//------------------------------// // The Tree of Harmony // Story: The Last Keeper of Harmony // by Rammy //------------------------------// ...the tree died." "What!?!" Twilight blurted out again forgetting to use the mental link "Are you telling me, He of Harmony, that your hoard is gone?" Hidden Claw moved his head right up to Harmony's face staring straight into his eyes ignoring Twilight for the moment. Harmon resisted the urge to blink or turn away lest he offend Hidden Claw. "He of Everfree, ponies don't usually hoard... however the answer is yes... and no." "Wait, how is that..." Twilight gulped to a stop as Hidden Claw growled at her no longer ignoring her rudeness. "He of Harmony remind your charges to not speak unless spoken to." He turned back to Harmony to get the answer he seeked. Harmony turned to Twilight "Bearer of Magic your initial outburst was forgiven but if you continue to do so He of Everfree will shut you up forcibly and I will not stop him... however..." "There is no 'however,'" He of Everfree growled snapping his jaws at Harmony. "He of Everfree hear me out." Harmony harden his eyes at Hidden Claw," They are Bearers of the Elements that were imbedded into the tree." "Are you saying that you trust them with parts of your hoard?" Hidden Claw looked at the ponies, impressed. "Very well, but keep the outbursts at a minimum." "I suggest... we mm-ove this conver-versation to the tree..." Discord stuttered out. "And what is wrong with being here at my hoard? Are you so insolent that you feel we'll be safer at his hoard?  You really are a foolish chimera." "No... no.. He Of Everfree but what is coming may need both you and the Elements to combat." Discord entire body shook out of fear, not of the dragon, but of something else. "I'm afraid Discord is right." Harmony stated not taking his eyes off of He of Everfree. "Don't question my ability to protect my hoard." Hidden Claw roughly grabbed Harmony right off the ground then Brought him up so that he could see the dragons fury. "You are lucky that I will have my answers." Harmony winced at the pain and clicked a few words  *My apologies, oh great dragon of Everfree, but its best that ponies see that is a deadly folly to ever question a dragon's ability to protect his hoard.* Hidden Claw growled but placed Harmony back on the ground. Blood trickled done Harmony's coat. Rarity ran up and checked out the injuries. "Discord. Bandages" Discord snapped some hot pink bandages into Rarity's waiting magic. After a few minutes Rarity smiled and nodded her approval at her handiwork. Harmony grumbled at the pink bandages but glad his injuries were dressed. I will get you for this later Discord he promised. Hidden Claw raised an eye at this then blew some smoke. "I tired of this. Lead the way, He of Harmony." "Of course, He of Everfree." Harmony turned and began to walk out The Bearers and Discord close behind. Spike was on Rarity's back, still passed out due to the pain of his injuries.  Once everyone had left the cave Hidden Claw began his walk out of his cave placing traps and magic barriers to prevent entrance. After some some time the group got to the stairs that lead down to the cave where the Tree of Harmony grew. Twilight couldn't see that faint glow that always emanated from the cave. This was not good and she feared what she would see once they got into the cave. Her fears were confirmed once she could see into the cave.  The tree was, as Harmony had said, dead.  The tree was dark many of its crystal leaves where missing.  The only thing that looked lively was the Elements. They looked just as they were the last time she saw them still in there imbedded in the branches and, in the case of the Element of Magic, trunk. Harmony stared sadly at the tree for a moment then lifted the Elements out of the tree.  "Discord I need the necklaces" Discord snapped an ornate box into existence, a set of six necklaces inside.  Harmony took them and placed an element into each one.  "I'm placing these in the necklaces so that they will not fall off. No tiara for you Bearer of Magic this time." He placed each necklace around the neck of their receptive Bearer. "Ooooooo, they are so prrrretty!" Pinkie cooed. "A bit more utilitarian than before but I agree, darling." Rarity agreed. "Bearer of Joy and Generosity, neither Discord or I are experts on making jewelry and Discord can't just snap into existence nice necklaces they have to be formed without magic. But I'm glad you find them to your liking." Harmony smiled with pride. "Silly Harmony, I'm the Bearer of Laughter." Pinkie bounced giggling. "No, you are not…Hmm how to answer this…” Harmony thought for a moment then spoke, “I suppose now is as good as any time to explain why I'm a... ugh... a 'blank flank.'" Harmony spat in disgust at the derogatory term. "Bearer of Magic when you first read about the Nightmare Moon you remember the drawing of the Elements of Harmony arranged on a golden compass?" Twilight nodded slightly "That is, or actually, was my cutiemark." "Wait, then why do you still have magic? A pony losing a cutiemark means they have lost their magic." As she remembered the vampiric Tirek, she shuttered. "Very good question. I actually only lost one of my magics.  My harmony magic was imbued completely into the Elements. Given that my cutiemark is tied to my destiny of being a Keeper of Harmony and I lost that magic when the cutiemark disappeared. I still posses alicorn magic, however." "Okay enough of skirtin’ the issue. What in tarnation is He of Everfree talking about when he calls The Tree of Harmony your hoard?" Applejack asked. Harmony put a hoof to his head slight rubbing to mitigate the coming headache. "Bearer of Honesty... He of Everfree, like all dragons, considers possessions to be part of the owner’s hoard.” Everyone mouthed an oh but waited for Harmony to continue. ”Back to what I was saying, long ago I was given a crystal tree seed from a fellow Keeper. Ever notice similarities to to the Tree of Harmony and the Friendship Palace to the Crystal Empire? Don't answer.” Harmony stopped Twilight from speaking her thoughts I can’t have her going off scholarly I’m so tired of the headaches that it causes  “They are similar because they come came from the same place. As for the Elements those are very rare flawless, aged, diamonds.  Crystals from the Empire and gems (especially flawless diamonds) are very good at not only holding, channeling, and expelling magic in massive amounts  but to be enchanted.  That is what I did to the elements. Once I was doneI embedded the elements in the growing tree to protect them." "Might sorry to ask another question but yah nevah told us what a Keeper of Harmony was." "I haven't have I? Okay short version as we are low on time..." Thunder rolled again grabbing everyone's attention. Shortly after that a howling could be heard echoing across the canyon. "Timberwolves." Hidden Claw growled. He sniffed then added "And living stone..." "That's our cue. We leave. Now.” Harmony began to run back to the stairs. He called to back to the now angry dragon and spoke out of fear. "Hold our rear, He of Everfree!" Hidden Claw growled angrily at Harmony. "Remember your place Keeper! The Nameless One's lackeys will rue the day they threaten my forest!"  Hidden Claw few up, roared, and flew towards the howling. "He has given us a bit of time to flee.  If we are lucky we will draw his forces away, sparing Equestria." Discord piped up, having taken up the rear grabbing the now fainted Fluttershy in his arms. "And where do we go? I'm all for random but in this case we need a plan." Harmony thought for a moment and spoke one word: "Hourglass."