Silence; the one thing that reigned unopposed during Princess Luna's banishment was silence, and now it had crept back into her life again. There was nothing to be seen or heard from within her cell, her eyes were blindfolded and mouth gagged, her wings were tied down with heavy chains clapped around her torso, and her horn had a slew of black crystals growing from it. Unable to do anything, Princess Luna lay down on the cold stone floor, and just wept in shame. As she rested upon the ground, Princess Luna's mind wandered about, thousands of years of memories scampered in and out as they pleased; each triggering another in a never ending cycle. Most were rather unpleasant befitting her current predicament, the majority of those were focused around her time as Nightmare Moon, though there were a few honorable mentions, such as the time she rose the Moon so fast she caused the coast to flood, and how could she forget about that one incident two thousand years ago involving her, Celestia, some cake, and a Changeling; "And that Thursday started off so well," Princess Luna thought to herself as she recalled the terrible affair.

However not all of her memories were full of sorrow, for there were just as many joyous moments in her life, and all of them were of her sister and new found friends, as well as some mentionable accomplishments; for example when she raised the Moon on her own with her family watching. The more she focused on these memories the chipper her spirit became, and though her current state looked mighty bleak, the friendship and love she has experienced served to sustain her; even in her darkest hour. All her happy memories seemed to emit a light of their own, a warm, soothing light brighter than the brightest star, and while they all shinned brightest together one among them proved brighter still. At the center of this gallery of light was Princess Luna's happiest memory, a moment in time she wished could repeat itself, for this was the memory of the day she met, and befriended Iscariat. Princess Luna could still remember it, Iscariat was nineteen years old at the time, but one year prior he left his parents' dwelling, acquired an apartment and job, and he also volunteered in programs that assisted non-unicorn ponies to adjust to Canterlot life; he made quite an impression on every pony he came in contact with that when word reached the Castle, Princess Luna felt inclined to meet him.

Unable to meet him during the day, due to her nocturnal nature, Princess Luna arrived at Iscariat's apartment just an hour after she raised the Moon. Taking a moment’s pause to collect herself, Princess Luna knocked on the door, and waited patiently for a response. In no time at all the door swung inward revealing a stunned Iscariat, completely caught off guard by the young Princess standing on his door step somewhat casually.

"Your highness," Iscariat said dropping to all fours as is proper. "To what do I owe to the honor of being in the presence of thy royal grace?"

"Calm thy self, noble Iscariat. We have come to congratulate thee for thy thoughtful deeds," Princess Luna said beckoning Iscariat to rise.

"I'm thankful to see that my work has not gone unnoticed, but I do this naught for prizes or fame, you highness," Iscariat replied.

"Which is all the reason more we wish to commend thee, so please take this as a show of our gratitude for all the good work you do around Canterlot," Princess Luna said as her horn glowed a midnight blue, and she bowed her head to rest it on Iscariat's fore head. A silvery liquid poured from the tip of the Princess' horn enveloping Iscariat like a sheet, the liquid soon hardened then loosened into the form of a hooded cloak, silvery like the Moon and sparkling like the stars in the sky, and serving as the cloak's broach was a mythic rare silver sapphire.

"What is this?" Iscariat asked marveled at the cloak's brilliance, then suddenly over taken by an over flow of magical energy that vitalized his very being allowing him to view the world before him as he never had before; for now he could see the streams of magic coursing around like a spider's web connecting everything and every pony together as one entity. Seeing him be over whelmed, Princess Luna drew back his hood, and thus returned him to normalcy.

"We apologize for our shortsightedness. We sometimes forget how different ponies are too we alicorns," Princess Luna said a slight blush creeping up her face.

"Just what was that I saw?" Iscariat asked rather curious of the whole thing.

"What thou have just experienced is one of the powers contained within the Mythos; an artifact so ancient it predates Equestria's founding," Princess Luna said with a smile that quickly became a sad frown. "It belonged to our father."

"No, your highness, I cannot accept this," Iscariat said shaking his head in disapproval. "This is a family heirloom, how can I take this from thy royal family?"

"Our father may have bequeathed the Mythos to us, but it is we who decide the pony that shall receive it, and we believe there could be no better candidate," Princess Luna said cracking a smile.

"Very well, your highness, I accept your most generous gift, and promise to use it in only the most dire of circumstances," Iscariat said bowing once more to the Princess.

From that night onward, Princess Luna visited Iscariat whenever she could, and eventually a solid friendship was forged; though Iscariat made sure to always address the Princess with the proper niceties. This ritual continued for five years, both had gotten quite comfortable around the other enough to speak about almost anything, and both had definitely improved what the other was lacking. At the age of twenty-five, Iscariat enrolled in the Royal Magic Academy, and with Princess Luna's glowing recommendation he was accepted without delay. She kept tabs on his progress, which was nothing but excellent, his high marks in every class, student council president for three years, and marked on the Dean's list. When Iscariat graduated, he not only graduated with honors, but was named valedictorian, as well as offered the position of Night Court Magician along with his diploma; Princess Luna was so over joyed when he accepted that she couldn't help but leap from her seat on the stage and give Iscariat a hug.

Recalling all these memories brought Princess Luna much happiness, and at the same time great sorrow for what she has lost due to her becoming Nightmare Moon. Weeping once more, Princess Luna longed for her sister to just show up and save her from this nightmare. Just then she heard a set of hoofs echoing down the hall, and making way towards her cell due to the increase in volume from the echoes. Holding out hope that perhaps somepony had to come to her aid at last, Princess Luna's aspirations were crushed when a deep voice came from behind her cell door.

"I do hope you are in a better mood, your highness," King Sombra said, though his voice was not muffled by the closed door before him. "For I desire to speak to you, so that you may understand I mean you no harm."

"You have a funny way of showing it," Princess Luna said the blindfold and gags no longer restraining her sight and speech.

"I apologize for binding you so, but I give you my word that there will be no more of it. Let me prove it," King Sombra said, his horn poking through the cell door as it melted to slag on the floor, then with a gentle touch from his crimson aura the chains restraining the Princess' wings and the crystals on her horn vanished.

Free from her restraints, Princess Luna caught King Sombra by surprise by blasting him into the hallway with a beam of concentrated magic, and while he was still dazed she pinned him to the floor with her right fore hoof. Unable to move, King Sombra glared up to see Princess Luna pointing her horn at his chest, its tip blazing with a midnight blue aura, and her eyes were cold like a killer.

"I should kill you," Princess Luna deadpanned.

"But you won't," King Sombra stated, the Princess' horn now mere inches from his heart.

"Are you sure? I've done many things I never thought I was capable of, what is one more dead body among the foundation?" Princess Luna said her expression stone hard.

"I know you won't because you're not that mare anymore, and that is why I brought you to my stronghold. I need your help," King Sombra said, his face softening as he slowly turned away from the Princess' gaze.

"What did you say?" Princess Luna asked her horn still hovering over Sombra's chest.

"I need your help. I want to change," King Sombra said now locking eyes with the Princess, causing her to retract a bit.

"How do I know this isn't another trick, just a ploy to lower my defense?" Princess Luna asked her horn's glow fading as she pulled it back.

"I can give you no guarantee, but if you let me explain then perhaps you will understand," King Sombra said.

"One chance, and if I so much as suspect you are lying," Princess Luna said shooting an emerald flame from the tip of her horn right at her cell, which promptly consumed its walls and floor leaving nothing but a gaping hole and molten stone. "There will be naught but ashes left, even your immortal spirit will burn and evaporate."

"Noted," King Sombra said rising to his feet, and beckoning Princess Luna to follow. "I have a chamber just down the hall, we may talk there."

"Just where are we?" Princess Luna asked surprising herself as she willingly followed Sombra.

"My ancestral home, built long ago by my earliest ancestor," King Sombra said as they trotted down the hall.

The farther down the hall they went the stronger the sweet smell of roasting maple became, "Perhaps he had some kind of hearth nearby," Princess Luna though. They wandered in silence for five minutes till a large steel door obstructed their movement; it was an odd door with no lock or door knob visible, and only the etching of an octagon inscribed in its center. King Sombra stepped before the door, laid his horn upon the octagon, and then uttered the words, "When in darkness let this be my light." The octagon glowed a brilliant white, then commenced to expand until it consumed the door, and part of the wall. Once it finished expanding, the octagon lost its white glow to reveal a chamber beyond its gaping maw, and with King Sombra ushering her in, Princess Luna's eyes were captivated by the quaint, and cozy, study before her.

The portal used to enter this room quickly vanished causing the Princess to become suspicious, but King Sombra explained that the door was designed to do so, and that if she wished to leave then she may teleport back to Canterlot; "I promise not to stop you," he added with a sincere expression. Trusting his words, for now, Princess Luna turned her attention back to the impeccable study, there were three book cases against the north wall with tomes and volumes embroidered in gold leaf, and above that an ancient Pegasus tower shield made of pure mythril. Looking to her left, Princess Luna saw an impressive collection of magical crystals, each containing within its pristine facets a swirling mass of energy that felt almost alive to her.

"Fascinating, are they not?" King Sombra said tracing the Princess' line of sight.

"Very, what are they if I may ask?" Princess Luna asked genuinely curious.

"To truly explain them would take several life times, even for one such as you. What I will say is that they are a form of life energy, crystallized by magic and gravity, and though their true purpose is a mystery they can be used as magical batteries or amplifiers," King Sombra replied.

Captivated by the stones' unique properties, Princess Luna couldn't help but trot around the room inquiring on the other magical artifacts, such as a collection of wands and staffs that were once used by unicorns before they learned to channel magic through their horns. There was also an ancient map framed on the west wall that depicted Equestria long before the empire was founded, so many of the common land marks did not exist; in fact very few towns were posted at all, and the EverFree Forest's borders reached both coasts almost cutting the nation in half. Princess Luna never pictured King Sombra as the history type, and yet he had more than several eras’ worth of artifacts and tomes; most predating even her. In the center of the room her eyes rested on a mahogany desk with one item on top that returned her to the present, and reminded her just who she was spending a pleasant time with. Upon the desk was the unmistakable parchment that was the Arch-Library's six scroll, and oddly enough its seal remained intact.  

"If you want my aid, then tell me the truth," Princess Luna said pointing at the stolen scroll.

"Understand that I have every intention of returning this treasure, after I have made use of it," King Sombra said gazing right into her eyes with nothing to hide.

"And just what is your plan? What machinations have you set in motion?" Princess Luna inquired staring right back, curious at what his response will be.

"Contained in this heavily encrypted text is a ritual that awakens one's fullest potential. However, if properly modified it can also alter one's very alignment, I would no longer be evil," King Sombra said a hopeful smile riding up his face, and the Princess believed it.

"Let's say I believe you, how do I play into this?" Princess Luna asked pacing around the tyrant.

"For the ritual to work the Moon must be rising just as the Sun is setting, and I also need one exceptionally skilled in circle magic to create the array," King Sombra said, Princess Luna blushing a little at his last remark.

"Only Iscariat and my sister have ever called me exceptional," Princess Luna said rather embarrassed.

"I know your pain, for I have endured it for centuries," King Sombra said laying a hoof on the Princess' shoulder. "Help me purge this darkness, and I will help you. I promise that every pony in Equestria will know the real you, and not just as Princess Celestia's long lost sister."

"I've only ever wanted my subjects to treat me as they treat my sister, is that too much to ask?" Princess Luna said a single tear running down her cheek, which she quickly wiped away, and then turned towards King Sombra. "I believe that every pony deserves a second chance, and you are no exception. Let's get to work."

"Thank you, your highness, I just knew you would help," King Sombra said using his magic to unseal and unroll the scroll upon the desk. "First we must crack the cipher, and then the real work will start. Now would you kindly fetch me a tome from the middle bookcase titled, Equestrian Codex?"

Nodding her head, Princess Luna rushed to the shelf and procured the required text, as well as three more that King Sombra felt he would need after glancing at the scroll. For many hours they toiled over the tomes, using them and their collective knowledge of old dead languages to slowly decipher each line of text one by one; Princess Luna rather enjoyed herself. Meanwhile on the road, the Sun already half way across the sky, Iscariat and the Elements of Harmony were making their way to a very special location; the Font of Memories. Once reputed as a myth all of three hours ago by Princess Twilight and Celestial respectively, both were dumbstruck when Iscariat said they were wrong, and that that was where their quest would first take them. Princess Twilight was positively leaping with excitement, for as a young filly she has read all kinds of fairy tales, and the Font of Memories was one of her favorites; a mystical grove with a basin of water that would allow one to access any memory they have created in their life time, even forgotten ones.

Iscariat was not too keen on bringing this many ponies to the Font of Memories; "This isn't a field trip. You all will be treading on sacred ground, and I want no funny business, that means you Pinkie Pie," Iscariat had said the moment they set out from Canterlot. Realizing that Iscariat's current mood was mostly her fault, Rarity tried everything she could think of to make amends, but Iscariat would not even look at her, and if he did have to speak to her he kept it short and to the point. The strain between Iscariat and Rarity was not lost to the other mares, it was clear as day that something happened after the party or at the very least early this morning, but none of them wanted to risk infuriating the millennium old stallion; "Rarity's on her own this time," Rainbow Dash said from high in the sky with a slight chuckle. For the most part they walked in silence, Iscariat kept to himself by focusing all his attention on the fifth and final scroll in his possession. As he had predicted the fifth scroll offered no in sight as to what might be contained in the sixth, the information was too random with large gaps in level of power; "Though that would depend on the reader," Iscariat mumbled because he still believed the ability to use the Elements of Harmony by oneself trumped anything he has read thus far.  

"So, is that one of the legendary scrolls Princess Celestia spoke of?" Princess Twilight asked eyeing the scroll with an itch to read it.

"Yes," Iscariat deadpanned, his attention still focused on the scroll.

"Are you sure you should be carrying something so valuable on an open road?" Princess Twilight asked concerning herself with her question.

"Not to worry, your highness, with the exception of myself, Princess' Celestia, Luna, Mi Amore Cadenza, yourself, Discord, King Sombra, the Griffon King, and the Changeling Queen, as well as your friends I suppose, no pony else knows of their existence," Iscariat replied rolling up the scroll, then tucking it away in his saddle bag.

"Chrysalis is aware of the Arch-Library's existence?" Princess Twilight said bewildered by his statement.

"Knows of it?" Iscariat retorted with a surprising chuckle. "She contributes to it, the Arch-Library has always been neutral ground, and the curator has been seen as an ambassador of sorts. The three great kingdoms of Ponies, Changelings and Griffons acknowledge the library's importance, and thus have a long standing agreement to protect and add to it. As a matter of fact, Queen Chrysalis and Princess Celestia held a peace conference in the Arch-Library several months after that dreadful Canterlot Wedding incident."

"Really, how did it fare?" Princess Twilight inquired.

"It could have gone better, but the two kingdoms have had a long history of turmoil, and both monarchs have their personal grudges towards the other," Iscariat replied so immersed in the conversation that his mood was improving.

"What is your take on this? I for one believe that these creatures should just stay out of Equestria," Princess Twilight said not even trying to hide her prejudice towards Changeling.

"Don't be too quick to condemn an entire species, your highness," Iscariat said staring at Twilight from the corner of his eye. "I have spoken to Queen Chrysalis on many occasions over the last thousand years, and I have made many journeys to the Changeling Capital in my youth. All these experiences have taught me never to judge one without knowing them, and I can say that the Changelings would make excellent allies. Why the advances in communication alone would make carrier ponies obsolete."

"You've been to the Changeling Capital? They allowed you past the border?" Princess Twilight said her friends, who were listening in, all had bewildered expressions.

"That is awesome!" Rainbow Dash shouted, now hovering three feet above them, totally enveloped in their conversation.

"I reckon y'all got all kinds of tales to tell," Applejack said positively excited at the possibilities.

"Oh my, you're quite the exotic stallion, Mr. Iscariat," Rarity said intrigued by Iscariat's worldly knowledge.

"As curator I have access to anywhere I please, and no law enforcer may impede me either. Of course I do my best to know when to exercise my authority," Iscariat said tad embarrassed, because he usually avoids talking this much about himself.

"Your job sounds very demanding; don't you ever take some time off for yourself?" Fluttershy asked albeit rather timidly and from behind the pack.

"No, even when I go aboard it is strictly business; not that I don't enjoy my work. Personally though I do miss the old days, back then Princess Luna and I shared quite a few laughs, as well as a few nights," Iscariat said smiling as he reminisced about his past.

Princess Twilight and her friends came to a sudden stop, after Iscariat's statement, indescribable expressions were on their faces as they all stared at Iscariat; who was so caught up in his memories did not notice the mares stopping or starring. Allowing Iscariat to wander on ahead, the six mares huddled together to discuss what they just heard. Princess Twilight was baffled at this predicament, she was aware Princess Luna and Iscariat were friends a thousand years ago, but she never would have guessed that there was more to their relationship; "This requires further investigation," she said to her friends. All six mares were determined to know the full meaning behind Iscariat's words, though Rarity mentioned, without too many details, that she would have to play more of an advisory role, and couldn't ask Iscariat out right. Striking at the iron while it was still hot, Rainbow Dash skillfully started a conversation about famous Equestrian flyers that perfectly lead back to a Luna and Iscariat conversation, "An so the game is a hoof," Princess Twilight said as she watched the two ponies talk.

More than half way to their destination the Sun had set, and they just reached the outskirts of the EverFree Forest; "Ain't no way I'm setting a hoof in there after dark," Applejack said genuinely afraid. Iscariat tried to convince them that the EverFree Forest is no more dangerous at night than the day, but the mares were simply adamant, and so they made camp for the night. Having been informed by Rainbow Dash, who also was the local Weather Team Captain, that no showers or storms were scheduled for another three days the ponies chose not to pitch up tents, and instead sleep under the night sky. Being a light sleeper at best, Iscariat opted to do some star gazing at the far end of the campsite, as the six mares huddled by a roaring fire resting their legs for tomorrow's last ten mile hike. Having lived for a thousand years, Iscariat could instantly tell which sister had set the night sky; Princess Celestia had clearly taken Princess Luna's role tonight for as always the Moon was off center by three degrees, and some of the constellations were either missing stars or on the wrong side of the sky.

"Ah, one thousand years of practice, and she still gets it wrong; she'll never learn," Iscariat said with a chuckle, until a scroll magically appeared in front of his face with the words, I HEARD THAT, written in big, bold, letters; he laughed louder this time. Caught off guard by Iscariat's sudden outburst, Fluttershy leaped into the air, and then became as stiff as a board falling sideways upon the ground. "Oh, sorry dear, I didn't notice you. Fluttershy, is it?"

"Yes, sir," Fluttershy said timidly rising to her feet.

"I assume you want to ask me something," Iscariat said placing his telescope, constellation sheets, and Princess Celestia's message in his saddle bags, then turning his full attention to the nervous yellow Pegasus.

"If it isn't too much trouble," Fluttershy said cringing a tad.

"Speak your mind young one and I will answer," Iscariat replied sitting down on his haunches, and inviting Fluttershy to do the same; the other mares secretly listened thanks to a little eavesdropping spell Princess Twilight knew.  

"Okay, well...um...I was wondering, if it is not too intrusive that is, if I could ask if...if...Are you in love with Princess Luna?!" Fluttershy blurted out, several faces hoofs could be heard from the other side of the campsite, followed by a very loud, Are you kidding me! To every pony’s surprise, Iscariat broke out into a fit of laughter that lasted for ten whole minutes, and we're talking rolling on the ground with his hooves flailing around laughter.

"I'm sorry, but that was the funniest thing I've heard in three hundred years," Iscariat said wiping his tears and regaining his composure. "To answer your question, no I don't love Princess Luna. I mean I had a crush on her once as a colt, but I came to realize that a relationship of that caliber would be impossible; she is after all a Princess of the realm. I do, however, admire her, and respect everything she stands for; there is nothing more to say."

"Okay," Fluttershy said unable to formulate any other words.

Taking this as a sign that she had no more to say, Iscariat collected his saddle bags, and then bid every pony a good evening as he made for a patch of grass facing the EverFree Forest. Wrapping himself in an old, weather stained, grey sheet, Iscariat laid his head upon the ground and fell into a deep sleep. At mornings first light, Iscariat awoke as did the others and after a light breakfast they wasted no time in setting off into the EverFree Forest. Following the ancient stallion through the dense brush of the EverFree Forest, the six mares huddled together as a way of dispersing the fear, despite Iscariat already stating that nothing was going to happen. Though wild and untamed, the EverFree Forest housed its own beauty and wonder, in his youth, Iscariat would explore the forest without end, collecting flora samples for his alchemic experiments, and sometimes resting under the cool shade of the trees studying for his next exam.

Traveling past a babbling brook, through a meadow of blooming tulips, and down a steep hill the seven ponies were only a few yards from their destination when they came to a halt. Obstructing their path was a strange crystal formation that almost seemed to have grown from one side to the other, its jagged crystals pierced every tree it had grown around, but the flora did not seem to be bothered by it since leaves still crowned their branches. Iscariat examined the crystal growth, noting each second the crystals would pulsate with chromatic energy, and then discharge a small electrical charge that slightly ionized the air. Completely immersed in his examination, Iscariat failed to notice that Rarity had approached the crystal growth in hopes of extracting a few of the marvelous stones far her new Fall line.

"I can't believe it grew back so soon, and it got so big. Oh well, this shouldn't take too long, so long as...What are you doing?!" Iscariat exclaimed, wide eyed expression erupting forth as he saw Rarity using her magic to chisel at the crystals.

"Oh don't mind me; I just wanted to take some of these gorgeous crystals to use in this new dress I'm designing. You see, I run..." but Rarity was cut off when Iscariat head butted her away from the crystal growth just as a powerful bolt of lightning shot forth, and struck Iscariat instead. "Mr. Iscariat, are you alright? Twilight quick, I think he is really hurt!"

"I'm fine, you idiot," Iscariat groaned, his coat slightly singed by the lightning. "Just don't use any magic on the Ward, which applies to you as well, your highness."

"What is that thing?" Princess Twilight asked as Rainbow and Applejack helped Iscariat to his feet.

"That is a Ward, it is a defense the forest naturally produces to prevent travel to certain areas," Iscariat explained taking a sip of water from his jug. "There are hundreds of different types, but the one before us is one of the most common, and easiest to get by if one knows how. Now I cannot stress this enough, no magic must come in contact with this Ward."

"Then how do we get by it?" Rainbow Dash interjected.

"We break it," Iscariat replied taking another swing of water. "All we have to do is strike the Ward just right and it will shatter like a stain glass window. Of course we must take great care to not..."

A loud kick came from behind them interrupting Iscariat, and upon turning around they saw Applejack bucking the Ward something fierce. She struck the crystal dead center over and over until a loud crack was heard, and several crystal shards fell to the ground. Examining her progress, Applejack was perplexed to see that the crack was purely superficial; a light electrical charge ran along the surface out of the tiny cracks. A little disappointed that she didn't shatter the Ward, Applejack never the less opted to try again, but before she could Iscariat created an energy rope to pull her away from the Ward, and none too soon because a powerful discharge erupted forth expanding the crystal a whole foot.  

"What in tarnation was that?!" Applejack asked as Iscariat helped her to her feet.

"Feedback, see if the Ward is cracked instead of shattered a powerful discharge is released, and then the Ward increase in size and density," Iscariat said taking a deep breath, and one more sip of water. "Alright, before anypony tries anything else, I just want to say that Applejack had the right idea, but executed it poorly."

"Yeah, AJ, this isn't an apple tree, you can't just strike it head on," Rainbow Dash said with a confident grin.

"That's right," Iscariat said happy that somepony finally understood.

"What you have to do is strike it at an angle from the sky," Rainbow Dash said adorning her flight goggles, and then shot off into the air at an incredible speed.

"That's not right!" Iscariat bellowed but it was too late.

Rainbow Dash soared high into the sky, ascending to almost ten thousand feet before she performed an elegant cork screw, and made a rapid descent. Faster and faster she descended, the air rushed passed her encompassing her body in a thick cushion, in moments she broke the sound barrier, and reached terminal velocity; there was no turning back now. Mere feet from her target she positioned her fore hooves to strike the crystal growth with all the momentum she accumulated, and when at last the collision occurred a legendary sonic rainboom sprung forth blinding everything in a colorful flash. When their eye sight returned to normal every pony was bedazzled to see that the Ward was shattered into three pieces, and yet the three pieces were still connected; albeit only more inches of connective crystal. Rainbow Dash, unaware of the minute connection, was already warming up for a victory dance when Iscariat teleported her next to the others and then quickly conjured a force field just as the Ward erupted a colossal wave of electrical energy.

The wave of energy collided with the force field, warping and bending it about forcing Iscariat to constantly adjust the field’s strength and overall density. When it was all over, Iscariat lowered the field so they could all see what Rainbow Dash had wrought. The Ward had now doubled in size and thickness, Iscariat shot an intimidating glare at Rainbow Dash, who tried to hide her shame by boasting that only she could have performed such a feat of power and strength. Shaking his head, Iscariat told every pony to stay back as he approached the Ward, wandering around, and tap tapping every inch of its surface. Eventually he stopped at a portion between the center and connective joint on the left side, and with a grin he cocked back his hoof and planted a powerful punch that easily permeated the dense crystal.

Iscariat's one strike caused the whole Ward to shatter into tiny bits that then evaporated into an ethereal smoke. Rainbow Dash and Applejack were both beside themselves after what they just saw; "I don't believe it, showed up not once, but twice by an egg head," Rainbow Dash said her eyes wide open, and her mouth hanging loose.

"Not just any egg head, but one that's as strong as Big Mac," Applejack said a little embarrassed that she only now noticed the fairly obvious muscles tones along Iscariat's body.

"A thousand years of wandering aboard will do that to a pony," Iscariat said as he urged every pony to follow him down the now clear path.

Following Iscariat through the path they traversed the last few yards and arrived in a small grove with a shimmering basin at its center. The grove is one of the few areas in the EverFree Forest that is open to the sky, the Sun's light shined brightly through the opening illuminating the basin's surface in a silvery-white. Beneath the surface were thousands of goblets of various sizes and material; some were clay, others metal, and some were glass.

"Impressive, wouldn't you agree?" Iscariat said to no pony in specific.

"Is this the Font?" Princess Twilight asked a puzzled expression on her face.

"Yes, every memory that is and every will be is recorded here," Iscariat replied with excitement. "I'm certain you all noticed the goblets; I mean how couldn't you? Anyway one of those serves to channel the Font's awesome power, and thus would allow us to access it. However only one of them is the control matrix and only one can be taken out at any given time; thankfully I..."

"Are you serious?!" Rainbow Dash interjected looking at the basin's base stuffed to the brim with goblets. "How are we going to find one cup among all these?!"

"Well as I was saying..." Iscariat tried to continue, but was interrupted again.

"Not to worry, surly something that powerful is giving off some magic," Princess Twilight said trotting to the water's edge, pointing her horn towards the center of the goblet mass, and then tried to encompass the whole mass in her magical aura. "This simple scan should reveal the correct...What's going on?"

Before her spell could divine the goblet's location the basin became murky until all the goblets were hidden, and then the water gushed out in the form of a large wave that shoved Twilight into Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Rarity. The four mares were soaked to the marrow as the tidal wave washed over them, and then quickly receding back into the basin. Iscariat shook his head at the circus unfolding before him, "I don't have time for this nonsense," he said to himself, as he walked over to Fluttershy; the only mare, he hoped would listen to him.

"Well that was a bust," Princess Twilight said as she shook herself dry.

"Hey, why don't we just swim down there, and start pulling at cups? Maybe one of them will...oh I don't know give off some magic energy thingy," Rainbow said rubbing her temples after thinking so much.

"Nope, that won't work," Pinkie Pie said as she walked out of the basin dressed in a swimsuit, scuba gear and flippers. "I tried to pull at one of them but it wouldn't budge. Somepony must have glued them or something."

"Must be a petrification spell, a really powerful one to be able to fuse different minerals," Princess Twilight replied pondering on their next move.

"What are we to do? Surely we haven't the time to tug at every one of those goblets and hope the one we need isn't stuck as well. And what of Princess Luna? Who knows what kind of evil that ruffian, King Sombra is unleashing upon her? This is, without a doubt, the...worst...possible...thing!" Rarity rambled as she used her magic to drag a Victorian era fainting couch towards her, and then laid herself upon it.

"How'd you get that thing here?" Applejack asked poking at the couch to make sure it's real.

"Girls focus! There is an answer to every problem. All we have to do is put our heads together," Princess Twilight said, but just then she heard a clang that made her turn her head.

"Well done, Fluttershy," Iscariat said as he untied the rope around a rusty, iron goblet. "I couldn't have done it without you."

"Oh, you're just saying that," Fluttershy said blushing at his statement.

"No really, damn thing is a little on the heavy side, even for me. So, thank you," Iscariat said levitating the goblet over his head, then walking over to the others.

"I don't understand," Princess Twilight said confused.

"Well, Mr. Iscariat said that he comes here every fifty years or so. So much so that he tied a rope around the correct goblet so he could just pull it out whenever he stops by," Fluttershy explained in her trade mark timid voice.

"So, you knew which one it was all along?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed hovering inches from Iscariat’s muzzle an angry scowl on her face.

"No pony would listen to me, except for Miss Fluttershy here, and I would appreciate it if you get out of my face," Iscariat said returning Rainbow's scowl in kind; though his was far more intimidating. "Now, please, just sit back and watch the magic."

Dipping the goblet back in the water to fill it up, Iscariat then proceeded to drink all of its contents in one gulp. Nothing happened right away, but the mares could definitely feel something had changed in the area. Suddenly a soft hum could be heard coming from the rusty goblet, as a sweet wind blew through the trees, then spun inside the basin pushing back the water to form a six foot ring, and exposing the thousands of goblets. With the goblets in earnest to the Sun's light they began to emanate a light of their own, and from the goblets' mouths silvery bubbles blossomed forth. Each bubble seemed to contain an image of Iscariat, and these were no mere still art images, but moving and vocal ones complete with color and scenery.

One by one, Iscariat skimmed through each bubble, particularly the duller ones, since the brighter the ambient glow the more recent the memory. Princess Twilight couldn't help but inquirer as to the mechanics behind the Font, but since Iscariat didn't have the time to explain he directed her to one of the bubbles on the far left side of the basin; "That one contains all the relevant information you thirst for. Delve to your heart’s content," Iscariat said barely making eye contact. A few hours passed an Iscariat was still no closer to finding what he sought, and eventually the six mares, Rainbow Dash chief among them, grew bored at just watching him skim through each memory. Realizing that if he did not find something to occupy their time they would soon start bothering him, and so, despite better judgment, he granted them permission to browse his memories as he searched. A little excited to know more of the mysterious stallion, the six mares wandered around the basin examining each bubble, discussing among themselves on which one they should watch first, and after ten minutes their eyes caught a glimpse of Princess Luna in one of the bubbles.

"Did you all see that?" Rarity asked with excitement as the other mares nodded their heads in response. "Quick Twilight lets grab it before it floats away."

Using their combined magic, Twilight and Rarity dragged the bubble in so Pinkie Pie could grab it and carry it over to a nice spot under a shady tree, where they all sat down around it. After watching Iscariat's technique, they knew that to access the memory all they had to do was touch it, then channel some magic into it; which Twilight covered. With Twilight's magic sparking the reaction the six mares found themselves drifting into a dream state as Iscariat's memory poured into them. The year was thirty-four ninety-five of the second era, the day the fifth of October, and the place was the Canterlot Royal Throne Room at eleven twenty-five pm. Standing in front of them, gazing up at Princess Luna, who sat on her throne, dressed in a blue satin cloak and black button down vest was a slightly younger Iscariat; who actually had some black streaks in his mane and tail.

"Your highness, please, we have discussed this before," Iscariat said some genuine concern in his voice. "No pony is shunning you; they merely rest during the night so as to be renewed for the next day."

"We understand that, but that doesn't mean Equestria has to come to a grinding halt every time our sister's Sun sets," Princess Luna replied a slight bitterness to her voice.

"Perhaps your highness could hold an event to display the beauty that is the night," Iscariat said smiling after seeing the twinkle in the Princess' eyes. "And I have just the thing in mind. Remember that idea your highness had about arranging the stars in intricate patterns? Well maybe this is your highness' moment to unveil it."

"That is a wonderful idea, we will need some time to make the arrangements, not to mention plan out the array," Princess Luna said all the bitterness having left her. "Can we leave it to you to spread the word, and file all the necessary paper work?"

"Consider it done, your highness," Iscariat said already writing the first of many posters.

"We are certain our subjects will enjoy this," Princess Luna said giggling like a little school filly.

Suddenly everything dimmed around the mares as time, apparently, moved forward; evident by the ice crystals forming above Princess Luna's private balcony. The setting had changed to Princess Luna's bed chamber, out on the balcony; it was well after midnight as the Princess was setting the Moon to make way for the dawn. Iscariat stood by Princess Luna's side, her head just resting on his shoulders as she wept uncontrollably; Rarity was particularly interested in this moment, so much in fact that she was basically standing right next to them.

"I'm sorry, your highness," Iscariat said as he glanced at the broken creature beside him. "There was no way of knowing the Pegasus ponies had a blizzard set for that week. I'm sure they merely misplaced your request for clear skies."

"Oh they knew," Princess Luna said with weepy eyes and between cries. "They knew, but didn't care. They sought to make a fool of us, and we know our sister played a hoof in this. We just know it."

"Your highness, I suggest thou refrain from making such accusations," Iscariat said rather surprised at the Princess' words; as were the other mares. "Thy sister loves thee more than anything in Equestria. Her highness, Princess Celestia, would never wish to make a fool of thee."

"Perhaps thou are correct," Princess Luna said raising her head, and drying her tears. "We thank thee for staying with us till Sun rise; thou are excused to thy own service. Do as thou will."

"Thank ye, your highness," Iscariat said with a bow before turning to take his leave, but only to be halted by the Princess stepping on his cloak. "Something else, your highness?"

"Tis nothing, we were just curious if perhaps sometime in the near future thou and us could spend another evening like this; well without the weeping," Princess Luna said with a smiling grin, but before Iscariat could reply the memory faded away, and time moved forward again.

"No, no! An just as it was getting juicy," Rarity said depressed to have been left with such a cliff hanger.

"I don't know what yer talking about, Rarity. Twas clear to me that they're nothing more than good friends," Applejack said.

"Are you crazy?! Princess Luna is so into him she may as well have put a royal claim on him," Pinkie Pie said standing beside Rarity, holding up a sign with the letters L and I, capitalized, and inside a red heart; no pony knows where she got the sign from.

"I have to agree with Applejack on this one, the evidence is too circumstantial to call it any more than a platonic friendship," Princess Twilight said taking her stand next to Applejack, and then turned to Rainbow Dash. "What are your thoughts, Rainbow? Rainbow? Rainbow Dash, wake up?!"

"Huh...Well of course I'll accept your invitation to join the Wonderbolts, Spitfire," Rainbow Dash blurted out as her eyes tried to focus in the dim light.

"Were you asleep this whole time?" Princess Twilight asked with a pout.

"Maybe," Rainbow Dash said kind of childishly.

"Argh, I can't believe you," Princess Twilight said exasperated with the Pegasus.

"Um, girls, I think another memory is coming up," Fluttershy said pointing at the light growing in the center of the darkness.

The light washed over them changing their surroundings to the Canterlot castle grounds where Iscariat and another pony the mares have not met were preparing for some kind of conflict. Gazing up at the sky, Twilight knew what moment in time this was, it was the night Nightmare Moon first came into being, for it was an hour or so until dawn and the Moon was in the center of sky.

"Now pay attention, Iscariat because we only have one shot at this," the unknown pony said grasping a scroll with her right fore hoof.

"Yes, Master Sorca, but do we really have to? I mean, perhaps there is another way," Iscariat said.

"I know you want to save her, but we don't have that luxury. If we don't do it now, then all of Equestria is doomed, so buck up and take it like a stallion, and don't forget that cloak she gave you. I want you wearing it, just in case," Sorca said her grip tightening on the scroll.

"Yes, ma'am," Iscariat said extracting a dazzling silver cloak that caused Rarity to cry out, and then instantly shut her mouth.

"Okay let’s go," Sorca said leading the way into the castle.

"Princess Luna, I'm so sorry," were Iscariat's last words as this memory too faded into nothingness.

Once again time progressed forward, except this time it was by a grander factor evident by Iscariat's complete grey mane and tail, but even more so by the image engraved on the Moon's surface. Gazing from the castle's battlement, Princess Celestia and Iscariat stood in silence staring at the Moon, the tension between them was so intense it could be cut with a knife.

"I know you feel guilty, but the blame is mine to bear," Princess Celestia said breaking the silence.

"If I only had a little more time," Iscariat said unable to look the Princess in the eye.

"Sometimes the answer isn't always the one we want," Princess Celestia said resting a hoof on his shoulders, which he instantly swiped off.

"Don't try to sugar coat this! This was nothing but a disaster, and it all could have been avoided if you actually cared!" Iscariat bellowed at the Princess, Twilight and the others were shocked at what they just heard.

"You're angry, I get that, but if you let it consume you then you will know nothing but a life of bitterness and despair, and you shall live for a long time," Princess Celestia said.

"I'm leaving," Iscariat said as he turned towards the door on the far left of the battlement.

"Where will you go? You're still the curator, and have much work to do, are you just going to abandon it?" Princess Celestia asked rather concerned, for something like this has never happened before.

"I would never abandon my responsibilities," Iscariat said his head dropping a little. "I just need some time to think, and quite frankly I think it will do me some good to travel abroad."

"Perhaps you are right; it has only been a hundred years. Your mind still requires time to adjust, but always remember that I will be here should you ever require somepony to talk to," Princess Celestia said as she bid Iscariat farewell.

"I will return, your highness," Iscariat said, and then left.

With those last words, the six mares were back in the real world, the Sun had long since set, and Iscariat still had not found the memory he sought. Together the six mares placed the memory bubble back with its brother, and then they sat down back at the spot under the tree, and conversed on what just occurred. Well into the night Iscariat dug through every memory he could find, and got nothing but lemons for all his hard work; "Either some pony really hates me, or I'm overlooking something," Iscariat said to himself after going through another useless memory bubble. Several more hours of this lack of progress, and Iscariat just punched his hooves into the ground in frustration awakening Princess Twilight in the process. Sensing his agitation, Princess Twilight got to her feet and sought to try and ascertain the reason for his rage.

"Are you okay, Iscariat?" Princess Twilight asked.

"No, no I'm not okay. I just feel so useless," Iscariat said glaring with anger at the memory bubble.

"You're not useless," Princess Twilight said laying a hoof on his shoulder. "You will figure it out; I mean it's not like its encrypted or something."

"That's it, of course!" Iscariat bellowed as he rushed towards the bubbles and held them in front of his crystal necklace.

"What is it? What did you figure out?" Princess Twilight asked.

"The Six Scrolls are immensely powerful objects, even in the abstract form of a memory their power is undeniable, but this crystal can help decipher their cryptic illusions, and...Yes, here it is!" Iscariat said triumphantly holding the memory he has sought after. "Thank you, your highness, I could not have done it without...Did you feel that just now?

A loud rumble could be heard in the distant; Iscariat stared off into the darkness of the trees trying to spot what it was that was making the noise. Closer and closer the rumble came, the sound of trees snapping soon followed, and still nothing could be seen. Focusing his senses with his magic, Iscariat scanned deep into the tree line viewing all matter of beast fleeing from something truly terrifying. With his amplified senses it wasn't long till Iscariat found the source of the rumbles, and he could have sworn his heart stopped for a minute.

"Impossible, there is just no way this can be real," Iscariat said his face stunned with fright.

"What is it? What do you see?" Princess Twilight asked squinting her eyes to try and focus on the tree line, but it wasn't working.

"A Rorschach," Iscariat said with a grim voice, as a loud roar ringed throughout the forest.

               Next Chapter: Chapter 5.1: d1Q Estimated time remaining: 4 Hours, 22 Minutes