The Darkest of Stars

???

Allis Yahn stood outside of a large, hollowed-out tree. It was about twice the size of an oak. Honestly, it looked almost out of place in the forest. He had followed Wind and May here. “The Brightest Tree...” he said to himself.

Rainbow Dash caught up just a few seconds later. She was out of breath but tried her best to hide it. “A tree?” she said, underwhelmed. “This is what you rushed off to?” She paused as she took another look at it. “Wait a minute...”

“Does something look familiar to you?”

“This is Twilight's house!” Dash realized. “But how? Didn't you say we were in the Everfree forest?”

Allis nodded. “We are. The Everfree forest was much larger in this time. It wasn't until around fifty years after the founding of Ponyville that the forest receded into it's current state.”

“What's here anyway? Did those two ponies go in here?”

“Yes. And something tells me that we should follow them in. Come with me...” He paused. “...Rainbow Dash.” He stepped into the tree, phasing through it. Dash followed him with little apprehension.

They had stepped into the main room of the library. It was largely unchanged from it's current state. The only noticeable difference was that there were many more books on the shelves. Three ponies were in the room, including Starswirl the Bearded. He was sitting at a desk with a book before him. He was purple and had a medium length gray mane and beard. His face looked weathered by many years of stress.

“I think you've finally snapped, old man,” Wind commented. He was of considerable height. He was about the size of Applejack's brother, but without the musculature. His wings were large with brilliant plumage. His coat was light blue with a little teal. His mane was multicolored with streaks of blue, red and bright yellow. “You're the best mind we have in this little council of ours, but...you are completely off your wagon.”

“Wind, come on,” May said with a stern look. She was much smaller than Wind, albeit slightly larger than most female ponies of the current period. She was an earth pony, but had the sort of grace and beauty usually reserved for pegasi. Her mane was light pink with flower petals decorating it. She then addressed Starswirl. “What makes you think that this will succeed?”

Starswirl sighed. “I don't know...”

“Well that's reassuring,” Wind said, rolling his eyes. “The master of magic and the arcane doesn't know if his own spell will work!”

Starswirl turned on Wind knocking over the chair he was sitting in. “And how do you expect me to know for sure!? Would you like me to test it on you!?”

Wind stepped forward, but May intervened. “Guys, stop! Please calm down.” She took a deep breath. “We're all on edge from this ordeal. But fighting each other isn't going to stop this crisis.”

Wind stepped back. “Mother Earth is right,” he said, half-jokingly. “This is one heck of a crisis.”

Starswirl took another look at the book he had on the table. “This spell is the best hope we have of stopping her tyranny. The alicorn was designed to be neigh invincible and immortal. Any other method would only lead to suicide.”

“It already sounds like suicide,” Wind said. “How do you plan on killing her? Just waltzing into the palace in Canterlot and reciting a poem?”

Starswirl ignored the taunt. “It won't be easy, but it's Equestria's best chance for survival. This spell is our best chance.”

“What exactly is the spell supposed to do?” May asked.

“It is meant to destroy her heart,” Starswirl explained. “The only vulnerable area in an alicorn's person.” He recited what he had written so far. “From one to another, another to one. A mark of one's destiny singled out, fulfilled.”

Wind looked completely confused. “That's it? That's the spell that's supposed to kill Blackstar!?”

“Not exactly,” Starswirl admitted. “You see...I have yet to finish the spell.”

Both May and Wind looked like they were about to scream in frustration. “You come to us with this crazy idea of killing the most powerful living creature in existence with a godless poem and you haven't even finished the thing!?” Wind screamed.

“I'm sorry, but this is the most difficult spell I've ever written,” Starswirl said. “A spell meant to kill another creature, it's-it's unnatural. Something like this will take time.”

“How much time?” May asked calmly.

Starswirl shook his head. “I don't know. There's something missing in the spell. There's something important that I'm not understanding.”

May looked crestfallen. “I'm sorry, but I don't know that much about this kind of magic. I won't be of any help...”

Starswirl touched her on her shoulder. “This spell is my burden, May Treearch. I will figure it out with time. I do have a request of the both of you though.”

“What do you have, old man?” Wind asked with a little smirk.

“I'll be glad to assist in any way I can,” May said with a bow.

“My friends...this victory may cost us a great deal,” the old unicorn admitted. “We may end up losing our lives, or worse.”

“Um, what could be worse than that?” Wind asked. He paused. “Now I regret asking that.”

Starswirl the Bearded looked both of them in the eye. “The ones who cast the spell may end up forever bound in a state of perpetual life and never-ending death.”

Rainbow Dash looked at Allis Yahn, perplexed. “What is he talking-” She noticed a fierce expression of anger forming on his face. There seemed to be a flame of hatred burning underneath his blindfold. “What's up with you?”

“Radley Kane...you bastard...” Allis said through gritted teeth. He seemed to be speaking to Radley, though he was nowhere around. “You never did tell us the whole story!”

???

“The first alicorn?” Fluttershy repeated.

“But why's she in a tube?” Applejack asked.

“The first alicorn was bio-engineered by the First Equestrian Council,” Radley explained. “They made her with the intentions of uniting the three races. One pony that embodied all of the traits of an Earth pony, pegasus and unicorn. It seemed like a good idea.”

“Somethin' went wrong, di'int it?” Applejack guessed.

Radley opened his mouth to speak, but heard the sound of the door opening. Fluttershy jumped in shock and ducked underneath a nearby table. Radley rolled his eyes. “They can't see or hear us, Fluttershy. Remember, these events have already occurred and cannot be changed or influenced.”

“Who's comin' anyway?” Applejack asked.

The door opened, but it was still too dark to see anything. “Starswirl, I'm starting to think that this is a bad idea.” The voice was young and male.

“What makes you think that, Wind?” The reply was from someone older.

“Can you guarantee that this...Blackstar thing will unite all of us?”

“What do you mean?” Starswirl asked.

“What do you mean 'What do I mean'?” Wind replied with just a hint of irritation. “I mean will she be on our side?”

“Of course she will,” Starswirl assured.

“How can you be sure though? I mean, putting the abilities and traits of all three races of ponies is going to give her a lot of power. She'll even have enough power to best the coming chaos.”

“Are you saying that 'Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely'?”

Wind didn't say anything for a while before replying. “I guess I am. I have to say, I don't trust her even as she floats in that tube.”

“I admit it is an iffy proposition,” Starswirl admitted. “But this is Equestria's best hope for survival. We need something...someone that represents the collective will and friendship we all need to make it in this world.” He paused. “Friendship is magic after all.”

“You're quite the optimist, old man,” Wind teased. “But I guess you're right. You haven't led us the wrong way yet. By the way, where are the kids?”

“They're with May at her cottage,” Starswirl answered. “Probably giving her a headache.”

“I'll go check on her before heading back to Cloudsdale,” Wind said. “We have some more business to take care of.”

“I will see you all later then,” Starswirl said. “Be careful.”

“Of course I won't,” Wind replied, a smirk in his voice. A long pause followed. “Before I go...”

“Yes?”

“What exactly are your plans for those children?” Wind asked.

“Plans? They can be whatever they want to be.”

“You know that's not what I meant. You took them in for a reason. You're a kindhearted old fool, but we've both seen little foals orphaned because of this conflict. These are the first three you've ever taken in. Why?”

“Do you want the truth?” Starswirl asked rhetorically. “Because I see a lot of potential in them.”

“Potential for what?” Wind sounded skeptical.

“That...I do not know,” Starswirl answered. “But it is there.”

“You're talking in those cursed riddles again,” Wind said, sounding playfully disgusted. “I'm gonna get out of here.”

“Farewell.” There was the sound of the door opening and closing. There was a long silence before Starswirl started speaking. “I really hope that this is the right thing to do. Our country has been in such turmoil since the First Inter-Equestrian War. I-no, we all-hope that you are the answer to our problems.” There was a warbling noise as a chick was heard. Lights began to come on all around the room. The control panel surrounding the large glass tube lit up, along with the container itself. The fluid surrounding the specimen inside went aglow. It displayed a small purple pony with a small horn and wings. It had a white mane and tail. She even had a cutie mark on her flank. It was of a magic wand with a star fashioned out of a jewel with a light blue crescent shape behind. “Princess Blackstar Lulamoon, you will save us all.”

Both Applejack's and Fluttershy's eyes grew wide as they looked at each other. “Did he just say...?” Applejack said breathlessly.

“It can't be though,” Fluttershy said, coming out from under the table. “There's no way...”

“No way what?” Radley asked, glancing at Blackstar in the tank and then at his two companions. He gasped. “Wait...are you telling me that you recognize her?”

“Yeah,” Applejack answered. “She looks exactly like a pony that got a lil' too big for her britches. Her name's Trixie.”

Radley looked dumbfounded.

Fluttershy continued. “The last time she came to Ponyville, she enslaved the entire town with the Alicorn Amulet and banished Twilight. We were able to-”

Radley was immediately upon Fluttershy, causing her to jump in surprise. “She had the Alicorn Amulet too!?” He growled in frustration.

“What's goin' on there, Radley?” Applejack asked in concern.

“Don't you get what this means!?” Radley yelled. “The one you call 'Trixie' is the body of Blackstar! And the Alicorn Amulet is her heart! If Blackstar somehow makes contact with Trixie-” Radley stopped. “We have to find our friends and get out of here immediately.”

“This is goin' to get ugly, isn't it?” Applejack asked.

“More than you can imagine,” Radley said, forcing a smile. “Follow me. We've got to find our way out of this illusion.” They all vanished into the wall.

A few minutes passed before Starswirl the Bearded smiled. “So you found your way into the Blackest Heart, Radley Kane? Maybe now you can find the truth within the truth. I only wish that you had a different destiny.”

???

Rarity awoke with a headache that had an intensity that she hadn't felt since designing her friends' dresses for the Grand Galloping Gala. She opened her eyes but couldn't see anything. The room she was in was completely black. She figured that she must be in bed with her mask on. As she reached for her face, she realized she couldn't move her legs. Any of them. She realized with horror that she was shackled to something. There was something tight and metal wrapped around her hooves.

Rarity tried to recall what had happened to lead her into this situation. She remembered being sucked into the giant, black hole with Pinkie Pie and-

“Pinkie Pie!” she called out, remembering that her friend was probably in the same situation as she was. “Pinkie!”

“Wow, this is just like a slash-fic I was reading the other day.”

Rarity recognized the voice. “Pinkie! Oh, thank heavens! Are you all right dear?”

“Don't worry, I've been in situations like this before,” Pinkie replied. “Are you okay?”

“I'm...fine,” Rarity answered. Before she could ask what situations Pinkie was referring to, hoofsteps could be heard approaching them. “Who's there?” she asked, trying to hide the fright in her voice.

“Now there is a loaded question,” someone answered. Rarity did not recognize the voice. It was middle-aged and male. It had sort of a grainy quality to it. “We all identify ourselves in different ways. What we do, how we act, how we wish for others to perceive us. To be honest with you, I am so many things that none of these categories would be sufficient. If only I were a fashion designer or a pastry chef.”

“Hey!” Pinkie called out. “How do you know who we are? Have you been spying on us?”

“Not in the conventional sense,” the man answered. “I am much to busy for that sort of thing. You could say I am a...gatherer of information.”

“You still didn't answer my question,” Rarity reminded.

“Which was...?”

“What is your name?” Rarity said, sounding exasperated.

“Now that wasn't your question, Miss Rarity,” the male said matter-of-factly. “You asked 'Who's there'. That may or may not include a name.”

“Ugh!” Rarity groaned. She tried to regain her composure and speak as politely as she could. “Can you please tell us your name, kind sir?”

He chuckled. “My apologies. It's been so long since I've entertained and even longer since anyone has asked me for name.” There was a scratching noise followed by a candle alighting. Standing before Rarity and Pinkie was a tall, earth pony stallion, built like a royal guard. His coat was crimson red and his mane was black and silver. He looked upon them with concern. “Oh my...I'm so sorry for this. My companion can get a little overzealous.” He walked over to Rarity and undid her her shackles, causing her to fall over. The stallion stepped forward just enough so that she landed on his back. “Are you alright?”

“Y-yes,” Rarity stammered. She slid off of him. He walked over and did the same for Pinkie Pie. “You still haven't told us your name.”

“Oooh, oooh!” Pinkie exclaimed as she hit the floor. “Let me guess! I know this one!” She stared at the stallion. “Hmmm...Sombra?”

“What?” he said, a confused expression on his face. “No!”

“Sauron?”

“No!”

“Geralt?”

“No...”

“Sephiroth?”

“No!” He held up a hoof. “Please stop guessing. My name is Alexander, but you may refer to me as Alex. Alex Kane.”

“Alexander...Kane?” Rarity repeated.

Pinkie jumped up into the air and emitted a loud gasp. “Are you-?”

Alex smiled. “Yes, I am. Tell me, how is my son doing?”

~

That Same Day...

Celestia looked reflective as she sat in front of the grave. If she were completely honest with herself, she would admit that she felt a little lost. For the past few months she had felt absolutely lost. For the first time in millenia she felt the full weight of the prophecy upon her. She felt unnaturally tired and exhausted on a daily basis. Her duties as a princess seemed to be sucking the life out of her. Training Twilight in the responsibilities of a princess was enough of a job.

And Blackstar...

The Darkest Star was due to arrive in less than four months. Would this be the time when she would finally fade? Would the Order really be able to defeat her this time? Would Twilight be able to handle being a princess without her?

“The brightest star shall never fade away. No matter what, there will always be night and day.”

Celestia turned around at the sound of the familiar voice. “Zecora...my dearest friend...”

It was indeed the alchemist zebra, but in a sort of ethereal form. She was transparent and light blue in color. There were small wisps coming off of her body. “It has been a long time, princess of the sun,” Zecora greeted. She sat down beside her. “Tell me, what makes you think that you are done?”

“The prophecy...” Celestia answered, looking down. “It's about to happen. The brightest star will fade, allowing the darkest star to rise.”

“It does seem that way,” Zecora replied. “But you will live to see many a day.”

“What are you saying? Is the prophecy not true?”

“I am not denouncing the phrase,” Zecora said, shaking her head. “I am only saying that you still have many days. You see, the Blackstar will never get a chance to rise.” She paused. “So long as the Order makes sure that it dies.”

Celestia thought for a moment. Suddenly, she looked Zecora directly in the eye. “So...you're saying that it is possible to defeat Blackstar without her rising?”

“Of course it is possible,” Zecora confirmed. “It's not necessary to be in this debacle.”

“But the Order insisted that in order to defeat her, a wish upon the Blackstar must be made.”

Zecora shook her head. “It is just as I fear. Someone is trying to interfere.”

“For three thousand years? Is that even possible?”

“Believe it my friend. That is how it has always been.”

Celestia was perplexed by this new information. It has always been possible to defeat Blackstar without making a wish. And yet, she hasn't because someone has been misguiding the Order for the past 3,000 years. “But why?” Celestia asked. “Why would someone not want Blackstar defeated?”

“I do not know,” Zecora admitted. “All I do understand is that this is so.”

Celestia stood up. “I need to leave now.” She looked down at Zecora, her friend of many years. “Thank you for help, my dear friend.” She leaned down and hugged her. “You've been a real help.” She paused. “I'm sorry it had to end like this.”

“Everything happens for a reason,” Zecora answered with certainty. “My death does little to affect the season. Do not worry about me. You are still alive and have a duty.”

“You're right,” Celestia said. “I need to contact the Order and give them this information, before the Darkest Star arrives in four months and grants a wish.” She took flight, but not before saying goodbye to Zecora again.

“May the universe be with you,” Zecora whispered, slowly fading away into the ether. “May it be with all of us, too.”