//------------------------------// // Interlude - Forgotten History // Story: Guardian of Legends - Unity // by The Hero of Harmony //------------------------------// Canterlot Palace Some time later... "What is it that you wished to discuss with me?" Celestia asked. After the celebration of stopping Discord and bringing peace and normalcy to Equestria again, Silver and Princess Celestia both stood in the throne room alone as the stallion wanted to speak to the princess privately. His friends would wait for him outside when he was done, but really wanted to discuss something important with her, and by extension Princess Luna. "I know I should tell the girls this as well, but... I don't know how they would react to this, especially Twilight. For now, I just want to bring this to your attention, and relay it to Princess Luna when possible." Silver said. The princess nods as she listens to her little pony's explanation. "I know a lot has happened what with us beating Discord and sealing him in stone again, as well as bringing Luna back after returning as Nightmare Moon. However, there have been some... Strange events revolving around me personally... Something I can't really explain and just recently another occurrence happened." He started. "And what has been going on that has been affecting you, dear Silver?" She asked. "Well for starters, the day I came to Ponyville, and followed the girls to the Everfree Forest after Nightmare Moon. The moment I stepped into the forest... Something happened..." He explained seeing visions of events he never seen before. Celestia's eyes widen as she held back a gasp when he mentioned seeing her, Luna, a being of black mass, a strange looking tree that looked to be made of crystal, and a figure that didn't appear to be of Equestria, garbed in red and wielding a sword that appeared to have the Elements and his cutie mark in the center. He realizes the figure in question is confirmed to be Crimson, as the being explained he was around during that time and met the princesses, however he left the name out. The look in Celestia's eyes only show she knows what this little pony saw. "I also... Heard a voice. I couldn't figure out who it was, but they sounded... Caring and gentle like you. It was a female, and it was the first time I heard of something known as the 'Mark of the Seventh.'" Silver explained. Celestia just sat there, taking this in. The moment he said that phrase, she knew it was only a matter of time. "...Silver, this voice. While I don't know who it might be, but the fact they are aware of who you are and was likely the one that gave you these visions means you were fated to return to Equestria and eventually reunite with Twilight and her friends, and bring them together, and be destined to be apart of this in some manner. There are some... Things that not many ponies know, in regards to the Elements of Harmony as they are mysterious in themselves, but I can tell you this: There was always six Elements, until a certain point thousand years ago." Silver was going to ask, but she held her hoof up. "And for as to why I never told this to Twilight, even after she and her friends became the new bearers of the Elements, I honestly didn't think this would crop up, but the fact that you know that phrase, yet are unaware of its meaning, means that you are as much as a special pony as Twilight is..." She explained. "What does it mean...? It has plagued my mind for months now, even Crimson didn't really tell me--" "Crimson...?" Celestia asked. "Oh yeah, the weeks before the Gala, I was riding home on the train back to Ponyville, after helping at my mother's jewelry shop, I had a dream. I was visited by that figure in red that I saw in the visions. He said his name was Crimson, and claimed to know you and Princess Luna centuries ago. He said he wants to help me reach my full potential, but I have to unlock the magic that is within me before he can do much." Silver explained. "..." Celestia remained silent. "...Princess? Is something wrong?" Silver asked. "Has he... Taught you anything in your dreams?" She asked out of curiosity. "...Well he had to teach me fast on the second dream I had, which was after the Gala, because Princess Luna arrived in my dream to discuss something she wanted to talk to me about that night and he arrived after and... Princess Luna kind of nearly had a freak-out, pointed at him stuttering and then Crimson looked at her with some remorse as he casts some sort of time spell on her, I think he called it 'Stop', and for what felt like half an hour, she was stuck in that pose." He explained. Celestia knew right away Luna was telling the truth after she brought it up the following more after the Gala. He is still alive out there... And was not communicating to this pony through his dreams. "...I see. And she wasn't harmed in anyway was she?" She frowned, mostly out of worry for her sister, even though she pretty much was told this by Luna. "Oh, no. She just was frozen there and Crimson basically taught me a spell called 'Fire' and a healing spell called 'Cure'. He told me I was able to cast them rather easily in my dream but in real life, with little of my magic exposed, it could drain me, even if I was able to master using it and Cure." Silver replied. "So you are able to cast these 'otherworldly' spells? Can you show me now?" Celestia leaned closer, as Silver backed his head away. "U-uh, I guess I could. I just... He told me only to use them if I need to resort to them. But, since we beat Discord, I feel more lighter... As if my inner unicorn magic actually feels more open now. He thought it was because I was exposed to the Elements that it somehow affected me by trying to unlock my unicorn magic that I have been studying to use for years. Maybe..." Silver thought. He stood back as he held his hoof out and closed his eyes. He focused the magic within him as he began to conjures up a small flame in his hoof. He didn't feel as much strain as he usually does, as it only took three seconds as oppose to seven seconds. Celestia gasp, holding her hoof up to her mouth in shock and amazement. "Oh my..." She muttered. He opens his eyes as a perfect ember of flame appeared in his hoof. "Huh... That didn't take as long as it usually does." He mumbled to himself. "Incredible... It appears my dear sister was right." She thought. He then waves it around before unleashing it into the air, where it erupts into nothing. "Heh, what do you know, me being near the Elements seems to have unlocked my magic a bit more." Silver said chuckling. "I am just... Amazed by this Silver. You, a young pony of Equestria, maybe the first Earth pony to have actually used actual magic... And not just magic known here, but 'otherworldly' magic. I understand that you are classified as a halfling, considering you possess the traits of unicorns but lack a horn and was born with higher traits of those of Earth ponies, but still even ancient arcane magic is something that even me and my sister don't use often because it requires more magic than the average pony, even for me and her." The princess praised. "Uh, wow. That is actually pretty cool. I mean it was just a simple Fire spell though. From what Crimson said, it isn't that powerful, unless I learn to cast it in the next tier, which I am not ready to do yet. I still have to learn to cast the basics of ice and lightning magic in the form of... 'Blizzard' and 'Thunder', as well as a few other healing spells in the 'White' Magic category. "Princess what can you tell me of Crimson? I mean he seems mysterious and all that, plus I feel his name maybe more or less... An alias. Maybe he doesn't want to reveal his identity to me now, but I figured if you would know a bit more about him. He says he knew you and Princess Luna from a long time ago." Silver asked. She closed her eyes and thought about it. "Well, I feel it isn't my place to talk about an 'old friend' unless he himself tells you. But what I can say is 'Crimson' can be trusted, he may have a stoic and somewhat cold exterior, but he is a kind and considerate individual. Gifted in his art in magic, as well as swordplay, I remember a time Luna wished to spar him since my little sister fancied the sword, while I preferred the halberd." She chuckles recounting the time. Castle of the Pony Sisters 1000 Years Ago It was afternoon in the brighter side of Equestria, as the regal castle of the two sisters of the sun and moon resided near the vast Everfree Forest. Celestia and Luna, who a couple months prior used the power of the Elements of Harmony to seal Discord into stone and restore harmony to the land, were enjoying a bit of downtime as court was not in session today. Instead the two sisters, along with one unknown individual garbed in red and stood on two legs, was standing a ways from the young Princess of the Night, with the eldest simply watching from the sidelines from her throne. The individual, Crimson, had a content look on his face, though it was hard to tell if he was smiling or not considering his face was partially covered by a face cover. His hand slowly rested on the grip of his sword that was sheathed, his calm brown eyes gazing over at the alicorn. "...You sure you want to do this, Princess? I warn you: I won't go easy on you just because you are royalty." He said in a calm tone. Luna just stood with strong confidence from across the individual. She was wearing her armor, obsidian black with a crescent moon etched on the center of her 'breastplate' and helmet that allowed her lustrous blue mane that sparkled like the night sky out. She was levitating her sword, a light blue blade with two dark blue wings and a crescent moon on the hilt, matching her coat color. "We are certain, good Sage. Tis would be a squander if we did not test thou mettle with the blade, and see if thou has what it takes to last against thee." Luna replied. Celestia, simply sipping tea on her throne, watching the two. "Lulu, remember he is our guest. I am just as interested to see how he fares against an alicorn, and see if you..." Celestia stops as she tries to think of the word Crimson said he was when he arrived a several weeks prior. "Human. I am a human, Princess." He said with a chuckle. She smiled and nods. "Thank you dear, to see what you humans are capable of, so try not to destroy the place, dear sister. I know how you get when it comes to sparring matches." She finished with a sip. Luna rolls her eyes. "Do not worry thyself, Tia. We won't hurt our guest too badly, although thou better not hold back against me." The lunar princess emphasized by pointing her blade at Crimson. He closed his eyes, as he slowly draws out his blade form its scabbard. It was a beautifully made sword, golden all over from tip to hilt, having a rather ornate looking hand guard that made it resemble a rapier, a red grip and a red feather hooked around the pommel. On top of that, the sisters could sense strong magic radiating from the sword. The type of enchantment on it was something they couldn't figure out, which only made Luna more anxious, and Celestia interested. "This is just a sparring match, and not a battle to the death. Believe me, I rather not have the conscience of killing a princess of this land by accident looming over me. So, just to be safe on both parties..." He pulls out one of his rods that were on his back, this one having being rather long, silver shaft, and having a large blue orb embedded at the top by what looked like a green 'hand' grasping it. He walks over to Luna, who just eyes the rod he has as he raises it up into the air. "Wall!" He yelled. The rod's orb glowed brightly as the two opponents were surrounded by two different colored barriers, one blue and one green. "What spells have thou cast on us?" Luna asked. "A potent protection spell known as Wall. It brings up two barriers around the target that generates that gives Protect and Shell, which halves any damage taken from physical and magic attacks respectively. At least we won't be worse for wear if we do go all out, but even then it will hurt a bit." He explained. Celestia listened, as she bring up a parchment and begun to write down some notes in regards to the protection spell Crimson cast on himself and Luna. She was curious to see if he would use anymore of his spells during this little match, smiling at the thought. She was also thankful that he was kind enough to give themselves a bit of extra protection from hits they are surely going to sustain. "We thank thee for looking out for our well-being, good Sage. However, it does not change how this match shall end!" Luna declares proudly. He just grinned under his face cover. He then breathes in deeply, bringing his sword, the Enhancer up to his face and closes his eyes, exhaling. He opens his eyes, before twirling the blade to his side as he got into his ready position. "Shall we begin, Princess?" He asked. "Have at thee!" Luna replied. The two rush at each other, Crimson looking rather calm and collected as he brings his sword up. Luna does the same, focused on her opponent, as the two meet head on and blades clash, echoing through the room. Canterlot Palace Present Day "The two appeared to have the time of their lives. Luna was always gifted in swordplay and not many ponies, aside from myself, could even match her in battle. 'Crimson' however, was just as elegant with a blade as he was with spellcasting, even being able to imbue his weapon with an elemental affinity just by waving his hand across the blade. It did add a bit of flair to the match. Considering the type of creature he was, he was more than able to keep up with Luna, and in the end managed to beat her." Celestia explained. Silver listened. He was just amazed that Crimson was able to, how he usually puts it, 'do the tango' against Princess Luna and was able to beat her. He wondered how he would be able to match that, next time he would encounter the human as he is called. "I can probably see why Princess Luna was taken a back when she saw him in my dream. Considering this is the only way we communicate, she will likely try to get every chance to just see if he shows up now she knows he sees me." He thought aloud. Celestia just chuckles. "My sister can be a bit... Anxious, especially when it comes to seeing an old rival of hers and friend she hasn't seen in over thousand years. I do hope he is doing well, and one day see him myself but unlike Luna I have no way of accessing the dreams of ponies." "Well if you say I can trust him, then I'll learn everything I can from him." Silver said with a confident grin. "And if possible, I would likely keep this between ourselves. I know if Twilight was to discover this, she would no doubt want you to teach her this type of magic. I am all for my student to better herself when the field of studying magic and becoming better, but I do feel this sort of magic would be too much for her. Even Luna and myself had a hard time trying to learn even the simplest spell from 'Crimson', his reasoning being he has studied this sort of magic almost his whole life and the world he hails from has magic that is different from the magic that flows through Equestria, thus being better attuned to it." The princess replied. Silver nods. "Well, is there anything else you wish to discuss? I am certain your friends are likely eager to return home to Ponyville with you and don't wish to keep you waiting." Celestia asked. Silver thought for a moment. "Actually just one last thing. It is in regards to when we sealed Discord back to stone..." He explained how his mother's ring appeared to be affected by the Elements and managed to left his hoof to join the girls as the ring also appeared to fire a beam into the Element of Magic along the other Elements. Celestia was surprised by this revelation. "May I see your ring really quick?" She asked. Silver holds his hoof up, allowing Celestia to inspect the ring a bit closer. She closed her eyes, as her horn goes, using a spell that allowed for her to detect enchantments and other sources of magic within objects. "...Well? Do you detect anything Princess?" Silver asked, anxious. "Hmm, this is strange... Whatever magic was in this ring is now dormant." Celestia concluded. She let's him set his hoof down. "Dormant? Meaning...?" Silver waved his hoof around wanting to know more. "Whatever magic is within this ring only seems to be active when it needs to be. It is weak now, but there is definitely signs of magic that is on par with the Elements in it, mostly within the gemstone." She explained. "Strange... It never did that when we were against Nightmare Moon, and mom never noticed anything abnormal with it when she wore it. To her, it was just a normal wedding band. What could this mean, Princess?" The stallion asked, looking at the ring. "Could this mean I'm... A Bearer of the Elements as well?" He thought. A gentle pat on the head by the princess snapped him out, as she smiled softly at the pony. "It would be best to not dwell on it for now, dear. I am sure the answers will come to you at some point, should this voice or even Crimson, explain it too you in the future. For now, just enjoy life for what it is now and go with it." She then gets up. "Well, I think we can conclude business for today. You seven are likely eager to return to Ponyville with your friends and get some deserved rest from your ordeal against Discord." She said as she begins to walk Silver toward the doors. Silver simply grinned. "Maybe you are right... I am exhausted and just want to go home, sleep, pretend the whole thing never happened. Though, I should go visit mom before going home... Seeing as I'm here and having to save Equestria twice seems to warrant a needed visit to her. I'm sure the girls will understand. Thanks for taking time to talk to me about all this, Princess. It means a lot." He chuckled. Celestia gives a soft chuckle. "No problem at all my little pony. Should you learn anymore as the days go, you are more than welcome to send me a letter with details. I am just as interested about this as you are." He gives a nod as the large doors open up with Celestia pulling them open. He waves to the solar princess and makes his way to the main lobby where Twilight and the others were waiting. After he left, Celestia was about to go as well, before looking back at the stained glass window that was unveiled at the celebration earlier. She only smiled contently. "...Farewell thee well for now, dear Bearer of Unity."