All Equestria depends on one pony, whose father betrayed everypony.
Swift Justice was an average Pegasus, who was treated like a traitor by everypony. Almost broke and completely homeless, Swift goes to Las Pegasus to gamble, only to be given the chance to prove his loyalty.
But can he deliver the message in 30 days? And will his five new companions try to stop him? Or help him?
Mane Six tag added for involvement in later chapters.
My name is Swift Justice. And the whole country believes me to be a traitor.
Why, you ask? Because five months prior to my third birthday, my father showed the world how much he hated the royal sisters. He showed his allegiance to the Zebricans. He even went on a killing spree, claiming that if Celestia was as powerful as she said, she could stop him before the first blow landed. But in the process, a small filly was orphaned on her second birthday.
My father was arrested and put on trial. But on that day, a two year old colt asked his dad one question. Why?
My father confessed, his heart shattered from realization. He was then executed. And I was cursed from then on.
But that was years ago. Now I live alone. My mother grew ill some time after the trial, and died in a hospital. I was given the bill. A kid, wh had no parents. An orphan.
Everything my mother owned was repossessed. From then on I lived in the streets. Moving from town to town, never staying.
Being colored like my father, silver coat with green mane, scared everypony who remembered. It caused me to be fired on the same day I got a job. Every time.
But then I went to a bakery in a small town. The owners were called the Cakes, and they were far kinder. I was given a small bag of bits, more then I had in a long time, and was told to stay away. Not because they were scared, but they didn't want their business to be hurt. They had twins, could I blame them?
So that's where the story begins, a 21 year old Pegasus stallion with only a few bits to his name, on his way to Las Pegasus to gamble away what he had left.
No matter where I look, everypony had the same expression. It's that traitor's son!
But I pretended to ignore them as I entered the first casino on the street.
A few hours later, my small bag of bits was now a big bag. Every game I tried I won. Part of that is my special talent. I have an eye for detail, and can see what is coming before it comes. With this talent, I mastered various fighting styles quickly. Why? Because I had always dreamed of joining the royal guard. But you know why I can't.
"Hey." Barked a gruff looking stallion.
"Yeah?" I asked nonchalantly.
"You reached the limit, get your prize bits and leave." He replied.
With a sigh I went to the front desk. Got my bits. And left.
Being quiet as ever, I walked down the street to a nearby hotel. I was tired, and wanted to be well rested when I left Las Pegasus.
A crash in a nearby alley snapped me out of my stupor. Because I had nothing better planned, I decided to investigate. Turning round the corner, I saw a royal guard on the ground. Following my instincts, I propped him up against the wall.
"Can you hear me?" I asked him while inspecting his armor. Small scratches adorned it. Wingblades, if the assassin was a Pegasus. Whoever it was, they managed to hit the guard's neck. The wound was fatal.
"I can." He rasped, "Not much time. . . must deliver. . . letter. . ." His voice was growing quiet, but I needed more.
"Hey," I whispered, "Stay with me, I need to know more."
The guard opened his eyes, "My name is Sargent Rhombus, I'm a royal mail carrier. You have to deliver this letter," He paused to levitate a letter with his mana, "To the Princess, or war will fall upon us."
"W-what?" Was all I could manage.
"Deliver the letter," Rhombus took a deep breath, "and save us all." And his eyes finally slid closed. He was dead.
I quickly gathered the letter. One thought ran through my head. This is my chance, my chance to prove that I'm not a traitor.
Running to the street, I felt happier then I could remember. But it was cut short when a turquoise unicorn rammed me into a nearby house.
"Are you crazy?!" I yelled at her.
"Not time to talk." She whispered, "But I'm Aurora Sky, and you're under attack."
I could only stare blankly at her, until a small dark orange pegasus crashed through the window.
"Give it here!" She barked.
Aurora stepped in front of me, "This is too dangerous, I'm not letting a filly take it."
The pegasus snapped at that, 'I'm NO. FILLY!" She yelled, lunging at Aurora.
"Run!" Aurora yelled, "I'll catch up."
And so I ran.
The train station showed no sign of knowing what just happened. Ignoring that fact I quickly bought a ticket to Canterlot.
Sitting in the furthest car from the front, I started to think about the to mares that were fighting over the letter.
The pegasus was most likely the assassin that attacked and killed Rhombus. But Aurora, what could she want with the letter? Judging by her accent, she wasn't a Canterlot citizen. So what then? Why did she want the letter?
"I need some answers." I mumbled to myself.
"Then hopefully I have some." Aurora answered, sitting next to me.
"How, how did you find me?" I ask in surprise.
Her horn lit blue as she pulled the letter out of my bag. "This." she whispered, "Is giving off a strong magnetic signal."
Now I knew which question to ask, "So why are you here?" I asked as she pulled a pair of thin rimmed glasses out of her bag.
"The letter," She huffed matter-of-factly, "The magnetic signature it gives is enough to level Canterlot." She then turned to look at me, "But I'm more interested in the fact that the son of a traitor is taking it right to Canterlot."
This was looking like the most uncomfortable train ride ever.
"A weapon?" I said at last. "I'm holding a-" But my sentence was cut off by two turquoise hooves.
"Well tell the whole train, why don't you!" Aurora hissed, her voice dripping with venom.
Then something else comes from that sentence, "Why not turn me in then? Or steal the letter?"
Aurora studies me for a bit, "Because I want to know one thing."
"What?"
"Why?" She whispered, "Why is there an assassin after the same letter?"
I sighed, "I don't know, but it's getting rather late, I'm gonna try and get some shut eye."
"Yeah, me too." Aurora agreed, putting her glasses away.
I suppose now would be a good time to describe her, as her hood was pulled back. She had turquoise fur, A beautiful mane with greens and yellows blending together like the northern lights, and brown colored eyes.
I suddenly realized that I was giving her more attention then I had intended.
Well, I guess I'll end the entry here for tonight.
A loud thud woke me.
I sat for a minute to let my eyes adjust, that, and I felt comfortable. I was being warmed by something leaning on me. And the weight of the thing felt nice.
Wait. . . what?!
I look down to see Aurora leaning against me and snoring.
Great.
Suddenly, the far door of the train burst open.
"There you are," The orange Pegasus said, "Today is your lucky day."
"Oh?" I asked in surprise.
"I'm not in a mood to fight," She replied, "Give me the letter, and I'll let you live."
I smiled, "You aren't a very good assassin, are you?"
"W-what?!" She gasped.
"Strike number two." I answered as I jumped up to the ceiling vent. As I did, a wave of metal hit the orange Pegasus.
"Strike three, you're out." Aurora said as the orange Pegasus tried to fight her way through the rubble.
Not wasting a moment I opened the Vent and slipped out.
Now was my time to leave those two behind.
Crouching low, I worked my way up the train when a loud thud occurred in front of me.
"Crud." I whispered, looking up at a pure white unicorn with pink eyes.
"I was told you had a letter?" He asked quietly.
I then noticed the wind was gone, we were in a magical field of some sort.
"You too huh?" Was all I could say.
He raised an eyebrow before a small orange blur flew right into him.
I quickly dropped to the train again as the stallion's spell snapped off.
Whoever those two were, they're gone now.
Shimmying my way up the train, I reached the coal cart.
Dropping out of the wind I let myself sigh.
I lost all of them, now all I had to do was wait a little at Ponyville before the train leaves for Canterlot.
"Swift!" Aurora shouted, barging into the train car, "Those two, they are coming back."
They don't know when to give up, do they? I sighed, "Do you trust me?" I asked her.
"Why?" She asked hesitantly.
"Because I have a plan, and I need your trust." I explained.
She looked to her hooves for a few minutes. "Yes." She whispered.
"Then hop on my back and hold tight." I told her, causing her to promptly blush. She got on silently.
I was glad she was not an earth pony, as I had never done this before, and I wasn't used to the extra weight.
Steeling my nerves, I took one last breath and jumped.
I heard Aurora gasp as we began to fall, only to have her gasp louder as my wings extended and carried us away from the train and towards the nearby forest.
What was it's name again?
Oh yeah, the Everfree.
Then it hit me like a stack of bricks. "No! Not there!" I shouted as I tried to turn. Unfortunately, all I could do was glide.
Then another thought hit me, why did I bring Aurora?
I didn't have long to think because the first tree in the Everfree introduced its self to my face.
My name is Aurora, as Swift has stated before, but because he is out, I've decided to write down what happened for him.
I suppose I'll start at the Train, he asked me to hop on his back, and I froze.
I had never been that close to another pony before, but my sense of danger told me to get on top of him and leave the train. As he jumped, I heard the car door burst open. Seems he has good timing.
As we flew towards the forest, I heard him shout. "No, No!" Before he tried to change directions, but I guess I was too heavy, because he hit a tree full on.
I was shot off his back and hit the tree above him. Thinking quickly, I called some magic forward to catch us. Then I levitated us to the ground.
I quickly rushed over to check his wounds, blood had started running from his mouth and from under his mane. I quickly dug through our bags, finding next to nothing. What was I to do?
I looked back to Swift, his beautifully dark mane, his shiny silver coat, his. . . . wait, why do I care?
Shaking my head, I turned to my bag again, only to hear somepony speak.
"Hello pony of blue," A deep voice sounded, "How may I help you?"
I turned around to face a Zebra, "He hit a tree, and we have no medicine."
"Then to my home we must go," The Zebra said, "But first his wounds. I must know."
Without further word, the zebra began checking for wounds, "Hurry we must, for in us, is his trust."
Picking up Swift in my magic, I followed the zebra into the forest.
The forest was quiet, almost as if it feared the zebra.
"So, what is your name?" I ask the zebra as she picks her way through the forest.
"Zecora is my name," She answered, "Herbal medicine is my game."
"My name is Aurora," I told her, "Nice to meet you."
Zecora went quiet as a small hut appeared.
"Come quickly, Aurora dear," Zecora called to me, "My hut is near."
Nodding in agreement, I followed behind. From the outside the hut looked Zebrican. Which I guess is normal, considering the circumstances.
The inside had an assortment of knickknacks and masks. I also saw an assortment of potions on the wall.
"What do we need?" I asked Zecora as she ran around the house.
"Some peace and quite would be nice, as I need to mx some spice." Zecora answered me.
Nodding my head I walked over to the table. Pulling the letter out of Swifts bag, I scanned it again. It potentially could level Equestria if exposed to fire.
"Now the brew is just right," Zecora said, breaking me out of my thoughts, "But he will need to stay the night."
"Gfalb." Swift mumbled, trying to open his eyes.
I looked back to Zecora, "All right, we'll stay."
You have no idea how much my head hurts right now.
I woke in a hut. Or was it a tree? It felt very. . . . cozy.
As I adjusted, I heard voices talking in whispers.
"Are you sure he'll be okay with us?" A young feminine voice asked.
"Absolutely." Aurora answered.
"I hope he will forgive us." A male voice sounded out. The white unicorn on the train?
"I didn't realize how big this was." The young voice said again. Where have I heard that voice before?
I gasped in realization, only to give away the fact that I was awake.
"Swift!" Aurora exclaimed, "How long have you been listening?"
"Long enough," I grumbled.
"Swift." The White unicorn said, "I want to apologize and introduce myself."
After a minute, I nodded, only to rock a bit as my balance went off.
"I am Blank Slate, I sensed dark magic in the letter, " Blank explained, "But when Aurora explained to me just how much there actually was, I realized that I couldn't destroy it."
I arched an eyebrow, "So you plan to help me get to the princess?"
"Yes." Blank confirmed, "And I would like to introduce you to the pegasus that I had to save."
I looked to the pegasus next to him and instantly recognized her, "Oh, you're that assassin that sucks at her job." The dark orange pegasus grew even darker after that.
"My name is Second Sun, and I was assigned to bring that letter to my superiors." Second answered.
"So why are you here, Sunny?" I asked her.
Sun gritted her teeth, "Don't call me Sunny! And when I was eavesdropping on Aurora and Blank here, I realized that this letter could be dangerous in the wrong hooves."
My eyebrow arched again, "And so you ditched your clan?"
Second Sun looked down, "I just wanted to prove myself. To show that I'm as capable as my father."
Then I smiled, "Strange how three different ponies somehow have the same goal." I scratched my chin with my hoof, "As long as you don't try to run away while we're sleeping, then I guess you can tag along."
Sun looked up with a smile.
Aurora cleared her throat, "Then here's the game plan: Zecora told me the trail in front of her house leads to Ponyville, if we head there we can catch another train."
I nodded, "I've been there before, it's our best bet."
"As long as there's no more interruptions, right?" Blank asked.
I chuckled, "Right."
Stupid karma.
The trip through the forest would have been uneventful if we hadn't stepped into a pack of these. . . Timberwolves. That's a good name for them.
Seeing as I was still a little loopy, I couldn't fight. But I could still analyze.
Blank was an offensive magic user. All his spells were attack based. Aurora used a mixture of her hooves and spells in a more defensive manner. Sun used her wingblades, marking her as a ranged attacker. I could also tell that Sun knew hoof-to-hoof combat, due to the fire in her eyes that yearned to be right up front.
But unfortunately, I could tell the wolves would eventually win. They were made of wood, they couldn't feel that much pain. And the ones that fell just collected themselves back together. We were royally screwed.
Then. . . . .
"Just what do you think you're doing?!" A pink maned yellow pegasus yelled, "You should be ashamed of yourselves!"
To everypony's, (and every wolf's) surprise, the pegasus yelled at the wolves.
"What would your mothers have to say?" The mare continued, "If I see you attack another pony, I will use it!"
The wolves snarled at her. Well, so much for. . . .
Suddenly, the Pegasus's eyes opened wide and the wolves visibly recoiled from her. My crew's jaws were on the ground as the wolves turned tail and ran.
"Oh my goodness!" The pegasus exclaimed, "Are you guys all right?"
"Y-yeah, thanks to you." Aurora stammered.
The pegasus blushed, "Well I couldn't sit by and do nothing."
Coming over my shock, I asked the pegasus her name.
"I'm uh, Fluttershy." The pegasus whispered.
"Say again?" I asked.
"My name isFluttershy." She whispered even quieter.
"One more time?" I asked, sweetly as possible.
"Fluttershy." She squeaked.
I looked at my group, then back to the pegasus. "Well, my name is Swift Justice, could you lead my group out of here?" I asked, "We are a little lost after the fight."
After a few minutes, the pegasus nodded and started walking in a random direction.
After fifteen or so minutes of walking, we found ourselves looking out at a town near the forest.
I woke in some sort of cottage. It smelled of the forest. Little critters scurried back and forth. I heard a few hushed voices.
"He needs a hospital." Said a mare, "He can't stay here."
"I'm sorry Aurora, But until I ask a few questions, I can't let him leave." Said another mare.
"You foal, this letter he holds is dangerous, I won't let you hinder it!" Said a stallion. Blank Slate.
"FOAL? You don't realize who you're talking too!" The mare said enraged.
"I'm taking to a purple unicorn who was favored over the other 299 in her class. A unicorn who has been sheltered and fed by gold and silver. A unicorn who thinks her curiosity is more important then her mentors letter!" Blank retorted.
The whole world went silent. In a flash, I was out of bed and running at Blank. As I pushed him out of the way, a blast of pure magenta magic seared pass.
Everypony stood still as I stood up. "I'll answer the questions. First step in gaining trust is honesty, and I'm going to be just that."
Some hours later found us at some royal court in Princess Twilight's castle.
"What do you want to know first?" I asked Twilight.
"Why are you, the son of a traitor, delivering an important letter to Celestia?" Twilight asked.
"First, I don't claim my father. Second, he is the reason that I'm doing this. I wish to prove my trust." I answered, never breaking eye contact from Twilight.
"But what's so important about this letter?" Twilight asked.
"No clue," I shrugged, "I never did open it. Rhombus told me it was for her."
Twilight's eyes went wide, "Rhombus? Where is he?"
With a gulp I answered, "Dead."
Twilights jaw dropped. "D-dead?"
"He was attacked a few seconds before I found him. The wound was fatal. I couldn't help."
Finally, Twilight looked down. "He was a good friend of my family. He was holding the letter you say?"
I nodded, "He told me that this letter will change everything. I knew that it must be done."
Twilight smiled. "Then I believe you. You were honest, as this castle makes it impossible to lie aloud. But even then, you didn't try."
I smiled back, "Then we must be off, it's a long trot to Canterlot."
Twilight cocked her head, "Trot? What about the train?"
Blank stepped forward, "We believe others are tracking us. It will be easier to go on hoof."
"But Swift, your concussion?" Twilight pressed.
"Is fading, luckily Aurora had made me slower then I usually would be." I answered.
Twilight put a hoof to her chin, "Let us lead you out of town then. OH!" She gasped.
"What?" I asked in curiosity.
"Why don't we have Spike send the letter?" Twilight asked me.
"Because of its contents, I won't allow it." I replied, sliding the letter across the table, "Scan it for yourself."
Twilight did so, and slowly her eyes widened, "I agree, I think it's best if you keep it." Then promptly slid it back.
"We would like some company to the town limits though."
"Of course." Twilight smiled.
I smiled back.
Everything was so quiet that it seemed nothing could go wrong. . . . . that's when I requested a shield.
"But, nothing's happening. Why would you want one?" Twilight asked me.
"Trust is a two way street. I'm trusting you. Now I'm asking you to trust me." I told her. "Somepony is following us, please raise a shield."
Twilight nodded, "Alright." The summoned a shield, right as a dart hit it.
I tried not to smirk, "Told you."
Everypony looked at the dart in total surprise. "Reveal yourself." I said to nopony in particular.
A dark brown earth pony stepped out from the shadows.
"You, you remind me of your father. I was younger then you are now when he went crazy. Seems I should've gone looking for you." The mysterious pony said.
I arched an eyebrow, "You knew my dad? How is that news?"
The pony smiled, "I have been tracking the pony who took my wife. I think it's Ironic that the traitors son was the one who did it."
"Your wife?" I asked, "If she had seen this letter at one point. Then it had made quite the journey. . . "
"What are you talking about?" The pony growled.
"I found a guard holding this letter, he gave it to me with one mission: It must go to the Princess." I explained.
Suddenly, the pony jumped at me, only to hit air as I took off to the sky.
The pony turned in mid leap and tried to shoot another dart, only for a bright pink pony to absorb it with her mane.
To this day, only Pinkie Pie scares me.
With a flair of my wings, a blue rainbow maned pony kicked a lightning cloud.
The earth pony dodged, only to step in a blackish purple rune. Suddenly, dark tentacles leapt out of the ground and surrounded him, tying him down.
I walked up to the captured pony. "My name is Swift Justice, son of Spring Gust. And I am going to prove it."
No pony said a word as we sat in the Ponyville prison.
"Your mother was General Gust?" The earth pony, who was named Bright Blade, asked.
"General?" Aurora whispered.
"Yes. Both my parents were working for the Princess. My mother was a General. My father, he was a master technician. And from what I heard, an Advisor to the Princess herself." I answered.
"So, what does this mean? is this letter truly what you say it is? Or is it more dangerous then we thought?" Bright asked, his eyes watching the letter.
I studied him, "So, your wife, did she mention who gave her the letter?"
Bright shook his head, "No. She did not."
I put a hoof to my chin. What was so important about this letter?
"Now that I have some questions , I think you know what I want. . . . " Bright said without breaking eye contact.
"Are you sure you want the letter opened?" I asked him. "Two unicorns have already said that it is dangerous."
"Then my contract is forfeit." Bright sighed, "And here I thought I was getting closure. . . . "
I looked to the letter, "If we do open it, then you must let us take it to Celestia afterwards."
Bright nodded, "I agree to the terms."
I nodded then opened the letter.
Dearest Final, As you know, Equestria is unawares of the events that are transpiring. Sealed inside this letter are the keys to taking this world. By the time you read this, a guard will lie dead. . .
Second gulped at that.
Beware though, it seems a pegasus has been traveling towards us. I have one final set of instructions for you and the others:
Do not let Celestia see the pegasus if he brings this letter to her. Kill him at all costs.
So, after talking to Bright Blade the bounty hunter, we decided to head north to the mountain which Canterlot sits on. We'd walk, of course. We couldn't risk being tracked.
But something was still bothering me. Something about the letter. . . . I feel like I've seen it before. . . . .
But, maybe I'm just paranoid, I mean. . .. how would anyone know I'm holding this letter? . . . Except them.
Although. . . . . I still feel like something is missing. . . .something big.
I'll end my dairy here, pick it up tomorrow.
Our morning was quiet, very quiet. We had to wait for Second Sun, who took off earlier today. As soon as we got back, Twilight and her friends escorted us to the edge of town.
However, we had a backup plan.
In Twilight's pouch, a fake letter sat. We hoped that if anypony else was tracking us, they would follow Twilight on the train.
What we hadn't realized though. . . . was that one pony wasn't fooled.
"The path is just ahead!" Second said, flying ahead of us as we entered Whitetail woods. This northern forest was a bit quieter then it's sister the Everfree. It was also brighter as well.
We followed her in haste, hoping that nopony would follow.
As we scrambled over roots to keep up with Sun, I noticed a small, insignificant flash of light from my right.
Keeping my caution, I continued onward.
"Of all of the paths, why this one?" grumbles Slate as he tries his hardest to duck under the tree limbs.
Oh, I guess I never described Blank Slate's size. He is huge, think 2-3 times bigger then a normal pony. I think there's a pony his size in Appaloosa. . . . Troubleshoes? I don't know.
So, while we had no trouble navigating the forest, Blank Slate kept tripping over everything and hitting every branch.
"Cheer up Slate," Aurora chimed, "We'll only be here for a few hours and then we'll be climbing Canterlot Mountain!"
"Oh, joy." Slate replied sarcastically.
Suddenly, a twig snapped.
Without missing a beat, Blank Slate summoned a black energy shield around us. Second got her wingblades ready, Aurora's horn flared.
Bright Blade pulled out his crossbow, aiming it towards the sound.
I then called out, "Who ever you are, show yourself!"
From the trees in front of me, a disappointed looking earth pony appeared.
Her coat was emerald green, but her mane was grey. She looked to be twice as old as me.
"What is your name?" Slate asked.
"Tourmaline." She said, straightening up.
"Why are you following us?" I asked.
She chuckled, "Your exploits aren't exactly quiet. First, a royal carrier is found dead. Then, a fight breaks out in Ponyville, and in the middle of it is the traitor's son."
"I don't claim him. He wasn't any father of mine the moment he shed innocent blood." I replied. "And I would like it if you didn't tell anypony."
Tourmaline smirked, "So I can't do my job? The very job that I've been on for. . . oh. . . . 18 years?"
I paused, what could she mean?
"What does my father have to do with my mission?" I demanded.
Tourmaline shook her head, "If you had payed attention to the rumors, you would have heard that he may still be alive."
"That still doesn't explain why he would be involved now." I countered.
"Do you even know what's happening down in Zebrica?" Tourmaline asked, "They have been plotting war for. ..oh wouldn't you know it? 18 years!"
I was starting to grow weak, i knew where she was going with this,
"I wonder if that letter has a different agenda, if someone is waiting for it to come to him?" Tourmaline continued.
"You're a reporter." I said, finally finding my voice. "I hate your kind. Your kind ruined my life. Spreading rumors that I'd actually followed my fathers ways."
Tourmaline shook her head, "Not rumors, observations. We look at what could b-"
"BULLSHIT!" I hollered. "If you really did that, then you wouldn't have said that I was like my father! You would have mentioned that I haven't really done anything bad! YOU ARE ALL LIARS THAT CANT SEE GOOD IN ANYPONY!"
"My," Tourmaline chuckled, "I had my doubts, but you at least have your father's fire."
I couldn't let her get to me, I couldn't give her fuel.
"Listen Swift, all I want is that letter, for only a moment. Then we can go on our separate paths." Tourmaline asked, starting to step forward.
"No, this letter is on a one way trip to the Princess. I am going to make sure it gets there."
Tourmaline hummed to herself. "Then how about I accompany you, and if you do what it is that you plan on doing, I tell only the truth?"
I thought about this for a moment. . . . if this letter truly needs to go to the princess. . . . yes, having a reporter to tell the world I am not a traitor would be good.
"On one condition, you only tell the world after I meet with the princess."
"Deal." Tourmaline said.
After an hour or so the forest cleared, and we found ourselves on a long abandoned pathway going up the mountain.
"We'll stop here, then make our way up the mountain tomorrow." I told the rest of the group.
We all settled into our own tents, each one telling stories of their travels.
"And that's how I found the letter." Aurora finished.
Slate looked at me. "So, how did you come across the guard?"
I thought about it for a moment. "Well, I had just got done gambling. As I had next to no money, then I heard a shout and a clang. Found him dying in the alley. . ." I paused and looked around. "Where's Second Sun?"
Everypony looked around to see that the young assassin was gone.
"Master, the Assassin is here to give her report." A shady pony with a big cloak announced, talking to a pony sitting on a throne.
"Good, send her in."
Second Sun walked into the chamber, slightly shaking in the presence of the one on the throne.
"The Letter is at the bottom of the mountain, it will be here by tomorrow." Second explained.
The pony smiled. "After 18 long years, I will finally achieve all I have planned for. After 18 years, I will finally face the Sun."
He stood up and stepped into the moonlight. His silver grey coat shimmered. "After 18 years, I will face my son."
He laughed as his horn lit up, lighting the room with it.
"After 18 years, the Alicorn of Knowledge will rise!"
I felt like nothing could stop me. We had made it halfway up the mountain before noon.
Everyone was talking excitedly, even Slate!
Well, everypony except Second. She had fallen behind, and seemed to mope.
Falling back to her, I decided to ask.
"Something wrong?"
Second looked over at me, "Just stuff. . . life I guess."
My brow furrowed, "But after today, we'll all be going our separate ways."
"That's one of my problems," Second sighed, "Most of my life had been spent alone, in the shadows. With you guys, I feel like I belong."
My breath caught, "You really like us that much?"
"It seems so." Second sighed again, before stopping. "We're here."
Everypony stopped and looked at her.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
She pointed at a nearby cave, "This cave here connects to the crystal caves Twilight and Cadence were imprisoned in during the changeling attacks."
"But why would we enter the caves?" Tourmaline asked, eyeing the pegasus.
"Because it will be easier to sneak into the city that way." Second replied.
I nodded, "Right now, stealth is our best bet, lead the way."
To be honest, I never liked the dark. Thankfully, Aurora and Slate had lit their horns.
But even then, I began to get scared. Scared for myself, and for a few of the ponies around me.
I then thought of the letter.
Should we read it? Should we see what it says in case we never make it out of here?
PLOOSH!
I turned my head to see Tourmaline pull her hoof out of a puddle of cave water,
"Ew." She whispered, shaking her hoof a little.
I chuckled, it was good to see her get a little karma.
Then I looked at Aurora. Her horn's light lit her hair up so it looked like the northern lights. I suddenly felt like a kid again, sitting on my mothers lap as she would tell me about how the northern lights used to shine.
Realizing that I was staring, I turned back to the path ahead of us. But as I did, I felt the urge to look back at her.
"Idiot! You should not be acting like a school kid with a crush!" I scolded my self.
Suddenly, Sunny stopped.
"Something wrong?" I asked her.
"It's. . . it's what I've done." She sighed, "What I'm about to do."
Slowly, Slate, Bright Blade, and Aurora formed a circle around her, while Tourmaline stepped back and pulled out a pair of glasses.
"What do you mean?" I asked her.
"I'll start a few days before I got to Las Pegasus."
Fillydelphia Train Station 2 days before the death of Rhombus.
"My daughter, you have been training for this all of your life. Don't be nervous! It clouds the mind, makes it hard to see your task through." Tempest, Sunny's father, said.
A pony in black had approached them. "You here about the task?" He asked.
"I-i am." Second Sun answered, stepping forward.
"Good, then listen carefully. There is a guard called Rhombus, who will be in Las Pegasus soon." The cloaked pony explained, making sure that everything was perfect, "Your task is to fatally wound him, but not kill him."
"Why?"
"My boss simply states that he has a special carrier in mind." The cloaked pony chuckled.
"So after I hurt Rhombus. . " Second paused, "What should I do?"
The pony chuckled again, "Simple, invade the ranks of the one who receives the letter. Gain their trust, their loyalty. Then lead them straight to the caves under Canterlot."
"I understand." Second asked.
The cloaked pony nodded, "Long live the Elements of Disharmony."
As he went to leave, Second shouted out, "Wait, what if I need you for anything, who do I ask for?"
In a voice nopony should be ale to hear, the pony said one word, "Treason."
Canterlot Caves Present Day
"The Elements of Disharmony?" I wondered aloud, "Who are they?"
Second looked around the cave, "I don't know much, but they plan to overthrow Canterlot, and kill the Sun herself."
Everypony nearly shouted in surprise.
"But, why do I have to be the one to bring the 'Boss' this letter?" I asked in panic.
"Because, now that I've seen him, I know." Second said, "The 'boss' is an Alicorn, but not just any Alicorn."
Second paused as the mountain shook.
"He's your father."
I had no idea how long I had sat there, staring at the ground.
The monster. . . . the very monster responsible for not only the deaths of several ponies, but the destruction of his own son's life.
The same monster who abandoned my mother.
Who was killed, in front of hundred of ponies.
Only to come back Eighteen years later. .. as an Alicorn.
"I say we leave her here, and go back, we can still follow the trail out of here." Aurora said, shooting a glare at Second.
"I say we kill her like the no good pony she is." Slate argued.
"I concur," Blade said, pulling a metal hoof from his cloak. "Starting with crushing."
They began to argue as Tourmaline simply watched. But I looked back to Second.
"Why?"
The question silenced everyone as Second looked at me with wide eyes.
"Why tell us about all of this? You could be hunted down for the rest of your life."
Second gave me a smile, "Anything for a friend."
I'm not sure what exactly what I felt right then, but I felt something. Smiling back, I jumped to my hooves.
"I have a plan, one that will get us through the caves."
Everypony gathered around me as I pulled the letter out of my pouch.
"I'm going to give this to my father."
"WHAT?!" Everypony shouted.
"But, I'm going to read it first. Then, I can copy it word by word."
"But, what if he finds out you copied it?" Aurora asked.
"That's the thing. I won't know."
"What?" Slate said in confusion.
"Slate, Aurora, do either of you know temporary mind wipe spells?"
Aurora and Slate looked at each other before looking back at me.
"I know of one. But I've never used it. I could possibly wipe more then you want." Aurora admitted.
"We have to try." I said, "Now if only we had a way of gauging how many ponies are h-"
"37" Second said automatically.
"How. . . did you do that?" I asked.
Sunset moved a hoof to her eye patch. . . wait, why didn't I mention the patch before? Anyway, she pulled back her eye patch to show us an orange orb that looked like it held fire. "This eye belonged to a Phoenix. With it, I can see the heat ponies give off."
"That's. . . very intriguing." Aurora said, her eyes going wide in wonder.
"I highly doubt he has 37. To be on the safe side, we'll assume that there is some out of your view range." I told her.
"Of course." Sunny replied, moving her eye-patch across her face.
I then lifted up the letter.
"Are we ready?" I asked, "Are we ready to finally read what's in this letter?"
Everypony nodded.
With a slight tear, the letter opened.
Dear Treason,
My plans are in motion. Concealed in this letter is the very thing that allowed me to ascend. We must not lose it.
When you receive this letter, make sure that all of the required ponies and Zebras sign below.
As for my son, I know that he will bring this to me without opening it. And if he does, then I will talk with him.
But I have a more important task for you, you must bring this to Wrath, our agent in Canterlot. The following is now addressed to him.
Wrath, you were so young when this started, but you are like the son I never had. You task is more important then even Greed's.
You must make sure Celestia is unreachable by any who are outcast. Of course, I mean my son. As for the 'device', it too will make you ascend,
Then, you may enact your revenge.
Greed, you are to amass the Changelings, get them to Canterlot. Then, you will be by my side as it falls.
Cruelty, you shall spread the meaning of pain to those who will not bow to us, and you will be assigned to destroy that accursed Tree.
And finally, Deceit, your task remains the same. Keep the Moon blinded.
This, this is our time. We will rise as the elements of Solitude, of Chaos.
And the world will know us as.
The Elements of Disharmony.
Further down was a list of Ambassadors and Zebrican leaders who have turned power to my father.
Everypony went quiet in shock.
Folding both letters up, I gave one to Aurora.
"I'll stall him as long as I can. You get this to Celestia."
Aurora's eyes widened in panic, "But, you wanted to prove that you weren't like your father! You can't do that from down here!"
"Then tell Celestia why I couldn't make it. I hope we meet again."
"Me too." Aurora whispered as she cast the spell.
Giving Aurora a hug, I turned and sped towards my father.
After 18 years, I was going to finally see him face to face.
Tourmaline pulled off her glasses with a sigh.
"Something wrong?" Aurora asked her.
"He has proven to me that I shouldn't judge without first seeing his own actions. From now on, I'll only post the honest truth."
Aurora smiled at her as another unexplained feeling rippled between the group.
"Well Cardinal? You wanted me?" I asked the stallion on the throne.
"Oh my, i that my dearest Swift?" The Alicorn asked.
"I'm not your son, Cardinal." I hissed, causing him to flinch
"And here I thought you would be happy to see me. Thrilled that I survived."
"Happy? Thrilled?" I scoffed, "No, you deserved death, yet here you are, why?"
Cardinal Justice sneered. "Perhaps if I told you about what happened, you will understand."
I tok a deep breath as Cardinal began to tell the tale of how he became known as Equestria's "Traitor".
"Are you sure Mr. Cardinal? Most ponies who read this seem to disappear." The shop owner asked, looking at the silver-grey unicorn in front of him.
"It's just something to read. That's all." Cardinal assured the shopkeeper.
"All right then."
Cardinal went to turn when a black crystal on a display shelf caught his eye.
"What's this?" Cardinal asked.
"That?" The shopkeep asked nervously, "That is supposedly one of six keys."
"Six keys to what?"
The shopkeeper studied Cardinal's eyes for a moment. "The Elements of Disharmony."
Cardinal's Canterlot Mansion
"Dear, I think this is going to far." Spring asked, cradling her two year old son. "We don't even know if you will survive."
"But think of it dear, if this works, then we can live forever."
Spring looked at her husband in distress, "But killing ponies to get her attention?"
"Celestia hid this for a reason. I don't think she'll take to kindly to this." Cardinal explained.
"What about our son? Will you risk him growing up and being despised so that you can have power?" Spring asked.
Cardinal looked at his son, "He is a strong kid. He'll need that."
Spring Gust grit her teeth, "Then I think you need to leave."
Cardinal's lips drew in, "So be it."
And with a flash of light he left.
Canterlot Caverns Present Day
"But my mother was a general, she could have warned Celestia. Why did it still happen?" I asked, feeling proud of my mother for kicking him out.
"Because she knew not where I went."
"And where was that?" I demanded.
Cardinal smiled. "Oh, you know. A few places."
Canterlot 18 years ago
Cardinal looked at the two unicorns who let him in off the street, then at their daughter.
The kid was only two years old, her turquoise fur and yellow -green mane made him think of the night sky. It was almost enough to stop his plans.
Well. . . almost.
Making sure the family didn't take notice, Cardinal left.
Soon after, Cardinal found himself in the shop once more.
"I was hoping you had changed your mind, but alas, I was wrong." The shopkeeper said, as Cardinal entered the store.
"So you know what I'm here for?" Cardinal asked, to which the shopkeeper only nodded.
"I won't be seeing you again, will I Cardinal?" Asked the grizzled old shopkeeper.
"Oh once more maybe," Cardinal said as he walked towards the black crystal. "What I'm going to do is for the greater good."
The shopkeeper only grinned, "Unlike you Cardinal, I know how this will end. I know that you think you have everything planned. But in the end, you will still fail."
"And how do you know?!" Cardinal spat, pulling the black crystal off the shelf.
The shop keeper looked up, his long swirly beard pulling off of the floor, "Because I have seen it before."
Before he could say more, the shopkeeper found one of his curios stuck through his chest. Cardinal leaned in to whisper in his ear, "I will know all of your secrets, Starswirl."
And with one yank, the curios (a beautifully crafted knife), was pulled free.
As he left the shop, Cardinal heard Starswirl whisper, "Not all of them. "
That night, a number of ponies had met the same fate as they had been unlucky enough to cross Cardinal's path.
Soon, Cardinal found himself at the home of the family, his coat stained red from the blood spilt.
Upon entering the house, he saw the parent's sitting on the couch, reading a newspaper.
Without a second thought, Cardinal swung the knife, and both of the unicorns found themselves bleeding.
As they fell to the floor, the mother whispered one last thing, "I love you Aurora Sky."
Then, with nothing else left to do, Cardinal sat in the pool of blood, and began to start his final task.
Canterlot Caverns Present Day
My breath caught. I knew that name.
He killed Aurora's parents. He orphaned her.
"Why didn't you kill the kid?" I asked him.
Cardinal frowned, "Because I had mercy back then. I had lived with them for about a week. I couldn't kill a child."
"But you seemed just fine in killing all of her family." I countered.
Cardinal smiled, "Well, the pain certainly faded fast."
Canterlot Palace Courtyard 18 years ago.
It was done, the crystal was in place, the spell and pony prepared.
All Cardinal needed now was Celestia's magic.
"Cardinal Swift, you are found guilty of mass murder. You not only killed, but you orphaned a young filly as well. You have only one sentence. Death." Celestia announced, glancing to her General, Spring Gust.
"Do I get last words?" Cardinal asked.
Celestia nodded, "If you wish."
Cardinal smiled, "Then allow me to tell you all a little secret. Celestia has the key to immortality, and has hidden it from us."
Celestia glared at Cardinal, "And from this day, if my plan works, I shed the name Justice. From now on, I am, Cardinal Sin. Alicorn of Knowledge."
Before anypony had a chance to react, Celestia sent a torrent of her own magic upon Cardinal. But, unbeknonst to the ponies, Cardinal had two spells prepared, and had fired the first one at the same time as the princess, redirecting her magic to the crystal embedded in him. Shortly after, he fired a teleport spell that made him switch places with Starswirl.
When the last spell was done, Starswirl locked eyes with Celestia. You know what comes next. His thought rang inside Celestia's head, causing her to drop her spell. All that remained was a pile of ash.
And far away, an Alicorn stepped into a network of tunnels.
Canterlot Caverns Present Day
"And that, that was the day I outsmarted the Princess." Cardinal finished.
I gritted my teeth as he walked toward me, "Join me son, and together, we can rule this planet and spread immortality."
But I backed away, "No."
Cardinal shook his head, "Guard, take the letter from him."
After a minute of searching, the guard revealed the letter. "My liege." He said as he gave it to Cardinal.
Ripping the letter open, Cardinal dumped out the contents. "Where's the crystal?" He asked.
"Sir." Another guard said, running in the room. "A group of ponies are making their way to the exit in Canterlot."
"What?!" Cardinal exclaimed, "Go stop them! They have the crystal!"
"Um sir?" another guard asked.
"What now?"
"Your son just fled." The guard said.
Cardinal screamed. "NO! Tell your forces to make for Zebrica, my plans will have to escalate."
"And those ponies?" Another guard asked.
Cardinal grinned, "Wrath can deal with them."
With that, Cardinal fired a teleportation spell and was no more.
Canterlot Cave Exit
Aurora and the others cheered when broad daylight finally hit them. The cool summer air lifting their spirits.
"Alright everyone, home stretch." Aurora said, patting her saddlebag, "After we get the letter to the Princess, I'm going to find Swift."
"No need." I said, hugging Aurora from behind. "I'm right here."
The group cheered as we all embraced.
"Now, to the palace!" I exclaimed, turning to run.
"I'm afraid you are under arrest." a white unicorn with a blond mane said.
"Huh?" I asked. "What charges?"
Prince Blueblood smirked, "Oh, plotting the death of the Princess, for starters."
Blueblood nodded, "We've been hearing word that a group of rag tags was heading towards Canterlot to assassinate the Princess. It's a good thing I decided to patrol the Canterlot Caverns entrance."
Suddenly, part of the letter came back to me.
You must make sure Celestia is unreachable by any who are outcast. Of course, I mean my son. As for the 'device', it too will make you ascend,
Then, you may enact your revenge.
I looked up in surprise, "Guys, he's Wrath!"
Without missing a single beat, Second and I took to the air. Slate summoned a black shield, which pushed Blueblood's guards away. Aurora then teleported behind Blueblood to deliver a sweet kick to his stallion hood.
Every stallion in the group collectively winced in sympathy.
"Okay everyone, regroup at the main gate." I said, motioning Second to follow me.
Slate and Tourmaline took off in one direction while Aurora and Bright Blade went in another, all of us racing against time.
And for the second time that day, the mountain shook.
My turn next huh? Well, Aurora here.
Shortly after we split, I felt the mountain shake for the second time today. What is going on? I thought as I weaved through the city.
"Aurora, there's something I think I should've mentioned." Blade shouted from behind me.
"What?"
"I smelled a lot of Changeling in those caves. I think they are waking." Blade informed me.
"Waking?!" I shouted. "Why?"
Blade looked at me, "To distract the locals."
At that moment, the city swarmed with Changelings.
Well, this story won't be leaving for ahwile.
I still can't believe how right Swift was. He was kind. Honest. Of all the things I noticed, only one thing did he get from his father.
His cunning.
But now, an attack of Changelings, here in Canterlot?! With Swift in the middle?
No. I won't have the injustice he's suffered continue, not while I know the truth. The honest truth.
Looking at the huge stallion next to me, I pondered a way to the catsle.
I knew Cardinal had something up his sleeve. And of course there's changelings. . . but the thing is, I have a hunch that this is just a distraction.
Looking to my left, I noticed Second looking for any signs of struggle.
"You see anything yet?" I yelled to her.
"No, but I know that they are coming. . . " Second yelled back.
"Well then, we best get to Celestia." I told her, turning my wings to make me swoop low to the ground.
Bracing for impact, I landed on the street. Ahead of me was the castle gates. Taking of at a full gallop, I ran to the guards.
"Halt citizen. You must have an appointment to see the Princess." One of the guards said.
"How about you go tell her the son of the infamous Cardinal is here." I replied in a snarky tone.
"S-swift?!" A guard stammered. "Why do you want to see the Princess?"
"To tell her why these Changelings," As I spoke, a changeling hit the ground next to us, "Are attacking."
Looking at each other, the guards stepped aside. "Then hurry."
Without a moment's pause, Me and Second ran inside the castle.
Blasted changelings. . . filthy creatures. They were everywhere.
As I ran, I remembered the first time I interacted with these creatures. . .shortly after her death.
I was told that the Changelings had pledged allegiance to a new king. I had always wondered who.
Now, it makes too much sense.
Looking to the mare next to me, I had an idea.
"Aurora!" I barked at her.
"Yes?"
"Your magic, is it strong enough to teleport?" I asked her, even though I hated magic.
"Yes, but not many ponies or very far." Aurora replied.
I nodded, "Then go, teleport to the castle."
"Why?" Aurora asked.
"Because, I have a special changeling that I need to repay a debt to."
Aurora could only gape.
"GO!" I yelled.
Without a moments hesitation, Aurora teleported. And I was alone, the horde coming for me.
"Now where are you. . . Chameleon?"
I did not ask for this.
That letter had an artifact of black magic. And I wanted it destroyed.
Now I'm running through the capital of Equestria with a reporter from a horde of changelings. . . led by a stallion thought to be dead.
What is really going on? And why am I still here?!
"Hey Slate, do you have any ideas to get us out of here?" Tourmaline asked me.
I pondered for a moment. "This may hurt a little, but I don't have a choice." I replied.
I then turned to face her, "I have to teleport using dark magic. And it will honestly hurt."
Tourmaline gave me a look of determination, "Do it."
Without a moments hesitation, I cast the spell, and everything fell silent.
Many things happened at once.
First, Second Sun and I burst into the throne room. Then a bright flash revealed Aurora. A second flash gave up Tourmaline and Blank Slate.
"Aurora, where is Bright Blade?" I asked, forgetting the fact a princess was watching.
"I don't know." Aurora admitted.
"Now that we have that out of the way, may I ask what brought you here?" Princess Celestia asked, walking towards our group.
I approached her and bowed, "I am Swift Justice, son of Cardinal Justice, and I have brought something of great importance for you." I then motioned to Aurora to give the letter to Celestia.
The Princess took the letter, read it, then sighed. "So his plan worked."
Nopony spoke for a few minutes. Only the guards, who were quietly surrounding us, were moving.
"Princess?" I asked, getting closer to her, "You knew?"
The Princess looked up at me, "I'm sorry. I'm sorry that your life was ruined, that your father went insane and that he is now an Alicorn."
I stepped back, "Why would you be sorry? It's not your fault."
The Princess regarded me, "Everypony leave." She spoke.
Everypony except for me left the room.
Then I heard the five words that changed everything.
"Because it was my fault."
I was given a room to stay in. Tomorrow the Princess would call me back to explain what she meant.
Then she would ask for my help.
I looked around my temporary room. It had a large bed. A desk and lamp sat next to it. The room had a small balcony with a table and chairs.
I even had my own bathroom.
So why did I feel so. . . empty?
Deciding to gather my strength, I flopped onto my bed and grabbed my journal.
And here I sit, wondering if there's anything else to add. . .
I'll let you know tomorrow.
Instead of meeting in the throne room, the Princess required us to meet in the archives.
Why there? I had no clue. Perhaps she wanted a more quiet place.
We kept moving through the archives until we reached a long tapestry.
The Princess quickly looked both ways before moving it aside to reveal a door.
It was old and ornate. It had an atmosphere around it, as if opening it would open a door to the past.
The Princess walked inside, not wanting to waste time.
I followed her into what looked like a study.
A shelf with journals, a desk, a quill and ink, and finally a large ornate chair.
The Princess strode over to the bookshelf, and pulled a very old looking book. Tattered and torn, it looked like it was over a thousand years old.
"Swift, after I tell you my story, please don't think me different." The Princess asked me, sitting down in the old chair.
"I-" I paused, what exactly did she do? "I promise."
The princess nodded, "Then my story begins, before Discord, before Sombra, and before the loss of my sister. This is the truth of the elements of Harmony."
Over a thousand years ago. . .
"The Tree of Harmony." Luna whispered, awed by the tree.
"I told you girls that it was beautiful." Starswirl said, his tired eyes full of hope.
"But, why keep this secret?" Celestia asked, looking at her mentor.
"Because, like the soul of a pony, the tree can be corrupted." Star Swirl the Bearded explained, "And it would doom us all to disharmony."
"What of that?" Luna asked, pointing at an alter that sat in front of the tree.
"Yes, this altar holds a second set of elements. I'm not sure why there's a secondary set, but I do know that they are alike in every way." Star Swirl said. "Well, except for this one" He spoke as he held up a gem that was colored green. "It is like magic, yet different in a way I can't understand."
While Luna stared at the strange green gem, Celestia was reading words on an altar.
"And there would come the Sun and Moon, one of which for millennium doomed. From one's jealousy and rage, to the others destruction and strife. The harmony elements will undo both lives."
Celestia took a step back. "What does this mean? That one of us is doomed?!"
Star Swirl scoffed, "Hardly, most of these old riddles are just telling one possibility. So, while there is a chance, it is not likely."
"Really Tia, don't be upset. Nopony can tell the future." Luna said, turning back to the tree.
"Alright girls, I think we've been here long enough. Time to go back to your lessons." Star Swirl announced, turning towards the cave exit.
Luna, who was still young, jumped up and flew out of the cave. Giggling all the way.
Before Celestia could follow, Star Swirl put a hoof on her shoulder. "Your sister is right. Nopony can predict the future. Don't worry about this."
Star Swirl then left the cave, whistling a tune.
But Celestia looked toward the altar again, her mind still on the words it bore.
She shook her head. Luna was right. Nopony could tell the future.
Present Day. . .
I stared at the Princess before me. "So this poem, it said that it would ruin both lives, but only one is doomed. . . how would that work?"
The Princess sighed, "Luna, in her jealousy over me, and rage at the ponies, caused the events where I had to use the elements. It ruined both our lives. Yet Luna is returned, and she is fixing her life."
"So at least half came true," I muttered, "Jealousy and rage."
The Princess nodded. "That is the case."
"So what of the "destruction and strife?" I asked, looking back up at the Princess.
Celestia sighed, "The destruction already happened. And strife has happened repeatedly, and I believe it will happen again."
I cocked an eyebrow, "It already happened? The whole poem?"
Celestia shook her head, "No. I believe I am the one doomed. I just didn't know how until now."
"How?"
"Your father's destiny," The Princess looked at me, her eyes suddenly looking ancient and tired, "is to kill me, with my own magic."
I couldn't form words, how could somepony accept their fate like this?
"You still don't know how the destruction part happened." The Princess sighed, "And you must know."
A few weeks had passed since Celestia had read the poem. And she still couldn't stop thinking about it.
If it was her that was doomed, then Luna would have to live alone. If it was Luna. . . . Celestia shook her head. She would die before she would see her sister doomed.
Deciding that trying to sleep was impossible, Celestia decided to check the time. She smiled as she realized that there was a few hours until sunrise.
With a sly smile, she snuck out of the castle.
With the cool night air rushing through her mane, and the stars shining brightly above, Celestia soon found herself at a special clearing in the Everfree forest.
A few minutes later a stallion emerged from the other side, his pure white coat easy to spot.
"Were you spotted?" The strange stallion asked.
"No." Celestia whispered, "We are alone."
"Good," The Stallion whispered back, stepping into the light of Celestia's horn. His black mane waved in the wind. "I missed you, my love."
Celestia giggled, "Me too Vesolute."
Celestia leaned against Vesolute and sighed, her fear subsiding a bit Vesolute smiled down at her. As they sat, Vesolute simply studied Celestia's flowing mane.
"It's dim." Vesolute commented.
"What?" Celestia asked, opening her eyes.
"Your mane, it's dim tonight. What's on your mind?" Vesolute asked, his brow creasing in worry.
"I-I'm afraid Ves, afraid that I may lose my sister." Celestia whispered, her voice starting to shake, "That I'm going to lose you too, that I'll be doomed to misery."
Vesolute chuckled, "My dear Tia, do you remember what I always told you? You need to confront these fears head on, and prove them false."
Celestia suddenly sat upright, "You're right. I have to face them." Without another word, Celestia ran into the Everfree towards the castle.
Vesolute followed after, trying to keep up with the young princess. They stopped in front of a cave.
Celestia turned towards Vesolute, "No matter what you hear, don't follow me in the cave." Celestia told him.
Vesolute nodded, "If it's easier for you that way. Then I'll oblige."
After sharing a short kiss, Celestia stepped into the cave, her horn lighting up in a color it's never been before.
"All right," Celestia whispered, looking at the elements on the altar. "You've plagued my mind for far too long, you have threatened those I loved, now I will make sure your curse is destroyed."
With a flick of her horn, purple-green magic shot from it, hitting the elements and turning them black. Celestia gasped in pain as the magic started to rebound.
Vesolute was worried for his princess, worried that she may never be the same. He flinched when he heard Celestia gasp in pain, he wanted to go in and comfort her, but he was a stallion of his word.
The cave then lit with the green magic, and Celestia screamed in pain.
He couldn't stand to the side. Vesolute ran into the cave.
What he saw was terrifying. Celestia was floating, the blackened elements spun around her, turning her coat to a dark gold.
"No!" Vesolute shouted, shooting his own magic into the mix. He instantly regretted the decision when he felt his whole body catch on fire.
Celestia screamed his name, but Vesolute couldn't hear her. His horn cracked in two, turning into odd misshapen things. ONe stayed a horn while the other became an antler.
One tooth grew sharp and long, sticking down over his jaw. His white coat turned brown and from his back two different types of wings sprouted.
As this happened, Vesolute could only shout in pain. Pain as his body reshaped.
One leg became a claw, the other a paw. One hind leg became a dragon leg, growing green scales. The other went from horse to donkey as the hoof became cloven.
Vesolute groaned as the pain stopped, his body still weak. He looked up into Celestia's eyes, and saw a monster reflected in them.
He screamed and fled from the cave. Telling Celestia not to look at him.
Celestia could only cry in horror as her lover had been destroyed. And she cried harder as she realized the poem was coming true.
Celestia curled up and cried as she realized, she had doomed herself.
Present day. . .
I sat back in surprise. "You mean to tell me that Discord was your fault?!"
Celestia nodded, her eyes now heavy from remembering that day. "Because of the hate I was feeling towards the gems and the poem, all I had done was change them, into elements of chaos and disharmony."
I swallowed, "But they had too much from you, and outputted it to the nearest source."
"And Discord was born." Celestia finished.
I pondered for a moment, "But it seemed like he was still Vesolute at that time, when did he lose his mind?"
Celestia sighed, "Again, most of that was my fault."
I sat back as Celestia continued telling me her story.
Over a thousand years ago. . .
Celestia sat by the shore, only the ocean below made a sound.
She looked to the bag at her hooves, her mind still going over the loss of her loved one. Picking up the bag, Celestia decided to toss it into the ocean, where nopony could find it, and where she hoped that the elements inside would not be able to doom her.
After she tossed the bag she heard a sigh come from behind her. Celestia turned to see Star Swirl approach her.
"I'm disappointed in you, my pupil. I told you to listen to your sister." Star Swirl chided her.
"It wouldn't leave my mind, I thought I could be rid of them." Celestia sighed, laying down on the rock she was siting on.
"Our burdens must be bared," Star Swirl said, placing a hoof on Celestia's shoulder, "But acting out of fear and anger is not always sound."
"I know." Celestia whimpered.
"Whatever happens now is meant too." Star Swirl said, "Once you accept it, it will be easier."
Celestia said nothing as she continued to quietly sob.
Then, it began to rain a little.
However, the rain was a dark brown. And tasted of chocolate.
A few hours later found Celestia and Luna staring at the monster that was causing this. He sat on a throne and laughed.
"Vesolute, why are you doing this?" Celestia asked him.
Vesolute looked at her, "Ah, if it isn't the princess. How do you do!" He then handed her a tail. Luna's tail.
Luna gasped as she looked behind her and saw her tail was gone. "What kind of power does this thing have?"
"Vesolute!" Celestia yelled, "I demand an answer!"
Vesolute chuckled, "Why? hahahaHAHA! WHY? Because my world was changed insomuch that my eyes were opened! You are all blind to chaos. So I am making you see it!"
"Vesolute! It doesn't have to be like this!"
Vesolute looked back at Celestia. "Vesolute? Who is that?" He stood up and put his paw on his chest. "I am Discord, lord of chaos and Spirit of Disharmony!"
Celestia felt her cheeks grow wet with tears as she whispered, "So be it."
Present day. . .
"And you know the rest." Celestia finished, her eyes now red from sorrow.
I fell silent as I thought long and hard about what to do next. Then I asked the question that would change my life.
"What would you have me do?"
"What?!" Aurora exclaimed, "You want us to WHAT?"
"We need to find the Elements of Disharmony, my father's allies. We need to cleanse them." I explained.
"And how do you expect us to do that?" Tourmaline asked, her eyes traveling up from a newspaper, "Blade is somewhere surrounded by Changelings, the Elements have hidden for 18 years. Are we even qualified?"
I shook my head. "It doesn't matter if we are qualified or not. What matters is we are willing to do whatever it takes to help."
"So, where do we go first, boss?" Slate asked, causing everypony to look toward me.
I smiled, "Anypony here ever wanted to go see a crystal pony?"