Location:
ER-0 Equus Origin
Equestria, Ponyville, Golden Oaks Castle
1003 CE (or 3 RE)
To say that Twilight Sparkle had been terrified would have been a great understatement. In her fear induced movements, Twilight had all but raised Ponyville looking for her friends, as with what Celestia had said, the Elements of Harmony. Or rather their bearers, considering they now sat where they belonged, in the tree of harmony. Considering that the station was closest to Rarity’s, Twilight had hit up the Carousel Boutique first, much to the disruption of the fashionista’s comfortable rest. Rarity would have normally admonished a disruption of her beauty sleep, but the sheer desperation in Twilight’s eyes had held it at bay. Then it was off to Dash’s Place, it being mobile was currently above the clock tower, then Applejack’s, Fluttershy’s, and with great haste the mane six had been assembled in the new library located inside Twilight’s Castle (Named Golden Oak Castle in honor of her original home). Celestia’s sun hadn’t even blessed the horizon yet, and all of the bearers, sleepy, baggy eyed, and hungry, stood in a bemused fashion watching their lavender friend pace back and forth, her mane disheveled and reminding all of them of the smarty pants doll incident some time ago.
“What do I do? What do I do?…” Repeated Twilight, in a mantra that only served to increase her panic, rather then reduce it. Finally one of her friends had to ask.
“Twilight, honey…Are you ah’right?” asked Applejack, her southern draw served to comfort, if only nominally.
“Yeah Twi, this isn’t like one of those things you usually panic about but turn out to be nothing big, is it? interjected Dash, Twilight’s frantic pacing starting to effect her calm.
“This IS a big deal. I might be removed as a princess, Banned from all Equestria, no, Equus, I might have to redo magic kindergarten…forever!!” Replied a tearful lavender mare.
“Darling, I’m positive that no matter what you did, for good or bad, that Celestia would do any of those things. Most surely, Celestia wouldn’t punish you with such harsh edicts.” Rarity said, hoping to bring some calm to their distraught friend. Bringing a hoof to her chin in thought she finished with, “or that cruelly.”
“Of course Celestia wouldn’t do that,” Replied Twilight flippantly, “It’s not her I’m worried about…it’s another alicorn that would meter out the punishment…and he might be even stronger then Celestia…”
With that one statement all the girls jaws just fell to the floor. Celestia was, with over a millennia of records, undoubtedly one of the most powerful ponies in all of Equus, to say that another pony, not to mention some unknown, male alicorn held more power was simply to absurd to believe. Not to mention the manor that their friend had just dropped the information so casually only furthered the disbelief held by anyone other then Twilight. Had it been any other pony saying such things they would be dismissed as having a fantastic imagination, or delusional. The fact that it was Twilight that had said it, gave the statement some measure of credibility. After all the elements had all known Twilight for over a year, and had shared more adventures with her then they had cared to count, all leading to one fact. Twilight was a terrible liar, seconded only to Applejack, element of honesty.
“Now, Ah, do reckon that is a might somethin’ to worry ‘bout.” Applejack answered for them all.
“What’s worse, Celestia is coming here tonight to send me to him…” Twilight gave and audible gulp, “alone. She had me gather the six of you because it’s going to take the full power of the Elements of Harmony to forge a portal to where…where…” Twilight broke down crying. Fluttershy moved in closer to comfort her friend, Pinkie followed suit.
“Why wouldn’t Celestia send you by chariot or something. Hay, I mean it’s not like there isn’t anyplace in the world the royal chariot can’t go. Why does the princess need the elements to get you where you need to be?” Rainbow Dash asked, confused.
“I…It’s…I’m not sure I can talk about it…Suffice it to say, where I’ll be sent to is further then a pegasus can fly, and a unicorn can teleport. Someplace like the Mirror Realm…but different.” Was Twilight’s glum reply.
At that Twilight just broke down again, this time, all of her friends gave hugs in an effort to help her. Trying their best to cheer up their friend, offering what ever comfort they could. Though the element bearers had little or no clue as to why Twilight was being subjected to such emotions, they did their best to comfort and console. The hug was held till Celestia’s sun had given them it’s early morning light. Not long after morning sun, the solar diarch had arrived at Twilight’s castle.
“P-P-Princess Celestia, *sniff*” Slowly Twilight rose, breaking away from the embrace of her friends. “What…*sniff*…What’s going to happen to me?” Her voice broken, as innocent as a foal. Tears she thought she no longer had, being desperately held back from her once mentor.
“My dearest friend, I could not begin to tell you. I wish I could say everything will work out…but I can not lie to you, not with this.” Sighed Celestia, “Though what happened was never intended, it does not matter to Skeleton’s eyes.”
“Uh…Princess, what are you talking about….what happened? And who, pray tell, Is this Skeleton character your talking about?” asked Rarity hoping to gain some sense of what was happening, and a brief glance at her friends faces told her they thought the same.
“My little ponies, Who Skeleton is is a subject of a great and complicated discussion, to which I, unfortunately, do not have the time to explain in the detail it deserves. However, it does not mean I will be unable to give you an answer. The simplest explanation is he is an alicorn from another world, that bares the same if not more responsibilities as myself.
“There are rules…Rules that were broken last morning. In his usual manner Discord had been trying to all of the us, Luna, Cadence, Twilight, and myself. In our frustration, we had teleported him away, together. What we did not know was where we had teleported him to, a realm of which Skeleton had control. What was done had the same impact as if the Griffon’s or the Minotaurs had banished one of their own to Equestria.” Understanding flashed across all the the elements faces save Twilight, who was still fighting back tears, “Skeleton’s method of ruling is less, pleasant, then mine. When he discovered what we had done, he demanded our help, as was his right…” a small frown broke her stoic mask before it disappeared so fast it seemed it never to have happened, “And so I must send Twilight, for he had specifically asked for her. “That is why I have asked Twilight to gather you here as fast as she could. The elements will be necessary to send Twilight to his realm. When what ever damage Discord has done, intentional, or, as I suspect, unintentional, is fixed. Skeleton will meter out his punishment, and do to his position in this manner, I will be unable to sway or stop.”
It was then, that Twilight’s predicament finally dawned on her friends.
Location:
R-13 Farway, Caelum
Cygnus, Belfiore Academy
2037 P.C.E. (Post Creator Era)
Sleep had abandoned Trevor as he now sat in the foyer. It was not for a lack of effort, but do to a bizarre and incredibly dangerous circumstance beyond his control, that had robbed him of his peace of mind, and thus sleep. His hands clenched in white knuckled fists, sweat beaded on his brow, moments away from falling to gravity's embrace. Discord, as Trevor was beginning to suspect, secretly trying to harm him. Intentionally, perhaps...but it was hard for him to determine. Discord's actions were alway ambiguous at best. Regardless, Trevor's want to see the CO, turned to need, as he recalled just what happened hours prior.
The old adage of "sawing logs" didn't hold a candle to the snoring his roommate produced when the other worlder slept. The noise produced rumbled the walls and rattled the furniture. To make it even more annoying the snoring sounded fake, as if he was pretending to sleep, so obnoxious was the noise. Sadly it was the most bearable part. On random occasions the dragonequus, in disguised form, would sneeze. That in and of it self was harmless, but it was what came about when Discord sneezed that made the night infinitely worse. When he sneezed some of whatever Magic the creature held would affect the room. Most changes were harmless. A change of wall paper, different furniture would appear replacing what was in the room, Trevor's blanket replaced with netting, and other harmless but annoying changes. The most curious was a blue plant Trevor had never seen before potted on a table, but there was something about it that told Trevor to avoid it at all cost lest he be embarrassed for weeks from what ever its effects would do to him. Not unlike one of the random changes that altered his sleeping wear to a teddy. It was the last sneeze that had terrified Trevor. As to how Discord knew of, or managed to summon one of the most deadly creatures ever to have been conceived by the Artist, Trevor could only guess at. But by unforeseen circumstances, a Darkin appeared in his room.
Darkins, a foul creature of death, lived off life sources. There presence turned the most brightly lit and warm day to an icy and terrifying affair. Any living thing a darkin touched, it leeched the life from quickly, aging it's victims at an impossible rate. What made the darkin so much more terrifying was they had no definitive shape. Just an emptiness, a black cloud of non-light, no face, no body, nothing that was tangible in anyway. They only indication that anyone had of being in a darkin's presence was an icy sensation at the base of the spine, usually. For suitably high rated magic users, they could sense it as if it had a physical body. Thanks to his newly unlocked magics, Trevor had indeed sensed the nightmarish creature.
Startled awake, in a mad panic Trevor reached for any light emitting construct he could grab. His hands fumbling about in the darkness desperate to find a darkin’s only weakness. Anything that could produce light. Sensing the darkin growing closer, a sensation of what would be it’s ghostly, icy, deadly, fingers were outstretched in hopes on feeding on him, Trevor’s desperation grew. Each second wasted felt like a nail pounded in a coffin. Just when it was within reach, he finally found what he was looking for. With out wasting what precious little time he had, Trevor reached within his pool of mana, and let it connect to the construct. Immediately the room filled with brilliance and a loud inhuman screech. The loud heart wrenching noise continued until if finally disturbed Discord from his slumber. With him awake, the darkin disappeared in a soft pop.
“I dare say, that was quite rude. what ever that thing was.” Discord grumbled.
“That thing was a darkin.” Softly replying the young cadet, “You…You summoned it here in your sleep. I…We…” Trevor’s breath turned ragged, his adrenaline levels dropping, his whole body shaking with both relief and terror.
“Why what ever is a Dar-kin? Sounds like some ambiguous thing that a lazy writer would come up with”
“Darkin are one of the most dangerous evils our creators ever left behind in their legacy. With just one glancing touch they can steal decades worth of you life!! And. You. Brought. One. HERE!!”
“I assure you I did no such thing intentionally. I personally don’t like causing death, it’s so final. Death just ruins chaos.” Discord paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. Even when I’m not actively trying to create chaos, I’ve never brought forth something so dangerous, if the young colt is to be believed. I should know, I’ve tried to do it a few times, but the matriarch had never given me such a blatant means of destruction. It seems old Skelly was right. I am a danger to the colt. The sooner the elements get here the safer he’ll be. I do hope they show up sooner then later. “I’ll be extra careful to ensure something like this never happens again. You can trust me.” Discord’s smile, meant to be reassuring, only helped to discredit his statement.
“The mere fact that this was an accident only means that you can’t be trusted. I can’t wait any longer. I’m leaving, don’t follow me.” snapped Trevor, all but shouting in anger.
Trevor turned promptly, and left the bedroom, and made his way to the foyer, were he waited alone. As it was still a ways before dawn, and with that the CO, Trevor still held the course, and did what ever he could best to calm his nerves.
Location:
ER-0 Equus Origin
Equestria, Ponyville, Golden Oaks Castle
1003 CE (or 3 RE)
After Celestia’s brief description on how the element were going to help bridge the two realms, The mane six had gathered in a circle around Twilight. At first there was a small bit of confusion. Namely, how they were to call upon the elements. With the physical elements no longer accessible to them, having been returned to bring peace back to the Everfree. They hadn’t really spent time exploring the strange new magic they had been granted from the Tree of Harmony. Initially they had tried to do what they had before, focusing on the physical medium of the elements, hoping the connection to them would survive being returned to the tree. Sadly this had not worked. It wasn’t until they had felt the task impossible, that they would have to give up one of their friends that a strange, yet familiar power coursed through them. It was their friendship. In focusing on what ties they had to each other, they found the elements power, and gifts that the strange locked box had imbued them with. So calling forth their connections to each other, and with Celestia’s gentle guidance, they began the border spell.
Slowly the six elements, honesty, loyalty, generosity, kindness, laughter, and finally the magic that came from friendship rose to the air. their coats altered, reflecting both the element they represented and who they were themselves. As the spell gained more power, a rainbow light swirled about them like a ribbon caught in a dust devil. To each of the bearers a feeling of love, respect, comfort, acted as the catalyst to bring forth more magic. A soft pleasant sensation coursed though all of them, but more so at the focal point, Twilight Sparkle, to give direction to the might of harmony. Twilight’s eyes turned a pure white, in magical saturation, it was then Celestia cast the magic needed to seed the spell. In this “seed” held the information on the world Skeleton had demanded her once student attend to. Confident the power of harmony would be strong enough to force a portal into being, (Celestia had never truly understood Starswirl’s magic enough to make her own doors between realms, and after her betrayal of her friend’s trust, would never receive. This was the only method she could come up with to fulfill the king’s request.) With the seed planted, the rainbow swirl grew brighter, reaching its climax bathing the room in it’s light. Like a feather, the element bearers floated back to the ground, their coats back to their usual splendor the light diminishing to the normal sun lit levels as before. However unlike before, a swirling rainbow portal stood before them, both tall and wide enough for even Celestia to pass through with ease.
“It…Is done” Stated the solar diarch, a tone of finality was heard in her voice. Not unlike carrying out a death sentence. “Twilight, I will give you few moments to prepare.”
Twilight just gave a solemn nod and headed to her room to pack what ever she thought she could use. With slow dragging hooves, Twilight left the company of her friends. The other elements made their way forward, inspecting the portal that had taken all of them to make. Trying to see what lay within the rainbow colored hole-in-reality that lay in the center of the library, only to see nothing beyond swirling rainbow light. Upon the faces of Twilight’s friends, their emotions shown like Celestia’s sun. Rainbow’s features reflected the apprehension, tempered by her curiosity at the wonder before her. Applejack bemused, such fancy magics escaped the sensible farm mare. Rarity looked in wonder, the swirling pattern already inspiring the fashionista with three different sets of clothing lines. Fluttershy a mask of fear, slightly lessened by a queer sense of bravery moved closer to the portal, standing near enough to touch it. Pinkie, unlike her friends just looked bored, and slightly crestfallen.
I hope they can forgive me, for what I’m going to have to do. All of them. Thought the usually peppy pink mare.
It didn’t take long before Twilight had returned, upon her barrel a small yet tightly pack saddle bag. This wasn’t a pop quiz or some random “test” Celestia had signed so Twilight did see some reason and thought it best not to pack the proverbial kitchen sink. With the slow march of a funeral preseason, Twilight had descended from the upper story of the the castle to regroup with her friends. Tension filled the air, growing a bit too much for Rainbow Dash, She had to voice her opinion on the matter.
“Uh…Princess? Normally I’d be up for a good adventure. Hay, Even was ok with Twilight heading off to the human like version of Equus, but…this just seems wrong. I mean why does Twilight have to head through the portal alone?”
Celestia gave a soft sigh. A small smile graced her lips, at Rainbow Dash’s loyalty for her friend. “Thank you for your concern Rainbow Dash. The reason Twilight has to be sent by her self is a simple affair. Our magic, Equestrian magic, has a tendency to break down the walls that separate one realm from another. When our magic is to prevalent in a world it does not belong to. The borders between these planes of existence weaken and begin causing them to merge. Could you have imagined what would have happened if the darker version of myself had been given free reign her in Equus?” Rainbow shuttered, “The more dissimilar a realm is to our own the more likely the magic degrades the border. That is why despite my desires, I must send Twilight alone.”
I am so sorry Twilight. If I could go myself, I would do so instantly and without hesitation. However, I must follow what ever the king demands, no matter how much it pains me
Though the Answer Celestia gave had placated the prismatic pegasus, it did little to alleviate her worry, or for that matter the rest of the bearers. Twilight, still disheveled, look upon her mentor and role model with a sober gaze. She held it for what seemed ages, hoping without hope that somehow the princess could save her from this fate. When the princesses sorrowful gaze was the only answer she received, Twilight just resigned her self to face Skeleton, alone.
“It is time, Twilight, May the Matriarch guide you well” breathed Celestia, her tone conveying all.
Step, by step, Twilight made her way through the portal.
Suddenly, and without provocation, Pinkie gasped loudly, before bum rushing Fluttershy, sending the timid mare tumbling into the portal.
“OOOOO!” exclaimed Pinkie, oblivious to the looks of horror on her friends faces. “I found a bit!” Pinkie shouted, holding the golden coin in the air like a trophy, followed by a squee.
PINKIE!! shouted her friends, each with a varying amount of disgust showing.
“What? finding a bit on the ground is just good luck. everypony knows that!”
Time for the act… she thought.
“Pinkie, you just pushed Fluttershy through the portal that only Twilight was supposed to go through. What the HAY were you thinking!!” shouted Rainbow, now even further enraged at loosing a such a long standing friend.
Pinkie stared on for a moment before realizing what had happen. With the audible sound of a balloon popping, Pinkie’s mane changed from her bright pink candy floss curls to a straight and darker pink mane. Soon after the water works followed, spraying in fountain like manner from both her eyes.
“O-o-o-oops…I didn’t…I mean my back was itchy and thats suppose to mean it’s my lucky day, and then I saw the bit on the ground and my body just moved on it’s own. I d-d-didn’t mean to push Fluttershy into the portal to who knows where…” at that Pinkie just wailed.
Though still frustrated at teh turn of events her friends’s anger simmered a bit, in recognition of the accident. However, Behind Celestia’s stoic features, unyielding under the further degradation of the diarch’s control, terror and wrathful rage were at war in her soul. What further demands would Skeleton ask of her? Would he take hold of his right and rule her ponies in much the the same manner as his own charges? What would happen to her, if she was honest, all but daughter, Twilight and her friend fluttershy under Skeleton’s scrutiny? Yet, under this turmoil righteous anger burned not unlike her very sun. How should this pink pony be so careless! How dare her subject cause further risk to their way of life, regardless of intent. In the struggle between her emotions her rage, began to boil, rising to the surface, threatening her mask. It was only a matter of time before it would breech the stoic face the solar princess held.
Her only saving grace was something Celestia had never expected. A brief glance over Pinkie’s form had answered her fear induced questions. For when, Celestia’s magenta eyes met Pinkie’s baby blue, that the party mare’s eye’s flashed white. Instantly the princess recognized what had happened, as well as the why. The Matriarch had decided to act. Only her agents, her daughters, or the Matriarch her self had that telling sign, solid, iris-less and pupil-less, eyes. Though the gaze had only lasted a fraction of an instant, Celestia’s rage had calmed. Sadly, as it did pass, so did Celestia’s memory of what happened. All that remained was the feeling of relief.
It was not long after a second black ribboned scroll had appeared before the solar princess.
Location:
R-13 Farway, Caelum
Cygnus, Belfiore Academy
2037 P.C.E. (Post Creator Era)
Once again Trevor waited outside the CO’s office.
Trevor left immediately after the morning sun had broken the oppressive black of night, hoping to see ADML Skeleton as soon as was possible. Fully aware that the wait would be a dull, listless, affair, Trevor was determined. Having face his death the night prior thanks to his new roommate, Trevor would brave almost anything to be rid of his new ”roommate” despite Discord’s best efforts to sway him from doing so.
“It seems somepony is still pouty about the little accident we allegedly might have possible done last night without our consent.” grumbled Discord, “Now I’m certain I had sorry at some point last night, really early this morning, slightly less early this morning, just after the sun rose, or perhaps not…who knows? But that’s beside the point. Yes what happen was without a question a nightmare for you, and unfortunate all the same. But it seems my natural habit for jokes and just what ever makes this wonderful chaotic world run, don’t play too well without my complete control,” Discord leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially, “Mind you I don’t have much control over what I do anyway,” Discord returned to his original position.
“Allow me a…” Discord quickly punched into his chest and pulled out a stylized heart, covered in some fuzzy material, “Heart felt apology.” Discord gave his snaggled tooth grin.
Trevor just stared, unamused Is it all just word play and games to him? Does he not know just how dangerous Farway really is? How this world plays for keeps?
“Oh, I see,” Discords grin turned to mocking frown, “It appears this sort of apology isn’t good enough for you. So let me ask you Stallion to Stallion.
“Skelly will be here before too long. While what happened last night was most certainly an accident, I’d rather not face his wrath when he finds out what hap—”
Discord’s whole body shook for a second or two, Leaving Trevor curious as to what the dragonequus was playing at. Portions of Discord’s body rapidly grew and shrank, signs of something big coming, to what the lord of chaos didn’t quite know, but could give a good guess at. Then as quick as it started it stopped.
“IN COMING!” Bellowed Discord, before dropping into the fetal position.
Now very baffled, Trevor just stood still, unsure of what just happened, before noticing the very P-way he was in started to grow warmer. The very air of the building that housed the CO’s office grew stuffy, then mid summer full blown humidity hot. Visible arks of arcane magic broke though the metaphysical plane, signs of incredible active magic levels being cast, crackled to and fro with out any true direction. Hair standing on end amongst the young ensign’s arms at the rising concentration of magic forming in the air, a tingling coursing through his legs turning them numb. Smaller arcs bridged the gaps between his individual hairs, much to Trevor’s slight concern. At an almost imperceivable level, to start, the active magic discharges began to swirl about the room. Within seconds the arcs of intense energy formed a whirlpool, streaks of lightening like energy coalescing into a pea sized core of pure arcane. Trevor, as per human condition, took a step of two forward, fulfilling the need for answers to the unexplained magic before him.
*FLASH*
*BOOM!!!!*
In rapid fashion the core of what ever was being cast, exploded in a bright wave of force, coating the room in white brilliance, before dissipating leaving a rainbow portal in it’s wake. Trevor would have taken further notice but the execution of the active cast was taking it’s toll. The force of the portal had taken a more physical action, turning into a concussive wave, not unlike a grenade exploding, propelling Trevor down the hall.
This is going to hurt… he thought before impacting the wall, knocking him unconscious.
“Well that’s one way to make an entrance.” aid an amused Discord, unfurling himself from the fetal position, “Why if it isn’t Princess Sparky…”
Twilight though unfamiliar with her surroundings quickly found Discord and gave a glare that would peel paint. Discord only stared on, looking at the mare’s new form. Twilight’s hair fell to the small of her back, colored much the same as her mane. Her skin a slightly tinted lavender, her blouse a light blue complemented by a magenta bowtie and a violet skirt, with her cutie mark adorning it, with knee high sock and boots of the same coloring. Discord thought it suited her.
“No? Ok, fine. I’m going to give a guess and say you don’t really care to see me after what happened the other day. Honestly I’m quite surprised you figured out it was me in this form.”
“No pony but you could be so annoying within ten seconds of a greeting.” deadpanned Twilight.
“Ah, ooooh… Looks like you brought a friend with you too. Hello my dearest Fluttershy, Welcome to your first inter realm…or second inter realm excursion.” Discord bowed, eliciting a small eep from what was his, usually a pegasus, friend. Now, a butter tinted human resting on her calves. A pastel green skirt, white T-shirt with her cutie mark of three butterflies embroidered on had made up her clothing. Her soft and graceful pink hair covering her face, as if to hide her from the strange new world before her.
“Did you bring the other elements with you? I am so looking forward to there faces once they realize they won’t be little ponies anymore.” Discord finished with a chuckle.
Realization dawned on Twilight’s face before levels of panic not seen since the smarty pants doll incident made them selves well known.
“Fl-Fluttershy?” Stuttered the lavender girl, “Wh-what are y-you doing h-h-here? It was s-s-suppose to b-b-be me a-alone…” Panic now in full bloom, Twilight began hyperventilating, and her hair began to spring into a tangled mess. “I was…I have to send you back!! He can’t know your here. Quick…back through the portal before it closes.”
“OH-HO! So Celly was only to send you? Skelly didn’t ask for all of you like I had suggested…no matter, Perhaps it would be best to send her back. Mayhaps with me as well? after all he wants you now. I don’t think it would be too hard. If we act quickly old Skelly won’t even know what happened. After all I wouldn’t want to be here for him to see this. I’d imagine he’d be quite mad don’t you?”
“Furious.” Corrected Skeleton, his eyes pure white in rage.