//------------------------------// // Pendulum Heart // Story: The Stardust Phantom // by CosmicAlchemist24 //------------------------------// “Ever since I was given the Pendulum of Souls, I expected a lot of weird things to start happening around me. But for four years, nothing out of the ordinary happened to me and I slowly started to forget the day I spoke to Princess Luna. During those four years, I was training at the Junior Flight Academy and I was enjoying every moment of it. I thought it was smooth sailing for me from then on….of course I was wrong.” Stardust Phantom Theme! Location: Junior Flight Academy, 2010 Classes had just let out at the Junior Flight Academy and Artemis was walking through the academy halls heading for the training grounds. This was his last week at the academy before his final exam and his graduation, so he used whatever free time he had and used it to train. “Alright, 2 hours of physical and the rest of the day I study for the written exam.” Artemis said to himself with a smile. “Don't you ever take a break Arrow?” Artemis turned to see his friend Cloudchaser and her twin sister Flitter flying over to him. “Not when it come to finals, i have to make sure I pass both the flight and written exams.” Artemis said. “Oh stop worrying about that silly exam. You, me and Flitter have all worked our flanks off the past 4 years, we'll be just fine.” Cloudchaser said with a confident smile. “There’s such a thing as overconfidence Sis.” Flitter said to her sister. “Whatever, the point is you should take a break and come to the senior bonfire with us tomorrow.” Cloudchaser said    “She is right Artemis, we'd love it if you'd come with us.” Flitter said. Artemis wasn't as anti-social as his cousin Twilight, but he kinda felt out of place a gatherings like this. “I think I'll-” Cloudchaser immediately puts a hoof in Arrow’s facing cutting him off mid sentence. “Oh no, I'm stopping you right there. You're not passing this time, you ditch us on every party or event we go to. Well not this time mister.” Cloudchaser said in a stern tone. “I agree Artemis, you deserve to have some fun and who knows you might actually enjoy yourself.” Flitter said putting a hoof on Artemis’s shoulder. “Also I hear the pink haired pegasus you like is going to be there, what's her name...Butterfly?” Cloudchaser asked with a smirk. Artemis's eyes quickly widened. “F..f...f..Fluttershy's going to be there?” He stuttered. “That’s her name, yeah I heard Rainbow Dash got her to go and I hear she doesn’t have a date.” Cloudchaser said still smirking. "If it wasn’t obvious, I had and major crush of this Pegasus named Fluttershy she was a very timid girl, but to me that was one of her cute points. She had a pale gold coat, a pale rose mane, and she had the most beautiful cyan eyes. I never really talked to her much though because of her friend Rainbow Dash, she was very protective her and will literally shove anyone aside who she thinks will hurt Fluttershy.” Artemis thought about this for a few seconds. “Well….maybe I’ll stop by for a few minutes.” He said looking away a bit. Flitter and Cloudchaser both smiled. “Awesome and since we don’t got class tomorrow, we’ll all meet tomorrow morning to talk about plans for the bonfire.” Flitter said. “You got it.” Artemis said with a smile. With that the twin Pegasi both flew off and Artemis continued walking to the training grounds. “Well, I guess it won’t be so bad and this way I might actually get to talk with Fluttershy.” Timeskip, Location: Artemis’s dorm. Artemis was sitting at a small desk studying for his written exam. “Ok so After the Banishment an evil Mare known as Nightmare Moon, the Protective Pony Platoon were formed and on the first celestial year of peace a celebration was held by a Pegasus named General Firefly. He then chose an elite group of Aerial Performers to commemorate the grand occasion.” Artemis said writing what he said in his notebook. “Alright I think I’m done for the night.” He said closing his books and putting them in his bag. “Ok time to go over my checklist one last time.” Artemis said pulling out a scroll from his desk drawer. “Physical training for flight exam. Check. Study for written exam. Check. Send invitations to Mom and Dad for the Graduation Ceremony. Check. Ok I think I’m all good.” He said putting the scroll away. “That’s that, time for bed.” Artemis said before flying over to his bed. He then closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep. Location:??? Artemis opened his eyes to find himself in front of a large castle, but it was in ruins. “What in Luna’s name is this place?” Artemis asked himself. He didn’t know why, but something was telling him to go inside the castle and he did just that. He walked through the castle looking at all the ruined banners, statues and dead plants. “Wow this place has seen better days.” Just then he heard a scream at the end of the hallway. “What the!” Artemis then spread out his wings and flew to the end of the hallway to see six ponies huddled together and in front of them were what looked like two unicorns but their manes were made of bright blue flames. “HAHAHAHAHAHA! You little foals really thought you could defeat me, well now you all will pay for your insolence!” Artemis looked behind the two flaming unicorns to see a taller pony behind them, She was covered in shadows though so Artemis couldn’t see her face only her Dragon-like eyes. “Who is that, No, better question, What the heck is going on?” He asked himself. Just then the dark pony raised a hoof and began to speak once again. “I Overlay my two Lvl 4 Shadow Veils to build the Overlay Network!” Once she said that the two flaming unicorns transformed into purple lights and flew into the air just as what looked like a black hole appeared in front of the dark pony. Oh Fangs of pitch black Darkness, Rise up against Foolish Oppression and Descend before my enemies NOW!  XYZ Summon! Just then, a huge dragon-like creature began rising from the black hole and it let out a fierce… ROAR!!! Artemis Covered his ears, but kept his eyes on the events that were unfolding. “What is that thing?” He asked with fear in his voice. Come Forth, Rank 4! DARK REBELLION XYZ DRAGON! The Dragon was revealed, but just like the dark pony it was also covered in shadow except for its piercing yellow eyes. Artemis felt as if he was in a nightmare, but this felt all too real to be just a dream. The six Ponies in front of the dragon began to scream for help, but the Dark pony just laughed. “No one’s coming to save you little ponies, Dark Rebellion, obliterate them!” She Commanded. The dark dragon soon gained a purple aura and charged the six ponies. “Rebellious Lightning Disobey!” The Dark Pony yelled as the dragon neared the six ponies. Artemis could only watch in horror as the Dragon attacked the six ponies. “I can’t let this happen.” He said before spreading his wings and flying over to help the six ponies, but as he did the Pendulum of Souls began to glow and the six ponies, The dark pony and the dragon were gone. “What? Where did-” Artemis didn’t get to finish his sentence as the entire room went black and only his pendulum was glowing. Artemis looked at the Pendulum and took it into his left hoof. “I haven’t seen this thing glow since the first day I got it.” Artemis said. “That’s because nothing’s happened to warrant it.” Artemis’s eyes widened as he looked behind him to see Princess Luna, but she looked like a ghost. “Princess Luna?” Artemis asked. “Yes young one, it’s me.” The Moon Princess said with a smile. Artemis stared for a minute before bowing down to the princess. “Rise up Artemis, there is no need for you to bow in my presence.” Artemis picked his head up and met the Princess’s gaze once more. “Princess, what’s going on? Where am I and what did I just watch!?” He asked in a slightly frantic tone. The moon Princess just chuckled. “Calm down young one, I’ll explain everything.” She said. Artemis took a deep breath and nodded. “Alright first things first Artemis, what you just saw was a premonition of what’s to come.” Luna explained. Artemis raised an eyebrow. “Wait what?” He asked in a confused tone. “I can’t tell you when or where right now, but the events you just saw are destined to happen and you’ll have a big part to play when they happen.” Luna said. Artemis took in every word and his confusion turned into fear. “What do you mean I’ll play a big part in all of that, if you haven’t noticed I’m just a normal pegasus.” Artemis said. Luna saw the fear in the young pegasus’s eyes. “I know you’re scared young one, but let me tell you something. You are no normal Pegasus, I wouldn’t have chosen you to hold on to that Pendulum if you were.” Luna said with a smile. The princess’s words made Artemis feel slightly better, but he still had doubts. “Why not give it to my cousin? She’s the family prodigy.” Artemis said looking down. Luna heard a hint of jealousy in Artemis’s voice. “Twilight Sparkle may be magically gifted, but she lacks the potential and the mindset for the danger that is coming.” Luna explained. “And you think I have those things?” Artemis asked. “I don’t just think, I know.” The moon Princess said ruffling Artemis’s mane. Artemis smiled and the Princess continued. “Listen Artemis, that premonition was just a warning and it's telling you to prepare yourself.” Luna said in a somber tone. “Prepare for what?” Artemis asked. Luna sighed. “Remember when I said the Pendulum was an ancient treasure with mysterious power?” She asked. Artemis just responded with a small nod. “Well, with something that valuable around your neck, there are going to be ponies that will try and take if from you.” Luna explained. Artemis tesned up a bit but continued to listen. “And one of those ponies seeking the pendulum are in closing in on you as we speak.” Luna said in a serious tone. The young Pegasus’s eyes widened at the Princess’s words. “Then why am I still here talking, I should be getting away from here right?” He asked in a scared tone. “It won’t do you any good I’m afraid. That pendulum puts off a powerful magical signature whenever it glows, so running would be pointless.” Luna explained. “Then what am I supposed to-” Before Artemis could finish his sentence the Pendulum began to glow once again and a blue beam of light shot into the air. Luna smiled at this development. “Good, everything is ready for you to face whoever is after you.” She said. Artemis looked at her like she has lost it. “What are you talking about Princess and what was with that light?” He asked. Luna chuckled a bit. “All will be clear once you wake up young one, now go back to the waking world and watch your back.” Luna said ruffling Artemis’s mane again. “But I-” “Oh and one more thing young one. Despite the danger, you should enjoy life as much as you can and enjoy it with the ponies around you.” With that the Moon Princess faded from sight. “Wait, Princess Luna!” Artemis yelled before a blinding flash of light overtook him. “AHHH!” Artemis yelled as shielding his eyes. Location: Artemis’s Dorm Room “AHHH!” Artemis screamed as he woke up from his dream. He then began breathing deeply and looking around the room. “What….what was all that?” He asked himself. The pegasus looked to his dresser and saw the Pendulum next to a weird device. Artemis flew over to his dresser and picked up the strange device. “What is this thing?” He asked himself. “Was this what came from that light in my dream?” He  thought.  Artemis was even more confused when he saw that there was a deck of cards inside the device. “Cards?” He asked before pulling the cards out of the device. Upon looking through them, the cards had animals that looked like they were part of a circus on them. “Entermate Whip Viper? Entermate Block Spider? Entermate Discover Hippo? What is with these weird names?” Artemis continued looking through the cards until he saw one that made him feel...uneasy. It was a red dragon with two different coloured eyes, a blue crystal one it’s chest and what really caught Artemis’s eye was that the dragon was classified as a ‘Pendulum’ monster. “Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon? I guess this one is pretty cool, it’s different from the others and it may have something to do with the Pendulum.” He said before moving on to the next card. “Astromancy Magician and Chronomancy Magician, these are Pendulum monsters too I wonder if-” Knock! Knock! Artemis jumped a bit and dropped his cards on the floor. “Arrow, you awake buddy?” Artemis knew that voice anywhere. “Door’s Open!” He said before starting to pick up the cards. The door opens to reveal Cloudchaser and Flitter. “Sup buddy.” Cloudchaser said walking in. “Sleep well.” Flitter said walking behind. “Not really, weird dream.” Artemis said. Cloudchaser and Flitter both flew over to him and saw him picking up a bunch of weird cards. “What are these, new card game or something?” Cloudchaser asked as she and Flitter began picking up the cards. “To tell you the truth, I’m not sure.” Artemis answered. Flitter picked up a few of the cards and raised an eyebrow. “Entermate Drumming Kong, Pendulum Reborn, Lightning Vortex? Artemis, what are these?” She asked in confusion. “I told you I’m not sure myself, these card were on my dresser when I woke up.” Artemis explained. Cloudchaser and Flitter both looked at him in confusion. “What do you mean?” Flitter asked. Artemis was about to answer, but thought about how he was going to explain this. “Well they are my best friends, I guess I could tell them. Worst case scenario, they think I just had an insane dream.” He thought before looking at the twins. “Ok I’m about to tell you both something insane and no matter what are you to tell anypony else, can you both do that?” Artemis asked in a serious tone. Cloudchaser and Flitter both looked at each other before answering. “Um… sure pal, but why?” Cloudchaser asked. “Just promise me, please.” Artemis pleaded. Cloudchaser was about to ask the same question, but Flitter put a hoof on her muzzle and spoke up. “We promise, now what's going on?” She asked. Artemis saw that Flitter was honest and he took a deep breath. “Ok so, you know this necklace i wear everyday?” Artemis asked holding up the Pendulum. The twins nodded. “Well you see…” Artemis then began telling his friends about the day he got the Pendulum and about the dream he had. He even told them about the the pony or ponies that are after him. To say Cloudchaser and Flitter were both shocked was an understatement, to Artemis they were staring at him af if he had lost it. “I knew they’d think I was insane.” Artemis thought looking down. It took a few seconds, but one of the twins finally spoke up. “Ok one question?” Cloudchaser said in a calm tone. “Just one?” Artemis asked back. “Yes, how long before this mystery pony attacks you?” Cloudchaser asked in a serious tone. Artemis looked up and stared at the twins. “Wait, you two believe me?” He said in shock. “Well as crazy as your story is Arrow, If it is true we can’t just let you get hurt.” Flitter said with a smile. “She’s right pal, even if you’ve lost it we got your back.” Cloudchaser said snickering. Artemis just rolled his eyes, but he smiled. “Thanks I guess and to answer your question I’m not sure when this pony is suppose to attack me. The princess said that is could be at anytime.” Artemis explained. “If that’s the case then we have to watch you back until they make a move.” Cloudchaser said with determination in her voice. “That’s right, we’re here for you Arty.” Flitter said. Artemis had no words, he had just told them the most insane story ever and they still believed him. “Do you guys really mean that?” He asked. Cloudchaser then put her arm around him. “Duh! We’ve been through enough together at the academy to abandon you now.” She said. “She’s right Arrow and besides if you can put up with my sister craziness for four years then it must mean something.” Flitter said with a smirk. “HEY!” Cloudchaser said angrily. Flitter began laughing at her sister and before long Artemis joined in. “You both are crazy.” He said. “HEY!” The twins yelled. “But I could ask for two better friends.” Artemis said smiling at the twins. The twins smiled back at him and they all began laughing. Timeskip “Finally one last chance the party before final exams, isn’t it great?” Flitter asked with a smile. She along with Artemis and Cloudchaser were making their way to the academy courtyard for their senior bonfire. Cloudchaser nodded while Artemis shrugged. Flitter giggled before her eyes caught a small glimpse of the device that was on Artemis’s dresser. “Are you sure it’s ok to bring that thing with you?” She asked looking at Artemis bag. “Yes Flit I am. I may not know what it is, but the princess said that it could help me with what's about to happen.” Artemis explained. “If you say so.” Cloudchaser said still looking through the deck of cards. “How long are you going to keep looking at them Cloud?” Artemis asked. “As long as I want. The cards maybe weird, but they look cool to me. Especially this dragon with the different colored eyes.” Cloudchaser said showing off Odd-Eyes Pendulum Dragon. “I said the same thing when I saw him.” Artemis said with a smile. “I like the pink hippo, it’s so cute!” Flitter gushed. “Oh course you would like that pink blimp.” Cloudchaser said with a chuckle. “That blimp must be important if it’s part of deck, so I wouldn’t bash it Cloud.” Artemis said. “Whatever.” She said rolling her eyes. “Just be careful you-” “Chill buddy, I’ll take care of your little cards.” Cloudchaser said cutting. Artemis rolled his eyes, but he smiled. “So tell us, what’s Princess Luna like?” Flitter asked curiously. “Well….she’s very motherly and she’s very kind.” Artemis said with a small smile. “She sounds like Princess Celestia.” Flitter pointed out. “Well, they are sisters, so it would only make sense that they act alike.” Cloudchaser said. “That can’t be right because the two of you don’t act anything alike. One’s kind, but has a smart mouth, while the other is rough and rowdy.” Artemis said with a smirk. Cloudchaser and Flitter both glared at Artemis before hitting him over the head. “OW!” Artemis yelled in pain. “We actually do have one thing in common.” Flitter said with a smile. “Yea, we don’t tolerate ponies with smart mouths.” Cloudchaser said smiling with her sister. Artemis rubbed his head and began to pout. “You girls are no fun.” He said. The twins then began to laugh. “Yes we are, you wouldn’t put up with us if we weren’t.” Cloudchaser said. Artemis continued to pout, but he knew she was right. Artemis had always loved hanging out with the twins, they made him feel like he actually belonged somewhere. “Aw stop your pouting and let’s get a move on. I’m not missing that bonfire.” Cloudchaser said before flying off. “You better not drop my cards Cloud!” Artemis said taking off after her. Flitter giggled and followed behind. Location: Academy Courtyard. The trio arrived at the Courtyard and saw a bunch of Pegasi still getting things ready for the bonfire. There were snack stands and a few game booths scattered about. “This is amazing.” Flitter said looking around. “I know, I still can’t believe after this it’s final exams and then graduation.” Artemis said slightly Melancholic tone. He them felt a pair of arms wrap around him. “Come on Arty, you act as if after graduation we’ll never see each other again.” Flitter said smiling. “She’s right pal, just because you live in canterlot doesn’t mean we won’t come visit you.” Cloudchaser said also smiling. “You two are are right, i’m just-uh…” Artemis stopped mid sentence and stared off in the distance. “Arty, you ok?” Flitter asked as she waved her hoof in front of Artemis's face. Cloudchaser then looked to where and saw a certain pink haired pegasus walking with Rainbow Dash. “Oh I see what’s wrong.” She said with a smirk. Flitter raised an eyebrow and turned to see Fluttershy as well. “Ah, that explains it.” Flitter said giggling. Artemis continued to stare until Fluttershy turned her head to him and that caused him to hide behind Flitter. “Aww, that’s so cute.” Flitter said. “Dude, why don’t you just go and talk to her?” Cloudchaser asked. Artemis peeked from behind flitter and saw that Fluttershy had gained a good distance from him and the twins. “I can’t….she’s...she’s-” “Cute, pretty, caring, all of the above.” Flitter said cutting Artemis off. “She’s all those things, but she’s also really timid. She probably won’t even let me anywhere near her.” Artemis said looking down. “Come on buddy, if she can have somepony like Rainbow Dash around her, she’ll definitely accept you.” Cloudchaser assured. “That brings me to the other problem, Rainbow Dash. You know how protective she is of Fluttershy, I don’t want her thinking I’m going to hurt fer or anything like that.” Artemis explained. “Oh really, then we’re going to have to make sure that doesn’t happen.” Cloudchaser said with a big smile on her face. “What do you-” Be Artemis could finish talking Flitter grabbed him and made sure he couldn’t fly away. “Go on Sis.” She said. “Right! Hey Rainbow, Come here for a sec and bring your friend!” Cloudchaser called out to the cyan pegasus. Rainbow looked over and saw Cloudchaser waving to her. “Sure give me a sec.” She said before turning to Fluttershy. Artemis's eyes widened and he tried to free himself from Flitters’ grip. “Flitter let me go, I mean it.” He said. “Sorry pal, can’t do that.” She said keeping him still. “We’re trying to help you Arrow, if you don’t talk to her you won’t get anywhere.” Cloudchaser said. Artemis continued to struggle, but Flitters’ grip was too tight to break out of. Cloudchaser then saw Rainbow and Fluttershy fly over and she smiled. “Ok Moment of truth time, here she comes Arrow.” She said with a smile. Artemis looked forward and saw the two mares flying over to him. “Oh sweet Celestia help me.” He thought as his entire body began to freeze up. Rainbow and Fluttershy landed in front of the trio. “Sup Cloud!” Rainbow said before high-hoofing Cloudchaser. “Nothing much, I just wanted to introduce you to a friend of me and my sisters.” Cloudchaser said gesturing to Artemis. Artemis who had finally been released by Flitters’ death grip chose not to make eye contact with Rainbow. “Hey, I’ve seen you around before. Isn’t this the guy and and Flitter keep talking about Cloud?” Rainbow asked. “That’s right, this is Mr. Anti-social himself.” Cloudchaser said. Artemis really wanted to speak out against that, but he didn’t want to make a bad first impression. “He’s not Anti-social sis, he’s just a bit shy around people.” Flitter said coming to Artemis’s aid. “Whatever.” Cloudchaser said before looking over to Artemis. “Well are you going to introduce yourself to them or are you going to sick the nickname I just gave you?” She asked with a smirk. Artemis knew he was going to give the twins and earful later, but right now he had to play along. “Um….my name’s Artemis Arrow, it’s nice to...meet you both.” He stuttered. Fluttershy heard his name and she looked at him with slight interest. Rainbow on the other hand raised an eyebrow at the boy's name, but she quickly laughed it off. “You’re right Cloud, he is shy. Guess you got some Competition in that department, Eh Flutters?” She asked the pink haired pegasus. “Um...I’m not sure if it’s a contest.” Fluttershy said looking down. Rainbow just shrugged and looked back to Artemis. “Well, nice to meet ya Artemis...weird that sounds like a girl name.” She said. “That’s because it is.” Flitter said much to Artemis’s embarrassment. “Are you serious? HAHAHAHAHAHA! That’s rich.” Rainbow said falling on her side. Artemis’s face was now a deep red and he felt like flying away. “Rainbow Dash, don’t be so rude.” Artemis looked up to see Fluttershy with a stern look on her face. “You shouldn’t be laughing at him because of his name, you of all people should know all too well how hurtful it is.” She said in a serious tone. Artemis’s eyes widened, was this the same Fluttershy he’d been crushing on. “Ok ok, Sorry Artemis.” Rainbow said standing back up. “Hey don’t feel too bad Dash, me and Flitter did the same thing.” Cloudchaser said with a chuckle. Flitter also chuckled. “Yea it is kind of funny.” She said. Before Artemis could speak up, Fluttershy came to his defense once again. “Well I think he has a nice name.” She then turned to him. “And you should be happy that it’s yours.” Fluttershy said smiling at Artemis. Artemis blushed a bit and he smiled a bit. “Um thanks and I am happy with it.” He said. “You’re welcome.” She said. Flitter and Cloudchaser both giggle seeing Artemis all flustered. “Oh...I... I never did introduce myself, I’m Fluttershy.” She said still smiling. “Nice to...meet you to Fluttershy.” Artemis Stuttered. “Ok ok, enough with the introductions, I say we all hit some of the game booths. Who’s with me?” Rainbow said. “We’re in!” The Twins said putting their hooves in the air. “Whatever you say Dashie.” Fluttershy said before looking at Artemis. “Um...you wanna come along?” She asked. Artemis was taken aback a bit by the question. “Well...I….I’m not sure… I think I’ll pass.” He said looking away. Fluttershy visibly looked hurt by Artemis's answer, but before she could ask why, Cloudchaser spoke up. “Oh no you don’t, you promised you wouldn’t bail on us this time.” She said in a stern tone. “She’s right Arrow you did promise, you can’t leave before the fun has even started.” Flitter said. Artemis then felt a pang of guilt,he did promise he would hang out with them. He then turned to Fluttershy who had a slightly sad look on her face and Rainbow Dash who a a look of disappointment on hers. “Sorry, but-” Just then he thought back to what Princess Luna said to him. “You should enjoy life as much as you can and enjoy it with the ponies around you” Her words echoed through his head for a few seconds before a smile spread across his face. “You know what, I did promise you two and I can’t go back on that.” He said in a cheery tone. “That’s the Arrow we know.” Cloudchaser cheered. “You got that right.” Flitter said. Artemis then turned to Fluttershy and Rainbow who were smiling at him. “Well what are we waiting for, race you guys to the the hayburger stand!” Rainbow said before taking off. “Oh you’re so on!” Cloudchaser said taking off after Rainbow Dash. “Wait for me!” Flitter said. Artemis and Fluttershy looked on at their resective friends and chuckled. “Crazy, all of them.” Artemis said. “Yes, but that’s why we love them.” Fluttershy said. “Yeah, you’re right. So shall we go?” Artemis said spreading his wings. Fluttershy nodded and two began flying off toward their friends. “Maybe today won’t be so bad after all.” “Oh was I wrong, I was so wrong.” Off in the distance, a pony was watching Artemis through a pair of binoculars and he was smiling. “I finally found it.”