> Fractured SOULS, Broken Hearts > by LunarEnby > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > 1: Awakening > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Journal Entry 77: It's been 2 years and 1 day since the Cultist Massacre that occurred in the Moon Side of Canterlot. Luckily, that didn't affect this part of Canterlot. Last night was eventful, considering it was Nightmare Night. Shadow Facade and I got a lot of candy, though! Celestia, he's amazing. I don't know what this feeling is, but I like it. It's so warm and fuzzy. Whatever, I guess I should get ready for the day. -Emerald Breeze Date: 11/1/2022 Time: 0700 Location: Emerald Family House, Twilight Side, Canterlot, Equestria Emerald Breeze, a 9 1/2 year-old Unicorn Filly with light green skin, deep blue eyes, and yellow, slightly curly, shoulder-length hair with light blue stripes, put up her brown leather journal (she refuses to call it a diary since that's really girly), before getting out of her bed. She reached out to the table beside her bed with her magic, her horn surrounded by an emerald green aura, grabbed for her round, turquoise glasses set on it, and put them on her muzzle. Emerald then got out of bed, throwing her sheets on it semi-neatly, and trotted to the kitchen, opening the door of the fridge with her magic, and looking around for something for breakfast "Steak Fajitas? Nah." Emerald muttered to herself, "Chicken Parmesan? Not right now." After a bit more rummaging, she found something. "Shrimp Alfredo? Heck yeah!" Emerald turned on the oven, transferred a portion of the leftovers into an oven-safe bowl, and put the meal in to the oven. After some time, she pulled the meal out, and checked it. "Perfectly reheated," Emerald stated, "Nice." Emerald then levitated a fork over to her, and began eating. While she ate, her thoughts wandered. She thought about how some ponies thought it was weird that her family ate meat. She thought about the event that happened 2 years ago, and how little was revealed to the public. Suddenly, however, an image of her friend Shadow Facade, a 9 1/2 year old colt, who had pink fur, a blue mohawk with orange edges, and (in Emerald's opinion) stunning green eyes. As the image entered her mind, Emerald's thoughts were derailed, and replaced with other ones. 'Shadow's really cute!' Was Emerald's first thought, quickly followed by 'Wait, why did I say that? And why am I blushing? What's this feeling?' This train of thought was quickly interrupted by her dad, Emerald Shadow, and her mom, Dusk Breeze, entering the room. "Good morning, buddy!" Emerald Shadow exclaimed, "How'd you sleep?" "Morning, dad," Emerald Breeze replied, "I slept fine." "I bet you were dreaming about that Shadow Facade boy," Emerald's father stated, a teasing tone in his voice, "What do you think, hon?" "I think you've got it all wrong!" Dusk Breeze replied, her tone matching her husband's, "Emerald was obviously thinking about him when we walked in, since she was blushing so much!" "Mom, dad..." Emerald whined, her face red, "Why do you do this?" "Because," they both stated at the same time, "It's part of the joy of being parents!" "Ugh." Emerald replied, finishing her breakfast, "Well, I gotta get going! Don't want to be late for school!" Emerald quickly teleported to her room, brushing her teeth, pulling her hair into a ponytail, and packing her saddlebags, before heading to school. > 2: Tragedy > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 11/1/2022 Time: 1500 Location: Twilit Lane, Twilight Side, Canterlot, Equestria Emerald was calmly trotting back to her house from Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, as that's where she was enrolled at. She had been worried throughout the day, as Shadow Facade hadn't shown up, but not worried to the point she ignored the rumors floating around about an... oddity of a Pony that was getting bounced around in the adoption agency. Apparently, the Pony was a Pegasus, but they could use Unicorn Magic, and was somehow related to the Cultist Massacre. However, despite how interesting these rumors were, she was more worried about Shadow, as he almost never missed school. However, Emerald put it off as Shadow merely being sick, so she continued through the school day. When she reached her house, though, she immediately felt a change in the air. She could feel so many negative emotions in the air around her house that she felt like she was choking on them. She could feel fear, anger, sadness, and, most prominently, pain. She rushed into her house, trying to identify all the magic auras inside. She could feel the dark, somber aura of her father's magic, the hopeful, airy of her mother's, and... a third, weaker aura that seemed to slowly be dimming. Quickly, Emerald followed the trace of the magic into her parents' room, where she saw her father, horn glowing with a pale green aura, and her mother, wings wrapped around another Pony. As Emerald got closer, she could sense that the fear and pain was coming from that Pony, while the anger came from her father, and the sadness from her mother. Suddenly, Emerald recognized the third magic aura. The deep, shadowy aura, no matter how weak it was, was unmistakable to Emerald. Curled in Dusk Breeze's wings was Shadow Facade! "What happened?" Emerald asked, taking a step forward, "Why is Shadow here? And why is she... hurt?" "Sweetheart," Dusk began, "Your father and I don't know much about what happened, other than the fact that he appeared on our doorstep at about 1450, grievously wounded and crying his eyes out, repeating the phrase 'I trusted them' over and over, before collapsing. We've been in here since, your father trying to heal him while I comfort him when she wakes up." "Can..." Emerald trailed off, before starting again, "Can I see him?" "Not (huff) right now (ugh), buddy" Emerald Shadow replied, exhausted from the strain of the healing spell, "I (oof) need to finish this." "I can help, though!" Emerald exclaimed, "I want to help!" "Sweetie," Dusk replied, "I know you want to help, but the healing is already a massive strain on your father. It could outright kill you." "But shouldn't we at least try?" Emerald cried out, her left eye starting to glow emerald green, "I can't lose him! He's my only friend!" "I know, sweetheart," Dusk Breeze replied, "But right now, he needs your father's help." "I can't lose him!" Emerald repeated, becoming more aggravated each time, and her eye shining brighter and brighter, "I can't lose him! I can't LOSE HIM! I CAN'T LOSE HIM!" Suddenly, two identical, silver, single-edged swords with golden guards appeared in her magic, her horn covered with an emerald aura. She advanced on her parents, blinded by rage and grief. Dusk Breeze was the first to notice, and let go of Shadow Facade, quickly standing between Emerald and her husband. "Sweetheart, I don't know what you're thinking," She began, "But please set down those swords." "I can't lose him!" Emerald shouted, her eye shining with a blinding light, "So I WON'T let anyone stop me from helping him!" "Please, Emerald," Dusk pleaded, "Put down your-" She was unable to finish her statement, as Emerald swung one of her swords, beheading her. Blood flowed out of the wound like a waterfall, before her body crumbled to a pile of dust, shortly followed by her head. Emerald Shadow noticed his wife's aura flicker out, and turned around. He was too late, however, as the other sword stabbed through him. He stared at his daughter in shock, before his body turned into dust as well. Emerald rushed over to where Shadow was, and held him close, dropping her swords, which faded away into nothingness, and refocusing her magic on healing her friend. However, she could only watch as Shadow was surrounded by a golden light, before fading away. "No." Emerald choked out, the glow in her eye fading, "No, you can't go. Please, don't go." Her senses returned, Emerald turned around, and immediately started sobbing, seeing the dust of her parents. "Help!" Emerald yelled, her voice cracking, "Somepony! Anypony! Help!" She soon heard the voices of other ponies, accompanied by the sound of hooves on pavement. "Hello?" One of the voices called out from the living room, "Is somepony in here?" "I am!" Emerald replied, "I'm in the back!" She heard rapid hoofsteps approaching, before a police officer entered the room and gasped at the site. "Little one," the officer asked, "What happened here?" "It's all my fault!" Emerald replied, "I didn't mean too, but now they're dead, and he's gone!" The officer's eyes widened at Emerald's exclamation, before softening again. "Little one," he stated, "No matter what happened, it's not your fault. Now come, let us leave this place. I'll take you somewhere safe." "O-okay" Emerald whimpered, before sidling up beside the officer, and following him out of the house. Once they were outside, the officer told her to wait there, before going to talk with the other officers. After a bit of discussion, the other two officers entered the house, whilst the one that took Emerald out of the house came back. "Come, little one," the officer stated, "We have someplace to be." "Okay." Emerald replied, before asking, "By the way, what's your name?" "My name is Night Light, little one." The officer replied. "Well then, nice to meet you, Mr. Night Light!" Emerald responded, "And... thanks for helping out." "You're welcome, little one." Night Light stated, warmth in his voice. > 3: Sparkle > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Journal Entry 78: After what happened earlier, Mr. Night Light took me to the police station, while he got ahold of the Sheriff, and let him know what happened. I was called into the office, where I was asked what had happened at my house. I told him about the emotions in the air. I told him about Shadow Facade. I told him about my parents. When I tried to tell him about what I did, I broke. I couldn’t tell him. I couldn’t let him know that my parents are dead because of me. I can’t tell anyone that I killed those I care about. Nobody needs to know. It’s my fault. It’s my fault. I don’t deserve help. I don’t deserve their kindness. I’m a monster. I’m a demon. I can’t. Nobody can know. This is my burden to bear, and mine alone. Anyways, after my breakdown, Mr. Night Light offered to let me stay at his house until all this was sorted out. I accepted, and went to his house, where I met his family. They were nice, and they have a filly about my age, but I wasn’t able to get her name. She seemed a bit shy, but I’m sure we’ll be friends soon! Anyways, I got to go, I’m getting tired. -Emerald Breeze Date: 11/2/2022 Time: 0300 Location: Sparkle Family House, Sun Side, Canterlot, Equestria When Emerald Breeze awoke, she was startled by the unfamiliar surroundings. She was in a pink bed in a pretty bare room. The room had purple walls, a small bookshelf on the wall with the door, a small, wooden bedside table, and a wooden wardrobe opposite the foot of the bed. Emerald began to panic, scared and wondering where she was. She didn’t know who’s house she was in, but she knew it wasn’t hers. She couldn’t remember what happened at first. Then, her memory came flooding back. She remembered having leftover shrimp alfredo yesterday morning. She remembered her parents teasing her. She remembered hearing the rumors of a Pegasus with Unicorn magic. She remembered walking home from school. Emerald started to cry at the next memories. She remembered her parents in their room, trying to heal a wounded Shadow Facade. At this point, Emerald started sobbing, begging for the memories to stop, but they didn’t. She remembered her outrage. She remembered summoning her Chaos Sabers. She remembered killing her mother and father. She remembered holding Shadow. She remembered Shadow fading away. She remembered calling for help. She remembered a police officer coming. She remembered him comforting her, as she repeated that it was her fault. She remembered him taking her to the police station, and telling her his name. The memories stopped, leaving Emerald curled up in the bed, sobbing at the loss of her parents. As such, she was surprised when she heard a voice. “Are you okay?” The voice asked, “I heard you crying, and wanted to check on you.” Emerald slowly uncurled herself, looking to the side of the bed. There, she saw another Unicorn, a bit smaller than her, with lavender fur, a bluish-purple, mid-barrel-length mane with two stripes, one pink and one purple, to the left of where her horn poked out. She had bright purple eyes, which were looking at Emerald curiously. “Y-yeah.” Emerald replied to the filly’s question, “Just had some bad memories pop up.” “Oh.” The filly stated, “Do you want to talk about it?” “Not right now.” Emerald responded, a few tears falling from her eyes, “I just want the memories to go away.” “I...” The filly stumbled, before starting again, “I may not be able to get rid of the memories, but I can at least help you through this.” “What do you mean?” Emerald inquired, her head tilting to the side in confusion. “I mean this.” The filly stated, before crawling into the bed with Emerald, snuggling up to her, “If I can’t get rid of these memories for you, I can be right here for you.” “I... I don’t deserve this.” Emerald whimpered, pulling away from the filly, who looked at her with saddened eyes, “I’m a monster. I’ve done terrible things.” “Even if you have, I think you should get a second chance.” The filly murmured in response, “Besides, if what you did was irredeemable, Dad wouldn’t have brought you home.” “But-” Emerald started, but was cut off by the filly, who snuggled up to her again. “No buts. Just let me help you.” She stated, “I want to help you through the pain you’re feeling.” “...okay.” Emerald replied, pulling the filly closer, and snuggling with her, “What’s your name, though?” “I’m Twilight Sparkle.” The filly responded, “What about you?” “Emerald Breeze.” Was all Emerald stated, starting to fall asleep again. “Nice to meet you, Emerald.” Twilight responded, content, “I promise we’ll be best friends.” > 4: Care > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 11/2/2022 Time: 0700 Location: Sparkle Family House, Sun Side, Canterlot, Equestria. ~Twilight Velvet’s POV~ “Twilight!” Twilight Velvet called out, looking for her daughter, “Where are you?” When Velvet had awoke, she had gone to wake her daughter so she wouldn’t sleep in too long. When she had reached her daughter’s room, however, her daughter was nowhere to be found. She had checked the entire house, including the kitchen, the family library, and even Shining Armor’s room, but to no avail. The only room left unchecked was the guest room, but Twilight Velvet didn’t want to disturb Emerald, since the poor filly had already been through a lot in the past day. However, she didn’t have much of a choice, so she gently opened the door with her magic. Upon opening the door, Velvet crept into the room so as not to disturb Emerald. What she saw when she walked in, though, surprised her. There, cuddled up to Emerald, was Twilight Sparkle. A ball of mage light floated above them, and a magic field surrounded the area around the two, emitting a soothing aura. Twilight Velvet smiled to herself, guessing what had happened overnight, and then left, closing the door behind her. Time: 0800 ~Emerald Breeze’s POV~ As Emerald Breeze woke up, she felt a warm body snuggled up to her. Looking down, she saw a lavender-furred filly with a bluish-purple mane that had two stripes, one purple, the other pink, to the left of her horn. The filly’s eyes were closed, but she had a smile on her face. Emerald began wondering what happened, before remembering the events of the night, and smiled. ‘Twilight Sparkle, huh?’ Emerald thought, ‘She seems nice. Maybe we could be... friends?’ As Emerald continued to stew in her thoughts, she felt a bit of movement from the filly curled up to her, who opened her purple eyes and looked up at Emerald. “How are you doing, Emerald?” Twilight asked, nuzzling Emerald’s chest, “Are you feeling better now?” “Yeah, I am.” Emerald replied, nuzzling the top of Twilight’s head, “Thanks for last night. It really helped.” “You’re welcome!” Twilight exclaimed, “You were in my house, and you were in distress, so I wanted to help you.” “Well, I think you succeeded!” Emerald responded, a smile on her face, “Anyways, though, I think we should get up and get ready for school.” “You’re right,” Twilight stated, before snuggling closer to Emerald, “But I’m really comfortable right here.” “I know,” Emerald replied, “But I’d rather not get on the bad side of my teacher.” “Fine.” Twilight pouted, before lighting her horn and dispelling the calming spell. The two got out of the bed, and then went to the kitchen, where they saw Twilight Velvet sitting there. “Hey, you two.” She inquired, “How did you sleep?” “Good!” Emerald and Twilight replied at the same time. “I should hope so,” Velvet stated, “After all, it’s not very often that Twilight shows that kind of affection to others outside of the family.” “What do you mean?” Emerald questioned. “Twilight doesn’t have many friends,” Mrs. Sparkle responded, “She’s devoted herself to her studies most of the time. And what few friends she has, she doesn’t show that kind of affection to. She not only cuddled with you, something she doesn’t do that much, but she even used her magic to create a calming spell.” “Oh.” Emerald murmured, dumbfounded, “Why did you do that, Twilight?” “Because,” Twilight replied, “When you arrived here with Dad, I could see the pain, the hate, in your eyes. However, the hate wasn’t directed at anyone, other than yourself.” “I could tell you had been through a lot,” Twilight continued, nuzzling Emerald, “So I wanted to help you through the pain.” “I...” Emerald trailed off, her eyes darkening, “I don’t deserve this. I did something terrible. I don’t deserve to be happy.” “But you do!” Twilight exclaimed, “If you feel bad for what happened, then you’re not a terrible pony!” “She’s right.” Velvet interjected, “I don’t know all the details of what happened, only bits and pieces of what Night Light told me, but I know you’re not irredeemable. You didn’t mean for what happened to happen, but you still take the blame. That shows that you want to be Just, but at the same time, are Kind enough to not blame others.” “However,” Mrs. Sparkle continued, “If you didn’t want to do what you did, then you are not to blame. The only pony that seems to be worthy of blame is whoever injured Shadow Facade to the point they did. If you continue to blame yourself for that, you will just be lead down a path of self-destruction until nothing is left of you.” “Please, Emerald,” Twilight begged, tears in her eyes, “Just let us help you. We want you here. We care for you. I care for you. Please, I don’t want you to be hurting like you are. I want you to be happy.” “I...” Emerald replied, “I guess I’ll try. It’s going to be difficult, though.” “I understand that.” Twilight stated, “But I’ll be here for you the entire time. I’ll help you with this, no matter what.” “Thanks.” Emerald replied, nuzzling Twilight back, “Is... Is it alright if I call you Sis? It’s fine if it’s not, you just seem like you care for me like a sister.” “Yeah, that’s completely fine!” Twilight responded, “I’ve always wanted a sister, so we can be sisters!” “I’m glad!” Emerald stated, before Twilight Velvet cut in. “Now that that’s settled, I have a couple things to tell you two.” She stated, “First, Celestia herself has granted you two a break from the School of Gifted Unicorns for the day, due to the extenuating circumstances of Emerald’s situation. Second, Twilight’s (admittedly small) group of friends wants to meet Emerald.” “I’m fine with meeting Twilight’s friends.” Emerald replied, “Just... not today. I still have a lot of emotions to work through. That’s fine, right?” “It’s fine, sis!” Twilight responded, “I’d rather you to have stable emotions when meeting them, so just take the day, deal with your emotions, and you can meet my friends tomorrow, alright?” “Okay.” Emerald answered, before heading back to the guest room, where she opened her journal and began to write. > 5: Dance of Illusions Part 1 - Trixie Lulamoon > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Journal Entry 79: After yesterday, Twilight has decided to introduce me to her friend group today. I can’t wait! But... at the same time, I don’t want to mess up and ruin her friendships. She’s decided to start sleeping in my room with me, so that she can help comfort me if I wake up in the night again. It’s nice to have somebody care for me, despite what I’ve done. So, I’ll put aside my doubts and meet Twilight’s friends. I’ll write again soon. -Emerald Breeze Date: 11/3/2022 Time: 0700 Location: Sparkle Family House, Sun Side, Canterlot, Equestria. Emerald’s eyes fluttered open, desperately fighting against the rays of sunlight peeking in through the window, and she instinctively curled closer to the source of warmth next to her. “Sis,” Twilight murmured, nudging Emerald, “We need to get up, or we’ll miss school.” “You’re right.” Emerald replied, blinking the sleepiness from her eyes, “Besides, I need to meet your friends today, right?” “Yep!” Twilight responded, a smile on her face, “Now get up, or else we’ll miss breakfast!” “Fine.” Emerald groaned, before the two got out of the bed, “You wouldn’t happen to have some form of meat though, would you?” “Why would we have meat?” Twilight inquired, a confused look on her face, “We’re Unicorns, so we can’t eat much of it, so it wouldn’t make sense for us to have it.” “Oh...” Emerald replied, her face falling, and her eyes tearing up a little, “Well... my mom was a Pegasus, so we had a lot of meat at home.” “I...” Twilight trailed off, “I didn’t mean to bring back any bad memories. We don’t have any meat here, sorry.” “It’s fine, I’ll just have the leftovers from dinner last night.” Emerald responded. “Uhhh...” Twilight started, confusion clear on her face, “Don’t you eat stuff like cereal? Or bacon? Or any breakfast food?” “I eat muffins, hashbrowns, and breakfast burritos, but other than that, I don’t eat ‘breakfast foods’.” Emerald answered. “O-oh.” Twilight stammered, at a loss for words, “Alright then.” “Come on, then!” Emerald exclaimed, “I’m hungry!” “Okay, okay!” Twilight retorted, as they headed for the kitchen, where they ate, before getting ready for school and heading to school. Time: 1200 Location: Celestia’s School for Gifted Unicorns, Sun Side, Canterlot, Equestria Emerald Breeze was ready for lunch, as she really wanted to meet her new sister’s friends, and was eagerly waiting for the bell to ring. As soon as the bell sounded, she immediately gathered her things, focused her magic, and then teleported to the lunch room, where she sat at a table, and waited for Twilight to arrive. After a while, she noticed Twilight walk in with another Unicorn filly walking next to her. The filly had light blue fur, purple eyes, and a white-blue main with slightly darker stripes that reached her chest and curled at the end. On her back was a purple cape with stars of various colors, shapes, and sizes patterned on it. Emerald called out to Twilight, and she, along with her friend, trotted over to Emerald’s table. “Hey, Twilight!” Emerald exclaimed. “Hey, Emerald!” Twilight responded in kind, before gesturing to the filly next to her, “This is one of my friends, Trixie! Moon Dancer and Starlight unfortunately couldn’t make it, as they had other things they had to do, but you’ll meet them later.” “Alright, that’s fine.” Emerald replied, before turning to Trixie, “It’s nice to meet you, Trixie! I’m Emerald Breeze!” “The Great and Powerful Trixie is pleased to make your acquaintance.” Trixie stated, “Trixie has heard a lot about you from her great friend, Twilight Sparkle.” “Do...” Emerald trailed off, confused, “Do you always speak in third-pony?” “She doesn’t.” Twilight reassured her, “She only does it in public, so that she can keep up her façade of being an overconfident showmare.” “Ah.” Emerald replied, “Well, what shows do you specialize in, then?” “Trixie specializes in magic shows!” Trixie replied excitedly, before leaning over and whispering into Emerald’s ear, “Specifically, illusions created with magic. It’s what Trixie got her Cutie Mark in, after all!” “You have your Cutie Mark?” Emerald inquired, surprised, “That’s really cool!” “I have my Cutie Mark too, you know!” Twilight exclaimed, pouting, “I can’t believe you never noticed!” “Oh, yeah...” Emerald responded, blushing a bit, “I noticed, but never actually asked what it meant.” “I honestly don’t know what it means,” Twilight confessed, “Just that it appeared after my giant magic surge that hatched the dragon egg at the entrance exam.” “You hatched it?” Emerald asked, “Wow, that’s cool! Where’s the dragon, though?” “He’s with Princess Celestia right now, as she wanted to keep him for now.” Twilight responded, “But at least I get to see him during my lessons with her.” “You...” Emerald trailed off, stunned, “You’re Princess Celestia’s personal student?!” “Oh, you didn’t know?” Twilight questioned, “I meant to tell you, but I guess I forgot.” “Is...” Emerald stuttered, “Is there anything else surprising I need to know?” “Not that I can think of right now.” Twilight responded. “O-okay.” Emerald replied, shocked, “A-anyways, what kinds of illusions do you do, Trixie?” “Just simple ones for now, like smoke, projections, and slight physical changes, such as mane color.” Trixie answered, “In fact, this cape is actually just a lasting projection I created, so that it can’t get damaged.” “Dang.” Emerald stated, “That’s still pretty powerful. All I’m good at is my limited SOUL Magic and Dark Magic.” “Y-you can use Dark Magic?” Trixie stammered, fear entering her voice. “Oh, crap.” Emerald muttered, “Uh... yeah, I can. I promise I won’t hurt you? Look, I’ve been practicing it with my dad since I was able to cast, so I can control it better than most.” “If...” Trixie trailed off, doubt present in her voice, “If you’re sure, then I’ll give you a chance.” “Okay, thanks.” Emerald replied, grateful, “It’s rare for ponies to give others second chances, especially if they’re different from most.” “Anyways,” Trixie continued, “What’s that ‘SOUL Magic’ you were talking about?” “Yeah,” Twilight stated, “I’ve never heard about it, and I’ve studied every book on magic I could find.” “It’s a kind of ancient, forgotten magic used by the ancient ponies.” Emerald replied, “It used to be extremely common, but has since been lost to the sands of time, with only a few families still remembering its existence, and even fewer actually still practicing said magic.” “But how does it work?” Twilight and Trixie asked simultaneously. “How about I show you after school, alright?” Emerald responded, “It’s can get a bit complicated, and might take a bit of time.” “Sure!” Trixie answered, excited. “Besides, you should be able to meet Moon Dancer, then!” Twilight stated, mirroring Trixie’s excitement. “Alright, let’s head back to our classes, then!” Emerald exclaimed, “I think the bell’s going to ring soon, anyway.” After that, the three Unicorn fillies packed up their lunch bags, and then split up to go to class.