//------------------------------//
// 20 
// Story: Son of Eternity 
// by Secrets and Lies 
//------------------------------//


(20)






After Hearth’s Warming Eve, the days sped by to Zack. As soon as he knew it, spring had filled the air once more and he finally believed that he had been in Equestria for an entire year. He didn’t know which exact date he arrived, but the memories of Earth were slowly retreating into obscurity. His mind was still fresh with the memories of his first appearance in Equestria, and especially of Pinkie Pie. For if it wasn’t for her, he probably wouldn’t be here to begin with.
During the time between Hearth’s Warming Eve and Winter Wrap Up, some interesting things happened. Zack told Celestia about the griffons, Vallak, the journal, the roc attack and Gryphus. She was unsure as to what they were up to, but was glad that Zack had brought back the signed peace treaty in one piece. Only a few days after Zack’s arrival back to Equestria and him telling Celestia about the roc attack on the Wind Fish, she sent out a pegasi reconnaissance team to search for the downed vessel. Only after a few short days of searching the Icicle Mountains, the airship was found near the foot of the mountain ranges with half the crew and Neighmo still alive. They were escorted back and the vessel was salvaged. The only things they left on the Wind Fish were the parts that could rot into the environment and not harm it. Neighmo returned the Vessel of Millennia to Celestia and he was awarded The Badge of Courage for saving his crew from the rocs and maneuvering them out of harms away. Neighmo vowed that the Wind Fish will be rebuilt and jokingly said that he and Zack will travel to the ends of the world when it is rebuilt.
During the months in between, Zack and Pinkie Pie spent their time wisely together. Zack tried to impart most of his useful knowledge on to her as well as Pinkie continually reminding Zack to smile. Zack moved back into Canterlot Castle and continued his training and research on the still new world to him. He was tasked with zero missions from Celestia and for a good time being, all was at peace in Equestria.
Valiant Steed took full command of the Pegasi in the entire extended Royal Guard. Due to continually acts of bravery in the face of danger and succeeding in future missions that Zack was not apart of, he moved up even beyond his high ranking friend, Shining Armor. Valiant had earned the rank of a Six Star General of Harmony and no task or mission was gone unnoticed without Valiant’s knowing. Even being the highest ranking officer in the Equestrian Army, he still spent plenty of time with Zack and both grew closer and stronger everyday.
Zack was at peace and finally comfortable with his surroundings; however he still was kept out of pony’s sights, but this bother he kept didn’t keep him downtrodden for too long. He had a new friend, a new pet named Nox who Celestia identified as the rare and scarce thunderbird. The large bird that carried Zack back to Ponyville returned as his old self with a fresher color in his wings. Along with being able to control thunder and lightning using suppressed magic, it could change its size to be a small bird such as Philomena or a great bird as large as an adult roc. Both Philomena and Nox were of the same family of mythological magic birds and both bonded well together as great playmates. 
Over the Spring days, Zack would walk along in the Royal Gardens and take in the blooming sights and green trees. The buds ripened with fresh smelling flowers which gave off delightfully aromas to the senses. It was a quaint and nice breath of fresh born nature that kept Zack’s mind at ease. Everything was perfect; well, almost perfect.



__________



        Zack awoke in a sudden panic. It was late in the night and the castle was dead asleep, but Zack was in terror from a dream he had just had. It reoccurred again, the same odd dream he had in the dungeon of Canterlot Castle almost a year ago. A great ball of fire engulfing Canterlot Castle, destroying Equestria. Four ponies, a white one, a red one, a black one, and finally a pale one. Each terrifying and each showing unconstrained power over Zack. They announced the same message they did before to Zack, but a sentence they said simultaneous continually echoed in his mind.

"He who wields destiny itself cannot even control it, for destiny is its own, the last secret of the universe."

Why did this mean so much to Zack; he wondered why it was the only thing he could think about. The sheets below him were drenched in his sweat as he rolled out of bed and into the bathroom nearby. He wiped his face and chest clean of his perspiration and began a bath. He wasn’t going to be able to sleep that night anyways, he couldn’t even if he tried. He sunk his feet into the warm waters, the hot sensation soothed his mental pains. He submerged his entire body into the tub, slowing engulfing his head into the bath waters. He opened his eyes under the warm waters to see the warped surface above. This calmed his mind down as the light flickered off and around the porcelain. His skin soaked in the refreshing waters as he lay in the bathtub.
He stood outside on the high porch next to his room, gazing over the slowly awakening Canterlot city below. The stars drifted off and the sun’s rays spiked over the mountain tops. Purple hues and blue skies formed over head and dark clouds of night shimmered in a new pink coat. The morning breeze caressed Zack’s soft skin as he closed his eyes and breathed in the enchanting air.
He sensed someone behind him and knew who it was; he calmly congratulated, “Good job on the sunrise, as usual... This one though..." he pointed towards the celestial object and restated softer, "this one seems special...”
“You’re right. Today, I did not rise the sun. It rose on its own for the very first time in eons.” Zack took in another breath of air as he slowly watched the ball of fire peek its head over between the mountain peaks. Celestia walked up beside Zack and was mesmerized by the strange, yet common beauty, at least for Zack .
Zack closed his eyes and crooned, “You know, where I come from... the sun and moon rose by themselves with no help but from the Earth’s gravitational pull... Why did you decide not to rise it today?”
Celestia gave her customary warm smile towards Zack as she responded, “Things of this world and beyond have to work themselves out on their own sometimes. I won’t be around forever to raise the sun and moon.”
Zack turned and stated, “But you’re immortal.” She turned her head away and directed her eyes towards the ground.
She affirmed, “Yes, but that doesn’t mean I can’t die.”
Celestia turned towards him once more and said, “Zack. I can bare no offspring of my own... and like my coming sister, she too will one day die, I know of this. When that day comes, if ever, you must take the throne.”
Zack fell silent, staring off into the purple mountain ranges far beyond Canterlot. The breeze rustled through his hair and through Celestia’s mane and tail. He stood tall, his eyes showing deep thought. Celestia pondered what he was thinking. 
She observed aloud, “You didn’t get any sleep again last night, did you?” Zack blinked the remaining sleep in his eyes and turned towards the alicorn.
He somberly answered, “Equestria will end. Everything will die. Everything I love will die. My destiny here is not over, I can feel it. I can stop it... but only if I try. I don’t know what I’ll do, I don’t know what I’ll face, but I know that I’ll be ready for whatever happens. I will save this wonderful world, even if I die trying, Celestia.” Her faint grin grew into a passionate smile for what Zack had said. She felt as if a heavy weight was taken off of her back. 
She declared, “It is time...”
Zack looked over in confusion, “...time for what?”
“You will see, my brave and wonderful Zachary.” Zack followed Celestia down the narrow and steep stairs and halls of Canterlot Castle, stepping out into the Royal Garden. She lead Zack up to The Panexus and both stepped onto the rocky plate.
Zack asked, “Where are we going... do I need anything?”
“You only need the clothes on your back.”
The runes around the rim of the artifact glowed ocean blue as they hummed with ancient power. A beam of celestial light shot down from the sky and Zack and Celestia were consumed in rays of unknown magic. In that very instant, they were gone the next.



__________



        Ponyville was bustling with merry morning ponies. Frolicking fillies and colts laughing and skipping as they go to school, local business owners happy to be out and selling their merchandise to the populous again and the pegasi were flying and gliding throughout the warm morning air, keeping clouds away to make the perfect day. Though in the midst of the good times, something was stirring in the crowds. Someone was preparing for something.
A beam of sapphire blue light struck the earth below and in front of the town hall. Everyone was caught off guard and ponies close to the beam of light were thrown back on their hooves. As the light resided, both Princess Celestia and Zack were standing in the middle of a curious crowd of ponies. Zack was in total shock as to what Celestia had done, showing him to a large crowd of ponies unannounced. The crowds of stallions and mares didn’t react too kindly to Zack’s appearance and shrieks of horror filled the air.
Ponies ran and darted through the crowds as they galloped away in terror at Zack’s sight; though they completely ignored the Princess’ appearance, who was right next to Zack the whole time. Pegasi flew off to warn the Royal Guard at Cloudsdale as earth ponies and unicorns jumped and dodged objects in their way to escape the alien creature. It was total pandemonium in Ponyville. In no more than a minute later, the town square was emptied and the cottages were locked tight. Zack was lost in confusion as to what had just happened and why he was here of all places.
He leaned over to Celestia and whispered in her ear, “This wasn’t a very good idea, you know? Do you have any memory wiping spells?”
With a smug look, she confirmed, “Yes I do. I practice it on a certain someone all the time; and don’t worry, I have everything under control.”
Zack didn’t know which to be afraid about, the joke about wiping his memory all the time or being considered a monster in Ponyville. In the corner of his eyes however, he noticed a pony pop her head out of a nearby bakery. He diverted his direction over to the small one and realized it was Pinkie Pie with a look of utter joy plastered across her face. She tried to contain her squeal of delight, but just couldn’t as she burst out of the door and galloped over to Zack. He knelt down and opened his arms, embracing the pink filly once again and laughing.
“Zackieeee! You’re here! It’s a Spring-mas miracle,” she beamed as she nuzzled her head into Zack’s chest. Zack had to move her poofy hair out of the way just to talk back to her.
“To be honest, I don’t know why I’m here.”
Pinkie Pie hopped out of Zack’s arms, bounced around him and sang, “Oooh! I know why you’re hereeee! I know why you’re hereeee!”
The baffled Zack questioned, “Uh, you do?”
“Ya, mister silly, McSilly-ton!” The pink filly stuck her hoof out and pointed, “That’s why you’re here!”
Celestia trotted up and said, “Pinkie! We were going to keep that a surprise!” Zack looked over to see a very big object that was covered in a large, white tarp. It was shaped very funny looking and he wondered what it could be.
“What is it,” asked Zack as he began to walk over towards it. He was immediately stopped when an object came crashing down in front of him. Dust filled the air as Zack closed his eyes from the incoming particles. As the dust settled, from the cloud emerged Valiant Steed, armor-less and laughing at Zack’s frightened appearance.
“I hope I didn’t scare you,” chortled Valiant as he friendly punched Zack in the shoulder. Zack returned the favor and gave a powerful strike back on Valiant’s shoulder. 
“Not even close, you crazy fool. Someday, you’re going to land on something as stubborn as you are.”
“That’s what I was aiming for!” Zack laughed as he pushed off his friend. The denizens of Ponyville witnessed these events happen from afar. They slowly started to creep out and crowd around the strange, bipedal creature. He began to get nervous as all eyes were on him.
Celestia proclaimed to her people, “Do not be afraid! This is Zack, or you may call him Zachary–a human from beyond our lands... and a dear friend to many. He has risked his life on multiple occasions in secrecy to secure our peace. He has devoted himself to helping others and has proven himself worthy in my eyes to live among us!”
Pinkie shouted from the crowds, “Woo-hoo! Yay, Zack!
Zack smiled as Celestia turned towards him to continue, “You’ve earned it, Zack. You deserve this.”
Valiant flapped over and yanked the cloth off of the object beyond the crowds. The denizens and Zack turned to see his new home, a cottage designed and built just for Zachary. All the sizes were correct, the beds, the tub, even the cooking utensils. Zack couldn’t be more happier as his heart raced with joy. He pivoted towards the Princess and hugged Celestia around the neck, something not many ponies had the courage to do. It caught her off guard, but she returned the gesture with her own.
Pinkie burst from the crowd and exclaimed, “Party at Zack’s place!”
She ran ahead and opened the door to the new house, letting confetti and balloons fly out. The crowd of random ponies began to make their way into Zack’s house to join in on the celebration Pinkie had been planning for months under Zack’s nose. Music blasted from the cottage as ponies of all ages began to dance and celebrate their new neighbor. The last to enter were Zack and Celestia who smiled at one another one last time before entering the house and joining in on the party. Before Zack could close the door, as if from no where, Nox swooped in and perched himself on Zack’s shoulder, snuggling up to the side of Zack’s face. He closed the door behind him and joined in on the celebration.



__________



        In the northeastern lands beyond Equestria, a plot was thickening. In these wastelands lie brutal climates, rocky terrain and seas of sand. Powerful gusts and tornadoes plagued the harsh lands and the only safety were the caves in these parts. A large rocky and wide mountain lay halfway buried in the burning sands, that is where the spirit formed of sand traveled. Into the caves, the spirit ambled his way through the lit corridors. Green hues glowed like swamp lights while shadows moved around and above. The spirit finally made his way to the heart of the hive, where the armies of pony-like creatures swarmed the foreign entity, ready to attack. From a high and rocky balcony, a lone Queen stood above her children. The chamber hummed with buzzing wings and growling monsters. The spirit slithered though the air and next to the leader of the beasts.
He sarcastically accused, “Do you really let your kids act this way to all the guests?”
The Queen hissed, “Discord. It’s been a long time. I thought you were turned to stone?” The armies of monsters were called off as they retreated back into their hives.
“Well, you see, Celestia and Luna turned my body to stone, not my spirit. You can’t kill a spirit, my dear sweet changeling, Chrysalis.” The partially intact Discord slithered himself around her and continued, “I can only stay in this sandy form for so long, so let’s be serious now.”
Chrysalis snarled, “What do you want?”
“Oh, I don’t need to talk to you. You’re not the one in charge around here, remember?” He floated by her and waved while hovering backwards, “Tootles, Queeny!” Discord entered a dome  where a large cocoon like structure hung from the ceiling. 
He yelled out, “Anybody home?”
The immense cocoon hinged open and a mist of green gas filled the floor of the chamber. Through the mist walked a much larger changeling insect, the King of the Changelings himself. He possessed a much more powerful body than his Queen and his eyes glowed like fiery embers, unlike the Queen’s emerald eyes. He had an extra set of legs, making three on each side. His neck tangled like Discord’s, though he possessed two, curved alicorn horns and an extra set of large, insect-like wings. He was a menacing and ancient foe to the world and fought with Celestia multiple times when the world was young.
Discord bowed and humbly greeted, “Ah, Hexarch, my old friend... How’s it hanging?” His maw opened, letting his jagged and poisonous fangs gap open as he talked.
“Long have I slumbered, regaining my strength from when Celestia banished me and my people to the Dead Lands. Why have you disturbed me, Prince of the Ancient World?”
Discord rose back up, “Well, since you asked, I have a little plan I’m conjuring up as I go about my business, you see? The Elements of Harmony will be birthed in our lifetimes, maybe they are even alive now, and if we do nothing then they will practically kill us both!”
Hexarch asked with a deep tone, “Do I sense a lie? You are a spirit, no? You cannot be killed.”
Discord replied, “Not by the Elements, no! But by a certain magical artifact the ponies possess, yes!” The draconequus slithered around the large insect’s neck and continued, “This is the part where you come in... When the time is right, I will cloak Equestria in chaos, also deceiving the Elements. To do this, I will cut my powers in half, and you will become a second me! You will distract them while I deal with the demigods! Sound like a deal?”
Hexarch hummed in thought and asked, “What’s in it for me and my ponies?”
“After I’m done with disposing the remaining alicorns and... him... you and your people can feast upon the love of the pony race! Then afterwards, when I move from continent to continent, reeking chaos at my whim, your people can come in behind me and feast upon their happiness! Everypony wins!” Discord levitated in front of the Changeling King and conjured a contract and quill in front of the King. The King read over it and laughed wholeheartedly.
Hexarch growled with delight, “Deal.”






(End of Part 3)




[End of Book 1]