Rigel waited patiently outside the royal chambers of Princess Luna. She was currently engrossed in something very important and wished to not be disturbed. He was shown to a waiting room further down the hall, and had been there for almost an hour.

Rigel didn’t mind, when he was here he wasn’t in the air taking orders from Wonderbolts or forced to spend time with his father. It had been almost three months since the Pegasi Sun Celebration. All that occurred there was promptly forgotten, or at least thats how things seemed. Rigel knew better. He had requested an audience with Princess Luna the very next day, and was forced to wait this long to be summoned. He wondered if he had offended anypony, and was even more fearful knowing his connections in the court. Aldus could have greased the wheels and got him in sooner, but that didn’t happen.

A door creaked open revealing the unicorn himself. Aldus stepped inside and shut the door behind him. He looked absolutely ragged. His robes were wrinkled and his mane was messy, the bags under his eyes had bags of their own.

“Rigel...” he said with a tired sigh.

Rigel got up and quickly trotted over to his friend, “Aldus, what’s wrong? You look terrible.”

Aldus looked up at him and smirked, “Thanks, Rig. Can always count on you to tell the truth.”

“What’s wrong, am I here at a bad time?”

Aldus walked over to a table and waved a hoof dismissively, “No, and I’m sorry I couldn’t squeeze you in sooner. This is the earliest I could do.”

Rigel took a seat across from his friend. So he had attempted to get him in.

“What’s going on? You look like you haven’t slept in days.”

“I haven’t, I don’t think,” Aldus replied. “Luna has assigned me more work, it’s taxing, but with it came an advancement. I’m head of her court now.”

Rigel’s eyes widened, “That’s... you’re... wow...”

The amount of influence Aldus had at his disposal now was greater than any noble, including his father. They could all play politics, but things would need to go through the courts to get done, and Aldus was positioned on the inside.

“Yeah, so if you need any more favors... I’m your stallion,” Aldus said with a yawn.

“So... um, Luna?” Rigel asked.

Aldus nodded and rubbed his head, “She asked for me to give her ten minutes, then show you in.”

“How is she?” Rigel asked.

“Irritable...” Aldus answered. “Things have been draining on her lately. She spends much of her time in the dreamscape, more than she ever has before. She disappears for nights at a time, going goddess knows where. Still, there are always tasks left for me, and her own work always gets done. It’s just strange, I guess.”

“Is it to do with how ponies have been treating her?” Rigel asked.

Aldus’ reply was a simple stare. Rigel nodded and lowered his head. “I’m sorry about my father, and what he said to you. It couldn’t have been good. I’m here to apologize to you, too. Not just Luna.”

Aldus smiled, “Rigel, you’re my best friend in the world. I know how things are, and I deal with worse than your father on a daily basis.”

Rigel nodded, “I bet you do, it’s just... he’s the face of my family. My name. It’s not something I take pride in. I can’t, not with the way he acts.”

Aldus chuckled and looked at his pocket watch, he got up and motioned for Rigel to follow. They trotted down the hall to Luna’s chambers, but Aldus stopped before opening the doors.

“Eventually it’ll be your face everypony remembers, and I can’t think of a prettier one.” Aldus said with a smug grin.

Rigel chuckled, “You’re just as popular with the mares as I am, Aldy.”

“I don’t know what world you live in buddy, but it isn’t this one.” Aldus said with a laugh. “But seriously, eventually you’ll carry the name Hurricane forward. You and your brother are good stallions, I know you’ll be well respected. The best part, though? You’ll earn it. You’ll both do great things with the Hurricane name, just give it time.”

“Thanks, Aldus. You really believe that?” Rigel asked.

Aldus winked and opened the doors, “I do, and I’m not the only one.”

“Rigel... the handsome young flier, come in.” Princess Luna sang as she hovered down from her observatory.

“Princess, it’s an honor to see you again.” Rigel said with a bow.

Luna smiled and turned to Aldus, “That’s all, you may leave us.”

With Aldus gone, Luna took a seat near her fireplace and waited for Rigel to sit. Rigel slowly walked over and sat across from the princess.

“Princess Luna, how have you been?” Rigel asked.

Luna smiled and cocked her head slightly to the side, “I’ve been well, and you?”

Rigel considered where to begin, “Well, I’ve been stressed lately, mostly due to the flying.”

“I can understand that, I’ve seen you fly,” Luna said, “Your skill grows every day, soon you’ll surpass the Wonderbolts themselves.”

“Well, if my father has his way, that might be true.” Rigel said with a roll of his eyes. “Actually, that’s why I wanted to see you. At the festival, my father was very rude. I still don’t know what came over him. I apologize, Luna. It was embarrassing for myself and Epsilon. You deserve more respect than that.”

Luna stared at him for a few moments, almost making it awkward. Rigel wondered what she was thinking, then she stretched her wings. “You know,” she began while examining her dark blue feathers, “Solaris’ behavior is quite typical as of late. I’m not sure what I’ve done to warrant such displays, but I’ve been trying to rectify it, whatever it is. Celestia assures me that things are fine. That nobles treat her the same way more often than not.”

Rigel saw the sadness in her eyes, but only briefly, “I see.” he said with a nod.

Luna folded her wings, “Do you believe that?”

Rigel looked up, “Pardon?”

“That my sister is treated the same, that it happens to her as well, this disrespect and rudeness.”

“I’m not privy to the many meetings and what goes on-”

“Do you believe it or not?” Luna interjected, her tone stable, yet assertive.

Rigel swallowed and let out a calm sigh, “No.”

Luna nodded, she got up and walked to her bed, then paced back, “You know, I can take it. The disrespect, the scorn. It isn’t as though my skin is thin. But when normal subjects begin to act that way, I just don’t understand it. What is it? What am I doing wrong?”

“Regular ponies are acting that way?” Rigel asked. “Why?”

Luna sat down, “Celestia seems to think it’s due to my reclusiveness. I cannot help the way I am, Rigel. My duties keep me away from the busy times of the day. I try my best to attend gatherings, but sister always steals away the attention. Why present myself if I am to be ignored?”

“I wish I had an answer, Princess Luna.”

“Just Luna,” the princess said while examining her hooves.

“I can only say that I love you, Luna. Epsilon does as well. He has written you several letters, I hope it’s not a bother.”

Luna perked up and motioned to her desk,  several letters were stacked neatly near the corner. “Epsy is such a sweetheart. Actually, it’s because of his suggestions that I’ve come up with some ideas to ‘put myself out there’ as my sister phrases it.”

“Oh?” Rigel asked, surprised his brother spurred on such an idea.

“Yes,” Luna said. “I’ve decided to work with Aldus to add certain branches to our side of the royal court. Also some programs designed to educate young colts and fillies about the night sky, and what I might do for them. Just things to demonstrate I’m not as reclusive as they might think.”

Luna shuffled her forehooves a bit and cleared her throat. Rigel had a hard time believing what he was seeing. Was she nervous?

“I haven’t finalized anything, but there will be certain positions open in the court. If... you ever feel like the Wonderbolts are not your calling... perhaps you could come work for me?”

Rigel knew that could never happen, not with how far he had come with his role and future career. Not to mention his father would disown him. However, it was the thought that mattered. He never had any problems with his given name, and even if he did they would have vanished now. Luna was a great mare, and it didn’t matter what anypony else thought.

Rigel slowly got up and knelt down in front of Luna. He then sat up, took her forehoof and pressed it to his chest. “I can’t even believe you would extend me such an offer. I’m just a pegasus who happens to be a good flier. I don’t have any other skills to speak of. I can’t accept your offer, Luna. I’m too far along a path to turn back now. But I want you to know something. You are my princess. You hold that place in my heart, the one I would bend a knee to without hesitation.”

Luna’s eyes glistened as she stared back at Rigel. She suddenly pulled herself forward and wrapped her forehooves around Rigel’s neck. He was too large for her to knock over, but the sudden movement caught him off guard. He slowly wrapped his forehooves around her and fought off the awkward feeling. She pressed her head into his neck without uttering a word. and simply held him tight for at least a minute.

Eventually she released him and pressed her forehooves to his chest. She wiped her muzzle and levitated some tissues to clear her eyes, “I apologize for that display, Rigel. I just... I needed to hear that.”

Rigel offered an understanding smile, “No need to apologize, Luna.”

Luna nodded, “Well, I suppose this concludes our meeting. Good luck in your training.”

“Be well, Luna.” Rigel said as he got up to leave. Before exiting the door he turned around and snapped her a crisp salute, “Don’t forget what I said, my princess.”

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

Several weeks later, Rigel was flying home from an intense training camp put on by the top brass of the Wonderbolts. A full three weeks of intense training and conditioning. He barely made it out, but his friend didn’t seem phased at all. Crosswind lazily flapped her wings beside Rigel as they neared his home. He spent some time with her after their training and decided to take her out to dinner. What a mistake that was. It’s not that he didn’t enjoy himself, but now she wouldn’t stop making fun of him for how proper he tried to act. He didn’t plan on spending any more time with her until later on his leave, but she insisted on seeing Epsilon when Rigel got back.

Crosswind had immediately fallen in love with his little brother. Rigel didn’t think she had any siblings of her own, so perhaps that was why she got so attached. He appreciated she understood his relationship with Epsilon. It was the one thing about him she never mocked. Epsilon loved her, too. They both enjoyed eating as much ice cream as they could.

Rigel and Crosswind eventually neared the fortress and began their descent. There was a large gathering outside the walls for some reason. On the clouds near the edge of the fortress, at least thirty pegasi were standing around the edge looking at something. Rigel made his way to the front of the crowd with Crosswind close behind. There he saw three of the servants who tended to Epsilon. His butler, his chef, and his maid. They were crying.

Time seemed to slow as Rigel’s eyes eventually fell upon something covered by a small tarp.

“Son,” he heard from behind him.

Solaris and Helios stood behind him and placed their hooves on his shoulders, “It’s your brother, he’s with the goddess now.”

“What...?” Rigel asked, utterly lost.

“He’s gone, son. Your brother is dead. He fell... while he was playing. That’s what the servants say.”

Crosswind was glued to Rigel’s side, equally at a loss for words. Rigel fell backwards, then regained his composure. He flew over to the tarp and lifted it up to examine what it hid. Crosswind saw Epsilon and burst into tears, the first time Rigel had seen her express any kind of emotion like that. Rigel himself could only stare at his brother’s crumpled form, his body almost unrecognizable after an impact from thousands of feet.

“Son, I’m sorry...” Solaris said while attempting to hug Rigel. Rigel simply shook him off and held onto Crosswind as she sobbed into his chest.

He lead her back to his room and locked the doors. Eventually Crosswind ceased her crying and sat down next to Rigel. He could only mutter his thoughts as the events gradually began to hit home. Tears exploded from his eyes as Crosswind held him. His screams resonated through the entire fortress well into the night.

They eventually fell asleep together on his cloud bed, the sorrow too much to bear. Rigel woke up sometime after midnight. His fur stained with Crosswind’s snot and tears, along with his own. He gently extricated himself from her embrace and decided on his next course of action. He looked down at her, watching her chest rise and fall. Rigel bent down and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

“Thank you, I’ll be back.”

Rigel showered and cleaned himself up, then flew to Canterlot as fast as he could. He made his way into the wing belonging to Princess Luna and was stopped by her night guard.

“Halt, this area is off limits.”

“I need to see Aldus. It’s important.”

“If you don’t have authorization, you’re not going anywhere.”

“Please, I don’t have time.” Rigel said while starting to move past the guards.

One shoved him back with his lance while the other put a clawed gauntlet to his chest. “It’s time for you to leave.”

Rigel was about to do something stupid when he felt a hoof clasp him on the shoulder. “Hurricane, stop before you hurt yourself.”

“Lieutenant!” each night guard withdrew and snapped a salute.

Rigel turned around and breathed a sigh of relief, “Polaris, thank the goddess you’re here.”

“You’re lucky I am, Rigel.” he said with a laugh.

Polaris wore the light armor designating his rank in the guard. His long silver mane hanging loose behind him as he walked forward. “Where is Aldus?”

“In his study, sir. Shall I escort the pegasus stallion to him?”

“That won’t be necessary, I’ll take him.” Polaris said while motioning for Rigel to follow.

Rigel hurried behind Polaris and thanked him. “Pol, I won’t forget this. Thank you so much. I haven’t seen you in ages.”

“Yes it’s been a while, hasn’t it?” he asked. “But it seems you’re in a hurry, you can fill me in when we find Aldus.”

Polaris and Rigel arrived at Aldus’ office in one of the higher towers. They knocked, no response. Polaris got out his keys and opened the door. Once inside they found Aldus asleep on his couch with a pile of papers on his chest. Polaris walked up to him and nudged his shoulder.

“Wha? I’m up!” he exclaimed, then realized who was in the room. “Polaris, what are you doing? Rigel? What’s going on?”

Rigel took a deep breath, “I need a favor...”

“Can’t it wait, do you know what time it is? You didn’t even contact me.” Aldus groaned. He looked up at Rigel’s pained expression after rubbing his eyes. “It’s serious?  What do you need?”

Rigel slowly took a seat across from Aldus and Polaris. “My brother... he’s gone.”

“Gone?” Aldus asked.

“Your brother is dead?” Polaris asked in disbelief. “How?”

“He fell...” Rigel said, tears threatening to form again. “I just got home today, and there he was on the clouds...”

“Goddess...” Aldus muttered while moving to his side. He rubbed Rigel’s shoulders while Polaris made some tea. “What do you need?”

Rigel cleared his throat and blew his nose, “I don’t want him put to rest here. Not with our customs. He always loved the Silver Isles, he was his happiest when vacationing there. That’s where he should be...”

Aldus looked at Polaris, who nodded and left immediately. “We’ll collect the body and be there by mid afternoon.”

“Thank you, Aldus.” Rigel said while pressing his head into the unicorn.

“I’ll make sure things are in order during our absence. Luna will understand. On the way, you can tell us about it.”

Rigel pulled Aldus close and lowered his voice to a whisper, “There’s something wrong, Aldus. Pegasi don’t just fall from clouds, and Epsilon was always cautious. Clouds don’t disintegrate once they’ve been formed by our builders.”

“Give it time, Rigel. Don’t just assume-”

“Aldus, I know my brother... this wouldn’t just happen...”

Aldus gave a nod, “Alright, if you need my help... you know where to find me.”

“No, Aldus... this is something I must do alone.”

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

After arriving at the Silver Isles, Epsilon was put to rest on an island they had visited a few times before. Polaris had suggested it, and he had it approved. There was no service, only the three stallions together. Rigel paid his respects and said goodbye, then returned to the airship. He came back to his home and found Crosswind waiting for him.

He told her what he had to do, then took her out to lunch. She was concerned about him, something he appreciated. Rigel returned to the fortress and went to Epsilon’s room, he saw some of the servants were cleaning it out. They were storing away his things. He moved to sit on his bed and saw a picture book along with Epsilon’s journal. Rigel didn’t know his brother kept a journal. He considered opening it, but decided not to. Both out of respect for his brother, and wishing not to burst into tears again.

Speaking of crying, Rigel heard one of the mares outside sniffling. It was Epsilon’s maid. He walked outside and draped a wing around her. “There there, it’s alright.”

“Lord Rigel! I’m sorry, I shouldn’t let feelings get in the way of work.” she said while trying to get away.

Rigel softly restrained her and looked in her eyes, “What happened, Cloudy Skies? How did my brother fall?”

“I- I don’t know, they say it was an accident, but I don’t know...”

“You don’t think it was?” Rigel asked.

Cloudy Skies lowered her head, “Another maid, my friend... she said she heard Cloudburst... talking about it.”

Rigel’s eyes widened, “And?”

“I don’t know... she said they were talking at lunch, when she has other mares over for tea and her book club.”

Rigel was aware of this, his aunt often held book club get togethers in her free time, which was all the time. It was little more than a gossip hour. Rigel decided to ask the other mare, then investigate this himself.

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

Two days later Rigel found a good spot to hide in some dense trees right near the balcony where Cloudburst had her little get together. He sat there for two hours waiting until they all arrived. When they did, talk was mostly about trivial matters. Rigel almost fell asleep until one inquisitive mare brought up the topic.

“Couldburst dear, I’m sorry about your nephew. I wish I was here last time to offer my condolences then.”

Cloudburst nodded, “Yes, it was unfortunate. Poor little thing, still... I can’t say it’s all bad.”

“What ever do you mean?” another mare asked.

“It’s not like he had a future, the boy could barely get off the ground.” Cloudburst said.

“That’s true,” one of the mares said with a sagely nod while sipping her tea. “He’s not at all like his brother. That one is an image for all pegasi to aspire to.”

“Yes, though his attitude could use some work.” Cloudburst replied. “Still, he’s good for us and our name. Solaris tolerates his insubordination, at least more than I would were I in my brother’s position. Epsilon... well, he didn’t have to be tolerated. Not anymore.”

“What are you saying, dear?” the same mare asked. Each of them leaning forward more.

“Epsilon had a habit of listening closely to what Rigel and his father would discuss about training. His desire to improve was commendable, I can’t fault him for that. Solaris was overheard by Epsilon discussing plans for improving parts of the grounds outside the castle. Strengthening them for improved training. However... he might have misspoke. They would be strengthened eventually, but first they would be weakened for renovation and ease of work for the builders.”

“Oh my...” one of the mares whispered.

“It seems the poor colt didn’t pay attention to where he stepped.” Cloudburst lamented with a sip of her tea.

“I don’t know what to say,” another mare whispered. “It’s a bit extreme isn’t it?”

“Perhaps...” Cloudburst mused, “But my brothers had the idea swimming in their heads a long time, if you ask me. Recently they were meeting with Sun Streaker before the cadets went off to training. He lectured them about how important image was in political posturing, putting special emphasis on foreign relations. He spoke much of the gryphons, and the ponies from Concordia. The sky is important. Commerce, weather, transportation and war. All these things live and die by what happens in the air. If we look weak to other ponies or the gryphons, it’s an open invitation for conflict. Do you understand? My brothers did.”

All the color left Rigel’s face. His breathing slowed to almost a stop, and his heart rate slowed as well. He stared at the ground and took the rest of the evening to process what he heard. It was done, he was off the deep end now. The politics, his brother’s death, and his own role in it. It was almost too much... almost. Once night fell Rigel carefully ascended into the air and flew away from his home.

He flew down, up, in all different directions. He eventually flew to the east and didn’t stop. He flew faster and faster, as fast as he had ever flown. He broke the sound barrier with a deafening crack, then went faster still. The world around him blurred, he didn’t alter his course. If a mountain were to appear in front of him, he would have flown right into it without a care in the world. Eventually the burning in his wings began to register, so he slowed down. Rigel landed on a cloud above a desolate landscape devoid of most life. Volcanic ash covered the valley below and the smell of sulfur invaded his nose. His senses were assaulted from all different directions, then he realized where he was. Movement caught his eye below, and a smile crept onto his face. Rigel lifted off the cloud, careful not to draw attention to himself. He made his way home and formulated the plan.

One week. One week and it would all come crashing down.

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

“Father,” Rigel said as Solaris walked into the room.

“You wanted to see me, son?” he asked.

“Yes, I did.” Rigel replied. “I’ve been thinking. My role, my duty, I haven’t taken it as seriously as I should have.”

“Oh?” Solaris asked with an eyebrow raised.

“The more I learn in the Wonderbolts, the more things begin to click. Not just what you’ve taught me, but things I learn from the experience. Where we are as pegasi, and where we need to go.”

“Why the sudden change in attitude, Rigel?” Solaris asked. “You’ve been so cavalier and carefree about who you are your entire life. Accepting responsibility with distaste and apprehension. You always performed well, and I would never call you lazy. However, it never seemed like you understood it.”

Rigel slowly got up and walked over to Solaris’ desk. “I know it seems sudden, and in a way I suppose it is. But recent events have changed my perspective. Epsilon is gone, and I need to accept that. He tried his best, his heart was in the right place. I can’t help him anymore, but I can help other colts his age by setting the best example I can.”

“I see, well I’m glad to hear it, son.” Solaris said with a heartfelt smile. “You’re going to make me proud.”

“Of course,” Rigel said while turning around. “Father, I return to training soon, but before I go I was thinking we could spend some time together. You, Helios and I could maybe hunt some wyverns. It’s been a while, but it was always something I enjoyed as a kid.”

Solaris got up and flew over to Rigel, “That’s an excellent idea, son. We’ll go tomorrow, I’ll ready the equipment and inform Helios.”

“Until then, father.” Rigel said, “I’ve heard they’re in the east, it’s going to be a great time.”

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

Rigel flew over the barren volcanic landscape alongside Helios and Solaris. Each of them carried a heavy crossbow nearly as big as they were. It was loaded with a solid steel bolt that would pierce the scales of even the largest wyvern.

As they neared one of the smaller mountains, they noticed a smaller wyvern perched on it’s peak. It was asleep, unaware of the danger lurking just above it.

Helios placed a bolt and readied his weapon. He aimed just slightly above the shoulder and waited for the right moment. His hoof hovering over the trigger.

A sudden scream ripped over to the landscape. The wyvern below woke from it’s slumber and flew away unscathed. Above it, a pegasus pony dropped from the sky.

Solaris looked down in utter shock as his brother plummeted to earth, a shaft lodged through his back and out his chest. He looked back to Rigel and saw him loading another bolt. Solaris’ mind went blank, but only momentarily.

As Rigel leveled the weapon and fired, Solaris bent his large wings to allow his body to straighten like a plank. He flapped his wings upward to pitch his body down and leaned back like he was performing limbo. The shaft passed directly over his stomach running parallel. It nicked his cheek ever so slightly and took the smallest bit of skin and fur with it.

Rigel cursed as his father dodged the bolt. Solaris didn’t waste any movement and fell into a reverse loop. He pulled out of tightly and slammed into Rigel before he could load another bolt. The impact knocked loose the quiver on Rigel’s back, emptying its contents through the clouds below.

Solaris forced the weapon up and grappled with his son, “What in Tartarus are you doing, boy?! Have you completely lost your mind?!”

Rigel snarled and reached for his belt, he pulled a hunting knife from it’s sheath and made a go at his father’s stomach. Solaris threw away the crossbow they had been grappling and flapped his wings once to put distance between them, evading the attack.

Rigel wasted no time and tackled his father through some clouds above them, each pegasi vying for dominance. Solaris scored a few punches, as did Rigel. They both landed on a layer of clouds and rolled to their hooves. His father crouched into a low fighting stance as Rigel did the same. Pegasi martial arts was a fighting style that used their light bodies and bone structure to their advantage. Coupled with their wings and agility, it was quick and fast. Not focussing on large crippling blows but speed and evasion, using small strategic strikes to wear down an opponent.

Solaris lunged for Rigel and caught a kick to the face, he staggered back and awaited the response. Surely enough, Rigel flew at him and was caught by the wing joints. Solaris spun into a roll and slammed Rigel down on the clouds.

“What are you doing?! How dare you attack me, your own father!”

Rigel glared up at him and spit in his face, “You’re no father of mine!”

Solaris received a knee to the gut and was thrown off. He quickly righted himself and backed to the edge of the cloud. “You think you can take me, boy? The one who taught you everything you know?”

“You’re not the stallion you used to be, father. I surpassed you years ago. Just die...”

Solaris smirked, “We’ll see. There’s no coming back from this.”

“There certainly isn’t... for you.” Rigel said as he advanced.

Solaris kicked off the clouds and shot off toward the nearby mountain range. Rigel opened his wings and took a deep breath. Everything he learned in his life would be brought to bare in this fight. There was no way he would lose.

Rigel kicked off the clouds and tore after his father. Each pegasi being from the Hurricane lineage sported strength and dexterity more than any other pegasi. Their wings cut through the sky like butter, each leaving contrails when they would make a turn or perform a maneuver. The speed at which they flew was unparalleled.

In a village over the mountains situated near the Equestrian border, two foals watched white lines etched across the sky. They ran to a hill to get a better view, something was happening. Two ponies slammed into each other repeatedly. They moved erratically in every direction. Then, a deafening boom sounded across the landscape. No sooner had it exploded, one of the ponies streaked across the sky directly overhead going further east. Not far behind it, another pony turned in the direction, this one much lower. The foals could make out it’s red coat and large wings. It flew over them and began to generate a cone around it’s profile. After just passing overhead the cone shattered creating another deafening boom. The explosion of sound and air shook the foals to their core, knocking one to the ground. They watched the two streaks speed off over the border, straight into gryphon lands.

Rigel was gaining on his father, he knew he would catch him eventually. Though Solaris was highly skilled and didn’t lack for strength and stamina, he was past his prime. Even so, if Rigel hadn’t broke the sound barrier moments after his father, he might have gotten away. If he did, it would mean doom for Rigel and everything he had planned. It wasn’t going to happen.

Rigel lost his father in a cloudbank and gave chase, only after did he realize the crucial error he made. He pursued at too shallow an angle, giving his father time to counter. Solaris dove on Rigel the moment he emerged from under the clouds, his own blade in hoof. Rigel performed an aileron roll and spared his right wing from being slashed off. Instead he only lost some skin and fur from his stomach, just a glancing blow. Nevertheless, it was a mistake that almost cost Rigel the fight. He dove down and inverted, again coming on his father’s tail.

Solaris made another breakneck dash for the mountains, heading west now. Rigel gave chase once again, but this time there was something off. As they came out of the clouds, the fur on Rigel’s back stood up. He looked back at his six o’clock to find he and his father were not alone. Three gryphons were in close pursuit. Rigel saw them brandishing their wrist mounted crossbow contraptions. Pegasi used similar weapons in air combat, except with crystals stored with magical energy.

A bolt zipped past his head while another fell short just under his wing. Rigel cursed, he looked down and realized they must have crossed into gryphon territory. Was that part of his father’s plan? A distraction?

Rigel grinned, the thrill of the hunt starting to overtake him. They flew in a dizzying race through the canyons of the barren wasteland. The gryphons taking shots at Rigel when they could. Rigel had no trouble keeping them at a somewhat safe distance. The gryphons had trouble keeping up with two of the fastest and most talented pegasus fliers alive.

Solaris suddenly dove deeper into a canyon and zipped in between pillars and crevices, seemingly in an effort to dislodge his pursuer. Rigel closed in at every opportunity, each time getting a better glimpse of an attack angle. Just as he was about to strike, something caught his eye. Solaris quickly turned into a climb just before nearing a large black cave, then it came into full view. A fully grown wyvern, no, a dragon. Rigel could tell the difference by the ridges on it’s back. It was a small one, but a dragon nonetheless. It stuck it’s head out of the cave and saw Rigel. He had little time to react.

Rigel pulled up as far as he could, stretching his wings to the limit. He used the air currents in the narrow canyon to his advantage and forced a tight change in direction at the very last minute. A gout of fire shot into the air missing him by mere inches. He felt the heat swell on his stomach and rear legs, he was still burnt by being in such close proximity.

Behind him Rigel barely caught a glance of his pursuers, they never saw it coming and were incinerated. It was back to two once again, though that dragon could be a problem if it decided to give chase. Rigel didn’t have time to ponder it as his father crashed into him at intense speed. He was forced down again into another section of the canyon. Rigel struggled to breathe as the collision relieved him of what little air he had. Solaris slammed his hooves into Rigel’s stomach and forced him into the canyon wall as they flew downward. He felt skin and feathers being stripped from his body every second as he was pressed against the wall. Rigel allowed his father to exert more strength then turned him around into the same position. He held him there as long as he could before a piece of rock obstructed their descent and forced each pegasus away right before crashing to the ground.

Rigel groaned and looked around as the dust cleared. He was prepared for anything. A sudden burst of hot air rushed through the canyon and up the spires, clearing away the dust and debris. It was thermal energy from some of the nearby volcanoes and their vents. A sound forced Rigel to turn around and catch his father’s hoof. The knife Solaris held was nearly buried in his shoulder. Rigel grunted and wrenched it away, then kicked his father in the stomach. Solaris recovered and tackled Rigel to the ground with a sudden thrust of his wings. Their martial combat continued until Solaris eventually took to the air again. Rigel looked around and grabbed a sharp rock for a weapon, then followed.

Each pegasus waited for the other to make a move. If Rigel made one mistake, he would be skewered by the knife his father held. Solaris made a move, counting on the fatigue his son felt to work in his favor. Rigel dodged, then made a counter attack. Both efforts missed the mark. Rigel panted, he was every bit as tired as his father. The next rush of hot air made him just want to shut his wings and land.

Rigel’s eyes widened. He looked at his father and waited for the right moment. Each time his father made an attack, he would strike, then fully open his wings in order to both stop himself, and make a quick dodge backward if needed. It was the deadlock both of them were trapped in.

After a few moments of them circling each other, Rigel heard the sound. He made a move like he was going to attack, in turn baiting his father into making one. As Solaris closed, Rigel did something his father didn’t expect. Something he could never expect, something that was so anathema to the mighty Lord Hurricane it was almost poetic.

Rigel snapped his wings to his sides, and fell. Solaris was able to land a moderate blow to his son’s flank as he fell, leaving a deep cut near his cutie mark. However, it was then that he realized his fatal error. The fight was over.

As Rigel fell, the next burst of hot air swept through the canyon and around the walls and pillars where they were fighting. Rigel opened his wings and caught the air as it rushed upward, propelling him to his father. Solaris had spread his wings to slow himself during his initial attack, and when the air rushed by, he was jostled at an awkward angle. It only took a second to correct himself, but a second was all Rigel needed.

Solaris gasped as the sharp rock was plunged into his stomach and twisted. Rigel screamed as he flew upward, carrying his father with him as he tried to drive it deeper and deeper. They both rode the thermal wind out of the canyon then crashed into the ground just outside a dense forest.

Rigel was exhausted, he had been flying non stop for longer than he had ever done before. He felt a warm sensation on his leg and realized how deep he had been cut. Blood covered his red coat in a much darker shade. His wings felt like they were on fire, it hurt to move them. The air entering his lungs burned and tasted of ash and sulfur. He got up and saw his father lying on the ground with the rock lodged in his gut.

Rigel slowly limped over to Solaris and pressed his hoof on the rock, getting his attention.

“Aaahh!” his father screamed as his eyes shot open. “Rigel... goddess curse you...” he seethed.

“No, you’re the one who’s cursed, father. You and this damned legacy. You killed Epsilon.”

Solaris only glared at Rigel, his breathing now heavy.

Rigel jumped on his father and pressed his hooves into his neck, “Admit it! Admit you did it you piece of shit! You killed my baby brother, your son!”

“I did it! I did it you stupid, stupid boy! I should have done it sooner!” Solaris hissed.

Rigel sat up, tears beginning to form, “Why...? Just why? Is our legacy so important? Is our image more important than a child’s life?!”

“Your brother wasn’t a Hurricane! For goddess sake he wasn’t even a pegasus, he couldn’t even fly!!”

“And so what?!” Rigel screamed with every ounce of air left in his lungs. “He was still a pony, my brother and your son! He could have lived a life. He could have found a trade, worked as an architect or builder. He could have even lived a happy life on the ground. I would have still loved him, mother would have still loved him!”

“You don’t understand, boy,” Solaris said. “You never have. Our legacy is all that we are, it’s what we leave behind when we’re gone. All we have in our lives we owe to Commander Hurricane. You were never able to understand, and you never will. That is my failure, my shame.”

Rigel got up, he coughed up ash and looked around. He looked at his wings and his body. “I failed, too. All my life I carried my brother. He was my last tether to mother, having her eyes and smile. Her innocence and kindness. I held up our image and our legacy. I joined the Wonderbolts to carry our name and honor into the future. I did my duty as a son, but I couldn’t carry it all. I faltered, and it crushed Epsilon.”

Solaris laughed, “The Wonderbolts deserve better than you. Sun Streaker will find out about this, and you’ll be executed for the traitorous swine you are.”

Rigel turned around and stared down at his father, “Oh yes, he will find out, but not how you think. My time in the Wonderbolts is over. Now, I’ll go my own path. You see father, I realized something. This ego, this pride... I have it, too. You and Sun Streaker showed me that. I’m better than them, all of them. They’re going to find out first hoof, it’s too bad you won’t be around to see it.”

Solaris spit in his face and stretched his head up, “Do your worst, son.”

Rigel laughed as he picked up a nearby stone and gave it a toss. “I’ll make you proud, dad.”

Rigel brained his father several times before he took a breath to relax. He let the anger swell through him as he brought the rock down on his nose, his mouth, his head. Solaris’ teeth were strewn across the ground and his snout was a crumpled mess. However, it didn’t kill him, and didn’t make Rigel feel any better.

He looked over and saw his father’s knife laying on the edge of the cliff. Rigel limped over and picked it up. As he did, the ground shook as more smoke erupted from the nearest volcano. Rigel smiled as returned to his father.

“It’s these wings...” Rigel said through tears and anger. “It’s these damn, fucking wings.”

Solaris screamed in agony as the knife raked across his bone over and over, eventually severing his right wing at the stalk. Rigel picked it up and threw to the side, then began his work on the next one. The screams tore through the forest and canyon, alerting any and all who would be around to hear it. But there was nopony, only wyverns, dragons, and one former pegasus.

Rigel took the last wing and tossed it aside. He grabbed his father, gathered what little strength he had left, then took to the air. Rigel flew over the canyon to the peak of the nearest volcano. He hovered over the very much active crater. Looking down, he saw lakes of lava churning and spitting out onto the edges. Smoke and sulfur were so thick in the air it was almost impossible to breathe.

“Father, wake up!” Rigel said as he slapped him to get his attention. “This is it, father. You get the same chance Epsilon did. Don’t worry about your legacy, it’s in good hooves. Now make the pegasi proud. Fly!”

Rigel dropped his father and watched him plummet into the lava lake below. As if to reject the disgusting thing that was thrown in, the volcano shook and spewed a torrent of ash and debris into the air, nearly blinding Rigel. He righted himself as the air threw him upwards.

He took a moment to get his bearings, went about taking care of the evidence. The hard part was over, now to tie up loose ends and meet with Aldus.

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

At Cirrus Fortress, a storm had rolled in on schedule thanks to the weather ponies. Lightning cracked across the sky as the fortress swayed back and forth from the high winds. The double doors opened revealing an absolutely ragged pegasus. Torn and bleeding, bashed and bruised, Rigel limped up the stairs and wheezed as the cool air of the fortress entered his lungs. The servants in the hall, numbering about ten in total, all looked up in curiosity as one of the lords leaned precariously on the banister.

“Lord Rigel, what in the skies happened? Are you alright?” Cloudy Skies asked.

Rigel looked down at Epsilon’s old nanny and smiled. “There was an accident... but I’m fine. I need you to gather all the servants and have them here in five minutes. I have an important announcement to make.”

Rigel limped into the washroom and poured some soap on the deep cut on his flank. He didn’t have time to properly dress it, but that didn’t matter. He slapped a few crude bandages on it and hoped the bleeding would stop. After that, he went to his father’s room and rummaged through his desk looking for a certain document. After finding it, he scanned through the important parts briefly and felt a single tear fall from his eye. The touching moment was short lived however as his aunt burst into the room.

“What in Tartarus happened?” Cloudburst shrieked. “The servants say you came back alone, where are my brothers?”

Rigel swallowed and lowered his head, “All will be made clear in a moment, I’m going to address everyone in the hall.”

“Where are they?!” Cloudburst screamed.

Rigel limped over to the door, passing her in the process, “I’m fine, Auntie. Thanks for asking.”

Rigel made his way to the banister and looked down at sixty some servants gathered below. He was always in awe to see that so many ponies worked and lived their lives in the fortress. This was not going to be easy.

“I thank you all for coming on such short notice, but what I’m about to say next is very important. Early today I went on a hunting trip with my father and uncle. We were hunting wyverns far in the east near the border. It was something we used to do in my youth, something I wanted to do one more time before I was fully committed to the Wonderbolts. It’s a dangerous sport, and we didn’t take enough precautions. There was an accident, and both my uncle and father are no longer with us.”

The servants were shocked. They muttered to each other in disbelief, their voices soon turning to shouts as they wondered just what would happen to them now. It was quickly turning into chaos.

“Accident! What sort of accident could have happened?!” Cloudburst shouted from beside Rigel.

Rigel held his hoof up and called for silence, “I barely made it home alive, and will give a full accounting of the events at the proper time. However, now is not that time. I’ve made the decision to sell the fortress, and most of it’s belongings.”

“What?!” half the ponies gasped, including his aunt.

“As the sole survivor of our small family, this place is too large for only me, and would just serve as a reminder of what I lost. It’s time for me to move on. As my life moves in a different direction, it’s best to let go of the past.”

“My lord, what will we do?” Cloudy Skies asked, tears forming. “Some of us have lived here our whole lives, where will we go?”

More voices joined hers as the servants began to nervously look around and wonder about their uncertain future.

Rigel closed his eyes and slowly spread his wings. All the voices stopped as he flapped into the air, barely able to hover. He looked down at them and descended to the floor. He fell onto shaky legs and struggled to stand erect. He took Cloudy Skies’ hoof and smiled.

“All of you have served my family for so long. I’m in your debt. Epsilon appreciated each and every one of you, and I share his feelings. That’s why I will help each of you find new jobs and professions before I move to sell the property. It will be my last act of gratitude before we part ways. All of you are welcome to stay here until you land on your feet.”

The servants all gathered around Rigel and offered their thanks before returning to their tasks.

Rigel caught Cloudy Skies by her wingtip before walking away, “Could you prepare me transport to Canterlot. I need to leave immediately, and I don’t think I can make it there myself.”

Cloudy Skies gave a small smile and hugged Rigel, “Of course, my lord. It will be ready in ten minutes.”

Rigel hobbled up the stairs back to his room and put some of his essential possessions in a saddle bag. As he did, he noticed Cloudburst seething outside his door.

“You can’t do this...” she hissed.

“Do what, Auntie?” Rigel asked with a raised brow.

“Don’t ‘Auntie’ me, boy. You can’t just sell my home.”

“Your home?” Rigel asked with a chuckle, “I don’t see your name on it?”

“I’m the eldest Hurricane here, it belongs to me!” Cloudburst shouted.

Rigel limped by her and back into his father’s study, there he found some documents regarding the fortress and slipped them into a folder. He also found a certain key he would be using in the near future.

“Normally, you’d be right. You are the eldest, but there’s just one small snag...” Rigel said with a mocking frown. He held up the deed to the fortress along with another document, his mother’s will.

“What is this?” Cloudburst snapped as she snatched the paper from his hoof.

“It’s my mother’s will, the deed to the fortress was to be transferred to her upon her death. Solaris signed it willingly. As per her dying wishes, if anything were to happen to Solaris, or to me, the fortress would belong to Epsilon to do as he saw fit. However, since he no longer is with us, and Solaris is gone, it now goes to me...”

“You can’t just sell it! It’s my home! It belongs to me, to my brother! He can’t do that! You can’t do that!” Cloudburst stuttered.

“Don’t worry, Auntie. I’m sure you’ll find a better place to live. You have several friends, perhaps they can take you in.”

Rigel turned around and caught a hoof across the face. He reeled from the sting and saw his corpulent aunt fuming at him. “Your mother... she had no right, she tricked my brother into signing that! It was his, ours!”

“It’s mine, now.” Rigel said. “Goodbye, Auntie. I’m sure you’ll be fine.”

Cloudburst flew in front of Rigel and blocked the door. “I know what you did, Rigel. You think I’m stupid? That cut on your flank, that’s a knife wound. You killed my brothers, didn’t you?”

“An expert on blade injuries now, are we?” Rigel asked. He grinned and leaned within inches of her muzzle, “Discuss those at your little gatherings, do you?”

As Rigel moved to leave, he stopped when the next sentence left his Aunt’s lips.

“Your mother was a harlot, Rigel. I don’t know why Solaris married her, it was against the wishes of everypony in our family. Very few weeped when she was gone.”

Rigel dropped his bag and turned around to face his aunt. He looked to the couch, and the large pillow that sat on it’s edge. He slowly closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “You know the hardest thing to bear, Aunt Cloudburst? Epsilon would have let you stay here. If he were alive he would have let you stay, and he would have forgiven you for what you just said. My little brother was a better pony than I.”

Rigel reached the door and glanced over his shoulder, “You have as long as the servants do. After that, I suggest you find a job. Having never worked, I can only suggest you use what you have.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?” Cloudburst spat.

“Make use of that bloated flank and find a good street corner.”

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

“YOU WHAT?!”

Rigel winced at the volume, he took it better than expected.

Aldus paced back and forth in his chambers. He had been woken up in the middle of the night. Aldus lived in one of the higher towers close to Luna. It was simple for Rigel to elude the guards and enter. Aldus kept a key to his windows in one of the potted plants outside. He obviously forgot he told Rigel where it was.

All in all Aldus was in quite a state. He saw Rigel barely standing in front of him, then rushed off to get some healing scrolls to stop the blood dripping all over his floor. As he performed the spells, Rigel told him what happened.

“They’re gone?” Aldus asked.

“Yes,” Rigel answered.

“The bodies, your father’s wings, the weapons... all gone? Nopony could find them?”

“I’ve taken care of it,” Rigel said while laying on some pillows.

Aldus summoned his magic and sat on his haunches. He checked that the noise dampening spell was in place for the fourth time. Nopony would hear what they were saying, not with that spell in place.

“The gryphons... what of them?” Aldus asked.

“Incinerated like I said,” Rigel replied.

“When you passed over the border, did anypony see you? Did you see any villages or homes on either side?”

Rigel rubbed his forehead, “I don’t know... it was all so fast, I wasn’t really paying attention to the scenery Aldu-”

“This is important, Rigel!” Aldus said teleporting directly in front of him. “We must be thorough, were there ponies that might have seen you?”

Rigel strained to remember, “I think there were some houses near the border, near a patch of two forests.”

Aldus teleported again and returned in a flash with a map. He spread it out and glared at Rigel, “Show me.”

“I think it’s this one...” Rigel said with nod.

“You think, or you know?” Aldus asked.

“I know,” Rigel replied.

Aldus sat back and levitated over his flask, “I’ll need to call in a few favors, we’ll take care of them.”

Rigel frowned, “Aldus... you’re not going to...”

“Relax big guy,” Aldus said. “We’ll move them, that’s all. And perhaps give them some incentive to keep their mouths shut.”  

“Aldus, I don’t know what to say...” Rigel whispered. “This is above and beyond.”

Aldus took another drink from his flask, “I remember when I started school here. Every day I would dread being let out to play. Those foals would come and beat me up, I suppose I looked like an easy target. I went to the teachers, when the foals found out, my beatings were twice as bad. Lilith wanted to do something but I talked her out of it. I waited for those beatings every day I went outside. Then, out of the blue, this red pegasus colt shows up and asks them to stop. When they refused, he beat them senseless. I thought he would get in trouble, but nothing happened to him. Later I found out his father kept him from punishment. He had a family name that was very special. So, I wondered, why would a special and likely rich pony help me? I was just some scrawny pathetic foal who couldn’t look out for himself. I had no name, no family, just a loving guardian who struggled to pay for us both. I had nothing of value to offer. Then, that red colt came over to the tree I used to sit under and asked if he could eat lunch with me.”

Rigel felt his eyes getting misty, “I hated bullies... still do.”

Aldus nodded, “That colt saved me back then, he just didn’t realize it. I’m returning the favor.”

Rigel grabbed Aldus in a giant hug and rubbed his mane, “It had to be done, Aldus. I’ll tell you more about it later. For now, I need a place in the court.”

“Right,” Aldus said as Rigel let him go. “Hmm, I’ll need to create a position. How does Chief Star Cartographer sound?”

“Chief what now?” Rigel asked.

“Cartographer...” Aldus repeated. “Map maker, you map the stars in the sky.”

Rigel leaned back a bit, “Aldus... I don’t know the first thing about any of that.”

“Well you’re not completely stupid,” Aldus joked with a shrug. “You can learn, and it’s just something to look official anyway. Truth is there aren’t many charts or maps, just some Luna makes from time to time.”

“Did somepony say my name?” A female voice sang from the hall outside.

Aldus nearly pissed himself, with Rigel not too far behind.

“I thought you said nopony could hear us?!” Rigel said through gritted teeth.

“They can’t!” Aldus said while putting on his robes and heading for the door.

“Come now boys, I’m very experienced with magic... if I want to hear something, a simple spell is easy enough to undo.”

Aldus opened the door to reveal Luna standing outside in her bath robes. Her mane was wet and hanging loose down her neck. “Princess... Rigel and I were just... um, you see... well... he-”

“You’re seldom at a loss for words, Aldus. What is going on?”

Rigel appeared behind his friend and bowed, “Hello, Luna. May I still call you Luna? Aldus and I were discussing some personal matters.”

Luna smiled, “I thought I saw something fly into Aldus’ tower, but I didn’t think it would be you. And of course you can call me Luna.”

“Luna,” Rigel said. “Is there someplace we can talk in private?”

Luna smiled, “Follow me young stallion.”

Rigel followed Luna up to her chambers, then further up the tower. He soon found himself in her observatory. It was massive for how small the tower appeared on the outside.

“So, I admit I eavesdropped a bit. You’ll be working for me, this is where you’ll be. Do you like it?”

“I do, it’s most impressive. But Luna, there is something I need to say.”

Luna walked over to Rigel and looked up at him. She shook her head and pressed a hoof to his lips. “Remember what you said to me? What you told me not to forget?”

“That you are my princess.” Rigel stated.

“Correct, and you are my loyal subject. You can tell me what happened in due time.”

 Luna walked away to stand near the circular glass bordering the room. Rigel slowly moved to stand behind her.

“Do you remember when you offered me a place in your court?” Rigel asked.

“Of course, I’m glad you’re here now. Though I thought you would keep your career in the Wonderbolts, or at least finish your training.”

Rigel spread his wings and knelt down. She turned around and wondered what he was doing.

“Luna... how would you like to have your very own Wonderbolts?”

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

 It was early morning when Sun Streaker pushed open the doors to his wing in the military garrison. The base of the Wonderbolts was located on a high peak northeast of Canterlot. It was here that they were formed, on the mountains and in the clouds. Of course they held a presence in the city near the princesses, but this was where Sun Streaker preferred to stay, especially when the cadets would be arriving to finish their training.

He grabbed a cup of coffee and the morning paper. As he walked down toward his office, his secretary rushed to meet him. A young pegasus mare, she looked worried about something.

“Sir, I’m sorry. I didn’t know he was here until I arrived myself.”

“What are you talking about?” Sun Streaker asked.

“I don’t know how he got in your office, but I asked him to leave before you came.”

Sun Streaker cracked his neck. Somepony was in his private office? Whoever they were, they were going to be sorry.

He reached his office and shoved open the doors to find a red pegasus stallion reclining at his desk. He had his back turned and his hooves kicked up on the shelves.

“Ah, Commander Sun Streaker! With how early you make us cadets get up, I thought you’d be here sooner...”

“Rigel, what are you doing?!” Sun Streaker snapped. “How did you get in my office?!”

Rigel whirled around in the chair, but didn’t get up just yet. He pointed at the paper, “Did you read that yet?”

Sun Streaker was gobsmacked. “The paper? No. Why? Why are you here, cadet?!”

Rigel got up and pointed to the paper, “That’s why.”

Sun Streaker looked down and read the news about Solaris and Helios. His jaw hit the floor. “Oh goddess. I’m sorry, Rigel.”

“I was lucky to get out of there alive, Commander. But I didn’t come here to tell you about them.” Rigel reached into a saddlebag and produced a key, “This is how I got in, it was in my father’s drawer.”

“Oh, I see... well, in light of the circumstances, I won’t reprimand you for your blatant breach of conduct.”

“You won’t be reprimanding me for anything ever, sir.” Rigel said as he produced another item from his bag. He placed his recruit pin on Sun Streakers desk and smiled, “I quit.”

Sun Streaker was gobsmacked again, “Y-you what?”

“I quit, the Wonderbolts have nothing else to offer me.”

“What? Why? For what reasons?”

Rigel stepped closer to Sun Streaker and looked him in the eye, “I’d pin it on the leadership... sir.”

Sun Streaker composed himself and stepped back, moving around his desk, “You have no idea what you’re doing, son.”

Rigel smiled, “I’m not your son, and I have never been more sure of a decision in my life.”

“What are you going to do other than fly, Rigel? It’s all you know, it’s all you’ve ever known. I’ve watched you since you were in diapers. It’s what you were meant to be!”

“I’m going to be a cartographer for Princess Luna, I start tomorrow.” Rigel said.

Sun Streaker burst out laughing, “You can’t be serious.”

“I am, it’s something I’m looking forward to.” Rigel said while turning to leave.

He stopped at a picture hanging on the wall near the door. Rigel whistled in awe. “So this is it, huh? Your famous Sonic Rainboom? Very pretty colors... but I wonder, what are the practical applications? Will it save your life in a dogfight?”

“It will...” Sun Streaker replied, this time in a more dangerous tone.

Rigel laughed and smiled pityingly at his former commander. “No... it won’t.”

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

At the stroke of midnight, Crosswind was in the air and flying south. The air nipped at her ears as she soared through the calm and pristine night sky. She never had a particular love for either of the princesses, but the calm tranquility of night was something she always found nice. She flew lower upon reaching the plains below Canterlot. Following a river, she passed over a quaint little hamlet on the edge of the Everfree Forest.

Crosswind swallowed and increased her altitude apprehensively. She did not want to venture too close to those trees. Who knows what lurked in those nightmarish woods below. Visions of tentacled vines lashing out and binding her wings together raced across her mind. Dragging her screaming into the canopy to never been heard from again. Come to think of it, her mother had told her some really disturbing stories as a foal. She would need to have a word with her next time she was home.

As she flew deeper into the forest, she saw her destination. Jutting toward the sky surrounded by tall trees was the ancient, dilapidated castle of the two pony sisters. To think, Celestia and Luna once lived here all those years ago.

Crosswind flew around the castle and landed in the hall through a caved in roof. She looked around and didn’t see anything. Why would Rigel call her all the way out here in the middle of the night? Did he not care about the training they were about to start in the morning?

Crosswind flew up to the roof and looked around, if this was some kind of joke she’d make sure to get him back two fold. But that was the thing, Rigel didn’t play jokes.

“Took you long enough,” A deep voice called from somewhere above.

Crosswind flared her wings and looked around. She saw shadows move on nearby tower. Four statues of armored ponies bordered the spire at the very top. One opened it’s wings and leaned down, then dropped to glide to the roof.

“Rigel... goddess you scared me, what’s all this about? Why are we out here so late? We have training in the morning.”

“I quit the Wonderbolts, Cross.” Rigel said while still staying in the shadows. “There’s nothing for me among such ponies, and I’ve far outstripped them in talent.”

Crosswind frowned. She didn’t like Rigel acting all smug like the Wonderbolt leadership. He wasn’t like that. Her Rigel was a kind and caring pony.

“Have you? And just when did this happen?” Crosswind asked.

“When I pushed myself further than ever before, and witnessed the results. They have nothing to offer me.”

Crosswind rubbed her leg nervously, “Is... this having to do with your father and uncle? I heard earlier today. Rigel I’m so sorry.”

“Don’t be, I’m not.” Rigel answered.

“Rigel... I don’t understand. What’s wrong with you? I’ve never seen you this way before.”

Rigel stepped out of the shadows and walked over to Crosswind. He wore golden flight goggles the likes Crosswind had never seen before. They were curved more than regular ones, and the faintest light reflected from their surface to give the impression of glowing eyes.

“There are things I need to tell you, Cross. Things that I’ve only told one pony. They will make things clear. But I need to know if I can trust you.”

“Rigel,” Crosswind said while hugging him around the neck, “Of course you can trust me.”

“In time, I’ll tell you... but for now... I have a proposition.” Rigel said.

Crosswind cocked her head to the side, “What kind of proposition?”

Rigel took a deep breath and looked at the moon, “If I told you I was creating an organization, a secret one, at least for now, what would you think? What if I told you that organization was just like the Wonderbolts, but only serving the Night Court and Princess Luna?”

Crosswind backed away slowly, “The Wonderbolts serve both princesses, they are aligned to neither specifically.”

“Do you really believe that, Cross? Don’t be foolish.” Rigel said with a smirk.

“I don’t know, Rigel. This sounds bad...”

“I have permission from Luna herself, it will be small, nothing like the Wonderbolts are now. I want you to join me, Crosswind. Be my second in command. Answer only to me and to Luna. Please...”

Crosswind looked at her hooves, “Rigel... I... I don’t know...”

“They killed him, Crossy...” Rigel said. He took off his goggles and allowed his tears to glisten in the moonlight. “They killed Epsilon. Solaris, Helios, and Sun Streaker. I can’t tell you how right now... but they did... I found out...”

Crosswind looked up, shocked. “Are you sure? I- how could they?”

Rigel flew over to Crosswind and picked her up, “Help me, Crosswind. I don’t want to do this without you. Help me create something to stop their disgusting legacy, the legacy and foolish pride that took my brother.”

Crosswind looked down as Rigel lowered her back to the roof. “If I quit... I only serve you?”

“Only me...” Rigel answered.

“What about the pay?”

“I can arrange much more than we ever made in the Wonderbolts.”

“We’ll be practicing and recruiting?” Crosswind asked.

“Mostly at night, though not always. And yes, we’ll recruit anypony who wants to join and can show themselves worthy. Oh... and they don’t even have to be ponies.” Rigel said with a grin.

Crosswind’s eyes widened, “We could work with gryphons? I have some gryphon friends!”

“I know...” Rigel replied with a confident smile, “Think they’ll be interested?”

“I’ll find out!” Crosswind said as she jittered with excitement.

“So that’s a yes?” Rigel asked.

“Yes...” Crosswind answered. “I’ll help you. But Rigel, what will we be called?”

Rigel smiled and walked around back into the darkness of the tower. “We serve the “lesser” princess, or so I’m told. We fly at night, and exist in the shadow of the mighty Wonderbolts. Therefore... making our home in the shadows. We will be the Shadow Bolts.”