Cure For a Toxin

by RadBunny

First published 11th of April, 2020

Toxic Shield goes by more than one name in rumor circles, none flattering. Now yanked into a conflict that threatens the lives of both himself and his new friends, Toxic must confront a poison that even he may not be immune to. Or worse, that he is.

This story continues directly after Sunspots and contains spoilers for that story and Timeless.

When a mysterious group attacks a chemical lab, there was only one pony who Celestia and Luna knew could survive the ensuing challenge that lurked beneath earth and concrete.

Called into action against a threat that seeks to destroy both him and his new friends, Toxic Shield is pulled into the remnants of a conflict that all thought was burned away by the wrath of a Solar Empress. Many remember him as the pony with an odd voice, others, as the sole survivor of the Oakbark incident. Many call him the Iceberg. Cold, unfeeling, and without empathy, immune to both chemical agents and emotions it would seem. Very few care to explore the truth of such stories.

And as a poison in many shapes and forms seeks to spread across Equestria, a reformed Windigo and Shadow Pony from the Limbo realm struggle to find their place in a world that once loathed everything they represented.
Many still do.

Introduction

Twenty years ago.

The town was dead.

The streets were deserted, the emergency sirens still wailing as a sickly, brownish-green fog swirled through the streets. A previously distant arcane shield now slowly closed in, eradicating the poison but leaving all else untouched. It was pushed by an elite force of unicorns but came far too late for the local inhabitants.

The masked guards trotted through the street in earnest, many of their ears were flat with worry. From Canterlot to a small town south of Baltimare, the Hazard Response Team had taken a few hours to arrive to Oakbark knowing that a protective shield had already been activated and sealing off the town to protect the city downwind.

The needs of the many outweighed the needs of the few.

It was a decision made in a moment by the lone Solar Princess on hearing of the explosion at the chemical plant. She was in the operations center herself, overseeing rescue operations.

Rescue…but for whom?

The guards peeled off, each calling out as they entered house after house to search for survivors.

Every dwelling was the same. Unmoving ponies huddled together as a toxic fit of coughing had overtaken them, followed by a peaceful, eternal sleep. Some had donned Emergency Breathing Hoods (EBH), soft red lights blinking to indicate the air supply was long since expended, the backup filters expired.

Two guards entered a large school, one of them immediately turning around as his maroon-colored face turned green on seeing the motionless occupants of the nearest classroom.

A third guard trotted up, the second, originally-assigned pony shaking his head.

“What was your name again? You were the last-minute addition, right?”

The pony nodded, gently shouldering the others aside.
“Private Shifting Sands. You two search the outskirts. I’ll look inside. Send someone who won’t vomit inside their mask,” the stallion stated, tone then softening. “Enough lives have been lost today. I don’t want you two to be added to the tally; there’s no shame in admitting your limits.”

“Understood.”

Shifting trotted into the school, his heart aching on seeing so many young lives cut short. It was a mercy that such a fate had only been uncomfortable but ultimately peaceful and painless.

“Flare sighted! Anyone near the school, we have unknown survivors!”

He galloped into the courtyard, horn igniting in a communications spell as Shifting stared at the impossible sight in front of him.

“Found them!”

Dozens of used EBH’s were scattered around, and a dozen more blinked a soft green confirmation of air as they kept their users alive. A mare and students were huddled in the dead grass, sides slowly moving…

Most of them at least.

A single pony moved, a young blue unicorn sending up another magical flare. His EBH was blistered and cracked, hanging uselessly around his neck. He spit up some blood, looking to Shifting with horrified green eyes as he somehow breathed in the poison around them.

“H-help. Please…” he whispered, voice making Shifting’s head ache. It sounded unnatural, making the stallion wince in pain as his temples pounded at the noise. The blue colt then collapsed as Shifting galloped forwards. The guard was quick to hold the young pony in his forelimbs as the stallion firmly fastened a new escape hood around the student’s head.

‘How is he alive?!’

As rescuers swarmed the school, Shifting’s eyes drifted to a glowing mark that now adorned the student’s flank, pain tearing at the timeless Knight’s heart.

A bright green biohazard cutie-mark now shone brightly in the scene of death and chaos.

(Present)

Icait wrung her hooves nervously as they stood in the forest, the Windigo clearly on edge. Onyx appeared less phased, the shadow entity’s unicorn body standing completely still.

“S-so this is Tall Tale? We just wait here?” Icait asked, prompting a sign from Onyx.

“That is what the Solar Princess ordered. And I can sense no fewer than a bakers-dozen guards watching us. I’d rather not give them a reason to attack us. It’s likely they loath us as it is.”

“Why would-oh…right,” Icait whispered, the spectral mare floating to ground level as the *SNAP* of a teleportation spell drew their attention. A light pink mare waved to them and Onyx’s eyes immediately widened.

The power emanating off the individual was nothing short of spectacular, nearly on par with a certain purple princess.

“Icait, Onyx, my name is Starlight Glimmer. I’m the Principle at the School of Friendship, and will be your primary contact through all of this,” she explained, surprisingly not appearing too phased by their appearance.

The fact her fearless smile was sincere only served to set Onyx on edge. Who was this mare?!

“N-nice to meet you, Miss Glimmer,” Icait stammered, Starlight waving a hoof with a laugh.

“I appreciate the formality, but just Starlight is fine. Now, let’s get you settled in your apartment.”

“We have an apartment!?” Icait squealed, hopping into the air excitedly as Onyx raised an eyebrow, looking at the rather-amused Principle.

“Normal-life things make her rather excited,” he explained, Starlight not able to resist a grin as her horn sparked with a transportation spell.

They re-appeared in a simple, two-bedroom apartment on the third floor of the building. The stone and wood structure appeared fairly new and overlooked an industrial section of the medium-sized city.

“Away from the main center of the population in case we run wild?” Onyx remarked as he looked out the wall-sized window. “Smart, and something I would have recommended myself.”

“Oh?” Starlight asked, trotting up to his side as Icait floated around the apartment to examine every nook and cranny, a now-present pair of unicorn Legionnaires following her around.

“Of course. For all I know, I could explode tomorrow and level a city block. My kind has never existed outside of Limbo for such a long length of time before,” Onyx explained. “Icait, she is no threat. Obnoxious and innocent, but hardly a danger to you all.”

Starlight looked around to make sure they were alone, her mouth twitching at a smile on hearing the Shadow’s voice change when talking about the Windigo.

“Hmm. You’re fond of her.”

Onyx didn’t reply other than letting out a soft huff of annoyance, turning away from the window to look at the carpeted room.

“These dwellings will certainly suffice. I expected a dungeon, so this is certainly an upgrade. I believe we have a schedule to keep?” he asked.

Before Starlight could respond, a high-pitched scream drew her attention, the mare and shadow-stallion dashing to the end of the hall. Curled up in a ball was Icait, the Windigo’s form flickering violently.

“What did you do to her?!” Onyx bellowed, grey eyes igniting as two dagger-like shadow appendages erupted form his body, Starlight promptly canceling the magic with a snort and spark of her horn.

“Nothing, Onyx! Enough of that. Legionnaires, report!” she barked, one of the stallion gesturing to the shivering Windigo.

“She was babbling about how exciting electrical outlets are and then fell over with a scream. That’s all we know,” he explained.

Onyx trotted over, clearly rather miffed that his efforts had been so easily brushed aside by Starlight. Looking over the Windigo, he frowned and looked at the Principle in confusion.

“It’s a spell. I don’t-”

“They’re not all gone,” Icait whispered, “Something is still here….” Her form stabilized, the light teal Windigo sitting up and leaning on Onyx’s shoulder. The gesture made the stallion stiffen in surprise, but he stayed silent as the mare’s see-through sides heaved.

“That was an activation spell, a signal. It wouldn’t have hurt if I was like the others, I think,” she whispered. “Somecreatures are still acting under their will. I don’t know who or what. I was never told of such things. I put it all in the report to the Princess’s…but there’s something out there.”

“Celestia, you get all that?” Starlight asked, a previously-hidden transmitting crystal now sparking into view around her neck, the sight making Onyx grin. The fact creatures didn’t trust him seemed to validate the Shadow somehow.

“Confirmed. Icait, what can you tell us? Anything you may have heard? I know you put it all in the reports, but I need to know if anything comes to mind? We’re trusting you on this.”

Icait frowned, shaking her head. All at once her eyes widened, a soft gasp leaving her muzzle.

“Cel-Princess Celestia, there is one thing! I heard it a long time ago- and it didn’t make sense even when I was part of the Emissary’s plans. It was two words, and I don’t really understand what they mean. But maybe they’ll help? They mentioned a signal spell, and one other thing. They were talking about hidden…somethings, and all that was said were the words ‘Sleeper Cells.’”

A soft growl emanated from the crystal, Celestia letting out a sigh.

“Thank you, Icait. That means a great deal. Carry on, Starlight. Get them acclimated and tell them to shelter in place for a time.”

“Of course, Celestia.”

Onyx looked over to Icait in confusion, the stallion’s left eye twitching.

“You have no idea what a Sleeper Cell is, do you?”

Icait shook her head, cheeks tinging a slight pink as she realized she was still occupying Onyx’s shoulder.

“No? What are they? They sound important now…”

“You have a visitor.”

The cell door spun open smoothly, the sparse yet somewhat-comfortable light grey stone room neatly organized as the thestrel mare scrambled upright.

“Is it Barley? I thought he used his visitor’s allotment this-Princess?!” Knife Twist gasped as she bowed, limbs immediately shaking and furry ears flat against her skull.

“Barley has said quite a bit about you, Miss Twist,” Celestia mused as the ex-captain of the Night Guard cowered under her gaze. “All of it rather good, surprisingly good. And what is this I hear about refusing possible parole?”

Knife Twist shook her head, rising and sitting opposite the Princess with her head bowed.

“I don’t deserve it, not yet,” she whispered, shoulders slumped in dejection. “May I ask why you are here? You don’t seem like the gloating type and my sentence is just getting started.”

“I am not here to gloat, Knife Twist, nor would I. Your sentence was already reduced due to the Windigo magic having influenced your decisions.”

“Influenced, not controlled. It’s-it hurts my head to think about. The logic doesn’t make sense anymore. What was right then is so, so wrong now. But I remember it feeling right. I don’t know when that started to change…” Knife replied with a sorrowful huff. “It’s irrelevant. I tried to kill your sister. I don’t deserve parole, not after such a short amount of time.”

“Perhaps.”

The reply made Knife’s head snap up, Celestia looking at her calmly.

“Yet from the day you were committed to this maximum-security prison, you have been organizing others affected by the Windigo’s into support groups, helping them acclimate. Corporal Barley Husk certainly still believes in you.”

Knife snorted at that, her head shaking.

“My coltfriend is an idiot. I don’t understand-”

“Your coltfriend loves you rather dearly,” Celestia countered, making Knife’s eyes widened. “He sees you as I do, actually. I found out such when I spoke with him this morning. He and I see a mare who made grave, grave mistakes, but was heavily influenced by a malevolent force to do so. Your attempt on my sister’s life will haunt you for the rest of your life. However, I have come to realize it was not your goal, but your previous master’s.”

Not able to do anything but stare, the ex-captain could feel her hooves start to shiver as Celestia took a few steps forward.

“I am not here to speak of your sentence, Knife Twist. I need your help, as a matter of fact.”

“Of course.”

The immediate reply piqued Celestia’s curiosity, but the Princess continued.

“Sleeper Cells.’

Knife let out a hiss, angrily slamming a hoof down on the concrete.

“I knew I felt something the other day. I passed it off as just the shakes.”

“You felt what?”

Opening a small and simple journal, Knife scanned a personal entry.

“Two days ago. It was a full body shiver and just feeling ill,” she read, then closing the book. “I was filled with hate and anger at my situation, but then it passed. I thought nothing of it, a mental flare up if you will; I’ve had them before. But evidently, I was wrong. I didn’t even consider that possibility.”

“What possibility? Celestia asked.

“As you said, sleeper cells. I never heard a peep about such things, but I did organize a few of them for my own purposes, as per my report. However, you should have caught them all. I even listed ideas I had thought of.”

“I am not questioning your report, Knife Twist, it was extremely thorough. My question is, what would these Cells do now if activated? You aided in running one of the most successful, covert operations in Equestrian history. What would you tell such lurking groups to do if you had been in the Emissary’s position?”

Knife stayed quiet, staring at the floor. Celestia’s eyes widened as the ex-guard sniffled softly, shaking her head.

“I don’t want to think like that again, Princess. I really don’t. It’s taken me a long time to stop the ideas from coming, the unconscious scheming…I don’t want to go back to that mental place.”

Celestia bit back a frown, taking a step closer to rest a wing on Knife’s shoulder.

“I am asking you to think like ‘that’ again for good, not evil. This will help save lives, not take them,” she explained softly.

Knife nodded, wiping her eyes and sat up a bit straighter.

“I’d direct them to disrupt and spread cascading events,” she finally said. “Infrastructure attacks, power stations, anywhere with explosive potential, chemical labs, any joint-run projects or outposts. I’d say infrastructure is the biggest target, especially any biohazard waste dumps,” she paused, taking a few deep breaths as her jaw quivered. The fact that such thinking was so disturbing to the mare was a solid testament to how far she had come.

“Chemical labs I’d be very concerned about. During my…time, I considered hitting a few of them. Causing another Oakbark would be any terrorist organization’s dream. And with production of all this new mana-tech spinning up, I imagine there’s a lot of laboratories handling not-so-safe compounds and struggling to stay within safety regulations. Magic and spells are extremely regulated- but chemicals? That stuff has fallen by the wayside. You’ve shown everycreature that Equestria can’t be beaten by brute force. But isolated attacks? Invisible clouds of death that make the nation cower in fear? All you’d need is to smuggle in some accelerants, maybe other chemical agents to cause an explosion…” Knife shuddered, shaking her head. “That’s all I can think of. Can I not dwell on that any longer, please?”

Celestia nodded, Knife shivering briefly.

“Thank you, Knife Twist. That has been extremely helpful. We will speak again, I think,” Celestia remarked as she turned to leave.

“Let me know if I can help, Princess. I’d certainly like to.”

Pausing at the cell door, Celestia looked back, a slightly motherly-smile on her features.

“There is one thing I think you could work on.”

“Anything.”

“Learn that forgiving one’s self is sometimes the hardest part of past actions, especially ones you weren’t fully in control of.”

Knife Twist could only stare as Celestia left, and her confusion only intensified on hearing the Princess’s words to the Warden outside her cell.

“Please increase her visiting and leisure hours with the various support group. That applies especially for Corporal Husk.”

“Highness.”

Knife Twist sat down in shock, staring at the floor in disbelief.

“Why doesn’t she hate me?” she whispered.

Of course, she knew the answer to that. Celestia’s reign had been with fire and iron at times, but her love for her ponies was never called into question.

All her ponies.

Celestia sat in the conference room with Luna, Commander Shifting Sands, and Emperor Nacreous Thundering, all of them staring at the report in front of them in grim acceptance.

“Chemical labs, that’s the target? I can direct some of my forces to fortify them with shields,” Nacreous mused, Celestia walking over to slide underneath his wing with a sigh.

“I’d appreciate that. I’ll order an immediate inspection and bolstering of safeguards and security, if that is suitable, Lulu,” Celestia added with her sister nodding.

“Agreed, sister. I’ll re-deploy some of the Night Guard for nocturnal watch on various sites.”

“I’ll double-down on the Lunar Knights and their biohazard training,” Shifting replied firmly. “But what else can we do? We have a hazard response team, but they’re stretched pretty thin. The uptick in chemical development and industrial processes has outpaced a lot of overseeing entities.”

“Yes, and I’ve been trying to get various bills passed for a year,” Celestia grumbled. “Of course, this happens while you two are engaged.”

“Only us? Dear sister?” Luna countered with a knowing grin, Nacreous resting his head on Celestia’s with a similar smile.

“Fine. Both of us engaged, the timeframe pending at least as another crisis rears its head. I do know one more step we can do. There’s a pony who specializes in this sort of thing. He’s one of the lab inspectors for security and safeguards, as well as general risk analysis for chemical depots.”

Luna’s smile faded to a grim line, the Princess nodding curtly, knowing of who Celestia spoke of.

“I’ll send the word. Commander, continue his training. He’ll need the extra boost if his services are required.”

“Wait, he’s the inspector?”

“Among other things. A great deal many other things,” Luna sighed.

“Let’s get this done.” Nacreous rumbled in conclusion.

As the various individuals walked or teleported away, Celestia took a deep breath and sent a message to the stallion in question. The enchanted parchment had the pre-drafted orders already signed.

‘Specialist Toxic Shield; Maximum Readiness Warning and On-Call activation orders.’

Author's Notes:

Welcome to the (current) final installment of this story! I've got a decent amount of this mapped out, so get some popcorn and pillows! This one has some darker tones and points to it...but counter balanced by plenty of fluff!
So much fluff. Oh goodness.

Chapter One: Echos

“Good! You seem to have picked up the basics of leyline manipulation faster than I thought,” Commander Shifting Sands commented, the leader of the Lunar Knights watching the stallion in front of him continue an exercise. “The key with leyline energy is to not force it; it doesn’t work like that. The energy is there, all you’re doing is tapping into it, diverting a small amount for your own purposes. That is what you need to keep in mind and why you had that blowback on the previous exercise.”

“Interesting,” Toxic Shield mused, the blue unicorn stepping off the platform with a shake of his head. The green biohazard cutie-mark that matched a stream in his black mane was as visible as it had been over two decades ago, the young colt having shrugged off the effects of the nightmare which surrounded a previously jovial event.

Yet he was not unscathed.

“If I am to be honest, Commander, I do hope to utilize leylines in an active manner. I have a friend who aids with my equipment, and I think this form of energy could help power it. I’m not sure if permissions are required however,” Toxic voiced.

The silver and blue-crystal amulet around his neck flashed softy, and while Toxic’s mouth moved, the voice that delivered the words emanated from the odd necklace; emotions dulled and without much variation.

The price of survival was a fickle thing. Without the enchanted device, the stallion’s voice would cause nearly every creature within earshot to wince in pain due to the odd frequency, pony, gryphon, or otherwise.

“No permission needed, Specialist Shield,” Shifting chuckled, “in fact, if you friend can find a way to harness leyline energy in a device, I know a certain Princess of Friendship who would love to see the calculations. From what I understand, the energy highly dislikes being used in technology, and while some remote civilizations have managed it, such a thing has eluded us in Equestria.”

Toxic nodded, then pausing with a grin as his bright green eyes lit up.

“Understood. And Commander? Congratulations by the way. I don’t think I ever got the chance to tell you these past weeks,” he said with a smile, amulet still able to convey an amount of sincerity and happiness.

The dark silver engagement bracelet on Shifting’s forehoof flashed softly in the light, the stallion chuckling.

“Thank you, Toxic. A long engagement may seem like an odd thing to many. But when time blends together, it puts things in perspective. A year means different things, I’ve come to realize.”

Toxic nodded, not able to resist a smile as Shifting’s gaze turned slightly wistful, the Commander then shaking his head with a huff.

“Enough of that; you were trying to get me to forget your homework, weren’t you?”

Toxic placed a forehoof over his brow dramatically, an exaggerated pout on his features.

“Commander, I am pained with the insinuation!” he replied, a slightly guilty expression now dawning. “But perhaps.”

“Studying for three weeks and already wanting to evade my carefully crafted tasks! For shame!” Shifting teased back, the older stallion then levitating a parchment over. “But here you are. As I have said before, the leylines aren’t some dead form of energy to be tapped like a water main. They have an ebb and flow, and a strange consciousness at times. They can become acclimated to you, so the more time you spend becoming familiar with the energy, the easier it can be to muster.”

“Understood.”

A flashing light interrupted any further conversation, Toxic saluting the Commander with a grin.

“Duty calls?” the leader of the Lunar Knights asked, Toxic nodding curtly as a teleportation spell swirled around his body.

“Always does. Talk to you later, Commander.”

Two Weeks Later…

“Thank you! It’s been hours since we were able to even go in there, and we were sure if we were even going to open back up, and I think…” the stallion rambled as Toxic fought back a visible wince.

“I’m just glad to help. Give it a few minutes for the air circulation to kick on, and things will be back to normal.”

The factory worker nodded happily, following his fellow ponies back towards the main entrance as Toxic meandered to where his pile of emergency gear sat, completely unused.

A hot-sauce plant.

They called me because of…Hot. Sauce.

Furious didn’t even describe the emotions coursing through Toxic’s veins. Not at the workers, no, it wasn’t their fault by far.

Very few had any idea the mental preparations the stallion had to undergo after each call. And for two weeks it had all been futile. Such calls had slowed down his inspection of the chemical labs around Equestria, some sort of threat causing his normal duties to be of the highest priority.

I haven’t slept a full night ever since this started. And why haven’t they re-analyzed the duty roster yet?

“Control, this is Specialist Shield,” Toxic hissed into the crystal, the amulet not able to conceal his distaste. “Is there any progress on my urgent request?”

“Still in review, Toxic,” a mare’s voice echoed back, then dropping to a whisper. “The new supervisor, look, I don’t get it either, sorry.”

It wasn’t her fault of course, but clearly somepony didn’t get a lengthy memo.

“No worries, not your fault Linen- I’ll take it up with somepony else. Thanks,” Toxic then switched to a different frequency. “Toxic to control. Be advised if I am called on another superfluous assignment, I will be sending my immediate resignation. An accidental release at a hot sauce factory is not within my contract requirements. Expect to hear from a higher authority than I about the matter.”

A certain supervisor’s voice came over the radio in protest, but Toxic simply shut it off with a screech.

I don’t trust my self-control with that fool.

The stallion took off the microphone, carefully organizing his equipment with hooves that shook with pent up stress.

And to think they also cut my wage to hourly instead of per assignment? Not even a thousandth of what I made before. What is going on?

I don’t respond to these sorts of things, I can’t. That’s not my job.

Do they know what each call does to me? What I have to expect?

Closing his green eyes, Toxic struggled to control his breathing, carefully stuffing in a few earplugs as the ambient noise began to rise once again as the factory resumed activity.

Taking out a scroll, Toxic wrote a simple message, sending off the enchanted parchment with a sigh.

I hope you can help, Princess. These calls are starting to incur a hefty price on me.

Celestia trotted the halls, more than a few guards avoiding her direct path as the Solar Princess literally steamed. She had read over the parchment four times, each subsequent scan making her temper flare.

No anger. None of that. Ignorance and idiocy are much more common than malice.

Nacreous, I am going to need a very long hug after this.

And a kiss.

Lots of kisses.

Whenever one of her ponies was affected negatively, both she and Luna took the matter personally to some extent. It was the hallmark of their rule, being able to empathize with so many types of individuals.

But this pony was not the average citizen.

He doesn’t deserve this. Then again, I doubt this bumbling fool fully knows the importance of Toxic’s task, how essential he is.

I’m ashamed at myself for not catching this sooner.

Striding into the Canterlot Emergency Response Control room, Celestia looked around at the busy individuals and made a simple request. A dozen ponies were arrayed around new crystal monitors and sturdy wooden desks, massive screens spread across the wall in front of them.

“I am looking for Stalwart Pillar,” she stated, more than a few ponies staring in surprise. It wasn’t often the Princess visited here outside of a disaster, let alone looking for a single individual.

A cream-colored stallion with a bright red mane trotted up, bowing respectfully.

“Princess? What can I do for you?” he asked cheerily, and Celestia detected no hidden malice or any ill will from the stallion.

As I suspected. He honestly is wanting to help.

“I wanted to review a few past documents to keep myself apprised of the goings-on in the capital; do you have a minute?” Celestia asked tactfully, the stallion quickly ushering her into a small conference room.

“Of course! What documents would you like me to retrieve and go over?”

“The duty roster list, please.”

As the supervisor returned, the stallion took a deep breath, putting the documents on the table with a nervous smile.

“I apologize, Highness. I’m still trying to play catch-up after being transferred here.”

Celestia nodded, scanning over the roster as if checking it.

“Any issues thus far?”

“No- well, there is one,” Stalwart admitted with a sigh. “It’s one of the members of the Hazard Response Team. He’s begun the process of resigning, and I don’t fully understand why. There’s no documentation, and what he told me makes no sense.”

“Toxic Shield?”

“Yes. He’s listed as a regular, full-time guard on remote status, but apparently he takes issue with his normal duties.”

Celestia sighed, shaking her head as she turned to the required page.

‘Stalwart, Toxic Shield is anything but another guard. He’s not even to be treated as such. He’s a contractor, classified as -” her eyes widened on seeing the designation and notes under the afore mentioned stallion’s name.

“…what in the world?” she muttered, levitating her own, separate copy over to Stalwart.

“It does indeed show him as such; enrolled as a normal guard. And here I was thinking it was a different mistake,” Celestia sighed, looking over to a now very-quiet Stalwart, his eyes staring at the parchment in front of him.

In fact, the stallion looked rather ill.

“Stalwart?”

The supervisor swallowed, and Celestia saw his hooves shake slightly.

“T-this is a big mistake. I don’t know…how did…” the pony’s voice drifted off as the stallion sat down. “Is this document correct? The amount paid, his status, his top-secret security clearance?” he asked, voice barely a whisper.

“Yes. Toxic Shield is a contractor. Paid per job for the extreme assignments normal teams cannot complete, and otherwise occupies a full-time inspection duty station,” Celestia said.

“I thought the pay was in error- so when I cut his pay to normal like the other guards, called him on assignments others could do-what have I….”

“He was preparing himself for the worst for every call, and I imagine it has exacted a heavy toll,” Celestia added, shaking her head. She reached over and gently touched the pony’s shoulder with her wing, a kind smile on her face.

“Stalwart Pillar, you acted in the best interest of the Royal Guard and your teams. This was a clerical error, and you won’t be held accountable for such. However, I will need to do a review of the department as to why his complaints weren’t forwarded more promptly.”

The stallion nodded, clearly in a bit of a daze as Celestia took her leave.

Oh, Toxic. I’m so sorry.

I think it’s time you took a vacation. At least a few days to recover.

The stallion took a few deep breaths, finally away from the crowds of the city as he sat in a small park. The usual hum of the city was muted, allowing his exhausted mind to rest.

Too much noise.

It had been a challenge for years. While many would find a cacophony of sound to be a mild annoyance Toxic found it much harder to ignore such a thing. He could fake the lack of discomfort for a time, but eventually it grew to be all-encompassing, and a bit of quiet was a requirement rather than a recommendation to continue onwards.

Thankfully, such limitations vanished when lives were on the line.

He heard the soft *pop* of a teleportation spell, and the heavy hoof-falls indicated it could be only one of a few individuals.

“Princess?” he asked, a soft chuckle confirming his words. Celestia kept her voice soft, well aware of the stallion’s limitations.

“Indeed. Sorry to disturb you, Toxic, but I have news on these past weeks.”

He let out a huff, only now opening his eyes to see Celestia looking at him in clear worry.

“Are you alright?”

Toxic shook his head, forcing himself to sit up a bit straighter.

“Not entirely, but I’ll manage. I appreciate the gesture, contacting me personally.”

Celestia nodded, clearly still rather concerned about her distressed subject.

“I’d settle for nothing less. In short, it was a series of clerical errors. No malicious acts, nothing of that sort,” she explained. “In the chaos the Windigos caused, somehow you were set to be processed along with a new set of contractors and guards. Your status got switched, and your supervisor thought the wages was an error. I thought he’d be ill when he realized the mistake. Likewise, your complaints got bogged down with being shunted between various individuals who have either been promoted or no longer work for the guard.”

Toxic stayed silent for a few moments, shoulders slumping.

“A series of errors, that makes things a bit easier to process,” he murmured.

“Correct, one that has now been corrected to allow you continuation of inspecting the labs as soon as possible,” Celestia explained. “However, in no more than a week, I want you to take two days off at the very least, maybe a week. Recover, and then continue. I would give you longer, I intend to give you longer, but the various facilities need to be inspected immediately. Focus on the most at-risk locations first.”

Recognizing the urgency in her tone, Toxic nodded slowly.

“There’s another threat, isn’t there? Nopony is saying it, but I’ve heard the urgent reports floating about,” he asked.

“Yes. I cannot speak of it now, not here. Your security clearance allows full access however- and so I can send a briefing over, after your days off,” Celestia said. “After you finish your inspections in a month or so, I’m ordering you to take a week or two of partial leave. A few simple tasks, but overall, the goal will be to relax.”

Toxic nodded, the stallion’s green eyes flickering over to Celestia in curiosity.

“Why are you here, Princess Celestia?” he asked softly. There was no disrespect in his tone, only sincere questioning. “The approval for training with the Commander, the personal visits by yourself and Luna; I know you don’t do this for everypony.”

Toxic was not prepared by the shock to flash across Celestia’s case, nor the turmoil in her eyes as she struggled to maintain the mask she often wore. There seemed to be quite a bit she wanted to say, but couldn’t. Or wouldn’t.

The seconds of silence stretched on for hours, and that was more telling to Toxic than any words that would follow.

“Because, Toxic, you are essential,” she finally said. “There aren’t others who can do what you can, nor handle what you’ve seen. Like the Lunar Knights, my Legionnaires, you are able to handle the ugly side of the world, that which many cannot comprehend or fathom. As such, we’ve tried to find creatures to help, to get a team together so it’s not just you. And so, we want to offer what reassurance we can. But…”

His shoulders slumped, head nodding slowly.

“I know,” Toxic whispered, “I suppose that makes sense. What is normal for me is extraordinary for every other creature.”

“A blessing perhaps?” Celestia offered.

“Or a curse.”

The clenched jaw of the stallion told Celestia enough to drop the subject, the raging boil of emotion in Toxic’s eyes lending credence to such silence. And yet she pressed on for a few moments.

“I know a thing or two about blessings disguised as curses,” she said, “as does Nacreous, Shifting, and Luna. I’m sure any of them would be happy to speak with you about such.”

Shoulders relaxing, Toxic nodded, the hint of a smile now on his face.

“I suppose you all do,” he mused, “thank you, Celestia. It’s nice to have somecreature to talk to who isn’t paid to do so.”

“Anytime, Toxic,” Celestia replied, “May I ask if your family is well?”

“As well as can be expected. A few improvements with my little brother, thanks to Emperor Thunderwing’s medical knowledge. So…we’ll see,” Toxic relayed.

“That is good to hear,” a soft chime made Celestia frown, the alicorn standing back up. “I’ve got to go, but I do enjoy these talks. On a more professional topic, you’ve been back-compensated for each call. It’s not the full amount; I think you’d agree that would be excessive, but I hope more than enough to compensate you for your time and the strain.”

Toxic nodded, not seeming to care about the promise of bits that much.

“You could buy an island I suppose, with all the extra funds alone. I can ask Nacreous if he has any recommendations,” Celestia said, hoping to raise the mood slightly.

Her words indeed seemed to cheer Toxic up, the stallion standing with a grunt. A wry smile flickered across his face, head bowing respectfully.

“I’ve found a better use for the bits. I apologize if I remain coy to such. If I said more, it might involve a lot of red tape.”

Celestia clearly played the unknowing part, perhaps a bit too well as Toxic’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.

“Oh? Well, I hope to see the fruits of your labor eventually.”

Shaking his head, Toxic picked up his saddlebags, a familiar, determined fire igniting behind his eyes.

“I hope not. The world would be better for it.”

A knowing glint arose in Celestia’s eye before she vanished, leaving the stallion to trot to the nearest antique shop to browse odds and ends.

Reappearing in her private study, Celestia swallowed the lump in her throat. It had been talked of only a few times between Luna and herself, and not ever to Shifting or Nacreous. But now Toxic’s question had brought it back to the forefront.

Essential.

It was supposed to have been buried, never discussed. Shifting and Nacreous were testament enough as to the burden such a curse could carry.

But they also were an embodiment of the good that come from such a unique, long life.

Hidden in a secret compartment and behind a dozen trapped locks, a parchment stared at Celestia as she carefully levitated the bound pages out.

She had once wanted to burn it, erase every trace of this desperate idea from existence. Yet now she was going to be briefing two individuals on its existence. These two, if any, could understand….

‘Project Unholy Ascension.

- Candidates must be non-alicorn in origin for successful modification. Simulated tests indicate catastrophic failure when interacting with alicorn magic.
- Candidates must be considered ‘essential’, to which the loss of their life would leave Equestria, if not the world vulnerable to catastrophic threats.
- Candidates must accept willingly, no exceptions.
- Candidates must be aware of all the dangers and hazards posed by the project.
- Candidates must not have any replacements, immediate or potential pending.

Potential Candidate list- not yet informed.
- Arrow Flint - status stricken, now has a family. Cost too great.
- Vine Snap - status stricken, deceased.
- The Elements of Harmony in various forms – status stricken, one of alicorn status, and Harmony finds a way. Cannot, and should not interfere with such ancient and powerful magic.
- Toxic Shield – added after the Oakbark Incident. Status pending. Potential replacements, ongoing, 628, corrected to 0. No replacements found thus far with abilities even remotely close.

May Equestria and the stars above forgive us for considering this, especially if we must ask this of any creature, for none deserve to consider this burden.

May the sin of asking such a sacrifice be forgiven if any creature accepts such words with a pure heart.

-Solar Empress, Celestia.
-Lunar Guardian, Luna.

The words seemed harsh, and were written in a different time many years ago. Before both Celestia and Luna had seen beyond the curse of an ageless existence.

Before they realized truly how powerful love could be.

Celestia found herself smiling, looking at the classified project curiously.

“Could this bring more good to the world like you have, Nacreous?” she asked herself, “like Shifting to my sister? Perhaps I placed too much emphasis on the burden, the curse and not the blessing? Perhaps. And yet I hope never to ask this of you, Toxic Shield.”

Author's Notes:

And we're off! Welcome to a complete and total re-write of my first story on Fimfiction. Oh, I'm excited This is a bit of a unique one; a bit darker of an adventure, but compensated with a lot more deeper levels of fluff...oh the adorableness that will ensue!

As always, feedback is greatly appreciated, and I hope you enjoy the story!

Chapter Two: Tall Tales

The black sky held no warmth of stars for the stallion struggling to balance on a decaying boulder. Sicky green fluid spread out as far as the eye could see, dissolving everything in its path as the substance lapped at Toxic Shield’s hooves. The pony desperately scrambled back, the amulet around his neck feeling as though it had the weight of an anvil.

‘Why didn’t you save me, Toxic?’ a decaying mare asked, flesh and muscle falling from her skeleton as she reached up from the sludge towards him.

‘What about us?’ a stallion hissed, more rotting ponies and other creatures reaching up towards the terrified individual balanced on a sinking piece of rubble.

“I t-tried! I’m sorry!” Toxic cried, shivering as he struggled to not fall into the fluid. The clicking of a Geiger counter began to grow louder and louder, the corpses laughing even as their flesh continued to melt. The clicking continued to speed up, matching Toxic’s heartbeat in a sinister cacophony of sound as the bodies continued to taunt him.

‘He’s sorry.’

‘As if that makes it better.’

‘He failed us.’

‘You failed.’

‘You let us die!’

“NO!” Toxic yelled, sending a blast of energy towards the creatures. Punching through the decaying skull, the magical strike did nothing but make the rotten pony laugh. As the closest aberrations began to grab onto the sinking debris, a familiar voice punched through the nightmare.

“Wake, Toxic.”

Looking around at his dream surroundings, Toxic shuddered, curling into a ball as Luna’s jaw shivered with emotion, the alicorn changing the scenery to a peaceful forest for a moment.

“Please forgive me for not being able to stop these.”

The shaken stallion looked up at the floating Princess as the dream fragmented towards wakefulness.

“I always have, Luna.”

The relief was palpable on the Princess’s face; despite such an exchange having taken place more than once before.

Waking up fully with a gasp, Toxic’s chest heaved as a cold sweat soaked his fur. A waiting, pre-placed glass of water was downed from a wooden beside table, the pony then rolling over and wrapping his forelimbs tightly around a large, firm pillow. Tears streaked his dark fur as he shivered, the inanimate object held tightly in the pony’s arms only providing so much comfort as the stallion huddled under his blanket alone, the sinister voices fading for now.

“You sound horrible, Toxic,” the voice on the ear-communicator related, Toxic letting out a less than amused huff as he wandered the streets of Tall Tale, having arrived a week prior.

“Nice to hear from you too, Varti. Just the same old same old. Even on the tail end of a vacation I don’t get a break. Celestia extended it to a week after I finished inspecting all of the labs. They have made huge strides though; I’m actually fairly confident in their security,” Toxic said, the eccentric yak on the other end chuckling with a voice deep enough that it could cause an avalanche.

And, if the stallion recalled correctly, it had caused such a thing on one occasion.

“That is good to hear- and if I read your note correctly, you got the constant call issue sorted? Judging by the sizable increase in our funds, I’d assume that’s the case,” the yak mused. “I apologize in advance if I switch to traditional yak-mannerisms of speaking, I just got back from visiting my relatives. So, guard your ears.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, and I did get it all sorted. I’d rather put it all in the past however. How is your daughter by the way? She’s on that travel-the-world camp, isn’t she?”

“Oh, she is loving it. I get a letter every week from Turmi with a page or two of what they did, saw, or even ate,” the yak replied wistfully, Toxic resisting a chuckle. Whenever he could talk about his only adopted daughter, Turmilla, the outgoing and science-savy yak would gladly indulge the listener for some time.

His current record was over two hours.

“I’m glad to hear it, she has grown up quite a bit in the ten years I’ve know you two, huh?”

“Thanks to you, Toxic. A dept I can never fully repay,” the yak replied immediately.

“And I’ve tried to convince you otherwise about that debt to no avail. Everything ship-shape at the complex?”

“Indeed, just running diagnostics. It’s rather empty here, arcane machines and golems aside; when will we go public…director?”

Toxic let out a groan, trotting down the streets to look for any interesting shops.

“You know I hate it when you call me that.”

“I know. I just like reminding you of your dream, and how I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

“How much is my dream and how much is yours?”

The yak chuckled, making Toxic’s ears vibrate with the sound.

“You’ve set me loose, Toxic. Given me a purpose, a lab, and a means to help others like you helped me and my daughter. I have my dream. You, my good pony, still have a few of your own.”

“Fair point. But progress on all those fronts are slow and steady. As for the organization, we’ll go public in the next year, I think.”

“I await the day eagerly. SCIENCE YAK WILL SMASH ANY COMPETITION!”

Many a pony cast odd looks Toxic’s way as the stallion doubled over in wheezing laughter despite wincing from the roar that emanated from his earpiece.

‘The stallion tossed aside the sword and shield, trotting past the vanquished remains of the rock golems, his goal not but a few paces away.

The mare dashed into his arms, giving him a kiss that made the knight’s head spin. He had come for her; despite the outcry of the villages, the pleading to let her fate be decided by some arcane fanatic…

“W-why?” she asked, resting her head on the armored stallion’s chest.

“What do you mean, why?” the stoic stallion grunted, taking off his helmet to show blue eyes that radiated with love as he graced her lips with a kiss. “Why would I not?”

The mare’s arms held him all the tighter at such words, the Knight allowing a bit of respite as he nuzzled the top of her head, memories flooding his heart and mind at her familiar and comforting scent. “How could I not?”

The reader let out a sniffle, pillow clutched tightly between her forelimbs as the enchanted pages on the book turned once again. For a brief moment, forelimbs circled around her torso as a loving voice whispered in her ear….

Even as the mare pressed her head firmly against his chest, the stallion’s eyes narrowed as a few pieces of the golem began to tremble. He forced himself to take up the previously cast aside sword once again, readying himself for-

*BEEP!*

The gryphoness let out a surprised squawk, the pillow previously clutched in an affectionate embrace now sent rocketing across the room towards the offending alarm with impeccable aim. The enchanted book in front of her paused the turning of the pages, the reader grumbling at having been interrupted.

Splashing some water on her fluffed-up face feathers, Gelliana shook her wings, reluctantly getting ready for the day. Staring at herself in the mirror, the gryphoness frowned on seeing the remnants of her greenhouse-venture spotting her grey flecked face and claws. No matter. Gelliana narrowed her eyes slightly, ears perked up as her fierce reflection looked back at her, every inch a mean-looking gryphon.

The black highlights around her eyes stuck out from the speckles of similar color on her greyish-white cheeks and chest. The camouflaged coloration continued to flow down until it blended with her haunches, the dark brown pattern draping itself over like a cloak that flowed down until the white tuft of fur at the end of her tail.

All that was missing would be some armor, and Gelliana would look quite in place among the royal guard.

That is, until she slooooooowly stuck out her tongue, dissolving into giggles as she smoothed down her feathers.

A few minutes before going to lunch with Marigold, and then meeting Icait.

Eh, I’ll go there early.

A quick check on her shop and greenhouse, and the gryphoness was off down the streets of Tall Tale. The growing city was still small, barely out of ‘town’ status, only a few large stone skyscrapers dotting the city center. But it was home at least for the past five years. Her shop was booming; having just an open time during the afternoon made sure there was plenty of time to tend to the greenhouse and actually concoct the herbal remedies she so specialized in. The growing building was connected directly to her shop, the two-storied building also serving as Gelliana’s house as well.

While there weren’t many gryphons in Tall Tale, that suited the gryphoness just fine. Her past experiences with them hadn’t been exactly pleasant, not with males at least. Not being cut from the usual gruff and permanently-grouchy cloth wasn’t an easy thing.

Ugh, and if I hear any of them call me a ‘toy’ one more time…

She shuddered, banishing such thoughts with ease. Being a ‘runt’ among gryphons was a tricky thing, even with their society slowly starting to catch up.

Thank you, Equestrian parents.

Maybe that’s why I don’t mind ponies much, and think stallions are, well, special-somepony material.
…eventually.

Strangely enough, her best friend Marigold had brought up the matter with an observation.

‘Wouldn’t getting a hug from a guy gryphon like, squish you?’

Which wasn’t too far from the truth. Gelliana barely could see eye to eye with most stallions. Gryphons? She barely came up to their chest, maybe shoulders if they were a female.

Talk about another confidence killer.
And then having ponies being afraid of you…

A lump rose in the gryphoness’s throat at that, her ears lying flat.

It’s not my fault I have claws and a beak. I don’t want to look scary…
Is it too much to just want a h-

“Wow, Gelly, you look down,” a familiar voice called out, a hovering yellow Pegasus wincing. “Chocolate day! On me of course! I just finished cloud kicking this morning.”

“Hey Marigold, sorry, just a weird mental tangent,” Gelliana mumbled as the Pegasus literally dragged her towards a familiar eatery.

“POWDERED TOAST! WE NEED A CHOCOLATE SHAKE EMERGENCY INFUSION!” Marigold bellowed, a comical gasp sounding from the bright blue stallion behind the counter as his two regular customers entered.

“That bad? Do I need to break out the cherries?” he looked over and saw Gelly, and then nodded solemnly. “Oh dear, cherries and whipped cream it is!”

A smile quickly returned to the gryphoness’s face, for how could it not?

“I love you guys.”

“HURRY, POWDERED! WE MUST KEEP THE SMILE ALIVE!”

“I’M WORKING AS FAST AS I CAN!”

Half-finished with her chocolate shake, Gelliana couldn’t help but smile as Marigold regaled her with her most recent shopping experience. Or rather, what she discovered passed for fashion nowadays. While their interests differed on quite a few things, it was always nice to learn about such things from her best friend who could put it into amusing and interesting terms.

However, the pegasus’s words trailed off as Marigold suddenly stared, Gelliana looking from side to side uncomfortably under the focus of her friend’s gaze.

“…what?” she asked.

“How?” Marigold asked, then smacked her face on the table with a frustrated groan. “HOW do you do it, Gelly?”

“W-what?” she asked, genuinely confused as the Pegasus gestured towards her.

“I have spent hours learning how to do makeup in just the right style that I love. And then you walk out of your greenhouse like this!”

The gryphoness’s ears flattened, a familiar coldness starting to ice across her chest. She didn’t think she had looked that unpresentable.

“I…”

“It’s incredible. How is this cruel twist of fate possible?! What is your secret?! Tell meeeeeeeee!”

What?

Marigold gestured towards the gryphoness’s ears and claws, glaring in a good-natured but extremely jealous fashion.

“Those blue highlights are gorgeous, Gelly! And the perfect matching color on your claws? Oh, it softens those predatory highlights around your eyes-UGH!”

By now Gelliana was in a fit of giggles, her exasperated best friend angrily sipping at her own milkshake.

“I was just checking on some berry hybrids in my greenhouse, and I guess some of the color accidentally stained my feathers….’

“Accidentally. Stained,” Marigold grumbled, eyes drifting out of the stone workshop to watch the ponies trotting this way and that around the city center. “Huh, no way,” she mumbled.

“What?”

“Your eyes are better than mine, obviously. That blue unicorn across the street, the one with the black mane, has a green stripe, I think? Is he wearing an odd necklace?”

Gelliana focused, easily able to pick out the individual with her increased vision.

Perks of being a gryphon. Some have better eyes, some have better ears, and in Gelliana’s case, some have both.

Lucky me.

“Yeah? Some sort of silver chain with a gem set in the middle. It’s pulsing when he talks, why?” Gelliana asked, ears focusing on her friend as Marigold frowned. She could hear the mare’s heartbeat speed up slightly, a hit-and-miss ability some gryphons had. The generations-old combination of owl and eagle ancestry did have its perks for Gelliana at least.

She’s nervous?

“I heard about that guy from one of my mare friends in the guard. Rough Blade has a few stories about him too.”

“Your coltfriend says the same thing? Huh, all these guard contacts, your father’s side of the family?”

“Pretty much. I guess I’m a sucker for a stallion in armor. But I met Whistle when she was in boot camp. She was helping with the weather for a training exercise and we’ve been pen-pals on and off. She confirmed what Rough said when he got stationed in Canterlot for a time,” Marigold relayed, shaking her head as she looked at the unicorn trotting away. “I don’t know what he is doing here.”

Gelliana’s eyes widened in genuine surprise. There were very few times her best friend had seemed actively antagonistic towards somepony, let alone one she had never personally met.

“What’s up with him? I’ve not seen you this flustered in a while,” Gelliana asked cautiously, still hearing Marigold’s heartbeat speed up, but now flattened back to normal.

“The guards call him ‘Iceberg,’” Marigold explained, finishing her shake and pushing it aside. “Kind of a double meaning. That necklace speaks for him or something; not much emotion in his voice apparently. As for the name, the way I heard it described was of how there’s quite a bit of depth to an ice mountain but nopony wants to venture into such a cold place.”

“Ouch, that sounds rather harsh,” the gryphoness remarked, Marigold then dropping her voice to a whisper.

“I’ve heard stories from both Whisper and Rough. This guy is called into the nastiest hazards but shows no emotion. Apparently, it’s downright creepy, carrying out bodies of foals and adults, living and dead alike without a single tear or trace of unease. What kind of pony, or creature does that!? And a biohazard cutie mark? The signal for ‘danger, don’t touch me?’ And his name being literally Toxic Shield? Urg….” Marigold shuddered.

Gelliana didn’t say anything, brow furrowed as she shook her head.

“I don’t know, but I’ve never heard you judge somepony off just stories or appearance, not even getting to know them, Marigold.”

The mare frowned, shaking her head.

“I guess in some cases I’d rather just avoid the trouble if the stories are even half true, y’know?”

Ears flattening, Gelliana stood up and placed a few bits on the table to pay for her shake, looking to her friend with a genuinely hurt expression on her face.

“In some cases? I guess I got lucky then when you gave me a chance at friendship,” she whispered, Marigold’s eyes widening in horrified shock as her words finally took hold.

“Oh, Gelly, I didn’t….”

“I’ll catch you later, Marigold,” the gryphoness muttered, shaking her head and meandering out of the shop. There weren’t many buttons that could be an instant peeve for the gryphoness, but that sort of superficial judgement, obviously, was one of them.

Of all the ponies, Marigold, you should know how much that sort of thing bothers me. It’s why you were my first friend here, nocreature else would even bother to…

She wandered the streets, the gryphoness trying her hardest to push Marigold’s words aside. It was just an oversight and not intended towards her of course, but how could Gelliana not feel a bit hurt by such a view from her best friend? Marigold knew how hurtful such words could be, such quiet murmurings that eventually getting back around to the creature in question.

Such words and judgements that had been a part of Gelliana’s life since birth.

And it’s taken years to just be comfortable being me. It doesn’t mean I don’t get peeved about such things, especially when I’ve told her again and again it’s a sore spot.

She sighed, knowing full well she’d check on her friend later. A slight smile finally flickered at her beak at that thought as she walked.

I’d rather not have Marigold attack a gallon of ice cream again. We both have overreacted from time to time.

…my best friend.

Those words added strength to Gelliana’s smile. It had taken many years indeed, but the gryphoness now had quite a few things her past self may not have even comprehended.

Loving who I am.
Best friends.
A job I love.

…we’ll work on the stallion. Gryphon…GUY part.

Maybe someday.

Ok, soon. Ideally.
Maybe.

…I hope.

Icait pranced in place with nerves, the four Legionnaires stationed off to the side clearly finding her behavior a bit amusing as they waited in the empty herbalist shop. Starlight was off acclimating Onyx, but the Windigo could still sense an observation spell in the shop, along with the ever-present mental ‘pressure’ of a magical locking enchantment.

Smart mare.

Deep breaths.
Do I need to breath?
I have lungs, I think?
Breathing helps.

Just meeting a gryphon. Maybe she’ll like me?

…maybe?

I-

“Icait, is it?” a friendly voice called out, the Windigo letting out a yelp as she whipped around. Seeing a surprised gryphoness looking at her, the Windigo nodded, holding out a shaking hoof.

“Y-yes. Nice to m-meet you,” she stammered, the astral creature only staring in surprise as the gryphoness smiled, shaking her hoof with her talons.

Hey, her claws are shaking too!

“A bit nervous? My name is Gelliana by the way,” the gryphoness remarked, Icait blushing at least as best she could with a nod.

“Y-yeah, a bit. Ok, a lot. It has been a crazy few days,” she admitted.

“Well, same here. I’m usually a wreck on meeting new creatures, but I guess knowing you’re nervous too makes me a bit less nervous, sort of? Rambling, sorry…”

It started off as a soft *snrk* but before Icait could help it a full-blown nervous giggle left her muzzle, Gelliana not able to resist a bit of laughter of her own. She glared good-naturedly over to one of the four armored ponies, waving a set of claws at the amused stallion.

“We’re both shy, nervous wrecks; give us a break!” she remarked, then holding out her talons to Icait.

“Want to start again? Nice to meet you, I’m Gelliana. I hear you’re going to help me around the shop and greenhouse for a bit?” she asked, Icait nodding and now smiling as she shook the outstretched claws.

“Nice to meet you Gelliana, and yes, I think that’s the plan. I hope. I mean, I’m kind of new to this whole ‘life’ thing,” Icait admitted.

“Well, can you tell me a bit about…well, yourself? I kind of only know the basics. Not every day you get to meet a Windigo. Er, sort of Windigo?” Gelliana asked, Icait clearly becoming more and more at ease.

“Um, well, I haven’t really been me that long. I really like learning about stuff. Apartments? Electricity? It’s all so cool!” Icait gushed, trotting over to gesture at some various gardening implements.

“Like, this tiny spiked shovel? I have no idea what it is for, but I want to know! I guess that’s why I hung out at the library in that outpost. Uh, I’m getting off track, huh?” she muttered, walking back over to Gelliana and sitting down.

“I haven’t really had to tell anyone about myself. You’re one of the first creature’s I’ve met formally, and talked to. I mean, I was part of the Windigo group that tried to destroy Equestria….” Her ears flattened at that, light teal eyes drifting to the worn wooden floor.

“And I never liked it, if you’ll believe me. I always just was a scout, I never wanted to hurt anycreature. It just felt wrong, even though I still needed negative emotions to survive. I told Cele-erm, Princess Celestia and Luna everything I could in the interviews before I came here. They wanted to make double sure I wasn’t lying. And I’m not, I don’t really know what to feel. I was born with a desire to cause and feed off hate…”

“What about now?” Gelliana asked, interrupting the Windigo’s nervous rambling, causing Icait’s head to snap up in surprise. Her tone wasn’t condescending, only curious.

“Now, I don’t know. I can eat stuff, drink, but I’m not wanting to stir up negative emotions like before. It’s hard to explain, because I can still feel general emotions from others, especially negative ones,” Icait continued, gesturing to the guards.

“Like those four. They really, really don’t like me, and I don’t blame them. Well, except the last one, he finds me kind of funny, but still in the ‘don’t-like’ area.”

The Legionnaires blinked, then shrugged in acceptance of the generalization.

“That’s why I don’t know what to think about you, Gelliana,” Icait admitted, “You don’t hate me. I can’t sense really any dislike, just, caution. And I don’t know how to react to that. Ponies, creatures, they should hate me for what I did.”

The mare jumped slightly as Gelliana placed a set of talons on her shoulders, the Windigo staring in surprise at the gryphoness.

“I’ve learned to never judge another creature off what you first see, or what you think they did,” Gelliana said. “And so far, all I know that happened is that you were a scout for a bad group of creatures and regret it, and you want to be better. Does that sound about right?”

Icait nodded, the gryphoness then gesturing around the shop.

“Well, there you go. Obviously, I am a bit cautious, but I most certainly don’t hate you! You seem really fun, actually. And I was told you’re going to be volunteering at the library?”

“Y-yes, after I get settled helping you that is.”

The gryphoness nodded, beckoning to the Windigo mare.

“Then let me show you around! The shop is just for showcasing gardening products and the various tonics, antidotes, and other herbal concoctions I create.”

“You made all of these?!” Icait gasped, looking over and examining the shelves lined with vials of varying color.

“Yup! And I grow it all out back. Want to go see how I do it? You’ll be helping me with each step.”

“YES!” Icait yelled, floating into the air briefly before settling on the floor. “I mean…yes, I’d really like that.”

Gelliana could barely speak through her own giggles, waving the Windigo onwards.

“Well, let’s start at the greenhouse.”

Through the shop and down a hallway that branched upwards towards a staircase (and Gelliana’s bedroom,) the pair made their way to a large, house-sized growing area, four guards in tow.

“So, here’s where I grow well, just about everything,” Gelliana explained, gesturing to the dozens of planter boxes, pots, hydroponic beds, and towering vines visible under the glass roof. “I have to outsource some material because of the quantity needed, but for the most part I can grow it all here.”

Turning her head, Gelliana only smiled on seeing Icait’s eyes wide in wonder, the Windigo seeming to be a bit overloaded.

“S-so much green, so much life,” she whispered, “I’ve never seen something like this before.”

“Really?” Gelliana asked.

Icait nodded, sitting down and simply looking around in amazement.

“My kind is from the Frozen North, and Onyx and I were hiding out in a glacier, abandoned mine shafts and stuff. I didn’t realize how bleak it was until now. I didn’t get a chance to see much outside of towns or cities for information gathering before that, only distant views of trees. I don’t remember anything from before I was given a brain, per say.”

“There’s lots of areas that are this green for miles and miles. Jungles, forests- maybe once we get you acclimated, I can take you on one of my foraging journeys to see more.”

Of the many things Gelliana was expecting, clearly causing Icait to sniffle and wipe her eyes wasn’t one of them. The Windigo managed a grateful smile as she nodded.

“I’d like that a lot.’

“May I ask why my duties are so simple, Miss Glimmer?” Onyx rumbled as the two sat on one of the large, ancient guard towers that surrounded Tall Tale.

“Because you are having issues acclimating. Icait has embraced it all rather well. You, on the other hoof, clearly have some reservations. I would rather have you be bored than overloaded and discovering hidden issues. And enough with the ‘Miss’ stuff, I’ve told you that a dozen times,” Starlight Glimmer stated bluntly, the shadowy pony nodding.

“I appreciate the candor…Miss Glimmer.”

“Now you’re just enjoying it.”

“Perhaps,” he admitted, taking a breath and sighing, grey eyes narrowed in the sun. “I understand your logic, but I would like something to fill my time.”

Starlight grinned, levitating a massive pile of books into view, along with some checklists.

“These are the basic training manuals for town guards. In addition to that, they’ve agreed to give you a few introductory tasks.”

Nodding in approval, Onyx levitated a book over, his magic sparking with black sunbursts every now and again in the dark purple aura.

“This will suffice,” he mused, then looked over to Starlight. “May I ask why you thought the town guard was appropriate?”

Starlight waved a hoof, shaking her head.

“Wasn’t my idea. I believe it was Princess’s Luna’s,” she admitted, a sly grin dawning on her features. “Something about having a protective instinct…”

Onyx let out a huff, grey eyes narrowing as he turned away. He seemed to relent after a few moments of frowning, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

“How is Icait doing, if I may ask?” the Shadow finally questioned, steady tone now softening.

“Extremely well. She and Gelliana hit it off fantastically; you were correct in saying that Windigo is an innocent bottle of curious energy. She apparently was dumbfounded on seeing a greenhouse. I am curious as to why you seem more knowledgeable of the world though.”

Not responding immediately, Onyx seemed to be forming his thoughts before speaking.

“I was not cooped up with the Windigo group,” he finally said. “I was left to roam free, and did so for some time. I have a unique memory. There is simply what I know, and what I don’t. None of this...as you call it, ‘forgetting,’ you pony’s experience. I can read a book in an impossible amount of time compared to you, and remember all of it perfectly,” he explained, gesturing to one of the items. “But the meaning of the words may not register until later. I have read a few library’s worth of books; that would be the short answer.”

“Fascinating. I’m sure Twilight would be jealous…” Starlight murmured.

“Perhaps. But she would also likely be driven mad. To have most of your knowledge locked behind context is unnerving. For example, when ‘sleeper cells’ were mentioned, I was not aware fully of what it meant until context was provided. It is a difficult thing to explain.”

“Well, thank you for trying. I do have to get going- and obviously you will be under surveillance. Your duties are to track various movements of wildlife on the city outskirts and also learn more about an intricate part of pony life. That’s what these books are for.” Starlight pushed a larger stack his way, Onyx raising an eyebrow.

“What would that be?”

Starlight activated a portal, a sincere smile flickering onto her face.

“Something I didn’t understand for a long time, and that lack of knowledge nearly destroyed me and a lot of innocent creatures. All creatures, as a matter of fact.”

With that curt message, Onyx was left ‘alone,’ even though he could feel many watching eyes on him and the magical locks still in place. He pulled the largest of the books forward, a wry smile twitching at his usually stern features.

“Hmm. You would know, wouldn’t you, Starlight? And now I fully understand why they wanted you to aid me.”

‘Lessons in Friendship, Volume One, By Princess Twilight Sparkle.
Chapters 4-6 Written by Starlight Glimmer.’

Author's Notes:

This was a fun chapter to write; quite a few characters to get used to and flesh out! As always, feedback is appreciated!

Chapter Three: Drums in the Deep

Toxic trotted along the streets of Tell Tale happily, his second day of vacation having yielded quite a bit of productivity in terms of finding fun odds and ends in the various shops among the city.

“Toxic? You there?” his crystal earpiece chirped, the pony tapping it with magic to begin the call.

“Varti? What’s up?”

“Just picking up some chatter. Got a weird magical signature and seismic reading near you, so heads up. Might just be a dragon with food poisoning but wanted to let you know.”

“Thank you, I’ll keep it in mind,” Toxic chuckled. “By the way, I think Celestia is onto what I want to do; she joked that I might buy an island with my back pay,” he replied, frowning as a chime echoed over the message. “Horseapples, I’ll talk to you later; got another message.”

“Of course, Director,” Varti teased as he ended the call.

The yak stared at the large computer screen in front of him, a picture of a younger individual gathered with her new friends placed next to the oversized keyboard. A happy sigh left the scientist’s features as he stared at his adopted daughter, the younger yak grinning horn to horn.

‘To Dad, from Baltimare. This study program is great! Love you!’

Looking around, Varti trotted out of the massive laboratory with its automated, arcane-powered machines still humming away around a massive blue crystal encased in metal. The concrete hallway that led towards the main building was spotless, kept clean by a horde of robotic cleaners. The Professor looked out the window and to the ocean, a massive, empty facility of concrete, crystal, and metal sprawling out across the island. Communication arrays crowed the roof of each building, large watchtowers circling the remains of the extinct ocean volcano on which the entire complex was constructed. Fields of grains and vegetables were visible in the distance, simple arcane Golems tending to the crop’s day and night. Dormant factories huddled the ground awaiting the throw of a switch that would breathe life into their automated systems.

What I have helped you build, Toxic. I may have paid the currency for most of this, but I still am in dept to you, a price I cannot fully settle. My daughter’s life; how much more is that worth to me than concrete or mechanical devices? And knowing you will use my capital for good…

“A director, no, not yet. But you deserve to be,” Varti muttered with a grin, the yak continuing on through empty classrooms, cafeterias, training ranges, decontamination rooms, and fortified bunkers. “Not yet indeed, Toxic. But soon I think.”

Toxic frowned, trotting to a side alleyway as the caller identification seemed to be hidden.

“Hello? This is Specialist Shield,” he said.

“Toxic, thank the stars I reached you,” Celestia’s voice cut through, the desperation in her tone making the stallion’s fur stand on end.

“Princess, what can I-”

“Toxic, where are you?” the Princess interjected, her worried tone making Toxic’s hair stand on end.

“Tall Tale, I was finishing my days off here.”

He heard Celestia talking with someone off to the side, the Princess’s voice then returning to the fore.

“Fate is on our side, it would seem, or just luck,” she sighed, taking a clear pause. “You’re back on the clock, Toxic. There is a chemical lab west of the city and something just went wrong. No communications and every single remote warning sensor just tripped. The exterior sensors are intact, so whatever it is, the upper portions of the facility are intact. We need you there now. There are possible casualties. The lab has a greenhouse and other areas that are open to the public on the uppermost levels for tours and such. I will be heading to the city shortly. My legionnaires have already limited access and established an Incident Command location; get in touch with them when you arrive. Do you copy all that?”

Legionnaires at a chemical plan? Are we sure this is an accident?

Gelliana paused as her sensitive ears picked up a familiar tone, muffled, but coupled with another, odder speech pattern as she peeked into an alley.

Huh. Wonder what is going on here…

The blue stallion from before was sitting against a wall, eyes wide in shock as a voice spoke from an earpiece; was that Celestia?

Toxic Shield, that’s what Marigold said his name was.

She noticed the stallion’s hooves trembled, his green eyes closing briefly. Even from her distance, the gryphoness could hear his heartrate skyrocket. And yet when he opened them, however, a very different pony shed the nervous skin from a few moments ago, heartbeat stabilizing. There was a power behind those eyes, a determination that made Gelliana shiver but not necessarily from fear.

“Understood. Specialist Shield online, Princess. Stand by, I’ll contact you when I’m at the facility.”

As the unicorn yanked a large duffel bag out of a storage portal that opened with a flash of white magic, Gelliana suddenly letting out a surprised squawk as a communications crystal chimed in her own side bags.

“H-hello?” she stammered, feathers poofed out in surprise. There were only a few individuals with access to the device.

“Gelliana? Are you at your greenhouse” Celestia asked, the gryphoness nodding, cheeks growing rather pink against her grey feathers as a certain unicorn glanced her way.

“Y-yes, I am, I mean, I’m close at least, just out and about. What can I do for you?”

“There has been an accident at the underground chemical plant west of the city, end of the road called Fairweather. I am requesting your aid in the matter. Your stockpiles of herbal anti-toxin may be needed to supplement local supplies. Can you get there as soon as you can? You will be reimbursed of course. A specialist is already on his way there.”

Gelliana nodded, stammering her reply as Toxic Shield trotted past her, duffel bag slung across his back.

The ever-so-slightly amused grin on his face did not help her nerves however, the unicorn clearly having caught her eavesdropping. It did interrupt her thoughts briefly though, the gryphoness finding it rather odd that the stallion’s heartbeat wasn’t nearly as rapid as before and it stayed steady even as his green eyes met her tentative violet gaze.

And of course, that was a different feature that she couldn’t ignore.

Whoa, really bright eyes.

“Thank you, Gelliana. I’ll be on site shortly.”

“R-right, I’ll get my things and head there too,” she managed to say, nerves still making her feathers prickle. It was a wonder she hadn’t shrunk to the ground underneath Toxic’s gaze; it wouldn’t have been the first time she had frozen like that.

Creatures need help! Let’s go girl, get the anti-toxins and get to that lab!

“Varti. Is the prototype ready?”

“I’d hardly call it a prototype! It’s the sixteenth generation and seventh model that has been successfully tested by yourself for-”

“The lab in Tall Tale just went dark. Is the armor ready?”

The yak let out a stern hiss, tone changing abruptly.

“Dark? Not good. Yes, it is ready and waiting for retrieval. I’ll forward our data to the Canterlot Control Center.”

“Thank you. I imagine they’ll need your assistance tying in the video and audio feeds,” the stallion said.

“Shall I be ready to deploy the other response measures?”

Toxic paused, slowing to a trot as a congregation of legionnaires came into view, all clustered around a ‘requisitioned’ warehouse.

“No, but keep it on standby at least. We’ll stay in touch.”

“Specialist Shield?” one of the stallions asked, trotting forward and saluting. “If you’ll follow me, I’ll take you to the Incident Commander.”

The inside of the massive wooden warehouse was mostly empty, a series of plastic tables having been hastily pulled together and topped with various electronic screens and readouts. Communications portals circled the central conglomeration of furniture, feeding information back to the Canterlot Disaster Center.

“Ah, excellent. Specialist Shield has arrived,” a mare relayed to one of the portals, trotting forwards and shaking Toxic’s hoof.

“Sergeant Spear Clout, Incident Commander. I hear you’re going to help with our information problem?” she asked, Toxic nodding.

“Yes, as in, the lack thereof?”

The mare let out a huff, nodding as she gestured to the map which showed a now-projected three-dimensional image of the facility.

“In a word? Yes,” she explained, glaring at the image of the facility. “The top three levels have been sealed off from the lower ones. The safety systems have successfully isolated the facility floor by floor but otherwise appear to be inactive. The lower safety sensors are giving mixed readings.”

“Inactive? That’s…that makes no sense. I inspected this lab one week ago. It was probably the top three most compliant and safe locations I’ve seen,” Toxic muttered. “So, we don’t know what is going on, but am I to assume foul play is possible?”

“Yes, so be on your guard. Your orders are to find out what exactly is going on underneath those top levels. First however, there may be survivors that need extraction.”

“Toxin levels?”

The mare stayed quiet, tapping the screen and displaying a molecular compound that made Toxic’s eyes widen.

“What in the world is that…?”

“We don’t know what it is,” Clout admitted, “but on entering the facility, even the top levels, trace amounts of it gummed up our standard filters in minutes. No idea how it affects creatures but it wrecks our protective gear. Escape hoods seem to affected to a lesser extent, probably due to a different material used.”

“I take it the lab wasn’t producing anything like this? No weapons, military experiments…”

“No,” the legionnaire stated flatly, shaking her head. “This was strictly fertilizer and plant vitality compounds. The most dangerous thing they handled were the accelerants for plant growth and arcane stabilizing compounds, but those were strictly regulated and in small, isolated batches and stored in separate rooms as per your recommendations.”

Toxic let out a hum, brow furrowing as he tapped his ear with magic.

“Varti, you get that?” he asked, the yak on the other end letting out a grunt.

“Indeed. Simulations indicate the armor should be able to handle whatever it is.”

Toxin took a breath, looking over to the Incident Commander with a firm nod.

“Let me know if anything develops. I’ll sweep for survivors and then head to the lower levels.”

“Polearm! Scythe! Show Specialist Shield to the decon area!” Clout barked.

“And I need an exact location to teleport survivors to. I’ll be transporting my own decontamination gear here as well. I don’t think yours is thorough enough for me, no offense,” Toxic added, the mare chuckling.

“Celestia said that might be the case. Here.” She passed over a bundle of crystals, a spell glowing softly around the item. “Same as the others you have used. Press the crystal to the pony, and the spell will do the rest.”

Toxic put the crystals into his duffel, trotting after the previously-mentioned guards towards the lab. It was only a block away, a powerful shield shimmering around the innocent-looking facility as Royal Guards encouraged passers-by to move along. A familiar and slightly out-of-breath gryphoness arrived with a few large bags slung over her shoulder, prompting a slight grin from Toxic.

Hmm. So, she’s here as well? Interesting, whoever she is.

Stopping at a large container with various nozzles, plastic sheeting, and pressure-sealed doors, that served as the entry and exit point to the shield around the facility, Toxic inspected the decontamination setup with an approving nod.

“I’ll buzz you through, Toxic!” a brown unicorn with a bright yellow mane called, stowing a series of tools with a flash of his horn. “Just got all set up here-ugh, hold on, he added, rolling his eyes at a voice emanating from his own crystal communicator.

“Yes, I’m sure. Yes, I’ll get to it immediately after this- I told you about priorities,” the lead technician grumbled before turning back to Toxic with a sigh. “Oh, the joys of managing a crew. Sort of. Anyhow, you should be good to go!”

“Ah, Wire Strip, glad to see you’re the one handling all this,” Toxic remarked with a wave, the decontamination technician nodding and adjusting the controls on the entryway.

“Take care! You’ve still got a green zone just outside the entrance, haven’t adjusted the shield back yet.”

“Thanks, Wire. I’ll suit up there.”

That chamber is more than enough for civilians. I trust Varti’s design though for myself.

“No leakage still?” he asked, setting down the duffel bag in the green zone and unzipping it after trotting through the decontamination tunnel.

“I think that has changed. We thought it was clear, but an updated report just came in. Concertation of the toxin has been building in the second and third under-stories,” one of the legionnaires relayed.

“Alright, I’ll tie in with the Canterlot Command post, thank you,” Toxic added, strapping on a small breastplate and set of what appeared to be metal saddlebags. The two guards had since trotted off down the block towards what appeared to be an impromptu field hospital.

He took a deep breath, running one of the many mental exercises available to him.

You’re the only one who can go in there.
Nocreature else.
Even if there are those willing, could I live with myself knowing they’d be at such great a risk, when I will surely survive?
I won’t fail.

Igniting the dark grey breastplate with a surge of magic, the Specialist felt a surge of energy run down his spine. With a flick of his head, Toxic tied himself into the leylines, the boost of energy ensuring his own magical reserves wouldn’t run dry.

Nocreature else.

“Armor systems online. Stand by,” Varti relayed, Toxic’s hooves shaking not with nerves, but anticipation.

The armor spread out from the chest plate and saddlebags, blue lightning bolts coursing over the unicorn’s body. Dark grey scales of metal surged across Toxic’s chest and down his hooves, then spreading across his flanks. Flowing up his neck, the metal formed a slight ring just below the pony’s chin, a helmet retrieved from the duffel back being levitated into place with a *hiss* of positive pressure.

The saddlebags were now devoid of metal, instead showing two forelimb-sized crystals on either side of Toxic that glowed with a soft teal light. A nub on the armor, located in-between Toxic’s shoulders began to flash, bolts of energy coursing from it and down into the ground with barely-visible streamers of power.

“Armor atmospheric situation stable. Prototype leyline reactor holding steady,” Varti relayed, excitement bleeding through the yak’s voice. “Supplementary mana crystal reserves at maximum. You’re good to go, Director.”

Toxic trotted forwards, the armor feeling light as a feather due to the magic supplementing his own muscles.

It was a rather guilty pleasure to see a few guards and Legionnaires stare at him though through the shield surrounding the facility. A familiar gryphoness also was one of the creatures to stare, feathers puffed up slightly in shock.

The helmet encased the unicorn’s head completely, the two eye-slits heavily reinforced with chemical-resistant glass. Without the magical heads-up display Toxic’s vision would be severely limited.

But with the leyline reactor that won’t happen anymore. Batteries now are for emergency power only.

Oh how I love these armored suits.

The filters built into the helmet surpassed anything developed thus far by the Royal Guard. Varti’s design was currently awaiting approval and testing, but Toxic trusted the yak with his life.

“Canterlot Command, this is Specialist Shield testing joined communications,” Toxic barked into the helmet’s microphone.

“This is Canterlot Command. Reading you loud and clear.”

“Professor Varti, armor support, reading you clear as well, Director.”

Ok, Varti, now you’re just milking it.

“Princess Celestia here, I will be at the field hospital and Incident Command post. Good luck, Toxic. And glad to have your assistance, Professor Varti.”

“Any time, Highness.”

Trotting through the entrance to the shielded building, Toxic took a deep breath of the filtered air as he continued on to the steps. It almost looked like a simple, square library, columns and pillars rising up to flank the heavy wooden doors.

Pushing through the entrance, Toxic frowned as he walked, continuing on to the stairs. A conglomeration of desks, offices, and simple cafeteria was all that was present on the first floor- an underground greenhouse on the second.

“Filters reading a faint concentration of that chemical. No degradation yet,” Varti relayed.

“With luck, this armor will be overkill,” Toxic replied, “Keep me appraised on the filters. I could probably breath it fine but if it’s an unknown toxin I’d rather not test my lungs. Initiating scan.”

A magical sweep splayed out from Toxic’s horn, encompassing the immediate area both above and below the unicorn.

“Faint readings on the sub-second floor. You said there was a greenhouse there?” Toxic asked.

“Correct. There could be possible survivors there since it was open to the public. Emergency locks have engaged though, and each room has the recommended air supply plus two hours. Still another hour or so left.”

“Glad to hear they took my recommendations to heart. So far, just looks like an abandoned office….hmmm, wait a minute.” Toxic stared at a pile of sludge; the armor’s built in camera focusing a bit closer.

“Well. That is odd indeed, an interaction with a plastic material perhaps?” Varti mused.

“Perhaps. You getting this, Control?”

“Affirmative.”

Judging from the whispered in the background Toxic assumed that, as per the usual with his assignments, there was a bit of an audience in the Canterlot Control room.

I’ll take a supportive audience when I can get it. I get stared enough as it is in a not-so great fashion.

“Continuing on to the second floor.”

Down a flight of pristine concrete stairs and through a sealed door Toxic entered a long hall and frowned.

“Concentration of the toxin doubled. Filters still holding,” he relayed, taking a left at the first door.

“Arcane life signatures are past the greenhouse in a safe room, entering now.”

Punching in an override code, Toxic frowned as the door groaned but refused to budge.

“We’re showing a critical failure on the seals. I think they’ve…melted?” the mare in the Control room relayed.

“That would make sense if this eats away at artificial materials. Fascinating,” Varti added.

“Well, entering anyway,” Toxic grunted, encasing the door in a magical shield before ramming it with his shoulder. The metal buckled under his enhanced strength, the unicorn’s shield preventing any air from entering or exiting.

“Concentrations mimic that of the hallway; releasing shield. Looks like the seals didn’t hold for long.”

Staring at a series of plants, Toxic frowned as he got a close up, quite a few of the leaves seeming to bubble and hiss, releasing vapor.

“Uh, Control?”

“On it.”

There was a pause, and Celestia’s voice came over the earpiece once again.

“Toxic, this is Gelliana, a local herbalist. She’s the one who helped boost Emperor Thunderwing’s cure during the Fire Lung Epidemic.”

“H-hello? Ah…those plants? Ok, I’ll take a look.”

A soft, stuttering voice then took over, but it grew in strength as soon as the plants became the target of conversation.

Quite a calming voice, rather nice too; different from most mares. I didn’t see her in the control room when I got here...

“S-so…those p-plants, wait. Blisters? Zoom in please!” Gelliana remarked, Toxic complying. “Obviously reacting to the airborne toxin, can someone write this down please? Or I guess we’re recorded. Uh, looks like all tomato varieties are showing these erupting blisters. Any others?”

“I’ll check on my way to the safe room.”

“R-right, saving them first.”

Ok, that stutter is rather adorable.

Stopping at the safe room door, Toxic tapped the intercom with a hoof.
“Hello? This is Specialist Shield; is anyone there?”

A crackling voice immediately answered, panic infused with every voice.

“H-hello? Yes! Oh, thank goodness; I told you somepony would come!” a mare said both to the intercom and somecreature nearby. “There’s six of us here, two fillies as well that were visiting the greenhouse. Our escape hoods are holding, but the edges of the door are starting to bubble a rubbery…stuff.”

“Alright, just hold tight for a minute and I’ll get you all to safety. Did you get that Control?” Toxic asked, frowning as he looked at the readout in his helmet. “Levels are increasing, there has to be a leak. The safety systems aren’t holding; I need to get down there. I don’t have time to ferry them all up. I need a designated teleport site next to the decontamination area!”

“Site designated. My legionnaires have an arcane beacon ready,” Celestia relayed.

“Ok, let’s get this done,” Toxic muttered. “What is your name?” he asked the mare on the intercom.

“Herb Vial.”

“Ok, Miss Vial,” Toxic began, keeping his voice calm and steady, an easy feat considering the amulet still around his neck did half of that on its own. “I need you to make sure everypony’s hoods are secured. I’m going to get this door open and then give each of you a teleportation crystal. You’ll be transported to safety immediately.”

“O-ok,” there was a pause, “We’re standing away from the door now.”

“Alright. Here I come.”

After double-checking to ensure the door wouldn’t, in fact, open on its own, Toxic cast a shield and punched through the flimsy metal, easily tearing it off the already-corroded hinges.

The six ponies stared at the armored individual who trotted into the safe room, Toxic immediately floating over a small crystal bobble to each.

“Is there anyone else down here?” he asked, Vial nodding as the purple mare’s eyes widened.

“Yes! My friend and her daughter, Lime Centrifuge. They were on the third level. Last I heard before the intercom stopped working, she went to go engage the safety systems, or something like that. The fire doors? I kept talking to her daughter, but then the lines went dead. There’s a safety room near the stairwell!”

“Anyone else?”

“No. Just those two. Everyone else got out I think.”

As the ponies vanished in flashes of light, Toxic immediately began to trot quickly towards the stairwell.

“Control?”

“They’re being decontaminated now, Toxic. Get those final two ponies and get down there. A few backup sensors are coming online, and we’ve got pressure building under the floor.”

“The floor?”

“Affirmative.”

Toxic increased his pace with a hiss, his armored head shaking.
“Fantastic. I’m walking on a time bomb!”

“A time bomb that still has traces of magical interference. All the more reason for you to get in there and engage the safety systems.”

“Couldn’t agree more,” Toxic replied, then frowning as Celestia’s voice cut in.

“This is just a private channel between you and me, Toxic,” she stated, tone clearly unsettled. “This shouldn’t be possible. I’ve personally gone through what this lab was working on. There just aren’t the materials to cause this sort of disaster. Be on your guard. The rising pressure indicates a chemical reaction taking place and I don’t know why.”

“That doesn’t make me feel better, Highness.”

“It shouldn’t. I’ll leave you to it.”

Toxic took a deep breath, shouldering open the third sub-level door as it squished open, the rubber seals having melted completely.
“Entering third level now.”

Igniting his horn, Toxic pinged the level for any arcane signatures, a faint reading coming from further down the hallway and in the safe room to his right. The metal and glass halls seemed pristine other than the absolute emptiness, papers tossed over desks, and lights that flickered ever so slightly.

Ok, safe room is probably much more secure; let’s check out down the hall.

It was a short trot onwards and around a corner or two and he came to a small maintenance room.

“Anyone in there?” he asked, frowning as he didn’t hear a response. His tried and true method of shield-and-shove method of opening the door worked like a charm, and he quickly came upon the prone body of a cream-colored mare, escape hood blinking red warning lights.

“Emergency teleportation. Unconscious mare with expired hood! Sending in five.”

Toxic activated the crystal, attaching it to the mare’s forelimb and watched as she vanished with a flash of light.

Now the one in the safe room. I assume that’s the filly.

“Hello? Is anyone in this room?”

A soft sniffle echoed over the intercom, a mumbling voice being unreadable.

“Ok, stand back from the door, alright? I’m coming inside.”

A soft mumble emanated from the speaker, Toxic shouldering his way through the disturbingly ‘wet’ metal.

A filly cowered in the corner of the safe room, emergency escape hood blistered and cracked as tears ran down her light blue cheeks. She let out a shriek at seeing the armored pony trot into the room, Toxic halting briefly.

“It’s ok! I’m here to help!”

Clearly words didn’t make much of a difference. He’d have to try-

“Toxic! Unknown magical substance is leaking onto your level!” Varti’s voice cut in. “The teleport crystals won’t work! Compensating for interference now.”

To Toxic’s horror, his armor began to flash warnings as the magical shield across the doorway didn’t even slow down the particles, flashing an odd purple and black in the stallion’s heads-up display as the view crackled as Varti tried to compensate for the odd magical surge.

The filly seemed to sense something was wrong, the terrified child letting out a choked cry as the escape hood suddenly began to steam, blisters forming across the surface.

Looking over the readings, Toxic let out a growl and yanked off his helmet, smoothly removing the failing escape hood and placing the new protective gear over the filly’s head. The filters and protective measures kicked in immediately, purging the toxins from the brief exposure.

Taking a slow breath, Toxic grinned, glaring at the offending hallway.

“Freaky magical partials? Zero. Toxic Shield, One,” the stallion chuckled, looking at the filly with a smile.

“See? Just a normal pony like you. Now how about we get you out of here. I don’t like it down here, do you?”

She shook her helmeted head, Varti’s voice cutting in on Toxic’s backup crystal communicator.

“Concentration is building. A safety seal must have been breached. You breathing alright, Toxic? That wasn’t the smartest thing to do.”

“I can’t even taste this stuff, so all well here. Wasn’t about to let a filly suffocate though,” Toxic replied, a soft chuckle radiating from the speaker as Celestia cut in.

“No, I didn’t think you would.”

“Leaving now. I can teleport her once we’re on the top level or two.”

As Toxic levitated the filly onto his back, a flicker of movement caught his gaze, a surge of magical interference making the unicorn wince.

“What in the world…” he hissed, head aching briefly. Turning around at the base of the stairwell, his green eyes widened in horror as a large figure paused at the opposite end of the hallway.

The armored gryphon chuckled, orange and grey feathers seeming to dissolve into nothingness as he grinned. His claws flicked a switch held in a firm grip, and it was then that Toxic saw the wires leading to the bulky vest strapped around the gryphon’s fading torso.

“A whisper remains. Relay that to your Sun Goddess!” the gryphon hissed at the distant pony, body continuing to vanish as Toxic bolted up the stairs.

A disturbing, sinister laugh echoed after the stallion, the pony swearing he saw two white eyes hovering in front of his nose.

“And mind the bump...Specialist Shield!

Toxic’s world surged as the floor buckled, fire blasting up through the cracks as Celestia’s voice crackled with static over his earpiece.

“TOXIC!”

The small city of Tall Tale rumbled. The previously mundane laboratory on the outskirts heaved with agony, fire blasting rock and rubble up and out from the depths of the facility. With a flash of power, an alabaster princess appeared at the safety shield’s exterior, her limitless reserves pushing the barrier closer and strengthening it beyond any unicorn’s ability. She abandoned all methods of concealing her power, a solar flare surging around the alicorn and melting the stone under her hooves. The shield refused to yield against fire or ejected stone, not a single pebble making it outside of the barrier.

While rock and concrete shattered against the shield a smaller bundle shot up above the main point of destruction, metal glinting in the sunlight.

This is not the kind of flying I like.

Toxic looked down at the crystal in his hoof, the teleportation crystal flashing red as the magical interference refused to yield. The filly in his arms let out a terrified scream as they began to fall, Toxic’s shields fading as they cleared the primary blast zone.

“Hold on to me tight, ok?” he yelled, the filly pressing her helmeted head against his chest as the stallion wrapped a forelimb around her.

A dozen memories flashed through the Specialist’s mind, having held creatures in this similar embrace before as he dragged them out of a contaminated area.

Only this time, she’s still breathing, and I aim to keep it that way!

Triggering an emergency failsafe in his armor, Toxic’s fall slowed slightly, arcane wings snapping out at his sides to belay their descent

His green eyes narrowed as the spell began to fail, the interference erupting in pockets above the ruined lab. They began to fall once again, the wings flickering in and out of reality.

Oh, this is going to hurt.

A simple lockdown command was sent to the armor around his limbs, remnants of magic able to relay at least that much with the accompanying spell. It was a form of teleportation in a sense- the shifting of momentum.

In this case, from straight down to angled outwards.

Wrapping the filly up in his limbs, the stallion cast a series of shielding spells around his head as the pair hurtled towards the shimmering shield. A hint of golden magic managed to punch through the disruption, a certain Alicorn lending her aid to slow their flight.

Regardless, Toxic slammed into the fortified shield with a crunch, falling a fair distance to clank against the ruined garden beds as dust settled around them.

Ow.

His head ringing slightly, the stallion staggered upright, now becoming aware of the voice in his ear- no, not his communicator…

Celestia wrapped the Specialist up in a powerful grip, moving him closer to the shield’s edge as the ruined lab steamed. Healing magic coursed through Toxic’s limbs, the Alicorn nodding in approval as the cobblestones around her cooled from her own arcane surge. She couldn’t resist a caring smile as the pony unwrapped his limbs from the now-in-awe filly, the youngster gazing up at the Sun Goddess from behind the helmet.

“You are two lucky ponies,” she sighed in, examining the shield with a frown. Her expression then softened into a smile. “Hold on, little one.”

The filly vanished with a *pop*, whisked away to safe decontamination area and leaving a metal object behind.

“I think this belongs to you,” Celestia remarked, nodding once to the stallion. “Well done.”

Putting his helmet back on with a half-smile-half-grimace, Toxic stretched, testing his limbs. Without the gel and cushioning spells in his armor he’d have broken his back and likely everything else with that impact.

“Director! Vitals reading good. Highness, do we continue?” Varti asked, the yak getting ahead of himself as Celestia chuckled.

“If Specialist Shield is able, yes.”

“Oh…erm…sorry Toxic…”

“No worries, Varti. I feel decent enough, especially with that healing magic. Thank you, Highness.” He then paused, opening a private channel with Celestia. “I’m not sure if you saw the picture. It was a gryphon, orange and grey. His body was dissolving, some sort of transport magic? He said-”

“A whisper remains. I heard. And it sounds like he was expecting you, so tread lightly. We’ll deal with that end of things, Toxic. I still need you to get in that lab. We don’t know what is being released into the air, but I don’t know if this shield can hold it forever, even with my link to the sun.” Celestia relayed. “I’m already feeling an increased concentration hitting the barrier. Whatever this substance is, it’s magical and chemical in nature. In terms of containment that complicates things. That gryphon wanted to blow the depths of the lab open and I need you to find out why. From what we can tell, it didn’t work. The blast only opened up the top levels and relieved the pressure building under the floors, probably just cracking the seals. There are still a few floors intact between level three and the deeper ones. The neutralizing agent is still there and intact. It should eradicate this.”

“Understood,” Toxic replied, double-checking his armor’s integrity before trotting towards the crater.

“Unfortunately, with the stairs and elevators destroyed, you’ll have to use the ventilation system.”

Despite the serious situation, more than a few ponies had to stifle a chuckle at the reply to Celestia’s statement, the stallion now angling towards a large, exposed air duct as he grumbled with a rebellions huff.

“I hate vents…”

Author's Notes:

Things picking up...

Chapter Four: You'll Need a Crowbar

Gelliana shifted from claw to claw, feeling rather out of place as she sat in the incident command post next to her hastily-organized cart, retrieved by two legionnaires moments ago. It had almost all of her various herbal anti-toxins, the legionnaires having inspected them and instructed her to simply wait and watch after originally arriving.

Celestia being at her side did help matters, the alicorn watching a hastily-erected display as she kept the shield around the site active. She had simply told Gelliana to stay, as her expertise for antidotes may come in rather handy depending what was found in the lab. To that end, the live feed from Toxic’s helmet was rather boring at the moment, the stallion shoving his way through a mostly-intact air vent.

The grumbling under his breath was rather amusing though. The pony said something in a half-chuckle concerning a crowbar and crawling through vents that lifted his spirits for a moment.

“I’m now past the area damaged by the explosion. I’m surprised these shafts weren’t compromised more.”

“If I had to guess, that gryphon was wearing a somewhat shaped charge. Energy went up and down, likely to try and release the reaction below. It was partially successful in breeching the floor seals at least,” Celestia relayed.

“I suppose I’ll find a different way out of here once I activate the neutralizing agents.”

“A modified recall spell should be able to punch out with enough power, Toxic. We are strengthening the emergency recall runes at this time. If not that, there are plenty of drainage and side tunnels that lead out of the facility to water treatment plants.”

“Understood.”

There was no tension in Toxic’s voice, something the gryphoness found rather intriguing. What else had this pony seen that this was not anxiety inducing? Especially the possibility of having to crawl through drainage pipes to escape?

“Exiting on sub level six now. I should be two floors above the lab area that went dark in the base levels,” Toxic relayed.

“Copy that,” a mare in the Canterlot Control room relayed.

As Toxic pushed his way out of the vent and into a rock hallway lit by dim emergency lights, the stallion casually looked this way and that. Other than a few missing ceiling tiles and draped wiring, it looked fairly intact.

“Heading to the elevator shaft and then the stairway.”

Halfway down the hallway, the stallion froze. A sinister, steady notification was now registering both from the instruments in the command center, Toxic’s armor sensors, and the Canterlot Control boards.

*click*...*click*…*click*…

“Radiation detected,” Professor Varti stated calmly. “Low levels, but there’s something down there. Appears to be high energy rather than airborne particles, only trace amounts at your location.”

“Why is there radiation here?” Toxic hissed, and Gelliana’s sharp ears picked up the heart-rate monitor on one of the screens taking off at a marathon’s pace. “Is this from the gryphon’s explosion?”

“Unknown, but I doubt it,” Varti added.

“Toxic, there were no radioactive materials in that lab. This had to have been from the event that made the floors go dark.”

Toxic’s heart rate continued to spike, ragged breaths slowing slightly as the stallion struggled to control his breathing.

“U-understood.”

The first hitch in the stallion’s voice gave Gelliana a brief glimpse of how rattled he was, and Celestia’s stern and focused features weren’t helping.

Toxic’s pace was now a bit slower, a brief glance at the armor settings indicating that all of the external shielding that fed from the leyline generator were set to maximum.

*Click..Click..Click..*

Toxic stopped at the elevator doors, pulling one of them open slightly, edging a hairs-width into the empty shaft.

*CLICKCLICKCLICKCLICKCLICSHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!*

Toxic shoved the elevator doors closed with a panicked gasp, sweat dripping from his forehead. A radiation alert chimed in his helmet, the Specialist struggling to control the rising panic even as Celestia’s voice rang in his ear.

Focus.
Deep breaths.

There were very, very few things that truly frightened the stallion and made him shake with absolute dread. Unfortunately, one of those things appeared to be in abundance in this lab, enough to trigger more than one radiation warning in his suit.

“I’d recommend an alternate route,” Celestia suggested calmly, no doubt picking up on the rattled stallion’s demeanor.

“I changed my mind,” Toxic whispered as he trotted back down the hall, “I like vents.”

The joke may have lightened the mood on the other end of the feed, but Toxic was still shaking as he slid into the ventilation duct.

Ok. Down we go.

The Geiger counter fell silent in the ventilation shaft; odd, considering the radiation was likely to have been circulated in the air. Or that just meant the concentration was elsewhere and not in the air system.

Varti must be right; it’s not in the airborne particles, but high intensity radiating from something.

“Ok, I’ve reached the floor above the labs,” Toxic relayed, venturing out and relaxing slightly. Desks and tables abounded, simple beakers, whiteboards, and mostly benign teaching materials scattered about in the clear-partitioned rooms on the floor.

“Checking the elevator.”

As much as he hated to do it, if he was going to venture down below, there had to be a reading taken from that point.

The metal door seemed almost spongy, yet still opened somewhat smoothly. Toxic frowned as the Geiger counter failed to read anything.

What in the world?

Cautiously, the stallion poked his head out ever so slightly into the shaft-

And his vision went black.

In the control room, Celestia let out an audible gasp as the feed cut out, the backup communication switching over immediately. Panicked gasps emanated from the microphone as a crude video image was relayed from the ear-mounted device on Toxic’s head. The stallion had torn off the helmet, the pony now sitting against a wall on the opposite end of the floor and looking at the piece of armor in his hooves.

The front of the solid metal helmet was completely melted into a dripping, useless mess.

“Varti,” Toxic asked calmly, but his heartrate signified ‘calm’ was the opposite of what he was feeling. “What would it take to melt this metal?”

“I…stand by,” the yak stammered, clearly collecting himself. “I don’t know. That metal can withstand low levels of dragonfire. It wasn’t the radiation, that’s for sure.”

“Radiation levels spiked into lethal ranges. Something is at the bottom of that elevator shaft,” one of the legionnaires relayed. “It was in the last frame or two of the helmet’s feed. Not sure what it is, but it’s directing energy upwards, and there’s stuff we haven’t seen before with the other energy waves.”

“A nice way to prevent anycreature venturing down,” Celestia mused. “How are you doing, Toxic?”

“Well, on the plus side, I can still breathe easily. No adverse effects just like on the top levels,” the pony relayed. “The downside is that my backup respirator just melted in my hooves.”

Indeed, a rubbery, sludgy mess dripped over Toxic’s forelimb, the pony then poking his armor. “The metal is starting to feel spongy, but I’m not affected at least? Perhaps it’s an agent that primarily attacks artificial materials?”

“Be careful. Can you test that idea on any of the items in your vicinity?” Celestia asked.

Walking over to a whiteboard mounted on a support beam, Toxic gently pressed his hoof against it-

And promptly sank through the board and deep into the metal beam.

“What in-” Toxic yelped, taking a few steps back. “This entire place is putty! What does that?!”

“I don’t know.”

Celestia’s simple statement had Toxic more than a little worried. But the fact he was able to breath was both a comfort and a fear.

My first line of defense is gone, including any anti-radiation measures.

Calmly opening a disturbingly-soggy armored pocket, Toxic carefully downed some pills, last-ditch measures against radiation and other nasties.

His spit would probably turn purple for a day, but worth it just in case.

“Stairs it is.”

The stairwell at the opposite end of the hall was disturbingly pristine, yet the metal guardrails were, once again, spongy and malleable.

Thankfully the rock steps seemed sturdy as ever.

“Descending now.”

Trying a door, the stallion frowned as he was able to mold the metal aside, a pile of rubble greeting him.

“The first basement level lab is inaccessible. Trying the bottom floor.”

“Be careful, Toxic,” Celestia warned. “We still have a lock on you for emergency teleportation, but the spell will take a few seconds to fire it up and punch through the interference.”

“Understood.”

As Toxic took a step down, the rock underneath his hooves crumbled into dust. The entire remains of the stairwell collapsed, shoving the stallion and the debris through the now paper-thing wall of the lab down below.

Brushing the spongey mess from his eyes, Toxic’s limbs began to shake violently, the stallion scrambling back from the horrific sight in front of him.

I’ve seen this before.

Torn catwalks, wiring, white walls; it all hung this way and that around the edges of the scorched rectangular interior of the lab. Instead of decontamination equipment, chemistry sets, and computer banks, a lake of bright green fluid bubbled and frothed with red tendrils where the laboratory used to be. The entire two high-ceiling floors were destroyed in what could only have been an explosion, metal warped out from an apparent epicenter. Flickering lights added to the unnatural glow of the fluid, sparks spitting out from cut wires leading to rooms that no longer existed.

The video feed was frozen yet not from an error; Toxic was unable to tear his eyes away from a floating object that now turned towards him. It was no clear to both him and everypony watching that the sinister ocean before him held much darker dangers.

The bare muscle and bone of a dead pony stared back at him, face eaten away by the fluid that bubbled all around it.

Luna appeared at Celestia’s side with a *pop* of magic, the other Princess’s sides shaking with barely-contained emotion.

The world shimmered, Luna speaking on a different plane with her sister in utter privacy. “Celestia, you need to get him out of there!” Luna hissed, gesturing towards the scene. “I don’t think Toxic can handle this!”

“I…” Celestia said, then shaking her head. “If he can’t activate the neutralizing agent, things will spiral out of control. He’s the only one who can be there! He’s ok, he’s still breathing, not affected by the chemical thus far. The radiation alarm hasn’t gone off, so…”

“It’s not the chemicals I’m worried about harming him.”

The haunted look in Luna’s eyes gave Celestia a clue as to what she meant, the solar princess frowning as she shifted back to reality.

“Toxic, what is going on there? Can you see the neutralizing agent tanks? Second floor, to your upper right?” Celestia asked calmly, trying to give the stallion a task to tear his gaze away from the dead body- no, bodies.

More ponies were now visible, easily a dozen corpses draped amid the wreckage or floating in the chemical ocean. Flesh dripped off their skeletal frames like the metal around them, more than a few grinning in an eternal, boney expression.

“Toxic?” Luna now asked, the stallion still frozen and borderline hyperventilating. Canterlot Control was silent, even the battle-hardened legionnaires likewise frozen to their monitors in horror. Gelliana had her claws latched around a metal post, talons digging into the metal. While the sound of a pony losing their lunch sounded over the communications from the Canterlot center, the gryphoness was apparently able to steel herself against the sight, taking a few deep breaths as she glanced towards Celestia.

“Luna?” Toxic asked, his calm tone clearly artificial and carrying with it a panic that bordered on an absolute breakdown. “I need somecreature to talk to me. No offense, Luna, but not you. That makes this too real, you know what I mean.”

Luna nodded, solemnly, looking over to Celestia expectantly.

“Canterlot Control? Anyone?” Toxic asked, panic starting to rise in his voice.

“I’m here, Toxic,” Celestia stated calmly, brow furrowing as the pony bit back a whimper.

“It’s melting…the metal…”

His armor was indeed flowing down Toxic’s limbs and torso, the leyline generator sputtering out as the Specialist’s protective shell was eaten away by the harsh chemicals surrounding him, barely a forelimbs-length away as he balanced on some unsteady debris. Only the crystal earpiece and accompanying camera seemed unaffected.

“Toxic, can you hear me?” Celestia asked, eyes flickering across the room. She levitated a headset over to Gelliana, gesturing to the screen as the stallion refused to reply.

“Please, talk to him.”

“Me?!” the gryphoness squawked, Celestia nodding curtly.

“He’s too used to my voice or Luna’s. It won’t snap him out of this. I need you to distract him, get him to the tanks on that second story and open them!”

Ears flattening at Celestia’s stern tone, Gelliana nodded and then felt a wing on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Gelliana, I just…”

“No, I get it, Princess. I’ll t-try.”

The understanding nod from the gryphoness put the ruler at ease, the Alicorn sitting back as Gelliana keyed the microphone without so much as a single stutter carrying over.

“Hey, Toxic? This is Gelliana, can you hear me?”

A new voice now echoed through Toxic’s nightmare, the stallion blinking as he nodded slowly.

“Gelliana? Yes, I can hear you. You’re the herbalist, right? The mare with the nice voice,” Toxic replied, tone indicating some sort of borderline shock.

“Huh? Um, yep, that’s me. Look, can you see…um, some large white tanks? Big huge things on that second story?”

Toxic looked around numbly, spotting the containers with ease. They were sagging, their heavy-duty construction still bolted to roof, wall, and ceiling thankfully.

“Yeah, I see them.”

“Ok, apparently there’s some valves on the tanks that need opening. Can you get to them?”

“I’ll try.”

A bit of the fluid frothed nearby as the stallion moved, splashing a section of Toxic’s bare front-left hoof with the contents. His heart rose in his throat as an icy chill ran up his entire forelimb, yet the offending liquid slid off harmlessly, nothing but the memory of the sensation marking its passage.

Scrambling over sagging metal and concrete, Toxic skirted the deadly scene as he clambered upwards. With a hiss, he slipped and sliced his hind limb on a sharp piece of glass, a few drops of blood dripping into the fluid below and making it bubble violently like a ravenous creature getting its first taste of a meal.

Making his way now to the second story, Toxic clambered over ruined lab equipment and fallen support pillars, finally coming to the massive holding tanks. On testing one of the three red valves on the vanilla-covered containers, Toxic frowned as the metal sagged in his hooves and magical grip.

“Uh. The valves are frozen. I’m going to blast them off. There’s not as much magical interference where I’m at.”

“Ok, um, Celestia says to hold on a second. They’re getting ready to teleport you out.”

“Ok.”

The stallion promptly sat down, now clearly in a state of shock.

“We’re ready. You need to hit all of the tanks though,” Gelliana relayed.

“Yup. I can do that.”

Toxic positioned himself and charged his horn, taking aim at the three massive tubes. When the charged-up shot began to make his head ache, the stallion twisted his head and sent a magical strike searing across all of the containers.

As milky-white neutralizing agent blasted out from the pressurized tanks Toxic’s world vanished as a teleportation spell yanked him to safety.

Yet as a familiar voice chimed in over the intercom, the stallion wondered why he hadn’t woken up yet, despite now having the sun splash on his body next to a shimmering shield.

“Varti! The decontamination chamber!”

“On it, Highness! Levitate him into there…Perfect!”

As a solid metal room sealed with a pressurized hiss, Toxic slowly began to come back to reality. The soft blue light radiating off dulled steel greeted his view, tubes, hoses, nozzles and sprayers all taking up position around his body, two glass sides of the rectangular enclosure letting a familiar large yak look inside.

“Starting decontamination now, Director. You know the drill. Put that tube over there in your mouth first,” Varti instructed calmly, watching as Toxic began to come out of his stupor, maneuvering his muzzle over a shaped tube.

“Seals holding, beginning extreme decontamination, steps one of ten, cycle one of six, also monitoring vitals and scanning for exposure to that fluid as well.” the yak stated, tapping a few floating symbols in front of the keyboard set in the side of the rectangular unit.

“Thank you for clearing this space, Highness. I had the teleportation matrix for the room set up already, so all I needed….”

Varti’s voice faded away as Toxic closed his eyes, slumping on the mesh floor as water coursed over his frame and air blew through his lungs, carrying with it any remnants of the horrors below the surface. He mechanically coughed up some black sludge as the various neutralizing agents scrubbed the toxins from the stallion’s lungs, magically-driven brushes now beginning to lather his body with a foaming solution.

Yet in his mind’s eyes, a skeletal, flesh-flayed eye still stared back at the stallion, refusing to be washed away by chemicals or water.

Icait paced nervously in the living room, the Windigo’s ears flat as Onyx watched from his position on the couch. The two had been confined to the dwelling ever since an explosion had rocked the city, the legionnaires assigned to them seeming rather on edge.

And it didn’t help two of their guards had been diverted to inspect a suspicious individual lurking around their apartment.

Onyx could see the Windigo starting to breath a bit faster, especially as she the shield around the site beginning to flicker and fade. Clearly it meant the incident was over, but did she know that?

Seeing her upset is…I don’t like it.

The Shadow Pony frowned, the tightness in his chest becoming harder to ignore. He obviously had to do something about this.

“Plants.”

Icait blinked, looking to Onyx as he put down the book in his magic grip, the gruff stallion looking over to her.

“Huh?”

“Plants. You came back the other day nearly incoherent because you were babbling excitedly about plants. What was that all about?”

Rubbing her forelimb with the other, Icait blush a soft pink at the memory, sitting next to the couch with a shrug.

“Oh, um, Gelliana, that nice gryphoness, has a greenhouse. Wow, that’s a lot of ‘g’s’,” Icait mused, then continuing on. “Just, it’s so alive! I’ve never seen so much living green plants before! The variety and everything! It’s not like a forest that I saw from the distance, but everything is up close and just there! It just feels good to be around! As soon as I get used to the shop in general, she’s going to start teaching me the different types and uses….”

As the Windigo continued to talk, she seemed oblivious to how Onyx’s shoulders relaxed slightly, stallion seeming to become visibly more at ease.

The legionnaires, however, didn’t miss the fact the barest hint of a smile twitched on his dark features, grey eyes watched Icait as she continued to elaborate on the entire experience.

Author's Notes:

Well dang! That took a turn!
Poor Toxic...at least a certain gryphoness was able to snap him out of it!

Chapter Five: Detox

“Thank you for your help, Gelliana,” Celestia said quietly, the pair sitting outside the warehouse and temporary control room. “Luna filled me in on a few things, and I’m glad you were there to snap Toxic out of it.”

The gryphoness nodded, gaze drifting to the massive metal decontamination chamber where the afore-mentioned stallion still sat. Her curiosity was piqued to say the least.

“Cycle five complete. Beginning final cycle, step one,” Professor Varti relayed, the large yak adjusting the half-cloak half-lab coat around his massive barrel.

“You’re welcome. I mean, all I did was talk to him, not really that big a deal,” the herbalist replied, turning her attention back to the Alicorn.

“Oh, don’t sell yourself short,” Celestia chuckled. “A scene that froze my legionnaires and rendered the control room speechless and yet you were able to stay calm…” she then smiled gently at the gryphoness, a rather knowing look in her eyes then glancing over to the stallion in the decontamination chamber. “and be kind to somepony in need.”

Blushing slightly from embarrassment, Gelliana mumbled another ‘you’re welcome’ back, even as Celestia let out a soft titter.

“Sometimes a gentle and caring voice can make a bigger difference than armies or raw power,” the ruler added, a smile now on her own face as a certain hippogriff came to mind. “We’ve detected a reduction in chemical and arcane agents as well as radiation, so the neutralizing solution is working. We’d like to keep your herbal stock on standby however.”

“Of course,” Gelliana replied immediately.

As a soft chime sounded Celestia let out a mutter and gave the gryphoness a pat on the shoulder with a wing.

“Well, that’s my cue. We’ll talk a bit later? I am curious as to how Icait is doing.”

“Just let me know, Princess, and I’ll make time of course!”

As the ruler trotted away, Gelliana’s ears flicked back towards the stallion in the decontamination chamber. Her natural curiosity was at an all-time high. Having a massive container on standby to teleport in for this purpose? That was interesting indeed.

Her eyes widened as her vision was able to discern something most others likely didn’t even notice. Behind the glass, as water and chemicals coursed over his frame, the stallion’s sides were heaving. Coughing up some sort of medicine perhaps?

Wait, is he crying?

As the decontamination cycle wound down, Toxic’s demeanor changed dramatically.

“Beginning final arcane sweep and healing that cut on your hindquarters afterwards,” Professor Varti relayed, a screen of magic sweeping over the pony inside the chamber multiple times.

“Scans are clean, cut is healed; you’re all set, Director.”

Striding out of the chamber, the unicorn hoof-bumped the large yak with a grin and saying something, the professor then apparently…Jumping for joy? And making the ground shake as well.

“A new set of armor? Well, I suppose that’s obvious. But that’s also fantastic! I had more ideas I was struggling to incorporate into that model!” the yak gushed as Toxic chuckled.

“Let me know when it’s ready. I loved the feel of it by the way. That spell infused gel layer was perfect. Well, I think we need to fix the melting problem though.”

As the pair separated, Gelliana’s ears picked up an odd contradiction. While Toxic calmly retrieved his previously cast-off duffel bag and walked towards the Incident Command Center with a seemingly confident gait his heartbeat had already doubled in speed, thudding in her sensitive ears.

Even if she wasn’t a gryphon, Gelliana would have bet it’d be audible. Perhaps it was the ‘predator’ aspect of her biology but the gryphoness couldn’t help but notice the subtle shifts in posture that ponies like Marigold just never seemed to pick up.

Like when a creature is hiding an injury, except I don’t think this stallion is hurt?

The unicorn casually snagged an empty plastic trash can, walking down the side of the building and into a small alley that separated the warehouse from another as if he knew exactly where to go-

And vanished.

Hoping her curiosity wouldn’t come back to bite her, the gryphoness sidled along in that direction after a few moments, poking her head into the alley curiously. A teleportation spell perhaps?

Not seeing anything, she frowned as her ears picked up a muffled something.

Poking her head a bit farther in, she bit back a gasp as the alley changed, the gryphoness having moved through the illusionary wall that was in place.

At the end of the alley was a very, very different unicorn than what she had seen prior.

Heaving up the contents of what seemed like a weeks’ worth of meals, Toxic was bent over the trash can as his limbs shivered, a cold sweat dripping from his body. The stallion’s eyes were closed tight, tears leaking out form them regardless as two caring forelimbs wrapped around his shoulders in support.

Luna was clearly fighting back her own emotions, jaw quivering as she supported the distraught pony, rocking him back and forth. Her own eyes shimmered with dampness, the alicorn clearly noticing Gelliana’s presence but not seeming to care.

No, not lack of care. Gelliana thought as the Princess looked her way. Sincere, empathetic pain radiated from Luna’s eyes, the Princess seeming to take Toxic’s condition rather personally as she shook her head ever so slightly towards the gryphoness.

Gelliana nodded, quietly ducking away and sitting outside the command post, violet eyes looking at her claws.

Going to her cart, the apothecary retrieved a small package of herbal teas and then returned to the ‘empty’ ally, gently pushing the bundle through the shield in the center of the walkway.

Maybe that will help…I hope it does.

Seeing the previously stoic stallion reduced to an absolute wreck tugged on Gelliana’s heart a bit more than she originally thought, the gryphoness wandering back to her shop after being ‘officially’ released from the incident by one of the leading Legionnaires.

Who are you, Toxic? You’re not the Iceberg I’ve heard about.

Cold and unfeeling? You needed a hug more than anything.
That thought made a bit of a caring smile tug at Gelliana’s beak.
Almost like that rumor isn’t true.
I wonder who you are, underneath that stoic mask?

Toxic Shield’s sobs eventually slowed, the stallion rinsing his mouth out with some water offered by the Lunar Princess at his side.

“Thank you, Luna,” he whispered, the Alicorn nodding.

“Of course,” she paused briefly, Toxic standing on his own two hooves, even if shakily. “Toxic, the fact your dreams held such similarity to what was faced in that lab; I need to do some investigation. The fact that gryphon mentioned you by name, it is not out of the question that you may have been targeted.”

“I agree.”

Luna blinked, Toxic shrugging his shoulders in exhaustion.

“I’ve had that same nightmare before, years ago. But why would it crop up now and be so similar to that actually happened?” he questioned. “Didn’t Onyx- erm, that’s the shadow pony, right? Didn’t he try to influence Celestia’s dreams, if I read the reports correctly.”

Eyes narrowing, Luna let out a hum in thought as Toxic continued.

“So, it would make sense to target me in this case. I’m the only one who can help in situations like this. If I can be incapacitated, the cost of responding to these attacks would be astronomical.”

The fact Luna couldn’t refute his words made the stallion sigh, ears perking up as he spotted a tan package in the alleyway near his previously-cast shield.

“What…?”

Trotting over and opening it up, the stallion’s head tilted in curiosity on seeing the collection of herbal teas neatly packaged up. A gently brush on his shoulder from Luna’s wing made him glance over to her, the Alicorn smiling kindly.

“You may be the only one who can help in these disasters, Toxic,” she said softly “But you’re never alone.”

“Somecreature saw me back there? Ugh,” he muttered, Luna letting out a huff.

“Well, feel free to return the tea you don’t use. I’m sure Gelliana would be happy to know you at least used some of them however.”

“Gelliana? Oh, right. That mare’s voice in that lab. It felt like a nightmare,” Toxic muttered. “I guess I’ll do that and at least thank her.”

Luna seemed a bit amused by that statement, apparently holding her tongue from saying something.

Toxic looked at the package and gently levitated it up in his magic, then wincing and dropping it with a hiss.

“Ow.”

“Mana depletion? Whatever those chemicals were, they were an absolute pain to punch through with the teleportation spell,” Luna mused, retrieving a set of saddlebags out of a storage portal. “Looks like you’re going to be an earth pony for a day.”

Accepting the gift and stowing the teas, Toxic let out a chuckle, nodding in agreement.

“I guess so, thank you again, Luna.”

“Anytime, Toxic. Oh!” she paused, clearly hesitating about her next words. “May I share your nightmare challenges with Celestia, and perhaps Nacreous? I think she may have a solution, or at least an eventual one. Nacreous may have a remedy as well. I know Commander Sands may be able to adjust your training to lend aid too.”

A simple bob of Toxic’s head was answer enough, the alicorn smiling and waving before vanishing back to Canterlot with a *POP* of magic, no doubt to try and sleep before her usual evening duties.

“Well. Maybe I’ll wander back to my apartment,” the stallion mused, then frowning as his limbs seemed to shiver. “And hopefully not collapse on the way.”

Gelliana happy bounced down the side street in the ‘industrial’ side of Tall Tale, the streets becoming a bit rougher as the tall buildings gave way to smaller, more intimate shops and manufacturing spots built by the locals. Despite the chaos of earlier she now found her mood back to its normal cherry levels. She had left a note on Marigold’s door, the gryphoness certainly wanting to meet with her best friend for lunch and clear the air once again.

I just hope she didn’t stress-eat an entire double banana-split again…

Taking a left, the gryphoness entered a large wooden shop decorated with all sorts of sharp metal implements as a magical chime rang out through the large shopping room.

“Be right there!” a stallion called as the heavy falls of a hammer fell silent. Trotting out with a blacksmiths apron tied around his barrel, a large green earth pony immediately grinned on seeing his favorite customer.

“Gelly! How are you? I assume you are here for your newest order?” the smithy exclaimed as the gryphoness nodded.

“I’m doing alright, Slag, how about yourself?” she replied with a kind smile, the blacksmith waving a hoof.

“The same old same old. Oh! I did promise to pass along your father’s complaints on when he shipped me the metal. Something about his daughter refusing to take anything from his business for free, family or not.”

Gelliana smiled, shrugging her wings at that.

“Well, hopefully he understands why I still pay for it all…”

Her voice trailed off as Slag nodded, retrieving a large box from a shelf.

“Oh, personally I think he’s absolutely tickled that his daughter refuses to accept, or ask for free deals. Of course, if anyone appreciates such a gesture it’d be him. He’d never say that out loud though. Now then, here you are!”

Opening the box, the stallion stood back as the gryphoness withdrew the first of four items, a bright blade shining in the crystal light.

“You might have outdone yourself this time, Slag,” Gelliana murmured as she examined the thin dagger in her claws. While a simple wooden handle adorned the blade, strips of metal ran through the polished material, wrapping around and ensuring the full-tang dagger was as solid as a rock.

“And the balance; how is it for throwing?” she asked, a rather-giddy smith hopping up and down with a jovial bounce offset by his gruff appearance.

“Try it out!”

Pulling out a well-used wooden bulls-eye, Slag stepped to the side and let Gelliana balance the weapon in her talons. With a flick of her wrist, she sent the dagger slamming into the target’s center, the gryphoness nodding in approval.

“That’s razor sharp…the metal holds an edge?” she asked, looking at the matching weapons still in their packaging.

“Extremely well. The ore ordered from your father’s mines are almost a natural alloy; extremely curious but fun to work with! It won’t be dulling for some time,” Slag replied.

A heavy canvas pouch thudded onto the counter as a few bits spilled out from it, Gelliana grinning widely.

“I’ll take all of them.”

“Onyx!” Princess Luna called, looking around the large watchtower as the moon shone in the sky. With the crisis abated the Shadow and Windigo were allowed to return to their duties under heavy supervision.

But over the few days since the explosion, neither had shown even an inkling of ill intent. If anything, Icait appeared rather unsettled, occasionally asking if there was a way for her to help.

How very odd.

“Highness,” the shadow-pony stated as Luna rounded a corner, a stack of books balanced next to the stallion as he lay on the cool stone, a part of the city spread out underneath the tower as crystal lights flickered nearby, giving a bit of illumination to the book resting on his forelimbs.

“I have a question,” she stated flatly, the stallion putting aside his current reading and giving the Princess his full attention.

“I will try to provide an answer.”

“Are you aware of any influence in my dream realm?”

Onyx’s brow furrowed, the Shadow’s eyes flickering across the stone in thought.

“I do not understand the question,” he stated slowly, knowing full well that he treads on very uncertain ground, his past meddling coming to the forefront of Onyx’s mind. “I have not accessed your realm since warning of your Sister’s nightmare.”

“I am not questioning your intentions, I am asking if you could sense anything, if you were to access it.”

Luna got a completely blank stare from Onyx, her words clearly dumbfounding the pony as his jaw hung slightly open.

“I…” he began, then shrugged his shoulders. “I do not know. I interact with the dream realm different than you. For example, I do not need to leave my physical form to do so. You have a more intimate connection with it. But if allowed, I suppose I could sense things that are abnormal, other forces other than your own magic, yes.”

The Shadow’s eyes narrowed, now looking at Luna intently. “There are other things at work here, are there not? The strange individual stalking myself and Icait. The legionnaires found nothing, but I could sense something odd about it. And now somecreature is meddling in your realm?”

Luna’s silence was enough for Onyx to crack a grin, somehow seeing the Princess at a less-than-all-knowing state pleasing the Shadow.

“Or it’s worse than that. The sleeper cells; I’m right, aren’t I? If you want my help, I will gladly assist you. Just say the word.”

“Just like that?” Luna asked curiously, having stayed silent for a time. To her clear pleasure, Onyx let out a rather dissatisfied grunt, standing and looking away from her as his shoulders slumped.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

“I can think of a few reasons. Just as there is more to my words, there is more to yours, is there not?”

The stallion seemed to shrink slightly at that, clearly regretting his verbal sparring from before.

“Perhaps.”

“It’s the Windigo, isn’t it?”

“Her name is-” Onyx hissed as he whipped around, eyes then narrowing as he saw Luna smirking. “Well played.”

“You started the match, I finished it. Am I correct, however?”

Nodding once, Onyx refused to meet Luna’s gaze at that.

“I know not what these sleeper cells intend to do. But I doubt they would overlook a traitor living free and happy.” Shadows seemed to grow darker, the stone under Onyx’s hooves groaning.

“I will not allow their interference.”

The light then returned to normal, Luna still letting a casual, ever-so-slight smile on her face.

“Starlight was correct, fond indeed. I shall not say anything more of the matter, however.”

A barely imperceptible but thankful nod was Onyx’s reply, Luna activating her horn with a flick.

“Then let us begin. I will allow you access to the dream realm for a time. I need you to monitor if there is any outside interference. The type of magic you use is most difficult to pick up; could you detect the traces of it aside from active use?”

The stallion nodded, taking a few deep breaths as his horn sparked.

“I can. If you wish to allow me access for a brief moment now, I will do what I can.”

While Luna shifted to her dream realm, the Princess was surprised to see Onyx’s posture not really change at all, seamlessly simply ‘appearing’ at her side.

His form, however, was very different. Tendrils of shadow flickered out from him, reminding the Alicorn of a certain individual in Nacreous’s company. Yet where darkness had previously dominated his astral form, a flicker of white light seemed to peek through his barrel, like a candle in a dark tavern.

“I cannot sense any active use,” Onyx rumbled, Luna watching as his magic increased in power. She was quite pleased to note that he actively avoided the various dream bubbles, only pricking them a single time with a shadowy tendril.

“But…hmm…” he muttered.

I know this.

Onyx wracked his mind, knowing what he sensed was so intimately familiar, yet not being able to place it.

His vision of the dream realm suddenly fractured, Luna’s voice calling out his name seeming to come from a thousand miles away. Two white eyes wreathed in flames of shadow dominated Onxy’s vision as the stallion threw up a protective shield.

But no strikes were thrown, a fanged, pitch-black mouth opening wide as the eyes narrowed. It was only then that Onyx knew what magic this was as it sought to find him in the physical world. Yet it was mixed with another type of power he knew all too well.

“TRAITOR!”

As dagger-like appendages sprouted from the disconnected face, two forelimbs wrapped themselves around Onyx and yanked him free, both in a physical and metaphysical sense. His vision cleared, and the stallion found himself leaning against a familiar stone tower, sides heaving.

“Onyx, what was that?” Luna asked, the other pony taking comfort in the fact that the Alicorn had activated dozens of shields surrounding them. “You simply collapsed, and I sensed a flare of…something. I know not what type of magic it is.”

Onyx felt a very alien emotion surging in his chest, fear making his heart, if he had one, beat all the faster.

“There is something in your dream realm, something that knows I have changed,” Onyx whispered, struggling to gain control of his voice and loathing how vulnerable he appeared. “It does not dwell there permanently, but it is able to access the realm, lurking, waiting. And I know what magic this is.”

Luna waited, clearly unnerved at seeing the usually gruff, obnoxious and otherwise stalwart creature so shaken.

“That magic is from my realm,” Onyx whispered. “Those fools, what have they done?”

“Who?” Luna asked pointedly, the stallion shaking his head.

“I don’t know. I am the first of my kind to live without a host, but this is all wrong. Something from limbo is here, mixed with Windigo magic. Feeding on hate, giving it strength, but there’s more, I just don’t understand it. It’s all wrong.”

Luna seemed to zone out briefly, no doubt communicating her findings with Celestia.

“Your magic? Creatures from Limbo?” she confirmed, watching the stallion nod. “And Windigo magic? Somehow they are used together?”

Onyx bowed his head, slowly standing up and shivering.

“That is correct,” he rumbled. “I do not know how, or even how such an unholy combination was achieved, but something is here. Something dark, something hungry. The magic shouldn’t work together, it just shouldn’t. The results would be too chaotic to even attempt to harness.”

At his last words, Luna’s eyes narrowed, the alicorn letting out a growl.

“I must go, Onyx. Will you be alright here? I shall place additional wards in your home if you wish.”

“I would appreciate that,” the shadow-pony admitted. “I am exhausted.”

“I will take you home. Thank you for your help, Onyx. I may need your assistance at a later date.”

The stallion simply nodded, Luna transporting him back to the shielded apartment before re-appearing next to her exhausted sister in a small conference room.

“Lulu,” Celestia whispered, reaching over to give her sister a hug. “Things just got a lot more interesting; I think.”

“I agree, sister,” Luna replied with a sigh, the pair separating. “Onyx is an ally; of that I believe to be true. His last words however….”

“Chaotic,” Celestia growled, but her brief flare of anger then vanished, becoming that of concern. “Luna, I did manage to see Discord briefly just before you got here. It was for but a few seconds, and no words were said. I don’t know where he has gone, but….”

“But?”

There were very few times Luna had seen her sister thoroughly unsettled, and that didn’t help the Lunar Princess’s nerves in the slightest.

“Luna, he looked scared.”

Author's Notes:

Hmmmmmm. Quite a few developments....and it looks like Toxic doesn't have such a stone-cold heart after all.

Chapter Six: Sunbeam

Toxic Shield couldn’t tear his gaze away.

His body was wracked with shakes as the stallion slid against the wall of the hospital room, sheer panic and horror making his hooves limp. The occupant of the bed was turned away from him, Toxic never seeing her face.

It didn’t matter though. It was her. He who she was, knew every time this nightmare returned. No mental trigger ever worked, no trick to make it stop…

“Why did you do this to me, Toxic?” the creature asked in pain. “I trusted you, and look where that got me.”

No words could be said from the pony’s mouth, Toxic’s tongue feeling bloated and useless as tears began to trickle from his wide green eyes.

“I loved you more than anything and you killed me. How could you? Why did you do it?”

As the creature in the bed turned over, the eyeless corpse of the mare from the lab stared at him, and Toxic couldn’t even scream.

“ENOUGH!”

The scene was burned away by a harsh white light, Luna glaring at the retreating nightmare. She seemed to be focused on some of the shadows that lingered, subjecting them to another magical blast before the dreamscape turned to a peaceful meadow. All that remained was Specialist Shield, the once-stoic stallion curled into a ball with his eyes tightly closed.

Luna had no words that could ease his pain, instead sitting next to the stallion and letting him cry on her shoulder. Of all the creatures to understand the torment and fears nightmares encompassed, no better was the Princess of the Night.

Yet her continual failure to protect the pony who continued to aid Equestria made Luna’s heart sink within her chest. With the knowledge of the past few days still weighing on her mind, it made this stallion’s challenges all the more painful. There was no evil creature creating these nightmares, not this time at least. However, unlike the year’s past, Luna now saw a glimmer of hope. If not a solution at least it was another creature who could understand these fears and burdens.

And such a personal understanding was worth than a room of gold.

Emperor Nacreous Thunderwing sat on the empty Canterlot Castle battlements, the area cleared for a time. Celestia hadn’t told him much but not much had needed to be said. His answer had been immediate, heart aching in empathy as Luna also relayed a similar, simple request. Apparently, the past week had been weighing heavily on the mind of a certain stallion.

One who clearly had no idea how vital his duties were to Equestria, a certain project coming to mind. Even now the Emperor had deployed some of his closest guards to shield the pony in question from what little Windigo magic they knew remained.

Toxic Shield. You have been one of the vanguards of Equestria against a hazard so few know about and yet suffer from pain even Luna cannot aid you in. And now you are targeted by an evil we know nothing about?

Perhaps I can give you another shoulder to lean on. I know not of the specific nightmares of which you suffer, but I am no stranger to such fearful apparitions.

Seeing the stallion in question trot up to the empty battlements Nacreous waved him over. It didn’t take his eagle eyes to see exhaustion leaking from every pore of the pony, Toxic Shield sitting down next to him.

“Thank you for coming Specialist Shield,” Nacreous began, letting an easy-going smile slide onto his beak. “I wanted to meet with you regarding an issue Luna told Celestia, and then passed on to me.”

He saw the pony’s shoulders slump, the stallion nodding.

“Ah, I suppose I did give them permission to do so,” he muttered, amulet relaying the tiredness in his voice. “How specific were they if I may ask?”

“Not at all,” Nacreous immediately countered. “Luna holds the privacy of dreams and nightmares above all else. She only said that you were having nightmares disturbing enough to affect your daily life and that she was powerless to help. That is all I know. She and Celestia, thought I could help. If anything, I’d like to offer some words of encouragement if nothing else.”

Toxic nodded slowly, taking a deep breath.

“I appreciate the gesture, Highness-”

“Just Nacreous, Specialist Shield.”

The pony’s stern line of a nonexistent smile lightened ever so slightly at that.

“Well, just Toxic for me then.”

“Fair enough.”

“While I appreciate the gesture, I’m not sure how you can help with this. I know you’re a doctor beyond compare, and…” he paused, and Nacreous’s eyes widened ever so slightly. Even with the amulet’s spell, the stallion’s voice abruptly choked. “I wanted to thank you, before all else. Your Kingdom’s healing technology is giving my baby brother hope that had otherwise left his life. For that I cannot thank you enough.”

Making a mental note to pursue that lead further, Nacreous nodded once.

“You are most welcome. I’m just glad that I’m able to utilize the fortunes I’ve developed in life for good.”

Those words seemed to make Toxic sit up a bit straighter, a few more details about the stallion creeping to mind.

Hmm. I didn’t consider your subtle but rather widespread efforts in that respect.

“But Toxic, while I may not be able to cure you of such nightmares, I may be able to provide at least an empathetic ear,” Nacreous explained, the hippogriff’s voice lowering in volume. “I suffered from them for a very, very long time. Celestia continues to have them as well.”

The pony’s head snapped up, green eyes wide in surprise.

“She gave me permission to tell you as such. Nightmares are no alien thing to Celestia or myself. We’ve had a bit longer to develop our personal demons. If I knew the specifics, maybe I could make some recommendations, but it is not my business to ask if you have any hesitations about that. However, Luna did say that she suspects you are being targeted by another force in her dream realm to try and incapacitate you. Any assistance I can offer in that respect I’m more than willing to provide.”

The Specialist remained quiet for a time, finally letting out a slight huff.

“It’s odd. I dream of losing that which I haven’t come close to obtaining.”

Nacreous stayed silent, offering a sincere listening ear.

“I don’t know how much you are aware of my ability, Highn-erm, Nacreous. But I am essentially immune to all known poisons, toxins, irritants, chemicals; all of that. I can breathe in mustard gas without flinching, use pepper-spray as a mouthwash, or take a swim in pure sulfuric acid,” Toxic explained. “Even low doses of nerve agents have no effect on me, same with extreme biotoxins. But while I’m immune to such things, everyone else isn’t. So, if I come out of situation and don’t remove every trace of what I came in contact with…”

“You could hurt somecreature, a very special somecreature,” Nacreous finished quietly as Toxic’s voice trailed off. “Are you married, or have a special-somepony?”

“Neither.”

“Regardless, may I assume your nightmares combine those two aspects of your life?”

Silence was the pony’s answer at least for a time. When he did speak, the single whispered word carried the full burden of fear and genuine pain that his station demanded.

“Yes.”

Nacreous didn’t respond immediately, the Emperor finding himself in the extremely rare position of not being able to relate in a close sense. A thousand years offered him a great deal of experience to draw on for empathy. Yet in this case, the Doctor was truly stumped.

How can I imagine that? The fear that if I was to make a mistake a kiss could kill the one I love?

That is a fear that could break a soul.

“You know, living for a thousand years doesn’t get rid of such fears either,” Nacreous said softly, “In fact, I’d say it makes it worse. May I be so bold as to say you could use some encouragement right about now?”

Nacreous saw that had the stallion’s full attention as the pony nodded slightly, eyes flicking to his hooves briefly at the admittance.

“I can’t lie to you, Nacreous, you’d see right through it,” Toxic whispered. “But I’m starting to fracture, I think. I don’t know how long I can keep this up. There have been times like this before, but this is different. Years of having weekly nightmares at best, knowing that if I stop to rest for too long creatures will die. There is no creature else who can survive the things I can. But if I continue, it might break me. But I couldn’t live with myself if I stopped. I have plans to try and shift that responsibility even a portion, but when it comes down to it, it’s just me.”

The King shook his own head, surprised at the stallion’s honest words. To have a creature know their limits and admit to such honestly was an increasingly rare thing indeed. He twirled his claws, a golden staff spinning into existence.

“For one thousand years, Toxic Shield, I have helped creatures. Gryphons, Ponies, Kirins…and I have watched them die. I can sympathize in the burden you bear. Creatures like us, like Celestia, Luna, Shifting, we can’t stop, it’s not in our nature to ignore the pain,” he said quietly, looking over the staff. “To fear the death of the one you love most even in a dream is not an odd thing in the slightest, but I admit I cannot fathom the weight your calling bears, even if I can understand it logically. That said, in concern to your fears, I can relate very closely. I worried about the same fate for Celestia in a similar manner. The fear of potentially losing someone I love after waiting a millennium to find them? I know that all too well.”

The hippogriff saw the pony’s eyes widen ever so slightly at his blunt words, the Doctor continuing.

“Even before I knew it was her, I had the same nightmare for what must have been decades. My love trapped inside a burning building and who I could never save. No matter where I ran, what medicine I used, no matter how hard I tried, she always died. It was the nightmare of any doctor, any creature with a soul,” Nacreous remarked quietly. A smile then tugged at his face, the mood lightening. “How appropriate that my fiancé can’t be burned by any fire known to this world.”

The hippogriff fished out three crystals from the large satchels adorning his side, the simple clear teardrops holding a spinning snowflake pattern of pink magic within their depths.

“I do not have any immediate remedies for you, Toxic,” Nacreous admitted. “At least outside the usual recommendations of mediation and herbal teas. But these are made by Luna, and they will help in time.”

“In time?” Toxic asked, accepting the items curiously.

“Celestia had some nightmares, ones darker and more potent than my own,” Nacreous explained. “The same spell within those crystals allowed me to enter her dreams and destroy the root of the nightmare.” The Emperor reached over and gave the stallion a reassuring nudge on the shoulder with his wing.

“Whenever you find a creature you can trust, be it a special somecreature or otherwise, that spell may indeed help. It’s the best solution I can offer.”

Toxic accepted the crystals, brow then furrowing in thought.

“I do have a question. How do you do it, how did you do it, Nacreous?”

“Hmm?”

The pony gestured to the staff, the unicorn’s shoulders tensing ever so slightly.

“You ruled your kingdom once before now, a thousand years ago. How did you shoulder that burden? How did you carry the weight of a doctor for a millennium? I save lives, but in a different-”

“No,” the King interrupted, waving a set of claws. “Saving life carries a unique burden across professions or situations. While different in aspects, it is the same.” he paused, Nacreous’s brow furrowing.

“Toxic, you speak of two different things. Shouldering the burden of rule for a hundred years nearly broke me,” he admitted. “I made a promise to myself after that, refusing to take up the crown again until I could have someone at my side to lean on, to help me face the challenges in life a casual friend could not.”

“So, with Celestia…”

A smile couldn’t be kept from Nacreous’s face at that, the King continuing.

“Yes. The burden I share, that she also shares, it is not so daunting knowing that there is a shoulder to lean on in times of need. If you are to ever rule, to command, to direct, lean on your friends and your loved ones. That is how I was able to shoulder that specific burden.”

The Doctor didn’t elaborate further, the sharp-eyed hippogriff picking up a flicker of pain in the stallion’s eyes.

You hurt, Toxic Shield.

Perhaps I can help you harness it. Let me show you the power you have, and I do not mean magic or physical strength.

“However, Toxic, that is the burden of rule, that which you not have. While applicable to your situation, my answer to the burden of saving life is different, to see your success and failure time after time,” he explained. “You likely know that I am a Paladin but I doubt you know that is only part of my title. I would ask you not to speak of what I’m to tell you to anyone. Only a few outside my kingdom know the full extent and details.”

The Emperor stood up with a heave, golden armor spinning into existence around his frame. Three symbols glowed brightly on the metal breastplate, the pony in front of Nacreous looking on in awe.

A sun, a moon, and a heart.

“A single word is what helped me live through a thousand years of saving life, and of watching as my efforts sometimes failed,” the Paladin explained, a warmth blossoming in his chest as he spoke.

“Before I tell you, Toxic, why do you save lives? Why do you go on, day after day? You are a mortal given a task that would strain the heart of myself or Celestia. Why do you do it?”

Standing up and looking at the armored hippogriff proudly, the uneasy demeanor slid off Toxic like water, green eyes shining bright with determination.

“Because nocreature else can,” he stated, meeting Nacreous’s gaze, a slight smile now flickering at the tired stallion’s features. “Because if I do not help, creatures die. I didn’t survive Oakbark to ignore this gift, this talent. I couldn’t live with myself if I sat idly by while others died knowing I could have saved them.”

“Ah, there it is!” Nacreous exclaimed, gesturing to the pony.

“That is how I felt when I came to terms with my long life, how I tried to process the idea of living without time! What began as a curse I now saw could be a gift, and regardless of the circumstances, I could use it to help others. That is what pushed me to seek out those who trained me to be a Paladin.”

Could that be a path for you, Toxic?

Seeing the stallion at his side watching with rapt attention and a growing fire behind his eyes made Nacreous all the more confident that may indeed be such a possibility.

“I took test after test, and while I have some lesser titles, eight times the leylines and mentors said I was to be the Paladin of a single trait,” the King crouched down, putting himself almost eye level with the pony. “It was agonizing. I was to embody, protect, and be that which I could never have, at least that was my thinking. I thought I’d never be able to understand my title until I met my dear Celestia, and yet I was so wrong in that train of thought.”

“Love, Toxic. That is what I am a Paladin of. For one thousand years, I embodied and spread that which I could not have due to my curse. That could have destroyed me, but here is the advice I give to you. I will not ask the yearnings of your soul, but know this. Whatever pain you have, the suffering you endure with your calling, it can be lessened through others. For me, it was the love I had for life, for saving it, for protecting it. And eventually, in a much more intimate sense with Celestia.

Help them, Toxic. As you are doing, lose yourself in relieving others pain. While there must be a balance in your mind, make that a focus. Do not expend yourself more than you are able, but aid those who cannot help themselves.”

Nacreous sat down, his armor vanishing on the wind as he sighed.

“Despite the lives lost, the failures, the trials, the pain; being able to help others, lifting their burdens makes your own seem lighter somehow. It doesn’t fix everything, but it makes you a better creature, the world a better place. That is how I endured, Toxic, and is the best advice I can give you. It helps fill the holes in your heart, whatever the cause.” he paused, then letting out a slight huff.

“In your case, what may be as simple as throwing a few switches can spare hundreds of lives. I only wish at times it had been that easy for me. In my travels I met another doctor, one who healed more than the body, and he put it rather simply. ‘Sometimes the best way to solve your own problems is to help someone else.’ And that is how I continued on for a thousand years. I hope this advice is of some use, and apologize if it was rather long-winded.”

Toxic stood up a bit straighter, nodding in thanks. While an exhausted pony still stood next to him, the stallion seemed proud, the beaten-down posture long since vanished.

“Not long winded at all. I’d be a fool to not accept advice from somecreature more experienced than myself in so many things. I honestly had not thought of it that way, Nacreous. Thank you. I think that will help; I just need a bit of time to think on it.”

The Paladin bowed his head in reply, sending the staff in his claws spinning away into golden dust.

“You are most welcome. If you need any additional suggestions or even a listening ear, just let me know,” the hippogriff paused, meeting the gaze of Toxic for a moment. “All of us; myself, Celestia, Luna, and Commander Sands know what it is like to see life snuffed out in an instant, to fear that same fate for those we love. Do not think you are alone battling such nightmares. Don’t ever think you’re alone. Both Celestia and I are guilty of that same mistake, and it is still a challenge for us to realize how wrong that thought is. So please, take that advice from your very, very elder…well, elders.”

The stern but amused reassurance of Nacreous’s last sentence made a ghost of a smile once again flicker on Toxic’s features, the stallion not having words for a few moments.

“Thank you.”

“Any time. Do you need a teleportation rune?” he asked, the stallion shaking his head.

“I should be alright. Always good to practice long-distance spells once in a while.”

“Take care, Toxic.”

“Likewise, Nacreous.”

As the stallion vanished with a magical flash, Nacreous couldn’t help but chuckle. While many would have thought their exchange had been a bit cold and unfeeling, the hippogriff knew otherwise. The turmoil of emotions behind those green eyes, the subtle shifting of the stallion’s posture and sharp intakes of breath at times, the determination and pride in his duties…

And a deep pain that Nacreous had seen far too many times in a mirror. There was indeed a sensitive pony underneath the monotone of that amulet, even after all he had seen.

And that, Toxic Shield, is something that you must protect. I know that all too well.

If you were a Paladin, what would it be of, I wonder? Has it come time for my titles to be passed to another?

Perhaps that is a path I can offer you.

The fire, the raw will behind Toxic’s eyes even now made the Emperor smile, a different thought springing to mind.

No. Perhaps not a Paladin. Perhaps another ancient station, the first in this age.

A starry sky.

A gentle breeze through the trees surrounding a simple grassy meadow.

She never saw him, a simple mercy, in many ways. Never even his figure, nor his face, in the rare times she had this dream, or variations of it.

The sound of somecreature walking through the meadow, two forelimbs then wrapping around her feathery torso in a tight hug. A soft voice always made a lump rise in the gryphoness’s throat and spill from her eyes, the figure hugging her close and nuzzled her headfeathers.

Whoever he was.

A steady heartbeat thundering in her ears, like the steady cadence of a waterfall hitting rocks. Soft fur that tickled her cheek as she pressed against his chest. Inside, a heart beat steadily only for-

Waking up with a pillow clutched under an arm, Gelliana closed her eyes, damp as they were. A few more minutes of that feeling was all she wanted. She never could remember the words he said, but for a few moments after waking, Gelliana always remembered how the brief dream made her feel.

Four letters described the emotion perfectly.

Icait shifted nervously on her spectral hooves, running through the inventory of the shop a fifth time. The week…or had it been longer? Nine days?

Maybe?

They blurred together, the Windigo quickly soaking up everything Gelliana was willing to teach. Surprising enough, it was fun! Of course, Icait wasn’t sure why, it just was! New plants, new ways to help them grow, new uses for the plants, ways to create helpful potions, so much to learn!

It’s. So. AWESOME!

The Windigo let out a soft squeal of excitement as she hopped up in down, lost in thought. Despite the few customers that had been rather negative towards her, the majority seemed more curious than anything. Such a positive wave of creatures had been most unexpected.

And then there was Onyx.

Such an odd grump. He’s always reading in those books, but is fine hearing how my day went. I come home, and he always asks-

Wait. He asks how my day is.
When did that become normal?
Four days?
Why does he do that?

Why would-

The chime of the shop rang, Icait taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. Gelliana was in the greenhouse, so it was up to her to handle new customers at least for a few minutes.

An interesting blue unicorn was looking around the shop, an amulet firmly clasped around his neck and an empty package held in a magical grip.

Biohazard. Dangerous chemicals. Right. The symbol on some of the containers Gelliana has in the greenhouse!
But a cutie mark with that symbol? Neat!

Deep breaths.

“Hello! Can I help you find anything?” Icait asked, trying her absolute hardest to not let her nerves show.

The unicorn looked up, head tilting slightly as he observed the Windigo curiously. There was no flash of anger on his features, no annoyance, only a guarded interest, eyes flickering to the two Legionnaires not-so-subtly standing at the rear of the shop.

“Perhaps,” he said, or rather, voiced. The odd amulet around his neck did the talking, quite unique indeed.

He doesn’t hate me? Not even a remote pang of dislike?

“My name is Toxic Shield, by the way. I heard a few rumors a unique individual was working here, have to say I’m a bit surprised.”

Icait swallowed nervously, nodding once.

“Yup! My name’s Icait, I work mostly here and otherwise help re-organize one of the small libraries in town. I’m a Windigo, or was. Uh, sort of? I am but aren’t at the same time? I’m working on that; life’s a bit weird.”

Her ears perked up as the stallion chuckled, the pony trotting around to look at the various items on the shelves.

“That is a very good way to describe life indeed. ‘Weird.’ I’m actually here looking for a mare named Gelliana. I owe her some thanks.”

Icait blinked, gesturing towards the back room.

“Uh, she’s not-”

“Hey Icait! I- oh, hello!” the afore-mentioned ‘mare’ replied, the gryphoness walking in with a bag slung over her back.

“Didn’t I say to ring that bell at the back to let me know if someone was here?” Gelliana asked with a good-natured grin, the Windigo rubbing a forelimb in embarrassment as the gryphoness slung the bag onto the ground.

“Sorry, I forgot. Nervous and all that.”

“It’s fine. But what can I do for you? I’m the owner of the shop, Gelliana. I think we’ve already met, sort of.”

Both mare and gryphoness watched as Toxic’s left eye twitched, the stallion then smacking a hoof to his face with a groan.

“Now I see why Luna was so amused; whoops,” he grumbled, trotting forwards and levitating an empty package to the counter.

“I’ve been referring to you as a mare this entire time. Sorry about that, I thought your voice was different,” he remarked, Gelliana smiling slightly.

“Sorry to disappoint, but definitely a gryphon!” the gryphoness admitted, the stallion letting out a very soft laugh.

She paused, her keen purple eyes tracing over the stallion’s features. There was a certain ‘look’ Gelliana watched for when meeting individuals. Thus far, it hadn’t let her down in terms of a judgement of character in the long term. On seeing a gryphoness looking up at them, a good chunk of ponies she had met seemed almost condescending, gleefully happy that they could finally physically look down on gryphon and treating her as such. A smirk, a barely-contained laugh…

Yet nothing changed. If anything, Toxic perked up slightly, a confident, kind interest shining in his green gaze that made Gelliana’s over-active feathers fluff a bit.

“Disappoint? Never said I was,” he replied, “I wanted to thank you for your help in that control room. That was-it was bad, so, thanks.” Toxic then let out a frustrated huff. “That sounds rather lame, but I’ve never-yeah.”

“I’m just glad I could help,” Gelliana replied, finding her usual anxieties about meeting new creatures was banished to the backburner of her mind.

Perhaps because he isn’t ‘new’?

“I think we both know that ‘bad’ is about as descriptive as we should go.”

The gryphoness watched as the stallion nodded, swallowing a lump in his throat. He seemed grateful?

And his heartbeat is only a bit higher, and definitely not scared of me or even the situation we’re talking about.
That’s really weird.

“I agree,” Toxic finally said, then seeming to snap out of his stupor and shift the empty package closer. “Also, thank you for the prescribed teas,” he added smoothly, eyes flickering ever so briefly to the Legionnaires and Icait. “They helped, but I was wondering if you have any stronger herbal teas.”

Ooooh. I get it. I don’t blame him.

“I think so. Icait, can you check the plants in the back-left corner of the greenhouse?” Gelliana asked briefly. “If they’re in full leaf, we can use those.”

“Yup!”

As the Legionnaires and Icait vanished, Toxic’s eyes widened in surprise, and then understanding. The stallion’s demeanor shifted again, becoming almost vulnerable. One of the many things you could notice as a gryphon.

Or by just paying attention a bit more than usual.

“Thank you, Gelliana,” Toxic said softly, green eyes meeting her own gaze for a brief moment. “Really. I was in serious trouble in that lab.”

“I’m j-just glad I was able to help,” Gelliana managed to say, her nervous stutter breaking through. A brief recollection then came to mind, something that definitely made her cheeks puff out a bit. “Least I could do, especially since I apparently have a nice voice?”

The gryphoness didn’t realize the complete satisfaction of making a stallion blush from her words until that point, but oh did she enjoy it. Of course, his thankful green eyes that flickered up from his hooves to look at her certainly repaid the gesture.

“Back!” Icait crowed, levitating a bag of dried herbs in a light-blue grip above her head.

“The leaves weren’t full, and I found a spare bag to refill the commonly-used stuff up…here….what?” she asked, Gelliana staring.

“I didn’t know you could levitate stuff,” the gryphoness stated, the mare then blinking in surprise.

“Huh. I just did it,” she murmured. “That’s neat.”

“Legionnaires? I assume you guys have that in your report?” the gryphoness asked, one of the earth-pony stallions nodding once. “Well, congratulations, I think?”

Icait shrugged, going on to refill the afore-mentioned container as Toxic trotted over to look at the two elite guards casually, a sly grin forming on his features.

“Hmmmmmmmmmm,” he mused.

Acting as though he was about to turn away, the stallion then whipped around-

“HELMET!”

To Gelliana’s surprise, one of the guards’ forelimbs shifted upwards a short distance- and then stopped as the pony scrunched up his muzzle, brown eyes glaring at the other stallion.

“Ah hah! I knew it was you. How are you, Hammer?” Toxic asked as the Legionnaire sighed in frustration.

“That was mean, Toxic. You know I’m on duty.”

“They talk?” Icait whispered to Gelliana in surprise. “I mean, I know they’re ponies, but like, super-duper-scary-trained ones.”

“They’re not really supposed to be relaxed when on duty, more-so than royal guards. That’s all I know,” the gryphoness replied quietly.

“Yes, but I couldn’t resist, and I’ve had a doozy of a week,” Toxic replied, bumping hooves with the Legionnaire. “I know you aren’t supposed to socialize, so I’ll stop bothering you. Just wanted to say hello.”

“Well, hello, Toxic,” Hammer Strike replied with a chuckle. “I’m off duty in a few days, so perhaps we can chow down on some hayburgers then?”

“Sounds good; I’ll leave you to it,” Toxic replied, then levitating the empty package up again with a shake. “Could, uh, I get some-”

“OH! Right! Uh, I think the best herbs would be the fresh ones. I don’t think you know the right combinations yet, Icait. So, let me know if someone else comes in, ok?” Gelliana instructed, the Windigo saluting with a smile.

“Will do!”

Toxic followed the gryphoness to the greenhouse, Gelliana looking around at her plans.

“You seemed a bit more at ease without the guards and Icait. So…”

The stallion winced, shoulders slumping. It was only now that the gryphoness noticed how exhausted the pony was, dark circles visible under his eyes. The stallion’s movements were visibly dragging, Gelly not understanding how she hadn’t noticed before.

“I’d rather not explain various things to them,” he replied softly, shaking his head. “Less questions, the better. You saw what I saw, more or less. They didn’t.”

“I get it,” Gelliana replied sitting down next to a few plants. “These are what you want. I can pick them now, or have them ready for pickup, or…” her voice trailed off, the stallion looking at her curiously.

“May I ask you something?” he voiced softly.

“Of course.”

“Why weren’t you frozen like the others? What I saw, what you saw, it froze even Legionnaires. I assume Celestia or Luna asked you to speak with me since nopony else could.”

Gelliana was quiet for a moment, finally letting out a long breath.

“If you ever visit Griffinstone in the winter, or any gryphon settlement, you see death,” she finally replied. “Sometimes it’s hidden or overlooked, but it’s there. So, there’s that. And the whole ‘being a gryphon’ thing. I actually don’t eat fish or rabbits but I’ve caught and skinned my fair share. I just can separate it, a sentient creature into just, well, not.”

A nice way of saying I can look at bodies the same way I see a gutted animal, but it works.

“That makes sense,” Toxic replied, shaking his head as though cobwebs were brushing across his face before looking up. “Well, I’m glad you were there.”

Gelliana felt her face heat up, two surprisingly gentle green eyes meeting her own as she stammered a reply.

“J-just glad I was able to help.”

The fact a slightly amused smile flickered across the exhausted pony’s features did not help the odd fluttering in the gryphoness’s chest.

“So, um, herbal tea stuff?” Toxic suggested, gesturing towards the plants.

“OH! Right. Uh, let me see,” Gelliana replied and giving herself a mental smack over the head. “For falling asleep and staying asleep, right?”

“Temporarily, yes. I imagine a different plant would be for a more permanent measure.”

Gelliana stared, the stallion shrugging awkwardly.

“Bad joke?”

*Snrk*

The gryphoness barely stifled a giggle, waving a set of claws.

“Bad, but also good, and correct,” she finally said, picking out a wide selection of leaves. “Temporary sleep it is. Let me see here…”

A few minutes later, and Toxic had a large bag stuffed full of various herbs and leaves grasped in the gentle white light of his magic.

“So, steep them for a while longer than before and it should maximize the effects,” Gelliana instructed. “That should last you for a week or two at the very least, and that’s using generous portions.”

“Huh, interesting,” the pony mused, then looking around at the greenhouse. “I really don’t know much about herbal teas and the like, so this is all new to me. Are most things in here herbs then? Or have a use?”

Gelly nodded, sitting down and gesturing at a certain selection of bush-like plants off to their left. “Yup! Everything in here is either edible or used to make some sort of herbal tonic, salve, or potions if I can find the specific arcane crystals that have been enchanted correctly,” she gushed, wings flaring as she pointed to what looked like some small trees. “Like these are super hard to get to grow, but the berries make some of the best antibiotic salves I’ve ever come across!”

The gryphoness’s mouth finally caught up to her brain, an embarrassed blush burning her cheeks as she turned her violet eyes away, almost nervous to look in Toxic’s direction.

“Sorry,” she mumbled, a familiar dreary weight lurking at the back of her mind. “I just, really like what I do.”

“Then why be sorry about it?” Toxic asked softly, even the artificial voice conveying a sense of sincerity. On looking up, the only thing Gelliana saw was him waiting patiently, the stallion’s ears perked up and watching her. “It’s nice seeing creatures passionate about things,” he paused, smiling awkwardly with a shrug. “Even if I don’t really know much about it.”

The gryphoness felt her heart skip a beat, thrown off by the answer.

“I u-um…”

Clearly seeing her flustered state, Toxic briefly looked around the shop, then waved a hoof her directly and took the initiative in the conversation.

“I am curious though, if I may ask, how does a gryphoness end up running an herbalist shop? I haven’t seen really any of this sort of thing in Griffinstone or surrounding areas when I’ve visited. It’s odd since I think they’d probably make the most use of it,” he mused.

“That’s true, b-but gryphons really just don’t care about herbal teas and the like,” Gelliana explained with a slight hitch, but quickly finding her voice again. “They’re more…blunt. Get a cut? Just keep it clean and it’ll heal on its own. Can’t sleep? Suck it up and deal with being tired. It’s rather obnoxious. But that said, I actually grew up in Equestria. Parents are two earth pony stone and metal smiths south of Luna Bay,” she added.

“Oh, that must have been interesting!” Toxic replied, letting out a soft chuckle. “If I recall, there’s just a few small mining towns there, clustered around the marble veins and then some metal deposits, right?”

“Yup! My parents own a few of the mines actually. It was kind of nice growing up away from a big city, never really liked it, at least not without being able to get away,” Gelliana agreed, finding herself more and more at ease as they talked.

I like this. It’s been a while since I’ve just talked to somecreature new without being a stuttering mess.

“I agree with you there. Obviously, I can’t really escape big cities due to work, but I try to get out and camp whenever I can. Clears the head and all that. Too much loud noise is a bit overwhelming.”

The herbalist nodded in agreement, gesturing upwards to the glass roof.

“Toooootally agree. I love looking at the stars. Not really too great an option here, but when I go hunting for wild cuttings or seeds it’s just freeing,” she sighed. “I need to do that again, actually…”

A soft chime echoed through the greenhouse, Toxic frowning as he levitated a crystal communicator out from a small attachment on his amulet.

“Hello? Ah, alright. Yeah, I’ll take a look, thank you, Varti,” he relayed, stowing the device and shrugging. “Guess I need to head out. I forgot I was supposed to call him later.”

“Oh! We’ve, uh, yeah. I probably need to check on Icait,” Gelliana admitted as they began to walk towards the shop.

The stallion then paused, letting out a slight huff as he turned to look at the curious gryphoness. “Hey, Gelliana?” he asked, the herbalist’s ears perking up.

His heartbeat is speeding up.

“Hmmm? Just Gelly is fine, Toxic.”

“Would…” Toxic paused, the pony hesitating as he seemed to be in thought. “I hope this is appropriate, but would you be interested in getting lunch sometime? Maybe day after tomorrow?” he asked, clearly a bit nervous as a hoof scratched at the floor slightly. His posture changed, a confidence still present, but not overpowering. Instead, the stallion seemed just gently sincere. “If I may be blunt, I think you’re quite an interesting gryphoness, and would really like to get to know you more, if that’s appropriate. If not, I understand. I don’t wish to overstep or cause any raised feathers with anycreature else.”

Looking up, Toxic blinked as Gelliana let out a squeak, her overactive fluffed-out feathers having made her figure appear as though she had been hit by lightning.

Of course, the blush didn’t help things.

He…wait…lunch?

When was the last time a genuinely nice stallion asked you out? Especially one you just feel comfortable talking to about things?

Say yes!
Say something!

“N-no, you’re-”

DON’T SAY THAT!

Gelliana let out a frustrated groan, smacking a set of claws to her face as she took a deep breath.

“S-sorry, Toxic. I just w-wasn’t expecting that. No, you’re not overstepping or anything, I’d love to,” she said, a warmth fluttering in her chest carrying the stutter away as if on a gentle breeze. She managed to look up, and the excitement in Toxic’s green eyes, his heartbeat still increasing.

He’s happy.

“It’s not inappropriate at all. No special somecreature here, if that’s what you were implying,” she added, the stallion nodding.

“I, uh, was trying to not be too blunt,” he admitted, scoring the wood with a hoof in a bashful gesture, “I didn’t come here planning to ask that, for the record, but I wasn’t about to leave without at least trying.”

Awww.

Gelliana felt something rising up in her throat, managing to nod as she forced herself to meet Toxic’s gaze, nerves and all.

“Just t-to clarify, is this a date?” she asked, the pony letting out a soft hum.

“Yes? Sort of? Maybe we can address that question over lunch?” Toxic suggested, and it was now that Gelliana definitely saw his blue cheeks radiating a pink hue. “A trial first date?”

“A diet-date?” Gelliana suggested, prompting a genuine chuckle from the stallion as he nodded.

“I mean, I could stand to lose a bit, but you look great...um…” Toxic blinked, gesturing with a hoof towards the counter. “I think I’d better pay before making a fool of myself, if that’s ok.”

Stifling a very blush-ridden giggle, Gelliana nodded and walked into the store briefly.

“Icait! Can you ring him up please?” she called, looking over as Toxic paused on his way towards the register.

“So, I’ll see you day after tomorrow? Meet here at noon?” he asked, Gelliana nodding.

“Y-yup!”

Toxic’s slightly nerves seemed to slip away, a rather confident smile stamping itself onto his features, one that did not help Gelliana’s blush in the slightest.

“I’ll see you then, Gelly,” he said softly and out of earshot of the Windigo or nearby guards. “If I may be so bold, I did mean what I said about your voice in that lab.”

And with that he trotted off to the register to pay, leaving a gryphoness looking more like a feathery ball of grey cotton candy than anything.

She barely registered the high-pitched squeal until Icait was hopping up and down in the air above the counter after the stallion left.

Oh, right. Sensing emotions.

“Don’t. You. Say. Anything,” she growled, pointing a talon at the Windigo who made a zipper motion with her hoof, still grinning widely

I just, I need to process all this. I do have a question for that guard though.

Knowing full well her feathers were still partially sticking out, Gelliana walked over to one of the legionnaires, sitting down in front of him.

“Well, now that I know you guys can actually talk when on duty,” she said, gesturing towards outside. “May I ask a question? Hammer, was it?”

“Of course, Miss Gelliana,” the stallion replied, prompting a huff from the gryphoness.

“Even if I tell you not to call me ‘Miss,’ you will, won’t you?” she asked, both legionnaires now having the flicker of a grin on their faces.

“Perhaps.”

“What can you tell me about Toxic Shield?”

Hammer blinked, raising an eyebrow and then shaking his head.

“Very little. He has a security clearance the same level as our own if not higher. Most of his work is classified.”

“That’s not what I asked.”

Hammer let out an unamused grunt, Icait letting out a soft giggle.

“He likes dodging questions. I found that out pretty quick,” she added with a whisper.

“What can you tell me then? Outside what I already know?”

“May I be blunt, Miss Gelliana?” the Legionnaire asked, now definitely messing with her despite his stern expression.

“I would appreciate such.”

“Is this taking into account current context? To which it doesn’t take a mastermind to understand why you were both so flustered?”

Gelliana blinked, Hammer’s words taking a few seconds to register before she glanced away with a mumble, a very smug legionnaire still staring at her.

“I will take that as a yes. And if I may be frank, I technically am not supposed to converse this much when on duty. However, you asked. And Toxic is one of my best friends.”

The stallion’s tone definitely softened halfway through speaking, catching Gelly’s attention.

“Miss Gelliana, it is not my business to say more than this. Toxic is a good pony, and I’d trust him with my life. I have trusted him with my life, and I’ve known him for more than a decade through thick and thin.”

A rather sly, smug grin now began to spread across Hammer’s features.

“And you don’t have any competition for him, if that was a question.”

There was an audible *THUNK* as Gelliana planted her head onto a counter with a groan.

“I DID NOT ASK THAT!” she hissed; the two stalwart legionnaires barely able to suppress their laughter.

“But did you want to?” Icait chimed in, dodging a cup thrown her way with a grin. “What? I’m just being helpful! I’m learning more social cues!”

“Wrong kind of helpful!”

Hammer seemed to be thoroughly enjoying her discomfort, but finally settled back into his usual ‘at ready’ stance.

“Does that answer your questions, Miss Gelli-”

“YES! At ease. Or go do whatever you’re supposed to do.”

“Doing so, M’am.”

Gelliana let out a groan as she meandered back towards her greenhouse, going to double-check the watering systems that began their timed cycle. As she looked at the crystal device that kept her plants green and healthy, the gryphoness couldn’t help but smile.

“He asked me on a date? Sort of? I haven’t been on a date in ages,” she whispered. Yet the anxiety and nervousness such a statement produced faded away rather quickly as a few different words came to the forefront of the gryphoness’s mind, accompanied by two piercing green eyes.

“I did mean what I said about your voice.”

The fact her answer made Toxic happy, his entire posture and eyes having radiating excited joy made the long-awaited lump rise in Gelliana’s throat. She sat down and wrapped her arms around her feathery torso, sniffing slightly despite the tender smile on her beak.

A stallion who could talk about the worst hazards imaginable without blinking, and I made his heart speed up, just before asking me out on a sort-of-date.

He thinks I’m interesting, and wants to get to know me.

He wants to know more about me…

Even the general implication from what she learned made the gryphoness’s chest glow with warmth. Her next thought made genuine excitement flood her frame, the gryphoness collecting herself to go back out to the shop.

And I want to know more about him.

Unbeknownst to the herbalist, a certain blue unicorn was currently sitting at his desk and staring at the bag of herbs, then promptly plopping his head down on the package with a groan.

“Where in the world did that come from?” Toxic muttered, shaking his head. “Note to self. When exhausted, I become very bold. Oh, stars above I have a date. A sort of date! Still a date!”

The stallion stood, walking out of his large, multi-bedroomed apartment in Canterlot and sat outside on the balcony in thought. It had been a whimsical chance. He hadn’t really thought she’d be available, let alone say yes. That thought made his ears flick downwards, a hoof reaching up to poke the amulet on his chest.

She didn’t stare either, just talked to me like any other pony, despite knowing what I do, what I’ve seen.

A gentle smile twitched at his mouth, Toxic taking a breath and letting it out slowly. Even if things didn’t go further than a nice lunch with a new friend, he’d count that as a success. A new friend was a new friend, and he wasn’t about to shun that possibility.

Of course, ignoring the possibility of something more was now looking in the stallion’s mind.

I didn’t think I’d get this far; I’m not exactly a dating connoisseur.

But I have a date with a lovely gryphoness who is absolutely adorable when flustered. So puffy…

Adorable.

Oooooooooh my, that was easy to say. Think. Whatever.
And I guess it’s ok to think like that now, at least a bit.

The slight wind that blew didn’t feel so cold as it ruffled through the stallion’s blue coat, the words from a certain yak coming to mind. While the conversation earlier about funding had been hardly along this vein, the caring scientist had once made a rather blunt observation after both a budding relationship and subsequent relations with whom he thought were ‘friends’ had gone down in flames years prior.

‘You can’t barricade your heart forever, Toxic. I did that before I adopted my daughter and it drove me to a dark place. You have to open up eventually, or open up to the idea of opening up. Take your time, grieve, but do not give them the time of day. If I had listened to all of my naysayers I wouldn’t be here; happy, with my daughter and helping my best friend build a dream.’

‘Thank you, Varti, but that was quite a speech,’

‘Oh, don’t get me started! Toxic, if you remember anything, just take this advice from your barely-elder. You have helped so many creatures. Me, Equestria…countless lives. Let others help you, ok? Even if it takes time and some more hurt. You’re not alone in this.’

The stallion smiled, finding his eyes becoming clouded with an annoying bit of dampness.

“Even if it’s just a new friend,” he whispered to himself, “maybe it’s time I let myself think about having more of those again.”

And maybe something more.

Author's Notes:

Quite a bit happened in this chapter! It didn't feel right to split it up, would have just been a lot of talking otherwise, so hope you all enjoyed the rather beefy update! Most chapters aren't going to be this long, so fair warning.
....
....maybe.

The adorableness has officially begun. Oh, these two are fun!

Chapter Seven: Sparks

The feline bowed to the astral face hovering in front of him, two eagle eyes staring at the creature from the communications crystal in the dark cave.

“Your orders?”

The gryphon’s face bobbed, the owner letting out a huff.
“Things have changed. We will continue our work here. The explosives did not perform as anticipated, however.”

The feline was immediately bowing flat on the ground, fear making his sides shake.
“Please, I ask for mercy, we didn’t-”

A soft chuckle made the creature look up, the gryphon actually smiling gently.
“I am not here to lecture you or dispatch punishment, Commander Chaster,” he said calmly, claws now forming in the image to invite the feline to rise. “You did exactly as I instructed, and for that you and your entire division are to be commended. I intend to reward you all for such efforts, as a matter of fact, for I am quite pleased with both your performance and continued unique testing results.”

Chaster blinked, slowly standing up fully and smoothing his ruffled tan and grey fur.
“I-t-thank you, Highness,” he stammered, the gryphon letting out an affirming nod.

“Your success aside, there is a new task I would have you complete. The pony I encountered in the lab, Specialist Shield. You must try to kill him. I do not expect you personally to oversee this, but task your best creature for the job, for this is not a battle of brute force,” the gryphon explained. “. Alive, he has value to us but death would yield a greater reward at this point. That said, I do not expect you to succeed in this task. His meddling is tolerable for now, but as later steps progress his elimination will likely become of the highest priority..”

“I understand, Highness.”

“Do you?”

The feline blinked, brown eyes then flickering to the floor.

“Not completely, I admit. So, I am to dispatch an assassin? With the knowledge they will likely fail?”

“That is correct. Rest assured; your soldier will not perish. I will personally ensure their continued survival.”

The Commander stood up and bowed, confidence returning to his frame.

“Then it will be done. I will inform you personally of the results.”

“Excellent. I shall leave you to it.”

“A whisper remains.”

The gryphon paused, the smile on his beak dripping with eager malevolence that made the feline shiver.
“A whisper remains. Good luck, Commander.”

Leagues away, an orange and grey pattered gryphon shut down the communications spell, walking over to a small, elevated pool of liquid. Runes surrounded the table-sized rocky outcropping, the green and red contents frothing and swirling around the item in the center.

If one listened closely, the howling of wintering winds and the neighing of ancient creatures seemed to be emanating from the crystal shard balanced between three jet-black stone prongs. The faint tendrils of shadow curled from the stones, two white eyes seeming to appear and examine the gryphon briefly, the outlines of a fanged mouth widening in approval.

“A whisper remains indeed…” the gryphon chuckled.

“Hold up,” Marigold stated, waving at the stallion behind the counter. “One small Chocolate Monster please. Extra whipped cream.”

“Coming up!”

Gelliana was all smiles, having just broken the news to her best friend the morning before her sort-of-date.

“I know you had that rush order yesterday, but you could have left me a note about that,” Marigold stated, abruptly sucking down half of the chocolatey concoction placed in front of her, eye twitching slightly.

“I wanted to tell you face to face,” Gelliana admitted, her best friend letting out a snort.

“Ok, fair, and I appreciate it. But Toxic Shield? Really?”

A genuine glare from Gelliana made Marigold wave her hooves defensively.

“Not like that! Look, I’m sure he’s a great guy, and I felt bad for ages after what I said, you know this. I’m just really surprised. Then again, I guess I never really nailed down what kind of guys you are into. Other than ‘not big gryphon jerks.’ I’m surprised but curious. I take it the rumors were….”

“Total and absolute garbage,” Gelliana relayed with a firm nod, the Pegasus’s ears perking up in surprise.

“Wow. Serves me right I guess,” Marigold muttered to herself.

“But not totally though.”

“Oh?”

Gelly nodded, sipping her own shake as she tapped a set of talons on the table. Now she understood fully why Toxic hadn’t wanted to go into detail about the lab. It was hard to gauge how much to say to somepony.

“I mean, he does have a serious, confident side when he’s working, at least from what I saw. But that’s not all of him. I…” her voice trailed off, the gryphoness’s brow furrowing. “Just, I don’t want to say too much, ok? But he’s not an emotionless pony, far from it. I kind of stumbled into that realization.” It was only then Gelliana realized she was smiling, as was her friend.

“Huh. You really do like him, huh?”

Planting her head on the table, Gelly let out a groan, shrugging her wings futilely.
“I barely know him!”

“Ok, bad phrasing. You definitely find him interesting and good looking?” Marigold asked with a continuous grin. “I mean I suppose I know the answer to that. You did agree to have lunch with him.”

An affirming grunt was Gelliana’s reply, the mare across the table then letting out a curious huff.

“What about his voice? You don’t mind that?” she asked, genuinely curious. “I can’t say it wouldn’t be distracting for me at least. I’m just curious what he’s like, because apparently I was very, very wrong.”

That got a smile from Gelliana, the gryphoness looking up from burying her head in her forelimbs.

“Admitting you’re wrong? Are you SURE you’re Marigold and not some changeling?”

A cherry smacked Gelly in the face, the mare across the table glaring at her.

“I’m not THAT bad!”

“You are!”

“Sometimes! Only sometimes!”

“Ok, sometimes,” Gelly replied, good-natured smile back in full force. “But his voice? I really didn’t notice it. It just faded into the background as, well, him, if that makes sense. It didn’t really bother me at all. I didn’t want to ask of course, because that’d be rude.”

“But totally curious?”

“Well duh, but if he doesn’t want to tell me, I’m not going to pry.”

The Pegasus sighed, inspecting a hoof before waving it at her friend.
“You’re a lot more patient than me, I’ll give you that. But what about how he is? I mean, I’m obviously flying blind here.”

“It’s…” Gelliana searched for the words, the tender smile on her face making her friend grin all the wider.

“Ooooh. What was that thought, and you’re blushing; what, did he kiss you?”

A retaliatory cherry whacked Marigold in the check, the mare cackling as her feathery friend dissolved into grumbles, finally looking back up.

“No, you evil mare. But just, he was happy.”

“Huh? Not following,” Marigold replied, eyes widening as Gelliana’s demeanor shifted. Her friend just seemed relaxed, a bit of a wistful smile on her beak.

“Hearing heartbeats. He wasn’t afraid of me, Marigold,” Gelliana whispered, still resting her head on her forelimbs. “He didn’t skip a beat when talking about one of the disasters he responded to. But asking me on a sort-of date? He was nervous,” her smile got wider, over-active feathers fluffing visibly. “And when I said yes, he was just happy. Exhausted, but happy. I just haven’t had that reaction from somecreature before. Usually they’re scared, nervous, or something like that. Even the other guys asking me out usually did so with an ego the size of a house. Never just hopeful and being glad I said yes.”

“Awww.”

Gelly looked up to see her best friend grinning at her, the mare bouncing in her chair with excitement.

“That is so cute!”

Such words did not help the lurking blush on Gelliana’s features, but the gryphoness didn’t even bother to hide such.

“I’ve never seen you like this, Gelly. So, my incorrect view obviously aside, he must be something special.”

“I just felt….” Gelliana sat up stretching her neck and shrugging. “I just felt me. Nervous because, well-”

“You’re a nervous wreck anytime you usually meet somecreature new?”

“Well yeah, but I kind of knew him from before; the stuff I can’t talk about with the disaster. So, it wasn’t totally new, but I just didn’t feel as scared. No anxiety, just talking with a pony. I guess Toxic being comfortable around me was really something I haven’t gotten used to before. You know how some ponies here see gryphons, even with me being smaller than others.”

Marigold let out an angry snort at that.

“I’m surprised they can see anycreature with their heads shoved so far up their-”

“MARIGOLD!”

The mare grinned cheekily as she casually began to demolish a second milkshake, Gelliana blowing a stray set of feathers off her face.

“But thank you, and yes, you’re right. I just haven’t met a creature, let alone a stallion who can overlook me being…a…” Gelly’s tone trailed off under the withering glare of her best friend, Marigold angrily pointing a hoof at her.

“Don’t you dare start that!” Marigold replied fiercely. “You shouldn’t ever be with someone because they overlook who you are, but love you because of it! Sure, we all have faults, but that’s different!”

The mare then casually went back to sipping her shake, thoroughly pleased with herself as Gelliana’s feathers stuck out in shock.

“And I thought I was the romantic,” Gelly replied, Marigold waving a hoof.

“Bah. You definitely still are, but I’m not about to let you beat yourself up again. You deserve a guy who likes you for you. Eccentricities and all.” Another glare punctuated the mare’s pointing at the gryphoness as she glared. “The good kind. Seriously. If the guy doesn’t like learning about plants or going on romantic dates, toss him out the window!”

Gelliana couldn’t hold back giggles at this point, rarely having seen her friend become so animated.

“S-so are you my guardian Pegasus then?” she gasped, Marigold proudly flaring her wings at that.

“Protecting and serving my best friend’s sappy heart for years; at your service!”

Now in tears of laughter, Gelliana could barely breath as Marigold joined in with her own giggles.

“Now I won’t ask for details, but you’d better let me know how things go tomorrow!” the Pegasus added as Gelly finally started on her own half-melted shake.

“You’ll be the first to know,” Gelly replied, surprising herself at how much her wings relaxed simply at the thought.

“Huh. You really aren’t nervous. That’s different from the others, well, most of them.”

“All three? Or technically five?” Gelliana added, Marigold shrugging.

“I mean in general. Usually you’re a ball of nerves and anxiety. But the idea of going on a sort-of-date with this stallion doesn’t make you lock yourself in a closet and hyperventilate.”

“One. Time. And I was sleep deprived, already feeling sick, and…and…” Gelliana glared at her smug friend, the gryphoness returning to suck down her milkshake. “You know this of course. That was mean.”

“Buuuuut my point still stands! Quite a knight in shining armor to defuse your usual nerves. So, I can’t wait to hear eeeeeeeeverything!” Marigold then paused, looking at the gryphoness. “And I assume you haven’t told your parents yet?”

“Oh goodness no,” Gelly countered with a shudder. “I want to wait to see how things go before they start to get into that concerned spiral and try to pry.”

“Or get so over-the-top excited they start asking the names of your future kids?”

Gelliana nodded with a groan, shaking her head.
“I love them dearly, but rarely is there an in-between. Either super-duper over the top concerned, or totally nosy and wanting to know every detail.”

“Well, it sounds like you’ve learned, and perhaps they will too. Didn’t you say they have been getting better?”

Nodding in agreement, Gelliana conceded to that fact.

“That’s true. I would like to be more open with them, but, yeah. Here’s hoping,” she paused, then looking over to the mare. “Hmmm, enough about my date; don’t you have one this evening?” Gelliana asked, her friend sighing happily.

“Mmhmmm. About time he got an evening off.”

As Marigold delved into the plans of her night, Gelliana couldn’t help but have a small part of her own mind wander.

I have a date, and I’m not a complete nervous wreck.
I guess that IS new.

It was only then that Gelliana saw Marigold staring at her, a rather triumphant grin on her face.

“You are totally zoning out again, and is that a blush? OH, THIS IS SO CUTE!”

Gelliana groaned as she motioned to the extremely-amused stallion behind the counter, the pony clearly trying his hardest to not burst out laughing.

“Do you have a dessert called ‘overexcited friend?’” she asked, the shopkeeper letting out a hum in thought.

“Yup! It’s actually paired perfectly with the ‘upcoming date sundae’!” he played along with a complete straight face, causing the gryphoness to smack her head on the table with a groan much to the amusement of the shopkeeper and Marigold.

“We’ll take both! Sugar coma’s for everycreature!” Marigold exclaimed as Gelly’s giggles returned in force.

I’m one lucky gryphoness.

“A date? Oh, you must tell me about her! I’m so glad to hear you’re back in the game!” a mare’s voice said over Toxic’s earpiece, the stallion smiling.

“When I get to know her more, Mom, I most certainly will. And a single date is hardly back in the game, per say. It’s taken me this long to even consider it, and that’s after weeks of sleep deprivation,” Toxic replied with a huff as he paced in his roomy apartment.

“I know, I know, I’m just being an excited mother. I won’t pry, but I am a bit curious.”

“I…” Toxic frowned, trying to measure his words carefully. Having top-secret security clearance made even seemingly benign conversations difficult, even with certain permissions granted to family. “She helped me on one of my jobs when I was in trouble, and is an herbalist in Tall Tale.”

“An herbalist? That’s interesting! And don’t mistake this question for a snooty-noble question; you know how much I loathe that whole thing. But I do wonder. Unicorn? Pegasus? Earth pony?” Spectrum Shield asked her son.

“Gryphoness.”

Without missing a beat, Spectrum clopped her hooves together (apparently,) the sound echoing over the communicator.

“Oh! Well I have to say I’m a bit surprised but she certainly sounds interesting! You must let us know how it goes! I’ll tell your father of course but he’s busy with all these new orders for the upcoming airship release.”

Toxic chuckled, nodding in thought.

“Of course, I’ll let you all know in the next few days.”

“Oh, and Toxic?”

“Hmm?”

“Did…did you ask the Princess for help with Pick?”

Toxic felt a prick of pain in his heart at hearing the name of his younger brother, Pick Shield.

“Not since you asked last. Do I need to?”

It was then that a soft sniffle came over the call, Toxic’s worries immediately fleeing on hearing his mother’s voice.

“No. We just had a visit from a very kind Doctor, a very, very large hippogriff.”

Nacreous?

“There’s experimental treatments they’re developing in that new empire up north, and Pick qualifies for them. I’m still in shock that we got to meet an Emperor. Pick hasn’t stopped smiling in days, one of the top Archivists of that empire is talking to him constantly about new magical theories, even during this hospital stay.”

“I, that’s fantastic to hear, Mom,” Toxic stammered, a lump rising up in his throat. “Please let me know how things progress. Pick definitely caught the science bug from me, so I imagine that makes him quite happy.”

“To say the least, and I’ll keep you in the loop. Take care, I know you probably have a laundry list of things to do today, so I’ll let you go. Love you, Toxic.”

“Love you too, Mom.”

Toxic carefully levitated the communicator out of his ear, trotting over to sit on his bed. A few tears trickled down the stallion’s cheeks, the pony rubbing a forelimb across his eyes. He levitated an enchanted piece of parchment over, the letters to be sent in an instant.

‘To the Paladin of Love.

Thank you.

-Specialist Toxic Shield.’

Onyx set another book aside, letting his grey gaze drift out across Tall Tale from the tower he was perched on. The original plan for him to join the town guard was on hold, a new tension now present whenever Starlight checked up on him.

Something was wrong, and it didn’t help that nocreature would tell him what it was. He had a pretty good idea though from his interactions with Luna. There was a threat growing, one from his realm. A single interaction wasn’t enough to prove his fears, but if it was true, things were going to get messy very, very fast.

At least Icait is oblivious to it all.

The peppy Windigo always regaled him with the stories of the day when she got home, the shadow-pony asking regularly. It made her happy, and was interesting, so Onyx didn’t mind.

At least it’s something to do. I find myself looking forward to it sometimes.

Starlight had given him more books, more volumes on friendship and the like. It was an odd thing to have disparaged and despised such a topic not but a few months prior.

And now I just find it confusing. Ponies just fall into these friendships, and then there’s all the social rules.

Ugh.

Even more puzzling was when Icait returned absolutely gushing of how her gryphoness friend had a date.

How does one get joy from someone else’s activities? I mean, good for her? Icait always did like observing social interactions, even in that cave we were stuck in.

It’s interesting to be sure, but I don’t fully understand it. Then again, I’ve never had a friend before. Icait is always just happier after working with that gryphoness, Gelliana was it? Then again, she’s much more outgoing than me.

What would that be like, he wondered, to look forward to interactions like that? To care about another creature like that?

I don’t have anycreature like, that, a friend. I suppose I’ll have….to….

When the two neurons in Onyx’s brain finally connected, the shadow pony let his face smack into the stone underneath him, letting out a rather long and loud groan.

Oh.

The edges of his mouth turned up ever so slightly into a smile, the long-held resentment around the word having finally vanished it would seem.

“Onyx? I have some new…are you ok?”

“Yes. What can I do for you, Starlight?” Onyx mumbled from his face-plant position on the stone tower.

“Huh, ok. Well, I’ve got some new books for you, and a tentative plan. Well, sort of a plan. Stuff is up in the air…are you sure you’re ok?” the powerful unicorn asked, the shadow pony finally looking up. She seemed somewhat confused by the barest hint of a grin on his features, Onyx letting out a huff.

“I have a friend, don’t I, Starlight?” he asked softly. “I think I finally am realizing what that means. Something different than an ally.”

“I’d say you have a few, Onyx. And the terms don’t necessarily have to be separate. I’d argue they should be overlapping at times.”

The shadow pony nodded, Starlight then venturing a guess.

“Icait?”

A simple nod, Onyx’s brow furrowing.

“She was so eager to call me her friend, a week, a few months ago. I had so much resentment to the idea I couldn’t fathom it,” he explained. “I don’t get to have friends, that was my thinking. Creatures like me aren’t allowed that.”

“For what reason?”

The question seemed to stump Onyx, the stallion shrugging.

“I don’t know. I was so unsure of what I was, what I am, it was just a rule I made for myself, I guess. A creature who fed off hate and malcontent shouldn’t deserve such a thing, such was my reasoning. And yet I ignored the very obvious fact that while I refused to be a friend….”

“Icait certainly wasn’t about to stop,” Starlight finished with a grin. “Right?”

Another nod, Onyx sitting down and thinking.

“I have no idea what to do with this information.”

Starlight giggled, making the pony’s head whip over with a glare.

“Sorry! You don’t have to do anything special with it, that’s the point,” Starlight explained. “You just are nice to friends. That’s the point. You enjoy being around them, and you learn about life with them. It’s different for everycreature, but considering how much Icait has said about you, I’d certainly say she’s your friend,” the Principle paused, a tender smile now on her features as Onyx continued to stare at his hooves. “The question is, if you want to be her friend.”

“I am not sure I know how, Starlight,” Onyx admitted. “Books are one thing, implementing it is another.”

“Well, if all else fails, the books are something good to reference, but being a friend is easier than that. As I said, it’s just about being nice to somecreature, valuing their wellbeing and opinion. That’s pretty much a core of friendship, and a good place to start.”

Letting the stallion digest the information, Starlight ventured another comment, this one soft and sincere.

“She’s worried about you, Onyx.”

His head whipped up; grey eyes narrowed at the concerned mare.

“She says you’ve woken up at night, shivering and curled into a ball. I won’t pry, but if there is any way I can help, I’m glad to do so.”

The indignant demeanor faded from Onyx, the wisps of shadow around his body fading away.

“I don’t know,” he admitted. “I remember nothing from those times, only fear of…something. I didn’t know she saw me like that.”

“Well, she did, and doesn’t want to make you mad by asking. So perhaps you could tell her what you told me?” Starlight suggested. “She trusts you a lot more than I think you realize, and cares quite a bit about how you are doing. I haven’t gotten a single report without a mention of you at least once.”

Nodding slowly, Onyx let out a breath at that.

“I suppose that’s part of being a friend? Letting them help? Or at least not keeping secrets from them?” he asked.

“Well, everycreature has secrets. But ones that may impact your friendship, those are things that should be addressed. In this case, you have a friend who is really concerned about you, but doesn’t want to make you upset by asking about it. This is a time you could ignore it, but addressing it would potentially make things better, and stronger.”

Onyx chuckled, glancing over to Starlight in amusement.

“Friendship is complicated, is it not?” he asked, a rather sly grin then coming across the mare’s face as she nodded.

“Yep. It’s kind of similar to magic, in a lot of ways…”

Author's Notes:

Things progressing on multiple fronts! Hope you all enjoyed the chapter, and as always, feedback is appreciated!

Chapter Eight: A Date

“So, Varti, how is the complex?”

“It’s fine, Toxic. This is the third time you’ve called today. A bit nervous?”

“NO!”

“Uh huh.”

“Alright, maybe? But can you blame me?”

The yak’s rumbling chuckle rattle Toxic’s bones, the stallion nervously pacing in one of many Tall-Tale’s parks.

“I won’t bore you with advice, because I certainly may not be the best to give it. I am only a year or two your senior, and single. But Toxic?”

“Yeah?”

“Tell your doubts to shut up and just be yourself. If she doesn’t like that? Well, not worth it.”

“…I think that helps, thanks, Varti.”

“Oh, also,” the Professor’s voice got noticeably softer and carried a gentle tone, even over the communicator. “Remember, this gryphoness saw some of the worst demons you’ve had to face and what they did to you, and she helped. Didn’t run, freeze, laugh, or scorn. She helped. That has to count for something.”

Toxic couldn’t help but smile, now meandering towards a certain herbalist shop.

“I think that counts for quite a bit, Varti. Thank you for putting it in perspective.”

“Well, I’m much taller than you. I obviously have a different perspective you greatly need!”

The poor joke made Toxic chuckle, Varti ending the call with his well-wishes.

That is a good point. The most unappealing aspect of my job didn’t make Gelliana flinch.
And she doesn’t seem to mind my voice. Maybe….

A flicker of hope kindled in Toxic’s heart. Small and easily doused, but it was there. Instead of nerves a bit of genuine excitement spurred on his steps now as he got closer.

And I already know her a bit. This might actually be fun.

Walking into the shop, Toxic glanced around briefly, not seeing Icait around. He trotted over to the counter and rang the bell, noting a rather odd implement set near the register.

Is that a dagger?

Gelliana let out a happy chirp, hearing the bell and hastily smoothing down her feathers. After some last-minute pruning in her greenhouse to calm some nerves the gryphoness had busied about making sure the shop was set to be closed for lunch.

I assume that’s Toxic downstairs?
Feathers smoothed.
Deep breaths.
Ok.

Walking down the staircases and through the various doors to her shop, Gelliana looked around, indeed spotting a familiar black-maned unicorn.

“Hey, T-toxic?” she asked, mentally wincing at her stutter, as always.

Toxic’s ears immediately perked up, the peppy aura the unicorn radiating taking the edge off Gelly’s nerves. His eyes then drifted to…her shoulder?

“Hmm. A fan of daggers?” he asked, gesturing to near the register and then back to the gryphoness.

Her feathers fluffed immediately, Gelliana realizing she still had one of her blades strapped to her forearm from pruning some stubborn plants and practice-throwing.

“I, um-”

“Can I see one of them?” Toxic asked curiously, the surprised gryphoness nodding and offering the weapon with a smooth draw. His sincere curiosity was rather befuddling, and Gelly wasn’t entirely sure what to think. No explanation requested, nothing of the sort.

He’s just, accepting.

Looking over the dagger in his magic, the unicorn let out an interested hum.

“I don’t know much about daggers,” he murmured, “but I do know when there’s a really good balanced blade, one with love and care in its design. Did you make this one by chance?”

What Gelliana’s sharp eyes didn’t miss was the way the unicorn examined the weapon in his hoof without magic, giving it what he must have thought looked like an amateurish twirl.

Except, it very much wasn’t amateurish in the least.

Doesn’t know much about them? Huh. I don’t think that’s the whole truth…

On taking the blade back, Gelly shook her head firmly, gesturing outside the shop.
“N-no, there’s a local b-blacksmith I get them from,” she explained. “I order the raw ore from my family’s business and he refines it.”

“Into some rather beautiful blades. I may have to ask which smith it is for some of my own personal projects,” Toxic remarked, making Gelly’s ears perk up.

“Hmm?”

He waved a hoof, gesturing outside with a smile.

“Perhaps lunch first? Sorry, didn’t mean to get sidetracked. I think I found a good place to eat but may request a second opinion when we get on the main road.”

Gelliana unstrapped the dagger and shook her head, following the unicorn outside with a tentative smile of her own.

“No, it’s f-fine. It’s nice talking to someone about such things without a bit of, well, judgement.”

“Ah, I understand that,” Toxic mused. “So, is it just a general interest? Or do you use daggers and knives for your greenhouse work,” he asked as they walked.

“Both, actually. I’ve loved the idea of throwing knives for years, and while they do have a use in my greenhouse, they’re just also nice to have,” Gelliana admitted. Her ears then flattened on her next thought. “Also, being a small gryphoness comes with disadvantages that a dagger helps counteract.”

“But plenty of strengths too, I imagine,” Toxic replied immediately, his green eyes flickering over to the gryphoness. “But I get it.”

His last few words offset his casual remark, something Gelliana could appreciate.

Immediately not wanting to make me talk down about myself, but then acknowledging it.

That’s actually really sweet.

“Uh, Gelly?”

The gryphoness snapped out of her apparent daze, looking over to Toxic, his curious green eyes meeting hers for a split second.

“S-sorry. Lost in thought,” she mumbled, her sensitive feathers immediately fluffing, again.

“Happens to everyone. I was wondering if that diner on South Horseshoe Avenue is any good? The one with the bowl of noodles and the picture of a goose and panda on the front?”

Gelliana’s ears perked up immediately, the herbalist nodding in agreement.

“Ooooh I haven’t been there in ages, but it’s really good!” she replied. “They have spices from all over, and serve pretty much ever species. Fish, veggies, fruits; all with noodles!”

Her exuberance elicited an immediate smile from Toxic, the stallion letting out a hum as they walked down the neat cobblestone streets towards the shop.

“So, are you a fan of fish then? I’ll have to stick with the fruits and vegetables of course,” he asked.

“Actually, I can’t eat fish or meat in general,” Gelliana admitted, finding the surprised but interested look on the pony’s face rather endearing. “I’m rusty on the genetics, but something about a bit of parrot ancestry affecting my stomach. Oh, what was it? A series of Resetting genes?”

“Recessive?” Toxic suggested, Gelly nodding and gesturing with a claw.

“Recessive! That’s the word. It has been years since I looked up on it. Basically, I got an odd roll of the dice. Look like a fierce eagle but eat fruits, vegetables and the like,” Gelliana explained.

“Hmm. I can see the ‘fierce’ bit to be sure,” he mused, Gelliana letting out a soft grumble.

“It’s the darker highlights around my eyes. It makes me look like I’m always angry at someone or about to bite them. Not the best for first impressions.”

Toxic nodded in understanding, a slightly wry smirk dawning on his face for a moment.

“Hmm. Well I’d say your first impressions with me were quite fantastic.”

The mischievous glint in Toxic’s green eyes didn’t go unnoticed by Gelliana as her feathers fluffed again at the remark, and the gryphoness had a feeling that was going to be a common occurrence.

Not that I mind.

“Ok, now you’re trying to get me to look like a feather duster,” she said, rather interested in what his response would be.

“Won’t deny it!” he proclaimed with a grin.

Obviously, that didn’t help the gryphoness’s situation in the slightest, much to the stallion’s clear amusement.

After a lengthy chat about the types of noodles the restaurant offered (to which Toxic did refrain from causing any more feathery mischief,) the pair arrived at the eatery. The green and brown wooden structure held a very rustic appearance, painted much like a forest decorated with mossy draping from the branches. The interior was a similar shade of rough wood, but sleek, modern stone stuck out from sculptures and light fixtures above their heads.

They were quickly shown to a booth, the two taking a long, hard look at the menus.

“Gelliana, I have no idea what to order,” Toxic mused as he looked over the options. “Maybe staying safe? Eh, but spicy is tasty.”

“Fair warning, when they say spicy, they mean spicy,” Gelliana cautioned, settling with a new, but somewhat-similar mildly spicy nut-noodle bowl. “Seriously. My best friend Marigold and I ate here once and she thought the same thing. Turns out their ‘medium’ made the poor mare nearly drown herself in an ice bath. So, they really mean it.”

“Oh, do they?” he asked with a chuckle, looking at the menu more intently. “In that case, I’ll go fooooooooor…the number eighteen. Extra spice.”

Gelliana blinked, looking at the item and then staring at the grinning stallion.

“Uh, the one that has the subscript of ‘a health waiver will be provided’?”

“Yup!”

A tad confused, Gelliana shrugged, not entirely sure why he would want to go to the hospital.

“If you’re trying to impress me, you already did that with your job,” she said, “No need to get your stomach pumped on my account.”

The slightest embarrassed flush on Toxic’s cheeks didn’t go unnoticed by the gryphoness, neither did his stammering for a response.

“Erm…I…” he let out a frustrated huff, looking up at the gryphoness. “Sorry, with how unpleasant that experience was, the last thing I expected was a sort of compliment. I admit it’s a mixed bag of emotions with my job.”

“Well, how about we leave that out of conversation over food?” Gelly suggested. “Good to know though. I figured it was a sore subject, just didn’t want to bring it up too much or something.”

“Nah, you’re fine. But definitely not a ‘while you’re eating’ topic,” Toxic replied in agreement. “Especially with such lovely company.”

The glare Gelliana shot Toxic’s way had the stallion stifling a cackling laugh, the absolute indignant gryphoness immediately responding to his words.

Or rather, her feathers did.

For a brief second, Toxic wondered if he went too far but the blush on Gelliana’s cheeks and the rather shy smile on her beak banished those thoughts.

Ok, tone it down.

Goodness what has gotten into me.

…sleep deprivation most likely. And just being happy to be on a sort of date?

Regardless, I know her, but not THAT well.

It is a lot of fun though.

“Sorry, I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” Toxic replied, the gryphoness immediately shaking her head, ears perking up.

“No, you’re fine! It’s just not expected,” Gelly admitted, her violet eyes looking up to meet his for a moment.

I do love that color though. One of the first things I noticed about-

Ugh. Down, Toxic. Am I that easily drawn in? Has it really been that long since somecreature has…
Let’s not answer that question.

Toxic found his muzzle poked by a menu, Gelliana looking at him curiously.

“You ok there?”

The stallion chuckled, nodding as he recalled their previous conversation.

“Just zoned out, sorry. Lack of sleep makes that occur a bit more often than normal,” he admitted. “But the teas have been helping.”

Gelliana smiled gently, her demeanor having shifted to be a bit shyer now that they were in public. She still seemed comfortable, but not having the same eager, outgoing energy in her shop.

‘Reserved’ isn’t the word. ‘Gentle’ perhaps?
Either way, interesting to see she has two sides, and both are rather lovely.

Their waiter, a tan unicorn mare then interrupted the two, taking their orders (and promising to get two health waivers for the eager stallion.)

“I wonder if I’ll get my picture on the wall,” Toxic mused, “it is cheating though.”

“How so?”

Toxic poked his throat with a hoof, letting out a frustrated grumble.

“I’m immune to a lot of stuff, quite a few general chemicals that cause hot ‘spice’ included,” he replied. “Usually I get all of the taste, but none of the heat. There are a few things that I get a good burn out of, but it has to be a certain kind of spice, five or six different chemicals do it, but there’s a limit to that too.”

“Huh. So, you could down that entire bowl of peppers…”

“And probably not even sniffle,” Toxic finished. “But I like the burn!” he said with an exaggerated pout.

Gelliana couldn’t help but grin at that.

“That, is a unique problem indeed,” she said, then looking up at the stallion curiously. “You know, you asked about me in the shop, and I was left wanting to know a bit more about you.”

“Oh?”

Apparently, the amulet conveyed the excitement into Toxic’s voice, the stallion blushing as Gelliana grinned.

“Very much so. We already covered work and what my family does, but what about you? I’m curious about your family too.”

The stallion knew there was a bit of warmth on his cheeks, a fluttery excitement in his chest that Toxic sought to reign in with his words.

No excited babbling.

“Well, my dad works with one of the Airship manufacturing companies in Canterlot. He helps refine and re-design various engines, specifically. So, a mechanical engineer I suppose? Kind of a combination of things,” Toxic explained. “Mother was actually a chef before having my siblings, still kept up with it though.”

“So, are you the youngest? Or…”

“Oldest, actually,” Toxic chuckled. “It wouldn’t surprise me if my parents have a tongue-in-cheek-checklist. ‘First kid, ok, he graduated school? Check! Stable job? Check! Ok, so far so good! Go son go!’” the stallion waved a hoof in exaggeration as Gelliana giggled. “I have three younger siblings. A sister only a few years from me, a brother, and then the youngest sister who is just finishing her high school experience.”

“A chef? It’s a wonder you aren’t shaped like a balloon, all that good food,” Gelliana replied with a grin, Toxic reaching over to poke his side with a hoof.

“I’ve had to take extra care to avoid that. She discovered a knack for pies a few years ago…” he glanced up to the attentive gryphoness, her violet eyes locked onto his.

Well, at least she can’t hear my heartbeat. Throwing me for a loop, Gelly. Appearing rather fierce until someone gets a good look at those violet eyes.

Wow.

Gelliana had to fight down a silly grin on hearing Toxic’s heart thud a bit faster, green eyes looking at her curiously. Any nerves had long since fled and the gryphoness was fairly certain that having an interesting and attractive stallion being interested in her accounted for a far portion of that.

When was the last time I felt like this? Something similar with the other…individuals. But just this sincerity? And him being kind of a goof?

Points to Toxic, that’s for sure. Wait. Say something. NO ZONING OUT!

“Hmm. Pies are really good. It’s a toss-up between apple and pumpkin for me,” Gelly mused as the stallion nodded in agreement.

“Ooooh those are fantastic ones. Blueberry and cherry are great with ice cream; perhaps this is a bad thing to think about even before we’ve eaten?” Toxic asked. “But maybe we could stop by a pie shop after?”

Or for a second dat- SLOW DOWN GIRL.

Don’t get too excited, avoid a letdown if things don’t work out.

“Hmm, if we’re not stuffed, and if you can still feel your mouth,” Gelliana replied, Toxic grinning as he glanced back towards the kitchen.

“If I can’t I’d be quite happy. Has been a while since I’ve been able to taste that sort of burn. So, what about your family? You said they were stone smiths?”

“Yup! Well, my mom is at least. My dad is a metal-smith, but he mostly manages a bunch of mines and metal processing plants nowadays,” Gelliana explained. “No siblings, but a gryphoness growing up with two earth pony parents was, I dunno, it seemed normal to me. Obviously in hindsight it definitely wasn’t though.”

“Eh. Normal is boring,” Toxic waved a hoof dismissively. “Family is family. No matter how unique it may be. I don’t want to overstep, but did you become a part of their family when you were older? Or younger?”

That’s nice phrasing, instead of just ‘when were you adopted?’ A small thing, but meaningful. You are one thoughtful stallion, Toxic.

“When I was a chick. No memories of Griffinstone or the like,” Gelliana replied. “So as far as I knew, they were my mom and dad. Obviously, they explained things when I was old enough to understand, but it was never a negative thing, always a positive one.”

“That’s nice to hear. I know it can be a touchy subject to talk with a child about, among other things.”

“No kidding. I don’t remember this, but the first time they told me the basics about being adopted and stuff, I just looked at them and shrugged. ‘So, you’re my mom and dad still, right?’ They nodded, and I apparently just grinned. ‘Cool! Ok! Now where are we going for lunch?’”

Toxic couldn’t help but laugh, a cheery grin on his face at that.

“Ok, that is adorable. The innocent acceptance of a youngster. Your parents must have been so nervous at first!”

“Oh, I apparently rendered them speechless, which is a feat indeed. But yep! That’s how that all happened. They’re still back at home waaaaaay south of here. Kind of moved to Tall Tale to be on my own years ago, and I’d say it turned out pretty well.”

“So, when did you open up the shop? It looked pretty well established.”

“That was actually within the first year or two. I had been working in my family’s business with metalwork and processing orders, so I had some savings,” Gelliana said, “This honestly was just an incredible stroke of luck. A really lovely mare owned this house and the greenhouse- used to be a flower shop. She was getting rather elderly, and she and her husband were moving to Canterlot for some well-earned retirement. I helped out on the weekends with the shop, and she gave me the entire building for a handful of bits.”

Gelliana couldn’t help but smile, recalling the grey-maned mare.

“She threatened to smack me with her walking stick if I didn’t accept the low price. I believe her exact words were ‘You’ve been helping every week with this shop, and I’d hate to see it bulldozed for some ugly high-rise. Just promise me to grow something in it, even if it’s a cactus!”

Chuckling at that, Toxic gestured to a nearby plant.

“Well, I’d say you have a bit more than a cactus. Isn’t that something you have? I recognize it.”

“Yup!

The gryphoness was about to elaborate when two large steaming bowls were placed in front of them, Toxic’s green eyes dilating at the smell.

“Oh, that smells great,” he murmured, stifling a laugh as Gelliana caught wind of it an immediately had her eyes tear up.

“Oh my gosh, that smells amazing but…ow! How can a smell hurt me?” she asked, Toxic not able to resist laughing at that, a simple cast of magic removing the aggressive steam and causing it to rise straight up and away from Gelliana.

“There we go, sorry. I totally forgot about that,” Toxic admitted. “Hopefully no more smells that try and bully you.”

The gryphoness couldn’t help herself. It was a joke and such a simple gesture, and yet…

Just simple thoughtfulness. How can I not appreciate that? Really really like that?

I am NOT tearing up over this.

It’s the spice.

…maybe.

“Uh, Gelly?” Toxic asked, clearly noticing a slight poofing of his date’s feathers and watery eyes. “Did I cast the spell wrong? Evil bullying steam making its way over there?”

“N-no, Toxic, it’s fine,” Gelliana replied. The stallion clearly didn’t miss how her voice was a bit gentler and softer, a sincere and slightly shy smile on her beak. “Just…that was rather sweet.”

Toxic’s reaction didn’t help the flutters in Gelly’s chest, the stallion opening and closing his mouth as though planning to say something, but no words came. He shrugged slightly, averting his eyes briefly before glancing up to the gryphoness with the faintest flush on his cheeks.

You have no right being that sweet.

Dangit, Toxic. You are not making this easy for me.

Deciding to end the slightly awkward silence, Toxic promptly levitated some chopsticks to deliver some noodles into his waiting mouth. Gelliana could only smile as she did the same. The blissful moan that then emanated from the stallion made her nearly fall out of her chair laughing however.

I never thought I’d be jealous of some noodles, but here we are.

“Somepony happy?” Gelliana giggled as a goofy grin was cemented on Toxic’s face, the stallion eagerly twirling in another mouthful.

“Mmmmhmmmmm.”

Two of the waitress mares simply stared, not sure how to react to the pony that was demolishing what should be the hottest item on the menu.

A few mouthfuls later, Toxic took a break and breathed in the steam.

“My mouth burns. You have no idea how nice that feels,” he murmured as Gelly smiled.

“I don’t suppose I do, and in this case, I’ll gladly pass on that chance. I think that sauce would melt my feathers.”

A chuckle was Toxic’s response, the pony actually spooning some raw sauce into his mouth.

“No worries about that. Unless I kiss you, you’re safe, and that’d be mean.”

Considering how Gelliana was struggling to breath from laughter at the mental image, Toxic couldn’t help but smile.

“T-that’d be the worst prank ever!” Gelly gasped, “Eat a bunch of spicy peppers and then give your special somecreature a kiss!”

The grin on Toxic’s face refused to leave, the adorable gryphoness thoroughly enjoying herself. Even though the topic edged onto a darker fear, the stallion had to admit it would be a rather glorious prank.

One that I can try perhaps, with whoever that may be.

“But that would be mean, unless they liked spicy things,” Toxic mused as Gelliana nodded in agreement, the stallion deciding to turn up the cheekiness a bit. “Well, I suppose it’s a good thing I don’t kiss on the first date.”

He was rewarded by an immediate fluffing of feathers and a glare, Toxic not able to resist a chuckle. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t resist. I can stop if you’d like.”

The attempt at pouting didn’t help decrease Gelliana’s rather cute grumblings as she shook her head, Toxic taking another happy bite of his noodles.

“It’s not a matter of not liking, but more of just, I’ve never really had a creature to joke around with like that,” Gelliana admitted softly. Her soft-spoken side radiated an immediate gentleness, something Toxic was quickly growing to enjoy.

“Well, I don’t want to push my luck.”

“You definitely aren’t…yet.” Gelly replied with a bit more energetic smile, ears then perking up as something came to mind. “Oh, I was wondering, what did you mean back in the shop?” she asked. “When you yelled at that Legionnaire?” the gryphoness then paused with a sly smirk. “Or do I need to rent a hotel room for you and those noodles?”

Toxic nearly choked at that, the stallion glaring at the gryphoness as she laughed at the simple payback.

I was NOT expecting that from her. You’ve got a bit of spice of your own it would seem.

“Well played,” he grumbled. “But the ‘helmet’ thing? That’s a fun story actually.”

The pony’s heard did a flip in his chest as Gelliana planted her cheeks on her claws, looking over at him curiously.

“I’m all ears!”

Focus.
Story.
Not on the gorgeous fluffy gryphoness.
And those eyes. Those incredible-
STORY.
HAMMER.

...say something.

“Right! Hammer! Um,” Toxic stammered, shaking his head before continuing. “So, when Hammer was in the training program for the legionnaires, part of it is having an immaculate uniform. And more often than not, he’d have his helmet either loose or not perfectly situated. Sooooooooo…”

The grin on Gelly’s face indicated she could see where this was going.

“Every time it wasn’t up to par, I’d yell ‘Helmet’ at the top of my lungs only an inch from his face. And sure enough, it eventually fixed the issue. Usually his hoof flew up to adjust the helmet, hence why he moved in the shop. Oh, that was a fun few months,” Toxic mused.

“You helped him a lot?” she asked.

Choose your words carefully, Toxic…

“Yeah, just as a mentor of sorts,” Toxic replied nonchalantly. “It’s a grueling program, so helping him with various practices and studying material. But in the end, you have to stand on your own hooves.”

Ooooh, very nice.

“That makes sense,” Gelliana said, the pair having a moment of silence as the waiter now took their empty bowls and replaced it with a receipt. Any argument was immediately forestalled by Toxic setting some bits down, the stallion smiling after scrawling a brief note to the staff.

“I asked you, so I pay,” the pony said gently, tone still carrying with it a no-argument edge.

“I won’t try to contest that, I know you’d win,” Gelliana replied with a grin of her own.

Should I?
It’s not a matter of should, but when. Now is a good a time as any, I guess.

“Hey, Gelly?” Toxic asked, feeling his heart start to thud about the same time Gelliana’s ears perked up.

“Hmm?”

“Well, I paid for this date. Maybe we can split the bill if you want to go on a second-”

“Yes!”

Gelliana clamped her talons over her beak, Toxic staring in shock before laughing, a dopey grin plastered on his face.

Just, an immediate yes?

She wants to?

“Sorry, I hope you were going to say second date?” Gelliana whispered, feathers returning to their usual flustered state as her voice drifted into a softer, more shy tone.

“I most certainly was. And I have no reply to that other than, ‘awesome,’” Toxic admitted, knowing full well the smile on his face was not about to leave anytime soon. “And I would hope you aren’t really sorry though. I, uh, wasn’t really expecting such a sudden answer.”

“Well, you certainly deserve such an answer, to be frank,” the gryphoness added softly. “And no, I’m not sorry about the answer, only for interrupting.”

“I…” words failed the stallion, his green eyes meeting her own tentative violet gaze. “Thank you, Gelliana.”

She nodded shyly back, clearly still flustered by her outburst.

“Sooo, maybe day after tomorrow? I’ve got to attend some meetings in Canterlot tomorrow, to which I’m totally looking forward to,” Toxic grumbled with a roll of his eyes. “I already have a pastry-themed idea.”

“Oh?” The immediate energy that was back in Gelliana’s voice and demeanor somehow complimented her still gentle voice, but now caring with genuine excitement.

“How good are you at baking? I admit my skills are rather basic.”

“I mean, I made bread a few times with a recipe? Same with some desserts? That’s not counting the time I accidentally made muffins instead of waffles.”

Toxic opened his mouth, then closed it as his brow furrowed.

“How…is that even…”

Gelliana smiled, making the stallion blush as she winked at him.

“I’ll tell you on our next date.”

‘Next Date.’

The pony had often wondered what it meant when someone described their demeanor as ‘melting.’

Well, now he knew.

She’s looking forward to it? Excited for it?

How do I respond to this?

As they walked outside, Toxic took a breath of the fresh air, levitating a large package next to the door beside him.

“Uh, Toxic?” Gelliana asked, gesturing to the large item.

“That, is as much of their sauce that they could fit into a container, and I plan on ordering more,” Toxic proclaimed proudly as Gelliana stifled a giggle.

“You love that sauce, huh?”

“Sooooo gooooooooooooood.”

Shaking her head in mirth, Gelliana looked around, clearly a tad uncertain as to how to leave things.

You’ve been bold this far. May as well give it a shot.

Feeling like a hug may be just a tad awkward for the situation, and the fact they were more than a pace or two apart, Toxic opted for a different gesture, one that was definitely rolling the dice. It was older, more common during an older period of Equestrian and, more importantly, Gryphon history, but it made a point rather well.

Reaching down with a hoof, Toxic picked up and held a set of Gelliana’s claws gently, smiling sincerely as he glanced at the gryphoness who looked up in surprise.

“I really did have a fun time, Gelly,” he said softly. “So, same time, day after tomorrow? Maybe we can meet at your shop?”

“Y-yes, s-sounds good!”

His chanced gesture was met with the brightest blush of the day, the gryphoness stammering a reply as the stallion put her talons back down.

“So, see you then?”

“S-see you!” Gelliana waved as the unicorn trotted of, sauce-cargo in tow.

I think that went well? Toxic mused as he meandered the streets, deciding to look around a bit before teleporting back to his apartment.

I mean, she said yes? And I have a second date?

I just need to be careful. I really want to trust her though…

Despite the nervous pit in his stomach that grew at that thought, it faded rather quickly as two violet eyes returned to Toxic’s mind.

I think I can trust her though. This seems different than the other times. Not guarded, at all, just nervous and curious.

The warm glow in his chest made the unicorn sit down after returning to his Canterlot dwelling, Toxic poking at the amulet around his neck.

Despite it all, she was eager to have another date with me, excited to…
Someone excited to be around me.

That thought made a bit of heat brim around Toxic’s eyes, the stallion shaking his head to clear it with a breath. That didn’t solve the problem, the warmth now firmly seated in his chest.

Maybe I can start trusting again. Maybe she’s the one to take another chance with.
I wonder what she’s thinking though? Hopefully I didn’t make a total fool of myself…

Gelliana slid against the wall of her shop, a blissful smile on her face as the gryphoness wrapped her arms around her torso. Her first date in ages, and it went perfectly!

Well, sort of perfectly. You were a puffball most of the time.
But at least Toxic enjoys that?

And holding my talons at the end. Not a hug, but an old knight-and-princess gesture!

She let out a soft squeal at that thought, knowing that maybe Toxic didn’t really know the history behind it. The gesture varied from species to species, but in gryphons, it was a respectful sign of interest.

Even if you had no clue, it was perfect! Even though I totally made myself look like a featherhead with that blurting out a yes…

But it made him happy. That goofy, sincere and just cute grin of his.

There hadn’t been any tension other than the usual nerves, and the sincere reactions from Toxic had the herbalist nearly bouncing off the walls. No ego, just a pony interested in her.

I do need to ask him, though. Gelliana thought, toying with her talons. It saved me from heartbreak more than once, a single word. But I don’t think my fears apply to Toxic. Maybe because I feel like I can trust him, at least more than some random individual. Usually I’ve been able to pick up on something else that was there. But with him? He’s just…him.

I wonder what his answer will be though?

Instead of her usual anxious nerves causing a knot in her chest, the single, questioning word made a flicker of hope rise instead.

Why?

One Day Later

Icait bounced her way home, more figuratively than literally. The Windigo skipped along, still amazed that most reactions to her were of mild curiosity, and surprise at the Legionnaires that followed her.

Library re-organized, nopony sneered at me when renting a book, and Gelliana was definitely in a good mood.

Apparently, the gryphoness had gone on a date the day before and had another one planned for tomorrow. Icait didn’t have to be a changeling or even try to sense Gelliana’s emotions, no, it was fairly clear by the constant smiles exactly how she felt.

What was his name? That stallion from before with the dangerous cutie mark? Toxic something.

As she neared her designated apartment, Icait’s thoughts drifted to a different spectrum.

I wonder what that’s like? Liking somepony more than a friend. It seems pretty overwhelming, if I’m being honest. I’m still getting used to the idea of having Gelly as a friend. From what I’ve read, it’s like…a super friend? Ish?

I’ll think about that later. I still have to deal with Mr.Grumpy.

Oddly enough, Onyx hadn’t been living up to his nickname the past day or two. He seemed almost at ease, usually on the couch reading a book when Icait got home. It was odd to see him without shadow tendrils edging out of his shoulders or the stallion appearing like a coiled-up spring.

It was curiously nice to see him like that. He almost looked happy at times, did look happy, at least the past few days. Something had changed, but Icait wasn’t sure what.

Eh. Hopefully he’ll tell me, but I’m not planning on it. I don’t even really know that much about him.
Huh. I never really realized that. I guess we’ve just been so busy trying to get used to ‘life’, we just didn’t ever talk about things.

Her brow furrowed as the Windigo trotted up the apartment stairs.

No, I talked about things, and Onyx listened. I never asked about him after the first grumpy reply or two weeks ago. He knows what my favorite food and hobby is. But what are his?

And that was something Icait was quite happy to change.

The legionnaire posted at the door let them in, Icait stretching her shoulders as she zipped into the air, no longer confined to ‘walk’ like everypony else.

She didn’t have to do that outside, but it made everypony else appear more comfortable though.

From his usual position on the couch, Onyx looked over to her and set aside his book, as he always did.
“Anything interesting today?” he asked.

Icait nodded, feeling a bit of excitement on being able to ‘turn the talking tables’ per say.
“A bit. Gelliana, that gryphoness I’m helping? She had a date yesterday and has been soooo much happier since then. I think she's got a date tomorrow too, and my goodness is she excited. I don’t really understand why, but I know it’s warranted.”

The shadow-stallion let out an affirming huff at that.

“A good way of putting it. Not understanding but knowing it’s logical.”

“Did anything happen interesting during your day?”

Onyx blinked, and then stared. It wasn’t in a negative or condescending fashion, but as though the pony had absolutely no idea how to respond.

“I…”

Icait sat down, ears perked up as she listened, taking a bit of guilty pleasure at seeing more emotion than just grumpy acceptance from the stallion.

“I learned a few things, these past days,” Onyx said finally, he deep voice much, much softer.

“Oh?”

This is new!

“Things I should have realized a while ago, but had a few barriers to overcome before admitting it to myself. I’d…rather not say what it is yet though.”

Darnit!

His grey gaze lifted up from the couch and met Icait’s, a rare occurrence more often than not- eye contact wasn’t his strong suit.

“It is something I’d like to talk about though. Soon.”

Yay!

Icait nodded, finding a bit of fluttery warmth in her chest choking her words. This was the most open she had seen her friend, even if he didn’t ever call her that.

But he’s still my friend. He didn’t let me fade, and even if he’s a grump, he’s changing.

“I’ll be here whenever that is,” Icait replied softly, feeling the general unease and annoyance the Legionnaires usually felt actually waver and lessen.

I guess we’re all growing, bit by bit.

Author's Notes:

What do you get with a total fluffy romantic and a silly stallion? Adorable shenanigans, that's what!

And looks like Mr.Grumpy is learning, bit by bit!

Depending how things go with my schedule, I may shift to every-other-week updates. with these larger chapters, simply due to story flow and graduate work/job. I hope everyone is enjoying the tale, and feedback is always appreciated.

Chapter Nine: Precious Pastry Ponderings

The mind is a strange thing. Even against logic or reason it may cause reactions on a whim. Perhaps a gut feeling, or maybe a simple reminder to a past stimulus.

Either way the smile automatically twitched at Toxic’s face as a familiar gryphoness rounded the corner was genuine, the nervous pang in his chest vanishing on seeing her wave cheerily as she approached. No hesitation, no glance to his chest at the ever-present amulet, just a happy reaction to seeing him.

The fact such a thing was more surprising than not was a dark blemish in the back of Toxic’s mind, but the current company certainly aided in banishing it. It was a positive trait, being self-aware of one’s emotions, but that certainly came with a bit of discomfort.

Said discomfort was knowing that this gryphoness had caught his complete attention, and Toxic didn’t want that to change.

Admitting that I’m starved in a social sense is the first step, I suppose. How long has it been since I’ve let myself relax? A lunch here and there; Varti and Hammer, that’s about it. Celestia and Luna are sort of half and half.
But this sort of thing? An attractive gryphoness who doesn’t seem to care about the usual hang ups? Who still wants to get to know me even after seeing what I deal with, what it does to me? How rare is that?
And those fluffy feath-

“So! Where are we going?” Gelliana asked cheerfully, seeming to smile a bit wider as two blue ears immediately perked up, Toxic quite aware of his dopey grin at a certain previous thought.

“To the land of culinary wonders!” he exclaimed as they walked along. “Otherwise known as a rentable kitchen!”

Gelliana’s curious head tilt was another adorable checkmark on the list in Toxic’s mind, the pony chuckling.

“You pay a fee for a totally stocked kitchen, time and supplies to bake what you want. Sooooo I thought we could have a baking contest! I-hmmm.” Toxic then remembered a rather crucial detail. “I know I said we could split this cost, but since it’s a surprise, I’d like to change that for this date.”

“Oh? Does that mean you’re already planning a third date?” Gelliana exclaimed with a rather sly grin. “I know you’re rather fearless, but I’m surprised!”

Toxic felt the neurons in his brain short-circuit, nearly tripping over his hooves as he stammered for a reply.

“I…ah…erm…”

The cheerful giggling at his side apparently meant his reaction was well-received, a feathery shoulder nudging his own.

“That’s fine, Toxic.”

“I, ok,” he then glared at the gryphoness good-naturedly. “Is this payback for my cheekiness on our first date?”

“No! Of course not! I’d neeeeeeeever do something like that!”

The fact Gelliana was struggling to not burst out laughing didn’t really add much weight behind those words, not that Toxic minded at all.

The building they went to was the pinnacle of industrial plainness; stark metal and stone that would ordinarily be an eyesore in the more rustic Tall Tale setting. However, the dozens of food sculptures surrounding and decorating the building certainly advertised its fun intentions.

“So, this place furnishes ingredients, and you can just experiment! I thought for our date we could make something with only a general recipe, and see whose turned out better?” Toxic explained, Gelliana eagerly examining a few of the statues.

“That sounds great!”

The two were greeted into the cream-colored reception area and shown to one of a dozen doors, Toxic walking in first and gesturing to the area behind him.

“Tada!”

Gelliana couldn’t help but look around in genuine surprise. The fully furnished kitchen was sparkling clean, and the counters were brimming with ingredients.

“Soooo? What do you think?”

The gryphoness could only blink for a few moments as she collected her thoughts.

“It’s…well, it’s a lot!” she finally stated, Toxic chuckling.

“Yeah, it’s a bit overwhelming,” he admitted, shyly looking down to his hooves for a moment. “It was a worry of mine. I didn’t want to have a huge extravagant thing, but thought it’d be a fun idea.”

“I suppose it’d have been a bit trickier to experiment with ingredients at our own kitchens, and would have taken a bit more planning too,” Gelly admitted. “So, I think this’ll be fun!”

Toxic trotted over to the pile of ingredients, his expression softening as he gestured to it.

“And as a side note, we just can’t be too wasteful in terms of taking stuff from the containers,” he explained. “The raw leftover ingredients are sterilized with magic and used for charity baking projects. It’s one of the reasons I like this place; very little actual waste.”

Two violet eyes softened at that, Gelliana’s demeanor shifting ever so slightly as she nodded.

“I think that’s really nice; I didn’t think about that.”

A stray thought then cemented itself into Toxic’s mind, the stallion knowing he had to address it sometime.

Hmm. Maybe start things first.

“So, want to get started?” he suggested. “I was thinking a dessert? Maybe not a pie, but something fruity?”

“How about turnovers?”

Toxic nodded in agreement, trotting over to gesture to the ovens.

“Turnovers it is! The only numbers on the instructions is the oven temperature. After that, it just tells us the ingredients and they’re out of order,” he then cast a glance towards the grinning gryphoness. “You’ve never baked those before…right?”

“Nope! So, we’re both on equal terms assuming you haven’t,” Gelliana countered.

“Certainly not here. Then ovens are pre-heating!”

After setting the correct temperature, Toxic trotted over to his date and sat down looking at the curious gryphoness with a flutter of nerves.

What is he up to?

“Gelliana, before we delve into things, I just wanted to thank you,” Toxic said softly.

“Hmm?”

Between the fun date idea and the playful teasing, Gelliana was certain her heart was going to zip out of her chest.

“For not asking about this,” the stallion whispered, prodding the amulet on his chest. “I know you must be curious but the fact you didn’t ask about it when we first met or on our first date, that means quite a bit.”

NO TEARING UP! If I do that every time he is sincere, I’m going to be a mess.

“S-sure,” Gelly replied, “It just didn’t seem right to do so. Yeah, I’m curious, but that’d be like asking a gryphon why they didn’t have two wings. It’s just rude.”

Toxic let out a huff at that, and Gelliana saw the figurative gleam of an edge, a sharper side to the pony.

“You’d be surprised how many individuals don’t realize that,” he replied, “so, thank you. And I would like to tell you so it’s out of the way, if that’s alright. It’s rather anticlimactic, or perhaps I’m just jaded to it all.” The stallion then gestured to the ovens. “I mean, those still have to heat up, even if it may take less time to make everything. I know it’s not the happiest thing, but…” he couldn’t help but smile gently. “Sad or not, it’s part of me.”

“No, I’d-I’d very much like to hear about it, about you,” Gelliana replied, settling down on her haunches.

“It’s rather simple, honestly. The Oakbark incident happened when I was a young colt- didn’t even have my cutie mark, but I was a late bloomer in that sense,” Toxic explained. “The industrial plant exploded. Safety regulations ignored, too much of certain chemicals; it all mixed into a magical slurry that vaporized and suffocated the entire town. Well, almost all of it.”

Toxic poked at the amulet, using his hoof to pull back a bit of fur on the side of his neck and exposed a small, flat blue crystal attached to the skin that glowed the same color as the gem in the necklace.

“Apparently, my vocal cords were the only part of me not immune to the gas. I don’t know the rhyme or reason, but it changed them to vibrate differently. Now, it causes anycreature within earshot to have near immediate headaches or actual hearing damage if they listen to me long enough. Youngsters can actually hear my voice for a few minutes before it begins to hurt, but that’s for a very specific age range. I have it all written down, but something about causing parts of the inner ear to vibrate; gryphons and hippogriffs have it worse off due to their more sensitive ears. The amulet mutes the vibrations and translates it into this less-emotional voice. And that’s really it,” he explained. “Surgery and stuff can’t correct it, oddly enough. My body reverts the changes; something to do with the magical aspects of whatever I breathed in. But hey, I got a cool looking necklace out of all of it and a cutie mark.”

Gelliana didn’t miss the barely-concealed pain in Toxic’s eyes. The fact he was able to joke about it all was definitely a sign of his strength. A few of his explanations seemed almost wrote- as though saying it from a script…

He must have had to explain it so many times, and now has learned to deal with it with a bit of humor.

Or perhaps a way to cope.

“I know you must have told that story a hundred times, but thank you,” Gelliana said, reaching over to give Toxic’s shoulder a pat. “I like knowing about you.”

Ok that sounded a bit lame-wait, is he blushing?!

Lame or not, the stallion was clearly a tad flustered, something Gelliana was quickly learning to enjoy.

“Erm…I…turnover time?” he suggested, the poor stallion scrambling for words as Gelly giggled.

“Turnover time it is.”

Thankfully, the ovens chimed for being pre-heated, giving some sort of further interruption as the two dove into their projects. With just bare-bones recipe as their guide, the conversations quickly had them in stitches from even what started as a simple question.

“Apples or cherry?” Toxic whispered as their recipes began to come together.

“Go bold. Go apple.”

“You just heard that from a slogan!”

“Did not!”

“I know that’s a slogan somewhere! Maybe a rejected slogan, but one nonetheless!”

“It is not that bad!”

“And how are apples bold?”

“Well considering you grabbed the smallest, most blue apples I’ve seen, I’d say it’s bold!”

And indeed, Toxic was holding a large jar of blueberries, his left eye twitching as Gelliana gasped for air.

“You sabotaged me!”

“I did nothing of the sort!”

“You berry much crossed the line!”

At that, Gelliana was in tears as the stallion struggled to catch his own breath. It had been a horrible pun, but he liked making creatures laugh.

Especially her.

While Gelliana’s humor defenses were down, Toxic deployed something he had been wanting to do since their first date. Of course, he did want to make sure. He knew how nicknames could be a negative instead of fun thing to joke about.

“Hey, Gelly?” he asked. “How do you feel about your nickname? I mean, I assume you’ve heard every joke there is…”

The gryphoness snorted, rolling her eyes at that.

“Oh, yeah. I mean, I really don’t mind. It’s my name, after all. Some guys have used some not-so-repeatable jokes, but most are just kinda…I dunno, old after a while,” she admitted, then smiling at the stallion. “But when I like the creature making the joke, that makes it rather fun if it’s new.”

“Soooooo no hard feelings on nickname jokes?” Toxic double checked, Gelliana giggling.

“No hard feelings. If it’s one I’ve heard before, you won’t get much more than a roll of the eyes. Then again, I haven’t really had that many jokes after growing up.”

“Huh. Well, good to know.”

“…you totally thought of one, didn’t you?”

Toxic shook his head innocently, but the completely cheeky grin likely negated that gesture.

“NOPE!”

“Uh huh….”

They busied about making their turnovers before Toxic pounced.

“Hey, I think you’re missing a crucial ingredient!” he called out, tossing a suspiciously-unmarked jar over to the gryphoness.

“Hmm?” she asked, looking at the item and opening it. “Peanut butter?”

“I mean, it goes great with-”

He really should have taken the eye-twitch as a sign, in hindsight.

*PAFT!*

A handful of blueberries bounced Toxic’s face, Gelliana glaring at him with a mischievous and playful smirk, the gryphoness stabbing a talon his way.

“YOU DID NOT!”

Toxic retaliated with a few raspberries of his own, ducking behind the counter.

“It’s a perfect match! How can I compete with such a potential suitor, if not for a turnover, than for your heart!”

“Do you have ANY idea how many times I’ve heard jokes about that?”

“That means I just have to try harder to come up with new ones!”

Gelliana couldn’t help but giggle, Toxic poking his head above the counter to see that the coast was now clear.

“In all honestly, Toxic, that was a new way to put it,” she admitted with a smile. “So, well done. No wonder you asked! I think…when…you….”

Her voice trailed off as the cheeky unicorn proudly stood at attention, going above and beyond what she thought possible for the joke. The peanut butter jar had been located and levitated back, Toxic securing the item upside-down on his horn proudly as the oily substance trickled down his face.

“Now we’re a perfect match!” he proclaimed.

From how Gelliana immediately doubled over with gasping laughs, Toxic figured the thorough shower after the date would be totally worth it.

The mirth in her violet eyes was testament enough for that. When was the last time he could be this silly and have it be appreciated?

Far too long. And if a jar on my head gets her to laugh, then I guess I’m a jarhead for good!

Their recipes finally concluded with only a few, left-over giggles and a conversation about the superior type of fruit pasty (to which they agreed it largely depended on the desert), then sticking their creations into the oven.

“Soooo now we wait?” Gelliana asked as her date nodded.

“Yep! I guess we can clean up and just chat while they cook?”

“I think you need to clean up. That was some dedication to the joke.”

As Toxic stuck his head under a faucet, the unicorn grinned at the amused gryphoness.

“Well, I apparently had past competition to come up with that one, and for the future.”

“Ooooh no.”

Gelliana couldn’t help but smile as they continued to clean. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been on a date and not been preoccupied with something. In terms of gryphons, there had always been, unfortunately, an ulterior motive for their temporary kindness.

And it’s a wonder I don’t have trust issues. Ugh.

But Toxic? He seemed sincere. A bit nervous and definitely over-thinking things a bit but it was in a considerate manner. He clearly thought the jokes about her shorter name were a sensitive subject, to which she could appreciate.

But I like when you’re relaxed, Toxic. Just that goofy grin.

And the fact his heartbeat still is faster when looking at me…

A bit of tender warmth continued to stir in Gelliana’s chest, a thought threatening to make a bit of dampness come to her eyes.

After all you’ve seen, you still don’t have that edge that many gryphons have, or ponies too for that matter.

She had to stop herself from being too excited. There was still a question, a very important matter she had to bring up, and the thought rightfully made the warmth in her breast ice over. Gelliana truly didn’t think Toxic would be one of those creatures, but she couldn’t ignore the possibility.

I guess how we met kind of added a level of trust. I’m not sure the intricacies of it, but I’d have to guess this job of his plays a big part of it.

Managing to shut her mind off for a moment, Gelliana went back to sorting the left-over materials, simply enjoying the company of her date.

The bonus of having eagle vision was not missing when his gaze flickered over to her, nor when an automatic smile twitched at his features when she met his own eyes with hers.

As they tidied up the counter, the stallion found himself actually relaxed, his mind not dwelling on anything else other than the time spent with the lovely gryphoness nearby. He knew his gaze drifted over to her a few times, but that wasn’t what a gentlestallion did; gawking like a star-struck colt, at least as much as he could consciously control.

Toxic wasn’t about to lie to anyone (including himself,) that he found Gelliana to be absolutely gorgeous. There was quite a list in terms of why, and while physical attraction was an essential part of a relationship he couldn’t help but see something else. There was another layer grafted to the gryphoness, something Toxic couldn’t separate.

You saw me at one of my worst times, pulled me out of a nightmare. You saw the worst my job had to offer and what it did to me.

And yet here you are.

“Toxic?”

Gelliana’s soft voice snapped the stallion back to reality, the pony managing an awkward grin. “Hmm?”

The gryphoness was at his side, gesturing to some soda bottles.

“You’ve been staring at those for a minute.”

Toxic’s attempt to pick up one of the bottles sent them rolling about, the pony letting out a huff.

“Sorry, I-”

*PSSSSSST!*

One of the bottles fell off the counter and smacked into a protruding edge. The plastic ruptured, releasing the gas and liquid with a loud hiss.

The kitchen faded into memory, and Toxic felt his horn sparking with a shielding spell on instinct.

The long corridor was lit with emergency lights, the sound of rupturing pipes echoing in his ears. A toxic red cloud burst from one of the glass-lined rooms with a loud hiss-

“Toxic?”

A set of reassuring claws on his shoulder made the stallion come back to reality, his sides heaving as a powerful shielding spell sputtered out. Two violet eyes looked into his, Toxic’s heartbeat slowing as a bit of sweat dotted his frame.

“Sorry,” he whispered in embarrassment, green eyes looking at the floor. “Just a memory. Job and such,” he said lamely.

Gelliana was quiet for a time, sitting down next to the stallion.

“Can you do me a favor, Toxic?” she asked, softly.

His ears still pinned back the stallion glanced over to her curiously.

“Never say you’re sorry for that,” Gelliana replied, her violet gaze fierce and sharp despite the gentle tone of her voice. “Not for what you’ve seen and been through.”

What?

Toxic’s head whipped over to stare at her, Gelliana’s gaze meeting his own with a steady assurance. A lump rose up in the stallion’s throat, her words punching through to reach the sincere parts of his heart.

Nobody has ever said that to me, not outside of a very well-paid therapist and the Princess’s.

“Why?” he managed to croak out, the word somehow making the gryphoness’s ears stand on end. “Forgive me, Gelly, but I don’t really understand,” Toxic admitted. “I’m not a broken pony by any means, but I deal with a lot of stuff and have rough patches. Are you saying you’re ok with that? Jumping at a hissing soda bottle? A laundry list of other challenges?”

Her head tilted slightly, the gryphoness looking somewhat confused as she smiled.

“I’m here, aren’t I?” Gelly replied. “And I saw what you deal with. I’m not so naïve to think a pony can come out of such a thing unscathed. I’m amazed you’re still you after all of that. I…” her words drifted off, claws tapping against the ground. “I’m just happy Marigold was wrong. That they were all wrong. I had a feeling they were.”

“Huh?”

Gelliana winced, looking away briefly.

“Your nickname. The…cold one. My best friend told me about it before we even met,” Gelliana explained. “And I didn’t talk to her for a full day afterwards because of how mad I was at her being so judgemental. And now seeing what you go through, it would make me even more furious,” she growled.

She looked up to see the stallion’s eyes watering, Toxic not able to form words as he stared in shock. Her cheeks warmed, a bit of embarrassment flooding through the gryphoness’s frame.

“Sorry. I’ve been on the receiving end of rumors, so it’s a bit of a sore spot,” she admitted. “Even moreso now that I know how wrong they are for you.”

Toxic was speechless for a few more moments, finally able to shrug his shoulders.

“I don’t really know what to say other than ‘thank you.’”

Gelliana simply smiled back, fluttery warmth flooding her chest as an increasingly-familiar heartbeat sped up slightly, something she quickly was starting to adore every time Toxic looked into her eyes.

“I know this probably goes a lot deeper than most second dates, but I did have a question of my own,” Gelly said softly, which prompted a soft huff from Toxic.

“I think this is a unique case, and I know what you mean though,” he replied. “Seeing somepony at their worst, and the fact you’re still here after seeing what I deal with…I’m still trying to process it, quite frankly.”

“You’re not the only one trying to figure stuff out.”

“Huh?”

Gelliana waved at him with a set of claws, now avoiding his gaze as her feathers fluffed with embarrassment. “You asked ‘why?’, Toxic?” she whispered. “That’s what I want to know, but about myself.”

Seeing his perplexed look, the gryphoness let out a frustrated breath, wings then sagging along with her ears. “Look, based on how we met, I feel like I can trust you, at least more than others I’ve just met,” she admitted. “So, I’m asking you this not because I think it’s your intention, but because not asking has burned me in the past.”

“I mean, I agree with the trusting thing, but still don’t follow,” Toxic admitted, patiently listening.

“Did you ask me on a date or two just because I’m a gryphon?”

The pony stared in absolute surprise, only able to reply with. “Huh? Just because you’re a gryphon? No, of course not. Admittedly I think that’s a plus in my book, but not for some of the…uh, ‘common’ reasons.”

Gelliana could feel her eyes narrow in suspicion, even if she didn’t want to appear as such.
I trust you, Toxic. Please don’t be like the others.
Please.

“Common reasons?” she asked, pleasantly surprised to see Toxic not flustered or struggling to explain himself, his heartbeat remaining steady.

“Well, yeah. You probably know the reasons I’m talking about; am I right?” he asked. “Dating a gryphon as some sort of relationship-bucket-list. And I mean that in the least-intimate way possible, or…” he then frowned. “In a much more intimate way than most. I’ve talked to more than one individual who has a checklist to have a one-night stand with some other species. Those are the reasons I am not referring to.”

Gelliana felt a weight lift from her shoulders, one that she hadn’t even realized had been pressing down with increased strength. “I’ve had a few dates admit to just that,” she whispered. “As some sort of challenge. They just wanted to say they dated a gryphon. Or wanted to go a lot further than a kiss just to say they had done it. They didn’t care about me other than the fact I had feathers.”

“Well, I look forward to continuing to prove that is not my intention.”

The simple phrasing made Gelliana’s heart melt. No abrupt refuting, no denying, only ‘I want to prove you wrong.’ She could feel a lump in her throat rising to her eyes, but the gryphoness continued. “Other gryphons were the worst though,” she said. “I can’t count the number of times they thought it’d be fun to have a ‘toy’ to come home to. Being a runt raises a lot of issues I would have rather avoided.”

Gelly didn’t miss the narrowing of Toxic’s eyes at her ‘toy’ remark, and the slight twitch of his mouth in aggravation.

Wait. Did I just hear him growl?

….huh.

“They enjoyed the fact I was a physical pushover, and that was on top of gryphons usually not being very pleasant. Growing up in Equestria gave me a higher standard for social interactions it would seem.” She glanced over to Toxic, the stallion still sitting next to her, now slightly facing the gryphoness. “So, yeah. I guess it comes down to if those are your intentions in any way, I just want to know now instead of finding out later,” she said, ears drooping. “I don’t think they are, but I….”

I don’t want to get hurt again.

Gelliana could feel a few hot tears force their way out of her eyes, the emotional gryphoness wishing her feelings about all of this weren’t so close to the surface.

“Can I give you a hug?”

The amulet muted some of his tone, but the genuine care still came through Toxic’s voice, and Gelly nodded once. The simple embrace made the gryphoness melt, not able to stem the tears even the slightest anymore as she hugged the stallion back, resting her head tentatively on his shoulder.

“Y’know, I imagined something a tad more romantic for our first hug,” Toxic whispered. “Maybe a dinner on a hill? Candles?”

Gelliana couldn’t help but half-laugh, half-sniffle at that.

“A-aren’t you the romantic,” she teased.

“Oh, you have no idea. Just you wait. And I promise no PB and J jokes during such times.”

Wait.

The fact Toxic pulled back and grinned at her made Gelliana’s feathers poof out, her past memories and sorrows shoved to the side.

He’s not joking?

Please don’t be joking.

And then he pulled her closer again, but not so tight as to impose the gesture any longer than she wanted.

“Gelly, I know that whatever I say will leave a bit of doubt, at least for now,” Toxic said softly. “But for what it’s worth, I don’t have those intentions for what we have started here, I promise you that.” He paused briefly, and Gelliana was now thoroughly convinced he was perfect hugging height. “When I said you being a gryphon is a plus, can I explain why?”

She nodded, getting a bit of guilty pleasure that Toxic seemed to rest his head ever so slightly against hers, unintentional or not.

“I know this is painting gryphons with a broad brush, so I acknowledge that. But most ponies would have run screaming from that control room. Everypony there froze or lost their lunch. But you didn’t, most gryphons, I imagine, wouldn’t. I appreciate that about you in particular, because you’re still…you. The gryphons and creatures I’ve met who wouldn’t flinch at that sight have lost a part of themselves. You don’t seem to have that coldness, if that makes sense. Gryphons are just tougher than ponies in many ways. And I find that rather attractive.”

“That makes sense,” Gelliana replied, feeling her own heart beating like a drum.

That’s what I thought about you. You still have your ‘soul’, even after seeing so much.

“I mean, and then there’s the fur and feathers, the ‘fierce warrior princess’ look, if we’re going for positive physical characteristics…”

Gelliana let out a soft *eep*, feeling Toxic’s sides shudder with a chuckle.

“You know, you are hugging me tighter.”

She let him go with a glare, emotionally-sensitive feathers fully puffed out as Toxic smiled back.

“You did that on purpose!” she accused him with a very anemic pout.

“Of course I did. But that doesn’t mean I wasn’t being truthful. Fur, feathers, eyes, it’s rude to stare though,” the stallion admitted, a playful glint in his green eyes not making it easier for Gelliana to smooth her feathers down.

As she sputtered, the stallion winced slightly, still smiling however.

“Too much?”

“A b-bit…” she admitted, even though the gryphoness was not about to complain at any further remarks.

“Well, you did ask.”

Well, he’s got me there.

Note to self. Make him be the one flustered next time when I tell him what is so blasted attractive....

….next time?

“S-so, does that mean you’d want to have a third date?” Gelliana asked tentatively, the ghost of her stutter entering her speech.

“I’d very much like that,” Toxic replied. “As well as a fourth, fifth, all the way up to and beyond double digit dates, if you’d like. I don’t mean to be too presumptuous though.”

DO NOT CRY.

You already lost it once. But you are NOT making this easy on me, Toxic. You have no idea how close to the chest this is for me.

“I’d l-like that very much,” Gelliana managed to say. “So, are we officially dating then?”

The sincere and excited smile that spread across the stallion’s face made that increasing warmth in Gelliana’s chest ignite into an inferno.

“I’d certainly like that, if you would,” he replied. “I think the whole ‘special somepony’ or ‘somegriff’ label in this case may be after a few more dates if that’s ok. But I’d very much like to go on as many dates as you’d be interested in.”

If these two are any indicator, that’s a lot of dates.

“I’d really like that,” Gelliana said softly.

A loud *DING* made them both jump, the oven signaling their creations were done. Toxic levitated his items out as Gelliana snagged her, the unicorn then gesturing to the steaming desserts.

“A hopefully-yummy treat to celebrate?” he suggested, the gryphoness all-smiles.

“My talons are crossed!”

After the turnovers cooled, each eyed their creations curiously. They seemed to look normal, if not a bit messy.

“Well, nothing to do but try them?” Toxic suggested, levitating one of his own as Gelly did the same for hers.

“Now I’m nervous,” she muttered. “Oh, this could taste horrible.”

“I’ll be the gentlecolt and go first?”

“You’re already a gentlecolt, but thank you.”

Gelly was rewarded by an embarrassed mumble, making a mental note to do that much more often. It was pretty clear that consistent compliments were an alien thing to the stallion in question.

That’s something I’ve seen a lot, sadly. Well, I’ll gladly change that!

Taking a large bite of his apple creation, Toxic chewed thoughtfully.

“Hmmmmm.”

“So how is it?” she asked.

The pony’s eyes widened in horror, the stallion promptly delivering his mouth’s contents to the trash can with a shudder.

“Egg,” he whispered. “So much egg. It’s all egg!”

Gelliana couldn’t help but giggle at the now indignant look on Toxic’s face, the stallion taking another bite from a different area.

“But this one is fine! Ugh, I must not have mixed it well enough,” he grumbled.

Reaching over to snag a bite, Gelliana grinned, shrugging her wings.

“Dunno what you’re talking about, this taste great!” she chirped, taking another large beakful.

Her expression fell, her date promptly chuckling.

“Oh, I see you found the egg.”

“Bleeeeeeeeeh,” the gryphoness likewise removed the offensive mouthful into the trash can as well, then eying her own creation warily. “Well, here it goes!”

A blissful hum left the gryphoness’s beak, Gelly eagerly downing half the pastry.

“Oh, I tooootally hit the mark on these,” she sighed, not able to resist a giggle as Toxic pouted.

“Could I have-”

He caught the turnover tossed his way, the unicorn taking a few bites and nodding.

“Ok, you win by a long shot. That’s awesome!” he agreed. “Ooooh, it’s actually a bit tart? That’s new!”

“I added a bit of lime and some other things to go with the sugar. I’d say it turned out well!” Gelly replied. “I may have to try this at home since it turned out…so…well…”

Her words drifted off as her date assaulted her with the most sincerely sad puppy eyes she had ever seen, the unicorn’s ears lying flat as his green eyes darted over to her pile of pastries, lower lip quivering slightly.

“Yes, you can have another. Just stop with the eyes!”

“Yay!”

Toxic was back to a full-on smug grin as he downed another turnover, Gelliana grumbling under her breath.

That worked far, FAR too well.

…lets hope he doesn’t find out how well that works for a while.

“Seriously though, these are great. I crown you the turnover queen!” Toxic proclaimed. “I’ll work on making a crown. Or maybe baking one?”

“Please no.”

Toxic opened his mouth, and then promptly shut it with a nod.

“Yeah, maybe not baking it,” he agreed.

After bagging up the edible turnovers, Gelliana turned to Toxic after looking around, sighing happily as they sat near the entrance to the kitchen.

“That was a lot of fun, Toxic,” she said softly as her shyer side decided to be a bit more dominant, ironically. “So, for our next date, want me to plan that?”

Toxic nodded, the stallion’s eyes widening at her words. The gryphoness didn’t miss how his heartbeat raced, especially at her last words.

“I look forward to it,” he replied softly, looking a tad nervous.

Oooooh. I can make a guess.

“Y’know, if you want to give me a hug, I won’t bite you.”

The stallion’s face immediately flushed, the pony shrugging his shoulders.

“I…erm…”

Setting down the turnovers, Gelly took a step forward and looked up slightly at the stallion, her own feathers fluffed as two green eyes widened in surprise.

“Can I give you a hug?” she asked, “Now that I’m not a mess and about to cry?”

On seeing Toxic nod, Gelly promptly wrapped up her date in her arms, letting out a happy breath as Toxic returned the gesture.

Perfect. Hugging. Height.

There weren’t too many times when Gelliana could say her small stature was a bonus in terms of being a gryphon, but this, this was definitely one of them. The crook of Toxic’s shoulder and neck was just at the right height to rest on and enjoy.

I’ve forgotten how much I’ve needed this. It’s not the same getting a hug from Marigold…obviously.

And now I can actually enjoy it.

It was an almost imperceptible gesture, but Gelliana’s heard skipped a beat when Toxic let himself relax a bit, removing the last remnants of nervous stiffness his gesture had held. He pressed

Maybe I’m not the only one who needed a hug.

“I’m going to take a guess and say you’re not a hugger?” she ventured to ask, her heart dropping slightly as she voiced her question.

“Not in a casual sense, usually at least,” he admitted. But before the words could sink in, his grip around the gryphoness tightened slightly. “But you don’t count for that. You obviously needed a hug earlier,” the stallion paused, “And I like you. So, I therefore like hugging you.”

Now the gryphoness definitely felt Toxic lean into her embrace, seeming to fully accept the gesture as his voice dropped to a near whisper. “Quite a bit, actually.”

Gelly couldn’t hold back a slight sniff at that. The fact that Toxic was continually willing to show the vulnerable side she had glimpsed in that alleyway and earlier today meant quite a bit.

“I’m g-glad,” she admitted.

“Is somecreature a hugger?”

“Not willy-nilly, but I don’t mind it.”

She could feel the stallion smile, face muscles tensing as he let out an amused huff.

“Would a lack of hugs be a deal breaker?”

“Totally.”

Toxic gave her another squeeze, the pair separating as the stallion smiled.

“Well, duly noted then,” he replied. “But, well, I’m not that used to it. So, I apologize if I’m a bit hesitant at first.”

“Considering the unique way we started off, Toxic, I’d say taking thing slow isn’t a bad idea?”

His ears perked up at that, the unicorn nodding in agreement.

“I was going to mention something like that. I agree.”

Toxic apparently having pre-paid for the event, they meandered back down the street towards Gelliana’s shop, the stallion appearing rather thoughtful.

“Bit for your thoughts?” Gelliana asked.

“Just how we met. I find it interesting, because it got rid of a lot of the usual awkwardness a first and second date would have,” Toxic mused as Gelly nodded in agreement.

“I agree with you there. We still don’t know each other well, but it was an introduction that just added a bit of trust.”

Her gaze flickered over to Toxic, a bit of nervousness making the gryphoness’s chest tight. To her absolute joy, emerald-green eyes met her own, the stallion smiling slightly.

“And that’s something that’s hard to earn at times,” he admitted softly. “And I admit, for me that is a sore spot. But it’s not for a lack of wanting.”

Gelliana reached over to give his shoulder a friendly nudge, finding it was her chance to steer Toxic’s thoughts in a better direction.

“Well, can you trust me to show up for a third date?” she asked cheerily.

Toxic immediately smiled, nodding with a laugh at that.

“Of course.”

“Then I’d say we’re doing pretty well.”

As they paused outside her shop, Gelliana felt her feathers fluff, ears flicking back briefly.

“Look, Toxic,” she asked, the stallion listening attentively. “You’re not the only one who has been burned in terms of trust. So, I get it, at least in part. Slow and steady?”

Toxic met her gaze, expression that of pensive thought before nodding once.

“I like that idea,” he admitted. “And thank you, Gelly.”

He picked up a set of her claws, the gryphoness feeling her feathers poof out even further at the gesture.

“So, how about tomorrow?”

“T-tomorrow works, same time?” she squeaked, the stallion clearly enjoying her easily flustered nature.

“I’ll be here. Lunch and then whatever you come up with?”

“S-sounds good!

Gelliana’s heart nearly was thudding out of her chest as Toxic met her gaze…and smiled.

“See you then.”

And then he was off, leaving a completely melted gryphoness at her shop. No nerves, no wonderings of ‘what if’ buzzed through Gelliana’s mind. Only the happy glow of spending time with somepony she cared about.

And I most certainly care about him.

Trotting down the street happily, Toxic then began to slow his pace, letting his mind wander. To say the date went fantastically was an understatement.
She is truly ok with me. My challenges, everything.

He could hear Varti’s voice shouting in his ears already ‘She’s a keeper!’

Well, my friend, you were right at least. The fact she didn’t shy away after seeing what I went through, wanting to help; that speaks volumes.

The fact she was ok with taking things slow was another point for the gryphoness. No pressuring, just kind understanding.

Almost like she just wants me to be comfortable.

There’s a new revelation, you dense unicorn.

Toxic let out a huff at that.

I’ve never had someone know what I go through and be so accepting of it all. The job itself, the knowledge it does affect me. Most show at least a level of discomfort. I guess that is what is throwing me off more than anything.

As far as things to be puzzled about, Toxic would certainly have no complaints if this was the biggest one in his mind. He did want to talk to her more about it; and he was pretty sure he now had a way of phrasing it all.

But for now, he could only smile at recalling their date and the peanut-butter fiasco.

And she has a sense of humor similar to mine. I can make her laugh!

Her laugh was, to say the least, a pleasant sound. Almost an elevated sort of giggle that seemed to always carry with it a sincere, bubbly mirth.

And those eyes. I don’t know what it is, but wow.

Thankfully, Toxic’s attention was shifted before he could go into a stupor. A familiar pony was walking along the street, grumbling into an ever-present crystal communicator on his ear.

“Yes, the left pile of materials. And…oh?” Wire Strip asked, the brown unicorn blowing his long yellow mane out of his eyes. “So, the contract is still on but delayed? Eh, good enough.”

Toxic had to suppress a laugh as the other pony massaged his temple with a groan. He didn’t know Wire Strip extremely well, more of a casual friend who was five years his senior. They had hayburgers every now and again and it was nice to have a friendly acquaintance. Wire was a fantastic lead technician for the royal guard, specifically for the hazardous decontamination equipment Toxic usually interacted with. In terms of his personal life, it never really came up in conversation, as it often didn’t for casual stallion friends.

Some would say Wire was somewhat off-beat, but Toxic enjoyed such an observation. The other unicorn was one of the few who didn’t judge him; probably because he had his own quirks here and there. So, who was Toxic to judge?

I still have no idea why he fixes machines. The pony is a master strategist. I still can’t believe he beat me in chess in ten moves.

Repeatedly.

Wire Strip had certainly proven that his mind wasn’t the only thing that was sharp. The technician had saved two families when the Windigo threat was still being mopped up months ago. That was good enough for Toxic, and the pony had always been there to help during a disaster.

“Do I have to tell you how dangerous some of those products are if mixed? It doesn’t matter if it looks ‘fine’, you need to always read the-yes, the label is on the container! Don’t…do I have to tell you not to lick them? No? Ok, good. Yes, you’re still doing fine. So, repeat back what I said? Good. I’ll call you later.”

Noticing Toxic out of the corner of his eye, Wire waved a tired hoof at the pony. “Oh, hey there Toxic. How goes it?”

“Just returning from a pleasant outing, so pretty well. How about yourself?” Toxic asked. “Trouble with the crew?”

Wire let out a groan at that, nodding in exasperation.

“It’s more like a daycare center. Don’t poke the pretty-looking liquid, and so forth. I’m having to supervise the delivery some equipment and chemicals for decommissioning. So, with the Royal Guard breathing down my neck, the last thing I want is my crew to look incompetent.”

“Hence the instructions to not lick hazardous chemicals?”

“Precisely,” Wire groaned. “I’ve got a few more calls to make and pick up an order in this city; but maybe we could catch up over some hayburgers later? Assuming you didn’t stuff yourself during what I assume was a date judging by that grin you had earlier? Last I checked, you don’t live in Tall Tale.”

Toxic chuckled, nodding in agreement.

“Well, you’d be right. And that sounds good, so how about at five?”

“Aye, I can do that. There’s an eatery on Fifth and Horsehaven Avenue that I hear is fantastic, see you then?”

“See you then; take care Wire.”

“You too, Toxic.”

The unicorns went their separate ways for now, Toxic not able to keep a smile off his face.

A date and catching up with a friend.
I’m one lucky stallion.

Author's Notes:

The fluff continues! And we get a bit more background about Toxic and Gelliana!
....and the puns. The glorious peanut-butter and jelly jokes.

I am realizing how long this story is going to be; so to pace myself and balance it with other, real-life responsibilities, I'm planning to upload every other week due to larger chapter size.

So, fair warning.

For the record, I'm at like 160 pages+, and we haven't even gotten to the main event. So I want to make sure I don't burn out on this fic. That all said, I hope you all are ready for the long, fluffy, adorable, and rip-roaring journey!

Chapter Ten: Look for the Light.

The stallion’s armor was rent and torn. The teeth from the Stone Wolves had shredded plate and barding alike.
But they were almost free, or would be, as soon as he limped on three good legs down the canyon.

His figurative Princess helped him along, the Knight not understanding how she could be so strong. He had come to rescue her. And yet now, his body, armor, and weapons broken, she was the one helping him out of the dangerous rocky abyss.

She saw the look in his eyes, her previously immaculate features marred by his blood and dirt. Despite all of that, she smiled. A genuine, loving, energetic gesture that made everything hurt a bit less.

“Hey, even a knight in shining armor has to be rescued from time to time,” she whispered, her stallion stumbling over a rock. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

He was about to reply, but loud hisses erupted from the canyon walls. Large, unusually-sized rodents crept from their rocky burrows as they eyed the meal that crept towards them.

Levering himself up on a broken sword, the Knight looked over in surprise as the mare bucked a rock, sending it towards the offending creatures and caving in one of their skulls.

“What?” was her indignant reply, the fire in the mare’s eyes reminding the Knight once more why he had charged after her captors without hesitation.

Oh, how he loved her.

It was one of the bad nights.

Toxic woke up with his chest being constricted, the stallion gasping for air. Mercifully, the nightmarish images were blurred and without too much detail. It was enough though; he knew what had happened in this dream.

Flopping out of bed as he caught his breath, the pony’s body dripped with sweat as he sat up against the wall, motion-sensitive lights slowly brightening to a dim but comforting yellow glow.

Did I make a mistake? Get caught up in the joy of it?

A shudder ran through Toxic’s body, the room seeming a bit colder than normal.

I was so happy to have found somecreature. For two weeks, I was able to forget. For a brief moment…

The knowledge that some outside force could be influencing his nightmares wasn’t a comfort in the slightest. It was even more painful to know that even without their mysterious threat, the dreams would have been just as bad.

Melted feathers.

A single begging question of what she did to make me hurt her. Why wasn’t I more careful…

Then the screaming.

Toxic had expected it, but the stallion had blissfully hoped above hope that this time the dreams wouldn’t touch Gelliana.

He was wrong.

How do I go forward? Stuck between the fears I face every week, but wanting to have somecreature in my life?

Lots of therapy time had been devoted to that question, and it was likely part of the reason Toxic had been able to ignore it for so long. Pushing through fear was a valid tactic, but in the long term could be dangerously exhausting. The butterflies and affection he had for Gelliana had pushed aside the initial wall against opening up again, but now it loomed higher than ever.

The problem lies that I can’t put my fear to rest. I have to face it every time I get that call. And I’m just so tired.

It had been beautiful. A week or two of forgetting what he had to deal with. And now the chickens were coming home to roost, an amusing analogy considering his current relations with a feathery gryphoness.

On our date to the eatery. For the first time in ages, I didn’t jump at the sound of a milkshake being filled, or scan the room for nearby burst pipes.

I was able to forget.

And that was the crux of the matter, something Toxic knew was unhealthy. If he was given the chance, he’d forget it all. The sights, the sounds, everything that came with the inevitable calls from the Princess or Command.

It was odd; the fact he had been taking a break from his usual, weekly job of inspecting various labs for safety violations may have had unintended side effects.

I’m not getting exposure therapy; that’s how the therapist said it at least. Walking down a fully-functional lab when it isn’t exploding put me on edge, but I suppose helped get me used to a ‘normal’ sense of operation.

And I haven’t done that in weeks.

Knowing full well that sleep wouldn’t return for a time, Toxic meandered through his large apartment to refill the water bottle that usually resided by his bed, sitting down and looking at the large shelf of ‘gifts’ from various international countries. Tokens of a job well done.

A ceremonial horn from the Yak’s.

A piece of sculpted coral from the Hippogriffs- that’s the newest one.

And even that magma-gem sculpture from the dragons. Still not sure how I didn’t get burned up on that job, from both the dragons AND that volcano.

Abruptly and without any warning, the image of Gelliana’s horrifically maimed face invaded Toxic’s mental vision, the unicorn shaking his head as if that could banish the sight.

“Well. Tomorrow will be a fun therapy session,” he mumbled as he meandered back to the bed.

“Aaaand that was my night. Or morning depending on how literal I want to be,” Toxic explained, flopping on the well-worn cream couch in a high-rise building. The Royal Assistance Offices dealt with many, many issues ranging from financial, physical, and those of the mind. In this case, more than a dozen floors were dedicated to said mental challenges one may have when working for the Crown.

There were even puppy therapy rooms. Five, as a matter of fact.

Everypony loved puppy therapy.

Toxic had been meeting with Sharp Point for years, the older stallion having been an ex-guard that had seen that sometimes physical wounds weren’t a pony’s greatest hurdle. As with many of the counselors in the building he had the security clearance necessary to be able to address any on-the-job trauma that could arise. The mustached light-blue unicorn let out a hum, glancing over the notes from the previous week.

“You know, I’m surprised you didn’t foresee this, Toxic,” Sharp mused as he spun a pen in a magical field. “You’ve been pretty on target for anticipating events that would adversely affect you. Then again, these past two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind I presume?”

Letting out a chuckle, Toxic nodded at that.

“Well I started dating again after years of running away from it. So, you could say that.”

“Running? Hmm. You haven’t used that term before, not recently at least.”

“I haven’t?”

The counselor looked through his notes; a decent stack of them, and that only covered the past few years. “I don’t believe so. Avoided? Yes, but never running away.”

Not replying immediately to that, Toxic’s brow furrowed, the stallion finally shrugging.

“I mean, it’s an apt descriptor.”

“How so? That implies not only actively avoiding it, but eagerly so.”

Toxic’s shoulders slumped, his head shaking back and forth at that.

“Well, when one of my greatest fears involves losing somecreature I love, that can eat away at you. Maybe I avoided seeking out such opportunities because I just couldn’t deal with the idea of that coming true. In hindsight, it was a self-fulfilling prophesy. Withdrawing when I was younger, seeing everycreature think of me as ‘odd’ due to my voice just compounded it. In reality, my past social life probably wasn’t that bad. Just me being far too sensitive…again.”

“The subconscious is a powerful thing indeed. But this new gryphoness, Gelliana, was it? Somehow you’ve approached things differently.”

“Well, our meeting pretty much eradicated the initial worries I had,” Toxic replied. “In my last relationship, in which I thought things were going well with, that mare was just really good at hiding discomfort, and distain for that matter,” the last words were said in a growl, the unicorn shaking his head. “But good riddance to bad rubbish in that case. That was definitely a learning experience, and why I am taking things slow.”

“Not a bad idea. You said earlier the usual hang-ups just weren’t there?”

“That’s what threw me for a loop. Usually it’s something that makes a pony uncomfortable around me. The voice, my job, or the jitters. But at least for a week or two, that all just didn’t exist.”

“That must have been nice.”

“It was, but it obviously didn’t last.”

The counselor continued to spin the pen in thought, gesturing to the stallion with a hoof.

“You said that on your second date, you had an anxiety attack?”

“A small one. The usual traumatic memory stuff. Kind of like those few months where every time I saw my own cutie mark I had flashbacks.”

“But Gelliana didn’t seem to mind?”

“No, and that’s part of why I think I was able to ignore everything. The usual reminders that somepony would inevitably give me just weren’t there.”

“Until last night.”

“Past few nights.” Toxic was then quiet, looking at the floor with a furrowed brow. “Sharp, I don’t want to give Gelly a wrong idea,” he said quietly. “I may have inadvertently put up a front with her. Not intentionally, but just been able to forget all the things that usually are buzzing around my head. Then there’s the trust issue; that is not going to go away anytime soon.”

Sharp let out a hum at that. Quite a few therapy sessions had been devoted to that topic…

“Do you trust her?”

“Yes. But at the same time, I don’t. Something won’t let me trust her completely.”

“Well, to be fair, Toxic, that’s healthy at this stage of your relationship. And from what I understand, your sense of trust in various individuals isn’t iron-clad.”

Toxic let out a grunt, waving a hoof at the older stallion.

“Obviously. But I’m speaking on a general level. There’s always a nagging ‘what if?’ I think I’ll bring it up, as a matter of fact.”

“Oh?”

“She has been burned before too. It’s not my place to say in depth, but she’s had her fair share of distrustful encounters. I just…”

Words drifting off, Toxic’s gaze returned to the floor as his ears pinned back. “I don’t want to go back to it all.”

“Go back to what?”

Lifting his gaze, Toxic’s demeanor slumped, genuine exhaustion radiating from the tired unicorn.

“Going back to jumping at odd sounds. The nightmares. Being afraid of getting close to somecreature; it all has been reduced until now.”

“You and I both know the real problem, Toxic,” Sharp said sincerely.

The other unicorn let out a tired grunt at that.

“And yet no solution. How do I allow myself to deal with years of this garbage without a break? If I take a break, creatures die and I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.”

“You work through it as best you can. But you do have to take care of yourself. Didn’t you say you have an idea to help in that regard, reducing the workload slightly?”

Toxic nodded, shifting on the couch.

“And I’m trying to, but as you know I can’t take a break yet. I do plan on launching my-”

As he spoke, the stallion’s hoof shifted to press into the chair. In an instant, it was not a soft, plushy material, but instead held the texture of a metal floor being eaten away by a caustic agent. The sea of chemicals underneath the Tall Tale lab spread out before him, the unicorn shivering and curling up into a ball as his heartrate skyrocketed, the stallion struggling to take deep breaths and not hyperventilate.

“Toxic?”

“Sorry. Just…”

“Take your time.”

Toxic got his breathing under control, shaking his head back and forth.

“It’s coming back. The small things that yank me to a memory.”

“That’s what Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can do, one of the many symptoms we’ve covered. You know this, Toxic.”

“Yes, I do. But for a week or two I didn’t feel like I had that! I was…almost normal.”

Sharp let out a snort, gesturing to the stallion.

“Weren’t you the one telling me that normal is boring on multiple occasions? I understand the sentiment however, but running from the truth only postpones the inevitable, as you are seeing. It’s not what you want to hear though, I know.”

“Well, you aren’t paid to tell me what I want to know, Sharp,” Toxic said softly, returning to a different position on the sofa. “You are there to tell me what I need to hear.”

“And I’m telling you as both a paid counselor, and as your unpaid friend, that as an individual you need to find a way to accept your trauma and deal with it. If that means launching your project sooner, then so be it. But you can’t begin to heal with the constant work environment you’re in.”

Ears now flat against his skull, Toxic nodded in agreement.

“Then I guess that’s going to have to wait a bit.”

“I suppose so. May I make a bold observation, Toxic?”

“You’re my therapist; go for it.”

Sharp smiled at the younger unicorn, setting aside his clipboard for a moment.

“You’ve had something very few individuals get. You’ve lived a week, maybe two, as if your trauma had already been dealt with,” the counselor said. “You now know what life could be like after. Not many creatures get a chance to see what that is like before it happens. You’ve been given a potential look at what your life could be after properly dealing with your trauma. That is a rare gift indeed.”

Toxic could only stare in absolute shock, a soft chime ringing out from a clock.

“Same time next week?”

Toxic didn’t reply for a moment, but when he did, a confident, determined smirk made its way onto his face. It was a look that made Sharp smile as well.

“Plan on it.”

A short time later.

He should have been here earlier.

The last few words said to the stallion by Sharp Point had made something change in Toxic’s heart. It was a fire that had been dulled by the Tall Tale incident and the dozens before. It had been slowly guttering out, but now raged with an intensity almost forgotten. A confidence that had faded now returned in force, the unicorn lookout out across his island in satisfaction.

My dream is almost ready. After a decade of preparation and planning. No more ‘eventually’ or ‘soon,’ but now.

Toxic let the sea air run through his fur, a confident grin on his face as he looked out from the island’s primary lighthouse. Stationed above one of many independent leyline reactors, the tower was both a beacon and a generator for a number of defensive measures for his organization’s headquarters. The reactors were an engineering marvel, utilizing passive leyline energy to general both electrical and magical power to be distributed across vast distances. They were the perfect, if not complex power source for the island. To that end Toxic had once wondered if he had bitten off more than he could chew.

Thankfully such doubts were behind him. He had even submitted an application pending to declare the island a city-state due to its massive value and other political mumbo-jumbo. That was for later. For now, this island, this organization was the culmination of over a decade of work. Everything had been planed down to the simple minutia; all that was needed was the go ahead.

The name itself had been decided on years ago, and hadn’t undergone many revisions at all. Toxic knew what he wanted to portray when creatures saw the symbol of a lighthouse.

The Last Light Organization. A light for when all others go out. Within the year, my dream will be a reality, I think. The stallion mused, the thought widening his smile. He couldn’t have done it without Varti, the yak lending his technical expertise to invent most of the systems on the island from scratch and adapting those that were bought. Within a year or two, the Last Light Organization could send emergency supplies and highly trained creatures to every corner of Equestria and beyond.

To help when the promises of safety fail, as they inevitably will. One way or another

That thought put a damper on his mood for a moment, the stray memory returning as the stallion shook his head. The curse of knowledge was knowing when a choice was correct, even if it was at the cost of your own wellbeing.

A determined smirk now took place of the carefree smile, Toxic adjusting the harness around his barrel. Jumping off the tower with ease, the unicorn activated the mechanical wings; the metal and crystal device opening with a snap. Purple arcane feathers moved in the wind, sending the unicorn soaring across his island.

It wasn’t so much true flight just yet, more of falling with style for an extended period of time. Even so, the dozen or so successful flapping motions and levitation spells could let Toxic soar for easily an hour before running out of power, more than enough time to oversee almost all of the massive volcanic facility.

What we have built here…

He still couldn’t fathom it all. The amount of money needed for this had been massive yet substantially less than anticipated. Varti had supplied the majority of the funds for the building; but the island itself was something Toxic insisted on paying for.

Well, the initial down-payment at least. Once the organization was up and running with material exports all over Equestria, they’d have it paid off within a few years or less. They could pay it all off now, but that was a last-resort measure with funds best left untouched for now. The things they could manufacture would easily outstrip the investment. Coupled with Varti’s mechanical genius and side projects, money was not going to be an issue.

Hazard suits, emergency food, water, blankets, raw food; there won’t be any disaster left untouched!

Fields of grain spread out underneath Toxic as he soared, then coasting over the factories that were almost completely automated due to Varti’s ingenious fiddling. The island itself was built on one of the many leylines, a necessary step for the reactors they drew power for the golems, lights, everything.

The reactors were an energy-efficient secret that would have even Twilight Sparkle jealous, or so Toxic assumed.

Then again, she may have already patented her version of it. That wouldn’t surprise me either.

Ok, if I’m being honest, that mare’s smart enough to have one underneath that castle already and miniaturized to the size of a horseshoe.

Past the factories was the mountains, the edges of the caldera. There were deep, hollowed-out caverns that had been blasted, dug, and furnished a good three years ago. They were heavily shielded, concealing a more controversial aspect of Toxic’s dream organization from everything but the most intensive and up-close magical scans. Even then, it would appear to just be an underground storage area until you opened the thick doors into the stone and metal compound.

I am sorry about that, Celestia. I wish I could be more honest with you. I wish I could trust you, even if I already do a great deal.

But I know where your priorities lie. Where they have to lie. I can’t fault you for that, but that doesn’t mean I won’t take every precaution. Your nation has to come first.

And so does mine, in a sense.

Perhaps you already know of my plans, even approve of them, but I can’t take the chance I’m wrong. I won’t have more blood on my hooves because of fearful bureaucrats. I hope you understand, because I’d sincerely appreciate your cooperation.

Toxic’s eyes narrowed, many a night spent in the fitness centers, the obstacle courses and magically-powered training dummies. It was here that quite a bit of his own personal, classified training had taken place. It had been a shock when Celestia had authorized it without question, every course he requested.

Perhaps because she knew he’d pursue it one way or another. Even when she knew what he’d use it for, she didn’t raise a single objection. Maybe it was because of the guilt she felt. That could explain the generous pay and authorized trainings; even if she didn’t ever admit to it.

She said that wasn’t it, so I’ll have to take her word for it not being special treatment in that sense. But I suppose if not through the official channels, I’d have found somecreature to teach me. I never want to feel so helpless again. Not when I can do something about it.

He could still hear the sobbing of the parents. It was almost a decade ago yet the sound rang clear as day. An announcement of a failed rescue operation, diplomacy and international red tape having taken too long.

Then again, for some creature’s diplomacy that was never truly a goal, only a stalling tactic. One of many realizations, along with that there was evil in the world that knew no mercy or empathy.

And then when it happened again, I showed Her what I was willing to do, what price I was willing to pay. I will never stand aside again, not with so much at stake.

He pushed those thoughts aside, now turning the wings to angle back towards the larger rocky outcroppings on the edge of the island back across the fields and factories. It was here the primary facilities lay; training grounds, bunkers, decontamination chambers, classrooms, training halls, and dozens of arcane portal platforms. It was a facility built for one purpose; to respond to any disaster that threatened the lives of any creatures, big or small.

And then I won’t be alone in this.

It had taken a lot of thought and therapy sessions to come to terms with his job, that he was the only creature that could handle certain environments. The responsibility had once been nearly enough to break him, and it took quite a bit of time for him to have admitted that. While Last Light was indeed his dream, a way to expand help across the land with the funds he earned, a secondary purpose quickly made itself clear from the start.

I can’t do this forever.

It had been insidious, the cracks and dark tendrils weaving their way into Toxic’s mind. The never-ending nightmares, poor sleep schedule; it didn’t take a well-trained eye to know he was being slowly buried underneath his work. And so, he had planned, hoping that an organization could accomplish what he was solely tasked to do.

The fact I have demonstrated nearly all of the symptoms for a post-traumatic stress disorder at one time or another made me snap out of it. The proud bravado I had for a year thinking I could do it on my own.

Ponyfeathers, Sharp Point showed me the checklist he made of PTSD. That was a shock.

To think I once thought I could do this without being affected. How wrong I was.

With luck, this organization can take my place, in time.

It was a freeing thought. Where once he had drawn from his own strength that only he could stop certain disasters, it was a relief to imagine that such a burden could now be shifted. Perhaps a past version of himself would have scoffed.

But no longer.

After Toxic landed on the roof of a large rectangular building, the offices for the Director and eventual-councilcreatures, the unicorn shrugged off the harness into a waiting container. Toxic’s thoughts then drifted to a much happier time. More specifically, in an hour or two when he’d meet a certain gryphoness.

He hadn’t told her about the organization, but he would. Most likely within the next few dates or whenever he got close to immediately launching things. The last thing he wanted was to scare the Gelly, or, a greater fear, add a motive for dates. The previous nervousness that she may want to date him just because he owned this organization had quickly faded after a few more dates. No, tonight, he wanted to make one thing clear. A simple question that made a few nerves knot in Toxic’s stomach.

“I wonder if she’ll be my special somegriff?” he asked himself, mechanically taking a subconscious tour of his office, then the private ‘home away from home’ section of the building, and the various conference rooms.

She’s still here. She still wants to be with me.

At that, the unicorn skidded to a halt, his eyes widening in shock. The emotion that simple thought carried with it surprised the pony, a lump clogging his throat. It had been a vague thought; a realization Toxic had carried the years. But to put it into words magnified the impact by a thousand-fold.

She doesn’t need me to be there. She wants me to be there.

He made a mental note of that. Toxic would explore that train of thought with his hopefully-special-somegriff. She appreciated his more vulnerable side, and Toxic was just happy to have somecreature to show it to. Of course, even that simple realization had seemed to increase the worries, the fears, the doubts; and yet that made sense in an odd way.

I guess that lines up with what I know about stress. You can’t really deal with it until the event has passed, and I’ve been living the ‘event’.

Another thing to talk to her about. If she’s ok with helping me deal with a decade of trials. I should mention that before anything else.

Yet she saw what I dealt with, and is still here.

Toxic could have sworn Varti’s voice was echoing through the chamber.

‘She’s a keeper!’

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” Toxic mumbled to himself with a grin. He trotted off towards the lab, intent on saying hello to the yak instead of an imagined response of such.

In spite of it all, I’m moving forward, and that’s a good thing.

And yet the dark tendrils of his past refused to be silenced, as evidenced by the stallion jumping slightly at the sound of a hissing pressure-release valve.

One step backwards, two steps forward.

Gelliana relaxed underneath the shady tree, looking out over Tall Tale happily. To say the past seven days had been a ‘good week’ was an understatement.

Another week and five more dates on top of our other four! I’m just happy he liked our third. A museum tour of Tall Tale’s founding. I was worried he’d find it boring.

Quite the contrary, Toxic had been thoroughly interested in learning about Gelliana’s now-home, the pair then having a simple lunch until the next date.

Tonight, they were taking a break from the ‘activity’ dates which they had been doing, and more of a simple relaxing with in each other’s company. Other than their second date, they hadn’t really touched on more personal topics as much, instead enjoying and getting used to each other’s company during various activities. Which wasn’t to say they couldn’t have brought up something, but it had just been a cheerful, enjoyable atmosphere. This time however, the quiet park they were going to meet at was far away from the city bustle and noise, something the stallion had said became rather uncomfortable for him in high enough doses.

With her sensitive ears, Gelliana completely understood that. While hers was an audio overload, Toxic’s qualms seemed to be both that and a mental one, from how he explained it.

Either way, it suited her just fine to meet in a park. She was tempted to suggest a hike in a few dates; Toxic shared her view that nature was just relaxing. It was a different kind of noise, a natural one, not like the city.

Makes it easier to hear his heartbeat too. I love that sound.

Over their past few dates, the pony had loosened up more and more and it made Gelliana’s heart glow at seeing a genuinely happy stallion shining out from the previously nervous pony. Despite all he had seen, all he was dealing with, Toxic didn’t seem like a naturally gloomy individual. Dealing with stuff, sure, but that was the exception to his attitude, from what Gelliana had seen.

And that’s something I really like, something I look for. I don’t want to be the only reason somepony is happy, just one of them.

I mean, a BIG reason, but not the reason.

She was wondering when they were going to talk about the ‘special somepony’ label. While more of a formality, it was still a step. It was the official ‘I’m dating you, and only you’ step.

Rather arbitrary at the moment since they were literally doing that, but still, it was a step. After two weeks and almost ten dates, she at least felt like it was a comfortable step.

There was a gesture that meant something along those lines for gryphons Gelliana was going to try. Hopefully.

If I don’t turn into a nervous wreck at least.

Thankfully her stutters seemed to have vanished when she was around Toxic. With others, especially on the guided museum tour, she had felt the weight of her usual anxieties settled around her shoulders. And yet with Toxic not acting any differently towards her it made her anxiety lessen slightly. Even the times she had stuttered, the stallion simply listened with that gentle smile on his face. No odd glance or sigh of exasperation, just the stallion being his easy-going self.

How could she not fall head over tail for that?

At least I know I’m falling for him. Doesn’t make it easier to wrap my mind around though. But still does at the same time.

However, she could still tell something was itching at the stallion. Most likely it was that question from their second date. They both had definitely been burned by past friends, of that Gelliana could tell. She got the sense Toxic wasn’t entirely convinced she’d stick around.

Of course, I intend to fix that!

To give Toxic a bit of credit though, Gelliana could completely understand. The usual factors that mares would have shied away from just didn’t apply to her; his profession, the challenges with it, the voice. That would logically take a bit of getting used to from his perspective.

And he’s not the only one.

She hadn’t brought it up much, but on some level Gelliana recognized she was dealing with the same thing. A subtle, intrusive thought here or there, wondering when Toxic would ask something, reveal some hidden motive like most of the others had.

But she wanted to trust him. And that was a start, and one of many things to talk about.

But first a hug.

He had quickly warmed up to such gestures much to Gelliana’s joy. She didn’t realize how much she needed that from somecreature she cared about; A simple gesture of reassurance and care. It was an odd thing to understand about one’s self, and it was something she definitely needed to let Toxic know about. But fact that he showed initiative in a physical gesture that made her happy…

I’m already a feathery puddle and he’s not even here yet.

She couldn’t help it. Gelliana’s love of romance stories had certainly bled though. But if anything, it only made her appreciate aspects of Toxic more. He wasn’t a knight in shining armor, not the one she had dreamed about when younger. No, he was so much better. Gelliana loved the quote from an old philosopher; that a knight with shining armor was one who had not been tested. Toxic certainly had been; his barding was scorched and torn, not a patch of untouched metal on him. But through all the battle and pain, he was still a knight.

Well, in my eyes he is at least.

Hearing a soft *pop* of magic, Gelliana looked around and spotted a familiar stallion with his back to her.

Heh. Surprise hug!

After triple-checking that it was Toxic, Gelliana crept up on the unsuspecting unicorn. Claw over claw, paw over paw. Soon she was close enough too…

“Hey Tox-EEP!”

Starting to hug him from behind, the gryphoness found her neatly thrown head-over-tail over Toxic’s shoulder with a heave. The unicorn’s eyes widened in surprise as his grip changed to a magical one, neatly setting her down in front of him. To his credit, Toxic’s cheeks were bright red as he stammered his apologies.

“Sorry, you surprised me…” he mumbled as Gelliana couldn’t help but giggle.

“Apparently! Where did you learn to do that? Like, that was a perfect throw! I’ve practiced a good amount and still haven’t got it down that smooth.”

Oh, how she loved to make the stallion blush, especially with compliments.

The fact he isn’t used to that…I shall fix that problem!

“I took some training when first getting started with this job, have kept up on it through the years,” he explained. Gelliana’s ears perked at that. His heartbeat strangely sped up, and the unicorn’s own ears flattened as he looked away. “I can’t tell you more than that, I’m sorry,” he added. “No matter how much I want to.”

Gelliana took a few steps closer and wrapped him up in a hug, the stallion sighing happily as he leaned into her embrace.

“Nuh uh. No sad times yet. Not at the start of our date,” she said softly into his ear prompting a chuckle.

“Fair enough, but your hugs always fix those easy enough.”

They do?! He hasn’t really mentioned stuff like that.

“Where did you learn body throws?”

Gelliana was about to smooth down her feathers, but ultimately just ignored it. With Toxic around she was going to be a puffball soon enough.

“I took some self-defense classes when I was younger. I found it a nice way to exercise and meet ponies. Having creatures being able to spar against kind of removed the ‘scary gryphon’ image in an odd way. I’ve kept up on it every now and again.”

“Huh, I should have guessed it with the daggers. Warrior princess indeed.”

The affection in Toxic’s tone made a pleasant shiver run down Gelliana’s spine, the gryphoness hugging him a bit tighter.

She hadn’t expected him to be so cuddly, especially after the ‘not used to hugs’ remark. But oh, how happy Gelliana was to find that out about him. Of course, she had to let him go eventually, the stallion all smiles as he gestured around.

“So? What’s the plan for today? Just a peaceful meal under a tree?”

“Something like that. I mean, I just like spending time with you, Toxic. Talking or activity or…whatever,” Gelliana admitted shyly, her violet gaze drifting to her claws as the stallion glanced her way with a smile.

“Well, I feel the same about you, Gelly. Very much so.”

Of course, all Gelliana could do was mumble a reply- the words unintelligible. Toxic seemed to understand, however. A gentle motion to scoot over so their shoulders touched lightly confirmed that at least.

“T-there is a thing or two I wanted to talk about,” Gelliana admitted. “All good things, mind you.”

“Oh? I had a few things on my mind as well. I do like the fact you, well, talk to me, and also listen,” Toxic replied. “Even if it’s hard to voice my feelings sometimes, I know lack of communication is pretty much what destroys many relationships.”

Gelliana nodded in agreement.

“Uh huh. I’ve had to force myself along in that aspect. I may seem comfortable with you, but I’m not exactly a social butterfly.”

“Like when the tour guide looked at you and asked if there were any other questions? You froze like a stone!”

“Y-yes, like that,” Gelliana muttered, a familiar, soft laugh making Toxic’s sides shake.

“Well, I do want you to know I greatly appreciate it.”

Toxic’s steady green gaze made Gelliana’s words turn to butter in her mouth. Just, gone.

“So, what was is it on your mind?”

Toxic’s heart fluttered as Gelliana fiddled with her own claws. He had to say, be it her shyer side or more outgoing one, this gryphoness had his heart tied up with a bow.

Not that he’d admitted that to anyone. But Toxic wasn’t a fool, and the sooner he was honest with himself the better.

Hopefully.

“W-well, I guess the first thing is just saying thanks,” she said softly. “For the hugs. It’s…it may seem like a small thing, but that’s actually a really important gesture for me. Somecreature showing they care.”

Toxic knew exactly the appropriate reply to that. Reaching over with a forelimb, he draped it over the gryphoness’s shoulders and gave her a single gentle squeeze.

“That is very good to know; and I will keep that in mind in the future,” he replied with a slightly cheeky grin. “So just hugs, or gestures in general?”

“I…uh, am not sure? I wouldn’t complain with either?” she managed to say, her feathers not likely to calm down for some time.

“I will definitely make sure I don’t neglect that. I do admit I’m the same way, but I’m still working on the specifics.”

“Specifics of hugs?”

“Of what means the most. Y’know, words, physical gestures, time spent with somecreature, that sort of thing. Pretty sure there’s a book on it on languages of affection between couples. Verbal, physical, time spent together and so forth.”

“Oooh, right! I gotcha. Wellllllll be sure to let me know! Maybe we could read the book together sometime?”

Gelliana was apparently able to push through her flustered state, her peppy energy now bleeding through.

“I most certainly will, and I’d like that.”

I’ll gloss over the fact it’s called ‘Love Languages’ for a bit though. Bit early for that.

“Soooo what’s on your mind? I said my first thing, so, if you want to…?”

Oh yes, I’d very much like to make something clear. But first things first.

Toxic swallowed his nerves. He couldn’t ask her, not before it was out in the open.

“Gelly, these past two weeks have made me realize something, but I’m a bit afraid of what you’ll think,” he said. “For two weeks, I’ve looked forward to every date, every moment spent with you. And for the first time in years, I forgot.”

“Hmm?”

Toxic sat up a bit straighter, his nerves replaced by the confident fire in his chest. She had to know.

“I forgot what I’ve been through,” the stallion said. “I got to live life without the impact of everything I’ve been through. You gave that to me.”

The tears that brimmed into Toxic’s eyes came out of nowhere, the stallion’s voice faltering. “And I can’t thank you enough for that,” he managed to choke out. “You showed me what life would be like after I’ve dealt with the things I’ve been through. The problem is, I can’t get to that stage yet.”

“Because you’re still in it.”

Rather shocked by her insight, Toxic nodded.

“Until I can be free of the burden, at least for a time, I can’t deal with it. But I’m worried, Gelly.”

“Of what?”

The tree behind them creaked in a soft breeze, the sound making Toxic flinch.

Poorly constructed metal buckling under the pressure.

Screaming ponies running past him, some bloody.

And in front of him, the bodies of-

A touch snapped him out of it, two affection eyes meeting his.

“Are you afraid of what I’ll think of this?” Gelliana asked. “Of you being jumpier than I’ve seen?”

Toxic lowed his head in shame as he nodded.

“I can’t help it,” he admitted. “I wish I could go back to that dessert shop again and just have a milkshake. Instead, I know if I go back, I’ll be looking for emergency exits, possible gas pipes, and dangers of flying glass. Jumping at the sound of a milkshake machine…” he couldn’t look at her, but hope began to push down the fears.

“Are you still interested in dating a stallion like that? Like me?”

“Please look at me, Toxic.”

He did so-

And the stallion felt his heart catch on fire.

Gelliana glared at him with a steely gaze, anger shining behind her violet eyes, but not directed necessarily at him. Her beak trembled slightly, reaching forward to poke him with a claw. The fierce look behind her eagle gaze made him pause, because something aggressive and passionate flickered behind the intense wall of emotion at the fore.

“Don’t…” she whispered. “Don’t you ever think of yourself like that again. Don’t you dare!” Her own sides were shivering, eyes dampening as she swiped a forelimb to clear them. “I want a stallion like you, Toxic!”

He couldn’t speak. All the stallion could do was yank her into a tight hug, a gesture Gelliana immediately returned.

“I thought of myself like that for a long time. I’ve been there; please don’t ever think like that,” Gelliana whispered.

The stallion tightened his hug, fears having been carried away in an instant.

“You want me?” Toxic asked softly, pulling back his head to look at Gelliana. “I know it may be silly, but that means a lot.”

“Of course I do! Why wouldn’t I?”

“I’ll try to explain, it may seem rather-”

“Don’t you dare say it’s silly again. Just tell me,” Gelliana said fiercely, meeting his gaze with her own.

Toxic was nearly certain his heart was going to beat out of his chest at those words.

Stars above she’s gorgeous.

“I’ll try. It comes down to being needed,” Toxic began. “Ever since Oakbark, I’ve been asked to help with various tasks. First were small things, and then bigger events. It didn’t take long for me to realize the nice requests had a tone of fear. A fear that I may say no. I wasn’t a fool; I then realized that I couldn’t say no, not if I wanted a clear conscience. If I was ever called, it was because I was needed, because no other creature could do what I was able to accomplish. Not without a gross loss of life and danger at least.”

While his shoulders slumped, and the stallion felt his confidence returned as Gelly stayed snuggled up close to him, ears perked and listening.

“I’ve been needed for so long, Gells. Needed to save the day, needed to prevent an explosion, a leak, or maybe just shut off a valve so nocreature gets sick,” he whispered. “But being wanted is something I don’t have a lot of experience with.”

“Well, I’m still here, and most definitely not going anywhere,” she stated firmly. “If anything, I’m happy to see who you are even with the stuff you need to deal with. And in terms of being needed and such, I will be more than happy to show that you most certainly are wanted. I can’t speak for anycreature else, b-but I most certainly want you to be here,” Gelliana replied. “I want that quite a bit. And I kinda have the same fears, y’know. Being wanted for the wrong reasons that is, on top of everything else.”

The stallion’s posture stiffened, pulling back to look at the sincere gryphoness.

“You’re afraid I’m going to just leave, even though I have told you I won’t? Well, I keep wondering when you’ll t-tell me…” she paused, claws curling as Gelly looked away in shame. “I keep waiting for when you’ll tell me the real reason you want to date me. Even though you assured me otherwise. You aren’t the only one with hidden fears, things that you may call silly or such.”

Now it was Toxic’s turn to tighten the hug, the stallion not able to prevent a soft chuckle.

“Well,” he began, knowing the amulet couldn’t hide the raspyness from emotion in his throat. “It’s nice to know I’m not the only one.”

Gelliana let out a soft giggle at that, nodding briefly, the gesture rubbing her cheek against his.

“Not by far.”

“I mean, there is a rather easy solution to our fears. It’s rather difficult though.”

“Oh?”

Toxic retracted his head, reaching up to gently boop Gelliana’s beak with his hoof as he scooted over to sit next to her.

“We have to spend more time together.”

The gryphoness dissolved into giggles, now all smiles as their fears took a back seat.

“Oh no, however will I cope?” she asked dramatically, placing a forelimb across her brow.

“I know, a trying task indeed. But we just have to learn to trust again, I think. We each have our own fears in that regard, and I have to get over being comfortable with you seeing…well, me, on a day to day basis.”

“I can’t wait,” Gelliana said sincerely.

Ask her,

“I need to ask you something, Gells. I didn’t feel like it would have been appropriate before being as honest as I could.”

Gelliana’s head tilted in that ever-adorable gesture of curiosity, her ears perking up.

“Oh?”

“Well, it’s a sort-of-asking…”

The stallion had done his research into gryphon culture. While much of it was old, very old, a few gestures were still applicable. He didn’t feel like a kiss was appropriate, not yet and with their ‘taking it slow’ attitude.

But this gesture, very much so. It was, traditionally, what happened before a kiss. It was a signaling of intent and feelings. Another way to say ‘I like you; what do you think of that?’ Nipping one’s ear was a similar, more playful gesture but Toxic hadn’t made that mental leap just yet.

But whether Gelliana knew of this gesture or not, Toxic had no idea. He’d gladly explain it, but was hoping she did know. It was still in place in gryphon culture, even if its meaning had been diluted slightly. Essentially, if reciprocated, it was a symbolic gesture of being a couple, that meaning varying across sub-cultures and such.

Scooting forward, Toxic reached down to hold a set of Gelliana’s claws in his hooves, something that always made her blush. The stallion then leaned forward and gently rubbed his cheek against hers, drawing his head back to see her reaction.

Nerves gripped his heart, the gryphoness staring at him in shock, the intensity and tidal wave of emotion returning to her beautiful violet eyes. Surprise, and then a surge of-

She yanked him into a hug with a sniffle, making it quite clear Gelliana knew exactly what the gesture meant as the gryphoness rubbed her own cheek against his affectionately. Apparently, hugs were the activity of the evening.

“Is that a yes?” Toxic asked as he hugged Gelliana close, not able to resist a soft laugh as she burrowed her head against his neck. “And I assume you know what that gesture means?”

“Mmhmm. I was going to do the same thing, actually,” Gelliana giggled softly. “Well, maybe this date or the next at least.”

The stallion’s nerves were immediately replaced by a happy warmth that spread from the tip of his hooves to the top of his head. He still wanted to make it official though.

“Wait, r-really? I, erm, mind if I ask you with words?”

Gelliana pulled back slightly, her eyes swimming with tears. The fact a smile seemed permanently affixed to her beak was clue enough they were not tears of sadness.

“Will you be my special somegriff?”

“O-only if you’re be my special somepony,” was her immediate reply, Toxic then leaning forward to rest his forehead against hers.

“Of course I will.”

She angled her head so she could look him in the eye, a soft but determined smile on her beak.

“T-then in that case, I most certainly will too.”

Out of nowhere, Toxic’s throat closed up as soon as Gelliana spoke and locked gazes with him. Genuine affection radiated from her violet eyes, a stream compared to the surprising wave of before.

The stallion could only pull her into another hug, the hot pressure in his eyes not fully changing to tears, but getting close.

She wants to be….

Gelliana obviously picked up on his demeanor change, eagerly returning the gesture and resting her cheek affectionately against his.

“And you said you weren’t a hugger.”

Not sure how to phrase his tumultuous thoughts, Toxic decide to add a bit of cheekiness in the meantime.

“Well, it was either this, or I totally would have kissed you. But taking things slow and all…”

A soft “eep” was Gelliana’s reply, but the shy smile indicated the stallion was on the right track as she pulled away slightly to look at him.

“Buuuut I haven’t researched how to do that with a beak. So, probably for the best,” Toxic added with a grin.

Pulling back slightly and still smiling, Gelliana met his gaze for a moment before looking to her claws with a bright blush.

“W-well I’d be more than happy to teach y-you…”

Toxic’s face flushed a bright red, his shocked expression prompting the shy gryphoness to dissolve into giggles. Of the things he had expected her to say, that was not one of them!

Apparently, she’s got quite a bold and cheeky side.

I like it.

“How about a r-rain check on that?” Toxic asked, pouting as the amulet perfectly translated the extremely embarrassing voice crack mid-sentence.

“Rain check it is.”

And then she blushed a bright pink, looking at Toxic shyly.

“Did you mean to come up with a different nickname?” she asked.

“Huh?” Toxic replied, blinking rather owlishly in surprise. “I did?”

“You called me ‘Gells’ just before you ‘asked’ me.”

“Uh…”

The cuddly gryphoness reached over to scoot her head underneath Toxic’s, letting out another laugh.

“I like it.”

“Yay?”

Gelly snorted, the surprised unicorn looking down at her in amusement.

“I mean, I totally meant to come up with one.”

“Oh of course,” Gelliana managed to say between a barely-suppressed laugh. She then was quiet for a time, leaning her head on Toxic’s chest. “I like this sound.”

“Huh?”

She poked him gently with a claw, then gestured to her ears. “Not all gryphons have as good a hearing as I do. Something about owl ancestry; but I can hear heartbeats if I focus. I’ve always liked the sound of yours.”

“Well, I can’t really change it, so I’m glad? Forgive me for not being sure how I feel about that at first. Just didn’t expect it,” Toxic admitted. “I imagine that gives you an edge when talking to creatures? Now that I think about it, that’s really neat.”

“Uh huh. Makes it easier to tell when somecreature is scared of me or lying. Obviously it’s not foolproof, but it gives an extra insight to what someone is meaning, or thinking.”

Toxic looked down at the shy gryphoness, a rather sly grin on her features as her eyes met his.

What is she-

WAIT.

His face turned a bright red as Gelliana giggled, the gryphoness not able to restrain her mirth.

“Something on your mind, Toxic?”

“I, uh, so you’ve been able to hear my heartbeat…”

“Since we first met. Yup!”

“I never thought I’d say this, but I think I know what it’s like to feel a bit naked.”

Gelliana couldn’t speak through her gasping laughs, letting Toxic go to catch her breath as she sat next to him.

“It’s true! I don’t know how or why, but it does!” Toxic objected, only able to smile at seeing Gelliana laugh.

I love seeing her so happy.

In moments such as this, the fierce highlights around the gryphoness’s eyes vanished, and it was like peeling back a layer. The initial look of being predatory was gone, revealing the bubbly, happy gryphoness underneath the first impression.

She caught his gaze, the stallion feeling his heart beat a bit faster looking into those gorgeous eyes.

Wait. My heartbeat.

His guess was clearly on the money, Gelliana blushing as she reached over to poke his chest with a claw.

“Juuuust like that,” she said shyly. “Like on our first date and ever since.”

“Well,” Toxic said, confidence returning after the initial shock. “I guess it’s out of the bag how much I really like your eyes among the laundry list of other things. Not like I can control my heartrate when I see you.”

His soft but sincere words made his special somegriff immediately puff up with a squeak, the stallion grinning as he poked her shoulder.

“Serves you right for snooping!”

“I c-can’t h-help it!”

With a grin, Toxic reached down and held a set of her claws, definitely not helping her flustered state.

“I know. But now you’ve opened up a whole new realm of teasing and feather-fluffing opportunities. You have only yourself to blame.”

The indignant but affectionate glare from his puffball gryphoness couldn’t have melted a single snowflake, but Toxic’s heart was a different story.

Author's Notes:

Adorable progression! And some background for our unicorn...

But official Special Somecreatures! And Toxic finally learns of Gelliana's hearing superpower!
T- *Looks in her general direction* *Heart beats faster*
G - *One happy blushing gryphoness*

Hope everyone enjoys these longer chapters, even if they're every-other week. It makes things a bit easier on my end. As always, feedback is appreciated.

To that end, I want to thank @Always Breakfast for their comments, pointing out a fatal flaw in my character development of Toxic which I had neglected to show, removing a huge, essential aspect from his character.

I have no idea how it fell by the wayside, but such issues should be remedied from here on out now that I'm back on track; or rather, Toxic is! So, thank you! As always, such feedback is greatly appreciated.

As a side note...for anyone who needs to hear it during this time; seeking help with various challenges via therapy or such is not a weakness. It's certainly the opposite.

Chapter Ten and a Half: Candy Doldrums

Icait crept along the floor, one hoof over the other. The Legionnaires watched with genuine amusement, their chilly attitude having softened over the weeks.

Of course, the Windigo could phase through the counter to surprise the gryphoness daydreaming at the register, but what’s the fun in that?

That had already occurred this morning anyhow!

Gelliana’s head may as well have been surrounded by pink clouds with flying hearts, her daydreaming almost on a predictable cycle.

I wonder what it’d be like to feel those things for somecreature?

Well, until I know, I get to tease my friend about it! Of course, then she’d get payback.

But for now, I get to have some fun since Onyx hates being startled.

Icait crept up behind the daydreaming gryphoness, edging forward until she was about a limbs-length away….and…

“HI GELLY!”

The gryphoness’s screech and flaring of wings had the Legionnaires in barely-contained snickers, Icait gasping as a very-poofy gryphoness threw a fruit at her.

“Dangit Icait!”

“Too easy!”

The Windigo’s friend grumbled, not able to counter Icait’s giggles.

“I am a bit sorry. You did look rather happy. You’ve been rather daydreamy of late.”

Shrugging her wings, Gelliana gestured outside the shop to the busy streets.

“Well, we aren’t slammed with customers yet, and I’ve had plenty to daydream about.”

“Are the dreams rather toxic?”

Gelliana groaned as she married her head to the counter, Icait smiling all the while.

“I’ll stop. It’s just fun to tease, even if I don’t really understand it.”

“Hmm. Says the mare who I know has been reading romance books from the library at lunchtime.”

That got a bright flush from the Windigo, the mare scuffing at the ground with a mumble.

“’tis interesting…”

“Hellooooo? I’ve been reading about that stuff since I was a chick. Why else do you think I noticed new chapter bookmarks? No reason to be embarrassed because you’re in good company. But last I checked, you probably should figure out friendship-stuff first,” Gelliana remarked. “To that end I’d say you are doing pretty well for somecreature who had no clue what to do a good month or two ago. Fast learner.”

“Well, it just feels right,” Icait admitted. “Just being nice to other creatures.”

“And that’s pretty much the crux of it. Honestly, I wouldn’t really have known you had never been around ponies if I talked to you now. I’d just assume you were anxious or nervous or something”

The mare smiled happily, levitating (an activity which never got old for the Windigo,) a few checklists over to the counter.

“That has been the goal. I’ve been nervous anytime I talk with somecreature, but having you be here has helped a ton.”

“Hey, I just guided you through the weird social stuff I had to learn the hard way! Oh, are we still on for movie night tomorrow?”

“Totally! What is it this time? A mare…something. You said it was a book adaptation? Something about giant rodents?”

I love movie night. Just time with a friend, like a normal pony.

“’A Mare Betrothed,’ and yep, it’s a classic! A bit dated but it’s just a simple, fun, and lighthearted movie,” Gelliana explained, the looking over to the Windigo with a sly grin. “It also centers around a love story.”

The mare mumbled incoherently as she busied herself tidying the counter, knowing full well this was the payback for earlier. Not that she minded of course.

It’s nice having a friend to tease back and forth.

A thought then flitted through her mind, one more common as of late.

I wonder what Onyx is up to?

The odd shadow-pony had been reading up a storm, along with starting the academic portion of being a town guard. Strangely enough, he seemed almost happier. Still grumpy and totally refusing to admit it, but a tad more at ease. He still hadn’t told Icait whatever-it-was that he wanted to talk about though. They had a nice routine though, one that had started quite innocently when Onyx had visited an ice cream shop.

Apparently, that was now one of his favorite foods, and he often brought back a small tub for Icait on such ventures around the town.

I wonder what today’s flavor will be?

“Mint Chocolate Chip!” Onyx proclaimed proudly as he levitated the small container over to the giggling Windigo, clearly finding her amusement at least enjoyable on some level. “Apparently it’s a classic that I should have tried by now. And it is definitely my new favorite.”

“You said that yesterday when you sampled ‘The Chocolate Deluge.”

“…fine. Second favorite.”

The usual grumpiness had fled at least for a few moments, instances that were cropping up fairly regularly.

I still don’t know why. Is this what feeling happy is like?

That’s…a bit of a depressing thought.

Such were the musing of the Shadow-pony, at least in the moments where he wasn’t exploring magical theory. Starlight had authorized him to delve into it, at least under heavy supervision. No spells, no runes or the like. No, this was trying to discover why there was the itch.

That’s what he called it at least. A nagging at the back of his mind, the whisperings of some unseen figure, the sensation of being watched that cropped up every now and again.

He didn’t like it.

And so, in addition to training for the guard, which was fairly mundane, the Shadow-pony continued to learn, and add, to what they knew of the shadow realm. The itch got louder whenever he did that so he must be on the right track.

It was an odd thing, to know something yet have lost the memory. The transformation to this realm had not been a smooth one, nor the severing of the tie with the Emissary. Perhaps that could account for some lack of the knowledge?

No, it isn’t that.

It was like other things Onyx had learned, or rather, re-learned. He had the knowledge, but something had to trigger it. Yet that something seemed to loom rather sinister, even if he didn’t know why.

As long as whatever it is stays away from Icait, we’ll deal with it.

He let out a huff at such a thought, watching the Windigo take a large spoonful of the ice-cream with a happy squeal of approval.

Onyx knew he was smiling, the tell-tale twitch of his mouth on his dark features, even if it was invisible to most others. What he was still struggling to understand was why.

Perhaps not understand, but accept. Starlight had been rather blunt in that fact.

“You know why. You have a friend, somecreature who is fine with being close to you. Maybe that’s something you want even if you don’t know why or to what extent.”

Onyx put the statement out of his mind. He was just struggling to figure out this friendship business, let alone 'to what extent’ implied. Icait seemed to take to this friendship-bubbles-and-rainbows business easily, and while it made logical sense, it still seemed…off to him.

Perhaps it would get easier whenever he told Icait that he wanted to be her friend, or admitted as such. He still needed to do that.

Admit it to myself first perhaps.

And yet as he watched the Windigo float in their apartment, the shadow-pony couldn’t refute Starlight’s words. He did like Icait, but as what, and to what extent he just wasn’t sure.

I guess time is one thing we have. Plenty of it to figure out. Seeing her happy makes me-

A dagger of something dug into Onyx’s chest. If he had a stomach, it twisted and turned, a spike of knowledge coming to the fore.

“Something is here,” he hissed, the two legionnaires inside looking at him in alarm.

“Nothing has tripped the shielding spells, or even the-”

“It’s outside,” Onyx growled, shadows sprouting from his back and shoulders and forming into dagger-like appendages.

It’s watching.

The Shadow’s world vanished for a moment, two familiar white eyes glaring at him with unchecked hatred and malevolence. Flames soared into the sky around Onyx, a grey and black fanged face sneering at him.

“TRAITOR!”

In an instant, a key in Onyx’s mind turned slightly, unlocking a peek into what he knew as a tomb of knowledge that still remained closed. Yet that brief peek opened a desperate fear that the Shadow hadn’t ever known.

Who is that?!

And yet the Shadow felt like he should know. What he did know was that he should be afraid.

Tearing through the door and out of the apartment as the Legionnaires cried out, Onyx cleared the steps four at a time, scrambling at the bottom of the stairwell, hooves cracking into the tiles.

Where is it?!

The source of the darkness emanated from something in the alleyway between the apartment building and the warehouse adjacent to them. Onyx darted down the alley, fully aware of the fail-safe spells that were beginning to activate. They would immobilize him in seconds, the legionnaires shortly behind.

Almost…there!

A single figure turned in alarm, pausing from talking into an ear-mounted communication crystal. The pony’s eyes then widened in-

Horror?

The Shadow’s movements faltered as he pinned the terrified stallion to the wall, sharp appendages angled at the pony’s head. The darkness was abruptly gone, the Shadow’s mind clear again as a pony begged for his life.

What…?

Letting him down, Onyx skittered back against the brick wall of their appartment, slumping down as the Legionnaires angled their spears towards him. The fail-safe spells anchored him to the ground, a very, very ticked-off mare now appeared at his side.

“Onyx! What. In. The. Actual-”

“Dark magic,” Onyx grunted, causing Starlight to pause in her fury.

“What?”

“Shadow and death. Something from my realm. It was coming from him,” Onyx stated flatly, pointing to the shaken stallion across from him.

“I sense nothing.”

“Neither do I, not anymore,” Onyx admitted.

Starlight sighed in frustration, helping the random stallion up with a frown.

“I’m sorry about that, Mister…?”

“Wire Strip, Miss Glimmer.”

“You know me?” Starlight asked, Wire Strip nodding briefly as he shook off the nervous remnants, eyes still glancing in worry to Onyx.

“Of course! Your newest commentary on magical theory was fantastic! Oh, I probably should give you this before continuing,” the unicorn grunted, levitating a security clearance badge out of his satchel to present to both the guards and Starlight. “I’m a decontamination technician, I usually work with Specialist Shield. I’m sorry for the mix-up here…I thought I was ok since I showed my badge at the perimeter guards. I just need to meet up with my crew at a nearby warehouse, assuming they bother to show up this time,” Wire grumbled.

Now thoroughly confused, Starlight massaged a temple with a hoof as she cast a magical scan over the other unicorn and shrugged.

“Well, no evidence of any odd magic with you. Onyx is…”

“A shadow pony? If I had to guess?” Wire remarked, looking a bit more curious as he looked at the other stallion. “Not sure what I did.”

“The fault is….” Onyx paused; he couldn’t have imagined it. “Mine? But I do not understand. You were clearly-”

“I have a theory,” Starlight interjected before the Shadow could continue. The sharp look in her eyes made Onyx shut up in an instant. “May I run a thorough scan, Wire Strip? It’s nothing too invasive, but examines some odder magics we are investigating.”

“Sure,” Wire replied with a shrug. “I’ve got a minute or two. And I’m more than happy to clear up any misunderstandings.”

Starlight’s horn lit up as she ran another pulse of magic over Wire, causing the stallion to snicker.

“Tickles!”

Starlight’s expression now lightened, nodding ever so slightly to Onyx.

She found something?

“Wire Strip, I’m going to need you to report to Canterlot. I’ll have guards escort you,” she instructed.

“What? Why?” the stallion asked, ears flattening. “Did I do something wrong?”

She shook her head immediately, sending a brief message to the Princess’s, Twilight included.

“I don’t believe so, but you may be in danger. Onyx here did sense something off about you- but I don’t think it’s you. You said that you have a crew usually?”

“Yeah, we work decontamination, other jobs that require a certain technical finesse.”

“Have any of them seemed off lately?”

Wire strip paused, letting out a hum in thought.

“Not really….well…hmm.” he then nodded, ears perking back up. “Actually, yes! As I said earlier, or did I say it earlier? They have been late to their shifts. Not just one or two of them, but like, half my crew.”

“And that’s not normal?” Starlight asked.

“Normal? I’d say not! The dozen of them are usually early. To have six of them be late by ten or twenty minutes for six assignments in a row? No, that’s is weird.” The unicorn then frowned, then looking genuinely concerned. “Wait a minute. Why haven’t I investigated that? It seemed so normal. I just, accepted it, their odd reasons…”

Starlight gave the dejected stallion a friendly pat on the shoulder, the unicorn nodding in approval as two Royal Guards teleported into the alleyway.

“That makes sense. I think you’ve come in contact with some very, very dangerous ponies, Wire Strip. Onyx must have sensed the magical signature that bled into your own. We’ll take care of this, alright?”

“Ok, thank you, Miss Glimmer.”

“Just Starlight, take care, Wire.”

As the stallion was escorted away, Starlight sat down next to Onyx with a sigh.

“You had me scared for a minute there.”

“Thought I had gone rogue? Put my long-awaited plan into action?” Onyx asked with a huff.

“The thought crossed my mind.”

“I don’t blame you,” Onyx admitted, then nodding to his hooves. “Can I move now, please?”

Starlight released the spells, gesturing to the Legionnaires who now stood at the ready.

“You can’t do that again, Onyx. Things could have turned out a lot worse. What in the world made you do that?”

The shadow swallowed nervously, two white eyes seeming to bore into the back of his head.

“I remembered something. Something dark was here.”

“Can you tell me what exactly?”

Onyx shook his head, the world vanishing as Starlight teleported him and the guards back to the apartment with herself.

“Something evil was here,” Onyx continued, looking at the floor. “I don’t know what it was. Two white eyes, a mouth of fangs.”

An offered silent communication then opened up between him and the unicorn, the two-way mental ‘talking space’ accepted by the powerful mage.

‘Starlight, I was afraid, instinctually so. I think something is going to happen. I don’t know what though.’

The words Onyx couldn’t speak out loud were enough to make Starlight’s eyes narrow, the mare nodding in understanding. To have the grumpy and proud shadow-stallion admit such a thing, even in private was a significant step indeed.

“Just stay here, Onyx. Please remain in your apartment until I get back to you, alright?”

Onyx nodded, a worried Windigo floating over to tentatively poke his shoulder with a hoof.

“Onyx? What was that all about?” Icait asked worryingly. “You just ran out of here, the door is still in pieces.”

Letting out a frustrated grunt, Onyx leaned over on Icait’s shoulder, the Windigo stiffening in surprise. To say he wasn’t in a talking mood was an understatement. Yet knowing Icait was safe eased the Shadow’s heart, the Legionnaires muttering among themselves as Starlight vanished with a magical *pop*.

I was indeed afraid, but not for just myself.
But what was that creature?

He had a feeling that such a question would be answered soon enough, for good or ill.

The Next Day

Gelliana let out a groan, glaring at the pile of papers on her impromptu-workstation in the shop. Icait was out for the afternoon, leaving the gryphoness to handle an influx of orders. She plopped her head on a small waiting pillow, taking a break from the hunched-over posture. It was probably for the best that Icait was out today, but that meant more boring work for the gryphoness.

It was a good thing, the paperwork at least, because that meant more bits were flowing her way. But not so great because of all the repetitive paperwork to fill out. Add to that a rough night of sleeping and tripping down the stairs in the morning, and it had not been a pleasant start of the day. Then there was a lack of her usual comfort lunch and more forms. A rather unpleasant dream didn’t help the gryphoness’s mood; she could definitely sympathize with Toxic on that one. A nasty thunderstorm had rolled through during the night which explained that much. Not so much the rain and thunder, but the wind.

Toxic wasn’t the only one who got yanked back to the past; part of the reason why Gelliana didn’t hold it against him in the slightest. He just hadn’t learned about all of the gryphoness’s idiosyncrasies yet. If she held any of the stallion’s anxieties against him, she’d be quite the hypocrite.

Some things you never really get over, just lessens the impact.

Ugh. Today was not shaping up to be a happy one. Her back was now starting to ache, penance from hunching over the counter. Serves her right for not watching her posture; she knew this happened. Either she had definitely slept funny, or that storm had taken more out of the gryphoness than she thought. It felt like her body had been hit by a train; not in the immediate pain sense, but every part of her just…bleh.

At least she had the memory of yesterday’s date to daydream about. A visit to a frozen-yogurt shop had been just amazing.

Oh, it was fantastic. Toxic makes the best faces.

Like the majority of their other dates, the conversation had just been light and cheerful, ranging from curious topics to downright ridiculous.

Such as ‘what flavor would best be suited for ice-cream monsters to take over Equestria.’

It. Was. Awesome.

And the answer to the monster question was definitely decided to be mousse chocolate chip. Death by chocolate overload.

A stallion who isn’t afraid to express a bit of random silliness is fun! And it’s a balance; he’s not too all over the place, but tooootally not afraid to go down a crazy conversation rabbit hole or pull a ridiculous face!

Said pony had then taken a particularly brave bite of one of the many concoctions they had taste-tested at the shop, wanting to prove to Gelliana he could handle the brain freeze. He wasn’t a colt after all!

Toxic had been wrong, so, so wrong.

The agonizing face of brain-freezing agony he had pulled seemed frozen in time for a solid few seconds, the sight of which had Gelliana in such mirth that she hadn’t been able to breath. Tears having streamed from her eyes as her coltfriend had writhed in pain.

“I admit defeat,” he had finally pouted, glaring at the offensive chocolate-mousse frozen yogurt.

That had been a good day.

And then he had given me some parchments enchanted to reach him whenever. It’s like fast mail! I know I sent one this morning, but I think he said the spell had to recharge every hour or two.

One more order form was filled out and set aside, another few minutes of running the numbers for the cost. It was productive, but just so-

“Wow. That looks boring.”

Gelliana let out a screech, papers flying everywhere as her amused coltfriend laughed, magic having muffled his hoof steps and teleportation sound moments ago. A telekinetic grip caught the papers and put them back in order, the stallion smiling to his now-poofy gryphoness.

“Fluffy!”

That did not help Gelliana’s state as she smoothed her feathers, a soft grumble making the stallion frown.

“Sorry, this a bad time?” he asked sincerely. “Your parchment this morning didn’t sound very happy, so I thought I’d say hello.”

“A bit. Just a bunch of paperwork that I have to do,” the gryphoness admitted, ears then flattening against her skull. “And then tripping down the stairs when I was half asleep, after not even sleeping that well. Not a great dream, waking up every few hours, and then it turns out I have more paperwork than I originally assumed which is annoying. My back hurts from hunching over the blasted counter, and then I was out of my favorite stew for lunch, and-”

Toxic took a few steps forward and wrapped his special somegriff up in a gentle hug, the gryphoness immediately melting into his arms as Gelliana’s words trailed off. He didn’t say anything, only supported her weight as she leaned into the gesture, burying her head into Toxic’s shoulder.

Her ears naturally honed in on a steady, slightly-faster-than-normal sound, the strong heartbeat thudding away in the chest that rose and fell against hers with every breath. The stallion rested his cheek against hers, otherwise not moving as he held his distressed special-somegriff close.

She wasn’t sure how long Toxic held her in a hug; she obviously could have pulled away at any time but why would she want to? What Gelliana did know was that her previously cruddy day was suddenly much, much better.

How have I never noticed his fur smells nice? What kind of shampoo is that?

‘Toxic’ indeed.

The gentle nuzzles the stallion gave her across a cheek made Gelliana’s heart skip a few beats, her own arms tightening around him.

“Thank you,” she whispered, Toxic’s chest moving slightly in a soft huff of acknowledgement.

I could fall asleep like this.

In fact, she most certainly wanted to do just that.

Letting out a rebellious grumble, Gelliana broke the embrace slightly, still leaning on Toxic’s shoulder as she sat next to him.

“Tox, I’m afraid I’m going to fall asleep in your arms, and I still have these order forms to complete,” Gelliana sighed, letting out a yawn. “But I really do wish I could do just that.”

The amused look Toxic was giving her made the gryphoness’s ears perk up.

“What?”

“I guess I have a nickname now too?”

Blinking owlishly, Gelliana tilted her head.

“Huh?”

“You called me ‘Tox.”

An embarrassed blush and stammering reply were cut off by Toxic resting his head against hers.

“I like it, and I don’t mind at all. It may take a bit of getting used to though.”

“O-ok. I didn’t really even think about it.”

“Well, let me know if you come up with a different one. In the meantime, how about I help you with these forms?”

Gelliana smiled, gesturing to the stack of papers tiredly.

“I’d really like that. I don’t think you’ll know how to fill them out though.”

“Well, I can just work on my own bits of paperwork next to you and give some company, or I could read your forms out loud?” he then winced, letting out a soft chuckle. “Actually, that might put you to sleep with the whole ‘slight monotone’ thing.”

The stallion saw Gelliana’s eyes drooping, the pony scooting a bit closer.

“New plan. You rest for forty minutes or so, and I’ll wake you up. Then we can go from there?”

The poor gryphoness was already halfway to sleep, sagging against the unicorn’s shoulder with a soft hum of agreement.

“Thanks, Toxic,” she mumbled, nuzzling his shoulder with a content sigh.

The unicorn waited for Gelliana’s breathing to settle into a steady, sleepy rhythm before daring to move. Sliding the pillow over, he carefully set her head down into a more comfortable position. He sat next to her, teleporting a list of to-do items for the Organization that he wanted to go over.

Rather abruptly, Gelliana let out a mumble, reaching over with a set of claws and hugging Toxic’s right forelimb close, refusing to let go.

“Well, glad I can go over this with only one hoof,” Toxic said softly, not missing the slight smile on the sleeping gryphoness’s face.

A few hours later

Letting out a yawn, Toxic stood in the light decontamination shower at the entrance to his apartment, the usual procedure not taking more than a minute and assaying any nerves concerning the matter. A day spent with Gelliana was a good one indeed, especially if he could make it better for the tired gryphoness.

“She has been there for me more times than not; I’m just happy to repay the favor,” Toxic said to himself. When you operated alone on assignments, talking to one’s self was commonplace. It was a nice way to think out-loud too.

When alone that is. Toxic was self aware enough to understand that such a thing might be one too many idiosyncrasies to put up with for many. Then again, he had talked out loud with Gelliana, and she had seemed to find it rather endearing.

She was full of surprises it would seem.

“Read through a few plans, and then bed,” he mused. “Maybe check in on Gels tomorrow. Still no new jobs.”

After another shower (this one with normal soap and hot water,) the stallion settled on his bed, looking through a large folder of plans for his Organization. It wasn’t good to mix work and sleeping space, but seeing all the check marks on the ‘to do’ list put his heart at ease.

Yet something seemed to be pulling him towards a keypad on the wall. An urge, a nudge to do something.

“What in the world?” Toxic muttered, getting out of bed and staring at the crystal control. It was his apartments security system; a marvel designed by a certain Yak to prevent any intruders from entering, and dealing with those who did. Thankfully in downtown Canterlot it had never been needed, that’s why it was always on the typical setting. Immobilize and call the authorities.

Yet something was nudging Toxic’s mind, as though a soft, concerned voice was trying to tell him something.

Whatever this voice was, it sounded concerned, worrying.

“Did I get a spirit guide all of a sudden? A few years late, I think. It has been ages since I helped that that soothsayer’s tribe,” Toxic huffed.

And yet the nudging persisted. Toxic knew he wouldn’t be able to sleep or even relax until it was quiet. It was like a nagging thirst or an anxious twitching in one’s limbs that would occupy all thought until sated.

“I armed the system, what now?” he asked the empty air. As he stared at the controls, a slight chill ran down his spine.

I know that feeling.

In a smooth motion, the unicorn spun around and charged his horn with a spell, confronting the creature staring at-

An empty apartment stared back at the unicorn, the pony shuddering.

All spells are intact, but why does it feel like something is watching me? Eyes drilling into the back of my head.

The odd nudging voice seemed rather happy at that realization, and that was all it took for the Specialist to arm the system to full capacity.

‘Warning. All auditory and arcane immobilization systems will be fully charged and activated. Maximum power levels may cause severe damage to intruders. Confirm activation?’

Tapping the ‘yes’ option, Toxic sighed in relief as the pressure on his mind vanished. The system had enough power to freeze a dozen ponies in place and blast them into unconsciousness.

Overkill only to those who didn’t have a lot to lose.

Happily trotting back over to the bed, the stallion let out a loud sigh as a familiar nudge came back.

“Whaaaaaaaat?” he groaned. Such annoyance vanished as the nudging directed him to a hidden compartment underneath his nightstand.

“You have got to be kidding me. Am I just paranoid today?”

Not the first time that would have happened. I know well enough that hunches can be harmless…or save your life.

As he had in the past with many a job, Toxic decided to err on the side of caution and indulge this anxious gut feeling. He retrieved a large metal bracer and set it on the nightstand. It was a simple enough device; mana crystals wrapped around a gauntlet that would direct magical energy in a blast wherever the unicorn pointed it. Toxic had practiced it plenty of times after Varti sculpted it into existence, the device actually one of the stallion’s ideas. It had many applications; allowing non-magic users access to spells and so forth. In this case, it was a simple directed-energy weapon for a unicorn, a supplement to their own magic and potentially an addition to one of his hazard suits. It was a handy thing to have if one’s own horn became immobilized.

Or if you didn’t have the time to or awareness to charge a spell.

Clipping on a security bracelet, Toxic went through the rounds of getting ready for bed before flopping onto the covers. The bracelet would deliver a painful shock to his limb if the security system activated, pulling the stallion out of even the most vivid nightmare or deep sleep.

“Why do I feel like I am not going to get a lot of sleep tonight?” Toxic grumbled.

Whatever the ‘nudging’ force was, it seemed sadly amused by that fact.

Two white eyes narrowed in anticipation, locking onto the gryphon bowing before them.

“See to it your role is played. Give the order.”

“Of course, my Lord.”

Author's Notes:

This weekend's release is a big two-parter So here's part one! It was supposed to be just small teaser. Seriously. I swear it started out as just 1.5k words or so.

Whoops.

Stay tuned for part two tomorrow.

Poor Wire Strip though, poor pony can't get a break! But we get some development with our resident Shadow Pony, Icait, and some adorable fluffy moments.

Chapter Eleven: Poison

Knife Twist parried a strike with her spear, cutting down the shadow ponies that sought to do her charge harm.

‘Just let us by,’ the dozens of enemy soldiers whispered in unison, Knife glaring at them as she backed up slightly.

‘NEVER! I won’t let you kill the Princess!’

The soldiers laughed, all pointing behind Knife Twist at the same time, their white eyes narrowed in amusement.
‘You already did!’

Knife Twist woke up with a horrified yell, the bloodied and mangled body of her best friend the last thing she remembered. Her thin body was soaked with sweat, the same reoccurring nightmare refusing to let her rest.

But before that, there was something else.

Ever since her first meeting with Celestia, the nightmares had gotten worse. Images of death and shadow, whispers of something dark in her mind; but this was different. The shadows of sunset began to lengthen across her room, the darkness making the mare’s heart ache. It was like a vice on her mind. No spell could detect or banish it, but it was always there, whispering and lurking. A weight, something squeezing her soul. Asking on her behalf, Celestia had even consulted Luna; Knife Twist dared not ask the Lunar Princess herself.

And yet the response had been the same. Nothing could be detected, and even Emperor Nacreous’s mages came up short. The ever-present darkness refused to leave, hiding from magical scans or banishing spells alike. It was maddening, until now.

Now she could use that constant feeling.

Something is going to happen.

Writing a letter, Knife Twist sent it on its way with a tap of her hoof. It was a special permission granted by the Solar Princess, a way to contact her in case of an emergency. She had sent such warnings this past week but none this urgent. This was more than a general unease, but a flicker of familiar power that she recognized from more than a year ago.

It was familiar, yes, but different too. Darker, more sinister. Not only a flood of the hate-filled magic the Windigos used, but something that made her stomach twist into knots, something wrong.

I cannot stand by.

And yet stuck in her cell, Knife Twist knew that was all she could do. Over the past few week’s food had lost its savor and sleep was a fleeting pleasure. But none of that mattered.

I have to warn them.

The faces of the dead stared unblinking at the terrified stallion. Trotting through a sea of green and red liquid, the army stopped a stone’s throw away from Toxic Shield, the stallion’s sides heaving.

A single item floated down in front of his face, making the pony blink in surprise.

A feather.

It was a mental signal, a fail-safe if Toxic wasn’t able to wake from a dream naturally. A feather was the switch that this was in fact a dream. Usually it was a passive awareness, other times a sudden realization to snap himself out of it that Toxic’s own mind provided in times of need. Other instances included if Luna wanted to cut off a nightmare at the start without directly interfering.

In fact, he could hear the faint, frantic calls of the familiar mare.

Luna?! Where are you?!

The boulder on which Toxic stood shivered, the stallion shaking himself mentally out of his stupor.

“A dream. So that means you all can leave!” he bellowed, horn sparking with power. The ocean vanished, thick grass replacing it as the reanimated corpses crumbled into dust.

“Oh, but I think we’ll stay a bit longer.”

The unicorn felt a shiver run down his spine at that, seeming to hear multiple tones overlapping into the sinister, malevolent voice.

The field of grass lightened into twilight, Toxic staring in shock as a disembodied face floated in front of him. Not responding to his usual lucid-dreaming techniques, the white eyes widened, a beak opening in laughter as the face of gryphon resolved itself.

“Oh, I am not a dream, little pony. Your tricks won’t work on me. And your precious princess can’t interfere, not for a few moments longer,” the gryphon chuckled.

“How does it feel, Toxic Shield, to see the future?”

The stallion stared, fear creeping into his heart.
What is this!? Who is this?!
Are they in my head?!

“Oh yes. We are here, Toxic. Your dreams, your thoughts are easy to read here,” the face chuckled. “As to who I am? It matters not. You can simply call me the Bringer. In this case, I am the Bringer of the unavoidable truth.”

The field shifted and warped, a noxious sea of thick fluid returning to the fore.

“And the truth is that you failed in the past, and you will fail in the future. How many creatures have died because of your failures? Dozens? Hundreds?” the Bringer asked. “It will be more, of course. Your family, your friends…”

“Get out of my head,” Toxic growled, sending a blast of arcane energy punching through the Bringer’s face. The energy did nothing but annoy the gryphon, claws materializing to wipe away the remnants of the strike.

“No. I need to make you understand,” the Bringer growled. “Your family. Your friends, you know that you can’t save them all! You saw the lab before it happened, so what do you think THIS is?”

The hundreds, thousands of creatures reanimated with soulless eyes now spread out as far as Toxic could see. Canterlot, ruined and burning was visible in the background as the stallion felt his heart thudding in his throat.

“You put that in my head. That is YOUR doing! Just trying to goad me,” Toxic replied even as a cold sweat soaked his fur. The mental barriers in place seemed to be bypassed, this new force not taking the usual methods of mind-reading magic.

“Oh, but of course. Yet you are the only one who could have saved them,” the gryphon replied dismissively. “I know who you are. Your fears, how well-founded they are. I wonder how that could be? To forget a step in that oh-so-important chemical shower. It’s not goading if it’s the truth!”

Toxic’s eyes widened in horror, knowing where the entity was going with this. The gryphon chuckled malevolently, gesturing with his claws to bring a familiar hospital room back to the fore.

“A simple, neglectful act, and you will kill the only creature in this world who dared to love you. How poetically tragic,” the Bringer quipped. “But with how tired you must be from day to day, it’s certainly understandable.”

Toxic’s eyes brimmed with tears; the stallion caught up in the flow of the nightmare as the bundled-up creature on the hospital bed shifted.

“Perhaps this new gryphoness will be the one you kill?”

That made Toxic’s throat close up with emotion, the words threatening to kill the spark of hope that had kindled in the pony’s chest the day before.

“Not her,” he whispered, the fear now giving way to something else, something that made the pony’s limbs cease their shaking, a growl rising up in Toxic’s throat.

I’m so sick of this, so tired.

“Get out of my head, creature!” he hissed, glaring at the gryphon.

“Perhaps, perhaps not. That’s not you to decide. Now watch your fate! Her fate! Watch all of their lives snuffed out in a moment because you failed!”

Even as the hospital scene began to return to motion once again, Toxic shook his head.

No.

A familiar pull then tugged at the pony’s consciousness, and the stallion couldn’t help but draw a surprised breath. The leylines were just within reach, and the unicorn dove into the offered energy without a second thought.

I don’t know why I can feel them so strongly without a spell, but I don’t care.

His horn flashed, a ropey, arcane tether of blue light wrapping around the pony’s hoof and startling the gryphon.

“What are you doing?” the intruder growled.

A surge of power coursed through Toxic’s mind, the peaceful ebb and flow of the world’s leylines grounding him like waves on the shore of an ocean. More tethers wrapped themselves around the stallion, his horn aglow with a piercing white light as he reached out to the leylines even from the dream realm.

Or are they reaching out to me?

“You don’t get to decide my fate! Not mine, not my friends, and not my family!” Toxic hissed. The energy surging around his body now tore into the dream, eating away at the noxious ocean and spreading outwards in a uniform circle towards the gryphon.

“You said it yourself, I’m the only one who can stop this!” Toxic bellowed, taking a tentative step forward. His hoof hit solid ground, the pony not looking away from the increasingly uncomfortable apparition.

“I’m the one who WILL stop this!”

A shield of white light materialized in front of the stallion, chains made of the same arcane energy reaching out from the stony ground and pinning the opposing half-gryphon in place.

“Will you now?”

The cocky reply threw the stallion off guard even as he sent an emergency location rune blasting ‘up’ through the dream, a beacon to the Lunar Princess.

A sudden pain stabbed into Toxic’s left forelimb and snapped him awake, even as the image of a raging Lunar Princess diving towards a horrified gryphon faded from his mind.

Toxic then realizing the red glow was from behind his closed eyes, his heart thudding in his ears.

Thump-thump.

“INTRUDER ALERT!” A disembodied voice blared, magical energy making Toxic’s fur stand on end. The unicorn opened his eyes, and Toxic’s blood ran cold. Magical suppression fields made the air hum with power as the security system in his apartment sent spell after spell coursing through the maroon-tinted room. A high-pitched whine echoed through the room, a combination of his own natural voice wavelengths to disorient and deafen any intruders. The shocking spells alone had enough power to flatten a manticore.

Thump-thump.

“INTRUDER ALERT! SYSTEMS COMPROMISED!”

Poised mid-flight, a sneering earth pony had a forelimb drawn back in a strike, a long dagger strapped on the end of his hoof. Clad in odd, leather-like armor the pony was frozen mid-air by the powerful paralyzing security spells. The pony’s body was now starting to move, the armor across the stallion’s frame sparking as hidden gems began to override Toxic’s countermeasures and block the auditory attack. The magical protections clearly insulated against the other security measures, even if not completely.

Thump-thump.

Toxic reached over and slammed his forelimb down on the nightstand, activating a panic button and also causing a large bracer to snap closed around his extended limb.

Activating with a mechanical whine the metal armor extended across Toxic’s entire forelimb, a dozen small crystals sparking with bolts of white lightning as they extended up from the grey surface. With a simple mental command, the bracer sparked with a powerful hum that eclipsed the blaring alarm. The crystals angled towards Toxic’s hoof, a leyline tether spell sucking up the power like a sponge.

“You cannot do anything but fail and watch them all die!”

The Bringer’s voice that radiated from the pony’s mouth didn’t match up with the non-moving lips, even as the would-be-assassin’s eyes glowing white.

The blast that seared from the activated weapon tore off the earth-pony’s right shoulder, limb, and half of its face, splattering shadow-like goo against the nearest wall. The assassin let out a gurgling hiss as the security systems failed, releasing the pony as he tottering up on three remaining good hooves and grinning at Toxic. A spectral outline half replaced the pony’s face, a shadow-gryphon’s beak matching up with lips even as Toxic took aim once again.

“Oh, I know you, Toxic Shield! You will fail them. You can only watch as your family suffers, your friends, and of course as she suffers.”

Toxic only saw red.

“Never.”

Even while fear tore at his heart and threatened to paralyze him rage pushed Toxic into action as the voice faded. Weeks of sleep deprivation and nightmares; it shoved aside the fear and conscious thought. For a brief moment, years of trauma and continually suppressed and raw pain were manifested as this leering assassin taunting him. Anger focused all that energy into a single spike of action and mental desire.

The bracer let out a high-pitched whine, the leyline magic becoming tinged crimson. Toxic’s eyes widened into an entirely green sclera as red pupils swam into focus. Dark violet magic dripped from his gaze like tears, two fangs lengthening in the sneer that now slid onto Toxic’s features. The leylines shifted their color from a light blue to an angry red, surging around the stallion with sparks that ate into the nearby walls and made the crystals on the bracer vibrate with arcane overload. Furious tongues of crimson magic surged through the pony’s body, spreading outwards from his back like an aggressive pair of flared wings tinged with shadow. The assassin’s eyes widened in genuine fear and shock, gryphon-half seeming to recoil slightly at the sight of the changed stallion.

“You know nothing about me!”

The bracer sparked and let out a roar that matched Toxic’s guttural growl, the weapon sending a spear of crimson and white arcane energy tearing through the horrified earth pony’s features. The assassin’s body was splattered against the wall, green, black, and red sludge dripping down a hidden shield that prevented the attack from leaving the apartment proper. The shadow portion shrieked and clawed desperately at the attack, red bolts of lightning angrily diving into the creature’s eyes as it was blown apart to match the liquified ‘body’ coating the walls.

As a Solar Princess disabled the remaining security systems with a surge of power, Legionnaires dashed into the room, spears and swords raised at the stallion on the bed-

“Toxic!” Princess Celestia called, pushing her way to the front of the line. The stallion let out a growl and glared at her, horn aglow with a crimson aura as uncontrolled magic tore into the carpet under his hooves. Standing at the ready, Specialist Shield took aim with the weaponized armor, head twitching as dark magic continued to spill from his eyes.

“Toxic, stand down. You are among friends. You’re safe,” she said softly. Yet there was a moment where Toxic saw it all; the fear, the horror, the genuine sorrow a split second before the mask slammed into place.

Celestia couldn’t take back those last two words, no matter how much she wanted to.

Toxic’s reflection looked back at him in the Alicorn’s eyes; black and green mane billowing with his face plastered with a sneer of rage. There was a glint of something else, an emotional dart that was aimed directly at the Alicorn herself. He knew fully well what he was saying, but in that moment Toxic didn’t care.

He vividly remembered seeing Celestia differently almost two decades prior as he had looked up to her in awe. A moment when the Princess of Equestria had asked him, a young colt, for help. Not for some simple task like before, but something bigger. How honored he had been…

A single word left Toxic’s lips as the dark magic faded from his eyes. There was no hatred left though, no anger directed at the Princess; only bitter pain. The dismay of having realized a parent wasn’t perfect, the unforgettable knowledge that what you once thought they were was based on a lie.

The searing reminder that you had been used by someone you trusted.

Celestia’s two words dredged up an ever-raw patch of memory. It could never be forgotten. Long since forgiven but scars were still reminders all the same.

Forgiveness did not always warrant trust.

“You’re safe.”

“Liar,” Toxic hissed, glaring at Celestia; he held her gaze without wavering even the slightest.

The moment quickly passed and Toxic’s sides began to heave. He began to hyperventilate as the bracer slid from his forelimb, the device now falling to pieces from the outburst. The dark magic faded from his eyes, the stallion starting to shiver violently.

“W-what?” he whispered, looking around and starting to wobble on his hooves. “What did I-?”

The last thing he remembered was collapsing into a golden aura and the familiar voice of Luna then easing him into a dreamless sleep.

Entire body aching from the unexpected magical attack, the Bringer growled at the corner of the dark room, levering himself up.

“Dark magic? A leyline connection? That hurt!”

“You dare complain? I blunted the majority of the shock. It is an unexpected development, but does not change our goals,” a smooth voice replied. Two white eyes flickered open in the darkness, the vague outlines of predator’s head taking shape. The simple, pony-like head was closest to that of a unicorn except fangs lined its mouth and the horn on its head was curved as though from a bladed weapon. White eyes glared at the gryphon, the apparition letting out a huff.

“You should be thankful I blessed you with my presence for that little attack. The Lunar Princess would have destroyed you, that stallion and his security systems doubly so. You can tell your Commander that his assassin is safe, as you are. The leyline magic would have easily thwarted my usual efforts; you are very lucky.”

As his general had bowed before him, it was now the Bringer that lay prone with a nod.

“Forgive my complaints. I was merely taken off guard. I do not have the foresight and full plan as you do, my Lord.”

“No, you do not,” the shadow replied smoothly without a hint of anger. “And yet you continue to follow my orders precisely. For that you are to be rewarded continually.”

The gryphon felt a blissful warmth in his mind, a piece of the shadow on the floor flowing over to spread across his figure.

“I am of the Lord’s personal guard, now assigned to you,” a familiar voice in the gryphon’s mind stated as the other figure continued to speak.

“I must return to my anchor now. Continue with the plans I have given you, but this new pony must be watched carefully. Extract, analyze, and eliminate him. If his resistance to our substances cannot be extracted for our own personal use, kill him. I leave it up to you how best to acquire him and force his cooperation, if such is even possible. The end result must be his death. Give him a bit of time to be worn down, for the guards to become complacent. Then strike. I doubt his mental state will remain stable for long after that attack. I will inform you if the timetable changes.”

“As you command, my Lord,” the Bringer replied, then pausing. The shadow-creature then grinned, fangs showing at the gryphon’s hesitation.

“Is there another matter?”

“I…”

“Come now, have I ever unfairly punished somecreature for a concern?”

Try as he might, the Bringer couldn’t think of one. He was always fair and just. Brutal and savage, yes, but never without reason.

“Some of my subordinates are asking questions, my Lord,” the gryphon finally said. “Commander Chaster and his squad in particular. They are some of the most loyal, and while I too am curious, such concerns are beneath you.”

“Are they now? But such miniscule concerns can grow to a problem that may threaten an empire. Do tell me,” the Shadow asked, voice calm and sincere.

“They wish to ask when you will resurrect Her, as you originally promised.”

It was a slight twitch of the eye, the Shadow actually appearing a tad annoyed. It was then gone, replaced with a forced patience of a ruler.

“Ah. And you have such concerns, do you not?”

“Curiosities, my Lord. Not so much as a concern.”

That seemed to please the shadow, the creature chuckling.

“Well put. Hmmm, I do think it’s time to clarify a few loyalties. You still have the crystal shard in your possession?”

“Yes, it is in the next chamber.”

“Do you hear the Windigos when you get close to it?”

“I do.”

The shadow then grinned, barely-hidden eagerness dripping from every fang in its expression.

“Tell me, Bringer,” the Shadow asked. “And I do hope you answer honestly. From what you have seen of my plans, my power, my resources; did you ever truly believe I would bring back some husk of a mare? A paltry Witch who sold her soul to hatred for personal gain? Your title was in reference to her, yes, the Bringer of the Emissary’s return, or whatever it must be. But knowing that I actually meant for you to be my Bringer, what say you? You’re one of the smarter mortals I’ve seen, surely this must not be a shock.”

The gryphon’s brow furrowed, what was once a fearful question now replaced with an answer that made sense, almost too much.

Why hadn’t he realized this sooner?

A soft voice chuckled in his mind; the Lord’s personal guard.

‘It is alright. My Lord knows emotion can cloud judgement. He thinks highly of you regardless. Your loyalty to your previous Master is commendable.’

“No. I see no reason you would bring back the Emissary other than for her to serve you,’ the Bringer finally said.

The Shadow chuckled, nodding in approval.

“And that is your answer. The free Windigos preserved in that crystal are our allies; they do not wish to trust their existence to another pitiful mortal soul. Such an action led to the destruction of many of their kind at the hoof of Celestia and her allies,” his Lord explained. “It is unfortunate I had to misdirect your loyalties and your subordinates at first but there was no other way. Your dedication to the Emissary was admirable, and I had to wait until my plans could be fully realized.”

“I understand,”

“Oh?”

The question was obviously left open ended, the gryphon simply shrugging.

“If you had simply asked our allegiance from the start, we would have doubted your power out of ignorant pride. Now there can be no doubt. I personally will gladly serve you instead of a ghostly remnant. I expect others will do the same.”

The Shadow grinned, nodding in approval.

“Then I leave it up to you, as to the best method of explaining the situation. If any doubt my willingness to fulfil my promises, I will gladly make an example of them,” the creature then laughed, shaking its head. “That sounds much more sinister than I intended. I will gladly give them the same gifts that I have others. I do not wish to have jealousy spread throughout my ranks.”

“Of course, thank you, my Lord.”

“Carry on, my Bringer.”

The apparition then vanished, leaving the gryphon to meander down the mountain-cut hallways.

“He is pleased with your work,” the gryphon’s shadow-half stated calmly. “You are to be commended.”

“I’ll accept such commendations after our plans are in motion, and that pony is dead or turned to our side,” the gryphon muttered, striding out of the stone room towards his generals. “I naturally feel annoyed at being misled, but my Lord is wise to have done so. We would have foolishly turned his gifts away with our past misguided loyalty. I’d rather serve a living King than a skeletal witch!

A sinister laugh echoed through his mind, the voice of the Greater shadow returning to the Bringer’s mind temporarily.

“Ah, and that is why I like you. Carry on, my right hoof.”

Some Time Later

Celestia let a few hot tears streak her cheeks in the privacy of her own study, useless spell books cast about her figure. Despite the safety measures she had meticulously crafted around Toxic’s apartment they had been swept aside by whatever evil magic the assassin had utilized. A shield bypassed; proximity alarms deactivated; the usual countermeasures had proven utterly useless. The power of the Sun at her disposal, and Celestia’s magic had been bypassed, her hooves tied by a force she didn’t fully understand.

Again.

She broke her promise.

Again.

Celestia at least had the frame of mind to cast a shielding spell before throwing out a fiery blast in rage-filled yell, the fire wrapping around her torso before vanishing.

She could excuse it, of course, her past regrets. Celestia had been alone without her sister, without a confidant. Confident in her rule of a millennium. She had settled into the routine of making the decision to benefit the many, for their needs outweighed the one. Pieces on a chessboard; that was how she had viewed things for the sake of her sanity. When ponies passed away in what was a blink of an eye for her it made things easier during a thousand years of sole rule.

Yet she had been wrong, so very wrong. Such a view had only isolated Celestia more during her reign and in this case damaged a very empathetic pony.

A few words said repeatedly to a colt years ago who had looked up at her in wonder as the Princess asked him to enter a broken laboratory to save dozens of ponies. Not the simple maintenance tasks like the year or two before, but an actual rescue mission. And she had promised, given a reassurance that had been blindly trusted and accepted. She was the Princess of Equestria; of course she was right.

Of course she would keep her word. A Goddess who had ruled for a thousand glorious years wouldn’t lie. She was good; the embodiment of light and kept promises.

That was what most ponies believed, and what Celestia herself had begun to.

Her reassurances had led him to accept the tasks, starting Toxic on a path earlier than he was ready for. Such blind wonder only lasted a year after that. Toxic learned too early the fallibility of Equestria’s ‘Goddess’. A chess set was roughly shoved off a small table in a flick of magic, tears of regret brewing in Celestia’s eyes.

I treated him like a Pawn when I should have spoken to him as a Knight from the start. I underestimated his importance by leagues. And now, he will never believe the Queen has his bests interests at heart; and he’s right. The Queen cannot lose the game to preserve a single piece, no matter how much she values it.

That knowledge didn’t make me feel better then, and it certainly doesn’t now.

It certainly doesn’t make my actions right. He should have known from the start.

In that moment years ago, Celestia had lost a sacred trust that could never be re-forged. From the time he had accused her and the Princess had only replied in silence, Toxic had made his position abundantly clear. In times more recent it had been said much more respectfully and in a kinder manner than Celestia felt she deserved.

But the tears of a betrayed friend still haunted her from that day more than a decade prior. A young stallion standing alone in the throne room, bandages across his side and forelimbs and asking the simple question of why, why she didn’t keep her promise?

Where was she when he needed her? Why didn’t she help when he cried out in fear and pain, trapped under a hundred tons of metal, steel, and fire?

Where was the Goddess who promised him safety? Why couldn’t she help? What stopped her?

Deadly chemicals, magical interference, a collapsing lab; but those don’t matter. Mere reasons that could only be seen as excuses to a pony who thought I had no weaknesses. I would have likely perished in moments, magic or not. Like today, I was faced with a force I didn’t fully understand. For one of the few moments in a thousand years, I wasn’t sure of the enemy I was facing.

But I promised.
If only I had been strong enough to be honest with him, with myself.
Even the memory of the angry conversation, the betrayed loathing in Toxic’s eyes was enough to ice over Celestia’s heart.
I can still hear his voice. His questions, rapid-fire and as valid a condemnation as I deserved.

‘Why did you promise me safety every time if you knew you might be powerless to help? Did you even know how dangerous it was down there? Was I ever safe?

Why did you lie to me? Did you think I wouldn’t help otherwise? Were you afraid I’d say no, because the greater good is greater than my life? Did you not trust me that I already knew that?’

Her silence may as well have been a guilty brand stamped across the Alicorn’s brow. She hadn’t trusted he’d stay. How could she? Of course, she had worried, perhaps not afraid, but concerned that he would refuse, that he didn’t understand what was at stake. Very few mortals did, not without harsh judgement of the Alicorn’s actions.

She had underestimated him by leagues and now was paying the price.

And a now, a long-familiar look had dawned on Toxic’s face. She had seen it this night and had hoped to never see it again. Rage, hurt, betrayal, and then just bitterness as Celestia’s words had re-opened a wound.

Very few creatures dared stand up to her, fewer to openly and honestly insult or pass judgement in the presence of the Solar Empress, especially until recently.

Toxic had said one word those many years ago, and Celestia wasn’t sure he even remembered. But she did remember the look in his eyes as the pony had fearlessly stared at her, not a speck of weakness on his figure despite the bandages, slowly-healing gashes and burns. In hindsight, he may not have even uttered it loud enough for anyone to hear; but Celestia could read lips well enough. The single word may as well have been a burning brand on the book of trust that was now closed between them.

‘Coward.’

And he had been right.

That incident more than a decade and a half ago had provided Celestia with a shock she hadn’t felt in generations; that even she was not untouchable, unkillable. For the first time in centuries, the Alicorn had been given a situation in which her own mortality was a very real concern. And in that moment, she had to choose; the stability of Equestria and her own life, or breaking a promise and not teleporting to come to the aid of a wounded pony.

Not that it mattered to the young stallion who trusted her to keep him safe, a pony who had then been barely old enough to consider asking a mare to his first school dance. Toxic bore the burden of her failure now, of her arrogance to think that her magic and skill could have protected against any threat faced in those underground labs.

Like today, her magic had proven useless, and Toxic’s own efforts had saved his life.

Even while Toxic may have forgiven Celestia in time, come to understand her reasoning with maturity and logic he had most certainly had not forgotten nor trusted her like he used to. He likely never would. The Specialist had never retracted any of the things he had said and small actions here and there made it very clear Celestia was not his trusted Princess.

A respected ruler, yes, but no longer a close friend or even steady ally. His Organization’s heavy concealment spells and airtight, if not borderline paranoid contracts with her nation certainly didn’t assay any of Celestia’s thoughts on the matter. He certainly didn’t trust her with his Organization’s best interests, let alone his own. One of her ponies would likely never trust her again, not with his life, and that hurt, even if it was justified.

That was why Luna was his confidant, his friend. She was blunt to a fault, honest even when it may come off as cruel or indifferent. She knew when to explain to the one when their needs were surpassed by the many. Luna had no qualms about letting ponies know she wasn’t perfect, that she had limits. Then again, she hadn’t kept a mask in place for a millennium, begun to believe that the mask was truth.

In one of the many confident moments during her sole, thousand-year rule and lacking her sister’s tact those years ago, Celestia had lied, and her words had subsequently exposed her flaws when her intentions were questioned.

As a consequence she lost the implicit trust and loyalty of one of Equestria’s most valuable ponies, and gained a mother who would never forgive the harm that had come to her son nor trust the Crown with her family’s wellbeing ever again.

And years later, a Yak would learn the same lesson as he begged for his daughter’s safe return, only to have a certain stallion intervene when the Crown was silent. Toxic had done what Celestia and all her power could not. Ripped aside political pleasantries and saved the fragile and innocent lives in danger when she could not.

Would not.

It was in her room that Nacreous found Celestia a short time later, the alicorn sobbing into his arms in sorrow. He knew, of course. She had told him everything weeks ago.

If anyone could understand her pain, it was him. The Doctor knew, the hippogriff who had lied to the face of a thousand dying creatures that they would be ok, giving them comfort and peace to replace panic. The Emperor could understand making choices to benefit a kingdom instead of the one and the guilt that caused. He knew above all others that sometimes you had to make promises you couldn’t keep.

‘I promise to keep you safe, Toxic Shield, as always.’

Author's Notes:

You didn't think things would remain all hunky-dory for Toxic, did you? Looks like things just ratcheted up a notch...or fifty....

Who was it wondering if things would stay all lovely and peaceful? Here's your answer! This is a heavy chapter to be sure.

Chapter Twelve: The Board is Set

Shifting tapped his hoof in thought against the clipboard, the Commander’s brow furrowing.

“’The Bringer’, and he’s a gryphon? The same that attacked the chemical lab?" the Commander of the Lunar Nights mused. “That’s all you could get out of him?”

“Considering I had to blast him out of Toxic’s mind before anything else, yes,” Luna replied. “It was like there were two minds in that gryphon’s though, quite strange. Some other force perhaps? Or a supportive party.”

“Well I hope you gave him a few hits from me. So, all we know is that a nebulous organization, likely the remnants of the Windigo’s group is at large. A ‘Whisper’ could refer to their continued influence. But that’s all we’ve got for now.” Shifting let out a growl at that. “Which means very little. No motive other than targeting Toxic, which implies a chemical attack, or some sort of utilization of such that only he would be able to stop. That would make the assassination logical. But still, that’s an escalation I didn’t anticipate, along with Toxic’s use of dark magic utilized from the leylines no less,” Shifting let out a huff. “I most certainly didn’t teach you that.

“You probably didn’t have to,” Luna remarked, leaning on her love’s shoulder, the pair sitting in a private conference room. She put down the report from the guards; the aforementioned stallion’s family now under constant guard from disguised legionnaires. “From what I was able to gather before blasting that apparition to oblivion, fear and rage were amplified in Toxic’s mind and heart. It’s likely he just reacted. The game just changed with the attempt on his life, obviously. He and his family are under guard now, and he should be considered a high-risk target. I don’t recall him ever using dark magic in any report I’ve read, but certainly a few warranted moments where he has gotten rather emotional during an incident.”

“Ah, but for emotions you mean the Klugetown event? That one I remember hearing about personally. There’s a lot of redacted material though- things erased beyond recovery. Even from what I gathered, it doesn’t surprise me that he became more publicly emotionless after that. I certainly would have done the same,” Shifting mused. “Well, in this case, if he was able to access dark magic so easily that is troubling indeed. Perhaps due to the Windigo’s magic influencing him? They do thrive off such emotions, dark magic sometimes causing such,” the Commander said thoughtfully.

“Perhaps, but it may be much more natural than that, Shifting,” Luna added, “Dark magic is, after all, still just magic at its core. It’s naturally occurring but just feeds off different emotions. Despite its past uses, it isn’t inherently evil in nature, simply the other side of a figurative magical coin. In this case, it would make sense if he was able to utilize a leyline for it. It uses similar emotions to the Windigos and the like. However, this attack will necessitate a shift in his training as well as to control this other type of magic. The fact the leylines seemed to reach out to him is interesting and adds a new aspect. It seems he has an affinity for the energy as you do.”

“No kidding. His interactions are much more different than mine. I’m able to tap into that source of magic easily, but Toxic just, I don’t get it. It’s like the leylines are attracted to him in a way,” the Commander admitted, his fiancé reaching over to poke his side with a hoof.

“Well, we know there are creatures that live in the Leylines per se, right?” Luna suggested. “Nacreous’s friends for example. So, in a way, the leylines are alive, even if not in a corporeal sense like Nacreous has experienced. Toxic may have sparked their interest.”

Shifting let out a hum at that, the stallion shrugging.

“I don’t know much about that,” he admitted. “Are you saying these leylines chose Toxic? I know that your words are true, I’ve just never met one of these leyline creatures. I know the Order Nacreous was a part of communed heavily with such magic, but only the basics.”

“Oh, I’m not saying each leyline has one, only that they may be alive in the general sense the Tree of Harmony is. My knowledge of that sort of magic is rather primitive, I admit.”

The raised eyebrow from Shifting, prompting Luna to let out a huff.

“What?”

“Luna, the Tree is now sapient and evolved to be such. The leylines have been around longer than that.”

Luna stared at her stallion, reaching up to massage a temple with a hoof.

“You raise a fair point,” she admitted, “but my words stand. In whatever form the leylines exist, they may be more open to Toxic for some reason. Perhaps Nacreous could-”

A knock interrupted the pair, the afore-mentioned and familiar hippogriff poking his head in.

“Nacreous! What can we do for you? We actually had some questions of our own, but that can wait,” Luna asked from her comfy position on Shifting’s shoulder.

“Oh? I’d be glad to answer. My words are about Toxic. I assume you all were going to shift his training?” the Doctor asked. Seeing Shifting nod, Nacreous couldn’t help but grin widely, an alabaster Alicorn poking her head in as well. She was clearly unsettled about something, but still seemed supportive of her fiancé.

“I have a different idea. I’m curious what you two, and Toxic will think. I think we all agree that Specialist Shield will need more than just additional training in this fight.”

The longer Shifting and Luna listened to the Paladin the wider their smiles got.

“Will it work? I mean, that would aid in more resources to combat threats on his life, and I assume guard against the influence of darker magics on a passive level,” Shifting asked as Luna stared, his grin now matching her own. They had thought a previously-discussed project was on the mind of the Emperor and the Solar Princess, but this option was much more appealing.

“It’s not just up to me, but yes, it would most certainly fulfil those requirements,” Nacreous said with an eager chuckle, a previous spark of enthusiasm now becoming a roaring fire as the Emperor summoned his breastplate, claws tracing over the symbols gently. “But if anypony is worthy, it would be Toxic.”

“Will it not be another burden?” Celestia asked softly, “that stallion bears enough weight for his duties as it is. I will not recommend an option to Toxic that will put more stress into his life.” Her ears were flat against her skull, more words seeming to be unsaid, but her posture conveyed her reluctance.

“I don’t think he’d see it that way,” Nacreous replied, surprising Celestia as he reached over to grasp her hoof gently, Luna and Shifting watching curiously. There seemed to be a hidden weight to the hippogriff’s words. “He has already been walking the path, he just didn’t know it. All this would do is unlock some help. There is no more responsibility with this calling, only the promised power that this pony already should have access to. Would it be a burden to finally have the power to defend that which you hold dear? To know that you had a greater strength to draw upon than just your own? All of us here have that option; Toxic doesn’t in multiple meanings of it. I don’t just mean the sun and moon either. He’s a natural protector, Celestia.”

Luna couldn’t help but grin at seeing her sister so flustered, even after all the time she had spent with Nacreous. Shifting gave her a nudge on the shoulder, the Commander of the Lunar Knights winking at his Fiancé to accompany Nacreous’s words.

“Then ask him, Nacreous. You have my support. I’ll stand as a witness for him, if Toxic accepts,” Celestia said. “I made a promise to keep him safe, and to deny this potential source of strength from him would betray that trust.” Her voice then dropped to a whisper only Nacreous was able to hear. “What little trust that hasn’t been betrayed, that is.

“Likewise,” Luna added. “He needs the help, this recent incident showed as much. I cannot watch as a pony falls to a darkness we still don’t know how to combat. Perhaps this new opportunity can harden his mind against this evil. I trust you on that matter, Nacreous. Whatever this new evil threat is, it has targeted a pony already buckling under the weight of responsibility. I will gladly vouch for him.”

“For what weight my view carries, I as well,” Shifting concluded. “Luna was right when she spoke of Toxic many moons ago. I see quite a bit of myself in this stallion. There’s a great will in that pony, an odd attraction to the leylines that has given him some aid, but Specialist Shield can only take so much. If I can help prevent the darkness in another’s life that consumed myself for so many years, I must try.”

Nacreous nodded, summoning a parchment with a wave of his claws as the three other individuals signed it. It was a simple summons, but their signatures with his would add considerable weight. Considering things could immediately proceed if Toxic accepted, it was a weighty request indeed. It would be sent within a few days, at least until the stallion in question had recovered from his ordeal. But they could not wait too long, for predators often struck again when their prey was wounded.

A quip sprang to mind, modified from an ever-popular comic book of which a certain dragon assistant hypothetically had two original copies of.

“With great responsibility…” Nacreous whispered.

Once alone, Celestia called up a specific report from years ago, hoof massaging her temples.

How could she have forgotten?

“Lulu, I need to show you something. It’s about Toxic. Give me an hour first. Then again, see if you can snag Shifting and Nacreous too,” Celestia called out, sending her voice magically over a temporary mental link.

As her sister sent a soft chime back in acknowledgement, the Solar Princess shook her head. It was logical that she had forgotten. Over a decade of interactions, a single moment in time when so much had been chaotic with Luna returning a few years after.

Opening the classified recording, Celestia zipped through the crudely-recorded images of the incident, zeroing in on a single frame taken from a nearly-destroyed security camera from a remote warehouse in the Badlands.

Face a mask of vengeful rage and clad in a broken hazard suit, a familiar blue stallion leered over five cowering reptiles, broken weapons surrounding them as their claws were raised up in a begging gesture. The image was broken with static and a dense fog, light refracting across numerous bright surfaces to one side. Was that purple mist spilling from his eyes, or was it a trick of the light?

What else could I do? I monitored, spoke with you, and forgot. You said that nothing felt different, no intent on accessing those magics. I know how fickle magic can be so I passed it off as a one-time thing, if it even happened at all. I suppose I convinced myself of the lunacy of it all, and I didn’t want to pry and disrupt your life any more than I already had.

But this new incident; it wasn’t a trick of the light at all. I can’t afford for you to fall down a dark path, Toxic.
We can’t afford it.

And yet there was a strong fire of hope in Celestia’s chest. She knew this stallion. It wasn’t evil intentions that day that made dark magic course through Toxic’s veins, nor a desire for power or domination. It was rage, righteous anger at what he found in that warehouse.

Celestia would never hold such actions against him, nor any other creature. She herself had turned the area to glass not a few days later; Toxic had been more merciful to those monsters than she, even under the influence of such magic. There was a reason their interactions with the Badlands were next to none, and that was even before Twilight’s adventures.

Unlike other fallen sorcerers, Toxic hadn’t let the dark magic control his mind or actions that day in the Badlands. Pure intentions sometimes meant everything when meddling with such powers. The power Darkness held over one’s heart was next to nothing if your intentions were selfless and pure; that much had been shown.

You’re stronger than that. I know you are.

In some ways, you’re stronger than me.

“You’re sure that you’re ok?” Spectrum asked her son, Toxic nodding at the simple portal where his parents looked on in concern.

“Yes, I got released from the hospital with a clean bill of health, and that was after being asleep for two days straight, and a third day of solid tests before they let me contact anyone myself. I’m just taking it easy in a hotel now, just got here. And I’ve got a few doctor appointments this week for the non-physical injuries.”

“Do keep us in the loop, and take care, Son, try not to get mugged again,” Manifold Shield said, Toxic actually surprised at seeing his father choked up slightly.

“I will, and I’m ok, I promise. I’ve got a dozen guards and probably two dozen more I don’t see on a daily basis. The bonus of high security clearance.”

“Love you.”

“Love you guys too.”

As the call ended, Toxic shook his head tiredly, the sleep in the hospital not seeming to have helped that much. No dreams, just completely out.

But at least it’s something.

He hated lying to his parents, and by now they could probably tell something was amiss. They always seemed to know when his various assignments took their toll, even if they knew not to ask. But now Toxic’s safety and whereabouts were being pushed up to top-secret levels. The less his parents knew the better and the safer they would be. That was how it had been for many years, and his parents knew better than to ask more.

And that’s why I understand, Celestia. Lies have to be told to keep those you love safe. I don’t like it, I never will, nor will I agree with it as a standard to operate on. But I get it. It feels different when you are the one being lied to though.

He opened a portal to retrieve some enchanted parchment, running down his list of who to contact. Parents, check. Varti? Check. Now for a certain, special gryphoness. Poor Gelly, she probably had no idea what was going on. It had been three days, and he had just sent a few parchments saying something had come up. How could explain it? He….

Toxic’s hooves abruptly began to shake, making the unicorn sit down on the floor. Every noise seemed to be amplified, the air itself seeming heavy.

Somecreature tried to kill me.
Again.

For the first time, the statement now began to disseminate through the pony’s mind, Toxic knowing full well the signs of an anxiety attack as his heartbeat thudded in his ears.

An assassin, sent to kill me. And he almost did, if not for my security systems and that weird leyline tug to get that bracer ready.

The world seemed to spin for a moment, Toxic taking deep breaths as he struggled to stop his hooves from shivering.

I guess it never sank in, still hasn’t sunk in. How do I even process this?
Am I even safe here?

I learned a long time ago that even a Goddess can’t save my life. And now…

A few tears trickled from his eyes, the stallion feeling pent-up sobs in his chest aching to be released.

I always feared it would happen again after that incident years ago. And now it did, in Equestria, not some backwoods forest bordering the badlands. This was much closer, not some random fanatic.

Someone tried to-

A knock on the door made the Unicorn’s fur stand on edge, a quick spell indicating there were just two individuals outside, one a legionnaire. It served as a good enough distraction to stem the tears as Toxic swiped a forelimb across his face.

Friends, that’s good. Guess I’ll be on edge for a while to say the least.
Fantastic. I get to add ‘attempted assassination’ to my list of mental traumas.
At least I didn’t kill them, contrary to what I thought.

The simple question to Celestia had assayed that thought; the ‘body’ of the assassin, while having been blown apart, was more magical than physical. Whatever it was, it definitely hadn’t been permanently destroyed by Toxic’s efforts.

That both made him feel better at not having taken a life, but also didn’t assay the fear of a returning event.

I still never want to take a life. Even in Klugetown, I never-

“Hey, Toxic. It’s Hammer.”

As Toxic opened the door, two concerned violet eyes met his, a familiar gryphoness’s beak clenched in worry.

“I’ll leave you two be. She’s got temporary security clearance for this incident by the way.”

Hammer trotted off promptly, leaving Gelliana looking over Toxic in genuine concern.

“Are you alright? T-they didn’t tell me anything until an hour ago, just that you were unavailable. There were more guards posted around Icait, and I didn’t know what was going on, only that you stopped answering my parchments,” Gelliana whispered, ears flat against her skull. “T-they said that you w-were ok, b-but I didn’t know i-if y-you…”

Her words faded as Toxic dropped his gaze to his hooves, a lump in his throat preventing everything but a few words. She must have seen his damp eyes, the way his voice wavered and cracked. Toxic could feel Gelliana’s gaze on him, even though his own eyes were now closed.

“S-sorry. I was going to…I…”

A quiet sniffle that accompanied the soft shaking of his sides was enough for Gelliana to quickly step forward and wrap Toxic up into a tight hug, her own worries taking a back seat. Burying his face into her soft shoulder, the stallion took a shuddering breath knowing that tears were running from his closed eyes but not caring in the slightest. As the gryphoness held him close the stallion let himself cry, barrel shivering as the dam holding back the emotional impact of the past events cracked and began to break.

And yet Gelliana didn’t say much more, only tightened her hug around Toxic and rested her head against his. The shaking of his hooves and sides refused to stop, the stallion just focusing on the warm gryphoness holding him close as he sobbed, burying his face into her feathers. Gelliana rocked the distraught pony back and forth as the peaceful scent of her feathers made everything else fade away.

“I’m just glad you’re not hurt,” she whispered, “but it’s ok to not be ok.”

Thank you, Gelliana.

Author's Notes:

I'm liking this idea of a double-chapter upload for the weekend. They are more beefy now, but will eventually settle into a shorter chapter on Friday, and a larger on Saturday, every other week.
That being said...

I feel like a weekly upload of shorter chapter and then longer chapter the next week disrupts the flow a bit more with the time inbetween, but let me know! Would you prefer a weekly upload of short then long chapters, or two on one weekend? (Short chapter Friday, bigger one Saturday).

Learning some more about the aftermath. The board is set...

Chapter Thirteen: The Pieces are Moving

“Thank you for meeting with me, Professor Varti,” Luna said kindly as the large yak waved a cloven hoof at her.

“Most welcome, your Highness. There are a few matters I needed to discuss with you too, so this is quite efficient,” the eccentric creature replied, adjusting his lab coat with a shrug of his furry shoulders. The pair had met on Toxic’s island, the two of them now sitting in a pleasant gazebo that overlooked a peaceful beach, the organization’s main complex behind them in the far distance.

“I am a bit surprised to be here, if I may be blunt,” Luna admitted. “I didn’t think Toxic would let either myself or my sister be here without a bit more…word fencing.”

The yak let out a sad sigh, nodding slowly.

“Well, if your sister had asked, I’d have refused,” he replied softly, “I stand with Toxic on that. I know you have your sister’s best interests in mind, as I have Toxic’s. Those two views are not mutually exclusive though.”

“And yet you clearly do not trust my Sister; may I ask why?” Luna asked, seeming genuinely curious. Those words made the yak let out a huff.

“You already know, Highness. I doubt my-rephrasing of past events will change things.”

“I…actually don’t, Professor.”

Having a mind that ran faster than the majority of others could be a blessing and a curse at times. Predicting social reactions, where a conversation was going; it was only through those methods that Varti had managed to even begin to navigate social circles.

And yet the Princess had truly and utterly stumped him. For all his intellect, he had never suspected that simple answer.

“What?” was the only word the Yak could ask, the gears in his mind grinding to a halt for a moment.

“Contrary to what many may thing, Celestia doesn’t share everything with me, especially now that she has Nacreous for more personal challenges,” Luna admitted, not able to keep a bit of sisterly bitterness out of her voice. “While I adore how happy she is, it does make breaching such topics a bit more difficult. So, I do not know what happened between her and Toxic Shield. I only know the absolute basics, not the fine details.”

“It is not my place to give you such details, Princess.”

“Just Luna, Varti. I am here as a friend now, Princess later. And I respect that decision. That said, is there any light you can offer on this matter? My sister has seemed more erratic concerning matters with Toxic, and that stallion’s challenges are many,” she then paused. “As a matter of fact, I only know what our official files detail about you as well. I regret not being more up to date in a more personal aspect.”

Varti frowned, furry brows furrowed in thought. What could he say? Both about himself and Toxic. The last thing he wanted was to betray his friend’s trust. But the stallion trusted Luna to approve this meeting, and if their private talk had been any indication, Toxic was going to take a breather for a short while.

Yaks are so much easier to read. Just blunt, and-

Ah!

“May I tell you something about Yaks, Luna?” Varti asked, shifting on the large cushion as he looked to her and then the ocean. “It is a bit convoluted, but I believe it’s the best way I can explain your sister’s position in regards to Toxic, and to myself, and to this entire Organization. If you permit me, it may explain in gentler terms why we can’t trust her, and I mean that in the kindest way possible. Both Toxic and myself still hold her in the highest regard, as contradictory as that may seem.”

“I am intrigued, do continue.”

Varti chuckle, nodding as he began.

“Did you know I was the very first Yak in my entire family to get a formal education?” he asked. “The irony that a Yak could fit in most with ponies was…well, my parents truly couldn’t understand it. But they saw that I was happy. Back home in our Clan lands, and for most Yaks, for that matter, we deal with things in three ways,” Varti pressed his left hooves against the ground in emphasis. “Smash, yell, or just charge through. Those three ideals encompass military views, social constructs, everything. As a child, I didn’t understand it. I was curious, enough to realize that other creatures spoke more fluidly, that the world was bigger than just a village. I saw the oddity where culture and tradition should have guided me. It was only once getting an education that I could put words to my discomfort, realized how to see the world in my own way.”

The yak now looked over to Luna, genuine concern shining in his dark brown eyes.

“Luna, if you dropped any other Yak into a university, they would be lost. Thankfully for the school of Friendship, it’s not as strict in terms of academics. The goal is to learn about friendship. But if you asked any yak from my clan how to solve a math problem? How to cook a fine meal using precise measurements? They were wholly unfamiliar with such concepts. Not out of active avoidance, but simply because it had no place in their lives, do you follow?”

“Very much so. My experience returning to Equestria has shown that many things I thought were now outdated and wholly useless. How to interact with ponies, their views; I didn’t know what to do other than lash out in frustration for a time,” Luna admitted.

“Yaks, Ponies, Gryphons, and Alicorns are not so different at times,” Varti chuckled. “Now, concerning Celestia. From what I understand she ruled for a thousand years, never encountering a foe that could not be bested by raw force, save perhaps Discord.”

Luna stayed silent on that; her own true power and Celestia’s was a secret kept out of necessity, and also by blind acceptance by the masses. However, there were some who had realized the truth out of necessity, or just doing enough research.

“If I’m not wrong, for example, Celestia could have turned Chrysalis into a paste with a flick of her hoof, but she didn’t for the betterment of her ponies. For a thousand years, your sister played a part that I think was not entirely truthful to herself and her subjects, for various reasons. It was all to their benefit, but that had limits.”

That got a wince from Luna. She sometimes forgot how smart this Yak really was.

“And to be fair, this is from reading a lot of history. I might have Ph.D’s in physics and engineering, but I do love the past,” Varti admitted. “Now, what happens when you put not a Yak steeped in tradition, but a Princess into a situation where all her power, knowledge and will means absolutely nothing. A thousand years of rule, of vanquishing foes with barely a thought, of careful planning- suddenly that means nothing in a split second. Every preconceived solution is gone, what do you do? How can you predict somecreature would react?”

Luna shook her head at that. “You can’t.”

“And you’d be right. In terms of Toxic, I will say this. Celestia was placed in that exact situation. From what I understand she was suddenly confronted with an impossible choice that required immediate action. Her power meant nothing and she had to choose between saving my friend, and her own life.” Varti shrugged sadly at that.

“This was before your return, before I even met Toxic. He hasn’t told me everything in detail, but I’ve figured it out well enough. Celestia chose the well-being of herself and the nation over Toxic’s life, as any ruler should. That is what it comes down to. And that would not have had such an impact if she had not promised to do otherwise. But how could she? To anticipate such an event with a thousand years of experience would be like asking a Yak to predict the end equation spanning the length of a chalkboard. And yet the damage was done." The yak paused, and Luna saw a bit of a dangerous glint in the professor's teal eyes.

"I cannot continue without mentioning myself, for I at first thought Toxic was being a bit harsh. And yet not a few years later, he was proven right. Celestia's response to my daughter's kidnapping only proved Toxic's words true. She chose a nation over my daughter, as every ruler should. But it was not her daughter at risk that day. I was able to see her as Toxic did. She would choose the nation over my daughter, as she chose it over Toxic. Both of us understand that logic, but refuse to be dragged into it ever again.”

Varti was then silent for a time, and to her surprise, Luna saw the Yak toying with a loose bit of fur with his hooves anxiously.

“That said, I worry about Toxic, Luna,” Varti said quietly. “And I speak not of this attempt on his life. He can defend himself well enough. But he…I can see him changing ever so slightly. And I’m not sure your sister is helping the matter.”

“How so?” Luna asked softly, her previous conversations with Celestia at the fore. She did seem genuinely worried about Toxic, on a level that spoke of both compassion and guilt.

“Your sister is like a Yak, in this case,” Varti said bluntly. “I fear she does not know how to handle a problem outside of the past one thousand years of managing things. That requires not taking individual lives into account, but the whole picture. That can come off as very cold to those who are affected, amplified by past pains. That is why we cannot trust her, as well intentioned as Celestia may be. She would use Toxic, myself, and this organization to Equestria’s overall benefit if it came down to it. That is how it should be, but also why we must be careful. Toxic trusts you though, and so I tell you that in confidence.”

Not replying to that, Luna tapped her hooves against the stone in thought. Varti was right of course, but it wasn’t her place to confirm things. Nacreous had been helping Celestia immensely in that regard; but a thousand years of instinct couldn’t be undone in but a few years.

In the end, the Yak was right. Celestia would do exactly that. It was why she had sealed off Oakbark to protect tens of thousands from a toxic fog, and possibly doomed anycreature who had tried to escape through the hardened shield.

Oh, Sister. You’ve only shared brief moments of what it was like while you ruled alone. I cannot imagine the impossible choices you’ve had to make.

And now with Nacreous, you can finally open up about them to someone who can understand. But the past is not easily erased it would seem.

“Toxic was one of those affected, Luna,” Varti concluded, “I cannot emphasize the impact it had on him, but it was severe and long lasting. He has never told me the details of what happened that day, b-but I worry…” the Yak’s voice actually trembled, the scientist taking a shaking breath. “I worry that unless this organization can shoulder his burden, that I will lose my friend.”

“Varti, what are you-?”

“I am no stranger to challenges of the mind, Luna,” Varti said curtly. “I may be conversing with you easily now, but that has taken more than a decade of training and mental practice to do so. My intellect has a price, a severe one in terms of social anxieties. However, my challenges have now let me see that my friend is suffering, even if I don’t know how to fix it.”

There was a dangerous look in Varti’s eyes; that of an unsettled creature confronted with a problem that he wanted to solve but was barred from doing so.

“Toxic cannot take the necessary time to stop; a fool could see that. If he took the time needed to heal and refused a call that would inevitably cost lives, that guilt would tear him apart,” the Yak said softly. “You and I both know he meets with some of the best-paid therapists in Canterlot. But that can only delay the cost, not erase it. I fear the eventual dept to be paid will be too much. And this new foe…”

“I know,” Luna whispered, “His nightmares have become worse as of late, and this new enemy seems to specifically want to break his mind. I fear they will succeed unless he gets some help. But to that end,” Luna looked up, her gaze sharp as a spearpoint as a wry smile twitched at her lips, “we have some plans for that, if Toxic will accept the help. I can’t tell you of them yet.”

Varti nodded knowingly, shrugging his broad shoulders.

“If it will help Toxic, I wish you all the best,” he then glanced over to the Princess curiously. “I suppose that covers one matter. What was it you also wanted to discuss?

“Truthfully, we already touched on it,” Luna admitted. “I am concerned for Toxic, and wanted to learn more of why my sister is so touchy about conversing with him. It was starting to get a bit aggravating, seeing the tension so very present but not knowing why.”

“Understandable, but I have a feeling there is another reason.”

Luna couldn’t help but laugh, gesturing around at the ocean and the island.

“Perhaps. I have been curious about this island, this organization, and I have missed the ocean.” The alicorn then held up a hoof, a knowing smile on her face. “And no, as per my word, I haven’t cast any scanning spells or the like.”

The yak relaxed slightly, standing up with a wince and stretching.

“Thank you, Luna. I’m sure Toxic appreciates it. Do feel free to let me know if any other matters arise. I’m sure future meetings won’t be an issue.” He then let out a rumbling chuckle. “Well, as long as you make it clear to your fiancé, I am not trying to steal you away.”

Luna grinned at that, powering up a teleportation spell with a bow of her head, a gesture the yak returned.

“I look forward to it, Professor Varti. And perhaps next time Shifting can join us?”

The yak thought for a moment and then nodded.

“I’d like to meet him. Take care, Princess Luna.”

“You as well.”

After the Princess vanished, the Yak made his way up towards the sloping mountain path, getting his exercise in for the day. While he liked his lab, there was something peaceful about just listening to the ocean.

I hope you can find some peace, Toxic. Perhaps you don’t know how worried your friends are about you.

“Discord, what in the world? I’ve been trying to reach you for days, if not longer!” Celestia fumed, glaring at the back of the Lord of Chaos as the Draconequus fiddled with his claws and not looking at her. A few days after the attempt on Toxic’s life, and only now had the individual in question answered her summons. The fact even Fluttershy had been mum on his whereabouts was both cause for concern and aggravation. This was not the time for any of his pranks.

“What is the…Discord?”

Her tone immediately changed on seeing Discord recoil slightly, not a smidge of cocky bravado present on the usually boisterous creature.

“Discord, what is wrong?”

He let out a huff, the barest hint of a joyless smile twitching at Discord’s face.

“Quite a bit, my dear Princess. I apologize for the wait but I had to make sure. I had to try and fix it.”

“Fix what? Please, tell me what is wrong.”

Discord let out a laugh, but this one held no mirth. No, this held the tone of a creature absolutely frightened beyond belief and was laughing because no other emotion could leave his being.

“Wrong. Oh, so much is wrong, Celly,” he drolled, conjuring up a picture of his house in the chaotic realm. “Did you know my house has plumbing? It’s nothing like the stuff in your realm here, but it’s still there. Pipes carrying things to and fro, letting me have a glorious shower of steaming chocolate milk, so many pipes all over my domain!”

Celestia waited patiently, never having seen Discord so unsettled.

“Simply put, there’s a leak,” he stated flatly, glaring at a piece of pipe that floated between the two in the empty throne room. “Well, not so much a leak as much as some imbecilic creatures decided to try and merge their pipes with mine! DID merge it!”

He rounded on Celestia conjuring up a small, ragged piece of parchment.

“Read this. I was given this letter a week ago, when I first detected that something was wrong in my realm. How it showed up in my mailbox I still don’t know.”

Looking at the parchment, Celestia read it once, then twice…and then abruptly had to adjust her connection with the sun as the carpet under her hooves began to smolder.

‘To the Lord of Chaos.

Do not interfere.
It would be a shame for your precious butterfly’s wings to be plucked.

You will not try to find or stop us. Not if you value your butterfly.

-The Bringer’

“Discord,” Celestia whispered, the Draconequus letting out a hiss.

“Oh, but I tried at first, to find the leak and at least see if I could stop it! But nothing! Zilch! Nada! Everything in my realm is as it should be! That’s exactly why I never noticed this happening! And yet somehow, something is leaking, siphoned off into this world! Do you have any idea- no, of course you wouldn’t. You only see one piece, don’t you?” Discord asked, eyes flickering across the room wildly. “A month? A year? I have no idea how long this has been going on! You can’t have any idea how this affects you. No idea at all. How many ways this could affect- no, how many…no…what could even occur if-”

*SPLAT!*

A ball of raspberries slapped Discord in the face, Celestia then wiping it off with a clean napkin that was quickly incinerated.

“Discord, you need to tell me in simple terms what is going on. If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re terrified.”

Discord took a few deep breaths, his form expanding ten times its size and then shrinking as he did so.

“Thank you, Celestia,” he admitted. “I needed a good rasberrying.”

“Anytime. I’d be happy to inform Fluttershy of that statement too for her future use.”

That made a familiar, smug grin return to Discord’s face.

“I’ll bet you would. However, now that my head is back on straight; In simple terms? I am terrified and I don’t like it. As I said, somecreature has found a way to siphon off energy from my realm into this plane. To contain it, utilize it, mess with it. For how long I truly don’t know, but I suspect for an extended length of time.”

“Isn’t that impossible? Your magic can’t be controlled except by, well, you.”

Discord nodded, letting out a growl at that.

“Correct. They clearly have found a way to at least direct it, and I think I know how. What is the opposite of Chaos, Celestia?”

“Order.”

“Oh, naturally. But go further. The opposite of light?”

“Dark.”

“A full container?”

“And empty one.”

“The opposite of certainty?”

“Uncertainty.”

“What is another word for that? Where darkness loves to thrive? Where do shadows live? A certain pony of shadows, a race of shadows, I might add?”

Celestia’s eyes widened at that.

“Limbo.”

Discord nodded once.

“A place of nothingness. What place can contain a creature even as powerful as the Pony of Shadows? A place and magic that would nullify chaos? For its very existence is that of chaos itself, or, at times, the lack thereof. I have no doubt such magic would render your attacks useless too. An opponent doesn’t always have to match your power to win. Just counter every move.”

“This is about Onyx, what he’s seen, this new Shadow creature, yes?” Celestia asked. “I don’t know more than that. But you’re saying somehow a creature from Limbo is able to harness your magic? Siphoned off from your realm for who knows how long?”

“Oh, not harness it in full, goodness no!” Discord drawled as he examined some floating bubbles that now appeared in front of him. “But modify? Infuse into matter from this plane? Oh yes, that they can do indeed, and my magic does not interact well with things here unless controlled by a loving, handsome, and experienced paw.”

“That fluid? The lab explosion?”

“Possibly infused with chaotic matter. I don’t know, simply because it’s not here anymore. I can’t trace it. Limbo magic canceled out everything. Your magic, my magic, it doesn’t care.”

Letting out a frustrated huff, Celestia then paused, rounding on the more-normally behaving creature.

“Why are you so scared then?” she asked softly. “For Fluttershy? Surely you could destroy them at a whim if they even stepped a hoof near her.”

With a wave of his paw, Discord conjured up a vial of familiar green liquid, and promptly poured it out onto the floor.

Eating through stone and metal, the liquid bored a neat hole straight down until it was out of sight.

“All I did was make water fuse with a bit of energy from my realm. That was just tap water from my house, in a raw form at least,” Discord said, voice surprisingly soft. “To realize that my realm can now affect things here without my consent? It’s…I can’t…it’s wrong!” he growled, now standing up and crossing his arms but refusing to look at Celestia. “I am the Lord of Chaos. I control chaotic energy here! And now some upstarts have made that statement false! It’s-it isn’t right!”

“There’s more though, isn’t there?”

A soft growl left Discord’s maw, the Draconequus turning to look at Celestia with a dangerous gleam in his eye.

“Oh, so much more. Don’t you get it, Celestia?” he asked. “For the first time in my life, I am afraid of what my magic can do to the creatures here. Well, for one in particular. The raw arcane power that is usually only controlled by me is no longer my own and in the hands of psychopaths! Things have been altered you have no concept of. I planned on starting a theme park, maybe remolding my house, asking Fluttershy something rather important, I even had a rather ambitious plan to help Twilight get some confidence! But now? No. Things have changed. Threads in the tapestry crisscrossed and frayed.”

Blinking in surprise, Celestia couldn’t help but be on edge herself at Discord’s words.

“Because your magic…”

“Because my magic can hurt, kill, maim, corrupt, destroy things here! For the first time ever, I actually care that can happen!” Discord hissed. “I never wanted to kill anycreature, just have my fun, even in my most chaotic moments! Humiliate? Toy with? Drive absolutely batty? Of course! But never, never what these monsters have demonstrated. And now I am bound to not interfere, because that could make things worse, so much worse, for everycreature here and for myself.”

“Do you want me to post guards around Fluttershy? They will be hidden, of course.”

“No, no, that won’t be necessary,” Discord dismissed with a wave of his paw. “I have so many spells watching that if even a mugger tries to rob her I’ll turn his innards into tomato soup.”

“…..”

“Fine, maybe not that serious, but you understand,” Discord sighed, now reclining in a rather large and familiar ‘therapy couch’. “Celestia, I am having an emotional and logical crisis right now. So, to that end I must now take my leave. I have told you all that I know, and hope you can do some good with it. As for countermeasures? Talk with our friendly shadow pony; he may have some ideas, because I have none. If I use my magic here outside my own ‘self’, I don’t know how that may affect things. I have no doubts our mutual fiend can find a way to block his machinations from me anyhow.”

“Well, better safe than sorry. Thank you, Discord.”

As the God of Chaos got up and walked to a newly-created door, he paused, a brief but sincere moment of peace sliding onto his features.

“Celestia?” he said softly. “Thank you for listening. I do want to help.”

“You are most welcome, Discord. Take care of yourself.”

As soon as he vanished, Luna appeared next to her sister, having heard it through the mental link Celestia had opened almost immediately.

The fact her right eye was twitching indicated there was a lot of talking to be had.

“Let’s get our fiancés, hmm?” Celestia suggested.

“I am going to have such a headache, even if this is good information,” the tired Lunar Princess grumbled.

“Oh, hush. Just have Shifting give you a back rub.”

“Mmmmmm….”

“You’re drooling, Sister, on the carpet. Again.”

“I AM NOT!”

Far north past the borders of Equestria, east of the crystal empire, four ethereal creatures sat around an ancient stone table. The cave was on the edge of the realm of the Emperor of the Northern Ice Shelves, the ruler of the city-state of Hauyne. Others called him the Paladin of Love, Paladin of the Wayward Gods, or, in more recent times, ‘Doctor.’

Celestia called him, Fiancé.

The four individuals were well known to the Solar Empress; Nacreous’s timeless friends, individuals who knew not age nor death and had guided him for a millennium. Known to ancient tribes as the Four Northern, (or, to others, Wayward,) Gods. Yet the creatures were anything but, simply once-normal individuals changed by the leylines of the world for meddling with power beyond their comprehension like Commander Sands or Emperor Thunderwing.

Like others such as Celestia, their title of such ‘godly nature’ was simply given to them due to the power they yielded beyond normal understanding, even if it wasn’t as much as the tribes imagined. Their roles only applied to a small area in the northern ice shelves, and they had long since learned they were not solely unique- not in a general sense. Like Nacreous and Commander Sands, their once punishment was now a boon, a blessing that they could spread to others.

They now resided in his city, eagerly watching the nation grow and mesh with the world around it once again and occasionally checking in on Nacreous.

However, there was now a matter that yielded their undivided attention in their ancient meeting place, deep within ancient glaciers.

“Gaudi, you have been concealing something from us,” a feline growled, claws rapping the stone table. A pony stallion sat beside her, uncomfortably shifting as the Kirin in question’s ears drooped. A shadow pony next to her looked equally perplexed, looking over to the usually peppy embodiment of love and joy curiously.

“I didn’t have a choice,” Gaudi said softly. “She made me promise to not say anything. She would have just chosen someone else, but said I was the best one for this role. And that was decades ago, and just a tiny nudge!”

“Two decades,” Fori replied sharply. “You meddled in a pony’s life, why? And how? The changes you wrought have grown and blossomed, who is she?”

Gaudi looked up, glaring at the ‘goddess’ of fate and knowledge. “Don’t lecture me! I had no choice! It was to help him!”

“Who told you, Gaudi?” Fori asked.

“I don’t know their name! They don’t have a name! But they’re who made us….us!”

That caused the feline to pause. Arbo, the stallion to her right and ‘god’ of nature, raised a hoof and caused Fori to smack a set of claws against her face.

“You don’t have to raise your hoof, Arby,” she whispered, causing the shy stallion to blush.

“Um, Gaudi?” he asked cautiously. “We all ended up like this due to different mistakes. Very different mistakes. Are you saying it was connected?”

“Yup!” Gaudi replied. “I mean, sort of? Like, not forced or anything, but we all ended up like this for a reason. A really super confusing general reason. I dunno, they tried to explain it to me, but it made my head hurt.”

“We were created and changed by raw arcane magic, Gaudi,” Fori explained, “How is that something that can even speak to you? I tried to delve into the stream of time and past knowledge, and inadvertently touched one of the leylines of this world. Are you saying the reason I wasn’t destroyed, all of us weren’t destroyed, was because something prevented it?”

“Someone, and yep! Like, we know there’s ‘alive-ness’ all over, right?” Gaudi proclaimed. “The Tree of Harmony, that sort of thing! It’s like that for the leylines!”

Fori let out a growl and massaged her temples.

“This would be a first. We live in the leylines, Gaudi. I’ve never sensed anything but us, or raw energy in this realm.”

“You live in a part of them.”

The fifth member of the group spoke calmly. None of the four being remembered the mare existing before that. It was as though the blue wispy outline of an earth pony never was seen until her last word had been spoken. Her mane was neatly trimmed, bright eyes scanning over the group with a gentle smile on her lips.

“Seeeeeeee! I told you!” Gaudi exclaimed excitedly.

“May I ask who you are?” Fori requested, not able to stop her eyes from widening in shock. The amount of power radiating from the figure was immense; it was like standing next to the sun. Yet somehow it was cohesive, the arcane energy moving into a shape and then flowing back to the leylines and the world. It was as though a single thread in a tapestry sculpted a shape above the structure without breaking before diving back into the weave.

“Good to see you too, Fori,” the mare replied. “I don’t really have a name, as Gaudi said. Not for a long time at least. But do not blame her. I didn’t have a choice in this matter in my request. It was a contingency plan I never thought would need to be enacted. Thankfully Gaudi saw that it was necessary, as I explained to her.”

The mare turned, then waved at the shadow pony standing in front of Gaudi protectively.

“Ah, Iust. Tribal ‘god’ of conflict, righteous rage and one could argue, passion,” the pony mused, then smiling, “Gaudi has told me quite a bit about you.”

Then turning to Arbo, the mare waved happily, her demeanor being almost playful.

“Arbo, how are you?” she asked. “I have so appreciated your work these past centuries.”

The stallion blinked, stammering a reply in shock.

“I, do I know you?”

The mare laughed, cheerily floating up and sitting on the table. As she spoke, she became more animated and sincerely happy.

“Of course! You’ve been tending to so much of my work, I greatly appreciate it!”

As Arbo’s eyed widened, Fori made the connection.

“You’re the leylines? A form of them?” she asked, the now cheerful mare nodding.

“A form? That puts it best! I’m one of the leylines per say!” she exclaimed proudly. “I mean, that’s the best way to explain it, I think. It’s not just me. As Gaudi mentioned, similar to the now-changed Tree of Harmony! The difference is that I once was kind of like you! But then I changed. Does that make sense?”

“You were once mortal?”

The mare nodded, but then shook her head.

“Uh, not really? I mean, I once interacted with the mortal world like you did! Thousands of years ago? Maybe more? Hmm. It all blends together. I mean, I did the things you did. Helping along a certain group of ponies, or creatures. Making things work behind the scenes, but then I moved onto a bigger picture. That’s the best way I can explain it. Um, I think a version of the Tree of Harmony is the best way to explain myself? Just different, bigger, and not as focused on just harmony…things.” She then massaged her jaw, letting out a groan.

“Ow. Talking hurts when you haven’t done it for ages. Then again, I haven’t needed to do any of this micromanagement before. My sister usually handles that…”

“I still don’t have your name,” Fori remarked.

“Oh! Right. I guess I need that again,” the mare mused. “I suppose Clari will be fine? That’s what it was when I was like you all.”

“Clari, alright,” the feline replied with a sigh, still shaking her head. “So, you’re one of the leylines? Or a guardian of that power?”

“OH! That’s a much better way of explaining it!” Clari exclaimed and clopped her hooves together. “A guardian! I mean, I’m also literally the stuff I’m guarding, but that works! I direct it, control it, that sort of thing. It’s kind of a complicated blend of it? If it makes it easier, you can just think of me as the leyline. Or one of them. There’s so many, I just happen to be the one affecting you, everypony down south, to the east, there’s layers, ok?” Clari tried to explain. “Like, there’s the ones you can detect and use for magic directly, but then there’s deeper levels of the stuff; I don’t really think I can use words to explain it.”

“You help weave the tapestry of life,” Arbo stated softly. “You’re one of the numberless, powerful creatures on the loom, guiding one of the threads to where it needs to go. Part of a whole, but individual at the same time. The Tree of Harmony manages another thread, and so on and so forth. A guiding force in this world.”

Clari let out a squeal of joy, hopping over to muss up the stallion’s mane.

“And that is why I love you, Arbo,” the mare replied with a laugh, then breaking out into giggles at Fori’s glare. “Oh no need to be jealous, Fori, he’s still all yours. More like a son or daughter to me, you all are. He’s been involved in helping my thread go where it needs to be! At least in the nature-sense of things in this freezing place.”

“Ok, that makes a bit more sense. So why appear to us? What did you tell Gaudi?” Fori asked, trying to bring this entire new meeting somewhat back on track.

“Oh, right. Probably should have led with that,” Clari exclaimed bashfully. “Sorry, this is new to me, and so exciting! I think I’ll definitely do this more often. It wasn’t in the plan, but maybe can make things go so much more smoothly, I’m sure it-”

“Clari? Gaudi’s message?” Fori asked, feeling a headache coming on. It was no wonder why this individual had chosen Gaudi. Goodness.

“Huh? Right! I told Gaudi to remove some of the barriers for leyline access to a certain pony! This was before I figured out how to do it myself. I still needed to be more coherent like this, and I didn’t have that yet, soooooo Gaudi did it for me!” Clari gushed.

“You removed barriers?” Iust asked, deep voice shaking the ice walls.

“Yup! Well, sort of. I more of let him in. Like as Shifting Sands is teaching! You can’t brute-force your way into leyline magic, it has to be emotional, tentative, guiding. It’s like rafting a river,” Clari explained. “All I did is remove some of the rocks to speed things up. He could have gotten through them on his own, but that would have taken too much time. So, it’s still alllll him! I just needed him to be at a different point and he’s still a bit behind my plans. I am getting worried. My sister has taken up a bit of slack, but thankfully I won’t need her help-”

“Slow down, Clari. We’ve barely met you and this is all a bit much,” Fori requested. “You have a sister?”

Guiding ancient tribes had been easier than keeping up with this individual, to say the least.

The mare took a few deep breaths, then nodding as she hopped off the table.

“Right. Sorry,” she said sheepishly. “My sister usually helps me with this sort of thing so I don’t have to worry about stuff like this. You’ll probably meet her later. She’s a lot less…tactful, but efficient.”

“Is she the really pouty one?” Gaudi piped up, prompting Clari to nod.

“To say the least; you met her once, yes? She is the opposite of me, the other side of the coin in guiding threads. So broody….” The mare then shook her head as she got back on track. “Look, what is important is that I had a plan for this thread to go places. But then things have happened, and that thread is in danger of going to somecreature else, a darker creature. He will destroy my thread and infect the entire tapestry if he can. He wants out, to spread, to rule it all.”

“Wait, what?” Arbo asked, staring at the mare.

“He’s already here, and that was the hardest part! That’s-OH! That’s why I had to be like this! Sorry, it will take me a while to get used to this way of thinking,” Clari said. “He is here. So, I have to be here. To balance everything out! That’s why I had Gaudi remove the restrictions. For every reaction…”

“There is an equal and opposite reaction,” Fori whispered. “And may I assume that stands true for evil trying to influence this world?”

“Bingo! Well, I try to keep things slightly more tilted towards life, goodness, and light.”

“So, to counteract this new threat we’ve been hearing about, you chose a pony to help?” Fori asked.

“Not so much chose. It could have been somepony else, but his life led him to this point. I knew he’d be here, but it was his choice to be here!”

“Ow…” Gaudi grumbled. “This is why I had trouble explaining it to you. She doesn’t see time like we do.”

“I don’t see what’s going to happen though,” Clari explained, clearly struggling to choose her words. “I don’t know what’s going to happen for sure, but I know what’s going to happen based on the thousands of years of nudging things towards a certain result.”

“Ok, but to the point, who did you do all this to? Nacreous? Celestia?” Fori asked.

Clari shook her head, waving a hoof at the feline.

“Nope! But they’ve done exactly what I hoped they’d do! They’ve helped stabilize my thread in some areas. You four did too! That ancient order? The one that Nacreous is a part of? They helped too! But now they’re all gone to dust, even if they aren’t totally gone,” the mare said softly, ears drooping. “I used to talk to creatures like this, you know. Kind of like the role you all played. Guiding tribes as a sort of labeled deity, that sort of thing. But they pass away. It’s part of life, but it’s still sad to lose them in this form. But now things are changing, and things have to be balanced.”

“Balanced? To avoid a certain result?” Arbo asked.

“Yes. I mean, there’s always going to be an imbalance. Light and dark, good and evil, that sort of thing. But what’s happening now made the future…gone.”

“Gone?” Iust asked.

“Gone. Nothingness. Darkness. Evil and hatred that would destroy Harmony in an instance. Chaos reigning while good is smothered under fear. That is what he has ruled over for so long, it’s all he knows, all he loves, all he wants.”

Her words were spoken softly, but their weight made Fori shiver.

“What has happened? Who is he?” the feline asked.

“I can’t tell you his name, the less direct help I give now, the better the change of success later, at least for now. But Onyx knows. Discord too; he told Celestia, who will tell you. I want to keep things operating between you mortals if I can,” Clari explained. “But I have no idea how I am going to talk to this poor pony. Oh, he’s struggling as it is. I think Nacreous’s idea will help if he’ll accept it.”

“Wait, you’re talking about….?”

Clari’s eyes flickered to the floor, ears flattening against her skull.

“I’ve tried to help him, I really have,” Clari whispered in genuine distress. “But if I do too much, that gives leeway to Him to do worse. But this poor pony. I’ve tried to guide as much good into his life as I am able; I did manage to dull the pain for a week or two. He thankfully listened to me about the assassination warning, but I am prevented from direct help for now. Every good reaction has a consequence, and vice versa. If he can push through the bad there will be a ton of good waiting for him, that I know! But I don’t know if he can wait that long. I need you all to relay this meeting to Celestia, Luna, and their husbands.”

“Uh, they aren’t married yet,” Gaudi replied with a slightly raised hoof.

“Oh, right. Sorry. Seeing eventualities and all that. I need to go, but can you all tell them what I told you?”

“We’ll try,” Fori replied. “But why did you put this all on one pony? I think we all know who that is at this point. If he is struggling as it is, that seems almost cruel, to place even more responsibility on his success in helping Equestria.”

Clari shook her head, looking genuinely upset as she let out a frustrated breath.

“Who else can I trust in?” she asked. “He could have made difference choices that led away from this path, but he didn’t. Nocreature else can be who he is, not right now. If I didn’t do anything, I would have lost what little control I now have over things,” she then paused, voice dropping to a whisper. “Maybe now that I’m on this mortal plane for a time, I’ll be able to say I’m sorry for placing so much responsibility on him, especially when I can’t help much. Just, please let Celestia and the others know. I’ll contact you later.”

Clari vanished, leaving the four individuals to stare quietly at the table.

“Nice to meet you, Clari,” Arbo whispered quietly.

“Ok, so, plan for today and tomorrow,” Fori said steadily. “We meet with Celestia, Luna, and their fiancé’s, try to explain what we just learned, and hope for the best.” It was now Gaudi’s turn to receive a groan from the feline as she raised a hoof. “Yes, Gaudi?”

“Can we go get some food?” she asked. “We don’t really need to eat, but I really want a milkshake. My brain hurts.”

“We get milkshakes, then we inform the afore-mentioned individuals about this. That will give me time to figure out how in the world to explain this to them.”

And in time, to a certain stallion. I’m so sorry, Toxic Shield. This is so much bigger than you, yet you carry the majority of the weight.

As the feline mused, she failed to notice a shadowy pony sitting in thought off to the side, brow furrowed as Gaudi nuzzled his shoulder.

“Iust? What’s wrong?”

The stallion shook his head, a very rare smile flickering onto his features.

“Nothing. I think I need to ask somepony a question though. I’ve just been thinking…”

“Is this about Toxic? You said something about him was interesting.”

The entity nodded, a dark hoof tapping the frozen ground in thought.

“Yes. But there is another. I think there is another individual who could use my help first. He reminds me so much of myself when I first was cursed to be like this. A creature of flesh and shadow. Except he is solely the latter. ”

“Cursed?” Gaudi asked softly, a bit of hurt evident in her tone. A very rare nuzzle on her cheek, at least in public, was Iust’s response.

“It was at first. But as our mutual friend and a few Princess’s have learned, curses can turn into blessings,” Iust replied. “So, I’ll need to spend some time away. I have to convince a certain mare that it’s a good idea.”

“I’m sure you’ll do fine.”

“As long as I don’t make her mad, perhaps so. That mare’s power scares me.”

Author's Notes:

Well how is that for some developments!

We had some meetings with old friends and introducing a new one! And we get a bit of background about Varti too!

Not so much about Toxic directly in this chapter, but as the title says....the pieces are moving.

We now also begin to see a glimpse into the enemy's plans...

Clari is a ton of fun to write. The Oracle from the Matrix movies and that way of seeing things was a bit of an inspiration for how she explains it.

Hope you all enjoy this chapter, and as always, feed back is appreciated! Let me know if weekly (small then large) or bi-weekly (Friday/Saturday) chapters would be preferred!

Chapter Fourteen: Ethereal Headaches

Starlight did a double-take at the individual who suddenly appeared in her office, a brief flick of magic locking the door behind the creature and setting up a simple privacy spell.

The stallion in front of her reminded the mare of Onyx; a pony-like frame with shadows constantly waving out like long hair. Except Onyx was more solid, an actual pony body. This creature was almost ethereal.

Thankfully, Starlight knew who he was. Twilight had kept her up to date with Nacreous’s friends, even if they were removed from the goings-on of such things in Ponyville.

Iust. The ‘God’ of War and Passion to some of the ancient tribes in the Ice Shelves to the north. An interesting pair of titles.

And apparently, he has a relationship with the ‘god’ of love and joy. Odd indeed.

It was a tad unsettling how easily the entity had appeared without any notice. The fact that the Princess of Friendship was tasked with making sure the town was isolated from the looming threat was no small task and obviously left some holes…present company as an example. But, like with the Fire Lung pandemic, Ponyville could be sealed off with shields and remain self-sufficient for some time with a bit more work.

Evidently such shields didn’t prevent this shadow-pony from entering. Starlight made a mental note about that.

Another magical theory to test. Goodness, the manic glee on Twilight’s face was rather frightening last time. Knowing she’d be the first one to know of any potential research to be done in this isolated bubble. Starlight mused.

Now, first things first.

Taking a deep breath to send any remnants of nerves out the proverbial window, Starlight nodded to the individual who was patiently waiting in front of her.

“Iust, was it?” she asked. “What can I do for you?”

“I am rather surprised you didn’t react more, if I’m being honest,” the Entity admitted. “I simply had a question concerning the shadow pony under your charge.”

“You do know that is rather classified information. I know who you are, but I still need to go through the official channels.”

“I unders-”

“Iust, what in the frozen wastes are you-” a feline called out with a growl, her ethereal form snapping into existence, her back turned to Starlight. “You can’t just pop in and out of places like this!” Fori then turned, nodding in greeting to the surprised mare. “My apologies, Principal Starlight.”

“Mhmm…”

The mare in question promptly summoned a cup of hot chocolate as the twinges of a headache itched at her mind. Dealing with…unique individuals that had the schedule of Discord never sat well with her.

At least they weren’t trying to turn her mane into an apple turnover, so that was a plus. And to be fair, the shadow-pony looked genuinely apologetic, his ears flat against his skull.

“I’m sorry about all this, Starlight,” Fori replied. “My name is Fori, by the way. I wish we could have met formally before this.”

“Apology accepted. I would appreciate a bit of notice next time,” Starlight replied. “Thankfully I do know of you, at least from the briefing released to Twilight from Emperor Thunderwing.”

“And to that end,” Fori began, waving a paw as a portal formed, a rather annoyed hippogriff and an alabaster alicorn looking at Starlight.

“I’m so sorry about this, Starlight. We would have let you know, but…” Celestia began, Starlight waving a hoof.

“It’s fine, Princess. But am I the only one here who doesn’t know what Iust’s question is?”

A nod from everyone in question made Starlight groan, the mare massaging her temples with her hooves. “Ok, then if all the formalities are done, I assume Iust has permission to ask…whatever it is? So, I can go ahead and approve whatever it is at my discression?”

Celestia appeared close to giggles as she nodded, Nacreous chiming in.

“Sorry for that mix up again, Principal Starlight. Yes, approval has been granted.”

Waving a hoof at the pair, Starlight took a few deep breaths as the portal vanished along with Fori, leaving a surprisingly meek shadow-pony in the office.

“How about we try this again,” Starlight said flatly, summoning a second cup of steamy chocolatey goodness. “Cocoa?”

Iust accepted the offered drink, the ‘god’ of war seeming surprisingly chastised.

Then again, considering the previous company that wasn’t a bad reaction.

“So, what exactly is this apparently important question concerning Onyx?” Starlight asked. “From what I understand from the report I was given, he is rather unlike you, but I could be wrong.”

“The report is not complete.”

That made the mare pause, Starlight setting the cup aside as her curiosity was piqued.

“Oh?”

Iust nodded, also setting aside his now-drained mug.

“What I am going to tell you, Miss Glimmer-”

“Just Starlight, please.”

“Very well. What I am going to tell you very few creatures know. I know such secrecy is expected when dealing with matters of Onyx, but I would request that such a level of discretion applies to me.”

“Well, all of Nacreous’s friends have a high security clearance. Nocreature outside maybe a dozen creatures know about you, in Equestria at least, the Elements being half of them. That’s outside of the Royals that is.”

“That will have to do. In this case, Celestia and Nacreous are likely the only ponies who know this about me.”

“Then I give you my word I won’t speak of it to anycreature other than them,” Starlight immediately said with a firm nod. “But I am curious as to why you are telling me.”

“Because I am similar to Onyx in more ways than one, and wish to make my case for my request,” Iust replied. “I was once a pony, a unicorn stallion. But I meddled in a power that I took for granted, a power Onyx came from.”

Starlight’s magic-loving side was in full gear, the mare having to resist gleefully clopping her hooves together at that. It was so interesting!

Limbo!? We know so little about it- so Onyx was affected by the energy there?

“The shadow realm? Limbo?” Starlight guessed, receiving a nod. “So, while Onyx came from Limbo…”

“I was hit with a surge of energy from that realm. When I awoke, I was like this,” Iust confirmed. “So, I know about the magic Onyx deals with, and is composed of.”

“Why weren’t you involved more with him from the start then?”

Iust shook his head at that.

“It was not my place. Not then. I am not a good mentor for social interactions. You, however, are.”

“You seem fine now though.”

“Because I have practiced for hundreds of years. And I’m trying to be actively pleasant. It is… tiring.”

“Ah.”

“My point is, Starlight, is that I can relate to Onyx in the sense of understanding the insidious nature of that realm. I request to help him adjust to ‘life’ as he knows it here.”

Starlight blinked; it didn’t take a genius to figure out all the positives such assistance could provide.

“Well, most certainly granted, after we develop a course of action at least. But I get the sense of there being a bit more to your request.”

“I…” he let out a huff, shaking his head and sending bits of shadow floating across the room. Grey eyes, a bit lighter than Onxy’s darted to the floor, the shadow-pony letting out a frustrated growl.

But it wasn’t a gesture of anger towards Starlight, no, this was a more internal battle it seemed.

I overestimated his social abilities indeed. Not that I am one to talk about reacting logically during a social incident.

“HIYA!” a kirin exclaimed, popping into existence above Iust and floating in the air.

“AAAAAAH!”

After picking herself up off the floor, Starlight glared at the clearly-apologetic individual.

So help me, if I have to deal with any more demi-god like entities today…

“Gaudi, I presume?” Starlight asked with a sigh.

“Yup! Sorry. I thought Iust would have said I’d pop in for a bit! I had to talk to Nacreous, then to Celestia, then to Fori, and then back to here, so here I am!” she crowed.

It’s like a mini-Pinkie Pie.

An ethereal Pinkie Pie.

Stars above we’re doomed. I can’t allow them to ever meet.

“He didn’t get to that part just yet,” Starlight replied, drawing upon a surprisingly deep reserve of patience with one of the day’s many deep breaths.

“Ooooooh. Sorry.”

“It’s fine. What can I do for you?”

“Wellllll I think Iusty was trying to explain why else he wants to help Onxy. And then he was going to mention how I had thought Icait could use some help too! Wow, lots of ‘i’s.” Gaudi mused. “So here I am!”

Iusty?

“So, about that explanation?”

“Oh! Right. Well, Onyx is really grumpy, right? Probably doesn’t help he comes from a place that is like, the home of grumpy and unhappiness. Buuuut he’s happier when around a certain Windigo, riiiiiiight?”

“Ok, I know you’re technically the ‘god’ of love in the north, but don’t you think…” Starlight let out a groan, sending her head down to firmly plant against the desk. “Oh. I see where this is going. Let me have a stab at this.”

“Yay!”

“You two see yourselves in Onyx and Icait, in part, due to having needed to acclimate to a different sense of ‘life’ at one point in time. Am I on the right path?”

“So far so good!”

“And while you’ve learned how to deal with things over hundreds of years, Onyx and Icait are being fast-tracked in a way you never had the opportunity amid a potential national crisis. So, you want to help them avoid the mistakes you already made.”

“Oh, you’re good!” Gaudi proclaimed with a giggle, still hovering in the air in a lackadaisical manner that was disturbingly close to Discord’s manner of appearance.

“Well, assuming there is approval from everycreature, I don’t see the harm,” Starlight mused. “That said, I don’t want you pushing either of them to anything that otherwise wouldn’t naturally develop. I don’t care what your role was to ancient tribes. Clear?”

Gaudi saluted with a forelimb, a wide grin still on her face.

“Yuppers! And no worries. All we want to do is answer questions and offer pointers, we’re just extra advisors and mentors if needs be. You still have the reins on everything else!”

Seeing Starlight’s pink cheeks color ever so slightly at that, Gaudi looked down at Iust curiously, the shadow-pony starting to snicker.

“What?”

“Uh, remember when I told you that some innocent things can have not-so-innocent applications nowadays?” Iust whispered, a barely contained grin on his face.

“Ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooh.”

“I’ll…forward all of this through to the Emperor and Princess. And then I’ll ask Onyx and Icait.” Starlight said with a sigh. “There’s some empty crystals in my desk drawer. If you could enchant them or leave a magical signature, I’ll contact you when I’ve done that.”

Sending a surge of magic from her hoof into said drawer, Gaudi waved and vanished, Iust now grinning.

“Thank you for your time, Starlight,” he said respectfully.

“Most welcome.”

As he vanished, Starlet let out a shudder. While Iust had been nothing but pleasant, the abrupt show of fangs in an otherwise happy smile had been rather unsettling.

God of war and passion? I suppose in a vague sense those two are related.
Now I have some more letters to write, and then tell Icait and Onyx.
Oh, and then there’s the school stuff.

“Uh, Principal Starlight?” a meek voice asked from outside her door and as a knock sounded. “The melons gained consciousness again. Trixie said to get you for help.”

Letting out a groan, Starlight got up and trotted towards the door.

Dangit, Trixie! I told you to not use those spells!
Now I have to stop a melon uprising.
Again.

Author's Notes:

Oh, Starlight

Chapter Fifteen: Lunar Lights

‘Please, Princess Luna.
I don’t think Knife Twist is eating or sleeping; she’s gotten so much worse. I’m afraid she’s dying.
Can you help her?
-Corporal Barley Husk, 1^st Battalion of the Night Guard’

The letter had come but an hour earlier, Luna excusing herself from the castle to immediately head to the maximum-security stockade on the outskirts of Canterlot. The very mare who had sought to warn them of a threat was now dying?

The very mare who tried to kill you.

Luna shook her head, knowing that thought didn’t add up. Something was missing from Knife Twist’s intentions. All the lunches they had together, laughs, friendly gossip traded over walks, all over years since her return. Was it a lie? It was something that had bothered Luna for months after the initial shock of the betrayal wore off. Yet the Alicorn hadn’t visited her ex-captain to investigate further, not until now.

I know the insidious nature of some magic, how it can twist a mind. I think she’s still in there, somewhere. Her abrupt change, her pleas to warn us; she is not my enemy any longer.

Further ammunition was the nightmares. Luna had detected them in Knife’s dreams; fleeting, agonizing scenes of failure. There was regret eating away at Knife Twist from the inside out.

I know the symptoms all too well, how guilt can be a punishment worse than prison.

Being immediately let into the metal and stone fortress, Luna made her way to the waiting room in the maximum-security section. The sparse waiting room was occupied by a sole thestral, his light grey sides shivering with barely contained sobs, fluffy ears flat against his skull.

“Barley?” Luna asked softly, sitting next to the male thestral.

He drew a sharp breath, and his scrambled movements to stand at attention were waved aside by the Princess.

“I am not here as your ruler or boss, but as your friend,” she said softly. “Your note was rather alarming. Can you please explain?”

Barley nodded, wiping away the moisture in his orange eyes.

“I think Knife Twist is dying,” he whispered. “I had no idea it was this bad. I haven’t seen her as much, even though I’ve made time to do so. She has always been busy. When I d-did-she’s wasting away. Not eating, not sleeping…”

He shook his head, shoulders slumping.

“I still don’t believe it was truly her who tried to kill you,” Barley whispered. “Perhaps it is a fool’s hope, but Celestia seems to see good in her. I beg of you to help her, even if you don’t think she deserves it.”

A hoof raised up the Thestral’s chin, the kind smile of the Lunar Princess brightening the room.

“I think the same of her, Barley,” Luna said softly. “I refuse to accept my friend of a decade was that easily swayed. The fact she turned on the Windigos shows that their hold was not a complete one. Now, let’s go.”

The pair were admitted to the long hallway that led to the sparse cells, Luna wincing at a stray thought.

“Does she think I will exact vengeance? I do not want to terrify her.”

Barley nodded sullenly at that.

“I think that’s what Knife will imagine is happening. You haven’t visited her, after all. I’m fairly certain she’s accepted that you hate her.”

At that, Luna’s wings drooped, a frown occupying her features.

“Which was not incorrect, not for a time at least,” she admitted. “I was unsure of my emotions regarding her until recently. However, I am certain that something doesn’t add up to her actions. I will do my best to convince her otherwise though; I have no intention of harming her.”

The two guards saluted to Luna, tapping on the cell as dim lights flickered.

“Miss Twist? Visitors for you.”

“I thought I said to remove those hours, too tired,” Knife Twist grumbled, clearly having been awake but not sleeping judging from her exhausted but clear tone.

Nodding to the guards, Luna stepped inside the cell and sat down near the entrance, a sad smile now on her face.

“It has been a while, Knife Twist,” Luna said softly. While her tone and intentions were calm and sincere, there were no less than a dozen protective spells waiting to jump in at a hair’s notice.

But it wasn’t Luna who needed it.

Knife Twist immediately shrieked, scampering to the floor and cowering in fear as shivers wracked her emaciated body, bat-like wings lifting to haphazardly shield her from the Princess.

“P-please don’t kill me!” she begged.

Tears immediately sprang to Luna’s eyes as she got a good look at her former friend and captain of the guard. The once proud Thestral’s dark grey frame, once lean with muscle and care, was gaunt and emaciated. There wasn’t a shred of pride or confidence left in the pony before Luna, only fear as she continued to beg for her life. The few words Luna tried to speak were drowned out by Knife’s horrified pleading, the alicorn finding her soul genuinely disturbed.

“Barley, can you…?”

The other Thestral trotted in and wrapped up his marefriend in a tight hug, the mare sobbing into his chest in fear. Luna’s own heart ached at the display; how she had sought to destroy the personification of fear her name and presence once accompanied.

“Knifey, she’s not here to hurt you,” Barley whispered into Knife’s ear as he rocked her back and forth. “She wants to help. She’s worried about you too.”

Knife Twist’s golden eyes cracked open, her matching, now-long and neglected mane being brushed out of her eyes with a sniffle.

“W-what?”

“Will you listen to her? Luna just wants to help. Please?”

Knife nodded, wiping off her face as she sat up, Luna walking back into the cell and sitting down. Fear still made the mare’s limbs quiver, but she was listening.

“Barley is right, Knife Twist,” Luna said softly, keeping her tone sincere and caring. “I share your coltfriend and Celestia’s view that you are not a bad mare. You may not believe me, but I think the mare that attacked me was very different than the one standing in front of me. I just need to confirm it.”

Knife’s gaze dropped to the floor in shame, a few more tears trickling from her eyes.

“I want to help you, Knife, but I am not sure how,” Luna admitted. “May I ask you something? It is a topic that I cannot full understand.”

“A-anything,” was the stammering reply.

“Did you know it was me you were betraying?”

Knife’s eyes widened at that, the mare drawing a sharp breath. She didn’t answer at first, but finally nodded, followed by a shake of the head.

“Yes and no. It hurts my head to think about; it wasn’t you…but it was.”

“Can you explain? I find it hard to believe that my best friend could do such a thing, especially after our weekly lunches and such. Ten years of friendship being erased doesn’t add up.”

Nodding once, the mare leaned on her coltfriend’s offered shoulder, the stallion whispering something into her ear lovingly before Knife took a deep breath.

“I tried to say it all in the report, but I guess I didn’t explain it well. Then again, I didn’t understand it myself until a month or two after being here,” she admitted. “I was betraying Princess Luna, the Ruler of the Night, not my friend, Luna.”

Luna’s eyes widened in realization, a smile immediately starting to form on her features.

So that is how those Windigo hounds did it.
They couldn’t break you, Knife Twist. I knew it! I was just wrong on the ‘how’ from the start.

“It just s-seemed like I was planning for a different pony. I still loved those lunches and talks we had. T-that seemed like s-somepony else though. I don’t know how or when it started to separate. You were yourself, but at the same time not, at least when you were in the throne room and stuff.”

And that is why you starve yourself, why you push to help others. You never betrayed me, did you? And now I sense a darker force is trying to poison your mind; I recognize those nightmare tendrils even now. You still blame yourself.
Oh, Knife Twist. I’ve never been so happy to be wrong. I think I know how to help you now.

“So, that is it then,” Luna whispered, nodding once. “I think I understand now. You never betrayed me, Knife.”

The Thestral’s eyes widened, hear head shaking back and forth violently.

“Y-yes I did! I nearly killed you! I plotted for years to destroy my best friend!”

“No, you didn’t,” Luna reaffirmed.

Knife was openly crying, her head shaking slowly back and forth.

“I d-don’t understand.”

“The magic that affected you couldn’t break your will, Knife,” Luna explained. “It had to separate me within your own mind. A friend and a target. You were too strong to have those two views of me overlap. Even a subtle poisoning of your view concerning me wouldn’t have worked. The Windigo’s spell had to make me seem like a different mare. You would have never done their bidding otherwise! You even shook off their orders when that orphanage was bombed. You wouldn’t hurt innocent fillies, and you wouldn’t harm me.”

Yellow eyes widening, Knife Twist sniffled, nodding once.

“I’d n-never hurt you. But you die in my dreams, even if I t-try t-to stop them…”

And there’s the nightmares.

Luna decide to make the point further, standing up a bit taller.

“I know the mare who did betray me though.” Knife stared at the Princess as Luna pointed at her with a hoof. “And you killed her. All I see before me is Knife Twist, my best friend and former Captain of my guard. She would never betray me; but she would kill anyone who tried to do me harm! She has protected me and my ponies many times, and never would hurt either of them.”

Tears streaming from her eyes, Knife could only sob, a beautiful spark of hope arising in the depths of her previously dead gaze.

“Can I give my best friend a hug?” Luna asked, walking forward to wrap Knife up in an embrace as she nodded.

I don’t think you should stay here any longer.

“I’m s-so s-sorry!” Knife bawled, Luna rocking her back and forth.

“I know you are, and I forgive you, Knife Twist. I miss our lunches, and I want my friend back.” Luna let the mare down, a hint of decorum returning to the ex-captain as she sat up a bit straighter with a sniffle. “Can we do that again?”

Barely containing herself, Knife nodded once.

“I’d r-really like that.”

“Then how about tomorrow? Midnight as usual?”

Nodding with the first sincere smile Luna had seen in years, Knife nodded again. Reaching over to give her coltfriend a kiss, she waved him off as the pair were led out of the cell and back towards the entrance.

Sitting down in the reception area, Barley looked towards Luna with an absolutely shocked gaze.

“T-thank you, Princess. I, I still don’t know what to think. Just-I can’t thank you enough. That was the first time Knife was back, really, truly back.”

Luna smiled at the stallion, not able to resist a soft laugh of joy.

“I think she is back. I am so happy to have been wrong about her betrayal. There is more though,” she mused. “Barley, continue to meet with her. I refuse to let the spark of hope she now has die, know that much. I will contact both you, and her, when I have a solution to the problem.”

Nodding even though clearly confused the Corporal tilted his head curiously.

“The problem?”

Luna now was grinning widely, the plans of a different stallion now coming to mind.

“Your marefriend will perish inside these walls if she continues to live here, and I will not allow that. Knife Twist needs a purpose, but at the same time a sort of temporary ‘punishment’ to make sure her guilt doesn’t overtake things.” As she spoke a certain stallion came to mind, her Fiance once having near-demanded to be punished for his ancient crimes.

Oh, you’ve taught me a few things, Shifting. I think you’ll approve.

“I think I have just the idea.”

‘To Professor Varti,

Prepare the facility for immediate deployment and hiring of staff. Send out the notices to pre-hired individuals. Maintain maximum security alert and arm all defensive systems. Activate all available forces to protect the island. I do not trust myself to make further decisions other than that. I trust you with my life, and now with my dream for a time until I am of a better mindset. Take whatever steps you see fit to get the organization firing on all cylinders. Security is the highest priority.

Thank you, Varti.
-Director Toxic Shield.’

Leagues away on the extinct volcanic island chain, the large yak couldn’t help but grin, laughing as he threw a large switch on a dormant reactor. As bolts of energy began to lick the massive, underground tube-shaped crystal device Varti made his way to the roof, pride filling his chest as the dozens upon dozens of rectangular buildings ignited with bright lights. Large factories began to run their diagnostic procedures, their arcane and mechanical army of workers having been checked and re-checked for years by diligent yak oversight. Crystal lights snapped on, casting a peaceful but bright blue glow over the Island proper.

“I am glad you are safe, Toxic,” Varti said to himself as the island sprang to life all around him. “And now you decide to start your dream. I am living mine, thanks to you. Now I can finally coax yours to life!”

The yak trotted back down to his laboratory level, reveling in the hum of power that the scaled-up leyline reactor now produced. Faceless crystal pony golems, appearing as large, mannequin-like artifacts that marched this way and that, the artificial creatures serving as automated guards, farmers, and manual workers to supplement the eventual security forces and other employees that would live on the island.

“And you leave the task of preparing your dream on my shoulders? Oh, I have been waiting for this moment for years, my friend,” Varti chuckled.

Activating a portable scribe spell with one of the many storage crystals in his lab coat, the yak quickly sent off dozens of pre-written messages. With the organization having been ready to go live for months, if not a year or two, many individuals concerning hiring and essential upkeep had already been screened and hired. It was the beginnings of a skeleton crew, but the few dozen creatures hired were primarily tasked with hiring the bulk of the island’s staff. Hundreds, thousands of creatures would live here in time, ready to respond to any threat that loomed on the horizon. That was Toxic’s dream at least.

That said, Varti knew this entire venture had deeper roots than his friend let on. Toxic had changed, especially since rescuing his adopted daughter. The stallion had become more unsettled, yes, but his actions had a clear purpose.

When all else fails, look for the Last Light.

That slogan had once been the highlight of a matter Toxic refused to talk about it, and had only divulged a single bit of information when the yak had confronted him soon after his daughter had been rescued. The extensive training grounds and manufacturing facilities buried deep within the mountain spoke to the stallion’s intentions however. Those areas did not have chemical hazards in mind.

A toxic spill didn’t necessitate having an extensive armory.

Something had happened, something that made the stallion realize he could give that light to others. There was a fire in Toxic’s eyes surrounding that event the few times he had spoken of it.

It had been more than ten years ago when the organization was still in its planning stages and Varti didn’t know Toxic as well as he’d have liked. It had been a simple question of what had happened the day prior, and why the Yak was kept from seeing his daughter. It was the beginning of the Yak learning exactly how Equestria operated, and how fallible their ‘Goddess’ truly was, before Luna had returned, among other things.

Benevolent, powerful, and caring to a fault. But Celestia was neither omnipotent nor perfect, as he had spoken of with Luna recently.

‘Please, Varti, drop it. I beg of you. I will simply tell you this. I cannot, in good conscience keep standing idly by while creatures die waiting on pleasantries from governments and bureaucracy! The same governments that promised to keep them safe! I will not stand by! Not again!’ the stallion had said that day.

‘That is a dangerous view, Toxic. You’re smarter than that. Impulse and emotion can’t run this organization!’

‘You are right. That is why my decisions can be overruled by the eventual council that will manage the organization. You, and the other council-creatures can balance my vision with reality. What I do is my business, however, Director or not! I will not stand idly by!’

‘What of your own personal actions then? You are to be the head of this venture, that reflects on the organization! More to the point, why is the hazard suit shredded? I know the difference between chemical agents, explosions, and sword impacts! What were you doing? Nocreature will tell me what happened! I haven’t been able to see my daughter for over a day!’

Toxic had never responded in words to Varti’s question. However, the yak’s words had seemed to touch something within the pony’s soul. It had been a single look, but it spoke an ocean of emotion. Compassion, determination, and rage.

But it was not blind anger and not directed at the Yak. No, this was the righteous rage of a pony who had once seen innocents suffer while pen and paper had bound his hooves. It was the fury of an old trust betrayed and shattered.

And in that moment, Professor Varti had more fully understood his best friend. He had learned the details through gossip and eventual demanding of the Princess; and he was only among a few dozen who knew what transpired, of what Toxic had been willing to sacrifice to save his innocent daughter.

Varti had been reassured she’d be safe on her tour of the border, a trip she had begged him to go on with her school friends after completing some private, in-person paperwork with the Yak Yakistan embassy in Canterlot. Just an extra day down south and under constant supervision with her elementary class.

He had been promised that it was just a common chemical accident that trapped the group, borderline harmless chemicals that necessitated just casual precautions. Officials had said the Klugetown Clan representatives were there to help with any cross-border contamination. Time, that was all that was needed to rescue his precious little yak from emergency shelter in the middle of the spill.

All those promises and reassurances had just been lie upon lie, and Celestia had known it. The Yak didn’t blame her; he knew full well how the political machine worked, how the stability of a nation depended on a single individual in this case.

And yet Toxic had been the one to fulfill the broken assurances of governments, of individuals, and of friends. A stallion who had been burned once had refused to stand idle again. He had told Varti only one time of the incident that forged such a viewpoint, and the Yak had never forgotten. Toxic had already lived with the knowledge that lives had been lost and damaged because he had been ignored, forbidden to help, with his own brother no less. He had refused to be bound by politics and bureaucratic inefficiency when such innocent and precious lives were destined for a fate beyond nightmares.

Even if it risked being locked behind bars and being branded a traitor.

No, emotion and impulse shouldn’t solely guide an organization; but the Yak definitely realized they had their place. Such things were what had propelled Toxic to do what others could not, would not. And his dream, his organization would do the same. Their island was in international waters, and could eventually be considered a city-state. The other islands in this small chain were already being eyed for potential purpose. Toxic wasn’t about to limit this venture with space, that much was certain. More facilities, a potential city-state; a nation dedicated to helping others, not bound by political red tape.

A nation that could be both hated and adored, just as Toxic’s actions had been.

Pen and paper would never cost lives again. Toxic told me that once when I found him in the lighthouse not a few days after the tragedy. And he certainly never backtracked on his words when saving my daughter.

Varti also had learned of another side to his silly and determined friend, a part of Toxic’s life he had revealed to very few creatures. The training he had subjected himself to, the months spent in seclusion and study. He discovered exactly what Toxic would do to those who dared harm those who could not help themselves, regardless of the personal cost. In that moment, the Yak knew exactly what price the stallion was willing to pay to save his little girl. What he had paid.

When he found the stallion in the workshop shedding his suit, why was Toxic’s armor bent and broken? Why was it splashed with the blood of other creatures and the stallion’s own? Why were there broken arrow heads lodged in the hazard suit? Why was there sudden silence from the politicians and rulers who had been fawning over the crisis and promising safety?

Why were suddenly his daughter and the others found safe and sound at a border station? Why were they whisked away before any news stations could get there?

Why was a massive explosion then reported in the Badlands not a day or two later?

Why did the Kludgetown representatives look terrified of Celestia as they fled back to their lands?

And why did Toxic get called to the Castle abruptly?

The look in his best friend’s eyes was as good as words; the unicorn would do it again in a heartbeat. And for that, and delivering his daughter from the very literal jaws of harm, the Professor had pledged his life to aiding Toxic’s dream. He, along with a few others had his simplistic and naïve bubble of Equestrian safety shattered.

But they could protect that bubble for those who did not know the truth.

Toxic had the will, the drive, and a significant amount of funds. Varti had secured even more of the capital, and now Last Light had been officially launched; a beacon of hope and a warning to those seeking to do harm.

He let out a snort of surprise as a scroll unfurled itself in front of his nose, the magical signature being that of a certain Hippogriff Emperor and his Fiancé. It naturally would have appeared to him, rather than Toxic due to the ‘unavailable’ magical signature surrounding the unicorn.

On reading it, the professor began to laugh, hundreds of names following the initial message. It was clear that the island was being watched and a few parties were eager to help.

‘Dear Director Shield/Professor Varti.

Congratulations on the launch of your venture. At the risk of being too forward, I wish to humbly submit a list of names of creatures within my kingdom. They have been pre-vetted by my own security forces and are awaiting Equestrian Visa’s, as well as your own personal screening. Unlike many of those within my kingdom, these creatures want to explore the world and would be interested in any general positions for an organization such as yours. Their talents range from secretary work, cooking, mechanical engineering, arcane enchantments and mechanical alterations, and combat, among a few of the categories.

I furthermore wish to offer my kingdom’s services as both a trading partner and upgrading contractor. With another threat rearing its ugly head, I am offering to install our crystal technology on your island completely at my expense. This would supplement your shielding system to prevent Windigo interference, and allow Equestria and subsequent allies to strengthen our hold against the enemy. Such a system would be completely under your control after installation and instructive upkeep is delivered.

If appropriate, please let us know what positions are available and if you wish to accept our offer.
I await your response,

-Emperor Nacreous Borealis Thunderwing.

P.S. The offer of a prepared list of potential candidates is also extended from the Solar Princess, Celestia, if Director Shield will accept her offer.

The yak immediately sent the reply back on the enchanted parchment with a grin.

“I suppose I haven’t been the only one waiting!” the Professor crowed with a rumbling chuckle. The yak looked over to see a dozen lighthouses power up even further, their beams carrying more than simple light. Each of the miniature generators fed into the central tower, the balcony Toxic usually jumped off on his flights of now burning with a sun-like brilliance. The small reactor underneath the primary lighthouse was finally kick-started, a massive beam of energy surging upwards to project a shimmering shield over the entire island.

“Equestria and the world now has their Last Light; you’ve been just that to so many creatures. And now you bring that to the world. I’ve been waiting years to be a part of your dream, Director. You have many friends, Toxic. I hope you can see through the dark clouds to realize that. You are not alone.”

In Canterlot, Nacreous grinned along with Celestia as the parchment returned; the simple list bearing the signature of the Yak scientist and his humorous reply.

‘Hiring all creatures great and small. Will gladly accept the new light fixtures.

p.s. I’m sure the Director would appreciate the assistance from any benefactors.’

There was a knock on the door, and to their surprise Luna poked her head in, bags around her eyes.

“You said he did it?” Luna asked as her sister nodded.

“Toxic’s organization is going public. Professor Varti has taken charge while Toxic recovers, with his permission,” Celestia reaffirmed. “We detected the island’s activation not but an hour ago. I believe we underestimated the scope of the organization’s venture. The power readings are far above what was predicted.”

“Are they hiring?”

Blinking in surprise, Celestia nodded, levitating the list over to Luna.

“All positions, apparently.”

“What about security?”

Celestia’s eyes narrowed in amused anticipation, knowing full where her sister had previous visited. It didn’t take a genius to see her train of thought.

“Luna, what are you planning?”

The Lunar Princess smiled tiredly, gesturing towards the list.

“I have somepony I’d like to get approved. Two, as a matter of fact.”

Celestia looked at the clock, the day winding down without too much more fuss. A familiar pony trotted into the throne room, a subtle nod from the Princess clearing the area.

“Hammer, it has been too long since our personal check up chats, how are you?” Celestia asked kindly. She tried to stay on a first name basis with her Legionnaires despite the necessary professional distance, even if it was on rare occasions. With Hammer being one of Toxic’s closest friends it was nice to have another way to check in on the stallion.

“I’m doing well, Celestia,” the stallion replied, respectfully hoofing over a stack of papers. “I assume you know what this is? I know there’s about a dozen others who are doing the same. They should be meeting with you shortly.”

Ordinarily, the large number of her personal shock troops resigning would have raised alarm, but Celestia had to stop herself from letting out a gleeful laugh, opting for a reserved nod.

“Ah, yes. You all did put in your one-year notice. I assume it’s for the Last Light Organization?”

Hammer nodded, saluting his Princess sharply.

“It has been an honor, Princess Celestia,” he said sincerely. “And I would have gladly continued my service. But I would be conflicted.”

The Princess bowed to her respectfully, not able to resist a grin.

“With respect, Hammer,” she said, “I think you and a dozen others would have had quite a bit of trouble in a few years. The life of a Legionnaire is a very specific path, not suited for many. There is a reason many families consider it a generational position, so feel no shame in this. You have both my utmost permission to take what you have learned and apply it to your new position.” Celestia paused, having to choke back tears. Hope flared in her heart; the usually stoic ruler meeting Hammer’s curious gaze nonetheless. “You also have my blessing and support. Take care.”

With another salute, Hammer trotted off with a smile on his face and head held high. In the brief moment when the throne room was empty, Celestia jumped into the air with a laugh, a brief solar flare spinning around the room. A mental chime summoned her favorite hippogriff, the Alicorn wrapping up her fiancé as he teleported into the room.

“What’s this about, Celly?” Nacreous asked with a rumbling chuckle, spinning her around as the Princess continued to laugh.

“I’m just happy, Nacreous. You cannot imagine. Finally, somepony is doing it. After a thousand years. Somepony is taking charge.”

As she explained as best she could, Nacreous’s expression lightened up to match her own. Of course, he would understand; he always did.

Toxic, you cannot imagine how happy I am at your venture, every single part of it. Go with my blessing and every scrap of support I can muster! You may not trust me, nor do I deserve it. But if you will accept my help, I most certainly will.

A single phrase echoed the joy in the alicorn’s heart, flying past the boundaries imposed by societal and legal rules that governed Equestria, and herself.

Save those I cannot, as you always have.

Taking a few deep breaths of the fresh air, Toxic sat on a metal bench along on of Tall Tale’s many street-side parks, waiting for a certain gryphoness.

Three days.

With a large set of orders and some business to take care of in Canterlot, Gelly hadn’t been able to meet until today, three days after meeting him in that hotel.

And my subsequent sobbing fit; still not sure how I feel about that.

That was a lie, and Toxic knew it. He knew exactly how he felt about the matter. Gelliana hadn’t let him go until the stallion had released his grip, and he couldn’t deny that he felt better, a lot better.

I just- I don’t know how she feels about all that. Seeing me at my worst, still seeing my being affected by my job.

She seemed so sure of herself during that date under the tree.

His shoulders slumped at that, the pony letting out a tired huff.

I guess it’s a good indicator of how things could go between us. How she sees me after that. The stress I face isn’t going away, but hopefully the whole assassination thing isn’t a regular occurrence.

I still stand by my decision to push the organization to an active state. If worst comes to worse, that’s a safe haven once activated. We have all the hiring messages pre-recorded, training seminars, contracted teachers to instruct our own private professionals to get started; he could run it solo if needs be. And he may have to, I just can’t have another thing on my plate right now.

A stray thought then made the pony’s ears flatten, a dull pain seeming to echo through his chest.

My breakdown showed me that much. And what does Gelly think? I don’t want her to pity me...

I keep expecting her to say it’s too much, that she can’t deal with it. Even now after so many dates.

With barely a rustling of feathers, a familiar gryphoness slipped out of the sky and landed next to him, rustling her wings as she glanced his way.

“Hey, Toxic!” she chirped happily, then pursed her beak in a slight frown. “Everything alright? Wow, ok, that was a bad question,” Gelly admitted.

That made Toxic laugh, the innocent inquiry making him smile, even slightly.

“Yay! A smile!”

Her cheery spirit was impossible to resist, Toxic not able to resist a full, if not tired grin.

“Thank you, Gells.”

“’tis what I’m here for! Well, one of the oodles and oodles of reasons at least,” she replied. “But really, how are you holding up?”

“Still processing everything. It’s rather surreal,” he admitted. “There is something I wanted to ask you though.”

“Oh?”

He paused, the gryphoness clearly seeing his nerves and scooted a bit closer.

“Do you see me any differently now?” Toxic asked. “You were rather sure of your thoughts on our second date, but what about now? Seeing what I have to deal with, how I’m an absolute mess at times. Is that still something you’re ok with?”

“Huh? Of course it is! Like I was toooootally together when you cheered me up? I was almost crying because I was out of stew,” she said with a deadpan expression that quickly dissolved into a giggle.

Her immediate reply made Toxic’s ears stand up straight, the stallion looking to her in surprise.

“What? We all have off days. And if I’m being honest, I like the fact you’re willing to be a mess around me,” she said, then containing in a softer tone. “Lots of stallions would hide it and play it off. But you let me help, as much as I can at least. Showing that you have a really sensitive side; I really like that. I’m just excited to see it more when you aren’t feeling so down. If I wasn’t clear; I’m not going anywhere. And while I’ve only had an off day or two since we met, I can be a mess too. And I’d say getting attacked is a pretty good reason to be a bit more sensitive than normal, along with what you have to do for work.”

She tentatively reached over to rest her head on Toxic’s shoulder, the stallion immediately scooting a bit closer, much to her not-so-hidden glee as the gryphoness pressed against his side.

“Does that help?” she asked softly, not sure if Toxic’s reply would be to the words or the gesture.

Judging from the fact he leaned back onto her, she imagined little needed to be said about appreciating the physical contact.

“Very much. You’ll have to forgive me if I keep wondering about that. As you can imagine, how my job affects me was somewhat of a sticking point in the past.”

“Well, I’ve seen the worst of your job, and I’m still here, right? Aaaaand I will continue to remind you that you’re not the only one here with doubts, and I’m no hypocrite!”

Toxic let out a chuckle, leaning to gently place his head against Gelliana’s.

“Fair enough. I keep forgetting that you’re one of the few creatures who knows what I deal with. That helps,” he admitted. “I do have one more question.”

“Hmm?”

“Do you pity me?”

Gelliana was silent for a moment, her head then nodding.

“Yes. And can I tell you why that’s not a bad thing?” she asked. “Trust me, I’m a gryphon, I know how loaded a question about that topic can be.”

“Huh?” Of the follow-up answers Toxic was expecting, that had not been one of them.

“Toxic, I know that tone. I’ve heard it plenty of times. Look, gryphons are proud. One of the most insulting things would be to be pitied. It is seen as a weakness, and I think that’s the view you have of it, right? Even though it’s not correct?”

“…I guess so,” he admitted, brow furrowing in surprise. “Even though that’s not the definition of it.”

“I memorized the definition because I wondered for a time if I was really just a weakling, both in size and heart,” Gelliana whispered. “I grew up with creatures pitying me, and I realized that I had it all wrong at least for many of them,” she let out a frustrated sigh. “If I had realized that earlier, maybe I wouldn’t have spent so much time thinking everycreature thought I was a weakling, even if that sentiment did exist in many. Toxic, having pity is having compassion for somecreature else who is suffering. And you are hurting.”

The gryphoness hesitated, reaching over to hold one of his hooves with a set of her talons.

“And I care about you, a lot. So how could I not have pity for you? I’d be a horrible special somegriff if I didn’t.”

She couldn’t contain a smile as Toxic squeezed her talons gently, the stallion letting out a tired huff.

“Well, I feel like an idiot,” he muttered. “I’ve known having pity can be a positive thing, but it’s hard to separate what it feels like at times.”

“I understand, I really do,” Gelliana said. “But for what it’s worth, I think you’re one of the strongest ponies I’ve ever met. The fact you still care about so many creatures after everything you’ve been through; I don’t know if I could do it.”

“Thank you, Gelly.”

The gryphoness gave him a half-hug, scooting away a tad to sit next to him normally.
“Does that help even more?”

“Quite a bit, actually. It’s- there’s a lot of stuff I have to deal with, so hearing such reassurances from somecreature other than myself puts it in perspective,” he replied.

“Well, I’ll be glad to be your second brain! Not like I’m going anywhere. I’d be quite the hypocrite if I left just because my coltfriend isn’t picture perfect. Goodness knows I’m not,” the gryphoness glanced over to the pony, reaching over to give his hoof a squeeze with her claws.

“It’s still in your head, huh?” she asked softly. “Thinking I’ll learn something about you and just say that's it, I’m done?”

Toxic let out a huff, nodding once.

“Well, keep in mind I’m thinking the same thing, y’know. Thinking you’re dating me for reasons other than what I hope. Buuuut we’ll work on that for the both of us. Toxic, there is one thing you’re missing though, like, a giaaaaant thing. Something that lets me know to not be worried about us.”

“Oh?”

Gelliana nodded, quite happy that Toxic seemed content holding her claws as well.

“Uh huh. You may not agree right now, but the thing is, you’re a happy pony. So you have to deal with some stuff? Ok, don’t we all? With what you deal with, I pretty much expected it from day one. But despite the sad times, the rough moments, you’re still not a gloomy individual. Just naturally peppy and, well, you. You don’t need me or anyone to be happy. That shows how strong a pony you are, and is what makes me so sure that it’ll be ok with us. You’re not needing me to be happy, even with all the stuff you’re going through. I can’t imagine how hard that has to be, but a strong thing.”

“I never thought about it that way,” he mused, the slight melancholy having fled at her words. “I mean, that’s a very attractive thing about you too; being upbeat and not needing me to be happy. Ok, that sounds a bit off. We’re happier together, but…”

“Yeah, I get it. That type of needy is, urg, not a nice thing. Been there, done that. This is sooooo much better. This is like, advanced happiness. Happy apart, but advanced happy together!”

Toxic couldn’t help but laugh at that, not able to disagree.

“That’s one way of putting it.”

Gelliana let out a squeak as Toxic promptly scooted over and wrapped her up in a hug, the gryphoness melting into a puddle of feathers and blush-ridden mumbles at the gesture.

“Thank you, Gells,” he whispered.

“A-anytime…”

Toxic made her blush even further as he nuzzled his cheek against hers, staying there for a moment. The gryphoness felt tears welling up in her eyes as the stallion hugged her a bit closer, his heartbeat thudding in her sensitive ears. He then let her go, all smiles as Gelly desperately tried to smooth her feathers down. She was quickly starting to appreciate this snuggly side of her stallion.

Her stallion. Oh, now that thought made a tingle run down her spine. He wanted to date her. Just her.

“I thought you were the huggy one!” he proclaimed with a grin. “Miss romantic movie-lover!”

“I j-just don’t expect it!” she retaliated, looking down as a hoof gently poked her fluffy chest in exaggerated slowness.

“You.” *poke* “Really.” *poke* “Should.” *poke* “Expect.” *poke* “It.” *poke*”

“…Poke me again and I’ll bite you.”

Toxic grinned, Gelly’s tone holding zero malice. In fact, she seemed to be on the verge of a giggling attack. He couldn’t help but give her a wink, a sly smile now on his face.

“Bite me? Oh my. I mean, I know we’re dating, but is it a tad soon to reveal such desires? So adventurous.”

“Huh? What are y-”

Gelliana’s voice cut off halfway through her thought, feathers and wings snapping out as her face burned a bright red. Toxic nearly was falling off of the bench laughing as the gryphoness aided the process by shoving him over onto the grass.

“TOXIC!”

“What? I had no idea we were at that stage of-”

“We haven’t even kissed!”

“That’s why I was surprised! Aren’t you a daring and passionate one! Or did you mean an ear nibble? What else could you possibly be-”

“I WASN’T TALKING ABOUT THAT!”

Toxic had clearly won the war, the stallion sitting on the grass and wiping away tears of mirth as Gelliana grumbled, hopping off the bench to sit next to him, appearing more like a ball of feathers than a gryphon.

“Are you quite happy with what you’ve done?” she glared at him. “These feathers take forever to get back to normal!”

“W-worth it Miss C-cotton C-candy!”

Gelliana couldn’t help but smile now; seeing Toxic back to his happy self making her own spirits lift.

“Don’t think you’ll escape my wrath.”

“Oh, I am terrified,” Toxic chuckled, wiping away the remnants of his tears.

Seizing the moment, Gelliana reached her neck down to trace along Toxic’s neck with her beak, moving up along his cheek and to his right ear.

“You should be,” she whispered.

And then she nipped his ear.

The stallion sat up with a bolt, face bright red as he glared at the cackling gryphoness as she dashed off.

“YOU!”

“Byyyyyyyye!”

“GET BACK HERE!’

“Nooooooooope!”

The personal guards were hard-pressed to keep up as Toxic galloped after his special somegriff, all thoughts of trial and tribulation overtaken by the warm affectionate glow in his chest.

Author's Notes:

All the fluff and happy feelings! And some developments too!

Chapter Sixteen: Threads on a Tapestry

“Have we heard anything else from this Clari individual?” Nacreous asked as an alabaster Alicorn massaged her temples while Fori shook her head.

“Nope. We’ve had no contact since a week ago. You know everything we do.”

“Thank you, Fori,” Nacreous said with a wave as the feline disappeared. He looked over to his Fiancé, Celestia flopping onto the large conference table with a groan.

“So, nothing has changed? At last we’ve had time to process all of this. A pair of sisters managing some threads of leylines, Onyx and Icait being partially mentored by two of your friends, Toxic launching his new enterprise as we are asking him to meet with us, and still a new threat?” Celestia said with a sigh, then letting out a soft, happy hum as a familiar pair of talons massaged her shoulders.

“That about covers it, you doing ok?” Nacreous asked softly.

“It’s still just a lot to process in-between the day to day minutia. Your friends intervening is helpful, but just another piece of an ever-growing puzzle.”

Sitting down next to Celestia, the Hippogriff shifted to let her lean on his nearest shoulder, the Paladin reaching over to hold one of her hooves with a set of talons.

“I know processing everything with Toxic hasn’t been easy,” he whispered, “Just know that I’m here for you.”

“T-thank you, Nacreous,” was the soft reply a brief kiss on the cheek accompanying Celestia’s answer.

“And remember, Sunspots, he’s a lot more understanding than I think you give him credit for. I think you should talk to him about all of this when things have settled down a bit. It has only been a week or so.”

A brief nod of agreement was Celestia’s reply, the pair relaxing in silence for a time. The afternoon was going to be quite an eventful one indeed.

‘To Toxic Shield,
We wish to speak with you. We wish to extend an offer of help.

-Celestia, Luna, Nacreous, Shifting.’

The note had been oddly curt, the stallion not liking that in the slightest. But the fact it had all the heavy-hitters in terms of rule and power involved, and signed on a first-name basis…

It was something big, that much Toxic knew. He let his thoughts wander as the stallion made his way through the royal castle, aiming towards the throne room.

Well. I have enough on my plate. My organization is launching and I’m still trying to get my head on straight and not be completely paranoid about another attack. The goal is to reduce my stress, not add to it.

The fact all four aforementioned individuals were sitting at the bottom of the throne steps did little to lessen Toxic’s suspicious (and anxiety.) He knew that tactic; be on the same relative level as those you were speaking to in order to try and remove some of the ‘high and mighty’ view.

Or maybe they are just being nice and know it’s a comfort thing for ponies. Deep breaths, Toxic.

“Thank you for coming on such short notice,” Emperor Thunderwing said kindly, the hippogriff clad in his familiar regalia, another curious piece to the puzzle. As the doors shut, the other three looked to Nacreous expectantly; apparently, he was going to lead things.

Now I’m intrigued.

“Of course. The note was rather curt though,” Toxic replied after bowing respectively. “What can I do for you…erm, everycreature?”

“It’s actually the opposite, Specialist Shield,” Nacreous replied. “In light of recent events, I thought it prudent to ask if you’d like to take up an offer of assistance. It is not in any way you can imagine, however.”

“I’m not following,” Toxic admitted, curiosity replacing his previous anxiety. “But I appreciate the offer.”

Nacreous rapped his claws on the stone in thought, sketching a brief rune and causing a simple symbol to hover in the air; three overlapping circles.

“Toxic, you know that I am a Paladin,” Nacreous said kindly. “Without beating around the bush too much, I would like to offer you the chance to be a part of the Order I was, and still am a part of, be it as a Paladin or some other station. Would that be an offer you’d accept?”

Toxic stared at the gathered creatures, his shoulders slumping. That was the offer of ‘help’? More responsibility, more lives that he had to try and save?

He knew it was an honor, a great honor. From what little he knew, the Order Nacreous was a part of had been a prestigious thing indeed, a strike example of helping those who could not help themselves. But this soon after an attempt on the stallion’s life? After opening his own organization? Toxic was buckling under the weight of it all as it was.

And so, his answer was short and to the point…

“Nope!”

…if not rather abrupt.

Celestia stared at the stallion in front of her in surprise- but only partly. She really should have seen this coming. To his credit, Nacreous simply let out a huff, collecting his thoughts for a moment. Luna seemed even less surprised than them, simply frowning, but not seeming at Toxic. Shifting stayed silent as well, knowing that he was a bit out of the loop in terms of the unspoken tension between Toxic and the other rulers.

“May I ask why, Toxic?” Nacreous asked simply. It wasn’t condescending or accusatory, but a simple request of curiosity.

Toxic’s posture shifted ever so slightly, and Celestia nearly drew in a surprised gasp.
Is this what it’s like seeing my own mask crack?

In a brief moment, the stallion that stood before them wasn’t nearly as confident as he had previously appeared. For a split second, genuine unease and borderline fear shone in Toxic’s gaze, fear of something.

And then it was gone.

“Because I cannot handle any more responsibility, Highness.” Toxic stated with surprising smoothness. “I survived an assassination attempt, have been targeted by an unknown assailant, opened my organization to the public…I cannot, I will not have any more weight on my shoulders.”

Luna was clearly biting her tongue, Celestia saw that much. They had pushed him too far, and clearly explained too little.

“Toxic, this isn’t another burden,” Nacreous tried to elaborate, clearly seeing his error. “This isn’t going to put more-”

“Highness, please, don’t…” Toxic said softly, making the hippogriff fall silent. “Don’t try and guilt me into this. Not you.”

It was an unintentional barb that Toxic likely didn’t even know resonated and clearly hadn’t directed it at her, but Celestia had to force herself to not react.

Please no, let me not have added that burden to this stallion over the years. Guilting him into all of this…?

A loud groan interrupted the verbal standoff, a shadow-pony sitting nearby with a roll of his eyes.

“And I thought I was bad at communicating.”

“Iust?!” Nacreous, Luna, Celestia and Shifting stated together, Toxic blinking in surprise.

“Who?”

A (mostly) familiar feline then snapped into existence, glaring at the shadow-pony angrily.

“We talked about this, Iust! No. Butting. In!”

“What are you two-?” Nacreous asked, seeing Toxic completely lost at seeing these two. Celestia appeared equally surprised as Luna. Shifting seemed to be close to a migraine, one of his eyes twitching.

“He said no!” Iust objected.

“And you just wanted to change his mind?” Fori countered. “We don’t interfere unless we have to!”

“We had to!”

“Why? First Onyx, now Toxic? What has gotten into you? Is this Gaudi’s doing?” the feline added.

“Do NOT bring her into this!”

“HEY!”

Everycreature present turned to Toxic, his mane waving rather unnaturally as an arcane surge flooded from his horn as his emotions bled into the pony’s control of magic, indicating how his mostly-calm demeanor was, in essence, only skin deep.

“Is anyone going to explain this to me?” he asked, his previous patience clearly having evaporated. “What is going on?”

It was rare to have so many politically-skilled creatures be at a loss for words, and yet the throne room was silent.

“My name is Iust. I am one of Nacreous’s oldest friends,” the shadow-pony said. “I could not stand by while you said no,” he added, shadows licking from his frame. “You didn’t even know what you were refusing.”

“Yes, I do know. A great honor, more responsibility, more weight that I can’t bear!” Toxic said, the stallion’s jaw quivering with stress. “And is she one of Nacreous’s friends too then?”

“Fori,” the feline stated simply with a respectful bow.

“Why all this fuss over me? What is so important about…you know what? I don’t want to-”

“What would you do to protect her? To protect them all?” Iust asked abruptly, making Toxic close his mouth immediately.

Toxic stared silently at the other stallion at that question, eyes widening in shock.

“What?”

“You heard me,” Iust growled. “What would you do? What obstacle would be too much for you to refuse? You speak of weight, perhaps. But forget the big picture. What is it worth, one innocent life? Perhaps one whom you care for, or perhaps one who is too young to even know of danger! What would you do for them? What have you done?”

As everyone else stared in shock, Iust grinned, fangs showing as a bit of shadow leaked from Toxic’s eyes. It didn’t take a changeling to feel the surge of determined anger from the pony.

“Good. Now that you are listening. They aren’t offering just a simple weight. They’re offering you power.”

A mental link poked at Celestia’s awareness- Nacreous’s astonished voice flooding her mind.

‘Iust is testing him.’

‘What?!’ Celestia replied.

‘He’s trying to show Toxic what we are offering, but also testing Toxic’s resolve. If Toxic isn’t strong enough to control the dark magic that he has tendencies to, the offering of power will show it.’

‘That’s brilliant- but why Iust? I thought he was the quiet one? The ‘god’ of war?’

‘Quiet usually, yes. But war…and passion at times. The determined drive inside everycreature. I’m not surprised he’s taken interest in Toxic. Not the best timing, but well-intentioned.’

The shadows flickered darker around Toxic’s eyes for a moment, then fading as the pony shook his head.

“Power? What are you talking about?” he muttered, clearly not seeing how pleased Iust and Nacreous were.

“The Order Nacreous is a part of, that we aided in. It grants access to ancient spells, direct pathways to leylines and magic far beyond what you know,” Iust explained. “I know not of what station you would hold, or if it would give more responsibility. However, would a weight be worth the power to defend them? You’ve already done so much without it; you know of what I speak.”

Toxic nodded, a dangerous glint shining in his green eyes.

“Then will you hear them out?”

The pony nodded again, sitting down and looking towards a surprised Fori and gathered royalty.

“Thank you, Iust,” Nacreous said, sending his armor spinning away on a magical breeze. “In short, he is correct. The ceremony grants access to spells and magical deterrents against a number of evils in this world, and other realms, even on a passive level.”

“You probably should have led with that,” Toxic sighed, now appearing more tired than anything. “Because I could really use the help. No offense, Highness, but your delivery was rather lousy considering the situation.”

“That is why I am here. I wanted to help you as you learn. Well, later at least,” Iust said, earning a shocked gaze from everycreature.

“What? You can’t just do that, Iust!” Fori countered. “What if Clari-”

“I said he could.”

The throne room quickly becoming packed with ethereal creatures, a familiar mare now stood in front of all those present. Celestia’s eyes widened at feeling the tsunami of arcane power emanating from her. It was unlike anything she had ever seen, as though her sun itself had been placed in the castle. It was both incredibly humbling and unnerving at the same time.

“I’ll…um…” Iust stammered, Fori rolling her eyes as she bowed towards Clari, the two quickly vanishing.

“I’m starting to lose track of everycreature,” Toxic stated tiredly, looking over to the leyline-mare curiously. “May I ask who you are? Ow…” he winced, touching his horn as the bleed-off from the entity’s figure interfered with his own magic.

“My name is Clari, Toxic Shield,” the mare said softly, her lips quivering as tears formed in her eyes. “And I can’t explain much, not until I say that I’m so sorry.”

“For?” the stallion asked. “Just a small headache…”

“No, I mean for not helping more, for placing so much pressure on you,” Clari said, ears flat against her skull. “I tried to warn you of the attack, but that’s all I’ve been able to do for the most part.”

Toxic now was fully alert, staring at the mare curiously and ignoring the others.

“Wait, that was you? The night before that assassin?”

Clari nodded, the hint of a hopeful smile on her face.
“I wish I could have done more,” she whispered. “Nopony, nocreature else could have done what you did. From the start, you were who I knew would be the one.”

Toxic’s head tilted to the side, quickly becoming lost.

“I…uh…”

“Toxic, Clari is like the Tree of Harmony,” Nacreous said, walking up to sit next to the stallion. “Except she is a Leyline. Well, one of them; a layer of them.”

Any fatigue now vanishing, Toxic looked over to the mare who waved at him sheepishly.

“That about covers it,” she agreed. “I haven’t needed to do this for hundreds, thousands of years.”

“Wait, so you’re…ok, like the Tree,” Toxic said partially to himself. “So, the Tree handles harmony matters, what do you do?”

Clari giggled, gesturing upwards and sending a projection of magical threads up to the ceiling.
“I do the same thing, just in a different way!” she explained. “I weave a thread or two of life, balance things in certain aspects. And I really only am like this when things are really out of balance, or if my sister asks me to be.”

“Your sister?” Toxic asked, making Clari wince.

“Sorry, yeah, she handles the other side of my threads…oh, I’m sorry, this must be super-duper confusing,” Clari grumbled. “There’s a lot of layers to leylines and all of this. Just think of me as a version of the Tree of Harmony, handling balance in an aspect of life. The part that can’t be solved by a blast of rainbows at least.”

“Ok, I can do that,” Toxic muttered, “but what does that have to do with me?”

Clari looked at him, actually appearing hopeful.
“Everything, Toxic,” she said softly. “You’ve done so much for so many creatures. I am not all-knowing, but I see time differently than you all. You were going to be here and be the stallion that I needed at this exact time. When He started making changes, I knew I had to find a creature to help. And you’ve always been that pony.”

“Wait, who is ‘He’?” Toxic asked, clearly picking up on the malevolence of that single word. “And what do you mean I’ve been ‘that pony’?”

“Nocreature else has your abilities, Toxic,” Clari stated flatly. “And you are in this world just as He is, and He is using the aspect your cutie mark protects against to try and destroy it all.”

Toxic’s green eyes now widened, the gears in his mind starting to connect and churn.
“Wait. I’m here- my cutie mark? My abilities? They’re a counter to whoever this thing is?”

Clari nodded, hopping up and down excitedly.
“Exactly! I didn’t do it, but it was the tapestry of life balancing things out! He would be here, and so you had to be here, I had to be here at the same time!” she then pointed an accusatory hoof at the stallion. “And don’t you dare think that makes you less!”

“I wasn’t…I…” his words trailed off, the pony realizing that any refuting of her words would have been a lie.

“Yes, you were! Just because you were supposed to be here doesn’t mean you are less!” Clari said. “You could have turned from the path at any time! All I did was remove a few magical barriers to try speed you up to this point- but it was never my choice. If you hadn’t helped creatures, been so selfless, ignored those in help, things may have changed! You chose this path!”

“I didn’t know I was on a path,” Toxic admitted.

“There is a difference between knowing a path, and walking a path, Toxic,” Nacreous said softly, causing the stallion to look up at him in surprise. “The induction to this Order would give you the power that you should already have access to. If I may be so bold, you’ve been living life as a Paladin already. You just don’t have the spells or formal training.”

“Or the awesome armor?” Toxic asked.

“Or the awesome armor,” Nacreous chuckled. “But Clari, please clarify who He is?”

“I can’t.”

“Why?” Toxic asked.

“Because the more information I give you, the more it unbalances things,” Clari explained, letting out a frustrated groan. “It’s like a measuring scale. Every change or bit of information given from myself or him is a weight. He makes pushes things out of balance to his side. I have to wait and make sure mortals, or mostly-mortals, can make changes in addition to my own when I act. That means it will swing back into balance favoring life!”

“We’re an additional balance, extra weight to your eventual counter-move.”

Clari nodded, appearing a bit teary at that statement.
“Yes. That’s why you’ve been so important. You didn’t have to be, but you chose to be. Especially to them.”

“Them?” Toxic asked.

“The little ones. An act at the beginning of a life can make all the difference.”

The stallion stiffened at that, the royals looking to each other curiously. It was Celestia who realized it first, Clari looking over to her with a nod.

“He did what you could not, what you should not have done.”

Tears welled up in Celestia’s gaze, a few words granting a bit of penance to her past actions, or lack thereof.

“It is part of the initiation, seeing how you have affected others,” Clari explained. “I worked with the Order Nacreous is a part of too- in a general sense, letting the leylines react to their magic.”

Toxic stayed silent for a time, processing the figurative book of information that had been thrown at him.

“Y’know, leading with the whole ‘a cousin of the Tree of Harmony needs your help’ would have probably been best,” he finally said, earning a few chuckles and grins from those present.

“So, do you need me to be a part of this Order?” he asked Clari, the entity firmly shaking her head.

“No. It will make things much, much easier though,” she admitted. “This is your choice. All this is, is an offering of help. He knows you can stop his plans, and will stop at nothing to destroy you. This can help blunt any attempts. I can’t protect you directly, not with making my own plans crumble down.”

“That’s…uh…a bit direct,” Toxic said with a wince.

“I thought you’d appreciate it. And all I can say is that his job will be much easier without somecreature with your abilities. I cannot say more.”

Despite that, it was fairly clear what the threat was to all those present, Toxic nodding firmly.
“What do I need to do?” he asked. “I want to know exactly what I am getting myself into.”

Nacreous reached over to give the stallion a reassuring pat on the shoulder.
“You’re a special case, Toxic,” he said. “You aren’t going to be expected, or required to live by some new code, only continue on as you have been. I promise that regardless of what official requirements such a position in my Order may have demanded in the past, you will not have more burdens placed upon your shoulders.”

“You’ve already been doing all that you need to,” Clari interjected. “This just unlocks it. It’s one of the ways I gave some mortals the way to do it. Unfortunately, those ways faded away with Nacreous’s Order and the Paladins. I do miss talking with them…”

As everyone stared at her, Clari blushed a bright teal and winced.
“I, uh, probably should have said that sooner?”

Nacreous let out a soft chuckle, nodding briefly.
“That would have been best.”

A simple parchment was summoned by Nacreous, giving it over to the Unicorn with a knowing nod.

“That is the cliff-notes version of what the codes for being initiated into this order are,” he explained. “I simplified it as much as I could and updated it to fit modern times. No extra burdens, no required classes or mandatory trainings outside of learning to use the new spells and the like. It’s just a way of living life that, by all accounts, you already are doing. There are other stations that require a bit more work and diligence, but I am not speaking of those.”

“Can I have some time to think about all of this?” Toxic asked.

“Of course,” Celestia said softly, finally speaking. “The castle is open to you.”

“Thank you, Princess,” Toxic replied sincerely. The genuine interaction seemed to make Celestia’s mask crack, Nacreous seeing a bit of dampness in her eyes with his own sharp gaze.

“I’ll look this over, but how can I say no, after hearing all of this?” Toxic muttered. “I said I’d never let it happen again. Not to anyone else. Never!” The aggressive hiss of his words perked up a few ears.

Yet Clari and Celestia seemed to know exactly what he was talking about.

“Can I have a portal to Tall Tale briefly? It goes without saying that I shouldn’t tell anycreature about this, but I’d like to at least have lunch with my special somegriff. If you can just open the portal near me in an hour then I’ll return and look over all of this.”

“As long as you know for this to stay between just us for now, of course,” Luna said with a smile, quickly summoning a portal.

Stowing the parchment in a personal storage portal, Toxic hopped through and left the gathering of individuals alone in the throne room.

“Huh. That went well,” Clari said happily, much to the groans of everycreature present. Yet there were lingering smiles on every face as they discussed the entire exchange, waiting for the stallion to return.

Taking a few steps forward, Nacreous drew Clari’s attention for a moment.

“Clari?”

“Hmm?”

“Well, I just wanted to say thank you,” Nacreous said sincerely, bowing before the smaller mare. “I had no idea the Order’s power was your doing. You’ve saved my life many times, and many others too.”

Clari giggled, poking the large hippogriff’s head with a hoof.

“You are most welcome. I’m just happy to see creatures like yourself and Toxic using it to help everycreature.”

“Toxic is already….?”

Clari let a knowing smile dawn on her features.
“Sorry. I see time a bit differently than everycreature.”

The sparkle in her eyes made Nacreous laugh, the Paladin nodding as he returned to discuss things with Luna, Shifting, and Celestia.

Once out of earshot, Clari couldn’t help but smile to herself.
“Thank you, Toxic,” she whispered. “You have so many friends who want to help; just let us!”

Gelliana let out happy chirp, setting aside a pot of bubbling vegetable stew to cool. She had learned from her mistakes and now ordered twice the usual ingredients, many of them dried for storage. No more days of lacking one of her comfort foods!

I wish we could have our lunch date though. I know he had some sort of thing in Canterlot. Something important. The gryphoness mused. At least I got to see him yesterday.

It was one of the times that Gelliana hoped Toxic could start to put in perspective. She knew the stallion felt uncomfortable about all of the moments he was cracking underneath the pressure he felt. He had voiced such concerns, that he didn’t want a lopsided relationship, that this wasn’t normal…

Gelliana had read between the lines well enough. Toxic was afraid she’d think the stallion needed someone to rely on day to day, going back on his previous statement of the whole ‘needing’ part of a relationship.

Oh Toxic, you sensitive goof. You don’t have to worry about that, I get it. I’ve seen enough moments outside of the hard days to see how happy you usually are.

And how caring.

Yesterday had not been a good one for the gryphoness, to say the least. But it was one of the times that even further solidified that she was not letting go of Toxic, not as long as he cared.

One Day Earlier.

Gelliana stared at the plants in front of her blankly, her limbs feeling like lead despite having taken a nap and indulging in a caffeinated soda.
Or three. And unfortunately, the painkillers had been taken too late and now the gryphoness’s headache was just awful.

The rain hadn’t let up for a full day, and while part of the gryphoness found the scene relaxing there was another part that made her fears run wild.

Growls of Timberwolves stalking me for hours.
Rain drenching me to the bone.
Hours upon hours shivering, covered in mud underneath a canopy of tree roots.

Shuddering slightly, the gryphoness forced herself to go through the motions caring for her plants. Everything seemed harder today, be it making breakfast, lunch, or even watering some plants with their special, fertilized mix. The rain barrels would be full; that was a nice plus.

At least I have lunch with Toxic tomorrow. He said he’s having to do some things for that side project of his.

I’m dating a pony starting his own company, who would have thought? I totally get him not wanting to tell me at first, or that much. He did promise to let me know fully what it is though, in time. I am curious of what exactly his organization is going to do aside from ‘help creatures.’

But if he has an entire island dedicated to it, I definitely understand the secrecy. I know what it’s like to be ‘wanted’ for what you can offer outside of who you are. Someone would totally want to get close just for bits, let alone power.

She had sent a parchment to said pony half an hour ago, the stallion apparently having been in some sort of meeting. Gelly didn’t want to come off as too negative, but bubbly-and-happy wasn’t her current mood, not by a longshot. It didn’t help that this sort of weather usually made her feel physically cruddy. Something about rapidly changing air pressure and (of course,) her unusually small figure, or specifically, her inner ear.

“Gells?” a familiar voice called after a soft *pop* of teleportation.

Hoof falls signaled her coltfriend’s presence nearing, familiar slightly-monotone voice staying somewhat soft and gentle.

“Hey, you ok?” Toxic asked as he walked into the greenhouse. “You definitely didn’t sound like your usual self in that note.”

“I thought you said teleporting here was a bit draining?” Gelliana mentioned as she turned around, Toxic’s eyes widening at seeing the bags under her eyes.

“Perhaps if I do it too much, but clearly I was needed. What can I do to help?”

Gelliana’s beak opened, a flurry of things she wanted to say on the tip of her tongue. Only one word made it out however, accompanying the drooping of her usually perky wings and ears.

“Hug?”

Sensing her distress, Toxic immediately took a few steps forward and wrapped up his special somegriff in his forelimbs. The exhausted gryphoness leaned on Toxic a bit more, the stallion shifting to support her weight with ease.

Despite her usually shy in public tendencies, Gelly couldn’t help but be constantly relieved at being able to be herself with Toxic. To know he wouldn’t judge her, mock, or do anything other than be his goofy and caring self.

Even in times when things weren’t really that bad, but seemed like it all was crashing down.

Gelliana sniffled softly in Toxic’s forelimbs, the stallion hugging her a bit tighter and nuzzling into her neck, something he had somehow figured out she absolutely adored.

It might have something to do with her immediately-poofing feathers, maybe.

“Rough day?” Toxic whispered, Gelly nodding into his blue fur.

“Just a bit. The storm and all.”

“Ah. Well, I don’t want to overstep, but maybe in the future I can have you start looking forward to stormy, rainy days.”

“Oh?” Gelliana looked up curiously, then immediately looked away as a cheeky grin filled her vision.

What could he-

A bright blush swarmed across the gryphoness’s cheeks, about the time Toxic let out a soft chuckle as her feathers poofed out even more.

“Somegriff looking forward to that?” he whispered. “Cuddles by a fire? Hot chocolate?”

Thankfully his words prevented Gelliana’s mind from coming up with anymore alternative ways to ignore a storm.

Mostly.

“Or did somegriff have different ideas? Miss ‘yes let’s take things slow.’”

Letting out a few grumbles, Gelliana was greeted by a laugh at that.

“Do you need to go stand outside in the cold rain for a minute?”

“NO!”

“Uh huh…”

A tired smile had now replaced the previously grumpy expression on her face, the gryphoness still enjoying snuggling close to her stallion.

“Feel a bit better?” he asked, giving her a final squeeze before letting her go slightly.

“Much better,” she admitted. “Thank you, Toxic.”

“Assume if I ever refuse to be a portable hug delivery system, I’ve been replaced by a changeling. I stand by that statement.”

Present

A cheesy, flirty, wide smile was on Gelliana’s face, as happened most times when thinking about her special somepony. She could understand why Toxic thought things were a bit one-sided, him needing some support more often than her.

But he clearly doesn’t realize how much it means to me for the times he is there for me. It balances out for me, if not outweighs it. Just the fact he was willing to teleport over to give me a hug, to be there when I needed him; that means the world to me.

…I should probably let him know that.

*pop*

“Hey, Gells?” her stallion’s voice echoed around the shop.
She happily zipped out of the kitchen and half-tackled her coltfriend into a hug, the stallion immediately returning the gesture with a happy sigh.

“Hey there.”

“Hello to you too,” he whispered, Gelliana not wanting to do anything but hug him close.

“So, what’s the occasion?”

“I was able to get away for a bit. I’m having to make some big decisions, but I wanted to, I just…” his words trailed off, Gelliana now feeling the tension in the stallion’s shoulders as he leaned into her embrace a bit more.

“This time you need a hug?” she asked softly, Toxic nodding at that.

As he relaxed in her arms, Toxic rested his head against Gelliana’s for a few moments. He then shifted to rest in the crook of her shoulder and neck, the stallion’s breathing slowing as he seemed to burrow ever so slightly into her soft feathers.

It was a simple thing that the stallion did at times, something the gryphoness wasn’t even sure he knew was a thing. But it was a small clue that let her know something was off.

She loved when he did that. Not that he needed to feel better, but a small intimate gesture that clearly showed how much he enjoyed it, and wanted it.

Wanted her.

The fact that just a hug could make her special somepony feel so much better, that Gelliana could help; was this what it was like when Toxic was there for her?

I logically understand why you may feel like it’s one sided, but I really like when I’m able to make you feel better.

It makes you feel more real. Not pretending around me, trusting me to not-

That thought made Gelliana’s heart skip a few beats. He hadn’t told her much outside of acknowledging and agreeing they both had to work on trusting each other, hence the slow and steady.

But the fact he was here, asking her for a hug, showing that vulnerability; that was something only now the gryphoness was starting to understand how big a deal that was.

I like being wanted, but the fact he trusts me enough to want some help in feeling better…

“Gels? Breathing.”

Letting out an embarrassed squeak, Gelliana relaxed her grip slightly- any immediate thoughts being squashed as a warm nuzzle from her stallion rubbed against her cheek.

“Something on your mind?”

It was times like this Gelliana really wondered how Toxic’s voice sounded without the safeguards of the crystal necklace. She could hear the tender concern, the simple affection in the statement, and yet there was that curiosity.

“I’m just happy,” she admitted, still thoroughly enjoying the fact Toxic hadn’t let her go- not that the gryphoness had done the same. “I really like the fact you’re ok opening up to me. It’s really attractive actually.”

“Oh?” Toxic asked, his tone indicating he did understand, but the playfulness was definitely clear. “So, asking for hugs makes me…”

“Extremely huggable.”

“Duly noted, and I will not complain.”

“And if you do, I’ll assume that you’re-”

“A changeling, yes.”

Gelliana giggled, shifting to snuggle her head underneath Toxic’s as he gave her a bit tighter of a hug. Unfortunately, a nearly-in-unison growling of stomachs interrupted them, the stallion chuckling.

“Y’know, this does prove that we aren’t changlings,” he mused. “Otherwise we wouldn’t be hungry.”

Gelliana’s feathers immediately poofed out at that, the gryphoness finally releasing her hold and looking at the cheeky stallion.

“That was both incredibly sweet, and rather weird,” she admitted, then smiling widely. “Good for you that I love both of those things.”

“Eh, ‘normal’ is just a way of saying ‘boring’ anyhow!” Toxic proclaimed with a grin as he walked towards the kitchen. “I have no intention of stealing your favorite stew, unless my nose deceives me. So, I can just run out and…uh…”

A very clear ‘oh no you don’t’ look quelled any more words, the gryphoness then giggling as she fished out a rather futuristic metal-foiled-wrapped package from the cupboard.

“You didn’t!” Toxic gasped as he accepted the package, eagerly tearing it open with a chuckle. “Where did you get this?!”

Gelliana was all smiles at that, getting her own serving of food as they meandered back to a table, the rough wooden surface already cleared of paraphernalia.

“It was a package from Varti a few days ago. I haven’t even met the Yak, but he said that if I’m dating you, especially if you’re having a rough time then I’d better have a stash of these rations on claw. Apparently, he keeps getting annoyed that they go missing from your organization’s kitchens, and he has an entire pantry dedicated to you. He wouldn’t tell me anything else of course. But here they have sat, all alone in the cupboard!”

“Mmmmmmm.”

The blissful hum from Toxic had Gelliana in stitches, a large piece of fruit jerky poking out of the stallion’s mouth.

“You’d better not hog all of it! I want a taste!” she pouted, the stallion separating a few pieces for her.

“I wouldn’t dare deprive my Princess of a sample.”

The adorable squeak that left Gelliana’s beak made Toxic pause, the stallion cocking his head to the left curiously. “What?”

As her feathers poofed up slightly, Toxic’s mind caught up with his mouth, a slight blush now also dawning on his cheeks. Gelliana’s demeanor became a bit shyer, an almost hopeful, affectionate look in her eyes.

Of course, Toxic didn’t say anything else on the matter, promptly levitating a piece of the fruit jerky over and poking her beak with it, prompting another giggle.

As their conversation drifted to just pleasant banter, Gelliana didn’t miss an intensity that was now behind Toxic’s gaze, his demeanor having shifted slightly. She wasn’t sure what it was; but it was something she liked.

I’m just glad I could help you feel better…

Of course, his ‘Princess’ comment wasn’t about to leave the gryphoness’s mind.
I’ve never been called that before. Not in an adoring manner at least.

Like many things Toxic said and did, she didn’t think he had any clue how much the actions or words meant. She definitely intended to change that; but not when he had much bigger decisions to make.

I wonder what you’re up to now.

Whatever it was, it certainly didn’t impede his ability to make Gelliana’s heart skip a beat when he purposefully matched her gaze with that slight, confident grin.

Whatever it is, I can’t wait to be a part of it, if you’ll let me.

Author's Notes:

More developments!
LOTS of developments! Looks like Toxic is finally getting a bit of extra help! At least after putting with with some confusing ethereal chats!
And of course the needed fluff

Just as a heads up, I'm slowing to one chapter since the previously 'small' chapters exploded to be a bit bigger than I intended (this one was 6k words, the next is 11k. ), so just this chapter for this 2-week block.

In the future I may shift back and forth between the double-updates if there's a short then a long chapter, but I'd rather have a sustainable upload schedule than a burn out...which I've danced with before.

Hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and as always, feedback is appreciated!

Chapter Seventeen: Purpose

Toxic stared at the parchment, nerves and uneasiness having fled an hour ago after he had returned from lunch with his special somegriff. His eyes scanned over the simple bullet points, despite having read them a dozen times.

I know this feeling.

An eager grin had slid onto his face a few minutes ago and the stallion was fairly certain it was here to stay. The parchment was a simple affair; a code of conduct and the general outlines of the initiation ritual into the higher levels of Nacreous’s now-functionally-extinct Order.

But this feeling, this buildup of tension as if just before the drop on a roller coaster.

This sensation just before a big change,
The power of a chance to change things.

The stallion had felt a similar surge of excitement and determination when he and Varti had tested the island facilities a few years ago. The realization of a dream becoming reality; knowing you had the power to change something in the world.

And now I’m given the chance to stop a catastrophe from happening, some evil that wants to kill everything I love.

As two white eyes came to remembrance, fear wasn’t present in Toxic’s mind as he let out soft growl. It wasn’t his life that he feared the most, oddly enough.

It was living with the knowledge of souls he could not save.

I’ve faced creatures like you before. No training, just a desperate grasp to make a difference. Back then I was just some young colt in a cobbled together hazard suit hoping and praying to the stars I could save a life!
And now…

Rolling up the parchment and trotting out of the private study, Toxic angled towards the throne room, his mind made up.

If I’m supposed to be the pony that stands in the way of this new threat, then so be it!
Even if this ‘choice’ isn’t really one, the outcome is worth it.

A dozen faces flashed through the pony’s mind; young colts and fillies as they had looked up to him in wonder and thanks.

I made a promise then, and every year since. I’ll never stand by while creatures those past foes prey on the helpless. And now someone has targeted me, wanting to remove my hooves from their plans?
Let them try!

He paused at the throne room doors, Toxic swallowing a lump that rose in his throat, a few memories springing to the fore.

His younger brother in a hospital, surrounded by nurses and machines that helped ease the pain.

Gelliana smiling at him before wrapping him up in a hug.

Two parents’ ecstatic at seeing their son pursuing his dream.

A Yak hugging his daughter close, grateful tears streaming down his cheeks.

“You already knew your answer, didn’t you?” Clari asked as she appeared at his side, Toxic letting out a chuckle.

“Perhaps. I made the choice for this sort of thing a long time ago. I just had to remember why,” Toxic replied with a determined snort, eyes then narrowing. He knew when he was being played, and this was no exception, even if his mind was made up. “But that said, Clari, you do understand how this appears to me? Everycreature, you offering me a ‘choice’ at this time in my life with all the royalty backing you up? This is the appearance of choice, nothing more, and I’m well aware of that. The choice to live or die is hardly a fair one, don’t think I missed that."

To her credit, the Leyline entity nodded, ears flattened sadly.
“Yes, I know,” she whispered honestly. “And yet there is no other way I can phrase it or offer my help against this foe. I wish this could all happen at a different time, more naturally. But I’m out of time. Choosing between help that will save your life and the lack thereof that will end your life is no real choice at all. For what my words are worth, I am sorry. R-really I am. I n-never wanted it to go t-this way, I t-tried…”

Genuine tears brimmed in Clari’s eyes, the mare shaking her head back and forth.

“You don’t deserve this, T-toxic, not after what you’ve been through,” she said softly. “I know I must look like Celestia, offering you nothing more than burdens, words, and rigged choices despite my best efforts. And if that’s how you remember this, remember me, then I’ll l-live with that.”

Toxic frowned, the unicorn letting out a sigh.

“I wish I could trust you, Celestia, everyone. I really do,” Toxic said. “But you are looking out for an aspect of life itself. My well-being doesn’t mean that much in the grand-”

“You are wrong!” Clari hissed, a bit of fire igniting in the mare’s eyes as she locked gazes with him. “This is different! Everything depends on you living! I am not some ruler who will sacrifice a pony to save a nation. If you die, darkness wins! I can’t allow that! I wish I could give you a genuine choice, of accepting this help or not, but I can’t. He moved too fast for me to come to you with this offer earlier, so I either had to move now, suddenly, or not at all. You can win without joining this order, but it binds my hooves in offering help and makes your chances nearly impossible. I guess it really isn’t that much of a choice however you cut it.”

Toxic grinned, surprising the mare as he leaned over to give her a friendly nudge on the shoulder with his hoof.

“So, whoever this enemy is bears the brunt of taking my choice from me? More or less?”

Clari nodded firmly, now not able to meet Toxic’s gaze any longer despite the stallion’s sincere smile.

“For the most part, but that’s not excusing my actions though. I could have been faster, maybe gotten involved sooner and not been so blasted slow at realizing the threat. Maybe I could have headed things off, maybe then you’d have had a few years to make this choice instead of a few hours. It’s not fair to make this offer to somecreature who is hurting- and I know you are. Nacreous’s Order is very much my jurisdiction. They are one of the ways I can help guide things- were one of the ways.”

“You do know that I’d have said yes either way though.”

The mare’s head snapped up, Toxic still smiling, a bit of exhaustion entering his expression.

“Despite my words, I’m tired of not trusting creatures, Clari,” he admitted. “I said moments ago I couldn’t trust you, but now after hearing that, I think I can, at least a bit more. Your view and Celestia’s seem to differ on how I can best be used, more or less. Joining Nacreous’s order is something I’d have said yes to regardless of all this. Helping other creatures is what I do.”

The flurry of faces came to Toxic’s mind once again, the unicorn setting his jaw firmly.

“My brother, dozens of fillies and colts…I am buckling under the weight of all this, Clari,” he admitted, “but to refuse an offer of power such as this would be folly. It’s not a choice, it never was. The presentation however left something to be desired.”

Clari managed a smile at that, the entity clearly still remorseful.

“You don’t have to believe me, but if there was another way to help without putting so much responsibility on you, I’d have done it,” she said. “And once this is all over, I will not hold it against you if you leave the Order and all of it behind. I kind of expect that, to be honest.”

“Give up super-cool armor and powers that center around helping creatures?” Toxic chuckled. “You seem to know me more than Nacreous or Celestia. Does that sound like something I’d do? Maybe take a break to finally heal, but if you’re giving me this power, no takebacks.”

Clari giggled, sniffing back a few tears as the stallion appeared to be sincerely at ease around her. His distrust of her had clearly been an almost physical pain to the entity.

“Now, let’s get this rolling.”

Striding into the throne room, the unicorn looked at the gathered royals with a firm nod.

“When do we start?”

The triumphant grin on Nacreous’s beak lit up the room, the Paladin summoning his own armor and staff.

“How long can you stay here?” the Emperor asked. “The ceremony could take some time, the rest of the day or longer.”

“Well, as long as you’re providing dinner, here I stay then.”

That reply made the remaining three creatures smile, Clari happily hopping up and down at his side.

“The spell is simple. But usually initiates have months of preparation,” Nacreous explained as the throne room was sealed by a dozen privacy and security spells. “You do not have the training of an Initiate in the normal sense. However, you have walked the path, I think. As a Paladin I can allow a bit of leeway in the ceremonies. However, it is not up to me alone.”

A surprised look from Celestia and Luna clued Toxic into things a bit. Apparently, the Emperor hadn’t explained the details to anyone…

“Clari? How about you explain?” Nacreous stated.

“You will commune with the leylines,” the mare began. “Not mine specifically, but just the entire energy. Usually mentors serve as, what’s a good word? ‘Guides’ for you during this process. They will help you find what your ‘calling’ will be. Sorry, that’s a poor translation. It’s more of what station you will hold; initiate, Paladin, or otherwise. The evaluation consists of a simple oath to live the general requirements of the Order, similar to the Knights of old,” she paused, waiting until Toxic had nodded before continuing.

“After that, there will be a more in-depth evaluation of your character, and that is where your station, or lack thereof in the Order will be decided. Your mentors will be myself, Nacreous, perhaps Iust after I talk with him again, and two past, or should I say, present, teachers of Paladin Thunderwing.”

Her last words earned a few surprised stares, Nacreous beginning to send a few runes skittering out across the room.

“Past teachers?” the Emperor asked curiously, Clari nodded with a knowing nod. Despite her bubbly nature, her demeanor and eyes now shone with an ancient wisdom that was more befit of a village elder than anything else.

“You’ll know them. I can’t say too much. And Toxic?”

“Yes?”

“There’s a reason we aren’t telling you more about the other positions you may be guided to. This presents a unique opportunity for you to be guided to exactly what, and who you are. You’ve already walked a path, and now you can find out what it is without any preconceived notions. Paladin Thunderwing will handle the initial questioning.”

Clari then nodded to Nacreous, Celestia and Luna stepping to the side to watch curiously.

“Are you ready, Toxic Shield?” the Paladin asked. “If you want to decline, now is one of the final times to do so."

Toxic took a look around, breathing in and out a few times before nodding.
“I’m ready.”

Nacreous gently tapped his staff on the floor, blue lines of energy flickering out to connect the dozens of runes in the room. The ancient symbols brightened to the point of everycreature needing to close their eyes against the intensity.

When they all opened their eyes, the throne room was gone. Instead, a large room greeted them, the floor, walls, and ceiling composed of what looked like an ocean of threads, each line moving like lightning.

“Roughly translated, this is the ‘judgement realm,’” Clari explained. “It is here that Initiates commune with the leylines and speak with their mentors of what their title should be. There are other levels of judgement however; you know of this, Nacreous, but they are forbidden to speak of outside this realm.”

Nacreous nodded, gesturing to the representative leyline ‘ocean’s around them.
“Toxic, Celly, Luna, Shifting,” he began, “In this realm, before you are confirmed a Paladin or the like, you are questioned and examined. Here, time is not as linear as we think it is. Your deeds, your intentions, your relationships, your future actions- it all can be seen, in a sense.”

“It’s how I see things,” Clari said softly. “I can’t see the future, but I can extrapolate what will most likely happen. So, it may seem like I can, but that’s just because it's the best way to explain it.”

“So, I’m to be judged on my actions? There was a single line on the parchment concerning that, but I wasn’t sure what that meant,” Toxic muttered.

“Yes. But as I have said, you needn’t worry. Shall we begin the general questions?” Nacreous said.

“Wait a moment, Nacreous,” Clari interjected, nodding to Celestia, Luna, and Shifting. “Will you accept this invitation to serve as witnessed to this stallion’s induction to the Order? The name of this group has been lost on time, along with its members. Yet the codes of conduct remain, as does the untapped power. Perhaps this Order will return to the world once again, but that remains to be seen. Do you three affirm that Toxic Shield is of good conscience and a good candidate to serve as a force of good in this world?”

“Yes,” Luna immediately said, following by Shifting and Celestia.

“Then, Paladin Nacreous, let us proceed. You three must wait here. The questioning and examination are very personal, and is to only be seen by a few of the highest ranking and most powerful individuals within this organization,” Clari said, watching the reactions of the two alicorns and other unicorn. They simply bowed their heads- knowing this event was one of the areas they did not fully understand, many questions remaining unanswered.

“That goes for you too, Paladin. The two who will examine Toxic outside of the general questions have requested to be alone with him.”

Nacreous looked at Clari in surprise, his eyes then drifting to two shapes that began to coalesce behind her.

Motes of light formed around the outlines of the individuals, taking the translucent form similar to that of Clari. First was a large minotaur, the individual hefting a massive war axe. At his side, an elderly Earth Pony sat, a rough beard on his face.

“Hello, Trainee Thunderwing,” the Minotaur rumbled with a chuckle as he set his axe aside. “I hope that test I gave you wasn’t too difficult. I do believe you and the others are completing it tomorrow.”

Staring in absolute shock, Nacreous was unable to speak. The torrent of emotions was apparent as tears began to trickle from his eyes, beak quivering.

“T-teacher?” he whispered, “Master Granite?”

Celestia trotted over to her Fiancé’s side in worry as the minotaur chuckled, striding forwards to hold out a hand in greeting.

“It has been centuries for you, has it not?” Master Granite said, “Hundreds of years and you are still doing well. Even with us fading, you remain. And are to wed the Empress of the Sun nonetheless!” The minotaur was pushed off balance as Nacreous darted forwards, wrapping the equally large individual up in a hug.

“You didn’t really think we would vanish so easily, did you?” Granite chuckled, the earth pony at his side bowing in greeting, one which Nacreous returned after collecting himself.

“Master Torn Parchment, it is good to see you again,” Nacreous whispered.

“And you, Paladin,” the more reserved earth pony replied with a kind smile. “Even though technically we spoke yesterday for myself.”

Seeing Toxic raising his hoof, Granite laughed and gestured to the smaller (much) smaller pony.

“I apologize, Toxic Shield. This reunion must seem quite odd.”

“So, are you Nacreous’s teacher? Or were?” Toxic asked.

“When you commune with the leylines long enough, young unicorn, time doesn’t mean the same, neither does death,” Torn explained with a knowing nod. “We knew we would be needed at this point to judge a new initiate. And so, we are here, despite being in the past at the same time. Nacreous here was in our class just the other day, and will continue his training tomorrow. Yet we stand here now looking, to your perspective, ahead into the future.”

Granite let out another bellowing laugh as Toxic winced.
“Do not worry about it, young one,” the minotaur rumbled. “What matters is that we are here to continue the process. Clari will join us for that part of the process, but first, Nacreous, the modified questions?”

“Ah, right,” Nacreous said, collecting himself. “Toxic Shield, if you have read of ancient Knights, and perhaps some more recent, you may recognize some of these codes of conduct. These are to be some, but not all of the attributes you must continually seek to embody,” he then paused, looking at the stallion with a confident smile. “Continue to embody, as I can think of no conflict you will have with these.”

Toxic sat up straighter as Nacreous walked over to him, reading off a parchment that floated into view, the golden writing shedding bright sparks like grains of sand.

“There is no time limit for these questions; simply answer them honestly. Will you strive to be courageous for those who cannot?”

“Yes.”

“Will you strive to show mercy to the worthy and unworthy, as taking a life cannot be undone?

“Yes.”

“Do you promise to be generous to your fellow creature, to lift up those in need?”

“Yes.”

“Will you met out justice when it is necessary, to seek out fair council when your own judgement may be clouded by emotion?”

“Yes.”

“Will you push on through times that would otherwise crush your spirit? To be the creature others have faith in despite your own trials?

“Yes.”

“Will you be accountable for your actions? To change yourself if you have erred, and to recognize that no creature is above improvement, let alone yourself?”

“Yes.”

“Will you be noble in your actions? Showing kindness, respect, and courtesy to all creatures of all kinds and creeds?”

“Yes.”

“Will you strive to have hope for yourself, and give it to those who may have lost it?”

At that question, Toxic’s jaw clenched as he nodded firmly, something that didn’t go unnoticed by anycreature.

“Yes.”

“Will you be loyal to those with whom you pledge your loyalty, your love, and your life to?”

Another firm nod, Toxic’s jaw still clenched.

“Yes.”

“Then proceed to the Masters who will continue the initiation. We will wait here,” Nacreous said calmly, reaching over to give Toxic’s shoulder a reassuring pat. He then walked over to sit next to Celestia, Luna, and Shifting.

“Please close your eyes, Initiate Shield.” Torn Parchment stated as arcane magic flooded from the Earth Pony’s frame.

As Toxic, Clari, Master Parchment and Granite vanished, Celestia chewed on her lip in slight worry.

“Will he…?”

“He’ll be fine, Sunspots,” Nacreous whispered. “I think he’s going to give my old teachers a surprise of his own.”

Toxic’s vision cleared, noticing that the room was no longer there. Instead he, Clari, Master Parchment and Granite stood in front of a large wall composed of clouds. It was as though slabs of granite contained equally grey storm clouds, lightning occasionally illuminating deeper depths.

“Well, Toxic,” Master Granite chuckled, gesturing to the wall of clouds. “You passed the initial questioning. We sensed no lies from you, and trust me, we’ve done this long enough to have picked up even a bit of that. With your consent, we’ll be able to see a map of your life, and to know the things Clari does.”

Toxic nodded, looking curiously at the large expanse of something.

“This is your life, Toxic.”

Wait WHAT?

“Uh, pardon?” he asked, Clari letting out a soft giggle but otherwise letting the Masters take the lead.

“Every creature has a theme. It may change depending on their current state of mind in their life. Yours appears to be clouds, storm clouds to be specific, thunderheads,” Torn explained. “During this test, we are to examine your deeds in general. That is part of the power that is granted to us with these leylines. We cannot see specifics however, only how choices have affected others, and how they may continue to affect others, and they to you. It is a simple good, bad, or neutral gauge.”

“That, uh, is a lot to take in,” Toxic admitted.

“For example,” Granite added, waving a hand towards a white slab of marble, the object appearing out of thin ‘air’.

A large blue dot pulsed brightly on one edge, traveling from left to right in a straight line. Along the way, small branches formed, other dots blinking blue or white and continuing on out of view. Other dots winked out of existence, a black dot forming and seeming to spread to a few dots like a fungus on a tree.

“Here you see a portion of my life, Toxic,” Granite said, gesturing to the main ‘trunk’ line. “This is the progression of my life. Here is where I met some of my first students.” He gestured to a few of the branching white dots that continued on out of view. “As you can see, I had a positive influence on their life and they continued to be a positive influence in my life.”

His gesture then drifted to the blackened, diseased portion of the lines, the minotaur’s voice growing rather somber.

“And here is where I made a mistake, Toxic,” the Master admitted. “In my joy of finally having my first class, I neglected some of my students in the second admittance. A few of them fell away into darker paths, and I was forced to face them in combat in the future. I was a negative influence on their life, and they to me. Yet the burden lies on myself. The color of the dots is only a rough indicator. Blue and white is a positive influence on your life, and you to them. This diseased, burned color is a negative. Do you understand?”

The now-nervous stallion nodding, taking a few deep breaths.
“I think so. So, this will basically just show if I’ve been a good pony, or a bad one, in terms of relating to others?”

“It’s much more than that. It takes into account whether you could have done more, if the fault of such negative interactions was yours or another and-”

“Yes, Toxic, that’s a good, simple way of putting it,” Granite interrupted Torn with a friendly roll of his eyes, the other stallion letting out a huff. “It is a more in-depth examination of your character. Did your interactions with family, friends, and so forth have positive impacts on yourself and them? Did you react accordingly and continue on when perhaps they were at fault? It is a way to examine your resilience throughout life, and yes, if you are a ‘good’ stallion, in a very crude way.”

“Alright, that both makes sense, and doesn’t,” Toxic admitted.

“Once the process starts, you’ll know what parts of your life the map shows,” Clari interjected. “It won’t be as confusing, I promise. Do we have your consent to continue?”

Steadying his breathing after letting his thoughts settle, Toxic nodded, sitting up a bit straighter.
“Alright. I’m ready. And yes.”

“You will just feel the leylines reaching out to you. Just like your meditation techniques, lose yourself in the flow,” Clari replied.

A flowing river of arcane energy rose from the flow, peacefully flowing through the pony and then aiming towards the cloudy wall. A strange sense of serenity eased all of Toxic’s anxieties, enough so that he almost burst into tears from relief as his eyes closed, the pony rocking back and forth slightly.

Like his exercises, it felt like he was on the shore of a powerful ocean. Waves flowing over his frame, pushing and pulling with a force far beyond his own. It was so easy to simply go with the motion, even with this experience being much more forceful.

Toxic didn’t see the three individuals present smile, trading knowing looks at the unimpeded energy that flowed through the stallion. Rare was it that the process was so smooth.

The energy began to form into a cohesive line on the left part of the wall, beginning to travel at an even pace across the background.

Life Map visual (click)

The first dot was a bright, sun-level intensity.

When I was born.

It was a simple confirmation, a strange knowing what the dot was. The two branches from the main line indicated the relationship Toxic had with his parents initially, a positive one he still maintained to this day.

Then the other lines, my siblings; my childhood friends.

Those lines faded; not out of malice, but simply as individuals grew apart. The river of Toxic’s life continued; a few blue dots forming and fading as such similar relationships occurred.

A large branch then formed, a gathering of small offshoots around the time the stallion was ten. An icy grip held Toxic’s heart at seeing that. He knew what that was.

The branches began to grow, blossoming, and then withered.

A purple, black disease tore away the blooming relationships with friends and teachers. A single word sprang to Toxic’s mind, making him take a few deep breaths.

Oakbark.

A dozen of the lines from the diseased branches continued, eventually fading as Toxic’s life continued on. And yet they were still…

“How?” Toxic croaked, gesturing to the stormy wall. “How are the survivors from that event-why does it show a good relationship?”

“Why would it not?” Clari asked softly, the mare sitting at his side. “You saved their lives.”

“I saved some of their lives!” Toxic whispered. “And the others I doomed to a decade of suffering, each withering in hospital beds one by one!”

“Do you think they thought that way?” Clari asked. “Perhaps some of them did at times, but did you ever consider the other side of it?”

Toxic didn’t reply. The last survivor had perished last year, and the knowledge that he was the last…

“How much do you think it mattered to those you saved, to the parents and loved ones, that they could have final moments? Perhaps they were in a hospital for their final years, but they were comfortable, lucid enough to be at peace.”

The stallion simply shook his head, a few tears welling up in his eyes.
“I d-don’t…”

“You feel guilty for those you have been unable to save.”

Granite’s statement was an exact echo of Toxic’s thoughts. It was not a question, and to the stallion it came off as a condemnation.

Yet the caring smiles on the faces of the two Masters were anything but angry. The wall of Toxic’s life faded, the exercise paused for a moment.

“Toxic, I believe there is a more relevant exercise that needs to be conducted right now,” Torn Parchment remarked. “Please, open your eyes.”

The stallion did so, swiping a forelimb across them as he looked at the map.

“Wait, it stopped?” he asked.

“You need something else,” Clari whispered, gesturing to the leyline river. It began to fray, each tendril zipping out underneath the ‘wall’.

“You are too clouded by doubt and guilt. Buried underneath your day to day duties, you’ve never really come to terms with it?” Granite asked. “Clari has told us; you are the only survivor now, and you have not been able to heal from the wounds of that day, not completely. You now serve others at the cost of your own health. You cannot stop, because the guilt of knowing that lives would be lost at your expense would be too much. Is that correct?”

Toxic could only nod once. It was humbling to have his deepest challenges laid bare, and yet there were none of the anxieties usually associated with such. He knew these three could be trusted, and that was saying a lot for him.

“I am going to show you two things,” Clari said softly. “This is an act of trust, Toxic. I know how this may seem cruel, but I beg you to trust me. The first are the creatures who have suffered due to you not putting their needs above your own. The second will be those whom you did save.”

Toxic’s limbs shook violently, the stallion shaking his head as he shut his eyes tightly.
“P-please, don’t,” he whispered. “I don’t know if I can…”

“Toxic, just look up.”
Drawing on all of his willpower, Toxic lifted his gaze, opening his eyes to gaze upon the hundreds he failed to-

A single set of eyes looked back at him.

Shock replaced trepidation, Toxic looking at the individual in shock. The pony that stared back at him was a mirror image of the stallion.

“I don’t understand,” he whispered.

“You have never refused a call to action, Toxic Shield,” Master Granite rumbled as he walked over to the dumbfounded stallion. “You have always responded to requests for aid, and even to times where it was not. You have never put your own life above that of another’s in need, not when their life would be extinguished. Do you really think that counts for so little? The pony that has suffered most because of your actions is yourself. We are not saying you were perfect in your actions, but none have died due to a lack of effort on your part. Even if you did not succeed in saving somecreature’s life, it was not due to a lack of trying.”

Toxic hung his head, not knowing how to react. What else could he have done? Knowing somecreature would have died while he relaxed in his apartment?

“I had to,” he said, mouth moving on its own without much preconceived thought. “How could I keep living knowing others would have suffered by my inaction? I was too late once, I never-”

“You were not too late, Toxic Shield!” Clari abruptly cut in. “You responded faster than any other creature to the incident in Baltimare, and it was no creature’s fault but the fanatics that day, and the officials who held off alerting Celestia and likewise you. Do not hold your brother’s condition over your head any longer.”

“Easier said than done,” Toxic whispered.

“Perhaps. But remember I know a bit more than you about the flow of things in this world,” Clari replied. “The attack that left your brother chronically injured was neither your fault nor within your ability to prevent. Does it look like he holds that against you?”

Toxic looked back to the life-map, and the lines showing his familiar relationships were solid and strong, even the one with his brother.

Especially with his brother.

“He loves you for being there for him before anycreature else was even able to get close to the blast site. He loves you for that; nothing less. The first pony he saw at his side was you.”

The tears threatened to spill out of Toxic’s eyes again, the stallion taking a few shuddering breaths as he looked to his hooves, trying to regain his composure.

“And now the creatures you have both saved directly, in a physical sense and otherwise.”

Toxic lifted his gaze and found the wall completely gone. Standing on puffy white clouds, a gathering of ethereal creatures looked back at him with gentle smiles on their face.

And at the forefront, dozens of foals, gryphon chicks, and youngsters of various other species smiled back at him.

His jaw quivering, Toxic stood up as more creatures began to form, the stallion’s eyes swimming with tears.

“Dark thoughts are powerful, insidious things,” Granite said quietly. “A drop of guilt and pain can drown out a waterfall of good, an ocean.”

More creatures continued to form. Dozens, hundreds…
Thousands.

Toxic couldn’t keep the tears back anymore, spying a large Yak with a forelimb around a younger individual.

“V-varti?” he croaked out, taking a few steps forward.

“And his daughter. They owe their lives to you, Toxic.”

“I’ve never saved Varti from death though?”

“Saving is not always physical, Toxic Shield,” Parchment remarked. “What would the impact have been to Varti if he had lost his daughter to those creatures? If any of those parents had lost their little ones?”

Jaw quivering, Toxic couldn’t respond as the field of individuals spread out in front of him, the number extending beyond view.

“I n-never knew…” he whispered.

“Wheat Pepper,” Clari said, a light in the distance lighting up to indicate the individual. “Earth pony. Her husband would have been a first responder to one of your incidents if you had not responded. He would have died due to the chemicals months later; she would never be the same.”

“Lime Glass. Her marefriend was a medic. She would have responded to an incident had you not shut it down. The chemicals would have killed her and every other first responder before they realized the toxicity. That was prevented when you fixed the pressure valves at a facility five years ago,” Granite explained.

“What may have been a two-hour job of closing valves and welding pipes in a poisonous cloud was an act that saved hundreds. And yet you never got to see the fruits of your labor, not until now,” Parchment stated. “Everycreature should know how many lives their small acts of kindness, of duty can impact.”

Two familiar figures now appeared, smiling next to a stallion and large hippogriff.

“Celestia? Luna? Shifting and Nacreous?” Toxic asked, shaking his head. “I don’t understand.”

“They would have died,” Granite said bluntly, gesturing to the four individuals with a grin. “Died or permanently crippled from trying to stop various disasters from occurring. And as such, they would have never met these two, and so on and so forth. Don’t think they are so far removed.” The minotaur then seemed to suppress a chuckle, Clari motioning off to his side.

“The map, Toxic,” Clari whispered.

Toxic looked back and drew in a surprised gasp. The life-map had exploded with branches. Life-saving tendrils and dots flew every which way off of the main trunk. Every life he had saved, every family that remained whole, every child that had come home safe.

And then all of the lives they had touched, an exponential spread of life and potential.

I did all of this?

A dark spot ignited across the branches however. What was once a collection of blue dots beginning to fade. A brief pink branch had begun to form- but it was cut off by a disease that ate the dot from the inside-out.

Just when I thought I had things figured out. A group of friends, and even had a few dates with an interested mare.
A special somepony…

Or so I thought.

“And yet there are those who cannot see the burden you bear as anything but an oddity,” Granite said sadly. “The scar you bear from Oakbark as anything but a negative. There will always been those creatures in this world.”

I trusted her, even began to like her; and in return she spread lies to those I thought companions. They believed her, and I lost those I thought were my friends, all except Varti and Hammer.

“And yet…”

Toxic looked back to the still-expanding map, every life he had touched still soaring upwards to the heavens with unspent potential. And yet now as the map neared the current time, another dot winked into existence next to him. Coming from what looked like to be another life-branch, it eagerly began to twine around his own before it stopped, the map pausing at the present time.

The pink branch was still firmly meshed with his own; just seeing the color spread warmth through Toxic’s chest.

“Gelliana,” he whispered.

“In a land where emotion can be harnessed and utilized, love is a powerful force indeed,” Granite chuckled.

A blush spread onto Toxic’s cheeks at that. They hadn’t even said…

“I wish you the best in that regard, Toxic. It is interesting though.”

The stallion looked over at Granite’s words- and his jaw nearly dropped as a new figure formed at the front of the creatures spread out before him.

A familiar gryphoness looked back at him, eyes wide with hope and an excited smile on her beak.

“Gells?”

“You must have impacted her life a great deal, Toxic, to have her show up here,” Granite remarked. “An incomplete relationship, but a strong one nonetheless. This map does not show what can be- only what is.”

The stallion didn’t say anything to that, only staring at the cheery line glowing happily back at him, an equally happy image of a certain gryphoness still standing amidst the other creatures.

Have I really missed how much she cares? Does she know? Is this just extrapolating on what I think is going on?

Of course, the obvious answer is to ask. Will definitely do that on our next date, which I wanted to be special anyhow.

“Do you understand now, Toxic?” Granite asked, gesturing to the map and creatures spread out of view due to their number. “These are the lives you have touched by yourself.”

A familiar fire ignited in the stallion’s chest, a wry grin now twitching at his features.
“Can this map show possibilities?” Toxic asked. “If my dream is realized, how many creatures can my organization help?”

Clari was smiled widely at that- making a gesture towards the map.

The entire scene exploded in lines, hundreds of them branching off with countless dots of individuals affected.

Toxic promptly sat down in surprise, having to blink from the intensity of the lights in front of him.

“Countless. That is the answer, Toxic Shield,” Clari stated proudly. “You have used your unique position to better others, not hoarding wealth but using it to help.” Her expression then softened, the mare trotting over to gently poke the stallion in the chest. “But you have endured this burden alone for too long. You’re still a pony, and you need the extra help. That is what all of this is about.”

“Indeed,” Granite rumbled, sending the life-wall fading away with a wave of his hand. The countless creatures faded- Gelliana lingering last before the four individuals were once again alone in the cloudy room.

“We have judged your past and present, and found you worthy to join our Order,” Master Granite proclaimed, sending his battle-axe thudding into the floor with a surprisingly loud THUD. “There are many stations in this Order. As of now, you would be an Initiate, but that would not grant to you the sufficient power you need to endure the trials ahead of you. Therefore, we have decided to extend another offer, as you may have expected.”

“I…thank you,” Toxic managed to say, “But that sounds a tad foreboding.”

“I will not lie to you, Toxic Shield,” Parchment sighed, “The path ahead of you is dangerous. Events that can tip a balance to life and death are on a knife’s edge. Some of the force that can push it either way lies with you. We see you fit for a greater station.”

Toxic’s head tilted curiously, Clari letting out a soft giggle.

“That must seem confusing; we’ve been talking to each other this entire time, Toxic. Remember, time doesn’t work the same way here,” she explained. “In the brief pauses we’ve had between conversing with you, the Masters and I have conversed what must have been hours, perhaps days on how best to help you, even though moments have passed for you.”

“Uh…ow, ok,” Toxic muttered, wincing as he shook his head. “That makes a bit more sense. But what positions are there?”

“You will learn them in time. Once this process is complete, Nacreous can teach you all there is to know about our Order. Perhaps you two can bring it back into modern times. He has all the records, even if he doesn’t realize it,” Parchment mused. “We left with him a few different maps to locate our archives. Not everything burned with our monastery and the lands surrounding it. But enough of that.”

“You are not to be a Paladin, Toxic,” Master Granite stated. “A Paladin plays a more passive roll, as is seen by Nacreous. He wandered, embodying the love for all creatures and helping those he could, defending those in need. To use a better analogy, a Paladin is a constant, positive influence wherever they go. A police-pony in the balance of good and evil. A Paladin has a broad calling, both passive and active.”

Toxic’s ears flattened, the stallion feeling his heart sink slightly.
“And I’m not suited for that?” he asked softly.

*Music Option*
https://www.infinitelooper.com/?v=N-ted7frO6U&p=n#/79;199

“No. You are not a police-pony,” Parchment stated, “You are a warrior.”

At Granite’s words, Toxic’s ears snapped back up, his green eyes widening in surprise.

“The stations above Initiate are all voluntary, so you may reject this offer,” Granite said, leaning on his axe. “One of the highest is a Paladin of or order, and was one of the most numerous positions. There is another, however. Less in number but greater in influence, and in controversy.”

“You are no Paladin, Toxic Shield. You are a Guardian.”

What felt like an electric shock ran through the stallion, Toxic looking down to see leyline energy flickering at his hooves.

“That’s not me, Toxic,” Clari stated softly. “I don’t control all of the leylines, just one of them.”

“A Guardian?” Toxic asked, “What…?”

“They are a bulwark against evil in this world,” Master Torn Parchment said, waving a hoof. An image of a dozen armored creatures snapped into existence, standing in front of a shining stone monastery, pyramidal in shape.

“Guardians in our order are similar to Paladins; they embody a singular, or in times of crisis, multiple aspects of this world,” Granite explained. “They are an active defense against those who would tip the balance of things to evil. They are dispatched when no other measures can stem the tide of suffering or death, a last resort designated by the leylines of this world to stop the balance from being overcome by darkness.”

“You may notice a similarity here,” Clari whispered.

“When I am called,” Toxic said softly. “There’s never been anyone else who can help. I’ve been…”

“You have been a Guardian for almost two decades, Toxic Shield. A guardian against chemical threats. But this station is much greater than that,” Granite replied. “You have stood as a guardian against other evils in this world, when no other creature could. Such actions would have immediately granted you recognition within our order.”

Clari looked over to her side- and Toxic’s heart lodged in his throat. It was like a movie playing, but this was familiar, taking up his entire field of view.

A dark, grimy warehouse wall was shown, a young Yak chained with some other foals sobbing in a corner. Magic immediately began to spark around Toxic’s frame before he realized it was a memory, but not his own. It was seen from a third person perspective; as if an invisible pair of eyes was watching.

“I-is anyone going t-to come?” one of the fillies whispered, the Yak shaking her head, lips quivering as she tried to not cry.

“I d-don’t know. My Papa always promised he’d be there for me.”

“The Princess will help!” a colt managed to say. “That’s what she does!”

“I…” the yak shook her head.

The dozen youngsters fell silent as a commotion erupted out from behind a locked door. Screams, yells, the loud clashing of metal on metal…

It went on for some time, a heavy impact then hitting the door. With a loud crash, the body of a large reptile was tossed through the sturdy wood.

A broken sword held in the only arm still attached to its torso, the other three nothing but bloody stumps, the reptile plastered himself against a wall as a figure walked steadily through the hole in the wall.

Dark magic licking from his eyes, the stallion in front of them briefly looked over to the youngsters, then taking a surprised breath from behind the shattered metal helmet.

His gaze then locked onto the reptile, the sword falling from its trembling claws. The stallion’s fanged mouth widened into a sneer, broken metal plates falling from the suit of armor that was wrapped around barrel and limb. Darting forward, the smaller pony sent the reptile slamming to the ground, magic snagging the broken sword and holding it at the creature’s throat.

“Are there more of them? SPEAK!” Toxic Shield demanded, the reptile shaking his head.

“NO! J-just these! No others! I swear on my life!” the creature begged.

“That is worth so little, I shouldn’t trust your words!” Toxic growled, dark magic dripping from his eyes. “Give me a reason I shouldn’t kill you right now!” he hissed; the sword’s edge held against a trembling throat.

The reptile refused to move, instead closing his eyes in fear. The sword was then lifted, Toxic sending a piece of metal crashing onto the creature’s skull and knocking him unconscious.

“A-are you h-hear to help?” the Yak whispered.

The stallion took a few deep breaths, eyes refocusing back to the normal white and green color. Dark violet tendrils and clouds still remained, radiating from the corner of the pony’s eyes steadily.

“I am. I know your dad,” Toxic said kindly- his gentle words oddly offsetting the dark figure. “I need to deal with a few more bad guys, then we’re going to leave. Can you stay here for a bit longer?”

“O-ok…”

“That was not the work of a Paladin, but a Guardian,” Granite stated as the memory ended. “No other creature could have saved them from such an unspeakable fate. You took it upon yourself to toss aside everything except saving their lives.”

“It was legal by mere technicalities of the Klugetown Rules of Acquisition,” Toxic said with a huff. “But I’d have done it regardless.”

“And that, is what a Guardian does,” Parchment said with a soft laugh. “They are the most controversial aspect of our order. They care little for borders or politics, much like the leylines of this world in a sense. If there is evil threatening those who are innocent, a Guardian is not far behind,” the elderly pony paused, shaking his head sadly. “However, we were blind to such intervention,” he admitted sadly. “We did not recognize that nations could band together to destroy us. We sought to save everycreature else, and that made us a target in the eyes of many evil souls. In saving others, we did not have the strength to fight of the armies that were sent our way. Perhaps you can see some parallels to this, Toxic.”

The pony then stood up a bit straighter, pointing a hoof at Toxic.
“But you can change that!” Parchment said with a surprising amount of emotion, voice trembling slightly. “You have been planning for such an eventuality for years! Your organization will be able to do what we, for all of our power and foresight could not!”

“Politics robbed my brother of living a normal life, would have let those fillies and colts perish to a nightmarish fate,” Toxic growled, “I don’t seek to push my views of right and wrong onto other cultures- but there is a limit to what will be excused by tradition and belief! It was legal in the Badlands to kidnap those foals, to sell them, to….” Dark magic flared around Toxic’s eyes, the leylines becoming tinged crimson for a moment before he got his emotions under control.

“I’m just glad I got them out of there unharmed. That is all I want to be able to do. And I didn’t kill anycreature, somehow.”

“You showed restraint and mercy to those who may not have deserved it. You acted as Guardian would, even if it was for your own views and what you thought was right,” Granite said. “If you accept our offer as a Guardian, nothing would change. There are levels within such a position, but in general, you would just be expected to continue on as you are doing,” the minotaur then paused, letting out a said breath and laying a massive hand on the stallion’s shoulder. “The main change is that you must take care of yourself more. A Guardian is of no use when their mind and body are broken.”

Toxic nodded, not able to refute such a statement.
“So, there’s no additional things to do now?” he asked.

“Oh, there is plenty to do,” Granite chuckled. “We can officially confirm you a Guardian and grant to you access to the spells and materials you are entitled to. But to understand how to use it all, to fully be aware of past teachings, the history, the specific codes of conduct, that requires some studying. However, due to the circumstances that usual precursor requirement is being waived.”

“Before it’s official, the basics are this, Toxic,” Parchment said steadily. “A Guardian is bound to act when there is a threat, in this case, when innocent lives are at stake. That is irrespective of government and borders. This station is one of the most respected, hated, and controversial of our order,” the pony paused, a wry smile twitching at his lips. “But you already know the responsibility of acting of your own accord, don’t you? Given to you from a different ruler.”

“How did you-” Toxic began, then shaking his head with a chuckle. “I won’t ask. She’s the only one who knows, outside of maybe Luna and a smattering of others.”

“I find it interesting the Solar Empress mirrored aspects of her Guard after our Order,” Granite mused. “But the duties from that, the responsibility is the same. Would you act in the same way now than you did back then? Risk imprisonment, hatred from nations, to save those who cannot defend themselves?”

“Yes,” Toxic immediately replied.

*end Music*

“Then let us continue. I do believe you said something about Nacreous having some ‘awesome armor’?” Parchment laughed. “And before you ask, it can be modified by your Yak counterpart to suit your unique challenges. It is not to be used for your job, however. That is not its primary function. Stopping a blade is one thing, but a chemical bath is quite different.”

“I understand.”

“Hmm. I imagine so. Now then, before we proceed. Do you accept this offer to be a Guardian within our order, only bound to the responsibilities explained here and not to that which may be revealed on further study?” Parchment asked.

“Wait, so…” Toxic asked, obviously not having expected that last part.

“We mean, Toxic, that the standards for being a guardian change with time, as do their responsibilities. You should not bear additional burdens at this time. This station is a recognition of what you already have been doing. On acceptance, you will not be asked to do anything outside what you already are asked to do; stepping in to save those who cannot save themselves,” Granite explained. “Your primary task is that of your cutie mark; being a Guardian in that sense. Other instances where your aid is needed are abnormal instances.”

“So, no new assignments, no extra calls?” Toxic clarified.

“Correct. Your organization alone covers more than chemical threats, does it not?” Granite remarked with a sly grin. “As long as you hold to your goal with the Last Light, you will exceed the requirements of a guardian irrespective of personal actions. As another note, we will be around to aid in your training and further questions as you get acclimated. But eventually Nacreous will be your primary teacher, along with one of his friends to help you master controlling dark magic.”

At that, Toxic’s ears flattened, the stallion looking to his hooves.
“So, I did use it,” he whispered. “I can’t tell when it happens; how am I still qualified for this position?”

“Dark magic is not evil, Toxic Shield,” Torn Parchment explained. “As the elements are the embodiment of ‘positive’ emotions, dark magic is simply the other side of the coin. Love cannot exist without hate, bravery without cowardice. The magic you have been taught as ‘negative’ is nothing more than a neutral force.”

Toxic was quiet, soaking up every word. Dark magic was considered heretical among unicorns; never dabble in it, for it would destroy you.

“Now, since dark magic is powered by these perceived ‘negative’ emotions, it does open the user to corruption, to be driven by only these darker thoughts. Lose yourself in hatred, and that is all you will see,” Parchment continued. “But you do not use this magic for personal gain. It has been an extension of your connection with the leylines, a natural source of power when you need it.”

“So, not a bad thing?” Toxic tentatively suggested.

“Not at all. The fact you have such control as to not lose yourself is a fantastic thing. However, as your confirmation as a Guardian will unlock greater spells, more instruction will be necessary to prevent any mistakes and losing yourself to these emotions.” The elderly pony paused, smiling sadly at the stallion. “You have a lot of festering trauma, Toxic. That will make dark magic both incredibly potent, but very dangerous for you to use without instruction. You are at a higher risk than many for potential, and unintentional misuse.”

“I understand. I suppose that’s why Celestia had it classified as being restricted magic, trying to suppress any use,” Toxic mused.

“Correct,” Parchment replied. “However, you are not the average unicorn. Now, Toxic Shield, will you accept our offer to be a Guardian within our order?”

“Yes,” Toxic said immediately, standing up a bit straighter.

“Then let us proceed. Now, you must discover of what you are to be a Guardian of in this world.”

“Huh? Oh, like Nacreous taking that test?” Toxic asked.

“Correct,” Granite chimed in. “When you are ready, simply open your mind to the leylines. The simple meditation exercise Shifting Sands instructed you to do is more than adequate.”

*Music Option*
https://www.infinitelooper.com/?v=QN9SduuzoC4&p=n#/154;235

The stallion nodded. He sat down, taking a few deep breaths as magic sparked from his horn. Almost immediately, a stream of leyline energy wrapped up around Toxic’s hooves, swirling around his body and head before darting back into the ‘ground.’

“Very good,” Granite rumbled. “Now, this is a bit of a different situation with Clari being here. Usually, the masters and the student, that being you, would commune together and arrive at the same answers. We can do the same thing, but modified slightly. We already know what you are to be the guardian of. However, you must come to that realization yourself. So, Toxic, we ask you this question. What aspects of this world are you to guard with your life? To defend against all adversity? Single words will come to your mind in time. Simply speak the ones you feel to be right.”

“If the leylines are like an ocean, these words will be a particularly powerful wave, impossible to ignore,” Parchment instructed. “It may take some time. I have seen tests completed in minutes, others, hours or multiple days. I do not believe it will take that long.”

“I understand,” Toxic said calmly, enjoying the ebb and flow of power around his body.

For a time, there was nothing, the pony relaxing in the quiet space the leylines provided. No anxieties, worries; nothing but him and this energy.

What felt like an electric shock through his hooves and chest made the stallion’s head snap up, eyes wide in surprise.

Whoa!

“Hope,” he stated, Clari and the two Masters grinning with a simultaneous nod.

“Correct. Now, Toxic Shield, you are to be a guardian of more than one attribute, as many as this world needs at this time. Keep listening,” Granite replied. “The strength and peace you will get from this continued exercise is what will sustain you through times of trial. You’ll know what I mean.”

It was a lesser shock this time, but just as noticeable.

“Innocence,” Toxic whispered, his throat closing up as he spoke.

The next word hit with not so much a jolt, but a warmth that nearly overwhelmed the stallion. A peace that he had never known flooded his entire frame, tears abruptly trickling from Toxic’s eyes. In that moment, he was wrapped up in what felt like a hug from somecreature he had never known.

Or had only begun to know.

“I….” he choked out, managing a wry grin, the word burning in his mind with an intensity that could not be ignored. “Not sure pink is my color…” On not hearing a reply, Toxic wiped his eyes and looked up at the expectant trio. “Love.”

Three smiles greeted him, Granite letting out a soft chuckle.
“I believe Princess Cadence has a monopoly on the ‘love and pink’ empire,” he said. “But who is to say it cannot be a fiercer color? It does not just encompass romantic love. What is it that prompted you to save those fillies and colts? Your empathy has been tested for years, and yet you remain!” Granite proclaimed. “In a world where emotion can be power, do not discount the influence of love, no matter its form!”

Toxic could only smile at that, taking a few deep breaths and standing up.
“I think that’s it,” he said softly. “So, I can tap into that force anytime I need help?”

The three present individuals nodded, kind smiles blossoming on their features.
“Yes,” Granite said, “That feeling by the way? That is the peace and support is the strength of this world, the leylines specific to you giving their aid. You don’t have to keep fighting alone, Toxic. That is what we wanted you to have access to in times of trial whenever you need it.”

Clari trotted forward with a trembling smile, nodding to Granite.
“There is one more thing,” she said softly. “There is one more title you would not have picked up without this.”

She poked his chest and a blast of energy sent the stallion staggering back a step.

“What-”

Toxic’s eyes widened as the ebb and flow of the ocean he was tapped into became a tsunami, yet even that was but ripples in another ocean that had no end. Leylines on leylines, possibilities on possibilities.

A steady pulse ran through his mind, one that had Clari’s voice attached to it.

“Life,” she whispered, “Life, and the Leylines. My leyline.”

He looked up to see Clari standing before him, lips trembling as she apparently fought back tears

“Will you be my Guardian, Toxic Shield?” Clari asked. “Will you guard not only the leylines, but the balance of life itself? Guard it against an emerging threat that seeks to destroy everything you hold dear? You are not here by accident, and yet here you stand by your own efforts. Will you answer this final call?”

Toxic felt a few more tears running from his eyes, the warmth returning to flood his entire frame. Peace, actual peace made everything pause for a beautiful brief moment. No worries, no second-guessing, simple acceptance.

“Yes!”

“Then, Guardian Toxic Shield, stand ready!” Granite proclaimed, sending the butt of his battle axe thudding into the cloudy floor. “Every Guardian is to be armored and equipped. Prepare yourself! This armor will only respond to your call, and only by you can it be dismissed! May it serve you through battle and flame, to protect yourself and the innocent throughout life!”

The leylines around Toxic surged upwards, bolts of lightning crackling around his body. A warm pressure surrounded the stallion’s hooves, an excitement flooding his veins as a chain mail began to weave itself over his blue fur. Bolts of arcane magic danced across his body like licks from a thundercloud, metal dancing at their tips.

There was an odd pressure in his mind; and with a simple mental prod, the pressure made Toxic’s head spin. Partially pushed to lean on a bent forelimb, the stallion couldn’t help but laugh as the white chainmail covered his entire body. Bolts of arcane energy surged skywards, a solid, rapid pulsing of raw power surrounding the pony.

The lighter metal chainmail was abruptly covered by darker plates of armor that slammed into Toxic’s forelimb. The dark, storm-cloud grey worked its way up the stallion’s limbs, a breastplate shoving itself against his chest. The armor weaved itself over the chain mail, plates meshing together like large dragon scales. A full-face helmet clamped down over Toxic’s eyes, the slits glowing as a magical spell made his field of vision expand.

Whoa…

The armor must have weighed twice as much as he did and yet it felt light as a feather. Toxic immediately recognized some of the spells, similar to that in his current hazard suits.

“This armor is the best that we were able to provide to our Guardians,” Granite said proudly. “It has stood the test of time, as it is the same that Paladin Thunderwing uses. It can be modified and upgraded as you see fit, as long as the core elements remain, namely the breastplate. It can withstand everything but the keenest blade and arrow, and spells will be dampened if not outright blocked. It is similar to your hazard suites, lightening the load and offering a wide range of customization,” the minotaur laughed at that. “I look forward to seeing what your Yak friend does!”

Toxic grinned, taking a few experimental steps with the armor.
“Oh, I have a few ideas,” he chuckled.

“Paladin Thunderwing can instruct you on summoning and dismissing your armor. For now, our time is concluded,” Parchment said calmly. “We will meet again soon, Guardian Toxic Shield! Clari?”

The mare stepped forwards, pointing to Toxic’s breastplate.
“Look at yourself, Toxic,” she said, a mirror snapping into reality. “You have chosen your own symbol.”

Toxic felt tears well up in his eyes on seeing his armored frame, but more specifically, the icon that shone brightly in a gold outline. It was a symbol that adorned every building on his island; a lighthouse emblazoned on a shield.

“Your organization is not the only Light in this world, Toxic,” Clari said kindly. “And it is customary for Guardians to have a rank, a different nickname to be used only in times of great trial. You can be referred to just this name, or as ‘Guardian,’ followed by the name. You have to option of requesting a different one if needs be, but it is usually chosen by those present in the Judgement period. Your symbol will be modified to reflect such.”

Toxic nodded, standing at the ready proudly.

“Like this creature, you have passed through so much death and destruction, and refined yourself into a better stallion; reborn as it were,” Granite said with a wry smile. “We wish to impart to you the name of Phoenix, for as you literally rose from the ashes of Oakbark, you re-made yourself into a force of good in this world!”

Toxic felt a lump rise in his throat, nodding firmly.
“I accept!”

“Then stand and see your Guardian name engraved on your armor!”

Looking into the mirror again, Toxic watched as two golden wings spread out from the center of the breastplate, reaching down in a protective pose around the shield and lighthouse symbols, a simple raptor-like head etching itself on the top of the entire emblem.

*End Music*

“Phoenix, your initiation is complete,” Master Granite said with finality. “We now release you to Paladin Thunderwing to complete the second portion, that of being introduced to the various spells that can aid you in times of trial. In addition, he alone knows what you can tell anyone else about this position. What you have learned here, especially the Judgement portion, is to not be revealed except to those with whom you would trust with such knowledge. It is not to be shared casually, but treated with the utmost respect. Many creatures will not understand what has transpired. Ask Paladin Thunderwing for any clarification on the matter.”

Toxic bowed his head towards the Masters, the two returning the gesture in kind.

“Thank you, Master Granite, Master Parchment, and Clari,” Toxic said respectfully, the aforementioned mare sniffling.

“S-sorry. I’m j-just so happy!” she managed to say.

Toxic grinned, then gestured to his armor briefly.

“How do I…?”

“Simply will it to fade, for the armor to stand at the ready. It will answer your mental call,” Parchment said.

Toxic nodded, taking a few breaths-

And promptly caught fire.

The pony yelped, then let out a laugh, the armor flaming away with blue fire as though cotton caught in a blaze.

“That, is so COOL!” he exclaimed, watching as the last of his suit burned away, then regaining his composure to bow his head again.

“Uh, sorry.”

“It is pretty impressive. Every individual has a different summoning and dismissing effect of the armor,” Parchment agreed with a chuckle. “We do have to bid you farewell, Toxic Shield. It has been a pleasure meeting you, and well speak again.” The pony then paused, tossing over a stone object with a surprisingly excited grin.

“By the way, can you give this to Nacreous? Just tell him that the Order should be like your nickname. I think the implication should be obvious,” the elder stallion’s eyes then brimmed with tears, a brief flame of hope igniting in their depths. “Perhaps in time your Organization can become what we never could.”

Toxic flashed a determined grin, briefly examining the stone key before nodding as he offered another formal bow, and the two Masters vanished with a wave, leaving Clari and Toxic alone.

“Before I transfer us back to the others, I just wanted to say something to you,” Clari whispered.

“Hmm?”

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry again. I know it’s so much of a burden, this new threat that is still a mystery, and I really really am sorry I couldn’t help more, I just- I hope you can hold on, I tried my hardest and I-

The rambling mare was wrapped up in a brief hug, the Leyline entity staring at Toxic in surprise.

“Clari, it’s ok,” the stallion said sincerely. “You saved my life by warning me of that assassination. I should be thanking you.”

His words must have had a greater impact than the stallion realized, because Clari began to cry softly, nodding as she waved a hoof.

The cloudy room vanished, and Toxic was abruptly placed back in front of a surprised Nacreous, Shifting, Celestia, and Luna.

“Back so soon?” Nacreous asked, then let out a chuckle. “Let me guess, it has been much longer than ten minutes for you?”

Toxic grinned, nodding to the Paladin.
“Just a bit.”

“So, do I call you anything else, Toxic Shield?” Nacreous asked, gesturing to the two royal sisters. “You can reveal what happened there to both myself and them.”

The two alicorns were looking at him curiously, and Toxic couldn’t resist a bit of flare.
Please work please work…
With a mental request, a breastplate clamped itself over Toxic’s chest, the stallion standing proudly in front of the four larger individuals.
Worth it.

“I am the Guardian of Hope,” Toxic said with finality, a confident grin on his face refusing to leave. “Of Innocence, of Life,” his expression softened, looking towards the Paladin. “And of Love. My other name is Phoenix.”

Nacreous burst out laughing, summoning his own armor as the two Sisters looked on in amusement.
“Then, Guardian Phoenix, let us train you a bit in that armor and the spells you are entitled to use!” Nacreous then paused, letting out an embarrassed mumble at seeing Luna raise a hoof. “Uh, and first explain what exactly happened in there to the two lovely mares.”

Toxic nodded, then levitating a stone key over to Nacreous.

“Master Parchment said I should give this to you, with the message ‘the Order should be like my nickname.’ Pretty sure I know what that means. I guess we’re going the be the first of many?”

Nacreous took the key, the large hippogriff seeming suddenly a lot smaller. The Emperor wiped his eyes, clearly shaken and struggling to hold back tears- but they weren’t of sadness.

“Thank you, Toxic,” he whispered. “It seems that you are correct. The Order isn’t as lost as I thought. More on that later, I think we need to explain a few things. I think you should not speak of the Judgement portion. That is a very personal matter; only divulged to a select few of your own choosing, those whom you’d trust your life to.”

Toxic nodded, collecting his thoughts before going into rough detail of what happened.
Yet one thought refused to leave, one that made the exhaustion and fear leave the Stallion in an instant, a familiar warmth and comfort filling his entire frame and making doubt and anxiety flee.

I’m a Guardian!

Across desert and ocean, a shadowy figure felt a disturbing chill run down its spine. Summoning up a portal, the fanged individual let out an abrupt growl.

“He must not be allowed to be trained! Do you understand me! You are ordered to act NOW!”

“Highness, I don’t understand, who?” the gryphon asked, clearly unsettled at seeing his Master so…

Afraid?

“Who else!? Capture the stallion. Attempt extraction of his resistance to our weapon. When you have succeeded or if you can’t extract anything, kill him!”

“I-right away, Highness! This is sudden, my forces will need at least a few days to get in position however,” the Bringer then paused. “What of the gryphon he is usually with?”

“I don’t care. Capture her for leverage to force his compliance, then kill her as well.” Fangs then parted, desperation leaking through the creature’s voice. “GO! He must be stopped!”

As the portal faded, the gryphon scrambling to relay orders, a second voice chuckled from in the room, a smaller figure trotting over to the shadowy apparition with a sly grin.

“You are right to fear him. This does not bode well for us.”

The shadow could only hiss at that, white eyes darting back in forth in thought.
“That wretched, meddling mare. She and her sister….”

“I warned you. Do not underestimate ponies, least of all him.”

“And you were correct. Not that such a statement will ever leave this room.”

“Of course not, but it doesn’t matter. My failure is your failure.”

The shadow grinned at that.
“We will have our victory, all in due time.”

And yet the statement was said with much less confidence than previous utterances.

As Celestia listened to Toxic’s explanation, excitement was surging through her veins. It had been so long since a brand-new form of magic had been explored, explained; it was fascinating!

Suddenly, everything froze.

Blinking in surprise, Celestia’s view was now of a parchment on her desk, a certain, sour-tasting project title visible.

“It won’t work.”

Clari’s voice drew Celestia’s attention, the pair now back in the strange cloud realm.

“What?” Celestia asked, checking her passive defensive spells out of habit. Clari seemed almost angry.

But then that sense faded, sincere concern and sadness radiating from the leyline mare’s frame.

“Your emergency measures. The last resort spell and runic inscriptions you hope never to use on Toxic,” Clari explained. “It won’t work unless I allow it. Such a spell requires leyline energy, more than can be drawn naturally.” Her eyes then grew as sharp an obsidian, the mare not looking away from the Solar Empress. “I will stop you if you dare use it on Toxic against his will!”

“I would NEVER!” Celestia exploded, fire dancing through her mane. “Don’t you dare suggest I’d curse such a creature like that! I know the agony of an ageless life, who do you think you are, to…” her words trailed off, a sad smile on Clari’s face.

“I’m sorry, but I had to be sure,” Clari whispered. “I know you wouldn’t. That’s why I’m not worried. If anyone can understand the burden of that spell, it’s you and Luna. I just had to check; my sister was not as trusting as I am.” She then paused, Celestia’s rage fading. “I know how painful it has been. But at least you’re not alone, not in the previous sense.” The mare looked over to Nacreous with a smile. “I am happy for you, and I hope you forgive me for that test. But such a spell meddles in a power that could disrupt the flow of life itself for a pony. That warranted my attention and concern.”

“I understand,” Celestia finally said with a sigh. “I’d be lying if I wouldn’t have done something similar. For what it is worth, I promise I’d never use such a spell on Toxic, or any creature without their permission,” she then paused, letting out a sad sigh, “or at least somecreature else who could vouch with utter certainty for such a decision.” Her wings drooped slightly at that. “As I’ve learned with Toxic, I certainly can’t trust my own decisions to have his best interests at heart.”

Celestia found Clari looking up at her kindly, the leyline entity shaking her head.
“You are a ruler, Princess Celestia,” Clari stated. “You bear a burden few can understand. To value the one above the many, in your case, would be to doom a nation. I take no issue with your words, and your promise still bears a great deal of weight with me.”

“Thank you, Clari,” the Alicorn whispered, “That means quite a bit.”

“I know,” Clari grinned, gesturing to Nacreous. “Know that I am watching over you all too. You’re not alone in all of this.”

The scene then sped back up, Toxic continuing to explain his experience. Celestia made a mental note to relay the experience to Nacreous, Shifting, and Luna.

I’m not alone, that means so much more now than it did a decade ago.

The Princess couldn’t help but scoot a bit close to Nacreous, letting her shoulder graze his own for a bit of simple, physical comfort. The action didn’t go unnoticed by the Paladin, his keen gaze flickering over to her briefly.

Ironic, in a way. Those of us with a great deal of power are delegated to watch while a mortal pony leads the charge against this threat. Perhaps that is how it should be.

That thought made a lump rise in Celestia’s throat, Twilight and her friends coming to mind.

Perhaps that’s how it should be at times.

Author's Notes:

HUZZAH! What more can be said?

Looks like some chills were sent down the spine of a certain creature...

Chapter Eighteen: Gathering Clouds

It had been a good day.

The morning had been spent filling Marigold in (again) on her love life…much to the mare’s joy.
Her grins were infectious though, and Gelliana indulged Marigold at least with a bit of the details. Nothing too personal, but just telling her best friend about her stallion.

My stallion…

And her spirits had still been lifted despite the rain that began pouring down just before Toxic met her at the shop for their date. She still had enjoyed it immensely despite the weather. Apparently, Toxic had implemented his ‘get his special somegriff to like the rain’ plan. With the weather ponies in Tall Tale having mixed up a summer shower with a freezing thunderstorm, the pair altered their plans to stay inside Gelliana’s shop and tried to come up with the best hot coco mix.
And then the worst. It had just been fun, and tasty! (For the most part.)

It has been such a good day, so why do I feel so horrible?

Toxic hadn’t left more than a few hours ago, the unicorn heading to his island to oversee some final preparations along with a project his yak friend was working on. He had been busy the day or two before that with some super-secret thing in Canterlot.

The warm glow in the gryphoness’s chest had faded, and now the thunder and rain battered against the window. The question of why she felt horrid was rhetorical; of course, she knew. A single day of fun couldn’t outweigh such an ingrained experience. With the storm’s air pressure change making her head ache, coupled with the memories…

Despite being wrapped up in thick sheets, Gelliana shivered, not able to shake the ghostly sensation of rain trickling through her feathers. Freezing mud seemed to mat her entire body as ghostly howls sounded all around her.

Then came the doubts. The insidious, double-edged blade that always followed. It was as though whenever her mental defenses were down that Gelliana’s deeper fears decided to bite. Much like how exhaustion made one’s speech become erratic; her already flustered mind froze. Logic took a back seat to emotion, past reassuring words seeming to be faint echoes.

What if he’s playing the long game, just being with me until he gets what he wants?
How long do I have to wait until I know for sure?
Does he just like the idea of a ‘helpless’ girl to save?
I….
It was a quick shake of the head and a simple, heartfelt and hopeful request scrawled on an enchanted parchment that made the gryphoness drag herself out of bed, sitting in the small study area next to a window.

Will he even come? It’s such a stupid thing.
Compared to what he goes through, what others have been through, I have no right to feel this way. It was just a single day and night. And yet here I am not able to get over it more than a decade later.

Toxic has been through worse a thousand times over, he wouldn’t care about-

Her sluggish mind was rattled by a *pop* of magic, a stallion nudging her shoulder with a familiar and soft inquiry.

“Hey Gels, what’s up?” Toxic asked softly, letting out a soft huff as the gryphoness scooted into his arms for a hug.

“The storm and stuff?”

She nodded, all her doubts fading at the sound of Toxic’s steady heartbeat as he rocked her back and forth. The tension bled from her shoulders, Gelliana finding herself quickly smiling.

Of course he’d care, he always does.

Toxic didn’t say anything for a time, letting the gryphoness relax in his arms. She wanted to tell him, and felt like she needed to tell him soon, how much moments like this meant to her. Despite the storm, her doubts, when she was in Toxic’s arms listening to his heartbeat, she just felt safe.

Safe to be herself; doubts, idiosyncrasies and all. Toxic was always there, even if it was something as silly as asking for a hug. No questions why, just a pop of teleportation magic, and here he was; not judging, not questioning, just here and wanting to help. No preconceived notions of gryphons, not even a hint of being thought of as a ‘runt’.

Even in moments like this, when he didn’t even really know what was troubling her, Toxic hugged first, and asked later. Ironic, for the stallion who had once said he wasn’t the huggy type.

It also made Gelliana feel wanted, even in her moments when her defenses were down and she just felt like an absolute mess, not really worth of being wanted, even if now it seemed like a silly thought.

But she knew such a sentiment was felt at times by a certain stallion, so Gelliana wasn’t so quick to dismiss it in terms of severity. And yet despite it all, Toxic just wanted to help, to make her feel better.

That’s who you are, Toxic, you always want to help others, I didn’t consider how that’d flow over to a relationship.

I don’t even think I realize how much this means to me. I’m only starting to understand how much I want this. I want to be there for you, Toxic, and I don’t think I’ve been very good at explaining how much times like this means to me. You’ve been there to help for so many ponies, and now to me; I don’t want you to think it’s a lopsided relationship.

If only you knew, feeling safe, for me, is kind of a big deal. Letting me be the one to help is also something I’ve wanted to do. Of course, you’d know most of this if I told you; the whole trusting-dance we are struggling to learn about each other.

That thought brought a smile to Gelly’s face. Slowly but surely, she had seen a few of the walls around Toxic start to come down, the stallion seeming to be more at ease around her.

And for her part, Gelliana’s own worries, despite their occasional resurgences, were fading faster than she thought possible, stormy nights aside. But she was still working on removing the various walls around her heart as well, not having explained things nearly as much as the stallion in her arms had.

How much I’d like to stay like this. Just warm and safe…

Toxic did finally break the silence, but it was in the tone Gelliana had quickly fallen head-over-tail for; soft, sincere, and an undercurrent of affection even through the amulet that accompanied a gentle nuzzle of her head feathers.

“Can I make a really bold suggestion, Gels? I really like these moments together, but I’m worried about you,” Toxic whispered. “I’ve seen you flinch at the sound of thunder, similar to what happens with me on our dates; I just want you to be happy. I’m not sure if it’s really my place, but it’s something that helped me. And I think it’d be good for us to try it together too.”

“Hmm?” An activity with her special somepony was always of interest to her.

“I know some reasonable therapists in Canterlot, both in demeanor and in price. I really don’t mind moments like this; I like making you feel better, and that won’t change. But if there’s any way to help in a way I can’t, I want to support you in that,” Toxic let out a slight chuckle, “I would suggest it for myself too as to not be a hypocrite, but I’ve already been pursuing it for many years. I don’t know what happened, but it doesn’t matter; it’s hurting you. I just- I know what it’s like to walk on eggshells around certain memory triggers.”

Toxic then winced, making Gelliana’s ears perk up curiously.

“Eggshells. Bad analogy…”

She let out a *snrk* at that, giggling softly as the gryphoness mused over his previous words. Gelliana didn’t say anything at first; she had considered it a few times, just never really went through with it.

“You also said, together?” she asked curiously, Toxic shifting to let her lean on a shoulder, one forelimb still wrapped around her side.

“Uh huh! Couples therapy!” he said happily. “Well, more like counseling. Like, not because there’s a current issue, but we both have stuff we’re dealing with that could cause problems. So, it’s kind of a way to make sure it stays smooth sailing.” His ears lay flat, Toxic nervously drawing circles on the floor with a hoof. “I mean, if you want. I care about you and I just want you to be happy, us to be happy. Anything that can improve the chances of us continuing to be happy I want to try with you.”

Aww…

Gelliana giggled again; she couldn’t help it. She scooted back around to give him a long hug, then letting her stallion go.

“I think it’s a really smart idea, Toxic,” she admitted. “I’ve thought about it, but never really gone through with it. Well, individual counseling at least. I never considered the couples stuff; but that makes a lot of sense.” She paused, not able to keep the smile off her face. “I think it’s really sweet of you to suggest it, actually. That you’re that serious about it all.”

A relieved breath prompted another round of giggles, Gelliana reaching up to tap her stallion’s snout with a claw.

“A bit nervous about suggesting it? I can see why, the stigma of it and stuff.”

“Yeah, a tad,” he admitted. “Most creatures don’t understand how it can be needed, even for things we think are small, or big.”

“I know you were probably busy, but, thanks,” Gelliana whispered, giving Toxic a final hug that he returned.

“Of course. I’m happy to help; always am.”

An affectionate nuzzle was Gelliana’s final reply, enjoying a stammering and blushing stallion as he charged a teleportation spell.

I hope I get enough guts to kiss you soon enough. And then it’ll be YOUR turn to be a blushing, stammering mess!

“Cya later, Toxic, and thank you.”

“Anytime, Gells,” he said, throwing a salute to the giggling gryphoness before vanishing. Gelliana returned to her bed, curling up under the blankets and hugging a large pillow close.

The storm didn’t seem so formidable now, especially when she imagined the pillow having a familiar heartbeat.

The Next Day:

“Are you serious?” Toxic asked Varti, the yak shrugging as he gestured to the folder on the table, the pair in one of the many conference rooms within the Last Light’s main headquarter building. The morning had been occupied by meetings and various discussions surrounding the newly-launched organization, at least as much as Toxic trusted himself to comment on.

“Very. Luna personally vouches for the both of them, and will do regular checkups herself-” Varti held up a hoof to forestall any objection, “And only checkups. No scans, just making sure everything is alright. Luna says she’ll take full responsibility, especially for her. She’ll even be present for the initial meeting, with your permission.”

“Attempted assassination of a Princess isn’t going to win her any points around here, even if she starts out as a low-level security guard, even over the crop fields,” Toxic muttered. “But if Luna vouches for her and her coltfriend, I trust that judgement. I’ll approve as long as the necessary trial period is in place, assuming the mare even takes the offer.”

“Uh, then there’s two more. I just barely got the requests.”

Toxic saw the odd look on the Yak’s face and chuckled, looking over the files.

“What’s that face for? Are they sending us Windigo’s?”

Varti’s deadpan expression made Toxic’s left eye twitch, the stallion massaging his temples on seeing two of the files.

“You have got to be joking. Them? Absolutely not!”

“There is an increasing worry that the pair of them will be targeted. Canterlot is too close to civilians for a conflict,” Varti explained. “You know as well as I do that the island is one of the most heavily defended-”

“Tough. They’re the Princess’s pet project, not mine!”

“Toxic…”

“No, Varti. Having an ex-Windigo operative is bad enough for a new organization. But now a Shadow Pony and an actual Windigo? We’re trying to build Public Relations, not annihilate the foundations!”

“And showing the organization is competent enough to rehabilitate and utilize creatures needing a second chance isn’t good PR? Showing that creatures can turn their lives around to help others for the better?”

“…”

“Toxic, you’re letting your own fears cloud your judgement partly.”

“Am I? This is a huge risk. We’re on a skeleton crew. And you know my reservations about having any of the Equestrian Royal Guard on my island! Ever. Posting of guards that accompany them? I won’t-”

“Read the stipulations. I made sure it was watertight before even considering letting you know.”

Toxic read and re-read the limitations, letting out a frustrated sigh.
“A time limited deployment of the guards? Completely under my jurisdiction, no mention of a permanent presence…ugh. I don’t like how much I know this was crafted to try and manipulate my views. What are they trying to-”

“Toxic.”

Varit’s deep and abrupt tone made the stallion’s ears flatten, the stallion shaking his head.

“I’m sorry, Varti,” he whispered. “This is why I want you oversee things for a time. All this stress and new developments is getting to me. I think I’m starting to see threats where there should be friends.”

“I know, but your fears aren’t without a solid point. That said, you need to remember the Princesses are acutely aware of how distrustful you are of them. They asked dozens of questions to make sure this contract would meet your approval. They also seemed reluctant to suggest it, but outside of the Northern Ice Shelves with Nacreous’s domain, the island is one of the most secure locations outside Equestria. You may also want to read the payment.”

“Payment?” Toxic muttered, shifting through the files.

“Oh, come now, Toxic. I’m no business-yak, but did you think I’d take up their offers without ensuring some sort of compensation? While Last Light is focused on helping others, that doesn’t mean we will be doormats for any government request. I wanted your honest views before knowing about it,” Varti grinned widely at that. “Because I know you’d have agreed immediately.”

Toxic’s eyes nearly bugged out at seeing the stipulations, jaw dropping slightly.
“Sweet burning stars that is a lot of zero’s…” he whispered in shock. “Research contracts resulting from any technology that involves Windigo and Crystal energies, approval of our proprietary leyline patents, fast-tracking any potential nation-founding documents, expedited building permits, and enough bits to buy nearly half of the other islands?!”

“That’s only one of the payment articles for allowing the Windigo. The other is for Onyx, the shadow pony. Due to the increased threat, it’s larger.”

“Well, how could we refuse this? Of course, it’s approved, even if I don’t like it. This pushes our timetable ahead by a decade if not more!”

“I’ll send the forms along. Icait and Onyx will be on a later ship; but the new hires such as this security mare will be here day after tomorrow. Will you be here for that at least?”

Toxic grinned, nodding firmly.
“You bet on it. I have a date with Gells, and I’ll then head over here. Oh, by the way, is the armor ready?”

The yak promptly produced a large, metal plate bracer from somewhere in his massive lab coat, setting it on the table.

“Ready and waiting. All I did was mesh the existing combat prototype with this new armor. It was rather anticlimactic,” Varti explained. “There’s some sort of compatibility spell on it. I didn’t even really do anything! I pressed a slab of the metal from your suit onto it, and it just automatically combined into an alloy, nearly melting the table in the process I might add. This is some of the hardest metal I’ve ever seen, same with the chain mail. It won’t stop chemical threats, but if you have an entire suit of this, I’d say your odds of any traditional weaponry penetrating it are near zero. I’ve added the usual array of combat gear to it including the gauntlet, after I put it back together at least. The spells and heads-up display also copied over without so much as a single glitch.”

The yak then gave Toxic a friendly shove- even the slight gesture nearly knocking Toxic off balance.

“Belated congratulations on this ‘Guardian’ position by the way. I don’t fully understand it, and I know you need to keep it under wraps for a bit. I would recommend a few tests with the armor, perhaps with Nacreous?”

“Thanks, Varti. I do want to tell you more, but Nacreous and I are still in the introductory phases of training. I barely know the basics spells, let alone the heavy-duty stuff. I can test the armor there and let you know. I do want to let you know more, but it’s also a bit personal.”

“I get it. Now shoo, you’re supposed to be relaxing, and I have to go re-initialize the defensive matrices. The Ballista Golems are acting twitchy again.”

“Don’t you mean ‘brood in your underground lair?’” Toxic asked with a chuckle.

With a flourish, the yak produced a crystal and tapped it on the ground, a maniacal laugh leaving his muzzle as he vanished in a flash of light, leaving Toxic staring in shock at the smoking spot on the floor.

“Note to self. Do not recommend anymore theater classes to Varti. Ever.”

“We’re leaving?” Icait whispered, ears flat against her head. “But we just got settled here.”

“Can’t be helped,” Starlight said calmly, Onyx staying silent. “I will let Gelliana know, and you’re happy to visit. But right now, there are some real concerns about your safety. You still have a day or so here though.”

“But things have been so nice here. I haven’t sensed anything.”

“I have,” Onyx rumbled, “every day.”

Starlight’s mouth drew into a thin line, nodding curtly.
“And the Princesses agree with you. I’ve also run some scans, and something is watching you two. I don’t know what it is, but there’s a secure island where you can stay.”

“How much more can we know about our new temporary home?” Onyx asked, grey eyes flickering to his side as Icait slid a bit closer.

“Not much, simply because I don’t know. In terms of if we can trust the creatures who run said island, I’d say absolutely,” Starlight managed a slight smile. “I mean, Gelliana is dating the Director of the Organization.”

At that, Icait perked up, a nervous smile managing to flicker onto her face.
“Toxic? Oh, ok. That makes me feel a bit better,” she whispered.

“How so?” Onyx asked curiously.

“You have no idea how much she likes this guy, and for her, that means trusting him a lot. The other day, a changeling came to visit and it looked like he ran into a wall; Gelly had just gotten a parchment from Toxic. The Changeling couldn’t stop grinning. I had to help him out because that poor gryphoness was a total blushing mess,” Icait giggled, not able to help it at recalling the memory. “I trust her, and she’s not a fool. If she likes this stallion that much, he has to be a good one.”

“Good enough for me” Onyx let out a grunt, looking around the apartment. “So, we just pack our things, all…ten items and go?”

“Essentially,” Starlight said. “You still have a day or so. You’ll arrive shortly after the others do for the organization. They’ll be too focused on getting things started to be distracted by you, at least that’s the plan.”

“Can we take the sofa?” Icait piped up, gesturing to the slightly-overstuffed green item. “Onyx likes reading on that sofa. And it’s comfy.”

Starlight was treated with a rather embarrassed grumble by the shadow pony, to which she barely picked out the phrase ‘I do like that sofa,’ the mare then letting out a light laugh.

“I think I can come up with something.”

Forty.
Forty-one.
Ow.

Forty-one wing-ups for a pony who used to have done a hundred with ease was a humbling thing indeed, Knife Twist flopping onto the floor with a grunt. The Thestrel took a long swig of water, finishing her working just as the prison alarm sounded; signaling their recreation time was at an end.

Knife Twist had a long way to go in order to regain her former strength. Months of tapering-off exercise, and then weeks of caring little for food, drink, or movement had taken its toll.

But I’m back on the path, even it’s a long one. I don’t know what comes next, but the fact I have a lunch with Luna planned shows that I have a future.

Even if I have to earn every scrap of trust back, not from Luna though.

At that, Knife let out a frown.

Luna trusts me, much more than I do.
I have a lot to prove, but I don’t know how.

As she returned to her cell after showering off, Knife Twist paused at seeing a simple parchment laying on her bed.

Despite the contents being covered, the Thestrel felt an odd warmth in her chest on seeing the note. The dark tendrils in her mind, ever-present and whispering in the quiet moments of her day seemed to flee in fear.

She trotted over to the parchment, opening it up and staring at the odd symbol above the simple letter.

‘Luna, here is that simple hiring explanation you asked for, along with the caveat. Toxic trusts you to use such a statement, and so I include it with his blessing.

To whom it may concern;

Hiring all positions; The Last Light Organization.
Goals of the Organization; aiding creatures both in and outside Equestria with supplementary supplies, training, and on-the-ground creatures.

Job Openings include but are not limited to;
Diplomatic Negotiators (including Economic, Political, Hostage, and so forth.)
Food Preparation.
Janitorial.
Security.
Mage-craft.
Farming (Manual Labor and harvesting.)
Heavy Machinery Operating.
Instructors for all the above.

Applicants must pass a high-level security screening unless otherwise pardoned and recommended by the Royal Princesses.

Sincerely, Professor Varti,
Co-signed, Director Toxic Shield.’

A large lighthouse was stamped on the bottom of the parchment, the golden symbol now being dotted with tears that dripped down Knife’s face. There was another note at the bottom of the page that the Thestrel couldn’t tear her eyes from.

‘You have both my pardon and recommendation, Knife Twist. All you must do is choose. I assume that the security positions hold a bit of interest?

Just tap the parchment if that’s what you want to apply for. If it’s for another position, wait until I visit you next week and I’ll make arrangements.’

Knife didn’t even have to think more than a few moments, tears still streaming from her eyes as the tapped the parchment with a hoof. The message curled up and vanished with a *snap* of golden dust, the ex-captain sitting down in shock, eyes then narrowing in determination.

Thank you, Luna.
I won’t let you down!

Author's Notes:

Short and then long chapter format; stay tuned for tomorrow!
Things picking up for all parties!

Chapter Nineteen: Cracked Skies.

Knife Twist shifted back and forth on her hooves nervously, her gaunt frame partially hidden by a simple backpack with her meager belongings. Barley Husk had made it clear he’d help transport the rest of her stuff, what little she wanted at least.

If it came down to it, just that stallion was enough. She could get by without anything else.
But you’ve been there for me through all of this, Barley.

Even the simple act of moving from the prison to the airship platform in Canterlot had been exhausting, even after the mare had started to eat and exercise more for the days prior. She’d need a lot of work to get back up to her regular stamina once again.

But I have a chance. A second chance to make it all right.

The airship was now over the ocean to the East, the Last Light’s island apparently located between Equestria and the Gryphon lands. They had been flying for hours, and Knife was getting anxious. The personal guards assigned to her were the quiet sort, apparently knowing the stallion who had led the introductions hours before.

Will everycreature know what I did? What I’m trying to fix?

Luna trusts me, and apparently the Director of this organization does enough to allow an interview. I understand the caution and can appreciate it.

She looked over to Barley, the other thestrel sporting some rather stylish bright red sunglasses.
And you came with me. Just up and left like that. You’re not even my husband, and you…

That thought made a lump rise in Knife’s throat, lip quivering slightly. Barley had always been there for her. Even though living apart, not being as intimate as they technically could…

He was still here, fine with taking things slow, and still believing in her.
As soon as I get back to myself, prove that I’m not under those monster’s control any longer, I’ll ask you a question long overdue, Barley. If you’re willing to stick with me though all of this, there’s not much else that could shake you.

“Island in sight!” a stallion barked, the guard wearing an odd, silver metal breastplate with the same symbol that had been on the parchment Knife had received.

“As I told you at the start, I’m Sergeant Hammer, ex-legionnaire and Head of Security on the island until further notice,” the stallion bellowed to be heard over the rushing wind. The two dozen other creatures; mostly ponies and a few gryphons, moved a bit closer to listen.

“The Island has changed a lot since we were initially hired, but it’s still our new home. Remember, once you sign the contract, you are bound to it for the minimum time. If situations have changed, nocreature will hold it against you to back out. That will all be decided in the final interview.”

There were a few nods, Hammer then chuckling and waving towards the bow of the ship.

“To some, welcome again, and to others, welcome, to the Last Light Organization!”

Knife Twist scrambled to the side of the airship, a strange, desperate curiosity giving energy to her limbs. Craning her neck over the side, the Thestral’s eyes widened as the island came into view.

A beautiful green expanse surrounded by jagged mountains, the island was a literal star on the ocean, white energy pouring from various towers dotted around the perimeter. In the ocean itself, large, massive marble lookout towers rose from the waves, a few figures mechanically marching to and fro on the steps.

“We are now passing through the island’s perimeter shield,” Hammer stated, “If any of you are under a hostile influence, you’re going to be in for a nasty shock.”

There was a brief moment of terror for Knife as they passed through the shimmering barrier- but she felt nothing. Instead, one of the other ponies began to shriek, his body bursting into flame. It was for but a single moment and then only a pile of ash remained.

Hammer calmly trotted over and kicked the pile away and shook his head.
“You did not see a pony die,” he stated flatly, “that was an arcane golem, a projection. It’s a form of a clever spying spell. The user on the other end got a nasty shock, but that’s it. We expected something like that.”

That seemed to reassure a few ponies, the ex-legionnaire barely phased.

He’s right. I’ve seen it once before. Looks like there’s some scum trying to get a hoof into this place already.

“Now passing through a newly installed shield; a gift from Emperor Thunderwing!”

Knife’s thoughts were suddenly stopped. As the shimmering energy coursed over the ship, the Thestrel found an alien warmth spreading through her entire body, the ex-captain sitting down in shock.

“Knifey?”

Barley’s voice barely resisted, Knife Twist feeling tears start to course from her eyes. A weight on her mind and heart she had never known of was suddenly gone, torn screaming from her body.

The ever-present whispers, the inclinations, the unsettling sensation of being watched; it was as if it had never been there.

I’m free.

Lunging forwards, Knife wrapped up Barely in the tightest hug she could, burying her muzzle into her neck as she cried.

“They’re gone, Barley,” she whispered between sobs. “The voices. I can’t hear them anymore. They’re finally gone.”

Barley tightened his grip around her, and Knife felt a fire rekindling in her chest. Where before it had been slowly igniting, this was now a raging inferno.

I’m free.

Her eyes narrowed, flickering over to the landing platform the airship now angled towards.

I have a home, a job, a stallion who loves me.

I have a purpose.

Hammer explained the interview procedure as they were led off the airship, of how they’d mainly be spending time in the main building (the new hires at least,) they all then beginning to walk towards a primary screening area. Apparently there was some sort of in-depth interview first. As they walked, Knife Twist caught the Sergeant’s eye, the Thestrel raising a hoof.

“Yes?”

“Are there any physical training facilities? Outside of the normal gym stuff?” she asked, not able to quell her hopes.

“I can’t reveal the details just yet, but there’s very little in terms of exercises you can’t do on this island,” Hammer replied with a grin. Knife could read the legionnaire well enough- he wasn’t trying to hide anything.

I can train.

I’m back!

Looking at her gaunt limbs and frame, the mare’s enthusiasm was dampened slightly.

Well. After I fill out again. I’ve got a long road ahead. But I’m not about to stop!

She walked a bit closer to Barley, letting a wing drift over to nudge his side.

I’ll make you proud, Barley. You, Luna; I’ll prove it to you both!

Another thought then made her jaw set in determination as she walked.

Maybe someday I’ll prove it to myself once again.

Toxic had never been much of a napper. Whenever he tried to do so, the stallion was cursed with not being able to get to sleep later that night. That was on top of always waking up feeling even more tired.

That was aside from the fact such naps gave nightmares another chance to disrupt his day.

He hadn’t meant to sleep, but after having a light lunch with Gelly and talking about a possible date where they’d fly down a canyon (using one of his suits of course,) it had sort of just crept up onto him. They had been relaxing underneath their usual tree in a Tall Tale park, and he must have dozed off leaning against her.

She was rather comfy. Really, really comfy, as a matter of fact. Perfect height to lean over and use her head as a pillow.

The past three days of training with Nacreous had been extra tiring, but certainly worth it. It had been a flood of new information, ways of using Leyline magic to augment spells he already knew, and quite a bit of mental exercises concerning the dark magic tendrils he occasionally accessed. They had not practiced much with the new stuff, mainly building a foundation as steadily as they could.

Now however, the stallion tried to keep his breathing steady as a feather drifted across his vision. He knew this was a dream.

With a mental command, the stallion reached out to the leylines, a light blue field of energy illuminating the area around his hooves as a familiar reassurance settled his nerves.

Even though I just am learning the basics, this helps. Being a Guardian, having that extra magical boost, it’s a noticeable aid against these nightmares.

No rotting faces assaulted Toxic’s consciousness, just a massive expanse of darkness. For a nightmare, this wasn’t half bad. In fact, ever since being taught how to access the leylines on a subconscious level, his nightmares had been noticeably softer, muted on awakening instead of-

“THEY WILL ALL DIE!”

From out of nowhere, a voice bellowed with a volume that was deafening, malicious, eager intent dripping from every word. Images flashed through Toxic’s mind as if he was seeing through another pair of eyes; his Organization’s island, Canterlot, Tall Tale.

And they were all in flames.

Shadowy claws began to scrape at the light around Toxic’s ‘body’, the stallion enacting one of his various waking spells.

Toxic woke with a gasp and sharp jerk, sides heaving as a gryphoness let out a surprised squawk next to him. His heartbeat thudding in his ears, the stallion took a few staggered steps forward, oblivious of the heavy armor that clamped down around his frame with bolts of blue lightning, summoned unconsciously.

It was only after a few moments that he caught his breath, Toxic aware of a few curious glances from the guards that were never more than a few seconds away at all times.

“Tox? Hey, talk to me…” Gelliana asked, walking up next to the armored pony. “I guess this answers my questions of what exactly you’ve been up to these past few days.”

The armor vanished in a subdued flash of flames leaving the stallion sitting on the grassy ground as a chime rang in his ear from Varti.

“Toxic? What’s going on? I was working on your armor and it just vanished! I- wait, no, now it’s back. Everything ok?” the concerned yak asked.

“I-yeah, Varti. I’m alright. Sorry about that. Please double check the defenses and any anti-scrying spells.”

“Understood.”

Toxic waved off the legionnaires, returning to sit underneath the tree with a tired grunt, Gelliana following suit.

“Sorry, just…” his words trailed off, a slight shiver running down the pony’s spine. Making a rather sour face, he sent a simple spell running over his fur, getting rid of at least a portion of the cold sweat. A quick summoning of an enchanted parchment and a scribbled note was next; it was worth mentioning to Luna at least.

“Nightmare?” Gelliana asked softly.

“Yes, and no,” Toxic replied. “This was something else.”

“I figured. The armor and all that.”

The stallion’s ears flattened, an embarrassed flush coming over his cheeks.
“Sorry. I didn’t know it could do that. I’d tell you more, but-”

An affectionate nuzzle across his cheek cut off Toxic’s words, Gelliana let out a soft giggle.
“I’m not asking you to explain secret stuff. I’m just letting you know I’m still here,” a slight, pensive frown then slid onto her beak. “Um, if that helps?”

The fact Toxic’s shoulders immediately relaxed was an indication enough of that, the stallion enjoying her caring touch for a moment.

“It always does,” he admitted. “But now you get to see first-claw why I dislike naps, sleeping, y’know.”

An exaggerated, horrified gasp left Gelliana’s beak, the peppy gryphoness giving him a final nuzzle before they stood up to walk back to her shop.

“NOT like sleep!?” she asked in mock horror. “But the comfy bed! Warm blankets! Especially when it’s cold!”

She knew full well the sincere meaning behind his words, but such playfulness always brought a smile to Toxic’s face- especially when it wasn’t him who initiated it.

“Well, hopefully that will change in time,” he admitted. “But it’s a slow journey. Thank you for being here with me regardless.”

“Nowhere else I’d rather be!” was her happy reply, “Soooooo, food?”

“Definitely food.”

As they meandered back to Gelliana’s shop, Toxic couldn’t help but notice a bit of adorable feather-fluffing from his special somegriff, accompanied by a soft squeak.

“Uh, you ok there, Gells?”

She nodded, mumbling something under hear breath.

“Didn’t catch that…”

“You looked pretty good in that armor, even if it was just a glimpse,” she finally muttered, the blushing gryphoness not able to look the chuckling stallion in the eyes while speaking.

“Well, when things settle down, I’d be more than happy to give you a personal fashion show. A knight showing off to his princess?”

The adorable squeak confirmed to Toxic that it was definitely an approved idea.

“Until then, you’ll have to make do with just me,” he added with a laugh. A brief nudge to his neck made the stallion grin, the gryphoness letting out a soft giggle.

“‘Make do’ makes it sound like I’m not totally ok with ‘just you’,” she whispered, “And last I checked, that’s all I really wanted from the start.”

Toxic could feel his cheeks burning from that; but what could he say?
Nothing that an affectionate nuzzle to her cheek couldn’t convey, not yet.

“Maybe we can snag a snack at the shop, and then go out somewhere?” Toxic suggested, mentally crossing his hooves.

“Sounds good!” Gelliana chirped happily, Toxic forcing himself to not prance with joy.

I’m so glad I set up things beforehoof. Oh, Gells, I think you’re going to love this.

Knife Twist collapsed with a grunt of aggravation, flopping onto the exercise mat with a few fierce mutters. The introduction to her position on the island had been remarkably straightforward. She was to be a low-level security guard under constant supervision, at least for a time. It was a probationary period, another test. Even if it was watching a crop field for hours on end, the job was hers.

I’m free to choose again, free to choose my life!

The paperwork had been signed, her simple quarters assigned, and now the Thestrel had dedicated herself to starting up her usual training regimen.

I’m so sick of being weak, of not trusting myself.

Looking over to her side, Knife saw Luna enter the large gym with a smile; the pair having had their first friendly lunch in what felt like years. No ulterior motives, no dark whispers in Knife’s mind; just herself and Luna. The alicorn was quite pleased to know that Nacreous’s shield had aided her. Apparently, it had eradicated whatever had been avoiding detection in Knife’s mind, and the Thestrel wasn’t about to let that go to waste.

I’ll prove that I’m back, Luna. Just you wait!

The two ex-legionnaires assigned to her took their job seriously but seemed a tad more relaxed after being reassured by Luna. Apparently the Alicorn was going to be a steady visitor on the island.

While many security measures were classified to Knife, the general layout and set of procedures were not. The artificial golems that roamed to and fro she found rather fascinating; a logical and rather ingenious way to supplement security forces.

Her eyes widened in surprise as two new creatures poked their heads into the gym; and now Knife knew why Luna was visiting. The first was a shadow-like pony, grey eyes flickering across the room.

The second…

Adrenaline surged into the Thestral’s veins, an icy fear stabbing at her heart before a familiar hoof gently pressed against her shoulder. Luna had mentioned the two of them, but it hadn’t registered just yet.

“They’re friends, Knife,” Luna explained. “They’re on our side.”

Knife had to control a bit of rage rising up in her throat, the Thestrel letting out a soft growl.
“Smart. Having me see them in a public place. Less chance I’d lash out,” she muttered.

“I thought we should get things over with before more creatures arrive.”

“And you’re sure they’re…?”

“Yes. They are under constant guard. They have been rather helpful against the Windigos, as a matter of fact,” Luna mused, taking a deep breath. “I think you should say hello, it will help.”

A rather icy glare was Knife’s response, the mare knowing logically that Luna had her best interests in mind.

“Do you trust me, Knife? It may sound silly, but I think you and Icait may actually have something in common outside your negative initial impressions.”

Me and an ex-windigo? Right. The same creatures who took years of my life away.

But I trust Luna.

Swallowing her pride, Knife drew on every ounce of her willpower and nodded once, even though Luna looked rather surprised at the acceptance of her suggestion.

“I don’t like it, but fine,” Knife muttered, knowing that this may be the only interaction she may need to endure.

Just say hello, that’s it. Don’t need to trust her, not even a smidge. Maybe it’s hypocritical, but this is a lot to dump on me within the first few days, Luna.

Walking up to Icait, Knife Twist could feel her temple pulsing. The Windigo turned to look at her, eyes widening in surprise-

And promptly began to cry. The mare looked downright scared of the Thestrel as she flinched as if struck, not able to meet Knife’s gaze.

Absolute shock drained every ounce of malice from Knife Twist’s mind, staring in surprise as tears ran down the ethereal mare’s face, her head hanging in shame. The shadow pony, Onyx, took a few protective steps forward before Icait waved him off.

Sniffling and taking a few deep breaths, Icait lifted her head up slowly, as if it was made of lead, to look Knife Twist in the eyes for a brief moment.

“I’m s-sorry,” Icait whimpered, then dropping her head to cry quietly.

What do I do?

Knife could only stare, every preconceived reaction and response having been thrown aside. Luna was simply watching, Icait continuing to sniffle.

With an almost physical jolt of realization, Knife realized that this similar situation had occurred weeks prior in her cell. A bit of self-loathing entered Knife’s heart, the mare shaking her head as a slight smile twitched at her features.

How could I ever move on if I couldn’t at least hear an apology? Even if it takes time to accept. I just want to move on. I’m so sick of dwelling on what I did, on how these creatures hurt me.

On how I was controlled.

Taking a few steps forward, Knife reached over and gently rested a hoof on Icait’s shoulder, the gesture causing the Windigo mare to look up in surprise.

“Yeah, I’ve been there. Not fun, is it?” Knife asked, Icait shaking her head. “How much did you know about me?”

Icait sniffed, wiping her eyes as she struggled to regain her composure.

“J-just a bit. I didn’t l-like it, none of the o-other’s plans. I j-just wanted to learn, not h-hurt anyone!”

That cause a spike of pity to enter Knife’s heart. She didn’t know much about Icait; only that the Windigo was on the outskirts of the ‘others’ plans.

“Learn?” she asked.

“Uh huh. I d-didn’t have a l-life before. No t-thinking for myself,” Icait struggled to explain. “I didn’t understand why the o-others still wanted to focus on hate. There was so much to see! B-but I couldn’t go against them, not if I wanted to continue to live.” She then lowered her gaze again. “I didn’t like what they were doing to you, but I didn’t speak up. I’m s-sorry. I-”

Knife reached up and gently booped Icait’s nose with a hoof, shaking her head with a huff.
“I still don’t trust you, but it seems you were in a lose-lose situation,” Knife admitted with a sigh. “But I’m honestly just tired of it all.”

That drew a surprised gaze from the Windigo, Knife continuing.
“I had your kind in my head for over a decade, poisoning my thoughts with evil and hatred. I just want to move on. I’m sick of it all,” she then paused, pointing a hoof at the surprised Windigo. “And I would be a hypocrite in a way, if I didn’t at least accept an apology from somecreature who wanted to do the same.”

The Thestrel then let out a huff, shaking her head. “I need to go shower off. That’s all the deep-feelings-talk I can do for now.”

Icait let out a sniffle, nodding in response.
“T-thank you, Knife Twist.”

As Knife trotted down the halls towards the showers, she caught Luna nodding in approval, a grateful smile on her face.

How could I swear an oath to you, Luna, and not be willing to forgive a creature? You know more than anyone the burden that can carry.

She was surprised as another security guard trotted out of the doorway, a familiar Thestrel wrapping her up in a hug.

“Knifey!”

“GAH! I’m sweaty!” Knife gasped as her coltfriend chuckled.

“Don’t care!”

I can start again here, maybe even forgive the Windigo’s.
Thank you for the push, Luna.

Varti’s eyes flickered over a control panel, jaw clenching as a few lights flickered across a large, projected map of the island.

“What are you?” he muttered, sending a magical ping across the lookout towers.

“You asked for me, Professor Varti?” Luna butted in as she teleported into the control room, six golem Guards turning to ‘look’ at her with their blank faces.

“Yes,” Varti grunted, gesturing to the map. “Something is out there, watching us. I only see small blips of air displacement, but I do not like it.”

“Any idea what it is?” Luna asked, relaying the information to Celestia as they spoke.

“An airship. Maybe two or three,” Varti growled. “They’re just out of range of the more detailed sensors and heavily shielded. They’re circling us like sharks. Clearly they don’t realize they’re the smaller fish in this pond.”

“Keep me appraised, Varti. If our enemy is to make a move, this would be a logical time.”

Neither party in the room noticed the faint outlines of a mare standing against the back wall during the exchange. Her larger-than-average build was similar to that of a certain Ex-Storm king Commander, lithe and more suited for armor than anything else.

Her intelligent eyes narrowed at hearing the conversation before vanishing, Varti not noticing a slight spike in Leyline energy from the reactor.

“Toxic, you are up to something,” Gelliana stated as they walked to the main shop area, her eyes narrowed suspiciously. She could tell something was making him extra flighty.

“What possibly could you be talking about?” Toxic asked in an almost sing-song manner, at least as much as the amulet let him.

Ok, now he’s just milking it.

“What are you….?” Her words trailed off as they entered the front of the shop, or at least what used to be it. The gryphoness wasn’t sure what spell had been used to neatly push all of the items and storage shelves to the side, but nothing was even slightly moved on the organized shelving. The result was a rather large space in the center of the room, lit up by some soft but cheery blue crystal lights placed on the walls.

“What in the world?” she asked, then turning to Toxic in surprise. The stallion was all smiles, levitating a simple record player out from behind the cashier register to their left and setting it on the shelf.

What are you playing at, Toxic?

Toxic calmly set a record to begin spinning and then withdrew two more items out from behind the counter. They immediately clued Gelliana into what was going on, especially as the introduction to a classical music piece began to play.

Toxic, you didn’t.

Affixing the simple clip-on black bow-tie around his neck, Toxic levitated and gently placed a white flower behind Gelliana’s ear.

“May I have this dance?” he asked with an offered hoof.

His very-poofy special somegriff grasped the stallion’s hoof, Toxic forcing himself to remember the lessons he had ages ago as the stallion moved in some simple waltz steps.

“I don’t know many fancy moves, but I did take a few classes. Maybe we could take some together?” he suggested, a soft sniffle being Gelliana’s response as she leaned into his gesture, the stallion still expertly balancing on his hind hooves. “Oh, and the shop has a closed sign, and the windows are reflective. So, don’t worry about anyone seeing.”

An immediate and grateful nuzzling of the stallion’s neck was as good an answer as any.

No more talking; I have a feeling this means a lot more to her than I originally thought.
No, I think I do know how much this means. I’m just glad I remembered the window spell, last thing I’d want is for her to be self-conscious.

My lack of care about public perceptions doesn’t carry over to her.

Satisfied that all of his spells were in order, Toxic let himself enjoy the dance, sending the gryphoness into a giggling twirl before pulling her back in, placing his hoof correctly around her waist.

Not in between the wings, below, but not too low. Dancing with gryphons I recall is a tricky thing.

…at least from what I read. I only practiced with ponies.

To her credit, Gelliana definitely had a few more classes than Toxic, her moves being much more fluid as she let him lead regardless. He had only the experience from some upper-class etiquette classes in his youth; apparently Gelliana had quite a bit more.

And yet she clearly loved it regardless, her beak trembling slightly as her gorgeous violet gaze met his own, her eyes swimming with tears. As the song volume decreased, a natural interlude in the music, Toxic ventured a brief question, wanting nothing more than to gaze into the pair of eyes that met his, brimming with affection.

“Do you like it?” he asked softly, the pair swaying back and forth. Gelliana reached over with her closest set of claws, gently toying with the fur on Toxic’s chest in a rather intimate gesture. Her ears flickered as she pressed her claws against his chest, the gryphoness smiling as she always did whenever she did that ‘heartbeat focusing’ trick. Toxic had quickly become adept at spotting the expression, a slightly unfocused look in her eyes as a peaceful smile dawned on her face.

When she looked up, the gryphoness simply nodded, beak trembling as she struggled to put words to emotions.

“I love it,” she whispered, hesitating briefly before gently reaching up and giving the stallion a kiss on the cheek, her own face blushing brightly.

Toxic couldn’t get rid of the dopey grin on his face even if he wanted to, leaning forward to rest his forehead against hers.

“Thank you for taking things slow, Toxic,” Gelliana whispered, to his surprise. “But there’s only so much I can ignore of what I…” her feelings trailed off, and the stallion’s heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest.

“I just never want you to think I’m here for anything else but you,” he said softly in response. “I still think we are going slow, and I will never do anything that you aren’t comfortable with first. Even something as simple as that,” Toxic promised.

A few tears trickled from Gelliana’s eyes, his words apparently having touched a hidden doubt, or perhaps an unspoken question. He knew what that felt like; Gelliana answering his own questions left unsaid.

“Thank you, Toxic,” she said as the pair began to dance again, a bit of familiar peppy energy returning to her frame. After a few moments, the gryphoness was giggling as she was spun in a twirl, the simple dance moves not being a barrier to her enjoyment in the slightest.

As the song wound down, Gelliana hugged her stallion close, pressing her cheek firmly against his. She pulled back, making sure to meet his gaze with her own as she spoke, the pair sitting down next to each other.

“Really,” she said softly, pausing for a moment which caught the stallion’s attention before the gryphoness continued in a quieter, more intimate tone. “Thank you.”

It was an odd warmth that spread immediately from Toxic’s chest, making his own eyes a bit damp. It was the way the gryphoness said that last phrase a bit quieter, her claws tightening around his hooves as she spoke it. It reminded the stallion of a similar phrase from her favorite movie, at least appropriate for this moment.

It was as though when she said ‘Thank you’ she was instead saying, ‘Love you.’

That gave the stallion an idea, but he didn’t say anything at first, simply enjoying the touch of Gelliana’s feathers against his cheek. The idea stemmed from the beginnings of the same film and book his special somegriff adored, and he was quickly appreciating more and more.

“So, we should definitely do this again sometime?” he asked, already knowing what his response would be; and perhaps it would give him a clue if Gelliana meant more than the previous gesture implied.

And yet he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was a lot left unsaid…

“Definitely,” Gelliana replied immediately with a tender smile, pulling back briefly as Toxic couldn’t resist a cheeky grin which softened to a more affectionate one.

“As you wish.”

The immediate shift to her shyer demeanor was a big a clue as any, a few tears dampening Gelliana’s eyes at that; she could practically quote A Queen Betrothed line by line.

I look forward to when I can say those three words sincerely, not just hint at them. I certainly know I’m falling for you, more and more each day.

“Y-you…” Gelliana began, then just let out a sniffle and then a soft laugh, resting her head against Toxic’s with a grin. “You are amazing, Toxic.”

For reasons Toxic had only begun to come to grips with, the stallion felt a lump rise in his throat, voice lowering to a rough whisper.
“Gells.”

I hope never to take you for granted. Thinking I’m amazing, the mess I am.

Gelliana had shifted to her favorite position, head leaning against his chest slightly. If she was listening, which she obviously was, she probably could hear Toxic’s heart nearly thudding out of his chest. They simply stayed like that for a time before a very obvious sound captured their attention.

“Someone’s stomach doesn’t agree with cuddles,” Toxic chuckled, Gelliana blushing with a grumble.

“Maybe resume after lunch?” Gelliana asked, the pair slowly standing up and moving towards the door as if already having decided.

“Sounds good, the usual place?” Toxic asked, Gelly nodding happily as they began to walk into the sun towards the eatery.

As the gryphoness brushed against his side, Toxic let himself relax even further. He almost felt normal. Walking to lunch with his special-somegriff…

“Y’know, I found a really interesting book the other day,” the stallion began, secretly laughing to himself.

Oh, she’s going to hate me.

“Oh?”

“Uh huh. It prompted a question, as a matter of fact. Gryphons come from eggs, riiiight?”

Gelliana’s eyes narrowed, sensing something was up.

“Yeah? Hippogriffs are the ones who have live births.”

“Interesting.”

“How so?”

Wait for it.

Toxic let out a somewhat-convincing hum of thought.

“Well, that means hippogriffs would have belly-buttons, and gryphons would have something different?” he paused, leaning over to whisper in her ear. “a jelly-button perhaps?”

Gelliana’s left eye twitched, but the gryphoness couldn’t help but let out a soft *snrk* at the remark.

“Dangit, Toxic!” she groaned, the stallion letting himself cackle.

“It was a pun book, I admit,” his special somegriff letting out a groan.

“Oh no…”

With a rather rude jolt that interrupted Toxic’s levity as they continued to walk, something made his entire body shudder, the stallion stumbling slightly. His breathing increased, eyes darting across the street.

I know this feeling. Clari, what is going on!?

“Tox?”

The stallion shook his head, resuming his gait a bit more cautiously. The feeling persisted, and Toxic sent a silent message to Clari, as if she could hear his desires.

Please, not now. Do not let whatever is happening affect Gelliana. Don’t let her get dragged into my troubles.

The replying feeling was almost a somber warning now, and that made a lump rise into Toxic’s throat.

“Gels?” he croaked out, “you have your daggers, right?”

The gryphoness nodded, sharp eyes now looking out into the various alleys they passed.
“Yeah. You get a feeling?”

The sensation faded to a warm reassurance, the stallion nodding as they entered the eatery.

“Yeah. Looks like more dancing will have to wait. Something is up. Talk about a mood killer.”

The fact Gelliana didn’t seem more put-off by his words and demeanor was still a surprise to Toxic, but a brief glance in her violet eyes made the stallion realize something that was, funny enough, a shock.

She trusts me that much. That everything will be ok.

The attack began without even so much as a flicker of fanfare.

Varti’s eyes widened in horror as red alarms abruptly flashed throughout the control room, the Yak immediately galloping over to a large crystal panel. Slamming his hoof onto a red button and shattering the protective plastic cover in the process, the Yak felt rising horror threaten to overwhelm his usually straightforward thoughts. He and Toxic had run dozens of scenarios, even more practice runs, but now…

“Intruders have breached the perimeter! Communications have been cut off,” The yak paused, the shock and fear being replaced by a very, very familiar emotion, one present in every yak to some extent.

And he embraced it.

They DARE attack us?!

“All security forces, prepare to repel intruders! Report to your muster stations!” Varti bellowed, now seeing the two large airships on his crystal monitor. Belching black smoke, the vehicles were easily thrice the size of the Storm King’s vessels, and likely constructed from a few decommissioned craft bolted together. Tapping a few controls, the yak sent simple commands to the hundreds of golems on the island with a grin.

“Oh, we’ve been waiting for you!” the yak chuckled, excitement starting to surge in his veins as he then activated his own personal security measures, a rune teleporting him into his lab adjacent to the lifeblood of the island’s defenses- the leyline reactor.

The two airships punched through the magical shields with a sickening blast of energy that matched the material they were constructed off; black and purple streaked with green, the primary protective barrier now breached. It tore pieces of the craft off; but not nearly enough to stop them.

The stone watchtowers instantly burst into action. Large ballistae were aimed and fired immediately, the bolts burying themselves into the ships strange-colored sides. There was probably a moment of satisfaction as nothing seemed to happen for a moment; then the bolts detonated.

The explosions tore holes in the airships and caused them to slow, but only barely. Nothing but splinters should have remained after that.

“What in the world?!” Varti hissed, watching the display from his lab. The Professor was now clad in thick armor more fit for a train than a Yak, a battle-axe leaning against the control panel at his right.

“These are not normal airships,” he muttered, continuing to modify the Golem’s commands, training them to aim at the ‘engines’ of the ship; odd, crystal spikes that burned with a sinister black energy that scrambled any attempts to analyze it. The magic was unlike anything the Yak had seen before.

“No, they are not.”

Varti immediately grabbed his axe and swung at the source of the voice, the ethereal mare at his side smoothly ducking the strike. Before he could do anything else, she held up her hooves disarmingly.

“I am a friend,” she stated flatly. “Release the security constraints on the nearest watchtower. I will help.”

Varti didn’t lower his axe, the mare growling in frustration as she stomped a hoof.

“Ugh. Mortals. Clari is my sister! I’m here to help!”

Simply blinking, the Yak only took a moment to decide before tapping out the commands, watching in amazement as the reactor began to surge, the mare vanishing. Toxic had only told him briefly of who Clari was; and that was enough for him.

“What in the world?”

On the security cameras, one of the ballistae was now crewed by the odd mare, the golems shoved to the side and immobile. Yanking one of the tree-sized bolts off of the device with an impossible heave, the mare sent the projectile rocketing towards the nearest airship with a blast of energy, hurling the massive item as if it were a javelin.

Burying itself completely into the airship, the tree trunk-sized projectile then exploded, a new, blue energy flashing amid the usual detonation of magical explosives. Before the smoke cleared, another three bolts slammed into the airship, nearly tearing it in half as it began to dissolve into a foul sludge and sink towards the rocky shoreline.

Before Varti could blink, the mare was gone, the final airship now shakily aiming towards the Organization’s main complex.

“Brace for impact!” he bellowed, tapping instructions to the golems. “Luna! If you can hear this, get to a safe room!”

Toxic, I hope you’re ok!

Gelliana could tell Toxic was on edge; and she certainly was too. Something was up; she could feel it.

Odd noises tickled at her awareness, ears flickering this way and that. They could barely eat their appetizers, Toxic finally shaking his head.

“We should go,” he whispered, Gelliana nodding. She had felt like this before.

Hunted.

As they stood up, the gryphoness caught a snipped of something Toxic was whispering into his earpiece;

‘…tor Toxic Shield. Code Black Skies, authorization seven two eight nine nine. Scramble all of my personal command codes and transfer primary control authorizations to Professor Varti and Princess Luna.’

As they made for the door in the sparsely-populate eatery, and odd thing for this time of day, Toxic abruptly stopped, glaring at the door, wincing as his earpiece erupted in static.

“Let us pass,” he stated, taking out the crystal communicator as the air seemed to shimmer.

“Oh, he’s good,” a voice chuckled, a large creature stepping out of what appeared to be thin air. Most of the other occupants of the eatery changed shape, large reptiles bursting out of the flimsy, paper-like pony forms with a few laughs. The few actual ponies in the room were frozen in terror at seeing the creatures wielding weapons ranging from swords to maces.

“Well, best not waste any time,” the reptile in front of Toxic stated, one of the taller and lither of the grey lizards. “You come with us peacefully, and we let the others go. One chance.”

Toxic didn’t even hesitate, nodding once.
“Let everyone else go, and I agree.”

“Tox!” Gelliana hissed, her coltfriend pushing her away.

“Gelly, don’t. I’ll be ok,” he whispered, green eyes widening in horror as the other ponies were allowed to scamper past the reptile, but the gryphoness was not.

“By ‘you’ I meant your gryphoness friend too. Boss’s orders.”

Gelliana could see something was changing within Toxic. His demeanor shifted, taking a few steps back and pulling Gelliana with him as the reptiles began to circle them.

“Don’t do this,” Toxic said softly, and Gelliana saw his hooves began to shake. “Let us go, let her go! What business you have is with me alone.”

“No can do. Now stay still and we’ll-”

Gelliana had backed up too far. A large reptile with matching scars around the base of three of his four limbs chuckled.

“That’s far enough.”

Toxic turned, and his eyes widened in shock, recognition…

And then rage.

The pony Gelliana knew suddenly vanished. Toxic’s eyes became as hard as flint, something shining from their depths that actually frightened her, the stallion radiating a predatory demeanor that was more suited for a gryphon than a pony.

It was scary until he looked at her, a fierce, protective affection radiating from the green depths. There was still something else about Toxic that made Gelliana shiver, a previously hidden edge that she didn’t know existed.

“Ok, hard way it is,” the reptile sighed, and there was a soft ‘twang’ from one of his squad; two large syringes buried themselves into Toxic’s flank. The pony ripped them out immediately with a burst of magic, the vials already having dumped their contents however.

Tranquilizers?!

Toxic could feel the magic suppression field making his head ache. There was some sort of shield set up around the shop preventing everything from teleportation to long-range communications. They were very much on their own here; a coordinated attempt to capture himself and Gelliana.

What do I do what do I do what do? Think. Get the armor. Reason out of things. I…

The tranquilizers didn’t seem to be doing anything- not that they would have helped at this point. A mental line had been crossed when he saw that filth standing behind Gelliana.

He had spared that reptile’s life years ago, and this was Toxic’s reward, the penance for not killing. The stallion could see the scars around the limbs where he had hacked them off in that warehouse.

Clari, Luna, anyone. Give me the strength to see this through.

Give me…

In that moment, everything was connected. These creatures, the threat looming on the horizon, the very real and immediate danger they were in.

This is not new.

Toxic’s mind shifted into old but familiar gears, churning away as strength surged into his limbs. He knew exactly what was about to happen.

I know what to do here. Now let’s get-

Seeing a signal from his leader, the reptile behind Gelliana grabbed her by the back of the neck, making the gryphoness whimper in pain and terror.

“Ok, different tactic. You come peacefully or she-”

The ‘leader’ of the group seemed to realize the error far too late as he gestured towards the other individual frantically, everycreature drawing their weapons and advancing.

Toxic was already airborne.

With a crack of thunder that shattered the windows, blue lightning licked across Toxic’s frame mid-flight. In a much more aggressive manner than before, chain mail and plates of armor slammed into Toxic’s body, locking together with thunderous impacts like a blacksmiths hammer on an anvil. Now clad in a suit that effectively quadrupled his body weight, Toxic slammed into the reptile and knocked him into the stone wall.

Dark magic danced and flared, radiating from the pony’s eyes like an ignited gas main, green sclera narrowing at the reptile in front of him.

“I G-GAVE YOU A C-CHANCE!” Toxic bellowed, teeth chattering with rage. His breastplate glowed with power, golden symbol of a wing-framed lighthouse shining brightly. A ring of crystals on Toxic’s armored gauntlet glowed and spat angry red sparks, the Guardian planting his hoof against the reptile’s chest as the creature fruitlessly tried to throw him off.

The ensuing blast from the gauntlet tore a cabinet-sized hole in the wall after passing through the reptile, the energy slamming into a powerful containment shield surrounding the structure.

Toxic was already launching himself towards the nearest attacker, horrified cries leaving the creature as it desperately slashed at the enraged stallion with a sword. The weapon didn’t so much as scratch Toxic’s armor, the pony knocking the reptile off balance and breaking its neck with a stomp of his hooves. Another blast from the gauntlet tore into a six-limbed creature loading a crossbow, the bottom half of the individual flopping to the floor in a puddle of its own gore.

It was only then that Toxic skidded to a stop in front of Gelliana, limbs spread protectively over her as the gryphoness grasped her daggers, fear having frozen her on the floor.

“I’ll kill you if you touch her!” Toxic roared at the now-hesitating reptiles, leyline energy coursing across his frame. His voice abruptly dropped, helmeted head glancing down at the gryphoness. “You ok, Gells?”

She nodded, managing to stand on quaking limbs. It was too much to take in, so she didn’t even try. Just breathing and staying alive.

I can do this.

“They’re going to come at us again. I’ll trying to keep them away from you,” Toxic stated as more reptiles and now some ponies began to teleport into the already-ruined eatery.

“W-well, I’m not harmless,” Gelliana managed to say, taking a deep breath and getting into a fighting stance with her two daggers. “I’ve got your back, as best as I can at least!”

The stallion froze, and somehow Gelliana sensed that her words had touched a deep something, a hidden doubt or fear.

And then it was gone, her special somepony meeting a reptile four times his size head on. It wasn’t even a contest, Toxic sweeping their legs- all four of them and crushing the creature’s skull with a hoof and sending gore splattering across the floor.

A gryphon scored a blow across Toxic’s back, but a levitated, previously-fallen sword buried itself into the creature’s chest with a flick of the pony’s horn.

I didn’t know you could do this, Toxic. You’re…killing them. No hesitation.
What in the world have no not told me!?
Who are you?

Her thoughts were cut off as a sneaky pony teleported behind her, a jagged sword angled at her throat in a magical grip.

“Now, if the little birdy would just-”

The large stallion didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence, Gelliana twirling her body away from the weapon and lashing out with her own out of reflex.

The attacking pony stared at the dagger buried in his chest and promptly collapsed, time freezing for Gelliana for a moment.

It wasn’t a reptile that now was charging towards her, but a Timberwolf amid the rain, three times her size.

She froze.

“GELS!” Toxic bellowed, “FIGHT!” The stallion bucked a reptile with his hind hooves, collapsing the creature’s ribcage as he was flattened by a blow from a sword, two reptiles piling onto him and tearing at the Guardian’s armor.

“FIGHT!”

His words tore through Gelliana’s stupor, the gryphoness tightening her hold on the remaining dagger.

An old, rotting mental block finally shattered, energy surging through Gelly’s frame.
I am not some helpless chick anymore!

Her gaze turned towards her special somepony, who even now was struggling under the creatures that were desperately trying to restrain him, kill him.

Her stallion.

Fight.

FIGHT.

FIGHT!

With a furious screech, Gelliana ripped the dagger from her deceased target, launching herself at the nearest reptile. Burying the weapons in the shocked creature’s throat, she ripped them free and tackled one of the larger creature pinning Toxic to the ground. Two daggers were stuck into its sides and then ten talons raked across the reptile’s face.

When two ponies yanked her off the reptile, Gelliana latched onto the nearest one, cutting a throat with a single swipe of her talons. There wasn’t any thought process; just a hunter finishing off her prey. Gryphons were predators at their core, and Gelliana realized in that instant that she had forgotten that.

And now she fought against a prey that was trying to kill her stallion.

The second pony met an end from a dagger she ripped free, then tackled another reptile as Toxic managed to break free.

“I told ya!” she crowed as Toxic stood back to back with her, the reptiles backing off briefly. “I’ve got your back!”

Gelliana’s world then spun, a sharp pain in her sides making the gryphoness aware of the large syringe that stuck out of her flank. The last thing she remembered was a furious roar from Toxic as a knife was held against her throat, the unicorn freezing in his movements as a loud voice barked orders; and then the world went black.

The island was under siege.

The intruders were creatures from the badlands; exiled ponies, gryphons, and largely reptiles. Luna didn’t know what they were after, but the large group that had targeted her was a decent clue. Apparently, the main force was trying to attack the leyline reactor but they hadn’t expected an enraged yak backed by two hundred security golems.

From what she understood from the horrified, retreating intruders, it had been like trying to stop a train armed with a battle-axe.

Her sword dancing across the throat of a pony that aimed a magical strike at Knife Twist, Luna pushed the thestrel back. It was just Luna, Knife, and six Legionnaires backed against this wall.

Thankfully, the numerous reptiles were many things, but extremely skilled fighters they were not. It was clear this was all a distraction, but for what, Luna didn’t know.

“S-sorry, Luna,” Knife panted, wielding a thin sword taken from one of the fallen attackers. “Out of shape…”

“You are forgiven, Knife. I would prefer our lunches as opposed to this form of bonding however,” Luna quipped, watching the reptiles lurk at the end of the hallway.

It was only a flicker of warning that she got. The air shimmered, and two things happened nearly simultaneously.

One of the legionnaire’s eyes flashed, a disguise dropping as a scarred pony angled his polearm at Luna’s neck. Even as the other five loyal guards attacked the traitorous individual, Luna’s attention was split. The polearm shone with a counter-spell, and even as Luna raised an armored hoof to block it, the reptile that had dropped the concealment spell in front of her had no such obstacle. Even with her speed, she was going to get hit, one way or another. The alicorn twisted her body, hoping the thin, likely-poisoned dagger in the reptile’s grip would hit one of the less vital portions of her body.

The creature was then hit by a fang-filled missile.

Knife Twist saw it happening in slow motion, the ex-captain of the guard already moving.

It was just like in her dreams. She was too slow, and her best friend was about to be killed in front of her. The laughter of a thousand white-eyed creatures echoed through her mind-

NO!

Propelling herself with every ounce of strength in her limbs, the thestrel aimed directly at the attacker’s exposed throat, her mouth wide open.

YOU’RE MINE!

Latching on with a savage bite, Knife Twist ripped a chunk of flesh from the attacker, spitting out blood as she aimed her flight towards another, second concealed reptile that had begun to attack, his personal cloaking spell dropping.

Knife wrapped her limbs around the horrified reptile’s head, sinking her fangs into the creature’s neck artery. A blast from Luna quickly made the reptile drop to the ground, Knife Twist spitting out a mouthful of foul blood as she glared at two other creatures, the gryphon and pony having skidded to a stop halfway down the hallway. Her wings were spread wide, the gaunt Thestral’s mouth dripping with blood as she let out a hiss.

The two attackers decided enough was enough, quickly retreating and leaving them alone, the five remaining legionnaires taking up protective positions in front of the Thestrel and Luna.

“Thank you, Knife,” Luna whispered as her friend collapsed, sitting down as her sides heaved.

“Never again,” the Thestrel whispered, reaching over to grab a fallen dagger to lever herself upright. “Now, where is that safe room?”

The seven individuals navigated hallways littered with shattered golems and the bodies of their attackers. While the automated security forces weren’t trained warriors, they were hardly pushovers it would seem, holding their own against the often-lopsided attackers in size and number.

The sounds of battle as they neared the designated safe room area put them all on guard, the group slowly peering around the corner.

They abruptly jumped back as two reptiles sped down the hallway, but not under their own power. They slid to a stop and didn’t move after impacting the distant wall.

Recovering from blasting two creatures back with a surge of magic, Onyx barred his fangs at the reptile in his grasp, arm-like appendages slitting the walking snake’s throat. Icait cowered behind him at the locked safe room door, the Windigo whimpering. They had been separated from their guards only moments ago; and then this group had rushed them. The last one, a scarred gryphon with a cracked beak, aimed a strike at the pony-

And then, as if to spite Onyx for the death of his fellows, turned his long pike towards the shivering Icait.

The Windigo’s eyes widened as Onyx skidded in front of her, taking the strike square to his shoulder and snapping the weapon’s blade off with the impact. A quick stab of his shadow arms left the gryphon a lifeless sack on the floor, the shadow pony grunting in pain as he ripped the pike head from his shoulder.

Two new creatures promptly appeared in front of him, shadow-creatures with the bodies of ponies but eyes that glowed white laced with red.

“You dare fight against Him?” one of them asked in a voice that seemed to be an amalgamation of dozens of creatures.

“To think you do anything but bow, TRAITOR! You dare protect that abomination?” the second hissed, aiming a strike at Onyx as he yanked the dead gryphons’ body in the path of the shadowy appendage. The second strike dug into Onyx’s shoulder, the shadow-pony once again darting over to block a strike at Icait.

“I don’t answer to him any longer!” Onyx growled, lashing out with a dagger-like limb at the two attackers.

A blast from behind shattered the two threatening shadow creatures, Luna trotting up with her guards and looking curiously at the pair.

“Are you ok?” Onyx asked the Windigo, ignoring Luna as Icait nodding numbly, her eyes wide at seeing his shoulder ‘bleeding’ dark traces of black material.

“Onyx, why did you do that?” Icait asked, looking up and seeing Luna watching them out of the corner of her eye, keying the emergency code for the shelter door behind them.

Onyx paused, but only for a moment. A rare, genuine smile twitched at his features.

“Because you’re my friend.”

In Tall Tale.

Toxic knew there was no getting out of this.

The attackers continued to pour in, somehow teleporting into the destroyed remnants of the eatery. Gelliana was coming under the effects of the tranquilizers, and the unicorn could sense a teleportation spell powering up, foul runes on the floor starting to flicker and spark with green and purple colorations.

We’re all going to get yanked somewhere, and I can’t fight them all!

The stallion only had one plan, and it very well may fail miserably. But he couldn’t keep fighting, not if he wanted the strength to escape.

The opening for the plan was given to the Guardian on a silver platter, one of the attacking gryphons holding a blade against Gelliana’s throat, the gryphoness fighting a losing battle against the drugs.

“Stop fighting or she dies!” the gryphon bellowed, causing Toxic to immediately stand still, the soft chuckling of reptiles echoing around the room.

Oh, Gells. Forgive me. I won’t let them hurt you, but I can’t fight anymore!

Toxic blinked, armor fading away from his body as the pony started to sway on his hooves.

“Looks like those darts worked after all! A bit late,” one of the reptiles mused.

His legs gave out, the stallion slamming to the ground as his armor vanished completely.

After getting poked by a rather sharp knife to make sure he was unconscious, the unicorn was slung over the shoulder of a reptile, a magic-inhibiting ring being latched over his horn.

And then they were gone.

Author's Notes:

To those who were wondering if things were going to be all hunky-dory for a while...
.....

Chapter Twenty: Reckoning

Celestia’s throne drooped on the stone, half-melted from the alicorn’s outburst a few moments ago. Luna was safe in the Castle infirmary; the past few hours having been a flurry of activity.

The Last Light Organization had repelled the intruders but at great cost to their security systems. Luna and the others were safe; Icait, Onyx, Knife, and Barley. Varti too had escaped harm, the yak already beginning to reconstruct many of the shattered security systems.

Apparently, his efforts were being pushed along by Clari’s sister…somehow. It was a lot to take in, even for the Solar Empress.

Luna had immediately confided in Celestia after the attack; apparently one the Organization’s relays had picked up a command from Toxic just before they lost contact, transferring command of the Island’s systems to herself and Professor Varti. After they had ensured the Island was secure, Varti removed most of Luna’s access, but left in place some emergency measures in case he too was captured.

The fact such emergency commands had not included Celestia stung a bit; but the alicorn understood Toxic’s reasoning. That, however, was not what Celestia was currently furious about.

She had failed that stallion again, and possibly for the last time.

Word had reached her an hour ago of the details concerning the attack in Tall Tale; dozens of creatures trying to take down a certain armored stallion and gryphoness. They had then been teleported away to who-knows where, leaving behind the bodies of their dead and dozens of horrified onlookers, the creatures outside the shield unable to do anything but watch.

Toxic was gone, as was Gelliana.

The site of their fight was useless in terms of evidence; an alien, sinister magic masking any attempts at tracking the teleportation rune. But the bodies of the fallen attackers let Celestia know Toxic and Gelliana had not been taken quietly; two daggers from the latter still embedded in the chest of a very-dead reptile.

There was one aspect of their capture that gave the Alicorn hope, however. Confirmed by multiple witnesses as well.

I hope you know what you are doing, Toxic.

Word had spread fast, and a passing journalist had captured a few images that were already being spun up into new stories. That wasn’t Celestia’s concern; she’d be honest with her ponies, as much as she could.

There was one pony, however, that made the Alicorn genuinely dread the next hour. The meeting had been put off long enough, and Celestia knew that every bit of venom in the mare’s words would be well-deserved. The lies of decades would come crashing down, and the Alicorn knew this was one individual that would never be cowed by her title or power.

All she had to face the pony was to open those doors.

“Take a few breaths, Spectrum,” Manifold suggested to his literally-steaming wife, the unicorn mare shaking her head.

“Don’t, Manifold, not now,” Toxic’s mother growled. “I am so sick of being lied to! By our son out of security and necessity, and now by the Princess again? No, I will not breathe easy!”

“I didn’t mean it like that. Just, she’s the Princess.”

“You always have seen her differently than I, Manifold,” Spectrum said softly. “And there’s a reason I haven’t pushed it or tried to explain it further to you. I love you too much for that.”

“E-excuse me?” An earth pony mare asked, her light purplish-grey hide adorned with a white marble block cutie mark. “Is this where we meet the Princess? We don’t have an appointment…”

Spectrum’s demeanor shifted immediately, the light teal mare now taking a deep breath and nodded.
“Yes, we don’t have an appointment either. This is where the guards told us to wait,” she explained.

The other mare nodded, sitting down and nervously fiddled with her hooves, her assumed husband, a stallion of a bit brighter blueish-purple coloring draping a forelimb over her shoulder.

“It’s just, I think our daughter was on the news, and nocreature knows where she is,” the mare whispered. “Tall Tale had that attack, and,” she sniffled at that, “our little Gelly.”

A that, Spectrum’s ears perked up; could they be…?

“Gelly? As in Gelliana?” she ventured to guess, the other pair immediately jerking up in attention.

“Yes! Do you know where she is?” the mare asked desperately, Spectrum shaking her head.

“No, but I know who she is. We haven’t met, but we’ve heard a lot about her.”

The dumbfounded look on the other parent’s face should have clued in Spectrum that something more was amiss, but she didn’t pick up on it in time.

“We’re Toxic Shield’s parents; our son is the one she’s dating.”

“She’s what? Who?! Dating?!”

There was a soft *clop* as Manifold smacked his face with a hoof, Spectrum wincing.

“Oh.”

To any casual observer, Celestia appeared as she always did when the four ponies trotted in, the two mares apparently still engaging in some back and forth verbal…sparing?

Bonding?

“He’s a garbage collector?!” one mare said, Spectrum Shield letting out a groan.

“I can’t-”

Her voice then cut off, a new target drawing the mare’s attention.

Celestia sat at the bottom of the royal davit; knowing full well what was about to come.

“You!” Spectrum hissed, her husband making a half-hearted attempt to hold her back but getting shrugged off as the furious mother trotted up to be nose-to-nose with Celestia, her horn aglow.

The Princess sensed it, of course. Celestia could have done a thousand different things; dodged, summoned a shield, moved the entire Castle ten paces to the right...

But she deserved this.

*WHACK!*

The entire throne room was silent, the royal guards staring dumbfounded at the mare who had just slapped the Princess with an arcane hoof.

“Guards. Leave us,” Celestia commanded, struggling to maintain her compose, but not to anger. The other couple, Gelliana’s parents, probably thought she was quacking with fury.

Nothing could have been further from the truth.

“You promised,” Spectrum hissed, her light blue eyes still locked on the Princess. “How many jobs did he do before this!? I know my son has been in danger all this time! Now tell me, how many times have you broken our promise!?”

“One hundred and six,” Celestia said softly. Spectrum stared dumbfounded at the Princess as the alicorn took a shaky breath. “On average, five a year.”

The shock then passed, the mother’s face a mask of anger as she continued to stare at Celestia.
“And now he’s gone. Where is my son?!”

“I don’t know.”

“You don’t know, or you won’t tell me?” Spectrum demanded.

“I don’t know, Spectrum! What do you want of me?!” Celestia replied, the air increasing in temperature slightly and making the unicorn pause. “I have made egregious mistakes surrounding your son and I am still paying for them! Do not take these events as a lack of care on my part! I had a dozen spells around Toxic to warn me of something like this, and every single one failed!”

It was clear Spectrum was still unconvinced, the other two earth ponies present then raising a tentative hoof.

“H-highness?” the mare spoke up, Celestia’s warm smile immediately turning to them as her demeanor shifted.

“Ah, Obsidian and Marble Forge, I do apologize, this must seem quite confusing to you,” Celestia said, Spectrum clearly both infuriated yet impressed on the Princess’s ability to switch demeanors. “I assume you are here to ask of your daughter’s whereabouts? That is what my guards tell me at least.”

“Y-yes, Princess,” Marble said, her husband nodding as well.

Celestia took a deep breath, her heart relaxing as some familiar claw and hoof-falls signaled her love’s presence.

“Sunspots? You alright?” Nacreous asked softly, the four ponies staring in shock at the armored hippogriff.

“Yes, just…” Celestia began, then shaking her head.

“Ah, this is Toxic and Gelliana’s parents I presume?” Nacreous asked, the two latter earth ponies nodding as fast as a woodpecker with wide eyes. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

“H-highness,” Obsidian managed to stammer out, the Shield’s simply bowing respectfully.

“Have you told them?” Nacreous asked softly, Celestia shaking her head.

“No. I’d appreciate your help though,” she admitted, the soft, more sincere voice making Spectrum Shield clearly pause.

“Well, here I’ll stay, as always,” Nacreous said, paying the ponies no mind as he gave his Fiancé’s hoof a squeeze, then moving over to sit next to her. It could have been seen as a political move; having an emperor present in negotiation talks, but such a simple gesture showed those present that it was something of a more supportive role.

“Spectrum Shield, your son is the unfortunate recipient of one of the greatest mistakes of my life,” Celestia said softly, not able to meet the shocked gaze of the mother who stared at her. “I do not know what you are aware of concerning myself and your son, but I imagine the relationship we hold in your mind is far more positive than reality.”

Spectrum continued to stare as Celestia turned to smile towards the Forge’s.
“The incident surrounding your daughter is a top-security matter and intertwined with Toxic Shield’s current whereabouts. What I can say is,” Celestia paused, her wings then slumping, “honestly, I do not know where she is,” the Princess said flatly. “However, what I do know is that she is with a highly trained pony that will defend her with his life, and is one of the most incredible stallions I have ever met.”

Spectrum’s eyes softened at that, the Forge’s raising a hoof respectfully

“P-princess, what you mean about this ‘Toxic’ fellow? A stallion who is apparently dating out daughter?” Marble asked with a slight snort. “That alone is news to us! I don’t mean to be rude, but I think we’ve been a bit left out of the loop here!”

Celestia winced at that.

Oh, Oh dear.

“Ah. You were not aware of this fact?” she asked kindly, easily reading that Gelliana’s adoptive mother seemed to have regained her voice.

“No! Only that there was somepony she was interested in and went on a few dates with. I know we can be overbearing! And nosy, and pushy, and just…over-the top at times! That’s why our Gelly doesn’t tell us as much as we’d like.” The mare’s ears flattened at that, letting out a soft sniffle. “But we are trying to be better, we really are. I just want to know w-what happened to my little girl.”

As one mother began to cry, and the other continued to regard Celestia with a steely gaze, the Princess let out a soft huff. As was becoming more often than not, her Love had a simple answer.

“Tell them, Sunspots,” Nacreous whispered. “This will get out, it already has gotten out. Better for it to spread by honest admittance to the parents of those affected. If this event is to threaten every province, this can be a good way to reveal it if by no other means.”

Celestia nodded; she had been thinking the same but in much less eloquent terms.

“Obsidian, Marble, Spectrum and Manifold?” Celestia asked, the four ponies giving her their full attention. “The event surrounding your children is one of great secrecy and importance. It involves a threat to both Equestria and our allies. If I am to tell you what I know of your children, it comes with a cost. You will not see Equestria the same, nor myself in the same light as you do now. This situation is a high security clearance matter, and as such you cannot tell anyone until I’ve made an address to the nation. You can withdraw now if you wish, and I will not hold it against you in the slightest.”

It only took a few looks between ponies for them to nod simply.

“P-princess,” Marble said simply, “If we get to know about what has happened to our daughter, and be informed of what is going on as it happens, that’s worth losing some comfort.”

“Likewise,” Spectrum stated with a firm nod from her husband.

Celestia took a deep breath at that, a reassuring glance from Nacreous pushing her onwards.

“Very well. Please accept the spell in front of you granting security clearance. It will alert me if you spread the specific knowledge of your children willingly to anyone other than amongst yourselves before this crisis is resolved, and I will be forced to either wipe memories if worst comes to worse. I have no other choice due to the secrecy of this matter.”

Tapping a simple blue circle that levitated in front of them, the ponies then trotted a bit closer as Celestia gestured to them,

The Princess summoned a simple map, gesturing to Tall Tale.

“Toxic Shield and Gelliana were seen in Tall Tale, an eatery to be exact,” she explained. “They were attacked by more than a dozen creatures who usually live in the badlands. His personal guards were completely incapacitated by an unknown spell. I do not know where the attackers came from precisely, but they targeted Toxic Shield due to his unique abilities. This we do know.”

A raised hoof by Marble drew Celestia’s attention.

“Yes?”

“Who is Toxic Shield, in simple terms?” the concerned mother asked, wincing as she looked to Spectrum. “No offence, but he sounds rather important, and he’s dating our daughter. He’s some sort of garbage collector?”

Celestia managed a chuckle, Spectrum watching her curiously, no doubt very interested on how the Princess would portray her son.

Oh, Spectrum. Any words I can say will undersell your son’s importance.

“Toxic Shield is one of Equestria’s most important ponies. I would classify his importance near to that of the Elements of Harmony, but in a very different sense,” Celestia explained. “His cutie mark renders him invulnerable to chemical and biological threats. He has stopped no less than a hundred disasters that would have killed thousands, if not tens of thousands across Equestria and a dozen other nations. He can survive in environments that nocreature else can, not even me.”

That earned a stare from the Gelliana’s parents, Celestia mentally wincing.
This is always the hard part. Breaking from the perception I’ve upheld.

“Contrary to what many may think, I am not invincible,” the Princess admitted. “But that said, I am a great deal more powerful than you understand. And yet for all my power, I cannot do what Toxic Shield does. That is how important he is.”

The two ponies clearly were thinking it all over, finally nodding in at least somewhat-understanding.

“O-ok, so he’s important. But this isn’t a chemical threat. He sounds highly trained, but hardly in a way that can protect my little girl! Just in removing nasty spills and such.”

“I have to agree with Marble,” Spectrum muttered. “My son only has a few self-defense courses he took as a colt. This…you’re talking about war, aren’t you? We’ve heard rumors, whispers here and there. Something is out there, and it just captured my son and their daughter.”

Celestia nodded firmly, a slight smile now dawning on her lips.
“I am. And your son is prepared to deal with even that threat.”

Four very confused and rather cautious ponies looked at her, and Celestia let out a soft sigh.

“No matter what I say, I feel as though there will be some doubt my words concerning your children’s safety, is that correct? As much as you would like to trust me, especially due to how sensitive this matter is to the nation?”

Spectrum didn’t even bother nodding; Celestia knew her answer. Three other heads bobbed up and down however, as was natural for parents concerned for their children.

“I will say this only then, and let other speak as well. Toxic Shield has taken it upon himself to expand outside just chemical threats. He is trained to handle anything from hostile escape and evasion tactics to active combat scenarios. He will defend Gelliana with his life, I have no doubt. The bodies in the Eatery where they were kidnapped are testament to that.”

Those words made the pony’s eyes widen, all but one being unused to death and suffering, for the most part. Spectrum was the most involved in Toxic’s life, so that only made her eyes narrow.

“My son killed? What are you saying?” she asked, simply earning a nod.

“He did. And I am not surprised in the slightest.”

“Our D-daughter is with a killer?” Marble whimpered, Spectrum glaring at the mare before Celestia waved a hoof. Such reactions from her passive subjects were hardly uncommon- even if they were adoptive parents to, technically, a predator.

“The creatures who keep Equestria safe from certain threats are killers, which includes myself,” Celestia stated bluntly, earning a shocked stare from the parties. Ordinarily, the Princess would have taken great care to blunt the truth, keep the truth from her subjects…

But she was so tired of it all. Tired of playing a part in a play that had worn her down to the bone.

“The pony in question killed to save your daughter’s life, Miss Forge,” she continued, “From what I understand, there was an individual who grabbed Gelliana’s neck. He was the first to be killed and is what spurred Toxic to act.”

That made the sensitive ponies pause.

“This doesn’t sound like my son. Killing that quickly?” Spectrum muttered, Celestia’s wings drooping.

“No creature knows their limits until the ones they care about are threatened. That said, there is a lot you do not know about him, and I hope he will forgive me for telling you this,” Celestia said. “He certainly hasn’t forgotten my other mistakes, nor do I expect him to…”

A gentle nudge from Nacreous, almost forgotten, snapped Celestia out of her thoughts.

“Spectrum and Manifold, your son has more training than my royal guards in handling violence. He has been pursuing such knowledge for some time.”

Confusion was all that Celestia saw, Gelliana’s parents staying quiet, clearly wanting to know exactly what kind of pony their daughter was dating and stuck with.

“Professor Varti?” Celestia asked, a portal snapping into focus to their right. “Do you have a moment?”

“Huh? Princess? Of course.”

“Can you please tell these kind ponies the situation your daughter was in, more than a decade ago- plus five more years I think?”

The large Yak nodded at that.

“There was a chemical leak along the Badlands border. Toxic Shield saved the life of my daughter and her classmates. I can never repay that debt.”

“Thank you, Professor.”

“I heard about that,” Marble whispered, “a horrible affair, being trapped underground and waiting for rescue. And that stallion saved them? Toxic Shield”

“He did, but that entire situation is incorrect,” Celestia said, looking to a very-surprised Yak in the portal. “Tell them the truth, Varti. The entirety of it.”

The Professor, for one of the few moments in his life was at a loss for words.
“I…” he began, letting out a soft chuckle. “So, it has come to that? Very well. My daughter and her class were at the border of the badlands for but a few hours for a field trip. That chemical spill was a cover up to preserve the innocence of those within Equestria,” he paused, letting out an angry snort, the Yak not able to conceal his bitterness at the lies. “They were taken by slavers from outside Klugetown. They were to be sold within a week to the highest bidder. Toxic intervened when no other government would, saving my daughter and her classmates from such a fate.”

“Thank you, Varti,” Celestia whispered, the portal closing. Four pairs of accusing eyes turned to her, and the Alicorn raised a hoof. “Before you ask, now you can see the impossible choices I must make. Do I declare war on a nation over what may be the act of a rogue group? Invade with armies against those who have lived a life of war? Save the lives of a dozen over hundreds of soldiers? How do I place a value on life, how-” her words drifted off from a nudge from Nacreous, the rather guilty expressions in front of the Princess showing her point had been made.

“Thankfully, Toxic made that choice for me, and I couldn’t be happier,” Celestia said, Spectrum and Manifold staring at her.

“What?” the mare asked.

“My Legionnaires were watching the warehouse where the children were kept. I couldn’t give an order for them to engage, as the leading clan had promised they would handle it. Considering I was trying to avoid a war with them at the time I couldn’t risk a covert assault, not yet,” Celestia explained. “Yet from International lands, a unicorn teleported outside the warehouse, sliced off the limbs of every single reptile inside and then led the hostages to safety before vanishing. That was before he had any training.”

“Toxic did that on his own?” Spectrum asked, clearly suspicious.

“Miss Shield, you greatly overestimate how much influence I have over your son,” Celestia said simply. “He has actively worked against efforts to have any sort of relationship to the crown. Most dealings he has now are through Luna. That is not by accident.”

Those words seemed to further soften Spectrum’s view, but not completely.

“So, Mister and Miss Forge,” Celestia said kindly, “Back then, Toxic Shield on his own accord, risked his life to save fillies and youngsters he barely knew. He risked imprisonment, death, and being hunted for years by that act. And yet he succeeded and said he’d do it again in a heartbeat.” Her expression then warmed. “Now, how far would he go to protect one he is interested in, dating even? I’d say just as far if not more so, even though such a revelation is rather new to you.”

While it made sense, Marble and her husband were clearly struggling to process it all.
“But where did he learn to do that? Killing? That’s not natural,” the mare muttered.

“For ponies, no it is not,” Celestia said. “But we are all different, are we not? I granted him access to high level courses only my personal guard are usually instructed in. Miss Shield, what did Hammer say about Toxic? When he was training? Hammer was one of my Legionnaires before moving on to other ventures recently.”

“He said that Toxic helped him practice, getting ready for the tests,” Spectrum replied.

“And that is correct. What Hammer didn’t say, is that Toxic was teaching him,” Celestia said, making Spectrum’s eyes widen.

“Wait, so he’s a legionnaire!?” the mare asked in shock, Celestia shaking her head.

“Not officially. He is one of perhaps a dozen ponies who refused to take an oath to serve the crown during such varied classes however,” the Princess said. “I granted him access to a modified training regimen that my legionnaires use, because he would have sought out the training from other sources regardless. Toxic mentored Hammer through the courses that he excelled in; no less than the top five in more than one class I may add.”

“So, our daughter…” Marble asked, Celestia finishing her sentence.

“Is with a pony trained in handling these sorts of situations, and is with someone who cares about her very much, and, I imagine, would like to meet you when they get back,” the Princess said softly. “He is a good stallion, one who,” her voice wandered off, Celestia dropping her gaze. “One who I have underestimated greatly and who is better than me in more ways than one.”

A tender caress of talons against her cheek snapped Celestia out of her self-loathing, the Alicorn managing a smile to her Fiancé who then resumed his stoic place at her side.

“I am worried about your daughter, and Toxic,” Celestia admitted, not able to resist a grin. “But I would worry much more for those who would dare lay a hoof on her. Toxic will put his life above hers, above others, as he has always done,” the Princess swallowed the lump in her throat, a bit of pride welling up in her chest. “I trust him with my life, I always have.”

As the parents talked among themselves as they were led to their guest quarters for a complimentary stay in the castle, Nacreous slid over to give his Fiancé a nudge on the shoulder.

“You’re doing fine, Sunspots, just hang in there,” Nacreous whispered. “Probably was best to not tell them about the Guardian business. They would not understand.”

Celestia swallowed the lump in her throat, trying to enjoy the comfort Nacreous provided. Things were still too raw for her to process it all fully.

“I just hope they’re ok, Nacreous,” she whispered.

“I think you should believe your own words more, Celly,” Nacreous said, at least making sure no creature was staring before occupying Celestia’s lips with a long kiss. “I have to go now, but I’ll be back shortly.”

Celestia looked to him in surprise, the large hippogriff managing a soft smile.

“There’s a patient in a hospital that requested to speak to me, less than an hour after Toxic was abducted. I think he already knows. I’ve heard whisperings in my kingdom about this pony, and I think there’s quite a bit we need to discuss.”

The alicorn’s ears drooped at that, the Princess bracing herself mentally for the impending bad news.

“Oh no, Pick Shield? Is he…?”

“I don’t know, but Toxic is not the only one of his family I think we have underestimated.”

Author's Notes:

We get to meet some parents! And a bit of background....
...oh no. Gelly, you didn't tell them?
Oh dear.

Chapter Twenty-One: Burning Bright

“And you’re sure of those numbers?”

“Yes. And I’ll take those odds, they’re better than what I have now.”

An ethereal pony sighed, finally nodding in acceptance through the portal.
“Then you have my recommendation. I’m sure Nacreous will understand.”

“Thank you, Coarse.”

“Take care, Pick.”

Toxic’s younger brother leaned up in his bed, using the last of his allotted magical energy to close the communications spell to the high-level Councilpony.

“Well, back to being an earth pony for the evening,” the unicorn muttered, the magical locking ring on his horn chiming right on cue, indicating his arcane usage for the day was done.

“This is so, so stupid. But I blame you for influencing me, Toxic,” Pick Shield chuckled to himself, forcing his emaciated dark-green body out of bed for his ‘exercise’; a short stroll around the decorated hospital room. “Going behind the backs of rulers? International rulers?” his gaze drifted to a simple seashell with googly-eyes sitting on a small bookshelf to his right. “In more ways than one.”

Pick had known something was up less than ten minutes after his older brother was abducted. When one is confined to bed but your mind remains as sharp as a tack, you have your ways of getting information. In this case, remote-monitoring stations set up in every single city courtesy of a curious Yak. Varti wasn’t the only one who liked to have a constant flow of information, nor the only creature with a creative knack for magical and technological gadgetry.

“I hope you forgive me, Toxic,” Pick muttered as he limped about. “I wanted to keep my contributions to your dream secret, at least until I was about to pass on. But it seems that fate has a different path for both me and you.”

It’s a fool’s hope, but it worked once. And for me, someone outside of the Ice Shelves, I just had to find a different catalyst.

Pick’s life had been the hospital for the better part of a decade, ever since Toxic had yanked him out of the nightmarish scene that had poisoned the young unicorn’s body. It had since then slowly consuming him despite the laundry lists of treatments, all of them seeming to delay the poison but never heal it.

Poisoned with a compound nocreature can understand, magic use seeming to feed the illness too.
And to think I finally have found the source, after all this time!

Pick’s jaw clenched in determination of that, brown eyes narrowing at the thought. They had never found out what the fanatics had used when they bombed a warehouse, nor even their reasoning. All that remained of the incident was Pick, everycreature else either having recovered from the illness that followed or perished. He was the lone case of the lingering effects.

But not for much longer.

My brother is taken, and now I know what is killing me, who bombed that warehouse! I have to wonder, was that building even the target?

Or was Toxic?

His parents as loving as they were, couldn’t understand his mind. Pick related more to Varti, enjoying ‘mining’ the depths of magical theory and various contraptions, as his cutie mark indicated with a pick over a glowing blue gear.

For a stallion who had at a young age enjoyed having control over his life, even in youth, being dependent on hospice care had been a harsh adjustment, even if the hospital room had been personalized for many years.

A strange flicker of warmth blossomed in Pick’s chest, the stallion forcing back a few tears.

Is this what hope feels like? I made my peace months ago, knowing my time was ticking down. Even Toxic doesn’t know.

And now I might actually…
No. First I have to convince an Emperor. This isn’t just about me anymore. Those pieces of filth have to pay. They hurt me? Fine. But now they go after my older brother?

Pick’s eyes narrowed at that, the unicorn letting out a growl.

He has suffered enough.

His mom knew, at least partly. But Pick was one of the few others in his family that understood a bigger picture of the burden placed on his older brother. Toxic hid it well, from mom and dad at least, both for security’s sake and their own well-being.

They didn’t see him flinch at loud noises as much, nor see how tired he was. The pain behind his brother’s eyes that never was able to settle. Pick, with his ever-spinning mind, had always sought out information, even if it was hidden or hastily covered up. That included knowing what his brother was really feeling.

What hurt even more, was that once you knew what to look for when talking with Toxic, it really wasn’t hidden at all. Every horror was on his brother’s face, raw and always eating at him. Toxic was just really good at covering it.

That said, Pick knew about the nightmares his brother had faced, even if it had been covered in black ink. And now, just as Pick began to see more life in Toxic’s eyes again, pulling away from the pain, he was abducted?

That was unacceptable to Toxic’s younger brother.

And that just made Pick think even more; how to help from his hospital room. He always had looked up to Toxic, and not just because his big brother was there to help him out of a fiery tomb. They always had been different but grown up together. Just as friends, there for each other when it mattered. Of course, there was a bit of a rivalry, a friendly one.

The Unicorn’s intellect was definitely one of the jokes between himself and Toxic; the latter simply not matching him in terms of magical and mechanical theory.

Toxic was smart, but not Varti levels of smart. Pick wasn’t being mean, simply pragmatic. It was just an observation and why he could relate more to Coarse Pen with his hundreds of years of knowledge, and the Professor. Toxic could come up with ideas Pick could never dream of; but he just didn’t know how to make them. Toxic had more ambitions than he had time.

But with his illness all Pick had for the past decade, was time. Time to think, time to find alternatives which until recently had been for naught. And now he had both the source of his illness identified, and a potential cure. Quite an eventful month.

Well, it’s not a cure if there’s a one-in-ten chance I die immediately, Two out of ten it fails outright and then I die. But a one hundred percent chance of helping other ponies. That’s what you’ve taught me, Toxic, how fulfilling that can be.

I’ll take those odds rather than wasting away here. Perhaps my gift to Toxic can be revealed when I’m not at death’s door.

Regardless, I want to help him. Goodness knows he needs it.

A knock at Pick’s door drew the unicorn’s attention, the pony now sitting on his low-lying bed with a huff.

“Come in.”

Pick immediately smiled as Nacreous strode through the door.

To be on a first-name basis with an Emperor is a gift indeed.
Thank you, big bro. That has been a gift in and of itself that has payed beyond measure.

“You wanted to see me, Pick?” Nacreous asked, sitting down as the unicorn nodded. The Doctor quickly picked up that something was up as Pick sighed.

There was no avoiding it, after all. Pick just wanted to get the ugly stuff out of the way; the accepted truth he had been living with.

“I did, Nacreous,” the stallion said softly. “I would like you to listen what I have to say, and then give your honest answer. That is all I would ask.”

The hippogriff blinked, making sure the door was closed and a privacy spell erected around the room.

“Of course.”

Pick took a deep breath. It was never easy saying this to himself, harder when it was out loud.

“I am dying, Nacreous,” the stallion said calmly. The Doctor stiffened in surprise, Pick letting out a soft chuckle. “But you knew that from the minute you saw me, didn’t you? I do want to know if you picked up on that.”

“Yes,” Nacreous replied softly.

“Well, I’ve found a way to measure my time, funny enough,” Pick continued. “My magical reserves are diminishing at linear rate. This illness is slowly consuming me, magically and physically. I have a month or two at most. I also want you to know that I found the source of my illness, before I ask you my question.”

That caught Nacreous’s attention even more so, Pick gesturing tiredly to a stack of papers on the nightstand.

“You’ll find my research there,” he said, “I’ve been a sneaky stallion in my time. Varti installed some monitoring posts and I have had time to send various information back and forth to your mages up north. They confirmed that the poison in my body has been seen recently. Well, they don’t know it has, but I do. I haven’t spread that information around due to how important it is.”

“What are you saying, Pick?”

“I’m saying that those fanatics that bombed the warehouse I was at years ago? Whatever they used matches traces I picked up in a total of three different areas and time periods,” Pick stated, “The first being in the accident I was involved in, the second the lab explosion my brother was dispatched to most recently. The third was earlier today. The remote sensors are a ninety percent match- there’s some stuff that’s new, but the core material is there.”

Nacreous stared at the unicorn, not entirely sure what to say.

“Meaning, more than ten years ago these freaks were working on this formula. I don’t know how or why, but it’s all connected, and now they’re back.” Pick’s teeth ground on each other, the unicorn forcing down a surge of anger. “Back to finish the job! And they got my brother! I think he was the target from the start! I was just bait to see how he’d react, and it worked!”

“It’s not your fault, Pick, even if that is the case.”

The unicorn let out an angry huff, head hanging as his uncut main fell in front of his eyes.

“I know. I don’t feel guilt over that. What I do feel is anger. I’m stuck in this room while my brother is likely being either tortured or killed. Don’t sugarcoat it, Nacreous. You’re too smart for that. But Toxic will fight, and I would be a sad excuse of a brother if I just accepted my fate to fade away! Toxic taught me that, to fight, to help others. I’ve always respected him for that, even if I haven’t understood it completely.”

Pick then gestured to another stack of papers with a slight smile.
“I’ve been busy, and I have found a way to cure my illness with the help of your archivists. Well, it’s more of a cure for everycreature else in my position, a healthy mind in a decaying body. For myself, it’s a cure in the sense of curing a broken limb is to cut off the entire appendage. Success rate is about…eh, seven out of ten if I use some generous rounding of numbers. Very generous rounding, I might add.”

“Considering the alternative, those are still fantastic odds,” Nacreous mused. “But it’s not a simple cure, I take it?”

Pick laughed.

“Oh, naturally! I am asking you this because it involves your consent and your subjects. I have run the numbers, the magic required; and until recently I didn’t have a magical catalyst, a copy of the spell needed to preserve my mind on the transfer.”

Nacreous’s eyes widened; he could see where this was going.

“You did it once, Nacreous, for the clan of Archivists. I’m asking for your permission and help to do it again,” Pick said, levering himself up onto all four hooves, swaying slightly. “Varti has helped me construct a hybrid golem with Coarse Pen’s help, and we’ve refined the spell for this specific, one-time use. All they are waiting for is your approval. My mind is still intact; my body failing. If nothing else, will you allow me to try this?”

Nacreous stared in surprise; this unicorn had been busy indeed, and behind his back no less.

“Please don’t blame either of them. I found out about the magic and such all on my own. I may have been a bit persistent in asking Coarse about the specifics,” Pick admitted. “And I know there are risks. Heck, I won’t age, and that brings a whole new set of issues. But I want to try.”

The Doctor couldn’t help but chuckle, a surprised smile dawning on his beak.

“How could I say no?” he replied, “you’ve already done the work. I will talk with Celestia, but this is within my domain to answer. I never thought my spell would work, but if you have crafted your own, then you have my permission to do so. I assume you understand the sensitive nature of all this?” Nacreous confirmed, “Granting a timeless existence, more or less, is something we cannot take lightly. However, I do know you and Coarse have been working on Golem’s being an alternative to serious illness and disease. Will this aid in such an endeavor?”

Pick nodded firmly.
“Even if the spell completely fails for myself, then it still can be adjusted to not last forever. Even if I die in this effort, others can have a chance. Ponies can have a life, staying with their families, growing up and aging normally, just with a body that doesn’t deteriorate and hurt. The anti-aging aspect can be a tightly held secret or spread to everypony; that’s not really my concern. Myself or Coarse Pen can’t adjust it until it’s tested though, whether I survive or not.”

“I am curious what you are using as the catalyst spell. I used my own curse as a template to not age- what are you using?” Nacreous asked curiously. He knew he was treading on sensitive ground; the spell Celestia had crafted for an emergency ascension was similar to this, but much more refined.

“I’d…I don’t want to get her in trouble,” Pick admitted. “So please keep this between yourself and Celestia.”

“Of course.”

Pick looked over to the googly-eyed seashell fondly, the stallion actually blushing as his gaze drifted to the ground, ragged grey mane drifting across his brow.

“I have a…friend, and we’ve been steady pen pals for a year or two. Apparently one of her artifacts has an optional ‘don’t age’ spell for royals. The current queen just didn’t want to use it for her own sanity, which I can respect. Enough traces of that spell remain in the Hippogriff’s pearl fragments to be used as a template even in a passive sense.”

Nacreous stared at the stallion who didn’t quite meet his gaze.

“You have got to be kidding me. A Princess is involved in this?!” he asked smacking a set of claws to his face with a groan as Pick shook his head.

“What?! No! It’s not the Princess!” he protested. “From what I hear, Skystar has someone else on her mind, some mysterious gryphon captain. It’s one of her best friends, Salina Blue, and we are just- she’s a…friend! I told her what I was planning, roughly. It’s not like we need to destroy a piece of a pearl, just use it as a copy!” Pick protested, very much failing to hide the continual blush on his cheeks.

‘Friend’ indeed.

“And may I ask if this hippogriff is single? I assume that had nothing to do with any of these plans?” Nacreous mused, the stallion still refusing to look at him. Pick finally did, however, jaw set firmly as he shook his head.

“She had nothing to do with that, no,” Pick admitted. “Nacreous, I was dying, am dying. Until two months ago I didn’t know this was even a possibility. I made my peace, even told Salina some of my funeral arrangements. She promised she’d attend.”

That made the hippogriff pause; he forgot who he was talking to. For his oddities, Pick was certainly more aware of his situation more than most.

“Exactly. I didn’t sit right with me to expect anything more than a friendship with me, not when I know I’m going to die in a month, maybe two. I have a week or so before my situation greatly deteriorates,” Pick explained, his expression sobering but with a hint of fondness. “She made me laugh, Nacreous, even gave me a shell with google-eyes to name, just as she suggested to Skystar. I got to laugh, to feel normal. Even on the days when I wasn’t sure why I still clung on to living in this room, I got to feel like a normal pony laughing with their friend. You’re a doctor- you know how valuable those moments are. And Salina gave me lots of them.” The stallion shrugged. “How could I not like that? Really, really like that? But I couldn’t think about it in a different sense, I had to stay focused,” Pick let out a sigh, shaking his head.

“I have to try this now or never is what it comes down to. If Salina wants to stay friends andmaybeseewherethingsgo after that…I dunno,” the stallion shrugged. “I’m still trying to change my mindset to ‘might not die’ instead of ‘definitely will die.’”

“Well, Pick Shield, you have my blessing and my help,” Nacreous rumbled, then eying a drawing sticking out from underneath the other stacks.

“May I ask what…?”

Pick retrieved the drawing, showing the sketch of an airship with a hearty grin.
“I may love magical theory, but I also picked up on my dad’s love for machines. You didn’t think Varti designed all airships for Toxic’s organization, did you?” the cheeky stallion’s smile then widened.

“Did you know they offer a distance learning program for airship pilots? Learning everything except the actual hoofs-on experience? You’d be amazed at how much you can get done from a hospital room. Simulated piloting, gunnery courses, engineering troubleshooting, fleet tactics, simulated battles…”

Now Nacreous couldn’t help but grin at seeing the fiery determination in Pick’s eyes.
“And this wouldn’t have to do with the fleet of as-yet-vacant airships without a Commander, now would it?”

“I’m going to help my brother, Nacreous,” Pick stated firmly, eyes narrowing. “Those monsters took my life away, and now they’re coming after my big brother and the one creature that has been able to ease his pain! Regardless, my gift to him will live on even if I die and can’t do anything else; my designs for his organization, my recorded messages, the airships, everything. And now I can for a certainty help others avoid the situation I’ve been given. Seven out of ten chance that I live? I’d do it if it was a hundred to one!”

“Let me know when you plan on starting. If I can help, I most certainly will,” Nacreous said with caring smile.

“Thank you, Nacreous.”

After the Emperor left, Pick immediately sent some pre-recorded messages, hopping up and down despite knowing it’d leave him in pain for an hour.

Worth it.

The stallion then wrote two words on an enchanted parchment with his mouth-grasped pen, sending it off to two individuals; one in an island laboratory, the other in the frozen North.

‘Green Light!’

His eyes then drifted over to a family picture, the unicorn gritting his teeth.

Hang in there, big bro. You were there for me once, now let me do the same!

Just hang on!

“We have them both, Highness,” the Bringer said with a barely-suppressed grin of pride. His forces had taken some casualties, true, but they had delivered both individuals relatively unharmed.

“Very impressive,” the shadowy head said with a fanged smile. “And the tranquilizers?”

“I’ve given the pony another double-dose. It took a bit longer than we thought to work, but he has been completely out of it. The Equestrians tried to conceal his medical history, but we dug up the correct drugs,” the Bringer chuckled. “Shall I begin the analyzing of his abilities? Copying over a cutie mark like this has never been done before.”

“Yes. You said the calibration will take some time?” the Shadow said calmly. “His promotion to that filth’s ‘Guardian’ will likely scramble the magic.

“No more than an hour or two, Highness, even with the odd magical shielding he has. What of the gryphoness? The tranquilizers are starting to wear off.”

The shadow let out a huff, an ethereal hoof now coming into view and waving dismissively.

“I doubt his cooperation can be forced even with her life in the balance. Now that we have been able to examine him, it’s impossible to assimilate him with any of my followers due to the protection he has,” the Shadow remarked. “I had hoped to force at least some of his cooperation, but his capture proved that such a thing is folly. Kill her. I don’t care what happens to her as long as her dead body is the result. No reason to waste any more resources on her.”

The Bringer let out a chuckle, bowing before making his way downstairs.

“As you wish, my Lord.”

Some time later

“Princess, I,” Spectrum began, head then bowing as a few tears welled up in her eyes. “The new reports of my Son, is he…?”

The Mare had run into Celestia walking the halls; new information swirling about from supposed eye-witnesses having come in over dinner. It was troubling indeed, at least on the surface.

“Walk with me, Spectrum,” Celestia said, casting powerful privacy spells around them as they strode the halls.

“The newest eyewitness says they were drugged, right? A pony from the eatery? A dozen creatures who witnessed the fight?”

Spectrum nodded, trying to hold back more tears.
“And t-that my son collapsed. They’re h-helpless! H-he…”

Celestia stopped, not able to resist a genuine smile.
“Spectrum, do not mistake my apparent lack of worry for lack of care,” she said gently. “I know you do not have a high opinion of me, and rightfully so. But please trust that your son is more capable than you realize. The tranquilizers couldn’t have worked, not without a ludicrous amount of luck.”

Spectrum lifted her head at that.

“W-what?”

“Toxic is immune to almost every single tranquilizing agent in our medical arsenal,” Celestia said, finding herself increasingly proud of letting Toxic’s mother know of his accomplishments. For so long it had been shrouded in secrecy, yet now there was a pony who deserved to know, a mother who should have known from the start.

“Part of his job is discovering the limits of his abilities. We’ve tested hundreds if not thousands of compounds, and we found only one that is able to put him to sleep effectively, and that’s at a specifically high dose; any variation above or below it renders the drug useless. Nocreature knows what the compound and dose is outside myself and Luna; I haven’t even told Nacreous or Shifting yet. Knock-out spells would have been disrupted by Toxic’s armor and the magical interference, probably why they didn’t use them.”

Spectrum’s eyes widened at that.

“So, he…”

“Was faking it, yes. Assuming it’s not a new concoction, but there’s no reason why they’d try something untested,” Celestia confirmed. “There are no fewer than a dozen misdirects in Toxic’s medical files, all leading to dead ends and a ‘hidden’ real drug or two that, by the mountains of false reports we constructed, would falsely appear to work. However, those drugs are ultimately useless against Toxic. Your son was not knocked out if the darts and such are true.”

Spectrum didn’t say anything to that, but it was clear her trepidation had fled for the moment.

“There is another reason I am less worried for Toxic,” Celestia said. “In his training, your son was known by many things, some less-than-polite names to be sure. But one thing they never called him was a coward or a quitter.”

Lifting her head, Spectrum managed a smile at that.

“Your son has training in escape and evasion, as well as extensive training to survive on his own in a hostile land,” Celestia said, now smiling as well. “In fact, he is one of the few who…” she caught herself at that. There were some things that should not be-

No.

“Spectrum, I tell you this because Toxic is your son, and because you deserve some comfort which I cannot otherwise give,” Celestia said, standing up a bit taller. “Your son was the first of my Rangers.”

Unseen by all the guards who prowled outside the large metal cages, the eyes of a blue stallion cracked open to look at the dark stone wall, his back to the front of the enclosure. Covered by his raised forelimbs which had conveniently flopped over his face, the magical restraining ring began to glow an angry red, the overload starting to peel away the metal bit by bit. The bindings around the pony’s hooves had already been loosened by small movements over the course of an hour. Flickering over to look at an unconscious gryphoness, the green eyes closed again, dark magic leaking out from their edges.

“Ranger?” Spectrum asked.

“His designation was only temporary, and the program was meant to be as well,” Celestia admitted. “It was first created as a smokescreen to cover up Toxic’s involvement in the Klugetown incident, to protect Equestria’s reputation in a sense, having a legal explanation for his actions. For a time, Toxic was entrusted to act irrespective of political boundaries and my consent, an oath-less guard that I gave the authority to save ponies outside my jurisdiction. Do you understand, Spectrum? I trusted your son enough to make decisions that could potentially backfire on Equestria itself. For all his troubles, emotional turmoil, and complete lack of faith in me, Toxic never misused that privilege,” she explained.

“After the Klugetown incident, I knew he would act in that manner regardless. He only acted one more time under that authority in a minor incident but saved a few lives regardless. As I said, it was more of a formality to protect Equestria against legal action but this situation is not something new to your son. The courses he passed with flying colors were used a template for a few Rangers still currently in my service. They are an independent division of my Legionnaires, and your son was, informally, the first.”

Celestia couldn’t help but look out the window at the setting sun, Spectrum following her gaze.
“As I told Gelliana’s parents, your son risked his life to save creatures he barely knew outside of Varti’s daughter,” she said softly. “How much more power and will do you think he’d muster for a gryphoness that has captured his heart? Do not worry too much for your son, Spectrum. I am not about to let him go either.”

Despite her better mood, Spectrum couldn’t help but frown slightly at that. Celestia saw that, and decided to make a point. A good point, but one nonetheless.

“Spectrum, I know you doubt me, and do not fault you for that. But I promise that rescuing Toxic and Gelliana is one of my highest priorities.” Celestia then sat down, wings drooping. “But I must put Equestria over the life of the one or two. That is the burden of the crown.” She then stood, letting a bit more of her sun’s power trickle through.

“But I promise, if I can save them, I will!” Golden armor shone on her chest, Celestia’s mane igniting into fire even as her eyes shone with sincere kindness. “I am not omnipotent nor all-powerful, but Toxic is still one of my ponies. And I will defend them!”

Her power faded, Celestia returning to her usual, gently-smiling self.
“But until I can have a target to fight against, we must trust in your son. For all of the tasks I have given him, Toxic hasn’t failed a single one.”

“Never?” Spectrum asked softly, the intent of Celestia’s words clearly having softened her view further.

“No. More than a hundred calls to action, and he has always gone above and beyond what I have asked. He may not consider me a close friend, but I would rely on him in an instant. And now we both must do so. I trust your son, and with that trust, I know he’ll be ok.”

Spectrum leaned over onto Celestia’s forelimb, the mother letting out a soft sniffle.

“Thank you, C-celestia.”

The mare didn’t see how the Princess’s own eyes dampened, the alicorn spreading a wing over the distressed mother.

“You are most welcome.”

Spectrum didn’t miss the soft whisper that left Celestia’s lips, the temperature of the room increasing ever so slightly.

“Come home to us safe and sound, Toxic. And bring Tartarus down onto whoever took you and Gelliana.”

“Oh. H-he will,” Spectrum sniffed. “He never quits. And G-gelliana has made him so happy. The w-way he talks about her…”

That brought a smile to Celestia’s face. She knew the pair weren’t at the verbal stage of saying it just yet.

But love was a powerful thing indeed.

Toxic’s body felt like ground meat.

Being carried for what felt like hours over the back of a smelly reptile had hardly been high on his list of ‘things to do’, but it beat getting stabbed.

Thankfully, there was a spell to mimic being knocked out, including general numbness of limbs. Who knew?

Well, he did, for one. But that was now wearing off, the stallion only having caught glimpses of where the creatures were taking him after being ‘knocked out’. The air had changed from an oppressive, humid swampy-like atmosphere to a colder, brisker climate. Claws and hooves had pounded on stone instead of squishy ground or pine needles; apparently their teleportation spell didn’t get them that close.

As the had light changed, Toxic had cracked his eyes ever so slightly before closing them again. They had come inside a mountain now, high, high up, the sloping path telling him as much. The sound of industry and arcane spells being cast now echoed all around, an odd, guttural language hurting his ears. It was the language of the badlands and of another tongue, ancient and foreign mixed with the common language.

With a heave, he had been tossed onto the ground, the spell aiding in letting Toxic having his limbs flop this way and that. It was a simple move to have his forelimbs cover his horn and looked completely natural. He had heard a softer impact of Gelliana being tossed down; heavy locks and doors being shut. They were in cages, that much he knew.

If they hurt her…

Escaping from a magical horn-restraint was one of the first things he learned in his hybrid Legionnaire/Ranger training. The device relied on blocking ALL magic from even leaving one’s horn.

But what if you just start to cast a spell over and over again?

It would leave him with a massive headache, but the constant micro-pulses of magic would eventually overload even the most durable horn-locks. That was their fatal flaw. It wasn’t really even well-known because training yourself to ‘sort of’ cast a spell took quite a bit of instruction.

Instruction that Toxic had dedicated himself to for hours on end.

A flicker of magic made the Unicorn’s hair stand on end- some sort of spell that was beginning to sweep him from head to tail.

“How long is this supposed to take?” a gruff voice asked, the cage creaking as the creature leaned on it.

“From what I just heard? An hour or two. Boss says then we’ll know how to extract his magical whatever. I dunno. Ponies and their cutie marks just is a weird thing to me,” said another. “No idea how they’re going to give it to us. I don’t want some mark on my rear.

They’re trying to extract my cutie mark?!
My resilience to toxins. That would make sense, especially if I’m the only who one can combat their weapons. They’d need that for their troops; then they could blanket everything with it. A perfect, deadly cloud to take a city without a fight.

Then I have an hour or so to plan my escape. Make for the tunnel they brought me in through.

“What about the gryphon?”

“Well, all I know is the most recent order is to make sure she ends up dead. What happens before that, boss doesn’t care.”

“Oh, really?”

The malevolent chuckle made it feel like Toxic’s veins burned with magma.

You filth. Lay one claw on her…

The unicorn’s horn suppressor began to glow brighter and brighter, Toxic letting his eyes crack open slightly. Dark magic flared from behind partially-closed lids, rage feeding the power coursing through his frame. Shadows began to crack the magical restraint even faster, digging into the metal eagerly.

Just like I learned with Nacreous. Dark magic isn’t evil.
Neither is rage, anger; it can be for the good of others. You just have to focus.
I have to focus!

There was a soft whine, metal beginning to voice its distress as it flaked off and cracked from around Toxic’s horn.

“Well, if that’s the case…” the reptile chuckled as keys jangled against a lock.

The boiling in Toxic’s blood reached a critical point; he knew that tone, that malevolent, slimly edge to words. His limbs shook with pent up anger and power, the unicorn’s muscles bunching.

There had been few times he had been this furious, this eager to tear into a creature.

Another just like the other one in the eatery! I gave him a chance at life! How many more of these creatures squandered it?

I won’t be too late ever again!

“What’s that look for? You want to go-”

The air ignited.

With an air-ripping roar that made Toxic’s ears ring, the unicorn sent the pent-up overload of magical energy tearing in the direction of the voice, angled upwards and away from where he had glimpsed Gelliana lying on the floor.

The reptile didn’t get to finish his vile thoughts, eyes widening slightly as he staggered, leaning on the large iron cage with a wet cough.

Toxic’s sides heaved as dark shadows bled from his frame, armor slamming onto his body with bolts of blue lightning. Two pinpricks of pain dotted his flank- but the unicorn paid it no mind as he bared his fanged teeth in rage.

The targeted reptile finally fell to the ground in a puddle of gore, the left half of his body having been completely blown away by the magical beam of unfocused energy. An arrow glanced off Toxic’s chest, the amulet worn around his neck deflecting the projectile. Apparently, there were more creatures watching them than the stallion initially thought.

The entire scene seemed to freeze for a moment, Toxic taking in his surroundings. The two cages he and Gelliana had been kept were placed against a wall, a massive, dome-like room spreading out in front of them. It could easily fit a hoofball stadium or two, boxes and odd crystal device scattered here and there. A smattering of tunnels led off into deeper sections of the mountain where the glow of what must be forges burned, loud voices echoing from the others.

Dozens of creatures now stared in shock at the unicorn and molten hole on the opposite wall, the individuals apparently having moved supplies here and there. It appeared to be a holding area-slash-supply depot, large stone and metal stairways leading up to floors built higher in the mountain. A few bits of wooden scaffolding spread across the roof of the mountain room, dark figures moving to and fro rapidly; likely the archers watching the cages.

Considering the number of creatures Toxic had killed in the Eatery, they probably wanted to avoid confrontation on the ground. Smart, to a point.

Toxic sent a second spell through his horn, grinning wickedly as dozens of runes now began to blossom across the floor and distant walls as he whipped his head across a wide angle, sending the spells splashing across all surfaces.

Burn in Tartarus, you demons!

The symbol of the Solar Princess shone bright as day; the locator runes melting the walls as the powerful magic attempted to pierce the heavy shielding around the mountain. The unfortunate creatures caught in the grasp of the runes that landed on the ground flashed to ash in an instant. The tuned magical suppression fields were already making Toxic’s head ache- he hadn’t noticed them at first.

Not that it mattered.

As the last of his armor clamped around his torso, Toxic noticed two large syringes sticking out from a bare point in his back-left haunches, the armor not attaching due to the pointy obstructions. Apparently somecreature had been watching them with more tranquilizers at the ready; pity they didn’t work. Yanking out the syringes, Toxic felt the final piece of armor cover the exposed spot as a flurry of arrows glanced off his back.

Ripping through the thick metal cage with a shove, Toxic took aim and sent two blasts of his gauntlet towards the approaching creatures, one of them connecting and melting the reptile where he stood.

That made the group pause, one of them appearing rather ill at seeing their friend reduced to a pile of gore and charred bone.

Scooping up Gelliana with a magical heave, Toxic slung her across his back and began to gallop towards the distant large doors. There was glimmer of something in his peripheral vison, and the stallion managed to slap the tranquilizing dart out of Gelliana’s side a split second after it had hit her, the stallion boosting the magical shields around his precious cargo.

“STOP HIM!” a deep voice bellowed, shadows seeming to lengthen as something neared the upper staircase. The voice was clear as day despite being across the massive room. “DESTROY THE RUNES!”

As reinforcements poured from the side tunnels, half desperately tried to disrupt the locating spells, the other half charging towards Toxic. The stallion was already on the move, galloping full-speed towards a metal door with no fewer than ten guards by it.

Hang on, Gells!

It wasn’t so much as a single spell that poured from Toxic’s horn, but raw leyline energy that coated his body like a film, speeding up his movements. The armor’s build-in shielding protected Gelliana for the moment, Toxic not even slowing as he slammed through a reptile trying to stop him and sent the creature slamming into the wall. A second reptile swung a sword- the weapon glancing along Toxic’s outstretched forehoof as he broke every bone in the creature’s head with a furious, passing blow.

The solid metal door was peeled aside like an orange skin, the leyline energy making Toxic’s armored body act like a hot knife through butter. They were out-

And airborne, the unicorn’s rage fading to shock and surprise.

Toxic only barely managed to activate the winged slow-fall spells as they fell down the side of the mountain, completely having missed the slowly-sloping stairs and ramps to the side. It was an effective entrance, preventing any enemy forces entering head on.

His hooves hit solid stone, the added weight to Toxic’s frame sending him skidding through any small protruding rocks as they slid down an impromptu slide, the stallion finding himself now zipping down the face of half a mountain.

Ok. Somehow escape, check. Sliding down a mountain is the immediate problem.

…Time for the Baker’s Dozen! This will wipe me out, but good luck tracking me after this!

The spell was nicknamed after an incident with Pinkie Pie, Twilight, and a pastry bake-off. Apparently, it had also involved a teleportation spell, five watermelons, a can of hair-gel, three cardboard boxes, and an alarming amount of sugar.

Regardless of its origins, the Baker’s Dozen spell was the best anti-tracking magic available, a powerful teleportation spell that sent out teleportation mimics in five directions other than the one the user went. After completion, it duplicated five more times in addition to the caster’s jump, hence the ‘baker’s dozen.’ The end result was a hopping, multi-stage teleportation spell that appeared the exact same in six different directions for some distance.

Unfortunately, while Princess Twilight could cast it with ease, it would wipe out any other skilled unicorn for the day or more without mana batteries.

Keying up the spell for maximum distance and dispersion, Toxic directed the leyline connections to dump as much power as needed into the casting; the armor’s power levels visibly dropping. And that was in addition to the mental strain the unicorn felt, pressure stabbing at his temples.

Come on!

The ground was fast approaching, and Toxic could make out the ruins of some sort of temple-like structure at the base of the mountain. As they got ever-closer, the unicorn felt the spell finally activate.

Track this!

With a bolt of pink energy that smelled vaguely of cotton-candy, the teleportation spell blasted out a hole in the mountain, the unicorn being sent to the outer reaches of what a typical teleportation spell could safely transport. And then again, and again…

They were free, but where were they?!

The large, fanged head of what appeared to be a shadow-pony glared at his Bringer, the gryphon letting out a frustrated grunt.

“They have escaped. At least for now. I would not worry, Highness.”

“Why would I worry? The one individual capable of stopping us is free,” the creature hissed sarcastically, a dangerous edge to his tone.

“Highness, I took some precautions that no other creature knew about, I wanted to further prove that you could trust in my efforts,” the Bringer stated calmly, now actually smiling as he tossed a large, metal tube to the Shadow. A simple appendage caught the item, looking it over curiously.

“Oh? Taking some initiative? I am intrigued. Why should I not worry then?”

“Because I instructed my best sharpshooter to load his custom tranquilizing darts with that.”

The Shadow paused, and then began to laugh. It started as a mild chuckle, then evolved to a full belly-laugh, if the creature even had a belly.

“A-and how much did our troublesome unicorn take?” the Shadow wheezed, the Bringer still grinning.

“Two extra-large syringes. The gryphoness probably only had a drop or two of it, the unicorn tore out the syringe before it could inject any more. But that’s of the concentrated formula, not even in its aerosolized form so she’ll be dead fifty times over. For the pony? He got about as much as can fit in that container. He’ll be dead in a few days, the body dissolved to sludge within a week. With luck he’ll die in a creek and poison everything downstream for a decade. Eventually we’ll be able to see the die-off from the air where his body once was.”

The Shadow snorted, tossing the large tube back to the gryphon with an approving nod.

“I give him a week at most, maybe two due to his tenacity. Well done, my Bringer. I can indeed trust you it would seem. I assume that your efforts to find him will not slacken, however?”

“Of course not. To trust in one outcome would be folly. We are beginning the search as I speak, but the spell he used will hamper our efforts.”

“Good. However, you must first deal with the individual at our borders. Tread carefully, she is not to be underestimated.”

The gryphon winced, knowing full well who it was that his Master spoke of.

A meteor tore the sky asunder.

Ancient armor wrapping around her body, the Solar Empress ripped through the sky towards the last of her flickering beacons. Inwardly she seethed, but Celestia’s rage was tempered by the loving kiss her Fiancé had given her moments ago; he would meet her as soon as she arrived, the Paladin having summoned his own armor.

I am so sick of these underhanded creatures attacking my ponies! The Emissary, this new Shadow; and now targeting the one pony I continually can’t protect.

Not until now!

She wasn’t sure how much would actually be on the table in terms of action; but what the Princess did know was that no fewer than ten emergency beacons had lit up across her spell detection network. They had been frantically extinguished, their location scrambled by the same powerful magic that prevented her from teleporting in. But she had gotten a good enough fix; south of the Dragon Lands border and deep in the thick abandoned forests of that continent near a mountain range.

Celestia’s senses hit a literal wall as she sped over the forests, the Alicorn letting out a frustrated snort. There was a shield, a massive one over this area. A mountain was visible in the distance, an odd, cylindrical formation at the top of it, like a vacuum that pulled in clouds and spat out darker ones on the other side.

“So, this is where the slime hides,” Celestia hissed, settling on the ground that was instantly scorched to glass with every step. Standing close to the invisible shield, she probed it with a series of spells, quite impressed (albeit annoyingly so,) that the projection was quite advanced. Despite the range and distance, it contained enough power to knock even her unconscious, or at least close to it.

“You found them,” Nacreous said calmly, the armored paladin walking up to Celestia’s side. He poked the shield with his staff, frowning as it was halted immediately. “That is a powerful spell.”

“Too powerful to venture into. This is an odd magic; more power is here than should be possible,” Celestia mused, then noticed an odd, grey shape approaching. It appeared that despite looking translucent, the shield masked the real individuals on the other side.

Stepping out of the shield, a familiar gryphon appeared and looked at the pair, a cocky grin on his face.

“The Bringer, I presume?” Celestia asked bluntly, the gryphon nodding.

“Indeed. Welcome to our Kingdom, even if it is lacking in formality as of yet,” the Bringer stated with a chuckle. “But all of that will be completed in due time.”

“You will return the creatures you have stolen,” Celestia said, gaze refusing to leave the gryphon as her mane became flecked with flame. To his credit, the Bringer only flinched slightly before regaining his confidence.

“Unfortunately, that is out of my power to do so. I can, however, promise that our borders will not expand beyond this shield. I believe it’s an area equivalent to half of Equestria in size.”

It was meaningless banter, and Celestia knew it.

“Return my subjects,” she said finally, the gryphon shaking his head, now actually smirking as shadows began to leak from his frame.

“No. My Master has forbidden such.”

“Then you have declared war on Equestria and her allies. Your claim is not recognized,” Celestia countered.

“My Master expects war. You are quite powerless to help, Princess Celestia,” the Bringer chuckled. His demeanor changed abruptly, eyes glowing white as his voice deepened. “But you can watch, perhaps hear his screams…”

The goading had the desired effect; or, more likely, Celestia was beyond caring. The magical blast that hit the gryphon should have turned his body to ash.

Instead, he only chuckled, Celestia’s magic having been stopped a hairs-breath from his head. A black, mirror-like surface sucked in the attack completely as it vanished as quick as it had appeared.

“As I said, you are completely powerless here, Celestia!” the Bringer hissed with a laugh.

Two more blasts were equally nullified, Celestia now the one smirking.

“Fascinating that you would reveal your magical source so readily; that will be quite useful,” she said happily, her previous outburst clearly not having been much more than a sham, for the most part. The Princess’s eyes narrowed, sending another spell the Bringer’s way.

This time, the gryphon had nothing to block. He found his claws embedded in molten stone; his shadow-half preventing any injury. The Alicorn then took a step closer, flames licking from her frame. Now, her rage was quite real.

“You have attacked my subjects, and for that you will be destroyed,” she stated, “perhaps not today, or even tomorrow. But I will see to it that the stars themselves will wipe your kind from this earth.”

“Hollow words from an alicorn who can’t even hit me,” the Bringer teased, seeming quite at peace with being effectively imprisoned in front of the enraged Ruler. “My Master-”

“Is a coward for sending his lacky to relay words,” Celestia dismissed, “I’ve seen it a hundred times before. Where is this Master? Cowering behind mercenaries paid with coin and cider? This isn’t a kingdom; this is the start of a liquor bar! I’ve seen such childish ‘nations’ rise and fall dozens of times. This will be no different.”

The shadows darkened around the gryphon, a fanged mouth appearing to hover above the creature. Easily the size of Celestia, the shadowy head glared at the alicorn, letting out an angry growl.

“You cannot stop this, Empress of the Sun!” the creature retorted. “And you are one to talk of cowering. What have you done for a thousand years, after all?”

“Grown a nation of peace; much more than can be said for you,” Celestia replied dismissively, “the remnants of a Limbo Shadow, now trying to get a hold in this world? Did I guess correctly?”

The face laughed, a sincere, genuine and rather disturbing sound.

“You know nothing of me or my realm, Princess,” the creature chuckled. “you will not stop this. I will bring my kingdom to reign on this world; and perhaps in time I’ll give you back the body of your pony, at least when we have no more use for him.”

“So, it is war then,” Celestia whispered almost to herself, “So be it.”

“By all means, Empress, strike us down! Have your sister call the very moon upon us! You will find such magic quite useless,” the shadow-creature taunted.

Celestia smirked, casually sending a small solar flare zipping along the ground. The spell skirted the edge of the shield, large runes automatically being drawn in the ground as the spell vanished in the distance.

“You cannot prevent us from leaving!” the Shadow chuckled, watching as how the entire area was now encircled with a containment spell.

“It’s not a shield, it’s to let me know if you try to expand anymore, or if you try to leave,” Celestia explained. “I will not allow that. For all your lofty claims, that makes you my prisoner, shadow!”

That seemed to strike a nerve with the creature.

“Allow?! Prisoner!? You dare talk down to me?” it bellowed, “what can you do but issue threats! You dare not even strike me!”

“Is that an offer?” Celestia asked.

“If you can, Princess!”

Clearly the shadow didn’t notice that Celestia’s words were spoken almost eagerly, a certain hippogriff having to suppress a grin as he took a step back.

Nacreous watched as Celestia pulled off a piece of her armor. Crushing the metal into a ball that was promptly melted, the Alicorn flash-quenched the orb, then sending it spinning around her body. It quickly was lost from view, vanishing with a flash of light.

Only it was no longer in Equestria. Rather, it orbited a large, flaming lunar body in the sky for a few brief moments.

“Oh? Did you attack me with a marble?” the Shadow grinned, “It appears you missed.”

“You are cocky for a creature who should fear the light!” Celestia snarled, the white-hot projectile returning to her control and igniting the air around it. Punching through the center of the shadowy head, the sun-heated metal sent a supersonic crack ringing through the forest as it impacted the mountain in the distant range.

The shadow re-formed, appearing to wince as a white crack shone on its face as it looked towards the mountain, the odd, circular tube at the top of the outcropping now shattered to pieces.

That was in addition to the village-sized hole that now adorned what used to be the peak of the fortress, molten stone dripping off the impact site.

“Well played, and I suppose I did indeed ask for that. But our games have ended for now. Any more moves like that, and I will kill your precious pony. Perhaps the gryphon too,” the shadow grunted in annoyance.

“Yet if you do that, you lose the only leverage you have keeping your ‘empire’ from being destroyed. Do not think I will stand idly by,” Celestia reminded the creature with no small amount of internal satisfaction as it let out a rather angry growl. Using lives as a shield against her was effective; but it also ensured that the parties involved wouldn’t be killed out of necessity…yet.

The threat of killing Toxic and Gelliana was a vital bit of information. They were alive, and if her hunch was correct, they had escaped. It was unlikely the Shadow would reveal ever such; but the Princess had one thing this creature didn’t; experience.

And experience let her read this monster like a book. The slight clenching of the jaw, the ever so slight wavering gaze; Toxic and Gelliana were out of their reach, of that, Celestia was nearly certain. Hopefully her attack showed that they were not forgotten. The Shadow was also far too cocky, clearly not used to treating anycreature as an equal. She could use that to her-

Wait, what is that?!

A sudden burst of magic nearly drew Celestia’s attention away; but she still had a part to play.

“These are my final words, Solar Empress,” the Shadow growled, wincing as the white crack in its face pulsed. “If you attack us, I will ensure cities across your land and others will choke on their own blood before you wipe us out. That is my standing ultimatum.”

Celestia simply glared back in return; it was quite a lofty claim, but one she took seriously.

“So be it,” she stated. “Do not consider yourself safe here, Shadow.”

“Likewise.”

The fact that Celestia briefly had fangs seemed to shut the Shadow up, seeming to throw caution to the wind as its form dissipated, the meeting effectively concluded.

“I’m sorry I can’t do more, Toxic,” Celestia then whispered, audibly as a teleportation spell yanked them both back to Canterlot.

A stalemate.

A slight smirk managed to dawn on the Princess’s face at that. She now knew what spell had been triggered just after her attack.

A locating beacon, a simple ‘I’m here and ok’ spell, far outside the mountain.

At least Toxic is alive, and we have this creature contained, for now.

I won’t make the same mistake as I have with other threats. This is not something for the Elements. If they step a single claw outside that barrier, I’ll have Luna aid me in raining the sky down upon them.

I just hope I don’t have to choose between Equestria and Toxic, not again. I need to make sure that creature’s threat doesn’t come to pass.

The Bringer re-formed back in their fortress, his Master letting out a frustrated hiss.

“What did that mare do? That hurt! And now we have to re-build the entire delivery mechanism!” he growled, a stallion chuckling in the shadows, features cloaked by darkness.

“I tried to warn you both, and you did goad and ask for an attack. You are too cocky. Perhaps we can bypass any more games? You revealed far too much in that exchange. Bragging that you would kill them when they are our only leverage?” the pony let out a rather annoyed snort. “That was a duel with words that she won. No, they are out of our reach, even if it was a half-truth. Celestia likely saw through that. We also detected a surge of magic somewhere inside our shields; likely the unicorn trying to signal his Princess.”

“Bah. There is little she can do even if that is the case,” the Shadow creature said dismissively.

“That we know of. Do not forget the fate of the Ice King or the Emissary. Both had the same confidence you possess. Do not place our victory in one basket. We now have the Princesses and the Lord of Chaos united against us, and we cannot use the lives of our ex-hostages to guarantee our safety any longer. That puts us in a very dangerous situation. Your ultimatum exposed one of our actual plans. That was not wise, and they will redouble their efforts to secure their cities.”

That seemed to placate the larger Shadow, the individual letting out a huff. It was one of the few times the Bringer had seen his master so subdued by a mortal.
…..mostly mortal.

“As many times before, it would be wise for us to heed your words,” the Shadow mused. “I admit that my reign in Limbo may have clouded my judgement after such a millennium. I am not used to fighting forces that are my equal.”

“Potentially greater forces. And yes, I would agree,” the pony said calmly, waving a hoof. “But now, I need to return before I am missed. Thankfully the mis-directions we placed have worked and my identity is safe for now. That said, try not to get yourself killed, because I like to live as well. We must proceed and act as if we still have that pony and gryphoness; to do otherwise is to court the wrath of both the sun and moon.”

“Varti? What can I do for you?” Celestia asked, eyes widening as a familiar shadow-pony poked his head into the frame of the communications portal, the previously-mentioned yak simply gesturing as he moved out of the way.

“Princess.”

“Onyx? To what do I have the pleasure?”

“I know who He is.”

The way Onyx said that one word made Celestia’s blood chill slightly.

“I had to make sure, and I’ve been thinking ever since the attack, ever since I met my fellow shadow ponies. Seeing them made me remember. And I just felt another ripple of familiar magic.”

“Remember what, Onyx?” Celestia asked, not liking the prickling sensation that ran up her spine. The shadow pony refused to look at her, gaze darting about as if hidden forces were waiting for a moment of weakness.

“I remember who He is. Why I and Icait are abominations in His eyes. We betrayed him…”

“Who, Onyx?”

He now lifted his gaze, grey eyes full of turmoil and genuine fear.

“There are many rulers in Limbo, Princess,” Onyx explained. “Many who claim areas of the space and the subsequent creatures in it. Many have called themselves a King, but there are only a few who rightfully deserve the title.

He is one of the greater ones, bringing all the power and influence from his kingdom in Limbo to this world; The King of Shadows.”

Author's Notes:

Well dang! Go Toxic!
And don't forget about Pick!
And now we finally get to see the enemy unveiled...

Chapter Twenty-Two: Lighthouse

Onyx shifted on the sofa with a grunt, the shadow pony shivering underneath the thick blanket. The scattered memories were few and far between, but at least he had done his duty.

The fact that Celestia seemed unnerved didn’t help his own confidence however.

“You ok?” Icait asked, the Windigo hopping onto the couch with him as Onyx’s ears flattened.

“I am not sure,” he admitted. “Remembering flashes of what life was like in Limbo is disturbing with the context of my new life. Just a whirlwind of emotion, a landscape that doesn’t make sense to my mind; but at least I know it’s a part of me that I can remember.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Icait said softly. “I can’t remember anything before I was ‘born’, only remember the feelings of hatred and stuff. Not fun at all.”

Now she was getting depressed. Onyx wasn’t about to have that at all. It didn’t suit the bubbly Windigo at all. After all, he was the grump.

The designated grump, at that.

“I heard you had another run-in with Knife Twist?” he asked, shifting under the blanket to then glance over to the Windigo, her ears promptly perking back up.

“Uh huh! We’re actually going to have lunch in a day or two with Luna. I think it helps her get over stuff, seeing that I really didn’t want to hurt her,” Icait explained. “It helps me too, knowing that even somepony that I hurt, even by inaction doesn’t totally hate me. It’s just…nice. Even if we never talk again, at least we can be on ok terms after my total blubber-fest when first meeting her.”

Icait then blushed, a bright pink against her ethereal, teal frame, prompting a raised eyebrow from Onyx.

“Huh?”

“I was just thinking,” she whispered, “I thought it was rather sweet. You being concerned when I started crying in the gym, and before that having taken those blades for me.”

Onyx let out a huff, definitely not blushing as well as his grey eyes drifted to the floor.
The blanket seemed much warmer, however. Did the temperature increase drastically? He’d have to ask about the air conditioning here.

“Well. I finally came to terms that you are my friend. And therefore, I should act like one,” he stated bluntly. “But that doesn’t mean I am giving up my grumpy card.”

Icait tried to laugh- but instead it came out as a half-snort that dissolved into a giggle.

“I w-want that t-to be a real b-business card!” she gasped, Onyx watching amusement as she felt to the floor and struggled to breathe through giggles.

He wasn’t sure what the warm glow in his chest meant, but it was a nice feeling, despite it never having been felt until he was living in this world. Especially never until meeting Icait. It made him want to smile, and prompted a very simple resolution.

I need to get a business card.

“That’s a rather interesting report,” Shifting mused as Luna let out a rather annoyed groan, the Alicorn going over her own set of papers after flopping over her Fiancé’s back in exasperation.

“Indeed. My Sister learned quite a bit, and at least we have a target now, even if it is locked behind a shield,” Luna replied. “She believes Toxic is safe though, and that is a plus. How goes the training on your end?”

The Commander shrugged at that, levitating a report over to Luna, as he was rather immobile at the moment.

“Well, I’ve interviewed more drill Sergeants, revamped the training schedules and budget, the ranks are still growing, and the Lunar Knights are still in tip-top shape. By Equestrian standards, things are going extremely well.”

“…by other standards?” Luna asked, shifting over to settle next to Shifting. She couldn’t resist a grin at seeing her Fiancé pout. “Shifting, are you jealous? Of a certain organization I suspect?”

“MAYBE!”

“That’s a yes.”

Shifting couldn’t help but groan, gesturing to an obnoxiously sparse parchment.

“We barely have any information on the Last Light Island, and already they’re one of the most militarized organizations I’ve ever seen,” the Commander grumbled. “I know Equestria isn’t meant to have a strong military arm, recent events notwithstanding, but they have an airship navy that only needs crewing. An Airship. Navy. We have a few large retrofitted ships but nothing I’d trust to send into battle! Nacreous’s kingdom is the closest thing we have to compare, but they are specifically geared towards Windigo-type magic containment. Not this…” the pony’s voice trailed off, Shifting letting out a sigh.

“This organization is training for real-world combat in addition to chemical threats. I suppose I am both surprised, and very much not. I expected the void to be filled somehow, but I’m just surprised.”

“And…?”

“And yes, a bit jealous at their military capacity. For a charitable organization, they’re armed to the teeth,” Shifting grumbled. “And I’m more than certain they aren’t even showing a quarter of their capacity. Varti has the place locked up tight and certainly isn’t releasing any information.”

“Well, I know he, and Toxic have their reasons. We have to trust them on this,” Luna said in a subdued tone.

“And I do. It’s just surprising, but a bit of relief at the same time. At least we know they can handle themselves.”

Luna’s ears perked up in surprise as Shifting leaned over to give her a rather long kiss, then nuzzling her nose with his.

“I’m just glad you’re safe,” he whispered. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be-”

“Ooooh don’t you dare!” Luna interjected. “Don’t pull the ‘I wasn’t there to defend you’ line! Everything turned out alright, and we all can’t be there every single moment of the other’s life.”

Shifting blinked, Luna then scooting close to wrap a wing over her Fiancé, nuzzling the top of his head lovingly.

“I certainly wasn’t there for you for a thousand years,” she whispered, “so don’t you dare go down that train of thought. It’s just as silly. We’re both ok, and that’s what matters.”

Snuggling closer, the stallion let out an agreeing nod, enjoying the moments peace they had before duty would call once again.

“Well, fair enough then,” he replied with a grin. “It’s probably a good thing you couldn’t hear me all those years though. I occasionally talked to the moon, you know. Probably said some embarrassing things…”

Luna sat up straight in surprise at that.
“You what?”

A chime sounded, and Shifting literally bounded up and began to trot down the halls.

“Oh! There’s the timer! Back to work!”

“SHIFTING GET BACK HERE!”

The stallion raced pell-mell through the castle while cackling in defiance, much to the amusement of the few guards they passed.

Of course, one couldn’t interrupt such a chase between the Lunar Princess and her Commander. It was, naturally, a royal matter.

Toxic’s legs ached.

They, or rather, he had been trotting for a good few hours after the teleportation spell had thrown them clear of the mountain. Something had happened though, a loud CRACK that had made his ears ring as a projectile had impacted the mountain an hour ago. The rocky formation was now just a monolith in the distance, the top of the oddly-shaped peak, previously a tube that had pulled clouds in, was now shattered to pieces along with most of the top forth of the mountain.

If Toxic had to guess Celestia had made contact with their enemies. That was a comfort even if no further signs were given, despite the frantic rune he had sketched and sent up. If he could let her know they weren’t being held hostage perhaps she won’t pull any punches.

Then again if the mountain was any indicator the Solar Empress was very tired of playing the ‘nice’ Princess part, especially when dealing with these sorts of creatures. But for all he knew, the shield blocked it; he had to make it untraceable which reduced the spell’s power, and even then, Toxic had change course to throw off any pursuers.

Thankfully, locating beacon or not, there had been no sign of individuals following, and Toxic had changed course a few times to make sure along with a hoofprint-masking spell. They had passed from a foul swamp into a denser conifer forest, large boulders, bare dirt and roots becoming more prevalent, as well as some small caves. As well as he could tell, they were not on the Equestrian continent anymore, likely south of the dragon’s domain, judging by the occasional types of mosses present on the rocks.

The teleportation and continual hoofprint-masking spell had sapped the armor’s batteries, and the leylines weren’t seeming to be able to recharge them completely. There was an odd, slightly-sickening field of magic over this place that prevented Toxic from fully utilizing the leylines. It was like a dammed river, only a trickle seeping through, barely enough to power the armor outside of his own magical reserves. And even though they were far away from the mountain the field remained.

How big of an area have these creatures claimed? WHO is after me? That shadowy voice I assume is their leader? It didn’t sound like that gryphon, the Bringer.

There were a lot of questions on Toxic’s mind, but the more pressing matter was that of survival obviously. He had already tried another locator rune; but it had fizzled out. Apparently ‘they’ had learned and enhanced the suppression field around the territory which explained the annoying ache at the base of his skull.

But this far from the mountain? The amount of power such a spell would require put Canterlot’s shield to shame, Toxic’s island reactors at mere hoof-sized batteries in comparison.

No matter. I need to find somewhere safe. It’s going to get dark soon, and I have no supplies outside of the emergency kit on my flanks. I hope I have enough energy to activate those storage portals.

I never wanted to use them again, but here we are.

“Warning, subject’s vitals destabilizing,” a disembodied voice warned Toxic, the unicorn having set his suit to monitor himself and Gelliana.

What?!

Backtracking over some boulders, Toxic peered into a cave underneath a series of large trees. It must have been used by some sort of creature once upon a time, because while the entrance was barely the size of a pony the inside matched the space of the living room of a cheap apartment.

It would have to do. A small stream of fresh water trickled in from an underground stream and pooled slightly in the corner, indicating why the walls were rather mossy. It was a fair bit underground and didn’t smell horrible; so, this would be home for now. They had water, the dirt and rock walls seemed solid, and there was even an elevated area which could serve as a bed, dirt scooped out and mounded against a wall. A quick scan indicated there wasn’t any animal occupants, and hadn’t been for some time due to the lack of hair or other refuse.

Toxic gently lay Gelliana on the elevated dirt mound, sending his armor’s magical sensors scanning over her body.

“Unknown toxins detected,” the software said calmly, Toxic’s eyes widening in horror. This wasn’t a tranquilizer at all. “Correction, three neurotoxins detected- correction, five neurotoxins, correction-”

He shut off the audible alerts, the analysis seeming to fluctuate with every passing second along with Gelliana’s heartbeat and magical field. Creatures had two sets of vitals, even non-magical ones had a field of such energy, even if it was weaker. This pathogen seemed to be targeting both. If either of those failed, you’d perish.

His mouth was as dry as a desert, the unicorn quickly using the last of both his, and the suit’s magical energy to open a simple, pre-set storage portal. The odd interference made the spell flicker and fade, and Toxic was barely able to yank the three massive metal crates out from their location before the portal collapsed.

In fact, the rearmost part on the final crate was sheared off within the portal, lost to the magical ether as the spell failed, the batteries now flashing depletion warnings on his heads-up display.

The contents of the large military-like containers were simple; everything Toxic needed to survive with potential victims for an extended period of time in a hostile chemical atmosphere. There were a few additions for different threats, but ultimately the crates allowed a complete shelter-in-place scenario for some time.

Unfortunately, a battalion of Legionnaires couldn’t fit inside one of the crates; so, this would have to do.

Despite his heart thudding in his ears, Toxic opened the first large, stallion-sized crate, tapping a large, white, octagonal crystal located in the center of the container.

“Authorization code?” a feminine voice asked.

“Director Shield. Emergency authorization Alpha-Two-Seven-Gamma-Beta-Five-Five,” Toxic said with a trembling voice. “Activate Supplementary Magical Assistant Lexicon, full functionality.”

“Activating S.M.A.L Stand by.”

A mare snapped into focus, a magical projection full of pre-programed medical procedures and instructional lectures. While not a sapient program, the Golem could handle just about any medical emergency one could run in to; performing operations, assisting, even some experimental combat and support roles. And right now, Toxic needed all the help he could get.

“Awaiting instructions,” SMAL stated calmly, Toxic wincing as his magic sputtered, a defibrillator falling before he caught it.

“S-scan her!” he said quickly, the armor becoming heavier and heavier as its power source continued to be depleted. His own magical reserves couldn’t power the armor and levitation.

“Scanning. Stand by. Please authorize consent for continued treatment.”

“Yes, authorized as an emergency responder! Director level access across all functions, code beta-eight-five-five-two-zeta!”

Toxic activated the emergency escape of his suit, the armor not fading away in a burst of flame but instead simply falling to the ground in pieces. His magic no longer being used as a power source for the armor, the unicorn was able to ferry a few more items from the crate, namely two large boxes and what looked like a cross between an hourglass and a microscope.

Please let this be enough. What did they do to you, Gelliana?

Opening one of the boxes, Toxic looked at the array of graduated vials, each containing a different colored liquid ready to be loaded into a syringe; antitoxins to virtually every chemical weapon, biohazard, neurotoxin and various other oddball poison known to Equestria (and quite a few from other nations), enough for hundreds of doses. They weren’t for him but for any potential victims he may be isolated with. The broad-spectrum doses were still in approval by the Equestrian Government, but Toxic had utmost faith in Varti’s analysis. The cures were little to no risk of overloading the body, dissolving harmlessly in the bloodstream and being excreted normally, even with antiviral treatments.

The bonuses of magic; being able to bypass a potentially deadly cytokine storm for pathogens, and only targeting a present poison for those situations. The unused antigens wouldn’t activate and therefore leave the body without issue.

“Scanning complete. Unknown arcane-bonded chemicals detected, but that is changing,” SMAL mused, “best description is a mutagenic, magic-boosted blood poison that can mimic a wide array of chemicals and pathogens for an extended period of time.”

“Is that even possible?!” Toxic hissed, the Golem shaking its head.

“Unknown. This is not in any of my data files. Treatment must commence immediately or the patient will expire. Are you able to assist? Scans show your vital signs are abnormal.”

“I’m fine for now, she’s the priority. Yes, I can assist,” Toxic replied quickly.

“Please prepare the vials in this order. Colors will be used to save time in designating dosages. Do you understand these instructions?”

“Yes!”

“Please load the red vial first.”

Toxic slotted the large container into the delivery syringe, the needle hidden and aided by a spring mechanism.

“Please empty the syringe into the patent’s nearest shoulder.”

Toxic felt his hooves start to shake, the unicorn forcing the fear down. An entire vial had enough doses for dozens of patients many times over. To use the entire thing…

Injecting the entire vial into Gelliana’s shoulder, Toxic replaced the empty container, looking to the Golem as ‘she’ monitored the gryphoness.

“Next, the blue.”

The vials quickly began to run out. Blue, purple, yellow, clear, green; it was a rainbow of lifelines that was quickly vanishing. Occasionally Gelliana’s body glowed a soft white as the magic-enhanced chemicals did their work, but otherwise there was no visible change.

“Please inject additional doses of the blue vial from the other container; one half of the graduated amount.”

Reloading the syringe, Toxic followed the new instructions, depleting a good third of the second crate’s contents.

“Please use the entirety of either of the black syringes and that will conclude this portion of treatment.”

That caused the unicorn’s head to snap over to SMAL as Gelliana’s breathing became labored.

“Confirm?” Toxic asked in horror. The black syringe contained a last-resort antitoxin, a massive, physically punishing dose that would expel both magical and physical contaminants from one’s body. It was to be used only when other methods had failed; not when hundreds of doses of antitoxin had already been used! And even then, the black substance was to be used by the drop, not like this!

Toxic himself had only used it once, and he couldn’t move for hours afterwards; and that amount had been about ten drops.

“Analysis confirmed. Patient will require supportive care immediately after. Unless this final dose is utilized, other doses will not be sufficient and patient will die in less than ten minutes. The antigens, due to their high doses, will counteract the majority of the negative side effects of this final antitoxin.”

So, she’ll be ok? Not get laid out as I did with this dose?

Please, don’t let her suffer anymore.

Emptying the syringe into her shoulder, Toxic propped the gryphoness up into an easy-breathing position, watching as the medical golem continued to scan her. He could treat broken limbs, known illness and traumas; but this was entirely unknown.

I hate being so helpless.

“Toxin levels decreasing. Attention, patient will require defibrillation.”

Toxic retrieved the defibrillator, placing the two large pads underneath Gelliana’s feathers mechanically. He had done this before, but never with a gryphoness who he…

“Analyzing heart rhythm. Stand by.”

Tears began to stream from Toxic’s eyes, the unicorn feeling the wave of absolute horror starting to crest in his heart.

Not her. Don’t take her. Please…

“Shock advised. Please stand clear.”

She is here because of me. Don’t let her suffer on my account.

“Shocking.”

Gelliana’s body jolted, Toxic barely able to see through the tears. His own breaths came in short, panicked gasps.

I could lose her, just because she was close to me.

My fault.

“Analyzing. Additional shock advised. Shocking.”

Please.

Let me suffer, I’ll take it all. Just let her live.

A second jolt, but then the Golem nurse paused, nodding in approval. The action let Toxic breath again, the stallion’s limbs starting to quiver.

“Immediate treatment complete. Please retrieve supportive fluids, I shall administer the IV and monitor the patient. As predicted, the majority of the negative side effects of the final injection will not present themselves.”

Locating the pre-packaged IV backs and fluid held in magical suspension, Toxic numbly hung the bag on a tree root, sitting down as the Golem neatly slid the needle into Gelliana’s arm.

“I anticipate she will feel quite ill for a short time when waking up, but no lasting effects anticipated,” the mare turned to Toxic, eyes narrowing slightly. “You are my next patient. Please sit down as I scan you.”

Toxic did so, also fishing out a large orb from the first crate with his magic. Activating it with a tap, Toxic watched as a shimmering shield expanded, filling in every crack and crevasse of the cave from the outside world; an airtight seal through which magically filtered air could pass through in and out as needed. Sketching a rune with a stick across the ground and walls after the SMAL’s scan, Toxic breathed a sigh of relief as the magical symbols sputtered to life, the concealment spells both making their cave appear like a boulder and effectively hiding it from visual and magical view.

As the shield solidified, a strange pressure seemed to disappear from Toxic’s mind; barely noticeable, but his fear seemed a bit less now. The concealment spells were an after-thought addition to the crate’s years ago; and now it paid off.

But they were safe, at least as much as could be expected for their situation. He took a few moments to place the respective items next to their most-likely area of use; a water filtration crystal and filter to the underground stream, and a simple rune that burrowed a hole in the ground around one of the rocky ‘walls’ of the cave, a low-range spell incinerating anything that was dropped far enough down.

Water and waste disposal; two essentials.

After that, things became a blur for Toxic; the SMAL not recommending anything except supportive fluids for himself until they could complete a more in-depth scan. Apparently, his results were inconclusive.

Gells.

As mental and physical exhaustion made his limbs tremble, Toxic staggered over to lay on the ground beside Gelliana. With a shaking hoof, he reached up and held her claws, fresh tears now starting to fall from his eyes.

“Please be ok, please…” he whispered, the SMAL calmly tutting.

“Patient one will make a full recovery.”

The calm, pragmatic tone eased a bit of the worry in Toxic’s heart.
“Monitor us, please,” the Unicorn managed to say before the world began to fade to black.

“Command confirmed. Monitoring mode engaged.”

After the stallion had slipped into a dreamless sleep, the SMAL walked around their shelter and double-checked the various measures set in place. After she was sure he was asleep, the mare’s frame expanded and grew to a lankier size. Her eyes looked at the sleeping pair curiously, the mare’s head tilting as though not quite understanding, but then her expression softened at seeing Toxic holding Gelliana’s claws in an iron grip.

And then she was gone, the previous, static and stoic Golem figure standing guard silently.

Author's Notes:

Chapter Twenty-Three: Haven

It was done.

Varti hated the fact that he didn’t know the outcome, but Pick Shield’s condition would remain in limbo until the magical currents settled. The Yak, as per the unicorn’s wishes, would only be informed with a yes or no of the eventual success to avoid any potential confusion (or overthinking, for that matter). Pick had already spoken to his parents, but been quite adamant before the procedure to go through with it.

Having his brother stolen had struck a nerve, and Varti had never seen the unicorn so determined.

In a world where love, friendship, emotion can be harnessed, determination to save a family member may well turn the tide. The Yak mused, running through the standard checks on the Organization’s main reactor.

Things were starting to settle down thankfully, even if but a few days after the attack. Within two months, they’d have a good portion of their strength, the various trainings completed. Before that, they-

“How does it work?”

Varti nearly activated the internal defense grid, but the Yak paused on pressing the concealed button attached to his long furry coat.

“Come again?” he asked, looking over to the lanky, now armored mare who stood staring at the leyline reactor. Apparently, the Entity had been busy in the wardrobe department since her first appearance during the attack on the Organization.

“How did you overcome the arcane resistance? It should have blown this machine apart,” the mare asked, voice rough and wavering, but not with fear. It was as if she was not used to asking questions, only answering them.

“Nice to meet you again too,” Varti huffed. “I’m hesitant to tell you about anything until I know more, quite frankly. But you clearly handled yourself in saving this island, so you have my thanks.”

The mare actually winced at that, as if suddenly recalling what you should do when talking to another creature.

“I…” she paused, letting out a grunt of frustration. “My name is Fidelia. Or Fide for short.

“A version of the old poneish name meaning Devotedness. Interesting,” Varti replied calmly. “Well, nice to meet you, Fidelia. My name is Varti. So, you are Clari’s sister? I admit I do not know much about her, and therefore you.”

Fide let out an almost annoyed snort at that.
“I am very different from my sister. Knowing about her would do you no good,” she said roughly, ethereal ears then flattening. “I apologize. I am not used to dealing with mortals. Or anyone for that matter.”

“Forgiven. We all have our quirks. I have been called a mad scientist by more than one creature, so you’re in good, odd company,” Varti said cheerfully. “To answer your question, the reactor was actual able to work all due to Toxic. I originally followed Nicki Tesari’s designs, but that would have likely blown up in my face.”

“It certainly did for him,” Fide said.

“Toxic then had an idea. What if, instead of forcibly tapping into the leylines, it acts a miniature dam?”

“A dam?”

“Well, a hydroelectric one! There are a few in Equestria that I know of. The resistors are not used to control the leylines, only guide them through the crystal chamber,” Varti said, quickly losing himself in the excited explanation as he gestured to the device.

“Toxic was right. You can’t control leyline energy, not by brute force. It’s an emotional energy. So, we don’t even try. We let it pass through the interior naturally, only tweaked out into our plane for a brief moment. The natural bleed-off of such energy could power this island ten times over! The only thing limiting our power output are the resistors, which make sure the entire thing doesn’t melt.”

The expression of surprise on Fide’s face was rather endearing, the previous stoic mask shattering for a few moments.

“Toxic Shield thought of that?” she mused, the mask quickly settling back in place, the mare looking back at the reactor. “And then you built it? Interesting. My sister is not as reckless as I thought.”

“You almost sound impressed,” Varti huffed, waving a hoof at her.

“Almost.”

Varti had to stifle a chuckle at that. For being rather monotone and serious, the mare apparently did have a sense of humor.

“I do have to ask, what can I help you with? Obviously, you’re here for a reason.”

“Not entirely. I was primarily curious,” Fide replied. “My sister is in need of assistance without her knowledge, apparently. So, I would prefer if you not speak of anything I tell you. Well, aside from this.” She then turned to look at the yak, and he was surprised that her eyes were an actual soft green, a different shade from the rest of her body. “Toxic and Gelliana are free and safe for the moment. I cannot say more than that.”

“Wait, what?!” Varti exclaimed, “what do you mean you can’t tell more? That’s a bit of a bombshell. I need to let at least Celestia and-”

“You can,” Fide interrupted. “But you must understand. The less I intervene the better. What I tell you only confirms what Celestia already suspects if not knows. There is a balance that must be preserved. If I or my Sister help you, Toxic, the mortals; that means He gets more leeway to help his own causes.”

“The King of Shadows.”

Fide’s eyes narrowed at that.
“You have been busy. The Shadow pony figured it out already?”

“Apparently. So, we’re in a proxy war then? The more aid you give to our ‘side’ the more the other ‘side’ has leeway to change things to their advantage?”

“A crude but apt description.”

Varti let out a snort, trotting over to examine a nearby crystal display.
“We’re mortals. I imagine we’re all rather crude to creatures like yourself, assuming you are from the leylines.”

“Some more than others,” Fide admitted, looking back to the reactor. “And some less so.”

Raising an eyebrow, Varti adjusted a few settings before walking back towards her.
“Was that a compliment?”

“And observation.”

This Yak was very quickly starting to enjoy this individual’s company in an odd way.

“Well, I will only let Celestia and the others know of Toxic’s condition. Nothing more. I assume I can’t say who informed me?”

“That is preferred. Equestria is a sieve of information.”

“As in, the enemy has eyes and ears?”

“Correct. None on this island, hence why I show myself to you. Well, none that won’t be dealt with shortly.”

An almost-annoyed glare from Varti didn’t faze the mare, the Yak rolling his eyes.

“Let me guess. Less we know the better?”

“Correct.”

Varti couldn’t resist a grin at that, turning to look at her-

And only saw air.

“Is this your daughter?” Fide asked; surprisingly talkative for such an abrupt initial appearance. The mare was looking at the main control panel, a simple framed photo on the side.

“Yes. She’s thankfully safe on her distance learning program,” Varti replied. “I love her to death, but she needs to have her own life. I was about to have a way to let her actually have a home to come back to, but then things spiraled. She’s safer the less she knows.”

Fide didn’t say anything at first, simply nodding once in…approval?

“She is adopted,” the entity mused.

On seeing the data flowing across a nearby monitor about ‘someone’ accessing data files, Varti nodded in reply.

“Yes. But you could have asked me that instead of accessing the personnel files. So much for magical and coded firewalls I suppose.”

Another wince, the mare appearing genuinely apologetic.
“Sorry. I am not used to…this.”

“Talking? Or asking questions?”

“Yes.”

That elicited a chuckle from the Yak, Varti continuing to run his usual checks on the reactor.

“Well, if Toxic trusts you, even if it’s through Clari, I can to. Not much I’d be able to do to stop you, I doubt. But yes, she is adopted, only at a year or two.”

The silence from Fide was rather telling, the Yak seeing her open her mouth a few times and then close it. For being standoffish, it was clear that was partially due to not knowing how to talk to others, not just being naturally aloof.

“I assume you’re curious as to why? How?”

That was when Varti learned leyline entities could blush in embarrassment, the mare nodding.

“A freak accident, actually. An avalanche overtook a caravan through the mountains. She was one of three survivors. Unfortunately, her parents were not among them. The orphanage was already over-worked, and she was displaying some very ‘non-yak’ tendencies, so that sparked my interest,” Varti explained. “I had wanted to be a father sometime; that much I knew. And so, it was an easy decision, especially when I saw her curiosity for the world, for things outside what most Yaks were content with. I saw a portion of myself in someone that I could be family to, even if not by blood.”

The look on Fide’s face was conflicted; as if she both understood but at the same time did not. There was something else there though, something deeper that most wouldn’t have picked up on.

A vulnerability?

Working around Toxic had taught Varti quite a few things about noticing small hints, and this mare had quite a few. He wasn’t about to push his luck though, odd first meeting aside.

“Thank you,” Fide said slowly, as if not entirely sure what else TO say. “We…will talk again.”

The mare vanished with an abrupt *SNAP* of magic, leaving Varti to shake his head.

“Pleasure talking with you, Fide.”

To his surprise, the reactor pitch changed slightly; a soft hum of acknowledgment.

Gelliana’s dreams were the stuff of nightmares. Her entire body pulsed with a strange ache, like she had worked out in all the wrong ways at a gym. Flashes of images in-between stints of extreme exhaustion. The last thing she remembered was-

Toxic.

The gryphoness awoke with a start, simply lying still and breathing, which was an endeavor in and of itself. Her stomach was in knots and a cold sweat plastered her body.

We were captured- I was drugged? I don’t remember anything after that. Flashes of a cage…

Things started to become clearer after that. A voice saying things that made her sick to her stomach, a flash of light…

Being carried on somecreature’s back, a soft voice pleading with her.

I know that voice.

After forcing her eyes open, Gelliana immediately regretted the decision, her stomach doing flip-flops. Her limbs were stiff, and it felt like she had gotten kicked in the chest; why couldn’t she move her left-

Eyes slowing moving over, the gryphoness drew in a surprised (and painful) breath, Toxic completely asleep at her side, the gryphoness’s claws clutched in a tight grip. Dried tears matted his cheeks, and it was only now Gelliana saw the two IV leads into both her and his arms, defibrillator wires leading to pads on her chest.

What happened to me?!

It was at that point Gelliana’s stomach determined the contents needed to get out NOW, and the gryphoness scrambled off the dirt bed with a *hurk*, the IV and pads disconnecting with quick release mechanisms. It only took looking around for a few seconds to spot a hole in the floor off to the side, and Gelliana promptly threw up every lunch she had ever eaten for the past two years.

Scratch that, every meal her ancient ancestors had ever consumed as well.

What was a bit more disturbing was that she did throw up a lot more than she ate; odd, multi-colored liquid that both tasted like anti-acid medication and gone-bad orange juice. And there was a lot of it. By the time she was done, the gryphoness’s stomach ached and a cold sweat dotted her feathers and fur. Gelliana staggered back to the ‘bed’, looking around as Toxic stirred.

They were underground and an odd translucent shield made the dirt room shimmer slightly, barely visible between the cracks in the rock and thick roots. The discarded medical equipment and large crates let the gryphoness know Toxic had indeed been busy, his armor dropped in a pile next to the bed. The large, empty syringes gave a clue of where all the contents of the gryphoness’s stomach came from, a shudder running through her body.

How that worked biologically she had no idea. ‘Magic’ most likely. A bit of logic told the gryphoness that the excess fluid had been shunted to her stomach primarily; a shorter route than having it leave other ways.

Her limbs then gave out, and Gelliana flopped to the ground with a grunt. She certainly didn’t feel one-hundred-percent, but at least she didn’t feel like vomiting anymore.

“Hello, Patient One.”

Letting out a less than dignified squawk, Gelliana scrambled half-upright, then pausing as the artificial mare looked at her calmly.

“Apologies. My social conduct programs are not complete. I am the Supplementary Magical Assistant Lexicon or SMAL for short. I was last instructed to monitor you and the Director. I am pleased to see you recovered faster than anticipated.”

Gelliana blinked, settling down at that.

An artificial nurse? Magical Assistant?

“So, you’re not real?” she asked, the mare shrugging.

“That depends on your definition. I am not capable of independent thought. I run off of pre-programmed responses with added adaptation. I am capable of learning, but only within certain parameters. I am as ‘real’ as you are, in a magical or physical sense, but lack sapience.”

“You’re not alive?”

“Correct. I am, however, programed to simulate all the aspects of life. Despite acting alive, I will never be such.”

Gelliana nodded at that, digesting the information as Toxic continued to stir, prompting the Golem to scan him with a magical beam.

“Would you like a situation summary?” ‘she’ asked, the gryphoness nodding.

“Yes, please.”

“Some of this is conjecture from what I observed. I was activated when you were near death. The Director secured this location as a safe haven from an unknown threat. Shields are deployed to counteract any attempts at locating you or the Director and shield this shelter from external threats. Outside air reads breathable and free of toxins. There is an odd magical energy signature permeating the outside environment. However, I am unable to identify. The Director aided me in treating you, and you will make a full recovery. I am uncertain the status of the Director; his bloodwork and scans are inconclusive but show traces of the toxin that was in your blood.”

“Wait, I almost died?” Gelliana asked, forcing herself to take deep breaths to head off any anxiety, or as much as she could. It seemed so surreal.

“By some crude definitions you did die. Your heart experienced an abnormal rhythm which would have led to death within minutes, but defibrillation was successful,” SMAL reported. “That was due to the toxicity in your blood and the reaction to the antidotes administers. Such high levels of antitoxic has never been administrated to patients before, but did achieve a ninety-one-point-two success rate in all simulated trials. If not for the treatment administered, your death would have been assured. Normal side effects were counteracted, thankfully, due to the high doses involved.”

Not saying anything for a time, the gryphoness stared at the discarded medical supplies, then looking over to Toxic.

“Is he going to be ok? You said things are inconclusive?”

SMAL nodded, proceeding to organize the supplies as if finally recognizing the mess.
“Correct. He is waking from sleep now. I will continue to monitor both of you but most power down to process the current data as soon as the Director is fully conscious.” The entity seemed to think for a moment, demeanor shifting slightly. “I believe your present condition will aid in his mental health. He was most distressed when we were treating you.”

That made Gelly’s ears flatten, her beak quivering slightly.

I can only imagine.

“Do you know what happened here?” she asked.

“Not until the moment of my activation. All I am aware of is the treatment you received.”

As Toxic began to blink sleepily, Gelliana couldn’t help but reach down and wrap him up in a tight hug, tears brimming in her eyes. The memories slowly were becoming clearer; a certain stallion having most definitely saved her.

What did you go through for my sake?

“Gelliana?” Toxic asked, voice hoarse even with the amulet blinking. He pulled away to look at her face in shock, and Gelliana felt her heart crack. Her stallion’s eyes were filled with turmoil; surprise, joy, shock, and fear as he reached a shaking hoof up to gently rest against her cheek. One emotion shone through though, something much deeper than affection that made Gelliana’s face immediately warm. It was a look nocreature had ever given her before…

No, I’ve seen that look before, in some of my dreams.

“You’re ok?” he asked with a quavering voice, Gelliana nodding.

“T-thanks to you. Are you alright?” she replied, still captivated by the tender affection in those two green eyes. Something then changed, a tension settling on Toxic’s shoulders.

Then the look was gone, and Gelliana then saw something abruptly break in those green depths, some dark fear deeply hidden and tucked away. Toxic buried his muzzle into her feathers as he started to cry, holding onto the gryphoness tightly as if she could vanish at any moment.

“G-gells…”

“I’m here Toxic, and I’m ok,” she whispered.

Gelliana didn’t say anything else only held him close as Toxic cried. Her own tears traced down her cheeks; the gryphoness not fully understanding what pained the pony so, but knowing it was something much deeper than she initially thought. A choked sob clued her in on what tore at the stallion’s heart, however, in addition to the raw fear she had seen.

“I’m s-sorry.”