//------------------------------// // Prince's Exodus // Story: Crystal Horned Alicorn // by DeltaPow //------------------------------// Chapter 9: Prince's Exodus Our worlds are only connected form the stories of others, realms connect in odd ways. I gone through many realms, meet many new people. My Clones live on in realms all over, as well my rival and brother. He vanished form his prison in my mind when a shard of me entered that realm. Delta might have a unwelcome surprise, Exodus is loose. It was a week til the Gala was going to start, every pony has been busy since we got here. I been having uneasy feelings ever since I got to Canterlot nearly when the Gala started. I am going to be officially crowned at the Gala as the third monarch to help princess Celestia and Luna. With the help of Twilight and her friends I have completely accepted as Equestria as my home. This urge of uneasiness is bugging me. "So... what you think?" Rarity asked me, I was distant. "Ethan...ETHAN!" I snapped out of my daydream. "Oh sorry, I was out of it, what is it?" I wondered coming back to reality. She showed me the commissioned outfit I was going to wear at my coronation. "Rarity, that's amazing you surprise me with your work." "I was worried you hated it dear... something on your mind?" Rarity asked. "Just very uneasy, its not the coronation or the gala, I think something bad going to happen" I said with a frown. "Everything going to be wonderful, relax, you going to be ruling Equestria with Celestia and Luna. What more can a colt ask for?" Rarity asked reassuring me. "Nothing more, Thank you Rarity... I wanted to ask, how is every pony doing on the Gala?" I wondered. "They are doing what they need too dear, Just relax, everything is happening normally. Derpy has even took the extra caution to ensure nothing goes wrong." Rarity said, as Derpy was doing that by placing Caution tape around her workspace to make the Ice Sculptures she was commissioned to do. "I am happy your reassuring me, I am sorry to bring this up but it seems that prince blueblood been trying to get your attention since you got here." I reminded Rarity. "Oh that Prince..." Rarity was getting angry, "If I have anything to do with that low down, greedy, self-centered and Valor-less prince... Ohhh it will be a horrible day in Equestria..." Rarity snapped out of it. "I get it, sorry, I didn't know he was that bad.. He been pretty nice since he got here. I think he learned a lesson form your encounter." I said. "Maybe, but Spikie has been the best. Why should I go with a Prince like him, if Spikie will be there when I need it." Rarity commented. "I see what you mean." I said as I placed on the outfit it seemed to have very rare metals in the cloth of the suit. "What metals did you use in this?" "Well some diamonds, gold, silver and a few others." Rarity told me. As Rarity and I where going over details. Twilight and Spike where going through some check-lists to ensure this day is the best. "This is going the best day ever in Equestria Twilight, I am so excited." Spike was still over viewing the lists. "I know Spike and Ethan has been so distant lately.. I worried about him Spike." Twilight added. "I think, all we can do is encourage him right?" Spike asked. "Yes, I wish he wasn't so worried." Twilight said They continued doing checks as Apple jack and Pinkie was getting everything prepared for cantering and organizing for the Gala. "Hey Applejack, have you noticed that Ethan been odd recently?" Pinkie Asked. "Odd, I don't think so Sugercube, I think he has been quite outta it." Applejack answered. "I think I should cheer him up." Pinkie suggested. "Maybe or it might be his way of getting ready." Applejack reasoned. "I hope so Applejack, It seems unlike him..." Pinkie hoped. To stick around Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash where ensuring entertainment. Rainbow Dash will be working with the wonderbolts since it was requested to have a show with them after the coronation was over. "Um, rainbow.. I been wondering..." Fluttershy said to Rainbow Dash. "What is it Fluttershy." Rainbow Dash responded doing some more exercises to ensure top shape for the gala. "Have you noticed Ethan lately... he seems sad." Fluttershy stated. "Sad? He being crowned at the gala and taking place of one of the monarchs in Equestria, I don't think he is sad Fluttershy." Rainbow dash stated. "But he frowning and distant... it odd and its worrying me something might be something wrong." Fluttershy said. "Maybe he just a little stressed out, he most likely trying to coop with it." Rainbow dash reassured Fluttershy. "I Hope so." Fluttershy added. It was about a few hours since my outfit was shown to me by Rarity. I felt like my worrying might have been constant for some time. I needed to talk to the Princesses, I really needed their wisdom right now. I head to the throne room hoping that they where there, which getting there ensurred that they where there with Twilight and Spike. They where talking about the gala, Twilight did seem uneasy form my view before I walked in. "Prince Ethan, its nice to see you out and about." Celestia welcomed. "Hello Celestia, I wanted to talk to you about something that been troubling me for the last few days. Its not the Gala or Canterlot that's worrying me something sinister seems to be staring at me form the dark corners and I dunno why. I try to dismiss it, but it makes me more concerned." I informed Celestia. "You sure that its something like that?" Twilight asked. "The constant concern I have it seems to be a..." I stated until I was interrupted. "Keeping myself hidden wasn't going to work for long." A voice Exclaimed as a form appeared out of nowhere. "Bravo, It only took you half a day to alert my essence. The Original would be so proud delta." The form said, I didn't recognize the form but that statement meant one thing to me. It was a Alicorn, with eyes closed and around the base of the unicorn horn was a crystal similar to mine it was taking form of a crown in a way. "Solar..." Luna and Celestia said surprised. Twilight and spike where standing their ground with some confusion. "Exodus, or should I call you Foxtrot. You know how many times you where defeated by your own hand. What should I give the unwelcoming surprise." I grunted in anger. "I might be a Clone like yourself but my goal will still be the same. You are a clear sign of my right to be more powerful Delta. Why don't we settle this one on one. Ethan Pow vs Exodus, just like old times." Exodus chuckled. 'How did Exodus get here... wait a moment, was I the only shard that entered this world?, that doesn't matter.. some pony will get hurt if we fight here. I hope my abilities form outside this realm can keep them safe.' I thought, I accepted, "I will accept your challenge Exodus but under these ground rules: 1) No creature should be harmed, Its Ethan pow vs exodus, 2) there will be a 24 hour preparing time before we even fight." Exodus grinned, "Very well, I will be at our combat site, I will give a signal every hour to show you a way so you don't get lost." with that he left flying through the glass window laughing. Celestia shouted,"What in Equestria is happening?" I sighed, "Something dark and sinister has entered your realm.. He wants me, and me alone, as long no pony attacks him or interferes with our duel then the only ones that will be effected will be. He took Solar's body because he didn't have the power to make his own... the body not allowing him to integrate because the body is rejecting him... so he doing mind control." Twilight asked, "Who is Exodus Ethan?, why did he call you Delta and stated about this original?" with some concern. I explained, "The Drakeal Realm, there is a monarch Ethan Pow that watches the realms to ensure harmony and balance. Exodus was a brother of him but didn't have his powers, Ethan went ahead and granted Exodus powers like his own to save realms. Exodus wanted more, he wanted to be better, stronger, powerful and the greatest creature of any realm. Ethan Pow tried to reason with him, he keep on protecting him form his own laws that Drakeal's follow... He sealed Exodus in his mind... when I got in contact with your realm.. there must have been 2 shards but Exodus didn't get revived in a new body... Only I did. So he found a body that was empty and powerful enough to challenge me and win." "Solar... he used his body as a weapon." Celestia said. "We must stop him!" "I know how you feel Celestia but only I can be the one to act... If I am defeated, then act, no sooner. The safety of Equestria depends on it." I commanded out of protection of every pony. "I can't have you go alone." Celestia stated. "Sister, he clear that he made the choice." Luna added. "Princesses are you alright?" Shining Armor asked as he came into the throne room. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy entered as well. "Shining Armor, Place Canterlot under high alert, we have a threat that prince Ethan was worried would happen." Celestia Ordered. "Yes, I will." He left to get everything in place. "What happened?" Rainbow Dash asked. We all explained what is happening. It was clear that Equestria has a real threat. "There is one thing I will need help with. I need to be able to communicate with you when I am fighting Exodus. He will make the battle field designed in his favor. He will use any magic and abilities at his leisure. I need your there but not there physically so I don't have to worry about any pony getting hurt." I asked Celestia. "There is a way, follow me." Celestia stated as every pony made their way to a underground library. "This place had a spell for the task we need. It does more than link us with voices, it allows us to cast magic through you at great distances. The Spell only lasts 12 hours without a amulet and with a amulet it can last a very long time unless removed form yourself, a normal alicorn can only have 2 unicorns helping them." Celestia explained. "I doubt that I have much limits of that nature. Will you be able to see or feel whats going on?" I asked. "I am unsure as this spell was used only for maintaining farms. It can do that what we need ,yes I believe it can." Celestia answered. "Good, I don't like this at all, never like fighting even when its needed." I added. "Even evil, he is my brother, I just wish that he could realize that." "Its good that you care for your brother, you tried to get him to understand... even I was the same to my Sister. I can see your doing whats needed." Luna told me. Celestia started on the spell, which was hard for her skill since the spell was very old. But got it finished. "One thing for sure, I can't harm Solar's body... Exodus is just using it as a shield and sword against me. His body should remain where it was placed in stasis. That's my goal, if that can't be achieved then my goal is to stop Exodus with any means necessary. I got time to prepared and rest before it starts." I sighed. I head to my room, very ashamed of what transpired. 'I should have been more careful, If Exodus succeeds then he will enslave everyone until the original comes to fight him... I can't let that happened... the original needs to get here now. But how am I going to warn him.' I thought, I got to my room. Twilight was right behind me the whole time. "So, what are you planning to do?" She asked me. "I dunno, my options are limited. I need his help." I answered. "Him? This original?" Twilight asked. "Yes, The Original Ethan Pow. He can remove him form Solar's body. If only I could reach him and send him a message" I stated as my horn started to glow without my entent I walked to the window. "he is the only one that I know would keep Exodus" as my glow on my horn glowed harder, then for that moment I blast something form my horn... magic or something into the sky sounding like strong wave current at the beach. I feel backwards in surprise what I did. Twilight helped me up. "Was that a message?" Twilight asked. "I believe so, and I hope he gets it." I said, it looked like a star in a sky until it faded out. "I better get some sleep." I hugged Twilight, "No matters what happens, I Love Equestria and you showed me that. I fight for something I love." with some tears both of us shared. I released our hug. Having her there I feel asleep right there, with her next to me. The clock ticks as time remains, delta will hold his ground, Exodus will be fought. My time is ticking, I need to answer the call. As it must end now, with no delay, Delta will prove himself this day. I awoke, Twilight still where she was as well every pony in the gang. They made sure that the last moments where together, not apart I smiled as I left the room not waking a soul. Walking to the room Celestia was heading to meet with me. "We got everything ready, are you sure about this?" She asked. "As I will ever be, unless you have a better idea?" I asked. "I believe this is the most logical course... But you come so far." Celestia said as we started to walk to the underground library. "To risk it?" "To Protect the Ponies and Place I love, Any day." I answered. "Then there is no backing out... We had some armor made with the amulet smith into it to ensure it would remain on you even in battle. If you are showing signs of defeat, we will use the amulet to hit Exodus with the Elements of Harmony." Celestia said. "It may not work, but it would place you at risk." "If all else fails, then we might need to do that." I said. I got the armor on that seemed heavy but light enough to wear and fly. A large gem, the amulet, was a fixed to the neck piece . A helmet that was similar to style of the guards but it seem more. "Its a mix of Pegasus and unicorn armor that is based on a old style. It was meant to protect you but you won't be able to move as much with the added weight." Luna informed me. "Hopefully the spell is working correctly" "How does the Spell work anyway?" I asked. "You be able to talk to us with your thoughts than your words and magic will flow through you that we cast here. A few experienced unicorns will be assisting your efforts by ensuring the connection." Celestia answered. "How much time is left until I must be at the battle." I asked. "14 hours, The battlefield seems to be in the West, the wastelands... Many dragons in that area have seemed to retreated closer to Equestria... If Exodus remains there we will have a large amount of dragons nesting too close to Equestrian towns. We sent teams to handle the issue directly." Luna informed me. "In the end, my chances of success have increased." I stated. "So in essence my thoughts will be heard will I hear you?" "Yes I hope." Celestia stated. "You Hope?" I asked with concern. "There will be a hard time you hearing us since we are casting form our end. So we will have to help you by your commands. We will be able to hear you and see whats happening around you." Celestia stated. "Make sure that all spells might have a delay, we are very unsure if they are instant specially at that distance." Luna added. "So I need to be aware that all magic might be slow...that means I have to work with what I can." I assumed and the princesses agreed. We quickly started to test the spell, to ensure stability. As the group started to wake up in my room. "Has he already left?" Rarity asked. "My Question, when did you all get here?" Twilight yawned. Spike was still sleeping and was like her pillow. "Well knowing Ethan was going to fight that nasty exodus, we waited to wish him luck." Rarity said. "Just was so tired that I took a nap." "With your sleep mask." Rainbow Dash said. "Well I had it on me already... can't blame a gal to look beautiful even when tired." Rarity Defended. "What I don't understand why he be fight'n this Exodus without help." Applejack said. "He knows Exodus, I believe he did it to protect Equestria." Twilight stated. "I don't like it but it had to be done, I believe in him." "I believe he will win." Fluttershy interjected. "There's no doubt he will win." Rainbow Dash agreed. "He most likely still around, there still 10 more hours before he has to fight Exodus." Twilight informed the group. "He most likely getting prepared." Applejack stated, "He fighting, If Exodus a threat to Equestria he would jump in protect something he come to love." The group went out to see the underground library but they saw that Luna and Celestia was focusing. There is a energy ball in the center of the room which the Princesses where linked with their magic with their eyes closed. The sphere is a image of what I was seeing I seemed to be a far form Canterlot looking at it. "You should be hearing me, can you reply?" My voice coming through the sphere. "Yes, its coming through very clearly, so far the link hasn't gotten worse." Celestia said. "Good, I will head double the distance, Luna can you make this armor lighter. So I can fly out." I said as Luna focused her magic on that task. Went back to me, I could see Luna's magic through my Horn as the armor got lighter. 'That's better thank you.' I thought to message them 'So far maintaining this armor isn't hard but if you want it light will require my constant attention' Luna messaged back to me. 'So far, I think 4 to be able to cover all the areas of combat, Defensive, Offensive, Supportive and Medical... It should be self explanatory.' I said. 'Agreed then I will be your Defense' As Twilight said 'I might as well be your Offensive' As Rarity added. '… Thank you, Celestia, I hope you can handle Medical.' I asked. 'I will focus on that.' Celestia agreed. '9 Hours til it begins.' I stated. 'Here we go, going to need defense to break the wind to make me move faster. Support will keep my armor lighter... lets see how fast I can go.' I said taking off to the east, my speed greatly increased that I left Equestria but slowed down. 'I just went over 600 miles in a few seconds...' I said. 'That's a strain on me when you do that' Twilight said. 'same, lets not do that too much' Luna added. Heading back to Equestria we did some drills, they knew how to act quickly. There seemed to be a very minor delay. I also didn't know how much stain we will be getting into as Exodus's abilities where not known. It was almost time. 'ok, its time to head there.' I said, ready... Doing a boost, we made it there early. Knowing Exodus, he had traps made. "Well well well, your early." Exodus grinned. "What a nice armor you have there. Lets get down to business shall we? It seems that I am on a timetable. Its pretty clear you came prepared. How unfair to not bring your ol brother a set like that." "Like you play fair anyway." I said 'I need a minor earthquake and lightning strike in the ground because I know there are traps." Striking the ground many traps went off. "Well its my field, and I get to choose how I want to play" Exodus added. "Exodus, why do you have a superiority complex." I asked. "Coming form you, that's hollow words, coming the new prince of this land." Exodus responded. A Shield went up around the arena, It was red shield. 'You all still there.' I asked to the team, they responded with 'ok' "A little surprise I placed to ensure you don't had friends ready to help you out. I hate unfair fights." Exodus exclaimed. "From the one that claimed I used hollow words." I snorted. "Prepare yourself!" Exodus shouted as he dashed to me using magic to make a spear of magic to be used as a sword. I reacted to do the same to deflect as Exodus seemed to move much faster. I almost got hit but I was teleported. "Well well trying to run already." Exodus chuckled. "Like I am going to let you wound me." I said. He dashed to me as I jumped crashing the ground making the gound go uneven. He jumped to stay stable. Exchanging a few blows I pushed him back. I noticed that it was getting slightly hotter form the environment. He made the shield magnify the sun's heat. 'We got a problem... it seems his barrier increases the heat form the sun like a greenhouse. If I stay in here too long I will pass out form the heat.' I informed the team. 'I will keep it cool but If the ground starts to melt then you might be in trouble.' Celestia stated I went aggressive as I started to cool down, Barriers popped up as twilight blocked Exodus doing some cheap hits with his hooves. "I see you noticed my combat style to keep me form landing a blow on you. Maybe I need to change my tactics." Exodus laughed as he moved away and spewed flames form his mouth. I took to the air, to avoid getting burned. If I get hurt, Celestia has to focus on healing and keep me form getting too hot. I used my horn to throw magic missiles at Exodus which blocks them with a shield he makes. Keeping my distance and moving, he can't hit me which he changed his tactics again and started to shoot lightning which hit me and crash to the ground. I got up and move as he spewed more fire at me. The lightning made it hard to move, If he hits me again I will be toast. 'darling, I can't believe I am suggesting this but get underground, use the ground as a shield.' which surprised every pony in the gang when she made a suggestion that would get anyone dirty. I took it and started to dig. Which Exodus was focusing on burning the land around him trying to burn me. I made my way under him and hit him form below making him get hit, knocking him down for a bit. "Nice, your fighting dirty." Exodus said. "Now its going to be real fun." as he tried to strike me with lightning, I already retreated back into my tunnel.. which he quickly shot fire into it. Which I got out just in time, only burning the tip of my tail. It was getting hotter faster.. I could see steam.. which will make it much harder to heal any wounds. "Is it getting a little hot for you." Exodus exclaimed. "It isn't, how about you?" I said, 'The air is harder to breathe... if its not one thing its another.' More fire spewed as I jumped to the side lightning strikes the area but misses me. The steam was fogging up my sight. Exodus has the advantage here and I knew it well. I moved around keeping my location changed so he couldn't get me by surprise. Which didn't work as I got hit hard by lightning and quickly flamed but the fires didn't get me as Twilight was blocking them, the lightning was just too fast to react, Luna changed modes to make me invisible. I moved as Exodus lost track of me. The armor was heavier but it was better than being hit so easy. "Delta... come out com out where ever you are... you need to play with me." Exodus sounded very despite. I stayed still and not move, but the stream would give me away if Exodus is next to me. It wasn't long until he jumped out and kicked me, knocking the amulet abit. It seemed to make the world much hotter. This made me worried. Missing me with fire and lightning, I had to limited time to act, I couldn't tell if they where still linked. 'Eth...' something tried to talk to me. It was very distorted. "wah, your armor got hit." Exodus seemed proud but worried. I jumped on him and took him by surprise which he returned to get me off, lightning was shooting everywhere, and since he couldn't get me with fire he was trying to push me off him. Which he lunched me forward and hit me with lightning a few times, which made me groan with pain. "NO... MORE GAMES." Exodus stood over me. "your death will be meaningless." as he moved his hoof over my head, I went and hold it off. I was getting tried fast, the heat was really getting to me. It was checkmate then, the barrier crashed with a sound of broken glass. The air got cooler and I was able to breathe better as Exodus was kicked off me. "Exodus, you been a bad pony!" a voice that sounded like me after he kicked Exodus off me. I looked to see the original, he must have gotten my message. The amulet was trashed as the spell was broken. "Since you I am here, its time I cleaned up." he said. "Original... that body isn't his, please he hasn't integrate with that body as its rejecting him." I said I couldn't really make out whats going on. It seems Ethan was in a pibed form walking on 2 legs. It wasn't human though. "Very well Delta, I already made a promise to our mutual friend. Thats why I am not changed or limited." he patted a large book that was on him. "2 on 1 how is that fair." Exodus stated. "You said you wanted go against Ethan Pow, and here he is Exodus." I said. "Delta is right, now come peacefully or I will have to fight you." Ethan Pow stated. "Like I am going to give up any chance of Defeating you." Exodus said. "I like that answer, I hate being nice to some one that ungrateful for my kindness." Ethan chuckled, as he grabbed me with one hand and threw me about 100 yards.. I landed nicely. He jumped as his hands and eyes glowed as he rained down the heavens with a mighty blast on Exodus. It seemed to be non lethal regardless of the effect. He returned to the ground to pickup the crystal brain of Exodus and place him in a container that would make him unable to do anything. Solar body seemed to be much different than what Exodus was controlling it. "So, that was all?" I shouted form afar flying to him. "He only a Shard but only 23% of him Escape... I had enough of protecting him Delta, or should I say, Prince Ethan of Equestria." Ethan Pow said. "What did you mean our mutual friend.. Is solar protecting this realm?" I asked. "He is and he is forever bound for ages. I dunno when he will be released but I won't let this realm get effected... Its link to the void will be scattered.. With my power this means the realm will be independent of other realms effecting this one. This book was the offer for safe passage into this realm. He wants it to be given to his sisters, its letters of his thoughts he wanted them to know. He will be watching." Ethan told me. "That would mean you won't be able to help me if something goes wrong." I said. "Nothing will, because your the executor here Delta, you know it don't depend on me to help you all the way." Ethan told me. "Get stronger, live your life here... Lucky Pony." There was nothing I could say to him, other than a hug. You know bro huging a bro, well in a way I was hugging myself. "Ok ok, enough, so much hugging I can stand." Ethan exclaimed as he hands the book to me. "This is for them and you know that removing this realm form the void is a good idea. It will be locked with independence... you might see me again or you might not. I got to go, the longer I am in here the higher the chance another visitor might come in to cause havoc." Ethan Pow took off to a hole in the sky which closed. Solar body seemed to disappear. Not long after the Princesses and the pony gang found me, as I sat there, they quickly hugged me with a tickle they where wearing the Elements of Harmony. My helmet was off. "So Exodus is gone?" Luna asked. "Exodus is gone and Solar should be back where he was." I answered. "I am so happy that you where able to handle him so well after the spell broke." Celestia said. "The Original came, and dropped off this book form Solar for you two, it seems that my guess was correct. Exodus or any thing form the other realms." I told Luna and Celestia. They looked at the book and read the first page: To my loving Sisters I am sorry that I been away forever, I been here guarding our home. This book is my thoughts I placed down over the ages. I hope you keep this forever and never forget about me. Your guardian Brother, Solar. "So, since Exodus is gone, and Gala is in a few days... we got to get back to the castle... THERE SOO MUCH STUFF TO DO." I panicked as every pony laughed. I will never forget Delta, and I will see him again. Exodus lost his powers and live as a mortal for the rest of his existence. He seemed to have peace, he lost his greed and power and found a life he really truly wanted. We are brothers, and we will always be.