//------------------------------// // Chapter 19 // Story: Angel of Gold // by Magna85 //------------------------------// The Song... Just what is The Song? "Should I be worried about this Song, Princess Celestia?" I asked, wary of her answer. She didn't respond immediately. However, Luna took that as her cue to answer, "It is a very old legend, older than Discord and ourselves. Believe me when I say that it is nothing more than folklore." I saw Celestia glance at Luna before she returned to pondering. "I still want to know about it, just in case it might be important at a later time," I said. The Princesses looked at me before sharing a glance. Celestia sighed and told me about The Song. A Song of Creation to all will be the final note A Song of Destruction brings pain, even to the tiniest mote Chimes and bells herald death Screams and rage bring breath A choice be made, thus the world spins Past loss to future gain, ere all shall gain fins Betrayal, loss, hatred, and fear All these and more shall be encountered there "These words were written down in a very old book, long before this castle was built, perhaps even longer than Equestria existed," she said. What type of nut wrote that poem? "But that's just a poem, right? Not some prophecy that will be fulfilled soon?" I said, starting to get worried. Celestia looked away, while Luna said, "It's nothing you need to concern yourself with. The Song is...for lack of a better word, ethereal. Discord, my sister, myself, and some few others can feel its presence… somewhere. It is not truly present as a piece of sheet music in the physical world. Beyond that, I cannot provide any information. It would probably be for the best if you forgot that Discord even mentioned it to you." "Oh, okay..." I said, confused and slightly disappointed. I left the Princesses to their talking and met up with Twilight, who had been talking to Rainbow Dash about something. The instant I showed up, however, Rainbow tried to excuse herself to grab something to eat. Twilight's hand glowed as she lifted Rainbow Dash off the ground and back towards us. "Rainbow, you need to apologize for that unprovoked attack against Celedon." "But she was surrounded by guards! I thought they were after her! If anything, she should apologize for taking that punch and not even having the common courtesy to act like she was in pain," Rainbow said as she tried to wriggle out of the magical grasp of Twilight Sparkle. "I don't think that's how this works," Twilight said, a bored look on her face. "Ugh, fine." Rainbow Dash took in a deep breath before saying, "I'msorryIpunchedyou! Now could you let me down? I'm still hungry!" Twilight kept her in the air for a few more seconds, looking at Rainbow with narrowed eyes. I spoke up then, saying, "Twilight, don't worry about it. Like she said, I didn't get hurt, nor did I feel any pain from the impact." Twilight looked at me before sighing and releasing Rainbow Dash. "That's not the point of the matter, Celedon," Twilight said as Rainbow shot off to get some more food. She shook her head at her friend's antics. "Oh right! We never did any testing on your harp, did we?" Twilight said. "I guess not, though I'm feeling a little tired right now," I said. So much food and the various antics of Pinkie Pie could really tire someone out. Twilight looked a little sad at that, but she shook it off and said, "That's fine, I understand." I thanked her for understanding and smiled gratefully as Twilight said goodbye and walked over to one of her other friends. "Hey, Celedon." I heard Tim behind me. "Yes Berserker?" "You mind if we take a walk?" I turned around to look at him. If I had to say something about his expression, he looked like he had been thinking for quite a while. I was confused, but I nodded my head anyway. He nodded and started walking out to the garden. I caught Pinkie Pie and told her that I would be stepping out for a little bit. Can't be rude at my own party after all. I finally found Tim looking at the pedestal he had been standing on before I had awakened him. Still don't know how that happened, but anyway. "Trying to remember the past?" I questioned as I walked to his side. "No. I'm just trying to remember something that the guy said to tell you," Tim said, closing his eyes in concentration. "You mean Void-coat?" I said. Only something or someone like him could have a coat like that, I think. "Yeah. Now that you mention it, I guess we were brought here by the same guy." Tim stood there for a few more moments, before snapping his fingers and saying, "That's right! He told me to tell you that you need to "Seek The Song in the place where Sirens Call," or something like that. Ring any bells?" If I could breathe, my breath would have caught in my throat. "Did someone mention The Song?" A rather irritated sounding voice came from behind me. "Uh, yeah. What is it?" Tim said, still confused on what The Song really was. I turned around and saw Discord standing there with a very pointed glare. "It is something you do not need to concern yourself with. However, you," he pointed at me. "...You need to be careful. Normally, I am very bad at giving advice, but certain rules are in place that even I cannot break. I hate the fact that I have to obey rules, but listen to me when I tell you this; The Song is extremely dangerous, even when wielded by those of a pure heart. I have conversed with your handler and have been made aware of a few things. Oh don't look so surprised, he was the one who contacted me." I tried to wipe the surprise off my face, but it didn't really work. "Wait, you actually talked with Void-coat?" Tim said, picking up on the nick name I used before. "Void-coat? Oh, he must have used a 'normal' form so you didn't go insane. Ugh, I hate having to be so serious," Discord said with obvious frustration. "Anyway, even though I don't like it, you do need to seek out The Song. I cannot tell you what it will do, one of his stupid rules, but let me say that the next few weeks will be a very tumultuous time for you two," he continued. I stood there with my mouth open. Then I said, "Hold on, time out. I am supposed to seek out this 'Song,' something that doesn't really exist as a physical thing, and figure out what to do with it?" Discord nodded once, his unnaturally serious expression not doing anything to calm my nerves. "But what about the Princesses?" I said, worried about their reaction. "They'll be fine. The only thing they might have a problem with is having Berserker here along with you before the one-week probationary period is over. I'll explain it to them after you leave. Also, you need to get going about yesterday, because there was a small part of the poem that Celestia neglected to mention to you that is taking place right now. ‘At the first light of the last day, during the time of Mermaid Bay, The Song will be revealed, but only to the strong-willed.’ The time of Mermaid Bay is in reference to a specific time that King Triton hosts in order to decide the Royal Siren. I can tell you only that much, you have to decide how to approach it." Overwhelmed, I waved my hands in front of me. "Wait, wait, wait. Slow down. What are you talking about?" Discord sighed and said, "You need to go to the Mer Kingdom and participate in the competition. There, the Song will be revealed and, your handler specifically stated this, you need to gain control of it. As much as I hate having to entrust something like that to you, or anyone for the matter, you are the one that needs to win."