Motivations of the Powers
I now stand in presence of six beautiful, and incredibly powerful, beings. Each of them could defeat me with ease. Indictment, the form of Rainbow Dash, still hovers slowly in place where Rainbow Dash’s charge was interrupted. She says to me, with that same booming voice I used on the Shadow, “What have you done to us?”
“I have revealed to you a powerful tool. If you accept it, I can teach you to use it effectively.”
Plenty responds, “And why should we trust you?”
Insight adds in, “How do we know that you won’t trick us again?”
“I had no real choice this once.” I calmly respond, “You would have known what the cupcakes contained if I could have told you. However, if I revealed to you the effects of the pastries, how many of you would have eaten them anyway? Furthermore, from now on, I will tell you when I cannot reveal an answer you seek.”
Allegiance, after a few moments thought, asks, “What exactly are we now?”
“That is a very Twilight thing to say, Allegiance. And what more could I expect from Celestia’s star pupil?” I smile as I continue, “You have become the Guardian Spirits. These beings that you are now manifesting are six specially chosen servants of the Creator. These servants have but one mission, to help the physical creations of the Creator fight off the Dark Ones.”
Empathy hisses, “Those infernal creatures. They are the sole reason for all suffering in our world.”
“Not necessarily. Much that is suffered in this life could be avoided by following the will of the Creator, but few are brave enough to try such a feat.”
“I could.” Indictment says in Rainbow Dash’s voice.
I sigh, “It would seem that this manifestation is beginning to weaken. These apples will defuse the form around you. If you choose not to eat them, then the full backlash of your first transformation may be enough to incapacitate you, and it will be quite painful. Also, your individual personalities are clashing with those of the bonded Guardian. Eventually, you each will form a symbiotic relationship with your native Guardian forms, and after you have mastered your native form, you will begin on the same kind of bond with the others. All of this will take time, and I fear that is one thing we have in very short supply. I hope you will pardon the bluntness, but please do eat quickly.”
We each hurriedly grab an apple, and all take a bite. The sweet taste, coupled with a sturdy crunch, is a delicious melody in my mouth. Since I closed my eyes to further savor the flavor of Sweet Apple Acres world famous apples, I felt, more than saw, the mares returning to their original forms. The level of arcane energy saturating the room plummeted sharply, although I still sensed the presence of each of mare. Slowly I opened my eyes to see them rapidly devouring their apples. At the pace they set, it would appear that these apples were the first things they had eaten in a few days, rather than only a few hours, at most. After they finished, I tell them, “We should leave soon. The journey to an ideal training ground may take a long time.”
Twilight responds, “Why do we need to train? After all, we have these incredibly powerful beings bonded with us.”
“True. But what happens when you are too exhausted to summon your Guardian? Will you surrender to Shadow, or will you try to beat them with your own power? I assure you all, that even Twilight’s magic is not yet strong enough to defeat Shadow alone.”
Rainbow Dash boasts, “I’m one of fittest ponies around, and you’re saying I couldn’t handle these ‘Shadow’ by myself. You don’t know us, how can you be so sure?”
I respond, “Because, unlike you, Rainbow Dash, I have fought and killed thousands of Shadow. I am one of only twenty who can manifest the Guardians, and I am the only one who can sustain manifestations for long. Until you have faced the Shadow in combat, I don’t expect you to comprehend just how horrifying and powerful they really are.”
Rainbow Dash looks at the floor a little sheepishly. They all start scuffing their hooves. I wait a few minutes while they work up their nerve. Finally, Applejack asks, “How are you goin’ to train us?”
“I’m glad you asked.” I answer quickly, “The training regime is going to be grueling, but it will shape you mentally, physically, and emotionally into elite Shadow Duelers. Each of you will have many tests designed to target your greatest weaknesses, and after those weaknesses have become strengths, you will be halfway to your goal.”
“Only halfway?” Applejack looks at me quizzically.
“Yes, because at the same time you, the pony, are getting in shape, you must also fashion a bond with the Guardians. This is a very difficult task, and each of you must succeed in it if Equestria is to survive. Time runs short; we must travel to a secret place so that I can begin your training.”
I trot quickly to the door, pushing it open with a hoof, I turn and beacon the mares to follow me. They do so readily but not enthusiastically. We trek to the Everfree Forest, then under its bows. I head in the general direction of a mystical energy emanating from somewhere in the Forest.
After wandering through the forest for a few hours, I was beginning to lose hope of finding the space I needed, but the Creator smiled upon us today, for just as I was going to give up, a break in the trees revealed exactly what I was looking for. “This will serve us perfectly.” I state as I break through the foliage into the clearing. “I suggest that you stand back.” I say this as my horn ignites. My golden aura spreads throughout the clearing as I carefully summon an obstacle course using very complex spells and enchantments to prevent this area from being comprised by any other than the most skilled mages.
Once I finish summoning the course I turn my attention back to the six very startled mares standing below me (the spell I used caused me to levitate a little). Creating a grid out of light, I proceed to give them an animated briefing of what will be accomplished over the next several weeks. I show them the grueling physical, emotional, and spiritual training they will endure and conquer on the road to becoming Shadow Duelers. I show them the nature of their enemy, and why they must fight. Everypony is very quiet the entire time. At the end of the presentation, Twilight asks, “Why do we have to be able to manifest all six Gaurdians?”
My response does not come immediately. After taking a few moments to compose my thoughts, I answer, “Each of the Gaurdians specializes in a different type of magic. For example, Indictment is focused on combat magic. Whether he must be on the offense or defense he can do it. Plenty specializes in supply and logistical magic. Each of the others have their own specializations.”
Fluttershy enquires, “Just what are we getting into?”
“As I’ve explained, the Shadow are a terrible enemy who only understand violence. They feed off it. Truthfully, they weren’t the first evils to plague our world. That position belongs to the Primus. The exact role of the Primus in the war is not fully understood, yet.”
Pinkie chirps, “What are their names? I wanna make a special surprise party for each of them.”
“That would be most unwise Pinkie. Even if you could surprise them, the evil members of the Primus would make short work of you.” I respond. “Their names, however, are just as simple as the Gaurdians. The Primus have two factions. The first is the Solace who were the original beings of good, while the second group are the Necron, the first evil beings.”
“The names of the Solace are: Diligence, Forgiveness, Kindness, Humility, Charity, Temperance, and Chastity.” I pause for a few moments to remember the names of the vile Necron.
“The names of the Necron are: Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride, Greed, Gluttony, and Lust.” I shudder with each name given. “I would much rather talk about the Solace, for the Necron names leave a bitter taste in my mouth.”
“You never told us where you came from. How did Fooren come to be at war with the Shadow?” Twilight asks.
“Let me show you.” I respond as the light grid begins to morph into a wireframe plane with the seven of us standing in the midst of a massive battlefield. All around us two armies do battle. I narrate the scenes playing before the Mane Six, “Before you is the battle of Zeru. In this battle, Creator’s angelic armies clashed with the forces of Falloor. Falloor was at one time a top lieutenant of Creator, but he allowed pride into his heart. Not long after Falloor was corrupted he tainted the minds of seven strong angles. These angels became the Necron. The Necron set about gathering a following of like-minded angels, and after an unknown time, for time did not exist then, Falloor went before Creator’s throne to challenge Him for the right to govern creation. Creator did not entertain the challenge, but rather threw Falloor out of Zeru. Falloor did not go quietly. He turned at the gates of Zeru and tried to fight his way back into the Golden City. Even with all the might at their backs, Zeru’s armies were only one third of all the Creator’s host, defeat for them was inevitable. When they lost, all those who followed Falloor were cast from Zeru down to the world of mortals.”
As I told this tale, the mares watched as a tall angelic warrior shifted from gold to red, he then was before a throne with a light shining from it. He is thrown from the gates of a great city, and immediately a red army appears behind their master. He raises his sword and charges as the full might of Creator’s army bars his path. A flash followed by slowing clearing smoke reveals trails of fire raining down toward an empty globe, but not one of these meteors reaches the planet.
Rainbow Dash asks, “Wait a minute, how come those comets. . .”
Twilight interjects, “They’re meteors Rainbow Dash.”
Dash huffs at her, “Anyway, those meteors aren’t hitting that planet. Why?”
“Because Creator placed his hand over the created worlds He had yet to form. His protection remained in place until His work of creation was over. Creator formed the first ponyfolk as Alicorns. These Alicorns then had many children and it is through them that the Earth Ponies, Pegasi, and Unicorns came into existence. And it is because the Alicorns were the original ponies that so few now live, and none from that golden time of youth survived to this day.”
Twilight asks, “So how are new Alicorns made?”
“Alicorns possess immense power, to the point that they are hailed as gods. They are also the purest of the pony races, and can only be born of pony parents with pure mixed blood. Alicorns may also be born from the union of an Alicorn with any pony mate, or the union of two Alicorns, but it is rare for even two pure Alicorns to have an Alicorn child. The only other way I have heard of is ascension. This only occurs when a powerful Alicorn sees the potential in a pony to become an Alicorn. They will mentor the pony, and teach them all that they know to the pony. When the pupil is ready, they will be given a test, and the completion of that test will prove if they are ready to be Alicorn, and with a little magic from the master, the student will ascend.”
Twilight looks troubled at this. Rarity asks, “So, why tell us all this?”
“It is important for you to understand why Shadow and Forrenian hate each other with such zeal. The Shadow are born out of the darkness festering within each pony. Every evil act gives birth to at least one Shadow, great acts of evil give life to several powerful Shadow. Foorenians, however, are almost direct descendants of the original Alicorn families. It is partly because of our heritage as children of the Creator that we fight so relentlessly against the Shadow.”
I wait a few moments to see if any further questions are forthcoming, “The obstacle course behind me is going to become your best friend over the next eight weeks. Prepare yourselves; you’re in for a long day.”
As the day begins to end, I call the Mane Six to the edge of the clearing. All of them walk to me, drooping, limping, and clearly on the verge of collapse. They had run the course several times, and spent the last several hours trying to fellowship with their native Gaurdians. Now they stand before me trembling on their hooves, even Applejack and Rainbow Dash seem to have reached their physical limits.
“Surely all this training isn’t really necessary. We don’t need to be in top condition, do we?” Rarity enquires, “Training is so hard, and we’re all so tired.” She draws out her final statements with a very high-pitched whine.
I grimace at her whining before answering, “You seem to have forgotten that none of you have the strength required to save your kingdom, not yet. But if you stick with the training, even when I’m not here to push you, you’ll become more powerful than any lone Shadow. Now, let’s get you all home.”
As we travel toward Ponyville, I get the feeling that something is watching us. Falling back to the rear of the group, I slowly turn my head to look over my shoulder, I see two golden eyes watching me from the dense foliage on the side of the road, and I could have sworn I heard the tinkling of wind chimes as the eyes vanish. I hear on the wind a whispered warning, “Watch and guard them carefully. They do not yet understand fully. Each day that they grow, the more your enemy will know.” I wonder who this shadowed figure could be, for true Shadow never have golden eyes.
The first home we arrive at is Flutterhsy’s cottage. “Good night everypony.” She says.
“You did very well today, Fluttershy. Keep going, you’ll make it.” I offer as encouragement.
“I don’t know, Sir Lightning.”
“You will, be ready tomorrow, I’ll be returning early.” A collective groan informs me the others are not terribly pleased with that idea.
Pinkie Pie is somehow able to muster the energy to bounce a few times when we reach her home. “Tomorrow I promise to bring snacks.”
“It would probably be better to bring light meals. We’ll be training all day tomorrow.” She droops a little at the thought of more training. I smile and add, “Don’t worry, once you get over the wall it becomes much easier.” She looks at me puzzled, and asks, “What wall? I climbed over your wall several times today.”
I smile, “You’ll understand what I mean when it happens.”
Rarity is thoughtful the whole trip back to her boutique, when we arrive she asks, “I think some uniforms would definitely be in order for our little group.”
“An excellent idea Rarity, just don’t go overboard with the flare. You’ll be designing military uniforms. There are three uniforms worn by Shadow Duelers, although I encourage all my Duelers to customize their uniforms. I’ll send you the designs in a few days.” I answer.
She smiles and enters her boutique. The sounds of her being greeted by an ecstatic Sweetie Belle are clearly audible.
It takes several minutes for us to reach Sweet Apple Acres. When we reach the gates Applejack turns to Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and I, she says, “This is as far as y’all need to go. Big Mac can see me from here, he’ll be downright worried by now.”
I tell her, “Tell him that you’re going to be going with a friend and the gang to do some training. If he asks what kind, contact me.”
She nods and starts the long walk up the path to her home. Rainbow Dash takes off almost immediately after Applejack leaves. She salutes from a hover and rockets off to her home in the sky. Shaking my head slowly, I say to Twilight, “Don’t wait up.” I unfold my wings and shoot off after Dash. Twilight huffs and begins her long walk back home.
In the clouds above the town, I see Rainbow Dash enter her cloud house. I land at the door and knock. It takes a while for her to answer, and she isn’t exactly happen to see me. “What do you want?” She asks.
“I wanted to tell you that I understand. You think I’m just torturing you with relentless orders and exercises. I’m not. I have to be hard on you now so that you’ll grow the steel you need to survive in the field.”
“Hmph. . .” She is clearly not impressed.
“Be ready tomorrow morning Rainbow, we start again bright and early.”
“What about my duties?” She asks, “I’m the weather mare here.”
“I know you have a life, and I’m just dropping in. Fortunately for you, six of my associates are going to arriving soon to sub for you while you’re training. Once you’re done, they’ll be helping you in the field.”
She accepts this answer (huffily) and I bid her good night. It takes me a few minutes to catch up with Twilight. She doesn’t acknowledge my presence. I let her have the privacy of her thoughts all the way back to the library.
I cook dinner for two, we eat it, and I relax at the table for several minutes before she finally breaks the silence with a quiet, “Why haven’t you done anything?” I look at her quizzically. “As far as I can tell, you aren’t doing anything to find Spike. Don’t you care?” She is on the brink of tears, her eyes glistening with them.
“That’s just it Twilight. I am doing something. I am training you to be ready to take the fight to the Shadow. I’m only one pony, and I have almost none of my strength right now. I used a tremendous amount of power just getting here. I used even more to create and conceal the obstacle course. You probably felt it both times. The Shadow more than likely know about your discovery of the Guardians as well, and they’ll be coming for you.”
“But you’ll drive them off, right?”
“I won’t always be here to save you. Eventually, you must fight them alone, and that day is what I’m preparing you for. Besides, I’m going to search for Spike while I sleep.”
“How is that even possible?”
“I will use my body as an anchor and travel the far reaches of Equestria in the form of a projection.”
“Like astral projection?”
“Similar, astral projection occurs while one is conscious, but what I’ll be doing is called dream walking. While my body rests, I will be out dreaming my way through the lands of Equestria, searching for your lost friend.”
She stares at the table, her body quivering with the silent tears dripping from her eyes. “Good night, Twilight.”
“Good night, Lightning. Don’t worry about me.”
I know that her grief won’t let her rest, but I also know it is best for the pain to run its course. I stand from the table, clean the dishes with some quick sparks of my horn, and make my way to bed. That night, a certain princess of dreams visits me as I travel across the dreamscapes of my subconscious and out into the night.