//------------------------------// // The Gifts // Story: As the Sands Start to Fall (Updated) // by Hikarikurai24587 //------------------------------// Chapter Six: The Gifts Twilight blinked a little, clearing her eyes as the light faded, this time she took in her surroundings carefully. It was no longer the large open but dimly lit room from before but a cave that was illuminated by shining crystals. In the center was a lake that was glowing as well. It was like a cross between the cave that held the Tree of Harmony and the location where the Mirror Pool lay. Everything seemed to sparkle. Laying nearby was her friends and Aqua Star. Filled with worry Twilight ran over to check on each of them letting out a sigh of relief when she saw that they were alright. Each one waking up and giving her and each other a hug. Fluttershy dove towards Aqua Star giving her a hug that was uncommon for the pony as she stroked the mane crying. “You’re alright, you’re alright.” Aqua Star seemed to stiffen for a moment before relaxing and stroking Fluttershy’s mane telling her. “Yes, I am. Thank you for worrying about me.” Twilight walked over as well to join in on the hugfest. It didn’t last long, however, when a calm yet powerful presence appeared behind them causing the girls to turn around. Standing there was a deer-like being with three pairs of swept back spiralled antlers adorned with strings of white metal and a gem hanging off the tip. Rainbow Dash and Applejack got in front of their friends, both of them asking: “Where are we?” and “Who are you?” at the same time. Aqua Star bowed deeply as Twilight observed this creature realizing that the gems were the original form of the Elements of Harmony. That was when she began to realize that this must be one of the Great Spirits that Aqua Star mentioned before. The being did not react to the defensive attitude of the two in front of it, instead speaking. “My apologies, I did not mean to startle you. I am Harmonia, Spirit of Wisdom and Harmony.” “You are one of the Great Spirits that Aqua Star mentioned, one of the few that could activate the Spirit Crystal,” Twilight said, she was still unsure if she was right or not. “Am I right?” “You are correct Princess Twilight,” Harmonia answered, moving past Rainbow Dash and Applejack. “I brought you here as all of you have found a different path. Though you did not complete the test you have found your Cores and yourselves. For this I have chosen to give you gifts that you shall nurture and grow.” Twilight frowned as Harmonia moved to Aqua Star. “Rise Aqua Star, I have a gift for you as well.” Aqua Star swallowed before pushing herself back onto her hooves and glanced up at Harmonia. The Great Spirit touched her chest with a split hoof as magic surrounded the both of them. “To you I grant the Gift of the Historian.” Magic flew up into the air showing Aqua Star with books surrounding her, each one being written. “All knowledge you know shall be brought into this world, these writings shall never fade and never be destroyed. Much like the pony herself.” The hoof moved up and tilted Aqua Star’s chin up so they were looking into each other’s eyes. “Do not doubt yourself Aqua Star, you tried to defend the Crystal Empire, in the end you succeeded in protecting the one being that could restore it. None of what happened after you gave up yourself was your fault.” “I… thank you,” Aqua Star replied with a bow and. Harmonia nodded her head before turning to look at Applejack. Applejack swallowed a bit, feeling a little guilty for reacting in such a negative way to this creature. Yet when she approached the pony there was no ill will, just understanding.  “Applejack, Bearer of Honesty” Harmonia spoke and Appplejack looked up at her, a hoof was placed against her chest as well. “You did not choose a path because you value your friends and family with equal regard. In the end, one of the lost souls has begun to find his way back because of it. In the end he helped you realize that your friends and family are one in the same. No matter what path you take they will love you all the same.” The light that shown above them turned into a bud that bloomed. “For this your Core is that of Connection, though your magic leans that towards the Guardian it does not mean that your connection with plants is any different. Both of these show a pony that is willing to lay down their own life to defend the ones that you love. Your connection with rock and stone will help you become a stalwart protector. Stay true to yourself Applejack and remember your friends are there to help you when you stumble and fall.” Applejack blushed at that, but she was glad that she wouldn’t lose her connection with plants. It was strange but it seemed like the Cores and Specializations were there to help but not hinder. She was beginning to realize just how restricted Aqua Star was because of how she was taught. Something she was realizing was unfair towards the Unicorn. “For you I grant unto you the Gift of Honesty.” The light above the both of them changed showing an image of Applejack looking around. “You will know when falsehoods are uttered, no illusion or secret will escape your notice. Under your touch anyone or any object will show its history and past.” Harmonia looked at all of the ponies seriously. “Mark well and listen. I will not tell you how to control these abilities, it is up to you how they are shaped and defined.” The ponies nodded their heads in understanding. Twilight was curious as to what gift she was going to receive. The image vanished and Harmonia moved on. Fluttershy letting out a squeak when she was approached next. Harmonia smiled at her kindly and Fluttershy glanced up at her relaxing as she saw her appearance. Twilight wondered if it was because she looked more like a deer than anything.  “Fluttershy, Bearer of Kindness,” Harmonia chuckled as she patted Fluttershy on the head before touching her hoof to Fluttershy’s chest. “I see why Discord could never change you when you first met him and why he lost by forcing change upon you. You accept yourself: strengths, weaknesses, flaws, and gifts. You know your limits but you are willing to break those limits. No matter what creature you will show them kindness, even if they are aggressive, you know when to put an end to this.” Three lights appeared above Fluttershy. “You do not have a single magic that you are connected in but all three Cores, with a slight leaning towards the Glider Core.” As Fluttershy appeared in the center of the lights they took the form of a Hummingbird, an Eagle, and a Raven. Harmonia leaned in and whispered into her ear. ‘The slight leaning is because you have two specializations instead of one: Nature Guardian and Sentinel. This will cause some growth to your wings so they will become larger. It will be painful and I am sorry.” Fluttereshy’s eyes widened as she made a small sound but whispered back. “I’ll be fine.” Harmonia nodded her head. “To you Fluttershy I give the Gift of Kindness. You are able to sense those who are injured and find out what it is that needs to be mended. As well as the ability to warp the perception of others in order to hide, your natural stealth will also be increased, and there will be moments of actual invisibility.” This caused Fluttershy to squeak as Harmonia moved on to Pinkie Pie. Twilight noticed that the blue gem was glowing as Pinkie Pie was right next to her. “Pinkie Pie, Bearer of Laughter, it has been a long time my friend.” “Yup!” Pinkie Pie replied and Twilight turned her attention towards her, eyes narrowing. “You see, I thought she was an imaginary friend right after I thought up after I threw my first party! Apparently she had seen us all but contacted me because of my innate ability.” “Pinkie Pie, spoilers,” Harmonia chided half heartedly, stifling a chuckle as the image of a bud blooming and vines shooting out of it was shown. “You hold both a Connection and an Agility Core. Forging connections with each other and quick on your hooves, I am not surprised. However you do need to remember to calm down and pay attention to your surroundings. The specializations that you are close to are the Thief and Brewer specialization. An Alchemist if you will.” “Ooooh, potions,” Pinkie Pie said before looking at Aqua Star, the image above her changing to Pinkie and another pony. “We can be potion buddies!” “I’ll teach you what I know,” Aqua Star responded, trying to not show her excitement at the thought. Harmonia nodded her head before continuing. “My gift to you is the remaining half of the Gift of Laughter. From the moment you were born into the world you held half of this gift, insight and danger sense. Now I bestow upon you the rest. You will know the likes and dislikes of a creature and can glimpse into the future. Not the full future but the path someone is taking and the result of it.” “Well I’m not going to use the first gift as often because that is just party planning cheating, but it will be useful in some situations if there is a communication barrier,” Pinkie Pie mused as she thought about it. “Thank you friend!” Harmonia smiled before walking towards Rarity who was most definitely taking inspiration from the spirit. “Rarity, Bearer of Generosity, like Pinkie Pie you have a split core as well.” The image that appeared above them was of Rarity, a black mist rising above her towards a circle with a dot in the middle. “You bear a Shadow Core and a Light Core. Two opposites that seemingly will not mix with each other but when the Unicorn keeps balanced both can be used wisely.” Rarity glanced up to see bats flying out of the mist circling the ring and the dot morphing into a cross. It was one that was seen at the hospitals. “As for the magics that you would normally be talented in are the Nosferatu and the Healer. Two opposite sides of the same coin. While those talented as a Nosferatu would heal themselves with the powers of shadows. Those who are consumed by corruption will use blood instead of the shadows.” Rarity looked a bit put off by the thought of that but Harmonia decided to correct the misconception. “The name was changed by ponies after the Nosferatu began to consume blood, but it had nothing to do with the Core but the demon that the pony changed into. They used to be called Shadow Immortals or Ghosts. They were always known to heal themselves, shapeshift, and travel through the shadows. Healers would use their powers to heal others and never themselves. They were always seen as the epitome of sacrifice, especially on the battlefield. So you are lucky to have this dual core.” Rarity glanced up at the symbols still feeling a bit unsure but pushed this into the back of her mind for the moment. The image was banished, replaced by an image of Rarity. The green gem was glowing as well.“The gift I am giving to you is the Gift of Generosity. With this gift you are able to understand what a pony needs.” The image showing Rarity talking with a pony and understanding what they needed to feel comfortable. “Telepathy, to understand a pony better, you will understand why in due time.Lastly you are now able to manipulate gems to your will and be able to communicate through them.” “Stylish and effective,” Rarity said before smiling and bowing her head in thanks. “Thank you for the Gift.” “Use and understand it well,” Harmonia told her before moving away. “You will need to learn how to control it on your own.” Rainbow Dash stood up a bit straighter, having moved to join the others. She looked up at Harmonia excited to see what she was. Harmonia made her wait for a bit, taking her time to place her hoof against Rainbow Dash’s chest. The symbol of the eagle rose up into the air dropping a golden feather. “Rainbow Dash, Bearer of Loyalty. The Core you hold inside of you is known as the Power Core. You are a pony who loves challenges, though your mind does get clouded by the desire to win. Yet instead of choosing to complete the test you turned back to save your friends the moment you were armed. You stand for what is right, a leader. It is also why you hold the talent of a Justicar. The leader that protects.” Rainbow Dash glanced at her wings before looking at Harmonia wanting to ask yet the spirit stopped her. “No, your wings will not change, the Power Core retains the natural appearance of the Pegasi’s wings. Normally an average wingspan.” Rainbow Dash let out a sigh of relief thankful that her flying wouldn’t be affected. Then she realized that Fluttershy’s Cores would most likely affect her. This thought did worry her but Fluttershy seemed to alright at the moment. “For you I grant the Gift of Loyalty,” Harmonia continued, the red gem glowing. “You are able to sense and bring forth the loyalties of others. Now you can use your magic to block and deflect ranged attacks….” Harmonia paused considering her next words. “Which will be, more often than not, magical in nature.” “Sweet,” Rainbow Dash grinned thinking about trying it out the moment they got back. Harmonia gave her a silent look of warning before approaching Twilight. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, Bearer of Magic, you will find your purpose as a Princess. The Core you once had as an Unicorn still holds the same magic. An Arcane Core with the power of a Mage.” Aqua Star nodded her head, Twilight did have the personality of a typical Mage, even Sirius had a few of those traits. Then the remaining magenta gem glowed. “For you I grant you the Gift of Magic and a secret gift for your ascension to becoming an Alicorn. The Gift of Magic is one you will not have to unlock on your own. You no longer require the use of your horn to cast magic. Alongside this any spell that you have seen you can now copy and place it into an object of your choosing. This object will have to be on hoof and you should study it as soon as possible. The other gift you will have to make your way as a Princess before the other will unlock for you.” “Would you happen to know what is in the box that was produced by the Tree of Harmony?” Twilight asked with a shy smile and Harmonia gave her a smile that resembled Celestia’s. “I can not tell you Princess, nor can I tell you how to open it. This is your journey, a quest for all of you. The quest giver can not simply reveal the end of the journey now can they?” Harmonia waved her hoof at the look of confusion on the ponies’ faces. “Ask Discord… he might tell you the story. My last gift for you are these Spirit Stones. Strong spirits have bound themselves to you willingly. Some unknowingly. These stones will connect you to them when you are in need of guidance. May you and these gifts you are given grow.” “Thank you,” the girls told her, each one turning into a ball of light and rising upwards. All except for Twilight Sparkle.  “A moment of your time,” Harmonia said and Twilight looked at her in confusion before nodding her head. “My other half, the Tree of Harmony, will test you further with the other Great Spirits. These trials will be hard one each one of you. It will test your resolve as a Bearer of Harmony.” Twilight was startled wondering why Harmonia was telling her this, then realized that Harmonia and the Tree of Harmony were one. Her mind was filled with questions but refrained from asking them as the spirit continued. “However I too would have tasks for you to fulfill and each one would take the rest of you to the place of the tests. I am telling you in order to set some rules and restrictions in place.” Twilight nodded her head, wanting to pull out a quill and paper out to take down notes. “These are two simple but hard rules. The first is that you must finish the task. The second is to not interfere with the trials no matter how harsh they seem. You will be returned to the same moment and place in time that you were at in order to not cause mass confusion or panic.” “That… makes sense,” Twilight admitted, looking conflicted at the thoughts. “So no matter what we see our friends go through we can’t help?” “You can’t interfere, help would mean to give them aid in a dire situation.” Harmonia knew she had to make this distinction. “Interfering would mean stopping them from going into a situation because you don’t want to get them hurt despite it being their own decision.” This made Twilight feel a little bit better. “Why are you telling me this?” “Because this is the duty of a leader,” Harmonia told her, lifting up Twilight’s chin gently. “To your friends you are their leader and being a leader is to often keep those that follow them in line. I once never made that distinction and it caused the downfall or death of many heroes… as well contributed to the tribes dividing themselves. All because I knew that the truth to the answer they were looking for would cause too much damage… among many other things that I regret doing.” Twilight’s breath hitched before saying honestly. “Thank you for telling me this, Lady Harmonia.” “Please, just Harmonia,” was the last thing Twilight heard before she felt herself flying upwards as well.