//------------------------------//
// A Change of Seasons 
// Story: Through the Centuries I loved Him 
// by TARDIS_Brony 
//------------------------------//


A Change of Seasons


I feel massive headache and my body is sore as I groggily try and get up. I can hear drops of water echoing around me. Each one sounding like a loud base drum cracking against my skull. I promise myself never to indulge in hard cider again, at least until I am older. Wait... I never drank any hard cider as my memories of the past events come back. Where am I? Opening my eyes I see nothing but dark with the smell of a moldy cave reaching my nose.
"Doctor!" calling out frantically. "Luna, is anypony here," my calls answered with silence. Recalling what had happened. We were about to drain one of the Stones of their power, however we were attacked. I worry for the others safety, those Stone can drain a pony of their life. It is possible one of them has fallen, but why was I spared? I know mulling that question around in my head will get me no where. I need to figure out where I am and hope the others got away. 
Using a light spell I examine my surroundings. Looking up and down I see only rock and a small pool of water. Checking out the water it is not very deep, I also see hay and some flowers growing despite the dark. Though it lacks bars there is no doubt that this is a prison. My worst fear has been realized, I have been captured. With no way in or out it is clear those responsible don't want me escaping. The question enters my mind, why keep me here at all? I am reminded of one of the Doctor's lessons, enemies spare those of use of to them. If the Doctor's lesson hold true they must have some use for me, I dread to think what that use is.
I look around thinking about my next move. I thought about blasting the walls with my magic, unfortunately I do no know how thick the walls are or how deep I am. Should I blast the walls I could easily crush myself. Whoever these ponies are they sure know how to make prison cells. Teleportation is out as well much for the same reason, I rather not end up part of the stone. My options are running out and I rather not wait for my captors to make their demands. I don't even know how long I was out. Is it time to set the Sun? Even in time of crises normalcy must be maintained, that is something the Doctor would say. Can I even reach the Sun from where I am? I check and still feel the Sun presence, I am glad to know I am not completely alone.
The presence of the Sun gave me an idea, but first I would need to set it. Ever since I start raising and setting the Sun I have been able to feel when I should. I did not want to set it to early or set it to late, the same with rising. If I did I felt it would put the ponies in a panic, perhaps fearing the return of Discord. Therefore my sister and I have been keeping to the same schedule twelve hours of day and twelve hours for night. The Doctor complained that was far to static and needed to change. We disagreed with him wanting to give the ponies some sense of normalcy. He backed off, but not without warning us that nature may suffer from our choice. My sister and I haven't had much time to discuss this, perhaps we shall when this is over.
My plan was simple, I needed to set the Sun. Since the walls were solid and I was in enclosed place their was only one type of pony that I knew could reach me, my sister's Guards. They could walk through shadows and appear anywhere they were called, unfortunately they only came out when the sun was set. Though I loathe to call on them for help I have little choice.
Using my magic I reach out to the Sun. I relay my troubles and the Sun understands. I am informed that it is actually very close for the sun to set only an hour off. Making my decision I set the Sun, hoping my little ponies would not notice. Should they I will explain everything later and ask for forgiveness. I can feel it as the Sun is set and darkness descends on Equestria. I can only hope my sister is alive and will raise the Moon, also that her Guard is willing to answer my call.
"Come forth Crimson Gale," calling out the name of the only one I knew. Gale was the one we met so many months ago when they first appeared. My sister was the one who gave him his name and named him captain of her Guard. Wherever she goes I know he is not far away stalking in the shadows. He is also the only one I know that can speak Equestian the rest sticking with that Shadow language.
I can feel as the dark musty place I am in drops in temperature and my hairs stand on end. It is the signs that he heard my call, "What do you want Bringer of Light?" His voice emanating from the dark giving me one of the nicknames he uses when my sister is not around.
"I am in need of your aid and so is your Mistress," knowing full well he would not help unless my sister was in trouble as well.
"What danger is my Mistress in?" showing no concern for me. Stepping into the light I could now fully see him. He and the others have changed from the monstrosities we first met. They actually appeared pony like still sporting the bat like wings. Their sharp teeth were gone and some appear to have cutie marks such as Gale. His was of a red tornado which earned him his name. The Doctor explained that their form was linked with my sister's emotions the happier she was the more pony like they looked.
"I have been captured and I believe my sister has as well'" giving him the situation. "I need your help finding her and escaping," hoping he will put his detest for me aside to rescue my sister.
"I shall see if what you say holds true," spreading his wings and holding a meditative state. I do not fully understand their connection with my sister, but they can sense when she is in trouble. "I can sense her, however it is weak," I worry for her, but am glad she is alive. "The Moon has not risen. I can conclude that my Mistress is not conscious. I must rescue her," dropping out of his stance.
"You will need my help," hoping to reason with him. "Those who hold her many still be around, my aid will be needed should you hope to mount a rescue," wanting to save my sister and be free of my prison.
"I am of the Shadow Guard it is my duty to serve and protect my Mistress," growling at me as if I were the enemy. "I am one of a group together we will save our Mistress. You will only serve as a hindrance to our cause," clearly not wanting me around.
"You said my sister was unconscious and your sense was weak. What if she is under a spell or held in a barrier? None of you have the ability to break spells," going from my limited knowledge of them having never seen a Unicorn in their ranks.
"There is no barrier that can stop shadows," confident in his abilities. "Should our Mistress be under a spell some time in our world will cure her of any enchantments," I shivered at the idea of my sister being in their dark realm for any amount of time. It was becoming clear that Gale would argue any point I made to make sure I did not travel with him. This left me with only one other option.
"Crimson Gale you have forced my hoof. I had hoped to do this peacefully, but you left me not choice," I could feel his hate filled gaze on me, he knew what was coming. Some time ago my sister saw that me and her Guards did not get along and often did not follow my orders. To bring some understanding between us she taught me how to invoke their contract. The phrase was in their Shadow language so I did not understand it, that mattered little. Once it was said they would have no choice, but to follow my command. My sister made me promise never to use it unless the situation demanded it. I couldn't think of any situation worse than now, uttering the phase my sister taught me.
"What is your command Princess Celestia?" I could see the anger pouring off of him as he spoke my name.
"You are take me to my sister," ushering my command.
"As per my contract I must warn you first Princess," continuing to struggle to to keep his rage at bay. "You are a creature of light as such if you do not protect yourself traveling through the shadows will bring you harm," I could see it in his eyes if he had it his way he would of never warned me. He would of let whatever dangers awaited there have me.
"Thank you for the warning," knowing my thanks would only anger him more. Placing a magical aurora around me to ensure my safety. "Let us go," releasing the light spell and letting the darkness envelop us.
My sister once described shadow travelling as a frightening experience. Now that I am here I am inclined to believe that assessment. I did not even realize we had started travelling, part of me believing I was left behind. It wasn't until I saw something glow that I realized we had indeed entered another realm. Some ponies would think that a realm of darkness would have no light, they would be wrong. A realm like this is full of magic and as such the magic collects around the living and gives them a sort of aurora. The aurora is neither bright or dark it simply exists giving this realm shape.
Unfortunately some of the things I see I wish I could unsee. This realm was full of creatures monstrosities from nightmares made real. These creatures created bad dreams and fed off the anxiety they caused ponies, that is what my sister told me. Even the small ones gave me the creeps as the slithered by. I could feel some as they touched my protective barrier harming the magic more than it harmed them, I could only imagine what would of happened without it. My guide seemed unaffected by them most steering clear as if afraid. In the distance I could see a light too me it almost looked inviting, but I knew better. My sister told me that the creatures of this realm hated light often attacking it blindly, however some monsters made the light wanting to be attacked. Those ones were true monsters for they eat their own kind and their true size unknown. The burden placed on my sister is much larger than I originally thought, to think she has to protect ponies dreams from creatures like these.
It take only a moment to travel through the shadows, but it felt much longer. Now that I gone through it I see why my sister avoids that method of travel as much as possible. We arrived at our destination the area we are in looks much like my stone prison except for one difference, one wall was glowing red hot. The heat in the cell was almost suffocating to me and I am the ruler of the Sun. For my sister such heat would be unbearable, it is no wonder she is unconscious.
"My Queen I am here," came the concerned voice of Gale. Watching as he softly nuzzled my sister trying to wake her. I can see it in his eyes that there is much more than loyalty in his actions. His voice is soft not the one I am use to, he is like a completely different pony. I fear for Luna she has been leaning on her Captain far to much, she is dependent on him. I have not been their for her like I should so she turn to somepony else. Gale is her loyal Guard through and through, but I fear the day she wants him to be more than that. From the way he is acting he would gladly follow that command if not for the contract that binds him. The contract that keeps him alive would need to be broken to get close to Luna and breaking would mean his death, such is his curse.
"Crimson Gale," speaking his name to remind him he is still under my command. "I sense no spell inhibiting my sister. Her state is caused by the heat around us. She will be alright once we get her out of here," trying convince both myself and him that she will recover.
"What is your command?" standing between me and my sister as if I were the cause of her state.
"You will need to transport her out of here," his face changing from one of anger to surprise. "I am putting my sister's safety in your hooves," having little choice otherwise.
"I can only bring one of you through the shadows with me," warning that I cannot follow.
"I know, but my orders remain the same," my sister's safety taking priority. "Take her and hide her and protect her until she wakes her raising the Moon will signal to me she is awake. I will need her help should we have any chance of saving Equestria. I release you from my command, now go," doing as my sister instructed. Setting her Guard free from my control.
"As you wish," giving me a mock bow. My sister and him disappearing into the shadows leaving me alone. I take in my surroundings I have just traded one prison for another, buck. However I will not let that get me down. I have one advantage here that I did not have in the other place, the heated wall. I could control fire and heat was a byproduct of fire or something similar.
Long ago when I was being taught magic by the Doctor I learned many things. One of those things I learned about was natural magic. What the Doctor taught me was how to draw strength from it. In his lessons he taught us that we can draw strength from any natural source, however we could draw the greatest amount from our own element. Trying to draw it from a source was not aligned with our own would be like trying to convince the Doctor not to get into trouble, possible with high resistance. My source would be the heat from the rock and I was going to use it to break out.
Spreading my wings I entered a meditative state, converting natural magic takes concentration. Drawing the heat from the wall I collected it to my horn. I could feel the power as it filled my body. The magic coursing through me from my hooves to my feathers. I gathered more and more strength I could feel it as the magic coated over me enveloping me in its power. The Doctor always warned us about collecting to much energy. Telling us that if we went to far we could damage our own magic making so we could never use magic again. He hinted at something worse than that, but never told us what the worse was and would change the subject if asked.
I collected as much magic as I could, being careful not to go to far. I could feel as my limit was reached and stopped drawing the magic in. Placing a strong magical barrier around me I picked my point of escape. I picked the wall from which the heat emanated from and in a upward direction. I can only surmise that there is a lava flow on the other side and from the eat that the wall is thin. Knowing that lava tends to head for the surface going up seems to be the best choice. However, if I am wrong in any of my assessments then I will most likely die. No time to second guess myself the longer I am trapped the more danger Equestria will be in. Releasing my power I charge the wall.
I pierce through the rock wall like it was a scroll, puncturing it with ease. I could feel the heat as it grew more intense and red surrounded me, appears I was right about the lava. Flying through the rock and stone as if they were clouds in the sky.  I hope I did not draw in to much power and over estimate how much I needed. Using natural magic has some draw backs. One such draw back is once used there will be no stopping until it has been drained, I could easily end up in space if I am not careful. Another is since it is not controlled it drains quickly, which is why it is not gather often. One more flaw is the natural magic may tap into a pony's own reserves draining them of power as well. There are many risks that I took to escape hopefully it will pay off.
I am relieved was I break to the surface, the Equestrian night sky never looked so beautiful to me. I could see the Moon in the sky which means my sister has recovered. I can see the Everfree below me as something catches my eye. That something fills me with dread it is a twister of flame. The twister is destroying the Everfree as bird and other flying creatures flee the scene. It seems the users of the Fire and Wind have joined forces why I do not know. I angle my decent toward the fire twister when I notice it shifting direction. I follow the trail it left behind the damage was erratic some places it looked like it made a full stop before going reversing direction. If they wanted to just destroy the forest I doubt they would have such an strange trail. Right now the the path would lead it to a swamp and it shows no signs of slowing or stopping. What if they are chasing somepony? How dare they make a game out of one of my subjects. I will teach them a lesson.
Having very little natural magic left I aim for the fire tornado and fly towards it. My plan use the power to disperse the two Stones and throw them off for a bit. Releasing a burst of magic I slam into the twister causing it to dissipate rapidly. Unfortunately I used some of my own magic in that attack making me weak. I fell out of the air and onto the ground struggling, but unable to get up. I can see a pony come into view as I start to fade, I was right somepony was being chased.
"You know how to make an entrance don't you Princess," came a familiar joyful voice.
"Doctor," falling asleep with a smile on my face.
I do not know how long I slept, but I awoke to the sound of voices. "When will she wake up?" came a mare's voice as I regained conscience.
"Looks like right now," came the voice of the Doctor. "How are you feeling?" his voice full of concern.
"Tired and everything hurts," I whined.
"That tends to be the case when one over exerts themselves," he chuckled. "I am glad to see your alright and your friend Starlight is too," indicating the mare next to him.
"Glad to see you are well Princess," she bows.
"We are friends Starlight," I playfully tease. "There is no need for formalities," I see a frown on her face. "What is wrong?"
"They took Papa," she cried into her hooves. I look at the Doctor fearing the worst.
"No," shaking his head. "They haven't drained him of his life, at least not yet. They still need him," worried of what that need was.
"How did you escape Doctor?" curious how he was here.
"I didn't," how could be that true if he was here in front of me? "Starlight here rescued me," giving my friend praise. "They tried to drain me of my life, fortunately they did not find me agreeable," making light of the situation. "They would of ended me, but a quick teleport from Starlight and we were safe. Sadly we were found and they chased us through the Everfree and may of caught us if not for a reckless Princess," giving me a grin.
"I learned from the best," I playfully jested.
"It was your fault we were found," came the accusing voice of Starlight to the Doctor.
"I couldn't let them mindlessly destroy the Everfree now could I?" he retorts back. I am not fully surprised the Doctor was the reason they were in trouble. "We were the ones they were looking for after all."
"That may be true," she conceded. "However risking ourselves in such a way could of cost us our lives. Who would of saved Equestria then?" clearly annoyed in her tirade. "What was so important that you had to go out there anyway?"
"Why the most important thing of all," revealing a Phoenix egg. "Saving the life of an innocent," Starlight had no retort for that.
"What are you going to do with it Doctor?" I asked doubting he could find the parents.
"Give it a new home I suppose," he answered in deep thought. "Ah I know, I will leave it with somepony I trust," trotting over to me and placing at my side. "There we go perfect."
"You can't leave it with me Doctor," I argued.
"Well I can't take care of it. I am magnet for for trouble, I recall somepony saying," using my own words against me. "Besides your the best choice, Yes I think you two will become great friends."
"I am not exactly the safest pony to be around either Doctor," reminding him of current events. "How can I take care of the egg when I am being chased?" part of me wanting to care for it, but had to think of its safety first.
"And that is what makes you a fine choice," earning my confusion. "That fact you think of others safety before your own," clarifying his statement. "As for how you will protect the egg," going through a saddle bag pulling out a quill and scroll. I watched curiously as he drew pictures on the scroll.
"Doctor I don't think picture drawing will help us," trying to understand what he was doing.
"That is where you are wrong," finishing up his drawing and showing it to me. What I saw was an intricate design that would put most artists to shame. On the scroll there were several shapes some were big others small. Some contained other shapes while other contained symbols. They all perfectly surrounded the center shape, which was a hexagon with a circle inside. Inside that there were two triangles set up much like the Doctor's cutie mark. Contained in them were symbols set up in a way which made me think they were a language, though I could not read it.  "Curious to what this is?" nodding my head in response. "I won't bore you with details, but I will tell you this is time magic. Far more advanced then Starswirl could ever hope to copy from me," his voice rather smug. "This little parchment now has the power to hold anything in its own pocket of time."
"That is impressive Doctor," astounded by the the drawings power.
"Not really it is one of the simpler designs," making me wonder what a more complex one looked like. "Oh well it will suits our purpose. Normally I would have a way of empowering it but due to current events I do not have the means, I guess that means somepony else will have to do it," looking at me.
"You could just ask Doctor," pulsing magic from my horn and enchanting the scroll. I watch in awe as the paper lights up and the Doctor motions for me to put the egg on the paper. I do so and a sphere of light surrounds the egg and it vanishes from sight.
"Wonderful," taking the scroll and rolling it up putting it in a saddle bag. "Our little friend will be safe and sound in there," grinning ear to ear.
"What about my sister Doctor?" returning my worries to matters at hoof. "I saw the Moon, has she contacted you yet?"
"She has my Princess ... I mean Celestia," responded Starlight. "One of her Guards came and told us she was alright. They have been serving as our contact and as our eyes monitoring the situation," the sound of her voice did not hold promise.
"Tell me what has happened in Equestria?" fearing the worst.
"It is all bad news Celestia," sadness in her voice. "Many ponies have been taken captive, why they are still alive I do not know. The castle is in shambles the Earth Stone waits there as the others gather any ponies that got away it is terrible."
"Do we know what they are planning?" wanting to save everypony. "Has Luna's Guards found the controllers yet? Those terrible ponies need to be stopped."
"No and they are not going to," came the angry voice of the Doctor.
"What do you mean? They need to be found," angry he would give up so easily.
"I mean no pony is controlling them!" his shout echoing off the walls. "I been such a fool, how could I not seen it?" muttering to himself.
"What do you mean Doctor?" speaking calmly hoping to diffuse the situation.
"Exactly what I say, nopony controls them they control themselves," I could feel the horror build up in me.
"How is that possible?" not wanting to believe what he said was true.
"Before I explain we need your sister too," looking to the shadows. "I know your there. We are in need of your Mistress presence, could you relay the message to her?" I could only assume one of Luna's Guard was in the shadow, though I did not see them. They must of listen for it only took a few moments for my sister to appear with Gale to steps behind.
"We are so happy to see you our dear sister," galloping to me and putting her hooves around me. "Thank you sister for saving us when we unconscious. Crimson told us of your summons of him," giving me a disappointed look. "While understand he can be quite protective of us we hope that you will not sort to such extremes again."
"I am sorry Luna," amending for my actions. "I was desperate to save you little sister. I did not want to lose you. In the situation I felt I had no choice. I used him and for that I apologize," bowing my head to Crimson Gale acknowledging him. "I could not saved my sister without you, I thank you," though he said nothing I could see he was shocked by my actions.
"Well now that we got apologies out of the way," interrupted the Doctor. "I have much to tell you about our foes," a quiet dread filling the small cave. "It was to the hard work of Dusk Shine that I was able to figure out what we were dealing with," giving his credit to the captured pony. "As you know I occasionally aided him in his work in transcribing much of Starswirl's spells and notes to book and scroll. My job was more of a mediator deciding the level of spell for pony knowledge. However I had another job, isn't that right Celestia?"
"Yes Doctor I remember," recalling the request I made to the Doctor. "I asked you to go through Starswirl's spells and decide which ones are to be saved and which ones were better off forgotten," I could feel the stares of Luna and Starlight on me for not telling them.
"Luna don't blame your sister," he scolded. "I reminder her the dangers of magic were that are out there and she made the choice. Starswirl was brilliant and a thirst for knowledge that I admired, reminded me of myself. However that thirst was as much as a curse as it was a blessing. He was always persistent in his pursuit often digging into things he was advised not to, things I would of rather forgotten," I could feel the weight of his memories as he spoke.
"Among these work was the information about the Animation Stones. Including detailed drawings and colors. I didn't realize it at first, but I saw those stones before," I could only hold back my shock. Where could of the Doctor seen those terrible stones before? "They were in the possession of your parents."
"Why would our parents have such terrible things?" Luna asking my question for me.
"They were not terrible at the time. In fact they were good," not believing my ears. "They were known as the Stones of the Seasons. Their job was to regulate the flow of magic throughout the world and change things that were beyond the control of ponies."
"What could be beyond our control Doctor?" I ask unable to comprehend things beyond our control.
"Things like temperature," giving an example. "I am sure you noticed that while the Sun we do not get roasted," he explained while I nodded. "It is because of the stones' influence that this is the case. Without them Equestria would be a dry barren wasteland in the day and a frozen one at night," painting a morbid picture. "Your parents kept the stones safe in spires that spread their power over the land. Unfortunately power like that is a draw for those wanting it, for one day they were taken. Looks like now we know where they went," reminding us they are now the Elemental Stones.
"Doctor if they regulated the magical current of the world, wouldn't taken them throw the world out of balance?" questioned Starlight the ever curious scholar.
"In deed it did," revealing their actions had consequences. "The world was thrown into chaos as the world's magical flow became disrupted. Disaster happened all over land split in half, islands sank, and things altered irreversibly. It was Starswirl's theory that this upheaval caused places like the Everfree to come into existence and allowed the Windegoes to invade pony lands," giving us a scope of the destruction caused.
"How do the Stones act on their own?" Luna asked I could see the fear in her eyes at how much power they hold.
"Forbidden magic," having dealt with it before I know whatever the type it is bad. "This magic is worse than Blood magic it is known as Soul magic. It goes deeper then draining a pony of its life it drains them of their soul," I shudder at the implications.
"You mean the Stones of the Season were enchanted with pony souls," wanting to confirm my suspicions.
"Your were always one to steal my thunder Celestia," his joke lacking its usual mirth confirmed my thoughts. "Yes, pony souls were used to warp the stones into what they are now. And to make matters worse it seems those souls have developed wills of their own allowing them to move without the need of a controller."
"How did that happen Doctor?" Starlight questioned.
"I don't know," he responded frustrated. "Natural progression, outside force there are so many possibilities. What we do know is they are active now and we need to stop them," he spoke with absolution.
"Do we know their plan?" I ask getting up ready to fight.
"No, but I have an idea," from the sound of his voice I could tell it was not good. "Do you remember what I said about Starswirl and Starlight's father," we nod recalling Dusk is alive and Starswirl's flaw. "Among Starswirl's work is information on Soul magic and as the one who studies it and a descendant Dusk is the best choice as a sacrifice. They are going to use him as a focus point to cast a spell."
"What type of spell?" Starlight asks as she worries for her father.
"Not sure," his brow scrunched deep in thought. "They are not at full power so it could be a mass life drain spell," they were already so strong I fear what they could be like at full power. I fear for my little ponies young and old could be snuffed out by their desire. "Another possibility is they want their freedom and plan on taking over four unwilling ponies bodies to get there.  However it is unlikely soul transference is not complicated they would not need Dusk for that and it could be done where no pony got hurt. The last possibility is not a good one. They might be planning to infuse themselves into the very planet itself. They would be able to use the magic of the world and control it to their will everypony would be at their mercy," each of his possibilities bleak.
"My Father would never help them whatever their desire," Starlight spoke in confidence of Dusk.
"Unfortunately they don't need his cooperation," the Doctor's words dire. "They only need his knowledge of Soul Magic and his soul. With the four of them together I am certain they will be able to entrap Dusk's soul. Should they succeed he will be theirs to bend no matter how much he might fight."
"Is there any way to stop them from controlling him?" asked Starlight wanting to save her Father.
"If they don't have control of him already then a rescue is possible," I could sense the bad news coming. "However if they do have control then hope they can reasoned with, for if they can't it is either their deaths or his."
"Then we must go and try and save him," announced my sister. "We can not let them go through with their plan, whatever it may be," her words full of truth.
"Luna is correct," agreeing with my sister. "They plan on hurting ponies then they must be stopped before their action goes into plan."
"We must tread carefully," the Doctor warned. "They know you are now free which means one of two things. Either they put their plans on hold to hunt you or they will speed up their plans so you can't interfere," do to the situation part of me hoped they chose to hunt us.
Our plans were made in that tiny cave the Doctor, my sister, and I would find a way to the castle. We would leave Starlight behind. One reason was we feared if she was captured they would use her to get her Father to follow them should he still be free. The other reason we did not discuss, but silently agreed should he be under their control we may have to kill him. I believe she knew it as well which is why she agreed to stay behind. I do not wish to be cause of Dusk's death, however if the choice is Equestria or him I would have to choose Equestria.
We left to the sky taking the Doctor in tow floating him a magic bubble heading for the castle. Even in the most dire of situations I can always expect one thing from the Doctor, to act like a foal. As we headed for the castle and most likely a fight he laughs without a care in the world. Constantly jabbering how exciting flying is and how interesting looks from this perspective and asking why we don't take him up more often. Part of me wants to scold him for acting like he does when everything around us seems to be collapsing. The other part of me ,the part that wins, smiles at his antics and hears the snickers of my sister as we head towards danger. I realize he isn't doing this to be silly or thinks that what we are doing is easy, actually quite the opposite. He knows we are about to risk our lives for the defense of Equestria and he wants these moments to be happy in the face of adversity that is to come.
We reached the castle without any trouble and that alone as me worried. When one approaches the bases of their enemy they expect to be attack, however our flight when uninterrupted. We were not well hidden and anypony could of seen our approach and yet we were not attacked. This means one of three things either they don't see us as a threat, or they are waiting till we are close enough to spring a trap, or they have already started in acting their plan. Should they have started their plan I do not know if we could stop them, I partially prefer flying into a trap.
Setting hoof on the ground we approach the castle. The front gate appears massive on this side. The walls are altered and window broke and things randomly wet or a blaze, looks like some redecorating was done. We came to the gate at a loss what to do, perhaps breaking down the door or finding a way to sneak in. To my surprise the Doctor went up to the door and knocked. What could he been thinking if they didn't know we were here they did now. It was to even my greater surprise when the door opened revealing the pony we were seeking, Dusk.
"Dusk I can't believe your alright," going to greet him only to be stopped by the Doctor's hoof.
"Your not Dusk are you?" starring right at the pony before us. It was then I noticed the haze in his eyes like he was in a trance.
"You are right Doctor," a voiced echoed out of his mouth not all his own.
"You know who I am?" not surprised at all by the fact he knew.
"Of course, when we took this one over his knowledge became ours," confirming what we feared, Dusk had been taken over.
"Then you know why I am here," keeping his voice strong. "Stop this madness let him go we can end this peacefully," trying to reason with Dusk's controller.
"Where were you Doctor when they forcibly removed our souls and infused them into stones?" the voice full of anger and pain as the ground shook beneath us.
"I am sorry," he apologized sincerely. "When the stones went missing there was no way to predict they would use them in such a way."
"Excuses," growled the voice as the ground enveloped us to our necks. "What irony Doctor in the past ponies fought to control us now we can control them," the voice laughed. "I could crush you all so easily, but I will not I will leave your fate for my sisters to decide," the ground flowing like water pulling us into the castle. It did not take me long to figure out that the Earth Stone was in control of Dusk, but what truly surprised me was the fact that it was once a mare. It seems all the Stones were mare, at least the souls used to bond with the Stones were. It must of been terrible to have your soul ripped from you and implanted in a rock only to have some other pony use you for their own means. Whether they were truly sisters or not I do not know, but their situation made them into such. I want to help them, but it seems they may not be willing to negotiate if they don't then I will have to do all in my power to stop them.
We were brought into the throne room, ironically the same place where we tried to drain the Fire Stone. By the looks of it they remodeled this place as well clearing out everything and carving a circle in the center. I recognize the design it is a channeling circle its use is for building a bridge between to magical forces to share magic. However it can be used to overtake another magical force and by the way it is one the ground I fear the Doctor's theory of infusing with the planet may be true.
"I have brought them sisters," spoke Earth through Dusk, clearly we were expected. Before us were the other three Stones each enveloped in their own element. Air flew around freely, though I could see the stone I could feel the wind it produced as it kept itself a float. Fire and water had built their own constructs each a mass of fire or water with some tendrils around them. Though I could not understand they were communicating somehow as the controlled Dusk nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"You need to stop this all now you have no idea what your doing," cried out the Doctor attempting to reason with them.
"That is where you are wrong Doctor," the controlled Dusk replied. "We know well what we are doing we are going to join the planet's magical flow and rule. Nopony will be able to escape our control," revealing their terrible plans.
"The planet's magic is vast you will more likely lose yourselves then control anything," warning them of what may happen.
"Your words mean nothing," paying him no heed. "I have touched the magical flow and guided it beneath us it will have no power of my sisters and I."
"You hardly touched the pure magic that makes up this world it will consume you," trying to make them see sense.
"That is why we over took this one," referring to the controlled Dusk. "His soul will provide the sacrifice we need to overtake this planet's magic."
"Leave him be he has done nothing to you," yelled my sister. "What happened to you was terrible, but their is no need to make other ponies suffer," trying to plead to their mercy.
"See if you think the same when forced to live entrapped with no escape," growled the voice. "All ponies deserve to suffer like we did. They will learn to fear us, we shall be Goddesses of this world and they will live to serve us."
"You're mad," putting in my two bits. "If you plan on being Goddesses why keep us alive," I had to know their plans for us.
"Despite the ability to control the world the Sun and Moon are beyond our reach," I did not like where this was going. "Without them the planet would die, therefore as their controllers you will be needed to keep everything alive. I doubt you be willing to sacrifice the life of everypony just to defeat us," staying silent not able to argue with her. They had us in a deadlock if we refused they could hurt the ponies we were meant to protect. "As for the Doctor we didn't realize your use until we took this one over. A traveler of time and space, I doubt even you will be able to fight us when we have the power of a planet behind us. We will make you our new pet after this one is gone. Your knowledge will useful should we ever want to expand our rule," not only were they going to harm this world it seems they planned on going after others as well.
"It seems there is no way to convince you otherwise," the Doctor's voice full of regret.
"After years of being enslaved we will be the ones in power," triumph in the voice. "I hear my sister's calling you will bare witness to the dawning of a new rule and don't both trying to escape we made sure you wouldn't be able to perform the simplest of spells," Dusk turning away from us towards the center of the circle. When he reached the center of the circle the Earth Stone left the ground going to the air. The others also left their constructs and joined the Earth Stone in the air flying around in a circle.
"What we going to do Doctor?" I asked struggling in my rock prison finding myself unable to use my magic. Watching as the bridge of magic was formed between the ground and the Stones. "We need to stop them before they join with the planet," our situation dire.
"I agree and our solution lies in Dusk," his eyes on the pony surrounded in magic.
"What do you mean Doctor?" questioned my sister. "He is under their control, how will he help us," reminding him of our issue.
"We don't need his help," he answered cryptically. "We have little time to work if we want to do this right," having some plan. "I know the two of you do not have magic, however I am betting you can still feel your elements of light and shadow," checking we both nodded our heads. "Good now Celestia find a particle of light and guide towards the flow of magic over Dusk," not knowing what he is planning I find a source of light and spoke to it guiding like I would the Sun to a spot over Dusk. "Luna focus yourself under Dusk their in no shadow now but their will be soon. On my signal make it shine Celestia."
I could feel as the sweat beaded over my head as I concentrated on that particle of light focusing on it. I did not know how long I would have to wait for the Doctor's signal, he must be waiting for the proper time. I could make out as the Stones spun faster and faster, I can only hope it is soon. "Now!" called out his voice as I reacted and light shined through the room. "Luna open a path to the shadows," calling out to her as Dusk disappeared from view as if falling through a hole in the ground.
I could hear the whistles of the Stones as the spun through the air as if screaming. The flow of magic had changed no longer was the power of the Stones going into the planet, but the opposite. The Stones turned multiple colors flicking in and out pieces flying off then they exploded sending shards of crystal everywhere around us. With the Stones gone the flow of magic rejoined the ground and we were left alone the rock prisons crumbling to dust.
"We did it Doctor," celebrating our success. Noticing the Doctor was not joining in as if he was waiting for something else. "Is every thing alright? Did something go wrong?" now worried.
""Quite the opposite," giving me a grin. "Everything went right," looking where he was in time to notice the shards of crystal glow. I watched as the stones vibrated and heard a hum throughout the room. The shards glowed getting bright and the sound grew louder. I could only watch as the dissolved into particles and floated collecting in a single spot. Each crystal did this creating four gatherings of colors red, blue, white, and brown. Each one took shape of a pony using and element fire, water, wind, and earth. It was then I realized we must of failed the Stones still lived. Readying my magic I prepared for a fight.
"That won't be necessary Celestia," the Doctor's voice ever calm. "They won't harm us," watching them form did not give me much assurance.
"Who are we?" came a mare like voice from the pony of flame. Looking at her I noticed she took the form of a Unicorn her frame graceful her body dancing with different colors of fire. I noticed the others were similar taking the shape of ponies as well the Air as a Pegasus, Earth an earth pony, and water was a Unicorn as well.
"You are something special, you are new life," the Doctor replied excitedly. "Let me just say it is a pleasure to be the first one to greet you I am the Doctor and this is Celestia and Luna," unsure what to do we nodded when he introduced us.
"What are we?" question the gusty mare of air.
"You are the will of the planet made physical and given life," explaining their existence. "You are the four seasons Summer, Winter, Spring, and Fall. However you are also the elements Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. It is your purpose to protect and guide the world," giving them their mission.
"We are uncertain on how to do that," voiced the bubbly worry of water.
"Of course you are, you were just born," giving them a friendly smile. "Go out there experience the world, grow with it learn about it, enjoy it for you are part of it and it is part of you."
"Thank you Doctor we will not forget you," the mare of earth nodded melting into the ground and the other disappearing into parts unknown.
"Well that wraps things up nicely," humming to himself.
"Hold on Doctor what was all that?" demanding answers.
"Do I have to explain it?" he whined but I did not waver. "Fine," he pouted. "As you know they planned to insert their souls into the planet," we nodded. "However they could not do it directly due to the flow of magical energy being far to strong. Which is why they needed Dusk to act as a door of sorts and block off the flow. They planned to pass through him to get to the magic flow killing him in the process. What we did was remove the door and they get the planet's magic in full."
"Should of that not destroyed them?" my sister asking the same question I was thinking.
"Normally yes," he replied. "However they didn't know something that I did that they were the Stones of the Season before they were ever of the Elements. As the Stones of Seasons their natural state is to flow in sync with the planet's. So when we removed Dusk the magic flow was absorbed into the Stones and since they were in the middle of a soul spell that energy was infused into the souls as well."
"But that doesn't explain how they transformed in new life," trying to understand what I saw.
"Remember when I said it was they are planet's will," I nod. "Much like the Sun and Moon the Planet as a will of it's own it decided to make those four as extensions of itself to experience the world so you best treat it well," turning to leave. 
"I almost forgot I have something for you Celestia," before I could even ask what he unfurled the scroll with the seal and a baby Phoenix landed on my head. "Seems your egg hatch congratulations," leaving me their as my sister giggled.
"Where are you going Doctor?" following him while balancing a baby phoenix on my head. My sister following as well our destination leads us to the TARDIS as I knock on the door. "Doctor are you in their?"
"Not so loud," poking his head out. "Ah your here good I need your help," going back in the TARDIS and coming back out with a fully intact Phoenix egg.
"Doctor how is that possible when the hatchling is on my head?" my hoof pointing at the phoenix chick nestled in my mane.
"Why that is quite simple," talking to me like I should already know. "The magic I used created a pocket of time and as such I can control that time sending it forward or back, I just put back before it was hatched," making me wonder if he sent it forward to make it hatch sooner. "But that doesn't matter, what does is what is inside it now. Give it a touch."
"It is warm," touching with my hoof. "What is inside?" knowing it is not a baby Phoenix.
"Unicorn magic and a star from the coat of a Ursa Major," giving me that silly smile of his.
"But those things... You caused all that...," frustrated and at a loss of words. Remembering all the trouble he caused getting those things it now appears that a Phoenix egg was something he needed as well.
"What do you need it all for?" asked Luna of a calmer mind frame then my own.
"Celestia if you would cast a light spell on it you will see," presenting the egg to me. I cast the spell not knowing why and marvel at the reaction. The egg lost its colors and became black as specs of dots started to appear all over it. The egg also changed size and shape becoming oval and about the size of a watermelon. "Behold a map of the stars," revealing to us what he made.
"A map of the night sky," my sister looked over in excited awe.
"Not quite," earning her disappointment. "This is a map of the universe with it I should be able to find out where I am in my travels and perhaps one day even guide myself. Oh that reminds me I have a gift for you," going back into the TARDIS and retrieving something wrapped in dragon scale.
"Let me guess inside there is a Pegasus feather and a Earth pony horseshoe," calling off a list of other things he got himself in trouble for taking.
"Who told you?" staring at him bewildered. "Ah it doesn't matter. Luna cast some shadow magic on it," following his instructions she cast her spell. It too changed in size and shape and color when it was done changing it was a smooth rainbow jewel about the size of an opal.
"What is it?" it not looking as impressive as the star map.
"Look at the map," I do and see one of the stars glowing brighter and in another color. "That light is this world. With it I can find my way here again it is a beacon."
"Wait what do you mean again?" catching his sad tone giving my sister a worried look.
"I suppose there is no way around it. I plan on leaving," I can feel my heart thud in my chest in panic.
"No you can't Doctor," Luna voicing her complaint. "We need you here," not wanting him to go as much as I.
"You don't need me," countering her. "You two have grown into fine mares, but now you need to grow without me you can't rely on me forever," his words hitting hard truth.
"You could always stay Doctor," I plead even though I understand.
"No I can't," looking down. "I have neglected my duties long enough there is a whole universe for me to watch over and protect."
"Don't forget us Doctor," my sister trying to hide her sobs.
"There, there I would never do that," consoling her. "Don't forget me and what I taught you," giving us a smile.
"We couldn't if we tried," laughing sadly earning a laugh from him. "You will come back?"
"I promise," open the door to the TARDIS. "It may be soon or it may be later, but I will be back," stopping at the door. "You know you could always come with me," I could see my sister perk up at this idea.
"We would love to Doctor," I reply sadly. "However just like you we need to stay and rule here for this is where we are needed."
"Can't blame me for trying," he grins. "I knew that would be your answer and I am proud of both of you make this place great," shutting the door behind him.
As the TARDIS fades from view making the noise I am familiar with I think I can hear the sad sounds of the recorder along with it. I stand their for a bit thinking on the Doctor's words. He believes we are ready to take on our responsibilities on our own, I don't want to disappoint him. I leave that spot ready to rule for a new day and wait for the Doctor's return. For the Doctor it is not a matter if he will come, it is a matter of when.