will now give you a reward.”

This was...unexpected, but at the same time not unwelcome. I had just been through a lot the last few days and would no doubt be through a lot more in the coming days. I think I deserved some kind of reward for all of my hard work over the last few days and the months before that. Something had to go my way eventually.

“Siri.” Karfiso commanded, “Get the potion.”

“WHAT! You can't be serious!? You can..cannot give her that! She has not earned it!” Siri seemed upset.

“She has earned it.”

“Only the Zebra are allowed to drink this potion. It will be nearly criminal for you to give her some!”

“There are many things that only Zebra can do.” he said harshly to Siri before his voice turned almost tender, “I will change that soon.”

Siri gave a reluctant nod before leaping over the crumpled wall and off somewhere I could not see. She returned several minutes later with several Socotra who were carrying a very ornate and highly decorated wooden box with them. An image had been masterfully carved on the surface of this case, the image of a tree that had the head of a dragon instead of branches. Siri took her hoof and slipped the top of the container open, revealing a vial of swirling white liquid.

“Celestia's rainbow orgasms! How did you get one of those!” I said, completely stupefied as I looked at the unassuming yet very recognizable potion.

“Uh, what is it?” Jackpot mumbled.

“What! Don't you know your princess history!” I yelped, almost insulted that Jackpot didn't recognize one of the most famous and powerful potions ever conceived.

“Should I?”

“This is an Oracle draught. Twilight Sparkle once used one to see visions of the distant past. But, how did you get one? I thought these needed Alicorn magic to work?” this had to be some kind of trick, no way Karfiso got his hooves on one of these!

“Our magic is sufficient to replicate those effects. After all, was it not a Zebra who first concocted this potion.” Karfiso said, a hint of pride in his voice. “We have had much time to work on this since those days, though I admit very few of these exist and only a select few are given access to them.”

“And you're giving it...to me?” my eyes grew wide.

“Do you refuse?”

“Hell no!” I exclaimed, quickly limping my way over to Siri and the potion. I had suddenly become giddy with excitement, these kinds of potions were beyond rare and the fact that I would be getting to drink it was almost beyond belief. I stood there, smiling as Siri carefully removed the phial from the box, yanked the lid off and presented the vial to me with a bow.

“All you need do is sip, then you will tell us of your trip.” Siri said humbly as she continued to bow.

I admit I was perhaps a bit over-eager with this part. I grabbed the phial in my mouth and used my cider drinking skills to their utmost, downing the whole potion in a few swigs.

“I don't fee-” suddenly everything went black as the curtain that was the world peeled back and my vision was filled with shining crystals as I felt teleported far away. Time itself seemed off, I felt everyday passing instantly yet not at all, I saw ages of the world pass beneath me as I stood, still and quiet, as all of time flowed before and beneath me. Suddenly, my eyes beheld shapes; perhaps a dozen or so, all pony...no Zebras. They were running and then...they disappeared as I felt unnaturally ripped from my vision and flung somewhere else.

The time things got really strange. I felt myself being flung across the world itself, a world that I could feel yet not recognize. Far, far away from what I knew this world was and yet it felt as though I belonged there, or maybe that was just the potion. Never before have I experienced sensations like I was feeling now. Now time passed at a great speed, as if all the long ages of the world reeled before me, going back further than time itself seemed to exist. The world I found myself in was a world of wonder and fear; a place of such incomparable beauty yet inconceivable anguish and suffering. Then I once more took shape and my vision returned and I saw.

I opened my eyes, everything was spinning as I hobbled to my now functioning legs. I couldn't see straight as I got up, a feeling of such wondrous comfort beneath my hooves that I almost didn't get up. Everything felt strange, like that I wasn't supposed to be here and yet that I was. My cutie mark was almost glowing, that strange mark with the off-kilter compass that ever annoyed me so; it felt almost...good. It was a weird feeling, belonging yet not belonging. There is really no other way to explain it. Then my sight returned to normal and I saw just what I was in.

I stood alone in a great field, but not just any field, a field of many flowers. Each one of them awash with reds and yellows and oranges, such that the field seemed almost like it was on fire; it was beautiful. The flowers stretched out over the field and the hills surrounding it, everything seemed so unbelievably vibrant I almost thought I was dreaming(I was technically dreaming, right?). I turned my head slightly and I saw, in the distance, great mountains rising high above the clouds. Great wisps of white and gold, covering the peaks of the largest mountains I had ever seen and there were so many. A whole range of mountains that would make Everhoof nervous.

Fields of deep green grass ran beneath them. Rivers, clear as crystals, ran out from them and cut through the very field I stood in. The sky, covering all, went on for eternity as the golden light of a forever sun radiated over the world, the flowers shimmering in it's incandescent rays. A breeze, cool yet still warm, blew past me, all the flowers moved with it, creating a great wave of color as though a huge glowing fire was swimming towards me. I stood there stupefied at the beauty.

I turned my head once more and there I saw it, the most amazing sight I had ever seen in my life: A great city, made of shining white stones, towers and spires rising high above the plains, the tops of which shone with silver. Within the city there stood a tree, but not just any tree, it was the tree. It was the treeist tree that ever treed. It stood huge and imposing, dwarfing the city below. It's highest branches reaching towards the heavens as its leaves glowed, radiating magic down onto the world below. I had seen this before, in Numnah on the walls. The picture on the wall of Abila's tomb, the city that was destroyed by...the Darkness.

Was this ancient Equestria? Was I in the ancient Zebra Empire or what!? No, I wasn't. I was somewhere else; the picture depicted so many creatures from ponies to Yaks, Buffalo, Griffons and even Alicorns. I was somewhere strange, somewhere new, somewhere nopony had been to or seen in a long time. As I stood there, my mouth hanging open I heard voices from behind me, not threatening but soft, soothing, almost magical voices. I turned around and saw two...two...two Alicorns!

They were young, one mare and one stallion. They looked almost like children...they were probably children. The mare was stunningly gorgeous, she had a coat that was white as snow, deep dark eyes and a raven mane; she was beautiful. The colt who accompanied her was of a beautiful silver with a mane of both silver and gold. I would have melted at how beautiful they both looked but I quickly reminded my brain they were both children(shut up!). The mare stood in the field looking quite sad while the colt was floating down from the sky above her, a look of concern on his face.

“I have finally found you my princess.” he said as he gently touched ground(she was a princess! Wait, weren't all Alicorns princes or princesses?). “Everything is settled with thine parents and...” he stopped, his concern growing, “Tell my, what troubles you my princess?”

“It came again, last night.” the Alicorn filly cried.

“The nightmare returns once again? Forgive me that I was not with thee to-”

“Please, no blame is upon you. It was my own folly that led to this and besides, thou were answering the summons of the king and queen, you did what was requested of you.” she looked both adorable and completely miserable as she broke out into a full on crying session.

The silver Alicorn colt landed next to the princess, holding her gently in his long wing.

“The blame is mine. I was told to keep you safe and safe is where I should keep thee.” he said gently. “Please, bestill thy tears my princess.” he smiled, “For you see I have discovered a magical pool where the stars shine, ever bright, even within the day. And if the water touches your coat then you will sparkle as if you were a star yourself.”

Suddenly the little Alicorn filly perked right up, a big and immensely adorable smile adorning her beautiful face, “That sounds amazing! We can pour the water on ponies at nighttime, then they'll never get to sleep! It's the perfect plan!” she said, smiling and laughing.

“Princess, for the thousandth time, why do you seek to enrage thine subjects so?” he rolled his eyes, “And yet thou will do it anyway.” he said, nickering with a small smile on his lips.

“I know that you know that you secretly love it.” the filly said with a smirk.

“I will prepare the customary apology speech.” he said, shaking his head and letting out a friendly sounding sigh.

“Come guardpony! I will have thee laughing all the way to my triumph!” she proudly exclaimed as she took off to the sky, her friend following her.

“Please do not call me that, thou knows what mine name is.”

“Then thou shalt end the protocol of calling me princess!” she shouted back, ahead of him in the sky.

“We both know I cannot!” he shouted back, following her up.

“Then thy name shalt be guardpony...number five!” she shouted triumphantly.

“What doth that even mean!” he shouted back before the vision blurred and I was transported yet again.

*****

My eyes opened again, this time I was standing in a room filled with strange arcane magical symbols, they seemed to coat the walls, floors and ceilings. The room pulsed with magical energy; this was a place of great magical power. The same Alicorn filly, now slightly more grown but still a filly, stood, stooped over and panting heavily. Her horn glowed as she practiced her magic, waves shot from her horn, transfiguring the circles and summoning forth many golden statues made of herself.

“Ha! Transmutation spell, mastered!” she yelled excitedly.

“And at the tender age of nine. Impressive but I had this spell mastered at eight.” said her silvery friend as he trotted up behind her.

“How come no matter how hard I practice thou always remain so far ahead of me? My mother is the most powerful wizard in the world and I should have inherited my family's talent!” she stomped her hoof on the ground, a magical wave shot from it, turning all of the statues she had created into swarms of doves that flew from the tower windows.

“It is true that her majesty the queen is the most powerful Alicorn in the world but thou art young and still far ahead of everypony at the academy, except for myself.” he said, a bit arrogantly yet still in a friendly tone.

“They say my mother was transmuting mountains by the time she was a teenager, a teenager! I'll be lucky to do that by the time I'm a couple hundred years old.” the princess plopped herself down in the corner, pouting.

Her friend came up to her, a clever smile on his face, “Well then, would thou appreciate a lesson?”

“Wait, what!(ooh, Alicorn magic!)” the princess perked right up again and with one great leap landed right next to her friend. “Pray tell, what kind of lesson did thou intend?” she said, fluttering her eyes.

“This kind.” he answered, his horn glowed silver as the tower suddenly began to shake.

“What is happening!” the princess yelled.

“I simply animated the tower, look.” he gestured to the window.

The princess flew to the window and I found myself running to a door that led out of the tower. The silver Alicorn had indeed animated the tower, it had arms and legs and everything and it was currently leaping over a great wall. Several Alicorns flew up from below, dressed in robes and wearing those weirdly shaped hats that I somehow knew meant they were school professors. They were flying after the tower trying desperately to unanimate it as the princess fell to the floor laughing.

“Whoa.” I said, unable to think of anything else to say at the insane displays of magic I was seeing.

“This...this is amazing!” the princess laughed. “Teach me thine spell, I command it!” she said, her tone turning a sarcastic kind of commanding voice to signify her joke.

The silver Alicorn's horn glowed as the tower stopped moving, it slowly found it's place on the ground as I saw several angry looking Alicorn professors teleport the tower back to it's rightful place. I was in some kind of magical academy, it was wonderful as I looked out of the tower door. All about me were Alicorns and Unicorns, Pegasi, Earth Ponies, Yaks, Griffons, Buffalo; they zipped here and there, going about their business. I saw the Earth Ponies, overseen by Buffalo, sprouting mighty trees, fully grown in seconds, I saw teams of Pegasi performing sonic rainbooms, their magic clashing to form the most wondrous shapes I could have ever imagined in the sky.

The Griffons carried great hordes of treasure on their backs; scrolls of enchantment in their claws. Some of them carried pretty things that I could tell was made of the same material that Abila's helmet and the other artifacts were made of.

I could hear the voices of the Yaks as their songs and poetry echoed throughout the courtyards of the academy. Birds followed their chorus as the music almost seemed to bring the world around them into some form of living music. The very ground where they stood sang with them as their great voices filled the air.

I turned back to the tower, watching the two friends as the silver colt began to show the princess great spells. I went closer to them and saw in the face of the princess a smile that Pinkie Pie herself would have been jealous of. I saw that she was truly happy; then the scene melted away and I was flung once again to another.

*****

My eyes opened to the sound of thunderous applause and a great cheering. I was standing in front of a large arena where the silver Alicorn, who now looked about my age, stood smiling and laughing as the princess, also now about my age, ran up and hugged him with a massive laugh.

“My cutie mark! Did you see it!? I got my cutie mark!” she yelled ecstatically.

Indeed on her alabaster flank was a beautiful cutie mark of a bright star enveloping a sturdy silver shield. I suddenly felt great joy as the princess laughed and danced around her friend whose face was lit with his own joy.

“This is indeed a great day for Marillion.” the silver Alicorn said, joy in his voice.

“Tis indeed!” the princess smiled. “Did thou see Fëarin, the child was cowering and then I swept in like Raihna herself and saved him! Did thou see?” she asked excitedly.

“Indeed, but doing so cost you the match.” her friend responded in a lecturing voice, “But your mark is quite impressive.”

“I suppose that since mine own mark appeared before thine, I am now the superior wizard! And behold, magic is my fate!” she beamed.

“Settle down my princess, you have yet to best me in any contest!” he said, still smiling and sharing in his princesses joy, “You have some ways to go before thou are as great as I.”

“Please, desist with that term. I do not like it.” she pouted(adorably I might add).

“You are my princess, I must refer to thee as such.”

“Wait! I am thine princess! How touching my friend. You know how some now speak of us?” the princess said coyly.

“You should pay no heed to rumors my princess.” he said, “All your people know and love you.”

“Can thou truly be so dense?” the princess asked, sighing slightly.

“How do you mean?”

The princess let out a giggle at her friends ignorance. It was pretty obvious that she liked him, even I could see that. I wonder if he was truly oblivious to that fact or was he just pretending?

“Come guardpony number five, my parents will wish to congratulate me on my marking. Will thou accompany me to them?” the princess said, wrapping her wing around her friend.

“What guardpony would I be if I abandoned you now.” he said, still smiling as they flew off together.

It was about here that I noticed something. Something about the princess seemed horribly familiar but I couldn't put my hoof on it.

“I know there's something familiar about her.” I said, frustrated that I couldn't guess it.

My own pouting was cut off when I was suddenly whisked off and away to the next vision.

*****

When my eyes opened this time I almost had a heart attack; I found myself clinging to the top of a mountain, it's bottom lost beneath the white-gold clouds.

“Holy butt munchers!” I shouted as I clung for dear life.

I frantically looked around for the two Alicorns I now suspected would show up at any second. Within seconds they were there, flying in and about the peaks of the great range of mountains I now noticed surrounded me. I must now be on the top of that great range I saw when I first arrived.

They were now each very tall, not as tall as Celestia perhaps but their height now eclipsed the height of an average pony. Both of them had grown intensely beautiful as the silver Alicorn's coat nearly glowed as he swept through the great and free sky, his silver and gold mane flowing elegantly behind him. The princess's mane now had within it the endless folds of the night sky, stars shimmering from within the flowing strands of raven hair that made her mane; it reminded me of Luna. They were flying between the great peaks that poked above the clouds, getting awfully close to me. As the whisked past me I could feel the free wind of the endless sky blow past and through my mane.

“I beg you answer me something.” The princess asked, her beautiful voice carried by the winds.

“What is it my lady?” her friend asked as he perched on a peak that was not far from my own.

“What you spoke of last night(ooh, did he finally get her hints?), you have spoken of this before but you seem greatly serious of it.”

“Indeed, we have seen much the past century my lady, I wish to expand my horizons and seek new knowledge and lands beyond this one(guess not, oh well).”

“But nopony, save my father in his youth, has traveled far beyond our shores. The great sea is too vast and too viscous for any to go more than a few miles. We would be torn asunder by the angry spirits!” the princess said, distressed.

“That is part of the challenge!” her friend said proudly. “Together we would conquer any challenge this world threw at us.”

“Come now, certainly there is much more to learn here. Why, we could search for the secret kingdom of the Elk among the Yak realms! Or perhaps we could dive to the depths of the great lake of Burin and search for the lost temple of my great great grandmother, Raihna.”

The silver Alicorn let out a small laugh, “Come my lady, there is still much to do in this world. We have yet to see and explore it all and I would be pained to prevent you from seeing all there is to witness.”

“Ha! You are right my friend! In fact I have a plan to find the Helm of a Thousand Smells. We can fill the entire network of Griffon mines in these mountains with the most odorous of odors. They shall never know what hit them!”

“Didn't thy father send that relic to Dragon Island for safe keeping?” the Silver Alicorn said, doubting his friends plan.

“So, art thou up for robbing a dragon?”

I had to laugh a little at that. These two were strangely starting to grow on me bit by bit. I mean robbing a fucking dragon! Who just does that! I had to let out a smile and chuckle as the princess laid out her plan to sneak up on the dragon while he slept and take the helm. The plan involved copious amounts of gelatin which I shuddered to think of a use for as the scene faded away and I was once again whisked away towards another one.

*****

I found myself in a great chamber, a hall with a roof of pearls and a floor of gold. The walls were adorned with silver and great columns rose hundreds of feet to the great roof above. Within the columns were streams of a glowing silvery metal, I recognized it at once as the same materiel of Abila's crown and the other relics.

All about me stood hundreds of Alicorns, proud and majestic. Their manes flowing as though wind swept through the magnificent hall. All around me echoed the sound of great trumpets as a deep and lovely voice began to sing:

In Elder days arose a town as fair as fair can be,
and in the heart of all that life there grew a golden tree.
From in the streets there could be heard the songs of harps well-strung
and on the rooftops could be seen the lamps of silver, hung.
A joyous place for ponykind, free of dark and cold
a thousand fountains lined the streets that into pools flowed.
A queen there sat on slender throne with starlight in her eyes,
A mighty palace hewn from stone, rose high to pierce the skies.
This city will forever bloom as flowers in the sun,
the lovely town of silver towers, loved by everyone!

I found my legs weakening as the slender and beautiful voice echoed throughout the hall. The song was filled with a joy so great that Pinkie Pie herself would be burst into tears. The words were mixed with a great happiness and all the Alicorns in the hall gave a great cheer upon its completion.

As the song concluded the silver Alicorn rose into the air above the crowd, to meet him rose another Alicorn. At first I thought it was the princess but I quickly discovered it was not as I crept closer. This Alicorn was...greater by far. She practically glowed with power and grace and her mane was like the princesses but her coat was of gold and power and strength were in her eyes in equal measure as beauty and loveliness. I nearly swooned just looking at her!

Then great claps of thunder rocked the chamber. The two flying Alicorns began sending forth blinding sprays of magic that dazzled the crowd of god-like ponies. Great bursts of magic came forth and manifested themselves in many shapes and forms, shifting with the need to get the advantage in the struggle. As the powers struggled the two Alicorns came at each other, their shields impacting off the others as rainbow sparks flew in every direction. Eventually the mare Alicorn's magic won out and came upon the silver Alicorn, but he was ready. A spell came upon the magical beasts that had beset him and they sprang around and back at the other Alicorn. She had obviously not expected this and one broke her shield as she flew back, one of the silver Alicorn's beams hitting her in her leg.

The room broke into a gasp as she was hit, yet calmed down when it had no effect. The beautiful Alicorn hovered in midair, smiling, proud of the silver Alicorn's accomplishment as a great burst of power came from her horn, the silver Alicorn's own magic betraying him, wrapping him up and sending him to the floor.

The room cheered as the female Alicorn lowered herself to the floor, the magic binding the silver Alicorn fading. Smiling, she helped him up with her wings and they both took a bow as the crowd cheered shouting:

Kera! Kera! Praise be her might!

I couldn't help but clap my hooves along with them at the wondrous display I had just witnessed. I had never in my life seen such a display of magic as I had just witnessed. The rainbow of colors and spells that clashed there astounded me as the magical energy fell to the floor, it's mere presence making my body tingle to the touch; though I wasn't even really there.

“You actually laid a hit on her!” the princess yelled, utter surprise in her voice.

“Yes I did, but it had no effect.” her silver friend answered, his face overcome with disappointment.

“What is with this sorrow my friend? Nopony ever had accomplished such a feat as thou! You should be proud!” she seemed very adamant.

The silver Alicorn let out a loud sigh, “Indeed, if only this land offered me more, I might one day prevail against thy mother.”

“What more could thou desire?” she asked, her smile fading, “Thou has me and mine! We have each other a-and we together, we can...we can accomplish anything!” she puffed out her chest and slammed her hoof on it in a show of determination.

The silver Alicorn's face evened out, “Indeed my friend. We are still young and there is still much time for my power to grow.”

“That's not quite what I meant.” the princess said sweetly, blushing slightly.

“What else could thou have meant?” he said earnestly.

She closed her eyes and shook her head slowly, sighing, “Come, I hath discovered a patch of roses that change scents as the day turns to night and I wish to show thee.” she said, keeping her face down and grabbing her friend by his wing and pulling him.

I couldn't help but feel a bit sorry for her. She had obviously developed feelings for this silver Alicorn of hers yet was too afraid to tell him. At least I eventually told Enyi how I felt, even if that romance was short lived. But the silver Alicorn just seemed a bit too dense to figure out how she felt, I think. Actually thinking about it better, in the last memory she mentioned they had been together at least a century(wow) and if that were true no way this guy didn't at least suspect. He obviously liked her, that was obvious; but why wouldn't he just get with her already!? And once again something about this Alicorn princess seemed just so familiar, but I just couldn't place it and it was itching my brain. As I thought all of this the scene faded away and yet another appeared(Twilight had to take multiple drinks to get multiple memories, why am I seeing so much from one drink?).

*****

When I came to I was in a smaller chamber, a bedchamber in fact, the princesses bedchamber in total fact(I couldn't help but blush at some of the stuff I saw in there...no I'm not telling). The princess, whose name I still didn't even know, was there, pacing frantically back and forth, a small letter on her nightstand.

“Should I tell him tonight?” she mumbled to herself in her lovely voice. “I must, I must, I must...nay, he will think it too forward.” she continued to pace.

What was she talking about? I went up and took a look at the small letter that sat on the nightstand, it had a...heart on it....holy sweet Celestia, she was going to tell him!

“Come on now, I am four hundred years old, I have lived the lifetimes of many ponies, this shalt be easy.” I heard her mumble, trying to convince herself she could do it.

“Come on princess! You can do it!” I cheered, quickly realizing that she could not hear and so my cheering was pointless which made me blush in embarrassment before I realized that my embarrassment was pointless because again, there was nopony here but me.

She continued to pace back and forth, sweating and nervously mumbling to herself as she went. I wanted her to just go and do it already, then possibly, do him(my mind has become somewhat dirty of late hasn't it...I blame Jackpot).

“Come on princess, I believe in you!” I had become strangely invested in this princesses story, maybe because I had literally just watched her grow up to be...four hundred...damn.

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” She shouted. “I shall go and tell him now!”

Hell yeah!

The letter was wrapped within a silver aura as the princess galloped down the hallway. I followed her as fast as I could, only just barely being able to keep up with her love-powered frolicking. She ran like the wind through many wonderfully decorated corridors. Hallways more beautiful than I could even describe as I was almost lost in wonder at some of them. This palace we were in was truly something to behold.

The princess ran for about fifteen full minutes(damn this castle is big) before stopping at a large, dark blue door that had constellations carved onto it. The door actually kind of reminded me of that one puzzle in Greywing's tomb but I was too busy watching the princess for that to be more than a passing thought.

She quickly used her magic to fix her mane, straighten out the feathers on her wings and smooth her coat down before putting on the biggest smile she could. She took her hoof and slowly knocked on the door. The anticipation slowly built up in me as I watched her. She could totally do this! She would totally do this!

She knocked on the door again...no answer. Celestia fuck me with her horn the suspense was fucking killing me! She knocked a third time...no answer. Dude! A sexy-ass princess is knocking on your door wanting to literally hook up with you...why aren't you answering!? The answer to my query came as Terria slowly opened the door, the room was empty.

“Oh no, where could he be?” she mumbled to herself as she slowly entered the room.

This palace was huuuuge, her silvery crush could be anywhere and I wanted to see her get to him dammit!

The princess slowly entered his room, looking around for any clue as to where he might have gone. I entered after her, looking around myself as if in some effort to help her find the clue she was looking for. I rummaged around for several minutes before I heard a slight gasp from the princess. I frantically turned around to see her, there was a small table in the center of the room, the light of a fireplace the only way to see. On this table was a letter, sealed with the princesses cutie mark. She tenderly picked up the letter, opened it and began to read. I almost wanted to look and see what it said but this was probably private and with the odd familiarity I felt with the princess I felt that I shouldn't intrude. After but a few moments the letter dropped and the princess fled the room crying and dropping her own letter on the ground.

“Princess wait!” I called out in vain, but she was long gone. I bent over, now curious as to what the letter she had read said and why she had fled in utter tears. Her friend was gone, he had flown over the sea and left her here, heartbroken. “I know how that feels.” I sighed, thinking of Enyi, “Except him leaving probably wasn't your fault.”

I suddenly felt that pain of guilt creep back into me. I felt the pain of Enyi leaving me again and the surge of empathy for the princess. The pony she had loved and cared about for so long had left her and it wasn't her fault. A few tears flowed down my face as I sat down in the room, alone, as the image faded and the final scene played before me.

*****

I stood on a grassy field, on one side was the land I had just spent what felt like a lifetime in and on the other side was the sea. Seabirds flew overhead, their piercing cries filled my ears, filling me with an odd sense of ease as they did so. Far off on the horizon the sun was beginning to rise, a cool breeze blew in from the wide blue sea as the princess, now fully grown and at her full stature slowly walked up from behind me.

“Princess?” I said, once again trying in vain for her to hear me. She had become beautiful, extremely so, even since the last memory just minutes before. She was at her full stature and was even slightly taller than Celestia herself, her raven hair still holding what seemed like the infinite folds and recesses of the wandering stars of the great cosmos. Her coat, white as ivory(yes I saw the irony) glistened in the rays of the early sunrise.

I followed her towards the great cliffs that separated the land from the sea. They were, of course, beautiful as the cliffs were dotted with emeralds and sapphires that shone brightly as the light of the rising sun fell bright upon them. Her face was so unimaginably beautiful but yet in her face was great sadness. I wanted to go and give her a hug but I couldn't touch her as this was all a dream.

Tears flowed from her eyes as she looked out over the rolling waves of the great sea. It was a peaceful morning, the day would be beautiful, but nowhere near as beautiful as the princess looked right now, even in her sorrow. She stood there as a solitary stone, strong and resolute, but lonely and enveloped in sadness.

“Why did he leave? Did he even ever like me?” she whispered to herself.

“Oh no, I'm gonna start crying now if you start.” I whimpered from behind her.

“Was I not good enough, or was he just always like that and I never saw it.” she let out a small, depressed laugh, “Thou foolish girl, cursed to love one who shall never love you back.” she was crying now yet no whimper escaped her lips, even in her greatest sorrow, she was ever graceful and strong. She seemed so different now than how she seemed even in the last memory. Much time had passed and she wore her burdens on her face which had matured and grown wiser as she did. Then as if a chorus of divines had descended on the earth and sounded off, she began to sing:

I once was young and full of pride
but you I wanted by my side.
We traveled near, we traveled far
but now I know not where you are.
The road of life goes ever on
but my heart aches since you are gone.
On that day you stole my heart
then cruel fate pulled us apart,
the endless seas between us lay
but I know I'll see you one day.
And though you might not feel as I
my feelings they will never die.
The final verse, the words are few,
all that's left is I love you.

Within her song and within her words was a sorrow that reached the depths of the sea, a sadness greater than the infinity of the stars. I cried as she did, I felt as she did and all of the hatred I had felt before melted away, replaced with a sadness and empathy that I had never felt before in my life. This story had affected me, it made me happy and sad and I felt as though I now knew those two ponies extremely well, despite not even knowing their names. I looked back up at the princess, her gaze was towards the sky, a single star remained in the twilight of the dawn, blazing bright even as the sun rose around it. That star was extinguished as the light of the sun finally faded its brilliance from the sky. She had loved him as I loved Enyi and something deep down told me that her story already had an ending and that is was not a happy one. But also within me was lit a hope, a hope that, with the right choices, I could find Enyi and somehow make up for what I had done.

There was something else in her words as well. I couldn't put my hoof on it but something about what I had just seen and heard rang throughout my mind as important somehow. Why or how it was important eluded me but the feeling was now firmly placed in my mind.

As I stood there, watching the princess stand there, on the shore of the sea I felt I knew what I needed to do and what I was going to do. Sable Granite still needed to be stopped and after this I knew he would be heading back to Equestria.

“Farewell, my valiant guardpony. May thou find the happiness I could never give to thee” the princess said softly.

I looked back to the princess one last time as she slowly turned slowly walked away from the cliff. Her face was bowed and solemn, tears still fell from her face and I now heard quiet sobs come from her lips. Her great wings stretched forth and she flew into the air, the breeze from her flight flying through my mane. As she disappeared over the horizon the vision faded and I was thrust back into my own time and world.

My eyes opened to Jackpot and Silver watching over me. My eyes were sore from the crying I had done while under the effects of the potion.

“Hey everyone!” Silver shouted, “Ivory's awake!”

“Silver, your late.” I said, remembering he had not arrived with Karfiso.

“Hehe” he chuckled awkwardly, “Those Zebra are pretty fast in this jungle and with my hurt wing and all...well let's just say I got a little lost.” he blushed a bit which I thought was cute.

Karfiso pushed his way next to me, “What did you see!? Speak!” he said sternly.

“Give the girl a minute, she was just crying a minute ago, who knows what that potion put her through.” Jackpot responded in equally stern voice.

“It's ok Jackpot.” I said as he helped me up onto my hooves. I told everyone around me what I had seen and felt as I watched the life of the princess and her guardpony.

“Unfortunate that you saw nothing useful.” Karfiso sighed.

“Well I for one found it wonderfully interesting.” Silver said back to him.

As we continued to discuss the visions one of Karfiso's Socotra galloped up to him and began to whisper strange words I didn't understand into his ear. Karfiso nodded his head and in one swift motion leapt onto the wall and gazed upwards. Out of the mist of the post rainstorm jungle flew Hero with Angela Apple still riding on her back. They landed near the inside base of the wall and I could see that one of Hero's legs was in a sling. Her claw had been recently bleeding and her scales and mane were covered in dirt, grime and other foul things I didn't want to know about.

“Lady Hero, welcome to the victory party.” Karfiso said gleefully.

“Ah, there you are Karfi, and I see you have little Ivory with you, that's good.” she said, smiling.

“My name is Karfiso.” said Karfiso.

“Sureyeahwhatetever.” Hero said as Angela hopped off of her back. Hero then walked right over to where I was and leaned over to me, “Good to see you’re still kicking. Doesn't look like you got all the bad guys though.”

“Goldie is gone but Sable is still out there.” I said, disappointed by my failure yet eager to set out and end all of this.

“Well then, do we got sum news fer ya!” Angela said, smiling wide as Hero cleared her throat to continue.

“I just got this, came right over when I finished reading it.” Hero handed me a parchment covered in writing. “It's from Pish Posh.”

I took hold of the note in my hooves and began to read the letter:

Dear Hero,

I think you might be interested in knowing that several days after I asked Ivory to head to Khaweth by means of our station, several unfortunate events occurred here in Equestria. As per your request I made it my goal of keeping track of the various relics and artifacts Ms. Star retrieved during her continuation of Grit's final mission and a new development has occurred. These very artifacts were indeed reported to various institutions for their general safe-keeping but now I have received reports that these very items have now all been reported missing. There have been no signs of forced entry or the usual indications of a run of the mill robbery. It is my suspicion that these items were targeted intentionally and their locations are currently unknown.

“Well, we're fucked.” I moaned.

“What's it say?” Jackpot asked.

“Sable has all the artifacts.” my will gave out and I just fell flat down on the ground, face-planting in the mud.

“Oh my.” Silver gasped, covering his mouth with his hoof.

“If he can take control of the Darkness all of Equestria is going to be fucked right over a barrel.” I mumbled from my spot on the ground.

“What did you say?” Karfiso interrupted, his face suddenly gravely serious.

“Well it turns out that Abila's helmet is part of an earlier set of the elements of harmony and Sable Granite is planning on using them to somehow take control of the ancient Darkness that destroyed the ancient Zebra Empire.”

“This would have been good to know.”

“Oh I'm sorry, I assumed you already knew everything. Guess I finally got something up on you.” I said, slightly depressed but with sarcasm.

“That actually might make it a bit easier for us.” Jackpot interjected.

How is our arch nemesis getting on the verge of victory with us a continent away and no idea where he is making it easier for us exactly?” I retorted.

“Oh come on now Ives, you're smart enough to figure that one out. Hell, even I know where to go next.”

“Wait, what! How do you know?” I asked, confused.

“Well this Darkness is supposed to be some big bag..thing, right?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, where does Equestria put all of the biggest and baddest things in it's history?”

“What are you...Tartarus!” that took me longer to realize than I would ever admit to anypony else.

“Ding.” Jackpot said in a mocking tone that made me blush in embarrassment.

“A good thought but are we sure it's right? I mean despite how often Tartarus had been used nopony really knows everything about it.” Silver worried.

“Honestly, we really don't have anything else to go on and it's probably our best bet.” I sighed. “We need to collect Scarlet and then head over to Tartarus.”

“But Tartarus is protected by all kinds of magical seals and locks, nopony simply walks into Tartarus.” Silver said.

“I'm hoping that gives us the time to get there before Sable gets in and finds this Darkness.” I said hopefully.

“I expect you to return once you acquire the crown.” Karfiso added as we began to walk away.

“Don't worry your striped little flank, “I said, waving him off, “Right now all I want is for all of this to be over.”

I still couldn't say for certain what I planned to do about this whole imprisonment thing but Karfiso had given enough clues to tell me it was not going to be a permanent thing. I didn't entirely feel comfortable about being kept in the dark, in fact it quite annoyed me, but Karfiso was not the kind of Zebra you messed with so I simply kept my mouth shut as I took my friends to go and get Scarlet before we went to confront Sable Granite.

*****

“Oh Ivory, Jackpot, Silver! Your all ok! Thank Celestia!” Scarlet Aloe exclaimed as she ran up to hug Jackpot, then me, then Silver. Her eyes had some pretty deep sags beneath them, she had obviously been up for quite some time and was completely exhausted.

I looked around the large tent she was in as Zebra doctors rushed back and forth, caring for the nearly fifty wounded Zebra who lay on small mats on the ground. Their injured body parts were covered in strange goos and fungi that looked fairly disgusting yet I was certain they had some healing properties.

“Your leg! Oh dear let me help!” Scarlet yelped as she laid me down on a small mat before rubbing her stained hoof through a jar of the goo. She lathered it on my hurt hoof(it was the. Most. Disgusting. Thing. Ever!) and almost immediately she laid her horn on the goo. Her horn glowed red as a small light bathed the goo and it hardened into a cast and the pain dissipated.

“Wow, what is this stuff?” I asked in bewilderment.

“These Zebras are quite clever. This is a special ointment they made for healing damaged bones and if I combine it with a little magic it actually stimulates the plant ingredients to act as a sort of...super charged healing spell.”

“That's down right impressive.” Jackpot said, his eyes glued to the glowing cast on my hoof.

“Thank you Jackpot!” Scarlet smiled, “In only a few days I've already learned so much from these doctors, I'll have to come back one day and get myself some of this stuff.”

“Don't worry Scarlet,” I said, sighing once again, “We'll be back before too long.”

“Oh..yes I suppose your right.” she said sadly.

“Well anyway, enough of that. We've got a possible lead on Sable Granite and we'll need you to keep looking after my leg until we get there.” I said.

“Also my wing will still need some work.” Silver stated.

Scarlet let out a smile, “Of course! I'm here to help!”

The Zebra doctors let Scarlet take a full jar of the goo ointment with her as thanks for her help in the medical tent. Karfiso even gave us some food as I quickly realized that I had not eaten in some time and I was absolutely starving. Angela even sold(ever the salespony) me a new saddlebag for one bit(maybe not so much) as we filled them with anything we might need and were allowed to take from the Zebra camp. Silver, ever the prepared one, had a boat ready for us to leave in when we were ready. I was not too entirely keen on boarding the boat but I knew we had to get back to Equestria fast so I steeled my stomach and stepped aboard.

“We never got to see Enyi.” Scarlet pointed out as the boat set out.

“At least he's safe for now.” I said, relieved once more that he had not been hurt according to Karfiso. “I hope that by doing this he may one day want to talk to me again.”

“You really love him, don't you.” Scarlet said softly.

“I think so. He's like my own little guardpony.” I chuckled to myself but Scarlet didn't seem to get it.