> Rise Of The Shadow Walkers
>  by Robobrony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter One: Where It All Began
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rise Of The Shadow Walkers
Chapter One: Where It All Began



Ages ago, before Celestia and Luna ruled over Equestria, before the dark rule of the god of chaos. Long before there even was an Equestria, in a land far from where Equestria would come to be, there lived a tribe of ponies, earth ponies, unicorns, pegasi, and alicorns. These races lived together in peace in houses of stone and wood. The city was ruled by seven ponies of their kind. Two pegasi, two earth ponies, two unicorns, and one alicorn. They were known as the council and ruled the city of ponies justly and fairly. 

The ponies of this city were content with how things were. They had magic and were capable of utilizing it to make their lives easier. None questioned or cared where magic came from, how it worked, and why it was able to do what it did. All they cared about was that it was there and they could use it to help them in their lives.  The alicorns were treated no different than the other ponies, and lived their lives like the others. There was one alicorn, though, who did have a curious mind. He wanted to learn about magic and find its secrets. Little did he know that his search for answers would lead him to discover a new kind of magic, a kind of magic that would be seen as terrifying and dark. This is the story of the first shadow walker pony.

Our tale begins on a normal day in the city of Trotsdale. The ponies were going about the cobble stone streets, greeting one another happily. At the center of the town was a large stone grey castle where the council lived and convened to make important decisions about the city and how it should be run. There were ponies who worked under the council as well to help with things about the city such as keeping up with population numbers, making sure every pony obeys the laws and doesn’t cause trouble, and learning about the stars. 

One pony in particular, on the science team, was an alicorn. He had a curious mind and loved learning new things. Unlike most of the other ponies of the castle, who were rather close minded in his opinion. They were satisfied with the fact that things just worked and didn’t wonder why or how. This one wanted to learn the why and how about the world around him. His special talent had earned him his cutie mark, which was of seven white specks that were stars. He liked looking at the stars and learning all he could about them the most. He had a blue coat and a black mane and tail with blue eyes. His name was Stardust.

“Councilpony Auburn, aren’t you at least a little curious how the sun and moon move?” Stardust said as he addressed the councilpony leader. Stardust stood at about four feet in height. He had the fortune of running into Auburn in one of the castle’s halls lined with windows on one side with sunlight streaming in. The stone that made up the walls and floor were near black. Paintings of other ponies in fancy outfits lined the walls opposite the one with windows.

“No I’m not. All I need to know is that they move and provide day and night when needed. Why do you insist on finding out how and why they move?” Councilpony Auburn was an alicorn with a white coat and a caramel mane and tail, and brown eyes. His cutie mark was of a pair of crossed scrolls. He stood half a foot taller than Stardust. “All you need to know is they work, there is no need to go any further than that.” Auburn said in a deep authoritative voice.

“But there is so much to learn about the world around us. Why not learn all we can?” Stardust argued in his usual young curious voice.

“Because there is no need, I am getting very tired of you trying to get the council’s approval for your ridiculous experiments. You’re lucky you have the position of star mapper. Frankly, I don’t see the point of learning about the stars either. But they do help determine the seasons and such, I suggest you don’t push your luck and I make a motion to have your position eliminated. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have more important matters to attend to.” Auburn said as he pushed his way past Stardust.

Stardust glared at Auburn as he walked away. “Still no luck I see.” A feminine voice with a bit of a rasp asked.

Stardust glanced back at the source, then face forward again as he replied. “That close minded fool. What if something were to happen where such knowledge would come in useful? What if some pony came down with an illness that could be cured with the knowledge of things around us like what properties plants have? We could find cures for all kinds of illnesses from the plants that grow around here and ponies would die from diseases because he was too stupid to look for an answer right in front of his muzzle.”

“That’s our leader for you.” The female voice responded. “Stubborn as a mule and twice as big.” The voice laughed.

Stardust couldn’t help but laugh a little as well at the quip. He finally faced the source of the voice completely to see an alicorn mare before him. “No kidding. How did some pony like him even get to where he is anyway?”

The alicorn mare had a light yellow coat, a flowing red mane and tail, orange eyes, and a magnifying glass for a cutie mark. “Who knows, maybe he intimidated his way to the top.”

Stardust smiled. “I wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case.”

“Maybe you’ll have better luck with convincing council pony Earth Shaker.” 

“HAH, he’s way more intimidating then Auburn, Sunflare.” Stardust retorted.

“Come on, I’ll treat you to a meal to help you calm down.” Sunflare offered.

“What I NEED is for these ponies who are in charge to have a more open mind. Instead, we’re stuck with a bunch of close minded, stubborn, self-absorbed…” Stardust sounded angrier and angrier with each word.

Sunflare placed a hoof on his back. “Stardust! Calm down, don’t let yourself get worked up like this. Take a deep breath and relax.” She said as she looked at him with concern. Stardust looked at her first, then closed his eyes and did as she said. “Better?” She asked.

“Yes, thank you Sunflare, I’m so glad I have you as an assistant.” Stardust said as he gave her a smile.

Sunflare smiled back. “Glad I could be of help. Come on, let’s get that food I mentioned. I’m so hungry I could eat a whole field of greens.”

Stardust smirked. “Since when did you become a cow?”

Sunflare smirked back. “Ha ha, very funny.” She gave him a light punch in the shoulder. “Come on jester, let’s go.”

“After you my lady.” Stardust said with a bow and a wave of his hoof. 

Sunflare rolled her eyes with a smirk at the display and just started walking to the mess hall.

The mess hall was a large room with long wooden tables and benches set up to eat at. The food was brought to those who ate there by the ponies working the kitchen. Sunflare and Stardust had a wooden bowl of vegetable soup in front of them. They sat across from each other at one of the tables near the center of the hall. They each used their magic to lift the wooden spoons provided to eat their soup. “The soup is very good today.” Sunflare said in hopes of starting a conversation to get Stardust’s mind off of things.

“I guess.” Stardust replied coldly.

Sunlfare set her spoon down in her bowl. “Oh come on, will you just forget that rock headed goat for a minute?” she said almost angrily.

Stardust looked up at her. “I’m sorry Sunflare, but I can’t help it. I want to learn all I can about the world. I’m just so curious about the inner workings of it all and I can barely do anything about it because I need the council’s permission for any experiment.”

“Why can’t you just accept it and move on? Just live your life like every pony else.” Sunflare stated.

“What? And be a mindless sheep like every other pony? I’m supposed to just fall in line and blindly do what I’m told?” Stardust nearly shouted.

“AHEM!” A gruff male voice came from the end of the table the two were sitting at.

Stardust and Sunflare looked to the source to see a muscular stone faced stallion with a brown coat, a black mane and tail combed back, and a triangular shaped mass of land with the point facing down and a crack going down the middle halfway through for a cutie mark. He had a very displeased look.

“If you have a problem with how we run things, you need only bring your concerns to the council and present your argument there, not speaking of them in this manner.” The stallion said in a gruff voice.

“Oh, hello council pony Earth Shaker.” Sunflare said with a nervous smile. “We were just talking about…..something else.” Sunflare offered in hopes of staying out of trouble.

“Really, like what?” The large earth pony asked with a raised eyebrow.

“We were talking about…….SHEEP!” She shouted in desperation for an excuse. “Yeah, about how sheep migrate and such.”

“I see.” Earth Shaker glanced at Stardust who didn’t look nervous at all. “Well do keep your voices down in the mess hall. This is a place for eating, not yelling. Good day Sunflare, Stardust.” The earth pony gave a nod then walked away.

Sunflare sighed in relief. “Whew, that was close. Stardust, you really should be more careful with your words. What if he heard all you were saying?”

“I hope he did, I’m tempted to just walk up to each and every one of those council members and give them a piece of my mind.”

Sunflare looked at him worriedly. “You can’t do that, you could lose your position, you could get kicked out of the castle. Or worse….you could get banished to the dark forest.”

“Better than being here, at least out there, I’d be free to learn.” Stardust retorted.

“Yeah, for at least five minutes before the monsters there kill you and eat you. Come on Stardust, you can’t mean that.”

Stardust looked at Sunflare. “How long have you been my assistant Sunflare?”

Sunflare paused, caught off guard by the question. “Well, I think it’s been about 15 years now.”

“And how long have you known me?” He asked again.

Sunflare sighed. “20.” She answered weakly.

“Exaclty, we have known each other practically all our lives. We’ve been such good friends for so long. You should know me by now and how I feel about this whole situation.”

Sunflare glared at him. “Did YOU ever consider other’s feelings? That maybe there are ponies who care about you too much to just let you throw your life away on some silly ideals?”

Stardust glared back. “Silly ideals? Oh, so now my ideas are silly are they?”

Sunflare continued. “I didn’t mean it like that and you know it! Your just being a….a……A SELFISH JERK! GAH!” Sunflare threw her head back in frustration. She picked up her bowl of soup with her magic and stormed off in a huff.

As she got halfway through the mess hall, Stardust realized what he did. “Stardust, you idiot.” He berated himself. He quickly got up from his seat and galloped after her. “Sunflare, wait!” He called after her. He managed to catch up to her and got to her side. “Sunflare, please, I’m sorry.” He tried to say.

“I’m not talking to you Stardust.” Sunflare said with her head raised and her eyes closed.

“Sunflare, please, I’m sorry all right? You were right, I was being an idiot and a selfish jerk. Please Sunflare, I’m really sorry.” Stardust pleaded.

Sunlfare stopped in her tracks. She looked at Stardust with one eye. “Are you really sorry?” She asked.

“Yes, I was being an idiot, a jerk, and a stupid stubborn mule. Please forgive me.”

She looked at him completely. “Don’t you know how I would feel if something happened to you? Your my friend Stardust. If anything were to happen to you….I don’t know what I’d do.”

“I know, I wasn’t thinking about you when I said what I did. And I’m sorry. Please, please, PLEASE forgive me.” Stardust begged more.

Sunflare turned her whole body in his direction. “I’ll forgive you on one condition.”

“What is it, just name it.” Stardust said with a smile. 

“I want you to stop with your magic experiments your doing.”

“WHAT?!” Stardust yelled out. He quickly placed both his front hooves over his mouth and looked around to see if any pony heard him. He then spoke in a whisper. “How did you know about that?”

“Come on Stardust, I know you. You want to learn about everything. Including magic. If the council finds out about your secret experiments, then you’ll get banished for sure. Please Stardust, for me, just give up on it and let it go.” She said with worry in her eyes.

“But I’m so close to making a breakthrough. I’m on the verge of a major discovery. You want me to just give up on it and let it go?”

“Please Stardust. I don’t want to lose you. Please just give up on it and throw away any and all evidence you have pertaining to it.”

“But…years of research will have been wasted. If I just quit, so much knowledge will have been lost. I can’t just quit. I’ve found so many new spells that can be used to better our lives because of this.”

“Stardust, if you keep up with this, the council will find out somehow and you’ll get banished. Please Stardust, just give it up and quit with your magic research.” Sunflare begged.

Stardust looked to the side sadly. How could he make such a decision? If he quits, so much knowledge will be lost. If he doesn’t, he could very well lose his only friend. What is Stardust to do?

> Chapter Two: What Are friends For
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Rise Of The Shadow Walkers
Chapter Two: What Are Friends For?



Stardust stood there struggling with the choice presented to him, his research, or his friend. His eyes darted back and forth rapidly as he thought. He finally closed his eyes and hung his head with a sigh. He looked back up into Sunflare’s eyes. “Sunflare, I…..I…”

Sunflare raised a hoof to silence him. “Stardust, it’s ok, I can see you’re struggling with this. I shouldn’t be forcing you to give up on something you like so much.”

“Really?” Stardust asked.

“Of course, what kind of friend am I for forcing you to make such a choice?” Sunflare said with a smile.
Stardust smiled back. “Thanks Sunflare, that means a lot to me.”

Sunflare continued. “Which is why I’m going to help you with your research.”

“I’m glad you….wait, what?” Stardust said, looking shocked.

“I’m going to help you.” She said again with an innocent smile.

“But…..Sunflare, what if we get caught, we’d both get banished.” Stardust argued.

“Then we’ll both get banished. I’m not about to let you face that alone knucklehead.” Sunflare said.

“But Sunflare….” Stardust began before he was silenced again by Sunflare shoving a hoof on his mouth.

“AH, I am not about to abandon you. How long have I been your assistant?” She asked as she pulled her hoof away.

“Didn’t I just ask you the same question?” 

“You did, and now I’m asking you to make sure you remember.” She said with a smirk.

Stardust gave a flat look. “You’ve been my assistant for fifteen years and we’ve known each other for twenty.” He answered dryly.

“Exactly, which means YOU should know I’m not about to let you face this alone. I’m helping you and that’s final.” Sunflare said with finality, leaving no room to argue.

Stardust smiled as he shook his head. “Thank you Sunflare, this means a lot to me.”

“What are friends for?” She asked.

“Excuse me.” Came a nasaly snooty voice from the side. 

Stardust and Sunflare faced the source to see a slender unicorn stallion wearing a fancy green colored suit with a green coat, a dark green mane and tail, grey eyes, and a dark red book for a cutie mark. “Oh, council pony  Snooty. Hello there.” Sunflare greeted.

“Your blocking the hall way you know?” Snooty pointed out.

“Terribly sorry sir.” Stardust said as he and Sunflare steeped to the side to let him by.

Snooty took a glance at Sunflare. “And where are you going with that?” He asked as he pointed a hoof at Sunflare’s forgotten bowl of soup.

Sunflare looked at the bowl still floating next to her. “Oh, this, I had forgotten I had this.” She said with a nervous smile. 

Snooty raised an eyebrow. “Really? You do know food is to stay IN the mess hall, don’t you? You haven’t forgotten the rules too have you?” He asked.

“Of course not sir.” Sunflare said. “Terribly sorry, I just got lost in….a….discussion me and Stardust were having.

“If you intend to finish that, you had best take it back to the mess hall at once and eat it there. Good day Sunflare, Stardust.” Snooty said as he walked past them to the mess hall.

After passing, Sunflare gave a shiver. “Hoo, there is just something about him that gives me the creeps, he reminds me of a…a…”

“A snake in the grass?” Stardust offered with a smirk.

Stardust giggled. “Not what I was going for, but it works. Come on, let’s head back before we’re caught breaking any more rules.”

“Sure thing.” Stardust said as he and Sunflare started back. “You know, I was about to say I’d choose my research right?” Stardust suddenly pointed out.

Sunflare looked at him with a smile. “Oh really?” She said, not really believing him.

“Really, if you were making me have to give up on my research, I would have left you then and there and found myself a new assistant.”

“Good luck finding one to match MY good looks.” Sunflare stated as she flipped her mane.

Stardust raised a hoof to his forehead and overdramatically spoke. “Oh, where shall I ever find another beautiful assistant to help me keep up my rugged good looks?” He then just looked at her. The two shared a good laugh after that and returned to their original seat. “Sunflare?” Stardust said after sitting back down.

“Yes?”

“I….well….that is…..” He paused, only for a second. “Thank you, I feel really lucky to have a friend like you.”

“Yeah, friend.” Sunflare said as she looked to the side.

Stardust looked at her with concern. “Is something wrong?”

Sunflare looked back at Stardust and smiled. “No, I’m fine.”

“If you’re sure. Then after lunch, I’ll take you to where I….” Stardust stopped. He looked around quickly to make sure no pony was within earshot. Once he was sure no pony was close enough to hear, he leaned across the table and whispered. “Where I do my magic research.”

“Sounds like fun.” Sunflare whispered back.

Later on, after they had finished their lunch, the two made their way out the front doors of the castle and down the steps into the town wearing brown cloaks with their hoods up. Around the castle were stone houses with wooden stands set up. Ponies were selling fruits, vegetables, and other things while other ponies went about their day buying things or just walking through the town. The Sky was covered with grey clouds today as Sunflare and Stardust made their way through town with Stardust leading the way.

They walked for a while, almost to the edge of town before Stardust approached a house. It was an unassuming stone structure with a wooden door and two windows in the front. “Here we are.” Stardust said as he used his magic to open the door and walked in. The two put their hoods down as they entered.

“You have a home outside the castle?” Sunflare asked, seeming surprised by this fact.

The room they entered into from the front door had a stone fireplace on the right with a black kettle hanging over it. Near the center of the room was a wooden table with a few scrolls and books strewn about and a single candle at the center. On the left was a set of stairs leading to the second floor. Along the wall of the staircase was a book shelf with books sloppily placed on it. “It’s kind of a mess.” Sunflare observed.

Stardust walked up to the table and began organizing the papers. “Well it’s not like I have company over here often. Besides, I don’t live here, I use this place for conducting my experiments when I can get away from the castle. It’s too risky to do them in the castle where some pony could walk in on me and catch me, so I got a place here. I use this house for my research and conduct my experiments.”

“Clever.” Sunflare stated. “So what now?”

Stardust faced her. “Come here, I’ll show you a sample of the fruits of my work.” Sunflare walked closer to Stardust and joined him at the table. “Watch this.” He said as he eyed the candle on the table. Stardust lit up his horn and, just like that, the candle lit up. 

“By the gods.” Sunflare expressed. “How did you do that?” She asked as her eyes were glued to the candle.
“Magic of course.” He said proudly with a hoof to his chest, his head raised and his eyes closed.

“But….how?” She asked again. She raised a hoof and moved it to the flame, thinking she could poke it like it was solid. “OW!” She quickly pulled her hoof back from the flame. It just wavered a bit from her touch and continued to burn. “It’s hot.” 

Stardust rolled his eyes with a smirk. “This is just a sample of what I discovered magic can do. Now watch this.” He then turned to the fireplace and did the same thing. With a poof, a fire started burning within the fireplace and provided warmth for the cold room.

Sunflare stared at the fire in awe. “That’s….that’s amazing. You discovered this with your research?”

“I did, and so much more. Think of how much easier our lives could be with this kind of knowledge. We could heal wounds more easily, we could light fires easier or provide light where it is needed. We could do so much with it.” Stardust said as he got more and more excited at the thought.

Sunflare suddenly sounded unsure. “I…I don’t know Stardust. Magic to control fire? That seems kind of dangerous, doesn’t it?”

“Only if you don’t know what you’re doing or how the spell works, believe me, I learned that the hard way.” Stardust said as he looked to the side.

Sunflare raised an eyebrow. “Wait….is that why you were wearing a cloak all day every day for two weeks that one time?”
Stardust gave a flat look. “I don’t want to talk about it.” He stated flatly.

“I don’t know Stardust, this all seems so much now.” Sunfalre said as she looked to the side.
Stardust took her by the shoulders and was nearly nose to nose with her as he looked her in the eyes. “Please Sunflare, you said you wanted to help, and it feels so good to finally let somepony in on this. Please don’t back out now, I need you.”

Those words sent a blush to Sunflare’s cheeks. “You….need me?” She asked.

“Of course I do. Now that I think about it, this would be so much easier if you helped me with this. Please Sunflare.”

“Oh, you’re research, right.” She said a little sadly. Stardust didn’t pick up on this and stayed silent, waiting for Sunflare’s answer. She looked him in the eyes. “All right Stardust, I said I would help, and I’ll stand by that. I promise.” She gave a smile.
Stardust grinned from ear to ear. “YES, thank you thank you thank you!” Stardust took Sunflare in a tight hug.

Sunflare blushed a little at the contact with a smile.

Stardust released and looked her in the eyes. “Sunflare, you are amazing.” He then turned back around and went back to the table.

“Sunflare, you idiot, why is this so hard?” Sunflare asked herself internally. “So Stardust, what else have you found out with magic?”

Stardust was going over his scrolls as he began. “Oh, I have found so much already, we can do so much with magic, not just levitate things and other trivial tasks. I managed to come up with a spell that allows one to move from one spot to another almost instantaneously.”

“You what? A spell that can move ponies from one place to another instantly?” She asked surprised.

“Yes, I have been going through my research extensively to make sure how it can be done properly and such. If it isn’t done right, it can be dangerous for the user, but it would be useful in case of an emergency. Watch, I’m going to demonstrate by moving myself from this spot to the other side of the table.”

“Are you sure it’s safe Stardust?” Sunflare asked.

“Don’t worry, I’ve tested it on objects before and moved them around just fine. I know what I’m doing. Now watch.” Stardust closed his eyes and focused his inner magic. His horn lit up with his aura and, in a flash, he vanished from where he was, and in another flash, appeared right where he wanted. “HA HA! IT WORKED, it actually worked, I did it!” He cheered as he smiled.

Sunflare was surprised and confused. “That is amazing Stardust, but why do you seem so surprised it worked? Didn’t you say you tested it before?”

“On objects, yes, but that was the first time I tried it myself. AND IT WORKED! Now do you see how useful magic can be if we learn all we can from it?”

“I do Stardust, but how are we going to get this information out if the council forbids such things. If you try to present this, they’ll banish you for sure for going behind their backs and conducting such experiments.” Sunflare said with more concern.

Stardust’s mood dropped. “I know that Sunflare, I need to think of someway to convince the council this is a good thing. I need more time to come up with something. In the meantime, I need to keep working with this, I’m on the verge of a major discovery involving magic.”

“Really, like what?” Sunflare asked with genuine interest.

“I’m not sure yet, but I think there may be another kind of magic out there, a kind we don’t even know about yet.”

“A new kind of magic? Really? Like what?”

“I don’t know, I need to work on my findings more before I make any conclusions. I was planning on conducting an experiment later tonight to try and allow me access to this new kind of magic.”

“Look Stardust, this is great and all, but I need to get back to the castle. I do have other duties to attend to after all.” Sunflare said. “Good luck with your experiment.” She put her hood up and started heading for the door.

“Sunflare, wait.” Stardust called to her.

Sunflare stopped in her tracks. She turned to face Stardust. “Yes?”

“Don’t you want to be here for when I conduct my experiment tonight?” He asked.

“I think that might not be a good idea, I’ll be missed if I come tonight. That could raise suspicion and others would come looking for me. That could end up leading them to your place here and find all your research.” Sunflare pointed out.

“Oh, right, good thinking. All right then, I’ll be sure to let you know how it goes tomorrow when we see each other.” Stardust then gave a smile. “Thank you again for everything, I really appreciate this.”

Sunflare gave one back. “Sure, no problem Stardust, I’ll see you later back at the castle.” She then used her magic to open the door and headed out.

“Now, let’s continue where I left off.” Stardust said as he gathered his notes.

Sunflare had just exited her room in the castle after depositing her cloak. She started down the hall to where Stardust’s lab in the castle was to tend to her duties when she came across Auburn. “Ah, Sunflare, good to see you.” He said with a smile.

Sunflare kept a straight muzzle as she greeted back. “Hello Auburn, sir. How are you?”

“I’m doing fine thank you, I was wondering if you’d like to join me for dinner tonight?” Auburn asked.

“Sorry, but I have things I need to tend to tonight for Stardust, he needs me to check the stars tonight to make sure they are in order.” Sunflare stated. “Please excuse me.” She started to walk to get by Auburn.

Auburn quickly stepped in front of Sunflare to block her path. “Oh come now, I’m sure that silly pony can take care of it himself. Just forget that and join me for dinner.” Auburn persisted.

“Can’t he take a hint?” Sunflare asked herself. “Sorry, but I really need to do this, there is a lot of work to be done.”

Auburn frowned. “Do you have any idea how lucky a mare would be to be sought after by me?” He asked. “You should rethink your position.”

Sunflare kept her look straight. “I don’t need to rethink it, my mind is made up.”

Auburn glared at her. “It’s that fool Stardust isn’t it? You like him as more than just a friend.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She stated confidently.

Auburn spread out his wings to make himself seem more threatening. “Don’t give me that, I’ve seen the way you look at him from time to time with those beautiful eyes of yours.”

“Oh gods, I think I’m going to be sick.” She thought to herself. “Council Pony Auburn, while I appreciate the compliment and all, I’m just not looking for a relationship.”

Auburn lowered his head closer to Sunflare. “I warn you Sunflare, I can make things difficult for you and your friend. Don’t cross me.” Auburn brought his head back up and walked off, leaving Sunflare alone.

Sunflare glared at Auburn as he walked off. “That son of a mule. Why can’t he just take a hint that I don’t like him?” Sunflare then continued on her way. “Why can’t I just tell Stardust how I feel?” She scowled at another thought. “Why does he have to be so thick headed? GUH, he can be so frustrating sometimes.” Her look then softened. “*Sigh* I don’t know, maybe I’m just thinking about this too much. Maybe I can think about this easier once I’ve had some rest.” Sunflare decided to forget that thought for now and focus on her duties.

The sun had set and night had fallen. The only light in the house Stardust had was from the single candle on the table and the lit fireplace. Stardust had just moved the table from the center of the room to just in front of the book case. He drew chalk lines on the floor in a circle with strange symbols and lines in it. “All right, by my calculations, this should give me results and help me come closer to discovering this new magic I may have found. Here goes nothing.” Stardust placed himself at the center of the circle, closed his eyes, spread out his wings, and lit up his horn. The circle and symbols began to glow an eerie purple and black. Stardust looked as if he were struggling as he clenched his eyes and teeth. He grunted the whole time as the black and purple rose from the edges of the circle.

Stardust’s body was almost no longer visible to one who would be standing outside the circle. The fire in the fireplace seemed to grow and roar while the flame on the candle seemed to grow more intense and started melting the wax faster. The air began to pick up and blow loose parchments about. “Al….most…there…” Stardust grunted out. The black and purple closed in and formed a dome around Stardust. It swirled violently and surged with dark power. A few seconds later, there was an explosion of magic that rocked the house.

Stardust slowly awoke from a daze after being out for gods know how long. He groaned as he opened his eyes. “Ooohh, my head, what hit me?” He asked. “Ugh, did it work?” He asked himself as he slowly rose. He stumbled a bit at first, but regained his balance and stood straight up. He placed a hoof on his head and rubbed it, hoping to relieve himself of the headache he had. “By the gods, what happened? WAIT! Did it work?” he asked himself. He looked himself over. “Strange, I don’t feel any different. Oh, don’t tell me it didn’t work. All that hard work and years of study wasted. Just great.”

Stardust used his magic to clean up the room by levitating all the papers up and back on the table. He then snuffed out the candle and put out the fire in the fire place. “Guess I need to do more research. I’d better get back to the castle and get to bed before I’m missed.” Stardust gathered his cloak and put it on. He exited the house and began his walk back to the castle in the night. There was a full moon out tonight with just a few clouds in the sky.  What he failed to notice as he made his way through the empty streets to the castle was his shadow seemed to ripple a little in the moon light of the night.

> Chapter Three: Something is Amiss
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 3:  Something Is Amiss



Morning approached as the rays of the sun beamed into Stardust’s room, stirring him from his sleep. His eyes slowly opened, he gave a yawn and stretched his limbs, then reluctantly removed himself from under his covers. As he did so, he failed to notice a feather fall from one of his wings. He gave another yawn as he made his way over to his lavatory to clean himself up. Indoor plumbing had come around, but it took pumping to get the water to come. Stardust had a tub with a faucet and pump. 

He used his magic to begin the tedious task of pumping the water into the tub for a bath. After a minute of pumping, he was satisfied with the water level. He dipped a hoof in to test the temperature and, much to his dismay, it was chilly. “Brr, cold.” He eyed the water carefully. “I wonder.” Stardust shifted his eyes back and forth. He looked back at the water and lit up his horn, casting the same heat spell he used last night to light the candle and fire place to show Sunflare. He held it for a few seconds and saw steam start to rise from the water. He ceased his spell and dipped his hoof in the water again.

“Wow, it worked, that’s much better. Nice and warm. I am SUCH a genius.” He said to himself before climbing into the tub. Star sighed out in contentment at the comfortable warmth of the water. “Wait till I tell Sunflare about this.” Stardust stayed in the tub a few minutes before finally getting out, drying himself off, and making his way to the mess hall.

He met up with Sunflare on his way to the mess hall. “Good morning Sunflare, how are you doing this morning?” He asked cheerfully.

Sunflare didn’t seem as happy as Stardust as she wore a bit of a frown. “Okay I guess. The water this morning was cold for the bath. I hate these cold seasons, makes it hard to enjoy a bath.” She looked at Stardust and saw the smile on his face. “Why are you so happy? Wasn’t your bath cold too? Or did you skip it this morning?”

Stardust kept his smile as he answered. “No, I didn’t skip it, it was actually quit enjoyable.”

She eyed him carefully. “How?”

Star looked around first to make sure no pony ears were close enough to hear as they walked. He then put a hoof to her ear and whispered. “I used that heat spell I showed you last night to warm the water. It was great.” He snickered to himself.

“What? No fair Stardust.” Sunflare whined. “No fair I have to have a cold bath and you get the luxury of a warm bath because of your…..” She paused a moment, taking care not to speak too loudly. She lowered her voice to a whisper. “Your magic research.”

They entered the mess hall as they continued their talk. “Hey, if you want to learn how to use that spell, I’m more than happy to teach you. That way, you can have a warm bath every day.”

They came to the table where many bowls of fruits and vegetables were laid out for others to take. “I don’t know Stardust, what if we get caught?” They both levitated a bowl up and made their way to an available table.

“Don’t worry Sunflare, it’s a simple spell and can be learned easy, I’ll teach you in my lab where we won’t be disturbed. Trust me, you won’t regret it. You’ll be able to make the water warmer than what we usually get in the summer times.” Stardust said with a smile. The two then took a seat at the end of a table.

“Really?” Sunflare asked. 

“Really.”

“Well…all right, it would be nice to enjoy a warm bath during these cold months.” Sunflare conceded.

“*Ahem*” An elderly sounding mare’s voice sounded from the end of the table the two were sitting at. 

Stardust and Sunflare looked to the source and saw an elderly pegasus mare standing before them with a grey coat, white mane and tail, and yellow eyes. Her cutie mark was hidden by the grey frilly dress she wore. “Oh, council pony Sore Sight. Good morning.” Sunflare greeted.

“Good morning miss.” Stardust also greeted.

“Good morning, you two. *ACHOO!* Sniff* Uh.” The mare sneezed out. 

“Are you all right?” Stardust asked.

“I fear I may be…be….*ACHOO!* *Sniff*Pardon. I fear I may be coming down with a bit of a cold. Blasted cold weather making the water cold.” She said as she took out a handkerchief and blew her nose. “My apologies.”

“It’s all right mam. Did you need something?” Sunflare asked.

“Yes *Sniff* I needed to speak with you, Stardust.” Sore said.

“With me?” Stardust asked. 

“About yesterday.”

“Yesterday?” Stardust grew more nervous with each word.

“Yes *ACHOO!* *Sniff* Pardon. I was looking for you yesterday as I needed to speak with you about something. Yet you were nowhere to be found. I asked some of the castle staff if they knew where you were and one of them said they saw you leaving the castle and heading out into the village. Then I found, just this morning from another member of the staff, that you did not return until late last night. Would be so kind as to…to…*ACHOO!*” She blew her nose again. “*Sniff* pardon. To tell me what you were doing?”

“Uh…um…well you see Sore Sight, mam, I was just….uh…” Stardust had trouble coming up with an excuse. He couldn’t let on he had a house outside the castle or it would raise suspicion. Sore Sight looked on at him expectantly, waiting for Stardust to give an answer.

Sunflare grew worried as well. She thought fast and provided an answer. “He was getting supplies!” She answered quicker and a bit louder than she meant. She quickly clasped her hooves over her muzzle. 

Sore Sight cocked an eyebrow at her. Stardust looked at her nervously, then back to Sore Sight. “What she said. I was getting supplies for my lab is all.”

“I was helping him.” Sunflare added.

“I see, and why did you come back so late Stardust? Care to explain tha….tha…*ACHOO!* *SNIFF* Pardon. Care to explain that?”

“Well, you see, I just…wanted to…get a better look at the stars is all. Not just look at them through a telescope. They really are quite beautiful.” Stardust offered.

Sore Sight eyed him curiously. Stardust and Sunflare both gulped. “Very well, but do try not to stay out too late.” She said.

“Of course madam. I’ll remember.” Stardust responded.

“Uh, this blasted cold made me forget what it was I wanted to speak with you about in the first place. *ACHOO!* Pardon.”

“Well if you remember, I’ll be in my lab most of the day so you can just come by any time and see me then.” Stardust offered.

“*Sniff* Ugh, I suppose so. Very well then, you may continue with your meal. I will see you around Stardust, Sunfla…fla…fla…..*ACHOO!* *Sniff* Pardon.”

“You should really take it easy today mam, since you’re not feeling well and all.” Stardust said.

“I appreciate the concern Stardust, thank you. I suppose I should just relax in my room for the day, or at least until I’m over this blasted cold. Ah…AH….*ACHOO!**Sniff* Pardon.” She blew her nose again. “Good day you two.” She said as she turned to leave.

“Gosh, I almost feel sorry for her.” Sunflare stated.

Stardust rubbed his chin in thought. “Hmm, I wonder.” He quickly got up from his seat and went after her. “Madam Sore Sight?” He called. Sunflare was surprised by this and just watched. 

Sore Sight stopped in her tracks then turned to face Stardust. “Yes Stardust, what is it? *Sniff*”

“Madam Sore Sight, what if I told you, I have a way to make water warm?” He asked.

Sore Sight cocked an eyebrow. “Excuse me? Stardust, this better not be one of you…you….*ACHOO!**Sniff* Pardon, one of your unapproved experiments.”

Sunflare had come over to join them. “Think about it Sore Sight, mam. Never having to take another cold bath again? Never having to worry about catching a cold from them? Being able to relax and enjoy a nice warm bath whenever you want? Doesn’t that sound nice?”

Sore Sight seemed to smile at the idea. “It does sound lovely.” She soon regained her straight face. “But it is unapproved, such a thing will not be allowed.”

“Then let me take the steps to get it approved. I promise madam Sore sight, this could…”

“*ACHOO**Sniff* Pardon.”

“Uh…this could really improve the quality of life for every pony in the castle…and the village.” Stardust said. “I promise, I haven’t been using any magic to do these things, but I have been looking into it. I do have the research, but I haven’t been messing with spells to test it.” This, of course was a lie. He did have the research and all, but he had also been using magic to test it.

“I suppose that is acceptable. Very well, I will inform the rest of the council you wish to pursue this and we will convene to discuss the matter. Be sure to have a valid argument at the ready.” She gave a light smile. “To be honest, I really do like the sound of it and hope it goes through, you will most certainly have my vote.”

Stardust and Sunflare smiled. “Thank you madam Sore Sight, I really appreciate this.” Stardust said.

“Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go lie down, I fear a headache is coming on as well.” Sore Sight then turned and continued on her way.

“This is great Stardust. She actually likes the idea. This could be a step in the right direction to getting your research approved.” Sunflare stated.

“I know, this is so big, I have to get to work and get my notes together. Care to help me, Sunflare?” Stardust asked happily.

“You know it.” 

The two then went back to the mess hall to finish their breakfast, failing to notice Stardust had lost another feather from his wing.

The day, Stardust and Sunflare were in Stardust’s lab jotting down and recording notes they had made before regarding the stars. The room had three wooden tables, four shelves full of books and scrolls, and star maps stacked on the tables. There was a black telescope set up near a window at the back of the room with yellow trimmings. Sunflare was on one side of the room opposite the door while Stardust was at another table going over some star maps. “Hmm, according to these notes, The o’mare constellation will be in view within the next month signaling the start of winter, yet these stars seem out of place for that. I need to see the map of the fall night skies. Sunflare, can you get me the star map of the fall sky from last year please?” Sunflare turned from the table she was at to get the requested item. 

When she turned though, she froze in her tracks at what she saw. A single shadow tentacle like object emerged from Stardust’s shadow and reached over to one of the shelves, grabbed a star map, and brought it over. Unaware of what was going on, Stardust took the scroll from its grasp. “Thank you Sunflare.” 

“Um…Stardust, I didn’t get it.” She said with a shocked expression.

He looked over to her with a curious look. “What do you mean?” She pointed a hoof to his side. He looked down just in time to see a shadowy bulge sink into his shadow. His eyes went wide. “By the heavens, what was that? Sunflare, did you see that?” 

“I did.”

“Well, what was it?” Stardust asked.

“I….I don’t know, it looked like some shadowy snake thing or something.” Sunflare answered.

Stardust looked back down at his shadow in thought. “It can’t be…can it? Did it actually work?”

Sunflare grew confused. “Did what work?”

“That experiment I conducted the other night, it may have worked.” Stardust answered, starting to sound excited.

“Experiment, what experiment?”

“The one that was supposed to help me find that new form of magic I was talking about. It may have actually worked!” Stardust wore a huge grin on his face. “This is wonderful, I gained access to a new form of magic!”

Sunflare quickly rushed over and put both her hooves over his mouth. “Shh, you want every pony in the castle to know?” She removed them and took a step back. 

“Sorry, it’s just this is big, it actually worked.”

“So what now?” Sunfalre asked.

“Now, I need to experiment with it, figure out how it works and what it’s capable of. This is so exciting.” Stardust paced back and forth as he began making plans on how to work with it. “Wait, let’s see if I can do that again.” He eyed the shelf nearest the door and picked a target with his eyes, a red book. “Okay, here goes.” He concentrated and focused on the task he wished to complete. His shadow began to move. Sunflare watched carefully as Stardust focused. Just like before, a single shadowy tentacle rose up from Stardust’s shadow and moved towards the shelf and up to the book Stardust wanted. The thing grabbed the book and pulled it off the shelf, then brought it over to Stardust. 

“It worked…it actually worked…I DID IT!” He jumped with joy with his wings spread out. Two more feathers fell out without notice. Stardust quickly dropped to the ground and clasped his hooves over his own mouth at the same time as Sunflare. They looked around to see if anypony might be nearby. Once they saw the coast was clear, they removed their hooves together. “This is so….incredible.” Stardust said in a whisper.

“I’ll admit this is big, Stardust, but you need to be careful. Who knows what this kind of magic is capable of, it could be dangerous.” Sunflare offered.

“I know Sunflare, that’s why I’ll be extra careful when testing it out.” It was then a thought popped into his head. “Sunflare, what time is it?”

Sunflare looked out the window to see the position of the sun. “It’s about ten in the morning. Why?”

Stardust let out a gasp. “Oh my gosh, I’m going to be late!”

Sunflare soon realized what he meant. “Your meeting with the council! You better get going.”

“Right, thanks Sunflare, I’ll see you later.” Stardust gathered a few scrolls together, gave Sunfarle a quick peck on the cheek, and headed out. 

Sunflare was caught off guard by this. She wore a look of surprise and a blush.

Stardust stopped in his tracks just after exiting his room and turning right. “Did I just….nah.” He shook his head, then continued on his way.

Stardust soon came to a pair of wooden doors. He used his magic to open them and stepped through. The room he entered was large and had two rows of benches, five on each row. At the end of the aisle was a wooden podium that stood before a long table with seven ponies sitting behind it. The rest of the council that ran the village had gathered. From left to right was Earth Shaker wearing a brown suit, Sore Sight wearing her grey dress, Snooty wearing his green suit, Auburn wearing a dark brown suit with frills coming out of the sleeves, and the rest of the council. Another earth pony mare with a cherry coat, purple mane and tail wearing a beige and white dress covering her cutie mark and pink eyes. This was council pony Berry.

Next to her sat a unicorn stallion with an orange coat, brown mane and tail wearing an orange suite and had a stack of books for a cutie mark, with yellow eyes. This was council pony Civil. Finally, next to him sat a Pegasus mare with a black coat with a black and white dress covering her cutie mark, a pink mane and tail, and red eyes. This was council pony Rosey. 

Stardust approached the podium and stood before the council, each had a stern look. Stardust set his notes on the podium. “Greetings council, I thank you for taking the time to meet me like this.” He stated with a nervous smile.

“Stardust, miss Sore Sight here says you may have something that could help to improve the quality of life in the castle and for the rest of the village, is that true?” Auburn asked.

“It is sir, I have…..accidentally….come across a way that could allow us to heat up the water in our bathtubs so we could all take a nice warm bath when we wanted instead of….”

“ACHOO!” Sore Sight sneezed out. “*Sniff* Excuse me, please continue.” She said.

“….of having to suffer cold water.” Stardust finished hesitantly.

His statement got the other council members talking amongst themselves. Auburn just looked at him, while Sore Sight smiled as she liked the idea. “You say you came across this by accident?” Auburn asked.

“Well….yes.” Stardust lied.

Auburn narrowed his eyes. “How?”

“Well…..I was working hard one night and…..was getting frustrated with these results I was getting from watching the stars. In my tired and agitated state, I…..”

“ACHOO! *sniff* Excuse me.” Sore Sight sneezed again. 

“……used a standard levitation spell to get a scroll I needed to look at, but instead, without realizing it, I set it on fire by accident. I was able to put it out before the scroll burned up. So there you have it. I figure if I can harness that, then….we could use it to light candles and fireplaces easily. Plus, possibly have warm baths.”

Auburn’s scowl remained. “If you think we’re going to approve this…..heat magic, you are sadly….”

“Now hold on Auburn.” Civil interrupted. “I think this sounds like he may be on to something.”

“Yes, it does sound intriguing.” Cherry agreed.

“I know I’ve been rather annoyed with having to take a cold bath every morning.” Earth Shaker said.

“ACHOO! *Sniff* Pardon.” Sore sneezed again. “And I believe it is because of these cold waters that I came down with this blasted cold I’m suffering from. If this warm water can help, I say we look into it more.”

“But….but he…..” Auburn tried to argue. 

“All those in favor of letting Stardust look into this heat magic, say I.” Rosey called out. All but one hoof went into the air. “I!” All but one agreed.

“All those opposed?” Civil asked.

“Neigh.” Auburn said. “This is an affront, we don’t need to be looking into something like this. Things are going just fine as they are, we know all we need to know about the world.”

“Sorry Auburn, but the I’s have it.” Snooty said. He then looked to Stardust. “Stardust, you may look into this heating magic of yours further when you have the time.” 

Stardust was grinning from ear to ear. “Thank you, council. I promise you won’t regret it.”

“Congratulations Star….star…..ACHOO! *Sniff* Pardon. Congratulations Stardust.” Sore Sight said with a tired smile.

Stardust gathered his notes again and galloped off back to his lab. A few more feathers had fallen out from his wings as he ran off. He burst into his lab. “Sunflare, Sunflare I have great news!” 

Sunflare turned around from the table she was in front. “Yes, StarduOOF!” She was interrupted as Stardust took her in a big hug.

“The council approved! I can look into the fire magic more! Isn’t that great?” 

“That’s….great Stardust….can you….let me go now please?” Sunflare said through gasps.

“Oh, sorry.” He released her and she took in a deep breath of air. “This is wonderful. I’m just one step closer to opening so many minds and being able to conduct the research I want. This is so GREAT!”

“Congratulations Stardust.” Sunflare said with a smile.

“Thank you Sunflare, I really appreciate your support.” Stardust suddenly gave Sunflare a big kiss on the lips. He held it for a second then pulled away. “Oh, this is too perfect, Auburn tried to turn me down but the other council ponies were on my side.” 

As Stardust went off on a rant, Sunflare was blushing with a look of shock from the kiss.

“I need to get started and gather all the research I have on the fire spell. But I’m going to have to make it look like I’m taking my time with it. If I suddenly come out with all I already have, it could raise suspicion.” He turned around to face Sunflare. “I’m going to need your help Sunflare.”

“Huh?” Stardust’s voice addressing her snapped her out of her stupor. 

“I said I’m going to need your help with this.”

“Oh, uh….sure…no problem.” She answered, still in a bit of shock.

It was then Stardust realized what he did. “Oh…..uh….Sorry Sunflare…I…I just kinda…..I dind’t mean to…..I mean……I was just so…….well…..I….I should probably go for now.” He turned to leave.

“Stardust……wait.” Sunflare called to him.

Stardust stopped in his tracks and turned his head to her. “Yeah.”

Sunflare hesitated a moment, pondering if maybe now would be the time to tell him how she felt. “Um….can we……talk?”

> Chapter Four: Love of Magic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 4: Love of Magic



Stardust stood where he was, frozen in uncertainty of what Sunflare may want to talk to him about. After a moment, he gave his answer to Sunflare’s question. “Uh, sure….what’s on your mind?”

This was it, now or never for Sunflare, this was the chance she’s been waiting for ever since she realized her feelings for Stardust. Despite that, she was still suffering uncertainty. “What if he doesn’t feel the same way? What if that kiss was just him being caught in the moment of his success at the meeting? If I share my feelings, it may just ruin things between us.” So many thoughts and scenarios raced through Sunflare’s mind that kept her from speaking right away.

She had to do this, if not now, then when? She may never get this opportunity again. “Stardust….I…” This was it, she was about to put her heart on the line. “For a long time now, I….I’ve had these….feelings for you. I know it sounds odd but….” She trailed off a moment.

Stardust just stood there staring at her. “Feelings for me? Really? She….does she…?” His thoughts were interrupted as Sunflare continued. 

“We’ve known each other for a long time and been such good friends. But…as we got older and grew closer, I started seeing you in a whole new light. You are just so smart and fun and have a wonderful sense of humor. And the day you asked me to be your assistant was one of the happiest days of my life. It meant I would be working close with you. Part of why I was so happy about it was because I was hoping at some point, I could share my feelings with you and tell you how I feel.”

“She….is she saying what I think she is?” Stardust thought to himself.

“Stardust….I….I love you.” She said it, she finally let out her true feelings. She felt as if a weight had been lifted off her heart, it wasn’t over yet though. She still needed to know how Stardust felt. She stared at him intently, anxiously awaiting his response. Her heart was beating a mile a minute.

Stardust was stunned at Sunflare’s words. “She is….she….she loves me.” He thought to himself. For an agonizingly long time, silence filled the room.

“Stardust, I just poured my heart and soul here, I need to know you feel the same way, please don’t leave me in suspense.” Sunflare pleaded with a sad look.

Stardust looked to the side a moment, then back to Sunflare. “I….I….”

“Yes?”

“I….I’m sorry Sunflare, I have to go.” Stardust turned around and walked out.

Sunflare’s heart shattered. Time seemed to slow down as Stardust turned away from her and walked out the door. Those words sent daggers through her soul. Stardust finally disappeared from sight. As soon as he did, tears formed in Sunflare’s eyes. She hung her head and sat on her haunches as she let her tears fall.

Stardust had just stepped out of the room when he paused a moment and looked back over his shoulders. He could hear Sunflare weeping. The sound crushed his spirit. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her feelings. But like a total moron, the one thing he didn’t want to do, he went and did it. “What have I done? You moron, why? WHY?! She said she loves you and you turn your back on her? What is wrong with you?” He berated himself mentally. He faced forward again and started to walk away.

Sunflare continued to weep, her eyes flooding with tears. “Sunflare you idiot, you should have known better. He’ll never love you, he’ll just see you as nothing more than a friend and assistant. But after this, he probably won’t want to see you again.” She said to herself. She wiped her nose with a hoof and gave a sniffle. She stood up while keeping her head down. After a moment, she lifted her head to look forward and walk. When she did look up though, she saw Stardust standing there before her. “Stardust? Wha-mmf.” Her words were cut off as Stardust suddenly pressed his lips to hers. Her eyes widened in shock at first.

Stardust had his eyes clenched shut as he pressed his lips to Sunflare’s. He felt the moistness of her lips, the sweet taste of her was a wonderful thing for him. He started to relax as he kept the kiss going for as long as he could.

Sunflare was surprised by suddenly being kissed by Stardust like this. A second passed before she relaxed and enjoyed the contact. All her sadness and fears melted away in that one moment and was all replaced with joy and love. Her mind raced with so many emotions and thoughts, all of them good. It felt like an eternity for her before the kiss finally ended. Stardust and Sunflare gazed into each other’s eyes for a while with smiles. Sunflare’s cheeks were still a little damp from her tears before.

Stardust broke the silence. “Sunflare, I’m sorry, I’m sorry I made you think I didn’t feel the same way when I did what I did. The last thing I want to do is hurt you. I was just so surprised at how you confessed like that I…well I…”

“Oh shut up you idiot.” Sunflare cut him off with a smile before tackling Stardust and planting her lips onto his. They shared another long kiss with each other in the lab and enjoyed their loving embrace. From there on, their love would only grow, but they were also to face many hardships.

The next day, Stardust awoke in his bed with his forelegs around a mare with a light yellow coat and red mane and tail. He gazed upon her sleeping form with a smile as he watched her sleep and listened to her breathing peacefully. 

Sunflare slowly opened her orange eyes and looked up at Stardust. “Hey there handsome, sleep well?” She asked.

“Great, you?”

“Best sleep in a long time.” Sunflare responded back with a warm smile.

“We should probably get up and get ready for the day.” Stardust suggested.

“Oh, but can’t we stay like this a little longer?” Sunflare gave a cute little pout.

Stardust leaned down and gave her a peck on the lips. “Come on Sunflare, we have work to do. We need to get started on figuring ways to help everypony have warm water for the baths.”

“Ooohhh, all right.” Sunflare removed herself from the bed and made her way to the bathroom. “Stardust, could you use that spell to make the water warm please.” She called.

Stardust called back. “All right, I’m coming.” He started to make his way to the bathroom as more feathers fell off….the last of his feathers. The two failed to notice all the blue feathers that littered the ground around the bed. “This is a good time for me to teach you that spell I’d say.” Stardust said as he walked in.

“Thanks Stardust, I’d….AH! Wh…what? Stardust, your wings!” Sunflare gazed at Stardust with a shocked expression.

Stardust looked at her with confusion. “My wings, what are you talking about?” Stardust looked to his side as he spread out a wing. “What’s wrong with….wh…what the? My…..my…..AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!” Stardust screamed out. “MY WINGS! WHAT HAPPENED TO MY WINGS?!” 

“I don’t know?” 

Stardust’s wings now resembled that of a bat’s wings. “Wh…what in heaven’s name happened to me?”

“What are we going to do?” Sunflare asked. She was worried for her new love as something odd was happening to him. Just when things seemed to be going so well, it looked like her whole world may shatter before her.

“I…I….I don’t know, I don’t know what to do, or what’s causing it.” Stardust was on the verge of panicking more. “I need to hide them.” He quickly said. He went over to a dresser cabinet and opened it up using his magic. He pulled out his cloak and placed it on himself so his wings would be hidden. “Okay, at least this way no pony will see my wings like they are.”

“But how did they get like that?” Sunflare asked. “That’s the question.”

“I know, we just need to calm down so we can think clearly.” Stardust stated. He started pacing as he thought. “Okay, now what could have caused my wings to change? What could have happened?” As he paced, he continued to rack his brain.

Sunflare thought as best she could too to help Stardust. Almost an hour passed before Sunflare came up with an idea. “Stardust, what if it has something to do with that new magic you gained access to?”

Stardust stopped pacing and looked up, his eyes wide with realization. “That’s it.” He said quietly before slowly turning his head to face Sunflare. “That’s it!” He declared. “It’s gotta be. This new magic must have changed my wings appearance. But why, I don’t understand.”

“Um, look, maybe we should try to figure this out later, we should probably get to work before others start to wonder where we are.” Sunflare pointed out. 

No sooner had she said that when there was a knock on the door. “Hello? Stardust, are you in there?” A mare’s voice called out.

“That’s Rosy.” Stardust said in a panicked whisper. “Quick Sunflare, hide.” Sunflare nodded and hid in the bathroom. Stardust went to the door and opened it with his magic. “Council pony Rosey, good morning.” Stardust greeted.

“Hello Stardust, I’m glad I found you, I went by your lab to see you but you weren’t there. Is everything all right?” Rosy asked with concern.

“Yes yes, everything is fine, I was just….uh….I accidently slept in this morning, that’s it.” Stardust said with a nervous smile. Sweat was starting to form on his brow.

“Are you sure? You seem to be sweating.” Rosy raised a brow. “And why are you wearing your cloak?”

“Well….I just thought it would help to keep me warm in this cold season. It’s working great so far heh heh.” Stardust gave a nervous chuckle. “So, what did you need to see me for?” He asked, hoping to change the subject.

“Right, I wanted to see how that water heating spell of yours was coming along. How soon can we expect it to be ready?” Rosy asked.

“Oh, any day now I assure you. Don’t worry, soon everypony will be able to enjoy nice warm baths.”

Rosy gave a smile. “I’m glad to hear it, looking forward to it, but don’t work yourself too hard, okay?”

“You can count on me.” Stardust said with confidence.

Rosy gave one last smile before finally leaving. Stardust closed his door and dropped to his haunches with a sigh of relief. “Whew, that was close.”

Sunflare emerged from the bathroom and made her way over to Stardust. “So what now?”

Stardust looked up to Sunflare and stood up. “Now we should go to the lab and get to work, we can figure this problem of mine out later.”

Sunflare’s eyes looked on in concern. “Are you sure? I mean, what if something else of you changes?”

“Oh heavens above, I didn’t think about that.” Stardust shook his head. “Well, I already have the research for the heating spell so we can work on trying to figure this out. Let’s get to the lab and get to work.”

“Okay Stardust.” With that, the two made their way to Stardust’s lab to begin their work. The first thing Stardust figured he needed to do was figure how this new magic works. 

Stardust had decided to call it shadow magic since it seemed to allow him control of his shadow. Stardust had laid out a few crystals to help with his analysis that would react in certain ways. Stardust started off with the first thing he discovered he could do with this new magic and summoned up a shadow tentacle. As his tests went on, he also discovered other things he was capable of, not just summoning shadow tentacles, but he had also soon found he could sink down into his own shadow and move across the ground. “This is so amazing!” Stardust exclaimed excitedly. “This new magic has such amazing properties.”

“I know, this is all so fascinating Stardust.” Sunflare stated with a smile. “But what about figuring out how you’re changing? Weren’t we trying to figure out how this shadow magic is affecting you?”

Stardust rubbed the back of his head with a hoof with a sheepish smile. “Oh right, I kind of forgot about that, I just got so interested in all this.”

Sunflare gave a light chuckle. “I figured.”

“Right, back to work.” Stardust continued practicing with this shadow magic and analyzed the reactions of the crystals carefully. After a while, he found other abilities he could do with it thanks to the crystals reactions. He found he could actually make the tentacles sharp like a blade, and create more than one of them. After a few hours, all these tests soon helped him come to a conclusion. “I think I figured it out.”

“Really?” Sunflare asked. 

“From what I have gathered, I think this shadow magic is somehow affecting my body and changing it to adjust to this new power.” Stardust stated with no sign of worry.

“Changing it? Oh no, Stardust, this is bad.” Sunflare stated with worry. “Do you know how many changes will be made?”

“No, I don’t, oh wow.” Stardust seemed more fascinated than worried.

Sunflare grabbed Stardust’s face and made him look at her. “Stardust, this is bad, don’t you get it? If these changes keep happening, what do you think the council will do? They could find out about your experiments and you could get banished!” She declared.

Stardust’s face fell upon the realization. “Oh, right.” He seemed to start panicking. “Oh no, oh no, what am I going to do?”
Sunflare took to Stardust’s side. “What are we going to do?” She stated. “We’re in this together Stardust, I’m not about to leave you in your time of need. No matter what happens, I’ll stay with you.” She nuzzled Stardust as she closed her eyes.

Stardust closed his eyes as Sunflare nuzzled him, he grew a smile as he nuzzled her back. “Thank you Sunflare, I really appreciate that.” With Sunflare’s words and her act, Starburst felt he didn’t really care much what would happen after all as long as he could be with Sunflare. As the two nuzzled, a small crack started to form at the base of Stardust’s horn.

> Chapter Five: Tribulatios And Trials
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter 5: Tribulations And Trials



The next few days, Stardust and Sunflare went about their lives as if nothing was wrong so as not to draw suspicion. At one point, Stardust released a series of enchanted gemstones that would give off heat whenever they came in contact with water so everypony could have a warm bath. Needless to say, such a thing became rather popular given the current season. Because of his condition though, Stardust had to keep his cloak on to hide his changed wings. However, within those few days, the crack in Stardust’s horn had grown a bit more and became noticeable. He was able to hide the crack with his mane so no pony could see it.

Stardust had spent the night in Sunflare’s room and was looking himself over in the mirror with his eyes turned upwards towards his horn. He held a hoof to it and looked worried. “I just don’t get it, first my wings, now my horn. What sort of change is going to happen to it?”

Sunflare walked up to Stardust and nuzzled him in an attempt to comfort him. “I don’t know Stardust, but no matter what, I won’t leave you. We’ve been through too much already for me to just abandon you.”

Stardust nuzzled back with a faint smile. “Thanks Sunflare, I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Sunflare pulled back and gave a smile. “Good thing you don’t have to find out, because you’re stuck with me.”

Stardust gave a smirk, then raised a foreleg to his forehead and spoke dramatically. “Oh what cruel fate hath befallen me, to be stuck with such a mare as thow. Truly the gods must hate me to curse me so.”

Sunflare burst out laughing. “Ha ha ha! Very funny Stardust. HA ha ha ha.”

Stardust started to laugh himself. “Heh hah, I thought so.” He stopped though and turned back to the mirror. His smile faded as he looked back to the crack in his horn.

Sunfalre noticed Stardust looking himself over in the mirror and walked over to him. She placed a hoof on his back as she spoke. “Hey, come on now, don’t worry. I’m sure we can figure this out, we just have to put our heads together.”

“I’m more worried of what will happen if the council finds out about this. They’ll banish me for sure. They’ll see this magic I found as evil or something. Yet I’m in full control of myself and the magic I found, the only thing is these changes happening to me.”

“Stardust…I…” Sunflare was interrupted by a knocking on her door. “Uh oh.” Stardust wasted no time and hid himself in Sunflare’s bathroom. Once she made sure Stardust was out of sight, she went for the door and opened it with her magic. “Yes? Oh, good morning Council pony Auburn.” Sunflare greeted sourly upon seeing the stuck up stallion.

Auburn wore a smile as he greeted Sunflare. “Good morning Sunflare, I was wondering if you’d like to join me for breakfast this morning before you have to work.”

Sunflare rolled her eyes at the request. “Sorry Auburn, but I have other plans. I’m afraid I’ll have to take a raincheck.”

“Oh come now Sunflare, don’t be like that. I’m sure you can find time to just relax and share a meal with me.” Auburn persisted.

Sunflare smiled as she got a devious idea to show Auburn just what exactly she thought of him. “Tell you what Auburn, close your eyes and I’ll give you something nice to make up for it. And be sure to pucker those lips of yours.”

Auburn gave a sly smile. “Oh ho ho, you sly mare you. Have it your way then.” He did as instructed.

As he puckered his lips, Sunflare couldn’t help but make a disgusted look. “Egh. Okay, get ready, her it comes.” She stepped back and slammed her door in Auburn’s face, letting his lips kiss her door instead of her.

Auburn stumbled back and shook his head. He furrowed his brow as he took a step closer to her door.

Sunflare trotted back into her room with a smug grin. Stardust walked back into the room nervously. “Was that really such a good idea?”

“Hey, he asked for it.” Sunflare stated.

Suddenly, her door flung open and Auburn trotted in looking mad. “Sunflare, you….” He stopped midsentence when he saw Stardust in the room wearing his cloak. “You, what are you doing in here?”

Stardust gave an audible gulp. “Oh boy.”

Auburn walked up to Stardust looking down on him. “Stardust, just what do you think you’re doing in my marefriend’s room?”
That was the last straw for Sunflare. She stormed up and placed herself between Stardust and Auburn and glared up at him with fire in her eyes. “Excuse me?!  Your marefriend? Since when am I your marefriend?” She extenuated with a poke to Auburns chest with a hoof. “I never liked you, we’ve never even dated you meat head!”

“Meat head? Now see here…” Auburn tried to say but Sunflare cut him off.

“No, you see here! I am sick and tired of you hitting on me when I’ve made it perfectly clear I have no interest in you what so ever. Why do you insist on trying to get me in your bed?! It’s never going to happen so get those filthy ideas out of that thick headed skull of yours! I…DON’T…LOVE…YOU!” She started taking steps closer to Auburn, forcing him to back up. “I don’t even like you! You are just a pig headed, self-observed, control freak! Like it or not, I love Stardust, and he loves me, so you can consider me off the market.” At this point, Sunflare had managed to force Auburn back out of her room. “Good day Auburn!” She slammed her door in his face.  

After Sunflare slammed her door in his face, Auburn was seething mad. His eyes were burning with anger as he clenched his teeth. He gave a snort and trotted off.

Sunflare turned back to face Stardust and gave out a sigh. “Whew, that felt good. I’m so glad I finally did that. I should have done it sooner.”

Stardust seemed nervous as he spoke. “Stardust, you just insulted the head of the council, slammed your door in his face and called him a meat head. I think you may have gone a bit too far there.”

Sunflare sighed out. “I don’t care. That horn dog has been trying to get at my flank for too long. It’s about time I finally spelled it out for him. If I get in trouble for it, it will be worth it if it means he’ll finally stop pestering me like this.”

“I just hope you won’t be in too much trouble. You didn’t really do anything wrong, just trying to defend yourself.” Stardust offered.

“Exactly, and….” Sunflare was cut off as a blue glow began to emanate from Stardust’s horn where the crack was. “What in the heavens?”

“What’s happening?” The glow from the crack became more intense and grew brighter. A magical humming was heard as the glow continued growing in intensity. When it became too much for the pony’s eyes, there was a sudden flash and the bright glow dissipated. The sudden burst of magic had knocked Stardust and Sunflare back. Stardust was the first to slowly stand up. “Oh, my head, my horn….what happened?”

Sunflare shook her head and looked up with half lidded eyes. “Stardust, are you….oh sweet heavens.” Her eyes shot open as she saw what had happened to Stardust’s horn.

Stardust grew worried. “What, what happened, is it my horn?”

Sunflare slowly walked up to Stardust. “I’m afraid so.”

“Well, what happened?” Stardust lifted a hoof to feel the spot where his horn was; Instead, he found an empty space. “What the…where’s my horn?!” He asked in a panic and ran to the mirror. “Oh….my….gods.” 

Sunflare slowly walked up to Stardust and took to his side as she gazed at him in the mirror. “Stardust, don’t panic. I’m sure it’s nothing too serious.”

Stardust now had two horns on his head. But instead of pointing straight out like a normal unicorn, they were curved back slightly over the top of his head and lacked a spiral. “My….my….what happened, why do I have two horns now? How am I going to hide this?”

Sunflare placed a hoof on his back to try and comfort him. “Stardust, calm down, we’ll figure this out.”

Stardust looked to Sunflare. “Calm down? I have two horns now! What am I going to do about this, huh? At this rate, I’ll be found out, I’ll be banished for sure, I’ll be seen as a monster, I’ll…”

“STARDUST! Get a hold of yourself!” Sunflare shouted to get his attention. She grabbed him and forced him to look her in the eyes. “Look, for now, just…where the hood of your cloak, that will hide the horns at least.”

Stardust gazed into Sunflare’s eyes. “Sunflare….I know I was excited about this at the beginning, but realizing what could happen to me because of this…I….I’m scared. I’m scared and I don’t know what to do.” His eyes watered up as he was ready to cry.
Sunflare wrapped her hooves aroun him in a hug and rested her head over his shoulder with her eyes closed. “Stardust, I promise no matter what, I’ll stay with you. I’m not going anywhere.” Sunflare felt a bit of fear herself. Not for her, but for Stardust. She let a few tears of her own escape. Her coltfriend was afraid, he needed her now more than ever. No force on this planet was going to keep her away from Stardust. Not now, not ever.

Over the next few days, Stardust had to wear his cloak with the hood up everywhere he went to hide his latest change. He was able to dismiss questions about it by saying it was helping him to stay warm during these cold seasons. Every once in a while, whenever they could, Stardust and Sunflare would sneak out of the castle in the afternoons and go to Stardust’s home outside the castle to practice and research more on this new magic Stardust had in hopes of finding a way to reverse these changes.

They hadn’t heard a peep out of Auburn since the incident when Sunflare slammed her door in his face so they assumed he had finally given up on trying to win Sunflare over and just dismissed the whole thing, not wanting anything to do with them.

Days went by and the only thing Stardust and Sunflare were able to do was only learn what all Stardust could do with his new shadow magic, as they have come to call it, but no luck in finding a way to reverse it. The biggest change in their routine came when Stardust woke up one morning in his room and looked himself in the mirror. He simply stood there staring at himself with a frown. “First my wings, then my horn, now this. Is this it? Is this the final change or is there more to come?”

Sunflare walked up to his side and nuzzled him. “I don’t know Stardust, but like I said, I’m not leaving your side.”

Stardust nuzzled Sunflare back. “Thanks Sunflare, I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything you’ve done to help me through all this.” He looked back to the mirror to see his changed eyes. His pupils had gone from being normally round to slit like a cat’s eyes. His hood kept his eyes hidden so no pony else could see them.

The days continued to grow colder as winter rolled around. The snow fall was heavy and blanketed every roof top and street in a thick blanket of snow and ice. Stardust and Sunflare were making their ways through the stony halls of the castle to the dining hall for lunch. Stardust wore his cloak to conceal his altered form. Since his eye’s changed, it seemed no other changes would be coming. His head hung low as he trudged down the halls.

Sunflare looked to Stardust. “Stardust, come on, cheer up, I’m sure we can do something about all this.”

“Like what? We’ve learned everything we can about this shadow magic I gained and nothing can change me back to normal. I can’t hide this forever. Once winter ends I can’t just say I’m wearing my cloak to keep warm. They’ll suspect something is up and I’ll be found out.”

“We’ll worry about it when we get to it. For now, let’s just get something to eat.”

“Yeah, all right.” Stardust responded in a defeated tone. The two walked on to the dining hall and gathered their meals. Stardust still had his head down so he wasn’t paying attention to what was in front of him. He ended up pumping into somepony which caused him to stumble back and fall backwards, causing his hood to fall off. 

Earth Shaker shook off the bump and looked down to Stardust. “I say, do be more careful and….” He paused once he saw Stardust’s altered appearance. “What in the world? Stardust….is….is that you?” A collective gasp filled the room as all eyes fell on the two ponies, mainly Stardust.

Sunflare watched in worry and fear as Stardust was suddenly discovered.

Stardust looked himself over and quickly stood up. “Council pony Earth Shaker, I can explain, please…”

Earth Shaker cut him off. “What have you done to yourself? Why have you changed your appearance? How did you even do that?” The other members of the council began to gather around.

“Stardust, what is the meaning of this?” Sore Sight asked.

“What in heaven’s name have you done?” Rosy asked.

Stardust started backing away from them. Auburn pushed past the others and confronted Stardust. “So, you have been conducting unwarranted magical experiments without the council’s permission, haven’t you? You are in big trouble Stardust.” Auburn wore a wicked grin. “Guards, cease him!” A few ponies clad in armor entered the room and took hold of Stardust.

“NO! Please don’t….” Sunflare tried to interject but was stopped when Snooty stepped in front of her.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Snooty stated. “He has commited a crime and must be punished for it. He will be given a fair trial to defend himself though. But this does not look good for him.”

Auburn pointed a hoof to one of the exits of the dining hall. “Take him to the dungeon to await his trial.”

Stardust cried out as he was dragged away. “No, please, I…I didn’t…I..” He tried to argue but couldn’t come up with anything.

Auburn sauntered over to Sunflare with a smirk as the other members of the council dispersed. “Well Sunflare, consider this payback for scorning me like you did. I knew that fool was trouble, what with his ridiculous ideas and such. Knowledge can be a dangerous thing.”

Sunfalre glared at Auburn with all her might. She stayed silent though as she had nothing to say.

Auburn snorted out and walked away, leaving Sunflare alone.

Sunflare hung her head and let a few tears escape as she quietly sobbed out. “Stardust.”

The next day, Stardust stood in the council chamber before the members of the council in chains. Sunflare sat with a few other ponies in the seats to watch the trial. Auburn was doing his best to keep a straight face even though on the inside, he was smiling wickedly at his victory over Stardust. “My fellow ponies, today we are gathered here to pass judgment on Stardust. The charge is conducting magical experiments without the council’s knowledge and approval. As you can see, Stardust has altered his physical appearance for whatever reason.”

Snooty stood up to speak. “Stardust, we give you one chance to defend yourself before us this day. For your sake, I hope you can change our minds.”

Stardust looked over the council with worry. He took a deep breath and began. “Council, ponies, I am but a simple pony who only seeks to learn about the world we live in. I want to learn about what is out there, how things work. Is that really so bad? Think of how much easier our lives could be if we just took the time to learn about everything around us. We could find plants that could cure diseases. We could learn spells that could make things easier for us. There is so much about our world we don’t know about. I merely wanted to learn more about it.”

“What about those stones I created so every pony could have a nice warm bath in these cold seasons? Was that not a good thing? It was thanks to my curiosity and magical tinkering that I came up with them. Yes, I was researching such magics behind the councils back, and I’m sorry about that. I should have told you and asked if I could do such research. But I was afraid of being turned down. I just want to learn. In my studies of magic, I discovered a new form of magic. It’s incredible what it can do.”

Rosy raised a hoof to silence Stardust. “You discovered a new form of magic? What kind of magic, what can it do?”
Stardust continued. “I have decided to call it shadow magic, as when using it, I am able to manipulate the shadows, I can control them, make things with them, and even travel through them. It was because of my discovery of this new magic that I started changing and ended up looking like I do now.”

Auburn spoke up. “Do you really think this helps your case? You conducted experiments behind our backs without our permission. You have changed yourself into an abomination because of it.”

Sore Sight hung her head and shook it. “I’m sorry Stardust, but despite your heating stones, the fact of the matter stands that you did research without our approval. Now because of one of these experiments, you have changed your physical appearance to a horrid look.”

Stardust spoke desperately. “But I’m still me. I’m in complete control of my actions and this shadow magic. Nothing else about me has changed other than my physical appearance.”

Earth Shaker rose to speak. “And how do you know that this shadow magic won’t eventually begin to affect your mind? For all we know, it could be controlling you right now making us think you are in control of yourself. This is dangerous stuff Stardust.”

Auburn picked up from there.  “I think we’ve heard enough. The council will now vote. All those in favor of banishing Stardust for his crimes, raise your hoof.” Stardust watched in fear as one by one, a hoof went up until the last of the council had their hoof raised. “Then it is unanimous. Stardust, you are..”

“WAIT!” Sunflare yelled out. She stood up and galloped to Stardust’s side.

“Sunflare? What are you doing?” Stardust asked.

“Please, don’t do this! So what if he did some experiments behind your backs. So what if he looks different. I know Stardust, he has a good heart, he doesn’t deserve this! I beg you, please reconsider.”

Auburn glared down. “Stay out of this Sunflare, it has already been decided. Your former boss is to be banished to the dark forest never to return here.”

“Then….then you’ll have to banish me too!” Sunflare suddenly said. “I’m not leaving his side, I helped him with these experiments, I’m just as guilty as he is. So if you’re going to banish him for this, then you’ll have to banish me too.”

Auburn furrowed his brow. “Sunflare, what are you doing?”

Sunflare glared at Auburn. “I’m staying with Stardust no matter what, I helped him, I’m guilty too.”

Stardust kept his eyes on Sunflare as she stood next to him. “Sunflare.” He said silently to himself.

Auburn hung his head. “I see, it seems we have no choice. Sunflare, you and Stardust are hereby banished from Trottingsdale to the forest never to return. May the heavens have mercy on your souls.”

“Sunflare….you…”

“I promised didn’t I?” Sunfalre said, cutting Stardust off with a sad smile. “I’m not leaving your side no matter what.”

Stardust closed his eyes and hung his head. “Thank you Sunflare.”

“Guards, take them away!” Earth Shaker ordered. A few of the guards came and began to escort Sunflare and Stardust away.

> Chapter Six: Into Exile
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Into Exile


Stardust and Sunflare were escorted out of Trottingsdale and to the edge of the dark forest ponies feared to enter for the dangers it could hold. Once the chains on Stardust was released, the guards gestured for him and Sunflare to go. Together, they took one last glance at the town, and trudged on into the dark forest where the unknown lie in wait.

Sunflare pressed her side to Stardust as they walked with Stardust hanging his head. He still wore his cloak but had the hood down. “Sunflare, I’m so sorry I got you into this mess. I never should have looked into that magic I found out about.”

Sunflare looked to Stardust. “Don’t say that. You were just trying to learn about something new. There’s nothing wrong with seeking knowledge.” She nuzzled his neck to try and comfort him. “You did what you thought was right, nothing more.”

“And look where it got us. Banished to this dark forest where who knows what will most likely turn us into lunch.” Stardust said back. “I should have listened, I should have just followed the rules.”

Sunflare got in front of Stardust and stopped him in his tracks. She lifted his head with a hoof to look in his slit irises. “Will you stop it already! It doesn’t matter what could have been done or should have been done! The fact is you did what you did and now we’re facing the consequences. All we can do now is do our best to just survive and try to make the best of our situation together. I promised I wouldn’t leave you and I meant it.” To punctuate this, she pressed her lips to his in a loving kiss and held it for a few seconds before breaking it apart.

Stardust looked Sunflare in the eyes. “You’re right Sunflare, I’m sorry. I…”

Sunflare shoved a hoof to his mouth to cut him off. “Enough with the apologizing already, I get it. Now come on, let’s see about finding a spot to at least build a shelter or something.” 

Stardust gave a small smile. “Yeah, okay.” The two resumed their walk through the forest side by side. The trees were at least two feet wide and immeasurably tall as it was hard to see in the forest. The light from the sun barely shone through at all in just a few places. Vines hung loosely from branches and the sounds of many animals and birds sounded off around them. Their hooves shuffling about the dirt under them and kicking a few leaves once in a while as they walked, unaware of where they were going or even where they were. They walked for what seemed like hours before they finally stopped to rest. “By the heavens, how big is this forest?” Stardust asked. They found a large rock to sit on for a bit to rest their hooves.

“Who knows, no pony has ever come out of this forest when they were sent in.” Sunflare said.

“Well, they were banished from the town. Since that meant they couldn’t come back, that doesn’t necessarily mean this forest is dangerous, right?” Stardust reasoned.

“I sure hope so.” Sunflare responded. “But if that’s true, where did they go? Are they even still alive? Maybe we should…WHOA!” Before she could finish her sentence, the rock under them started to shift and move.

“What the hay is going on here?!” Stardust asked. The two were flung from the rock and fell to their backs next to each other. The large rock they were on suddenly sprouted six legs, three on each side, a pair of large crab like claws, a pair of large beady black eyes, and a mouth with many teeth. Together, Stardust and Sunflare screamed in fear of this rock creature. “AAAAAAAAHHHHHH!”

The rock beast raised its claws and let out a monstrous hiss back at them before scuttling away as fast as it could from the two.

The two alicorns sat there stunned for almost a minute in silence before Sunflare broke it. “Um….what just happened? What was that?”

“I have no idea.” Stardust replied. “Maybe…we should…watch our step from now on.”

“Good idea.” Sunflare agreed. Ignoring how tired they were before, they thought it best to keep moving for a bit longer.

The two kept their eyes and ears open as they walked, keeping themselves aware of anything that may pop out at them. Suddenly, Stardust’s left back hoof got snagged on a vine and his whole world turned upside down. “WHOA!”

“Stardust!” Sunflare called in fear. 

“What is this? What’s going on?!” Stardust asked in fear as he swung about.

“Oh no, just hang on, I’ll get you down!” Sunflare called. She was about to fly up, but before she could, there was rustling in the bushes around them. “Uh oh.”

“Sunflare, what’s going on? Are you okay?” Stardust asked from his position.

“Um…I think we have company!” Sunflare called back up. She quickly spread her wings and flew up to Stardust’s level. “Just hold on and get ready to use your wings.” She instructed.

“Okay.” Stardust replied.

Sunflare bit the vine holding Stardust and did her best to chew through it. As she did, the things causing the rustling jumped out of the bushes and into the open Stardust hung over. 

Stardust looked down and grew worried at what he saw. Odd bi-pedal creatures with green skin and wearing large leaves for clothes appeared. They were holding sticks with sharpened narrowed stones at the end. Makeshift spears were being brandished by the creatures. They had unusually large heads, big pointy ears and sharp teeth with flat noses. They were jumping and speaking in a strange language. “What in the heavens are those things?!” Stardust cried out.

“Hold on…almost through!” Sunflare said, her voice muffled by the vine. One of the creatures started saying something in their strange language and pointed up at the two ponies, then threw a spear up at them. This got the others to start tossing their spears. It wasn’t until this moment, Stardust thought to actually use his wings and fly in place so he wouldn’t be upside down. The spears just barely missed Stardust.

Finally, Sunflare managed to chew through the vine and set Stardust free. “Come on, let’s get out of here before they make soup out of us.” Sunflare declared.

Stardust took Sunflare by the hoof and flew off practically dragging her along. The small creatures began giving chase after the two at ridiculous speed. “Wow, they just don’t give up.” Stardust commented. “I think I have a plan, hopefully this will drive them off. Just stay up here.” Stardust instructed.

“What are you going to do?” Sunflare asked in worry.

“I’m gonna try and scare them off with the shadow magic. Time to make good use out of it.” Stardust said with a confident smile.

“Please be careful.” Sunflare said.

Stardust just gave a confident smile, then turned and flew down to the ground to meet the creatures half way. He stood firm with his wings flared, determination burning in his eyes to protect the one he loves. “All right you little green monsters, let’s see how you deal with shadow magic.” The group of monsters stopped in their tracks and some of them quickly threw their spears at Stardust. Stardust summoned a black wall of shadow to rise up and blocked the spear. It then shifted and turned into multiple tentacles that spread out and swarmed the creatures.

Stardust managed to catch some of them with the tentacles and tossed them around while others were knocked away. This was enough to finally scare off the rest of them and ran. With the threat gone, Stardust relaxed his stance with a smile. “HAH! How about that, I did it.” 

Sunflare flew down and tackled Stardust in a grateful hug. “That was amazing Stardust, I didn’t think you had it in you.”

“You and me both.” Stardust replied as he nuzzled into Sunflare.

Sunflare then followed up with a kiss to his cheek. “Come on, let’s get out of here in case they decide to try again.”

“Yeah.” The two decided to fly through the forest this time in order to hopefully avoid more traps. “What were those things anyway, I’ve never seen anything like them before.” Stardust questioned. “So much for thinking the forest wasn’t dangerous.”

“Tell me about it. First that rock crab thing, then those little green monsters. What’s next, giant spiders?” Sunflare asked.

“Please don’t jinx us.” Stardust begged lightly.

“Sorry, it’s just…are we really supposed to just make a life for ourselves in this place?” Sunflare asked sadly. “How can we even do that? This place is so dangerous.”

Stardust looked ahead sadly. “I don’t know, but I swear I will do whatever I can to keep you safe at least.” He turned to look Sunflare in the eyes. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”

Sunflare stared back with a smile as they looked into each other’s eyes. “And I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“And how are you going to do that? You don’t know how to fight. Then again, neither do I. It was just luck I was able to chase off those things with the shadow magic.” Stardust pointed out.

“That’s it! The shadow magic.” Sunflare cheered.

Stardust looked back at Sunflare with a cocked brow. “What? What is it?”

“Don’t you realize what you did with it back there?” Sunflare asked. “If you weren’t completely sure what you were doing with it when you chased those things off, imagine what you could do if you did know what you were doing. You already know what it’s capable of. You just need to learn how to fight with it.”

“Oh right, of course. I’m such an idiot.” Stardust said with a hoof to the face. “And Sunflare, you could…” He paused mid-sentence and thought about what he was about to suggest. Deciding against it, he backtracked. “Uh, never mind.”

Sunflare looked to Stardust with a worried expression. “What, what is it?”

“It’s nothing, forget it.” Stardust tried to let it slide.

Sunflare wasn’t about to let the subject drop. She gave a pout and spoke demandingly. “Stardust, you tell me right now what is on your mind.”

Stardust looked to Sunflare a little fearfully. “Okay, okay, I’ll tell you. It’s just….what I was going to say was….I….I could…cast the spell that gave me access to this shadow magic again and make it so you could use it too. But then you’d end up looking like me. And…I doubt you’d want that.” He looked away sadly. Sunflare gave Stardust a whack on the head. “OW! What was that for?”

“For being stupid, what else?” Sunflare retorted. “Haven’t I told you before I don’t care about looks? If I had, I would have dumped you the second you started changing, but I didn’t. I stayed by your side, I tried to stand up for you, I allowed myself to be banished along with you just to be with you! Would I really go through everything I’ve been through if I cared only for looks?!”
Stardust gave a nervous chuckle. “Heh heh, good point, sorry Sunflare, thanks.”

“You’re welcome. Now, you were saying you could cast the spell that gave you this shadow magic so I could use it too?” Sunflare questioned. 

“I could. I still remember exactly how it went. Do you want to go through it?” 

“I would. If you can do it, so can I. It might make things easier if we both had that kind of power.” Sunflare suggested.

“All right, let’s find another place to rest that hopefully won’t be a trap or some other creature and catch our breath.” Stardust suggested.

“Good idea.” Sunflare agreed with a nod. They flew on for a few more minutes to put as much distance between them and those strange green creatures they ran into as possible. They soon managed to come to a clearing with a small lake with crystal clear water and a small waterfall as its source. “Looks like as good a place as any to rest, but now I’m getting hungry.” Sunflare rubbed her belly.

“Yeah, me too. Let’s see what there is to eat if anything.” Stardust said. “You stay put and I’ll look around.”

“Be careful, and don’t go too far okay?” Sunfalre said with a hint of worry.

Stardust gave a smile as he responded. “Don’t worry, I won’t go too far, I’ll stay within eye sight, deal?”

Sunflare smiled back. “Deal.”

Stardust got up and walked to some of the trees that surrounded the clearing. He looked up first and smiled as he saw what looked like some kind of fruit growing from them. They were green with blue stripes and were round and plump looking. “HAH! Now if that isn’t food, I don’t know what is.” He said with a smile. Stardust flew up to the fruit to get a better look at it. Upon closer inspection, the surface of the strange looking item had small bumps covering it. “Hmm, it does look like food, but it could be poisonous.” His stomach growled as if to say ‘so what’. Stardust slumped in mid-air at that and gave in. “All right, but I better eat it first to make sure it’s safe. Wouldn’t want to accidently poison Sunflare.”  He carefully took the fruit in both hooves and yanked it off the branch.

He then used his magic to pull three more off and hovered back down. First, Stardust used his shadow magic to cut the first fruit in half to examine it to make sure there weren’t any parasites or bugs inside. The inside of the fruit was orange and the juices from it flowed down and dripped onto the forest floor. “Wow, certainly is juicy at least.” He commented. The inside was also colored a lime green and there was what looked like a giant seed in the middle.

After the inspection, it finally came time for the taste test. Stardust took one half of the fruit he cut and slowly brought it to his mouth. “Here goes nothing.” He sank his teeth into it with a resounding crunch that caused more juices to jump out. Right away, Stardust’s taste buds were treated to a delightful taste of sweetness with a hint of tang. “Oh heavens this is delicious.” After enjoying the taste a bit longer, he swallowed and waited a while to see if there would be any side effects. It was pointless though as if there were any side effects signs of it being poison, it wouldn’t show up right away. “Guess it’s safe.”

Stardust collected the two halves and the rest of the fruits and made his way back to Sunflare who was waiting patiently. “What was all that about?” She asked. 

“Oh right, you could see me couldn’t you?” He asked with a sheepish smile. “Sorry, I just wanted to make sure these were safe. So far, I think they are. And oh wow are they good. Go ahead and try it.” Stardust offered the other half of the fruit he cut to Sunflare. 

She took it in her hooves and looked at it curiously at first. Together, they both opened their mouths to take a bit when suddenly a large aquatic creature resembling a fish jumped up out of the lake with a splash. Time seemed to slow down as the two alicorn’s watched in awe at the sight. Its body was silvery and shimmered with a rainbow color. The creature also gave off a wail of some kind in the air before splashing back down into the water.

Sunflare and Stardust just sat there with their mouths agape at what they just saw. Finally, Stardust broke the silence. “What…was…that?”

Sunflare was just as confused. “I have no idea.” Finally, she shook off her initial shock and looked to Stardust. “And are we going to keep asking that every time we see something we’ve never seen before?”

Stardust managed to shake off his shock as well as he responded. “Probably.” They were silent for a second before laughing with each other. “I suppose we should start coming up with names every time we see something we’ve never seen before.”

“Good idea, and I say we start with that.” Sunflare pointed a hoof at the lake, signaling she meant the fish thing. “I say we call it…..” She tapped her hoof to her chin in thought. “…A giant sea bass.”

Stardust gave a credulous look. “What? But it didn’t look anything like a sea bass. I’d say it was more of a….rainbow trout.”

Sunflare put her hooves to her hips with narrowed eyes. “How do you know, have you ever seen a rainbow trout before?”

“Well….no, but have you ever seen a sea bass before? How do you know that’s what it looked like?” Stardust shot back with narrowed eyes of his own.

They stared at each other for a moment before smiles crept onto their faces, then they burst out laughing. Once they calmed down, they remembered their hunger and began eating. As soon as Sunflare took a bite of the fruit Stardust gathered, she moaned in pleasure at the taste. “Oh wow these are good.” She said with a mouthful.

“Tell me about it.” Stardust replied. “At least we have one food source.” And some of these plants do look edible too. So I think we found a good place to try and set up a shelter. Maybe this could be our new home.”

“It is a nice spot.” Sunflare said as she looked around. A thought soon came to her mind. “Hey, and look at it this way. Now we have the freedom to experiment with our magic all we want to see what we’re capable of.”

Stardust smiled at that. “Oh yeah, that’s right. Who knows what we could do with our magic. I think this whole thing might just be a blessing in disguise.” 

“That’s the attitude I like to hear.” Sunflare said. “Now I say once we’re done, you get to work on setting up that spell that will give me shadow magic too, okay?”

“Sure, if I’m going to look like a freak, I’m not going to do it alone.” Stardust said jokingly. The two continued their meal in higher spirits than what it was before upon their banishment. 

Once they finished their meal, Stardust set to work drawing some markings in the dirt with a stick to make out the spell he used before that gave him the shadow magic. He finished and instructed Sunflare to enter the ring. “Okay Sunflare, it’s ready. Now, are you really sure about this?”

Sunflare gave a fearful look and was shaking. “Um….actually, no, I’m not. I don’t want to look like a freak.”

Stardust broke into laughter that Sunflare soon joined in on. She took her place in the circle and prepared herself. “All right, just stay there and don’t move.” Stardust instructed. “You may feel funny at first, but that’s part of the spell.”

“Just do it already.” Sunflare said with a smirk.

Stardust lit up his horns and they began to glow with his light blue aura. The wind in the area began to pick up and blow stray leaves about. A clear dome of wind began to form that soon turned dark with purple and black swirling about. It grew more and more in intensity with each passing second. At the peak, there was a bright flash of black and a force knocked Stardust backwards on his back.

A few second passed before Stardust got up and saw Sunflare laying on her belly in the circle he made. He rushed over to her to check on her. “Sunflare, Sunflare, are you okay?”

A groan signaled she was alive and still breathing which let Stardust sigh in relief. “Ugh, my head, you didn’t warn me about the headache.” She groaned out.

“Sorry about that, I kind of forgot about that part.” Stardust said with a smile. He helped Sunfalre to her hooves and held her up until she could stand on her own. “So other than the pounding head ache, how are you?”

“I don’t feel any different.” Sunflare responded. 

“You won’t really, but do you feel all right? Sick, dizzy, nauseous?” Stardust asked.

Sunflare gave a weak smile. “I’m fine Stardust, really.”

Stardust smiled in return. “If you’re sure then. Just rest a bit more and I’ll get to work on some kind of shelter for us before the sun sets. Then once you feel up to it, I’ll start showing you how to use the shadow magic.” Thus began the two alicorn’s lives in exile.

> Chapter Seven: A Change Of Scenery
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter Seven: Change of scenery



Time passed normally for the alicorn couple. Sunflare had fully changed now and had a set of curved horns, slit irises, and bat like wings much like Stardust. Together, they both learned how the new shadow magic worked and what they could do with it. In time, they were able to build a wooden cottage for themselves next to the lake they found and were able to feed on the plants around the area. There wasn’t much for them to do other than talk, walk, eat, sleep, or practice with their powers.

Nearly a year had gone by now and they’ve managed to survive so far. There were still the problem of having to deal with some of the dangers, but with their new found abilities, they were easy enough to deal with. Sunflare and Stardust decided to name the rock crab creature they saw before a rock crab. The little green creatures they ran into before they called leaf cutters because of how they wore leaves for clothing. They were proving to be more bothersome than scary now lately.

And the fish they agreed to call a rainbow lake fish. They learned soon after the lake was so clear you could see clear to the bottom of it from the shore and see all the fish and water creatures swimming about, as well as the many colorful plants that grew in it. Their new home was proving to be not so bad and had soon grown accustomed to it.

The bigger news came later in the morning. Sunflare emerged from the wooden cottage and greeted Stardust as he was practicing with his shadow magic. “Good morning Stardust.”

Stardust looked back and greeted Sunflare with a smile of his own. “Good morning Sunflare, I hope you slept well last night.”
Sunflare giggled in response. “Considering we hardly got any sleep at all, not too bad. But….Stardust…I….” She hesitated in her words a moment.

Stardust looked concerned as he ceased his practicing and turned to Sunflare. “What is it Sunflare? Are you okay?”

“I…I think I’m pregnant?” Sunflare suddenly said and gave a small smile.

Stardust’s eyes widened. “P…P…Pregnant? Are….are you sure?”

Sunflare nodded. “I think I’ve been getting morning sickness and have been feeling a bit more hungry than usual. Plus, I’m sure you’ve noticed my belly growing a bit in size.”

“I…I thought you were just getting fat.” Stardust said.

Sunflare gave a flat look. “Fat? Really?”

Stardust started sweating nervously. “Um…well…I mean…what I meant was….”

Sunflare cut him off with a chuckle. “It’s all right Stardust, I know what you meant.” She then looked a bit nervous. “So…what do you think…about me being pregnant?”

“What do I think?” Stardust parroted. “I…I think that’s great!” He declared with a wide smile. “I’m going to be a dad!” He zipped over to Sunflare and hugged her close. “This is great, we’re going to be parents!”

Sunflare sighed in relief. “Thank the heavens, I thought you might not take the news so well.”

Stardust pulled back from the hug and looked Sunflare in the eyes with his smile. “Sunflare, I love you. I’m not going to leave you a single mother, especially not in a place like this.” 

“You’re right, I don’t know what I was worried about.” Sunflare smiled. “Although, what you said just now makes me think.”

Stardust cocked a brow in confusion. “What I just said? What do you mean?”

“About raising a child in this place. It isn’t safe.” Sunflare pointed out. 

“Well, where are we supposed to go? We can’t go back to Trotttingsdale, we were banished.”

“True, but we could go further into the forest and try to find the end to it. Or at least find another place to come out of it that’s away from Trottingsdale and try to find another town where we can settle down.”

Stardust hummed in thought. “You make a good point. I guess we could try. I think that second option would be best. We don’t know how big this forest is exactly or what other monsters might be deep in the forest.”

“Another good point.” Sunflare pointed a hoof at Stardust. “Well then, I think to make it easier, we should fly over the forest so we can see ahead of time where the edge is and when to turn away from Trottingsdale.” 

“Too bad, I’m really going to miss this place.” Stardust said in a wistful manner.

Sunflare rolled her eyes and giggled. “So when should we leave?”

“I think the sooner the better. Let’s leave first thing in the morning tomorrow after breakfast.”

Sunflare gave a smile. “All right, sounds like a plan.” And so it was decided to leave the forest and try to find a new place where they could raise their foal in peace.

The next morning, they set out as planned and headed back in the direction of Trottingsdale. This time, they flew over the forest instead of walking through it. It didn’t take as long this time. When the town came into sight, they flew down below the canopy and started going to the left in order to avoid being seen by any of the ponies of the town they once called home.

They walked for miles before taking to the air again once they were far from the town and exited the forest completely. They stayed close to it for a while before heading off away from the forest to find another town. It was mostly open area as they trotted. A few trees scattered here and there along a dirt road through the open plains.

Spring had come so there were plenty of flowers growing to decorate the usually green landscape. Many birds and other animals scurried about their business. “Wow, it sure is a beautiful day, huh Stardust?” Sunflare asked.

“I’ll say, and this area is gorgeous.” Stardust said as he looked the area over. They decided to move to walking again and came in for a landing along the road they were following from above.

“Maybe we’ll be coming up on a real nice town soon.”

“I hope so, I’m getting tired.” Stardust hung his head with a tired expression plastered on his face.
Sunflare giggled. “Oh come on lazy flank. It hasn’t been that hard.”

Stardust gave a smile in response. He looked and perked his head up immediately. “Hey look, I think we just found one.” Stardust pointed a hoof ahead of them where stone walls awaited them. There was an archway the dirt road lead to and two earth ponies in metal armor standing guard on either side holding spears. “Looks like we found a place. I just hope they’re more friendly and accepting of us.”
Sunflare had a look of uncertainty. “I don’t know, those guards seem rather intimidating.”

“Well of course they seem intimidating, they’re guards, they have to look tough as a deterrent against any bad ponies. Come on.” Stardust started trotting up to the archway. 

Just as the two were about to enter through the archway, the guards crossed their spears to bard the path. “Halt, who goes there?” The left guard asked in a gruff voice.

The two alicorns flinched back at first from the sudden blockage. Stardust managed to collect himself first. “Um…greetings good sirs. My name is Stardust, and this is my companion and wife, Sunflare. We would like to gain entrance to your city if we may.”

The guard on the right responded. “State your business stranger.”

Sunflare responded this time. “We’ve been traveling a long way. We’re looking for a new place to call home and thought maybe we could live here. Is that all right?”

The two guards shared a glance before turning back to the two ponies. “You two seem different from other ponies, what sort of pony are you?”

“Why we’re alicorns.” Stardust answered.

“Nice try, we have alicorns in the city. You look nothing like an alicorn.” The right guard said.

“We do?” Stardust asked. It was then he realized his new appearance and Sunflare’s. “Oh, right. Um….well you see, we were alicorns but…um…due to a spell, our appearance has changed. I promise we aren’t here to cause any trouble. Please, may we enter?”

“You’ll have to speak to our guard captain.” The left guard said. They withdrew their spears. “Follow me.” The guard began marching to and through the archway.

Stardust and Sunflare trotted to catch up and followed the guard through. The town they entered had many homes of wood and stone, some with straw roofs. Some of the chimney’s had smoke coming out of them indicating fires. The streets were a bustle with all kinds of activity. Ponies going about their business buying and selling goods and a few foals playing with one another in the streets. Every pony seemed happy as smiles were everywehere. However, it soon changed as Sunflare and Stardust passed by. The sounds of the streets died down as all eyes fell upon the two until only the sound of their hooves on the cobble stone roads could be heard and the clanking of the guard’s armor echoed.

Whispers began to grow as well. “Who are they?”

“What in the world are those two?”

“I’ve never seen ponies like them before, where did they come from?”

“They look so odd.”

Comments such as these and more could be heard sometimes as they walked through the town.

Sunflare sidled up to Stardust nervously as she looked around. “I don’t like how they’re looking at us.” She whispered to Stardust.

“Now Sunflare, we…we have to keep in mind we look different now.” Stardust reasoned. “These ponies seem…nice. I’m sure once they get to know us it won’t be so bad.”

“I hope so.” Sunflare retorted. Eventually, they came to a building of solid stone with a wooden door. There were metal bars on the windows. The guard approached the door and opened it, then trotted in and waited for the two.

Just as they entered, the guard shut the door behind them and went up to a wooden desk where another stallion sat. He had a rather large build and a scar across his left eye. His eyes were steely blue and his coat was a dark shade of red. His mane and tail was a mix of dark green and black. He wore steel fancy looking armor. “What is it private?” The stallion asked in a gruff tone. His face stoney like a rock.

The guard saluted. “Sir, these two approached the gates and claim they wish to try and find a home for themselves here.”

The stallion turned his attention to the two in question.

Stardust flinched back slightly as he felt the eyes of the stallion on him. “And just who are you two?” The stallion asked.

Stardust cleared his throat before speaking. “Greetings good sir, I am Stardust and this is my wife, Sunflare.”

Sunflare nodded. “Hello.”

Stardust continued. “We would like very much if we could try living in your fine town if we may.”

The stallion never took his eyes off the two. He stood up from his chair and came out from behind his desk as he started circling the two. “And what are you exactly? We’ve never seen ponies like you before?”

Sunflare answered nervously. “Well…we…used to be alicorns but….um.”

Stardust continued. “You see sir, I’m a scientist at heart. I love learning about things and…what you see about us is the result of me discovoring a new kind of magic I dubbed shadow magic. Our bodies changed to adjust to the new magic we’ve acquired.”

The stallion stopped in front of the two. “New magic huh? Prove it.”

“Gladly.” Stardust chirped with a smile. He focused his shadow magic and made a simple shadow tendril rise up from the ground in front of him as it waved about lazily. “See, what do you think?”

The stallion stared with a cocked brow, showing no signs of being stunned or impressed. 

Stardust chuckled nervously at the awkward silence. “Heh heh, um…*ahem* well, yes. Um….”

“Shadow magic huh?” Said the stallion interrupting Stardust. “Hmm…if you wish to live here, you’ll need to speak with the king. Any and all new ponies have to go through me first and I evaluate them to make sure they aren’t a threat to his highness. If you make even one wrong move against the king, I will have you both put down. Understood?” He furrowed his brow in a small glare.

Despite it being small, it was enough to make Stardust lose his control and the tendril simply faded out while he and Sunflare flinched back slightly and nodded silently.

“Good. Follow me.” He turned to the guard. “Return to your post private.”

The guard saluted and left.

“You two wait here.” The captain said.

“Um…sir, what is your name if I may ask?” Stardust asked carefully.

“Ironhide.” Replied the stallion. He went to another room through an archway and came back about a minute later with four guards. “All right, let’s go.”

The four guards surrounded Stardust and Sunflare and ushered them to follow the captain. Sunflare and Stardust did so nervously as they headed back out of the building and back out onto the streets. A group of ponies stood before the place staring at it. Ironhide stopped and looked the citizens over. “Move along ponies, nothing to see here.”

One of the citizens, a stallion stepped forward. “Ironhide, sir, who are the two new faces?”

“What are they?” A mare asked.

“Are they dangerous?” Another asked. Soon every pony started shooting off questions causing a big uproar.

Sunflare and Stardust huddled together with worry.

“SILENCE!” Ironhide shouted. Just like that, the crowd fell silent. “Listen, as of right now, I see no reason to believe they are a threat. They have stated they wish to make a home for themselves here and nothing more. Now go about your business and don’t worry.” The ponies murmured something to themselves before finally dispersing. Ironhide gave a heavy sigh before turning to the two ponies that were the cause of the ruckus. “All right you two, move it.” He began marching and the guards ushered Stardust and Sunflare along.

Through the town as they walked, the couple was getting odd looks and heard more whispers. “Just ignore them Sunflare.” Stardust said as he placed a hoof over her back to try and comfort her.

“Yeah, no problem.” Sunflare retorted sarcastically.

The walk lasted a few minutes and were soon on the approach of a large stone castle that sat at the center of the town. Many guards patrolled the castle grounds and were stationed at the doors. Stardust and Sunflare looked up in awe at the place. “Whoa, this place is bigger than the castle back in Trottingsdale.” Sunflare commented.

The guards at the door were unicorns that wore simple cloaks. They lit up their horns and opened the door for their captain. The group continued inside. It was just as impressive inside and was rather spacious. Paintings, stain glass windows, and carpets decorated the halls and rooms. They soon arrived at the throne room where an alicorn stallion sat. He had a white coat with an orange beard, mane, and tail. The mark on his flank was that of a crown resting on a pink heart. He wore a red cape with white trims and fancy red garments.
The alicorn king smiled as the captain approached. “Captain Ironhide, a pleasure as always.”

Ironhide bowed. “Sire.” The other guards bowed as well. Seeing them bow, Stardust and Sunflare quickly did the same thing.

The king chuckled. “Hm hm, now come on Ironhide, no need for such formalities after all.” His voice was similar to that of a loving caring father. “Now what can I do for you today?”

Ironhide rose from his bow. “My king, two….ponies have come requesting that they be allowed to make a home here.”

“Oh? Do tell.” The king turned his attention to the two ponies in question. “Well now, you two are certainly an interesting looking pair. What sort of species of pony are you?” He approached slowly.

Stardust and Sunflare rose before Stardust spoke. “Sire, my name is Stardust and this is my wife, Sunflare. We’ve had a long tiring journey really and we were looking for a place to call home. My wife is pregnant and we were wanting a nice place to live. As for our species….we used to be alicorns.”

The king raised a brow at this. “Used to be?” He asked in a rising tone.

“It’s kind of a long story.” Sunflare informed. 

“I have time, would care to inform me on how you went from alicorns to what you are now?” The king asked with a warm smile. “And why are you looking for a home? Didn’t you have one before?”

The couple looked to each other first, then back to the king as Stardust began. He told of the town they originally came from and of how things worked. Stardust informed of the new magic he discovered and of their banishment from their hometown for it, then of their adventures in the forest they were banished too and finally of finding themselves where they are now. “So you see your majesty, we had quit a journey and would very much like a safer place to settle down to raise our foal.”

“So what do you say, may we stay?” Sunflare asked with a puppy dog pout and sad eyes.

The king gave a mock look of hurt. “Ooh, right in the heart. Please don’t make that face, I can’t take it.”

Ironhide rolled his eyes at the kings antics.

“Who am I to deny such a pretty mare in distress. Very well, there are a few unoccupied homes you can have. You two are more than welcome to stay in my city. I am Solaris, king of this little town known as Hoofington.”

Stardust and Sunflare smiled widely. “Thank you your majesty.” They said together and bowed.

Solaris gave another chuckle. “Now then, Ironhide, would you mind escorting them to the dining hall so they can get something to eat, I’m sure they must be hungry after their journey.”

“You are too kind sire.” Stardust said.

Ironhide bowed his head. “Yes your majesty. You two follow me then.” He turned and started walking. Stardust and Sunflare gave another bow before following.

“Can you believe it? We found a new home.” Sunflare said with a smile.

“I know, this is great. I didn’t mind living in the forest but it does feel good to be back among civilization.” Stardust added. 

“Tell me about it. I was getting tired of having to use leaves to…well, you know.” Sunflare gave a sheepish smile. 

Stardust chuckled in response. “And don’t even get me started on having to figure out what plants were safe and what weren’t. I swear I thought those spots would never go away.”

“Aw, but those green spots looked so good on you.” Sunflare joked.

“Very funny.” Stardust said playfully. Thus, Stardust and Sunflare have found a new place to call home. However, judging on the way the citizens were acting, they may have a hard time being accepted. Will they be able to stay, or will they end up being chased out? Only time will tell.

> Chapter Eight: Settling In
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Chapter Eight: Settling In



Stardust and Sunflare were given a house of their own in the town they discovered. It was a simple one story house that had plenty of room for the two with a stone fence in the front and a wooden gate. The only green around their house was in their backyard lined with a wooden fence. The front yard was covered in cobble stone much like like the rest of the streets. The house had a kitchen, a living room, and two bedrooms, one for them and one for their foal. 

Two days had passed and the couple tried to be friendly with their neighbors, but because of their appearance, none of the ponies seemed to want anything to do with them as if they were diseased or something. Some either just ignored them out right or insulted them, telling them to leave. It was hard getting food and supplies for their home but they did manage.

The two were currently in their home sitting on their couch. “Stardust, maybe this place isn’t so great. Sure it looks nice and all but none of the ponies seem to want to even talk to us.” Sunflare pointed out. 

Stardust looked to his love. “Sunflare, these things take time. We just have to keep being friendly and show them we’re no different from them.”

“But what if they don’t warm up to us?” Sunflare said with worry in her voice. Her concerns were starting to grow with each passing day.

“Sunflare, we can’t really go anywhere else. We don’t know how far away any other towns are. Plus, with you about to have our foal, it just wouldn’t be good for you to do so much walking.” Stardust nuzzled Sunflare to try and comfort her. “I know things look bad now, but we gotta have faith they’ll get better.”

“*Sigh* I hope you’re right. I’m just worried how the others would act towards our foal.”

“Then we’ll just have to do our best to raise him or her right and hope they grow strong.” Stardust said with confidence.

Five years passed since that day. Over time, the citizens seemed to grow accustomed to the two former alicorns. Some were still a bit wary but for the most part, some of the citizens grew to find they were just fine. Different looking but just like every other pony. The two even managed to make some friends. The fact Stardust also shared his heating stone idea with everypony helped some as well. In this town, he was free to explore new ways to use magic and help better life. Because of this and his genius so far with magic, the king appointed him the court wizard. Stardust couldn’t be happier.

Their foal turned out to be a colt with a blue coat like his father and a red mane and tail like his mother. The couple decided to name him...Dusk.

Dusk was born looking just like his parents with a pair of curved horns, black slit irises, and dragon like wings. He grew to be a curious boy like his father was, but was a good child and never disobeyed his parents. It was finally time for their son to go to the school the town had and begin his education.  Stardust walked with Dusk as he excitedly skipped along. “I’m so excited! I can’t wait to start my first day of school.” 

Stardust chuckled. “Be glad there actually is a school here.”

“Didn’t you have a school where you grew up dad?” 

“Yes, but not many towns these days do have schools if I’m not mistaken. Thanks to some of the knowledge I was granted access to, I found out about other towns nearby and not all of them have schools.”

“Gosh, then how does any pony learn anything?” 

“Good question.” Dusk replied.

They soon neared the school and could see other young ponies heading inside as a teacher stood near the door ringing a bell. It was a unicorn mare with a grey coat and white mane and tail. She was rather lanky for a mare with a pair of glasses resting on her nose. Her cutie mark hidden by the grey and white dress she wore. “All right every pony, inside.” She called out. She then noticed Stardust and Dusk approaching. “Ah, and who do we have here?”

“Greetings mam.” Stardust greeted.

“You’re the court wizard of our king, correct?” The mare asked looking Stardust up and down with a discerning eye.

“I am. And this is my son, Dusk. He’s ready to start school here.” Stardust said with a smile.

“Well, I hope he can handle it. I run a strict school while still trying to provide a healthy and educational environment for the students.” The mare said looking to Dusk.

Suddenly feeling a bit shy from the look, Dusk cringed back a bit. “I...I promise to do my best mam.” Dusk replied.

“Very well, in you go. Find a seat and make sure you pay attention.”

“Yes mam.” Dusk replied. “Bye dad, see you after school.” He and Stardust shared a hug before Dusk ran inside to find a seat.

“Take care son, be good!” Stardust called after him.

Once inside, Dusk could see the kids already seated and talking amongst themselves...at least until he was noticed. The class fell dead silent as all eyes turned on Dusk. This sudden attention filled Dusk with unease. 

“Is that weirdo seriously taking this class?” A filly whispered to another.

“Great, looks like we get a freak for a classmate.” A young colt whispered to another.

“What a weirdo.” Another whispered.

Dusk felt his heart sink hearing these words. “Maybe...school isn’t going to be as fun as I thought.” Dusk thought to himself.

The teacher came in behind him. “All right class, take your seats and pay attention. Dusk, find a seat please.”

Dusk quietly made his way through the classroom. He could feel the eyes on him as he walked to the back right corner where the only desk available was.

“All right, before we begin, we have some new faces today so I will introduce myself then call roll. I am Miss Mulberry. I expect you all to listen well and no goofing around. I want you all to treat each other with respect and try to get along seeing as we’ll be together for a while.”

“Yes mam.” The class chorused out except for Dusk who seemed to be sulking. 

Mulberry took roll and began the lessons. As class went on, Dusk did perk up some as he didn’t get any more words of criticism from the other students. Lunchtime rolled around and Dusk had his sack lunch out. He looked around the lunchroom  where the tables were rounded to see if there were any available spots. The first he tried had a few of the students sitting with one spot open. He gave a small smile as he went over. “Excuse me, may I join you?”

A filly closest to him looked to Dusk with a sneer. “Ewe, no way freak, beat it. No room here for weirdos.”

Dusk frowned as his ears flattened. “Oh...okay. Sorry to bother you.” He then turned and walked off to another table where he saw a spot or two open with some ponies. He put on another small smile and walked over. “Hey, mind if I join you guys?”

“Beat it freak, we don’t want some monster near us.” A colt said.

“Yeah, he’s probably diseased or something.” A filly stated.

Dusk fell silent as his ears flattened again and walked off. He found one table with no pony else sitting at it. So he went over and took a seat. Looking around, he could see all the students were sitting as far away from him as possible while eating. Dusk closed his eyes as a small tear fell. He just opened his bag and began eating his lunch in silence. 

After lunch came recess where things seemed to only get worse. Dawn was pushed into a mud puddle by a colt accompanied by another colt and filly. “Ugh!” Dusk cried out as he landed in the mud and getting covered in it.

“Freak!” The earth pony colt exclaimed after pushing Dusk. “Get lost weirdo. We don’t want you here in our school.”

“Yeah freak. You’re not normal. What are you, a monster?” The pegasus filly asked.

Dusk was crying and sniffling. “I...I’m not a monster. I...I’m a pony just like you guys.”

“Whatever. You’re just a weirdo.” The other earth pony colt said. The three then laughed and walked off.

Dusk was left sniffling and crying as he picked himself up and went over to hide behind a tree for the rest of recess. “I hate school.”