> Star of the Morning > by WhatItDoBaby > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Chapter 1 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- As Twilight had walked through Canterlot, she passed guards as usual. The city she walked was for the very glory of the goddess, Celestia. In her honor, was her castle built and praised by all walks of life so there were guards everywhere to not only protect the citizens, but to also protect all gifts. Twilight walked beneath a gateway decorated with celestial objects to introduce her to the castle-grounds. “Goodmorning bbbff!” greeted Twilight to her brother. “Goodmorning Twilight! Came here any later, might’ve called our grace, Celestia. You are usually here way earlier!” “Oh yea sorry about that Shining! The train here got a bit delayed.” “Well enough about that Twilight, lets head over, so we won’t be late to meet Celestia. Do you know why she called you over?” “No, I don’t. It seems odd, she usually very professional and eloquent with her writing. But when I read her letter, she sounded a bit frantic. Do you have any idea why that will be?” There was a pause as they both walked through a hallway leading towards a stairway. “...This is just a guess, but it may have to do with the weather.” “The weather? That is insane! I mean it is unusually cloudy today but can’t the pegasus just get rid of it? Or even if it were hard to deal with it, can’t Celestia just-” “Twilight! Greetings my dear scholar!” the regal voice had made both Twilight and Shining to stop their conversation to look up to Celestia. The goddess was taller than anypony to exist and a hair that flowed with the wind decorated in twinkles. Her coat as pure as white and with a mane designed by the heavens. She was the very symbol of heaven. As her voice carried warmth, it also carried a fire that should not be messed with. One that everyone looked for protection. “Our Lady, Celestia!” Both Shining and Twilight greeted and bowed. “You may rise and Twilight, please follow me.” “Yes, your grace.” As Twilight followed, she saw the stained glass of Celestia from when the world began until the very present. Of all Celestia’s accomplishments from making the world and being the goddess of life. Without her no one would exist. Twilight had a pause to her step that made her slow down in front of one particular glass. It was one where Celestia first descended from the heavens and announced who she was. “Are you coming Twilight?” “Huh? Oh yes, my apologies your grace.” Twilight trotted to where Celestia was as Celestia smiled and glanced down at her. Twilight blushed There you go again Twilight, messing up in front of the goddess. Stop dozing off, you wanna embarrass yourself again and trip? Focus on your walk! As Twilight kept beating herself up and inevitably got lost in thought, she didn’t notice where they were headed. Celestia lead the young unicorn to the front door of her bedroom. “Here we are.” Twilight had almost tripped as she had to stop immediately or she would end up bumping into the her. “Your room? But I’m not allowed there! No one is!” As Twilight was anxiously shouting this, she stared at the double doors decorated in rare diamonds and emeralds that were 5 times her size. “Relax dear Twilight. You are correct, no one is allowed but myself and others I invite.” “Oh yea... sorry your grace. What are we doing here and what was so urgent?” “I will explain everything once we are inside. Please come in.” As Celestia opened the doors with her magic, Twilight was enthralled with the room as it shelves filled with books. “Whoa! What book is-” “Careful Twilight!” Celestia roared as she carried Twilight with her magic. “Forgive me for being abrupt but some of those books are not meant for a mortal to read. I brought you here thinking you can be trusted as a guest, am I wrong?” The unicorn was blushing as she was still in the air now facing Celestia. “No, your grace, I just got a bit too excited seeing those books. I promise it won’t happen again if you give me a second chance.” “ Of course my dear.” Celestia lowered Twilight as her wings as well that were flared beforehand. “But I did bring you here for a book.” “Really?! Is it ancient? How old is it? Is it a spell book or-?” “ It is very old, it is from around the time when I presented myself to you.” “What is it about?” Twilight asked as calmly as possible but was fidgeting from excitement. “Well this is where you come in, I want you to read this book and tell me what you think.” You must stay in my chambers until you are finished reading this book. It is very important to me and you must take great care as there are no other copies.” “Yes, your grace” “Thank you and I must be off as I have some business to tend to.” With that, Celestia left her room, locking the door behind her. Twilight looked at the book in her violent hooves and stared at the cover. They say not to judge a book by its cover but the cover was beautifully decorated. It was jeweled in a strange blue diamond that was smooth and was surrounded with swirls of leather. She opened it with much anticipation and with even more from the design. The morning star is not a left hand but has left. The skies darken and waters have been rising. We have sinned and the only savior is the water. We would die but the Morning Star has not given up on us. We are saved by the Morning Star but for Day Star was not alone. Another greater light was shone and became a partner to the waters. The two greater lights worked together, the greater one dried the water and gave life as the lesser calmed the seas. The skies calmed in their presence and we are given another chance to repent for the evil we are. To change in our greater lights. Helel > Chapter 2 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 2 Morning star? That must be our grace. But left hand? Was there another god? Why not right hand? Has left? Left what? Water is the savior; then why would they stop it? Evil? Another great light? Another? But Celestia is the only great light we know. “I am not the only one.” “What?!” “I said I am not the only great light.” “No, I mean I am surprised by that too but how did you know what I thought?” “I am a goddess. I can hear thoughts and prayers.” “Oh right... but another great light? But you are the only one. You are both the Sun and the Moon.” “What I am about to tell you is to stay between us until the time is right. Do you understand Twilight? I may be asking a lot but you must keep quiet or there will be harm done.” “Harm done?! From what?” “If too much of the truth goes out to the public, it may be too much for the citizens to handle. I must protect everyone even from the truth sometimes.” “I understand... I will keep quiet.” “Good, now ask me any questions. I know that the book was short and lacks information that I know you must be seeking.” “Yes! Who is the other greater light?!” “Another goddess by the name Selene. She is the moon. She is my sister by title, but we share no family bond like you mortals are used to.” “The moon? Then why is she not here?” “I will answer that later, next question.” “Okay... what did it mean by left hand? Left hand of what? Of Selene?” “Please do not call Selene without her formal title, she is much of a goddess as I am and is superior to you.” Twilight shook, bowed lowly and nodded her head as Celestia stared down at her. “And I was not left to her but to another god. He has since ceased to exist as his rule failed.” “Failed? How? “He was not fit to rule. He was merciless and planned to kill all those on Gaia since they were not deemed perfect by him.” “By the waters! That is what it meant by the waters is the savior. The savior from evil! But the book makes it seem that they were accepting, and it was right.” “Yes, only for the reason that they had no other choice but to accept.” “That’s where you come in!” Twilight exclaimed. She stood and bounced around. “You stopped the waters with Sele- I mean Goddess Selene! And it says she was partners with the waters?” The room seemed to rise in temperature. “Yes. She was close with them. The royals of the waters were smitten by her and with their help, we were able to stop the waters.” “But aren’t you a goddess? Can’t you do everything?” “Not before, you see, I was weaker then but now, I am a full goddess.” “So, I don’t understand. I love this lesson but why was it so urgent? Why did you ask me to be here? Does it have to do with the sky?” Celestia turned away looking at the ceiling. “It does have to do with the skies. I believe it is Selene’s doing. After so many years why would she do it?” “Can’t you stop her? I mean you said you’re a full goddess now. So why can’t you stop that and is there harm being done by the sky?” “The clouds seem to be growing. And I cannot stop her if I cannot find her. I cannot be all-knowing with another god, but I believe she has hidden herself in the waters. The ocean I mean.” “Have you tried seeking her?” “I have, for many years but I can never seem to find her. She is known to hide and manipulate her form. It is difficult for me to find her. But this is where you come in.” “ME?!” “Yes, do not doubt yourself scholar, you are the smartest mortal I have known, and she would not hide from you. She does not know you.” “I see... but I do not know where to look for her.” “I will give you a map leading it the royals of the ocean and I will be giving you a boat. You can only bring those you entrust your life with. You may also take Cadence.” “How does she look like?!” “You will know once you see her.” Those who I entrust. Twilight sat in a train looked outside deep in thought. I know! I will take AppleJack, Rainbow Dash, FlutterShy, Pinkie, Rarity, Spike, Starlight, and Cadence. We always do well together and together; we seem to overcome anything. The train came to stop at Ponyville. Twilight raced out as if trying to compete with Rainbow Dash. She sought out her friends as she finally found Rarity and Starlight together. “Rarity! Starlight!” “Twilight!”, Both mares shouted. “How are you this evening darling?” “Yea, how’d it go with meeting up with the Goddess?” “That’s just it, I need you to gather everyone! I need everyone to meet me at the library.” Twilight raced off to her library and Rarity and Starlight were left in the dust. “Must be something urgent Rarity.” “Must be, but the dear does work herself up too many times, but we must not make her wait.” They split off and raced to find the others. > Chapter 3 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chapter 3 “Twilight! You’re back! How’d it go?” Spike welcomed Twilight enthusiastically as he carried some books to a shelf. “No time to talk spike! I’ll tell you everything once everyone is here!” “Wow. It must be something important for you to be rushing everywhere.” “Yes! It is! And we will soon be going to a trip to-,” A knock on the door stopped her from continuing, “Spike! Please open the door!” “Sure thing! Wow I wonder what’s going on?” Spike opened the door to greet everyone. “Took you long enough”, Rainbow Dash mumbled as she flew into the library. “Thanks for opening the door sugarcube”, AppleJack showed her gratitude as she followed behind Rarity and was followed by FlutterShy, Starlight, and Pinkie. “Where’d Twilight go? Ay thought she had something important to say?” “She does! She’s just running around, and she should be here in three, two, one.” “Girls! I have important news to tell you! This is about to change everything we know! But first, can I trust you with this information?” Pinkie quickly jumped in front of Twilight and had stopped listening to her once she said news, “News!? Is it a surprise?! I love surprises!! Lemme guess it has to do with the skies?” Twilight didn’t know what to say as Pinkie had been on point and was ignoring her more important question. “Skies? Come on pinkie. There aren’t anything wrong with the skies! I would know, I make them perfect everyday”, boasted Rainbow dash. “Girls, we haven’t answered Twilight!” Starlight had caught everyone’s attention looking at Twilight. “Twilight, you know you can trust us. We have always been there for each other. We have been best friends since we were all fillies!” “Thank you, Starlight”, Twilight couldn’t help but smile as memories of all of them playing as children. “And Pinkie,” Pinkie’s enthusiastic face focused on Twilight as she jumped in one spot. “You’re right, it does have to do with the skies but how did you know?” “Oh you silly, ponies everywhere have been talking about it!” “They have?!” Twilight exclaimed. “But it is only have been happening in Canterlot. “Darling, ponies travel from and to Canterlot all the time. I have had customers coming in talking about it”, Rarity added in with some nervousness. “Is it something serious?” All the mares looked at Twilight for some answers. She was quiet for a moment thinking about how to explain. “It is, but the Goddess and I believe how to stop it.” Rainbow Dash flew in front of Twilight, “Can’t the Goddess just, ya know use her magic to stop it? She’s a goddess for crying out loud!” “Rainbow dash, uh maybe she can’t? I mean no one can do everything, right?” Fluttershy commented with a voice close to a whisper. “She’s a goddess! A goddess! What can’t she do?” Twilight decided now would be a good time to explain everything that Celestia had told her. From the book to all the questions that were answered. “So we must find Goddess Selene in order to stop this problem from spreading.” Everyone was silent lost in thought but AppleJack was the first to speak up. “Well when are we going?” “It seems we have to wait for Cadence and for a letter. Celestia must be telling Cadence.” “Wait,” Starlight Glimmer was not on board just yet. “Does that mean The Goddess lied to us? Has she not told everyone that she is the creator of all and the “greater lights” of the sky?!” “Whoa” “Umm... Darling...” “I think that might be a bit rude.” “What?! You can’t be serious! She is the Goddess, not only our Savior but full of Mercy! She has done nothing but-” “Twilight! I know but why would she be known as the creator and the ruler of the celestial bodies when we now know that she’s only ruler of one and was not the original creator? I am not saying she is not full or mercy and grace but she lied to everyone! She made everyone believe she is the only goddess alive as well!” Everyone stared at Starlight Glimmer. She had made several good points that had been ignored by the others. Why had Celestia not told the whole truth to everyone? Suddenly a green flame took the attention and a scroll was held by Spike. They looked at each other as Twilight walked towards spike and taking the scroll with her magic. Dear Twilight, I have spoken to Cadence and she should be arriving later in the evening with the book. She is going to be going with you and your group you have gathered. Cadence will lead you to a destination where the boat will be. You have done well my dear scholar and as you grown, you have grown in doubt as well. My word of advice is for you to not doubt yourself as you are to not doubt me. Please take care of yourselves. Remember the quest, you are to find Selene and to alert me as soon as possible. You must keep it a secret that you came to find her because of me. She must not know that you came to find her because of me, or she will flee. Do not do her any harm. Goddess Celestia They stood behind Twilight as they read the scroll. They looked at each other as they knew they must serve their grace. “I guess we wait then, huh?” Spike announced trying to get everyone out of their thoughts as the quietness made him uncomfortable when there were many ponies. “You are correct darling. Oh! I must pack my most fashionable clothes is we are to meet royals and another goddess!” “I must make sure mah farm will be alright if I leave. Imma tell may family.” “Oh! My animals! I hope everyone will be good when I’m gone. Oh Twilight! How long will we be gone?” Twilight was taken aback from the question as she had not thought of it. “Uh well... maybe a week, two weeks max?” “You heard her! We must get ready to be gone for two weeks! Race ya guys back here!” “Sugarcube, this here ain’t no race. Now we must....” Their voices became distant as they rushed to get everything ready for the last-minute trip. All but Spike, Twilight, and Starlight Glimmer were left in the library. “Twilight, try not to overthink it. You’re most of the time right, she must have had a valid reason not telling anyone this.” Starlight reassured Twilight as her friend seemed distant. Only the slight nod told her that Twilight had listened and with that, Starlight left the library to get ready for the trip. Twilight was left in her library on the first floor by herself as spike was upstairs getting ready. The door wide open giving her a glimpse of the sky and the sun that seemed to make her shiver. My word of advice is for you to not doubt yourself as you are to not doubt me. > Chapter 4 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight stood there in silence. That is all she wanted. Could it be that the very being she looked up to as a symbol of perfection d full of grace had been not that? No. There needs to be a reason to all of. To not doubt her. Get yourself together Twilight! What are you thinking? Oh dear Celestia, please forgive me and for doubting you for that second! Oh please have mer- "Twilight?" Twilight froze. It was spike. She could hear his worry from his voice and it made her feel worse. Guilt for doubting their goddess and for worrying Spike, her little brother. She sat there for a second longer hoping to gather warmth from the sun but in return, all she received was a dry chill. "Yes Spike?" Twilight asked without turning around. She was trying to gather the strength in her to turn around and accept her wrong doings. Or was it wrong? "Are you alright? You've been sitting there and staring outside for awhile. Don't you want to close the door? Maybe prepare for the trip?" Twilight glanced at Spike by only moving her eyes but never turning or moving her body. He had his hands to his chest and were held together. "I'm fine. I just need a moment to myself." "Um, okay Twilight..." "This is all so wrong." "Candance?" "This is wrong. I KNOW it. Celestia is going about this wrong. Oh Shiny, what are we supposed to do? I am the Goddess of love, created from Celestia. But at what cost?" She looked close to tears but yet, none came out as she held her composure. She kept her head high, looking at the heavens, hoping to get an answer but she knew the only right one was Celestia. "What do you mean Candance?" Shining Amour asked while approaching her. He was blessed to be loved by the goddess of love herself even though he was just a mortal. She has had no other loving partner and they both were in love and committed to each other. They were connected. Soul Mates. A sad fate. "Oh Shiny, please forgive me but what I say must stay between us." She kept looking at the cloudy sky, almost in a searching and longing way. "Of course my love, you know you have my loyalty forever," he said while walking towards her and grazing his head to her neck. "Of course I do, I just needed a bit of reassurance. This is an issue of the heavens." Shining only kept looking at her and trying to see what she was looking at. The sunlight had not reached their dominion yet, as the clouds blocked it. "The sun is not what it seems. She is angered deeply. When I was first created, I was cared under her sun. As blessing she was, she was not without wrath. Her passion created me. By accident. She was never meant to feel such feelings, or at the power. But the power is her Sun. No. She is the Sun." Shiny stopped grazing her to look at her face. She was still looking at the clouds. "What are you saying? Do you mean she is not the creator of the heavens as she says? And wrath? But is she not the perfection of everything? What has angered the goddess to create you?" Candance starting to speak with haste, " Shining, you know how I can feel emotions, especially love. Her love turned to such a large amount of pain that I could only imagine as betrayal. But I know the way she wants us to find this goddess is the result of these emotions. She wants us to find this being, whether for vengeance or possibly for something else. But for something just as bad. I wonder what her reason is for?" She began to slow her pace as a light hit her face, "No matter what, I am going to get to the bottom of this and help her." Shining only gazed at her as her face was glowing from rays that came from the parted clouds. "If all of this is true, then you and my sister are the only ones to this right, do you think that is why the goddess has made you do this?" "I could only hope, and thank you for not questioning what I have said, especially underneath their gaze." "Of course, how dumb do you think I am?" he asked in a joking manner hoping to lighten the mood. In exchange, it worked as she finally looked upon him with a smile on her face. "Thank you, how could I meet someone so perfect, now could you help me pack?" "Of course sweetheart." He answered while walking with her to their chamber. Nevertheless, his act covered all his nervousness and questioning state, but he knew he was to put his trust in his partner that she would answer them once they were free from sight. All heard was the tapping of their hooves. > Chapter 5 > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Getting out of the carriage, she paced quickly to the library of her sister-in-law's. "Twilight!" Candance shouted before knocking on the door and then looked towards her guards. "Will you please ready my air balloon?" "Yes milady," the guards answered as 2 stayed behind in case there were any attacks. A crowd was forming around her and the whispers were getting louder. Then sounds were coming from the other side of the door with the sound of jiggling locks. Candance couldn't help but giggle as she felt the nervousness radiating off the mare; however, there was nervousness coming from the crowd, or more so excitement. "Candance!" Twilight exclaims as she gives her a quick bow, "You're here! Wow, there's a crowd behind you!" "Yes, " Candance said with a giggle, " this seems to happen quite frequently. But are you going to let me in?" "OH! Of course, I am so sorry. I hope I did not disrespect you in anyway and if I did please for-" "Twilight, you're rambling again. You know you could never upset me. Now lets get on and discuss our plans for travel. I have a lot to speak to you about. Is Spike here?" "Oh no, he's helping rarity with packing and I have somethings to tell you about. Did you know Celestia is not the only goddess? I mean besides you but I meant more so of the original gods." "Yes, she has told me a bit about that when I was growing up. It has come to my knowledge that there was an original one that created Gaia. With it, the god created the sun that made day and the moon and the stars that made night. Next to come was the Earth. It's wild but tamable. I believe it is not a god but a spirit." "What about the ocean? Celestia said something about 'how the royals were smitten by Goddess Selene' ." "Oh well, that is a topic I am not entirely sure of. You see, whenever it is mentioned, Celestia is not too excited about the topic and I believe it is a topic that insults her." "Insults her? How so?" "Well from what I know, Celestia dealt with the previous god and the lesser light gathered help from the royals. The one who rule the see. It is unclear to me if those royals are gods, spirits, or something entirely different. The only one I know the most was Selene." "Goddess Selene? How is she? Goddess Celestia did not describe to me her appearance to me." "I believe it is because she comes in many forms. Like the moon, she changes as well, but without schedule. She changes when she pleases. Celestia did describe to me her most favorite form, however." "Do you mean her true form?" "No, Selene has no true form like the moon does not. Many would argue that the moon true form is a white orb in the sky with spots but it is not. It appears different to us depending on the night. The only constant is Goddess Celestia as her sun will always shine the same way. Selene's moon does not." "So what is her favorite form then?" "Her favorite form is one apparently similar to Celestia. Tall, graceful, the sign of perfection. Her mane is not like Celestia's, however. Celestia's mane moves like the air is constantly blowing through her mane and constantly changes colors to match the heavens. Selene's mane moves like one would when they are underwater, but instead of leaving any water, she leaves star dust from her white mane. And her coat is pitch black with white sprinkles across it resembling the stars. Her wings apparently from the top is a solid ebony color and from underneath when she stretches it, it is a resemblance of the night sky as well. Celestia also told me her hooves and eyes glowed of the color cyan much like Celestia's glows of violent." "Wow, she sounds beautiful. But if Goddess Celestia speaks of so highly of her, why would Goddess Selene act like this?" "I believe it has to do with the fact that there must be bad blood between them. Celestia never spoke of this but I also believe Celestia speaks highly of her because she cares for her. How are you dealing with all of this information?" "I think I'm okay but I have so many questions! Like how would Selene look like to us? And if they were to end in bad terms, then what if she figures we are trying to find her for Celestia? If she is as tall as Celestia and has the powers of them moon and the stars, then how would we defend ourselves?" "I know you have so many questions Twilight and so do I, but we will be taking this one step at a time. Please do not worry, and plus, you have a goddess on your side," Candance tenderly reminded Twilight, hoping to give her more courage and to ease her mind. "Thank you Candance. I-" There came knock from the front door. "Twilight, do not speak of this to anyone you must leave this between us two. This is under Celestia's order." "I understand Candance, " Twilight replied as she turned from her and headed to the door.