Chapter Eleven
The history section was one that the Vermilibris had yet to reach, so Derpy grabbed a few promising looking books in her mouth and dashed back to place them safely with the others. Once all the worthwhile books were saved, she began checking the indices for mentions of a Vermilibri, or anything similar.

She finally found the only lead in a list of illustrations for a book named 'Ye Olde Magicks & Poweres', which looked as if it had been written before Equestria was even founded. It turned out to be hoof-written by a scribe, but the illustration was beautifully coloured and detailed. It showed a much larger Vermilibri engaged in some kind of combat with a unicorn wearing a cape, but the text that accompanied it was vague.

'Ye Vermilibri hath batteld fairely, nott that the magicks unicornia cud effekt. Nowledge muste bee employede.'

This was almost meaningless to Derpy, who could barely read the dense script. There was no further mention of a Vermilibri, and the dating system used in the book was older than anything used in Equestria. Frustrated, Derpy put the book with her mathematics book for safekeeping, meaning to show it to Twilight later so that she might be able to have a go at deciphering it.

To pass the time, Derpy went to see what the Vermilibri was doing. It had finished the section it was on and had doubled in size, and was now using its fearsome jaws to chomp through two shelves at a time, systematically reducing the cookery and art sections to empty covers. A librarian was tidying up what was left of the library, and looked very nervous and afraid.

“Professor, what are we going to do? You can't wait here for Twilight's reply!” The librarian said, standing beside Derpy and watching the monster.
“I must wait for the reply... there's nothing else I can usefully do, I'm afraid.”
“There is... one thing. Please come with me.”

She led Derpy to a corner of the library, away from the Vermilibri.
“Well... you could fly to Cloudsdale and find some warriors... they might be able to attack and defeat it.” She said, her voice trembling.
“The illustration I found shows the Vermilibri battling with a unicorn, so I think magic is needed to defeat it, not just strength and speed.”
“Are you sure? It's just sitting there... helpless.”
“I'm sure, sorry. We need a powerful unicorn, like Twilight Sparkle, or powerful magic like Princess Celestia's. Have you heard back from the Princess?”
“No, sorry Professor.”

However, as the words left the librarian's mouth, a messenger dropped off a tightly-wound scroll at the library door. Derpy unrolled it and read the message, which bore the royal seal.

Professor Hooves,

I request that you come to the palace at the earlier opportunity. I must discuss the emergency with you.

Princess Celestia

Since there was no reason to hang around, Derpy quickly said goodbye to the librarian and took off for the spires of the Royal Palace at top speed. She was nothing like as fast as Rainbow Dash, but she could put on a turn of speed when she needed to.

One of the Royal Grooms was waiting at the front gate to guide Derpy to the throne room. The impressive carpets and ceilings always filled Derpy with awe, but this was the first time she had been permitted entry to the throne room, where the Princess sat. She just wished it had happened in happier times.
“Professor?” The Princess said in her soft voice, calling down the length of the room as the groom opened the door for Derpy.
Derpy hurried forwards to stand before the Princess, who was seated on her elaborate throne.
“Yes, your highness?” She enquired, curtsying deeply.

“Professor, I have received word of the problem at the library. This Vermilibri infestation could have serious consequences for the whole of Equestria, if not the world. I cannot impress upon you enough the graveness of the situation.”
This was the first time that Derpy had heard the Princess sound worried, and it sent a chill through her body.
“Of course, your highness.”
“These Vermilibri have not been heard of since times of old, and I believed that they simply did not exist in Equestria.”
“So you know about them?” Derpy was hopeful that the Princess, in her infinite wisdom, might have a solution.

“I'm afraid not. I have only heard myths from times gone by, passed down by my ancestors. However, I do know that if this Vermilibri is unchecked, it will grow to unlimited size and consume everything in its path, pony or not.”
Derpy nodded, her mind reeling.
“Professor, I do not think that you will find anyone in Equestria who is able to tell you anything about the Vermilibris. They were nearly forgotten in the days of Commander Hurricane and Chancellor Puddinghead.”
“So what do you suggest, your highness?”

The Princess paused for a few moments to consider her reply.
“Professor, I must ask you to fly west again. Do you remember the city you found?”
“Of course, your highness.” Derpy blushed a little at the memory of flying west instead of south during winter wrap-up. It wasn't really her fault – she'd followed the wrong fork of a path in the ground and flown miles before realising her mistake. The advantage was that she spotted a pony city in the distance that wasn't on any maps of Equestria. Upon her return, she'd informed the Princess of the discovery.

“Well, I have been communicating with the Mayor there, and their community is an ancient one. Far older than Equestria. Their library may be of some use. Professor, I think you should fly there.” The Princess finished, bowing her head a little.
“If that is what you ask, your highness.” Derpy said, curtsying again and stepping backwards. “I will report back as soon as I have visited.”

Chapter Twelve
Before setting off, Derpy wanted to get some rest, since she'd been up since early that morning. By the time she had gone back to the library to collect the book and flown to Ponyville in the pitch black, it was almost dawn. She dropped off the ancient book in the care of Spike, then flew hope and collapsed onto her bed. She needed her energy for the long journey, and she had soon fallen asleep.

The next day felt very cold, so Derpy put on a scarf and wrapped it tightly around herself, so that it wouldn't fall off in flight. No time to waste, she packed some apples into her saddlebags then took off, heading due west.
The path she had accidentally followed the previous winter was clearly visible below and the trip was not a difficult one. Being at altitude meant that the cold was biting at her wings, but Derpy was determined to do her bit for the Princess and reach the city. The thought of the library being consumed in her absence also drove her onwards.

The only problem was, as she approached the far west, a swirling mass of icy clouds descended and soon Derpy found herself diving and ducking towards the ground, avoiding the stinging sleet and hail that the weather was bringing.
The pegasus wondered why the weather ponies would schedule such a vicious storm so soon after Hearth's Warming Eve, but then she caught herself wondering. Of course, outside of Equestria, other ponies didn't celebrate the holiday.

It didn't take long for Derpy to be disoriented and lost. The path below her was nearly obscured by the total whiteness, and she decided the best course of action was to land and then continue on foot. It would be slightly warmer and less dangerous too.
The path wound its way through gentle hills that appeared suddenly out of the blizzard as Derpy walked along. Her hooves were feeling the cold as the snow stacked up and crunched underneath them.

All the while, the storm just kept getting worse. Having worked with Rainbow Dash and the weather team in Ponyville, Derpy couldn't understand why the storm was so intense. It seemed as if nopony had control over the weather, and it was just running wild and untamed. Surely the earth ponies responsible for growing food would object to such a storm being unleashed?

Derpy sheltered in a thicket while the storm raged. The snow was freezing, but it had nothing on the wind, which was blowing the snow into Derpy's wings where it stuck fast and froze.
To pass the time, Derpy watched her breath rising into the trees and thought about Ponyville, and how calm the weather was there. All the time she kept an ear out for Timberwolves and Windigoes, hoping that she would hear nothing but the wind whistling.

Thankfully the wind died down and the storm just turned into steady snowfall. Derpy made a move, taking off carefully and hugging the ground. Flying higher was too cold. She flew quickly and hoped to break through the storm and hit clearer skies further along. But it was obvious that something was up. As she flew she was getting colder and colder, yet the weather was merely improving. The snow was thinning and Derpy thought she could see the sun occasionally break through.

Derpy could feel the ground rushing by below her as she pushed through the final curtain of snow, her teeth chattering. But then she looked up and stopped suddenly, her hooves skidding across the pure, unbroken white snow on the plain.
Ahead, the landscape was amazing. Just seeing it struck a bolt of dread into Derpy, and her eyes widened.

The sun was sitting in the middle of a huge disc of blue in the middle of the sky, but the sky was a perfect circle, surrounded by a swirling circle of clouds. The snow was dazzling as Derpy tentatively stepped forwards. The improved weather was better than flying through the snow, but it was intensely cold. Derpy could see her breath floating in the air. Spooked, she set off at a gallop before taking off and flying as low as possible.

The perfect circle and the sun was scarier than the most vicious blizzard, so Derpy made straight for the other side, passing trees and fields as she did so. The stillness was also unnerving, with nopony or animal in sight. Nor was there any wind.
The swirling wall of cloud approached quickly, and Derpy was glad to dive into it and find herself pelted by snow once again. It was much better than the creepy silence that she had been stuck in. A violent gust blew her to one side, but she was determined to reach shelter in the far-off city before she rested again.

By forcing herself to keep going, the Derpy found that the weather began to clear. As she reached the clearer fringe of the storm, the wind was suddenly behind her and pushed her onwards over the mountains that had suddenly appeared. Derpy remembered the mountains being on the edges of the city, much like in Canterlot. But she did realise that if the wind was blowing the storm towards the city, they were in for a pretty hard time very soon, unless the weather ponies had a trick up their sleeves.

Derpy skimmed over a mountain top and found herself looking down as a bustling, snow-covered city in the valley below. It looked exactly as she recalled, with a river running through the centre and reflecting the bright winter sun.
She dived down and headed for the city centre, hoping to bump into someone who knew how to get to the mayor's office. She needed to ask about the ancient knowledge, and warn them about the storm.

Chapter Thirteen
Derpy didn't know the name of the city when she first touched down on the wide central avenue, scattering the powdery snow. A glance around told her all she needed to know; Collisia Antiques, Collisia Café, Collisia Grand Park. Derpy tapped a passing unicorn and smiled politely.
“Um, hi? I'm looking for the mayor's office.”
“Le Mayor's offeece?”
“That's right... the town hall?”
“Ah, oui. Er, take ze fourst rud a droit...”
“I'm sorry, I don't really understand.”

The unicorn nodded and scratched a map into the snow with her hoof.
“Yez?” She asked, pointing to it.
Derpy examined the lines, and worked out which was was which.
“Yes, thankyou.” She said, nodding her head.
The unicorn went on her way, and Derpy noted the directions mentally before following them. The ponies in Collisia spoke in a strange accent, and used words she didn't understand properly. She had never encountered this.

The town hall was a small, modest affair, little more than a grand house on a side street. Derpy knocked on the door and waited to see if anyone would answer.
“Bonjour?”
“Er... hello. I'm here to see the mayor?”
“Oh, you are from the east? Please, come in.”

Derpy pondered the comment as she stepped inside and shook the snow from her hooves and mane.
“Please, go straight up. He's expecting you.” The secretary who had welcomed Derpy said.
Derpy nodded her thanks and made her way up the stairs. At the top were a few doors, but one had the official-looking plaque that suggested it was an important person's office.
She knocked gently on the door.
“Entree!”
Derpy took that to mean 'come in' and stepped inside.

The office was very lavish, with potted plants and expensive paints adorning the walls. The mayor himself was sat in a huge armchair behind an impressive wooden desk.
“Professeur? Oh, apologies. Professor?” He said, correcting himself.
“Mayor.” Derpy took a seat in the offered chair across the desk.
“May I just say, it is a pleasure meeting such a delightful mare such as yourself.”

Derpy blushed at the compliment.
“You're very kind.”
“So, Professor, I hear you have come to see me with some kind of problem? Your Princess and I have been exchanging letters.”
“Yes, Mr. Mayor. Well, I'm not sure where to start.”
“Start wherever you want. I am not in a rush today.”

“Well, are you aware that a storm is heading straight for Collisia?” Derpy tried first.
“Ah yes, our weather ponies have reported that. Hopefully we can just weather it... we often get winter storms coming from the eastern plains.”
“It's a particularly vicious one... worse than anything I've ever seen in Equestria.”
“Hmm. I'll send a weather pony to check it out. We don't want to be complacent.”

The mayor stepped outside and had a quick discussion in the strange Collisian language with his secretary, before returning to his seat behind the desk.
“So, I assume that is not why you came to see me? The Princess was very insistent that you be allocated the highest priority.”
“No, Mr. Mayor. I... may I ask a question, first?”
“Of course. I am at your disposal.”
“Why do you speak... well, in the way that you do?”

“Ah, you mean the Collisian tongue? Everypony in Collisia speaks Collisian. Just like everypony in Equestria speaks like you do.”
Derpy considered this for a moment. “I didn't know that. I thought everypony spoke the same language.”
“Well, now you know. Few in Collisia can speak like you and I are now.”
“That explains it. The unicorn I stopped in the street found it hard to understand me.”
The Mayor laughed kindly. “That was to be expected, I'm afraid.”

Derpy smiled at the friendly Mayor.
“Thank you for speaking with me like this... it must be difficult for you to learn both languages.”
“A Professor, telling me it's difficult to learn? Non non non, I must thank you. For, of course, I was educated at the university of Canterlot.”
“Wow... that's amazing.”
“Your university is the very best. But we must not get sidetracked. Why are you and Princess Celestia suddenly interested in Collisia?”

Carefully and slowly, Derpy explained about the Vermilibri and the lack of knowledge about them in Equestria. While it was unfolded, the Mayor nodded and listened closely.
Derpy finished, sounding a little worried. “So you see, we were hoping you might be able to help us.”
The Mayor smiled and flicked his lavish mane back across his shoulder. “I cannot help you, but the magical institute here probably can. You have heard of Starswirl the Bearded, yes?”
“Well, I must admit that I hadn't until my friend Twilight explained who he was recently.”
“He founded the magical institute of Collisia. Short of Princess Celestia's personal tuition, I believe it may be the best place for magical knowledge.”

“There is an extensive library of ancient magical texts there. The Professors there will be glad to translate for you.” The Mayor chuckled. “I think they may be very pleased to meet you. I'm afraid we're a little old fashioned here in Collisia, and we have few female academics. I hear it's quite different in Equestria.”
“I suppose. If you don't mind, Mr. Mayor, I'll go straight to the institute now. No time to waste.”
“Of course. I wish you the best of luck.”

The institute was in a funny garden area on the outskirts of the city, but Derpy found it easily from the air. The magical aura was unmistakeable, and the plants around the building grew in twisted shapes.
Derpy found herself knocking on her third door of the afternoon, but this one was made out of a strange wood, one that seemed to sparkle when the sun shone on it.
A short, bespectacled colt opened the door, causing a small amount of snow to topple across the doorstep and into the building.

Chapter Fourteen
“Uh, bonjour?”
“I... um, hi. I'm here from the Mayor's office?”
“Je ne... une moment.”
The little colt disappeared, but a taller looking pony appeared moments later, wearing a pointed hat.
“Welcome to Collisia Institute of Magic. May I ask your name?” He said, bowing slightly.

“I'm Derpy Hooves, from Equestria. The Mayor sent me...”
“Of course, please come in. I'll take you straight to the library.”
He trotted away, expecting Derpy to follow along. “I am Professor Dusk Music. I can translate for you.”
“Why thank you.”
“You should ignore the others at this institution. Many of them are merely frivolous students.”
As he said this, Derpy noticed ponies standing around looking at her, muttering to one another in lowered voices.

The library wasn't very big, not even half the size of Ponyville's. Professor Music stood to one side to allow Derpy entry.
“You may look at anything you like, just be careful with the older books. They can be fragile. The section on magical foes is at the back, in the corner.”
“Thank you, Professor.”
Derpy made her way to the appropriate section and began picking out the books. The only problem was, the Vermilibri still seemed elusive, and all the books were in Collisian.

“Professor Music? Could you translate these indices for me? I'm looking for mentions of a Vermilibri.”
“Of course. Give me a few moments.”
The stiff Professor used one hand to steady his hat while he checked the tiny text for signs of the right word.
“I'm afraid there's nothing... Miss Hooves.”
“Oh, you can call me Derpy. Or Professor.”

“You are a Professor?” He didn't seem convinced.
“Of course. I am Professor of Mathematics at Canterlot University.”
“Oh... my apologies, Professor.”
“Thank you.” Derpy said, a little righteously. “Now, please look in the next few books. There must be something in these older ones.”

Their search was not in vain. Two books had writings on a Vermilibri, but neither of them were very descriptive and said that it was 'ye olde magick'.
Frustrated, Derpy scanned the remainder of the library for anything promising, but there didn't seem to be anything.
“Can I be of any further assistance, Professor?” Professor Magic said, holding a stack of books.
“You could keep looking through the books for anything about a Vermilibri. If you find anything, tell the Mayor. He can contact the Princess in Equestria.”
“Of course, Professor. I will do that.”

He left Derpy to show herself out. She opened the door to the library to find a large number of students, and members of the faculty, rapidly retreating from the door.
She made her way back towards the door, but before she could get there, an elderly pony in an impressive hat stopped her.
“Excuse me Professor, but I am Professor Tree. I couldn't help overhearing your conversation with Professor Music...”
'Couldn't help overhearing', more like 'wanted to hear more', Derpy thought to herself.

“And well, I may be able to help with your problem... about the, ahem... Vermilibri.” He said the last part in a quiet voice so that nobody would hear the word.
Derpy smiled. Hopefully he would know something... he looked old enough.
“Excellent... would you like to go to your office?”
“Yes, please follow me.”

Professor Tree's office was full of stacks of dry books and paper, with pools of dried ink stuck to everything.
“Excuse me Professor Tree, you don't sound as if you speak Collisian.” Derpy commented, noticing his lack of accent.
“Ah, I do speak Collisian. But you are right, I'm not from Collisia. I'm from Canterlot. I moved here years ago.”
“Wow...”
“Anyway, that's not important. What is important is your Vermilibri problem.”

“You know what they are?”
“Yes, I do. But before I say why I know that, I must ask. Do you know of the Apple family, in Ponyville?”
“Of course.”
“Is... is Granny Smith still, well... with us?”
“Yes, she is. Why do you ask?”
“Oh, she and I go way back... before Ponyville was even built. I haven't heard any news from her since she decided to settle down. But anyway, let me get to your problem.”

“There have never been any Vermilibris in Equestria. I believed that they were extinct, or simply weren't around when Equestria was founded. Clearly I was wrong.”
“Yes... it seems to have been thousands of years since the last time a Vermilibris appeared. Not even Princess Celestia can remember one.”
“That would be correct. Now, Vermilibris are ancient magic, and by ancient, I mean even Starswirl the Bearded would have struggled to find information. And he lived in the pre-Classical era. But, they are so dangerous that you still hear myths about them. This is important.”

“Really? I have never heard a myth about the Vermilibri...”
“The Vermilibri is from the same kind of old magic as Windigoes and that sort of thing. It is a reaction to something in Equestria... they, like Windigoes, which of course you will know all about, only appear when something is wrong.”
“But what could be wrong in Equestria? Everything is just as it's always been.” Derpy said, thinking hard and flexing her wings slightly. “In fact, the university's knowledge is increasing in leaps and bounds!”
“That may be the problem.”

Derpy was shocked, and looked at the Professor.
“What do you mean?”
“If Equestria is bursting with new ideas and new knowledge, then it might have attracted the Vermilibri. Maybe in future, you need to just pull back a little...”
The idea of trying not to learn made Derpy feel strange. “But... surely.”
“It's only a theory. But anyway, you're more concerned with how to defeat them.”
“Yes... it's urgent.”

Professor Tree thought for a few moments.
“I don't know how much I can help you. I don't wish to see Equestria destroyed, and a Vermilibri has the capacity to destroy the whole world. But they are tricky creatures to handle.”
“So, you know know any more?”
“What I can tell you, from the myths, is that the creatures have always been defeated by unlikely heroes.”
“That doesn't make sense.” Derpy was confused.

Chapter Fifteen
The office was a little stifling, and there was no window. Derpy was gasping for some fresh air, but the Professor seemed at home.
“In the mythology, the heroes are always powerful. The invasion of Cockatrices was defeated by a strong earth pony. Equestria was founded by the knowledgeable assistants to powerful leaders.”
“I see what you mean.”
“The Vermilibri is always defeated by somepony who is otherwise unknown. It's strange... the moral of the story is always that unlikely people can save the day, I suppose.”
Derpy nodded. “Do you know how we can find... an unlikely hero?”
“No.” The Professor chuckled.

“I don't know any more than that. You have to return to Equestria and wait for the hero to appear, I'm afraid.”
A little disheartened, Derpy thanked the Professor before heading for the door. The students, who were all male, were still gossiping to one another about Derpy right up until she stepped out of the dingy institute and into the bright winter's light.

She wanted to take off and fly back to Equestria, but she wouldn't arrive until after nightfall. Plus, the huge storm was still just over the horizon and would be equally traumatic on the way back. She decided it was best to head for a hotel and stay the night, despite the fact that she really wanted to get back home. Once it got dark, the path would disappear, and Derpy would be totally lost.

The nearest hotel looked okay, so Derpy asked for a room and was pleased to find that it was spacious and luxurious.
The only problem was, it was still a few hours until Derpy would be able to go to sleep, so she decided to take her chance to see Collisia and have a look around. It seemed that sightseeing had been happening frequently lately, with showing the Cutie Mark Crusaders round Canterlot just two days ago. It seemed like an eternity.

Collisia was centred around the river going through it. Derpy didn't want to chance talking to anyone or going into a café, because she didn't understand the language. So she just took a stroll along the riverfront and saw the sights, especially the boats floating on the river. Normally ponies weren't so keen on water, especially in Ponyville, but in Collisia it seemed that everypony liked sailing a boat down the river.

The snow was actually starting to thaw a little on the streets, melting into surface water that covered everything. Derpy, knowing that the storm would probably hit overnight, knew that it wouldn't last long, but some of the younger ponies were out enjoying what could have been the last snow of the winter. Their snowponies were a bit wet, and had flecks of grass in them, but if you saw it out of the corner of your eye, they almost looked realistic. If realistic was a pony that had fallen in the river.

A gust of chilled wind hit, ruffling Derpy's wings and surprising a few of the ponies sitting at the cafés. The sun was dipping towards the horizon, and it seemed that the storm was already approaching. The wind began to get up, gusting more often and more strongly. Derpy decided that it might be a good time to retreat to the hotel room to get good and warm. Nothing like spending the night listening to the blizzards pounding the window panes while you're wrapped up warm in bed.

It turned out that Derpy was just in time, since she got a little lost on the way back to the hotel. By the time she gratefully found it again, snowflakes were already sprinkling down and the wind was blowing them all over the place.
In her room, Derpy shut the curtains and made sure she was nice and warm, then tried to fall asleep while the wind whistled past the window, blowing the most vicious storm Collisia had ever seen closer and closer.