Years ago, before the founding of Equestria, when the three races were still living independently, there were members of the unicorn race, some of them alchemists, some scholars, they were considered the greatest minds of their time and as such came together to form a group that would work together to benefit their tribe, and of course give them an edge over their earth pony and pegasi counterparts. And while they had many successes, creating spells to fight what was then common diseases, or to increase their bounty of crops, some of their work had always been deemed “questionable”. It wasn’t until the founding of Equestria that things began to change.
Perhaps the unicorns in question became too ambitious, or perhaps they weren’t sure where to draw the line, but their experiments and practices started to become more and more extreme: using ponies as test subjects or using arcane magic that had been banned for centuries. It got so bad that the Unicorn King himself got involved and made an ultimatum: stop these practices and fall in line or face exile. This led to the largest schism the unicorn race had ever experienced and ultimately the outbreak of civil war. Fortunately, with the help of the newly united pegasi and earth pony races, they were able to defeat the rogue unicorns in a mere few months.
But this wasn’t the end of this group of ponies. Calling themselves the Caligo Tribe, they fled into the shadows, biding their time and hoping one day they could exact their revenge on Equestria…
Twilight sat back and pinched the bridge of her nose with a wing as she let out a sigh. This was the only bit of information she could find on this group, and she spent much of last night looking through book after book in the Royal Library. Of course, we have a cult and a spirit of darkness on the loose and I can’t find much information on either of them…
“Another night of reading I presume?” Twilight looked up and saw Celestia walking towards her.
Twilight smiled slightly. “Did the rings around my eyes give it away?”
Celestia chuckled. “Perhaps…you know what I’m going to say…”
“I know, I know, it’s just I’ve already come up with a plan but I’m still not sure what I’m dealing with here…”
It had been three days since the incident at Hollow Shades. Starlight and Applejack insisted that they were fine despite what happened but Twilight insisted they rest and see a doctor. It had been quiet, no activity from either Adaj or the Pony of Shadows but Twilight knew their time was limited and she got to work right away.
“Actually that’s why I’m here,” Celestia said as she looked around the bookshelves. “I remembered something this morning, a memory from long ago.”
“What was it?”
“Luna and I never had any actual encounters with this tribe, we only knew of them by name alone. At that point, we could only assume their numbers were beginning to dwindle but unfortunately that makes them harder to track. But there was a rumor going around at the time that they were looking for something.”
“Like what? With the Pony of Shadows back, what else would they need?”
“Remember, this tribe was before the Pony of Shadows even existed, they wanted power, something that the forces of Equestria, even we, could not fight against. It would seem that the Pony of Shadows is seen as a deity of sorts to them now, but no, this is to strengthen their own ranks.” She then stopped before using her magic to pull out a large book.
Twilight looked at the cover. “Magical Artifacts of the Old Kingdom?”
“Not just any artifacts, artifacts that contain dark magic and can unlock any number of potential skills in any unicorn or magic-wielding individual,” Celestia said gravely. “You witnessed one of them yourself years ago in Ponyville.”
It didn’t take Twilight long to remember. “The Alicorn Amulet?”
“Indeed,” Celestia said as she put the book before Twilight, showing the familiar illustration. “An amulet that could increase a unicorn’s power tenfold, making them as powerful as an alicorn itself. But there are other similar artifacts out there, some even on display in museums.”
Twilight took a deep breath. “They’re going to go after the other artifacts…but which ones?”
“Luna is currently looking into that,” Celestia said. “She should be back later this morning.”
Twilight then stood up. “Then we know what we have to do. I had the girls get in contact with some of our old friends and they should be arriving around that time as well. One thing…I didn’t want to surprise you but there’s somepony else I invited…”
Celestia smiled brightly. “A wise choice. It’ll be good to see her again after all these years. But do tell me, just how many of these friends are you expecting?”
It was Twilight’s turn to smile. “Everyone.”
If there was one habit that Twilight hadn’t been able to break, if she could ever break it, it was her tendency to pace around nervously. Of course, she wasn’t hyperventilating or muttering to herself so that by itself was a huge improvement. Everyone else was currently in the throne room, waiting for Twilight’s announcement. Twilight, meanwhile, could only look at her reflection.
However, this was no ordinary mirror. The mirror that connected Equestria to the human world had been in Ponyville originally but Twilight decided it would be best to have it with her in Canterlot, which meant she had to take everything apart. Fortunately, with a few tests on both ends, the change in location had not affected the connection.
She’s late… Twilight wasn’t admonishing one of her closest friends but she usually was good about arriving on time. Did something come up? Surely she would have written to Twilight if something had come up last minute.
To her relief, the mirror suddenly reacted and Twilight took a few steps back. After a few seconds, a familiar mare came out, walking and wobbling on her hind legs. “Sunset-” Twilight suddenly paused. “What happened?”
Sunset Shimmer was currently soaked and her mane was all over the place as if she had gotten caught in a wash machine. “Big storm. Lots of rain and wind. Hail hurts like a b-” Sunset’s slightly scowling face warmed into a smile as Twilight gave her a much needed hug. “Thanks…sorry for the delay.”
“No problem, it’s just so good to see you,” Twilight said as she let go. “I just wish it was under better circumstances.”
“It must be pretty bad if you’re calling me over,” Sunset chuckled as she used her magic to dry off and fix her mane. “I mean…is it that bad?”
“I wouldn’t say its anything worse than what we’ve dealt with but…I figured I could use some extra help.”
“Well, I’ve been itching to use my full magic for once so I’m ready for anything.”
“That sounds like the former student I know from long ago.” Celestia had just entered the room.
“Princess-ah sorry, I’m still getting used to not calling you that,” Sunset said as she gave her former mentor a hug.
Celestia chuckled. “I may not be in power anymore but the formal title is still appropriate.” She then looked to Twilight. “Luna has just returned and everyone is waiting for you.”
“Understood,” Twilight nodded. “Oh yeah, I guess you never really got to meet everyone, in Equestria that is.”
“Eh, once you meet someone in one world, you pretty much know who they are in any world,” Sunset shrugged.
The three of them made their way towards and Sunset was surprised by the sound emanating inside. “So, who exactly is here?” she asked.
Twilight had a slight smile on her face. “Oh, just some friends I made along the way ever since coming to Ponyville.” As the doors before them opened, Sunset was slightly taken aback by all the faces she did, and did not, recognize.
The majority of the large group inside were ponies, though there were other species as well. Sunset saw Starlight as well as some unicorns she recognized back when she studied under Celestia. The Wonderbolts were also present, along with a few griffons and hippogriffs. But there was also many faces she didn’t recognize, including a unicorn who looked like they had a broken horn.
Sunset then glanced at Twilight. “Some of your friends?”
“Technically, yes,” Twilight replied. “It’s amazing what friendship can do, isn’t it?”
Sunset chuckled. “You really have come a long way.”
“Well, feel free to mingle,” Twilight said. “We still have a few minutes and I want to say at least a few hellos.”
“As a matter of fact, I believe there’s a lot we need to catch up on, Sunset,” Celestia smiled.
Sunset grinned. “I think I like the sound of that.” The two then walked off, chatting excitedly.
“It’s been a long time, Princess.” Twilight looked over and saw Tempest Shadow winking at her.
“It has,” Twilight smiled as she gave her old friend a hug. “It’s been far too long. Everything going well?”
“You could say that,” Tempest said. “Perhaps you may have noticed something different about me?”
Twilight looked her up and down and then gasped when she saw it. “Your horn! It’s…healing?”
“It’s a slow process but over time I’ve noticed it’s looking less…broken,” Tempest said. “My magic is also less volatile so I can promise I’m more reliable than I look.” She then smirked slightly. “I was getting acquainted with one of your former classmates. She was telling me a lot of stories about when you two were mere fillies.”
Moon Dancer looked away slightly, avoiding Twilight’s gaze. “Nothing too embarrassing, just that one time in potions class you accidentally grabbed the wrong colored vial and ended up giving yourself a second horn.”
Normally in these kind of situations Twilight could act calm and laugh it off. This was not one of those times. “Seriously!?” she snapped, causing the other two unicorns to laugh.
“Look, if it makes you feel better, I told her about when I tried to um…turn you to stone,” Tempest said, looking embarrassed.
“Well, I held a grudge for over a year and practically told her I hated her because of a silly party,” Moon Dancer added. “So I’d say we’re kinda even…”
“You two…” Twilight sighed. “Embarrassing stories aside, I’m glad you’re both here. I’m asking a lot from you.”
Tempest glanced over at the large crowd. “I think it’s time we all played our part. Anyway, don’t you have a speech to give?”
“I do,” Twilight nodded as she made her way to her throne. Nearby, her closest friends came up to her.
“You certainly invited quite the crowd, Twilight,” Applejack said. “Though I guess given the circumstances…”
“That reminds me, is everything okay with your family?” Twilight asked.
“They’re staying up at Sweet Apple Acres until this whole thing blows over,” Applejack said. “And before you ask, I’m fine. Both me and Starlight for that matter.”
“I agree,” Starlight said. “I mean, what happened was both uncomfortable and slightly painful but I’m okay and as far as my magic goes, everything seems normal.”
“Alright, I’ll stop pestering you two then,” Twilight said before looking at the large crowd.
“Twilight darling, something on your mind?” Rarity asked.
“Just nerves I guess,” Twilight replied, brushing her hoof against the tile. “Not speaking of course but everything that’s about to happen. I planned out everything as best as I can and we can’t afford any mistakes, not with Equestria on the line.”
“Not that I’m insulting your intellect Twilight, but usually nothing ever goes as planned,” Dash said.
“I think what Rainbow is trying to say is even if things don’t work out like they should, we’ll be okay,” Applejack said, giving Dash a glare. “Anyway, best not to keep everyone waiting.”
Twilight nodded as she made her way towards her throne and turned to face the crowd. “Everyone, may I have your attention please?” Once the chatter died down and everyone was looking at her, she cleared her throat.
“Thank you all for being here. I realize it’s been a long time since we last saw each other, at least for some of you. I wish this could be happening under better circumstances but that’s exactly why you’re here. As you may well know, the Pony of Shadows had escaped his prison and currently threatens all of Equestria. Not only that, but there are others involved, others that we thought were lost in history.
“I will be honest with all of you: this group of unicorns are indeed powerful and it will take our combined efforts to stop them. They may have powerful magic, but so do we, and we also have talents that give us a fighting edge. Today, we will show them what true bonds of friendship are capable of. With that said, I ask you, my friends, to lend me your strength, so that we can prevail and show them that darkness and evil have no place in Equestria.”
“Do you even have to ask!?” Minuette yelled.
Twilight smiled brightly. “Now, one last thing. We know that the Caligo Tribe is currently looking for artifacts that will strengthen their numbers and our job is to stop them. Luna, I’ll let you take things from here.”
“Thank you, Princess,” Luna said as everyone’s attention turned towards her. “Truthfully, we don’t know which artifacts they may already have, or which ones they will go after specifically, but we are aware of three artifacts with significant capabilities. “The first is the Alicorn Amulet-” There was an awkward cough in the audience. “-which is currently being displayed in a museum up in Manehattan. The second is the Sacred Helmet of Mangalarga, a helmet that is said to bestow the wearer wisdom and strength. It is supposedly in a cave somewhere in the Crystal Mountains. The last one is the Spear of Trakehner, the weapon of an old pegasus warlord that can pierce through the hardest shields and even magic barriers. This one is being held by a collector in Vanhoover. As you can guess, you will all be split into three teams, which Princess Twilight will do the honors of.”
“Oh boy,” Spike groaned.
Twilight ignored him as she spoke again. “I, as well as the Royal Guard, will be staying here in case of an attack on the capital so I’m putting all my faith in you all, but I know all of you, and I know what you’re all capable of accomplishing together, so I have no reason to fear. I’m counting on you. Just remember, you all have each other. Look after one another, protect each other, and remember, your lives are much important than the outcome itself. Whether we succeed or fail, all I want is for you all to come home, together.
“I thank you again, and I wish you all the best of luck.”