Aqua Star never imagined a time when her world would be at peace. Story can be found on fanfiction as well.
Part One of the In the Hour Glass Series
A long ago King Sombra appeared and ruled over the Crystal Empire with an Iron Hoof. So why did he not use the power of the Crystal Heart? That is a story of a pony, one that will come to light. Over a thousand years passed and the light of the Crystal Heart grows dim. Twilight Sparkle and her friends will soon discover not just the pony but powers, heroes, and evils long forgotten. Spike finds the only remaining Firstborn Dragon and discovers more about the ancient dragons from her.
Regret. Anger. Sadness. The desire to consume all things into darkness. All things shall come forward and war threatens to engulf Equestria in shadow.
This is still 1000 Years: Aqua Star, just a different name.
May 29, 2020: This is currently going through another update so some chapters will not be the same as they used to be.
Long ago there was a world, once beautiful and full of life, now barren and desolated. The moon and sun that circled it cried out in a mournful song catching the attention of powerful beings. Taking pity on the world they restored life to it and created three great spirits with the purpose of keeping the world of balance and fill it with all kinds of creatures. Each of the Great Spirits were granted names by their creators. Discord, the Spirit of Chaos and Power. Harmonia, the Spirit of Harmony and Wisdom. Crystal, Spirit of Love and Courage. Before they left, the powerful beings granted the sun and moon a chance to give their mind and power form. Leaving the task of creature an appropriate form to the Spirits and telling them to think of something new as nothing from the old world remained. Discord was the first to create creatures. He created chaotic beings such as: Changelings, Dragons, Gryphons, and other creatures alike. Using the parts he form a physical body around himself and lived on the surface with them seeing if any pleased the sun and the moon. As nothing came from it Harmonia decided chaotic creatures would not do therefore creating creatures of order. Sphynxes, Phoenixes, Centaurs, and creatures of the same kind. Harmonia settled in among them taking form as a stag watching and waiting. When nothing came and the other Great Spirits grew impatient, Crystal unveiled its own creations. Beings that worked the earth and tilled the soil. No preference, each filled with its love and devotion to them. Crystal cared not for forming the sun and the moon deciding it was best to let them choose on their own.
One of these creatures were Ponies. When Crystal was tired and went to sleep Discord came to view the Ponies wondering why were the simple creatures a part of Crystals creations. Buffalo he understood as they were powerful, yet these creatures had no wings to remain in the sky. No fire or scales to protect them. Growing bored Discord had decided to give some of the Ponies wings to instill chaos yet when nothing came out of it he left them alone. These Ponies became the Pegasi, yet the wings could barely lift them off the ground. Then Harmonia came to give a gift to the ponies to balance what Discord did. For the ponies that seemed wise it granted the use of magic, these became Unicorns. Yet when the ponies could not use it properly Harmonia left them. When Crystal awoke and saw what happened to its creation decided to gather the other Spirits in order to grant the world a magic all of its own. Therefore allow the use of flight and magic for all the creations. These were known as Cores, centers of magic for all living things. Harmonia taught all creatures to write, read, speak, and most of all rules. Discord showed all creatures how to defend themselves with their new abilities. Crystal formed the rules for all creatures and living things of the planet on how to use their power wisely and made sure that the Cores were balanced. So no Core would be the most powerful. The Great Spirits created a maze to test the creature’s instincts and to find the hidden power within them but also giving the creatures a chance to grow into their own power. Therefore the maze was ever changing reflecting the passions and desires of all who enter to seek their Core.
Seeing this, the sun and moon took form of ponies with traits of each of the Equstrian races. The three spirits named them Celestia, one of the heavens, and Luna, moon. They were taken to a forest where dark creatures watched over them and a castle erected to protect them. Harmonia watched over the two teaching them from its vast knowledge. Discord, noticing that when ponies die their souls had no place to rest. He decided to go the other two spirits and suggest creating another alicorn to keep the dead. The Great Spirits created an alicorn that was different from the sisters. This was a grey blue alicorn with large bat wings and a horn. His eyes were gold and his mane and tail was blue fire. The spirits dubbed him Hades and used the remains of an old tunnel system transforming it into the Underworld.
Time passed and no pony showed any need to explore the world around them or their own cores. Discord wanting to see something happen, as the alicorns were too young, decided to nudge them. He told a pony that something had been seen on the edge of their territory. Then went to one of the first dragons, a large dark purple dragon named QuirinSurpMiir, that he had seen something new approaching their lands. This was how the Elder Dragons met the Equestrian race through a young Earth Pony named Seed. QuirinSurpMiir shared his knowledge with the stallion who told others of his kind of what he had found so they could learn as well. He brought two of his friends, Arcane a unicorn and Sky a Pegasus, to learn. QuirinSurpMiir introduced the ponies to his siblings: A crystal dragon named UntryrUryte, a red dragon called ThraxMaugh, and a black dragon named ZundaeIngeir. The dragons, noticing that the ponies were having a hard time pronouncing the names, thought of names they could be referred to as. Soon they came up with the names Keboath Gillspotten Heathspike for QuirinSurpMiir, or Spike for short. Aurora for UntryrUryte, for the lights her scales make when the light hits them. Flame Heart was the name that ThraxMaugh chose for himself. ZundaeIngeir chose Laughing Heart as it was the meaning of her name anyways.
As three of dragons taught the Ponies, sharing their knowledge of strength, flight, and wisdom they took no notice of the darkness growing in their sister. Laughing Heart, who had yearned for knowledge to share as well, became desperate. A dark power called out to her and she accepted wanting to prove herself. This darkness gave her the power to corrupt the heart and minds of others. The more creatures became corrupted the more powerful and twisted Laughing Heart grew. She shed her old name choosing to go by Abyssia or AuthaLothor, Darkness Mother. The ponies rose up against her, including the apprentices of Arcane. One was the only pony who earned a name amongst the dragons, LhamJjar, as he had mastered the power of the dragons. However ThraxMaugh fell to the powers of Abyssia during the long war turning him into the Shadow Dragon DurgUa. The corrupted dragons were eventually sealed away, but parts of their world had been changed severely. Leaving only few lands untouched by the war and only one of the Elder Dragons to wander the lands. Seed, Arcane, and Sky went their own ways to remove the Curse of Corruption. Sky went to find Discord, as he had created the dragons, and his chaotic magic was powerful. Arcane found Harmonia, when searching for a spell, resting in a cave near a forest as the battles had drained the Spirit. Seed sought out Crystal, but when he found the Spirit he found that it had known what happened but did nothing as it had chosen a neutral path. Arcane did not tell his friend of his find, Seed decided to follow the advice of Crystal to be patient, and Sky began to prepare defenses for any being ready to attack: This included his friends.
When the secrets were revealed the first harmony of the ponies were broken and the races began to look out for themselves. Discord, loving the chaos revelled in what was going on. Harmonia on the other hand despised Discord and the two Spirits began fighting. Crystal, not wanting anymore fighting sealed all of them into physical forms. This resulted in Harmonia getting shattered by Discord’s magic and the pieces turning into a seed waiting to be planted. The other half of Harmonia’s powers took form of a being to raise the Sun and the Moon. Crystal took the form of a Crystal Heart placing itself in the same location to watch over of the Mirror Abyssia was sealed. Arcane, Seed, and Sky, who were also fighting left after LhamJhar shattered the barrier around his core and vanishing as an attempt to stop them.
Thousands of years passed before the ponies found harmony again. In the lands of Equestria where they made their new home in hopes to find peace again. Star Swirl the Bearded planted the Seed of Harmonia with the Pillars of Old Equestria to protect the land when they could not. Spreading his knowledge and taking on a student to aid in his research in protecting Equestria from the evil prowling the borders. The corruption of AuthaLothor had remained in the old lands taking hold of the hearts who remained behind not wishing for peace. The ponies were twisted, transformed into demons and hunted those they found weak. Those who allowed friendship in their hearts. Even the founders of Equestria did their best to bring their people together against this threat. This is when he and the other Pillars vanished.
Legends say that another Star Swirl travelled the land after he vanished. Yet others said it was Star Swirl completed his journey and banishing the evil. A long time passed either way and the older unicorn took on another student. He found a curious pony, a young unicorn with a split core. A rarity among their kind. Taking up this colt Star Swirl continued his travels only to find the colt bitter and cold towards others because of his magic. Deciding that his new student needed a companion his own Star Swirl began to search schools and academies for one such pony. At one he found a rather tall unicorn filly he found potential in. He decided to test how well they could work together by sending them into a cave to retrieve an ancient spell. They found a spell to increase the power of the barrier protecting the borders of Equestria minimizing the use of unicorns keeping the barrier up to just one. Finding that the two worked well together Star Swirl took her with them on his adventures until the two were old enough to do so on their own. When they were the two did their duty to help their people until one day a rumor about an ancient artifact of great power caught their attention.
“The Crystal Heart?” a stallion asked, cocking an eyebrow as he stared at an elderly stallion seemingly made of crystal with red eyes. He was standing next to a tall mare with a periwinkle coat who seemed to be keeping an eye on him. The stallion was a dark gray unicorn with a black mane. While the mare was a periwinkle unicorn with a teal and pink mane and tail with a white stripe in the middle of both of them. The elderly pony didn’t seem to mind the skepticism as he replied. “Why yes!” Being an elderly pony he was graying, though his coat seemed to have once been brown. His mane was dark with speckles of white and his eyes a deep red. “I was on my way there to pay my respects. Alas these old bones don’t move as fast as they once did.”
The old stallion looked down at his legs and sighed as he shook his head slowly. He glanced up, taking note that the mare seemed to hold curiosity for such a relic. “Perhaps you two would like to go in my stead?”
“We would be honored to see such an artifact,” the mare told him, bowing her head in respect and gratitude for the offer. The old stallion smiled as he pulled out a map from his saddle bag and handed it off to the two younger ponies. “Thank you for telling us this,” the mare said before glancing at her companion and nudged him. “Midnight! At least show some thanks.”
“Oh no worries, you are both very welcome,” the elderly stallion said, waving a hoof slowly. “I best be heading back home. I don’t want to worry my grandchildren being out too late.”
The elderly mare began heading down the road the way he had came from when he ran into the two. Midnight rolled his eyes before looking at his travelling companion. “You should be careful, Aqua Star, this is most likely a hoax. Why would he tell us his people’s secrets so easily?”
“You need to have faith in ponies, Midnight Sun, not all are like the ones back in Archon,” Aqua Star answered back as she studied the map. “He seemed quite friendly and he was a Crystal Pony. They do spread love and joy across Equestria. Relatives of the Earth Ponies and could have a relation to the Ceàrds! No one has seen one before.”
“That is what worries me, no pony has ever been this far up North before,” Midnight Sun pointed out, though he was studying the map as well. “Though I do have to admit, this would be worth investigating.”
“I knew you were just as curious as I,” Aqua Star chuckled as she traced the path with her hoof before pulling out a journal from her saddlebag with her teeth. She opened it up, grabbed some ink and a quill and began copying down the map. Then on the next page wrote: The Crystal Heart Investigation and Notes. Underneath that was written “Hoax or Not?” Then she sealed up everything with a barrier before placing it back into her bag. “It does not seem too far away, perhaps fate has led us here.”
“Maybe, or perhaps you put too much stock in fate,” Midnight Sun teased as he lifted the map with magic and began to lead the way. Neither of them noticed the elderly stallion appearing on the ridge above them.
The older stallion began to chuckle before laughing as he transformed into a draconequus. With a snap of his talons he summoned a cloud of cotton candy and began to munch on it.
“Oh what fun it is tricking ponies,” he said as he summoned an orb to watch the two ponies head towards their new destination. “Once these two are corrupted I will be able to slip past that barrier and into Equestria.”
He brought up an illusion of the world and zooming into the land he wished to conquer next. “Such a small land, still so new to… friendship.”
The disdain in his voice was palpable. “What could possibly be better than chaos?”
“Harmonia says that you will most likely never find out,” a warm voice spoke in his mind, earning a groan from the Chaos Spirit. He rolled his eyes, turning his attention back to the entertainment. “Go away, you didn’t choose a side, you are the reason why we are trapped here….”
“You know perfectly the reason why I did what I did, you two refuse to listen. Besides, you are using me in your plans, how can I not interfere?” the voice asked and Discord snapped his fingers making his ears disappear. “That… will not… work.”
There was silence before the voice decided to continue with its original thought. “I am warning you Discord, there will be consequences for this choice.”
“Oh please, when have consequences ever affected my choices?” Discord asked, turning his head seeing a ball of light as the sky and land switched a smirk on his face. “You are forgetting what we are.”
“You are forgetting who I am guarding and who is being raised by Harmonia,” the voice pointed out before the light vanished as the Draconequus frowned. He turned back to watch the ponies, his mood not getting any better. Then he thought of how much fun it was turning ponies against their nature. It was always a safer form of chaos than what he used to do. Deep in his mind he questioned if it was a good thing using the Crystal Heart to move forward in his schemes. ‘As long as nothing happens to it, it should be fine.’ he told himself. He glanced at Midnight Sun feeling darkness so close to turning to corruption. That pony was the best to push to the edge. The other one was such a goody two-shoes that it would be harder but not impossible.
The sun began to set as the ponies began to put a campsite together in front of the cave. “Well, time to get to work.”
There was another flash of light as Discord vanished ready to put his plan into motion.
Deep within the mountain, beyond where the Crystal Heart lay was a mirror. Instead of the reflective glass there was shadows and six red eyes gazed around its prison. Then a chuckle echoed deep within the mirror. “Oh father, you sent me such a wonderful gift. A way to escape, let your guard down little pony….”
A shadow reached out of the mirror before escaping upwards. “Accept my corruption and release me.”
Midnight Sun was awake, keeping watch of the area for demons or other hostile creatures. ‘Why would a Crystal Pony tell us of the Crystal Heart so easily? It took us begging Teacher for any information about ancient relics. Was he really coming here to pay respects?’
“Maybe we can bring it back to Archon to study,” he muttered as he stretched for a moment before looking at the tent where Aqua Star was sleeping as a shadow rose up from the ground. “No matter what kind of protests she would have about removing it, such an artifact can help.”
“Oh I doubt that very much,” a voice called out, causing Midnight Sun to look around the area for the source. “You see this is their sacred artifact. They tricked you, you can see its power but you can never take it with you for study. They will be selfish and cruel.”
“How can I trust your words?” Midnight Sun questioned in suspicion as the shadow crawled across the ground towards him. A mirror appeared in front of him showing a scene. It was the elderly stallion from before calling out to a group of Crystal Ponies in front of a crystal palace. The group of ponies had frowns on their faces as he explained to them about what had happened. Some of them began to protest.
“WE CANNOT LET OUTSIDERS FIND IT!” one of the ponies yelled glaring at the elderly stallion as others began to shout.
“Too important to be taken.”
“It is ours!”
“No one else could have it!”
“It belongs to the Crystal Empire!”
The elderly pony was silent before grinning maliciously as he told the others in glee. “They will take it to us then leave! Foolish outsiders! They will not be able to gain its powers!”
Midnight Sun’s teeth gritted as the anger began to overwhelm him. Again and again this has happened, by his own people no less. Yet these ponies that Aqua Star had faith in to be kind and understanding were just as greedy and selfish. Midnight Sun stiffened in pain as the shadow began to consume and overwhelm him. He gritted his teeth as a purple mist extended from his eyes. ‘I will make them pay.’ he thought darkly as he accepted the overwhelming power glancing towards the tent. ‘I will make all those who looked down upon us pay! All of Equestria and this Crystal Empire will bow.’
“They will all pay!” he hissed his sclera turning a bright green as some of his teeth elongated. “And all will bow before me as their KING!”
Aqua Star covered her mouth as she listened to him. She had woken earlier hearing voices and had peered out to investigate. What she saw and heard caused her heart to sink to the pit of her stomach. Midnight Sun was talking to a mirror before a shadow began to consume him. She knew what that was, she had seen it almost consume her mother on several occasions. The Shadow of Corruption, but this was darker and heavier than anything she had ever witnessed from her mother. It was like it was straight from the source itself. ‘Impossible, the Mirror of Abyssia has been hidden away from the Three Great Spirits.’ she thought as she fled the tent quietly making sure not to be seen. Once she was far enough into the cave she asked a question to herself. “Why? Why did you accept the corruption Midnight Sun? Why did you give in?”
Her talent, the ability to read and translate ancient texts and runes, did not answer her question. Neither did the rocks or dirt of the cave. The writing on the walls was quite fascinating as were the bright blue and green crystals that kept the cave lit. They grew brighter and brighter as she continued on, to the point where she had to close her eyes to keep herself from going blind. It dimmed just enough to see as she came to a large cavern. Large crystals grew everywhere, except for a path to the Crystal Heart that floated in between a stalagmite and a stalactite. Swallowing the lump in her throat she headed towards it hoping that the artifact could help her save Midnight Sun.
“Please… work,” she prayed as she reached for it only to be thrown into one of the walls by magic. She cast a barrier around herself to keep from taking too much damage as she shattered some of the crystals. She looked towards the entrance to the cavern seeing Midnight Sun standing there, the purple mist extending from his eyes. “That is not yours to use.”
“It is not yours either, Midnight Sun,” Aqua Star replied, keeping herself in the air with the barrier though she wanted to get through to him. “Do not turn to the corruption, look at what it had done to our ancestors. To the ponies who decided to stay….”
Midnight Sun scoffed as he rolled his eyes.
“Look at what it does to my mother.”
The caused him to pause for a moment before answering. “Aqua Star, when did I fall to corruption?”
Aqua Star saw a bolt of magic break through her barrier and wrap around her, pulling her forward as he whispered into her ear. “I have embraced it. It is not evil.”
“Then what you are trying to do is justifiable in some twisted point of view. Just as the image you saw was a trick,” Aqua Star snarled trying to break free but the magic squeezed around her preventing her from cutting it off with a barrier. “You are willing to take over the Empire? Equestria?”
“Do not be so foolish Aqua Star! They are planning on betraying us! They will not let us study it, they just want the power for themselves!” snapped Midnight Sun as his eyes narrowed before slamming Aqua Star into more of the crystals. “As for Equestria… they never appreciated us. I have seen it, only using our research without thanking us!”
Aqua Star gasped for air trying to climb to her hooves feeling the crystals bite into them. She gritted her teeth watching as Midnight Sun reached towards the Crystal Heart and erected a barrier blocking his attempt to take hold of it. “Midnight Sun… that is enough.”
The magic grabbed her around her neck and lifted her into the air. She choked but her resolve never wavered and neither did the barrier. She would rather die than let him gain the Artifact of the Crystal Empire. That was when a spell came to her mind. It was one that she recently discovered and didn’t test. Yet there was no time, she kind of knew what the spell did and how to cast it. She began to focus on the spell as a ball appeared at the tip of her horn as red began to creep up Midnight Sun’s own horn. He launched black fire towards her as a silver light was shot towards him. The spells knocked them both away from each other and onto the ground. A silvery light, unseen by both of them up from Midnight Sun before shooting back to her and she watched with blurry vision as his horn began to curve. ‘It is finished.’ She thought knowing that there was no more hope for him.
“You have nowhere to go,” Midnight Sun taunted as climbed to his hooves and began to move towards the Heart again. “You cannot even fight back. Both of those types of magic aee something that you cannot even use.”
A barrier blocked his way but he did not seem to mind the annoyance at the time. “Surrender Aqua Star, fall to the corruption and join me.”
“No,” Aqua Star panted from the place that she has landed, next to the Crystal Heart.
“Ah, I should have remembered that these words would have been wasted on you,” Midnight Sun said as he walked around the barrier her eyes watching him the entire time. “Protect, protect, protect. You would keep hiding behind that barrier and not let anyone in. You were alone when Master found us, you will be alone standing tall till the bitter end.”
A hoof slammed against the barrier causing her jump adding more and more layers. She knew that it wouldn’t stop his arcane magic but it would hinder it long enough to find a way to escape.
“There is no happy ending for you,” Aqua Star flinched at the words as she looked away. Taking a deep breath she returned her gaze to her old friend. “You are right. There is no more happy ending, you are not next to me Midnight Sun….”
“I cast that name away,” Midnight Sun told her as he thought of a way to get to her. He couldn’t cast his shadows to reach her and casting more arcane magic would cause him to grow tired against the layered barrier. He needed something, that was when the corruption spoke to him. Planting an idea in his mind. ‘A curse, barriers cannot protect against this and this would be useful.’
Aqua Star felt her chest tightened but she knew what had to be done. She kept her voice from wavering as she said. “Then you are now one of the nameless, a demon born of corruption.”
“Now you see, that does not suit a King either!” Sombra mocked, casting the curse while sending a sharpened blade of magic to attack the barriers. “Tell me Aqua Star, how does it feel to be fighting against a demon who wears your friend's face?”
The barriers began to collapse as the curse moved forward right behind it, the same shadowy mist that the fire was slowly becoming. Aqua Star growled. “You will not get to the Crystal Heart!”
The barriers faded one by one as Aqua Star grew weaker and weaker. She took down the barriers to not waste her own magic and ducked down. The curse hit her in full force sending her flying back as magic wrapped around her lifting her into the air.
“Hmm… Sombra,” the dark pony stared into the Crystal Heart. “That name is more suited for a king, do you not agree?”
Aqua Star choked for air as she wasn’t allowed to breathe before being slammed into the ground. She was dragged forward as she tried to take in air but the magic was preventing that. Her vision began to darken as Sombra reached out to take the Crystal Heart when light erupted from the surrounding crystals blinding the both of them. When Sombra could see once again both Aqua Star and the Crystal Heart were gone. A dark chuckle echoed throughout the cavern as a voice spoke causing him to tense. “Sombra.”
“Who are you?” Sombra spoke, the voice took a moment before answering. “I am the one who gave you that power. I am the one who gives all of the Corrupted their power. I am one of the first to have existed upon this world and I know more spells and curses than Star Swirl the Bearded will ever know in his lifetime. No one will be able to defend themselves against you and you can rule unopposed.”
“A tempting offer,” Sombra said, though he did not voice his concerns. They were there, in the back of his mind but the voice seemed to push them away. He would use this being and then keep it sealed. He was never going to let a creature like this out. Like all the others who wished to use him, this being would only teach him just enough but never all of its tricks. This meant he would have to do his own research in spells and curses. Ones that this creature would most likely never teach him. He spotted shadows swirling around a wall in the distance. He assumed it was leading him to its location and began to follow. Six red eyes appeared in the reflection of all the darkened crystals watching with glee. Soon. Soon the mirror will be broken and darkness will fall once again over the world. ‘Master shall be pleased.’
A young pony, her coat seemingly to be entirely amethyst, walked through the roads made of crystals towards the palace of the Crystal Empire. She was on her way there to give her mother the lunch she had forgotten when a brilliant light filled the area. When it died down ponies rushed over to see the Crystal Heart floating over the pedestal. On the ground right by it was a non Crystal Pony wounded laying in front of the pedestal. The Crystal Ponies began to whisper as the filly ran off to get the medics and Princess Amore.
A pale pink crystal unicorn paced upon the crystal floors of her throne room. She had just awoken from a nightmare about the Crystal Heart shattering and behind it six red glowing eyes. ‘What does it mean?’ she thought feeling shivers go up her spine before rushing hoofsteps caught her attention. Glancing at the open doors leading to the hallway, the princess saw ponies rushing by following a filly. A Crystal Pony paused at the doors explaining. “Princess Amore, the Crystal Heart has returned!”
Princess Amore ran out of the throne room with the mare behind her continuing. “Another pony was with it, wounded.”
“Did any of your citizens travel out recently?” Amore inquired and the crystal pony shook her head as she replied. “No my lady, this pony is not from the Crystal Empire.”
“Then we must hurry.” Amore said as they approached the pedestal the medical ponies were already tending to the pony. That is when Amore felt it, a dark energy coming from the wounded mare.
“Is there anything that can be done?” asked Amore looking at the Crystal Heart, a familiar hum filling the area as the Crystal Heart responded in her mind. “The curse can be slowed by your power but nothing else can be done at this time. I have used most of my power to keep the mirror hidden. The shadows of corruption are growing. Chaos is now making a move. Send a letter to the Untamed Forest in Equestria. Summon the Princesses there to aid you.”
“I will do what I can.” Amore bowed before moving to the group of medics who stepped aside. Her horn glowed as she stood over the pony. The aura surrounded the unconscious mare as Amore spoke. “That should slow the curse, tend to her wounds. I will look for a cure.”
The medics nodded their heads before gently moving the wounded mare onto a stretcher carrying her away. Amore sighed as she looked towards the sky hoping that the Princesses’ heart was in the right place. ‘After all the two Princesses always watch their people from afar. Their people don’t even know what they look like, let alone interact with them.’ Amore thought before turning towards the palace and walking to the palace the sky growing dark behind her.
Aqua Star woke with a start only to groan in pain, her hoof touching her ribs gently feeling bandages. ‘I feel like I’ve been under a sleep spell for days.’ she thought as she slowly got out of the bed. Her hooves hit the ground feeling the crystal floor underneath them. Her bright blue eyes glanced around Aqua Star deduced that she was in an infirmary of somesort. Locating the door she headed over noticing that it wasn’t even locked. She pushed against and noticed that it wasn’t even closed all the way. ‘Probably so they can get in and out easier to check on me… what type of wood is this?’ Aqua Star pondered before she could examine further a scream rang through the air. Shaking her head, Aqua Star ran for the exit, hoping that it was just a monster and not…. ‘If it is, I have to do something.’ she told herself exiting through the large doors of the castle. Dark clouds were covering the sky as creatures made of shadows attacked Crystal Ponies. Aqua Star reacted quickly, shielding one of the ponies from an attack.
“Get as many lamps as you can, shadows do not like the light.” Aqua Star told the scared pony who nodded their head and rushed off. Aqua Star’s gaze turned to the chaos searching for one pony. That is when she saw him, a dark grey unicorn with mane like shadows walking in her direction. A soft glowing light near her caught her attention and she broke her gaze away. To her right was the Crystal Heart and a Crystal Unicorn standing in front of it.
“You do not have to do this.” the unicorn spoke calmly, her eyes locked onto Sombra. She did not move, even as Sombra summoned a shadow scythe. “You do not have to give into the darkness.”
“You are the one who rules this Empire aren’t you?” questioned Sombra and the Crystal Unicorn nodded her head slightly. “I am Princess Amore and what shall I call you?”
“Sombra.” hissed the corrupted unicorn causing a dizzy feeling to wash over Aqua Star. “The future king of this Empire.”
Shaking off the feeling, Aqua Star ran over to the princess and summoned up a barrier just as Sombra launched a cloud of shadow towards Amore. Sombra growled his red eyes glaring at Aqua Star. He began to chuckle darkly as Amore looked at the wounded Barrier Master in shock.”You will not be able to protect her, Aqua Star.”
His eyes flashed as flames erupted from the shadows shattering the barrier sending Aqua Star flying. The fire turned back into shadows and wrapped around her yanking Aqua Star to Sombra. She was slammed to the ground at his hooves. Aqua Star gasped for air as she struggled to her feet, yet the magic was keeping her pinned. Her mane was yanked so she was staring directly at Princess Amore.
“Watch your failure.” Sombra told her as shadows swiftly moved forward engulfing Princess Amore whose scream was cut off as she was turned into crystal. He sent out another blast shattering the crystal shards vanishing into the darkness.
“WHAT HAVE YOU DONE!” roared Aqua Star as a shard landed near her. Sombra didn’t laugh, he merely said. “Getting rid of all who stand in my way.”
“Then I will be among them.” Aqua Star whispered as she focused, a barrier forming and expanding knocking Sombra off of her. She got to her hooves weakly as she moved in front of the Crystal Heart.
“What will you do? You are weak, no power left that you can draw on.” Sombra pointed out and Aqua Star took a deep breath. She knew of a spell, one that would either work and the Heart would be protected or destroy all life within this kingdom. A spell that Star Swirl the Bearded himself made them swear never to use until it was fully studied and the kinks worked out. Yet now was not the time to hold to a promise that held no meaning if she was dead. Tears welled up in her eyes as she began to focus, glyphs appearing in front of her circling around. Three circles, each within each other, her cutie mark.
“What are you doing?” Sombra growled as he sent shadow creatures to stop her only for them to be repelled. “AQUA STAR!”
“Midnight Sun, if you are still there… I am sorry.” Aqua Star said as Sombra charged forward slashing his scythe towards her only for it to be blocked. “I am sorry that I was not able to help you. For not seeing how much pain you were truly in. And for breaking the promise.”
The glyphs began to crack as the light turned red, a pulse knocking Sombra back. That was when a light erupted from the Crystal Heart once more. The red light vanished and warmth spread over Aqua Star as cracks began to appear over her body as she was drawn back towards the Crystal Heart. White returned to Sombra’s sclera as Midnight Sun shouted. “NO!”
“I truly am sorry!” Aqua Star managed to say before she vanished and the glyphs were drawn back glowing as they wrapped around the Crystal Heart. Sombra’s head dropped as the mist returned as did the bright green sclera. He climbed to his hooves and approached the Crystal Heart glancing at it carefully. Reaching out, Sombra tried to touch the surface of the Heart only for his hoof to get knocked to the side. He growled before looking at the cowering Crystal Ponies.
“How does she know that spell!” the voice from before hissed the anger evident.
“No matter what she has done, I will find a way to undo this spell.” Sombra replied and the voice command. “For now forget the Heart, it can wait. Free my servant, the Shade Dragon and we can begin your conquest over all of Eqestria.”
‘No spell is perfect.’ Sombra told himself as he looked down, seeing a small tear like crystal in front of the heart. Lifting up a hoof he smashed before addressing the crowd of rounded up Crystal Ponies. “I am your new ruler, bow before the might of King Sombra!”
The Crystal Ponies felt magic wash over them, their coats losing their luster as they bent their forelegs and their heads.
“Take them to the dark mountain, they will mine until they find the Shade Dragon.” Sombra told the shadow creatures before tuning to head into the castle. “Do not take a life.”
The doors shut behind him as he vanished in the castle, the Crystal Ponies rising to their hooves. One looked at the castle hiding behind a pillar before whispering. “The others have to know.”
Looking down at her hoof she saw a crumpled up letter, once the area in front of the Heart was clear the pony ran forward snatching up the crystal shard that had once been a part of Princess Amore. Running off the pony began her journey away from the Crystal Empire, to warn anypony about what had happened. Six red eyes appeared on her shadow as a clawed hand reached out towards her.
Over a thousand years had passed since Sombra had taken over. Since he had been defeated at the hooves of the Princesses. Since the Crystal Empire had vanished. When those thousands of years had passed it was restored by a Unicorn known as Twilight Sparkle. When she had found the Crystal Heart and her Sister-in-Law, Cadence used it to rid the Empire of Sombra. Twilight had many more adventures before she became an Alicorn like Cadence, Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna. Now the light of the Crystal Heart is fading and she has been summoned to help restore it.
Twilight stepped off the train looking around as her brother, Shining Armor, and two guards approached. She smiled but that was all the greeting she could offer him as there was an even more pressing issue.
“Twili,” Shining Armor greeted moving towards her quickly, yet clearing his throat as he remembered why she was there. “We are here to escort you to the palace. No time to lose.”
The four of them took off quickly, Twilight’s saddlebag almost bursting with books, as she asked. “What’s wrong with the Crystal Heart?”
“We don’t know, there is nothing in the books in the Crystal Empire!” Shining Armor explained as they headed straight for the palace. “Celestia and Luna are looking for anything that Sombra had left behind and Cadence is doing her best to protect the Empire using her own magic. I don’t need to remind you about last time, I don’t even want to think about what will happen if the light fades.”
Twilight nodded her head in agreement as the doors opened, letting them into the castle.
“Where are Celestia and Luna?” Twilight didn’t want to waste a single second and Shining Armor pointed to the library before going to check on his wife. Twilight didn’t slow down as she headed in the direction of the palace library. Only when she saw a glimpse of the Crystal Heart dimly shining through one of the windows did she pause. It worried her, something like this had never been recorded. ‘Yet there isn’t much on the Crystal Heart in the first place.’ she thought when she felt a cold feeling wash over her. ‘What if this is something that Sombra had done? There has to be something we can do.’
“Twilight, a voice whispered causing her to spin around holding back a scream. Floating in front of her was a glowing pale blue and silver orb. It floated up and down before circling around her head quickly. Three more of the orbs appeared behind her pushing her away from the library as the one that had first appeared took off in the direction she was going.
“What’s going on?” Twilight asked, trying to get away from the orbs yet nothing seemed to work. When she tried teleporting she had only appeared at the end of the hallway. The orbs floated behind her as one flew in front of her before spinning in a circle so fast that it looked like a blur.
“Is there something there?” Twilight inquired before realizing that again, Sombra wouldn’t have kept the Crystal Palace the same as when he took over. Focusing Twilight felt the dark magic well up before casting a simple light spell. Her sclera turning bright green and the mist appearing as a ball of dark energy cast a shadow before her. The wall where the orb had circled in front of vanished revealing hidden doors. The one where the light had heavy magical chains sealing it. Hoofsteps filled the air as Luna and Celestia rounded the corner following the first orb of light. The first light rejoined the other three as they led them off to a hallway that had appeared with the doors.
“Why did you want me to cast a spell there if you weren’t going to open the door!” Twilight huffed as she followed the lights with the Princesses right behind her. At the end of the dark hallway as a set of heavy doors, these were made of wood instead of the wood crystal substance the doors of the palace were made from. The lights flew into the door opening it as the Princesses stepped in.
The room was not what any of them were expecting, it was a bedroom of sorts and not something anyone would have associated with Sombra. Instead of the vast luxury and dark colors and would have had an air of superiority. Twilight scanned the room for traps as well as taking in the decor. It was regal, no doubt, with a bed made from sturdy dark mahogany and dark crystals. The sheets, blankets, and pillows were plush all red, black, and deep purple in color. A desk was made from the same mahogany as the bed frame, yet no sign of the dark crystals lay near the bed with a chair to match. The surface was littered with writings, a few books, and a saddlebag. A few sturdy bookshelves were scattered around the room, all filled with various writings. Most had blank spines, no indication on who wrote them. The one thing that stood out to Twilight were no portraits of Sombra or any decorations. ‘Or dust, this room is too clean for being left alone for over a thousand years.’ Twilight pointed out mentally as she looked around though she did comment. “Are we sure this room was Sombra’s?”
Celestia used her magic to pick up one of the journals on the desk reading it aloud. “Journal Entry, Day One Year Four. A message from Princess Amore seemed to have slipped past my notice. With the Princess finally getting the message that I hid from them I will have no choice but to face them. If I defeat them… perhaps they are the key to ridding the Crystal Heart of the barrier. The creature of the mirror can not entire the Empire as long as the Heart has power. Yet I seek to remove the barrier for a different reason. If I can corrupt the Heart and take its power I too can become more powerful. Yet even Corruption cannot still the memories of Midnight Sun that dwell within my mind. A weak pony, a coward. No more do I wish to see what he saw… for now I shall prepare for battle.”
Luna looked at Twilight, who was looking through the saddle bag, asking. “Was there any sign of a barrier when you interacted with the Crystal Heart?”
“No, but you should really ask Spike that question,” Twilight answered, moving away from the saddlebag to the shelves glancing at the books. “He was the one who held it.”
Her eyes locked onto a book that looked much older than the rest, it was simple and very plain. She levitated it off the shelf opening up revealing pages filled with drawings. The pages she had opened up to had some pretty good drawings. On the left page a large ice creature that she had never heard about. On the right page was a doodle of two sheep running away from an old unicorn. Twilight instantly recognized the bells and cape of Star Swirl the Bearded. Closing the book Twilight looked at the other shelves the best she could. Seeing a heavily bound journal she levitated it over to her as she sat down to read. Opening it up to the first page she began to read.
“Master Star Swirl gave us these journals today in order for us to record our progress. Perhaps he reads them later... I do not know. I have never owned a journal before, paper is in short supply. Why are these bound instead rolled like a scroll? Perhaps it is easier to carry around for long missions. Instead of several scrolls, just one... book? Yes I think that is what it was called. Higher class unicorns sure have strange ideas for inventions. Midnight Sun doesn’t seem quite interested in his. What is going on through his mind? Should I care?
I will be using this journal to record our findings and perhaps one day be able to perfect the spells these ancient ones had not perfected.”
Twilight blinked, her eyes flickered to the other Princesses who were still looking around the room, she returned to the journal. Most of the entries spoke of Star Swirl the Bearded, Midnight Sun, and something she never heard of before.
“Princess Luna? Princess Celestia? What are Cores?” Twilight asked, causing the two Princesses to spin around quickly looking at her. “I’m reading a journal and the writer speaks of them alot.”
“We have not heard that term in a long time,” Celestia explained walking over to Twilight, Luna following after her. “Cores are the magic of nature, it is considered to be what gives us our traits. Yet that is a surface explanation. Those who delved into studying them had discovered they are the source of one’s personal magic.”
Celestia’s horn glowed with the soft golden light as two unicorns appeared.
“The magic that is cast on a day to day basis is the magic surrounding the Core, surface magic if you will,” Luna explained as both of the unicorns began levitating a rock, one struggling more than the other. “The surface magic allows for casting spells with varying difficulty. Depending on what Core you possess aides in increasing power to certain spells. There is a Core for casting general magic, but at the cost of making you weak in casting shadow magic. Just like having a Core that allows for ease of use for Shadow magic will make it hard for you to cast healing and light magic. Having the ability to cast powerful light magic yet not having good general magic. These are examples for just the Unicorns, yet they are not the only ones who can utilize the powers of the Cores.”
“What do you mean?” Twilight was still trying to take in everything she was just told.
“All living things have a Core of their own, it is the magic of nature. In the past many creatures have used the power of the Cores to enhance natural abilities or even cast spells themselves,” answered Celestia before looking at the journal. “Now, they have forgotten and rely on only surface magic. Tapping into the Cores has always been taught to the young and requires a testing crystal. Those have been lost to history.”
“Unicorns were merely the last to have forgotten,” Luna told her while looking at the journal as well. “These ponies had travelled with Star Swirl the Bearded, there must be something in them.”
Twilight closed the book seeing a symbol upon them: Three circles of glyphs and runes. Nodding her head she went through the books on the shelves searching for matches. She passed them out to the other two Princesses. Glancing at the first book she saw she noticed two swords, one made of crystal and one of shadows, crossed over each other.
“I found something,” Luna spoke up, causing Twilight to turn around. “This one is called Barrier Masters and Spells Regarding.”
“Barrier Master?” Twilight questioned walking over to look over her shoulder. Celestia thought for a moment before saying. “It is a specialization, when one finds their Core they find their unique talent as well. These were classified long after the discovery of the Cores. A Barrier Master is a defender, they will not be swayed from what they believe in. Though like those of the Light Cores, they are severely drained when utilizing magics outside of healing, defense, or even enchanting. This does not make them useless, their magic is quite powerful and can have a vast range. I remember Star Swirl once telling me about a mare who could heal entire armies with their magic.”
“Sister, listen to this!” Luna called, staring down at a page that had been dogeared. “Master Star Swirl has asked us not to use the Spell of Ultimate Protection. Yet I believe this spell does need to be expanded upon. The Shield of Ultimate Protection, as is the correct translation, is a spell that allows the user to… give up their physical form and become a shield that could protect anything. A person, object, city, anything. According to my research the spell will last for eternity. The one weakness I have discovered thus far has that it has never been successfully cast. The magic required to cast the spell is immense, requiring the use of several unicorns. Yet if they are not all in sync and one loses focus the spell will backfire resulting in an explosion that could… wipe out an entire kingdom.”
Luna looked at her sister, her face going pale as Twilight continued to read. “There is a reason why Master Star Swirl made us take an oath never to cast this spell. I pray we may never have to. However there may be a way to cast a less powerful version of the spell. Something that would last about ten to twenty years. It does require less power and perhaps the unicorn could be reformed. Yet with my limited illusion magic the tests have all failed. It seems that the one casting it would require precise calculations and immense knowledge of magical fluctuation. If I can complete my research this spell would be valuable for my people.”
Celestia moved over to the desk spotting a journal that had a page been marked. Hery eyes scanned the page as she listened to Twilight read. “Midnight Sun keeps asking me if there is a way to reverse the spell. The only conclusion I have come to is that consciousness of the pony must remain for the spell to work. If the consciousness is aware or unaware is unknown. Yet this could explain why it is the Shield of Ultimate Protection: A living shield. If the unicorn who casts embeds their mind into the shield it will never fail. If the mind is weak or it begins to weaken, the shield will fail. That’s it! That must be what’s happening!”
“Sombra’s own writings agree with you,” Celestia told them, bringing over the journal. “Here he states that the Heart must have been the power source for the shield. The one who cast it was too weak at the time due to two fights against him. In all regards she should have destroyed the entire Empire. He states that as long as the pony remains protecting the Heart… or inside the heart, he wasn’t sure which, his curse will slowly corrupt it. Causing the Crystal Heart to lose its power. He also mentions that while he is willing to wait, the Sealed One does not. He also believes that Luna and myself may be the key to releasing the shield.”
“It’s worth a shot,” Twilight told them as she gathered up the books around them before rushing out. “We have to do it now before it is too late!”
The Princesses followed after her, though Celestia collected the other journals. She knew that it would be something that Star Swirl would have wanted: The works of his students next to his. When Celestia caught up to her sister and Twilight they were nearing the throne room. Shining Armor was pacing outside of the door rushing over when he spotted them.
“Did you find anything?” he asked, worried in his eyes, Twilight nodded her head as Celestia explained. “Yes and we might have found a way to fix the problem.”
Twilight looked at Celestia in confusion as Luna explained. “Are you sure sister? It is ancient magic and we might not be enough.”
“Twilight is a quick learner,” Celestia told her sister and Luna sighed. “Even with the combined powers of the three of us, trying to use it on such an ancient artifact.”
“Cadence and I can help,” offered Shining Armor, causing a look of surprise from Luna and Celestia. “I can use my magic to help stabilize Cadence’s.”
Celestia looked over to Cadence who was looking rather drained before nodding her head. Without a word they ran out of the throne room towards the Crystal Heart. A figure appeared behind them watching them before vanishing in a wave of magic.
When the group made it to the Crystal Heart, Twilight noticed it was glowing weakly.
“You have to focus on drawing out the Unicorn, Luna and I will keep them calm and make sure that they are still aware. Cadence, Shining Armor, keep their magic stable. We don’t want to have any problems,” Celestia instructed and the other ponies nodded their heads. Horns lit up with their magical aura as they focused not only on the Crystal Heart but saving the pony who was protecting it. Twilight felt her magic strain and she was beginning to falter when she heard a voice speak inside her mind. “There is more power in you than you know. Focus, Young One.”
Twilight took a deep breath as she focused more but she was curious about the voice. That was when gold eyes flashed before her vision and power spread throughout her body. A light began to form over the Heart and a shape flew from it. Twilight blinked before realizing that it was a mare and she was flying towards a nearby pillar. Her body flew into action as she caught the mare just inches from hitting the pillar.
The Royals gathered to check on the strange mare. Her body sported injuries, some that were only days old and others that looked fresh.
“Medics!” shouted Shining Armor as Celestia’s magic swam over the mare. Bright blue eyes opened slightly and observed the ponies surrounding her. Eyes glanced towards the Crystal Heart before she asked weakly. “Has he been defeated?”
“King Sombra is no more,” Celestia told her gently and the mare nodded her head. Her breathing began to even out as she whispered. “How long since I shielded the Heart?”
“Over a thousand years,” Luna said gently knowing how much pain this mare was going to be in. “I am sorry. What is your name?”
The mare barely managed to reply before she slipped unconscious. “Aqua Star.”
The medics took her away to heal her and Celestia looked at Twilight saying. “Princess Twilight, gather your friends.”
Twilight looked up at Celestia who continued as she watched the group vanish into the Crystal Palace. “I have a request for all of you.”
Spike sat in the Golden Oaks library reading a book humming a tune under his breath. Suddenly he felt the familiar belch rise up and so he shot the green fire from his mouth. He reached out and grabbed the scroll from the air. His eyes glanced over the letter before he rushed out from the library. The eyes of the horse bust glowed as it changed into a fox. The fox grabbed the book that was left behind as it lounged on the stump.
“He seems… lonely,” the fox mused before leaping off of the stump, a grin growing. “And I know just the dragon.”
“Why did they call us to the Crystal Empire? Is there an emergency?” Rainbow Dash, a sky blue pegasus with a rainbow mane, asked as the others gathered at the station. “What kind of emergency?”
“It didn’t say it was an emergency Rainbow, all the letter said was that it was urgent,” Rarity, a while unicorn with a styled purple mane, pointed out. “There is a difference.”
“Is anypony else curious about why Spike isn’t coming with us?” Pinkie Pie, an all pink Earth Pony with blue eyes, piped up as she bounced around her mane defying gravity. “Anypony? Just me? Okie dokie!”
“Ah reckon that gettin’ on the train should be the first thing we do,” the gamboge Earth Pony known as Applejack suggested pointing a hoof towards the train. “You know, before we miss it.”
“I hope it isn’t anything too dangerous,” A yellow pegasus known as Fluttershy prayed as they boarded the train leaving Spike behind.
“So what did the letter say?” Rainbow Dash asked, peering over Rarity’s shoulder. “Did it say anything about the danger?”
“Rainbow, darling, urgent doesn’t always mean dangerous,” Rarity replied looking at her fast flying friend. “It just means we have to get there fast. It must be important.”
“And Ah’m guessin’ we’ll find out how important this is when we get there.” Applejack told them from her seat. Pinkie Pie was just staring out the window bouncing in her spot. “No use thinking about the reason only to find out that we were wrong.”
The heroes sat in silence until their train arrived at the Crystal Empire where they were escorted to the palace. When they got to the throne room they saw the four princesses and a strange mare. Rarity took note of the medical ponies standing next to the mare and her height.
‘She would be quite pretty if it wasn’t for those bandages.’ rarity mused before turning her attention to the Princesses.
“Hello everyone.” Celestia greeted with a pleasant smile on her face. “I summoned all of you because I have a request.”
Celestia waved her hoof to the mare next to her as she continued. “This is Aqua Star, she will be needing help adjusting.”
“What do you mean by adjusting?” Applejack inquired looking at Aqua Star. “She looks like a normal pony, just a bit on the tall side.”
Aqua Star glanced away as Luna explained. “Aqua Star is not from our time. She is from over a thousand years ago. Her story will be hers to tell and where she stays is up to you.”
Glancing at the medical ponies Aqua Star walked out of the room and Luna looked at them as she continued. “Just be careful, a pony like her is bound to have sudden flashbacks and nightmares that could cause her to panic and react accordingly. She has experienced trauma.”
“We’ll be careful, promise,” Applejack vowed her ears twitching at the sound of a commotion. “Is… Is there anything she’s bringin’ with her?”
“Just her saddlebags and journals,” Celestia told them as Aqua Star ran past the doorway. “Twilight, you did leave her journals in her room right?”
“I’ll go get them!” replied Twilight, her eyes widening before she ran off and Luna looked at them saying. “Perhaps you should take her to Ponyville as soon as possible. Before she runs away and starts trouble elsewhere. We don’t know how she will react to all the changes and the advancements.”
“Understood,” Applejack said before the rest of them moved out to find where Aqua Star headed.
Spike sighed as he walked back to the library, he truly did want to go. Yet Celestia had asked for just the heroes. It made him feel very left out and a little jealous. He had been there with them, he had helped out before. So why was it that he was being left behind more and more often? That he was being ignored a lot more? He really did feel a lot more upset that Twilight seemed to be growing distant. She was his only family, he paused as he looked at the library.
“I want to have an adventure,” he muttered under his breath but knew what his duties were. Since he wasn’t looking where he was going, he was looking at the ground, he ran into a pony. He fell to the ground and looked up seeing that it was a unicorn mare carrying a book. The strange thing was that he hadn’t seen her Ponyville before.
“Hey there,” he said slowly and she smiled at him as she helped him up, replying. “Hey there, yourself, I was just borrowing a book from the library. I noticed that you guys did not have a check out system or a desk. Is it just nicknamed the Gold Oaks Library or is it an actual one?”
“It is an actual one, but with how small Ponyville is we really don’t need something like that,” Spike answered, taking a peek at the book that she was holding in her magic. It was one of the books that Twilight was looking through in order to figure out the strange box from the Tree of Harmony. “About the book, Twilight is using it.”
“I know, I’ll put it back, I’m just borrowing it for a friend to copy,” the mare replied, her white tipped tail flicking back and forth. “You can come with me!”
“But I have to….” Spike glanced back towards the library, he knew he had to look after the library. The unicorn glanced back at the library as well. “Well you technically are looking after the library. You are looking after the books! So just lock the doors and close the blinds, we're going for a ride!”
“What?” was the only word that Spike could think of. The unicorn cleared her throat before saying. “It’s part of a song I listen to, it’s about… nevermind. The truth is, this friend of mine lives in the Everfree Forest and I would like the company.”
Now that did catch Spike’s attention, though tamer now the Everfree Forest was still a dangerous place. Living there would mean her friend was likely just like Zecora. Looking between her and the library he made up his mind. He was going to help this unicorn get to her friend, see the copy made, then bring the book back.
“Fine,” he finally said and the unicorn laughed a bit. She looked down at Spike realizing. “Oh right! My name, sorry about that. I’m Foxfire.”
“Spike,” the introduction might not have been needed but he was still trying to figure out why he hadn’t seen her before. He was really hoping that this wasn’t something that was going to end up with Twilight and the others having to fix his mistake.They walked for sometime, the conversation was light. Foxfire was talking about how she tries to help this friend out whenever she could when her job would allow. She was rather vague about what she did for a living but it seemed like it was important to her.
“Ah, here we are, right cave,” Foxfire said as she looked at a cave, something felt off to Spike. He honestly didn’t know what it was but something was just off about the cave entrance. “Coming?” he glanced up and saw Foxfire already walking in without a care in the world. He ran a bit to catch up to her asking. “Your friend, who is she?”
“You’ll find out,” was the only reply he got before looking up and seeing just darkness. He grew a bit scared before moving forward. This had to be a trap. ‘I’m such an idiot.’ he thought to himself before sniffling. Yet he had to get the book back, he didn’t want Twilight to be disappointed in him. That was when he heard a deep rumbling. Freezing a bit he noticed a dim light up ahead caused by light blue flames. It resembled the magic that Foxfire had been using so he figured that is where she went. Coming out of the dark cave he saw it led out into a massive cavern. It had been perfectly set up as a library, but with no ceiling or back in sight. Just rows and rows of shelves carved into the stone walls. There were also standing bookshelves further in the distance. In the middle of the cavern was a massive pile of books and on top was an even larger slumbering dragon. Spike rubbed his eyes trying to figure out if what he was seeing was real. Normally dragons would be sleeping on piles of gold, not books. Noticing some stairs, also carved from stone, leading down Spike decided that the best course of action would be to see if Foxfire was down there with the book she had taken.
There was no sign of the pony, the book itself was near the top of the pile. At first Spike wanted to see if he could climb it but when he got closer the sheer mass and size of the slumbering dragon caused him to seize up. Swallowing, he decided to look around at the other books on the shelves and realized that this was a library. The books themselves seemed to have some kind of preservation magic cast on them. Deciding he could wait until the dragon woke up Spike began to organize the shelves and put the books back. What he didn’t notice was the dragon’s eye opening up to watch him.
Taking his time Spike organized the books making sure to carry them one at a time up the shelves. The ones higher up were more difficult to reach but he managed. He had to make sure to never look down. He would often take breaks realizing just how much space there was between the next shelf the higher he went. Yet still he could not see the top of the cave.
“This has to be some kind of enchantment,” he said to himself as he sat against the books. He always found that when he put them back in their spot that they would increase in size. Yet whenever he grabbed one they would be the size of a regular book.
“You are really observant, Little One,” a voice spoke from behind him. Spike glanced over his shoulder before turning around seeing the face of the massive dragon in front of him. “You are indeed correct.”
Spike swallowed his fear and a hiccup as he stared into the bright silvery blue eyes of the dragon. It was massive, being around 72’ feet, he was guessing as it was hunched over. The scales, now that he was getting a closer look, gleamed like crystals even in the dim lighting. He backed away for a moment before processing her words. “Did Foxfire cast these enchantments?”
“The servant of the Crystal Heart?” the dragon asked, looking rather confused for a moment. “This would not be something she would do, as one of the Iliniad.”
“Ilniad?” Spike asked and the dragon nodded its head before replying. “Yes, fox-like creatures that can walk on two legs, use magic, cause mischief, and are normally loyal to no one. They used to live in the South, not just in the Dunes but the Eternal Forest before most of it was destroyed and became the Wastes.”
Spike was quiet for a moment, there was nothing in pony history that spoke of this. Perhaps beyond the time of Star Swirl the Bearded and the founding of Equestria. He looked the dragon in the eyes and asked. “Who are you?”
“I am UntryrUryte, I am what remains of the First Dragons created by Discord,” the dragon answered sadly, glancing around the library. “This is my library… you can call me Aurora though.”
“First Dragons? Discord? Library?” The confusion of Spike began to grow before Aurora began to shrink in size, until she was a little larger than him. She flew up to the shelves and sat down next to him. “What about yourself?” What is your name?”
“Spike,” he answered honestly and the pain in her eyes grew more visible. “I’m sorry, this is all just so confusing to me.”
“Well, I may not be able to answer all of your questions, but I can answer a few,” Aurora answered honestly as she turned towards him. “First you must answer one of my questions.”
Spike nodded his head before saying. “Go ahead.”
“When you first saw me, why did you not challenge me for the book?” Aurora asked and Spike gave her a look of confusion. “The dragons who were born after the Curse of Greed fell upon our kind. The moment they see another dragon with their possessions, they will challenge and attack the other. No matter the size, yet you did not do that. You instead chose to help me by putting all of these books away.”
“Well, I wasn’t raised by dragons,” Spike answered as he looked down at the pile of books shyly. “I was raised by ponies, when I went through my greedy phase I had nearly harmed my friends. But when I saw the gift that I had given to the one that I loved… I remembered who I was.”
“A noble heart that is afflicted not by the greed of gold but bound by friendship and the spark of hope,” Aurora said, being drawn into a memory and Spike looked confused. “What’s that?”
“A prophecy told by the Spirit of Love and Courage who had once blessed my brother’s soul after he had passed,” explained Aurora with a look of sadness passing over it. “He was the only one to never have been touched by the curse for he had died before it came upon him. So the Spirit of Love and Courage who had guided him had blessed his line that one like him would come.”
“What was he like?” Spike wondered and Aurora’s scales shined with light as she projected an image of a large purple scaled dragon. His scales were a darker purple and his ventral scales were orange. His spikes running up his tail to his head were yellow. He seemed larger than Aurora by about 10 feet.
“His name was QuirinSurpMiir or as the ponies liked to call him Keboath Gillspotten Heathspike,” Aurora explained laughing at Spike’s face at the name. “He enjoyed it! At the time dragons were the only ones to have known the secrets of magic and flight. Despite the Spirit of Harmony being a bit up in arms that creatures made by the Spirit of Chaos learning how to use magic.”
“Spirit of Chaos? Discord?” Spike began to slowly wrap his mind around what was being told. “He created dragons?”
“Yes, he made my siblings and myself first,” Aurora explained and two more images appeared, one of a large red scaled dragon his size massively overshadowing the other two. The second was a smaller black dragon with white belly scales and spikes. “The largest was ThraxMaug, powerful in his strength and might. Yet he wasn’t prideful or arrogant, he was quiet and kept to himself. He taught the Pegasi how to fly with their wings and the Earth Ponies about strength.”
“What did the ponies call him?” Spike asked, looking up at the dragon. Aurora looked at the image looking away as if remembering something horrible. “Flame Heart. He had told them to call him Flame Heart.”
“They’re all dead… aren’t they?” Spike didn’t want to ask the question, yet he knew that she had mentioned being the remaining one.
“With what happened to ThraxMaug and ZundaeIngeir… they would have been better off dying,” Aurora answered honestly. “Spike, the reason why QuirinSurpMiir died, the reason why the dragons are the way they are, the reason why the Wastes exist, was because of the tale of ZundaeIngeir. Are you ready to hear this tale?”
Spike looked up at the image of his ancestor then to the others. His green eyes landed on ZundaeIngeir who looked to be the happiest among them. Yet deep within her eyes he could see a longing. What had happened to them? Why did the noble dragon vanish? What caused them to lose that code of honor and strength?
“What happened to ZundaeIngeir?” he asked, looking at Aurora as serious as possible. “What happened to her to cause all of this?”
Aurora began to change the image of ZundaeIngeir into a massive shadow dragon with six red eyes. A fox creature leaped up on the shelf next to her to curl up listening to the tale.
The train station bustled with ponies going preparing to get onto the train. Aqua Star and the Heroes of Equestria standing on the platform as Aqua Star looked around. Her ears moving to track sound as she glanced at the colors surrounding her. Applejack was by her side to keep her calm, something that Aqua Star was thankful for. She had taken notice that Twilight Sparkle, though an Alicorn Princess, was teeming with questions. Same with the bouncing pink Earth Pony known as Pinkie Pie. Aqua Star surmise that the questions the ponies had were quite different from each other and for different purposes. Twilight Sparkle seemed to be fascinated with history and knowledge. Something typical of a bearer of an Arcane Core. Yet without the test Aqua Star was uncertain if her assumptions were correct. As for Pinkie Pie, Aqua Star couldn’t get a read on her. She seemed to love to get to know ponies simply to see them smile. She had noticed that Pinkie Pie was very good at cheering up crying children. Though Aqua Star did have to stop her with a barrier before handing out sweets. At first Pinkie Pie didn’t understand before realizing exactly why the filly was crying. She seemed to have a toothache from eating sweets.
“How did you catch that?” Twilight had asked her when they were heading to the station. Aqua Star looked at her for a moment before saying. “My younger brother, he didn’t like taking care of his teeth so he would get toothaches a lot of the time. I had to keep my parents from spoiling him.”
Twilight had gone silent after that. Aqua Star knew that they were finding it awkward that she would bring up the past so casually. It may not have seemed hard for her to mention him. Inside it was destroying her.
“You mentioned a younger brother before?” the light gold colored pegasus asked, Fluttershy if Aqua Star recalled her name correctly. Aqua Star nodded her head and Fluttershy looked at her. “What was his name?”
“Sirius,” she answered honestly and Applejack shot her a worried look. “He was aiming to be a High Mage in Archon.”
“High Mage?”
“Archon?”
The cyan colored pegasus seemed interested in the title. Rainbow Dash was what she was called. They hadn’t really introduced themselves yet but Aqua Star knew how to listen. So she decided to address each of the short questions. “Yes… High Mages are Unicorns with an Arcane Core and the Mage Specialization. I do not know much about their training but reaching the rank of High Mage is hard to do despite being the next step. Acolyte, Mage, High Mage, Great Mage, Grand Mage, and Archmage. Each rank represented the Heroes that formed Equestria.”
“Like Private Pansy and Commander Hurricane,” Rainbow Dash mused and Aqua Star nodded her head before turning to answer Fluttershy’s question. “Archon was the original capital in Equestria. A shining beacon of hope and companionship. To Sombra and Midnight Sun, it was a symbol of corruption and elitism. Where they only used unicorns to advance their knowledge and never thanked them for their service no matter what had happened to them. He must have destroyed it while I was shielding the Crystal Heart.”
Fluttershy reached out with her wing and used it to give Aqua Star a hug. The white unicorn, Rarity, thought for a moment before asking. “Was it the way they thought? Sombra and your friend?”
“Yes… and no,” Aqua Star answered honestly as she frowned. “There were those, like Midnight Sun’s parents, who were a prime example of everything he hated. They looked down on my family because of my mother’s condition. I never got to see the capital often. I was from Hessarian, a small village near the border, it was one of the few places that didn’t mind my mother being partially Corrupted….”
“Corrupted?” Applejack was the one who asked this question with Twilight Sparkle. She was one of the few that had pulled Aqua Star to the side before they left to introduce herself. Aqua Star sighed before jumping as the train approached. A barrier formed around the ponies on the platform causing most to panic as well. A figure moved by Rarity placing something into her bag.
“It’s alright!” Twilight called out as Applejack and Fluttershy went to calm Aqua Star down. “She’s never seen a train before.”
“It’s alright, just a machine,” Fluttershy told her as Applejack led her to examine it. Rainbow Dash frowned, not really understanding why Luna could adapt so quickly to their society and this pony couldn’t. Twilight glanced towards her before whispering. “Considering that the last thing she remembers is Sombra attacking her, she’s going to be on her guard for a bit.”
“Yeah, Princess Luna was Nightmare Moon and was sealed away for a thousand years,” Rainbow Dash pointed out but Pinkie Pie bounced by her saying. “She was aware this whole time! Aqua Star wasn’t!”
Twilight gave Rainbow Dash a sideways glance before getting on the train herself. Aqua Star was examining everything closely before talking to Applejack about something called Ceàrds and how the technology was similar that they would have had at the height of their civilization. ‘She might not be too bad, just really slow.’ Rainbow Dash thought watching as Aqua Star walked into the train car. Twilight and the others move to find an empty train car. Applejack was leading Aqua Star to a seat while Fluttershy spoke up. “Girls… we probably should hold off on the questions.”
“Why?” Rainbow Dash asked before looking at Aqua Star. “She doesn’t really seem to care about answering them.”
“Just because she doesn’t seem to care doesn’t mean we aren’t dragging up a reminder that everypony she knew is gone,” Fluttershy pointed before looking at Twilight. “Imagine if you had woken up in a thousand years only to find out that your brother is dead. Princess Luna is lucky that Princess Celestia was there to help her adapt to this future.”
“She is right,” Rarity sighed and Twilight looked away saying. “I’m sorry, I just got too excited about the knowledge that we can learn.”
“Maybe instead of asking questions about her past, we can ask questions about her,” Fluttershy told them, seeing Applejack and Aqua Star talking before the taller unicorn pulled out something from her bag. The others noticed as well and moved to investigate.
“Rubbing this on your hooves and muscles will help with the soreness you get when farming,” Aqua Star was telling her before glancing at the others. “My apologies for the concern, Applejack was just telling me about some soreness she gets when she wakes up in the mornings. I was giving her a potion I made.”
“You make potions?” Twilight asked to take a seat and Aqua Star nodded her head. “Yes, I’m not as good with them as I am making barriers but it is a pleasant hobby of mine.”
“The barrier you made back there was most impressive,” Rarity commented as she began to look through her bag. Twilight nodded her head before saying. “Do you know other forms of magic? I mean in your journals you speak of a lot of spells but you only talk about them in regards to tests. You’re a Barrier Master, right?”
“Yes,” Aqua Star was quite surprised and the others looked at Twilight in confusion. “I did not realize that ponies nowadays knew about Cores and their Specializations.”
“I got a brief explanation from Princess Celestia,” Twilight answered honestly. “She told me that the Cores are a source of one’s personal magic, we rely on surface magic currently allowing us a broader range of spell casting. Specializations were classified long after Cores were discovered, it’s like a talent in your personal magic.”
“It is a decent explanation,” Aqua Star said before thinking with a frown on her face. “You can cast a broader range of spells with just surface magic?”
“Of course darling, we have no knowledge of Cores or Specialization, so we just cast magic as we normally do,” Rarity told her as she held up a few gems near Aqua Star’s eyes. “You do not?”
“No, one with a Light Core such as mine can not learn from the Arcane Core’s studies,” Aqua Star retorted before looking away. “That is what we were all taught. Light Cores cannot dabble in the Arcane or Shadows, Shadow Cores cannot venture into the spells of Light and Arcane, Arcane Cores shall not show interest in the ways of Shadows and Light.”
“Well that’s dumb,” Rainbow Dash pointed out, very honestly and Applejack shushed her. “It is, I mean why don’t they want you learning from each other?”
Aqua Star was quiet for a moment before saying. “Our society was not perfect, Unicorns held secrets from the Earth Ponies and the Pegasi. However we also held secrets from each other. My guess is that they do not want another incident like the one of the Demon King to happen again.”
“The Demon King?” Twilight asked and Aqua Star nodded her head before fishing out a journal, handing it over to Twilight. “Yes, the Tale of the Demon King was used as a way for parents to scare their children into behaving. Yet according to the evidence of ancient civilizations and imprint stones there is proof that he once existed.”
“What’s the tale?” Fluttershy spoke up quietly as Rarity noticed a strange gem in her bag. Aqua Star thought long and hard before opening the book. “Long ago, before the founding of Equestria but after the split of the races a Demon had found a trace of Corruption and found its way to our world. Since the Mother of Darkness had been sealed he ruled over the Corrupted instead and began a reign of terror that lasted for years. Six heroes rose up, two from each tribe, to lead their people to victory. From the Pegasi tribe were Storm Seeker and Sky Glider. The Earth Ponies chose Steel Edge and Fable. From the Unicorn Tribe came Warm Heart and Calm Heart. Though they worked together many times only Fable sought to heal the wounds caused by the Great Heroes that came before. Seeing a threat in Fable the Demon King captured him and used him to lure in the others. When they arrived the Demon King swiftly started to destroy them easily, revealing Storm Seeker as a traitor among them. Steel Edge, angered by this betrayal moved to attack Storm Seeker while the Pegasi was sealing the Demon King away and the explosion destroyed all but Steel Edge. He returned to the Tribes speaking of the betrayal and deaths of the ponies who turned to blame the Pegasi tribe for producing Storm Seeker. Steel Edge, believed that Storm Seeker was still alive but was taken to the world that the Demon King had originated from and refused to die until she was brought to justice.”
“Does the story ever tell why Storm Seeker betrayed everypony?” Fluttershy asked and Aqua Star shook her head. “To all of us at the time, it was but a tale. However I have the pieces of a Ceàrd imprint stone that holds a memory of the event. Master Star Swirl, Midnight Sun, and myself found it within the ruins of the Demon King’s castle.”
“Strange,” Rarity muttered, causing the girls to look at her. “This was a different color a moment ago.”
“Maybe it’s a different gem,” Applejack pointed out glancing at the large crystal held within Rarity’s magic. Aqua Star’s eyes widened as she leaned forward to get a better look at it. “A Spirit Crystal.”
“A what now?” Rainbow Dash asked and Aqua Star held out her hoof. Rarity placing the crystal on it gently. “A Spirit Crystal, used to discover one’s Core. Well one of the requirements. I have never seen one so large or pure before.”
The train car darkened as the train itself passed through a tunnel as the crystal lit up the air as gold eyes glowed. “It is time.”
The ponies in the car fell unconscious as magic lit up a pair of horns. Something floated in the air before a mouth shut around the objects.
Twilight groaned as she opened her eyes, in front of her was the empty train car. “Girls? Aqua Star?”
Looking at the other end she saw a figure in the distance. It appeared to be another unicorn staring at her. At first Twilight thought it was Rarity, so she moved after her passing from one car to the next towards the back of the train. Some of the cars were full so Twilight had to squeeze past the other ponies. The light that would pass through the windows did help a little but the worry in Twilight grew. None of her friends were there and the ponies seemed strange. When Twilight reached the end of the luggage car the last door would not open. No matter how much magic Twilight used against it. Sighing she turned around seeing the train gone and instead was a dense fog. Once in a while a strange yellow light would peek through. She noticed that the air itself was hard to breathe almost like this place was trying to suffocate her. When she looked up the “sky” was green, yellow, and white, with thick rolling clouds. Twilight felt panic grip her when she realized that she was all alone. “Hello?”
“Twilight?” Applejack’s voice rang out through the fog. “Where are you?”
“I don’t know,” Twilight answered before she cast a light spell above her. She intended for it to be bright yet small. Instead she got a light the size of a beach ball and was as bright as the sun. The force of the magic forced the fog back enough that Twilight could see rocks floating in the distance. A sound caught her attention and she looked left just as Applejack ran up with Aqua Star next to her.
“What’s going on?” Twilight asked, hoping that Aqua Star had some form of explanation.
“I am not sure. We are in the Core Realm, I am just not sure how.” Aqua Star answered, looking around. “Spirit Crystals can only be activated by Testers, Guardians, or the Great Spirits themselves. Nor has more than one pony at a time entered here during the test.”
“Well you did say that Spirit Crystal was the purest you have ever seen. Maybe it has something to do with it,” Applejack pointed out as Twilight turned around seeing a giant wall.
“Twilight!” Pinkie’s voice called out in the distance. Twilight’s head turned seeing the rest of her friends running towards them. “Run!”
“What in Celestia’s name are those?” Applejack exclaimed seeing a horde of monstrous creatures moving after them.
“I have never seen those creatures here before,” spoke Aqua Star before slamming her back hooves against the wall and an opening appeared. “Into the maze, quickly!”
Twilight ran in with her friends right behind her before turning around to see Aqua Star throwing up a barrier just as a large ghastly raven slammed into it. Six red eyes glowed as Aqua Star shouted. “Go! I shall meet you at the end!”
Twilight ran after her friends knowing that Aqua Star had more knowledge of how this place worked than them. She caught up to them rather quickly seeing them stopped in a clearing. In front of them were three paths behind a tree. Her ears twitched at the sound of a booming crack.
“Where is Aqua Star?” Applejack asked as Twilight looked behind them. “We can’t leave her behind!”
“She said she would meet us at the end,” explained Twilight and Applejack looked like she was going to protest. “We don’t stand a chance facing those creatures head on. Aqua Star knows more about this place than we do. She said that she will meet us at the end. All we have to do is find the way.”
“All that is are three paths with images of Discord, the Crystal Heart, and the Tree of Harmony,” Rainbow Dash said looking at the roads before looking behind them. “We should split up, it’ll confuse those monsters, I’m heading down the Discord Path.”
“Now hold on darling, we have to think about this first,” started Rarity before a roar caused her jump. “RUN!”
The ponies each headed down the path of their choosing: Rarity and Twilight down the path of the Tree of Harmony. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie down the path of Discord. Finally Applejack fled down the path of the Crystal Heart.
“Choose?” Fluttershy muttered under her breath before looking behind her. “I am not choosing until I am sure Aqua Star is safe. I’m going back.”
Massive figures flew past her following her friends down the paths except for two. The ghastly raven and a terrifying gryphon. Their eyes gleamed with madness and anger as they charged forward. Fluttershy swallowed but held her ground. ‘I am going to get past them my way.’
Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash ran until they came to the next area. It was another clearing amongst the trees with three more paths. Each was marked by a symbol on the tree next to it. A hammer, a crossbow with a wing etched on it, and a book marked with a chess piece. Rainbow Dash let out a groan before heading down the path marked with the hammer. Pinkie was about to go down the path marked with the crossbow when her whole body shivered. Somepony was in trouble. Two figures flew down the path that Rainbow Dash took and two stayed behind. One was made of stone, glowing blue runes covered its body and its eyes were glowing blue as well. The other was silent, its form ever changing. Pinkie took a deep breath before bouncing forward with a grin on her face.
Applejack ran for a long time down the path that she had chosen in the second area. The hammer had to represent strength whether it was physical strength, a weapon, all she knew was that she had to defend her friends. When she came to the third area she paused. Three more paths. Yet these were marked not with symbols but with images of her friends, her family, and a mysterious pony.
“There are times when you think of those you truly love,” a disembodied female’s voice echoed around the area. “Tell me, who do you think of the most? Your friends, your family or the one you vow to be with?”
A frown grew on Applejack’s face before realization hit her. Fluttershy wasn’t there. At first Applejack assumed that she had gone down one of the other paths. Yet somewhere deep inside she knew that Fluttershy never chose a path.
“I ain’t answerin’ these questions until A’hm sure my friend is safe,” Applejack stated as she turned around. Two creatures stood there: A monstrous lion and an eerie minotaur. “Even if it means turning back to face the monsters.”
Rarity ran quickly knowing that she was still being chased. She dared not look back as she came to a field. Three paths led to three different locations. One of which happened to be a castle. She glanced at the other locations. A lake and a mountain. Making up her mind Rarity headed straight towards the castle just as a paw swiped towards her. A large black panther stared at his paw before following her with another creature behind him.
When she made it Rarity couldn’t help but gasp at the decrepit state the place was in. She could tell that it was a beacon of hope in its time.
“I simply can not let this pass,” Rarity said to herself as she began on her new quest to fix up the place. “More like a keep than a castle.”
The two creatures were now watching her with interest.
Rainbow Dash did not slow down as she approached the mountains. She had to find something to defend herself with. That was when she came across a cave filled with weapons. Grinning Rainbow ran to the swords leaning against the wall. She ignored the shields and the tomes her eyes took in the blades. She grabbed the platinum and jeweled encrusted claymore just a growl sounded behind her. Spinning around seeing a large bear with large spikes and a hideously large parrot. She steeled herself before charging towards them. She had to go back for her friends.
Twilight moved further into the castle, a white tome strapped to her side. A low growl caught her attention. Turning her head, Twilight saw a large black wolf with nine red eyes. The top of its ears brushed against the ceiling. Right behind it was a muscular dragon-like creature with a stout and squashed head. Twilight backed up before turning to run. Even at full speed the creatures were beginning to gain on her. That was when she saw another hall. Taking a deep breath Twilight took the sharp turn almost hitting the wall as she bolted down the new hall. Her ears twitched as one of the creatures let out a shriek that echoed around her. Looking behind her, Twilight noticed that the wolf had shrunk and had followed her through the gap. Moving her head so she could see the path in front of her seeing the hall open up into a massive room. She came to a halt when she saw that in the middle of it was a gargantuan white dragon with gold eyes.
Fluttershy moved towards the monsters blocking her way, never losing eye contact with them. Behind her yellow flowers grew with each step. The monstrous raven screeched before launching feathers towards her. The feathers slammed into the ground a few biting deep into Fluttershy. She let out a yelp of pain taking a step back, the sound causing the Gryphon to pause as the giant raven squacked angrily.
“I don’t want to hurt either of you. I just want to check on Aqua Star,” Fluttershy said gently as she looked at the creatures in the eyes before taking another step forward. “We don’t have to fight. We can be friends. Just, please, calm down.”
The raven let out another cry, its giant beach slamming towards Fluttershy. Teal eyes slid shut as Fluttershy prepared for her doom hiding her face in her mane.
Pinkie bounced in place as she looked at the two creatures in front of her. The stone creature looked at the thin creature sitting on its shoulder. A pale face glanced at the stone creature before looking at Pinkie. The area was changing into a port town, though there were no people.
“Why are you not running?” the creature asked his voice faint as if it hadn’t spoken for a long time. Pinkie tilted her head to the side saying. “Well because at first Fluttershy was in danger. Now the shaking has stopped, not in a ‘Your friend has died’ sort of way but in a ‘She’s going to be alright’ and figured ‘Wow they probably had some really cool adventures and a sad story on why they are stuck here.’ So what do you say? Would you like me to help cheer you up?”
The stone creature looked at Pinkie Pie, an eyebrow ridge raised as it opened its mouth to speak. “Look Bubbly, all this happened to us a long time ago. It’s our problem.”
Applejack charged forward as did the creatures of the strange world. Spinning around Applejack nailed the lion-like creature in the face. She heard it growl as it was forced back. Grass growing under her hooves as dirt was kicked up.
“Applejack!” her mother, Apple Butter, yelled out in warning. Applejack’s head turned just in time to see her father, Bright Mac, slam into the charging Minotaur. The hit sent the Minotaur off course and both tumbled to the side.
“Dad!” shouted Applejack and the lion struck out at her with sharp claws. Barely dodging out of the way, Applejack stepped back for another strike. She was interrupted, however, when a hand wrapped around her ankle heaving her up in the air. Gritting her teeth Applejack faced the Minotaur, her eyes locking with his. That was when it struck hyer, both of these creatures were intelligent. The lion kept her distracted so the Minotaur struck. Taking a deep breath, Applejack swung her body trying to get out. Yet the grip did not waver or loosen. “Let me go!”
Rarity walked through the mountain, keeping her magic making quick work of the rubble. Her eyes glancing around at the statues that covered the area. All seemed to be either looking for someone or getting ready to go to battle. Voices echoed around the hall, some sending shivers down her spine.
“We need to wait for Lavellan, she can stop him!”
“The Inquisitor has not been seen for days since she went looking for him.”
“You must run, no one can help him now.”
Rarity’s eyes were drawn to a group of statues looking like they were shouting orders. A tall creature that reminded her of a minotaur was running towards a door, hand outstretched. Rarity glanced in the direction before following the hand. She entered a circular room with a mural devoid of statues. Frowning Rarity explored the room finding stairs leading up. Climbing them Rarity found herself in a library of sorts. More statues were there, all with their arms outstretched.
“What happened here?” Rarity whispered, examining the statues carefully when a voice spoke behind her. “I do believe that it was a fight, what do you think happened?”
Spinning around Rarity saw the black panther standing at the top of the stairs. Glancing at the statues Rarity replied. “Why I do believe it was a lost war. Yet all these… beings fought to the end. Yet some could not be with the ones that they wanted to be with in the end.”
Rainbow Dash flew forward slamming into the parrot creature knocking them outside of the cave. They spun out of control, Rainbow correcting herself easily as she glanced at the bear. The bear’s eyes narrowed before latching its paw around a boulder. It launched the massive stone towards Rainbow Dash and she dodged to the side. She readied her grip around the sword as she flew towards the beast. The bear paused before slamming a paw down onto Rainbow’s back, sending her into the ground. Letting out a groan, Rainbow Dash looked at the bear looming over her. The stone turned a reddish color as was the sky, a large moon and a smaller moon hovering in the distance.
Twilight stared at the dragon before glancing behind her seeing that the wolf had stopped as well.
“Is something the matter?” the dragon asked with amusement in her voice. “If you do not come, the Dread Wolf will get you.”
Twilight looked at the dragon again asking. “Then why did it stop? It could have easily caught up with me and have eaten me. Yet it doesn’t move any further… towards you.”
“You are a clever pony. The Dread Wolf and I have history, but I am merely one of the reasons why he does not come here,” The dragon said, spreading her wings. “I am Mythal, come young pony, I shall tell you a riddle and Fen’Harel if she can figure it out you will come here. If you can’t figure it out or if you get it wrong I will leave your fate up to Fen’Harel.”
Twilight looked between them before saying. “I’m listening.”
“A Seeker, a commander, a champion, a chief, a bard, a thief, a spirit, an author, a diplomat, a mage, and a court sorceress. What do the people have in common with Fen’Harel?”
Fluttershy opened one of her eyes hearing a shriek. The gryphon was swiping at the ghastly raven letting out a roar. The raven snapped back, flapping its wings ready to launch its feathers. Fluttershy took a deep breath before spreading her wings using the Stare.
“A friend,” Twilight answered, releasing her breath.
“It doesn’t have to be just your problem. I want to help!” Pinkie said, approaching the two beings, the thin figure looking intrigued. “I want to see everyone smile! Help them work through that sadness and doubt! That includes you and I know you’ve been hurt…. badly. I also don’t have my party cannon with me, I checked, but I want to listen.”
The Dread Wolf growled eyes glowing as Mythal tilted her head to the side. Fen’Harel dove towards Twilight, phasing into her body. She almost dropped to her knees as her eyes began to glow as well.
“What are ye?” Applejack questioned knowing she couldn't get out of the grip on her own. Her father and mother were being blocked by the lion. The Minotaur growled and Applejack forced herself not to look away. That was when images began to flood her mind.
“No matter what happened or what you did you are still their friend!” Tears filled Twilight’s eyes as Mythal watched in interest.
Rainbow Dash struggled to her hooves watching the bear shatter the claymore the shards floating in the air. She let out a frustrated groan. “Oh come on! I needed that!”
“If you want to kill me you will need a weapon you can actually use,” The bear replied, causing Rainbow’s eyes to widen. The shards merged together forming a sword and a shield. Rainbow Dash moved up to the bear saying. “Hold up, I am not going to kill you, I just need that to go help my friends. I just wanted to keep you from attacking me, well you and your giant parrot friend. What are you anyways?”
Twilight’s body lifted into the air as she seemed to struggle with the Spirit of Fen’Harel.
Rarity paused to think as she looked at the statues. “Which of these people was the one in the Great Hall trying to get to?”
“Oh… that one.” the panther said, waving a paw towards one of the statues. Rarity hummed under her breath as she walked down the stairs to get to the Great Hall once more. The panther glanced at the other creature with it.
“Why did you have to be so far back?” Rarity’s voice echoed, causing the two creatures to hold back laughter.
“You think what you did can never be undone. That the relationships that you forged are gone for good! But that is only if you leave them like that! You feel guilty for what you did, for the pain you caused! At least it is there!” Twilight gritted her teeth as the tears flowed down her cheek.
The gryphon batted away the raven who was momentarily stunned. It screeched before it flew away, the gryphon then approached Fluttershy. She smiled at it as she reached out a hoof saying. “I’m sorry you had to fight your friend. I hope we can find her later when she has calmed down. I am still willing to try. After all, everyone deserves the chance to be listened to.”
“...And that is what happened,” The thin creatures finished his story. Pinkie nodded her head confirming what she had just heard. “So you were hurt by a friend who was stuck in the past and you both felt like you could have done more to stop him?”
The thin creature nodded his head as she pondered the problem before saying. “Well maybe he felt like he couldn’t open up without everyone fearing or judging him and it was his assumption of the reaction that allowed himself to justify his actions. Then after knowing all of you ended up causing him to feel conflicted and his actions got harder to justify. Meaning he was hoping in the end either he wouldn’t make it or you would stop him.”
“And you got all of that from just listening to our story?” The stone creature asked and Pinkie Pie grinned reaching into her mane pulling out some cupcakes. “Impressive Sunshine… neat trick too.”
When Applejack came to she was on the ground, the Minotaur in front of her grasping his head. Climbing to her hooves she looked around seeing the lion creature was gone.
“Are you alright?” asked Applejack walking over the Minotaur who looked at her with clear eyes replying. “Nothing a few hi… er exercises won’t fix. Now what about you? Are you alright?”
“Well my head feels like it’s about to explode. That and I haven’t been completely honest… I wanted to avoid choosin’ a path. It means having to answer a question about mahself that I’d rather not think about,” Applejack admitted looking between the image of her friends and family. “Because when Ah’m honestly think’ about it, my friends are mah family. That’s who they are tah me. But this here makes me choose and Ah… Ah can’t do it. Ah don’t want to do that.”
“I know what you mean,” the Minotaur said sitting next to her. “I had to make a similar decision… and it is easier when someone else calls the shots. But when it comes to answering a question like this, perhaps you go with your instinct and trust me, I won’t judge. I don’t actually know your family and friends or even how they act. This is all up to you.”
“Thanks.”
“Look, we all have rough patches in our lives and right now things seem like they can only get worse. But you can’t expect me to take your life.” Rainbow Dash said, looking the bear in the eyes. “I barely even know you. Look, why don’t you just relax while I go check on my friends?”
“They will be at the end of the maze, you can not even go back until you reach the end. You and only you.” the bear explained before looking away. “I have to go and check on my teammate.”
Rainbow frowned for a moment before deciding to follow the bear. Though she didn’t move far before calling off the cliff. “Are you alright?”
“Alright!” a voice echoed and a look of confusion flashed over Rainbow’s face as the bear explained. “Does it look like I can fly? She probably got bored and took off somewhere. I would have never left her behind, no matter how annoying she is.”
“I know what you mean.”
“Rainbow Dash?”
“Listen to me, Fen’Harel, they are your friends. Even if it is you who believes it. It doesn’t help with what you did and it makes those feelings worse but I speak the truth. And even if you are alone and think that you don’t deserve another chance. I am willing to become your friend!” the glow faded from Twilight’s eyes as she looked at Mythal. “Both of yours.”
A light burst forth from Twilight as it engulfed the area quickly as it spread through the halls.
Twilight blinked a little, clearing her eyes as the light faded, this time she took in her surroundings carefully. It was no longer the large open but dimly lit room from before but a cave that was illuminated by shining crystals. In the center was a lake that was glowing as well. It was like a cross between the cave that held the Tree of Harmony and the location where the Mirror Pool lay. Everything seemed to sparkle. Laying nearby was her friends and Aqua Star. Filled with worry Twilight ran over to check on each of them letting out a sigh of relief when she saw that they were alright. Each one waking up and giving her and each other a hug. Fluttershy dove towards Aqua Star giving her a hug that was uncommon for the pony as she stroked the mane crying. “You’re alright, you’re alright.”
Aqua Star seemed to stiffen for a moment before relaxing and stroking Fluttershy’s mane telling her. “Yes, I am. Thank you for worrying about me.” Twilight walked over as well to join in on the hugfest. It didn’t last long, however, when a calm yet powerful presence appeared behind them causing the girls to turn around. Standing there was a deer-like being with three pairs of swept back spiralled antlers adorned with strings of white metal and a gem hanging off the tip. Rainbow Dash and Applejack got in front of their friends, both of them asking: “Where are we?” and “Who are you?” at the same time.
Aqua Star bowed deeply as Twilight observed this creature realizing that the gems were the original form of the Elements of Harmony. That was when she began to realize that this must be one of the Great Spirits that Aqua Star mentioned before. The being did not react to the defensive attitude of the two in front of it, instead speaking. “My apologies, I did not mean to startle you. I am Harmonia, Spirit of Wisdom and Harmony.”
“You are one of the Great Spirits that Aqua Star mentioned, one of the few that could activate the Spirit Crystal,” Twilight said, she was still unsure if she was right or not. “Am I right?”
“You are correct Princess Twilight,” Harmonia answered, moving past Rainbow Dash and Applejack. “I brought you here as all of you have found a different path. Though you did not complete the test you have found your Cores and yourselves. For this I have chosen to give you gifts that you shall nurture and grow.”
Twilight frowned as Harmonia moved to Aqua Star. “Rise Aqua Star, I have a gift for you as well.”
Aqua Star swallowed before pushing herself back onto her hooves and glanced up at Harmonia. The Great Spirit touched her chest with a split hoof as magic surrounded the both of them. “To you I grant the Gift of the Historian.”
Magic flew up into the air showing Aqua Star with books surrounding her, each one being written. “All knowledge you know shall be brought into this world, these writings shall never fade and never be destroyed. Much like the pony herself.”
The hoof moved up and tilted Aqua Star’s chin up so they were looking into each other’s eyes. “Do not doubt yourself Aqua Star, you tried to defend the Crystal Empire, in the end you succeeded in protecting the one being that could restore it. None of what happened after you gave up yourself was your fault.”
“I… thank you,” Aqua Star replied with a bow and. Harmonia nodded her head before turning to look at Applejack. Applejack swallowed a bit, feeling a little guilty for reacting in such a negative way to this creature. Yet when she approached the pony there was no ill will, just understanding.
“Applejack, Bearer of Honesty” Harmonia spoke and Appplejack looked up at her, a hoof was placed against her chest as well. “You did not choose a path because you value your friends and family with equal regard. In the end, one of the lost souls has begun to find his way back because of it. In the end he helped you realize that your friends and family are one in the same. No matter what path you take they will love you all the same.”
The light that shown above them turned into a bud that bloomed.
“For this your Core is that of Connection, though your magic leans that towards the Guardian it does not mean that your connection with plants is any different. Both of these show a pony that is willing to lay down their own life to defend the ones that you love. Your connection with rock and stone will help you become a stalwart protector. Stay true to yourself Applejack and remember your friends are there to help you when you stumble and fall.”
Applejack blushed at that, but she was glad that she wouldn’t lose her connection with plants. It was strange but it seemed like the Cores and Specializations were there to help but not hinder. She was beginning to realize just how restricted Aqua Star was because of how she was taught. Something she was realizing was unfair towards the Unicorn.
“For you I grant unto you the Gift of Honesty.”
The light above the both of them changed showing an image of Applejack looking around. “You will know when falsehoods are uttered, no illusion or secret will escape your notice. Under your touch anyone or any object will show its history and past.”
Harmonia looked at all of the ponies seriously. “Mark well and listen. I will not tell you how to control these abilities, it is up to you how they are shaped and defined.”
The ponies nodded their heads in understanding. Twilight was curious as to what gift she was going to receive. The image vanished and Harmonia moved on. Fluttershy letting out a squeak when she was approached next. Harmonia smiled at her kindly and Fluttershy glanced up at her relaxing as she saw her appearance. Twilight wondered if it was because she looked more like a deer than anything.
“Fluttershy, Bearer of Kindness,” Harmonia chuckled as she patted Fluttershy on the head before touching her hoof to Fluttershy’s chest. “I see why Discord could never change you when you first met him and why he lost by forcing change upon you. You accept yourself: strengths, weaknesses, flaws, and gifts. You know your limits but you are willing to break those limits. No matter what creature you will show them kindness, even if they are aggressive, you know when to put an end to this.”
Three lights appeared above Fluttershy. “You do not have a single magic that you are connected in but all three Cores, with a slight leaning towards the Glider Core.”
As Fluttershy appeared in the center of the lights they took the form of a Hummingbird, an Eagle, and a Raven. Harmonia leaned in and whispered into her ear. ‘The slight leaning is because you have two specializations instead of one: Nature Guardian and Sentinel. This will cause some growth to your wings so they will become larger. It will be painful and I am sorry.”
Fluttereshy’s eyes widened as she made a small sound but whispered back. “I’ll be fine.” Harmonia nodded her head. “To you Fluttershy I give the Gift of Kindness. You are able to sense those who are injured and find out what it is that needs to be mended. As well as the ability to warp the perception of others in order to hide, your natural stealth will also be increased, and there will be moments of actual invisibility.”
This caused Fluttershy to squeak as Harmonia moved on to Pinkie Pie. Twilight noticed that the blue gem was glowing as Pinkie Pie was right next to her. “Pinkie Pie, Bearer of Laughter, it has been a long time my friend.”
“Yup!” Pinkie Pie replied and Twilight turned her attention towards her, eyes narrowing. “You see, I thought she was an imaginary friend right after I thought up after I threw my first party! Apparently she had seen us all but contacted me because of my innate ability.”
“Pinkie Pie, spoilers,” Harmonia chided half heartedly, stifling a chuckle as the image of a bud blooming and vines shooting out of it was shown. “You hold both a Connection and an Agility Core. Forging connections with each other and quick on your hooves, I am not surprised. However you do need to remember to calm down and pay attention to your surroundings. The specializations that you are close to are the Thief and Brewer specialization. An Alchemist if you will.”
“Ooooh, potions,” Pinkie Pie said before looking at Aqua Star, the image above her changing to Pinkie and another pony. “We can be potion buddies!”
“I’ll teach you what I know,” Aqua Star responded, trying to not show her excitement at the thought. Harmonia nodded her head before continuing. “My gift to you is the remaining half of the Gift of Laughter. From the moment you were born into the world you held half of this gift, insight and danger sense. Now I bestow upon you the rest. You will know the likes and dislikes of a creature and can glimpse into the future. Not the full future but the path someone is taking and the result of it.”
“Well I’m not going to use the first gift as often because that is just party planning cheating, but it will be useful in some situations if there is a communication barrier,” Pinkie Pie mused as she thought about it. “Thank you friend!”
Harmonia smiled before walking towards Rarity who was most definitely taking inspiration from the spirit. “Rarity, Bearer of Generosity, like Pinkie Pie you have a split core as well.”
The image that appeared above them was of Rarity, a black mist rising above her towards a circle with a dot in the middle. “You bear a Shadow Core and a Light Core. Two opposites that seemingly will not mix with each other but when the Unicorn keeps balanced both can be used wisely.”
Rarity glanced up to see bats flying out of the mist circling the ring and the dot morphing into a cross. It was one that was seen at the hospitals. “As for the magics that you would normally be talented in are the Nosferatu and the Healer. Two opposite sides of the same coin. While those talented as a Nosferatu would heal themselves with the powers of shadows. Those who are consumed by corruption will use blood instead of the shadows.”
Rarity looked a bit put off by the thought of that but Harmonia decided to correct the misconception. “The name was changed by ponies after the Nosferatu began to consume blood, but it had nothing to do with the Core but the demon that the pony changed into. They used to be called Shadow Immortals or Ghosts. They were always known to heal themselves, shapeshift, and travel through the shadows. Healers would use their powers to heal others and never themselves. They were always seen as the epitome of sacrifice, especially on the battlefield. So you are lucky to have this dual core.”
Rarity glanced up at the symbols still feeling a bit unsure but pushed this into the back of her mind for the moment. The image was banished, replaced by an image of Rarity. The green gem was glowing as well.“The gift I am giving to you is the Gift of Generosity. With this gift you are able to understand what a pony needs.”
The image showing Rarity talking with a pony and understanding what they needed to feel comfortable. “Telepathy, to understand a pony better, you will understand why in due time.Lastly you are now able to manipulate gems to your will and be able to communicate through them.”
“Stylish and effective,” Rarity said before smiling and bowing her head in thanks. “Thank you for the Gift.”
“Use and understand it well,” Harmonia told her before moving away. “You will need to learn how to control it on your own.”
Rainbow Dash stood up a bit straighter, having moved to join the others. She looked up at Harmonia excited to see what she was. Harmonia made her wait for a bit, taking her time to place her hoof against Rainbow Dash’s chest. The symbol of the eagle rose up into the air dropping a golden feather. “Rainbow Dash, Bearer of Loyalty. The Core you hold inside of you is known as the Power Core. You are a pony who loves challenges, though your mind does get clouded by the desire to win. Yet instead of choosing to complete the test you turned back to save your friends the moment you were armed. You stand for what is right, a leader. It is also why you hold the talent of a Justicar. The leader that protects.”
Rainbow Dash glanced at her wings before looking at Harmonia wanting to ask yet the spirit stopped her. “No, your wings will not change, the Power Core retains the natural appearance of the Pegasi’s wings. Normally an average wingspan.”
Rainbow Dash let out a sigh of relief thankful that her flying wouldn’t be affected. Then she realized that Fluttershy’s Cores would most likely affect her. This thought did worry her but Fluttershy seemed to alright at the moment.
“For you I grant the Gift of Loyalty,” Harmonia continued, the red gem glowing. “You are able to sense and bring forth the loyalties of others. Now you can use your magic to block and deflect ranged attacks….”
Harmonia paused considering her next words. “Which will be, more often than not, magical in nature.”
“Sweet,” Rainbow Dash grinned thinking about trying it out the moment they got back. Harmonia gave her a silent look of warning before approaching Twilight. “Princess Twilight Sparkle, Bearer of Magic, you will find your purpose as a Princess. The Core you once had as an Unicorn still holds the same magic. An Arcane Core with the power of a Mage.”
Aqua Star nodded her head, Twilight did have the personality of a typical Mage, even Sirius had a few of those traits. Then the remaining magenta gem glowed. “For you I grant you the Gift of Magic and a secret gift for your ascension to becoming an Alicorn. The Gift of Magic is one you will not have to unlock on your own. You no longer require the use of your horn to cast magic. Alongside this any spell that you have seen you can now copy and place it into an object of your choosing. This object will have to be on hoof and you should study it as soon as possible. The other gift you will have to make your way as a Princess before the other will unlock for you.”
“Would you happen to know what is in the box that was produced by the Tree of Harmony?” Twilight asked with a shy smile and Harmonia gave her a smile that resembled Celestia’s.
“I can not tell you Princess, nor can I tell you how to open it. This is your journey, a quest for all of you. The quest giver can not simply reveal the end of the journey now can they?” Harmonia waved her hoof at the look of confusion on the ponies’ faces. “Ask Discord… he might tell you the story. My last gift for you are these Spirit Stones. Strong spirits have bound themselves to you willingly. Some unknowingly. These stones will connect you to them when you are in need of guidance. May you and these gifts you are given grow.”
“Thank you,” the girls told her, each one turning into a ball of light and rising upwards. All except for Twilight Sparkle.
“A moment of your time,” Harmonia said and Twilight looked at her in confusion before nodding her head. “My other half, the Tree of Harmony, will test you further with the other Great Spirits. These trials will be hard one each one of you. It will test your resolve as a Bearer of Harmony.”
Twilight was startled wondering why Harmonia was telling her this, then realized that Harmonia and the Tree of Harmony were one. Her mind was filled with questions but refrained from asking them as the spirit continued. “However I too would have tasks for you to fulfill and each one would take the rest of you to the place of the tests. I am telling you in order to set some rules and restrictions in place.”
Twilight nodded her head, wanting to pull out a quill and paper out to take down notes. “These are two simple but hard rules. The first is that you must finish the task. The second is to not interfere with the trials no matter how harsh they seem. You will be returned to the same moment and place in time that you were at in order to not cause mass confusion or panic.”
“That… makes sense,” Twilight admitted, looking conflicted at the thoughts. “So no matter what we see our friends go through we can’t help?”
“You can’t interfere, help would mean to give them aid in a dire situation.” Harmonia knew she had to make this distinction. “Interfering would mean stopping them from going into a situation because you don’t want to get them hurt despite it being their own decision.”
This made Twilight feel a little bit better. “Why are you telling me this?”
“Because this is the duty of a leader,” Harmonia told her, lifting up Twilight’s chin gently. “To your friends you are their leader and being a leader is to often keep those that follow them in line. I once never made that distinction and it caused the downfall or death of many heroes… as well contributed to the tribes dividing themselves. All because I knew that the truth to the answer they were looking for would cause too much damage… among many other things that I regret doing.”
Twilight’s breath hitched before saying honestly. “Thank you for telling me this, Lady Harmonia.”
“Please, just Harmonia,” was the last thing Twilight heard before she felt herself flying upwards as well.
The floor shook as Twilight opened her eyes. She saw Pinkie’s hooves bouncing up and down as the party pony shouted. “We’re back!”
“We can tell sugarcube,” Applejack replied as she grabbed her head. “I know that Aqua Star said we were in the Core Realm but Ah don’t fully understand.”
“She can still explain,” Rainbow Dash said, nudging at Aqua Star who was still unconscious. “Why isn’t she waking up?”
“I don’t think she’s going to wake up anytime soon,” Fluttershy pointed out as she fished out a blanket from her bag and placed it over her. “These seats are really comfortable.”
“Why don’t we ask that pony?” Pinkie Pie suggested pointing towards a hooded figure munching on some nuts. There were gold eyes peering out from under the cloak. Rainbow Dash frowned as she looked over at the other pony. “You weren’t here before!” she said and the stranger laughed. “Sure I was!”
“Darling, we would have seen you,” Rarity spoke, noticing that the eyes gleamed in interest before the stranger lifted up a split hoof pointing at the ceiling. “I was up there!”
“We would have noticed that!” commented Applejack as she moved closer. The hood glowed with magic as it was removed revealing the same creature as Harmonia, yet instead of a white coat it was red. “Who are ye? What are ye? Are you like Harmonia?”
“Hi, my name is Lethoras,” the stranger introduced himself, complete with a bow. “I am a travelling Halla, similar to your deer except larger and both male and female have horns. No I am not like Harmonia, I’m flesh and blood you see. I go around from place to place selling my wares because I don’t do much as a Guardian. Oooh I’m also a Guardian, I was chosen by one of the Great Spirits to connect with the ponies and watch over them….”
Rarity and Applejack shared a look before turning to look at Fluttershy as Lethoras rambled in the background.
“Though now since they are in their confined form I go around and sell my knick knacks…”
“Are you going to ask him?” Applejack asked, looking at Twilight who had a shocked look on her face that there was somepony who could talk as much as Pinkie Pie.
“...Finding portals to other worlds….”
“I don’t think we should interrupt him,” Fluttershy pointed out, he seemed to be having a lot of fun.
“...Hanging around with….” the sentence was cut off as Rainbow Dash asked. “Who do you work for?”
“...Discord,” Lethoras answered and all the girls looked confused. Except for Pinkie Pie, she was trying to get the snack nuts from him.
“Wait, were you answering her question or finishing your sentence?” It was Applejack who asked the question as Lethoras passed his nuts off to Pinkie Pie as he said. “Yes.”
Rainbow Dash let out a noise of strangled irritation and Twilight shot her a look. “Alright, where were we?”
“I call it the Fade, Emerald Dream….” Lethoras started to list the different names it went by before looking at Aqua Star. “Those from her time call it the Core Realm. You see, it is a place of dreams and spirits, what better place to find yourself than within your own dream? Though unlike where I was from, your magic isn’t connected to your dreams. It is just a way for the test to happen.”
“What happened to us in there?” it was Rarity’s turn to ask the question and Lethoras looked at her before explaining. “You found your Core and helped some old friends along the way. You got your Gifts from Harmonia which you really should have paid attention to. It will come into play sooner or later.”
“So we weren’t in any real danger?” Fluttershy asked as hope began to rise, until Pinkie bounced by saying. “Nope! We were!”
“Pinkie is right,” Lethoras said as he looked at each of them. “You see, you may not have been there physically but your mind was still aware of everything. What do you think would have happened if they destroyed you there? Your mind and spirit would have been gone and your body open for any of those lost souls to enter. Not true demons but still really dangerous.”
His horns glowed as a bag of popcorn appeared out of nowhere observing all of them. “Say, have any of you time travelled recently? Looking at you Applejack, you used some powers that you don’t have access to, yet.”
“How do you know our names?” Rainbow Dash pointed out and Lethoras glanced at her. Applejack piped up trying to keep her friend at bay. “We must have mentioned them at one point. He seemed to have observed our actions within the Core Realm.”
“Nah, Rarity told me,” Lethoras explained, munching on the snack and earning a confused look from Rarity. “Not you, not yet anyways.”
Rarity began to nod her head before looking back at him as he continued to talk. “Not sure when, we kind of meet out of order and when we did meet my mind was doing worse than usual. Now onto the other reasons why I’m here.”
The popcorn vanished in fire. “Now that you have access to your Cores, you are going to have to train yourself to access the magic deep within. There are layers that you will have to break through but I’m pretty sure there is a book on it.”
“There is a book?” Twilight seemed to perk at the mention of it. “I don’t remember there being a book in the Canterlot library.”
“It’s not in the Canterlot library,” Lethoras told her as he moved past her. “The only copy was given to only one creature and I’m not telling you where it is. It’ll ruin the surprise!”
He tapped Twilight’s snout with his hoof laughing. “Now onto the next order of business!”
Lethoras brought the hoof away from Twilight’s face and slammed it on the ground. A light shown from each of the heroes chests before a crystal exited each of them. “Soul Stones.”
Lethoras moved to examine them, carefully, with a device as he nodded his head. “Yup, yup, still not fully formed. You have a connection to these spirits but no real bond.”
“What are you talking about?” Rainbow Dash groaned not wanting to deal with this creature anymore. Lethoras looked at each of them. “The spirits that you met! The wayward souls! You made a connection with them but no bond.”
He pointed a hoof at Aqua Star. “Sleepy over there knows of a binding spell but it isn’t really the best thing to use for such unstable souls. Infact with how unicorns made that spell it is more likely to change them into demons then back into nice and stable spirits. Thankfully Sleepy got the corrected spell from her friend’s teacher.”
A look of sadness flashed over Lethoras’ face. “Poor thing though, because the Unicorns of her day were so paranoid they kept even their own people bound to learn only the magics related to their Core.”
“I want to help her,” Twilight sighed, she was finding that she really didn’t want to look into other Unicorns at the time. It was slowly becoming less and less of the era that defeated Sombra with Celestia and Luna and more of a time that Sombra seemed to have a right to hate. With how Unicorns were, Aqua Star had mentioned that there was some good. ‘Sirius.’ she thought, she wanted to look through all of the history books just to find out what happened to Aqua Star’s younger brother.
“Since we have a little bit of time before we arrive at our destination,” Lethoras said looking out the window. “I can get you started on your spirit binding journey.”
The halla laughed a huge grin on his face before he tapped his hoof against the ground. The crystal glowed once more and all in the train car fell asleep. A purple mist extended from Aqua Star’s eyes as they slid open revealing green sclera. A hiss left her mouth as she climbed to her feet before she began to cough. A thick shadow exited her mouth dripping to the ground as she fell down once more. The shadow began to take form. A transparent dark grey hoof hit the ground right by Twilight’s head gazing downwards with red eyes and bright green sclera. There was a low growl as the hoof slammed towards Twilight’s head only to be deflected. Snarling the shadow looked at Aqua Star as she stood up limply and opened a window. The shadow approached her and whispered. “I will claim the rest of my magic.”
The figure turned into a shadowy magic flying out of the window. Aqua Star’s eyes returned to normal as she blinked looking at the unconscious ponies around her then to Lethoras. She sighed slightly before settling in watching the scenery pass.
“Why does this place look different?” Applejack asked as she peered around. It looked like a large arena of some sorts. Lethoras turned to look at her saying. “Because this is my area in this realm. Most of the demons leave me alone.”
Twilight looked at her friends Lethoras spun around before his hooves hit the ground as the spirits appeared in front of them. Twilight’s eyes widened as she saw Fen’Harel standing a distance away from her. Lethoras glanced over at him before walking over and pushing him towards Twilight. Fen’Harel growled but didn’t snap at him as Lethoras returned to his spot saying. “Well then, let’s get started. The safest way to start strengthening your Spirit Stones is to get to know your bound spirit. It is much easier here and don’t worry, they’re not allowed to attack each other doing so would risk you. We all know that the ones you are bound to wouldn’t put innocents in danger. Rarity why don’t you begin! Introduce yourself to your new friend!”
“I am going to ask how in Equestria you know my name… after this.” Rarity said before looking forward towards the large black panther noticing glistening scales in patches. “Hello there, my name is Rarity and what shall I call you… dear sir?”
“You can call me Sparkler for now.” the panther replied, raising a brow ridge as he sat down, his tail moving across the ground. “So tell me, Rarity, what is it you wish to know?”
“To be honest I am more interested in fashion, so if you have any tips I will be grateful for them.” Rarity commented and a large smile grew on Sparkler’s face sending shivers down her spine.
“Well my dear, leather and belts are always in fashion but I think I can help you with some ideas.” Sparkler replied as he watched Rarity with grey eyes. She saw the emotions swirling around them but they were clearer than before. She knew she would be able to get along with this spirit quite nicely.
Aqua Star set down one of the books from one of the large bags of journals Twilight was taking back to Ponyville. She sighed as she saw Ponyville approaching, before looking at the sleeping ponies. They were all mumbling in their sleep and she decided now was the time to wake them. She approached Twilight first nudging her with her hoof saying quietly. “Princess Twilight, we are almost to Ponyville.”
“You’re right, it is almost time to wake them!” spoke Lethoras causing her to look at him. “Eh, they were having conversations and I got bored so I woke up.”
“You are a Guardian. You are the one who activated the Spirit Crystal.” Aqua Star pointed out and Lethoras nodded his head. “Why?”
“Mostly because I was asked to and because I was bored.” Lethoras answered and Aqua Star raised an eyebrow. “What? I get bored easily now that I’m sane and fully connected to the Fa… Core Realm.”
“You can call it by the name you know it as, I think I will be able to figure it out.” Aqua Star told him just as Pinkie went flying from her seat shouting. “WE’RE ALMOST THERE! WAKE UP!”
All the other ponies began to rouse and Aqua Star cast a suspicious look towards Lethoras just as the train came to a stop. Aqua Star was about to bolt at the screech of the brakes, though it felt like her hooves were glued to the ground. She glanced back at Lethoras who was already grabbing his bags and walking off. Twilight approached Aqua Star with an offer. “Would you like me to teach you basic magic?”
“That… yes,” Aqua Star admitted feeling her hooves unstick from the floor of the train as she walked out. “I think that would be most helpful.
“Can you tell me one thing? Do you know about a large library with books that not even the Royal Canterlot Library doesn’t have?” Twilight asked as they walked off the train, Aqua Star stared at her saying. “Only in rumor, I wasn’t able to find it.”
Twilight pouted for a moment, but she shook off her irritation as they began their tour of Ponyville. Aqua Star seemed rather cautious at first, but seemed to relax when she saw the other ponies continue with their day. Some actually were staring more at the scars on her person rather than her height.
“Well, I think I can help you with practicing general magic,” Twilight said as Aqua Star caught up as Pinkie pointed out multiple places at once. “Ooooh, there’s one of the old antique shops!”
“Antiques?” Aqua Star asked as she walked over to one of the boarded up windows.
“Yup, closed down shortly after Twilight got here, bringing us down to one,” Applejack explained as Aqua Star approached it. “It sure seems to suit ya! You know, with all your knowledge of history and all that. The only problem is… ponies are callin’ it haunted.”
“Haunted? We shall see,” Aqua Star walked towards the building causing the others to look at each other before following after her. “Are you sure? It could be.”
“Well if that’s the case, then you are still going to need some backup. It’s always best to have friends by your side rather than waiting outside,” Twilight told her, earning a surprised look from Aqua Star. Twilight smiled as she opened the door allowing Aqua Star and the others to walk in. The area was dark before a silver light surrounded Aqua Star’s horn as a small light appeared above her. The ponies glanced around at the broken shelves as they moved forward. Twilight’s hoof hit something causing her to jump. The sound of glass caught everyone’s attention as they looked at what Twilight kicked. A potion bottle. Leaning down, Twilight examined it before noticing a dried pink substance on the ground. She sniffed once before recoiling.
“Is that what I think it is?” Twilight asked and Aqua Star looked at it before nodding her head. “The Love Poison that ruined an entire kingdom.”
“There is enough here to cause the entirety of Ponyville to fall,” Twilight gasped before looking around. “But… most of these vials are empty. It can’t be affecting the ponies, there has been no sign that anyone is under its influence.”
“It gives the illusion of love to ponies. It could have another purpose,” mused Aqua Star before her ears perked catching the sound of something moving. “Who is there?”
“Just us, silly!” Pinkie pointed out before pointing her hoof towards each creature in the area with them. “There’s you, me, Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity!”
“Wait… what?” Applejack looked next to her, seeing another her causing her to yelp as green flames surrounded it revealing a….
“Changeling!” shouted Rainbow Dash trying to tackle the creature only for a hoof to hit her head as it took off. “Hey!”
The Changeling hissed before diving towards Fluttershy who dropped to the floor covering her head. It snatched up one of the bottles, drinking the contents deeply.
“How fascinating, it is using the Love Poison to keep itself sustained. That can not be good for it,” Aqua Star mused as the Changeling swooped at the ponies again. Rainbow Dash let out a frustrated growl. “Now is not the time. If you’ve got something to deal with it, then use it! We can’t let a Changeling into Ponyville.”
“It seems to have been here a while, meaning it couldn’t feed off the ponies without getting caught. Using the Love Poison it probably sustained itself but it isn’t good for the Changeling,” Aqua Star pointed out before placing a barrier around the potion vials as the Changeling crashed into it. “There.”
A silver barrier wrapped around the Changeling, trapping it as she approached. The other ponies just stared at the Changeling, a frown growing on Twilight’s face.
“What are we going to do with it?” she wondered looking at her friends.
“Turn it over to Celestia of course,” answered Rarity, keeping away from it as Aqua Star dropped to the floor looking at it. “Aqua Star, darling, I wouldn’t be so close to it.”
“Look into my eyes,” instructed Aqua Star looking at the Changeling head on. “Tell me your name.”
“What are you doing?” Twilight asked just as the Changeling locked eyes with Aqua Star saying. “Chitin.”
“Wait… what’s going on here?” Applejack asked just as Aqua Star’s horn lit up. “What’s she doing?”
“I think this is the binding spell!” Twilight answered loudly.
“I kind of figured. Why’s she using it on the Changeling?” The confusion in Applejack’s voice was strong.
“It is either that or let him starve,” whispered Fluttershy, causing the other ponies to look at her. “The Love Poison is both a blessing and curse to starving Changelings. They can use it to sustain themselves, but they can become dependent on it. Soon they’ll crave it and ignore what sustains them. By creating a bond, she might be helping him. He will feed off of her and only her, therefore keeping the ponies safe.”
“I’m not sure if that is a good idea. I mean, what happens if Aqua Star… dies?” Applejack pointed out and Twilight glanced at the two saying. “I don’t know, but this is her decision. All we can do is keep an eye on it.”
Green flames surrounded Chitin as he slowly transformed into a black unicorn colt with eyes matching Aqua Star’s. His eyes slid shut before the Changeling collapsed to the ground. Aqua Star reached out a hoof and stroked the light grey mane as the other ponies ran up to them.
“I still think we should turn him over to Celestia and the Royal Guard,” Rainbow told her and Aqua Star shook her head saying. “I want to study him first and I want to stay here. Also if anyone is going to tell the Princesses about this, it should be me. I am the one claiming responsibility for him after all.”
“Just be sure to do it before you get in over your head,” Twilight told her before looking around. “Are you going to need any help cleaning up?”
“No, Princess Twilight, I shall be fine. If you want to help me… perhaps you can help me learn basic magic. I think it is time to learn what was denied to me,” Aqua Star told her and Twilight nodded her head with a smile. Her eyes held worry deep within them before she turned around and left. She couldn’t help but glance over her shoulder wondering what kind of connection was made. Why the Changeling took on the form that it did. Why Aqua Star seemed to hold such sadness and joy in her eyes when she looked upon the disguise.
“I hope she knows what she’s doing. Changelings are nasty.” grumbled Rainbow Dash looking over her shoulder. “I mean, there’s nothing good about having the same face.”
The six mares all muttered in agreement, yet something caught Rarity’s attention.
“Is that her? It can’t be… did she used to think that way before meeting them?”
Rarity’s eyes locked onto a Pegasus stallion with a small scar over his right eye. She was about to say something when Pinkie Pie bounced up in front of her. “So! What do you think we should do for Aqua Star’s welcoming party?”
“I think we should hold off on the parties until after she has a chance to settle in,” Rarity told her seeing the pegasi walking off. She made a mental note to find him later and have a chat with him.
“What did… did you do to me?” snapped Chitin glaring at Aqua Star as she began to clean up what she could. Aqua Star glanced at him before walking over and placing a hoof against his head.
“Hmmm. You need to feed. Come here,” Aqua Star pulled him into a hug as she squeezed her eyes shut. Chitin struggled before his horn glowed green and a pink mist was drawn into his mouth. He snapped his mouth shut once he felt full. It didn’t take too long and he glanced at Aqua Star who appeared to be paler than usual.
“I bound you to me, you would have killed yourself on those Love Poisons. This way you can have your natural food source and I can keep an eye on you,” explained Aqua Star as she released him. “We’re going to need to give you an alias during your time in Ponyville.”
“Is that why you showed me that image in my head? Who was that?” Chitin scoffed before walking after her and forcing her into a chair. “Stay there, I’ll clean up. Can’t have my food collapsing any minute now.”
Aqua Star hid a smile before she looked out the window saying. “My younger brother, Sirius.”
“Wouldn’t the other ponies find that suspicious? What if he comes to visit?” Chitin questioned and Aqua Star shook her head. “Not that close to your family?”
“They are long dead,” the answer caused an awkward silence before Chitin continued to sweep. He glanced at her then back to the floor trying to distract himself. He knew he shouldn’t care, she was just food.
“Comet… I’ll go by Comet. I just don’t want to get caught, alright? Hey! What are you doing? No hugs!”
It was almost dark when Twilight walked into the library, Spike was curled up in his basket reading a book. Twilight smiled as she walked up to him to see if it was a book he was reading or if he was hiding a comic behind him.
“Dragonology Book One: Discovering the Noble Heart,” Twilight read aloud causing Spike to jump. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this book.”
Spike looked at the book in his talons before looking at Twilight guilt upon his features before he said. “After you left, a bright blue flame took a book away. I chased after it into the Everfree Forest and while I was in there I found a huge cavern filled with books. Inside of it was a dragon… who lent it.”
“A library guarded by a dragon?” Twilight blinked before she thought about it. “No way! You were actually there?”
“Yeah, how did you know about it?” Spike asked and Twilight laughed as she laid on her bed saying. “It seems like we both had adventures today.”
The sun was just rising over Equestria as a black mist flew through the air. It headed to the mountains close to the Crystal Empire. It seemed to search the stone face until it found a horn embedded in the rock. Wrapping around it the black mist pulled it out before sinking into the red horn causing it to glow. It hovered in the air before a shape burst forth from it. Dark grey hooves touched the ground as red eyes opened.
“I was close… so close to taking the Heart!” Sombra growled his red eyes glancing around at the mountain. He spotted a cave in the face, his form turned into mist before reforming inside. He glanced around at the thick ice lining the walls.
“This will do, for now. I will take my time, recollect my power and strike.” he hissed looking at his reflection. “How have I returned?”
He lifted a hoof and touched his chest feeling a familiar magic.
“This….” a chilling grin grew across Sombra’s face when he realized what was happening. “She has returned. This is excellent, I shall take back my magic from her and I will have enough power to claim my rightful Empire.”
“Sombra.” Sombra saw six glowing red eyes appear in his reflection.
“I have not forgotten my promise. You will be released,” Sombra stated before moving deeper into the cave. “For now I require my full strength if I am to face both your enemies and mine.”
Sombra knew he was only stalling, Abyssia’s hold over him was too strong that he couldn’t deny her will for long. If only he could break this connection between her and the Corrupted. Then he would be free to do whatever he wished.
Aqua Star yawned as she opened her eyes, a familiar black unicorn was standing in front of her. Aqua Star merely tried to search for her pillow.
“Not going to work, pony, I have taken all of your pillows,” Chitin laughed and Aqua Star booped his nose with her hoof causing him to fall backwards. “What was that for?! Are you even awake?”
“Not nearly enough for this,” Aqua Star yawned before rolling over. “I have not slept in a bed for so long. Just five more minutes.”
“Fine,” huffed Chitin before walking out of the room and down the stairs. “Don’t blame me if the store is in shambles when you wake up.”
He walked downstairs grumbling as he levitated a broom to him. “What is with her? Yesterday she was so solem and stoic. Now, it’s like she just doesn’t care. Ugh, I’m hungry. Why couldn’t she have just chosen a house first and then the antique shop?”
There was a knocking on the door causing Chitin to stare at it before walking over and opening it. There stood Rarity and Fluttershy both looking equally surprised to see him standing there.
“Oh! Chitin… was it? I thought Aqua Star would be up by now,” Rarity said, earning an eye roll from Chitin. “May I ask if she’s up?”
“Still asleep, something about not having slept in a bed for a long time,” Chitin replied before stepping aside to let them in. “I’ll try to wake her up. Oh, call me Comet while we’re in civilized company. It’s an alias, I don’t want to get caught.”
“Then you should really do something about that attitude of yours, young colt,” Rarity told him, earning another eye roll. “Honestly I don’t even have this much to deal with when Sweetie Belle visits.”
Chitin just stared at her before stepping to the side and both walked in. He shut the door before walking back to the stairs. “I’ll get her up. Wait here.”
Rarity watched as the Changeling walked up the stairs. There was the sound of running and then a slamming sound. There was the muffled noise of talking before the sound of somepony walking to the stairs. They glanced at each other before looking back at the stairs again as Aqua Star walked down with Chitin on her back.
“Apologies, I was not aware that we had guests. I hope you were not waiting for too long,” Aqua Star spoke and Rarity smiled. “Oh no, not long at all. We were just wondering if you and Chitin would join us for breakfast.”
“We would love to.”
“Already ate.”
Fluttershy glanced between the two as Aqua Star gave Chitin a stern as he said. “Hey, I don’t like Equestrian food.”
“You are going to have to get used to eating it if you don’t want to get caught,” Aqua Star informed him, earning a pout. “Come now, it will not be that bad.”
“You tell me this now,” grumbled Chitin before heading out the door with the ponies. His ears flickered as he heard a strange static sound before it was silenced when the door was fully shut.
Aqua Star didn’t realize how awkward eating with a Changeling would be as both Fluttershy and Rarity sat in an uncomfortable silence. One that Aqua Star was determined to break. “Tell me Rarity or Fluttershy, does Ponyville have any ruins close by?”
“Oh, there are plenty inside the Everfree Forest. The most notable one is known as the Castle of the Two Sisters. It is where Luna and Celestia resided before the construction of Canterlot,” Rarity started before munching on her food. Aqua Star thanked the waiter politely before digging in as well. Rarity glanced over while taking a sip of tea before noticing the stallion from the day before. He was poking at his food as an Earth Pony walked over. He smiled at her and she smiled back taking a seat in front of them.
“Is something wrong, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked quietly and Rarity glanced over to the shy pony saying. “That stallion, do you recognize him at all?”
“No, but I don’t know everypony,” muttered Fluttershy almost as a reminder of what she was like. Aqua Star observed them carefully pointing out. “He is a warrior, perhaps a visitor.”
Rarity glanced at the two again before spotting what Aqua Star did. The stallion’s right forehoof was missing, replaced by a prosthetic. Another pony approached, a unicorn stallion, and seemed to greet them. Looking away Rarity tried to focus on a conversation that Aqua Star started about the Castle of the Two Sisters.
“Do you know how old the castle is?”
“He seems upset about something.”
“Not really, we believe that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have lived there for quite a while though.”
“If it is her, something must have happened for her to forget everything. There has to be a way to get her to remember.”
“It should not be a problem if I take a look around, correct?”
“He’s planning something, I can sense it. Knowing him, he’s about to do something stupid.”
“I don’t recognize those ponies… I should go say hello! No Pinkie, you promised to help Applejack and Rainbow Dash to keep score for their ‘Most Daring Pony’ competition. Awww why can’t I just clone myself again?”
“Ugh, how do ponies even eat this stuff?”
“Oh, there’s Fluttershy, I should go say hello… I shouldn’t interrupt their conversation.”
“Is she alright?”
“I can sense someone listening in.”
“Is that her?”
“I hope my other half explained their gifts properly. I miss being whole.”
“I can sense her.”
White eyes surrounded by ashen skin snapped open.
“Rarity!” Fluttesrhy’s voice snapped Rarity from her thoughts before she blinked and looked at the others. Concern was written on most of their faces, Chitin was the only who differed with a blank expression.
“Are you alright?” inquired Aqua Star moving up next to Rarity. “I can go find a healer.”
“No, I’m quite alright… I think I just experienced part of the “Gift” that Harmonia gave me. I just need to get it under control.” Rarity replied before taking a sip of her tea. “Fluttershy, have… Fluttershy?”
Rarity looked around for her friend and Fluttershy called out softly. “I’m here, I think in my panic I warped everyponies’ perception causing me to be hidden.”
Rarity shook her head, uttering under her breath. “This is ridiculous. I need to work and this will cause unnecessary distractions. Perhaps a walk will do me some good.”
Rarity stood up from her spot and set a few bits down on the table saying. “It’s on me.”
“Thank you,” Aqua Star said with a nod of her head before looking at Fluttershy. “Are all of you going to be alright?”
“I think so, I think we just need to learn how to get them under control,” answered Fluttershy before looking at Aqua Star. “So, are you going to explore the castle ruins?”
“Well of course. It seems fascinating,” Aqua Star told Fluttershy as she finished up her meal. “That was delicious, thank you and can you thank Rarity for me. Perhaps I will come later and give each of you a copy of Harmonia’s description of your gifts if that would help.”
“I think it would, thank you,” Fluttershy replied as Aqua Star climbed to her hooves glancing at Chitin.
“Finish,” she ordered and the Changeling glared at her before gulping down the rest of his meal quickly. Nodding her head, Aqua Star moved away with him following.
“They really are interesting,” Fluttershy mused as she sipped her tea, ponies whispered around her and she began to feel nervous. What she didn’t notice was a stranger wearing armor was behind her. The stranger glanced in her direction, walked over, and picked up a small strange creature placing it on his back before walking away. Once she was done Fluttershy decided to go see how Rarity was doing, after visiting the hospital for a balm for her aching wings. This wasn’t because of the stares. ‘Not at all… maybe.’ Fluttershy thought.
Aqua Star walked back into her store and glanced around before picking up her saddle bag. Chitin looked around the shop asking. “Is it alright to just leave it like this?”
“I will have to find something else to sell other than antiques and books. Perhaps visiting the Castle of the Two Sisters will give me an idea,” answered Aqua Star as she made sure she had what she needed. “Also I am going to need to practice basic magic, I can not have you cleaning the store all the time.”
“Good, because I’m not going to be around here all the time,” Chitin replied as he got himself comfortable. “Have fun.”
Aqua Star was about to say something but chose to pat Chitin on the head saying. “Suit yourself, just remember, I have gotten rid of all the Love Poison bottles.”
“Great,” mumbled Chitin before grabbing a book from the shelf and decided to keep himself entertained. Aqua Star smiled at him before leaving, making sure to shut the door behind her. His ears flickered as that strange static noise started again. This time followed by some music. He leaned back and closed his eyes listening to it not really curious enough at this point to investigate.
The trip through the Everfree Forest had Aqua Star on guard. She had nearly run into cockatrice and almost into a patch of blue flowers. Thankfully a pony called Zecora had pointed her in the right direction. ‘It is interesting that she spoke in riddles and the fact that she has stripes.’ mused Aqua Star as she spotted the ruins across a bridge. Walking across she smiled happily to see that they were mostly intact.
“Time to see what secrets you have,” she spoke out loud, she reached back with her front hooves and pulled her mane into a ponytail. She had seen the style when she went out with Rarity and Fluttershy deciding to give it a try. Once it was set Aqua Star ventured into the ruins marveling at the tapestries and the grand hallway.
“This place is amazing,” she breathed as she walked down one of the halls making sure to examine everything carefully. She could tell that the gift granted to her was working, she could almost feel the pages being filled. That was when she spotted a shadow moving from the corner of her eye. Her head turned, seeing familiar red eyes and green sclera.
“You!” she breathed before chasing it through the doorway and down stairs. She looked around wildly before spotting a blurry pony moving down another hall. Aqua Star slowed down before following cautiously noticing the further down they went the older the structure was. Like it had been rebuilt time and time again, drawings upon the wall became nothing more than charcoal lines. Aqua Star stopped to observe, noticing some were of wolves with what seemed to be constellations drawn into them as well.
“This means something,” she whispered before noticing arcane lines just past them. She moved ahead before finding herself in a large study with books flying around.
“An Arcane Study!” she breathed as she walked in looking around and taking in the sight. “There must be thousands of references and arcane tomes in here. This has to be close to the ancient library or at least made by one of the ancient dragons!”
Aqua Star let out a bit of a squeal because clearing her throat and taking one of the books off the shelf. She smiled as she blew away the dust settling down. Her eyes scanned the page before her brows furrowed in confusion.
“I have asked for this study to be made in secret, here in the ruins of the Castle of the Two Sisters, long since abandoned since the rise of Nightmare Moon. Celestia has left to help build a new capital ever since the fall of Archon; they have decided to name it after the first city of Equestria. Canterlot, yet this does not concern me. Instead I have decided to look into the fall of Princess Luna and the cause. Both of the Princesses are highly magical in nature more so than what has been told about ancient Alicorns. The beings that had long been in debate ever since the appearance of the two princesses. I believe that the Princesses themselves are not just Alicorns but something beyond it as well. Interesting….” Aqua Star read aloud sitting down before continuing to read the pages in silence.
‘The legends of the Ancient Alicorns were known to hold great power. Yet even their abilities of painting the skies and raising the sun were shared amongst the clans according to legends. Yet Princess Celestia and Princess Luna show no sign of fatigue. In fact they seem to embody both the day and night except in personality. At first Luna can seem to be very cautious, hiding within the shadows to watch her sister. Yet she also has energy and passion. Celestia at a glance seems to hold the energy of the day, yet I can see that she has begun to mellow and become gentle. Perhaps this is nothing, yet this could have explained why Luna fell. First I want to look at their connections to the mysterious plane I had travelled to in my youth.
The place I saw had no time, it could have at one point and it must have been a beautiful world. Now grey and strange, not lifeless something was just missing. Yet it seemed to come to life when exposed to the bit of Celestia’s magic that I contained for study, not that she will ever need to know that. Anyways I do not know what to call that plane… the other that I had found in my exploration for magic was a sort of World Between Worlds. All points of time existing at once, people can peer into it but not understand what they see. I can barely understand it myself, yet as I stared into one of the portals through time I found myself being watched by a strange creature. A shaman of sorts, pale like the dead, but the eyes holding many secrets. They beckoned to me and a fear crawled up my spine so I ran back the way I came….’
Aqua Star paused as she noticed the sentence stopped there and flipped through the pages finding nothing except for a strange script that even she could not read. “Oh well, oh this is the book I should have read first. Basic magic for fillies. Don’t know why I didn’t read that one in the first place.”
Aqua Star got comfortable and began to read, making sure to take notes. At the back of her mind something gnawed, there was something familiar about the strange script and the writing style.
It was about noon when other ponies approached the Castle of the Two Sisters. Rarity and Fluttershy were looking for tapestries for inspiration. Rainbow Dash and Applejack looking for a challenge. Twilight and Spike were looking for information about the mysterious box that the Tree of Harmony had produced.
Aqua Star was surrounded by stacks of books not having been aware of the passage of time. Most of them were on general knowledge and theory of magic. ‘Truly fitting for an Arcane Study.’
Her thoughts were interrupted by shouting above her causing her to climb to her hooves. She looked at the books watching them float back to the shelf. She wanted to take one but something told her they were probably enchanted. Frowning, she tapped one of the journals she had been reading watching it lift up and fly back to the shelf. She couldn’t tell if it was a continuation of what she had read previously. Though she did use the theory of magic book to see if it could tell her more about the spell used to tap deeper into the magic of the Cores or not. Sighing, she walked out of the study and found her way back to the main hall of the castle. Though she had exited near the stairs when she was sure she was closer to the entrance.
That was where she saw terrified ponies running around. A small pebble dropped onto her head and she looked up seeing Spike peering over the railing just as Twilight shouted. “Alright, everypony, stop!”
The magic she produced froze everyone in their state as they soon realized that there were more ponies there than just them.
“When did you all get here?” Aqua Star asked, staring at all the ponies and Spike grumbled. “Oh about a half hour ago. Have you been here all morning?”
“I came here after breakfast,” answered Aqua Star shrugging her shoulders as Twilight and her friends chatted for a bit. Her ears perked up when she heard the sound of a mysterious instrument playing. Twilight decided to show the others the source of all the chaos and Aqua Star decided to follow keeping close to the group. Even though Twilight seemed confident, she didn’t trust what she had seen before. Looking behind her she tensed seeing Sombra standing there watching them before vanishing into the shadows. ‘Should I tell them? Or is this just paranoia?’
The pony who was playing the organ turned out to be Pinkie Pie.
The sun was setting upon the forest as Zecora walked to her home basket full of herbs she had found that day. Her ear twitched as she heard a faint noise and she turned her head. “Hello? Is someone there? It would not do you well to give me a scare.”
“Hello? Is someone there? It would not do you well to give me a scare.”
Zecora’s eyes widened as she came upon a field of glowing blue flowers. One flower per long single stalk.
“My eyes, they must deceive. For this cannot be. Legends long past tell of a flower that bloomed, yet it only grew in the dark and gloom. No more did this flower grow, except in caves where it did flower. It would repeat what it spoke. From dreams to funny jokes. The cave collapsed before I could pick, lucky to escape I was from the voices dirty trick. Only once did I see this before, what disaster is in store?”
“Just you wait, Zebra.”
Zecora,’s ears flattened. She grabbed a container, picked the flower quickly and sealed it. She didn’t speak as she rushed to her home.
A week had passed since the Castle of the Two Sisters and Spike was preparing to return the books to Aurora. He had promised after all. He glanced around taking note that Twilight was dealing with Rainbow Dash for a moment. He walked up to her saying. “Hey Twilight, I’m going to return these books.”
“Alright, just be careful. I’m sorry I can’t come with you. Rainbow Dash wants to check on A.K. Yearling because the new Daring Do book isn’t coming out,” sighed Twilight and Spike smiled as he told her. “Alright, just don’t do anything too crazy while I’m not around. Maybe next time you can meet her.”
“Thanks Spike,” Twilight said as Spike walked out of the library and towards the place where he met Aurora.
While he was walking through the Everfree Forest he spotted an unfamiliar pony looking around. Shrugging his shoulders Spike approached not having talked to her before but had seen her with Rarity and Fluttershy. He figured she was new to Ponyville.
“Hello!” he called out, causing the pony to turn around her horn glowing. “Don’t hurt me!”
“Apologies, I was not expecting any other… creature to be in the forest today. Other than the ones who live here,” the pony said before glancing around again. “You were with Twilight last week, were you not?”
“Oh! You’re Aqua Star! Sorry, I didn’t recognize you right away,” Spike explained and Aqua Star shrugged. “That is alright, we did not speak to each other much back then and I have been busy with my shop.”
“Is it alright to leave it alone while you’re exploring the Everfree Forest?” asked Spike and Aqua Star sighed. “I am looking for an ancient library nearby. I found an Arcane study within the Castle of the Two Sisters. It is normally a sign that it was built by an ancient dragon or that there is an ancient library nearby.”
“Oh! I’m heading there now!” Spike exclaimed and Aqua Star looked at him taking a step back and tilting her head to the side. “Do you want to come with me?”
“I would like that,” Aqua Star gave Spike a friendly smile as she walked next to him and the two ventured to the Ancient Library together.
Twilight sighed, not knowing why she had agreed to help Rainbow Dash by finding out A.K. Yearling’s address and go with her. She also wished Spike had stayed a little longer to be the voice of reason she played off of. Looking around Ponyville for someone to watch over the library on a short notice. The pony had to be well read and able to run the library with ease. At first she thought of Aqua Star and Chitin, but when she stopped by the antique shop she noticed that Chitin was in charge and Aqua Star was nowhere to be found. She was on her way back to the library when she bumped into a unicorn. He had been intently shopping when she had run into him.
“Are you alright?” the stallion asked, his voice suggesting that he was from Trottingham as he helped her to her hooves.
“Yeah, sorry,” Twilight replied, blowing her mane out of her face. “Just looking for some pony to watch over the library for me.”
“A library? I can help with that,” the stallion offered and Twilight stared at him for a moment trying to determine if she could trust him. Wording herself wisely she stated. “I’d prefer it if I knew the pony, what’s your name?”
“My name is Kenobi,” the stallion introduced himself, earning a confused look from Twilight. “I am not from around here.”
“I’ve noticed.” Twilight replied before shrugging and leading him to the library. “Let’s see what you can do.”
Kenobi looked at the organized mess that Twilight had left the library in during her research and Rainbow’s last visit. He walked around to each of the shelves, his grey-blue eyes narrowing as he studied how she had organized it previously. The books were lifted in the air as he began his categorization, the books sliding into the shelf with ease. Twilight watched him carefully before her attention shifted to the book placement and nodded her head.
“Alright, you’re perceptive and can adapt to a unique organization system. I’ll be gone for hopefully a few hours... Hopefully,” Twilight told him before rushing out causing Kenobi to sigh walking up to the door. He poked his head outside before glancing to the left seeing a tan colored pegasus leaning against the wall his front hooves crossed over each other.
“Do you think that it was smart giving that name?” the stallion asked uncrossing his hooves and set them on the ground. “What if she tells Rainbow Dash?”
“I don’t think she will, it is most likely that she will view this as a one time request and think nothing of it afterwards,” Kenobi replied before shaking his head. “And I am not giving some ridiculous name, nothing sounds good, Star Glider.”
“I like it and I’m keeping it. If that is our Rainbow Dash I think it won’t be too much longer until she does remember,” Star Glider replied before walking in. “We have to be prepared.”
“I still think that this is a bad idea. We should be waiting until we find the others and not just….” Kenobi was interrupted by Star Glider. “Don’t worry, we’re just taking a look around and getting a feel for the place. I’m not going to blow anything up.”
“That’s what you always say.”
Twilight walked through the woods with her friends, she still thought this was a bad idea. She knew once Rainbow set her mind to something it would be near impossible to talk her out of it. That was when she felt something hit her hoof causing her to stop and look down. It looked like a necklace made from fangs from a wolf. ‘I know this.’ she thought as she picked it up with her magic her mind flashing back to their time in the Core Realm. It was only a glimpse but she was sure she had seen it around the neck of… ‘Fen’harel.’
A snap of a twig caught her attention causing Twilight to jump and look around.
“Come on Twilight!” groaned Rainbow Dash causing Twilight Sparkle to look at Rainbow Dash as she replied. “Rainbow Dash, don’t you see what I mean? Why would she live in this remote part of Equestria except to keep folks from intruding on her privacy? We should respec….”
She was cut off by Rainbow Dash who flew up exclaiming. “I think I spotted the house! We’re super close! This way!”
Rainbow Dash flew forward quickly with the other ponies rushing behind her. Twilight calling out. “Wait!”
She came to a halt seeing the cottage letting out a gasp. “Oh no… what happened?”
The group moved towards the door, Rainbow walking up saying. “Apparently somepony has intruded on her privacy pretty hard already…”
She knocked once only for the door to crash forward beneath her hoof. Rainbow Dash looked at her hoof before walking in. Applejack whistled as she followed looking around. “Hoo-wee, somepony really trashed this place.”
“Hmmm… Maybe,” Pinkie glanced around for a moment before bouncing around. “Or maybe A.K. Yearling is just a terrible, horrible, unbelievable slob!”
“I hope A.K. Yearling is alright,” Rarity said as Applejack touched an object, images rushing through her mind. Twilight was already in panic mode as she began to pace. “Oh no! What if something terrible has happened to her!”
“I know! There might be no more books!” complained Rainbow before turning around and almost bump into Twilight who was giving her an angered look. “Uh… but of course I’d be worried about her, too.”
Rainbow let out an embarrassed laugh but the look from Twilight didn’t fade. “Twilight? Are you… mad at me?”
“Rainbow Dash….” Twilight growled moving forward ready to tell her exactly how she was feeling at the moment when a voice cut in. “What are you all doing here?”
The group turned around to see a mare with a light gold coat and a greytone monochromatic mane fixing them with an irritated look.
“Uh… A.K… Yearling?” Rainbow squeaked, finally seeing her favorite author in person as Twilight said. “We didn’t do this! We swear!”
“So why this forest?” Aqua Star inquired as she looked around the Everfree Forest and Spike shrugged as they neared the cave saying. “I think you’re going to have to ask Aurora that question. I just told her I’d help out and return the book.”
Nodding her head, Aqua Star watched as they walked into the cave, she focused allowing her horn to produce a light.
“Thanks,” Spike replied as they continued on. “So… how are you adapting?”
“I’m still uneasy with everything, though I should not just shirk my responsibilities onto Comet… my assistant. Yet I can not seem to be able to settle. I want to find out what happened while I was sealed,” Aqua Star sighed, shaking her head before looking at Spike. “It is strange in Equestria. Much different from what it used to be. I do not know the cities, even Canterlot is different from what it once was. It was not the home to the castle, it was a major city in trade and commerce, but it was not the capital.”
“What was?” Spike looked at Aqua Star as they entered the main cavern, Aurora answering the question. “Archon, the ancient city of magic. It was the first attempt of showing unity of the three tribes. Crystals found and mined by Earth Ponies would line the paths, yet it didn’t just line the paths and roads. Plots of earth and crystals would be seen floating through the air. So the Pegasi hybrids could live with their families. The Pegasi themselves would contain rain and other parts of the weather and the unicorns would fuse them with the walls. The magic of the unicorns was seen throughout the whole of the city.”
“There was still minor conflict between the tribes, especially with the Unicorns holding onto the secrets of the Core Realm. It did not take away from the beauty of the city, but it did still hurt that Unicorns would do something like that until they forgot,” Aqua Star sighed before looking up and bowing to Aurora who just smiled at her. “Hello, you really don’t have to bow. I might have lived longer, but I don’t really think it should be done. I haven’t done anything to earn that respect.”
Aqua Star climbed to her feet as she looked around. Spike moving forward with the book saying. “I’ve finished reading it, thanks for lending it out to me.”
“Oh, no problem Spike… hey mind showing me Ponyville?” Aurora asked, her form shrinking and Spike glanced over at Aqua Star before saying. “I thought we were going to help organize the rest of the library.”
“We can do that when we get back! I haven’t seen ponies in a while and I want to see what you do for fun!” a light shown from Aurora as her form changed into a Crystal Pony. “Oh, was there something you needed… what’s your name?”
“Aqua Star, I came to see the Ancient Library and was wondering if you had built the Arcane Study at the Castle of the Two Sister,” Aqua Star replied and Aurora paused before shaking her head. “No, I did not build that. In fact, I didn’t know there was one nearby. Strange… I would have sensed it, even while I was asleep. That would mean no dragon had built it.”
Aurora smiled at Aqua Star saying. “Do not worry, we will look into it when we return. First I want to try these cupcakes Spike has told me about!”
Spike grinned before leading them out, Aqua Star feeling unsure about whether or not she should go with them. However she put one hoof in front of the other and ran after them to catch up. It would be nice to relax a bit. She glanced behind her seeing the entrance to the cave vanish, relief washing over her. At least she knew that Aurora had the right precautions when she left.
Twilight stared at A.K. Yearling as she began to search through her house. She had barely responded to Rainbow’s question, deciding to ask them. “What did you do to my house?” While throwing things around as they tried to convince her that they just got there. Twilight frowned, glancing over at Rainbow Dash who was dodging out of the way of the flying debris. Taking a deep breath as A.K. Yearling walked over to her Twilight spoke. “We’re awfully glad that you’re alright.”
Only for the words to fall on deaf ears as A.K. Yearling. Twilight noticed she seemed preoccupied looking around, Rainbow Dash was trying to peer at some papers. Twilight shot her a glare as Rainbow straightened up and whistled when A.K. Yearling came close.
“Okay, clearly this isn’t the best time,” Rainbow admitted with a sheepish look on her face, it was evident she wasn’t thinking about the situation. “But I just got to say how we all really love your books.”
Rainbow let out a nervous chuckle, only for her words to be ignored as the author spotted what she was looking for, Underneath Rainbow Dash, she swiped it causing Rainbow Dash to go flying. She fiddled with the spine unlocking the book revealing a golden ring. A.K. Yearling took the golden ring before slipping into her coat letting out a sigh of relief. “It’s safe.”
“Great!” Rainbow exclaimed looking at Twilight who seemed surprised. “Maybe now would be a good time to ask her how we can help move the new book along a little faster. Chop, chop.”
Twilight rolled her eyes and A.K. Yearling glared at Rainbow Dash before walking away. Twilight gritted her teeth together as her eyes narrowed. She walked towards her friend saying. “Rainbow Dash!”
She enveloped the fast flying pegasus in her magical aura and pulled her away to talk to her. “A minute, please!”
Twilight walked them outside before setting Rainbow Dash on the ground and began her lecture. “A.K. Yearling has made it pretty clear that she wants to be left alone and we should respect her wishes.”
While she was telling Rainbow Dash that, Pinkie spotted strange stallions approaching the house. So she decided to pop up in between them saying. “You should tell that to those guys!”
She pointed her hoof at the stallions causing her friends to watch as they snuck in through the window near the roof. The group ran over to the window to watch as the mysterious stallions approached the author. She did not seem fazed as she glanced at them before removing her coat, hat, and glasses using them to block the stallions’ view of her. The mares looked on as A.K. Yearling put on a hat revealing not only was she the author that they loved but the character that they adored.
“A.K. Yearling is Daring Do!” both Twilight and Rainbow Dash exclaimed at the same time looking at each other. They returned to watching the scene in both worry and amazement.
“A.K. Yearling and Daring Do are one in the same.” Twilight observed amazement in her eyes. “My mind is officially blown.”
“Ah come on.” Rainbow Dash slid in next to Twilight. “I knew it all along.”
This earned yet another eye roll from Twilight and a raised eyebrow before they continued to watch the fight. Gasps of amazement and exclamations of how well Daring Do fought was escaping from their throats. Pinkie watched on before she felt like something was watching them. She turned her head spotting what she assumed was green eyes peering at them from the bushes.
“Daring Do!” Rainbow exclaimed, causing her attention to return to the fight. That seemed to have distracted the mare causing them to pile on her.
“That didn’t seem to be the right choice,” Pinkie told her, but her words fell onto deaf ears. She saw the eyes glance behind them and she turned around seeing another stallion approach the door just as the ring Daring Do was desperately trying to keep away from the other stallions was flung from the fight. It rolled before it was stopped by the newcomer. “Many thanks, Daring Do, as you probably surmised our earlier search for this treasure was… unsuccessful. So kind of you to find it for us.”
Daring Do managed to throw off the hoof pinning her to the ground but found that she couldn’t stand up. “Give it back Caballeron!”
“That’s Doctor Caballeron to you,” the stallion corrected and Pinkie noticed her friends weren’t doing anything so she went over to investigate the owner of the eyes. As she approached the bushes the eyes didn’t move away instead a strange looking fox wearing goggles walked out.
“Oh! The green tint was from your goggles.” Pinkie giggled as she looked at the fox who grinned at her. “I’ve never seen a fox like you before!”
“That is because I am not your normal fox,” the fox told her and Pinkie nodded her head. “You are not surprised?”
“Not really, but that’s because I see lots of strange things in Ponyville,” explained the pink party pony. “It was nice talking to you, but I should really return to my friends.”
She slid in next to the fox’s ear whispering. “We are about to get to the good part! See ya later Mr. Fox!”
“Oh I am sure later is sooner than you think,” the fox said before leaping into the bushes bringing his tail forward with a small bag of bits. “After all, you will be wanting this back my friend.”
“So this is Ponyville, how cute!” Aurora exclaimed as she looked around, Spike was going to give both Aurora and Aqua Star a thorough tour. He figured that Aqua Star was just trying to get settled in and hadn’t seen Ponyville in its entirety.
“Over there is Sugar Cube Corner, owned by the Cakes. They sell a lot of sweets and baked goods for everyone in Ponyville,” Spike told them, watching as Aurora moved to the store quickly. “Apparently she loves sweets.”
“She would have been alive during the time they were first invented,” Aqua Star surmised before feeling herself pulled forward. “Magic of dragons.”
“So what kind of magic can Dragons cast?” Spike asked and Aqua Star nodded her head as she explained. “From what I’ve heard there are many different kinds. It is a lost art, but they did know how to weave their own magic without the use of horns. According to legends anyways.”
“Well hello there Spike and you must be the new store owner we have heard so much about,” Mrs. Cake greeted as Aurora looked at the sweets on display. The bell jingled behind them as a tan unicorn stallion walked in.
“Oh! Inkwell, I have your order ready right here. Please be careful this time,” Mrs. Cake said, setting a box on the counter. The unicorn pulled out his bit bag just as a pony exclaimed. “Don’t worry about it, Inkwell! This one's on me.”
“Thanks Astral,” Inkwell replied as Spike and Aqua Star moved out of the way. Inkwell reached for the box but his friend shooed away his hoof saying. “I’ll carry the box, you and cupcakes seem to not get along.”
“...Good point,” admitted Inkwell before the two left after paying. Aqua Star glanced at Spike who explained. “Inkwell and Astral Pen are local writers. Though, I don’t see too much of Astral Pen outside of hanging out with Inkwell.”
“I’ll have two of those and three of those,” Aurora finally spoke, pointing at the sweets she wanted and Mrs. Cake smiled as she packed them up. “I must say, you have such a lovely establishment here and such cute children. They seem to be of mixed blood.”
“Oh my great aunt’s second cousin twice removed was Pegasus and my husband’s great-great-great-great grandfather was a Unicorn.” explained Mrs. Cake looking at her children. “Something that must have skipped a few generations.”
“It is a great gift for them,” Aurora mused, tilting her head to the side. “The traits for both of you are not as obvious.”
“I don’t think we have ever been introduced,” Mrs. Cake observed and Aurora grinned. “Oh, my name is Aurora. I’m just visiting my friend here.”
Aurora waved her hoof to Spike just as a Pegasus entered grumbling. “‘I have to take care of the library, why don’t you find us something to eat?’ I wasn’t doing anything, this is just ridiculous.”
“Wait… what?” Spike looked at the stallion before running up to him. “Are you talking about the Golden Oaks Library?”
The stallion looked confused at the dragon before saying. “Yeah, the mare who runs it had to go off and since her assistant was busy brought my Master in to take care of until she gets back.”
A look of sadness washed over Spike and the stallion looked a little taken aback before Aurora approached him saying. “Spike, I’m sure Twilight assumed you were going to be busy with me all day. Otherwise you would have been her first choice.”
“Why don’t you just enjoy the day off? My master can handle the library, I mean he handled way worse than keeping a library organized,” the stallion chuckled and Spike looked at him in confusion. “Long story.”
“Thank you stranger,” Aqua Star told the stallion who looked to the side before saying. “Star Glider, the name is Star Glider.”
“My name is Aqua Star, this is Spike, and Aurora,” Aqua Star replied, bowing her head slightly. “Spike is just showing us around. We do not mean to keep you from getting your… sweets.”
“It’s fine, still got to figure out what to get,” Star Glider chuckled as he waved them off. Though he didn’t take his eyes off of them until they were out of sight muttering. “She’s got some interesting friends alright.”
“Are you alright dearie?” Mrs. Cake asked, causing Star Glider to return his attention to the case in front of him. “Yup, I haven't seen many dragons in this area before. Just a bit surprised.”
“Oh, Spike isn’t dangerous, he’s Princess Twilight’s assistant. He’s been with her ever since he hatched from his egg,” explained Mrs. Cake as she organized the display. “He’s a true friend, though lately he’s been out of luck. I think he needs good friends outside of Twilight and her friends. Oh what am I saying?”
“I get it,” Star Glider replied before pointing at the products he wanted. “I’ll take thre… four of those.”
“Coming right up,” Mrs. Cake gathered the cupcakes into the box and set the payment on the counter taking the payment. “Have a nice day dearie.”
Star Glider smiled as he left the store returning to the Golden Oaks Library with the package. “He’d better be alright with these.”
“She shouldn’t have flown off like that,” Twilight grumbled as she and the rest of the group tried their best to follow Rainbow Dash and Daring Do. “Pinkie Pie, Applejack, anything?”
“They went this way alright,” Applejack replied as Pinkie looked around saying. “It’ll take us until tomorrow morning to find Rainbow Dash.”
“Impressive,” a voice spoke from behind them, causing the ponies to turn around spotting the strange fox. The mares yelped, jumping back except for Pinkie Pie who bounced forward saying. “Hello again! You know it wasn’t really fair of you to take my coin bag!”
“Me? You think I took your coin pouch. Oh I am hurt!” the fox said as Pinkie bounced around him. “Nope! I know you did, it’s under your hat. I can smell the cupcake I left in there.”
The fox paused before laughing before climbing onto his hind paws. Taking off his hat with a flourish producing the purse. Twilight moved up to him with a frown on her face as she observed the stranger. He had the features of a fox yet there were strange frills along the sides of his jaw. There were two long parts of his fur pulled into braids.
“Now why were you following us?” Applejack asked and the fox-like creature glanced at her before seemingly remembering why he was there. “Ah right! I know exactly where they are headed. You see, Daring Do owes me a favor. I am willing to put this aside if you allow me to borrow the pink one after this.”
“For what rea…” Twilight was cut off as Pinkie chipped in. “Deal!”
“Pinkie!” gasped Rarity as Pinkie shook the paw that the creature offered. Twilight just stared at Pinkie who told her. “Rainbow Dash first!”
“Excellent!” the creature told them returning to all fours and the more fox-like appearance. “This way my pony friends!”
He took off and the ponies hurried after him. Twilight frowned trying to remember if Daring Do had mentioned a creature like him in her books.
“And this is the Golden Oaks Library!” Spike concluded the tour by showing them the library where he and Twilight stayed. Aurora had a look of excitement on her face as she entered. Aqua Star was about to follow when Comet’s voice spoke behind her. “I see you’re slacking on actually running the store. I thought you went to find a dragon.”
“I did find the dragon, Spike is showing both her and I around Ponyville,” Aqua Star replied, causing Comet to look around. Aurora poked her head out of the library saying. “Changelings have a natural magic allowing them to shapeshift for a long time. Other species that can cast magic can change their form for a limited amount of time.”
“How much time do you have left?” Spike asked and Aurora paused as she glanced at the sun. “Until sunset.”
“That’s only in a few hours,” commented Spike and Aurora nodded her head. “We should head back now if we want to get back in time.”
“Nonsense! I can easily create a passage to my library from here. I will have to rest afterwards,” Aurora told him, causing both Spike and Aqua Star to ask. “You can do that?”
Aurora chuckled as she walked back in and the three followed after her. The unicorn stallion in the library looked up from his sorting as Aurora looked at the books on the shelf.
“Aha! Here we go. I have this one as well,” Aurora touched the book she found with her hoof. The book glowed for a moment before the shelf vanished revealing a tunnel.
“Excuse me, I still need to sort that shelf!” huffed the stallion walking over, Aurora looked at him before saying. “I’m just borrowing the shelf for a little bit. Don’t worry, it’ll come back!”
She slipped through the newly formed passageway with Spike right behind her glancing at the Unicorn. He wondered how Twilight even met him or even knew his abilities. His shoulders slumped before jumping as the Unicorn spoke. “If you want I will need some help. My apprentice seems to find reading the books is more entertaining than helping me sort.”
“You’ve been sorting for the best part of the day,” the pegasus replied, walking in with an Earth Pony mare. “The books are meant to be read.”
“You have only read the Daring Do adventures,” Spike glanced between the two before the Unicorn stallion sighed. “Although it is getting rather late, I wonder if anything has happened.”
“Knowing Twilight, her adventure has taken a lot longer than usual… again,” Spike pointed out before saying. “I’m Spike by the way.”
“I am Kenobi, this is Star Glider and his wife Lily Song,” the unicorn introduced the others. Lily Song smiled gently at Spike who nodded his head shyly. She could tell he was still upset about being by himself.
“I think it should be alright if you stay the night. Unless you have a place of your own,” Spike told them, getting the feeling that they weren’t ponies with ill intentions. Star Glider kind of reminded him of Rainbow Dash.
“Thank you for the offer, yet I think it would be better if we just return in the morning. That way you have some time to yourself,” Kenobi told Spike as Star Glider settled in a spot pulling out the sweets that he had bought earlier. “I said food!”
“This is food,” Star Glider replied, earning a sigh from Kenobi. He sent a grin towards Spike who waved at them saying. “Enjoy those you guys. I’m going to check out the passage Aurora created. See you later.”
Spike wandered down the passage, the bookshelf returned, sealing the entrance up behind him. He was concerned about Twilight but knew with her friends she would make it back. Aurora greeted him as he approached and he resumed helping her organize her library. Comet was sitting on the ground looking rather unhappy, like someone had tricked him into doing something he didn’t want to do.
“So are you spending the night?” Aurora asked with a huge grin on her face as she placed one of the books rather carefully onto the shelf. Spike glanced back before saying. “Yeah, just as long as I’m back in the morning.”
When Spike returned through the passage he was not surprised to see that the library had been closed up properly. All the books were organized and put away as well as some of the sweets left for him. He smiled to himself as he saw Comet and Aqua Star out as they headed back to their store. Aurora was in her smaller dragon form already reading a book. Opening up the library Spike waited for Twilight’s return. When she did arrive back, she was tired and had a worried expression on her face.
“Everything alright Twilight?” Spike asked, moving next to her and placing his hand on her back. She gave him a small smile. “You wouldn’t believe the adventure I just had.”
Spike sat down on the ground and Twilight began to tell him why she got back later than intended.
“...And now Pinkie Pie owes him a favor!” Spike listened to Twilight’s rant as she paced back and forth. “We don’t even know what or who he is, I can’t find anything in any of the Daring Do books!”
“You said he’s kind of like a fox?” Spike asked and Twilight paused to nod her head. “That sounds like an Ilniad… or how Aurora describes them.”
“Ilniad?” Twilight paused as she mulled it over in her brain. Spike was still thinking about the other bit. “Maybe she had agreed to his help before, you know before she knew who he was, but when she found out the price for his help….”
Then it clicked in Twilight’s head. ‘Of course! I knew the word was so familiar!’ Twilight ran to one of the earliest known copies of Daring Do and opened it flipping to a page. “The Scoundrel, a fox-like creature from a civilization that was scattered a long time ago. She was exploring some ruins near the Basin when Ahuizotl. The Scoundrel appeared and offered to help her for a price and Daring Do accepted it, but one thing happened after another so her debt to him kept growing.”
“He must have been having a lot of fun calling on those favors and holding the debt over her head,” Spike sighed as he looked at the picture drawn into the book and the description underneath. “He never asked for any bits, that’s what drives me crazy. Like Caballeron he wants some of the artifacts I find or a simple spice. He’s a Trickster and a fiend but in the end he has what I need… a way out of a sticky situation.”
“I always loved reading this story because of his appearances,” Twilight sighed as she put the book away. “I like all of Daring Do’s books, but when it began to show more of her fight against Ahuizotl and less of her finding ancient ruins of civilizations outside of the basin… I guess the thought of just staying in one place appealed to me a little more.”
Twilight looked out the window. “Now when I look at these old books I just find myself remembering what Rainbow Dash did and it gets me even angrier. Like I just want to leave to see these places myself for a bit to calm down.”
“Why are you mad?” Spike pointed out. “She apologized, right?”
“I… it’s hard to explain, I just keep telling myself that it’s Rainbow Dash but that shouldn’t excuse her lack of awareness in this situation!” Twilight huffed as she began to pace, Spike catching a different scent coming from her. He looked towards the bookshelf that Aurora had used to connect their libraries together. “Hey, I have an idea. You’re not feeling like yourself, right?”
“I….” Twilight paused as she thought about it. “You’re right.”
“I think I know someone who can help,” he motioned her towards the bookshelf, found the book and tapped it. The bookshelf vanished and he led her through the tunnel. Twilight looked around in awe for a moment before asking. “When was this here?”
“A little bit before you got back,” Spike answered her honestly, Twilight stared at him for a moment before her gaze was drawn to a light. There, in front of her, was a library like she had never seen before. Shelves that were made of stone so tall that she couldn’t see them anymore. Books upon books everywhere. Something slumbering on one of the shelves with a slightly split tail.
“Aurora?” Spike called out and Twilight looked at him. This was what he was going to show her before Rainbow Dash demanded that she find out where Daring Do lived. This caused the feelings of irritation towards her friend to increase. Then something glimmering caught her eye, turning her head. Twilight looked up seeing a massive dragon pulling a book off a shelf. She was in an argument with something that Twilight couldn’t see. “I keep telling you Maple, I don’t care how you organize everything in the fiction section, just do not touch History!”
“You have it organized by Era and Historical Events, didn’t the discovery of the Cores happen after the first city was constructed?” a voice replied Aurora seemed like she was going to reply before looking down at the two of them. Her form began to shrink until she was about the size of Celestia. “You must be Twilight Sparkle, I am UntryrUryte.”
“Sorry for disturbing your organization time,” Twilight said and Aurora chuckled. “You do not have to worry about that.”
The dragon leaned in close to Twilight and placed a hand on her head under her horn. “You have been to the Core Realm recently and formed a Soul Stone there haven’t you?”
“How did you know?” Twilight asked in surprise, Spike had a look of confusion on his face before the Ilniad appeared next to him saying. “Well I know because of Lethoras, Aurora knows because dragons are the closest to the Core Realm. She can sense it around you.”
“Maple is correct,” Aurora said as she turned Twilight’s head from side to side. “The spirit you have bonded with has strong feelings towards those who are inconsiderate and act without thought. Hmmm, seems to have a connection with both spirits and dragons.”
The hand fell away as Aurora thought for a moment. “You are bonded through contract but nothing else. You need to strengthen the magic of your core and your connection with him. That way your emotions will not affect each other unless they are overwhelmingly strong.”
Aurora looked around for a moment before moving through the shelves. “I know the books to start with. This way.”
Aurora moved between the shelves with the other two right behind her. Twilight looked at Spike before giving him a sideways hug. “I’m sorry for not being there for you lately Spike. I’ve just be… dealing with everything.”
“It’s alright Twilight,” Spike assured her as they continued on, though he hung back for a moment. “It’s alright.”
He moved quickly to catch up with the group passing a glowing blue flower.
“It’s alright.”
The Tree of Harmony sat in silence for a moment before pulsing. Discord appeared a few moments later as well as Harmonia. Discord looked at the other half of the Spirit of Wisdom. “You too?”
“I am the other half of the Tree of Harmony, I felt what it felt,” Harmonia answered as a cloaked Earth Pony appeared. “Crystal.”
“You have felt it too, the presence that should not be,” Crystal replied it’s voice like a multitude of people speaking at once. “Hades told me that not one seed had escaped Tartarus. We should located where it originated from.”
“That includes you, Discord,” the Tree of Harmony pointed out and Discord snarled. “You do not give me orders!”
“Enough! Both of you!” Crystal spoke a humming ringing throughout the cave. Discord cleaned out his ears for a moment before asking. “You came all the way from the Crystal Empire to do just that? Getting a bit temperamental now, aren’t we?”
“Pardon me, oh Ancient Tree. Perhaps this is what you seek,” spoke a voice from the entrance of the cave. “A flower that when I talk echoes what I speak.”
“Impossible!” Discord exclaimed flying to Zecora as she presented the blue flower in a clear but sound proof case. “Where did you find this?”
“In a field that was not from here. The only problem is it is no longer there. Despite the growth with roots so deep, it seems like the earth could not keep. Twice this has happened to me, haunted I seem to be,” Zecora explained as Discord reached for it. “With a child’s voice this creature speaks, yet death and destruction it wreaks. When I mentioned what happened to me the time before last it’s response had me seal it behind glass. The Echo Flower repeats what it has last been said, I wondered what misfortune would occur that could leave me for dead.”
Discord watched as Zecora opened the box and a giggle escaped as a child’s voice spoke. “Just you wait, Zebra.”
“We will need to begin the trials,” Harmonia said, these words caused the other three spirits to frown. “It needs to be done.”
“It is too soon, our Gifts were just given,” the Tree of Harmony pointed out, “They are not ready.”
“The other Heroes were, but we were too late because we were afraid,” responded Harmonia, moving up to the tree. “The Sands that we have stopped are now falling once again.”
“I hate to admit it but Harmonia has a point,” Discord sighed as the spirit form of the Crystal Heart turned to address Zecora. “You have our thanks Zecora, we need to speak in private from here on out.”
“Another thing, walking bones I have seen. It does not seem to do harm but to ponies may cause alarm,” Zecora left them with the warning before leaving. The Crystal Heart sighed before asking. “How many tests this time?”
“Two, my other half will decide on the two tests for us,” Harmonia answered, it had another plan in mind, Discord knew that to be certain. The Spirit of Wisdom had learned something from the other tests of heroes. That they needed to learn when not to interfere with something they didn’t like. Discord always made fun of Steel Edge and Star Forge for that. They never knew when to stay out of something. The Tree of Harmony was silent for a moment before speaking. “I will need to contact the Norns for my test, I suppose you will be looking for the Raven?”
“Considering that I do not trust the Norns to actually get the work done, yes,” Discord hissed as his eyes narrowed. “Playing with time is dangerous. I do not want what happened to Snowfall Frost to happen to them especially….”
“Fluttershy?” Harmonia looked at Discord who reeled back. “None of us wish for that, yet remember this must be done for all those who follow the Heroic Paths.”
The Crystal Heart placed a hoof on Discord’s side. “Playing with time is dangerous, however I vote that Harmonia shall be placed in charge of searching for the Heroes of Old. We shall put our trials forward as soon as we see fit.”
Harmonia looked over at the Crystal Heart with suspicion. It always seemed that the Spirit of Love and Courage knew what she was planning. Yet held back the information for some reason. It was always the most straightforward and honest of all of them. Not even the Tree of Harmony, her other half, suspected what she intended to do. Discord sighed. “Fine, I agree, Harmonia can go search out her old pet projects while we test the new Heroes.”
“Thank you, Discord,” Harmonia told him before vanishing alongside the Crystal Heart. Discord looked at the Tree of Harmony before teleporting away as well leaving the tree in complete solitude once again.
Applejack walked through the streets of Ponyville. She had arrived home to find that Big Mac had gotten all the chores done giving her a day off. She smiled enjoying the nice day when a voice caused her to jump. “Applejack!”
“What in tarnation?” Applejack turned around to see Rarity running towards her. “Rarity? Is everything alright?”
“I need your help! There is something off about my shop and I cannot for the life of me figure out what it is.” Rarity explained. Applejack paused wondering what she could do about it before it hit her. ‘Oh yeah, no secret can hide from me.’
“Ohhh, that could work too!” Rarity told her as she led Applejack off to her shop. Applejack was about to protest yet the moment she entered the shop everything felt off. Her green eyes glanced around the room carefully before she noticed that one of the stripes lining the middle mirror was glowing. Tilting her head to the side she walked over to it and tapped it with her hoof. It gave way pushing in like a button and the floor began to open revealing stairs.
“I think we found your problem,” Applejack spoke as she walked over to the top of the stairs as Rarity moved behind her. “This was just recently put in.”
“Applejack, darling, let’s get the others. What if there is something dangerous down there?” Rarity questioned as Applejack began her way down. Looking behind her, Rarity rocked back and forth before following Applejack down the stairs. She cast a light spell glanced around as they walked down for a bit before the area evened out into a long hallway filled with doors.
“This is new,” Applejack said, walking up to one of the doors and pressing her hoof against it. “This one’s locked.”
“So is this… oh!” Rarity let out a gasp as one of the doors opened revealing a big room with pony mannequins and lots of fabric. The room was lit by natural crystal formations lining the walls. It looked like someone had begun to panel the walls and would stop at the crystals and build around them. Fabrics lay in neat stacks in containers. It was like her normal workspace, except it did not have a bed. Where the bed would have been was a strange rack.
“Why this is amazing! I have been wanting a workspace like this for a long time! Somewhere private and large enough for many projects.” Rarity gasped as Applejack glanced around. “I was hoping to save up some bits for a project like this.”
“Sounds like someone found out and decided to do you the favor,” mused Applejack as she looked at the craftsmanship. “How did you not notice anyone making this? It’s directly under your shop?”
“For your information, we’ve been busy,” Rarity replied as she looked at the fabric. “This… is odd though. Whoever did this only has one entrance and one exit, so where did they get this fabric from?”
A cold wind swept throughout the room causing the ponies to look around. White eyes opened causing them to scream and run out the room and back up the stairs. Rarity tripped and saw something pale reaching out for her causing her to scream.
‘Is it her?’ Rarity paused at the thought as the light shined upon a figure. It stared at her with white eyes hidden behind long black hair,
‘Alone… for such a long time.’ Rarity heard Applejack coming back down just as the fingers touched her coat. A chill ran up her spine before Rarity spoke quietly. “Go. If she sees you, she will react to protect me.”
The figure nodded his head before vanishing back into the shadows.
“Are you alright?” Applejack called down as Rarity got to her hooves and began to walk up the stairs. “I hope whatever that was didn’t hurt you. Maybe we should seal this up.”
“Nonsense Applejack, it seems to be afraid of the light. Plus I will not let such a useful space go to waste,” Rarity replied as she pressed the switch watching it close back up. “Remember, I do know how to take care of myself.”
“But…” Applejack was cut off by Rarity saying, “Applejack, darling, trust me. I do need that space and I will take the precautions. Would you let something useful go to waste?”
“Guess not. But I don’t want you to get hurt and no one knows where you are,” Applejack explained, Rarity patted her on the shoulder before leading her out of the shop.
“Don’t worry! I’ll be fine! If I vanish you know where to find me,” Rarity assured her before glancing back to see two white eyes peering from the hidden door. She smiled and winked knowing that she could question this strange being later.
Pinkie Pie bounced by them humming as she headed towards the antique shop. She opened the door seeing Comet placing items on the shelf as Aqua Star cleaned the counter. She glanced up and gave a welcoming smile to the pink pony.
“Hello… Pinkie Pie right?” Aqua Star greeted and Pinkie Pie nodded her head as she looked around the now clean shop. “We were never properly introduced.”
“Oooh, right. We meant to do that when we got back to Ponyville, but then you were busy taking care of Comet!” Pinkie remembered before bouncing around looking at the wares. “Are all of these antiques?”
“I decided to expand it to potions and books as well. I realized that there are not that many antique traders who come through Ponyville, so I decided to expand my business,” explained Aqua Star as she looked around the store with a smile on her face. “I’m not the best at potions but I’m not the worst either. Most of it is for magic restoration and poisons.”
“Do a lot of ponies get poisoned?” Pinkie questioned as she looked at a few of the bottles before spotting a pink one. “Ooooh! What does this potion do?”
“That is a Giggle Bubble Potion. I used to make it a lot of time for my brother,” Aqua Star walked next to Pinkie who looked next to her seeing a sad look in her eyes. “The potion allows for the bubbles to be shaped in the mind of the one who blows the bubble and it lasts far longer until the image pops.”
Pinkie could tell that this was a bittersweet potion for Aqua Star to explain. She took it carefully off the shelf and pulled off the top seeing the bubble wand. Thinking for a bit, Pinkie Pie blew two bubbles. They floated up into the air taking the shapes of a cupcake and a balloon. The two ponies watched as the bubbles bumped into each other before floating away.
“Would you like it?” Aqua Star asked and Pinkie nodded her head before pulling out her bit purse. When she paid the amount Pinkie decided to blow a few more bubbles in the shop. Star shaped candies, and treats floated around the shop. Pinkie noticed a small smile upon Aqua Star’s face as she watched the bubbles float out the door as another customer walked in.
“Sometimes it is the small things in life that can bring us a bit of laughter,” Pinkie Pie said, watching the pony laugh as she was almost carried away. A tan pegasus flew up and carried her down before walking in together. Aqua Star tilted her head to the side before walking up to greet them. Pinkie grinned before seeing the fox sitting outside the door. She bounced out seeing him leading her away from Ponyville. Shrugging her shoulders she bounced after him. She waved to Fluttershy who was looking around at the skies. She spotted Rainbow Dash on a cloud and flew up to her.
“Rainbow Dash?” Fluttershy asked and the fast flier glanced at her over her shoulder before returning to her original position. “Are you alright?”
“No offense Fluttershy but I don’t need to hear it,” Rainbow Dash retorted and Fluttershy tilted her head to the side. “You’re here to tell me what I did wrong with Daring Do. Twilight’s already done that.”
“Twilight just wanted you to know that your behaviour was a bit… rude. I’m not here to….” Fluttershy was cut off as Rainbow Dash. “I don’t want to hear it! You’re here to ‘check up’ on me. Then when I tell you how I’m feeling you just ‘kindly’ point out to me where I went wrong!”
“That’s… not… I was….” Fluttershy shrank back, her eyes filling with tears and Rainbow Dash yelled. “I DON’T CARE! I DON’T WANT TO TALK TO YOU!”
Regret flashed through Rainbow’s eyes as Fluttershy took off crying. “Fluttershy… dang it! Screwed up, again.”
Fluttershy didn’t stop until she landed at her house. Angel bounced out and towards her stroking her mane.
“ARE YOU ALRIGHT?” a voice asked, causing her to jump and stumble back. She felt herself fall and everything vanish around her. She felt herself floating causing her to look around.
“Welcome Fluttershy,” a voice spoke, causing her to turn around and see three Pegasi standing in front of her. It was the oldest who spoke.
“I am Urðr, the one who sees what lies behind. This is Verdandi, the one who sees what is,” the eldest Pegasi introduced herself waving a hoof towards a full grown mare before moving on to the filly. “And finally, this is….”
“I’m Skuld! I see what is to come!” the youngest Pegasi interrupted, causing Urd to sigh, shaking her head. “Your test is about to begin. The task is quite simple! All you have to do is find the strength of who you are and stay alive.”
“Oh my,” Fluttershy whispered, Urðr gave her a comforting smile before holding out her hoof saying. “Take my hoof young one. We shall look after you and when you come back from this test remember what you have learned.”
Taking a deep breath Fluttershy reached out and grabbed the hoof. She felt a downwards pull causing her to scream as the three Pegasi vanished.
When Fluttershy opened her eyes she found herself lying amongst yellow buttercups with the sun shining down above her. The vines of the flowers curling around her arm, upon her back was something warm. Looking over she saw a strange creature resting upon her back and over her wing.
“Ummm, excuse me?” Fluttershy asked and the creature stood before looking at her with tired eyes. “A-are you alright?”
“You… speak?” the being asked quietly, Fluttershy realizing that this could be a child of the species. She nodded her head and the child moved forward. The child sat up, resting their full weight upon their knees.
“I’m Fluttershy,” Fluttershy spoke hiding behind her hair and the child nodded. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Frisk,” the child replied with a smile growing on their face. “Did you fall down as well?”
Fluttershy nodded her head in response before she climbed to her feet. Frisk did so as well and she saw that they were about seven inches taller than her.
“I’ve never seen a talking pony before, are you normally little?” Frisk asked and Fluttershy nodded her head before asking. “And I’ve never seen a… are you a human? My friend Twilight has met humans before but I’ve never seen one.”
Frisk nodded their head as well and Fluttershy felt herself calm down a little bit. Frisk looked around as Fluttershy asked. “Where are we?”
Frisk was quiet for a moment before responding. “I’m not sure, but I think I see a doorway… I think… maybe we should stay together?”
Fluttershy nodded her head as they began to walk, the silence began to gnaw at them both before Fluttershy asked. “So… what are you?”
“I'm a boy. I know I don’t look like it… well to other humans. They call me an...an…” Frisk seemed to fumble over his words and Fluttershy smiled saying. “Androgynous? Don’t worry, I can’t tell.”
Frisk laughed a little before they walked through the doorway. The room beyond it was dark, only a patch of grass was lit up by the sunlight peeking through the cracks above. Sitting upon it was a lone flower, Fluttershy noticed right away that something was off about this flower. Upon the capitulum was a face, a grin spreading across it as the flower greeted them. “Howdy, I’m Flowey. Flowey the Flower, I’m your best friend.”
“Hello Flowey, my name is Fluttershy and this is….” Fluttershy’s words were cut off as Flowey waved a leaf continuing. “I know who that is, let me explain how things work down here.”
Fluttershy frowned as the flower began to explain about SOULs and LOVE. Fluttershy felt something was off when Flowey offered to show them how to gather LOVE. Frisk flinched back as white pellets were summoned, though they were called “friendliness pellets” Fluttershy was prepared for anything but.
“Try to catch as many as you can,” Flowey told them as he sent the bullets at them. Fluttershy and her SOUL, a green one and Frisk with his red SOUL dodged to the side. Much to the flower’s irritation, he chided them before sending more in their direction. Fluttershy flew up into the air, glad that there was some space as Frisk moved around below. Her wings throbbed causing her to land next to Frisk once again.
“You… you’ve figured out what’s going on, haven’t you?” Flowey growled, his voice warping, as Fluttershy looked at the pellets which had dug into the wall. “Down here it’s kill or be killed! That human’s SOUL is mine!”
Flowey summoned more pellets, this time they formed a circle around her’s and Frisk’s SOULs causing them both to tense. Flowey seemed to enjoy dragging out their doom, so much so that he didn’t notice a flame coming towards him.
“Look out!” warned Fluttershy, but it fell upon deaf ears as it slammed into the flower sending him flying. A large goat-like creature, that if Fluttershy had to guess was a little over 8’ tall. She approached the two her voice calm but chiding as she spoke. “What a horrible creature, torturing such a poor innocent child. I am Toriel, Keeper of the Ruins, I come here everyday to see if a human has fallen down here.”
Fluttershy glanced off to the side feeling an immense amount of sadness coming from the direction that Flowey had been thrown. When she saw no sign of the flower she decided to introduce herself. “I’m Fluttershy, a pony from Ponyville. Where am I?”
“You are in the Ruins, the old home of the Monsters who live in the Underground,” Toriel explained before leading the two deeper into the Ruins. “Long ago, there was a… fight between Humans and Monsters. The Monsters lost and Seven Human Mages sealed us here, forming a barrier to prevent anything from leaving. Their choice of punishment is a cruel one… come let me explain the Ruins to the both of you.”
Fluttershy followed along with Frisk as they listened to the explanation of how the puzzles worked. Both Frisk and Fluttershy were quiet in their thoughts. Including the puzzles Toriel had a much different way in dealing with the Monsters of the Underground. Instead of attacking them like Flowey, Toriel would have them talk to the Monster until she arrived to diffuse the situation. It was much more up the two alley as they practiced on the dummy. Frisk complimented the training and Fluttershy decided to do the same. Though she began to get quieter the more she talked to the dummy, she was getting the feeling it was watching her. Before they moved on Fluttershy felt something pat her on the head and she glanced around for the source. That was when she saw the dummy wink and she quickly walked to the two. The only puzzle that Toriel didn’t let Frisk solve on his own was a spiked floor. Taking his hand she led him through the puzzle while Fluttershy glided above them. Before they entered the next room Toriel turned to look at Fluttershy saying. “Could you please wait out here for just one moment.”
“Alright,” Fluttershy replied before sitting down and humming a small creature poking its head out and walking towards her. It wasn’t the creature from before, a Froggit, it was more like an insect. It didn’t seem to want to fight, shaking like a leaf and frightened of her. Holding out her hoof, Fluttershy watched as the creature moved towards her only to fly away as Toriel called out. “Fluttershy, you can come in now.”
“Goodbye,” whispered Fluttershy before heading into the room and Toriel looked at her. “I am sorry, I had to be sure the child would be fine on their own if you two were ever separated.”
“Oh, that’s alright,” Fluttershy glanced at Frisk who smiled at her happily. “I’m sure we will be fine.”
“Now remember my instructions, don’t leave the room until I come and get you,” Toriel told Frisk and he nodded his head watching her leave. Fluttershy walked over before taking a seat next to him. He sighed, pulling out a strange device before shoving it back into his pocket. Glancing next to her Fluttershy extended her wing and pulled Frisk closer to her asking. “Are you alright.”
“Yeah, just bored… how long do you think we have to wait?” Frisk mumbled looking up at Fluttershy who furrowed her brow before answering. “I’m not sure, until she comes and gets us. I don’t know how long that will be. I’m sure we will have lots to do. Ah, how old are you Frisk?”
“Six,” Frisk said with a big grin on his face as he began to bounce in his spot. “Oh! I didn’t get to say this before but thanks for trying to tell Flowey my name.”
“You’re welcome,” Fluttershy poked at the ground with her hoof trying to see if they could use it to play a game. It didn’t budge causing both of them to sigh. Frisk pulled out the strange device again and glanced at it causing Fluttershy to ask. “What is that?”
“This? Oh, it’s a cellphone, you can talk to people with another one of these!” Frisk tried to explain how it worked but it seemed like even he didn’t know. It began to ring, freaking both of them out. It was Toriel who seemed to be having a few problems and wouldn’t be back in the timeline she had stated before. She tried to keep them updated until her phone was apparently stolen and eaten by a dog. The last straw for Fluttershy was when they heard the dog sleeping on the other end. She climbed to her feet saying. “I have to find that dog, Ms. Toriel wouldn’t mind if we went to go get her phone back.”
Frisk nodded his head as they began to walk out of the room together ready to face the unknown puzzles and Monsters together. It wasn’t as bad as Fluttershy initially thought, the Froggits liked compliments and if they were careful the attacks were easy enough to dodge. Fluttershy generally would take the attacks for Frisk if he couldn’t move out of the way fast enough which would cause the frog-like monsters to feel really guilty and leave them alone. The Whimsums, the strange bugish creatures from before, were more prone to panicking than Fluttershy. Often getting scared when Frisk would chide them and flying away before he could comfort them. Though most of the time they flew into Fluttershy’s mane to hide. Neither of the two minded as they continued on their way.
It took a while to get to Toriel’s house. They faced many Monsters, one of which included a sad ghost which they complimented until it vanished. Frisk got a red ribbon which hinted to Fluttershy that they weren’t the first down here. Toriel had called them frequently, Frisk answering seemingly interesting questions or just listening. When they arrived at Toriel's house she was heading out to gather them and stood there surprised when they approached. Though her face gave way to a gentle smile when she had seen that Frisk sported no wounds. Fluttershy had taken the brunt of the attacks, Frisk having set money aside to buy something from the spider bake sale. Toriel told them that there was pie inside and led them into her abode. Little did the two know that this would lead to an adventure unlike any other.
Rainbow Dash touched down at Fluttershy’s cabin, her face guilt ridden as she approached it calling out softly. “Fluttershy? You there?”
There was silence causing her to sigh and approach the door. She was about to knock when she saw something approach her causing her to spin around hoping it was her friend. Instead it was a skeleton over 7’ tall wearing some strange body armor with a short red-orange cape.
“HELLO FRIEND! I SEE THAT YOU ALSO KNOW MY GOOD FRIEND FLUTTERSHY!” the skeleton loudly spoke, causing Rainbow Dash to cover her ears.
“Uhhh, who are you?” Rainbow Dash took a step back before walking around the skeleton. “You’re not a pony.”
“I AM PAPYRUS! FUTURE CAPTAIN OF THE ROYAL GUARD! Well… I was supposed to be,” the sadness was evident in the skeleton voice. “I don’t actually know how I am even back. I died.”
Fear gripped Rainbow Dash’s soul as she flew up to look at Papyrus in the eye sockets. “What happened? Is Fluttershy alright? She’s been gone for almost two weeks!”
“I… I DON’T er… I don’t know. All I remember was trying to get the human to calm down from their murder spree,” Papyrus sat down dabbing at his forehead with part of his cape. “I just hope my annoying brother is alright.”
“I’m sure he’s fine. Fluttershy isn’t the type of person to let anyone get hurt,” Rainbow Dash assured him, patting him on the shoulder and giving him a smile. “I need to apologize to her. I said a few hurtful things to her.”
“You will have that chance Rainbow Dash,” a voice spoke, causing Rainbow Dash to look around. “A mistake had been made. Find her Rainbow Dash.”
“Wait… what?” Rainbow Dash felt herself get pulled downwards as everything went black.
Fluttershy was sitting on a rock looking at an image in front of her. “I understand, but I will continue. Even if I cannot meet her face to face, there are people out there who need my help.”
“I understand, just remember you can’t meet her, She has her own task to fulfill.” Fluttershy nodded her head at the image before it vanished.
“everything alright?” a skeleton asked, he was about five feet tall, Fluttershy looked at him with a kind smile on her face saying. “Yes, Sans, everything is alright. Our friend was just warning me that Rainbow Dash has arrived. Yet we cannot meet as she has her own destiny to follow.”
She climbed to her feet, her wings spreading as she said softly. “We have work to do.”
Twilight was walking through the streets with her friends. She was worried about Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash had gone to look for her. It had been two weeks since anyone had seen her. ‘I should be looking as well.’ she thought to herself. Pinkie Pie was waving towards someone. It always seemed like she didn’t have a care in the world. “Twilight Sparkle.” the voice of Harmonia called out and Twilight looked up in shock. Standing there was the spirit from the Core Realm. “The time has come to begin your tasks. Did you tell the others of the rules?”
“No I… I didn’t have the time,” Twilight admitted, not noticing everything stopping around her. “I thought I would have more!”
“I am sorry then, but this must be done, I did not realize my other half was this much in a rush,” Harmonia said as a cloaked figure appeared behind her. Before she could react the figure snapped its fingers causing Twilight and her friends to vanish. Harmonia looked up towards the sky leaving one last message to Twilight and the Heroes of Harmony. “Your first task is to find the weapons of the First Heroes upon your path.”
When Rainbow Dash awoke she found herself face down in sand, wind howling in her ears. She took a deep breath only to cough harshly as the sand entered her lungs. She got up looking around coughing seeing a barren desert. Rocky red cliff, sand, and ruins. Even the clouds seemed red to her, clearing out her lungs some more, Rainbow Dash wondered if this is where her friend was.
“Fluttershy!” Rainbow Dash called out looking around seeing that she was on a cliffside overlooking what appeared to be a decrepit temple. She shivered the air feeling heavy as if a dark presence penetrated her. It was everywhere.
“Fluttershy! Where are you?” she tried again her breathing getting hard as her wings wrapped around her. That was when she noticed, she wasn’t on all fours like before. Looking down she saw she was standing more like a minotaur. With arms and fingers, though she didn’t have hooves connected to her legs. They were feet, she didn’t even have her muzzle, instead her mouth and nose were a little farther apart and on different areas of her face. ‘Not that different, just different shapes and a little farther apart.’
“UGH! WHAT IS HAPPENING?” Rainbow Dash yelled, her mouth snapping shut when a growl echoed through the rocks. Taking a step back she turned to find shelter only to find a downed metal structure. It had some form of wings at it laid on what appeared to be a platform. The window was broken and there appeared to be burn marks upon the surface. Running her hands across it Rainbow Dash looked around knowing it would do for the evening as she watched the sun slowly go down.
The night did not go by fast enough, not only were strange creatures prowling, whispers echoed through the night. Strange shadows would move by, some even stopping at the shuttle. Whenever Rainbow Dash would look out she saw nothing. Yet she swore she was being watched. It didn’t help that there were skeletons in the strange structure either. She managed to stay in the back with the door somewhat shut. It kept opening slightly through the night and red lights would flicker despite nothing powering the ship. Her only comfort was the thought that once she found Fluttershy she would get home soon.
When she saw the dim light shine through the crack in the door Rainbow knew her search had to start. Climbing through the broken glass Rainbow Dash made sure she was clear before spreading her wings and taking off. She glided through the air, her eyes taking in the surface of the world. Creatures prowled the grounds below her some staring up at her causing her to shiver and land on one of the cliffs. Her magenta eyes looked down at the creatures, some moving to walk below, growls echoing around the canyon. She only took off when one of them jumped, scrambling its way up the wall, snarling. Shivering, Rainbow Dash decided to explore the rest of the area before checking out the temple area again.
Rainbow Dash shivered as she landed, the stone floor of the temple cold unlike the sand outside. The air was heavier and darker than it was further away as well.
“Rainbow Dash.”
Rainbow’s head turned quickly, the whispers louder than before. Yet the one who had spoken, it was familiar. She followed the voice up some stairs and towards what seemed to be a small room. There was another metal platform, red lights lining the walls. Taking a step onto the platform, Rainbow Dash tensed as it began to move. She looked up seeing that she was headed for the ceiling and winced waiting for her to be squished. The platform came to a halt revealing a dark hallway covered in red lights. The whispers had grown loud enough that Rainbow felt unsure of if she should move or not. Yet her mind began to feel like it was in a haze. It was as if she was being beckoned, guided, to an area in the temple. All thoughts vanished when she walked into the room, a large room filled with destroyed thrones. A figure masked and hooded stood in the middle holding out a hand towards her. She moved forward to take it when she heard what the whispers were saying.
“Destroy the Jedi!”
“Peace is a lie.”
“Make them pay!”
“There is only passion.”
“They defile this place!”
Rainbow Dash began to struggle against the pull, yet it felt like something was pushing her towards the middle.
“Through passion I gain strength.”
Her arm raised up as she drew closer to the figure.
“Through strength I gain power.”
Her arm flew up trying to stop herself from grasping the hand.”
“Through power, I gain victory.”
Her hand grasped the other hand and it felt like she was drawing darkness into herself.
“Through victory, my chains are broken! THE FORCE WILL SET ME FREE!”
Rainbow Dash screamed.
Anakin jerked when a scream echoed throughout the canyon. Weapons were drawn as they tensed moving quickly towards the former Sith Academy. The moment they entered silence and heavy darkness fell upon them. The two armored soldiers looked around dust floating in the air.
“No.” a voice cried out causing the tension to rise. “I won’t do it!”
“That doesn’t sound good.” the soldier with the orange accents said before a growl echoed throughout the darkness. “And that doesn’t sound friendly.”
“The owner of the campsite and a large beast, lovely.” Anakin replied with a half hearted smirk on his face. The alien strode forward peering into the darkness.
“Is something the matter Master Fisto?” inquired Obi-Wan, before the alien could reply, a large beast strode forward. A massive form covered in short coarse fur, powerful muscles beneath it. It had a powerful jaw with sharp teeth near the front. The paws had large sharp claws that rested quietly against the ground. The only thing that could be considered normal about it in this place was spikes decorated its back.
“The large beast.” Fisto said only for the creature to give them an eye roll saying. “I do not have time for games.”
“You… talk.” Obi-Wan pointed out, the creature giving him a deadpanned look before turning its gaze to the second floor. “I suppose you want to tell us something.”
“You are walking into a trap.” the creature said looking back at them. “Those de… spirits hold a grudge against you and are using my friend to seek revenge.”
“How do you know that?” Anakin asked not liking the tone the creature had taken with them. “And what are you anyways?”
“I am… it does not matter, I know this because they were content to leave us be, most of the time. Then when you arrived they drew her to the temple and…. Kept me from following.” the beast answered moving around them. “What I do know is they can manipulate her mind, use her to take revenge on you, and she is putting up a fight.”
“YOU CAN’T MAKE ME!”
“You want us to help your friend.” Obi-Wan mused Anakin gave him a sideways glance. “What makes you think you can trust us?”
“Because if you kill her intentionally I will rip all of you to shreds!” The beast snapped its jaws as its form began to shift, growing until the tip of its spikes brushed the ceiling. “There will be nowhere that you can run to fast enough!”
“That was not the question. Our order, The Jedi Order, is one of peace. We were wondering why you chose us to warn instead of retrieving your friend by yourself? You are indeed powerful enough to do so.” Master Fisto pointed out and the creature looked at him, its size shrinking back to its original.
“No, they will use her against me. They are in her mind, they will know what she knows.” the creature said, leading them up the stairs halting at the top. “I can not do this alone.”
“Then it was no accident that we came here when we did.” Master Fisto told the beast standing next to it. “If we are by your side we could stop the spirits….”
“Yes, while they are distracted you, Rex, and Cody could grab your friend.” Obi-Wan finished the thought before Anakin pointed out. “And how can we trust… you?”
“Anakin, we don’t want to make this creature angry.” teased Master Fisto as the beast looked at him before walking to the elevator with an eye roll saying. “He has a point. You shouldn’t just make plans with a random talking beast.”
“We can get to know each other after this.” Master Fisto said as they climbed onto the lift earning another eye roll and a noise from the throat. “Do what you want when this is over.”
When they reached the top it felt different. It was like all the dark energy was just resting on this floor, slowly leaking out across the Academy.
“What is up here?” Anakin asked as the beast began to snarl. “This is where the darkest of the spirits reside.”
“The Dark Council of the Sith.” Obi-Wan warned as the beast moved forward. “You said your friend was lured here?”
“I was not careful enough.” answered the beast hearing the hum of their weapons as it reached the door. “I will not make that same mistake again.”
The beast let out a roar as the door opened, the Jedi moving in first looking around. The room was large, with thrones lining the walls. In the center was a female, in her later teenage years. Her skin was a pale cerulean, her hair rainbow color, and wings coming from her shoulder blades. She was on her knees, her forehead resting on the ground.
“You can’t make me.” the female whimpered as shadows began to fill the room.
“Jedi.” they hissed as they swarmed towards the group. As expected the focus was on the Jedi allowing for the soldiers and the beast to head for the teen. Some were not as dumb and moved to stop them from taking the girl. The beast roared, swiping at the figures with a massive paw. It knocked a few over before it was lifted into the air by one of the Sith Spirits. This caused the teen to stir as the soldier with the orange stripe gathered her in his arms. Her eyes opened slightly revealing that they were glowing. “Stop.”
The beast was thrown into one of the walls as the girl reached out for it. “Don’t hurt her.”
“Don’t worry ma’am the Jedi will help her.” the soldier carrying her said as they got to their feet. The beast was thrown into a throne as they were circled by the spirits. There was a strangled noise from the beast as it was lifted into the air. The teen’s eyes opened fully as she shouted. “I said: DON’T HURT CASSANDRA!”
A pulse rippled through the air as everything seemed to still. A light coming from a rock in the teen’s hand before it erupted outwards. When it faded there were no more shadows. The dust floated around the room shining in a rainbow colored light. The beast was gone and the girl was unmoving, wounds covering her arms. The Jedi looked around in confusion before turning their attention to the teen. The two soldiers were working to stop her wounds from bleeding.
“We will need to get her to the fleet.” the one with the orange accents said as the one with the blue accents continued to stem the bleeding. “What do you think happened sir?”
“I’m not sure Cody, but there is more to this friend of the creature than it was willing to let on.” Obi-Wan said as Master Fisto tilted his head to the side thinking for a moment before saying. “I do believe the beast is female and her name was Cassandra. That is one mystery solved at least. Yet I believe we should be careful, I do not believe the Sith Spirits simply vanished. This friend will need more than just physical healing.”
“Agreed, first we should take her back to Coruscant and see what she knows when she wakes up.” Obi-Wan told them as they began to make their way to the lift. The glowing dust in the room fading to ash and sand behind them.
Silence. Breathing. The whir of strange machinery. A pounding headache that caused Rainbow Dash to groan. She lifted a hand to grab her head when a monotone voice spoke. “Please do not try to move, you are still recovering. Please wait while I get the Jedi Masters.”
“The what?” Rainbow Dash opened her eyes only for the bright lights to be too harsh and she shut them tightly. She heard a hiss and footsteps approach her. She dropped her hand as she turned her head to the side opening her eyes slightly. The strangers that entered the room were humanoid like her, though a few were noticeably different.
“Awake you are.” Rainbow couldn’t figure out where the voice was coming from until she looked down seeing a bring that was short and green with floppy ears. “How do you feel?”
“Confused.” she admitted closing her eyes again. “And my head hurts, would one of you mind dimming the lights? Thank you.”
One of the robed humanoids made a very unhappy noise. When she opened her eyes next the lights were at a more comfortable level. She looked at the group again, observing them with magenta eyes.
“How did I get out of there?” she asked looking at them. “And where am I? This better not be a trick. I don’t like those.”
“We are the ones asking questions here.” one of the robed figures spoke, his tone trying to keep out hostilities but still came off as rude. “Why were you on Moraband?”
“Moraband? Look buddy, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Rainbow replied observing the one who spoke. From the voice she could guess that it was male. Dark skin and bald. The robes he was wearing seemed to be made for more movement based activities. ‘I should ask Rarity… if I see her again.’ Rainbow Dash thought as she rolled her neck continuing. “And if it’s the place I ended up, I don’t know why I was there. One moment I’m talking with… someone who knows a friend of mine and next thing I know I’m waking up in a desert. Still going to have to find out how they teleported me out that far.”
“Moraband is a world that is heavily corrupted by the dark side of the Force….” the man began a lecture but Rainbow Dash got distracted by something brushing against her leg. Looking down she saw what appeared to be a rainbow colored tail twitching. She sat up quickly grabbing it wondering how she didn’t notice it before. She was watching it twitch when a younger voice spoke up. “Master Windu, I don’t think she’s listening.”
Rainbow Dash looked towards them again before letting go of the appendage with a shrug. Moving to where her legs swung over the edge of the bed Rainbow spoke. “Look, I don’t know any of you guys. What makes you think I am going to start trusting you right off the bat?”
“And we don’t know your name, so I think it goes both ways.” it was a young man with brown hair, his robes were darker in color. Rainbow cocked an eyebrow in amusement before saying. “Then let me go first. My name is Rainbow Dash,”
A few of the robed individuals gave her a strange look causing her to ask. “What? It’s not weird where I’m from. Trust me, there are a lot weirder names: Glitter Dust, Humming Dawn, Seaspray… I can go on.”
“Anakin Skywalker.” the young man said with a shrug of his shoulders. “Where are you from?”
“Equestria.” answered Rainbow a little more easy towards him, he seemed to be around her age and not as haughty. “And again, where am I? Where was Moraband? I know I’m not… on my world anymore. I flew around for miles and there was no sign of life where I was. Didn’t even stay up to see if the stars were any different. It never seemed like a good idea to stay up there.”
“Tell me, Miss Dash, how did you end up in the Ancient Dark Council chambers?” another man, one with a beard questioned. Rainbow Dash looked away saying. “I heard someone call me, by name. Nothing else did and I was curious. My mind went blank the closer I got. Look I’m alright. Besides the wounds on me, I feel fine.”
“We are not taking your word on it.” the bald man spoke earning a groan from Rainbow Dash. “We will be keeping an eye on you and you will be healed by a few of the masters. Just to be sure nothing remains in your mind.”
“You mean, I’m on bed rest?” Rainbow Dash laid back letting her head dangle on the other side as she groaned. “I hate bed rest.”
“The more you cooperate the less time it will take for you to heal.” the man spoke before the group moved out of the room. Anakin was the only one who stayed behind.
“Are you here to make sure I don’t escape?” Rainbow didn’t even look up to meet his eye, but ended up sitting up because her wings were getting uncomfortable. Anakin leaned against the wall saying. “Mostly, but I think you know better than to run. If you didn’t you would have taken off by now. I’ve got a few more questions for you.”
“Ask away, not like there is anything else to do.” grumbled Rainbow as she moved one of her wings forward and began to brush her fingers against the feathers.
“How long were you there for?” the first question, Rainbow Dash glanced at him as she responded. “I guess about seven days. Couldn’t tell after I got my arms injured on the third day. I had to rest.”
“And your relationship to that huge beast creature called Cassandra?” Rainbow’s wings twitched at the question as she swallowed. “We couldn’t find her after the battle.”
“I… she’s a spirit I am bound to. I’m helping her move on from a horrible moment in her past.” Rainbow Dash wasn’t sure how to fully explain it. “Wait, I had a rock on me. Do you know where it is?”
“With the rest of your belongings, being examined. What’s so important about that rock?” Anakin tilted his head to the side. Rainbow Dash sighed as she explained. “I learned a binding spell, if I’m injured or killed the binding spell lets the spirit remain inside an object. I think I was so afraid of losing Cassandra that I bound her to the sharp stone she chose out for me to use as a weapon.”
“Spell? Like sorcery?” Rainbow Dash huffed saying. “I don’t know how to explain it, a unicorn said it was the one thing that any creature with a Core could do in order to ensure that they aren’t harmed by creatures or spirits wishing to harm them. In my case, I just wanted to protect a friend. Can we move on to a different set of questions. Please? Like, am I hungry? That’s a good one, I’m starving.”
“How did you banish the Sith Spirits?” Anakin’s question caused Rainbow Dash’s fingers to twitch.
“I was just angry, they were hurting my friend. So I just focused on helping her. That’s the first thing you should know about me. I’m loyal to my friends.” Rainbow admitted her fingers smoothing out the feathers. “Though that’s doing me a lot of good. I can’t even find out the friend I know is missing. I thought she was on that Moraband… Korriban… place but she wasn’t. And judging by the way all of you were looking at me before. She isn’t here either.”
“There are so many species here, I don’t think she would have been noticed.” Anakin told her, moving next to the bed. Rainbow Dash frowned, pulling her hand away and a pink strand following her fingers. Both paused watching as the end of the strand floated upwards vanishing into the ceiling.
“What is it?” Rainbow Dash and Anakin stared at her. “Well I don’t know what that is! This has never happened before!”
Anakin reached out his hand and plucked the strand with a finger watching it vibrate as butterflies flew from it. Rainbow Dash reached out and placed a finger against the strand seeing if that would cause a different reaction. A voice echoed around the room as more of the pink butterflies flew around. “My friends.”
“Fluttershy.” Rainbow Dash breathed as the strand faded away tears welling up in her eyes. “She’s alright. She’s alive.”
Anakin stood there silently as Rainbow Dash wept in relief. He rubbed the back of his head saying. “Look, I think it’s going to be a lot harder to find your friend. The way the strand was pointing indicated that she’s off world. It’s going to take time and resources that you don’t have available to you right now. Not to mention that you are currently stuck on bed rest. I have an idea to help you, but you’ve got to do what you’re told right now.”
Rainbow dash gave him a sideways glance before saying. “Fine, but you have to bring me something to read at least. I don’t like sitting around all day and reading is a way I pass the time.”
“I make no promises, especially with the stuff that we keep on hand. I’ll find something that wouldn’t get me in trouble showing you and something that you might enjoy.” Anakin told her before moving away. “First thing’s first, I do believe you said you were hungry.”
“Definitely hungry.” Rainbow’s stomach rang out in agreement. “Wait… what’s a Jedi?”
Anakin turned around to stare at her for a moment saying. “I’ll explain it later.”
Once the door slid shut Rainbow Dash laid back down in the bed, hoping to have a better room after this. She was missing the hospital beds back in Equestria. At least they were a bit more comfortable.
