//------------------------------// // Chapter 1 // Story: Internal Darkness // by Silver Sorcerer //------------------------------// Disclaimer: My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and all associated characters, settings and stories are the rightful subjects of Hasbro, the HUB, Studio B, and Lauren Faust. Magicon awoke to the light rain tapping against his window. The gray sky cast a sense of gloominess and weariness which suggested that he should stay in bed. He wanted to stay there, the sheets were just so warm and comfortable, but in the back of his mind he knew he couldn't, he had duties to attend to. Grunting as he slowly threw the sheets off and sat up on the bed he stared out the window looking out over the Royal Palace and the Canterlot Gardens. Even in a light rain they still invoked the grace and regal splendor that befits royalty. Sighing, he rose from his bed and walked over to the full-length mirror. His black mane and tail were disheveled, but nothing a brush couldn't handle, and it perfectly accented his crimson coat. His silver Cutie Mark of an impossible triangle remained as shiny as the day he got it and his deep blue eyes gave a sense of calmness and wisdom that was beyond his 32 year-old body. He rubbed his eyes and forehead feeling a pointed horn stick out. Utilizing its magic, he picked up a brush and smoothed out his mane. Satisfied with himself, Magicon opened the door of his chamber and left to have some breakfast. As he trotted down the halls of Canterlot Castle, he thought to himself, ‘I wonder if Princess Celestia and Luna will be attending breakfast or their royal duties today? It's been two full days since they've locked themselves in that library doing who-knows-what.’ Since the princesses had been unable to perform their royal duties other than raising the sun and moon, Magicon was left to run the affairs of Equestria. It was his duty and his title to do so. Under a royal agreement signed by him and the two princesses, they agreed that should the princesses find themselves incapable of ruling, he would be the next ruler of Equestria. It wasn’t the first time that he had to run Equestria by himself, but it was annoying when the princesses rejected their royal duties so suddenly and without reason, forcing him to pick up their duties and keep everything organized. And the princesses couldn’t have picked a worse time to refuse their duties; Winter Wrap Up was only three days away and ponies from across Equestria had been coming to Canterlot asking for best wishes and blessings from the princesses in their clean-up efforts. Many were disappointed to only find Magicon in the throne room offering a simple “good luck” and “may Celestia smile down upon you”. He hated saying these statements because he knew these ponies wanted to see their princesses, yet were unable to. He felt he was letting them down. With these melancholy thoughts, Magicon slowly walked into the dining room of the palace only to look up and see Princesses Celestia and Luna seated at the far end of the table. They both looked exhausted; bags under their eyes and manes disheveled, yet they still maintained their regal aurora despite their state of tiredness. “Your majesties,” Magicon politely bowed, “I am glad to see you have emerged from the library. I hope you found what you were searching for.” He silently prayed that they would not have to go back there until Winter Wrap Up was finished. Celestia smiled and stated “Ah Magicon, yes we found our information and you look well given our leave of absence. Come take a seat and join us in a warm breakfast.” Magicon walked over and sat next to the princesses. “We are very grateful that you have run Equestria without our assistance.” Luna said in a thankful tone. “We are further in your debt.” Magicon put a hoof up almost motioning her to stop paying complements. “You do me too much credit Princess Luna. I am only doing the task that I was assigned to.” “Speaking of the task that you were assigned to,” Princess Celestia jutted in, “what is the status on Equestrian Affairs?” “All is well in the kingdom your majesties. The peace and prosperity continue for all your subjects.” “And what of the preparations for Winter Wrap Up?” “Ponies from across Equestria have come to Canterlot wishing for luck and good fortunes in their Winter Wrap Up’s. I’ve done my best to give them blessings, but I know that they came here for you two and would’ve very much liked to have your blessings over my own.” Celestia nodded, “I thought so,” she calmly stated. “We’ll have to pick up where you left off then.” “You mean you will have to pick-up where he left off,” Princess Luna teased. “In case you’ve forgotten Celestia, I should be asleep right now.” Magicon couldn’t help but follow Luna’s lead, “If you ask me, you both look like you could use many days of sleep.” Luna smiled and chuckled while Celestia gave both of them a disapproving glance that quickly turned into a smile. They all then let out a good laugh; they couldn’t be mad at each other. Ever since Celestia had brought Magicon to Canterlot years ago, the three of them had become inseparable. He sometimes felt like he was a third brother to them, though he wasn’t sure if the princesses felt the same way. Deciding to use this light-hearted move to satisfy his curiosity Magicon asked, “If your majesties will permit me, may I ask what compelled you two to lock yourselves in the library for two whole days?” Celestia’s and Luna’s laughs and smiles immediately ceased and looked at each other with nervous glances and then at Magicon. Magicon suddenly felt he had crossed a line, ‘Dammit!’ he thought to himself, ‘Why am I asking these questions?’ “My greatest and sincerest of apologies, your majesties. I did not mean to bring up a touchy subject.” Celestia raised her hoof and reassuringly stated, “No need to apologize Magicon, your heart is in the right place for your concern. I would like to tell you right now, but Luna and I agreed that for the moment, the matter should remain between us.” “Do not feel bad Magicon,” Luna assured him. “We don’t mean to keep secrets but this matter is full of secrets and we just don’t want any other pony knowing until we sorted everything out and prepared ourselves….oops!” Luna shoved her hoof in her mouth as Celestia gave her an uneasy glare. “Prepared? Prepared for what?” “It is of no concern to you right now, Magicon. You will find out in due time once we’ve come to fully understand the matter ourselves. Now if you both don’t mind, I must be getting to the throne room and helping my subjects.” Celestia rose and nodded to both of them, who both stood and bowed to her. As she walked towards the exit she turned around and said, “Once again Magicon, thank you for your service and dedication to Equestria. We are in your debts.” With that Celestia departed, shutting the doors behind her leaving Princess Luna and Magicon in the hall. Sitting back down Magicon stared at his nearly finished breakfast and looked at Luna who was doing the same thing. “So….you really can’t tell me?” Luna shook her head. “Are you sure?” She nodded. “Are you not sure?” She shook her head. “So, you’re sure that you’re not sure?” She bit her lip and shook her head. “So you’re telling me you’re sure that you’re not sure that you can’t tell me whatever it is that you should to tell me.” She sat there nervously; her eyes trying to avoid Magicon who was now intensely staring at her. “I…uh….stop confusing me!” But Magicon wasn’t stopped so easily. He knew Luna was tired and he knew she was weaker during the day and at night and he wanted to know what she was hiding. “I’m not confusing you; you are confusing yourself by making this way too difficult. I’m merely asking a question.” “No, you’re making this confusing by asking these weird questions.” “My dear Princess Luna, there is no such thing as a weird question. All questions should be answered or else what is the purpose of having them in the first place?” “I…uh…really couldn’t say.” “But you can say what you did in that library for the past two days.” “I can say it, but Celestia said I can’t share it with anypony; not even you.” “Do you not trust me?” “Yes. I trust you completely.” “Then why are you keeping secrets from me? What if something should happen to you two and it involved the thing you and Celestia were looking in the library about? How would I be able to deal with it? How would I know who or what it was and its potential weakness? How would I know where to look? Tell me Luna. Tell me!” “I…uh…No! I can’t tell you!” she stood and slammed her hoof down on the table. “I just can’t tell you Magicon. As much as I think it would be for the best, I can’t defy my older sister even though it is a threat against us.” Realizing what she just said she slapped herself screaming “Dammit!” and spreading her winds, she flew out of the dining hall in a gust of wind leaving behind a baffled Magicon and scattered plates. He rose, put his napkin down, and quietly left the hall now with even more questions than answers. ‘A threat against the princesses? Who would do such a thing? It’s foolish. The princesses can’t be defeated. They’ve been ruling Equestria for over a thousand years and have stopped threats of all kinds by themselves. Celestia alone stopped threats during Luna’s banishment. Surely this threat must be a bluff; nopony can be that stupid enough to actually think they can harm the princesses. ‘Then again, the last threat against them did work,’ he immediately thought of Queen Chrysalis who had been able to defeat Celestia using the love of Shining Armor. ‘But that was only one time and she was using somepony for her power. She didn’t have that power on her own. I’m sure Celestia has faced larger threats and won.’ Magicon became troubled as his mind began scrambling through the history of Celestia, Luna, and their enemies. ‘I mean, they fought Discord and defeated him. He had such power and yet they still imprisoned him in stone. But they used the Elements of Harmony which is nearly infinite magic. Wait, that’s it! The Elements of Harmony! I bet Celestia and Luna have already contacted Twilight Sparkle and her friends and told them to hurry here as quickly as possible. I’m sure the princesses have everything under control. Then why was Luna so worried and visibly tense when I asked her those questions. If the Elements of Harmony had been summoned, she shouldn’t be that upset.’ His mind boggled between reassurance and worry as he tried to figure out what the princess were doing in regards to this threat. ‘No I can’t think about it now. It’ll only worry me more. Celestia said she would tell me as soon as she understood everything and I trust her to keep her word. Besides she has returned to ruling and is going to need my assistance in ruling Equestria and catching up on the latest happenings in the Kingdom. I must do my duty.’ With that Magicon ran off to the throne room to assist Princess Celestia. Upon arriving he found the throne room flooded with Canterlot Nobility as well as pegasi, unicorns, and earth ponies from all over Equestria. Celestia was seated upon her throne, her mane had been combed and she did not look like the same princess Magicon just had breakfast with. From her appearance, one would’ve never guessed that she had spent two full days locked in a library. Her gentle smile showed that she was glad to be back at her post amongst her loyal subjects. Magicon sighed, paused to catch his breath, and made his way through the crowd to Princess Celestia’s side. Nopony had noticed his presence, for all eyes were on the princess. In her traditional loud and focused court voice, she stated, “Firstly, I must make my most sincerest of apologies for abandoning my duties for two days during this time so close to one of the busiest days in Equestria. However, my sister and I have returned to ruling and all events and activities shall go on as planned. Now, given the size of this group, I will ask that everypony assemble in a single-file line with the nobles in the front, followed by the remaining ponies.” ‘Easier said than done’, Magicon thought with a smirk on his face as the nobles, who seldom missed a day in court, easily organized themselves while other ponies struggled to place themselves and were being escorted to the back by servants and royal guards. “One would think these ponies could go two days without me,” Celestia whispered to Magicon. “It shows their commitment and loyalty to you. They almost treat you like a goddess.” Celestia chuckled, “I am no goddess by any means; these ponies should know that by now.” “Each generation forgets, I suspect.” Celestia shrugged and noticed that the room had quieted down, thus allowing her to proceed with her courtly duties. As she did this, Magicon began loosing himself in his thoughts about the secret that she and Luna were hiding from him. ‘It clearly can’t be good. But only they know what it is. Oh, why am I thinking about this? I have duties to attend to. Though, Celestia can manage. She’s always been a fast learner, if she has anything left to learn. I suppose…Magicon…Magicon…’ Magicon’s thoughts were broken by Celestia’s voice beckoning him over to the nobles. Telekinetically picking up his notes from the past two days, he quickly strode over to the princess. “You called for me your highness?” “Yes, I did. Magicon, what is the latest report from the Griffon Kingdoms? These mares and gentlecolts wish to travel there for vacation, but are unsure if conditions are favorable to them.” “The last report stated that all was well with the griffons and traveling between the two kingdoms remains steady and open. You nobles may travel there when you see fit.” “Thank you Magicon.” With a smile Magicon went back to his seat beside the twin thrones helping Celestia whenever she could and wondering about the threat against the princesses when time afforded him the chance. The day was long, monotonous, and filled with mindless work that Magicon did everyday. Some ponies were envious of his position, being the highest advisor to the princesses was no small feat, but for Magicon most of his duties took time away from his own personal work studying and practicing magic. Finally Magicon noticed that the gray rain clouds of the morning had dispersed and Celestia’s sun had set and Luna’s moon was rising. Celestia also noticed it and quickly finished her business with the few remaining ponies and dismissing any remaining subjects. Magicon was staring out the tall glass windows admiring one of the final winter sunsets and feeling its warm. He closed his eyes and a small smile emerged from his normally straight face. “Beautiful, don’t you agree?” Celestia sweetly lamented as she stood beside Magicon. “Yes, your majesty. But your sister’s moon is just as beautiful.” “Oh I agree. But it’s always the mornings and sunsets that please me and Luna the most. Where our orbs of light share the sky, even for the slightest second, and fill the sky with radiance and beauty.” “You are sounding like a great poet.” Magicon teased. “A great and old poet at that,” she winked. “Nonsense, your majesty. You may be one of the oldest creatures in Equestria but you have aged with such grace and beauty that nopony can say you look over a thousand years old.” “You are too kind Magicon. I am so glad I brought you here to Canterlot those years ago away from your past in Manehattan.” Magicon suddenly opened his eyes as past memories resurfaced. The cold and murderous rain…the unforgiving thunder and lightning…the pain…that great dark pain that he felt….No! I won’t think about it! Magicon shivered as he shrugged the memories off turning to Celestia masking his sudden flashback with a smile. “I am too, your majesty. I am too.” “Come, dinner will be nearly ready and Luna will be joining us.” Spreading her wings for a quick stretch, Celestia and Magicon slowly walked together down through the spacious halls of palace towards the dining hall. They didn’t say anything; there was nothing to be said. In the back of his mind Magicon wanted to ask about that mysterious threat, but he realized that if he brought it up that would mean he got information out of Luna who would intern earn some wrath of Celestia. He liked Luna too much to do that to her, so he remained quiet. Upon entering the dining hall, they sat down and waited only a few minutes before Luna entered, looking well rested and much better than they had seen her that morning. “I do apologize for my lateness. I accidentally overslept and nearly missed my opportunity to raise the moon.” “But you do not disappoint with your skill Luna. The moon looks beautiful.” Celestia reassured her looking out the windows to the slowly rising moon and the darkening spires of the palace. Luna slightly blushed, “Thank you sister and now, shall we eat?” “Indeed we shall.” The dinner was delicious, nothing but the best for the princesses and the conversation was light-hearted and joyful as Celestia was in a good mood. She recanted one of her adventures some four hundred years ago about a great race of some sort, Magicon couldn’t remember the details. In fact he couldn’t follow or remember most of the story; his entire mind was concerned with prying those secrets out of Celestia and Luna. When dinner was finished and everypony was waiting for desert, Magicon decided to ask again. In his most innocent, yet professional voice he asked, “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna would you two perhaps now be willing to share the information that you two sought for two days?” Celestia and Luna exchanged glances and Luna whispered something in Celestia’s ear who shook her head. Celestia spoke tenderly, “I’m sorry Magicon, but Princess Luna and I aren’t ready to discuss the matter with anypony. For your own sake as well as ours you need to stop pestering us about it. I assure you it’s nothing dangerous and is not a concern to you. You need to stop worrying about it, it’s nothing that Luna and I can’t handle.” Magicon stared at her with a mixed expression of disappointment. Her words, despite their tender affection, sounded like she was a parent talking to a child. Magicon wanted to stand up and scold her for what she said, but that would accomplish nothing. Instead, he controlled his anger and took a deep breath. “Very well, your majesties. It is your wish that I remain uninvolved and I shall respect that. If you’ll excuse me, I would like to retire to my room for the night.” Magicon rose from his place, bowed to the princesses and quickly exited the hall. Strolling down the moonlit hall toward his chamber Magicon couldn’t help but feel discontent toward himself for being so noisy and for expecting the princesses to be honest with him. ‘They’re princesses after all. I’m just a simple unicorn. They have to keep secrets from everypony, including me. I shouldn’t be so nosey and I shouldn’t be using my relationship with them to force them to divulge information. I’m not an interrogator; I’m just their advisor and consulter. They come to me when they need help and they know this. Celestia is right, she and Luna can handle this.’ He reached his room opened the door and immediately cast his eyes toward his bookcase. “The best way to clear my head and stop worrying and beating myself up is to read and practice magic,” Magicon convinced himself as he telekinetically pulled down a book from the shelf, plopped himself on the bed and consumed himself in the printed words and pictures of a large, brown, and battered old spellbook. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ After Magicon had left the room, Celestia sighed. “You should have told him, sister. He needs to know.” Luna suggested. “I can’t. You said it yourself that he’s being too inquisitive. He’s acting like a foolish child.” “You said yourself that he didn’t have the best of childhoods so why are you acting like a parent to him. He’s thirty-something years’ old. He’s not a child or even a teenager anymore.” “I know, Luna, loosing his mother and father at the age of eight is not easy on a child. And I don’t know what he did with his life until I found him in Manehattan.” “Ah, yes. If I remember correctly you told me that he worked in an old museum for an elderly gentlecolt.” “Indeed he did. The gentlecolt took a great liking to Magicon. So much so that he gave a considerable sum of his wealth and his estate to Magicon in his will when he passed away two years ago.” “While that’s all well and good sister, shouldn’t we focus on more pressing matters?” Celestia yawned and nodded, “What else have you found?” “Well I visited the ruins of the old palace in the Everfree Forest for any trace of him and found his mark etched in stone.” “That could’ve been done by anypony.” Luna shook her head, “No it couldn’t sister. I attempted to examine and remove the stone but I was unable to. It’s protected by dark magic. The black of its castor gives me no doubts about that.” “Did it appear to be carved into the stone neatly or blasted into it?” “It was most likely the result of one of his spells. According to what we learned, he only leaves his mark when he makes a successful move against…” she gulped, “well, you know.” Celestia sat there with heavy eyes, she was tired and despite Luna’s searching they had found no real leads as to finding Red-Blood. She had to accept the reality, she needed help, she needed counsel, and she needed Magicon. “Luna, I think we have no choice about Magicon. We have to tell him.” “But sister, you just said…” “I know what I said and I retract it. He needs to know and he needs to be prepared in case this threat isn’t just ‘a threat’.” “Shall I summon him?” “No, I’m exhausted and he’s tired as well. We need our rest. We will tell him tomorrow along with Shining Armor and Princess Cadance. All three of them must know what’s going on.” “I agree Celestia and now I think you should rest. I will guard the night.” “Thank you Luna.” Celestia warmly stated as she stood and prepared to leave the room. Opening the door and looking once more back at her sister she stated, “Luna…I love you.” “I love you too Tia.” “Always sisters.” “Beyond the sun, moon, and earth.” “Good Night Luna.” “Good Night Tia.”