//------------------------------// // Verse II - Preparation // Story: Ballad of the Four Mages // by Obsidian Chitin //------------------------------// The sun was high in the sky, but covered with permanent dark gray clouds. In front of them were the tall gray stone walls that protected the town and castle of Canterlot. In the distance to the left and right they could see the thicket that surrounded the town. Four unicorns walked towards the gate. A white-furred pegasus guard saw the four mages, and opened the gates. The lead mare, a Time Mage, reached into her coat and pulled out a legendary yellow gem. The guard's eyes nearly bugged out of his head. “It that...?!” The Time Mage nodded. “This is the Crystal Key of Wind.” “The Light Warriors!” the guard exclaimed. “We will take you to see the Queen at once!” - - - The door to the throne room opened. A red carpet led up to the large throne itself, a white alicorn sitting upon it. Her white robes seemed to shimmer like the sun, and her ethereal mane flowed like an aurora. “Queen Celestia.” The Time Mage said as she and the other three mages took a bow, which The Queen returned. “My ponies... Is it true?” Celestia asked. “Are you the legendary Light Warriors?” Each of the four mages pulled out their Crystal Keys. Celestia nodded, a small smile creasing upon her face. “So, it is true. What are your names, brave warriors?” The Time Mage stepped forward first. “My name is Twilight Sparkle, the Time Mage.” The blue mare stepped forward next. “Trixie Lulamoon, the Great and Powerful Black Mage.” Then came the aqua mare. “I am Lyra Heartstrings, the White Mage.” Finally, the white mare. “I'm Vinyl Scratch, the Summoner. Er, Green Mage? Yeah, that fits better.” Twilight shot a glare at Vinyl, who returned with a sheepish look and a shrug. The Time Mage then shook her head with a sigh. “Before you embark on your quest...” Celestia said, calling the attention of the four mages, “...I have a mission for you.” “What is your request?” Twilight asked with a kneel. “My personal bard was kidnapped by a traitorous knight named Garland. She is being held in an old castle to the north. Please rescue her from his evil clutches, she is dear to me.” Celestia said. “As you wish, Your Majesty.” Twilight said before ending her kneel. Vinyl held up a hand. “Hold up a sec. What's her name?” She asked, worry creeping into her voice. “Her name is Octavia Philharmonica.” Celestia replied. The Green Mage's eyes widened as her jaw dropped. A whisper escaped her lips. “No...” “Vinyl? What's wr-” Twilight started to ask. “NO!” Vinyl suddenly shouted as she bolted from the room, leaving three confused mages and one concerned Queen. “What's wrong with her?” Trixie asked, confused. “Um...” Lyra said awkwardly, “I have no idea.” “We better go after her.” Twilight said with a nod. “Well, duh.” Trixie said with an eye roll. The three then raced off to find their friend. - - - A white mare in a green cloak looked at her reflection in the fountain. “Octy...” She whispered sadly. “I will save you... I promise...” Vinyl heard approaching footsteps. She looked up to see Twilight, Trixie, and Lyra. “H-hey.” She said weakly. “What was that about?” Trixie asked. “You concerned Trixie with your little outburst.” “Sorry about that.” Vinyl said as she sniffled. As the three other mages approached her, they could see that her cheeks were stained with tears. “I... I'm worried about Octavia.” Lyra sat down next to Vinyl and hugged her softly. Vinyl paused for a minute before returning the hug. “You know Octavia from before, don't you?” Twilight asked as she sat on the other side of Vinyl. Vinyl nodded. “We've had a thing for a while now. Long distance, though.” “A 'thing'?” Trixie asked. “Yeah.” Vinyl replied with a nod. “She's my fillyfriend.” “Didn't think you swung that way, too.” Lyra said with a grin. “Trixie suspected as such all along, of course.” Trixie said triumphantly. She faltered immediately. “Wait, what do you mean, 'too'?” “She's married to a mare over in Baron. What, didn't you know that?” Twilight said, raising an eyebrow. Lyra giggled as she reached into her shirt and pulled out her necklace, which had a wedding band and a locket on it. “Um... Of course Trixie knew that!” Trixie said with a blush that said otherwise. “Of course you did. Apparently 'Great and Powerful' doesn't include having a good memory.” Lyra said with a smirk. “Hey! Trixie has a great memory!” Trixie shot back. Vinyl gave a soft chuckle. “There's that smile we all love.” Lyra said as she patted the Green Mage on the shoulder. “Feeling better?” “A little.” Vinyl admitted. “There we go.” Lyra said, getting up. “Alright, we'll need to get ready for our journey.” Twilight said as she pulled out a scroll and quill with a quick basic holding spell. “We've got to get several potions, a few antidotes just in case, and perhaps a tent or two.” “So, who shall get what? Trixie supposes she could get the potions and antidotes.” Trixie said. “I think the tents and potions are sold at the same store, actually. We don't really need to split up.” Twilight said with a small smile. “...Trixie knew that.” - - - The four mages returned to the fountain after buying their supplies. “So, from this map, I can tell that it's a two day trip.” Twilight said. “We'll travel north, past this thicket surrounding Canterlot. We'll take a break in these small woods here, then travel north through this larger forest and the swamp immediately past it to the castle.” “Trixie is satisfied with that plan.” Trixie said. “I wish there was a way to get there faster... But I guess that'll have to do for now.” Vinyl said with a sigh. “We will save her, Vinyl.” Twilight said with conviction, “I promise.” With a nod, the Light Warriors left the walls of Canterlot and began their journey north.