//------------------------------//
// Chapter I - Lower the Stars 
// Story: Lunaris 
// by Madame Ponka 
//------------------------------//

It wasn’t always this way.


To say things used to be a lot more calm would be an understatement. It’s unknown when it began. Some say a hundred years. Some say a thousand. Some say a million. What is known is that it wasn't like this a long time ago.


Lunaris. A land of eternal night and eternal frost. A land of ferocious beasts and powerful magic. Only those with an enormous amount of strength and willpower could venture out of their hometown and brave the horrors of the Lunaris wilderness. Ponies have been told since they were foals to never attempt to go out in the wilderness alone. Those unprepared either never come back, or become too traumatized to tell the tale.


Who is to blame for this? Nopony knows. Some blame Nightmare Moon, who has taken control of this land many years ago. Some blame a pony named Twilight Sparkle and her group of friends for failing to defeat Nightmare Moon, leading to her rise. Some blame Princess Celestia, rumored to reside in the moon, for failing to tend to her sister. Some even believe that this was meant to be, that this is just a dark chapter in the history of ponykind.


Lunaris seems like an old pony’s tale. A tale about a desolate and dangerous land littered with a few villages and settlements, and occasionally a big city. But this is far from an old pony’s tale. This is real, and the danger is even more awful than one can imagine.


Lunaris is a land of struggles, but also a land of hope. Hope that one day, one day, the chapter of Lunaris will come to a close, and a new era of prosperity will arrive.


They’ve hoped for what seems like eons at this point, but to no avail.


~


She took a deep breath as she took in her surroundings. Trees… and snow, as far as the eye can see. She had no destination in mind. No idea where she was, nor did she have a goal in mind. Just wander until a settlement is discovered, and repeat the process. She was nothing but a lost soul in a dangerous world.


This was nothing new to her though. She wouldn’t have it any other way.


She looked into the small frozen pond in front of her, and stared deep at her reflection.


She was a bat pony, dark blue as the midnight sky above her. Her rough dark green mane draped over her her head like a wet mop, snowflakes speckled all around it. She ran a hoof through it, cleaning all the snowflakes out. She wore gold spiral-shaped earrings, and had a grey cape with a collar draped over her. She adjusted the cape and continued staring.


Probably her most dominant feature were her eyes. They were deep purple pools of beauty. They almost seemed to have a beckoning nature to them, almost as if they were begging for the viewer to get lost in them. Even looking at her reflection, she couldn’t help but feel compelled by those two pools of purple.


She turned west and started trotting… and trotting… and trotting…


For how long she trotted, she didn’t know. She was all alone. Just her and her thoughts. 


And that was all that she needed.


She was never bothered by the chilly weather. Months of wandering desensitizes you to it. She definitely felt it, the cold air drafting around her, the snow crunching beneath her hooves, the freezing wind that made her cape flutter, but her body and mind refused to give in to nature’s wrath.


After possibly hours of trotting, she decided to take a break and sat under a tree. She set her leather saddlebags to the side, taking note of the name stitched on them.


Mythic Azure


It was an interesting name. She always wondered why she was called that. It was practically a riddle to her.


She leaned back on the tree and closed her eyes, ready to drift off to sleep.


CRACK!


The sudden sound made her jump. She quickly stood up and looked around for the source of the sound.


Just a few hundred feet away from her was the roaring beast of a timberwolf.


The timberwolf made a mad dash to Mythic. She had no weapons on her, and no skills in fighting. She had no possible way to defend herself. She stared right at the dashing timberwolf.


And then her eyes began to emit a purple mist.


“Halt!”


The timberwolf heard the voice echo in his head. He suddenly felt a strange foggy sensation inside his mind. His thoughts were going muddy. He couldn’t do anything but slow down and stand in front of his prey.


His prey just stood there, still as a statue, mist emanating from her eyes. She was right there! He could snatch her up in less than a second! Why couldn’t he move!? Trying with all his might to move, it proved to be fruitless. If anything, it just made the foggy sensation even more prevalent.


“There’s no prey here. Turn yourself around and go home.”


The words echoed in his head again. Of course there was prey here! It’s right in front of his face! Every instinct was telling him to fight it. He tried with all of his will, but it was futile. Her power was too strong. He gave up after a couple minutes, and he was finally able to move, but he moved away from his prey. The farther he moved away, the less foggy his mind was. When he was finally free, he ran away, not looking back.


Mythic’s eyes returned to normal, and she breathed heavily. Her head gave heavy pounds. Timberwolves almost never give up that much of a fight. She took some deep breaths as she gathered up her will and relaxed. The pounding in her head ceased, and she gathered up the strength to go back to her tree.


She slumped back and sat down under the tree. She looked up at the tree she was under. Like all the other trees, it was tall. Taller than she could imagine. Probably reached into the clouds. It was almost surreal staring at the mile-high trees. It brought her a strange sensation of peace.


“Pardon me, Miss.” A voice said.


She jumped as she heard it. A relatively young orange pegasus stallion had come up to her while she was trying to relax. He had some golden armor on and carried a spear with him.


“I-I’m sorry. Who are you?” Mythic asked.
“Private Arctic Shiver. Pleased to meet you. I noticed the way you stared down that timberwolf earlier. Pray tell, are you a psychic?”
“I doubt that anypony but a psychic would defeat a timberwolf just by staring them down.”
“Well I must say I’m very impressed. What’s your name, Miss?” Arctic asked.
“Mythic Azure. And thank you. I take pride in defeating my enemies with just a flick of my brain.” She said with a smile.


Arctic gave a chuckle. “Well you certainly do a good job at it. Anyways, I just wanted to ask you if you needed any help. I noticed you out here and wanted to see if you require any assistance.”
“I take it that’s your job. Helping others in need.”
“Correct. Been doing it for about a year. It’s dangerous, but it’s rewarding to see those ponies being guided to safety.”
“It’s good to see there’s still a few glimmers of hope in this world. It’s a rare virtue in Lunaris.”
“Indeed. I’m surprised that you view me so kindly. Most ponies have a hard time trusting me. They think I’m just here to rob them or something.”
“Trust me. I know if a pony has evil intentions.” She said with a wink.
“I see what you mean. Do you still need help, though?” He asked.
“Not right now. But definitely keep doing this. You’re a good pony. Keep that with you, and don’t lose it, no matter what.”
“Thank you, Miss Azure. You’re one of those wanderer folk, aren’t you? Don’t really have any set destination?”
“Nowhere but wherever my mind takes me. Where you from?”
“Auris. A village a couple hours from here. I’d be glad to take you there if you’d like. It’s relatively safe.”
“I’m good. I’m already going there actually. Perhaps I’ll see you there.”
“Alright then. Just stay safe. And keep those brain juices flowing.” Arctic stated with a smirk.
“Oh I will. Farewell, Mr. Shiver.”
“Farewell, Miss Azure.


And with that, he trotted off into the cold mist. Mythic found herself alone again. She wrapped her cape around herself as she felt herself growing drowsy again. 
She curled up and closed her eyes, allowing the warm embrace of slumber to take over her soul.


Mythic never exactly “dreamed” in the traditional sense. Being a psychic, her dreams were a lot more… controlled. 


All she could see was pitch blackness. Nothing but an eternal abyss of darkness. She flexed her mind and brought forth light. As the light slowly came into fruition, she knew where she was.


The Astral Plane.


Here was where her powers were manifested entirely. Here was where she retreated when she needed to meditate and think deeply. Here was a world that simultaneously existed in her mind, in everypony’s mind, in Lunaris, and in another dimension entirely. Here was a world she could bend to her will.


All around her, stars danced across the realm. She always felt entranced by them. They seemed to give her hope and determination, something she values on a journey through the treacherous forests of Lunaris. She seemed to be standing on an invisible floor. Stars danced and twinkled under her hooves. Mystic willed the floor to become visible.


It wasn’t much. A transparent light blue platform that seemed to stretch on to infinity. She took a deep breath and prepared herself.


She opened her mind and concentrated on trying to receive some sort of message or a sign.


“My name is Mythic Azure. I need to know what my purpose is. Please help me…”


Every time she slept this would be her request, and every time she would get the same answer. An answer that has haunted her for years.


“Lower the stars.”


~


Eventide never really believed in fate. She always thought that the only two periods that existed were the past and present. As far as we know, the future does not exist. The notion that a pony has a “destiny” of some sorts was something she always found silly. A pony doesn’t have a purpose unless they make themselves a purpose.


She looked down at her robe. The blue fabric immediately stood out to anypony who happened to come across her, especially her brooch, her name under the crest of the Lunar Mages. That moon crossed with a unicorn horn struck fear into the hearts of many. Gold locks peeked out through the hood.


She used to view this robe as a blessing. Something that showed her authority and power. Now she views it as a symbol of her past life. Nothing but a curse wrapped around herself.


And yet she still wore it. The cold would be too much for her if she took it off. She bore it like a badge of shame.


It must’ve been a day since she left. They were coming for her. She knew how they were. And they won’t give up until their job is done.


She kept trotting along the snowy forest. The nearest town was only a couple hours away from here. Her whole body ached from fighting the hellhounds earlier. She didn’t know how much longer she could bear it. Just a little bit farther. 


And then she heard it. The sound of a horn glowing with magic. They were here.


She rolled out of the way just in time when a green beam of magic blasted through where she was previously standing.


She turned around and caught a glimpse of two Lunar Mages. A purple stallion and a red mare.


“Funny. I thought you would have brought more of the guild with you. What happened to them?” Eventide said to them.


The two ponies trotted over to her. “Listen here, you bloody traitor! Nopony betrays Her Majesty and lives to tell anypony else the tale! You hear?!” The stallion said.
“You rehearsed that, didn’t you?” Evertide said.
“...Yes I did.” The stallion said.
“You always were the timid one, Tidal Comet.” she said.


Eventide turned to the mare. “And you, Serenity. The one who could barely form a sentence together.”
Serenity bit her lower lip. “B-But I-I…” She trailed off.
“Look, you two are fine magicians, but are you two really the best General Polaris could send after me? I am truly disappointed.”


“More are coming. Just wait…” Tidal said.
“Right. Can we just cut to the part where we shoot colorful lights are each other?” Eventide asked.
Tidal sighed. “Fine. Let’s get this over with.”


They all stood backed away from each other until they were a few yards apart. Their horns each lit up one at a time as they all tapped into their magic. They stood like this for a while, the only sound being the howling of the frosty wind. They waited intently for the first spell to be cast.


Eventide was no stranger to magic duels. She practically engaged in one every day as part of her training. Whether it was against a monster the mages had captured, or against one of the instructors, she was well known for being able to hold her own.


It was Serenity who broke the silence with a large green beam of magic shot directly at Eventide. She immediately conjured up a barrier that reflected the beam right back at them. The two rolled out of the way as the beam left a noticeable burn on a tree. Tidal began galloping toward her, his horn ablaze as he readied a powerful spell. Eventide braced herself as Tidal fired a powerful shield breaker spell at her. The blue blast connected with the barrier. Eventide tried with all her might to keep it up. Despite her impressive hold, she was quickly knocked away as a bolt of lightning suddenly blasted her. She heard Serenity give a chuckle as Eventide stood back up.


Eventide charged up her horn and shot a blast of fire at Serenity. Serenity shot a bolt of lightning which collided with the fire. Eventide concentrated as hard as she could, while Serenity continued to push her bolt of lightning toward her with all her might. It was an impressive display of magical prowess, neither one of them giving in. 


Tidal shot a beam of magic at Eventide. Not making the same mistake twice, she divided her focus to combating the lightning and deflecting the beam. The lightning slowly drew closer to her as she conjured up the barrier again. Just before the lightning caught up to her, Eventide deflected the beam to Serenity, making her stunned. As she was stunned, her hold on the lightning weakened, allowing Eventide to gain the upper hoof and blast the fire at her. Serenity was blasted back into the snow, her robe and mane singed. She tried with all her might to get up, but to no avail.


Tidal seethed with rage. “Now you’re gonna get it!” He shouted. He dashed over to her and violently blasted Eventide with a wave of magic. She flew back but managed to land on her hooves. She conjured up a large ball of magic and sent it flying towards him. Tidal slashed with his magic, sending the ball back at her. Eventide conjured up a magic forcefield, but when the ball connected, it was absorbed into the shield, turning the hazel color to a brilliant blue. She closed her eyes and gritted her teeth, concentrating as hard as she could to keep the magic contained. The shield sparked and vibrated as Eventide maintained it. After a few seconds, she forced the magic out, sending a brilliant blast of blueness barreling through the air. It hid Tidal like a brick blasting him away and leaving him buried in the snow.


Eventide panted heavily as she trotted toward the two defeated magicians lying in the snow. “Well then, it’s no wonder you guys want me back so badly.” Eventide gloated. 
“Just wait. There’ll be more, and they will be a lot stronger…” Tidal warned as he struggled to get up.
“P-Please don’t h-hurt us a-anymore…” Serenity whimpered.


Eventide glared at the two. They looked so helpless. How could she just abandon these two rookies to die? She took a deep breath and helped the two up.


“There’s a small village about two hours from here. Auris. The way there is not very dangerous. If you’d like, I’ll lead you there and you can rest up.” Eventide said in a monotone voice.


“H-Huh? Why are you offering us this? We tried to kidnap you?” Tidal asked.
“I just… I can’t leave you two here to die. You’re too young. The least I could do is just guide you to a safe place.” Eventide said, struggling a little bit to get the words out.
“T-Thank Y-You…” Serenity and Tidal both whimpered while Eventide helped them up.
“But I swear, if either of you attempt to harm me again, I will not be as forgiving!” Eventide said as the two nodded.
“I’ll give you a moment to recover, and then we’ll head out.” She said.


She sighed as she sat down against a large rock. She reached into her robe pocket and pulled out a necklace. It was a ray of light studded with sapphires. Her mind flashed back to when her mother had given it to her about 3 years ago for her 25th birthday. She felt strangely at peace while looking at it. She turned the ray of light over and read the inscription on the back of it. The phrase had confused her for years. She had thought about it often, and yet she had no answer for it.


“Lower the stars.”


~


“How much longer, Parallax?” He asked.
“About five hours. Just hang in there, Plaster.” Parallax said.
“It’s been a day since we’ve left. I’d imagine this criminal we’re tracking down has left Auris by now.” Plaster said.
“I’ve done this many times before. They’re almost always in the nearest town. Too stupid to even try to escape. Plus you heard what the Captain said. Don’t stop until he is arrested. Kill if you have to.”


Parallax ran a hoof through his teal-colored mane. The bitter cold crawled over his body, although he shrugged it off. Braving harsh weather was an integral part of his training after all.


“Nature nipping at your muzzle, Lax?” An older pony asked.
“This isn’t even half of what it normally is.” Parallax muttered.
“We better get a warm cup of cider in front of a fireplace when we’re done with this job.” The older pony said.
Parallax couldn’t agree more. Having a nice warm mug of cider and taking a nap in front of a fireplace was the only thing he really wanted at the end of this.
“You can say that again, Topaz. I rarely ever get a chance to relax. It’s always the same damn thing. Guard Fillydelphia and sometimes go catch a criminal. I’m honestly sick of it.” He said.
“Why don’t you just quit?” Plaster asked.
“Because it’s the only good-paying job suitable for me in this Celestia-forsaken hellhole.”


The three stallions trotted through the snow for a long time. Parallax grew increasingly tired with each passing minute. He was so close though. It’d all be over soon. Just hang in there…


“You two holding up okay?” Parallax asked. Plaster and Topaz both nodded, clearly tired, but still finding the strength to trudge forward.


“It seems… Awfully calm to be quite honest.” Parallax said.
“What do you mean?” Plaster asked.
“Have you noticed we haven’t fought anything except for a couple manticores? It just seems… odd.”
“Indeed it does. I don’t like it one bit.” Topaz said with much concern.


The wind gave a loud howl that made them all jump. 
“What in Tartarus was that!?” Parallax exclaimed.
“It’s probably just a really strong gust. Doubt it’s anything to worry about.” Plaster said.
Parallax sighed. “You’re right. Let’s just keep moving on.”
The continued on their way, going a little faster.


And then a loud yelp was heard.


All three of them drew their swords. “Okay, now we have a bloody problem.” Parallax stated.


They each stood on their guard, inspecting their surroundings. “Everypony be careful. I think we have company.” Parallax said. He slowly took a couple steps forward, being as quiet as possible.


Another loud yelp was heard, this time a lot clearer.


“Sounded like a dog.” Plaster whispered.
“Indeed it did…” Parallax agreed
They all adjusted their silver armor, making sure they were ready in case worse comes to worst. 


A snarl was heard a couple hundred feet away from them.
“Definitely a dog.” Parallax whispered.


The wind suddenly stopped. All that could be heard was the sound of their breaths and the occasional snarl.


Only it started getting closer. And their breathing got heavier.


Until finally the foul beast revealed itself from behind a tree.


It was a large, black dog. It’s hair was very mangled, giving it a very roughed appearance. It also looked very ghastly, something that clearly wasn’t from this world. 


But it’s eyes. Those piercing red eyes. Those bright bulbs of crimson. Those glowing spheres of terror.


They all fell silent as soon as they had seen it’s eyes. Fear was jabbed into their minds like a wooden stake. Their heart dropped and filled with absolute horror. Even Topaz, who rarely ever experienced true fear, was practically shaking.


They were looking at a hellhound.


Upon viewing the three ponies, the goddess-forsaken mutt tilted its head back and howled. It was the most awful sound they had ever heard. It was the standard howl of a wolf, only it sounded it came deep from the pits of Tartarus itself. It was almost like a cry of pain, like a soul was trying to escape. All three of them stood completely still, trying to gather up the courage to attack the beast.


Finally, Plaster raised his sword, and the hellhound gave a terrible growl. The mutt suddenly dashed toward them at breakneck speed. The hellhound lunged at Plaster, ready to attack. Plaster swung his sword at the foul beast and managed to slash him out of the way. Parallax then dashed toward the hellhound and gave his sword a powerful swing. He wasn’t so lucky though, as the hound knocked him over into the snow at a terrifying speed.


“Lax!” Topaz shouted.


His head spun as he lay in the snow, bleeding a little from his hooves. He slowly felt himself slipping away from consciousness. The last thing he saw before he fell was the screaming of Topaz and Plaster.


He woke up hours later, exactly where he was before. He looked around for his friends. “Topaz!? Plaster!?”


No answer. He didn’t even see a single trace of them.


Using all of his strength he quickly got up and picked up his sword. He limped over to the nearest tree and leaned against it.


Until he heard a growl right next to him.


Quickly, he turned around and saw the awful rotten face of the hellhound. It was visibly weakened, presumably from when it was fighting Topaz and Plaster. He held on tight to his sword. The hellhound pounced on him and knocked him over. The beast tried to attack his face, but he managed to constrain it with his hooves and throw the ferocious mutt to the side. The hellhound gave a pitiful whimpered. He then sliced the beast a few times and stomped it until it was dead.


He collapsed to the ground and breathed heavily. It was over. He called out for Topaz and Plaster, shouting their names at the top of his lungs.


No answer.


They were either killed and taken away, or they left him for dead. He began sobbing. They were gone. And he was all alone. Why did he kill the hellhound? Why couldn’t he just have let himself die at the paws of that beast. 


He looked up at the sky. The stars twinkled and glowed immensely. It reminded him of something. Something his father had once told him before he began training for the guard. Something he had been puzzling for years.


“Lower the stars.”


~


Lunaris
A My Little Pony fanfiction by Madame Ponka