> Fate of the Misfortuned > by Draconian_Relic > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Prologue: Thine Fate is Sealed in Stone > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "I thank thee for meeting us.." A rather somber Solar Princess spoke as she stared out into the distance, the only thing to be seen was the burned wasteland that was once Equestria. Said Princess was accompanied by a dear friend who fought valiantly in the war that caused this scene. "I have begun to feel as if mine sister is being seduced by darkness. Thou art mine only friend now." She said and faced the stallion behind her. He was a rather tall stallion, adorned in a cloak of shadows. His coat was pitch black and his mane, not a shade lighter. His eyes, however, stood out the most as they were covered by a pure white blindfold. The oculus of his eyes are pitch black, while the irises are a bright green. This gives his eyes a sort of 'eerie' look to it. "I am most honored to have the Princess consider me as a friend." The stallion spoke in a slightly deep voice. This stallion was still quite young. "Though I am most vexed as to why you have called me away from reconstruction." He said, now with confusion in his voice. He could tell that Celestia, more than anyone, wanted to see Equestria full of life once more which is why he was perplexed by his summons. "I have a request for thee, and it is a rather bold decision you must make." The Princess said vaguely as she approached the stallion. "The world is changing, as well as those we hold dear to us. I sense a great darkness that will consume mine sister, and Discord... Poor Discord... He's loosing his mind. The shock of war and seeing the rest of his kind die before his eyes has begun to change him. You are the only one I can rely on in this time, but I fear that you won't live forever. That is why I ask... Do you want to?" The solar Princess asked as she now stood before the stallion. The stallion's ghostly eyes widened at the question. "M-me? L-live forever?" He repeated, tripping over his own words. Truly, the question caught him off guard. But alas.. It did not stop him from giving a swift answer. "Nay!" He exclaimed. "Such an offer, only a creature with a hardened heart would accept. Why should I live while the remaining soldiers fade away? I am no better than them, and in turn, they're no better than me. We lived as equals, fought as equals, and so I wish that we die as equals." The stallion proclaimed, turning his gaze to the floor. "Tis' true, I would enjoy living by thou side for all eternity, but... Why me?" He asked. "I was nothing but a monster child banished from Tartarus. Even the Changeling Queen had fear in her eyes once she witnessed my power. I'd just bring fear to many more eyes throughout the millennia.." He spoke somberly and closed his eyes before tears ran down his cheeks. "Fate.." The Princess uttered his name. "Thou art the most valiant of heroes, no matter how many say otherwise. Your power can help Equestria return to its once beautiful state. And know, the Elements of Harmony won't be in our possession forever." Celestia placed a hand on the stallion's shoulder which made him look up at her, tears streaming down his face. "The choice is not mine to make, but know, thou art a true friend. It will be hard for me to watch my sister and Discord lose themselves to their demons." The Solar Goddess placed a soft kiss on the stallion's forehead before walking past him. Before leaving the balcony, Celestia came to a stop as a voice and a hand told her to stay. "Wait." The stallion said. He was now facing the Goddess while he held her hand in his. "If thou truly wish for my life to be equal to yours, then I accept your offer." He said reluctantly. "Though I am still uncertain of the consequences. Pray tell, how will thou make me immortal?" The stallion asked, releasing her hand from his grip and wiping away his tears. Celestia had hoped he would accept, but she feared to tell him the condition. "You see.. I cannot make thee immortal yet. Such a spell has not even been mastered by Starswirl the bearded. It will take a number of years to master it. For some time, I'm afraid, thou will be trapped in stone. Then I will free thee once the spell is finisihed." Celestia spoke with guilt in her voice and eyes. "I am not even sure how long it will take.. So I asked, art thou sure?" "I.." Now it was time for him to falter. Be turned to stone? What will happen if he's never freed? No! The Princess would never lie. I must have faith. "I accept." The stallion said boldly with a salute. Back then, soldiers soluted by placing their right fist over their hearts, while their left hand was placed firmly behind their back. They stood upright, feet and knees straight, eyes forward, and a tone that scream 'Dedication.' "I will miss thee, friend." The Princess said, a smile forming as her horn began to glow. "I must say, for you, I guess I'll see you in seconds." Celestia spoke before shooting a ray of light from the tip of the horn. The light enveloped the stallion's body and soon began to petrify him. Before his face was turned to stone, he managed to play a small smile on his lips. Once the deed was done, the Princess's horn stopped glowing. "And now, sleep, my friend. I will return for thee." The Princess said before teleporting the, now statue, someplace hidden. Someplace safe. Someplace where not even time will touch him..