//------------------------------// // 2. An Invitation // Story: Unexpected Friends // by Senyu //------------------------------// Shadows drifted across the floor as magical light penetrated the hallway. With a glowing horn the Canterlot guard patrolled his nightly paths, remaining vigilant and aware. Canterlot was in peace but one never knew when dangers would arise again such as the Changelings or creatures similar to Discord. Or when Princess Twilight attempts to sneak into the library. The guard chuckled to himself at the memory when he encountered her and her friends. Passing through doors and hallways he made his way to the second floor near the private gardens tucked within the museum wing of the castle where the various libraries and great works were kept. He glanced down to the green hedges and colorful flowers in the night. Princess Luna’s moon was hidden tonight and would not return for a few days so he could only dimly see as far as his horn light could reveal. It was a small garden in a square courtyard surrounded by walls and other passageways. Often times many students would read old books out on the grass during a sunny day or give lectures when it was too nice out to be stuck inside. Assured nothing stirred within the gardens he passed through an archway to continue the rest of his shift. Moments after he passed the corner he became aware of a soft sound. Stopping he turned his head to make sure he was indeed hearing it. It sounded like a distant crackling of electricity. Narrowing his eyes he tried to make out the source of the noise. As he tried to pinpoint it, it grew louder and the stones beneath him began to vibrate. He could also faintly make out a scream that began as a soft whisper that grew louder as the stones increased their shaking. Alarmed he opened his mouth to call out for other guards. But before he could utter a sound, a sudden boom of an explosion and blue light filled the room and blinded him. For a few heartbeats bright light was all he could see even behind his eyelids, and all he could hear was the sound of the booming explosion. Within the boom was the clear and roaring sound of a defiant scream of some pony. Then everything became quiet and muted as quickly as it came. Opening his eyes cautiously he looked out to the hallway in front of him. The room was illuminated not by his horn, but a soft glowing blue light. He quickly realized it was coming from behind him. Turning his head he saw the light spilling out from the archway where the garden was. For a few moments he stared at awe and confusion of what had just happened. But then shaking his head he snapped to and let his training and duty kick in. Ready and alert he dashed back through the archway and ran out onto the walkway. He immediately spotted the source of the light. An oval of swirling light blue light floated inches above the grass in the garden. While it was bright, it did not seem to hurt it eyes or cause him to look away. It illuminated the garden in full allowing him to see every flower and hedge around it. He could not see any other pony that might have let loose the scream he heard. Staring back at it he could feel its magical presence. It gave no sound or any other distinction it was there. Only the light and the presence of strong magic emanating from it. The silence was cut short from the sound of other Canterlot guards calling and shouting. Lifting his horn he shot out a red flare above the garden signaling his position. He shouted out his spot until eventually the first of many guards dashed into the garden courtyard. As they entered they immediately filled out around the garden to surround the light. Uncertain of the threat it possessed they cautiously kept their horns pointed and ready as they assessed the situation. While the rest of the guards had set up around it, the one who discovered it made his way from the second floor down to the first and joined his comrades. He trotted straight to his superior eying the oval. “I shot the signal sir.” The captain looked him over and responded flatly, “Report”, while turning his attention back to the oval. “Moments after passing the garden the ground shook softly and a scream could be heard. Followed immediately by a blinding light and the explosion and roar I’m sure you heard.” “Hmm”, the superior grumbled. “Was there another pony here? Perhaps the one who caused it?” The guard shook his head, “No sir, I am sure the garden was empty when I passed. And no one could be seen during the moments I came back.” The captain grunted in dissatisfaction. There was too little evidence for his comfort that might clue as to what’s happening but then again, there rarely is. However this was not something he has ever dealt with before. He could tell it was strong magic from the sensations emanating from it. Most magic doesn’t normally emit auras like this. “Sir!”, one of the guards shouted in panic. “What it is it?” “I-I don’t know. Can’t you feel it?” “Yes I know, the magic.” “No, not that.” Another one responded. The captain turned to question him more but noticed how his face became pale and frightened. Confused he opened his mouth again to ask if he was alright but was met with other guards letting out short gasps. Looking to the rest of his subordinates in worry as their faces became pale and uncertain he frustratingly shouted, “What in the blazes are you all talking-“, but then stopped short. He could feel it as well. Emotions, clear as day filling him. They were powerful and overtaking. He felt himself become overflowed with fear, anger, and despair. It gripped his heart and filled his mind. What bothered him the most was that they were not his feelings at the situation before him. He wasn’t sure how but he knew they were not his. They were coming from the light. Shaken by the sudden flow of emotions for some moments he snapped his attention to the next task. Turning to the closest guard he said, “Private.” The guard didn’t respond at first as he seemed transfixed by the light and emotions. His face was also pale and showing signs of fear like the rest. “PRIVATE”, the captain yelled to get his attention. “Y-yes sir!” The guard responded quickly, drawn out from the sensations. The captain issued him a simple order, “Notify Princess Celestia and Princess Luna at once.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ “Twilight, are you sure the letter didn’t say anything?” Spike asked curiously. “Yes Spike, I’ve told you a dozen times. All it says is that Princess Celestia requested my presence for an urgent matter and that’s it.” Twilight responded. She was getting slightly annoyed at his persistent questions of the same thing. Spike groaned and leaned his head on the window railing of the train watching as the sped by cottages and fields. The moment Twilight received the letter they had grabbed the very next train to Canterlot from Ponyville. “Well I hope it is important. More important than that Gem Cake I was baking.” Spike said with frustration. “I’m sure it is, Princess Celestia would never ask me to come like this if it wasn’t. And Pinkie Pie said she would finish the cake so it would be ready for you when we get back.” “Ya, who knows how long that’ll take.” Twilight rolled her eyes and looked back at the letter requesting her. I’m curious to as to what this could possibly be. What could be so important that need immediate attention? Twilight thought. When they had made it to Canterlot an escort of guards was awaiting them. They said they were under direct orders to guide Princess Twilight immediately to where the other Princesses were convening. “Other Princesses?” Twilight asked. “Yes your highness,” the guard bowed. Twilight was still bothered at being treated like this whenever she visited Canterlot. She much preferred everyone in Ponyville that only gave her Princess discounts at stores as they put it. “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Princess Cadence are awaiting you.” “Cadence and Luna? What is this possibly about?” Twilight asked becoming even more curious at the situation. “I’m not informed enough to let you know your highness, please allow us to guide you and I’m sure your questions will be answered.” Twilight let out a sigh and gathered herself. She was royalty now and needed to remind herself she wasn’t a student back in magic kinder garden always asking questions. “Please proceed”. She said confidently. The group escorted her and Spike through Canterlot with haste making sure nothing obstructed her path. It was not long before they made their way into the castle and in front of a large door that would lead into the meeting room. “The rest of the Princesses have been notified of your arrival and await you Princess Twilight.” One of the guards said as he bowed. “Thank you.” Twilight responded. “Princess Twilight,” the guard spoke up again before opening the door. “I am afraid I will have to ask your assistant Spike to wait outside.” “What!?” Twilight almost shouted. “Because Spike is my assistant I will need him to... to…uh…assist me! Why should he be denied?” she flustered. “I’m sorry your highness, it’s under Princess Celestia’s request. She informed me to tell you the matter is priority and that he will learn in due time. For now it’s a matter of Princesses only.” Twilight was still annoyed that Spike couldn’t join her but Princess Celestia herself said he should wait outside. If there was one thing she promised herself when becoming a Princess it was that she would not treat others so lightly. “It’s okay Twilight,” Spike said reassuringly. “since I missed my Gem Cake I’ll go to Donut Joe’s for some food.” Twilight gave Spike a sad but grateful smile, “Thanks Spike, you know I hate for stuff like this to happen.” Spiked returned the smile. “It’s okay, just come get me when you need me.” He gave her a quick hug and proceeded to wait with the rest of the guards for her to enter. Smiling at a thumbs up from Spike, Twilight gathered herself and gave a nod to the door guard and passed through as they opened it for her. Even though her summons was urgent and she was still bothered Spike couldn’t join, she couldn’t help herself grin from ear to ear when she saw her mentor and friends. “Princess Celestia, Luna, Cadence!” she called out as she walked in. They were standing around a table filled with various books, most of them already open and scattered. When they spotted her they return her smile and called for her to join them. “Twilight, there you are.” Princess Celestia said. “It’s so good to see you again!” Cadence said as she walked towards Twilight and proceeded to give her their special hello. “It’s good to see you as well! How is everything in the Crystal Kingdom? Is my brother here?” Twilight asked excitingly. Cadence smiled in response, “Everything is going good. The people are happy and everything seems to be going as normal. Were all preparing for the games and Shining Armor is staying behind to oversee the setup while I’m here.” “That’s great, but speaking of,” Twilight asked puzzlingly, “why are we all here? What’s happened?” The three looked at each other and sighed. Princess Luna spoke up, “We are hoping you might be able to help us with that.” Twilight raised an eyebrow in confusion. “You may leave us now.” Princess Celestia spoke to the awaiting guard. He bowed and walked out closing the doors behind him. Spike gave a little wave back before they were shut to reassure Twilight. She returned her attention to the three Princesses around her. Princess Luna spoke first, “Three nights ago a strange event happened in Canterlot. A magical energy sprung into existence near the Star Swirl the Bearded Library and has remained there since.” Princess Celestia joined in, “We have been attempting to study it and its purpose but have drawn little conclusions from it. We have found almost no help in even our oldest records regarding magic.” “Well that explains then all the books but what can I do if you don’t even know what it is?” Twilight asked. “You’re a Princess now Twilight,” Celestia stated, “Affairs that may potentially effect the kingdom are now your responsibility. Your opinion is required for actions that can affect everyone. Given also that the nature of the situation is magic, you're even more requested to attend to if not able to help at least come to a decision on the course of action to take. But I’m sure you will be able to help us. You were and still are my most faithful student.” Twilight blushed and felt a little guilty at the responsibility Princess Celestia reminded her off. Being a Princess was a heavy burden she still acclimating to. “Back to the matter at hand,” Princess Celestia continued, “This magic is strange, we believe it is something normal or from Equestria.” “Not from Equestria? That’s…that’s…I don’t know.” Twilight said flatly. “You can see why we are also puzzled and concerned.” Luna said. “Even I was called in her because to help understand it.” Princess Cadence said. “The magic is so strange and strong that it gives off an emotion.” “Emotion?” Twilight quickly said. “That’s been a very rarely documented experience in Equestria. Normally it’s when enough magic has been released not as a spell, but a surge of feelings, almost a need or will to happen that it is almost not even a spell itself. It can transcend spells. Cadence, you did it once with my brother when you banished the Changelings.” “Yes, that is why I was called in. Since I’ve experienced it myself we were hoping I could shed some light on the situation. But I couldn’t find much. Only confirm that it indeed emitting of emotions.” Twilight interjected, “Wait, it’s STILL giving off emotions? How is that possible? Normally they only come on the initial cast and fade away right after. What kind of thing could cause this?” she asked insistently. “As we said,” Celestia joined in again, “we are unsure exactly what we’re dealing with.” “I know using the Elements of Harmony give off some emotion,” Twilight spoke aloud, “it was not as strong as Cadence and my brothers spell. But I can feel faintly the different feelings each element gives when we use them. I can only imagine how strong this one is. I mean it must be filled with so much happiness or love or…” “Despair,” Princess Celestia interjected grimly. “What?” Twilight asked with worry. Princess Luna responded, “This, thing, gives off fear, anger, and despair. I recognize them well during my time as Nightmare Moon. Whatever it is, it does not bring good tidings” “But not just those alone,” Princess Cadence said. “Those initial emotions are strong and seem to overwhelm you. But after spending some time trying to decipher and sort through them, I could also feel a desperate plea for help. Something is in danger and filled with despair. It's emitting a need for help from it.” Twilight looked down at her hoofs to take in what they were saying. It was hard to imagine something like this could exist. A spell filled with negative emotions that is calling for help? Help for what? “Now you understand the cause of worry for us.” Princess Celestia said drawing her from her thoughts. “We have no idea what effects this might bring or the results of its workings. The only we can be sure of is this. It is strong, it is strange in this land, it emanates strong emotions, and.” Princess Celestia paused in wariness to tell Twilight the most troubling aspect. “We believe it is a portal.” “A portal?” Twilight asked. “A portal to where in Equestria?” “That, we do not know.” Princess Celestia responded with a sigh.