//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: Harmony's Guardians // by Blank Scroll //------------------------------// I followed Aura down the hill towards the village. I was amazed at the different colors that their fur came in. I saw blues, purples, grays, browns, and even whites. Their manes were equally colorful and just as varied. I also noticed that they were all Unicorns, which I did pause to wonder at. As we walked through Starshine, Some of the other ponies started to notice us. I looked around nervously as we continued to attract attention. “Um… Aura, I think they’re staring at me.” Aura turned to look at me as we made our way into the town. She let out a giggle as she replied, “You are a visitor from another village. Of course they would stare. We have a friendly community here. They might even approach you for introductions.” “Oh… I guess that I can handle that.” I felt a little relieved about what she had said. I was afraid that a newcomer to their village would be met with less than desirable results. At least, I hope I was wrong. A gray mare with a navy blue mane walked over to us and spoke up. “A good night to you, Aura. Who is your friend?” I straightened up and held out my hand. “Hello, I’m Blank Scroll. You can just call me Scroll, if you want.” The mare looked down at my hand for a moment, then extended hers and shook it. “Well met, Scroll. You have a strange dialect, where are you from?” She asked, still holding my hand in her grasp. “Um, well, I’m not too terribly sure. I recall few memories from before I woke up in the forest awhile ago, but beyond that, I only know that I didn’t look like this before.” Aura chose this moment to speak up. “He doesn’t have any memories from before he woke up. But, he does know how to speak and move. Though, he doesn’t recall being a Unicorn. It’s a strange magic.” I looked over at Aura with a frown on my face. ''Thanks for that. Anything you want to add?" I asked. I folded my arms waiting for her answer. Aura looked thoughtful for a moment, before responding. “Well, he was conversing with himself when I found him.” “I was surprised!” I exclaimed. “How would you react if you woke up in a strange place as a different being?” The mare and Aura gave me a strange look. “Well, I would ask the first pony I met where I was,” Aura replied. “Agreed. That would be the most logical course of action,” the other mare said. I looked between the two of them in exasperation. “So, I’m not very logical. Is that a problem for you two?” While we talked, we began walking through the village. The celebration was dying down somewhat and the residents were packing up the streets and heading to their homes. No one else walked up to us, but a few did wave and say “Hi.” “Not at all, Scroll. We merely thought that you would be more astute to your situation than you were,” the other mare replied. “The hour grows late so I’ll bid you farewell.” As she walked away, I turned to Aura with a realization. “So much for introductions. I didn’t even get her name.” Aura’s response was a giggle. “Perhaps you should have asked when you introduced yourself. She is a good friend of mine from foalhood. Her name is Sapphire Garnet.” “Garnet? But, she’s gray... and blue.” “So? A pony’s name does not have to resemble their physical features or personality. A Unicorn’s name is traditionally based on their first spell as a foal. She got her name by transferring magic into a nearby garnet and turning it blue. Interesting spell, actually. Naturally, it varies from pony to pony.” “Oh, like how Applejack is orange? Um, where are we headed anyway?” I ask as we pass another house. “What is an ‘apple jack’?” Aura asked, looking over to me. “And well seeing as you have no accommodations, I was going to invite you to my home. I do have an extra bedroom open.” “Well… she’s… huh, I don’t know.” I said, confused as to why I said that. We walked in silence for a few more minutes before coming to a modest sized house. It was one level and very plain looking from the outside. Aura walked up to the door and opened it, turning around and looking at me. “Well? Come in.” I followed her into the house as her horn lit up with light. “How did you do that?” “Do what? This? It’s a simple light charm. Do you mean to tell me that you cannot accomplish such a menial task?” She teased as we continued into the hall. “Uh, no. Actually, no. I wasn’t a Unicorn before, remember?” I deadpanned. We stopped in front of an open door to a rather plain looking room. “I did forget. My apologies. Well, this is your room. I hope it’s to your liking. If you have any more to ask of me, my room is at the end of the hallway. I bid you a good rest, sir.” And with that, she went to the last room in the hallway and closed the door. “Good night,” I said, walking into the room and closing the door. Looking around, it was empty basically. There was a bed with a nightstand, a dresser, and a chest of drawers in front of the bed. Sighing, I laid on the bed and quickly fell asleep. I awoke to a ray of sunshine and the smell of breakfast. I sat up and stretched, yawning and looking towards the door. “This doesn't look like my room.” I got out of bed and left the room. I noticed a bathroom on the left as I walked down the hall, taking a moment to use it before heading towards the kitchen. I looked around the corner of the hallway and noticed Aura at the wood stove making something in a cast iron skillet. Judging by the smell I’d have to say eggs. “Morning,” I said, groggily. Aura replied while turning to face me. “Oh, and good morn…” She stared at me as if she’d never seen me before. I began to get nervous and decided to say something to break the awkward silence that descended. “Uh, is something wrong?” “Forgive me if I’m wrong. But, I was merely curious if you had those when we met. Your wings, I mean.” My wings? “What?” I looked over my shoulder and just stared blankly at a pair of blue feathered wings on my back. “Where did these come from?!” I exclaimed, reaching around to touch them. Ever felt a bird’s wing? Well, it feels weirder when you can feel the sensation run through your back. “I guess that’s why I couldn’t get comfortable last night.” Aura turned back to breakfast before responding. “It’s possible you had them last night, and we just failed to notice because of the darkness. But, Alicorns are thought to be extinct.” “What’s an Alicorn? I thought you told me that there were only three pony types. And why are you being so calm about it?” “There are only three types of ponies. Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi make up the main three types. But, centuries ago there were Alicorns, who have both wings and a horn, that possess the abilities of all three races,” Aura replied, counting out the races on her fingers. “As for my being calm. I have already surmised that there will be strange circumstances around you from your tale last night.” I’m so lost. I stared at Aura’s back while I processed that. “So, I have the abilities of Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies? Meaning I can fly and perform magic? Heh, that’s pretty neat. I’ve been thinking since I saw that light spell you used last night and wondered if you could, maybe, teach me magic.” “Hmm, I suppose I could. But, if you want to learn to use your wings, you’d have to ask a Pegasus to teach you,” Aura said, placing the eggs onto two plates and putting them on the table in the middle of the kitchen. I merely sat down in one of the chairs and pondered that. Can I even perform magic? Or fly for that matter? “You really think I can learn magic and fly? It wasn’t possible before.” “Hmm, of course it is. You just need to get used to the muscles in your wings more to fly. As for magic? I’m sure we could figure something out. Oh, would you like hay bacon or potatoes with your eggs?” I just stared at her for a moment before saying, “Um, potatoes would be nice. And thank you for breakfast, Aura.” Her ears perked up and a soft giggle escaped her lips. “You’re very welcome, Blank Scroll. And done,” she said, as she turned around and started making her way towards the table with the food floating behind her in her magic. “It’s fine if you call me Scroll. You are, like, my first friend here. Now, about these magic lessons…” I reply, taking a bite of the eggs. “Wow, Aura, these are delicious.” Aura sat down and began to eat her breakfast, looking up as I spoke. “Thank you. Well, I’m thinking that finding your magic and getting used to feeling it would be a good start, something basic.” We ate breakfast in silence. All the while, I was thinking about everything that’s happened in the last few hours. “Say Aura,” I began. “How is it that magic actually works? That might be helpful, even if I’m not sure I can perform it.” Aura just looked at me. “Scroll, I’m sure you’ll be able to perform magic. You have a horn for a reason. And I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it eventually. Now, for how magic works, it’s actually really simple. Can you feel the energy flowing around and through you?” “Um, I think so. Is it like a tingly feeling through your body? Because I’ve been wondering about that for a while.” Aura just giggled at that. “Yes, it’s like a tingling throughout your being. Interesting way to think about it. But, that’s what magic feels like. Now, think of magic as an extension of yourself and project it outwards to grasp objects. That’s the basics of telekinesis.” I focused on the sensation of magic and tried pushing out with it towards my eating utensils. The fork began to slide across the table slowly, while Aura looked impressed. “Hey, did you see that? It moved,” I boasted loudly. Aura smiled. “Yes, I did see. Though to be fair, I thought the point of this basic lesson was to grasp and hold an object. But, it’s a great start.” I felt my ears droop as I smiled sheepishly. “Oh yeah, holding it… right.” I focused again, and instead of just pushing out with the magic, I imagined that I was reaching out with my hand to grab the fork. The fork started to glow with a yellow aura and Aura actually looked surprised. Slowly, the fork came off the table and was floating shakily about three inches above my plate. Gently, I tried to place it down and when it was back on the table Aura was practically beaming at me. “That was a splendid job, Scroll. I didn’t think you’d catch on this quick. Teaching you should be easier now that I know you can learn so quickly,” Aura praised. “How about I show you around Starshine? We could even get some lunch later while we’re out.” “Sounds good. Though, I wish I had my phone or a watch to tell the time. I can’t read the position of the sun.” “Phone? What is that? Is that something from your past?” Aura’s ears swiveled forward as she looked towards me. “Yeah, I think it is. Uh… it’s a device that can connect to other… similar devices. Basically, used to contact ponies who are far away without using letters,” I replied, uncertainly. Aura rested her muzzle on her hands. “A shame you don’t have it with you. I would love to study it. But, you can tell me more about you as we walk the village. If you remember.” “Sure, are we going now?” I looked over at her as she stood up. “Yes, we have to head to the market first, since I need more supplies. I have to have food ready as a host, after all,” she said, looking at me. Then, she started for the door, before pausing and adding, “We should also stop by a tailor’s to get you more clothing so you don’t have to walk around in the same garb all the time.” I glanced at my tunic. “But it’s still clean!” Aura just shook her head and opened the front door. I ran after her so I wouldn’t get left behind, making sure the door was closed. I caught up to her a few feet away, as she stood waiting for me. We started walking into the village as she started to give me the tour. It was a little early, so not that many ponies were out and about. Those that did see us all stopped and stared at us. I heard them muttering amongst themselves. Probably wondering about why I had wings and a horn, but I just paid attention to Aura as she walked me through the village. “This is where most of the villagers live. And just beyond that is the market square, where the stalls and booths are set. Also, it’s where the elders live,” explained Aura, as we walked through the residential area to the entrance of the square. “The High Elder is the pony who make the rules of the village and is held in high respects.” “Really? That’s interesting. A little different than where I’m from. I mean, I don’t remember everything about that place, but I remember that we had a single person in charge of a whole country. Though, we did have lesser people in charge. Kind of like your elders, except they were in charge of villages that were far larger than this one,” I replied, as we stopped at an apple stall. “Say, Aura?” Aura inspected the apples on display before responding. “Hmm. Yes, Scroll?” Should I tell her? “Actually, it’s unimportant,” I said, scratching the back of my head. “Just a dream I had.” I didn’t think a random dream I had would be very important, especially when I could only remember bits and pieces of it. Aura immediately stopped examining the stall’s contents and turned to face me, her face serious. “Scroll, as a Unicorn we’re taught that dreams are very important. They are a way to glimpse into the ethereal realm. The realm of magic and, perhaps, they were your memories. So, this dream, what was it about?” I was taken aback by the seriousness in her voice. “Ok, I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal. But, if you’re sure, I guess I could tell you what I remember. Let’s see, I was in a house but not like these, it was smaller. And made of stone, I think. I remember others with me, although they weren’t ponies. There were three of us, friends maybe? I don’t recall the reason for being there or any conversation, just laughing with them. I’m sorry. I told you it was nothing.” Aura had purchased two apples and a few other ingredients from nearby stalls in the time I had told her of that partial dream. And we were currently heading towards where the elders lived I believe. “I don’t think it was nothing. It was obviously a memory of your life before you found yourself here. I’m sure you’ll recover your lost memories in time. Maybe you just need something to spark the fire. Let’s talk with the High Elder and see what he thinks.” “Uh, sure. Maybe he can help,” I said, hoping the elder could give more insight on my dream/memory. With Aura’s shopping done, we made our way through the marketplace to the center of the village where the elders lived. It was just before midday, so there were more ponies about. All of them were staring at me as we passed, so I decided to ask Aura about it. “Hey, Aura. Everyone’s staring at me again.” “Oh, I’m sure they are just staring at your wings. I told you that Alicorns are rare. So rare, in fact, that they were thought to be extinct,” Aura explained as we continued walking. “I’m starting to feel a bit uncomfortable, though. Say, maybe we can get the elder to address the fact to the whole village so no one stares anymore,” I replied, starting to feel a bit self-conscious about the stares. “I’m sure we could arrange something like that. Oh, hello Garnet,” Aura replied, before spotting her friend, waving. Garnet was walking towards the market we were just leaving. Having heard Aura call out to her, she turned to look at us. “Hello, and good morning, Aura. And well met again, Scroll.” She approached us before stopping to stare at me, probably at my wings. “Not to sound rude or anything, but have you always had those wings, Scroll?” Aura stood off to the side, giggling. Yes, giggling. While I replied with an embarrassed flush on my face. “Uhh, yeah. I guess I have. Though I still have no idea what that means besides what Aura told me earlier.” I looked over at Aura, then down at the ground, scratching the back of my head. Garnet just stood there for a moment, looking between me and Aura, before exclaiming excitedly, “You’re really an Alicorn! I have always wanted to meet one someday.” She jumped into my face with the most cartoonish smile on her muzzle I’ve ever seen. Her tail was even wagging a little bit. Pony tails can do that? “Umm… I guess I am. At least from what Aura explained this morning at breakfast. I’m still unsure how I feel about this information,” I told her, leaning back a bit. “Is it normal for your tails to wag?” Aura let out a laugh at the scene in front of her. “Yes, they tend to do that when we’re happy. And to be honest, I haven’t seen you this excited in a long time, Garnet. Would you mind accompanying us to your grandfather’s house?” “Hmm? Oh, yes. I’d like that… wait, you served an Alicorn breakfast? An Alicorn? Why are you always the lucky one, Aura?” Garnet expressed, with a slight pout. Aura just looked away, smirking. “I have no idea what you are talking about. Still, we should talk to your grandfather about Scroll and his memory problem.” “Yes, I think that would be best. An Alicorn here in Sharshine would definitely draw attention that we don’t particularly need right now,” Garnet said, turning serious. I looked between the two as we started walking to a somewhat fancier house than any I’ve seen in the area. “What attention would that be?” I asked, curious. “We’ll let my grandfather tell you that one, Scroll,” Garnet replied. “Oh my gosh, Aura! I just talked with a real Alicorn! Eee!” Garnet was happily hopping beside Aura at this point. “Yes, and you seem to be well off from it. Let’s just get to this. I have a lunch planned today.” We arrived at the door to the house and Garnet knocked. “Grandfather? It’s Garnet. Are you home?” From inside the house we heard an older stallion’s voice, “Ah, Garnet, my child. Yes, one moment.” The door opened a moment later revealing an elderly stallion standing there. He had faded cream colored fur and a washed out red mane and tail. Standing tall despite his clear age, wearing a silver tunic and cobalt pants. “And what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” He asked looking between the three of us. Garnet spoke up first, “Grandfather, there is something we need to discuss. Preferably in private.” She gestured at me. He looked to me and I could see his eyes slightly widen as he noticed the wings. “I-I see. Very well, come inside and we will discuss this development.” He spoke, leading the way into the house. “Please, have a seat.” He said, gesturing to a group of chairs in the sitting room. The three of us took our seats while Flare went into the kitchen, calling, “Anypony want some tea?” Garnet called back, excitedly, “Yes! I'll have some!” Aura merely responded. “I'll have a Moon Lily tea, two cubes.” Both of them turned to me with the same questioning look. “Um, I guess I'll have what Aura is having.” I said, unsure. After a few minutes of silence, Sunny Flare walked back into the room with a tray of 4 cups. “So what brings you here, Aura?” He asked, as he placed the tray down and sat in his chair. “Well we originally decided to visit because of a dream Scroll said he had last night. And of the issue of his Alicornhood, to address it before the village to avoid any awkward stares.” Aura surmised as she took a sip of her Moon Lily tea. “Hmm. Perhaps if I knew more about him, I could help.” Flare said, placing his own cup down and leaning forward. I took that moment to tell the story of how I woke up in the forest with no knowledge of the world I was in or of myself. Telling them of the partial dream I had and finishing with having tea in the High Elder's house. Flare looked closely at me for a bit, then laughed at the end of the story. “Indeed, you are in my house. Now then, I have one question I'd like you to answer.” He said, seriously. “Um, sure. What question?” I said, unsure. ”Can you understand me?” He asked, staring intently at me. I was confused. “Yeah, I'm not sure I understand what you mean.” I looked to Aura and Garnet, seeing their serious expressions. “You see, I just spoke in a dead language. The language of Alicorns.” He answered, getting up and going over to a bookshelf. “What?”