> Harmony's Guardians > by Blank Scroll > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > 1 Waking up > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I awoke in a daze, slowly opening my eyes as the surrounding blurriness faded. I found myself lying face down on the floor of a forest, not knowing how I came to be there. Sitting up, I noticed a light through the trees, and the distant sound of happy voices and music. Slowly climbing to my feet, I started to shamble towards the laughter as I tried to figure out where I was. Once I reached the tree line, I stood in shock at the small medieval village below me. I also noticed that the people I was looking for weren’t people at all, but half human and half equine in nature. I immediately looked down at my hands and found that they were dark, covered in blue fur. “What in the name of all that is holy happened to me?” Looking at the rest of me, I found that I was wearing a faded tan tunic and plain black waistband with a black and white streaked tail poking out the back of it, my face was now elongated, and my feet were now hooved. Thankfully, I kept my hands, because I doubt I’d be able to worm my way out of here on four legs I wouldn’t be able to use. Still, I was fascinated by the creature I had become. What am I? While I took in my new form, I took note of a tattoo on my right arm. It was a blank scroll with a quill, that I’m pretty sure wasn’t there before I woke up. “Hmm… it’s not exactly a tattoo. It seems to be part of the fur, dying the individual hairs. How is that possible?” I contemplated. “Why dost thou converse with thyself?” A voice asked. I stood frozen as I slowly turned to where the voice had come from. I saw a Unicorn. At least what I thought was a Unicorn, sitting against a tree only a few feet away from me. As I stood there, staring, she got to her feet…uh hooves, and dusted off her dress. “Fancy yourself a midnight’s jaunt?” She asked. “I, myself, find tis to be a relaxing evening.” “Well, I do like the night. And the stars are beautiful.” I stammered. I placed my hand on my head and touched something hard and bony, spiraled with grooves, and about a foot long. “Woah. I have a horn— Why do I have a horn on my head?” The unicorn merely giggled at my apparent freakout. “Perchance thou art a Unicorn. Hath thee never noticed?” I just stood there and stared at her with my hand still on my horn. “Nooo. I’ve never had a horn before. So, this is very confusing. Where am I anyway?” I looked down at the village, with torches lit, and listened to the music and laughter that floated up from the center of it. When I turned back to the woman, I noticed that she hadn’t taken her eyes off of me. She was kind of attractive, in a weird way. Short lavender hair—or was it a mane?—, piercing baby blue eyes, purple coat, nice figure, and a few inches shorter than I was. Her blue dress was about knee length, and I noticed a tattoo like mine over her left breast. But hers was of a starburst surrounded by a rainbow aura, much like a light glare on a camera. She had an inquisitive look on her face as I looked over to her. “Thou art in Starshine Village. Where dost thee hail from?” She asked. I stared down at the lights and shadows of the small town. “I’m not exactly sure. I woke up a little while ago in the forest. I have no idea how I got there or what I was turned into.” She simply sat back down, leaning on the tree again, with a relaxed expression on her face. “I believe that thee art experiencing a crisis. I cannot help when I do not know the problem. Come, sit with me and tell of thy tale.” I was extremely hesitant on sitting next to this stranger, but I reasoned she might be able to help with my displacement crisis. I mustered up the courage to walk over and lean against an adjacent tree, watching the village. “What exactly are they celebrating anyway?” “Oh, merely the signing of a treaty with the Pegasi colonies,” she responded. “Now, we art capable of having better weather than trying to manipulate it ourselves.” I was skeptical about that. Controlling weather? But, I accepted the existence of Pegasi since I’m having a chat with a Unicorn. “You know? I don’t believe I caught your name.” “Perhaps because I hath not given it. My name is Shimmering Aura. Might I hath the pleasure of knowing yours?” The Unicorn asked as she looked over to me, a smile on her lips. I faltered under her smile. I blushed as I responded. “Uh, I don’t have a name from here. What are you, anyway?” “Oh? Well, I am a pony. A Unicorn to be precise,” she said, with a raised eyebrow. “If thee are not a pony, what are you?” So, she was a Unicorn. “A pony? I guess it could’ve been weirder. I was human. Kinda like you, minus the fur and hooves. And, since I don’t have a proper name, I need a new one.” “A new name? Maybe thou can figure a name from thy cutie mark.” “My what now?” “Thy cutie mark, upon thy arm. It tells of a pony’s talent. Though, the mark upon thee is unique and I cannot find purpose in it. What is thy talent, ‘Human’?” She asked, confused. I didn’t really have a talent. “Uh, well, I did like to write stories—” I managed to stammer. “Oh, so thou art a storyteller? Mayhaps you could grace me with a story,” Aura interrupted. “I find myself lacking a good tale as of late.” “Huh? Oh, I suppose I could tell you a story. But, maybe later?” “Of course. A name based on storytelling? ‘Enchanting Tale’ perchance? Maybe ‘Alluring Story’?” I laughed a bit, before seeing that she looked quite serious. I blushed. “Not to sound offensive. But, those sound like female names. How about something simple, like the description of the ‘cutie mark’? Um, what about ‘Blank Scroll’?” She looked thoughtful as she gazed at my arm. “Blank Scroll? Maybe tis the start of a new tale. The next part of thy life? I quite fancy it.” I was glad that I had a name for wherever I was, but I still wanted to know more about the land and those that inhabited it. “Hey Aura? I was wondering if you would show me around your village. I’d like to know more about this place.” Her ears perked up when I said her name. That’s adorable. “Why, sure. It is of no consequence. Follow me.” > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I followed Aura down the hill towards the village. I was amazed at the different colors that their fur came in. I saw blues, purples, grays, browns, and even whites. Their manes were equally colorful and just as varied. I also noticed that they were all Unicorns, which I did pause to wonder at. As we walked through Starshine, Some of the other ponies started to notice us. I looked around nervously as we continued to attract attention. “Um… Aura, I think they’re staring at me.” Aura turned to look at me as we made our way into the town. She let out a giggle as she replied, “You are a visitor from another village. Of course they would stare. We have a friendly community here. They might even approach you for introductions.” “Oh… I guess that I can handle that.” I felt a little relieved about what she had said. I was afraid that a newcomer to their village would be met with less than desirable results. At least, I hope I was wrong. A gray mare with a navy blue mane walked over to us and spoke up. “A good night to you, Aura. Who is your friend?” I straightened up and held out my hand. “Hello, I’m Blank Scroll. You can just call me Scroll, if you want.” The mare looked down at my hand for a moment, then extended hers and shook it. “Well met, Scroll. You have a strange dialect, where are you from?” She asked, still holding my hand in her grasp. “Um, well, I’m not too terribly sure. I recall few memories from before I woke up in the forest awhile ago, but beyond that, I only know that I didn’t look like this before.” Aura chose this moment to speak up. “He doesn’t have any memories from before he woke up. But, he does know how to speak and move. Though, he doesn’t recall being a Unicorn. It’s a strange magic.” I looked over at Aura with a frown on my face. ''Thanks for that. Anything you want to add?" I asked. I folded my arms waiting for her answer. Aura looked thoughtful for a moment, before responding. “Well, he was conversing with himself when I found him.” “I was surprised!” I exclaimed. “How would you react if you woke up in a strange place as a different being?” The mare and Aura gave me a strange look. “Well, I would ask the first pony I met where I was,” Aura replied. “Agreed. That would be the most logical course of action,” the other mare said. I looked between the two of them in exasperation. “So, I’m not very logical. Is that a problem for you two?” While we talked, we began walking through the village. The celebration was dying down somewhat and the residents were packing up the streets and heading to their homes. No one else walked up to us, but a few did wave and say “Hi.” “Not at all, Scroll. We merely thought that you would be more astute to your situation than you were,” the other mare replied. “The hour grows late so I’ll bid you farewell.” As she walked away, I turned to Aura with a realization. “So much for introductions. I didn’t even get her name.” Aura’s response was a giggle. “Perhaps you should have asked when you introduced yourself. She is a good friend of mine from foalhood. Her name is Sapphire Garnet.” “Garnet? But, she’s gray... and blue.” “So? A pony’s name does not have to resemble their physical features or personality. A Unicorn’s name is traditionally based on their first spell as a foal. She got her name by transferring magic into a nearby garnet and turning it blue. Interesting spell, actually. Naturally, it varies from pony to pony.” “Oh, like how Applejack is orange? Um, where are we headed anyway?” I ask as we pass another house. “What is an ‘apple jack’?” Aura asked, looking over to me. “And well seeing as you have no accommodations, I was going to invite you to my home. I do have an extra bedroom open.” “Well… she’s… huh, I don’t know.” I said, confused as to why I said that. We walked in silence for a few more minutes before coming to a modest sized house. It was one level and very plain looking from the outside. Aura walked up to the door and opened it, turning around and looking at me. “Well? Come in.” I followed her into the house as her horn lit up with light. “How did you do that?” “Do what? This? It’s a simple light charm. Do you mean to tell me that you cannot accomplish such a menial task?” She teased as we continued into the hall. “Uh, no. Actually, no. I wasn’t a Unicorn before, remember?” I deadpanned. We stopped in front of an open door to a rather plain looking room. “I did forget. My apologies. Well, this is your room. I hope it’s to your liking. If you have any more to ask of me, my room is at the end of the hallway. I bid you a good rest, sir.” And with that, she went to the last room in the hallway and closed the door. “Good night,” I said, walking into the room and closing the door. Looking around, it was empty basically. There was a bed with a nightstand, a dresser, and a chest of drawers in front of the bed. Sighing, I laid on the bed and quickly fell asleep. I awoke to a ray of sunshine and the smell of breakfast. I sat up and stretched, yawning and looking towards the door. “This doesn't look like my room.” I got out of bed and left the room. I noticed a bathroom on the left as I walked down the hall, taking a moment to use it before heading towards the kitchen. I looked around the corner of the hallway and noticed Aura at the wood stove making something in a cast iron skillet. Judging by the smell I’d have to say eggs. “Morning,” I said, groggily. Aura replied while turning to face me. “Oh, and good morn…” She stared at me as if she’d never seen me before. I began to get nervous and decided to say something to break the awkward silence that descended. “Uh, is something wrong?” “Forgive me if I’m wrong. But, I was merely curious if you had those when we met. Your wings, I mean.” My wings? “What?” I looked over my shoulder and just stared blankly at a pair of blue feathered wings on my back. “Where did these come from?!” I exclaimed, reaching around to touch them. Ever felt a bird’s wing? Well, it feels weirder when you can feel the sensation run through your back. “I guess that’s why I couldn’t get comfortable last night.” Aura turned back to breakfast before responding. “It’s possible you had them last night, and we just failed to notice because of the darkness. But, Alicorns are thought to be extinct.” “What’s an Alicorn? I thought you told me that there were only three pony types. And why are you being so calm about it?” “There are only three types of ponies. Earth Ponies, Unicorns, and Pegasi make up the main three types. But, centuries ago there were Alicorns, who have both wings and a horn, that possess the abilities of all three races,” Aura replied, counting out the races on her fingers. “As for my being calm. I have already surmised that there will be strange circumstances around you from your tale last night.” I’m so lost. I stared at Aura’s back while I processed that. “So, I have the abilities of Pegasi, Unicorns, and Earth Ponies? Meaning I can fly and perform magic? Heh, that’s pretty neat. I’ve been thinking since I saw that light spell you used last night and wondered if you could, maybe, teach me magic.” “Hmm, I suppose I could. But, if you want to learn to use your wings, you’d have to ask a Pegasus to teach you,” Aura said, placing the eggs onto two plates and putting them on the table in the middle of the kitchen. I merely sat down in one of the chairs and pondered that. Can I even perform magic? Or fly for that matter? “You really think I can learn magic and fly? It wasn’t possible before.” “Hmm, of course it is. You just need to get used to the muscles in your wings more to fly. As for magic? I’m sure we could figure something out. Oh, would you like hay bacon or potatoes with your eggs?” I just stared at her for a moment before saying, “Um, potatoes would be nice. And thank you for breakfast, Aura.” Her ears perked up and a soft giggle escaped her lips. “You’re very welcome, Blank Scroll. And done,” she said, as she turned around and started making her way towards the table with the food floating behind her in her magic. “It’s fine if you call me Scroll. You are, like, my first friend here. Now, about these magic lessons…” I reply, taking a bite of the eggs. “Wow, Aura, these are delicious.” Aura sat down and began to eat her breakfast, looking up as I spoke. “Thank you. Well, I’m thinking that finding your magic and getting used to feeling it would be a good start, something basic.” We ate breakfast in silence. All the while, I was thinking about everything that’s happened in the last few hours. “Say Aura,” I began. “How is it that magic actually works? That might be helpful, even if I’m not sure I can perform it.” Aura just looked at me. “Scroll, I’m sure you’ll be able to perform magic. You have a horn for a reason. And I’m sure you’ll get the hang of it eventually. Now, for how magic works, it’s actually really simple. Can you feel the energy flowing around and through you?” “Um, I think so. Is it like a tingly feeling through your body? Because I’ve been wondering about that for a while.” Aura just giggled at that. “Yes, it’s like a tingling throughout your being. Interesting way to think about it. But, that’s what magic feels like. Now, think of magic as an extension of yourself and project it outwards to grasp objects. That’s the basics of telekinesis.” I focused on the sensation of magic and tried pushing out with it towards my eating utensils. The fork began to slide across the table slowly, while Aura looked impressed. “Hey, did you see that? It moved,” I boasted loudly. Aura smiled. “Yes, I did see. Though to be fair, I thought the point of this basic lesson was to grasp and hold an object. But, it’s a great start.” I felt my ears droop as I smiled sheepishly. “Oh yeah, holding it… right.” I focused again, and instead of just pushing out with the magic, I imagined that I was reaching out with my hand to grab the fork. The fork started to glow with a yellow aura and Aura actually looked surprised. Slowly, the fork came off the table and was floating shakily about three inches above my plate. Gently, I tried to place it down and when it was back on the table Aura was practically beaming at me. “That was a splendid job, Scroll. I didn’t think you’d catch on this quick. Teaching you should be easier now that I know you can learn so quickly,” Aura praised. “How about I show you around Starshine? We could even get some lunch later while we’re out.” “Sounds good. Though, I wish I had my phone or a watch to tell the time. I can’t read the position of the sun.” “Phone? What is that? Is that something from your past?” Aura’s ears swiveled forward as she looked towards me. “Yeah, I think it is. Uh… it’s a device that can connect to other… similar devices. Basically, used to contact ponies who are far away without using letters,” I replied, uncertainly. Aura rested her muzzle on her hands. “A shame you don’t have it with you. I would love to study it. But, you can tell me more about you as we walk the village. If you remember.” “Sure, are we going now?” I looked over at her as she stood up. “Yes, we have to head to the market first, since I need more supplies. I have to have food ready as a host, after all,” she said, looking at me. Then, she started for the door, before pausing and adding, “We should also stop by a tailor’s to get you more clothing so you don’t have to walk around in the same garb all the time.” I glanced at my tunic. “But it’s still clean!” Aura just shook her head and opened the front door. I ran after her so I wouldn’t get left behind, making sure the door was closed. I caught up to her a few feet away, as she stood waiting for me. We started walking into the village as she started to give me the tour. It was a little early, so not that many ponies were out and about. Those that did see us all stopped and stared at us. I heard them muttering amongst themselves. Probably wondering about why I had wings and a horn, but I just paid attention to Aura as she walked me through the village. “This is where most of the villagers live. And just beyond that is the market square, where the stalls and booths are set. Also, it’s where the elders live,” explained Aura, as we walked through the residential area to the entrance of the square. “The High Elder is the pony who make the rules of the village and is held in high respects.” “Really? That’s interesting. A little different than where I’m from. I mean, I don’t remember everything about that place, but I remember that we had a single person in charge of a whole country. Though, we did have lesser people in charge. Kind of like your elders, except they were in charge of villages that were far larger than this one,” I replied, as we stopped at an apple stall. “Say, Aura?” Aura inspected the apples on display before responding. “Hmm. Yes, Scroll?” Should I tell her? “Actually, it’s unimportant,” I said, scratching the back of my head. “Just a dream I had.” I didn’t think a random dream I had would be very important, especially when I could only remember bits and pieces of it. Aura immediately stopped examining the stall’s contents and turned to face me, her face serious. “Scroll, as a Unicorn we’re taught that dreams are very important. They are a way to glimpse into the ethereal realm. The realm of magic and, perhaps, they were your memories. So, this dream, what was it about?” I was taken aback by the seriousness in her voice. “Ok, I didn’t think it would be that big of a deal. But, if you’re sure, I guess I could tell you what I remember. Let’s see, I was in a house but not like these, it was smaller. And made of stone, I think. I remember others with me, although they weren’t ponies. There were three of us, friends maybe? I don’t recall the reason for being there or any conversation, just laughing with them. I’m sorry. I told you it was nothing.” Aura had purchased two apples and a few other ingredients from nearby stalls in the time I had told her of that partial dream. And we were currently heading towards where the elders lived I believe. “I don’t think it was nothing. It was obviously a memory of your life before you found yourself here. I’m sure you’ll recover your lost memories in time. Maybe you just need something to spark the fire. Let’s talk with the High Elder and see what he thinks.” “Uh, sure. Maybe he can help,” I said, hoping the elder could give more insight on my dream/memory. With Aura’s shopping done, we made our way through the marketplace to the center of the village where the elders lived. It was just before midday, so there were more ponies about. All of them were staring at me as we passed, so I decided to ask Aura about it. “Hey, Aura. Everyone’s staring at me again.” “Oh, I’m sure they are just staring at your wings. I told you that Alicorns are rare. So rare, in fact, that they were thought to be extinct,” Aura explained as we continued walking. “I’m starting to feel a bit uncomfortable, though. Say, maybe we can get the elder to address the fact to the whole village so no one stares anymore,” I replied, starting to feel a bit self-conscious about the stares. “I’m sure we could arrange something like that. Oh, hello Garnet,” Aura replied, before spotting her friend, waving. Garnet was walking towards the market we were just leaving. Having heard Aura call out to her, she turned to look at us. “Hello, and good morning, Aura. And well met again, Scroll.” She approached us before stopping to stare at me, probably at my wings. “Not to sound rude or anything, but have you always had those wings, Scroll?” Aura stood off to the side, giggling. Yes, giggling. While I replied with an embarrassed flush on my face. “Uhh, yeah. I guess I have. Though I still have no idea what that means besides what Aura told me earlier.” I looked over at Aura, then down at the ground, scratching the back of my head. Garnet just stood there for a moment, looking between me and Aura, before exclaiming excitedly, “You’re really an Alicorn! I have always wanted to meet one someday.” She jumped into my face with the most cartoonish smile on her muzzle I’ve ever seen. Her tail was even wagging a little bit. Pony tails can do that? “Umm… I guess I am. At least from what Aura explained this morning at breakfast. I’m still unsure how I feel about this information,” I told her, leaning back a bit. “Is it normal for your tails to wag?” Aura let out a laugh at the scene in front of her. “Yes, they tend to do that when we’re happy. And to be honest, I haven’t seen you this excited in a long time, Garnet. Would you mind accompanying us to your grandfather’s house?” “Hmm? Oh, yes. I’d like that… wait, you served an Alicorn breakfast? An Alicorn? Why are you always the lucky one, Aura?” Garnet expressed, with a slight pout. Aura just looked away, smirking. “I have no idea what you are talking about. Still, we should talk to your grandfather about Scroll and his memory problem.” “Yes, I think that would be best. An Alicorn here in Sharshine would definitely draw attention that we don’t particularly need right now,” Garnet said, turning serious. I looked between the two as we started walking to a somewhat fancier house than any I’ve seen in the area. “What attention would that be?” I asked, curious. “We’ll let my grandfather tell you that one, Scroll,” Garnet replied. “Oh my gosh, Aura! I just talked with a real Alicorn! Eee!” Garnet was happily hopping beside Aura at this point. “Yes, and you seem to be well off from it. Let’s just get to this. I have a lunch planned today.” We arrived at the door to the house and Garnet knocked. “Grandfather? It’s Garnet. Are you home?” From inside the house we heard an older stallion’s voice, “Ah, Garnet, my child. Yes, one moment.” The door opened a moment later revealing an elderly stallion standing there. He had faded cream colored fur and a washed out red mane and tail. Standing tall despite his clear age, wearing a silver tunic and cobalt pants. “And what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” He asked looking between the three of us. Garnet spoke up first, “Grandfather, there is something we need to discuss. Preferably in private.” She gestured at me. He looked to me and I could see his eyes slightly widen as he noticed the wings. “I-I see. Very well, come inside and we will discuss this development.” He spoke, leading the way into the house. “Please, have a seat.” He said, gesturing to a group of chairs in the sitting room. The three of us took our seats while Flare went into the kitchen, calling, “Anypony want some tea?” Garnet called back, excitedly, “Yes! I'll have some!” Aura merely responded. “I'll have a Moon Lily tea, two cubes.” Both of them turned to me with the same questioning look. “Um, I guess I'll have what Aura is having.” I said, unsure. After a few minutes of silence, Sunny Flare walked back into the room with a tray of 4 cups. “So what brings you here, Aura?” He asked, as he placed the tray down and sat in his chair. “Well we originally decided to visit because of a dream Scroll said he had last night. And of the issue of his Alicornhood, to address it before the village to avoid any awkward stares.” Aura surmised as she took a sip of her Moon Lily tea. “Hmm. Perhaps if I knew more about him, I could help.” Flare said, placing his own cup down and leaning forward. I took that moment to tell the story of how I woke up in the forest with no knowledge of the world I was in or of myself. Telling them of the partial dream I had and finishing with having tea in the High Elder's house. Flare looked closely at me for a bit, then laughed at the end of the story. “Indeed, you are in my house. Now then, I have one question I'd like you to answer.” He said, seriously. “Um, sure. What question?” I said, unsure. ”Can you understand me?” He asked, staring intently at me. I was confused. “Yeah, I'm not sure I understand what you mean.” I looked to Aura and Garnet, seeing their serious expressions. “You see, I just spoke in a dead language. The language of Alicorns.” He answered, getting up and going over to a bookshelf. “What?” > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What?" I just sat there dumbfounded, while the others were watching me with slight interest. "Yes, the dead language of the Alicorn's." Flare said, while grabbing a book from a shelf. "This book is from a forgotten time when Alicorn's walked Equus. It's practically indecipherable." He looked at me, before handing over the tome. I sat there looking at the book in my hands before asking, "And what does this have to do with me? It's just a novel." The cover was plain, but the words were clear as day. Chronicles in a Strange Land. I looked at Flare when he spoke again. "This is an Alicorn manuscript, and I thought you'd be able to read it. I'm kind of interested in what it is." I looked over at Flare before looking back at the book. Opening to the first page, something caught my eye. "'We arrived in a strange new land, by the whims of a being calling herself a goddess of this world. This being looked like a horse, but stood on two legs. She had white fur, dressed in a flowing magenta dress, and a fluctuating mane, glowing cobalt, magenta and orange. She called herself, Harmony.'" When I finished that passage, my eyes widened and the book dropped from my trembling hands. "Harmony?" I said, as a pain shot through my head. As I placed a hand on my head, I saw an image of the Goddess mentioned in the book. I was surrounded by four others, without fur or hooves. She brought me here. The others in the room had varying reactions, from Aura's concern to Garnet's excitement to Flare's intrigue. "Are you alright, Scroll?" Aura asked, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Harmony, hmm? I cannot say I've heard of a Goddess by that name before. Garnet, have you come across that name in your studies?" Flare said, looking from me to his granddaughter. "Harmony is the Goddess of Alicorns." Everyone looked at me with surprise. "Scroll, how do you know that?" Garnet asked. "There are no records of a Goddess by that name." "I remembered something when I read her name. Just like the Alicorns who wrote this tome, she brought me and four others to this world." I said, glancing around at the others. "I don't recall why, but I know she did. I used to be human, before being an Alicorn." Flare looked towards me confused. "What is a human?" Aura still had her hand on my shoulder and Garnet reached down to retrieve the book from the floor. I responded, "Kind of like a big monkey. Though without fur or a tail. Capable of speech and very creative. Actually, this book is written in the language of my world. It's called English." "Hmm. We'll speak more of this later. For now, we should address the rest of the village about an ancient Alicorn living here." Flare said, with a small smirk. I took my hand off my head and glared at Flare. "That's not funny. I'm 22." Garnet was laughing and even Aura snickered. When they finally got that out of their system, we all stood and walked to the door. "Now, let us call together the whole village." Flare said, as he walked outside, his horn lighting. A pale orange ball of magic shot into the sky, catching the attention of everyone in Starshine. I watched the "flare" before looking at the aged Unicorn. "So is that why you were named 'Flare'?" I asked. "Was that your first spell?" Flare stopped, and looked at me in surprise. "That is typically how Unicorns were named. We weren't named at birth like other ponies, but usually after we cast our first spells. But that ended a generation ago. But, how did you know that?" "It just seemed right, I guess. Since Unicorns have such a profound respect for the ethereal, it made sense." I said, then blinked. "That sounded wise, like I knew what I was saying." As more ponies gathered around the speaking area for the village, I grew self-conscious from all the stares and mutters. My ears lowered and I tried to make myself smaller. Or as much as I could with a near 8 foot wingspan and stood almost a foot above everyone else. "My fellow villagers," High Elder Flare started, "I have called this meeting to address some new occurrences." He looked to everypony gathered there, before gesturing to me to come forward. As I walked up to his side, he continued, "This is Blank Scroll, a wanderer from afar. And as you can clearly see, an Alicorn. As I currently understand, it is his wish to live here peacefully. So I ask all of you not to treat him any differently than you would treat your neighbors. Furthermore, regarding his race, I implore you all to keep this secret from the King." As Flare was speaking, I leaned over and whispered to Aura, "When did I say I wanted to live here? Not that I mind, though. And who's this King he mentioned?" Aura's ear flicked and her eyes widened slightly. "Of course you wouldn't know. The Unicorn King, Silver Belle, is the ruler over this country, Unicornia. His late wife, Queen Gold Belle, passed nearly a decade ago." "What are you two talking about?" Aura and I jumped a bit and looked behind us. Garnet somehow managed to sneak up behind us, from the other side of Flare, without us noticing she even moved. "Just the, uh, Royal family?" I said, scratching the back of my head. Was that bad? "Really? I like Princess Platinum." Garnet replied. "It was Princess Platinum who convinced the King to consider a treaty with the Pegasi in the first place." "Wow. That's pretty impressive. I doubt I could do that myself." I replied, impressed. After I said that, Flare finished speaking and called me forward to reintroduce myself to the village. I took a second look at Aura, a little nervous, but she only gave me a nod of encouragement. I mustered up some courage and turned to face the village. In a confident voice, I spoke, "My name is Blank Scroll, and I'm grateful to the hospitality of Starshine for welcoming me to your village. I am also grateful that you would keep this a secret from your King, as I would prefer not to attract any unwanted attention. Before I finish, I would like to say one more thing. I'm not here alone. I'm waiting for four others I traveled with, though I am unsure when they will arrive. I appreciate your patience, and hope you can put up with me while I'm here." With that, I took a step back to allow Flare to finish the gathering. Aura and Garnet looked at me with surprised looks. Aura spoke first. "Wow, between last night and this morning, I would never have guessed you could speak so well." "Yeah! You sounded like a completely different pony just now. It was amazing!" Garnet said, her tail wagging again and a large smile on her muzzle. "That concludes our meeting. Return to your routines, save for the builders. I would speak to you in a moment." Sunny Flare said, as he dismissed the village gathering. He turned to me and said, "Now, Scroll, I have asked for some builders to construct a home for you. If you would meet with them to lay out the general design, they could begin immediately." I was taken aback by that. "You really didn't have to do that, Flare. I could find a job at one of the stands in the market to buy a house here, and just live with Aura till then." "Oh, I insist. Besides, the villagers are pretty excited that you will be living here. It's not everyday that a member of an allegedly extinct race appears. It's our pleasure to honor you with a home." He replied, while throwing his arm across my shoulders. "We pride ourselves in our hospitality. And it's unwise to scorn a Unicorn's pride." This village keeps surprising me, I thought. "Well then, I give you my thanks, High Elder Flare." I said, my cheeks heating up from embarrassment. "Put it from your mind. And please, call me Sunny. I consider you an honored resident and friend." Sunny responded, with a laugh, before whispering in my ear, "Also, you could help me decipher more Alicorn books I have in my study." Aura's ears perked up. "Oh? Is that why you are building him a house and declaring him a resident? To curry favor and enlist his help for your own studies into ancient Alicorn history." She said, an eyebrow rising skeptically. "Wait! You had more Alicorn books besides that one? Why didn't you tell me?" Garnet exclaimed, standing in front of her grandfather, her cheeks puffed out. Flare looked between both mares, sweat dripping down his forehead. "Now, now. It's a misunderstanding." I left Sunny to his fate and decided to walk over to the builders that stayed behind after the gathering. "So you must be the ponies that are to build me a home." I said to the group of seven in front of me. "Yes, sir. I'm the lead builder in the village. My name is Emerald Glitter." Said a pale rose mare, with an emerald mane and tail. She wore a yellow tunic and faded blue trousers. "It's an honor to build a house for a fabled Alicorn. I swear to give you the best home I can. With my pride in the line, I won't fail." I smiled at her, and held out my hand. "Well, I hope to become friends in the future." Glitter smiled as well, reciprocating the gesture. "Yes, sir. That would be great." > Interlude 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "TWILIGHT!" "AHH!" The previously mentioned mare screamed, as she fell from her chair. Groaning, she rubbed her rump, turning towards the source of the voice. She spotted her number one assistant, a small purple dragon with green spines in a mohawk, running from his head to his tail which ended in a flat spade shape. "Spike, I was in the middle of studying." "Well I wouldn't have to yell if you answered one of the other twelve times." Spike said, rolling his eyes and crossing his arms. "Anyway, you have a guest downstairs." "What! Somepony's here? I'll be right there." Twilight said, walking to the door. "Twilight." "What now, Spike?" She inquired, turning around, placing a hand on her hip. Spike gestured downward. Twilight glanced down at herself, dressed in a pale lavender tank top and yellow sweats with pink polka dots. Her face heated with embarrassment, as she walked to her closet. "I'll, um, be down in a moment." Spike slapped his claw to his face, before turning and walking out the door. Upon arriving back in the library part of the Castle of Friendship, he called out to the visitor. "Twilight will be down in a moment. Sorry about the wait." A tall blue Pegasus was sitting near a window, casually reading a book. He looked up when he heard the dragon call to him. "It's no trouble at all, Spike. Did you know that Sea Ponies are actually Hippogriffs? It's fascinating what you can learn from books." "Uh, yeah I did. I visited Seaquestria with Twilight and her friends. You know, to save Canterlot from an invasion?" Spike deadpanned. "Really? I must've missed it. Sounds like a rough time. If it was recently, I was in Neighpon on vacation." The stallion said, taking off his reading glasses. "Ah, Princess. So good to see you. Though I think your bed still misses you." Twilight walked in and looked at the Pegasus, puzzled. "Huh?" She said, looking at Spike. He raised an eyebrow and pointed to the left side of his head. Twilight immediately called upon her magic, summoning a brush. "Oh my gosh, sorry about that, Blank Scroll." Blank Scroll just laughed, setting his book down on the table. "Don't worry about it, I'm no stranger to bedmane. Anyway, since you're here, I heard you got a new shipment of books from Canterlot. I was wondering what was new to read." Twilight perked up instantly. "Oh, yes! I got an order of 174 books in just yesterday. Actually, I was just reading one last night. Though it looks more like an old diary." "Celestia sent you a diary?" Scroll said, raising a skeptical eyebrow. "If it's old, it could go to the history museum in Canterlot. Whose was it?" Twilight scratched her cheek with a finger. "It's a bit worn and I can't really make out the name on the front of it. And I can't read any of the names in the diary either. Which is weird, since the rest of it is written in Old Ponish." Scroll looked thoughtful as he replied, "Do you think it's in a language that's unknown, or maybe the names don't translate? Can you recall what one of the words was?" "Sure! One moment." Twilight said, while looking for a roll of parchment. Spike huffed, walking over to a desk and pulled out a quill and parchment, handing it to her. "Thank you, Spike. Now, it kind of looked like this." She wrote down a couple words and handed it over to Scroll. But when he looked down at the parchment, he suddenly started laughing. "I've never seen symbols like that before, and I used to be an archeologist. But maybe you could let me borrow that diary sometime. I'd love to study it. Now, those other new books you got." "Oh. We got a new trilogy of Daring Do books, since I know you own the entire collection." She responded, walking to a shelf a couple aisles away. "Ah, here they are." Twilight grabbed the books and walked back, setting them on the table. "Thank you, Princess. You know exactly what I like. Though, if I'm honest, Daring's partner in that last book sounded familiar. Not many rainbow-maned Pegasi out there." The stallion said, picking up the books. "I'll bring these back in a couple weeks. Thanks again, Twilight." Twilight and Spike watched Scroll walk to the door and leave the castle. "He likes books, huh?" Spike stated. "Yeah, he does. He's been coming to the library since I moved here. I heard he used to be the old librarian." "I wonder why he retired." Spike retorted. "He went on another vacation. Over to Neighpon this time." "Well that explains why he wasn't among the prisoners during the invasion." Twilight replied, walking back to her room to resume reading the diary. Blank Scroll walked towards his home, but he was deep in thought. After all these years, I guess Twilight has it now. He looked down at the names on the parchment that the princess wrote down. Right there in plain sight, but unknown to all but a small handful of ponies. Blank Scroll and Shimmering Aura. Well I know it's in good hands with Twilight. He thought, as he reached his home. "Aura, I'm back. And you wouldn't believe what I found." A purple Unicorn called from the kitchen, "Is it a new book? Or did you find something actually shocking this time?" Scroll walked into the kitchen looking hurt, his ears lowered. "Ouch, hun. Right in the pride. But no, Twilight had the next trilogy of Daring Do." Aura's ears perked, hearing that. She finished pouring some tea and set the cups on the table. "Oh, really? I wonder if your brother still speaks with her." "Oh, right. Twilight apparently has my diary." Scroll replied, taking a sip from his cup, and passing over the parchment he received from Twilight. Aura nearly choked on her tea before placing the cup down and glancing at the two words before her. "I'm sorry, but I clearly misheard you. That diary?" At Scroll's nod, she exclaimed, "I thought we gave it to Celestia when we moved to help build Ponyville!" "Exactly. I'll let you talk to her." Scroll responded, taking another sip. "And thanks for the Moon Lily tea. It's still my favorite after 1,700 years." In the Canterlot throne room, Princess Celestia sneezed. Later that night, Luna was raising the moon, when suddenly stars started appearing without her influence. She felt a familiar presence and turned with a smile. "How long has it been since you helped me with the night?" "Oh, around a millennia I suppose." Blank Scroll responded with a smirk. "And what do I owe this honor?" Luna said, laughing. "Business or personal visit." "Hmm. That's a tough one. My visit is personal, Aura's visit… not so much." Scroll answered, a hand rubbing his neck. "You've grown nicely, Luna. "Thank you. Although, I've never been able to create a masterpiece of stars like you can. But let us talk. It's been far too long." Luna said, walking forward and hugging the stallion. "I've missed you. Write more." Poking him in the chest, growling. "Yes, princess." Scroll replied, with a chuckle. Aura approached Princess Celestia's room, noticing a couple guards outside. "I'm sorry, ma'am, but the Princess has retired for the evening." One of the guards said, holding out one of his hands. "Hmm? I assure you that I'm allowed inside. Announce Shimmering Aura." She told the guards. The guards looked to each other before the second guard knocked on the door. "Sorry for the disturbance, Princess. There's a Shimmering Aura here to see you." A crash was heard in the room, followed by a yelp. Then silence. The guards turned to the Unicorn, to find her giggling. "I thought she grew out of being surprised by me." As the first guard was about to say something, there was the sound of the door opening. "Gra- uh. Missus Aura, please, come in. Guards, no one is allowed inside this room. Understood?" The guards looked at each other, confused. They'd never heard Princess Celestia sound so serious before. "Yes, Princess." The two guards said, saluting and returning to their positions. Aura walked past them and entered Celestia's room. Once she was inside and Celestia closed the door, she turned around. She saw that the princess was dressed in a bright yellow nightgown. "Did I interrupt your bedtime?" Aura asked, raising an eyebrow. "We would've come earlier if my husband wasn't such a procrastinator." "We? You're both here?" Celestia said, walking to one of the chairs by the balcony. "The stars look amazing, so I guess he's with Luna." Aura smiled. "You know, he never truly gave up the night after retirement. But, to why I'm here." She sat next to Celestia. Hearing that tone, Celestia's ears drooped. "Am I in trouble for something? I've been a bit busy with a few things lately." "Oh, no. At least, not exactly. I heard about the invasion from the paper when we returned from Neighpon. It must've been horrible." The Princess sighed, leaning back in her chair, gazing up at the night sky. "I missed most of it. Time is distorted when you're a stone statue. I feel I must apologize to someone for that." "He deserves no sympathy. If he has a problem with it, you can send him to me. Now, I only have one question. How did Twilight come into possession of Scroll's diary?" Aura said, interlocking her fingers and laying her chin on them, her elbows resting on her knees. Celestia's ears shot up and she looked over at Aura. "How did you find out?" "Well, you know Scroll loves to read. And I suppose Twilight told him about it." Aura sighed. Leaning back, she glanced over to the Princess. "I'm sure you have a reason for it. But enough about that, I got my answer. Now come here, Tia." She opened her arms while standing up, inviting Celestia into an embrace. Princess Celestia stood, hugging the unicorn. "I'm sorry for giving her the diary. But the names are impossible to decipher without an actual Alicorn manuscript to translate from." Aura looked Celestia in the eyes and spoke. "And you're lucky that all the Alicorn scripts belong to Scroll's family." "I know, and thanks for understanding… Grandmother."