A LIGHT THAT NEVER COMES

Chapter X - AFTER LIGHT

    Destiny paced around the cage, his mane down and disheveled. His feathers were clipped, making it impossible for him to fly. Worse yet, Destiny's magic wasn't strong enough for him to simply teleport out of the cage.
He preened, hoping it would help him relax. A door opening startled him, the bat pony from before, who he now knew was the Four-Star General Haki Quinsy, entered the room. He looked down at Destiny, who stared hopelessly back at him.

"You're quite young, aren't you?" He asked, Calm Mind coming into the room soon after. "What are you doing wandering around here alone?"

"That's none of your business," Destiny snapped, his voice cracking from his fear. "Where are my ponies? All of them are innocent!"

"Ponies coming into Yruxwood from Ayria aren't innocent," Calm Mind retorted, Haki looking over to him. "We're in the middle of a war."

"Why are we in a war?" Destiny asked. Calm Mind looked to Haki, Destiny realizing that, perhaps, neither of them knew.

"Silver Justice's father, Eden, declared war years ago," Haki answered, watching Destiny's face. "I don't know why he and the late King Dante were at war. I offered peace to Silver Justice and she wouldn't accept it. So, this war continues."

"I'll accept your offer of peace," Destiny said, Calm Mind narrowing his eyes. "If you don't know the reason, then maybe there isn't one. Maybe it doesn't involve you two."

"You're just some alicorn from Ayria," Calm Mind snapped.

"Silver Justice is my mother," Destiny retorted, looking back at Haki. "I'm sure she'll accept it if I relay the information."

"What you're saying is to let you go so you can tell your mother about an offer of peace after you've been captured?" Haki said in a mocking tone. Destiny felt his ears fall back. Having heard it said back to him, he realized how dumb it sounded. "Besides, I've known Silver since she was born. She hasn't a shred of decency."

"I don't disagree," Destiny interrupted, Haki raising an eyebrow. "She's a mean lady and doesn't care for anypony but herself. You don't need to preach this to me, I already know!"

"Then why do you think that delivering a message of peace for me will help?" Haki shouted, slamming his hooves against the bars of the cage. "Are you fucking insane?"

"No, sir, I just thought-"

"If Silver will not hear me, her former brother-in-law, then what makes you think she'll hear you?" Haki demanded. "Is it because you're her son? Silver listens to no one, and you acknowledged this!"

"I'm sorry," squeaked Destiny, lowering against the back of the cage. "I understand it doesn't make sense. It made sense in my head, but out loud it sounds stupid."

Haki fell back to the floor. Calm Mind hesitantly stepped aside as Haki made his way to the exit.

"Deal with him for me, Cali," he said before the large doors clanged shut behind him. Calm Mind looked back at Destiny, something about his expression being different now. He sighed, leaning his head against the cage.

"I'm sorry I dragged you into this mess," Calm Mind whispered, Destiny coming closer. Their horns clicked when they touched, Calm Mind looking up at him. Their eyes locked, Calm Mind sighing again. "I only did what I was told, and it seems like it caused a bigger mess than it was worth."

"Sometimes it's hard to think independently, especially if we've never been allowed to before," Destiny retorted, matching Calm Mind's volume level. "It's okay, I understand."

"Your friends are safe," Calm Mind responded, giving Destiny a little smile. "Even that pesky Dr. Flare."

"I like Star," Destiny smiled, Calm Mind gently chuckling. "Why did you lead us into danger?"