Elemental Uprising
I was awaken, rather rudely, by the screams of the Doctor. When this first happened I burst out of my bed to find out what was happening. Was a crises happening? Were we under attack? After about three months of similar "emergency situations" I have learned to take my time. Why the Doctor couldn't wait until I was actually up was beyond me. I have no idea the actual time or how long until I have to wait to raise the sun, for all I know it could be hours. I lay splayed out on my bed wondering if I should go back to bed. However with the echoes of the Doctor's voice made that impossible.
I have faced horrors and evil beyond the comprehension of most ponies, however all of them pale in comparison to a bored Doctor. He often has to find ways to keep himself entertained and more often than not it leads him into trouble. Last week it was visiting Earth ponies, the week before that the Pegasus, and the week before that the Unicorns. I believe the Doctor as managed to annoy each of the Pony tribes more than once. I can't help, but partially blame myself. It was I who he made a promise to, to remain here with me as long as needed. It is this self imposed detainment that is the cause of his unrest. The Doctor is use to travelling from place to place, however his promise holds him here. There are times I think I can let him go, however memories of my past loses surface and I lose my resolve. Perhaps I can never let him go, but I will try for him.
My getting up from my bed was slow. Mostly because I did not want to, I wonder if it bad for the raiser of the sun to dislike mornings? Letting out a yawn I finally got up and levitated my crown placing it on my head. I did not bother to get out of my robe, perhaps I could resolve this quickly and go back to bed. I could still hear the calls of the Doctor echoing though the halls. I wonder who he annoyed this time, maybe the guards finally had their fill of him. Why he needs to make a spectacle out of himself? He knows where my chamber is if he really needed my help he could easily knock. Instead he creates an uproar usually waking everypony in the castle up.
"Oh good Celestia I found you," spoke the Doctor out of breath as I left my chamber. "I have been searching every where for you," part of me doubting that statement.
"I was in my chamber Doctor," I responded. "Having a nice dream until I was rudely awoken by somepony," starring at him to convey my annoyance.
"That is terrible. I hope that pony learns some manners," pretending he is not the source of my ire. "You know a lot can be said about some ponies through their dreams," changing the subject. "Dreams can tell you their desires or fears and even the future. Did you know that Celestia?" while I did not it did not change the fact he was completely dodging the real issue. "Indeed dreams can give one insight into the future. Since you were having a good dream I do hope that means a good future for Equestria," I too hoped that as well.
"Doctor," trying to put a stop to his prattling. "Why were you searching for me?" trying to get back to the matter at hoof.
"What, oh yes why was I?" forgetting why he was here. "Why did you go and distract me by talking about your dreams," blaming me for his memory loss. Before I could berate him a roar came down the hall. "That is why," hiding behind me. I watch as a creature barrels down the hall. It red scales glimmering in the moon light. It wings spread out as ran towards us it slitted reptilian eyes focused on the Doctor. There was little doubt in my mind what is was.
"A Dragon," I berate the Doctor. "You went and pissed off a dragon," scolding him. "Do you know how much my sister and I had to go through to get the Dragons to come here. And you go and annoy one," trying to keep calm as a dragon stares us down.
"It wasn't my fault," acting innocent. "I was curious, first time to examine a dragon up close you know," giving me his excuse.
"You taught me about Dragons," reminding him about his teaching days.
"That may be true," accepting my point. "However I never really had a chance to study one up close. How could I pass up an opportunity like this?" pointing a hoof to the glowering dragon.
"You wait if course," chastising the Doctor. "You ask the dragon politely to study him. After all you told me yourself that dragons can be reasoned with," pointing out the Doctor was the reason why we invited the dragons in the first place.
"I was to excited to wait," he pouted. "Besides if I had asked I would of never gotten to see the hunting habits of a dragon," he excitedly revealed.
"Are you telling me you been studying the dragon as he chased you!" very tempted to let the dragon have the Doctor.
"Of course," shrugging it off as if it was standard practice. "While not my original intent information is still information," the Doctor showing he is a pony can learn under any situation.
"Then what did you do that made the dragon angry?" struggling very hard to keep my head.
"I never meant for the dragon to wake up," the growling dragon proving that the Doctor's plan went sour. "I was very interested in the dragon's skin, actually it scales, which is very strong. So sturdy in fact it is said to impervious to most weapons and even magic," hoping his rambles would soon get to the point. "However they also need to be light and flexible for movement and flight. When I touched the sleeping dragon I was astounded to find the scales were very smooth. Naturally I had to find out the magical properties in the scale and I happened to see one that looked loose," I understood quickly where this story was going.
"You pulled a scale out of a sleeping dragon," wanting to knock some sense into him. "Doctor this has to be one of the dumbest things you done," I scolded him like a foal. "Dumber than when you sneaked into that Ursa Major's cave and took a star from it's coat," giving him an example of one of the many dumb things he has done recently.
"I got out of it intact didn't I?" acting superior.
"Only because my sister calmed it down and replaced the star you took," reminding him how he got out of that mess.
"Oh yes," he smiled sheepishly. "I had forgotten," his selective memory coming back.
"Hopefully I can reason with this dragon before it decides to tear you apart," the Doctor only nodding in agreement. As I stare down the dragon I can't help, but remember the Doctor's lessons about them. He told us that they are reasonable creatures, however they are fearsome and quick to anger. Apparently this Doctor forgot that part. There were only two ways to deal with enraged dragon. The first was to stand your ground and fight them any dragon will acknowledge you as their superior, if you can beat them in a fight. The other way was to bribe them, dragons love jewels and treasure more than anything else. The Doctor taught us that in dragon society the larger the hoard to more respect you gained. Young dragons would often try and steal from older ones to gain recognition. This dragon looked young, after all it could run down our halls without getting stuck. I did not want to fight it just in case it was the juvenile of an elder. I hope I can reason with it, but I will keep other options open.
"Greetings I am Princess Celestia," hoping my name would throw him off the attack. "While the summit is the morning," reminding him of why he was here. "It is a pleasure to meet one of the Dragon representatives. May I ask who I am addressing?" using another lesson of the Doctor's, when faced with aggression act polite.
"Smolder," growled the young red dragon. "Our Clan Elder spoke of you Celestial pony," I was right about my hunch. "Told us to treat you with respect," my hopes going up about easily getting easily out of this mess. "However you stand between us and the one who dishonored us," snarling at the Doctor. Smolder's words made me recall something else from my lessons with the Doctor. They held their scales in very high esteem a source of pride and honor. To remove one was considered one of the worst things to do to a Dragon and demanded retribution, usually the life of the guilty one.
"The Doctor meant no harm," wanting to many painful things to him for his stupidity. "He was just curious," knowing my excuse would fall on deaf ears.
"That matters not," Smolder hissed. "He will pay for his injustice to us," poising to attack.
"The Doctor is my council and friend," though annoying. "He was present with me and my sister when we came and met your Elder. He is the sole reason why your Elder is hear now. To attack him would be like attacking me," hoping my power play would work. Basically telling Smolder that attacking the Doctor may invoke war between the Dragons and Ponies, one neither could afford.
"The pony dishonored us retribution must be made," showing he was conflicted with what to do next.
"I agree," shocking the Doctor and Smolder with my statement. "However as I said before attack the Doctor would be like attacking me, that means I see the Doctor actions as my own," acting like a ruler would to defend a subject. "Therefore I will pay the retribution," serious in my conviction. I knew the Dragon would not accept any old thing, after all his honor was a stake. Smolder would only accept something that I held in high value. Unfortunately I was unprepared I had only one thing I could offer him, I was currently wearing it and it wasn't my robe.
"Smolder the crime I have done to you was terrible," my heart heavy as I accept the Doctor's mistake as my own. "As is your right to demand justification must be paid. In the name of piece it is not my life I offer, but something I hold in high value," using my magic to remove the crown from my head and present it to Smolder. His eyes changing from rage to desire. "This is my crown presented to me by the ponies of Equestria when they accepted me as their Princess. Do you accept my offering and your retribution paid," keeping my tears in check not wanting to part with the gift.
"Yes, yes!" he exclaimed excitedly. It wouldn't of surprise me if he had forgotten about the Doctor in his excitement. With a deep sorrow I release my magic on the crown. Smolder wastes little time snatching it from the air and running off with it. My action would probably make Smolder on of the most celebrated dragons in their society, but that mattered little to me. I had just given away the gift given to me by the ponies when I became their Princess. All to save the Doctor. I wanted to yell at him, but I didn't have the heart to do it.
"Excellent," came the Doctor's voice with the clapping of his hooves. "That was splendid Celestia. You shown yourself as a true Princess of Equestria," giving me praise. "All it cost you was a trinket, definitely less valuable than a ponies life," giving him the best angry glare I could muster. "Ah still angry with me I see," his words severely understated. "I know how to fix it, a reward. Come on follow me," going into my chambers before I could say anything. I don't why, but I followed him inside. Humoring him I doubt there is anything he could do to fix this problem, unless he could get my crown back.
"Now where is it?" he mutters to himself. I watch as he searches my chamber. He looks in my book cases, my mantel, my bed, and several other places.
"Doctor what are you looking for?" breaking down in frustration.
"Your reward of course. Ah here it is," pushing on the statue of a Unicorn head. The room rumbled as the wall opened up. I was shocked when it revealed a glass case, however what shocked me most what was inside. It was a gold crown it has three points and at the center and longest point was a purple diamond shaped jewel. The case also held a collar it held a copy of the jewel in its center as it sparkled as if alive. The engraved designs were the work of a master.
"What... where...how," unable to form a question due to my shock.
"I knew you would like it," not sure how he got that idea. "As I said before it is your reward for before. The where your Mother had it made for you when you were young. I am sure she would be glad to see you wearing it," my Mother even now she watches over me.
"You knew this was here," expressing my surprise.
"Of course," The Doctor's ability to surprise never ceasing. "She told me all about it and the magical enchantments protecting it. I was just waiting for the right moment to give it to you and here it is," he trotted around proud of himself. "Do wear it in good health, but I would wait until your meetings with the Dragons is over," warning of what it would look like if I came in wearing a new crown so soon.
"Of course Doctor," turning around to find him gone. I turn back looking at the case thinking of my Mother as she had this designed for me. It was then it dawned on me of what the Doctor said, "he was waiting for the right moment." He was testing me. He had it planned out from the beginning. The Dragon, my crown all of it, he knew how it was going to turn out. Perhaps everything he has done has been a test. The things with the Pegasus, Unicorns, and Earth ponies. Each one started out bad with the Doctor taking something that was sure to set them off and left me to solve it. Each time it worked out and each time the bond between me and my subjects was stronger than it may have been before. Why did I not see this? I forget sometimes how clever the Doctor is, especially when he acts like a foal. However this entire time it has been a test to see if I am ready to be a good ruler to my kingdom. The showing me this gift from my mother means he finally believes I am ready. I want to thank him, however that will have to wait I have a sun to raise and a meeting to get to.
The meeting between myself and the Dragons went surprisingly well, apparently the Elder found out about my altercation with Smolder. When he revealed this fact to me I was worried all our hard work for piece was for not. However I could of never been more wrong. It had brought the Elder great pride to see that his Juvenile obtained his first piece of treasure, the fact it once belonged to one of the royal sisters only raised its value. The Elder also knew how the piece of treasure was obtained and believed I handled the situation honorably. However it wasn't these facts that the Elder used to come to his decision to make piece with the ponies. It was my attire or lack of it that gave us the tipping point in our negotiations.
When I was dressing for this important event I dressed in the finest dress made in the finest material. I combed my mane till the colors blended seamlessly. I had my shoes shined and polished till they looked brand new everything was perfect, except for for one small fact. I had no crown to go on my head, having traded to a Dragon for the Doctor's life. I thought about adorning my new crown to replace the old, but then I remember the Doctor's warning and decided to go without. Though I had to avoid questions from my subjects and my sister on it whereabouts I am glad I did. The fact I did not wear my crown was what drove his choice, though he did not reveal that fact till afterwards.
The Elder had requested a private meeting between us and due to our new alliance I saw no reaso to refuse. When I arrived the first words out of his mouth were, "I see you did not wear your new crown." I was shocked and asked how he knew of it. He did not answer right away instead he describe my new crown and collar in detail. When I asked my question a second time he revealed to me he was the forger of my attire. He told me of a time long ago when Dragons were the best forgers in the world, no pony could match their skill. They could control the flame to the greatest precision and the fact their fire was born of magic only enhanced the metal. However it all changed with the arrival of Discord his presence made the Dragons go into hiding. Unlike ponies they could not cultivate their own food so they were left with little choice, they had to sleep. Though Dragons can normally sleep for a hundred years to force sleep without preparation is far harder. Magic had to be used and on a magical resistant species that magic comes with a cost. For them it was their minds. Forgotten were some of the skills they possessed, their history for others, and for some they became feral unable to speak even in Dragon tongue. He warned me that even though we had piece not all Dragons would follow and to be cautious around all his kind. I thanked him for his words and for my new crown. He only smiled and said there was more to it than to be worn and flew away after his riddle.
My trot back to my room was slow, I was exhausted. My day had started far to early. I wish I could crawl back into bed and sleep the rest of the day away. Unfotunately only half the day had passed. I still had other meetings to get to, most dull run by those snooty Nobles. If I did not need their support to run things smoothly I would have banished them long ago.
"Sister, sister," came the shout of Luna disturbing my thoughts.
"Yes Luna," seeing the face of worry on her. "Should you not be in bed," concerned for her. "It is the afternoon you should be resting before the night comes," even though I was sleep deprived I did not want her to be as well.
"We know sister," giving me a pout. "We heard about your altercation," meaning she knew how I loss my crown. "Why did you not tell us."
"I believed it best not to tell," also not wanting to be embarrassed. "It was a private matter and I handled it," hoping to end the conversation there.
"You are very brave sister," confusion forming in my mind from her words. "We do not think we would of been able to do what you did. To do such a task on your own you are far stronger than our subjects believed," her words full of pride for me.
"What did I do my dear sister?" wondering why she held such pride for something I felt shame for.
"You fought the Elder Dragon and won," acting like she had witnessed it herself. "Only your crown was lost due to your bout it must of been impressive. Why you did not invite us to watch or is that a breech, there is so little we know of Dragon law."
"Where did you hear this from?" dumbfounded by what my sister was telling me.
"Was it suppose to be secret?" she responded cluelessly. "It just seemed everypony knew. We thought it best to come to you for the input on the fight," not knowing what she was talking about.
"What do you mean everypony?" trying to see how out of hoof this rumor was.
"Well the Nobles, the Guards, and everypony else," seems I was the only one left out of the loop. "It has been the talk since the Dragons left," very glad they did.
"Do you know which pony told?" having a hunch on which pony to blame.
"We do not know sister," she sadly replied. "Mayhaps you should ask the Doctor, he may know," fairly certain he is the reason for the rumor.
"Princess Celestia, Princess Celestia," came the panic voice of a Guardpony. Throwing off any retort I had to the rumor going around.
"Yes Sergeant Sureshot," addressing the Unicorn guard.
"Princess Luna, I apologize I did not know you would be here as well," my sister motioning for him to continue his message. "There has been an attack on our troops my Princesses," getting our attention waiting for him to tell us what and where. "It happened near the river east of the castle. We were doing our routine maintenance of the Ward when we were attacked. It happened so quickly three of us were swept away," clearly jarred from the experience.
"What beast attacked you?" my sister question worried about our subjects.
"I do not know," he answered apologetically. "I saw no beast it was as if the water itself grabbed them and dragged them under," fear emanating from his voice.
"Take us there Sergeant," I order with the hopes of finding the cause of the attack and maybe save the lost ponies as well.
The journey to the Ward would not take long, but it got me thinking. This would be the first major attack at a Ward since my sister and I cast them all those months ago. The Wards themselves were simple we carved symbols into rocks and trees and enchanted them. The Doctor was the one who suggested them. They were the precursor to Ruin magic, the difference being instead of using pony magic they used natural magic to stay active. The magic of the Everfree is very primal it has more than enough to power simple Wards. The Wards were put in to keep the castle safe and keep the Everfree at bay. Ever since the defeat of Discord the forest has grown wilder if not for the Wards the castle would have been over taken by now. However, due to the wild nature of the Everfree and the creatures the Wards need to be maintained constantly or else crumble and get overtaken. The Ward we head towards now was near a river and on a large stone this is the first time any trouble has come from this area since it was cast.
We arrived at the area of the attack, I can tell all the Guards are on edge. They gave wide birth to both the stone and river, most likely fearing another attack. I could see two Pegasus and two Unicorns at the ready I could also see the Captain only he and one other pony were close to the river. The other pony is the Doctor, though I am not surprised he has a nack for diving into trouble head first.
"Captain Blitz," called out the Sergeant. "I have reported to the Princess as order. By their request I have brought them here to evaluate the situation," saluting as he gave his report.
"Celestia your here," spoke up the Doctor. "And you brought Luna too, marvelous if I am right we may need her help," continuing with his investigation without another word.
"What do you mean Doctor?" ignoring my questions as he worked. "Captain Blitz your report," frustrated turning my attention to the armored Pegasus.
"Yes, your Highnesses," bowing before us. "As the Sergeant briefed we were attacked. Three were dragged into the river, they have not come up," speaking morbidly. "I sent a few soldiers down river with the hopes the missing will show up," I was pleased with his actions.
"What can you tell us about the attacker?" questioned my sister in hopes he had more information.
"Not much I am afraid," his answer similar to the Sergeant's. "It was if the water itself came to life and attacked us," peering at the seen I could see the ground wet and the places where the ponies were dragged in.
"That is water manipulation sister," commented Luna. "It is the art we practice, though I know of no creature that can move water. Could it of been another pony?" her question filling me with dread.
"That is where you are wrong Luna," spoke up the Doctor. "There is a creature that can move water," as he started kicking stones into the river.
"What are you doing Doctor?" my cries coming to late as the river came to life. I watched in horror as the Doctor dodge tendrils of water. Each one barely missing him. I finally get my bearings and order the Guards to cut down the water. However their attacks had little affect and only made them a target as well. I watched as one stream of water went after the Doctor as I made ready my magic to protect him and the others. Then the water stopped holding in the air as if frozen in the air. I saw my sister her eyes a glow, of course she is controlling the water. She started to freeze the water as it fell to the ground and river went calm, apparently whatever it was gave up its attack.
"Good job Luna," the Doctor clapping his hooves in approval. "I knew you could do it," as if knowing that was going to happen.
"What was that all about Doctor?" wanting to know why he put all of us in danger.
"Testing out a theory," he replied casually. "And I was right," giving him the best scowl I could. "Don't look at me like that, we were not in any danger with Luna here," as she gave a smile at his confidence in her.
"What was that Doctor?" my sister asked.
"Well first answer me this question, did you feel anything when you took control of the water?" he asked as I looked at my sister uncertain where this was going.
"Yes," she replied. "It felt as if I was fighting something for the control of the water, however it felt as if the water itself was fighting me. I don't understand," clearly thrown off by the experience.
"I was afraid of that," he muttered to himself. "I believe we are dealing with an elemental. They are creatures that have a body and mind and can bend their element to their will," he explained. "This one is water. They are usually placid creatures and never attack. For one to attack like this something must of seriously threatened it."
"What do you mean Doctor?" wanting to know more about this mysterious creature.
"The tendrils you saw were a construct of the elemental," informing us of what we fought. "It takes a lot of energy for an elemental to form one so it is usually a last resort. The fact this one did it not once, but twice tells us that it must be fearing for its very life," it was acting like a cornered animal lashing out.
"What caused its fear?" perhaps we could put a stop to it before it stuck again.
"Not sure," he replied. "My best guess is the Ward," our source of protection was the cause of the attack. "The Ward is powered by natural magic and elementals are living forms of natural magic," suddenly understanding.
"You mean our Ward started to drain away it life," he nodded confirming my thoughts. "If that is true Doctor why is the Ward still there?" pointing out the undamaged stone.
"I wondered that myself," bringing out his beloved recorder and started to play. I have long ago gotten use to the Doctor playing his instrument. Depending on his mood would determine what he played. When happy it would be something upbeat, when sad something full of sorrow. Right now he was thinking the notes were random, reflecting the torrent that was his thoughts.
The Doctor stopped on a note continuing to play it only changing the pitch. The other ponies there only stared in confusion, but I knew he had figured something out. "Ah I got it," joyously confirming my theory. "The answer is right here in my hooves," holding out his recorder. "Elementals use sound frequency to communicate. All I have to do is find the right one and I may be able to reason with it," bouncing around like an excited foal.
"What happens if you find the wrong frequency?" I ask worried about something going wrong.
"Well the worst I could do is enrage it further," passively waving his hoof unworried. "Luna come along I will need your aid," moving towards the river bank. "It will take me some time to find the right note so I may need you to protect me," my sister nodding and taking to his side.
"Everypony stand back," I order as I ready a barrier in case any of the tendrils try to reach us. The Doctor starts to play almost immediately the water close to him started to react. The tendrils shot out try to take him, but my sister held them back. Bending and controlling them to her will making sure the Doctor came to no harm. It was nice to see my sister in action again ever since we started raising the sun and moon I do not see her as much as I would like.
"Your Highness," came the voice of the Captain. "I have news about those who were washed away," his morbid tone did not fill me with hope. "They were found dead, however they did not die by drowning. In fact there was no water in their lungs at all,"
"Then how did they die?" worried for the Doctor and my sister.
"They were drained of their very life," his tone haunting. I watch in horror as the tendrils try to reach the Doctor and my sister. I realize whatever that is I am sure it is not an Elemental.
"Doctor, Sister," hoping my voice will reach them. "Your in danger," expanding my barrier racing towards them pushing back the water by sheer force of magic.
"Why did you do that dear sister?" shocked at my sudden appearance. "We had everything under control," berating me for interrupting.
"Now, now I am sure she has her reasons," waiting for me to state my case.
"You were in danger," I blurted out in panic. "They found the ponies, they were dead, drained of their life force," watching as the Doctor's turns pale.
"Oh no, this is bad very bad. We need to run, no that won't do," panicking and talking to himself. "Luna can you find the source of the water control," my sister nods. "Good, separate every drop of water from it," following his instructions she parts the river. I watch as the parting river reveals a glowing orb, "Capture it don't let it escape," he orders. Unfortunately I could not follow through a gale of wind blew us all away sending us toppling and breaking my sister control freeing the river.
"What is going on?" came the voice of the Captain.
"Captain," spoke the Doctor in a serious tone. "Order the Unicorns to raise a barrier around us," the Captain looking to me as I nodded for the order to be followed. "We need to get away from here. Move slowly and do not drop the barrier for any reason," making a slow procession away from the water under a magic dome. Only when the river was out of sight did the Doctor give the okay to drop the barrier.
"Doctor what was the glowing ball?" wondering what I saw. "What happened back there?" wanting to know where the strong wind came from.
"In do time Celestia," in other words he will tell me later. "Captain," addressing Blitz. "Get in contact with every patrol and Guard. Tell them to stay away from the Wards and to be ready. If we cannot contain this problem soon the castle will come under attack and more ponies will end up like your three Guards," his dire warning sending shivers through us all. "Celestia, Luna we need to prepare," moving towards the Castle and we followed behind.
"Doctor," I speak up as the castle in view. "What are we fighting?" sensing it had something to do with the glowing object.
"They are known as the Animation Stones," his sigh telling me there is a story behind them. "Perhaps crystals is a better term for them, anyway they bring inanimate objects to life. As I am sure you remember from your lessons it is an easy spell to use and control, most Unicorns now how to cast it. However back when the tribes were separated there was much unrest between the Unicorn factions. The two most prominent being the Nobles and the Mages. In fact in the Unicorn society you were either a Noble or a Mage if you did not fall under either then you were of a low class, there was a reason Clover's fashion was that of burlap," I could hear the angry disgust in his voice. "The Mages were separated even more among them one group's talent was animation. They were considered to be low class, due to the fact it was a common ability and it could only be use for as long as the caster could cast. That all changed with the discovery of enchanting crystals. With one simple crystal they could animate anything so long as it was solid. One Mage could easily control more than one crystal at once. However it wasn't enough, they wanted control everything. The thing they chose was the Four Elements. I do not know how they made them, but they did and the results were catastrophic."
"Are you telling us that glowing orb is one of these stones?" worried about the implication.
"Yes," confirming my fears. "Starswirl told me of when he dealt with them. He drained them of their magic and stored them away safely or so I thought. Discord's upheaval must of some how broke them out of containment and they been absorbing chaotic energy ever since," I shudder to think how much power they have.
"We do not understand Doctor," my sister speaking up. "Why do they act up now and why do they take pony life?" asking questions I wondered myself.
"Somepony must of found them," dreading the idea a pony was behind this. "Possibly several unlike the average stone the ones for the Elements take much more magic to use, it is unlikely only one pony is involved. If it is only one then they would have to be very strong," feeling my self get sick at the thought several ponies could cause such travesty. "As for the taking of life, the movement of the Elements takes energy and the energy of life is one of the strongest there is," wanting to throw up from the implications.
"What do we do Doctor?" doing my best to keep my food down.
"I need to go through Starswirl's books and find a way to drain those things of their power," stopping at the entrance of the castle. "As for the two of you, Luna in your room there is a pedastal press it there you will see a gift from you mother. Wear it. Same to you Celestia," reminding me of the crown and plate in my room. "You both will be needing them."
"What dangerous errand are you sending us on Doctor?" curious of his plans.
"You read me like a book Princess," he smiles at me. "But your right what I am sending you on is dangerous. I am sending back out there to capture one of those orbs," swallowing my fear knowing this is needed. "The two of you together should be able to over power one, however do not try to take on two. From our experience we know that Water is active and I can only guess the gust came from Wind. We best hope that Fire and Earth are not active as well. I would suggest going after Water with Luna's abilities it is your best chance. Good luck both of you," galloping off in the direction of the library.
My sister and I went are separate ways agreeing to meet up with each other in the same place once ready. I quickly went to my room and donned on the crown and plate my mother had forged. I could feel the magic coursing through it as I remember the Elder's words and wonder what secrets it hides. However there is little time to ponder that now I have my kingdom to save. I met my sister in the hall and saw her apparel was different than mine. It was black and her collar had the moon enscribed on it also her crown had no jewel and looked smaller than mine. I smiled at my sister and she smiled back we were ready we had a hunt to begin.
We reached the river bank without much trouble as we threw rocks into the water, nothing happened. Whoever the pony was controlling the Stone must of realized we would return and escaped. Fortunately they controlled the Animation Stone of Water, therefore they needed to stay near the water in order to have any power. The only question is did they go up stream or down, I looked to my sister for a suggestion. She believed down stream would be the best course reminding me the river widens and becomes a tributary where many streams meet. I dread to think what would happen if one of those streams leads to the castle.
Following the river we see a flock of various flying beast heading away from something. Our best guess is the Stone controller decided creature life was just as useful as pony, until we saw the smoke. A large black cloud of it was coming from part of the forest I coughed as the smell reached our noses. I notice that the fire was in a trail its destructive path marked by the smoke in the sky. There was no way it was normal fire it must be the Stone of Fire that caused it.. Finding it would be easy all we had to do was head to where the smoke was currently coming from. What we met with was a towering inferno with arms burning all that it touched. We were fortunate it was using the flame to feed itself otherwise the entire forest would of been ablaze. I could feel the source of the magic inside the flame as it came closer. Unfortunately for the controller I am the master of fire, they don't stand a chance.
"Sister," knowing I will need her aid. "Gather some water and wait until I separate the Stone from the fire then encase it," telling her part to play in my plan. She leaves as I face down the inferno. I will make whatever pony responsible pay for their crimes, but first I need to cut their puppet from its strings.
Finding the point where the Stone resided did not take me long. I simply focused where the highest amount of fire and magic met. A strange sensation went through me when I did. The object felt as if it had a pulse if it was alive itself, however I did not have time to focus on that. The arms of fire were attempting to catch me, I assume to drain me of my life. However it was made of fire and fire is my element I easily parted the flames so they never even touched me. I held the flames at bay making sure they went no further. Without the forest to feed it the flames were diminishing. I could see the orb as it struggled for control, for a moment I thought I felt anger come from it.
My sister arrived with water in tow which was my signal to press the attack. I ripped the flame from the Stone's control exposing it to air. The moment I did my sister played her part encasing the stone in water and a magic barrier for safe keeping. I then removed the fire from the area to make sure the destruction would not spread.
"Sister," voicing worry. "I do not sense anypony nearby."
"The controller must of saw themselves losing and turned tail and run," promising myself to catch them later. "We need to return to the Doctor. Hopefully he has found the spell to drain the Stone so nopony else gets hurt."
The return to the castle was strangely quiet, we were expecting to be attacked at an moment. With their power subtracted by one we thought those responsible would try and get it back. However no such thing occurred and if there one thing the Doctor taught us in our travels is there is no such thing as easy.
"Ah good your back," the Doctor meeting us in the hall along with Dusk. "And the hunt was successful I see, well done."
"Doctor the one we caught was the Fire. We can only assume that all are active," sharing my thoughts.
"Your quite right," agreeing with my assessment. "Fortunately we have captured one and Dusk and I have found the spell we are looking for."
"That is wondrous Doctor," exclaimed my sister. "Shall we do the spell now."
"Yes, Dusk if you may?" Dusk's horn lighting up to perform the spell. Again I felt the flare from the Stone as if reaching out. I could see the fire in the candles reacting growing as the spell the was cast.
"Doctor what is going on?" wondering how the Stone was doing this. "Is the controller here?" searching the hall for somepony, but nopony was found.
"No the magic eminates from the Stone itself," his voice full of dread.
"What does that mean Doctor?" came the scared voice of my sister. As wind comes from no where and the walls begin to shake and water seeps from the ground.
"It is calling for help," the walls crash down around us and everything goes black.