The sounds of the forest echoed and surrounded a small chestnut colt, from the screeches of the birds and the howling of the timberwolves, to the faint roars of a chimaera off in the distance. The colt was wearing a black cloak that covered where his cutie mark would have been, and despite the many frightening sounds around him, he never paused. He kept walking, no sign of fear on his face. If anything, he seemed amused. His form was indistinct, as if there was a heat haze covering his entire body. The colt was walking along a scarcely used path. It looked as if nothing had touched it for decades, but he seemed to know precisely where he was going.
The colt had been walking for two days without break, never drinking, never eating, and never resting; he just kept walking. There was intent in his gaze. He sought out something or someone in particular, and cared little for the dangers of the Everfree forest around him.
There were always things moving in the shadows; some large, some small, but the colt blended in with the forest so well nothing seemed to take notice of him, almost as if he couldn’t be seen at all. However, not all creatures rely on sight. A pack of timberwolves caught his scent. They followed him for hours, and he pretended not to notice them.
After all of his walking, he reached his destination. It didn’t seem anywhere important or special, merely a large clearing in the middle of the forest.There were a few flowers growing in it, but mostly it was just some short grass and low shrubs. The clearing was lined mostly with black-birch and maple trees, not too common in most of the forest, but the clearing allowed enough light for them to thrive.
The colt stood in the middle of the space, waiting, and after several minutes, the timberwolves’ bark covered bodies bounded up to him, not aggressive, but curious. They had surrounded him and began to circle, but the colt seemed not to care. With a small laugh that reverberated around the forest he said, “Greetings, my creations, how lovely to see you.” The colt spoke in a voice too large for him; it was silky and sly, but dry from misuse. The timberwolves had a wave of recognition come over them. They knew the voice speaking to them, for it had spoken long ago. One seemed concerned by the colt’s presence and growled half heartedly. Without a change in expression, without a single hint of his intent, the colt looked at the worried wolf and its bark-like skin erupted in flames. The other wolves yelped in surprise and the one burning, howled in pain, and the timberwolves’ cries caused the forest to erupt into sound. Screeches and caws and yelps and warning calls reverberated around the forest, but the colt just laughed. His laugh was dark and terrifying and cast a shadow deeper than any darkness through the forest, illuminating the forest clearing far brighter than the feeble moonlight. As suddenly as the fire started, it stopped. The wolf’s skin was charred and blackened but somehow, it had survived; yelping and whining with every movement, but alive.
The forest quieted, almost as if it had been muffled, and creatures began to emerge from the darkness to the moonlight of the clearing. Chimeras, Serpents, creatures that had no name, and even a small dragon came to see the mysterious colt. He just laughed his unnatural laugh. Walking from creature to creature, he inspected them and often made comments. “Ah, my chimaeras. You were my first attempt and my largest mistake. You were from the days when I was unrefined. I tried to create a creature like myself, but instead just made a monstrous brute. You’ll serve me well enough, however, when the time comes.” The chimeras seemed to understand his meaning. They shrugged and pawed at the ground eagerly. Next, he walked in front of the dragon. His tone changed, almost to respect when he spoke to it. “Greetings, dragon. What brings you to the forest, and what does my humble self have that interests you?” Clearly, the colt had some respect for the dragon, but his tone was thick with sarcasm regardless.
The dragon spoke in a rolling voice that seemed to carry through the clearing, “I know what you are; I have heard the tales. I may be small, but I am old and wise. You are not alone. You work with your brothers.”
The colt seemed unsurprised by the dragons knowledge, “Of course you know, though I fear your knowledge is somewhat... lacking.” and he said this last word with a silky slither. The dragon seemed confused and the colt continued, “You have never seen my brothers, have you?”
“No, nor have I seen you before.” The dragon replied, still confused.
“Well, of course. You see, my brothers and I don’t so much work together, as eventually cross paths. For the time being, I am having my fun all alone, though I suspect Thanatos - Death, as you might know him - might be helping to further certain... mutual goals.”
The dragon understood the implication. The colt was an enemy all his own, and he was dangerous on his own.
“What is your name, dragon?” the colt asked, pretending to care.
“Tale Bite.” the dragon responded shortly. It seemed the fear that the colt struck was not enough to stagger the dragon’s pride.
“How fun. Now, Tale Bite, I must ask. Have you come merely to ask questions, or do you intend to be of use to me?” The colt treated the situation like a joke, despite the dragon being ten times his size.
“What would something like you need help with?” the dragon said with a snarl.
“Well you see, I’ve found myself in an unfortunately unmoving situation several times now at the hands of Equestria’s beloved Princesses. I’ve grown weary of this game and feel that things need to be spiced up. So, I intend to change the way Equestria is run - and by that, I mean it won’t be.” and at this point, his tone turned to excitement and anticipation of some future event. “No, I intend to let the world unfold into a much more fun place. But sadly, to do that I must kindly dethrone our dear rulers.”
“You intend to overthrow the Princesses? Defeat Equestria?” Tale Bite asked, incredulous.
“If you want to put it that way, I choose to think of it more as freeing Equestria from the burden of harmony.” the colt said with a malevolent smile.
“That is a risky proposition. What would I get out of it?”
“Once Equestria is free, you may have whatever you wish. I hardly care about things.”
Tale Bite smirked. “I think we have a deal.”
The colt continued his smile. “How wonderful.” He walked on to the timberwolves in order to speak to them again. Many more had joined the original pack. “Ah, timberwolves. You always were some of my better work, if a bit lackluster in ability.” The timberwolves growled despite one of their brethren’s punishment for doing so. It seemed that they understood the colt’s meaning. “Good, you still have the ferocity I gave you. I’m glad this endless fair of harmony hasn’t tainted your nature.” the wolves calmed at the words. “I’m sure you’re all ready for blood.” The wolves howled and barked in ferocious anticipation, ever seeking for an opportunity to indulge their savage nature. The colt just smiled satisfactorily and moved on to the collection of various serpents gathered there. Some were intelligent creatures. Some were purely instinctive, but all were ready to listen. “Ah, you were my attempt to create something akin to the dragons. I didn’t quite succeed, of course. Regardless, are you ready to do what you were made to?” The dragon snorted in amusement at the colt’s comment as he walked away from the clearing.
The various serpents hissed and gnashed their teeth. Some had legs, some did not, but all moved their bodies smoothly. One of the particularly large blue water serpents said smoothly, “Whhhaat, do you ssseeek from usss?”
“Your considerable talents of... persuasion.”
The blue snake’s eyes seemed to thin, “Whhhaat do you mean?”
“What, have you never noticed how very often your voices quiet others? My, clearly I failed greater than I thought with you.”
The snakes hissed harshly and the large one said, “Weee arre not thingsss for you to mock asss you wisshhh.”
The colt’s tone became condescending, “Of course you’re not. Why here I am, merely the source of your very existence, and I’m sitting here...making jokes.” He said the last words with a sort of malevolent joy.
Something of the colt’s tone seemed to affect the various serpents gathered. They suddenly all looked concerned, as if they were all remembering a horrible nightmare, and the large blue serpent backed away, just a bit. He spoke apprehensively, “Verrry welllll, whheeen you callll, we ssshhhhhaallll assssiiisssst howeverrr it isss that you wiiissshh.”
“How excellent.” said the colt. At that, the serpents withdrew. By then, the timberwolves and manticores had done the same, leaving the clearing somewhat emptier. Despite that, the clearing was still quite full of various creatures. Some had started to nod acceptingly at the colt’s words. Many said words of acceptance, agreeing to assist him. Some left the clearing, others stayed to see him talk. At least one of each race stayed behind to hear him and after convincing all that had appeared, he began to talk to them all. “You know, I’ve been absent from Equestria for far too long. First that obnoxious thousand or so years, then this past year. Most have forgotten how fun life can be when you’re free from that old restriction of order. I intend to remind the world of such things and all of you shall assist me. With that, you shall be free from the restriction of Equestria’s precious ‘harmony’. This last word came out mocking and angry as if it had slighted and hurt him personally. “Now, I do hope you’ll spread the news of this little meeting. I’d hardly want you to have all the fun. Run along and tell your many little friends.”
The various creatures started to turn their separate ways when one of the smaller serpents - this one without appendages - said, “Aannd hhhoww willl we know whhen you wiissshhh for ussss to come and whhhaat you whhisshh for usss to do?” This snake was an emerald color and had an even more stunted tone as if it was unfamiliar with using such language. The rest of the creatures seemed to realize that they didn’t know the answers themselves, and so they waited for the colt’s response.
The colt sighed. “You will come when I call and I wouldn’t worry. You’ll know when I’m calling you. As for your orders... well, I can give them to you now. All I desire is that you spread chaos in whatever way you might.” He smiled at that, and the creatures realized they were being dismissed. They all seemed somewhat confused but didn’t dare ask him anymore. Once the many monsters left the clearing, the colt didn’t move. He just stood in place, not even sitting. He merely waited. For hours he waited, his malevolent smile never wavering.
The colt had been waiting for at least four hours when finally something appeared, a creature in the shape of a pony but not resembling a pony at all. Its body was a cold, black carapace and its horn was twisted and mangled looking. Its hair was a greenish blue and hung down in rags around its face. The creature had wings, but they were translucent and crisp like an insect’s, and the place where it would have had hooves was just more carapace but had clean holes through it. You could see straight through its legs in places. The strange creature approached the colt and said in a voice that had a harmonized buzz to it, “Come.” it said nothing else and immediately turned away, but it seemed that was what the colt was waiting for. He followed, not eagerly but happily. They walked from the clearing into a thick portion of the forest. It was filled with imposing oaks and twisted dogwood. They had been walking for over an hour when the trees began to thin, and soon they stood before a large stone hill covered with holes. The holes had soft glowing lights flickering from them, as if there were torches deep inside. The creature stopped before a particularly large hole and said another single word, ”Enter.” and it gestured.
The colt said “Why thank you. Such a serious thing you are. Why not smile?” and with a soft glow from his eyes, a wide grin spread across the creature’s face, exposing its sharp pointed teeth. It began to laugh, hysterically, unwaveringly, but it’s eyes were screaming.
Entering the hole, the colt walked softly. He wasn’t afraid of being heard, but seemed to have an interest in being a surprise. Sure enough, the tunnel had been lined with soft torches and had a subtle decline. It was burrowed out of stone, cold and unfriendly despite the warm glow from the torches. At the end of the tunnel was a large round door. The colt smiled widely and rapped upon it softly.
A loud imposing voice spoke, “Good, you’ve brought him. Enter.” it was distinctly female with the same dual-toned buzz about it. The colt pushed the door open, but when it had opened, he wasn’t a colt anymore, in fact he looked exactly like the creature he had just sent mad. “Where is he?” asked the female that told him to open the door. She was larger than any of the others, and had a small, black growth on the top of her head that resembled a crown. Other than that, she appeared much the same as the others. The door had opened to what seemed like a sort of throne room. It was decorated with various paintings and lined with shelves covered in pristine bones, and there was indeed a large, stone throne that had clearly been dug out of the same rock as the rest of the tunnel and room. There were four of the creatures, beside the large female. Two stood on each side of the throne and had blank, disciplined faces. It seemed they were guards.
The colt, who was now one of the creatures, looked at the two guards at the furthest ends, and his eyes glowed. They began to rock back and forth as if mesmerized and then they both turned and each speared the creature next them with their horns. The two speared creatures immediately fell to the ground, dead, leaking a blue-black liquid that must have been their blood. Still hypnotized, the other two looked back at the colt that was pretending to be one of the creatures. His eyes glowed once again and they fell to the ground with wide grins on their faces. They, too, had been killed. He looked at the creature who seemed to be queen and said, grinning widely, “Surprise!”
The exchange happened so quickly that the queen only had time to gain a look of arrogant displeasure. “You.” she said simply and angrily.
“Oh my Chrysalis, your attitude hasn’t changed one bit. I’d hoped for a better greeting, but I suppose I can forgive your mistake, just this once.”
“I am Queen Chrysalis. Queen of the changelings and goddess of this forest. What could possibly stop me from destroying you this moment, and never having to listen to you again?” Said the queen imperiously.
“Oh well, what fun would there be in that?” the colt that wasn’t a colt said, quite unconcerned.
“I do not care if you made us, you shall never be welcome in my domain, Discord.”
Upon hearing his name, Discord changed his form once again. This time he became his natural self; a draconequus, not one creature, but a sickly mismatch of many. While he was, indeed, in his natural form, it appeared somehow not as solid as it ought to be. He still had the haze around him and while he wasn’t translucent, he also wasn’t truly solid. “Well, if you’re going to be like that. I’ll give you a boring, real reason. I’m not really here. I can’t truly escape the stony prison that pesky band of ponies put me in until one of them dies. The elements still tie me to it, so I did the next best thing. I let my essence escape. It wasn’t too difficult, though admittedly I did have to do some of that awful planning that everyone always talks about. You see I’m not here, so you can’t kill me. I’m like a ghost, only capable of much more. Oh, and I’m real. You know that’s something I really must do once Equestria has fallen. I really must create some ghosts out of the dead. They’ll make things very interesting.” He paused, realizing that his point had drifted and smiled at the realization.
Queen Chrysalis frowned, realizing she couldn’t destroy him. Then she said in a tone that was filled with barely held back anger and perhaps a bit of fear, “Why have you come here? What is it that you seek from me, from us?”
Discord smiled, knowing that he had the upper hand, “I do keep having to explain myself, don’t I?” He sighed and began his explanation, “You see, I’ve grown rather displeased with constantly becoming a piece of art in a garden and have thus decided to change how things are run. So I must ask you, are you ready to fulfill what I always hoped you might do?”
“Why should we bother? What good will overturning the peace, love, and harmony of Equestria do for us? We feed quite well. After all, Equestria has provided much love for us to enjoy.”
“Oh my dear Chrysalis, are you really so very straight minded as to believe that love only exists with order? You’ll find that ponies and... others, fall quite happily in love without all of this ‘harmony’ getting in the way.” He said this in the manner of a father patiently explaining to a child why things fall down and not up but with a slightly sarcastic undertone to the whole thing.
Chrysalis paused before responding. She was considering what Discord had said. “So, assuming that what you say is correct - something I doubt I shall ever do - what precisely would you have us do? I remember your words after my creation. You wanted me and my race to spread your chaos throughout the world.”
“Well, I always was rather pleased with your presence. After all, what better creature to spread discord than one that feasts upon the love of others?” He seemed to have pride in his voice. It wasn’t love for Chrysalis, instead it was more like pride for a thing that he had created. “You don’t have to believe me, but you will. I should know; I made you.”
Chrysalis was becoming impatient and sparks of green light were coming off her horn, “Your plans. What would your plans for us be?”
Discord sighed again, annoyed at being rushed. “You know, my one mistake with you was that you are far too impatient. I’d hoped you would learn to enjoy the little things, but I suppose not.” he paused for a second then. “Hmmm, How about this?” His eyes glowed and he pulled his hand out from behind Chrysalis’s throne, an impressive feat given he was in front of her. He thrust his space-bending hand in front of Chrysalis’s face and in his palm were two miniature versions of the Princesses. They were cowering in fear holding each other. The look didn’t seem genuine on either face, but on Celestia it looked particularly out of place. It seemed not to matter to Chrysalis. Her face was fixed upon the two terrified Princesses. For once, a smile spread across her face and as soon as her expression changed, a third creature appeared on Discord’s hand. It was Chrysalis, laughing and casting strange bolts of magic at the two Princesses.
Discord closed his paw and withdrew his hand. Chrysalis looked back upon Discord. “Why did you show me this?” She seemed less angry, but still cautious.
“Well, isn’t that what you want? To rule and conquer Equestria by destroying those two pesky Princesses?” Discord’s voice became silky and sly, but somehow enticing; you wanted to hear all that he had to say and follow every instruction he gave. Chrysalis didn’t move or speak. Taking her lack of protest as a yes Discord said, “Simply put, if you help me, that is precisely what you may have. So long as you don’t interfere with me, you are welcome to rule.”
Chrysalis still seemed wary. “What about you? Why wouldn’t you claim the throne?”
Discord scoffed. “Me? Behind a throne? No, I much prefer to do my dealings more directly. You can’t see the fruits of your labor otherwise.” With those words he grabbed the skull of a pony off of one of the various display shelves in the room. His eyes glowed briefly, and it became an apple. He took one bite and tossed it behind him, and when it landed it scurried away, having become a mouse.
Chrysalis seemed to calm a bit. It seemed that she accepted Discord’s reason as legitimate. “Very well. I must ask again. What would you have us do?”
Discord released a chuckle, and words filled with malevolent mirth, he said, “Well, I would have you begin” he paused briefly, clearly trying to create a dramatic effect - “the end.”
There was a gentle knocking at the door. “Miss Sparkle, breakfast will be starting shortly in the dining hall,” explained a young mare’s voice through the door to Twilight’s room.
“I’ll be there soon. Just let me get ready for the day,” Twilight’s still sleepy voice called back, not unkindly.
“Yes Miss,” the mare responded, and Twilight could hear her walking away down the hall.
Twilight looked at her clock to see that it was eight in the morning, and she clambered out of bed. Celestia had appeared in ponyville the day before to bring her and Rainbow Dash to Canterlot. Celestia had said that she wished to resume
teaching Twilight, and that Rainbow Dash had been offered a position in the Wonderbolts. Rainbow Dash was, of course, excited, but Twilight was less so. She didn’t want to leave her friends in Ponyville, but the princess called, and despite missing her friends, Twilight was excited for the prospect of new lessons with the Princess.
Twilight looked out of her window to see a beautiful sunny day. What a great day to start magic lessons! she thought with a smile on her face. She looked around her new room to see the many piles of books that had yet to be placed on the many shelves lining the walls. Spike was still fast asleep, so she wrote a note and left it next to his bed in order to tell him to pick up the various tomes. Leaving the room, she made her way to the dining hall, and upon arrival, she was surprised to see Rainbow Dash was already up, despite the early hour, with a big grin of anticipation on her face.
“Can you believe it Twilight? I’m gonna be a Wonderbolt! This is so AWESOME!”
Rainbow Dash said from her place at the table.
Twilight smiled as well. “Congratulations. Again.” Twilight already heard her say nearly the same thing the entire way to Canterlot the previous day.
“Good morning Rainbow Dash, Twilight,” Celestia’s voice called from the other side of the dining hall.
The two mares turned to look at the princess in surprise, as they didn’t notice her enter the room.
“Oh, good morning, Princess,” Twilight scrambled to say.
“Did you both sleep well?” Celestia asked warmly.
“Yeah, I slept great. Thanks for giving me a room in one of the towers. I had a great warm-up flight this morning,” Rainbow Dash said gratefully.
“It was no trouble. I thought the Wonderbolts’ new recruit might want open access to the skies,” Celestia responded, smiling.
“I slept great as well. Thank you for the extra shelf space. I think Spike will be busy all afternoon organizing my books,” Twilight said somewhat sheepishly. Celestia sat down at the table, and Twilight joined Rainbow Dash. Several ponies in fancy vests came through a large, ornate door in the back of the room that must have led to the kitchens. Setting bowls of oats and fruit on the table, the three mares began to eat. They sat in silence, Rainbow Dash shoveling down her food, Twilight taking slow, leisurely bites and Celestia, as always, was eating as if she was at the finest banquet in the world. Once they finished their meal, Celestia spoke, “ Rainbow Dash, You will be starting your training with the Wonderbolts in one hour. They have been informed, and will be waiting for you at the Canterlot race track.”
“Awesome!” Twilight gave Rainbow Dash a stern look, “ I mean, err, thank you very much, Princess,” she corrected herself.
Celestia released a small laugh at their exchange. “I hope you enjoy yourself.”
“Oh I’m sure I will,” Rainbow Dash said certainly. “I’d better go get ready!” She sped off towards her room without another word.
“When will we begin, Princess?” Twilight asked eagerly.
“Meet me in the courtyard in thirty minutes. I have several lessons planned for you,” Celestia said, but she was missing her usual smile.
Twilight was so excited, she didn’t even notice Celestia’s missing expression. “Should I bring anything? Any books or scrolls?”
“No, you needn’t. We will be discussing topics that I am sure are in none of your books,” she responded cryptically.
“Oh, wonderful! I should go prepare. Excuse me.” Twilight walked back to her room.
Celestia smiled sadly at Twilight’s enthusiasm and thought, I’m so sorry, Twilight.
“Spike! Spike! Guess what! I’m starting my training in half an hour!” She looked at the clock on her wall. “Twenty-six minutes!” She exclaimed as she entered her room.
“Huh? Oh, tha’s great.” Spike muttered sleepily, having been woken up by Twilight’s excited vocalization.
“She said I didn’t have to bring any books, but should I bring something else? What should I do to prepare? Oh dear. I want my first lesson with Celestia to go well. What do I do?!” Twilight was nervously walking back and forth in her room and hadn’t even stopped to take a breath, let alone allow Spike to answer.
Spike watched her pacing, his own head pivoting with her movement. “Twilight, it isn’t your first lesson. You had dozens with her before you moved to Ponyville. Just relax. You’ll do fine!”
She stopped pacing and said, “but it’s my first lesson with her in a long time. What if I’ve gotten worse, or I can’t do the things she wants to teach me?” She was quite clearly nervous.
“Twilight, you’ve always been amazing at magic and always will be. Why do you think Celestia took you on as a student in the first place? Just go to the lesson, do your best and you’ll do great.”
She took a deep breath, and her whole body became less tense. “Thank you, Spike. You always have been the world’s best assistant.”
“Always have been, always will be,” Spike said with an affected little nod while he grinned.
Giggling softly, Twilight looked back at the clock. “I’ve still got twenty minutes before my lesson starts. What should I do?”
“How about you read a book?” Spike said jokingly.
“Oh, of course! I’ve been meaning to catch up on astronomy,” Twilight said, failing to catch Spike’s tone. He rolled his eyes but unpacked a book about different galaxies and handed it to her. She opened it at the marked page and began to read.
Before too long, Spike’s voice took her out of the universe in the pages. “You might want to get going. You have five minutes to get to your lesson.”
“Five minutes? I’ve gotta go!” She dashed out the door and ran down the hall towards the courtyard, galloping at full tilt. Don’t be late, I can’t be tardy for my first lesson! Finally, she sped around the last bend and exited out of the glass doors to the large, circular courtyard. Its ground was a series of alternating concentric circles made of granite and grasses. The granite had intricate symbols and designs carved into it, and an aura of power seemed to emanate from the beautiful decoration. The very edge of the courtyard was composed of carefully maintained blueberry bushes, each delicately trimmed in such a way that they created a wave-like pattern around the courtyard. In the central stone ring stood Celestia, waiting serenely as though time didn’t matter to her, which may very well have been the case.
As Twilight Sparkle ran through the courtyard doors, she worriedly said, panting while she did so, “I’m sorry if I’m late, Princess. I was reading, and got caught up in it, and-”
“Relax, my most faithful student; you are exactly on time,” Celestia responded kindly.
“Oh,” Twilight said, embarrassed, “good.”
“Shall we begin?” asked Celestia.” Twilight looked as if she had a question she was holding back. “What is it, Twilight?”
“Well, I don’t want to sound ungrateful or anything, but... well,” she paused and bit her lip, “why did you bring me back to Canterlot?” She said the last few words in a rush as if to pull off a bandage. “I know you want to keep teaching me; it’s just, well, I thought I could live in Ponyville.”
Celestia understood, she never wanted to take her back. “Twilight, I’m not going to keep you here forever. I didn’t mean for you to think that, but troubling stories have been spreading through Equestria.”
“What do you mean?” asked Twilight, confused.
Celestia sighed softly as if relinquishing something and said, “Did you hear any rumors while you were in Ponyville about Luna and I?” Celestia wore a sad smile.
“Well, I heard some, but I thought they were just silly gossip. Like when the girls said you had a cake eating problem.”
“What?”
“Oh, uh, nothing.”
Celestia continued, “Those rumors aren’t just gossip, or rather they are, but on a large and troubling scale. I’m not sure how many believe them, but nevertheless, false rumors of our tyrannical ways have spread like parasprites throughout Equestria.”
Twilight looked quite clearly concerned, “But, who could be spreading lies like that? You’ve always been good leaders!”
“I have not been able to find a source. It’s as if the wind itself were whispering lies. I suspect someone is trying to put Equestria in a state of concern. It seems that the gryphons somewhat fragile trust in us is already fracturing.”
“Why would someone do such things?”
Celestia paused briefly before answering. “I don’t know, Twilight. I only have suspicions.”
Twilight realized Celestia was not going to say more and so asked, “Why do you need me?” She was not accusing, but curious.
“Because you are the element of magic, and I need to teach you a new branch of spells I have kept you away from until now.”
Twilight seemed hesitant to ask. “What do you mean?”
“Combat magic,” Celestia stated simply. It was a fact, not an answer, as if the very word were a presence among them that needed to be treated with care.”
“What do you mean? I’ve never seen it mentioned in any of my books before.”
Celestia smiled wryly, “You wouldn’t. The only place where tomes on that subject are stored is the hidden wing of the Canterlot Archives, which even I rarely enter.”
Twilight didn’t ask about the hidden wing. If Celestia hadn’t shown it to her, there was good reason. “What is combat magic?”
“It is known as destruction magic and that is perhaps the best description to be given. It is a form of magic that Discord invented many years ago in order to take control of Equestria, but he did not create it well and was unable to keep others from using it.” Twilight expression was slightly worried at these words, but she just continued to listen. “The best description I can give is an example.” Celestia’s horn glowed briefly, and a target with a bright red bullseye appeared next to her. Her expression didn’t change, but once again her horn glowed and a bolt of golden fire shot out of her horn towards the target and upon contact it burst into beautiful, destructive flames. Her horn glowed for a third time and both flames and target vanished. “That is what combat magic is: a branch of spells fueled and controlled by a want to destroy.”
“But why are you teaching me this? It seems terrible.” Twilight said, horrified by the idea.
Celestia smiled warmly, but her sadness was clear. “Because these rumors suggest that someone is trying to undermine Luna and I which means trouble is brewing. If something happens, Equestria will need defending, and we will all need you.”
Twilight swallowed as if to rid an unsavory taste, “I don’t want to hurt anypony. I don’t want to hurt anything.” She said, nearly crying.
“Nor do I, my most faithful student, nor do I.” The two mares - one old and wise and the other young and innocent - sat next to each other, and Celestia wrapped a wing around Twilight. The gesture did not go unnoticed, as Twilight calmed a bit. Celestia looked down to the young mare and said, “I would not ask to teach you this if I didn’t have to. I never wanted you to bear any such burden.”
Twilight sniffed, and said sincerely, “I know you wouldn’t, Princess.”
Celestia smiled gratefully, and said softly, “We should begin.”
“Okay.” Twilight said, seeming to harden her resolve. Despite herself, she was still excited to learn something new. “How do I begin?”
“As you know, magic comes from different emotions. Curiosity, love, hate, courage, and fear can all be drives for magic. Combat magic is different. The other emotions are all factors in deciding what the spell does, but combat magic is fueled by a need to eliminate an enemy. It can be governed by courage, fear, love, and every other emotion, but the essential fuel comes from the need to eliminate something.”
“But Celestia, how can love have any control over magic like this?” Twilight asked, genuinely curious what part the emotion could play.
Celestia smiled. She was delighted to have Twilight ask about such a topic. “You would protect your friends, and in order to use combat magic to defend them, you need to love them. I’ve seen ponies use it without intending to when they saw family members in danger.” Twilight understood, and didn’t ask about it further. “In order to begin,” Celestia paused to summon another target, “I want you to summon a fire.” Twilight did in short time. “Now, concentrate on the target burning. I don’t want you to burn it for warmth, think only of it disintegrating.” Celestia sounded almost displeased by the words, but the tone was so subtle it might not have been there.
Twilight took a deep breath, and focused on the glowing orb of purple fire in front of her. She strained with concentration, but nothing changed. She grew progressively more annoyed until, finally, it shot forward in a bolt, but upon making contact, it dispersed. The target remained intact.
Celestia said encouragingly, “It’s alright, just try again.”
Twilight once again summoned a ball of flames in front of her glowing horn, but this time she looked even more determined. It took less time for the fire to fly forward, and when it hit the target, it didn’t disappear immediately. The flames went out after a few seconds, but left the target in a state that didn’t look burned, but did look a bit less substantial.
Celestia simply said, ever the great teacher, “Very good. Keep trying.” But she thought privately to herself, She didn’t even burn the target, she made it partially disappear.
Twilight continued practicing, ever improving, and the target became steadily less and less substantial. She was encouraged on by Celestia’s words, but eventually the elder mare said, “I think we’ll end the lesson here. You’ve done excellently.”
Twilight looked surprised, “But I haven’t even done it yet.”
Celestia smiled, proud of her student, “You’ve done very well. You need time to rest or else you’ll tire yourself out.” Twilight frowned ever wanting to master new skills but accepted Celestia’s words without question. Celestia gained a happy smile, “Luna has requested to begin your lesson with her at six.”
I’m going to have magic lessons with Luna too?” She forgot her frustration and sadness instantly and had a huge smile on her face. “What is she going to teach me?” Twilight said very curiously.
“I can not truly say I know. I suspect I have an idea, but it’s best you wait for her to explain it. Be proud, Twilight. You are the first she has ever chosen to teach. Not even Starswirl the Bearded learned from her.”
“Really? I’m her first student?” Twilight’s eyes widened in awe.
Celestia smiled, nearly laughing, “Yes and do go easy on her. She might take some time to become used to teaching.”
Twilight giggled. “I’ll be patient with her. How has she been adjusting?”
“Very well. She’s been learning to talk in the current way, and seems to have mastered it. Though she still speaks with the old royal Canterlot voice whens she is overly excited,” Celestia said with a laugh.
“That’s great.” Twilight said happily. I can’t wait for my lesson.
Celestia smiled and gave a short nod. “ I hope it goes well. Now, I must go perform my royal, and perhaps unjoyful, duties. You may go watch the Wonderbolts train if you wish. They won’t mind.”
“Oh that would be wonderful! I wonder how Rainbow Dash is doing.”
Celestia walked back into the palace towards the throne room. Twilight made her way towards the Canterlot race track, which wasn’t a long walk. She saw the Wonderbolts before she saw the track, weaving, twisting, spinning and speeding through the air. Spitfire was clearly giving Rainbow Dash drills. Performing complex spins, loopty-loops and dives, she was an impressive sight to watch. Twilight observed for nearly half an hour - amazed by the Wonderbolts skill in the air - before anyone noticed her.
Spitfire flew down, Rainbow Dash in tow. “Hey... Twilight, right?”
“Yes. And you’re Spitfire! You guys are amazing!” Twilight said, quite sincerely.
“Aren’t they?” Rainbow Dash chipped in.
“You aren’t half bad yourself there, Dash.” Spitfire said, and Rainbow Dash looked pleased and embarrassed at the same time. “So, what brings you over to the track?”
“I have some free time between lessons, and I thought I’d see how Rainbow Dash is doing.”
“I’m doing great, for your information.” the blue pony said proudly.
“Your friend here’s pretty good. With a bit of training, she might end up as good as me.” Spitfire said, almost as a challenge.
“Hah, I’d like to see you pull off a sonic rainboom.” It seemed Rainbow Dash was comfortable around her new teacher.
“Hey, that was an impressive piece you did, I’ll give you that,” Spitfire acknowledged.
“Well I don’t want to be any trouble, I just came to watch,” Twilight said politely.
“Don’t worry about it; it’s time we took a break anyway, we’ve been flying for a while.” Spitfire signaled for the other Wonderbolts, still in the air, to come down to the stands where Twilight was. There were only two others out that day. “Hey, Soarin, this is Twilight.”
“Nice to meet you,” Soarin said, quietly.
“Likewise.”
“And this is Ginger.” Spitfire gestured with a wing to a pale-yellow pegasus with a short chestnut mane.
The mare nodded politely, but didn’t seem to have her heart in it. Spitfire gave her a glare, but she just shrugged with her wings.
Twilight didn’t seem to notice the exchange, as she said “It’s wonderful to meet all of you. I grew up watching the Wonderbolts from the Palace, but I think that the current team might be the best I’ve seen.”
Ginger spoke up then, “You talk like we’re some sort of entertainers. We’re the elite flyers of Equestria. The races are just to keep everypony happy knowing we’re still around. Really, we’re more like guardians of the sky, so don’t make us out to be some sort of sport team.” She had a distinctly gruff and annoyed voice when she said this.
“Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to cause offense.” Twilight said, taken aback.
She just rolled her eyes, as if to say, why did I even bother explaining it?
Spitfire was distinctly frustrated with Ginger’s attitude and said, “Hey, she didn’t mean any offense, so chill out! Go give me fifty flash dives for that!”
Ginger looked like she wanted to protest, but she just flew back into the sky and began to fly up and drop over and over again.
“Sorry about that. She just joined a few weeks ago. She’s a really good flyer, but her attitude needs some work. Not like my class-A mare here.” Spitfire gestured to Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash grinned happily. “I look pretty sweet in my Wonderbolts uniform, huh Twilight?”
“You sure do, Rainbow.” Despite the many things Celestia’s lesson had cast into her mind, Twilight was still happy for her friend.
“Okay, Dash, enough break time. Go give me fifty wing-ups.”
“Yes, ma’am!” Rainbow Dash said with a salute and a grin.
“I told you, call me captain.” she said, clearly having been improperly addressed before that day.
“Yes, captain.” grinning, she walked off to begin her drill.
“That mare has spirit.”
“You could certainly say that.” Twilight said in a you have no idea sort of way.
“She reminds me of myself a few years ago. Certainly has my sense of humor. I used to do the same thing to my captain when I first became a Wonderbolt.” She turned away for a moment to call out to Ginger. “Hey, you can put more fall into that dive. I want you below the track before you start flying back up!” Spitfire didn’t have any anger in her tone, but she was clearly a good leader. You could hear the authority in her voice.
“Rainbow Dash has wanted to join the Wonderbolts since she was a filly. It’s so wonderful to finally see her dreams come true for her.” Twilight said gratefully to Spitfire.
“Well, she’s a great flyer as far as I can tell. We actually considered letting her join back when she did her sonic rainboom, but, to be honest, while she has a lot of raw talent, she needs some work on finesse.”
“I met Rainbow Dash over a year ago. She’s headstrong, brave, and loyal, but she’s never been a very patient pony.” Twilight said honestly.
“That doesn’t surprise me. Most ponies with a lot of talent never seem to have the patience to learn. I’ll have her whipped into shape before too long.”
“I’m sure you will.” Twilight laughed a little. “I don’t think I’ve seen a better leader before. Aside from Princess Celestia, of course.”
“You must never have seen the old Wonderbolts captain then. He was one tough colt. Without him, I’d never have shaped up,” the orange mare said this as if remembering fond times.
“Oh, I remember Thunder Bolt! I used to come watch his races when I was younger.”
“Huh. You don’t strike me as a flying fan.”
Sheepishly, Twilight said, “Well, to be honest, I’m not. Princess Celestia always used to encourage me to get away from my books every once in awhile. I always enjoyed the races and shows when I saw them, though.”
Spitfire laughed a bit, “Bit of a bookworm, huh?”
“You could say that.” Twilight said with a large smile, “Ever since I learned how to read, I’ve hardly done anything else.”
“It’s funny. I was pretty much the opposite. As soon as I could fly, my parents could never get me to do any of my homework. I’d been wanting to join the Wonderbolts as much as Rainbow Dash and finally got accepted. I’ve been a Wonderbolt for fourteen years next month. ‘’
“Wow, how long have you been captain, then?”
“about five and a half years now, ever since Thunder retired. I was downright surprised when he said he wanted me to be the captain.”
Soarin had remained quiet throughout the two mares’ exchange, but he spoke up then. “It wasn’t a surprise to the rest of us. You’ve always been the best leader, and maybe even the best flyer. Hard to say, since we keep tying with each other.”
Spitfire smiled. “Don’t worry, I’ll beat you next time.” Soarin smiled back, but didn’t speak again. “Well, as much as I’ve enjoyed chatting, we should really get back to practice. Feel free to stay and watch if you like.”
“I think I will, thanks. It’s been great meeting you.”
“And you.” Spitfire flew off at that. Soarin nodded to Twilight and took off as well.
Twilight continued to watch the Wonderbolts practicing for another hour or so before returning to the palace. Her walk back was uneventful, and before long she had arrived inside her room to see Spike organizing her many books.
“Hey, Twilight. How’d your lesson go?”
She hesitated for a moment, “Celestia is teaching me a completely new type of magic, and I just can’t quite seem to get the hang of it.”
“Well it was only your first lesson after all. Even you can’t expect to be perfect at everything.”
She changed the subject instead of discussing what was really troubling her. “I went to see Rainbow Dash at practice.”
“How’s that going?”
“She’s doing pretty well, and Spitfire seems to like her. I haven’t seen her so happy since she performed the sonic rainboom at the flying competition last year. She’s gotta be the happiest pony in the world right now.”
“No, that’s Pinkie,” Spike said, grinning.
Twilight smiled. “I’m gonna miss her and the rest.”
“Don’t worry. It’s not like we’ll never see them again.”
“Yeah, I know.”
There was a comfortable pause between the two, and then Spike said, “Would you like to read anything? I’ve been arranging your books since I got up, so I can find something for you.”
“Haven’t you eaten?”
“Not yet. It’s alright though.” this statement was rather contradicted by a loud growl emanating from his stomach.
“Go get something to eat, Mister Assistant.”
“Well, if you insist, what are you going to do?”
“You know, I haven’t had the chance to really wander around Canterlot in ages. I think I might do just that.”
The two left the room and Spike said, “Have fun!”
“I’m sure I will.” They went in opposite directions. The Palace was at the very edge of Canterlot, but not raised above the city, so that the Princesses could observe and protect, but never seem to look down upon the citizens. This led to the castle not being very hard to enter or leave, so Twilight was out and about the city in just a few minutes. Canterlot was as old as the princesses themselves. Nopony was entirely certain how old that was, but everypony knew that the city was the symbol of the princesses’ rule, and how they brought Equestria to peace.
Twilight enjoyed revisiting her favourite places in the beautiful city. From the waterfall to the bank - a beautiful, pristine building with large stone pillars marking the front - she wandered Canterlot. She savoured the opportunity to visit her memories of her childhood home. She had visited since moving to Ponyville, but always with a specific purpose. She hadn’t the opportunity to wander the city by herself for over a year, so she just walked around, visiting her favourite book store, and getting something to eat at the teashop. It was late afternoon, and Twilight began to make her way back. The purple mare decided to walk through the gardens behind the palace. She passed by the maze, but quite purposefully ignored it. After Discord’s escape, she was still uneasy about it. Walking past the many flowers and trees, she reached the various statues. Discord had been moved from Ponyville to the gardens after being turned to stone, and she approached his statue. It was tall and angry, just as Discord had been at realizing his defeat, but something seemed somehow wrong. She couldn’t put her finger on what, but somehow not all was how it should have been. Circling around him, she studied every detail of the statue, and she noticed a crack - only a few inches in length - running down the back of his head. Twilight shivered, despite the warm air around her.
“Hey, Twilight!” Rainbow Dash’s voice called from the sky.
Twilight’s attention snapped away from the statue, “Oh, hi, Rainbow Dash.”
The blue mare landed next to Twilight, blowing dust everywhere with her wings, and said, “Man, Spitfire is awesome.”
“I take it practice went well then?”
“Apart from Ginger, it was awesome!”
“She did seem a bit... abrasive.” Twilight said tactfully.
“Abrasive doesn’t even describe it. When we were doing lap times to see how fast we could go around the track, Ginger was distracting me the whole time on purpose. Can you believe it?”
“What did Spitfire do?”
“She gave her a bunch of wingups, but still!”
“Oh well, hopefully she’ll get better with time.”
“Unlikely,” Rainbow Dash said with a snort. “Hey what time’s dinner? I’m starving.”
“I think it’s supposed to be at seven thirty, but you can probably go ask for something from the kitchens.”
“I think I will.”
Rainbow Dash flew off towards the palace and Twilight called to her, “Be polite.” Twilight continued walking through the gardens, forgetting about Discord as if she was supposed to. It grew late and she walked towards the courtyard, determined to be early for her lesson with Luna.
Twilight arrived in the courtyard ten minutes before six, but Luna was already there. “Greetings, Twilight.”
The purple mare bowed slightly and said, “Hello, Princess.”
“You needn’t bow to me. You helped me regain my subjects respect in Ponyville. For that, I shall be ever grateful. Now, I am sure you are wondering what I intend to teach you.”
“Yes!” Twilight said excitedly. “Celestia didn’t say.”
Luna seemed to smile at Twilight’s words, “That is because she doesn’t truly know. You see, I intend to teach you night magic. No one has ever learned it before because It is a branch of magic that I invented. Celestia and I are the ponies of the sun and the moon and we each have our own magic. I have decided to teach you what I am capable of.”
“If Celestia can’t perform night magic, how did she raise the moon while,” Twilight paused to think of the best wording, “you were away.”
Luna didn’t seem to take offense, “She did not. While I was imprisoned as nightmare moon, I still maintained my duty. While I was her, it was for the purpose of ensuring she never had day without night, but, nevertheless, I raised the moon.”
Twilight seemed to understand. “Well, then what is night magic?”
“The night is the space that allows for a new day. It is the time before new light and that is the basis of night magic. It is the idea of change through rebirth.” Luna’s horn glowed and suddenly she wasn’t Luna. In her place was a dark blue cloud floating in the air. With a flash of blue light, the cloud changed back into Luna.
“That was amazing!” said Twilight.
“Thank you. The first spell I shall teach you is more complex, but simpler to execute.” Luna’s horn glowed blue once again, and the grass in the courtyard withered. The soil seemed to grow richer as it happened. Small green shoots sprouted out of the ground and suddenly in the place of the grass was row upon row of beautiful black lilies. Twilight was in awe and Luna spoke, “I want you to begin by trying to turn the lilies back into soil. Think of the space in between growth, and imagine something in the flowers place.”
Twilight nodded, and wore a very determined look on her face. The flowers began to grow colorless and the soil slowly looked richer. After several minutes, the flowers fell apart and small shoots seemed to pop out of the ground. Nothing happened for minutes on end, and Twilight finally said, “Princess, am I doing something wrong?”
“Just keep trying. You will be able to do it.”
Twilight continued and eventually, small blue flowers rose up. They weren’t as neatly grown as Luna’s but the princess looked impressed regardless. “Very good. Now try again.” Twilight did, and soon she rose grass into the courtyard again, much faster than she had risen the flowers. “Well done. You are a very talented unicorn, Twilight.”
Twilight looked embarrassed and said, “You explained it very well.”
“Thank you, though I am not entirely certain of that being true,” Luna said with a slight smile.
“So, what next, Princess?” Twilight asked eagerly.
“Not just yet. I want you to keep practicing this.” Twilight did and after the fifth time, Luna said, “That will do. To be honest you learned this much faster than I expected. I do not have any more planned for the lesson.”
Twilight smiled, somewhat pleased with her progress, “That’s alright. I’m pretty tired anyway.”
“I’m sure you are. New magic can be exhausting, and what my sister discussed with you must have been distressing. I’m sorry to say it’s true.”
“I just hope everypony realizes how ridiculous it is that you two would have done anything wrong.”
Luna smiled sadly, “My sister has committed no crime, but I don’t believe I can claim the same.”
Twilight realized what she meant, “You didn’t do anything wrong. It was Nightmare Moon, and we changed you back using the elements of harmony. You aren’t her.”
“Thank you, Twilight.” Luna said gratefully. “Now, I believe dinner shall begin soon, shall we make our way to the dining hall?”
“Yes, that would be wonderful,” Twilight said.
The two ponies made their way to the great table and arrived just as Celestia did. “Hello. How did your lesson go?” she asked the Two mares.
“Quite well, Sister.” And with a bit of a facetious grin Luna said, “She managed to master the spell I tried to teach you.”
Celestia smiled, glad to see Luna was enjoying herself. “Well, she is a better mare than I.”
Twilight said with a laugh, “I don’t think you can say that until I learn how to raise the sun.”
The Three sat comfortably silent, and Rainbow Dash entered the room. “Hey, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna.”
“Greetings, Miss Dash.” Luna said politely.
“Hello, Rainbow,” Celestia said, in her usual warm manner.
“Didn’t you eat earlier?” Twilight asked curiously.
“Yeah, but that was awhile ago.”
Twilight rolled her eyes, and Spike arrived. He sat next to Twilight at the table. “Hey, Twilight, I take it your lesson went well?” Spike said, noticing Twilight’s obvious happiness.
“Oh, yes. Luna is a great teacher!”
The food came out shortly, and all of the ponies ate and talked to their heart’s content. Luna was mostly quiet, but Celestia contributed to the conversation often enough. After they had finished eating, Celestia and Luna left first to attend to their various regal duties, and then Rainbow insisted that she had to hit the hay. Twilight returned to her room with Spike, and soon he was fast asleep in his bed. She crept onto hers and laid her head on the pillow. “Good night, Spike.” she said softly, and with that, she fell asleep.
Alibaster’s was a tavern in the gryphon’s town of Eaglescree. It was a large establishment built into the side of a cliff face, and the inside was bare, scratched stone with scatter tables and a bar. It was always busy with gryphons of all colors inside drinking cider. At a table in the corner sat a small, raven-blue gryphon sipping at his cup. He’d been there for hours, rarely moving, listening to the various conversations going on around him.
“I heard she’s planning on taking over our homes and country!” said a clearly outraged, silvery grey gryphon.
“You know, Croft, you always have believed in silly rumours about the ponies.” responded a golden-brown gryphon exasperatedly.
“And you’ve never heeded a warning in your life.” said Croft, still quite angry.
“Celestia isn’t going to take over our kingdom. I visited Equestria last year, and I kept hearing about how kind she was. Why would a pony like that want to conquer a kingdom?” Responded the golden-brown one.
A third brown and white gryphon chimed in from another table, “You’ve always trusted every nice thing you hear about those ponies, Arc. I think you’d become one if you could.” and he uttered a harsh screech of laughter.
The three continued to argue about the state of the ponies, and the gryphon in the corner smiled slightly. He listened for awhile longer before finally departing. He left a few coins on his table to pay for the drink and left. He walked through the old door to the bitter winds outside. He didn’t care; gryphons liked the cold of the skies. He saw, in the sky, several armored gryphons flying away from the tavern. That’s odd. I didn’t see them inside, he thought. Looking around for a sign of why they were there, he saw a poster on the door to the tavern. It depicted a pitch-black gryphon and held the caption “Any with information as to this gryphon’s whereabouts are to report to an Aurorus Knight. This gryphon is not an enemy, and is not to be treated as such. Reward of five hundred silver if information is found credible.” That would explain it. He’s gained some attention, thought the gryphon. Grabbing the poster, he took off and angled his wings downward. He had a specific location in mind, and it seemed to be well away from the town. From the sky, Eaglescree was easily visible. The town was a hodgepodge of rickety buildings, nests and caves on the top of three mountain peaks. There was no physical connection between the peaks since gryphons could fly where they needed to go.
The darkly colored gryphon spent nearly half an hour flying before he found his destination. It was a small, round opening in the side of a mountain with flickering light emanating from within. He alighted on the edge of the cave and began to walk inside. He wasn’t in a particular hurry as he walked down the stony, torch-lined hallway. It wasn’t long before he stood in front of a large, black door with a small keyhole in the center. He used his front talon to grab a key tied to his hind leg and inserted it into the door. A series of metallic clunks and clicks sounded and the door swung open to reveal a small room with a kitchen in one corner, a few cushions on the ground, and a couple doors leading to other rooms. In the center of the entry room was a large couch upon which a very strange creature was reclining. It was a creature made of a dozen others, one wing of a pegasus, one of a dragon, talons, bear claws, and two different horns. There was something entirely wrong about it. The creature spoke, “Greetings, Sollus.”
The gryphon named Sollus didn’t seem to be at all surprised by the monstrous sight in front of him. “Hello, Thanatos.” Sollus sounded respectful, but still quite at ease. “Some Aurorus Knights put this this up for you, though they do seem to think you’re a gryphon.” He handed the poster to Thanatos.
“That might be because I’ve never revealed that I’m a draconicus,” he said as he looked over the paper. Thanatos’ voice was heavy, rough, and frigid cold. It was deep and strong and terrifying to hear. Yet despite its imposing nature, it was a voice that one could listen to forever.
“I suspect if you did, they’d try to kill you on sight.”
“Yes, well they will try, but it is rather hard to kill death. I intend to pay King Aluin a visit again tomorrow. I suggest you sneak into their archives while I keep his guards have their attention on me.”
Sollus looked rather taken aback, “You’re going to show him what you are?”
“Why not? I’ve been telling him dark truths for long enough for it to not be a surprise, and the fact that he’s trying to find me means he wants my advice. I believe our little king, with a little push, might just do as we wish.”
“You’ve been away from the world for too long. It’s more frightened and disbelieving of the old powers than you recall.”
Thanatos smirked slightly, “Perhaps you are right, but I think not. He despises the princesses, and it is not hard to convince someone that the enemy of their enemy is a friend.”
“This is true, after all you convinced me.”
“Yes, but unlike Aluin, you aren’t a mere tool. When you found me in my slumbers, you tried to kill me. I admire that, though I am glad you realized your mistake quickly. If you hadn’t, I’d have killed you.” He paused before proceeding to ask, “Are any of the gryphons in a state ready to help my brothers and I?”
“I don’t know how many would be willing to help you, but they certainly begrudge Equestria, or, at least, many of them do.” Sollus paused briefly before asking, “Do you really want to help your brothers? Greed has never helped you, and Discord - he may have come back, but he’s been defeated twice.”
“Discord has finally realized he needs to change tactics, and Greed will reveal himself when our advantage becomes apparent. He’s always made himself known when it suits him.”
Sollus seemed unconvinced, but merely responded, “If you insist. What do you want me to get out of the Aurorus archives?”
“Anything they might have on the blasted princesses, as well as any interesting secrets about the gryphons. Best to know your allies as well as your enemies.”
“Very well, I’ll leave for the city first thing in the morning.”
“Good, and you’ll know once I’ve arrived. There will be a lot of screeching, I’m sure.”
Sollus nodded and entered the second door into his bedroom. It was a small room with a straw mattress on the ground and a lamp on a short table. He lay on his bed and fell asleep, resting for the events that were to come.
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Sollus awoke early and immediately made his way to leave. As he walked through his entrance room, Thanatos spoke, wide awake, “Remember to stay unseen.”
Sollus nodded and exited through the large door. He reached the end of the cave and flew. It took him hours, and by the time he arrived in the city of Aurorus, his wings were sore, and he rested for awhile before moving on. The city was a
beautiful place carved out of a mountain's peak, and it was a shining example of the pride and strength of the gryphons. At the center of the city was a beautiful palace with towering spires and great pillars supporting it. Aurorus was so high that the clouds floated through it, and the winds struck hard against the spired, rocky buildings.
Finally recovering, Sollus made his way towards the palace and stayed near the entrance, awaiting the time when he’d be able to break into the archives beneath.
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Thanatos waited for hours after Sollus had left before departing. He didn’t need to fly or walk; he just seemed to jump between spaces. In a flash, he was just outside of the city in the form of a black gryphon. He flew straight towards the center of the city where the palace was situated. Walking up the beautiful, marble stairs, he noticed the two armoured gryphons standing in front of the elegant doors. “Greetings, sirs. I do believe the king wishes to see me.”
The two knights looked at each other, surprised and the one on the left said, “Uhh, yes. Right this way.” He opened the doors, and both knights led Thanatos down a long corridor lined with paintings of various kings and door upon door leading off to various wings of the palace. They reached a high, open room lined with windows and made out of white marble. At the back of the great room was a silver throne upon which sat King Aluin. He was an impressive gryphon, looking proud and regal with feathers of an almost golden color. He was large and strong, with a silver circlet around the top of his head. He looked forward and saw his Knights leading Thanatos. “Greetings, Thanatos. I am pleased that you have returned.” The king spoke in a soft, luxurious voice. It was commanding, but smooth.
Thanatos had told the king his real name because none had heard it for so long it had been forgotten. Most only knew him as Death, and he didn’t fear recognition. Walking forward towards the king at a leisurely pace, he was completely at his ease. When he stopped, he didn’t bow or make any sort of movement to imply respect; he merely responded to the king. “Salutations, King Aluin. I’m sorry I could not make free time to return sooner.” The king seemed to be slightly annoyed by Thanatos’ disrespectful manner, but listened on, and the knights seemed to be annoyed an on edge. “Now, I have helped you with advice on how you should storm Equestria, and I have told you secrets hidden for centuries. It is time for me to show you another secret hidden for ages. I would suggest asking your knights to leave before they perish.” He was completely serious and horribly severe.
“Is that a threat?” King Aluin asked, annoyed at the impertinence of his guest.
“Hardly a threat, it was a suggestion.”
“My Knights will stand by their king’s side. Now show me this secret you speak of.”
“Very well.” Thanatos said simply, and with those two words his form changed. A cloud of shadowy smoke dispersed, and in its place stood Thanatos in his full size. An eight foot tall creature in all his terrible glory. He didn’t grin as Discord would have, he just held a straight face and said, “This is what I am: Thanatos - Death.”
King Aluin froze in terror, and the knights, all four in the room including the two that had led Thanatos in, ran towards him. They screeched in fury as they flew up, trying to tear him apart with their claws, but upon contact they each froze in midair and blew away into ashen dust. He looked on, unconcerned, towards the king. “I told you to send them away. I am not your enemy, the princesses are. I can help you defeat them, and you shall rule a kingdom twice the size of your current domain.”
King Aluin was still terrified but managed to sputter out, “Why should I trust you? You’re brothers are Discord and Greed, let alone what you are.”
“True, but if I was an enemy, I would have made it clear by now. Be afraid of me, but because I am death. not because I am an inherent enemy. I shall assist you against Equestria and so will my brothers. If you work with us, then you shall be made king of more than you thought possible.”
The king seemed reticent, but realized that to deny Death would be akin to accepting it. “How will you help me?”
“My brothers and I are magical beings as old as time. We can destroy your enemies, defeat the princesses and finally bring an end to the never ending fair of happiness that they demand.”
Several knights in hefty armor ran into the great room. There were ten of them and upon seeing Thanatos, they froze, unsure what to do. The king didn’t seem to be as concerned, so they looked to him for orders. “Stay there. He is not a threat or, at least. not at the moment. Do not attack him.”
“Yes, my liege,” the knights responded in unison. They were still frightened but stayed in ranks and did not turn to run.
The king addressed Thanatos again, “Where are your brothers?”
“I do not know. Discord has once again escaped and has been working towards gaining support. Greed has always served himself; he shall not appear until our strength has been shown. I am here, and as the eldest of us I shall represent. What do you wish to know?”
“Strategy. Equestria is ten times the size of my country, and is loyal to its princesses to the death. How can we defeat such a force?”
Thanatos looked unworried, but as always grim. “As I said, my brother is gaining support. We shall have allies unseen for many years. Aside from that, They have two alicorns and many ponies. We have three Draconicus, gryphons, and we shall soon have even more at our command.”
“That is still an unsure thing. Gryphons can not use magic, but unicorns can.”
“Remember what we are, and remember that we know the old enemies of the world. They owe us favors.”
King Aluin stood from his throne and said, “Follow me to my chambers. We shall discuss strategies, and you will tell me what you know.”
“I’ll tell you what you need to know,” responded Thanatos, and then he followed the gryphon king.
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Sollus watched from a distance as Thanatos, disguised as a gryphon, walked up to the palace. He realized what it meant and snuck up after him. He watched the two gryphons guarding the door enter, followed by Thanatos and after a couple minutes entered behind them. Thanatos had discussed the location of the underground archives, and Sollus soon found the door that led to them. It didn’t look special, but that was the point. It was hidden in plain sight. Opening it, he found the long spiraling staircase that led to the foundations of the palace, and his talons clattered against the stony floor. The descent didn’t take long and he navigated through several passageways to where Thanatos had informed him to go. It didn’t take long, and he found what he needed. It was an ornate door with a guard in front of it. As Sollus pondered how to take care of the guard, several loud screeches came from above and he went running, Not even Noticing Sollus in his rush to investigate the sounds. Sollus opened the door and found a great room filled with shelf upon shelf stuffed with books and scrolls. The different sections were labeled like a library, and before long the raven-blue gryphon had found the section on Equestria. He quickly sorted through a few tomes and scrolls and stuffed the ones that seemed interesting into the satchel he had slung around him. He rushed off to find a section that covered something interesting about the gryphons, but the only tomes were official histories. There was nothing of much use, but he stuffed a few in his satchel and made his escape. No guards were there to stop him. They seemed to have been drawn away, He must have appeared. They don’t seem to be taking as kindly as he thought, Sollus said privately to himself. He exited the palace and flew off. There were many gryphons in the sky, as he expected in the middle of the day, but he still felt rather unnerved by them all. He kept calm and tried to look as if he was in no particular rush, and he managed to get away from the city. From there, he flew quickly home. He rested several times during the uneventful journey.
Sollus finally reached the cave that he had made home and opened the large door to reveal Thanatos already relaxing on the couch. “Welcome back.” Thanatos said simply.
“How’d your meeting with the king go?”
“He was a bit distraught at first. His guards tried to attack me, but I convinced him. We have the gryphons as allies. Did you find anything interesting?”
“Plenty on Equestria. I didn’t find much of interest on the gryphons.”
“Ah, I feared that might be the case. Here, I took these from the king’s quarters. They should be of help.” with that, Thanatos tossed a scroll and two books to Sollus. He managed to catch the scroll and one of the books, but the other fell on the floor in front of him. He stuffed the book and scroll in his bag, and picked up the tome on the floor.
With a slightly annoyed tone Sollus said, “I’m going to look over all of these. I’ll be in my study.” He walked along the carpeted floor towards the door leading to his study. It was a small room with shelves lining the walls. They were stacked with scrolls, books and countless loose sheets of paper. He approached a small desk in the back of the room. There were various books and notes scattered on it, but Sollus just put them on the floor. He took out a book titled The Defeat of Discord. It was a about the princesses defeat of Discord. He took notes on the parts that mentioned the elements of harmony, but it was a largely uninteresting book. By the time he finished it was late in the night and he was exhausted. He retired to his room, and noticed that Thanatos had gone out. He frequently did so, in the form of the black gryphon, usually just for the sake of being outside. He fell asleep quickly, and slept well into the morning. When he awoke, he went straight to reading. He continued to do this for days. Some of what he collected was maps with little-known points of interest, but mostly it was histories of important events. One of the books was a history of the gryphon war. It explained the reason for their loss to be because of the fact that Equestria had unicorns as well as the two princesses. One of the key reasons seemed to be a unicorn by the name Starswirl the Bearded who was trained by Princess Celestia in magic. Sollus read the tome studiously and soon had pages full of notes. The scroll that Thanatos had given to him was a map of strategic outposts in the gryphon kingdom. Sollus hadn’t known about most of the them, and he looked over the map carefully. It took him several days, but he managed to finish going over the many things he collected from the Aurorus archives. He’d discovered things about the elements of harmony that he’d never known.
“Thanatos.” Sollus said after leaving his study.
“What is it?” He responded uncaringly.
“I think I’ve found how to remove the elements of harmony as a problem.”
Thanatos’ expression changed to one of more interest. “Have you now?” Sollus proceeded to explain and Thanatos said simply, “I think it’s finally time to send a message to Discord.”
