//------------------------------// // The Pillars' Outing: Part 1 // Story: So You Escaped From Limbo // by Maran //------------------------------// Stygian walked down the streets of Canterlot with his six companions. It was clear that they were still friends even after everything that happened. True, Flash Magnus had given him grief about the coffee, but he was only looking out for Stygian's best interests. That was what Stygian chose to believe, at any rate. Any of the alicorns could have teleported all of the Pillars directly to Celestia's School of Magic in a mere second. However, this would have defeated the main purpose of the little trip, which was to spend time reconnecting. Star Swirl led the way, naturally, with Mistmane and Stygian on either side just behind him. The others formed a loose group in their wake. After waving at a couple of passing pegasi, Mistmane turned to the old unicorn stallion. “Star Swirl, I was just wondering what you have in mind for us to do next. Of course, there is no ru–” “Ah, thank you for the reminder, Mistmane.” Star Swirl rotated to face the group. “Listen, everypony! I was thinking that we should leave Canterlot tomorrow morning and head for our old castle. I want to see for myself how it held up in our absence.” “Wonderful!” Somnambula beamed as she hovered near Star Swirl's eye level. “I want to find out if my hidden doors still work.” “I hope nopony found the book with the Inspiration Manifestation spell,” Stygian spoke up. “It has been quite a long time since you and Star Swirl hid it, Somnambula.” The pegasus mare waved her foreleg. “Don't worry, Stygian. The booby-trap will trigger if anypony–” “No, Stygian's right,” interrupted Star Swirl. “And besides, there are other magical tomes that we should recover.” Stygian raised his foreleg for a second, feeling torn. On one hoof, he appreciated Star Swirl's support. On the other hoof, this was the second time in a brief moment that the unicorn mage had interrupted somepony, and Stygian didn't like that pattern. “Actually, as it happens, somepony already found the tome that contained the Inspiration Manifestation spell,” said Mistmane. “What?” Flash's pupils shrank. “How do you know this, Mistmane?” asked Rockhoof with a furrowed brow. “I know because Rarity told me that she and her friends had begun restoring our old castle, although they abandoned the task after the Castle of Friendship grew. Young Spike went there by himself one day and found the book.” Somnambula clapped her hooves. “Clever dragon!” Then, seeing everypony's incredulous expressions, she dropped her hooves and landed on the cobblestones next to Mistmane. “I mean, he was too clever for his own good. It is fortunate that he survived both the booby trap and the book unscathed.” Stygian brought his hoof to his chin as a thought came to him. “Did Spike try to use the spell? We designed it to work with pony magic. I wonder how it would effect a dragon. Perhaps it would enhance his fire breath.” “It is a good hypothesis, but Spike ate the book, so we'll never be able to observe him using it unless we recreate the spell,” replied Mistmane. “He ate it?” Meadowbrook brought her hoof to the side of her face. “Oh, dear, I knew dragons were the ultimate omnivores, but eatin' a nigh-self-aware spell book takes it to a whole new level. It's a wonder he didn't end up in smithereens scattered through the ether.” “Dragons are made of sterner stuff than ponies. If he suffered any ill effects, Rarity wasn't aware of it. You see, Spike gave the book to her to use–” “You just said he ate it,” interjected Star Swirl. The Pillar of Beauty closed her eyes for a second, as if finding patience, and when she opened her eyes, her face was as serene as ever. “I have spoken out of order. Spike found the spell book and gave it to Rarity to use. She cast the spell to turn almost everything in Ponyville into precious metals and gemstones. Spike saw that she was getting out of control, and so he stole the book from her and swallowed it, but the spell was still in her mind.” “And only true words could break the spell,” concluded Rockhoof. Flash raised an eyebrow. “You know this stuff?” The giant stallion shrugged. “I am not as learned as our companions, but I dabble.” “If Spike ate the book, it may cause problems down the road if it's still in his stomach,” said Somnambula. “Did Rarity say if he digested it, Mistmane?” “No, she did not,” answered Mistmane with a straight face. “In that case, Meadowbrook and I should check on Spike before we return to our old castle. I know a thing or two about creatures eating magic items, and Meadow, you know all about magic items and healthy digestion.” The healer nodded. “Oui, you could say that. Good thinkin', Som.” “You know, it's strange,” said Stygian. “I spoke with Spike for a long time yesterday and he never mentioned finding our hidden spell book. We were comparing our past mistakes and he shared a lot of other stories, but somehow that one never came up.” “Perhaps the book's residual thaumic field is inhibiting him from revealing any information about it.” Mistmane rubbed her chin. “Then that gives us all the more reason to make sure Spike is not under the book's corrupting influence,” said Somnambula. Star Swirl came to a halt in front of a gleaming white building with a golden roof and a tower on one end. “We're here. We'll have to wait until later to speculate about our spell book. The teachers and students are expecting us.” Somnambula's eyes shone, her concern for Spike abandoned for the moment. “Ooo! I hope they have moving stairs and secret chambers and talking paintings and the ceiling is enchanted to look like the sky outside and–” The unicorn stallion cut her off. “Yes, Somnambula, I think we all get the picture. A school ought to be as magical as its pupils.” This time Stygian couldn't blame Star Swirl for interrupting. It seemed like the cheerful pegasus was only getting warmed up. Mistmane chuckled. “There is only one way to find out, my friends.” She lit her bowed horn and turned the doorknob. The door opened with a majestic creak, and the Pillars stepped through the doorway into a perfectly ordinary lobby. Frowning, Somnambula stared upward at the peeling, stained plaster. “So much for an enchanted ceiling. But I'm sure I'll find a hidden room before we leave.” “This school looks about as magical as I am,” muttered Stygian as he stared at the drab walls the color of mold he'd found on his bread. Meadowbrook shook her head. “Don't be that way, cher.” Putting on a smile, Mistmane said, “It's not that bad. It's . . . practical. Although the walls could use a fresh coat of paint.” A unicorn mare sprang out from behind a desk at the far end of the lobby. Since her mane was the same moldy color as the walls, Stygian hadn't seen her until she moved, like the sand crabs on the beach where he used to live. “It's really you!” The mare bounded toward the Pillars. “Star Swirl the Bearded! And . . .” Her gaze swept over them. “All of the Pillars! Would you . . .” She floated a thick book from her desk. “Would you sign my copy of Magical Discoveries: Volume One?” “I'll indulge you.” Star Swirl was stone faced as he lifted a quill in his aura and scrawled two completely illegible lines. “Could you make it out to Brightwell, please?” The mare ducked her head and bit her lip. Star Swirl added two more squiggly lines before passing the book back to Brightwell. She took it in her pearly aura and gazed round at the other Pillars. “Could all of you sign it?” Mistmane grinned. “Of course, d–” “I hope you don't think we came to your school just to sign books,” said Star Swirl with a scowl. Brightwell's eyes and mouth opened wide and her ears lay flat. “Star Swirl, that was rather rude,” said Stygian. It was one thing to talk over his comrades when nopony else was involved, but it was another thing altogether to shut down their hostess. The older unicorn blinked. “Was it?” His friends nodded and murmured in the affirmative. “I have to agree with Stygian,” said Mistmane. “We're used to it, but you shouldn't talk to everypony else like that,” added Flash, flattening his ears. “We should've said something to you sooner.” “I've tried to say something to you about it before, but you kept talkin' over me.” Meadowbrook rubbed her foreleg. “I did?” Star Swirl flicked his ears. “Yes, you do tend to interrupt ponies,” said Somnambula. “But the rest of us simply need to keep trying to make ourselves heard. I never keep quiet when I have something important to say!” Star Swirl lowered his head an inch. “And I should listen to you instead of anticipating what you're about to say and interrupting you. I'll be more mindful of that in the future.” “It is also important to be kind to everypony you meet,” said Rockhoof. Although he made no accusation, there was no mistaking his reproach. “They do not know your mannerisms and may not realize that you mean no offense.” He leaned down toward the quill and grabbed it between his teeth. “I do not know why you want me to sign a book I did not write, Brightwell, but I will do so if it will make you happy.” Brightwell watched him write in neat runes, her cheeks coloring as she turned her head to one side. “Oh! Well! Thank you, Mr. Rockhoof! I admire all of you, and I really just wanted your autographs.” “Rockhoof's Rapport is in this volume,” said Star Swirl. “So you did contribute a small part, Rockhoof.” The earth stallion spat out the quill into his front hoof. “Thank you, Star Swirl, but all I did was tell you that my tools never wore out as long as I used them, but I could not explain how. You figured out how to emulate my magic all on your own.” The Pillar of Sorcery looked pleased with himself. “When you told me that they were like an extension of your body, I thought of creating a two-part spell to bind the caster's thaumic signature to the target, in addition to mending any minor fractures and other structural weaknesses.” Brightwell beamed. “It all makes so much sense!” She took the quill from Rockhoof and tucked it behind her ear. Then she levitated a fresh quill toward Flash. This behavior struck Stygian as unusual. Brightwell kept obviously staring at Rockhoof while trying not to appear obvious. Perhaps the mares liked it when stallions told them they wanted to make them happy. Or maybe they were impressed by powerful magic and chiseled muscles. Stygian hoped it was the former, because he had a long way to go before he developed power and strength that didn't involve dark magic. Flash groaned and grabbed the quill in his mouth. “All right, let's get this over with,” he said through clenched teeth. Rockhoof frowned at him. “Could you pretend that you want to be here for one hour?” Flash scrawled his name in letters that seemed ill-fitted with each other and spat out the quill. “What? I just meant that we should hurry so we can meet the foals.” “You're not bored, are you, Flash?” asked Mistmane. “No, I love magical thauma jargon.” He folded his arms. “You can tell by how many spells are named after me.” Brightwell blinked. “What spells are those? I don't remember.” “Flash is bein' sarcastic, dear. He ain't got no spells named after him.” Meadowbrook shook her head. “Not unless somepony came along after we were gone and named one in his honor,” added Stygian. The pegasus warrior shrugged. “All the magic I need are in my wings and Netitus here.” He held up his shield. “I don't need any spells to use them. I just feel it and do it.” “Well, I for one prefer tedious magical explanations to high stakes drama.” Mistmane took the quill and book in her telekinesis and wrote the two characters that made her name. “After all we've been through lately, we need to slow down and reflect. There is a curse in my homeland . . .” “'May you live in interesting times.' I'm aware of it.” Star Swirl smirked. “Now Flash, don't interrupt.” The soldier rolled his eyes and used his wing to salute, maintaining equilibrium while flying with one wing, which never ceased to amaze Stygian no matter how many times he witnessed the feat. “Yes, sir! But I see your point, Misty. I'll keep my mouth shut about it. For now.” After Mistmane finished signing, Somnambula took the quill in her mouth and drew her destiny mark – Stygian still couldn't get used to that other term. Then the pegasus flew round the room and tapped the walls and ceiling while Meadowbrook wrote her name in tiny, neat letters. Next, Brightwell grabbed the quill and book and floated them toward Stygian. He blinked and held his foreleg to his chest. “You want me to sign the book too?” Stygian wanted to make sure he didn't embarrass both of them by writing in her book without her permission. He hadn't reached anywhere near the fame of the official Pillars, and in the modern day was known mainly as a ghost story to frighten foals. Odds were even that Brightwell didn't understand who he truly was. However, the unicorn mare gave him a knowing smile. “You're Stygian, aren't you?” He nodded. “Princess Twilight wrote us a letter explaining your role in the Pillars' formation. It sounds like you deserve more credit for your influence in history. Of course I want you to sign my book.” Stygian returned her smile. As he signed the inside cover in his flowing script, he resolved to thank Princess Twilight the next chance he got. Brightwell took the volume and reverently set it on her desk. “Thank you! I won't take up any more of your time.” She pressed a box-shaped device next to the book. “Headmistress? They're here,” she said simply. “Thank you. I'll be right there.” True to her word, the pony teleported among them in a loud flash. “Welcome to Celestia's School of Magic.” She pushed her half-circle spectacles up her nose, all business. “I am Headmistress Crystal Clear, but if that trips up your tongue, you may call me Crystal Clear without the title. Please follow me to the lecture hall.” She pivoted and began walking through the wide doorway into a hall that was even more dreary than the lobby. Mistmane waved at Brightwell before following the headmistress along with the other Pillars. “The students are assembled there to meet you so they can enrich their education. May I ask what you are doing, Somnambula?” The headmistress didn't miss a beat as she gazed up at the pegasus mare. “I am searching for a secret chamber,” answered Somnambula, her ear to the wall. “I'll save you some time: There is no secret chamber,” said Crystal Clear in a flat tone. The pegasus turned her head to look at the unicorn. “Right,” she said with a wink. “If there was a secret chamber, you couldn't tell me, because then it would not be a secret.” The headmistress glanced over her shoulder at Star Swirl and said, “She's almost as bad as some of my students.” Star Swirl brushed off her comment with a wave of his foreleg. “Somnambula won't be any trouble, Crystal Clear. She's actually quite helpful most of the time.” “Thank you, Star Swirl!” There was enough glee in her voice to sound sarcastic. Then she flew ahead and landed on the floor, crouching to press her ear against the tiles. “Nothing yet,” she reported. “Yes, well, you will get a full tour of our school after we visit the foals in the lecture hall.” The headmistress pointed toward a set of double doors, painted a deep purple that contrasted with the dull walls. “If you'd like to make a grand entrance, now would be the time.” Meadowbrook reached up to the mask on top of her head and pulled it down over her face. “This is all I need.” Star Swirl glanced round at the group. “Is everypony ready?” Somnambula withdrew from the wall and alighted in front of the old wizard. “I'm ready! The secret rooms will still be here for me to discover after we meet the foals.” Rockhoof rested his shovel on his shoulder and nodded. “It looks like everypony is ready, Star Swirl,” said Mistmane with a grin. “And I have an idea for a theatrical entrance. What if you and I preform a group teleportation with shield spells behind us to provide back-lighting?” Stygian had a sudden feeling that he was forgetting something, but he couldn't think of what it was. “That sounds good, but how will we know which direction is the back?” Star Swirl held his foreleg under his chin. “The back of the room is to your right as you walk through the doors,” explained Crystal Clear. Star Swirl nodded. “Very well,” he said, lighting his horn. “On three. One, two, thr-” Everypony disappeared in a burst of magic . . . . . . Leaving behind Crystal Clear, Stygian, and Meadowbrook. The two friends stared at each other. “Oh. I know what I forgot, now.” Stygian lifted his cloak and put his hoof on the brimstone charm high on his foreleg. “I'm in the same boat as you, cher.” Meadowbrook moved aside the bangle on her foreleg to reveal her own brimstone charm underneath. “Forgot I still had this charm activated. I didn't tell nopony else about it neither.” The headmistress raised her eyebrows, appearing impressed for the first time. “I've never seen brimstone charms strong enough to block teleportation before. Most of them quit working after a few uses. You should definitely show those to the foals.” She opened the door with her magic. “Come, I'll announce you to make it look like you meant to come in afterward.” And so Stygian and Meadowbrook followed her into the lecture hall.