//------------------------------// // Chapter 2: The Seed of Deception // Story: Shadow Flame (The Path of Burning Darkness) // by Dranlu //------------------------------// Shadow Flame (A Path of Burning Darkness) Chapter: 2 The seed of Deception It was a cool, stormy night in Canterlot. The light sound of raindrops hitting the castle was heard, but was almost completely drown out by the sound of a crackling fire. Shadow Flame sat inside the castle's library, further studying the ways of magic and silently plotting his revenge. He preferred visiting the library at night, because there was usually nopony else there. He had just started reading a spell book about amplifying the power of any spell through the practice of meditating, when he heard the library door slowly creek open and close. He glanced up from his book, surprised that somepony else was there. It bothered him that he had to share his space with another pony, until he realized who it was. The pony began to walk in slowly towards the fire and took a seat at the table closest to it. She had a saddlebag that was dripping wet with two or three books inside of it that she brought to the top of the table. She took one out, and began reading when she was interrupted by a calm and collective voice. "Hello." She jumped, "Oh my, I didn't know anypony else was here, I'm sorry for being so loud. I just wanted to come and read in the library. I love to read in storms, especially at night." "It's fine," said Shadow, "Excuse me is your name Twilight Sparkle by any chance?" "Why yes it is," Twilight replied, "How do you know my name?" "Well," said Shadow, "I had heard that Celestia's number one pupil was beautiful, but I had no idea that she was beautiful and sophisticated". Twilight blushed and giggled, "Wow thank you, but why are you here in the library this late? You should need special permission to be here shouldn't you?" "I do. I guess you could say I'm Princess Luna's pupil. I guess that means we have something in common, both being students of this lands most wonderful rulers," he smiled. Twilight smiled back and then realized she hadn't asked the strangers name yet. "Oh, Pardon my rudeness, I haven't even asked you your name." "My name is Shadow Flame. It's a pleasure to meet you Twilight. So, are you looking for any specific book this evening?" "Yes, actually I am. I'm trying to learn a spell on fireworks. I want to help the princess throw the best Gala ever, and I think that would be a perfect wrap up for it. I can't seem to find any books that have helped me so far, not even this one on parlor tricks."She closed the book in front of her. "I already looked at all the books on fire based magic," said Shadow, "There aren't any here that can help you with that, but..." "But what?" asked Twilight. "I may be able to teach you a spell I taught myself.It won't be easy though and you will have to pay close attention." "Wait?!, you study magic too?!" "Yes," responded Shadow, "I've been self-teaching myself for months now." "Well that's amazing! ," said Twilight, "I thought I was the only unicorn that specialized in magical talents. Well except for Trixie, but she was obnoxious. You are so calm and respective." Shadow smiled slightly, "Thank you, would you please follow me to the fire place and watch?" Twilight got up and walked over to the fire with him. Shadow's horn began to glow as he channeled some carefully placed magic into the fireplace. Then before Twilight could believe it, some of the fire began to swirl and form a circle. Then, inside of the flaming circle small ponies made of fire began to run free playing, running, hugging, and some dancing. Just as the spell began to fade, the circle went into the air and sharded off in three directions of amazing color, Exploding like fireworks. "That was beautiful," said Twilight, "All of the control and concentration that must've taken...and you were able to do it without burning a single thing in the room!" "Thank you," responded Shadow, "I could teach you some of my magic sometime, if you would like." "That would be gre..," Twilight couldn't talk as she felt his arm around her shoulders. "But how about I teach you somewhere more private, say your place? You of all unicorns should know that a unicorn should never reveal his secrets," Twilight was now heavily blushing. "Except I'm willing to teach you all that I know, Twilight," He picked up her arm and kissed her hoof, "Who knows, maybe some true magic will be made between the two of us?" She was almost speechless but managed to smile through all of the blushing,"Yes that would be a lovely idea." "Alright. I will see you at your place say…. in two days from now?" "Certainly, that would be perfect." said Twilight as she smiled. Then she began to walk back to her seat and start reading again. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Yes....my plans are slowly coming together. I have Celestia's very own pupil within my grasp. Maybe I can twist her to join me, or perhaps I should just burn her to death before she becomes a problem. I need to carefully plan my actions from this point on, for what happens now will decide the fate of Princess Celestia. I know from my studies that Celestia's pupil is the wielder of the element of magic. So she is defiantly the strongest of the six elements. If my studies are correct, she must be connected to the other five somehow. I should play it safe for now, and make her think I'm a friend and a lover. Through her I can learn of the other five, and their weaknesses. Perhaps I can trick the elements to destroy each other so I don't have too. Hmm... I will get three of them on my side. I'll make them think I'm a kind, harmless pony. Then I will make the other three think otherwise showing them my "true side", causing Dis-harmony amongst them. This will weaken the elements and in turn will also weaken Celestia. HAHAHA! I've now planted the seed of deception that will ultimately bring Celestia to her knees. I can feel my inner fire happily dancing in the darkness, and it is such a wonderful feeling.