The Sands of Time

by Nightraven

Chapters

• Grinding Stone to Sand
• While Stone becomes Sand...
• From Forest to Desert
• While Changes are made...
• Some Way to Live a Life...
• Dusty Remnants of The Past

Grinding Stone to Sand

Chapter 1: Grinding Stone to Sand

How many years…

How many decades have come and gone since she…

No wait…it’s been longer than that…it’s been centuries…

I know this much…an immense amount of time has passed.

Can you stop that monologue please, it’s getting on my nerves after hearing it for the 173.711.619th time.

You actually counted it?

Well, I don’t have anything better to do since we share the same fate, Curator.

You are right, beast of chaos… But I know that it will change soon. I can feel it.

It was a bright, sunny day in Canterlot, Equestria. Like any other day I have witnessed so far. Or… at least I thought it is sunny. It is weird if you see everything in fifty shades of grey, you know. Well, you get used to it after the first 2.000 years.

By the way, I failed to introduce myself. I am known as „The Curator of the Sands“, or just Nasus. I’m living my third or fourth life right now… if you count being in stone for several millennia as ending a life.

Well, given that I am immortal, or rather ageless, I counted all those days and noticed the world around me change bit by bit. So I knew of course this current day. The one day where Discord would be free. Free for at least a few hours before the Elements force him back into stone.

Now you might have a few questions. How am I living the third/fourth life? How do I know about the Elements if I am stoned (pun intended) for more than 1.000 years? How do I know this is the exact day where Discord would be released?

Well, I can’t answer the first question yet. But for the second, I have some background information. Now I won’t elaborate on that because that would link me to the first question and I am not answering that. For the third question, I counted the days since I am imprisoned and I saw some scenes happening like Celestias and Lunas coronation, Discords first imprisonment and the rise and banishment of Nightmare Moon as well as her returning as Luna to the Canterlot Castle.

But enough of that, we should continue with the story for I have already wasted enough time explaining you some stuff. Anyway, I was looking around searching for a specific group of ponies coming to the Statue Garden today. As I spotted them (yeah, I can still look around as if I wasn't turned to stone…and no, the stone eyes don’t  move) I spoke to Discord again, mentally of course.

You see that group of ponies over there? The little school class visiting the Statue Garden?

Yeah, and why would that interest me in any way? They are just kids… what would  be so important?

You know what children can do best? They are masters in the art of creating chaos. Just wait here, not that you could do anything else, and you’ll see what I mean…

As they approached us, I heard their teacher, Ms Cheerliee, talking to them.

„Now, who knows anything about this statue?“ and pointed at me first.

Now, I am not that famous and I don’t believe that I am really that much mentioned in the history books of this age since I was long before them. But it still seems like she knew a bit a bit about me, surprisingly.

Well, the children didn't say anything and just stared at their teacher. Looks like no one really knows about me these days...

„This statue represents „knowledge“. It was known as the keeper of a great library in the deserts behind the Badlands. And it is said that there was a saying he told his scholars as they learned in his library. „We always want to know everything…““

And I just continued in my mind while she did the same to her class.

„… but some things should be kept away, buried by the sands of time until they are truly forgotten by all“

Her whole class just did some „Oooohhh“ and „Aahhhhh“ before she spoke again.

„Now, let’s get over to this one. What do you think this one represents?“

I don’t  think I have to explain in all detail what happened next, right?. Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Applebloom were arguing about the meaning of Discord, Cheerliee explained it and made those three write an essay about the meaning of Discord.

Now, I could see cracks forming on his outer stone shell until he broke free. He immediately floated over to me and hugged my giant form.

„Oh Nasus, you were right about these kids. But how did you know they would come today? And you even knew what they were supposed to do, right? You surprise me, for a being as old as you, you sure know much about this time.“

If he could see it, I would just smile mildly. I took a deep breath and spoke to him one last time since it is somewhat exhausting to speak with someone who’s mind is just full of chaos and disorder…

Now, if you would be so kind and release me? It would be great to feel the ground again and see the colors of this world again.

He seemed to really ponder about that decision but  I knew his answer already so I reacted quickly.

We both know that you aren't going to release me, so how about a little bet, a game if you want. As soon as one of us is forced to return to stone, the other one will be released shortly after. If you are so great, then it shouldn't be a problem for you to stay in your current state, should it?

And following his chaotic and playful nature, he of course accepted the challenge, being the idiot I always liked most out of the non-ponies in Equestria.

„Alright, we have a deal. And just so you know, I won’t return so soon. So, until then, ta-ta.“

With those words, he disappeared in a blink and I just leaned back. Now all i had to do was to wait until Twilight and her friends would appear and return Discord to stone, as long as my appearance in this world isn't causing something to change.

---Some hours later---

I heard something flying towards us and I of course knew what it was. Shortly after, I saw some guard ponies pulling something into the garden. It was, unsurprisingly, Discord, who found himself in stone again. Looking at it, I couldn't help myself but chuckle.

Looks like „The Great God of Chaos“ got beaten by some mares wielding some jewelry, am I wrong? Well… it seems like my turn has come. While they are having their little ceremony and party, I will swiftly make my escape.

Oh, ha ha, very funny… Wait, how do you know that some mares beat me? Just how much do you actually know, Nasus. Tell me!

With these words, the stone around me got loose. It didn't crumbled off of me, rather it slowly turned to sand, revealing my body beneath it. As I moved my appendages, namely arms and legs, I took my staff I was holding the whole time and moved over to Discord, repeating my signature phrase.

„We always want to know everything, but some things should be kept away, buried by the sands of time until they are truly forgotten by all“

With those words, I looked up the castle to see the ponies still standing there.

Well, I should make my escape now. It would be bad to be spotted by one of them leaving this place alive… I just hope that they are alright…

With that, I made my way through the streets of Canterlot, finding them unsurprisingly empty due to the current event holding place in the castle. Unseen, I left the capital city of Equestria and headed to the Everfree Forest, looking for a certain place I could „redesign“ to fit my needs…

While Stone becomes Sand...

Chapter 1.5: While Stone becomes Sand...

It was quite a day for all ponies. A master of chaos magic was released and terrorized Ponyville, threatening to turn it into the „chaos capital of the world“. But now, since Discord was turned to stone again by the heroic deeds of six mares (and one baby dragon), Ponyville and the rest of Equestria is safe and sound. So why not making a ceremony for them to reward those ponies.

Soon after the ceremony and the celebration afterwards, all other ponies went back on their way home, leaving the Six and Princess Celestia in the throne room of Canterlot Castle.

„Once again thank you very much, my ponies, for without your help, Ponyville would have been lost.“

Those were the words of said princess, addressing the Six in front of her.

„Aw, shucks. ‘Twas nuthin‘. We only did what we had to.“

„Yes princess, we would do that again if we really had to.“

Well…soon they would regret those words as somepony knocked on the great golden door leading to the throne room. Soon after Celestia opened it with her magic, one of her royal guards stormed inside, only coming to a halt in front of the princess.

„Your majesty…we could…have a major…problem right now. Another one…of the statues…is missing from its pedestal…“

What no pony (except Celestia and Luna) knew was the fact that most of the statues in the Canterlot garden aren't simply made out of stone but rather are living beings turned to stone to preserve their lives in a torment of everlasting imprisonment, something even worse than death for most of them.

„Tell me, which statue is missing. One of them was probably just stolen. If we catch up with the culprit quick, we could find and retrieve the missing statue.“

„I don’t know anything about the statue itself, Your Highness. The pedestal simply said ‚knowledge‘.“

If it was any other statue, she wouldn't be troubled in the slightest. Even if Discord somehow managed to escape his prison due to some weird tricks he prepared beforehand with his chaotic magic, it wouldn't be a problem. But this one in particular was major.

Neither the guards nor the Six, except for Twilight, noticed the slight change of the princess. Being her personal student, Twilight was always around the princess for most of the time. So she could see Celestia’s face getting pale, even beneath the snow-white coat of hers.

„Quick, gather three troops, one of Earth Ponies, the other two of Pegasi and look around all of Canterlot and the surrounding area. Also I need some unicorns to investigate the pedestal to see if they can find some residual magic leading to the one who helped him escape.“

As soon as she barked out those commands, all the guards in the throne room left to find the being that was once the statue of ‚knowledge‘. But Twilight, out of the Six, was the most worried. She had never seen Celestia so troubled. She had to know what was so horrible in the garden that even Princess Celestia herself would command such a huge search just for one pony(?).

„What’s the matter, princess, surely we can defeat another one of those. I mean, we just beat Discord’s butt. Surely, that guy can’t be worse than him.“

„But I fear that he is. I myself do not know much about him. But for all I know he is an enemy far more worse than Discord would ever be. Discord, the spirit of chaos and disharmony, looks at this world as if it was his playground. This one however, I don’t even know his real name, went so far as ending one pony’s life completely as well as crippling another's.“

After hearing that, the whole group just gasped, Fluttershy and Rarity were about to faint while even Rainbow Dash was shocked by that last statement. True, Discord was evil. But he never went as far as killing another being. He always toyed with those around him but that’s it, he never did anymore. But to now hear that this being technically killed two ponies, she wasn't sure anymore if she should take him on.

„Tell me, my ponies, how much do you actually know about the history before me and Luna ruling Equestria together?“

Instantly, the group fell into silence and just looked at Celestia.

„I thought this much. Well, I shall tell you what my mother told me before. The first time the being arrived was by the time I was just a filly and Luna was merely a foal. Our parents, Queen Aurora and King Starlight were ruling Equestria, at least the pony part, together and it was a time of prosperity and peace, much like nowadays.

However, it was one day, after I fell asleep during nighttime, that he appeared in Equestria. He stormed into the throne room, no guard was able to stop him. She told me how menacing he looked like. He was a bipedal beast, much like a diamond dog, but taller than my parents. His coat was a deep red and he wore two shoulder plates looking like two additional dog heads, bound together by a chain with runes. The giant was wielding a staff, almost as tall as he was, with a blade at the top glowing red.“

The group tried to imagine such a beast and all shuddered as they saw a mental image shown by Celestia.

„He came in with the words ‚I am the final arbiter, all will be judged‘, his voice deep enough to shake the throne room itself. Aurora and Starlight threw themselves against that beast and ultimately they won. But the prices each one had to pay were cruel. Within the fight, my father died. That thing was able to cast magic they had never seen before as he used a spell to age him, making him unable to flee.“

While she was retelling the story as much as she could from the memories her mother had told her before, tears began streaming down her face, dropping to the ground.

„As he slammed his staff down, my father died in front of my mother. She could only feel sadness and rage towards that thing and as such, she performed an act that would finish him off forever while torturing him at the same time. She took three gems out of father’s armor as well as three of her regalia and used those as catalysts to channel her magic, casting a spell that would freeze that beast in position, slowly turning him to stone.“

With that, all of them looked down (up in Twilight’s case) and understood. Those gems were the elements of harmony they are wearing at the moment.

„But he wasn't finished yet. In a final act, he stole the ‚alicorn essence‘ from my mother. His final words were ‚Mortals are not meant to rule‘ before he finally became a stone statue. Queen Aurora, my mother, finally defeated the beast that has slain my father. But in the end, she was no longer an alicorn. Her wings and horn as well as her magic remained. However, her body started to age from that point on. Since alicorn are ageless and she already lived for a great amount of time, the effects were horrible. One year for normal ponies were like five for her…and within 15 years, she was too old to move, her body crippled. I just stood by her bed as she closed her eyes…“

At that point Celestia broke down. She fell to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. Those mares could only feel sadness, moreover however pure rage, as they faced a beast that could do something this terrible to her. They stormed out of the castle, searching for him. They want revenge for Celestia, for the deaths of her parents. And they wanted to make sure that he wouldn't do anything like that to any pony anymore…

From Forest to Desert

Chapter 2: From Forest  to Desert

             Or: A true display of magic

It didn't take me long to reach and enter the forest known as the Everfree. However, I didn't recognize it being so….much forest. Last time I walked across the Everfree Kingdom of Equestria, it wasn't as huge as this forest. So…the forest must have taken part of the rest of Equestria at that time.

Well, it was quite easy to travel through the forest as every single predator like Cockatrice and Manticores knew that I was certainly no prey. One time I came across a little manticore pup and his mother. The mother looked quite terrified, fearing what I could do to her little one. I just picked him up and nuzzled him. He nuzzled me back…it was somewhat cute.

After that I finally reached my destination, the Old Castle of the Pony Sisters, or otherwise known as the Everfree Castle. And…I was quite shocked. I built that castle with my very own hooves, it was meant to stay for an eternity. But now all I see are ruins of a former glory…

I just stood there and looked at it….I don’t know how much time has passed but it was nighttime when I finally came back to my senses. I knew I had to do something, I had to renew this place, to make it fit to my needs and my imagination right now.

But first you have to know something. I guess you are all away of the multiverse theory, right? Good, so every universe has it’s own kind of magic. Back in my real home world, there was no magic at all. In Runeterra, there existed several different forms of magic, mostly based on mana, a source of spiritual energy. Here…I don’t know exactly how it works but every living being carries an essence besides it’s very own soul. That essence determines if and what kind of magical capabilities said being possesses.

Now, upon my arrival here, my own magic properties have…not really changed. You could rather say they ‚grew‘. Here, I am capable of doing more than in Runeterra.

So I did what I thought would be best. I used my inherent ability of absorbing the life of surrounding wildlife, flora, pretty much anything around. While doing that, I accidentally started a sandstorm around me…that has happened before. I was more worried about being spotted with that storm surrounding myself.

So…all plants, even the grass simply died and withered away. The earth lost all of it’s water and turned to sand. Now, it wouldn't be a problem if it were just the area around me but upon second look it seems like I turned like half of the forest to desert.

Since it was my  land now, I had to give it a proper name. I wanted it to be like my ‚home‘ in Runeterra so I called it „Shurima Desert“. Now all left was the castle ruins which crumbled in the process of turning forest to desert. I called upon the magic of the sands and turned the ruins into a library which would put some castles to shame. It was at least half the size of Canterlot Castle and was made out of sandstone.

As I entered my new home, I was quite satisfied. Thousands of Thousands of books rested inside the Grand Shurima Library, all created with the magic of the sands. They contained all knowledge I had, leading to me knowing a lot. Inside were torches giving off a mild red light with their flames, a perfect place to study.

But before I would start anything wasting probably weeks, I needed to know where my desert actually ended. So I left the library, locked it with a favorite spell of mine and went on looking for the borders of that wasteland. It probably took several hours since the sun was already rising again and I found the border of the desert and the forest. Fortunately, it was still quite some way to Ponyville. Unfortunately, it was close to Zecora’s hut. So she would find it out soon and could go into the desert looking for an explanation to all this.

Venturing to the south, I quickly saw that I took the entire forest there, leading to the desert ending in the wastelands around Appleloosa and Dodge Junction. With that knowledge, I walked back to my library and entered it once again to finally start reading something.

You have to know that, since I am immortal in the way of not aging, like the celestial sisters, I quickly thought of everything getting boring after some time, which I had plenty, and all left for me to do was to gather knowledge. And since I lived a long time in Runeterra and I believe even longer in Equestria, I had plenty of knowledge to collect.

It even surprised me at that point that I stored my entire knowledge inside that library but it was interesting nonetheless to actually see one’s experience and memories shown to others in the shape of books.

Anyway…before I waste days of telling you how much I love books and before I actually start retelling all of my life up to this point to you, it would be probably better to continue, not that there is much to continue right now.

I walked up to the third of probably five floors of this library and found an isolated spot where I could enjoy reading some entertaining fantasy novels. Quite the irony, actually, reading what is classified as ‚fantasy‘ while most of the things described in those are actually quite possible in this world.

Well, I was reading several books, leading to my little reading session actually taking around two to three days, I can’t remember right now. But because of me absorbing the energy of the flora as I created the desert, which was highly potent in the way of magical properties, I didn't have to actually leaving and consuming some of the wildlife roaming around in the Everfree.

So, I closed another of the books I finished, almost dome with the entire ‚fantasy‘ section, I suddenly heard the doors of my humble place of knowledge opening, followed my hoofsteps echoing on the stone ground. I knew it was just one pony because of the additional hoofsteps and the wing beats missing. And because of the spell I locked my library with, I could probably even guess who this pony in particular was. But after hearing her voice echoing in those halls, I was sure that she finally made it to my place.

„Hello, is anypony inside?“

While Changes are made...

Chapter 2: While Changes are made

             Or: The Meeting of two Like-Minded

Those last few days were quite a feat for Twilight. First, they were looking for an ancient enemy of old yore around Canterlot. Then, without any result, they traveled back to Ponyville, staying at home while having an ever watchful eye upon the village, waiting to find at least some small clue about the whereabouts of that beast.

Well, at least life returned to normal, for now at least. Twilight was studying as always, Applejack was busy at her farm, Rarity in her boutique and Dash was kicking clouds and napping all day long. No one knew what Pinkie was doing besides working at Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie being Pinkie, and Fluttershy was looking after her animals.

At some point Fluttershy asked Twilight to go for her to Zecora and get some potions for some ill animals she took care of. She would have gone herself but she had to tend an injured raccoon or something like that. Twilight, being the ever-helpful friend, agreed of course and went to the Everfree Forest to obtain said concotions.

After she left Zecora with those potions in her saddlebags, she wanted to go back home…but something was keeping her from doing so. There was a strange feeling in the air, as if the forest changed drastically somehow. Being the always curious mare, she ventured deeper into said forest, looking for the change she was feeling since the forest was of magical nature.

It wasn't long enough until she found something…odd to say the least. There was sand on the forest ground.

Why is there sand. The wasteland between the Everfree and Appleloosa is still a few miles away from here. There shouldn't be any sand at all.

Soon she noticed the absence of some predators like manticores and cockatrice as she went further towards the origin of the sand. And soon enough she found her answer in a giant desert in front of the Everfree Forest.

But wait, this shouldn’t be any desert at all. As far as I can remember, there should still be the Everfree here…

Wait a second, this is the direction of the old castle. Maybe something happened over there. I should go looking…but I still have to be careful. Whatever did this has to be a very strong being if it even turned the Everfree Forest into a desert.

With that mindset, she took careful steps into the desert, always looking out for possible threats which weren't existent. As she came closer to the position of the former castle, she could see something in the everlasting sandstorm of the desert. It was a building, at least half as tall as the Canterlot Castle, if not even higher. It was made out of sandstone and was the only thing standing out in that desert.

As she approached the front doors, she started to feel something, as if the doors were magically enhanced. Above the doors was written:

‚Only those with pure intentions of seeking knowledge may enter this sacred place‘

She stepped in front of the doors and they started glowing in a slight red light of magic. Soon she noticed herself engulfed in the same magic and the doors opened for her, granting her access to the inside.

And as she entered the building, she could stand there with her muzzle agape. It turned out to be a library, around four or five times the size of her own humble one. And the myriads of books kept inside…it was like heaven for Twilight, as if she had died in the desert and was sent here for all eternity. Of course she knew that it was not heaven and that she was very well alive. But never could she ever imagine to find a place holding more knowledge than the Canterlot Archives.

She hesitantly made some few steps as the door closed itself, the torches on the walls being the only sources of light inside. She stood in the middle of the entrance hall and called out:

„Hello, is anypony inside?“

As if on cue, she heard someone moving, probably from the third or fourth floor. At first she couldn't hear any steps but soon enough, there were hoofsteps coming towards her. She turned to the stairs to see a pony walking down.

He was a chocolate brown Earth Pony wearing some sort of golden armor, way different in the looks than the ones of the royal guards. It didn't look like it was made to defend himself…rather as if it was made for ceremonial purposes. His eyes weren't really eyes, just some red orbs, making him looking terrifying.

Twilight just gulped as she looked at probably the owner of the library. Maybe he was mad at her for entering it without any sort of permission or maybe she should have knocked before just setting hoof inside. But all those thoughts were cast aside as her host began to speak, his voice deep and reverberating from the halls of the library.

„Hello there, visitor. Welcome to the Great Shurima Library. I can see that you are terrified but you don’t have to worry. I am not here to hurt you in any way. My name is Nasus and I am the humble librarian of this place. As my spell let you enter the library, you are more than welcome to take a look at any of these books you want. You can even ask me if I should tell you about anything.“

Her muzzle was agape, it would have hit the floor. Here she thought that she made somepony angry because of her trespassing and entering a home without permission. Now here she stands, having been given an invitation to read any of the myriads of books stored inside.

„Well…uh…I’m sorry. That was just so sudden. My name is Twilight Sparkle. My apologies for entering without so much as knocking on the door. It just opened so quickly, I had no time to do this. I was just-“

„Don’t worry, Miss Sparkle, I casted a spell upon the door to only let specific ponies enter. So, somehow, I wanted you to come inside. I am here to teach those who want about the world and everything. So feel free to ask any question you want. I am sure that I can answer almost all of them.“

With that, Twilight and Nasus went upstairs and a new chapter of life started for the two of them…

Some Way to Live a Life...

Chapter 3: Some Way to Live a Life...

          Or: Question after Question and a Favor on Top

Now…I won’t tell you anything that happened those last few days since it would only force you into the utmost boredom. So I’ll skip until a further place in time. It happened to be several days further from the first meeting and it was quite an interesting day.

For starters, I know that I somewhat altered the original timeline of MLP but since I am in this world in the first place, there was no real way for me to not do that in the long run. I told Twilight to keep the Shurima Library and her lessons with me a secret, mostly for the fact that her friends probably would start becoming suspicious about me as soon as they set eyes on my outer appearance.

Anyway, it was one day in particular, when Twilight entered my library. I knew that it was Twilight because the torches on the walls would flicker in purple flames for a short time. She joined me in one of the upper floors where I usually gave her some lessons of history, ecology, basically anything she wanted to know. I just avoided the further past of Equestria, namely the rulership of Queen Aurora and King Starlight because it was one topic I wasn't too fond of.

„Nasus, can I ask you something?“

„Silly, why do you ask me that? I told you that you could ask me anything you want to know. Besides…you are already asking.“

At that statement, she simply blushed and looked sheepish on the ground. She wasn't used to getting caught out in such a fashion.

„You are right. Well…there is that one question…that bothered me since we first met.

You see…you obviously know very much about Equestria…but I always wondered how? I mean, you are an Earth Pony, but you technically can’t live long enough to know all this. Besides, I have never seen such a pony as you are. Especially your eyes…where was I? Oh right, I want to know about your past, Nasus.“

She was of course acting the way every“pony“ would if they’d see me like this. But I couldn't help but chuckle at her. She was young, innocent, always looking for a way to know more. She reminded me of myself at a young age. But I hope that she’ll learn later that knowledge over everything is dangerous…

Anyway, I was thinking about how to play this situation. Certainly I couldn't tell her the truth, I couldn't tell her that I was the one who, in some way or another, killed her mentor’s mother. So I had to get around that subject in any way possible.

„I am sorry Twilight, but I can’t tell you everything of my past, for my life isn't something anyone should know. However I can tell you the origins of my appearance and my ability to know so much.

You see, there was one day when I was at the brink of death, where I accepted death already. I closed my eyes, awaiting the obvious, only to wake up in the house of somepony.

As it turned out, I was somehow teleported far away. I ended up in the nation of Zebrica where a nice old zebra mare took me into her home and „cured“ me. However, as I asked her what happened to me, she told me the only way to save me from death was to put an ancient curse on me.“

This story was just made out of my mind and I simply hoped that Twilight wouldn't get suspicious towards this story. Glad for me, she didn't.

„What kind of curse? How is a curse supposed to help you surviving? Aren't curses always meant to do bad things to somepony?“

„Well, it did in the end. She told me that the curse would extend my life beyond and natural borders and only through force I’d die. However, the curse had it’s problems. It would change my appearance, turning my eyes into soulless red orbs. On top of that I can no longer eat to nourish myself.“

"But how are you supposed to not starve if you no longer can eat anything?“

„To prevent starvation, I have to consume the souls of living beings. I know of the cycle of life and death. I know that the soul of every living being doesn't simply vanish. Instead, it will return to the cycle and be given a new life to live. But as I consume these souls, I take them the chance to return to another life, erasing them completely.“

I looked down on the ground, hoping that Twilight would feel pity for me. And as I did, I felt myself in a hug. I turned my head up to see her hugging me. She wanted to make me feel better in this time of misery, at least that’s what I think she thought at the moment. That meant for me however that she doesn't have any grain of suspicion towards me and that I probably do not have to fear Celestia recognizing me because Twilight would burden for me to be an ordinary pony.

„I didn't know that your past was so hard. Sorry for asking you-“

At this point I hold my hoof to her muzzle to silence her.

„You don’t have to apologize. You simply wanted to know something and you have all right to do so. You couldn't know that my past wasn't easy to take. So it is alright.“

„Nasus…ehm…did you ever eat somepony’s soul?“

„I was told that eating a soul of a currently sentient being would nourish me for a long time, on top of that I’d have access to his‘/her’s knowledge and memories. However, in all the time I have lived in Equestria I never did such a thing. It would be equal to cannibalism, only on a higher level of consuming. So I never did, and I’ll continue to never do something like that.“

I could feel and see her relaxing. She was of course unnerved at first that she learned of someone who could eat ponies without actually eating them. But hearing me confess that I, really this time, never ate anypony’s soul before was putting her worries at ease.

After that, she bid farewell and left me to myself. But looking at the date and the overall timeline, I knew that it wouldn't take long for the next major event to occur. And I would be ready to witness and actually take part in it.

---Several Weeks Later---

I was, like all the time I wasn't out to nourish, in my library and studied a bit. Now, you might think that there isn't anything left for me to study but you are wrong. I lived long, yes, but not long enough to actually know everything in this world. For one, I still didn't know everything about the Crystal Tree, The Elements on how they actually worked. Also Discord and his magic was something I could spend years on analyzing without getting any real result.

But good for me, somepony came to end my misery. I saw the flames on the walls flicker purple, showing me that Twilight was here. So I made my way to the entry hall.

„It’s good to see you again, Twilight. How are you doing?“

„I’m doing fine, Nasus, thank you. But I’m not here to study. I rather wanted to ask you of something.“

On the outward, I was looking surprised. I couldn't possibly know what she wanted to ask. But on the inward I knew that it was time for that certain event to take place. I could probably guess what she wanted to ask me.

„What do you ask of me? There isn't much I wouldn't do for my students. Especially for such one as you are.“

She blushed for a moment, not expecting such a compliment of me. But soon enough she regained her composure and asked the question I was awaiting.

„My brother is marrying somepony and his wedding is in a few days. He asked me if I could be the supervisor of the wedding, checking if everything is perfect. But…I don’t know…I don’t think that I can really do it alone. It would be better if I had somepony with me to check everything twice so that absolutely everything will go the right way. And…I thought maybe you could assist me on that task?“

I  knew it. I was interfering the original timeline enough to actually change the course of action considering the wedding. I couldn't say no because I don’t want to know what would happen then. It would be entirely possible that the changeling queen would win, Twilight and Cadence would spend the rest of their lives in the Canterlot Caverns. So…

„It would be an honor for me to help you supervising your brother’s wedding. It means much for me that you’d entrust me with such a task since it is meant to be a very personal event. Nonetheless I gladly accept.“

At this point she was beaming with excitement because I said yes. With me by her side she knew that nothing could go wrong. But I knew of course that everything would be wrong the moment we would meet ‚Princess Mi Amore Cadenza‘…

Dusty Remnants of The Past

Chapter 4: Dusty Remnants of The Past

          Or: A Quick Travel Down Memory Lane

The travel to Canterlot was pretty long considering we went with train…

Wait a second, I have to tell you how the first meeting with me and the rest of the cast went.

Well, Twilight introduced me like I thought, calling me her mentor and teacher, similar to Celestia, and well it was kinda „normal“. Fluttershy hid far behind Rarity while she commented on my armor, how elegant it looks on me. Rainbow was suspicious at first, as expected from the Element of Loyalty, but sooner or later, after Twilight told her for the millionth time that I am no evil in disguise or something like that, she let go off me. Now, left were Pinkie and Applejack, the latter assured that I only tell the truth about my intentions, being the assistance of Twilight with supervising the wedding. Pinkie was…well Pinkie. Showed up behind me like she’s used to, spoke with a ludicrous speed and all I could understand was that she would plan a ‚Welcome to Ponyville party', although I would not move away from my library in the desert.

Now, sitting in the train I started to close my eyes and relaxed, letting my mind wander off to the memories of old yore, namely the time where I was living in the Everfree Castle, together with my beloved Queen Aurora.

-------Several Centuries Before-------

We were in the infirmary of our humble castle, Aurora lying in a bed, me sitting next to her as the first foal came. It was a very important and great moment in our lives, at least in hers for I have experienced too much.  But still, it was a great moment, knowing that I would be at least once in my life a father.

After the procedure was done with, the doctor came with the foal in one hoof holding her out to Aurora.

„Congratulations, Your Majesties, it is a filly. And a very healthy on top of that.“

Aurora was just smiling at me while holding the filly in her hooves. I smiled back and took a look at our new daughter. She was beautiful, having a pristine white coat as well as a pink mane and tail…

But then realization hit me hard like an upcoming sandstorm. It was all so clear, but on the outside no one could notice what was going on in my mind. That filly, that foal, my daughter, it was the young, rather just-born Celestia, later princess of Equestria, and I was her father…

Many thoughts crossed my mind at this point. Why me? Would she be here even if I wouldn't have been? OR was it my destiny to come to Equestria to let the history unfold like I always knew it?

Even with these many questions, I could hear my wife ask me.

„And? Do you have a name for our daughter?“

Well, there weren't many options. I could have changed her name in the end. But if it was really predetermined that she would be my daughter then I was supposed to give her the name she would be known by.

„Yes, I have, my love. We should call her Celestia, I think that is a good name for the future princess and patron of the sun.“

„You are right, it is a lovely name for her. Our little daughter Celestia.“

------Present------

I came back to reality because the train came to a halt. But we still weren't in Canterlot, so something must have been gone wrong. From what I could hear, there was a technical problem which didn't really interest me. On the other hand, no one has noticed me „waking up“, so I could simply drift off again, reminiscing once more into my past.

------Several Years after the birth of Celestia------

It was yet again time, I know it sounds boring if I tell it to you like that but I don’t care. I was in the throne room, reading some reports of the farmer families about their current season and how much they were expecting as I heard the double door opened and the doctor coming in.

„Your majesty, it is time. We are finished and you can call yourself a proud father again.“

With these words in my mind, I followed the doctor to the infirmary where my wife was with our new child.

Before I continue, there is something important you have to know. At some point I actually fell asleep. I don’t know why I did this but it happened. So this became at some point a lucid dream instead of a simple memory.

Now, to come back to the memory/dream, I was standing in front of Aurora who was holding a foal in her forehooves. As I looked at them, I felt some presence entering my dream. I knew of course who it was, as well as the fact that I was actually dreaming now. And all I had to do was to mutter some simple words.

„Time…stop“

With that, the dream came to a halt, all freezing in their positions as I moved freely around, an image of myself still standing where I stood.

„Now, are there no words of congratulation for me, Princess Luna? I mean, I just became father once again. Isn't it a reason to celebrate?“

Out of a shadow in the room, Luna stepped out, her expression being one of confusion, really deep, core-shattering confusion.

„How did you know we were hiding here?“

„Simple, I am a lucid dreamer. I know what happens in my dreams, that they are just dreams, and who enters my dreams.“

„Well then…congratulations on your foal. Is it a colt or a filly?...“

I could see that she still was confused. She was trying to start a conversation besides the fact that she stood in front of another alicorn, one of similar color but taller and being a stallion.

„Well, it is a filly. But I can see that you are still concerned about something. Just tell me what bothers you. I think I can and will answer your questions.“

„Well, for us it seems like you are an alicorn but this simply is impossible for there are only three alicorns currently in Equestria.

Then, you yourself looks similar to somepony we never really get to know and your „wife“ over there has the same appearance like…our…mother…“

At this point she started to drop tears to the ground as she remembered her mother. I admit, she was a great mare. Somepony you could only love from the bottom of your heart if you really got to know her.

„Tell us now, what is this sorcery?! How could you mock us like this? Explain yourself right now or we will leave you trapped in this dream forever!!“

She turned from confusion to sadness to rage faster than Discord could pop in and out of existence. Well, we all know that you should never keep a lady waiting…or in this case a princess.

„Simple, this is a memory. I never intended to fall asleep. This is why you could see all of this right here. And if you want me to explain myself, just sit back and watch until the end.“

With these words, I went back into my position, making the memory continue.

„Well darling, she is just wonderful. Do you have a name for her?“

„Yes, Aurora, I have. She shall be named like the moon, Luna“

I was still in role of my memory but I could see her from the corner of my eye sitting in shock as she heard my words. She was not part of the dream but I still could hear her.

„All lies, this isn't the truth. Everything here is fake!“

As she started to cry, I wanted her to know how real this situation really is. So, according to my memory, there was only one thing to do.

„Celestia, do you want to come over here and welcome your new sister?“

We both saw a filly Celestia, certainly older than before but still young, running into the room. She was taller, but remained her pristine white coat. Her mane was still pink but some colors started to shine within, hinting at the change of mane she will experience. As she stood besides me, she took a look at the little Luna and was smiling.

„This is my new sister? That is great. I love her so much. As soon as she gets older, we can brush each others manes. That will be great and I’ll be a good big sister to her. Does she have a name yet?“

„Yes, her name is Luna. She will be our daughter and your sister. We will be a great family together.“

After that, the doctor came into the room, looking at the family sitting on and around the bed.

„Ehm…King Starlight, Princess Celestia? I ask you to please leave the room for now as Queen Aurora and your daughter at the moment both need some rest.

„But of course, Celestia, let’s leave. We should give them some time to sleep. And I think it is time for you to sleep as well.“

With that, us two left the room. Outside, we stopped again as I ended the memory before re-entering the room, walking to the „real“ Luna.

„Well, what do you say now? This is not just a coincidence. And it certainly is not fake. All that you witnessed right now was the truth. This is how it happened.“

With these words, the dream faded away, slowly turning into sand before blown away by the wind, leaving me and Luna sitting in the Dreamscape.

I approached her, still having the appearance of King Starlight and pulled her in a mighty hug while she cried tears in my coat. I knew it would be hard for her to see her father actually alive and well but I was prepared if anything might happen.

„How is this possible. I thought you would be dead. Mother told us you were killed by some beast dog that came into the castle one day. She said you died in an attempt to kill it. Why can I see you here? Am I actually the one dreaming?“

I was expecting those kind of questions from her. It was complicated for her, seeing as her world just crumbled in front of her. But it was fine as long as I was with her.

But our little reunion came to an abrupt end as I heard the whistle of the train in the background, giving me the signal that we arrived in Canterlot. Soon after I could her the voice of Twilight in my mind, asking me to wake up. So I had to make this quick.

„I’m sorry but I have to leave now. There is no time left for me. Just know that I am alive and well and that I will always be there for you and your sister, for you are everything that I have. Goodbye for now.“

With these words, I left the Dreamscape, leaving Luna alone for now and returned to the world of the awake.

„Hey, Nasus, did you sleep well? We are already in Canterlot.“

„I noticed that. I was just having a little nap. But now we can start on the wedding, alright?“