It had been about a month since the vacation weekend.. Things becoming frantic as widespread rumours of Prince Covet Dawndrop’s lack of magic and flight capability quickly slipping out of the castle as he attended a number of important dinners, meetings and the like. The stress and frustration evident as he began to slip into his old ways. Ways he thought wouldn’t come back, this time tenfold. From simple dismissals and attempts to avoid attending these important things, to more nasty things. Such as harshly discriminating against anypony. Throwing obscenities at any of the castle staff members and nearly going as far as to inflict some physical assault on the various staff members. Only stopping himself by storming off. It was an agonizing month for him. Nothing could dispel what had taken his magic and flight away. No matter how hard Crimson or any other unicorn tried.

But it was also tiring for those around him. He wasn’t the only one experiencing discomfort and exhaustion. The preparations were exhaustive and only intensified at Covet’s rebellion thanks to his own stress. Crimson especially bearing the brunt of it as he organized everything. Truthfully, he wished he’d gotten things together sooner than he did. A few months would’ve sufficed for him. But he had to take into account every detail. Every minute of the day that would come. Often shouting out in frustration and becoming heavily annoyed as castle staff members tried their hardest. But, even in his anger, he recognised it was hard for them all. Giving them a temporary increase in their pay until the coronation was done. It was the least he could do for the time being. A supposed last act of kindness from Crimson before he stepped down from the position of King. He’d awaited the day his children would grow up. Having waited a long, LONG time to pass on his crown. Eagerly awaiting the day that was soon to take place.

Meanwhile, Stardew was the exact opposite. He had to take part in some of the things that were taking place. Rehearsing with Crimson and Covet as he witnessed them fighting. The metaphorical lights in his own song that he’d sung on that night back in Trottnest dimming literally as he saw both his father and brother straying apart. Keeping quiet as he tended to his own affairs, writing several letters out to specific guests he had in mind for his upcoming radio show. In particular, he sent a letter to Start ‘N Select as a duo. Instead of writing a letter to either Sax or Polygon on its own, he decided to include them both. He also wrote a few letters to his old classmates when he and Covet attended higher education. That being college. Recalling Covet dropping out and Stardew graduating. Covet’s course boring him quickly; allegedly. He’d not spoken to them in a while and was excited at the prospect of reconnecting with them.

In his letter sending, he considered asking his father and Covet directly to come on for a night or two. But stopped as he saw their fights and arguments. Keeping his invitation reserved and revoked until things calmed down for the pair of them. He had a slight fear as well. Would Covet force him to move out of the castle he had been born in when he ascended to the throne? Would he prove to be a good leader? He couldn’t tell as he saw Covet’s past behaviour jumping out at every five seconds. Being tenfold that of what he was from back then. It made him nervous, although he knew he wasn’t the only one when he caught a few of the staff members whispering their concerns to eachother during a nightly stroll he took. Before seeing Stardew and frantically heading off in a panic. Everyone was concerned, to say the least.

The night before the coronation was supposed to take place, Covet sat at a table and chairs on a balcony not too far from his bedroom. Looking down at the city he had always watched over. Closed off from the usual seas he drifted off to. His head aching from the fact that he and Crimson had yet another argument. The bitterness in the air around him like a fog. Narrowing his eyes as he sighed. The argument started up when Crimson snapped at Covet forgetting his vows to Manestralia. With Covet causing quite the commotion with his voice alone as Crimson and him started throwing argumentative cursing at one another for a good half hour. Before both stormed out of the throne room. Leaving Stardew feeling awkward once again. But Covet didn’t care about that. As he gazed off into the sky ahead of him. Being so far up reminded him of the extra sport they added to the last Alifest he and Stardew had. Sky Soaring. Where ponies would take to the skies in a fierce magical fight. Nopony ended up being hurt, of course. But they did crash down to the bottom of the sky arenas they had specifically made. A magical net catching the fallen participants and placing them out of eight ranks. Hearing [i]Fae Spell[/i] faintly playing in his mind as he hummed to it to calm himself down from the recent argument.

Standing in the doorway to the balcony meanwhile, stood Stardew. Hearing the faint humming as he joined in. Faintly making his presence known as Covet glanced back to the doorway. Seeing Stardew for a moment before glancing back at the city. Stardew then trotting up and sitting down in the chair opposite Covet. The city lights shining brightly as he started speaking to Covet directly. “Oi knah this is stressfahl on yeh. Theh’s onloy one day lef’” he mumbled out. The awkwardness of the pair of them speaking after such an argument making itself known. Covet didn’t respond. Closed off in his own simmering anger from the argument. The lights below creating an orchestra of organized chaos as he noticed the train pulling into the train station for the last time in the day. Although it was tiny from his viewpoint. Stardew had a flicker of upset in his eyes, but kept himself calm as he then looked down as well. “Ih’s Bew’ifuhl… Ain’ ih?” he then asked aloud. His voice softening as he saw the lights. “Remembah when we pehfohmed dahn theh?”. Covet nodded in nostalgia. Smiling for the first time in a while as he recalled the lyrics to a particular song. One called [b][i][u]Spectral Stream[/u][/i][/b] that they performed to during the Alifest days of old. Although the old part was an exaggeration, it felt like an eon away for them both. Covet started them off as he sung, though it was quiet. Like the first evening on Trottnest.

“Did you really feel my longing for you?”

Stardew then joined in, his response being the next line.

“Togethah we will pain’ all anew”

Then, the pair of them converged as they sung out the final part of the opening.

“Did you really reach out and say sorry?”

Stardew paused as he stopped. Covet frowning to himself slightly as he went back to looking down. The distance between them in their familial relationship making itself painfully clear as Stardew also looked down. Noticing the shoreline vaguely. Reminiscing over Wave Races that had long since passed. Both lost in nostalgic thought for a few moments before Covet then spoke. In a cautious tone. Sighing, he opened his mouth. The words falling out like a foreign taste. “I… Apologize. This last month has been hell for me. You shouldn’t have witnessed that earlier” he slowly mumbled out. Glancing at Stardew as he seemed to ignore the apology. Putting his hoof on the table as he responded with “Jus’ geh thru’ tomorrah… Then we can talk”. Making Covet frown further and stop glancing. “If I’d known how stressful this was going to be…” but Covet stopped as he spoke. Simply ending his sentence where it was as Stardew got up. Going in for a comforting hug. Between brothers. Unfortunately, this made Covet annoyed as he rejected it with some offense in his eyes. “Don’t touch me!” he barked out, leaving Stardew semi-shocked and upset himself. “Yew don’ hav’ teh oisalayt yehself fruhm mey!” he protested back, before Covet got up. Harshly pushing Stardew aside as he trotted to the doorway. Stardew feeling the chasm between them widening as he simply looked out to the skies. Sadness threatening to penetrate his face as he could feel his face scrunch up. Before composing himself with some apathy to his face. He figured not addressing his pain and upset would go over well compared to if he pushed onward.

“Gewdnoit, then” Stardew then simply mumbled out, before Covet dismissively glanced at him as he headed off for his bedroom. Leaving Stardew at the balcony. His feelings slowly finding escape as he silently shed a tear. One dripping from his face once he was sure Covet had left. Slumping down on a chair as he put his hoof on the table, using it to rest his forehead. Sighing with emotions heavily wearing on him as he watched the moon just above his external, forward-facing stare. He knew why Covet wouldn’t let him in, but it still pained him to know that he couldn’t bring any comfort to the brother he grew up with. Closing his eyes to think of happier times for the night. He’d eventually head off to his bedroom, but for now, he wanted to be alone with his thoughts and memories.

Covet meanwhile, travelled to his room. An air of defence surrounding him that now mixed with his renewed annoyance. Trotting into his room and taking a moment. His mind resenting that Stardew had tried to reach out to him. Rejecting it outright as he muttered “Just stick to your sad, blue sunrise” as he slammed his bedroom door a moment later. Before sitting down at his desk. Simply looking around as he glazed around the room he’d grown up in. Usually, it would’ve been a mess. But, with his coronation coming in at full force, he had his stuff moved. He didn’t want it to be moved, a longing to cling onto nostalgic and peaceful past protesting against the future. Clashing as he remembered his fleeting joy. Bathing in his own mind’s memories as he felt a slight tinge of pain. He knew this was the last night he’d spend in this room before he moved up to his father’s room. The only one who didn’t have to change up his life seemed to be Stardew. Resentment and bitter jealousy hitting him as he got angry from that knowledge. Stardew didn’t have to go through as much stress as he. Nor did he have to govern a continent. Filled with trials and tribulations that he’d struggle to deal with. Covet considered making his first order of business to move Stardew out. To inflict a minute amount of what he felt. But no matter how hard he thought about it, he simply sighed. Not being able to go through with that thought.

He knew after tomorrow, that one would move out, however. Crimson. Their father. Crimson had already decided to make his residence in a city not too far from them. One called Saddlemouth. It was on the same island they were on. That being Coltney island. But he knew it’d still hurt to see him leave when things were said and done. Part of him wanted to cancel the coronation altogether. A desire to keep his family truly together biting, no matter what they’d all been through. But he frowned to himself. He’d swam too deep. He knew he should’ve spoken up sooner, but he admittedly let his bitterness at losing the last Alifest he and Stardew had cloud his mind. Maybe that’s why Stardew wanted them to move past them. Despite his yearning to continue them and simply label the fest that put them at odds as their anniversary. It happened to land right around the time they started them a year before. But Stardew and Crimson moved on. Everypony else seemingly moving on.

Slowly, Covet looked down to a specific drawer connected to his desk. Using his hoof to open it as he had kept one thing there to move himself. Opening it with a slight creak when the drawer was pulled open. Grabbing one photo. A photo taken on the first day of their first Alifest. At the first hour. The Alifest theme being that of which time ponies preferred to wake up at. The choices being Early Morning and Late Night. Covet won that one by a landslide. Being the representative for Early Morning. They both looked awkward, but happy to be there. Behind them, their carriage sat from where they would travel across the continent. With creamy yellow and midnight blue lights coming out from behind. His face scrunched up slightly as he felt the memories almost suffocating him. His heart singing out in pain as he shed tears. Accidentally muttering in slight panic when his tears landed on the photograph. Mumbling out a “Need to find something to dry those tears off” as he tried looking around. His clothes were the only thing left in his room along with him and the photograph. Albeit there was only one outfit left. The one he was supposed to wear tomorrow. Glancing at the scarlet red cape that contrasted the steel grey leg cuffs upon the mannequin it all sat on. He felt something missing, truthfully and he knew what it was. It was the lack of the crown. Although, he hesitated upon visualizing it. His gaze becoming lost for a moment, before shaking his head.

Slowly, he put the photo up to the cape and wiped the tears off. Confident that it would dry within the hour as he also used the cape to lightly dab off the tears on his own face. Slowly putting the faint, photographed memory back into the drawer a moment later. The drawer creaking as he shut it, much like it had done when he opened the drawer. Then, he looked outside. His room not having a balcony as he stared down at the ocean. The moonlight reflecting off and giving him some contemplative rest amidst his painful emotions. Although, he noticed that the moon was partially covered tonight. As if it were an omen. Clouding the light the moon tried to shine through. He noticed that a storm happened to be in the oceans far off as well, seeing an example of the Pentadiamond Isles issue Sail had brought up a month before. But his mind didn’t even remember Sail, just remembering the visage of the Earth Pony who had spoken about it. The storm looked disturbing to say the least. As far off as it was, the threatening storm was just enough to bring some unease to him. The faint flashes of magenta making Covet narrow his eyes. Perhaps his first bit of kingly duty would be to try and resolve that. Though, he’d have to make sure nopony knew about his lack of magic or flight at the present time.

As Covet turned to go to his bed, he could’ve sworn he caught a glimpse of something, or rather, somepony. His shadow not alone for a hair of a second as he darted back to the window. His adrenaline putting him in a freeze and tensing up immensely as he suspected somepony was watching him for a little while. Perhaps out of his sight. Quickly, he went to peak around. His window being shut as he desperately tried to see if there truly was somepony there. But his efforts and investigation came up empty. Perhaps it was a slight mistake. The mannequin WAS there after all, so maybe it was just that. He shuddered as he glared at the mannequin. His levels of tension easing as he pulled the curtains over his window. A thin, vertical bit of the moon sliding in as he crawled into bed. Emotionally exhausted, and dreading the next day. The bed he laid in being uncomforting as it had been stripped of its usual covers due to the events that were happening. Replaced with white covers instead. His mind knowing he couldn’t do anything to prevent what was to come. He was to become King, and seemingly nothing could change that. Falling to sleep on that thought as his chest lightly inhaled and exhaled when he fell into his dreams.

About an hour after Covet had wondered off, Stardew finally got up. Himself letting out a big, emotionally vacant sigh as he proceeded to head to his own room. Only to catch a fleeting glimpse of a shadow coming from a nearby window. He rushed to it, but found no sign of anypony being there. He carefully opened the window, himself flying out a moment later. His senses heightened as his mind noted the subtle, colder feeling than usual. “Bu’ ihs summah...” He mumbled to himself. Noting that the cold didn’t belong. But no matter how many times he darted his head around, he just couldn’t find the source for it. The weather seemed fine, say for the storm at the Pentadiamond Isles that he noted in his mind. Staring at it for a second longer than necessary as the magenta flashes, presumably lightning strikes, made him uncomfortable. As if the natural weather was disrupted by a faint, tainted force. He shook his head harshly as he snapped out of his strange fascination with the storm. Darting around one more time before sighing out of frustration. Whoever was at the window had to have left during his distracted moment. Which was annoying to say the least as he landed back inside. Closing the window as he proceeded onward to his room.

took a few more minutes before he managed to reach his room. Opening his door and shutting it firmly. Not slamming it like Covet, but not being gentle either. The little incident between him and Covet weighed on his mind as he sat down at his own desk. It being brown and wooden. Stuff organized decently, but still holding hints of chaos amidst the order. Glancing at a particular photo he had on his desk. One passed to him by his father. Of his mother. He yearned for her, feeling a small bit of sorrow hit his heart as he kept himself together. Although, it was definitely a challenge. Turning the photo to face down as he sighed. If she was here, then maybe things wouldn’t be like they were. He longed for a future where he and Covet got along. Where he, his brother, his mother and his father were together as one. But he had the constant realization of that reality shattering. The winds in his soul dancing around in conflicted patterns. He’d tried to turn to the future in his mind. Praying in his heart that it would be different. That he wouldn’t have to always gaze upon the hues of a blued sunrise anymore. One where he and his small family could be happy together without the pressures of royal duties and such.

After about a few moments of calming his inner emotions down, he set her picture back up again. Then turning to face the night skies. Standing up and trotting over to his own window. He could see the horizon here, but he could also see the Pentadiamond Isles. The malevolent storm raging onward from when Covet had seen it. Which put him off of trying to look outside. The feeling he got when he looked at it was unnatural. Feeling more unsettled when he looked down at his cutie mark. Which was a tornado, fuzzing and blurring slightly when he looked at the storm. Instead, he simply retired to bed. Glancing around before sinking into his bed. Looking toward the bookshelf that resided in his room as he sighed. Eyeing one book in particular. A bigger one. With the spine reflecting the words ‘Alifest memories’ as the moonlight hit it. However clouded it was. Unable to resist the temptation to look inside, he slowly crawled out of bed, himself then sitting down on his bed as he brought it over with his magic. Flicking the pages through concept artwork and such. Pieces of cut out newspaper stuck to the pages as he saw the various interviews and headlines about the Alifests. His face starting to smile, but his eyes not showing the same faint joy his mouth was starting to feel. Especially when he got to the last page. Seeing the cut-out in the newspaper about the results. ‘[b][i][u]TEAM STARDEW WINS! Manestralia’s Final Alifest concludes!’[/u][/i][/b] was the newspaper headline. Below, some basic information about the results showed themselves. Breaking down their scoring system. It wasn’t the pair of them that worked out the scores, given there were too many Wave Races and Sky Soaring matches happening. But the general scores happened to be broken down into three categories. Popularity, Wave Racing and Sky Soaring. To Covet’s credit, he did end up taking the Wave Racing category. But Stardew took the other two categories. Resulting in his victory. Faintly, he heard the final song they composed for their Alifest’s. [b][i]Recollective Remembrance[/i][/b]. It played all around Manestralia as dawn approached after Midnight hit. Wave Racing and Sky Soaring matches ending as everypony came together to celebrate the memories they’d all shared.

He found himself lost once more in his memories. Recalling that six-to-seven-hour period of peace before the results. Although he and Covet only got around five hours together to enjoy the moment. They had to perform the song live at first back in Coltney, where they were right now infact. The radios then essentially looping that after about twenty minutes or so and broadcasting it for the continent to enjoy and reminisce to. Those were, admittedly, simpler and happier times. But he knew he couldn’t stick to those moments, however much he wanted to. He had his whole life ahead of him. But, to do just one more... That was a temptation he almost wanted to give into.

Almost.

With a sigh, he closed the book and set it on his shelf again. He’d probably take a few days after everything had settled down to remember the Alifests. But right now, he had to sleep; and sleep he did. Crawling back into bed as he let the winds of his dreams carry him away as all went black for the night. His breathing gently going in and out with the flow of the wind.

When all was said and done, there was only one of the three alicorns that remained awake. Well into the night, Crimson retreated to his study. Having barely managed to oversee the final, last parts of the coronation planning. His mind being irritable, but exhausted from the day. He only had tomorrow to go, so he only had to exhaust himself for one more day. Shutting his own bedroom door, he saw his stuff packed. Covet’s stuff packed next to his in its own pile. Looking around as he faintly recalled the memories of him and his wife spending nights together. Seeing the table and two chairs out on his own, larger balcony. But something wasn’t right. Usually, the nights in Manestralia were warm, even in the winter. But he felt an unusual, almost nasty cold as he trotted out to his balcony. Trying to pinpoint the source. His eyes darting up on the roof of his room. But he found nothing as he flew up. Slowly flying down as he became suspicious. As if he knew he was being watched. He didn’t like it at all as he cast a spell of warmth over himself to at least stop the biting cold that was setting in. He saw the Pentadiamond Isles off in the distance. Across the seas showing its nasty storm. An unusual longing for something, or rather, someone gnawed at him.

He knew the islands well. Always knowing them to rest at the centre of the continent’s ocean. But the storms there hadn’t come around in around fifteen or so years. Even then, they were never as seemingly violent as they were now. It wasn’t right. But no matter how hard he’d tried; he couldn’t quell the storm. He glared at the flashing in the distance from the clouds above the Isles with a strange sense of mournful longing. As if there was something there that he’d lost. Some part of him that he couldn’t get back. No matter how hard he tried or what he thought of. He shook his head as he headed inside. Still suspicious of any potential threats, but ultimately trying to relax as he to his bed. He only had a few hours to rest after all, his day needing to start at the crack of dawn. Lest there be delays tomorrow. He closed his curtains with his magic and set into his bed for one last time. Lost in thought of when Stardew and Covet were foals next to him and his wife whilst they slept. Their whole family together. He’d grieved enough over his wife, but as he recalled it, he longed to rewrite time. To have stopped himself from falling to his coping methods when he grieved. Drowning out the pain with whiskey and wine. Seldom being able to focus back then, as he remembered fuzzy arguments with both Stardew and Covet back then. But the influence of his coping mechanism clouded his memories harshly.

Not that he minded, of course. He’d rather it end up fading off from his mind. The uncertainty of what the arguments were hanging over his head like a dagger threatening to fall down. He’d hoped they understood why he did it. But he knew, deep down, that Stardew didn’t at least. He wanted to speak to him about it, but dreaded the sensitive subject. At least with Covet, he didn’t ask too many questions. Perhaps that influenced his choice to want Covet as his successor. But he knew in his mind that he was potentially making the wrong decision. Stardew was far better to rule than Covet. But he’d made his decision long ago. He had to stick to it. His cutie mark shining despite the fact that it was a blackened fire. It used to be more vibrant and actually red, but events over the years had changed it... Irreparably, it seemed. Much like his armour’s gemstone that he decided to retire for the night, the passage of time having taken a toll on it. Placing it for the last time on a mannequin in his room that was elevated. There was another mannequin too, but that one had long since been undecorated. Crimson crawling into bed as he tried to settle himself in for the little night he had left. Knowing he only had a few hours to get some shuteye. The three alicorns finally finding rest amongst themselves. All whilst a mist made its way off down in the alleyways of the capital city. Moving like a snake, fast and elegant as it danced around the streets. Making its way toward a dead end in an alleyway that was out of view before moulding into a stallion. With two others watching. Dallasite and Arcane.

Together, they watched the stallion fully form. His body towering slightly over the pair as he unfurled his wings with false facade of grandeur. His eyes being different to eachother. One grey on the right, and one non-existent. Replaced with magenta smoke that emanated like a soul coming from the place where the eye should’ve been on the right. Cracks all over the side of his face that held the smoke. Almost like a tear in the very fabric of his visage. Like something was deadly wrong. The cracks clawing all the way up to the tip of his horn as he eyed the pair of smaller Alicorns with some dismissive unimportance. At least, at first. His purple cape gently lifting up as he spoke thanks to the slight breeze, revealing him to have a cracked ice heart on his flank. One side grey and one side purple. With a symbol resembling a snowflake fractured in five parts across the heart. His foreleg and hind leg armour cuffs shining slightly from the half-clouded moonlight. Tilting his muzzle up, he spoke as if he held importance.

“Bounded has sunk into his last slumber”. It was short, but it was like some big announcement. A sort of arrogant, grand quality to his words as he stared down at Dallasite and Arcane. His deep, greyed purple and grey mane shrouding his face mostly in shadow. Say for the smoke. Arcane looked to Dallasite ever so subtly, as he felt Dallasite’s emotions starting to stir. However, it was this larger figure that addressed it directly. With a bitter attitude as his eyes narrowed. “[i]You’re[/i] the one who wanted him to become an adult. This is [i]nopony[/i] else’s fault beside [i]yours[/i]” he then spat out. A sense of irritation surfacing in this larger stallion. “As for you, Arcane...” the stallion then said in a slightly less harsh tone. “Your comforting is unnecessary. Dallasite [i]knows[/i] what he requested me to allow. [b]Stop. Protecting. Him.[/b] It only hurts [i]you[/i] more” he said in a tightly masked tough attitude. Though, deep down, he held a bit of concern for Arcane. Arcane simply stayed quiet as he looked down. Neither him nor Dallasite dared speak back to this stallion with defiance. Lest they earn more scars and wounds on their body. “I assure you, sir. Dallasite knows well of his shameful action” Arcane then replied, hesitantly. Glaring at Dallasite with resentment as he spoke. The stallion, however, didn’t seem convinced as he used his magic to roughly grasp Dallasite’s muzzle. Forcing him to meet the stallion’s gaze.

The gaze was intense. Almost penetrating to the very soul with icy fury as he wordlessly spent a few moments letting his gaze speak for him. Arcane looked toward Dallasite, who started to recoil. But was unable to look away, until the larger stallion pushed him back. His magic doing his work as he trotted up to Dallasite. Getting mere inches from his face. His gaze even icier as he spat out in a quiet, almost whisper like tone. “You should be [i]grateful[/i] I consider you at [i]all[/i]. Your moping only serves to mock the very [i]mistake [/i]you wield. Lavender fire” he scoffed out, clearly meaning to damage Dallasite’s mind. “A mistake that shouldn’t be here at all. Why fate couldn’t have allowed [i]you[/i] to be found by [i]Crimson[/i] instead of Bounded I’ll never know. I knew I should’ve swapped yours and Bounded’s sealing spots all those centuries ago... Now Bounded has to [i]suffer[/i] because of [i]your existence[/i]”. His words cutting deeper than any knife could as Dallasite had to restrain and hold back his own hurt. Simply staring back as he saw the larger stallion back off in a slow, deliberate trot. He was used to the damaging words of the stallion, but he knew better than to fight back or argue. He simply accepted his place as the wrong one.

Arcane, meanwhile, spoke again. Asking “In regard to Bounded, can we at least give a minute of our time to him and his memory when he’s snuffed out? It’s the least he deserves. I would rather a funeral... But you want us to erase his existence completely”. The larger stallion glancing at him in a dismissive eyeroll as he used his wing to shrug. “Do what the pair of you want after the business is concluded. But make sure you don’t fail” he then responded back. He paused as he then glared at the pair of them. A biting fear etching into Arcane and Dallasite immediately as the older stallion growled. His eye-smoke flickering with malice as he whispered in quiet fury. “For if you two fail, I’ll make the pain so excruciating, that you lose your sanity and minds”. Every word hurtled at the pair of them like daggers. Intentionally chosen and intentionally aimed. Once he was sure they understood, he turned his back. Forming into mist once more as he then coldly said “Once you two are done with your mission, head back to the Frostpeak mountains cave. We’ll continue our plans there... And remember my warning. It’ll do you both some good. Fear is a good motivator, after all”. His last sentence being accompanied by a cruel smile. With the mist then jumping out of the alleyway and away completely.

After the older stallion left, Dallasite and Arcane let out a sigh of relief. To them, they were grateful they weren’t beaten or worse as Arcane turned to Dallasite. A sort of concern hitting his voice as he asked, “You alright?”. Though it was mumbled. The icy words from the older stallion making even him feel cold. Dallasite simply looked away as he responded with a “I’ll be fine” before unfurling his wings. Preparing to take flight. Arcane did the same as they both took off. Wordlessly, and without much of a conversation. Staying on rooftops and waiting for dawn to approach so they could enact their plan, with the clouded moon shining on their cutie marks. Dallasite having some purple fire and Arcane having one snowflake that was accompanied by a blue and purple ribbon; which flowed around and down the snowflake. They knew they’d have to wait for a little, but they decided to take the time they had to gaze out at the horizon. Both looking at the storm over the Pentadiamond Isles as they watched it’s malevolent force out in the ocean. “How funny” Arcane then said to himself, a sly grin forming as he narrowed his eyes. “A storm to reflect what Crimson will feel. Isn’t that delightful, Dal’?”. Dallasite heard the question as he masked his slight concern with an equally as sly grin himself. Nodding as they seemingly both relished in the possibility of watching Crimson and Stardew lose something so important to them. But Dallasite had lingering feelings of pity. Knowing what his actions would do, but not daring at all to challenge Arcane or the larger stallion that had spoken to them both. So, he put those feelings to the side. For now, they had to wait.

Their mission came first, after all. At the crack of dawn some five hours after he had gone to sleep, Crimson decided to get up. Although, he had only gotten around two or three hours of sleep. The coldness bit at his mind as he recalled the shadow. He couldn’t shake it off no matter how hard he tried. It couldn’t have been who he thought it was... Could it? He needed to keep that in mind, even if passively. His body rising and standing up from his bed as he yawned. That was his last night. The last night in his bedroom. The very bedroom he had kept for around seven-hundred and seventy-five years. He took a last glance around, eyeing his and Covet’s respective luggage opposite the bed wall. Tilting his head slightly as he recalled faint glimmers of when Covet was just a foal. Always clinging to him. It brought a smile to his face; however gentle and subtle it may have been. But, then he recalled a fact that he decided to not bury. Covet was his child. He couldn’t have those thoughts... Not at all. So instead, he shook his head and trotted off out of his room. Arriving some ten minutes later at Covet’s bedroom door. With a gentle push of the door handle through using his magic, he carefully pried it open. Trying his best not to wake Covet just yet. He wanted to see his sleeping son one last time. It was the last chance he’d get to do it, after all. It was nice, to see him so peaceful. Given he likely wouldn’t see him like this ever again. Staring with some nostalgia in his eyes, he took the moment in. The gentle rising and lowering of his chest as Covet took in air so passively. Away in his own dreamland. It was sad, in a way. To know that he’d never really see his son like this again. But, that was something he had to live with. Everypony grew up, after all. Covet was no different. With a gentle nudge and a subtle nuzzle, Crimson whispered “Toim teh geh ahp boyo” as Covet stirred in his sleep. Slowly waking up a moment later as Crimson backed off a tad. Letting Covet sit up. With a big yawn, Covet looked up at Crimson, who had a slight smile on his face. Although his head was tilted slightly. “Gehd mohnin’” Crimson then simply said, at a relatively normal volume as Covet rubbed the sleep from his eyes. Covet grunting slightly in acknowledgement as he went to crawl out of his bed. Crimson stepping back as Covet went to stretch his wings once he had managed to stand. Then having the realization that his wings were unmoving hit him once more as he sighed in slight frustration. Crimson must’ve picked up on this, because he immediately went in for a slight bit of comfort. “Don’ wohroy, it’awl whe’h off” he said, trying to give Covet some hope amidst what seemed like an endless sea of failed attempts of his own. Covet simply eyerolled as he then replied back with a slight snap to his words. “You’ve said that for a week. First it was ‘the doctors will fix it’, THEN it was ‘I’ll fix it!’ and NOW it’s ‘it’ll wear off’”. It took Crimson a moment to gather some words as he had his past reassurances slap him in the face, but when he did, he grew stern. “We’h troyin’ evehrythin’ Coveh’. Buh’ in betweyn tha’ and the cohrunayshun plannin’, theh’s been no toim teh propehly soht aht yeh magic ‘n wing prohbl’m. ‘Av payshiens boyo” he then said, with his eyebrows lowering slightly as his words were spoken. Both Covet and Crimson staring at eachother in a sort of miniature stare off. Before Covet narrowed his eyes and trotted up to his window. Using his hooves to open the curtains. Then staring at the mannequin as he remembered what it had on it. “Guess you want me to put that on, then?” Covet then asked, his narrowed eyes glancing at Crimson as he saw the sun slowly rising from the horizon. Crimson, however, nodded in refusal. “Nope. Oi jus’ had ih pu’ ‘ere feh a lack ah complicayshuns today. Altho’, yeh’ll have teh come back ‘ere lateh on jus’ befoh the actual cohrunayshun.” He then replied. Making Covet show a flicker of surprise, before masking it with disinterest. “I thought you’d shove me in that as soon as I got up, if i’m honest. Not that i’m complaining” he then muttered slightly to himself. With Crimson frowning slightly before clearing his throat. Trying to stay focused despite Covet’s apparent lack of interest. “Roit, leh’s geh gowin’. Theh’s no toim teh waste boyo!” he then exclaimed, trotting over to Covet and putting a hoof on his shoulder. “Jus’ think. By this toim tomowruh, yeh’ll be livin’ yeh furs’ day as the King of Manestralia” he then added on. His grip on Covet’s shoulder firm, but not forceful. Moreso suggesting that Covet stop staring at the sunrise. Which he did, as he shook Crimson’s hoof off and trotted wordlessly out of the room. Standing outside as Crimson closed the bedroom door with his magic. Having followed Covet out shortly after. The pair of them heading straight for the private dining room that they, and Stardew, would eat in. Often preferring that over any potential dining out in the castle’s public dining hall. That was only used for very specific occasions, anyhow. It only took them about fifteen or so minutes to trot down to the private dining room. With stunning aqua curtains being pulled away to either end of the massive window that allowed the early sunlight to shine in. Covering the pale, white walls in a nice, inviting orange. The white tablecloth not yet having the plates and cutlery that it needed. Although, this was probably due to the unnatural wakeup time of Covet and Crimson. “Oi’ll geh the cuh’lry ‘n plaoy’s. Wha’ dew yeh wan’ teh aet?” Crimson then asked Covet, as the younger alicorn sat himself down on one of the three chairs that the table was accompanied by. Yawning, he simply and bluntly said “toast” in a tired tone as a response. Gazing out to the sun that was about halfway off of the horizon. Crimson heard the one worded answer as he nodded, leaving Covet alone with his thoughts for about ten minutes. During those ten minutes, it felt like an hour had passed by. His mind slipped into dreaming slightly as he shook his head to wake himself back up. Adding a yawn unintentionally when he shook his head. He was starting to feel something akin to anxiety. Mildly, but it was there. His mind slightly drifting over to the worries of perception and how this would have everypony focusing on him during every hour within every day. But, there was a certain allure to that. He was anxious, but the fact he could make sure everypony knew who the better of him and Stardew was, was far too enticing in the present. It didn’t help that he was extremely hungry, though. So, maybe a lack of energy or food was starting to reroute his mind to those thoughts. He focused on the outside, and opened the window ever so slightly, as he could smell the faintest ocean breeze wafting in. Gazing down to the coast and the ocean below, which wasn’t that far below him at this level, he could see that the waters were calm. Taking a look to the horizon where the storm from the night prior was, he could see that there was still something brewing in the distance. But, it was lesser than the night before. Possibly just due to time passing, but it still looked dangerous. Even from where he sat. As he looked on, he had a split-second flashback to the night prior and the shadow he saw. It was blurry in his mind now, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that somepony had actually been watching. He couldn’t remember which direction the mannequin shadow pointed to the night before, but he could’ve sworn that it definitely pointed in a direction that didn’t match the shadow he had seen. It lingered for a moment more, before a plate with some toast hovered infront of him and set itself down. With the red magical glow dissipating when the plate touched the table surface. Making Covet jump slightly from the plate coming from above. The toast was buttered, with a small pot of darkened, almost reddish pink jam sitting on the side with a butter knife next to it. He assumed it was raspberry jam from the colour, but Covet didn’t have time to decipher that just yet, as he jumped again a second later. Seeing a cup of steaming, almost blackened coffee then being placed down with more magic. Crimson then came trotting from the side and sitting down next to Covet. Crimson himself, had a simple bowl of cereal, with a spoon sticking out of the bowl. It looked like it, anyway. Grain, and smaller fruit being with it inside the bowl. Grapes, strawberries and a few bits of banana all sitting in with the grain. Some milk barely being visible as Crimson grabbed the spoon with his magic and began eating. “You could’ve at least knocked on the door or something instead of wordlessly plopping food down...” Covet muttered with a spark of annoyance in his voice, using his hoof to grab the butter knife to try and spread the raspberry jam. Before Crimson took over with his magic and replied with “Ah, sorray, buh yeh shewdunt buey driftin’ awf loik yeh weh boyo” as he spread the jam over Covet’s toast for him. Covet simply eyerolled at this, as he grabbed the first piece of toast and waffled it down. Savouring every bite. The fusion of the sweet first taste, to the tangy aftertaste was a beautiful dance along his tongue as he swallowed each bite of the toast. Allowing the bitter, but energizing coffee to wake him up moreso than he already was. About ten wordless minutes passed as they both ate and finished their breakfast. The last of Covet’s coffee being drunken as the sun seemed to have risen ever so slightly. With Crimson then getting up as he saw the first of the kitchen servers enter the room. Confused and surprised as they frantically trotted over to take the plate, bowl, cup and cutlery away from the table. “How kind of them to arrive so [i]early[/i]” Covet then sarcastically said to himself once they left the room. Crimson frowning slightly before responding with “Ey, wey whe’h up ehleah than they expect’d”. Covet simply eyerolling as he then got up from his own chair. Crimson tilted his head as he looked up to the sky. Murmuring to himself about a few clouds and their shapes. It was strange, for Crimson to notice the clouds of all things. Making Covet look at him in a weirded-out sort of way. “I’ll... Get ready for this afternoon, then…” Covet simply mumbled. Slightly concerned, but knowing he had no time to really waste today. Crimson shook his head slightly as he heard Covet’s words. Simply mumbling “Awlroit” as his eyes remained fixated on the clouds. As Covet shut the door, Crimson saw more clouds roll in. It was just like the night before. Gray clouds starting to produce a tiny amount of… Snow? No, that wasn’t right. In his concern, he instinctively took off and dashed past Covet. Making Covet slightly dizzy from the speed he was spun. Falling on the floor from a loss of balance. Seeming confused as he asked himself “What’s his issue?”, however he couldn’t focus on whatever Crimson’s problems were. Instead, he continued heading for a private bathroom near his room. One that he used regularly; usually anyway. Meanwhile, Crimson bolted for the nearest balcony. Finding one a few minutes after his initial take off from the private dining room. Immediately soaring up above the clouds as he tried to pinpoint who, or what, was creating such abnormal weather. It had now become something more than a coincidence. Before, he could’ve ruled out the unnatural cold from the night before. It was colder than it [i]should’ve [/i]been, but perhaps the night before was just an anomaly. But, when he saw the clouds in the dining room, he knew something was wrong. To part the clouds, he used his magic to summon a magical pillar of light. That was enough to mostly erase the clouds. But even as the light made the clouds part. More started to slowly roll in. It made Crimson uneasy. So much so that he decided it was best to keep a constant pillar in the sky to disperse the clouds for the time being. Before flying back down on the balcony he had ascended from. When he looked back up, he made sure the clouds were properly being erased. As satisfied as he could be anyway. Quickly heading for the gatehouse nearest to him. He had a suspicion that something was brewing; and he didn’t like it. He wanted to make sure nothing was wrong with the castle, so he naturally wanted all of the guards on high alert. Passing several by on his way as they were switching shifts with the night team of guards that had just finished their respective shift. He decided it was better to tell the captain of the guards within the castle about his concerns, so that the captain could spread it around the guard units around the castle. He didn’t have time to tell them all himself, so telling the captain was the next best option. He could tell them whilst Crimson attended to the coronation. It was perfect! At least, in his head. Whilst he hadn’t made his intentions clear to anypony else, two watching pairs of eyes seemed to know intuitively. From a torch that flickered from a bright red to a calm lavender, that Crimson didn’t notice as he passed by it, Dallasite and Arcane gaze through it. Currently stationing themselves outside in the city, Dallasite held together a bundle of lavender fire. “Of [i]course[/i] he’d do that” Dallasite remarked, his eyes rolling as Arcane looked up to see the clouds appearing, and then being erased. “Did you expect him [i]not[/i] to?” Arcane then asked, as he kicked away a rock in the alley once he stopped looking up. A look of annoyance hitting his face as Dallasite extinguished his flame. Almost like a light switching off entirely. Looking at Arcane as he simply shrugged. His wings unfurling slightly before he simply moved onto his next thought. “We’ll have to disguise ourselves. Now they’ll be on high alert for sure. First he goes around during last night, and now he can’t contain himself…” Dallasite then said, with his head tilting backward in thought. Looking up at the skies as Arcane then interjected. “It’s not that he [i]can’t[/i] contain himself… He just [i]won’t[/i]. Not after a thousand years…” he said, making Dallasite sigh in exhaustive frustration. “If he wants this to go smoothly he’d make damn sure he’d be up back in Ell-“ but Dallasite’s eyes widened in slight fear as he saw somepony behind Arcane. Arcane quickly turning around and gasping as the stallion from the night before once again made himself known. The smoke emanating from his eye now jolting out slightly. As if it were electricity, clearly from being agitated by Arcane and Dallasite’s words. “It seems as if my orders have been shoved aside for petty gossip and spying” he growled out. Taking menacing stomps forward. Arcane and Dallasite backed up until they were up against the dead-end wall of the alley. Shivering slightly from the sheer cold that was seeping off of the stallion. Dallasite not daring to use his lavender flame at this current point. Lest he aggravate the stallion further. “W-we can’t attack until the actual-“ Arcane began, but it was immediately met with a harsh slap of magic to his face. Almost like a whip of sorts. Made up of magic that radiated a bitter cold. It made Arcane stumble onto the concrete floor of the alley in pain. His body slumping down as Dallasite watched, wordless as he figured he was next. Although, surprisingly, the stallion didn’t go in to attack Dallasite. Instead, he eyed him as he waited for a response. A moment passed as his face simply gave off a familiar cruel smirk. Muttering “[i]That’s what I thought[/i]” before turning around and heading off. Before he did, however, he turned his head back around. Glancing at the pair for a moment as he simply said “I would cease the gossip. In case I [i]haven’t[/i] made it clear enough” before sinking into a pool of mist and leaving the alley. Making Dallasite slump down in relief. Before looking at Arcane and asking, “You’re not too badly hurt, are you?”. Arcane just looked ahead and seemed to be slightly disconnected as he mumbled out a “I’m… Fine… Our mission… We might as well get on with it” making Dallasite frown. “You know, I’m here if you-“ but Dallasite was met with a wing flapping in his face. Arcane rolling his eyes as he snapped back with “I’m fine!”. Making Dallasite groan in annoyance as he trotted forward. “Fine. Be that way, I suppose” was the last thing he said. Before he used a spell to disguise himself. Arcane doing the same as they then blended in with the city streets. Heading toward the castle. Meanwhile, in the castle itself, Covet finally made it to a private bathroom. Looking at the castle staff that were wandering as he signalled for them. A rarity given his usual schedule. Usually having a lovely schedule of waking up, having a bath (or shower!) and then going down to the private dining room for breakfast. Usually on his own, given he usually woke up far later than others. When the castle staff wondered over, he glanced with some disgust at the fact they weren’t Pegasi or Unicorns. Simply rolling his eyes as he said “Get me towels. Now”. The staff silently registering as they trotted off. He waited for a moment, before the castle staff members came back. Covet snatching the towels once he eyed them and entering the private bathroom. With a slight slam to the door to signify that he wanted to be left alone. Sighing, before putting the towels down. They were soft, white towels. Not personalized and moreso just generic towels. Though, they were of the highest quality. So, it was fine that they had little personality to Covet. Covet turning the taps on as he sat on the wooden bench that accompanied the room. The entire place, say for the iron grey of the taps, the wood of the bench and the grey of the window that faced the ocean away from the continent entirely was almost like a cleanse. A cleanse of the mind. It took about ten minutes for Covet to finally turn the tap off. Slipping in as he let the hot water relax his body. His wings begging to be unfurled. But Bounded, still, was unable to. Slightly saddened, but shaking the fact off his mind as he closed his eyes. Letting himself submerge mostly. The only part of him out of the water being the tip of his muzzle so he could breath. Admittedly, one of the spells he wished he learned was a possible underwater breathing spell. But, he’d have to barrel through other meaningless spells first. In tandem with his current predicament, it was best to put that endeavour off. For now, he'd simply take this time to unwind. The water submerging his body, calming his mind and body. It was as if, for a few moments, he was granted escape from what was going to happen. If only he could unfurl his wings. That was the killer for the calm. A constant reminder that he wouldn’t be able to escape the inevitable future. However much he tried to hide from it. In another part of the castle, whilst Covet was trying his best to relax with what little time he had, a very tired Stardew was just emerging from his own room. Rubbing his eyes with his right wing and yawning. He had obviously awakened very recently, and he was determined to have his breakfast before he did anything else. By this time, it was reasonable to be waking up. It was still much earlier than Covet usually woke up at, so Stardew wasn’t out of the ordinary. It only took him about five or so minutes to make it to the same private dining room Covet and Crimson had used before; being able to use his wings to fly down the few staircases. Directly diving down and landing on the floors below. During his travel to the private dining room, he saw guards and castle staff roaming around. Passing several hallways that had been decorated accordingly for Covet’s coronation. The final banners and celebratory decorations being placed by some of the castle staff. The Manestralian flag symbol being on each of the banners did seem obnoxious. Nopony needed to see a constant stream of deep, rich red fabric accompanied by a gold, gaudy sun symbol weaved into it. Surely the castle would benefit from a few greys. Maybe a blue here or there. But everything decorative seemed to be swamped in the warm oranges, yellows and reds now. When he opened the private dining room door with his magic, the magic being light grey, he saw the curtains in the room partially drawn. His face eliciting a yawn as he then slumped down in the chair. After about a moment, one of the castle staff members trotted in and handed him a letter. This staff member having a whiteish mane. It was off white, but still looked good for her. Her mane being in a bun of sorts. Her tail being styled in a nice, neat way. Like a smooth, small waterfall. “Aye, thanks luv” he mumbled as he ripped it open with his magic. The golden-brown envelope slicing open at the top cleanly. With a white lined letter coming out. The writing being slightly messy. Indicative of the one who had written it. He began reading the letter, simply mumbling out “Oi’ll ‘av suhm min’ tea” as his eyes scanned the words. The staff member nodding as she departed. [center][i]Stardew[/i][/center] [center][i] [/i][/center] [center][i]How’s it hangin’ mate? Got your request to be on your radio show! Sorry I can’t be there with you today to watch your brothers’ coronation. Got some things to deal with up in Brismane. You know, the usual. Being a coach for the Brismane Bullets is a grand old time! You’d think they’d give me time off for your brothers’ coronation, but I guess Sky Soaring is more important! Just kiddin’. But don’t tell Covet I said that![/i][/center] [center][i] [/i][/center] [center][i]In all seriousness though, I’d love to take your offer up! Just give me some time to free up my schedule and i’m sure you and I can get together and do the radio show episode! Besides, you and I are LONG overdue for a catch up, crikey I just realised that! Remember when Covet and you were in college? It was wild when he would flunk, and our lecturers would get mad at YOU! It was so backwards! We really need to get together again. Our chats and time together is long overdue![/i][/center] [center][i] [/i][/center] [center][i]Anyways! Gotta blast. Can’t stay here writing my thoughts to you out whilst my team needs to train for the upcoming National Sky Soaring Championships![/i][/center] [center][i] [/i][/center] [center][i]Team Stardew forever![/i][/center] [center][i] [/i][/center] [center][i]Lots of love from your best friend[/i][/center] [center][i] [/i][/center] [center][i]Captain South Tide[/i][/center] Stardew begun to smile slightly, but it didn’t reach his eyes. It was true. It had been a bit since they had gotten together to hang out. He remembered those many times that Covet would skip out on lectures. Rather important ones, too. The lecturers they both had were quite angry by the end of their education. But he didn’t think he deserved quite a chewing out for Covet’s actions. South was always there during those lectures. They both happened to choose the same course at college. But unlike their other classmates, they stuck close. They spent hours upon hours with eachother, studying and such. So it was sad to Stardew that it HAD been so long. A small smile turning to a small frown. Having letters to communicate was a rather limited way to keep in touch. He’d heard of something called a phone through whispers. But it looked so blocky. An off-white brick, if you would. With a numbered keypad and two buttons at the bottom. A green and red one. Green being for what he guessed was to initiate or accept calls. Whist the red was presumably for hanging up or declining calls. He wanted to wait until there was a… Smaller version. At the very least. It just seemed largely inconvenient. Given the fact that their technology had advanced so far with televisions and such. Although, if his father’s age was any indication, he’d only have to wait around ten years. [i]Which was probably going to be the present within a few blinks.[/i] He decided, after a moment, to slip the letter back in its envelope. Intending on getting it to his bedroom after breakfast. Then, after the coronation was finished, he’d write a response. Seeing the mint tea he’d requested placed down infront of him by the same castle staff that had handed him the letter. He took a sip after stirring it with the spoon that laid on the saucer of the cup. The clear cup showing the liquid inside swirling around in response. Before the castle staff member spoke. “Wuh’d yeh loik mey the ge’ anythin’ feh breakfas’, yeh mahjestay?” she asked, her voice gently inquiring as he nodded in rejection. “Nah, this shuhd dew ih’ feh na’” he said in response, very bluntly. But it wasn’t nasty or void of gratitude. His tone clearly showing as much. The castle staff member nodded, before trotting off to presumably attend to their own matters. Probably attending to the upcoming coronation. After they left, Stardew started sipping his tea. The fresh mint flavour hitting his tongue as he felt just that bit more alert. His eyes opening slightly more as he trotted up to the window in the private dining room and looked at the weather. Sipping his tea as he looked at the clouds rolling in. He could tell his father had done something. Seeing the clouds that were trying to form over the castle fuzz out and dissipate when they got close to approaching. A look of concern hitting his face as he noted how they acted like a relentless wave in the sky. He debated on whether to deal with it himself. He COULD try to fly up and disperse the clouds himself. His magic was specialised to weather magic, after all. But what would his father do if he caught him trying to sort out the issue, ESPECIALLY today, he’d most certainly be in for one hell of a lecture. Or worse. Maybe he’d deal with it tomorrow once his father was gone… But that was a thought for later. It took Stardew about twenty minutes before Stardew put the cup of tea down. Having drunk it all, but swirling the last little bit of it at the bottom of the cup whilst he thought. Once he finally put the cup down on the table, he trotted out. His magic holding the letter from South Tide as he intended to leave it in his bedroom for later. Trotting to the various staircases he’d previously travelled down and then taking flight. Soaring up quickly to the floor that his room was on as he landed. The letter acting like his shadow and following behind as Stardew carried it with his magic. Coming up to his door about six minutes after. With the door swinging open as he placed the letter on his nearby desk. His mind drifted to his bookshelf again. Thinking of Covet as he struggled to focus on what he wanted to do. Which was wanting to get himself ready for the coronation. He shook his head, as he tried to not think too hard about him. Though, as he grabbed his formal attire. A sleek, grey suit perfectly tailored for him. One that had six buttons and also had a deep blue cape that was supposed to be draped on one side of his body from the shoulder down. It wasn’t like Covet’s, where it was supposed to be draped over the body in full. Instead, it was just to recognise him as a part of Manestralia’s royalty. He personally didn’t like, or get it. But, there was no fighting it. At least it was a constant. Something unlikely to change. For a good thousand years or so, anyway. He contemplated maybe changing the colour of the cape. Maybe to a lighter shade of blue. But he knew that probably couldn’t happen. If he could, when Covet was King, he’d try and ask for that one small change. They were probably going to still live in the castle together… Right? Which made his mind think about the events from the night before as he put the formal attire on. He knew Covet was troubled. Maybe even regretful of the coronation that was about to happen. But Covet had acted so… Oh what were the words for it? It was like he had been bitter about what happened [i]years[/i] ago. Was he still upset about that? About losing the final Alifest? Sure, it showed who the public [i]really[/i] wanted. Stardew was more popular… AND he had heard whispers about how his father was worried about choosing Covet as the next King. But… Surely Covet could just ignore all that, right? Like he [i]always[/i] did? Maybe push it away [b][i]like he did the night before[/i][/b]? Now he was thinking with the bitterness he was accusing Covet of. That wasn’t good. He knew Covet probably just had himself guarded on nearly all fronts. Besides, they both had a part to play in the downfall of their bond as brothers. He’d also mocked Covet at points. Made fun of him and agitated him whilst being completely unprovoked. He’d also perhaps been a bit too harsh. He'd also had his moments of pushing Covet away. ESPECIALLY during the near aftermath of Covet being chosen. He recalled it well. Too well infact. As he thought of all of that, he sighed. His mind having been made up as he got up to leave his room once he had fully gotten dressed. Taking one last glance at the bookshelf as he trotted out. His mind set on reconciliation. He just hoped that Covet would accept it. On the other hoof, Covet had left the bathroom and was in his room drying off. The towels he had requested were wrapped around him as he sat on his bed. Tending to his dampened mane and drying it off with a mane dryer. It wasn’t often that he truly tended to his mane and tail, but this was a special day. A day that would be written in the history books. So he wasted no time making himself look absolutely [i]perfect[/i]. He soon got up after his mane was dried, trotting over to his desk and putting the mane dryer down. He looked outside to the ocean. He caught a glimpse of the horizon. Seeing the storm that had been over the Pentadiamond Isles. It was the same as before. Maybe a little worse. He couldn’t tell. Yes, he’d definitely make that his first order of business. Ignoring the clouds around the castle, he unwrapped the towels around his body and went to put the attire on the mannequin in his room on his body. But as he grabbed the cape, he heard a knock on his door. It was firm, but wasn’t an aggressive one. Slowly, he approached his door. Using his hoof to open it as his face met Stardew’s. He was half tempted to slam the door right there and then, but Stardew’s magic kept the door firmly open. “What do [i]you[/i] want?” Covet asked, a rough dismissal evident in his voice as he turned his nose up slightly. Much to Stardew’s annoyance. Annoyance that he kept masked with a look of neutrality. “Wha’ oi wan’….” He began, his words being spoken through slightly gritted teeth. “Is teh taw’k. Jus’ feh foiv minuh’s” he then added on. Both seeming to enter a slightly tense face off as Covet stepped out of his room. Closing his door as he continued to glare at Stardew. Stardew had backed off a little and let Covet close his door. Whilst he waited with anticipation. “You have thirty seconds to explain why you want this talk and another ten to process the inevitable rejection” Covet then said, with a brutal apathy to his words as he narrowed his eyes. Stardew took a tiny few seconds to gather himself. His temper rising somewhat as he heard the very strict time limit. Nevertheless, he thought quickly. His mind forming a response in about ten more seconds. “Oi’v come ‘ere becuhs… Becuhs oi wan’ us teh mayk amends with ah pas’ tugethah. We’hv both beyn… Less th’n noyce teh eachothah…. And oi feel loik wey shuh’d maybe… Sit dahn soon the soh’ ih’ ah’… Yeh geh mey?” Stardew explained, trying to find any sort of willingness from Covet at his offer. Only to be met with a rather cold laugh. “You think I care to reconcile with you?” Covet then sneered out, eliciting a narrow-eyed stare from Stardew at the question. “No, not after everything” He then added on, his narrowed-eyed stare growing slightly malicious. “Cohve’, shu’hley wey can-“ But Stardews words were met with a condescending hushing sound. Almost like Covet was rubbing his soon-to-be newfound authority in Stardew’s face. Which made Stardew snap last. “Dew yeh think tha’ bein’ a malicious mena’s teh eveh’ryone will mayk yeh rep any beh’ah!?” he said, quickly and with anger as his voice began to rise. Which made the sneer Covet had formed slowly vanish as his expression reverted to a spiteful gaze this time. “[i]My reputation?[/i]” He said slowly, in a low tone. “You mean the thing the whole continent [i]ruined?[/i] My [i]respect?[/i] My [b][i]dignity?[/i][/b] It’s [i]ironic[/i] really… How [i]I [/i]was chosen over [i]you[/i] [b]despite[/b] those setbacks… And now I intend to relish in that fact for [b][i]eternity[/i][/b]”. The silence between the pair seemed deafening. Stardew eyeing him with a look that challenged the words. That almost said ‘I highly doubt that’ as Covet’s gaze faltered ever so slightly. A subtle confirmation of Stardew’s challenge that Covet tried to supress. They seemed to both know that Covet was just saying things for the sake of saying things. With a sort of pity to his glare at Covet, Stardew simply began trotting down the hall. “When yeh ready teh taw’k, oi’m awl eeahs” he simply said in a matter-of-fact way. Making Covet lose his temper. The feeling of his words not being taken seriously as he boomed down the hallway “OH SHUT YOUR TRAP! YOU’RE LUCKY I’M EVEN CONSIDERING YOU STAYING HERE AFTER I BECOME KING TODAY!” as Stardew simply scoffed to himself. “Insecuh-writey’s a bidda mis’drus…” he then mumbled quietly before turning the corner and leaving. Covet seemed to let out a harsh stomp on the ground to avoid his hoof from slamming into the wall. But his hoof created a loud bang on the floor. Startling those on the floor below. His slam attracting two guards that trotted up closely to him. Both stallions and seeming to tilt their heads. The guards being blizzard blue and almost apricot in colour respectively. The blizzard blue guard having a horn and the apricot-coloured guard having a pair of wings. The unicorn guard having a wavey styled mane that seemed to have two different, more deep and vibrant blues. With the Pegasus guard having a messy sort of darkish pink mane. Both dressed in the Manestralian royal guard attire. That being gold armour, with red accents. He sighed as he snapped out “What?”. The guards eyes meeting in a sort of… Calculated look. Dark greyed eyes meeting in unison. With the clearing of his throat, the blue guard turned his attention back to Covet and spoke. His dark and greyed eyes seeming to meet Covets blue eyes and speaking in a Non-Manestralian voice. Which caught Covet off guard (no pun intended). “Your highness” this guard began, in a careful, slow and neutral tone. “Should [i]we[/i] go after [i]Prince[/i] Stardew for you? You seem… [b][i]Agitated[/i][/b]” he then asked, parts of his tone seeming… Off. But Covet, in his exhaustion, simply snapped back with “Do whatever you want! Just get out of my face!” as he waved his hoof dismissively. The Pegasus guard didn’t speak, but the blue coloured guard nodded as he muttered “As you wish, [i]your highness[/i]”. The last two words seeming to have a hint of something not kind at all. But Covet simply let them trot away. Retreating back to his room and slamming the door. When Covet had entered his room again, the guards looked at eachother. “See what they’ve done?” the unicorn guard asked in disdain, aimed at Covet. The Pegasus guard nodding and then replying with “They’ve ruined him. But it’s lovely to see that he holds the same amount of… Well, same amount of distaste that we hold for Stardew” as they shared a glance of subtle amusement. “Indeed, the least we can do is what we have planned” the unicorn then muttered out, with the pair of them trotting to find Stardew. Their intentions clearly not kind in the slightest. When Covet slammed his door, meanwhile, he instantly glared at the desk, where he held his Alifest memories. He dug out the photo from the night before. His hoof instinctively going to try and crumple it up and throw it out. But he stopped at the first crease he made. Managing to control himself just enough to simply slam it back in the drawer and huffing. Shutting the drawer firmly as he muttered “I’ll have to make sure that stuff is moved…”. His gaze drifting to an empty corner. He remembered what used to be there. His blue electric guitar. It had seven strings, and had a whitish blue middle. He knew it wasn’t necessarily destroyed, but it had been left with an old friend who’d be able to make better use of it. He still missed it though. If he could, he supposed he could get that guitar back from that friend. But he eyed the outfit on the mannequin as he thought of that guitar. It’d be pretty wild to suddenly pick up the guitar again if he was going to be King. Instead, he went to put the attire on. But unlike before, he wasn’t interrupted. He was able to put it on. His body moving around so Covet could assess the way it fit on him. It seemed perfectly tailored to him. But there was a lack of crown on his head. Something he knew would be fixed by the end of the day. But, when he got to thinking about it, he questioned whether or not it was actually worth it. Lingering feelings of doubt beginning to surface for a good few minutes until he heard his door open. Quickly darting his head to the door as he saw his father enter. Albeit, with another jump of surprise as he snapped out “You can’t even knock?!”. Crimson ignored the words, but stepped closer as he seemed to assess how well it fit on Covet. Not even saying hello or greeting Covet as he trotted around him. After about a moment though, he sighed in relief. “Though’ oi’d jas’ check. Despoi’ knowin’ ih’d fih yeh” he then said aloud. But Covet simply eyed him with some unamusement as he slowly responded with “You had the tailors already check the necessary measurements over thirty times” in a slow, agitated voice. That’s when Crimson lifted his own head slightly in a quiet assessment. Seeming to have recognised all too well. Having heard that tone many times. Getting just a tad closer to Covet, he asked “Wha’ did yeh both dew, then?” in a tone that seemed to just be slightly accompanied by an underlying sigh. Covet then started going on a sort of rant, his voice raising ever so slightly as he talked about what had happened. “Well, for starters, he wanted to talk. It wouldn’t have been anything noteworthy if he hadn’t sat here and tried to say we needed to reconcile! Like I need to reconcile with him! As if he’s not the one who’s been coming after me for all this time! So I told him to flap away! He went trotting down those halls with a mopey, upset look! AS IF he has ANY right to act like that!”. Although, Crimson could tell that at least half of the words weren’t fully accurate, to say the least. He kept the thought in the back of his mind to talk to Stardew to get his side. So he could piece together the actual narrative. But he decided to instead focus on the positive for now. At least, with Covet anyway. He could’ve just been stressed, or impatient. “This is suppos’ the bey a grea’ day for yeh” he began, unfurling his wing so he could rest it on the cape Covet now wore. “Don’ leh Stah’dew tayk away fruhm tha’, yeh heah mey?” he then added on, bringing his hoof to lift Covet’s chin just enough so Crimson’s face could be seen by Covet. A sort of pleading look from Crimson evident as Covet’s earlier anger and annoyance faded. Replaced by a sort of sad, but determined look. Simply seeming to resign to the words as he mumbled out “A-alright… I’ll… I’ll try to focus on-” but Crimson quickly interrupted with a slightly stern “Don’ troi, Yeh will, thank yeh” as Covet felt a flicker of frustration bubble up. But he kept himself composed. Simply repeating himself with the modification Crimson wanted. “I’ll make sure I focus on the coronation and the positives of today”. With Crimson nodding as he retracted his hoof and furled his wing back up. Seemingly heading back to the door as he gestured for Covet to follow. “Cuhm on, then. Mey ‘n yew’v goh’ teh geh this show on thuh road!” Crimson then chirped out. Covet straightening up before following him out. As Crimson closed the door after Covet had left the room, Covet then spoke up. “You know…” he began. “I’d like to have that room be left untouched. I still have a few things I’d like to move from that room” he then finished off. Crimson chuckling as he asked “Yeh mean those mem’reys… Fruhm the Alifes’s roi’t?”. Covet nodded, as Crimson then nodded. Saying, “Don’ worrey, oi’ll jus’ dew this!” before using his magic to summon a piece of thick, large paper and a black ink pen. Jotting down something before summoning a nail and a hammer. Loud banging being heard as Covet moved to cover his ears. After about a moment, he looked at what was written. In neat handwriting, the words reading ‘Do not enter! As requested by King Covet Dawndrop’. Which made Covet frown slightly. But he immediately masked it. Simply saying “thank you” in a quiet tone. Crimson then used his magic to make the hammer and black ink pen disappear, before he began leading Covet to where they were headed. Both needing to head to the floor where the throne room resided. Even though there was still a few hours, it’d be crucial to do last minute rehearsals and more. Crimson could only hope that Covet and Stardew’s argument however, hadn’t completely deterred Stardew from attending altogether. Concurrently, Stardew had just reached the door leading to his room. His magic going to open the door, before he heard a loud voice from the other end of his bedroom hallway. “Prince, wait!” the voice said, with urgency. He glanced in the direction with a dull sort of expression on his face. Seeing the pair of guards that had approached Covet minutes before. Of course, Stardew didn’t know that, but simply gave a lazy grunt in response to show he acknowledged them. The voice from a moment before then spoke, clearly having been the Pegasus guard. “Prince. Your father has requested to meet you in the castle gardens before the coronation” the guard said, with an air of confidence in his words. The unicorn guard stayed silent, simply eyeing Stardew with what looked to be a feigned smile. One that didn’t exactly reach every part of his face. Stardew, being naturally slightly tired already from the previous encounter with Covet, simply rolled his eyes. But it was clear the eyeroll wasn’t aimed at the guards. “Aw’roit, leh’s mayk this qui’k…” he mumbled, as he saw the pair trot on ahead of him. He followed and the three proceeded to trot off to the castle gardens. Stardew, during this travel, both noticed the lack of Manestralian accent when the two guards spoke to him, and the guests who had been invited to witness the coronation started to arrive. Of course, the whole thing would inevitably be broadcast by news stations who’d also been invited, but the amount of guests were still a lot. Especially given how early it was in the day still. With the guests seemingly trying to surround him, the Unicorn guard made a barrier effortlessly around the three that both kept the guests around them away and muffled the sound around them. The Pegasus guard meanwhile, seemed to just stay silent. Only trotting forward and not adding anything really to the travel. That was, until Stardew decided to ask the question on his mind. “So…” he began, catching the pair’s attention. “Ha’ cahm yew tew don’ sahnd loik yeh cahm fruhm Maynstrayl’ah?” he then asked, making the pair exchange a quick, thinking type of look. The Unicorn guard stayed quiet, but the Pegasus guard spoke this time. “We were born… Well, we were born outside of Manestralia. You see…” the Pegasus guard began, as he seemed to speak as he was thinking. It was risky, but he persevered through the response. “…There are other places outside of this continent. We just so happen to come from a place… Let’s see… Northeast of here? Across the horizon”. This response made Stardew think. There wasn’t any known record of other lands… At least, not from what he knew. But then the Unicorn guard added on “Don’t worry, we know it’s a shock. But your old history books over here and maps of the known world from back then wouldn’t show our lands. There’s a huge barrier of icebergs to the Northeast. That at least should show on your maps”. “Yeh, tha’s trew” Stardew mumbled, recalling the known world he had seen a map of. Manestralia was the centre, with the mentioned iceberg barrier at the northeast. He recalled how he heard Sailors having to turn around, so it didn’t seem farfetched that perhaps he’d missed something in his personal studying of Manestralia’s history. But something still felt… Well, off. There was something he was missing. But he couldn’t think about that. Instead, he’d look into it after the coronation and after his meeting with his father. But throughout their travel out into the gardens, it kept gnawing at his mind. Like a constant ominous feeling. His hooves feeling the well-maintained stone path as he took a vague look around whilst they trotted to wherever they were taking him. It took about five more minutes, but as they got further, he noticed how they were moving further away from the noise as well as getting further away from the crowd. They passed the fountain, which was made of fancy stonework, and made their way through the thicker foliage of the garden. Flowers in red, blue, pink, white, and purple being nestled all around the bushes and small shrubbery. The guards then, in a twist, stopped. Both turning to Stardew and gesturing to an area that Stardew seemed to recognise. Turning the corner to the area the guards gestured to, he found himself infront of a tree. One that seemed to stand tall, whilst being fragile and delicate. With a small path a tombstone. Stardew knew who it belonged to, of course. It was his mother’s. Queen Esmerelda’s. Seeming to trot forward before noticing the obvious… His father wasn’t there. Instead, when his back was turned, Stardew felt an immense amount of pain course through his body. Yelling out in pain as the shield the guards had discreetly set up kept his voice muffled to the outside world. His body fell to the floor almost instantly, before he quickly tried to stumble his way back up. Eyeing the two guards, or rather, who [i]should’ve[/i] been the two guards. Only seeing a blue and lavender Alicorn standing infront of him. The blue alicorn seemed to be on the lookout and not as focused on him, but the lavender one seemed to intensely focus on him. Unknown to Stardew, this was Dallasite and Arcane. Two alicorn’s he’d never met. A look of silent fury on Dallasite’s face was apparent as Stardew summoned a quick shield of his own. A grey one. Mimicking a normal shield. But it was clear his strength had been stolen from him somewhat, as another magenta beam managed to break the shield entirely. The beam bouncing off. Stardew seemed stunned, as he quickly asked, “Who ah yeh?!”. But Dallasite stayed silent. Quickly galloping forward as his horn seemed to light up. Stardew began charging his own magic to create weapon. Anything, really. He knew Dallasite was going to charge in for an attack, and he wanted to counter. But the more magic he used, the more weak he felt. He barely managed to summon a small dagger made from the air itself. It was all he could manage. Usually, he’d take flight and summon a pair of magical storm crossbows. But, he would’ve collapsed if he’d done so. In a quick swipe, he managed to block Dallasite’s own weapon. Which Dallasite had summoned and lunged at him with. A sword blazing with lavender fire, made from nearly pure white magic-made steel; a result from the heat. The fire flaring forward against the dagger of air as Stardew struggled to hold the sword wielding Dallasite off. Meanwhile, Arcane eyed the pair. His emotionless expression starting to turn to one of impatience. Still, he believed Dallasite could do the job on his own. Which quickly paid off as Dallasite seemed to share Arcane’s own impatience. Another flaming sword quickly materializing as Dallasite spat out a quiet “Enough of this pathetic nonsense” and slashed at Stardew before he could also summon another dagger of air. A resounding yell of pain hitting Stardews vocal chords as he fell. Fire having burned a nasty gash across the lower end of his chest. It didn’t cut deep enough to hit any key organs, but it was enough to keep Stardew down. With Dallasite dematerializing both swords with a look of narrowed malice. All Stardew could feel was the pain from the wound as he felt warmth slip from his body ever so slightly from the lavender fire that the blade was accompanied by. “Alright Dal’, wrap it up now” Arcane then said with some amusement in his voice after a few moments, glancing at Dallasite as he simply eyerolled. His expression was much like Covet’s whenever he got annoyed, but Stardew couldn’t focus on that. He felt his body levitated in the air as he saw Dallasite’s horn light up. He could’ve sworn he heard something, but as he tried to think about it, he could only feel something cold above him in the air. The ground being lit up by a greyish, dark cyan sort of colour. He knew it was a portal of some kind, the light proved it. But before he could do or say anything, he was forced to cross through to an unknown place. The last thing he heard being Dallasite, who seemed to sneer at him as his vision faded. His body succumbing to his own pained exhaustion. “If you’re lucky, Stardew, you won’t suffer for long in there!”. Dallasite having a sort of satisfied chirp to his voice. With Stardew’s consciousness fading into slumber. The instrumental of his and Covet’s Fae Spell hitting his dreamless sleep as he drifted across the grey space. Once Stardew had fully succumb to his slumber and was securely within the grey space, Dallasite closed the gateway he’d summoned. Taking a deep sigh of relief it seemed as Arcane quickly disguised himself again. Dallasite quickly following suit as the shield dispersed. It was as if nothing had happened at all. No trace of Stardew. No trace of their deceit. Just the tombstone, tree and garden foliage around them. Say for the few leaves that had fallen off of the tree in the very brief attack, there was really no evidence. But Dallasite gathered the leaves with his magic. Before burning them in mid-air. His horn showing through his disguise whilst he used his magic. The leaves burning away with a lavender fire burning them down. With Dallasite throwing the ashes to the wind. “Having some fiery fun there are we?” Arcane asked as he watched the disguised lavender Alicorn’s horn disappear once again. “You could say that…” Dallasite then mumbled out, before the Arcane simply chuckled in a low tone. “Glad you’re finding some joy in this. That’s good. Just keep this energy and anger up during our actual mission and this should be a breeze!” Arcane then replied. Both of them eyeing eachother in their disguised forms before heading out of the garden. Stardew’s existence having been fully removed from the dimension entirely and thrown into another. Arcane and Dallasite had a plausible excuse. Given what they had seen, and they fully intended to use it to avoid any suspicion, as they trotted through the gardens and back to the castle interior. They knew they’d have to wait for a few hours, but it’d all be worth it. Soon, their mission would be complete. For those few hours, the remaining invited guests began coming into the castle. Some news ponies. Some high-class ponies and some honoured individuals in the continent also joined them. Most of these ponies were naturally from the same major island that the castle was in. That being Coltney island. But a few guests were from the other two major islands too. Those being Buckenshire island, and Brismane island. But given the issue revolving around the Pentadiamond isles, not all of them could make it. It wasn’t that any of them had any troubles out on the water, but the journeys the continents ships had to make was rather long and irregular. So, some had to take that into account and book hotels out. Even then, however, there were only so many hotel rooms to go around. Whilst this was all happening, Crimson and Covet stayed in a closed off room near the throne room. Moreso to do some last-minute rehearsals of the coronation. To Crimson, everything had to be perfect. But to Covet, it was aggravating. Arcane and Dallasite, disguised, simply kept themselves at that specific door. They didn’t know, at first, which room was the one Covet and Crimson were in. But, through a stroke of luck, they managed to take the place of the guards who were meant to guide Covet into the throne room. So, they stood guard. The pair didn’t speak, but they glanced at eachother. Their Unicorn and Pegasus disguises unquestioned by anypony passing. Clearly too distracted by their own affairs and the excitement of the coronation. Although, some slightly observant ponies did notice them and their seemingly detached demeanour as they passed on by. Inside the room, as the clock began reaching the final few minutes before the coronation, Crimson and Covet finally stopped their rehearsals. The sparsely decorated room only had a few wooden chairs and a single table inside. Clearly, it was supposed to be some kind of guest dining room. But it wasn’t going to be used for this. Covet knew that the grand dining hall was going to be used for food and such. This one was for things outside special events such as this. There were basic white curtains as well, but the rest of the room just seemed bare. Still, it was acceptable. Crimson sighed, which caught Covet’s attention as he was finally getting a good look around. “Oi hope yeh’ve goh’ ih memrois’d” Crimson mumbled, clearly seeming annoyed. Covet reciprocated the mutual annoyance with his own retort. Narrow eyed as he muttered “[i]When you keep mentally beating it into me, then yes I would say I have it memorised[/i]”. This made Crimson’s eye twitch slightly, before he straightened up. His hoof on his own forehead as he let out a frustrated groan of sorts. “Look, oi geh ih. Oi’ve dahn aloh’. Buh’ yeh need teh noh mess this ahp” Crimson then slowly said, trying to choose his words carefully. He clearly sensed the exhaustion and frustration his son must’ve felt, it was the same thing he was feeling after all. But he didn’t want Covet to embarrass himself during this. He could already see the wild news headlines and the moment being cemented in the continent’s history. He couldn’t let Covet even so much as trot near that possibility. So he believed in his mind that he had to be like this. For Covet’s future. It was hard, though, especially since Covet clearly wasn’t taking it well. Being met with an eyeroll from Covet as he simply muttered out “[i]I got it.[/i]” Just as the tension was about to erupt between them, Crimson being very exhausted at this point, the doors swung open. Both Covet and Crimson immediately darted their gaze to the two ponies in the doorway. Covet recognizing them as the Unicorn guard and Pegasus guard from earlier as they trotted forward. Bowing their heads before speaking. “Please forgive our intrusion, [i]your majesties[/i]” the Unicorn said slowly, Covet swearing he heard a very subtle undercurrent of distaste. But he didn’t question it. He hated this day as well, despite what it meant for him. His excitement for the day being fully burned out at this point. Then, the Pegasus spoke slowly. “Unfortunately, Prince Stardew Serandite decided to fly away from the gardens to the north. He was saying he didn’t wish to attend the coronation.”. At first, both Covet and Crimson just stared. Stardew was going out? Now of all times? With the clouds from this morning that had started to appear, Crimson started thinking about that… There was no way. He couldn’t have. Until Crimson seemed to sense a very rapid upset forming from Covet. Quickly deciding to try and dilute the upset before it got… Uncontrolled. As opposed to what he was going to do. Which was pry further into the matters revolving around this sudden departure of Stardew from the coronation. “Cuhveh’” he began, getting to his height level as the guards just stared in silence. “Ih dun’ maddah wha’ Stahdew does… Oi chose yeh specific’luy becahs’ah things loik this. Yew pehseve’ah threwah’ situashuns loik this. Whe’h situashuns geh stressin’ an’ tense… He cleahluy dun’t ‘andowl ‘em well loik yew”. Covet stared at Crimson for a few moments with an expression that clearly showed his upset. Emotions beginning to swirl around before he closed his eyes to centre himself and to not let himself get too upset. THAT was dangerous, for everypony involved. He remembered when he ended up lashing out on an old former lover when he truly lost his temper years ago. It wasn’t pretty; to say the least. Taking a deep breath before finally opening his eyes again. Masking any upset with neutral indifference on his face. But inside his mind, he was asking himself many questions. About how far their relationship as brothers had really dropped off. About whether he should’ve spoken with Stardew earlier that day when he offered. All this led to a feeling of regret that he knew he wouldn’t be able to shake until the end of the coronation. But he had to focus. Now wasn’t the time for those things or questions. He’d deal with Stardew later. Wordlessly, Covet nodded as he acknowledged the words his father had said. Crimson seeming to take a small sigh of relief before turning to the pair of guards. “Thank yeh foh yeh repoh’. Yeh may leave” Crimson then said, nodding his head afterwards as the pair bowed. Then, Covet and Crimson watched as the pair of them left. Both guards turning to the left before trotting off. Unknown to them however, they’d fallen for a very nasty lie. But, neither would know that for a small time. What mattered to the pair right now, was focusing on the coronation. With Crimson turning to Covet and saying “Ih’s sink o’ so’h, boyo” with a look of finality. Trotting off as Covet was left to wait. The younger alicorn breathing a sigh of relief, before he started thinking about what the pair of guards had said. He had a few minutes, and he couldn’t dwell on it for a long time, however he did get the sense that something wasn’t quite right. Despite what he and Stardew may, or may not have done to eachother in the past… Surely he wouldn’t just… Leave, right? It just… It didn’t make sense. Then, as swiftly as the thoughts and few moments of waiting came, they left just as fast. Jumping slightly as he saw one of the guards from before; the Pegasus one specifically. He could see other guards around the door as well. But one spoke among them. A unicorn stallion, with a pale-yellow coat, and a golden yellow mane and tail that were both wavy in style. His eyes were brown, with them looking at Covet with a neutral expression. Covet knew who this was. The aforementioned former partner that he’d recalled when trying to calm himself down from an emotional outburst. The Unicorn was slightly smaller than Covet, but still looked capable. Covet tilted his head up slightly as he simply greeted the stallion with “Starstrike”. Starstrike nodding, as he gestured his head in a nod forward. Down the hall. Replying with “Ca’m on, then yeh majestay” in a monotone, emotionless tone as the Pegasus guard took a place beside Starstrike. Before they moved in position to allow Covet to slot himself behind them. When he trotted out of the room, he saw Starstrike use his magic to firmly close the door. Covet then seeing the Unicorn guard from before behind him alongside about three other pairs of guards. The Unicorn guard being included in the three other pairs. With a Pegasus guard next to him. Behind that, there was a Pegasus guard and an Earth Pony guard paired together. With a Unicorn guard and an Earth Pony guard at the very back. He recognised the pair at the back. The Unicorn guard in the back have a pale blue coat colour to him. With a white mane and tail. His eyes being minty green. The Earth Pony guard however, was slightly bigger than the Unicorns and Pegasi. Being black in coat colour. With a messy, darkish magenta mane and tail. Well, barely a tail. Considering it was extremely short. The Earth Pony’s eyes were an almost hazel colour. But there were two things that made him stand out from the other guards in tow. That being the scar across his left eye, and the shark tooth band that he wore around his left foreleg. Covet scoffing as he directly addressed Starstrike. “I’d say standards for guard etiquette are dropping. You’re seriously allowing Obsidian over there to wear whatever he likes on duty?” he asked, in a smug tone. Starstrike quietly sighing and rolling his eyes, before turning around to the Earth Pony. “Obsidiuhn. Tayk ih awf.”. This made Obsidian eye Covet with some annoyance, but he didn’t say anything to Covet directly. Instead, he took it off and handed it to the Unicorn. “He’h, ‘old on tah this fuh me Crescen’” Obsidian then said to the Unicorn guard next to him. Covet specifically remembered the Earth Pony from when he was younger. Just before becoming a teenager. He’d usually be nicer to him. His name being Obsidian Grit. He [i]had[/i] saved him from a shark attack as he was swimming out during the summer in Trottnest that year. He had taught him all he knew about interacting with ocean life. Teaching him how to deal with things like shark attacks with his own tamed bull shark. He never really knew how Obsidian managed to tame a whole shark, but he never questioned it. Obsidian clearly knew how to handle himself. He was also Team Covet in the final Alifest. He remembered that much, recalling how he had performed for an elite one-hundred wave racing match that Obsidian had participated in. Although, Obsidian was disqualified for using his shark instead of his wave racing vehicle. It was mainly because it posed a safety hazard, but he did wish… No, it was against the rules. Things had to be in order after all. The Unicorn, on the other side of the coin, was a classmate of his during his college years. Named Crescent Calcite. He was constantly focused on studying and nearly never interacting with the other classmates within Covet’s college classes. Excelling in classes, and often being the first to achieve competency over spells their class would learn. Although, Covet was only there to see that once. Flunking after he failed to immediately cast a basic transfiguration spell. Which required the student to turn an apple into an orange. His failure to do this, despite being an Alicorn, severely damaged his sense of superiority. Simply deciding to not learn magic at all beyond basic utility spells like levitation and the spell of page turning. That way, he could neglect his studies at college, whilst also keeping his sense of superiority. Everypony knew better than to spill his failures out, after all! He always had ways of keeping those that stepped out of line… Well, back in line. Crescent having been clearly smart enough to know not to chatter about Covet’s failure. Crescent clearly seemed to know not to say anything, or even give any expression other than neutrality in this situation as well. Which Covet silently approved of. Before turning his attention to Obsidian and speaking again. “You know you’re one of few ponies I respect, Obsidian. Do yourself a favour and brush up on appearances and etiquette. Lest you ruin both the rare praise I give you and the coronation as a whole, understand?” he asked, with a voice dripping with condescending authority. Through gritted teeth, and narrowed eyes, Obsidian simply, and slowly, said “Yes, yeh majestay…”. Covet giving him a smug look of approval before he turned his attention to their path forward. The combined group of nine making their way to the coronation proper. He could practically taste the crown now… But after hearing about Stardew, was it really even worth it in the end? He'd have to take a long think about that one once this was all over. But right now, he had more important things to attend to. As the eight guards he was accompanied by trotted straight toward the throne room. Covet’s cape flowing behind him as he recalled exactly how things were to go. He’d receive a jewel in the traditional Lozenge cut; that being the Jewelling. He was hopeful his would be a Sunstone. Then, after that, he’d pledge his vow and finally proceed to be crowned, and then they could all focus on celebrating him and the passing of the crown to him. Though his mind lingered on the possible Sunstone for a moment. Flashing back to the moment he got his cutie mark. He couldn’t quite recall what exactly he’d done to even earn his. He had always stayed with his father around that time. His mother having passed and himself feeling like he needed to be beside his father. So there was no real time for him to explore around about his own talents and powers. It was a miracle that it appeared at all, in his mind anyway. Perhaps he’d try and use a spell to recall the memory of that moment. To see what exactly triggered it. But he’d need to get his magic and flight back first. That was paramount above most things. Luckily for him, as they all approached the doors leading to the throne room, he had a good inkling that he wouldn’t NEED any of his magic for the coronation. Hopefully his father accounted for that. How else was he supposed to pass him the crown? Through hooves and his wings? He knew his father wouldn’t do THAT. Voices grew louder, and then finally quieter as the nine of them turned the corner. He saw Starstrike and the Pegasus guard from earlier move to the side of the double doors leading into the throne room, as he trotted in. Face forward. He saw his father first, alongside many ponies staring at him as he trotted forward. He didn’t notice the Unicorn guard behind him eye the Pegasus guard, and vice versa as the pair stood at the doorway and parted from the other seven. Seemingly keeping watch. Infront of him, he saw the white throne room, with windows opened and letting in a gentle sea breeze. Eyes staring and his father infront of the throne. Which he’d always seen as something he’d one day obtain. Banners of the Manestralian Flag lined the sides of the walls. The gentle breeze blowing them slightly. To stop himself from gawking at the décor, he focused on the path forward. He’d seen all this anyway. He was just getting carried away with the details. Doing his best to put on a smile and avoid the gazes at him. He knew a lot of the ponies in this place weren’t too fond of him. But he had to hide his vulnerability in this event. Taking his last steps toward his father before bowing slightly. “Your Majesty” he greeted, with Crimson smiling slightly and saying “Rois, Cuhve’”. Covet doing as he was told and returning to his usual standing position. Albeit with a more stiffened posture. Thanks to catching cameras from the corner of his eye. Probably from news channels getting up close and personal coverage. He could’ve sworn he even saw the reporter from back on Trottnest Island. Who’d interviewed Sax Bit and Polygon Phonic. But there were important matters to attend to. Curbing his curiosity, he waited as his father went to speak. “Fehstloy, thank yeh tew awl the con’inen’ feh cahming…” he then turned to the news channel cameras, addressing the ones either side of the room. “…And thank yeh tew those ah home who ‘av decoided teh joyn us in speerih” he then continued, nodding slightly to the cameras before turning his attention back to the rest of the throne room in its entirety. “Oim shuh yeh’re awl eageh teh see the main ehven’ an’ teh injoy the fewd we ‘ad prepehd” he then began, adding a cheeky smile as he chuckled to himself. “Howevah, we ‘av tew impoh’ant things teh dew fehs’… Bring fo’th the Jew’llah” he then ended off, the guards behind Covet parting to the side, with Covet also stepping aside. The jeweller, and the jewelling in general, were Manestralian traditions. When an important figure got recognised for their efforts, or whenever an important figure was about to be placed in their position in society, a jeweller would be assigned to create a polished and refined gemstone from recovered raw gemstones. The process symbolized the end of a chapter, for the hopeful new chapters in one’s life. From the hallway outside the throne room, a singular pony stepped forth. The guards that had accompanied Covet, stepping aside to let this pony past. It being a slightly smaller than average, and slightly slender unicorn, with a mint fur colour. Alongside a long, flowing Jade coloured mane and tail. With two guards accompanying her. A Pegasus and Earth Pony. He didn’t recognise the guards’ faces, them just being two he’d never officially met. But he knew the mare well. He used to see her up at Warramane; her name being Polished Facet. With Warramane being the northernmost city on Coltney Island. A specific place known for its vast amount of Opals, Rubies and Chrysoprase. He’d actually taken a slight interest in gemstones and the natural resources of the continent… For a phase, so he spent about a month alongside her. Researching the different mineral compounds and such that made the gemstones. Sunstones were actually incredibly rare, so he didn’t expect much when he thought about the gemstones up north. Until he saw the unmistakable orange glinting in the natural light as it passed by. But, there was another intertwined with the Sunstone that he saw. When Polished finally came to a stop, infront of Crimson, she bowed, before saying “Your Majesty”. Crimson gesturing for her to rise, before he gently took the gemstone. Which is when Covet saw it. It was indeed a Sunstone. But… It was fused with an Aquamarine. In the shape of a teardrop. Which is when it made sense. The pair of stones, that seemed to have been intertwined together, was in the shape of his cutie mark. Polished stepped aside to allow Covet to step back infront of his father again, before he heard his father speak. “This wus recuvah’d abaht a yea’ agoa… Ih’s ahn Aquamahreen an’ ah sunstoan. The formah soothes an’ cahms… Whils’ the othah promoa’s indehpehndahns… With this, oi ‘ope ih brings yew… Hope. Sumthin’ oi know yeh valew…”. But in Crimsons words, he could tell that Crimson didn’t really believe that last part. Despite if it was true or not. Crimson also cleverly hid the fact that Aquamarine would help with relationships and communication, and that Sunstone would reveal talents. Was that a small, discreet callout that Crimson didn’t want to make? Given the events earlier, he presumed it was the case. But as Covets face started turning away from smiling and started propping a wordless frown, Crimson continued and gave him a certain look. One that showed that this was almost over. Which made Covet gather enough strength to put on his smile for a tad longer. As Crimson then offered the stone to him. “May this gehm goid yew threw yeh toim as rulah” Crimson said, as Covet took it and bowed, before he began fixing it to his attire before he looked up again. Meanwhile, as the exchange was happening, the disguised Dallasite and Arcane from before glanced at eachother. Hearing Crimson speak as they rolled their eyes slightly. This whole procedure was… Boring to them. To say the least. They didn’t get it. They didn’t understand it. Why was all this effort wasted on such a thing? Surely the crown could just be passed to him and this whole thing could go by. It wasn’t as if… But they couldn’t show any annoyance right now. They had to wait until the crowning. Which was thankfully going to happen within the next few moments. If they could just hold out for a tad longer, they’d be able to complete their mission. Back in the throne room, Crimson continued. Covet and the rest of the throne room finally saw Crimson remove his crown. Covet bowing slowly as the crowd looked toward the pair intensely. With silent anticipation as Crimson used his magic to lift the crown between the pair of them. Crimson then spoke after a moment. With him posing two question. One that he’d been repeatedly asked during their rehearsals. “Cuhveh’…” Crimson began, with both of their pairs of eyes meeting slightly as Crimson continued. “Dew yew, as the secuhnd King ah Maynstralya, promis’ teh uphold the con’inehns peace? An’ dew yeh promis’ teh puh’ the con’inenhs cih’izehns in’res’s befoh yeh own?” he then finally asked. With Covet nodding as they had rehearsed. Before he said, in a determined tone, “I do, Your Majesty. You have my word, as the second King of Manestralia, that I will always uphold the values and virtues of our continent. I also promise that I shall put the needs, and desires of our continent and its many citizens before my own. I promise to uphold the primary, core value of selflessness, and I promise to always strive to take the right path… Instead of the easy one”. That last part, was a thing Covet decided to sneak in. So that he could prove that he was indeed capable of the title and position. There was a long moment of silence as the two then looked to eachother. A wordless communication between the pair that had underlying tones of interrogation. Crimson almost piercing into Covet’s very soul to find any signs of deceit, or dishonesty. When he found none, his eyes softened marginally. Alongside a gentle smile of approval. Covet letting his own face show a small fraction of genuine relief as Crimson then spoke. Saying with a pleased tone. “Then withah’ furthah adew… Oi now pronahs yeh…”… But, as the crown moved from the middle of the pair to Covet’s head, something happened. An indigo-coloured beam with shades of lavender knocked the crown to the floor. Which was much to Crimson and Covet’s surprise. Covet saw Crimson’s gaze turn from pleased, to furious. “Who DEH’S teh in’errupt the coruhnayshun?!” he immediately bellowed out. His voice echoing and bouncing off the walls as he saw, from the throne room entrance, the two guards from before who’d stood near the entrance. Having moved in. But, there was something… Off… With the pair. No longer did they appear to have the same expressions as the other guards, instead they held looks of smug anger. “Oh, so sorry!” the Pegasus of the pair said, almost with a tone of glee. “We were simply… Making ourselves… [b][i]Known[/i][/b]”. Before anypony in the room could react, the pair then dispelled their disguises in a flash of blue and purple. A column of the two colours combining until it dissipated. Revealing the lavender form of Dallasite, and the bluish form of Arcane. Two alicorns that seemed to make Crimson quickly dart from Covet, to the pair. Almost in a disbelief. Covet also seemed to have the same sort of reaction. Darting from his father, to the pair. Seeing the lavender Alicorn, and having confusion on his face. This Alicorn… He looked… [i]Just like him[/i]. But the bluish one was different. He saw a certain look of anger within the pair, as the two new Alicorns used their magic to create a left wall of lavender fire, and a blue wall of ice. When they did, the crowd, including the newsponies, immediately erupted into panic and galloped away. Fleeing to the entrance. Only leaving the seven guards who’d accompanied Covet into the throne room, and the two guards who’d brought Polished in. Immediately, Crimson stepped infront of the Covet, and gave a look to the guards. Who immediately put themselves infront of Covet. “Oh, how cute” the blue Alicorn drawled, with a sardonic smile. “Little Bounded needs his guards to fight his battles”. “Bounded? Are you blind? No such Bounded exists! I am-“ but before Covet could even finish his sentence, the pair of Alicorns flew toward Crimson. Their magic charging into beams of lavender and blue. “You!” Covet then exclaimed, looking at the unicorns, including Crescent and Starstrike. “Help him fight them off!” Covet demanded. But Crescent, Starstrike and the other unnamed unicorn ignored him. They knew what Crimson wanted, and knew that it was to protect Covet at all costs. Which seemed to make Covet angry. “You’re going to ignore me?!” He shouted out, as Crimson and the two Alicorn’s magical energy clashed together. Creating an explosive spectrum of cooler, to hotter colours that echoes cold and hot temperatures, respectively. Moreso cold than hot. With Crimson seemingly holding back. Unfortunately, this holding back cost Crimson his ground in the battle. Arcane managing to swoop behind him and cause a heavy blow to his back. Crimson yelling out as he tried turning around. But all he could feel was a cold pulsing through him. One that he couldn’t shake. He could tell that Arcane, even though he didn’t know his name, was moreso versed in magic relating to the element of ice. The coldness he felt proved that much. But this other one, who he was then hit by with a magic attack, confused him. This lavender one, who had been switching out between what felt like flame and ice, was an enigma. Crimson struggled to get up after the attack, which is when the lavender one joined Arcane. Both seemingly ignoring Crimson entirely. Instantly, the nine guards charged. In an effort to protect Covet, the unicorns charged their magic. Whilst the remaining Pegasi and Earthponies worked in tandem together. Obsidian being carried by a Pegasus specifically as he lifted himself in the air. Crescent and Starstrike charging a combined spell which radiated yellow and white. But, as Obsidian began diving for the pair of Alicorns, Dallasite and Arcane simply rolled their eyes. The walls from earlier when they’d entered disappearing and combining into beams of magic that hit both Obsidian, and the remaining Earth Ponies and Pegasi. The Pegasi remained frozen. Paralysed by the Icy cold and fell to the ground. Whilst the Earth Ponies were fatigued by sheer heat. Even Obsidian, who had dove for the pair, quickly softened up and gasped from the sudden heat that overcame his strength. “[i]Pathetic[/i]” Dallasite spat out. “Your guards can’t even take a small amount of heat or chill?” he then asked, eyeing Covet as the orange Alicorn readied himself for a fight. Although, he was at a heavy disadvantage. No magic. No flight. Just his hooves and some distant hope. Even as Crimson managed to finally stand up, the pair of Alicorns approached. Undeterred by the King of Manestralia finally standing. “It’s funny, really” Arcane then finally said, almost assessing Covet in his look. “How much you looked like him. Until [i]this[/i] happened” Arcane then continued. His eyes contorting into a gaze of disgust as he looked Covet up and down. “Yes, well, that’s why we’re here. To put an end to both him and… THIS… Shameful display…” Dallasite commented, although it was clear it’d mostly be Arcane doing that. Given how he then turned around and faced off against Crimson; to ensure that Crimson couldn’t interfere with the acts Arcane was about to commit. Crimson went to charge, but Dallasite used his magic to create a wall of lavender fire between himself and Arcane. Effectively cutting off Dallasite and Crimson, from Arcane and Covet. Starstrike and Crescent finally fully charged their spell. But two Unicorns against one Alicorn was of no match. Arcane swiftly countering and knocking both of them aside. Alongside the other Unicorn guard. Annoyance now on his face thanks to the momentarily interruption. “Stupid Unicorns. Thinking they can go up against myself? Don’t they know better than to test the might of an Alicorn?” Arcane then scoffed. Covet simply biting back with “They did what they could to protect me! Don’t you dare blame them or spit those words at them” as he saw Arcane grow slightly angry. All whilst Dallasite and Crimson battled it out behind him. Crimson and Dallasite launching attack after attack at eachother. Whilst Crimson was more experienced, he wasn’t fast enough to effectively dodge most of Dallasite’s attacks. Having to instead use his magic to keep a shield going. Which was holding strong enough. Cutting back to Arcane and Covet, Arcane snorted, and then sneered. “I should’ve figured. That he’d keep up such an effective lie and would stop at nothing to protect it. Well, no more, Bounded” Arcane then said, in a low tone. Laced with malice and anger. “What’re you on about? I already told you I’m-“ but before Covet could even say the next words, he was hit by a wayward magic spell from Dallasite as both he and Crimson continued battling. Knocking Covet backward and making him stumble somewhat. Feeling what he could only describe as light frostbite. Dallasite’s magic feeling frost bitingly cold. Luckily, Covet didn’t actually catch frostbite. But the temperature drop was very apparent. Covet shivering slightly, but not being able to warm himself up. “How lucky for me!” Arcane then gleefully said, very satisfied with the wayward magic that had hit Covet. “That means I can start! I was going to wait for Dallasite to at least get [i]one[/i] shot in… And it seems he has gotten one in!”. In an instant, Covet cried out in pain as he was barraged by what felt like the deep abyss of space itself. Everything felt dark and cold. His body stumbling, and then slumping to the floor. His breathing now showing in a misted cloud of coldness as he struggled to get up. Although, this seemed to make Arcane slightly confused. “You’re not going to use your magic? Or even… Try to flee?” he asked, tilting his head dispassionately. Truth be told, Arcane and Dallasite had no actual knowledge of what had happened to Covet. They’d only seen him during that night during the vacation to Trottnest. Still, Arcane simply trotted forward. Ready to charge a spell that would ensure certain death. However, he was interrupted. Crimson, who’d been defending himself against Dallasite’s relentless assault, was finally able to strike him at a very vital point. A yelp of both surprise and pain was heard from the other three, although Covet’s hearing was muffled now, as Dallasite crashed beside him. Covering Covet slightly in debris from the wall. The wall of fire dissipating as Arcane noticed Crimson finally land. He knew he didn’t have long now. He’d spent too long entertaining his own revenge against Crimson. So, in a panic, he summoned a portal to shove Covet through. Only for Crimson to blast his back. The spell being interrupted. Whilst it indeed sent Covet away, it had… Another pair of effects. The second being exhaustion and very quick temporary slumber. The third one being something that the pair of Alicorns, who’d attacked Covet and Crimson, wouldn’t find out about until they found him. Crimson wouldn’t find out about it for a long, long time… And Covet? Well, he’d find out upon waking up. Right now, he was in a dreamless slumber. Only the echoing memories and the faintest tune of something akin to his and Stardew’s song ‘Fae Spell’ played at the edge of his unconscious mind. Just as Stardew had heard during his transition into wherever he had headed. Back in Coltney Castle, all three alicorns seemed stunned at what Arcane had done. Crimson’s fury, for the first time, boiling over truly as he quickly prepared a spell to eradicate the pair. But, in that anger, as he saw the terror on Dallasite’s face, he recalled… Covet. Which stopped him momentarily. Leaving Arcane and Dallasite room to escape. Arcane grabbing Dallasite with his magic and quickly taking the opportunity. Before Crimson could react, Arcane broke through a window and flew off. Conjuring a portal in the sky to leave. Leaving Crimson falling to the floor. Angry, upset, confused, and most of all, grieving the supposed loss of his two sons. Quiet sobbing being heard as the magic faded. Leaving the King in his own emotions for now. With the guards from before finally returning to normal and being just as… Confused. When Arcane and Dallasite emerged from the other side of the portal, both held looks of stunned silence. As if unable to process what just happened. Dallasite was dropped onto the ground with an unceremonious thud. As he groaned from the earlier impact with the wall. Getting up a moment later as he asked, “What did you do?” in a panicked tone. Arcane unable to respond directly… But having an idea. They couldn’t let [i]him[/i] find out about this… But if they dealt with Bounded before they had to return to him… Yes. That was the solution to this. Fix a mistake, and course correct. However, Dallasite saw… Opportunity. Taking a moment to consider his words, he said “If he's not [i]dead[/i]… There’s no harm in trying a different-“ but a flapping wing stopped him. “[i]You think he’ll take kindly to this?[/i]” Arcane bit back, his emotions now showing the panic in his own form as he paced back and forth. Dallasite sitting down again. It remained like this for a while, until Arcane then stopped. His mouth forming into a smug grin as he figured out how they were going to find Bounded. It was all so simple in hindsight… He’d simply recall the location of the unintentional spell with his own magic. It was his, after all. So the last spot of his magic where they were… Yes. That was it. He gestured to Dallasite, mainly to get him to follow him as he watched the younger Alicorn get up slowly. Still slightly pained from the earlier events. Spreading his wings however, he joined Arcane in the skies once Arcane took flight. The pair now determined to correct whatever Arcane had unintentionally done… And it was about to be a shock for all parties who could see it.