Dark Monastery

Stelma leaned over a desk in her room inside of the monastery. A grin played upon her face as she looked over a map of Equestria. “From what I’ve heard, Connor’s ward was staying somewhere around.... Here.” She took a knife that she had been holding in her hand and stabbed it into the map right where ‘Ponyville’ was located. “Pfft, Ponyville, what a stupid name for a stupid little town. Why the hell would Connor choose to do something so idiotic. Whatever, it’s not like it matters.”

Turning around, Stelma walked over to her bed where a grey duffle bag lay. Unzipping the bag she glanced through it to make sure everything was where it belonged. With a smirk, she zipped it back up and slung it over her shoulder and turned to the door of her room. Only to come face to face with Drex. Leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed and wearing an annoyed expression, he shook his head.

“I had a feeling you would do something like this, Stelma.” He uncrossed his arms and walked out of the room, talking to her over his shoulder. “I know it won't matter what I say, but I’m going to warn you nonetheless. Equestria is different from our world, it’s magic doesn’t work the same as ours. If you go there, anything could happen to you. I heard Connor talking with the Master not long ago... His ward is going through some painful changes apparently... Just from being in that strange world.” Drex shook his head and turned around to face Stelma who was standing before him, smirking.

“I’m only going to go look, Drexy, no need to worry over lil’ me.” Stelma gave the large man a pout before giggling and walking past him, heading down the long hallway. She could hear Drex keep pace and walk behind her.

“I know you Stelma... Don’t think I don’t remember what you did to Connor’s last student....” Stelma stopped in her tracks and turned around, glaring daggers up at the large man. She hissed as she slowly walked up to him, prodding a finger into his chest.

“And don’t you forget it either...” She dropped her arm, her face becoming a somber mask. “I... I never meant for that to happen. I didn’t realize that Connor was so close to her.” Drex stopped her, placing a hand on her shoulder gently.

“Jealousy is a terrible thing, I understand that you want to be under his tutelage, but we can’t change the path that the Master has set us upon.” Stelma scoffed, shrugging Drex’s hand off.

“It doesn’t matter anymore, all I want is to see Connor suffer now. He had the chance to take me in and teach me what he knows, but he passed that chance up not once, but twice!” The girl, turned and quickly began to walk towards the exit of the monastery, her destination was obvious to anyone who could see her. She was headed towards the Transplanar Teleportation Tower. Held in her hand were three words written on paper that she believed would take her where she wanted to go.

Drex stopped following Stelma, watching her walk up to the tower and open it up. Shaking his head, he turned around and came face to face with Darcy. The woman’s eyes were staring, not at him, but through him. She opened her mouth, shutting it, groaning softly as her eyes quickly shut. Drex stopped and waited for Darcy to regain control of herself, having seen her act this way before, it was nothing new to him.

As the elven woman opened her eyes and looked up at him, frowning. “What did you see this time, Darcy..?” Drex asked her, a hand raised as he rubbed his temple. She shook her head,

“I... I’m not sure, but it has to do with your charge... Wherever she just left to...” Her eyes met Drex’s. “She is in over her head, that is all I know...” Muttering a curse, Drex turned to head over to the tower when suddenly Darcy’s hand reached out and caught his shoulder. “I can’t let you go, I came over to tell you that the Master wants to see both of us.” Clenching his hands into fists, he nodded and turned around, following Darcy back into the Monastery.

Everfree Forest, Ancient Castle of the Royal Pony Sisters

Birds quickly flew out of the trees around the ancient castle as a loud shriek suddenly reverberated from from within the ancient structure. From within the element room of the castle, a tan earth pony mare sat on her haunches, looking down at her hooves with an expression of bewilderment upon her face. “You’ve gotta be kidding me!” She yelled out suddenly, stomping her front hooves onto the ground in front of her, causing spikes to jut out of the ground before her. With a light smirk, she chuckled dryly. “Well on the bright side at least I still have my magic...” Her smirk quickly left her face however as she turned her attention back to her situation.

“Damn it Drex! You told me this world would have a strange effect on me, but if I would've known it’d be like this, then I would of never decided to come here!” Stelma’s face reddened angrily as she shakily rose up onto her hooves. Once on all fours, she teetered, falling onto her side. With an annoyed growl, she continued to practice standing for an hour until she could confidently walk without staggering. Breaking out into a trot, the ex-human grinned to herself at her accomplishment.

“Great! Finally got that down, hopefully the Master can turn me back to normal once I return to the monastery.” Trotting in place for a moment, she smirked. “Now to just make sure everything else is working fine...” Focusing on the magic within herself, her hooves began to glow a deep orange color. “Now its time for some tests, I really hope that no one cared too much for this place... Actually no, I don’t really care!”

Stelma laughed as she slammed her hooves onto the ground. The room around her began to shake as the structure gave a loud groan and began to collapse in on itself. Stelma continued to walk through the halls of the castle. Every so often, she would send a wave of stone through a support pillar, causing it to topple over.

Stelma walked out of the still collapsing castle, the dust beginning to slowly drift to the ground. Her duffle bag that she had brought through the teleport tower with her, thrown across her back. Setting the bag on the ground, she grumbled to herself as she unzipped it with her mouth. “Never thought I’d miss having hands so much...”

Pulling out a map, she set it on the ground beside her and unrolled it. After a moment she finally placed a hoof over a section labeled ‘The Everfree’. “This must be where I’m at... And Ponyville is...” She moved her hoof to the northeast. “Here.” A smirk appeared slowly upon her face as she rolled the map back up and placed it in her bag again. “That would mean I have to go...” She turned her attention skyward, gathering her bearings. “This way.” With confident steps, Stelma began to walk northbound towards Ponyville.

Ponyville Park

Josh took the checkered blanket that Twilight had brought in her saddlebags and placed it on the ground under a tree. “Blanket, check! Picnic basket, check!” Josh laughed lightly to himself as he set up the different items on the blanket while Twilight read them off of her large checklist. “Oh Josh, this is going to be the best picnic ever!”

Looking over his shoulder at the mare, having just finished placing a thermos of tea on the blanket, he raised an eyebrow. “Really now? I’m sure you say that about all of the picnics that you set up.” Blushing, Twilight looked away, poking the ground with a hoof.

“You’re right, she does.” A gust swept lightly over the two as Rainbow Dash flew in with Fluttershy right behind her, landing softly onto the blanket. Raising her hoof towards Josh, he gently hit it with his fist. “Good to see you’re up and about Josh, feeling good enough to finally watch me pull off some sweet stunts?”

Josh smirked, slipping his hands into the pockets of his coat. “I suppose I could.. I did say I would, so I guess I should keep my promises.” Josh smirked as he saw Rainbow Dash nod.

Fluttershy walked over and helped Twilight finish setting up the picnic. As she bent over to reach into the picnic basket, Pinkie Pie popped her head out of it, yelling “Hey everypony!” and caused Fluttershy to fall backwards, squeaking. Confetti flew in all directions as the party pony hopped out of the picnic basket, giggling.

Getting back up onto her hooves, Fluttershy blushed bashfully. Walking over to Twilight, she continued to help set the rest of the picnic up while Pinkie bounced her way over to Josh and Rainbow Dash. Josh just stared at the basket that Pinkie popped out of, noticing this, Rainbow began to laugh loudly at his reaction.

“What’s so funny, Dashie?” Pinkie asked as she reached them. Rainbow shook her head, continuing to laugh lightly.

“It’s nothing. What's up with you Pinkie?” Pinkie and Dash glanced over at Josh at the same time before turning back to each other, grinning. “Put on any good pranks recently?” Pinkie placed a hoof to her chin in thought while smirking.

“Well now that you mention it, I haven’t pranked anypony recently, how about you?” Josh watched the two go back and forth for a bit until Rainbow Dash turned her attention onto him.

“Josh, would you want to join us in pranking a pony or two sometime?” Josh raised an eyebrow, looking between the two mares who in turn stared back at him, grinning.

“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to have a bit of fun with some innocent pranks.” Josh grinned slyly. “Just let me know when and I’ll be all for joining you two.”

“Joining those two for what?” Twilight had come up behind Josh, looking between the three with a raised eyebrow. Glancing at the two pranksters, Josh sighed and turned to smile at Twilight

“For some games, completely innocent and fun games from what I’m told. They needed a third... Pony... But they said a human will be just fine as well.” Pinkie and Rainbow Dash quickly nodded their heads in agreement with Josh as he stretched the truth a bit.

“Uh huh...” Twilight looked suspiciously between Pinkie and Rainbow Dash once more before looking up at Josh and smiling. “Rarity, Applejack and Spike should be here shortly. I’m sorry we weren’t able to find you a guitar to play... I was looking forward to those songs that you were wanting to play.” Josh shrugged, ruffling Twilight’s mane with a grin.

“Oh it’s no big deal, Twilight, theres always next time.” The mare raised a hoof and batted Josh’s hand aside, frowning.

“Did somepony say something about a guitar?” Pinkie asked, bouncing up and down. Reaching behind a tree, she pulled her hoof back while holding an acoustic guitar, grinning. “Well I just happen to have one here!”

“Pinkie... Where... Where did that come from..?” Josh asked, staring at the guitar in the pink mare’s hooves.

“Pfft, I have these stashed in all sorts of places around Ponyville. You know, in case there is a guitar emergency!” Glancing over at Twilight and Rainbow Dash, he facepalmed as they both shook their heads quickly at him.

“Don’t question it, you’ll just hurt yourself. Trust me, Twilight has tried.” Rainbow smirked, prodding the lavender mare with a hoof. Twilight nodded, sighing.

“We just chalk it up as Pinkie being Pinkie, don’t think too hard on it.” Josh turned his attention back to Pinkie, shaking his head, completely baffled by her antics.

“Well, it is appreciated, Pinkie.” Josh reached over and took the guitar from her. Strumming it once, he gently began to tune it. As Twilight watched Josh tune the guitar, Fluttershy finished setting up the picnic. Sandwiches were laid out on a plate next to a bowl of punch. A stack of plates and napkins sat nearby with a few cups laid out.

“There, all nice and ready for the picnic..” Fluttershy hummed happily as she turned around and walked over to see what the rest of the group was doing. Turning her head, she could see Rarity, Spike, and Applejack walking towards them in the distance. Raising a hoof into the air, she waved to the approaching group.

“Well hello there Fluttershy.” Rarity said, walking up to the yellow mare. “I see everypony is here already.” Fluttershy nodded, smiling.

“Well now everypony is, we were just waiting on you three to begin.” Applejack tilted her head, confused.

“Begin what? Ain't this gonna be just a regular ol' picnic?” Fluttershy nodded once more.

“Well, that is how it started out... But Josh got better and was going to show us something that happened to him after his transformation completed... Also he had some music that he wanted to play, and Twilight thought it would be a good idea for him to play for us during the picnic... I hope you don’t mind...” Fluttershy’s voice got quieter as she spoke, lowering her head to the ground bashfully. Rarity noticed this and shook her head, tittering.

“Why of course we don’t mind, dear. Josh is quite the gentlecolt to want to wait for us.” Applejack nodded in agreement as Spike left the three to converse and walked over to Twilight, sitting down beside her.

Josh raised his head from tuning the guitar and looked at the group that had gathered. He smiled lightly, watching Fluttershy, Rarity and Applejack join the other four friends around him. Flicking his wrist, he strummed a chord on the guitar, smirking. “It’s been probably two weeks since I last played, so if I mess up, try not to laugh too much.” Twilight shook her head, smiling at him.

“I’m confident you’ll do just fine. What do you plan on playing if you don’t mind my asking?” Raising a hand, he gently scratched his chin in thought.

“How about a story?” As the ponies and dragon gathered in front of him, blinked in confusion, Josh let out a small chuckle. “What I mean is, the song that I’ve been wanting to play is a story...” Shaking his head, he frowned to himself, trying to come up with the words to what he was trying to say.

“Do you mean you want to tell a story by playing a song?” Smirking, Josh nodded thankfully at Twilight, in turn causing her to smile at him.

“It’s not my own story, it was written for a game, but it’s still a song I like quite a bit. I never got the chance to put it on my phone unfortunately.” He absently strummed a chord as an idea came to him. “But first... I’m quite thirsty, I’ma have some of that punch before I begin...” Closing his eyes, he felt the wellspring of magic within himself and tapped into it. Raising his hand, he pointed a finger towards the cups and punch. One of the cups slowly levitated into the air as a green glow encased it as well as Josh’s hand.

Staring at the punch, Twilight’s attention quickly turned from Josh to the cup and then back to Josh before she grinned widely. The cup floated over to him and into his waiting hand. taking a drink, he sighed contentedly. “Thats some really good punch.” Spike chuckled quietly as the ponies continued to stare awkwardly at Josh.

“Y..You can do magic!? I thought you said that humans couldn’t do magic!” Rainbow Dash shouted, staring at Josh with her mouth agape. Shaking his head, Josh finished the punch and placed the cup on the ground next to where he sat.

“No, ‘humans’ can’t do magic...” He turned his head and flicked his ear, frowning. “But I’m no longer human, really... Though I still consider myself one, my body would say otherwise. The race that the magic in your world turned me into, is called ‘Elven’.” Letting his fingers gently strum the guitar, he lost himself in thought.

Feeling a hoof touch his knee, he glanced up to see Fluttershy smiling warmly at him. He returned the smile, she then turned and sat back down with her friends continuing to smile. “Well, enough moping around, I promised some music didn’t I?”

“Yeah!” Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash shouted in unison, throwing hooves into the air. Josh strummed the guitar quickly, licking his lips as he began to remember the lyrics to the song.

“This song is called... ‘The Poet and the Muse’, it’s by a band called ‘Poets Of the Fall’. Closing his eyes, he began to play the song.

Twilight stared at Josh, her ears were pointed forward as she dissected the lyrics to the song. Spike glanced up at the Lavender mare and smirked to himself, crossing his arms. As he turned his attention back to Josh, he felt a hoof prodding his shoulder. Glancing at the orange hoof, he followed it with his eyes back to it’s owner. Raising an eyebrow questioningly, Applejack pointed one hoof to Twilight and then over to Josh. Realizing what she was asking, he chuckled quietly to himself, shrugging.

As Josh allowed the chords to fade, he opened his eyes and looked at the ponies around him. Raising an eyebrow, he noticed that a few others had heard the music and joined the group. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom sat beside Fluttershy, eyes wide in awe.

“Can you play another!?” The three crusaders all asked loudly and at once, breaking everyone out of their reverie. Grinning, Josh nodded, strumming the guitar once more.

“I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to play one more, but then I plan on eating.” The three fillies giggled together, nodding. Josh stared at the ground for a moment and began to mutter the lyrics to the song quietly, to make sure he remembered them. “Okay, I have one.” The crusaders leaned in close, smiling. “This one is called ‘Paradise’ by a band called ‘America’.” He glanced around at the rest of the group, smirking as he began to strum the guitar strings once more.

Once he was finished playing, the three crusaders bounced up and down where they were sitting, smiling happily. Rarity and Fluttershy nodded approvingly at the song choice while Rainbow Dash crossed her hooves. “It was... Okay I guess. Just a bit slow for my tastes. Hey! Josh, you promised that you’d watch some of my awesome moves!” Josh laughed.

“That I did, how about you go ahead and show me while I get myself a bite to eat?” Rainbow grinned, stretching her wings as she prepared to take flight. Taking his phone out of his pocket, he navigated to the video recorder. Levitating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich over to himself, he looked up at Dash. “Ready when you are...” He glanced over to Twilight who took to helping Applejack with splitting the rest of the food between the crusaders. “Hey Twilight, I’m going to be recording Dash on video with my phone. I thought you’d be interested in it.”

At the mention of Josh’s phone, Twilight’s ears perked up as she turned her attention over to him. “Yeah, I’ll be right over.” She said, trotting over to where Josh sat. Sitting beside him while looking over his shoulder at his phone, her eyes shined at the opportunity to witness the small device in action. “How exactly does it work?” Rainbow Dash bounced up and down on her hooves, watching the two impatiently.

“Ugh, show her how it works later. It’s time for some awesome flight action!” Placing her hoof over her face, Twilight sighed.

“Fine fine, lets get this started.” She muttered as Josh raised his phone up and pointed it at Rainbow Dash, pressing the small record button on the screen. As Rainbow flew high into the air, showing off her moves, Twilight would tell Josh the names of each of her moves as she did them. Just a few feet from Twilight and Josh, Pinkie jumped up and down, cheering at Rainbow.

“WOOHOO! GO DASHIE! DO THE BUCCANEER BLAZE! THE BUCCANEER BLAZE!” Wide-eyed, Josh stuck a finger into his ear, wiggling it around as he tried to get his hearing back. As Pinkie noticed this, she blushed bashfully while grinning. “Heh.. Sorry, I just got a bit excited.”

Everfree Forest, Halfway to Ponyville

Stelma darted between trees and jumped over logs as she tried to outrun the three manticores that had been stalking her for the past half hour. She had been thinking about what she planned to do once she arrived at Ponyville and didn’t notice the giant creatures till just a few minutes prior. “Damn it all!” She snarled, quickly spinning around on her hooves, glaring at the large beasts. “If you were smart you... Gah!” She jumped out of the way as one of the manticores tried to spear her with it’s tail. “Oh it’s going to be that way, huh?” Channeling her magic into the ground, she laughed as a spike of earth jutted out, cutting the creature’s tail in half.

As the manticore howled in pain, Stelma smirked, her eyes darting to the other two manticores that had begun to circle her. “Do you two really want to do this? After what just happened to your pal here?” She turned her attention back towards the injured manticore, getting a faceful of paw in the process. Her body flew through the air and hit a nearby tree, causing her to lose her breath. “Oh you’re going to regret that...” She muttered, getting up to her hooves shakily as another paw came down on her back, pinning her to the ground. Groaning, she looked up and glared at the beast. Raising a hoof, she slammed it weakly into the ground, commanding a spike of black stone to rise quickly out of the ground, impaling the manticore.

“I’m tired of playing around... You two are next...” Pressing a hoof lightly into the dirt, two holes opened up under the two manticores that remained, swallowing them. “And now...” Her eyes blazed as she commanded a few more spikes, similar to the black one that impaled the first manticore, to jut out of the walls of the pits. Raising her ears, she smirked, hearing the whimpers of the beasts that had been caught in the holes. “I think I’ll just leave you two there... Thats what you get for attacking me.”

Looking over herself, Stelma groaned loudly. Running a hoof over her side, she frowned. “They’re even luckier that they didn’t break anything, I would've had to make their deaths a bit more painful. Though I’m probably going to end up with a few bruises from that encounter.” She laughed loudly as she continued to trek through the forest, checking every so often to make sure she was going in the right direction.

A few minutes later, Stelma entered a large clearing. A hill made out of boulders sat on one side of the clearing and a large wolf-looking creature laying on top of it, staring in her direction. As Stelma slowly approached the hill, the creature raised itself up to it’s legs and let out a menacing growl. “Oh shove it where the sun doesn’t shine, you mangy mutt.” She muttered as she slowly made her way around the boulders.

Once Stelma was close enough to get a good look at the wolf, she raised an eyebrow, intrigued by what she saw. “A wolf... Made out of wood and held together by magic. Well aren’t you a beauty?” She mused. The wolf continued to track her as she made her way around to the opposite side of the clearing. “If I wasn’t in such a hurry to ‘visit’ a certain person, then I think I’d of tried to tame you...” She shrugged and turned her attention back to the treeline, quickly approaching it. The timberwolf sat back on it’s haunches, laying down on the hill of boulders, starring in the direction that Stelma had left in.

Stelma continued to walk for another thirty minutes before the trees in front of her began to part, revealing a town in the distance. “That must by Ponyville...” She muttered quietly to herself, hiding behind a bush while surveying the goings on in the small village. A dark grin formed on the mare’s face as she walked slowly back into the forest, a plan coming to mind.

Ponyville Park

“Okay so... From what I was told, Twilight, I honestly shouldn’t be able to use unicorn magic. It probably has something to do with being here in Equestria.” Twilight had a quill and notepad levitated in front of her while staring at one of Josh’s hands. A small arc of electricity danced between his fingers.

“I honestly have never seen magic manifest like this before! This goes against so many rules and magic theories that I don’t even know where to begin!” Rarity tilted her head curiously as she stared at the strange magic before her.

“I think I’m getting a few idea for a new line, can you make it do anything else, Josh?” Rarity asked. Shrugging, Josh thought for a moment, glancing towards Spike who was laying down on the blanket, snoring.

“Yeah, I suppose I could try a few more things if you two are interested... It looks like everyone else already has gone home...” Twilight blinked and looked around, gasping as she noticed that Josh was right.

“Oh my, look at the time!” Rarity frowned, looking up towards the sky. “Oh dear, it is nearly seven. I should be preparing dinner for Sweetie Belle and myself! Oh she is going to be cross with me for being late.” Slowly raising off of the blanket, she stretched and looked between Josh and Twilight. “It’s been lovely, dears. But I must be off, have a good night. And once more, Josh, that coat looks absolutely dashing on you.” The white mare smiled and turned to leave as Twilight and Josh bid her goodnight.

Twilight slowly turned her attention back to Josh, a grin playing on her face. “So... You said you had some other spells that you wanted to experiment with?” She asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. “Princess Luna won't be around for a few hours.” Twilight clapped her hooves together excitedly. “Oh this is going to be so fun! Let me set up a few lights...” Josh raised a hand to cut her off, laughing lightly.

“Actually, let me try a spell for that...” Holding a hand in front of himself, he gathered his energy and commanded a luminescent light to hover above it. “Magelight...” A grin grew on his face. “Just like in Skyrim...” He muttered quietly to himself. Twilight’s ear twitched, turning her attention from the light back to Josh.

“What is Skyrim?” Josh looked from the light, over to her, grinning.

“It is a game in my world... ‘The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim’, it is the fifth game in the series that takes place in the fictional world of Tamriel. It just amazes me that a spell from that game is possible to replicate in this world.” Twilight smiled, happy to see Josh in a good mood.

“I take it you liked that ‘game’ then?” Josh chuckled, nodded.

“Yeah, quite a bit. The character that I used to play was an Argonian... Basically a giant reptile that could stand on two legs like me.”

“You mean like a dragon?” Twilight asked, causing Josh to frown.

“I never thought of it like that, I suppose they were similar to Dragons.. Though I’ve never seen a dragon stand on two legs till I met Spike so...” He shrugged, gently poking the orb of magelight in front of him. As his finger went through it, he raised an eyebrow. “It almost feels like water... Yet at the same time..” He cupped the light in his hands and was able to get a grip on it. “It... Well I’m not really the sciency type, but this is kind of cool.” Twilight giggled, watching as Josh poked and prodded at the orb of magelight.

“It is similar to unicorn magic... Except I can’t make it take on a form of it’s own.” Twilight’s horn began to glow for a moment, a bright white light soon began to gather and expand at the tip. “This is the best that Unicorns can do, we can’t move it around like you can with your magelight. Well... Actually I take that back. I can do this...” Twilight gently motioned her head forward, shooting the gathered light off of her horn and into the sky where it blew up like a firework a few seconds after.

Josh raised an eyebrow, looking up as sparks fell from the sky. “Well, that could definitely be useful... You have your own flare.” Twilight’s eyes became wide at that concept, haven’t thought of that use before.

“We can make them different colors, so I’ve only ever have seen them used for fireworks. But you’re right, it would make a really good signal flare if necessary.” Josh raised his hand and channeled magic through it, trying to replicate Twilight’s flare. As the tip of his finger began to glow, a sudden wave of heat engulfed his hand and it burst into flames.

“Ah! Hot hot hot!” Josh shook his hand frantically, trying to put out the fire. Thinking fast, Twilight engulfed Josh’s hand with her own magic, quickly snuffing out the fire. Breathing heavily, Josh looked his hand over, wincing. “Yeah... Thats going to leave a mark...” Rolling her eyes, Twilight grabbed Josh’s hand with her magic and pulled it closer to herself. “Whoa, what gives?”

“Hold still so I can fix this... You used too much heat when trying to cast that spell.” Josh frowned a bit.

“But with the magelight I didn’t have to focus on the heat, I just had to think of what I wanted to appear and then... Well it worked. The elements in the air did the rest, though I’m sure it has to do with some kind of atmospheric compression which is what causes the light in the first place.” Twilight stared at Josh, a smile slowly appearing on her face as she laughed, shaking her head.

“Well, not the most scientific explanation I’ve heard, but we’ll go with it. I’ll definitely have to study up on it more though, now move your hand over here and let me see if I can fix the burns.” Reluctantly, Josh lowered his hand down to Twilight’s level, allowing her to look it over.

“Am I going to live, Doc?” Twilight’s eyes met his, smirking.

“I don’t know... It’s pretty severe, we may have to cut it off.” Josh’s eyes widened at this as he pulled his hand back quickly. Twilight burst out laughing at Josh’s reaction. “I was kidding. Now really, give me your hand and hold it still so I can heal it.” As Twilight took Josh’s hand in her magic again, a cooling sensation went up his arm, causing him to shiver slightly. “Aaaand done. Now, you definitely are going to need some training in unicorn magic, thats for sure. Unlike your magic, which uses the elements around you, unicorn magic channels your own raw magic to create those elements. Which is why you need to watch specifics, such as the temperature of the spell itself.”

Josh pulled his hand back, looking it over as he raised an eyebrow, turning his attention back to Twilight. “Not too bad, good as new I’d say.” Clenching his hand into a fist, he flexed his fingers, grinning. “Very nice indeed.”

“Glad you approve, now I would suggest that we put off testing unicorn magic till we have word from the Princess as to whether you’re allowed to be trained or not by Princess Luna. If she is allowed to teach you, she will want to show you these things herself.” Josh nodded in agreement. “But for now, feel free to test out your own magic.” Twilight said, grinning. “I mean, nopony else in Equestria is going to be able to assist you with that, so you might as well teach yourself.” Twilight looked at the ground, prodding it with her hoof, slowly turning her attention back to Josh.

“Yes Twilight, you can watch if you want.” The mare beamed happily, hopping up and down, pulling her notepad and quill back over to herself.

“I have an idea! Lets make a list of everything you can do! That way we can keep track of all the spells that you have available to you.” Turning her attention to her notepad, she wrote down ‘1. Magelight’. “Okay, the only thing I’ve seen you do with your magic so far, is that light. So, lets move on to... Air magic. Since you are able to manipulate the elements, you should be able to shape the air to your will.” Thinking about this for a moment, the memory of the previous night’s dream came back to him.

“Well, when I was dreaming last night, I was able to use the air around me... Connor also mentioned at one time that my magic affinity may have to do with air magic.” Twilight’s quill danced over her notepad as she wrote at the top ‘Affinity: Air’ and underlined it.

“Well that sounds like a good place to start as any, go ahead and try to cast the spell you used in your dream.” Taking a deep breath, Josh held his hands out to his sides with his palms up. Concentrating on the air around him, he used his magic to draw it to converge in the space above his hands. A moment later a miniature tornado began to form above his right hand. “Concentrate on both hands Josh, I can feel that you’re magic is just centered on your right.”

Closing his eyes, Josh imagined the magic within himself to be like a stream and divided it, sending it flowing down both arms instead of just his right. As he opened his eyes, he smirked, a small tornado began to coalesce above his left hand as well. “Miniature.. Tornados..” Twilight muttered, writing down what progress was being made on the notepad. Looking from the pad, she raised an eyebrow. Josh had moved his hands together, pushing the two tornados together, causing them to merge into a larger one. Twilight’s quill began to write as she watched Josh. ‘Able to merge two separate manifestations into one. This can be seen as Josh merges to smaller tornados into a larger one.’

“Lets see if I can get this to work...” Twilight raised an eyebrow, curious as to what Josh had planned. Pulling one hand away, Josh moved the tornado to his right hand while flexing the fingers of his left hand. A bead of sweat rolled down his face as he flicked his wrist, commanding a spark of electricity to appear. Pointing his finger at the tornado, he channeled the electricity into it, causing it to glow a light blue. After a moment, Josh pulled his hand away, smirking. “Well that is definitely an interesting sight, isn't it?” Glancing towards Twilight, he chuckled lightly at the mare’s reaction to the spell he had conjured up.

“I... I can honestly say I am quite jealous of you, Josh. To be able to command the elements like that... Well, I’ve never seen anything like it!” Raising his left arm, Josh wiped the sweat away from his forehead.

“Yeah, same here... But as Connor said, summoning the base elements is easy.”He closed his eyes for a few minutes, lost in thought. As he opened his eyes, he stared at the tornado in his hand. “The trick is holding it for any length of time, any idea how long we’ve been going at this, Twilight?” Looking up from the electric tornado in his right hand, he glanced around, unable to find the lavender mare. “Twilight? Where did you go?” A sudden whining noise filled the air followed by a loud pop. Not too far away, a bright lavender light filled the dark sky, waking Spike up.

“W..What’s going on?” Josh’s face paled as he realized what the light was.

“A signal flare...” He muttered, glancing to Spike. “Wait here, I’m going to go check out what that was.” Spike hopped up onto his feet, shaking his head.

“Hey, I want to see too! I’m coming with you.” Josh sighed, shaking his head.

“Fine, but stay close.” With that, Josh and Spike ran in the direction that the flare shot from. As they got closer, they could see what looked like a brown box jutting out of the ground. A dull thudding noise could be heard from within it. Josh slowly approached it, placing a hand on it. “Stone... It’s stone, Spike.” He glanced back at the dragon who was staring at him wide-eyed, clutching at what looked like a stone muzzle wrapped around his face. Rushing over to the dragon, he crouched down to his level and tried to help him remove the stone.

“Oh how cute... Trying to save your little friend. Don’t worry, he’ll be joining you soon...” Stelma slowly walked around the stone box, smirking as she approached Josh and Spike. Her smirk quickly turned into a frown as she glared at Josh. “Why are you still a hu...” Her eyes widened as she saw his ears, causing her to snarl. “So that was his game, wasn’t it... To create another elven... The Master isn’t going to be happy with Connor at all when he hears of this...”

Josh stared at the tan mare in front of him, glaring. “Connor? What does he have to do with this? Who is this Master? Are you the one who did this to Spike? Just who are you?” Stelma placed a hoof up to her mouth, laughing.

“Well aren’t you just full of questions... Forgive me for not introducing myself. I am Stelma, one of the seven Scions of Darkness. And you, unbeknownst to yourself, are the seventh... Though, not for too much longer if I have any say in the matter.” Gently tapping the ground with her hoof, a spike shot out of the ground beside Josh, leaving a small gash on his arm. “Oopsie, I think my aim may be a bit off... But I’m sure that answers your question as to what happened with your little lizard friend.” A dull thud emanated from the stone box behind Stelma, causing her to cast a glare towards it.

“I’m assuming that Twilight is in there...” Josh muttered, placing a hand over gash on his arm. “You know, Rarity is going to be quite angry with me for getting this coat ripped... Though I’m not too happy with it ripping either, this was quite the awesome coat.” Stelma rolled her eyes.

“It’s not like it matters whether your coat got ripped or not.” She smirked, poking the box with one of her hooves, allowing a hole to open up in the side. “This pony, Twilight as you called her, has a load of raw potential. I could feel it all the way from the forest when I was surveying this quaint little town.” Licking her lips, she grinned darkly. “Oh how Master will be happy to have you, little one...” Glaring at Stelma, Twilight’s horn lit up and shot a lavender bolt of magic at the mare, scraping her cheek. Gasping, Stelma glared at Twilight and hit her with a hoof. “How dare you touch me with your inferior magic!” Wide-eyed, Josh nearly lost his composure at seeing Twilight get hit.

“You’ve made a terrible mistake... You see, Twilight and her friends are my... Friends. And I won’t stand by as someone threatens them.” Raising a hand up to the mare, he snapped his fingers together, conjuring up a bolt of electricity. Stelma raised an eyebrow, laughing lightly.

“Oh thats just cute... Don’t you know how electricity works? It can’t affect stone! It’ll just be grounded!” Josh sighed and bent down to the ground, picking up a small rock. Stelma’s eyes narrowed. “What do you hope to accomplish with that? I control the earth! Whatever you do will not affect me!” Stelma stomped a hoof onto the ground while laughing, causing a ring of stone to surround Josh, just a few inches off of the ground. “I could kill you with just one move of my... Hoof..” She grimaced as she muttered the word ‘hoof’.

Clearing his throat, Josh stretched his arms out to his sides. “Please let this work....” He muttered under his breath, causing Stelma to raise an eyebrow.

“You know what? I’ll humor you.. I’ll give you one shot at...” She motioned a hoof towards the rock in Josh’s hand. “Whatever you have planned. If you can hit me, I’ll let your little friends go and leave for now.” Josh raised an eyebrow at this.

“Seriously? Just like that?” Stelma nodded, rolling her eyes.

“Yes, just like that.” She replied, sarcastically. Stomping a hoof onto the ground, the dirt around her hooves seemed to liquify as it climbed up onto her body, slowly encasing her, leaving just her mouth, nose and eyes open. “This is my full body stone armor... Whatever ‘electrical’ spell that you have planned, won't affect it. Completely resistant. Josh nodded, looking the mare over, frowning.

“Yeah, it looks like a standard electrical spell will have no effect on you. But I think I’ll try anyway, just for the sake of... Science..” He turned and winked towards Twilight who stared at him, raising an eyebrow while doctoring her cheek with magic. Josh turned his attention back to Stelma. “One shot... And you’re gone...” He muttered dryly, backing up a few paces. His expression darkened as he raised his hand up, holding the small rock between his thumb and index finger. Electricity began to crackle around his hand slowly gathering around the small rock.

“More...” He muttered to himself, his hand glowed brightly as he channeled more electricity through it and into the rock. Just as he was about to release his grip on the electrically powered stone in his hand, the rock exploded. Raising his hand up to his face, he stared wide-eyed at his now burnt fingers.

“Oh that is just rich, you’re completely new to this, aren’t you? Let me guess, you were trying to replicate something that you saw in either a game or a show? Hah! It doesn’t work that way in the real world!” Josh looked up from his hand to Stelma, who was grinning at him. “I don’t know if I should count that as your one shot or not...” Josh held up a hand, his eyes darting around, trying to find some way to turn this around.

“Mind if I ask you a question about your magic real fast, before I try again?” Stelma rolled her eyes, placing a hoof over her face.

“Alright, fine... But if you don’t hurry up, I may just kill you to get this over with...” Spike slowly crept over to the stone box that held Twilight, hopping inside of it through the hole that Stelma had made.

“Do you actually have to be touching the ground to use your magic..?” Stelma blinked, tilting her head while turning her attention to the ground, prodding it with a hoof.

“You may be onto something there, I haven’t been able to properly use my magic since taking this form... But what does it mat--” Stelma interrupted herself as she looked up, wide-eyed at Josh who stared at her, smirking.Turning her attention back to the ground, she gasped as she noticed a green glow surrounding her body, levitating her a few feet into the air. “Let me down!” She flailed fitfully in the air.

“You know...” Josh began, stroking his chin with his free hand while keeping the mare levitated. “Princess Luna should be here soon, I wonder if I can keep you levitated while we wait for her... But first to make sure she finds out where we’re located...” Josh conjured up a orb of magelight in his left hand, shooting it into the sky.

At the mention of the princess’ name, Stelma’s face paled. “T..The Night Mistress is going to show up..? Here..?” Josh nodded, smirking.

“I’m assuming that’s just one title for the princess, and yes she should be here relatively soon.” Glancing to the side, Josh laughed lightly as he watched Spike use his flame as a miniature blowtorch to remove Twilight’s stone muzzle, having already removed his own.

“Actually to be exact, she should be here in five minutes and thirty two seconds. If you want to trade off levitating her, just let me know.” Twilight said, teleporting beside Josh with Spike on her back.

“Please, you have to let me go! You have no idea what the Master will do to me if he finds out that I came in contact with... Her...” Twilight and Josh turned their attention back to Stelma.

“What is this about some ‘Master’ anyway?” Josh stared at her, glaring. “Whatever him and Connor have planned for me won’t work... I’m staying right here. I won’t be taken in as one of your... Scions of Darkness...” Stelma scoffed, shaking her head.

“It’s not your choice to make. What the Master says, goes... If he wants you, then sure enough, he will get you.” Out of the corner of his eye, Josh could make out the figure of Connor slowly approaching them. His arms crossed and a stern gaze playing across his face.

“That’s quite enough Stelma.. Josh, put her down and back away.” Connor ran a hand through his hair in annoyance. “I come to give a friendly visit and this is what I arrive to. Stelma, you really need to learn not to give out vital information...”

Stelma looked away from Connor, continueing to stay suspended in mid-air. “I think I’ll keep her where she’s at, Connor... The last time she was on the ground, things happened that I would not like to have repeat.”

“One minute and ten seconds...” Twilight muttered under her breath. Glancing down at her, Josh nodded. “Just hold out for a little longer until Princess Luna will be here.”

“You don’t want to do this, Josh... This is a game you don’t want to play.” Connor said, continuing to slowly approach the group. “Stelma made a mistake by coming out here, I’d like to ask that you relinquish her before things get... Messy. And I’d rather they not come to that...” Connor snapped his fingers, commanding a flame into existence above his hand. At the sight of the conjured flame, Twilight’s horn lit up, surrounding the group with a protective lavender shield.

“Twilight...” Josh whispered to her. “Think you can take over holding onto Stelma while I help with the shield?” Twilight nodded, a lavender glow replacing Josh’s green one around the tan mare.

“What do you have planned, boy... You can’t win this.” Josh smirked, holding his hands out to his sides, making circular motions with them.

“I don’t have to, I just have to prevent you from getting into here.” Connor’s eyes widened as wind began to pick up around the outside of Twilight’s shield. “Now Connor, what happens when air moves really quickly in a circular motion?” Dust began to slowly lift up off of the ground, moving quickly around the shield. Raising his hands, Connor let out a gout of flames shoot towards the shield in front of him.

“The Princess should be here any moment now Josh... Just hold out.. A little longer.” Twilight winced as the flames that weren’t dispersed by Josh’s winds battered at her shield, sending a backlash through her horn.

Stelma looked out of the barrier towards Connor. “Just go! The Night Mistress will be here any moment! If they capture both of us, the Master will be furious!” Connor looked towards Josh for confirmation of this.

“She’s right, Princess Luna should be here at any...” A wave of shadows covered the park, instantly dispersing Josh’s tornado as well as his magelight. “Moment.” Twilight, Josh and Stelma were left within the lightly glowing shield, unable to see outside because of the conjured darkness.

“Twilight Sparkle, I would request that you leave your barrier up for the time being. I will be dealing with the one out here...” Princess Luna’s voice could be heard from outside of the shield.

“Of course, Princess!” Twilight called out, turning her attention to Josh who was staring at Stelma. Raising a hand, he conjured up an orb of Magelight and levitated it towards the center of the shield. A loud crash could be heard from outside, followed by a roar as the Princess and Connor battled.

Spike looked up at Twilight and Josh, worriedly. “We’re going to be okay, right Twilight?” The unicorn looked down at the dragon, allowing a small smile to grow on her face.

“Of course we’ll be fine, Princess Luna will be sure to keep us safe.” From outside, the group could hear a loud snapping noise followed by the sound of Connor crying out in pain.

“Just teleport away! Use the scroll that I know you have, Connor! It’s not worth trying to help me!” Stelma yelled out. “You have no hope of defeating her, not even Darcy would be able to!” Connor could be heard cursing on the other side of the shield.

“Don’t think this is it, Stelma! I’ll be sure to come back for you!” Connor yelled out through the darkness.

“You’re not going anywhere other than to the castle with me, Connor... I was right to warn Josh about you.” Luna spoke loudly as the darkness around the shield slowly faded, allowing Josh, Twilight, Spike and Stelma to view what was happening between the Princess and Connor.

Connor was hunched over, a trail of blood running down from his head as he rummaged in his cloak with one hand for what could only be the scroll that Stelma had spoken about. His arm stopped moving as he got a grip on the item and pulled it out, holding it in front of himself. “KRAS VA REMLO” Connor yelled out as a loud whistle suddenly filled the area, followed by a pop, teleporting the man away.

A few moments passed as Princess Luna glared at the spot that Connor had been standing, stomping a hoof in frustration. Shifting on her hooves, Twilight looked up at Josh who sighed, shaking his head. Pointing towards Stelma, Josh took over holding her while Twilight dispelled the shield that she had used around them. Looking up, Luna turned her attention back to the four, her gaze focusing on Stelma with a dark glare.

“Thou art fortunate that the damages to the park are minimal and that Josh, Twilight Sparkle and young Spike are fine. Thou... You..” Luna said, correcting herself, casting a glance out of the corner of her eye at Twilight and Josh. “You will be spending quite a bit of time in a nice little cell... But for now... Sleep.” Luna approached Stelma and lowered her horn, touching the frightened mare on the forehead, putting her to sleep immediately.

Sitting down on her haunches, Luna placed a hoof to her forehead, sighing. “I would like it to be known that I was expecting a nice quiet evening with my friends when I left the castle to come and visit.” Josh walked over and sat down on the ground beside the Princess, causing Twilight to gasp at the closeness of the two. Raising an eyebrow, Josh looked over at her, confused.

“What’s wrong, Twilight?” Twilight sighed, placing a hoof over her face. Spike chuckled and walked over, sitting on the ground with Josh and Luna.

“It’s nothing.. Absolutely, positively nothing! This has been one of the strangest nights I have had the honor to be a part of though!” Twilight began to breath in and out quickly, hyperventilating. “I mean, who is Connor really? Who are the Seven Scions? What did Stelma mean when she said you were one? Who is this mystery ‘Master’!? Too many unanswered questions!” Luna held up a hoof, halting Twilight’s outburst.

“I... May have an idea as who their ‘Master’ is... But before I say anything, I would like to discuss it with my sister.” Josh nodded, lying back on the grass, staring up at the sky.

“I appreciate you showing up when you did, Luna... I honestly had no plan at all...” Twilight’s eyes widened, as she stared at Josh, cutting him off with a stomp of her hoof. Spike chuckled lightly, laying down as well.

“You had no plan!? But you seemed so sure of yourself! That whole wind around the shield idea was ingenious!” Josh laughed, shaking his head. Luna smiled as she watched the two go back and forth for awhile Josh continued to try and downplay whatever it was that he was doing before she had arrived, while Twilight kept insisting that it must of been a part to some bigger plan.

“As much as I’m enjoying this conversation that you two are sharing, I did come here for a reason.” Twilight turned her attention to Luna, a bead of sweat rolling down her cheek.

“Oh my goodness! I’m so sorry Princess!” Twilight bowed towards Luna apologetically, causing her to roll her eyes.

“Please Twilight Sparkle, just call me Luna.” Twilight grinned sheepishly.

“O..Of course, Luna.” Smiling, Luna looked over to Josh who continued to stare at the sky. Raising a hoof into the air, Luna waved it in front of his face, causing him to blink and turn his attention to her.

“Hello there.” He smirked, eliciting a small laugh from the lunar princess.

“Hello, Josh. Please sit up for a moment, this is important.” Josh’s expression changed, putting on a serious demeanor as he got up and sat cross-legged before Luna. Glancing between Josh and Twilight for a moment, Luna raised an eyebrow as she watched the lavender mare scoot closer to Josh. Looking towards Spike, the young dragon was fast asleep on the ground. “Well, to start off. My sister has stated her approval on you becoming my student, Josh.” This elicited a grin both Twilight and Josh. “We will meet every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights for your training... I was hoping to begin this week, but with our friend here...” She gestured towards Stelma. “It is quite possible we may have to delay the first week’s training, and I will hope that Twilight here can assist you until we are able to meet.” Twilight nodded in confirmation.

Josh scratched the back of his head, looking over towards the sleeping mare. “What do you plan to do with her? She knows quite a bit it would seem.” Luna nodded, looking Josh in the eyes as he turned his attention back to her.

“I will be bringing her back to Canterlot Castle where my sister and I will look through her memories. If her Master is who I believe it is, those memories will be well guarded and will take some time to breach. You will be informed if there is anything you need to know.” Josh sighed.

“I understand, Luna.” Luna smiled warmly

“Good, then let us... Me.. Clean up the mess that was made here tonight and then I shall be off. I do apologise for cutting my visit short, but I would like to speak with my sister as soon as possible on what happened here.”

“Of course, Luna. Josh and I appreciate what you’ve done for us tonight and wouldn’t dream of keeping you longer than necessary.” Twilight said. Luna smiled thankfully at the pair, rising up to her hooves. Moments later, a dark chariot being flown by two bat-winged ponies landed nearby.

“Whoah... Is there a fifth race of pony that I was unaware about..?” Josh raised an eyebrow as he turned towards Twilight. Luna, upon hearing Josh’s question, laughed lightly.

“No Josh, these are regular pegasi. When a pegasus joins the night guard, they undergo a transformation that makes them take on the form you see now.”

“I see...” Josh muttered, looking over the large bat wings of the night guard ponies. “Kind of cool looking.” He smirked, turning his attention back to Luna as she began to clear up the burn marks on the ground while Twilight followed with a regrowth spell on the dirt. As Twilight’s spell beckoned the grass to grow back in place, Josh yawned, stretching. “Hey, I’m going to get the picnic stuff that we left back on the other side of the park.”

“Alright Josh, hurry on back.” Twilight called over, her attention focused on helping Luna.

“I will. I won’t be but a moment.” Josh stood up and stretched once more. Sliding his hands into the pockets of his coat, he turned and walked towards the spot where the picnic was held.

As Josh approached the picnic area, he noticed a spot on the ground that was bare of grass. “This must be the spot where that... One mare.. What was her name..?” Josh shrugged. “Eh, whatever it was, she must of somehow used her strange earth magic to move Twilight from this spot.” Walking over, he picked up the blanket and folded it up, placing it into the picnic basket. “This place just gets stranger and stranger... I’m starting to wonder if it was worth it in the end...”

Picking up the basket, he looked around and noticed the guitar leaning up against a nearby tree with a pink sticky note on it. Peeling the note off, he raised an eyebrow, chuckling quietly as he read it.

‘Joshie! I thought it would be a super duper idea to let you borrow this guitar! Just be sure to play it for us whenever you get the chance, it was really really nice to hear you play it today!

Your friend, Pinkie~’

“Well wasn’t that sweet of her...” Lifting up the guitar by it’s strap, he slung it over his shoulder. Turning around, Josh began to make his way back towards where Luna and Twilight were when out of the corner of his eye he saw a flash of purple.

“Oh! There you are, Josh. The Princess just left..” Twilight walked up to him with Spike on her back, having teleported next to him.

“Well... I suppose I’ll just have to wait till she returns later this week then with news about our new... Friend.” Josh stared at the ground in thought for a moment before shaking his head. Twilight looked up at him worriedly.

“Are you okay, Josh? You seem a bit down.” Running a hand through his hair, he sighed, shaking his head again.

“I’ll be fine... Everything that has happened in one week’s span of time is just... A bit overwhelming.” Twilight frowned. Clearing her throat, she gently prodded his side with a hoof.

“Hey... Let me see your arm for a moment.” Josh glanced at his arm, remembering the cut that he had received from Stelma. Kneeling down a bit, he held his arm out to Twilight. A glow radiated from the mare’s horn as she gently healed the cut with her magic.“There, good as new.” She smiled happily, turning her attention to look at Josh. “Now, lets get back home. I have to put the little one to bed and then we should probably get some sleep. It’s been a long day.” Josh nodded in agreement.

“I’m not going to argue about that one..” He chuckled lightly, offering Twilight a small smile. The two began to walk out of the park and through the dark streets of Ponyville, back towards the library.

Upon reaching the library and entering, Twilight bid Josh goodnight and headed up the stairs. Walking into the kitchen, Josh placed the picnic basket on the table. “What a day...” He muttered silently while putting the extra food from the basket into the fridge. Leaving the basket on the table, he walked out of the kitchen and stretched. “I... I’m honestly not that tired...” The weight on his back from the guitar drew his attention as he slowly smiled. Walking back to the front room, Josh opened the front door and silently made his way outside.

Making his way down the road, he raised a hand and conjured an orb of magelight above it. In the distance he could see a river with a small bridge spanning it. “Well it’s a nice a place as any...” Walking onto the bridge, Josh’s footsteps caused the wood to creak softly over the silent ripples in the water. Slinging the guitar over, he sat down on the railing and gently strummed the strings of the guitar. Staring up at the sky for a moment, a song slowly came to him as he began to quietly sing to himself.

Final sign of veracity
In the open palm of your enemy...
Going down, down, down
It's a sign of my own demise...
Indoctrination leads to lethal dedication
To a torment of hopeless cries...

Josh closed his eyes, trying to remember the lyrics to the song. Clearing his throat, he continued after a moment of silence.

There´s no reason
To believe that I will be on my way
See the future in decay
But you won´t hear me when I say
So come on...

Hear me, see me what I tried to find was
Emancipation of a human mind, 'cause
Hear me see me put your life on the line
A confirmation of your strife
You leave everything behind...

Josh sat in silence for a moment, absently strumming the guitar as he let his mind wander. The calming sound of the river in tune with the guitar, gave him a feeling of peace. “Stelma... What exactly are you... You’re no regular earth pony thats for sure.” His fingers glided across the strings of the guitar as he softly began to play another song.

The sound of hooves could be heard slowly approaching the bridge. Opening his eyes, he turned his attention towards a very tired looking lavender mare approaching him. “What are you doing out here, Josh..? When I heard the front door open I got worried...” Raising a hoof up to her face, Twilight rubbed her eyes, yawning. Josh sighed, clearing his throat.

“I guess I’m just not really that tired Twilight. I’ll head back shortly, go and get yourself some rest.” He smiled softly at her, eliciting a frown in return.

“What’s bothering you Josh... You’ve been... Melancholy. And everypony notices it... You know what Luna asked me when you left to get the picnic basket?” Josh raised an eyebrow at Twilight. “She asked me why you’re so..” She yawned softly, shaking her head. “Oh, excuse me. She asked why you seem so sad. Now I understand how..” Josh looked up at her, sadly. His dismal expression cutting her off.

“Do you, Twilight..? Not to be rude or anything, but try to put yourself in my shoes for a moment..” Josh leaned the guitar up against the bridge railing, turning his attention back to her. “What would you do if you were in my position? I honestly am trying to make the best of it, but it’s just so...” He ran a hand through his hair, looking up at the night sky. “It’s difficult...”

“Then what I think, Josh. Is that you take this difficult situation and try to make the best of it. It’s not going to do anypony good to have you moping around all the time. Now I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but I.. We.. Care for you.” Twilight smiled tiredly up at him, eliciting a small chuckle from Josh. “Now, would you be so kind as to walk me back home? I feel like I could fall over at any moment...” Josh slung the guitar back over his shoulder before turning around and nodding to Twilight.

“That probably would be for the best... Would you like me to carry you back, Twilight?” Twilight’s eyes widened as she blushed.

“I’ll be fine.. It’s not too..” She yawned again. “As I was saying, it’s not too far...” Twilight’s eyelids began to flutter, almost as if she were about to fall asleep where she stood.

“Whether it’s far or not, you’re about to fall asleep from what it looks like.” Twilight looked up at Josh, sighing.

“Fine... But if word of this gets out, I’m going to make sure all the blame is on you.” Smirking, Josh gave her a small salute before crouching down to her level and gently wrapping his arms around her, lifting her up. Yawning once more, Twilight cuddled close in Josh’s arms, a light blush on her face. As he stood up and began to make his way back, Twilight whispered sleepily. “For what it’s worth... I’m glad that you’re here, Josh...”

Pausing for a moment, Josh looked down at the mare in his arms. Opening his mouth to say something, he frowned and shook his head, continuing his walk back towards the library.

Dark Monastery

Connor muttered a curse as he fell onto his back upon appearing inside of the monastery. Nearby, Darcy who was seated in a chair while reading a book, looked up at Connor’s arrival. “Back so soon?” Connor turned his head in her direction, allowing her to get a good look at his face. Placing a hand to her mouth, her cocky demeanor was replaced with worry as she gasped loudly. “Oh.. Oh Connor, what happened!?” Setting her book aside, she stood up and quickly walked over to the injured man, kneeling down to assist him.

“It..It’s nothing..” Connor muttered, brushing her hands off of him. Darcy gave the man an annoyed look, shaking her head.

“It is ‘NOT’ nothing, Connor... What happened to you? Not just anyone could easily beat you around like this.” Connor shook his head, muttering inaudibly under his breath. Darcy looked around the room where Connor had appeared for any clues as to what may of caused his injuries. A thought suddenly struck her as she slowly turned to face Connor once more. The man had slowly sat up and was breathing heavily, a hand placed on his head. “This... This doesn’t have something to do with Stelma... Does it..?” The man winced at the mention of Stelma’s name.

“It does... I... I have to talk to the Master...” The building around them shook suddenly as a roar filled the monastery, forcing Darcy and Connor to cover their ears. As the sound died down, Connor and Darcy looked at each other, eyes filled with dread. Clearing her throat, the red haired elf nodded.

“Y..You’d best be going then... You do not want to keep him waiting...” Connor nodded in agreement, shakily rising to his feet with Darcy’s help. Darcy stood still, watching as Connor slowly made his way down the long hallway toward the Master’s chambers.

Connor placed his hand on the darksteel door and pressed against it, the sound of long unused door hinges. The room was almost never entered, as the Master preferred to keep his meetings in the small sitting room near the entrance of the monastery. A dank damp odor reached Connor’s nose, causing him to cough as he entered the room.

“Come, Connor... We have.. Much.. To discuss...” Connor froze as his eye’s widened in horror as the sound of his Master’s voice seemed to paralyze him. Connor slowly turned his head and looked around the room. It wasn’t too different from the rest of the monastery, except the tiles that made up the center in the room were gone and a giant crater took their place. In the center of the crater sat a gleaming violet stone that seemed to swallow any and all light that was sent it’s way. “You have disappointed me greatly, Connor... You and Stelma have upset ‘YEARS’ of preparations.... This plan has been in progress since before you were even a thought within your mother’s disgusting womb! HOW DO YOU PLAN TO FIX IT!?”

Connor fidgeted as he staggered backwards, away from the violet stone. “W..Well Master, you see..”

“NO!” The voice yelled out. “YOU WILL SEE!” A movement in the shadows caught Connor’s eye as he looked towards one corner of the room. Suddenly the dampness that he could smell when he entered the room made sense.

“No... No please... Slough please.. I can fix this...” A man slowly made his way out of the shadows, circling around the outside of the room, staying as far away from the stone in the center as possible.

“You know what to do, Slough...” The Master said as the stone lost it’s violet glow, casting the room in complete darkness. Raising one of his hands, a bright flame quickly encased it, revealing Slough, standing just feet away from Connor. Taking a few frightened steps backwards, Connor fell over, his whole body shaking as he stared at the man before him.

Slough couldn’t of been any taller than four and a half feet. His hair was a sickly green color, and his whole body was covered in dirt.“I knew that it would be me to snuff out the flamebearer... I just didn’t think it would be this soon...” Raising a hand up, a globule of muddy water rose into the air and hovered above his hand. Snapping his fingers, the water flew over and encased Connor’s hand, putting out the flames, leaving the two in utter darkness.

Darcy stood a few feet away from the darksteel doors, her hands over her mouth. “No... Not Connor too...” Turning around, she ran down the hall, bumping into Drex.

“Whoah, hey there Darcy, what's the rush?” Refusing to meet the big man’s eyes, the elf shook her head and pushed past him, running until she finally arrived in her room, falling onto the bed.

“You knew it would happen eventually...” An icy breeze pushed open the window her room as a gust of snow flew inside, gathering next to her bed. After a few moments, the snow began to take the shape of a short young woman. “A shame really,” The woman waved her hand in the air, as if the topic didn’t mean anything to her. ”I believe I was the only one who knew how much you were smitten by him... Though I believe that Stelma shared the same sentiment that you did.”

“You’d best watch what you say Aqua... You and your brother, Slough are the last of your kind, once you're gone, that’s it...” Aqua gasped mockingly at Darcy, placing a hand over her mouth.

“You forget, there aren’t any of your kind remaining either... You’re the last one. Why do you think the Master took you in? We’re all orphans here... The Master promised us more in life, are you going to throw that away? Get your head in the game, Darcy... We’re almost to the final stage, it doesn’t help that we lost our flame, but sacrifices must be made.” Darcy gritted her teeth, staring angrily at Aqua. “Now then!” The elemental clapped her hands together, giddily. “The Master wishes to have a meeting with all of us in the morning! Make sure to get plenty of rest.” Aqua walked over to the door of Darcy’s room and opened it, turning around as she walked out, bumping into Drex.

“I would suggest you keep your distance from Darcy... If you know what’s good for you...” Startled, Aqua spun around and looked up at the large man, her shocked expression slowly turning into a smirk as she walked past him and down the hall.

Drex stared after the elemental for a moment before looking at Darcy’s door and sighing. Turning, he walked down the hallway and walked into his own room to catch some sleep before the meeting the following morning.

Author's Notes:

Sorry that this one is almost a week past due... Bunch of RL stuff goin down, but the show must go on, right? Stelma seems to of gotten herself into a pickle, if only she listened to Drex... So many times I wrote Josh in as being overpowered, just blowing Stelma out of the water... But that wouldn't of made sense and the story-flow would of been all... Wonky. I'm really glad I didn't, I prefer the chapter the way it is now than it was previously. The song that Josh plays at the end is called "Leave Everything Behind" by Amaranthe. I was unable to find a youtube video for the version of the song that I wanted to link... Anyways, if you have any comments, feel free to leave them :) I'd like for this story to get more attention if at all possible~

-Kyllier

Editors note: This is 100% Twilight Sparkle approved. - Crystalline