Frost shouted in joy as he went over the waterfall and plummeted into the lagoon below. The sunkissed water was warm and welcoming as he swam into the center and broke the surface.

“Woo hoo!!!” came the high pitched sound from the top of the falls. A pink sphere cannonballed into the lagoon with an enormous splash. Frost spit out water after being overwhelmed by the resulting wave. Without warning, an unbelievably soft pair of hooves wrapped around him and giggled. “That was so much fun! I’m glad you suggested doing this!”

Frost turned around and smiled, the pony holding him was a vibrant violet and pink. Her mane was long and wavy and she was very tall, despite being around Frost’s age. Her smile and presence lifted Frost’s spirits to enormous heights. He couldn’t explain it, but he was just so happy.

His companion ignited her horn and climbed up onto the surface of the water. She motioned for him to follow, and offered him a hoof. Frost saw her wink and blushed. He let her lead him to the shore and collapsed on the warm sand.

Frost knew there was something really strange about this mare. She looked like other ponies he knew, and even reminded him of some other mares. But... he couldn’t remember their names. She rolled over and stretched, revealing her shapely curves and beautiful tail. She had wings too, only... they weren’t wings. Or were they? It was hard to tell, they only appeared when she was barely moving. Two strands of violet light that formed from her back, ethereal and transient. They would appear and flow into the air like wisps of smoke.

“What are you thinking about, sweetie?” the mare asked while staring intently at Frost.

“Umm, I don’t know... I just,” Frost paused a moment, looking at the mare. He found himself stumbling over to her as she beckoned him to come closer. “I just feel so good. Why?”

The mare batted her eyelashes, “You’re so sweet, Frosty. Do you need a reason to feel good? Don’t you deserve it?”

Frost had to admit, he didn’t really care about a reason. Everything was just amazing. He wasn’t sure about where they were, or what they were doing, but it didn’t matter. He only knew he loved being with this mare, and she loved being with him.

“I do deserve it... but I don’t know your name, I- I don’t know why.”

“My name?” the mare asked with a giggle.

She nuzzled Frost and laughed as a gust of wind blew through the lagoon. Her long mane blew lightly across Frost’s face. It was so soft and gentle, and smelled like flowers and perfume. It was intoxicating. Frost let out a sigh and smiled when the wind died down and left her mane draped over his shoulders.

The mare touched her forehead to Frost’s, her eyes flashed violet for an instant as she wrapped her hooves around him. “Does it really matter what you call me?”

“I guess it doesn’t...” Frost murmured. He looked into the mare’s violet eyes and saw his own reflection. There were solid purple rings around both of his irises he hadn’t noticed before.

“Melody,” the mare said, “You can call me Melody. Let me show you why.”

Frost sat back as Melody pulled away and sat on her haunches. She began to hum a chant while holding her hooves to her heart. Her voice carried with it a joy that Frost had never felt before. He leaned forward as the song took hold of him. Melody swished her mane to the side and flashed her violet eyes again. The rings around his own flashed in obedience to the mare.

Melody’s singing conjured wisps of magic from around her as she swayed back and forth. She smiled and raised her hooves, and suddenly Frost was floating into the air. He watched the wisps dance around him while the magic in his eyes intensified. The wisps caressed his face and carried him higher and higher. Soon the island was a speck far below as he passed clouds on his way up. The wisps encircled Frost and blurred his vision as he approached a thick cloud bank. The song still rang out in his ears, Frost closed his eyes let the sound control his breathing, let it control everything. He was startled when a pair of hooves pulled him into a warm embrace and a gentle set of lips closed around his own.

Frost floated above the clouds as Melody held him aloft. The wisps circled them as she pulled away. She grew a shy smile, “Did you enjoy my song?”

Melody’s long mane enveloped Frost like robe as he stared into her glowing violet eyes. Frost’s answer came in a kiss of his own. He held Melody tight as she giggled and floated down to the cloud tops. Frost touched the clouds and gasped, then felt a hoof caress his mane.

“How?” Frost began, then stopped as Melody put a hoof to his mouth.

“I would never let you fall. You’re safe and sound with me.” she said, bending down to him again. “I love you, Frost.”

“You... love me?”

Melody nodded and pressed her forehead to his. Her eye’s radiated magic as her mane blew past Frost. “With all my heart. Do you love me?”

Frost’s heart fluttered as the rings in his eyes glowed and nudged him to respond. “I- yes, I love you.”

“What do you desire, Frost?” Melody cooed while leaning down and resting her head on his shoulder, “What do you want?”

Frost picked up Melody’s head again and kissed her, “I just want you.”

Melody rolled her eyes and flashed them again, “Oh you little cutie. I mean other than me.”

“I don’t know...” Frost muttered, “It’s... hard to think. I’m sorry...”

Melody smiled, content with Frost’s compulsion. “You don’t need to think, no need to apologize. Are you hungry?”

Frost’s stomach growled, he looked down at it in bewilderment. “I guess I am...”

Melody grinned and used her magic to shape the clouds around them. She grabbed Frost under his shoulders and leaned back with his head below her chin. The clouds supported her as Frost let out a sigh of contentment in her embrace. Her mane fell around him like a blanket as the sun began to dip down over the horizon. She levitated some grapes and other fruit above Frost’s head, “Open wide.”

Frost ate some of the grapes and tried to look up at Melody, “These are so good. All of this is just perfect.”

Melody grinned and leaned her head back on some clouds while casually flashing her eyes once again. Frost struggled to stay coherent as her potent powers began to get the better of him. The pleasure and energy was beginning to wear him out. Melody watched the clouds above them begin to race by at a quickening pace. Their time together was just about up.

“It’s almost time for you to go, sweetheart,” Melody said with a pout. “You’ve been a lot of fun.”

The reverie Frost was entranced in suddenly broke when he heard Melody say that. He rolled over and crawled up to look her in the eyes. “What?! But I don’t want to leave! Wha- how will I? What will I? You-”

“Shhh,” Melody hushed Frost with a gentle hoof over his mouth. “Come here,” she commanded with a giggle, then pulled him down into a passionate kiss.

The power of compulsion flowing through Frost was enough to manifest in his own horn. It began to radiate the familiar violet magic. He looked up at her beautiful face and captivating eyes, “What will I do?”

Melody laughed and pulled Frost into a loving hug, “Oh, somehow I think you’ll survive.”

“No...” Frost moaned, “I need you. Don’t go...”

“I think we’ll see each other again soon, Frost.” Melody whispered into his ear.

“Why?” Frost whispered back, “What will we do then?”

“Whatever Ciaran wants...” Melody said with a chuckle. “We both know you can’t resist me. You’re mine, Frost. All mine...”

Frost remembered the name Melody mentioned. Ciaran... the one who had been looking after him. The more he tried to remember, the more his mind fought against him. It was too much work, it wasn’t fun. Frost heard a distant, familiar voice calling out to him, then felt himself slowly rise into the air. Melody’s soft hooves unwrapped from him as he was pulled away. He stretched his hooves out to her but was just beyond her reach. She smiled at him and waved goodbye. The beautiful mare flashed her glowing eyes one more time and winked as he climbed higher and higher into the clouds.

“Frost... Frost...” the voice kept repeating. “Frost!”

“No!” Frost shouted as he woke up and smacked his head on something hard.

A grunt of pain was heard above him. As his vision cleared, he saw Ciaran leaning over him. “Almost took my eye out with that horn, mister.”

Frost struggled to control his breathing and sat up. “I’m sorry, Ciaran. Where are we?”

“We’re at the cottage on Pythia,” she replied with a smile, “It’s still early morning, I moved you off the boat when we got here. The rest of your friends are sleeping along with the rescued foals from the slums.”

Frost rubbed his head and looked around, then finally focussed on Ciaran. “You aren’t going to believe the dreams I had.”

Ciaran chuckled and swished her mane to the side. She levitated over a tray with some breakfast and placed it in front of Frost. “Why don’t you tell me?”

Frost’s stomach growled as he smelled the food. “Thanks, Ciaran. I met this amazing mare, she was so beautiful. She was just perfect, I’ve never seen anything like her before.”

“No, you haven’t...” Ciaran mused.

“What?” Frost asked with his mouth full.

“Nothing,” Ciaran replied, “What did this mare do with you?”

“We played in the water, and I told her we should go over the waterfall!” Frost exclaimed while standing up and painting the picture with his hooves, “After that she kissed me!”

“You just let her kiss you?” Ciaran asked, “Just like that?”

“Well... yeah...” Frost answered, “It was the only thing I could do.”

“I see,” Ciaran said with a chuckle, “Then what?”

Frost sat down and rubbed his head. “She started singing, it was the most enchanting voice I’ve ever heard. It was uplifting, literally. I floated into the sky after hearing it. Then she grabbed me and we both cuddled together in the clouds. Her eyes were glowing violet most of the time...”

Frost trailed off that last sentence and looked at Ciaran, who smiled at him and motioned for him to continue. “Did this mare have a name?”

“Melody...” Frost replied, “Before I woke up, she mentioned you. I remember now! You put me under your power after I killed Steel Slab! That mare was you!”

Ciaran laughed and shook her head, “No, Frost. It wasn’t me. I conjured it, but aside from instructions, I don’t know what goes on in your noggin. It’s a special magic, something that I learned and even partly created all by myself.”

“I don’t follow,” Frost said while leaning back onto a pile of pillows.

Ciaran sighed and stretched out next to Frost so she was looking up at him, “Do you remember what I said before you allowed yourself to be taken by my powers?”

“You said that I’d experience first hand your most powerful magic. And what do you mean, ‘allowed myself?’ I don’t like your powers.”

Ciaran chuckled and a familiar violet flash appeared in her eyes, if only briefly. “You didn’t resist, and that’s why Melody had such an easy time with you.”

Frost remembered times when he tried to make sense of the dream, but it was just too hard, and Melody was distracting him. “So that’s what it was...”

“Mhm,” Ciaran nodded sagely, “She’ll try her best to seduce you. It’s your will that will either stop her, or let her have her way. Speaking of which... you two didn’t...”

“Didn’t what?” Frost asked.

Ciaran chuckled and swished her tail, “You were kissing... and that’s it?”

“Yeah, just kissing... what else would we be doing? Oh... that? No. No! Nothing like that happened.” Frost said.

Ciaran rolled over and lifted her forehooves in mock defense, “Didn’t hurt to ask, you were at her mercy. I’m sure if she wanted to...”

“Nothing happened...” Frost affirmed through gritted teeth.

“Of course, there’s no way we can be sure,” Ciaran continued while rolling on her back and looking at the ceiling, “We only have your word to go on, and your mind was not your own.”

Frost had enough. He crouched low and pounced onto the changeling princess. “I said nothing happened!” Frost shouted while pushing Ciaran’s face down with a pillow.

Ciaran laughed under the child’s assault and flailed her hooves, “I think I hit a nerve!”

Frost began tickling under Ciaran’s forehooves and her stomach. After hearing her laughter, he started on the other side. Ciaran’s laughter became louder and louder until she rolled over, and eventually off the bed. Frost jumped down with some blankets and covered her face, obscuring her vision. After continuously attacking her, Frost stopped and collapsed on her chest.

“I think I’m owed an apology,” Frost said with a smirk.

Ciaran pulled the blanket off of her face and looked up at him, “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah,” Frost said while leaning forward, “Let’s hear it.”

“Okay...” Ciaran relented, “I’m sorry I assumed Melody took full advantage of you. But she still might...”

“Ciaran!” Frost shouted while grabbing her muzzle.

Ciaran chuckled while he let go and wrapped his hooves around her neck. “Alright, I’ll stop.”

“Ciaran?” Frost whispered.

“Hmm?”

“Do you mind if I ask you something?”

“No,” Ciaran replied, “Ask me whatever you want, Frost.”

“When I was with Silth...” Frost began, then paused to wait for a reaction from Ciaran, but she kept silent. “... She mentioned her mother, your mother.”

“Did she?” Ciaran asked while taking a deep breath.

“Yeah, um...” Frost stammered, “She said she was harsh, cruel, and was dead to her. My mother died when I was young, I just wondered what your relationship with her was like.”

“The relationship was fine, until resources were shrinking.” Ciaran said, “But... that’s not really true.”

Ciaran levitated Frost for a moment while she brought down some pillows and placed them behind her head, propping it up. She sat Frost back down and he returned to his embrace around her neck and shoulders.

“The attack on Canterlot...” Frost speculated.

“Not just that, but before,” Ciaran admitted, “Chrysalis was always fond of the powers we changelings can possess. I say ‘can’ because only a select few are given the rights, by birth, or by knowledge. Both are rare cases. Chrysalis enjoys her gifts, as do SIlth and I, but I’ve always found my thoughts wandering elsewhere.”

“Elsewhere?” Frost asked.

“History, books, scrolls, knowledge,” Ciaran explained, “I’m a bit of a bookworm.”

“Bugs will be bugs,” Frost said with a laugh.

Ciaran nuzzled him and laughed, “I suppose so. Anyway, I’ve always wondered what it would be like to live a normal creature’s life. A life where I didn’t have to take the emotions I needed from others. Such curiosity was mocked and scorned by my mother and sister. In their view, I had their power and could do as I please, so why should I be bothering with such pointless questions?”

“They don’t seem pointless to me,” Frost said, “So you were looking for reasons why changelings are... changelings?”

“I was,” Ciaran confirmed, “While pouring over old scrolls and different records, I found out about the Court of the Moon, Aldus, and the others. I also found some information about the spirits.”

An image of Rixis flashed in Frost’s mind as he listened to Ciaran, “What did you find out?”

“It’s hard to say... but I don’t think we changelings were always like this.” Ciaran motioned to Frost as they both examined the holes in her hooves, “Something happened, something terrible... and I think the end result was, well, me... and all the rest...”

Frost looked into Ciaran’s eyes and saw them begin to glisten. “You looked for answers as to why you are different, and Chrysalis scorned you for ignoring such a clear ‘gift.’ That was what drove your relationship apart, wasn’t it?”

“Yes,” Ciaran replied, “I suppose it all started there.”

“Well, I don’t know Chrysalis, but you’re nothing like her.” Frost said while squeezing Ciaran’s neck and shoulders, “You and your sister have shown me more love and kindness than anypony in a long time. Having that older female presence in my life again, it...” Frost paused while tears formed, “I’ve missed it.”

Ciaran pressed her head against Frost’s in comfort. “I can’t replace your mother, Frost. But I can look after you and teach you, and that’s exactly what I plan to do.” she bent over and kissed his forehead, “Thanks for listening to me ramble about our race. It felt good to talk about that again.”

Frost picked himself up and straddled Ciaran’s chest, “It’s what family does.” he said with a smile. “When do my next lessons begin?”

Ciaran smirked and held up a hoof for Frost to bump, “Tonight. You and Melody are going to have your second ‘date,’ so get ready.”

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

Pyrite struggled to sleep with the visions of dark and upset stomach. He jumped down from the bed and trotted into the washroom. The light switch was to his left, but he paused before touching it. Once the fogginess from his vision cleared, he could see quite well in the dark. Pyrite shook his head and pulled over a chair to get up to the mirror and sink. He splashed some water on his face and looked at his reflection. He was getting slightly pale and there were bags growing under his eyes. Pyrite couldn’t tell, but he thought for a second he saw a red tint around his irises.

Pyrite jumped down and exited the washroom. He realized he could see mostly everything in the room, despite it being pitch black. Black Star was sleeping on the floor next to the bed. On his back, Spring cuddled with Silver Spark while Flint was sprawled out against his side. Pyrite however smiled as he saw his own sleeping companion shift in her sleep. Iris had listened to his story of going to see Thule and his colony of bat ponies, and she was eager to know more, but decided to go to sleep since it was so late when their boat arrived. He jumped onto the bed and squirmed under her claws. Iris’ wing twitched and she purred slightly. That was something he’d never heard her do before. Pyrite inched forward and spread his hooves across her soft plumage. He sighed and buried his face in her feathers.

A claw brushed against his back and gently pushed him against the feathers. “What are you doing up?” a playful voice asked from above him.

Pyrite muttered into her breast as she leaned over and nuzzled him. He grabbed at more feathers with his hooves until a poke was felt on his ear. Iris gently nipped him and finally got his attention. He removed his face and found large golden eyes transfixed on him.

“Can’t sleep,” he whispered, “I thought maybe a soft pillow might help, but your feathers might be too soft.”

Iris chuckled quietly and sat up. “Well, now that I’m awake, why don’t we do something fun.”

“Like what?” Pyrite asked.

“Something I’ve wanted to do ever since we got here.” Iris motioned for Pyrite to climb on her back. The colt nodded then crawled over her shoulder with a helpful nudge and happy giggle from Iris. “Shh.” the gryphon whispered while putting a talon to her beak.

Iris carefully climbed out of bed and tip toed to the door leading out onto the patio. Pyrite hugged around her neck as she nudged the door open. She craned her head back to make sure Black Star was still asleep. Satisfied, Iris crept out and shut the door behind her. She made sure Pyrite was secure, then kicked off the ground and flew upward at an easy pace. The cool early morning air felt amazing running through her feathers. Pyrite reached out his hooves and felt the wind rush through his mane. The moon and stars were still in the sky to provide light before the sunrise. Iris flew straight up then leveled out, which flung Pyrite off and into the air above her.

“Whoa!” he shouted.

Iris turned over onto her back and plucked Pyrite from his fall. He laughed as she lazily flew upside down in a mock backstroke. He crawled from her stomach up to her breast and pumped his forehooves in the air. “Woo!”

Iris flipped over and pushed him onto her back as she descended onto a cloud. Pyrite was so excited and caught up in the moment he leapt from her back to tell her how much fun he was having, and fell straight through the cloud. Pyrite’s stomach flew into his throat as he plummeted down. The cool air stung his eyes as he flailed his hooves in any attempt to slow his fall. He saw the big blue ocean rushing to meet him as he broke through the lower layer of clouds. Suddenly a brown and grey streak zoomed past him and aligned itself with his fall. Slowly it matched his speed, then two claws took hold and he felt himself slowing.

Iris folded Pyrite into a comforting hug and pushed his head into her warm breast. Pyrite’s heartbeat slowed to match the powerful flaps of Iris’ wings that were holding them aloft. He looked up at Iris, who frowned in concern and nuzzled his head. His eyes were watery, but Pyrite didn’t know if it was due to the wind stinging his eyes, or if he had broke down and started crying.

“Is it common for earth ponies to forget they don’t have wings and can’t stand on clouds?” Iris whispered.

Pyrite wrapped his hooves around Iris’ neck and laughed, “Most earth ponies don’t go flying and land on clouds.”

Iris giggled and calmly swayed back and forth in the air, “Do you want to go back down?”

Pyrite swallowed and shook his head, “No, I don’t want to ruin your fun and why you brought us out here.”

Iris shushed Pyrite and shook her head, “Silly little pony, you’re not ruining anything. What I wanted you to see is right behind you.”

Pyrite turned around and gasped. The sun had just started to creep up over the horizon. He had seen the sunrise over the Silver Isles before while arriving, but not at this altitude over the ocean. The light was casting sparkles off the waves as they approached Pythia and the night sky was starting to recede. Where the light was pushing against darkness, a purple band could just barely be seen. Pyrite rested his head against Iris as she adjusted her grip and cradled him in her forearms.

Before they started back, Iris saw a shimmering off in the distance. It was slightly above the water heading straight for their cottage. Several pegasi in armor escorted a carriage carrying a very large mare. It was Princess Desalia.

“We better get back, Pyrite.” Iris said as she fell into a dive to gain speed. “I wonder if she’ll want to meet us.”

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

Marigold stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around her mane. Her feathers were in pristine condition after pruning them. They always felt amazing after a nice warm shower. She left the room and made her way to the kitchen for some breakfast, then returned to get dressed.

Marigold took a bite of her muffin and trotted over to her night stand, not realizing she wasn’t alone. She saw a large dark reflection in the small mirror and jumped.

“Hello there, m'lady. I do apologize, I didn’t mean to frighten you, but your door was open.”

Marigold watched the Sarosian bat pony motion to the door. She swallowed and collected herself. “Yes, um, it’s fine. I forgot I left that open.”

“Not very wise, you never know who might decide to lurk about and cause harm.”

“I suppose you’re right, Lord Thule.” Marigold said while putting on a robe.

Thule smiled and shut the door. He slowly stepped over to Marigold and sat down beside her. “How did such a beautiful pegasus end up serving in the royal guard?”

Marigold noticed a shimmer in Thule’s red eyes and felt a shiver run down her spine. “I have many talents.”

“Oh, I believe you,” Thule admitted while looking the mare up and down. “Why don’t you show me some?”

Marigold suddenly found herself standing up and seductively removing her robe. She twirled in front of the bat pony then sat down in his lap. She felt a warm blanket drape around her shoulders. It was like velvet, she shivered at the touch and looked up into Thule’s knowing eyes.

“These are... your wings?” Marigold asked while hidden away inside the membranous flap.

“They are,” Thule replied with a chuckle, “You like?”

“Yes...” Marigold purred.

Thule nudged the pegasus mare forward and smelled her recently washed mane. It smelled of peaches. Unfortunately for her, he was not of the fruit bat persuasion. He draped her mane to the side and whispered in her ear. “You’re one of the most beautiful mares I’ve seen in a long time. Enjoy this, sweetheart.”

As Thule brandished his fangs and bent down to bite, the door to their room opened and Rigel stuck his head in. “Good morning Mari-”

Thule pulled back from Marigold’s neck, “Uh oh...”

Marigold had a warm sensation moving through her body. It felt nice, but some dull thudding noises were breaking her out the moment. She shook her head and attempted to focus. When the thudding became louder she turned around to investigate.  Marigold gasped and stifled a scream when she saw Rigel standing over Thule bouncing his head off the floor like child’s ball.

“What in the night’s name do you think you were doing?” Rigel snarled.

Thule looked up in a daze and glanced over at Marigold, “I was going to have breakfast, I didn’t know she was yours, Lord Hurricane. I do apologize.”

Rigel spread his wings, further expressing his dominance over the bat pony. Marigold had never seen this side of Rigel before. Two predators were squaring off in her room, yet it was no mistake who the dominant male was. Rigel completely hid Thule under the shadow of just his wings.

“She’s not mine, you leather winged mongrel.” Rigel hissed. “And don’t call me that.”

“Now now,” Thule chided in a calm manner that unnerved Marigold, “One doesn’t need to be as old I to see you two have feelings.”

“This is exactly the type of behavior that made everypony despise you during the war.” Rigel said, “You haven’t changed.”

Thule leaned forward so both stallion’s muzzles were steaming onto each other, “They didn’t need any excuse to hate me other than for what I am.”

“Maybe they were right,” Rigel said with a smirk. “Once Aldus hears about this, he’ll turn you inside out.”

“If he hears about it,” Thule smiled. In a flash he rolled on his side and kicked Rigel off him.

Thule flipped to his feet and assumed a fighting stance. Rigel grunted and did the same. Marigold ran between the stallions and held out her hooves. “Stop this! We’re on the same side!”

Rigel looked wide eyed at Marigold, “He was going to bite you!”

“He was, but he didn’t. You stopped him. We don’t need to fight.”

Rigel was stunned, but Marigold pressing her soft hooves into his chest calmed him down. He let go of his anger and sighed.

Thule laughed and cocked his head to the side, “Talked down by a mare? I ought to teach you how to be a proper lord, Lord Hurricane.”

Marigold took two swift steps back and bucked Thule in the face so hard it dislocated his jaw. He fell backward onto a table and broke it in half. Rigel’s jaw hit the floor as Marigold fluttered over to Thule and whispered a threat in his ear. “This doesn’t leave this room, and you’ll never do this again to me or any other mare. If you do, Princess Luna will hear of it.”

Marigold flew over to Rigel and pulled his head down in a quick, but passionate kiss. She grabbed him by the hoof and lead him away.

Thule’s eyes burned red in anger, and his jaw hurt like Tartarus. He picked himself up and dusted off his tunic.

“What happened here?” a mocking voice chimed from the hall.

“Just a misunderstanding,” Thule grunted as he snapped his jaw back into place.

Polaris entered the room and stood next to Thule, “Now we both have injuries to our faces.”

Thule turned around and faced Polaris. The crumpled muzzle he gave him when he arrived at his colony with that colt was still there.

“Mmm, yes.” Thule muttered, “But yours is an improvement.”

“Princess Desalia is on her way. I suspect she’ll be here in about an hour. Will you be joining us?”

“If Luna commands it,” Thule said while starting for the door.

“Best to just stay in the shadows where you belong,” Polaris advised. “I doubt Princess Desalia would find much honor in an assassin.”

Thule stopped and lowered his head. He hooked his clawed wings around him like a cloak and turned to face Polaris.

“And there it is,” Thule muttered.

“There it is,” Polaris repeated.

“We’re both warriors,” Thule said.

“No, only one of us is.” Polaris corrected, “The one who bested you and made you bend the knee to Princess Luna. The one who fights with honor and carries dignity with his service.”

Thule rolled his eyes, “Dress it up however you’d like, old friend. We’re both killers, and to the spirit of death, it doesn’t matter whether I put a sword through somepony’s back, or you put one through somepony’s stomach.”

“Spirit of death,” Polaris said with a chuckle, “Wouldn’t have thought you to be superstitious.”

Thule smiled and winked at Polaris, “I don’t think it’s a legend, Pol. Not everything get’s written down in the old tomes. I’ve lived a long time. I’ve served princesses and killed magical ponies. I’ve seen things that I can’t explain.”

“I’m sure,” Polaris said with a chuckle. “Was Saros ever this superstitious?”

Thule’s face took on a grave expression. He slowly walked up to Polaris and looked him in the eye. “Saros was given her night powers by an unnamed spirit. By her blood it was passed down through generations, eventually coming to me.”

“An unnamed spirit?” Polaris asked. “There is no history in your colony about who this mysterious spirit was? I find that hard to believe.”

“Raxis...” Thule whispered. “In the only surviving piece of writing from Saros, she called it Raxis.”

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

Princess Luna stood outside with Aldus just behind her. Princess Desalia’s carriage touched down and her guard all fanned out to secure the area.

“Shouldn’t your apprentice be here?” Luna asked under her breath, not bothering to look at Aldus.

“Yes,” Aldus grunted in reply.

No sooner had he replied to Luna, Frost ran out the door and stood beside him. Ciaran trotted up behind him in her Willow disguise and sat on her haunches. Marigold arrived with Rigel, and Polaris arrived with Thule. As Princess Desalia emerged, she looked around and saw Princess Luna, she smiled and stepped forward, her guards remained in place.

“The little moon, so good to see you again,” Desalia said with a smile. She gave a deep bow to Luna, which the Princess of the Night returned. “I still remember the grave news of your banishment like it was yesterday. I’m glad you returned to the world.”

Luna tilted her head and cleared her throat, “Yes, it’s good to be back.” She looked up at the larger alicorn and smiled. “You’re still beautiful as ever, how do you do it?”

“Spells, good hygiene, and never letting the stress of ruling bring you down.” Desalia said while draping a wing over the smaller alicorn. “Did I mention spells?” She looked down at Luna and nuzzled her, “You are the youngest of us, and far too beautiful to be ignored the way you were. I know it pains you to hear it, but I understand why you did what you did. The honorable ponies who served you are always welcome here.”

“I thank you for that,” Luna said, “It’s nice to have an older mare to talk to who isn’t my sister.”

“How is she?” Desalia asked, “She could have come if she wanted...”

“Somepony has to rule, and she’s used to doing it by herself, she’s done so a long time, after all.”

“Yes, she has.” Desalia agreed, “In that time, she barely ever contacted me. I often wondered if it was something I did, or something I didn’t do?”

Luna’s eyes glistened and she looked up at the elder alicorn, “No, you didn’t do anything. My sister is too proud... too independent.”

“I seem to remember that being the problem that started the whole mess to begin with...” Desalia said with a low chuckle.

Luna shifted uncomfortably and changed the subject, “I’m actually not the youngest of us, not anymore, not technically...” she said with a small giggle.

“Then it’s true?” Desalia said with bright smile, “Your rigid sister actually raised a mare and let her into the fold?”

Luna smiled brightly and nodded,”Princess Twilight Sparkle. I suspect you’ll meet her soon, when she’s gotten acquainted with her power and responsibilities.”

“It’s been a long time since something like that has happened here,” Desalia admitted, “Not since Princess Seabreeze.” She looked at Aldus and frowned. “I see the little student is here, shall we congratulate him on his success helping my daughter?”

“I think we should,” Luna said with a playful smirk.

“Frost,” Luna called and beckoned him to come forward.

Frost looked at Aldus who practically smacked him to get him moving. He calmed his breathing and looked at the two beautiful alicorns. He swallowed and fell into a deep bow. “My princesses.”

“Rise,” Desalia gestured, “You did it, Frost. Thanks to you, I have my daughter back.”

Orianna trotted out of the house with Marigold and shied away from her mother’s gaze. She saw Frost and decided to sit beside him. “Hello mother...”

“You are in so much trouble, missy.” Desalia admonished. “But first, I want you to tell me exactly what happened.”

“I don’t remember much, but the last thing I knew I was captured and set to work in that awful place. After a few days I met Frost and his gryphon friend. They said we’d escape, then they came to free us.”

“They?” Desalia asked with a raised eyebrow.

Frost’s stomach plummeted. He remembered she said he had to do it himself, or he wasn’t off the hook.

“Yes, I didn’t see much, but the other children couldn’t stop talking about them. The older ponies.” She said while waving at Aldus and his courtiers, “They helped us escape.”

“Really?” Desalia asked with a smirk, “Is this true, Frost?”

Frost began to sweat and lowered his head, “Well, you see...”

“Aldus,” Luna chimed with a giggle.

Aldus stepped forward, “Yes princess?”

“Did you and the courtiers aid Frost in helping the children escape?”

“It just so happened that we were all out for a stroll one night, and we stumbled into the most disreputable part of town. We heard rumors of this disgusting practice of using child labor, and we just couldn’t sleep without doing something about it.”

Desalia rolled her eyes and levitated Frost, “I’m sure. Frost, you know what I told you about doing this yourself.”

Frost struggled to balance himself in the silver aura and nodded solemnly. “Yes, I’ve failed.”

Desalia glanced at Luna, both mares despite their age, could not help but be drawn in by the adorable attitude of the apologetic colt. Frost was startled when hooves wrapped around him and he found himself being pressed against Desalia’s silver regalia.

“You didn’t fail, I have my daughter back, and that is enough.” Desalia said with a sigh. She held Frost out in front of her and kissed his forehead. “That’s two tasks complete, only one more to go.”

Frost smiled and breathed a sigh of relief, “What is that, princess? If I may ask?”

“Attend the wedding of my daughter, and perhaps share dance with an old mare like me.”

“It would be my pleasure,” Frost said.

Desalia sat him down and nudged him with a wing, “Run along now, Frosty. I need to discuss some things with Aldus and your princess.”

Frost broke into a run and leapt into the embrace of his nanny. She smiled at him and carried him inside.

Luna turned to Desalia and cleared her throat, “There is something I wanted to discuss regarding the sweat shop my courtiers discovered and halted.”

Desalia lowered her head and nodded, “A terrible business, that. I try to stop these things as best I can, but being an island kingdom has it’s problems.” She motioned for Luna and Aldus to join her for a walk. They went down to the edge of the water and let the waves gently wash over their hooves. “The smaller isles have always been hard to govern completely. That was actually something that I enjoyed while Seabreeze was princess.” she said to Aldus, who only nodded. “A royal presence on the small islands that might give pause to such individuals who would do these things. The ports and trade that comes into our hooves brings all manner of riches and good capital, but it also brings foreign criminals and is a breeding ground for all sorts of illegal activity. I assure you, we’ll be scouring the area to find out who was behind this.”

“I understand,” Luna said, “But my concern was for the children we rescued, many if not all are orphans and have nowhere to go.”

“Yes,” Desalia replied, “It is very unfortunate.”

“It doesn’t have to be,” Luna said while stopping, “I would take these children back with me to Equestria. We can find them new homes there, and lighten your burden.”

Princess Desalia stopped and turned around. Her eyes glowed ever so slightly. “Lighten my burden? The children of my kingdom are a ‘burden?’ An interesting way to phrase it...”

“You have a large kingdom to run, and all manner of things to look after between the upcoming wedding, and the archives. Please, allow me to do this for you as a token of good faith, and of our friendship.”

Desalia sat on her haunches and looked down at the smaller blue alicorn. “These children are citizens of the Silver Isles, they belong here.”

“Are they?” Luna asked while turning to face the sea, “I wonder if I would find any documents pertaining to their citizenship. Aldus, you’ll get to work on the matter tomorrow morning.”

“As you wish, princess.” Aldus replied.

Desalia laughed and crossed her forehooves, “You really do care about the little ones, don’t you, Luna?”

“It’s part of my duty, Princess Desalia. They are tormented and haunted in their dreams, I do what I can to help.” Luna said, then glared at the elder alicorn, “And I see much torment in the dreams of children from these isles.”

Desalia shrugged, “Perhaps their parents shouldn’t let them eat so close to bedtime. What do you plan to do with these children once you take them with you?”

Luna motioned to Aldus. He stepped forward and within a few seconds, Rigel joined him at his side. “These two loyal servants of mine have pooled their tremendous wealth in a philanthropy project for myself and my sister.”

“Oh?” Desalia mused while discreetly eyeing Rigel up and down.

“Starfall Sanctuary,” Aldus began, “That’s the tentative name we’ve decided on, it may change later. Rigel and I have started a plan to build homes for foals who are homeless and without families.”

“Not just homes,” Rigel added, “They’ll be educated and cared for until they’re ready to set out on their own. They’ll have room to play, and be offered several ways in which they might find their talents.”

“Well, I can certainly see why Aldus would want to help, but Rigel... your reasons are bit unclear.” Desalia said.

“Not having parents doesn’t have to be all bad. To live in a place where nothing is forced upon you, where no expectations are placed upon your shoulders like weights. Those weights can kill a pony. They have killed a pony... and many more after...” Rigel said with an edge in his voice.

Desalia raised an eyebrow in fascination, then stood up. “If you would care for them and love them, then take them.”

Princess Luna smiled and bowed slightly, “Thank you, Desalia, Would you like to stay for breakfast?”

“I’m afraid not, dear Luna. There are many preparations I must make before the wedding, and Aldus requires the paperwork to enter the archives. I’ll get started on that tomorrow.”

“Thank you princess.” Aldus said with a smile.

“It was good to see you again, Luna. And you as well, Rigel. I’ll see you all soon at the wedding.”

Princess Desalia exchanged the royal courtesies with Aldus, Rigel, and Luna before rejoining her guards and flying back to the citadel.

Aldus and Rigel joined Luna and smiled, “So who is going to tell the kids?” Rigel asked.

“I believe Luna should be the one, they really seemed to enjoy their evening with you.” Aldus said.

“Oh no,” Luna refused, “You two are putting the bits forward for this project, you can tell them. I’m sure they’ll love you forever after giving them this opportunity.” Luna began to trot back to the cottage, but stopped and turned around. “Starfall Sanctuary?”

Aldus nodded, “Rigel and I thought it would be appropriate. It’s suits your dominion over the night, and is reminder of my past actions. It’s here that continue to make amends.”

Luna trotted back and put a wing around Aldus and Rigel, “You two are something else. Come on, tell me more about your plans for this Sanctuary.”

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

Later that evening, Frost sat in his room with the patio door open. The drapes blew in as the night breeze began to pick up. Pyrite sat with him and wondered what all the children were going to do now they were free from the sweatshop. Frost noticed he was surprisingly energetic, usually Pyrite was starting to feel fatigued as night time rolled around.

Frost was ignoring Pyrite’s constant glomping and his current attempt to gnaw at his ear. The green eye orb Frost was holding was cracked on the surface, which made Frost a little nervous. He wasn’t quite sure how to make it work. Perhaps it had something to do with magic?

“What’s that you have there, Frost?” a gentle voice chimed from outside.

Pyrite stopped trying to eat Frost’s ear and stood up. Frost stood beside him and looked outside. They knew that voice anywhere. A black alicorn floated down onto the patio and stepped inside the room. She smiled at the foals and sat on her haunches. Frost and Pyrite ran into Selene’s embrace and didn’t let go. She nuzzled both foals as her mane coiled around them.

“You’re finally back!” Pyrite exclaimed. “I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too.” Frost said. “I’ve done quite a lot of exciting and dangerous things while you were gone.”

Selene looked down at Frost and raised an eyebrow, “Dangerous? Do you know how I’d feel if anything ever happened to you? Or you?” she asked while tickling Pyrite.

Frost produced the cracked green eye orb and showed it to Selene, “I’ve met your brother.”

“My brother?” Selene asked, “You mean to tell me... you saw...”

“Rixis,” Frost said, “It’s a long story. Because of Black Star and a few other things, we met his servants, and they took us to meet him. He gave me this and said he wanted to talk to you.”

Selene composed herself and looked at the green orb. She slowly stood up and took hold of the colts with her mane. She put them on her back and took the orb from Frost. “Alright, let’s go and see him.”

Frost leaned over and hit the orb with some of his magic. After a few seconds, the air in front of them rippled and coalesced into an image of the room where Rixis had fought Discord.

Selene stepped through and into the room as the orb ceased to glow and Pythia faded behind them. Pyrite peaked around the room and saw a giant sitting on a throne at the end of the hall. A giant with the head of a lion, and arms and legs of other things. A hood was over Rixis’ head and he was staring at the floor. Slowly he looked up, when he did, golden eyes opened and transfixed on Selene. Pyrite shivered and buried his face in Selene’s neck. Her mane coiled around his body and hid him away. Frost untangled himself from her mane and jumped down. He trotted forward and sat down.

“When you took us back to the sweatshop, you said that somepony would help me, you said I had a friend there.” Frost said with a smile. “You knew that she was there, and that she would help me.”

Rixis shifted on his throne and removed his hood. “Yes, I did.”

“What else do you know that you won’t tell me?” Frost asked.

“I know what you want to know...” Rixis said. “Now is not the time, Frost. You brought company, and it’s rude for us to not entertain them.”

Rixis got up from his throne and stepped down toward Selene. As he moved, he grew smaller in size so he was just as tall as she was. He used his axe for support and stood before the black alicorn.

Rixis bowed slightly, “Greetings sister, it’s been... a long time.”

Selene was distracted by the shivering child on her back. She craned her neck and shushed him. Rixis took notice and stepped to her side. He looked under the thick bundle of mane and tilted his head.

“Am I so scary I can’t even say hello to my guests?”

Frost grabbed a hold of one of Selene’s tendrils and had it pull him up onto her back. He pushed his head into her mane and whispered to Pyrite, “It’s alright, he’s not going to hurt you. He’s just like Discord and Selene, and she won’t let anything happen us.”

Pyrite pushed his head out from under the black locks and saw Rixis standing only a few paces away. “Um... hi.” Pyrite croaked.

“What’s your name, little one?” Rixis asked.

“It’s Pyrite, sir. Who are you? What are you?”

“I’m wondering the same thing,” Selene said as her eyes began to glow green, “You are my brother?”

“Don’t you recognize the family resemblance?” Rixis asked as his lion mane turned into black writhing tentacles. “We’ve met before, you know... My name is Rixis.”

Selene slowly sat down on her haunches and let the two colts gently slide off her back. “I was there... but not there at the same time.”

Rixis motioned for them to walk, “You weren’t fully formed at the time, but I remember seeing you.”

“And I remember seeing you,” Selene said, “They tried to kill you, those necromancers.”

“Not kill me,” Rixis corrected, “Control me, but they failed. Nothing can control death, and death is what I am.”

“You’re death?” Pyrite asked, “How can something be death?”

“I used to ask myself that almost every day-” Rixis said with a chuckle as he bent down on one knee, “-for the first thousand years or so. Then, I just got used to it.” Pyrite smiled a bit which made Rixis smile in return. “Selene and I have much to discuss. How would you and Frost like to explore the castle?”

Frost looked at Selene, who nodded in approval. He started off toward the exit when one of Selene’s tendrils wrapped around Pyrite’s stomach. She lifted him off the floor and kissed his forehead, “Be careful, and stay with Frost.”

Pyrite nodded and joined Frost when Selene let him down. As the two colts left the room Rixis’ tail detached and slithered in front of him. “Gari, make sure the two of them don’t get into any trouble.”

The cobra nodded and slithered away after the two foals. Selene looked at Rixis and shook her head, “Of all the colts you meet, of all the ones you choose to meet, it’s the ones that have been part of my family. Quite the coincidence.”

Rixis shrugged and leaned on his axe, “Isn’t it? But this is the first time I’ve met the little one.”

“So... you’re my little brother... I don’t recall having siblings.” Selene said.

Rixis frowned and reached out a claw, then retracted it. He sat down his axe and wrapped both arms around Selene’s neck in a hug. He pressed his muzzle into her neck and squeezed hard. “You don’t remember anything, what happened to you?”

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

Pyrite and Frost trotted along the hallways and looked around. The castle was large, but this section seemed empty. Cobwebs adorned the ceilings and walls. Frost opened one of the doors and found a room with many mirrors all covered with cloth. He unhooked the cloth and looked at himself in one of the larger ones.

Pyrite yawned and tapped Frost on the shoulder, “Are you just going to look at yourself?”

“Shh,” he playfully shoved Pyrite away, “These mirrors are made of crystal.”

Pyrite sighed and left Frost in the room to stare at himself. He went back into the hallway and realized he could see further down without light. The shadows began to yield to him more and more. It was exciting. Pyrite trotted down the hallway and a circular flight of stairs. He found a large room with lots of weapon racks and tables full of armor. The room was big enough to fit a full sized dragon. Pyrite saw all of the weapons on the racks and on the tables. Lances, pikes, spears, halberds, all of the pole arm weapons. Further down against the wall he saw more. Swords and axes, each sharp like they were ready to use. Pyrite grabbed an axe and examined the blade. He liked how it felt heavy at the end, how it would fall when he swung it. He put it down and picked up a warhammer from a rack near the halberds. This was something Pyrite could get behind. Large smashing weapons. He put down it down and picked up a flanged mace. He remembered Frost telling him about one of the knights using this from his stories. The edges would penetrate armor when swung with great force.

Pyrite assumed a fighting stance and swung the mace at one of the pillars. He danced around it like it was his opponent and swung again, this time harder. He back stepped then spun into a flowery turn and struck the pillar with a loud bang. He wasn’t fully expecting to hit it, but had been lost in the moment.

He only now realized that he was in a pitch black room. No torches or lights at all, yet he was seeing everything as if there were a dim light. Pyrite realized he had chipped the pillar and bent over to pick up a piece. When he looked up he saw a fanged reptilian face staring back at him. He swallowed his tongue and stepped back. After a moment, he realized it was just a statue, though familiar. Upon closer inspection, it was another gargoyle head, just like ones he had fought in Seabreeze’s castle.

A low growl and moan echoed in the distance behind Pyrite. A shiver ran up his spine as he slowly turned around. His eyes weren’t so good as to see what lurked in the shadows further into the room. A large disfigured hand reached out of the blackness and dragged it’s body with it. It was a stallion with a broken jaw and large spokes sticking out from it’s shoulders. It’s body was attached to another, a minotaur. The minotaur’s head was off to the side, looking vertically at the wall. It craned over and stared at Pyrite. It’s tail was long and thick, with a spiked ball at the end. The creature shambled forward quickly and turned to bring it’s tail crashing into the pillar above Pyrite’s head. Stone and dust fell around Pyrite as he dropped the flanged mace and turned to run.

The creature was quick, despite it’s deformities. It leapt over Pyrite and blocked the door. He screamed and dove under one of the tables. The monster upturned the table with a single hand and grabbed Pyrite by the tail. Pyrite screamed as the monster screamed back at him, then Pyrite fell hard on his head as the creature dropped him, along with it’s own arm. He was dazed, but saw a shadow dancing in front of the creature, and as it danced, the creature screamed. The sound of liquid spilling onto the floor could be heard along with the pulpy smacking of guts and innards. After the creature stopped moving Pyrite saw the shadow bend over, it had red eyes. The red eyes seemed familiar, and they were the last thing he saw before passing out.