Guardians of Light: A Shadow Forms
Chapter 26-Pieces Falling into Place
-Canterlot Castle: 1,000 years before Nightmare Moon's return-
It had been a quiet morning in the castle. Celestia brought up the sun as Luna lowered the moon, neither of them speaking a word as the sky turned from black to orange. Their breakfast was eaten in silence, the only sounds coming from the silverware they used to pick up their biscuits and fresh oats. Finally, their royal armor was brought out for them. Celestia was given a gold breastplate, helmet, and her Elements of Harmony fastened around her neck. The only difference in Luna's armor was that it was silver instead of gold, unlike her Elements of Harmony necklace. After receiving their armor, they went to the north tower of the castle where they would take off. Upon reaching the top, Celestia opened the door that led to the pure white marble balcony that extended from the tower.
From the northern balcony of the castle, both princesses looked at the northern mountains. The morning sun from the east cast an orange light on the right sides of the mountains, the snow on the peaks glinting in the light.
"Art thou ready to depart, Luna?" Celestia asked, looking ahead at the mountains before them as her armor and crest of Elements gleaming in the morning light.
"As ready as I will ever be." Luna replied in a determined tone.
Hoofsteps were heard behind them as Celestia turned around. In front of her stood Commander Storm, a steely look in his eyes. "Is there anything that thou require of me while thou art away?" He asked, giving a small bow to the princesses.
Princess Celestia gave the commander a slight smile. "Just make sure that the castle is still in one piece for when we return, Commander."
Storm looked up at the sun goddess and chuckled. "Even when about to be in the face of danger thou still jest?" He said with a smile as he shook his head. "Very well, Highness. This castle shall be better than thou left it when the both of thee return."
"Thank you, Commander. Now be off." Celestia said, turning her head back to face the northern mountains in front of her. "Thou have a castle to maintain."
"As thou wish, Princess." Commander Storm said. With a sharp turn, the guard pony walked back inside the castle. Is there anything I'm forgetting? Oh! Storm remembered, immediately turning back to face the princesses. "Oh. And one last thing."
"Yes, Commander?" Celestia asked.
"Should I continue the preparations for the Summer Sun Celebration while thou art away?" he asked. Now that he mentioned it, nervous thoughts began to accumulate in the stallion's mind. What if Celestia didn't make it back? Would there even be a Summer Sun Celebration? These and other concerning notions clouded his mind.
Celestia gave an understanding sigh. She knew what concerns the commander had and that his anxious thoughts weren't unjustified. She knew the risk of going into battle. Not everypony made it out of the kind of fights she and her sister were about to go into. It was Sombra or she and Luna. Celestia opened her mouth to speak, but was cut off.
"Continue with the preparations, Commander." Luna spoke up to the surprise of both Celestia and Storm. Luna looked back at the commander and gave him a stern look. "I understand thy sentiment, Commander, but our citizens need to be reassured. Proceed with the planning and the arrangements. I can guarantee that we will return from the Crystal Empire. Just make sure that everything is meeting the status quo upon our arrival." She said, spreading her navy blue wings off the sides of her silver armor.
Storm nodded in reply. "It will be done, Princess. Good luck to the both of thee." He said, taking a few steps back.
"And to thee as well, Commander. Thou art dismissed." Luna said, turning back to face the open sky in front of her.
Nodding in reply, Storm turned around and walked back inside the tower and back down the steps to the main keep.
Celestia looked down at her sister. "And thou art completely sure of our success?" She asked.
Luna's eyes closed. "I didn't say that so much for his reassurance as I said it for mine." She said, trying to hold onto her confident appearance to hide her fear.
An understanding look found itself in Celestia's eyes as she extended a soft white wing and draped it over Luna's shoulders. "We'll get through this, sister. Together."
Luna's eyes opened and she looked up at her sister. Slowly, a weak smile stretched across the lunar alicorn's visage. "Together." She said with a nod.
With that, Celestia extended her wings and began flapping. As Celestia began to ascend into the air, Luna followed suit by starting to flap her wings. Within a few moments, both Celestia and Luna were soaring through the sky, their destination somewhere in the mountains before them.
-Canterlot Castle Library: 1,000 years before Nightmare Moon's return-
"Have the princesses gone yet, Clover?" A deep blue old unicorn asked, his eyes gazing at the large black crystal that was still protruding from the floor.
Clover the Clever was watching out the library window, waiting for when the princesses had left. "Not yet, Master Starswirl... Wait!" Clover exclaimed as he sighted two alicorn-shaped silhouettes flying towards the mountains. "They have just departed, Master." Clover said to his teacher, his green-eyed gaze fixed upon the silhouettes as they disappeared into the glare of the rising sun.
"Good. Now we can conduct our experiments without interruption." Starswirl said as he walked closer to the crystal. "So, my student, what do we know about this crystal so far?"
Clover's silver head turned from the window to his teacher. "Well we know that its origins are in the Crystal Empire, created by dark magic. A very strong magic source must have pervaded the realm to cause these crystal structures to pop up all over Equestria."
Starswirl nodded in concordance. "Go on."
"Well I've received reports of the Equestrian populace taking down these crystals and disposing of them in caves, rivers, lakes, and other places where they won't be found." Clover said.
"Hmm." Starswirl said, looking down while stroking his long white beard. "That's probably for the best. Knowing how these crystals came to be, it would be advisable to not hold onto the results of such dark magic."
"So how long shall we be keeping this one?" Clover asked as he looked up at the large black stone, a feeling of uncertainty cascading over him as he observed the towering object. "We'd have to destroy this one as well, right?"
Starswirl nodded, the bells on his hat jingling. "In due time. Once we have completed our tests, then we shall dispose of the crystal."
Clover's gaze turned back to his instructor. "Well then, the sooner we investigate this thing, the sooner we can get rid of it."
"Agreed. Now go and fetch me the Glossary of Magical Spells." Starswirl ordered.
"Yes sir." Clover said, trotting towards one of the bookshelves to retrieve the requested work.
While Clover searched for the book, Starswirl's eyes narrowed at the black crystal. What art thou? He wondered as he looked into the ebony rock. Everything abut the crystal reeked of black magic, yet its presence was benign. Was it some sort of message? Was it some sort of indication of a power shift in magical energy? Or just an accidental fluke caused by a few unicorns? What? No. No unicorn could produce this kind of magic simultaneously across Equestria. No, this crystal was something of far deeper and more powerful magic than even the bell-adorned unicorn wizard dared to think of. But what art thou here for? Why reveal thyself now? He questioned the lifeless rock. Whoever was behind these crystals was far more skilled in the magical arts than most magic wielders in the world, so why stay hidden until now? The fall of the Crystal Empire may be just one clue in this grand mystery. To what it is pointing to, I am not sure.
"Got it!" Clover's voice exclaimed, breaking Starswirl out of the trance-like stare he was giving the crystal before him. Starswirl turned to see his assistant levitating a large brown leather bound book, a green magical field surround both Clover's horn and the book.
"Excellent. Set it beside the crystal, if thee may." Starswirl said, pointing a hoof at the floor next to where the crystal had erupted from the ground.
Clover gently let down the large book onto the floor, the magical aura surrounding both his horn and the book fading away. "Art thou looking for a particular passage, Master?" Clover asked.
"Yes, lad." Starswirl responded. "I am searching for the section of Sorceries and the Arcane Arts." He said, flipping pages with his magic.
"Ah. That is on page three hundred and forty seven, I believe." Clover said, earning a surprised look from his teacher. The unicorn wizard flipped the pages to the number Clover suggested. To his amazement, the beginning of the desired section was in the middle of the page.
"How didst thou know that?" Starswirl asked in bewilderment.
Clover put a smug grin on his face. "Thou art not the only source of magical knowledge, Master. Besides, it is an interesting read. Maybe thou should try it some time." He said.
Starswirl shook his head, the bells on his wizard's hat jingling as he gave his assistant a hard stare. "While I am impressed that thou art learning beyond my words, thou did not have to express it in such a self-confident manner." He said in an almost parental tone.
Clover's smug look disappeared. "I am sorry for my arrogant words, Master." He apologized.
"Do not be sorry for your words, my pupil." Starswirl said, his gaze softening. "Just keep in mind thy audience and talk accordingly."
"Yes Master." Clover said without missing a hearbeat.
Starswirl turned back to the book. "And now to find if there are any notes on this type of magic." He said as he began to read.
-Crystal Empire city streets: 1,000 years before Nightmare Moon's return-
Well I don't exactly blend in around here, do I? Shooting Star thought to herself as she pressed her back to the wall behind her. Being a pegasus and not a crystal pony, she didn't have the crystalline skin that the locals possessed.
She peered out around the corner of the building she'd taken cover behind, seeing if there were any crystal ponies walking down the street. To her surprise, she found none.
Where is everypony? Shooting Star wondered, her bright blue eyes scanning the streets for signs of activity. Feeling safe, the pegasus mare ventured out into the street. Seriously where is everypony? A city this big can't just be deserted.
"Pssst!"
Shooting Star froze at the sound. I've been spotted! Her mind shouted as she began looking frantically for cover to hide in. Panic set in as she remembered the alley she'd come out of. Turning tail, Shooting Star darted towards the alley as quickly as her legs could carry her. Within seconds, she was back in the alley, her breath beginning to quicken as adrenaline coursed through her system. Getting up on her hind legs and getting her back against the alley's stone wall, Shooting Star slightly turned her head to see where the pony that spotted her was. Shooting's face was barely peeking out from behind the wall as she saw nopony in the street. That's odd. Who made that noise? She thought, her thoughts fraught with panic.
"Hello?" A voice to her right said.
Shooting's ears flattened as her eyes widened in shock. I've been compromised. She thought, slowly turning around to see her attacker. To her surprise and disbelief, it was a silver crystal pony with a straight sky blue mane and tail.
"Who art you? What is thy business here?" The crystal pony said, trying to muster what courage he had to face this strange foreigner.
Shooting Star didn't know what to make of the situation. Was this crystal pony hostile or nonaggressive? Was he a spy for whatever took over this place? "Um… my name's Shooting Star." She said tentatively.
"Mine is Shining Star." The crystal pony responded. "What art thou doing here, visitor? Hast thou come to rescue us?" He asked, a hint of hope in his voice.
Well that eliminates him as a threat. Shooting Star figured. "I have been sent on a scouting mission to investigate a strange magic surge that originated from here. Has anything weird or unusual happened in the past week?"
Shining's eyes widened. "How didst thou know?" He asked in a whisper. Before Shooting could respond, Shining spoke up again. "No, no. Don't answer that. He may be listening."
"He?" Shooting asked, raising an eyebrow.
Shining's eyes darted left and right, as if trying to see if anypony was watching them. "No time to explain. We must go somewhere other than here." Shining said in a panicked tone.
"Dost thou have a house or something of that nature we can go to?" Shooting asked.
Shining's eyes lit up. "Brilliant. My home is not two blocks away from here. Hurry, follow me!" Shining said, galloping down the alley.
Shooting considered her options. On one hoof, she could follow this strange crystal pony and try to get some information. But how did she know she could trust him? Well it was either that or going on her own again and taking the chance that she may or may not find another pony willing to assist her.
Ah buck it. It's better than waiting around here to get caught. Shooting thought, giving a conceding sigh before taking off down the alley.
"This is so stupid. I have no idea what I'm doing here." Shooting said under her breath as she caught up to Shining. Then again, this is better than nothing. She thought as the two equines raced through the narrow alleyway.
For now, Shooting Star had no choice but to follow this crystal pony, for better or worse.
High above them, resting on a cloud, a grey alicorn watched the pair of galloping ponies. A glint flashed in his bright yellow eyes as a smile widened on his face. Yes. Everything is going as planned.
-Outskirts of the Crystal Empire: 1,020 years before Nightmare Moon's return-
A white unicorn looked down on the valley, his long black mane flowing in the mountain wind behind him. Never before in all his travels had he ever come across a land of such beauty. The large palace in the center of the city, the buildings, even the inhabitants themselves seemed to glow in the sunlight.
"Such magnificence." The unicorn said in awe, his eyes fixed upon the glistening city. "How has this place… this majesty… never been discovered?" he asked, astonished that such majesty had gone unnoticed and unrecorded in Equestrian historical texts.
"Perhaps it is here that I shall finally find a home." He said, reflecting on his journey. He'd travelled all over Equestria. He'd been to Canterlot, Manehattan, Fillydelphia, and many other Equestrian villages and small towns, but none of which seemed to suit his tastes in living. Canterlot was too rich, Manehattan was too crowded, and Fillydelphia's constantly fluctuating weather made trying to live in that city a nightmare, and the small towns, while had a welcoming and accepting feeling about them, did not hold much potential for the wandering unicorn to accomplish. However, it was in this place that Sombra felt a new kind of feeling, a feeling unlimited opportunity in a land undiscovered. Yes. Perhaps this place would be suitable.
"Halt, intruder!" A gruff voice shouted behind him.
The white unicorn stiffened and slowly turned around. Before him was a pair of guards, their skin like crystal and each having a chest plate of armor that had a side attachment for a spear to extend out of.
With a weak smile, the unicorn tried to ease the situation. "Greetings, my good fellows. Is there anything I can help thee with?"
"Silence!" The first crystalline pony, a stallion with a bright red coat and a gray tail barked, taking the unicorn aback. "What is thy business here, intruder?" He asked, his eyes narrowing at the white unicorn.
The white unicorn stood his ground and answered as calmly as he could. He didn't want to be kicked out of this place without even arriving first. "I have come seeking a place to call home. I have travelled many miles to find a city to call my own, but have found none."
The guards exchanged looks. "What is thy name, stranger?" The second guard, a purple-coated stallion with a white tail asked.
"My name is Prodigal." The unicorn replied firmly.
"Well then, Prodigal, we will have to take you to the palace keep until we have decided what to do with thee." The red guard said.
"I thank thee for thy kindness." Prodigal said, partially relieved to be able to find somewhere to rest. The other part of his mind was also fearful that he would be expelled from the city for being an intruder.
"Come with us." The purple guard said. "The council will want to ask thee a few questions upon our arrival." He said, motioning for Prodigal to start walking down the mountain and towards the city.
Despite his situation, Prodigal had a smile on his face as he and the guards descended the mountain. I finally have a chance.