//------------------------------// // Of Ebon and Equinox // Story: Misadventures of Trixie // by Tau22 //------------------------------// The clouds were mostly white, save for this one straggler. Oh, but he was darker than the usual afflicted and would undoubtedly require attention. She looked upwards at the bright moon and sent the message, just as instructed. She received the standard reply and emitted a sigh of relief. She opened her eyes and the dream vanished. Once more, she was on the very edge of Sugarville, camping after a successful performance. At the same time, she was the Dreamwalker. Scouring the world during her travels, aiding Princess Luna with the search for nightmares. Proximity was important, after all, and unlike her tutor, she did not need a complex ritual for her part. A brief peek into the other realm, that was it. All in all, it was a wonderful arrangement, permitting Trixie to get back to the thing she loved most. Entertaining. And perhaps resolving other matters, as well. Those could wait until morning, however. The friend she had in mind was asleep, she was sure. His cloud had been easy to find. One thing still bothered her, however. High up, beyond throngs and throngs of other dreams, she could sense an unease. She had tried to reach it before, but the presence always seemed to distance itself. Luna knew of it, as well, but not even she had been able to approach it. After a few decades of trying, she had simply stopped trying. A mystery of the dream realm, undoubtedly one of many. Trixie opened her eyes and found herself back in the waking world. She turned to her companion, who was still reading a book next to the campfire, wings folded and expression perplexed. With a final sigh, Twilight turned to her and said: "No matter how much I try to read between the lines, it says the same thing." "Lucretia was always quite straightforward in her writing." "It would seem so," her frown swiftly changed to a smile, "how are our dreamers?" "Mostly fine, thankfully. We should follow their example and get some rest, as well." "True enough," she carefully placed the tome back in its travel case and yawned, "good night, Trix." "Good night, Twi." ****** It hadn't taken them long to find the cave's entrance. The owner's constant humming probably helped in that regard. A few twisting turns later and they stood within the main chamber. Beams of light peeked in through a few holes in the ceiling, illuminating a modest hoard, which was more like a small art gallery than a true treasure. The owner was enjoying a breakfast of champions. A pony-sized cake with a large ruby on top, its frosting a dark shade of pink. A single claw deftly cut into the culinary delight, slicing off a small chunk. The azure dragon chewed the piece slowly, deliberately, obviously relishing in the sensations it provided to his taste buds. Finally, he swallowed audibly and commented to himself: "Och, Pinkie, you cheeky devil. This mix of ingredients is scandalously good," suddenly the sound of someone clearing their throat reached his ears and he looked downwards, "well, who do we have here?" It was amazing how adorable the performer looked in her magician's outfit, yet still managed to make the whole thing seem believable. The alicorn, meanwhile, tried to hide an almost innate regal nature under a veneer of modesty. They made quite the pair, that much was certain. The showpony spoke first: "We are most sorry to interrupt your breakfast." "Och, I would never let some morsels get between me and my friends! Unless, of course, you've come to add another notch on your dragonslayer belt?" The princess frowned: "Come off it, Glint." "Am I not allowed to jest? You wound me, Your Highness. In any case," he sliced himself another piece of the cake, then two considerably smaller pieces for his guests, "have a slice!" "Thank you!" the two ponies replied in unison and took a few comparably small bites. It really was scandalously good. "Now then, what can I do for you, friends?" "Truthfully," Trixie began, "we need your help with an academic matter." "Oh? Well, I've never been one for studying, but I'll see what I can do. What answers do you seek?" Twilight took a deep breath: "During our first meeting, You mentioned Tiamath, the supposed mother of all draconites." "Indeed," Glint lied down and lowered his head closer to them, "that is what all the tales say." "Quite. Lucretia Stargazer said as much in her famed Almanac," she tapped the sturdy case on her side, "and recent events lend some credence to these tales, as well. However, the tales of Tiamath also mention two other names." "I had noticed them as well, during my own studies. More perplexing is that one of them had been mentioned to me beforehand. Ebon and Equinox." The dragon furrowed his brow and nodded: "Those names I know, as well." "Could you tell us what you know, please," Twilight could barely contain her excitement, "even Lucretia's own entries are a jumble of dozens of separate myths with no conclusive answer or theory." "I'm sorry to disappoint, but if you have read those tales, you probably know as much as me. Two deities, joining together to defeat the Mother of Dragons once and for all. The exact circumstances, I do not know. I would assume only the likes of Traxex would, ancient as he was." Trixie sighed: "He wasn't really one for academic discussion, unfortunately." "So I have heard. I am sorry that I couldn't help you." "It's quite alright. It's just something that's been nagging us for a while." For a few moments, the three just sat there, enjoying the cake, though something seemed to be spoiling its taste. Suddenly, Glint's eyes seemed to flash and he looked at the two travellers once again: "Perhaps I can still be of help." "What do you mean, Glint?" Twilight asked. "Well, I may know of someone who could perhaps help you. You know Foal Mountain, I presume?" "Yes. Under several other official names, too." "Talest mountain in the world. A treacherous hike upwards, even with magical or winged aid. Even my kin avoid it. It gets so cold that their wings grow icicles, or so I've heard." "Who in the hay would live up there?" "I... can't quite recall. I only remember snippets of stories, from my early youth. Before the, well," he glanced towards the two stumps on his back, "the incident. They said that a dragon lives within Foal Mountain, in a cavernous cave near the summit. Old as the world, some claimed, and wise beyond even such long years," carefully, the draconite grabbed hold of the magnificent ruby planted on top of the cake, "if you are willing to make the climb, I would say this dragon is your best bet." The two ponies shared a look. Trixie spoke first: "So, hardship, adventure and dragons older than Equestria." "What else is new, am I right?" "Quite," the showpony turned back to Glint, "thank you very much for this information, friend." "Anytime, my dear," he threw the ruby into the air and caught it in his jaws. She could swear she heard a child-like squeal as he chewed and finally swallowed, "now that that's done, how are you doing, friends?" ****** Foal Mountain. An unofficial title used so often that it had become ingrained in the public's collective consciousness. It did not matter how many times the peak's true name was reinforced. That one nickname always prevailed, while others were left in the dust. Strange, especially since it had originated as an academic joke. The mountain was the foal of the geologic world. Having grown to its massive height in a relatively short span of time, just a few million years, its geologically rapid growth was thought to have once been observable during an everyday pony's lifetime. It was the seventeenth time Trixie's mind had drifted to the topic, hoping to escape from the unbelievable cold. Even wrapped in stylish, warm coats and protected by just a smidge of magic, the icy air was omnipresent. The deep snow beneath her hooves was the worst, like an icy dagger prodding into her leg with every step. They had been at it for a good three hours, climbing ever higher with the help of both magic and more rudimentary tools. Magic was the clear winner, though, allowing them to ascend with otherwise impossible speed. The clouds and the moisture within them most certainly were not helping. Then they stepped above the clouds and could not help but stop and gaze in wonder. It was as if the world itself was covered in a thick coat of snow, stretching in every single direction into infinity. They marvelled at the view for a good few moments, before continuing their journey. The freezing wind helped them reach that particular decision. Luckily, it did not take them too long to find it. A rather large hole in the mountain's surface, large enough to, say, allow a dragon to pass through. They rushed towards it with renewed vigour and emitted sighs of relief once they were finally inside. It even shielded them from the wind, which was simply wonderful. Panting heavily, Trixie said: "Well, hah, we've made it, it seems." "I most certainly, hah, don't know of any other caverns on Foal Mountain." "Then, uf, let's see what's inside." They cautiously delved deeper, their hooftseps echoing with every step. The temperature was just on the edge of bearable. Two arcane flashlights pierced the darkness, illuminating... nothing but a simple cave. Stones, rocks, a random igneous in the corner. It wasn't a terribly exciting find, up until that point. Then the growl sounded somewhere before them. Immediately, they assumed battle stances, standing rump-to-rump and shining the light all around. Twilight's jaw dropped moments afterwards and Trixie followed her gaze, only to yelp. The creature was gargantuan, easily comparable to even the likes of Traxex. Its scales were a dark shade of gray, with a patch of snow-white here and there. Two eyes, shone from the darkness like two massive, blazing rubies. Strangely enough, it had no wings to speak of. Most impressive were its horns, of which it had many. Most curved backward towards its back, but two were curled forward, much like a ram's. The passage itself seemed barely wide enough to allow it to pass. The draconite roared and slammed his mighty claw into the ground, then spoke in a deep, intimidating voice: "Who walks within these halls?" The sound echoed rather well, considering. Twilight spoke up: "We are travellers! We just wanted to..." "Steal parts of my collection, I reckon?" "N-no! We only need your help with an academic matter!" "Is that so? And why should I believe you, pony?" "Sorry to interject," Trixie spoke up confidently, earning the monster's gaze, "but could we please discuss this face-to-face?" His eyes narrowed, while the princess whispered to her companion: "What are you talking about?!" "Can't you feel it? His movements didn't make the air stir. The sounds he makes echo just a bit wonkily, and I do believe I saw one of the horns scrape against the ceiling with no effect." "Perceptive," the illusion spoke, "very well, I shall grant your request. Please, do come in." Without another word, the image vanished into thin air. With a glance at each other, the two ponies descended deeper into the mountain. ****** "Oh, my gosh!" Twilight exclaimed as soon as they rounded the last corner. It truly was breathtaking. It was as if an elaborate city had been carved into the heart of the mountain, complete with pathways and structures. Each was richly decorated with carvings, grotesques and gargoyles, though they seemed to lack a unifying style. As if they had been carved in different eras. All of it was lit by pretty crystalline torches, placed in strategic locations. Proud statues watched over the path, depicting various sorts of draconites, invariably in triumphant, boastful poses. In the middle of the path stood a familiar, yet undersized creature. The dark grey scales, the blazing rubies for eyes. The ram horns complimented by quite a few smaller ones curving down to his back. Their host stood on his hind legs in an almost humanoid fashion. Most curiously, he was wrapped in a set of navy blue robes. They were a work of art, interwoven with countless runes and other imagery like some sort of tapestry. Trixie could recognise only some of those images, and even those dated back before pony civilisation. He looked towards them with what must have been an attempted smile: "Greetings," he said, bowing down to their level. "Greetings," the duo mimicked him. "I apologise for the display. I do not get to 'flex' my magic too often, for lack of a better term." "I know how that feels," the alicorn smiled, "I get jittery after just a few days without arcane experimentation." "Considering your prowess, that is not too surprising, Miss Sparkle." The two ponies blinked, and Trixie commented: "It seems we are at a disadvantage. You are clearly well informed." "I chose an optimal place to view the world from, Miss Lulamoon. At least, as far as major events go," he shot them a grin and winked, "plus, I do have a newspaper subscription." "Wha-huh?" they both blurted out. "Oh, yes. I've struck a deal with a most dedicated mailmare. Sweet little thing. But I digress. An introduction is in order, I think." "It would be helpful, yes." He straightened himself out and started: "Over the years, I have been known by many names. Every century seems to adorn me with a new title. Keeper, Loremaster, Wise One, Old Geezer in that one Mountain," he grinned and the guests chuckled, "they are redundant words, overall. To you, I am simply Talos." "The pleasure is ours." "I'd beg to differ. Now then, before we get to your academic pursuits, may I interest you in some tea?" ****** The kettle hissed and Talos bid the fire under it to vanish. It was an ancient item, the images on it depicting a battle between ponies and some horrid, nameless creatures. The small room was littered with similar antiques and collectables, from tiny statuettes to paintings in every style, undoubtedly kept in good shape thanks to magic. Every other chamber they had traversed was similar. Filled to the brim with curiosities and artefacts. And tea, apparently. Dozens of flavours were available, acquired from every corner of the world. Trixie marvelled at the selection, not quite sure which exotic blend to go for: "You have so many, I have trouble choosing!" Twilight was already stirring her own, mundane choice. The dragon cackled and said: "Well, if you are feeling adventurous, the one with the crystalline herbs from the north is very unique." "I do believe I am feeling bold today. Let it be so!" "Splendid," the pouch actually clanked after he lowered it into her mug, "I do think you will enjoy it." "How did you get your claws on all of these, if you don't mind me asking?" inquired Twilight. "Not at all. They are mostly gifts from old friends, whenever they stop by. That's how I've acquired almost all of the items you can see in these halls," he gestured towards the displayed collectables, "I've had a lot of time." "You collection is unlike anything else, I must say!" the showpony commented. "I wouldn't say it's mine, per se. All are welcome to come up here and view it. I am merely the items' caretaker." "Is that why you still maintain a reasonable size?" "Depends on what you understand under reasonable, princess. But yes." "You possess a strong will," Trixie gazed down at her beverage, the strange crystalline plant was dissolving into the liquid entirely, "I'd hate to sound impatient, but may we discuss our issue?" "By all means, I'd be happy to help! Few know of this place, fewer still brave the journey. A visit, then, has troubling implications. Is there some danger I should know about?" "Oh, no, no," Twilight shook her head, "we were merely... extremely curious." "Curiosity skinned the whelp, as they say." "I suppose they do. Nonetheless, we have consulted several of our own sources, but we were still unable to find a definite answer. Do the names Ebon and Equinox mean anything to you?" Talos froze for a moment, his eyes gazing into space. Trixie could swear that she spotted a crackle of energy dart along his horns. He nodded: "Those names are known. History, ancient history. The youngest years of my time. What answers do you seek?" Trixie said: "We have nothing but conflicting tales and myths from our research. These names carry a meaning which eludes us, still. Can you tell us who or what they were?" "I could," a timid smile crept back onto his elongated face, "but I'd rather show you." ****** The room was even smaller than the last, and uncharacteristically barren. Its walls, ceiling and floor were all of the same smooth, polished stone. The door creaked as it closed and they found themselves in utter darkness. The draconite's voice came, right in front of them: "Ready?" "Ready as we'll ever be," they answered in unison. "In that case..." Trixie's horn immediately tingled as small sparks of energy danced between Talos' numerous horns. In the faint light they emitted, she could see his arms rise towards the ceiling. And then... Then there was light. They suddenly stood on some sort of cliff, overlooking a massive valley bellow. It was a barren wasteland, with very few plants or any other life in general. Not the best of views, to be sure. The ground suddenly trembled as a truly gargantuan shape burst from the ground. It filled the entire valley with its unimaginable mass. Five monstrous heads sprouted from it on prehensile necks, serpentine to a lesser or greater degree. Each head spouted a set of horns and each had scales of a different. Talos spoke to his audience: "In the beginning, there was Tiamath. Earthmother, Shaper of Stone and Soil. Through her efforts, the world was forged out of stardust and primordial elements. Being supreme and alone, she was uncontested in her efforts and the entire place was her playground. Until," the ponies noticed tiny plants were starting to grow around them, "the land drew breath. Blessed rain brought with it life," the elder dragon roared at these intruders in fury, futilely trying to root them out, "in her wrath, the Old Mother did not realise that her power seeped deep into the earth and was scattered across the winds. Two creatures would gather this power." A brilliant flash appeared in the sky and Twilight's mouth flew wide open. It seemed almost like some sort of apparition, a majestic alicorn formed seemingly out of nothing but crystal, which shone with every colour of the rainbow. The wind howled as the radiant one spread its wings and the mother looked upwards with all of her heads. "First was Equinox, embodiment of the sky, of the surface world in general. Majestic and proud, it drew the Earthmother's attention." A cloud of darkened mist started rising from cracks in the ground, left behind by the dragon's claws. It congealed into a shapeless mass which moved with precise intent. Battle. "The second was Ebon. Devious, calculative and secretive, it was the underground realm personified. As Equinox caught her attention, Ebon moved in to strike." The image before them grew blurry, and was replaced by images of the elder dragoness' many heads, surrounded by various elements or locales: "From what remained, the Firstborn rose, followed by the first of the now-incredibly-widespread draconite species they represented. Those of the sky, the earth, the sea, the stars and, finally, the arcane" two of the heads, Trixie could actually identify, the others were foreign, He started with the one that sent shivers down her spine, "Traxex, Gaea, Leviathan, Sol and," he paused for just a moment, "Talos. The five great dragons fled from the duo, not strong enough to oppose them at that time. But Ebon and Equinox by no means saw eye-to-eye." The shadow leapt high into the sky and the image grew blurry, before changing to a sight Trixie actually recognised. The view that most buildings in Canterlot enjoyed, at least nowadays. The small cottages around them weren't quite as impressive. Their guide continued: "Little is known of the conflict itself, as even we were not present while it transpired. What I do know, however, is that they were no more. After a time of Chaos, brought upon by a mixture of essences within a single being, their children, just like those of Tiamath, walked the earth. Some were especially gifted, and I do believe you might know them. And you know the rest of your history well-enough." The Sun and Moon walked among their hooved, tribal ponies, looking quite pleased with themselves. Then, abruptly, the image faded. Crystalline torches came to life as Talos headed for the door and opened it: "After you, my dears." The two of them were positively ecstatic, though each in her own way. "Oh, my, this certainly knits things together," the alicorn's wings flapped involuntarily, "I can already see parallels and similarities to all manners of myths and legends. Oh, this will be so much to think on!" "My gosh, that was amazing," the showpony somewhat agreed, "the images were so vivid, so lifelike! I could actually feel the quakes and sound waves, it was incredible! I hope I can do something at least close to that in my lifetime!" "I am humbled and glad that you enjoyed it and I do hope your questions were at least somewhat answered." "Oh, indeed," she peeked through a set of filled pages in a purple notebook, "I have enough notes for weeks!" "You managed that while watching?" "Practice, dear Trixie. Practice." "Your skillset is quite obvious, I must say," the arcane draconite chuckled, "now, then. Night is upon us. I'd advise against trying to make your way back down the mountain at this point. Visibility and soul-chilling winds do not make for a good hike. I have some guest rooms, if you'd be interested. Recently carved out of the stone, too!" "If I may, Talos, what does 'recently carved' mean when it comes to your calendar?" "Oh, only a century or so. Don't make me feel like an old geezer, you hear?" They laughed together. ****** The night was young. The dreams were so distant, though that wasn't too alarming in and of itself. Expected, really. It was what was unfathomably close which unsettled her. The dream was unlike anything she had seen before. Instead of a cloud, a perfect sphere. It was grey, which meant the emotions and thoughts that drove it were neutral, neither pure bad nor overtly good. She could not help but wander close, her curiosity running utterly unchecked. With but a light prod of her hoof, she was permitted entry. She found herself in the midst of creation, floating in the never-ending void between stars, galaxies and universes. Despite this, the area was clearly lit, illuminating a large stone slab, cut into a perfect square. And on it, was a familiar dragon with many horns, sitting with his legs crossed and eyes closed, as if meditating. Trixie was unsure what to do. Approach him? But that would disturb the dream, would it not? Perhaps leaving would actually be best. As she turned to do just that, Talos spoke: "I was wondering when you would enter. Proximity alone ensured that you would find this place, Dreamwalker." "Well," she floated closer and her front hooves landed on the slab, "you can't blame me. Curiosity skinned the whelp, as they say." "Heheh, indeed," the dragon's eyes opened, though they no longer shone as in the waking world. They blazed brightly like a pair of crimson stars, "the more curious the object, the less resistance we offer." "From what I've gathered, you somehow manipulate this place? This dream?" "Quite. I learned to identify my dreams at a relatively young age. I then seized control of them. Here, alone with my thoughts, I am the master." "Impressive technique, if I do say so myself." "Oh, nonsense. One could master it within a more limited lifespan if they tried, I'm sure. Though, I will admit, the longer you live, the more useful it is." "I bet. Having a few extra hours of self-reflection certainly would have helped me avoid some troublesome decisions," she sighed as she sat next to Talos and stared with him at the universe, "I don't think I could have brewed such an impressive image, however." "Neither could I. My sister, Sol, sent me this memory. It has amazed me ever since." "And yet, even here, your thoughts are troubled. Why is that?" He glanced at her, briefly, before turning back to the void: "Signs. Too many signs. Too many forgotten prophecies, dismissed ravings of madmen. Too many conflicting views. The tapestry of time has been planned out, yet I cannot see its design clearly. Events have been set in motion. Or have they? I cannot tell. And that scares me, somewhat." "I'm sorry, but I don't quite follow." "Equinox manifested," Trixie tilted her head, "though not in this world, the six chosen were able to call upon its power. Does that mean Equinox yet lives? Or was it an echo contained within its elements?" "Its elements? You mean...?" "Yes. Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Loyalty, Generosity, Magic. The elements of the harmony Equinox sought to bring. Before their clash. Some legends say that the Tree of Harmony grew where Equinox fell. Others say that is merely where the elements manifested, at the heart of the world, the origin of life. I can confirm neither theory and, frankly, it is not important. But the questions that arose frighten me." "I think I can predict. If Equinox does indeed still exist, what of Ebon?" "Precisely. Ebon carried elements as well. Ones of dominion, of supremacy. Dangerous powers fuelled by volatile emotions. And then, there is you." "M-me? W-what," she stammered, almost at a loss for words, "do you mean?" "Within the six, their elements have become obvious. But I sense something within you, lingering, unknown. It concerns me, for I cannot explain it." "Are you implying I have an element of some sort?" He looked down and this time, his gaze lingered: "I do not know. All I can say is something stirs within you. I cannot name it, I cannot describe it, but there is something there. Something familiar." "So you have felt it before?" "Yes. In one who managed to mostly evade the vigilant gaze of history. Lucretia Stargazer." "You knew her?! I," suddenly, she was excited, "she's been my idol ever since I was a filly!" "Courageous, determined. To a fault, perhaps. I can see the parallels." "Why was she here?" "To ask questions about the draconites. Sent by one of the younglings, naturally. She left with much knowledge, and some insecurities. To this day, I won't forget her trudging her way down the mountain. Her final journey, to the far north, beyond the Crystal Empire. The blame partially mine." "What did she hope to find in the north?" "Answers to questions I implanted. The same that will probably haunt your mind in the coming months. Your mark, what it is and why you have it. But please, I urge you," his expression changed to one of pleading, "put these matters to rest. I don't want another pony on my conscience." "Why even tell me any of this, in that case?" "Because we both know, given the chance, you would have asked eventually. I know my late brother's methods of persuasion. He was maniacal and consumed by greed, but by no means blind." "Then, what do you propose that I do, dear Talos? Just sit on my rump and wallow in uncertainty?" "Well, I..." She rose grandiosely: "If that's the case, clearly, you do not know the extent of the Great and Powerful Trixie's curiosity and determination," she assumed a regular sitting pose again, "and besides, I've always liked travelling. Which does not mean I will simply rush north unprepared. If anything, I have time to spare." He gazed at her for a few moments, but then grinned nonetheless: "Somehow, I am not surprised." "Good. And I do hope you will supply me with a decent batch of that luscious crystalline tea before my departure!" "Ohoh, is that a demand?" "The Great and Powerful Trixie deserves no less, would you not agree?" "Heheh, I suppose I would." "It is settled, then!" With smiles and the occasional chuckle, they looked back towards the stars. In a few moments, a new question came to mind: "Say, seeing as you've undoubtedly had experience, how would you go about courting someone?" "I truly wonder who your courting would be aimed towards?" "I know that tone. How exactly would you know?" "The mailmare brings me tabloids, as well. Gossip spreads quickly. In any case, I feel there may be an extensive cultural rift between our kinds. Our courting usually begins with a ritualistic mating dance." "I have trouble imagining you performing anything of the sort." "Well, I never said I was good at it." They chatted, gossipped, laughed and conversed through the entire night. It was almost sad, having to wake up from such discourse. This discomfort was intensified when she woke up face-down on the ground. Unrestricted dreamwalking, much like sleepwalking, was dangerous. The bruise on her forehead would be a grim reminder of that fact. Nonetheless, she rose from the ground with a renewed feeling of determination. She would follow in Stargazer's hoofsteps... eventually, anyway. There was no need to rush such an ambitious journey. Was there?