The Forbidden Knowledge

by Deighar

First published 21st of December, 2011

A story about old friends, hard choices and their consequences.

(( Warning: My first attempt at full scale fanfic.. suggestions on how to improve writing are more than welcome. ))
(( Edit: I'm currently revising the fic. It will be back with new chapter once that is done. ))

A peculiar earth pony managed to reach Ponyville during the recent storm. Keeper's pale eyes and gray mane with a mosaic of white stripes earned him more than just puzzled stares. He reveals himself to be an old acquaintance of Twilight Sparkle, saying nothing more than that he only wishes to speak with the lavender mare.. and in the end reveal the truth behind the accident that she was a part of in the past, one that gave earth pony a gift of magic.

Chapter 1

(( AUTHORS NOTE:
For people who see this as something important and don’t want to have their time wasted.

The portrait of Ditzy Doo that I shaped here is quite different to this commonly accepted by the fandom, to summarize it without any large spoilers.
- Ditzy is suffering from a disorder that prevents her eyes from focusing correctly (the usual), but because of it she undergo constant bullying which has reflected on her personality.
- She is not moronic, quite the opposite in fact.
- Dinky is her little sister, following the pattern of Rarity and Applejack. ))

The skies were covered in dark clouds, roaring with thunder every once a while to alert the people in area about what is going to happen. The farmers ordered this rain, maybe without lighting but these weather pegasus always overdone themselves. Everypony had to bear with it, the fruits and vegetables needed the rain, without them they would all starve.

That was the last package, now I just need to get to home, Dinky is probably worried sick.. staring outside the window ring now and waiting to see her big sister coming back from the route. Ditzy thought while speeding above Everfree forest.

Everypony was already barricaded in their homes, waiting for the storm to pass.. She groaned tired of fighting the strong wind.

All except me of course-.. what is that pony doing out here, cant he see that its unwise to travel like that? A frown shrouded Ditzy’s face upon seeing a small dot below on the clearing inside the forest, she was able to notice it only because of the lightning that flashed in the distance. No. I should stay focused I need to get back home. But what if he or she is in trouble..?

Ditzy paid the price as her focus was briefly shifted to the small dot below, the strong wind pushed her down, between the trees. No, no, no, not at this speed! She cried in her mind, hitting the small branches while trying to dodge the large ones, she was going down no matter what she tried. The gray pegasus closed her eyes, seeing the rocky surface that she was closing to at great speed. Her forelegs covered her head as she braced for impact.

Am I dead? A thought came after a short moment of silence, before she opened one eye, the rocks she saw were right in front of her, close enough that she could even smell the moss covering them. In the moment of confusion she opened another eye, looking around, it didn’t look like afterlife, it still looked like Everfree Forest.

"Are you alright?" the male voice asked behind her. Ditzy could feel being lowered down, it was then when she understood that she was floating inside a gray magical aura. He caught her before she met the ground.

C-calm down, just calm down, you are alright girl.. The mailmare nodded nervously, still in shock from near death experience.. and turning around didn’t quite help her state. The pair of two shining, pale white eyes stared at her, joined by the lightning that struck in the background. It was too much for one day.

“Miss..?” The stallion blinked seeing the mare fall yet again, at least this time not from sky high. With a quiet sight he looked up in the sky. The wind was increasing on power by the moment, they shouldn’t stay here that's for sure. The stranger gently lifted the fainted mare onto his back.

The storm was getting stronger, the heavy raindrops battered down on the stallion as the marched towards cottage at the far edge of Ponyville.

“H-hush now.. I-I know the sound is terrible but we have to wait it over.. its for the good of the plants.” Fluttershy smiled nervously at her furry companions, trying to convince them that its nothing to be worried about.

With the sound of next thunder she yelped, disappeared inside pillow fort, peeking through small opening together with her animal herd.

“I-it’s a-alright..” she tried to smile, unable to convince anyone, including herself. “..j-just a thunder..”

In the brief moment of silence between thunders she could pick up a knock on the door, her eyes widening in fear at the thought of all the monstrosities that would decide travel during such weather.

Angel, the bravest bunny around, hopped over to the window as the knocking repeated. After critical examination of the commotion outside he waved at Fluttershy to come over.

“I-I am not s-sure, Angel..” the yellow pegasus whined.

“Hello?” the voice sounded from behind the door. “If anyone is in there, please open the door.. we need help.”

Fluttershy pulled up from the pillow fort, scolding herself for the silly thoughts. Of course if there was someone out in that weather they needed help.

“P-please wait.. I will unlock the door..” the mare gulped audibly, unable to push away the thoughts of evil monstrosities. She slightly opened the door to peek through.

Judging by the attire the stallion was a traveler, his light gray coat was covered with white stripes in some places, making for rather odd composition. Pale blue mane was soaking wet.. just like Ditzy on his back.

The stranger lifted his head towards the yellow pegasus, his eyes partially opened showing the pale iris.

“Oh my.. is she alright? P-please come in!” Fluttershy yelped, opening the door before him. The stranger, like pretty much anything, was intimidating to her but seeing a friend in such state, she had to act.

“Thank you.. the wind must have pushed her off the course.” the colt said stepping inside, leaving watery path behind him.

“She didn’t crash into anything.. did she?” she looked up at the mailmare, fortunately there were no signs of any damage.

“Few branches perhaps.” the stallion respond, turning his head towards the white bunny who stared at him critically, rubbing its chin.

“Could you um.. put her on the couch..?” Fluttershy asked quietly holding the towels.

The cloud was a muffin, every cloud, not just the one she was sitting on. The gray pegasus cheered happily at the new discovery. How could she have missed that, all the time in the clouds and she didn’t even try to eat one.. they were made of muffins! With a smile on her face she jumped between them so full of her favorite meal, now it was all hers.. she just had to tell Dinky about it.

Her confused look wandered around, there was no ground, only clouds and the abyss below them. Where is Dinky? Where I am..? She asked herself with a slight frown crossing her face, stopped by sudden realization of something important, her wings were missing. She began to fall..

The mailmare shoot bolt upright, her heart was pounding. She hit the ground, or was at least about to.. it felt so real.

The soft sunbeams and chirping of the birds welcomed her to the reality, calming down the wild emotion caused by the images that just flashed in her head. It was all just a dream..

“Ditzy!” Fluttershy beamed and hugged her gently, relieved that her friend is alright.

“Fluttershy?” the mailmare blinked, she didn’t quite remember getting here.

“Oh my.. it wasn’t my singing that woke you up, was it..? I’m such a loudmouth, Im sorry..” she looked down at her hooves.

I spent entire night at Fluttershy’s and I couldn’t remember a thing.. Ditzy took a moment to verbalize her thoughts, it was always a problem in her condition but it was still easier for her to talk around Fluttershy. “How did I got here..?”

“Oh you poor dear, you don’t remember?” the yellow mare looked up at her with concern. “You were flying over Everfree forest when that –awful- storm has began.. you were pushed down into the trees.”

Ditzy blinked, recalling the flight and what happened after she fell. There was someone down there.

“..a traveling pony, Keeper, has found you and brought here. I was really scared of him at first but he has a good heart..” Fluttershy finished the tale.

“Keeper..?” the mailmare remembered only the scary figure from the night before.

“Yes, he left some time ago..” the yellow mare nodded.

“Do you know where he went?”

“Um..” she paused for a moment. “..he said he came all the way here to see Twilight. You want to catch him, Ditzy?”

The gray pegasus nodded.

“Are you sure that’s wise, you have been through a lot.. maybe I could get him while you rest here?”

“I will be okay..” Ditzy smiled at her pulling up from the bed, allowing herself to hug Fluttershy before leaving. “Thank you.”

The skies were crystal clear now, looking nothing like the storm the other day, making it a whole lot easier to fly and scout what is below. Her first stop will be home, her little sister was probably worried sick when she disappeared for a whole night without any warning.

The lightning rod saved the village library more than once already, leaving it undamaged after the storm. The interior was fairly clean, that is if not for the piles of books that Spike was rearranging yet again, it was magic in itself how it always gets messed up when he isn’t looking. A knock on the door brought him back from the thoughts.

“I’ll get it!” the dragon announced out of habit heading for the door, taking a brief moment to recall that Twilight left on some royal business. “Oh yeah.. I swear this place wouldn’t last a day if it wasn’t for me-.. oh, hi Applejack.”

“Howdy Spike.” the orange mare stepped inside. “Twilight still aint back?”

“Nope.. some important stuff is holding her in Canterlot, it will take longer than she thought at first. So, what can I help you with?”

“Ah was on the way to the food stand and decided to drop by, hand some of them books back, Big Mac done readin’ them.” Applejack says, reaching into her saddlebags.

“Aww.. I will have to rearrange the books again..” Spike groaned seeing the new-old titles.

“He he, sorry for gettin’ more work on your back little fella.” the mare patted his back. “Tell you what, when you done sortin’ come visit me at the stand, Ah will store a snack for you.”

“Thanks Applejack..” the dragon smiled, frown appeared on his face upon hearing another knock on the door. “Maybe its Twilight.” he spoke his thoughts before opening.

The visitor however didn’t quite match his expectations. The stallion with white stripes on his light gray coat was looking at least odd, the short pale blue mane was messy from long travels. He looked up at them, revealing the strange white eyes.

“Uh..” Spike blinked.

“Greetings, is this the library?” the stranger asked.

“Ah reckon, they don’t stack all them books here for fireplace material.” the orange mare raised an eyebrow.

The stranger chuckled softly hearing her response. “Forgive me, miss. I understand that this question had to sound silly for you.. but I cannot relay on the sense of sight anymore, that is why I asked.” he added to make sure that the message gets through.

“Oh.. um, t’was mighty dumb of me, Ah’m really sorry mister..” Applejack blushed at the gaffe.

“Its quite alright.” the stallion smiled and turned his head towards the baby dragon. “You must be Spike then?”

“..do I know you?” the dragon frowned at him.

“You do, but I am not certain if you remember, you were very young when we met.” he nodded, leaving it a mystery for now. “My name is Keeper, is Twilight Sparkle here per chance?”

“No, she is at Canterlot right now.. but you can leave a message if you want?” Spike blinked, who was this guy?

“Do not trouble yourself with it, I will take my time and wait for her return.” the stallion bowed down his head respectfully before leaving.

“Well, that was strange..” the dragon scratched his head.

Applejack nodded with a slight frown. “Ah better be goin’ too, got to get the stand open already. See ya later Spike.” the orange mare trotted away.

“Bye!” Spike waved and closed the door, finally ready to take the fight back to the books.

Ditzy moved her crossed sight over the town watching it cautiously from a cloud, he was right there, not looking quite as scary as the other night but it didn’t seem make her any less nervous.

Nerves always took better of her when she had to make a conversation with strangers. They bullied her all the way from kindergarten to the flight school, simply for being different, with her eyes not focusing properly and words getting stuck in her throat. It all left a mark, making her scared of the contact with others.

She did have friends of course, but she always thought they treat her better than the others just out of pity.. except for Fluttershy, she was kind for everypony.

The stallion she observed was heading for the park, perhaps there she could catch him one on one, it would be easier to talk for her without a crowd watching, to at least thank him properly-..

“What’s up Ditzy?”

“D-derp!” The gray pegasus yelped alarmed, losing her verbal ability for a moment.

“Chill out, its just me.” Rainbow Dash chuckled and peeked over her shoulder, to see what she is staring at down below. “What are you doing?”

“N-nothing..”

“Oh please.. what the hay? Who is that?”

Ditzy followed her gaze, which unfortunately rested on the stranger stallion. And not only they stared right now, everyone did, albino zebra has came to town after all.

“Zecora’s family came to visit, huh?” the blue pegasus pondered. “..or maybe he is a spy, working for the zebras.”

“Oh, no, no.. he is not a spy, Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy spoke up, joining her friends on the cloud.

“Well how do you know?”

“Um.. I spoke with him..”

“..that’s exactly what a spy wants you to think, he just fooled you to trust him, Fluttershy.”

“Oh my.. he did?”

“Yeah! And when the time is right, he will have an army to build a bunker under your house so he can lead an attack against Canterlot from here!”

“..b-but what about the mole family..?” she whimpered.

“They will be eaten by hungry zebras..! ..and then.. they will eat all the ponies they can catch!” Rainbow Dash looked them in the eye and laughed maniacally.

The two yelped loudly in panic, making both ‘eep’ and ‘derp’ to be heard in the village below.

“What in tarnation is going on in here?” Applejack glared at the two shivering flanks sticking out from under her stand. “Rainbow Dash and her pranks again, aint it?” she sighed taking a guess, confirmed by the outburst of laughter on the cloud above.

“Ah told you not to believe what she says..” the orange mare bit one of the tails dragging the owner out from under her stand, then moved to another. “What is it about this time, anyway?”

“D-do z-zebras e-eat ponies..?” the yellow pegasus asked.

“What? Sugarcube, that’s the dumbest idea Ah have heard yet.. we got through this one already before haven’t we? Zecora eats the same things like we do and last time Ah checked there were no other ponies on that list.”

Fluttershy covered under her mane in shame, while Ditzy stared at her hooves, both blushing deeply.

“Now how ‘bout you tell me where did that come from?”

“Well.. there is this strange pony that came into Ponyville recently.. he said his name is Keeper and he wanted to visit-..” she whimpered interrupted.

“More like Creeper to me! These vile stripes! The evil look in the eyes!” Pinkie Pie cut in jumping between them, bouncing in place.

“Stop right there, Pinkie.” Applejack frowned at her, the pink mare stopped mid air as ordered, taking a while to drop down when laws of physic finally caught up with her. “Ah don’t want to hear another word like that, that stallion traveled a long way to speak with Twilight and all yer can do is spread silly gossip.”

Using the opportunity the gray pegasus slip out of the group, heading after the stranger.

The park was almost always occupied, a place ideal for ponies to rest and have fun, something that the school trip was enjoying right now, little fillies and colts playing their games on fresh air, laughing cheerfully. Cheerilee followed them around with her watchful gaze, making sure they are safe.

Ditzy sneaked through using the clouds as cover, finally finding the stallion sleeping on the bench just next to the fountain. She descended down on the walkway, trying to be as quiet as possible.

She was still trying to find the words to thank him properly, but what could she say.. and -if- she could say anything to the stranger. Her heart was pounding, nervous as always when meeting a new person.

That’s why she favored working as mailmare, she would just leave the letters and disappear right after, there was no need for a contact with strangers. But this, this thing was important for her..

Ditzy took a step back seeing him shift in his sleep, the cape slide away from his back revealing a colorful cutiemark on his flank, a book. So he was a pony after all.. then why did he look like this? The mailmare wondered. Fluttershy said that he was blind because of some accident.. She froze in place seeing him opening his eyes a bit.

“Forgive me.. I was just a bit tired, I will move along now.” he said pulling up, taking her for a peacekeeper.

The mailmare watched him slowly wander away, towards forest where he wouldn’t bother anyone. Do something, girl! Say something! Anything! She scolded herself.

“D-.. derp..” Ditzy blushed deeply staring at her hooves, she always had to make a fool of herself, in front of everyone she met. She waited to see him point at her and laugh, just like everyone else did.. yet that didn’t happened.

“Are you alright, miss?” the stranger asked with worry in his voice, turning around and approaching her slowly.

Ditzy took a step back, her wings at ready to run.

“..I’m sorry, I didn’t want to scare you.” he added quickly and stopped in place. “You are that unfortunate mailmare I meet during the storm? Ditzy?”

She blinked, how could he recognize her if he cannot see. The mare nodded slowly, soon after scolding herself for the stupid idea, he wouldn’t see that gesture.

“Its nice to meet you under different circumstances. Allow me to introduce myself.. I’m Keeper.”

“I-.. I know..” she respond quietly, a bit proud of saying what she meant this time. “I.. wanted to.. thank you..”

“You are welcome, miss Ditzy. We need to help each other after all.” the stallion smiled softly.

A thought struck her when she stared at him like that, his mane, short and unkempt. There was no horn, he was an earth pony.. but back in the forest, she was caught into magical field.

“Haha! Look at that, two love birds herp and derp.” the brown pegasus laughed out loud together with his friends, hovering not far above them.

Ditzy whimpered and hung her head low, the bullies found her, ready to mock some more. It was hard to forget the group of colts from Cloudsdale, they always were after her and Fluttershy. And now, because of her they will bully him as well..

Keeper looked up into the sky towards the source of the sound, his ‘gaze’ following them all the way down as they landed nearby.

“Hey, look at this one, he is all kinds of messed up-..” the colt paused when they finally descended, the stallion was about half a head taller and approaching them.

“Imagine..” Keeper said calmly, when his hoof stomped down on the walkway. The web of cracks appeared on the stone slab, spreading from the point of the impact over the neighboring tiles. “..that this was your skull right here.”

Even Ditzy backed up when she felt the impact through the ground. The group of colts took off just as fast as they appeared. With the sound of panicked flaps of the wings the fountain area was clear once again.

“Forgive me for that display, Ditzy.” the stallion sighed quietly.

The mailmare smiled at the sight before her.. it was wrong but it still felt good to see them ran away like that, so far only Rainbow Dash managed to intimidate these bullies.

“I will leave you be.”

“Keeper.. w-wait..”

“Yes?”

“A-are.. are you.. hungry?”

“..I don’t want to be a bother, miss Ditzy.” the stallion paused.

“N-no.. I insist..” she stepped up closer, blocking his way at this point.

“..very well then.” he smiled softly and nodded.

Ditzy owned a small house at the edge of Ponyville, living there with her little sister, Dinky, and a roommate, Carrot Top, who helped pay the bills.

They offered him to stay as long as he had to, presented some of the local dishes made of apples and carrots. After long diet on grass and berries it felt like heaven. Spending time on cheerful talk the day quickly passed by for them.

When they retired to sleep, the stallion was still up, sitting in front of the fireplace. Should his eyes still work he would stare into the fire, allowing himself to wander back in time through his memories.. this place brought him some peace..

How many years it was, he asked himself in thought.. still returning with his memories to that unfortunate day. The ritual was ready, everything calculated with cold precision. It took him years to get where he was now, to learn all that knowledge, to acquire necessary materials.. to make this possible for one and for all.

“Twilight, dear. Do you remember about that project I told you I was working on?” he asked trotting through the Royal Academy library, Celestia’s student at his side.

“The new spell? Yes, yes I do.. did you finish it?” she asked with a smile, accompanying the librarian.

“I think so, I need to check it first, but as you know its supposed to be a surprise for the princess. So I need help from my number one assistant.” Keeper stopped before the room where he had prepared the ritual.

“Yes, sir!” Twilight beamed.

Keeper chuckled softly seeing her eagerness and moved on inside the ritual room. The student looked around curiously, it was the first time she got the chance to see this place from the inside, knowing better than to interrupt her friend’s important work.

The room was separated by a curtain in the middle, preventing her from seeing what is on the other side. After all it was meant to be a surprise, or at least that’s what she thought.

“I will need you to read this incantation Twilight, its part of the new spell and only unicorn can do it. Its very important component.” the stallion nodded at her, leading towards a podium with a scroll on top of it.

Twilight nodded eagerly, taking her job very seriously, after all they could be on mage-nific breakthrough here. With no delay she approached the podium, looking up the incantation; it was the weirdest thing she had to recite yet.

“Can you do it?”

“Yes.” the lavender unicorn nodded with determination on her face, feeling the excitement of taking a part in something important.

“Lets get it started, I will set everything on the other side and tell you when to start.” Keeper spoke up disappearing behind the curtain for a longer moment. “Alright, do it.. now.” he added when everything was ready.

If she had knew what was on the other side, she would never do it, she would name him a monster, everyone would.. but to abandon such chance, he was too stubborn. The grinded bone dust from dead unicorn’s horns, his own blood as binding spilled between the carved runes, it all made for a gruesome image behind the curtains.. all of it was carefully prepared so he could receive the gift of magic, as the first non-unicron pony in the world. A magical breakthrough that would benefit them all.

As predicted, through agonizing pain the dust fused into his skin, turning his coat into mosaic of rune shapes. That was within margin of the calculations, the effect on the outside however.. was not. The magical force released during the ritual destroyed the whole room, the curtains torn apart, walls and floor shattered by the impact.

He didn’t bother to see the effects on himself, his heart almost stopped at the thought of what might have happened, he rushed through the rubble to find the lavender mare buried somewhere in there. She was alright, the podium made for a shelter when the conjunction became unstable. But the radiation still could get to her..

The guards, alerted by the explosion rushed through library, trying to find out what happened and stop him in all this chaos.. but nothing could stop him right now, not when her life was on the line.

That memory was blurred, unclear, the adrenaline was fading, but his target was clear – get Twilight to safety. The raving earth pony shoved away the guards who happened to be in his way, thrown back by the frenzied strength or pushed aside by the new force he just acquired, he had to reach the medical wing with her on his back..

The medics focused on their work rather than ask any questions, she was going to be alright, at least that’s what they told him. It allowed him to catch a breath, to stop and rethink what was happening. The guards were already after him and he could feel something else, the immense power that was nearing. There could be no mistake to who that was.. Princess Celestia was alerted as well, what was he to tell her, what was he to do?

“Forgive me Twilight..” he whispered towards the flame, reliving the memory in his mind.

That was the last thing he said towards her, looking at the lavender mare in the hospital bed.. his mind then shifted focus to run. No, not on hooves. He made use of the newly gained power, but never specified where he wanted to run.. the wild magic decided it for him.

Keeper sighed quietly, it took him years to return to Equestria, bolstering the courage to face what might come upon his return. He used his hooves rather than magic, the bitter price he paid in the first place made him use it only when it was truly necessary.

Even beyond the borders he could hear the tales of the six mares from Ponyville, of Twilight Sparkle and her friends.. it warmed his heart, to know that she is more than just alright, that she became someone that everyone knew she will be. A hero.

When he started this journey each time he imagined the day of his return, fear paralyzed him. But with every step towards his homeland, the worry died out preparing him to accept the fate, accept whatever judgment they will pass onto him.

There was only one thing he was truly afraid of - what was to be and would be said when they meet again.

Chapter 2

(( AUTHORS NOTE:
I apologize for the quality of Zecora's rhymes, but her lines are painful to write.. ))

The yellow pegasus squeaked pathetically hiding inside the bushes, frozen in fear. The ground still shaking under the weight of the beast that passed by near her hideout. It took a good while before she decided to actually take a peek if the danger is gone.

With a quiet sigh of relief Fluttershy stepped out of the bushes, the four angry heads belonging to the hydra were still visible above the tree line. She had to warn the others.

It wasn’t often that their neighbour zebra visited the village, usually trying to buy some supplies that were unavailable inside the forest. However this time was different, as she requested an audience with the mayor herself.

“We had to do it Zecora, the Cloudsdale factory simply isn’t making enough clouds due to the workers shortage, we borrowed them from the wilderness for only a short time.”

“While your reasons might be pure, the creatures of the forest it will lure.”

“I’m afraid I do not understand..”

“The beast that calls the bog its home, in due time to Ponyville could come.”

“Oh my. The bog.. hydra.” she gasped upon realization. “Do you think it will search for food here?-..”

“Mayor!” Rainbow Dash zoomed down, a small yellow dot in the sky still trying to catch up to her swift friend. “I have to report a sighting of hydra!”

“..do you know where its heading?” the mayor asked with worry written on her face.

“Uh.. its, roaming, I suppose. Fluttershy saw it outside the bog.” Rainbow dash scratched her head, while her yellow companion finally catched up.

“Oh.. hello Mayor, hello Zecora..” Fluttershy smiled at them kindly, earning a glare of impatience from the rainbow mane pegasus. “Oh um.. the hydra, yes.. I wanted to take some frogs back from the froggy bottom bog because of this awful drought.. then I saw this big, terrifying hydra stomping outside the mire. It did look confused, the thing is probably starving as well..”

“This is terrible news! If that hydra will ever find its way here.. We need to do something!” the mayor spoke.

“Yeah! We will take fight to it!” the blue pegasus spoke up. “No one messes with Ponyville!”

“I don’t think its such a good idea.. hydra is very big.. and scary..” Fluttershy whimpered.

“There is another way my friends, with belly full beast’s terror ends.” Zecora said.

“Are you saying, we should feed the hydra?” the mayor blinked, that idea was certainly new.

“It is our fault that it has nothing to eat..” Fluttershy agreed. "There are no clouds left above the bog and it began to dry up.."

“Ugh! You got to be kidding me!” the rainbow mane pegasus groaned.

“I think Zecora is right.. we will feed the hydra for the time being, at least until the drought is gone. But.. what does that thing eat? Except ponies that is.” the mayor frowned.

“With the hunger in its mind, the beast will eat all it can find.” the zebra assured them.

In next hour a cart full of tasty treats was ready to move towards the forest, all ponies gave something from their own supply, carrots, apples, candies, muffins, cakes among many others. The group was determined and ready, at least to some degree.

“I still cant believe we are going through with this!” Rainbow Dash groaned. “We should just kick its scaly butt.”

“Rainbow Dash, dear. It is not that I look forward to meet with a creature that spends its entire life in the ‘aromatic’ environment, but we are responsible for what happened to its ‘food’ supply.” Rarity spoke up, taking over Twilight’s function as organizer while the lavender mare was still in Canterlot.

Applejack checked the chains on the collar she just put on, with Big Mac’s reoccurring back problems she had to do the pulling.

“Um.. I was thinking.. if there is too many of us we could accidentally alert the hydra before everything is ready.. maybe I should stay home?” Fluttershy said quietly.

“That’s why we need you dear, your knowledge will be invaluable while we will travel through this.. ugh.. swamp.” Rarity shuddered. “Luckily I have these ‘workshoes’ at my disposal.” the mare smiled presenting her fashionable hoofwear.

“They look mighty fancy for a ‘workshoes’..” the orange mare raised an eyebrow.

“Oh, Applejack.” the alabaster unicorn giggled slightly irritated. “A lady can dress like one no matter the circumstances, I assure you that they are just as good as these ‘things’ you use at the farm.”

“Uh.. okay, just don’t stay too far behind.” Applejack rolled her eyes.

With surprisingly little effort the orange mare pulled the cart, filled variety of treats. The team followed after her, heading towards the forest where hydra was already wrecking havoc.

“Come on Fluttershy, it will be fun!” Pinkie Pie beamed at her friend, bouncing on ahead.

“Eep..” the yellow pegasus whimpered quietly and hid under her mane, obediently following the group.

The gray stallion who’s coat was covered with white stripes slowly pulled up from the veranda, his eyes following the trace of the group that recently left the town.

They were brave, that could not be denied; but right now they took on a great risk, being short of one of the famous elements of harmony.

“Is everything alright?” Carrot Top asked stepping outside.

When her roommate, Ditzy, brought a stranger stallion home she had a completely different idea of what the reason could be. And now when the mailmare left for work, she had to deal with everything.

“Yes, miss Carrot Top. I just need to stretch my legs a bit.. I will be back within a hour or so.” he respond with a polite nod, setting course for the forest.

The mare blinked seeing him trotting off like that, despite the rumors about hydra.. and how did he know which way is the forest with that eyes of his.

The dried mire provided them with a palette of smells that no pony would think that even existed. The group stopped at the edge where forest meet the bog, scouting the area in search for the hydra.

“Ugh.. this odour is unbearable.. Pinkie Pie!” Rarity groaned.

“Wha..?” the pink mare looked up at her friend, with innocent expression.. and pie crumbs flying around her the while earlier.

“We are supposed to feed the hydra with these so this beast will leave us be, not gorge on it ourselves..” the alabaster unicorn sighed emphasizing every word.

“There is still a lot left..!” Pinkie protested.

“Rainbow Dash, dear, did you see any trace of the beast?” Rarity shifted her attention to other pony.

“Yeah, I think I see something!” the rainbow mane pegasus pointed ahead.

Now they could see it as well, the tree snapped like twig when hungry hydra made its way through the border of the forest.

“Whoa, Ah think its even bigger than Ah remember.” Applejack blinked.

They didn’t wait for the beast to come any closer, unloading the food supply that they brought all the way over here. When the last pie and bucket of apples were set down, they backed up on a safe distance, hiding and waiting for the hydra to catch the scent of the food.

The four heads leaned over examining the treats, turning towards each other with confused expressions before they began to eat. One of them however, more suspicious by nature, sniffed the air further; the long neck sprung up all the way to its limits following the scent towards their hideout.

The fourth head smirked mischievously and poked the rest to take a look at the disturbance in the bushes.

“I-I think it saw us..” Fluttershy whimpered.

“Hush, sugar cube. Lets quietly back up.” Applejack whispered.

The hydra pulled up, looking back and forth from the ‘vegetarian’ treats to ponies. It was obvious which would win in this contest, soon the beast rushed at them.

“Gah! That’s it! I had enough of this hiding!” the blue pegasus shoot forward, at the hydra.

“Rainbow Dash! That featherbrain will gonna get herself hurt!” Applejack groaned. “Pinkie, get my rope!”

All four heads were clapping their maws, trying to catch the elusive pegasus, yet through her maneuvers ending up entangled with each other.

While the beast was busy with Rainbow Dash the two earth ponies, Applejack and Pinkie Pie, rushed ahead with rope in their mouth; making a few rounds around creature’s legs - tying them together.

The hydra let out a whimper of shock when it began to fall like a giant tree, with a loud thud the creature was down, hissing and struggling to get free.

The remaining parts of the rope were used to shut the four maws tight. As no one could get that close without risking getting bitten, it was up to Rarity’s magic. The more resilient heads earned a cake between the eyes launched by Pinkie Pie, sufficient to keep them still long enough to be tied down.

Soon the beast laid before them, entangled heads, hogtied legs and gagged maws.

“Hah! Told you we can do this..!” Rainbow Dash grinned.

There was however one detail that they missed – the tail.

The pair of pale white eyes were aimed at them from another part of the bog. Keeper couldn’t see as the normal ponyfolk did, but he could see through magic.

On a small distance he could notice ‘shapes’ at the point where his magical aura would blocked by natural barriers like ground, furniture or trees. It could be compared to what one would see while walking through darkness with only a candle in his hoof, however the image was all rid of its colors.

There was also one more thing visible through his eyes. As all living creatures had a spark of magic in them, its brightness and greatness depending on skill and size; it was the life force he could see on larger distances. Beyond that was only pitch black darkness.

Yet even with his limited ability of sight he was left speechless witnessing what just happened, working together these ponies overpowered the full grown hydra. But.. something was wrong.

While hydra did not belong to the most agile of species, the beast was surely strong. The hydra rolled around on its belly trying to sweep them with its tail. They had to immobilize it somehow or someone would get hurt.

“What the hay..?” Applejack blinked holding on to her hat.

The gray aura of magic wrapped itself up around beast’s tail and forcibly pulled it down. The ponies didn’t have to be told twice, hurrying over with another rope. In the next moment the hydra was completely overwhelmed, only able to let out a whining peep. The ropes wouldn’t hold forever but it would allow them to leave forest without worrying about the rampaging beast following.

“Well done Rarity!” Rainbow Dash smirked.

“While I appreciate the compliment.. I have to admit that it wasn’t me, I'm afraid.” the unicorn raised an eyebrow.

“What? Then who in tarnation just did that?” Applejack scratched her head.

“He did! He did! Did I won anything?” Pinkie bounced in place pointing at something on the other side of the bog.

The team turned their attention to where the pink mare pointed them. They could spot the gray stallion with white stripes as well, who was taking a step back, before simply running off back into the forest.

“Nuts.. isn’t that the fellow who came to see Twilight?” the orange mare blinked.

“He’s running! Not on my watch pal!” Rainbow Dash zoomed through the air after the stallion.

Keeper groaned inside, his presence there was meant to be unseen, only to make sure they are safe. How did they manage to even see him shifting attention from hydra so quickly?

The branches hit his face while galloping through the forest. Taking on such speed was dangerous with his disability, especially in the middle of obstacle ridden forest, but he had little choice. If they would catch him here there was no possible way to explain this. Teleportation was out of the question..

With a glance back Keeper could see the chase, they all were following him. However, one was missing. Perhaps she remained at the hydra to secure it-.. The stallion grunted as the blue pegasus tackled him, trying to pin him down to the ground.

“You are going nowhere pal!” Rainbow Dash smirked, trying to hold him down.. but that smile quickly vanished.

The rainbow-mane pegasus was indeed a very good athlete, strong and agile, but regarding the ‘strongest’ title the earth ponies had the lead. The stallion pushed her off easily, standing right back up ready to continue the run. Yet he didn’t got further than a few steps when his vision began to darken even more than usual, the pain exploding in the back of the skull.

“Strike!” Rainbow Dash grinned wielding a log in her hooves; she hated losing.

The door to the library opened ever so slightly, as if someone was unable to decide if he really wants to come in and shut it right after changing his mind. The gray stallion returned to his work with the books, setting them in their place, it was a hard work to keep it all together.

This section of academy was one of the oldest, with the archaic construction patterns there was little space for anything but the books, their amount was growing by the year where the free space didn’t expand – forcing students to borrow the books and read or study elsewhere.

“Um.. hello..?”

Keeper paused his work and moved to investigate, the last time he checked there were no ghosts or any of the kind in library. Upon checking the front of the counter he could see a lavender filly, a strange sight in Royal Academy for sure.

“Hello there, are you lost?” he asked with soft smile, trying not to intimidate her.

“N-no.. I don’t think so..” she blinked looking around. “This is library, yes?”

“Yes, it is. I’m Keeper, the librarian.” the stallion nodded politely.

“Oh, my name is Twilight Sparkle, I’m princess Celestia’s new student.” the filly smiled proudly.

“Woah, that’s quite a title for such a young filly.” Keeper chuckled softly, the librarian has seen a lot in his days but she surely did seem to be the youngest student in whole Academy.

“I wanted to borrow some books for my studies.” Twilight reached for the list in her saddlebags, passing it over.

“Interesting positions, you surely don’t want to waste time miss Sparkle..” he spoke up, reading the piece of paper she just handed to him. “..but I think it might be a bit too much for a filly like you.”

“I can handle it! I read many complex books on the subject of magic before!” the filly frowned insulted by the remark.

The earth pony disappeared behind the shelves for a moment.

“..-am not talking-..” the stallion moved around the library, completing the order. “..-bout their content, but-..” he dropped the final book onto the pile she ordered. “..-the size.”

Twilight blinked, the stack of books was twice as tall as she was. With determination written on her face she pointed her horn that way, her eyes closed and mind focused. ‘Yes! She moved it, a piece of cake..’ The drops of sweat appeared on her face as the attempt drained her strength greatly; until she finally let it go, dropping down flat on the ground, panting. The books fell back down with a loud thud.

"Sweetie." the librarian sighed softly and helped her stand back up. "While I applaud your determination this isn’t the right way to go about it. You could hurt yourself or others on the way."

“This is no use..” Twilight looked at her hooves saddened, how she was to even finish the studies if she couldn’t even carry the books she needed.

Keeper sighed to himself seeing a filly in such state was heartbreaking. Perhaps there was another way.. and gods know that this Academy could use someone who actually -wants- to study.

“Miss Twilight, I have an idea.. why not study here? You will have these books at hoof’s reach.” he smiled encouraging her.

“A-are you sure..? I don’t want to be a bother..”

“Nonsense.” Keeper chuckled softly.

The filly beamed at the idea, she would be allowed to stay and study in the middle of Academy library, the greatest source of magic knowledge in all of Equestria.

“Thank you..!” Twilight hugged the librarian as much as her small frame allowed her to.

The hospital at Ponyville has had its share of patients, recently including even dragons, but this day would seem like going to the books about medicine history.

“Well, doc, is he goin’ to be alright?” the orange mare asked.

“The patient has suffered a major head injury-..” the doctor paused seeing as ponies suddenly shifted their attention at rainbow mane pegasus.

“What? At least that stopped him!” Rainbow Dash frowned.

“..-as I was saying.” the doctor coughed to get back their concentration. “The damage is not grave and will heal on its own, he just needs some solid rest.”

“Is there anythin’ else you can tell us doc?” Applejack spoke up.

“Well.. there is a matter of his race, that is a mystery to us. Our tests point out him to be an earth pony but that just doesn’t add up.”

“Earth pony? But what about these stripes? Not to mention that we saw him using magic.” Rarity raised an eyebrow.

“To be honest, I have no idea what to think about this anymore, miss..” he sighed defeated. “I will send the results to Canterlot, perhaps they can put some light on this matter.”

“Thank you for your time doctor..” the alabaster unicorn nodded before following the group outside.

Keeper mumbled a few curses, fighting with sedatives they gave him. The stallion was out of the hospital bed, using the opportunity that the empty room gave him. Struggling to put his outfit back on, slipping and falling over on the floor once again. He was lucky that no one heard him so far.

They caught and stunned him, if he would disappear without a trace there would be only rumors - something he could simply deny. But he failed, they saw him and the magic he used, it was an easy guess that they already began to suspect something.

If they learned the truth behind his state, slipped it for the world to learn, some of them could begin to consider what he has done.. take it as an opportunity, a chance to expand their own power. Even with the gruesome reagents there would be maniacs out there who would try to recreate the ritual.. maniacs, just like him so many years ago.

This is why he had to disappear. He had to stop it before it could even begin. This ritual, this mistake was his own sin to bear alone.. and he would not take part in poisoning minds of the others, convincing them that such thing is even possible.

He had to run, to protect the ponies from themselves, to protect them from the forbidden knowledge.

There was only one way out of the hospital right now, he had to focus. His stripes and eyes lighted up concentrating the magical power, just like unicorn’s horn would while using its magic. The second later vanishing from the hospital room.

T-this was not meant to be.. Keeper cried out in his mind, when he understood the grave miscalculation on his part.

The royal chariot zoomed through the equestrian skies, presenting its passenger a breath taking view of the area. Twilight was more than just happy, the last week has proven really productive. She learned a lot of new things under the watchful eye of Princess Celestia.

Her stay at the Canterlot castle also provided her with an opportunity to catch up with Princess Luna. It took her a few days longer but it was totally worth it.

The lavender mare smiled at the thought of coming back to home and seeing her friends again, a part of her hoping that Spike didn’t turn the place upside down by the time. She was pulled out of her thoughts when the chariot finally stopped, bringing the lavender mare right before the doorstep of Ponyville library.

“Thank you sirs.” she smiled at the royal guards, who nodded with grace and took off right after.

Twilight yawned quietly, it has been a long week away from home. Now there were only two things she wanted the most, a long bath and warm bed-..

“Surprise!” the five mares cheered at her together, tossing up confetti.

..-but that could wait.

“Hi girls!” the lavender mare smiled happily at the sight of a surprise welcome party.

“Ahem!” the baby dragon pulled her tail.

“And hello to you too Spike!” she chuckled and hugged him gently.

“Uh.. alright, alright already..” he blushed at the girly stuff.

“Lets par-teeee!” Pinkie Pie announced, pulling out her party cannon.

With that set in motion Twilight’s energy quickly returned, ready to spend an evening together with her friends.

“Twilight! Twilight! We have one more surprise!” Pinkie Pie bounced around her remembering about something just now.

“Oh?” the lavender mare smiled intrigued.

“There was this stallion that came to visit you.”

“..a stallion?”

“Yes! He is at the hospital!”

“Hospital..?” Twilight blinked, even more confused

“Yeah, Rainbow Smash ‘ere nailed him with a log on the head.” Applejack nodded.

“I thought we agreed to just get over this already!” the rainbow-mane pegasus glared.

“Were you expecting someone, dear?” Rarity asked.

“No.. I cant say I have, what’s his name?” Twilight paused trying to remember.

“Oh.. his name is ‘Keeper’.” Fluttershy spoke up. “..oh my.. did I say something wrong..? I’m sorry..” the yellow pegasus added quickly hiding under her mane, seeing her friend’s expression.

“..Keeper?” she finally spoke up with a shade of shock on her face.

“Yes.. you do know him?” Rarity raised an eyebrow.

“I.. knew, a stallion by that name.. but he passed away, it was a long time ago..”

“Maybe its just a coincidence, dear.”

“I-.. I will be right back.. I just need to check it..” the lavender unicorn pushed the door open with her magic and galloped through.

“Twilight..!”

“Should we go after her?” Applejack looked up at the others, before they too galloped off.

They could see the commotion in front of the hospital as the staff was carefully checking every tree, bush and rock that surrounded the building.

“Nurse Redheart! What happened?” Twilight asked quickly.

“Oh, Twilight Sparkle, we seem to have a little problem..”

“Problem..? What kind of problem..?”

“One of our patients disappeared..”

“..Keeper?”

“Y-yes.. how did you-..?” the nurse blinked but was immediately interrupted.

“Never mind! Did you create a patient card for him already? Can I see it?”

“Um.. yes, please follow me..”

The nurse led her inside the building moving over behind the desk, after a brief moment of search through the cabinet she picked up a single file, passing it over to Twilight.

The lavender mare quickly opened it, moving from page to page in search of the attachment with photographs taken of the unregistered patient.

“Twi’?” Applejack asked, they arrived just a moment later than she did.

“Miss Sparkle..?” the nurse looked up at her.

“Its him..” she whispered holding the picture.

Chapter 3

Luna’s moon was slowly raising on the horizon, clearing the sky for thousands of stars so they could shine together. It was the time of rest for the most ponies, when they could unwind after the hard day and enjoy the embrace of their colorful dreams. Some of them however still had a job to be done.

The lavender mare calmed the situation at the hospital, convincing the staff to cease their search. With stallion’s sudden disappearance they wouldn’t be able to find him by simply checking the bushes and trees around the building.

Twilight locked herself in the hospital room, the last place where the patient has been seen, focusing her magic on stallion's current location or at least trying find out where he went off to.

The five mares occupied the hallway in the meantime, waiting for Twilight to finally come out bearing at least some news.

“Cupcake?” Pinkie Pie asked cheerful as always, presenting her friends with treats. They left the part early this time around but she managed to bring some of the snacks with her.

“Thanks Pinkie.. Good gracious, what is that girl doin’ in there so long..?” Applejack sighed, munching on the treat.

“Some sort of magical thingie.. gah, we were supposed to have a party right now.” the rainbow mane pegasus groaned.

“They didn’t let me take the cannon into the hospital..” the pink mare hung her head, walking around with a plate of sweets.

“If I recall correctly its called ‘scrying’. Twilight is trying to find out where her friend has gone.. Thank you, Pinkie Pie.” Rarity nodded politely taking the cupcake with grace.

“Do you think everything will be alright-..?” Fluttershy let out a scared whimper when the door behind them were slammed open.

“Girls! I need your help!” Twilight announced standing in the door, her expression was still that of shock and disbelief.

“Finally! Some action!” Rainbow Dash shoot up from the couch.

“Tell us what you need us to do, Twi’.” Applejack nodded.

The gray pegasus sighed quietly, looking at the bright stars above her head. She enjoyed times like these, when the skies were clear of clouds allowing them to see all the wonders that the night had to offer.

Ditzy blinked hearing the door open behind her, she thought everyone was long asleep by now.

“Dinky, w-why are you not in bed?” the gray pegasus asked.

“I cant sleep..” the little unicorn hung her head.

“Oh, Dinky..” she sighed and pulled the filly into a hug.

“..where is mister Keeper?” Dinky asked after a moment of silence.

“I don’t k-know..” Ditzy answered truthfully.

“He promised he would tell me about his adventures in the jungle..”

“I’m s-sorry, Dinky.. but I c-could read you a s-story if you want?”

“Will there be knights and princesses?”

“If you w-want.” Ditzy nodded smiling softly. “G-go on back to bed I will be w-with you in a moment..”

The gray pegasus pulled up from her spot, giving the stars one more look before walking back inside the house. She moved her sight over the bookshelves, picking up the most suitable title and heading off to Dinky’s room.

The filly was waiting in her bed, excited to hear a new story. Ditzy sat up on the bed, opening the book in her hooves. She preferred reading to speaking her mind, it was easier and she didn’t have to focus as much.

“A long time ago..” the gray pegasus began. “..when princess Celestia was just a young filly. A terrible scourge has befallen the lands, the greedy winged beasts were trying to conquer Equestria..”

It was a mere moment when the realization of the grave mistake hit him.. just like the gravity the very second later, dragging him down and dropping onto a hard steep surface. With loud thud he finally hit the ground level. A grunt left his lips, the pain spreading all over the body. He didn’t hurry up back on his hooves, instead taking a moment to rest while flat on the ground, trying to recover a bit.

The stallion moved his crippled sight across the place, he had to calm down and rethink the situation. His focus was blurred by the medicaments, which in result caused the teleportation spell to carry him off the course.. the question was – how much off?

Every sound he made so far echoed back to him. The air was warm, yet he could not feel the sunbeams on his back. He couldn’t see or feel any plants, only dirt and rocks. It was a cave, that was clear; but more disturbing question was to whom it did belong to, if to anyone. An answer arrived to him soon enough, making him wish he never asked in the first place. The shape of the creature was outlined by magic before him.

The gray stallion froze in place, his sight following the creature as it raised from its slumber. With a roar of annoyance the beast fixed its focus on the pony.

“What are you doing in my cave?” the voice thundered above his head.

Keeper exhaled the air while gathering his thoughts, if he would panic here it would prove to be a swift way to slow and painful death. He had to focus and determine his chances.

The odds for a successful escape were thin, and even if he tried to he wouldn’t be able to find the way out of the cavern that easily.. the teleportation was out of the question, at least until he regains clarity of thought or next thing he could end up at the bottom of the lake or even underground.

The stallion had to gamble, there was no time for fair play, if that term even applied in this case. His stripes lit up ever so faintly spawning a small spark of energy on the ground just behind the dragon.

“Forgive me, noble dragon. I did not mean to disturb your slumber, I am but a humble traveler.” Keeper began, covering meekly.

“That so?” the dragon snarled. “You must have me for a fool, thinking that I will fall for that unlikely story..”

“I would not dare, great wyrm..” the stallion bowed down respectfully, trying to look as pathetic as it was possible. “I stumbled upon this place while seeking shelter for the night..”

Keeper raised his sight a bit, the expression on dragon’s face turned into a smirk, so there was a chance that he would buy this farce. The small spark moved through the ground guided by stallion’s magic, carving a sophisticated shape around the dragon.

“What species are you?” the dragon leaned forward, looking at him closely.

The stallion paused for a brief moment, returning with his memory to the geography books he read back in the day, he needed something too far away for the beast to know.

“They call us Sivalen, mighty lord. We come from Camelia.” he hazarded with a bunch of exotic names.

“..yes, yes.. I have heard of you..” the beast rolled eyes and rubbed its chin. “..and why do you trespass on my lands?!”

The runic circle was half way complete, he needed to keep dragon’s focus on him a bit longer and make sure that the beast wont move from its place until the trap is ready.

“I got lost on my journey to Canterlot..” the stallion respond meekly.

The dragon puffed out smoke at him, bored by the conversation.

“..to present princess Celestia with gift from my people.” he added quickly coughing due to the thick smoke.

“A tribute?” the dragon’s eyes lit up on the sound of the ‘magic word’.

“It is a custom among the people of the south. If I would know that I will meet a dragon during my journey-..”

“I will settle for whatever you have prepared for that pompous alicorn. Now.. hand it over!” the beast smiled greedily and rubbed its claws.

“Y-yes, of course..” the stallion respond, his ears ringing.

He briefly looked below the dragon, the runic ring was finished, now he just needed a opportunity to cast the spell. The beast wouldn’t remain idle if suspecting him of treachery.

Keeper reached into his backpack, pulling out a battered old book. The stallion set it down on the ground before the dragon.

“What is this garbage?! Where are the jewels?! Where is the gold?!” the beast growled baring its razor sharp teeth at him.

“..it is a book tied to a alchemy technique of the old, it teaches on how to reshape common minerals into these of value.” he explained, making use of the classic legend of the philosopher stone.

The dragon frowned slightly before throwing a large stone in front of the stallion, waiting for him to turn it into something ‘worthwhile’.

“As you wish..” the stallion nodded.

Keeper’s eyes and stripes lit up. It was about to begin.

The dragon watched the show mesmerized, waiting for the stone to turn into gold, or better a diamond, or better a golden diamond. After a few seconds of nothing the beast bared its teeth, annoyed by the waiting time.. finally noticing that something was off.

“..-What?!” the dragon growled spotting the trap, about to rush forward and crush the pony.

Another roar of infuriation left its maw, tail and legs were already blocked by the spell. With a monstrous swing he threw the stallion against the cave wall. Fueled by anger, the beast leaned forward in attempt to reach the pony and tear him to shreds.. with that move the dragon froze in place, completely engulfed by the spell.

The silence filled the place, allowing the quiet night wind to hum its tune through the cavern. The chilly draft gently pushed the dust around the motionless body.

“..the fierce battle ended when the brave knight rose up above the hulking beast, I cast you back the way you came!, he shouted. With one swift cut he sent the monster back into the abyss.” Ditzy flipped the page. “The people cheered happily upon their champion return, a soft rain of colorful flower petals marked the road for the stallion..”

“What happened next? What happened next?” Dinky asked excited.

“..the princess herself greeted the knight at the castle, taking him to the room where his beloved mare was sleeping the cursed dream. Now when the king of dragons was defeated, his beloved mare was free. They lived happily ever after.” Ditzy smiled, finishing the tale.

“Yay!” the filly beamed.

“N-now, you n-need to go to sleep, Dinky..” Ditzy set down the book on a bedside table. “You have s-school tomorrow.” she added while fixing the bed covers around her little sister.

“Ditzy..?”

“Y-yes?”

“Will mister Keeper be back?”

“..I don’t k-know.” the gray pegasus paused, unsure what else to tell the filly. “Sleep w-well, Dinky.” she respond turning off the light and quietly closing the door behind her.

Ditzy sighed quietly, she was asking herself the same two questions since she arrived home from work. The stallion said he would return after a hour or so. It was afternoon when he simply ran off into the forest, despite the news about roaming hydra. She shook her head trying to get rid of the dark thoughts.

It was nice to meet someone new, someone who didn’t judge her right away for a change. Even her little sister took liking in the stranger, who spent entire previous evening entertaining Dinky with the exciting stories from the distant lands that he visited during travels. Perhaps he just was the type to disappear without a word..

The gray pegasus wandered outside the house, looking in the stars once again. After a moment she spread her wings and took off into the night.

The stallion slowly opened his eyes, feeling the cold spreading over his back. Would he ever make a list of the dumbest things he had ever done, this would sure make it somewhere at the top. He thought. Which on part was also a miracle, because it actually worked and he even survived to see it through.

The second time in the same evening he took an attempt to stand up after being smashed against rocky surface. The paralyzing pain struck him and forced back down, it was now clear that some of the bones didn’t survive the impact intact. If he would try to stand like that again he could risk another blackout. Keeper grit his teeth in determination, using the magic to ease the torment, enough for him to move on.

A group of six mares rushed down the wild path through the Everfree Forest, with lavender mare leading the way. A magical orb of light hang in the air above them illuminating up the road ahead.

“Is that the same cave Spike found..?” Fluttershy asked while trotting alongside, trying to keep up with the rest.

“Yes.. a green dragon inhabits it. That is why we need to hurry or something terrible could happen.” Twilight answered.

“If ya don’t mind me askin’. Why would your friend teleport himself to a dragon cave?” the orange mare frowned.

“I doubt he did it on purpose, the key to successful magic is focus.. his head injury must have taken him off a bit..” she respond, ignoring the groan from the rainbow mane pegasus.

“Twilight, dear. Would you mind telling us how is it that your friend.. who is an earth pony, correct? ..is able to use magic?” Rarity asked.

“I-.. I have no idea.. it was years ago, when he disappeared. We were conducting a magical experiment-..” Twilight paused, the pieces of puzzle slowly falling into the right places. “..-He was trying to create a new spell-.. that’s it! Now I understand what he was trying to do!” she announced happily.

“Uh.. and what he was tryin’ to do?” Applejack raised an eyebrow.

“Keeper said that this discovery will be a breakthrough in the spellcasting. It looks like he just made it possible for any pony to use magic, not only unicorns!”

“Any pony?” Rarity blinked.

“Ah wouldn’t trust that magic thing even if it would make trees pop straight out from the seeds.” the orange mare frowned at the idea.

“I think magic is scary..” Fluttershy hid under her mane at the thought, an image of animals running away from the magic flashed before her eyes.

“Meh.. and who needs magic anyway.” the rainbow mane pegasus shrug.

“I wonder how magic tastes like..” Pinkie Pie added pondering. “..can you make a pie out of it?”

“..well..” Twilight giggled nervously taken aback by their reactions. “..for any pony who would want to that is..”

The gray pegasus soared through the night sky, refreshing cold wind under her wings. She enjoyed flying through the empty skies, because like this she was alone. There was no one to judge her and she didn’t have to pretend to be someone else. She could just be Ditzy.

At the end of her dance among the clouds, she took a sharp turn towards the lake below. Like many times before she pulled her wings down by the body and dived down into the water like a dart. The bubbles of air flowed around her body, heading for the surface. Once her hooves touched the bottom of the lake she bounced back up, launching herself towards the surface.

Her wings spread again as soon as she left the water, the wind pulling her up into the flight. She paused not far above the lake, her attention pulled by something in the forest.

The tree border of the forest was shrouded by darkness, preventing her from seeing beyond it. Yet she could notice as strange light was moving behind the tree line. Ditzy held a yelp quickly hiding behind bushes on another shore, watching.

The rescue team stopped before the dragon cave, it was looking even creepier than before, but they wouldn’t leave any pony behind. The lavender unicorn gulped quietly darkening the magical orb a bit, so their presence would remain a secret.

“Twilight, dear.. you do have a plan don’t you?” Rarity asked, looking quite distressed about the idea of going inside.

“Well.. we will need to sneak our way through, be very quiet..”

“I was afraid you will say that..”

“H-how about I wait o-outside?” the yellow pegasus whimpered, her legs shivering.

“Come on Fluttershy, the sooner we are done here the sooner we can go home.” Rainbow Dash stated with a determined expression.

Twilight nodded at the others, putting on a brave face she moved on ahead. Her magic lightning up the path ahead. The wind howled above their heads, adding to the already terrifying image of the place.

“Shh..” the lavender mare turned towards the others, hearing someone’s teeth chattering.

Yet when she looked back at the road ahead, she couldn’t hold the scream herself. Through the darkness they all could see giant claws and teeth reaching out for them.. they all shrieked in terror to high heavens above, hugging eachother tightly.

The screams were interrupted by the laugher of one particular pink mare, who found it amusing to play a tune on the razor sharp teeth of the dragon.

At that point the group fell silent staring at each other in confusion, if the beast would act like one of its kind it would already try to gobble them up.. something was off. Twilight focused more energy on the orb of light and boosted its luminosity, lighting up wider area.

“Its.. petrified..” Rarity blinked, speaking out the thoughts of all the rest.

“Of course it is, silly!” Pinkie Pie giggled.

The dragon was looking like lifelike statue of itself, casted into that form through magic. While all of them focused on the teeth and claws, the lavender mare looked down at the burned ground below the imprisoned beast.

“..the runic ring-.. Keeper trapped it, of course!” Twilight beamed and quickly turned towards the others. “Listen up everypony! Do not touch that circle, if it will be disrupted then the spell might break and the dragon will wake up!”

With that warning they all took a step back into a safe distance, no one would want to risk an encounter with a dragon after all.. at least for the first five seconds.

“..so we are good as long as we don’t touch that thing on the ground?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yes, we should be safe-..”

“That’s all I needed to know!” the rainbow mane pegasus zoomed through the air and nonchalantly seated herself a top of dragon’s head. “Anyone got a camera..?”

“Oooooh..” Rarity’s eyes lighted up at the sight of dragon’s hoard that was left unprotected.

“Please, this is not why we came here..!” the lavender unicorn pleaded.

“Twi’! Ah think Ah found somethin’..” the orange mare called over.

With a sigh of defeat the mare trotted over, glad that at least some ponies didn’t lose their focus as easily. She slowed down seeing Applejack’s nervous gaze, already guessing what her friend might have found.

The part of cavern wall was damaged as if something would hit it with great force, down below it they could see crimson stains among the rubble.

“Oh no..” Twilight took a step back, going pale.

The still surface was looking inviting, tempting with the refreshment that the cold water could provide. With each step he made the pain was getting stronger, the stronger the pain the more magic he had to use to suppress it, the more magic he used the faster he was losing his focus.. and when that will end, he will simply drop down.

The stallion stopped by the shore, heavily dropping down on the soft grass to drink up a bit. Perhaps the numbness side effect from the anesthetic spell would wear off a bit with fresh water. His stripes were constantly lit up to maintain the tranquilizing effect. It was still a long road ahead and he needed to conserve whatever strength he had left.

“..Keeper..”

The stallion spat the water out, looking around with a raised eyebrow. Was he really over the line this time, was he finally losing it? He asked himself in thought. His sight moved slowly across the area, finally noticing a faint dot on the sky that his weakened eyes could actually pick up. A bright winged shape, like an angel descended towards him.

“Keeper..!” the gray pegasus landed nearby rushing over to the stallion.

The newly found clue led the team of six mares deep into the wilderness. Applejack led the way, she knew the most about this specific craft known as ‘tracking’. It wasn't long before they found themselves at small clearing near the lake.

“Rainbow Dash, do you see anything from up there?” Twilight asked out in the skies where her friend was.

“Nope, nothing!” the rainbow mane pegasus respond.

“Horseapples.. the tracks just end right here.” Applejack pointed her hoof at the mark on the ground.

“We have to keep looking!” the lavender mare stomped her hoof.

“Dear, perhaps he just teleported away like before.” Rarity suggested softly.

“Or he learned how to fly!” Pinkie Pie cut in.

“Fine! If that’s the way you want it! Go! I will stay and keep looking!” the lavender mare snapped at them turning around to walk away, almost falling over from tiredness in the process.

“Twi’, you know we are here for you.” Applejack held her up. “But now we are with nothin’. We can’t search the entire forest on our own.”

“..I cant just sit around and do nothing..!” the lavender mare shook her head at the dark thoughts.

“We cant help him by getting lost in the forest ourselves..” Fluttershy said meekly.

“..I-.. I’m sorry girls..” she sighed quietly and hung her head.

“Let’s get home, dear. You need rest, tomorrow you will try that scrying spell once again.” Rarity patted her back.

The pesky sunbeams moved across the library, stopping ever so briefly at the purple mane. Her eyelids opened slowly taking a moment to return with memory to the previous day.. she must have fell asleep during her nightly reading session once again.

The lavender mare shifted her position lazily, not ready to get up just yet. The hard book under her head was replaced by a soft pillow, also a blanket covered her. She didn’t remember when that happened, but it always did when she fell asleep on the library floor like this.

With the time that passed she was visiting the library more often than her room in dormitory. Thanks to its serene atmosphere she was able to do here what she liked the most – study in peace.

Twilight moved her sight at the small cradle nearby, seeing the little dragon in his peaceful sleep. Even Spike did seem to like it more here, sleeping all day long without interruptions from all the ruckus that the other students were making, constantly looking out for a party.

Keeper, the librarian, didn’t mind her presence, quite the opposite actually, he was glad of the company and a helping hand around the library.

“..Keeper, all I’m saying is that the times change.” said the manly voice.

The lavender mare blinked and quietly pulled up. She approached the end of bookshelves to take a look at the commotion in the library.

“Through the years that I worked in here I have seen five arch chancellors, I think I will still be around to see this one’s career end.” the librarian respond indifferently.

“You don’t get it do you?” the elegant unicorn sighed.

“What I don’t get is why you keep wasting my time..”

“I’m just giving you a friendly warning.. he was furious when he learned about you.”

“Oh?” the librarian respond with tone of boredom.

“Keeper, you are a smart pony. You could get yourself a job ten times better than this.. why do you persist?"

“This, this is where your problem lies.. this is not about the bits, it never was. I do what I love to do and that is working in this very library. For years now I have watched over these books and made sure that they will survive so their wisdom can be shared with next generations-..”

“Listen, just sign it up and I will be gone..” the stallion sighed irritated. “You will have a nice bonus pay for resigning.”

“Let me put it in words that even you will understand then: You can shove it under your tail. I won’t sign anything.”

“How very foolish..” the stallion slammed the door behind him.

The librarian shook his head letting out a quiet sigh. He knew all too well the reason behind this intervention. He was the only earth pony on the university of magic grounds who wasn’t either a janitor or a guard. Some of the unicorns saw this as an insult to the prestige of the Academy. It was something that persisted since the ancient times, he couldn’t blame them for this.. after all no one wouldn’t want a unicorn tutoring pegasus about flight either.

“..is everything alright?” Twilight asked walking over.

“..yes.. everything is fine. I’m sorry you had to see this.. did you sleep well?”

Chapter 4

The dark mist flowed not far above the floor covering the remains of previous explorers who dared to set the hoof in this forgotten place. The bones cracked under their steps, making the leader gulp audibly. She was brave to see it so deep into this cursed place, but nothing could prepare her team for what lies ahead.

The mare stopped in place feeling the ground moving near her, with eyes widening she watched as the creature raises from the mist staring at her with its empty eye sockets. The skeletal pony roared menacingly causing a wave of shrieks from the-..

“What a dumb movie..” Carrot Top groaned and turned off the TV.

After a quick look at the clock the mare pulled up from the couch, it was a good hour past midnight and Ditzy still wasn’t back. Her nighttime flying sessions usually ended earlier, perhaps something happened. She asked herself in thought.

Once the TV was off she could pick up the quiet knocking coming from the door, joined with deep irregular breaths. The mare froze in place, all the horror movies flashed before her eyes at once. The knocking repeated itself.

Slowly she approached the window, peeking through at what was waiting for her outside.

“Ditzy..!” Carrot Top gasped petrified by the sight.

The sound of snoring was filling the library when Twilight returned, the dragon once again found himself a comfortable bed in punch bowl. She hung her head disappointed by the turn of events, ignoring the decorations and food still left around when they left the party in a hurry.

The trace she discovered led them nowhere, she accomplished nothing and surely annoyed her friends by chasing a ghost. But she had to try again, find him before its too late before he disappears again.. like he did so many years ago.

It didn’t take long for the memories return to her, from the years ago. When she read the incantation. She must have failed because from that moment everything went downhill, the room exploded drown in bright light. She could remember even so briefly what happened after, someone lifted her from the rubble and carried to the hospital..

Princess Celestia canceled all her appointments just to stand beside her faithful student’s bed. When Twilight woke up she could see the relief on her tutor’s face. It was a miracle that she was unharmed by the accident that shook the entire academy.

They asked her a lot of questions, how did it came to be, did she know what was inside the room.. she answered as best as she could, knowing but a little. Yet when she asked: “Where is Keeper?”; all they could say is “gone”.

“..just like now..” Twilight verbalized her thoughts.

The lavender mare carefully lifted the baby dragon with her magic, carrying him over to his cradle. Before finally heading towards her bed, she wandered off to sleep right away, exhausted by the recent events.

The image once again flashed again before her eyes. The bloodied stallion laying at the lake, barely aware of what is happening around him. She knew then that the tides turned and his life was in her hooves this time. Even when he proved to be dreadfully light for his size, it was still a miracle that she managed to carry him all the way. When they returned she fell flat on the ground, exhausted from the extreme trial that she was put through. It was her roommate who helped them both inside.

The mailmare wiped off the sweat that gathered on her forehead, holding the bandage with her teeth she gently pulled it making sure that it will stay the way it is. After that she took a step back take a look at the patient, she did all she could – now it was only up to the stallion to get through it.

It pained her to see anyone suffering, it was wrong to leave such ponies to themselves. It was hard to tell what else she can do to help or at least ease the pain, for now she could just watch his chest raising in shallow breaths. She enjoyed reading books on various topics, learning anything that could prove useful one day.. like first aid.

Ditzy’s hoof gently stroke stallion’s mane, hoping that it will help him unwind and calm down. It wasn’t her choice to return here, in hospital he would get much better care.. but he demanded, asked and even begged her not to do it, because it will have dire consequences, he said. She didn’t understand anything of it and still she did as he asked, hoping for the best..

When the breaths became more regular she sighed out in relief, sitting at the edge of the bed where she put him in. The eyes disagreed with her and chose not to cooperate at that moment, forcing her to close them and massage eyelids again to reset their position. Once clear she moved her gaze at the stripes that decorated his coat, now presenting themselves in full grace when the attire was removed during the bandaging.

The mailmare saw Zecora once or twice before, even if they didn’t spoke with each other she still could remember the unique neighbour of Ponyville. These markings didn’t quite match with ones she could see before her..

They were unusual, complex and apparently had some meaning behind it. Her eyes moved across the body of exhausted stallion, he was injured and exhausted, no wonder he went to sleep so fast after getting to safety.

With a bit of hesitation she reached out, touching the markings with her hoof. The stripes proved to be unnatural, alien in touch, unlike the rest of his light gray coat.

The mailmare yelped quietly, backing up upon hearing Keeper groan, with her mind wandering her hoof must have touch a wound. The expression on stallion’s face eased up after a moment, returning to peaceful sleep.

The baby dragon yawned heartily, peeking out of the saddlebag at the commotion outside, they were moving and fast. Twilight stormed through the halls of the university, trying her best to dodge the ponies in her way and get there on time. The students followed her with curious gazes.

‘How could they do such a thing?! How they could even consider such thing to be funny?!’ The lavender mare cried in her mind, trying to catch her breath while sticking to the gallop. It was in another wing, yet despite the distance she had to at least try and make it in time.

The sound of a crash echoed through the hallway, pulling the attention of the ponies nearby.

The purple mane unicorn froze in her steps with eyes widening at the thought what might have happened. It took a moment before she resumed her rush towards the west wing. She could hear the ponies whispering between each other, no one moved to help however.

The books were laying around the unfortunate pony who took part in accident. Keeper slowly stood back up on his hooves after the fall, he was tough like any earth pony, nonetheless that was still a long stairway that he just fell down through.

“Keeper..!” Twilight cried out panting after the long run.

“Hello Twilight..” he smiled weakly while gathering the books that fell out of his bags during landing.

“..are-.. are you alright?” she asked, finally able to catch a breath.

“I will be fine.”

“..but..” the lavender mare blinked, he didn’t seem even disturbed by what just happened. “..you just fell down the stairs..!”

“I guess I’m just unlucky.” the librarian gave her a goofy smile.

“No, no, you don’t understand I overheard them talking..!” she helped him with the last book.

“Hm..?”

“I heard the older students plotting this!”

“I see.. I will consult this matter with the arch chancellor.” the librarian nodded after a moment of silence, his expression serious.

“But-..” she paused when he raised his hoof to prevent her from speaking.

“If this happens ever again then you just tell me what you know in secret, alright? Promise me that you will tell no one else, alright?”

The lavender mare nodded quickly, still rather surprised by the turn of events, she expected Keeper to be furious.. yet by some strange reason he was very calm while learning about what caused the ‘accident’.

He made a promise to speak with the arch chancellor, one that was never fulfilled.. he has done it once already, years ago, afterwards there was simply no point to do so again. They wouldn’t lift a hoof to help.. they would merely offer him an resignation to sign up, like so many times before.

Deep inside the Everfree Forest a several shady shapes rushed through the darkness, searching, sniffing. They moved quietly, tracking, trusting their savage senses. They knew it was here at least once before.

Their eyes lit up at the first trace, they found it weak and debilitated. This was the time to act, they had to be fast before it regains strength and will be able to battle them. It was an opportunity of their lifetime after all.

They rushed back into darkness, to prepare, to finally get their hands on what belongs to them.

Twilight shifted again, trying to find at least some comfort after facing a sleepless night. The thoughts of what might have happened tormented her and prevented from even closing her eyes. She scolded herself for thinking that way, it couldn’t end like this.. it would not. She repeated in thought.

The knocking on library door woke her up from the thoughts. The sound repeated itself forcing a quiet groan out of her, she was exhausted after the restless night. At least Spike got some sleep..

With another grunt she finally pulled up, moving downstairs to see who it could be this time in the morning. Normally the ponies would at least wait till afternoon before trying to bust the door down.

“Oh.. its you Dinky, hi.” Twilight smiled weakly a bit surprised at the sight.

“Hello miss Twilight!” the filly beamed at her.

“What can I help you with?”

“Ditzy asked me to ask if you have any more books with adventures in them! Oh and also I was supposed to ask if you could come over, its important..!”

Twilight blinked unsure where to go with all this flood of information. One thing at the time.

“So basically you want more fairytale books?”

“Yes, with knights and princesses!”

“Alright, lets see.. please come in.” the lavender mare walked over to the bookshelves picking appropriate titles with her magic.

The little filly trotted inside looking around the library, curious as always. She soon found herself assaulting the bath of muffins that were laying around from the party last night.

“We have.. “The History of Equestria for fillies” this could be an interesting lecture and can teach a thing or two too; “Coltan the Barbarian” uh, this one is quite rough but has curious plot; “Golden Fairytales Collection” and this one has a bit of everything in it..” Twilight nodded and packed the books into her bags.

“Thank you miss Twilight.” Dinky smiled.

“If you don’t mind me asking, why does Ditzy want me to come over?”

“Oh, its not her.”

“Not? Then who?” the lavender mare raised an eyebrow.

“Mister Keeper. He is sleeping now, Ditzy said he needs a lot of rest.” the filly nodded. “He woke up for a moment and asked me to ask you if you can come over.. can you come over miss Twilight?-..”

Dinky hurried after the mare, not expecting her to rush over right away and without any convincing at that. But nonetheless she was successful on her quest and that deserved a muffin as a reward.

The antique clock rang announcing the coming of another hour. It wrapped in nicely with the expensive decorations that covered the walls.

The elegant unicorn sipped some of his tea, looking over the files piling up on his desk. The magic lifted the files presenting one after another to him, with the expression of deep boredom he put some of them back on the pile before he finally found himself on the envelope marked by Canterlot Medical University.

“How did this get in here..?” the unicorn frowned slightly opening the package.

The stallion looked through the wall of text picking only the most important information to read. By some strange reason the neighbour academy send them a request for aid in the research.

“Ponyville..” he read out loud the town name, where the patient file arrived from.

The magic opened the attachment packet on the back, viewing the pictures of the subject that the documents were tied to. With a slight frown he moved the images closer, watching them closely.. the cup of tea shattered on the floor spilling its contents on a priceless carpet.

“D-did something happen?” the secretary peeked inside alarmed by the sound.

“Bring me everyone of the higher staff in here..”

“Everyone..?” the mare blinked.

“EVERYONE!” the unicron roared at her stretching the word to its limits.

The door to his office were shut as quickly as they opened. There was no time left to be subtle, they had to act now.

The smell of newly baked muffins was more than just refreshing, a gray pegasus carefully watched the oven ready to pick them up. Protected by the gloves she set down the bath on the table. Now just had to wait for them to cool down a bit.

“D-derp!” she yelped almost sending the plate flying, when the door were slammed open behind her.

“Where is he?!” the lavender mare burst inside. “I-.. I’m sorry Ditzy.. where is he..?” she inhaled the air to calm down.

“S-sleeping..” the mailmare explained, leading her towards the bedroom.

The draft gently raised the curtains inside the room, filling the house with refreshing breath of morning air. The summer sun peeked inside the room, adding to serene and refreshing atmosphere.

The stallion was laying on the soft bed, covered with a blanket that he hardly could fit under. She blinked slowly walking up closer, a part of her afraid that like some phantom he will disappear again.

It were years since she last saw him, for a stranger it would be next to impossible to recognize an old academic librarian inside that battered stallion. The strange white stripes joined with bruises and scars from the long travels marked his coat.. but it was him, that she was sure of.

Twilight smiled softly trying to quell the tears, all the dark thoughts vanished replaced with the feeling of relief. The lavender mare gently hug him, trying to don’t disturb his sleep.

She closed her eyes for a moment, listening to his quiet heartbeat, his mane was still smelling of old books. It will be alright, she told herself. The mare pulled up and slowly backed up through the open door letting him rest.

“H-he was hurt..” Ditzy explained quietly, waiting for her outside.

“It was you who took him from the lake.. wasn’t it?” the lavender mare asked.

The gray pegasus nodded slowly-.. suddenly holding a yelp, not expecting a hug from Twilight that came right after. Her wings that sprung up in panic now lowered themselves resting along the body.

“Thank you.. for taking care of him..” the lavender mare smiled. “..but how did you get him here..?”

“I f-flied..”

“Wow, that.. that is really impressive.” Twilight blinked amazed. “I mean he is quite big..”

“He i-is.. b-but not that h-heavy..” Ditzy blushed slightly, she rarely received any compliments.

“I have to ask, why didn’t you take him to the hospital..?”

“I w-wanted to but h-he didn’t want.. s-said that there w-will be consequences.”

“I’m not sure I follow.. I guess I can ask him when he wakes up..” she sighed quietly.

“Would y-you like a muffin, Twilight?” Ditzy smiled softly.

“Yes please..” the lavender mare smiled walking over to the table with her.

With surgeon like precision the gray pegasus moved the muffins onto a plate leaving no crumb behind and finally presenting it to the new guest.

“I was afraid that something bad could have happened, when he disappeared like that.. and all of it after fighting a dragon..” Twilight looked up the tasty treats to pick on.

“D-dragon?” the gray pegasus blinked rapidly.

“Yes.. he used a very complex spell to do that, you see-..”

“W-wait..” Ditzy interrupted her upcoming lecture when the sudden realization struck her.

The gray mare knew that she saw someone like that before, she quickly approached the bookcase briefly looking over the titles. The pegasus pulled out one from her collection of books, it was the same one that she read to Dinky earlier.

“Ditzy..?” Twilight raised an eyebrow.

With a slight frown of confusion the lavender mare walked up to her side, looking at what she is trying to do, flipping through the book pages.

“H-here..” Ditzy pointed her hoof at the image on one of the pages.

It was a picture where the team of heroes fought the great evil, while the story was unoriginal the choice of characters was something symbolical - being the representatives of three pony races. Among them was the earth pony covered in strange white stripes.

“Its just a fairytale-..” the lavender mare paused when her friend moved to another page.

There was a sketch of a different angle, similar in pattern to one she just saw in the bedroom a while ago. The character did seem unique to all the others..

“..-but it doesn’t make any sense.” she shook her head at the idea.

“His n-name is ‘Azriel’.” the gray mare read it out loud.

Dinky peeked out between their legs, looking at the book curiously, she too wanted to be part of this.. thing they were doing right now.

Pushed by the warm day outside, the gentle wind hummed its song, finding its way through every opening inside the cavern. Would this force of nature have a memory, it would remember how once the place was stacked from the bottom to the top with shiny gems and coins.

Now the piles of treasure were gone, leaving behind only a large statue. Which surface slowly crumbled and shattered, when the dust filled the runic ring around it. The vile green eye lit up when its life force was reawaken, shaking off the bonds of treacherous spell.

This new feeling of relief energized her pushing away the weariness caused by the restless night. Her old friend was safe and even if not in hospital he was still in good hooves. All that the stallion needed now was time, to rest and recover. Instead of sitting idly she chose to follow up on Ditzy’s clue and for that she needed the help of her friends.

The library was packed with visitors once again, yet this time not for a party. For a change it was about a complex and demanding research, at least according to what Twilight told them.

“Pinkie Pie, I cant believe you are going to eat a day old-.. ugh..” Rarity shuddered at the sight.

“Sugar cube, could you remind us again what are we lookin’ for..?” Applejack covered herself from the cake crumbs.

“Anything that has reference to a person named “Azriel”.” the lavender mare reminded them.

“Oh, I know that name.” Fluttershy smiled. “It’s a pony from fairytales.. he had-.. oh..” she blinked recalling the stripes.

“Exactly, but we need to find how he came to be.”

“From imagination?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Well, yes.. that was my first thought but something tells me that there is more to it than just a fable.”

“So you are saying that this guy is some sort of a comic book hero?” the purple dragon scratched his head.

“Yes.. I mean, no.. I mean, I don’t know.. could you just help us, Spike?”

“How about this, Twilight? The squiggles!” the pink mare bounced around her with one of the books.

“Squiggles-..? Oh, you mean runes.." the lavender mare blinked looking at the title. "Pinkie Pie you are a genius!”

“I am?”

“Gah! Why didn’t I think of it earlier, so obvious.. Keeper was an expert on runes..!”

“So.. we can stop lookin’ now?” the orange mare looked up at her from above another book.

“No, no, there still could be an useful information to be found in these books!” Twilight nodded and trotted over to another section of the library. “I should just check the books about runes in addition to that, especially these tied to their history..”

“You mean more books?” the rainbow mane pegasus groaned.

Over the time the academic library fell into ruin, the books that still came of use were move out of the place while the rest was left there to battle their fate against the time all alone. The group of four unicorns, representatives of the high staff that commanded the entire university, walked among the collapsed shelves and piles of books.

With disgust written on their faces they entered the archives, now ridden with spider webs and everlasting dust. It was one of the oldest sections in entire academy, the place that marked its beginning. When Equestria came to be the first free ponies began to gather their knowledge here, keeping it safe for the future generations so they could learn on their mistakes rather than repeat them.

“This fool trifled with old runes..” the arch chancellor shoved the books around, looking for clues.

“Last time I checked there were no solid data on them, all that’s left is in here.. and its just brief historical information.” the mare with glasses said while lowering her head to don’t get hit by the flying scientific material.

“Then how do you explain this.” he shoved the photo into his colleague face.

“Are you trying to say that he somehow got hold of the incantation of Azriel?” she raised an eyebrow.

“That’s exactly what I’m trying to say!”

“What does this have to do with us?” the youngest unicorn in group asked, most clueless by the looks of it.

“Everything! He conducted these research under our noses and took materials from our supply!” the arch chancellor growled.

“Well, we could ask princess Celestia for help.”

“Brilliant idea..! If it wasn’t that she would blame us for this!”

“I have better one, we could deal with it ourselves.. make him disappear.” the elegant unicorn spoke up.

“Are you crazy?!”

“You knew that it might just come to it when you agreed to this years ago.”

“That was different, we were just supposed to encourage him to leave..!”

“And we did.. better yet, he disappeared. What do you think will happen when he returns?”

They paused, allowing the silence to befall them. It was hard to tell what was more dreadful about the stallion who just made such suggestion.. his ways of dealing with the others or the calm tone of voice which he used to manifest them.

“We will depart in a hour..” the arch chancellor nodded slowly.

It was looking like a twister would just make a pass through the library. The purple dragon groaned to himself seeing the piles of books still stacking up, it would mean more and more work for him once they will be done. But there was no stopping to them now..

“I think I have something here..” Twilight announced from above her book.

“Thank goodness..” Applejack let out a sigh of relief.

The orange mare groaned trapped behind the wobbly wall of books that was build around them, with the help of Fluttershy she was trying to get out of the treacherous trap.. which collapsed on the floor soon after she escaped.

“It looks like the first runes known to us were created by the earth ponies in the times before Equestria even existed. I guess this ‘Azriel’ played a major part in their creation..” she frowned slightly jumping through the pages.

“Something the matter, dear?” Rarity asked.

“Its just that.. the first ones were very.. gruesome..”

“How gruesome?” Rainbow Dash frowned.

“They used blood and bone dust..”

“T-that’s awful..! Why would they do something like that..?” the yellow pegasus gulped.

“..because they had no other choice..” said the weak manly voice.

The group of mares looked up at each other in confusion, before finding the source of the voice at the door. The gray stallion with white stripes cautiously walked inside the library, still not in perfect health. Ditzy accompanied him on this travel, to make sure he wont simply collapse on the way.

“Hello Twilight..” the old librarian gave her a sad smile.

Chapter 5

The sound of hoofsteps echoed through the empty academic hallway, where the great minds of old were staring down at the intruders from the paintings that decorated the walls.

“Where are we heading, Maven?” the old unicorn asked walking alongside his colleague.

“Ponyville, arch chancellor.” The elegant stallion respond dryly.

“A peculiar little town, famous for its Zap Apples if I recall correctly.. but what is he trying to find in there?”

“Not what, but who. Princess Celestia’s student resides there, one that was Keeper’s assistant before his sudden disappearance.”

“If princess will learn about this..”

“She won’t. You worry too much, I have it all under control..” the elegant stallion smirked pushing open the door before them. “Meet our escort.”

The pair of old wrinkled eyes widen at the sight behind the gate, mouth left hanging agape for a moment before the arch chancellor finally uttered.

“A-are you insane..?”

A few rows of armored ponies were standing at attention in the secluded part of academy, saluting them with respect. Their attire decorated with protective wards made for an occasion like this.

The librarian packed last one of his books ready to leave the aula after filling up for one of the missing lecturers. The session had to take place after all that was what the students were paying for, even if its earth pony to teach them. He threw the bags onto his back heading outside, turning off the lights on the way.

The hallway was empty at this hour, with an exception for him and another pony who apparently was waiting for someone. With a slight frown he turned his sight towards the elegant unicorn.

“Maven..” the librarian spoke the name out with irritation.

“Its ‘lord royal auditor Maven’.” the unicorn smiled ignoring his tone.

“Of course, I did not mean to disrespect..”

“Of course..” the elegant stallion faked a chuckle. “Let us walk for a moment, we need to talk.”

“I will not sign the resignation..” Keeper repeated out of habit while resuming his walk towards the library.

“No, no, no.. its not about that.” Maven sighed dramatically. “I already learned that nothing gets through that thick skull of yours. No matter how many times you would get thrown down the stairs, beaten up or poisoned.”

The librarian stopped in his tracks staring down at the unicorn. Over the years when he was a subject to such ‘accidents’ he was already well aware of who was behind it all.. but openly admitting it was a whole different thing, why to drop the charade now?

“I see that I peeked your interest?” the unicorn smirked. “Now you are probably asking yourself what is to stop you from repeating what I just said to the authorities.. but I think you are past trying the law to help you. Because how many times already have you done that and who they did believe?”

“Speak your part and be gone..” Keeper narrowed his eyes continuing the walk.

“Keeper, Keeper.. I hope that you do understand that this is nothing personal, its just business. Think about it this way, like parents of our students do. When you are rich and bought already everything that could make you happy.. what else can you spend your money for?”

The librarian remained silent, his gaze fixed at the door at the end of hallway.

“Prestige, my friend. They have nothing else to buy, so they spend it on their status.. to feel better about themselves, or more likely better than their neighbours. This is what this academy is about.. do you think these rich colts and fillies come here to study? Nah, vast majority of them are here to graduate to let them and their family shine above other ponies..”

“Do you think I care what they came here for?”

“No, I don’t think you do. That’s why I feel a bit sorry for you, being caught in the middle of rich ponies game. They wanted to get rid of you and I was here to make things happen, things like ‘encouraging you’ to leave.”

“Why are you telling me all this?”

“Because recently I have made an interesting discovery.” the elegant unicorn smirked at him once again. “It seems that somepony was trying his best to conceal a strange order in the academic records, that being quite a few boxes of bones from our neighbour Medical University.”

“Interesting.” the librarian respond calmly.

“I think we both know who that was.. and what these bones were used for.” Maven chuckled. “Old runes, eh? Relics of the War of Three Kingdoms.”

“The research are not illegal.”

“No, but they are greatly frowned upon.. it could be a solid reason to kick you out of here.” the elegant unicorn nodded slowly. “..but I think there is a more ‘worthwhile’ solution to this problem.”

“What are you talking about?” the librarian frowned.

“I know that you are working on incantation of Azriel, Keeper. It could be worth a lot of bits to some ponies.. enough even to compensate for all the pleas I receive about removing you from here. Once your research will be complete you will present the results on my desk.”

“And what if I don’t?” the librarian blocked his way.

“Since we already established that your skull is too thick for the ‘art of persuasion’, I guess I will have to shift my focus to your assistant.. what was her name? Ah yes, Twilight Sparkle.”

“You are mad if you think you can try your tricks with princess Celestia’s student..”

“Don’t worry about me, it will look like accident-..”

Maven gasped for breath while the sound of impact still echoed through the empty hallway. The marble wall cracked slightly when the librarian smashed him against it. The elegant unicorn groaned pitifully, held up vertically with a hoof pressing against his throat.

“If anything will happen to her, if she will even sneeze in a weird way.. then I will find you and no force in this world or beyond will be able to stop me.” Keeper spoke through his teeth, all his calmness vanished in a blink of an eye replaced by fury. “I will break you into so many little pieces that they will never be able to put you back together..”

“So.. I take.. it.. as a.. yes..?” the elegant unicorn spoke gasping for air.

Keeper grit his teeth fighting the pain while wearing a mask of smile on the outside. The stallion returned the embrace gently wrapping a hoof around the lavender mare. When she hung on his neck hugging him tightly part of her weight was shifted onto his back for support.. reminding him quite clearly about some of the injuries he sustained there.

“Bleh-.. ow!”

The baby dragon’s soundly disapproval to the sight before him was quickly quelled by an orange mare who bonked him in the back of the head.

“Ah think we are done for today y’all.. lets get ourselves a snack and some rest.” Applejack nodded at her friends, leading the group outside.

“Um, you could come with us if you want, Spike..” Fluttershy asked softly.

“Me? But who will-..” the purple dragon paused taking a moment to realize what their glares are about. “O-oh, gotcha.”

“Come Ditzy! We still have some blueberry muffins left at Sugar Cube Corner!” Pinkie announced cheerfully while bouncing her way outside.

The gray pegasus nodded politely accepting the offer, while she didn’t like crowds after witnessing the scene she couldn’t help it but smile and muffins could only make the day better. The mare gave them one more look before leaving with others.

The lavender unicorn smiled at her friends thankful for their consideration at the time like this, she and the old librarian had a lot of catching up to do.

“I have so much to show you..! I have my own library now! But you already know about that..” the lavender mare beamed at him giggling happily, excited like a little filly on her birthday. “I have my very own collection of Starswirl’s books! Princess Celestia gave them to me as a gift when I moved into Ponyville. Let me show you-..”

Twilight made it as far as next step when the door were slammed open and the group that just left a second ago now rushed back inside. All of them wearing panicked expressions, quickly blocking the door with what was laying around.

“We are mighty sorry for interruptin’, b-but there is a-..” Applejack gulped audibly.

A savage roar shook the entire library, causing the last few books to fell off the shelves joining the already piles on the floor that gathered during their research.

“..a d-dragon..” Fluttershy whimpered from under the table.

“..its big, green and mean..” Spike added shivering.

“Someone must have broken your rune..” Twilight looked up at her old friend.

“How do you..?” the librarian paused but stopped himself from asking, this wasn’t the right time. “..I did not expect it to last forever, the environment would destroy it sooner or later. What exactly is this dragon doing right now?” he asked, his crippled sight wandering towards the window.

“What do you think it is doing?! ..it just flied into Ponyville and tore off a roof from building!” Rainbow Dash growled.

“Something must have happened, it wouldn’t leave its hoard unattended. I assume you were at that cave when it was still trapped.. did you take anything?” Keeper asked looking from one to another.

“Pray tell, why are you all looking at me?” the alabaster unicorn frowned at them.

“Rarity, did you take anything from the cave..?” Twilight asked with raised eyebrow.

“I.. well, I ‘might’ have rescued a sea sapphire tiara from the eternity in that dusty dark cave..” she smiled nervously.

“Perhaps it has more value to this beast than we know.. I need you to get it and bring back here, miss Rarity.” the librarian nodded.

“But.. the dragon?” the alabaster unicorn blinked.

“We will keep it busy.”

“You have a plan?” Twilight asked smiling.

Another roof came off the building torn by the brutal swing, the air filled itself with even more panicked screams of running ponies. The giant beast roared irritated, stomping over to another house with a desire to do the same.

“Hey you! Yeah I’m talking to you!” a raspy feminine voice came from behind.

The dragon frowned, slightly turning his head to find the speaker. Smoke puffed out of his nostrils upon noticing the rainbow mane pegasus, the puny creature wasn’t covering in fear before him.. it was doing “something” else..

“You ca-an’t catch me!” Rainbow Dash stick out tongue at him making silly faces. “Nyah-nyah-nyah-..!”

The insolence! An angry roar shook the town once again when the giant charged after the flying pony. With a quiet yelp the pegasus broke her speed record, soaring not far above the wider streets of Ponyville, choosing ones that could actually fit her pursuer and avoid more destruction on the way.

After a few sharp turns between buildings the exhausting chase finally came to an end. His new prey stopped, her path blocked by a strange light green wall. With a mischievous smirk the dragon reached out for her with razor sharp claws.. a small frown of doubt appeared on draconic face upon noticing that the pegasus is still not trembling..

The rainbow mane pegasus leaned against the ‘wall’ in casual pose, letting out a hearty yawn to annoy the dragon even further. Once the beast was near she only smirked and pointed up.

Unwillingly beast’s sight followed that direction noticing a moment too late how the giant scaled fist is falling down onto him. Like a smith’s hammer landing onto anvil, maybe even with similar ring, the beast’s head bounced on the ground K.O.’d.

“Oh yeah! That’s what you get for messing with Ponyville!” Rainbow Dash grinned. “High hoof Spike! Woah-..!”

“Be careful Spike!” Twilight called from below, catching the rainbow mane pegasus with her magic before she would crash into something. “You don’t know your own strength in this form!”

“Sorry..” the deep menacing voice sounded above their heads.

The massive purple dragon lowered his head, while under the effect of growth spell he was almost twice as big as the dragon that attacked their town. Such advantage provided them with enough force to stop the attacker from wrecking more havoc. Stopping the panic however could take some time, especially when everypony saw another dragon coming into town.

“I’m alright!” Rainbow Dash grinned. “..and that was awesome! Not nearly as awesome as I am.. but still pretty awesome.”

“That was indeed an amazing performance.” the alabaster unicorn complimented them.

“How long will the spell hold?” Twilight asked the old librarian.

“It depends on how much power you have put into it, Twilight. My guess would be an hour.” Keeper stated, teaching her this very spell a bit earlier.

The green wyrm’s eyes were still spinning after the initial blow, once mighty town destroyer was now laying in the dirt before the purple dragon.

“Could you try and wake him up?” the gray stallion turn his head up with the question.

Spike picked up his distant cousin by the neck, shaking up a bit. It took a good moment before the green wyrm opened its eyes, waking up just to see the nightmare before him.

“Why did you attack Ponyville?” Twilight pointed her blaming hoof at the dragon.

“..b-because you stole my hoard..” the recent town destroyer whimpered, his eyes moving between ponies and the purple giant who gripped his neck.

“Oh um.. you could just talk to us and we would return it..” Fluttershy said quietly.

“It-.. it’s a crime to hide such beautiful gem from the world.. but here, have it back..” the alabaster unicorn placed the tiara down on the ground after a dramatic and heartbreaking scene.

“Uh.. and the rest?” the captive dragon blinked.

“I beg your pardon? What do you mean ‘the rest’..?” Rarity blinked.

“You stole all of it..!” he growled irritated.

“You will address lady Rarity with respect, ruffian!” the purple dragon thundered raising his fist.

The mares grimaced at the brutal scene before them.. after which the green dragon was made a bit more cooperative.

“Wait.. what do you mean all of it? Is your whole hoard missing?” Twilight raised an eyebrow.

“..yesh..” the green dragon whimpered pathetically, while in thought counting the broken teeth.

“We didn’t take your whole hoard.. it would take an entire village to move it all in one night..” the lavender mare scratched her head.

“Oh I think I have a good idea who could that be..” Rarity rolled her eyes, earning herself a few puzzled stares.

The sight of two giants leaving their town allowed all ponies to let out a sigh of relief, the crisis has been averted. Now they had to focus on fixing the damage caused by the visit of their dragon neighbour.

The team of elements had the unique chance to ride on the back of mature Spike while escorting the green troublemaker out of the Ponyville. The path led them towards the mountains, to solve mystery of the missing hoard.

Ditzy waved at them, just before the group disappeared from sight upon entering the forest. She was quite happy that they decided to leave her out of the loop, not used to dangerous adventures such as this one.

The gray pegasus dived down landing on the soft grass, nearby the librarian. The stallion too watched the departure with his crippled sight, however it was the injuries that prevented him from even considering such travel.

“I didn’t have the chance to thank you properly for saving my coat, miss Ditzy.” the stallion spoke up noticing her near.

The gray mare smiled in response, lowering her head after a second remembering that he cant even see it.

“I wish I had something that I could offer you for all the kindness you have shown me.” he smiled.

The mare looked at her hooves, nervous by the situation and somewhat glad that he cant see her like this.

“Would consider joining me for a walk, miss Ditzy?” the librarian asked after a brief moment of silence.

Finally the last mining cart was emptied, adding to already ridiculous amounts of treasure that was packed inside the chaotic cave system. They managed to move it all out and just before the previous owner of the riches woke up. The three shady figures took a dive into the piles of treasure that was stacked inside their hideout.

“Gemsss! So many gemss!” the large one called out.

“Now stupid ponies will have to deal with dragon! We outsmart them!” the small overexcited stated.

The leader of diamond dogs, stretched out laying back on the pile of gems enjoying the presence of immerse wealth around him.. with a slight frown he opened one eye seeing the small pebbles falling from the ceiling on the top of his head.

“Told you morons not to dig under columns!” Rover shook his fist at them.

The minions looked up at eachother confused. Soon a strange noise of digging caught up with their ears, getting stronger by the second. Curious of the disturbance they moved their gaze up at the ceiling.

The large green claw finally breached through the surface of rocks, pulling out the rubble and tossing aside. The newly created opening above their heads let some sunlight it, shining at stunned diamond dogs.

“Hi!” the pink mare waved her hoof at them, standing on ledge above.

“Hello.” the largest dog waved back, instantly getting slapped by their leader.

The large dragon head peeked down, blocking the sun. With howls of terror and panic coming from diamond dogs the cave was soon clear of their presence, leaving nothing but the dust behind.. with exception to the piles of treasure overflowing the cavern.

The green wyrm widened the opening and dived down into the cave, hastily pulling out all the stolen treasures hidden there. Pile by pile it was slowly stacking it up on the surface.

“Now.. what do you have to say, mister dragon?” Fluttershy asked with a soft smile.

“Uh.. I’m sorry..?” the green wyrm hazarded with a response that normally wouldn’t leave its maw, his frighten gaze still fixed on Spike however.

The yellow pegasus nodded with appreciation.

“I guess.. it’s the time to say goodbye..” Rarity said holding the sea sapphire tiara.

The alabaster unicorn gently set it down next to the riches that the green dragon already managed to excavate. With pained expression she turned around ready to walk away.

“Rarity..” Twilight said with a soft smile.

“It has to be that way.” the alabaster unicorn nodded with a brave face.

“I don’t think he shares that thought, look.” the lavender mare smiled.

A slight frown of surprise appeared on Rarity’s face, when turned around to see the tiara resting on the palm of giant green claw.

“Oh.. are-.. are you sure?” the alabaster unicorn asked.

The large head nodded, presenting a battered wall of teeth that in rare occasions could be taken for a honest smile.

“Thank you..” Rarity smiled touched by the gesture of generosity.

The green wyrm still smiled despite the sweat gathering on its forehead. The beast’s sight moved back up at the purple dragon who “encouraged” him to do so in the first place. Spike cracked his claws and nodded, in a visual suggestion that this was the right to do.. unless of course someone wanted to risk losing more than just teeth.

“I think we are done here.” Twilight nodded with a smile.

“I don’t know about you..” Spike’s voice thundered above them, yet with every word it got softer and more squeaky. “..but I’m starving-.. hey, what is going on with my voice?”

The purple dragon was covered by the bright light announcing the end of growth spell, with a quiet poof he was back the old baby self. The purple magic quickly caught him midair and gently lowered onto Twilight’s back.

“Just in time I might add..” the lavender mare giggled. “We wouldn’t want to have to feed a mature dragon.”

They all laughed together slowly setting off for Ponyville. Spike however didn’t share their cheerfulness, nervously grinning at the green dragon that towered behind them. Angry, obviously.

“Uh I think it would be better if we ran..” the baby dragon whimpered gently pulling the purple mane.

“Huh?” Twilight blinked.

“Run!” Spike shouted.

“Gah! What the-..”

They all coughed heavily engulfed by thick black smoke, which was deliberately puffed out at them.

“Well someone here has mood swings!” Pinkie Pie frowned bouncing her way through the forest with the group running after her.

The dragon narrowed his eyes, seeing them run. He had to chose between the two, revenge or greed. While following the first one he would risk losing his hoard again.

The green giant scratched his and turned around to collect the rest of the treasure, he still had to get it back to his nest. Besides if it wasn’t for the ponies he wouldn’t be able to recover it in the first place.. perhaps they weren’t so bad. But he will get back on that purple dragon one day..

A soft smile appeared on his face, looking at the surface of the river nearby, he couldn’t see the sunrays reflecting off the surface, the family of fish swimming underneath or even the flowers that decorated it at the shore. But he could remember them, the way these things were when he still could see.

They stopped at the small clearing overlooking Ponyville from the edge of the forest, here they could rest and relax among the wonders of nature. It would be unwise to parade through the town after his “great escape” from the hospital, in small village like this the gossip traveled far and wide. His presence would raise questions now, questions that he shouldn’t answer.

Ditzy shifted slightly in her calm sleep, fixing her position on a strange fuzzy pillow. Wandering away into colorful dreams.

Keeper turned his head slightly, looking at the napping gray mare. After the long night that she spent trying to patch him up it was no surprise that she was exhausted, now simply falling asleep on the spot. He didn’t even blink an eye to protest when she unintentionally cuddled up to his side, allowing her to rest undisturbed.

It was a strange warm feeling after all these years, to be distracted from all the problems in the world once again. Feeling the warm sun on the coat, hearing the humming of the birds and water splashing in the tiny waterfall somewhere nearby.

A part of him was wishing that that he could see more than just her bright energy and shape outlined by magic, wondering how would his old eyes portrait her.

When bird’s song rose an octave too high the mare opened her eyes even so slightly. Being tired and sleepy it took her a moment to recognize the soft gray coat with stripes under her head.

Keeper shoot bolt upright, looking up at the horizon, the calmness suddenly replaced by dread.

“I-I’m sorry..!” she yelped embarrassed, pulling up as well.

“Listen to me.” the librarian looked up at her, his expression dead serious. “There is a book inside one of my bags, they are still at your house. You must take it to Twilight, she will know what to do.” he spoke quickly.

“I.. d-don’t understand..”

“There is no time, they will be here soon. You need to go, miss Ditzy. Before they see you here..”

She opened her mouth to say something, yet not a sound made it out when he placed hoof on her lips, silencing the countless questions that gathered inside her.

“Go, please.. and thank you, for everything.” Keeper nodded slowly.

The gray pegasus blinked hopelessly confused, failing to wrap her thoughts around what is happening. Following the request she spread her wings and took off flying back to the town. She turned her head a bit to look at the stallion before he would disappear once again.. no, not this time. Ditzy took a sharp turn and dived down into the forest instead, watching.

The stallion fixed his gaze at the horizon, now he could see them clearly, like a hungry savage swarm ready to devour. Their life essences and magic shining brightly before his eyes. It had to come to this sooner or later after he crossed Equestria’s borders. The Spellbreakers.