//------------------------------//
// Book of Harmony, Canto 6 
// Story: Fallen-Song 
// by Chicago Ted 
//------------------------------//

She felt much cooler fin’lly, as she strode
Upon the swiftly-winding cliffside road.
No winds can bother her, nor can the sun
Shine down in any measurement. Th’ abode

Above her head awaited her at last – no fun
The the trip had been, and yet upon the run,
She met so many others on her path.
She would recount their thoughts, as they were done.

To wit, the gryphon, Glister, his talk’s wrath
Had cost his life, at gryphon’s hands. The math
He used upon his bits was not so pure
As well – was there a truth within lies’ bath?

And then the doctor, Bonesaw – she was sure
She’d never met a worse one on the tour
Than him. O so much pain, all in the name
Of knowledge – none of it was worth the cure!

The Crystal soldier, Vambrace – how his aim
Could never be sustain’d! He plaid the game
Of vigil sans end, and as just i’ th’ end,
He lost his life, as well as his own fame.

The wife of Crystal was no better friend –
She would pursue his wealth instead – she’d send
The message that she had no value for
The ones she ‘lov’d’ – nor ever would amend.

The dragon, Tângroen, masked not his lore;
He wanted only gold, and not much more.
He’d steal it ev’rywhere he plac’d his reach –
And in the end, its value made him poor.

Of course, the changeling, Sark’e, she would breach
The trust of all she met. Even her speech
Could turn to anyone’s, which would lead astray
Another – hopefully, her death would teach.

And when she’d demonstrate, she would display
Her sister – though she’d not intend that way.
She spoke about the mountain, so far off
That she could reach with extensive delay.

And then the law-mare, Tipt Scale, she would scoff
At her in court – perhaps ’twas all a cough.
She felt some pity for her client too,
And praid that all that trouble he’d since doff.

The bookmare, Codex – there was nary to
The mare. She kept herself so quiet, so few
Would truly know her – or so she had thought.
Her kindness kept her in mind her life through.

The fool nam’d Minute Mirth – her joy had wrought
Unhappiness for all around. Such rot
She must deny, and soon it’d cause her time
To disappear, the Fates to her had taught.

The hippogryph would oversee the climb
And fall of tides, as ships would pass. Her rhyme
Meant reckless loyalty – which was repaid
In cruelty. (Her raft helpt forgive the crime.)

The skull o’ th’ clerk would talk with magic’s aid,
Since ev’rything he had had since decaid.
His generosity knew nary bound,
And though he gave all, he was not afraid.

The hermit painter liv’d below the ground;
He hid there, never wanting to be found.
His life had taught him this – that bad things would
Occur with fame, but his fear had no sound.

Again she met her sister, th’ last for good –
She’d need to travel by herself; she could
Attract a thief, who’d steal away her chance
T’ return to life. She heard this as she stood.

First on the trail was Fair Trade, who had th’ stance
Of just that – fair trade. He would take a glance
At a prize; when he had, he paid the price.
He told her they all trapt in death’s dance.

Next was she, Solar Rain – who was so nice,
She could avoid not anyone’s want. Her concise
Magic would heal a soul in utter need –
Including Luna, who had fallen trice.

Forge Hammer’s mood would force one to take heed
At ev’rything he said and did. He’d quickly knead
The iron bars into shoes, for all those who
Would need. His cheer would ever grant her speed.

Of course, the baker – he would have the view
Of loyalty, but more, that much was true.
He staid by Luna’s side, because in turn
She tried to help his ailment of shade’s hue.

And Winterspice would never at all spurn
Those desp’rate. She may have proven stubborn,
But they’d accept in time. Then she would grant
An ice-charm, something Luna did not earn.

And Luna felt within her gut she shan’t
Be th’ last she met – one more would wait. I can’t
Delay much more, she thought, before I’d meet
The stranger – if such did exist. Her rant

Within her mind would keep her busy – neat,
Since all the rest o’ th’ way could not compete.
No landmarks could be found, not e’en a tree
To dot the way. How she liv’d was a feat

Itself, when air so high was not so free.
To say nought of the water – where’d it be?
If no plants grew, then water could not flow
Beneath the ground. It could not hear her plea

And spring it forth to break the status quo,
Nor would it do a thing t’ relieve the throe
Ensuing ’round the princess of the moon.
Her sole relief was that the afterglow

Of shade from sun was constant. Very soon
It’d disappear – then she’d have just the boon
Around her neck to drive off all the sun.
At least, she thought, I’d always be immune.

And though the mercies of the sun were none,
She never notic’d anyway. For one,
The charm; another, she was adamant – 
It won’t be long before I’m fin’lly done,

She thought t’ herself. She kept her eyes to th’ front,
And did not look behind, lest such a stunt
Remind her how far she had gone – alone.
Of course, she still mist him. He took the blunt

Of Shade’s Corruption, but he’d later hone
His tracking skills. So far as she had known,
No greater guide e’er was before she met
Honeycomb Splat. And now, she must atone

For leaving him behind. She would not let
Him do the favor – it left her a debt
That she would need to pay. And she shall pay,
For Luna never would allow the threat.

If she were to guess, then she’d have to say
She stood so far above the ground, she may
Kick o’er a rock, which’d take an hour to reach
The sand below. And after such delay

To test the thought (the found result would teach
Her otherwise), she kept on moving. Each
Of those she’d met had taught her something new,
Things she’d not learn in other case. She’d preach

Them, maybe, when she would return. Her view
O’ th’ path soon disappear’d. She would pursue
The reason – then she saw it merely turn’d
Into the mountain. “Yes! It’s here!” Her blue

Fur stood on end, in sheer furor. “I’ve earn’d
The end at last! O so much here to learn,
I’ll hardly wait!” On both sides of the road,
Tall cliffs stood guarding from light, which would burn

Away her self, were it not for the load
Of ice upon her neck. And in she strode,
Her wings still crampt, but folded inward still –
The walls gave nary room. She then had slow’d;

Was that a light beyond the end? I will
Investigate, she told herself. The hill
Is almost conquer’d anyway; a cause
As well to see the journey’s end. Until

She would arrive, she kept her eyes sans pause
Upon the glimmer. Her hoov’s felt like claws
Along the rocky trail, that scratch in long
Scars of her desperation. There it was,

She would remind herself – I must stay strong,
And I will soon be back where I belong.
The light grew nearer, nearer, ever near,
And she felt tantalizing all along

The trail – until, at last, she had come. Here
Was something striking that did not appear
Achievable – aye, ’twas beyond belief.
The verdance stretcht before her – rather queer.

Here, life existed, in the form of leaf
And bud and branch, which gave her some relief.
Where these plants grew, forsooth, the water be!
She found some – though she thought herself a thief,

She drank it deeply. After all, ’twas free
In its flow. And when she had finisht, she
Would take a better gander all around
Her. Why, her castle’s garden did not see

E’en half of all that grew here. From the ground
That’s blest apparently, the princess found
Some many indescribable plant breed.
The ones she did know, they were only found

Within the Everfree. She then took heed
Of what would sprout within the center, freed
From other’s influence. She would advance
To get a better view. What sort of seed

Would spawn this thing? she ponder’d. E’en by chance,
I’d never find the thing back home. She’d glance
A single bud atop the greatest stem.
She wonder’d what the bloom would be. The trance

Stall’d her from what came up behind. “Ahem.”
She jumpt to see what made the noise. “This gem
Is not yet grown.” A being odd stood ’fore
The princess – maned like a lion, the hem

Stretch’d round her neck, and then down it would pour
To her hoov’s and tail, and a horn would soar
From out her head, with twists and turns that would
Confuse the princess. “How’d you find this shore?”

She’d ask her. “I fear that it is not good.”
“I just went on the trail that sister should
Point out to me,” said Luna. “If I may,
I wish to know your name, and how this could

Live here.” “My name is Void Spark – I would stay
Atop this place for all my current life. The day
Lasts for all time, but here, the water’s throng
Would fertilize the ground, and sans delay,

A new friend verdant would appear among
The others. I would tend them all day long,
And pray that I would return back home soon.”
The princess sigh’d. “I hate to sing the song

Of disappointment, but by my own moon,
We both are dead. We’re Fallen, all us, hewn
From life and fam’ly.” Void spark would collapse
Onto the ground, her last hope now in tune

To deep despair. She did not weep, nor lapse
To anger – utter shock was all. “No maps
Can point the way,” said Luna, “but I’ll tell
You this: if you save me from burial wraps,

I will find how to pull you out as well.”
“You truly mean this?” “Yes I do – I’d sell
No vow that I would break.” “How did you die?”
The princess was struck by her words. “A spell

I made that peers within the dreams was nigh
Improv’d to full perfection. I would spy
Upon a baker, at his son’s request.
He had the Shade’s Corruption – why,

I could not leave the mess, and I would rest
Peacefully with him. Aye, there was that quest –
He came along with me, to see the end
Of his death, much like I. I do not jest

When I declare that I had lost my friend
To this land. All the magic I could spend
Could not revive him – where I am, at least.
So I must ask – can you help me ascend?”

“I could attempt – well, as soon as I’ve ceast
My tale.” O this again! she thought. “Deceast
We both may be – if you’re to find me here,
At least know whom you seek. I hail fro’ th’ east,

Beyond Equestria, not anywhere near
The place, among the kirins – whom you’d hear
Not anything about.” “Forsooth, I’ve not,”
Said Princess Luna. “Tell me more – I fear

We’re not acquainted very well.” “I ought
To warn,” spake Void Spark. “Kirin are all fraught
With that enchantment – we must never get
Upset with anything, lest such a thought

Destroy around with fire. We’d not forget
The work of Niriks – heavy is the threat,
That some have taken silence as a vow.”
She smil’d. “You’d do the very same, I’ll bet.”

“Of course,” said Luna, “I would not allow
My temper e’er to sway my judgment. Now,
Can we inaugurate the tale?” And Void
Spark said, “Indeed – I’m sure you would allow

Delay, even if you become annoid
At pausing.” Anymore she’d not avoid 
It. “Once there was, and once there wasn’t. I
Was born a humble kirin, one devoid

Of purpose, like all others. I would try
To find mine, yet no matter how I’d vie,
The bitter taste of my defeat would wait
For me. I askt around, and e’en on high

To the sun and your moon, whether my fate
Was emptiness and void. And all too late,
My mother past on, and I was without
My greatest guide in life; I’d truly hate

To wish the same on anyone, no doubt.
I take it you’ve not seen her here?” “About
Your mother?” Luna askt. “Nay, I have not.”
“How sad that she was not upon your route,

Said Void Spark. “All the same, my talents wrought
My destiny in due time – I was taught
That none of us could not bring back the dead,
But they could speak to me. Even a thought

From out the hallow’d ground could rightly shed
Some light upon the world. Of course, instead,
Those kirins who have found out of my work
Would ask instead to speak to them. My head

Would pain me to no end, for they would lurk
Beneath the ground in stranger ways. I’d shirk
Not anyway, for love can shine a light
Upon them, give them hope.” She gave a smirk,

And then continued, “I could feel the fight
Within my horn and hoov’s, but by my might
They would talk all the same. I did not fail
T’ excite the ones who wish’d to hear, in spite

Of what occurr’d to them – how they might ail,
Or lose themselv’s upon a wayward trail,
Or even fighting for our safety true –
Regardless, all of them will tell a tale,

Much like I tell you now. Upon a clue
My brother gave to me, I took the cue
And spoke to Mother dear as best I could.
She had no words for me, so very few

I gleaned from her, that I thought for good
We’d lost her. When I told him this, I should
Now mention, he suggested that again
I try. So when I took his word, I would

Believe not what had happen’d. O the pain
I felt within my horn! I felt the strain
Of magic drawing out by force. I soon
Collapst – when I awoke, I found I’d gain

Some clarity within that realm. The moon
Would help project them, but the sun would tune
Me into madness, which I would avoid
Just barely. Therefore, when the light was hewn

From blue, and your moon shone forth, then the void
Would open up to me. I have enjoid
A bit of tea with my Grand-Mother, plus
I learn’d some alchemy from one devoid

Of steadiness o’ th’ magic. (He would muss
The mixture when it called not, and thus
He would be ruin’d.) Ah well, anyway,
One night, a filly came to live with us

From out another village. She would say
To me about her father, who did slay
A beast most terrible. If I could see
Into the realm of dead – or Fallen – they

Might well impart an answer, so with glee
I would employ my lunar curse, so we
Could crack the mystery. And once I cast
My spell, us two would soon become a three.

I felt his soul wrap ’round my horn, so fast
I would project it on the ground. It’d last
For just some minutes few, so she’d need speed
To stay a while. An yet, she was aghast –

Her father was not this one – I’d not succeed!
I pled his pardon, which he had decreed.
Then I would turn to her, and tell her so.
She understood quite well, that she would need

Communicate with mother, who would know
The things we’d not. She would return to sow
The newfound knowledge into me – forsooth,
One lonely evening, that stallion’d show

Up at her door, whilst he would fight. The truth
Would come to light: she show’d him too much ruth,
And when the sun return’d, and he as well,
He never could be found. (No season’d sleuth

Could seek him out). He never’d really tell
What happen’d that night fateful – not a spell
T’ extract the truth from her or anyone
Else. Yet he still detected that foul smell.

That was six years before – the deed was done;
The filly was the product that was spun
From mischief marital. When I would spawn
Her father, that was true – but not the one

She knew before. I askt if she was drawn,
Her mother, to his memory. Such pawn
Prov’d very useful to me that next night.
Once I projected him upon the lawn,

I called up the father true. They might
Consider what had happen’d, but not quite.
They each accus’d the other of a sin
That only one committed. In my sight,

They started fighting, just to see who’d win
The filly over. I would flash a grin,
And channel energy into the mix.
With that, they would dissolve, and sink down in

The ground. She, well, was devastated. Sticks
And stones may break her bones, but they did nix
To her for quite some time. I shall admit
I did not give the case up – all those tricks

I knew, I us’d for sev’ral nights. I’d quit
Not, not until I saw into the pit
O’ th’ matter. Just some pieces would surface
Until I weav’d the cloth of truth. To wit:

Because the other did not leave a trace,
The true one thought nought of the disturb’d place.
When she was born, he took her as her own,
Despite the flaws that he could never trace.

The false one died from illness, one unknown
To me or you – and he had died alone.
But as he spoke this, fighting would break out
Once more – but this time, I would not condone

Their actions. Therefore, I would stick my snout
Into the mess, but there was nary doubt
That it’d have any sort o’ effect. They drew
Me deep within – because I could not shout

For help, my body fell in place. I knew
It’d not rise e’er again, and I went through
The deepest fall you could imagine.” “Say,”
Said Luna, “I did just that.” “All too true,”

Spake Void Spark. “All of us come down that way.
You’re nothing rather special. – Anyway,
I reacht the bottom soon enough, before
This mountain you apparently would slay.

The climb to the top was indeed a chore,
But when I came here, it was not a bore.
So many plants, far as the eye could see,
Awaited here – but none would yield a cure.

I’ve tried so many things, and yet, to me,
They had no such effect. I would not be
Releast from this calamity. I’d just
Maintain the garden, ’til discovery

Of what their nature true was. From the dust,
They spring with magic, magic you can trust.
Of course, you need to figure out which will
Do what, but that’s not simple, so I must

Explain: those daisies yield the sun’s warmth – ill-
Requir’d here. Valley-Lilies make the shrill
Sound deafen’d to the nought. And roses make
The world bend to your will. But rather than

Imagining your will to use, forsake
Your thoughts entirely; only then you take
A single one within your mouth. The shade
And hue dictate its power, make no mistake.

Red heals your body, white your soul. You’ve made
Some injuries to both; you wish for aid?
Then help yourself. And th’ yellow ones o’er there;
You seek your inner peace? Be not afraid,

And take one for yourself. But if you care
To know some more, there is another – where
It lies, I do not know, but I know this:
Blue grants you magic over life. ’Tis rare,

So very rare, but do not be remiss.
If you can spawn the thing, you’d have the kiss
Of renew’d life. You might tell I have none
To share with you, for if I did, the bliss

Of life would once again be mine. The sun
Shall shine upon this hole, the water spun
From unseen source, and I shall be content
With keeping these. O what a load of fun

Indeed!” “And very long since you have spent
Such time alone, we met – correct?” She bent
Her head t’ agree. “It felt like many years
Since I have seen a single soul. They’ve sent

Not anyone for me, as per my fears –
Is that right?” “Th’ same for me, and nary cheers
Have kept me company.” Then a thought. “Tell
Me – even though you know it, it appears

You’ve not a way to grow a blue rose. Well,
You could explain the method.” “Not a spell,”
Spake Void Spark, “but I know the method might
Consume the six you’ve met – it will dispel

Their souls, so one may live among dawn’s light.”
“Six souls to save another – is that right?”
She nodded her assent. “You may not wish
T’ erase your guide, indeed, ever to smite

The ones you ever cherish, but a fish
Must breathe in water, never air. Banish
What other substitutes you have, the six
Must only do. Break your vow like a dish

Upon the ground; you cannot ever fix
The problem he e’er had. Do not affix
Yourself onto regret. Equestria’s need
For you outweighs him; you must cross the Styx

The other way, and not him.” “I concede,”
Said Luna with a sigh. “Although I’ll plead
Wi’ th’ Fates, they cannot change what they have set
In motion outside my control.” “Agreed –

And when the deed is done, that bush will let
It sprout.” “The dead one in the midst? I’ll get
It from the place?” “To wit, it is not dead;
It simply lacks the fuel; we’re in its debt.”

“So how does one begin?” “Within my head
I cannot see; so far we both have tread,
But I could not conjure the words.” So she
Would think so deeply – then, “I think instead

The answer has to do with Harmony.
Each one would be call’d Generosity,
And Honesty, and Laughter, Kindness too,
And Magic in the fray with Loyalty.

I’ve met the honest one, his trade was true;
He never cheated in his trade – would you?
A kind dose helpt me back upon the trail
After I took a fall I wish I knew.

A simple laugh could lift my soul sans fail,
Even in darkest hours as I would scale.
So loyal was my guide, that I bemoan
His rapture – but that must be part o’ th’ tale.

And generous was th’ one who’d ever loan
This ice-charm ’round my neck, which I have shown.
That leav’s just Magic – ” “I think it is I,”
Said Void Spark. “What a shame that I’ll have thrown

My life away in wait – at least, I’ll ply
It to your own – Equestria needs you nigh
Among them, not a necromancer.” “Brave
Words you did speak,” said Luna. “I won’t lie;

To take the offer would mean I would shave
Away the task I first was meant – to save
My guide, the baker, of whom his son told
Me.” Luna sigh’d. “He’s lost now to the grave,

Just as you are, and as will I, if cold
And rotten my own body turns. My hold
Upon my life is likely very strong,
But I cannot say such for sure.” “You’re bold,”

The kirin said. “Although you might be wrong
About the ‘cold and rotten’ bit – ’tis long
Ago you may have died, but sister dear
Would keep an eye on you, where you belong.

So do not fret again – not when you’re near
Your goal. I’ll sacrifice myself right here;
The other five would know the price as well.
Now put away your shame; to life you’ll steer!”

“So how,” she askt, “shall we begin the spell?
What magic should I use, what words to tell?”
“I truly do not know, if I were true
With mine own words,” said Void Spark. “I shall dwell

Upon the mystery.” Then she would view
The wooden bush again – and there, like dew
In dawnlight, was the answer she did seek.
Six stones surrounding it – and Luna knew

Just what to say and do. She then would pique
The int’rest of the kirin, who would peek
Where pointed. She knew just as well as she –
“Of course!” She lit her horn, and then would speak.

“The honest one knows empty words can see
The family and village broken. He
Will strive to keep the sacred bind of trust,
And always knows the truth will set him free.”

And as she spoke, a stone would start to rust,
And then would glow bright orange, as if just
The kirin’s words would bring the stone to life.
It dull’d soon after to a shade of rust.

The bush, meanwhile, would start to sprout leav’s, rife
With vim and verdance, as if her words’ knife
Would slice within its roots, and water’d flow
To nourish that which was once plaug’d wi th’ strife

Of drouth. “How fascinating! It would know
To do the thing?” “Indeed,” said Void Spark. “So
You know that honest one you met cannot
Be heard from ’gain – he suffer’d through the throe

Of final death.” “I do believe you not.”
And Luna lit her horn, to seek the spot
In time when he would meet the two. Alas,
It was not meant to be. “Your mind is wrought

With glaring blank? That is right – he would pass,
And too your memory of him. Harass
Yourself not; there is no reversing it.”
She nodded. “Let our will not become glass,”

She said; “we must continue, never quit.”
“You feel remose?” “Forsooth, just a mere bit –
I’ll miss them so, but I too shall confess
That their loss is requir’d for me to split.”

“The kind one knows that treasures such will bless
Those in its need, no matter how much less
They may give in return. And should they choose
T’ reciprocate in kind, that is good – yes.”

A second stone lit up, as though the cues
Workt just as well, and soon the light would ooze
Into the ground, until the amber shade
Would take its golden place within their views.

The dead bark on its branches would be made
To fall away, and there would be displaid
Much fresher living stems along the plant.
The healer was fine, or so Luna praid.

“The laughing one knows the world around can’t
Be misery so pure – he’ll see the slant
In ev’ryday life, and poke cord’ial fun –
And share around all comedy’s enchant.”

The third stone lit up like th’ eternal sun
Above their heads – its golden light would stun
The princess, just for once, as she would stare,
Enchanted by its work, ’til it was done.

The soil beneath the bush became wet, where
The roots would grow. This water would repair
Whatever damage might occur in all
That time that it remained dormant there.

“The loyal one might hear th’ alluring call
Of fame and fortune to be had. The squall
Would not be answer’d, for he sees much more
To stay true to himself, and to his thrall.”

The fourth stone shone as true as three before –
Its light would last much longer, she was sure,
For its light piercing did not fade from sight
Even when she would shut her eyes so poor.

And then a single rosebud came, pure white
As clouds to block her sister’s morning light.
Though it would not now blossom, Luna knew
That that would change in due time, as was right.

“The generous one knows that many do
With fortune less than his. So he’d construe
To give his heart to ease another’s pain,
For he cannot imagine going through.”

The fifth stone lit up like the four. Again
Its golden light would make Luna’s eyes strain.
O finally! she thought, as th’ light would dim
This must be it! My goal I shall attain!

The rosebud blossom’d, from the white and slim
To deeper blue, as deep as Luna. Trim
Th’ arrangement of the petals would become,
As it asserted itself full of vim.

Before the kirin spoke more, her eyes swum
As she would realize what she must do. “Some
Might cower, back away,” said Luna – “yet
You brave the end.” She nodded with a hum.

“The magic one unites the others, let
Them complement each other as a set.
No one part is the best, but made a whole,
No force could dare to sunder or upset.”

To Luna’s shock, the kirin soon would roll
Into a cloud of dust, which that stone stole,
The final stone, as it would brightly glow.
And when ’twas gone, so was that final soul.

The flower did not change. Perhaps the show
Imbu’d it with the magic she would know
Would bring her back to her beloved land.
“Six souls to save another – ” She would stow

Such worries; what was done was done now, and
No reason for concerns could be. As plann’d,
She ate the only flower on the shrub –
It tasted warm, but otherwise was bland.

The heat would spread throughout her form, and rub
Within the final hope. She felt a nub
Rewrite her fate, as though the Fates divine
Saw what she did. She rose like a cherub,

E’en though her wings did not unfold. She’d shine
So brightly from her horn, but th’ magic’s vine
Was not a strand. Of course, ’twas the blue rose
That granted her this wish. She would align

Herself so she would rise by sight. The throes
Of below were behind. “At last – it shows
A vortex pulling me into the sky!”
She’d wake up from her death in blue-hu’d glows.