//------------------------------// // Intermission: Progress Report // Story: Courage // by scion //------------------------------// Dear Princess Celestia, Life in Ponyville remains quiet for now. Well, mostly. There have been no new issues, sightings or rumors of anything related to the Shadow. My research on the matter continues, however. I have attached a copy of my notes and calculations, and while I have been unable to duplicate the thaumatic signature, I believe I am on the right track to duplicating the unique magical characteristics of the shadow magic. My experiments have yet to produce any magical results greater than simple flaring, but they show promise in the way that they duplicate the thaumatic effects of the shadow magic. Has Princess Luna been making any progress with the shard that she was studying? I have not heard anything from her. In other news, my friends and I have had a slight breakthrough on the matter of the wolf. He was recently injured while saving three foals in town from a chimera, and during his convalescence Fluttershy was able to talk to him. I had put together a list of questions to asked, and received some interesting answers. His name is Link, and he knows Epona quite well, but much beyond that is not clear. I've attached a copy of the answers that Fluttershy was able to translate. While I still do not know where he came from, and why this is happening, it appears that Link is at least on our side. I do have to admit he seems to be a bit of a softie despite his wild and dangerous exterior. It would also appear that he has a friend of some sort, a small creature of approximately Spike’s size that rides Link around. I have only seen this creature from a distance, but Fluttershy has seen her much closer and described her as clearly intelligent but unable to understand or speak our language. The creature also appears to be capable of magic to some degree, as Fluttershy witnessed the creature (I shall call her an ‘imp’ for now, from Fluttershy’s description that seems to be the closest creature that we know of, and she claims it is also female) manifesting things, floating in midair, and vanishing things. Pinkie as well claims that she saw the imp vanish into Link's shadow, literally. Applejack has likely spent the most time with her, as she never leaves Link and he seems to enjoy spending time with Epona, and confirmed all of Fluttershy's and Pinkie's observations. Unfortunately, the imp seems very shy, and I have not yet been able to examine her up close. I will attempt to interview or study her if I can, as I have no doubt she would be able to help me tremendously with my research if only I could spend some time with her. They have come around town several times now, for various reasons. While the local ponies are understandably a bit wary of him, he has conducted himself well. With Pinkie having thrown her obligatory Welcome to Ponyville party, it seems that the town has at least accepted him in their midst. I will continue my research here in Ponyville, and continue to keep an eye out for trouble. With the Elements here with their bearers, we are ready for anything that the Shadow may throw at us next. Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle --- My most faithful student, I have turned your calculations and theories on Shadow magic over to the experts for further analysis and research. As the only magician trained by my school to have encountered this magic close up, your opinion and research is highly valued. By the way, Professor Huckleberry sends his regards. I find myself more concerned about this Link. I have read the transcript and your other notes on him, and find his assertions rather intriguing. It implies that the Everfree holds far more than anypony has ever imagined, or than my sister and I ever expected, if it is true. An entire kingdom, toppled, their Princess captured and a usurper on the throne, and yet there is nowhere in this land where such a thing has happened. It is most unfortunate that neither Epona nor Link can, or are unwilling, to tell us more. Such information would be quite useful in the face of this Shadow. His choice of companion is also curious, as imps were one of the primary servants of the Lords of Tartarus. They were never truly powerful, but could be dangerous in large numbers. More often than not, though, they were tricksters; I would recommend caution when dealing with this imp. But I digress. No matter his confusing story, the two of them seem to oppose the Shadow and its minions, and for that I am grateful. If you believe he can be trusted, then I trust your judgement on the matter. Luna has been working all hours of the day and night, studying and experimenting upon the shard of stone that she recovered from the Spring, to little progress I am afraid. I must admit, I am becoming concerned for her. She has not slept in several days, instead working with it all hours of the day and night. She has even missed a few of her responsibilities as Princess lately. Her lack of sleep has shortened her temper, but not her drive. She insists that examining the object is her responsibility alone and refuses to allow some of the members of my school to examine it as well. I will talk to her and see if I can get her to send you a report of what she has learned, and perhaps get her to take a nap as well. Between the two of you, I have faith that we shall unravel this shadow mystery. Stay safe, my faithful student. Signed, Princess Celestia