//------------------------------// // An Unexpected Discovery // Story: The Rise of a New World // by SilverwingPegasus //------------------------------// “There’s a disturbance in the time rift,” the voice of a mysterious stallion said. “You must go, and correct it. All of the world is counting on you.” The year is 25XX. The nation of Equestria is at a peaceful time. Under the eternal rule of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, everything seems very peaceful. In Canterlot Castle, a silver colored pegasus is suddenly woken up. She’s breathing hard, as if she just had a nightmare. “The world is counting on me? What does this mean?” she says to herself. “I must go tell her Royal Highness.” The sound of hooves beating against the marble floor could be heard in the throne room. All of a sudden the doors were thrown open, as a silver mare burst into the room. She was wearing elite royal guard armor. Though the armor looked a bit different than the usual elite armor. This particular armor was designed for mobility instead of sturdy defense. It was also clad in the royal guard captain emblems. This young pegasus was no ordinary guard. As she reached the throne, she removed her helmet and bowed at Celestia’s hooves. “Your majesty, I have something urgent to tell you,” the mare spoke. “Yes, what is it Silverwing?” “I was just visited by the great Starswirl the Bearded in a dream. He said to me that there’s a disturbance in the time rift. He also said that I’m the only one who can correct it.” “Hmm… I had feared this day would come…” Celestia paused. “Come Silverwing. There’s something we must discuss in private…” Silverwing followed Celestia down into a secret area of the castle. There were ancient books and scrolls lining dust covered shelves. It seems there hasn’t been anypony here in quite some time. She walked over to one of the shelves, and picked up a book. It read “The legend of Princess Twilight Sparkle” on the cover. “Who’s Princess Twilight Sparkle?” Silverwing asked. Princess Celestia stopped and looked down. “She was a magnificent young unicorn who was my student. Sadly, she was taken from us when Tirek had escaped from Tartarus, recruited Chrysalis, and revived Sombra to start a war against us 500 years ago. She, her five pony friends, Discord, and her brother, Prince Shining Armor, gave their lives to put an end to the war. She left no pony else to fill her place. But she would have wanted it that way.” “There was a war 500 years ago? Why haven’t I seen it in the castle records?” “Because the eight of them never wanted that dreadful war to be remembered. That’s why I kept this book down here where no pony can find it.” “But if you wanted no record of it, then why did you bring me here?” Celestia paused, “Because you have been chosen by the great Starswirl the Bearded. You have been training for this day all your life. Many ponies think Starswirl is dead, but in actuality, he’s been traveling through time for millennia. He has unlocked the secret of immortality, and his using his knowledge to keep a watch on us. And today is the day that you will finally meet him.” “Meet him? How?” Silverwing asked looking puzzled. “Patience my dear. Just follow me.” Celestia said as she continued walking. As the pegasus followed Celestia, the visibility lessened. It soon became hard to even see her hoof in front of her face. Still she kept walking. A few feet later, Silverwing had accidentally bumped into Celestia’s flank, with the princess giving a surprising yelp. “I’m so sorry Princess! Do forgive me, as I couldn’t see anything,” Silverwing apologized as she jumped backwards. “It’s quite alright, my child. Perhaps I should spread some light,” the regal pony replied. At that moment, Celestia’s horn glowed, and she spread her wings. In an instant the entire hallway lit up, as if somepony set it ablaze. Without a word, she continued walking forward, Silverwing following closely. A few moments later, they came to a gigantic chasm, causing them to halt in their tracks. Silverwing took initiative and started flying over the gaping hole. Suddenly a strong gust of wind began to blow towards her. It felt like needles piercing her skin, ultimately causing her to retreat. As she landed next to the princess, she looked up to her, as if silently asking her what now. The royal alicorn turned her head, and said, "You know what to do. You're not captain of the elite guard for nothing. Silverwing nodded, then proceeded to the edge of the huge breaking in the earth. As she flew over the abyss, the four gold bracers adorning her legs began to shimmer. The peridot gems started glowing a bright green hue, as what looked like a barrier of wind started swirling around the silver pegasus. As she became encased in a cocoon of swirling wind, the needling like wind starting hitting her again. This time however, she was not harmed, but instead was absorbing the brutal beating. Just then, in a sudden movement, her eyes glowed a bright green, and her wings extended, bursting the bubble she was encased in. A green shockwave of pure wind energy, shot in all directions, effectively stopping the onslaught of wind. Silverwing landed next to Celestia, motioning for her to go first, "After you, my highness." A few moments later, they had reached a dead end. Before them stood a massive black door. This door had some ancient writing on it. Silverwing tried to make it out, but she didn’t know the language in which it was written. Celestia stepped up to the door, and recited the ancient words, “A nu shiva no sku.” Just then, a powerful force caused the door to glow. It was so brilliant, that Silverwing had to shield her eyes. Then, as the door stopped glowing, the color of it had changed. Half of the door was as white Celestia. The other half, was dark like Luna. In the center, there appeared to be a symbol. Silverwing took a close look at it, but as she got closer her cutie mark began to glow, as did the symbol. “What? Why is my cutie mark on this door? And why is it glowing?” she asked Celestia. “My child, behind this door lies your destiny,” replied the princess. Celestia walked up to the door once more, a hole in the center of the door appearing. She then inserted her horn into the hole, and cast her magic. A mechanical ‘click’ was then heard from within, the door opening soon afterwards. The two ponies proceeded to enter the room. It was dark in there. Very dark. But as they made their way deeper, the room suddenly lit up. Celestia was not behind this. As light filled the room a figure rose from the back. “Welcome, ladies. I’ve been waiting.”