Celestia and Luna flew through the cool night's air high above few, passing clouds. It's been a day since they left Canterlot to find out what these disturbing visions mean. The two regal sisters flew silently beside each other, heading to some unknown destination.

"Tia, dost thou even know where you're going?'' Luna asked, a tad irritated.

Celestia said nothing, she was deep in thought.

"Tia!'' Lune said, raising her voice almost using her booming, Royal Canterlot voice.

Celestia blinked and snapped out from her thought. She looked at her sister who was leering impatiently at her.

"Oh sorry Luna, I was just lost in my thoughts,'' Celestia explained. "What did you say?''

Luna sighed irritably. "I said, do thou even know where you're going? We've been flying for a day now.''

Celestia looked forward with serious look on her face. "These visions foretell something bad is about to occur. Maybe the worst threat we've ever encountered,'' Celestia began as Luna listened on.

''We need every bit of help we can get if we wish to prevent this tragedy.''

"And where are we going to find this 'help' you spoke of?'' Luna asked.

Celestia thought for a moment, then answered her sister seriously. "We're going to visit an old friend of ours,'' Celestia responded.

Luna looked at her sister with a perplexed expression. "Who is this friend?''

"Arcanus...Arcanus the Mystic,'' Celestia answered seriously.

Luna gave a soft gasp. "A-Arcanus...the Mystic?!'' Luna repeated in disbelief in which Celestia nodded.

"But sister, how is this possible? According to the ancient scrolls, Arcanus died a thousand years ago, after my banishment. How could we possibly ask for his help?!''

"Because Luna, the scrolls are wrong, Arcanus is indeed still alive,'' Celestia answered firmly.

Luna looked at her in absolute shock over the revelation as Celestia continued.

"Arcanus believed that certain circumstances in regards to the stability of harmony in Equestria would change if he were to 'die'. So in order to help preserve that harmony, he purposely staged his death in the audience of the ponies who had seen it. And he was right, that with the fabrication of his death prevented a terrible omen from befalling our kingdom. And besides little sister, we're over a thousand years old, do you really find that Arcanus being able to still be alive after all these years would really that shocking?''

Luna thought deeply. It was true, she and her sister have lived for centuries, so it's understandable that someone of Arcanus' caliber could live for so long.

"True, I suppose you have a point Tia but still, are you certain that Arcanus will or can help?''

Celestia nodded. "Yes. Few in this world can rival Arcanus' magic. His power and wisdom is even on par with that of an Alicorn. Or did you forget, today's foundation of spells were set by his very hooves. On top of that, he was our's and Starswirl the Bearded's mentor was he not?'' Celestia explained.

"If anypony could even possibly help us about these visions, I have no doubt that Arcanus can.''

Celestia was adamant. She was determine to prevent anything to happen to her kingdom and the ponies that lived there. Luna just glided in thought, but then nodded in understanding.

"Well if thou art so certain that Arcanus can help, then I'll stand right beside you,'' Luna said, giving her sister a confident smile.

Celestia smiled back at her, grateful. "Thank you Luna.''

Luna smiled and shook her head, her dark blue, starry mane flowing through the air. "Think nothing of it Tia, we're sisters after all.''

Celestia nodded in agreement. "That's right. And you've done a lovely job with this night as always may I add.''

Luna just smiled proudly. A few hours had passed as the two regal sister flew through the night, the sun would be coming up in a couple of short hours, but they finally made it to their destination.

"We're here Luna, 'Celestia finally said, stopping in midair.

They were over a vast sea, the moon's reflection shimmering on its surface. The only thing was, nothing was there, just endless sea.

"Tia, just where is...here? I don't see anything,'' Luna said quizzically, looking around.

Celestia just looked on seriously and started to descend towards the water.

"Tia! Where are you going?'' Luna called after her. "There's nothing here!''

But Celestia just gestured a wing for Luna to be quiet, which she did, but in confusion. "Arcanus' dwelling can only be found by those that desperately needs to find it,'' Celestia responded mysteriously.

Luna blinked a couple times. "Sister what are you-'' but Celestia cut her off.

"Luna please trust me.''

Luna opened her mouth to speak, but closed it and looked on, having no idea what could happen. Celestia closed her eyes and spoke.

"From a desperate heart I beseech the moon, please reveal the domain of the Mystic One.''

Luna looked at her sister perplexed and was about to speak when suddenly, the moon started to glow. Brighter and brighter, the moonlight shined, so much even Lune, the sovereign of the night had to shield her eyes. Celestia looked on sternly and too shielded her eyes. Finally after a few moments, the bright light subsided. Luna slowly opened her eyes and after her vision had adjusted, her eyes widened in surprise and gave a soft gasp at the sight she saw.

What was one nothing but endless sea was now an island with a single, massive tower. Luna looked in awe while Celestia looked on softly. Magic sparkles, surrounded the island and tower from magically arriving but then subsided. The tower was ancient, and looks like it could crumble and collapse any minute, but stood strong and tall. Two smaller towers were also attached to the main one, one at the base of the tower and the other one halfway up by gem stairs. It was truly a mysterious place.

"Tia...what in Equestria?'' Luna began slowly, still in awe.

"This is Tao Kemon, Arcanus' tower,'' Celestia explained. "But we must hurry sister, time is of the essence!''

Luna snapped out of her awe and nodded firmly, and the two sisters descended upon the old tower. They arrived at the base of the tower before a large wooden door with a raven shaped door knocker in the center, the waves crashing against the island cliffs. Celestia took a deep breath, and raised her hoof and gave three knocks to the door. At first nothing happened, suddenly, the doorknocker came alive, causing Luna to jump a little.

"For Chiron's sake!'' she exasperated, but Celestia ignored her.

The raven doorknocker lids open to reveal glowing red eyes and then it spoke.

"In the light I am taken, but never stolen. In the dark I appear, without never leaving. What am I?'' the raven said in a deep, unnatural voice.

Luna gave a confused look at the riddle, but then frowned slightly.

"A riddle? But tis an obvious answer.''

Celestia just looked on firmly. "You are a star,'' Celestia answered.

The raven stayed silent and closed its eyes. Then the outline of the door began to glow with a green and purple light and when the light subsided, a loud click was heard, and the door opened by itself.

"Come Luna, we no time to waste,'' Celestia ordered and walked in with Luna behind her.

The door closed and locked behind them, but the sister went on bravely. The main lobby was a simple, circular room with a large staircase that spiraled up. The two sisters walked up the staircase, around and around until they came to a strange sight, a blue, magical portal with stars swirling within it.

"What a strange place this is Tia,'' Luna commented.

''Believe me it can get stranger,'' Celestia responded. "Come Luna.''

The two alicorns stepped through the portal, it was like stepping through cool water, without getting wet. When they've got to the other side, they were in a circular room filled with books in bookshelves. They crossed the room and went through the door, to find themselves having to go up more spiraling staircase which led them to an orange, magical portal.

Through there another circular room filled with books and a door on the other side. The door led to a different staircase, one that didn't spiral up, but simple rose up normally. Luna looked over the ledge to see the previous portals and staircases they had just came through, it was a long drop down.

"It's hard to believe that all this could reside within a single tower,'' Luna confessed in awe.

Celestia chuckled softly, ''I told you this place could get stranger,'' but then became serious again.

"Let's go, Arcanus should be just up this staircase.''

It truly was a magical sight. As they ascended the staircase, they went up into a blue, spiraling magical mass resembling a galaxy and for a moment, the two were surrounded by stars. Above the swirling mass of energy was dark with only the lights from the stars and mass of magic.

"I must say Tia, this is absolutely beautiful,'' Luna remarked, smiling softly.

It is isn't it,'' Celestia added, smiling gazing around at the spectacle sight. Finally they came onto a great door with a red, glowing fireball emblazoned upon it along with strange symbols.

"At last we're here,'' Celestia sighed.

She then proceeded to knock on the door. Almost instantly, the door opened. With their heads high, the two sisters walking into the room. It was a large, circular room. There were lit candled everywhere. Bookshelves spanned along the room filled with ancient books. To the far right, was a tall door and in the center of the room, numerous, well-furnished pillows.

Sitting among the pillows, a stallion sat there, surrounded by books. The stallion had sapphire blue coat with a mane of silver hair flowing down his back and a little over his shoulders with a lock of hair going around his right ear and over his right eye in a slight curl along a silver beard that went down a little past his chest that was tied at its center by a small chain with two, tiny bells. Just slightly overlapping his dark blue hooves were white fetlocks. He had strange, white arcane like markings along his fur that seemed to glisten, as if he was covered in glitter and wore a flowing red cloak covered with glittering, strange arcane symbols with loose sleeves. Protruding from his forehead was a sapphire blue unicorn horn, just shorter than Luna's. Over his eyes, a white blindfold was wrapped. Unlike most other unicorns, he seemed to be at the same level of height as Luna. He sat on his haunches with his hind legs crossed and his front hooves in his lap, his head slightly bowing down as if he was in a meditating state. This was Arcanus the Mystic.

He said nothing, and Celestia walked forward cautiously. For a unicorn being over thousand years old, he looked fairly young.

"Why if it isn't my old friends Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,'' Arcanus said, raising his head.

His voice was deep, resounding, and full of all the wisdom in the world. He gave her a respectful nodded as well as a reserved smile.

"Yes, how do you do dear friend?'' Celestia asked, returning with bow.

"Before I was just enjoying the books that gave me company, but now, my heart sings with joy for the visit of my good friends,'' Arcanus said.

He turned his head to Luna. "And I am also honored to be graced by the luminous Princess Luna of the moon, sister to the radiant mare of the Sun. It is with great joy to see that you are free from your unfortunate imprisonment and rejoined your sister in the realm of light.'' Arcanus said, giving Luna a respectful bow.

Luna smiled gratefully as she approached him. "Thank thee kind sir. Thou flatter me greatly Mystic One,'' Luna said politely, giving a bow.

Arcanus shook his head and smiled softly. "Please Princess, I am not your teacher anymore. You may address me as Arcanus.''

"And you may address to me as Luna,'' Luna smiled.

Arcanus smiled warmly, but then his face fell in seriousness. "And yet, I sense that the two regal sovereigns of Equestria didn't journey all this way just for a simple visit.''

Celestia and Luna looked at each other firmly and then to him.

"Yes, that is correct Arcanus. My sister and I came here because-'' Celestia began.

"Because you are being plagued by visions you have encountered,'' Arcanus finished.

The two sisters' eyes widened with surprise. "Y-Yes that is correct Arcanus, but how did you-'' Luna began with great shock.

"I know Luna, because I too have witnessed these disturbing visions,'' Arcanus responded somberly.

The two sisters just looked at him, both in utter disbelief.

"Don't believe me?'' Arcanus chuckled lightly. "I saw a red gem, destruction, and a laugh that could only come from a heart as black as the night. Sounds familiar, does it not?''

"W-why yes Arcanus!'' Celestia exasperated.

"And we came here to ask you, these visions...what do they mean?'' Luna asked.

Arcanus remained silent, until his horn began to glow a brilliant indigo and white colored aura as he used his magic. With it, he levitated all the books in his room, each with the same colored aura around them.

"Come, please sit down,'' Arcanus said, gesturing them to him.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other serious frowns and nodded to each other and walked over to him, sitting down on the pillows.

"We must unravel the secrets of these premonitions, for I fear something grave will occur from them should we don't,'' Arcanus said deeply.

Celestia and Luna nodded in understanding. "Yes my friend, for the sake of our beloved kingdom,'' Celestia said with a look of firm dreariness.

Author's Notes:

And so, a triumvirate has been formed to unravel the origins of these visions as well as to ensure the future of Equestria.

PS:

I only take credit for all of my OC's. All characters of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic belongs to Hasbro.