//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: The Darkest of The Light // by Moonghost //------------------------------// (Later that day, around Sunset to nightfall) ‘Hmm Mmm, it’s nice to walk around knowing that this city has prospered’ Arch thought, as they wandered around Canterlot, until stumbling upon a noble. This noble was oddly familiar Though, with a white suit with baby/sky blue accents, white coat, blonde hair and a face that screamed surprise and shock to see another person out at this time, before he could speak, Arch asked “do you know where the Gold Blade family estate is located?” “Yes, I do, but why would you want to go there, the last of the Gold Blade family members died 2 to 3 decades ago, and besides the estate is only accessible to people of the Gold Blade linage.” The noble said. “Could you please take me to it anyway?” Arch said, “Of course I can, but, if I will is a different matter entirely.” The noble said, “Look I can get inside of the estate, if you want to come with me I will let you in.” Arch said, “ how exactly are you able to get in?” The Noble said, “ well it is my house.” Arch said offhandedly, causing the noble to stop in shock. “Who are you?” The Noble said, “Oh, you can call me Gold Blade.” Arch said, “Oh, now you’re just mocking me, but fine, Gold Blade.” The Noble said, “Thank you Blue Blood.” Arch said, causing The Noble, Prince Blue Blood to be taken aback by Them saying his name before He could tell it to them. “How do you know my name?” Blue asked, “Ha Ha, now that would be telling.” Arch said, “Then why should I trust you?” Blue questioned, “Do you really have a choice?” Arch responded, Which Caused Blue Blood to stop and think. “I suppose not.” Blue admitted, “Good, Now, Blue Blood Since you have been so patient, I’m going to grant you one boon you can ask me three questions, that I am bound to answer truthfully, in exchange for you taking me to the estate. Sound good?” Arch said, (Some time later) Blue blood had only asked one question. “What are you?” “I’m Vita Statera.” Arch said very quickly. “What do you mean your Life Balance?” Blue said as his focus slid out of his right hand, and began to glow. “To answer that question, I need to Pose a question of my own, namely how many tribes of ponies are there?” Arch said, “There’s three, Earth Ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns.” Blue stated in confidence. To which Arch laughs, and says, “there are five, Crystal Ponies, Earth Ponies, Pegasi, Vita Statera, and Unicorns.” Then They let out their boney wings and a focus from each hand, and just smiled as Blue Blood stopped in his tracks, and stares at them in disbelief. “Why?” Blue said, “Why what? Why’s there no knowledge The Vita Statera? or why’re there only one of them? or why’ve I choose to tell and show you this? Well, what is it.” Arch said, "What happened to you?" Blue said, Arch exhales as their focuses shift into silvery black lines on the palm side of their hands, before speaking “Blue blood do you know what changelings are?” “I believe those are Shapeshifters? Auntie hates them, says they should all be dead.” Blue said, “Typical Celly, hates an entire race and then thinks they should die because they have abilities that she can’t use.” Arch said, “Yes, but, what does that have to do with the Vita Statera?” Blue said still bewildered, “The Changeling are not first race Celestia tried to make go extinct, The Vita Statera are and she succeeded in killing off my entire race and then kept me as a demented trophy, There, now, teleport us to my estate.” Arch said, (One teleport later) Arch and Blue Blood stand in front of a Grand silvery gate crusted with five empty in settings, One in each corner and the fifth and final in dead center of the gate. Arch proceeds to pull out their four three inch long daggers, the first made from the finest silvers and golds, the second made from cloud steel and forged with lightning continuously running along its length, the third forged of crystal and gems, and the fourth forged of solid arcane might, Arch then proceeds to place the first in the upper left-hand corner, followed by the second being placed in the upper right hand, it was then followed by the third being placed in the lower left-hand corner ,which was then followed by the fourth and final dagger being placed in the lower right hand corner, before ripping off their left hand and putting it in the final hole which is lying in the very center of the gate. Arch then proceeds to grow a new left hand, and begins to snap out an enormous infinity symbol across the gate, after which the gate opens. Arch then walks through the gate, But, Blue Blood is unable to follow as a thin, but, indestructible barrier appears on the gate. Arch turns around and laughs, “guess you do have Celly’s blood in you after all.” They said, and hands Blue Blood a letter addressed to Celestia, and said “Now Blue Blood, please pass this off to Celestia she will know what it means, but other than that, Blue Blood you are always welcome to visit, good night.” Arch says before the gate booms shut.