An ancient force lives agains after his long slumber...but does he comes to destroy or save?
Deep in the Everfree forest lies a dungeon kept in secret for decades, but what lay inside a pegasus not born normal but from magic. Imprisoned in crystal and chains, Fluttershy accidently stumble upon it and what she discovered will soon unraveled the legends that fortold the end of a civilisation centuries ago. A name only Princess Celestia knows all too well. He is Harbinger. ( Special Thanks to Moon_Fire for lending his helpfull and generous hand in fixing the chapters )
“FLUTTERSHY!!! WHERE ARE YOU?! “Twilight screamed aloud trying to find Fluttershy amongst the burning trees of Everfree forest. Desperate, Twilight tries to conjure a spell to put out the fire that rages on, but to no avail, the smoke is too thick too breath properly in and the heat was growing more and more unbearable by the second.
“I’M OVER HERE TWILIGHT!!! *cough*...." The voice of Fluttershy reaches Twlight's ears. Immediately she darts in the direction of the sound. A fire in Everfree forest, what could have caused this at such a large scale? Twilight tried to think, but had no idea who, or what could've done this. Her only concern was to get Fluttershy out of the raging forest.
Soon Twilight reached the ash covered Pegasus, but she was not alone. On her back, another Pegasus, rather well-built stallion, but his mane was the first thing that catches her eyes. Black as the night and red like blood, his mane is blade-like although it swayed to the wind like normal. His skin rather pale, but it's hard to tell apart from the ashes that cover him. His eyes were barely open.
“Who’s he Fluttershy?” Twilight immediately assist Fluttershy to carry the stallion behind her. As quickly as possible they race out of the burning forest, but no matter where they try to run, large wall of fire block their every path. Black smoke surrounds them, shadowing the sky above them. The situation seems hopeless as they are trapped. Desperate, Twilight cast a protective shield over them from the fire. But the fire was too strong and her shield immediately failed. It was just a matter of time before the chocking smoke suffocates them... As the air thickened, Twilight and Fluttershy slowly feels the effects of breathing in smoke. Their vision soon blurred and their heads spun uncontrollably. Fluttershy collapsed to the ground, followed soon by Twilight.
Her vision blurred and head spins. But just right before she blacked out, the Pegasus that Fluttershy were carrying earlier, stood up, his eyes shined white, and his mane...Alive? In an instant, his mane grew in size, enveloping himself, Twilight and Fluttershy in some sort of barrier that shield them from the oncoming flame. But too short of air, Twilight fainted before she could see everything.
Light shines glaringly on Twilight's eye as she opened it slowly. Her head still hurt but when she tried to get up her body surges with pain, discouraging her from getting up. As she tried to get a clear visual of her surroundings, she noticed a very familiar figure at her feet. Only one dragon she even knew has those signature purple scales. Spike.
“Hey Spike..." Her voice still weak, but she managed to awaken Spike who was asleep at her end of her bed.
“Twilight! How am I glad that you're awake! “The little dragon got up and hugged Twilight, but immediately lets go as he realized that Twilight's body still hurts.
“What happened Spike? All I could remember was fire in Everfree Forest, I was trying to rescue Fluttershy and..."
“You’re in the Hospital Twilight...apparently you were saved by this guy here..." Spike pulls over the curtain at her bedside, revealing an unconscious stallion, his mane of blazing red like fire and black like the night. A respirator covers his mouth, and other fancy gadgets hooked up to him. He looks like he took quite a beating.
“Who is he?” Twilight slowly examine that mysterious stallion as she watches from her bed. His mane, a flash of memory right before she passed out from the smoke. A "living" mane? Twilight thought to herself deeply. She had to be imagining things. That's just downright impossible.
“Weird, huh? They told me this guy here saved you and Fluttershy, with his mane as a protective shield from the fire." Spike briefly explained. “The thing is that he's not a unicorn but a Pegasus."
Twilight quickly examined the mysterious stallion in the bed beside her, carefully observing every detail. Moments later somepony was knocking at the door. Spike immediately went over and opened the door to see who was knocking. Standing in front was 2 Royal Guards in shining gold amour. Standing behind was no other than the Ruler of Equestria, Princess Celestia.
“Princess!! What are you doing here? “Twlight seems surprise.
“Well, I heard my favorite student was injured, so I took my time off to pay you some visit,” Princess Celestia commented. Her guards stood outside while she enters, the door closes behind her. “But, there's also another matter I must attend to, so I came here personally..." She raised her hoof, pointing directly at the mysterious stallion next to Twilight. Slowly she walks in between the two.
" It's been a long time since I last saw you....Crest Darkmane......or maybe I should just call you with something you're more familiar with....Harbinger." Princess Celestia’s tone suddenly deepened. She lowered her eyebrows as she stared at the stallion.
“Harbinger...I've always wonder what that name actually means," The mysterious stallion said. He opens his eyes, but he stares into the empty celling. “How long was it? Since you and Princess Luna defected Discord? A thousand years maybe? "
Twilight stares at the two, questions now running wild in her head. How does Princess Celestia know him? Why did he mention Princess Luna? Spike stood at her bedside, dumbfounded. Harbinger....Twilight rubbed her head, she knew she have heard the name before.
“Care to explain to your student here Princess Celestia, she look like her head could explode anytime now,” Harbinger tilts his head and looks at Twilight. His eyes stared deeply into hers. There's something about him that creeps her out.
“Why don't you have the honor of doing so Harbinger? Since you sealed yourself in a time magic you can remember much more than me..." Princess Celestia answered back at the stallion.
“Alright alright, don't need to get all prissy on me Your Highness..." Harbinger pulled himself upright on his bed. His body covered in nothing but bandages. “So your name's Twilight ha? Are you familiar with a book named 'Dark Days in Equestria'?
Twilight suddenly remembers that name. It was a book regarding the history in Equestria, a time before Princess Celestia and Luna fought Discord for the dominance of the land. A time when Discord still ruled. A time when disharmony and chaos were the only things that ponies knew. Discord had three very powerful stallions at that time to do his bidding. A unicorn, a Pegasus, and an Earth pony. Each has a role in Discord's plans, but the one who does the finishing job was his favorite henchmen, the Pegasus, also known as Harbinger.
“Harbinger...no wonder I've heard that name before. YOUR ARE THE ONE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF AN ENTIRE CIVILIZATION THAT EXISTED BEFORE CANTERLOT WAS EVEN THOUGHT OF!! “Twilight gasped.
Based on the book, Harbinger was the most trusted servant to Discord, harnessing the power that few has control over, the power of Dark Flame and Steel. His coming to any town signifies the burning of worlds. His other two servants was to cause disharmony and corruption, and when it's all done Harbinger will deliver the final touch, razing everything and anything down to the ground, ashes to ashes. Although he is a Pegasus, he power was bestowed by no other than Discord himself.
“My real name is Crest Darkmane. Before I became Harbinger I was but an ordinary Pegasus. Young and energetic, I live alone with my mother. But when she was diagnosed with a terrible disease, I was desperate for a cure. But one fateful night, I was visited by Discord. He offered me a cure, but in return I must serve him, absolute loyalty to his every wish. I saw that I had no choice, so I signed the deal with him. Knowing that I chose to walk a path of darkness, I had to leave my mother, for if she had known, she would’ve been devastated. Leaving a note and the cure at her bedside, I left my house, never to return. Discord later gave me a portion of his power, so that I can do his dirty job. My mane and my tail changed, into something I never expected to have. DarkFlame and Steel. A hybrid power that only I can harness without being consumed by its strength... but still somewhere, deep in my heart, I wish I had not made that deal with Discord... which is my greatest regret...." Tears soon rolls down his eyes. A drop fell onto the cold floor, shattering the silence that was in the room.
“OH my....how sad." Twilight express her feeling. “It must have been hard for you."
“I’m not worth pitying my dear mare. I was too selfish in my own choices. Too blind to see. Too stubborn to realize. And when it's all too late, I have no other pony to blame, but myself. “Harbinger let out sigh.” If only I knew it was all a lie."
After running away from home, I went to a disclose location to find Discord. A lair hidden well in a valley surrounded by thick trees and bushes. As I walked in, sits on a throne of stone and bone, Discord awaits.
“I am here Discord, I hope you kept your end of the bargain. " I stare angrily at Discord.
“Don’t worry my dear....as promised, the cure is yours and for your mother." Discord conjured up a small sphere out of thin air. In it an image appears. It shows my mother asleep on her bed. A bottle appears out in a flash, with a note attached to the neck that says cure.
“Well what are you waiting for? What do need me to do? "
“You sound like you’re angry Crest....ohh yes; I nearly forgot....You are to address me as ' Master ' from today onwards...understood?” In a flick on his finger the sphere he conjured up earlier disappeared. Calling him master simply pisses me off. Like I had not already disgraced myself enough.
“Ahem...."
“Yes....M-master...what do you need me do?” It's infuriating! I bite down my lips, trying hard not to let my anger explode. A flick of his finger, he disappeared then reappeared next to me. He laid his scaly arms around my back. Grabbing me by my neck he pulls me closer to him.
“Why so serious Crest? Hahaha...time to loosen up a bit my dear...you will soon see that Chaos will be more fun~." Discord laughs menacingly. “Come, it's time for your ascension..." Again he flicked his finger. In a flash, a small bottle appears from thin air. A mysterious red liquid glows inside.
“My ascension?”
“Yes....of course you don't expect to use you with that frail body of yours? Hahahaha!!! Drink this, and you will understand your ' Destiny‘,” Discord lets out a creepy smile.
Without question, I drank down every last drop of that mysterious liquid immediately; I felt a sudden surge of energy coursing through my body. The pain, unbearable, but at the same time the feeling of ecstasy, my emotions were totally screwed. I drop on the cold stone floor, my body in pain, but I was laughing my heart out. As if my sanity was slowly been twist in a manner so insane no word can explain it. I felt my body was slowly ' transforming ' to the effects of the liquid I drank. Soon it reach to a point where the pain was simply too much. I scream aloud, my body feels like the bones were ground into dust. I passed out soon after.
Discord had given me one of his many powers, and with it, I was given a new name, Harbinger. From that moment onwards, I was a force to be reckoned with. I now have the strength of a mighty manticore, my mane and tail tainted with the power of Chaos, with it I leave a trail of destruction in my wake. The power. Everytime I unleash it, I felt good. The feeling of ecstasy was overwhelming. Soon enough my judgment was overshadowed by my own insanity. Discord was right. Chaos never felt so.....FUN! Day by day my sanity slipped away from my heart. My soul now walks the path of darkness, the road to light, now forever lost in the pitch black corner of my mind.
“Little did I know, I soon became the bane of all living things. The towns I've burned, the hundreds of souls I've taken, all the darkness that I've brought....it all weighs heavily on my soul. “Harbinger continues to spill out his life's story. ”Every dirty biding, small or big, was done by my own two hooves."
All Twilight could do but to listen to his tale from her bed. She feels pity for him, but the same time, anger and horror. Discord, God of Chaos, The whisperer of Lies, all his evil deed, done by corrupting innocent soul to his will to do his dirty work.
“Even if Discord was the one pulling all the strings, you should have known better to strike a deal with Him. It pains me so say this Harbinger, but you are right.....you are not worth the pity." Princess Celestia scorn at Harbinger. “But, still....."
“What would you have done to save the one you love? How far would you go to make it count?” Harbinger interrupted Princess Celestia. His eyes stared out the open window. A piece of leaf slowly drifts in, blown gently by the wind.
Silences fill the room once more. Princess Celestia might have been too harsh on him. One way or another, he is responsible for one of history's greatest massacre. One in particular, was an ancient ruin that was once a town name ‘New Hope’. Death counts ranked in the hundreds, the town was not spared from Discord, and as usual, Harbinger raze it all to the ground, hence the popular quote....
“Only through your destruction, shall he deliver your salvation...."
New Hope was supposed to be a place of refuge for those already fell victim to war and conflict, also the supposing “lucky" ones that manage to escape from Discord's clutches. Apparently Discord found out about the town, and as usual, he spread disharmony and corruption amongst the resident, than when the town was finally at its boiling point, he sent his favorite servant to “clean it up ". Harbinger came to the town during the darkness of night, and once day breaks over the horizon, New Hope is already in ruins. Ashes from burned homes drift in the wind far and wide. The stench of Death, thick and sickly. Countless of souls, snuff out in an instance. The destruction of New Hope soon reaches Canterlot and Princess Celestia and her sister, Princess Luna.
“When you destroy New Hope, I was left with no choices but to take matters into my own hooves. That town was supposed to be a safe haven for those who had already had their families torn apart from countless horrors that Discord already let loose." Princess Celestia continued. “Many had already suffered. Countless of my subjects without shelter and some starved."
“True, but let me ask you this Princess. You may have done things both loved and cared by your loyal subjects, but have you ever truly gave your soul to protect the one thing that matters the most? IT WAS A MOMENT OF WEAKNESS! Discord probably had it all planned after all. That sinister bastard." Harbinger slammed his hooves down on the side table. The sound of wood cracks aloud.
“Hmmm, needless the case...I am glad you’ve change by the way. I am truly sorry Twilight, but I will have to take my leave. Royal duty calls. Spike, do take care of Twilight here." Princess Celestia patted Spikes’ head before she turn around and leaves.
As the Ruler of Equestria leaves the room, there was a momentary silence. Twilight turn her head and face Harbinger. Her eyes were still teary from his story.
“Wipe those tears off of your face, Twilight. This dark soul of mine is not to be pitied." Harbinger pulled the bedside curtain over, giving Twilight the cold shoulder. At the same moment, Nurse RedHeart entered the room.
“Well, I have some good news. Both of you can leave the hospital in three days times. The Doctor says your injuries should be completely healed by then,” The nurse left a chart with Spike then left the room. As the door closed, Twilight had an idea.
“Hey Harbinger, since you don't really have a place to stay, how about you stay at my place?" Twilight said
Not a single word or sound. The curtain in between her and Harbinger were like a wall of absolute silence. Twilight gesture Spike over to pull the curtain.
“Come on Harbinger, I want to know more about you...or at least the things of the past. PLEASE~" Twilight innocently makes a sad filly face, trying to convince Harbinger.
“Are you sure you want somepony like me in your place Twilight?” Harbinger turned his head to face Twilight. His eye twitching.
“Well....why not?! I think it's a GREAT IDEA! Also I would also want you to meet my friends!" Twilight smiles at Harbinger with glee.
Harbinger’s expression was unamused. But still, after 1000 years of self-imprisonment doesn’t leave him a choice. Reluctantly he agrees.
“YES! YES! YES! YES YES YES!!! “An explosion of uncontrollable joy hit Twilight.
Harbinger face hoofed at her response. But then again, he looked at that overjoyed mare. Her laughter had an effect on him. For once in a thousand years, Harbinger lets out a smile.
Three days later, Harbinger, Twilight, and Spike leave the hospital. Fluttershy was already discharged from the hospital a day earlier due to her speedy recovery. After an hours walk they soon reached Twilight's library.
“Spike, prepare a room for our guest here. Ohh Harbinger we'll have much time to spend together." Twilight lets out a smile. For some reason Harbinger wings shoot upright, revealing a clear sign of a wingboner. But as quickly as it appears, he hides it with his long mane.
“I appreciate your kindness Twilight, but if it's ok I’ll make do with whatever space in the library." As Harbinger enters his eyes lay on upon the mess in the library. Piles and piles of books were everywhere. "......then again..."
“Well she's isn't Princess Celestia’s favorite student for nothing..." Spike interrupted as he starts to clean up the library, rearranging and placing the book back to its rightful place. Twilight laughs a little. Harbinger raised an eyebrow at her.
“Hahaha...well what can I say?" Twilight tries to hide her guilt. "In the meantime, come follow me, I'll show you around and meet my fellow friends."
Reluctantly Harbinger agrees. Probably all this time he had been a loner for far too long. It might just be a good chance for him to open up a little. Looking again at the purple mare, Harbinger thinks to himself, maybe it's time for him to change. He follows Twilight around town; they soon reach a place that looks like it's made up of cakes and cookies. A large sign says “Sugarcube Corner.”
“You hungry, Harbinger? This place serves the best cupcakes all over Equestria. Come in, I want you to meet my friends." Twilight gestured.
As Harbinger enters the door, he was immediately welcome by an explosion of confetti and a bright pink mare.
“WELCOME TO PONYVILLE NEWCOMER!!!” The pink mare fires her party cannon. Glitter and confetti rained down Harbinger's unamused face.
“Hehehe...That's Pinkie Pie, the happiest and also the most random pony in Ponyville.” Twilight laughs a little as she removed the confetti from his face.
Behind that jolly pink pony, four more sits with full anticipation as Harbinger walks in. An elegant white mare with a classy hat, next to her blue Pegasus nibbling on a cupcake, a country looking mare with a classic cow-boy hat and the shy pony that had release him from his eternal prison. Fluttershy.
“Here’s Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Fluttershy..." Twilight gesture at each of them while introducing their name. One by one they walked up to Harbinger and shook his hoof.
“Wow...who is this hunky stallion Twilight? By Celestia's name he's so dreamy with that mane of his..." Rarity whispered into her ear.
Twilight look at Rarity with an unamused expression. That might just be true. Or is it just her. Soon enough the Mane 6 spent their entire time telling stories and jokes the whole day. Harbinger at first wanted to find excuses to leave, but forced himself to stay. Soon enough he learned to enjoy listening to them. Each like a fantasy of the world he never knew. Well, sealing yourself for 1000 years has its own downside. Soon day turns to night. Twilight and Harbinger headed back to the library. To his surprise, the once messy library was now clean. Spotless and tidy all the way, but that small purple dragon was nowhere to be found.
“Spike’s probably asleep. He's still a baby dragon after all." Twilight walks up the stairs to check on Spike. Moments later she came down with a blanket and a pillow.
“Your room should be ready, come follow me." Twilight gesture as she opened another door leading into a room at the far corner of the library. A nice comfortable bed sat in the middle, a dim lantern hung in the corner.
“Looks like Spike did a nice job...well I think I’m just going to let you be...I think it's also time for me to hit the bed. ‘Night." Twilight left the blanket and the pillow on the bed before she exited the room. The door closes behind her, leaving an awkward silence behind her. Regardless she continued up to her room, where her own comfortable bed awaited. As Twilight lay down in bed, she can't help but feel pity for Harbinger. What it must have felt like to live years of lies. Questions soon filled that purple mare's head, making sleep just impossible. Restless, she got up from her bed and slowly walked down to check on Harbinger. Using her magic, she teleported herself in. Upon appearing in Harbinger's room she tiptoed her way to see that Pegasus. But unbeknownst to her, she tripped on a book that was on the floor, and she fell face first onto the bed.
A flicker of fire ignited in the doused lantern, brighten the room immediately. A pair of red Pegasus eyes met hers, a shocked expression all over it. His lips and her lips touching, the warmth of his body felt by hers and his wing was clearly showing a boner. Oh boy...
“AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!" A loud scream echoed through Ponyville.
“Hey Spike, are you done with my special sandwich yet?” Twilight shouted. It's already late afternoon and her stomach was grumbling hard for food.
"Be right there Twilight, I'm nearly done.” Spike answer back. Soon enough that purple dragon enters the library with a plateful of sandwiches and tea. Using her magic she enveloped one of the sandwiches and brought it to her mouth. As she bit down, the thought of Harbinger comes to mind. He's been in his room all day and not a word since that 'incident‘. Twilight face blush a little.
“You know Twilight, you have not told me what happen last night, or even why you were with Harbinger in his room..." Spike suddenly raised the question.
“Just mind your own stuff Spike, it's not like I'm doing anything to him...ehehehe." Twilight bites down on her sandwich, trying to maintain her composure.
“Yeah...right. I've also prepare another batch of sandwiches for Harbinger here. I'll bring it to him." Spike return with another plate of sandwiches.
“Err...Spike, leave it to me. I'll give it to him,” Twilight put her half-eaten sandwich on her plate. Using her magic, she levitated the plate from Spike's hand. Slowly she walks toward Harbinger's room and gave it a couple knock. No response. She gave it another knock but still nothing. Using her magic she teleported herself into the room.
“Hey Harbinger, you have been in here for quite some time, I guess you need some....." Twilight stopped a moment. Harbinger siting down on his bed but his eyes glowing. On the table, a quill, enveloped in a red aura seemed to be writing something on the book. Curious, she walked slowly to the table and tried to read whatever has been written so far. But before she could even catch a glimpse, the book slams shut.
“I’m sure you heard of something call ' privacy' Miss Sparkle,” Harbinger got off the bed. Spreading his wings wide and far, he flaps a few times to loosen himself.
“How long have you been writing?”
“Since last night Twilight. I couldn’t put myself to rest so I started writing,” Twilight is surprised. To think a Pegasus like him able to write a large amount of words overnight. Not that is not possible, just that it a feat a lot cannot do.
“Err....here's some sandwich in case you're hungry.” Twilight gently put it on his table. Harbinger simply stretched his tail over to the table. A swift jab, he picks up one of the sandwiches with his tail and brings it to him. Twilight's stood in awe.
“What? Never seen a Pegasus that uses his tail for daily uses?" Harbinger continued to bite down on his sandwich. Twilight's mind went blank.
“Also, Twilight, if you don't mind I need to discuss something with you....in private of course...meet me at the balcony later.” Harbinger bit down on his sandwich again as he finished his words. Without a word, Twilight left Harbinger's room.
Soon it was already afternoon. Twilight remembered that she has to meet Harbinger on the library's balcony later. Spike went out to do some errands so, the library will only be her and Harbinger. The thought of the incident last night flash through her mind again. Damn, she knows it was an accident, but if anypony knew, gosh. Putting that out of her head, she quickly head to the balcony, where Harbinger was already waiting.
She strode out onto the balcony, but her arrival did not catch Harbinger's attention. She slowly walked toward his side and sat beside him.
“About last night Twilight, what WERE you doing in my room?” Harbinger voice out without looking at her.
“Well, it's hard to explain, I just have things I really want to know and stuff..." She blushes a little.
“Humor me Twilight, what is it that you want to know about me?” Twilight was taken by surprise by his words.
“How did you...huh?”
“I’ll keep this simple, how would you like to see into my past-life?” That question baffled Twilight. How does, wait...how is he even capable of doing such feats? “So, would you like to or not?"
“How are you even doing this?” She asked.
"You’re a unicorn, are you not?” Then it hit her. Of Course! Magic! Silly Mare.
“Well, I guess I do. Sure why not." She grins a little. In an instance, Harbinger unfolds his wings a gives it a few flap. With each flap of his wings he blew a considerable gust of wind, forcing Twilight to cover her eyes. As the wind dies down, she slowly lowered her hooves. Out of the blue, Harbinger closed in on her and kissed her. *white flash *
“Where...where am I?” Twilight's eye slowly opens after the blinding flash. Her surrounding, or rather where she is standing is a place she never knew before. Harbinger nowhere to be seen. In front of her in the distance, was a small town.
“Twilight, are you ok?” A loud voice booms across. “You are currently in my 'memories'..."
“Harbinger? Where am I? I've never seen this place before....or that town to be precise." She said.
“That...is New Hope, the last town I destroyed, the home of the deaths of thousands and my greatest mistake..." Harbinger sighed.
Twilight fell silent. New Hope. The town that lies in ruins in her time, now she is going to witness it's destruction with her very own eyes. As the moon rises into the night, she sees a familiar stallion, walking towards the town. Her instincts kicked in, telling her to stop him. But as she closed in, she just passes right through him.
“You are but a shadow in these memories, Twilight. You can only see, hear, and learn, but you cannot change it.” Harbinger's voice boomed loudly. Dismayed, she watched as the past figure of Harbinger simply walked by. As he walked on, his eye were deeply focused, but also had a hint of disgust and madness. Soon enough, he stopped a few feet from New Hope's main entrance. Harbinger then breathed in, and then in a split second, he flew high into the air. Like a bullet, he rose into the clouds with incredible speed. After a reaching a considerable height, he stopped in midair. His tail and mane glowed bright red, a sign that his power was increasing. A large fiery-aura enveloped him, forming a large semi-opaque sphere high above New Hope. As the aura intensified, so did the screams of the ponies in New Hope.
Moments later the large aura that enveloped Harbinger grew so intense it looked like a mini sun from afar. Without warning, the aura exploded into large ring of fire, and Harbinger flew down from the bottom. Engulfed in flames, he sped into the town below; the clouds disappeared as he traveled through the many different layers of clouds. Twilight gasped in horror as Harbinger descended into the helpless town below. As soon as Harbinger reached the town, a large explosion ripped through the air, a bright flash blinded even Twilight, who was watching from a distance. Tears built up behind her eyes as the scream of the ponies in Hew Hope fell silent, their cries replaced by one large explosion, and the destruction of their homes.
Twilight felt sick for a moment. She couldn’t believe that Harbinger was capable of doing such horrible things. Her stomach turns as she watched the town burn to the ground. A Pegasus soon walked out of the burning town, his eye still focused, and still filled with madness. A trail of fire traced his every step from the burning town. At one point, the laughter of Discord echoed back, gloating over his success, as his favorite servant, walked home from another destruction of a town.
" There was a quote from the book that I mentioned at the hospital, Twilight...."
" He came from the darkness of night...
And clocked in Flame and magic...
He decent upon the thousands...
The night turns to day for a moment...
But now another town has been claimed...
By the one they call Harbinger...the Herald of Destruction... " Twilight interupt, still holding her mouth, trying not to puke after witnessing New Hope being destroyed with her very eyes.
“Twilight, you may not know this, there is a reason even Princess Celestia never mentioned these events to you..." Harbinger's voice boomed.
“Why...How could you do this....Harbinger....those innocent souls...." A drop tears escapes from her eyelid.
“Over the years, my sanity slipped away as the power grew ever stronger in me. Discord bestowed this particular power to me not because he cannot use it, but it works best when it corrupts the soul of its user, in this case me. This Dark Flame and Steel hybrid power, acts like a parasite, growing stronger and more unstable with every use. "
"Until it reaches a point where the user is completely under its influences....a point of no return."
Twilight interrupted, her stomach still sick. She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. "But how did you manage to regain back your sanity? Your powers have already reached a point where your own will power cannot break its grip on you."
A moment of silence takes over. Moments later, the surrounding around Twilight begins to blur, then a blinding flash. Twilight opens her eyes again, the burning town of New Hope is now gone, but instead, a barren ground, with craters and burning trees everywhere. The smell of ashes hung thick in the air.
"What happened here?" She asked as she walked further into the barren ground.
"Look up..." As Twilight slowly looked up towards the skies, her mind went blank. It the skies, was Harbinger, cloaked in a dark fiery aura, slashing and jabbing using his tails and mane. Calmly dogging his attacks, was an Alicorn she knew far too well. Princess Celestia.
"You fought Princess Celestia?!"
"When matters really got out of control, she decided to take matters into her own hooves. A few days after the destruction of New Hope, she and a group of her Royal Guards hunted me down. Her guards were no challenge at all but her… She is an entirely different level. No matter how many times I tried I couldn't even lay one hoof on her."
Twilight watched on, as Harbinger slowly tired himself out. When he had no more strength to spare, Princess Celestia slowly trotted toward Harbinger.
"As much as I would want to smite you right now, I will not. Killing you makes me not different that just being another murderer like you."
"Then why are you here? Don't tell me you're gonna lecture me to death?" Harbinger pants hard, trying to recover his strength.
"As much as it would humor me to do so I will not. I came to deliver a letter to you." In the midst of thin air, a parchment appeared. Floating gently down, Harbinger caught it with his mane, a Darkmane family Seal kept it intact. "That letter is from somepony you once knew and loved a lot. Read it and decide. I'll be waiting for you at Canterlot for your answers."
Princess Celestia together with her Royal Guard left Harbinger alone, still confused about what happened. Slowly regaining his composure, he stood up and opened the parchment that was given to him. After a few moments, the parchment slowly escaped his hooves. As it touched the ground, so did the tears from his eyes. In a split second he dash towards the skies and flies into the distance.
"They say sanity is but the measure of the mind, but somehow I find its nature simply too complicated to understand," Harbinger's voices booms aloud.
"Where are you heading now?" Twilight tries to read the letter but apparently the tears had blurred out some of the words.
"The place where it all began; the crossroads of my decision and my destiny." In an instant, the entire environment changes. Now from a barren wasteland, everything changed into a suburb like town. The night is bright and clear, the moon shining all its glorious light. A small cottage lies on top of its hill, the light inside glows dimly. Moments later, a fiery figure descended from the sky and land a few feet from the cottage. Harbinger.
"Where are we now?"
"This is my home. Where I was born and raised from a little filly. My family maybe pegasi, but we prefer to be earthbound. It's more 'safe'."
"Safe? What do you mean?"
"It's a long story. It's something my father did back then. Anyway...it's time."
Twilight had a sudden urge to enter that cottage. Slowly she finds her way to the door. Being just a shadow, she just walks through the door. Inside she sees Harbinger. Beside him, a solid black coffin and a plain white note on top of it. She could see Harbinger shaking; his hooves trembling at the very sight of the coffin. Slowly, he reaches out to read the note. Twilight stood behind him so that she too could read it.
Dear Crest Darkmane,
My son...by the time you read this I'm already gone. I'm sorry that I cannot hold on to life any longer. I to the years in my life I have done something I truly regret. Yes, I know that you are the one they call Harbinger, The Herald of Destruction. But I know you did not choose this dark path. I've raised you since you were a little foal, and you truly are the only thing that matters most to me in this world. But even then I wish I could have done something to stop you from walking down this path. What you have done to save me isn't an easy feat nor was it the wisest of choices. But what's done is done and should not be dwelt upon.
A week after you disappeared, I received news from other townsfolk about a Pegasus named Harbinger. I knew it couldn’t be anypony else but you. I was devastated, saddened and broken. I could not except the facts that my only son would do such a thing, sacrifice his soul, and trade it for an empty promise of Discord's. So in the end, I traveled to Canterlot for an audience with Princess Celestia herself.
Days after my return, my illness took a turn for the worse. I was soon confined to my bed. Weak and tired, I lay on the bed every day, clinging on the hope I might see you one more time, maybe...just maybe I could undo what Discord had done to you. But some part of me knew it would never happen. Instead, I'll see you after my death, in a black coffin like now. It pains me much to know my fate in the end.
My son, it is still not too late for you to walk back from this damned path. Though justice demands that you pay an equal price for your sins, it's better than to continue straying in Discord's ways of eternal servitude. Do this for me my son, not only to save yourself, also for the fate of Equestria. Redeem yourself my son!!! It's not yet over!!!
My only regret.... is that I never got to say goodbye, and touch your face one more time, how you reminded me of your father when he was still around… At least now I can finally join your father, and watch you from the clouds...
Sincerly from your beloved mother, Diana Darkmane~
Tears flowed from Harbinger's eyes, unable to hold it back any longer. Years worth of tears he poured out without hesitation, his cries cut deeper than any knife could. His tears wet the dusty wooden floor beneath his legs. In extreme anguish, he let out a cry, equally loud and sad. Twilight tries to hold back her own tears, but even her magic could not hide her emotions. Harbinger stormed out of the cottage and into the night, his eyes still flowing with tears of regret.
"Harbinger...I...am truly sorry for your loss..." Twilight commented.
"The years of hate weighed nothing compared to the sorrow I felt, Twilight. My mother was like no other. My father died in an accident when I was a little foal. So my mother took the role as my parents and raised me, taught me everything. It was her promise she kept from the time of his last breath."
"So, what happens now?" Twilight stares at the black coffin sitting in the middle of the room. Diana Darkmane, the name engraved in solid gold on top of the coffin.
"I took some time, to calm myself. I came back three days later to do what had to be done."
"But there's no cemetery here...."
"I didn't bury her...I had to cremate her...using my own power I razed everything to the ground, including her. She has always wanted to be free, so I did what I must, for burying her would’ve only saddened her so."
Twilight was truly moved. After all that have happen to him, she couldn't look at Harbinger the same way as before. Much had he lost and a lot he didn’t know of until it was too late. Indeed he has a lot to redeem for his crimes. Such is the way of those who had blindly taken Discord's words. It must have been hard, to leave the ones you loved, only to know a few years later that they were gone and you weren't there in their final hour. No pony should go through this. Not even Harbinger.
It's been 2 days since Twilight's journey into Harbinger's history. As the hours pass she can't but help shack off a weird feeling she's been building up since that day. The moment Harbinger kissed her. Was it intentional? Could there have been no other way? Or has he had feelings for him...questions ridder her small little head. She closes the book she was reading earlier, too distracted to focus on it. She walks up to the balcony and let her sight wonders around, observing ponyville as it goes.
Looking back, Twilight and her fellow friends defeated Discord with the Elements of Harmony, and he's now back to a stone statue in the Royal Canterlot Garden. Her victory has always been her and the power of their friendship, as a team. Then the thoughts of Harbinger comes to mind. Those years away from everypony he know. It must have been lonely and hard. To protect his loved one, he forced upon himself to do what few would do. Blind pride or a justifly decision? He took the odd all by himself. No one to help. No one to look for. No one to save him.
" Can't concentrate again huh? " Spike walks up from behind. A plate of dasiy sandwich in his hands.
" Thanks Spike...I really don't know what's got into me lately. Ever since that day...it really got me thinking..." She sigh a little, bitting down on the sandwich as she finish speaking.
" Well anyway...whats on your mind anyway that got you so tight up? I seldom see you like this unless there's an urgent letter from Princess Celestia..."
" It's not the Princess...it's Harbinger. " She sigh.
" Well I better get back on my chores then...they're not goona do themselves you know..." Spikes takes off to the kitchen with the empty plate in hand. Twilight continues to stare into Ponyville from the balcony. The soft wind gently blows over, while the sun shines bright. Seems like it's a slow day. Not much activities going pn around. Twilight yawn, then decided to return to her books. But as she get up, her eyes catch sight on a familar figure. A few yards away from the library, is a small shop selling a bunch of exotic flowers. As usual Roseluck is the one serving the customer , but her customer was Harbinger.
She continue to spy on Harbinger from her balcony. After some chat with Roseluck, Harbinger purchased some exotic flowers into his sack. One of the flowers was a bright white lily. Curious, she hurry down the library and went after Harbinger. Keeping her distance, she followed Harbinger until he reaches the town bridge. Worried the open space would give out her location she hide herself in a nearby bush and continue to eye on Harbinger.
Just as Harbinger reaches the other side of the bridge, he looks around, checking wheather anypony is around. After a few moments, he continue to walks further into the woods. Twilight does the same. Slowly but carefully she avoids stepping on any twigs as she stalks Harbinger. After a few moments, they reached into a wide clearing. Twilight stayed back so that she won't exposed herself. Harbinger walks towards the center of the clearing. For a moment he breaths in the fresh air, the soft fresh brezze is undoubtly calming.
Feeling relax, he puts down his sack. From his sack he took out a jossstick, some paper , a bottle of ink, a feather and the white lily flower he got from Roseluck. Using his mane, he wrote a something on the paper. After that, with the tip of his tail, it ingnits the tip of the jossstick, which then he place it on the ground. Taking a sniff of the lily, he later wrap it with his tail, then in a quick flash, it turns to ash. The soft wind gently carry the ash into the air as Harbinger lets it go. He does the same to the letter he wrote.
" You know Twilight....it's pretty rude to stalks on somepony.....and especially when he is doing something in private..." Harbinger voice out.
" How in the world of Equestria did you do that...? " Twilight jumps out from the bush she was hiding in. Her face shocked, because she was sure she did not make any noise when she follows him.
" If you could REALLY sneak up on me that easily, I assure you that I'm nothing that like what you think. " Harbinger laughs a little. " Come, join me..."
Twilight sat beside Harbinger. Although it's still afternoon, the clouds in the skies provided a decent shade, while the wind gently blows.
" What are you doing here anyway? " Twilight ask.
" I'm just saying hi to my mom..." Harbinger comment. " Her favourite flowers were lilies, especially the white ones. She used to have plenty of those planted in our own garden. She once told me that my father got her a bauquae of lilies on their first date."
" Wow...she must have really like it..."
" Yup...she really cherish it..." Harbinger breath a little sigh.
"...I'm really sorry for your lost Harbinger. I really am. "
" Twilight, I'm glad that you are so carring and all, but it's been like a thousand years...let the past be the thing of the past and the present be as it is..." Harbinger laughs a little.
" Yeah...I guess your're right...." She smiles at Harbinger. " By the way Harbinger...what happens after you cremate your mother?"
" Well I did the only thing left...to set things back. It's about time to heal all the scars I made, and find back what was lost...."
" Lost? "
" I went to Cantelot, to meet Princess Celestia. It was about time I brought back something take I taken away for far too long. The days Discord rule over the land must come to a stop. I made a promise,to aid Her and her sister to overthrown DIscord, and finnaly....bringing back hope..."
" Hope...."
" Yes...so I exposed Discord's weakness to Princess Celestia. Seems like even being used has a good things to benefit." Harbinger shrug. " After that, I was left with no more purpose to carry on my duty as Discord's minion. But with his power still within me, i can't actually die....but rather age very slowly. "
" So what now...."
Harbinger went silent for a moment. He actually never gave a moment taughts about his present. He gave a loud sigh, then turn his head facing the horizon.
" You know what....I really don't know Twilight. I could live like a normal pony, but still...."
" What do you still doubt? "
"This...." Out of the blue, Twilights lips meets Harbinger's. Her eyes open wide, her heart beats like never before. It was so sudden, but at 1st she wanted to raise her hoof and slap him for such rudeness, but for a moment there was a relieve in her heart.
Once again, Twilight stares blankly into the sky, unable to focus on her studies. Her books lays open, but pages remain unturn. Fustrated, she lay her face into the pages.
" I don't think thats how you read a book Twilight...." A sleepy voice come from the direction of her bed. A figure of black and red mane shacks his head, still a little sleepy.
" I know...but still..." She turn back facing the book, try her hardest to concentrate, but to no avail.
" If you are worry that we " did " it, rest assure I had not.." Harbinger trots slowly toward Twilight, shacking his messy mane.
" You know you can just say the word "SEX" , it's not like we're little anymore."
" Hey, I'm just being honest. Besides, I had'nt had any of those for like what? 1000 years while your're stuck in your own time prison. " Harbinger shruds. Twilight gave him an angry glare, but then continues to stare into the empty sky. Harbinger walks to Twilight's side and gave her a gentle lick to her ear.
" Hehe...you have some talent there big boy...." Twilight commented as she closes her eye, enjoying the pleasure of Harbingers's wet tougue touching her ears.
" Anyway Twilight...I've decided"
" Decided what? "
" What I'm gonna do next for the rest of my life..."
" And what will that be? " She turn her head facing Harbinger.
" It's a surprise, I'll tell it over lunch, ok? " Harbinger flaps his wing, then takes off toward the sky, leaving Twilight to her own studies.
It was already late in the afternoon when Twilight finnaly reaches Sugercube Corner. As she enters the shop, Harbinger was already waiting at one corner, slowly munching on a cupcake. She greets Mrs Cake as she walks by the counter towards Harbinger.
" Your're surprising late for a very hardworking unicorn if I must say..." Harbinger waves at Mrs Cake for another cupcake as Twilight get comfortable.
" I just got a little sidetracked...so what is it that you wanted to tell me? " Twilight takes a mouthfull of the cupcakes.
" I've decided. I'm gonna leave Ponyville and stay in Canterlot. " As soon as Harbinger mention Canterlot, she lay the already half-bitten cupcake down.
" Ohhh? What are you going to do there? " Twilight ask.
" The only thing I'm capable of...I'm voluntering to join the ranks of the Royal Guards. " Harbinger takes another bite at his cupcakes as he end his words.
" Wow, the Royal Guards. I heard that the requirement are quite tough..."
" I'll see it through without any problem....."
" How? " She raise an eyebrow at him.
" Twilight please...you've seen what I'm capable off first hand, what more could the requirement of being a Royal Guard do to me? " Harbinger gives Twilight a low glare. She laughs a little.
" Hmmm...your're right. Well I hope my brother doesn't give you too much problem, since he's like the captain of the Royal Guard and sort. When are you leaving if you don't mind me asking."
" Tomorrow by noon."
"TOMORROW?! " Twilight gasp.
" What is the matter Twilight? You seems surprise." Harbinger calmly reply to her comment.
" Well, first thing first why so fast? I mean it's not like your're rushing for time or anything. And to top it off, don't you think its pretty sudden? " Twilight started to pour out more and more question, but Harbinger just sat there calmly until Twilight finnaly slows down. Harbinger shakes his head and laughs a little.
" Anyway...are you going to visit us soon then? " Twilight ask.
As soon as that question reaches his ears, Harbinger changes mood. Twilight waits for his answer but Harbinger simply refuse to comply. He looks away towards the window, the scene of the everyday life of the resident of ponyville comes into view, but he quiclky shuns away.
" Twilight...I won't and will not return to Ponyville, ever again...." Harbinger stares at what remainds of his cupcakes, althought there is still a large portion of it left, he refuse to take another bite. He has lost his appeatite.
" Why? "
" I....I simply can't Twilight. There are things I must do, and I must do it alone."
" I don't understand. Is there something require by the Royal Guards? I can always personally request..."
" No Twilight...it's my own decision. Also, do not come and find me when I'm in Canterlot..."
Twilight was totally caught by surprise by Harbinger's words. She felt strange all of a sudden, like a feeling she's gonna lose something precious to her. As hard as she tries to mutter a word, nothing seems to come out of her mouth.
" You see Twilight, have you ever wonder what your cutie mark mean? " Twilight simply nods. " Althought it's generally assumed that the cutie marks that appears on our flanks represent the talent one pony could have, but there are some cuite marks have totally different purpose..."
" What do you mean? "
" Duty, destiny, fate...My role in this world has already been set placed a long time ago and there's no absolute way to change it. My marks simply symbolise my place in this world. I have a task I must uphold till the day of my passing. Until then I've plan to keep my promise I made towards the Princesses." Harbinger sigh a little.
" But I still don't understand. I-i...."
" Twilight.." Harbinger interupt. " I think I've lived in this world longer than any pony besides the Princess. I've done many thiings that I'm not proud off and I'm afraid that I might do more. It's best for me and everypony that way. "
Twilight seems devasated by Harbinger's reply.She turned away from him in an attempt to hide the tears building at the corners of her eyes. Harbinger slowly gets up and trots beside her. He raise his hoof and brush aside her mane, wiping aways the teary eyes of hers.
" Do not shed this innocent tears for me. You deserve somepony else better than me. " Harbinger brush her mane, trying to calm her down. " I know you have feeling for me Twilight, and I'm truly sorry I have to be the one to break it. I cannot choose this path while I still have my own road to travel down on. "
It was already night when Harbinger return to the library. As he walk in it was rather dark. Normally it would have been bright with candles litted all over to illuminate the room. He sigh as he close the door behind him. He procede to lit the candles, which it then immediatly lit the entire library. Worried about Twilight, he strides slowly to her room, which was just upstairs. As he reaches the door of Twilight's room , he gently gave a couple of knocks.
" Twilight, you're ok? " No answer. He knew Twilight has started to fall head over hoofs for him, thats why if it's possible he would let her down gently before it gets too deep. Harbinger gave a couple more knocks but there was still silence. Concerned, he gently opens the door. As he enter, he saw Twilight on her bed, but she wasn't movning. As he close in she was asleep but her pillow was wet and her face buried in it. Harbinger sigh, but proceed to cover her with a sheet of blanket.
" She must have cried herself to sleep. Maybe I was a little selfish in my decision, but it must be done. I'm sorry Twilight. " Harbinger procede to the door. As he reach the door, he stop awhile, looking back at the sleeping purple mare. A surge of a very familiar emotions floods his hearts. Quickly he hinders it and closes the door behind him.
Harbinger proceeds into his room. As he lit the candle, the light immediatly illuminate the whole room. He stood in place for a brief moment, the thoughts of him seeing this place for the last time haunts him. He smiles, knowing how true it will be. The only regrets, is that he could have done it sooner. He close the door behind him, but as it was about to close, a purple hoof suddenly stuck itself between it, preventing the door from closing.
" Twilight, I asume you were already asleep...." Harbinger turn around to face the purple mare, her face was cleary still bitter from the crying. Without warning, she bury her face into Harbinger's chest, wet tears soak into the grey coat of his. Harbinger sigh, but force a smile as he gently runs his hoof through her messy mane.
" Harbinger...ca-can I spend....this last night with you..." Her words she mutter softly, her voice clearly effected by her crying.
" Su-sure...why not. " Harbinger tightly hug the purple mare, embracing her as she continue to cry her heart out.
Day breaks as the suns rose high into the sky, replacing the daily routine of night and day. Bright light gleam into the room where it slowly shine onto the bed. The warm sensation lay across the face of the purple mare as the sun slowly rose. She wakes up moments later, rubbing her eyes, trying to graps her blury vision. She takes a look around, looking for Harbinger, whom he was suppose to be with her. Her eyes dart quickly around, only to realise he has long left the room.
Twilight got up,as she prepare to leave the room, she notice a glowing piece of patchment on the table, where Harbinger used to write.A large book, covered in a faint red glow hover next to the piece of patchment. As she trots closer to the patchment, it gently floats towards Twilight, as if it know what her intention were. The patchment open up, and then it reads.......
" I know it's selfish of me to do this, but it's for the best for you and me. I know you have fallen in love for me, and I'm selfish not to think it through. But I had to do this. I cannot afford to carry my duty with you clinging close to me. I'm truly sorry Twilight, but have faith in my decision. I hope you would promise me that you would not attemtp to find me in Canterlot. For a mare of your caliber, you derserve a better somepony other than me. Do not waste your time sheding tears for me, instead save it for somepony else important in your life....
I am born a weapon, for it was my own stupidity that brought this misfortune upon me. I am but a tool, design to destroy, fated to bring reckoning to those who would foolishly dare to take me on, and destined to carry the curse as long as Discord still lives. What has been start long ago....I must finish it.....no matter how long it will take.....
I'm truly sorry that I'm the one that has to break your heart, but I hope you understand there are no way for a cursed soul like mine to have his way, not to a mare of your type. I bid you farewell...until next time...some other time, we might meet again......
Your's truly......Harbinger "
As Twilight finish reading the content of the letter, a drop of tears flow from her eyes, breaking the silence as it drops on the floor. She holds her hoofs close to her chest, bearing the heartache she's feeling in her. Twilight wipes her tears away, then she took a deep breath in attempt to calmdown.
" You know Twilight, he's probably right..." Spike appear from behind her, pating her back trying to calm her down. " Come, go get yourself cleanup. I've got your favourite sandwich ready just for you. "
Twilight glance at that small purple dragon. She puts a smile on her face, happy to see Spike trying to confort her. She pats that small little head, ever glad that she always has Spike. She nods, as Spike leaves the room. Twilight decide to follow suits, but then she notice a study looking book earlier on the table. She stops for a moment, looking at the book.
Twilight remembers that book. It was the same the book that Harbinger wrote on. As she retrieve it, a small patch of paper slips from between one of the page, landing infront of Twilight.
" Thank you Twilight, for all you've done for me. So here's a book to repay those deeds.... From Harbinger..
Twilight sigh for a moment, thinking back of the time she first meet him.Soon enough, she's too engrosed reading whatever Harbinger wrote in the book.
(Special Thanks for loststone for his help in proofreading *salute* )
