Ciaran moaned as she connected in another passionate kiss with Aldus. Their night had been exquisite. She barely had to coax Aldus at all, at least not until the very end when he tuckered out. The changeling princess was positively radiating energy from the charnel love she received, and Aldus was a slobbering mess. Ciaran rolled over on her back and waited for Aldus to come out of her spell. They were situated on the floor near their window. Both of their magic released in large amounts during the night, so much so that they began to levitate off the bed at certain points. Ciaran, finding it sexy, decided to wrap them in their sheets and continue with the pleasure while floating around the room. Poor Aldus would wake with a sore head, though, having bumped into a wall while kissing and not paying attention. Also, Ciaran giggled at the large hole in the wall nearest the washroom. Her horn had penetrated it while she was... coaxing Aldus along. She placed a picture over it, hoping that nopony would notice until later.

The night was not all pleasure, though. Ciaran has been able to get some measure of information about where Frost might be. Now the only thing necessary would be to narrow down the locations. But rescuing the foals could prove a problem. She could sneak in and try to exfiltrate them herself, but that might take too long. Knowing Frost, he might want to take the other foals with him, and that would not be possible. She could send in one her changelings, but none had been sent to the Silver Isles, and it would take weeks for them to arrive. She needed to think. A yawn next to her caused Ciaran to chuckle and snuggle up to the pony.

Aldus opened his eyes in a haze, he put a hoof to his head and groaned, “What in the universe happened last night? Did I?”

“Yes,” Ciaran answered.

“Did we?”

“Yes.”

“Was I?”

“You were wonderful, sweetheart.” Ciaran cooed while cupping his face in her hooves.

Aldus felt her press her lips to his, and he sighed in pleasure. “Wait, how are you not hungover? Did you put a spell on me? Ow...” he held his head and winced.

Ciaran chuckled and playfully bit his neck, “You probably shouldn’t be thinking too much, you drank enough to knock out a minotaur last night. Quite frankly, I’m impressed. That said, you were so far gone a spell wouldn’t have made a difference.”

Aldus groaned and got up, he looked around the room. It was utterly destroyed. He turned back to Ciaran who only smiled and shrugged her shoulders. “I need a shower...” he grumbled while stumbling over to the washroom. “My hips are so... wobbly.”

Aldus entered the washroom and turned the water on, he waited until it was hot before getting some towels and setting them on counter for when he was done. Just as he was about to step in, hooved encircled his neck from behind and two fangs bit into one of his ears. Ciaran leaned forward and whispered, “We need to talk about Frost.”

----------------

Frost and Iris backed away as Rixis flexed and oriented himself to the world. The spirit was enormous, and frightening. Kethona stopped them both and smirked. “I know he looks imposing, but he’s nice.”

“I’ve been asleep too long. I told you to wake me after two hundred years...” Rixis growled.

River merely chuckled and grabbed a hoof full of his mane and hugged it to herself. “I forgot... sorry, Rix.”

“You forgot...” he mused. “I’m sure.”

Rixis’ tail slithered forward and hissed at Iris and Frost. The gryphon was clutching Frost tightly, but not cowering. Frost wondered if something happened just who would act first, him or her.

The spirit looked down and raised an eyebrow, “You two are neither dead nor dying, why are you here?”

“They trespassed into the princesses painting and awoke the guardians, I figured you’d want to see them before any of us took action.” Kethona said.

“Does she know about it?” Rixis asked.

“No, I did not cross the shores to disturb her. I thought it unnecessary.”

“That’s good,” Rixis said, “How did the guardians get activated? Wait...” he said, faltering. Rixis bent over slightly and his eyes widened. “It can’t be... I- I don’t believe it...”

Frost and Iris looked at each other dumbfounded. “You can’t believe what?” Iris asked.

Rixis bent over on one knee and smiled. Frost noticed a single tear in his eye. “It’s my sister... or... part of her.”

“I’m not...” Iris stammered.

“Not you, young avian, the one who accompanies you. The one who protects you.”

“Black Star?” Iris asked.

“Black Star...” Rixis mused, “Come out Black Star, stand before me little one. Don’t be afraid.”

Iris felt a shadow slide off her as Black Star took his gryphon form and stood protectively behind Iris.

Rixis set his axe down and smiled at the four winged gryphon. “It’s you... you’re part of her, I can’t believe it.”

“I feel as if I know you...” Black Star said, while holding his head with a claw, “But I can’t remember anything. Do I know you?”

Rixis shook his head, “You might not... but the rest of you might. Where is she?”

“You mean mother?” Black Star asked. “Selene is gone, we don’t know where she is. But she should be coming back to us soon.”

Rixis slumped over and looked at the ceiling, “Selene... Selene... what a lovely name. My big sister finally has a name.”

“What’s going on?” Frost asked, “Selene is your sister? What are you talking about?”

“It all makes sense now...” Rixis muttered, “I’ll finally get to see her. But, to the matter at hand.” Rixis raised a claw and snapped it, teleporting the group to a large hall situated with many statues and stained glass windows. It was twilight, and the light of the moon was just starting to seep into the hall. A throne was situated at the end with several portraits hanging behind, all of a familiar style.

Rixis sat upon the throne and let out a sigh. River fluttered down and sat on his knee while smiling and Frost. Kethona merely stood beside them and awaited what was to happen next.

“Why were you in the Painted World of Seabreeze?” Rixis asked.

Frost was becoming irritated, “Why were you in it?”

“Careful how you speak to him, Frost. I don’t think you know exactly what he is.” River warned with a glare.

A single talon extended to River and ruffled her mane while tickling her. The cobra attached to Rixis slithered around to her and swept it’s tongue across her face in quick motions. “It’s fine River, I’m in a good mood. I presume you’re referring to the painting, child?”

“Yes, the one where you’re watching ponies depart for the eternal shores.”

“Well, I happened to step into the world when I found out it was inhabited. I met Princess Seabreeze, and she painted my picture.”

Iris left Frost’s side and fluttered into the air, Black Star following close behind. She hovered in front of Rixis and performed several hand motions before bowing deeply. “My name is Iris, of the Grey Wing gryphon kingdom. It is an honor to meet you, Rixis.”

Rixis leaned back and smiled, he then held out his lion paw offering Iris a place to land. “There is no need to be so formal, little avian. But I appreciate your gesture nonetheless, and greet your honor in kind.”

Iris touched down in his pawn and bent over in a bow, “If that place was a tomb, or mausoleum, I hope you’ll forgive our transgression.”

Rixis moved his paw and deposited Iris on the arm of the large throne. “How did you discover the painting in the first place?”

“Aldus,” Frost said while trotting forward.

“Pardon?” Rixis asked.

“Aldus,” Frost repeated, “Seabreeze’s lover, he recovered the painting and took us inside on an adventure. We entered the castle to explore and those things tried to kill us.”

“Aldus... of course... he never did die...” Rixis said while stroking his chin in thought. “Interesting...”

“So... are we in trouble?” Iris asked.

Rixis smiled and shook his head. “No, Iris. You’re not in trouble. I understand what happened. I’ll return to Seabreeze’s painted world and repair the damage.”

“Then you’ll let us go?” Frost asked.

“I don’t think I was ever holding you here.” Rixis said with a jovial laugh, “Unless you want to end your life, in that case we’ll just need to take a trip back to the shores.”

Iris chuckled a bit, while Frost’s face went white as a ghost. “N-no thank you, sir.”

“Very well, and I see you two are in a bit of a situation in the Silver Isles. Interesting stuff. I might watch to see how it all turns out. Best of luck to you.”

Iris placed both her claws on Rixis’ paw and bowed her head again, “Thank you, Rixis.”

“You're very welcome child,” Rixis replied, “When your mother returns, Black Star. Please let her know that her little brother misses her.”

Black Star nodded and collected Iris before flying to join with Frost. River walked with them to the edge of the hall and opened a set of double doors with the wave of a hoof. They seemed to be near the top of the castle, since the stairs beyond went down in a circle so far that Frost couldn’t see the bottom. Still, he was glad to be leaving this place. Even if he would be waking up back in slavery with the rest of the foals.

“Stop.”

The voice boomed and shook the room, causing dust to fall from the ceiling. Kethona, River, Frost, and Iris looked back to see Rixis standing in front of the throne with blazing golden eyes. Iris gripped Frost tightly while Black Star coiled a tail around each of them, preparing to merge if they needed to make a quick getaway.

“You almost fooled me, very clever.” Rixis raised a paw and pulled Kethona and River into the air, depositing them away from Frost, Iris, and Black Star. “I think you’re getting rusty.”

“Who are you talking to?” Frost asked.

Rixis snarled and began to stride forward, staring directly at the light blue unicorn. Frost’s lips began to quiver, suddenly he was wanting to call out for Ciaran, or Aldus, or anypony to save him.  Black Star wasted no time in merging with Iris. She muttered something before being absorbed into the black tar. He lifted up Frost and began to do the same, but Rixis reached out a claw and seized Frost. It was like nothing he had ever felt before. It was frigid, utterly and complete cold. The grip of death. Frost shivered and cowered as he was brought forward. Black Star and Iris tried to interfere but were swept away by another wave of the spirit’s paw.

“Come out. Don’t make me force it.” Rixis growled.

“I’m right here...” Frost squeaked, tears forming in his eyes.

“Not you, boy!” Rixis bellowed, “The parasite you’re carrying!”

“What?” Frost whimpered, “I don’t-”

“Come out Dermon, I know you’re there! I won’t ask again.”

Frost looked at Iris and Black Star, who couldn’t approach. He could see fear and concern in both of their eyes. “Please...” Frost begged.

“Killing this child, will that make you come out? Are you still selfish enough to allow that? Is that what it’ll take? Fine.”

Frost began to breath heavily and struggled with each breath as the cold infected his body. He tried using magic to stave off the effect, but it didn’t work. The cold was numbing and all consuming. Frost’s eyes began to close, the last image being Iris reaching out for him. Then the feeling stopped in a flash of white light.

Frost found himself cradled in the warm embrace of a claw and paw. Warmth was rushing back into him, and he could see clearly again.

“Hey kiddo. Don’t think I was going to let anything happen to you.”

“Discord?” Frost murmured.

The draconequus smiled down at Frost before the sound of clapping echoed throughout the hall. Rixis smirked while the glow in his eyes intensified. “Well well... look at this... Dermon risked his own life to save another, and a pony no less! What are the worlds coming to?”

“Couple things...” Discord started before gently setting Frost down on a soft cloud of cotton candy. “One, my name isn’t Dermon anymore. Two, I was never in any danger. Not from the likes of you, Rixis.”

“HA! Oh... forgive me, that’s right. You’re ‘Discord’ ... how chaotic. You don’t really expect me to entertain that nonsense? What are you? A villain from a Saturday morning foals cartoon?”

“Villain enough to enslave the ponies behind the backs of all my siblings including you, Rix. It was fun, but I don’t recall you ever trying to stop me.” Discord smirked while pacing toward Rixis.

Rixis snarled and balled a fist. “I don’t interfere in the affairs of mortals.”

“Oh yes you do, baby brother.” Discord smirked, “You’ve done it on more than one occasion.” The draconequus snatched Kethona with his tail and dangled him in front of Rixis. “What do you call this?” he snapped his claws and River appeared coiled in the tail next to Kethona. “And this?”

Rixis waved a paw and freed the zebra and pegasus, returning them to the floor. He then shot them a look, warning them to stay away. “That is nothing compared to what you did.”

“Perhaps not in scope, but in principle it’s very much the same.” Discord smirked. “I know you baby brother, you and your soft side. You wanted to stop me, but you didn’t. You didn’t because you were smart. I’ve always been better, and stronger. You knew your place, but it seems you have forgotten.”

Discord turned around and looked at Iris and Frost, “These foals are friends of mine, and I don’t think you want to be bullying my friends.”

Rixis raised his hand, but Discord disappeared in a flash of light. He reappeared behind Rixis and poked him in the middle of his back. The spirit of ending shuddered, then fell apart. His lizard claw and leg broke free from the rest of his body, as did his minotaur hoof and lion head.

River screamed and ran toward the pile of limbs but Kethona stopped her. Discord smirked and motioned over Frost’s cloud of cotton candy. Iris flew over to him while Discord grabbed part of the cloud and stuffed it into his mouth. “You foals alright?”

“Yeah,” Iris stammered, “You were with us the whole time?”

“Not the whole time, I only just found you inside that sweatshop. When the zebra appeared inside as well, I figured we might end up coming here after our little escapade in Breezey’s castle.”

“Your name is Dermon?” Frost asked.

Discord grimaced and shook his head, “A very long time ago, yes. But now, I’d prefer you call me Discord.”

Iris’ eyes widened as she looked behind Discord. The spirit of chaos noticed and turned around. Several familiar black tentacles slithered from a puddle of tar on the ground that was expanding outward. Slowly the mismatched limbs reassembled themselves and Rixis stood glaring at Discord.

“Glutton for punishment I see,” Discord sighed while cracking his neck and knuckles. “You never did know when to stay down.”

Rixis raised his claw again, and Discord disappeared again. This time however Rixis whirled around and caught Discord’s claw with his own. Both spirits locked hands and grappled for dominance. Frost and Iris watched on with mouths agape. Each spirit was roughly the same size, but Rixis was by far stronger and more muscular. However, this didn’t seem to be helping him. He was being slowly forced back by Discord. Frost shook his head and squinted. No, he’d seen this before. It was a trick. Foals would sometimes do this on the streets. Feign losing the upper hand, only to capitalize when their opponent misstepped.

“Discord!” Frost yelled.

The draconequus realized too late what was transpiring. Within a second, Rixis bent over and his cobra tail streaked forward around his back. It attacked like lightning, burying it’s fangs deep within Discord’s shoulder. The spirit of chaos winced and his hoof buckled. Rixis threw away their grip and punched Discord straight in the mouth sending him to the floor.

“No...” Iris whispered.

Frost tried to stand, but the cotton candy seemed to restrict his movements. It was holding him in place atop the cloud. Likely due to Discord’s magic, he didn’t want him to get hurt.

Before Discord could do anything Rixis snapped his claws. In response, several ethereal chains erupted from the ground and bound Discord to the floor. The spirit of chaos’ bite wound was seeping green liquid. The venom was spreading throughout his body and disrupting his magic. He was helpless.

Rixis cracked his neck and smiled, “Those one thousand years in stone have clearly slowed your mind, Dermon. This is my realm. You might have been stronger then, but time... time is ever on my side. My power has waxed, while yours has waned.”

“I’m so scared...” Discord mockingly sobbed. “You can’t hurt me, baby brother.”

Rixis raised an eyebrow. He extended his claw and caught his executioners ax. Then, conjured a wet stone and began to sharpen the blade. “Who said anything about hurting you, Dermon?”

Frost and Iris gulped as they saw Discord’s expression turn from macho confidence, to apprehensive fear and anger. “Iris... help me!” Frost whispered.

“I can’t!” she replied. “You’re stuck to that cloud!”

Rixis knelt down to Discord, who was fastened tightly to the floor. He spun his paw in circles until a window appeared in front of them. Through the window, it was a misty morning, with the sun just starting to creep into the sky. The view cleared to reveal a yellow pegasus mare trotting around outside a small cottage. A little white bunny followed her while she took care of the many animals that appeared to live there.

“Who’s that... ?” Rixis asked.

Discord blinked and squirmed in his restraints. “Fluttershy...” he whispered.

“You know, I wasn’t dead to the world while I slept. I kept tabs on a few things. One of which was you, my loving older brother. Not only were you freed, then defeated. You made a new friend...”

“Don’t do it, Rixis.” Discord growled.

Rixis continued sharpening his blade and chuckled, “Do what? Use my powers to utterly destroy the lives of mortal ponies? Who could honestly consider doing such a thing? You wouldn’t know anything about that, would you Dermon?”

“Rixis I swear... don’t.”

“River, Kethona...” Rixis instructed while nodding to them. Both the zebra and the pegasus vanished on command.  

“Rixis, please don’t do this...” Iris pleaded as she flew over to him, “Discord has done some horrible things. I’ve read about them... but you don’t need to sink to his level.”

The spirit of endings looked up at the gryphon and shook his head. “Young one, what you read cannot describe the horrors that mortals suffered under his cruel humor. You don’t know how many twisted ponies I led to the shores during Dermon’s reign. How many of their minds were irreparably broken by his influence. Now... now he’s going to see things from a different perspective.”

Rixis raised his paw and expanded the window until it encompassed most of the hall in front of them. He leveled his axe and flicked the blade with a claw. Through the window, one of the squirrels following the yellow pegasus seized up and fell over, dead. The pegasus dropped her things and rushed to the side of the creature, trying in vain to resuscitate it.

“Fluttershy...” Discord lamented while watching the display. The pegasus began to cry as more animals gathered around her.

Rixis flicked the blade again, this time a bird fell out of the air and landed next to the pegasus. Another flick, and a beaver took it’s last breath. Another after that, a cat met it’s fate.

“Fluttershy!!!” Discord yelled as he thrashed in the chains.

Fluttershy was now surrounded by dead animals, only a few remained alive. She was shaking with tears streaming uncontrollably down her face.

“Too bad...” Rixis said with a shrug. “Taking care of animals must have been her special talent. Who knew she could be so bad at it?”

“You’re horrible...” Discord snarled, “This isn’t fun, you’re not being clever. This isn’t funny!”

“It’s not supposed to be funny you halfwit!” Rixis roared. “You hate seeing this? You don’t like watching this? Too bad! This is what you did to thousands of ponies before the two alicorn sisters ended your reign. You just never saw it. You were too busy enjoying yourself, wrapped up in your own fun.” Rixis ran his claw across the blade of the axe. The blade began to glow purple and hum with energy. He leaned over and got within inches of Discord’s face. “I’m going to kill you now, brother. For the harm you caused mortals, and all the abuse you’ve given me. But before I do, I want you to know that after, I’m going to take her. I’m going to take her and there’s nothing you can do to stop me.”

Discord writhed in the chains and tried to conjure whatever magic he could, but nothing happened. Rixis stepped back leveled the axe at Discord’s neck. He pulled back and lifted the axe high over his head, then brought it down in a tremendous swing. As the blade fell, a flash of light blue light appeared under the blade and deflected the blow away from Discord’s head at the last second. Frost had teleported between the blade and the draconequus. Discord was able to move his head away slightly, and so might not have been decapitated. But he didn’t expect Frost to intervene.

Iris screamed in horror and leapt out of her merged form. Black Star barely caught her with three tendrils and managed to pull her back into his protective embrace. The falling blade cleaved Frost’s body completely in half. Blood coated Rixis’ weapon and dripped from the blade into a pool forming near Discord’s mouth.

The spirit of chaos was in utter disbelief, Frost had deliberately taken the blow for him. Why? How?

“Frost!” Iris wailed as Black Star held her and cradled her head against his shoulder. She punched at his chest and tried to squirm away. “Why?!”

Rixis slowly turned to the crying gryphon and stared at her. He half handed his axe and brought the blade near his claw. A blue aura began to swirl in a vortex between his talons. He moved the spiraling mass of magic across the blade of his weapon, then across the floor where Frost’s body rested. Rixis knelt and placed the swirling ball of energy down, then released it. Eventually the magic subsided, and Frost stood staring blankly at the wall.

“Little avian... come and see.” Rixis said.

Iris was balling into Black Star’s shoulder when he nuzzled her and whispered for her to turn around. She sniffled and looked over her shoulder to see Frost, fully formed and alive. She leapt out of Black Star’s embrace and tackled Frost to the ground. Iris wrapped her wings around him and pushed his head into her breast.

“Frosty... I thought I’d lost you! Thank the Matriarch you’re back.”

Frost stared into Iris’ eyes when she cupped his face in her claws. “What happened?” he stammered.

Iris’ eyes widened as Rixis tapped her lightly on the back. She stood to the side, but glared uneasily at the spirit. “I don’t know what to say...”

Rixis ignored her for the moment and bent down to be within inches of Frost’s face. “I don’t give second chances often, little unicorn. Don’t do that again.” Rixis stood up and gripped his axe, “Now where was I?”

A snapping sound was heard from behind as Discord broke one of the chains holding him and fired a purple ball of chaos magic into Rixis. It blew a gaping hole in his chest, sending him flying into one of the pillars. The spirit of chaos’ eyes glowed red as he screamed and broke out of the rest of the chains. He walked over to Rixis and kicked away his axe. Both his paw and claw glowed with purple chaos energy. He picked up his younger brother and punched him in the face repeatedly, then through him across the room.

Rixis got up and shook his head, only to be blindsided by a chaos wave. Discord had poured the majority of his power into a pure wave of chaos magic. It caught Rixis and propelled him backward through the stained glass windows and into the cold night air. The magic took all the sound with it, leaving Frost and Iris to witness the next few moments in utter silence. The wave exploded, then released all the sound at once in one deafening boom.

Discord looked out through the destroyed wall and windows at his work and smiled. “Now, kids, that’s what would have happened to Celestia and Luna, had I taken them a bit more seriously.”

Iris flapped into the air and hovered at Discord’s eye level, “I just wish you two didn’t have to fight. Can we leave now?”

Discord snapped his fingers and once again a cloud of cotton candy appeared under Frost and lifted into the air alongside Iris. “I’ll send you two back, but I’m not finished here. I do have some words of advice for both you. They’ll help you in your current situation.”

“None of you are going anywhere.”

Discord’s eyes widened as he slowly turned around. “That should have been enough to shatter his essence.”

“To kill him?” Frost asked.

“No,” Discord replied, “It’s hard to kill spirits, we’re very resilient. But that should have forced his essence apart and given us ample time. He should have spent the next few days recovering his form. It’s always what has happened...”

A shadow descended from the sky and touched down at the edge of the hall. Rixis’ body was destroyed. His mane and face were ripped apart, with pieces dangling from his cheeks and jaws. His cloak was incinerated, so it was now possible to see his opened chest and stomach. Both legs had skin burned away which allowed both muscle and bone to be seen. Rixis summoned his axe and grasped it tightly, he began advancing on Discord. But then, stopped.

Rixis looked on at Discord and grinned. He slowly set down his executioner’s axe and stretched his arms.

“I’ve consumed several things in my time of existence, but never the essence of another spirit...”

“Cannibal...” Iris muttered, “Discord... we need to get out of here!”

However, despite Iris’ wishes to leave, the draconequus stood his ground. “Just try it. You were a mistake, Rixis. You never were supposed to be born.”

Rixis lowered his head and balled his fists. “I know... I know...” He looked up with pure hatred in his eyes, “But I’m still here. I’m here, despite mother wanting me or not. Despite all of it I’m here, and I’m going to devour you alive, Dermon.”

Rixis opened his mouth as wide as it could go then gripped his bottom jaw with both claw and paw. With a snap, he broke his lower jaw at the hinge and extended his bite to almost one hundred eighty degrees. Frost was now staring into a misshapen gaping maw. The blackness inside combined with the golden angry eyes terrified Frost.

Iris looked closely at Rixis and noticed that there was something different about him, his tail was missing. Fear struck Iris in the heart as she whirled around to see the gigantic blue cobra slither out of the rubble behind them and lunge at Discord. The draconequus screamed as the cobra sank it’s fangs into his leg. The lapse in concentration was all that was required. When Discord attempted to conjure his magic, Rixis was already on him. Both claw and paw gripped around his neck, forcing him to the ground. Discord writhed in struggle, coiling his wiry body around Rixis in an attempt to get free, but it was futile. Rixis bent over and began sucking a light blue and purple mist from Discord’s face. The spirit of chaos struggled even harder, trying to knock Rixis away with magic or anything, but to no avail. The spirit of ending was consuming him. He managed to poke Rixis in the eye, which caused him to throttle Discord and slam his head into the marble floor repeatedly, all while consuming his essence. Eventually Discord’s form began to wither away and age, until it became frail and dissolved into dust.

Rixis paused a moment, then slammed his fist into the ground in frustration.

Frost collapsed on the cloud as it molded around him, “I don’t believe it... Discord is gone. He’s dead.”

Rixis turned to Frost and laughed, “Not dead, little one. Just injured and depowered.”

Iris fluttered closer to Rixis and shook her head, “What happened?”

Rixis grabbed what remained of his lower jaw and snapped it back in place, then gradually began restoring his body to it’s mostly intact form. “He knew that it would be the end if he couldn’t get away, so he relinquished his foothold in this world and dissipated his essence.”

“You were really going to kill your own brother...” Frost said. “I don’t believe it.”

“I don’t believe it, either.” Iris said.  “You weren’t going to do it.”

“Pardon?” Rixis asked with a chuckle.

Iris, still merged with Black Star, fluttered in front of Rixis’ nose and crossed her arms, “You hate your brother, that much is clear. I might not know all the evil he’s done. But I know siblings. I have an older brother, too. The look in your eyes when he said that you were a mistake. That pause. He hurt you by saying that, you were sad. If you truly hated him enough to kill him, I wouldn’t have saw that in your eyes. It would have just been hate.”

Rixis grabbed his axe and leaned on it while studying Iris, “Really?”

“Yes,” Iris said with a sagely nod, “And I saw the look in your eyes while killing those helpless animals. You didn’t find it funny, in fact you hated doing it.”

The spirit of ending raised an eyebrow, “Little avian... you impress me.” Rixis raised a paw and sent out a wave of energy through the window still present in the hall. The yellow pegasus was now being consoled by a cyan pegasus and an orange earth pony. In response to Rixis’ magic, all the dead animals returned to life, each of them rushing to the embrace of the one known as Fluttershy.

Rixis closed the portal and waved his paw again, this time his magic began rebuilding the destroyed section of the hall. Rixis let out a sigh, then was surprised by the young gryphon landing on his shoulder and hugging his mane. “Rixis, sir. You’re a big softy...” Iris whispered.

Rixis chuckled and plucked the gryphon from his shoulder and held her in his paw, “Shh... no, I’m not. I’m just not my brother, and I never will be.”

Frost struggled to move in the cloud, so Rixis motioned him over with his magic as he walked over to the throne. “I don’t understand this, you were going to kill me... you did kill me!”

“I wasn’t going to kill you, Frost. I was bluffing, and Dermon fell for it. As for actually killing you, well... you really ought to be careful where you teleport.”

Iris chuckled a bit, causing Frost to angrily thrash about in the cloud in an attempt to get free. “That doesn’t excuse what you did!”

Rixis frowned and pulled Frost free from the cotton candy and sat him on the side of the throne with Iris. “I needed to face down my brother. I meant what I said, I almost didn’t know he was here. Once I saw him and he started taunting me... I- I slipped into my more primal tendencies. But I was never going to hurt you, Frost. I wasn’t going to hurt either of you. It’s not your time.”

“Why did you do all that? All that horrible stuff? I don’t understand.” Frost said with a with a frown.

Rixis looked down at the two children and sighed. “I’ve been alone most of my life, and I’ve lived a very long time. It was only recently I made friends, it was only recently that I could rely on others. It was only today that I learned my sister wasn’t dead.”

“Selene isn’t dead, she’s super powerful.” Frost said.

“You were alone most of your life, so Selene wasn’t with you? Where was she?” Iris asked.

“Selene... as she is called now... went away.” Rixis said with sorrow in his voice. “You see, Selene and I, we’re different than our other siblings. Dermon knows this, he bullied me, scorned me and was just a nasty monster. That performance you saw, it was necessary. It was the only way to show him what exactly he was like. He had to experience it for himself.”

“You really don’t believe he’s changed?” Iris asked.

“Pfft,” Rixis spat, “The sun princess is wise, but she’s also flawed and overconfident. She sought to reform ‘Discord.’ That might satisfy her, but not me.”

Frost was still shuddering and shaking his head. Rixis noticed and gently rubbed the child’s back with a paw. “Frost, child, I’m sorry for what I did. Truly I am. Sometimes we spirits can too easily tread on the lives of mortals. Please, allow me to make it up to you.”

Frost allowed Iris to embrace him while he looked up at the spirit. “How will you do that?”

Rixis smiled and leaned his head to the side, “You’re still learning your way. But I’ve seen many unicorns come and go throughout the ages. I’ve learned combat from the bravest and most skilled warriors. I’ve watched the most powerful unicorns create magic and forge new paths for pony kind. I know potential when I see it, and kid, you’ve got it.”

Frost’s eyes lit up a bit after hearing that. “You- you think so?”

“I know so.” Rixis said with a wink, “You have questions. Questions about magic, questions about life, and questions about your past. I know my brother has given you some advice, and he’ll likely help you in the future. His actions here are evidence of that. You can learn from him, and you can also seek guidance from me...”

“How?” Frost asked.

Rixis reached into his tattered cloak and produced a green crystal shard. He handed it to Frost and pointed at it’s surface. The crystal was cracked and sported an eye shaped engraving.

“A cracked green eye shard,” Rixis explained, “Use it to summon me. Either I’ll come to you, or I’ll bring you to me. If neither happens, then I’m occupied with another matter.”

“I understand,” Frost said while starting to smile again.

“Frost, I can’t help you if you get in danger. I’m not your guardian, and I don’t get involved personally in mortal affairs. It’s a matter of principle.”

“Makes sense,” Iris said, “But are you getting involved right now, and even moreso with giving us guidance?”

“Well...” Rixis said while standing up and stretching, “All I can do is give you the advice, what you choose to do with it is entirely up to you.” He opened his palm and allowed Frost and Iris to step onto it, “I think it’s time I got you children back to that horrible place. I hope you know what you’re doing in there.”

Iris chuckled and leaned back against Rixis’ thumb as he passed between worlds to return them to their room. Black Star relinquished his merger with Iris to be with Flint and Silver Spark in their dreamscape.

“We’ll be fine,” Iris reassured the spirit, “Have a little faith.”

“We’ll just have to see, won’t we, Iris?” Rixis said with a laugh, “I see that Pebble’s body is still here.” he observed while standing over Iris’ sleeping form, “I’ll see to his body. Goodbye little ones.” Rixis stepped into a magical doorway, but hesitated a moment. He turned to Frost and smirked, “Frost, it would seem your actions have caused ripples in more ways than you know. You have a friend in this place that cares about you. It is obscured to me whether you’ll find them, or they’ll come to you. Either way, I think that will be your ticket out of here. Goodbye, and good luck.”

-------------------

Two days passed after the confrontation between the spirits. Iris spent her time with the little ones while Denova and Frost tried to puzzle out who might help them from within the facility.

After a long day of work, Iris was sent back to their room before the others. She entered the small space and trotted over to her bed. She crawled onto it and stared at the ceiling before realizing she wasn’t alone. Silver Spark sat in the corner pushing a ball against the wall with his hooves.

“Silver Spark, what are you doing over there?” she asked.

“Hey Iris.” the colt said with a sigh, “Just thinking about stuff.”

Iris laid down on her stomach and rested a claw under her chin, “Well you don’t have to sit over there all by yourself.”

“I’m fine,” Silver Spark said, “I like this corner.”

Iris frowned and rolled her eyes. “Wish I could say the same. They had me running in an out of the freezer today. I’m still cold. How about you come over here and snuggle with me?”

Silver Spark turned around and saw the glistening puppy dog eyes of the gryphon. “Okay, Iris.”

The colt trotted over to the bed as Iris reached down and picked him up off the floor. She fell onto her back as the colt settled down beside her. Iris snuggled up to him and held him close. “Ahh, you’re so warm....” she cooed. “Isn’t this nice? Now, what were you thinking about?”

“All the ponies that have come and gone so far since I’ve been here. I wonder where they are. I wonder what I did to deserve this.”

Iris picked up the foal and held him over her head, “Listen to me, Silver Spark. It’s not your fault you’re here. You didn’t do anything to deserve this.”

Silver Spark sighed as Iris lowered him down, he climbed onto her breast and opened one of her claws, “Do you think we’ll ever get out of here?”

Iris closed her claw and offered the colt a hoof bump, “Kiddo, I know we will. Once we are, I’ll look after you until I know you’re safe and happy.”

Silver Spark hoof bumped Iris and looked at her with a confused expression. “But why? You barely know me.”

“Why? Because you deserve better, and I think I can help you. Besides, just because we barely know each other doesn’t mean we can’t show love and friendship to each other, does it?”

Silver Spark laughed and wrapped his stubby hooves around Iris’ neck. “The first gryphon I’ve ever really met and you’re so nice to me. Thank you, Iris. Is Black Star here?”

A shadow took shape next to the bed as Black Star assumed his gryphon form. “Hello Silver Spark.” he said with a smile.

Iris leaned up against the bedpost and cradled Silver Spark, “How about we get to know each other? Tell me about yourself, and I’ll tell you about me. What do you think Black Star?”

Black Star leaned on the side of the bed and nodded, “I love learning more about those I care about.”

Silver Spark smiled and began to share stories about his life on the streets and lack of a stable family. Iris listened intently and shared information about her kingdom and it’s traditions. She even promised to take Silver Spark flying when they finally escaped their imprisonment. Eventually, the colt succumbed to call of sleep and passed out in Iris’ embrace. She continued to hold the colt as Frost got back and trotted over to her.

Frost climbed onto the bed next to Iris and looked her in the eyes, “I’ve been thinking about what happened in Rixis’ castle.”

“Are you okay?” Iris asked.

“I don’t know...” Frost admitted, “I feel... cold. It comes and goes. But sometimes I just feel that sensation in my chest when Rixis faked trying to kill me. Plus I still don’t know who that friend is that Rixis was talking about.”

“We’ll figure it out, Frost.” Iris reassured. “For now, I think we should get some sleep. We can ask around for information on the other foals tomorrow before we’re put to work.”

----------------

The next day Frost was hard at work grinding out powder and mixing together ingredients. Most of the children working in the area were regulars, so production was running at a smooth pace. But all that changed when Frost accidentally bumped a container full of Stardust and spilled all over the floor. He cursed under his breath as all the foals at his table stared at him.

“You!” one of the guards yelled as he began trotting over to Frost’s table.

“Wait. I want a crack at this one.” came the voice of another guard.

A slender mare with a tattoo on her face approached and gave Frost a wicked smile. “You and I are going to have some fun, c’mon runt!”

Frost was shoved out of his seat and thrown across the floor. Before he could stand up, a black bag was fastened over his head. Frost was forced down a hallway and walked along for a long while before he was stopped and thrown into a room. The door shut behind him, after orienting himself he heard locks clicking into place.

“You’re in a lot of trouble little pony-” the mare spoke.

Frost registered a green flash from under his covered face when the bag was lifted off.

“-for being so cute.”

Frost stood up and shivered. The mare’s voice had just changed. He knew that voice, that silky smooth confident tone. He turned around in the darkness and saw a set of blue eyes staring back at him.

“Silth...?” Frost asked shakily.

The eye’s were soon illuminated by a small light from a jagged horn. “Hello, Frosty.”

“Silth!”

Frost immediately broke into a run and jumped into the changeling’s forehooves. Silth allowed the small impact to knock her to her haunches. She gripped Frost tightly and kissed his forehead. He wiggled around in her embrace, which only made the situation more adorable. Silth kept him firmly in her grip and whispered in his ear, “I told you we’d meet again someday.”