The candles had burned low in their sconces, their light casting trembling shadows upon the damp walls of the dungeon. Time, an uncaring specter, seemed to flit past like a spirit in flight, leaving Yua and her companions clutching at fleeting moments. Already an hour past, Yua had wiped her tears away, though the ache in her chest lingered. Today marked the final day they could sit with Mei, and they had resolved to linger in this grim place until the last flicker of flame demanded their departure. One candle after another was lit and extinguished as their conversations stretched through the dim hours.
Kolibry, Masha, and Yua had arranged themselves in a crescent before the iron bars of Mei's cell, their faces solemn but their spirits bound by a shared, bittersweet determination. Mei, seated on the cold stone within, watched them with a faint smile curving her lips. Her gaze settled on Yua, and her voice, soft yet laced with a warmth born of memory, broke the silence.
"Yua, do you remember the times we used to play with the spirits in the flower field? The one by the great tree near our house?" Mei's words carried the scent of blossoms and the echo of laughter long past.
Yua tilted her head, a flicker of recognition lighting her eyes before her ears flattened against her head. "Wait…are you talking about that time?" she asked, her tone tinged with a mix of flustered exasperation and something gentler. "Meiii, why? Why would you bring that up?" She buried her face in her wings, her embarrassment palpable, while Yui, perched nearby, let out a trilling chirp of amusement. Even Momo, ever Yua's loyal companion, retreated into the sanctuary of her mane, as if sharing in her mortification.
Masha's ears pricked at the exchange, her curiosity ignited by the sudden shift in Yua's demeanor. "What happened in that flower field?" she pressed, leaning forward slightly. Her voice carried the eagerness of one who had stumbled upon a tale worth hearing.
Mei's chuckle was low and rich, a sound that seemed to defy the gloom of the cell. "Oh, it's quite the story," she began, her gaze flicking between her attentive audience. "We were fillies then, and Yua was, what, six cycles old? We'd decided to play with the spirits in the flower fields—those you saw in the light projections, remember?"
Kolibry and Masha both nodded, their attention fixed on Mei as though her words held the key to unlocking a treasure trove of shared history. The air between them seemed to hum, the memory Mei was about to unfold a fleeting and pleasant light.
"Well," Mei began, her voice carrying the weight of memory mixed with the sharp edge of humor, "most of the spirits are harmless enough. They gather energy from flowers and turn it into sweet substances—delicious, yes, but they're not without their defenses. You see, Yua, in her youthful exuberance, got a bit too excited and startled a few of them. That's when things went…awry."
Mei's tone grew lighter as she continued, though her eyes glinted with mischief. "Those spirits have two ways of protecting themselves. One is to puff out a fine powder that bursts into a flash of bright light. The powder makes you sneeze endlessly, a little trick of theirs. The other," she paused for effect, her lips twitching into a smile, "is to spray their sweet substance. It's delicious, yes, but sticky—so sticky it hardens on anything it touches."
Yua buried her face in her hooves, her ears flattening as the tale unfolded. She knew too well where this was headed. Mei, undeterred, pressed on with a chuckle that echoed off the cold stone walls.
"Sooo, when Yua frightened them…" Mei's laughter spilled out despite her attempts to keep composure. "The spirits puffed out their powder, and Yua had to shut her eyes as she started sneezing. But then—oh, it only got better—more spirits panicked and sprayed her with their sticky sweetness. And, well, the powder stuck to her coat, turning her into something like a glowing little lightbulb!"
At that, the laughter could no longer be contained. Kolibry, Masha, even Mei herself—each of them fell into fits of mirth, their voices rising in joy. They could all too easily imagine poor Yua, fluffed up and gleaming with a coating of powder and sweetness, her dignity entirely undone.
"It took us ages to wash it off," Mei added, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. "Warm water helped, but oh, she smelled like honey for [i]days[/i] after that." Her coatl, sensing the amusement, slithered over to Yua and ruffled through her mane in mock consolation.
Yua groaned but couldn't help but laugh along. "It was worse than glitter!" she mumbled, though a reluctant smile tugged at her lips. "I was sneezing for days afterward! And you—" she turned the tables, pointing accusingly at Mei through her laughter, "you were so desperate to hide it from Uncle that you spent hours washing me. You ended up sneezing too! Even Yui was sneezing!"
The others howled at the revelation, the bonds of friendship and shared history wrapping around them like a warm cloak. Their laughter rang out, a bright and defiant melody against the encroaching shadows of their reality.
Leyla, who had been sitting quietly to the side, content to let the young ones dominate the conversation, found herself unable to suppress her laughter as the story unfolded. "You know," she said, her tone light with amusement, "I had a similar experience my first time in Luxia. Though, for me, it was only the powder."
Her words caught the attention of every ear in the room. Masha's ears perked sharply, her curiosity ignited, and the young alicorns turned their heads toward her with wide eyes. Yua was the first to speak, her surprise evident. "They got you too?" she asked, her earlier embarrassment melting away at the thought of someone as composed as Leyla sharing in her misfortune.
Leyla inclined her head with a soft chuckle. "Oh, yes," she admitted. "It was before I became a Paladin, though I was already an Opal-ranked Protector at the time. I had just completed a mission and thought I deserved a bit of relaxation in the flower fields. What I didn't know then," she said with a wry smile, "was how mischievous those spirits can be."
Her gaze softened as she recounted the memory. "They were so small, so charming, and I could tell they meant no harm. So, naturally, I thought to pet one. And, well…" She let out a short laugh, the sound rich with self-deprecation. "Apparently, I startled them. The next thing I knew, there was powder everywhere. I spent the rest of the day sneezing uncontrollably—it got stuck in the fur of my paw!"
The young ones erupted into laughter, their mirth filling the place with a warmth that defied its dreariness. Masha, however, seemed particularly struck by the image of her formidable mother bested by a harmless spirit. Her eyes widened in disbelief before she joined the others in unabashed laughter.
Leyla allowed herself a rare, playful smirk. "And that, my dear Masha, is why Foo exists. I couldn't resist getting a plush of the little troublemakers, one that wouldn't puff sneezing powder into my paws." Her tone carried a teasing edge as she referenced the soft, well-loved furball her daughter had cherished for a long time.
The stories continued to flow, weaving a tapestry of memories and laughter that transformed the cold dungeon into a place of warmth and light. Mei and Yua shared tales of their misadventures with the spirits, and each one seemed to spark a new recollection in Leyla, who soon began recounting her own experiences in Luxia.
Kolibry and Masha, caught between awe and curiosity, listened intently. The elder's words, full of humor and wisdom, only added to the enchantment of the moment. For a time, the heavy weight of reality seemed to fade, leaving only the sound of shared laughter and the bonds that held them all together.
Yua glanced at her sister, her hoof idly playing with Yui's feathers. "Mei, do you remember when you bought those matching accessories for us, Yui, and Momo? For the Festival of Sorority?"
Mei's ears twitched at the memory, and a soft smile curved her lips. "The ones Yui kept flaunting to everyone, while Momo hid shyly behind your mane?" she asked, her tone laced with warmth. "I think they're still in our room back home. I didn't bring them with me this time…"
Yua nodded, a small laugh escaping her. "Those are the ones. I remember Yui strutting in front of Uncle, showing them off. She wouldn't stop until he praised her," she said, the image bringing a sparkle of mirth to her eyes.
Yui, as if understanding, straightened proudly and let out a chirp that seemed playfully offended. The sisters laughed together, their shared amusement lighting the dimness of the cell like a flickering torch. "She did love them," Mei added, her own laughter soft and wistful.
The mention of the Festival, however, had planted another thought in Masha's mind. She hesitated, her gaze lingering on Mei as she wrestled with unspoken curiosity. The Festival of Sorority brought to mind the tale of Luxoah and Ardenu—a story she had yearned to hear more of. Yet asking felt delicate, knowing it tied to a play that had gone terribly awry.
Mei, ever attuned to the subtleties of a younger sister's thoughts, caught the glimmer of uncertainty in Masha's eyes. She smiled, recognizing the unspoken question, and decided to offer what Masha could not ask. "When I was still a Mini-Priest," Mei began, her voice steady and nostalgic, "I had the chance to portray Luxoah myself. I remember standing in awe of the alicorn who had played her before me. She was radiant, her presence commanding, and I'm certain little Huaa must have felt the same."
Masha's ears tilted forward, her attention fully captured as Mei continued.
"The speech Luxoah gave after defeating the Lilium Cartel was unforgettable. It was one of the brightest moments of the play," Mei said, her eyes shining with admiration. "The Katana was raised high, gleaming in the stage light as she declared there was no need for hatred between Flame and Light. That together, they could learn from one another, build a bond of trust, and forge a stronger future."
Her smile softened as she spoke, her voice carrying the weight of reverence for the heroine she had once embodied on stage. "It was more than a story. It was a vision, a hope for unity and understanding, even amidst the darkness."
The dungeon, for all its oppressive shadows, felt lighter as Mei's words hung in the air, weaving the story of Luxoah with threads of admiration and meaning. Masha and Kolibry, rapt in their wonder, leaned in closer, captivated by the tale and the emotion that colored every word. For a moment, the cold stone walls seemed to fade away, leaving only the warmth of shared stories and the hope they carried.
"On the day that followed that moment of triumph," Mei continued, her voice imbued with the lilt of storytelling, "there was a grand celebration. The stage was filled to bursting with alicorns—both of Light and Flame—standing together as one. They shared their songs, their dances, their very essence with one another. They called this momentous gathering the '[i]Rising of the Luminous Flame[/i].'"
Masha leaned forward, her focus unwavering, drinking in every word. Yua, meanwhile, watched her sister with a mixture of admiration and a gnawing ache in her heart. She remembered how deeply Mei had revered Luxoah and Ardenu, how they had laughed as fillies over the idea of the two legendary queens being more than allies, whispering fanciful tales of romance. But now, cruelly, the one Mei had honored most was to bring her death, and for a crime Yua knew, deep down, her sister would never commit.
Still, Mei pressed on, her voice steady, her face lit with the glow of admiration. "As the celebration unfolded, both Ardenu and Luxoah heard the voice of Queen Python, the revered sovereign of the Sacred Castle of Alykarn. From her vantage, Python had watched the events that had transpired and was filled with pride. She spoke of their courage, their wisdom, and their ability to lead their people. In recognition of their deeds, Python invited them to join the ranks of the Primordial Pantheon. They accepted this honor, their hearts swelling with reverence."
Masha's mouth fell open, her astonishment plain. "Python herself?" she breathed, her disbelief mingled with awe. Mei nodded with a smile, her own reverence for the legend clear.
"The play depicted the transformation magnificently," Mei said, her voice tinged with wonder. "As the invitation was accepted, the stage seemed to erupt in light and fire. Luxoah and Ardenu were bathed in their respective elements, their forms shifting, growing. They became the four-winged alicorns you know today, their majesty undeniable." Mei's tone deepened as she spoke the words of Python, imbuing them with regal weight. "'Behold, the new members of the Primordial Pantheon. Ardenu, Queen of Flames, who shall rule the Ardenians. And Luxoah, Queen of Light, who shall reign over the Luxians. May you guide your alicorns wisely, and may the kingdoms of Ardenia and Luxia forge a bond of unyielding friendship and alliance!'"
Her voice softened again as she returned to her own words. "From that day forward, the Festival became tradition. Each cycle, from the night of the last day of the third Flame's month to the morning of the first day of the first month of Light, the Festival of Sorority is held to commemorate the bond between Luxia and Ardenia."
Mei finished her tale with a small, wistful smile, her voice trailing off as if she were momentarily lost in the beauty of the memory. The place seemed brighter for the tale, though Yua's heart remained heavy, weighed down by the cruel irony of the moment.
Mei's gaze settled on Masha, whose wide-eyed wonder betrayed the impact of the tale she had just told. Though Kolibry and Yua had long known the story's end, they listened as if hearing it anew, captivated by Mei's way of weaving words. Kolibry's admiration was evident, but it wrestled with the grief and helplessness etched into his features, a shadow that would not lift.
***
The hours slipped away as they exchanged stories, weaving a tapestry of memories, many of them from Mei and Yua's younger days. Tales of their playful antics—dressing up with their coatls, Yui and Momo—filled the air, lightening the oppressive weight of the dungeon. But time, indifferent to their desires, pressed forward, and soon the shroud of night descended.
Resolute, they had all refused to leave Mei's side, choosing instead to remain in the cold, stony cell. Mei had tried to dissuade them, insisting they sleep in their warm, comfortable beds, but none would be moved. Yua had curled up against the iron bars that separated her from her sister, a fragile barrier that seemed to mock their closeness.
"This reminds me of when I used to curl up beside you at night," Yua whispered, her voice trembling like a brittle leaf caught in the wind. "When I was scared…but I can't run from this nightmare." Her words were soft, spoken only after Masha and Kolibry had drifted into uneasy sleep, tucked in by Leyla, who had even managed to bring a blanket for Mei.
Mei's heart ached as she looked at her sister, her voice a gentle murmur in the dim light. "I'm sorry, Yua…" Her gaze drifted to Momo and Yui, their tiny forms curled around each other in a tender embrace, and she wished desperately that she could hold Yua like that one last time. "Do you remember the matching jewelry I had made for us and the coatls?"
Yua nodded slowly, a wistful smile flickering across her face. "I do…They were beautiful. I still have mine, even if they don't fit anymore." Her laugh was soft, tinged with sorrow.
"I was having new ones made by Xingyi," Mei said, her voice both wistful and sad. "This time, I wanted to include strands of our manes in the design. Do you remember when I asked for a lock of yours? It was meant to be a birthday gift for you and Momo—a new set of matching jewelry." Her words hung heavy in the stillness, the unspoken truth clear: she would never get to deliver the gift herself.
Mei's magic flickered to life, and Yua heard the faint rustle of feathers. A single, shimmering white feather floated toward her, glowing faintly in the dim light. "Maybe you can add this to the design," Mei said softly.
Yua's hooves trembled as she took the feather, her tears spilling freely now. "I'll never forget you, Mei…" Her voice cracked, breaking under the weight of her sorrow.
In return, Yua plucked one of her own feathers, her magic unsteady as it carried the token toward her sister. "Here…So I'm with you…until the end." Her words trembled, her voice barely holding.
Mei's tears fell freely now, streaking her cheeks as her voice cracked with emotion. "Sisters forever joined in light?"
"Sisters forever joined in light," Yua echoed, her forehead resting against the cold bars as Mei mirrored the gesture.
For a long moment, they wept together, their silent tears speaking all the words their voices could not. At last, exhaustion claimed them both, and they slipped into a restless sleep, separated by iron but joined in spirit, their bond unbroken even in the shadow of looming tragedy.
***
The following day unfurled as if caught in the winds of fate, each moment slipping past too quickly for anyone to grasp. Before the sun had fully risen, armored guards entered the cell, their expressions as cold as steel. Mei was led away under the watchful gaze of her captors, bound for the Crimson Flower Island, where her fate would be decided.
Yua, Kolibry, Masha, and Leyla followed closely behind, traveling in somber silence, before being redirected to the tribune. They were not the only ones summoned to this grim gathering. Ayzat, Aqasha, Aren, Xuefeng, but also the High-Priest of Luxoah himself, were compelled to attend, their presence a testament to the gravity of the trial. Priests from Luxia and Ardenia joined them, their ceremonial robes flowing like rippling rivers of light and flame. Above all, seated upon the highest dais, was Ardenu herself, the Queen of Flames, her imposing figure radiating an aura of unyielding authority.
The tribune had been arranged in a crescent, its arc cradling the central platform where Mei now stood. Alone beneath the weight of countless eyes, she trembled, the strength in her legs betraying her as fear coursed through her like a cold, unwelcome tide. Her gaze darted across the assembly, searching for something—anything—to anchor her in the storm.
Her eyes found Yua in the crowd, and for a fleeting moment, the chaos within her settled. Braided into Yua's mane was the delicate white feather Mei had given her, a small but poignant symbol of their unbroken bond. Mei's own mane bore a matching braid, adorned with the blue feather Yua had gifted her. The sight of it filled her with a bittersweet calm, but the anguish in her sister's eyes mirrored her own, threatening to break her resolve.
Mei's ears flicked back, and she forced herself to look away, fixing her gaze upon the empty space before her. The murmurs of the tribunal faded as something extraordinary unfolded. Across from where Mei stood, four lights descended from the sky, shimmering like falling stars. Each one touched the ground in turn, their impact gentle yet imbued with an undeniable power.
The glow they cast was both radiant and soothing, a paradox of strength and grace. From within the cascading brilliance, a figure emerged, her presence eclipsing even the grandeur of the tribune. Queen Luxoah stepped forward, her ethereal form suffused with a light that seemed to emanate from her very soul. She stood before Mei, her arrival casting a profound hush over the assembly, as if the very air had stilled in reverence.
The light in Queen Luxoah's eyes softened as she prepared to address the trembling Luxian before her. But before a single word could reach Mei, something broke within her, a dam unleashing a torrent of fury and despair. A fire roared to life in her veins, pounding with each beat of her heart, drowning out all sound save the relentless thrum of rage in her ears.
Sweat beaded on her coat as her body betrayed her, trembling under the strain of the somber force consuming her. Smoke poured from her nostrils in sharp, angry bursts, and lines of molten fire crept across her face, glowing like veins of magma. Her pupils, once soft and full of light, bled into an ominous crimson, their glow alien and unrecognizable. Mei no longer resembled the gentle, kind-hearted alicorn they had all known. She stood transformed, a creature of wrath and wild flame, a force of destruction unbidden.
Yui, her faithful coatl, cried out, a piercing sound of agony and fury as flames enveloped its small form. Its wings flickered with fire, mirroring the chaos consuming its companion. It then disappeared in a shower of embers.
Queen Luxoah remained unmoved, though a deep sorrow settled in her gaze. Her calm demeanor did not waver, even as the creature that had been Mei staggered forward, an inferno barely contained. Her serenity was a mask, thin but unwavering, as if forged from the same unyielding light she represented.
Yet as Mei advanced, her movements faltered. A war raged within her, visible in the way her limbs trembled and her gaze flickered, the crimson giving way to fleeting glimpses of her true self. Her voice broke through the chaos, strained and desperate, carrying a plea as raw as it was fragile.
"Please…help me…" she whispered, the words cracking under the weight of her torment. Her eyes, caught in an unceasing battle, shifted between the corrupted red and the familiar warmth of her own. Her body convulsed, the molten veins on her face pulsing with a cruel, unnatural rhythm, as though the corruption sought to snuff out her very essence.
Luxoah, hearing the fractured plea of her beloved child, stepped forward. Her wings, vast and luminous, unfurled and wrapped gently around Mei, cocooning her in a radiance that seemed to defy the inferno. She held Mei close, her voice tender yet laden with sorrow.
"I'm sorry, my beloved child," Luxoah said softly, her words like a balm even as they carried the weight of finality.
In that instant, the Katana at her side flared to life, a blade of pure light glowing with quiet intensity. The movement was swift, imperceptible to the gathering around them. Mei's face, still marked by the corruption, softened as a fleeting smile graced her lips—a moment of peace found in the embrace of her queen.
And then she fell.
The silence that followed was broken only by the wails of anguish. Yua's cries tore through the air, raw and piercing, joined by Xuefeng's own shouts of despair. Their grief filled the arena, an echo of a bond shattered, a life extinguished, and a light lost to shadow.