//------------------------------//
// Chapter 1 
// Story: Friends by Fate 
// by BronyG 
//------------------------------//


*Deep in the Everfree Forest*

It was as normal an evening as ever for the dragon that now lumbered through the dense foliage; his meal clenched firmly between his powerful jaws. The now deceased feret was an old creature, one that would not naturally live to see the first snows of winter. Killing another creature never brought joy to the drake; in fact, if his reptilian metabolism was able to draw sustenance solely off of vegetation and gems, he would have preferred it that way. But in order to survive the perils of the death ridden forest, it required that he rely on his carnivorous nature. However, he only ever hunted the severely old, or terminally ill and wounded creatures knowing their imminent death would be mutually beneficial. He drew sustenance from their bodies, and they would be put out of their misery. 
Arriving back at his cave, he circled a few times upon his small hoard of hard earned gems creating a comfortable area for him to lay down upon. Once completely satisfied with his situation, he quickly devoured the carcass with a snap of his jaws and bob of his head.  Looking around the modest cavern of limestone, his eyes roamed until they fell upon the item of his search. Reaching out, his sharp claws grabbed a small item that one would rarely find in a dragon's hoard. It was a small golden heart-shaped locket, situated on a chain that was made at a length that would comfortably fit around his thick neck. Delicately, he opened the necklace with a soft click and held it in the palm of his claw. 
A single hot tear leaked from his cat-like eye and rolled down his scaly cheek where it evaporated even before touching the ground below. Tightly closing his eyes and the locket simultaneously, he pressed the golden heart to his chest as he remembered back to the night that still haunted his dreams. The worst part were the screams, screams of pain, of terror... of hopelessness. His mind would replay those wails and sobs for the rest of his long and lonely life. All he wanted to do was curl up and sleep for a thousand years, but he didn’t deserve the blissful reprieve of the magically induced slumber. No, he would continue to live this redundant and solitary existence as retribution to his ultimate failure. It was his fault that he was now alone, and for however long he survived, he would ensure that it remained that way. 
Fate however had a different idea for the heartbroken dragon, as his ear fins raised at the not uncommon howling of a pack of timberwolves. His eyes however shot open when a second sound echoed through the night immediately after; a sound that he knew all too well…
A child’s scream of  terror.




*Earlier that day*

A tiny purple unicorn filly trotted excitedly towards the royal canterlot library, her saddlebags stuffed to the brim with spell books, parchment, ink and quills. Today would be her first official day under Princess Celestia’s tutorage. Ever since her entrance exam, Twilight Sparkle had not only been accepted into the school of her dreams, but Celestia had also decided to make the filly her personal protege. She still remembered the events of what happened vividly in her young mind as she tried to contain her giddiness.
Twilight was brought before a panel of four unicorn judges to assess her magical potential. A teenage unicorn brought out a small pot with an acorn resting on the soil. The judges then instructed her to attempt to sprout the acorn to the most of her abilities. The filly gulped nervously, knowing the technical skills required in performing age spells. She looked back towards her mother and father who waved her on encouragingly. 
Taking a deep breath, she charged her horn and sent a stream of magic with its intended purpose toward the inert seed, but it was ineffective. The filly then attempted multiple amounts of magic, positions, and even flailing her stubby arms at the obstinate nut in an attempt to create a charm that would cause the intended result. However, she fell to the ground unceremoniously as her final attempt failed. Sitting up, she cast her eyes to the ground and weekly apologized “I’m sorry for wasting your time”. The four judges scribbled notes down rapidly with disappointment clear on their faces. 
BOOM!
The sound rattled the windowpanes and shook the foundation of the lecture hall. without warning, a magical surge charged in her horn and released itself at the acorn. Causing a small sprout to grow from the seed. However the surge did not stop there. Twilight felt an enormous amount of power course through her body, causing her eyes to turn pure white with arcane energy. Her magic then reached out and affected every living thing within the confines of the room. The judges were surrounded with magic, and levitated from the ground. Her mother and father turned into a potted plant and cactus respectively, and the tiny sprout shot up into an enormous hundred year old oak that punched its way through the ceiling. 
Twilight was scared, she did not know what to do, how to stop the storm of magic that had a mind of its own, or even if it could be stopped. Before she could think of it any longer, a kindly white hoof rested itself on her shoulder. Immediately the surge died down and every pony, and plant, were returned to their original selves. Celestia smiled down at the tiny filly, and made her an offer…
She looked back proudly at the starburst cutiemark on her flank, before knocking on the large wooden door. A matronly voice called sweetly, “Come in”, and Twilight did as her mentor instructed. Celestia looked up from the book she was reading and smiled warmly at her new apprentice. “Ah, Twilight, right on time. It is very good sign that you present punctuality on your first day. Have you adjusted well to the new castle accommodations?” 
“They are very nice you’re highness, my bed is so much bigger than the one I used to have at home. And the castle seems to have a never ending number of rooms in it!”
“Well the number of rooms the castle has is finite my little pony,” Celestia chuckled, “but I am glad that you are comfortable. Shall we begin our lessons?” 
Twilight nodded emphatically as she made her way to sit beside her teacher. Celestia reopened the book she was skimming through and showed the artfully drawn pictures that depicted much of Equestria’s history. “I thought today we would start our lesson with the history and lore of Equestria, does that suit you well Twilight?” 
“Yes your highness” Twilight beamed toward her mentor.
“Excellent, but Twilight, you can simply address me as Princess Celestia”
“Of course you're highn-, I mean, Princess” Twilight smiled up at the Alicorn.
“Then let us begin” Celestia remarked and began retelling Ponytales of old. Neither did Twilight, Celestia, nor the guards that listened attentively to the stories their monarch read to the little filly notice the large raven with glowing azure eyes observe the ponies that inhabited the library from outside one of the windows. After a few moments more, the raven turned its back on the history lesson and departed from its roost. It flew over the streets of Canterlot and exited the city, ascending the neighboring mountains where it finally perched on the outstretched hoof of a cloaked pony some distance from the palace. An azure glow emanating from the eyes from under the hood that was identical to that of the raven, She nuzzled the black bird, then set it on the branches of a young dead tree. She closed her eyes, and the azure link between her and the bird soon vanished leaving an ordinary raven and a still conspicuously cloaked pony to glare towards the city below. “So, I can see that you’ve already found my replacement, Celestia. Actually you found her far sooner than I had expected, but that matters little. Soon I’ll take everything you hold dear from your treacherous, lying hooves, starting with your protege”. 
Two unicorns wearing varying suits of armor, approached from a cave that emanated from the peak behind the mare. “Mistress, the servants have finally tunneled into the crystal caverns, it won’t be long until we will be able to infiltrate the palace”, the first of the mercenaries reported. 
“Excellent, let me know once they have discovered an entrance into the castle. In order for this to succeed, this operation has to be executed quickly and covertly. I am counting on you two to ensure that we meet little to no resistance. Prove to me that I am placing my faith in your abilities wisely”, the mare then turned causing her cloak to flap in the wind and headed toward the cave. “It won't be long now, my dear mentor, before I will reclaim what was rightfully mine. Soon I will rise to the position that your tutorage and training has prepared me for, soon I will reclaim what is rightfully mine”. 
The cloaked pony traversed through the caverns of the mountain, flanked with each mercenary on either side of her, both casting a spell to light the way for their leader. For nearly an hour the trio descended, the only sounds in the dark caves the clack of twelve hooves striking the hard stone intermittently and the occasional drip of water. Nothing was spoken between the three until an eerie violet glow was seen in the distance. The two unicorns ended their spell and allowed the natural geoluminescence of the crystals to guide them towards their destination. A dozen or so diamond dogs scattered about, clearing the debri from their recent excavation, whilst their mistress walked amongst them nonchalantly. Entering into the crystal caverns, she breathed deeply, smiling darkly in satisfaction. 
“Mistress, I understand that you are very powerful, but are you sure that just the three of us will be able to ambush the princess and an entire palace full of her personal guard?” The larger of the two mercenaries questioned, a muscular mud brown stallion with a dirty blonde mane and maroon eyes. His bronze armor was rather simple, consisting of merely a peytral, crupper, and chanfron; however, sharp spikes jutted from the edges of his shoulders and a daggered edge paired with his horn. His weapons included two short swords that were sheathed on either side of his body and a serrated broadsword that was strapped across his back.
“I do not doubt your plan nor your abilities, it's just…” 
“If you wish to infiltrate the palace undetected and catch the princess off guard, wouldn’t two mercenaries and a sorceress smashing their way through wave after wave of the palace guard warrant unwanted attention?” the second unicorn finished for his comrade. His coat was midnight blue with a platinum colored mane and hunter green eyes. Though shorter than his compatriot, he was built far heavier, with thick iron armor that covered every part of his body. His preferred weapon of choice was a large war hammer, with a sharpened blade on the back similar to a battle axe. 
“Broad Blade, Iron Clad” she addressed the two stallions, “you have served me loyally for many years, and during that time” the mare said icily, turning her still shrouded face towards the two stallions, “was there ever a time my plan failed? Was there ever a time where I lead us into a fray with the odds against us? Have I ever done anything that would lead you to question my leadership? If there was, I ask that you name that time now, or bite your bits before I ensure my ears never again hear your doubts” the mare threatened. Neither dare give a response, and stood stoically, giving a mute response. After a spell of silence, the mare turned her head back towards the crystal caverns. “And for your information, we will not be engaging the palace guard, at least not directly” the mare answered cryptically. 
“Then how…” Iron Clad began to question.
“Enough” The mare silenced him with a wave of her hoof. “I told you that for this to be successful, we must be covert. You will see what I have planned in good time, however until the scouts have discovered our entrance into the palace, you both must leave me for my own preparations. Now go!” and with that, she laid her form upon the ground and remained silent. The two mercenaries looked at each other briefly before parting to make final preparations to their arms. Now, all they could do was wait...



“Have you ever wondered why the princess requires so many guards at all times?” a young unicorn recruit complained to his superior, a seasoned earth pony with a blind left eye. “I mean, it's not like there have ever been any assassination attempts, infiltrations or breaches in security in almost a thousand years! And I’m sure that the princess could handle her own if anything happened, so what’s the point of standing here for hours on end in the blistering heat or freezing cold if there is nothing to worry about?”
The general inhaled tiredly and snorted through his nose, letting the question linger in the air for a moment, then he turned to face the young unicorn. “Son, do you see this blind eye of mine?” directing the hollowed gaze toward the young recruit. The rookie shuttered a little in its cold glare. “It was no freak tea party that made me lose sight in this here eye of mine” Seeing the rookie squirm uncomfortably in his armor, the Earth Pony released a pent up breath and eased up. “Son, we in the Royal guard see a lot in our commision, most, if not all, will never be known to the general public. They have to feel that they are safe from any and all threats that present themselves. We are not just here for show kiddo, we are here to be ready to lay down our lives for the princess at a moments notice, because sometimes, that's all the warning we get.” 	
His eyes lightened slightly as anxiety began to appear in the unicorn's eyes, “But you are young kid, and you will have plenty of time to see it for yourself. Besides, I’ll be right here to make sure that nothing happens to y….” The elderly stallion's head whipped around and he began to draw his weapon with magic. “What’s wrong command…” was all the unicorn could get out before he was overwhelmed in cold and darkness.



Broad Blade galloped into where his mistress was meditating, once she was in his sight, he called out to ther. “My lady” He approached at a slightly slower pace and bowed his head slightly. “The servants have just broken into the cellar of the castle. Iron Clad and I are ready and awaiting your orders”. He stood before her waiting for a response when he noticed a strange energy around her eyes. When she finally looked up at him, he could see two almond shaped azure orbs meet his eyes. 
“I know Broad Blade, I have finally set the plan into motion just now” Her eyes then dimmed back into the darkness of her shroud. “Tell Iron Clad it is time and to be ready for the three of us to infiltrate the palace immediately”. She stood up and began to walk towards the breach. Broad Blade hurried after her and asked worriedly “We’re not going to utilize the servants, I’ll just be the three of us?”
The mare turned around and made a quiet noise that Broad Blade could not discern. Once the noise had come above a raspy whisper, he realized that she was… laughing? “Mistress, I do not see what is so funny”.
Her giggling ceased and she addressed her mercenary with arrogance, “What is so funny is that you think we will meet any resistance”.



Celestia closed the book slowly with a graceful smile on her face, her pupil taking long gentle breaths while she slept curled against her mentor. Using her magic, she began to place the tome back onto the shelf when she felt a presence begin to move towards the observatory. Just before the doors flew inwards, she had only enough time to cast a protective shield over herself and her pupil, the same could not be said for her guards, as they became frozen stiff in a dark icy mist that surrounded them. Out of the corner of her eye, a dark spectre floated into the Princess’s blind spot, maintaining the shield, she charged her horn with additional magic in preparation for the imminent fight. 
Without warning, an immense surge of power struck Celestia’s shield and sent her flying to the other side of the observatory. The loud noise immediately woke the small filly who looked around in terror. In the distance lay her mentor breathing heavily and struggling to get to her hooves, and to her right stood the two guards frozen in a defensive stance. Then from the smouldering entranceway, Twilight heard the sound of hoofsteps echoing throughout the exterior hall. The sound became louder and louder until suddenly, the hoofsteps ceased. The filly shivered, at first she thought it was because of the fear that had gripped her, however, she noticed white mist escape her mouth as she breathed out. The temperature in the room began to plummet drastically until all Twilight could feel was the cold. Afraid and alone twilight tried to retreat back to her mentor when two flashes intercepted her course. Before her stood two intimidating stallions each clad in armor, they crept towards her pushing her back towards the door when her flank bumped into something. Turning around slowly, she saw a cloaked pony with two azure eyes glowing from under her hood, circling around her was a semitransparent serpent that appeared to be completely made of ice and mist. The only color apparent on the creature were its glowing eyes which matched that of the pony in front of her. 
Twilight shrunk down, paralyzed by fear, she couldn’t move, she couldn't scream for help, she couldn’t even cry. Then to the Twilight’s horror, a slender hoof snaked out from under the robes of its wearer and began to descend on the filly. All Twilight could do was shut her eyes and prepare for the end. To her surprise, the hoof gently caressed her cheek and lifted her chin up forcing, the filly to look the invader in her gleaming eyes, 
“Do not be afraid my little pony” a clearly female voice icily said from under her hood. “I mean you no harm, in fact I’m here to save you from this lying, breaker of promises who claims to be your mentor.” The strange creature let out a loud hiss in the direction of the alabaster alicorn who looked on in horror.”You get away from her!” Celestia shouted and sent a blast of energy towards the hooded mare with her last reserves of strength. The two armored ponies quickly cast a shield to block the attack but they were blown back by the force. The snake like wraith immediately shot towards the alicorn and before Celestia could even begin to counter, a dark icy mist spewed forth from its maw and encased the alicorn’s body, leaving only her eyes and mouth untouched. 
“Fascinating creature isn’t it, Princess” the hooded pony filled the later word with contempt. “During my travels I found them roaming the icy north. I decided to call them Wightmares, as you can clearly tell, they are capable of completely paralyzing their prey with fear”. Celestia grimaced back towards the mare, trying with all of her might to escape her bonds, however her efforts were futile. “Don’t you dare harm her. I swear if even a single strand of fur is out of place Sunset, so help me…”
“Oh my, I’m surprised you even remembered my name dear teacher, considering how fast you replaced me with this here little prodigy”. The mare removed the hood from her head revealing a young unicorn mare with a red and yellow streaked mane, a wicked smile plastered on her marigold features. “At first, all I felt towards my replacement here was anger and hatred” Sunset Shimmer placed her hoof on Twilight's shoulder and pulled the filly closer towards her. “But the more I thought about it, the more that hatred was replaced by a different feeling, pity. It wasn’t her fault that I was cast aside like some worthless item. I knew you would do the same to her once you had gotten what you needed from her”
Celestia growled at the Orange mare. Hurt and anger clearly visible in her eyes. “Twilight, do not listen to her, I would never do that to you and I certainly did not do that to her. The reason I removed her from my tutorage was because…”
“Enough!” Sunset screamed, encasing the monarchs muzzle in a blue band of energy that prevented her from saying anything more. “I will not let your lies pollute this filly’s mind any longer. Come… Twilight was it?” The filly nodded her head timidly towards Sunset. “Very good. Come with me Twilight, I can teach you so much more than this deceitful relic could in a thousand years. I can help you to become strong, to live up to your full potential. Your Princess, would only censor what you learned and hold you back. Let me teach you what I know, and together we can become strong beyond our wildest dreams… What do you say little one?” Sunset held her hoof out to the filly, an eager gleam in her eyes.
Twilight looked between Celestia and Sunset, confusion and uncertainty clouding her mind, This mare who had broken into the observatory, who used scary magic and hurt her teacher and the guards was saying that she was actually the good pony, and Celestia only wanted to use her for her own gain. All Twilight had ever known and loved was crashing all around her and she didn’t know what to think anymore. Then she met her mentor's eyes, in those she could see love, trust and surprisingly sadness. In those eyes, she felt safety and protection, but in the eyes of Sunset Shimmer, all she could see was… cold”. 
Twilight began to shy away from the Unicorn and tried to run towards Celestia. “Wrong choice, foal!” Sunset hissed out and grabbed the struggling filly with her magic. Tears began to leak out from Twilight’s eyes as she called out for her princess.  Celestia let out a muffled shout and tried again to make something, anything move. Sunset began to turn around and leave when she heard a young voice shout “Let, her, GO!!” Immediately after a streak of violet energy struck her from the side, causing her to lose her focus on the multiple spells that she was casting. Twilight fell to the ground and the blue light that emanated from the Wightmare’s eyes faded. The creature shook its head vigorously and then let out a haunting screech, attacking one of the two armored mercenaries. 
“No!” Sunset screamed out when she she was knocked to the ground by one of the Guard ponies. “Twily, RUN!” he shouted as the other mercenary began to engage him. “Shiny?” Twilight asked worriedly as her brother tried to block the overpowering attacks of the relentless mercenary. “Twilight, you have to run, NOW!” The heavily clad stallion used his war hammer to strike the young guard’s side, causing a sickening crunch of metal and bone to resound. “Shiny!” Twilight screamed. Shining Armor took the full impact but kept his footing, sliding back several meters from the blow. Raspy breaths escaped his mouth, while a small stream of blood dribbled down the corner of his mouth. He looked back to his younger sister, a small pained smile etched on his face. Twilight could feel her brother’s magic envelop her as the Mercenary reared his hammer and began to swing down for the final blow. Just before impact, Twilight heard her brother whisper his final words. “Be safe, I love you”.
A flash of light blinded the filly as she was transported out of the observatory a hundred meters down the hall. A loud smashing noise echoed through the hallway and then all was silent. “Shiny?” Twilight whispered, tears running down her eyes. “SHINING!” She cried out. When there was no response, she sniffled and began to sob until she heard a set of hooves gallop towards her. She quickly looked up, but instead of her brother, Sunset Shimmer came racing towards her, horn charged and anger in her eyes, a large area of burnt fur adorned her left shoulder. Twilight immediately took off, running as fast as her small legs could carry her, however the older mare was catching up quickly. As a last resort, Twilight began to charge her horn to try and teleport herself out of danger. Her first attempt failed miserably as her horn fizzled out and she almost tripped over herself. Sunset was almost upon her and started to charge her horn to seize the fleeing filly. Just as her pursuer’s magic began to envelop her, Twilight felt an immense source of power flow through her and with a blinding light and loud explosion, the filly disappeared, sending the a dazed Sunset Shimmer flying backwards. 
When sunset regained her bearings, all that remained was a large scorch mark in the middle of the hallway. The mare let out a furious scream before returning to her accomplices. Ironclad, supported his wounded comrade while hobbling away from the destruction of the observatory. Sunset met up with them and was about to vent her frustrations, when a searing heat blasted out of the the observatory. Inside was the goddess of the sun in her full power, rage clearly visibly in her molten eyes. Her once gentle mane was now a fiery blaze and the very heart of the sun blazed forth from her. Charging her horn, Celestia sent forth a blast of hellfire towards the three ponies. Sunset immediately charged her horn and teleported the three of them out the path of the inferno screaming out, “This isn’t over, Celestia!”
The flames around Celestia immediately extinguished once the attackers had disappeared. She used her magic to try and locate Sunset and her goons. When they were nowhere to be found, Celestia immediately used her magic to find out where Twilight had teleported. Dread and fear crept into her heart when she could no longer feel the presence of the filly and she spread her wings in preparation to fly out and find her. However one of the guards, now released from his icy prison called out to her. She was tempted to ignore him until he said, “The Sparkle boy is critically wounded, he needs your help your highness”. Celestia regrettably folded her wings after a moment of hesitation and galloped into the observatory where she lay witness to the carnage that once was her pupil’s older brother.
“Oh no”



Twilight reemerged in a clearing with enormous blast of energy that sent nearby animals scurrying away in fear. The small filly stumbled around and tried to regain her footing after demonstrating such an enormous feat of magic. Sitting down before she could fall over, she shook her head rapidly from side to side. Once her head quit swimming, she took in her bearings. All she could see around her was trees, and darkness for miles and miles without end as the sun began to set on Equestria. The young filly shrunk down and began to tremble in the unfamiliar location. Strange noises began to surround her and all Twilight could do was quietly cry. All of the fear and sadness that had dammed up finally burst, and she cried until no more tears would come out. Finally in exhaustion, Twilight carefully placed her saddle bags, which she had kept on during the duration of the day's events, one the ground and laid her head down upon the bulky bags and her eyes began to close. Maybe when she woke up, this would all have turned out to be a bad dream and she would be able to attend her next lesson with the princess. A small sad smile formed on her lips in hope before she finally succumbed to the land of dreams.