Ciraxis

"Well...isn't this clever...." Squall muttered while studying his gifts. Flux could almost see gears turning inside of stallion's head. It's seems that this...disk-ball gadget was a source of inspiration for the business-pony. "Have to show it to Bevel. There is potential in such design...simple but elegant...." "Ever....?" Squall scoffed. "As if that was still a question! I want at least four." noblepony announced. It seems Squall really got his mind on rebuilding House Squallcoast. "Four kids that will be spoiled sweet....by Auntie Flux among others...right?" stallion looked intensely at the changeling. it seemes that saiying 'No' wasn't an option when it comes to this. On the other hoof ,he was still on the fence if drifter like her would make a good Namemother, but he was not limiting his choices yet. Spring Breeze was on this list, as well as Ice Storm, Miss Applejack, Henka, Wind Walker and Sigrun. Flux's gift was further wrapped up in some expansive looking, purple fabric. Swift studied his friend's reactions, not even blinking as the changeling was getting to her prize. He wanted to savour her expression. Wasn't that was one of the most fun parts of gifting someone? Was it....? Of course it was! Only Swift was both loaded and stubborn enough to make it practical. And he made two of them for her. "I commissioned a spare...just in case....." noble-stallion commented as Flux's legs first grasped the handle, and then ignited one the spellsabers. The weapon's aeatheric blade was of the same colour as her magical aura, and it's low, calming hum filled the room. Squall walked some extra miles for the material quality too. The handle was made from finest moonsilver, and the weapon itself was four times more magic efficient then usual weapon of this kind. But that still wasn't all.... "This is dual-phase version. See this ring?" Swift asked while picking up the spare and pointed it at the ceiling. "When you turn it...." unicorn said while doing just that. Out of nowhere the blade doubled in length! "...You can adjust it's length. This is because they have two set's of crystals inside. Good for surprise attacks, or to throw off opponent in duel." count mused. "It must seem...an odd choice of gift for Heartswarming...." noblepony lampshaded "But if you remember, I once offered to pass my skills to both you and Spring. This offer still stands.....if you are up for it that is." Squallcoast said.

The stage mare was....quite melodramatic in her response. It was hard to pin to who she was talking exactly. Perhaps to everyone at large. When she started to fall apart at the seams, Squall's stern expression softened - if only a little - upon seeing those tears. "Look, girl." he started again, much calmer and quieter "You seem to have an tendency of speaking before thinking....Maybe sit down for a moment , and ask yourself what did you said that....." Swift wasn't allowed to finish. When he spoke, Trixie used spoke to make hasty exit, proving her qualifications as the stage magician. ".......Apologies towards the right pony would suffice......" Swift mused before turning his visage toward Twilight. "You can reach her, right Sparkle? Better bring her back before she does something reckless." he said before turning to Bluebelle. Thankfully Archchancellor got herself back together. "There are those that care for you Blue. They....WE will always be there for you." unicorn said as he walked towards the Princess and patted he on the shoulder. "You will get there, I know it." Squall said encouragingly before bouncing away from the royal pony. After all, Twilight and her interactive pink friend seemed to be 'cooking' something. Swift's eyebrow's moved up when he saw enchanted confetti forming words in the air. At first he didn't understood why every-pony was paired up. then it clicked within him. "So that's how it works." he mused. Being sellsword for most of his life didn't left much room for those kind of parties. Or any kind of parties for that part. Thankfully Squallcoast was paired with someone who he actually knew. "You have to tell me that story sometimes. With details." noblepony spoke to his changeling friends before giving Hope a glance. "Still roaming around the realm and meeting new buddies I see." he mused. Swift accepted his gift gracefully. He did not unpacked it yet, it will be so much better if they do this simultaneously. "It must've be hard. Getting gifts for a pony who can buy anything." he lampshaded. "Don't worry, I will treasure it regretless. The fact that it's from you is a value enough." Squall reassured his friend. "Now...this is something that I've meant to give you for a long time now...." swordpony said as cylindrical package floated through the air into Flux's awaiting legs. "So...together?"

This was a really, really long week fro Swift Squall Squallcoast. Heart's Warming season was always the one that brought great surge in demand for all kinds of products. And Swift, being a head of large corporation had to stand up to the task of meeting that demand. And that meant longer shifts in his office. Which he had to juggle with: Visiting his parents. Overseeing the construction of Fillydelphia Botanical Gardens AND finishing touches upon Tempest Tower (opening next tear!). And getting gifts for friends and loving ones. Large amounts of gifts. Also, setting up dinner with Fire this evening. Simply put, swordstallion was exhausted...! But not exhausted enough to bring more of Heartswarming Cheer to the land! And seeing that he was going to Ponyville anyway (to discuss some very important things with Sparkle. Away from bustle of Canterlot), showering the town with gifts seemed like a splendid idea. Already his employees were leaving packages under every doorstop. Meanwhile Squall himself was hurrying to the School of Friendship, carrying big fat sack of presents of his own. Apparently some small event tied to holiday was happening there, and that was reason enough for noblepony to do this place himself. Swift wasn't exactly clear on the details - an odd thing for him, but, after all he was in hurry. Thus stallion closed to the school, the bag floating next to him while he whistled holiday songs. And soon he begun hearing talks coming from the building. His ears perked up when Squall heard the familiar voice of Bluebloo...Bluebelle. But soon his eyebrows furrowed. The Princess seemed....upset? Was Blue arguing with somepony? As he closed in, unicorn could hear the later part of response coming from some mare. And judging from her words, it indeed was the case.... Squall grit his teeth. For years everpony has thrown shade at the Prince. And frankly Swift had enough of that. Knowing Blue since they were kids, he was in unique position to truly confirm how much he...she had changed, how hard Blue tried. He and...errr...him/her were ponies of completely different strengths, but Squall could see how the royal unicorn has risen above his/her vices and tried to do best for Equestria. So, to hear this unknown mare insult Prince/Princess so was exasperating. What did she know?! Swift hastened his trot, righteous fury seemingly evaporating his weariness amd uplifting his step. Swordstallion was practically glowing with anger when he got to the door. Noblepony smashed door open, with enough force to make them fall of the hinges. Before anypony could react unicorn was already bellowing at the blue mare that Headmistress was staring daggers at. "AND WHO ARE YOU TO THROW SUCH SLANDER?!! AT THIS DAY?! THIS PLACE!!!" Squall roared as walked towards Trixie. His gift bag was placed next to Headmistress. Rage has blinded the noblepony as he closed to the stage magician. He recognized her now, the arrogant performer who got herself involved in the conflict with Princess Celestia most Faithful Student. Swordstallion had yet to meet her but heard a lot about her. From his copy of Friendship Journal, from Sparkle, and from Miss Applejack. The Trixie mare apparently got better since those days. 'Apparently' being the operative word here. And it was up for Squall to put her hubris back in the box. "What do you know of Blue? You who for most of your life was pompous braggart with nothing to show for it? I knew Prince since before we were five. And I seen his burdens. Always treated like an...an extra , a charity case on Celestia's part. She never had a time sit down with him and understand Him, despite sharing the case of missing family. No it was always the Equestria, her nice, her first student and then her other student that came first. All the while he tried to become the most charming, most affable gentlecolt he could be. But it wasn't enough, it never was enough because She never told him straight to the face what She really wanted from him!" Squallcoast shouted. "Instead of appreciation or guidance, all the high society of Canterlot was looking how to humiliate and heckle at him. Something that Stage Mare who's audience was trying to get into horn measuring contest with her every show, should be able to relate to." Swift pointed out. "Blueblood would have had all the right to be resentful, turn his back on Equestria after all of this, especially after Grand Galloping Gala. Instead he got good, long look at himself and did his %$#*! best to be better. He squashed his envy, and anger and got to work. Blue let go of his grudges.....instead of...Oh, I don't know? Planning elaborate revenge schemes using dangerous magical relicts?" noblepony growled at the blue mare. "The point is, he worked hard to be here today, instead of having friends in high places. Now, who is disgusting and should seek forgiveness...Miss Great and Powerful?!" Swift asked. Only now after he vented his fury Swift was able to really notice...the details. Like the wings on the back of the mare that he verbally torn a new one. "....The %$@*?!!!!" business-stallion cussed. Were they hoofing those down these days?! As he looked around he spotted more familiar face. "Flux?!" noblepony wouldn't recognize the changeling, if not for the fact she kept the same voice and mannerism. "When? HOW? What did I miss?!" Squall confusion only grew further. But it was not over yet. "Sparkle?! Moto? What are YOU doing here?!! Shouldn't you be in Canterlot for the first err....Heartswarming of....new....." unicorn was quickly loosing steam now that he realized that Fire heard his outburst. All of it. "I pay for the door. D-Dear, I did nothing wrong...." he defended himself, his gaze shifting back and fortyj from the Princess of Friendship to his fiancee.

"I wonder...." Ossia mused, standing up when Blueblood mentioned 'uniforms'. Not bad idea, but wrong time. "Team uniforms are supposed to be more then pleasure for an eye...." pink mare said, walking next and behind the Prince. "...matching suits would also be a give away that we affiliated with each other...." Nerezza kept going, while her wings crept on Blueblood's back. "......Don't get me wrong. I am proud to have such...talented student. But there are advantages in keeping our connection a secret." alicorn's feathery appendages moved to stallion's shoulders, giving Blueblood slow, relaxing massage. "For all my power, all experience in disguising magic - whenever I do more then sneezing I have those...heroes all over myself. And catching your aunts attention is not something that I wish to do, before we place all of our pieces on the board." Ossia explained. "You however - and forgive me for putting it that way - are beneath notice. At least for a time being. Both Prince Blueblood and Platinum Gem can go to places, and do things that Ossia di Nerezza can not. Oh, in time those nincompoops will lament their error in underestimating You. But while this obliviousness lasts, we should milk it for all it's worth." winged mare whispered her advices to royal pony's ear. "And when the time comes...Celestia will realize that her 'nephew' is not a Prince she can manipulate anymore. But One. True. King. One with much more cunning, foresight and shrewdness then the brutes like Sombra." Nerezza spread sweet pictures of future glory for unicorn stallion. By now, the magic she poured into Prince should diffuse all the drinks he had. Hopefully. "Whatever the case, don't bother with the passport. Our visit is uninvited one. And to a desolate place at that..." Ossia walked away from Blueblood and moved to the centre of the room. Conjuring a piece of chalk, she begun map out a magic circle. Complicated one at that. "I could teleport us there no issue. But moving at such distance would leave us...open, to eyes of those in knowing what to search for. A circle, inscribed with incantations in language not of this world will give up protection we need." pink mare inscribed. As soon as she stoke the last line with a chalk, the whole ring started glowing. "Should we?" Nerezza asked while extending her hoof. As soon as Prince touched it, they were gone.

"<We be working with each other all the time Miss Henka.>" Swift reminded her, and from his expression it was clear he shared the sentiment. When she was finished with the signing, Swift produced second, identical document. It too was already signed by him. "<Copy for me, and copy for you. After all, we equals in this. Should I frame and hang it over the bed, O elusive Miss Henka?>" he asked in jesting tone. "<I assume you will be leaving soon, to establish your clan's new abode in Germaney?>" he continued with a small talk. "<I certainly will visit your Clan's second village when you done If you won't mind.>" swordpony said. "<But before that, we should agree about lines of the communication first. Just in case something important comes up, and to keep in touch.>" Squallcoast mused. "<Oh and seeing that you wonder how....>" Swift suddenly remembered, and his gaze shifted at the sake cup. "<You left a bit of yourself when you were drinking here last time.>" he explained while pointing at the very same cup. After all, now that they were allied with each other, pointing and ironing out such mistakes to each other only worked to their mutual advantage.

"Am I? It's been so long....." out of sudden the gaze Ossia sported turned...nostalgic? Contemplative? Whatever it was, she wasn't trying to hide it. It seems that pink alicorn opened up towards the Blueblood...at least a bit. "When you live as long as I am...you....try many different things." she explained "I still remember lectures I gave in Manehattan at Coltumbia University....." Nerezza allowed herself to reminisce a little. The moment passed quickly, and when Blueblood mentioned how he planned to mask Andomalius, Ossia was back to her witty, flirtatious self. "Chokers, stockings....should I get you garter belt as well, you naughty filly?" she mercilessly teased him...."Or maybe you would like to see Me in such getup?" ...before going for a killing blow. Winged mare cocked her head when royal pony got through his little test. He really was cautious. "You read that Long Guo book I prescribed you." Ossia stated. She could see that Art of War made an impression on the young Prince, judging from the way he carried himself today. He must've have finished it last night. She knew he was reading something, but she allowed him to go through them at own pace and order. "How appropriate. This is where we going today. I just hope that country's history turned less different then I used to." she mused. While she was speaking she summoned her bodysuit , and jewellery - appearing once more the same as the day they met. "Have you ever been there Prince?" she asked while extending her wing, slowly channelling the teleportation spell.

"<That was to to be expected.>" business-stallion nodded in agreement. The fact that he not moved to add anything to the document confirmed that he already foresaw such necessity. Swift set his front hooves, on the desk - so she could see them - and made a bridge out of them before adding. "<Like yours, isn't it?>" he dropped the bomb. He knew! And made it clear to her! "<Oh what am I saying? This is something you can...no, have to take care on your own.>" he added. Before Yūrei could even speak or act he continued. <"I Am not judging, merely observing Miss Yūrei.>" Squall said in placatory voice. His natural bass only added to effect. "<I told you I have 'very special' friends Miss Henka, didn't I? They...they made me much more open minded stallion then I was before. Those friends of mine share your dilemma - if one can name it such - although they took a very different solutions to it. One chose life of non-attachment, wandering around the realm like leaf on the breeze. Other threw away all shadows and secrets, choosing to be seen as she is - in look and deed. You probably know about her.>" Swift revealed. In the meantime, unicorn poured a cup of sake for his guest. Sqall figured that she will need a drink after this. Amazake. He remembered. "<I know how to recognize 'monsters' Miss Henka. I put down fair share of them myself, and I am not talking claws and fangs type. So it's obvious to me You and your clan aren't fitting the description. You nothing like 'Her'>." noblepony said with warm, reassuring smile. Not only that, Squall was completely relaxed in Yūrei's presence. This wasn't just a talk, he really believed it. "<There will come the day when you will be able to walk in the open - and I say it will come soon, if our newest Princess continues her course*. I would like to share a drink in on of Fillydelphia's many cafes when that happens.>" he expressed his wish. "<Until that day comes your secret is safe with me. And so will be mine with you. Ask and I shall give them freely.>" noblepony offered. *

BushidōSwift nodded when Henka said the consulting with her kin will not be necessary. "<And I assume it's a trust well earned. I will do all I can to live up to yours, just as you did to one placed on you by your clan.>" noblepony said respectfully. When Yūrei asked what kind of 'ink' would be preferable Squall shook his head. "<It's something I leave up to you. I did it to show, that I am willing to spill blood for my new friends and allies...my own included.>" Squall explained symbolism of his act. "<I will understand your hesitance to do the same. Your homeland never gave you benefit of doubt....forgetting that there are other expressions of one's honour then the Code of Bushidō.>" Swift mused. "<Well, barbs towards our homelands aside.....before you sign, do you have any other special wishes or terms you want to add to this...contract? No, it's not word befitting it anymore...a pact is what it is.> Squallcoast asked while setting before Henka an inkwell, quill....and a knife. Swift waited expectedly..... "Take your time."

I made my post mate. You didn't. That aside, Squall wouldn't mind having more then one ninja clan under his employment.

Certain business-stallion is looking for shinobi interested in long-term contracts...on very attractive terms.

"Well if there is no curing then is has to be cu...." Ossia started but shut her mouth....."...Errr we will worry when we get there..." she dropped the subject. Her eyebrows rose up started to apprise the ARM. Not that anypony could open the box beside him but.... "......You certainly became more prudential since we met. I like it." alicorn said with a purr before blinking in surprise. Did her heart rate just got up? Alright it wasn't hard to piece together. Her student was simply handsome, and through mentoring the capabilities of his brain cells has steadily gone up. It simply was natural that Ossia got to enjoy the fruits of her endeavors...right? "It does look good on you. Not surprising seeing it's where it belongs at last." pink mare complimented the royal pony. "I would be careful when it comes to using it in open too often though. Your other...self still has your true colors. And since Andomalius can only be used by Platinum bloodline, it wouldn't be hard for Sunlight to add two to two." Nerezza warned Blueblood. "Well not something we have to trouble ourselves with today! Now, what would be best gate to use for our purposes?" Ossia wondered aloud "The ones in Canterlot Castle and Castle of Sisters in Everfree are either heavily guarded, under watchful eye or...." alicorn stopped, realizing what nonsense she was saying "...or doesn't exist in this reality." she finished with pouting expression. "It still slips my mind how different your reality is from most Blueblood." she addressed the prince again "In yours your aunts are...well...aliens...but in most others they are ponies of this planet, just like you and me. Not only that, but after defeating Discord they took reins of leadership establishing diarchy. Well...monarchy in practice, since in majority of those Nightmare Night banishing still happened...although in few the roles were reversed....." Ossia kept explaining, but cut herself short, before she starts to ramble too much. "What I am TRYING to say, it's that I so used to seeing some landmarks, it's off putting to me when they are not there...." she confessed. "Now back to a picking the right location. It should be one with very little populated, and far enough from eyes of that glorified parking maid that your auntie calls students....." she pondered while tapping her chin.

"Hmmm perhaps, perhaps not. Being over millennia old doesn't mean she's bottomless well of knowledge - even if she likes to make other think she is. It's a habit of hers, isn't it? Half-truths, omissions, vagueness. Foolish is a teacher that pretends to be all-knowing. I am even more ancient, and have benefit of many different perspectives, but I would never lie to You that I am onnisciente." Ossia didn't misses the opportunity to strike iron while it was hot. The flames of resentment burned in Blueblood splendidly, and what's more wonderful - they were deserved. "In time I will lay bare all of her secrets and failures, so you can properly grade her. It would be fair for Celestia to being one evaluated for once, seeing that she did the same to, oh so many others." pink mare added. "Don't you agree Prince?" "Weeeeeeell....kind of....." Nerezza started, preparing to give Blueblood rundown on what Andromalius was was capable of. "It can help in a way that it 'brushes aside barriers'. So with enough mastery it will make any hindrances between You and what You seek....insignificant." alicorn said. Upon seeing royal pony blink in surprise Ossia felt that clarification is in order. "Doors will open, fortress walls crumble, magical barriers will get holes poked in them....perhaps even boundary between life and death can be bypassed....?" Ossia pondered. Andomalius was one of the relics she studied least, and as such she had little idea of it's limit's. "Be wary however there is a difference between 'barrier' and 'resistance'. I doubt Andromalius would be a direct help if somepony would try to directly punch you in the face." she quickly added. This hopefully should prevent Blueblood from using relic in situations poor suited for it...at least until he gets creative with it's usage. "....Now that I think about it, it can help us with my worries. See Prince I was thinking about your aunt's...and some of their students. Or rather what countermeasures can be done to deal with them. Materials for those that I came up with are unfortunately are not of this world. But with Andromalius...." winged mare gazed at the boxed artifact and then the royal stallion. "Or Goldgrasp if you prefer...seeing it was in your family for so long, it should respond to both names when you invoke them. Actually it can work to your advantage - using newer one when you want less power, and more ancient for opposite. But I digress Blueblood. Open the box and take the glove. Claim your legacy....." Ossia encouraged her student while standing up from her couch. Such moment deserved proper gravitas.

Well I completely changed what kind of character I want to make (Spoilers: It's a bad, BAD mare). But so it also happens, my week is absolutely packed till Friday-Saturday - which will be days when I can sit down and work on this app.

"The city-state of unicorns is different in many words Prince..." Ossia confirmed. "Although what I noticed. is that they have similar with frost wyrms, is their fondness of complotting. For icy lizards, arming their less cunning brethren was only a mean to an end. Kastrotians too do many things that have hidden objectives. But unlike the frosty reptiles, they become slick enough to avoid their schemes from blowing up in their faces." Ossia explained. "Be wary when dealing with denizens of that lands. Assume every gift from them as one with a hidden back, often hiding poison." pink mare warned her student. Di Nerezza was pleased with how inquiring Bloodblood was. This meant that he wasn't satisfied with a simple answers - this trait will certainly serve him well in his studies. Especially when it will be paired with healthy doze of caution - something that Ossia was set to nurture in him. "Hmmmm..." alicorn pondered, while taking another sip of her wine. "....This was something that I assumed you will know better then me. But I see you auntie dearest do her best to keep you as oblivious towards your legacy as she can." winged mare said. "You must understand - while I obviously studied some of the ARMS, once I got to know that those specific three were unusable by myself, I didn't bothered much on learning about them afterward. That I both met one of few ponies capable of using them, and that we got one of the three in the same day, is very wild coincidence." Ossia explained "...Although on some level, I think that Andromalius wanted to be found by you." alicorn toyed with the possibility. "With that in mind, keep what I will say now as a speculation. A highly probable one, but speculation still." pink mare said, being honest with the royal pony. "The three relics in question are probably more familiar to you under different names: Goldgrasp, Blackblade and Cold Mirror. As you certainly know, one of your ancestors, King Adamatias was the one one who first got his hooves on those relics, but it wasn't unlit his son Platinum Gleam that they saw usage...." Ossia said. All of this was common knowledge. King Adamnatias was killed during Saddle Arabian surprise invasion on his kingdom - which spanned modern Itaily and Germaney. Young Prince however fled from the rout at the capital, starting a resistance that fought for years and gathered allies in Unyasi and Maretonia, eventually regaining his crown. The three magical items served the valiant Gleam well in his adventures during this endeavour. "But I don't think it was Gleam that bound those three to your family. Rather I would point at his granddaughter...." Nerezza continued. Alluvia Palladias was known as a wise queen, but was even more famous as powerful sorceress - being the most skilled in the art of arcane among her family - and for her short temper. She was credited as creator of many spells that were used to this day. If anypony could permanently seize control of such items - it was her. "If I have to guess, Palladias probably assumed that her grandfather relics were too useful to fall away from family hooves. She certainly was using Cold Mirror at least, being aware how much advantages possession of such items brought. Did she was aware of their origin? I doubt it, after all you have to posses more then mortal pony lifetime to uncover such knowledge. Regardless I think it was her that bound those three to your 'Bloodline'. As such only ponies that can prove that they are Platinum descendants, are able to use them." Ossia revealed. "As of why they were lost...I don't think they are." Blueblood teacher said. "Remember you ain't the only pony that can claim such ancestry. After all Platinas married into other nobles.....and one of their sons and daughters probably took other two relics with them, as dowry. So they aren't lost - merely hidden. As of Goldgrasp...or rather, Andomalius..." Ossia gaze drifted to the ornamented box one again. "We would have to access museum secret documentation to confirm anything. But I suspect Celestia was involved with that one as well. If it would be donated by your family to museum, I think it would be clearly on display, not in some dark storage. I believe the institution was only 'safekeeping' it. I guess Andomalius was with your family all the way till your parents, and only after Sunlight became your legal guardian..." the last word was spoken as venomously as possible "...that she thought you are not suited for it's ownership. Not the first time she judged poorly."

Squall nodded when Applejack spoke. "As I said, enjoying home-made food is rare occurrence to me. Unless I am visiting my parents. Neither myself, my butler Oak Branch or Fire are familiar with...well...and kind of cooking. And I keep having problems when it comes to hire house staff due to silly superstitions. Yes, I have a ghost in my manor but he's really sweet and chill guy..." Swift said, his tongue taking him farther then it should. "...I-I mean not that this should concern you." noblepony quickly backpedaled. "You were...still are weary as well. Not that I did you any favors but...." Squall quickly glanced to the side "....I assumed that will expect amount similiar to one that I gave for those apples of yours, earlier today." unicorn explained his reasoning. "After all this time I still tend to forget that this is a matter of perspective. Take a word of a stallion who both earned and was born into money Miss Applejack - bits can solve many problems, but you can't buy happiness. If I never met Fire I would probably be sitting in Squallcoast Manor by now - brooding and becoming more embittered year after year." Swift surmised. Miss Applejack was already rearing to throw herself into even more work. Count appropriated the enthusiasm, but.... "Now, now Miss Applejack. I will be lying if I said I didn't wish you to start as soon as possible - but we both know you have obligations here, on the orchard that you can't just drop overnight, even if all those ponies will be filling out for you..." Squall paused, noticing earth pony eyebrows raised in confusion "....Oh, I didn't mentioned that, did I? During your absences I will dispatch a dozen of earth ponies to help on your estate. They will of course will be financially compensated by me as well. I also will make sure that those ponies are from rural background." noblepony assured the orange mare. "But back on track - I assume that you also want to first get yourself familiar with the environment of your new workplace? Since this will be a...tour of sort, I see no reason why you shouldn't bring more of your family with you - if you so desire." business stallion said "...Again, the sooner the better. It would be perfect if you would be well adjusted to Garden's inner workings by the time construction is completed." unicorn muttered before gazing outside. "...This is violent even for the Everfree neighborhood. I remember storm similar to that - when I was hired to hunt a pair of thunderbirds that got too accustomed to zebra flesh - in Unyasi." Swift reminisced.

"Not unlike Kastrotians as they are now, isn't it?" Ossia agreed with Blueblood impression of icy lizards. "They were too clever by half my Student. They set up a scheme, but weren't able to anticipate all of it's outcomes. Or perhaps they weren't flexible enough to deal with those they couldn't foresee?" she briefly pondered. "Whatever it was, it ended even poorer for them then for those they tried to trick. They died in that battle Blue, but it was a death that lasted for a millennia. Slowly diminishing, they limped through centuries, until the last whisper of their past disappeared from pages of history, at first rays of Equestria's dawn...." alicorn revelation of frost wyrm's fate was perhaps too much poetic, but one had to indulge themselves once in a while. "Learn from their failure Blue. Those who gamble everything on one hoof, may find themselves with no chips to play further...." pink mare warned her pupil before flashing the noblepony another - warmer - smile. "So don't be a player. Be a croupier." Prince's question made di Nerezza blink a few times...before she bursted into sparkling laughter. After the last giggles starting to die down, the mare managed to answer. "Blueblood think from their perspective. Would You secure a crossbow you have on display...so a rat wouldn't shoot you? Ponies back then didn't knew what a wheel was! The only equines that had any civilization were abadas, but this is a can of worms we should leave for later. Frost wyrms simply couldn't fathom that ponies would - in the future - develop magic that would allow them to hijack their work!"

"....Uuuuuhhhh, yeah..." Swift answered, still embarrassed about his earlier outburst. But not enough to stop the next question. "Did you.....toyed with similar idea Sparkle? I mean...you an Aunt already....correct? Surely that had to make you ponder...." unicorn started but soon shook his head. "Sorry....I guess it's too ponysonal to ask such things." What Twilight said would explain this rooms purpose...well a part of it's purpose. But still something didn't added up.... "Alright, but Why?!" Squall asked a question that certainly bothered both of them. "You don't have to be an unicorn to practice alchemy. Just....just to see if he could? Science I guess, but from practical standpoint this is nonsense. Even if you alter earth pony signature to such way that would allow them to use sorcery, their output would never match natural born unicorn doing the same. It's like using chocolate hammer, the results - or the math in this case - just doesn't add up. If this is what Mycus was doing, then this room alone is an overkill. At least security wise..." Swift watched as mini-Sparkle tried to ineffectually reach the alchemy table. And failed. Squall was thankful that his helm was masking his face completely - that way he didn't had to explain his amused expression. "Suuure. Of us, I am the one equiped to handle any unpleasant vapors....." noblepony mused while following alicorn's instructions.

"So be it. May as well get comfortable, yes." Ossia nodded seeing that Prince got himself a drink. In response, pink alicorn summoned full blown fainting couch with a flash of her horn. After climbing it (and getting sure she made pose that was alluring enough ) Nerezza continued with her tale. "As you can guess by the name, Dragon Wars was the time when reptiles got at each other throats. Why did thy did so? This is something that even I wasn't able to confirm. I uncovered few trails, that supported few theories, each as likely as the other. Regardless, whatever was the case, dragons were at high of their civilization - And yes, that includes ancestors of those brutes that now roam the Badlands." Ossia revealed, before pausing, to play with a lock of her mane for a moment. "So as it comes, dragons of west and east came into conflict. But there also a third kind, one that stood to the side. I have yet to find any record of theirs that would mention term that they used to refer about themselves but let's call them...frost wyrms...." Nerezza's gaze - that for now lazily scanned the room - landed on Blueblood directly. "As the term suggest, they were fond of ice weather, unlike their other scaly brethren. Arctic tundras, glaciers, or places high enough that they were frigid were their preferred homes. But it's not their residential preferences that made them...interesting. No, it's the unique properties of their breath that makes those long-gone lizards worthy of attention. You see Handsome Prince, frost wyrms were...unicorns among the dragons if we can say that. Besides being more icy then factory supply of mint drops, they were capable of something called 'cold-forging'. Frost Wyrms could forge a piece of metal into any object or item they desire, and at the same time enchant it. The more dragons involved in the procedure, the more powerful/versatile relic in making became. And frost wyrms used that skill of theirs to make many, many powerful artifacts...and to supply them to both long, and dragons of west. They called the, 'ARMS Goetia - and one of them is laying on table before you." pink mare said, while summoning the glass of Chianti into her hoof. That was a lot to digest to be sure. "Why that did so? Perhaps they were counting on making each side of the war bleeding out the other, and to swoop in and elevate themselves on the top. Whatever the reason, the plan backfired. During the final battle of those few hundred years war most of the relics were gathered in the final showdown. The result was...devastation of the world, that those in the know call 'Dragons Folly'. Among things that were result of it was exchanging the place of our planet and the sun in our star system, upheaval or sinking of major landmasses, and creation of many foul beasts that to this day plague the land. Western dragons and long were reduced to fraction of their number. Which - following their already heavy losses in the war - collapsed their civilization. If you could pear below the glaciers surrounding the Crystal Empire, you would witness fields littered with dragon bones...." Ossia paused to make a sip of her wine and preen few unruly feathers in her wing. "Of course those ARMS were not forgotten. They tend to pop up across history time and time again since the fall of the lizards, sporting many different names. Mostly anyone can use them, since they can change size to suite the wielder. But three that I know of were 'Bound' to a certain bloodline..." The pink mare stopped, flashing most smug smile Blueblood seen yet. "...the blood of Platinas. That right, yours, handsome Prince."

"Heh...." Ossia smirked when Blueblood mentioned how tight lipped Dragons were when talking about their past stunts. "You too would be hush after b r e a k i n g the w o r l d....." pink mare dropped the bombshell right of the bat. "...or at least being descendants of those who did." she quickly added. She couldn't help but feel some satisfaction from Blueblood's astonishment. "The world as you know it looks like this...." alicorn projected the map of globe in the air before stallion's eyes. "But before the Dragon Wars, it was vastly different." the second map came into existence, and although one could point similarities, the disparities were that much prominent because of this. Enormous sea bay in place of the Painted Pinto Desert, Whisescar so much larger and fused to Equestrian continent, a great peninsula protruding from Aquelian near the Coil... As royal pony eyes glided at the image of long-lost world more changes became apparent at other continents. Long Guo, arid despite Lake Haohuo being so large that it was practically inland sea in itself, along with another now no-existent peninsula south-west of it. Neighpon, sporting half dozen more large islands. Polyneighsia, replaced with Mustangia sized island in the shape of teardrop. Unyasi 2/3 larger then it presently was, shallow tropical sea with many islands where Saddle Arabia Great Desert now was...... "Shocking I know. I've yet to find a world that have gone through Dragon Wars, and preserved complete record of the event. But in various timelines, different pieces of that tale survived. And being a being that can walk through them, I managed to glue mostly complete story...." Nerezza said in ominous tone. "You see, five million years ago.....reptiles ruled the world. Sea serpents in the sea, and three kinds of dragons on the land....." the winged mare started her tale but paused upon reflecting. "...You know, this might take a while. You want a full version, or abridged one?" she asked.

"Don't you know kid? That's because Sweet Apple Arces cinder is Equestra wide famous." Swift popped up behind two students. After hauling his rump through whole orchard noblepony managed to get to the sales area. "Aaaaand they ran out. No wonder, with those things eating so much of their crop. Also technical difficulties." unicorn mused, noticing that one of the treadmills was broken, before moving forward. While he would normally make beeline to Miss Applejack, the familiar face in the crowd. As such, he diverted his part for some small talk. With the cinder reserves exhaused for a day, there was no need to hurry. "Hello Blue. We keep meeting in strangest of circumstances." Squallcoast greet his....friend? Well at that point, there was no other word that would describe their relationship - not after knowing each other for so long. They both just had to mature enough for it. This certainly was an example of an odd friendship. Even through they were both nobles, and even shared the same ancestry, they couldn't be more different. Standing side by side only seemed to accentuate it. With Bluebelle being all fresh, clean and fabulous as befitting high ranking noble and Squall's large ripped physique ,equipment and unshaved visage giving him look o sellsword after a though job. Which - at last for today - wasn't that far from truth. "Spending much more in Ponyville I see...." Squall said in that very deep baritone of his. "...and embracing local traditions." he added. "I see you got around yourself quite a company. Care to introduce me...?" noblepony asked, but tilted his head seeing Miss Applejack efforts. "....Before we move to assist our host that is."

"Oh, splendid...." astral Ossia thought to herself upon hearing Dust's onboard computer's warning. This was something that she needed to pass to her others selves. "....Soooo girls...the cyborg's AI want's to blow her up." alicorn warned her other consciousnesses. "Wait, what?" 'said the baffled 'Doctor' Ossia..... "WHAT?!" with the 'Outside' Nerezza being just perplexed by the development. "....Any way to postpone this?" "Well am about to start hacking it, so it will have to wrestle with me. Can't damage it too much though, the goal is to make it subservient to Dust. She mentioned some 'Code'. I believe she means the one that will override the AI's control over her body." astral Ossia mused. ".....I think I can buy some time by blocking the inputs from the CPU to the generator. There are also some nanomachines in her bloodstream. If you get the AI busy, it will be so much easier to hijack them, in turn making my work smoother." said the 'Doctor'. "Then I...wait as second, something's amiss...." 'Outside' Ossia said. Where was the SPLASH? There was supposed to be dullahan sized SPLASH! The physical for of the alicorn turned around. The Hexxer was indeed there, but on land, and not wet at all. Her half-alive rump was quickly receding from the view. Seems that morbid mare wisely decided to bail out of here. And in her place..... "I traded gan ceann for this?!" Nerezza sized up horned Whitescar hobo cow that sat before her. One that was seemingly part light-bulb. Or irradiated. Not that it mattered. "You may, or many not noticed, that I am a bit busy right now. So get yourself a newspaper and wait your turn. I have to prevent this mare, and everything in vicinity of three city district from disappearing in aeather balefire." irritated Ossia said to this new arrival while dropping a good ol' 'Forcecage' around her for good measure. This should prevent the caribou from interfering too much. While this was going, the astral part of the alicorn was diving down to the cyberspace/mindscape part of the Dust. It was interesting that AI described the self-destruct procedure as 'scuttling' Did they even remembered what sea was in their world to use the nautical term? "Yes Sweetie I can hear you. From all sides actually. By the way, are there any hormonal glands you want to regrow back? Whoever robocized you, they cut unnecessary amount of them." astral mare answered to cyborgs question, just as she touched down to the cyberspace. "Don't worry, I will just smash through some firewalls* and get to this Code in no time fla....." Just as he said this, Ossia was hot by tackled by something that resembled the mix of locomotive, tree harvester and octopus. "Ohhh the big bad AI itself!" she commented while grappling with four of CPU avatar's arms, while using her magic to keep the saw blades at bay. "Time to put you in your place. Befitting any other calculator." she mocked, not intimidated at all by the 'mechanical' monstrosity