//------------------------------// // Chapter 10: The Elements of Harmony // Story: The Eagle Of Equestria // by Romes_FinestPony //------------------------------// Chapter 10: The Elements of Harmony 'Is that it?' Silvanus asked as he peered at the clear blue lake. Short, green grass grew around the lake. The edges were covered with sand. Mountains and hills decorated the landscape, making it a beautiful scenery. The pair started walking towards the lake as soon as Silvanus uttered those words. 'What do you mean "Is that it?"' Rainbow Dash looked at Silvanus incredulously. 'This place is totally awesome!' Silvanus turned to Rainbow Dash. 'No. This place is nice, but it's just... Small.' Rainbow Dash stared at Silvanus' face. 'Pffft! Bet your place doesn't have a bigger lake!' She scoffed. Silvanus beamed at Rainbow Dash. 'We actually do.' Rainbow Dash looked doubtful. 'Yeah right!' She rolled her eyes. 'Bet you've never seen a lake that stretches for stadias or Kilometres as you call it!' Silvanus said teasingly. 'You do! Wow! That's like AWESOME! I've always wanted to feel the water turn to mist as I fly past them!' She said excitedly Rainbow Dash's mood suddenly dampened, her ears flattened, her lips formed into a pout. She looked away from Silvanus. 'You must be missing your place huh?' 'No. Not at all.' Rainbow Dash looked back up in surprise. 'You... You don't?!' 'Nope. Now that I have felt peace, I don't feel like I want to go back to my world of... Bad things.' Silvanus answered with a small smile. 'Does that mean your... Staying?' Rainbow Dash asked with a hopeful smile. Silvanus' smile told Rainbow Dash his answer. 'If you want to, that is.' Rainbow Dash looked like she was about to hug Silvanus, but before she did, she regained her composure and returned to her normal cocky manner. 'Yeah. That'd be cool.' Silvanus just stared at Rainbow Dash with a raised brow. 'I-I Mean like... You know... Your like, Uh, the only one who. You know. The coolest uh, somehuman that I ever hung out with... And who wasn't too busy or too er, energetic.' She reasoned hesitantly. Silvanus took off his helmet and put it on Rainbow Dash's head. 'Just as I said before: Your cool kid!' 'Heeey!' She protested as she raised her hoof to adjust the helmet, which was drooping down and covering her eyes. Silvanus began to untie the leather knots in his armour as they neared the waterline. 'Race ya to the water!' Rainbow Dash yelled as she galloped towards the lake. 'Hey! Oh not again!' Silvanus said out loud as he raced after the Rainbow mare, shaking off his segmented armour and taking off his tunic. He dove into the water wearing only his trousers. Rainbow Dash was right! Silvanus thought. The water really is great! The two swam and floated on the refreshing water's surface for a long time. Silvanus floated to the top of the water rather contentedly, feeling his tensed muscles relax. Silvanus breathed a sigh of relief. This is so much better than Greece or good old Mare Nostrum. He thought to himself blissfully. 'By the-' Silvanus lost balance and tipped over as Rainbow Dash suddenly erupted from the water beside him and spurted out warm water from her mouth. It hit Silvanus right in his face. Rainbow Dash splashed about as she laughed in mirth. 'Ha! Ha! Ha! You should've seen your face!' Silvanus opened his mouth and looked like he was about to protest. Rainbow Dash smiled again as she splashed water into his face. 'Gotcha!' Silvanus wiped the water from his face and smiled. 'It. Is. On!' Silvanus lunged to tackle Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash suddenly disappeared as she went under the water. 'Boo!' Silvanus turned around. He was instantly blinded by a jet of water. Silvanus wiped away the water from his face once again as he heard Rainbow Dash giggle. Rainbow Dash did the same thing over and over again. Hmmm. This strategy isn't really working. He thought as he thought of a new stratagem. 'I got it!' He said out loud. 'You got what?' Silvanus heard Rainbow Dash ask from behind him. Silvanus smiled without turning as he executed his plan. 'Whoa! Look at this!' Silvanus exclaimed as he bent down and cupped his hands together. As soon as it was filled with water, Silvanus put his hands together, sealing the water inside it. 'What? What did you find?' Silvanus heard Rainbow Dash approach as the sound of splashing intensified. 'Look at this!' Silvanus turned and faced the curious Rainbow Dash with a large smile and his hands stretched towards Rainbow Dash. 'What is it?' Rainbow Dash came closer to Silvanus' clasped hands. Now! Silvanus squeezed his hands together. Water splashed Rainbow Dash's face. Silvanus came closer and patted Rainbow Dash's head. 'Gotcha.' Rainbow Dash looked up and smiled. 'You got me good.' The two began to laugh. 'Well. I guess this is our cue.' Silvanus said as he looked over the horizon. The sun's rays were beginning to disappear behind the rolling hills and towering mountains of Equestria. 'It's getting dark.' 'Yeah. Your right.' Rainbow Dash also turned to look at the setting sun. 'Well. I better put on my armour again.' Silvanus started to swim for the shore. 'Wait! I want to show you my awesome splash-making move!' Rainbow Dash called out to Silvanus. Silvanus stopped and looked back. 'Yeah. Fine. Make it quick though.' Rainbow Dash beamed as she flew high up in the sky. Silvanus was startled about how fast she can be in the air. Silvanus looked up. Rainbow Dash was now a small dot in the sky as she began to hurtle towards the water. 'Wow!' Silvanus gaped as he saw the Rainbow trail that Rainbow Dash left behind. He suddenly felt worry and dread as he saw the speed that his friend was going. 'Slow Down!' He called out. The air seemed to solidify around Rainbow Dash as she hurtled to the lake. 'Oh gods no!' Silvanus cried out as the water in the middle of the lake erupted and formed a massive wave. Silvanus suddenly saw a Rainbow trail fly up from out of the epicentre of the wave. Silvanus looked up in awe as Rainbow Dash flew back Into the sky. Silvanus cheered as soon as he saw his friend fly back up. Moments later, Silvanus stopped cheering. The sound of rumbling water was quickly approaching. Silvanus slowly turned. 'Oh gods...' was all he could mutter before the massive wave swept him away. He held all the air he has and closed his eyes. A couple of minutes later: Silvanus hesitantly opened his eyes. The beautiful night sky shimmered above him. The stars twinkled gently. The moon was just peeking over the direction of Ponyville. The last glows of orange was slowly disappearing in the distance. 'Hey there!' Silvanus turned his head to see cyan hooves near his head. 'What do you think of my Splash-making move?' Silvanus sat up and groaned. He tilted his head to let the water out from one of his ears. 'Aww come on! Was it that bad?' Silvanus turned to see Rainbow Dash. She wore an excited smile and her magenta eyes glowed with energy. Silvanus stared at Rainbow Dash in awe. 'That was one of the most impossible-proven-possible things that I ever saw.' 'Did you really think that I went right into the water?' Silvanus nodded. Of course! She has to be in the water to make a wave as big as that! 'Nah. The lake's too shallow. I stopped in mid-air, letting the compressed air that travelled with my speed collide with the water.' Rainbow Dash said proudly. 'Awesome. Aye?' 'Wow. You do sound like Twilight!' Rainbow Dash punched Silvanus in the shoulder. 'Hey! I'm no egghead!' Silvanus stood up and walked towards his armour and tunic. As he bent down, Rainbow Dash asked: 'Why don't you take off your clothes?' Silvanus coughed. 'Uh. Excuse me?' 'I mean like, do you Romans always have to wear clothes?' 'Oh. uh. Yes. It's more... Civilised.' Silvanus told Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash looked like she was about to ask another question. 'Wait, wait. I think I will have to put these on first.' Silvanus said, pointing to the bundle of clothe and armour that he held in his arms.' 'Eh. Guess so.' Rainbow Dash shrugged. Silvanus went over to a nearby tree and hid in the back. 'Is that why your kind always wear clothes? You look disgusting in the inside!' 'BY THE GODS!' Silvanus looked up and saw Rainbow Dash looking down at him from on top of the tree. Silvanus blushed profusely as he hurriedly put on his tunic. 'Sweet Celestia! Your so hairless! I mean, you-' 'RAINBOW DASH!' ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 'What's taking them so long?' Twilight asked nopony in particular as she cantered in a small circle around the table in the library. 'Maybe they've got their hooves full.' Fluttershy quietly suggested. 'Busy with what darling?' Rarity looked up from the magazine she was reading. 'I... I don't know...' Fluttershy looked down, trying to suppress the feeling of worry. 'Oh come on Rare'! Quit makin' her worry!' Applejack reprimanded Rarity as she trotted to Fluttershy's side. 'Don't ya worry yer pretty 'ead! They'll be back before y'know it!' Fluttershy blushed. 'Alright! That's it! I'm going after them.' Twilight finally concluded. She trotted towards the door. She was about to open the door when she suddenly heard voices approaching the door from outside. 'I said I was sorry!' 'Ugh! Just... Just don't talk about it!' 'Talk about what?' Both Silvanus and Rainbow Dash leapt back in surprise as they saw Twilight's head poke out from behind the door. 'Oh nothing!' They said at the same time. Both of them wearing large smiles. Twilight's eyes narrowed into tiny slits as she looked at them suspiciously. 'Yay! More friends!' Twilight was pushed aside as Pinkie Pie flew out the open door and lunged for both Rainbow Dash and Silvanus, her arms were outstretched in order to give them a hug. Rainbow Dash was quick and experienced enough to dodge the pink blur. Unfortunately for Silvanus, he was too surprised to move. 'Wow! I am so excited! Ooh! Ooh! I hope that this is going to be one big sleepover!' She said in rapid succession. 'Y-Your crushing... my ribs!' Silvanus gasped as Pinkie Pie's vice-like grip around his chest tightened. 'Wow. Even with your armour?' Twilight asked, looking very impressed at her friend's strength. 'Well obviously! I mean, look at his face! He's in pure agony!' Rainbow Dash scoffed. 'Pure agony?' Fluttershy peeked out from the door. 'Oh my!' She gasped as she saw Silvanus being hugged to death. Literally. 'Um excuse me, Pinkie Pie, Would you mind if you give Silvanus a little bit of space for air?' Fluttershy gently said as she trotted over to Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie didn't seem to hear Fluttershy. She continued on with her rant. Fluttershy opened her mouth to try again. 'Howdy there Sugarcube! Havin' a good tahm?' Applejack appeared beside the doorway. She winced as she saw Silvanus being crushed by Pinkie Pie. 'Uh. Excuse me for interrupting, but have you given Silvanus your specially made cupcake?' Rarity reminded Pinkie from from inside the tree house. 'Rarity! That was supposed to be a surprise!' Pinkie Pie whined as se let go of Silvanus. Silvanus fell to the ground, gasping and panting for air. Pinkie Pie turned back to Silvanus. 'Be right back.' Without another word, She happily hummed and bounced back into the tree house. 'Well, whatcha waitin' for?' Applejack said. 'Come on in.' 'I'm back!' Silvanus flinched. Pinkie has just been gone for what seemed like a few moments. She stood in front of Silvanus, holding up a pink cupcake towards him with a forehoof. The others did not even blink. They looked as if they were expecting it. 'Uh. Thanks?' Silvanus took the cupcake, unsure of what to do to it. 'Well?' Silvanus stood, awkwardly holding Pinkie's gift. 'Um. If you don't mind... You're meant to-' Fluttershy quietly suggested. 'EAT IT!' Pinkie ordered. 'Okay! I'm eating it!' Silvanus hurriedly stuffed the whole cupcake into his mouth, paper and all. Rainbow Dash snickered, Twilight wrinkled her nose in distaste, Applejack giggled, Fluttershy looked away and Pinkie beamed at Silvanus. 'Did you like it?' She asked. Well, more like shouted. 'By the gods! This is... This is the sweetest thing that I ever ate!' Silvanus exclaimed. 'What's in this?' 'Oh. Nothing really! Just LOTS and LOTS of sugar, a few eggs and flour. Just another master creation.' Pinkie said modestly. Silvanus looked like he was about to shower her with more compliments and questions. 'Well, with that done, come in.' Twilight interrupted. 'Well. I guess so.' Silvanus shrugged as they all filed back into the Library. When Silvanus passed through the doorway, Rainbow Dash whispered in his ear. 'You were supposed the peel away the paper you know?' 'What?! It had paper? The things that make books?!' Silvanus exclaimed. The other ponies either snickered or looked back at him with questioning looks. Rainbow Dash giggled. 'By the gods.' Silvanus muttered as he face-palmed. He suddenly looked up to Rainbow Dash. 'Do books really taste that good?' ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As soon as the Equestrians and the human settled down, they sat down and began to talk. Silvanus was still murmuring to himself. 'Hmph! No-one told me about this!' Twilight coughed. The others were still preoccupied in their own little discussions. 'Ahem!' Twilight coughed louder. As soon as she saw that everypony was looking at her, she continued on. 'Thank you. Now, you may be wondering why I told all of you to come here.' She paused for effect, scanning the attentive faces of her friends. 'Me and Applejack has talked this over. We have decided to teach Silvanus about the Elements of Harmony.' 'REALLY?!' Pinkie squealed, wearing an excited smile. Silvanus looked confused. The other ponies then began talking among themselves. 'Um. If you don't mind... Shouldn't we tell Silvanus what the elements of Harmony are?' Fluttershy suggested. The other ponies continued on talking among themselves. Pinkie Pie was shooting questions at Twilight as fast as she could answer them, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were talking about today's events. Meanwhile, Rarity was sitting calmly, reading a magazine. 'Um. I think we should tell Silvanus what the Elements a-' Fluttershy tried again. 'I am going to tell you what the elements of Harmony are Silvanus!' Twilight turned to the confused Legionary. 'Uh. That's what I've been- Oh never mind.' Fluttershy gave up with a sigh. She suddenly looked up as she felt something or someone pat her gently on the back. Silvanus smiled down on her. 'I heard you.' Fluttershy looked down, trying to hide her blush. 'The Elements of Harmony are made up of six elements. Honesty, Kindness, Generosity, Laughter, Loyalty-' Twilight paused. Probably for effect. '-and Magic.' 'The elements holds the power to defeat the strongest opponents of peace and tranquillity. The elements are so powerful that it has to be divided into six parts. It can only be activated if it is wielded by ponies who has the same characteristic as the element they may represent. The elements will only work if all the elements and their bearers are present.' 'So. Why do I need to know all this?' Silvanus asked. 'So that we may reform your potentially warlike nature.' Twilight answered. Silvanus went silent as he considered and pondered upon this. 'So who are the bearers?' Twilight glanced at Applejack. Applejack gave Twilight a little nod, bowing her hat a little. Twilight sighed before she continued. 'All six of us in this room.' Silvanus was stunned. His new friends are the most destructive weapons of all time! Twilight looked at Silvanus before saying more. 'Applejack represents the element of Honesty, Fluttershy represents the element of Kindness-' Well that makes sense. Silvanus thought. '-Rarity represents the element of Generosity-' Generosity?! That does not make sense at all. Silvanus thought as he `glanced at the white-coated mare. '-Pinkie Pie represents the element of Laughter and I, Twilight, represent the element of Magic.' It took a few moments for Silvanus to digest. Moments later, he asked another question. 'Are the elements inside the bearer?' Twilight hesitated. Yesterday, Applejack had warned her that the Apsconsus might use the elements or take away the elements. She made up her mind. 'Yes.' 'So what am I supposed to do?' 'You'll spend a day with each of the element bearers and learn from them.' 'So. Who'll teach Silvanus here first?' Twilight looked slowly from one pony to another. Fluttershy looked hesitant. She built up a little courage and whispered. 'Um. If you don't mi-' 'OOH! OOH! I WILL! I WILL!' Pinkie enthusiastically raised a forehoof, bouncing in the air as she did so. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Fluttershy and Silvanus walked back to Fluttershy's cottage, both of them were silent once again. Both of them were too busy admiring the scenery. The light emitted by Fireflies blinked lazily in the shadows. The green grass danced with the wind under the soft glow of moonlight. The cool, gentle breeze invigorated Silvanus every time he breathes in. The quiet crunching of Caligulae and hooves made the scene all the more peaceful. 'Hey. Fluttershy?' Silvanus said as he took in a deep breath, enjoying Equestria's fresh air. 'Hmm. Yes?' 'I've been noticing quite lately-' 'Oh. uh. You did?' Fluttershy looked up in curiosity mixed with panic. 'Yeah. I've been noticing that the longer I stay here in Ponyville, my armour seems to get heavier.' Silvanus said as he looked down at his segmented armour. Fluttershy breathed out a sigh of relief that was easily concealed by the gentle whisper of the night breeze. 'Is that a sign that I am changing? Does that mean that I am losing the soldier in me?' Silvanus mused, mostly to himself. 'That's a good sign. Isn't it?' Fluttershy smiled. 'But what if something happens? What if the need to fight arises? How can I protect anypony if I forget how to protect even myself!' Fluttershy said nothing. She remembered the recent invasion of the Changelings on Canterlot. She shuddered as she remembered the day that the majestic city of Canterlot almost fell. 'Fluttershy.' Silvanus looked down. 'Yes?' 'Since you found me and nursed me back to health, it is my duty to ask you for permission.' Fluttershy slowly nodded. 'May I continue on practicing my skill in fighting as I learn the Elements of Harmony?' Silvanus said with a very serious face. Fluttershy was silent. She doesn't seem to know how to respond to his request. 'It's just that two nights ago, I had a nightmare.' Silvanus hesitated. 'Can I tell you my nightmare?' 'Do you really trust me that much?' Fluttershy whispered. 'Yes.' Fluttershy blushed. 'Well, if it makes you feel better.' She said with a smile. 'Thank you.' Silvanus gave Fluttershy a smile of relief. 'Two nights ago, I dreamt that I was back in that accursed forest where my friends perished. In the nightmare, I stood, helpless as I witnessed the deaths of each of my comrades.' Fluttershy's eyes widened. Silvanus shivered as he remembered the terror that took hold of him. He sighed sadly as he continued. 'I could not move to help them. It's as if some unknown force was holding me back. That or I was too paralyzed in fear.' Silvanus looked down in shame. 'A voice kept on telling me that their deaths was my fault. The voice told me that I was too weak and too cowardly to save them.' Fluttershy tried to comfort him. 'Your not weak! You are brave! You fought off three timberwolves! You survived that terrible battle!' Silvanus looked at Fluttershy and gave her a sad smile. 'In a way, I realized that it was partly my fault. I was too weak to save even one man!' Silvanus beat his chest angrily. 'I couldn't save even just one man. JUST ONE MAN!' Fluttershy looked down. She never felt the pain of losing a very close friend before. Moments later, Silvanus stopped beating his chest. He heaved a sad sigh and looked at Fluttershy. 'And that, my friend, is why I want to continue on wielding my blade. I want to be able to protect you all when the time arises.' Silvanus concluded. Fluttershy was silent for quite a long time. She slowly looked up to Silvanus and smile. 'Yes. You may. I know that you will not hurt anypony who did nothing wrong. I- You're a good Roman Silvanus.' 'Thank you Fluttershy. I can now feel at ease.' ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Salveo Fluttershy!' Silvanus called out as Fluttershy slowly ascended up the stairs to her room. Fluttershy paused. Not knowing how to answer. 'Salveo means farewell and goodnight dear Fluttershy.' Silvanus smiled. Fluttershy blushed. 'Oh. Goodnight to you too Silvanus.' She quietly said as she went out of Silvanus' view. Silvanus stared at the spot where Fluttershy has just been for a few moments before lying down on the green couch. He stared at the stars for a few moments before he fell asleep. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 'Sssso? You made friendsss with the elementsss? How Interessting.' The hissing voice from Silvanus' nightmare returned. Silvanus opened his eyes to see that he was floating in darkness. 'Who are you? What do you want?' 'Enjoy your friendsss while you still can. Considering on what you are going to do in the future!' The voice hissed menacingly. Light suddenly flooded in and Silvanus found himself standing in a Roman room. He stood over the dead body of an old man who wore a toga. The old man had his back turned away from Silvanus, thus hiding his face from Silvanus. Silvanus felt something heavy in his hand. He looked down and gasped in shock and surprise. In his hand, he held a bloody knife. Silvanus tried to drop it, but it seemed as if the knife was stuck to his hand. 'Daddy?' A young girl's voice called out from somewhere. Silvanus turned to see the soft glow of candlelight bounce off a white wall. 'No. This is not happening!' Silvanus shouted inwardly. He tried to run and hide, but he was rooted to the ground. 'Uh uh uh!' The hissing voice taunted. 'You are not going anywhere.' A little girl, wearing a long, white tunic, stood in the doorway to the room. 'Daddy?' She stared at the dead body that lay on Silvanus' feet. 'DADDY!' She dropped the candle and ran forward to her father's body. She then slowly looked up at Silvanus and with hate-filled eyes, she hissed: 'Monster!' It was then that the vision ended. Silvanus was floating in utter darkness once again. But something else was different. He was holding his own Pugio in his hand. 'Do you feel the guilt of taking away a poor child's parent?' The voice jeered. 'I-I would never do such a thing!' Silvanus shouted. The voice suddenly changed to that of a woman. She spoke in a trance-like, monotonous voice. 'Oh yes you will. The Spirit of the Oracle has spoken.' 'By the gods... No! NO!' Silvanus shouted. 'I-I can't take someone else's family away! I just can't!' The voice changed once again. This time, it sounded soothing. 'Come now. You were meant to be in my realm. Return to me. Return to death. Return to death before you hurt someone-' The voice suddenly sounded malicious. '-Or somepony.' Silvanus felt the tears build up in the corner of his eyes as he raised the blade up to his heart. He went silent as he considered the advice. Finally, he began to speak. 'This is for the greater good.' He heard himself say. 'Yesss. Yesss.' The voice cheered. 'Don't do it!' A new voice called out from the darkness. 'What isss thisss?!' The hissing voice growled. 'You have a new family now! Your new family are your friends!' The female voice called out urgently. 'She's right.' Silvanus said as the shadows began to fade away. 'No! No! Don't wake up! NOOOO-' The hissing voice was suddenly cut off. Silvanus opened his eyes to see that he was standing beside the table near the green couch. He looked down. He held his Pugio. With shaky hands, he slowly put the Pugio back down into the table. That... Thing wanted me dead! His mind screamed over and over again. But then again, who was that voice that warned me? Silvanus laid back down into the green couch, making up his mind that he will never take away a good parent's life. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Princess Luna stood on her balcony, sweat glistened on her dark blue coat. Her eyes were shut in intense consentration. She suddenly gasped and staggered as she opened her eyes. 'What a horrible dream!' She gasped. She remembered the familiar hissing voice. Who or what was that creature? She thought. And why does it want Silvanus to be dead? She looked up to the heavens and felt her mind clear as she saw the stars twinkle gently in the night sky. Is he really going to become a murderer? Is he really dangerous? Princess Luna thought. Is he like a vengeful manticore who only wants revenge? Or is he like a defenceless Timberwolf pup who lost it's pack? Princess Luna waved her thoughts away as she admired the beauty of the night. For the first time in days, Princess Luna felt victory. She felt content that she managed to save Silvanus from killing himself.