Chapter 1: Gold Star and Silver Blade

Hello, my name is Dusk Noir. To other ponies, I’m also known as El Dragon. Yes, El Dragon. The hero of heroes, leader of the Element Squad, and local fire elemental of Canterlot. For a few years, me and my friends had protected the city from the Dark Gang, an evil group of elementals bent on taking over Equestria and our greatest nemesis. To give long story short of the origin, I used to work alone due to my father being killed by Dargon, leader of the Dark Gang, when I was just a little colt that led me to leave anypony out of my work and out of danger. A few years after that, I soon met up with my team, but rejected the idea of leading them, but after the Dark Gang attacked the city and with my teammates’ help, I decided to become the new leader of my new team: the Element Squad. It had been a few years since then and the four of us have become young stallions and about to have a new change in our lives. But, before we get on with our story, I’ll tell you the tale of two other ponies I came to know as two of my best friends.

It started a few years ago, back when I was just a little foal. It was raining on Canterlot and an old building there had just collapsed. Nopony was sure if this was either done by a natural crumbling or caused by somepony. Even though the storm had rain pouring, there was no clash of lightning, just the simple roar of thunder. The reason this was such a big deal was that it all happened so suddenly. The building had only been constructed 5 years before then and only stood for half the time before it came down. If it was done by somepony, it would be one confusing mystery for nopony lived in there. There weren’t any casualties or so everypony thought. When Princess Celestia came around, she found within the rubble a crying little foal wrapped in a blue blanket lying in a wicker basket. From what was heard from those who were around, Celestia was surprised to find this child all by himself. Then, without hesitation, she took the foal and went on asking everypony around in order to find the foal’s parents.

In another part of the city, the unicorn father of the local church was doing his evening check for the night when he heard some crying outside. When he went out there, he found a crying little foal wrapped in a red blanket lying in a wicker basket. Next to the basket was a medium sized parcel tied with thin strands of rope.

“Another one for us.” The priest said, disappointed that ponies had abandoned their child.

You see, this was normal for the church to have a child left at the doorstep. The church had a history of children who were orphaned or abandoned and left in the care of the ponies of the church. With this, the priest then took the child in to get him warm. He lit a fire within the fireplace and then began to cradle the foal to calm him down. When he got the foal out of the basket, it was revealed that he was a Pegasus foal with yellow eyes, a sapphire coat, and a teal mane and tail.

“Aw, shh. There’s a good boy.” The priest said calmly to the foal, after calming the baby down and placing him back in the basket which he placed on a bed inside the church. “There you go.” He then looked down on the child and smiled as he slept. “So sweet and well behaved. Hm.” He looked to the parcel he placed on the bed and decided to see what was inside.

What he found shocked him as it was a double back-holster with a cross on the buckle and two, silver-bladed, Ōdachi curve swords. When he looked back at the child, he just chuckled and smiled.

“Well, it seems whoever your parents were made sure you were able to protect yourself.” The priest said to the foal. “Better let you have them once you’re old enough.” He then looked to the blanket and saw something sewed onto it, something he didn’t notice before he brought the child inside. “Hm. ‘Silver Blade.’” He then stood proudly as he spoke again. “Well, you had a tough beginning, but your worries are over. As of today, little Silver Blade, this will be your home.”

Back with Celestia, after failing to find the foal’s parents, she decided to take him back to the castle to make sure he was okay. She had help from her old friend Dragonis Maximus, who brought a fire keep to help keep the foal warm. When she got the foal out of the basket to cradle him, she found he was an earth pony foal with green eyes, a pearl white coat, and a snow white mane and tail. Though the one complexing thing was that he had claws instead of front hooves. It was complexing for a foal to have this, but she shrugged it off and continued to try to calm the crying baby.

“Shh. Don’t cry. It’s okay, little one. Don’t cry.” Celestia said to foal as she cradled him in her wings, speaking like she was his mother.

The foal stopped crying and looked up at Celestia. The princess smiled at him and the baby returned it. She then placed the foal back into the basket and put him under the blanket.

“There. I almost thought he would never calm down.” Celestia said as Dragonis came over to her.

“You’re lucky you found him. He probably wouldn’t have survived out in the cold.” Dragonis said to her. “Though aren’t you a bit concerned that he has claws even though he’s an earth pony?”

“Well, it seems unnerving to see this, but I think it makes him more special.” Celestia said as she looked at the child, who rustled around in the basket with a smile. “I mean, look at him. He’s so cute and spirited.”

Dragonis then looked for a moment before smiling and saying “I guess you do have a point.” He then walked over to take a closer look at the colt. “So, let’s see what we can find about this spirited little fellow—oh!” Dragonis was then kicked in the muzzle by the foal, knocking him to the floor.

Celestia was a little shocked by this as she stared at her friend on the floor.

“Ow! I think he’s a little too spirited.” Dragonis said as he covered his snout with his claw, causing Celestia to giggle a bit.

Celestia then looked to the blanket and found some writing on it.

“‘Gold Star’, huh?” Celestia said as she looked at the child with a smile, knowing it was the baby’s name. “I might not know of where you come from, but from now on, my castle will be your home and I will take care of you, little Gold Star.”

She then leaned forward and nuzzled the foal, the baby giggling joyfully as she did.

And that’s how the story went. Silver Blade was raised by the church and Gold Star was taken in by Princess Celestia to live within the castle as her son. It was about like a few years when I met both of them and became friends with them. With how they grew up, I’ll leave that story for another time. For now, let’s get on with what was happening now, right to our present time.

It was morning and me and Leon were walking through the streets of Canterlot, him trying to talk me into finally talking to Twilight for once.

“Dusk, come on!” Leon said as we walked. “You got your chance! Just talk to her already and get it over with.”

“I’ve told you a bunch of times, Leon.” I said to him. “I’m not ready yet.”

“Dusk, all you’ve been doing for the past few years since you met her and met me and the guys is sitting around at a lonely table with your face buried in a book.” He said to me. “She’s not gonna be around forever. Get on with it already!”

“Leon, the answer is still no.” I said to him. “I’m just not ready to talk to her yet. I want her to be my friend and I need to be ready to talk to her for that. I just need time to get my courage to finally talk to her. You know how I am when speaking to somepony new.”

“Yeah, but still…” Leon said before he was interrupted by a loud shout.

“Moon Dancer!” the voice said as it echoed through the city and we turned in the direction of where it came from.

“What was that?” Leon asked.

“Sounds like Gold Star’s at it again.” I said, recognizing that voice anywhere. “Come on. Let’s go make sure he doesn’t get himself hurt.”

With that, we both then went off as fast as we could to where the shouting was coming from.

When we got there, we found Gold Star in front of a building talking to Moon Dancer and holding a flower in his right claw. Okay, Gold Star is a young stallion who’s about 3 inches shorter than me and he wears a navy blue jacket and a dark blue head band with a red star stitched on to it. Now, to explain what was happening, Moon Dancer is a classmate of mine from Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns that Gold Star had a crush on since he met her when we were kids. I’m guessing what he was saying made Moon Dancer feel a bit touched and embarrassed, at least that’s what it looked like on her face. From a certain stand point, Moon Dancer kinda looked like Twilight, but with a cream coat, glasses, and an inverted colored mane. Leon once made a joke out of it saying that this is what me and Twilight would be like if I was love sick for her.

“One day, I’ll be the Mystic King and I’ll make you the happiest mare in Equestria.” Gold Star said to Moon Dancer, before he held the flower right in front of him. “That’s why I’m asking…will you please marry me?”

“I’m sorry, Gold Star. I just can’t.” Moon Dancer said with an apologetic smile. “I appreciate you asking, but I’m gonna have to decline it.”

Gold Star then groaned as he reared his head back in shock.

“That’s a ‘no’?” Gold Star asked, getting up in her face and surprising Moon Dancer.

“Yes, it is.” Moon Dancer said with an uneasy smile. “I can’t marry you.”

Gold Star groaned again as he backed away in shock and dropped the flower.

“I’m not giving up yet!” Gold Star said as he surprisingly recovered from it, his head lowered as he faced Moon Dancer.

“You should, really.” Moon Dancer said. “Please, Gold Star.”

“Not giving up!” Gold Star said as he banged his head on the ground.

“I really am sorry.” Moon Dancer said as she became more and more worried, magic emanating from her horn.

By the looks of it, she was close to reaching her breaking point as Gold Star kept up trying to get her agreeing consent.

“Please, Moon Dancer, just let me ask one more time!” Gold Star said as Moon Dancer’s horn was now flaring up with magic.

“Uh-oh.” I said as I knew Moon Dancer was about to blow.

“Take cover!” Leon said as we then went off to find cover from the magic burst.

“No!” Moon Dancer said as she pointed her horn at Gold Star.

The burst was so strong that it caused an explosion that could be seen from the air. When the smoke cleared, me and Leon came out of hiding as we then saw Gold Star had got singed from the magic burst. He even coughed up some smoke before he collapsed on the ground. Yeah, this was kind of a thing between those two. With Gold constantly proposing to Moon Dancer even when she turned him down caused a lot of emotional stress on the girl and…well, you know how we unicorns are when it comes to such things.

“Ah!” Moon Dancer gasped in shock as she realized what she had done. “I’m sorry, Gold Star! I don’t know what I was thinking! My magic just slipped out!”

“Slipped out is an understatement.” Leon said as she looked and saw us.

“What’s going on here?” a voice said and we looked to see that Shield and Dog came around and saw the scene. “Oh, for crying out loud! Is that Gold Star?”

“Yep.” I said as me and Leon went over to him and Dog. “He proposed again.”

“Thought I recognized that voice.” Dog said in his western accent before speaking to Moon Dancer. “Whoo-doggy! Ya did a real number on him this time, Moon Dancer.”

“But…I didn’t…mean to.” Moon Dancer said, blushing sheepishly in embarrassment.

“We’re not done here!” Gold Star shouted as he recovered again and jumped towards Moon Dancer, frightening the poor girl.

When he was only about three feet away from her, I felt a gust of wind and saw an air blast slam Gold Star into the ground.

“Whoa! Where’d that come from?” Dog asked as we were all surprised.

“Uh, guys?” Leon said as he pointed to the left.

We all looked and saw we were in front of the local church. It wasn’t much of a church as much as a house with a cross on top. It was actually pretty rundown. By the look of it, I say it hadn’t gotten any renovations in moons.

“Oh, boy.” I said as I turned to the front of me with a look of depression as I knew who was around. “Hello, Silver Blade.”

“Greetings, Dusk.” Silver Blade casually said as he then walked in from behind me and the guys with that same emotionless expression on his face that he had for the past few years.

Yeah, that was Silver Blade, the local young resident of the church. He’s been under the care of the priest even since he arrived there as just a foal. He’s got a lean figure and was pretty tall for a young stallion or any stallion for that matter. He’s about to Celestia’s shoulder to be honest. When he was old enough, the priest gave him some swords that he said were with him when the priest found him, both sheathed on that back-holster of his. He discovered he had Wind Magic when he was just a colt. I heard Gold Star yell as he got back up and watched as he ran up to Silver Blade.

“Why are you sticking your nose in this, Silver Blade?” Gold Star angrily said.

“That’s simple, really.” Silver Blade said, his next words stunning Gold in shock as he walked by the earth pony. “Because you’re noisy, you’re short, you lack both composure and tolerance, and there’s not really anything about you that appeals to women.”

That last comment was a real sucker-punch to Gold Star as he growled before yelling at the Pegasus.

“Hey!” Gold Star said to Silver Blade. “Years of knowing each other and that’s how you talk to me? You big, lady-killing jerk!”

“Are you alright there, Moon Dancer?” Silver Blade said to the mare.

“I’m alright, Silver Blade.” Moon Dancer said.

“Do you think you can just ignore me? Grrrr!” Gold Star growled.

“Gold Star, Moon Dancer is still a young mare, which means she can’t marry yet.” Silver Blade said. “Neither can a young stallion like you, in fact.”

“Think you’re so smart.” Gold Star said. “Well, I’ll show you. Yeah, I will.” Gold Star then took fighting stance as he looked straight at Silver Blade. “You and me! Right here, right now!”

Me and the guys were exasperated that he suggested this as we knew it would not end well.

“Not today.” Silver Blade simply said.

“And why the heck not, huh?” Gold Star asked.

“It would be a waste of time.” Silver said.

“What’d you say to me?” Gold asked.

“Give it a rest, Gold.” I said to my friend. “There’s no way you can beat him.”

“Take this!” He then gave a look of determination as he got ready to try magic again. “Insta…Blast!”

Like every last one of his tries, not a single bit of magic was brought out in that attack.

“Oh, what? Come on!” Gold said, frustrated he didn’t do a magic attack again. “Still nothing? Why?”

“Gold, you would stop please? You haven’t been able to use magic even when you were a colt.” I said to him. “For Pete’s sake, you don’t even have a cutie mark.”

“Well, Silver doesn’t have a cutie mark either and look at him.” Gold said to me. “Just watch. If he can do it, so can I!”

“I’m not so sure about that, Gold.” I said as I used my magic to lift up a pebble. “Equestria is a world filled with magic. It doesn’t matter if you have it or not or even how much you have, it’s how you use it. Though it’s not uncommon for somepony to not be able to use magic at all. I mean, pegasi and Earth ponies don’t have magic and you don’t see them complaining. Besides you got other skills, right?”

“Yeah. You’re right.” Gold said to me with a smile. “I still got my secret moves!”

“Huh?” Leon said in confusion, even I was surprised by this.

“You got secret moves?” Shield asked as he looked at Gold.

“I bet you can’t do crunches this fast!” Gold said as he did crunches like crazy.

“No. No, we can’t go that fast.” I said, surprised by how fast he was going.

“Yikes! This guy’s crazy.” Leon said, just as surprised as I was.

“Yeah, Gold! Feel the burn!” Shield said, cheering on Gold.

I felt a blow of wind and looked to see that Silver Blade created a cyclone ball with some clothes swirling inside it.

“Oh, thanks for helping with the laundry, Silver Blade.” Somepony said. “You’ve been such great help, thank you.”

I turned to see it was the nun of the church, Sister Water Lily. I guess she must’ve came out to look for Silver so he could help her dry this week’s load. Moon Dancer was definitely impressed by that.

“It was nothing, Sister.” Silver said, without even turning around.

I wasn’t sure if he meant it or not. It was always hard in times like that.

When I heard gasping, I looked to see that Gold was shocked by this and, when Silver was done drying the clothes, then ran off to the side of the church. I went over and saw a stump with a small log of wood lying vertically on it and a pile of wood right next to it.

“All right.” he said as he then grabbed an axe lying on the side of the church, went over to the stump, and got ready to chop the log. “Leave the wood chopping to me! I’ve got this covered!”

But, before Gold could chop it, a slash of wind beat him to it. The slash came from Silver who managed to get over here.

“Aw, jeez, Silver Blade.” I said to the Pegasus. “You know you’re not really helping in this situation, right?”

I then watched as Gold Star came walking over growling and with an angry look on his face, but he was slammed away halfway by an opening door. I looked to see it was the priest of the church that did that.

“Silver Blade is the hope of this church!” the priest said, tears of joy in his eyes.

When he heard groaning and looked to see that he hit Gold with the door by accident, he was downright horrified.

“Oh, Prince Gold Star!” the priest said as he helped Gold to his hooves and claws. “I am deeply sorry! I didn’t see you there.”

“Oh, it’s alright, Father.” Gold said to him. “I’m fine.”

“You better be if you want to be in the Royal Guard.” Shield said.

“Yeah, the entrance exam’s tomorrow.” I said to Gold. “Plus, I heard that many ponies have gotten their cutie marks in those exams, even Clover mages.”

“Yeah. And just you wait.” Gold said with determination. “Once I get mine, I’ll be able to use magic for sure!”

Okay, pause. I bet you’re wondering what I meant by Clover mage, right? Well, this is the name that is used for ponies who get Clover cutie marks. Clover cutie marks are very special cutie marks which allow anypony to use magic, whether they are a unicorn, Pegasus, or even an earth pony. The reason they’re called that is because, along with the mark that symbolizes the talent the pony haves, there’s a rare clover mark either inside or next to the mark to represent the magic they have. Sometimes the clover itself is the symbol of the talent, the pony having it being talented with the magic it gives. Ponies who get Clover cutie marks develop different types of magic like the four elements, light magic, even dark magic. With every Clover mage, the magic is always different and these marks are very rare. Only about 20% of the pony populace gets them. Now back with the story,

“But aren’t Clover cutie marks rare?” Leon said, making a point there that most ponies don’t get Clover cutie marks.

“Yeah, but if anypony deserved a Clover cutie mark, it would be Gold Star.” I said. “He’ll be able to get that cutie mark the instant he passes. Right, Gold?”

“Right.” Gold said as he looked out into the distance, no doubt facing the statue of the first Mystic King which resided on top of the giant demon skull that laid against the mountain outside of Canterlot. “My cutie mark. I’ll have it soon. Finally. Finally. That’s right! I’m gonna get the most awesome Clover cutie mark ever! I'll join up with the Royal Guard and, once I make a name for myself, I’ll follow in your footsteps and become the Mystic King!”

“And what exactly would you do once you become the Mystic King?” Leon asked him.

“I’ll come back and rebuild this crumbling dump of a church!” Gold answered.

I heard the priest growl, looked to see him turn, point at Gold, and yell “‘Crumbling dump?’ That’s taking it too far!”

“Well, he’s tellin’ the truth.” Dog said to priest. “This place could use a little fixin’ up.”

“And I have no doubt you will become the Mystic King, Gold.” I said.

“Yeah! Right, Silver?” Gold said as we all looked to Silver, who wasn’t even looking at him.

When Gold put his claw up for a claw to hoof bump, Silver only looked at him before he turned and walked away without saying a word.

“I’ll show all of you.” Gold said after he put his claw down and before he then ran off. “I swear! Just watch and you’ll see, darn you!”

“Gold Star, wait!” Moon Dancer said to Gold as he kept on running.

“Let him go.” I said to her. “He just needs to blow off some steam.”

I then went off to find Silver and did so as I saw him in the church, standing in front of the podium.

“Hey, Silver.” I said to him without him turning around. “You think you could try maybe to get along a little better with Gold? I mean, like you did before back when you were colts. As I recall, when I met you, you two were always together. Almost like brothers.”

From what I got from Sister Water Lily, when he was young, Silver Blade was always such a crybaby. But then, one day, he came back to the church with Gold Star, who was badly injured. Ever since then, nopony has seen him cry once.

“What’s the point?” Silver said to me. “There’s no getting along with that one.”

“That’s not what it looked like before you stopped smiling.” I said as I turned to leave. “He might be Princess Celestia’s son, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t still a friend.”

Actually Sister Water Lily said that both Silver and Gold were different after that day. That’s when Gold would be going back to the castle covered in mud every day. With this, I then decided to figure out where Gold would go to and what he was doing. I managed to find him that night in the demon skull, but that wasn’t the only thing that surprised me. There, I found him doing arm-ups and hid so he didn’t see me. I didn’t want to interrupt him. That’s why he was covered in mud every day and why he was able to do crunches so fast, he’s been going out training and building muscle. I was amazed by his determination to keep going till he finished.

“994…995…996…997…998…999…” Gold said as he did a thousand arm-ups on his left arm with his legs pointing straight to the sky, sweat dripping from his brow.

He then did a flip and got back on his claws and hooves. He then took out a canteen and began jugging down a dark green liquid from it. I had no doubt it was mogro leaf juice, a special liquid made for enhancing a Clover mage’s magic power. He then went back to training. I guess he got use to the taste of that juice. From what I heard, it’s completely bitter. Thanks to my super-hearing, I was able to hear what he was saying under his breath.

“I will be the Mystic King.” Gold said. “And nothing’s going to stop me.”

“And I have no doubt nothing will.” A gentle voice said.

Me and Gold both looked to see Princess Celestia standing next to him with a smile on her face.

“Mom!” Gold said as he jumped in shock of his mother being there. “What are you doing here?”

“Just trying to find you.” Celestia said to him. “Now I see where you have been getting the mud from all these years.”

“Yeah, sorry.” Gold said to her with embarrassment. “I didn’t want to tell you because I thought you probably wouldn’t let me do it again.”

“Why would you even think that?”

“Well, because you’re the ruler of Equestria and you wouldn’t like me getting into all this fighting and stuff.”

Celestia chuckled and said “I would suspect you would believe I wouldn’t allow you into conflict being my only son and the fate that had been put upon your aunt. You are the greatest gift I could ever receive and I would not like to lose you. But I know you want to help others as a member of the Royal Guard, which is something I cannot deter you from. Keeping you out of harm’s way would be my duty as princess. But my duty as your mother is to make sure you’re happy and always following your dreams.”

Gold Star was touched by this and smiled at his mother.

“Thanks, Mom.” Gold Star said as he hugged Celestia.

“You’re welcome, my little Gold Star.” Celestia said as she returned the hug.

Okay, really, that was just so sweet there. That moment really tugged on my heart strings.

“Just make sure you’re back at the castle before the moon is at its peak.” Celestia said.

“Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll be done and back home before you know it.” Gold said and Celestia took off back to the castle.

After she left, Gold then said “Alright! Now my first step to becoming the Mystic King is getting my body trained up!”

I then watched as Gold then began training like crazy. When he was done, he released a roar that could be heard from Canterlot.

Once a year in March, on the 7^th day of spring, all young stallions and mares from across Equestria gather for the Royal Guard Entrance Exam, a test to find the next generation of great soldiers to the Guard. Today was now the day that Gold and Silver could be able to test themselves to see if they were Royal Guard material.

Gold Star

“Awesome!” I said as I looked around the stadium we were in. “Look at all the different cutie marks! I wonder what kind I’ll get.”

Once I got my cutie mark, I was gonna be able to use magic too. And I would catch up to Silver Blade.

Dusk Noir

We all waited in anticipation for the exam to begin. Me, the guys, the priest, and Sister Water Lily were up in the stands to watch Silver and Gold do the exam. It was really nerve racking. This would be the ultimate test for Gold. I just hope he made it okay. With my super-hearing, I was able to hear some of the examinees down there talking about this. Two of them were actually talking rudely about Gold and Silver, insulting them, Gold the most. That’s what I hated the most, ponies who think they were better than anypony else, like a certain white coated cousin of Gold’s I met. I know Celestia wouldn’t like anypony talking trash about her son. Though I couldn’t focus on those insults. This was Gold Star’s moment and I couldn’t ruin it by yelling at those guys. He’s always dreamed of getting his cutie mark, his own Clover cutie mark to be exact. I have heard that many ponies actually hoped they would get a Clover cutie mark. For many ponies, it’s a life changer. Because the magic power they have isn’t just for unicorns, it’s become part of Equestrian lifestyle. Some like to brag about how cool it looks or how detailed it is. For others, it can be their way to finally leaving home and seeing the world or to keep on a family legacy or business. Another thing that’s unique about them is that power of the magic always keeps growing. Before it appears, ponies can be able to use basic magic formations like Silver’s cyclone sphere. Once they get the cutie mark, the doors of new opportunities are opened as they discover spells they never knew they had and develop even more along the way. Though the amount of power a pony always carries can vary from being weak, having a short amount of spells to achieve, complexity with the spells, having tons of spells, or having a few spells with more to come. But, with everypony who gets them, they have dreams they want to achieve in the world. Gold is one of them and quite a unique dreamer. His dream is to become the Mystic King so he can be able to make our world a place where everypony can be happy, whether they were rich, poor, a royal, a noble, a commoner, or an orphan. That’s why I always had faith in him. In a way, he was like me as I want to make a world where everypony can be happy, no matter where they came from. I then diverted my attention to the stadium box as a royal guard appeared. There was no doubt the captain of the Royal Guard. It’s customary that the captain would welcome the examinees of the yearly exam. I wasn’t able to get a close look at him, but I could see he was a white unicorn with a blue mane and blue hooves.

Gold Star

Oh, man! This was awesome! I finally got to see a real Royal Guard captain! Even though I could see any member of the Royal Guard at the castle, the captain was the only pony I never saw around.

“Young examinees of Equestria, welcome to the Royal Guard Entrance Exam!” the captain said to us. “On this day, you are given a chance to prove yourselves worthy of become a member of the Canterlot Royal Guard, to protect Equestria with integrity, hope, and love. For those who don’t know me, I am the captain of the Royal Guard and, as custom by the laws of Princess Celestia and the first Mystic King, I will be in charge of this year’s exam. Now, never once has anypony of Equestria distinguished him or herself, by becoming a Royal Guard, much less a Clover mage or even the Mystic King. I hope for each of you to accomplish great things. To those who will be a part of the Royal Guard, that one among you would have what it takes to become the greatest soldier in history. And to those who seek the path of a Clover mage, I hope one among you haves what it takes to become the strongest mage in Equestria. Seriously, I mean it!”

That actually shocked all of us as we just kept quiet and let him keep talking. I didn’t actually think that the captain of the guard would actually say that.

He cleared his throat and then said “And now, before we begin, all of you will be divided into three groups. By the rules of the first Mystic King, the members of each group will be paired with one another in combat, a test to identify and determine a pony’s own integrity, hope, and heart in battle. Those who managed to defeat their opponents will pass the exam and be accepted into the Royal Guard. You can fight either hoof-to-hoof or with the use of magic. To those who have wings are not allowed to use flying to attack their opponents. Each of you will be given a colored vest to determine your group. On each vest, there is a number. There are two vests each that have the exact same number. The two who have them will be each other’s opponents. Now, without further adu, accept your vest.”

After he said that, the vest began flying toward us, no doubt being handled by the unicorns of the Guard. The vest had three colors: blue, yellow, and pink. I watched as I finally got my vest and it magically got on me. It was yellow with the number five on it. I looked and saw that Silver had a blue one on. After everypony got their vests, we then huddled up into our groups and we each paired up with the member that had the same number we did. I was so pumped. With all my training, I was gonna get in the Royal Guard for sure.

Dusk Noir

I watched as every pair in each group got ready to fight, waiting for the captain to give the word.

“Now that all our groups and fights have been made, let the entrance exam…begin!” the captain said and all the examinees began to fight.

With this, I watched as the battlefield was filled with hoof-flying and magic-powered attacks. It took about 3 hours, but in the end, about almost half of the examinees were left. From all around, I heard some of the examinees talking about getting their cutie marks as they appeared after the fight, some actually being Clovers. With the Clovers, one had a cool look, one had great detail in its symbolism, one had a not so glamorous symbol, and one was actually pretty confusing to describe. All of them unique. Everypony down there was getting their cutie mark. With that, there were only two fights, one from the yellow group and from the blue group: Gold Star’s and Silver Blade’s. This was it. These were the final fights before the exam was over. Everypony around looked at the two fights. I saw that both Gold Star and Silver Blade were facing Clover mages: Gold’s opponent was a unicorn stallion with a flame cutie mark and Silver’s was an earth pony stallion with a leaf cutie mark. I was actually pretty nervous. This would be the first time Gold would be facing off against a Clover mage. I just hoped he would be okay.

Gold Star

This was it. It was finally time to show everypony that I belong in the Royal Guard and that I can become the Mystic King.

“Hey.” The unicorn said to me with a smug. “I heard about you. They say you can’t be able to use magic at all.”

“Yeah, so what?” I said to him.

He chuckled before saying “Well, it just means ponies have to take extra good care of you. I mean, you’re one of a kind. The only pony in Equestria who can’t use magic and without a cutie mark. I won’t use my magic to make it easier for you.”

“Just because I can’t use magic doesn’t mean I still can’t beat you!” I said to him.

“Whatever. This will all be over soon.” He said as he then taunted me. “So, shall we get going?”

With this, I then charged at him with everything I got. I think I surprised him by getting so close to him. Looked like that on his face.

“What the…?!” he said as I then punched him.

I began giving him more, a bunch of them hitting him while he dodged only some of them. Guy was actually pretty slow. He couldn’t land a single hit on me.

Dusk Noir

I then watched as both fights began. With Gold Star, he actually surprised his opponent by using the speed he built up over the years. That unicorn was basically freaked out as he dodged some of those attacks and was just frustrated when he couldn’t land a single hit on him in their hoof-to-hoof fight or claw-to-hoof fight in Gold’s case. Me and the guys were basically cheering him on and were impressed by how fast he was. With Silver Blade, his opponent was actually using some kind of “wind of nature”, or whatever it was called, magic and Silver deflected them with his own wind magic. Sister Water Lily was cheering him on. At one point, both Clover mages finally reach their limit and went in with furious attacks. The unicorn then decided to use his magic and tried to blast Gold with a stream of fire and the earth pony unleashed a roaring torrent of leaf-filled winds right at Silver. But those weren't going down that easy. With Gold Star, I saw him easily dodge that blast and then went in, grabbed his opponent by the foreleg, and got ready to do a judo throw. With Silver Blade, for the first time in my life, I saw him draw his swords for battle. After he did and the attack began closing in on him, the blades glowed green and he then prepared to do a crossing double slash with them. Both Silver and Gold finished off their opponents at the same time with Gold tossing his opponent to the ground and Silver unleashing a power blast of air at his, knocking the earth pony to the ground. A few seconds after the fights were done, a bright green flash appeared, shine upon everypony there. It lasted for about 5 minutes before it faded away. After it did, we all looked to see where it originated from and were shocked to discover what was behind it.

Gold Star

After beating that guy, I kept my eyes closed until I waited for somepony to say it. I wanted to make sure everypony was looking at me when I saw it on my flank.

“Hey, look at that cutie mark!” somepony said, sounded like a stallion.

I then opened my eyes and smiled to hear it. But, my hopes of that shattered when I looked and saw nothing but my same old blank flank.

“I don’t believe it!” another stallion said as I looked around.

“Is that what I think it is?” another one said.

That’s when I finally found out that they weren’t looking at me, they were looking at Silver and on his flank was…a cutie mark! I was just as shocked as them from seeing that.

Dusk Noir

I was absolutely shocked to see this. Right there, on Silver Blade’s flank was a cutie mark with twin silver swords crossed into an X behind a shield. And on the shield in gold was…a four-leaf Clover.

“No way.” I said, still shocked by this. “Is that…a four-leaf Clover cutie mark?”

“A four-leaf?” Dog said, just as shocked as me. “Like the one in the legend?”

“R-r-really?” Leon said, equally as shocked.

“The cutie mark that belong to the first Mystic King?” the priest said.

“If the stories about it are true, those who possess it are not only imbued with tremendous power, but also good luck.” Sister Water Lily said.

“And it’s his?” Shield asked in shock. “The guy from the church?”

“But there hasn’t been a four-leaf in 50 moons!” Dog said.

He was right. It was rare for anypony to get a four-leaf Clover. After the first Mystic King, the estimations say that only 3 ponies receive a four-leaf and Silver Blade became the first to appear in 50 moons.

After he took a look at the mark on his flank, he then turned around to face our direction and said “I will become the Mystic King.”

That shocked us all that he actually proclaimed that. I didn’t believe him and Gold and the guys weren’t sure to believe him, but everypony else did so as they all cheered out “Amazing!”

“He’s the brightest star in the whole kingdom of Canterlot!” the priest said with tears of joy in his eyes.

“I wouldn’t be considering him that yet.” I said to speak from my experience as the priest, Sister Water Lily, and the guys looked at me. “This is only if he can survive out there. It’s a cruel world, even for a Clover mage. Until he can prove otherwise than just luck, I say he’s a far cry from being a Mystic King.”

Gold Star

As everypony who took the exam were talking about Silver, I walked up to him and said “Silver Blade… Just wait. I’m hot on your hooves. I’ll catch up to you! I am your rival!”

Everypony was quiet for a moment before they all started laughing as they didn’t believe me. They all thought I was crazy. The only ones I saw who weren’t laughing were the priest, Sister Water Lily, Dusk and the guys, Moon Dancer, and surprisingly the captain, who just looked at me. When I looked back at Silver, he just walked past me and just said “No.”

Dusk Noir

I was able to hear what Silver said to Gold. That simply no sounded like he meant that Gold was no rival of his and that he should give up. I couldn’t believe what he just said.

“Well, everypony, time to go.” The priest said. “We got a lot of preparations to make for the big banquet.”

“I would hold off on the banquet if I were you, Father.” I said to the priest. “There’s nothing special about this day to celebrate. It’s nothing but just disappointment.”

With that, I then ran off to go find Silver and try to talk to him.

Gold Star

After that exam, I just went off into the forest nearby and hung on a tree branch on my left leg. I was so depressed. Sure, I made it into the Royal Guard, but I didn’t get a cutie mark.

“I was so sure, all this time, all I needed was a Clover cutie mark and I’d finally be able to use magic. And now, to not even get a cutie mark…” I said as I was about to give it up.

But then I remembered about that day when I decided that I would be Silver’s rival and knew that I couldn’t give up. Not now.

I then flipped myself over, stood on the branch, and yelled out “No, I won’t give up that easily!” I laughed a bit as I then said “You’re not winning this round, fate. Don’t underestimate me. It doesn’t matter if takes one, or two, or ten, or a hundred moons! I don’t care! I’ll work until I get my cutie mark! I will become the Mystic King! I’ll prove anypony can be great! Even somepony who was abandoned at birth! Take that! Ha, ha! And just you wait, Silver Blade!”

Dusk Noir

With me and Silver, we were walking home, talking about what he said to Gold Star back at the Royal Guard entrance exam.

“Don’t you think you were a little harsh with him?” I asked Silver, reminding him he told Gold to give up. “Don’t you believe he can get his cutie mark like the rest of us?”

“Of course I do.” Silver answered, no expression on his face like always. “I know he won’t give up and I wanted to make sure he doesn’t. There’s no pony else who deserves a cutie mark more than Gold Star. He is Princess Celestia’s son after all.”

“True that.” I said, smiling that Silver was just trying to keep Gold’s spirits up.

We then stopped when we saw two stallions, a unicorn with some flame cutie mark and an earth pony with a leaf cutie mark, coming toward us. It was two ponies from the Royal Guard entrance exam. I could tell because the unicorn had one of the Clover cutie marks.

“Wait, that guy was the son of the great Princess Celestia and he didn’t get a cutie mark by now?” the unicorn said to his friend. “Ha! That’s the saddest thing I ever heard! The Princess must be so embarrassed to have a blank flank colt as her son!”

“Hey, you can’t talk about Gold Star like that!” I yelled at those two, angry at them for insulting my friend. “And what are you two even doing here? The entrance exam is over!”

“Move aside, Little Colt Blue.” The unicorn said, motioning me to move away and looking at Silver. “We’re not here for you.” He then spoke to Silver. “Listen here, Mr. Swordspony, we were supposed to be the stars of the show, but then you, a nopony, came in and ruined that! And you got that four-leaf Clover cutie mark?! I’ll make you pay!” Then his horn turned bright flame orange as he gave a look of total rage. “I’m gonna burn you ‘til that cutie mark is nothing but ash!”

He then pointed his horn at us and shot a wave of fire at us. I was about to put a shield up, but Silver was faster than me and managed to put up a defense instantly. He simple raised and twirled his hoof and created a torrent of wind that surged around him and me, protecting us from the attack. When he removed the shield, the flames were gone and we looked to see those instigators looking in shock at Silver’s skills. I was impressed as well, though I shouldn’t have expected anything less from a four-leaf.

“He dispelled my flames without even using his blades!” the unicorn said, no doubt only thought Silver could only use the magic he had with his swords like he did in the exam.

He turned to his friend to try to get him to attack us, even though the earth pony was reluctant to do so. Before anything else could be done though, just then, some iron chains with metal spikes beginning them came out of nowhere and trapped the two, both of them screaming so loud all of Canterlot probably heard them.

Gold Star

Back with me, I heard some screaming and went off to see what was going on.

Dusk Noir

With me and Silver, we watched as a stallion in a black cloak, who I had no doubt created the chains, began to walk toward us.

“We can’t let somepony like that getting all burned up, now can we?” The stallion said as he walked past the two examinees who he chained up to the walls we all stood between and stood in front of me and Silver. “Don’t bother trying to escape. To move is a foolish waste of your time. My Magic Binding Iron Chains formation spell blocks its captives’ moment and magic.”

When we got a better look, we saw he was a unicorn with a brown coat, silver eyes, short, black, shaggy hair, a black, shaggy tail, and a lean build. I was able to recognize him.

“What do you want? Who are you?” Silver asked the stallion.

“I guess somepony like you wouldn’t know, but until 3 years ago, I was a member of the Royal Guard of Canterlot.” The stallion said.

“I know who you are.” I said to him with a serious stare. “You’re Starscream the Chain Magic Unicorn, the ex-captain of the Royal Guard, famous for his magic chains that could render his opponents helpless.” I said, temporarily surprising the stallion before he regained that cocky grin.

“Well, aren’t you the clever one?” Starscream said as he then created more chains and caught me and Silver. “Yes, that’s who I was before they kicked me out of their luscious ranks. Now I’m just an old thief and a legitimate businesspony.” He then turned his attention to Silver. “Only a unique pony gets a four-leaf Clover and I know a nice market where ponies would pay handsomely for somepony like you.” He then looked to me. “And don’t think you’re fooling anypony. The magic power you have will probably fetch a high price.”

With this, I was now scared of what Starscream wanted to do with us. I heard rumors that there was an illegal market where ponies with cutie marks, even ones at mine and Silver’s age, are sold to rich ponies as illegal slaves for their talents. At that moment, I was praying for somepony to save us.

Gold Star

Back with me, I managed to find out where the screaming was coming from and saw some creepy guy had Dusk and Silver trapped in chains. I listened as I watched the guy talk to Silver.

“Even though you got a four-leaf Clover, you’re still a young chick who has yet to learn to fly. How sad that your story will end before it even begins!” the guy said, smugly.

I looked to see Silver giving that guy a hard glare while Dusk just looked scared. Seeing that guy do this to my friend and my rival made me mad. I had to help them. I couldn’t let this happen. I then back away a bit and then ran and shouted “Hold it!” I jumped off the ledge and tried to land on the ground, but slammed into a wall and crashed onto the ground. I got back up and looked at the guy as he, Dusk, and Silver looked at me for some reason confused.

“What do you think you’re doing?!” I yelled at him. “Those are my friends! Leave them alone!”

“Oh, you’re that colt, the sad little proclaimed son of Celestia who didn’t get a cutie mark.” The guy said with a chuckle.

“Heard of me, huh?” I said. “Yeah, I’m the Princess’ son. And those two worked hard to get their cutie marks ʹcause a cutie mark is precious to anypony who gets them. So let them go, you jerk!”

The guy only laughed at me and said “The world’s full of people who do cruel things and they’re often overlooked. But it looks like you’ll die before you can see that world.”

“Gold Star, run!” Silver told me, but I ignored him.

“Like I’m gonna run away from a disgrace like him!” I shouted as I charged at the creepy guy.

“A weak colt like you is no match for me.” The guys said as he launched chains at me and I dodged them, but the chains wrapped around me.

“I’m not done yet!” I shouted as I tried to get closer and punch him. “I’ll get you!”

“No, young colt. You’re finished.” The guy said as he got ready to attack.

I felt it coming, but I couldn’t dodge it. I couldn’t escape from it.

“Dance of the Pitless Viper!” the guy said as the chains lased out and attacked me, sending me into the wall.

It was one serious attack. Now I got to see what the power of somepony from outside Canterlot was like. And I knew, even as much as I trained my body, I didn’t stand a chance.

“Gold Star!” Dusk said, worried.

“You see, little colt? It’s no use.” The guy said as he walked up to me, put his front hooves above me against the wall, and stamped his back hoof on my shoulder, pinning me there. “Thanks for playing though.”

“It’s not over.” I said with whatever strength I had left. “I’m not done. I will be the…Mystic King.”

“The Mystic King? You’re joking.” the guy said as he looked down on me condescendingly. “The thing is these chains can measure the magic power of anypony they come in contact with and you have none, not a single drop.” I gasped in shock from hearing that. I…didn’t have any magic…at all? “You were probably born that way. If you were trying to get a Clover, then it’s no wonder you didn’t get a cutie mark. To think, to be the only pony to possess not the slightest bit of magic in a world full of magic? Why, that makes you a rare and precious bird indeed!” as he laughed, he began stomping on my shoulder.

I was stunned by it, but I soon realized that he was starting to make sense. If that was true, then…no matter how hard I push myself, I'd never be able use magic.

“And you’re the son of the great Princess Celestia, raiser of the sun and moon? Really, you know, I can’t think of anything more pitiful. She no doubt knew of this and took pity on you to never tell you this.” The guy said. “Forget becoming the Mystic King, you’ll be lucky to just even get a job. I bet your friends, the four-leaf genius and the scholar pony are having a good laugh at your expense right now.”

I looked over to see Dusk looking at me worriedly while Silver just simply stared at me. I know Dusk wouldn’t be laughing at me, but maybe he was right about Silver. Dusk got his before either of us and Silver’s so great he got a four-leaf Clover. And then there’s me.

“To be the Mystic King, you have to be the strongest Clover mage in Equestria. To be a Clover mage, you need a Clover cutie mark. And to have a Clover cutie mark, you need to have magic. This world has no use for somepony like you, a poor, magic-less fool. You might as well give it all up right now. You were born a loser, you worthless runt!” the guy said.

Yeah. He’s right. I thought to myself, closing my eyes in acceptance. No matter how hard I try, I guess there are some things that just aren’t possible. So I might as well…

“Hey!” I opened my eyes a bit when I heard Silver’s voice. “Who are you calling a loser?” Silver then spoke to me. “Gold Star, it’s true that you aren’t going to become the Mystic King. Not ever.”

“Hear that?” The guy said to me. “Even your little friend knows that it’s impossible.”

“That’s because I’m going to be the Mystic King!” Silver said.

“What?” The guy said as he looked to Silver.

“You’re wrong, Starscream. Very wrong.” Silver said to the guy, who I guess was Starscream. “Gold Star’s no loser, he’s my rival!”

I gasped as I was shocked by this, but realized he was right and I couldn’t give up now. And I can’t let him down.

“Seriously?” Starscream said in disbelief. “This is the one you would claim to be your rival? The only pony in Equestria without any magic?”

With this, I lifted my arm and grabbed Starscream’s back leg and gripped it in my claw.

“You…” I growled before I raised my voice. “Get off of me!”

I let go as he backed away from me in shock.

“Sorry, you had to see me in such a weak moment, Silver.” I said as I got back up to my hooves and claws. “Just…give me a sec.” I then raised my head up with a face that screamed “I’m not giving up!” “That’s all. Then I’ll destroy this guy!”

Then, all of sudden, a golden glow appeared and everypony looked behind me. I turned and looked to the right where everypony was looking and saw a golden light right on my flank, growing and forming something. When it was done, I saw the light had formed a gold version of the North Star right there. But it wasn’t finished. Suddenly, I saw a red light appear at the center of the star and grew till it made a shape as big as the center. When both those light disappeared, I saw that what I thought was just a star was actually a gold star with a black clover with five leaves in it. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It looked like…a Clover cutie mark on my flank.

“Is this…my cutie mark?” I asked, still couldn’t believe it.

“I knew it.” Silver said. I took one quick look at him to see that he was smiling before looking back at my flank. “Like you wouldn’t get one, Gold Star. There’s no way.”

I was absolutely shocked to see that Gold Star’s mark was a gold star with…a five-leaf Clover. In all my life, I never thought I would see a five-lead. I then watched as Gold Star then looked forward with wide eyes and lifted his right arm to the sky with his claw bent back. Then a surge of red energy came in from his shoulder and spiraled around his arm and went into his claw. It was then shot from his palm into the air, where it stopped and floated about a yard above Gold. We all then watched as the energy transformed into a long, large, black broadsword.

“Is that…your magic?” Starscream said after the chains he had floating around disappeared and as the sword fell and impaled the ground in front of Gold Star on his right, the sword looking ancient and begin almost as long as Gold Star, short of head. “But I checked and you didn’t have any magic power. How could you have a Clover cutie mark?”

That’s what I was wondering too. I wasn’t sure if Silver wondered as well, but I knew Starscream was in trouble. I remembered what my father told me about the Clover cutie marks.

The leaves of the clover are said to each contain one thing. In the first three dwell integrity, hope, and love.

Starscream gasped in fear as he backed away. I then looked to Silver’s cutie mark and remembered what was said about the four-leaf.

The fourth leaf is given over to good luck.

I then looked to Gold Star’s cutie mark as he then grabs a hold of the blade, remembering what was said about the five-leaf, the rarest of all Clover cutie marks.

And in the fifth…there lives the devil.

I then watched as Gold stared at Starscream with a blank, soulless stare.

Chapter 2: A Young Colt's Vow

View Online

Chapter 2: A Young Colt’s Vow

“It’s not over.” Gold Star said with whatever strength he had left. “I’m not done. I will be the…Mystic King.”

“The Mystic King? You’re joking.” Starscream said as he looked down on him condescendingly. “The thing is these chains can measure the magic power of anypony they come in contact with and you have none, not a single drop.” Gold Star gasped in shock from hearing that. “You were probably born that way. If you were trying to get a Clover, then it’s no wonder you didn’t get a cutie mark. To think, to be the only pony possess not the slightest bit of magic in a world full of magic? Why, that makes you a rare and precious bird indeed!” as he laughed, he began stomping on Gold shoulder.

I saw Gold Star was stunned by it. I watched as he began to become hopeless.

“And you’re the son of the great Princess Celestia, raiser of the sun and moon? Really, you know, I can’t think of anything more pitiful. She no doubt new of this and took pity on you to never tell you this.” The guy said. “Forget becoming the Mystic King, you’ll be lucky to just even get a job. I bet your friends, the four-leaf genius and the scholar pony are having a good laugh at your expense right now.”

Gold Star looked over to see Dusk worried face and me looking at him. I just couldn’t believe what he was doing. He was actually giving up from what Starscream was saying to him.

“To be the Mystic King, you must have to be the strongest Clover mage in Equestria. To be a Clover mage, you need a Clover cutie mark. And to have a Clover cutie mark, you need to have magic. This world has no use for somepony like you, a poor, magic-less fool. You might as well give it all up right now. You were born a loser, you worthless runt!” the guy said.

Then, just when Gold Star was about to close his eyes and accept all of this, I then decided I had enough.

“Hey!” I said and Gold Star opened his eyes a bit. “Who are you calling a loser?” I then looked to Gold Star, remembering that day from our past. “Gold Star, it’s true that you aren’t going to become the Mystic King. Not ever.”

“Hear that?” Starscream said to me. “Even your little friend knows that it’s impossible.”

“That’s because I’m going to be the Mystic King!” I said.

“What?” Starscream said as he looked to me.

“You’re wrong, Starscream. Very wrong.” I said to Starscream. “Gold Star’s no loser, he’s my rival!”

“Seriously?” Starscream said in disbelief. “This is the one you would claim to be your rival? The only pony in Equestria without any magic?”

With this, I watched as Gold Star lifted his arm and grabbed Starscream’s back leg and gripped it in his claw.

“You…” Gold Star growled before he raised his voice. “Get off of me!”

Gold Star let go as Starscream backed away from him in shock.

“Sorry, you had to see me in such a weak moment, Silver.” Gold Star said to me as he got back up to his hooves and claws. “Just…give me a sec.” He then raised his head up with a face with a serious look. “That’s all. Then I’ll destroy this guy!”

Then, all of sudden, a golden glow appeared and we all looked behind Gold Star. He turned and looked to the right where we were looking and saw a golden light right on his flank, growing and forming something. When it was done, there was a gold North Star. Then a red light appear at the center of the star and grew till it made a shape as big as the center. When both those lights vanished, I smiled as I saw the one thing that could wasn’t impossible: Gold Star’s cutie mark a gold star with a black clover with five leaves in it. Just like me, Gold Star had a Clover cutie mark.

“Is this…my cutie mark?” Gold Star asked, unable to believe this.

“I knew it.” I said as Gold Star took one quick look at me and saw me was smiling before looking back at his flank. “Like you wouldn’t get one, Gold Star. There’s no way.”

Gold Star then looked forward with wide eyes and lifted his right arm to the sky with his claw bent back. Then a surge of red energy came in from his shoulder and spiraled around his arm and went into his hand. It was then shot from his palm into the air, where it stopped and floated about a yard above him. We all then watched as the energy transformed into a long, large, black broadsword. As he was no doubt shocked by this, Starscream’s chains he had floating around disappeared and as the sword fell and impaled the ground in front of Gold Star on his right, the sword looking ancient and begin almost as long as Gold Star, short of head. I had no doubt that Gold Star would get a Clover. This is what he’d always done. He had a way of making the impossible possible. Now…and back then. I still remember what he said to me that day when we were kids.

“I’m gonna be the Mystic King.” Gold Star said. “I’ll keep you and everypony else safe. No more worrying about food or money. You’ll have everything you ever wanted. I’ll prove it. I’ll show them all.”

“‘Show them?’ Prove what?” I asked.

“That whether you’re royalty, a noble, or even poor, a commoner, and an orphan…” Gold Star answered. “You can still become the Mystic King.”

It was back when me and Gold Star were just colts. Back then, I had a hard time catching up to him. I was such a crybaby. Even when I tipped I would just end up crying my eyes out. But he was always there for me. Even though he lived in the royal castle and was the prince, Gold Star would make time to help out at the church. I still remember the time we met Dusk. It was when we had a picnic in the courtyards. It was just me, Gold Star, and Sister Water Lily sitting under one of the trees and eating some bread from the church.

“This bread is yummy.” I said as I then swallowed a piece of it, that piece being hard to swallow. “Yummy, but…a bit hard maybe?”

“Yeah, a bit hard, but still good. Amazing, Sister Lily! You’re the best cook and awesomest baker ever!” Gold Star said before he got that bread out of his mouth. “Hey, when I grow up and marry Moon Dancer, you should teach her so she can cook for me.”

“Actually, Father’s the one who baked that. So maybe you should have him teach her.” Sister Lily said, making Gold Star groan in horror.

“Nuh-uh! He’s gross! I don’t want him around my Moon Dancer! I want you to teach her, not some old man!” Gold Star said as he bawled angrily on the ground. “Sister! Please, please teach her! Please, please teach her!”

Before he could go any farther, Sister Lily smiled gently as showed her Water Magic and Gold Star got up and sat there nervously without saying another word.

“That’s a good boy, Gold Star.” Sister Lily said as she dispelled her magic.

Yes, Sister Lily had a Clover cutie mark and Water Magic, but decided to be a lady of the church to help others. It was moments like these that Sister Lily tended to use her magic to get Gold Star to behave.

“I’m telling you, it’ll never work. You can’t force her to marry you.” I said to Gold Star as he sat there. “It’ll be, um… Moon Dancer still has the choice whether or not to marry you.”

“I’m not giving up!” Gold Star said to me. “I’ll keep asking her till I’m old and gray! She’ll say yes eventually!”

“Well…” I said, uncertain exactly what to say. “Good luck.”

Just then we looked to the tree as we all felt somepony standing there, but nopony was there.

“Hello? Is someone there?” Sister Lily said as she called out to whoever was there. “It’s okay. We’re not gonna hurt you. Come on out.”

It was a little while, but then somepony came out. It was a colt our age. He was blue with a scruffy brown mane, tail, and brown eyes. He had claws just like Gold Star. I looked at his flank and saw he had cutie mark: a rolled out scroll with little minute writing set on it. The way he looked at us, he was actually pretty nervous and scared.

“H-hello.” The colt said.

“Hey, I know you!” Gold Star said as he got up and talked to the colt. “You’re that student from school. What was your name again? Um… Musk Core!

“Dusk Noir.” The colt said before talking nervously. “My name is…D-Dusk N-N-Noir.”

“Oh, sorry.” Gold Star said. “It’s just that I hardly see you anywhere except the library. You really like reading, huh?”

“Y-yes.” Dusk said to him.

“Hey, we’re gonna read a story back at the church.” Gold Star said. “Do you want to come with us?”

“M-me?” Dusk said. “Yes. Thank you, Prince Gold Star.”

“Hey, come on.” Gold Star said to him. “Don’t need to be all formal with me. Just call me Gold. Oh, and these are my friends Sister Water Lily and Silver Blade.”

“Hi.” I said to Dusk.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dusk.” Sister Lily said.

“You guys too.” Dusk said with a small smile.

When we got back to the church, we all listened as Sister Lily read the story, the legend of the Mystic King.

And so, a deep, cold, and seemingly endless darkness covered Equestria. The land was on the brink of being destroyed by a ruthless demon.

“That demon’s a jerk!” Gold Star said as we listened. Well, Gold Star and Dusk listened. I just covered my ears and looked away as it was just too scary for me back then. But then one brave Clover mage stepped forward.

“Whoa!” Gold Star said, amazed by this.

Hoping to dispel the darkness and bring dawn to Equestria, he battled the demon.

I then began to listen when I heard her mention the mage battling the demon.

Finally, he defeated the foul creature and, when he was finished, the world was a brighter place than it had ever been before. The long night ended at last because the mage had brought dawn to Equestria.

“Hooray!” Gold Star cheered until he realized that the story wasn’t over yet.

The triumphant mage was hailed as the Mystic King and his story became legend.

“Wow! The Mystic King?” Gold Star and I said at the same time.

Peace and prosperity reigned.

With those words, the story was finally done and Sister Lily closed the book. I really did like that story. The Mystic King was such an amazing pony. I always wondered what he was like.

Outside the church, we all stood there as we watched as Princess Celestia began to set the sun.

“Hey, there’s still one now, right?” Gold Star asked. “I mean, the Mystic King.”

“Yes.” Sister Lily answered.

“Yeah, there’s still a Mystic King.” Dusk said. “It’s one of the most vital roles in Equestria. The duty has been passed down throughout the ages, from one Mystic King to the next. With the power of their magic to protect us, everypony lives in safety. Though the Element Gang has done just the same. But both of them are the reasons why Equestria is so peaceful.”

“Oh, wow!” Gold Star said in amazement.

“So, the Mystic King is a really important pony?” I asked.

“Yeah. Second only to Princess Celestia.” Dusk answered. “He’s the leader of all the Royal Guards, including the Necro-Knights.”

“Alright! It’s settled.” Gold Star said as we looked to him.

“What do you mean?” Dusk asked. “What’s settled?”

“I’m…” Gold Star answered. “…gonna be the Mystic King.”

All of us were surprised by this. I don’t think any of us would’ve thought we’d hear somepony say they’re gonna be the Mystic King, especially Celestia’s son.

“Dusk? Silver? Sister?” Gold Star asked in confusion.

“Sorry, Gold Star.” Sister Lily said. “I’m…surprised, that’s all. So, where did this come from?”

“Well, he beat that demon, didn’t he?” Gold Star said. “So he’s way strong. And super cool, too! I want to be just like him when I grow up. And that’s not all.”

“So why else do you want to become the Mystic King?” Dusk said to him before breaking out nervously. “Not that I’m complaining, that is.”

“He’s important.” Gold Star said. “The Mystic King has power. And that means I can make all of your lives better. For you, Dusk. And the people of this church. Like Sister Lily and Silver too.”

When he said that, I was absolutely amazed. He would become the Mystic King to help us. I…I didn’t know what to say.

“Think about it.” Gold Star said. “Wearing nice clothes, filling up on much food as you want.”

“Yeah, but you do that all the time.” Dusk said. “You’re Princess Celestia’s son, you basically live in luxury.”

“Yeah, but nopony else does. From what Mom taught me, she told me that everypony needs help, no matter who they are.” Gold Star said. “That’s why I want to become the Mystic King, so I can make ponies’ lives better starting with the poor. I’ll rebuild the church. Yeah, I’ll fix this crumbling dump!”

“Now, Gold Star, don’t call it that.” Sister Lily said.

“Well, not to insult, but you have to admit that this place isn’t much of a church.” Dusk said.

“Just you wait, you guys. You’ll be living the high life just like me!” Gold Star said.

“Well, that sounds wonderful.” Sister Lily said.

“Yeah.” Dusk said, amazed by this.

“Right, Silver?” Sister Lily said as she looked at me.

I smiled and nodded “yes”, thinking about this. The Mystic King.

“I’m gonna be important when I grow up!” Gold Star said. “I’ll be the Mystic King, then Moon Dancer will have to marry me!”

“Did he really just say that?” Dusk said to Sister Lily, confused by this.

“Those two subjects are entirely unrelated.” Sister Lily said to Gold Star. “But it is good to have dreams.”

“Thanks, Sister.” Gold Star in appreciation. “Just you wait! Once we’re married, I’ll make sure that Moon Dancer will be living the life she wants and never be sad again!”

I chuckled a bit from that. After that, Sister Lily and I then waved goodbye to Dusk and Gold Star as the two left to go home, both of them heading in opposite directions of each other.

“Bye, guys! I’ll see you tomorrow!” Gold Star said, smiling and waving to us.

“Bye, Gold! Bye, Silver! Bye, Sister Lily!” Dusk said, doing the same. “See you guys tomorrow!”

“Goodbye, Gold Star! Goodbye, Dusk!” I said, doing them same as them.

Since that day, Dusk would come back to the church just as much as Gold Star and the three of us became friends. In the coming months, me and Gold Star soon found out he was El Dragon, the great fire elemental hero of our city, along with his color magic and swore to never to tell anypony else outside of our circle of trust, not even Sister Lily or father or even Princess Celestia. Gold Star and I were the only ones that Dusk trusted with much of his secrets. Especially the time he found that strange rock. It was all black with some smudge of orange on it. When he decided to keep it, we asked him why. He just said that he felt like he was meant to have it. To make sure he didn’t lose it, Sister Lily and I got him a pendent to keep it in. He’s worn it ever since. Our days were peaceful. Until one day, it all changed.

It was December, winter had already began. The trees were absent of their leaves and Dusk and Gold were trying to help me and Sister Lily at the church.

“I don’t understand! What’s wrong with me? No matter how hard I try, I still can’t use any magic!” Gold Star said as he failed to use magic again as he tried to light a fire for the water boiler.

“Gold, you’re being too hard on yourself.” Dusk said to him. “Not many ponies can be able to do magic at our age. You’ll get there.”

“Yeah, you’re right.” Gold Star said. “Here, let me help you and Sister Lily with the laundry.”

“Why, thank you, Gold Star.” Sister Lily said as Gold Star came over to help them hang the laundry.

“I’m back.” I said as I finally made it back to the church.

“Hey, Silver. Aah!” Dusk said as he saw my dry eyes. “Whoa! Silver, your eyes are bloodshot! What happened?”

“Well, on my way back, I came across a mother having trouble with her child.” I said as I explained what happened while I was out. “I tried to help calm him down, but the foal just wouldn’t stop crying.”

“So that’s what happened.” Dusk said. “Well, you know that it doesn’t help if you were crying too, Silver.”

“I know, but, that poor foal. He…” I said as I felt myself about to cry again. “He…just seemed so upset.”

“Well then, you should’ve had me take care of it.” Gold Star said to me with a smile.

“Why you?” Dusk said to him.

“Well, I’m gonna be the Mystic King, right?” Gold Star said. “Calming down a baby or two has gotta be a piece of cake compared to that.”

“Really? Like the time you ‘calmed down’ my baby cousin?” Dusk said to him with nonchalant look on him.

“Hey, I was doing just fine and you know it!” Gold Star said to him angrily.

“You kidding me? You were rocking her around like a maniac!” Dusk said to him, just as angry. “It was all up to me to calm Sweetie Belle down ʹcause you made the whole situation worse!”

“Shut up, you!” Gold Star said as the two of them glared and growled at each other.

“Stop it! Both of you!” I yelled out as I started to cry again. “Please…stop. You’re friends. Friends don’t fight with each other. Just please.”

Both of them took a deep breath and then apologized to each other.

“Sister Water Lily.” Father said as he came over. “Sorry, I need to borrow one of the youngsters to run an errand for me.”

“Me, me, me, me! I’ll do it, Father!” Gold Star said as I looked to see him waving his arms around in the air and volunteering to do the errand.

“I need this letter delivered to the post office. It shouldn’t take too long.” Father said as he held up a letter with a red seal.

“Me! Me, me, me! Me!” Gold Star said, wanting to take the errand.

“It’s a very important letter.” Father said as he went pass the eager Gold Star and went to me. “Could you deliver it for me, Silver?”

Both Gold Star and I were shocked by this.

“What? Me?” I asked him. “Why?”

“Like I said, it’s a very important letter.” Father whispered to me. “It’s going to the Hooffields. I can’t trust it to Prince Gold Star for he’s the son of Princess Celestia and I’m worried about doing so. Please, just do it. I have to meet with mayor of Appleloosa. We won’t make it through the winter unless we can get some food from them. Our stores are low, the pop-potatoes we get from the Hooffields are especially low.”

“I’ll go.” Gold Star said nonchalant. “You can just stay here.”

I was unsure of myself. I’ve never done something like this before. I was so nervous. But then I realized that Father was right and knew what to do.

I nodded “no” and said “Father’s giving me this responsibility. So…I’m gonna take it.”

“Are you sure? You’ll be okay?” Gold Star said in concern.

“Of course. I’ll be fine.” I said and I then took the letter and went on to the deliver it. “I won’t be long.”

“Hey, I’ll come with you.” Dusk said as he went up to me. “I need to get home anyway. My house isn’t far from the post office, so I can be able to make sure you get home safe.”

“Great.” I said as the two of us then went off into Canterlot.

“You should get home, your majesty.” Father said to Gold Star. “Your mother will worry if you don’t return to the castle before the snow fall. I hear the pegasi missed the last scheduled snow fall so it will be extra cold today.”

“Right.” Gold Star said as he then went off to go home.

With us, snow had already covered the ground and me and Dusk had almost reached the post office, but I slipped and fell.

“Silver!” Dusk said as he went over to help me up. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” I said to him as I got up and picked up the letter I dropped. “We should be more careful.”

“Yeah, the snow is really piling up.” Dusk said. “Let’s just get the letter to the post office.”

“Right.” I said as we then went on to deliver the letter.

At the post office, we gave it to the mailpony at the door. He thanked us and said that they’d deliver the letter as soon as possible. With that, we then said our goodbyes and left the post office.

“Well, that’s done.” Dusk said to me. “I should get home. It’s getting late. My mom must be worried.”

“Right. I should be going too. See ya, Dusk.” I said to him as I then started heading back to the church.

“Later, Silver. Be safe. I’ll see ya tomorrow.” Dusk said as he then went off to go home.

I was almost at the corner when I heard Dusk talking to someone. I turned around and saw him talking to this Pegasus stallion in front of him.

“Oh, sorry, sir.” Dusk said to him. “I didn’t see you there.”

I then watched as the stallion gave a creepy smirk and grabbed Dusk.

“Hey! What are you…” Dusk said as the stallion then took the pendent he was wearing. “Hey, my friend gave that to me! Give it back!”

“Sorry, kid. You snooze, you lose.” The stallion said as he then tossed Dusk to the ground.

“That’s mine!” Dusk said as he then charged at the stallion. “Give it back!”

“Darn brat!” the stallion said as he then smacked Dusk to the ground.

He then began beating up Dusk until he couldn’t get even move. Back then Dusk didn’t use his powers when he wasn’t El Dragon. He was too afraid to even use them. So, even though Dusk was a Fire Dragon, he couldn’t protect himself. In that fight, he was still a little colt who didn’t stand a chance against an adult. Nopony was around to see this so nopony could come and help him. I was absolutely terrified. I couldn’t even move. I was totally helpless as this guy just beat up one of the only friends that I have. But then I looked at Dusk as he managed to look over at me. He looked so sad and hopeless. But what really got me…was that he was crying. I could see the tears flowing out of his eyes. From that, something in me got me to move. I didn’t know why, but my body began to move on its own. From a simple walk, I then began to run right at him. I was just shocked by this. Why was I running? Why can’t I stop? Then I actually said something that I didn’t even know where it came from.

“Hey, you!” I yelled as I got the stallion’s attention. “Give that back! That belongs to Dusk!”

“Geez, another one?” the stallion said as he tried to keep me away from him with hoof, holding Dusk’s pendent with his wing. He then pushed me away and said “Get lost, kid.”

“I’m not going until you give that back to Dusk.” I said as I then tried to get the pendant back. “Now give it back!”

The stallion just smirked as he then smacked me and hit me in the gut, laughing as I crunched over.

“Silver Blade!” Dusk said in concern.

“Give that back to Dusk.” I said as I tried to get up. “I gave it to him. It belongs to Dusk.”

“Not anymore.” The stallion said, smugly. “I’ll get a nice chunk of change for this.”

“Give Dusk his pend—aah!” I said as he then pushed me away.

“Shut up!” the stallion said. “Respect you betters, you brat.”

“It’s ‘respect your elders’, you jerk.” Dusk said with whatever strength he had left.

“Quiet, you!” the stallion said as he smacked him again. “Filth like you or your friend deserve something as fine as this.”

“Leave him alone!” I said to the stallion as I tried to get back up. “Just give…it back. It’s my gift…to Dusk. Give it back.”

When I tried to use my wind magic, the stallion just laughed and said “You’ve got to be kidding! Am I supposed to be intimidated by the puny urchin and his puny spell? You fight me with that…and you die.”

With that, I just gave up and just cried. He was right. What could I do? I’m too weak to fight him and my magic wouldn’t be enough. It was hopeless, I just need to give…

“Dusk! Silver!” I heard a voice yell and looked to see that it was Gold Star, who came running and jumped at the stallion, but got smacked away and to the ground.

“Another brat?” the stallion said as Gold Star got back up.

“That belongs to my friend! Silver gave it to him!” Gold Star said as he charged at the stallion. “Give it back!”

Gold Star growled as he got a hold on the stallion, but got smacked away.

“Give it back right now!” Gold Star said as he tried to get the pendent back.

I was absolutely shocked by this. Gold Star came here and was trying to fight this guy to get Dusk’s pendent back.

“Get those filthy little claws off of me!” the stallion said as he tried to push Gold Star off. “Darn it! Stupid twerp!”

The stallion smacked him away, but Gold Star didn’t back down.

“I’m not done with you yet, jerk!” Gold Star said as he charged at him again.

“Hey!” the stallion said as he then smacked him away again.

“I’m still not d…” Gold Star said as he tried again.

“Persistent little bugger!” the stallion said as he smacked him away again.

“Still not done!” Gold Star said as he charged again.

“Stop, darn it!” the stallion said as he smacked Gold Star away again.

The same thing happened again and again and again and again and again. This whole time, Gold Star was not once giving up. He was willing to keep on going until his whole face was all bloody. I was only able to watch helplessly as it happened.

Then, at the last hit the stallion made, Gold Star then went up, grabbed the stallion, and yelled “I’m not done yeeeeet!”

Gold Star growled with anger as he stared at the stallion, his face covered in bruises with a tooth missing and a black eye and the stallion just looking at him horrified. After that, the stallion dropped the pendent and Gold Star let go of him.

“What the heck?” the stallion said as he walked away. “Darn brat wouldn’t give up. I got better things to do.”

After he left, I watched as Gold Star collapsed on the ground.

“Gold Star!” both me and Dusk said as he got up and we went over to him.

“Gold Star, are you alright?” Dusk said to him, just as worried as I was.

“I’m so sorry! It’s my fault!” I whimpered. “I should’ve…”

“Come on, don’t sweat it.” Gold Star said, smiling. “It’s like I said, I’ve always got your back. You know that.” I then watched as he used his legs to shove the pendent through the snow and over to the other side. “Here’s your pendent back, Dusk.”

“How did you know we were in trouble?” Dusk asked as he put the pendent back on.

“Well, I got worried and went out looking for you guys.” Gold Star answered. “Then I saw that guy beating you guys up and trying to steal your pendent and went in to help.”

“Thank you, Gold.” Dusk said to him.

This is what he always done. Gold Star had a way of making the impossible possible.

Back in the present, Dusk and I were amazed to see Gold Star with a Clover cutie mark and Starscream was both in fright and disbelief.

“But you don’t have any magic!” Starscream said as Gold Star stood there, holding the sword by the grip. “How could you have a Clover cutie mark and that sword? What kind of freak of nature are you?!”

I then watched as Gold stared at Starscream with a blank, soulless stare. Then he pulled the sword out of the ground and got ready to fight. Starscream roared out as he then summoned more chains and sent them at Gold Star. Gold Star lifted it to his side, twisted it to face flat, and took a slash at the chains. Just like that, the chains broke and disappeared. All of us were shocked by this.

“You took my spell and turned it…into your magic power?!” Starscream said as Gold Star then tightened his grip on the sword.

He then got ready to charge and, when he did, went off into a dash that broke the ground beneath him and went so fast that he was a blur.

“Even without traditional magic power,” Gold Star said as he reeled the sword back to attack. “I will be the Mystic King!”

Starscream screamed in fright as Gold Star closed in on him.

“My magic is never giving up!” Gold Star yelled as he then swung the sword.

The attack was so strong that it sent Starscream flying straight into the wall. He was left unconscious as all the chains then disappeared, freeing everypony who was trapped by them. Gold Star panted as he stood there, still holding the sword.

“Gold Star!” Dusk said as he went over to him. “That was amazing! Where’d you get that power from?”

“I always figured, if I can’t use magic, at least I can use my body.” Gold Star said. “I trained to build up strength and it looks like it’s finally paid off.”

“Boy, I’ll say.” Dusk said as he looked at the unconscious Starscream. “You’ve managed to leave the ex-captain of the Royal Guard unconscious.”

“Gold Star!” I said as he and Dusk looked at me.

There was a reason I hadn’t lost hope in Gold Star getting a cutie mark. It was because of what happened that day.

On that day, we were still there with Gold Star lying on the ground.

“Gold Star, hang in there!” I said as I continued to cry. “I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. I’m so sorry.”

“This? Please. Don’t worry about it.” Gold Star said. “This is nothing. After all, I’m gonna be…the Mystic King, right? I’m gonna be the Mystic King.” Gold Star said. “I’ll keep you and everypony else safe. No more worrying about food or money. You’ll have everything you ever wanted.”

I was surprised by this. So was Dusk. I still couldn’t believe what he was saying.

“I’ll prove it. I’ll show them all.” Gold Star said.

“‘Show them?’ Prove what?” I asked.

“That it doesn't matter whether you’re royalty, a noble, or even poor, a commoner, and an orphan…” Gold Star answered. “You can still become the Mystic King.”

“You really think so?” I asked.

“Yeah.” Gold Star said.

“He’s right.” Dusk said as we looked at him. “It’s like my dad used to tell me. Doesn’t matter if you’re royalty, a noble, or high ranked like Gold or if you’re poor or a commoner like me, everypony has a chance to be something great.”

“Even…orphans?” I asked.

“Anypony can do it.” Gold Star said as he sat up. “As long as they’re willing to work hard.”

“Anypony?” I said, still unable to believe this.

“Even me.” Gold Star said as he and Dusk smiled at me. “Even Dusk. And even you.”

With all of this, I realized that they were right. What Gold Star said was true. Anypony can be the Mystic King as long as they work they’re hardest. Even me. Which means that I now had a goal of my own and I couldn’t waste time crying.

I then wiped my eyes, looked more serious, and said “I…I’m never going to cry again! I’ve decided.”

“What do ya mean?” Gold asked.

“Decided what?” Dusk asked as I stood up.

“I’ll do it too.” I answered. “I’m going to become the Mystic King. I’ll work hard and get strong so I can protect you and everypony else. I’ll do whatever it takes…and I’ll never give up!”

Back in the present, I smiled as Dusk and Gold Star came over to me with smiles.

“Check it out, Silver! I got a snazzy Clover cutie mark!” Gold Star said as he showed me his cutie mark. “And a sword too! Okay, it’s a little beat-up, but I’ll treasure it all my life anyway. I will!”

Then the sword glowed red and we all watched as it then shrunk and transform into a small spot in Gold Star’s palm. Then it spouted a line that flowed down to his wrist and spiral down to where it spot at the bottom of the back of his forearm. We then watched as the light faded and what formed became pitch black with the line now connecting to the new five-leaf clover mark in his palm. We were all surprised by this.

“Whoa!” Gold Star said, amazed by this. “Did you see that?”

“Looks like your power has made it easier to put your sword away.” Dusk said, smiling at Gold Star. “Now you can summon it whenever you need it.”

“Awesome!” Gold Star said in excitement. “Wait till Mom and Moon Dancer see this!”

“Yeah, I sense one heck of Cute-ceañera coming on!” Dusk said as I then smiled.

Looking at Dusk’s smiling face then reminded me of what he said on that day, the promise he made to us.

“So you want to be the Mystic King too, huh? Then I’ve made my decision as well.” Dusk said as he stood up me and Gold Star looked at him. “I’ve decided that I’ll work hard and get stronger until I can protect you two and everypony else. And…I won’t work alone. When the time comes, I will take on a partner. For the one who doesn’t become the Mystic King, I will allow them to work with me to protect Equestria. And I’ll be honored to work alongside the Mystic King I came to call my friend and an ally that is willing to stick by my side no matter what.”

“Well, then it’s settled.” Gold Star said to me as he got both of us under his arms in a huddle. “Dusk will be working with us and we’ll work on becoming the Mystic King.”

“Yeah.” I said as I smiled.

“Hm.” Dusk said as he smirked.

Back in the present, Gold Star cheered out for he finally got his cutie mark.

“Well…you saved me yet again.” I said to Gold Star as I walked pass him and stopped and end of path back to the city streets. “I will repay my debut one day.” I looked back at Gold Star as I said my next few words. “Gold Star…we made a promise. Do you remember?”

Back on that day I decided to become the Mystic King, both Gold Star and I made a vow to each other from when we begin our first step in becoming the Mystic King.

“And, because we both want to be the Mystic King, that means…” Gold Star said to me as we smiled at each other. “Silver Blade…”

“Gold Star?” I said.

“You are my rival!” we both said to each other at the same time.

Back in the present, Gold Star and Dusk looked at me in surprise before Gold Star said anything.

“I actually can’t believe you remember it.” Gold Star said as he and Dusk walked over to me. “The way you’ve been acting lately, I’m pretty sure you’d forgotten.”

“Yeah, so did I.” Dusk said. “Didn’t think you were still keeping it with the way you were.”

“Like I’d be friendly with somepony I consider my rival.” I said to them. “Gold Star, you showed me it was possible. Gave me hope. That, even though I’m a poor orphan commoner, I can still change my fate like you, the royal son of Princess Celestia. You even got Dusk to take one of us in to work with him, so now one of us can still be a part of something great. You showed us that, no matter who we are, we can still be able to make something of ourselves in this world. Dusk already prove that when he got Shield and the others, now it’s our turn. And to prove that…”

“To make Moon Dancer and everypony else happy…” Gold Star said.

With the sun setting and a hoof to claw bump, we both declared to each other “We’ll fight to see who will be the Mystic King, whatever it takes!”

We looked at Dusk as he smiled at us and we returned it.

Chapter 3: To Fillydelphia, City of the West

View Online

Chapter 3: To Fillydelphia, City of the West!

As we’re all told from the legend of the first, the Mystic King is the strongest Clover mage in all of Equestria and, as time flowed onward into the present, the role of the Mystic King was passed down through the ages and, always, they, the Royal Guard, and the Necro-Knights under his command have fought to keep Equestria safe. The Necro-Knights: a faction of the Royal Guard made of nine squads of knight Clover mages whose powers are specialized for combat, operating under the direct control of the Mystic King. These heroic stallions and mares risk their lives to protect Equestria. For their bravery and dedication, the Necro-Knights and the Mystic King are revered throughout Equestria.

At the Demon Skull Forest, which was what Shield wanted us to call that place, Celestia had just begun setting the sun and me and the guys were watching Gold Star swing his sword around. It had been a few weeks since the Royal Guard Entrance Exam and Gold Star was training with his sword by striking at a boulder. After mastering to summon his blade, he was making sure he could be able to use it completely which was why he was practicing his strikes on a boulder. To prepare himself for what was next for him: the Necro-Knights Entrance Exam. Sure, he got into Royal Guard, but he still needs to get into the Necro-Knights. Being in a Necro-Knights squad will mean he’ll be one step closer to becoming the Mystic King. To try out for the Necro-Knights, you must be a Clover mage and a member of the Royal Guard. I know that’s a bit strict, but, since the Necro-Knights are a faction of the Royal Guard, they follow regulation in terms that you must first join the Royal Guard before becoming a Necro-Knight. So even if you’re a Clover mage, you can't participate in the exam until you’ve joined the Royal Guard.

“995…” Gold said as he kept striking the boulder with his sword. “996…997…998…999… Nyah!”

“Nice job, Gold.” I said to him as he finished his last swing. “You’re really getting good with that sword.”

“Yeah, ever since you figured out how to bring it out, you’ve been swinging like a pro.” Shield said to Gold.

“Thanks, guys.” Gold said to us. “Though I wouldn’t be able to know how to swing it if Dusk didn’t teach me how. Thanks, dude.”

“No problem.” I said to him. “It’s not every day you get to show a five-leaf how to fight.”

“Still can’t believe that you ended up with a five-leaf Clover cutie mark.” Leon said. “I hear that thing’s supposed to have the strongest magic around and you don’t have any. How’s that even possible?”

“Well, we don’t really know much about the five-leaf as much as the others, Leon.” I said to him. “It’s been over a century since the last pony with it appeared, so we don’t have much to go on. Especially with that sword. So, whatever reason the five-leaf’s power decided to show up again or why somepony with no magic at all can be able to have such power, we’ll have to wait and see till we figure it out.”

“Well, I still got a lot of training to do. With that…” Gold said before he then took out that canteen and began chugging that juice like a maniac again. “Time for some magic-boosting moguro-leaf juice!”

“Slow down on the juice, Gold!” I said to him as I knew about what he was drinking. “That’s stuff’s bitter!”

“So gross!” Gold said as he stopped drinking that juice with a look of disgust before he got rid of his disgust and went back to drinking more of it. “Time for another round!”

“Gold Star, stop!” I said to him, worried what might happen. “You’re gonna choke!”

“Still gross!” Gold said as he stopped.

Before he could try again, we heard some chirping and we all turned to see a small black bird with a red face, a black beak, and a white belly. With the way it looked, I recognized what kind of bird it was.

“What the heck is that?” Shield asked as we all looked at the bird.

“It’s an Anti-Bird!” I told the guys. “But there aren’t any Anti-Birds around Canterlot or even nearby.”

“Then what’s this little guy doing out here all by himself?” Dog asked.

“I don’t know, but that’s not the only thing that’s strange about this.” I said as I began to point out what was different about this bird. “I’ve studied Anti-Birds and this one looks different from the others. Firstly, they look like regular birds with the exception of having two feathers on the sides of its head resembling horns. Those feathers are supposed to be facing downward. But this one’s feather are facing the opposite direction. Secondly, I’ve never heard of an Anti-Bird with tail feathers like those.” When I explained the second difference, I pointed at those two arrow-shaped tail feathers the bird had. “Thirdly, Anti-Birds don’t have feathered collars like that. And finally, it’s the way that bird’s looking at us.” What I meant by that was that slant glare it was giving us. Never thought it was possible for a bird to look bored. “It’s so cold.”

“Yeah. Ugh!” Leon said as he shivered. “That’s really creepy there.”

“Hey, you want a swing, birdie?” Gold said, offering some juice to the bird.

After that, I decided to try and befriend this strange Anti-Bird so I could document this discovery. Plus, Leon said I did need a pet. A creature as unique as this would be perfect for me.

“Slowly, slowly. Don’t scare it away, Dusk.” I said to myself as I walked calmly over to the bird before speaking to it. “Come here, little guy. I’m not gonna hurt you.”

But, before I could even touch that bird, it turned around and flew away.

“Hey! Wait!” I yelled at the bird as it flew out of sight. “Come back!”

I was definitely depressed because of this. I just encountered a possibly new sub-species of Anti-Bird and lost the chance to even study it.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll find it again.” Gold said to me, which made me feel better.

We then watched as he then began to glamor his cutie mark.

“Yeah. I finally got me a cutie mark.” Gold said as he looked and rubbed his flank where his cutie mark was. “And it’s a Clover.”

“But you still need magic to be a Clover mage.” Leon said, still skeptical about Gold’s cutie mark. “We don’t even know what that sword can do. Do you really think you can handle things out there?”

“Yeah, so what if I got no magic?” Gold said. “I’m gonna kick butt anyway!”

“That’s the spirit, Gold!” I said to him, encouragingly. “And we’ll be right there with you!”

“Oh, right.” Gold said. “I forgot you guys were coming along. I’ve been meaning to ask you.”

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Are you sure you want to come with me and Silver?” Gold said. “I mean, you guys are the Element Squad. Don’t you still need to protect Canterlot?”

“We’re sure.” I said. “Besides, the Dark Gang hadn’t attack the city in over a year. A definite sign they stopped attacking.”

“Yeah. Now the only thing left to trouble the place are low-life thieves.” Shield said, supporting me.

“Yeah, the Royal Guard can handle them.” Leon said. “Which means we’re free to go wherever we want.”

“Plus, there is no way we’re gonna let ya face this by yourself.” Dog said. “You’re our friend. And friends are always there for each other.”

After he took a little time to take it all in and saw all the smiles we had, Gold gave a smile as he was glad to have us along.

“Thanks, guys.” Gold said as we did a group hug.

After we broke the hug, Gold decided to go back to training and we returned to watching him.

“Okay, here we go.” Gold said as he grabbed his sword and went back to striking the boulder. “Back to work! 1,001!” With that strike, he actually left a mark on the boulder. “I bet Silver Blade’s doing some special training too. He won’t get the best of me!”

With that, he then began striking the boulder, cutting marks into its body.

Determined to succeed despite his lack of magic, Gold Star was training hard for the Necro-Knights Entrance Exam, which would be held in Fillydelphia in six months’ time. And, indeed, so was Silver Blade.

Silver Blade

With that one simple slash, I had cut the stump into small logs. My task in collecting firewood for the church made it perfect for me to train and strengthen my magic.

“That’s enough for today.” I said until I had that second thought about Gold Star. “Maybe…a little more. He’ll be training too.”

With that, I then decided to continue training with a boulder.

“1,001!” I yelled as I began to use my swords to strike at the stone and use my magic to constantly attack it with a whirlwind. “Now break!”

With that, I finally shattered it into nothing but rubble.

Both young stallions have their sights set on becoming the Mystic King.

Dusk Noir

With me and the guys, we watched as Gold Star kept on striking the boulder after going pass 1,500, the boulder now covered in cut marks.

“One thousand, five hundred, and…three!” Gold yelled as he struck at the boulder again.

Princess Celestia

While my son was out training, I decided to speak with the Head Priest of the church and tell him of what I had done with Gold Star and Silver Blade during their Cute-ceañera. For what I what I said had shocked him.

“Now, Silver Blade, I can understand.” The Head Priest said to me, still in disbelief of what I had done. “But encouraging Gold Star to take the exam? Really, your majesty? Are you certain?”

“Well, why not?” I said to him. “He insists on taking it, so what else should I do?”

I looked him and Sister Water Lily and could clearly see that they were concern about my choice. Sister Water Lily showed signs of worry, but the Head Priest tried to conceal his even when his sweat made it clear.

“The exam had brought some other promising youth.” I said as I remembered for what Shining Armor had told me.

It was after Starscream, the disband captain of the Royal Guard who had attacked and attempted to kidnapped Silver Blade, was defeated by my son. The two young Clover mages were utterly shocked by what they had experienced. I would understand. Being attacked and easily defeated by a pony who was once a captain of the Royal Guard would have caused such great trauma. With this, they chose to give up on becoming members of the Royal Guard and apologized to Shining Armor for how they acted. Though, like Shining Armor, I was disappointed that such promising mages had given up on their goals, I was glad they were able to learn their lesson on their behavior.

“But, unfortunately, it appears they’ve had a change of heart.” I said after reminiscing on the memory.

“Okay, Silver, I understand,” The Head Priest said, “but does Gold Star really have a chance?”

“As I said before, he insists on taking it.” I said to him. “So, again, what else should I do?”

“Silver Blade, I can understand,” The Head Priest said, “but I don’t see the point in Gold Star going too.”

“You keep repeating your disbelief on the matter, my answer will remain the same.” I said. “Gold Star insists on taking it. What else should I do?”

“But I really can’t understand why you would allow your own son to do this.” The Head Priest said to me. “Aren’t you the least bit worried of what might happen to him?”

I sighed and said “Of course, I’m worried about him. I have raised him since he was a foal and always took care of him. I will miss him for when he leaves for the exam. But I know I can’t stop him or choose for what he wants now. It is not my place for me to tell a young stallion such as him how to live his life. All I can do now is support and wish for the best for him.” After a moment in saying that, I then allowed a sly smile to appear as I looked towards the Head Priest. “Though I am curious as to why you are doubting that it was the right choice. Could the problem be that you might actually miss Gold Star?”

The Head Priest gave a look of shock after I said that while Sister Water Lily just looked at him sweetly.

“Oh, that’s so sweet, Father!” She said to the Head Priest.

“That is totally off the mark!” The Head Priest said to her, trying to avoid his true reason for him. “It’s just, if Gold’s going to fail anyway, wouldn’t it be better for him not to take it on the first place? And the little ones. With Silver gone, I would need Gold to help me with the foals that come to the church. They do love playing with him and they’ll miss him terribly, I’m sure. This isn’t about me. I’m just thinking about the foals, that’s all!”

With this, both Sister Water Lily and I gave him innocent smiles and giggles as we could see he wasn’t telling the truth.

“Don’t give me that look.” The Head Priest said to Sister Water Lily, his tone being grim before speaking towards me. “And, excuse my rudeness, by this goes for you too.”

“I know I’m going to miss Gold Star and Silver Blade when they leave for the city.” Sister Water Lily said. “You’re not alone.”

The Head Priest cleared his throat before speaking again.

“W-well, I’ve raised Silver Blade since he was a foal and spent all these years living alongside him.” he said. “It’s only natural that I’d miss him a bit.”

“I understand.” Sister Water Lily said. “All three of us have always looked out for them and kept them safe, but now, like Princess Celestia said, we must give them a chance to make their own way.”

“Yes, exactly.” I said to him. “And look at it like this. If Gold Star may well succeed, but in all likelihood, Silver Blade will not and he’ll turn right around and come back.”

“Yeah—wait.” He said when he realized what I just said. “What do you mean by that? If anypony should succeed, it’s Silver. Gold Star is more like to fail and come back.”

“That may be true, but I have high hopes that my son will be accepted by the Necro-Knights as one of their own.” I said to him. “And I thought you would be thrilled to have Silver stay at the church.”

“Of course, I would.” He said. “But Silver haves the four-lead Clover, which means he haves more of a chance in making into the Necro-Knights.”

“Silver Blade may have the four-leaf Clover, but my hopes still reside with Gold Star.” I said. “Especially now that he has come to have a Clover cutie mark of his own.”

“That’s another thing.” He said. “Do you think he could truly be a Clover mage? It seems so unlikely. Why would he get a Clover cutie mark if he can’t use magic?”

“For that, I truly haven’t a clear idea of why.” I said, making both the Priest and Sister Water Lily gasp in shock. “The five-leaf Clover had always been a mysterious, questions that still remain unanswered. However…”

“Go on.” He said to me.

“Nothing.” I said, avoiding his request.

The reason for that was that the thought I had on Gold Star’s cutie mark was still uncertain. I had to make sure before making an assumption. Still I was amazed from when he received it. I only wish that Luna could be here to see what this young stallion has accomplished. I still remember of how happy he was at his and Silver Blades Cute-ceañera.

When the party was about to be underway, Gold Star came to me with the suit I had gotten for him for his Cute-ceañera. I must be honest that, through the years, I had gotten him a new suit that would fit him and was glad I could see him finally wear one of them.

“Well, what do you think?” He said as I turned to see him in the tux I had gotten for him.

It was styled with a blue coat and a black undershirt, a red tie to complete it. Though he still wore his headband, he was still a handsome young stallion. I tried my hardest not to cry.

“You look so handsome, Gold Star.” I said to him.

“Thanks, Mom.” Gold Star said to me with a smile before turning to his cutie mark. “Isn’t it great? My very own Clover cutie mark! I don’t sure how it happened, but I got it!”

A five-leaf Clover. I thought to myself with a smile. Who would have thought?

Dusk Noir

With us, the sun was getting closer to setting and all five of us were running to the church. Shield challenged Gold Star to a race there as part of Gold’s training and to see if Gold could keep up with him. The two were neck-in-neck. I was glad that Gold could improve his speed, I just wish he didn’t do it with the cockiest and fastest Earth pony in all of Canterlot.

“Ha! Eat my dust, Gold!” Shield said as he and Gold kept on running. “I’m the fastest pony to ever come out of Diggington! Nopony can beat me!”

“No way!” Gold yelled. “This isn’t over until we reach the church!”

“Shield, Gold! Slow down!” I yelled out as me, Dog, and Leon tried to keep up with those two.

“Yeah, we’re draggin’ tail here!” Dog said.

“Out of the way!” Shield said as he went past somepony walking there.

“Comin’ through!” Gold said, passing the same pony.

When me and the others got there, we saw it was Silver Blade. He had his wings up and we saw why when we saw the large pile of logs above him. He was using his magic to carry the firewood for the church. For a second, I thought the three of us were gonna pass him, but he suddenly started running while keeping his magic up and managed to run past both Gold and Shield. Even though he didn’t have that much muscle, he was pretty fast. While Shield slowed down a bit from shock that somepony managed to pass him, Gold sped up to catch up to Silver.

“Oh, geez!” I said, both shocked and getting tired as I watched those two tried to out run each other. “Silver, not you too!”

It wasn’t long until Shield got his spirit back and tried to catch up to those two. Gold yelled as they were neck-in-neck, making a large trail of dust behind them. It was so thick that even Shield was having a tough time running. When we got there, Moon Dancer was there and watched as Gold and Silver stopped in front of her to catch their breath, followed by Shield stopping in front of them to do the same, and then me, Dog, and Leon behind him as we then collapsed from exhaustion.

“You’re back.” Moon Dancer said as she spoke to us. “How was training?”

“It…was fine.” I said, still lying on the ground. “Until…we…ran…all the way…here.”

“Well, who got here first?” Gold asked her.

“Mmm…” Moon Dancer said. “Well, it’s too close to call. Sorry.”

“All right then.” Gold said as he spoke to Sliver, facing the door. “Then let’s make the winner the first into the church.”

With that, he ran to the door, but a gust of wind came in and tossed Gold into the air when he was halfway there. Gold screamed as it happened.

“Looks like that would be me.” Silver said as he walked into the church and Gold fell to the ground.

“I didn’t expect Silver to be so childish.” Moon Dancer said, surprised by this as much as the rest of us.

“Maybe he snapped with all that training he and Gold are doing.” Leon said as the three of us began to get back up.

“Yeah, it’s getting pretty intense.” I said. “But it has done some good.”

“Yep.” Dog said. “And it looks like the church will have firewood for moons.”

After that, we all decided to head home and call it a night.

Princess Celestia

After setting the sun and raising the moon, I then went for my share of sleep. While walking through the halls, I came across Gold Star’s door and decided to check on him. Peering inside, I managed to hear talk in his sleep, saying he was gonna be the Mystic King. Seeing him sleep so sweetly makes me so glad that I decided to be his mother.

“Sweet dreams, my little Gold Star.” I said as I then went off to my own chamber.

Gold Star

It had been about 5 months since I’ve been training and I’ve gotten stronger. By tomorrow, I’ll be heading off to Fillydelphia for the exam. After Mom rose the sun that morning, me and the guys went back to the Demon Skull Forest so I could train some more. Though they weren’t gonna watch this time. They were now out somewhere in the forest training. There were only a few times when they watched, but most of the time they just trained to make sure they were still able to fight. After finishing my first set of attacks, I heard somepony land behind me and thought it was Silver checking up on me.

“Hey, Silver.” I said, not even turning back. “Curious about my training, huh?”

“I would say I’m more curious at how you’re progressing with training.” The pony behind me said and I realized that wasn't Silver Blade.

“Mom?” I said as I turned around as saw her, surprised to see her back here. “Something up?

“No.” She said as she walked up to me. “I just came here to see how you were doing.”

“I’m doing fine, Mom.” I said to her.

“It really is amazing.” She said. “You can’t even use magic and you’re taking the Necro-Knights Exam. Ponies without magic wouldn’t even think of trying as they fear they’ll fail.”

“Well, I’m not gonna fail.” I said. “I mean, look. I got a Clover cutie mark and everything. I’ll get into a Necro-Knights Squad, I know I will. And then, someday, I’ll become the Mystic King!”

“I know you will.” Mom smiled at me as she continued to speak. “Even though you were orphaned with no idea of where you came from, you have a great dream.”

“That’s because there’s no giving up. It doesn’t matter if you’re rich or poor, royalty or a commoner, or even an orphan, everypony can dream as much as they want to.” I then went and grabbed my sword. “I’m following my dreams ʹcause I know that no matter who you are, you can become great, just like anypony else. You can do anything you want, make your dreams come true, and make the ponies you care about happy.” I then lift it up and got ready the slash the rock. “That’s exactly what I’m going to prove.” My mother watched me as I then jumped up into the air. “I’ll join the Necro-Knights…and be the Mystic King! Watch!”

With that one slash, I turned that rock into nothing but rubble. After that, I stood proudly as the sun shined on me.

When I looked back, Mom just smiled at me and said “I’m happy to see that you haven’t given up on your dreams and to see you have grown to be such an amazing and kind young stallion. I can’t help you anymore from this point. Your choices will be your own, but know that I will support no matter what.”

She then asked me to stand before her and I did as she said and put away my sword.

“Here.” She said as she then held out her wing. “I’ve had this made just for you. To remind you of me.”

When I looked at what was in it, I was shocked to see it was a necklace with a gold pendent in the shape of Equestria flag emblem. The sun and moon were encrusted with jewels, the sun with a ruby and the moon with a sapphire. I was actually amazing. She actually had this made for me. I then watched as she used her magic to put the necklace on me. Didn’t look bad.

“Whoa!” I said, amazed by this. “Thanks, Mom.”

“Gold Star, these past years since I took you in, I have watched over you and took care of you.” She said as she continued to smile at me. “I made sure you could have everything you could ever want and made sure you were safe. I gave you the love that all children need in order to grow. I do not know what it would’ve been if I chose differently, but I do know that I do not regret for raising you.” As she continued to speak, I watched as tears formed in her eyes, ones that I knew meant she was happy. “I’m so happy to have you and call you my child. And I’m proud to be your mother.”

With all this, I actually began to cry to hear all of this. Even though she wasn’t my real mom, I was glad to have her take care of me. Even though she adopted me, she showed me the kindness and love that only a mom could give. So I didn’t really care if I wasn’t really her son, because, to me, she was my real mom. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I love you, Mom!” I said as I then grabbed her in a hug.

“I love you too, my son.” She said as she returned the hug.

Dusk Noir

Later that night, after finishing our training, me, the guys, and Gold, who was now wearing a new necklace given to him by Princess Celestia, headed off to the church for a dinner celebration. We were all invite, even Moon Dancer came to celebrate. But this dinner ended up becoming a feast. All over the table, there were was a morgues board of pop-potato cuisines. Yeah, the only thing they had left for making the food was pop-potatoes. Even if it was only pop-potatoes, we were all amazed by the spread.

“Wow! This spread is amazing, Father!” I said to the priest.

The priest laughed in pride and said “Well, now. You four along with Gold Star and Silver Blade are heading off to Fillydelphia tomorrow, after all. I thought we’d send you off with style.”

“You done it with style, all right.” Dog said, amazed by the spread.

“It’s quite a feast.” Sister Water Lily said to us. “Father went all the way to the Hooffields and got all the pop-potatoes they could give.”

“Oh, thank you, Father.” Gold said to the priest.

“You’re quite welcome, Prince Gold Star.” The priest said to him. “Though, honestly…I mainly did it for Silver Blade.”

“Seriously? Him?” Shield asked as him along with me, Dog, Leon, and Gold felt a little insulted by this.

“It’s true.” The priest said to me, Dog, Shield, and Leon. “I know you four are going to support them, but Silver just might make it into the Necro-Knights.” When he spoke to Gold, he looked away from him. “But you, Gold Star…”

“Father!” Gold said in anger.

“I agreed with Gold Star, Father.” Somepony said as we all looked to the door and saw Princess Celestia. “Saying something like that is unfair judgement. Like I said to you before, I have faith that my son will make it into the Necro-Knights.”

“Princess Celestia!” the priest said in shock as Sister Water Lily bowed. “What are you doing here?”

“Gold Star told me you were holding a banquet for him and Silver Blade, so I decided to join as this will be last day before my son leaves for the exam.” Princess Celestia said. “And if it is to honor my son, then I cannot refuse to not attend.”

“Oh, Mom.” Gold said, touched by this.

“Though, Gold Star,” Princess Celestia said as she got her son’s attention, “listen, it’s a difficult exam. There’s no shame in failing.”

“It’s not like anypony’s expecting him to pass.” Leon said under his breath, which earned him a good smack in the head from me. “Ow!”

“So, if there’s a chance you’ll fail, you will have a place in the castle.” The Princess said. “No matter what, it along with the city will be your home.”

“Yeah, and don’t you forget it.” Shield said.

“We’ll be with ya every step of the way, Gold Star.” Dog said.

“Like a true friend should.” I said.

“Hey, Father.” Leon said to the priest. “You’re gonna say all that stuff to Silver Blade too, right? About how he can always come back to the church?”

“Yes, well, uh…” The priest said, no doubt believing he doesn’t need to. “He’ll be fine.”

“Hey, that’s not fair!” Leon said.

With this, I decided to take that matter into my own claws. I decided to use my voice manipulation to pretend to be the priest and set things right. Silver Blade would need a place to go back to if he failed. I didn’t care if he had a four-leaf Clover or not, Gold Star had a better chance with that five-leaf Clover of his.

“Actually I’ve changed my mind.” I said with the priest’s voice. “Silver Blade, it’s a tough exam. It’s not like anypony expects to you to pass, there’s no shame in failing. You’ll always have a place here at the church, all right? No matter what, this is your home. Even if it is a crumbling dump, it’s still your home.”

“Don’t worry.” Silver Blade said, not even knowing that it was me who said that. “I won’t forget.”

“Huh?” the priest said, confused on what happened. “Wait…”

“Yeah, and nopony needs to worry about Gold.” I said with my normal voice, interrupting him. “He’ll be fine. He’s a five-leaf after all.”

“That’s right!” Gold Star said, speaking to us all. “Just wait! I’ll be the Wizard King! Then I’ll come back for Moon Dancer!” When he said that part, Moon Dancer gasped and we all knew what he was gonna say next. And, when I do, I’ll ask her to marry me—Mm!”

I was shocked as Moon Dancer used her magic to stuff Gold’s face with food. Still no idea why she did that. It’s not like he didn’t proclaim that around the church before.

“Let’s all eat now, shall we?” Moon Dancer said, trying avoid the situation.

“Yes, let’s.” Sister Water Lily said. “We have boiled pop-potatoes, battered pop-potatoes, roasted pop-potatoes or fried. Sautéed pop-potatoes and steamed too. Boiled pop-potatoes à la Prench, pop-potato juice, and extra pop-potato flan.”

“Thank you!” Dog and Leon said as they started eating.

“Mm! A little burnt, but still good.” Dog said as he ate the pop-potato he had.

“Not bad.” Leon said as he ate his.

After managing to get that food down his gullet, Gold came over, reached out to grab a pop-potato, and said “I call dibs on this one!”

“Hey, no food-hogging!” Shield said as he tried to keep that platter of pop-potatoes away from him so the rest of us could have some.

“Delicious!” Gold said after took a bite of his pop-potato.

The next morning, me and the guys started our way to the church to meet up with Gold and Silver after getting everything packed for our journey after saying goodbye to our folks and them seeing us off.

“Have a safe trip, Dusk!” my mother, Chord, said to me as she and the guys’ parents waved goodbye to us.

“Don’t worry, we will!” I said as me and the guys waved goodbye.

Gold Star

That morning, I got everything packed into my saddle bags and got to the door. Before I headed out, me and Mom decided to say goodbye to each other.

“Now, don’t forget to write, okay?” Mom said to me.

“Don’t worry, I won’t.” I said to her.

“Be safe and have fun.” Mom said. “And don’t forget to come back for a visit once in a while.”

“Come on, Mom.”

“I’m serious.” She said as she smiled at me. “Just promise me that, no matter what, you will never give up on your dreams.”

“I promise.” I said before we hugged each other. “Goodbye, Mom.”

“Goodbye, my little Gold Star.” She said.

After we broke the hug, I then headed out to join the guys at the church so we could finally start our journey to Fillydelphia.

When I got to the church, the guys were there waiting for me. After making sure we were all ready to go, we then said our goodbyes to Father, Sister Water Lily, and Moon Dancer.

“Take care, boys.” Father said.

“Silver, you’ll write us, won’t you?” Sister Water Lily said.

“Of course.” Silver said.

“None of us will forget to write.” Dusk said as he then turned to the road that led out of Canterlot. “Now, let’s get going, guys.”

“Yeah! Let’s get this show on the road!” Shield said as him, Dusk, Dog, and Leon started walking off down the road.

“He’s right.” Silver said as he went off walking on the same road. “Let’s get going, Gold.”

“Hey, hold up, Silver.” I said as I caught up to him. “Do you always have to be such a jerk, lady-killer? Sure, we’re rivals. That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. Silver.”

“See you all later, guys!” Dusk said as he looked back and waved to everypony.

“See ya later!” I said doing the same. “Wish us luck, everypony!”

“Have a safe trip!” Father, Sister Water Lily, and Moon Dancer said at the same time. “Good luck!”

Moon Dancer

As I watched them leave, I couldn't help but think about them. Silver Blade and Gold Star. It was so strange to watch them leave like this. It was the same for Sister Water Lily. She can’t believe how much they’ve grown. I had to admit I had the same feeling as her. Gold Star’s always had that boundless energy from the day we met. I still remember it like yesterday. It was back when I was a filly.

I was walking home from school when I came across the church. I wasn’t the one who would usually get curious about stuff like this, but when I saw Gold Star helping Dusk and Silver Blade with the chores, I just couldn’t help but ask why the son of Princess Celestia was there helping around a crummy church.

“Excuse me.” I said to Gold Star, getting all three colts attention. “What are you doing?”

“Hanging laundry, what else?” Dusk said. “What are you doing here?”

“I’m just wondering…” I said, but I soon got curious again as I thought Dusk looked familiar. “Wait, have we met?”

“Yeah.” Dusk said. “I’m from Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns.”

“Oh!” I said as I realized who he was. “You’re that colt who’s always sitting alone in the library.”

“Yeah, that’s me.” Dusk said before introducing himself and the others. “I’m Dusk Noir. And these are my friends, Silver Blade and Gold Star.”

“H-hello.” Silver Blade said, nervously. Back then, he was so confident, especially when talking.

“Aah…” Gold Star said to me, looking at me with eyes widen with amazement and a big smile. “Hi, I’m Gold Star. What’s your name?”

“I’m…Moon Dancer.” I said, confused by his behavior. “Excuse me, but did that colt just say you were friends?”

“Oh, Dusk?” Gold Star said, not looking away. “Yeah, we’re best buds. Now…Moon…Dancer?”

“Uh, yes?” I asked, getting a bit uncomfortable now.

I was then shocked when I grabbed my hoof and said “Please, please! Will you marry me?”

I was so frightened by this that I accidentally released a magic burst and somehow transported him into the air and sent him crashing to the ground. I didn’t even know transport spells back then.

“Oh, I didn’t mean to!” I said as I apologized to Gold Star, Dusk and Silver Blade helping him up to his hooves. “Sorry!”

“Moon Dancer…” Gold Star said with that a dazed smile on his face, Dusk and Silver Blade looking at him with exasperated smiles.

“Oh, boy.” Dusk said to Silver Blade. “He’s lost it now.”

Silver Blade nodded in agreement.

Silver Blade may not like to admit it, but Gold Star changed him. Made him stronger, more determined. I saw it that day it all changed.

It was that day in December that Dusk and his mom told me Gold Star had got hurt and was being treated at the church. I went off to join them at the church to make sure Gold Star was okay. The snow continued to fall as we got there and saw Sister Water Lily using her magic to heal Gold Star.

“Gold Star!” I yelled as I then ran over to him, seeing he was covered in bruises. “What’s wrong with him?”

“His injuries are very bad.” Sister Water Lily said.

“It’s my fault he’s hurt.” Silver Blade said, his eyes closed with some kind of guilty. “He was trying to defend me and Dusk.”

“Defend you from what?” Sister Water Lily said. “Silver, what happened?”

“A thief tried to take my necklace.” Dusk said as he explained what happened. “Both Silver and Gold tried to get it back for me. Gold ended up taking the most of it. He was just trying to help us.”

When I heard that, I was absolutely amazed by this. That Gold Star was willing to help Dusk and Silver Blade like that, despite knowing of what he was getting himself into and that he was the prince of Canterlot. A royal actually risked his life to help two commoners. I then heard Gold Star grunting and looked to see he was in pain. With that, I grabbed his claw in my hoof, not wanting him to die.

“Gold Star, stay with us!” I said to him, pleading for him to be alright and letting tears flow from my eyes. “Please, just tell me you’re alright. Say anything. Please.”

“Moon…Dancer…” Gold Star said as I looked at him with hope as he looked at me.

“I’m here, Gold Star.” I said as I tightened my grip on his claw.

“Will you…marry me?” Gold Star said, making me smile and making Dusk sigh in relief.

“He’ll be alright.” Silver Blade said as I looked and saw he was smiling, being relieved Gold Star was going to make it.

Now with this, seeing them go off to join the Necro-Knights, it makes me proud that I met them all on that very day. Good luck, boys. We’re all proud of you.

Summer. After months of training, Gold Star and Silver Blade, accompanied by the Element Squad, have finally set out for Fillydelphia to take the Necro-Knights Entrance Exam. Fillydelphia is within the region of Western Equestria, a far distance from Canterlot and their journey will be a long one.

Gold Star

“Fillydelphia, eh?” I said to myself before talking to the guys as we walked down the mountain. “What do you think it’s gonna be like?”

“Well, from what I’ve read about it, Fillydelphia is something like Manehattan.” Dusk said as he began explain what it was like. “It’s the biggest city in all of Western Equestria. By how much it’s grown is the reason why ponies call it ‘The City of the West’.”

“City of the West.” I said to myself again before speaking to guys. “Wonder if we’ll meet the Mystic King.”

“First, we have to pass the Necro-Knights Entrance Exam.” Silver said to me. “And then, who knows?”

“Oh, man, I can’t wait!” I said, totally excited to get there.

“You can’t?” Silver asked. “Are you nervous thought?”

“Huh?” I said as I wasn’t sure what he was talking about. “About what?”

Silver chuckled and said “How very Gold Star.”

Dusk chuckled too and said “You got that right.”

We heard Leon groan and looked to see he was lagging in the back with a grim face.

“What’s wrong with you, Leon?” I asked him. “Aren’t you excited we’re going to Fillydelphia?”

“I’d be more excited if we didn’t have to walk all the way there.” Leon said. “Why aren’t we using the train? It’s much faster and has much less walking.”

“Because this is the perfect time to do some training.” Dusk said to him. “We have to be ready for anything, especially when it comes to the Necro-Knights. They don’t really take much to those who aren’t in the Royal Guard. Besides, it’s not that far.”

“It’s on the other side of Equestria!” Leon said, complaining.

“Not much of a distance for an elemental.” Dusk said.

“Yeah, maybe for you.” Leon said to himself.

With how this was turning out, I decided to kick things back up.

“Let’s get a move on, guys!” I said as I started running. “Got a long way to go!”

“Hey!” Silver yelled as he and the guys continued to walk.

“I gotta be the Mystic King, like yesterday!” I said as I kept on running.

“It doesn’t matter when you get there.” Silver said to me. “It won’t make you the Mystic King any sooner.”

“He’s right, Gold.” Dusk said to me. “You still got a long way to go before becoming the Mystic King.”

“And when I am the Mystic King, I’ll go back to Canterlot and ask her to marry me.” I said as I could imagined it now.

I would come back to Canterlot, wearing regalia and flying on my majestic broom. There, Moon Dancer will be waiting for me.

“Gold Star, is that you?” Moon Dancer would say to me, amazed by what I have become. “How grand you’ve become!”

“Moon Dancer, my darling.” I would say to her. “I’ve come for you just as I promised I would. I am the Mystic King now. Hop on, my dear.”

“Yes!” She would no doubt say and ride my broom with me.

“Hold on tight for the ride of your life.” I would say as we start our new life together.

“It’ll be great!” I said as I held a stick I found like a broom stick.

“Can even you fly a broom,” Silver said to me, “without any magic?”

That stunned me a bit and I dropped the stick as I didn’t thought about that, but I recovered as I remembered I had my cutie mark.

“Yeah, sure, I’ll make it work.” I said to him.

“Will you now?” he asked.

“Totally!” I said. “I’m sure my trust cutie mark will help me.”

“Gold, you have a cutie mark that nopony’s been able to figure out.” Dusk said to me. “We’re not even sure what kind of power you have.”

“Come on, Dusk. Don’t be such a downer.” I said to him. “As long as you don’t give up, you can do anything.” With that, I then ran off to get ahead. “Come on, guys! Let’s move!” I stopped and looked at the guys. “Do you want to be left behind? We’ll keep training till we reach Fillydelphia!”

“Sure, we will.” Silver said as I heard him running behind me.

“Here we go again.” Dusk said as I heard him and the others running to.

“Bet ya can’t catch me! Ha, ha!” I said to Silver as we ran.

After running for a while, we actually got worn out and had to stop for a sec. But I wasn’t gonna stop till we got to Fillydelphia.

“No.” I said as I got back up and started running. “Not done yet!”

With that, we were all then running as fast as we could.

We made another stop again, this time it was at a rock ridge.

“Gold Star,” Dusk said as him, Shield, Dog, and Leon laid on the ground panting, “you need to pace yourself.”

“Stop this.” Silver said as he sat on a rock. “So much…farther to go.”

“Not yet.” I said as I tried to keep on going. “Still going.”

When I tried to keep going, Silver grabbed me by the tail and tossed me into a wall. He sighed after doing that.

“Thank you.” Leon said as he continued to lay on the ground.

Dusk Noir

After catching our breath, we decided to walk on forward. As the days turned to weeks, we went through all sorts of challenges and had to use our skills to get through them. And I don’t mean like that time Gold got to close to the campfire and got the back of his head singed. Nature itself tested our limits and our ability to adapt. When it started to rain, I used my color magic to create a shield for me, Shield, Dog, and Leon, Silver Blade used his magic to shield himself, and Gold Star used his sword as cover. When we need food, Dog helped us forage some. Leon helped us with reasoning with the animals we came across like taming a manticore we came across. He wasn’t actually scared of it because, during his time in the circus, he was in charge of handling the animals, one of them being a manticore. And Shield’s fight prowess helped us with the animals we couldn’t reason with. Though what made the journey rough was Gold and Silver. Like before, Silver had been getting on Gold’s nerves.

Like the time we hit that fork…

“Ugh!” Dog said as we all tried to look through the fog that surrounded us. “This fog is so thick I can barely see past my own muzzle.”

“Yeah, which way do we go?’ Leon asked.

“This way.” Gold said, pointing to the path on the right.

After Gold said that, Silver used his magic and removed some of the fog, revealing a tree with two signs on it. The one on top and pointing to the path on the right said “Rockville” and the one on the bottom and pointing to the left said “Fillydelphia.”

“Actually, this way.” Silver said, pointing down the path before going left.

“Hey, wait up!” Gold said as he and the rest of us tried to catch up with him.

Or during that rockslide…

We were just walking through a valley when we heard something coming down and looked to see it was a bunch of boulders coming right down from the cliff.

“Rock slide!” I yelled as me, Shield, Dog, and Gold went off to stop it, Gold using his sword and me and the others using our abilities to smash the boulders to rubble.

Though me and Shield used our elemental power, Dog on the other hoof used his legs to do it. Yeah, Dog told us that before he came to Canterlot, he helped buck apples when he lived on his friend’s farm. The four of us managed to get one boulder each before Silver used his swords and magic to take care of the rest. We were all pretty annoyed by that, especially Gold.

“Stay out of my way!” Gold said to Silver, angrily.

“Calm down. I was just helping you.” Silver said to him.

“We didn’t really need your help.” I said to him. “We need that kind of training anyway.”

Or when we went harvesting for berries.

“Got some berries!” Gold said as he held a bag full of berries that was the size of his head.

“I got some too!” I said as I carried a bag just as big as his.

Though, if it was a contest to see who got the most berries, Silver beat us both by using his magic to get twice as much berries as me and Gold.

“Showoff!” I said to Silver, which was true as he didn’t need to use his magic to harvest berries.

Though that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen the other way around. Like that time we finally got to Western Equestria and had to walk through the desert while the sun was still out. At one point, we stopped as Gold took a drink from his canteen. When I got a good look at the canteen, I realized what it was filled with. When Gold offered it to Silver and Silver decided to drink some of it, I tried to warn him, but it was too late as, after he drank some of it, he instantly spit it out.

“No!” Gold yelled in dismay. “My precious moguro-leaf juice!”

“Yeah, I probably should’ve warned ya that Gold drinks that stuff.” I said to Silver Blade as he looked at me.

All in all, there wasn’t one point in that journey when those two didn't tried to outmatch each other, with magic or otherwise.

Though it was rough, when we reached got to the mountain peaks, we were met with a truly astounding sight.

“Come on, guys.” I said as we were closing in on the peak with me at the lead of our group. “We’re almost to the top.”

“I hope we can stop soon.” Leon said, tired from all the walking we’ve done. “My hooves are killing me!”

When I got to the mountain top, I was absolutely amazed by what I saw as the sun was rising.

“Dusk, is something wrong?” Silver asked me as he and the others joined me up there.

“Why’d you stop?” Gold asked.

“Because of that.” I said as I pointed with a single claw.

With that, the guys looked where I was looking and they all got the same feeling I got from gazing up the beautiful sight. With this, I decided to quote after a certain adventurer from, let’s say, out of town.

“Gentlecolts, I like to present…Fillydelphia!” I said as we all gazed upon the glorious City of the West, the sun glistening off it like a great jewel.

“Oh, wow! It’s huge.” Gold said as it truly was big, big as Manehattan. “We’re finally here! That’s where the Mystic King is!”

For what he said was true. Even though the Mystic King serves Princess Celestia, he resides here in Fillydelphia to watch over the city. It’s was by royal decree that the Ruler of Equestria and the Mystic King be placed in the same place as, due to their statures, they are great targets to those who would want to take the throne for themselves. I hear that, in case the Mystic King is needed, they are given Clover mages skilled in Spatial Magic to go to Canterlot in an instant. And it’s very big to have Spatial Magic as it is very rare, almost as rare as the four-leaf Clover and even the five-leaf for that matter. Besides all that, after such a long journey, we have finally made it to the city so Gold and Silver can take the exam. It wasn’t very far either, we could get there by the time the sun was at its peak.

“Here we go! Time to do this thing! Hope you’re ready! ʹCause I’m comin’!” Gold yelled as he then ran off towards the city. “I will be…the Mystic King! Yeah!”

Looking around, I saw everypony had smiles, even Silver.

“Got to love that enthusiasm of his.” I said before speaking to Gold as he kept running. “Wait for us, Gold!”

With that, me, Shield, Dog, and Leon then jumped and went skiing down the mountain. It was faster and…way more fun than walking. When we went past Gold, he soon joined us. We even saw Silver join us as the six of went skiing down the mountain, from where we would then begin our run towards the city before us.

After a long journey, Gold Star, Silver Blade, and their friends have finally arrived at Fillydelphia, City of the West. Awaiting for them is the Necro-Knights Enterance Exam. If Gold Star and Silver Blade are to join a Necro-Knights squad, they must face off against one mighty foe after another.

Well, they finally did it. Our heroes have finally made it to Fillydelphia. But get there was only the easy part of this journey. For Gold Star and Silver Blade, they now must face their greatest test before becoming Necro-Knights: the Necro-Knights Entrance Exam. Unlike the Royal Guard Exam, the two will have to face off with Clover mages like themselves who have all come a long way to become members of the Necro-Knights. In this very exam, Gold Star and Silver Blade will have to face with powerful Clover mages from all across Equestria in order to pass. How will Gold Star fare without any magic? Find out next time!

By the way, I bet you already noticed the details I put out for Shield, Dog, and Leon. If you haven't already guessed it, these three share some traits with the three members of the Mane 6: Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Fluttershy. Like Fluttershy from the first first episode in season 1, Leon had proven to use his kindness to tame even the most savage of beasts. Shield had shown to have a big of an ego as Rainbow Dash. And Dog with his own survival instinct much like Applejack. Speaking of, I hope you also got a good guess of who exactly Dog's "friend from the farm" is.

Well, see you guys in the next chapter!

Element Gang: Element Squad, Book 1: Tale of Two Rivals

by Power of Six

The Legend of the Mystic King

Chapter 1: Gold Star and Silver Blade

Chapter 2: A Young Colt's Vow

Chapter 3: To Fillydelphia, City of the West