//------------------------------//
// 22 - Back to the Future 
// Story: An Extended Holiday 
// by Commander_Pensword 
//------------------------------//

Extended Holiday
Chapter 22: Back to the Future




“So, how many of the charges are set?” Grif asked Hammer Strike. The last few weeks had been grueling, and Grif had led a long and bloody charge. They’d lost several Ponies, and a good many others were injured. They’d also managed to save several groups of slaves and were slowly working toward their goal.

“Thankfully, given Star Swirl’s enchantments, they haven’t been detected. We’ve got four set up along the southern wall, and once we’ve got the last one, we should be able to tear it down and leave an opening for Equestrian forces,” Hammer Strike replied as he continued to work on the last charge.

“Good. I’m not sure how much longer this group will last,” Grif admitted. “We’re already pushing things as it is.”

“You’re telling me,” Hammer Strike sighed. “It shouldn’t be much longer until they arrive. Star Swirl’s been trying to keep track of magic signals to find them.”

“Weird we haven’t gotten a message from Pensword,” Grif commented.

“Agreed. But if he’s stuck in that bunker, it’s likely that he doesn’t have a way to contact us.”

“I hope they're okay,” Grif said. “This has been a nightmare.”

“We can only hope.” Hammer Strike frowned as he secured the final charge together. “That’s the last one.”

“So, where do you need to plant it?”

“Westernmost point of the wall segment. If I did things right, these should cause enough structural damage to at least take out a segment of the wall.” Hammer Strike rubbed the side of his head in thought. “I’m not sure, however, as I wasn’t exactly skilled in the creation of bombs,” he noted flatly.

“I mean, most chemists are taught how not to make one.” Grif shrugged.

“Yeah, but I don’t exactly have that training either. We’re going off my small samples and tests. This could either be significantly weaker than anticipated or we could have a major problem sitting here on my worktable.”

“I trust you,” Grif said.

“That’s the worst part.” Hammer Strike gave a faint chuckle. “It should work.”

“So we should try a raid on the east end of the city,” Grif said. “That might be tricky. They’ve been more apt lately with their guards.”

“Every day, they get more and more.” Hammer Strike hummed in thought. “There’s the alternative. Wait for the forces to arrive and perform the last raid on top of planting and blowing the charges.”

“If you wish to do so, the timing will have to be exact.” The great bearded sorcerer looked anything but impressive as he strode into the room. The mantle of his many years weighed heavily on his shoulders and back. His beard was snarled and knotted, his cloak rumpled, and his eyes sunken with exhaustion. “I … must admit that I don’t know how much longer I can keep up with you colts. I’m not as young as I used to be, you know.” The stallion planted his rump unceremoniously on the ground and bowed his head.

“Given you’ve lasted this long, I’m sure you’ll make it.” Hammer Strike gave a small smile. “Though, I certainly wouldn’t mind getting some rest myself.”

“Preferably, not one of a final nature.” Star Swirl smiled sardonically. “With any luck, the empire will be able to pick up the pieces after the princesses arrive. Sombra may have been able to kill the queen, but I’d like to see him pit his power against two Alicorns.”

“Yeah,” Grif nodded. “That should be short work.” He gave hammer strike an uncomfortable smile.

“Speaking of Equestria, were you able to determine how far off they are?” Hammer Strike turned to Star Swirl.

“It’s difficult to detect with Sombra’s interference. His power grows daily. I don’t know where he’s drawing it from, but it won’t be long until I won’t be able to neutralize it to mask our presence.”

“Any rough estimates?”

“The same as I gave you before. If they haven’t encountered opposition, we can probably expect them within the next few days.”

“Then we’ll prepare for when you’re certain of their arrival.” Hammer Strike frowned. “Once we are certain, we’ll start our assault.”

“I recommend placing a watch if possible. Someone who can evade notice and blend in properly.”

“I’ll have that set up as soon as I can.” Grif nodded. “It’ll be good to hunker for a bit.”

“Ex Divinia etiam, what are we about to do?” Hammer Strike muttered as he glanced over to the explosive once more.





Darkness is a thing that can be good or evil, depending on whom one asks. It conceals and protects. And it also hinders. Those who live in it are often feared. Some justly, some unjustly. In this instance, the darkness served to aid the army as Princess Luna’s warriors worked silently and efficiently to set up a base of operations. Some few of the Crystal Ponies from the empire had managed to stumble their way to the column. The vast majority of those who managed to leave the city, however, were unaccounted for.

What rations could be spared were offered, along with hot water to warm the refugees’ bones and sooth the trembling that sought to consume them as the cold had. The princess of the night looked on with compassion as the children of the north struggled to regain what they had lost. The monster that had dared to perpetrate this atrocity would pay. She snorted to vent her aggression, and her pupils narrowed to slits briefly. Yes, … they would pay dearly….

A grizzled Thestral with a silvery-gray mane approached the mare and bowed respectfully. “Your Highness, we have a problem.”

 “Well, tell me, so we can deal with it immediately,” Luna said.

“Someone is claiming to be Commander Pensword, Your Highness. We have him in custody for now. The dream walkers would handle it normally to find the truth, but if this is a ploy from the enemy, like we think it is, it’s best to keep the stallion and his charges isolated. We can’t wait for them to sleep without being certain they can’t do us harm.”

“And how do you know this to be an imposter?” Luna asked.

“He has no fangs, Your Highness, and he carries no scars from battle. His armor is nicked from fighting, but that appears to be the extent of his injuries and experience. Most telling of all, he has no tufts on his ears.”

“Our enemy was able to best Queen Blood Diamond herself. He would not be so foolish as to send an imposter into our midst that is so easily found out.” Her gaze narrowed. “For now, keep them separate from the remainder of the camp. I will tend to these strangers myself. And if they are a danger to you or our allies, then I will deal with them accordingly.” Her magic whirred dangerously to emphasize her point.

What she found was far less than dangerous at first sight. Two young faces looked at her, but these were not the faces of those who were pleased. Sadness surged from those kind and innocent eyes in palpable waves. The stallion who laid between them had his wings wrapped protectively around them, even as he looked gravely at the princess.

“Princess Luna,” he greeted.

“Commander?” Luna asked carefully as she approached.

“If I am, then not yet,” Pensword said tiredly, then sighed. “I’m told to tell you The Muffin Mare sends her regards.”

Luna didn’t react for a moment before giving a stiff nod. “Guard, take them to my tent and send for my sister. Tell her we have a crackathoom-level issue that needs to be discussed.”

The guard bowed. “At once, Your Highness.”

It didn’t take long for the three to settle in, and Celestia arrived swiftly after with the aid of the coordinates Luna had provided. The princess of the sun hadn’t changed from when Pensword saw her last, save that this one didn’t seem to carry quite so much weight on her shoulders. Then again, perhaps the mare was just better at hiding it in this stage of her life.

“I came as soon as I could,” Celestia said. “What is it, Luna?”

“Sister, look for yourself. Commander Pensword and two of the three heirs,” Luna said.

“I was referring to the level you mentioned in your message.”

“Sister, look at the commander very closely.”

“What is it that I am supposed to be looking for?” Celestia asked.

“My apologies,” Luna said to Pensword before igniting her horn and pulling his lip up to expose his teeth, despite his protestations.

Celestia’s gaze narrowed. “What is the meaning of this, sister?”

“Given that he mentioned the Muffin Mare sending her regards,” Luna said. “I think we can infer things have gotten wibbly wobbly.”

“She’s gotten involved in this?”

Luna nodded.

“Can I have my lip back now, please?” Pensword said as best he could, even as he wrestled against Luna’s magic with his hooves.

“Oh, yes. Sorry.” She dropped the spell.

“Thank you.” Pensword panted, then regained his composure, even as the foals struggled to stifle their giggles. “Look, I can’t exactly tell you when you’ll meet me again in the future, but we’re not stupid here. You both know enough to know I’m not the Pensword you know today. Whether I am him or not is a debate I really don’t want to get into right now. What I do know is that I have two foals here who I’m supposed to watch over and protect with everything I can muster.”

“And you seem to have done that job well.” Luna nodded.

“I had help, including a brave colt who you may have to talk to about it. He’s had to do something no child should, and I don’t know if I’m equipped to help him through that once he has to face it.” He pulled Cosy close and nuzzled him briefly.

Luna nodded gravely. “Can you tell us what's going on in the walls?”

“Only what I knew when I escaped. King Sombra is using dark magic to control the empire. I’ve received definitive intelligence that Queen Blood Diamond is dead. Given the lack of any other nobility in the shelter where we contacted you, it’s likely that Sombra either killed them, imprisoned them, or corrupted them to suit his ends. He tried to do it to me, but for some reason the spell didn’t take. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the soldiers he infected.”

“And Cadance?”

“Safe, where Sombra can’t reach her. The kingdom has acknowledged her as the rightful heir, but it isn’t her time to assume the throne yet.” He sighed. “The crystal heart was also stolen. Without its power to stabilize Cadance, the Muffin Mare had to take certain steps to protect her.”

“I … see.” Luna nodded. “We’ll need to trust she knows what she’s doing.”

“She’s a clever girl. Cadance is in good hooves. I have the promise that you will see her again one day, but you musn’t search for her. For now, she has to remain hidden until she’s ready to come into her own.”

“And when will that be?” Celestia asked.

Pensword sighed. “I honestly don’t know. I can tell you it won’t be any time soon, though, at least not for you. The Muffin Mare hinted that the foals and I might see Cadance sooner. You have her to thank for our lives. Sombra laid a trap in the bunker. Without her timely interference, we would certainly have perished. Or worse.”

Luna nodded. “Well, that complicates things.”

“I can say this much for certain. His power may be great, but it’s not enough to stand against you and your sister. He had to use dirty tricks to take me off guard. And while he may have grown more powerful since then, it’s evident that he has yet to assume the true mantle of the empire. If the two of you combine your strength against him, you will be victorious.”

“Your assurance is encouraging.” Luna smiled. “But it is the matter of getting inside that's the issue.”

“True. I wouldn’t be surprised if he has his Unicorn thralls on guard to fire at anything coming from the sky. I don’t know whether the Pegasi he’s corrupted will be capable of flight or not, though. This … affliction he casts causes black crystals to emerge from the victims’ bodies at random locations. After that, they cannot speak, and they appear to be little more than automatons awaiting direction from their creator.”

“And do you think he feels confident enough to launch an attack of his own beyond the walls?” Celestia asked.

Pensword shook his head. “It’s unlikely. He may want to snuff the royal line, but he knows better than to try to attack an encampment full of Thestrals and Princess Luna herself, particularly when the Solar forces are close on their heels.”

“And the possibility of rebels inside his own walls.”

“That is not a possibility,” Pensword said firmly. “Grif and Hammer Strike are behind those walls with Star Swirl. I am uncertain how much time has passed since the Muffin Mare picked us up, but I know they would have organized a resistance to fight back.”

“Then we will have to do our part to help them,” Celestia said grimly. “I won’t allow him to fall into enemy hooves.”

“Neither of us will,” Luna affirmed. “Still, we need to get past the wall.”

“We can plan for that after the children have rested and the remainder of our forces arrive,” Celestia said. “For now, let us instead dwell on how best to face our new enemy.”

And so they did.





“Reports are confirmed,” Grif said. “Equestria is here. Luna’s forces are just out of range, and Celestia’s aren’t far off.”

“Then it’s time to get things rolling.” Hammer Strike sighed. “Star Swirl, are you prepared?”

“Always,” Star Swirl said grimly. “You can rest assured I’ll provide enough of a fight to draw the enemy’s eyes.”

“We’ll be hitting this site,” Grif explained, pointing to a spot on the map to the east of the city. “There is a large slave compound here, and we’ve been wanting to hit it for weeks. I figure that should draw enough attention for you to get the charge placed.

“Good. Once it’s all prepared, I’ll set them to detonate. It should give us enough clearance for the Equestrian forces to move in.” Hammer Strike hummed. “If I made them potent enough, that is….”

“It’s a risk we’ll have to take. Assuming you can get the detonations to resonate at the proper frequency, it should shatter the walls, at least in theory,” Star Swirl said.

“This one’s going to be a slog,” Grif said. “But we should be fine if we’re careful.”

“Then let’s get to it. Get your units together, and we’ll set out. I’ll delay for a few minutes to give you time to gather attention,” Hammer Strike replied.

Star Swirl nodded. “We will make this a day that Sombra never forgets.”

“Then I'll get moving,” Grif said. “Give us an hour to get in position.”

“You’ll know when it’s time to lay the last charge,” Star Swirl assured. “Stealth won’t be our goal this time.”

Hammer Strike watched as the two departed before letting out a sigh. Glancing back to the charge on the table, he felt a sense of unease. “Ex Divinia etiam,” he muttered. “I hope I got the measurements right for this.”

After some time had passed, he stood from his seat and grabbed the charge. Those that would be following him would be aiting just outside the makeshift war room. Taking one last breath, he stashed the charge in a small pack before putting it on, and exited to find his group.

The unit was small, a mere five troops garbed in the gear Hammer Strike had improved and repaired to the best of his ability in the makeshift forge he’d made for himself. Black masks covered the Ponies’ faces as they saluted the Earth Pony, and at last one of them pulled the cloth down to reveal a familiar face.

“Ready for deployment, Sir. The civilians have been placed in the emergency shelters you prepared,” Critical Flaw reported.

“Good.” Hammer Strike nodded. “This is our last run with the charges. After this, everything comes to the front. Equestrian forces of both Celestia and Luna are beyond that wall, and we’re going to give them one hell of an opening.”

“We’re ready and able, Sir.”

“Let’s give them a show, then.” Hammer Strike moved to the exit. “Let’s move out.”

The journey to the wall was still a perilous task. Sombra was not one to rest on his laurels for long. Many guards had been taken by his control, and despite the ruckus Grif and Star Swirl were tossing up with their troops, many remained rigidly on duty to keep an eye out for anything out of the ordinary. With Critical Flaw’s assistance, many of these guards were incapacitated. And so it was that they made their way quietly and stealthily toward the wall and the troops that waited beyond. With any luck, they would be able to finish their task and open the way. If not, … well, they didn’t allow themselves to think about it.

“And now, the fun part,” Hammer Strike hummed. “Keep a watch. Once I plant this explosive, I’ll be igniting the fuse. When I start, get as far back as you can.”

“What about the other bombs?” Critical Flaw asked.

“Chain reaction.” He gave a rough gesture to the distance. “Given they react to thermal change, it should work just fine.”

“Then all that’s left to say is good luck, Sir. We’ll cover for you as best we can.”

“I’m sure you will,” Hammer Strike chuckled softly as he made his way toward the final section of the wall. Thankfully, all the attention was elsewhere, giving him an easy time to plant the charge. Once it was secure on the wall, he took a breath. “Gods, I hope I did this part right.”

Taking another breath, he took hold of a small cord on the side of the charge and gave it a sharp tug, removing it from the explosive. The only sign that it was potentially working was the faint sound of a crackling hiss. The second the sound reached his ears, he turned away from the explosive and took off as quickly as his hooves could carry him, gesturing to pull the others away from their hiding places. From above, flashes of light and the twang of arrows sang as spells were fired and arrows loosed in a prelude to the symphony of war. Clearly, the advance had begun.

Those guards that sought to stop their flight were dispatched swiftly. There was no telling for sure how potent the explosion would be when the chain was finally unleashed, and Hammer Strike wanted to be well away from the wall before it and all the troops that manned it were reduced to so much rubble.

There is a curious phenomenon that occurs before a great event. A sort of anticipation seems to hold the very air hostage as sound becomes muted and every muscle tenses, waiting for the moment to come. The senses sharpen, and everything strains and leans toward that final climax. So it was for Hammer Strike as his ears swiveled behind him to trace out each hoofbeat and breath from his companions.

Then, at last, the moment broke with a thunderous detonation. And like a fuse along a stream of fireworks, the flames, heat, and shrapnel spread with radiant intensity. The air was alive with the sound, followed by a muffled sort of silence as the shockwave reached their ears. The very ground beneath them vibrated with the shock of the blasts. It was a miracle the roads themselves remained unblemished while the wall cracked and bowed under the intense reactions until finally, inexorably, the reeling broke, and the towering structure began to topple.

All along the line, patches of wall crumbled and fell to lay down on the ground, providing the perfect access points to the invading forces. Hammer Strike breathed a sigh of relief at the sight. Grim lines of blue and gold armored warriors surged forward on the ground and in the sky with a mighty shout.

The thralls that survived merely braced themselves for the attack as they rushed out to meet them. The plan was a success.

“I hope I don’t have to do that again,” Hammer Strike sighed.





The sun shone bright and clear on that chilly morning, and the ice and snow reflected that to dazzling effect. To combat this, each soldier’s helms had been enchanted with wards to defend against snow blindness and provide the warriors the opportunity to better see their opponents. Assaulting the wall would be a difficult task, but not impossible. And any foes that stepped beyond the protective barrier of the city would face the full might of the Equestrian armed forces.

“Barring a miracle, we’ll have to assault the walls to open the way for our ground forces. There simply isn’t another way,” Celestia said. “If I try to use the power of the sun’s rays, the crystal facets could easily refract that energy in any number of directions with even greater intensity than what I could summon.

“And I assume mass teleportation is also not an option,” Pensword mused.

“Not if we don’t want to risk hurting civilians,” Celestia said.

“And we don’t know the terrain well enough to teleport confidently without line of sight,” Luna noted.

“Then where do we go from here? If we don’t act soon, Sombra will. I’ve seen what he’s capable of. And if he’s managed to gain as much control of the empire as I think he has, then he could conjure literal weapons from the very ground itself to strike at our troops,” Pensword said seriously.

“That's doubtful.” Luna shook her head.

“Regardless, it would be wise to begin some form of assault as a distraction, if nothing else, and a means to test just how thorough the defenses Sombra has put in place are,” Pensword said.

“That is a fair analysis,” Luna said. “However, we need to keep in mind we have just finished a war. Our army, while present, is weary and worn. We need to keep operations contained to what will keep morale running.”

“Do you have any suggestions? The Luna I know is a brilliant tactician, or at least from what I’ve seen in how she plays chess.”

“For now? We should have the Unicorns bombard the wall with spells and have the Earth Ponies lob boulders. It will serve to keep Sombra thinking we’re committed to a siege until we can think of a plan.”

“And how long do you think that will take?”

“We don’t know, Pensword. The Crystal Empire is a mysterious place full of ancient magic and power that the rest of the world doesn’t have. It would be dangerous to underestimate it,” Celestia said. “But regardless, I agree with Luna. We will take her prescribed course to protect our troops and raise morale in preparation for the real campaign.”

The bombardment went as most bombardments do. Boulders lobbed at the walls, only to rebound with a ringing and great percussion. Spells flung back and forth in efforts to protect the walls and demoralize the troops. Bolts of energy sizzled while shield constructs bolstered defense or deflected enemy attacks. And so it continued until the walls shook not from the shock of a hail of stones, but rather from the detonations emanating from the other side. The crystal took on a cherry glow as blow after blow shot along the barrier, causing the walkways to wobble and wave with the cracks that began to form. Blow after blow, explosion after explosion, burst, sending great gouts of smoke billowing into the air until, at last, a great shattering wrenched through the air, and the wall collapsed, taking the troops that manned it with it.

The way was open, and the sudden destruction left the opening relatively unguarded. The princesses did not hesitate.

Celestia rose into the air and tossed her mane as she drew her sword. “For freedom and Equestria!”

“Form ranks and charge!” Luna echoed, drawing her hammer and heading for the city. At last, true battle could be joined.

Pensword looked to the two foals on either side of him. “I want you two to stay close to me. Understand? No heroics, no flailing swords. Our part in this war is nearly ended, but we need to find Hammer Strike and Grif to finish it.”

Both foals looked at Pensword, partly in fear, partly in sorrow. “Will we see Cady again?” Alto asked.

Pensword nodded. “Stick with me, and I promise you will.”

Alto leaned in close to Pensword’s side. “Then I’m ready.”

“Cosy?” Pensword asked.

The colt nodded. “We’ll stay out of trouble,” he promised.

Pensword nodded grimly. “Then let’s go.”





Grif Winced as a mace smashed into his side. The battle had gone badly; very badly. Sombra had traced the pattern of Grif’s attacks and managed to guess where the rebels would be attacking next, despite the Gryphon’s best efforts to obscure their targets. Things devolved into straight-up melee combat after that. Unfortunately, Grif had less trained fighters than Sombra had. And what fighters he did have were smaller and weaker than these new streamlined dark warriors.

Grif fought savagely to kill as many as he could and save his people, but he could already see the way things were heading. Even if Equestria arrived in time, it was already too late to save these souls.

“Star Swirl, can you do anything to get them out of here?” Grif asked as he fought, certain the screaming pain in his chest was a cracked rib.

“Grif, I can hardly deflect our enemy’s arrows as is!” Star Swirl puffed as his horn glowed. Spot shields flickered in and out of existence as arrows darker than obsidian and laced with a latticework of purple and green clashed, then fell to the ground. Occasionally, one would manage to slip through, and the Pony who was impaled either had to cut off the offending part … or face death at the hooves of a brother as the corruption embedded within the weave of the arrow’s making seeped into their own well of magic. “At this rate, we’ll be overrun if we don’t do something soon.”

A cruel and mocking laugh reverberated through the air as the dark tower that had been grown over the original crystal palace flared at its top and then projected the face of that hated Pony who was the source of the strife that now rent this land and led so many souls to senseless death. “I see our guests have arrived. Tell me, heroes, do you like my little welcoming gift?” He laughed again. “Rest assured, it gets even better when you accept it properly.”

Grif growled. “Come down here and see for yourself!” he shouted, raising his sword.

“Grif, he can’t hear us,” Star Swirl said. “Don’t let him distract you from our purpose. You know what’s at stake.”

Grif said nothing to the Unicorn as he charged back into the fight, his side shrieking anew as the strokes of his swings started to become clumsy and ill-timed. The warrior was flagging, and he knew it. And if he was, then odds were the rest of their raiding party was well beyond running on fumes. He may not have been able to lead them to victory, but he was going to do his best to ensure they would survive as long as possible. Grif grit his teeth as he raised his arms yet again to strike at the horde. And though it hurt him greatly, he allowed himself to take one deep breath. For such a stand, a battle cry was demanded, and he knew of only one that would be appropriate.

“Lerrrrrooooyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!” He called into the wind.

There was no one to offer the second cry. And Grif wasn’t sure if it was the pain radiating from his cracked rib or the stab of worry over the fate of his friends. Regardless, he knew what he had to do. He flapped his wings and lunged once more into the fray.

Win or lose, Grif would ensure Sombra knew to fear what he could do.





The rush into the city was perhaps the most foolish thing Pensword could have done. It was undoing every action he had taken to protect the royal foals. Instead of fleeing the throne of darkness, they plunged toward its heart in the midst of the other soldiers soaring and running above and around them. Were it not for the instructions of a certain time mare, he never would have considered it in the first place. As it stood now, however, he wasn’t about to take any chances if he could help it.

“Remember, if anything happens, you run as fast and as hard as you can to Celestia and Luna’s troops, understand?”

“But—” Cosy began to protest.

“No buts. You two are symbols of hope for the empire. Your people need that hope now more than ever. And you have to do everything you can to preserve it. Understand?”

Lips wobbled, but Cosy and Alto nodded all the same.

“Good. Now let’s—” Pensword’s ear twitched suddenly, and he cocked his head to strain as his ears pivoted like radars in search. “What the…?”

“Pensword?” Alto asked.

Pensword frowned. “I heard something. And I’m not entirely sure I like it.” His wings hissed ominously as his feathers caused the metal that sheathed them to rustle and rasp. “Time for a little reconnaissance.”





No matter the precautions, there would always be some unexpected issue that would topple any plan put in motion. This, Hammer Strike was almost certain of. What helped the notion was the factor of the corrupted guards, who were now approaching from all angles.

Their initial prompt was to investigate the remains of the wall. Finding a small unit of guards not a part of their ranks, however, led to a different and far more dangerous objective.

“So much for regrouping.” Hammer Strike grit his teeth as he scanned over the corrupt guards moving to surround them.

“I did mention this would be a possibility, Sir,” Critical Flaw said as he drew his sword. “The destruction of the wall would almost certainly draw more troops, particularly with Equestrian forces waiting to pour in through it.”

“I did not disagree with you on that. We did, however, note the likelihood of them noticing us to be lower,” Hammer Strike frowned. “We don’t have the numbers for this.”

“If we can hold out, we will soon enough. I didn’t get a proper count of the troops out there, but it’s only logical that they’ll take the path of least resistance into the city.”

“You forget one issue with that. Grif and Star Swirl have been at it on the other side of this place. Meaning, … the least resistance would be the opposite side from us.”

“I suppose we could try a flare, but that would be a double-edged sword and turn it into a race between which forces can get here first.” Critical Flaw grunted as he fended off a particularly nasty blow from one of the monstrosities formerly known as royal guards.

“Too risky.” Hammer Strike frowned as he thought it over. “We’re going with option three. Press an opening and don’t look back.”

Before anything else could be said, Hammer Strike took the moment to take a large sweeping strike with his greatsword. His methods of attack switched as he cleaved at the forces in front of them, drawing as much attention as he could to himself. He’d burn through what energy he had to do it, but he was certain he could make an opening for the others.

While the enemy had trained for many techniques in battle, they never had been prepared to face off against a Pony who could wield a greatsword as easily as they might a stick. The blade, carefully tended, cut through bone and sinew with its sharp edge, splattering blood and a dark sludge over the ground in equal measure. With the greater threat literally having charged into their midst, the throng of attackers grouped around the warrior and prepared to take him on.

“Run!” he commanded.

“Hammer Strike!”

“Onwards! Have faith!” Hammer Strike called out as he pressed his assault.

Critical Flaw cursed as he and the colts who were still fit to fight surged against the weak point Hammer Strike’s assault had created. And while blood was drawn, the soldiers managed to break through to the other side.

“Faust damn it, Hammer Strike, you’d better not die!” the stallion swore.

“Already died once before. It’s not all it’s cracked up to be,” Hammer Strike called out as he exuded confidence.

Tears flowed from the stallion’s eyes as he and the others retreated. “We’ll come back for you with reinforcements! I swear it!”

“I know you will,” Hammer Strike spoke softly as he readied himself. The opening had already closed off to ensure he couldn’t follow. He took several breaths, then raised his sword again and assumed a combative stance, loading his voice with as much bravado as he could. “If you want me, come and get me!”

And so the struggle began anew, and Hammer Strike was lost in the combat that followed.





The streets were suspiciously empty as Pensword raced across them. It was likely the citizens were either hiding in their homes or possibly being held elsewhere by Sombra’s forces. He prayed it was the former. The sounds of fighting could be heard all over the city. With the wall’s destruction, the full might of Equestria was able to be brought to bear, and the princesses took full advantage of it. However, that was not Pensword’s care right now. His focus lay in the cry he had heard, a cry that only two other people would ever be able to know.

The soldier, or rather the civilian playing soldier, came out of nowhere. The foals screamed as the bloodied figure lurched into Pensword and looked at the stallion with the desperation of one who had been completely consumed by fear. Blood pumped from a gash just above his flanks, and his lame leg dragged and slid along, its journey made easier by the natural lubricant that flowed so freely down the limb. His eyes were wild and almost unseeing, his helmet lost to reveal a gnarled greasy mane. “I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die. Please, Fuast, Sleipnir, anyone. I don’t want to die!” He sobbed weakly as his body shook violently from the shock and loss of blood. He clung tightly to Pensword’s breastplate. “Don’t take me. Please, don’t take me. Don’t take me yet. Don’t take me. Don’t take me….” His mewlings softened and quieted as his organs began to shut down. All Pensword could do was watch and try to comfort the colt.

“There there,” he said gently as he ran a hoof down the colt’s neck. “There, there.” He wanted to say more, to offer some small assurance, but what could he say? There was no help for the Pony. No amount of first aid would stave off the inevitable. He shushed the colt gently as the sobbing eased and unfocused eyes stared into his. Pensword stiffened as the death rattle finally came. He knew what it meant well enough. In response, he laid the colt gently onto the ground and closed his eyes. There would doubtless be more dead to tend to by the time this was all over, countless more.

“Cosy, Alto,” he said softly to the foals, “let’s go.”

It didn’t take long to follow the trail. And when the trio arrived, a Gryphon knelt, cradling a Pony’s head much the same way that Pensword had done only a few minutes prior. A white shield pulsed around him and the sorcerer who projected it against the troops that surrounded it.

Pensword sounded a sharp whistle and a detachment of Thestrals flew in dark blurs to divebomb the enemy. It took a few minutes, but in time, the enemies were properly dispatched, leaving the warriors and Star Swirl alone to revel in the fact that they yet lived. Though the grim faces revealed the truth of the matter. The fact was scarce comfort in the face of the cost that had been exacted in exchange.

“Grif, I … heard your call,” Pensword said softly as he looked on the Gryphon. Tears stood in Grif’s eyes, a sight that the Pegasus had never seen before.

“They’re dead.” Grif let out a stuttering sigh. “All of them. Sombra ambushed us. There was nothing I could do to save them.” He coughed and spat out a large glob of blood. More blood stained his feathers and fur, including one particularly large wound that looked more than painful.

The Thestrals assembled and saluted Pensword. “Sir, the area is secure. There are no signs of the corrupted remaining in this sector.”

Pensword nodded bleakly. “Thank you for your assistance. In that case, return to the main column. I have a feeling Sombra is probably redirecting his efforts to stemming the tide of our advance, now that we’ve broken through to the city. We’ll meet you farther along.”

The Thestral’s brow furrowed in concern. “Are you sure that’s wise? Grif is heavily injured.”

“I’ll be fine,” Grif said. “There are ponies you can still save by following orders.”

“Go on,” Pensword said.

The Thestrals finally nodded and saluted. “Yes, Sir.” And then they were off.

Pensword sighed and shook his head. “I really need to learn how to fly after all this is over,” he muttered.

Grif couldn’t bring himself to respond. His attention was elsewhere as he looked up to the tower where Sombra likely stood. Rage, anger, sorrow, loss, vengeance, justice, and a lust for blood all churned in a maelstrom that tore out of his throat in an inhuman roar as his eyes glowed. For a brief moment, pensword saw light and dark blue spiraling in his friend’s eyes with a thick ring of black around the edges. The presence was different. This being who looked at the tower didn’t feel like the Grif he knew.

“We don’t have much time,” Pensword said. “Where’s Hammer Strike?”

Grif didn’t respond to Pensword as he continued looking up. Finally, he stood. And though blood trickled from his beak, he cried once more to the winds and to the tower of corrupted crystal that was Sombra’s stronghold. This time, however, it was not the roar of a beast, but the cry of a man filled with a dreadful purpose. “Hear me!” he roared. “I shout on the wind that you might hear me!” He pulled a knife to his palm and drew blood. It welled and pooled, then ran through the latticework of the scales along his hand before seeming almost to rise in tiny droplets that spread into a fine mist on the wind.

A shudder ran through Pensword’s frame as he gazed on his friend, and Star Swirl gasped.

“Think carefully, boy!” the Unicorn barked. “You’ll be bound for the rest of your days!”

Pensword could feel something stirring within him as the words resonated deep inside his bones. His wings tingled, and a violent trembling overtook him that had nothing to do with the cold.

“Magic,” Cosy breathed softly.

“But … Gryphons can’t do magic anymore. Mother said so,” Alto protested.

And yet, the feeling persisted, and the winds began to whip in the skies above as old magic hummed to life and the crystals, dark and light, trembled and began to sing.

“Hear me! And be warned, Sombra!” Grif raised his hand into the air above him and rose onto his hind paws as his black wings spread wide to either side. He would not be dissuaded or hindered. It was possible he couldn’t even hear what the others were saying. “By the blood of my oath that I spill today, I name you foe and enemy!” He spat his spite and outrage in hot gusts that rivaled the frigid air rushing around him. “I declare my vendetta to the heavens! And ask that they stand witnesses to the debt that is between us! I will bring you pain, and I will be your death! I will chase you through life and death, and I will hunt you until your soul is in tatters and oblivion embraces you! By the Winds that scour the earth, I make this vow with my blood. I name you, foe! I name you my prey! I name you, the viper Sombra! And I will cut off your venomous head! Hear me, and despair!”

Far in the distance, there was a deafening crack, as the breaking of a mighty crag. The ghost of a raucous cry carried through the wind, silent to all save the Gryphon’s ears. It resonated with rage, with fury, and the lust for vengeance. Above all, its cry was exultant as the singing crystals stilled and dimmed. A shadow passed over the skies as turbulent storm clouds roiled under the gales that gathered overhead. Beneath, however, that stillness deepened, and the shadows grew yet darker still, seeming to stretch along the streets and surging through the air until even the cries of battle seemed to hush at this urging.

“You fool,” Star Swirl murmured. “You aren’t ready.”

In the tower at the city’s heart, the projection of Sombra flickered, and the smug superiority faltered as fear took its place for the briefest of moments. Then the projection cut off altogether, and a shrill whinny took its place, one filled with pain and a rage deeper even than Grif’s. A dust cloud billowed in the distance as a blue blur surged toward the tower with flaming hammer held aloft.

The city trembled again, this time from the sheer force of the Canterlot Voice unleashed in all its devastating volume. “YOU SHALL PAY FOR THIS CRIME A THOUSAND FOLD!”





Into the depths. Into the dark. The soldiers plunged on through the skies and the streets, ever wary for an attack, ever searching for their foes. And more importantly, for survivors. What few souls they glimpsed remained hidden in their houses behind curtains with dull eyes and duller coats. It was as if the sparkle that imbued the land with its wonders had been snuffed out, leaving a greedy shadow in its place to spread and consume at leisure.

“I don’t like this, Luna,” Celestia said as she eyed the streets carefully. “Sombra wouldn’t be foolish enough to let us enter unopposed.”

“I think something has happened he wasn’t ready for,” Luna noted.

“I should think so, considering what happened to that wall,” Celestia pointed out. “Perhaps he is consolidating his forces at the castle to protect himself?”

“Possible.” Luna nodded. “Though, likely, there may be a hint of chaos to it all as well.”

“Where Hammer Strike is concerned, I have no doubt of that,” Celestia agreed. “For now, it’s a matter of finding him and liberating those we can along the way.”

“Yes, though I feel there is more going on than we realize.”

“Isn’t there always where he’s concerned?”

Luna nodded. “He should be nearby. I think I feel something akin to his presence.”

When the troops arrived at last at the scene of battle, what greeted them was a veritable mosaic of corrupted Crystal Pony husks soaked in their gore. Their armor had been shattered or otherwise heavily impacted, and deep gashes and amputations made the scene all the more gruesome. In the heart of the display of carnage incarnate, a lone figure stood, his chest heaving as he leaned against the pommel of his greatsword. His armor was scratched, and he and his equipment both were covered in blood, but there he stood, alive and still breathing as unfocused eyes stared into the distance.

“Hammer Strike?” Celestia gaped at the stallion, and her legs buckled as the shock of the sight hit her.

Luna rushed forward to support him, leaning against his side.

It took a moment before Hammer Strike was able to speak. “Not … the one … you know. At least, I don’t think so.”

“You need rest and medical attention,” Celestia said. A curt gesture from her sent the troops to scurrying as a defensive perimeter was formed, followed by the approach of multiple combat medics, complete with emergency kits. “Luna, help him lie down.”

“I’ll be fine.” Hammer Strike took a breath. “It’s just ... light damage. They didn’t pierce the armor. Save it … for those who need it more.”

Celestia and Luna both shared a grave look between one another as they looked at the Pony. “No, I don’t think so,” Celestia said gently as the medics unpacked. “You fought for an ally you may not even have known. That deserves respect and proper treatment. Besides, if there’s poison or dark magic imbued into the weapons that struck you, the wounds will need to be tended immediately.”

After a few moments, he huffed reluctantly. “Fine. I … don’t think I have the strength to fight back at the moment.”

Celestia smirked. “I have a feeling that won’t be the case for long.”

Hammer Strike glanced at Celestia for a moment with a raised brow.

“For now, let's get somewhere less open,” Luna said.

“Perhaps one of the citizens would be willing to give him shelter. He has been fighting on their behalf, after all,” Celestia suggested.

“Why the hell wouldn’t he?” Luna asked angrily.

“I’m not saying he hasn’t, Luna, but he’s in no condition to fight right now. He needs rest at the very least, possibly more if the medics deem it necessary.”

“If you believe I would allow others to fight while I do nothing, you’ll find yourself sorely mistaken.” Hammer Strike grit his teeth as he stood on his own.

“You’ve been fighting to give us the time to get here and support you. You need to rest. You can barely stand as it is!” Celestia objected.

The shot came with little warning. One lone cry pierced the air. A dark blur leaped, then fell to the ground. The black arrow was forged from crystal as hard as diamond, and it jutted from the Thestral’s side as she breathed and wheezed shallowly. The reprisal was as fast as light itself as the warriors formed a protective circle and some of the Thestrals pointed toward the roofs of one of the structures. Two arrows of solar flame lanced at the structure. There was no cry of alarm and no trickle of blood, but Celestia’s face was grim as she looked inquiringly to the warriors that had spotted the shooter. They nodded in silent confirmation to the unspoken question.

On the ground, however, a different battle was beginning as the wounded Thestral cried out in pain and her sides heaved. Armor began to creak and groan as her body slowly expanded with mass and an inky pool of black began to encroach around the red of her irises.

Luna looked at the soldier and approached slowly, tears welling in her eyes as her hammer spun ready behind her.

“Do it quickly, Chieftess. I don’t … I don’t—” She cried again as the armor began to cut into her body and the first of the black crystals jutted from her shoulder. When she looked to her princess again, one eye glowed a solid green rimmed by that inky black. “Send me on.”

Dark horseshoes pressed her down heavily, even as her body began to rise against her will. That was soon replaced by the superior power of the princess’ magic, and the warriors stepped away respectfully to make room for Luna.

“Thank you for your service, Nightstalker. May you find peace in the Elysium Fields.” With a single blow, she crushed the Thestral’s head with her hammer. The tears flowed freely as she looked down at the twitching body. A substance that was not entirely blood and not entirely ichor leeched and separated as it seeped from the corpse.

“Luna….” Celestia began.

“Come, Sister.” Luna turned to face the palace. The tone in her voice was eerily calm, and even as the tears continued to flow, her pupils narrowed into vertical slits. “I feel a little regicide is in order.”

“... You don’t intend to hold back this time, do you?” Celestia asked.

“Would you?” Luna asked, but not of her sister. Instead, her gaze was fixed intently on Hammer Strike.

“Not in the slightest.” Hammer Strike looked between the two. “Strike now while you have the time.”

Luna nodded gratefully before returning her gaze to their destination. “Tell all forces to form a perimeter outside the city. Consider everything beyond this point taken care of,” she ordered.

“I’ll shield their retreat,” Celestia said. “And I’ll join you as soon as they’re out of range.”

Luna nodded and spread her wings wide. Then she launched herself into the skies, a great war cry blaring through the air before her with the force of a battering ram, her magic trailing behind her like a comet tail as she made her indignation known throughout the empire.

Celestia turned to the others. “There isn’t much time. My sister will reduce this city to rubble if she must to avenge Nightstalker’s death. I want all of you to evacuate immediately. You are to mount a full withdrawal, as my sister commanded.” She looked intently at Hammer Strike. “I would order them to take you with them, but I think we both know you would fight them, if necessary, to stay.”

“Grif and Pensword are still here. Until I find them, I will not be leaving,” Hammer Strike replied.

Celestia nodded. “Very well.” The ground shook as the crash of shattering crystal tore through the air. “Move out,” she ordered the troops. “And you. Stay safe. I won’t let you die on me, Hammer Strike.” With those final parting words, Celestia ignited her horn, and a great barrier formed around herself and the invading force.

Hammer Strike took a moment before sighing. “Just a little bit more,” he muttered to himself. “Grif shouldn’t be too far off.”





Grif was having a very bad day. His side throbbed. His legs didn’t want to work right. His wings drooped and dragged against the ground. And yet, he had to carry on. They all did. Grif leaned heavily against Pensword as the two friends hobbled on. Meanwhile, Star Swirl retained a constant vigil over their surroundings, his horn ready to unleash his sorcery at a moment’s notice for the sake of protecting the royal heirs.

“How much farther do you think we have to go before we reach ground zero?” Pensword asked his friend.

“Can’t be too far,” Grif croaked. “Though I hope Luna saved some for us.”

“You’re in no fit condition to fight,” Pensword said sternly. “The only thing we’d better hope she’s saved for us is some medical supplies.”

“There are a lot more people who’ll suffer if I can't fight,” Grif said.

“You can leave that to the princesses to manage,” Star Swirl said. “If Princess Luna has chosen to release restraint, we should be more concerned about ourselves.”

“This is war! Lives are on the line,” Grif grumbled.

“Exactly my point. You will die a death that you are not meant to die, Grif. And you may hate me for it, but I will not allow that to happen. Nor, do I think, will your friend. We have fulfilled our duty. It’s time to find Hammer Strike and regroup.”

“You know, for being a well regarded wizard of the time, you're a god-damned coward,” Grif snarled.

“As much as I hate to agree with him,” Hammer Strike spoke up as he approached, “we’ll get caught in the crossfire at this rate.”

Grif growled but then let out a sigh. “Well then, what now?”

“I don’t know. We know the outcome of this, but that just leads to the question of how we get back afterwards.” Hammer Strike sighed before humming in thought.

“I may have researched into time travel, but I don’t have a spell to send someone to the future,” Star Swirl said.

“The future?” Alto asked.

“What’s he talking about, Pensword?” Cosy asked.

“Something we can’t discuss right now,” Pensword said to the pair.

Grif, meanwhile, looked at their surroundings, his head darting back and forth as he examined the area and the landscape. “Where is it?”

“What are you looking for?” Hammer Strike asked.

“The statue of us,” Grif said. “It should be here or nearby.”

Hammer Strike raised a brow. “Why would they even have statues of us in the first place? I doubt they’d have the time to even make them, given what is to occur.”

Grif looked to Hammer Strike. “But they were here.”

“Um, … Mother never commissioned any statues of you,” Cosy said. “She said you wouldn’t approve.”

“Unless Star Swirl knows some kind of … petrification spell, I don’t see how those statues could have been us,” Hammer Strike replied before glancing over to Star Swirl.

The sorcerer winced at the question. “It is … a rather sore subject, but yes, I do know of such a spell.”

After a few seconds, Hammer Strike sighed. “So, that’s how we do it,” he muttered. “Having been here long enough, would it be possible to, say, synchronize the spell to also be released with the use of the crystal heart?”

“Without a proper sample of the crystal heart’s energy, it’s highly unlikely, particularly with the heart stolen. However, if the heart should ever be regained, then its power would seek out its kind naturally, and we have two heirs who would not survive easily in this era, even if Pensword were willing to part with them.”

“Which I’m not,” Pensword said adamantly.

“It’s unlikely that your statue would survive to the future in the middle of such havoc being wrought by the sisters, however,” Star Swirl mused. “I can try to fortify you, but with the magical forces those two will be bringing to bear, I fear any attempts I make would be little more than sparks in a maelstrom.”

Hammer Strike shrugged. “Screw it. It’s the option we’ve got. Grif, got a good spot in mind?”

Grif traced the area weakly with his claw before pointing. “Right there.”

“Okay. Then we haven’t got much farther.” Hammer Strike nodded. “We’ll get back.”

“I suppose it’s one way to travel through time.” Grif chuckled dryly. “Feels a bit like we’re taking the vortex manipulator, though.” 

“More like A Midwinter’s Tale,” Pensword said. “We get to sit tight while time passes.” He shuddered. “Let’s just hope we won’t have to be aware of it as it does.”

Overhead, the crash of thunder rumbled as flaming blue met with the blows of shadows and clouds that were not entirely natural. Around them, the dark crystals that had so come to dominate the empire began to recede, their power flowing toward the source of the corruption to bolster his power against the lunar Alicorn’s onslaught.

“We need to hurry,” Grif said, then grunted and grit his teeth as he struggled to take the lead, despite the pain his wounds caused him.

“Not if it means doing more damage to you,” Pensword said fiercely. “We still have time before Celestia joins Luna. We can take it a little slower.”

“I’d rather not take a chance.”

“And I’d rather not take a chance with your life either,” Pensword said. “It’s not that far. We’ll make it. After all, if you’re right, then time demands it, right?”

Grif just grimaced and kept going.

The group continued to draw closer to the castle. The ground and buildings shook with the force of the magical shockwaves and blows exchanged between Luna and her opponent, but despite the life-threatening conditions of the world around them, there were no great cries of alarm, no pleading for life or begging for salvation. The city was quiet and downtrodden, even as the evidence of Sombra’s dark magics dissipated to fuel their master’s battle.

“So, … we’re going to the future with you? But … won’t we be alone if we do?” Cosy asked.

Pensword shook his head. “No. You’ll be staying with us.” He smiled gently. “And when we get there, you’ll be able to see Cadance again.”

“You promise?” Alto asked, her heart in her eyes as she unleashed the full power of her cuteness on the pegasus.

Pensword nearly stumbled under the onslaught of that earnest gaze. “I’ll swear a solemn vow, one that is unbreakable in this or any time or land. It is forbidden to some for fear of the consequences of accidentally breaking it. For me, it is especially binding because of my relationship with the one who enforces it.” He raised his free hoof and began the motions as he spoke the words. “Cross my heart and hope to fly. Stick a cupcake in my eye.”

“What sort of oath is that?” Star Swirl asked.

“Something far stronger than you could understand.” Grif chuckled, then winced before spitting out another gob of blood.

Eventually, Grif guided them to the shadow of the great palace. The aurora that carried over the skies now was not the ribbons of rainbow, but rather the flash of darkness on darkness. The wrath of the moon was truly not a thing to be underestimated. And in the distance, a golden light began to flicker and rise in its intensity.

“Dawn approaches,” Pensword said.

“That is far more than a dawn,” Star Swirl said as looked to the horizon. “We don't have much time.”

“Then let’s do this,” Grif said.

“You will need to assemble yourselves properly. If anyone sees the foals, then all of this will be meaningless,” Star Swirl said.

Grif positioned himself by Pensword, being careful to extend a wing to help conceal the foals. Hammer Strike placed himself at the front to block the potential gaps between while Pensword extended his wings to mimic his friend and further help conceal the foals. It didn’t take long for the trio to manage. Pensword and Grif laid down on either side of the foals to provide even better cover.

“If you can raise your sword, I suggest you do so, for the sake of aesthetic, if nothing else,” Star Swirl said to Hammer Strike.

Hammer Strike nodded before reaching for his sword and holding it in front of himself point-down to function as a barrier.

 Star Swirl nodded. “Whatever happens next, know that I wish you well, Hammer Strike. Go with Faust.”

The sensation of petrification was … unusual, to say the least, a curious combination of numbness that bordered on limbs falling asleep with just a hint of a warm bath followed by a rigid cold that seemed to freeze everything in place. And yet, by then the cold was neither painful nor unpleasant. It just … was. The foals shook at first, but being the smallest, they were the first to still, their rigid faces impossible to see beneath the two flyers’ wings as they gradually lost their mobility and flexibility. Black and blue merged into a muted gray like granite. Breathing slowed and stilled. Hearts beat desperately at first, but then with a dull sort of lassitude that crunched to a stop within their chests. Piercing orbs dulled their gaze as stone consumed the eyes, leaving only a facsimile of the life that once breathed there. As the last reaches of the spell reached the heroes’ heads, their ears swivelled at the sound of twin tones ringing in harmony as the princesses’ combined might was brought to bear against their enemy.

And then it was done. The five had completely converted into stone. As a final touch, Star Swirl approached the wings and gently tapped his horn between the feathers of the two protecting guardians to touch the tip of Bellacosa’s horn. “Until you wake, Hammer Strike,” Star Swirl said by way of farewell. “I doubt we will meet again, but thank you for trusting me.”

Then came the bright light of Celestia and Luna’s combined might unleashed, followed by a wrathful cry that spoke of an ominous revenge. What followed was beyond what anypony would have expected as the streets came alive with dark energy. Bolts of black leapt in arcs from the snowflake design of the street while the city let loose a sick chime. The few corrupted crystal guards that remained all opened their mouths and gasped out a great black miasma that mingled with a discordant note that the very buildings seemed to resonate with.

Star Swirl braced himself for the inevitable as Sombra’s failsafe activated. But rather than a great curse or some other attack, to his shock and dismay, the very ground beneath his feet flickered back and forth as the dark power grew. Then, finally, like a mirage, the city vanished, leaving the Unicorn standing alone in the star-shaped imprint where the empire had once been with his horn ignited.

He turned to look up as two very angry-looking Alicorns descended to face him.

“Oh, horse apples,” he swore.





Things were grim indeed in the future. Darkness clouded overhead. Shadow spread over the ground as dark magic reared its ugly head and caused black crystal formations to surge and spread over the streets, replacing plants and forming in patches along buildings. Crystal Ponies ran screaming in terror as their ancient enemy and former despot returned in strength. Cadance’s protective magic had failed at last, and the Alicorn of love now laid on the balcony in the embrace of her husband. Despite the mana he offered to supplement her own energy, they had failed. And now, it seemed that history would repeat itself once more.

In the castle above, jagged black formations jutted from the towers and along the base of the once-shining structure as a tiny purple form leaped from one jagged outcrop to another and began to descend a spiral along one of Sombra’s twisted creations.

“Up here!” Spike cried. “I got the crystal heart!”

In response to the declaration, a snarl of rage echoed from the shade below. “That is mine!” And like a shark churning the surface of the ocean, Sombra dove into the ground, leaving a dark patch behind as he surged toward the palace, a trail of jagged dark crystal rising in his wake.

As Spike raced down the spiral to try to reach the balcony, Sombra forced a massive growth of crystal to jut out of the ground and rise toward the young drake. Meanwhile, the tremor caused Spike to lose his footing, and he and the crystal heart both fell to drop toward the expectant tyrant.

On the balcony, Cadance stared at the artifact, and a blue spark reflected in her eyes as the crystal heart fell toward Sombra. Seeing this change in his wife, and sensing a subtle pulse of magic, the stallion lifted Cadance onto his back and drew her closer to the balcony’s edge.

Like a machine reacting to a signal, Cadance’s wings spread to their full length as her gaze fixed unerringly on the crystal heart. Its glow grew brighter and brighter as it fell, while the monstrous conversion of the castle was nearly complete with Sombra’s rapidly growing influence.

Spike covered his eyes as he continued to fall while Sombra’s shadowy shape was dispelled to reveal a corporeal Pony body. At the last moment, Spike turned and extended his hands to try to grab the crystal heart while Sombra licked his lips in anticipation of reclaiming the artifact he had stolen so very long ago.

Shining reared on his hind hooves, holding his wife with the strength of his forelegs alone while Cadance’s gaze narrowed with determination. With a mighty heave that seemed more suitable to an Earth Pony than a Unicorn, the princess was hurled aloft at a breakneck pace, catching Spike in the nick of time. And as she drew next to the crystal heart, its power flooded into her, restoring the exhausted reserve of mana and magic as its song sang through her very blood. Her cutie mark pulsed and thrummed with warmth as she flew over the crowd and finally settled defiantly and magnificently just outside the castle’s base.

A young voice proclaimed, “Behold, the Crystal Princess!” And like the flipping of a switch, the memories of the populace were snapped into place. Their beloved princess, the once tiny Pegasus, now stood before them as a fully mature Alicorn full of the same light, grace, and love that her mother bore before her.

Instinct guided the mare as she levitated the heart above her head and spoke. Though she did not shout, her voice thrummed through the very streets to every Crystal Pony, resonating with those closest and waiting to spread from there. “The crystal heart has returned. Use the light and love within you to ensure that King Sombra does not.” She cast the crystal to the center of the palace base, where the symbol of the snowflake came to life. Two crystal formations secured the artifact in place, and with it came the smiles of the Crystal Ponies at that glorious and most welcome sight.

Crystal coats flared into being as hope burned bright, rekindled with the return of their rightful ruler and the power of love that she wielded. One by one, each Crystal Pony bowed their heads to the ground, smiling all the while. And as each touched the streets, a familiar blue light emanated and pooled from them, flowing like water through a conduit until the entire city was flooded with the power from boundary to boundary along the roads. A giant snowflake with a star-like design was revealed in all its splendor surrounding the corrupted castle.

Then, in an instant, all of that energy surged back to the crystal heart, causing the artifact to spin faster and faster as the intensity of its light became blinding and its appearance little more than a blur. A great wave of blue light surged exultantly from the heart, destroying and shattering the smaller black crystal formations while pulsing blue cracks surged and spread across the larger ones. Brighter and brighter it became. Farther and farther it spread. Until, finally, those cracks surged along Sombra’s body itself.

The wicked despot shielded his eyes from the blast, only to stare in disbelief at the cracks that seeped through his very being. The cry that he unleashed was a mixture of disbelief, dismay, and utter agony as the full might of the Crystal Empire was brought to bear against him, shattering his body and his crystals into so many pieces and flinging them far beyond the reach of the empire and its shockwave. The tower at the top of the castle glowed brightly in its newly restored state as the energies gathered once more to channel up the structure and finally release in a mighty explosion of white light that burst above them, dispelling the last of the dark clouds and restoring the ribbons of multicolored light to spread all across Equestria.

The dark lord was vanquished at last. And with his destruction, the ascension of the new queen was assured. Cadance flew up to the balcony to join her beloved as they waved triumphantly to the crowd with Spike in tow. All of the Crystal Empire cheered at their newly regained freedom. The nightmare was over.

Down in the courtyard below, a cracking of another kind was taking place. A certain statue of three familiar figures pulsed and thrummed as light flooded from between the petrified wings of the Gryphon and Pegasus. From there, the cracks spread, consuming the two guardians, then finally reaching the Earth Pony at the front of the display. The cracks that formed there caused steam to burst forth in the cold air. The environmental controls had yet to fully restore themselves with the heart’s return. Finally, with a great surge, a shower of stone shard debris burst off the Earth Pony, and he shook himself free before yanking his hooves off the base and raising his newly released sword to rest on his shoulder. He blinked at the radiant display above, then took in the crystal-coated Ponies. These were the people he remembered before Sombra made his move. A weak smile pulled at his face as he drank that sight in.

“One thousand years will give you such a crick in the neck!” He gave off a soft chuckle before exhaling. “Still worn out,” he muttered.

More stone sloughed off from behind and clattered to the ground. “Well, at least I can breathe without it hurting,” Grif commented weakly as he rose, then buckled to a knee. There was the sound like breaking glass as black shards of crystal cracked and broke off the coating on his arm, dissolving into mist as they did until the arm was once again free of the corrupted material.

“We’re still getting you checked out by a medic,” Pensword said stubbornly. “And I don’t want any arguments about it.”

“Yeah, that’s an order,” Cosy piped in, followed by Alto squeezing the Gryphon’s leg.

“Giving orders now, are we?” Pensword teased.

Cosy sniffed. “I’m the prince. I can order if I want.”

Pensword chuckled. “Judging by the light show overhead, I’m guessing we made it? Twilight saved the day again?”

“So it would seem. Though we didn’t get to see much, given our current angle,” Hammer Strike replied. “That, and I probably blocked your view a little.”

Pensword chuckled. “Funny, Hammer Strike. Or should I say m’lord?” he asked with a smirk.

Hammer Strike hummed questioningly as he glanced to Pensword.

“You do have a title,” he reminded the stallion.

“I was more referring to the ‘funny’ part, though I’m sure you have my response to the title in mind.”

“I am supposed to be a commander, after all. We plan for every eventuality.”

“Yeah, well I’m supposed to be an ultra dangerous assassin, and I’m tired,” Grif said. “Let’s head for the palace.”

“Indeed,” Hammer Strike sighed. “Come along, Alto, Cosy. You’re due for a reunion.”

“We’re gonna see Cady?” Alto beamed.

“In the flesh. Let’s just say that she’s done a lot of growing up,” Pensword said with a smile. “I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise.”

When they arrived in the throne room, the murmured whispers of the townsfolk preceded them. The glory of the throne room was the same as they remembered it. Light and color fluctuated in prismatic ecstasy at the return of the Crystal Queen. Twilight and her friends were all assembled with Shining Armor and Cadance to greet them, and Pensword gaped at the Ponies.

“Did everyone get an upgrade but us?” he asked.

“They’re alive!” Rainbow Dash cheered and rushed up to the trio to offer each of them a hug. “We thought we’d lost you after Sombra attacked.”

“Are you all right, darlings?” Rarity asked, concerned.

“We’re exhausted, but for the most part, fine,” Hammer Strike spoke up. “It’s been some time for us, however. The simplest way I can explain it would be that Sombra sought to remove us from here, and chose to fling us to a different point in time.”

“We had to come back the long way round, with some help from Star Swirl the Bearded,” Pensword said.

“You got to meet Star Swirl in the flesh?” Twilight lit up with excitement at the statement.

“Yes, but that discussion can come another time.” Hammer Strike sighed. “Right now, we have one last important task to attend to,” he remarked, looking towards the others. “Alto, Cosy, why don’t you go greet your sister? I’m sure she’s waited long enough.” He gave a soft smile.

Cadance cocked her head in confusion as she looked first at the foals, then at Hammer Strike. “Sister?” she questioned.

“Let’s just say there’s a reason that you were left in a forest to be adopted by a small village and raised to ascend to your current state, Your Highness. Or should I say Your Majesty now?” Pensword smiled forlornly as he gazed at the mare. “Let them embrace you. The rest of it should come pretty quickly after that.”

“Pensword, I … don’t know if that’s—” Cadance winced in pain as the foals drew closer to her.

“Cady? Is that really you?” Cosy asked.

Pensword gave the two foals a nudge. “I promise you, she’s your sister,” he assured them. “Go on. She needs your help to remember. And more importantly, to deal with what she couldn’t when we were in the bunker together.” He gave them a gentle push with his wings. The two foals looked nervously back at him, then finally at the Alicorn that stood before them. “Her head’s going to hurt until she remembers. You two are the key.”

“Can I … take off my armor?” Cosy asked.

“If you wish.”

With the Pegasus’ help, Cosy was soon free of the armor and joined his younger sister as they walked side-by-side toward the throne.

“We liked to play together in the halls. Hide and seek would make all our guards mad, especially when we didn’t tell them we were playing,” Cosy said helpfully.

“And … you had us sneak into the dining hall to see Hammer Strike when he came,” Alto offered from behind her toy as she held it close.

“You used to feel left out when we had to go to magic class, and we’d always miss you and tackle you to play when we were done,” Cosy added with a soft smile.

Tears were trickling down Cadance’s cheeks as the pain throbbed like hammer blows with each consecutive comment about their lives before she’d been taken to the future. Pranks, sleepovers, classes, and most importantly, their mother.

“They’re hurting her,” Shining said as he prepared to intercept.

“You will stay where you are and let things run their course,” Hammer Strike spoke up. “I assure you, you will regret it if you try anything.”

“It will pass,” Pensword assured, both to Shining Armor and to the foals. “Until she remembers, she won’t be able to rule as the queen the empire needs. Touch her,” he urged the foals.

When the pair finally did as they were bidden, Cadance’s eyes blazed white as she cried aloud and a great shockwave of blue energy erupted from her horn and channelled into the walls of the throne room to surge along tiny angular paths and pools until it finally dissipated. When the mare opened her eyes again, two tearful foals looked up at her with fear and concern.

“Cady?” Cosy asked again.

The tears flowed freely as the sorrow of loss stabbed anew with the overwhelming relief and joy at having a loved one restored. Her great wings extended to fold either foal in their embrace as she spoke with trembling voice. “Thank goodness you’re safe.”

Then Cosy’s lips began to wobble. Alto’s face flooded with tears. Finally, the room filled with the wailing sobs of those who had survived a mutual trauma together and finally reached a proper resolution. Or at least the beginning of one.”

“All right. Can somepony explain what’s going on?” Rainbow Dash pressed.

Hammer Strike sighed. “Get somewhere for Grif to rest and I’ll explain what I can.”

“Yeah, that would be appreciated,” Grif grunted. He looked to Shining Armor. “I'll humbly surrender the defense of the empire and its Ponies to you. Let’s hope you are more successful at it.”

“Nopony was prepared for Sombra, Grif,” Shining said. “But I will accept that mantle. If I can keep the guard in line in Canterlot, then I can make sure to keep things here just as organized.”

The events that followed were mixed, to say the least. While the tyrant had finally been vanquished, there were still scars that needed to be tended to. Many dead would need to be mourned, and there was still the matter of recovering those who had survived the gruesome attacks in the caverns below. The recovery would not be an easy one, but it was possible. And now they had a beacon of love to light their way along that path with a queen who not only would keep that light burning, but walk the path with them.

As ordered, Grif was escorted to quarters where he could rest and recuperate from his exertions. Meanwhile, Hammer Strike and Pensword provided a general explanation for the events that had come to pass in the recent past and the ancient, though the two felt reversed to the heroes.

“As such, for you, it may have been just hours since we last talked, but for us, it’s been a lot longer,” Hammer Strike concluded.

“Then, … you’re not really Hammer Strike and Pensword?” Cosy asked.

“I honestly don’t know. While we are Hammer Strike and Pensword, I find it unlikely we’re them.” Hammer Strike shrugged.

Cosy frowned. “But how does that work?”

“It’s been over a thousand years, Cosy,” Cadance said gently. “Those names could easily have been given any number of times over the generations since the war.”

“That doesn’t change how you feel about us, does it?” Pensword asked of the colt.

“I … guess not,” Cosy said as he frowned. “But why did Star Swirl lie about you?”

“Because we told him about what was coming, and we planned accordingly. We didn’t have the ability to stop what Sombra did, but we could act to minimize the damage, protect what we could of a free Crystal Empire until he could be stopped,” Pensword explained.

“You know, the kingdom will be in a complete uproar over you three when things settle down again,” Cadance pointed out. “You’ve done the empire a great service. And for that, we are all in your debt.”

“We simply did all we could.” Hammer Strike shook his head.

“And that is why your service should be commended all the more. You three and Spike for delivering the heart out of Sombra’s clutches and back into the possession of the royal family.”

“In either case, that’s everything. I believe I speak for all three of us when I say that once things are truly stable here, we’ll be returning with the others. Celestia and Luna certainly have some questions to answer after everything that has occurred.”

“I don’t know if they’ll be willing to give you the answers, though,” Cadance pointed out. “As for your other purpose here, I think you’ll be free to pursue it soon enough.”

“I’ll be honest with you, Cadance. I don’t even remember what we came here for,” Hammer Strike replied with a shrug. “And honestly? I’d rather try to get what answers I can from them beforehand.”

“... If that’s what you really want. I’d say you more than earned the right to demand it in this case.” Cadance nodded. “Are you sure you don’t want to take a rest, too, Hammer Strike?”

“I’ll get my rest when the time is right. You don’t need to worry.” He gave a soft smile in return.

“Aren’t we supposed to worry about the people we love, though?” Alto asked.

Hammer Strike chuckled. “I suppose.”

“Then it’s settled. You’ll all rest and recuperate. Then, when you’ve had time to recover, we’ll hold a proper celebration. The crystal fair is supposed to be a lot of fun, and it would be a shame to put all the effort Twilight and her friends made to waste.” Cadance smiled mischievously. “Besides, we never did get to have a proper playdate with you three.”

“I suppose we can make some time in our busy schedule.” He gave another soft chuckle.

“We can actually go out into the city now?” Cosy asked.

Cadance smiled. “Now that the danger is past, yes. And you won’t even have to have a guard following you around.”

Cosy grinned wide at the thought of that.

“I hope you’re ready to handle the havoc you’re about to unleash on the city,” Pensword said with a chuckle. “You three were quite the handful before. And two of you haven’t changed all that much.”

“I think we can manage,” Cadance said with a loving smile.

Hammer Strike hummed to himself as he looked over the three. “Hopefully the guard’s prepared.”





With their princess returned and the mighty heroes hailed into glory, the people of the Crystal Empire were much gladder of heart. Foals laughed and ran with grins on their faces as they jumped between face painting, carnival games, and watching the jousts. Rarity’s flare for creativity and style sprang forth anew as she designed a multitude of hats for Ponies to try. Aplejack worked hoof in hoof with the other farmers and bakers of the empire to produce delectable treats that hadn’t been seen or heard of in Equestria for centuries. Rainbow Dash took great pleasure in racing and jousting with the more experienced competitors. Fluttershy spoke with what animals remained in the empire. And Pinkie Pie, well … she was PInkie Pie. Most people just tried to steer clear of her when she blew on the flugelhorn.

Twilight was full of questions and suspicions, but the gentle urgings from cadance were enough to keep the mare from pushing too hard about what had transpired. After all, Cadance was her sister as well as the queen.

Hammer Strike was busy flinging balls up a track to leap through a series of rings and try to land the biggest point value. Strangely enough, he kept landing the ball in the highest value target.

“Not a bad technique,” a familiar voice said. “I’d almost call it flawless.”

Hammer Strike jerked in surprise, causing his aim to go awry. The increased force that his adrenaline put into the throw caused the ball to rebound and ricochet off of stall walls, display legs, and even a large cloth that spread like a parachute for the foals to play around with. That snapping flick of the raised cloth sent the ball sailing through the air to fall directly into the center of the target again, leaving the stall owner to gape in utter disbelief.

After a moment, Hammer Strike finally turned to look Critical Flaw in the face. Letting out a sigh of relief, he gave a smile. “It’s good to see you.”

“I see you didn’t die,” Critical Flaw said casually. “Good to know you’re still good for your word.”

“What? You had your doubts?” Hammer Strike chuckled faintly.

“More I know your flaw. That’s my special talent, remember?”

“Now the question is, which flaw? I’ve got plenty.”

“The one where you will do anything and everything to protect the ones you care about, no matter what it does to you.”

“I’d call it a trait more than a flaw.” He shrugged. “It worked out in the end, so that’s all that matters to me.”

“Funny thing about traits is they often turn out to be both the best asset and the greatest flaws. Sometimes at the same time.” Critical Flaw shrugged. “But I guess the point is moot for now. It all worked out. And hopefully, the queen is looking down and watching her daughter from the Elysium Fields.”

“I’m sure she is.”

Critical Flaw sighed. “When Sombra cast that spell, it felt like … like something had gotten inside of me, as if it were trying to rewrite me entirely, my memories, my personality, all of it.” He shuddered. “I don’t ever want to feel like that again.”

“Hopefully, that shouldn’t happen again. Now, it’s just a matter of adjusting to where you have landed.”

“Oh, the where is still the same.” The guard chuckled ruefully. “The when, however, … that will take some getting used to.”

“I’m sure you’ll manage.” Hammer Strike chuckled softly.

“And what of you?” Critical Flaw asked as he analyzed the game.

“Once the festival is over, I will be returning with the others to question Celestia and Luna about certain bits of knowledge.”

He chuckled. “I’d tell you that’s foolish, but I actually don’t see that working out as a flaw for you this time.”

“We’ll see how it goes when the time comes. Until then, I’d say celebrate. You’ve more than earned it.”

“Perhaps.” He sighed. “I just wish we didn’t have to lose so many in the process.”

Hammer Strike let out a soft sigh. “It’s the nature of war. We simply do what we can to move on. Once everything has settled, we can at least celebrate for those who can not. For the goal has been reached.”

“Wise words.” Critical Flaw smiled weakly. “I suppose I should see about offering my services to the new queen, then. My oath is already hers, but my talent might help her to avoid certain mistakes as she gets used to ruling.”

“I’m sure she’d be glad to have you.”

“Do you intend to return to the empire again in the future?”

“I’m sure I will.” Hammer Strike nodded.

“Then I suppose it won’t be goodbye, so much as until next time.” This time, the smile was a little less forced. “I like that thought.” He picked up a ball. “But for now, perhaps you would like to play against me?” he offered as he easily bowled the ball down the lane and plopped it into the center target. “I think you’ll find I may give you a proper challenge.”

The two played on for some time together, racing neck and neck and matching hole for hole until a tiny twist of fate led to a bounce off the rim, and Critical Flaw at last found himself defeated. “You’re as good as the legends say,” the stallion congratulated.

“I’d say it’s more luck than anything, but that was a good game.”

“And very well fought,” a posh feminine voice interjected. Rarity fixed the pair with a radiant smile as she tossed her mane. Though the crystal coat had faded, her natural beauty still shone through, along with the delicate scent of perfume as she looked over the stallions. “Fancy meeting you here, Lord Hammer Strike. I never realized you were one for games. Then again, we haven’t had much time to get to know one another properly, have we?”

Hammer Strike chuckled. “Indeed. Though, Cadance was very adamant that I take some time to enjoy the festival in its entirety. It’s good to see you again.”

“I think I’ll take my leave to give you two some time. There are others I need to visit before I report to the queen,” Critical Flaw said. Then he bowed his head. “It’s been an honor, Hammer Strike.”

“Until next time.” Hammer Strike nodded.

“A friend of yours?” Rarity asked.

“Yes. Alongside many of the guard here, we fought against Sombra through all means available to us.”

“And you were able to hold off against his dark magic all by yourselves until Celestia and Luna came?”

“Star Swirl proved quite helpful with that.” Hammer Strike gave a soft smile. “It was hard fought, but we made it here in the end.”

“And were it not for your valiant efforts, we might not have had a Crystal Empire to save in the first place, would we?”

“I’m sure they would have figured something out and managed.” He shook his head.

“Modest and generous. That’s quite a combination, you know.”

He gave another soft chuckle. “In any case, how is the festival treating you?”

Rarity sighed in relief. “Much better, now that I’m off hat-making duty. Do you have any idea how difficult it is to keep designing new and unique chapeaus out of nothing but straw? I mean, I made them fabulous, but the work was … less than desirable by the end, what with Sombra’s returning and all.”

“I’d believe it. But, you all managed just fine, and restored everything to its place.”

“We have Twilight and Spike to thank for that. All we did was try to keep the population calm.”

“And we were awesome!” Rainbow Dash crowed as she flew onto the scene trailing rainbow streaks behind her.

Twilight and Spike soon followed behind. “Everypony wants to congratulate us. I don’t think I’ve ever had this much attention in my whole life,” Spike said as he sighed in exhaustion.

“It’s certainly an interesting experience.” Hammer Strike chuckled. “Having fun with the festival at least?”

“How can I not with so many gems around? It’s like I’m in a candy store!” Spike grinned at Hammer Strike.

“And I have to make sure he doesn’t eat too much,” Twilight moaned.

“It certainly sounds like you have your work cut out for you.” Hammer Strike looked to Twilight.

“At least it’s not like the night Spike ate himself sick on ice cream.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s right, Twilight’s done time travel, too. What was it like for you, Hammer Strike? Going back, I mean.”

“I was knocked unconscious by the magic Sombra used on us. When I came to, Grif and Pensword had apparently dragged me to the Crystal Empire and got us a room to stay in.” Hammer Strike frowned in thought.

“So you don’t know what it was like?”

“I’m more aware of the experience of traveling back to the present, given I was actually still aware in said petrified state.”

“Were the others?” Twilight asked.

“From what I’ve gathered, no. I’m not entirely sure why, but it seems like it was just myself.”

“That’s odd. Star Swirl was an incredibly meticulous sorcerer. Why would he leave you aware while everyone else wasn’t?” Twilight asked as she rubbed her chin in thought.

“Whatever his reasoning was, it was … strange, to say the least.” Hammer Strike frowned as he placed a hoof on his chest. “Fighting your instincts in particular is the difficult part. Your brain tells you to breathe, but you don’t need to, and can’t either.”

“How did you cope with it?”

“Honestly, I couldn’t tell you. The first few days were mostly just me trying to keep myself together and worrying about the others. After a week, I … suppose I started to grow numb to the notion. My anxieties were mute by that point, and I had settled my instincts.”

“But you still heard and saw everything?”

“Yes.”

“That … is incredibly disturbing. If Sombra’s spell had only hidden the city somewhere else, maybe placed it in some kind of pocket dimension instead of hurling it through time….” Twilight shuddered.

“I would have been stuck in that state for much, much longer. Yes. I thought over the same possibility as well.” Hammer Strike looked to Twilight. “Thankfully, that was not the case. Otherwise, I don’t know what I would be like coming out of that.”

“It’s … probably better not to think about it,” she agreed. “Spike wanted to try some of the games, since he didn't get the chance when we were looking for the crystal heart. Do you have any suggestions?”

Hammer Strike hummed in thought. “Perhaps one of the accuracy-based games would be good.”

“No arrows. Spike’s still too young for that.”

“Twilight,” Spike cried. “Not in front of everypony….”

Hammer Strike gave a soft chuckle. “There is more than just archery in terms of accuracy-based games.”

“Yeah. Like ring toss or ball throwing!” Rainbow enthused. “I should know. I helped set them up myself.”

“What game do you think will be the most fun, then?” Spike asked.

“Balance beam fight!” Pinkie Pie screamed suddenly from behind, causing all of them to jump. Rarity let out a girlish scream as her mane and tail bristled briefly before resuming their usual appearance.

“Pinkie!” Twilight chided.

Pinkie giggled. “Sorry. I couldn’t help myself.” She shoved a padded helmet and protective vest on Spike’s head and torso, then grinned as she placed a smaller staff with two padded mallets, one on either end, in front of the young dragon. “I never leave home without a few good party favors and games.”

“Um … I’m not sure if this is going to be a game I like … or even can do,” Spike said as his tiny arms flailed in the confines of the vest’s holes. It didn’t take long for him to fall over and rock like a turtle stuck on its shell. “Uh, … a little help?”

Twilight sighed and levitated Spike back onto his feet, then removed the gear Pinkie had placed on him. “Maybe when he’s a little bigger, Pinkie.”

“And maybe a little braver,” Spike muttered to himself as he rubbed his newly-freed arm.

“Step by step.” Hammer Strike gave a soft chuckle.

“I’ve got some more questions for you, Hammer Strike, but I’m guessing those may have to wait for a while,” Twilight said with a reluctant sigh. 

“Enjoy the festival while it is around. You can talk with me later, once everything has calmed down.”

Twilight nodded. “I could use something to distract me on the way back to Canterlot,” she agreed.

Spike was quick to yank at Twilight. “Well, anyway, we’ve got tons of games to play and prizes to win, so bye!”

Rarity’s eyes watered slightly as she watched Spike drag the mare away, touched by the real intent behind the young dragon’s insistence. “Aw, Spikey Wikey….”





Grif darted through the sky quickly, his wings flapping as the air stung and buffeted him. Despite that, flying was one of the few comforts he’d had during the month-long rebellion against sombra. Even now, the sensation of the air flowing around him helped to calm his nerves as he scanned the stalls below until he found the one he was looking for. The stand was a simple wooden structure with a portable heater and a large pot of bubbling berry syrup. Pinkie had managed to get everything he needed, and it made him smile as he landed and laid out his cargo across the front. A large tray enchanted to keep what was inside it cool awaited, and he opened it with an almost eager grin to reveal simple pure white snow. Opening a pot, he took a long sniff of the fruity aroma before he filled the ladle and began to measure out small lines of syrup in the snow. Then, taking some small wooden sticks, he stuck the end in the jelling syrup and began to roll them around it. Then, he waited, sure the sweet smell would be like a siren call to younger ponies.

It didn’t take long for curious Ponies to arrive. It took a shorter time still for word to spread of the delectable treat. Soon, the Gryphon was serving as fast as he could to the many customers that wanted to try the mysterious new snack.

Grif Smiled to himself as he did his best to keep up. “Don’t worry. There should be enough for everyone,” he promised the crowd as he worked.

“Hello, Grif. I’m glad to see that you’ve recovered so well,” Cadance greeted with a warm smile, even as excited whispers passed through the gathered crowd. Bellacosa and Alto flanked the mare on either side while Shining Armor smiled at them.

“Good afternoon, Princess.” Grif gave her a small bow of the head as he handed his treat first off to the two foals, then the princess and Shining Armor. “And recovered may yet be a strong word,” he admitted. “But I’m alive.”

Cadance frowned. “Then why are you out here working a stand? If you don’t feel well, you shouldn’t be straining yourself.”

Grif smiled as he pointed to a few laughing foals. “Best medicine there is.”

“You promise you won’t overexert yourself?”

“Won’t even think about it.”

“Why do I get the feeling that’s not entirely true?” Cadance asked with a gentle smile.

“Princesses, right now I need to be around happy people,” Grif told her seriously. “I need to see at least some happiness in this place.”

“And I never said you shouldn’t Grif. But I see my banter may have gone a little too far.”

“How do you get it so gummy and runny at the same time?” Bellacosa asked. “It’s like caramel, but … not.”

“Where I come from, this is usually done using a syrup made from the sap of the maple tree,” Grif explained.

“What’s a maple tree?” Cosy asked.

“It’s a type of tree that grows in Equestria and my homeland. Its sap makes a great syrup for pancakes, as well as flavoring.”

“All we have up here is berries.” Cosy frowned. “Do you think you can show one to us one day, Mister Grif?”

Grif smiled at Bellacosa. “I promise.”

“And you’ll come back to visit?” Alto asked.

“Definitely.” Grif smirked. “Someone’s gotta make sure you guys grow up strong.” He winked.

“We have a few ideas about that,” Cadance promised.

“Good to hear,” Grif said

“Will you three be going back with the others, or do you plan to stay a little longer?” Shining Armor asked.

“That's Hammer Strike’s choice,” Grif said.

“Can we get a ride on your back when you’re done today?” Cosy asked.

Grif chuckled and nodded. “Sure.”

Both foals beamed with excitement.

Cadance shook her head and smiled lovingly. “Those are my siblings, all right.”

Shining chuckled. “So, is that how you used to be when you were little, too?”

Cadance kissed Shining and smirked mischievously. “No comment.”





The council chamber where the six friends had planned the Crystal Fair was no different than before. Its walls were still tall. Its table was still round. But there did seem to be at least one subtle difference. The whole structure seemed to hum with the magic of the crystal heart. And that, in turn, seemed to fill the air with a sense of abiding love and peace. It was the perfect place to hold a meeting away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

“Well, we made it. It was tough going, and Sombra neary succeeded, but it all turned out right in the end,” Twilight said. “I just wanted to say thank you, girls. Without your help, we might not have even had enough time to find the heart in the first place before Sombra broke through.”

“Now that’s a load of hogwash,” Applejack insisted. “You would’ve found the heart, no matter what. And it was Princess Cadance who held the barrier. We just did our best to keep everyone’s spirits up.”

“And it was very brave of Spike to deliver the heart at the last moment,” Rarity agreed.

“Speaking of deliveries,” Rainbow Dash said, “Is it just me, or did I see a little something going on between you and Hammer Strike?”

“Rainbow Dash! I assure I haven’t the faintest idea what you mean,” Rarity insisted in a manner that was far too dramatic.

“Eeeeyup, she’s lyin’,” Applejack confirmed.

Rarity gaped askance at the farm Pony.

“It’s okay to admit if you like somepony, Rarity,” Fluttershy said gently.

“A lady doesn’t divulge the secrets of her love life so easily, Fluttershy.”

“Aha! So you do like him. You just said it!” Rainbow Dash crowed.

Rarity blushed.

“Ooh, ooh, ooh! Want me to throw a party? I can make it suuuuuper romantic!” Pinkie Pie said with an impossibly wide grin.

“Girls, I know it’s normal to tease friends, but Rarity only just met Hammer Strike. Isn’t it a little early to talk about this kind of thing when she’s only just starting to make friends with him?” Twilight asked.

“Yes, quite,” Rarity agreed. So, if we could kindly let the topic drop, I would most definitely appreciate it.”

“I don’t know,” Rainbow said. “The chance at teasing is pretty high….”

“And so are the chances of my giving your wonderbolt costume a simply fabulous makeover,” Rarity said. Her appearance was perfectly demure, but the implied threat hovered like electricity in a thundercloud.

“On second thought, maybe we should drop it,” Rainbow said with a nervous chuckle.

“Aww, I wanted to see Rainbow in frills,” Pinkie pouted.

“You what?” Rainbow balked.

“Don’t worry about it. It’s not happening in this timeline, and Hammer Strike and the others made sure to fix it all so the universe doesn’t have to end, so you wouldn’t remember it, even if it did happen.”

“Pinkie!” Twilight cried in exasperation.

“Yes, Twilight?”

“Please don’t give me another puzzle to try to wrap my head around. I really don’t need the anxiety right now.”

“Okie dokie lokie!” Pinkie Pie saluted, then proceeded to pass around a series of muffins. “Oh, and the really nice time lady asked me to give these to you. They’re really good.”

“You ate most of the basket yourself, didn’t you, sugarcube?” Applejack deadpanned as she contemplated her muffin, a sweet apple cinnamon streusel with just a hint of cider.

“Yup! That’s how I know they’re all soooooo yummy!”

And like that, reality returned to normal, and as is always the rule with Pinkie PIe, nopony questioned it. Though she did wink randomly to no one in particular as her friends ate their muffins, which each seemed perfectly flavored to their exclusive tastes and palates.

“So, uh, … Cadance being the lost princess for the empire. Who knew, right?” Spike asked as he chomped his gem-stuffed muffin. For some reason, what Pinkie had just done made his scales itch.

“Nopony could have known, Spike. All records of the empire were practically nonexistent until Princess Celestia received word of its return. It’s possible she may have removed the knowledge of it to protect the populace from Sombra’s shade. You saw what his power did to Grif,” Twilight said.

“Though I suppose the talk of the use of light and love might have been a clue,” Rarity admitted. “After all, love is her specialty.”

“Not to mention the big crystal heart on her flanks,” Rainbow Dash added.

“Do you think maybe … someone made it so we couldn’t make that connection?” Fluttershy asked softly. “I mean, we all usually see these kinds of things sooner.”

“But who would have that kind of power? If it were a spell, I would have felt it and countered it,” Twilight pointed out. “What else is there?”

The rest of the party shrugged.

“Still, I guess that makes you the sister to a queen now. Ain’t been one of those in Equestria for who knows how long,” Applejack said.

“Not since the time of Princess Platinum,” Rarity noted. “I had the opportunity to study her history extensively in preparation for the Hearth’s Warming play.”

“That’s well over a thousand years ago,” Twilight said. Then she frowned. “Do you really think it’ll make that much difference? I’m still the same Pony, and I really don’t want to get involved in politics.”

“We certainly have enough on our plates dealing with friendship problems and saving the kingdom, wouldn’t you say?” Rarity asked with a playful smile.

“Hear hear!” Applejack agreed. “I want to make a toast. Anypony got something to drink?”

The others shook their heads.

“Well, I’ll just use this, then,” She said, raising the last bite of her muffin aloft. “To us and the ties that bind. Our friendship got us past Nightmare Moon, sealed Discord away, and now we’ve brought back one of Equestria’s best allies. I’m not saying I want any more big adventures to save the world, but I hope our friendship keeps us strong, no matter what life throws at us. No matter what happens, no matter how hard life hits us, let’s make a promise here and now to be there for each other to the very end. Who’s with me?”

The room resounded with the enthusiastic agreement of the remaining mares and Dragon as they partook of the last of their morsels and basked in the warmth of a job well done and those bonds that had just grown stronger as a result of the test they had faced together.





“Well then,” Grif yawned as they loaded their things onto the train. “It will be good to get back after that.”

“I can agree with that,” Hammer Strike replied.

“You can agree with that after it’s already after that?” Pensword asked with a smirk. “What a twist.”

“Was that … Pinkie logic?” Twilight asked as she turned to look at the Pegasus.

Pensword shook his head. “Just having a little fun with friends is all. From what I’ve seen of Miss Pie, I don’t think I could handle her logic.”

“Thank you.” Pinkie giggled suddenly from behind the Pegasus, prompting him to leap into the air and flap clumsily before falling roughly onto the floor again.

“Ow….”

Pinkie giggled, and Rainbow Dash snickered as she struggled to contain the laughter wanting to burst out.

“My goodness. Are you all right?” Rarity asked of the stallion.

“I’ll be fine. Pegasi are surprisingly resilient,” Pensword said. “Just … give me a minute to gather my thoughts. Miss Pie sent them … pretty much everywhere.”

“Yeah, that’s Pinkie Pie all right,” Twilight sighed.

“Y’all ready to head on back now?” Applejack asked.

“After some proper goodbyes,” a familiar voice said as Shining armor approached the station with Cadance and the foals in tow.

“Ah, you managed to escape your new subjects.” Hammer Strike gave a faint chuckle.

“They’re not that hard to convince when a queen is executing her duties to send off the heroes of the empire,” Cadance with a playful smile.

“Hey, Bellacosa, come here for a minute,” Grif signaled the colt over.

“What is it, Grif?” Cosy asked.

“You did well in a bad situation, and you listened to what others told you. Keep that mindset up, and trust those instincts. They’ll serve you well.” Grif pulled out one of the feather-shaped blades he’d been given. This one was held in its own leather sheath. “This is not a toy,” he warned the colt as he held it out to him.

Cosy took it gingerly and nodded. “I know….”

Pink wings were there before any words could be said. “We’ll make sure he knows how to use it if he needs to,” she promised. “Though I hope he never does again.”

“That will likely be up to fate to decide,” Pensword said. “But for what it’s worth, I hope so, too.” He crouched down to the foal’s level and rustled his mane. “But if it does, just think of the people you love. That will be your strength.”

Cosy sniffled. “Thank you. Both of you.”

Grif turned to Alto slowly. “Support your brother and sister. Always remember how important family is, and do your best to make sure they can do their best,” he told the filly with a gentle pat on the head.

“I’m sure they’ll both be quite supportive to their sister,” Hammer Strike gave a soft chuckle. “But, it will come in time.”

“There’s a lot we have to do, now that the kingdom is restored again,” Cadance said. “But we promise we’ll stay in touch with all of you.” She smiled as tears brimmed in her eyes. “After all, you three are some of the closest things we have to our old family left. And we don’t abandon family.”

“Cadance, do you need us to stay a little longer?” Twilight asked as she looked on her former sitter with concern.

Cadance shook her head. “No, Twilight, we’ll be fine. You need to return to Canterlot. Aunt Celestia and Aunt Luna will be waiting for your report.”

At that, Twilight frowned. “I don’t think they’ll like what they’re going to hear.”

Cadance knelt and raised Twilight’s chin to look her in the eyes. “If they don’t, then they have no idea how brave and kind you really are. You and your friends saved our empire, Twilight. And if Aunt Celestia can’t see how miraculous that was, then she doesn’t deserve you as her student.”

“Cadance!” Twilight balked.

Cadance rose to her hooves. “I meant what I said, Twilight. In my eyes and the eyes of my people, you passed with flying colors. And I want you to remember that, even if others say otherwise. Promise me.”

Twilight averted her gaze. “I don’t know….”

“Promise me, Twilight,” Cadance insisted.

“Ooh! Ooh, ooh, ooh! Pinkie promise. Pinkie promise!” Pinkie cried exultantly as she bounced in place.

“But—”

“Twily,” Shining said gently, “she’s right. Make the promise. It won’t hurt you.”

“But what if I can’t keep it?”

“Nobody breaks a Pinkie Promise,” Pinkie sang as she grinned at her friend.

“Pinkie, you know that’s not true,” Twilight said as she drooped.

“Twilight, we’re your friends. And no matter what happens, that will never change,” Rarity said.

“Celestia’s gonna treat you right. You’ll see,” Applejack agreed.

“We’re all proud of you, Twilight,” Fluttershy said. “Shouldn’t you be proud of yourself, too?”

Unshed tears shone in Twilight’s eyes. “Girls….”

The mares and Spike all rushed in to hug the mare, even as Rarity’s recovered luggage fell to the station’s floor with a heavy THWUMP!

Hammer Strike smiled softly. “Shall we, then?”





The sound of six voices singing in chorus resonated beyond the windows of Canterlot Castle as Twilight and her friends pranced away toward the train station and the inevitable return to Ponyville. The three friends looked on the door where Twilight had pranced so gleefully.

“I don’t think I’ll ever understand the whole ‘heart song’ thing, or whatever they call it,” Hammer Strike muttered.

“Yeah, it’s kinda weird,” Grif said.

“Come on. Didn’t you guys ever want to sing along at least once with all the music they’ve made?” Pensword asked.

“I’m not really a singing kind of person.” Hammer Strike shook his head.

“I mean, it doesn’t even feel realistic.” Grif shrugged. “People don’t randomly break into song and dance.”

“They do here. It’s a common extension of magic, and often serves to bolster one’s natural abilities,” Celestia noted. “It’s an exceptionally powerful tool when used properly.”

“In any case, we have more pressing matters to attend to.” Hammer Strike looked to Celestia. “Given the state of events that ‘recently’ occurred.”

“You found Star Swirl’s lab, then?” Celestia asked.

“A little more than that,” Grif groaned.

“Oh?” Luna raised an eyebrow. “It sounds like there is a story behind that.”

“If this is an act, you’ll find I’m not in a pleasant mood,” Hammer Strike replied flatly. “Having been displaced in time to Sombra’s uprising and fighting for our lives, in unfamiliar bodies mind you, wasn’t exactly leading to a pleasant experience.”

“The almost dying wasn’t great either,” Grif commented.

“Particularly given the fact that a certain time traveler was involved,” Pensword added. “I think it’s time we put our cards on the table. You knew exactly what you were sending us into, or at least you suspected it, didn’t you?” Pensword asked.
I
“Would it matter if we did?” Celestia asked. “If you know about said time traveler, then you know we can’t interfere with the workings of said time travel.”

“And just like that, I hate time travel again,” Pensword muttered.

“Okay,” Grif growled before he walked right up to Celestia and locked eyes with her. “Listen, Sunbutt. Your little ponies may be okay with the whole ‘chessmaster’ thing, but we aren't your pawns. You sent us into a trap. We nearly died. Ponies did die. You want to make your power plays, fine, but make them without us. Got it?”

There was silence for a long cold moment before Luna burst out laughing.

“Care to let us in on the joke, Princess?” Pensword asked.

“Sunbutt. That’s exactly what he’d have said to her. He called her that several times to her face.”

“I assume you’re referring to the ‘heroes’ who we look like,” Hammer Strike noted flatly.

“Grif Grafson Bladefeather,” Luna slowly worked to get control of herself, “was a proud warrior and a gifted spy. He was also impertinent to a fault, and he and Celestia never saw eye to eye about things like this.” She calmed herself. “He noted that respect was earned, not given freely. And the only person with a title who commanded his respect was Lord Hammer Strike himself.”

Grif looked to Hammer Strike with a raised eyebrow.

“Just … what the hell is all of this?” Hammer Strike sighed. “First, you send us into a literal warzone, we look like notable figures from the history of your nation, and you can’t give us straight answers. Hell, not even roundabout answers.”

“You’re right. We can’t,” Celestia agreed.

“Then at least give me one answer.” Hammer Strike looked to Celestia. “From what I’ve gathered, we look like said heroes, we sound like them, and hold some of the same manners as them. Are we them? You don’t even have to elaborate. I know traveling time seems to be a thing you can deal with here, so just give me this one.”

Celestia let out a heavy sigh. “Yes.”

“We are not certain, but it seems likely,” Luna added.

“Great,” Hammer Strike sighed. “So we have to live up to a ‘legend’ we have yet to live.”

“If it’s any consolation, legends are never born. They are always made,” Celestia said.

“Yes. But they are typically made in order. Not stumbling back and forward between their glory and before they knew how to wield a weapon.” He rubbed at his forehead. 

“I can’t help you there. Time is strange at times. And for some, its flow is not nearly so straight as one might expect,” Celestia said.

“Where do we go from here then? Because after all of this, I don’t have any sight into what comes next.”

“You continue to live your lives as best you can. However, to make things a little easier for you, Luna and I have come up with a means to ensure that you won’t be bothered by any nobles who want to interfere without giving proper permission.” Celestia looked to her sister. “Luna, if you would do the honors?”

Luna produced a scroll, which she levitated to Hammer Strike. “By our right as diarchs of Equestria we present this deed to you, Hammer Strike, giving you dominion over the Everfree Forest and all within its borders.”

Celestia beamed. “Congratulations. You’re officially a lord.”

Hammer Strike blinked a few times. “I … appreciate it, but.” He sighed before muttering, “Ex Divinia etiam, I feel as though I’m going to get roped into your politics now.”

“This is actually for the sake of keeping you out of the political field in the long run. By placing your lands under the jurisdiction of Lord Hammer Strike, Shawn and his fellow humans can act relatively free of any potential interference from other nobles,” Celestia noted.

“I suppose that’s a positive at least.” He glanced to Grif and Pensword. “Anything else of importance, or are we just heading back to Ponyville?”

“No,” Grif said. “Let’s head home. I need rest.”

“And I suppose we’ll need to introduce ourselves to the troops again, too.” Pensword sighed. “You can’t have a new lord who never shows himself to his subjects, after all.”

“I’d offer to see you to the station myself, but I have the feeling you’d prefer to travel without everypony gawking at you,” Celestia said. “As such, the best I can send you off with is a wish of good luck and the promise that new funds will be sent for Lord Hammer Strike as a part of his newly acquired status, and as thanks for his service to the crowns of Equestria and the Crystal Empire both.”

“Sounds good. If that’s everything,” Hammer Strike replied as he turned toward the exit, “we should get moving if I want to get us tickets for the next train to Ponyville.”

“Debriefing Moonshade is going to be interesting,” Pensword noted as he turned to follow the stallion.

“Let's stop at Joe’s on the way there,” Grif said. “Might as well make the trip worth it.”

Hammer Strike hummed. “Fair enough. I suppose it’s a good thing I kept a sum of coin on me.”

“Then let’s get going. Standing still like this in the palace is making me feel antsy for some reason. Then again, I’m a Pegasus. Being antsy seems to be a tribal trait.”

And with that said, the three friends departed from the presence of the two princesses.

“So, … this is where it all started,” Celestia said to her sister as the doors boomed shut.

“Yes, sister, though I feel your test for young Twilight may have pushed things a little far with them.”

Celestia sighed. “Perhaps. But if we didn’t send them, then the future that is our past would never have come to be.”





The murmur of Ponies was calm and gentle as traffic passed through the stores and stalls of the building. Donut Joe’s establishment was, as ever, small but high on quality. The air was filled with the rich scent of pastry and hot beverages as the donut aficionado worked his magic on the confectionary delights.

For once, no one was staring. There were no hushed whispers or fearful glances. It was just three friends enjoying their time together in a public space without the judgment they had to endure as the alien humans who had turned back a tide of Changelings.

“I’d certainly say this is at least a nice change of pace,” Hammer Strike remarked.

“And we get to taste things even better than before,” Pensword noted.

“Joe’s is the only good thing about this place,” Grif said.

“Almost seems like it at times,” Hammer Strike nodded his agreement. “But at least there are a small number of other positives.”

“I mean, that spot in the Gryphon Quarter of the city was pretty nice,” Pensword pointed out to Grif.

“Joe's coffee is better.” Grif smirked.

“For those who like it, perhaps,” Hammer Strike chuckled faintly.

“A brew as black as Grif’s feathers is a dark blend, indeed,” Pensword said as he sipped his coco. “How do you stand the stuff?”

“With a sigh of enjoyment and four teaspoons of sugar,” Grif said, taking a long pull.

“Do you think we’ll be expected to stay like this for a while?” Pensword asked of his friends.

“We’ll need to establish our presence firstmost.” Hammer Strike hummed in thought. “Ensure our troops know the chain of command, and of course reveal ourselves to close allies and the like.”

“Then we should probably get our stories straight. How do you want to play this, Hammer Strike?” Pensword asked.

“Just accept the history of yourself and know that there is likely to be plenty of myth with it.” He sighed. “You’ll have to study what history has painted you as in your own time.”

“So another visit to Golden Oak Library, then.” Pensword sighed. “That’s going to be interesting.”

“I’m just curious about how Moonshade is going to take this,” Hammer Strike said.

“I’m guessing it won’t be very difficult to accept. What I’m worried about is what I’ll have to ask her after we tell her who we are,” Pensword said.

“We’ll see when the time comes. Until then, let’s enjoy ourselves for now. The next train for Ponyville is an hour off,” Hammer Strike said.

“Yeah, let's enjoy the fact we’re still here,” Grif noted.

Pensword smirked. “Another round of donuts?”

“Yes,” Grif said.

“Go for it. I can afford it,” Hammer Strike chuckled.

Pensword waved a wing to signal Donut Joe over. “So, realistically speaking, how long do you think we’ll need to stay in Ponyville before we ‘depart’ again?” Pensword asked.

“We have a couple of months until spring. In which case, we’re supposed to march to the old palace. Given the prep involved, our ‘departure’ would have to be within the month.”

“Well, on the bright side, at least the princesses didn’t put a bunch of fanfare behind your sudden rise into nobility,” Pensword noted to Hammer Strike.

“I get the feeling that won’t matter for long.” Hammer Strike frowned in thought.

“Only if the nobles start to raise a fuss. I don’t see them being willing to do that until after the Everfree is clear and safe for travel,” Pensword said. “There isn’t any profit in it for them.”

“Only time will tell.”

“I wouldn’t say that,” Grif said. “Not under the name Hammer Strike, anyway.”

Pensword shrugged as another round of donuts was delivered. “For now, let’s focus on the present.” He liked his lips. “Dibs on the jelly donut.”