800 BNM

26th April

Midday

Reinvare, Palace citadel

Over a month had passed since Starswirl's experience with the Oracles of the Mount.

Rumour began to the magic wielding ranks in Equestria of the lauded Starswirl being summoned and instructed, what it was exactly still a mystery, of a great responsibility. Word spread of this being perhaps a portent of ill future, yet nothing else besides rumour flew.

But all that was known was that Starswirl would be travelling for the rest of his foreseeable days, his age fighting magic making that time perhaps a century or so at most, double his current age.

Such rumours would die down in time, as he disappeared from current knowledge. Wizards and Magii were enigmatic figures among Equestria, delving deeper into magical arts beyond just the raw magic of unicorns, but also in the inherent magic of both pegasi and earth ponies, along with other races. Talk figured that this may just be a Wizard deciding to expand their travels and knowledge seeking of magic to races beyond those in Equestria and other horse races maybe.

For the sake of secrecy, Starswirl decided that vague rumours such as this were the best way to leave things. He was 150, and had outlived many, growing somewhat detached from many 'laymen' ponies because of this. He had few reasons to refuse this destiny, committed to leaving this time forever for the future.

Though that would not stop him bidding those few he personally knew some last farewells.

Royal Offices

Princess Silvian had made sure to make time today for this, and knew how much this meant to her assistant, a part of a family that had long served her own family line loyally for decades, over a century even.

Her Aide-de-camp, and foremost advisor and assistant, Harshrub the Cunning. He was his namesake suggested, and his namesake was a family tradition, labelled for a trait that best exemplifies them.

Princess Platinum, Sivlain's own grandmother, had known Clover the Clever in a similar relationship, ruler and assistant. And more so than with Clover and Platinum, both Silvian and Harshrub had known Starswirl more in their lives. After Clover's good words of Starswirl, following Equestria's unification, the Wizard had been more active in counselling many a pony about getting into, or advice amidst prodigal professions and positions in power.

"You are certain you will not be returning then?" Princess Silvian looked forlornly at her own magic tutor in her younger days, while Starswirl merely looked down slightly, murmuring with some vindication:

"Yes, I won't return, there is much to do, much to find out."

"But the Oracles didn't say what exactly you need to do?" Harshrub asked, the brown coated Unicorn stallion asking his former tutor also, a family friend too in his case. Starswirl gave a telling pause, as he decided not to lie, merely conceal.

"They revealed everything they knew, but for secrecy, it is best I reveal it to nopony else unless I need to."

Harshrub sensed the obvious decline to shed light on the reasons for him leaving, but decided to probe no further. Starswirl was notoriously stubborn when it came to his secrets and plans.

Leaning forwards from her desk pillow seat, Princess Silvian asked with some understanding, albeit with a sad smile: "Have you bid farewell to anyone besides us yet?"

"You are the last. I have already bid my partings to my Magii and Wizard brethren, but other than that I have given my regards to Chancellor Fondanne and Wise Wafarnold, along with General Maelstrom and Captain Orchid. Only those who I have history with in their families.

Nodding in understanding, Princess Silvian thought it appropriate. Those four mentioned had been descended from Chancellor Puddinghead, Smart Cookie, Commander Hurricane and Private/later Captain Pansy, the founders of Equestria that she and Harshrub were descendants of too.

Starswirl's true respected members were clear in that regard, and the families at least got personal farewells.

With a smile, Silvian offered her hoof forwards, the signet anklet seal showing her family crest beneath Equestria's, a gesture of goodwill from her.

"Take this Starswirl, as a sign of Equestria's thanks, my thanks, for your legacy. I hope it is a piece of your home nation you can always have on you, wherever your travels take you."

Surprised, Starswirl stared at the anklet for a moment, as he saw Princess Silvian remove it with her magic from her dark silver coat, hovering it over to him. Nearby, Aide Harshrub seemed to agree to this, as he then admitted: "I think my grandmother would want you to take it. You've already done much for our families, and many others in Equestria."

Pausing, Starswirl slowly seized the anklet midair in his blue magic, depositing it inside an inner pocket of his blue robed. Feeling a slight hollow feeling in his chest, Starswirl gave a low, respectful bow to the Princess, and the Aide, before he turned to stride from the office. As he left, Starswirl spoke his final words ever said to them:

"The future warned of a threat that in many forms fed on what divides ponykind and others, sours relationships of family, friend or lover. I have one last piece of advice, do not let Equestria stray from the path of peace and prosperity if you can help it, but remain vigilant. And tell your descendants that I will, one day, return, and that I hope to see this nation remains on the path it needs to truly be great."

As the Wizard left the office, his words would resonate with Princess Silvian and Harshrub until the end of their days. And along with the Pegasi and Earth Pony leadership, until the next generation of descendants of the Equestrian founders came to prominence, be they Unicorn, Earth Pony or Pegasi, Equestria remained in a period of peace and prosperity, and steady growth, only soured by the occasional skirmish and dispute over trivial matters.

But as history would show time and time again, many of the greatest periods of conflict can arise from what appears to be stable and affluent regions, situations and ages.

When Starswirl would next become involved in Equestrian history and events, the changes undergone would be beyond what he'd envisioned, for better, or worse.

Time was the greatest engine of change there was after all.

9th May

800 BNM

Late Evening

Neighagra mountain range

Siral's Tower

By the nature of the required magic to jump forwards in time to be able to find those he needed to find, as cited by the Oracles, be they the 6 essence beings of Harmony, or the strange 7 creatures of threat he would face, experiments were needed.

And Siral, friend of Starswirl's a non-factor in this, was most willing to try ambitious spells, and particularly potions.

Ever since arriving a week ago, Starswirl had worked with Siral to find a way to travel forwards in time years in one go, however it was. They needed a spell, a potion, or both, that would also be in sync with a repeated incantation language of the Oracle's foretelling of the 6 beings to meet, and the 7 beings amid a time of great threat. When Starswirl returned, it had to be in times where he could be around to not be too late, or too early.

So they worked, and already some ideas were in the works.

Basement rooms

Siral leant back, while Starswirl examined the potion brews in the caldrons, none of them looking promising.

"We have only been at it a week, and yet you say a spell won't work?"

"You risk travelling too far forwards if you use the spell even slightly off with the incantation of the Oracles repeated. You want to be certain, something that is guaranteed to work on the timeframe needed when enchanted with the prophetic words. Potions are your method Starswirl."

"But what about my time travel spell I devised and have refined? Can it not be easier to go forwards, rather than back?"

"That spell you devised only temporarily puts you there, a failsafe you said was on purpose in your writings."

At Siral's retort, the older Wizard frowned in agreement. And besides, he realised something just then, the grey bearded Unicorn pacing slowly as he remarked:

"And I still might overshoot if I don't know the future too. I can find out about the past to precisely travel back, but not forwards with precision."

With a sigh, Starswirl looked at the failed potion brews on the table, asking: "Why did you bring me down here Siral, if these aren't working?"

"Your aversion to using a hibernation means is to avoid your body being at risk while you slumber. I wanted to show you…this."

Backing up from his desk seat, Siral's eyes glinted slightly as a bright white flash lit up the darkened, torch lit lab between himself and Starswirl. As the other Wizard stopped shielding his eyed with a hoof, Starswirl blinked in surprise at what he saw.

A frog, much like the ones tested with these potions before. As it gave a weak croak upon snapping awake, before hopping off, Siral spoke up:

"I have done it. A form of hibernation without a body to harm, and have returned the tester many times, such as now."

Starswirl was impressed, but he asked directly: "Why did it appear as if the frog teleported into here?"

Siral's eyebrows rose in pride as the black Unicorn jabbed a hoof at Starswirl: "It did, and that's the simplistic beauty of it. The potion is a one off teleporter brew, and it transports you through time, not moving from the spot you are in. A one-way trip, as expected, and you sleep during it. An age may seem like a moment to the user."

"Very impressive Siral, this is what I need. But, maybe more tests before I indulge in this." Starswirl suggested helpfully, laying a friendly hoof on Siral's black shoulder. The black furred, white maned Unicorn gave a snort, as he then mumbled audibly:

"Not like you'd be doing this alone, couldn't start this alone."

Starswirl's expression faltered at Siral's remark, while he dropped the hoof. The grey and white bearded Unicorn stared at Siral, making it clear:

"Siral, this is my destiny, not yours. I must do it, and I don't want you to leave behind this time and era needlessly. Your gifts could help them all, if you take over from me in being the public figure for our gifted brethren."

Siral frowned, the darker Unicorn remarking: "We have a time of peace now, the rest of the Magii and Wizards can handle it. I wish to be more, do more, and I don't want my greatest legacy to be seeing my friend off on a one-way journey without help."

"Siral… I have to go alone. The Oracles said this was my responsibility, nopony else. I don't want this burden to be anypony's but mine. I have no idea what might be encountered, and what might join or put at risk me or anypony on this path."

Beware the enemies that lay closest to your heart, though not yet enemies they themselves may be.

As Siral looked strongly at him, Starswirl suddenly was reminded of a certain line of the Oracles. If Siral came, that would be more of them as travellers, more to potentially make allies, enemies, or more. More potential for trouble.

Cutting ties was easier, less things to be concerned about.

"You have the potential to become even more accomplished than ever, and you expect me not to want to come with you?" Siral remarked, the normally reserved black Unicorn more outspoken, even incredulous, at this fact. Starswirl saw once again the hidden ambition of Siral, and how he had come to respect ponies for their deeds, not their words.

Siral clearly wished to witness what Starswirl had to confront, and perhaps even help with or carry out his own deeds during the journey ahead.

Mentally, Starswirl weighed the opposite chances. Siral was a highly capable wizard, able to take care of himself, and Starswirl had divulged the key details of the prophecy only to him, nopony else got the full details. He knew what to expect as much as Starswirl did.

But the Oracles warned of enemies close to his heart, not friends and allies, and of enemies yet to become his enemies. Given he'd been rather detached from many as he time jumped, it left only anypony that came with him.

With a sigh, Starswirl remarked: "Siral, I can't let you come. I have to do this, but I want you to stay because you have so much you can accomplish, more than I can see myself perhaps."

"But it may not be as great as what you may do in your journey ahead." Siral interjected. Starswirl then angrily retorted loud enough in the basement room to shake some potion glasses with loud rattles:

"My life is forfeit to this destiny, yours is still your own to decide! Don't throw it away by caving to your curiosity, form a life beyond the withdrawn one you already live! You can be involved in affairs as I am and still be as skilled as you already are!"

At Starswirl's stinging words, Siral's ears fell slightly, as a slightly darkened look came over his face. Regretting his words, Starswirl calmed himself, offering the words he could to the black Unicorn Wizard:

"Siral. Please, I care about you, as a friend, and about your life among ponykind now, in the present. That is why I can't let you come with me, you'll be giving that up as I also have to. Better only one be burdened, than more. Even if I wasn't specifically destined, I would do it so nopony else had to. Least of all a trusted friend I'd be pained to see miss home at any stage."

Turning away from Starswirl, Siral scratched his white mane and short white beard with his hoof, before he gave a sigh, and turned with a regrettable tone:

"I'm sorry I spoke as I did Starswirl. You're right, I can't let my curiosity get the better of me. I have to do what I feel would be best for myself, and running with you for no reason other than curiosity isn't the way."

As Siral finished, he gestured to the testing potion setup: "The potion you will use, like you said, will need more tests to be certain. Once you go forwards, you will need to brew it yourself in whatever the year is, but you can learn it easily."

Seeing Siral had calmed enough, Starswirl gave a thankful nod, as he requested as he exited:

"Let me know if there is anything I can do to he-."

"I am the greater potions master between us Starswirl. Leave these mere tests to me." Siral absentmindedly waved the grey furred wizard up the stairs, turning his focus back to the large caldron of potion he would be testing.

With an amused snort, Starswirl trotted up the basement stairwell to the tower's living quarters above.

Left amidst the festering fumes of the potions, Siral's brows knitted in thought as he mused over Starswirl's selflessness in the act, taking this 'burden' as he called it, so nopony else could.

Siral felt it was the right choice, to not give in to simple curiosity. He had much grander things that could be done with his time than waste it on an array of aimless travels.

18th May

800 BNM

Late Morning

Neighagra mountain range

Mist Valley

Over a week had passed, and not much more had been said. Siral expressed no more desire to join Starswirl, but still agreed to help his friend up to the end.

At last, the day had come, and as friends, a last dinner and breakfast together the night before and this morning was well appreciated by both wizards before they set out. The 2 Unicorns, a Grey 150 year aged Wizard, and a Black 90 year old Wizard, wandered from the younger's tower home and across the paths atop the Neighagra mountain range.

The pair had passed down the winding causeways of the mountain valley, where the mighty double horseshoe shaped falls carved the river deep into the earth, a large stone column rising up like a sword thrust between the waterfall pairs, rock harder than the rest in the valley giving birth to the landmark over time. The Neighagra pillar it was called, amidst the falls.

But their journey took them south along the river banks a half mile from the falls, into a low lying valley which was always obscured in fog until early afternoon each day by the mist from the waterfall upstream carrying through the steep valley and creating greater fog in the aptly named Mist Valley.

They knew of caves that existed in the Mist Valley, ones which were not suited for a dragon or potential monster, but good for suddenly reappearing within out of nowhere, unseen.

At last, they found one, a crevice carved open in the side of the earth high above by an unknown force, perhaps a river long gone now.

Mist Valley

Secluded Cavern

Stood within the cavern, both their horns illuminated, the size of the cavern was not a concern for them even more.

The cavern was far too small for any dangerous creature to truly consider as a home at any stage, certainly any creature that might prove a challenge for a Wizard.

But now, as Siral watched, he saw Starswirl holding the flask of potion in his blue magical grasp, paused in thought. Turning to Siral, Starswirl remarked: "I can't thank you enough, for helping me. I will miss you greatly."

With a small smile, Siral urged Starswirl: "Whenever you're ready."

Taking a deep breath, knowing he'd prepared, Starswirl went over everything.

He knew the recipe to brew the potion, knew what spell to infuse into it before he drank it, as the spell and potion were useless alone, and responded only to the Wizard it was tailored to.

This was a one-way trip, any time he used it. But he doubted he'd have as many close friends like Siral to have to see off at any time after this. After this, it would be easy.

Calming his mind, Starswirl looked at Siral one last time, bowing his head to the Black Wizard before he raised the vial in his magic grasp.

The sour tasting potion ran down his throat, and as soon as the last drop was gone, Starswirl focused as he felt a heat build, not uncomfortably, in his stomach, and he began to quietly mumble the words he knew to say.

In front of Starswirl, Siral took a few steps backwards, eyes widening in awe as he saw a faint blue aura encompass Starswirl, and the air around him seemed to vibrate, distort, even crackle in places with miniature lightning bolts.

Mumbling the last verse, Starswirl finished his incantation, looking around to see a sphere of pulsating blue energy engulfing him, the world around him slowly fading as the arcs of energy slowly engulfed him.

Siral stood back, passively watching his friend vanish into the magical stasis, becoming a ghost effectively, until the time arrived when he would re-join the physical world. A teleportation into the future.

A bursting hum filled the cavern as the flare of blue lit it like a teal coloured star, before the cavern went pitch dark, save for the ribbon of light coming from the cave entrance behind Siral.

His White magic illuminating the cavern again, Siral saw the slightly disturbed rock where Starswirl had once stood, and sensed with his own magically enhanced senses.

It had worked flawlessly.

But now, alone as he was, Siral pulled open another potion vial with a slow movement of his magical grasp, staring with a look of certainty at both it and where Starswirl had vanished from.

His magical senses, attuned specifically to the energy of Starswirl using this spell, were flared as Siral suddenly gulped down the different potion.

Casting the vial aside as the vile formula made him acutely focused on the energy left behind, Siral reached into his robe pocket, pulling out a second vial. This one held a potion already used in this cavern by another.

Siral knew curiosity was no reason to go on a journey alone.

And if Starswirl would benefit from this travel, so could he. Starswirl was right, this was his life to choose the path of.

And he saw much more potential in the world ahead beyond what he could immediately see, than here and now.

********78 years later********

2nd June, 722 BNM

Mist Valley

Secluded Cavern

The cold rocks greeted Starswirl's senses, as he'd passed out during the intense energy field around him when the outside world vanished. He looked around the cave, noticing it was slightly more rounded, but largely the same.

He knew first thing to do was get his bearings, mostly what time he was in. He was still in Equestria, that was certain, and the potion had attuned him to the Propechy imbued on him.

The time he was now in held one of the Essence beings of Harmony, one who would come to exemplify Loyalty.

Turning to brush off his cloak, Starswirl felt a prickle on the back of his neck, as the air turned hot behind him.

Turning around, Starswirl saw a white crackling ball of energy grow all of a sudden, arcs of miniature lighting arcing off it as it occupied and lit up the cavern like a miniature star.

Inside it, a crumpled form lay as the light suddenly flared and began to dissipate. A dark grey robed Pony.

In disbelief and silence, Starswirl saw Siral get to his hooves slowly, rubbing his temples and horn.

Turning his head, Siral's eyes widened at Starswirl's expression of shock, as he then slowly stood to his hooves and brushed some cavern dirt off his grey robes.

While Starswirl silently morphed from shocked to demanding an explanation, Siral gave a small shrug, remarking broadly:

"I felt there was more to be found ahead, rather than before. And I know you won't turn down help you're stuck with."

Starswirl simply stared dumbfounded at Siral's act, an utter defiance, a lie, even if it was a friend aiding a friend's quest.

Frowning, Starswirl merely growled as he turned to leave the cavern: "We shall find out the time, before I decide how to handle your decision. There is no going back for you now."

Siral showed no regret, and Starswirl had no more to say to Siral until they found the nearest settlement in Equestria and found out what time they were in.

The great journey had begun for them, even if one participant had been unplanned. Both Wizards had taken their first steps, one forging alone, the other following despite being told not to.

The smallest step was always the first though, as the world, and the future, beckoned before them as they exited the cavern to the unknown time they now had arrived at.

And somewhere in this time was the first of the Harmony essence beings, one to exemplify Loyalty.

Perhaps rather fittingly though, to Starswirl's mind, Siral displayed perhaps too overt of a loyalty to him, or his own curiosity.

Author's Notes:

The journey, and the legend, begins.

Unlike many great journeys, where the protagonist often is hesitant at first, Starswirl is quick to make his choice, and given his relative lack of ties to bid farewell to, he's quick to leave.

Of course, that doesn't stop a certain other Wizard from tagging along. Now Starswirl's stuck with Siral, how exactly Siral got here to his exact same time to be revealed in the next chapter.