//------------------------------//
// The Journey to Come 
// Story: Aeterna Solara - The Dawn of a New Equestria 
// by Etherium-Apex 
//------------------------------//

Princess Celestia's eyes soon met with the Apple family's rustic homestead. As the dawn's light flooded the earth with its fiery glow, she made her descent with Silver in tow. Silver held fast to his companion, hoping to steal some of her warmth against the piercing cold air, but to his relief its chilling bite subsided as they drew closer to the ground.

"I'm never going to get used to that," Silver said as they made their landing. Jonah and Ginger Gold spotted the two as they tilled in their fields and met with them. Silver was elated to finally have his hooves on solid ground after their flight, and happy to once more see the Apples, who immediately lunged forward and hugged him.

"I'm glad to see you both too," Silver said, returning their affections.

"I'm so happy to see you're okay!" Ginger exclaimed. "What happened to you? You weren't attacked by... Changelings... were you?"

"I'm afraid this was indeed a Changeling attack," Celestia said. "The swarm has not been this bold for quite an age. It's a good thing I found him when I did." Silver nodded.

"I knew it, I just knew it," Ginger said, removing her hat. "My worst fears were true. Land sakes, it's one thing to hear about them through the newspapers, but it's another entirely when they go after your own family, isn't it?"

"Don't worry, Ginger Gold," Celestia said, stepping forward. "My family and I will not rest until this threat is banished from our land. I will be letting my mother and father know about this new attack, and they will be made to pay."

"I don't reckon you know where to start with that, do you?"

"My mother Lucretia has sensed that the leader of the swarm is hiding in the frozen south, but we don't know where. If she can determine an exact location, I will venture there and meet the Queen of the Changelings."

"I want to come with you," Silver said.

Ginger gasped, and her hat dropped from her grasp. "You want to- that's out of the question!" she said. "It's too dangerous, and you just got home!"

"Ginger, I'm a fully grown stallion," Silver said. "I can take care of myself, alright? I need to do this. I want to do this."

"Silver, don't be silly! I know you're big and strong, but this whole deal is far over our heads. Just stay here and let the princess handle this. You belong here."

"Celestia may be a princess, but she won't be able to do it alone. I want to help all I can, otherwise there will be no home left for us."

Ginger looked down and sighed. "Well, I guess in the end I can't stop you. I just want you to be safe. I know you're not really my son, but you still feel like a son to me." She placed her hooves on either side of Silver's face and looked into his eyes, her own face awash with love and concern. "Promise me you'll come home to us again."

Silver gave her a big and warm hug, and she tightly enveloped her arms around his shoulders. "I promise." He released her from his hold and kissed her cheek, then gave Jonah a hug as well before taking Celestia's side. With one final wave goodbye, Celestia and Silver made their way to Canterlot.

"I am definitely glad you chose to come with me, Silver," Celestia said with a smile, "but are you sure this is the best decision for you? Ginger made no exaggeration about how dangerous this all is, and I've not known you to be a fighter."

"I know, but I want to do everything I can to save my home," Silver said. "And I didn't want to leave you alone."

"That's really sweet of you, Silver," she gave him a brief nuzzle, "but I hope you intend to take some training in combat."

"Hey now, I'm not completely useless! I know my way around a fight, and have you seen my kick? Those Changelings just caught me off-guard is all."

Celestia couldn't help but giggle at his remark. "Yes, you sure do know how to whip those apple trees into shape! I'm glad I have you here to save us from fruit."

Silver blushed, somewhat indignantly. "Okay, okay, I get your point. I'll see if I can brush up on my fighting skills."

"If you'd like, I could get you into our military reserves. You would spend three months in a basic training program, and then if you're needed you'll be called upon to defend our nation."

"That sounds great, but I don't think we have three months in this case. Is there maybe a crash course available?"

"Hm, that is true. We'll see what my father thinks. We will be speaking with him anyway."

A gentle breeze then lifted the trees among them, and they soon reached a clearing at the top of a hill. Canterlot could be clearly seen in the distance, a gleaming marvel of architecture perched beside the tallest mountain. Its majesty overlooked every green field and tree below, unmistakably the home of royals.

"There it is," Silver said. "No matter how many times I see it, I never get tired of the view. It's almost magical."

"It is," Celestia said. "The work of my ancestors, an undying home for an immortal family crafted by marble and magic."

"So what are your parents like? I've heard about them, but I've never met them before."

Celestia turned to Silver with a warm grin. "You will never be the same."

Silver was then startled to hear another feminine voice, traveling through the winds and whispering through his ears. He sensed no threat to its tone, but instead had a feeling of benevolent welcome.

"Do you hear that? There's a soft voice in the air..." Silver said, searching his surroundings.

"I'm afraid I don't, but I suspect it is my mother Lucretia greeting you. She has the gift of clairvoyance, and can speak to living creatures from afar."

"Oh. Well, I was already kind of nervous about meeting your parents, but knowing that your mother can read my mind takes it to another level."

"Oh, don't worry," Celestia said, wrapping a wing around Silver's shoulder. "My mother has a heart of gold, and judges not."

"Well, I guess if she's anything like you, she's probably a very lovely mare. Beautiful, poised, loving, and nurturing."

"And I know she will like you. That she tried to contact you is a good sign, in fact!"

Silver looked back outward to the shining city in the distance, and lamented their distance from its splendor.

"Such a long road to travel," Celestia said. "I had thought that walking would ease your mind after being lifted into the air so many times, but perhaps the journey is too much of a cost?"

"Yeah," Silver sighed. "And neither of us have really slept yet. Maybe there's another way."

"Well, unicorns and alicorns can master the skill of teleportation, but it could be disorienting or even dangerous for someone not used to its magic to come along."

"If I had to choose between hours of walking with little sleep to being dizzy for a bit, I think I'd prefer the latter."

"Well... alright. Take my hoof, and I'll take us to my family's castle."

Silver did so, and Celestia closed her eyes. In an instant, Silver felt his body expanding in all directions; his surroundings became a flooding stream of light and stars. He then felt himself rocketing in a single direction, and in an instant he was standing in the courtyard of the Canterlot castle next to Celestia. Disoriented, he collapsed to the ground, unable to stand.

A loud and out-of-breath "whoa" was all Silver could muster for a few moments. "I feel kind of queasy..."

"I told you," Celestia said before lying on the ground next to him. "I'll give you some time to collect yourself, then when you're ready we can go inside. How does that sound?"

"Thank you," Silver said. "I've never done anything like that before... 'disorienting' doesn't even begin to describe it!"

After a few minutes Silver was able to stand, and able to get a clear bearing on his surroundings. Celestia stood with him and smiled. "Are you ready?"

"Not really," Silver said, "but I'm still going to." Although his mind was eager, his nerve remained unsteady. His heart fluttered with excitement, while his stomach shifted to his hooves.

Celestia led him to the main hall entrance, and there they were; perched in their thrones, King Aurelius and Queen Lucretia, in all of their glory. Every thought and word vanished from Silver's mind upon laying eyes on them. Even his nerves escaped him, and his only sensation was that of a dream. He could not speak, so Aurelius stirred and broke the silence in his stead.

"Welcome, Silver Brighthoof, son of Lazarus and Ophelia Brighthoof, to the House of Magnus!" Aurelius declared, a kind smile on his glowing face. "My lady Lucretia informed us of your arrival, and we are happy to finally meet our daughter's suitor."

"Well," Silver said meekly, "it's an honor to meet both of your highnesses as well." He then lowered his head and bowed before them both.

"There is no need for such formality," Aurelius said, approaching Silver. "You honor us already by making our dear Celestia happy."

Silver then stood, chuckling nervously. "Well, thank you, your highness. I'm always happy when Tia is happy."

"Indeed," Aurelius said. "I trust you both have news for us? No trivial matter could summon the laboring poet of Ponyville to our halls."

"Uh, laboring poet...?"

"Unless, of course, I simply wanted to introduce him to you both, Father," Celestia chimed in.

"There is news, indeed," Lucretia said softly, approaching Aurelius' side. "The eyes of this stallion tell more than his voice. He has faced the shape-shifters of the south, the Changelings clawing at our doors." Silver looked away from her gaze, feeling as though she was peering into his soul.

"Another Changeling attack?" Aurelius said, his warm demeanor fading into worry. "I suspected the razing of Coltlumbia was only the beginning. They will become bolder by the day if we don't act quickly."

"What are we to do, Father?" Celestia asked.

"Were it not for the weight of this situation, I would sooner ask you to determine your own solutions," Aurelius said, "but you haven't the experience in this case. Send our armed forces to closely watch our borders, and until further notice there can be no travel to or from our lands. The risk is too great, as they can take the shape of anything or anyone. Our cities and villages will be under closer watch by local armed forces, and any suspicious activity must be reported to them immediately. We shall also notify the neighboring territories so they can remain on guard as well."

"Yes, Father."

"So, if they can change into anything or anyone," Silver said, "how do you know we are who we say we are?"

Aurelius met eyes with Silver upon hearing the question, and then looked to Lucretia, who formed a slight smile.

"Fair enough."

"We will need to make haste," Aurelius said. "Latrodectis must be found if we are to have any hope of keeping Equestria safe. Her goal is obvious, as is the desire of every living Changeling: one by one, piece by piece, the domination of every free creature and plot of land in this world, until all who still draw breath are but cattle, until the planet's surface is empty and soulless. Make no mistake, if they succeed, there is no going back. All that is green and good in the world will be gone."

Silver felt chills rolling down his spine upon hearing this revelation. Thoughts rushed through his mind, images of slavery and destruction. A strong desire to defend what he loved overtook him. "I... don't know what to say to that. I can't imagine it. It's too terrible to even describe. But I would still like to hold out hope that we can stop it from happening. There will always be a reason to fight, always a glimmer of hope to hold on to."

"It seems bleak, yes," Aurelius said. "But I would not give up hope either. I have faith in my young Celestia, and Lucretia and I will offer any help that we can. In the meantime, I imagine you both are aching for a bit of rest, and some hot food."

"It is an odd time of day, certainly," Celestia said, "but I don't mind after last night's ordeal."

"More sleep than food for me," Silver said, "but I don't think I'll sleep well with this quest in mind."

"Don't worry, Silver," Celestia said. "My sister Luna decorates these halls with lush bouquets of enchanted lavender. Anyone who rests their head on a pillow under their watch is guaranteed a rejuvenating sleep."

"Then it is settled," Lucretia said. "Go and find peace in your dreams. Our guest quarters are welcome to you, Silver, or you may sleep in Celestia's chambers."

"He can sleep with me," Celestia said. "It would be more comforting for us both."

Silver blushed slightly at her wording, and the two of them retired to Celestia's bed chambers. Silver couldn't help but admire the castle's architecture and decor on their way there, from the beautiful stained glass windows to the red banners dancing across the ceiling, and the boughs of lavender perched atop the walls.

"This place is so amazing," Silver said. "So where is your sister? I wanted to meet her."

"Luna sleeps during the day now," Celestia said. "Her duty requires her to be wakeful during the night so she can raise the moon and watch over her subjects' dreams."

"I guess that makes sense."

"So this is your bedroom?" Silver asked as they entered her luxurious quarters. "It's huge! I wish I could sleep in a place like this."

"You can," Celestia said with a smile. "You're about to!"

"You know what I meant, Tia! I wish I could live in this kind of place."

"You never know. Maybe that could be arranged as well. I would certainly not complain."

"On the other hand, I would have to leave my current home behind. I don't know... This new ordeal with the Changelings is getting to me either way."

"I'm worried about it too, Silver, but we can't think about that right now. Right now, we need rest."

"I suppose you're right." Celestia laid into her bed, and Silver followed her lead, taking her into a lying embrace. "You're really warm, by the way," Silver said softly, causing Celestia to quietly giggle.

"Goodnight, or morning," she whispered, before giving Silver a kiss and closing her eyes. It wasn't long after they became still that the gentle hold of sleep took them.





Celestia saw a pale light shine at the end of the tunnel in which she stood; following it led her outdoors to a bridge overlooking the steep grassy hills in between Canterlot and the mountain in which it settled. A peaceful river flowed under the bridge from inside the mountain, weaving and splitting through the landscape, and encircling the city below.

Next to her then stood her father Aurelius, who did not acknowledge her presence. Following his somber line of sight, Celestia spotted a number of ponies garbed in black and all carrying blue lamps, all walking slowly along a stone pathway leading to a secluded mausoleum. Near the front of the formation was a large ornate coffin, levitated with magic, accompanied on all sides by royal guards. At the front was Magnus, whose expression was equally dark and sullen. His image was of a stallion who had given up, the life gone from his once brightened eyes.

The grey clouds blanketing the sky then gave way to rainfall. Thousands of crystal shards pattered the ground and sparkled in the warm fire of Aurelius' being. He watched the procession intently, and the rain made it difficult to notice the slow tears that left his eyes. Celestia could hear singing coming from the group below, a sad and otherworldly feminine chanting of an ancient tongue that echoed in the slopes of the mountain. After listening to the song for a short time, Celestia realized that she had heard it before - it was the same song that Aurelius sang to the moon the other night. A eulogy of sorrow for a fallen empress.





Celestia woke a few hours later. She could hear Silver's slowed and steady breaths, indicating that he was still asleep. The dream of Lady Galaxia's burial was still vivid in her mind, along with the feelings it left with her. She could not understand why she was now having these dreams, but she had a feeling. There was then a soft yawn from behind, and a gentle stirring.

"What time is it?" Silver asked groggily, before noticing the look on Celestia's face. "Tia? What's wrong?"

"These dreams, these visions," Celestia said. "Ever since my coronation, every night, I dream of the ancient empire that once reigned supreme. I dream of Lord Magnus, my grandfather, and of Lady Galaxia, my grandmother. I have seen its final moments, and Galaxia's fate. It troubles me so, why I'm shown these images. In our sleep, I saw Galaxia's burial in Canterlot, and the anguish on my father's face. Their eulogy is still fresh in my memory, haunting and tragic yet beautiful."

"Didn't you already know these things?" Silver asked. "They're your family, right?"

"I knew that the Solar Empire fell to ruin, but I had always been told that Galaxia simply transcended to the immortal plane. In these dreams, she is slain in battle. If one of us is killed or mortally wounded, we cannot leave this world. We would be doomed to linger under the dying stars, an earthbound wraith for all of eternity. Maybe Galaxia is still out there, attempting to contact me."

"But as a wraith," Silver said. "Would she even still recognize you? Does Aurelius know this?"

"Undoubtedly," Celestia said. "Perhaps it's why he's still stricken by it to this day, and why he never told Luna or myself her true fate." She then quickly stood and briefly stretched. "I need to speak to him." 

"Should I stay here?" Silver asked.

"You needn't stay in my chambers, but I would like to talk about this privately with my father."

Silver and Celestia then left the room and returned to the castle's throne room, where Aurelius and Lucretia could once more be found in their respective seats.

"Greetings to you both! Did you sleep well?" Aurelius asked.

"I had a rather troubling dream, actually," Celestia said. "I should like to speak with you privately, if possible."

Aurelius paused, and then nodded. By the look on his face, he knew precisely what was troubling Celestia. "Meet me in my quarters. My lady, might you offer Silver Brighthoof a bit of company until we return?"

"Of course," Lucretia said. "There are many things to be seen, many sounds to be heard. Go, take your time..." From there she trailed off, and looked directly into Silver's eyes with a grin. Her gaze felt haunting to him, but he could not look away. He was entranced by her piercing blue eyes, and then a feminine voice whispered in his ears.

"Fear not, Silver Brighthoof of Ponyville... You seek to save your home, all things cherished in your heart, yet you fear that you cannot... I will show you what lies beyond the veil of the future, and you will see what you must do... You know where to find me. Its charmed waters call to you."

Lucretia closed her eyes and vanished, leaving Silver in a daze. In his head he wanted to feel afraid of this seeress, but his heart stayed his fear. Before he could think any further, his hooves moved of their own accord out of the throne room and to a side passage leading outdoors.

The walkway led down below the castle and the city, down to a familiar sight - Lucretia's pool, the hidden grove that he and Celestia had visited during her coronation. The water sparkled under the sunlight, like beads of silver and sapphire, and flowed gracefully into streams pouring out of the garden down to the land beneath the mountain. Lucretia stood on its opposite side, waiting for Silver to approach. His eyes fixated on the shallow pool, mesmerized by its glow.

"Step into the water," Lucretia said. "See what you can see."

"What will it show me?" Silver asked.

"I'm afraid I could not say," Lucretia said. "The waters show many things, do many things. Within lie all secrets of this world and the next. Secrets of the past, secrets of the present, and secrets of the future. You will see what you must see."

Silver hesitated momentarily, and then stepped into the pool. The water felt warm and soothing to the touch, and gave a slight tingle to his hooves. Lucretia watched intently as he reached the center. He looked down, but at first could only see his reflection and the sky above. But as he continued to watch, the water grew darker, and he felt heavier and heavier.

Lucretia closed her eyes, and a murky blackness grew below the surface. Images formed in the dark, at first unclear and refracted, but as the water grew still they became pure and clear. Silver saw his home and his farm on a bright and sunny day, and then saw his childhood home. His parents Lazarus and Ophelia appeared momentarily, before making way for images of Celestia smiling and jovial. He saw himself with Aurelius, sparring in friendly combat. He saw Canterlot from a distance, he saw Ponyville, but their sunny backdrops quickly wilted to that of desolation. Canterlot appeared destroyed, and many creatures could be seen flying in the sky. Every tree was dead, the rivers dried, even the sun had failed. Fleeting images followed, flashing ruined towns and insectoid forms before changing to a bright arctic landscape. Silver could see the ruins of a great city half-buried in ice, and saw a spider crawling among its ancient buildings.

It was here that Silver could take no more, and he lifted his head away from the water, startled to find that he was under the water the entire time. He gasped for air as the water seeped from his mane, and he looked to Lucretia. "I... I saw..."

"You saw what you must," Lucretia said. "Your vision is also my own. In the ice of the southern regions lies the ruins of a once great imperial city, and it would seem the lair of Latrodectis, Queen of the Changelings."

"But what about the other things I saw? Everything was dead, destroyed..."

"If our enemy is successful, this world will be gone, as you have seen. Your chosen mission is grave, and your resolve must be strong."

Silver looked back to the water and gave a heavy sigh. "I'm beginning to feel like I took on more than I can handle... I'm just one common stallion from a small quiet town. I'm no fighter, no adventurer. What can I do against such great evil?"

Lucretia approached Silver, looking into his eyes with a smile. "You are also brave and loyal, capable of great things. You simply lack a clear path. Aurelius can leave with you a parting skill, and I shall leave with you a parting gift. Come."

Lucretia led Silver back into the castle, beyond many corridors and stairways into a gallery of various artifacts. The large room was lined with golden pedestals encased in glass, and each displayed mysterious gizmos, jewels, accessories, weapons, books, and other items.

"Remnants of the Solar Empire," Lucretia said. "The works of their sorcerers and craftsmen." She led Silver past many of these items, all of which left him endlessly curious. What immediately caught his eye, however, was one item in particular, given its own alcove at one end of the room. It was a set of six oval gems of many colors encircling a golden pointed wheel. As he examined the artifact, he began to attempt to poke the glass until Lucretia spoke up once more.

"The Amulet of Magnus," she said, drawing Silver's attention back to her. She carried a subtle necklace with a silver chain and a sun pendant with red jewels. "Unbreakable by any earthly means, this amulet can detect danger and will be a beacon of hope at the utmost end of need." She placed the amulet around Silver's neck, and he took hold of the pendant in his hoof.

"Well, thank you! This will definitely prove helpful. I just hope I know how to use it."

"You will know, worry not." Lucretia led him back out of the room. He looked back once more at the mysterious gems, but turned away and followed Lucretia back to the throne room. Aurelius and Celestia had returned, and waited to greet them.