Title:           Ch. 3: A Simple Choice and Disappointing Truth
Author:          Kewcee
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/Z8WVsdf1
First Edit:      Sunday 16th of October 2016 01:10:43 AM CDT
Last Edit:       Last edit on: Thursday 20th of October 2016 11:55:49 AM CDT

>The doors shut behind you, just as silently as they opened.
>You've only just entered the castle, but already you're rather intimidated.
>Every few feet, there are doorways, with guards stationed at either side.
>They glare at you, as though you're very presence is a smudge on the floors of the admittedly immaculate castle.
>You do your best to ignore them.
 
>After an eternity of clipping and clopping, you arrive at the end of the hall.
>Here lie yet another set of doors, much larger then those at the entrance.
>It takes the combined might of your escort and the two guards at either side of the door to open it.
>But once the door is open, you see you've finally arrived.
 
>The throne room is simple, yet grand.
>A large square room, with a small staircase leading up to the thrones of the very ponies you and Starswirl had come to serve.
>King Aurum, in his great golden throne befitting his name, his mane, hair and beard a great golden yellow.
>The crown upon his head was a similar hue, and adorned with the finest of jewels.
>His wife, Queen Silvertongue, sat beside him. Her mane was a royal purple, her hair a pearly white.
>Her throne was a shining silver, to compliment the kings gleaming gold.
 
>They both looked down on the two of you with royal countenance.
>The king raised a single hoof.
 
>"He's beckoning you both. Make haste, show your respect, and be humble."
 
>The guard pushes you both forward.
>Upon reaching the top of the staircase, Starswirl introduces the both of you.
 
>"Greetings, your Majesties. I am your humble servant Starswirl."
>"And this is my friend, scribe and brother-at-heart, Ghost Scribe. I is an honor to be in your presence."
 
>Starswirl finishes this sentence with a bow.
>You begin to follow, but then the Queen extends her hoof, expectantly.
>Your not sure what she wants.
>What do you do?
 
>You grab the Queens hoof in your own, and give it a light kiss.
>The Queen graces you with a light smile.
 
>"A lifetime around those of magical blood has done well to cleanse you of filth, Ghost Scribe."
 
>You know this is a compliment, but all the same it stings.
>Perhaps its just her voice.
>It's so cold and formal, the exact opposite of Rains, who had made you feel welcome, even when she was threatening your life.
 
>The King speaks up.
 
>"It's wonderful to have you both here. I've been wildly anticipating your arrival."
 
>His voice is booming and commands presence.
>Truly a voice befitting a ruler.
 
>"As have we, milord. We would have come yesterday, but after a harrowing journey such as ours, we felt it best to get some rest before meeting your Majesty."
 
>"Ah, yes, I heard about what happened. Commander Barques tends to be a tad... overzealous."
>"He sent word that you'd arrived last evening, as well as informing me that he'd apprehended a group of exotic smugglers."
>"I assume these "smugglers" to be your escorts, yes?"
 
>"Yes, milord. I'd be most appreciative if you'd let them go freely. They risked quite a lot in bringing us here."
 
>"Of course, Starswirl. Anything for Stargazers son."
 
>At this point, Jackpot and his crew are lucky to be alive.
>But you wonder if you should mention the increased pay you'd promised them...
 
>You clear your throat, rather nervous at what you're about to ask.
 
"Your Majesty, King Aurum, might I ask you something?"
 
>Starswirl gives you a stern look, but nopony but you seems to notice.
 
>"Of course, Ghost Scribe. Stargazer didn't bring you up in conversation as often as he did Starswirl, but he regarded you as his son all the same."
>"Ask, and I will see what I can do."
 
"I would like to speak to our escorts. I feel I owe them an apology. It's our fault they were beaten so mercilessly and imprisoned."
 
>The king gives a hearty laugh.
 
>"It's your fault, now is it? Your fault that the three tribes are so incapable of getting along?'
>"Well, perhaps I should have you executed, and then all the worlds troubles will be done with!"
 
>The King sees your becoming uncomfortable.
 
>"I jest, of course. All I mean to say, is that what Commander Barques did lay outside your control. Outside anypony's control really. It's just the state of things."
>"And before you say anything, I've been informed of their requests for... quadruple pay, was it?"
 
"Yes, your majesty."
 
>"They'll have it. Consider it due compensation. I trust this satisfies you?"
 
"Very much so, your Majesty. Thank you!"
 
>Your interactions with the King and Queen are going much smoother than you'd expected.
>Even Starswirl seems a bit surprised.
 
>The king reaches for a bell at his side and rings it.
>Almost immediately, a maid appears at the top of the steps.
 
>"You rang, milord?"
>"Yes, I did. I want you to show this fine young stallion to his quarters. His name is Starswirl, and he'll be taking Stargazers place by my side."
 
>"Excellent, milord. If you'll follow me, Sir Starswirl."
 
>The mare takes Starswirls bags from him and trots off.
>Starswirl follows and and the pair disappears as they turn a bend and enter a hallway to the left of the thrones.
 
>You feel awkward as you stand there.
>Just you, the King and the Queen.
 
>"Now, now, boy. No need to be so tense."
 
>You try to loosen yourself up a bit.
 
>"Now, I'm sure you're wondering why I didn't have Bethabelle excort you to your own room, yes?"
 
"Well, not exactly, your Majesty. But I am now."
 
>"Let me tell you why: It's because there are no quarters for you here. I'm afraid, for the time being, there is no room for you here at Castle Aurus."
 
>You stand there, confused.
>What did he mean by this?
 
>"Please, don't take this the wrong way, but as close as you and Starswirl are, there is simply no more need for scribes within these walls."
>"In the past thirty yeas not a single spell has been created here within this city or this castle.
>"All the greatest minds have moved on to Negra Beliza. But while I would normally recommend you do the same, I'm afraid as you are, that is also an impossibility."
 
>Your confusion turns to panic.
>If you can't be here, where are you supposed to go?
>What would the King have you do?
 
>You calm yourself before speaking.
>As collected as you can be, you speak.
 
"What would you have me do, your Majesty? Would you have me return to the inn whence I came?"
 
>"I doubt, without Starswirl, that you would make it halfway there."
 
"Neither do I, milord. And with no way to return home in this snow, I'm afraid I'm stranded."
"I can't even do as that Brutus fellow does, and become a mercenary. Who, after all, would hire an Earth sellsword in a city of unicorns."
 
>"So you've met Brutus, have you? A waste of potential, that one. Would have been a fine guard, had it not been for his terrible drinking habits."
 
>The king grows silent for a moment.
>He seems to be thinking of something.
 
>"You don't mind a bit of physical labor now, do you Scribe."
 
"Not at all, milord"
 
>"How comfortable are you with a blade?"
 
"Well, I've never used one, but I could learn."
 
>"Now, answer me this: How would you feel about becoming a soldier in my army, so long as it meant you could stay in Aurus with no issue?"
 
>How do you answer?
 
>Your heart skips a beat.
>A soldier?
>In the army of King Aurum?
>You swallow back a bit of bile and speak.
 
"I'd be lying if I said the prospect didn't frighten me."
"But I don't see any other option. I would be glad to serve in your army."
 
>The king smiles.
 
>"Very good."
 
>He once again rings the bell.
>Another maid comes scurrying up.
 
>"You rang, milord?"
 
>"Indeed, I did, Celestabelle. Take Ghost Scribe here to Branch Selection. We have gained another stallion-at-arms."
 
>"Yes, milord."
 
>"You have the day to make your decision, Ghost Scribe. Choose wisely, as you only get one."
 
>You bow to the King and Queen, thanking them for this opportunity.
>You then follow Celestabelle down the same corridor Starswirl had followed Bethabelle.
>She makes all sorts of twists and turns, and you struggle to keep up through the maze-like castle.
>Finally she arrives at an open doorway.
>Here she stops and directs you in.
>You step into the small, almost empty room.
 
>On the floor, lay three objects:
>A knights helm
>A book of some sort
>And a bow.
 
"What am I supposed to do with these?"
 
>"You will know when you know, as those before you have known."
 
"What if I don't?"
 
>"Believe me when I say you will, Sir Scribe. The King will expect an answer by supper. I'll be back with your lunch in due time."
 
>With those words she walked away.
>You're still confused as to what you're supposed to be doing.
>But as you said to yourself the night before:
>You'll do it all the same.
 
>You spend a good few hours just staring at the three objects.
>You're at a loss as to what to do with them.
>You have no interest in the bow.
>It looks frail and like it might snap if you tried to draw it.
>The book is kind of of interesting, even if you have no idea what's in it.
>But you've already got one magical tome, and you're not sure you need another one.
>Assuming the book is magical of course.
>So that just leaves the helm.
>It's a standard fluted helm, designed to deflect attacks from slashing weapons, such as swords.
>Quite heavy and not easy to maneuver in, but sturdy.
>You try to put it on, but it's a bit too small.
>It's more like a hat than a helm.
 
"What do you think, Golet?"
 
>"Golet thinks it silly. No protect like Golet protect. Need be bigger."
 
>The little bugger had a one track mind, but she was right.
>It needed to be bigger.
 
>Thankfully, Celestabelle was just arriving with your lunch.
 
"Oh, Celestabelle, perfect timing. Do you think you could get me a bigger helm? This one doesn't quite fit."
 
>"I would gladly. As soon as I inform the King you've made your decision."
 
"My decision?"
 
>"You chose the helm, did you not?"
 
"I, uhh..., I guess I did."
 
>"Well then, I see no issue. Unless, of course, you would like to inform his Majesty yourself?"
 
>You don't see any reason you shouldn't go see him.
>In fact, you feel, the more pleasant the terms between you and the King, the better.
 
"I'd like to tell the King myself."
 
>"If you wish. I'll bring your meal along."
 
>You follow Celestabelle back through the halls, through a different combination of hallways.
>You arrive at a small dining room.
>A table sits in the center of the room.
>At one end sits the King, the Queen, and two mares your not familiar with.
>You assume one to be Gilded Lily, as her hair and mane are similar to the kings.
>That means the smaller of the two must be Princess Goldenheart.
>She bares her mothers hair and fathers mane.
 
>At the other end sits Starswirl.
>He seems a bit awkward, sitting by himself.
>He looks happy though.
 
>"Your Majesty. Pardon my interruption, but a decision has been made."
 
>The King looks up at you, his mouth full with some kind of root.
>Swallowing, he beckons you.
 
>"That's wonderful news! Come, Ghost Scribe. Eat with us, talk with us."
 
>You gladly accept.
>But where should you sit?
>Closer to Starswirl, or the King?
 
>You motion for Celestabelle to place your food next to Starswirl.
>He's happy to see you.
>The feeling is mutual.
 
>"So, Ghost Scribe. I trust from that helmet resting on your crown that you've made your decision?"
 
>You had completely forgotten to take the helmet off.
>The mares at the table share a chuckle.
>Starswirl just seems confused at this mention of a decision.
 
>"Yes, milord. I've decided on this helm, whatever that means. Though preferably in a larger size."
 
>"Oh, no worries, bucko. We'll find a helmet just you're size."
 
>These words were spoken by Gilded Lily.
>Her voice was as coarse and rough as it could be without sounding masculine.
 
>"Easy now, dear sister."
>"Ghost Scribe, I don't believe you've been formally introduced."
>"This is my dear sister, Gilded Lily. And from tomorrow morning onward, she'll be your commanding officer."
 
>"Aye, lad, that I will. I hope you're ready for your body to scream."
 
>Nervous and rather confused, you look at Starswirl.
>He's equally confused.
 
>"You care to explain yourself, Scribe? Or am I to be left in the dark?"
 
"Well, brother, circumstance has required us to join his Majesty's army."
"Provided a choice of items, I have chosen this helmet, which means something significant in my place within the guard, as I understand it."
 
>Gilded Lily slams a hoof on the table.
 
>"Not somethin', boyo. Everything! That helmet means you'll be trainin' with me! With the best of the best!"
 
>"Your, Majesty, forgive me if I seem ungrateful, but Scribe was supposed to be my companion! Why have you had him join the guard?"
 
>"As I told your brother earlier, Aurus has no more need for scribes. You should be thankful he chose to join the guard.
>"Its the only reasonable way I could have allowed him to stay in this city!"
 
>"But this was supposed to be our journey together! My brother and I, paving a path through history, a stallion and his scribe!"
 
>At this, the King seemed to grow livid.
 
>"Riddle me this, Starswirl! Why would a fool need a scribe?!"
 
>At this Starswirl pauses.
 
>"A..., a fool?"
 
>"Starswirl, did... did you not know?"
 
>Starswirl sits, flabbergasted.
 
>"Sister, please show Ghost Scribe to the barracks. There is a talk I must have with Starswirl."
 
>"Will do. You heard him boy! Get that helmet of your head, and follow me."
 
>You follow her command.
>You follow her out of the dining room.
 
>As you pass Starswirl by, you can practically see his heart break.
>Things aren't going at all like the two of you thought they would.
 
>As you walk away, you give Starswirl a sad look.
>You try to convey your understanding, your desire to be there for him.
>But it goes unnoticed.
>He's too absorbed in his own devastation.
 
>So you just continue on your way.
>Gilded Lily leads you through another set of the maze-like castle.
>You're looking for words.
>But you're not quite sure what to say.
 
>The words manage to find their way out of your throat.
 
"Please forgive my brother. He and I... this was much different than what either of us expected."
"All the letters and gifts our father had sent over the years... we were under the impression he was some grand wizard, not a court jester."
 
>"Aye, I can understand where the anger and confusion could arise from in a situation like that."
>"Don't make no sense neither. All the years Stargazer entertained us, he never once let on that he was unhappy or embarrassed."
>"Hell, he was such a fixture in our lives, that he was more council to my brother than a jester."
>"Though he was still very much a jester."
 
>You consider that perhaps Stargazer simply wanted to impress his sons.
>If you ever return to Ambris, you'll have to ask.
 
"So if our father was a council to the King, then it wouldn't be too far reaching for my brother to continue his studies, would it?"
"In his personal time of course."
 
>"There are two occupations that never know rest, Ghost Scribe: Soldiers and entertainers."
>"If he can find the time, he's more than welcome. But he'll be hard pressed for it."
 
"Starswirl's heart truly lies with the magical arts. I hope he can find the time."
 
>"As do I. But now is when you stop worrying about your brother and start worrying about yourself."
>"As your trainer and commanding officer, I'll demand your absolute focus. I won't be cutting you any slack just because our families have history."
 
"Of course, Lady Lily."
 
>"Captain. I'm Captain Lily. And you are Private Scribe. Get used to those titles, it's how we'll know each other for quite some time."
 
"Y-Yes, Captain Lily. I was actually wondering about something."
 
"Aye?"
 
"I know the King readily welcomed me into his army, but what of the ponies I'll be serving with?"
 
>"...A little hazing is normal among new recruits, but I understand your worry."
>"So long as your able to tell the difference between the prejudice and the teasing, I assure you I'll deal with it as it comes."
 
"Very well, Captain."
 
>The rest of your walk is spent in silence.
>Eventually the maze leads back out into the main hall.
>As you and Captain Lily walk towards the door, the guards littered throughout the hall begin to bring her various pieces of armor:
>A chestplate
>Grieves
>A single pauldron.
>And other bits and baubles you don't know the names of.
>She seamlessly puts on every piece, and , save for a helm, she's donned a full suit before you've even reached the door.
 
>You exit the castle.
>The crowds of ponies in the street part as they see their warrior princess.
>Some are fearful.
>Some are in awe of her.
>Others ignore her completely and stare you down. Their dedication to hating you is impressive.
 
>Eventually, you arrive back at the city wall.
>You and Captain Lily walk along the wall until you come across a small opening.
>She walks through and you follow.
 
>On the other side of the opening is a courtyard, devoid of snow, but far colder than any other section of the city.
>Colder even, than outside the wall.
>Here you see unicorns of many shapes and sizes, mares and stallions.
>No two are doing the same thing, but all seem to be engaged in contests of strength.
 
>Captain Lily's stance stiffens.
 
>"FALL IN!"
 
>All ponies in the yard immediately cease what they're doing.
>They fall into an orderly line, based on height from what you can gather.
>You count approximately thirty.
 
>"SOUND OFF!"
 
>"Alcum!"
>"Wheathervane!
>"Bigby!"
>"Mordem!"
>"Astrae!
 
>"Aye, that's enough, I'm already sick of listenin'!"
>"Alright, you lot! I'm here to introduce you to the newest member of our little family."
>"Alright, bucko, introduce yourself."
 
"Private Ghost Scribe, ma'am! Reporting for duty!"
 
>"Very good, lad! Now how 'bout a nice, warm, Golden Sun welcome for our new private?!"
 
>The soldiers begin to shout in unison.
 
>"THROUGH STRENGTH, UNITY! THROUGH UNITY, BROTHERHOOD! THROUGH BROTHERHOOD, MAGIC!"
>SHINE BRIGHT, SHINE STRONG! GOLDEN SUN, SHINE FOREVER ON!"
 
>The display is impressive without seeming autonomous.
>And you're certainly impressed.
 
>"Excellent! Now, how do we greet a brother-at-arms?!"
 
>"WITH A DISPLAY OF STRENGTH! THROUGH STRENGTH, UNITY!"
 
>This shout concludes with each soldier delivering a swift blow to their neighbors face.
>Some are visibly bruised and bleeding from their blows.
>But none acknowledge the pain.
>They're all staring at you expectantly.
>This frightens you.
 
>Captain Lily speaks up.
 
>"Well, lad? Are you gonna slug me, or not?"
 
>You're slightly shaken by this display.
>But you don't want to appear weak in front of your new brothers-at-arms.
>So you reel your hoof back and swing with all your might.
>You feel it connect with Captain Lily's face.
 
>But you don't feel it move an inch.
 
>"What was that, Private Scribe? Are you trying to woo me with gentle caresses?"
>"I want Everything you've got! No holds barred!"
 
>You figure you must have instinctively held back.
>So you reel back once more, and swing.
>Again, it connects.
 
>"I almost felt that one, Private! Again!"
 
>This is getting ridiculous.
>But you swing again.
 
>"There we go, Private, now you;re gettin' it! Again! And don't stop til' I give the okay!"
 
>You'd like to stop.
>But you can't disobey your commanding officer.
>So you swing.
>Her nose is bleeding now.
 
>"Another!"
 
>Swing
>A bruise is forming on her face.
 
>"ANOTHER!"
 
>Swing.
 
>Her nose is gushing now.
 
>"HURT ME MORE!
 
>You keep swinging, one after the other.
>Captain Lily's face is by no means mangled, but she clearly has no regard for her own safety.
>She's just laughing at this point.
 
>"AHAHAHAHAH, AAAAAHHAHAHAHAHAHA!"
 
>She's clearly lost control of herself.
>Should you keep swinging?
>Or give her a chance to come to her senses?
 
>Clearly she's lost control.
>You're not comfortable just taking swings anymore.
>So you relent.
>But she just keeps laughing.
 
>"AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHahahahahaaaaa..."
>"...Why?"
 
"Why what, Captain?"
 
>"You stopped. Why did you STOP?!"
 
"You're bleeding profusely, Captain! I think your nose is broken, I was just concerned for your safety!"
 
>She breathes deep.
>Her nose has created a beard of blood.
>She still has that dead look in her eyes.
 
>You look to the other soldiers.
>Some are stoic, while others are laughing to themselves.
>Some seem just as uncomfortable as you.
 
>"I suppose my nose is broken."
>"How many punches did that take, Alcum?"
 
>"Thirteen, ma'am."
 
>"Thirteen... good. I like that number."
 
>Captain Lily's horn begins to glow.
>A opaque object begins to form behind her.
>It looks like a giant... hoof.
 
>"Let's see how many it takes to break something of yours."
>"Stand strong, Private. Don't you dare flinch."
 
>You're beyond fear at this point.
>You're prepared to take the full force of whatever the Captain has in store.
 
>"WELCOME TO THE GOLDEN SUNS!"
 
>"Golet protect!"
 
>Before you can stop her, Golet jumps in front of the massive hoof.
>The rocks composing her body scatter across the courtyard.
>This takes a great deal of strength from the blow, but the hoof still connects.
>It's as if a cannonball has been shot full force, directly at your face.
>But you stand your ground.
 
>Your hooves are planted firm.
>You're in a massive amount of pain.
>But you have to prove yourself.
>You can hear your brethren cheering you on.
>They're chanting in unison again.
 
>"STAND PROUD!"
>"STAND PROUD!"
>"STAND PROUD!"
 
>And that's exactly what you do.
>Another fist comes at you, not as large, but fast enough to make up for it.
>But this is a real hoof.
>The hoof of the Captain.
 
>She hits you like a ton of bricks.
>And your legs are already weak from the previous blow.
>She literally knocks you off your hooves.
>You fly at least two feet, and land in a soft pile of snow.
 
>"Good job, Private. You didn't flinch."
>"So... what'd I break?"
 
>You pull yourself up.
>You'd dust yourself off, but you're awful sore.
>Nothing seems broken.
>You're covered in bruises though, and your nose is bleeding.
 
>You're ready to disappoint your captain.
>You try to speak.
 
"Nopf fahjn ao err, Kaapn."
 
>Oh.
>Sweet merciful mother of all that is sweet and pure.
>That attempt to speak brought you some of the worst pain you'd ever felt.
>Your jaw is terribly broken.
>And the pain from trying to talk has pushed you over your thresh hold.
 
>Your vision fades as you fall back to the floor.
>You black out.
>As consciousness fades, you hear your captains voice.
 
>"Shine on, Private. You're gonna be one hell of a Sun."
 
XXX
 
>In the darkness of your mind, a light shines through.
>It's a cold light, more like the glow of a florescent light bulb than say, the sun.
>It rouses you from slumber.
>As you open your eyes, a wave of understanding washes over you.
 
>You are Deb Seascrolls.
>You're an archaeologist and historian.
>And for who knows how long, you've been in some kind of magically induced coma/ time travel spell.
>You were a pony by the name of Ghost Scribe, for a time.
>And based on what that mysterious old stallion promised you, you should still be.
 
>You look around, taking in your surroundings.
>You appear to be in a rundown castle of some sort.
>It's rather dark in here, the only light source being some sort of artificial wisp on the ceiling.
>Sitting in a chair, some feet away from you as you lay on the cold, hard, stone floor, is a strange hooded figure.
>It's writing in journal of some sort.
>It lifts its cloaked head, noticing that you've awakened.
 
>"Ah, good, you're awake."
 
"Yes, I am. Why exactly is that?"
 
>Moving itself from the chair, the figure, who is a stallion as you remember, trots towards you.
 
>"Let's just say I'm correcting a bit of user error."
>"Or, caster error, as the case is."
 
"What's that supposed to mean, exactly?"
 
>"It means that the last time the last time we sent you back, a certain princess of the night botched the casting."
 
"And what's that mean?"
 
>"It means you were sent back quite ill-prepared."
>"The spell is supposed to suppress your memories and provide you with all the memories the host has acquired up to the point in their life you're sent."
>"That way you don't alter anything with your knowledge of future events."
>"Or, in your case, stumble about with no real knowledge of who you are."
 
"What went wrong?"
 
>"You were sent back with an awkward mixture of memory suppression and acquisition."
>"Essentially a brain cocktail, not quite your mind and not quite Ghost Scribe's."
>"A disgusting, perverse amalgam, if you ask me."
>"But I digress.
>"Now, I would guess you're wondering where we are, and how and why I brought you here, yes?"
 
 
"I'm sure it's in my mind somewhere, but it's still a little muddy. Something about observing, learning, and creating history?"
 
>"Good, good. So you're mind isn't totally fried.
>"I was worried this little mishap would have destroyed your sense of self."
>"As to where we are: this is the castle of the two sisters in the Everfree forest."
>"It's not a very cozy base of operations, but it was too risky to stay in Manehattan"
>"Old Sunbutt's caught wind of our operation, and she's none too pleased."
>"But this is the last place they'd look for us."
>"We should be fine for a while."
 
 
"Anything else I should know, or am I all up to date?"
 
>"Just one thing. I'll be sending you back this time, so it's gonna be done right."
>"That means that there won't be any confusion in your mind once you become Ghost Scribe."
>"You'll become him totally, memories and all. There's no coming back this time, until the jobs done."
>"For real this time."
>"So if you have any questions, I suggest you ask now. It'll be a good while before we can speak again."
 
"A couple things. First, could you remind me why Celestia's so opposed to this again?"
 
>"I'm sure you remember that line she tried to feed you right? About history being written by the survivors?"
 
"...Right. When a war has no victors, the survivors write history. She's trying to keep Equestria ignorant."
 
>"Precisely. There's much in Equestria's past that's less than savory. Things she genuinely believes her subjects would be better off not knowing."
 
"But I don't believe that. If it happened, it's worth knowing about."
 
>"Princess Luna shares that sentiment. I can't speak for that new princess though, Twilight Sprinkle, or whatever her name is."
 
"Sparkle."
 
>"Yeah, that. I doubt she even has the vaguest hint that this is happening."
 
"Well, maybe we should tell her?"
 
>"Who knows how she'd react. And who would she trust? Us, or her beloved teacher?"
 
"Good point. Hey, before I go back, should I make a report of some kind? Or can you see everything that's happening?"
 
>"No need for reports, Seascrolls."
 
>From beneath the stallions hood, you catch the glowing aura of unicorn magic.
 
>"I've already lived it once. I'd rather not a second time."
 
>A flash of light blinds you.
>And then darkness.