Can Clairity discover the secrets of the ancient, seemingly mellow town, and the history between man and pony/
It's Clarity's first morning in Ponyville Equestria, its nice, sunny, simple, and most ponies there are relatively nice to her even if she is a human immigrant, ponies are just relatively nice beings who she feels she can be friends with. But strange things come to her attention, the wispers in the forrest, the history of ponyville that dates back to the Twilight age, and the abandoned mysterious castle that seemed just out of place in the small town, can she figure out the secrets ponies and man left buried before the dark hand rises to take hold of all of them?
This was a dream, but it was nothing, not nothing like it was pitch black, but nothing as if I was completely blind at that moment. The nothing was there, and wasn’t there at the same time. Then I woke up, suddenly opening my eyes feeling that I couldn’t move at all from the sleep paralysis, I then Slowly start to move out of bed, waving off the grogginess from my body.
I yawned as I get dressed and ready for school, only to realise that it was Summer time, and an entire world away from school.
I was glad I didn’t need an alarm clock, my body just always knew when to get up. I yawn once more as I started brushing my dark hair, goofing off with trying to catch my eyes move without any avail.
I take a deep breath and sigh as I try to make exit of my room, with difficulty at first realising that the doorknob was lower than it was back home, in fact, everything was lower, the place wasn't built necessarily for six foot bipedals rather than three to four foot ponies, it worked but habits didn't die so easily, at least we had a bathroom reinstalled, toilets are quite difficult for people in Equestria.
I yawned as I made my way towards the kitchen, seeing my pony aunt Fritter make some pancakes.
She looked at me and smiled, "How are ye doin now sugar cube, I was just preparin ye'all some breakfast, Granny probably wont be up till another turn, so ye be free of sunday lessons on your first day here on Apple acres."
I smiled back at her, "Thanks Aunty Fritter, I wanted to get a good look at the town anyway." I said. I thought back to when my dad told me how he met her in high school on Earth and became good life long friends, practically became family to the Apple's after that.
I waited a minute for the apple pancakes that made my mouth water. No preservatives, no processed sugar, no man made chemicals, it was all good, truly natural home goods, but nothing beats Granny Blooms Pies, three hundred year old and still the raining champ at the baked goods competition. First time I ate it, my mind told me Pie, only pie, and nothing but pie for a whole day.
I was told it was a generations old recipe that dated back further than the United era, when even granny was just a filly.
It was crazy to think that she was ever that young seeing her now, old, but hell of a kicker, she still had lots of spunk left in her with energy to spare . Twenty minutes past before I ate the last bite of my Apple pancakes as I thought to myself, They sure are not called Apples for nothing, not only did they farmed them, they sure knew how to use them
I release a sigh at my once glorious pancake, then stretched, "All right, I'm heading out Aunty, see you soon."
She waved her hoof as I head out, "Be safe, remember, I still have ta give you back to your Father in one piece." She said chuckling before remembering something important, "Oh, also, if you see Jackie Jr, tell her that I have some things I need her to pick up."
I chuckle back, "Okie Dokie." I walk out of the farm house and follow the dirt road into town.
I deeply take in the fresh air and senery, many years I have wanted to come here, begged my dad to take me, while he always replied saying inter-dimensional portal travel is exspensive. It took three years of apple bucking seasons for Fritter to afford to come to Earth and see all of our tech, which was prohibited in Equestria for environmental reasonings, a topic fought over for many years, but the Princess over ruled her politics and declaired total absence of human tech until we discovered a way to make it non-pollutant, good for Equestria, and gave mankind the push for future advancements.
The first thing I notice when I see Ponyville is the distingushed castle that put me in awe.
It was dead center of ponville, designed in an intricate tree shape made of crystal, a bit out of place for the small town, but non the less apart of it and its history.
I passed by multiple shops, many old buildings that had stood over the centuries, similar to that of england, but with a poniesc style.
Many newer building tried not to differ from the older ones as to not contradict the theme of the historic town.
As I moved by, ponies looked and would occasionaly wave at me, or come up to greet me, seeing that I was new in town. The process continued but slowed as I marched further into town.
I was about to make a turn to observe the castle when a shade of orange caught my eye. I turned around to see cousin Jackie walking down the street. First time I ever saw her was back home in Canada, visiting for Cristmas, now she was an Archeologist that studied history right before the United era.
I walked over to her, seeing that she was talking to somepony in an old bakery, taking note from what the old pony said.
She saw me and motioned for me to wait before she was done.
The other pony nodded and walked back to his bakery as Jackie turned to me and smiled, "How you liking ponyville?" She asked.
I mildly chuckled, her ascent was gone and replaced by that similar to mine, "It's great so far, clean air, fresh food, magic, its a dream." I thought for a moment, "By the way, Aunty said that she has some things for you to pick up, mind telling me what it is?"
Jackie smirked, "Old apple history about Great aunt Apple Jack, she was one of the bearers of the Elements you know, and elder sister to Granny. I'm trying to figure out as much as I can about the bearers, maybe discover why and how they disapeared."
I widened my eyes, Granny's sister was the bearer? I knew it was an apple, but not that close, "What have you found out?"
She chuckled, "About as little as anypony else,"
She walked closer to me, making me look down on her, Ponies are so smallI thought.
"But I have a Theory."
I then smirked, "Well... Please enlighten me Indiana Jones."
She laughed at the comment, "Gosh, don't make me miss earth any more, I watch that any chance I get when I'm there."She calmed down and wiped her eye, "Anyway, I believe it may have to do with the transmutation period."
I frowned, "The Changeling Curse? didn't everypony recover from that?" I looked back to my history class, I was told that the Changeling curse sent thousands of pony souls to earth as humans for fifteen years, no specifics told that the Bearers were apart of that, then again, it was three hundred years ago."
Jackie shook his head, "Queen Chrysalis's spell was incomplete, it was suppose to keep them there forever, however, earth's energy began to break down the spell over a period of a decade and a half which would give the asumption that everypony turned back to normal, but, two thousand ponies got caught in that spell, less than that came back, so my theory states that the elements changed the spell for them somehow, its still rocky but seems to make sense, it would explain why they disappeared."
I thought for a moment, "Isn't it more likly that some of the ponies died while they were there?"
Jackie shook her hoof, "Ehh, its not perfect, but I have a feeling that whatever made them dissapeared, is close to understanding, anyway, I better get to the farm to get Applejacks things." She tipped her fedora and made her way to the farm.
I thought to myself, Elements of Harmony, maybe I should read up on it at the Library while i'm there. I smirked, strange how you turn a castle into a Library.
It was such a disappointment to find out that the actual castle wasn't the Library but a similar building next to it, It wasn't big from here, but to my discovery, the Harmony Archives were deep underground in a labyrinth like style, which did make up for the fact that it wasn't in the actual castle itself. I looked around inside seeing bookcases that spanded two stories high, some locked up, others free of use.
I walked around in wonder before I met an old man at the desk.
He looked up at me and chuckled, "Well, i'll be, it's been along time since i've seen another human around these parts, ecspecially a lass as beautiful as yourself."
I was surprised at first not expecting to see another person, being so rare in this part, but shook his hand and thanked him for the compliment as I looked around, "Pretty big place, how can I start a membership?" My interest were peeved from my earlier talk with Jackie about the element and their bearers, they talked a little about it in school, but seeing it as not completly relavent with earthly history, it wasn't a subject much discussed in class.
"I'll be happy to inform you that membership is free, but to go in the restricted section, you need a forth degree in Magical Science and law. Also, books are not allowed to leave the premises of the archieve." He rumage through the drawer and pulled out a piece of paper, "You will need to sign here to get an access card and replacment access card if you lose your previous one, the rest is explained in here."
I grabbed the sheet and read through it before before signing my name.
I handed which he took before rumaging through the drawers again, revealing an enchanted paper card. "Magic is just as good as human tech, these not only don't tear, but react only to your energy signature."
He handed it to me, and upon grabbing it I felt a wave hit me as the card recognized me as its owner.
I felt a chill run down my body as the foriegn energy stopped analizing me, "Yeesh, that was wierd."
The Archive owner chuckled, "Yeah, you get used to it, after one hundred and seventy two years that is."
My eyes widened as I looked him up and down, "Wait, you dont-"
"Look that old?" He cut in, "Oh this old country does wonders, keeps me youthful inside and out." He sighed, "I'm glad that Earth and Equestria discovered one another, its been plenty beneficial for us in our growth."
I sat down, "You talking about all of the wars?" I had learned that humans used to fight each other non stop in the past, damaging the world in the process, we were predators after all, but things changed for us after we came in contact wit Equestria.
He nodded, "Yes," He thought for a moment then laughed, "What am I doing, keeping you here to listen to an old man, look around and see if there is any books you like."
He motioned me forward as I looked around.
I spent another twenty minutes looking for books, roaming around deeper and deeper inside the archives, but found nothing on the elements of harmony when a thought struck me, "My god, why didn't I look under E?!" I faced palmed as I headed back watching the Letter system that I had ignored previously as I head towards the E section. Of coarse they have a letter system, why wouldn't they?
As I searched through the section, another thought strucked me, Why am I so fixated anyway? sure, ancient objects of power are cool and everything, but i'm not usually into this kind of thing.
I groaned as I continued looking through,
"Over here..."
Hearing a voice behind me, I turn quickly to see nothing. I felt my heart beat heavily, "Who's there?"
No response.
I look around one more time before deciding it was my imagination, until I heard a creeking sound.
I turn around once again to spot the chain door open slowly in a restricted case.
"What you seek lies here..." The wispy voice said.
I froze as the room light dimmed as a magical aura increased. It was a fierce feeling, much stronger than the magic that I felt earlier.
A rainbow colored energy materialized as it picked a book from the restricted section and brought it over near me as it sat it on the ground.
My instincts flared as the energy closed on me, but dissipated before it got near.
I release my breath that I hadn't known that I was holding, if it got any closer, I probably would have tried to swat it away from me.
The Lights stayed dim as I observed the book titled, 'My Little Pony Friendship is magic' I looked it over, picture holding the elements of harmony.
I pick it off the ground, looking up and down, "Strange title, for a restricted book."
I was hesitant to open it, being that it was both restricted and the fact that a strange entity tried to give it to me in a demonstration of vast power.
I open it up to the title page finding that it was just what I needed, the story of the bearers, Jackie would kill for such a book. I flipped through to see where all of their homes were, their abilities, cutie marks, events they partaken in, pictures, and various maps and spell. I opened one page only to be surprised by a orange glowing sphere materializing from the book that kind of looked like an orange fruit.
I stood there dumbfounded as It swivles around me towards the side of the crystal wall. It stayed there a minute before I heard a hissing sound.
The crystal wall split as it slid back into a door towards a staircase.
I gulped, frozen, trying to understand what the hell was going on, I just wanted to research a topic that seemed fascinating to me.
The Orb waited for me for a minute before it came and prodded me to go through the door.
I felt like it was the last chance to turn away before things got weird... Screw it, it was already weird, and my curiosity was peeked.
I let go of my breath as I went up the staircase following the little orb.
Twelve minutes passed by going up the staircase as my breathing gotten heavier. The air started getting musty and smelled like old paper the further I went up with my growing anticipation before I met a solid metal door locked with a fire enchantment. The orb started to shift and change right before me before wings sprouted along with avian features.
I gasped at the pheonix, not only from the surprise, but the heat of it seemed to burn away some of the air in the space.
It sat on e rail for a moment to preen its feathers before it breathed a magenta color fire at the enchantment, releasing a satisfying click as the door swung open, releasing air, musty air, but air at least.
I gingerly step through to reaveal a throne room.
I gasped, was I in the castle? I had to be. "Oh my gosh, i'm in the castle aren't I?"
The bird nodded his head.
I laughed, pushing my head back as I looked aroud. It was an amazing spectacle to be seen.
I put the book down on the table in front of the six throwns with the symbols of the bearers cutie marks, there was also a little throne next to the throne of magic which I closer observe and notice something off. The place didn't seem to have a spec of dust on anything, as if it had suddenly been clea-
I was cut from my thoughts as I heard foot steps coming nearer.
I panicked as I looked around, finding that the door I came from was shut, Crap I hide behind the throne as the foot steps neared. I looked right in front of me to see the Phoenix cock his head before flying off in the direction of the foot steps as I silently curse to myself.
I heard a startled sound before I heard a sound of laughter as the mysterious being started talking, "Its been a while Pewee."
I heard a chirping sound.
"A girl?"
Another tweeting sound.
"Oh, a human girl, been a while since i've seen one of them, where is she?"
Another tweet.
"Hiding, behind the throne? why did you bring her here?"
The bird made another tweeting sound.
"Astrid? she wanted her here? i've should have known."
There were footsteps again, "Come out here child, i'm no threat to you."
I gulp and shivered as I came out of my place to see a four foot tall purple dragon with an expirienced face.
He scratched his face upon looking at me, "Yes, its been to long since i've seen a human, state your buisness." he asked.
I clammed up, "Well... y-you see, I was j-just in the archieves looking for something about the elements when I found this book." I pointed at it on the table.
He glanced at it before turning to me, "How did you get a hoof on a restricted book?"
"Well, f-funny story really, a magical entity o-opened it up and gave it to me, and, i-i'm no expert in magic or anything, but I-I opened up a page that released that Phoenix which showed m-me the way here." I licked me lips as sweat started around my forhead. I hated to get in trouble, especially through things out of my control... then again, I could have put the book back and went on minding my own buisness.
The Dragon nodded his head, "That magic was from Astrid, embodiment of the elements, which means your important somehow." He chuckled then held out his hand, "Spike's my name, you might find me in that book of yours."
I sighed, realising that he wasn't mad or anything... wait, I was ignoring a crucial detail, Embodiment of the elements? and why would this dragon be in the book?
I shook his hand. "Clarity."
He nodded as the phoenix chirped again gaining Spike's attention, "Of coarse i've had social interaction with ponies, well, a hundred and twenty two years ago that is."
The chirp turned angry.
"Hey, no need for such language, don't forget that it was me who saved you from turning into scrambled eggs three hundred and twelve years ago." Spike turned back to me wiping the upset from his face, "Allow me to explain, I was once the element of magic's, assistant, served her for many years as a friend and sibling."
My jaw droped.
He chuckled, "Don't be too surprised dearie, you must have knowned that some of the Twilight order remained, who else could have written all those books about our deeds." He looked up in pride, "Many adventures those girls used to have, inseparable, even after the accident." His gaze shifted as he realized he leaked something out. "Oh, well lets not dwell on that, you want to know, I can tell you."
I nodded following him out of the throne room into the hallway.
"As you can guess this is the Castle of Twilight, it didn't start here though, it all started with how she came across the elements, " He continued, "Most ponies now adays remember this, but back then, Twilight used to be a Unicorn scolar who studied under the wings of Princess Celestia herself,"
"Who's Celestia?" I asked, I only knew of Princess Luna who ruled both day and night, at least that was what I heard.
Spike stoped for a moment to look at me, deeply saddened, "Once the ruler and co-ruler of Equestria, elder sister to Luna." He looked at mee funny, "You must be new here if you hadn't heard of her, its to soon for ponies to forget her."
I coughed, "Well, this is my first morning in Equestria, they don't teach much about this place on earth."
Spike sighed, "Knowing her should be relavent to both worlds, she is a massive chunk of history." He sighed again, "She died two hundred and twenty three years ago through a misunderstanding, anyway, back to my story, anyway, Twilight discovered a prophecy fortelling of the wicked nightmare moon to come back from her lunar prison on the day of the one-thousandth summer sun to bring eternal night. Twilight tried to warn the princess, having me write a letter to her. The result didn't seem to be in her favor though."
"What did she say?"
Spike chuckled, "I don't remember it by heart, but it was along the lines of getting out of dusty old books and make some friends while preparing for the festival in ponyville."
I chuckled, "I'm guessing that Twilight got pretty upset."
"You have no Idea, She tried to get the festival prepared as quickly as possible while she tried to find a solution to the problem, meeting the soon to be bearers in the process." He smiled, "They drove her nuts that day, I don't remember much after nightmare revealed herself, I fell asleep afterwards."
I raised an eyebrow, "An evil monarch declaired that she would bring eternal night to the land and you fell asleep?"
Spike scoffed,"Hey, I was still a baby dragon, anyway, Twilight told me the rest, The other five got suspicious of her, got her to cough up the beans, found out the secret of where the element were, realised friendship was magic after they wen't through the Everfree, then confronted Nightmare moon, where they blasted her with the magic of harmony, turning into princess Luna again, which freed Celestia, and they had a heart felt moment together were they became co-leaders again."
"Nightmare moon was princess Luna?" I asked. It as hard seeing the monarch as such, she was decribed as firm, but never evil.
Spike nodded, "Yep, sure was, but the elements stripped her of all of her jealousy, greed, and anger, turning her back into the pony she once was. I only met with her twice before these years she has been free from her darkness, just be lucky she didn't fall back after her sister died, she would have taken over both worlds for sure without the elements around."
Here's my chance, "What happen to them?"
We stopped in front of a large ornamented wooden door, "Thats top secret, but i'll tell you one thing, it involves the transmutation perod brought up by the changelings."
Seems Jackie was on the right trail, but why is it secret?
Spike opened one of the massive door to reveal a library much more grand than the archieves nex to it, "Now I don't doubt Astrid, she after all was my sister when we got caught in the Changeling spell, she has intrest in you, she led you to me, i'll lend you all of my resourcs. Parts of this Library have some of the original Starswirl writings from Canterlot before the Great falling, even original writings of ponies who came back, and yes, alot of books here can be considered forbidden, so I give you a warning."
I stepped inside gawking at the majesty of the place, "How is it so big?"
Spike chuckled, "Twilight needed a place for her books, so she dabbled in temporal rifts in time-space, in other words, its bigger on the inside than it is on the outside."
Spike looked at his magic powered watch, "Oh wow, its almost night fall"
I looked up, "What!" Time seemed to fly by. I missed both lunch and dinner due to being so wrapped up in all this cryptic stuff. "I better run back to the farm, Granny and aunty must be worried sick about me!"
Spike's ears perked, "The Apple farm? you live with the Apples?"
I nodded, "Yep, Granny Bloom and Apple Fritter."
Spike laughed loudly, "Oh, oh boy, don't tell me that i'm that old, That trouble maker filly Apple Bloom is now a Grandma?! your kicking my leg! Oh man, I should have visited." An Idea popped in his head, "Say, maybe I can come with you, give them an explaination of why you were gone so long, and see how old bloom is doing."
I perked, "Sure, that would be great."
Spike seemed to be at the peek of his nostalgia, feeling like a little kid again.
Spike started towards the entrance, "One more thing," He rumaged through a near by drawer and grabbed a Key, "Here," He handed it to me, "You can come back at any time. Its been too long since i've felt this good, the castle should be fine without me."
Me and Spike talked along the way, I asked him about the Changeling curse, telling me a little about it but also telling me that some of it was confidential and uncomfortable to talk about, so I switched the subjec to Granny. I already knew that her sister was the Bearer of Honesty, but not about her being old friends with a dragon. I laughed when he told me about the first time they met, she and her friends Apparently knocked him down on accident while carrying a wagon of books for Twilight, and was a little while before they talked again.
It was humerous to hear that she and her friends created a club to get their Cutie marks, and did everything to get them from animal rescuers, elderly assistants, party planners, bakers, and even journalist, driving the town completly nuts with their shenanigans, especially the last one, it got the whole town riled up.
Twenty minutes passed before we made it to the farm, seeing granny on her porch chair. She was aged but wasn't so old looking, she still kept her red hair though it was mostly pink now with only a few strands of grey standing out.
she took care of herself and suffered with few wrinkles, tired but still rambunctious as ever.
Spikes eyes widen upon seeing her, but softened at the sight of his old friend.
She fell asleep on her chair, obviously waiting for me, but wakened as we stepped on the porch.
She stiffled a groan as she stretched "About time young lady, you know how long i've been waiti..." Her attention turned to spike as her vision cleared.
He grinned, "oh Bloom, I bet you don't realize how much you sound like old Granny Smith ."
Granny was spechless, "S-spike? is that really you?"
Spike shrugged, "In the flesh, I bet we have lot to talk about Sofie."
She giggled, "Your probably the only one still kicking that still calls me by that name besides old Scoot, she and I are the only ones."
Spike faltered, "Sweetie? she?"
"Kicked the bucket twelve years ago, she was reckless, upon realising that she was at the end of her rope, she wen't to enjoy herself, sky diving, scuba and all that, it cost her, but it was a good way to go."
Spike's eyes darkened, "I'm sorry Sofie, I wished I had knowned, but I cut myself off after..."
She sighed, "That be alright Spike, but have you really been in that castle the entire time?"
Spike twiddled with his thumbs, "Well, kinda, somepony had to look after Twilights castle."
Granny sighed, then smirked, "I really am like Granny aren't I?"
Spike smiled, "Yeah, still, i'll always see that little curious filly that smashed into me no matter how much you change Bloom."
Granny chuckled before looking to me, "Alright, i'll scold you later missy, I mean to have business with an old friend."
I nodded respectfully as I walked inside the house.
Spike sat down on the porch step looking out to the setting sun waiting a minute before he released a sigh, "When did we stop being energetic goofballs that got into everything Bloom?" Spike could almost see Apple Jack bucking apples out on the farm, Twilight and the other girls helping her after she admits that she needed help, He wrote that letter among many others. It was seventy six years ago when he found all those letters again, putting it in a book title, 'The lessons of Harmony' A best seller, even on earth.
"Somepony had to be wise enough to watch the next generation, guess we were the luck of the draw right Dale."
Spike continued looking out at the horizon, watching the princess do her work, not as skilled as Celestia, but over all a spectacular Twilight. "Bloom, I'm Three hundred and twelve years old, i'm not even middle aged yet, so much more is ahead of me out there, how will I do it Bloom? go through that without you all, your the last i've got and I haul myself in a castle while you get old, thats how stupid I am."
"You can't help it Spike," Bloom eplained.
"Yeah, I know, I know, its in my nature, but that shouldn't been an excuss, i'm more like a pony than a dragon anyway, look at me" He motioned to himself, "I controlled my emotions through will and became virtually ageless, sure, my appearence changed and I gained a much bolder face, but i'm even less than a Dragon now than I was before, I should have stayed with the remainder of my family."
Bloom scoffed, "You will always be family to the apples, besides, you still have Astrid."
Spike snorted, "Astrid is broken, along ith the elements, I trust her, but my feelings toward her are very... contradictory."
Bloom shook her head, "It depends you you see yourself as, are you Dale?, or are you Spike?"
Spike looked at her straight in her golden and expirienced eyes, he was about to answer, then faltered as he sat back down in thought.
She laughed, "That question took me years to figure out," She stopped and smiled, "You want to join us for late Dinner?"
Spike frowned, "Eh, I don't know, I have thing to do."
"Well then, I guess you don't want Granny Smiths apple pie for dessert?" she mused.
Spikes eyes gleamed, "You learned her recipe?" Spikes mouth watered at the thought of the heavenly pie he so missed, the tantalizingly delicious pride of the Apple family thats taste were so good, it was banned from best pie contest due to it always giving the apples an automatic win, "Second thought, it be nice to meet your family, i'd love to hear the story of that girl, what did she say her name was?"
"You mean Clarity?"
spike snapped his fingers, "That's the one, yeah."
Bloom got out of her chair to stretch, "Its better if Fritter tells you."
"Your daughter?" Spike asked.
Bloom nodded.
Spike's smirk returned, "Did that come to you, or did you name her after family?"
Bloom pushed him playfully, "The other, apple family names are difficult you know, earth pony tradition and all."
They laughed for another moment relishing in each others company.
They went inside to join the others, spike introduced himself to Fritter, telling her stories of her mother and aunt, it was a moment to feel good in, Granny showed some of her old things after dinner, including pictures of her and her friends, her old CMC cape, and a couple of other things she held on to.
Spike reveled when he found his old Dragon service card that he made as a kid, explaining the events happening with Apple Jack and him fighting Timber wolves off together.
After the pie, Spike said his goodbyes and headed back to the castle, leaving us with a good feeling.
After I done the dishes, I caught Granny heading out to her porch chair.
I wiped the water from my hands as I followed her outside looking at the Starry night sky.
I marveled for a minute, looking at their soft twinkling lights that traveled over many light years away, as if our dimensions space was vast, now we have a whole other one to explore.
turned to granny, meaning to ask the question "I never knew you were apart of the Changeling Curse Granny?"
She nodded slowly, "Sure was missy, ponyville was dead center of it."
I frowned, "Wait, didn't the curse land in the Equiss valley? I always heard that they were aiming for Canterlot and that something happened to make them miss?"
Granny scoffed, "Those be lies missy, it was the most exspected thing for them to hit the capitol, but that wasn't what they were trying to get rid of."
I was about to ask when a thought accured to me, The Elements.
"Yep, queen chrysalis thought that eliminating the elements were more important than geting rid of the princesses."
I frowned, "So Jackie was right then."
Bloom looked up in shock and realization of her slip, "Don't you tell Jackie!" She bursted.
I reeled back from her.
She saw my reel and sighed, "Sorry about that dear, but that information be Confidential, I just slipped. Please don't tell this to Jackie, she be meddling with things she knows nothing about."
"Is it that bad?" I asked.
Granny sat on a chair, "It is, but even I don't know all the details, only that they didn't reappear."
I bit my lip, "But I thought you said?"
"I only have a little more info on it than anypony else." She said lifting her hooves to pull back her hair to reveal a scar, "You see this, this here isn't one your typical scars that you get from farmin accidents, this be one caused by spell castin."
I squinted, "How did you get it?"
She chuckled, "Magic, I just said." She shifted in the chair with the smile on her face "Years ago, can't remember the particular date, but, anyways, years ago, a mind reader unicorn came into town to settle, nice fella he was, but thething was, you couldn't keep a secret from him, he knew you like a book, it was his special talent. When I heard, I was mighty fearful of me bumping into him and finding my skeletons, so I planned on leaving town." She chuckled, "But my big brother wouldn't tolerate such an action. " Granny sighed sadly, "See, my own granny recently died, and Apple Jack dissapeared, it was just me and Macintosh left on the farm, and he coudn't bear for another family member to leave, so, we hired a Mage psychologist to suppress my targeted memories." Granny shivered, "It was not pretty either. I woke up the next day in Twilight's castle with Spike tending to my wounds along with somepony else, the Mind reader, Apperently one of Twilight's cousin who needed help from Spike." Her eyes glimmered, "His name was Dusk Shine."
My eyes widened, "As in Grandpa Dusk!"
She nodded happily, "Yep, thats how we met, and before Spike became a recluse." She giggled thinking of the times she spent with the pony who she had married and had foals with, "I was afraid then, I thought he would find out, but I didn't recollect what he would find out. He was very gentle treating me, he would talk, ask questions, I occasionally repied at first, but as I stayed there, he kind of grew on me. We talked more, exchanged stories and laughed together till he asked me out on our first date." Nostalgia crossed her face rememering the blundering and brilliant goofball whom she loved.
Minutes passed as a chill in the air brought her back down to earth, "Oh, well, you know the rest, you should get inside now and get to bed dear, you got Apple Bu- I mean, Apple picking you got to do in the morning.
I sighed, "Okay Granny." I hugged the old yellow pony, giving my goodnights to her.
I guess thats all she knows? maybe when I'm done tomorrow, I can do some investigating
I was relunctant to go to bed, but granny was right.
While she quieted my curiosity for now, I still had a millions of questions in my head, why did the whole thing in the library transpire.
On that note, I remembered that I left the book in the Castle, grumbling to myself, I decided that I was going to get it tomorrow.
I felt warm, like I was floating on top of a dark calm ocean where time was only a memory, nothing existed, nothing but the feeling of comfort of mind, until an icy chill crept up on me.
I opened my eyes into the blackness, getting up on top of the water.
I heard a dark chuckle behind me.
I turn around to meet a deep crimson cage with a figure moving around inside, laughing quietly and cynically before it stop to look at me.
"Your... finally here" A shrilled laugh escaped from the broken creature.
A cold flame enveloped the creature, giving the outline of a pony behind the bars of crimson.
I moved back in fear.
What was this, who was this thing, this twisted deranged dark thing with the shell of what was once a pony.
My heart pounded in my chest as I tried to moved as far away from this specter as possible, but no matter how much I tried to flee, I never got any further away from this demented thing.
The icy flame died as the being laughed once again, "You think you can escape me my key? I guarantee you tha... She stopped.
A warm glow enveloped me as a rainbow aura confronted the caged pony.
"So, you finally come to face me. The pony whispered before screaming, "I Will get out! You can't stop me!"
"maybe not eclipse, but she does..."
The dream ended abruptly as I fell out of my bed with a loud thump on the hard surfaced floor.
My heart pounded in my chest as I breathed heavily.
I felt bile at the back of my throat before I heaved.
I was sickly pale and shivering, the image of the creature filled my head as I wretched again on the floor.
The encounter was brief but, sickening.
I heard a frantic hoof steps getting closer before my door opened.
Fritter came in, frantic seeing me in my condition, "Oh dear, Mother!"
Granny Bloom came in a minute later looking shocked seeing me in my condition.
"Mom, please stay with her, I got to get a Doctor."
Fritter ran out of the room, and out the front door towards ponyville general.
Granny helped me up to my bed, letting me use her to prop myself up on the bed.
She started cleaning up the mess right before Fritter came back in with a pony in a jacket with a red cross.
o.0.o
The Doctor checked me over, carfully disinfecting my body of any foreign bacteria or viruses that might have caused it, but finding nothing that could have caused my symptoms at all other than faint maical extracts.
He then deduced that it must have been a serious case of magical rejection, quite common among humans when they first enter Equestria, but goes away in time as there body gradually accepts it.
He then asked me if I came in contact with any magical object.
I nodded, telling him about the library card.
He nodded back, saying that would do the trick.
He left saying to Fritter if any more symtoms showed up to call him.
She nodded and came back with a relieved expression, "you had us worried there sugar cube, are feeling okay now?"
I nodded.
"Okay sweetie, I just want you to rest up in bed now, apple picking will have to wait." She sighed, "I'll call Jackie and see if she's willin to help out."
Granny frowned, "Young lady, you know perfectly well that I can still buck apples."
"Mom, I didn't say that, just that I know your hip's been botherin you lately, and would rather you rest up and let a younger pair of hooves helped out."
Granny gave up with a sigh, "Fine, but whats you goin to do if Jackie declines, she is rather wrapped up in her things you know."
Fritter smirked, "I have my ways."
Both ponies left my room and allowed me to try and rest, unable to with the crimson prison in my head.
o.0.o
The fever died down later that day, while Fritter And Jackie finished up apple bucking.
I was at the edge of finally sleeping when I heard a voice.
Clairity... the voice wispered.
I move to sit on my bed.
Watch out... she's coming...
I frowned, "Who's coming? who are you?"
The voice didn't answer back, and at the peek of my confusion, Spike bursted though the door panting, "Came as soon as I heard." Spike carried an ancient arcane tome and a jade necklace.
"Heard what?" I asked.
My second day here in equestria and its just as crazy as the first, what is with this place? guess I shouldn't complain, I asked for this.
"No time!" He said as he opened up the tome.
Spike lifted his hands from the now levitating book as a green energy filled the room, "terrenum corpus solis anima , occulto naturae extra lunam fulgentibus, Principem solis audierit verba mea, et vincula tua numquam"
The energy concentrated into my body as I felt hot sensation envelope myself before dissipating.
Spike panted, "Okay... we are in the clear."
I groaned, "Jesus Crist, what the hel was that!"
Spike looked nervous for a second, "Oh, uh, well, I uh heard that you were fevering and, I wanted to help with that."
I got out of bed, "That was some spell for a fever Spike."
I thought back, remembering my dad saying that most spells require three to four words, and any more would be concidered a Arch mage level spell, this was at least eighteen, was he that concerned?
"Holy Crap Spike!, I mean, wow, its a little much don't you think?"
Spike coughed nervously, "Well... yeah, I get your point."
He was much older than me by centuries, had power and wisdom beyond belief, and yet he overreacted when hearing that I had a sympom of magical rejection? very unlikely.
We suddenly heard the clopping of many hooves outside.
"Oh, that be her." Spike said straightening up.
I raised an Eyebrow, "Who who's here"
"The Princess herself." He said.
I didn't reply for a moment before a flame grew in me, "Everypony here is Crazy!" I yelled, "Why can't I get a calm and quit day where I could relax. I go to a Library to read a book, nope, a strange entity invited me to a secret staircase that led to a century old castle, I try to go to bed and get a good night sleep, nope, I dream about mad ponies in crimson cages, only to wake up with a magical fever, I then try to rest for the rest of the day, guess what, No! I get blasted with a powerful and cryptic magical spell without a clear explaination! and now you say that the god like princess that raises both sun and moon who has lived for a millennia, trapped in the moon for a thousand year for bad behavior is coming here right now."
Spike was taken aback for a moment, "Uh, Yes."
I just sat there, "Unbelievable," why did I wan't to come here again, that reason was over my head.
I sighed giving up, "I'll change into something more appropriate for the princess." I moved to my closet feeling drained.
Spike gave an expression of concern as he exited the room and towards the balcony where granny was.
"Its not good Bloom."
Granny sighed, "You cast the spell?"
He nodded, "It will keep Luna from noticing.
He spotted the chariot parking far off.
He sighed, "She has already seen the crimson cage."
"Assumed much, why else would the princess be here, we all felt the energy she gave off last night."
Spike looked off for a minute "Does Fritter or Clair's father know?"
"Her father, yes, Fritter, no."
They stopped talking as the Princess and three escorts came by the house.
Spike and Granny bowed before her.
She gave the sign for them to come up to meet her eyes.
Spike was the first to speak, "I assume your here about the energy spike?"
The princess nodded, "Indeed I have." She squinted at Spike, "Your magic is low Draco, what have you been doing?"
Spike kept a stoic face, "I'v been doing researching and experimenting on draconian magic, creating new spells and such."
The Princess smirked, "You are the only of your kind with such a lucid intellect to do such things, it will be fasinating to see what you have come up with."
Spike nodded, "I see your modern grammer have improved much since last we met Princess."
"Ah, yes, twas a time then." She blinked a couple of times before getting back to the subject, "Anyway, i'm here to investigate the magical spike, it's rather a... personal matter."
The princess focused her magical aura into her horn as she scoped the area, feeling nothing of the presence.
She stopped, "I don't understand, it was here a while ago."
The old farmer and Dragon shrugged.
"Maybe the Everfree absorbed it?" Spike suggested.
The Princess Thought for a moment regaining her composer, "Plausible..." She trailed, "Very well then." She stomped her hoof twice, summoning her scribe.
The grey unicorn looked around in suprise before turning to the princess.
"Take note Pen scribble," She asked.
The pony got up to removed a pen and parchment from his satchel, "Very well, tell me when ready your majesty."
Luna turned to Spike, "You have guest rooms do you not Wyrm."
Spike nodded, "Your not sugesting you staying are you"
Luna scoffed, "Of coarse not, i'm much too busy running the country, no, i'll have somepony trust worthy report to me her findings, this was suppose to be simple, but it turned out to require much more time, time I don't have."
She turned back to her scribe, "Alright Scribble."
The Scrib readied himself.
Luna cleared her throat, "Dearest Virgo Cluster, I know that the time is inconvenient for you, but its important for you to come to ponyville immediately to observe any magical spikes and abnormalities in the area, report to me your findings. You wil stay in the Castle of Twilight for the duration of your stay and be mindful of the care takers work, sincerely Princess Luna."
With that, the Scribe ended he message with a period before wrapping it up and sending it away in a blue flame.
It was quick but got to the point.
She ended with goodbye before she started moving back to her chariot before she heard a sound of wood creeking.
She turned around to see a human girl of the looks of around thirteen moving out of the house.
Luna's heart thumped hard, she couldn't distinguish any magic, but the presence was... familiar, "Who is this?"
Bloom turned around, "Oh, that be my daughters friend's child Clairity, she's staying with us for an earth summer your majesty."
She nodded feeling odd, "Very well... I must get going." She turned back and headed towards the chariot, the feeling not leaving her.
After she took off, Spike and granny released their breath in relief.
"Thank Celestia," Spike said.
They looked back to see me standing frozen on the porch.
o.0.o
On the sight of the princess, I stopped, sensing a form of... familiarity.
Time froze as my surroundings changed back to that of the crimson prison, the indescribable pony looked at me, I couldn't tell from looking at her silhouetted form, but I knew she was smiling wickedly.
"Oh dear, seems you slipped back into your subconscious, and without Astrid here it seems," She chuckled, Guess it my chance to get the key
I moved backwards, "W-who are you?" My heart thumped, my mind still confused from the sudden change.
She giggled hysterically, "I am the cold light that chills the darkness, the bitterness that claims the lives of abandoned fillies and colts, the reaper of chilled flame, I am death to all, the dark that fades the light, muderer of all, I am Eclipse, and further more, I AM YOU!"
She laughed manically before water replica of her emerged from the depths.
My head spiraled in agony as her shrilled laugh filled my ears, causing me to scream.
I exhaled the breath I held as Luna left, it was an annoyance knowing that I will have a Magic observer living in my... Twilight's castle.
I look back at Clair standing on the deck when I feel a sharp snap of pulsating energy.
It can't be I think to myself.
The seal holding Eclipse was breaking down as a rush of dread and pained energy came over the vicinity of the apple farm, sucking the life right out of the trees in a freezing cold.
Clair collapse as I and Bloom rush over to her.
As we got closer, the colder it felt, and the sharper the pain as the wind speed picked up, throwing us back.
I look to Bloom, seeing her pant as the deeper cold came over her.
I stopped, "Bloom!"
She stopped, looking as if she was about to break down.
Get away Bloom! find Fritter and get as far away as possible!"
Bloom huffed as the apple house completly froze over, "What about you spike!" she said in a tone of concern.
My expression hardened as the winds started to bite, "My inner fire will keep me going for long enough Bloom! I will cast the spell to mend the inner gate!"
Bloom's eyes widened, "Dale! such a spell will drive you to magical fatigue and damage some of your body!" She breathed heavily as the winds grew strong enough to blurr her vision, "Besides! you used too much of your energy with the previous spell! you will die if you push harder, and I won't allow that." She said feeling deep connection to that promise, after all, she was the sibling to honesty.
I moved closer to Clair, close enough to where I could see the silhouette of her body, "Dont worry Bloom! I still got a trick up my sleeves."
I search deep down towards my old connection, the first magical conection I ever made, the link that gave me birth.
I observed it smiling at my only hint that Twilight was still there in the world, lost in a collective consciousness, but still there, even if she wasn't herself anymore.
I grabbed the power, feeling the magenta energy pulsate within me, filling my magical canals with a surplus amount of energy.
A rush of adrenaline came along with it as I marched through the cold and hatred, I didn't hear Bloom anymore which meant that she understood when she saw my change.
Clair was right in front of me, ice cold as her hair started changing into a blue flame.
I acted hastily as I preformed the ritual, the crimon trigram sealing spell, invented by Celestia herself.
I clap my hands as the trigram glowed, I heard a fierce screech in the wind as it swirled faster and faster, How do I explain this to Luna? I thought. The winter must have engulfed Ponyville by now.
I felt everything disappear into magenta as the energy filled up to my eyes, ready for release as I spoke the ancient words of the dragon tongue, "Sigillum tenebris morata! Ego attrahe cincínno vermiculus! vos mergere se sparserit in aquas! ad tempus omnino pendet ad tenebras!
The entire world seemed to shake at the sound of my voice as Twilight's magic flooded the entire vicinity of the farm house.
o.0.o
Clairity
The dark water pony neared me speaking in the caged pony's voice, "Thats right, you are a piece of my consciousness, the last remaining light that I would be glad to extinguish."
I panted as the water cooled into a thin layer of ice, turning my breath into mist. "I am nothing like you!" I yelled.
A cackle erupted from the dark water pony now walking on the thin ice, "Every light can cast a shadow my dear, and sometimes the dark is greater than the existing light, your merly the light cast from the sun while I bring the world into darkness, thus creating the eclipse."
"The Light of the sun reigns all year while the dark lasts for only mere seconds." I interjected.
Eclipse was taken aback, "Clever girl, though I exspect no less from myself after all." She cackled madly. "The sun may reign all year long, but it is the moment when the sun is engulfed by the moon when everypony stares up in wonder and fear at the rare occurance of the light being over powered my dear."
There was a vibration filling the area.
"Aww, such a shame," The water pony said sarcastically before turing back into water.
Seems our little Playdate must end Clairity.
The crimson cage appeared right in front of me before a purple chain slowly made the thing sink below the surface, breaking apart the ice as it sunk beneath the depths.
Very well, I can wait, wait for as long as I have to. The river eventually breaks through the Mountain, and I am just as patie...
As she fully submerged, I felt a weight lifted from my chest, and before I knew it, there was a flash of magenta before a figure in the distance appeared.
I felt a rush of harmonious music surround me, removing my fear.
Suddenly everything disapeared, replaced by the insides of the Twilight castle, only, brighter and more vibrant, like the place was shimmering in a waxed magesty.
My attention turned towards muttering voices.
I follow the sound through the crystal hallway looking around seeing the used area, it was something to behold to witness the castle in its prime, the entire castle seemed to bathe me in a warm comforting light that it didn't seem to give off before.
I moved down the corridor till I met up with the opening that led to the throne room.
I looked gasping at the spectacle, sitting in the room were the Bearers of harmony in person.
"Maybe we could offer a truce?" Asked the yellow pegasus known as Fluttershy the kind, friends of all animals, "Such a thing would be benificial with both kingdoms would it not?"
The nyan blue pegasi with the rainbow mane scoffed, "You don't think we tried before? they are drones fluttershy, they think like bee's and ants controlled by a single leader, have you ever tried to negotiate with a bee Fluttershy? by the look on you face I guess not. The point being, there is no negotiating peace with this subspecies of pony, they don't even have their own mind to have for themselves, they are completely ruled by Chrysalis."
Twilight sighed, "We get your point Dash, but that being said, it gets us in a tight spot."
"How so?" Apple Jack asked.
Twilight sighed, "As Dash said, Changelings are much like Bee's and Ants, a community insect." She looks to Fluttershy, "You know this Fluttershy," Her gaze switched to the others, "If we manage to get rid of Chrysalis, it will be like killing a queen bee, and just like the bees, when that happens... every single Changeling could die into extinction."
The room got quiet, non of them seemed to see me before the room expanded and contracted into itself.
I opened my eyes seeing that the room was now dim and screaming could be heard outside.
I turned aroound startled to see four out of the six bearers scramble inside.
Apple Jack huffed as she took a small yellow filly off her back, "Are... Are you... Okay sugar Cube."
She nodded.
"Wait, I thought, is that... Granny Bloom?" I said aloud without being heard.
She slowly moved looking shaken, "W...What about Granny? and Big Mac?" She asked trembling.
Apple Jack seemed to now catch her breath, "I'"m sure they found a way out of that Bloom"
Twilight and Pinkie Pie burst out the door, "Okay, plan girls, Rainbow, I need you and Apple Jack to get ponies to the safty of the castle as soon as possible, Fluttershy, Rarity, I need you here to tend the wounded when they get here, Pinkie will try to distract the Changelings while Apple Jack and Dash saves everypony, I will fly above and disable as many Changelings as I possibly can, Lets go!"
Everypony rushed to their stations as I continued looking around confused.
"Let me save you the technical details" a voice said behind me.
I turned around to meet Twilight's eyes, "Confused right?"
I slowly nodded, the gravity of everything was just about to make my mind explode.
Twilight giggled, "Not what you expect when all you did was try and read a book now is it."
I continued staring deciding wether or not to be surprised by the Princess appearance.
Twilight released a nostalgic sigh, "Sometimes opening up dusty old books can flip the pages to your own story Clairity, and yours is just beginning."
I bit my lip, "How are you here, why are you here? why am I here? Nothing makes sense anymore!" I clutched my head feeling a headach coming on from the resent events."
Twilight held her hoof, "Calm down, its a little much I know Clairity for you to process, but there are many things you need to know as quickly as possible, its a privilege for me to even be here and tell you this."
I took a deep breath,
Twilight thought for a moment, "Here, let me help."
Her horn glowed as my headach disappeared.
I gave a look of relief as the pain dissapeared, "Thanks."
"Your welcome Claire, now, about your question, I don't know exactly how or why I got in your subconscious, only that it had something to do with Spike using my magic to seal away Eclipse."
I shuttered at the mentioning of the pony, "Is it true what she said, that I..." The maniacal laugh filled my memories, I prayed for this pony before me to tell me it was not true, that Eclipse was lying, that I was a good person, how can I be somepony like Eclipse, a mad and twisted pony that knew only how to inflict pain on other ponies and bring them death, how could I be her?"
Twilight sighed, "Well... yes, yes you are her, yet, your also your own pony, I mean person, see, don't misunderstand, you kow of the story of Princess Luna? well it's kind of like that, only in reverse, your darkness is caged up, leaving the only good left in your heart in control of your actions, Astrid made sure of that."
My heart sunk, "So, i'm just the reminant of a feeling? a shard of whats whole?"
Twilight sat down on her haunches, "Clairity, you became much more than a feeling, you are your own person." she sighed, "Besides, Eclipse, wasn't always like this, she used to be a pony I looked up to as a filly, somepony everypony loked up to, but, an accident happened, spining all of Equestria in chaos, we saved what was left of her, and the result was you, Spike knew a little bit about it but enough to know the important details. Your Father was involved as well, he was once a trusted magical scholar who took you in, bu.."
"Wait, my father?! he, what, he knew about this." I didn't think I could feel any worst, but the fact that my Father wasn't Actually my father, and that he knew about this no less.
Twilight nodded.
"And how do you even know about this you have been gone, for centuries, you dissapeared before any of this happened." I accused.
Twilight kept a stoic face, "Not exactly in a manner you think." She looked up to the ceiling "We are almost out of time, our pocket of time dialation is nearly exhausted." She said.
There was a sudden shaking as the entire castle got enveloped on a green light.
I turned back in surprise of the light outside.
I look back to find that I was now floating in a black void with Twilight.
"Was that the Changeling curse?" I asked surprised.
Twilight nodded sadly, "Its the begining of what set everything in motion, and the birth of both Astrid and Eclipse."
Twilight started to dissipate, "This is the end of the road, i've told you what you needed to know Clairity." She thought for a moment, "And thank spike for giving me this opportunity to be here even if he didn't intensionally do it."
My heart thumped, "Wait! why, why are you helping me? why..." I trailed off. I felt my emotions leap right out of me
"Because we are friends,"
She smiled before fading back to the place she was before.