There are stories that were not meant to be forgot as now the oldest prophecy known has now become the fate of Equestria hangs in the hooves of a cursed unicorn.
There was a time before the tribes. A time of prosperity and happiness, but then led one into curiosity of powers no pony question and soon that curiosity became lust and grew darker and thus sin was created and destroyed the harmony that was once there. The Alicorn Race disappeared and and The Elements of Harmony were created. However one element had failed to make it in the tree and now caused darkness to one day strike back.
Long ago, before the Sisters of Royal, before the reign of Discord and before the three tribes was known, Equestria was free from sin and any evil. During that time there was 3 groups roam the world. The first were the Alicorns who lived life in paradise from the land for it was the run by what they called Angel Alicorns. These Angels were the ones who grew blessed the land and the air with their magic and power but out of them all rose seven Arches who were known to govern the Alicorns and the Angels. Honestidade harvested the crops and blessed the ponies with food. Beneficentia blessed the land, the water and the sky to become rich and pure for the ponies to live and enjoy. Magie taught the ponies to harness energy around them and how to read and write and learn. Gáire blessed the ponies to celebration and life that will never go boring. Lealtà blessed the sky to rejuvenate the land and and the harvest as promised to the ponies. Générosité blessed the ponies with charity so that no pony was without any. The last one was Sacrifos who had who offer himself and tied himself onto equstria so the magic will flow from the land and onto the ponies.
As the Alicorns enjoyed their Garden of happiness, one was wracked with the curiosity of the power of Angels. Pecado studied the power of the Angels and his curiosity became lust and rage as his desire to have such power grew darker. Soon after he found a way to become as powerful as those he envied. He created the spell that will allow him to grow strong if others would be willing to offer their magic and so he began his temptations upon the ponies.
As time past the seven Archs took notice upon the ponies and notice the darkness forming. They tried to warn the ponies to not turn from each other but their voices fell from their ears. Ponies became selfish and prideful and became anger of one of another and form clans of of three. The seven Archs knew that they must save the ponies from ending one another and so created seven gems that would bear the seven full power to bring justice and harmony to all and only those pure from sin can harness this power. As the gems were created, the war of Alicorns broke and began to take toll on the land of Equestria. The Angels tried to help stop the conflict but was intervened by Pecado’s followers. The Archs rushed to the Garden of Everfree and place them into the first tree created on Equestria. As they drew near the heart of the garden, Pecado and his minions drew near and outnumbered the Archs. Knowing what had to be done, Sacrifos told the others to go as he would fight them off. Sacrifos being the strongest gave the Archs the time they needed to place the gems and activate the tree but in return had sacrifice himself to his last breath and his gem dissapearing. With the Pecados banished and his minions casted out, darkness began to shrink but as Pecados was banished, he declared that there will be no safe haven for Equestria and his minions shall take new forms and he shall return from the Scarlet Moon after the birth of fourth Alicorn.
Because of the betrayal of the Alicorns it was decided that once the gems were in place, The Alicorn race shall be dormant for more than a millennium and the clans be divided and shall work the Land, the Skies and the bodies of night and day and none of the ponies shall have memory of the past. Only a few scrolls have been discovered as well as a prophecy of both Pecados and Sacrifos to return in the days leading to the Fourth Scarlet Moon and Equestria will either be saved or destroyed.
The beams of spectral light begin to cast upon the land of Equestira as it always has. As it started from a fierce red to a calming golden sky ponies begin to stir from their pleasant slumber and wake up to what a peaceful water colored sky and begin their daily morning rituals. The market shops begin to open and customers shuffle in to fulfill their needed tasks. Fillies and Colts gallop along to the playground of their schools and play without a care in their mind. It was a normal day in Equestria or it is for every pony except for Twilight. She woke up in her bed stretching her wings and legs. The hint of pancakes soon filled her nostrils knowing Spike was making breakfast for them both. She first splashed some cold water to give herself a little boost and began to brush her mane to perfection when something caught her eye in the reflection. There was book on her dresser. She placed the brush down and trotted to the mysterious book. Before touching the book with magic, she noticed how dusty and aged the book which mysteriously was locked up and so she casted a protected spell so that nothing would deteriorate from handling the book as she blew the dust from the cover, only to find no title.
“That’s odd. I never read this book before. In fact, I don’t recall seeing this in the library.”, the young Alicorn said before her stomach interrupted her train of thought. She decided to place the book on her desk before descending down to be greeted by her #1 assistant and her apprentice.
“Morning Twilight. I’m almost done with breakfast.” Her scaly friend said as he was making the last of the pancakes.
“Morning Twilight, you kinda look confused”, Starlight said as she studied Twilight’s expression.
“Did you ever see me take a locked book from the library?”, Twilight asked her friends in hopes they can ease her confusion, but to her dismay, both shook their heads in rejection.
“I never saw a locked book in your library ever and I always help you re-reorganize the books”, stated her assistant as he finished laying the stack of pancakes on all three plates.
“Wait ‘Re’- reorganize? Why do you need to do it two times?”, questioned her apprentice as Spike groans.
“For the same reason why we have a mystery book. To reduce the chance of errors of misplaced books or un-checked books and now I have to check the lists in case of any other errors!”, stated the purple pony princess as she turned 180 before her stomach reminded her what was REALLY important. “After breakfast of course”, the embarrassed Alicorn said as her friends chuckled as they all ate their morning meal.
Peace was known in the minds of the slumber and tranquil as their dreams of enjoyment progressed for the night. In the realm of nightly imagination came the light keeper of the stars and protector from nightmares. Her sleek indigo body was accompanied of regal attire and the mane of tail that enlightens the cosmos. She carefully checks all doors to the ponies diligently as no trouble seems to bother them. A smile forms as night like these she didn’t have to do much and possibly play another innocent prank on her sister…however she was somewhat caught on a stallion from her past that she wished to visit. Sadly, there was no way to turn the clock back. She knew too well that the stallion was unable to last that long as she hoped. She shook her head as she remembered that she must show the formal strength of her crown. She must not let the past get to-
“Luna~”, an almost silent whisper called out. The nightly princess turned to where she thought the noise was emanating but found no pony. Then it called out once more in a more menacing tone. “Nightmare Luna I presume. Do you not remember me?”
“My name is Princess Luna. Show yourself and state your business.”, the night guardian stated in a demanding voice as she recognized that this was not a pony she would watch over. Suddenly, a dark mist that she knew to well begins to form in her view.
“I was the only one that came to your party Nightmare Luna and this time I will come early and bring presents for every pony”, the dark mist said with a crackle that would send shivers to even Tirek and yet the protector of dreams stood unaffected, despite she knew now who this was. It was the one that made her…no…no time to recollect those memories.
“I will not allow you to harm any pony again!”, stated the Luna as she charged her shot that would dissipate her old nemesis but the cloud absorbed it like a sponge and laughed and begin to grow.
“The fourth Alicorn is born and the fourth Scarlet Moon shall rise and the land shall become scarlet from the ponies and not even the Elements will save you!”, the mist shouted as it charged at Luna, causing her to enter back into her room in a cold sweat.
“Is everything alright, your highness?”, asked one of her night guards.
“Yes. I just was a bit dizzy.”, said the regal night holder as she did not want to raise panic until she talks to her sister in the morning. For now, she must watch the dreams of the ponies who rely on her.
Sleeping and drooling in the library, the Princess of Friendship has spent more the entire day until the sunrise of tomorrow in a futile attempt to discover an error in her lists but none could be found. She was startled from her slumber from a pink mare that had a smile that no pony can make and smelt like cotton candy and baked treats.
"Twilight that's not a bed silly pony", giggled the poofy pink pony as she jumped up and down from energy that could light all of Manehattan.
"Ugh. What time is it Pinkie?", groggily asked the insomniac Alicorn. She began to wipe the excess saliva and stretched her wings and limbs with a painful pop.
"Its time for our Semi-Weekly Picnic Party!", shouted the party pony as she wielded her patented party cannon and firing confetti into the air and onto the crystal floor. "My legs were itchy and my tail was super duper wiggly, so I knew that you were up trying to solve an ancient mystery all night and I just had to make sure you weren't late!"
"Well if you mean as trying to figure what this book was as an ancient mystery, then yes. I checked all my lists and there was nothing on this book", stated Twilight in an irritated way. She was always perfect on organization and now this book has ripped her perfection.
"Oooooooo dusty!", said the over excited pony as her eyes gazed upon the old book before Twilight place a glass cover to protect it from any further deterioration.
"Yes well I will have to write the Library of Canterlot to see if they made a mistake and maybe Identify the book.", said the young princess as she got herself ready for the picnic. "Alright I'm ready."
The two ponies trotted out the castle with food prepared in their satchel for the picnic. The town of Ponyville was a small quaint town. It wasn't an economic metropolis such as Manehattan, nor filled with politicians similar to Canterlot but it wasn't so rural like Appleloosa. It was perfect for those who enjoyed nature but also a busy community without the rush. The fresh air mixed with fresh baked goods and food was a symphony scent to any pony. As the two made their way through town, several ponies took noticed and waved as they passed as usual. It was a perfect normal day...if it wasn't for that book. No matter how hard she tried to put it out her mind, Twilight was wracked with OCD anxiety and curiosity. Before she knew it, they reached their destination as they spotted a big tree by the lake, just outside the town. Laid on the grassy floor was a softly woven and yet fashionable picnic blanket decorated with all sorts of food made by everypony.
"Hi every pony. I hope I wasn't too late.",said Twilight who was somewhat embarrassed to be the last pony to arrived.
"It's alright sugar cube. Being a princess must have got yer whooves worked out for ya.", stated the freckled cowmare as she poured apple cider for her friends which one was over excited to have.
"I can agree on that darling. I can't tell you how many times i noticed Princess Celestia use cover up on her eyes", stated boldly by the fashionista as she poured tea for her friends.
"Oh but don't push yourself too hard, um if that's ok with you that is.", quietly the meek Pegasus said as she brought a fresh batch of honey and laid it near the bake croissants.
"What did you have to do any way. Did the new dictionary come out?", snickered the brash mare getting annoyed looks by some of her friends.
"That was last month and it was very important to record. There was five new words added...Five!", stated the violet Alicorn while getting silent chuckles from every pony.
"Twilight found a book that wasn't suppose to be there", stated her apprentice with a small snicker before taking a sip of her drink.
"A book got you all wild up sugar cube?", asked Applejack, looking a bit confused as well as concerned.
"It's not just a book. Its locked and judging from decay its around a thousand years old.", defensively stated Twilight as she began taking her perfectly cut isosceles sandwiches from her satchel before her irises shrunk as the book fell from her satchel.
"If this book is so old, why did you bring it?", asked the rainbow maned Pegasus.
"I-I didn't. This book was on my desk!", said the extremely confused Alicorn. Her mind was now working over time at speeds unknown to pony kind, trying figure out any logical reasons. Every pony looked with great concern, knowing what happens to their friend when logic is absent with her. "N-no book can be enchanted for teleportation"
"Let me see it darling. I know a thing or two about enchanting.", the petite unicorn requested as she carefully levitated the book and began to cast a spell to see what magic was casted on the book. "Well darling. I can tell you the spells used are very old and this lock is extremely potent with magic. I can tell that this pony did not want it opened without a key. It must be an old diary so no sneaky sisters get to it", Rarity said, still not forgiving about a certain Gabby Gums.
"Maybe the Castle of the Two Sisters have the key. If it has a powerful ancient spell, it must belong to a powerful pony back then", said her student with somewhat excitement.
"That's a great idea! We can search there for answers. Can you guys come and help?", asked Twilight with new burst of energy.
"Well I was gonna read more Daring Do but I guess I can help"
"I was able to get mah chores done early so I can help"
"Woo hoo Mystery solving party!"
"Oh um I guess I can i-if Angel was with me"
"I got my commissions all done yesterday so I will help darling"
"You can count on your #1 Assistant"
Happiness overcame the young Alicorn, knowing that all her friends would accompany her to enter the castle that held haunting secrets of the past....after this delicious meal
"Are you certain it wasn't your fear sister?", asked the Princess of the Sun. She has seen her sister like this from time to time. Mainly after her reformation, these sort of nightmares were somewhat similar but she has never seen her this distraught.
"This was more than a mere nightmare sister. I was not even in any pony's dream at the time and my magic can manipulate dream apparitions but this one was able to dodge and send me out of the realm.", said the lunar princess. "It also spoke of a prophecy but I do not know any that described a scarlet moon."
"The last scarlet moon was after the disappearance of the Crystal Empire. I think it would be wise for you to search the archives in the vault and see if there is any. I must stay here for court so that no pony will suspect anything.", wisely stated Celestia.
"I will come back as soon as I have found anything.", stated Luna as she teleported out, leaving the older sister to her thoughts and morning cake...but now she lost her appetite.
"For our sake, please let their not be one.", silently whispering to her self, praying the Creator will end the constant verge of Equestrian annihilation.
The Everfree Forest was wrapped in twisted magic, dark creatures and a forgotten history. With thick and dense forestation and heavy populated timberwolves, most ponies wouldn't dare take one step into the deadly territory. Luckily Twilight and her friends have been here so much that it became more of a trot in a park then that of a death trap. Pinkie Pie and Applejack brought snacks encase they stayed for more than usual. Rarity brought her special glasses and magnifiers in case of any fashion flaws or possibly finding the key. Rainbow Dash brought herself which was 20% cooler than what every pony brought...at least she thought. Fluttershy brought her loving companion, Angel Bunny. Despite what others see as a spoiled pet, if you stayed long enough, there is a bond that both have that no pony could really rationalize but inter-dimensional rabbits are hard to comprehend unless you are a certain party mare. Starlight brought several non-flammable lanterns she created during her stay at Twilight's. She got the idea after seeing glowing crystals at the Crystal Empire. Spike brought his gems in case he was hungry which he usually is. Twilight brought the book, some scrolls, a map and 3 checklists in case they missed something the first two times.
It only took half an hour before on the horizon was a once glorious castle that fell under the destruction of sin and time. The castle showed power and peace in harmony but know is a symbol historical tragedy. They started their invasion of mystery solving in the main room and then began to split up to cover more room. Twilight and Starlight started in the library section. Rarity, Fluttershy (with Angel guarding her) and Spike started their search in the sister's bedrooms, while Apple Jack, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie searched in the armory and main kitchen and dining room. All parties searched high and low, every nook and cranny to have nothing come up and so they all met up back in the main foyer of the castle for a quick break.
"It's a darn good thing that we brought something to fill our tummy's", the country mare stated as they laid out apple related food for all to enjoy, except for one Alicorn who is going out of her mind. "Twilight, I know you wanna solve this mystery but you need to take care of yer tummy or you will get weak."
"Ugh I know. Why is this so hard to solve!", stated the hungry Princess as she began to eat as she studied her check list.
"Perhaps we need to check other places darling.", the fashion mare inquired.
"The only place i can think of is that Organ to the Outside room"
"Tee hee that room was fun!"
After their break ended, the group began their decent down to the room that once scared Twilight's friends, save for the party pony who was playing it. As they descended downward, the castle wasn't as destroyed then the top layer was. In fact, several paintings did survive Nightmare Moon's wrath but sadly were victims of time and began to deteriorate. Finally, the group entered what some believed one of the scarier rooms in the castle. It seems that the mammoth sized pipe organ was the only relic that was able to live through the war of time in the castle.
"We should split up. This room is still fairly big.", said the Alicorn of Friendship
"Ohh can I play the organ and look for the key!", ask the party pony.
"No Pinkie, we don't want to set of more traps like last time.", stated Twilight not wanting any more surprises.
"Aww so the book is gonna play it?", Pinkie said quite disappointingly but for every pony else was both shocked and scared as the book was in Twilight's satchel but now was on the podium of the instrument and was glowing a light blue aura and as the humming faded...it played.
By the end of the song, every pony was hiding by their Alicorn friend and their poofy pink pony who looked dissatisfied.
"Meh I can better.", stated Pinkie with confidence, but was soon cut off with the book levitating and the birth of the castle shaking.
"Eeeep! T-the book didn't like what you said! Say sorry Pinkie" squealed the terrified Fluttershy.
"Agh! I'm sorry book. You played good", shouted the guilty Pinkie as she clapped her whooves in high hopes that it would appease the floating book. The book however flew into a wall and slowly rotated upside down and caused the wall to lift, revealing a secret passage before floating back into Twilight's satchel. No pony moved for minutes as they were to busy processing what they just saw. Despite Rainbow Dash being the brave one, it was Twilight who began entering the passage and soon everyone trembled behind until they reached a wooden door with a mark that resembled the North Star. As Twilight opened the door, her jaw dropped as well as every pony else. Lied in their peripheral view was a room that denied time. A fire place that was still burning wood as well as fruit and bread that bear no flaws nor had any sign of rotting. The cherry wood bed set matching the self and table had no sign of dust as if it was just placed there. Soft satin pillows and bean bags gave a clear sign off that of great wealth. As the group entered the room they noticed a magical bubble they past through.
"I know that spell! This is a spell that can freeze time in a room...but that spell can only last a day", Starlight remarked. "You would have to be an Alicorn to keep it any longer."
"I can tell that the spell wasn't recent but has been going on for some time." Twilight said as she used her magic to scan the enchantment. She was cut short from the frantic squealing of a certain fashion mare.
"Oh my heavens! This room is flowing with regality. The soft satin sheets, the soft pillows, the small but cozy fire place and the expensive cherry wood furniture", squealing Rarity as if she was dreaming.
"And the food is tasty!", stated Pinkie Pie, eating one of the fruit without care.
"I don't get it. Why would the princesses need this room sealed and put a heavy enchantment?", asked Applejack staring at some of the tapestries.
"Maybe this is when the princesses would want some extra company~", Rainbow Dash brashly stated, giving the blushing Alicorn a jab.
"Rainbow, that's not funny. Besides, This room had some pony's name on it.", Twilight said as she looked on the shelf. "Wow, these are some of Star Swirls Spell Scrolls and a book on ancient magic and prophecies!", squealing in joy as she pulled the book and then heard a click. Soon the back wall slid up revealing armor unlike the armor from today's Royal Guard armor. It was made of a metal that was dyed blue and yellow and had a crest of the same symbol on the door. Below had written passage, "I pledge my sword to the sisters, my wings to the heavens, my magic to the stars, my hooves to the earth and my heart to the moon, as the last Crusader of Equestria."
"Crusader? I never heard of that rank before.", Starlight said reading the passage.
"I remember an old pony's tale that Crusaders of Equestria were a group of special powerful knights that would help ponies during the reign of discord. They would help with various situations. Deliver food on dangerous trails, drive away any monsters and help in any way they could. From what i recall they served until the defeat of Discord. Equestria was back in harmony and the Crusade was disbanded.", explained the Princess of Magic, before spotting a key right below the armor and gasping. "THE KEY!"
"Wow so it musta belonged to that crusader fella. I'm sure he wont mind if ya open it.", said the country mare, but Twilight was already ahead of that idea as she inserted the key and turned it and with a click, Twilight vanished with the book. "Or maybe he will.", Apple Jack said before all of them screamed at the fact that their friend vanished into the unknown.
Day court had finally finished and the sun princess was happy that she can take a break. That was, until her sister had appear with a book and a face that looked like she had saw something she wish she hadn't. "Sister this is bad." Luna said as they entered their private chambers.