Of All The Ones Who Came Before

Currently undergoing revision and expansion. New version coming soon.

The air was cold as the snow fell freely all around. It was late winter in the Crystal Mountains and a blizzard was in full swing. Every surface was white and thoroughly covered in a beautifully reflective blanket of wonder. If one paid close attention they would hear a joyous melody on the wind created by the sheer majesty of the peaks around them.

All of this and more went by unnoticed however by the young pony who was running for his very life. He ducked and weaved through a jumble of great boulders the size of cottages as he attempted to escape his foes. From somewhere lost in the swirling snow behind him, a terrible racket of sounds indicating the following of his pursuers as they rampaged after him could be heard. They were gaining.

Just before him lay his salvation. An ice slide that he had scouted the previous evening. It flowed right under a massive pair of boulders and then dropped right down the side of the mountain to a sheltered place that had been a camp for the group.

A giant pair of hairy feet slammed into the ground just ahead of his face. On instinct the pony threw himself to the right mid gallop, tucked into a roll and came up without missing a beat. He then ducked under an outstretched arm the claws of which nearly cleaving his head off at the shoulders.

The pony went into a flying leap toward a second would-be attacker only to teleport through the creature’s chest a moment before impact. He landed and continued at a full out gallop merely to skid on the ice flow and slide down under the boulders and out of sight.

In an act of surprising agility for such a large beast the first creature leapt into the air and soared to the top of the rock only to leap down the other side followed closely by the second.

As the pony slid along in relative safety under the rock he gingerly checked the contents of a small saddle bag strapped securely under his cloak. The bottle was there. Safe and undamaged. With a smile he buckled the saddle bag and prepared himself. Thanks to his horn he knew full well the yetis would be there waiting for him. So naturally a distraction was in order.

Crouching patiently to await their prey the yetis were completely dumbfounded as one can imagine when not one pony, but two dozen ponies came sliding out from under the rock and then proceeded to run in every direction imaginable. Some ran straight ahead as if to continue on their way while others simply charged back the way they came. One more comically sprinted straight up the rock face and right over the lead yeti’s head.

The second beast brought its fist down atop the pony as it tried to run under him only to have the equine poof away in a cloud of magical dust. Completely puzzled the two of them began to smash as many of the pony doubles as possible. With no success at finding the real reason for the chase in the first place. Then one of them caught a whiff of their prey. The chase was on once again.
At the sound of a monstrous roar from behind and above, the young stallion increased his speed via a burst of magic. The magical energy surged into his muscles granting speeds normally unavailable to him.

In a massive explosion of shattered ice and snow one of the yetis crashed down right where he had been not a moment before. Angrily the beast lunged forward and tackled the pony into a roll just as the ice slide dropped off a nearly vertical slope. They tumbled through the air together in a flurry of motion.

The pony grabbed the beast’s arm in his magical grip as it tried to claw open its prey. Undeterred the yeti moved to bite down on the hapless pony’s face as they sailed downwards only to receive a hoof to the eye for the trouble.

Howling with rage it brought its other paw to bear and swiped at the diminutive little creature it fought, managing to leave several deep scratches as the pony rolled away from what would otherwise have been a deadly blow.

Grimacing with pain the stallion stole a glance at the fresh wounds on his side as they wept crimson. He looked back at the yeti and smiled as he suddenly used his magic to spin the pair around so the yeti was now between him and the rapidly approaching ground.

This time the yeti’s howl was that of pain as they smashed into the ice at the base of the drop-off. The equine was thrown aside like a ragdoll as the giant beast tumbled away and slammed into a snow drift. It lay there, unmoving. He had left quite the trail himself, a ribbon of crimson through the snow traced his path to where he currently lay.

With a slight grimace he once more checked on the glass bottle he carried. The delicate container was remarkably intact and still full. He lowered his cloak back down and tightened the strap around his withers to ensure its security.

“Took you long enough,” came a voice from his right near an outcropping of rock as another pony materialized out of the snow and approached him.

“I was unavoidably detained,” the stallion said moving toward his fellow member. “Good morning Silver. Did you get yours?” He asked, still fiddling with his cloak.

“Of course I did Star Swirl,” the rather shiny silver pony said somewhat proudly. “What do you think I am? Some sort of slacker?”

“Come now Silver Spark, I would never say that. To your face,” he laughed as he finally managed to get the tattered cloak to sit comfortably. “I have at least four more followers,” Star Swirl said looking over his shoulder. “You?”

Silver Spark cracked his neck. “I would have to say at least one,” he mumbled quietly with an innocent look in his eye.

“Silver?”

“Two or, three.”

“Silver!?”

“Five or six at the most.”

“Silver!”

“Alright, alright, so it’s an even dozen. It is not as if this is the first time that this has happened, so why are you always surprised?” Silver Spark questioned defensively as he ran a hoof over the bulge along his side that denoted the long blade he carried.

Star Swirl grimaced as he thought about the idea of fighting off that many yetis. The thoughts were not at all pleasant to say the least.

“I mean last time there was those evil camel guys in Saddle Arabia. At least ten of them. And then it was those weird lizard things before that, and…”

“Oh for the love of the king, just pull your blade already,” Star Swirl said peering into the swirling snow. “We have visitors,” he said as he lit his horn and worked a buckle under his coverings. The blinding snow did not relent as visibility improved by only a few feet thanks to the magical light.

The ponies faced away from each other as they watched no less than two dozen yetis amble slowly into view. Each of the hulking beasts seeming larger than the last, and all looking exceptionally hungry, for pony.

“Though I suppose I could be wrong about it being an even dozen,” Silver Spark said as he watched the yetis start to circle them. “More like a baker’s dozen, plus a few that fell in the box when the baker was not looking.”

“Silver,” Star Swirl grumbled as he ran through multiple plans in his head, none of them having particularly promising outcomes.

“And then a rat climbed in the box and died for some reason,” continued the stallion still caressing the length of the hidden weapon. Not once even glancing at the yeti now moving closer for the kill.

Chancing a sidelong glance, Star Swirl frowned at one of the only ponies to ever earn the rank of ‘friend’ in his life. “I really hate you sometimes.”

Finally showing that he was about to take the situation seriously Silver Spark undid the small clasp across his chest “Then my work here is done,” he said grinning madly as his cloak slipped to the ground, revealing the telekinesis blade he carried.

“When these beasts are finished ripping us limb from limb I am going to kill you. Slowly,” the other pony grunted as his cloak fell away in a similar manner, revealing his own weapon. They were left with very few options as they would have several disadvantages in this fight. Firstly, this far into the Crystal Mountains ones magical abilities were hampered severely, effectively reducing their magical power by an approximate half. Secondly, the yetis of this particular region are naturally resistant to magical attacks.

Silver Spark looked towards the beast nearest him. “Well I certainly hope that you are quick about it,” he replied with a laugh as his horn lit and undid the strap holding the weapon against his body, clearly thinking the same way. In a flash both ponies drew their blades as a yeti lunged at each of them in unison. True their powers may have been severely weakened, the yeti however, made one serious tactical mistake. In a gleaming flash of sunlight the telekinetically levitated blades lunged forward, effortlessly bisecting the lunging yetis.

Turning his blade on edge and drawing it back towards himself Star Swirl effectively halved the already dead yeti as it fell to the snow. He scowled at his fellow’s typical disregard for their situation. “What’s your hurry Silver?” He asked as another pair of the furry monsters rushed forward from the side, each meeting with a similar fate. “You have a date I should know about?” The pony finished with a chuckle, ducking under a massive clawed paw that managed to get in close.

“Well as a matter of fact,” Silver Spark grinned as his blade flashed forward again, followed by a spray of viscous crimson and a howl of pained rage. He released his grip on his weapon as he tossed it skyward and produced a massive wave of telekinetic force, tossing away a group of the beasts as they attacked. “Believe it or not, Star Shine finally agreed to go to the ball with me!” He sighed dreamily, not missing a beat as he caught his falling blade inches above the snow, before angling it into the belly of the yeti that was nearly upon him.

Star Swirl rolled his eyes as he listened to the beast behind him scream away its dying breath. “She is merely taking pity on a lost soul,” he said dislodging another new corpse from his blade, hurling it away to intercept another would be attacker as it leapt through the air. As the creatures crashed to the ground he hurled his blade into the face of his next target. “I hope you don’t think it will lead to anything,” he scoffed, catching the weapon on its return.
“Of course I realize there’s pity involved. By Tartarus, she is way out of my league,” he said wistfully while a yeti chewed on the blade now lodged in its throat. “Though, who am I to complain?” He questioned aloud, twisting the blade and forcing it through his attacker, silencing it instantly. “Oh that flank!” He shouted to the sky.

In the last possible second Star Swirl swung his weapon around his body and brought it up under the chin of another yeti as it landed next to him, severing its head from the shoulders. He glanced up the hill to his left and smiled at Silver’s approaching doom. “I really think you should not have said that,” he muttered under a smile.

In a blinding flash of light and a loud crackle of static energy a large domed shield appeared over the two stallions. It sat there a moment, glowing and crackling somewhat ominously. The yetis, though momentarily confused quickly recovered and charged the barrier separating them from their prey.

At the same moment a thunderclap resonated away from the barrier as it expanded to a hundred times its size faster than the eye could track, tossing the beasts skywards and away at near impossible speeds sucking the very air away with them.

As the shield popped with a deceptively quiet snap the cloud of disturbed snow settled back to the ground to reveal two very disoriented stallions, both muttering angrily at each other. They paused however, at the approach of their savior as she drew closer.

Resolving from the swirling snow, with a very annoyed look on her face, was a unicorn mare. She bore an apprentice cloak as they did, though hers was adorned with a mark of attachment as she had been chosen by a specific master of the order. Under said cloak was a gorgeous golden yellow coat that grew brighter as it reached her hoofs. Her mane was a vivid orange giving her the look of a sunrise. Completing her beauty were a pair of deep pink eyes that had a sense of absolute intelligence behind them. If looks could kill, both stallions would have dropped from her mere presence.

“Oh… Hey there, Star Shine,” Silver Spark spluttered rolling over from his upside-down position. He shook away the snow from his body as he stood. “We, we were just about to finish up and join y...” He froze as she swished her tail in annoyance, splaying her ears.

“A royal life is at stake and I find you idiots, frolicking about with the local fauna,” she stated in that deadpan way she always used when purposefully making ponies uncomfortable. She was very good at it. “Now hurry along, both of you. The time is nearly here and I want to be ready when the portal opens,” Star Shine said with a scowl. She looked over Star Swirl quickly and nodded, then turned to scrutinize Silver Spark. “I hope that I am safe in assuming you retrieved your ingredient Silver Spark,” the mare said, more as a statement than anything.

“Why do ponies keep asking me that?” Silver grumbled. “Of course I have it,” he said rummaging around inside a bag. “One Crystal Mountain amethyst from the Blue Summit, as promised,” the item was displayed for her inspection. “Now why aren’t you asking Swirly over there for his? For all we know he just stopped at some mud puddle for his item.”

“Because I know Star Swirl would not have come back without his, you on the other hoof,” she said gracefully while turning away from them. “You have yet to earn my respect,” Star Shine giggled quietly to herself as she swished her tail into Silver’s face before charging back the way she had come.

“Wow…” Star Swirl gulped as he watched her leave.

“Tell me about it…” Silver Spark drooled, his head swaying in time with the mares’ movements as she half trotted half hopped up the snowy hill.

After collecting their weapons and again checking the cargo they carried, both stallions moved to follow the third member of their group. They made for the shelter of a large outcropping of rock that served as an anchor point for a portal that was the only way to get back in time, and it would be opening any minute.

The three ponies gathered together near a scorched spot on the rocks just as a spark of electricity arced over the ground. A moment later a mass of blue energy emerged from thin air and gyrated until it became a swirling vortex. Nodding at one another the trio jumped into the portal, and vanished from the bitter chill of the mountain. To reappear a heartbeat later in the bedchambers of the royal family.

“Quickly now,” came the tired voice of master Luminescent Star from where he stood before them, sustaining the portal with his magic. “We have not a single moment to waste,” he said beckoning them through with a hoof.

“Master Luminescent,” they chorused as they stepped from the portal. Taking in their surroundings with curiosity, none of the three had ever been in the room before. “It is very good to see you again, master,” Star Shine added quickly as she strode forward to greet the age worn stallion as he closed the portal.

Luminescent bowed slightly, the bell atop his blue hat jingling softly as it lulled forward. “And your safe return does my heart good, you did well, all of you,” he said softly turning away to head for a large bed near a fireplace along the opposite wall.

The four ponies crossed the deceptively large room, dwarfed by furnishings clearly meant for significantly larger beings. Nearing the side of the bed Luminescent Star came to a stop and bowed low to the floor, the others doing the same. “My King Terra. My Queen Aeterna. The apprentices have returned.”

“Then come forward all of you, so that we may begin,” came a firm, yet kind fatherly voice that was strained from a continuous effort. Seeing as the bed was too high to easily jump upon from the floor, the gathered ponies teleported up to the edge before slowly making their way forward.

Star Swirl held back a gasp as he fought the urge to bow again at what lay before him. He had only ever lay eye on his king and Queen a rare few times before, and never had he witnessed anything like this in his life.

Laying in a semicircle was a pair of Alicorns. A gleaming white mare of such majesty she nearly hurt to look upon, opposite her was her husband, a massive stallion as dark as midnight possessing a feeling of infinite depth and power. Each of them radiating sheer energy, and magic beyond anything the unicorn could describe. Both lay quiet, eyes closed in deep concentration. Power flowed from them into the tiny thing laying atop a small cushion between them, a tiny, dark, unmoving body. A foal.

Getting a better look as he moved forward, Star Swirl could finally see. It was their foal, he realized, having never even been told of the pregnancy. Scrutinizing what he now saw to be a filly Star Swirl noted the barely discernible wings tucked firmly to her side, and the little stub of a horn poking through a dull blue mane that lay flat across her face. What he came to realize however, was the worrying lack of breathing. As far as the stallion could see, the little Alicorn was lifeless.

“What’s the matter with her?” Asked Silver Spark rather bluntly, protocol seemingly forgotten as they approached the foal. He twitched slightly as Star Shine elbowed his ribs. The three of them winced however at the sound of a cackle from a somewhat demented feminine voice behind them.

In a hushed whisper the ancient master Stardust Jade passed between them. “She was dark born, like her father before her,” she said moving to sit next the child in question. Lighting her horn the mares’ magic momentarily joined that of the parents. “For once the timing of you three is perfect, her soul is near enough to be bound,” the alchemist motioned them forward. “Silver Spark, the amethyst, if you please.” The silvery pony complied and laid the stone in her outstretched hoof.

The mares horn glowed again as she began a low chant that passed unheard by the ears of the apprentices, slowly causing a green glow to enter into the rock. She placed it atop the foals’ chest and began manipulating the Alicorn magic to flow around the stone before entering her body. “Star Swirl, the spring water,” she said not looking up. “Pour it over the stone until the glow has ceased.”

Star Swirl did as instructed, opening the small Crystal bottle and pouring the liquid over the stone, watching in awe as the filly’s colors began to brighten. Her hair lifted and seemed to liven to a more lustrous shade, and her body shuddered violently as if gasping for air that would not come.

In a quick motion of her hoof the mage ushered Star Shine around to the foals’ face as she continued to thrash sickeningly. “Place your item near her mouth, so that she may breathe in the wind of the north, as past through the Dragons Rest,” Stardust said calmly, still locked in concentration.

Star Shine complied and pulled the lid off the small jar she had been given for the task. A burst of chilled mountain air flowed out into the child’s face, still whistling with the winds of the peaks from whence it came. The small draft of air whirled about the face of the tiny filly for a moment before being drawn into her nose and mouth. In a simultaneous action the amethyst was absorbed into the skin of the foal, disappearing from view.

In the same moment Star Swirl became aware of another power level in the room. It was weak, but quickly expanding to overshadow his own in a matter of moments. It belonged to the tiny filly already crying out for her mother, which was possibly the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. They all backed away as the two parents came together to caress the newborn, calming her cries and checking her over.

“She will stay with us now, her soul no longer wanders. However,” Stardust turned to address the king. “She will still become as you, Terra. A dream walker of the night,” She said turning to leave them. “I leave it to you to instruct her as such.” As the group of unicorns moved to leave the room Star Swirl sensed another power signature moving towards them, this one however, was very much familiar to him.

Before they could reach the door to which they sought to exit, it opened to reveal another tiny filly, perhaps five years of age with a soft white coat and a lovely pink mane. She stood covered in a flowing nightgown, rubbing sleep from her eyes as she wandered into the room. “Mama,” she cooed, shyly watching the passing unicorns as they left. “What is happening? I heard crying.”

Aeterna smiled softly at her elder daughter. She pulled herself up into a more comfortable position on the bed and motioned her forward. “Come forth Celestia my dear. Come and meet your new sister. Come and meet, Luna.”

We Are The Few

One year later…

Star Swirl grunted as he intercepted the blade of his opponent with his own, his mind struggling to resist the force exerted by the telekinesis blade inching its way towards his throat from above him. From his sprawled position on his back maneuvering options had become severely limited rather quickly, though he had to admit the technique behind the ambush spoke volumes of the skill of his attacker. He blinked his eyes in concentration as another burst of sparks flew from the meeting place of the two weapons vying for power.

In a last second attempt to survive he heaved the blades aside as he fired a bolt of condensed stun into the fog covered bushes in front of him, resulting in a cloaked stallion flipping up and away before the spell could find its mark. On instinct Star Swirl rolled to his hooves and brought his weapon to bear once more just fast enough to catch the other’s blade en route to his skull.

With an ear splitting clang the blades kissed once more only to instantly separate and clash together on differing edges, refracting the dim light of the swamp as they clashed again and again. Each time Star Swirl would lose ground, finding himself severely outclassed in this duel of blade and mind. He needed to change tactics, now.

Parrying away his assailant’s blade Star Swirl quickly fired off a burst of telekinetic energy directly at his opponent, tossing him up and away at great speed. He quickly began to charge a powerful sleep spell that would certainly ensure his victory, only to watch dumbfounded as his supposed helpless victim maneuvered his weapon behind his rear hooves and kicked off the blade, propelling himself right back into the fight. Before he could move to react the flying pony slammed into him and together they tumbled backwards through the brush and over an embankment.
Switching instantly to hoof blows the pair tumbled down the flora covered slope, trading blows and locking limbs as they rolled to a stop in the center of a small mud wallow. The attacker recovered first and stood to deliver a final blow as his blade flew from behind him and angled for Star Swirls chest, it was all over. His own blade was coming, but would be just a second too late. As he sank further into the mud it became clear, he had lost.
In a blur of motion a third blade flew from the surrounding foliage and intercepted the descending deathblow with a deafening clang. “Eldershade?” Star Swirl whispered with astonishment as he watched the rune covered relic force away the other with a violent twist. The screech of the metal grating to the pony’s ear.

A heartbeat later the blade’s partner hurtled through the air and landed a double hoof kick to the cloaked pony’s head, knocking him away into the bushes with a cry of both surprise and pain. The new comer rolled to the ground and sprang up in a pirouette to face back at Star Swirl, her blade pinning the other to the ground along with a fore hoof.

“Shadow Depth? What are you doing here?” Star Swirl gawked, accepting the offered hoof that then proceeded to haul him from the muck of the wallow. The pitch black mare looked over him once with a cold calculating glance from her green eyes before turning back to look where their enemy had gone.

“I believe it to be commonly known as helping,” she stated flatly with not even the slightest hint of emotion. “I calculated my chances of winning a fight against this opponent alone to be no greater than yours, therefore. It would be in both our interests to work together, agreed?” Shadow stated more than questioned. Even being as small a mare as she was, she was still more than just intimidating.

Star Swirl gulped as he watched the pinned blade begin to squirm under her hoof, the mare placing down additional effort as it did so. “Agreed,” he mumbled as its motions ceased, before it was teleported away in a flash of silver magic.

Her demeanor seemed to warm slightly at his words. “Good,” she said, scanning the surrounding foliage for the threat. “Now, be on your guard. He has concealed his power signature and I am unable to sense his blade.” No sooner had the words left her mouth than the cloaked pony descended on them from the treetops above, a shower of strobing multicolored sparks joining him, blinding his prey below.

It was all over in moments, the stallion landed in their midst, blade flashing forward for a double kill with all three ponies lined up perfectly. Not noticing the series of vines that lay concealed below the thick mud. With a loud snap a thin sapling was felled, releasing the heavy counterweight attached to the opposite ends of the vines. The weight fell from its precarious position just outside the view of the clearing that contained the mud pit, and the carefully constructed net hidden under its surface.

With loud shrieks of surprise the three combatants were hoisted a dozen feet in the air like a sack of squirming potatoes. Each one hollering at the other two, trying to figure out exactly what had just transpired. Seconds later a fourth telekinesis blade shot from the shadows and passed effortlessly through the mass of struggling ponies, bisecting each one cleanly in the chest, silencing their cries. It was over.

As the red rune covered blade came to rest, a second hooded pony emerged from the shadows, a smirk on her face as she flipped back the covering with a toss of her head revealing a vivid orange mane. Her pink eyes sparkling at her success as she approached the pile of corpses. “Amateurs,” She said with a smile as the world around her began to swirl and blur together.

A vibrant golden light entered the visage of swirling colors and slowly coalesced into the sight of a well-known chamber, the training room of the Star Order. Seeming as nothing more than a poorly lit basement by those ignorant to its true nature and intent. Standing across the space over nearest the stairs, was the hunched graying form of the high master, Luminescent Star. The light from his horn fizzling out as he cut power to the projection runes carved into the walls and ceiling of the space, simultaneously lowering the others to the floor and dispelling their isolation spheres as their hooves touched the wooden ground. He nodded approvingly as he ambled forward. “Excellent work, Star Shine, my apprentice,” he said tiredly, watching the final traces of the projection glow leave her eyes. “Truly a great test for them you have made. Perhaps tomorrow they shall prove ready for the sands of the great Wash Tar Desert,” he wheezed before looking up at her with a wry smile, a face that seemed to defy his age.

Star Shine took a shallow bow of respect as she approached. “Perhaps master, or may haps the rocky crags of the Razen Coast would be a more favorable spot,” she said standing from her bow. “Fewer sand sharks,” the mare turned with a smug face as she waited for the duo sprawled on the floor to raise woozily to their hooves.

“By the crown Star Shine,” Silver Spark growled as he shook his head from the spells effect of being ‘killed’ during the exercise, a loud buzzing ringing in his head. One of his eyes still glowing a bit. “Just once, you couldn’t have let me win just once? I had them. I completely had them,” he scowled reaching up and removing a golden ring from around his horn and tossing the magic modifier over to Luminescent, who deftly caught the magic tool and blinked it away in one fluid motion for later use.

Star Shine closed the distance between them and leaned against him, leaving her mouth inches from his ear. “Whatever is the matter dear? Oh that’s right, how silly of me to forget that you hate losing. And to a Mare of all ponies. How, tragic,” with that she bopped him on the head with a hoof and kissed his cheek, muttering something about him being ‘her dork’ as she spun and headed for the stairs, tossing her ring to her master as she went. A moment later her blade lifted from the ground and followed, its dull sun orange metal glinting subtly in the pale light of the room. Before she could even reach the stairs her horn flickered, and she was gone. Blade and all.

Standing stiff as a statue Silver Spark simply stared silently, confounded by the vexing creature known as his mare friend. He had spent several years fawning after her yet, now that he had her attention, he found himself without a clue as to how it happened. So blindsided was he that he couldn’t even hear Star Swirl standing beside him, speaking right into his ear.

“Mares,” Star Swirl muttered, staring at the spot that had just been vacated by “the pony who shall not be named.” He turned away from the failed attempt to break Silver out of his stupor, it was futile to try getting his attention when he got like this. Instead he looked back over his shoulder as Shadow Depth finally joined them on the floor, muttering angrily as Luminescent released her from her bubble.

“Still not fast enough… Strong enough…” Star Swirl heard her hiss under her breath as she passed him by, pausing to quickly bow to the master and hoof over her ring before trotting briskly up the stairs in a stiff, nearly automatic way. No wasted energy, simple elegant efficiency, the manner in which she seemed to do almost everything, her light silvery blue blade already sheathed snugly to her side.

Shaking his head Star Swirl left his still wall eyed friend to stare into space, no longer finding the need to pity him. He approached Luminescent and gave a polite bow to his teacher, earning a smile from the old stallion as he removed his own ring and presented it for collection.

Luminescent nodded approvingly at his student. “I believe praise to be in order, Star Swirl. Thy technique has improved greatly over the past season,” he said, breath coming slowly as he formed his words. “Perhaps it be time for an advancement in training for you,” he continued as Silver Spark finally broke free of the “spell” Star Shine had placed over him and trotted past them, placing his ring in Luminescents’ hoof as he went.

With a slight tension Star Swirl began to question his mentor, only to be stopped by an upraised hoof. “Before that question I see behind those eyes can be uttered, let me remind you that I see everything that each of you do whilst within the projection, Star Swirl,” Luminescent reminded the young pony, face warming as he watched his reactions. “I saw your mind working, just as I see it working now. I watched you observe Star Shine construct her trap, knowing full well Silver Spark would end you all in a duel of blades, as did she. With this information gathered you then lured Silver into what he thought would be a simple ambush in whence he would quickly be rid of you, and free to win the game. You knew it would almost certainly be the end of you, that however was an acceptable loss for you so long as he lost as well,” Luminescent shook his head as he levitated Star Swirl’s blade over to them and gave it a long considering look. “You are willing to sacrifice whatever it may take, whether you come out on top or not, simply so others may have a chance against odds too big for them to handle. I see why Invictivus chose you,” he said thoughtfully, holding out the dull white blade, its dark gray runes flashing in the light of his magic.

Star Swirl reached out with his mind and grasped the blade, feeling its presence entering into his consciousness, greeting him like an old friend. It was a warm addition to his thoughts, emanating a sense of calming calculation to his surroundings, a subtle increase to his awareness of the room’s detail as if its edges and hidden places were just a little more defined. Their bond was strong. He could sense the power flowing between them as the runes were imbued with just the faintest glow from within as he pulled the blade gently from Luminescent’s magic. “It would be much appreciated master, if Star Shine was not made aware of this. I would hate to tarnish her victory, she despises losing nearly as much as Silver,” he said rubbing the back of his head at the embarrassment of being found out.

“My good colt, whatever could you mean?” Luminescent asked quizzically. “You lost. Did you not?” He said with a warm smile that showed he clearly thought otherwise. “Now, off with you, the evening meal shall be prepared shortly,” the master said motioning to the stairs with a hoof. He watched the young pony hurry away with a fading smile, one that was quickly replaced by a look of resolved finality. Letting loose a sigh at hearing the upper door close he finally acknowledged the hidden presence behind him, concealed by shadow and ethereal magic of the highest order.

“They did well tonight,” a voice said from near the back of the room. “I seem to recall most students of yours failing that test the first go around,” it added as the pony turned an ear to listen, yet never looked away from the stairs.

“True there have been many failures, most students however…” Luminescent trailed off then, a smile tugging at the edges of his cracked leathery lips. Memories of the last few years playing through his mind. “Most Students, are not Star Swirl. They do not understand the truest nature of the test, and therefore think only of winning it for themselves by means of a blade. Not by sacrificing self for the benefit of others.”

“You believe him to be the one then, do you not?” The voice queried from behind, a touch of near excitement hinting at the edge of its tone as the subtle sense of the ethereal entity increased, the wood of the room creaking dully as the words it spoke traveled about the space.

Luminescent inhaled deeply, allowing his lungs to fill to their limits as he mused over the question in his head before squaring his shoulders. Letting the breath out he nodded. “I do. He shall become what is needed,” he said as he headed for the stairs, dimming the last of the lights as he went until nothing but the darkness remained.

“With all that will ride on his shoulders Luminescent, I pray to the Ancients that you are right. We will have only this one last chance to set things straight. To set Infinity back to its proper ways, and do with our brother what should have been done so long ago, when Cromithia fell.”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

The atmosphere of the large commons room was warm and inviting as the resident members of The Order gathered about the great feasting table near the center of the room, mid-way between the pleasantness of the lively fire glowing warmly in its hearth and the towering shelves of ever growing volumes of works from all throughout the lands. Here there resided a sense of family and connection that ran deeply between the ponies who attended. They all sat around this table, partaking in a feast of foods one might expect to find on the tables of royalty and filling the air with their conversations.

The talk started out light as it normally would, going on of the little things of their daily lives. The recent studies of the students, the weather, bets on the outcome of the next series of tests for the apprentices to overcome.

Inevitably though, it turned to other matters. For many years now the Alicorns had been at odds with one another, finding themselves torn by the wishes of those few who sought to restore their once great city to the skies. Claiming it to be the will of the Ancients that they be once again lifted above the other races of the world, that the Forger had elevated them to a position above the lesser races. Some believed that they were born with such power as to shape the world as they chose, and that to waste it, bordered along insanity.

King Terra And his Queen Aeterna had seen the unrest brewing within the hearts of many of their kin, and had made plans to deal with it. One such plan involved the retrieval of dozens of artifacts from the ruins of the one time wonder of the world. Artifacts, that others would soon come to realize. Should never have seen the touch of a pony’s hooves again.

Luminescent quietly excused himself from the dinner, having not eaten a single morsel from his plate as his mind had grown too heavy for such things. His queen was fast approaching, and he would not keep her waiting.

The old stallion slipped down from his perch atop his usual place at the head of the table, bidding the others a good evening he headed for the door. Nodding politely to the gathering, he exit the room, scarcely noticed by the chattering apprentices as they continue to bicker jokingly over who would win the next exercise. As he reached the door he gave a faint singsong whistle, a moment later a small brass lantern floated into view from someplace down the hall. It carried with it on a hanger at its base, a blue wizard’s hat with a well-polished bell on top.

He accepted the hat with a thin smile, then beckoned for the lantern to follow as he donned the newly acquired head gear. Opening the door the pony stepped into the night, walking rather briskly down the trail into the dark.

Sometime later after fair amount of hiking, Luminescent stepped from the shadows of the mountain and found himself on a familiar ledge tucked up away from the elements. It faced due west, so as to catch the last of the light from each setting sun. Near the far side stood a trio of equines, two pegasi warriors, and the queen herself in her shining glory. He approached and stopped before them, noting the slight stiffening of the smaller of the two guards. “Highness Aeterna, always a pleasure it is, to look upon you for my tired eyes,” the stallion said with a deep bow.

“As is your flattery always well received, Luminescent,” the Alicorn tittered as she glanced at her side. “I believe you are familiar with my entourage this night,” she said motioning to the two ponies at her sides. Luminescent nodded as she spoke. “Excellent, I had hoped for as mu…”

“Why has her majesty sought the order this night, Aeterna?” Luminescent interrupted her, eyeing the guards as he spoke. “That which you think concealed smells of old tombs and arcane endowments. It smells, of Cromithian soil,” he finished with a look of distaste flashing over his features. “What relic of a gone by age does this Alicorn bring to us?”

Aeterna held out a hoof to still the guards as they tensed further at his impudence before the crown. Horn glowing softly an item appeared on the ground behind her, it was small, perhaps slightly larger than a foal of a few years and covered in a dark cloth. Now freed from the shrouding spell that had covered it its power was free to flow out into the night, casting a faint purple glow over the gathered ponies.

Eyes widening in near shock, Luminescent approached the cloth. Knowing what lay inside he forced his breathing to slow and pulled back the cloth. What lay before him was a magic tool known as an Index, a special type of crystal that could be used to construct stable pocket dimensions and keep them that way indefinitely. This however was not what held his eye, what captivated his attention was what lay within the Index. A young, preserved, and alive Draconequus child.

He looked back at the queen and slowly shook his head as he replaced the covering over the crystal. “I will not, these creatures deserve life. Same as any other,” he said placing himself between them and the crystal. “Terra made a grievous mistake before, I will not allow another to be made this night,” Luminescent glowered at them.

“A mistake,” she said placing a hoof forward. “Those vile wretches aided in our destruction! They were never even meant to exist!” She thundered, several bolts of lightning arcing around the mountain at her burst of emotion. The ground shaking beneath their hooves. “They are dangerous,”

“As memory serves Alicorns are more so when properly motivated,” Luminescent trailed off. He fixed her gaze for a moment, watching the emotional storm die away before continuing. “We all make mistakes my queen, and in doing so are meant to learn from them. Yes the Draconnequi did many despicable things during the war, I will not argue against this,” he hefted the crystal in his magic and brought it between them. “They became a great face of evil, one not seen since near the beginning of Infinity itself. Now, does this look to be a face of evil to you?” he rotated the crystal so that she could peer in on the form within. She had barely begun to shake her head before he began again. “As he is, he is no more a threat to you than your own daughters.”

“How can you go about this so calmly? There is still such potential for evil within his heart, surely you can see that,” she said cautiously, eyeing him with a questioning look.

“That I can, though looking farther, deeper, there is also a great potential for that of good. Waiting to be nurtured,” Luminescent said calmly, staring in at the child. “Give him the one chance that was denied the rest of them, Aeterna. Give him the chance to prove his kind were not all a mistake.”

Who Believe

“So… This is the night you say it all fell apart? The night that made twelve thousand years of planning and the sacrifice of an entire race, worthless,” the diminutive little creature said aloud as he walked calmly amongst the hooves of the assembled equines around him. The ponies seeming to move in super slow motion, a second for them lengthened to an hour for the being sent to observe the moment.

“Indeed. Though some would like to think it salvageable, I fail to see how. Even if Luminescent is proven correct, the Draconequus will succumb to the darkness. It is in his nature, his very soul acts as an amplifier for the darker forces of Chaos,” a deep feminine voice answered in kind from the shadows, seeming to come from multiple points at once.

The tiny creature sneered in an almost playful manner as he glanced in the direction of the voice’s true source, unleashing a smile of sharpened teeth not belonging in the mouth of the amphibious embodiment in which he resided. “Chaos, an all too familiar subject for you,” turning to glance at the seemingly gigantic Alicorn he twiddled his stubby little fingers together as he looked at her in thought. “Do you think she knows? About Luminescent, I mean? Any fool with half a functioning brain could tell the bastard is hiding something.”

From somewhere behind him the presence approached, emanating energy enough to make his skin crawl. The ethereal bonds about his wrists making themselves well known in her increased proximity. “In the end, it will scarcely make a difference now. The flow has already been disrupted and things have been revealed before their time. Malevolence still slumbers, none the less, his plan is in motion and our best chance to slow him down dies with the sparing of that life,” a book blinked into existence in the general proximity of the voice. “Kamarag saw this coming from the very beginning. And I have been a fool for my blindness in following Infinity with such stubborn zeal. I only hope Fate can forgive me, at the end,” the book opened to reveal a quill, scribbling away in a flurry of glowing golden runes.

“Please,” the barely six inch tall newt said as he turned to ‘look’ at her, his tone holding just a hint of genuine compassion. “That boob of a dragon was a complete dick. You did everything within your power to fix this, without ever truly interfering with Infinity’s writings,” he shook his head in earnest. “If that’s not the sign of someone trying to do better, then, I don’t know what is,” the tiny thing crossed his little arms and turned away. “If the Forger hadn’t imprisoned me, I’d have shown that arrogant flying handbag what I thought of him.”

“To think that to this day you still question your bonding, oh little Tillook, what are the Fates to do with you?” The voice asked, closing the book and blinking it away.

The half-crazed creature put a hand to his chin in mock thought. “Hmm… Break these shackles, restore my full power, and return my true form. That would be nice of them,” he said before walking off to the side of the meeting place and disappearing around the corner from which Luminescent had arrived. “And what of this one then? I don’t recall her being here as part of the plan.”

Moving to follow him the presence passed directly through the wall of solid granite separating the group of ponies from Tillook’s discovery. “She has become somewhat of an enigma, in all honesty. Only recently has she appeared in Infinity’s writings,” she said, moving up to reside next the newt who was painting a rather inappropriate picture of the mare before him, seeming to spend significant time on her eyes. He had drawn them with a more cat like iris, for whatever the reason…

“Will she be trouble?” Tillook queried as he framed the picture before simply devouring it in a single bite.

A dull silvery shimmer appeared in the air as the presence increased in power, the very laws of reality bending away as the energy condensed by its own force of will. “That, will be difficult to answer, Tillook. She is all but an unknown in all this. A wild card that has somehow been dealt from a new deck,” at this the presence began to fade away from all perception. “All that remains is to see what is in store for her. And whether or not, she believes,” with that final word the voice faded away, leaving the perplexing little monster alone for but a moment. A moment, is all he would need.

“Deer sweet, naïve Malithion,” Tillook muttered under his breath as he turned to look at the mare crouched behind a boulder. “For all your power, knowledge, and, dare I say it, wisdom,” he glanced back at the ponies. Particularly the one holding the Index. “You never seem to notice a perfectly good opportunity for a little…mischief!” With barely comprehensible speed the tiny newt crossed the distance between him and his newest target, stopping at the side of the floating crystal with a mad grin covering his features. “Of all the Tools to survive,” he said with a little emphasis on “Tools,” fusing his tiny hand into the depths of the crystal. “You were my best work yet,” frowning he reached a little farther till he made contact with the sleeping child’s forehead. “And now. It’s high time you did the job you were created for,” smiling, he removed his hand as he himself began to vanish. “You’re late… My little Discord.”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

Two years later.

“Again! Again!” A tiny, yet impossibly powerful voice demanded of her begrudging protector. The young stallion groaned inwardly but complied none the less. His horn lit in a momentary flash that shrouded him from view.

“Tah dah,” Star Swirl mumbled when he could once more be seen, or rather, the pair of him said it in perfect unison as they took a sweeping bow. He huffed as the sound of hooves thudding together filled his ears, normally he enjoyed entertaining foals. This however, was excruciating.

“Again!” The tiny dark ball of adorableness commanded as she bounced up and down on her haunches gleefully, clopping her hooves with excitement.

Lowering their heads in defeat the pair of Star Swirls vanished in a bright flash, to be replaced by four more identical ponies. They looked to the princess and each made a different face, causing uncontrolled fits of laughter to flow from the filly.

“How long do we have to do this?” A certain shimmery pony groaned from his entrapped position under the bouncing princess. His face souring as she started bopping at his horn playfully before shouting. “Again! Again!” At the top of her lungs, making for good practice at developing the well-known Alicorn shout. “It’s been six hours,” he moaned, splaying his ears away from the noisy child.

As one the assemblage of Star Swirls let out a collective groan of their own before the copies burst into puffs of purple smoke and vanished, leaving a slightly panting original in their place. “Just until their majesties return from the dispute, come on Silver, I thought you said you loved foals?” He said teasingly.

Silver Spark winced. “I did. But that was before I spent time with one… Ouch!” He grit his teeth as the monster on his back bit down on his still twitching ear. “Remind me to run the next time master Luminescent mentions a test on patience.”

Star Swirl couldn’t help a chuckle at the sight. “Sorry Silver, but unfortunately I’ll be too busy preserving my own hide to warn you,” his ear twitched out toward the farther reaches of the palace gardens, body stiffening as he listened to some unheard message. “Shadow Depth says the forest perimeter is all clear,” he said shaking his head free of the signal, he hated telepathy sometimes.

“Why does she even bother with a patrol?” Silver Spark muttered as he tried to pull Luna’s hooves from his snout. “Anything sinister happens around here. Bam! The Paladins will wipe it from existence before you could even blink,” he said nodding to the massive Alicorn guards keeping an ever watchful gaze trained over the gardens, their armor glinting in the sun as a shimmer of translucent energy flowed over their forms.

Snorting in affirmation Star Swirl flopped down in the cool grass to continue his panting, flopping tongue included. “You know her, procedure nut,” he said, glancing around casually at their little corner of heaven. It was mid-summer and everything was in full bloom and rich with life.

Silver just grunted as the princess finally vacated his back to investigate a ladybug crawling up a flower. He watched her go before his own ear flicked a bit towards the castle. After a few seconds of mumbling he held his hooves to his ears. “Get out of my head mare,” he said pleadingly, smacking his face into the turf.

“I take it Star Shine has become bored with her post,” Star Swirl said with no restraint to his mirth, watching his friend writhe about on the ground with utter amusement. Perhaps this day would bring something more to his liking after all.

“No, she was just letting me know we are about to have some company,” Silver muttered, his voice muffled by the grass as he had neglected to rise from where he lay.

Star Swirl raised an eyebrow at the collapsed form drooling into the grass. “Come on Silver, I know you better than that. What cruel thing did she do to your mind this time?” He asked dully.

The downed pony mumbled quietly to himself before looking up. “I’ll tell you when you’re older,” at this both ponies picked up on a trio of signatures approaching from the air, a pair of Pegasi warriors, and a third of such power that it could only belong to their worst nightmare.

“Tia!” The tiny Alicorn shouted as she ran to welcome her older sibling, tackling the larger filly as she landed. The two of them rolled across the grass, laughing and swatting at each other as they went.

As the foals tore off across the lawn the pair of Pegasi landed heavily next the relaxing overseers. One was a pony of roughly average height, though upon closer inspection appeared to have a larger than typical wingspan, the feathers of which crackled with tiny jolts of electrical energy that flowed outward to a set of wicked looking wingblades. He wore armor bearing the marks of the royal Elite Fighting Pegasi, beneath which was a gray coat that faded to black at his hooves, snout, and ears. “Tiberius Rustwing, commander of their Royal Highnesses Elite Fighting Pegasi and Grandmaster at Arms. At your service,” the Pegasus said with a sweeping bow at the end of his lengthy title, his wings crackling with barely contained power as he ruffled them. “It is a privilege to be working with the Star Order,” he finished with a genuine smile.

The other newcomer simply gave a short and more to the point bow. “Ardarius Rustwing,” he said simply, lacking his brother’s gift with words. He was a fair bit shorter than the other making him the smallest of the stallions present, though his authority seemed no less diminished. His appearance proved just as intimidating as the first, what with similar armor and a teal coat finishing his look of strength.

Star Swirl stood from his position and nodded at the pair. “Apprentices Star Swirl, and Silver Spark. Appointed to the task of,” he glanced at the playing fillies. “Personal escort,” by the high master, and as…” He trailed off at this.

“Play things…” Silver Spark muttered as he massaged his ear. “So who do we owe for this fine visit? And for bringing us the missing piece too our gruesome twosome,” he stood as well and made his way over to the warriors, eyes scanning over the pegasi with well-practiced speed.

Tiberius inclined his head in the fillies’ direction. “Her highness completed her studies well ahead of schedule, and as such demanded to be taken at once to her sister,” he stated simply, giving Silver an inspecting glance of his own.

Star Swirl took note of their armor and armaments, the pair seemed fitted for a long distance mission of sorts. With a hint of curiosity entering his demeanor he couldn’t help but ask the question tugging at his mind. “You said you would be working with the Order, I find it strange of the guard to spend such resources on foal sitting,” he said glancing at the fillies.

The shorter Pegasus grunted as if to confirm his suspicions as Tiberius nodded. “His majesty returned just this hour, the four of us are to accompany your high master on a quest of great importance. We leave as soon as he arrives,” he said firmly, giving little acknowledgment to Silvers confused look.

“Guess that means the test is over then…” Silver Spark said quietly, his face scrunching up further as he caught a look at Star Swirl glancing about the garden randomly. “And just what are you on about?”

A growing look of concern spreading over his face Star Swirl turned to stare blankly at the silvery pony next to him. “Where are the princesses?”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

About two minutes earlier.

“Luna! Get back here with thy crown at once!” Screamed an alabaster filly with a bright pink mane and tail as she chased her little sister, a face that said she really didn’t care one little bit about the situation so long as she could keep running.

Without missing a beat the tiny blue Alicorn in the lead tossed the crown skyward, catching it in her magic she then leapt into the air and spread her wings in an attempt to glide over a tall hedgerow. “Weeee!!!!” She shouted with glee, floating effortlessly over the shrubbery. “Thou shall never lay eye on thy crown again Tia! The princess of the night shall rule ever more!” She said giggling as she went.

Grunting in effort as she ran at the hedge Celestia jumped as her sister had done, though her wings remained where they were at her sides. In a bright flash of barely controlled magic, she vanished. Only to reappear an instant later mere inches above her flying sibling, tackling her out of the air the pair tumbled to the ground and rolled down a slight hill into another grotto. They came to a laughing rest next to a small fountain beside a cobblestone pathway and lay there panting, an occasional snicker escaping them.

Both ponies froze as another source of laughter joined in with theirs, it was coarse yet still had a youthful quality about it as it changed in both pitch and volume. “You… You should see the looks on… Your faces…!” A high pitched squeaky voice said between laughing fits from some place over near a distant flower bed. “Priceless. Absolutely priceless,” it sputtered.

“Who is there?” Celestia demanded as she hopped to her hooves and stood in front of her sister in a defensive stance. “Come out now!” She said, eyes narrowing as they searched out the voice. “Or I shall call out the Paladins on you!”

“Oh no! Not that! Anything but their disapproving eyeballs!” The voice pleaded from its hiding place amongst the foliage. “I shall do, whatever, you say…” A soft whimpering could be heard from the stand of flowers.

Luna glanced up to her sister with uncomprehending eyes that were beginning to show confusion. “Tia, what are you doing? It is just Disky pretending to be a flower again,” she said pushing past her sister and trotting over to the now snickering stand of tulips. “Come out come out wherever you are!” She called happily as she nosed around the plants. As her muzzle brushed against a particularly scraggly one with curled petals it shivered with a chuckle.

Celestia simply shook her head as she moved closer to her sister and gave a less than bemused look as Luna began nuzzling the flower, causing it to burst into a laughing fit tailored for a crazy pony. “Discord, you know you aren’t supposed to be out here with us. You’re going to get in trouble again, worse if father catches you,” she stated as the flower reached up with a pair of leaves and pulled itself apart from the top down, revealing a tiny mismatched creature about her own size that was shaped similarly to a serpent.

“Oh, come on Tia. The castle is sooooo boring,” he said, shaking the last of the flower suit from his goat leg, one of several mismatched limbs his body sported. “And besides,” Discord said as he looked around slowly. “I believe that I was here first, so it’s you who are out here with me,” he laughed with an impossibly wide grin as he blinked away. Only to appear on top of the tiny fountain holding a lion paw to his ear. “Did you two manage to lose Star Swirl again? Judging by how slurred his voice is, I’d say he’s foaming at the mouth with worry,” he grinned.

“Oh Ancients…” Celestia grumbled, her mood darkening instantly. “Is his horn blue?” She asked with her face scrunching up.

Discord rubbed his chin with an eagle talon hand. “I would describe it more as, cyan, but sure, let’s say yes,” he said looking away from the panicking stallions he could see from his perch atop the fountain. Turning to admire his reflection in the water he started caressing the pair of fangs hanging from his upper jaw. “What’s your point?”

“My point,” Celestia muttered as the stallions came pouring into the grotto followed closely by a pair of the hulking Paladin vanguards, the later crackling with energy as their power levels skyrocketed. “Is that…” She said deadpan followed with a facehoof.

“My princesses!” Tiberius exclaimed as he moved closer to inspect the foals more closely before scanning the surrounding plant life for threats. “You must not run off like that…” He said, growing a startled look as his eyes found the draconequus perched atop the fountain, the creature seeming to be rather pleased with itself. In a flash of electrical discharge and flaring wings the Pegasus was drawn up into a defensive stance and along with his counterpart, moved to subdue this new potential threat. That was until a certain unicorn got involved.

As he inspected the foals for possible damage Star Swirl picked up on a familiar presence just as the Grandmaster at Arms’ voice trailed off, and knew things just got complicated. He rounded on the pegasi as they began a lunge that was certain to end in a great deal of pain… For them. Even as he charged his horn for a stasis spell he could see Discord’s face shifting to one of fear, talons ready to snap. Bad things were known to happen when he became frightened by unfamiliar faces. Star Swirl concentrated, knowing he was already too late for what he had in mind.

In a blinding flash of silvery light, both winged ponies blinked away… And appeared again on the other side of the fountain, tumbling through the air briefly before correcting their trajectories and landing with a flourish of blades before spinning in perfect unison and readying for a fight, only slightly confused as to what had just transpired.

Smiling despite himself Star Swirl managed to release a held breath in thanks to Silver Spark’s quick intervention, despite what a great many ponies may think of him, Silver was always in command of a situation. “Such a reaction is most unnecessary, I assure you, good sirs,” he said raising a hoof to try and capture their attention before gesturing at the little being coiling around the top of the fountain’s figurehead. “His name is Discord. And he is a guest of the crown, under the instruction of their majesties and the Star Order,” at this he glanced at the mismatched thing now staring back at him, the child’s face lighting up as he spoke. “A friend.”

A quadruple sonic boom thundered across the sky pushing the clouds away as it traveled. From the direction of the castle a massive collection of purple and violet lighting tore through the air and arced into the ground beside the fountain, instantly steaming away the water as a flash of light of the entire spectrum filled the clearing. A resounding boom and the smell of ozone filled the nostrils of all who were present, save the fillies who were now protected by a layer of the lightning.

Standing in a slightly charred circle, still covered in a bluer shade of the flickering lightning, stood the Alicorn King Terra. The massive black equine slowly looked about the assemblage, his very being radiating energy as his body seemingly warped and wavered. Tendrils of his lightning traveled down his legs to the ground where they traveled across the grass to fuel additional energy that coursed over every pony present. In a single instant, he had entrapped them all.

After a few seconds of simply glancing about the power holding the tiny draconequus faded away as the Kings gaze settled upon him. “Discord. You shall return to thy quarters. Thou are to await there until such time as I see fit to determine a course of disciplinary actions. Understood?” He boomed in a voice that made it clear there was no haggling over the point.

The child in question swallowed deeply before nodding quickly. With a glance at Star Swirl that merely garnered a sympathetic half smile, Discord raised his talons, and with a snap he was gone in a flash of white.

Terra then turned to the Paladins as the energy released them as well. “The Draconequus is to be sealed within his chamber. See that he gets there, and stays until I arrive,” the Paladins bowed low as they backed away a few steps before spreading their twenty foot wingspans and took to the air, winging back to the castle without a word. Turning finally back to the comparatively miniscule ponies before him he sighed, simultaneously releasing them from his power. Smiling as the fillies rushed forward to great him he lowered to the grass and lay on his side, taking them into his hooves for a hug.

“Daddy!” Luna hollered as she leapt into his waiting embrace, the little filly immediately began nuzzling her father with affection. Celestia, however, was decidedly not so enthusiastic about the situation as she sat on her haunches with a pout crossing her face.

“Why?” She asked looking up as Terra regarded her with a questioning gaze. She scuffed at the ground before continuing. “He was not hurting any pony, father. Why must you treat him so?” She said, not wanting to finish the sentence aloud. ‘Cruelly’ she thought to him.

Terra regarded his daughter, his eyes slowly softening from the hard coldness they had been displaying. “Celestia, my dear, I see it may be time to explain some things to the both of you. Please, take thy sister and return to the palace and await my return,” he said, placing Luna back on her hooves as he stood. Not appearing the least bit satisfied, Celestia frowned but nodded in submission before tugging on her sister and leading her out of the garden.

Watching them go the King then turned to inspect the four remaining ponies before him, two of his finest pegasi elite, and two apprentices from the Star Order of Luminescent’s own choosing. Having few others he could trust with such a matter, he could never ask for a finer team. As one the gathered ponies bowed low to their King in silent praise. Only after he gave a slight nod of his head did they rise up to look at him.

“Elites, Tiberius, and Ardarius, at the ready as requested sire,” the armored Pegasus stated regally before his ruler with much pride evident in his voice. “To what grand task dust thou appoint to us this day?”

“The task,” Terra replied, nodding to Luminescent, whom had inexplicably appeared behind the ponies as they had bowed. “Shall be to tread within the realm of a once great power,” Luminescent interjected. “To set hoof in a place no pony has wandered since the days of old,” the haggard unicorn pushed past them to look up at the King. “We are going, to Cromithia.”

That Nothing Is

Ten days later.

“I spy, with my little eye…” Silver Spark said, voice trailing off as he glanced around below for an object to describe. A gentle breeze billowing his reflective mane around his shoulders as the glider carried them along. “Something, blue.”

Tiberius raised his eyebrow in thought as he gazed at the world below them, mock interest evident in his eyes as he ignored yet another dull booming noise from far behind. He sighed dejectedly. “Be it, the ocean?” The Pegasus muttered warily, slouching against the railing of the deck as he watched the sun shimmer off the rolling water.

Inhaling deeply and hanging his head Silver Spark nodded in assent. “Yeah, yeah it was,” he admitted, a sheepish grin appearing on the end of his muzzle.

“Shocking…” Tiberius Rustwing muttered, eyeing a large shadow cast over the waves by the air ship. Glancing back to the horizon he huffed, his boredom making itself known. Both ponies stood in silence for several minutes then, neither having anything of value to occupy their time.

In exaggerated slowness Silver Leaned forward on the railing, pursing his lips and bulging his cheeks he released a loud popping sound before turning to the Pegasus. “Your turn.”

With a groan and slight sagging of his shoulders, Tiberius glanced down. “I spy with my little eye, something, blue.”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

The air shimmered and flared with heat as another blast of energy tore across the waves, leaving the back of the royal transport to sail off into the distant horizon before detonating in a giant cloud of burning plasma a thousand feet high and lighting up the sky like a second sunset. The energy billowed across the view, its glow dimming as the shockwave raced across the sea, brushing passed the aircraft as little more than a slight gust.

Shadow Depth stood on the rear observation balcony, horn glowing with a faint wisp of steam rising from its tip. She glared out over the ocean, sweat pouring down her sides as she panted heavily. Near magical exhaustion, she growled, forcing herself past the breaking point and poured energy into her horn yet again.

In a flash of light the appendage sparked to life, fizzling weakly it produced a compressed ball of glowing orange and red energy. “Gisanto,” she groaned, straining under the pressure. “Fliamm!” The ball of energy flashed forward into a fine beam that tore across the sky, crossing a half dozen miles in seconds before detonating in a similar display as before. Had there been anything in its path, it would likely have been vaporized by the sheer power of the antimatter magic.

A deep tremor ran through the mares body as she gasped for air, her power spent leaving her physically drained. Snorting weakly she shook her head and glared out over the gently rolling water, her horn beginning to glow dully as she channeled another blast.

“Intent on doing that until you drop dead from the overdraw?” Star Shine asked as she stepped out from the interior cabin to the evening air. “If I had to guess, I would say you have, two, perhaps three shots left before you do,” she said softly, stopping just behind the perspiring pony and glancing over her with a concerned look.

Shadow Depth sagged against the railing as her horn sputtered out, her will to fire again leaving her eyes as she looked back at the intruder. “Do not assume to think you know my limits, Star Shine,” she said bitterly as she turned away from her. “I think I would know better than you,” Shadow finished, rearing up to place her forelegs atop the railing to stare out at the view below.

Star Shine sighed, her ears drooping slightly as she moved alongside the dark mare. “Fair enough,” she lamented with a nod, placing her own hooves over the railing to stand as well. “I simply wished to ensure your well being, nothing more.”

Huffing indignantly Shadow glanced at the newcomer for a moment. “You have eyes, surely they have shown you I am well,” she said quietly, suddenly taking a great deal of interest in a pair of gulls riding the dispersing thermals generated by the gliders magical field.

“Of body, I have no doubt,” Star Shine said pointedly, watching as Shadow twitched at the comment. “Tis your mind that concerns me,” she slowly inched closer, making momentary eye contact. “Why do you do this to yourself Shadow? There is no point of it, you push yourself to the edge of exhaustion. And to what end? You have already far surpassed all the other apprentices in power, even myself,” she finished with a smile.

“Not good enough…” Shadow Depth muttered darkly under her breath, glancing quickly at Star Shine as she leaned back slightly. “It will never be good enough, though, I will not expect you to understand,” she looked away and slouched her shoulders further.

Star Shine pursed her lips slightly as she stared off into the blue. “You’re right, I do not understand, nopony does,” she admitted before glancing back and adding strength to her voice. “How can we, if you never let us close. You have been this way for as long as I have known you, ever since I was brought to the order.”

Shadow Depth stiffened as she shot the other mare a venomous glare, a hint of rage flashing in her eyes. And was that, sorrow? “You could never understand! How could you ever comprehend what I have endured?!” She spat the words as she lowered down off the railing and turned to scowl as the other mare lowered to all fours as well. “Your life is perfect, birthed to a family of nobles, sent to the finest schools, and now the favored student to the most powerful High Master the Order has ever seen!” She backed away a step, shaking her head as she turned away to leave.

“Who did you lose…?” Star Shine whispered softly, eyes saddening as she saw Shadows ears flatten to her head. She knew that something had befallen the mare, sometime shortly before her own discovery by the Order. “I just want to help, Shadow. Talk to me, please,” she said softly, stepping closer a pace.

The retreating mare sagged slightly as she paused at the doorway into the crafts interior. Glancing back she sighed deeply. “The gesture is appreciated, really,” Shadow said with the faintest hint of a smile tugging at the edge of her mouth. “But this is something that needs to stay with me, buried. I just, can’t relive it.”

“Why, Shadow,” Star Shine insisted, growing frustrated at the lack of progress. This needed to be resolved if their abilities as a team were to survive. “Why can’t you just tell me?”

“Because I failed!” Shadow Depth roared as she rounded on the other mare, her horn crackling with energy as emotion took her. “Ponies died because of me!” She took a deep breath as she attempted to calm herself, her sides shaking. “My, my master, he…”

“Midnight Whisper, so that is,” Star Shine trailed off as well as she realized the implications of what had been said. “Shadow, I, I am so sorry. I just wanted to help,” she said, biting her bottom lip as shadow Depth shrugged past her and ambled back to the railing.

“I know, but right now, I really just want to be alone. I, I need to think,” she said, returning her attention to the gulls still circling lazily behind the glider. “Please.”

Nodding in understanding Star Shine turned to leave, only to find the graying form of Master Luminescent Star waiting in the doorway. “My apprentice,” he wheezed somewhat lethargically, motioning back into the interior cabin. “Would you be so kind as to join Star Swirl and myself on the command deck, we shall be needed shortly, I think.” Shooting one last glance at Shadow Depth, Star Shine bowed low to her master before venturing back inside.

Watching her go for a moment Luminescent made a grunt of approval before landing his gaze on the remaining mare, giving her an unreadable look until she turned away from him. “The pain of loss never leaves us, though it may lessen with time, even more so when divided amongst those who care for us. Pull your fellows closer in such times, Shadow Depth,” he said turning away to leave her be. “For they will become a far greater comfort than any amount of solitude ever will.”

Shadow closed her eyes tight, reliving the horrible night over yet again in her mind. “I, shall try to follow this wisdom, master, thank you,” she said quietly, pressing her face into the rail.

Smiling an unseen smile the ancient unicorn nodded approvingly. “Then truly, a better pony you have become this day. Your father would be proud,” and with that, he was gone.

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

Ardarius fluttered his wings in mild agitation as he walked along the starboard viewing deck of the glider, face set into his usual mask of chilled steel. He grumbled internally as he passed by his brother and the apprentice named, Silver Spark? Yes, his mental list confirmed the designation as such. Frowning minutely as he strolled past them, an ear turning to focus on their conversation. “Is it, his eyes?!” Asked the always over exuberant pony, a hint of eagerness filtering into his tone as he pointed a hoof in the direction of the passing Pegasus.

‘That arrogant arse of a colt, he should be busy preparing for the task ahead, or perhaps standing guard somewhere.’ Ardarius scowled, teeth grinding over each other before his thoughts turned to Tiberius. Surely he would put a stop to the pointless yammering of the young upstart and set him on a task more suiting of the situation.

Tiberius shook his head in the negative, cracking a smile as he did so. “My brother is not the subject of my eye’s spying,” he said simply, glancing in the direction of his sibling.

“Drat,” Silver Spark muttered, scuffing his hoof across the wooden deck in annoyance. “Is it tha…”

Ardarius swiveled his ear forward to its usual position and frowned as he passed beyond earshot of the conversation, he could care less about the ‘spying of items with one’s eye.’ Of all the useless bantering to get absorbed within, Tiberius certainly had a knack for involving himself in the most pointless drivel. There was a benefit to camaraderie, to an extent, but at times his older brother took conversations too far.

Continuing his march forward to the crafts nose Ardarius came to a heavy door set into the control cabin and shoved it open. Stepping inside he gave a polite nod to the one apprentice he had thus far taken a liking to.

Star Swirl stood calmly behind the large brass wheel that controlled the gliders steering mechanisms. He peered at a gauge before glancing over in the Pegasus’s direction, giving his own brief nod before returning his attention to the instruments arrayed around him.

Moving up alongside the Unicorn Ardarius gave the instruments his own curious inspection before looking out the forward viewport, casting his gaze over the endless expanse of ocean. “Doth our progress remain satisfactory?” He questioned simply, eyes narrowing slightly as they encountered a miniscule cloud at the very edge of the darkening world.

Star Swirl glanced up at a chart hanging beside him on the wall and nodded slowly, double checking the numbers in his head several times over. “Less than ten leagues to go, should take no more than two hours at present speed. Providing this head wind does not increase,” he said, sliding an elevator lever back subtly.

Ardarius huffed, the only sign anypony would ever get to announce his boredom. “And tell me again, why could we not simply teleport ourselves to this, Cromithia?” He asked, glancing again at the oncoming cloud.

Chewing on his bottom lip as he glanced at another gauge Star Swirl nodded before answering. “Cromithia is, unique,” he said as he consulted a compass and adjusted course accordingly. “History may have forgotten much of what happened, the ruins however, have not,” he sighed as his gaze wandered over to the Pegasus. “Even after so much time and destruction, some of the old defenses continue to function. There is also a massive amount of static magical radiation saturating the area. Though it is more or less harmless, it still blocks all forms of teleportation, as well as many other forms of higher magic. So, in theory we could have teleported close to the general area, but that would still leave a walk of over a hundred miles, each way.”

Huffing again Ardarius nodded in understanding. “And you say that simply flying in by natural means can trigger these, defenses as well?” He asked skeptically, wishing to be done with this lazily floating about nonsense and speed to his destination as his king had instructed.

Nodding in the affirmative Star Swirl glanced at the other pony’s wings, which were pressed firmly to his sides. “Yes, unfamiliar Pegasi magic will most certainly garner an unfavorable response from anything still functional, that is why our best method for entering the city is by rune glider,” he said, gesturing with a hoof at the walls around them. “The energy field produced for propulsion imitates that of the Eloy when feeding. It should, allow us safe passage.”

Ardarius raised an eyebrow at this statement, noticing the choice of the word “should,” as he looked back to the pilot. “A ringing endorsement of confidence, to be sure,” he stated flatly, taking notice as the Unicorns shoulders drooped nearly imperceptibly lower.

“No reason for concern, Master Luminescent knows what he is doing,” Star Swirl said confidently as he reached up to make another adjustment, frowning as he checked the barometer. “Odd,” he muttered under his breath, looking forward again only to pause in a sense of surprise.

Mildly curious, Ardarius followed his gaze to the horizon only to find himself perplexed as well as his eyes met with a distant towering wall of fog stretching from sea to sky, moving towards them at an alarming rate. “Be that one of said, defenses?” He queried, tensing up.

“Not one I am familiar with, no,” Star Swirl said cautiously as he checked another instrument, noting a steady increase in headwinds as the craft began to wobble in the air. “This… This is something else,” he said squinting at a group of tiny black dots rapidly approaching from the wall of vapor and arcs of lightning.

Ardarius’ brow furrowed as he leaned against the wall for stability, eyes straining to make out the dots as they grew closer. “Are those… By Terra!” He exclaimed as the dots resolved into large flying creatures in seconds, their size and sheer speed rocking the glider in the wake they produced as they rocketed past, each of the Pterodactyl reminiscent reptiles dwarfing the craft. Both ponies stumbled as the aircraft pitched about, momentarily caught in the turbulent down stroke of a creature as it passed close by.

Grabbing the wheel firmly in his hooves Star Swirl steadied the glider, making minute adjustments to the energy cushion to compensate for the oncoming winds as they continued to increase. Satisfied with his corrections he turned his attention to the imposing wall ahead. “What foul manner of things has caused this?” He muttered gravely.

Ardarius nodded, already not liking the situation. “Aye, is not much which can retreat a hunting pack of Chiraptera,” the Pegasus added. He peered through the glass before them, teal eyes searching the swirling mass of advancing vapor before catching sight of the gauge reading the external temperature. It was visibly falling.

“We are not the first to arrive it would seem,” Luminescent said wearily, entering from the interior cabin behind them. His gaze flashed over the ominous sight ahead briefly and he sighed. “Seems as though our enemy works more swiftly than Terra realizes,” he pulled the drawstrings of his large cloak allowing it to fall away, and reveal the darker fabric of his High Masters robe, its bells tinkling softly as he straightened up into a surprisingly imposing figure. “I only pray that it not already be too late.”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

The large Griffin swallowed deeply as he emerged from the gloomy interior of the once mighty tower, treading carefully as he navigated the crumbling rooftop. Glancing about nervously, eyes searching for the giant form he knew to be concealed away within the swirling fog and flashing lightning. Only silence greeted him, the storm flowing with an eerie voiceless power that baffled the senses and toyed with the mind.

Pausing near what he perceived to be the center of the structure the newcomer knelt in total submission, feathers flicking in the soft icy breeze that prevailed over the city. “The call that was given, was answered by those who would hear and accept,” he called, sensing movement through the flow of the wind.

Where merely a moment before there had been nothing, a shadow resolved deep within the flurry of vapor as another bolt of light flashed in the distance. A shadow of gargantuan proportions moved from within the tempest. And for the first time, thunder rolled over the tower as the shadow drew nearer. “That which has been given, shall not ‘ere be forgotten,” replied a deep resonating voice from the mist high above. “Nor, unrewarded.”

Bowing further still ‘till his beak scraped the stone beneath him the Griffin finally allowed himself another breath. “All accepted in deep humility, by those unworthy of thy graces,” his breath caught in his throat as a feeling of presence came before him, the slightest hint of a touch brushing at his shoulder in the form of a single monstrous claw. “Conviction bestowing strength upon fortitude, we the few shall soon prove victorious before the many. Bringing forth a new light to shine over the waking King of flame.”

The claw retracted slightly, returning to its place in the balled fist that extended from the obscuring clouds. “So it hath been spoken, so to shall it come to pass. As it hath been written. Fate is blind, Infinity remains obscured,” at these words the fist leveled before the Griffin, the claws uncurling to reveal a smooth crystal artifact within that sparkled like a fresh morning sky. “By this gift may he come forth from the darkness once more, bringing in his wake a new beginning,” at the glowing of a serrated claw the comparatively miniscule rock levitated over and was laid within the Griffins waiting talon.

“This one swears upon the purity of the timeless heart, by pain of death and dishonor. Thy servant will not fail!” At this the Griffin bowed so low his chest brushed the worn stone, talons gripping his charge for all they were worth. “His faith is strong! Resolve incorruptible!” At these words the scaly fist withdrew back into the tempest from whence it came, disappearing silently through the squall like a ghost leaving the Griffin to back away with head still bowed in reverence.

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

Celestia wandered down another random corridor of the massive hedge maze, her mane hung limp over one shoulder dangling down nearly to the ground in a disheveled manner, eyes puffy and red from another recent fit of crying. She plodded along listlessly, paying the cheerfully chirping birds and bright flowers no mind.

Entering a familiar open area she shuffled over and plopped down next the fountain that waited there, the soft bubbling of the water helping to sooth her thoughts. Over the past few days she had been subjected to a rather dramatic increase in her studies, most specifically, world history. Following a rather grueling discussion with her father…

~~~

“Can you not see child? His kind are a danger to us all!”

“No father! I do not! I see nothing but his kindness, I see a friend!”

~~~

Celestia swallowed hard as she fought back another wave of tears, her mind screaming for answers to things beyond its current comprehension. She scuffed a hoof over the grass, singling out the sensation of the green blades caressing her, reveling in the simplicity of it.

~~~

“They killed hundreds of us! These creatures do not deserve life!”

~~~

“Oh, sorry I, did not realize you were here,” came the sound of a familiar voice, a strange tension thickening the tone. “I, I will just leave, then,” Discord mumbled as he turned away, slinking along on all four legs instead of his usual two, tail dragging limply across the ground.

Wiping a cheek with a hoof Celestia turned to look at him, eyes glistening in the sunlight as she watched him go. “Is it true, Discord,” she said, just over a whisper. “Are you everything the records say you are? Are you truly, evil?” Her heart tightened in her chest as he slowed to a stop, not knowing what to expect from him anymore.

Discord clawed at the grass a few times, lost in a moment of contemplation that, unbeknownst to them, would have profound consequences in the years to come. “I don’t know what I am anymore Cel, I thought I did, I know I did at some point. But now, now everything is so confusing,” he stared down at his mismatched hands, one lion paw, one eagle talon. Neither offering any form of comfort.

~~~

“He will turn on us one day, Celestia. Tis his very nature…”

~~~

Celestia sagged lower, her head hanging as she began to sink into her sadness. What if, father had been right? He had shown her the things the Draconequus as a race had done, all of the horrors that they had helped to unleash upon the world. So lost was the filly in her emotions that she never heard the soft approach of mismatched limbs on grass, nor did she immediately react when two gangly limbs wrapped around her to bring her in for a hug, an embrace that could never be conceived by an evil heartless monster. It was the embrace of someone who truly cared for the other.

“I may not know what I am, Cel, and I don’t care,” Discord said quietly as his tail curled up and looped around them both, tightening the hug. “What I do know, is that I am not one of them, and I could never hurt you,” he smiled through his own tears as he gave her an extra squeeze before leaning back to look her in the eyes. “You are my friend, and that’s all that matters to me.”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

“…and that is all that matters to me…”

From his position in the high branches of an old oak, a certain little newt stood leaning casually against the gnarled bark. He waited there, a tiny finger wiping a tear from under an eye as he watched the children. He glanced down at the moisture gathered on the end of the appendage, a dull white glow emanating from deep within it.

With a smile he lowered the finger till the tear flowed to the tip, hanging there for a few seconds before slipping off to fall upon the bond clasped firmly over his right wrist. The tear landed, searing away a miniscule amount of the ethereal energy. Tillook glanced back to the now playing children, steepling his fingers with a deeply mischievous grin. “Perfect…”

Impossible

“Do you think they are still out there?” Asked a small blue Pegasus filly as she huddled beside a brown Earth stallion, both looking rather bruised and battered from their recent ordeals. The large gray Unicorn she addressed not seeming to have fared any better as blood continued to ooze from a set of deep slashes over one shoulder.

“I cannot say,” he whispered back, eyes squinting through the tiny crack in the stone walls that provided their meager shelter to peer into the gathering dark. Glancing back to the other stallion he caught and shared a grim nod, answering the silent question that met his gaze. They were indeed still out there. Pressing his graying muzzle back to the cold stone, he watched, and waited.

The silence lasted but mere moments before the tiny foal spoke up again, the adjunct terror plain in her tone. “Mister Sombra, I’m scared.”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

Looking up from the task of sharpening her weapon with a grit stone the nearly all black griffon came to immediate attention as the flock leader approached them through the swirling clouds of snow, her tail flicking in anticipation of the soon approaching action. She tensed, golden eyes tracking his every movement as he landed hard at the edge of their camp at the tower’s base.

Rising to her feet she pushed her weapon aside and approached the grumbling creature before her, his own weapons and armor being immediately thrust upon him by several others of the group. Her eye lingered for a moment along the line of a deep scar across his neck before she bowed low in respect. “With much zeal, we greet thee, Heralder of king’s return, Phalyndil,” she said smoothly, a trace of envy lining her words.

Carefully inspecting a tri-fold sword before sheathing it he finally gave her bowing form notice. “In pleasant acceptance, I receive these greetings, Brigadier, Shindrah,” Phalyndil replied absentmindedly, clipping still more articles to his armor. “Expect that in my absence, finished all preparations have been,” he continued, shrugging his head into a thick leather helmet coated in finely crafted chain mail.

Never breaking her bow the griffin warrior screeched in assent, a primal sound that survived within the culture even to this very day. “As assuredly as our monarchs decree, all are at the ready, for you they await command,” she replied dutifully, eagerness building within her heart as Phalyndil donned a set of vicious claw gauntlets over his lower paws.

Nodding appreciatively as he flexed in his armor, Phalyndils’ beak twisted into a grisly smile, a taloned hand finding his brigadier’s shoulder. “Then, to victory for the king, let them fly,” he stated with all the charisma of a seasoned warrior, his tail curling around to come between them and unfurled to reveal his charge. “By the glory of the timeless heart, our path is made clear, our entry into the divine lands, guaranteed.”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

Everypony had since gathered inside the control cabin of the glider, pressing together in the confined space as the craft slid into the thick banks of rolling fog and rain. Their ride became rough as the airship wallowed in the now turbulent air, pitching on all angles as Star Swirl fought for supremacy over the elements around them.

Closing his eyes master Luminescent inhaled slowly, almost as if contemplating the very universe around him before his lids shot up, revealing a look of pure determination. “We have arrived,” was all he said before moving closer to the large curved bow window, peering out at seemingly nothing.

Star Swirl was about to question his master, seeing nothing before them but fog when the compass, his only guide in the midst of the blinding squall, twitched. The motion was small at first, so minute he nearly missed it, then, it twitched again. Peering down at it in curiosity the Unicorn nearly jumped when the device began spinning freely in alternating directions, followed shortly by a number of other vital instruments.

Just as the first strings of panic tugged at the back of his mind the craft shuddered violently, a sickening feeling of falling overtaking his stomach even as the craft surged upward on some unseen current of energy that prickled his skin, the altimeter confirming the staggering rate of ascension.

Tiberius drug himself forward across the deck, straining against the forces pinning them down. Coming along side Luminescent the Pegasus forced his way to his hooves and glowered out the window, eyes searching for any definable detail to explain their situation. “What manner of magic is this?” He queried cautiously, his gaze flashing downward sharply as the faintest hint of rock passed by directly below the belly of the glider. “Are we being attacked?”

“Neigh,” Luminescent replied, the faintest touch of a smile crossing his muzzle. “Cromithia has judged us, and we have been invited,” he turned to Star Swirl, the young Unicorn still struggling with his controls. “Let it be, we are no longer the masters here.”

Nodding in submission, Star Swirl released the controls. The effect was immediate, their ride smoothing out considerably as the ship banked gracefully back and forth between massive columns of stone that towered up from the swirling mists below, its bulk riding on a cushion of translucent energy the color of pure gold.

Letting out a low whistle, Silver Spark elbowed Ardarius in his ribs, eliciting an annoyed huff from the Pegasus. “And you wanted to wing your way here,” he said slyly, laying his ears back slightly as Ardarius flashed him a stone faced glare. Clearing his throat the reflective pony instead turned his attention to Star Shine as she sided up next to him. “So, where have you been? I have not seen you all day,” Silver muttered quietly, just above a whisper.

Star Shine leaned her head closer to his, eyes never once leaving the window. “Studying, where I was told to be,” she snorted lightly before raising an eyebrow, their gazes meeting in the reflections on the glass. “Where were you?” She asked, her tail swishing into his flank in a rarely seen playful manner.

A sheepish half grin touched Silver Sparks lips as he shifted his stance slightly, leg twitching from her touch. “I was, studying too,” his grin widened when her eyes tracked to look at him. “In a, manner of speaking.”

The group of assembled ponies fell silent as the glider slalomed its way through the towering pillars of crumbled stone around them, navigating the passes with scant meters to spare as if they had been designed with this very craft in mind. Rounding a final bend the ponies tensed as they passed into a sudden darkness caused by the monolithic walls of rock towering around them, every surface faintly illuminated by the passing craft, revealing them to be etched with glyphs’ long since corroded away by the abuse of time. Rising from the fog filled gloom below, the passage played the senses into the belief of infinite depth, the true scale of it incalculable as it seemed to form a sort of grand hall.

Great smears of color appeared here, remnants of murals the size of entire castles staining the rock once told stories of a world that no longer existed, lost to the eons as time marched ever forward. Below these ran a continuous line of glyphs, a poem written throughout the ages depicted above it. If one could discern their meaning, all of history would be revealed upon them.

Rounding a slight bend the ponies all stared with awe at the sight before them, the chamber opening to reveal a deep mist filled valley surrounded on all sides by crumbled mountains, the giant titans of rock leaning in various unnatural ways as if they had simply been dropped upon the landscape by a careless foal.

Tiberius nearly stumbled over his own hooves as he pressed further forward, muzzle nearly touching the glass before him as his mouth slowly fell open. “What in the Ancients’ creation?” He muttered, eyes locked on the spectacle, unable to blink even as lightning flashed menacingly overhead, the crack of thunder so loud his ears twitched.

“Oh, not theirs,” Star Swirl said in reply, his mouth set in a firm line, eyes following those of the Pegasus warrior. “The Alicorns of old, a display of power for the whole world to see,” the Unicorn added, his own sense of wonder hinting in his tone as the mists rolled along the far end of the valley, blown about by the storm raging overhead. Through the downpour a few of the mountains almost seemed to move in the faded light.

Master Luminescent drew up alongside the pair, the bells along the hem of his robes jingling softly as he moved. “A display, of which they were warned against,” he uttered softly, just loud enough for Star Swirl to hear. “For, when one allows their heart to become boastful, and filled with pride. The hearts of those once thought as ally, may find themselves festering malcontent.”

Ardarius pressed his own way forward, a frown creasing his face as his eyes traced over the broken ground below, the land possessing an uneven jumbled appearance. “You Unicorns speak of this place as though it were once some great power, a kingdom worthy of nothing short of benevolent titles and religious zealotry,” the faintest of snorts escaped his muzzle, a hint of disinterest thickening his tone. “I see nothing short of a desolate waste.”

“True enough, though this city may rest, cast down upon the land by the very beings sworn to its allegiance, do not presume all that resides here to slumber as well,” Luminescent said, stealing a glance at the Pegasus out of the corner of his eye. “Cromithia may have been removed from its place amongst the heavens, but know this, her heart still beats with enchantments more powerful than any this world has seen before, or since.”

Tiberius ruffled his wings, absentmindedly scuffing the ends of his ornate wingblades together, lightning crackling between his wings in agitation at being cooped up for so long. “Forgive my ignorance of such ancient history, master, but I find myself unfamiliar with this place. Tara was not as forthcoming about this, Cromithia, as you seem to be,” he said slowly, careful to avoid the stern glare he was surely receiving from his brother at the words. “What manner of calamity could possibly have befouled such a place?”

Luminescent Star gave him a long pointed stare, an air of contemplation seeming to wash over his features as he regarded the Pegasus. “Cromithia, was an empire, built like no other, and yet it shared many a similarity to those that have preceded it,” he took a deep, almost shuddering breath at this, his eyes working back and forth in their sockets as if searching the deck for something important. “And, as with nearly every empire throughout history it grew in both size, and power. Eventually, with great effort and careful tending the city of the Alicorns became the singular power over all of the lands, there was no nation in all the world that never bore witness to Cromithias’ shadow, nor, its influence. Yet, for all of their combined accomplishments, all of their grand wealth and power, the Alicorns eventually fell victim to that which claims so many in positions of such stature,” the Unicorn paused his thought, the strobe of a lightning bolt forcing the ponies to blink before he continued. “Pride, it hardened their hearts and corrupted their souls, some to the point they became weary of the things Fate had granted them, gifts meant for no others, still, were not enough to sate the lust that took root in their minds. Cromithia fell, like so many Kingdoms before it. In the end the city was torn asunder and rent from its place at the feet of the stars, dashed upon the land to be claimed by any who sought it out. Brought down not only by its very creators, but by those they had named, friend.”

After another twenty minutes of floating through the seemingly endless valley the rune glider began a gentle list to the north, settling on a course between two of the most massive peaks many of its passengers had ever laid eyes upon before venturing undaunted into a bank of swirling cloud and sheets of rain, and all the while, the darkness crept in around them, concealing the eyes that watched from below.

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

Queen Aeterna, Alicorn of the sun and mother to the first foals born to her race in a millennium, rivaling her husband as the most powerful living being, was worried. She worried for her nation, its fledgling borders tested on every side. She worried for her people, time and war had brought much strife to their hearts, and the feuds they carried for each other only seemed to fester, growing stronger with every year passed. Most prominently, however, she worried for her daughters, birthed as they were in such uncertain times.

These reasons and many others are why she found herself treading through the upper halls of castle Canterlot, mane flicking back and forth as her tail lashed out at the air, emotion surging her magic like an ocean squall and dashing it against her own barriers. It had been centuries since Terra had done anything worthy of her anger, but, to bring such troubles down upon foals so young, her foals, exposing them to such horrible truths. That had made her furious; to see how little self control he could demonstrate in the presence of his own children. She once again fought back the urge to vaporize her surroundings in the sun’s unending power.

Coming to rest before a door set into the fine marble wall she took a moment to release a captive breath, raising a hoof to knock even knowing full well her daughter resided within the next room, the familiar magical signature burning like a flare to her senses.
Unable to suppress a smile Aeterna could not help marveling at Lunas’ near infallible ability to bring her happiness, something she deeply treasured, more than she would likely ever come to realize.

Having signaled her arrival with a quick tap of the wood, and receiving no reply in return the Queen gently tugged the door open with a subtle glow of her horn to reveal the chamber beyond, eyes flashing as they adjusted to the near pitch darkness that filled it, the fur of her coat twitching as it met the icy breath of space, a force only known to her kind, summoned by prolonged negative emotion and grief.

“Luna, my darling,” Aeterna cooed as she slipped into the bedroom, her Alicorn body paying the vacuum no mind. The words gaining her no answer she pressed on, coming alongside her daughter’s bed to find the little filly laying atop the blankets, her horn glowing a pleasant blue as its magic manipulated a piece of chalk across a sheet of parchment, a clear picture already well established.

“Luna? I have brought you some supper,” Aeterna ventured, edging closer as to caress her with a hoof, the mare’s smile waning as Luna shied away from the contact. “Please, lulu, you must eat something,” she said soothingly, reaching down to brush a few glittering flakes of frozen tears from her daughter’s cheek.

“Momma?” Luna chocked out through a sob, her magic never faltering as she continued her drawing. “Does father not love me anymore?” She asked quietly, voice low and tense with more seriousness than most children possess.

Aeterna drew back reflexively, her heart threatening to rend in twain as it twisted within her chest, the words no parent could bear. She slowly leaned back in, her warm smile returning as she nuzzled the filly affectionately, imparting as much comfort as she could muster. “Of course he does, my precious Luna. Whatever could sway you to believe otherwise?”

Releasing another muffled sniff Luna leaned into her mother’s nuzzle, returning the gesture as she sought out comfort in the embrace. “No, I know he does,” She moaned into Aeterna’s neck, another shuddering sob a signal of the fresh tears to come. “He loves me, and Cewi, but he was just so mean!” Luna nearly wailed, her magic finally fading as she lost herself to a fit of crying. “Why mommy? Why did daddy do that?”

“Oh, my precious Lulu,” Aeterna said shakily, her own emotions beginning to run rampant as she scooped her daughter up into a hug. “Your father loves you more than anything in this life, I take great joy that you know that, and I hope that you can forgive him for today. I hope that you also know that it was never his intent to go so far,” she gave the child a firm squeeze, her smile growing as Luna nestled further into the embrace. “The two of you gave him a true fright, disappearing from your protectors like that. And, while I may not condone Terra’s actions after the fact, finding you alone with the Draconequus, it scared your father, terrified him beyond reason and clear judgment.”

“Discord,” Luna mumbled, wriggling back from her mothers side to look her in the eye, a surprisingly firm expression growing on her features.

Aeterna gave her daughter an inquisitive look, surprised somewhat by the firmness of the word. “Pardon?” She asked, having of course heard the name perfectly, though none the less caught unawares by it.

“His name, It is Discord,” Luna said succinctly, drawing back into herself as though expecting trouble for the statement, any hint of childlike lisp evaporating in favor of her bravado.

The queen found it impossible to contain her smile at the filly’s bold tongue, reminding the mare of herself, oh so long ago. “So it is,” Aeterna replied after a moment, her smile only growing as Luna seemed to relax at her words. With gentle hooves she carefully placed her foal further across the bed, giving herself a place to climb up beside the child.

“Momma?” Luna’s little voice asked after her mother had settled in, drawing a circle in the blanket with her hoof as she looked away for a moment. “I, know why father hates the old Dracqua… Draaqwu… Dragles, but, they are gone, right?” She said, her voice returning to its innocent and genuine nature. “So, why must he hate poor Dissy so much? He never did anything wrong.”

Aeterna brushed back a lock of Luna’s blue mane, a heavy look setting into her eyes as past pains bubbled to the surface in her heart. “I know Lulu, you are right, Discord is indeed innocent to these things, and is undeserving of such treatment,” she sighed at this, wishing her daughter to have been spared such ancient history, she had moved on, why then could Terra not? “Your father has struggled for many years to move on, Luna, to forget what the Draconequi did to us, to all of us. He sees Discord as not but a reminder of what was taken from us, what was taken from him.”

Luna’s face scrunched into a further look of confusion, the lack of comprehension plainly evident. “What did they take?” She asked, her tiny voice undermining what little armor her mother had left. “Was it special?”

Aeterna closed her eyes, struggling to swallow the lump forming in her throat, the sounds of familiar laughter echoing across the back of her mind. “Yes, my dear, it was without measure. Something so special it meant more to us than our entire Kingdom,” she replied after a moment.

Luna frowned at this, her eyes beginning to mirror the sadness growing within those of her mother. “Did you ever find it again?” Her youthful curiosity blinding her to the pain she awoke.

Forcing a strained smile Aeterna pulled her daughter closer for another hug, turning her head so she would not see the tears forming in her eyes. “We did, Luna, we did.”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

The glider shuddered onward as its coarse changed yet again, setting the ponies on edge as it drew near the base of the closest peak, the crumbled entrance to an enormous cavern seeming to be their destination. Slowing in its rate of travel the craft descended into the bowels of the mountain, sinking into the darkened depths before coming to rest upon a smooth rocky ledge.

“All according to plan then I trust?” Tiberius muttered, staring out into the inky blackness with a hint of trepidation on his face. Even standing inside the ponies could still detect the faint scraping of stone upon stone as a great door slid into place high above, sealing them within the belly of the mountain. “Outstanding.”

“Fear not,” Luminescent reassured, voice steady and level as a dull blue glow filtered into the cabin, the light cast by towers of crystal set into the walls that began to glow a soft aqua. “We are, after all, invited.”

Star Swirl pulled a scroll from within the depths of his apprentice cloak, unrolling it to reveal a tattered map, the surface of which sported multiple glowing symbols and glyphs. “At least our, hosts, were kind enough to drop us close to our objectives,” he said, a pleased look affirming his words.

“So it would seem, the nearest artifact rests a mere three miles to the east,” Star Shine added, speaking to no pony in particular as they all filled through the door of the cabin, heading down the narrow corridor to a rear mounted hatch that led outside.

Trotting down the still lowering ramp Ardarius was the first to leave the craft, sniffing at the damp musty air as his eyes searched the gloom of the extensive cavern around them, the towers of crystal spaced evenly along the walls lit the interior, disappearing into the distance some miles away.

“Keeping us safe from the Boogie Pony?” Silver Spark snarked as he trotted past, an impish grin taking over his muzzle at the offered glare. “What? It is nice to know you care,” he said, holding up a hoof in a placating gesture, his smile only growing as the Pegasus snorted in reply.

The stallion’s game was short lived however, a vivid yellow hoof sailed through the air, making contact a moment later with the side of his head. “Play nice,” Star Shine said firmly, her own smirk just showing under the veil of ever-present seriousness.

“You waste your time Star Shine,” Shadow Depth stated as she stepped down off the ramp, giving the cavern her own inspecting glance. “He is forever destined to be a colt,” the mare’s eyes settled on the pony, seeming to grow even further distant if one could believe that were possible.

“Do not take such words harshly,” Tiberius interjected as he trotted down next. “There is one in every group,” the Pegasus muttered, raising an eyebrow in curiosity as the blue illumination of the cavern reflected off the pony’s silvery coat, bathing the assemblage with greatly increased light. “Though, I must admit to never having the, privilege, of meeting one quite like you.”

“That would be because there are none like him,” Star Swirl said, following Luminescent closely, a faint glow from his horn saw the ramp slowly ascend back into the belly of the glider. He took pause next to the pony in question, a smile of his own plain for all to see. “Thank goodness.”

Shaking his head in his own mirth, Luminescent Star ambled forward to the head of the group, a staircase leading down into the murky depths being the only likely route of progress. “If all the merriment has been had, I believe our path is laid before us,” he announced over his shoulder, voice firm as he spoke. “Star Swirl, if you please,” Luminescent said, gesturing back at their craft.

Star Swirl bowed for a moment before turning back to point his horn up at the glider, the student’s horn shining brightly in the gloom for a moment as he worked a spell, the Rune Glider slowly dissolving away from view as the magic swirled around it.

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

From high above, gliding silently as an owl on powerful leathery wings did soar a mighty titan of the skies, a creature of true calamity and majesty. Hidden as he was in the maelstrom of cloud and thick sheets of rain, the only hint of his deadly presence being the faint red glow emanating from deep within his eyes, as well as within several clusters of ruby scales along the creature’s sides and chest, thin trails of smoke seeping from them.

“Can you see it yet? Pony who thinks himself master amongst these ruins. Can your lidded eyes spy the fate awaiting you? Cromithia waits to serve none but its true masters, those who truly command the sky, and all who reside below it. So come, little ponies. Come before your master, and receive his judgment, for the King rises this night.”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

Just beyond the base of the mountain, some six miles from the glider…

Ardarius once again found himself struggling to resist the temptation of simply stabbing this gibbering fool in the throat and carrying on the mission alone. ‘Surely the others would understand,’ he thought inwardly, utilizing an old warrior’s breathing technique to qualm his growing bloodlust. Mayhaps he could just choke the consciousness from him and leave his incapacitated form behind for the wilds to enjoy?
He glanced over at his, ‘companion,’ who was continuing a rather blissful rant of information every school foal already knew, though, at least the lecture kept him from being addressed directly…

“And how does a pony achieve such a level of enhanced durability you might ask? How does one smash into a rock and come away near injury free? Well fret not, for I shall tell you,” Silver Spark beamed, glancing around at the tunnel walls as his horn lit the way in a lively glow. “Now, Ardarius, are you familiar with the concept of auras?”

‘Buck me,’ Ardarius growled internally, swinging his head to look at the glowing equine that was beginning to cross a very fine line. “If I should answer yes, would you at long last be silent? If not, then try to forgive my lack of enthusiasm,” Ardarius commented, pointing his head back to peer into the surrounding darkness. The pair had found themselves in yet another chamber where the ever-present illuminating crystals had ceased to function, remaining blackened and lifeless in their holders.

Forging ahead undaunted, seeming as though not to have caught the scathing tone with which the other stallion spoke, Silver Spark continued his lesson as if reading it from a scroll. “Right then, well magic capsules, or, auras as many have come to call them are a naturally occurring build up of what we call, latent magic, the most basic and prolific form of magic that any magic user can use. Now, technically all ponies are magic users because of the simple fact that all ponies posses magic auras. That said, there are, with few exceptions, only a few races with what is known as, direct aura control, or in lay-pony terms, those who can interact with their auras and use them to direct and control the magical field. Those being the Unicorns and Alicorns, obviously.”

“Ancients have mercy upon my soul,” Ardarius said under the mutterings coming from behind him. “Why, Silver, of all ponies, did I have to be saddled with you?” He growled, ears perking as they passed through an archway that led out into the chill night, finding himself thrilled to feel the wind on his coat once again, even if it happened to be full of rain.

“Not sure Arddie, I think it was just meant to be,” Silver replied with a smile, which quickly dropped into a frown as he spotted the murderous glare on the other stallion’s face. “Alright, if you must know, master Luminescent thought it a good idea for every team to have at least one high level unicorn, that of course left poor Star Swirl as a third wheel,” he finished with a snicker.

Ardarius simply huffed under his breath in response, his eyes scanning what little could be seen of the landscape below, noting the broken lifeless appearance of everything around them. “Not good enough. If I am to be placed in a team, then I require ponies whom I can trust with my life,” the Pegasus said, ruffling his wings in clear agitation. “Not some arrogant colt, who fails to take even the most simple tasks seriously.”

Rolling his head around in an odd shrug Silver Spark sighed, “Look, Ardarius. I know that perhaps you and I, well, we may have gotten off on the wrong hoof, but I just want you to know that I do take things of this nature quite seriously. And, that I in fact have nothing but the greatest respect for you, your brother, and your family” he said, head lowering in a rare show of reverence. “This, this all just gets to me sometimes, you know. The adventuring, the danger, never seeing my family. My real family,” Silver pawed the ground a few times, his seemingly unbreakable grin faltering for the briefest of moments as he spoke. “I, I have not seen them in over ten years, Ardarius, and I guess that somewhere along the way I began to resort to humor as a means to hide myself from it all.”

Silver allowed himself a slight reprieve, locking his gaze upon the ground and bracing himself for the verbal assault to which he was certain would arrive at these revelations. It never came. “Ardarius?” He queried, peeking up at the Pegasus in question. “Ardarius, are you even listening to me? I just poured out my soul for you here.”

Ardarius was standing perfectly still at the very edge of the sheer drop down into the valley, ears parked and swiveling in their sockets. Before Silver could speak out in further protest he shot a hoof out before the Unicorn’s face. “Silence fool,” he hissed, leaning into the breeze, his scowl deepening. “Listen.”

Moving to stand beside the warrior Silver put an ear to the whistling air, tilting his head he strained his senses to the limit. Carried along on the wind came a sound, a sound that chilled his heart, the sound of a filly screaming in terror.
Pausing in their listening long enough only to share a glance, the two stallions took off like a shot through the night, racing down the side of the mountain towards the growing sounds of battle.

Cresting a slight rise in the hillside the galloping ponies arrived in the perfect moment to witness the impact between a beam of concentrated dark magic and a gleaming shield, the resulting explosion blasting the ground apart and shattering the shield into dust. The three equines within were hurled back into the side of a crumbled structure, bringing what little of it remained down upon their heads.

A glimmer of charging energy caught Silver Spark’s attention, his horn picking up on a surge of power unlike anything he had encountered in his years with the order. Turning to investigate he barely managed to conjure a shield of his own before a second blast of energy struck, tearing at his defenses with more force than he thought possible, a spike of worry running through his mind as hairline cracks began to spread across their only protection.

In a final devastating detonation the attack ceased, covering its victims in thick rolling smoke and shimmering heat, the scent of burning ozone filling their lungs as the shield flickered pitifully. Silver Spark let out a captive breath through gritted teeth as he allowed the barrier to finally fall to pieces around their hooves. “That, was too close,” he muttered between gulps of air, a thin wisp of smoke curling up from his horn.

Ardarius, raising an eyebrow as he inspected the melted stone mere inches in front of them nodded his head. “Agreed. But from whence did such an ambush come?” The Pegasus growled, scanning the valley floor below for their attackers, unable to spot them in the deepening darkness and heavy rain.

“Not sure exactly. Looked as though it may have come from that ridge,” Silver Spark said, gesturing into the distance with a hoof before lifting it to his forehead, biting at his lower lip for a moment in apparent pain.

Noticing his fellow’s distress Ardarius was about to suggest moving to cover when something smashed into his side, sending him tumbling down the hill towards the crumbled structures below, a sickly pale orange light trailing in his wake.

Having been spared the attack Silver Spark made to dash forward to his companion’s aid, horn glowing as it worked the straps of his robes in order to draw out his blade. Too late however was the warning from his horn, the spike of unfamiliar magic being detected a heartbeat before a second figure smashed into the pony from behind, hurling him through the air and driving him into a crumbled wall.

Bursting apart the stones Silver rolled to a stop, parrying away a pair of ghostly limbs that pawed at his face with skeletal hooves, a demented howl escaping a mouth that dripped with phosphorous liquid that scalded that which it touched.

The vaguely pony-esque creature strained against the struggling Unicorn, jaws gnashing the air inches above his throat. Acting quickly Silver Spark got a hind leg under his attacker and kicked the beast off, his hoof passing into the glowing form and meeting no resistance till it hit the bleached white bone within. Emitting a surprised screech the ghostly figure sailed back first into a stone column, bursting apart on impact with the weathered rock, its bones falling to the ground in a scattered heap.

Rolling over with a cough to clear his lungs Silver hazarded a glance down at the remains of his attacker. “Well, that was rude,” he muttered before ducking under another of the creatures as it sailed by, minus its head.

Grunting in irritation Ardarius climbed in through the hole Silver had made in the wall, glaring at the creature that had thought it wise to attack him. He spat at the corpse, a hoof rubbing over a few small burns near his neck. “Foul wretch,” he hissed through gritted teeth, blatantly ignoring the hoof raised in request for assistance. “Apprentice, what manner of beast be these?” With a tentative hoof he nudged the pile of smoldering bones, his ears splaying back as hints of their former orange light began to appear along the surface.

Pulling himself to his hooves Silver Spark took a moment to give the bones his own curious inspection, these too were unfamiliar to him. One thing was certain to the young stallion however, these creatures were dangerous, fueled as they seemed to be by very potent dark energies. “I cannot say for certain,” he said, discomfort underlying his tone as he stared closer, a few disturbing details catching his eye. “Though, they appear to be magically vampiric in nature. I would imagine them to be some superior form of ghoul, perhaps,” the pony’s words faltering as he realized too late the regenerative capabilities layered into the creature’s prone form, bones already beginning to twitch and slide together.

Turning with the magic for another shield forming in his mind Silver knew he was already too late as the newly assembled form of the beast he had defeated once before leapt through the air, jaws open wide in order to clamp down on his throat. Time seemed to slow for the unicorn, pain flaring along his chin as a skeletal hoof slammed home, driving his head back to further expose his neck, the soft tissue over the life giving veins the clear target of long dagger like fangs that flashed in the night, orange light filling all sense of sight.

The teeth found their marks, sinking into flesh with terrifying ease, the glowing fiend assured in its victory. So intent was it that the creature failed to notice the other Unicorn that had extricated himself from within the ruble, and never saw the brilliant blast of magic that tore through its glimmering hide, blasting it off its victim and shredding the bones into powder, scattering them to the wind.

Silver Spark stumbled back onto his haunches, a hoof racing to his bleeding throat, a thankful smile passing over his lips upon finding no serious damage. “What, the…” He trailed off as a tall gray Unicorn limped over to join them.

The pony turned his gaze to match theirs, first Silvers, then that of Ardarius. He motioned towards the other fallen creature before blasting that one into nothing as well. “Specters,” he said simply, rubbing at his horn as he did so. “They range amongst the foulest of creatures.”

“Well, you certainly have my thanks, good sir,” Silver Spark said with a nod of his head, wincing as the skin of his neck folded along the punctures.

“Sombra,” the newcomer replied swiftly, his gaze burning over their surroundings as he spoke. “T’was the least I could do, for one of the northern crystal ponyfolk, my kin and myself owe your kind a great deal,”

Silver Spark could barely contain his glee, standing before him was a pony from his homeland, a link to all he had left behind. “Sombra, you do me favor simply by being here,” he said with a warm smile, straining hard simply to avoid tackling the newcomer. “Though, I must ask what could bring a crystal knight so far from the frozen north?”

Sombra’s face turned sour, his eyes narrowing with distaste “My companion and I track a flock of Gryphon marauders, they breached the ancient Citadel and wrenched the Heart from its place among the keepers,” he drew closer, face grim. “there is something of a far worse nature, I fear the gryphons actions are not their own. They are being led, by a Dragon.”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

Deep within the mountain…

Star Shine wrinkled her snout in frustration as she glanced in Shadow Depth’s direction, the pair had been walking for hours and in that time she had made several attempts at a conversation. All of which had been met with mixed results. Sighing deeply she resolved to make another attempt.

“Please, Shine, can we not continue on in silence?” Shadow said quietly, returning her fellow Unicorn’s glance with a distant look. “I know what you will say, and I have no desire to partake in that.”

“No, I think that this is something that needs to be addressed, Shadow,” Star Shine said firmly, steeling her resolve as the other mare came to a stop next to her, the muscles under her coat tensing. “I have tried near countless times to reach out to you, to understand you, we all have, none more so than master Luminescent. And every time, you pull away,”

“Just as I shall continue to do,” Shadow said, a hint of venom entering her voice as she began to trot ahead, leaving the confines of the tunnel they had been following in favor of a large vaulted chamber, the walls lined with arches that lead to other distant parts of the labyrinthian network.

“You have got to be the most frustrating mare I have ever met,” Star Shine murmured under her breath before hurrying after her companion. “But I promise, I will get you to open up to somepony eventually.” Trotting into the chamber Star Shine slowed to a stop beside Shadow Depth, the mare having already pulled their map from her robe in order to ensure the direction of their path ahead. “Does our path remain true?”

“Verily,” Shadow replied, furrowing her brow as her eyes scanned over the glowing parchment, a look of slight concern flashing over her eyes. “There is something, strange here.”

About to ask what the mare had meant Star Shine nearly missed the sliver of movement from the ceiling above, if not for a tiny glint of armor in the shadows she never would have seen the group of Gryphon warriors that, until a moment ago, had been creeping closer, unnoticed in the dark.

Realizing their element of surprise to be lost the Gryphon’s attacked, a pair of the Chimeras dropping from above and diving for the mares, blades and claws flashing in the light of the crystals spaced around the room.

Screeching as it found it’s target the first Gryphon swung hard, reeling back in surprise as his blade struck another that seemed to materialize from nothing, the superior weapon shattering the sword with ease.

Smirking at her enemy’s failed attack Shadow Depth twirled her blade to intercept another as the Gryphon pulled a dagger from his side, lunging back into her reach without hesitation.

Star Shine found herself somewhat less prepared, her magic having to tug her Telekinesis blade from beneath her robes, gaining the mare a paw to the head as the second Gryphon engaged his unarmed foe. The blow drove her to the ground, eliciting a cry of pain as a sword descended from above her head.

In a flash of magic the weapon slowed, coming to a shaking stop mere inches from her face, the Gryphon struggling to push it down into his victim’s skull. With a grunt of effort she managed to yank the blade to the side, upsetting the avian’s balance and send him crashing to the floor.

Rolling back to her hooves Star Shine caught a glimpse of Shadow as she twirled her own blade, knocking another Gryphon back before slicing at his chest, the beast roaring in pain as it tumbled to the side.

Having gained herself a reprieve Star Shine finally pulled her weapon from its place, the fiery red blade springing to life as its runes lit from within, responding to her magic as she willed it to intercept the sword aimed for her neck. In a heartbeat the blade complied with her wishes, slamming into the masterfully forged Gryphon sword with unrelenting force, shattering its length and driving into the bird’s shoulder.

Shadow Depth spun, placing her blade between her body and the giant claymore that threatened to split her comparatively tiny frame in two, the blade singing out as it bit deep into the Gryphon steel. With well practiced agility she propelled herself under the stunned bird, commanding her weapon to follow, which it did without hesitation, cleaving a path straight through the Gryphon’s body and out the other side.

Turning quickly she nearly lost her head to a taloned hand that raked the tips of its claws along the side of her face, the blow drawing a muffled scream through her gritted teeth. Her rage only growing in wake of the damage Shadow Depth made short work of the brute, spilling his blood across the ground in a wide arc.

Spinning back to check her partner’s position she was disheartened to realize what the Gryphons had managed to do as she could see Star Shine being edged further and further away, the attacks coming faster than the single mare could handle.

Star Shine could see Shadow Depth struggling to whittle away the distance the Gryphons had managed to instill between them, but there were simply to many, nearly a dozen of the winged creatures had engaged, with nearly as many more waiting within the darkness above.

Fending off another blow she found herself losing ground again as a swipe to her left forced her back even further. Glancing at the next Gryphon to rush into her reach she quickly scanned over his armor with her magic, confirming that which she already suspected. These Gryphons wore armor specifically designed for battling magical opponents, their armor being infused with resistant alloys that would render her spells useless.

A shriek of attack from her side broke the mare from her planning however, a pair of clawed fists slamming into her barrel as another Gryphon attacked from above. The blow drove Star Shine into a wall hard enough to make her vision swim as she fell to the floor, barely registering the cracks that formed along the stone under her prone form.

With blurry eyes she watched the Gryphon shove away a smaller one that rushed to finish her itself, taking his time to fully appreciate his victory, never noticing the gleaming blade that hovered directly behind his head.

As consciousness began to slip away, her magical grip going with it, Star Shine pulled on her blade with every ounce of strength she could summon, drawing her weapon clean through the Gryphon’s head, splitting it clean in half before the blade imbedded itself in the wall over its wielder. With barely a sound the dead husk fell to the floor before the downed mare, the impact further splitting the age worn rock.

With great effort Star Shine managed to lift her throbbing head and catch a glimpse of Shadow Depth, the dark mare bravely holding her own, but losing ground fast with every swing. She lowered her head, struggling to get to her hooves even as the blackness swarmed at the edge of her sight. It was then the compromised rock could bear her load no more, it crumbled from below her, dropping away into a hidden abyss below.

‘Star Shine…’

‘Star Shine…Wake.’

Gingerly, Star Shine rose to an upright sitting position on the grime caked stone on which she lay. Running a hoof along the side of her head she cringed at the sight of the crimson smearing the end of her limb upon inspection. Choosing to ignore the dull ache spreading along her face, Star Shine instead began to peruse her surroundings.

Blinking away the blurred spots in her vision she found herself near the bottom of an expansive cavern, the space being sparsely lit from a central point down further near the middle of a shallow crater filled with a shimmering pool of reflective dark liquid, boiling and rippling in time with the wavering light above it.

Shifting to a wobbly attempt at standing, the mare squinted in the purple violet light given off by the pool, a slight haze hung in the air making the details of the space swim and blur. An ear flicked, catching the muffled sounds of the struggle still taking place above. “Shadow…” She began, glancing around for her blade. Her partner would never last on her own; she needed to get back to the fight.

‘Star…Shine.’

Finding nothing in her immediate surroundings the mare came to the conclusion her weapon remained above ground, presumably having been dropped before falling down the passage. Gathering her wits she took one final glance over her shoulder at the glittering pool, noting how the light of it seemed nearly to be drawn in her direction, almost as if it were reaching for her.

Seeing nothing more of immediate interest, Star Shine made for the exit, a dull shaft of light signaling the presence of her method of ingress, the shaft that, at one time or another, may have contained stairs by the look of it. Setting a firm stance, wanting to be ready for what she might find upon her arrival on the surface, she cleared her mind of thought, calming herself for a precise levitation spell.

‘Star Shine.’

Whipping her head around, Star Shine burned her gaze into the dark corners of the cave, eyes searching out the source of the voice that played at the very edge of her senses. It bounced around the space, echoing off the walls from what felt like every possible angle, yet, felt as though simply whispering in the back of her mind. Just loud enough to be understood, but never truly heard.

‘Peace, be still child.’

Suppressing a violent shudder Star Shine complied, though she found herself questioning why as a hoof shuffled back the way she had come, the limb quivering slightly as though she were resisting. ‘But, why would she do that?’ Her mind questioned.

‘Star Shine, come, behold…Read.’

Before she could even question what she had heard her hoof slid forward, the action seeming so innocent, yet, why had it done that? She had not instructed for such to happen. Had she?

‘Come, Read.”

The voice rang clear now, its tone calm, gentle, and firm. So why did she want to scream? Her other hoof moved forward, then the other, moving more freely this time, deliberately and with no hesitation.

“Become power.”

The voice seemed to fill the chamber now, echoing not only in her mind, but across the pool and off the very walls as well.

“Become, freedom!”

Her skin was crawling now, every fiber of her being telling her to run. She took another step, her body walking freely towards the pool’s edge, its surface rippling as it began to boil, the light intensifying.

“Become, mine!!”

Star Shine could feel her whole body shaking as her hooves found the edge of the pool, the boiling liquid somehow ice cold on her skin as it lapped up her body.

“Read!”

Before the mare’s very eyes a massive book rose from the depths of the pool, globs of liquid falling from its surface as she continued onward, up to her chest when she finally stopped.

“Read, and all you desire shall be fulfilled in my thanks.”

The book opened before her, revealing pages that swam with colors ranging beyond comprehension, swirling and flashing until words began to form from their depths. Words, written in the language of the olden kings. Words, that were never meant to be seen again.
Star Shine could not stop herself, no more than she could stop the sun from rising. With a final tug at her will the presence in her mind opened her eyes to the words, and she read.

“Within thin bindings be shackled the essence of he who would be darkness…”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

Far side of the mountain…

“Now that, that is impressive,” Star Swirl said, the curiosity plain in his tone as he eyed the appendage spread out in full view for his inspection, a hoof tentatively reaching up to graze the leading edge, only to recoil as a jolt of electrical energy shot through his leg.

“Careful now,” Tiberius warned, chuckling despite the student’s obvious pain. “It is much more powerful that it may at first appear,”
Star Swirl managed a weak laugh of his own. “Apologies, my intent was not to get such a rise out of you,” he muttered, shaking the tingles from his leg as he stared at the Pegasus’s flared wing.

“Oh, believe me,” Tiberius said through fits of barely suppressed laughter. “You would know if you were to get a proper rise out of me,” he said with what appeared to be a flirtatious wink.

“When we return you simply must allow me to study this technique in action,” Star Swirl said, eyes tracking the primary feathers as they wiggled in place, exposing the tiny pieces of thunderhead held between them.

“Perhaps, provided I have time before my king has need of me again, and my family has been tended to,“ Tiberius said, glancing around as they found themselves entering a large open pantheon style structure, the edge of a deep canyon running along the far side just visible in the misty rain.

“Fair enough,” Star Swirl agreed, still paying the wing close attention as it folded back into the pony’s side. “How ever did you come up with such an ingenious use of cloud?”

“Tis nothing all that uncommon really,” Tiberius said in reply, shrugging as he walked. “There simply just are not that many of us interested in going about our daily lives with active lightning stored at our sides, as for myself, I rather enjoy it. Guess you could say we have developed a healthy understanding of each other.”

His brows rising Star Swirl could not help but lean away from the Pegasus, this pony was clearly mad, allowing a force like lightning to inhabit his own body, ludicrous. “You are an odd fellow, aren’t you,” he muttered with a shake of his head, a smirk forming in place of his normally mild mannered appearance.

“No more so than anypony else,” Tiberius stated merrily, an ear flicking to the side as he came to a stop, his expression returning to a more professional looking mask. “Though, to quote my brother, 'You are a troubled rapscallion who never could resist a risqué comment during a tussle,'” his face crumbled into a grin, the memory following the words one of the best shared between the siblings.

“Your brother is not much for socializing, is he?” Star Swirl asked, careful not to sound accusing towards the gruff pony in question, his own ear twitching to the sound of a solitary rock falling somewhere off in the misty distance.

Tiberius gave a snort, another halfhearted chuckle escaping him as he glanced back at the Unicorn. “No, I suppose he is not,” he admitted, eyes scanning their surroundings before continuing further, Luminescent having made up his lagging position.

“True as it may be that he can come across as an ass at times,” Tiberius nodded his head, smiling to himself as they pushed on. “He is also very passionate about his duty, following orders with absolute faith in those that give them. He is kind to those who deserve it, strong for those who need it. And, loyal, to those who earn it,” the Pegasus gave Star Swirl a knowing look. “Give him time, Star Swirl. He comes around to everypony eventually.”

Star Swirl nodded, though a puzzling thought took root in his mind. He turned his own gaze to the Pegasus, intent on confirming something when he noticed the others had stopped, Tiberius scanning the foggy gloom around them. Luminescent however, stared straight ahead.

From the very edge of the arena strode a tall figure, moving through the windswept mist the nature of the new arrival soon became clear as the massive Gryphon slowly took shape, his body gleaming with finely made armor that shown with a dull glow as lightning flashed over head.

With a gleam in his eye Phalyndil marched toward his prey, the equines standing before him having no idea the storm they truly faced, truly, this day would be glorious. With a smirk of his beak he came to a stop a few yards from the ponies, scanning over their faces for the telltale signs of fear.

Finding none Phalyndil could only deepen his smirk as he addressed his foes. “Hail, ponies of the western shores, prepare yourselves. For on this day, you face the Heralder of the Kings return!”

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

Terra loitered in the dim glow of the Lumen Crystals, the blue stones flickering cheerfully in their holders mounted to the marble walls around him, taking comfort in the soothing light. The Alicorn king stood there, waiting, unseen in the shadows as he tried to piece together what he knew needed to be said.

Allowing his own hatred and old wounds to drive his emotions had been foolish, Terra realized this, had become aware of his hurtful actions only after they had been permitted to happen. Actions that had driven a wedge between himself and his own daughter in the process.

~~~~

“You errant child! How can you remain so ignorant in the light of all that I have revealed!? To all the horrors now witnessed, surely you must comprehend these things! No daughter of mine will be so easily coerced by this abomination, you shall see reason!”

~~~~

Steeling his resolve Terra eased from the shadow, materializing out of the dark like a ghost he drifted across the hall, a thick wooden door poised as one final sentry resting in the king’s path, a last reminder to his misdoings.

He would wish them all back, every foul utterance his caustic tongue had spewed, he would take them and smite the words to the far reaches of the void if such could be done. Alas, these things and more had been allowed to become real, burning them into reality for all to witness. A stain that only forgiveness could scrub out.

~~~~

“Then, perhaps I no longer wish to be your daughter!”

With a heavy heart the king pushed the door open on its hinges, the sealing enchantment hastily cast upon the wood barely felt by the pressing hoof before shattering into nothingness, its magic overcome by the Alicorns seemingly unending power.

“Daughter?” Terra spoke softly, his tone low and bearing the thick guilt he carried. “I wish to speak with you,” he carefully stepped into the room, eyes scanning over the devastated state of the chamber, a muffled snort drawing his attention.

“I harbor no such wishes, father,” Celestias voice replied from some place deep within her bedding, the pile of coverings shifting aside to allow the filly to peek out. “I would simply ask to be alone, please.”

Terra lowered his head in shame, his wings falling down his sides as the words cut into him. “No, Celestia,” he managed after a moment, trying desperately to pull the words he needed from countless years of assembled wisdom. “You must allow me to speak, I, I must resolve this, if not for your sake than for mine own. I allowed feelings that have been without just cause for longer than history remembers to surface, and drive my actions. And, for that I am sorry,”

Moving closer to the bedside the Alicorn king knelt down before his daughter, taking the lowliest pose one of his position could display, the normally cold mask of his face waning for but the briefest of moments as he looked into her eyes. “Celestia please understand that, for me, to see you so close to such an object reminisce to the horrors of old,” Terra said, eyes softening as he gazed upon her. “The sight filled my heart with a terror that I have not felt since the night our great city fell, I was, afraid for the both of you.”

“Afraid, truly?” Celestia asked, pulling herself from the depths of her bedding, ears perked in curiosity as she crawled to her father. “I thought you afraid of nothing; you always said that a king has no fear to give.”

Terra gave the filly a half smile, thanking the stars above at his chance for progress. “A king must spare none for his enemy. Fear for his family, his people, they are worth fearing for,” he rose, carefully taking his foal into a foreleg for a hug, an embrace that ended all too soon as he pulled back. “Allowing the fear of one’s past to control their actions however, that can never be acceptable. I hope you can find it within your heart to forgive a fearful fool.”

Celestia gave her father a warm smile, her eyes twinkling brightly in the flickering candlelight as she leaned in to begin another hug. “Of course father, though, I have some conditions,” she said diplomatically, a mischievous grin spreading over her face.

“And those would be?” Terra asked, his own curiosity piqued at the words. He sat the filly back upon the bed before nodding for her to continue, a strange sense of ease lifting the weight from his mind as she smiled warmly.

Celestia stared at her father for a few seconds, eyes searching as though delving into his very core, a trace of hope flashing across the orbs as she began to speak. “My first stipulation, is Discord. Surely you must see the way he suffers here, yet through all your harsh treatment he wants for nothing but your approval, whether you can see it or not. All I ask is that you finally lend him some of your trust. Am I so wrong to say that he has earned it?” She leaned in closer, eyes narrowing in a searching manner as her father glanced away.

Terra found himself unable to look the child in the eye, his teeth grit tight as old emotion once again ran rampant through his mind, until a glance down at Celestia silenced them, allowing him to listen to his heart. “No, Celestia, you are not hindered by any error of your own. The fault for this lies squarely with myself and my inability to let go of the past,” Terra said bleakly, standing straighter and looking down at her. Face set with pride at her resolve for another’s benefit. “What right have I to treat him with such scorn? For acts perpetrated by those long gone,” he nodded somberly, finally allowing himself to realize the full extent of Discords trials at his hoof. “On my word as king, Celestia, I shall try to do right by him from now until my end,” he stated, smiling openly as she tackled his neck and wrapped her slender legs around him. “And the other condition?”

Releasing her father Celestia dropped to the bed and smiled up at him, the tension leaving them both as a feeling of happiness filled the room, the filly pawing the bed a few times as she gazed up with newfound joy in her father. “You tell me the story again, the happy parts this time,”

Terra released a quiet chuckle, nodding in agreement as he made a place for himself upon the bed, nestling himself down next to his daughter and taking comfort in their resolved anger, and at being forgiven of his trespasses. Then, as promised, he began to reminisce to her of better days.

/ / / / / / / / / / / /

Discord sat alone, curled around himself on the floor of his darkened chamber in a most pitiful state. His yellow eyes fixed in the direction of the wall were red and puffy, having no tears left to shed, the fur around them matted down with moisture. He suppressed another sob, the tears not for his own misery, but for that which he undoubtedly caused the princesses, his only friends in this world. The look on Celestia’s face still haunting him.

“Well, Isn’t this tragic,” said a rueful voice from the blackness behind him, the faintest hint of sarcasm ever present within its tone. “A creature of such magnificent ability, brought to his knees by mere Alicorns,” it added, pausing as the child rolled over to search for his addressor. “And you had such potential, so much so I deviated thirty years of my time to retrieve you,” it finished with a deep frustrated sigh.

Discord peered into the dark, his magically enhanced senses unable to locate the new arrival. “Who’s there? I, I don’t want to hurt anypony, stay ba…” The child’s voice died as the mysterious speaker moved closer, seeming to appear as though through a mist. “Who, Who are you?” Discord questioned, fear slowing his words.

What crawled from the blackness at the edge of the room was a small newt, its skin was of a deep purple black and glowed from within as specks of a gray white light flitted about his form, a thin smile growing across the creatures features at the query followed quickly by a mirthful chuckle. “Boy, right now, I’m your new best buddy.”

Author's Notes:

Well, it’s finally here. After nearly six months of head scratching, re-writing, and cursing in tongues, it’s here. My apologies for the wait and I certainly hope it was worth it, I think it turned out okay, but then I’m also my own biggest critic. Just ask Jake.
Anyway, a partial reason for this big delay rests on something of a really long and convoluted series of events that, in the end, will hopefully prove worth it. See, originally this was intended as little more than a quick prequel story for Infinity’s End, but, the more I thought about where I wanted to go with the main story the more I came to realize that this simply wasn’t going to cut it. There’s just to much to cover and to much has been left out already.

So, with all these things in mind I hatched a plan. Some of you may not like it and I’m sorry for that, but in the end things will be a lot better for everybody. Now, what’s going to happen is this, the Star Order Chronicles will be put on a temporary hiatus during which it will be completely finished with most of the current chapters being refinished and further expanded with new content. After that the old version will be removed and the new version will be posted as soon as possible.

In the near future there will also be a few blog posts to help further explain what’s going on, so be on the lookout for those. Apologies for the long wait and I thank all of you that have stuck around for so long, and if you can wait just a little longer, I think you will enjoy it.

~Dollars.

This grand plan is going to take some serious doing, we appreciate all the patience you can spare us.
-Jake

P.S.A. #1 New Content Blog!

Okay, so as you all know, this story has been pretty dead for like, over a year now. Well, it may have seemed that way but, if you get out ye ole' poking stick and give it a prod, you might just get a quiet groan of protest. See, things are finally starting to move for us again, and if you've missed the reason why, well, here it is...

https://www.fimfiction.net/blog/748078/psa-infinitys-end-update-info

Why not come see what all the fuss is about....

~Dollars.

P.S.A. #2 New content and removal notice!

Alright, so most everyone here probably knows that the new version of Infinity's End has been posting for a couple of weeks now. That said, those of you who don't and want to get your hands on more of this story should go check it out, it boasts a much more developed plot line and, well, a pulse...

Now, as sad as this makes me, this version will be getting pulled down, probably sometime next month. So if you would like to take a copy of this original version to remember it by, now's your chance.

Do not be sad, do not weep, for far greater things are soon to come.

~Dollars

P.S.A. #3 Removal Notice

Hello to anyone bothering to read this, just leaving a quick note here letting you all know that this version of the story will soon be removed. I know it has been a long time coming but in keeping with site rules this is technically a repeat story now and we want to keep our noses clean. if you are still hanging around but haven't heard the news don't fret, the story is being continued and can be found here. -----> /story/398761/infinitys-end-times-gone-by

The removal will take place around the end of next month.

Thanks again to everyone who has stuck with us this far and have yourselves a good one!

~Dollars