Chapter 9-A Bright Hope, A Dark Plot
Karen shut the book she was reading and sighed. “I know you're out there Star, and you better be safe.” Her best friend had grown wings in the gym class and disappeared over a month ago. Because she had been closer to Starlight then anyone else, even his parents, she had been questioned repeatedly. Fortunately, after getting no answers because she didn't know anything, everyone had let up on her. A day didn't go by that she missed her friend.
Her brother, Tom was babysitting her, but he was upstairs on the phone. Karen wandered into the living room, not really sure what to do. Suddenly, she heard a knock at the door. “Good, I needed someone to talk to.” she thought. She opened the door....and almost had a heart attack. Standing in front of her was none other then Princess Celestia.
“Hello, Karen I believe?” The white alicorn said. “Might I come in? I don't want anypony to see me.” Karen nodded, speechless and quickly ushered her inside.
Celestia looked around the house. “This is a very nice place, young human. But I apologize because I do not have much time to talk.”
Karen led Celestia into the living room. “You-you're the real Princess Celestia? This isn't a joke or anything like that?”
Celestia smiled and nodded. “I am the real Celestia.” Karen walked over and the princess allowed her to touch her head and horn.
“Wow,” Karen said, falling into a chair. “This is intense.” She looked at Celestia for a minute, then suddenly stiffened. “Wait, that means Star really did go to Equestria! Is he okay?! Will I see him again?! How is he.....?”
Celestia held up a hoof, silencing the excited young girl. “I know you have many questions, but please only ask the ones you know are important. I do not have long.”
Karen asked, “How did you get here and find me?”
Celestia sat down. “When Starlight landed on Equestria, he lost almost all of his memories from this planet. However, any strong memories he had were preserved.”
“Strong memories?” Karen asked.
“Anything he refused to let go.” Celestia explained. “His strongest memory was of you, so I read his mind and learned your name and where you lived.”
Karen thought, “Does he truly remember me?”
“No, but he will.” Celestia explained. “That's why I'm here. You will have a crucial part in helping Starlight against his fight against Nightmare soon. I needed to know if you would help him. I must tell you that it probably will put you in danger.”
“How did you even get to Earth?” Karen asked.
“Starlight.” Celestia said. “He's sleeping now, but I am able to reproduce what his true magic can do. Starlight has the unique ability to cross over the dimensional barrier.”
“That would explain why you are ponies and we are humans.” Karen said. “A parallel dimension.”
Celestia nodded, “Yes. Luna and I decided to copy that and turn it into a spell so I could talk with you. Unfortunately, we are on a timer because I normally cannot come here. I teleported here and Luna is maintaining a spell that will keep me here.”
“What did you need me to do?” Karen said. “How can I help Starlight?”
Celestia created two books out of thin air. “Karen, these are Starlight's journals. They are created by magic, pure magic. They document the details of my brother's life ever since he knew who he was again.”
Karen reached for the books, but Celestia moved them from her. “I'm asking you to be the Keeper of his journals. If you accept and take these, Starlight's journals will magically appear to you whenever the magic starts to create them. But I warn you now, you will be a part of Equestria, if not literally. You cannot show any human these journals or explain about Starlight. And when the time comes, you will help Starlight. Please think carefully about this as this is a decision that you cannot turn back from.
Karen looked at the books. She knew all she needed to do was to shake her head and that Celestia would leave. She wouldn't be a part of this battle and she would just live her normal life. But as she looked at the books, she knew what she wanted to be a part of what her friend went though. Then she made a decision that would forever change her life.
She reached out and took the books from the princess.
Suddenly, she dropped them as her right hand started to burn. As it stopped, she was amazed to see that she had a image of a heart on her head. One half was red and the other half was blue. There also was an hourglass in the middle of the heart.
“Thank you, Karen.” Celestia said, gratefully. She stood up.
“So I just....wait now?” she said, in shock of her very own cutie mark.
“You will receive Starlight's next journal very soon I believe.” Celestia said. “For now, read his first two and learn.”
Hearing her brother start to come downstairs, Karen jumped up and escorted the princess to the front door. “One more thing, Karen.” Celestia said. “When you see my brother again, make sure he stamps you." She walked onto the front lawn and spread her wings. Rising into the air, she suddenly disappeared in a flash of light.
Karen walked inside and shut the door. “Looks like I have some reading to do.” she said, rubbing her hand. She sat down and picked up the first book. “It's not easy being a teenager in this world.....”
…
Nightmare Moon flew though the halls of the dark castle, coming up to the room where her father was. Walking in she said, “I am here.”
“Nightmare.” A dark voice said. “It appears your plan was a success.”
“But, how?!” Nightmare gasped. “The prince killed the griffon.”
“I know that.” The voice said. “I wanted to prove that the prince would kill to achieve his goals of “protecting” Ponyville. There is still hope that I can get him to kill without feeling or regret.”
Nightmare was silent. “You have a thought? Speak it.” the voice said.
“What if we attack the ponies he's closest too?” Nightmare said. “Make him think that we don't really need him.”
“That would work at another time.” The voice said, “We will attack the rainbow colored one.”
“But, why specificity her?” Nightmare asked.
“The prince has make a grave mistake. He has given his heart to the rainbow pony. Now all we need to do it destroy it.”
Nightmare asked," What do you mean?"
The dark voice was silent for just a moment. "The heart is the most fragile part of anypony. By so callously admitting to her that he loves her, he gave himself a weakness." The voice was quiet for just a moment. "She doesn't know it, but soon she'll learn that it was smarter for her to keep her feelings bottled in."
The voice grew stronger. “Leave me now, Nightmare. Dream of a way to use the rainbow pony against him.”
Nightmare left the room. “I will do that but first, lets make sure the prince stays “distracted” for a while.” she said to herself. She walked to an open window and flew out.