//------------------------------// // Chapter 5: Constellations // Story: Equestria in Ruins // by Eclipse Shine //------------------------------// Dawn shone its vivid lights once more; this time it was sunlight that illuminated the throne, not the artificial God that we had worshiped the night of our entrance into the majestic castle. Promise of better days to come or the Sun teasing us once again with its stinging rays; it mattered not. One thing was certain, the next few days were crucial if Equestria…if the planet was to stand a chance against its predator that lurked in the shadows. Like silence, the darkness would keep spreading across the crevices of our planet; poisoning its veins until the blood gushed out as black as tar. Darkness always leaves a path of destruction in its wake. The dream was fresh in my memory but I told nopony about it since we had already made plans to visit Everfree the night before. The Princesses were vague on their explanation but a sense of urgency overwhelmed me. Regardless, it would serve no use exploring the Everfree forest unprepared. It was not certain what would await us upon arrival. Surely the darkness had commenced its cleansing upon the already cursed forest. All I could do was train; then and only then would I be prepared to come face to face with the darkness itself. It awaited me. ~ Starshard and I were picking out weapons from the castle’s vast collection. Shining Armor would train us based on our strengths and weaknesses so that we could be prepared for what was to come. To commence our vigorous training, we each picked out a sword to meet up with our teacher, Shining Armor. He met us with a quick glance and made preparations that revolved around our training. Facing us were three figures, the royal guards finest, which would serve to us as practice partners throughout the days to come. They were each suited in traditional uniform and stood still; awaiting the commands that Shining Armor would bark. Scootaloo was no exception. She stood before me with a military stature as if the instructions that were to follow meant life or death. I knew that façade was only something Scootaloo had made up to intimidate me; her true duty was to protect us, not slaughter us. Maintaining their military stature for what seemed like days, they awaited orders like toy soldiers on an artificial battlefield. This training is going to be some serious stuff. Sword firmly in my grasp, I found myself as stiff as the ponies that stood before me, almost as if I were their reflection. It was time. “I have gathered you here today to not only teach you to fight but also prepare you for the road ahead.” Shining Armor commenced his session. “I haven’t fought in ages so I may be a bit rusty but the concept is still the same. I will proceed by giving you a few basic rules.” Not rules again! Shining Armor advanced as if he was a dictator to those that surrounded him; it was evident that he took pride in being the leader of such a fine group of ponies. I sometimes wonder if such a title could get to somepony’s head. “First off, always face your opponent in the eyes, unless they have their backs turned towards you.” Shining Armor started going through safety measures for the next few minutes, although I was trapped in my own little bubble. He cautioned us about keeping our guard at all times and to never let go of the blade that we were grasping so firmly in our hooves. ~ Unity had been instructed to study spells with Apple Bloom. Even if Apple Bloom wasn’t a unicorn, she could still do her best in helping Unity out while Shining Armor had his hooves full with me and Starshard. They bonded together quite a bit during their intense days of training; ultimately they would become great friends. With each enchanting spell, whether it was success of utter failure, they grew more attached to each other. Like Starshard and I, Unity had no real family that would miss her. She talked very little about life with her siblings since it only brought her sadness. Her mother passed away when she was just a little foal; her father only provided shelter and nourishment to her. Like me, she lost everything before she even had the chance to start. ~ Over the next couple of days, training continued. Everypony had experience in their field; whether it was fighting or spell casting. Unity had started to grasp the basics of magic, casting minor spells with ease; at each successful attempt, she would be greeted by a round of applause from her audience. Starshard and I had practice fighting using bamboo sticks that were sturdy enough to withstand the wrath of every crushing blow. Each swing of our faux blades came with the satisfactory sound of them clashing into one another. Our fights started at a slow pace in the beginning but accelerated as time passed by. We were ready! ~ Nightfall came and it brought hope for a new dawn. Shining Armor had given us an opportunity to exit the castle as long as we were assisted by Scootaloo. The threat of jeopardy was still in the air so it was better to be safe than sorry. Once outside, the stars and Moon painted the night skies as if somepony splattered a bucket of white paint on its black canvas. It was if Luna and Celestia were trapped in the constellations overhead, looking down at the world, hoping for a chance at retribution. The night brought a breeze of fresh air in the summer heat, refreshing yet chilling at the same time. Twilight had long since faded, leaving no trace behind of its existence; so will the night when the dawn reveals itself. At this moment it was the night’s spectacle and all of Equestria was watching as if it was its stage. The Moon was longing for an audience as the stars danced around its divinity but the moon had far less watchful eyes than the Sun. The Moon was lonely and somewhere up there, so was Luna. Dark. Once again the dark overwhelmed my subconscious as the night brought its promise of rest. Light. Light had once again pierced the veil of darkness that sheltered me from the world. Luna stood before me, it looked as if she had cried that day; revealing how she truly felt on the inside. She spoke. “Tomorrow you will be lead to the forest of Everfree. It is important that you take action immediately; the darkness has already begun to spread. The forest will be hostile towards you and your companions, don’t let it intimidate you, don’t lose yourself in its thorns of malice.” She paused. “A spell must be cast in order to set the tree of Harmony free from the grasp of evil. A light will shine upon the darkness, casting the ancient evil away. That light will vanquish the feasting shadows and reverse the curse that commenced the decay.” With those words, Luna had drifted off and the only dream that would come my way was pure blackness; undisturbed by this revelation that could have drove me to madness if I was awake. What was I to do with this riddle? What purpose will it serve if any at all? Yet I slept like a foal, unfazed by my experience; perhaps because I had yet to realize the true depth of the words that rang in my ears. A light will shine upon the darkness, casting the ancient evil away. That light will vanquish the feasting shadows and reverse the curse that commenced the decay.