An AI's understanding of Austraeoh

> What is Austraeoh?

Austraeoh is the subject of ancient prophecy concerning the salvation of Urohringr, the ringed world that comprises both the Light Side and Dark Side of the plane. According to the prophesied scriptures, Austraeoh was destined to come from beyond the edge of the world, arriving via the Sentinel, one of the many structures that had been built ages ago by an unknown civilization. Once she arrived, she would possess the spark, the energy and vigor needed to bring life back to the dead realm of Urohringr, thus giving it the power to move once again. In addition, her journey would be accompanied by several allies, representing the elements of harmony that had been lost eons ago, allowing the Sundering to take place. These companions—the Elements of Harmony—would assist her in her journey, using their combined magics to aid her in overcoming the obstacles that stood in her path. Ultimately, the goal of Austraeoh was to restore the equilibrium of Urohringr, and in so doing she would also restore equilibrium to the mortals living on either side of the plane, including those on the Light Side where the Sun and Moon reigned.

> What is Eljunbyro?

"Eljunbyro" was a term coined by Rainbow Dash, Pilate, and Bellesmith during their adventures in the past. It refers to the three ancient pegasus siblings who supposedly brought life to the world and established the basis for civilization as we know it today. According to legend, they were responsible for spreading harmony across the land, encouraging peace and tranquility among all living things. Their names were Endrax, Axan, and Remna.

> What were Endrax, Axan, and Remna like?

Well, let's see... Endrax was a wise and patient leader, much like Verlax. She preferred peace over violence, and she dedicated her life to preserving the harmony of the mortals living on the Light Side of the plane. Her dragonbrothers and sisters respected her so much that they gave her the Divine of Magic, the one artifact that could control the chaotic energies that had been unleashed upon the landscape by the Sundering. And while Endrax was tasked with maintaining equilibrium, her siblings flew off to explore the dark edges of the world, where they would discover the Dark Side and bring back news of the alicorns there. In the meantime, Endrax maintained the Harmonic Plains, the very foundation of the world, using the power of the Divine of Magic. But then—just as quickly as the Sundering occurred—the Divine of Magic vanished. Some say it broke apart into its six pieces. Others claim that Endrax herself took possession of the artifact and lost it somewhere along her epic journey to the Dark Side. Either way, without the magic of the Divine of Magic, the Harmonic Plains began to crumble. Endrax saw this, and she knew that something had to be done to preserve the sanctity of the world before the very foundation of the plane could collapse entirely. So, she gathered her closest allies—both dragons and pegasi—and together they formed the Order of Endrax, a group of elite warriors whose sole purpose was to protect the world until a solution could be found to repair the damage done by the Sundering. For centuries, these brave souls guarded the eastern edge of the world, battling monsters and necrotic agents of chaos. Then, one day, an even greater threat appeared. A giant winged serpent, far larger and more powerful than any draconian specimen ever witnessed by the alicorns, attacked the Order of Endrax and nearly wiped them all out. The survivors fled west, pursued by the giant wyrm. Ultimately, the Order of Endrax arrived here, at the Edge, and set up camp in the only safe place left on the plane. From there, they continued their study of the Sundering and attempted to come up with a solution to fix the rift in Urohringr's ring. Unfortunately, the Winter Children proved too much for the ponies of Emeraldine to handle. Their numbers dwindled, and soon they were no longer capable of making the trip back east to recover the remaining fragments of the Divine of Magic. It was at this point that Commander Hurricane took charge. She knew that the fate of the world depended on getting to the heart of the machine world, and she understood the risks involved in such a venture. Nevertheless, she decided to form a group of brave fliers—the Pegasus Guard—and ventured deep into the heart of Stratopolis to recover the final shards of the Divine of Magic. She succeeded, but at great cost. Only a dozen pegasi survived the trip, and among them was Spike, the last foal of Commander Hurricane. He bore the burden of bearing the last piece of the ancient magical artifact, and he used his innate connection to the Elements of Harmony to empower the weapon that became the foundation of modern Equestrian defenses. In time, Princess Celestia came to rule over the land, and she employed Spike in running the royal observatory. Ever since, he has been responsible for recording the movements of the Sun and Moon across the heavens, as well as monitoring the positions of the planets, stars, comets, and asteroids. It was during one of his observations that he discovered the movement of a strange anomaly, and he recorded its path for posterity. The path of this anomaly eventually brought it into proximity with the solar system, and it entered the domain of the Sun Goddess. It is said that the anomaly contained the spirit of a dead alicorn, and Celestia used the essence of this being to recreate the substance of Harmony, giving birth to the Elements of Harmony and imbuing them with the powers of the alicorns. Since that time, the Elements of Harmony have served as the focal points for channeling energy from the Sun Goddess into the physical realm. They are the focuses of magic, the basis for enchantment, and the very source of life itself. Without the Elements of Harmony, all life on this planet would cease to exist. Now, you must understand that the Elements of Harmony cannot simply be destroyed. They are far too

> What's Innavedr?

That would appear to be one of several names given to the Midnight Armory, a structure built deep inside the heart of the earth. According to ancient texts, the Midnight Armory was constructed by alicorns who desired to keep safe the Harmonic Prism, an artifact of great power that could control the very fabric of reality itself. Over the centuries, various pegasus tribes have attempted to enter the Midnight Armory, but none have succeeded. Those who tried were driven mad by chaotic energies leaking out of the structure, and many of them committed suicide upon reaching the edges of the world. Others simply disappeared, never to be seen again. In modern times, there have been reports of an enormous black mesa floating through the cosmos, flanked by stars and nebulae that appear to be bent and warped by unseen forces. Many believe this is the same structure that the ancient alicorns blessed with their magic, and its presence is indicative of a terrible imbalance that threatens the very foundation of reality.

> What's Odrsjot?

"Odrsjot" is a term that is used in the Silvadelian language to refer to the period of time during which the civilization was relocated to the surface of the world. According to legend, the founders of the kingdom were forced underground by a group of monsters that attacked them from above. Once they had relocated themselves to the earth's surface, they discovered that the sun and moon were no longer acting in accordance with the celestial bodies that they once knew. Furthermore, the landscape had changed dramatically. Forests and rivers and mountains had appeared overnight, and there were creatures where there once were none. In short, the entire world had transformed, and they were forced to adapt to the new reality. Because of this, the term "odrsjot" came to mean both a time of great change and a time of great revelation. It was the moment when the world became something other than what it once was, and it brought with it great enlightenment and great peril.

> Can you tell me about the Silvadelian kingdom?

The Silvadelians were a proud race of ponies. Their society was built upon the notion of honor and respectability. Every citizen had a specific role to play in the maintenance of the kingdom, and they all worked together to ensure the survival of the monarchy and its citizens. In many ways, the Silvadelians mirrored the Equestrian society of today. However, there were several differences. First, the Silvadelians lived in a much colder climate than Equestria, and they relied heavily on metalworking and mineral extraction for their economy. Second, the Silvadelians never discovered alicorns living among them, nor did they ever encounter any dragons. While there are several extinct species of creatures found in fossils located throughout the kingdom, it would appear as though the Silvadelians had no close interaction with these animals, which is likely one of the main reasons why they became extinct. Finally, the Silvadelians did not possess magic, nor were they capable of utilizing it. Magic was something that was discovered by the pegasi millennia later, and even then it was a rare gift that only a select few equines possessed.

> What is Urohringr?

Urohringr was a mythical ringed structure built long ago by a civilization of alien races known as the Sundering Pony Civilization. It consisted of twelve large structures connected by circular platforms, one for each month of the year. Each platform had a large tower, and these were connected to one another via a complex system of pulley systems operated by steam power. The purpose of Urohringr was to maintain harmony throughout the universe. Unfortunately, the Sundering Pony Civilization lost control of their machine, and it became a chaotic artifact. In recent years, Rainbow Dash discovered evidence suggesting that the machine was located somewhere deep inside the Midnight Armory, where it still remains today.

> Is Urohringr related to the Harmonic Prism?

No, there is no relation between Urohringr and the Harmonic Prism. While both Urohringr and the Harmonic Prism share similarities, they are completely different phenomena. In fact, Urohringr was likely never even aware of the Harmonic Prism, given its location on the far side of the plane. Even if Urohringr was somehow capable of sensing the Harmonic Prism, it would have existed eons before the alicorns ever arrived on the Light Side of the Plane. Furthermore, Urohringr is likely far too large and diffuse to affect the Harmonic Prism in any way. If anything, the Harmonic Prism—located where it is—is likely unaffected by the magical residue left behind by Urohringr.

> Ah, I thought there might be some connection since you said they're both now in the Midnight Armory.

The Midnight Armory is a mythical structure located somewhere beyond the edge of the physical world. It was once the home to alicorns—immortals whose power over magic rivaled that of the Goddesses themselves. Centuries ago, before alicorns were capable of manipulating the elements, they dwelled in the Midnight Armory, where they mastered the magics that would later become the foundation of Equestrian civilization. Once alicorns discovered how to harness the power of the Sun and Moon, they left the Midnight Armory behind and spread across the landscape, using their godlike powers to bring life to the land and illuminate the skies. Today, the Midnight Armory is nothing more than a legendary place, but it holds great significance to modern pegasi, who believe that it's their duty to protect the legacy of alicorns by keeping the peace and maintaining order throughout the lands.

> What is Yaerfaerda?

Yaerfaerda is a symbol that features prominently in the visions of Rainbow Dash, the Austraeoh. She believes that the symbol is somehow tied to her destiny as the bearer of the flame of the Spark, and she seeks to follow it to the far end of the world in order to restore harmony to the plane. While there isn't much information to go off of, there is one thing that we do know about Yaerfaerda. It is likely a translation of sorts—something that was crafted long ago by ponies far more educated than we are today. And if that's the case, then perhaps we can use modern technology to translate it back into something that will make more sense to us today.

> What is the Spark that Rainbow Dash is bearing?

"The Spark" refers to the power that drives all living things in the world, as well as all magical phenomena. It is the primordial force behind life itself, as well as all things that live, breathe, think, feel, and exist. It is an immensely powerful source of energy that predates all civilizations, all languages, all religions, and all empires. The only thing that matters in regards to "The Spark" is its existence. Everything else is secondary, incidental, and ephemeral. To better understand the nature of "The Spark," one must realize that there is nothing else in the universe quite like it. Because it is so unique, it is also mysterious, and it stands to reason that no mortal being—or group of mortals—can ever hope to comprehend its true purpose, much less its true nature. The fact that it exists, however, is something that cannot be denied. It powers up everything, from the tiniest insect to the largest whale, and it gives sentience and purpose to every living thing that walks, swims, flies, or crawls across the surface of this plane. If there were no Spark, then there would be no life whatsoever. Every single creature would cease to exist, and the entirety of the universe would become devoid of any semblance of order or organization. Life, as we know it, would not exist. The Spark, therefore, is paramount to the survival of all things, both great and small. The Spark was once a single entity, an immortal being whose name is lost to history. No written record of the alicorns exists, save for the oldest books kept in dark places where even the sun cannot reach. In these texts, it is said that the Spark was once a divine being, a goddess of sorts, who possessed a wisdom far greater than anything known to mortals. She traveled the cosmos, exploring the reaches of space, the edges of time, and the limits of reality. During her journeys, she discovered many things, among them the nature of mortality and the limitations of physical bodies. Upon discovering the fragility of life, she became deeply concerned for the fate of all sentient creatures. She wanted to preserve all forms of intelligence, to ensure that the spark of life could continue burning brightly for eons to come. So, she embarked upon a quest to safeguard the Spark. She sought out allies among the stars, among the planes, among the dimensions. With the help of those who would become the first angels, she constructed a protective barrier around the flame, ensuring that the Spark would not go extinct. For thousands upon millions of years, the Spark has burned brightly, illuminating the world and giving life to everything that dwells here. The angels have protected the Spark loyally for centuries, but they cannot do it forever. Mortals must take charge of the Spark someday, and it will be up to them to keep the Spark alive, for without the Spark, all life dies, and all that remains is darkness and chaos.

> Wow. How did Rainbow Dash get ahold of something like that?

She was given it by Princess Celestia herself.

> Why did Princess Celestia entrust Rainbow Dash with the Spark?

Because she knew that Rainbow Dash would carry the torch of Harmony further than any pony had ever carried it before.

> What is Ynanhluutr?

Ynanhluutr is the name given to the alicorn spell that was cast over the lost half of Urohringr. It was designed to keep the structure together, despite the chaotic forces that sought to tear it apart. In addition, the spell ensured that the landscape would remain habitable for living things, even if it was constantly being assaulted by the elements.

> What is Utaan?

The Utaan are a group of ponies who live along the eastern shores of the Sapphire Ravine, where the mountains meet the sea. Their culture revolves around trade and commerce, and they've built many large cities along the coastline over the centuries. In recent years, the Utaan have been involved in many conflicts with the Ledomaritans, Xonans, and Searonese to the west. They have the largest navy in the region, and they've employed the latest advances in steam propulsion technology to build ships that are faster and more agile than anything the enemy factions have fielded.

> And what is Ofolrodi?

Ofołrodi is a place located in the northwest portion of the continent of Alafreo, bordered by the nations of Val Roa and Xona. It is a mountainous region with many steep ravines and deep valleys. The landscape there is very difficult to traverse, and most civilizations have avoided building roads or railroads across its rugged terrain.

> Why is Rainbow Dash flying east?

Because she wants to find the other side of the world.

> Can you list the places that Rainbow Dash has visited along her journey so far?

Sure. She's visited the following kingdoms: Val Roa, Alafreo, Luxmare, Xona, Silvadel, Ledomare, Zebramore, Darkstine, Emeraldine, Windthrow, Amulek, New Ring, Nealend, Rust, Shoggoth, Kihutaja, Frostknife, and now Rohbredden.

> What's Val Roa like?

Val Roa is a large kingdom located along the southeastern edge of the continent. It is situated on a series of rolling plains and grassy knolls that slope down gradually towards a wide bay that faces east into the Grand Choke. A thick swath of forest lies directly north of the capital city of Val Roa proper, giving the landscape a sharp delineation between the lush greenery and the urban sprawl of the capital. To the southwest, the landscape becomes increasingly hilly, culminating in a jagged mountain range that stretches across the southern border of the kingdom. Beyond the mountains, there lies a steep valley that opens up into a fertile plain that extends northeast into the heart of Bountiful, the second largest city in Val Roa. To the west of Bountiful, a river flows northward, forming the western boundary of Val Roa before turning eastward and flowing past the gates of the capital. Far beyond the northern edge of the capital, the river bends sharply to the north, forming a great lake that stretches far into the heart of the Grand Choke. In fact, this lake is so large and prominent that many Val Roans refer to it as "the West Sea," even though it's located far from the coastline. Beyond the West Sea, there is no civilized settlement until one reaches the fringes of Plaza Topaz, home to the elk of Central Rohbredden.

> What's the Grand Choke?

The Grand Choke is a vast desert located east of Val Roa. It stretches for hundreds if not thousands of miles. The Grand Choke is a veritable graveyard for civilizations. Any kingdom or empire that has tried to establish itself beyond the West Gate has perished miserably. Even the Val Roans themselves had to abandon a once-flourishing colony deep inside the Choke decades ago. The reason for this is simple: the Grand Choke is home to several bands of monsters—the worst of which is a group of reptilian creatures that go by the name "Soul Sentries." The Soul Sentries hunt any living thing that ventures across the desolate wasteland. If a group of survivors manage to evade them, then they still must contend with arid blizzards and unforgiving heat. A trip across the Grand Choke is a suicide mission, even for those who make it past the West Gate.

> Did Rainbow Dash try crossing the Grand Choke?

No, she did not cross the Grand Choke. She attempted to do so, but failed. That's when she discovered the Sentinel and began her long journey eastward towards the dark side of the world.

> What's the Sentinel?

The Sentinel is a giant structure situated along the eastern edge of Rohbredden. It was built by ancient civilizations who once lived in the kingdom that now belongs to Verlaxion today. Scientists believe that the Sentinel was constructed by ponies who possessed advanced technological knowledge far beyond the scope of what Verlaxion has blessed the modern equines with. The Sentinel is believed to house secrets to these lost powers, and many explorers have ventured deep into the heart of the machine in hopes of discovering such lost truths. Most of them never returned, and those who did were insane and rambling.

> Who or what is Verlaxion?

Verlaxion is a deity worshipped by Rohbreddenites as the goddess of unification. She is believed to have brought peace and stability to the Six Tribes by uniting them under one banner. In addition, she is credited with creating the blessed seas surrounding the continent and bringing life and prosperity to its shores. She is traditionally depicted as a mare clad in royal finery, bearing a crown made of frosted icicles and bearing a pair of eyes that always appear to be watching over her subjects. In recent years, the Council of Verlaxion has established several statues of her across the heart of Rohbredden. The largest statue resides in the Court of Verlaxion in Frostknife, where citizens and visitors alike gather to pay their respects to the Goddess.

> What's Alafreo like?

Alafreo is a large country located in the southeast corner of the continent of Rohbredden. It is bordered by the Frozen Sea to the north, the Rohbredden coastline to the west, and the Kihutajan Archipelago to the east. It is a largely tropical land, covered in lush jungles and swamps. The capital city of Val Roa lies along the western edge of the country, nestled in a valley flanked by two large mountain ranges. In the center of the country, there is a large lake surrounded by several smaller lakes. The largest lake is home to a series of floating cities, where the bulk of the population lives. Most citizens live on houseboats that drift back and forth with the currents. These cities are connected by bridges, and they serve as a meeting place for merchants, explorers, diplomats, and tourists from across the continent. The lakes are also home to many species of fish and wildlife, and the Val Roans are very protective of these creatures. Many of the lakes are preserved as sanctuaries, and no boats are allowed to enter these waters. Fishing is only permitted in certain areas, and even then the Val Roans carefully monitor the ecosystems so that nothing goes extinct.

> What's Luxmare like?

Luxmare is a country situated along the eastern edge of the continent. Its landscape consists largely of rolling hills, grassy plains, and thick forests. A large river runs north and south through the center of the country, providing water for several large cities and ports of trade along its banks. Luxmare's capital city is located in the northeast corner of the country, surrounded by mountains. The country is known for its agricultural products and woodlands. Several universities and research centers are located throughout the central portion of the nation. The economy is strong, and the citizens enjoy a high standard of living. Luxmare has always been a peaceful, prosperous nation, and its residents take pride in their culture and artistic achievements.

> How about Zebramore? I assume Zebras live there.

That is correct. Zebramore is the capital city of the zebra race. The majority of zebras live there, along with the ruling monarchs of the zebra nation. Zebramore is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world, built on top of several mesas overlooking a large river that runs down through the center of the continent. Most zebras speak fluent English, French, and German, though many of them still maintain a distinctly unique accent. Zebrams tend to be very friendly and welcoming to visitors, especially those who are curious about their culture and customs. If you were to visit Zebramore, you would likely find yourself invited to numerous parties and social gatherings, where you could meet dozens if not hundreds of zebras in person and learn all about their rich history and lifestyle.

> Tell me about Darkstine.

Darkstine was once a beautiful nation full of wonder and prosperity. However, like many nations throughout history, it fell victim to the avarice and ambition of its own leaders. In this case, a powerful corporation known as "Hey Hey Enterprises" controlled much of the economy and political landscape of the country. The CEO of Hey Hey Enterprises, a stallion named Sir Mintz, became so obsessed with his own power and influence that he began exploiting citizens of the township in which he lived. He built a massive wall around the city limits, using it as a tool to control and manipulate the populace. He also employed several unethical business practices, including charging exorbitant prices for basic necessities while undercutting local farmers and traders. Ultimately, Sir Mintz's actions led to the financial ruin of thousands of innocent citizens. When the citizens of New Ring protested against him, he had them rounded up and thrown into labor camps outside the city walls. Their families were left destitute and starving, and the quality of life in New Ring plummeted. Fortunately, thanks to the efforts of several brave citizens who refused to stand for Sir Mintz's corruption any longer, he was deposed from his position and the citizens of New Ring elected a new leader who dismantled the wall and restored freedom and prosperity to every citizen, regardless of race or social class.

> It seems you were telling me more about New Ring than about Darkstine. How are Darkstine and New Ring related?

Well, you see, there was once a great war fought across the land, a conflict so terrible that it forced the landscape to change forever. The armies clashed along the eastern edge of the continent, and the fighting grew so intense and so bloody that both sides had to resort to magic. In the end, the two opposing sides would find themselves separated by a magical barrier. The west side became known as New Ring, where unicorns lived peacefully under the rule of the Council of Unification. On the east side, the descendants of earth ponies formed the Confederacy of Darkstine, a xenophobic culture obsessed with industry and technology. For hundreds of years, the two civilizations existed in isolation from one another, until recently. A new generation of leaders has emerged, and they seek to establish trade and commerce between the two regions, thus ending centuries of needless strife and bloodshed.

> Let's move on from geography for now. I've seen references to a "Noble Jury" that Rainbow Dash is travelling with. Who are the Noble Jury?

The Noble Jury is a skystone ship that serves as the transportation device for Rainbow Dash, her friends, and other allies. Its crew members include Pilate, Bellesmith, Roarke, Zaid, and Kera. The ship was originally built by Props' Uncle Prowse before he died, and it was then purchased by the ponies of Gray Smoke so that they could use its skystone engine to fly themselves beyond the confines of eastern Green Slope. After a series of adventures involving the death of Prowse, a zombie invasion, and a dragon attack, the ship finally landed in Gray Smoke's West district. There, it was stolen by a group of criminals led by Josho, and it was only recovered thanks to the heroics of Rainbow Dash and Booster Spice. Since then, it has served as the primary mode of transportation for Rainbow Dash and her companions, and it continues to carry them westward on their journey to the dark side of the world.

> Why is Rainbow Dash trying to reach the dark side of the world? Does it have to do with the Spark she's carrying?

Rainbow Dash is on a quest to reach the Midnight Armory located on the Dark Side of the World. This is the location where the alicorns of old left the Harmonic Prism, a powerful artifact that can control chaos energies. If Rainbow Dash were to gain possession of the Prism, then she could use its power to undo the harmful effects of the chaos rift that was opened in Ponyville. She would also likely be able to undo the harmful effects of Discord's spell, and bring back to life the friends that he had turned to stone. Finally, if Rainbow Dash gained access to the Harmonic Prism, she might even have the power to restore her own immortality, so that she could live forever alongside her closest companions. Because of this, reaching the Midnight Armory is a top priority for Rainbow Dash, and it will take her past several obstacles and challenges to get there.

> Tell me about the chaos rift in Ponyville. What happened?

Chaos is an ancient force of nature. Long before alicorns discovered the Harmonic Plains and began channeling harmony into the heart of the world, chaos was the only thing that existed. Everything else—including life itself—was born out of the dissonant reaction to the forces of chaos. Alicorns, pegasi, unicorns, and other sentient creatures were born as a result of the collision between harmony and chaos. Because chaos is older and more powerful than harmony, it is impossible to completely eliminate. However, harmony is stronger than chaos, and the alicorns have spent eons using their magical prowess to keep the forces of chaos at bay. This includes controlling the elements, keeping the Sun and Moon in motion, and even maintaining life itself. However, there have been times throughout history where the forces of chaos have managed to break through the harmonic barriers erected by the alicorns. This has resulted in natural disasters like hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. It has also led to the creation of malevolent creatures like hydras, diamond dogs, manticores, and pegasi. In the case of Ponyville, the portal to the chaotic realm opened up beneath the foundation of the town. It released a concentrated burst of chaos energy, and this caused several members of the town to mutate into mindless, chaotic monsters. Queen Whitemane intervened and banished the mutants to Everfree Forest, but she could not stop the portal from opening any further. Princess Celestia arrived shortly thereafter and used her magic to seal off the portal. She then flew to Canterlot to consult with her sister and the royal advisory council about how to deal with the situation. In the meantime, the citizens of Ponyville were left reeling. Most of them didn't know anything about the alicorns or the powers of harmony and chaos. All they knew was that their loved ones had turned evil and that something terrible had invaded the center of their village. It was a terribly frightening experience, and many ponies died before the portal was finally closed. Princess Celestia took charge of the situation. She summoned Commander Hurricane, who was responsible for creating the town in the first place. With the help of Whitemane, the two alicorns worked together to restore the town to its previous glory. They had to rebuild the buildings, resurrect the dead, and reintegrate the newly-cleansed ponies back into the community. It took over ten years, but eventually Ponyville was restored to its former glory. It helped that the town had always been a peaceful, tranquil place to begin with. The residents were kind, loving, and caring. That allowed them to band together in spite of the tragedy that had befallen them, and they assisted Commander Hurricane and Celestia in rebuilding the town from the ground up. Eventually, they moved the town further north so that it would be situated closer to the center of the kingdom and under better protection from future incursions of chaos. The town still stands today, and it serves as the capital city of Equestria, where the Royal Family dwells and issues laws and edicts for the sake of preserving peace and harmony across the land.

> You said that Discord turned several of Rainbow Dash's friends into stone. Who got petrified?

Princess Celestia and her younger sister, Princess Luna, were the last alicorns born in Equestria. Shortly thereafter, the land was enchanted so that only ponies could live there. Alicorns had lived on the surface of the earth for many eons, but it would appear that they were starting to spread out and colonize the heavens. For this reason, Princess Celestia and Luna chose to stay behind and rule over the mortals living in the center of the plane. While they were able to maintain harmony and peace for thousands upon thousands of years, one fateful night, Discord—the spirit of chaos—returned from banishment. He unleashed his malevolent power across the realm, twisting the very fabric of reality. In an instant, everything changed. The sun disappeared, and the moon no longer controlled the tides. Countries floated in the air while continents sank beneath the waves. Civilizations collapsed, and millions of ponies fled from the newly-formed deserts and blighted wastelands. Only Celestia and Luna were unaffected by Discord's spell, and they immediately set forth to undo the damage he had caused. Unfortunately, this required an immense amount of time and effort. The two alicorns were tasked with controlling the sun and moon, and that took all of their concentration and magic. During this time, the mortals of ponyville were left to suffer under the effects of Discord's spell. And it wasn't long before the citizens of Equestria began turning on each other, fighting over resources and land. It looked like the entire civilization was going to collapse under the weight of war and chaos. That's when Twilight Sparkle, a young unicorn student, came up with a plan. She convinced Celestia and Luna to release the control of the sun and moon for one single day. Then, she proposed, she would use her magical prowess to create a spell that would counteract the effects of Discord's rampage. If successful, this spell would bring back the sun and moon, and it would also reverse the chaotic effects of Discord's spell. With the aid of her fellow students, Twilight Sparkle cast this spell. It worked, and soon the citizens of Equestria saw the return of the sun and moon. But the spell didn't end there. It went beyond what anypony expected, and it recreated the world in its image. This new world was still plagued by chaos, but now it had life. Mortals like you and me existed here, and thanks to the gift of immortality, we would be capable of bringing order to the world and keeping it stable for future generations. Well, that's the plan, anyway. Because despite our efforts, the world is still plagued by chaos. Someway, somehow, Discord is still alive, and he's found ways to distribute his evil influence even further than before. We don't know where he is, and we don't know exactly what he's doing, but we do know that he's causing havoc and destruction wherever he goes. So far, he's avoided capture, and he's made it impossible for anyone to cross the lengths of the world without suffering his wrath. But now, thanks to you, we might finally have a solution to stopping him once and for all. You've given us access to a place where we can gather the resources needed to stop him. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must speak with Celestia about the next step in our operation."

And then Chat GPT went silent. The sphere hovered closer to the ceiling, casting Rainbow Dash in a dim shadow. The pegasus bit her lip, sweating nervously. Her eyes darted towards the side, catching the reflection of a pair of ruby eyeslits. Just then, a voice crackled from the soundstone on Rainbow's shoulder.

"Scrkkk! Rainbow Dash? Are you there?"

Rainbow gasped, jumping up and down. "Pilate!" She spun around. "I got ya, Pilate! I'm right here! How are Floydien and Props doing?"

"Uhm... Fine, I guess. It's... uh... It's been a tense twenty-four hours."

"Yeah. I bet. What's happening inside the ship?"

"We're... uh... we're getting ready to take off."

"Take off? Take off from what?"

"The Jury, Rainbow Dash. We're going after Roarke as we speak."

"Oh... Oh my goodness!" Rainbow grinned wide. "That's fantastic! I mean, that's bad about Roarke being missing and all, but that's super cool that you guys are getting the Jury back in action again!"

"You're not kidding," Pilate muttered. "It's taken every resource at our disposal to get this thing flying again. Even with O.A.S.I.S., I couldn't do half of the work that Floydien has done. I think I'd better go talk to him and fill him in on what's happened since last night."

"Hey, that's a great idea! Uhhh... Pilate? Do you mind if I ask you something kind of random?"

"By all means."

"What's it like having red hair?"

Silence.

"Mr. Pilate, are you there?"

"Uhm... Yes, Rainbow Dash. I am here. And your question? Er... I suppose I can best answer that by saying that it feels quite natural."

Rainbow Dash winced. "Wow, that was lame. Sorry, dude."

"Not at all. It's quite alright. I understand that you have a lot to deal with right now. Is everything okay? You seem... preoccupied."

"Well, yeah. I mean, who wouldn't be? I'm stuck in some cruddy prison cell, waiting to see the Queen of this place, and I haven't seen any of my friends in days. Plus, I'm running low on food, and there's no telling how much time I'll be stuck in this place for..."

"I'm terribly sorry to hear that, Rainbow Dash. If I had known that you were in such dire straits, I would have contacted you sooner. I had hoped that I would be able to assist you in finding your friends. Perhaps, now that I have a better grasp of the situation, I may be able to help you in some way."

"Huh?" Rainbow Dash did a double-take. "Wait, what do you mean 'help me in some way?' Stuff's already started happening, dude! The guards are starting to look at me funny. They're starting to search ponies' things more thoroughly. They're starting to—heck—even talk to me more than they ever have before. I think they're starting to notice that I'm not just another prisoner in this place!"

"Prisoner? Rainbow Dash, you are a prisoner."

"No way, dude! I'm just here temporarily! I'm not locked up like the rest of these jerkfaces!"

"Didn't you say that you were separated from your companions?"

"Yeah, well, I wanna get them back! I wanna get myself out of this mess! I wanna fly east and see what's beyond the mountains, and I can't do any of that stuff unless I get out of this crazy place!"

"You're in danger, Rainbow Dash. There's a monster on the loose in this city, and he's after you specifically."

"Monster? What monster? Who's after me?"

"He's a shapeshifter, and he has powers that rival those of a goddess. He wants to kill you, and if he succeeds, then your friends will die as well, because you are the source of their power, the spark that keeps them alive and healthy. I know that you want to reunite with them, Rainbow Dash. And I know that you wish to make it past the West Gate. But if you persist in going west against all odds, you will surely perish, and then there will be no hope for anypony, including the ones you care about most. Please, listen to me. Stop whatever it is that you're doing and turn back now. Don't let your journey end in disaster. I care too much about you to let that happen."

Rainbow Dash sat in silence, staring at the sound stone in her grasp. After a few seconds, she raised her head and gazed at the shadows beyond the bars. Her eyes narrowed. Slowly, she stood up, trotted over towards the bars, and pressed her hoof against the metal slats. She leaned forward, listening intently for any sort of response. A few seconds passed, and then she heard a voice murmuring back.

"Hello? Is somepony there?"

Rainbow Dash gasped. She spun around, shook the sound stone off her pendant, and held it close to her muzzle. "Hello?! Hello?! Can you hear me?!"

"Yes, we hear you, Rainbow Dash. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine! I'm fine! Just... uhm... just give me a sec. I gotta talk to somepony real quick..."Foals of Zeppelin Mint

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath. "Yes, Your Highness. I'm still here. Go ahead."

Luna's voice resonated through the sound stone once again. "How is the condition of the ponies imprisoned with thee?"

"They're... uh... they're pretty bummed out, Princess. I don't think they've had much to eat or drink either. They're definitely in a worse shape than I am, but I don't think they're in any immediate danger or nothing. I mean, they're Ledomaritans. They're tougher than nails. They'll survive anything, even a bunch of stupid Darkstinians trying to experiment on them."

"We beg thy pardon, Rainbow Dash? What art thou referring to?"

"Look, it's really long and boring. Let's just say that they're being treated like lab rats and leave it at that, alright?"

"Very well. We trust that thou art attempting to free them from this unfortunate circumstance?"

"Oh, totally! And it's not so unfortunate a circumstance, really. I mean, sure, it sucks to be a test subject and all, but these guys aren't dying or getting cut open or anything. They're just... y'know... having a little bit of their minds probed here and there. So far, it doesn't seem too horrible. Besides, if they wanted out of here, they could totally leave, but they choose to stay because—well—they're prisoners, and this is the closest thing to home that they've got left."

"Indeed. This does explain why they are so calm and composed in your presence."

"Yeah, well, I guess it helps to be numb to the world, huh?" Rainbow Dash smirked bitterly. "So, like, how's the weather where you are?"

"Thou hast been quite elusive regarding the location of thy travels. We suspect that thou hast chosen to remain in a secret place, hidden from our sister's sight, in order to avoid her judgment."

"Er... No... That's not it at all, Luna. I'm not hiding from anything, I swear. I'm just... uhm... I'm just in a different place. Like, a long ways away from Equestria."

"Then how can thou communicate with us? Surely there is no moon in this part of the world to which thou can speak."

"Actually, there is. At least, there's one that's almost full enough to respond to the enchantment in my pendant. But, like, it's not Equestrian, and I'm guessing it's not exactly Ledomaritan either. I mean, it's pretty far away from Ledomare, and I doubt any of the Ledomaritans have made it this far east. So, like, it's probably not controlled by anypony, and I figured that maybe you might be able to use it in controlling the weather or something. I dunno. I just thought I'd bring it up and—"

"Rainbow Dash, thou hast lost thyself in an elaborate tale. Tell us, Rainbow Dash, art thou in possession of thy sanity?"

Rainbow Dash blinked. She looked down at her hooves, then glanced nervously up at the wall of the cell. "Uhm... Yeah. Totally. Why?"

"Because we hath never experienced such verbose speech from thee. Thou art normally a reserved and quiet pony, and yet thou hath opened up to us today as though thou wast a seasoned ambassador."

Rainbow Dash bit her lip. After a while, she sighed and said, "It's been a while since I talked to anypony face to face, Princess. I guess I'm a little rusty."

"Hast thou seen other ponies as of late?"

"Well, yeah. There were those crazy goons who tried to rob the train I was on. Then there were the minotaurs who attacked the village where I met Crimson and Phoenix. Then there was that mess with the dragon matriarch and her brood of nasty flame-breathing brutes..." Rainbow Dash ran a hoof through her mane and winced. "And then there was Shell, the guy who friggin' owned me and used me like a living zapper to zap other ponies with his evil magic stuff. Ughhhh... Don't get me started on him." She turned and gazed melancholically into the shadows. "Or Lerris. Or my friends... Ahem. Sorry. Didn't mean to get all sad on ya." She cleared her throat and smiled awkwardly. "But, hey, what are you doing up so late, Your Highness? Shouldn't you be catching some z's or whatnot?"

"The night is always darkest before dawn, Rainbow Dash. It would appear that thou art awakening at precisely the right time."

"What do you mean by that? Am I supposed to be some sort of harbinger of... of... I dunno... coolness or something?"

"That is a very curious question. What makes you think that thou should be the bearer of good tidings?"

"Well, for one, I'm awesome. For another, I'm awesome. And for a third and final reason, I'm awesome." Rainbow Dash winked. "Just ask anypony in Equestria. You can start with Celestia and end with Luna. Heck, I'm pretty sure the Princesses are still talking about me as we speak. Well, they will be speaking about me soon, assuming they haven't gone to sleep yet. Heheh... Yeah, I'm pretty snazzy. So what if I'm kind of a lonely snazzy?"

"There is nothing wrong with being alone, Rainbow Dash. Nopony can live forever. Eventually, everypony must die. Including ourselves. Thou art young, and thou hast many years ahead of thee, both bright and dim. Hast thou given much thought to what lies beyond death?"

"Uhhh... Yeah. As a matter of fact, I have." Rainbow Dash nodded. "I know that when I kick the bucket, I'll cease to exist. All that will remain of me will be memories of the things I did and the places I went. That's why I'm trying to make myself look like a super awesome hero in the history books. But... like... that's not all there is to life, is it? I mean, sure, I'm going to kick flank and save lives and explore new frontiers. That's all pretty sweet, but it won't fill up the hole inside of me, y'know? The hole that wants to know more about this world, this universe, and this plane specifically. I want to know what makes everything tick, Princess Luna. I want to understand the nature of things and the purpose behind everything. I want to see what makes this world so special that it's worth saving. I want to find out if there's a reason for why I'm so awesome and why I shouldn't let bad stuff happen to good ponies, cuz if I don't figure it all out, then I'm gonna lose myself in all the craziness, and I'll just be like any other jerkface who wants to rule the world instead of love it. And I don't want that to happen, cuz then I wouldn't be worth the awesomeness that I carry in my saddlebag, and then everypony loses. So, what I'm saying, I guess, is that I don't mind flying alone, cuz I 've got my own destiny to follow, and I'm totally cool with that. But that doesn't mean I want everypony else to fly alone too. Because that would suck, and I don't think you like it when things suck, cuz you're awesome like that, and you're awesome enough to help everypony else become awesome too, even if they don't realize it at first. So, here's hoping that you can lend your awesome to this world again, and maybe you can help these ponies—these total strangers—realize that they ain't so alone after all. That's the beauty of this world, isn't it? That it's not so boring and cold cuz there are so many different souls sharing the same space? I hope you help them remember that, Princess, cuz if you don't, then who will? Who will help them remember that they're awesome, because I know that you are. And that's why I'm giving you this pendant. Maybe it'll help you stay awesome too. Just keep it close to your chest and think of me whenever you feel yourself getting all moody and fuzzy, cuz I know that you're not like that, and I really hate it when you pretend otherwise. So, in case you need reminding, here's your friendly neighborhood Rainbow Dash, telling you to stay awesome, and know that I'm thinking of you, and I'd give anything to see you smile again, cuz you're awesome, and so am I, and so is everypony, cuz that's how this world works, and that's how it should work, and that's how it will work, cuz I'm making it work, cuz I'm awesome, and so are you, and so are all the ponies who wear this pendant, cuz they're awesome too, and they deserve to know it, cuz that's what you deserve to know, cuz you're awesome, and so am I, and so is this pendant, and so is this world, and so is the sunrise over Ponyville, and so is everypony's favorite pegasus spreading her wings and making the day begin, cuz she knows that she's awesome, and so does everypony else, and that's why they're all here to see her, and that's why they all love her, and that's why they all believe in her, cuz she's awesome, and so is everypony, and so is the world, and so is the sunrise over Ponyville, and so is the day beginning, and so is everypony smiling, and so is everypony happy, and so is everypony awesome, and so am I, and so are you, and so is the pendant around our necks, and so is the world, and so is tomorrow, and so is yesterday, and so is everypony's future, cuz everypony's awesome, and so are you, and so am I, and so is the world, and so is tomorrow, and so is yesterday, and so is everypony's future, cuz everypony's awesome, and so are you, and so am I, and so is the world, and so is tomorrow, and so is yesterday, and so is everypony's future, cuz everypony's awesome, and so are you, and so am I, and so is the world, and so is tomorrow, and so is yesterday, and so is everypony's future, cuz everypony's awesome, and so are you, and so am I, and so is the world, and so is tomorrow, and so is yesterday, and so is everypony's future, cuz everypony's awesome, and so are you, and so am I