//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Mythology of the Element of Time // Story: My Little Pony: The Element of Time // by Thunderwing250 //------------------------------// Nightfall came over Equestria, halting the ponies from advancing any further. Knowing that their journey would be long and tiresome, they decided to set up camp on a nearby cliff. As they finished making their tents, each one fell asleep. Twilight was having trouble sleeping and awoke barely an hour later to find the Archivist sitting near the fire, thinking. Curious, she walked over and sat next to her. There was a long silence between the two. “You need rest, Twilight Sparkle, for we will be leaving as soon as the sun rises,” The Archivist insisted. Twilight shook her head. "I can't sleep. Happens to me all the time when it comes to life-at-stake situations, if you know what I mean," she replied. "I see," The Archivist replied. “Madame Archivist? Can I ask you something?” Twilight asked. The Archivist turned. “Yes?” “I don’t understand why I have to wait for all this, when we could just go up the mountain and find out what is going on. And all this nonsense with the spell-books... You're hiding something from me and, as Princess, I want to know what it is,” Twilight said. The Archivist scoffed. “I’m guessing Timaeus came to you?” she replied. Twilight raised an eyebrow. “Yes. Wait, how did you know?” Twilight responded. “Let’s just say, that even though you can’t see certain things, something is always watching. In this case, instead of us, who understand a little more about Equestria’s history, the Master of Time, himself, came to you,” The Archivist said. “Timaeus, Paguseus, and Alteros are very protective of their spells. What you need to understand is that there are reasons why certain things are kept underground. And, Royalty or not, you need to respect that.” Twilight exhaled. “I understand,” she replied, unable to help a pout. “Why so disappointed?” the Archivist asked. Twilight shook her head. “I really wanted to understand Equestria’s history now, but everypony keeps telling me to wait,” she replied. The Archivist sighed. “Ever hear about the Legend of the Element of Time?” she asked. Twilight shook her head. “I thought not. Well, it’s a pretty interesting story. A mare around your age and of royalty wanted to know the “true” knowledge of Equestria, however she was denied that information. Upset and angry, she journeyed to the temples in search of the Element of Time. Now, legend has it that the Element of Time possesses knowledge from before. In other words, if one wanted to study the past, the present, and the future, one would seek out the Element. It also includes the ancient spells such as the Time Travel spell, such as the one you used from Star Swirl's library. That’s another issue I must discuss with you later.” “Tell me more about the Element, though,” Twilight said. “Please.” “After years and years of searching, this mare knew her time was running out and at last she made it to the Tower of Kronos,” The Archivist continued. “Tower of Kronos?” Twilight repeated curiously. “Yes. The Tower of Kronos was the resting place for the Element of Time. Anyhow, this mare journeyed within the Tower in search of the Element until she reached the top and came face to face with the Element itself. Satisfied with her accomplishment, she took the Element and soon gained all the knowledge of Equestria. Unfortunately, it came with a heavy price. Gaining this knowledge, the Element of Time realized she was not worthy enough to wield the it, which and it turned her into Stone,” The Archivist continued. “Turned to Stone? But that spell could be reversed, couldn't it?” Twilight asked. The Archivist shook her head. “Any spell the Element of Time casts cannot be countered nor reversed. If the mare was turned to stone, it was the Element that sensed she was unworthy. I must mention though, the Elements of Creation along with the Ancient elements were created to keep balance, not to upset them. If one steals one of the elements, the element would attack the user, causing him or her to be stone for all eternity,” The Archivist finished. Twilight absorbed the information, which left her amazed and puzzled at the same time. “That is quite interesting. I’m surprised it was never written in the books,” she said “That’s because the Element of Time belongs to Master Timaeus,” The Archivist replied. “I understand.” Twilight yawned. “Well, thank you for telling me that story. I’m gonna get some rest.” The Archivist nodded and Twilight, trying not to yawn again, headed back for her tent and sleeping bag. As Twilight and her friends slept, the Archivist looked up to the stars and began to think. Something wasn’t right about that moment. After a few minutes, she fell asleep. Over in Canterlot, Luna awoke, gasping for air. Looking around the room, she noticed it was nightfall and struggled to get up and begin her duty. Suddenly, Celestia appeared at the doorway. “Sister. You’re awake,” she said. Luna put her head down, trying to catch her breath. “Indeed,” she replied. Celestia tilted her head. “What’s wrong?” she asked. “I think I know what I saw. However, it’s something we’ve never seen before,” Luna replied. Celestia curiously walked to Luna. “What did you see?” she asked. Luna continued to breath heavily, still frightened about that one moment. She lifted her head. “It wasn’t a dragon, but an Alicorn. An Alicorn I have never seen before…” She paused and her eyes grew wide. “No! I need to warn Twilight!” Luna was about to spring to her hooves, but Celestia gently held her back. “It’s okay Luna. I sent Twilight and her friends to investigate, along with two others. With their strength, I know they can stop this,” Celestia proudly responded. “I'll send a message on to Spike. I'm sure everything will be fine.” “I hope so, sister,” Luna responded sadly. Celestia turned to the window. “I know. Have faith in them as much as I do and they’ll be okay,” she said.