//------------------------------// // Chapter 1: Welcoming // Story: Scattered Memories // by Alphanova //------------------------------//                              Chapter 1: Welcoming The morning sun slowly rose in ponyville, it's golden rays pierced the veil of the night beginning a new day.  Applejack slowly rose to the sound of a rooster’s crow and the sound of water dripping from the leaky roof.  The earth pony knew various tasks awaited her as she tied her straw-colored mane into a ponytail: applebucking, repairing the roof and fixing the barn...again.  Yet none of this bothered her, it was just another day at Sweet Apple Acres. “Applejack!” called out her grandmother from downstairs. “ Come on down!  Breakfast is ready!” “Comin’ Granny Smith!”  said the mare. Applejack rushed down the stairs and into the dining room, the smell of freshly cut apples filled the room.  Her stomach roared demanding her to eat the plate of warm toast slathered with apple jam and the side of freshly cut apples that was waiting for her.  But more importantly, her little sister Applebloom, her older brother Big Macintosh and Granny Smith, were waiting for her. “Mornin’ everypony!” happily said Applejack as she took her seat next to Applebloom.  Applejack bit down on a slice of apple, the sweet juices bombarded her taste buds like a Sonic Rainboom.  Everypony was enjoying their breakfast, everypony except Applebloom.  Applejack stared at her little sister, her mane was an entangled mess such that a certain fashionista pony would faint at the very sight of it.  Applebloom’s exhaustion was present in the dark circles under her eyes. “Had a bad night?” asked Applejack as she fixed her sister’s mane. “Uh-huh...”  Applebloom slowly nodded.  “ The storm kept me up and I swear I saw a monster from my window.” “Relax lil’sis, you just had a sleepless night,” assured Applejack as she rose from her seat swallowing her last piece of toast.  “Thanks Granny Smith, breakfast was delicious!” “You’re welcome deary,” smiled Granny Smith. “Go get ready for school, Applebloom,” said Applejack as she headed towards the stairs.  “ Wait for me outside, I’ll be there real quick I just gotta go get my hat. Try not to get too muddy out there,” Applejack trotted back back into her room.  Her hat lay on her table next to a photo of a mare and and stallion together side by side smiling.  The earth pony smiled as she fit her hat snug on her head. She held the photo close to her as she read the writing on the back of the photo. To the apple of our eye “Love you ma... love you pa...” “APPLEJAAACK!” cried Applebloom.  Applejack dashed out of her room and down the stairs, her heart raced as she feared what could have happened to her little sister.  Applejack and Big McIntosh galloped out the door, both ignoring the massive amounts of mud splashing onto them. They finally got to their little sister, Applebloom was silent and shaking, her face had turned a pale yellow.   “Applebloom! What’s wrong?!”  Applejack’s heart rapidly beat in her chest like a hammer to a nail.   The young filly remained silent, raising a trembling hoof forward.  The two stared toward where their sister pointed to, both gasping as they saw what lay only a few feet away from them.  A shadowy figure lay in the mud motionless. Applejack cautiously approached the figure, her heartbeat increased with every step she took.  She breathed deeply as she placed a hoof on the figure and for a moment her heart stopped as she felt the figure’s heart beat slowly, the figure was warm to the touch. “W-What is that thing?”  said Applebloom as she hid behind her sister. “I don’t know, I ain’t never seen something like it,” Applejack took a sigh of relief as she lifted her hat and scratched her head.  “Where’d it come from?” “I got no clue,” said Big McIntosh. “Looks like this fella could use some help,” said Granny Smith as she finally reached the group.  She focused on the figure, her eyes filled with amazement and astonishment.  “Bring it inside, Applejack,” “Granny Smith... are you sure thats a good idea? Applejack turned to Granny Smith with a concerned look.  “We don’t know what it is,” “Don’t worry, Applejack,” Granny Smith turned around and walked towards the house.  “ Lets hurry and bring it in, it might get sick if we leave it out here any longer,” “Yes Granny Smith,” Applejack turned back to the figure, placing it's arms around her.  “Come on, Big Mac, help me get it inside,” “Lux...” “Wake up...” “Lux?” “Lux... is that your name?”  asked a small voice. He slowly opened his eyes, the golden rays of sunlight squeezed through the farm’s ceiling, bathing him in light.  The cool earth he lay upon soothed his aching body, aromas of morning dew and damp earth filled the air.  He slowly turned his head towards the small voice, a small creature sat before him, its coat was a light yellow and its mane a cherry red with a rosy pink bow tied behind it.  Her amber eyes stared at him with curiosity.  “Hi!” The young man struggled as he attempted to stand.  His mind was in a thick haze, the faint echoes of a dream still lingering in his mind.  The throbbing pain in his head increased the more he attempted to make sense of the voices.  “Where am I?”   “Take it easy! You were lying on the ground unconscious when we found you,  luckily Granny Smith was able to make you better!  Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres!  My name is Applebloom, it's nice to meet you Lux!  ...That is your name, right?” “Lux...”  said the young man.  The echoes of his dream repeated that name as if they were calling to him.  “I am... Lux” “I’ll take that as a yes,” smiled Applebloom, her eyes focused onto his form.  “Lux, what are you exactly?  You don’t look like any critter I’ve seen before,” Lux held out his hands in the sunlight to find not only his hands donning black gloves, he himself donning a coat black as night, it was as if he was born from the shadows.  “I’m...” “A monster...” whispered a voice in his head. “Human” “A ‘hew-man’?” Applebloom tilted her head in confusion.  “Never heard of a ‘hew-man’ before, where did you come from?” “I...” Lux winced as pain shot through his head, as much as he tried to remember it was to no avail, the pages of his memory were blank.  “I don’t remember,” “You don’t remember?” Applebloom stared at the ground, her mind lost in thought.  Suddenly, Applebloom’s eyes light up with ideas.  “Stay here! I’ll go get you some food!” “Wait til Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle get a load of this!”  said the earth pony as she dashed out the farm door.  Lux shielded his eyes from the light that poured through the open door as he stepped forward into the sunlight, as if guided by an unknown force. Once his eyes adjusted to the light Lux stood still in amazement.  Countless apple trees stretched across for miles as far as he could see, he wondered what lay beyond the fields.  Lux searched the clouds as a faint rumbling echoed across the cerulean sky.  A streak of rainbow dashed across the sky with a mighty boom, fading into the sky as quickly as it had appeared.  Lux looked back towards the barn remembering what the young filly had told him.  However, he could not deny his curiosity and followed the direction of the rainbow down the dirt path, uncertain where it would lead him. “Sorry I took so long, Lux,”  Applebloom entered the barn carrying baskets overflowing with food on her back.  “You hungry?  I got apples, apple pie, apple bread, apple fritters... Lux?”  Applebloom stopped as she realized the barn was empty.  Applebloom ran out of the barn dropping the food as she ran frantically searching for the young man.  She paused as she saw an odd pair of tracks in the mud caught her eyes.  “Oh, horseapples!”  The young filly began following the trail and into Ponyville. Countless cottages and shops filled the streets of the town, ponies went about their day without worry, somehow oblivious to the stranger who had just wandered into town. The atmosphere of the town gave Lux an unsettling feeling in his heart.  Some of the ponies that walked the streets were different than Applebloom; some with horns, others with wings, all of them a variety of colors. Having lost track of the rainbow, Lux wandered the town aimlessly.  Lux paused as the sound of faint giggling reached his ears, he could hear the giggling echo around him but no pony seemed to notice the sound.  All of them still going about their day without worry.  The giggles finally ceased as a lone pink cart rolled in front of him as if pushed by an invisible force, the scent of cotton candy began fill the air.  Intrigued, Lux approached the cart despite the nagging feeling that something was watching him. Lux suddenly jumped back as the pink cart began to shake violently, the sound of cranking gears grew louder and louder then instantly fell silent.  Explosions of confetti and streamers shot out like cannon fire showering lux in bright colors while music and balloons followed afterwards pouring out of the cart like a grand parade.  Lux’s eyes focused on the banners that flowed out of the cart as well.  “Welcome to Ponyville!” “Ponyville?” “Did you like it?” asked a cheery voice. “Huh?”  The young man turned around to find a pink earth pony happily bouncing up and down, her aquamarine eyes never once breaking away from Lux.  “Y-Yes who are you?” “I’m your best friend, Pinkie Pie!”  said the pink earth pony. “Laughter...” “My best friend?”  questioned Lux.  “We know each other?” “Nope!  I’ve never met you before!”  giggled Pinkie Pie. Lux scratched his head carrying a confused look on his face.  “You’re my best friend but we have never met before?” “I’m your best friend and you’re my new best friend! It's as simple as that!” smiled the pink earth pony.  “And if you’re my best friend that means...” Pinkie Pie suddenly gasped, her eyes grew wide as idea went off in her head like an alarm clock.  “You’regonnastayinponyville, right? Good!”  The pink pony dashed away in a pink blur. “W-Wait!  Where are you going?!”  Lux called out to the earth pony but Pinkie Pie was far gone to hear him.  And so, Lux was left with more questions than answers. “ Pinkie Pie... Laughter...?” wondered the young man.  “We are best friends?”   “Friends...” “Lies... she will betray you just like the rest...” Lux winced in pain; the echoes of the voice grew louder numbing his mind.  The echoes suddenly fell silent as Lux felt something clasp his hand; he turned to find a mint green pony examining his hand. “One... two... three.. four... FIVE!”  The mint green pony’s smile grew wide as a mile bringing his hand closer to her face.  Her eyes gleamed with glee and curiosity.  “I knew it!  You are real!’ “Where did he go?”  Applebloom shuddered as she imagined what punishment would lie in store if Applejack discovered that she let the creature loose, let alone talk to it.  “Come on Applebloom, think!” Applebloom wandered through town square oblivious to the gossip of the citizens of Ponyville.  “Did you see Pinkie Pie’s welcoming cart?” “Yeah, I bet another party is coming up soon,” “Maybe Twilight has seen him,” thought Applebloom as she neared the wooden doors of a large tree where the Golden Oaks Library and the librarian resided.  Applebloom knocked door, a faint voice echoed from inside.  “Come in!” “Hi Twi...” Applebloom entered the library only to stand in awe, nearly the entire collection of books levitating in the air, enveloped by a magical lavender hue.  While the rest of the books lay on the ground piled high on one another forming towers of books.  Twilight Sparkle had a tendency for perfection and the small details; being the Princess Celestia’s protégé would do that to a pony, but even this seemed a little much for the lavender unicorn. “Uh... Twilight, what are you doing?”  said Applebloom, her eyes still fixated on the books that rotated in air.    “Oh hi Applebloom, I’m just doing a little spring-cleaning,” said Twilight.  Her eyes completely immersed on the book in front of her, never once looking back at the young filly. “A little “spring-cleaning”?”  complained Spike who sat atop a mountainous pile of books.  “This is the third time this week!” “Awww, is my number one assistant tired?  I guess if you’re tired we won’t go to Sugarcube Corner and get that Banana cream cake that you love so much,” teased the lavender unicorn.   “Alright fine,” the baby dragon rolled his eyes.  “But that cake better not be a lie!’ “So, Applebloom, how can I help?  asked Twilight Sparkle. “Well... I was wonderin’ if...”  Applebloom began to draw circles on the floor.  “I was wonderin’ if you’ve seen a new friend of mine,” “A new friend?  What does your new friend look like?”   “Um... he’s tall and wears a black coat,” replied Applebloom with an uneasy smile.  “Black coat?”  Twilight turned to the young filly.  “I haven’t seen anypony in a black coat,” “Yeah and it's spring why would anypony walk around in a black coat?” chuckled Spike. “Uh... yeah!” Applebloom nervously chuckled.  “I-I’m gonna go find Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle,” “Good, I’m still safe... for now,” thought Applebloom. “Alright have fun! I hope you find your friend,” Twilight focused back on her book.  Just as Applebloom neared the door a mighty crash shook the library breaking Twilight’s hold on the books and sending a storm of falling books upon the three with a mighty thud. “TwilightTwilight!  You gotta help me!”  Pinkie Pie burst through the doors oblivious to the flood of books at her hooves. “Hm?” Pinkie Pie paused finally noticing the books.  “Ooh! Are you throwing a book party?  Can I join?  Can I?! Can I?!”   “Ugh...” Twilight slowly wobbled out of the books attempting to ease the throbbing pain in her head.  “Pinkie Pie, why didn’t you just knock?  And it's not a book party!  I’m still reading on how to plan one,” “Well if it's not a book party then what is it?” asked the pink earth pony. “It’s “Spring-Cleaning”,” Spike rubbed his head as he emerged from the pile. “How do you clean a season?  Was it dirty to start with? “ Pinkie Pie cocked her head to the side. “Pinkie...” Twilight facehoofed.  “What do you need help with?” “I need help planning a party!” Pinkie Pie happily bounced up and down.  “I made a new friend!” “That’s great Pinkie Pie!” smiled Twilight.  “Who is the new friend?” Pinkie Pie ceased bouncing as a smile began to widen on her face, she fell onto the floor giggling.  “ I forgot to ask his name!” “You forgot to ask his name?” chuckled Twilight.  “How are you gonna find him for the party?” “Well, he was wearing a black coat.” recalled Pinkie Pie. “Lux!!” Applebloom finally popped out of the sea books.  “Where did you see him?!” “So his name is Lux?” smiled Pinkie Pie. “ I’ll call him Lulu,” “Pinkie Pie! Where did you see him?!” asked Applebloom once more. “Well he was around sugar cube corner,” replied the party pony. Applebloom rushed out the door at a blazing speed. “Thanks Pinkie Pie, thanks Twilight!  I’ll see you girls later!” “Glad I could help?” Twilight scratched her head while carrying a confused look on her face.  “So this Lux was the friend Applebloom was looking for?” “Lulu!” happily said Pinkie Pie. “Lulu...” smiled Twilight. Alright let’s start planning that party!” Applebloom ran as fast as her hooves could carry her.  Time was running out to find Lux, more importantly time was running out before Applejack would find out.  Applebloom came to a sudden stop as Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle came into view, both filles noticed Applebloom’s exhausted expression. “What’s the rush Applebloom?” asked Scootaloo. “Yeah!  We got new ideas for cutie marks!” added Sweetie Belle as her horn flickered with excitement. “Sorry girls...” Applebloom panted. “I’ve been looking for uh... something,” “Something?” The orange pegasus raised her eyebrow. “Something like what?” “Uh... Well I’m looking for...” Applebloom scratched her head, unsure of what to tell her friends. “A hue-man, he’s wearing a black coat, he walks on two legs and he talks too!” “A who-man?” Sweetie Belle tilted her head. “I’ve never heard of a who-man before, is it some kind of monster?” “That is so cool!” Scootaloo’s wings buzzed in interest. “We can get our cutie marks in monster catching!” “That sounds like a good idea...” Applebloom smiled for a brief second only to remember her impending troubles. “Thats not the point!” She shook her head. “ I’m gonna be in so much trouble is Applejack finds out I let him loose, please girls you gotta help me find him!” “Sure we’ll help!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle saluted. “Just one question,” “What?” “Can we still be monster catchers?” “Sure,” “Cutie Mark Crusaders Monster Catchers, YAY!” cheered Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. “Hey!” Lux pulled away from the mint green unicorn, startled by her advancement. “Oh... I’m sorry,” the mare stared at the ground with flattened ears.  She extended her hoof with an embarrassed smile. “We got off on the wrong hoof.   Hi, I’m Lyra Heartstrings, what’s your name?” Lux slowly extended his hand and shook the mint green pony’s hoof while still keeping  his focus on her movements. “Lux,” “Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!” Lyra jumped up and down as she felt his hand shake her hoof. “I knew the stories I read were true!” “Stories?” “Oh!  Are there more of you? Where did you come from?” asked Lyra. “N-ngh..” Lux looked down at the ground.  The pain surged through his mind the more he searched for his memories, the more he searched the more distant and unclear it became. “I can’t remember...” “No memories?” Lyra stopped bouncing and gave Lux an assuring smile, “Hey don’t worry, I’m sure your memory will come back to you,” Lyra’s eyes flickered with excitement once again.  “How about you come over to my house?  I can’t wait until I show you to Bon Bon!” “Bon-” “There you are Lyra!” a cream colored pony carrying an annoyed expression approached the mare, her mane a navy blue with a rosy pink streak.  “Lyra, I’ve been looking for you!  I send you to pick up a few things and you disappear!” “Oh yeah! I could have sworn I forgot something,” said Lyra. “Lyra!” exclaimed the earth pony. “Sorry Bon Bon,” Lyra scratched at the ground. “ But I have a good reason!” Like what?” Lyra stood on her hind legs and presented the young man. “Ta-da! it's a human!” Bon Bon raised her eyebrow, unamused at the sight. “Nice try Lyra but I wasn’t born yesterday,” “But he is real Bon Bon! Look at him!” Bon Bon rolled her eyes and sighed. “Lyra, we’ve been through this already; there are no such things as humans!  You just dressed somepony in a costume!” “It's not somepony in a costume!” protested Lyra . “Lyra...” Bon Bon sighed. Her patience waning for her friend, “ There is no such thing!” “Yes there is!” “Humans don’t exist!” “Yes they do! One is right in front of you!” “ENOUGH!!” Bon Bon slowly made her way to the young man, her eyes full of rage and determination to prove her friend wrong.  Bon Bon grabbed his arm and began to pull. “Watch Lyra, I’ll prove it's a costume and when I do, I’ll, I’ll...”                 No matter how hard she pulled at the arm she could not remove it, she could feel warmth in the arm.  Bon Bon’s jaw dropped as she saw the young man’s blue eyes staring at her, his hand shaking her hoof. “Nice to meet you Bon Bon,” “Y-You’re real...” Bon Bon let go in disbelief, the rest of her words stuck in her throat, Lyra’s smile grew wide knowing she had been proven wrong. “Told you he was real,” said Lyra with a smug smile. “Fine, you’re right, he’s real,” grumbled the mare.  Bon Bon regained her composure and focused back on Lyra.  “Let’s go, we’ve got things to do,” “Can he stay with us Bon Bon, pleease?” Lyra grovelled with puppy dog eyes.  Bon Bon sighed looking away to avoid Lyra’s gaze.  “Lyra, Pinkie Pie is planning another party so that means I need your help back at the shop.  You’ll get distracted if we bring him along,” “B-But!” “He’s your friend right? You’ll see him again, I’m sure of it,” Bon Bon stared at Lux with a small smile. “You’re staying in town right?” “Huh?” “Yes!  Promise me you’ll stay!” Lyra stared at the young man with shimmering eyes.  She eagerly awaited his answer. “I guess,” replied Lux. “Yesyesyesyesyes!” Lyra wrapped her forelegs around the young man hugging him tightly.  “We’ll be best friends forever! “Alright Lyra, lets go,” Bon Bon gave Lyra a small nudge.  Lyra let go of the young man and began to walk with the cream colored mare. “See you around Lux and if you disappear I’m gonna hunt you down!!” called out Lyra.  Lux waved at the two mares as they vanished into the distance. “How does she know about me?” thought Lux. “There you are!” called out a familiar voice, Lux turned to find an exhausted Applebloom and two other fillies approach him.  The two fillies stood in awe while Applebloom paused to catch her breath.  “Wow!” exclaimed the two fillies. “I’ve been looking all over for you!” said Applebloom disgruntled. “Why’d you leave!?” “I looked outside and I saw a rainbow dash across the sky, I followed it and ended up here.  I’m sorry,” replied Lix. “It’s okay...” sighed Applebloom. “We found you and thats what counts, come on Lux, lets get back to Sweet Apple Acres before Applejack finds out,” “Applejack?” “She’s my sister!” smiled Applebloom.  The light of the sunset shined brightly and briefly marking the day’s end and night’s beginning. “Oh, Lux, this is Scootaloo,” Applebloom pointed towards the orange pegasus with the cerise mane. “And this is Sweetie Belle,” Applebloom then pointed towards the white unicorn whose mane was lavender with a light gray rose streak.  The two fillies smiled at the young man. “Girls, this is Lux,” “A hue-man!  This is so cool!” Scootaloo buzzed around in excitement. “We caught a monster!  Do we have our cutie marks yet?!” The three fillies spun around trying to find the marks on their flanks.  But the three only only found disappointment as they found their flanks remained blank. “I don’t know Scootaloo,” Sweetie Belle’s light harlequin eyes scanned him up and down. “He doesn’t look like a monster. Lux, where are you from?” “I’m afraid I can’t remember,” replied Lux. “Maybe Zecora can help,” suggested Scootaloo. “She does come from a faraway place maybe she has a remedy for memories,” “Good idea!” exclaimed Sweetie Belle. “What do you think Applebloom?” “Sounds like a plan,” said Applebloom.  The group could finally see Sweet Apple Acres up ahead.  The ringing of the crickets welcomed the night.  The moon slowly rose illuminating the land in azure light.  A loud grumble broke the tranquility of the night; the three fillies turned towards the source of the sound, Lux gave a nervous laugh as he held his stomach in embarrassment.  In all the things he saw in this world he had forgotten his nagging stomach, the three fillies giggled at the young man.  The group finally arrived at the farm, countless stars shined brightly in the night sky. “Whew... We’re here, and Applejack didn’t find out,” said Applebloom with relief. “Are you sure about that?” called out an all too familiar voice.  The three girls froze as they saw Applejack approach them, her green eyes full of anger.  The same familiar feeling with the pink earth pony rose within Lux as he saw the mare. “Honesty” “H-Hi Applejack,” Applebloom swallowed hard and nervously smiled as she attempted to maintain her composure. “I-I can explain!” “I don’t wanna hear it!” exclaimed Applejack. “What in Equestria were you thinking letting it loose and running after it?! Do you know how worried I was?! We don’t know how dangerous that creature could be!” “Soups on!” called out an elderly mare from the window of the house.  She smiled as she saw the three fillies and the young man. “Ah good, you found him!  Applejack, lets not keep our guests waiting.  All of you come on and eat!” “We’ll talk about this later,” Applejack sternly stared at Applebloom.  Her eyes focused on Lux for a brief second, a flash of distrust present in her eyes.  Light and warmth filled their bodies as the group entered the home.  The aroma of apples and bread was strong in the dining room; the table was set with several massive plates of food in the center.  The three fillies and the mare took their seat, as did a large red stallion with a light gamboge mane, his flank bearing a mark of a green apple cut in half. The elderly mare sat next to him; her coat was a light lime green bearing the mark of an apple pie and her hair a snowy white.  She looked towards Lux with an endearing smile. “Well have a seat, little colt!” “Little colt?” Lux thought to himself as he sat down next to Sweetie Belle with a plate in front of him. “Hold on there little one, we don’t wear coats at the dinner table,” said the elder mare. “Do they even wear clothes?” Lux wondered.  Lux slowly removed his cowl and unzipped his coat placing it on the chair; the three fillies stared at him with fascination.  Lux donned a blood red uniform with the sigil of a white star on the left side of his chest.  His jet-black hair reaching down his back, his skin a light brown and his eyes an ocean blue.  Applejack remained silent with her mouth agape while the stallion remained cool as ice; the elder mare chuckled at Applejack’s dumbfounded expression. “Oh!  Where are my manners,” chuckled the mare.  “We forgot to introduce ourselves!  You’ve met the three girls and Applejack, the gentlecolt here is Big McIntosh, and I’m Granny Smith,” “Howdy,” said the stallion. “Now then, what’s your name little colt?” asked Granny Smith. “Lux...” replied the young man. “Well Lux, it's a pleasure to have you eat with us tonight!” smiled Granny Smith. “Now let’s eat!” “Can Lux stay with us?” asked Applebloom.  The room fell silent as her question reached everypony’s ears. “Applebloom!” hushed Applebloom. “But he’s got nowhere to go!” exclaimed Applebloom. “Can’t he stay with us please? “Well it's his choice if wants to stay,” said Granny Smith.  Applejack and Big McIntosh stared at their grandmother with worry. “Please stay with us!” begged Applebloom with a puppy dog stare. “Pleeease?” “I shouldn’t intrude like this,” said Lux. “Pleease?” said the three fillies together in unison.  All three of them giving Lux the puppy dog stare. “Settle down now girls,” said Granny Smith.  She focused her gaze on the young man. “He has the final say, although...” Granny Smith smiled at the young man. “I’m sure he knows it's not nice to disappoint a little filly,” “...” Lux took a deep breath as he averted his eyes from the three pairs of eyes giving him the cute stare, “May I stay here?” “Of course dear! Stay as long as you need to!” smiled Granny Smith. “Yay!” cheered the three fillies. “Now that that’s settled,” said Granny Smith.  “Let’s eat!” “It's over there Lux,” Lux stretched his arms out to the night sky as he and Applebloom walked out of the house, both reminiscing of Granny Smith’s homemade Apple Pie.  The night sky was ablaze with stars and the moon bathing the land in a blue glow.  Lux recognized the barn that came into view, it was the same barn he had awoken in. “You said your name was Lux, right?” called out a familiar voice just as Applebloom and the young man reached the barn door.  The two turned to find Applejack approaching them, Applejack took a deep breath and took off her hat crossing across her chest. “I wanted to apologize for thinking wrongly of you. Especially only meeting you once,” “There’s no need to apologize,” smiled Lux. “I’m the one who ran off not knowing where I was.  Applebloom ran after me to make sure that I didn’t get into trouble, please don’t be angry with her,” Lux bowed his head. “I’m sorry for snapping at you like that too Applebloom,” Applejack smiled apologetically at her sister. “It's alright Applejack,” smiled the little filly. “Let’s go show Lux his bed!” The three entered the barn, azure light of the moon shined through the cracks in the ceiling falling upon a hoof-stitched hammock tied to two posts. “We made a bed for you Lux,” smiled Applebloom, “Hope you like it!” “Applejack, Applebloom, thank you for everything,” Lux stared at the hoof-stitched hammock, the very sight of it made him drowsy. “Looks like you’re ready to go!” chuckled Applejack.  She took a look at her little sister who had the same drowsy eyes as the young man. Applejack picked up the little filly and placed her on her back. “We’re gonna go hit the hay too, goodnight Lux,” “Goodnight” “Yeah, us too... goodnight Lu... zzz” Applebloom slowly closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.  The two ponies closed the door as headed out the barn.  The hammock slowly swayed as Lux lay in it, beams of moonlight shined on him.  Lux closed his eyes as he drifted into the darkness of sleep, the dreams whispered to him. “Lux...” “You can’t run from us...” “From yourself...” Chrysalis stared at the board, all the chess pieces on her desired positions.  The opponent doomed and victory in her grasp yet, she felt unsatisfied.  “Why are we doing this Dia?”   The dark mare looked up from the chessboard. “What’s wrong Chrysalis?  I thought you love to play games,” “Are you even trying?” questioned Chrysalis. “My army is in position to overtake your kingdom yet here you are smiling.  Better yet how is that boy going to be of use to us, I don’t see how you plan to stop the Elements of Harmony,”   “Chrysalis, Chrysalis, you worry too much my dear,” said the mare. “The elements of harmony will be helping the boy, they are after all one and the same.  All we need to do is guide him,”   “Thanatos!” called out Dia. “Yes, your majesty? The cloaked figure emerged from the shadows and knelt before the two. “I need you to go to Canterlot,” ordered the mare.  “No doubt my sister has realized the tome has gone missing, find out what she is planning,” “It will be done your highness,” the young man faded into the darkness once more. “So now what is the next step?” questioned the Changeling Queen. “Prepare your children, Chrysalis,” smiled Dia. “We begin,” Light beamed through the stained glass windows of the castle, bathing the halls in radiant light.  Luna and Celestia walked the illuminated halls, both of them filled with unease from the recent events. “Please sister, allow me to handle this matter,” Luna stared dismally at the ground.  “I left the castle when you needed me the most,” “Luna, do not burden yourself with guilt,” Celestia gave her sister a comforting nuzzle. “I can manage the briefing myself,” Shocked, Luna stopped before the doors to the briefing room, her mouth agape. “Sister... but why?” “I need you to help Cadenza oversee repairs to Canterlot,” replied Celestia. “V-very well...” Luna walked away carrying a sorrowful expression on her face.  Celestia pushed through the doors into the briefing room.  Rows and rows of gathered soldiers bowed in her presence. “Welcome back, Shining Armor,” said Celestia as she took her place in front of the group alongside the captain of the Royal Guard.  “I take it the honeymoon went well?” “Neighagra falls was beautiful, thank you Princess Celestia,” The white stallion courteously bowed.  “ Will Cadenza and Princess Luna not be joining us?” “I asked Luna and Cadenza to take care of a few things for me,” said the Princess of the Sun.  “Shall we begin?” “Of course, Princess,” “Listen up!” The guards stood attentive and still as they heard the captain’s voice, each of them eagerly awaiting their mission.  Princess Celestia cleared her throat, her gentle demeanor replaced by a somber look on her face radiating thousands of years worth of rule.  “An Item known as the Tome of Tartarus was stolen from a sealed part of the castle library.  It is said to carry such terrible dark magic that it was deemed far too dangerous for any being to wield, thus the choice was made to keep it hidden from the world safe within the possession of what was then the Equestrian Republic and now the Equestrian Empire.  But I am afraid that is no longer the case.  I urge you to find it quickly before innocents are hurt,” “Yes your majesty!” “Thank you Princess Celestia,” Shining Armor cleared his throat. “Listen up gentlecolts!    Our only lead currently is the Changeling Queen, we must be cautious of her copy ability and that of her minions.  Lastly, given the sensitivity of the mission, we will use a combined effort between select teams of the Royal Guard and the Luna Guard.  The public must not know about this mission do I make myself clear?” “Yes sir!” “Dismissed!” The guards bowed and exited the room in groups.  A white stallion with an illustrious blond mane entered the room with a pouncet box levitating closely to his nose not once looking at the guards that looked at him with disdain.  “Ugh, when was the last time any of you had a proper bath?!” “Hello, Captain,” said the stallion as he made his way to Shining Armor and Princess Celestia. “Hello, Prince Blueblood,” replied Shining Armor calmly.  “You missed the briefing,” “Quite the contrary, Captain, I am aware that the tome is missing,” Blueblood shot an annoyed look at the captain, “ I heard enough of your plan and I don’t think it is very efficient but fear not I have a better plan, “My dear nephew,” said Celestia.  “Surely you did not come here just to gloat,” “Oh Aunt Celestia you know me so well,” smiled Blueblood.  “I wish to speak with you about the Elements of Harmony” “What about the Elements?” interjected Shining Armor.  “What is concern with Twilight and her friends?” “I do not understand why you are here, Captain,” sneered the prince.  “This is none of your concern,” “Twilight is the bearer of the Element of Magic and my sister,” Shining Armor stared down the prince.  “If there is a concern with her I am to be involved!” “Enough both of you,” Celestia remained cool and unaffected by the tension between the two stallions. “We will discuss this tomorrow and Shining Armor will be present, is that clear, Blueblood?” “Yes, Auntie Celestia,”