//------------------------------// // Memories Best Remembered // Story: The Struggles of Running a Book Store // by arcanica_scripta //------------------------------// As the sun rose over Ponyville, a particular red unicorn hummed to herself in the kitchen as she worked at the stove. Two plates sat beside her, both holding slowly increasing stacks of pancakes. As she placed the last couple on the stacks, she levitated them to the table. “Bookworm! Time for breakfast!” “Coming, sis!” The orange filly came galloping into the room wearing her saddlebags. “Wow, those look delicious!” Chuckling, the older unicorn pulled the saddlebags off her sister before letting her sit down. “You shouldn’t wear these while you eat, Book.” She set them down by the staircase before joining her sister at the table. “Just because you’re excited to start school doesn’t mean you need to wear them constantly.” “Yes, sis.” Her answer was half-hearted, but Arcanica was willing to let it slide since she was busy eating her pancakes. “So, what’s Ponyville’s school like?” she asked around a mouthful of food. “Swallow, before you speak, please.” She rolled her eyes as her sister sheepishly smiled after doing so. “As for the school, I’ve only met Cheerilee in casual settings, but she’s very passionate about her job. She cares about every foal put in her care and seems pretty reasonable with her students.” She took a sip of her coffee before continuing. “Other than that, I can’t say very much, but I’m sure Sweetie Belle and the others can fill you in.” “Sweetie Belle? Who’s that?” “Arcanica, Darling! We’re here!” sang Rarity from outside. The unicorn smiled as she walked over to her newest addition: a door from her apartment to the streets below. Since Bookworm moved in and she was more sociable, she had hired some construction ponies to install a staircase outside her home to a new door on the second floor. After all, it beat always having to go through the store to greet ponies. She opened the door and smiled at her guests. “Hey Rarity. Hi Sweetie Belle. We’re just finishing up breakfast.” She stepped to the side and gestured for them to enter. “Please, come in.” The white unicorns accepted her invitation with Sweetie Belle rushing to the table where she took a seat next to Bookworm. “Hi, you’re Bookworm, right? My name’s Sweetie Belle.” The orange filly smiled and extended a hoof. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sweetie Belle.” “Book, nopony’s that formal here in Ponyville.” The two older siblings took their seats opposite the two fillies as Arcanica got their guests some juice. “Oh, uh… sorry.” “Oh, it’s fine, Darling. Arcanica is just being Arcanica. Blunt, casual, and to the point.” The white unicorn smirked at the annoyed look her friend shot her. “I’m so excited you’re starting school today! The Crusaders and I are looking forward to teaching you all about Ponyville!” “Crusaders?” She felt herself get concerned when the older unicorns groaned in exasperation. “What do you mean by ‘Crusaders’?” “I’m part of a group called the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Our mission is to find our Cutie Marks and our purpose in life!” declared Sweetie Belle as she raised a hoof and her voice squeaked in excitement. “They also destroy half of Ponyville’s most fragile property when they go on Crusades,” came a dark mutter from Arcanica. She shuddered at the memories of the “Cutie Mark Crusader Window Washers” campaign and how much it cost her to replace her windows. The white filly blushed as she apologetically rubbed the back of her head. “But, I already have my Cutie Mark.” Bookworm showed Sweetie Belle her flank, showing the scroll and quill to her. “I got it for writing and reciting poetry.” “Oh, you did?” Sweetie Belle looked slightly crestfallen before perking back up. “Then maybe you can be our advisor or something! Since you have your Cutie Mark, maybe you can help us find ours!” “Um… I mean, I suppose I could try?” She was extremely hesitant and looked to the older unicorns for help, but felt a little betrayed as the two suppressed their giggles. Ultimately, Arcanica decided to “save” her. “Alright, girls, let’s hurry up. We should leave soon if you two want to hang out with the other foals before class starts.” Bookworm, realizing the time, quickly finished her breakfast before grabbing her saddlebags. Once they were properly secured, the four unicorns were on their way to the school house. “You know, Rarity, I didn’t realize you would walk Sweetie Belle with me today.” She brushed her mane back with a proud smile on her face. “Oh but of course, darling. I wouldn’t dream of simply leaving you with two fillies on your sister’s first day of school.” She flashed a dazzling smile. “Besides, it’s only natural for us to want our sisters to get along, correct?” The red mare sent a flat look to her friend. I know that look. “Okay, what do you want?” Her smile faltered at the question. “I… I’m sorry?” “Rarity.” She sighed in defeat after being figured out. “Applejack asked the five of us to come with her to Appaloosa to deliver an old family tree in the near future. I was hoping you could babysit Sweetie Belle for me while I was away.” “Let me guess, your parents are traveling again?” She groaned at the question and rolled her eyes. “The two of them decided to visit Las Pegasus to ‘reclaim their spark’ or something to that effect. I don’t want to hire just anypony to look after Sweetie Belle, and since you have obligations here in Ponyville…” Arcanica chuckled. “It’s fine, Rarity. Just know you're walking these two back home. From now on, though, just be upfront about it, alright?” She looked around at the trees as they approached the schoolhouse. “Friendship is built on trusting other ponies, and trust is built by being upfront with those same friends.” “This coming from the pony who used a fake name for years.” Arcanica scowled at the smug comment from her friend. “You know full well why I had to do that.” “Wow, this place looks even nicer when everypony is playing!” The two were pulled from their small argument by Bookworm’s excited comment. Evidently, they had reached the schoolhouse and the two fillies were excited to see their classmates. Bookworm ran back and hugged her sister. “Bye sis, I’ll see you after school?” The older unicorn nodded as she hugged the orange filly. “Absolutely, Book. I’ll be working on some stuff, but Rarity will be here to pick you up after school lets out.” The two parted as the younger went to follow her new friend. “Have a nice day, Book!” She smiled when the younger sibling waved back to her before turning to follow Rarity back into town. “You think she’ll be alright?” “Absolutely, Darling. As destructive as they may be, Sweetie Belle and her friends will make sure Bookworm is taken care of.” Arcanica nodded and smiled at her friend’s reassurances. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some orders to fill this morning. Tata!” “See ya, Rarity.” Now on her own, Arcanica began walking back to her store to open for the morning. She scowled when a familiar green pegasus began walking in time with her. “What do you want, Storm Breaker?” “Oh, come now, Arcanica. Is it a crime to stop by to see a dear friend?” She glared at the stallion, taking note of the draconic appearance of his wings and his mane squirming like snakes. “I thought the Princesses were ‘dear friends’ of yours?” she asked quietly. The streets may currently be empty, but she wasn’t going to risk somepony hearing her. He shrugged before making a strange hissing chuckle. “Celestia and I have not been on the best of terms in over a millennia, and I doubt Luna would like how They rewarded my service.” He turned to her with those terrifying black eyes. “What about you, Arcanica? I understand that Celestia’s student is in frequent contact with her. Why have you not told anypony else about the physical book or the Outer Beings?” “Everypony thinks my books are fiction, Storm Breaker. None of my friends would believe me if I said that the horrors of the void were real.” He laughed at her comment, but she continued on. “As for why I’m not telling the Princesses about you talking to me, I’m almost certain they wouldn’t approve of my research. I’ve done my research and I can remember what happened to all the cities where other holders of the Book went public.” “What’s the matter, Arcanica? Do you not want Celestia to try razing Ponyville to destroy the book and its powers?” She began trotting faster in an effort to outpace the specter, but he kept even with her pace without increasing his own. “Well if it helps your conscience, you should know that Luna has been traveling the Realm of Dreams once more.” She froze at the statement, realizing the implications. “Does… does she… know?” Where the hell is everypony else?! The streets shouldn’t be this empty right now! “We presume she is at the very least aware of your gifts,” he admitted as he continued on his way. She quickly caught up to the former pegasus. “Whether she knows your name is for anypony to assume, but They have noticed her investigating the visions sent to you through your dreams.” He smiled at her, revealing his mismatched fangs. “I assume it is only a matter of time before Celestia decides to personally investigate you possessing such visions herself.” “So why bother warning me?” she demanded. “If the Princesses already know who I am and about you contacting me, why let me know?” “They want you to be aware of the circumstances surrounding your gift,” he replied simply. He turned to face her, all mirth gone from his features. “You need not fear the power they offer you, but know that abusing Their trust is worthy of being abandoned. Celestia and Luna fear what can be offered to you, not out of what you are capable of, but out of fear of what could happen if you are not careful with that knowledge.” “What does that even mean?!” she snapped at him. “For once, stop speaking in circles and just give me a straight answer!” He walked up to her and stopped before he would pass her. “If you want to know so badly, look into all of the beings they have had to stop over the years. Not beings such as Discord, but the ponies who tasted the forbidden power of the Void and became a threat to all of Equestria. If you can remember the cities that met their end at our hooves, you should remember all of our mistakes.” He walked past her, and she made no effort to follow his movement. Once he completely left her field of vision, the sounds of the town met her ears, as if she were dropped into the center of a busy city. Ponies were going about their business where nopony had been before. No, not where nopony had been, she thought to herself. I was dragged somewhere where I wouldn’t see or hear anypony. She hastened back to her apartment, fueled by the urgency of what Storm Breaker had told her. While she could call upon the memories of previous ponies like herself, the Book was far more reliable than just the memories of others. What mistakes did Storm Breaker want me to remember? She groaned as she rubbed her head, the area around her riddled in rubble. “Where am I?” From what she could tell, it was some manner of ancient city that was in the middle of a war, if the mutilated bodies of ponies were any indicator. The architecture was filled with columns and reliefs, leading her to realize she was in Marethon. “Oh no, don’t tell me…” “CEASE THESE ACTIONS AT ONCE, YOU FOUL WRETCH!” came a bellowing voice. A bright light akin to the Sun shone down on the city as Celestia descended from the sky adorned in golden armor. “Wait, Princess, I’m not-” “Well, I was wondering when you would bother to grace my city, Celestia.” She froze at the warped voice and turned around to find an ashen Earth Pony stallion dressed as a noble of the time, his robes stained crimson red. Much like Storm Breaker, his eyes were emanating the black miasma that showed one’s complete connection to the Void. “To what do I owe the pleasure, your Highness?” “You know why I have come here, Pillar.” She slammed into the ground, cracking the cobbled streets where her hooves fell. “The damage you have done to this city goes beyond any hope of redemption.” “I assure you, Celestia, this was not my design. I truly had better expectations than what my friend unleashed upon my home.” He moved his head to the side and dodged the bolt of radiant magic, remaining unfazed by the explosion behind him. “You think I would believe you?! I should have done something when I first learned of you!” She readied herself, her horn still glowing to fire another spell. “Countless Heralds have told me the same thing, Great Pillar. Why should I start believing you now?” “Because no sensible Herald would want to drag Them into our world.” “Herald? What’s a Herald?” That term is… familiar… “Very well then!” Pulling a spear from her back, Celestia adopted a fighting pose. “Surrender the Scriptus, and I will grant you a painless demise.” “Their tome is not mine to surrender,” he told her simply as a large magical circle appeared under him. “I do not wish for blood to be shed between us, Celestia. Nor do I wish to pay for the crimes of another who abused my faith. But if that is what you desire, then I shall oblige you.” The body of a former soldier in front of him exploded in a storm of viscera as a scythe made of bones was assembled from his remains. “Wait, you can’t!” she yelled. She tried to stop Celestia, but she fazed through the Alicorn’s body. “What? Is this… a memory?” “SILENCE YOU CUR!” Celestia’s spear glowed with the light of the sun as she fired a blast of magic at the Earth Pony before her. The brightness blinded Arcanica, who couldn’t bring herself to look away from the battle about to occur. She jolted in her seat, the Book open in front of her to the section written by Great Pillar. “What… was that?” “My memories of regret.” She shrieked before turning around. Sure enough, much like Storm Breaker liked to do, Great Pillar was sitting on her couch, perusing one of her novels. “Celestia confronted me over the mistakes I had made all those years ago. Not that she bothered to listen to me.” Taking a look at the Book, she turned around and sat down facing the stallion. “I’ve seen that battle, and I have all of the others’ notes on what had happened to Marethon itself, but I want to know first-hoof. What did you do to anger Princess Celestia?” He set down the book he was reading with a sigh before turning his shadowy eyes to her. “I myself didn’t do anything,” he said finally. “Rather, an old acquaintance of mine had decided to use the knowledge in its pages for her own benefit.” He climbed off the couch and began pacing. “In my hubris, I had presumed she would take my advice and not dabble in the dangerous ways of the Outer Beings.” A rock weighed down the red unicorn’s stomach at the implication. “What did they do to her?” He chuckled before walking over to where the Book lay open. Turning back to an older section, he pointed a hoof to the left page. “Read this spell, and tell me what it could do to somepony’s psyche.” She looked at him skeptically before looking the page over. “Strength Through the Heart’s Devotion,” she read, long since used to understanding the bizarre and alien languages used in earlier sections of the Book. “When used upon those who hold the user dear, can grant incredible power derived from the victim’s devotion to the user themselves.” She thought it over as she tried to piece together the rest of the page. “So, if I’m reading it correctly, it turns ponies who love you into batteries for your magical power.” He nodded at her assessment, causing her to keep thinking it over. “As for what that could do to somepony, I suppose it comes down to how powerful they can become and eventually going out of their way to get as many ponies to love them as possible.” “Exactly,” he told her as he closed the book. “My friend was fascinated by being able to draw power from those who adored her, and so taught herself this spell. She quickly became drunk with power, and began using it to become even more powerful and used that newfound power to make even more ponies adore her.” Arcanica blanched at the image. “That’s terrifying. Why would somepony ever want such a thing?” “Because the level of power she now had access to drove her to insanity. She was already adored by the masses, but craved more.” He walked back to the couch and sat himself down once more. “Eventually, Marethon was nothing more than a brothel for her personal enjoyment. Everypony, be they stallion or mare, saw her as the love of their life. Inevitably, I was ordered to confront her on Their behalf for abusing the magic they had given me. I hope you can assume how she reacted to my demands that she release everypony.” Arcanica nodded. “You were forced to deal with her personally. I assume you were forced to release some manner of Eldritch beast upon Marethon?” “No.” He smiled sadly at the memories. “I would never unleash something so terrible upon her and her victims. Rather, I cursed her and her most devout. She craved to be adored and had ingrained the spell into her being. So, I cursed her to need that power simply to exist. Giving into the power They offered me, I turned her and her concubines into abominations, doomed to exist solely on the love of others by taking the forms of others.” “So then, all of those dead ponies were…” He shook his head. “Not directly the result of her and her brood. Rather, they died trying to kill those among them who were turned. The city devolved into chaos as nopony could tell who was a genuine pony and not one of her ilk.” He looked out the window at the sun as it shone into the apartment. “Naturally, Celestia presumed I destroyed Marethon in a fit of madness and decided I needed to be put down for my crimes. When she struck me down, I had yet to finish exterminating the monsters I had created.” “Hey sis! I’m home!” Arcanica flinched and saw her little sister stop in the door frame. “How was your day?” she asked happily before coming in for a hug. “I- I’m fine, Book.” She looked at the stallion in fear, not feeling comfortable having her sister in the same room as any of the spirits bound to the Outer Beings. “How was your day? Nopony gave you trouble after your first day?” “She’s the genuine article,” Pillar told her from his place on the couch. “No need to worry about her being a fake.” “Nope!” she cheerfully told her sister. “Everypony was already used to me by now, so nopony really gave me trouble. They treated me like any old pony.” “Well that’s good,” she said both to her sister and the specter. “Alright, I assume you have homework to do?” Bookworm nodded, so she smirked. “Alright, go get started. I’ll come check on you in a couple minutes.” “Okay. Thanks sis!” She happily pranced out of the room, leaving Arcanica with the specter of Great Pillar. “Is there a way to identify them?” she asked after sitting there in contemplation. “For others, yes. For you? No need. The Outer Beings despise her kind, so you should be able to tell when one of them is before you.” She sighed in annoyance. “Wonderful, so the best I can do is hope my friends never encounter them? Fantastic.” “You worry far too much compared to previous Heralds,” he told her. “That’s another thing. What do you mean by ‘Herald’,” she asked him. “I heard you and Celestia use that term, is that what we are? Heralds?” He nodded before the book floated towards him while covered in a black aura. “Herald is the term we adopted for ourselves. We serve as the messengers between Equus and the Outer Beings, therefore ‘Heralding’ any events connected to Their power. To my knowledge, you’re the first one to spread knowledge of our lives rather than hunting or suppressing any efforts to call upon Their power.” Arcanica winced as she was once again reminded of how she vented her visions. “So since I’ve been publishing them as stories, what does that mean for me if Celestia decides to approach me about my books? Will I be doomed to the same fate as you?” He shrugged. “Perhaps. Although, unless you have been using your powers excessively or teaching somepony how to use Their magic, you should be safe from Celestia’s anger.” She nodded and took a quick look at the Book. “I suppose that makes sense.” When she turned back to the couch, she sighed when she saw that Pillar had left her apartment. “And he’s already left. Go figure.” She rose from the desk without a second glance at the Book and walked out of her office. “Hey Book? How’s the homework coming along?” She didn’t want to take the powers she was given lightly, but it made her wonder. How many others met that fate for making the same mistake of teaching somepony else?