//------------------------------// // Chapter 17: Calm Before the Storm // Story: Discovering the Past // by Astral Star and Company //------------------------------// Not risking the rickety old rope and wood bridge, Sunshine Smiles flew across the gorge, landing softly on the other side. He landed on a large open stone platform. Before him stood a large set of heavy wooden doors. Walls stretched out around the Citadel, presumably to protect it from potential siege situations, as if the gorge around it wasn’t enough. Sunshine approached the gates, smelling the damp, musky scent of age from the moss-covered fortress. Gathering courage, he knocked firmly, but slowly, four times in succession. *KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK* *KNOCK* Seconds later, the gates began to rumble. The heavy wooden doors creaked and groaned in protest as its age worn shape was hauled on equally old hinges. Once open wide to its capacity, it stopped with a loud thud, and the crackling of loose stones. Inside, lay a building Sunshine was familiar with. Across a small courtyard, lay the old castle, as old and as ruined as when he saw it in the future. Sure, there were still patches of stone yet to be knocked off, but other than that, the sight was completely disturbing. It was so familiar, yet so different, a thousand years before his birth. Repressing the urge to shiver, Sunshine walked onward, his steps echoing across the otherwise silent grounds. Crossing the courtyard, he came upon a smaller set of heavy wooden doors. This one parted in the middle, and had the Equestria’s emblem branded across the centre. Before he could knock, however the door opened halfway, and a slender figure came into view. She looked just like the Celestia from his time period. Tall, slender and beautiful, but this time, with major differences. Her mane was dulled and ragged, as was her tail, hanging limply by her right side. Her eyes were tired and drenched in sadness, red from weeks of crying, cast downward in sorrow and shame. She lacked any of the formal jewellery she normally wore, having traded it for a lavender purple robe. Her wings hung limply by her side, as if she lacked the effort to fold them close to her body. After a few seconds, Celestia finally looked up to meet Sunshine’s eyes, and whispered “Are you, Sunshine smiles?” her voice was quiet and shaken, none of the calm, collected tone she usually carried was evident Sunshine nodded “Yes, Princess Celestia,” Celestia nodded in turn, and went to trot inside “Follow me,” Sunshine complied, and trotted into the dimly lit castle. Lance watched on from his side of the crevice, next to the rickety old bridge. He was quietly surprised when the Citadel gates opened, for the first time since the battle. He shrugged, and turned to his two companions. “Alright, I want you two to gather up all the supplies from the Inn, and set up a camp here,” he ordered, pawing a cross in the dirt with his hoof “Create a perimeter using the remains of our magical torches. Use them wisely, and make sure a solid ring is lit around camp,” He looked at both of them, measuring their enthusiasm. He was disappointed, but carried on anyways. “You have your orders,” he said with finality “Do it!” Potence and Rough House scrambled in the dirt and galloped back towards the Inn, a cloud of dust in their wake. Once they arrived, Rough quickly assembled a sack out of canvas, while Potence dashed around, picking up weapons, armour, food, water and various other materials. Once the first bag was full, Rough made another one, and filled that as well. Soon, the two ponies stood outside the inn, with half a dozen bags assembled in front of them. Rough House attempted to pick one up, but it clearly weighed far too much for him. Potence didn’t even try, but gingerly prodded the bags with her hoof. “Now what?” demanded Rough “We got the stuff, but how’re we supposed to get it to the camping site?” Potence shrinked back at her partner’s tone, and gave only her fearful eyes as acknowledgement. Before he could debate any further, a large bulky shape emerged from the fog that encompassed the outskirts of the ruined city. Sensing danger, Rough House drew a spear from one of the bags with his magic, and held it before him defensively. Potence tried her best to hide behind the armed unicorn. The figure approached slowly, but soon revealed itself to be a familiar grey earth pony, pulling along an empty wagon. Carver Pie strode casually right up to the pair, ignoring the spear held by the cautious guard. “Can I help you?” she asked, voice devoid of emotion “Well, yes,” Rough stuttered, surprised by her dry demeanour “We need these things taken to a camp site. Can you do that?” “Sure,” Carver nodded, but also added “For the right price,” Rough House groaned at her second remark, but quickly recovered “You will be paid a bonus by the Royal Treasury,” he stated firmly “Now come on, we’re on a schedule,” Carver said no more as she trotted over to the pile of bags. She casually took one in her mouth, and tossed it into her wagon with seemingly little effort. Rough House tried to help, but quickly dismissed it as he wasn’t able to lift a single one. Minutes later, Rough and Potence were leading a heavily loaded Carver Pie down to the bridge entrance. They quickly pitched the tents, lit a small fire, and set about making themselves comfortable. In the distance, the sun began to set. A warm orange colour filled the sky as the sun made its finished its journey for the day, making way for the night to come. Carver Pie was just about to head back, but was quickly stopped from a hoof on her shoulder. Potence, wriggling out of her nervous shell, pleaded with the earth pony with big blue eyes. “You don’t want to go out there,” she said, voice quivering in fear “Why not?” Carver asked, raising an eyebrow “Terrible things come here after dark,” Potence explained “Absolutely awful things,” Deciding to take the nervous Pegasus’ word for it, Carver sat back down and made herself comfortable by the fire. Her curiosity grew with each moment as she wondered what exactly appeared during the night. Astral’s Estate (Present Time) After the Doctor’s hasty departure at Verity’s ‘request’, Astral Star had been scampering all over the laboratory, haphazardly collecting whole sorts of random reagents. Fully aware of why Verity was so adamant that the Doctor made haste to Sunshine Smile’s time and location, the blue unicorn was making his own preparations. Weapons, armour, magical artefacts and tomes were hastily flung off the shelves and into an awaiting box or bag. Astral planned to go into a specific spot into the Everfree forest, and use one of his time sigils to assist Sunshine Smiles in the battle to come. Half an hour later, Verity, Honour Bound and Astral assembled at the edge of the Estate, closest to the Everfree forest. Honour Bound stood in a Changeling Captain’s attire. A simple deep purple chest plate and helmet, as well as horseshoes and greaves on each leg. Changelings already had a very tough exoskeleton, and coupled with Honour being something of the species’ Adonis, he required little protection, but he kept a sword sheathed to his left side regardless. Verity was dressed in lithe, gleaming, gold plated armour over a tight white robe. It looked fragile up close, but was actually nigh impenetrable to any normal weapon. She had a helmet that framed her face, with articulated feathers jutting from the sides. She also had a thin, but tough breastplate, and armour for her legs and hooves. A glittering lance was strapped to her right side, and a short sword tied to her left. Astral wore a dark coloured cloak that almost touched the ground behind him. Over the top, he wore an angular breastplate, fashioned from the shapes of triangles and diamonds, as were the armour on his legs. He had a rough black staff in one hoof, topped with an odd black tetrahedron, glowing an intimidating shade of purple. “Alright, you guys ready?” Astral asked “As we’ll ever be,” Honour replied sarcastically, shrugging into a leather harness. He was chosen to bear the wagon of supplies, since he was the strongest out of the three. “Well let’s go!” “NOT SO FAST!” ordered a stern, male voice The assembled three were quickly surrounded by a dozen Royal Guards. About five unicorns, four pegasi, and three earth ponies, each brandishing a spear or sword. A burly earth pony stallion stepped forward and levelled his sword at the three of them. His next words were laced with hatred and anger. “By order of the Princesses Celestia and Luna of Equestria, we place you under arrest,” he growled, his companions muttered approvingly “On what charge?” Verity demanded “On the attempted murder of Frolicsome Meadowlark, and the death of Sunshine Smiles,” he replied evenly "Preposterous!" Verity exclaimed, stamping a hoof into the ground “Relinquish your weapons, and kneel on the ground with your hooves behind your head,” Seeing that none of the ponies in front of him complied, he added “It wasn’t a request,” Verity cast her eyes to Honour Bound, who shrugged in response. She then turned to Astral, who offered her a wink, and a shake of his staff. Realising the meaning, she motioned for Honour to get ready, as he too noticed Astral’s gesture. “Sorry, ladies and gentle colts,” Astral announced, imitating a stage performer and gesturing to all the guards before him “But I’m afraid we won’t be sticking around for long,” “Oh, and why’s that?” replied the leader guard with an arched eyebrow “Because, you’ll be scared witless before any of you even reach us,” Astral then raised the staff in his hoof into the air. The gem fixed to its top began to glow more brightly, tendrils of violet light arcing across its surface like solar flares. The guard leader widened his eyes in shock, but quickly pointed his sword at the blue unicorn and cried “SEIZE THEM!” But it was too late. By the time even one of them made one step, Astral brought his staff to the ground with a resounding *CRACK*. The ground around him erupted with purple energy. The magic slithered across the grass from his staff, and entangled all the guards in chains of violet light. All of them struggled against their bonds, but their efforts proved fruitless as their binds only held them tighter. They were then forced to the ground as the chains wound tighter and tighter through the ground, eliminating any hope for escape. The guard leader glared daggers at the three, fury etched across every part of his face. Astral merely smiled at him in return. As the unicorn focused, his eyes glowed a sickly green, and purple smoke escaped from the back of his eyelids. His smile only grew wider, becoming cruel as he uttered his next two words. “Fear me,” he said simply Green light burst from his eyes, and enveloped the captured guards before him. The blinding flash happened only for a moment, but its effects were disastrous for his would-be assailants. All that was left of the Royal Guards, were a gibbering, thrashing and flailing group of ponies. They all convulsed on the ground, muttering and crying in silent fear as they lived through the horrible nightmare that Astral had subject them to. All their eyes glowed the same sickly green as the pony who did this to them. Astral let out a sigh, the glow in his eyes fading till it showed his normal ones. He turned to his companions, who up until now, had shielded their eyes with their hooves. “Honour, bring the wagon back to the laboratory. Verity, make sure that Chest Nut, Charlene and the foals are brought somewhere safe,” Honour Bound nodded and galloped away, hauling the wagon full now pointless ingredients behind him. Verity started to go, but quickly turned to face her brother. “What are you going to do?” she asked worriedly Astral gave her a frown as he uttered the words “I’m putting the mansion into lock down,” Verity gasped in surprise, but quickly nodded, and ran full pelt back to the Mansion. Astral turned to the magical barrier that encompassed the Estate and began to chant. The dome of magic rippled an opaque purple, then green, then gold and continued to in succession. Runes danced across its surface as he chanted. His words and own magical power empowered the barrier in all possible ways, reinforcing it for the potential battle to come. “Help would arrive another day,” Astral muttered They were about to be very busy. The Old Castle (Thousand years ago) Night approached quickly over the old Equestrian landscape, as Celestia set the sun to make way for the night. Sunshine Smiles sat on in her bedroom while she set about the task. He had a good look around the castle, and for a Princess of the Sun, Celestia sure spent a lot of her time in the darkness. The halls were lit sparsely, and only by candle. The very room he sat in was lit by only three candles, positioned on the ground, in the centre of the room. His keen bat pony eyesight allowed him to see tattered fabric, and splinters of wood shoved up against the wall. The only intact furnishings were a table, a study, three chairs, a dresser, and a luxurious four poster bed. All of which started to gather dust, besides the bed which looked to be the most frequently used object in the room. Celestia trotted down from the tower, levitating a tray with a teapot and two cups after her. She slumped lazily in her bed, and buried her face in her pillow. Muffled sobbing could be heard as she lay down on her stomach. Wishing to break the tension, Sunshine took a tentative sip on the still boiling hot tea. “Jasmine,” Sunshine noted Celestia looked up from her pillow with tear stained eyes. “It was Luna’s favourite,” she sniffled It disturbed Sunshine to see her like this. Every time he’s met her, she was always calm and collected, no matter what the situation, she was on top of it. It pained him to see the immortal princess, who would guide Equestria alone for a thousand years, grieve for her sister in such a way. He was beginning to see a whole new side to the normally passive guise of the Celestia he knew and served. Celestia gently blew into a tissue, and threw the used paper out the balcony window, and into the crevice below. She began to collect her composure, clearing her throat, sitting up and straightening her robe. “So,” she started. She sounded calm again, but it sounded forced as well, sadness was still evident in her voice “If you are from the future, how far exactly,” “About one thousand years,” Sunshine replied casually Celestia’s eyes widened at this sudden turned of events. She scrambled off the bed and stood uncomfortably close to the bat pony. “My sister, how is she? Is she well?” she blurted, her expression was now pleading to him for a good answer “She is fine and well, princess,” Sunshine said “She rules by your side once more,” “Tell me!” Her tone was hungry and desperate, like she’d been starving for some good news. Realising her sudden outburst, Celestia sighed, and moved to sit opposite to Sunshine, the tea set between them. “Sorry,” she mumbled, sounding ashamed for he sudden burst of emotion “Please, tell me more,” Sunshine sat up. He drew a breath, wondering how he was going to explain it to her. Finally, he decided to be truthful, if it meant getting himself back home. But knowing about the potential consequences of future knowledge, he chose to keep some things to himself. “I wish I could tell you everything,” Sunshine began “But future knowledge can have large consequences,” “Please,” Celestia pleaded “Anything you can tell me will do,” “Where to start,” he sighed “A thousand years from now, you will take on another student. You will teach her personally, and the two of you become the best of friends. On the day of the Summer Sun Celebration, exactly one thousand years from her banishment, Nightmare Moon will break free,” “Why are you telling me this? Will she ever come back?” Celestia asked, tears flowing down her cheeks again “I was getting to that. This student will make five friends. The six of them will become the new bearers of the Elements of Harmony, and cleanse Luna of the Nightmare forces,” Celestia breathed a sigh of relief as Sunshine continued “You would invite her to rule by your side once more, and she will accept it willingly. From then on, you will rule together, like old times,” Celestia looked to be on the verge of crying again, but this time, she was smiling. She levitated tissue over to herself and begun cleaning up the steady stream of tears. “Thank you,” she said “I needed that,” “You are most welcome, Princess,” Celestia got up and moved towards the dresser. She began throwing things out carelessly, obviously looking for something. Finally, she found it, a simple metal key hung on a gold thread. “You wish to go home, don’t you,” she smiled Although it looked like she was still grieving for her lost sister, she seemed to be a lot happier now than before. There was a twinkle behind her tear streaked eyes that reminded Sunshine of the Celestia he’s always known. “Of course,” he replied questioningly “but I don’t have a clue how,” Celestia approached him, and motioned for him to hold out his hoof. Doing so, Celestia gently placed the key in his hoof, then closed his hoof around the key. “This was given to me by a stranger, a long time ago,” she explained “He said that if I ever needed help, all I had to do was put all my hopes into it, and he will appear. You have need of him, much more than I do,” Sunshine looked up at her, a confused expression on his face. “Take the key,” she continued “and in time, he will come to take you home,” Sunshine nodded to her, and then went to leave. “Goodbye, Sunshine Smiles,” Celestia farewelled “It’s been a pleasure talking to you,” "And to you, Princess Celestia," he said, bowing to the solar alicorn. Sunshine smiled and waved back at the Princess, as he made his way out the door, and into the world outside.