> The Prince of the Cursed Kingdom
>  by Rakoon1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue - The Dark Curse
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Falancia has been for a long time the heart of all the Enchanted Forest, having influence over all the other kingdoms, something that has been happening for a long time. Soon after the Divine Tree lost its heart and became the Ten-Tails, only to be defeated and sealed by the Lord of Order, the King of Tress delivered the heart to the ruler of the kingdom of Falancia, becoming also the head ruler of the Enchanted Forest.

With Falancia now ruling over all the kingdoms of the Enchanted Forest, the war between them had been controlled and contained the best as possible. Despite disputes between kingdoms still existed, the existence of a head ruler was able to prevent those disputes to grow into wars. However, this era of peace came to an end…

A thousand of years ago…

Everything was quiet and peaceful in Falancia… It was then that something happened, something that would change the fate of the kingdom... From the castle where the royal family lived, a grayish black storm cloud with shades of purple and green with green lightning emerged to the sky and started to violently spread and cover the entire kingdom.

At the border, a light appeared from which Bright Night appeared. Observing the dark storm cloud spreading and approaching, she said:

“I think this is far enough.”

With that, she charged her horn with magic and then extended her hoof, which was covered by the same magic. It was then that a barrier started to be formed from the hoof, delimiting itself around the borders of Falancia. To consolidate the barrier and make it strong, Bright Night’s eyes shone with her magical aura. Bright Night was done with the barrier when the thundering cloud arrived. It hit the barrier, but was unable to cross it through. 

After sometime, it dissipated until it disappeared. Falancia, after that, came to get a much darker look, as if something had just taken all the light in the place.

“Good job” a voice said.

Bright Night turned around and saw Time Turner approaching.

“Time Turner?” she asked. “What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be at the Ocean of Time? You know we must not be at the same realm…”

“Relax, Bright Night” Time Turner said. “The General of Destruction has just reincarnated again, not to mention that Scale is still in the solitary of Tartarus, contained by Golden’s chains. Besides, I would not miss this for anything.”

He looked towards Falancia and said:

“It has been a long a time ever since the Dark Curse has been casted. I really hate this curse…”

“Because it’s cruel and leaves a hole in the heart of its caster that they won’t be able to fill?” Bright Night asked.

“No, because it stops the time of the area it affects” Time Turner replied. “The days pass on it but they remain on the same day. Do you know how frustrating it is for a General of Time like me?”

“Wow, Time Turner, it’s good to know where your priorities are” Bright Night commented, sarcastically.

“Very funny…” Time Turner said. “But you wouldn’t understand. After all, you still have access to the realms and realities that are sealed away.”

“Be grateful I was able to contain the curse before it could cross the borders of Falancia, otherwise most, if not all, of the Enchanted Forest would be covered by the Dark Curse” Bright Night. “If that happened, you would have more ground with standing time.”

“Honestly, I don’t know if containing the curse is better than letting the curse cover the Enchanted Forest” Time Turner told. “You know what will happen when the other kingdoms get to know about this, right?”

“You don’t have to remind me…” Bright Night replied. “Without Falancia, all those other kingdoms will start fighting again for the control of the Enchanted Forest. If only Golden Paladin and Heartbeat were here… Those two always knew how to handle war.”

“But they are not here… at least for the next centuries.”

“We could ask Princess Celestia to…”

“Equestria is the main focus of order and light in the Pony World now that both the Light Kingdom and the Crystal Empire are gone” Time Turner said. “I don’t think it’s the best idea for the only available alicorn to put herself in the middle of many kingdoms trying to get to the top of the Enchanted Forest.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right…” Bright Night agreed.

“Besides, we’re not Generals like Golden Paladin and the others” Time Turner replied. “It’s not our job to interfere on the affairs of the other beings, but…”

“Keep the functionality of all Creation, yeah, I know…” Bright Night said. “But can you please tell me if the curse will be broken?”

“That depends…” Time Turner replied. “It depends when does the prince gets to stand up against the tyrant.”

“So… it will take a while” Bright Night said.

“Yes, it will” Time Turner answered. “Another reason for us to return to our jobs and keep things under control until our brothers and sisters of the Light Kingdom are freed from their stone sleep.”

With that being said, Bright Night and Time Turner were involved by their respective lights and then they disappeared, having teleported away to their respective realms.

The Lord of Chaos had been observing that scene through one of his mirrors, while sitting on his throne.

“That General of Portals is really an annoyance…” he said. “If it wasn’t for her, the all Enchanted Forest would have been under the Dark Curse and, by extension, under my influence. It would be the perfect way to then conquer the Pony World now that I only have one alicorn princess on my way. But I have to admit those two have a point. Now that Falancia is out of the picture, the other kingdoms of the Enchanted Forest will fight between themselves for the title of head kingdom of the realm. I can already feel the chaos that will create… I just need to keep the curse on…”

With that, he started doing an evil giggle.
> What Comes Next
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the present…

The four children of Twilight and Blue were riding a carriage towards the Enchanted Forest. It was the beginning of a new school year at the Three Great Fairies Preparatory Academy and so they were heading there. But, out of those four, only three would actually stay there, as Star had already graduated. However, he couldn’t help but go along with his siblings to say goodbye to them and his friends, not to mention that would also be Dusk’s first year at the academy… something he was not very excited about.

“I don’t understand why I need to go to the academy” Dusk said, while crossing his hooves. “I was doing fine with Mirror Coat at the Bright Shore. Not to mention it is located at the middle of a forest. I don’t do well with forest. I’m a pony that loves the sea. At least, at Bright Shore, I was able to surf during the breaks. ”

“Come on, Dusk, you’ll see that the academy will do good to you” Star told. “I know this is going to be a great change for you, bro, but at least try, okay? It’s not just academics you’ll get there, but you’ll also be able to do new friends. I know I did. I wish I could return for one more year…”

“You’ll like the academy, Dusky, all the teachers there are all so nice and considerate” Midnight said. “Well, maybe with the exception of Professor Xenon Alchemy…”

“I personally like him” Sunny said. “He always compliments my work.”

“You mean when he says that your work is the best out of the laughable attempts of experiments of the class?” Midnight asked, with a raised eyebrow.

“Hey, I take any complement I can get from him as being as good as any other” Sunny replied. “Besides, I know deep down he appreciates his students very much.”

“Then he must be really deep, because I can’t hardly see that… like ever” Midnight commented.

That caused Dusk to drop a giggle and Star observed:

“Now that’s a face I want to see.”

“Yeah, yeah, don’t get your hopes too high” Dusk warned.

The carriage soon crossed into the Enchanted Forest and, after some time, they arrived to the academy, where students were starting to gather. The four siblings got out with Dusk, Midnight and Sunny carrying their bags and then Star told to the guards pulling the carriage:

“You may return to the Light Kingdom. I prefer to go back by myself.”

The guards nodded to their prince and then moved away. A few moments later, the three fairy headmistresses arrived, descending before them.

“Well, but look at this, the royal siblings of the Light Kingdom” Knotgrass said. “We’re so glad to have you back here.”

“I hope you’re ready for another year full of new things to learn” Thistlewit added.

“Yes, we are!” Midnight and Sunny replied with enthusiasm.

“And I see we got a new student” Merriweather said, while approaching Dusk. “It’s an honor to have you attending our academy, Prince Dusk.”

“Ah… thanks, I guess…” Dusk said. “However, I don’t know if this school is a match for me. I am a pony of the sea.”

“No need for worry, Prince Dusk Storm, we also have many students from coastal lands” Thistlewit said. “You will see that in no time you are going to feel at home.”

“Sure, a home where I have to attend classes and do homework” Dusk replied, addressing sarcastically to his older brother. “It’s not like I had that back at my real home.”

“Very funny, little brother” Star said, turning then to the three fairies. “I’m sorry, headmistresses, my brother… well, he has a strong personality.”

“It’s all right, Prince Star Knight” Knotgrass replied. “We do have a lot of students like that as well.”

“Hey, I see Silver Wind!” Sunny exclaimed. “And she is with Gallus and Gust.”

“Great!” Midnight said. “Let’s go meet them. Dusk, come with us.”

“Fine, I guess…” Dusk said.

“Bye, Star… Headmistresses…” the twin said at the same time, while moving away with Dusk. 

“It’s always so good to see the friendship of the youngsters…” Thistlewit commented, turning then to Star. “But I have to say it’s also quite good to have you here, Prince Star Knight, despite you have just graduated.”

“Well, how could have I not come to bring my brother and sisters and also see my friends?” Star told.

“We have just heard about all the adventures you all had when facing the Pony of Shadows” Merryweather said. “It makes our heart flutter to know that some of our students are already great heroes.”

“Thank you, headmistress, but my friends and I just did what we needed to do” Star said.

“So, out of curiosity, what is it next for the great savior of the world?” Knotgrass asked. “I bet you will continue your studies into the more advanced levels.”

“Well, I…” Star started, finding himself unable to complete it. “Actually, I am not so sure.”

“Don’t worry, we’re certain you’ll sort this out” Knotgrass said, while placing a hoof on Star’s shoulder. “After all, you do have a lot of time, right? Now I think it’s time we get going to join the staff so we can start the ceremony.”

Having said that, she and the other fairies moved away. After they were far enough, Star couldn’t help but to think about what they asked him. In fact he didn’t get much thought about what he would do in the future. He knew someday he would succeed his mother as leader of the Light Kingdom, but it could take years for that to happen. He could keep on advancing on his studies with his mother, the Generals or even Star Swirl now that he was around, all while protecting the Pony Reality from the Lord of Chaos and his villains. However, that didn’t answered what he would do once he would reach adulthood and when world was in peace.

“Can you stop whining about what you will do next?” Kurama asked him in their plane, lied down, wanting to rest. “All that thinking is disturbing my sleep.”

“It’s easy for you say that, Kurama” Star Knight said. “You already know who you are and what you want to do, but me… Until I get to rule the Light Kingdom, I will need to do something… but I don’t know what.”

There was a moment and then Kurama asked, while sitting up:

“If I give you something for you to do now that you’ve graduated, will you please stop whining so I can get some sleep?”

“I may regret this, but yes” Star Knight replied. “What do you have in mind?”

“Why don’t you focus in finding a way to undo this annoying curse?” Kurama asked. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but… I’m tired of being in a cage!”

“You’ve been in a cage for fourteen years already” Star observed.

“Precisely, being the reason why I don’t want to be here any longer” Kurama said. “So hurry up in breaking the curse.”

“As if that’s an easy task to do…” Star said.

There was a pause and then Kurama said, with a much calmer tone:

“Look, what I am about to say is something very mushy and trust me when I say it will be the last time you’ll see me like that in a long time… But I’m not saying this because of being in a cage. This seal won’t hold the curse for long and, once this levee you placed breaks, it will attack your heart like a swarm of upset bees.”

“I know that and I’m doing my best” Star said. “But, with everything that has been going on, I haven’t got time to search for a cure. However, we can’t forget that my parents and the Generals are also looking for a cure. For now, I will just try to take it easy. We still have time, after all.”

It was then that his attention went to Moonlight, Jonagold, Bramble, Gunter and Galena that had just arrived, causing a smile to appear on Star. What better way to take his mind on his problems than being with his friends? And so he went to them.

After the ceremony, Star went with Dusk to the latter’s room.

“Do you really need to come with me? You do know I am not a little foal, right?”

“I just want to make sure my little brother is fine in his new school” Star said. “Trust me, if I could, I would do the same with the twins.”

They arrived at the entrance of Dusk’s room and he opened the door. Inside, there was already a colt, about the same age as Dusk, that was unpacking on one of the sides of the room. He was an earth pony that had a light gambage coat with a light tangeloish gray chest and fetlocks, having a shield with two shades of orange and a horseshoe in the middle and two green hearts siding it as a Cutie Mark. His mane was moderate arctic blue and aquamarine and his eyes were moderate gamboge.

Noticing them, he said:

“Oh, sorry, I already picked a side. I just hope you don’t mind. I don’t like to wait to unpack things.”

“Oh… I don’t mind” Dusk said. “I’m Dusk, Dusk Storm. It’s my first year here.”

“It’s my first year here too” the colt said. “My name it’s Hitch Trailblazer. I’m from Evermist.”

“Evermist, hein?” Star asked. “Well, that explains why you’re just enrolling in the academy.”

Noticing Star, Hitch’s face became quite surprised.

“You… You’re… Prince Star Knight… The great hero of the Great War…” he said.

“Yes, I am” Star said, while scratching the back of his head. “The last time I checked, that was still my name.”

“Oh, I can’t believe this…” he said, advancing to shake Star’s hoof. “It’s a great honor to finally meet you.”

“Thanks” Star said, a little awkward, never getting used to all the admiration many ponies would have for him.

“I’ve heard so much about your accomplishments, how you defeated the Lord of Chaos, how you helped freeing Tambelon…” Hitch said. “And now I heard you defeated the Pony of Shadows as well.”

“You know, I also helped on that” Dusk Storm said, a little annoyed by Hitch being fanboying over Star. “And not just that, but I also freed the Bermikun Triangle.”

“Yeah, sure, but I am more interested in hearing Star, now” Hitched said, dismissingly, causing Dusk to get even more annoyed.

“I just came to accompany my brother to his room” Star said to Hitch. “Sorry, but I have things to do.”

“Oh, of course…” Hitch said, starting to adopt a much calmer demeanor. “Sorry, I bet I went a little overboard…”

“It’s okay, Hitch, I’m already used to that” Star said. “But, even so, I need to go. Nice to meet you. Dusk, have a good school year.”

“Yeah, sure…” Dusk said, still a little uncertain.

Star left the room and soon found himself walking on a path he would usually take until a room, the one he used to share with Bramble. Knocking on the door and opening it, he said:

“May I come in.”

Bramble, who was unpacking, noticing his friend, said:

“Of course you can. This is your room too, after all.”

“Used to be” Star corrected. “I am no longer a student, remember. In no time, you’ll get a new roommate.”

“I don’t think so…” Bramble said. “The headmistresses told me I wouldn’t possibly have a roommate for this year. So, for now, whenever you want to, you can come so we can’t have one of our late talks.”

“That would be nice, but I don’t think it according to the rules of the academy” Star said.

“You can always teleport here and that way no one would know” Bramble told.

Star got surprised by what his deer friend had just said, commenting:

“You’ve really changed… Who knew you would motivate me to break rules. I guess fighting a Dragon King really did have some impact on you.”

“Well, what can I say, you and the others are a great influence” Bramble said.

Bramble then noticed that something was bothering Star.

“What’s wrong? You don’t look like yourself.”

“It’s just…” Star started, while going to sit on the bed that used to be his. “I feel like I’m stuck, you know…”

“Kind of…” Bramble replied, a little confused. “Could you elaborate that?”

The young alicorn prince sighed and then said:

“I’ve focused so much in completing my studies in the academy and save the Pony Reality from the Lord of Chaos that I… didn’t even stop to think about what I should do next in my life.”

“I always thought you would study to become the next ruler of the Light Kingdom” Bramble said.

“That’s what I’ve been doing ever since I was old enough to understand the meaning of that” Star protected. “And I wanted to do more than just rule a kingdom or be the occasional hero. I want to be part of something.”

Bramble came to sit next to his friend and then said:

“I understand what you’re saying. I also have my future as ruler defined, but there’re also many things I want to try before wearing the crown. I also want to become stronger, but training can only get me so far. The truth is I don’t know what to do.”

“Wow… I’m glad I’m not the only one to not know what to do” Star said, now feeling much more relieved after talking to Branch.

“Hey, comforting is what former roommates do” Bramble replied, while getting up. “Besides, we both have a lot of time. And it’s not like we’re going to be called for a special mission that may prevent us from thinking clearly about our future.”

At that moment, flashes caught the two youngsters’ attention. One of the sources was coming from Star’s Cutie Mark, while the second was coming from Branch’s antlers.

“Okay… this is new” Bramble said, while watching his antlers through the mirror.

“Maybe for you…” Star said, watching the flashes on his Cutie Mark and recognizing them perfectly. “But not for me. Bramble, I think we have a new mission.”
> A Mystery and a Secret
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was a beautiful fall morning in the Light Kingdom, with the sun just starting to rise. Despite being too much early for anyone to be awaken, there was already one pony walking around the halls, something he used to do every morning: Golden Paladin. The General of Peace used to do that to make sure the kingdom was safe. 

In fact, he was doing that all the time, not daring to make any unnecessary breaks, especially after Star stopped needing him. However, lately, he had been more attentive than he used to… and all that started after Gleaming Shield had told him about the prophecy Quita Moz had about him. He had told her to tell him he would have an important role in a near event, that a decision of his would change everything and would make him feel he had fulfilled his duty as General of Peace.

That came to worry him a little bit. What event would that be that would cause such big change? And how would he ever feel that he had fulfilled his duty as General of Peace? Could that mean something would happen to him? Or could it be that he would just reach his full potential? All those questions were still echoing in his head, still wondering what Quita Moz’s prophecy meant.

He was so into his thoughts that he passed by Star Knight, who was walking besides Timber, without even noticing.

“Hello, Golden” Star said.

Caught by surprise, Golden Paladin turned around to him, saying:

“Oh, Prince Star Knight, you startled me.”

“I startled you?” Star Knight asked, in disbelief. “Are you okay, Golden?”

“I am, it’s just…” Golden started. “I think I have been working too hard in my patrols.”

“That never seemed to be an issue with you” Star noted.

Wanting to change the subject as fast as he could, Golden Paladin commented:

“Shouldn’t you be getting ready to go to school, young prince? If you don’t worry, you will be late for the reception.”

“I am to go to school, but it’s just to drop off Dusk and the girls” Star replied. “Have you forgotten that I have already graduated.”

“Oh, yeah, because you… advanced a year in you… studies…” Golden said, distracted.

“Okay, you really are not okay… what is worrying, because you almost never get like that…” Star said.

“You don’t need to worry about me, young prince” Golden Paladin told. “Trust me, I’ve been around for a very long time and I can handle my own problems.”

“Are you sure about that?” Star asked, still uncertain.

“Sure… but now I think you should hurry, unless you want your brother and sisters to miss the reception” Golden replied, starting to move away.

“Okay, we can talk… later” the alicorn prince told, as he saw the General of Peace moving away.

“I’ve never seen Golden Paladin that tense before… and that’s saying a lot” Kurama commented to Star.

“Me neither…” he replied. “Whatever is keeping his mind that distracted must not be good…”

“Don’t be so melodramatic, you don’t even know if what’s keeping him distracted is bad or not” Kurama replied.

“To keep someone as focused as Golden like that it must not be good, trust me” Star replied.

“You do know I know him for much longer than you, right?” Kurama asked.

“Yeah, I know that…” Star replied, as he resumed walking, with Timber following him.

Golden Paladin kept on walking. After his brief talk with Star, he realized he would need to stop worrying so much with the prophecy. If Star was able to pick up he was strange, then it was quite possible that the same could happen with others and the last thing he needed was to worry everyone with something that could not even be that dangerous. After all, it was his duty to keep the peace. Taking a deep breath, he tried to put all the worries regarding Quita Moz’s prophecy at the back of his mind for the moment… at least while he came to do his job.

After some time, he was overseeing the training of the guards with Blue, but it would appear that the General of Peace was having a hard time to keep himself completely focused, both mentally and emotionally, as he came to get tougher on the guards, something that Blue came to notice.

“Okay, I know you’re not going to like this, but I need to ask you, Golden” Blue said, as they walked out of the training grounds. “Are you okay?”

“Why do you ask that?” Golden Paladin asked.

“You normally are a lot more patient with the guards during training, but this time…” Blue started.

“My job is to keep the Light Kingdom safe and, to do that, we need to have strong and well-trained guards” Golden Paladin interrupted. “It’s not my fault guards have a tendency to get lazy with lasting peace.”

“Yes, but how can they get in shape if you get them all tired up?” Blue asked. “They are just normal ponies, after all.”

But Golden Paladin just ignored him and hasted his pace, heading towards his room and closing the door.

“But what’s up with him?” Blue asked. “I’ve never seen him like that.”

“That’s because you’ve not been around for the same amount of time as we have” a voice said.

Blue turned around and saw none other than Heartbeat.

“Trust me, it takes a lot to have Golden to act out like this. I think the last time something like this happened was a year before the fall, when he…” she started saying, but then stopping herself from continuing. “It’s not important… What you can be sure about is that I can make him feel better. After all that’s my job, right…”

Having said that, she used her speed to move away quickly.

“Okay, I don’t know if I should be relieved or afraid…” Blue commented. “I think it’s for the best to tell Twilight what’s going on… That way we can be prepared for whatever Heartbeat has planned to help Golden.”

Golden Paladin was passing around his room, with his thoughts traveling at high speed inside his mind. The more he tried to keep it cool, the more he came to think about the prophecy, the more obsessed he got with it. He needed to know more about it. Maybe if he visited Quita Moz personally he would come to know more about the vision he got.

“You look worried” a voice commented. “Can I help you with that?”

Golden Paladin turned and saw Heartbeat.

“How did you…?” he asked, confused of how Heartbeat got inside his room. “I used powerful defensive spells to stop anyone to enter my room without my permission.”

“Seriously?” Heartbeat asked. “You know me for like… ever and you still doubt of my invading skills?”

“What do you want, Heartbeat?” Golden Paladin sighed.

“Just to reassure you that, if you want anypony to talk to, I am your pony” Heartbeat said. “Or maybe to confide any possible secrets you may have…”

That caused Golden Paladin to start laughing, much to Heartbeat’s confusion.

“Thank you, Heartbeat, I really needed that…” Golden Paladin said, while recovering from his laughing.

“I don’t understand what’s so funny” Heartbeat said, with a slightly upset face. “I was not being funny.”

“Really?” Golden Paladin asked. “Sorry, Heartbeat, it’s just… How should I put it…? You’re not exactly the kind of pony that can keep a secret.”

That caused Heartbeat to gasp in her own dramatic way and then replied:

“Take that back, Golden Paladin! Have you forgotten how I kept your crush for Princess Aurora a secret?”

“Sure, you kept it so well that you told the others about it when they started to pressure you” Golden Paladin said.

“Hey, in my defense, Mirror Coat was the one that told me to tell them” Heartbeat replied.

“Right after you practically gave it away” Golden Paladin said.

“How do you…?” Heartbeat said. “Mirror Coat… What a tattletale! Okay, but despite that, I can keep a secret quite well. I mean, I did kept a secret with Mirror Coat for a millennium. I mean, that is mighty impressive for someone you claim that is unable to keep a secret, right?”

What Heartbeat just said really intrigued Golden Paladin who asked her:

“Wait, you and Mirror Coat have a secret? An actual secret? You two?”

Realizing what she has just done, Heartbeat got mortified and said:

“Oh boy… I… need to go… Bye!”

And she hasted to go to the mirror in Golden Paladin, the one he used to access the Mirrored Library, and passed through it.

Even more curious about what that was about, Golden Paladin advanced towards his mirror and crossed into the Mirrored Library. Stealthily, Golden Paladin approached the center of the library, right where the Observer and the Tree of Crisis, seeing Heartbeat with Mirror Coat, with the former looking nervous, while the latter was calmer and writing something on a book.

“I almost told him everything! I can’t believe how bad I am in keeping secrets…” Heartbeat said.

“You always had issues with impulse control, that’s why you can’t hold a secret for long” Mirror Coat replied, while writing.

“Oh, but I’ve kept our secret for a millennium” Heartbeat replied. “What do you have to say about that?”

“Didn’t you spend most of that time petrified?” Mirror Coat asked back. “And then you spent the two decades after that with no memory, right?”

“Oh, shut up!” Heartbeat exclaimed. “It’s easier for you to say that when you spend most of your time in this library organizing books.”

Mirror Coat closed the book he was reading and then let it fly away, while making the quill disappear, and replied:

“Even if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t just spill the beans whenever I was in an impulse.”

“Spill the beans…” Heartbeat said. “What a strange sentence… Why does it has to be beans, why not another thing… Why not corn, for example?”

“You’re missing the point” Mirror Coat told. “You need to be careful, otherwise you may end up telling the wrong thing, just like you did now.”

“Sure, I will try to become as indifferent and boring like you…” Heartbeat ironized. “You know, it’s not that easy to know something like. After all, we’re talking about…”

But before she could say anything else, Mirror Coat hasted to put his hoof on her mouth and said:

“Wait, something is not right…”

Golden Paladin hold his breath. Most probably Mirror Coat had felt his presence in the library, trying to spy on them. He tried to retreat quietly, but when he turned around, he found himself crossing a mirror that led him to appear right next to Mirror Coat and Heartbeat.

“I knew it was you” Mirror Coat said.

“I can’t believe you followed me!” Heartbeat exclaimed. “That’s outrageous!”

“You’re the one to talk, having in consideration you’re the one that acts out behind our backs” Golden Paladin replied. “Besides, you two are the ones that are keeping secrets. And having in consideration the secrecy, it must be a very big one.”

“We’re entitled to have secrets” Mirror Coat said.

“A secret between you two must not be good news” Golden Paladin said. “You two are always the most secretive of us all and I don’t know if that’s good or not.”

There was a pause and then Mirror Coat took a deep breath, before continuing:

“Golden, I have the most respect for you. You are our leader, but just because you lead the Generals of Order, it doesn’t entitle you to meddle in our own responsibilities. We all keep secrets from one another because that’s how we are able to keep this reality and all the others working. Do you expect me to tell you all the secrets of my library? There’s a reason why some of the information here is sealed, because information is dangerous when in the wrong hooves. The same thing goes for Heartbeat… or any of us, including you. You also have secrets, right?”

That question caused Golden to wonder if Mirror Coat knew about Quita Moz’s prophecy about him. That also caused him to think more and conclude that Mirror Coat was partly right about he just said.

“Fine… You can have your little secrets… It’s just… I’ve been so stressed lately and… I started getting…”

“Paranoid?” Mirror Coat asked. “Yeah, we noticed. You always get like that when you start getting too much worried about something wrong happening.”

“I call it golden freak out” Heartbeat said, causing the other two Generals to look at her. “Yeah, I noticed how bad the timing was when I said it…”

“The thing is… you don’t need to get so worried” Mirror Coat said to Golden Paladin. “I mean, it’s not like we’re going to have an emergency at this precise moment…”

“Ah, Mirror Coat…” Heartbeat said, pointing.

They looked to where she was pointing and that was the Tree of Crisis, where one of its orbs was glowing.

“Okay, that’s not exactly the best proof of what I was just saying…” Mirror Coat said, as he, Heartbeat and Golden Paladin approached it.

“It’s in the Enchanted Forest…” Golden Paladin noted. “But where…?”

“We better wait for the ones that were chosen for the task” Mirror Coat told.

“Who are right here” a voice replied.

They looked and saw Star and Bramble approaching.

“We came as soon we got called” the former replied. “So… where’s this new mission?”
> The Cursed Kingdom
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“So, you were the chosen ones for this mission” Mirror Coat observed, looking to Star and Bramble. “Well, but what a curious pair to send… but nevertheless, very logical. Prince Star Knight has experience, wits and power, while Prince Bramble has the knowledge about the Enchanted Forest that can be very useful to this mission. My creation is really something else.”

“You mean your creation and Purple Smoke’s” Heartbeat teased.

“Please, don’t start…” Mirror Coat said.

“What if we focused on what is more important?” Golden Paladin asked. “Like… knowing what this emergency is all about?”

“Yeah, sure…” Mirror Coat replied, a little embarrassed.

Using his magic, the General of Knowledge passed the glow on the Enchanted Forest’s sphere and directed it to the Observer, causing the map of the Enchanted Forest to appear.

“Oh, I can’t wait to know where in the Enchanted Forest is this new mission” Heartbeat said, with an excited voice. “I bet it’s something related to those nasty Mountain Dragons… I hate those guys… Oh, or maybe it’s on the other side of the mountain region, we haven’t had much contact with that area. Or maybe it’s…”

When Mirror Coat went to locate the origin of the signal the Tree of Crisis was giving them, they saw that it came from a big dark area.

“But that’s…” Bramble started, seeing the location the Observer was showing. “That’s the Dark Forest.”

“Falancia…” Mirror Coat said.

After getting to know where Star and Bramble were about to be sent to, Heartbeat’s excitement, turned into frustration.

“What?!” she asked. “Really?! After what just happened, it had to be that place?!”

Noticing the others looking at her, Heartbeat realized she was letting her lack of self-control dominate her. Laughing nervously, she went to say:

“Well, look at the time, I have so much to do… in my room… where I can be alone and not say the wrong thing to the wrong pony…”

With that, she quickly went to the portal that would lead her out of the Mirrored Library.

“That was weird…” Bramble commented.

“It’s Heartbeat, there’s nothing weird about that” Star replied to his friend. “But she really was acting stranger than usual…”

Golden had also noticed that. Could it be that was connecting to whatever secret she and Mirror Coat had? If that was true, then it had to be something related to Falancia. But he knew he couldn’t let that cloud what needed to be done at the moment and so he tried to remain focused.

“I can’t believe we need to go to the Dark Forest” Bramble said. “My father used to tell me a lot of stories about that place… He used to tell me once you get in, you can’t possible get out.”

“Yeah, I heard the same thing about Falancia” Star said. “However, I don’t know much about what really happened there.”

“We also don’t know much” Golden Paladin told. “Falancia fell after the Light Kingdom, so we don’t know much about it… at least most of us don’t. Mirror Coat, you must know something. Your library collects all information, after all.”

“Yes, it does have that information, but I’m afraid it won’t be of any help” Mirror Coat replied, as he made some books appear that had golden chains binding them. “The information had been sealed… by someone with a greater status than me, if you know who I am talking about. But don’t worry, despite I don’t know much about the details, I know exactly what happened to Falancia… especially thanks to someone.”

Mirror Coat charged his horn and then the Observer started showing an image from the past that was none other than…

“Bright Night” Star said.

“That’s the General of Portals you told us about?” Bramble asked.

“Yeah, but… what does she has to do with all this?” Star asked.

“She was the one that isolated Falancia from the rest of the Enchanted Forest” Mirror Coat explained, as the Observer showed Bright Night using her magic to contain Falancia as a dark thundering cloud covered it, preventing it from spreading. “Bright Night prevented the rest of the Enchanted Forest to fall victim of the Dark Curse that doomed Falancia to centuries of despair.”

“Wait, did you say Dark Curse?!” Golden Paladin asked, with a shocked look.

Noticing the look in Golden Paladin’s face, Star and Bramble realized that was a serious thing.

“What kind of curse is that?” Star asked.

“The worst kind” Golden Paladin replied. “The Dark Curse is designed to cover a wide area, imprisoning the ones caught by it in time. It’s like you get to live the same day over and over again, without you even realizing it, despite the fact you see days and nights pass.” 

“Not just that, but the curse also prevents its victims from getting out on their own” Mirror Coat continued. “The curse is also very flexible and can have any other effects. The user can use it to make others forget or adopt new personas.”

“But the worst part is the way this curse needs to be enacted” Golden Paladin continued. “One needs to commit an act so horrible that will leave a hole in their heart that can never be filled.”

“That sounds awful…” Bramble commented.

“What kind of act would be needed?” Star asked.

“I think it’s for the best you don’t get to know” Golden Paladin replied. “Especially because your mission is to free Falancia from this curse.”

“Okay… and how do we do that?” Star asked.

“The Dark Curse is one of the most unbreakable curses there is… only one thing is powerful enough to undo it… true love” Mirror Coat said.

“So… you mean a kiss between those who feel true love for each other?” Bramble asked.

“It’s… a little more complicated than that” Mirror Coat replied. “Yes, a kiss is a more common form of expressing true love, but love… works in mysterious ways. Heartbeat is the very representation of that.”

“I see… well, I guess we’re just have to know a little bit more about the situation in Falancia before figuring the best way to try to free it from the curse” Star said, with Bramble nodding in agreement.

“Don’t you think you’re forgetting about one thing?” Golden Paladin asked.

The two young princes shared a confused look before that question from the General of Peace. Sighing, he asked:

“How do you expect to free a cursed kingdom, if you can’t even get inside of it? Have you forgotten that Bright Night sealed the all kingdom?”

“Oh yeah…” Star and Bramble said.

“Can’t we just ask Bright Night to let us in?” Star asked. “I mean, if she created the barrier, she can create an opening for us.”

“I don’t think that will be possible at the moment” Mirror Coat replied, as he went to organize some books that have just arrived to the library. “While Generals like me or Golden are capable of doing our jobs mostly in any place in Creation, Generals like Bright Night need to be with hooves on deck most of the time.”

Star thought for a moment, but then he said:

“Okay… what about… I locate a weak point in the barrier and then make a small hole… just big enough for me and Bramble to get in and out freely?”

Mirror Coat and Golden Paladin traded looks and then the latter replied:

“What you’re suggesting can be very dangerous. You would need to have absolute control on the magic you would need, not just to break through, but also to not break too much.”

“You would also need to protect that same spot so no one from the Dark Forest would leave… especially the caster of the curse” Mirror Coat added.

“Wow… that does sounds a lot complicated” Bramble commented, turning to Star. “Do you really think you can do all that, Star?”

“With the help of my Element of Sorcery… I think I can” Star replied, while placing his hoof on the one Element of Virtue that was on his scarf. “It doesn’t only boost my magic, but it can also help me control it when I can’t do it normally.”

Golden Paladin approached Mirror Coat and asked him so the two princes, who were talking to each other, wouldn’t listen:

“Are you sure about this? Sending Prince Star Knight to a place we don’t know nothing about its current situation… We don’t even know who casted the curse to begin with. Maybe you should check the tree to make sure it is working right.”

“The tree is working just fine” Mirror Coat replied, a little coldly. “But what’s up with you?! You’re letting your current state of mine dominate you. Normally, you have absolute faith in Prince Star Knight. Have you forgotten that he had already faced so much… like the Lord of Chaos himself?”

“I know that, but…” Golden Paladin started, trying to find words to justify his own caution regarding letting Star Knight infiltrate Falancia. “What if Quita Moz’s prophecy is about the young prince going to Falancia? Maybe I should help him and…”

“Golden, stop with that” Mirror Coat said. “You’re letting one prophecy that you don’t even know when will happen get to you… again. I mean, if you’re so worried about that prophecy, why don’t you go meet Quita Moz?”

“That’s… actually a good idea” Golden Paladin said, with a thinking look.

“Wow, you made it look like it’s a first for me” Mirror Coat replied sarcastically, rolling his eyes.

“Sorry, it’s that… I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before” Golden Paladin told. “But… I don’t know if I should just leave my post just to go to Serenity Valley.”

“Golden, we live in a kingdom that prevents any evil from crossing its borders, other Generals besides you living in it, including one that can blast a pony just by getting angry, not to mention that Princess Twilight can handle things quite nicely. I think we can survive without you for a few hours.”

“I know, but the princes…” Golden Paladin insisted.

“They will be fine” Mirror Coat said. “It’s not like they are defenseless. Besides, you going with them will make it harder to infiltrate Falancia unnoticed. Whoever casted the Dark Curse must be powerful enough to sense whoever gets in their domain. It will be already hard for them to do it, with Prince Star Knight being a jinchuriki to Kurama, but add the leader of the Generals of Order… It’s like showing a big and bright sign saying you’re there.”

The General of Peace sighed and then came to agree with Mirror Coat. Turning then to Star and Bramble, he approached them and then said:

“Okay, young princes, I hope you’re ready for this. You’re going to be on your own while you’re in Falancia.”

“Don’t worry, Golden, we’ll do our best in this mission” Star said.

“Yeah… despite I am a little nervous about it… I’ll make sure to not disappoint anyone” Bramble said.

“And I am sure you won’t, Prince Bramble” Golden Paladin answered. “Now, just go back and save a cursed kingdom.”

They nodded and, while Bramble started heading to the mirror that would take them back to the academy, Star headed towards Golden and asked him:

“Golden, I’m sorry, but… I need to ask. Are you okay? You still seem a little… off.”

“I just… have somethings in my mind that I need to take care of” Golden replied. “But it’s nothing serious. Nothing it’s worth to worry about.”

“I hope you’re right, because… You’re my mentor and you’ve done so much for me” Star said. “If you need anything… you can count on me.”

“Thank you, young prince, I’ll have that in mind” Golden replied. “Now, you better go.”

Star then turned around and followed Bramble back to the academy. After they were gone, Golden turned to Mirror Coat and asked him:

“Tell Prince Blue Sword to hold the fort, while…”

“Considered done” Mirror Coat replied.

And so Golden Paladin headed towards the exit of the Mirrored Library and pass through it. After he was gone, Mirror Coat said:

“He’s gone. You can come out now.”

After he said that, Heartbeat appeared beside him.

“You knew I was never…” she started.

“You’re always forgetting I know everything that happens in this library” Mirror Coat told. “By the way, you still didn’t return the book you took last month.”

But Heartbeat didn’t reply to that, what Mirror Coat found odd, but he could notice she was very nervous about the all Falancia situation.

“You know, there’s no reason to freak out” he told Heartbeat.

“No reason to freak out?” she asked. “Star and Bramble are about to enter Falancia. You know what that means, right?”

“Just because they are going there, it doesn’t mean they are going to find out the truth” Mirror Coat said.

“Sure, you say that now, but when you least expect it, they are meeting him, notice how much he resembles… you know who… Next time we know, they are discovering everything and our secret is... GOING TO BECOME LESS OF A SECRET!”

All that nervousness of Heartbeat caused her to lose control of her magic, causing many books to just be cast out of their respective shelves.

“Can you please calm down?” Mirror Coat asked, as he made the books return to their places. “If you keep going like this, for sure they will find out about everything.”

“I can’t help it” Heartbeat said. “It’s stronger than me. You know I feel my emotions in a more intense degree than any other creature.”

“Really, now?” Mirror Coat ironized. “And here I thought that random things exploding or be thrown around was a normal thing with you. Look, why don’t you go to your room and stay there until you calm yourself? You can play with your toys, eat some of your treats…”

“Fine… I’ll do just that… But mark my words, Mirror Coat. Our secret won’t last for long, no matter how much you use your logic to prove otherwise.”

With those words, Heartbeat got out of the library. After she left, Mirror Coat turned to the Observer, making it project an image of Falancia, which also included its castle.

“You may be right, sister… Secrets do have a tendency to be ephemeral… including ours…” he said.
> Infiltrating the Dark Forest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Star and Bramble returned to their room at the academy, with the latter starting to pace a little nervously.

“Wow… to think I am about to go to the Dark Forest…” he said, trembling a bit. “A few years back, I wouldn’t even consider the thought of going there…”

“Bramble, are you okay?” Star asked, while sitting on his bed. 

“I’m fine… totally fine!” Bramble said, doing his nervous laugh. “Why do you ask?”

“You seem a little bit off… not to mention you have electricity going through your antlers” Star commented, as he saw Bramble’s light nature starting to activate.

“Don’t worry, Star, like I said: I’m totally fine!” Bramble exclaimed, while forcing a smile.

At that moment, he released lightning bolt that was quickly caught by Star’s magic and absorbed by it.

“Clearly…” the young alicorn prince said. “Bramble, relax… I know that it may be a little bit scary to go to a cursed kingdom…”

“Especially one that can trap you in time and possibly even forget who you are and that is possibly ruled by the most vile and tyrannical ruler ever!” Bramble exclaimed, with his antlers starting to be charged again with electricity.

Rolling his eyes, Star summoned a barrier around Bramble to keep his lightning inside, while also summoning a paper bag to him that he used to hyperventilate. After he was done, now looking calmer, Star undid the barrier and asked:

“Better?”

“A little, yeah…” Bramble replied, as he put the paper bag away.

“Look, I know this may seem a very tough job to do… and maybe it is” Star said.

“Is that supposed to make me feel better?” Bramble asked, sarcastically.

“But… I know we can do this and help the Enchanted Forest get rid of the big stain of darkness contaminating it” Star told. “Don’t forget I already have some experience with this. Have you already forgotten about Tambelon?”

“Oh, yeah… I remember that…” Bramble said, making then a slight smile. “Maybe we can really do this… But how?”

“Well, for starters, like we talked about in the Mirrored Library, we will need to enter Falancia and figure out what is happening there” Star said. “First we scout, so that we can know what is happening, and then solve it.”

“Okay… that is a good plan” Bramble said, with more confidence. “So… when will we do this?”

“As soon as possible” Star said, looking through the window. “Bright Night’s barrier may be able to contain the curse… but the ponies living there have been suffering for centuries now. We cannot let them be suffering for much longer.”

Hearing Star talking about his desire to help the ponies that inhabited Falancia made Bramble realize what was really at stake. He needed to overcome his fears and get the confidence that he needed to help him. After all, the Tree of Crisis chose him because he was suited for the job.

“You’re right” the young deer prince said. “And you can count on me… a hundred percent.”

With his friend expressing his desire to help, Star smiled and replied:

“I know you will, buddy. Why don’t you rest for now? I will try to gather information and try to work on the spell that we will need to break through the barrier.”

Bramble nodded with his head and then Star teleported away. He then appeared back on the Light Kingdom, at the library, using his magic to search for books about Falancia. Probably he could get more information about it at the Mirrored Library, but the information that he needed would probably be sealed away, having in consideration they were related to how the kingdom was cursed, so he would need to rely on the information he had outside of it. Not just that, but he also needed to find a spell that could work on Bright Night’s barrier without shattering completely.

Meanwhile, as the sun was setting, jaquins were coming to Chief Zephyr who was standing, seating, at the center of the cave where the entrance to their realm was located. Skylar and Vestia landed before him who asked:

“I assume everything is quiet from your part, right?”

“Yes, chief, no sign of intruders” Vestia reported.

“What is too bad, because I would love to have a little fun” Skylar said. “Ever since Gleaming Shield left, things have been too much boring.”

“You should be glad that is the case, Skylar” Zephyr told. “That can only mean that we are at peace and we should cherish that.”

“He is just upset because he doesn’t see Gleaming Shield for quite a while” Vestia teased her little brother with a smile. “I bet he would not say that if she was around.”

“Vestia…!” Skylar exclaimed, while blushing. “That is not true!”

“Oh, come on, there is not a day you pass without even talking about her” Vestia replied, amused.

“That’s… that’s because she helped us…” Skylar told, still blushing.

“Sure, sure…” his sister said, still teasing her younger brother.

“Oh, shut up!” Skylar replied, turning his look away.

That caused Chief Zephyr to chuckle, but then he felt something approaching.

“Vestia… Skylar… be ready…” he said to them. “We’re not alone.”

The two young jaquins looked confused, but then an immense blinding yellow light appeared before them. Vestia and Skylar could barely keep their eyes open and retreated to side with Zephyr.

“What is this…?” Vestia asked.

“I don’t know…” Skylar replied.

Despite the initial confusion of the origin of the light, Zephyr soon realized what it was.

“Don’t worry, children, this is not an enemy” he told.

The light dissipated and Golden Paladin appeared. Seeing him, Zephyr made a slight bow, saying:

“It’s an honor to be at the presence of the General of Peace.”

“You must be the jaquin that leads the guards of the portal to Serenity Valley” Golden Paladin said. “Chief Zephyr… Princess Gleaming Shield has told me about you.”

“Gleaming Shield…” Skylar said.

“Hush, Skylar” Vestia told. “I don’t think we should interrupt him…”

“Indeed, I am Chief Zephyr” the old jaquin replied. “Can I ask what brings you here, Your Honor?”

“I have business to attend to in Serenity Valley” Golden Paladin replied. “May I ask you to please open the portal for me?”

“Of course, General” Zephyr said, as he went to the engraved stone paw that allowed the jaquins to open the portal to their realm.

It was then that Golden Paladin took notice of the two young jaquins present there and his attention went to Skylar, who got a little intimidated.

“You… You must be… Skylar, right?” he asked. “Princess Gleaming Shield talked a lot about you, so you’re quite easy to recognize.”

“She did…?” Skylar started to ask, with a little smile appearing on him, regaining composure when he noticed his sister giving him a teasing look. “I mean… yeah, I’m Skylar.”

“I heard that you helped her locate Quita Moz” Golden Paladin said. “Would you guide me to his nest?”

“Ah… sure…” Skylar replied.

“I hope you don’t mind, Chief Zephyr” Golden Paladin said.

“Of course not” Zephyr replied, as he placed his paw on the stone paw and activated the portal. “But I have to say King Blackavar would like to have a visit from you.”

“Unfortunately, that needs to wait” Golden Paladin replied. “But I’ll make sure I visit him after what I have to do.”

“Very well…” Chief Zephyr nodded.

And so Golden Paladin headed towards the portal and crossed it. Despite a little nervous, Skylar went to following, with the portal closing behind them.

At the library of the Light Castle, Star had gathered many books, many regarding the Enchanted Forest as it was before the Dark Curse of Falancia and others that could contain spells to break containment barriers. Despite he managed to get some useful information about the former, he was having trouble in getting information about the latter. 

He was so focused on his task that he even forgot to go dinner. Fortunately, somepony would not let him go without eating.

“It looks like someone is in need of a little snack” Twilight said, as she appeared beside her son with her magic bringing a plate with a pair of sandwiches.

“Oh, thanks, mom!” Star exclaimed, as Twilight placed down the plate and he took a sandwich. “I can’t believe I forgot dinner. Sorry if I left you and dad hanging.”

“It’s okay, I know you are busy” Twilight replied. “I heard about your mission with Bramble. I presume this research if for that.”

“Yeah…” Star replied. “I’m trying to get to know as much as I can about Falancia and how to get in. I gathered some information of the place, but not so much about how to pass through that barrier…”

Despite knowing her son would prefer to figure this out on his own, Twilight couldn’t help but giving him an advice that she knew he would be able to pick up.

“You know… Bright Night is the General of Portals. Her magic is connected to the space between realms and share the same nature.”

Star was eating a sandwich, while thinking about how to cross the barrier. When he heard what his mother had just said, an idea came to mind. Why didn’t he think of that?

“Thanks, mom, that was a great tip!” Star exclaimed, while he put down the sandwich and took flight to get more books.

That caused Twilight to smile and then she moved away, letting her son to carry out his mission.

In Serenity Valley, with the night already occupying most of the sky, Skylar guided Golden Paladin to the place where Quita Moz’s nest was located. Watching the island, Golden Paladin asked:

“So… that’s the place?”

“Yeah, it is” Skylar replied. “The entrance is concealed by magic. If you want, I can…”

“Don’t worry about it” Golden Paladin replied, with a small smile. “I can detect the entrance. Thank you very much, Skylar. You can go now.”

“Don’t you want me to accompany you?” Skylar asked. “I mean… at least to open the portal to you on your way back.”

“That won’t be necessary” Golden Paladin replied. “After I am done with my meeting with Quita Moz, I do plan to visit your father, King Blackavar. It would be rather rude of me to come to Serenity Valley without visiting its ruler.”

“Okay… if you say so…” Skylar said, preparing to take flight and move away. “Oh, if we don’t meet again… can you tell Gleaming Shield I said hi?”

Golden Paladin nodded with his head and Skylar took off. After the young jaquin was gone, Golden Paladin started heading towards Quita Moz’s island. Getting there, he located the entrance to the tunnel that was connected to the nest and soon reached it. However, the nest was empty. The General of Peace looked around, while trying to sense any presence of the oracle.

It was then that a serpentine shadowed figure started to appear behind Golden Paladin who then proceeded to say:

“You do realize I can sense you, right… Quita Moz?”

The figure moved quickly to in front of the General, revealing to be Quita Moz, who said, while going behind his fire pit:

“Oh… and here was I thinking I could get a good scare out of you, Golden.”

“Have you ever lived with Heartbeat?” he asked. “Trust me, you get immunity to that sort of things.”

“So… what brings the ever busy General of Peace to my humble nest?” Quita Moz asked, while supporting his chin with his tail.

“You know very well why I am here” Golden Paladin replied. “Princess Gleaming Shield has told me about your vision of me. I want to hear it directly from you, so I can better understand it.”

Quita Moz made a thinking look, replied:

“Yeah, that makes sense… I kind of suspected that you would come here…”

Looking to his pit, Golden Paladin commented, unamused:

“You mean you saw it on your fire…”

“Don’t worry your little pony head, because I can help you on that matter” Quita Moz told.

“Great!” Golden Paladin exclaimed.

“Tomorrow…” Quita Moz added.

“Good, so now you can…” Golden Paladin started, before realizing what the quetzalcoatl had just said. “What?! Tomorrow?!”

“I don’t know if you have noticed, but it’s nightfall” Quita Moz said, while using his magic to show the sky outside. “You know what that means: it’s sleeping time!”

“You’re kidding, right?” Golden Paladin inquired with a raised eyebrow.

“What, do you think these scales and feathers look this good without a good night sleep?” Quita Moz asked, while passing his tail by his mane of feathers. “Don’t worry, once the sun rises, I will be glad to answer your doubts.”

“Quita Moz, I don’t know if you know the urgency of…” Golden Paladin started, before being pulled away by Quita Moz towards the exit.

“Tomorrow…” Quita Moz insisted, as he placed Golden Paladin outside his nest. “You know, not everyone can stay awake as much as they want like you. Give this old oracle a rest.”

Having said that, he blocked the entrance to his nest, causing Golden Paladin to sigh and then sit down, waiting for the next day.

The sun was starting to rise in the Enchanted Forest and Star and Bramble were ready to infiltrate Falancia. After leaving a clone of Bramble so to not take too much suspicion, the two princes went towards the border of Falancia, both using hooded cloaks. As they approached it, Star noticed how the trees around them started to become darker in color. 

Interestingly, Star never went to that side of the Enchanted Forest, but got surprised when Bramble also told him he had never gone there either. Even if Falancia was avoided by every inhabitant of the realm, there were many other kingdom: some big, other small… some well-known, others whose name were not even heard off… According to Bramble, because Falancia was the biggest kingdom of the Enchanted Forest, occupying a big part of it, after it was sealed away, it got hard for the kingdoms located at the mountain region and around it (like Thicket, Aeropolis, Stonult and Evermist) to interact with the kingdoms located beyond Falancia, even if there was other paths connecting them.

Finally, they arrived at their destination. Stopping, Bramble said:

“According to the information we got from scouts, this is where we cannot cross. Every attempt resulted in the scouts returning to where they started.”

“Bright Night is able to distort space” Star said, while he carefully advanced. “That’s why no scout was able to advance more than a little distance after the border.”

He then stopped as he noticed that the Element of Sorcery was glowing, reacting to the magic of the barrier.

“The barrier is right here…” Star said, while charging his horn and channeling its magic to his hoof. “I can feel it… It’s just like my mother told me… Bright Night’s magic is the same as the one that separates realms. It’s the exact same feeling as when we cross the border between Pony World and the Enchanted Forest.”

“So… how do we cross it?” Bramble asked. “Besides the Pony World and the Enchanted Forest, it’s rather tricky to travel between realms.”

“Yeah, traveling between realms is tricky… but there is one pony that has a great deal of easiness in doing that besides Bright Night: Heartbeat” Star said. “She can even travel to sealed realms. Thanks to her swift nature, she can vibrate herself through any spatial barrier, even those that seal realms. I may not have a swift nature like her, but it’s not the swift nature that truly allows her to travel between realms, but vibration. If I use the right spell to vibrate my magic just enough… I may be able to pass through.”

“Have you already done that?” Bramble asked.

“Well… not for real or on something like this barrier… But I think I can manage” Star replied.

“Don’t you think you’re overestimating yourself?” Kurama said to Star in their mindscape. “You may be an expert in magic like your mother, but that kind of magic may be a little too much for you.”

“Maybe you’re the one that is underestimating me, Kurama” Star replied.

“Am I?” the tailed beast asked. “You’re talking about breaking the barrier of a powerful General of Order with a spell you’re just barely acquainted with. You’re not your mother, you know? And let’s not talk about the amount of energy you need for that. Don’t forget you don’t have access to my full power.”

“Don’t worry, I still have my Element of Sorcery to amplify my magic” Star told.

“You’re talking about the element that leaves you weaker once you use it” Kurama replied, unamused.

But Star ignored him. Outside the mindscape, he started focusing his magic to perform the spell to pass through the barrier. Soon after, he made it vibrate and then added more magic into it. It didn’t take long for Star to feel how strong that barrier really was. He added more and more magic, but it looked that the barrier would still not give in to him. However, Star couldn’t afford to use too much magic before entering in an unknown and possibly dangerous territory. So he decided to activate the enhancing magic of the Element of Sorcery. 

As soon he did that, the magic he was using multiplied and became much stronger. Bramble became very impressed with the magic that his friend was applying. It was then that cracks started to appear on the barrier. Seeing that, Star added more vibration to his magic and, moments later, he could feel his hoof penetrating the barrier, shattering it on that spot.

“I did it!” he exclaimed.

“Great work, Star!” Bramble congratulated.

Now with that hole in the barrier, Star was able to use his magic to create a small passageway for the two of them.

“It’s done…” Star replied, taking a deep breath and cleaning the sweat on his brow, while feeling the usual drop in energy caused by the use of the Element of Sorcery.

“Are you sure the curse won’t leak into the rest of the Enchanted Forest?” Bramble asked, worried.

“The Dark Curse only affects the area it covers once it is casted” Star explained. “Bright Night prevented it from spreading, so I think we’re on the clear. The main purpose of the barrier now is to prevent the evil that cursed the kingdom from getting out.”

“Yeah… so we better make sure we seal the passageway” Bramble advised.

“Don’t worry, this barrier has more tricks than you think” Star told. “Anyone that gets caught inside of it when it is casted remains there until it is broken completely. The only way for someone to get out through this hole is if they are taken by an outsider… like us.”

“Okay… if you say so…” Bramble said, a little bit calmer.

“So… shall we start this mission?” Star asked.

Bramble took a deep breath and nodded. And so the two princes passed through the passageway Star created and ventured themselves into the cursed kingdom of Falancia, the Dark Forest…

Little did they know that their presence was not passed unnoticed. At the royal castle of Falancia, a pony knight in black armor was carrying a round wall mirror on a sun-shaped dark metallic frame, whose surface was reflecting dark purple smoke where a pony head with shades of purple was floating.

“Careful!” the pony in the mirror shouted to the knight. “If you drop me, I’ll make sure you get fourteen years of bad luck!”

The knight arrived at the throne room approaching the one that was sitting on the throne. Upon reaching the stairs to the throne, he made a very deep bow, while putting the mirror down and holding it towards the pony on the throne.

“Your Majesty…” the pony in the mirror said, making a reverence with his head. “I know you hate being disturbed, but I think you would want to know something. I was able to detect the presence of two unknown magical signatures. I know they are not from any of your subjects because they are more powerful than most of them. I can only conclude… that they come from the outside.”

Hearing that may have upset the one at the throne as it was possible to see the hoof pressing the arm of the throne angrily…
> The Evil Queen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The two young princes were walking on the forest that surrounded the borders of Falancia. The two of them were walking carefully, as they didn’t know much about the landscape. Even if Star was able to memorize the old maps of Falancia that he had found on the library of the Light Castle, the truth is, despite time was frozen on that kingdom, one couldn’t imagine the changes that could have been done. 

And it was not just the environment. They didn’t know what they would encounter as they advanced even further into Falancia. Who knew what kind of dangers or enemies they would encounter... Of course Star would be able to sense any danger approaching and it was not like he and Bramble wouldn’t be able to defend themselves. However, for the sake of their mission, it was for the best that they used that first moment inside the cursed kingdom to scout the dangers in it and figure out a way to save it. 

After a while walking, Bramble said: 

“You know, I don’t know what is worse: the fact that we may be attacked at any moment or that we haven’t found trouble at all.” 

“I know what you mean” Star said. “We are basically walking blindly here.” 

“Are you sure we are going on the right direction?” Bramble asked. 

“Not exactly...” he said. “We should be near a town or something... It’s important we found one so that we can access what happened in Falancia.” 

“So... did you get any information about what may have happened?” Bramble asked. 

“Not much...” Star replied. “The Light Kingdom only had information prior the curse. The only thing I got was some curious facts about their culture, resources... things like those. Oh, and that the last known rulers were a king and a queen called Nightshade and Delicacy.” 

“I heard about them...” Bramble told. “For what I’ve heard, they were kind rulers. Do you think that they were the ones to curse their kingdom? Or that someone else took over?” 

“Both very big possibilities” Star replied. “I guess we will have to wait to...” 

But he didn’t end what he was saying, because Star sensed something nearby. It was a couple of sources of negative hostile emotions. Reacting to that, he brought himself and Bramble to a hideout and used his magic to conceal them. 

“What is it?” Bramble asked. 

“I felt something approaching” Star told. 

The two of them remained quiet for a moment and so they heard movement, along with steps. When the source of those sounds revealed itself to them, both Star and Bramble got quite surprised by what they were seeing.  

“Pony-wolves?” Bramble asked, as he saw two of them appearing in their wolf form. “But... how is this possible? I thought that Shadow Claw was the only pony-wolf.” 

“An alpha pony-wolf can be created through curses and then create their own pack” Star told. “Shadow Claw was the only alpha in the Pony World, but I always thought that there were others in other realms. Apparently, the ones in the Enchanted Forest are in Falancia.” 

“Yeah, but... don’t they just turn during the full moon?” Bramble asked. “Shadow Claw is different because the Lord of Order gave him the ability to access his wolf form whenever he wants.” 

“Maybe someone also granted them the same power” Star replied. 

They cowered a little more in their hideout as the pony-wolves got closer. The two princes could see they were looking for something, since they were both sniffing as if trying to find a scent. 

“Haven’t you found anything?” one asked to the other. 

“No... what about you?” the other asked back, as the first pony-wolf nodded with his head. “Seriously... why did the boss told us to find these supposed intruders?” 

“Quiet” the first pony-wolf growled at his companion. “We don’t question the boss... especially when he got a royal command.” 

“But it’s not like anyone is dumb enough to even dare to face us” the second pony-wolf replied. 

“Just... try to carry out the orders the best you can. Do that and we won’t have anything to worry about.” 

The second pony-wolf just rolled his eyes and the two of them continued their search and, soon enough, they started to move away from Star and Bramble. When they were at a safe distance, Star undid the concealment spell and he and Bramble got out of their hideout. 

“Did you hear that?” Bramble asked, nervously. “They know that we are here...” 

“Whoever is giving orders must have a way to detect the presence of intruders in case someone manages to penetrate the barrier” Star commented. 

“Star... I don’t know if I can do this...” Bramble said, with his breathing starting to get a little erratic and some electricity started to appear on his antlers. “I mean... there are so many variables... so much we don’t have control on... What if...” 

“Bramble, relax, okay?” Star said, as he placed a hoof over his friend’s shoulder. “We can do this, together. This is not the first time I have to solve things without knowing what to do, remember? Look, what about we just explore just a little more and then we go back?” 

The young deer prince took a deep breath, calming down and making the electricity to disappear, and then he nodded with his head. 

The two of them continued their way until they reached a small village. Keeping their distance, they observed as they saw as the ponies there were living their lives as if nothing was wrong. 

“It’s hard to believe these ponies have been living their lives for centuries without even realizing they are stuck in time” Bramble commented, as he and Star observed hidden by some bushes. “I mean... don’t they realize that time goes by and they don’t age?” 

“Apparently, the Dark Curse is able to distort the sense of time of the ones that fall victim of its effects” Star told. “They can see the days passing... they just don’t realize how many of them have really passed.” 

“Creepy...” Bramble said. 

At that moment, Star could feel his empathy acting out again. However, this time it was different. He could actually feel a much bigger threat approaching... and this time it was not as subtle as the two pony-wolves from before. The land beneath them was trembling as they heard the sound of gallop of very heavy hooves. The ponies of the village, sensing that, started to panick. Terror invaded their faces, as all of them started to line up at the side of the road that crossed their village.  

And so a squad of stallions dressed in black armor appeared. Star and Bramble were able to pick up from the villagers that they were the Black Knights. They were galloping, leading and making way for two of them that were pulling a black carriage with silver ornaments. The knights that arrived first to the village started to rudely keep the villagers in line or bringing the ones that were trying to evade the line up. 

It was then that the carriage arrived, with Star and Bramble being very attentive to it. Most likely they were about to meet the one that casted the curse. After the knights pulling the carriage stopped, the doors opened and a unicorn mare appeared from it. She had a gray coat and a chestnut mane carefully arranged and adorned and with a silver crown perfectly placed. She was wearing an elegant and yet practical black dress with red accents and blood red shoes. Her brownish red eyes transmitted a very fierce look capable of piercing through anyone. 

She descended from the carriage, closing the door behind her with her magic, and then started saying, as she advanced towards the villagers and walking by them: 

“Listen to me very carefully... Whatever squalor and despair your pathetic little lives have been able to tolerate until this point is nothing compared to the pain and misery I can inflict, if I leave here unhappy.” 

Making a pause to look around, she then continued: 

“You will help me. After all... it is the duty of peasants to serve their queen.” 

“Your Majesty... Queen Delicacy...” an old stallion humbly said, while carefully coming up from the line to talk to the queen. “We are a peaceful village. We have lived our lives doing nothing but to serve dutifully both you and your family. What can we possibly give you that we already do?” 

“Well, if you are so dutiful, then you won’t mind answering one simple question” Queen Delicacy said. “Do any of you have found any outsider coming from outside of our kingdom?” 

That question was met with nothing but silence, something that clearly upset the queen, judging for the little twitches on her face. 

“I will repeat the question” she said, with a much threatening voice. “Do any of you have had any interaction with an outsider from outside of the kingdom?” 

Again, silence was the answer she got. Taking a deep breath, Queen Delicacy said: 

“Very well... I will take the silence has your way to say you haven’t seen any outsider. And I very hope you are telling the truth. Because, if I find out anyone in this village has been sheltering any invaders of my domain, they will suffer dearly. To give you a demonstration of what can await you, let me show what happens to those who defy the orders of the ruler of this land.” 

Summoning her magic, she made appear one earth mare that soon was grabbed by a pair of Black Knights. The mare had a very terrified look on her face, as if knowing what would await her. The villagers all got very shocked looks, with the mothers quickly covering their foals’ faces. 

“This mare has disrespected your queen’s benevolence by trying to desert our wonderful kingdom, the most magnificent of all the Enchanted Forest” the queen told, as she approached her. “She much prefers to join... savages that desire nothing but our ruin... savages that I was able to repel using nothing but my powerful magic. Now, to that I call treason...” 

“Help me!” the mare shouted, begging for help to the villagers. “She’s going to kill me!” 

But the villagers didn’t dare to say or do anything, so much was the fear they had for the queen. Queen Delicacy quickly arrived to the mare and made her hoof pierce through her chest. Both Star and Bramble knew what kind of magic that was. It was the magic that allowed one to rip hearts. 

“Oh, I am about to do much more than just kill you, my dear.” 

Seeing that, Star was ready to interfere and save that innocent mare, but he was stopped by Bramble who put a hoof over his best friend’s. 

“You can’t do that, Star.” 

“But... we can’t just let that poor mare...” Star started. 

“I know that, but if you do it, we will be discovered” Bramble said. 

“So what?” Star asked. “We can handle them. We have already faced much worse.” 

“Maybe... but then our mission would become more difficult” Bramble told. “Not to mention... we would have the other villagers caught in the crossfire.” 

Despite the immense desire to save an innocent pony from dying, Star couldn’t help but realize that Bramble was right. However, he couldn’t help but try to find a way to save that mare’s life all while preserving the secrecy of their mission and not drag the other villagers into a fight that was not theirs. 

Back at Quita Moz’s nest, Golden Paladin was still waiting for the quetzalcoatl to allow entrance to him. He had stayed in the same spot all night. It was then that the entrance to the nest was unblocked and Quita Moz emerged, while stretching his body. 

“Now that was a good night sleep!” he exclaimed, noticing then Golden Paladin. “Please tell me you didn’t just stand there all night. I know you don’t have to sleep, but you could have at least gone for a walk. Serenety Valley is very beautiful during the night.” 

“I am not here for sight-seeing, remember?” Golden Paladin told. “I am here because...” 

“Yeah, yeah, I know...” Quita Moz told. “Can’t it just wait until I have my breakf...” 

But seeing Golden’s stare, Quita Moz hasted to said: 

“Apparently not... Okay, let’s do this then. And, by the record, if my predictions get unprecise because I didn’t eat anything before them, that’s on you.” 

He let Golden Paladin enter his nest, as the quetzalcoatl positioned himself in front of his fire pit. 

“So... what do you want me to see in the flames, exactly?” Quita Moz asked, as he lighted up the fire. 

“More about the vision you had about me” Golden Paladin told. “Princess Gleaming Shield told me all about how I would need to make a choice that could change everything for the order of Creation and, once I have done that, I would feel that I had fullfilled my duty as General of Peace.” 

Quita Moz made a teasing thoughtful look, before saying: 

“Yeah, I do remember saying that.” 

“So?” 

“So what?” 

“What does that mean?” Golden Paladin asked. 

“It means... exactly what I told her to tell you and you are now repeating to me” Quita Moz told. 

That caused Golden Paladin to release a grunt of frustration and then say: 

“You know, for an Oracle, you are quite frustrating.” 

“I am sorry, Golden Paladin, but it’s not like I can see exactly what that means” Quita Moz replied. “Predicting the future is not exactly a science, you know? It’s messy... and confusing... and quite surprising... the last one is my favorite, between you and me.” 

Sighing, Golden thought that all trip was a waste of time. But now having calmed down a little, he asked: 

“Could you at least... try to see if there’s something more?” 

“Now, that is something I can do” Quita Moz replied, making a slight smile. 

Turning his attention to the fire, he started to consult it. 

“Uh-uh... I see... Interesting...” 

“So... what are you seeing?” Golden Paladin asked. 

“Don’t interrupt!” Quita Moz admonished, while giving a slight slap on Golden’s face with the feathers of his tail. “Very well... I see it now... Golden, I am basically seeing what I have seen previously. However... I was able to see something new.” 

“And... what is it?” Golden Paladin asked. 

“A lot of mix emotions will be waiting for you” Quita Moz told. “I can see that the pain that you have been repressing through all this time is going to catch up with you. And that emotional turmoil will test you in ways you have never been tested before... it will reveal the truth to you about who you really are.” 

Hearing that, Golden Paladin could only get even more nervous about what could be coming. 

“For when is this?” he asked. “Can you tell me that much?” 

“Soon enough...” Quita Moz replied. “Maybe the wheels have already been put in motion... I guess you will have to wait and see.” 

The more Golen Paladin thought about it, the more the General of Peace wondered what could trigger that prediction. It was then that he remembered something... 

“Prince Star Knight and his friend Bramble have been called by the Tree of Crisis to investigate the cursed kingdom of Falancia” he said. “Does that have anything to do with your vision?” 

“Okay, I think you may have not listened when I said this was not an exact science” Quita Moz said, before changing to a more emphatic tone, seeing Golden Paladin nervous. “I understand that it may not be easy to have a possible threat looming upon you when you have to carry the weight of an entire reality... and even more, on your shoulders. However, I know that you will do great in the end. After all, you are Golden Paladin, the General of Peace, leader of all the Generals of Order.” 

That caused Golden Paladin to finally drop a smile and say: 

“Thank you, Quita Moz. I really appreciate your support. I guess... I should go. I still need to go visit King Blackavar before returning to the Light Kingdom.” 

“Sure...” Quita Moz said, as Golden Paladin advanced towards the exit. “Oh, by the way... Could you do me a favor? When you get to meet the jaquin king, send him my regards... and tell him that what he is planning to do... is a terrible idea.” 

Golden Paladin made a confused frown to which Quita Moz replied: 

“He will get it... although I doubt he will listen.” 

After the General of Peace left, Quita Moz looked again into the fire and said: 

“Falancia... the cursed kingdom... the perfect place for fateful encounters... but also the place holding Princess Aurora’s darkest secret. I am curious to see what you are going to do... Golden Paladin...”