Guardians of Light: A Shadow Forms
Chapter 46-Magicians' Fall
-Castle of the Two Sisters: 1,000 years before Nightmare Moon's return-
The midmorning sun shone brilliantly on the Everfree Forest as Celestia soared over the treetops. I sure hope Luna is alright. She worried, remembering the exchange they had just before she departed for the Summer Sun Celebration.
Despite the tremors felt prior to the event, the Summer Sun Celebration had gone without a hitch. Celestia had arrived, headed for her platform, raised the sun, and the ponies went crazy with applause. Although she kept a gracious smile on for her subjects, Celestia's mind was constantly reminding her of how her last interaction had gone with her sister.
So thou admit that thee receive more adoration from our citizens than I? Luna had demanded.
Why did I say yes to such a ridiculous question? Celestia cursed herself for her poor judgment and choice of words. She must have felt awful after I said that. Some sister I've been the past few days. Maybe that was it. Maybe she had been too focused on overseeing the Summer Sun Celebration and dealing with King Sombra to notice how abnormally Luna had been acting as of late.
The castle's silhouette stood above the forest in the distance, Celestia flapping her wings harder as she neared its stone towers. Gritting her teeth, Celestia soared over the treetops to the castle ahead.
"Celestia approaches." Nightmare Moon hissed, "I can feel her presence drawing nearer with each second."
Then the time to strike is almost upon us. The Shadow said eagerly. We should revert back to thy past form so as not to immediately alarm her and alert her of our intentions.
Nightmare Moon concurred with a fanged smile. "Agreed." A white light began to glow all around her form, shrinking it down into her original form. By the time the light had dissipated, the lunar alicorn's black fur had changed back into Luna's midnight blue color and her eyes had morphed back into their former circular blue form.
She won't suspect a thing. The Shadow stated gleefully.
"And when she arrives, what then?" Luna asked, half knowing what the answer was already.
The sun will set and the moon will rise. Thou must claim thy rightful place as ruler of Equestria, lest Celestia make sure there is no competition for her rule.
Luna steeled herself in the chamber behind the throne room, an anxious grin broadening across her face. "Then come, Celestia, and face the new ruler of Equestria."
Celestia landed at the foot of the castle door. Pushing the door open with a hoof, Celestia trotted into the castle's atrium.
Everything is as it was when I left. She noted. But where is my sister? Celestia frantically turned her head from side to side, scanning the room for any trace of Luna.
"Luna? Where art thou?" Celestia asked, approaching the throne room. Luna's and her respectful thrones stared silently back at her, the blue and gold tapestries hanging majestically over them. The torches silently burned, casting their flickering orange lights onto the floor and walls. As Celestia neared the two thrones, a familiar voice spoke up from hallway beside Luna's throne.
"Not another step."
Celestia's halted her advance as her eyes snapped to the hallway entrance, a slight smile of relief appearing on her face. However, upon seeing the menacing look on her sister's face, Celestia's smile quickly vanished. Before she could ask, 'Is something the matter?' Luna spoke up again.
"Didst thou really expect me to sit idly by while they all basked in thy precious light?!" Luna demanded.
Celestia's eyebrows furrowed at the accusation. Precious light? The solar princess watched her sister walk towards the archway between the two thrones, her concerns mounting with each step Luna took.
"There can be only one princess in Equestria!" Luna declared.
Celestia's eyes widened as she realized she was too late. She recognized the fury in Luna's eyes. A fury that had lay dormant for years, the fury of jealousy. Luna…no…
"And that princess… WILL BE ME!"
-Canterlot Castle: 999 years, 355 days before Nightmare Moon's return-
"Has she come out of her chamber yet?" Clover asked his teacher. The unicorn pupil walked up to Starswirl's side on the balcony of the castle tower.
Starswirl shook his head, the grimace on his face remaining as it had been for the past week. "Not yet, Clover. Not yet." His gaze at the moon never faltered. The Mare in the Moon, some had begun to call it. Even though it had become a daily sight in the night sky, at least for the past ten days, he still couldn't get used to the fact that he'd never see Princess Luna again.
"I can't imagine what she is feeling right now." Clover sympathized.
Starswirl's gaze finally turned to Clover's. He could see the concern in his green eyes. "None of us can. None of us have ever had to banish our sibling to the moon before." Starswirl said, turning his eyes back to the alicorn-shaped formation of craters on the moon.
Starswirl recalled when Celestia returned to the castle on that fateful night. She was pretty much inconsolable. He could remember hearing the sound of Celestia wailing in her chamber, cursing herself for not acting when she should have to prevent her sister's banishment, asking why it had to be Luna and not her. She was so woeful that she hadn't even raised the sun since that day.
"I can only hope that Princess Celestia will come around eventually. In the meantime, we must do our best to uphold our royal duties." Starswirl turned back to go inside the castle.
Clover nodded. "Agreed." He turned around to see Starswirl going back inside. "Going to bed, master?"
"I might as well. It is late and we both have busy days tomorrow." Starswirl replied.
"If it is no trouble I'll stay out here a little longer." Clover stated.
Starswirl shook his head, turning back to look at his student. "No trouble at all, my pupil. I will see you in the morning."
"Very well," Clover said, turning back to look up at the moon. Good night, Starswirl."
"And to thee as well, Clover." With that, Starswirl turned and entered the castle tower. No sound but the clomping of his hooves on the floor was heard as the wizard made his way to his bedchamber.
Starswirl lay sound asleep in his bed, the cool breeze of the night whishing through his window. He didn't even hear the sound of the purple-eyed serpentine creature enter his room.
The dreamscape was empty for the most part nowadays. With Princess Luna gone, the dreamscape was all but nonexistent, with blank expanses stretching far and wide. This night, however, all Starswirl could see was a grey blanket stretching into infinity.
"Where am I?" Starswirl wondered, looking around him only to find the greyness every which way his gaze went.
Suddenly the greyness faded into the surroundings of a medical facility in downtown Canterlot, specifically, the Birthing Center. Starswirl scanned his surroundings, the stark white walls of the hospital and light blue curtains surrounding various beds in the room. I've been here before. He couldn't place his hoof on it, but he felt some sort of familiarity with this place.
"Now just breathe easy, Miss." A doctor's voice could be heard from the other side of the room, behind another blue curtain. Starswirl curiously made his way over to the curtained bed.
"It hurts!" a mare's voice cried.
"Thou art almost finished. Just one more push." The doctor encouraged.
Starswirl wanted to cover his ears at the shrieks the soon-to-be mother stabbed out from the other side of the curtain. The mare's cries faltered at the sound of a new crying. The cries of a newborn foal.
"Congratulations, ma'am. It's a colt." Starswirl heard the doctor say. Starswirl approached the curtain, his eyes lighting up at the sounds of new life entering the world.
"Can I hold him?" the new mother asked as Starswirl's hoof met the curtain.
"Of course." The doctor replied.
Starswirl pushed the curtain aside and beheld the new mother and child. His eyes widened as he gasped at the sight of who it was.
It was his mother. She certainly looked younger than Starswirl remembered her, but it was her. The grey fur, the yellow eyes she shared with him, her white mane and tail… it was her.
Starswirl's gaze travelled down to the foal in her arms, his jaw dropping slightly at the sight of the newborn. Is that me? The newborn foal had the same fur and mane color as the he did, and he'd bet anything that the foal's eyes were golden yellow like his.
"Welcome to the world, Starswirl." He heard his mother greet him.
With that, the world flashed back into the grey expanse he saw before. For one of the few times in Starswirl's life, words failed him. He wanted to know what the purpose of that vision was, why he saw it, just… why?
"Starswirl the Bearded." A deep voice addressed him from above.
Starswirl's tongue loosened at the mention of his name. "If thou had anything to do with what I just saw, then please explain thyself."
A figure shimmered into existence before him, its silhouette casting a long and slender shadow. On the top of its body was a cloak that covered its head, a pair of glowing purple eyes looking back at him through the blackness of the hood. The lower half was scaly and serpent-like, with arms and legs were knobby and skinny, covered in scales like the rest of the figure's body.
"Who art thou?" Starswirl asked.
"I am simply known as the Keeper, Starswirl the Bearded." The serpentine creature responded. "I have been watching thee for a long time."
Starswirl's eyebrows furrowed at the Keeper. "Since the day I was born, I presume. I know that's what I saw."
"Aye, my dear magician." The Keeper replied. "From the day thou were born, I have watched thee. Watched thee grow in thy magical skill day by day. Thou have served thy purpose well, Starswirl, but I am afraid that time is passed."
"What dost thou imply? That my service of the princesses is no longer required?" Starswirl pushed.
"No, Starswirl. Thy time in the world will soon be over and thou will soon be able to rest at last."
The realization hit Starswirl like a brick wall. He lowered his head in thought. "I'm going to… die?"
"Tonight, yes." The Keeper stated. "I know there are many questions thou wish to inquire of me, but I do have a few answers to other inquiries that occupy thy mind."
"Those being?" Starswirl raised his gaze to face the Keeper's.
"Thou knowest that the Crystal Empire's fall was no random occurrence. And neither was Princess Luna's banishment."
"What art thou saying? That they are connected?"
Keeper nodded. "A force beyond thy comprehension is at work in this world, manipulating events to suit his grand scheme."
"And what scheme is this that thou speak of?" Starswirl questioned.
"Freedom." Keeper replied as Starswirl raised an eyebrow in confusion. The Keeper then elaborated. "Freedom from identity, freedom from will, freedom from the essence of life."
"But how?" Starswirl demanded. "What force could seek such horrific acts?"
"The same being that persuaded King Sombra that he should have all the power in the Crystal Empire, even if it meant jeopardizing his kingdom's existence for preservation of authority."
"And this same being convinced Princess Luna to betray her sister?"
"He persuaded her that she was the lesser princess, that she was inferior to Celestia. That she should take control for herself."
Starswirl's eyes narrowed in thought. It was all starting to make sense. "Thou said I had a purpose in this world before I die tonight. What was it?"
"Not what it was, but what it will soon be." the Keeper said. "Starswirl the Bearded, thou art to be the vessel for two prophecies I am to give to thee."
"And what are these prophecies?" Starswirl asked.
"I will say, but bear in mind that as soon as thou finish writing the words of these prophecies, it will be thy last deed on this world." The Keeper warned.
Starswirl looked down and gave a content sigh. "I suppose if I were to go out, it was going to be while I was writing something." He said with a light smile.
"Very well." The Keeper said. "The first prophecy I am to give thee goes as thus:
When the Mare in the Moon is no more,
Shall begin the end of an ancient war.
Heroes and villains. Friends and foes.
All will endure trials during the coming woes.
Hooves to the West, claws to the East.
Both will fear the Shadow released.
As the sun sets, the moon will rise.
A new sun, the Shadow's demise.
In the desert, the Guardians wait.
As the Eight determine this world's fate.
The words hung in Starswirl's mind, the Keeper's voice embedding itself in his memory. "Is that everything?"
"There is one more prophecy for thee to write down. It is to be shared only when the Eight are present." The Keeper said.
"And who are these 'Eight' thou speak of?"
"They are the Guardians of Light, ones that share a power great enough to combat the darkness that plagues thy world. Art thou ready for the second prophecy?" Starswirl nodded in reply. "Very well. Remember these words."
As the Keeper uttered his second prophecy, Starswirl closed his eyes and let every word soak into his mind.
A few moments later, the Keeper finished the second prophecy, and Starswirl opened his eyes to look into the Keeper's. "And how will I know who these 'Guardians' are?"
One of the Keeper's scaly hands reached for Starswirl's forehead, a single claw outstretched. As soon as the tip of the claw met Starswirl's head, individual images of figures flashed before the unicorn's eyes. Two faded silhouettes of alicorns, one a deep blue, the other a purple one that was shorter in height. He saw the outline of a small dragon, green spines protruding from its body, and a unicorn standing beside it with a trio of diamonds on her flank. He saw two pegasi, one's mane and tail the array of the rainbow, the other with a longer pink mane and tail. Finally, he saw two earth ponies, a distinctive brown hat atop one's head while the other's mane and tail were a poofy pink.
The Keeper retracted his claw from Starswirl's forehead. "These Guardians have yet to come into this world, but when they do, will thou be able recognize them?"
"I will." Starswirl assured.
"Excellent. Then art thou ready to awake?"
Starswirl took a deep breath, looking into the Keeper's glowing purple eyes. "Yes."
The Keeper stretched out a clawed hand and laid it on the unicorn's shoulder. "Then, Starswirl the Bearded, awake and fulfill thy purpose."
Starswirl's eyes shot open, the ceiling of his bedchamber looking back at him. Sliding out of bed, he walked over to his desk where his journal lay. His horn lit a light blue as his quill levitated from its inkwell, the journal flipping open to the first empty page.
The quill met the book's page almost instantly as Starswirl jotted down the words he remembered from the vision he had received. An encompassing relief began to wash over Starswirl as his quill marked the end of the first prophecy. Even though he was going to die tonight, he knew that he was fulfilling his purpose as a conduit for a greater purpose. A smile broke out on Starswirl's face as he jotted down the last lines of the second prophecy. With a final swish of his quill, Starswirl closed the journal and set the quill back in its inkwell.
Suppose the book is lost or destroyed before the message can reach whomever it is intended for? Starswirl worried, his horn lighting up once more. A burst of white light shot from the magician's horn and struck the journal. As soon as the spell hit the book, it reflected back at Starswirl, illuminating the center of his chest where the spell reconnected with its user. After a few moments, the spell died as the light faded into nothingness.
"Nothing a sensory stimulation spell can't fix." Starswirl answered his worrisome thoughts with a satisfactory grin.
Turning back to his bed, he made the final steps of his life towards his place of rest. Climbing into bed and pulling the covers over, Starswirl took one last look around his bedchamber. Everything he'd ever done, everyone he'd ever met, it had all led up to this moment of remembrance. Giving his life a final look over, Starswirl closed his eyes, content in that he'd led a good life in service to Princesses Celestia and Luna and to whatever forces that were beyond his understanding.
Not more than a minute passed after he'd closed his eyes that Starswirl the Bearded was at peace.
-North Equestrian mountain range: Present Day-
The balloon neared the edge of the cave entrance, Trixie and the three disguised changelings focused on the pony at the tunnel's mouth. At the opening of the cave was a bright orange pegasus mare with a long yellow mane and tail, waving at the balloon travelers.
"Almost there!" the pegasus shouted, motioning for the balloon to be brought a little closer to the cave's entrance. Speedy Delivery eased the balloon to the edge of the cave against the mountain winds. As soon as the balloon's basket touched the cave entrance, Trixie and Silver Star leapt from the balloon as Speedy kept it steady while Palm Spring tossed a rope to tie off the balloon from inside the cave.
The disguised Chrysalis grabbed the rope and looped it over a rock protruding from the tunnel floor, securing the balloon to it. With the balloon secured, Speedy and Palm exited the balloon and regrouped with the others.
"What kept you guys so long? We almost had to abandon the project due to your absences." The orange pegasus chided.
"Sorry about that. Weather was a bit of a hassle to get through." Silver Star piped up.
Trixie looked to the orange pegasus. "So you are the one in charge of this whole operation?"
"That is correct." The pegasus beamed. "I'm Sunshine Ray."
"Trixie." The unicorn introduced herself, extending her hoof. Sunshine grasped it and gave it a firm shake. "So where is the testing supposed to take place?"
"We have a cavern down this tunnel designated for pegasus flight tests. It is there where we will be requiring your assistance, Trixie." Sunshine said, turning and begging to walk down the tunnel, with the others following close behind.
With Trixie ahead of them, Chassis, Cipha, and Fang could let their true emotions show. Their task was finally complete. They each began guessing what would soon happen after this day. Promotion? More rations of love to feed on? Better housing situations back at the hive? The possibilities were endless as to what Chrysalis could offer them.
Or take from others. Fang thought with a grimace.
"So is it just the four of you that are conducting these tests?" Trixie asked as the darkness of the cave almost completely blinded her.
"We have two other assistants down in the cavern waiting for us." Sunshine was quick to respond. "And if the hunches of my scouts are correct, you must be one powerful unicorn. Am I right?"
Trixie proudly grinned. Without saying a word, her horn began to glow light lavender. In a flash, four balls of purple light burst into existence above each of the heads of the disguised changelings.
"Impressive." Sunshine commented.
"Whoa, that's cool." Speedy spoke up from behind. Moving his head back and forth, his eyes were glued to the ball of light that continued to follow the top of his head wherever it went.
"Personal illumination spell. Nothing too complicated." Trixie bragged.
Sunshine chuckled. "Well I'm sure we'll be seeing more magical feats like that once we get into the cavern."
Silence fell over the group as they ventured down the cave tunnel, the sound of hooves clomping on the rocky floor breaking the deafening quiet of the cave.
A few minutes later, Sunshine Ray stopped at the edge of a drop-off, the other halting behind her.
"Here we are." She said, turning her head to face Trixie's. "You'll need some help down. It's a bit of a drop." Spreading her wings, Sunshine jumped from the edge and glided down to the cavern floor below.
Silver Star strolled up alongside Trixie and extended his hoof towards her. "Allow me."
"Thank you, but no need." Trixie said graciously, her horn beginning to glow once again. In a light purple flash, the unicorn vanished for a split second, suddenly reappearing in another burst of light at the floor of the cavern.
"You guys ready for this?" Cipha asked, giving her companions an eager grin.
"Born ready." Silver said, a flash of green changeling magic allowing his insect-like wings to sprout from his body. With that, Chassis jumped from the edge and glided to a spot of ground behind Trixie as to not draw attention to his wings.
Speedy's hardened face stared ahead into the darkness of the cavern. Fang turned to look straight into Cipha's eyes, his disguised pony eyes gone with his normal blue changeling gaze replacing them. "Before we do this, Cipha, I want you to tell me something."
Palm Spring looked to him, seeing a hurt in his eyes she'd never seen before. "And that is?"
"Tell me if this will be worth it."
Cipha opened her mouth to speak, but no words came forth. A few moments of silence passed between the two disguised changelings. "We'll soon find out."
Fang furrowed his eyebrows at the response and closed his eyes in somber thought. Opening them again, his pony eyes were back. "So I guess you're gonna have to carry me down." He said, lifting his front legs up to his chest.
Without a word, Palm Spring looped her hooves around his upper torso and began flapping her wings.
As the pair of changelings neared the ground, Palm dropped Speedy to the ground just behind Trixie as she landed.
"This is incredible." Trixie breathed. Before her glowed a massive light blue shield that bathed that section of the cavern in soft azure. She could only dream of creating such a shield spell in her lifetime, but what was it protecting?
"What is?" Silver asked, his eyes focused on the swirling shadowy being that was in the corner.
"You don't see it?" Trixie raised an eyebrow at the large earth pony. "The giant blue shield spell in front of us?"
"I don't anything." Palm Spring said.
"Me neither." Speedy agreed. While he couldn't see a shield spell, he could definitely see a swirling blackness in the corner Trixie was looking at. Is that the creature Chrysalis plans on freeing?
"Ah, Sunshine. You've arrived." A brown earth pony with a leafy green mane and tail approached the group. "Are we ready to begin?" He asked, casting a glance at the unicorn.
"So we shall, Timber Pile. We have what we need to get started." Sunshine said, a green misty magical field beginning to envelope her figure.
Trixie turned around to face Sunshine, knowing that she was being referred to. "So does that blue shield have anything to do with-" The words stopped in her throat as she beheld where Sunshine Ray used to be.
Instead of the orange pegasus she knew before, there now stood a tall and slender insect-like black pony with perforated legs and wings, a jagged horn protruding from her forehead. Trixie could feel those slit green eyes staring into her, as if they were beholding a meal. Trixie had heard about this being's attack on Canterlot, but she had never thought that she'd be seeing at her face-to-face.
Before her stood the queen of the changelings, Queen Chrysalis.