Chapter 13

All For Nothing

King Night Shade returned to Canterlot lost in his thoughts. The dragons were afraid of someone or something that has awakened and his name was The Defiler. “The Defiler?” Why did that name sound so familiar? He knew he had heard that name from somewhere. Night Shade turned to his studies. Perhaps he could find something that could shed some light on their situation. Flipping through the pages of "Equestrian History" he landed on the chapter of the past Alicorns who had once ruled over Equestria. He looked over the names until he found the one who ruled before him and his wife.

Princess Beatrix, widely known for her rule over Equestria a thousand years ago; her greatest triumph was her victory over a power hungry tyrant. His real name is unknown to pony kind, but to the dragons he is known as The Defiler. Although we are not sure how she did it, the only one who might know could be none other than Star Swirl the Bearded. Even though Star Swirl would deny having helped her majesty, those who don’t by into the sage’s loner attitude believe that when he was young, he did have something to do with the Defiler’s defeat. (See pages 107-109 for more detail about Star Swirl the Bearded.)

“So that’s why that name sounded so familiar,” Night Shade thought to himself staring down at the page. “Her Majesty sacrificed herself to save Equestria by banishing The Defiler and herself to a magical prison. But now the spell is broken and he is free to finish what he started.”

If that was the case, he would have to figure out how the creature was beaten last time, but the only one who would know was no longer around to tell. Star Swirl is gone meaning that he and his queen were on their own. Or were they? Night Shade had heard that the Higher Unicorn’s Guild had taken Star Swirls work for safe keeping after his passing. Maybe they could help? Star Bright approached her king with news that had appeared before her by a letter that one the returning guards had written.

“The guards are coming back from their assignment dear,” she said to him.

“Good, So I take it that they were successful?” he asked as he closed the book.

“Yes, and they have informed me that they won’t be alone when they get here.”

Night Shade looked up from his studies at his queen. What had happened when they reached the village? What did they see? It was as if Star Bright had read the kings mind and answered his unasked question.

“When they arrived at the village it was worse than we had originally thought. A fire of that scale wasn’t caused by accident or by natural events. Somepony or something had started it!”

Night Shade felt his heart drop. Could this village have been where The Defiler was released? While he put on a brave face his mind was working in overdrive. If this was The Defiler’s work, then they could be in serious trouble! If the monster decides to target the kingdom next...

“Night, what’s wrong?” Star Bright asked. “What did you find?”

“Star, we have a problem. I think I know why the dragons haven’t migrated, but I need to be sure first. It might be a long shot, but I need to find the Unicorn’s Guild.”

“You’re in luck Night,” said Star Bright. “Along with the inhabitants of the village, the Unicorn’s Guild is coming to Canterlot too. They told the guards that they needed to speak with us.”

At the entrance of city there was loud pop and Nimph appeared out of thin air. Too her relief, the city was quiet and unharmed. She galloped into the city at top speed. She had to warn the king and queen before it was too late! In the streets, the inhabitants went about their business unaware of the approaching danger. Looking around the city, Nimph couldn’t see the castle anywhere. Not wanting to waist any time, she asked the first pony she came across to point her in the right direction. A pare of earth ponies were happily talking to each other as they walked down the street when Nimph approached them.

“Excuse me, I need to know where the castle is! Do you know how I can find it?”

The group eyed Nimph with the look someone would give a pile of unwashed laundry, but when they saw the look of superiority Nimph was giving them, one of the mares cleared her throat before replying.

“Castle? Let’s see… You need to head down there,” she indicated pointing her hoof behind her. “Take a left after several blocks and just keep going straight.”

“Thank you,” Nimph said before galloping off; the group watched her in bewilderment.

She could see the castle in the distance. She must reach it before…

“MAKE WAY EVERYPONY!” came a commanding voice from behind.

Nimphs eyes widened as she saw who was headed her way. Diving behind a market stand, she waited as a number of hooves and flapping wings galloped and flew by. When the hurried commotion drew farther away, Nimph poked her head out of the stand to see the cloaks of the Unicorn’s Guild swaying behind them as they fallowed their flying escorts to the castle.

“Um… Miss…” came a curious voice from behind. “What are you doing?”

“Sorry,” Nimph said jumping up and leaving the stand before the confused pony could question her further.

Her gallop from before had now turned into a trot as she moved down the streets of the city. She was now unsure if she should follow them up to the castle. If the Unicorn's Guild was here, would they tell the king and queen what she had done or would they have found it in their hearts to trust her at last and help back her up?

“If I go up there now they’ll probably silence me, but if I don’t they won't know that The Defiler is on his way, I must risk it! But either way, if they are here…”

But she couldn’t finish the rest of her thoughts, for behind her came the worried and comforting voices of many ponies. She turned around to see a large crowd gathered around an exhausted herd of ponies that had come with the Guild and the Royal Guards. She didn’t know why she was doing it, but her legs turned her around and with blending into the crowed of ponies who had come rushing out to help, she drew closer to the herd of her fellow villagers. She didn’t dare get any closer than she already had. She waited with the rest of the worried eyes of spectators as someone called out from the crowd to fetch water. After returning with a tray of filled mugs, the herd thanked the hospitality of the city ponies and were asked what had happened.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to be out here in the open like this!” came a worried voice from the herd. “What if that thing comes back!?”

“Don’t be an idiot!” snapped one of the older stallions. “We’re safe now! The King and Queen will know what to do! Why else would the Guild want to speak with them?”

In the crowd, Nimph watched as she made out the ponies from the village. They looked an awful mess now that they were out in broad daylight. Singed form ash and soot the herd looked scared to be out in the open, but were grateful to be somewhere where they thought it would be safe.

“What do you think he meant by thing?” asked a thoughtful voice from beside Nimph.

When no one replied, Nimph turned to look at the white Alicorn beside her. Her mouth opened but no words came out. She was in the presents of royalty! Although Celestia and Luna didn’t go by the title of “Princess,” everyone knew who they really were.

“Pri… Princess…” was all Nimph could say before her attention was drawn back to the herd before them.

A filly was with her parents looking around for someone in the crowd.

“Where is Nimph? Mommy," she said nudging her mothers side with her hoof. "Where is she?”

“Don’t worry Rose,” said her mother softly. “I’m sure she’s around somewhere,”

Nimph wanted at that moment to make herself known to them when an angered voice rang out from the tired herd.

“Nimph?!” he cried out. “Who cares about what happens to her?!”

“Be quiet!” barked Lightning glaring at the pony that had spoken.

“Why should I!” he roared back. “Its because of her that we’re in this mess!”

The two stared daggers at each other as Lightning’s wife put a hoof on his flexed leg muscles trying to calm him down.

“Now, now, everypony calm down!” said the Pegasus who had brought out the water filled mugs. “What’s going on? I heard that you guys had a nasty fire break out.”

“We did,” said Lightning relaxing his muscles at last.

Although, he still looked over at the angry stallion as if daring him to say another word. “And that thing we are referring too is the cause of it.”

Nimph was beside herself. She knew what she had to do and she had to act fast! The Guild will have no doubt had already told the king and queen their side of the story, but she must make sure that she can be trusted with the task she was about to start. Turning back to Celestia she looked into her eyes. She spoke to her in a way that only she could hear her.

“Princess, I need you to do me a favor! Tell your parents that they need to get everypony to safety!”

“Why?" asked Celestia, taking Nimphs request seriously. "What’s going on?”

“There is no time to explain, just do it! The Defiler is coming! And if he gets here while we are all out in the open… Just tell them to get everypony out of the city and that they need to trust me!”

“I don’t understand,” said Celestia, wondering what in Equestria was this unicorn talking about? “Who’s coming?”

“Princess, I need your word on this!” Nimph pleaded.

Celestia looked at Nimph. She looked scared and had to hurry before this “Defiler” whoever he was, came around. They stared at each other trying to find any hint of doubt in their expressions. Finally, Celestia nodded at the unicorn who sighed in relief before making to leave.

“Wait!” Celestia called out to her. “Who do I say sent me?”

“Tell them that it was Nimph who sent you and I know how to stop him!”

Before Celestia could respond back, Nimph had torn off down the street.

“So you see your majesties,” finished the head of the Unicorn's Guild when she had come to the end of her story. “We need your help! The Defiler is back! He was defeated last time by an Alicorn, so why shouldn’t this time be any different?”

“For one,” began Star Bright frowning at the guild before her and Night Shade. “You are asking us to help you in a way we know nothing about. And second the spell that banished The Defiler doesn’t sound like any normal magic we are accustomed to.”

“That’s where we come in your highness,” said the head of the guild acknowledging herself and her colleagues. “We have Star Swirls magic in our possession and are ready to use it!”

The two rulers looked at one another before a book was conjured out of one of the guild members’ cloaks and floated toward the king and queen. The book opened showing them page after page of Star Swirl’s work.

“This is impressive!” said Night Shade glancing over a few spells that caught his eye.

“We have taken the liberty of making the book ourselves after the mage’s untimely death,” said one of the guild members proudly. “We learned so much from him and we pass this knowledge onto you in hopes that you can help us stop The Defiler!”

“I see,” said Star Bright scanning over a spell that wasn’t complete.

From what she could tell, it had to do with destinies and the one thing that Star Swirl had never acknowledged… Friendship.

“There appears to be a lot of missing words.” She said finally.

“Yes, well, we have no idea what the old mage was thinking when he started making these spells,” said the leader of the guild sheepishly. “He never let us help him no matter how many times we offered.”

“That sounds like him,” noted Night Shade, rolling his eyes. “Stubborn old mule.”

“Now, down to the business at hand!” began the head of the guild. “Will you help us?”

“I have already answered your question,” said Star Bright seriously. “We could, but we have no idea how The Defiler was beaten last time. And if any of you know, now would be the time to speak up.”

The guild looked at one another reflecting the same disappointment that was given to them by the king and queen. Suddenly someone from the back spoke up.

“I know somepony who might, but she isn’t with us!”

“You’re not seriously saying who I think you’re thinking about!” said another member impatiently.

“Well, why not?” said the unicorn from before shrugging. “She said that she needed time! So, maybe she has found out how to stop him by now!”

“Must I remind you that it is because of her that we are all in danger!” his protestor shot back.

“Who is this pony you speak of?” asked Star Bright over the arguing.

“She is, was, Star Swirl’s apprentice,” said the head of the guild. “She is the Unicorn I told you about. I suspect she didn’t like the outcome of how her teachers spells were not given to her and thought that impressing us might help change our minds on the matter. But Star Swirl had already told us to not give her his work. He thought that she wasn’t ready to have so much power at her disposal.”

“I can see why,” said Star Bright looking back at the book where another incomplete spell was shown with the turn of a page. “A lot of these spells are very advanced even for the most experienced of casters. Where is this Nimph now?”

“Who knows,” replied the head of the guild. “She could be anywhere.”

“She’s here in the City!” called out a voice from behind the guild.

Celestia came galloping into the throne room. All heads turned to the young mare that slowed down upon reaching the group of surprised guild members. The cloaked unicorns began whispering to each other. No doubt they were discussing this new information.

“Celestia, where is she?” asked Star Bright to her daughter.

“Mom, she told me to tell you and dad that she knows how to stop The Defiler, but we need to get everypony to safety because he is on his way here!”

A Cold silence took over. The Unicorn’s Guild stood frozen to the spot while Night Shade and Star Bright looked at their daughter carefully. When they saw that she was telling the truth, they stood tall and took charge. Night Shade’s voice rang out!

“Captain we need your service!”

The doors opened again, this time, an armored stallion came galloping in at top speed.

“I’m here your majesties, what do you need?” He said saluting them.

“The kingdom has been threatened! gather your forces Captain! We need to get everypony in the city to safety!”

“My king, where do we take them all?” the captain asked looking alert.

“Down to the catacombs of the castle!” answered Star Bright. “They will be safe there! Now hurry! Get your men and start evacuating!”

“Yes of course!” said the Captain of the guard saluting one more time before he galloped out of the throne room.

“Celestia, did Nimph tell you how she was going to face the Defiler?” Star Bright asked turning her focus back on her daughter.

“No,” said Celestia. “She was all worried when she told me. All she asked was that you trust her.”

“Trust her?” The guild leader spoke up. “Why? What does she plan on do…

Her horn glowed and Star Swirl’s book came zooming toward her. She flipped through the pages until she spotted something.

“What is it? What did you find?” asked one of the guild members trying to get a good look at the page the leader was on.

“That’s just the thing,” she said slamming the book shut. “I found nothing! Who was the one in charge of copying down Star Swirl’s work!?”

“That would be me!” came a voice from the back.

“And you copied all of his work even the unfinished ones?”

“Yes, that’s all there was when the spells were handed over to me!”

“I think…” began Night Shade, a slight suspicion in his tone. “You didn’t tell us everything you knew about Star Swirl’s work guild leader. If you want our help, you need to start being truthful to us!”

“Very well…” sighed the leader of the Unicorn’s Guild . “Before his passing, Star Swirl did come to me. He said that he had done something horrible and was trying to correct it. When I asked what he had done, he told me that in his studies I would find a scroll that would tell me everything. He said if I wanted to know, seek the dragons for guidance.”

“I think we just found out what his mistake was,” said Night Shade darkly. “Could it be a counter spell?”

“Maybe…” said the guild leader thoughtfully. “You there, girl! Did Nimph have anything on her when she spoke to you?”

“Just a rough sack,” replied Celestia thinking back. “Dad what’s going on? Should I find Luna?”

“Yes Celestia, go find your sister,” said Star Bright seriously. “Once you find her, head straight back here! Do you understand?”

Seeing the look her mother was giving her, Celestia nodded in agreement and galloped out of the throne room leaving the adults to talk about how they were going to approach Nimph.

“This isn’t good,” said the head of the guild. “Nimph is too inexperienced! She doesn’t know what she’s doing! How could she have taken that scroll?!”

“We have to stop her!” shouted a member. “She’s no Alicorn! If anything she might make things worse if she tries to cast that spell!”

There was a roar of agreement around the room. Night Shade and Star Bright looked at each other in understanding. Conjuring up a piece of paper, quill, and ink, Star Bright wrote a letter to Snap Shot and sent it out with a small pop. As the bickering continued around them Night Shade placed a hoof to his temple and with his horn glowing the magic from within gave off a loud bang and everyone went silent. Night Shade looked down at the Unicorn’s Guild and said in his utmost dominant tone.

“If you are all done with your discussions, we have a city to evacuate and rest assured! Nimph will be dealt with, but we need all of you to follow the rest of the cities inhabitants to the catacombs of this castle!”

There was another small pop and a letter appeared hovering in front of Star Bright. She read it to herself before saying, “And not a moment too soon. Snap Shot and a small group of guards found her!”

In a burst of hurried hoof steps, the Unicorn’s guild stormed out of the castle and met up with the small group of Royal Guards leading an irate Nimph toward the castle. Her spectacles were slanted and her rough sack was hovering out of reach. The guards pushed her forward, and the Unicorn’s Guild glared at the approaching Unicorn.

“Nimph, do you have any idea what you were about to do?!” demanded the head of the guild.

“Yes, do you?!” Nimph shot back shacking off the guards trying to restrain her. “I was about to start to put an end to this whole ordeal, when these guards came and interrupted me!”

“No Nimph! The only thing you would have done is put more innocent lives in harms way!" The guild's leader said madly. "We had to stop you before you endangered everypony here including yourself!”

“I told you I could fix this and I can!” said Nimph and took a moment before continuing on in a more clamming voice. “I know how to stop The Defiler. I’ve seen a dragon that taught me how to do it. If you give me a chance I…”

“NO NIMPH!” said the guild leader again in such finality, that declared the topic to be dropped. “I already told you that you could not do this! I’m sorry, but we cannot allow you to cast that counter spell. Yes, we know what it is. Please, give the scroll over to somepony who can cast it.”

From behind her, King Night Shade and Queen Star Bright came walking up. Their expressions weren’t like the rest of the guild; cold and hateful. Theirs was that of understanding and pity. Star Bright came down the steps and approached the orange unicorn. The guards made to restrain Nimph, but Star Bright held up a hoof insisting that they don’t.

“Nimph is it?” she asked looking down at the panicked unicorn. “Nimph may I see the scroll you took?”

“Yes, but can you read what it says?” Nimph asked back.

Star bright levitated the scroll and began to read the dragon language written on it.

“Yes, but how in Equestria did Star Swirl manage this?”

“Even I don't know, but that's not important! If we don't hurry, The Defiler will...”

“I know whats coming Nimph." said Star Bright softly. "And that is why I need the second scroll you have.”

“But, but I can do it,” said Nimph pleadingly. “I know how to! Please, I came all this way! It can’t have all been for nothing! If I…”

“Nimph, what you have done to try and fix things goes beyond bravery." said Star Bright placing her wing gently on the unicorns shoulder. "Trust me it won’t be for nothing. Please, let me take it from here.”

“You don’t understand," Nimph said, shaking her head. "knowing what it means isn’t enough, you have to speak the language in order for it to work properly,”

“I can speak this language.”

Suddenly, Star Bright spoke in the same tongue Nimph had practiced during her time in the dragon cave. However, when the queen spoke, the words that came out were so flawless that Nimph could only pick up the sentence, “Enel ve.” Which meant, “Trust me.”

“You’ve done all you can Nimph. Now, allow me to take the scrolls from here.”

Nimph wanted to protest, but she couldn’t bring herself to. She lowered her head and allowed her teachers work to be taken away.

"Wait," said Nimph making a third piece of paper emerge from her sack. "The Mark you will see on here is the key to everything. Once you've made that, have the counter spell ready for when The Defiler arrives."

“Thank you Nimph," said Star Bright. "Guards, escort Nimph down to the Catacomes with the others!”

From outside of the castle, they saw a herd of ponies headed toward them. The Royal Guards escorting them, told them to keep moving and stay calm. Making their way past the herd was Celestia and Luna. When the two sisters approached their parents, they looked back at the moving herd as they disappeared behind the castle.

“Mom what’s going on?” asked Luna looking worried. “Celestia didn’t tell me anything! And the guards came to every house and shop telling everypony to follow them!”

“The kingdom has been threatened,” said Night Shade feeling that it was best to tell the truth. “We have to get everypony to safety! That includes you two!”

“Wait, what are you going to do?” asked Celestia looking up at her father who looked into the distance as if to expect something to appear in the sky.

“The kingdom needs to be protected! Your mother and I and the rest of the Royal Guards will do what we can from here! You two need to stay with the others in the catacombs!”

“No, we won’t let you do this alone!” argued Celestia.

“Celestia, this is not an option!” said Night Shade with the same finality in his tone. “You and Luna will stay hidden with the rest of the city! I need you two to promise us that you will stay there!”

“I…”

“Celestia…” said Star Bright giving her eldest daughter a sharp look.

“Fine, I’ll stay hidden,” said Celestia begrudgingly.

“Luna…”

“You’ll be alright though?” asked Luna looking up at them. “You and the guards?”

“Once you two are there try to reassure every pony.” said Night Shade.

“Mom? You will be alright won’t you?” Luna asked again.

“Come on Luna,” said Celestia placing her wing around her little sister.

“But…”

“Come on! They’ll be fine! but we won’t if we stay here!”

Just then, the sound of birds crying out came from the mountains and spread through the Everfree Forest! Birds came flying out from the trees and flew upwards to the castle and out of sight. Even though they couldn’t see them, they soon heard the scared sounds of the forest life moving far away from their environment. The little light day began to fade and as soon as the sun had vanished behind the mountains the kingdom was dropped into a deafening dark silence. The Royal Guards remaining outside looked to one another. Celestia and Luna stayed where they were. Star Bright and Night Shade’s gaze were fixed on the mountains. Everyone stayed where they were and right when Celestia was about to say something to her parents, a loud roar called out to them from the mountains!

“It’s him!” cried a voice of one of the ponies in the retreating herd.

The guards tried to reassure everyone, but the herd had ran down the steps and vanished underground.

“Celestia, Luna, go back inside the castle and wait until we cause a diversion!” ordered Star Bright. “Snap Shot, you to look after them for us and keep them safe!”

“Yes my queen!” Snap Shot said looking important. “Celestia, Luna, this way!”

Celestia followed Snap Shot inside the opened doors. Luna looked at her parents for a few seconds before she too ran inside. The doors slammed shut behind them and with the speed of a cheetah Snap Shot flew up to the top of the stairs where he went through each room closing the windows to the balconies before doing the same to the throne room below. Celestia and Luna helped with making sure that each door was closed shut before the three gathered in the throne room where they waited to hear what was going on outside.

In the Catacombs below the Castle, the Royal Guards escorting Nimph laid on the rocky floor. They had no time to react, they didn’t suspect her to turn on them so fast. Before any of them knew what had hit them, they were all unconscious. Nimphs horn was glowing bright, providing her with light to see where she was. Her eyes had angry flames dancing in them. She could not, would not let anyone else take the fall for her mistake. Knowing that heading back the way she came would only cause more panic, she headed off on her own in search for a way out. Letting her magic act as a detector she followed the faint hint of water near by. Looking around the signal became lost, but when she looked up the source of water was felt. Knowing where she had to go she closed her eyes and let her horn guide her to the water.

“This is it! It has to be me!” she thought to herself as she felt her body go light. “I will cast the counter spell! And this time… Nopony will stop me!”

Nimph’s horn glowed bright before she vanished out of the underground prison and out of sight!