The sun's waves composed a melody of tranquility dancing into my chambers and there was a chilliness amongst the air that felt nice after the hard sleep. I twirled on the mattress that I laid on savering in its softness and how delightful a bed felt after the long withdrawal from sleep. The sheets had been neatly folded and tucked in around me; however, I pulled them out celebrating the feeling of Bliss.

"You sleep well my dear?" I rolled out of bed in panic, smashing my horn into the flooring and giving myself a migraine. "Oh I am so sorry! Are you okay dear?" I raised myself to discover where the soft angelic voice was originating from to find a mid-sized light purple mare staring at me with a flowing dark purple mane. "You are Bladz correct?" I nodded my head in uncertainty. "My name is Mari! It is such a pleasure to meet you Sir."

"Hello Mari? Where am I right now?" I scanned the room to find delicately crafted fabrics and arts scattered neatly throughout.

"That would be my bed chambers." I rushed myself out of the tangle of the bed sheets and jumped to my feet. "You are a funny young stallion aren't you. Do not worry I brought you here and tucked you in, you are fine."

"If this is your room, where did you sleep?"

"Well with you of course." I jumped back as an initial reaction. "What? I slept  in this room on my couch?" She walked over towards a neatly placed couch and sat herself down.

"So Mari where am I?"

"Next to my bed... in my room...?"

"I mean where am I as in the place."

"Our castle? Where else would you be?"

"You are Queen Mari! I am so sorry for that!" She laughed at my reaction and laid upon here couch.

"I would not say queen. I am Elitan's sister, not his wife; so I am not a queen. Even if Elitan would like to proclaim that I am a queen in an effort to flatter me."

"Pardon me for asking but how old are you madam?"

"You're fine! I am Elitan's twin, I saw what you were trying to figure out." I examined her to find that she had the cutie mark of a seven blue spikes in a circle.

"What does that mean?" I pointed at her flank.

"That is my cutie mark! I have a side hobby creating things and inventing; the blue spikes match my first project I did of a generator when I was little that power a nightlight."

"That's a cool talent!" I had never heard of a Mare who was an inventor, nor an earth pony for that matter.

"Well thank you! What is yours about?"

"I do not have one I do not think?"

"Then what is that?" I turned to see a complex outline constructed of seven shapes illustrated on my flank with each of the differing bands beholding a unique color. Then one by one the colors disappeared leaving only their shapes' outlines.

"I have a cutie mark... but what does it mean?"

"I do not have any idea but did it just change?"

"The colors just disappeared... yea you just saw what I just saw... What does that even mean?

"I do not know? Have never seen anything so strange."

"What even happened last night?" I strolled over and sat down alongside Mari.

"I think that is a question you should ask yourself" Lightning proclaimed standing at the door. "I will tell you what happened after I knocked you out if you tell me what happened beforehand."

"You were there beforehand... when did you knock me out?"

"Maybe he was correct." I shifted my head at Lightning. "Lord Armonia stated you would hold no recognition of the happenings of last night; he was correct."

"Did he erase my memory or something?"

"He told me that the display I almost saw yesterday was your release and that you were not ready to control it. I do not understand it but there was this symbol that appeared on the ground which I see is the same as your cutie mark now! Congratulations I know you have waited a long time for that!"

"I do not understand?"

"We can ask Armonia about it when he gets back. I have to warn you though... even he was full of doubt when he was stating just that little bit to me."

"What about Sypherous?"

"Let us explain this to you as a group once everyone gets back." Lightning turned around and smiled in a manner that caused the sunshine to reflect off his teeth and radiate through the room before motioning down the hall and downstairs; both Mari and I followed.

The hallway was a tremendous amount brighter than I could've recalled from yesterday and everything seemed to be neatly placed in their location. Everything was neatly cleaned and adjusted, except one thing - the suit of armor that was on display in the hallway was missing. The Grand Hall was the only room where I noticed any change of scenery in as the blinds had been changed from a mint green to a warm yellow; however, the rug and flooring appeared untouched despite yesterday's happenings.

"You want breakfast?" Lightning inquired pulling a plate off the middle shelf of a cart and proceeding to pull lids off platters revealing a spectrum of different tastes.

"Some diced potatoes and a some seasoned apples would be fine." I informed Lightning accordingly taking a seat at small round table that had been set up in the corner next to a greeting window. .

"Hash browns and an apple danish fine?"

"Sure, that is fine," I nodded. "Thanks Lightning!"

"It is not a problem" he proclaimed sliding the plate over to my location. Mari took a spot next to me and extended her legs in relaxation.

"This breakfast feels nice after that sleep; tasty and warm."

"Well thank you Sir. I made it all this morning fresh!" Mari rejoiced.

"Oh you didn't have to go to such extents for us" I blushed.

"Of course I did! Not everyday we have visitors that are as heroic as you four!" Mari was content with herself as she extended friendly warmth across the table. "You know Bladz you are such an interesting character! Being so humble about the meal, falling out of bed in innocence, and mumbling in your sleep..." My head impacted the table as she declared the last one. "What? You were so cute talking with this Cristalla mare... that your marefriend?"

"Sister" Lightning informed her.

"Ahh that makes sense then! The way you were talking made you two seem like really close friends!" My face was superglued to the table as I made tiny circles with my horn. Mari was getting a kick out of my behavior and was charmed by my embarrassment.

"How long was I even a sleep for?"

"If you just got up fourteen hours" a familiar voice proclaimed from across the room. I turned to see Armonia followed by Elitan and Carnivorous enter. "It is the ninth hour of the day now."

"Why can't we just say nine o'clock in the morning!" Carnivorous whined.

"I do not know actually; just I have always heard it by the hour in that format," Armonia admitted. "Do you usually hear is as o'clock?"

"Carnivorous operates off actions not times" Lightning amused to the group. "Breakfast, lunch, dinner, bed, and training are the only times that he understands."

"You forgot desert time"

"Please that term results in an action that I rather forget on a daily basis!" Carnivorous claiming an expression of a mixture of defeat and satisfaction took a seat across from me.

"So what happened yesterday?" I addressed to Armonia.

"I asked Lightning to sedate you after your emotions got the best of you... do not worry though because nothing major damaging happened because of it; however, the wind that you created did allow Captain Carnivorous to use the current to his advantage and impact Sypherous with a strong enough blow while he was awed to knock him into a wall permitting Elitan and I enough time for me to lower my shield safely." Carnivorous conducted in a small bow in recognition of his name.

"And where is Sypherous now?"

"Gone" Elitan announced. I dilated my eyes towards the two.

"How did you harness the power to defeat him without the orbs?" I demand in surprise. Armonia took place next to me and sighed.

"I did not defeat him. He defeated himself or you did it; I do not know which way it was."

"What do you mean by that? Did you not say that I was unconscious!" I got myself up from my seat so I could get a thorough view of Armonia's face.

"What I mean is that after realizing how much potential power you had Sypherous attempted to siphon the power from you. When he charged up and touched you, you were still glowing; all we saw was that simple touch on your horn cause your white coat color to transfer and supersede his blackened coat. Panic was evoked in his eyes as his pupils translated from red to white. And then he shattered and a black crystal laid in his place floating in the air." Armonia flitched from the memory.

"What happened next?" I asked. Lightning approached me and rubbed my mane.

"Six more crystals of the same size roughly arose from various points on the ground encircling around you, each of a differing color, and formed the circle that is on your flank currently. The crystals glowed their color before dissolving into light that radiated at your flank and then were absorbed. We do not know if your cutie mark appeared after that or not because I do not remember seeing it as I carried you to Mari's room as she tucked you in; however, at that time you still had a lot of your color still missing from your face." Lightning explained.

"Pretty cool way to get a cutie mark if you ask me!" Carnivorous celebrated while stuffing down hash browns. "Lightning and I got our cutie marks at flight camp and it was nowhere nearly as cool! Although we got ours in moments of happiness; your's originated from probably the scariest method I have ever heard or read about."

I wonder if after that even is when I dreamt of the voices?

"Lord Armonia are you okay?" I pondered as he was still staring off into ceiling.

"I just do not understand it. This was not what I was expecting...I knew you were high potential but this is not what I was expecting." he cried out silently and laid silent for a few moments as we watched him. "So what is your cutie mark anyway?"

"You are not aware?" He shook his head in defeat. Armonia I could see was not used to not understanding something and the rapid change of events of yesterday had left him in confusion that he had never experienced before. "I believe it is a Santum; however, it is missing all the words."

"A what?"

"It is a symbol that was used to connect the act of magic to divinity; however, lost recognition about three thousand years ago."

"Where did you learn that from?"

"I do not know?" I now lowered my head in confusion now.

"It is okay guys! All that is important is that we all are here and that there is a bright and shining future ahead of us!" Mari commanded.

"Mari; you are always in a good mood and know how to turn my frowns upside down!" Elitan exclaimed causing Armonia and I to recover from our slumps a bit. "The meeting with the nomads is in just over an hour; want to start to prepare for their arrival you two?" Elitan motioned towards us and poked Armonia's face. "Hello Lord Frown, how is the weather under that dark cloud?"

"Dark cloud?" Lightning flailed in surprise to realize that Elitan was metaphorical. "I hate you... you startled me!"

"Weather peagsi will be weather pegasi" I cheered and laughed at Lightning's reactions.

The nomads arrived on time at the eleventh hour in a sense of uneasiness and tensions could be felt as the leader of the group passed in a state of stern surrender. The nomads were forced to this location under a decree by Daniel beforehand five days ago and in expectations of the pseudo-commander's manners it is fair to believe that the nomads were not thrilled to be invited to such an occasion. The nomads were ignorant of the King's real identity and the persona that was illustrated to them initially was not one of celebration. Two larger earth pony nomads trailed the assumed leader of the group and were most evidently designed as guards in case the negotiations did not go smoothly, even though, I am pretty sure that any actions they attempt while be easily handled by us from Serentia; the nomads as they began to take in more attention to us were similar to the commoners around this kingdom as they were confused by the presence of unicorns and pegasi; however, their expressions showed a new form of ignorance for we may had been the first of our breeds that they have ever witnessed and could not understand why we had wings or horns.

"Welcome to Tempeoca Castle!" Elitan exclaimed pulling three chairs aside so they all can sit down at the oval table we set out and fashioned with a formal kingdom display. They took their seats on the left as Lightning and Carnivorous took the middles of the longer sides granting the nomads a large section per person. Content with their arrangement Elitan placed himself just scew from the center of the right end with Armonia and I to his sides; Mari took her place next to me upon setting a platter of chocolate chip cookies in the center of the table. Carnivorous stood strong against the temptation; however, is eyes were in rapid motion.

"Good afternoon ... King Elitan," the nomad proclaimed.

"Right off the back I would like to say that the nomadic ponies are welcomed in Tempeoca."

"Nonsense!... Wait what?"

"I was reading over the report that I was given on the incident and I see that this whole mess was sparked over the destruction of the crops of a planter's field. I would be more than happy to open trade with the nomadic groups and would like to extend this kingdom's hand in friendship after so many years that we have been bickering neighbors."

"Your farmer overstepped his boundaries and was on our soils"

"Actually I had Lord Armonia from the Serentian Empire go over the math of the borders and he found out that the farmer was a quarter of a kilometer into our lands. The lake which was used for reference on the map that both our people use does not take into consideration changes that have occurred within the last ten years. The planter's family reported to me that the lake on our border had dried up four years ago and when I looked in the archives I did in fact find a letter addressed to me from this family from this date that never made it to me because an error in sorting." Elitan recollected showing the nomad the map analysis that Armonia conducted.

"So we were wrong... I am sorry for the trouble then"

"That is not why I asked you here as I have stated already! For years we have been bickering and today I want to put an end to this! Please accept my formal plan for trade agreements and my informal policy for open door collaboration." Elitan proclaimed with a grin.

"How can we know that this is what you seek! Your commander informed us otherwise!" I departed my seat and motioned towards the nomads who examined me.

"I would like to point out to you gentlemen that where do you see this commander in this room?" The nomads were a little taken back by the question. I continued on declaring "the Sir Daniel that threatened you here was not the commander that Elitan had anticipated. He was instead Lord Sypherous from the old Ancasian Empire seeking to take his revenge on us of the Serentian government by trying to focus our attention against this kingdom and the vice-versa. When Elitan failed to accuse us for abducting his sister Sypherous' plan was failing causing him to attempt to overthrow this Kingdom and use it as a starting point to reclaim the world in his name; knocking out the force that defeated him in the initial process. Sypherous underestimated us and in the end he was defeated and destroyed, rid from harming this kingdom or any other nation."

"Who are you if I may ask?" the nomad inquired.

"I am Bladz. Unicorn from Serentia and student under Armonia!"

I should get a sign soon and just start waving it around... I have been having to explain myself too much lately.

"Sorry for my ignorance; we nomads are knowledgeable of the world; however, distance breeds ignorance of my people. Why should I listen to a student?"

"You should listen to him because he was the one who vanquished Sypherous without the aid of external magic." Armonia decreed.

"Also look at him! His mane is fantastic and he has a wonderful white coat!" Mari declared. revolving around the table we each took a turn rolling our eyes at the statement even though I was flattered by the comment. "Be quiet... I can make my own decisions... I just really like his mane..." Mari mumbled to herself.

"Well then it is decided!" The nomad and his guards arose from their seats, with the leader with a hint of amusement with the recent occurrence. "The nomadic tribes understand their miscalculations and would be more than ecstatic to accept a new trade partner, a new open door policy.... and a new friend." We all rose in delight in the haste and beneficial compromise. Elitan and the nomad shook hooves and embraced their new friend. "I should be returning to inform my people; however, I would like to personally thank you for ending a tension that has troubled my people for many decades."

"Thank you my friend" Elitan padded the nomadic leader before he recessed out of the hall and back towards his people. "Thank you guys for your support!"

"Excuse me but I have a very, very important question!" Carnivorous demanded.

"Yes you can eat the cookies" I replied. Picking up the entire platter he began to stuff his face in chocolatey deliciousness. "Eventful start of the week this has been!"

"I suppose; I invited you here thinking that it was just going to be a standard, boring diplomatic event and then we aided in granting Tempeorca two alliances, one with ourselves, saved this kingdom from collapse under the evil plans of Sypherous, rescued Lady Mari here from danger, and you found your cutie mark." Armonia celebrated. Mari applauded in recognition of our deeds once again strangly causing Lord Amonia to sigh.

"What is wrong Lord of Serentia? Worried? Sick? Are you hungry? Is that what is wrong?" Mari questioned hopping from one location to another.

"You remind me of someone else that I know. Not sure which one of you two are more entertaining." Armonia explained in annoyance rolling his eyes discreetly while maintaining good faith and pose. Elitan still aroused from the negoations and how well they worked out in his kingdom's favor was especially amused by Armonia's responses to his sister's joyous attempts.

"We all know someone who is always in a good mood and it is a pleasure to have them around! They brighter our day with cheer and fill our hearts with sunshine through their smiles, celebrations, and ambitions." Lightning directed to Mari who gladly accepted the compliment.

"speaking of which," King Elitan interrupted. " I have something for you Bladz, for all of you to be realistic." My facial features epanded in recongition of his statement.

"What is it?"

"Nothing major, follow me for a minute." Obeying his command I followed behind him as the others out of curiosity trailed as well. Mari seizing the opportunity charged up along my side and offered me a cookie that she managed to get past Carnivorous.

"That is a dangerous feat there taking a cookie while he is shoving them down, you could of very easily lost a leg in that action." I informed her; however, she was amused by my concerns.

"I would of been worth the danger after what you did for me; however, I baked this cookie special for you."

"How did you drug it?" I inquired. Mari took on a confused look for a moment before her amusement intenisified.

"The cookie is a new recpie that I am trying out. I wanted to see how you liked it."

"How come you want me try it? Why not the others?" I declared popping the cookie into my mouth.

"Well Elitan is not a big fan of cookie and I would not expect Lord Armonia to be that large of a fan either. Captain Carnivorous would devour it to fast to get a real taste and if it is bad I do not want Lightning to eat it. I would prefer that you enjoy it though instead of the logic behind it. I mean what are friends for?" I began to choked on the cookie at that moment and had a hard time swollowing; however, managed after a six second episode sparking international interests from the group. "Oh! Was the new recipe taste bad?" Mari's smile began to fade from the state of excitement it recently enjoyed.

"No it is wonderful! One of the best cookies I had ever had! You just caught me off guard is all."

"Too buttery? Salty? Tart? Sweet? Too many distinct flavors? Does it need less of something?"

"No the recipe is fantastic! I was just not you to call me your friend." Mari's anxiety increased as she diluted to allow sorrow if needed.

"It is okay with you right?" she muttered.

"Oh course it is!" I cheered causing her to explode with cheerfulness.

My first actual real friend besides for my sister. Who would of though my first friend would be the theoretical queen of Tempeoca.

"Mentor?" I turned to question him. "Since Mari is not actually a queen yet a member of royal blood doesn't that make her a princess?" Mari was puzzled by this question and did not understand my meaning.

"In traditional earth pony views yes; however, that word was altered to take on a new meaning long ago and has been given to very few ponies. Lord and Lady are better terms for those of royalty or power that are not a king or queen. I am surprised you did not know about that from all your readings."

"I do not recall only readings on them." I admitted.

"Well it has been a while since the world has dealt with one of them. Could of been just the effect of time that has resulted in this." Armonia nodded and motioned for me to continue on. "I will explain it to you later on." Mari and I continued on for the rest of way in silence. Elitan directed us down two flights of stairs and upon a room that was guarded by a powerful yellow magic aura.

"Lord Armonia will you please be so kind as to deactivate this spell" Elitan insisted. Complying to the request, Armonai dispelled the protection spell and Elitan opened to door to relieve the royal archives.

"So this is what laid behind the door you asked me to protect." Amonia stated. Elitan was half-listening and he descended into a row of junk and returned with Sypherous' armor.

"I would like to grant you this set of armor Bladz for your Empire's assistance to Tempeoca."

"That is a royal artifact of your kingdom though" I protested.

"Not anymore. You have showed me that this armor is in better hands if left with Serentia and to be honest you look a little excluded when all of the other three are wearing nice sets of armor." Elitan motioned to Armonia, Lightning, and Carnivorous.

"Wait! This armor is not the same armor we saw yesterday!" I turned to Armonia and Lightning who nodded in agreement. "The armor from yesterday was silver, not black like this one, and was not as lustrous."

"That is because it is not the same armor as you all saw upstairs. Armonia and I stashed that replica in my royal bedroom; however, it was not until yesterday that I realized what this armor really was. Sypherous, as you called him, was after the replica of this armor unaware of the truth that the real laid down here."

"Why did I lock off this room yesterday then is if you were unaware of the armor?" Armonia requested. Elitan held his hoof up in acknowledgement and disappeared for a moment returning with a box.

"This box was alongside the armor, it gives off a high amount of dark energy on a moonless night and I suspected if it was a dark force who abducted Mari then this box is what they would be after. I think it would be safer with  you guys, you can have this too." I took the box from Elitan examining it closely to review no locking system yet held closed by a powerful dark power.

"What is holding this closed?" Elitan took attention to my request and turned to view upon the armor.

"I am unaware, however, I am assuming it is the same power that has stained this armor black. The armor was jet black in every aspect and was composed of a rigid finish. The durability and elegance of the armor was on par with the quality level of Armonia's lacking a seeming hoof-fabricated feel to it. I approached the armor and gazed upon it analyzing its uniqueness. "Why don't you try it on? If anything happens we all are here to prevent you from being harmed." I nodded and reached down to pick up the metal. Upon contact, however, we were no longer working with the same armor as the darkness faded and was replaced with a white-silver finish complementing my coat and the rigidity smoothed out to become flat.

"Well it is magic armor after all." Armonia determined.

"What do you mean Sir?" I starred in anticipation of a response.

"The armor accepted you are the wearer and reconfigured itself to match your coat and figure." I nodded in surprise, yet it was not the weirdest thing I had seen within the last forty-eight hours and in content I pulled the armor over my head, body, and flank, and stood proud.

"Looks nice on you Bladz." Lightning admitted. "Almost a little jealous of how nice it looks." All of us glimmered at this statement as well all retreated back towards to main hall.

The time at the castle was approaching the second hour of the afternoon and none of us had enjoyed a dinner yet. Mari decided to construct a wonderful and elaborate meal for all of us. I attempted to assist in the preparation of the meal; however, Mari insisted otherwise and I was forced to find myself racing birds that were resting around the castle's outer walls, The birds here were not like the ones home in Cantardash lacking the majestic beauty of our home birds; however, the simplicity of their feathers was a symbol of the earth pony pony kingdom itself, basic in form and style, yet overall a content kingdom of ponies. After a half-hour of waiting I retired to check on Mari's progress to find that she was cheering only twenty more minutes or so. I took the liberty of this time to straighten up Mari's room from the mess I left it, folding up the sheets, and positioning all of her belongings in their proper locations. A set of dresses laid free from hangers that I were going to hang when the call was received to arrive for dinner.

The meal was wonderful to say the least and even though it took forty minutes to complete I could find no reason to complain. There was a plethora of entrees and sides scattered completely down one of the main tables in the dining hall. At least seven pounds of food was laid out per the person and I had a hard time deciding between all the tasty creations that Mari prepared. I attempted to sample every production; however, I struggled after getting only two-thirds the way through. I could see in the other's faces that they also were struggling with the abundance of food and were trying to taste everything to make Mari happy; everyone except Lighting and Carnivorous that was whom had dedicated half the table to themselves and was taking pleasure in seeing who could consume the most. Even them overtime began to slow down and there was still a third of food left when they both collapsed in exhastion.

"It is too much! We cannot take anymore!" They proclaimed to Mari in unison.

"I am glad that you all were completely filled and there was enough for everyone!" she celebrated.

"Oh! Everyone! King Elitan you stated that you had those intense taxes because of "Daniel" right and his "army"; now that that issue is over you should explain to your subjects the reason for the heavy taxation over the recent years and help lower it to an acceptable amount that all of your people would be glad to contribute." I determined. "Also, do not be afraid of doing something to create a sense of unity among you people and pride. Serentia has a variety of celebrations throughout the year with our big event being the Gala of the Three Tribes; why not see you you can create some annual traditions around here?"

"Sounds like a plan to me Sir Bladz." Elitan cheered.

"I like the sound of those as well!" Mari rejoiced.

"I hate to be interrupting; however, we should be departing within the next hour. We have a big day tomorrow and I think we should get some fly and get some sleep before tomorrow." Armonia announced. We all nodded and helped Mari collect our plates onto her cart.

"Before you leave I have something to give you." Mari whispered to me. She charged up to her room dragging me behind. She moved her dresses to pull a bracelet that she clipped over my watch. "This is something new that I have recently created that allows messaging over long distances as high speeds. ; this way were can communicate and still be friends even though we are so far away. Also, if Elitan ever needs you four again we can get a hold of you guys without the annoyance of ambassadors and letters and the long time spent waiting for a reply."

"Thank you"

"No problem." Mari kissed me on the cheek before going shy. "Just to let you know... I... you have been the first person that I have been able to truly call my friend."

"Mari?" She looked up in anxiety. "You are my first friend as well that is not my sister." Her eyes teared as so did mine with joy.

"Thank you"

We both hugged each other for a while before I returned the kiss to her cheek. "Promise you will keep in touch." She motioned over to her dresser picking up a simular braclet to the one she gave me and nodded before we both walked down stairs and I prepared to depart as Armonia and the captains had already retrieved the chariot and was ready to proceed on our way.

"Thank you again Serentia for all you have done for us" Elitan cheered. Mari teared while nodding. Lightning smiled upon feeling the atmosphere that was created between Mari and I, and we were quickly on our way.

"How is that new suit of armor Sir Bladz?"

"Was a little heavy at first, but I have gotten used to it. Why are both you and King Elitan referring to me as Sir?"

"After what you have shown the last three days is anything but what I would expect from a normal student. You are truly unique and there is a lot I could learn from you as well as you could learn from me Sir, Bladz Angelo, Royal Knight of the Serentian Empire!"

"I..." I studderd to say something, but Armonia prevented me from speaking.

"No need to say anything." He rubbed my mane and smiled. "Get some sleep, tomorrow is a big day!"

The seed has sprouted, feed it and it may grow.