The Alicorn of the Stars

Chapters

Chapter1- The Fateful Meeting
Chapter3- The Shadows in Motion
Chapter4- Midnight Conversation
Chapter5- Welcome to Ponyville (Part 1)
Chapter6- Welcome to Ponyville (Part 2)
Chapter7- Dragonshire Manor
Chapter8- The Marefriend
Chapter9- Curtains Arise
Chapter10- Advent Nova
Chapter 11- Through the Fire
Chapter12- Various Meetings
Chapter13- Green and Purple Don't Mix
Chapter 14- The Ashen Remains
Chapter 15- A Paineful Trap
Chapter 16- Imprisonment
Chapter 17- Ovan and Nova (Part 1)
Chapter 18- Ovan and Nova (Part 2)
Chapter 19- When Two Stars Meet
Chapter 20- Where Things End
Prologue
Chapter2- Diamonds Among the Sapphires
Final Chapter- Symphony of Fire and Lightning

Chapter1- The Fateful Meeting

Chapter 1 - The Fateful Meeting

“ A Catalyst is a medium that can amplify a spell if used correctly. There are several kinds of catalyst discovered that can produce various effects. For example, a simple fireball spell can become a flame blast spell when a fire catalyst is used or a unicorn can either have more precise control or more power to lift objects when a force catalyst is used.

There are some catalysts that are more powerful than the other despite having similar properties. Two fire catalyst maybe for amplifying fire spells but the result may vary. For example, both unicorns cast a fireball spell however Unicorn A uses a simple Fire stone while Unicorn B uses a Fire Gem. The results will be as follow, for Unicorn A the resulting spell will simply be a bigger fireball; however for Unicorn B, the resulting spell will be a flame blast spell.

Using catalysts may help improve the state of how magic is done presently, however there are some backlashes in using catalyst especially if used recklessly and may result in fatal accidents.

Below are the steps to follow when one is using a catalyst as a safety precaution:
Step One: Understand the properties of the catalyst and the spell that is going to be used.

Step Two: After acquiring the catalyst (See appendix for geography of catalysts), the caster must first allocate a portion for testing purposes.

Step Three: After knowing the capabilities of the catalyst, know the intensity and level of the spell that is going to be used and check if the power of the spell is less than the capacity of the catalyst otherwise the catalyst may be damage and cause abnormal magical surges.

Step Four: Test the first run in the smaller portion allocated to know the compatibility of the catalyst and the spell and also if the catalyst’s properties can match or handle the intensity of the spell used.

Step Five: If the first test was a success, repeat until you have achieved your desired result. If not then refer to the appendix for the list of known catalysts and find a more capable catalyst than the previously used and Repeat the steps one to five until successful”

After reading the last step, Twilight quickly flipped the pages of the book towards the Appendix section and starts looking at the geography map in hopes to find a nearby source of catalyst in Ponyville. Immediately going to the geography for Ponyville, she quickly skims through the page and scans the nearby area for Ponyville. “Please oh please...” Twilight repeatedly mumbles hoping to find a source of catalyst nearby Ponyville. “AHA! Spike! Get my things ready we’re heading out.” Twilight with her eyes widened with excitement and glee.

“Zzz… Zzz..” Spike peacefully snores while lying down on the floor while still holding a mop. “Gems… My sweet sweet Gems…” Spike mumbling in his sleep after doing his daily chores in the Library. “Spike!” and with that one shout Spike woke up and snapped back into reality. “Wh-What?” Spike looking left and right and still feeling drowsy after suddenly waking up “Where are you, Twilight?”

“Right here behind you?” Twilight in a sarcastic tone approached Spike from behind. “Now hurry up and get my things ready. Can’t wait to test out this new spell” Twilight rushing Spike and seem to be not able to contain her excitement after reading “New Age of Magic”.

“What all with the rush?” Spike asking Twilight while returning the book Twilight just read on the shelf. “Aren’t you also excited? I mean a new breakthrough discovery in magic. What can be more exciting?” Twilight replies while walking back and forth around the Library like some excited little filly going out on her first sleepover.

“I can think of a few, Pinkie Pie’s party, Rainbow Dash passing for the Wonderbolts, Oh! And especially Gems on my plate for dinner. Now that’s exciting” Spike replies oblivious that it was a rhetorical question.

“Spike!” Twilight reminding Spike who is in charge around..

“Okay okay.” Spike had no choice seeing Twilight so excited like that. Twilight then brought out a map showing Ponyville, Canterlot , The Everfree Forest and some geographical landmark.

“According to the book, that location is about right here.” Twilight marked the map using a nearby quill which she had levitated by her magic.

“But isn’t that near—that place? “ Spike gulped.

“Nothing to worry about, there’s no dragon up there now.” Twilight continued while she was mapping out their path. “There!” After a few minutes, Twilight was done with the mapping. “Come on Spike!” Twilight prompts Spike to also hurry up as she heads towards the door.

It was a sunny day in Ponyville and Twilight relieved that the weather also agreed with her in finding these catalysts. While walking towards the outskirts of Ponyville, she is reminded on how they fought to protect their home from Nightmare Moon and Discord. She can’t imagine what Ponyville would look like if they hadn’t defeated Discord. Building and houses that were floating around, ponies running around in circles and on rooftops, and would still continue to rain chocolate, although Pinkie Pie would be happy about it but still, it would really be chaotic to have that happening. As they were near the exit of Ponyville they were greeted by a familiar white mare with a neatly styled purple mane.

“Good morning Rarity!” Twilight greeted her fashionable friend. “Uhm… Twilight, It’s already afternoon.” Rarity correcting her friend.

“What?!” Twilight embarrassed and surprised that it was already afternoon. She tends to get lost in time especially when studying something that interests her.

“So where are you going?” Rarity curiously asked the two after seeing them prepared and with a map.

“We’re going to find some gems!” Spike answers the mane’s question quickly.

“Gems?” Rarity asks with a questioned look on her face “Twilight darling, I never thought that you, of all ponies, are interested in gems.”

“Oh it’s not that” Twilight slightly embarrassed replied “It’s for research!”

“Research?” Rarity was puzzled over Twilight’s answer, “How can gems be used for research?” She thought to herself.

“What kind of gems are we talking about here?” Rarity asked Twilight in hopes to give light to her friend’s claim.

“Oh oh! Twilight said that we are going to find some Icy Sapphires!” Spike, wanting to be recognized by the mare he really likes quickly replies instead of Twilight.

“Ehehehe…” Twilight scratches her head with her hoof and slightly embarrassed by Spike’s usual behavior when in front of Rarity, while she nudges Spike to stop talking.

“Icy—Sapphires? Did you say Icy Sapphires?” Rarity shocked upon hearing the word Icy Sapphires. “Uhm…Rarity?” Twilight asked, with a concerned look in her face towards her friend’s expression. “Are you uhh… okay?”

“Do you know what Icy Sapphires are?” Rarity exclaimed as she grabs Twilight’s shoulders with her hooves. “They are one of the most exquisite gems. Why they even rival the beauty of the Fire Ruby.” Rarity’s raises her right hoof and waves it in the air.

“But I’m just going to use them for magic. You see, I have read this book about certain gemstones used as---“Twilight trying to explain to her friend that she is not after their luster or aesthetical value but more of their magical value.

“Just—for—magic?” Rarity interrupts Twilight.

“Is there something wrong?” Twilight asked.

“No offense Twilight, but this is a travesty against fashion, gems to be used like some expendable material.” Rarity explains “Gems should be treasured, kept, and maintained so that they will always shine brightly like the gem they should be.”

“I understand where you are coming from, but no worries my book told me that there is a mining site nearby Ponyville that generates these gems with no difficulty.” Twilight explains and tries to put her friend’s concern to rest so that they can leave get that gem and finally start with her research.

“A mine?! Here in Ponyville?” Rarity was shocked to hear that there is a nearby mining sit for Icy Sapphire, especially which it is near Ponyville. “Twilight dear, you must take me you.”

“But Rarity, the site is kind of far and it’s going to be somewhat dirty and we all know how much you hate dirt.” Twilight knows that Rarity isn’t used to long walks and dirty areas and she tends to complains about it midway and she definitely doesn’t want to be the receiver of those.

“No journey is far or dirty for Fashion!” Rarity sternly defends her desire to join Twilight to the mining site.

“Rarity…” Twilight losing her will to persuade Rarity to not come.

“But you must simply take me with you… You must!” Rarity begs with a desperate smile on her face.

“Okay you can come but you have to bare with the trip, okay?” Twilight finally agreed, knowing that she cannot deny Rarity especially after seeing her friend so stern and persistent about joining her.

“Of course, I will” Rarity ensuring Twilight that she won’t drag them behind “What kind of a pony do you think I am?” Rarity pulls out a big smile on her face.

The group finally left off with two members happy; one was Spike since he never expected that in this day he get to accompany Rarity on a trip, while the other one was of course Rarity since she gets to get a few Icy Sapphires to complete her new fashion line. The three are then headed into the direction of a familiar mountainous area. The mountain area was then named “Smokey Dragon Mountain” courtesy of the incident that happened two years ago. A red dragon was found to be sleeping in one of the caves and generated huge amounts of smoke thus earning the name. Luckily six mares were sent by Princess Celestia and were successful in persuading the dragon to take his nap someplace else.

As they were walking towards the mining site, Twilight still wonders on why Rarity persisted to come. In fact Rarity can just order the gems in Canterlot with lesser effort, although it would cost her more but still a long walk for a probability for finding gems and what if they didn’t found one and the mine is already drained since Icy Sapphires is one of the exquisite and sought after gems in Equestria and of all ponies, Rarity would get her hooves dirty for these gems. Finally, Twilight cannot stand the questions going through her head.

“So what are you going to do with the Sapphires?” Twilight curiously asked Rarity, since there must be a good reason for Rarity, of all ponies, to travel far just for some gems.

“Oh I thought you’re never going to ask.” Rarity in delight to see Twilight finally broke out of silence after noticing her wondering and thinking the whole trip. “I also know about the magical properties of these gems but unlike you, I’m going to use them for my new fashion line-up”

“While I was meditating and thinking about what to do for my new set of dresses in my inspiration room, I was thinking of making dresses fit for the season. But it would be just commonplace to design dresses with colors matching the season so I need something more...” Rarity narrates the origin of her idea.

“More, meaning?” Twilight interrupted in curiosity.

“More pizzazz, something more… and while I was looking for that certain pizzazz, I noticed the Fire Ruby Spike gave me.” Rarity continues to narrate her inspiration “as I was staring at its beauty, it radiated a warm aura.”

“I’m really glad that the ruby helped. Rarity” Spike inside was really happy that not only his ruby made Rarity happy it also gave her an inspiration for her work.

“Then I was like, IIDEAaaa!” Rarity seems really into it while she was narrating “Then I took out my book of “Exquisite Gems” and looked for similar gems as the Fire Ruby. Afterwards I made a list of gems that I need and one of them happens to be Icy Sapphire. And after I have completed all of the gems I need, I will name them “The Elements of Fashion”! One for each Fire Ruby, Icy Sapphire, Breezy Emerald and Natural Amber”

“Wait, aren’t those gemstones also listed in the book that you were reading earlier Twi?” Spike asked Twilight remembering what Twilight read hours ago, since she tends to read out loud and Spike overheard her reading since he was still cleaning the Library at that time.

Before they know it, they soon reached the foot of the mountain range. Rarity was surprised in seeing the familiar mountains again especially being part of the expedition to expel the dragon. The memories were still fresh in their minds since it was nearly a life-threatening moment for all of them if it were not for Fluttershy.

“Here?!” Rarity was shocked upon seeing the familiar mountains.

“Not really it’s across this place and a mile and a half walk from the foot of the other side of this mountain range.”Twilight corrects Rarity into thinking that the mountains themselves where the mining site.

“Rarity, Icy Sapphires are very important not to mention quite rarer than your usual Sapphires. It would be a waste if they are just going to be fitted-in in a brooch.”Twilight explains to Rarity the difference of their views.

“Come now, Twilight darling. Just a one or two will surely suffice, then you can use the rest for your magic thingy” Rarity smiles in hopes to lighten up Twilight.

“Well it depends on how much we will be getting, but I suppose one or two will be fine.” Twilight finally agreeing on how Rarity will use the gems for her new line-up. While the two mares were busy talking, Twilight accidentally stepped on one of her greatest fears, Snakes.

“WAAAAAAHH!!” Twilight screams and her voice echoed throughout the mountain range “Snakes!” The snake hissed at Twilight after she stepped on it, but before the snake could get back at her, they all heard an ominous crack.
Twilight tries to cover her mouth with both of her front hoofs hoping that there won’t be an avalanche. Twilight, Spike and Rarity suddenly felt the earth shaking. Dusts were forming up in the mountains and small rocks were already falling. Animals in the mountain quickly fled their houses in order to save themselves. Seeing the animals, were already ahead of them, the group also decides to do the same. But before they were able to flee, the avalanche has already started.

“AVALANCHE!!” The group in chorus shouted.

Twilight, Rarity and Spike ran for their lives as one boulder crashes down to one another and fall on the group. “Twilight dear, Next time, remember to cast a silence spell whenever we go here.” Rarity pants while running, at the ends of her breath, towards the end of the avalanche area.

While nearing the end of the avalanche area, their pathway was suddenly cut off by a boulder that fell right in front of them. As soon as they decided to go around they blocked off of several falling boulders. Trapped in the middle, groups of boulders came crashing down where they are trapped. “AAAAAaaaaa!!” Rarity with her eyes closed not wanting to see their fate.

After a few seconds in silence, Rarity decides to open her eyes and meets her fate. With one eye opened, she saw Twilight gritting her teeth with her horn glowing intensely. Upon looking up, Rarity’s jaw drop and eyes widened as she saw the tons of boulder floating up above them landing on Twilight’s barrier.

“This… is… too… much…” Twilight feels her energy fading away as she helplessly clings on to whatever magic is left inside of her. “Twilight…” Rarity also understanding the situation tries to find Spike so that they might be able to dig their way out of the predicament. She immediately found Spike but unfortunately, Spike was knocked out with one of the medium sized rocks that fell along with the big ones.

Was it a mistake to join this trip, this was the first thing that popped in Rarity’s head but she shook it off knowing that Twilight is desperately trying to keep them alive and it is her role to find a way out given the limited time. Out of desperation, Rarity thought of pushing the boulder in front of them with her magic since it is definitely lighter than the one Twilight is carrying right now.

Rarity, with her resolve renewed, focused with all of her magic and energy to push the boulder. “Move you stupid rock!” Rarity gritted her teeth to give more power to her magic “I don’t want to be done in by some rocks, I have dresses to make!” Hoping that self encouraging her would make her magic more powerful, but alas to no avail the boulder only moved a few inches after all that effort. Why now, why can’t she have at least Twilight’s magical strength at this moment, to save herself more importantly her friends, despair was finally kicking in within Rarity.

“Rarity?!” Twilight notices that Rarity’s will was fading away. “Come on, you can’t give up now just a few more then you can make an opening for us to escape.” encouraging her friend was the only thing she could do for now since she was occupied at the moment and have to give her full power to the boulders above them.

“But it took my all just to move this big rock a few inches forward.” Rarity huffed.

“No excuses! You can do it!” Twilight is in desperate attempts to motivate of her friend.

Rarity stood up once more after realizing again that Twilight is pushing herself past her limits. “If she can do it so can I” Rarity thought to herself. She again braced herself and with all her might and focus, she again tried to push the boulder forward. Although the boulder was moving slowly, the effort to make it move an inch was really taking a toll out of Rarity’s magic.

Seeing Rarity finally regained her composure, Twilight breathed heavily in attempt to pull out her reserves just to give her friend time to push the boulder to the point that she, Spike and Rarity can escape. “We can do this!” Twilight, with her morale also boosted, ensured her friend that they can go past this predicament.

After a few minutes of constantly pushing the boulder forward, Rarity finally budged the boulder out to give them space to move across the entrapment. “Wahahaha!” Rarity laughs out in delight to see the exit “I did it, Twilight we can finally get out”.

“Good” Twilight grasping for air “Now hurry… I don’t have much strength left.” Twilight is struggling just to keep the boulders up afloat.

“Right…”Rarity grabbed Spike. “We’ll go ahead first, be sure to get out.” Rarity said as she squeezed her way out of the boulders. After walking a few yards to rest Spike on a safer place, she then put Spike down and goes back to Twilight. Before she can go back, she can see that Twilight’s spell is weakening to the point of the boulders are constantly pushing her down.

“Twilight!” Rarity rushing over in hopes of saving her friend by taking a few boulders out one by one to lighten the load on Twilight “Hang in there dear, I’m coming”. Rarity in desperate rush to go aid her friend didn’t notice there was a small rock on ground along her path as a result, she tripped over the rock. Rarity tried to make her spell reach the pile of boulders but she was also drained and can barely even make her horn glow steadily. She tried to reach out, but it wasn’t also going to do much “Twilight!” she screamed.

“Duck and cover!” a stallion’s voice out of nowhere suddenly prompted Rarity to do as he said. In split seconds, a huge fire ball was tossed to the pile of boulders attempting to crush Twilight. Instantly the rocks blew up and were turned into small bits of rocks enough for Twilight to relax and release her barrier spell.

Chapter3- The Shadows in Motion

The Alicorn of the Stars
Chapter 3: Shadows in Motion

Sundown at Canterlot Castle, Princess Luna was preparing herself for the weekly moon phase change; Princess Celestia entered her private quarters. After a few months of recuperation, Princess Luna resumed her task over the night. “Sister! It’s a surprise to see you here, is there something you need?” Luna was startled to see her sister enter her room.

“Not much, I just want you to visit Canterlot University’s latest project” Celestia requested while tinkering with a few of Luna’s moonstone on her dresser.

“I heard that they have discovered a way to increase the production of some rare gemstones, I think you may want to see it for yourself.” After Celestia requested Luna to visit the mining site, she placed the stone back and left Luna’s room without saying another word.

As Luna riders over her Chariot across the night sky, she still wonders about her sister’s actions earlier. “Why now? My sister coming all the way to my quarters just to tell me to go to this mining site, something is off…” Luna can’t help herself thinking about it over the duration of the travel so she decides to go over there and see what is in there that may answer her question.

“I’m tired and hungry” Rarity whines over the lack of food. Twilight thought that the journey is going to be simple and easy so she didn’t brought dinner.

“Me too…” Spike complains as he hears his stomach grumbling.

“But we can’t just leave Ovan here.” Twilight insists that they wait for Ovan to regain consciousness.

“But it’s been an hour since he’s knocked dead there.” Rarity complains.

“He’s not dead!” Twilight angrily responds. “Okay okay… Geez Twilight you really care so much for you newfound boyfriend” Rarity jests.

“And he’s not my boyfriend!” Twilight instantly denies.

“Ugh… women…” Spike in a corner silently alone with his growling stomach.

While the two mares were arguing, Luna arrives on the site and lands in front of the two mares. Gusts of wind blew as her chariot lands, prompting the Twilight Spike and Rarity to notice her arrival.

“Princess Luna!” Twilight and her friends bowed in the presence of her majesty. “What brings you here?” Twilight asked.

“Ah! Twilight Sparkle, I see that you are also here, well my sister requested that I come here, she said that there is something that might interest me here.” Luna answered. Twilight was surprised to see that Luna was no longer doing her Traditional Royal Canterlot Voice and can talk normally. Rarity on the other hand, can’t help admire the nightly beauty of Princess Luna, her crystal-like shoes, their dark, yet lustrous hair. And her dark coat which gives both mystery and beauty to the Princess, such is the beauty of being one of the regal sisters.

“How about you, Twilight Sparkle? What has brought you and your friends here? And who is that?” Luna seems curious as to why Twilight and her friends are here and points over to the unconscious Ovan.

“Right! Ovan!” Twilight suddenly remembers that Ovan still needs medical care after forgetting about him after Luna’s arrival. “Uhm… Princess Luna? Is it okay to give us a ride back to Ponyville? I don’t want to impose but… Pretty Please?” Twilight with her puppy dog eyes pleas to Luna to take them back to Ponyville.

“Okay… seeing as that pony needs medical care and how can I say no after that. But you have to explain what has happened here.” Luna ordered her guards to carry Ovan over to the chariot.

“I’ll explain on the way.” Twilight agreeing to Luna’s condition.

Twilight and Spike rode on one of Luna’s Royal Guards while Rarity on the other and they soon took off returning back to Ponyville.

“Useless twits!” a shadow of a unicorn is seen observing from a distance witnessing the entire scene and leaves the area after Luna departed along with Twilight and her friends.

Meanwhile, midnight at Canterlot Treasury, several soldiers were circling the area. The entrance of the place was destroyed. The once majestic stained glass windows shattered into millions of pieces and scattered all over the ground. Search lights were all over the perimeter of the Treasury hoping to find their perpetrator. While a group of soldiers were discussing about what to do next and their next plans in front of the entrance, a stallion approached them from behind.

Upon seeing the stallion, the soldiers quickly saluted him. While walking towards the circle of pony guards, the soldiers can’t help themselves but wonder at his presence. It was a dominating yet respectable presence, equipped with his white and golden armor, the fiery haired amber stallion called the attention of his unit.

“Update on the status!” the stallion commanded.

“Captain Sharpeye Sir!” the one of the guards responded while making a salute, “There have been sightings of a suspicion-looking pony heading towards the woods at the foothold town of Canterlot, we already sent some troops to pursue that pony.”

“Good!” Sharpeye commended his troops “I’ll foresee the capture of this foal myself” After Captain Sharpeye made his intentions clear he soon rushed to the scene where the sightings were said.

A masked pony shrouded in a black cloak flees quickly away from Canterlot Treasury and onto the woods to get a hiding place from the persistent guards. “Shit! If it wasn’t for that pony I could have pulled off this heist clean.” The masked pony huffs and dashes from alley to alley to avoid contact with the guards. Having a moment of breather, the masked pony took a glimpse of what she stole. A book, which looks really ancient but still well-kept to prevent the book from falling apart, a golden necklace with a green gem on its center, it would look normal aside from the fact that it has several carvings on the side, and a white box with a red shout cross on top of its lid. “What does he need this for?” The mare thief complained “Not part of my job to question the client though.” Upon finishing her statement a beam of light flashed onto her cheeks revealing a portion of her face showing a magenta-colored cheek.

“Halt! Thief!” The guard commanded her. The mask mare ran to the opposite side of the alley to elude the guard. She then found herself at the main street of the town, and several other guards also noticed her and took pursuit. Having one guard to elude is a piece of cake for her line of work but a whole platoon of guards was a different story, in just short seconds from three guards, there came several few more that went after her. “I could use my wings but they can narrow down the search if I do so, since they already had a glimpse of the color of my coat” She thought to herself whilst running away from the bulk of the guards chasing her.

Curve after curve, she quickly turn and go around the guards, since the guards are blocking off every path to her escape. With just one path left, she knew that it was only a matter of time before she would reach a dead end. And not to sooner, she was faced with a wall and behind her were the bulk of the guards. With no time to rethink her options she jumped as high as she can and revealed her wings and flew over the wall. The guards were startled seeing the thief was a Pegasus and were dumb struck as of the moment.

Although the mission was a bit messy, for her standards, at least she was able to escape. However, before she could even breathe for a moment to relax, an arrow out of nowhere shot through her wings sending her straight back to the ground crashing.

“Tch!” Sharpeye was annoyed due to the fact that the shot was not enough to paralyze the target. “What are you guys lounging around there?” Sharpeye was also annoyed seeing as the guards were just standing still watching the perpetrator get away.

“Sorry sir!” The senior guard apologizes to the hot-headed captain.

“Follow me; we’ll catch that thief.” Sharpeye commanded and headed into the crash site along with some troops.

“Damn it! That came out of nowhere.” The mare groaned in pain. Her left wing was pierced by the arrow that Sharpeye shot earlier, blood was flowing out of the wound leaving trails on the ground. “Shit! This is bad. If I ever managed to live another day, whoever that pony is will get it!” the masked mare still feeling bitter about the pony who interrupted her work leaving her to be discovered by the guards and putting her in this predicament. Knowing that the guards will still pursue her, she got back onto her hooves and mustered her strength to walk away from her crash site.

Not a few minutes, Sharpeye and his troops got to the site. Seeing that the site is empty and there is no sign of any pony, Sharpeye knew that the thief already fled but remembering that his shot pierced through that pegasus’ wing there should be some blood dripping around. His years of experience in battle was not misplaced and he found his blood trails immediately, a large circle of blood was seen on a pile of leaves and smaller drips where seen leading deeper into the forest. “This way!” Sharpeye commanded and his troops then followed in his direction.

“Got to respect the guards; one thing that’s for certain.” The thief commended as she started running upon hearing the noises of pursuit coming far from behind her. Going around and around the trees, knowing that the guard’s lead is just her blood trail, this was her way of confusing the guards. Despite her strategy, she can already see the light from the guard’s torches and quickly ran away. Realizing that her strategy was not enough to elude the guard’s especially that captain of theirs; she took out her cloak and wrapped it around her injured wing to cut off the blood trail, revealing her full coat in the process.

Sharpeye soon saw that the blood trails already stopped, he then knew that the thief is aware of what they use to track the thief down. With no traces left to use, he quietly concentrated on the sound of the steps and prompted every pony to stand still. Using his keen senses, he soon heard sounds of running, 39 degrees east to the direction they were facing. He then requested for his bow and arrow and with all his skill and power, fired the shot and dead silence took place afterwards.

Chapter4- Midnight Conversation

The Alicorn of the Stars
Chapter 4 – Midnight Conversation

“Ovan… Ovan...” Ovan hears his name being called by a familiar mare. He finally opens his eyes after that thunderous blow to the head back earlier. Everything was hazy in his sight for a few moments such is the consequence of waking up from sleep. Focusing his sight, he soon noticed himself lying on a bed. Seeing the side draw beside his bed with a lamp on top, an empty bed beside him with the curtains opened and the blue walls and the window draped with green curtains as he looked left to right and the lingering scent of formalin around the room, he soon realized that he was in a hospital but where is this hospital. Staring blankly at the window, he gazes upon the fullness of the moon radiating in the sky. However his expression soon changed when he saw several constellations beside the moon into a more serious one.

“Ovan Ovan!” the voice calling him grew louder. Ovan looked around him and even outside the window but there was no pony. “OVAN!!” it rang inside Ovan’s head like being inside a huge bell while it tolls. He shook his head regaining consciousness and finally knew where that voice was coming from. He looked up his horn which was glowing a bright blue aura and recognized it as a telepathic communication spell, Telecom for short. Normally, it’s a spell which enables unicorns to communicate telepathically, however with his knowledge he modified it into magical devices that also enabled non-unicorns to use this spell as well.

“Yes?” Ovan finally answered.

“The nerve of you! You just said one hour! ONE HOUR! And you didn’t even telecom’ed me. I was so worried of what happened to you after those ruffians attacked us while you were gone. I- I—“the voice cried worried sick.

“I’m sorry” Ovan apologized trying to comfort her in the process.

“Sorry? Sorry?!” the mare seems be unsatisfied with Ovan’s apology “As if a Sorry is enough! If I were you I would—“ Ovan slowly weakens the spell thus minimizing the volume of the telecom spell.

After counting to one hundred, he increased the volume back by strengthening the spell. “—Dinner!” the mare finished at same time. Ovan’s expression suddenly changed from indifferent to serious similar to his expression upon looking at the constellations.

“Have you managed to pull it off?” Ovan asked.

“Are you kidding—“ the mare first thought that how can Ovan think about that until she notice the change in Ovan’s voice from the usual calm and kind voice to a more deeper and darker tone.

“Tch! Yea yea, there were some problems though but I managed to pull it off. Had a rough time with some of the guards but seriously…” she was confident in her skills in successfully completing the task given to her.

“Thanks…” Ovan relieved to know that everything went well “Is the boss with you?”

“Not right now, but I may be able to hook him up to your line. Geez you always do that.” The mare responded. “Please do…” Ovan requested.

The line was on hold for a few seconds, while the mare was transferring the telecom line to their boss. After seconds of static, the static cleared out and a voice was soon heard to be speaking but this time it was a deeper voice belonging to presumably to a warrior stallion.

“Any leads?” the boss asked.

“The constellations are now lining up, and we have less time before those Ponies of the Stars or Signers get to him as they did to my brother years ago.” Ovan reported his sightings earlier and reminiscing about his encounter with them in the past.

“Hmm...” the boss paused for a moment “What about the Wielders?”

“Them?” Ovan shocked upon hearing the word “Well, I have already met two of them, namely Twilight Sparkle and Rarity. As you said, this Twilight Sparkle’s magical capacity far exceeds that of a unicorn, her level can more compared to that of an Alicorn like Princess Celestia or Princess Luna but certainly not of his Level though, but that talent seems to be still to mature and also she is still not that much experienced in using Combat Magic” Ovan reported.

“What about the other?” his boss curious about his encounter with the Wielders. “Not much to say about Rarity, fashionable, nit-picker, doesn’t have that much magical capacity as Twilight, although she is quite a looker and her mane is well-maintained.” Ovan answers as his expression changed back into his usual self.

“Not that! I mean her capability as a Wielder of the Elements.” Ovan’s boss is not amused at Ovan’s comments about Rarity.

“For now, I still can’t say since she did little, from our encounter earlier but I guess in time—“

“If only time is also on our side.” His boss interrupted him “For the meantime, you are to remain there in Ponyville and report your findings on their so-called Magic.” He then cuts off the line after giving his orders to Ovan.

“Always like that…” Ovan covered himself with a blanket and faced the window side as his horn’s glow slowly faded away and the night continues on till day.

“Ovan… Ovan…” he again heard his name being called again but it was different from earlier.

“Five more minutes…” Ovan replied as he tucked himself more in the bed wanting to get more sleep time. Twilight getting impatient at Ovan’s refusal to wake up, levitated both Ovan and the blanket.

“Okay okay!” Ovan panic-stricken finally woke up after finding himself flying a yard up from the bed.

“Great!” Twilight with her innocent-looking smile released the spell send Ovan falling back to the bed roughly.

The front of Ponyville Hospital opened, with Twilight and Ovan exiting. With the sun shining brightly, the Town hall was brimming with ponies visiting stands spread around the square and the morning still fresh, Twilight decides to give Ovan a tour around Ponyville since it is his first time here and not long ago, she read about a book on tour guiding and is really eager to practice what she read on the book similar to her eagerness in holding a slumber party back then.

“So, this is your first time here?” Confident in her book knowledge, Twilight opens to Ovan her idea of giving him a tour around Ponyville.

“Yes, why you asked?” Ovan replied.

“Oh nothing, I was just wondering that won’t it be great to… you know, get familiar with Ponyville.” Twilight smiling in hopes that Ovan agrees.

“It would be nice to know—“ before Ovan could finish him sentence, Twilight dragged him out of eagerness to start the tour.

Chapter5- Welcome to Ponyville (Part 1)

The Alicorn of the Stars
Chapter 5 – Welcome to Ponyville (Part1)

“Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres!” Twilight excitedly introduces Ovan to the farm upon reaching the front gate. Ovan looks around to where the hay Twilight dragged him and notices several apple orchards spreading across the hills covering the entire range with a mix of red and green juicy treats hanging on the trees. In front of them is a red barn, somewhat old and dilapidated looking but still standing strongly. “Did you know that Ponyville was founded because of Sweet Apple Acres and their discovery of the Zap Apple jam?” Twilight grins as she tells her trivia. “and also that one of my best friends is a member of that family?”

“Uh… Yay?” Ovan pretending to be also excited to hear something that he already read in history books and also information that he already knew prior to coming to Ponyville.

“Twilight!” a familiar orange pony greeted them after coming out of the farm “Ah’ didn’t saw y’ and yer companion in front of the farm.“

“Ovan this is Applejack, Applejack this is Ovan” Twilight introduced the two.

“Well pleased to meet ya’ there partner” Applejack shaking Ovan’s hooves with Applejack clearly doing all the shaking.

“L-likewise” Ovan replied still feeling the aftershock after letting Applejack’s hoof go.

“So this is Applejack, pretty strong for a mare” Ovan thought as he looked towards Applejack, as he shakes his hoof back into place.

“So whatcha’ and yer friend doin’ here Twilight?” Applejack asked. “Oh, I just thought about giving him a tour around Ponyville since he’s new and all.” Twilight replies.

“New in town?” Applejack’s face turned worried “Already encountered, you know who?” Applejack whispered into Twilight ears.

“Not yet but that’s already bound to happen.” Twilight replied.

“Well anyway now that ya’ll are now here and all, why don’t Ah’ give ya’ll a tour around our farm?” Applejack offered to give Ovan a tour around Sweet Apple Acres.

“Why not?” Ovan accepts

“But but but…” Twilight seems depressed over not being the one doing the tour guiding “Okay…”

As the group entered the farm, Applejack made her introduction. “Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres, the home of the freshest and juiciest apple ever harvested in all of Ponyville and also the pride of ma’h family.”

“And this here is the entire apple orchard.” Applejack pointed out their entire orchard lot. Ovan saw the huge stretch of land covered in apple trees with the sun bathing the orchard with its warm light, the hilltop view from where they are right now makes the orchard look even clearer and massive compared to looking at it from upfront.

“Ain’t she a beauty?” Applejack breaks into tears as she stands in awe of the magnificence of their orchard. “Ah’ve seen this many time now but Ah’ just can’t help ma’hself cryin’”

“Uhm… Applejack? Aren’t you busy with the farm and all?” Twilight interrupted AJ’s emotional moment hoping to regain her tour guide status.

“Nnope!” Applejack replies with sudden change of emotion to a cheerful one. “Me and Big Macintosh are now resting for this year’s incomin’ Applebuck Season.”

“Applebuck season… huh?” Twilight recalls the time when Applejack sent almost all of the populace of Ponyville to the hospital.

“What’s an Applebuck season?” Ovan curiously inquires

“Well Applebuck season is the time where we uhm a… buck ‘em all apples.” Applejack replies.

“Okay…” Ovan replies without understanding what Applejack said.

“Why not let’s show him the famous Zap Apple Orchard?” Twilight suggests as she noticed Ovan’s lost in Applejack’s jargon.

“That’s a great idea Twilight!” Applejack seems excited to show Ovan the Zap Apple Orchard. “I also want to see it.” Ovan is also excited to see the orchard since this is where the famous Zap Apple Jam hails. Even in back at Canterlot University, this is one of the most sought after jams. The perfect harmony of sweetness and sourness of the apples and honey mixture and the sudden burst of flavors like getting zapped by lightning, it was truly to die for and with the limited supplies they are really expensive in Canterlot it was rare for them especially for students living alone to enjoy such delicacy.

After all of them agreed, the trio went towards deeper into the orchard. While they were traveling, Applejack mentioned to Ovan Twilight’s first time in Ponyville, she even told him some of their time together up until now, from her poisoning the entire town, Twilight putting an Ursa Minor to sleep and even returning it to its mother, to Twilight’s mess-up spell with the parasprites, although Twilight wasn’t happy when Applejack mentioned the parasprites.

They soon got to the Zap Apple Orchard. To Ovan’s disappointment, all he saw were dead trees, hundreds of dead trees. “So where’s the Zap Apples?” Ovan with a small frown asked. “Well, Ah’ guess it’s still not their time yet.” Applejack replied. “But don’t cha fret, soon this entire orchard will be filling up with Zap Apples before y’ know it” Applejack patted Ovan on the shoulders with confidence brimming in her smile.

“Why Ovan I didn’t knew that you liked Zap Apple Jam?” Twilight surprised to see another side of Ovan.

“Well back then, my family and I used to have Zap Apple Jam every year. That was before we moved to Canterlot though.” Ovan replied

“Gee Whillykurs, if only ah’ knew then we would have at least saved one jar.” Applejack apologizing.

“That’s okay; I’m staying around here for some time, since the University gave me a vacation and all.” Ovan believing Applejack’s word and hoping that before he goes he can get at least one jar of Zap Apple Jam.

“Univar-what now?”Applejack lost in Ovan’s word.

“A university, well it’s sort of a big School.” Twilight clarifies.

“School? Ah’ thought only fillies and colts go to school?” Applejack curious about this university.

“Well, it’s more of a school of ponies where they teach harder stuff.” Twilight simplifying the explanation.

“Ah’ still don’t get this universerty stuff.” Applejack closing off the conversation about university.

After showing the Zap Apple Orchard, the three continued to roam around the orchard until they got back to the front gate of the farm. “Well, that’s about it!” Applejack concluded.

“Thanks Miss Applejack for the time for showing us around your farm.” Ovan expressed his gratitude.

“Just call me Applejack or AJ for short” Applejack suggested dropping off the honorifics and formalities.

“Okay, well thank you AJ” Ovan still reluctant on using AJ to address Applejack.

Before Twilight and Ovan could say their farewells, a small yellow red haired filly came out of the barn. “G’ Mornin’ Applejack! G’ Mornin’ Twilight! G’ Mornin’ uhh… Mister—“she cheerfully greeted them until she paused for a moment when she was about to greet Ovan.

“Oh right!” Applejack realized that this is Applebloom’s first time seeing Ovan.

“Applebloom this is Ovan, Ovan this is Applebloom, ma’h little sister. He came in here with Twilight this mornin’ ” Applejack introduced the two.

“Since yer together with Twilight, then are you Twilight’s special somepony?” Applebloom asked with a curious yet innocent smile on her face.

“W-what?!” Twilight was caught off guard with the question with a slight redness on her cheeks.

“Applebloom!” Applejack reprimanded her sister but Applebloom was already a few feet away from them

“Oops! Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo are waiting for me in the park, got a whole of crusadin’ y’ know really busy.” Applebloom hops away avoiding her sister’s wrath as her voice fades out.

“Don’t mind her, she’s just like that.” Applejack apologizing.

“We best be better be going now, still have to show Ovan a few sights.” Twilight bids farewell to her friend.

“Ya’ll come back now ya’ hear!” Applejack’s voice fades away waving goodbye as the two walks towards their next destination, Carousel Boutique.

“Oh my Gosh, Oh my Gosh, Oh my Gosh. There is simply not much time” Rarity panicking as she scours through the boutique. “I think this would–“Rarity, wearing her working glasses, scans a dress she picked-up from the mess she made “No! I think that one would be better.” Immediately drops the dress in her hooves to get another one beside it. “This would go well with this one.” Rarity matching a brooch with another dress she picked up after discarding the one earlier. “But that would certainly look Divine!” she immediately threw out the brooch for a tiara she saw in one of her mannequins.

“And we have now arrived at Carousel Boutique, where the one of the most beautiful dresses ever made. And inside you will see—“ Twilight proudly shows Ovan Rarity’s boutique but she was lost for words upon opening the door.

“Utter Chaos…” Ovan finishes the statement as soon as they both saw the stature of the place.

Dresses and pieces of fabric scattered all over the place, overlying fabrics hanging over the drawer’s edges, tools are found scattered all over the floor. As soon as they saw Rarity scurrying all over the place, which is a miracle that she can still run without an accident despite the mess, they tried to approach her. Looking at the small corner of the room, there are some mannequins are fitted nicely with ensembles as if they are being prepared to be displayed upfront in a showroom.

“Rarity?” Twilight asked while Rarity was comparing two laces one was of pink colored while the other one was blue. At first Twilight was ignored due to Rarity’s concentration as she levitates both ribbons above her eyesight deciding which lace to pick. “I think we should come by another time again…” Twilight whispers to Ovan as she suggested that they should leave Rarity alone for a while.

“Oh! Twilight, Ovan!” Rarity notices the two, dropping the two laces she was choosing from. “I didn’t notice you two.” Rarity looks fatigued as she greeted the two.

“Busy with something?” Twilight curious as to why Rarity and her shop is in a mess.

“I’m not just busy. I’m extremely busy. If I don’t show something nice to him by the time he arrives, this might be The-Worst-Possible-Thing!” Rarity exaggerates.

“Who’s coming?” Twilight asked.

“I have no time to explain, but here is the letter he sent me by the time I got back from our trip.” Rarity reaches out a letter carrying a golden seal of a dragon and levitating it to Twilight’s hooves and went back to work. “This seal.” Twilight seems familiar with the seal as she opens the letter and glances through it.

“—Draco von Dragonshire” Twilight reads the name aloud after she read the letter.

“He’s coming this afternoon and I have to get the entire shop ready for display.” Rarity seems to be rushing her display but the quality of the items she puts out is not compromised.

“Well, good luck Rarity, we’ll just come by another time.” Twilight waved goodbye as she and Ovan are heading to the exit of the boutique. As they were leaving, Ovan looked back and saw stunned as he saw Rarity levitating multiple articles of clothing and lining them precisely with one another and also the sewing tools are moved with such accuracy that there was no mishaps made.

“I’m sorry that we weren’t able to see much of Carousel Boutique.” Twilight apologized.

“That’s okay, It’s not like I wear dresses or anything” Ovan grins.

“Hahaha… wouldn’t that be a sight.” Twilight responded with humor. “It’s almost noon, want to get some lunch?” Twilight invited Ovan, as she noticed that the sun was already in the middle of the sky.

“No problem, so where to?” Ovan asked.

“I know this great café, follow me.” Twilight leads on as they go to get some lunch.

As they left Carousel Boutique, a pony seems to be stalking them from the bushes nearby.

Chapter6- Welcome to Ponyville (Part 2)

The Alicorn of the Stars
Chapter 6 – Welcome to Ponyville Part 2

“So this is the place you’re talking about.” Ovan said while sitting on a bale of hay.

“Although not as sophisticated as the ones in Canterlot but still it’s a pretty good café.” Twilight remarked. “I remember those Canterlot cafés tend to be ambient and all.”

“Yeah, always ambient and cozy.” Ovan replied.

While the two were comparing the cafés in Canterlot to the local café in Ponyville while laughing, a pony dressed in a formal suit was behind them without them noticing until he gave a cough. “I’m sorry for the lack of ambience.” The waiter sarcastically apologized.

“Oh! Sorry didn’t noticed you back there—“ Ovan sheepishly grinned as he apologized about his comments “Just recently came from Canterlot, you know— really fancy stuff, uhm… no offense?”

“None taken.” The waiter replied “Have you already decided about your order?”

“Daffodils and daisy sandwich please.” Twilight replied first.

“I think I’ll have some hay and oats.” Ovan followed shortly. “—hay and oats.”

The waiter repeating their order while writing it down on a notepad. “Your food will be served in about ten minutes.” The waiter left and went inside the café.

“So how was Canterlot University?” Twilight opening up a conversation.

“Hmm… lots of ponies?” Ovan jokes.

“Not that, I mean what was it like being in Canterlot University?” Twilight clarifies.

“Well first of all, I came from the Department of Magic.” Ovan replies.

“So how was it?” Twilight becoming more interested.

“Most of the unicorns there are more of elitists, having the upper hand since they can perform magic and all and there I was, getting high grades in theoretical magic classes but flunking practical magic classes.” Ovan self-pities as he narrates his life.

“But those spells you did yesterday aren’t those good enough?” Twilight tries to comfort Ovan’s mood.

“Well, in practical magic you’re not allowed to use catalysts, so before I could finish the entire exam, my magic source depletes so most of my test scores usually go from first five is marked 100 while the remaining are usually 0.” Ovan explains his situation.

“That explains it.” Twilight enlightened, but her curiosity about Ovan is still not sated “So what are doing at the university right now?”

“I’ve already graduated, although barely but right now, I’m still part of the university as an assistant researcher.” Ovan declares. “There is this one pony that I really respect as a mentor in the department.”

“Really? Kind of like Princess Celestia and I?” Twilight excitedly asks.

“If you put it that way, then yes.” Ovan nods in agreement. “His name is Professor Arkham Kaust, he acts as my mentor, and he taught me everything I know about magic despite my lack of capacity, but he never gave up, he always that me that if you can’t do it directly do it in another way.”

“Hahaha… he really knows the right words for you?” Twilight chuckles.

“You could say that, Oh yeah, speaking of magic, he even let me borrowed this book.” Ovan charged his horn and after a few seconds, a book poofed in between then entitled “Magic: Workings in the mind”, Twilight seems fascinated about the title as Ovan opens the book halfway. “It’s about setting the mindset of a pony when casting different types of magic.”

While Ovan reads through the content of book, Twilight, on the other hand, stares at Ovan’s serious look. She is starting to see him as someone admiring. “Smart, dedicated although not that handsome for Rarity’s standards though but most importantly a pony who I can talk magic with aside from the Princess” Twilight thought. Her eye-candying moment was sooner interrupted by a certain blue mare Pegasus who crashed to their table.

“Sorry about that Twilight.” Rainbow Dash apologized as she brushes off some dust. “Rainbow!” Twilight angry at Rainbow crashing between her sight. “Hehehe! I’m practicing for a new trick I’m gonna perform for this season’s Wonderbolt audition. I have to make it the cut this time.” Rainbow Dash grins as she excuses herself.

Ovan coughs off the dust as it clears off showing Twilight and Rainbow Dash talking. “What in the hay was that?” Ovan curious to what just crashed. “Sorry about that Ovan” Twilight apologized for her friend’s accident. “By the way this is—“ Twilight was suddenly interrupted by Rainbow Dash.

“Allow me Twilight” Rainbow Dash coughs “Introducing the one the only, the most awesomemest Pegasus to ever fly the skies of Equestria , Future Wonderbolt Captain and Stunt mare Extraordinaire Rainbow Dash!” Rainbow held her chest up high as she gave her introduction.

“Don’t worry she’s always like that.” Twilight excusing her friend’s arrogance.

“Your friend is… interesting” Ovan replied as he gives an awkward look towards Rainbow Dash.

“Hmm…” Rainbow Dash goes nearer to Ovan as her eyes squint staring and looking Ovan to the eye. “I see you’ve been hanging out with Twilight recently.”

“She’s just showing me around, uh… Is something the wrong?” Ovan getting nervous at Rainbow Dash’s stare.
“So got the hots for our dear friend Twilight?” Rainbow Dash casually asked.

“RAINBOW!!” Twilight flustered with Rainbow Dash’s statement.

“Hahaha! I’d like to stick around and chat but the Wonderbolts call.” Rainbow Dash laughs out loudly as she flies off leaving the two with a broken table in the middle

“That Rainbow Dash…” Twilight’s cheek puffing as she was turning red while she was looking at Rainbow Dash’s rainbow-colored trail fading away.

“Let’s just enjoy lunch.” Ovan tries to lighten up the mood as he notices the waiter coming out from café pushing a tray covered in a silver dome to their table. “Our food’s here.”

“Your—“ before the waiter could finish his sentence, he stood shocked to see that one of the tables destroyed upon arriving.
“I’ll vouch for that.” Ovan immediately interrupts the waiter before he could even say anything about the table.

“Enjoy your lunch.” The waiter served them after they transferred to a vacant seat nearby. As goes back to inside shrugging them off.

Meanwhile, just within the bushes beside them the same pony that was stalking them earlier is seen observing them.

After the mishap from the café, the two are seen crossing the bridge towards to the Everfree Forest.
“I’m really sorry for that happened earlier.” Twilight repeatedly apologizes for Rainbow Dash’s behavior earlier lunchtime.

“That’s okay; the university is paying for it anyway” Ovan grins.

“But still, I’d like to do something.” Twilight insists.

“How about go to Rarity, have her pick a dress for you and go to the Summer Harvest Ball with me?” Ovan suggested.

“Aside from that...” Twilight rejects the idea.

“Just joking” Ovan changing the topic “So where are we going to now?” Ovan asked as they were getting quite farther and farther from the town and towards a small hut over the small hill just beside the entrance to the Everfree Forest.

“One of my friends lives here.” Twilight answered. “Her name is Fluttershy, as you can see her entire hut is filled with many sorts of animals.” Twilight points out the different animals around Fluttershy’s hut.

“Kind of like a breeder?” Ovan asked as he saw cats and dogs running around, squirrels rabbits playing around the trees, chirping of different species birds flying around and resting on the tree branches nearby, bees busy buzzing and doing their daily chores of honey making, butterflies frolicking around the flower garden and the chickens can be heard clucking together inside the barn.

“You can put it that way.” Twilight replies. “Wait right here, she is very shy towards strangers, I’ll go talk to her first.”
“Okay” Ovan nods in turn.

“Who could that be?” a soft spoken yellow mare asked herself as she approaches the door of her house upon hearing knocks on the door.

“Anypony home?” Twilight asks from the other side of the door.

“Twilight… what brings you here?” Fluttershy asked as she slightly opens the door just revealing Twilight’s upper body.

“I’m just showing my Ovan around Ponyville.” Twilight pointing towards Ovan.

“That’s nice…” Fluttershy replied.

“Why don’t you come on out and say hello?” Twilight suggests.

“No thanks… it’s fine… really” Fluttershy hides back into her house.

“Please?” Twilight begs for Fluttershy’s cooperation.

“Okay…” Fluttershy reluctantly agrees “But I don’t know what to say.”

“Just introduce yourself, like tell him your name or what you do.” Twilight instructed Fluttershy on how to do simple introductions.

“Is there something wrong?” Ovan politely asks as he was getting a little impatient from waiting for a few minutes after Twlight left him there in the middle of the area.

After a few minutes, Fluttershy came out of her house, sheepishly walking alongside Twilight towards Ovan. At first there was an awkward silence in the air, as Fluttershy, being meek and timid in front of Ovan while Ovan on the other hand was sheepishly grinning waiting for the yellow mare to say the first word.

“Okay…” Twilight noticing the awkward silence finally stepped forward “Fluttershy this is Ovan, he’s new in town. Would you be so kind to show us around?”

“Nice to meet you…” Fluttershy silently spoke that not even Twilight who is beside her heard what she said. “I’m sorry Twilight, I just can’t help myself from being shy especially when facing a new pony” Fluttershy turning to Twilight afterwards.

“That’s okay Fluttershy you’re doing better than last time. I’ll take care of the rest of the introductions.” Twilight reminded Fluttershy of her time when Twilight first arrived in Ponyville.

“Thanks Twilight, but I want try to be more assertive and this won’t do if I’m like this always, Let me try again.” Fluttershy trying to gain confidence in herself.

“That’s the spirit!” Twilight encouraging her friend.

Fluttershy took a deep breath and again introduces herself “I’m Fluttershy. It’s nice to meet you… uhm… Ovan?”

“Nice to meet you too Ms. Fluttershy.” Ovan cheerfully responded.

“Just Fluttershy would be… nice” Fluttershy feeling a bit awkward at Ovan’s formality.

“Well then, it’s nice to meet you Fluttershy.” Ovan being more casual

“I did it Twilight!” Fluttershy suddenly turns to Twilight excited in her successful introduction. For her it was her first time to introduce herself clearly in front of a complete stranger and this was her it was a giant leap to boosting her self-confidence especially around new ponies she meets.

“You were great.” Twilight complimenting on Fluttershy’s performance and turning to Ovan afterwards “She takes care of the animals around here in Ponyville.”

“Like a vet?” Ovan clarifying Twilight’s statement.

“You could put it like that.” Twilight agrees.

Inside Fluttershy’s house, there was a certain white bunny rabbit peeking through the door watching the scene. After noticing the blue pony that was together with his owner and friend, he leapt outside and hopped towards his head.

“Angel?!” Fluttershy surprised at her pet’s sudden appearance.

Everypony was also surprised to see Angel riding on Ovan’s head in a friendly manner. “Hey! Aren’t you that little lost rabbit from last week?” Ovan patting Angel over the head.

“You’ve met?” Twilight asked in confusion of Ovan’s familiarity with Angel.

“Yeah… I found him around Froggy Bottom Bog around last week or so.” Ovan explained.

“So that was why Fluttershy was a wreck the past week.” Twilight said after hearing Ovan’s explanation.

“I’m truly happy that Angel was able to return. I was so scared and worried about Angel back then” Fluttershy cuddling Angel after he went back to his owner’s side.

“So what do you think about Ovan?” Twilight talking to Fluttershy while Ovan with some distance between them looking around.

“He seems… nice, saving Angel and all.” Fluttershy replies.

“Aside from that” Twilight expecting more feedback from Fluttershy.

“Hmm… Well anypony who is good with Angel doesn’t’ seem to be a bad pony.” Fluttershy replies.

“Okay…” Twilight closes off her inquiry realizing that Fluttershy has no more comments to offer.

“So where are you going next?” Fluttershy curiously asked.

“Where else, to have him meet Pinkie Pie of course.” Twilight declared.

“How wonderful… If that’s the case see you later…” Fluttershy knowing what to expect upon the mention of Pinkie Pie, waves goodbye to Twilight and Ovan as they were going back to Ponyville.

Soon the two reached the gingerbread-modeled confectionery parlor. Twilight went it insisting that Ovan stay outside as she explained that she will be taking care of a few things inside. While outside, Ovan’s eyes was strolling around and around looking at the surroundings, the variety of shops and stands, ponies walking around the roads of Ponyville and going into shops and stands doing their business.

While he was waiting outside, he was startled to see a rather ecstatic looking pink pony beside him wearing a huge grin on her face. Before he even say his hello's the mare gasped and ran off leaving him alone.

“Okay…” Ovan perplexed to what has happened.

“So is Pinkie Pie here?” Twilight asked Mrs Cakes watching over the counter displaying various cakes and pastries.

“Oh… I think she left a while ago” Mrs. Cakes replied “But I think she left this for you before leaving.” Mrs. Cakes handed down a note signed with Pinkie’s grinning face sketch.

“That’s too bad; I was going to talk about something with her.” Twilight feeling disappointed about Pinkie’s absence.

“Hmm… I wonder why…” Twilight wondering on what the note meant after reading it before going outside. “but o well… This is Pinkie Pie we’re talking about.”

The first thing Twilight saw when she opened the door was a perplexed Ovan looking to the far side of Ponyville. “Is something wrong?” Twilight asked.

“Nothing…” Ovan shaking off what happened earlier. “How about the stuff you’re going to take care inside?”

“I think it’s already taken care of.” Twilight having faith in Pinkie Pie’s message.

Both of them resumed the tour around Ponyville with Twilight leading and telling Ovan various information about the structures and shops around Ponyville until it was nighttime. Their last stop was the Library.

“This is where I stay, along with my assistant Spike, you know the baby dragon who was with me yesterday.” Twilight showing Ovan the outside structure of the Library.

“It seems a nice place.” Ovan remarked

“Why don’t you come inside and at least have some dinner?” Twilight inviting Ovan inside and hoping that Pinkie Pie’s note earlier really meant something.

“I guess I’ll take that offer.” Ovan agrees

Upon entering the Library, they were greeted by multi-colored balloons and streamers popping from inside. “SURPRISE!!” Everypony inside yelled. “Surprise!” Pinkie Pie followed up after a few seconds. “Shoot! Why can’t I get it right?”

“Girls!” Twilight happily approaches her friends among the lot.

“Uh… Twilight, What’s going on?” Ovan confused and still surprised on what is happening.

“I thought you guys aren’t going to make it!” Pinkie Pie excitedly reaches out to Ovan “I mean what is a welcome party with the guest of honor? I mean come on that would be Awk-ward. I knew a new pony in town when I see one you see I know everypony here in Ponyville and since I don’t know you then you must be new. so at first I was like stealthy ninja mode then I was *Grins* and lastly I was like *Gasp* giving me this great idea to also throw you this super special awesome surprise Welcome Party just like how I did when Twilight first arrived here” Pinkie grins after she gave her explanation.

“Ovan allow me to say this formally say this…” Twilight took a moment of pause

“WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!” everypony inside in chorus welcomes Ovan.

“Welcome to Ponyville!” Pinkie again delayed with the chorus “Shoot!”

At the peak of the night, a green mare was seen standing on a hill showing the entire view of Ponyville. “So this where you’re hiding Ovan.”

Chapter7- Dragonshire Manor

The Alicorn of the Stars
Chapter 7 – Dragonshire Manor

It was already the middle of the morning when Rarity was able to reach the vicinity of Dragonshire manor. Not able to contain her excitement, she gazes over the vast lush green fields with several earth ponies toiling and tending the lands with the sun’s warm blanket of light covering the entire field. She turned her focus towards the front and little by little she sees her destination. Taking deep breathe, she can still recall the events that took place during the Baron’s visit in her boutique back in Ponyville like they were still happening at this very moment flashing within her mind.

Chaos, one word to accurately describe Carousel Boutique not to mention Rarity’s appearance at that time, as she sorts out her entire collection from her concept designs, inspirational sketches and first drafts, to her finished and displayed ensembles. As the sun moved towards the middle of the blue sky, Rarity was still busy mixing and matching her best designs to their respective accessories and keeping the ones “not worthy” to be displayed for such an important pony.
Not far from the boutique, a noble-looking pony wearing a red suit on accompanied by two other similar looking ponies except that one is meek-looking while the other one was rather stern. “We should have come here with the carriage.” The meek looking pony said.

“It’s the master’s request that we should come here without being noticed, and as his personal attendant, we should always adhere to the master’s words and request.” The stern looking pony reprimanded the selfish behavior of his fellow attendant.

“Whatever you say Scaleful.” The meek one answered back.

“Iz zis really ze vay Scaleful?” the noble pony asked the two.

“Yes, milord. I’m very sure of it. Spineles made sure of the directions before we get here.” Scaleful replied.

“Certainly I did Lord Draco sir…” Spineles nodding nervously and feverously. “And look! There it is!” Spineles pointing the certain boutique they were looking for.

“Whew!” Rarity finally relieved while doing the final touches to her shop and ready to present it to the Baron. “If everything goes well, my popularity throughout Equestria will surely shoot out through the roof.” Rarity can help but feel optimistic and excited as she fills out every nook and cranny of her shelves, ceiling and walls with décor and lining up her best dresses fitted out in several foam mannequins.

“Knock, Knock, Knock” the door thumped. Rarity, with no time to spare, quickly brushed her mane and putted some powder and make-up to hide the exhaustion in her face. Channeling her magic, she opened the door showing her esteemed guest upfront.

As Draco entered the shop and looks around the decors the dresses, Rarity can’t help herself but put on a nervous grin as beads of cold sweat runs down through her neck. She froze like ice as Draco finally approached her. She nervously stares at the glistening golden stallion, his neatly combed sleek jet black mane with streaks of red and his emerald left eye that shines like its gemstone counterpart but his right eye is covered with an opaque monocle covering the entire eye.

“G-g-good m-morning, Baron D-draco… W-what can I do for y-you?” Rarity stutters.

“Guten Morgen, Miss Rarity I presume.” Draco greeted Rarity as he reaches for Rarity’s hoof and kisses it as a form of courtesy. “It’z a pleasure to meet you.”

“Oh!” Rarity taken aback by Draco’s gesture and at the same time, shattering the ice that was constricting Rarity’s mind. “You can just call me Rarity.”

“Forgive me on my sudden actions, but zis how my family taught me on how to greet mares, especially beautiful mares such as yourself.” Draco raising his head and apologizing yet he still keeps his noble and charming demeanor.

“You flatterer you…” Rarity flushed. “I bet you say to that to every mare you meet.”

Draco chuckles in response to Rarity’s words, after a brief pause, Draco changes the mood of the conversation “so shall ve get on to businez?”

“I’m really sorry, I was so nervous and all.” Rarity apologized as she nearly forgot the purpose of the Baron’s visit to her boutique. “Follow me” Rarity leads Draco further inside showing him her entire display from her latest works to her best of the bests, including the gowns she designed for her friends for the Grand Galloping Gala they once attended.

“Zis dress, I knew I recognized it somever.” Draco points out while he was looking over a certain pink gown with various jewels adorned all over the lower half.

“Oh this? I consider this as one of my masterpieces.” Rarity proudly presenting the dress she made for the Gala.

“I think I saw it ze Gala, if I was not mistaken.” Draco said. “I saw Blueblood together with a mare dressed in this. poor mare...”as he looked pitiful over the fate of that mare together with Prince Blueblood at the Gala last time

“I don’t want to talk about that.” Rarity shrugged off the question. “With all due respect and all,but there some things that are best kept private right?”

“Zat’s okay, you’re not ze first mare zu be ticked off by zat royal pain.” Draco chuckles . “Anycase, I have seen most of your works, I vould say that Herr Hoity vas right about you. “ Draco reaching out a letter marked with his seal out of his coat.

“Here, come zu my manor tomorrow and ve shall discuss the details of vat you vill do.” Draco said as he placed the roll of paper on Rarity’s hoof. “Present zis to ze guards they know vat to do.”

By the time Rarity finished her flashback, the carriage was already on arrived in front of the massive structure.

As soon as Rarity’s stepped outside the carriage, she stood in awe in front of the majestic structure. The air of majesty and nobility swooped down on Rarity like an eagle striking down it prey.

As Rarity finally went back to reality, she saw an orange earth pony standing in front of the door. His butler attire immediately gave away his role, yet he still stands tall and proud for his role.

“Ah, you must be Miss Rarity, the Baron is expecting you, and just in time for lunch.” Scaleful greeted the mare as he takes out his pocket watch and glances over the time. “Follow me.” Scaleful goes inside with Rarity follow him from behind.

As they went inside, her expectations didn’t betray her. As it was majestic on the outside, it is more grand and stunning in the inside. Although not as grandeur and majestic as the Canterlot Castle, it was still awe-inspiring. The walls are adorned with emblems and decors emphasizing the glorious dragon hunts that the family boasts. As both of them steadily walks across the hallway, Rarity, whose interest about the family piqued, decided to ask the butler in front of her.

“uhm… mister—“ Rarity paused trying to grasp and guess the name of the pony in front of her

“Scaleful, I apologize, it was rude of me to not introduce myself to the Baron’s guest” Scaleful straight-faced apologizes as he leads Rarity along the halls “I’m truly sorry.”

“That’s okay, I was wondering about the decorations in these halls. “ Rarity continues.

“These are the proudest moments of the Dragonshire family, each of one these signifies the triumphant glory of a family member that was able to slay a dragon.” Scaleful again with his expressionless face explains the meaning of the emblems.

“Slaying dragons?” Rarity shocked to hear the word slaying.

“Yes, although the master can explain everything more in detail.” Scaleful replied.

Both of them stopped upon reaching a massive door, “The master is inside.” Scaleful pardons himself as Rarity enters the room. Inside center of the room is a round table filled with all sorts of foods, ranging from a plateful of fruits and cheese, baskets of bread and oats to delectable sweets of pastries cakes and cookies. And there is Draco, standing beside the window fully-aware of his visitor’s entrance to the room.

“Ah… Rarity, it'z a delight to see you as alvays, and just in time for lunch.” Draco welcomes her to the table. "Come, join me."

“Really, you shouldn’t have.” Rarity humbly rejects the offer.

“Don’t vorry about it, Spineles alvays prepares zis much.” Draco insists “I couldn’t possibly finish zis food all alone.”

“Thank you for the offer but I’m still feeling a bit full, had a big breakfast earlier.” Rarity trying to maintain her delicacy in front of the Baron but her hunger begs to differ giving off a faint grumbling sound leading to Rarity being embarrassed. “That was…” Rarity wanting to dig herself into a hole with the embarrassment she feels right now.

Draco smiles and chuckles in response as he insists on his invitation “Come, don’t be shy”

Rarity with her hunger exposed and all humbly nods and bows in agreement as she accompanies Draco to lunch. "I guess it will be my honor."

After lunch, Rarity's mood changes since Draco mentioned his task to Rarity, as he explains the content of the letter he sent Rarity the other day that he has heard of her talent from Hoity Toity and wants to see it for himself, however...

“I don’t really know…” Rarity humbly declines. “Suits aren’t really my thing…”

“Zink of zis as a new learning experience” Draco insists “Bezides, if you managed zu pull zis off, your business target will surely expand ja?”

“Now that you mention it…” Rarity giving Draco’s words a thought, “Draco’s right, If I can make not only dresses but also suits and stallion’s fashion, my career will surely skyrocket throughout Equestra.”

“I accept!” Rarity proudly accepts Draco’s business proposal.

“Zat’s good zu hear.” Draco relieved at Rarity’s response. “But zer iz one zing…” Draco’s expression turning worried. “You have to stay here during the duration of your work, for convenience sake of course.”

“What?!” Rarity shocked at Draco’s sudden condition.

“Pardon me for my sudden request, but surely you vouldn’t vant my freunds zu travel all ze way zu Ponyville zu get measured. Ja?” Draco explains his condition.

“Now that you put it that way.” Rarity putting more thought into this assignment. “it would be troublesome for all his friends to travel all the way to Ponyville to get measured, but I’m more comfortable working in my boutique, this will certainly be a brand new experience for me, not to mention the suit making part. But think of the benefits Rarity, You really did managed to pull this off, not only you have proven yourself to be versatile but also flexible, but the bad side is everything in this assignment is new. I might screw it up and probably embarrass the Baron, What to do? What to do?” Rarity conflicted about weighing out the pros and cons of the work.

“But if that vould inconvenience you and compromise your vork, then I supposed—” Draco offering Rarity a much easier solution.

“Thanks for your concern, Baron Draco, but I have already decided.” Rarity interrupted Draco to announce her decision.

Outside the manor, Rarity shaking the hoof of the noblepony,as a sign of agreement "It'z a pleazure doing buziness vith you." Draco said.

"It is my honor, I assure you I will do my very best." Rarity assures the Baron that he can trust her.

"Are you sure you don't vant zu stay here till tomorrow it's already near sundown." Draco concerned with the mare's safety since she might reach Ponyville late night.

"I really appreciate your hospitality but i must get back to Ponyville to prepare somethings and say some farewells to my friends." Rarity humbly declines the offer. "Lots of things to do especially since there is this new pony in town and all and I think I might use him as sample for this new venture before I fully partake in yours is that ok?."

"Ja... if iz meanz zat it vill improve your vork then by all means." Draco responded. "But at least allow me zu send my fastest carriage. zat vay you could return back faster."

"Thank you..." Rarity replied.

"I don't vant zu be intruzive but zis new pony, vats he like?" Draco getting curious about the pony Rarity mentioned.

"For starters, his name is Ovan Starshine, he and my good friend Twilight Sparkle get along well since they are both good with magic and all and both have terrible sense of fashion so to speak. " Rarity jokingly jeers at the pair as she prepares for departure"They really should go out together. Is there something wrong?"

"Nein, just curious." Draco smiles as he bid Rarity goodbye as his carriage speeds away from his manor and back towards Ponyville. "Ovan..." Draco's expression soon turned dimmer by the time the carriage is not longer visible from the horizon of the manor

Chapter8- The Marefriend

The Alicorn of the Stars
Chapter 8 – The Marefriend

“Wrong Wrong Wrong!” Twilight getting impatient and quite annoyed with the results of her experiment. “Why doesn’t it go like it says in the book?” She ponders over the reason as to why her experiments with the Icy Sapphire are not going well in accordance to the book. “It doesn’t say anything about this.” She complains as she frantically flips the pages of the book searching for answers.

Several crystals pieces are laying on the Library floor, crushed bit to bits, and some bits are losing their original blue luster, while some are totally grey dead. “I tried lowering my spells but it just doesn’t power up” Twilight dumbfounded and confused as she tries other reference books regarding the matter.

“Why don’t you ask your new boyfriend?” Spike jokingly suggested as he was carrying a pile of books towards Twilight.
“For the last time, he is not my boyfriend” Twilight furiously rejects.

“Yea right!” Spike puts down the puts near Twilight “Last night while sleeping, you were like—” Spike giggles as he was trying to mimic Twilight’s voice. “Oh Ovan please be gentle”

“Ahahaha really funny” Twilight getting sarcastic at Spike’s comments. “Now help me find some answers regarding this.” Twilight commanded.

“Yes commander!” Spike returns back to the shelves hoping to find some books “You are so into him” he whispers after getting some distance between Twilight.

“Is anybody there?” a familiar voice knocked behind the door.

“Ovan?!” Twilight surprised to hear Ovan’s voice. “Here?! Now?!” she starts to panic as soon as she saw the status of the Library, with broken gems scattered all over and books laying in every corner and floor some opened in the middle while some were like tossed aside and not to mention there were still ice marks from her failed attempt a while ago. In her panic, she levitated all the mess and shoved it to the next room along with Spike and shutting it hiding every mess she made.

“Hey?!” Spike calling out as he was suddenly tossed to the other room but fell into deaf ears since Twilight’s focus was to clear out the mess.

“Hello?” Ovan’s called again.

“Coming…” Twilight grins as she opens the door and sees Ovan. “What brings you here?”

“Not much…” Ovan enters the Library scanning the room in the process, “I’m just curious, do you happen to have a copy of “The Time Machine?””

“Of course” Twilight nods as she pulls out a book out from the shelf “I really liked that, but I was saddened by the bleak future it predicts, glad that’s all fiction.”

“That would be disturbing if that were to come true,” Ovan chuckles “imagine ponies eating ponies.”

“Yeah, that would really be wrong.” Twilight agreeing with Ovan “Say, ugh… Are you going to do something later?”

“Nothing as of now” Ovan replied “Why?”

“Nothing, just curious.” Twilight getting all fidgety at this moment.

“Well, if there’s nothing more… I’ll be going now and I’ll return this after I’m done with it” Ovan waving goodbye but his path was blocked by a small crystal fragment he stepped on while heading towards the door. “Hmm?” Ovan wonders as he picks up the fragment. “Isn’t this a…” He stares at the blue stone slowly losing its luster.

“Ahahaha” Twilight suddenly speeds off towards Ovan and grabbed the crystal hiding it from Ovan. “Just some mess Spike made, you know baby Dragons.” Twilight quickly comes up with an excuse hoping to hide her failed experiments.

“Just say that you need help Twilight!” Spike suddenly bursts out the door in a foul mood.

“Help?” Ovan wonders what the baby dragon’s words mean.

“Ahahaha…” Twilight, with her secret exposed, explained everything to Ovan.

“How about tomorrow?” Ovan decided to help Twilight

“Are you sure, you still have that book to read and you might get busy tomorrow. I don’t want to impose and all.” Twilight replied.

“That’s ok; After all I just need to read the first chapter of this book for a reference.” Ovan responded “But we might need another room for that”

“Why is that?” Twilight wonders.

“It’s going to get a bit messy and we might do it all over the place.” Ovan explains.

“Do it?” Twilight silently spoke to herself “it’s going to be messy?” a pigment of her dream flashed within her eyes and her expression turns red all of a sudden.

“Yep, and the room should be closed and no pony must enter randomly.” As Ovan continues his precautionary procedures Twilight gets red and red thinking beyond the context of what Ovan is saying and translating it into a more erotic meaning.

“Twilight?” Ovan worried about Twilight’s daydreaming expression as he gets closer and closer to Twilight’s face.

“Wah!” Twilight starled to see Ovan just in front of her as she returns from her daydream. “Sorry about that. Got it, a clear and secured room.” Twilight nodded.

“Well, see you tomorrow morning.” Ovan waved goodbye and exits.

“You should really cut those kinds of books Twilight.” Spike snickering behind Twilight.

“Oh shut up and help me get this place ready for tomorrow.” Twilight replied.

“Ovan… Ovan…” a gentle voice whispers through Ovan’s ear as he lays comfortably in his makeshift bed of bales of hay.

“Five more minutes…” Ovan refusing to get-up and ignores the call, yet he took a peek to see who was waking him up. Daintily he saw a silhouette of a purple unicorn mare, her smile seemed like the sunrise itself yet her horn slowly gathering magic with malicious intent. “I’m up!” Ovan hurriedly came to his senses not wanting to repeat the same incident at the hospital.

“Shall we start?” Twilight excited for her first lesson with Ovan.

“Aren’t you a little early?” Ovan bringing out some gadgets and meters.

“Here’s some coffee, I thought It might wake up some nerves.” Twilight hands a cup of coffee to Ovan.

“Thanks” Ovan accepting the courtesy and places the cup over a small table besides the bale of hay as he calibrates and sets the devices he needs.

“What’s that for?” Twilight curious about the gadgets that Ovan is tinkering for some quite of time.

“This one? this is a manameter while that one is a catameter.” Ovan replied as he finished the calibration and takes a sip of coffee.

“So what does it do?” Twilight curiously asked while she was glancing over the two devices.

“For starters, the manameter basically measures the amount of magic a certain unicorn casts while the catameter measures the amount of magic that must be used on a catalyst.” Ovan explains as he slides some gems to his satchel.

“These can be used to help beginners to grasp the amount of magic they must put into a catalyst for it work.”

“But I have never seen these devices in Canterlot ever.” Twilight wonders.

“That’s because I made them.” Ovan replied “So shall we go?”

Twilight excitedly nods in response, along with the joy in her heart beating wildly. A time with the stallion of her dreams, what more could she ask for this day. As they walked towards to the Library, Twilight’s excited grew larger and larger yet she still managed to contain it but not the red blush on her face. Fortunately, she was in front of Ovan so she was still managed to hide her gleeful expression.

“See what I mean?” Ovan showing the meter’s reading after he did a basic ice spell as he turned a glass of water into ice, numbers suddenly appeared on the screen showing the values 25MP.”By the way MP stands for Mana Points.” Ovan clarifies. While Twilight is awed by workings of the device, Ovan pulls out the catameter and places the probes over a small blue crystal. “And here it reads 15 to 35 MPR” Ovan reads out the numbers being pointed by the two arrows on the display. “This means, anything below 15MP won’t do anything and more than 35MP will bust the stone.” Ovan discusses the significance of the values they gathered.

“So that was why some spells didn’t work while some were inconsistent and some cracks my samples.” Twilight was finally enlightened to the fact that she now knows the reason why. “But how come this method isn’t explained on the book.” She begins to wonder about the method that Ovan is teaching as to why it isn’t printed on the book.

“Probably, because using magical catalysts is a new discovery so, there aren’t many books about them and about these devices I’m the only one who uses them.” Ovan tries to explain “and besides that book does things the old fashioned way.”

Just outside the Library, Applejack is seen taking a peek over the window watching the two ponies get together. “Hey AJ!” Rainbow Dash surprising Applejack in her greeting “Whatcha’ doin’ there?”

“Shh… “Applejack hushed Rainbow Dash “Quiet RD, Can’t ya’ see Ah’m busy here?”

“Busy with what?” Rainbow Dash getting curious to what is Applejack watching over the window so she decides to also take a peek. “That’s—“

Applejack muffled her before she was able to shout. “If yer’ goin’ tah’ watch, be quiet, don’t want them tah’ find out.”

Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement. As both mares now peeking over the window watching what exciting moments could unfold between the two.

“I did it!” Twilight suddenly embraced Ovan in her delight to successfully perform the experiment that she kept on failing to do yesterday as she was able to freeze a glass of water in just a second compared to without a catalyst that it would take about 5 seconds. “Oh! sorry” Twilight suddenly released her embrace.

“Well, now that you grasped the basic concept, then this is where practice makes perfect, with constant practice, you can have a mental memory on the intensity of a spell you cast thus making it easier for you to do it.” Ovan concluding his lesson on how to use catalyst “You could keep those meters so that you can play with it.”

“Are you sure?” Twilight asked. “What if you might need it in the future?”

“No worries… You could consider me a Master when It comes to that” Ovan bragging with a proud smile on his face.

“So this is it huh?” Twilight feeling a bit disappointed on the short time they spent together without anything happening.

“Hmm… Not quite, I could teach you some spells that I just made up.” Ovan proposing his idea.

“Really?!” Twilight delighted to hear an extension of their lesson, most importantly time together.

“Why not…” Ovan decided to impart some of his knowledge to the mare since it wasn’t really much appreciated in the university compared to here in Ponyville better yet to Twilight Sparkle.

“Remember the time at the Smokey Dragon Mountains?” Ovan recalling that time “This is the foundation of the spell I used back there.”

Twilight excited to see the spell that saved her life from the boulder entrapment three days ago comes closer to Ovan as he takes out a red gem out from his satchel and holds it tightly in his right hoof. He then slowly charges his horn with magic, and gently beamed a ray of firey light over to the gem with the gem emitting a red radiant glow in response. Twilight’s eyes widened and sparkled to what she is seeing right now it’s either the beautiful red firey glow or the aura that complimented the stallion in front of her. After a few seconds, Ovan stopped the spell returning the lighting of the room back to normal.

“This is a smaller version of what I used back there.” Ovan said as he was glancing over the gem he was holding and suddenly he turned his attention to Twilight who was still staring at him and the gem “Twilight?”

“Oh, sorry” Twilight apologized “What is that spell anyway?”

“It’s a storing spell, with this, unicorns can store magic into these stones for later use, but it gets a bit tricky since unlike earlier, you have to constantly put magic into the gem.” Ovan explaining his spell “So want to try it?” Ovan asked.

“Sure!” Twilight accepts and hoping to get it right the first time.

“For starters, you might want to hold the gem like this.” Ovan holding the gem with his two front hooves and his horn pointed towards the gem. “It might be a little difficult since you can’t see the target but just remember that it’s just in front of you so slowly cast your magic.”

“Okay” Twilight nods mimicking Ovan’s posture. Ovan then hands the gem over to Twilight’s hooves. “Is this good?” Twilight asked wanting to know if her stance is good to go.

“Not quite.” Ovan approaches from behind as he firmly holds Twilight’s front hooves straightening it and making it sturdier. “There, you might get surprised with the sudden burst of energy so I’ll act as a support.”

Twilight getting flustered even more with Ovan holding her hooves just behind her, her back laying against Ovan’s chest, her face turning redder even more compared to earlier. And her heart is beats even more wildly, her breathe getting shorter and shorter and her concentration regarding the spell diminishes for each second passing by.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash gets closer to the window upon seeing the situation. As both mares were too distracted, a gentle voice from behind startled them.

“Girls?” Fluttershy wonders about her friend’s activities.

“Fluttershy?” Rainbow Dash startled with the Pegasus mare’s greeting.

“What you doing?” Fluttershy asked. “It’s not nice to peep on somepony’s window”

“It’s okay sugarcube” Applejack reasons “It’s just Twilight and her new companion Ovan.”

“Yeah! And they are going to do it!” Rainbow Dash exaggerating.

“Do it?” Fluttershy ponders about Rainbow’s words.

“Don’t mind RD, why don’t cha’ take a look for yourself?” Applejack insists on having Fluttershy join it.

“But, that’s not nice.” Fluttershy gently refuses.

“Come on, just have a look-see” Rainbow carried Fluttershy over the window revealing to Fluttershy the scene.

Fluttershy in turn turned her focus towards Twilight and Ovan disregarding what she said earlier.

“Now slowly and gently…” Ovan instructed Twilight with Twilight getting stiffer and stiffer the longer Ovan holds her. “This time you have to feel the changes within the gem as you pour your magic into it.” Ovan’s face is now beside her. With her mind in shambles, she just blasted recklessly a spell blowing up the gem in the process knocking both ponies down.

Rarity passes by the Library after her return from Dragonshire Manor, and sees her friends all packed-up peeking over the window. “That’s just plain rude, invading a pony’s privacy.” She said to herself as she approaches her friends outside the Library. “Ahem! Excuse me, do you mind? You’re invading on our dear friend Twilight’s privacy” Rarity tries to reprimand the group but only to fell on deaf ears.

“Forget about privacy take a look!” Rainbow Dash suddenly grabbed Rarity bringing her over the window to take a look.

“WHAT?!” Rarity shouted after seeing Twilight on top of Ovan getting muffled up in return by her friends.

“SHHH!!” the group in chorus hushed Rarity.

“Where in Equestria was that gentle and slowly?” Ovan regaining consciousness as his eyes are starting to gain focus only to see Twilight on top of him also regaining consciousness. “Well this is…” Ovan tries to look away slightly embarrassed at their current position.

Words were not enough to describe Twilight’s burst of emotions at this moment. Both ponies slowly starting to look at each other with passion, “Twilight?” Ovan tries to regain reason back to the mare’s head as his heart also started to pound while staring at the mare. Twilight in turn stared back at Ovan. There was an awkward air looming around the room yet Twilight didn’t move an inch. As the air slowly turns into passion, both ponies mind also went with the mood. Their awkward stare soon turn passionate. As Twilight slowly comes closer and closer, not caring what would happen afterwards. Ovan in turn getting nervous yet he starts to see the mare getting more and more beautiful as she comes closer, although he liked her before but not like this, it is something different, he too desired the mare and wanted to do the same. Both of them gave in to their desires and slowly coming together.

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy also got caught up in what are they about to witness as their eyes widened and the faces comes closer and closer to the window

“SLAM!” the door suddenly slammed open revealing a pink pony carrying a tray of cupcakes and gleefully trotted towards the two destroying whatever passionate atmosphere that surrounded them earlier. “Cupcakes?” Pinkie pie offering the two a tray of freshly baked cupcakes.

“I guess I’m also getting hungry” Ovan pointed out after sniffing the aroma of the fresh cupcakes with his stomach growling in response.

“I guess?” Twilight returning back into her normal self grabbed two pieces and offering the other one to Ovan. “Why Pinkie Why?” Twilight in agony whispered to Pinkie Pie.

“What? Those things are good; you really have to try them.” Pinkie pie innocently hopped away with her usual joyful grin on her face.

“Let’s just get lunch.” Ovan suggested.

“Okay.” Twilight disappointed with the sudden outburst of Pinkie Pie.

As the pair exited the Library, they saw Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Rarity fallen down and knocked unconscious just beside the window with a distinct disappointed look in their faces as well. “I wonder what happened to them?” Twilight rhetorically asked herself, as they walked towards the town center to get something to eat.

While the two of them are walking towards Sugarcube Corner, they were suddenly approached by a green mare. “Ovan! There you are” The mare suddenly dashed towards Ovan embracing him. “I was so worried, you never call or send messages.”

“Ovan, do you know this pony?” Twilight curiously asked with a bit of jealously in her tone.

“Oh, please excuse me.” The mare started to introduce herself. “My name is Fran, and I’m Ovan’s girlfriend. And you are?”

Chapter9- Curtains Arise

The Alicorn of the Stars
Chapter 9 – Curtains Arise

“Come on now sugarcube, it’s been three days already.” Applejack worried about her friend’s condition after that shocking revelation. “Y’ve been chuggin’ down that special cider down tha’ drain.” Applejack trying to comfort Twilight, after she suddenly came to the farm bursting in tears as her heart sank from the shocking revelation. At first Applejack pitied and cared for the heartbroken Twilight, but after days of the same repetitive words it kind of grew on her and tirelessly suggests Twilight to move on.

It was already late afternoon, Twilight continues on and one ranting about the same topic over and over again for the past three days, already gulping down a barrel of the special cider that the Apple family brews for every end of Applebuck season in celebration for their bountiful harvest. Applejack becomes more worried about Twilight’s wellbeing as the days have gone by.

“I should’ve seen this coming *hic*” Twilight drunk again with copious amounts of cider, as she was drinking this stuff the moment she fled and ran away from Ovan after the hearing the heart-breaking news. “I knew I have already read this in books *hic*, but hey did I listen? No!” Twilight talking to herself ranting “A pony like that must have a girlfriend *hic*, how can he NOT have a girlfriend. And here I was *hic* all head over hooves about him.” Twilight continues to rant on and on until a certain blue Pegasus arrived.

“So how is she?” Rainbow asked Applejack as she walked past the drunken Twilight.

“Same as yesterday, and the day before that.” Applejack nonchalantly replied.

“Oh Cheer up Twilight! You still have me, I mean us your friends” Rainbow tries to cheer her friend up.

“Uh Huh…” Applejack raising an eyebrow.

“That jerk! How dare he do that to Twilight!” Rainbow said as she clenched her hooves enraged at Ovan “He should’ve at least told Twilight that he has a girlfriend, before she got all lovey-dovey with him thinking that he’s still single.”

“RD, they’re not that all lovey-dovey.” Applejack replied.

“Not Lovey-dovey? They were about to kiss!” Rainbow insists.

“Both of them were just caught up in the moment, besides they just met, like three days.” Applejack reminding Rainbow Dash the time Twilight and Ovan spent. “No true feeling could ever spout from that span of time; it’s just puppy love, although it went up a notch or two.”

“But still! It was wrong of him to make her hope for something.” Rainbow dash presses on.

“I know, but it already happened, and none of us knew, she just has tah’ move on.” Applejack responded.

“How can you say that AJ?” Rainbow surprised at Applejack’s words

“Applejack’s right” Twilight suddenly replied after becoming sober. “Besides there might be other stallions that are better than him anyway”.

“That’s the spirit Twilight!” Applejack encourages her friend to stop thinking about Ovan and moving on.

“I’m sorry for the trouble I caused, I guess it’ll be best If I returned back to the Library maybe I just need some rest.” Twilight getting up from her seat but she suddenly stumbled due to the amounts of alcohol she drank three days consecutively.

“I gotcha’” Applejack catching Twilight before she fell down the floor. “Listen sugarcube, get some rest, and tomorrow who knows, you might even forget about this Ovan stuff and continue with your live normally.”

“Yea… I’ll go do that...*hic*” Twilight replied as she was now feeling a bit better and sober as she is being assisted by Applejack on the way back home.

“Don’t worry Twilight! If I ever see that Ovan again, I’ll give him a punch or two.” Rainbow tries to cheer Twilight up.

“Thanks, Rainbow.” Twilight smirked.

~Three days ago just after Twilight left~

“What were you thinking?” Ovan furious at Fran

“What am I thinking?” Fran also exhibiting the same emotion “I think it should go as, what were YOU thinking? Honestly the moment I look away, here you are along with some random mare.”

“Let me explain—“ Ovan tries to explain his actions but was immediately interrupted by the enraged Fran

“Explain what? You’ve been ignoring my calls, not answering my letters and not to mention not caring at all.” Fran continues to lash out.

“Listen I—“ Ovan again tries to explain yet his attempts drowned in the anger of the mare.

“Why do you keep doing this?” Fran pants as she regains her composure and also cooling down her temper in the process. “You told me once that when I got in the organization, we’re no longer allowed to live a normal life of sharing happiness with other ponies. with our line of work, we’ll just bring sadness to our loved ones so it’s best that we abandon the thought. What happened to that?”

“I ugh… “ Ovan avoiding eye contact trying to make an excuse “That was just a simple fling that’s all, nothing more I just got caught up in the moment okay.”

“I’ve known you for several years by now, Do you honestly think I’d buy that?” Fran sighs as she doubts Ovan’s words.

“Still you shouldn’t have told her that.” Ovan tries to justify his actions.

“It’s best this way, you are a member of the Guardians, you know full well what are the consequences if that were to continue. “ Fran’s tone suddenly became serious as she turned her back on Ovan. “By the way, the boss knew of what you are doing recently and he said that if you don’t focus on completing your new spell, screw your hopes of not turning Equestria into a battlefield.” After delivering her message, Fran slowly walked away from Ovan.

Ovan didn’t uttered a single word in response but deep inside it is a sickening blow for him, he knew that Fran wouldn’t normally act like that unless there is a strong influence behind it, he also knew that if it weren’t for his persistence their boss was prepared to raze an entire village just to weed out those Ponies of the Stars. Realizing that his time limit Ovan too walked away resuming his original plan, to complete his spell that can defeat the leader of the Signers.

~Two Days Ago~

Fran still feeling depressed over what she did yesterday, trying to relax her nerves over a cup of tea at the café in Ponyville. She knew that Ovan would hate her for doing that but orders were orders and her order was to put Ovan back into track, their boss knew that Ovan was getting distracted by the mare, so they had to be split one way or another. She didn’t care for Twilight’s opinion about her whether be it good or bad but when it comes to Ovan it is a different story. As she took the first sip from her tea, she was soon greeted by two mares, a white one who clearly is very conscious of her appearance and a yellow one who is seem timid and gentle.

“Two Darjeeling please.” Rarity called out to the waiter.

The waiter in turn simply nodded confirming her order and went back inside the kitchen.

“Uhm.. Rarity, I think this seat is taken.” Fluttershy said as Rarity sat on the same table as Fran.

“Nonsense dear Fluttershy, afterall we’re all friends here right?” Rarity turned towards Fran

“We are?” Fluttershy oblivious to Rarity’s plot.

“What do you want?” Fran asked.

“Why, we just want to chat. Are you busy this afternoon?” Rarity playing coy

“If it’s about yesterday forget it.” Fran quickly tries to finish her tea but the tea’s temperature begs otherwise as she burnt her tongue in her haste.

“Careful, how can a pony enjoy the taste and aroma from each cup of tea if you drink it that fast.” Rarity joking yet she was maintaining her composure.

“I’ll be sure to remember that.” Fran clearly getting annoyed with Rarity’s method of making her talk.

“Rarity, I think she’s getting angry.” Fluttershy whispered.

“Come now dear Fluttershy.” Rarity at first was insistent of continuing her methods but as soon as she took a glimpse of Fran’s face she decided to more frank.

“Miss…” Rarity trying to catch a name.

“Fran…” Fran told Rarity her name before she blurts out any random name.

“Yes, Miss Fran, I think we need to talk.” Rarity’s expression became stern and serious as she told Fran her motive. “But after tea.”

“If that is okay with you…” Fluttershy silently followed.

Fran in turn gave a hesitant nod, for she knew she might have a hard time escaping the two so the best way to get them off her tracks was to simply entertain their questions and be done with it.

“I know I should be getting ready for my trip to Dragonshire Manor, but I cannot simply ignore my friend while she is in pain.” Rarity started off.

“And how is that my problem?” Fran brushing off Rarity’s concern for Twilight

“So tell me honestly,” Rarity came closer as she rested her hooves on the table, “Is Ovan really your boyfriend or you just wanted to just split them apart?”

“What in Equestria are you saying?” Fran retaliated “He IS my boyfriend, and your friend happens to be stealing him from me.”

“Clearly now, I honestly believe I would buy that?” Rarity jeers at Fran’s statement “Fran deary, no offense but I have seen better acts than yours, and clearly if you really are his girlfriend you wouldn’t gloat like that.”

Fran was taken aback by Rarity’s words. Her words were like harsh whip lashes to Fran’s ear and heart. “What in Equestria is YOUR Problem!” Fran suddenly slammed the table and shouted. “The nerve of you, waltzing in front of me wasting my time and now you’re telling me all this crap!”

“Rarity… I think we should stop this…” Fluttershy whispered to her friend as she was getting scared of what would happen if these two ponies were to tear each other apart.

“Really now, did you think that you would scare me with your shouting?” Rarity answered back yet still maintaining her poise “Now tell me, why did you go do something like that? Coming in between Ovan and Twilight like that and carelessly saying that you’re his girlfriend.”

“What if I did? That’s clearly none of your business” Fran finally admits yet she maintained her defensiveness. “Now that you’ve got what you need to know, Leave!”

“Normally, I wouldn’t forgive you for hurting my friend, but I can see that you are also in desperate need of help, I can see it in your eyes that you’re filled with envy as you watch those two, am I right?” Rarity peering into Fran’s eyes.

“Didn’t I told you to leave?” Fran avoiding Rarity’s eye contact. “Besides, I have no idea what are you talking about.”

“Don’t worry, we’re about to go to the spa right about now anyway.” Rarity finishes off her drink and along with Fluttershy they stood up and walks away “It was nice talking to you though.” Rarity said as she leaves the green mare behind.

“Sorry for Rarity’s behavior.” Fluttershy bowing in apology for her friend’s words earlier “Rarity wait” she then scrambles off after noticing that her friend already gained some distance.

Fran’s expression slowly turned from angry and bitter to sad and depressed as she knew that Rarity was right, every word the mare said was right. She is jealous, filled with envy while looking at Ovan and Twilight together. She wanted to express her feelings more but as one of the Guardians it prevented her so, but it didn’t stopped her from wanting seeking aid from Rarity. Desperately wanting to have someone to at least talk to, she soon followed the two mares into the spa.

~Yesterday~

“Hmm… no references about quartz in magic” Ovan sighs heavily failing to find some clue on how to use quartz in his spell. Lying on his bed trying to think of a way, he recalls some scenes that happened previous days ago. His memories flashed from his first meeting with Twilight, the welcome party, his near kissing scene with her to Fran’s involvement in the matter. No matter how he tried to refocus, the images of Twilight kept running through his mind. “Maybe Fran was right, I am getting a bit too distracted from my original goal.” He kept on sighing hopelessly recollecting his thoughts until a certain pink pony barged in his house.

“Ooh… Nice place you got here.” Pinkie exclaimed while she was trotting around the house.

At first Ovan thought Pinkie Pie was just being sarcastic as he looked around the place, seeing worn out furniture, cobweb infested nooks and crannies, bales of hay used as beds and a candle which was a pathetic excuse for illumination.

“How did you know that I live here?” Ovan curiously asked

“Elementary my dear Ovan, I followed you on your way back.” Pinkie Pie replied while she was looking on Ovan’s shelf filled with different sorts of devices, but what caught her attention was that of a square monocle-like device. It’s different from the usual monocle since it had purple lens and can be attached to the ear. “What this?” Pinkie Pie asked as she fitted the device.

“That one? That’s a uni-scouter.” Ovan replied while he was watching over Pinkie Pie making sure she wasn’t going to break any of his things.

“What does it do?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“Basically it gives you an estimate of a unicorn’s magical capacity, mostly I use it to decide whether to flee or fight.” Ovan explained “You can press that yellow button near the ear to turn it on. But you can only use it on unicorns they’re the only ones who possesses active magic”

“Like this?” Pinkie Pie followed Ovan’s instruction pressing the yellow button on the side of the device. She was fascinated with the device when random numbers suddenly popped up on the lens fluctuating intensely. “IT’S OVER 9000!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she pointed her sight towards Ovan.

“What?!” Ovan surprised at the pony’s statement.

“Just kidding, I’ve always wanted to say that.” Pinkie Pie giggles.

“You’re weird but funny weird” Ovan slightly smiled said. “What are you doing here anyway?”

“To make you smile of course!” Pinkie Pie declared while she was putting the device back to the shelf. “You see, while you were going back home, I noticed that your face was all sad and mopey so Good Ol’ Pinkie Pie came to turn that sad frown upside down.”

“You sure about this?” Ovan questions Pinkie Pie “I mean, I did hurt your friend and all.”

“I know you didn’t mean it.” Pinkie replied with an earnest grin on her face “Besides my Pinkie Senses tell me that you’re not a bad pony. And you’re also one of my friends”

“Pinkie Senses?” Ovan wonders about what Pinkie told him.

“You see, there are various twitches that happen to my body when something is about to happen, like when my tail twitches that means stuffs are gonna fall, and when my knees get pinchy something scary is bound to happen. “ Pinkie gleefully explained her Pinkie senses.

“So your Pinkie Sense can actually tell if that pony is good or bad?” Ovan asked.

“Not really, but I can sense that you are not a bad pony anyway.” Pinkie feeling guilty for telling Ovan that it was her opinion of him that made her say that. “Does that still make you feel better?”

Ovan didn’t reply but he just simply smiled in satisfaction knowing that at least one pony cared.

“You’re smiling now. That’s good” Pinkie feeling happy that she made the depressed Ovan feel uplift even for a bit. “My work is done.” She said as she trotted off waving goodbye “Remember If you’re feeling down, Pinkie’s always here in town.”

“Thanks Pinkie…” Ovan said silently as he watches the energetic pony hop off back to Ponyville. “I‘d love to Pinkie Pie take a whack at the boss.” He smirked as he went back inside continuing his work now with a less depressed state-of-mind.

~Present Day Later that Evening~

“Here ya’ go Twilight, Home sweet home” Applejack puts down the wobbling Twilight over the front door of the Library to knock on the door hoping Spike would answer immediately.

“Okay okay, no need to get your hooves up.” Spike getting annoyed with the fervent knock. As soon as Spike opened the door, he immediately saw the intoxicated Twilight. “What happened? Did I miss a party?” Spike wondering what could ever get Twilight like that, in all of his life he never saw Twilight consumed alcohol and even worse wasted like that.

“Relax Spike, she’s just sleeping after drinking a barrel of that special cider. Just give ‘er some water and she’ll be fine.” Applejack instructed. “It’s gettin’ late so I best be heading back now have tah’ prepare for the nearin’ Applebuck season; just tell me if somethin’ wrong ’kay?”

“Okay…” Spike complied while he is dragging Twilight to her room while Applejack already exited the Library.

As soon as Spike was already in front of Twilight’s room, they were soon greeted by an unexpected visitor. Spike was startled the moment he saw their guest dropping Twilight as a result. It was none other than Princess Celestia herself.

“Spike, what happened to delicate handling?” Twilight woke up after being dropped on the floor, still feeling a bit tipsy her vision is still blurry as she glared at the majestic sun princess in front her barely recognizing her until she saw the signature multi-colored mane of the princess.

“P-Princess Celestia?!” Twilight suddenly stood up “W-what brings you here?”

“It’s good to see my prized pupil again.” Celestia cheerfully greeted Twilight. “I’d love to stay and chat but I must tarry no longer. As they might start to suspect”

“What do you mean Princess?” Twilight curiously asked

“It seems that one of my guards discovered some piece of evidence that links to a member of a certain group, I think they call themselves the Ponies of the Stars.” Celestia’s expression turns into a more serious one as she explains and reveals the situation to Twilight.

“Ponies of the Stars?” Twilight puzzled with the Princess’ words.

“Yes, Twilight Sparkle, right now we still don’t know what they want but one thing is for certain, it relates to this.” Celestia hands Twilight the book of Predictions and Prophecies and turns it over to a page revealing a shadow of an alicorn stallion surrounded by stars. “This is Cosmos, he was once a noble pony like us but was soon tainted by the powers of chaos similar to my sister Luna, but he possesses far more powers than the both of us combined. Right now he is banished amongst the stars but if these ponies of the stars are attempting to break that seal then…”

“Say no more Princess, my friends and I will put a stop to these Ponies.” Twilight proudly offered to help Princess Celestia.

“Thank you for your offer Twilight Sparkle, but there is one problem.” Celestia replied. “Their identities are all shrouded in mystery and darkness that none of us knows who or what exactly we are facing. And I don’t want you or your friends to be put in danger.”

“Not to worry Princess, as long as we stick together, we can overcome anything.” Twilight strongly stated.

“I’m really sorry for putting the burden of Equestria into you and your friend’s hooves.” Celestia apologizes. “I wish I myself could resolve this case, but it would raise suspicion if ever I go out.”

“You can count on us.” Twilight determined to carry out the Princess’ mission. Aside from she wants to be useful to the Princess, it was also the thing she needs, something to get worked up on to make her forget about Ovan and best way to do it is through the missions the Princess gives her.

“Oh by the way, I’ll leave this thing here, it’s a device that enables any pony to return to anyway they previously visited.” Celestia puts down a capsule-like device on Twilight’s desk as she prepares to go back to Canterlot “I think this was invented by some talented student of Dr. Arkham Kaust of Canterlot University.”

“What?!” Twilight shocked to hear what the Princess had said. “With all due respect, I don’t need this thing.” Twilight insistently refuses the device and continuously persuades to return the device to the princess since she clearly knew who built that thing and it was the last thing she needs for her attempts to forget about that certain pony.

“If you say so…” Princess Celestia chuckles as she humbly receives back the device but as soon as she was near the exit, she noticed Twilight’s satchel lying around. Looking right and left, noticing Twilight is already starting her research on the matter, she placed the device inside the satchel and left without saying a word.

“Princess I—“before Twilight finished her sentence, Princess Celestia was already gone, leaving the Library to Twilight and Spike all to themselves.

Chapter10- Advent Nova

The Alicorn of the Stars
Chapter 10 – Advent Nova

“Professor Arkham Kaust…” a voice from the shadows of the corridor called. Not long the voice revealed itself to be coming from a red noble stallion. As Draco stepped forward, he seemed baffled to what the professor is doing in his manor especially at night. Although it is the professor’s usual habit to come in his home uninvited and unexpectedly, it always made him wonder why the professor always has to visit him at this time of hour. As he stare down the professor, he is reminded on why he never liked him in the first place, his usual maniacal grin, that messed-up grey mane, that worn out lab gown but always reeking of the smell of blood and formalin combined giving him this mad scientist air around him and especially that maddening look in his eyes that makes one feel that the he will certainly dissect a live pony for pleasure alone, yet despite these characteristics, the baron remained unfazed at all.

“I heard that you came in contact with the Element of Generosity, Am I right?” Kaust asked while he was fiddling and staring at a small red-blood crystal in his admiring its lust ominous red glow.

“So?” Draco seemed uninterested in having a conversation with the crazed pony. He tried to walk pass Kaust to end this encounter but his pathway was suddenly blocked-off when he was in front of the professor.

“Come now Baron, must you always detest me?” Kaust remained undistracted playing with his rock as he replied “Well, not that it matters to me but to Him it does. As allies, we should have at least some mutual trust.” Kaust suddenly burst out laughing.

“I am quite perplexed as zu vhy a pony such as yourself, having zis stable position in Canterlot az a vell known professor, vould risk everything for zis?” Draco wonders.

“Well, I’m just simply bored.” Kaust tilting his head left and right “Harmony is boring and all, nothing new and exciting happens.” The moment Kaust stopped he turned towards Draco with his maniacal grimace all over his face “For example, see this gem I’m playing with earlier?” Kaust held the gem tightly while presenting it over Draco’s face.

“Vhat about it?” Draco remained indifferent towards the professor.

“It’s what you call a bloodstone. And would you want to know how a bloodstone is made?” Kaust gives out a malicious grin.

With just simply Kaust’s expression, Draco didn’t need the psychopath’s explanation. It gave all the hints Draco needs to figure out what that stone is made of. And with that knowledge, his abhorrence towards the professor has been greatly magnified compared to before.

There was a silent pause after Kaust ask the question. Both ponies stood at the corridor staring each other down with desires to rip each other’s throats. As the hostile air continued to fill the entire area, an ominous pony presented himself to the two disspating all hostility between the two and transforming it into something else, fear.

“You guys know how much I hate seeing my friends fight.” A dark-coated unicorn suddenly appeared behind of the two and he rested his each of his hooves on one shoulder of each of the two. “It really pains my heart.”

“I never knew that you’re here Nova” Draco replied startled at the appearance of Nova. “Vhat brought you here?”

“Not much, I just want to check up on you guys.” Nova chuckled “Still I can’t believe you guys, the moment I turned my head, you guys are already ready to rip each other apart.” Nova found the two ponies’ hostility against each amusing as he laughed wildly. “But seriously you guys should cut it out; after all we are all in the same team right?”

While Nova was talking to Draco, Kaust didn’t utter a single word the moment Nova arrived, he just stood there maliciously grinning yet there was still a cold sweat running down his back. It was fear; fear enveloped his entire being whenever Nova puts his hoof over his shoulder. For him it was a sign of death itself, his front hoof is already stepping in front of death’s door the moment he let Nova get in position like that. Yet this fear has always been the professor’s interest; as it is his irresistible poison to be near the pony who he finds astronomically interesting yet also the catalyst to his demise as well.

“I’ll be heading back now, heard that somepony leaked out information about us.” Nova lets go of the two “Can’t have that unresolved now can we?” as soon as Nova stopped speaking, his horn glowed an eerie light, afterwards he turned into an apparition-like figure and dispersed out of sight leaving the manor with Draco and Kaust to enjoy the night.

“The Alicorn of the Stars…” Twilight continues to tirelessly research to what the Princess meant when she showed her that page. It is now just between Twilight and Owloysius to do all the research they can before heading out. Her weariness is starting to sip in while she was digging through a pile of books the Princess sent the moment she returned back to Canterlot Castle. Twilight knew that the books in Ponyville Library were not enough so she had to personally request the Princess to send out all the books regarding the this matter but the problem is all of them states the same thing which Twilight already knows.

“How can this be?” Twilight puzzled as her research went into an endless loop “This can’t be all the information regarding Cosmos.” Twilight twitching her eyebrows while thinking of some other ways that she could do to get more information. While she was in deep thought, she noticed a peculiar book lying across the floor separated from the pile of books she took out combined with the books she borrowed. “What was there before? Owloysius, could you fetch that book for me?” she asked her pet to fetch that book hoping to see its contents might help her.

“Who!” Owloysius nodded as he flew towards that book and immediately returned back to Twilight’s side as soon as he had the book grasped in his talons.

“Thanks…” Twilight received the book and opened it trying to scan over its contents trying to find a keyword that might help her in her research. Her eyes prying left to right as she tries to find some clues, to her surprised to contained several information regarding the topic. “I didn’t had a book like this earlier?” She wonders the origin of the book at first, but it has new information that she might need so she brushed off the thought and continued reading.

“Long ago, there existed a third Alicorn, Cosmos. He, together Celestia and Luna governed the celestial heavens. But soon, Chaos and darkness tainted Cosmos’ heart. He flung Equestria into chaos and disorder creating the very First Equestrian War which resulted into countless of lives destroyed under the march of his legion.

Celestia, Luna, Starswirl the Bearded and along with 3 other ponies stepped forth and banished Cosmos amongst the stars by the very Elements that he himself created ending the war, but his power is too great that he was split into two in order for the six to seal him off. However it is still not enough to completely seal him off, as it was prophesied he will return upon the birth of the Foal of Prophecy.

In every war, the one who lost will always be the ones bound to suffer and thus the supporters of Cosmos were also banished away from their homes and loved one. In secrecy, they formed a tribe whose sole purpose is to await this Foal of Prophecy and raised him to be the next Avatar of Cosmos. These ponies are called Signers.”

“These ponies must be stopped!” Twilight gasped upon realizing the consequences if Cosmos were to again revive. “I must inform the Princess right away.” Twilight rushes upstairs to wake Spike up. About halfway up the stairs, she noticed a fiery glow emitting from the direction of Sweet Apple Acres. Upon closer inspection, black smoke was also coming out of the stretch of the orchard. Twilight panicked and forgot about informing the princess as she rushed outside toward Sweet Apple Acres for one thing is certain the farm is burning.

While all of her attention focused on getting to the farm, she didn’t recognize that the book that she read earlier dissipated into darkness.

“Look Frank…” Nova back to his quarters accompanied with another pony.

“Dustin sir…” The pony replied as his lips were trembling in fear.

“Whatever, I know that you’re in a lot of stress since after being capture by those Guardians and being forced to leak some information about us.” Nova slings his hoof over Dustin’s shoulder. “I have heard rumors that they can be really persuasive.”

“I’m really sorry sir.” The stallion begged for forgiveness distressed “Please give me another chance.” He tried to beg on his knees but Nova’s hoof over his shoulder prevents him from doing so. “Please don’t kill me, I have two fillies and a wife. I promise I’ll do better just give me another chance.”

“Now where in Equestria did you get that idea?” Nova laughed out loud after hearing the pony’s plea “You know I don’t go killing off ponies, that would be waste of pony resources.” He paused to take a deep breath “Tell you what, since you’re stressed and all why don’t you take a break.” Nova smiling tenderly towards the frantic pony. “Have a little break, spend time with the wife and foals. Then after two days, return back and maybe you’re like a new pony.”

After a few seconds of silence between the two, Nova started talking again. “I take your silence as a yes.” He then tosses the pony to the floor revealing a rapier skewering the pony’s throat. “O well there goes whatever his name was.” Nova remorselessly walks away from the corpse.

“I really love it when you do that.” A familiar magenta-coated Pegasus mare appeared from his bed posing like a seductive temptress “You look so bad-ass when you kill off ponies in that style.” She said in her sultry voice.

“I consider that my signature move.” Nova approached the mare. “And speaking of which, it has returned.” Nova raised his right hoof up as a shadowy fog appeared out of thin air. A familiar book appeared the moment the fog dissipated completely.

“Why don’t you send me?” the mare got up and clinged over Nova while staring at him lustfully “After all I have to get back at that mare, if she didn’t meddled back then I wouldn’t have ended up that way. Come on Nova deary”

“It was fortunate of you that I managed to find you before those guards.” Nova dropped the mare’s hooves and approached his deck beside his bed and took out a box. “Why not? It would be a good test for my new favorite toy.” He then opened the box and in it he handed its content over to the mare.

“Good luck charm?” the mare replied as she was caressing the long thin barrel of what Nova gave her. “You really know how to please me.” She embraces Nova upfront and looked him in the eye with her usual seductive stare.

“And that goes for you as well.” Nova comes closer to the mare and kissed her passionately, falling on to the bed. His horn glowed, shutting all the lights in the room with just the moonlight beaming across the room as the night continues on.

Chapter 11- Through the Fire

The Alicorn of the Stars

Chapter 11 – Through the Fire

Several voices were incoherently and constantly calling out AJ’s name in the dark.

“Applejack? Applejack?”

“Is she going to be okay?”

“I hope, I didn’t used too much magic…”

“Oh come on Twi, besides it takes more than that to knock her down.”

“Look! She’s finally coming through…”

“Sis!”

“The FARM!” Applejack suddenly jumped up from bed. She started breathing heavily as she comes around trying to figure out what happened while she looks around the room she is in. She immediately recognized the circle of ponies surrounding her worried about her condition. She looked around and first saw Applebloom, Big Macintosh, Fluttershy, Twilight, RD and Spike, and just over the circle is Granny Smith resting on her chair as it moves back and forth in a harmonious manner.

“Calm down, Applejack… You still need rest after what you’ve been through last night.” Twilight gently suggested the orange mare to lay down.

“W-what happened last night?” Applejack asked.

There was a brief pause after AJ asked the question. Both Big Mac and Applebloom were reluctant to answer their sister’s question as both of them looked away from AJ. Spike scratches his head thinking if he would be the one to break out the news to AJ. Fluttershy bowed her head down thinking of a way of explaining the situation without hurting her friend’s feeling, while Rainbow Dash’s eyes moved left and right observing the different reactions each, realizing that not one of them wants to break the news so she took it upon herself to tell AJ what happened. She took a deep breath mentally and emotionally preparing herself to tell AJ.

“Sweet Apple Acres is gone.” Twilight suddenly comes out of nowhere the moment RD opened her mouth and ended AJ’s suspense. Both Big Mac and Applebloom turned away from Applejack breaking in tears, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy both looked down not wanting to see their friend’s reaction after hearing that heart-breaking news.

AJ’s heart sank upon hearing those words. The pain of hearing those words pierced through her heart like a spear. Her vision started to get blurry as she starts to breathe heavily as the pain tightly grips her chest. Regaining back her composure, she calmly replied “Ah’ wanna see it for mah’self.”

*********

“Yes Boss Quince?” Fran is seen talking to a cellular phone-like device held on her hooves.

“We’ve learned that several Signers were seen heading to Forgotten Woods Barrow. I want you to investigate the area. I’m also sending Sharpeye to accompany you with this mission. ” Quince replied with a commanding tone.

“Him?! That hot-head?” Fran negative about having Sharpeye as her companion. “I could do this on my own rather than have that guy come along.”

“Why not send Ovan and I? We’ll take care of them.” Fran suggesting something that she is comfortable with not to mention she truly desires.

“I have given my order! You two are going to rendezvous on the outpost town near Forgotten Woods Barrow, since the barrow is said be one of their hideouts” Quince commanded “and speaking of which, How’s Ovan and his spell?”

“He has all of the reference guides he needs, ranging from Starswirl’s time spell, several stones relating to time, not to mention even fiction books relating to Time Travel. Knowing Ovan I think it might take him a week or less to finish that spell.” Fran replied being complacent in Ovan’s skill.

“Still I don’t know what he’s up to.” Quince being skeptic on Ovan’s spell. “This list of books you sent me regarding Ovan’s references seems like he’s going time travel but we all know the consequences of such.”

“Relax Boss!” Fran putting her faith on Ovan “He knows that as well. Let’s just trust him.”

“The moment I learned that this is a Time Travel Spell, we’re going to launch Operation Genocide Jack.” Quince replied and not a moment too soon he cut-off the communication link between the two devices.

“Please Ovan, you’re the only pony capable of preventing this.” Fran hoping for Ovan’s success, for she knew that their Boss would really do it. After witnessing the horrors and trauma of a genocide, she definitely doesn’t want to see one again more importantly be one of causes of it.

*********

Everything was black, charred and gray, to the massive orchard to the smallest of plant-life. Even their worn-out barn seemed unrecognizable after the fire. Their once rich brown soil turned black, putrid and dead. It seemed that the only thing that was spared was the entrance to the once magnificent apple farm. The bright sun up in the sky seemed like a bitter irony when faced in front of them the remains of Sweet Apple Acres.

“This can’t be true…” Applejack down to her knees said after seeing their farm reduced to ashes. “This is just hafta’ be a nightmare.”

“Applejack…” Twilight taking pity on her friend’s display.

Big Macintosh, Applebloom and Granny Smith came to the orange mare’s comfort as they all broke down in tears.

The three stood on the side feeling sorry for the Apply Family and for themselves as well as they feel helpless and useless in their friend’s plight, and blaming themselves for not being able to prevent this tragedy from happening.

“Of all the time Rarity and Pinkie Pie to be out of town.” Rainbow Dash venting her frustration.

“You can’t blame them, Rarity already left two days ago for her job at Dragonshire Manor and Pinkie Pie was asked to host a party for the an Orphanage in one of the neighboring towns.” Twilight reasons with the hot-headed mare.

“I know, it’s just that this had to happen when they left.” Rainbow Dash replied feeling distraught over the fact that she can’t do something. “I bet that Ovan guy has something to do with this.” Rainbow Dash started pinning the blame on Ovan.

“Rainbow! How could you say that?” Twilight reprimanding Rainbow Dash “I know he’s a jerk and all but he certainly would do something like this.”

“But it all seemed well-timed.” Rainbow Dash reasons out “He comes to Ponyville, Rarity then gets a job at the Dragonshire Manor, then just yesterday Pinkie Pie had to go host a party, and now you’re gonna be gone for a few days for the Princess’ task for you. Coincidence? I think not!”

“Unless you have evidence…” Twilight tries to calm Rainbow’s claims as she finds it ridiculous but she soon paused after recalling Rainbow’s last words. “Wait, how did you know that the Princess gave me a task?” Twilight curious on how Rainbow Dash got that information.

“Uh… Anycase, it’s all too suspicious.” Rainbow Dash looked away as she manages to get back to the topic. “I don’t trust him one bit.”

“Please don’t argue anymore…” Fluttershy stepped in knowing that even if they put all the blame on Ovan it still won’t solve the problem. “Oh Applejack, I sorry that I wasn’t there to help you prevent the fire.” She then approached Applejack and her family.

“Don’t blame yerself sugarcube.” Applejack drying up her tears and regaining back her composure. “No matter how many times Sweet Apple Acres burns, as long as we’re together, we’ll just hav’ta work twice if not triple harder tah’ bring back Sweet Apple Acres.” Applejack regains her usual confidence. Her bright confident smile not only assured her friends that she’s going to be okay but it also served as a beacon of hope for her family.

“That’s the Applejack I know.” Twilight felt proud for Applejack after hearing those words. “I’m sorry that I’m going be gone for a while, but you can live in my place for the time being.” Twilight gladly offered her home.

“Ya’ sure Twilight? Ah’ mean what about Spike? And yer books?” Applejack replied.

“Don’t worry about it, I’m sure Spike is okay with it and Spike will take care of the books, just make yourselves at home.” Twilight assures her friend.

“Thanks…” Applejack gladly took the offer. “The moment we managed to get ourselves our own place we’ll move out faster than you can say horseradish.”

“I know you will.” Twilight chuckled.

“Hmm…” Rainbow Dash started to nudge her head thinking of a way to help her friend. Her puzzled look soon turned bright the moment she got an idea. “Hey AJ!”

“What is it RD?” Applejack quickly responded over the sudden call from Rainbow Dash.

“How ‘bout this?” Rainbow Dash excited “You help me with the incoming Best Young Flyers Competition, and say you get the prize money?”

“What?! Did ya’ knocked yer head on a rock or somethin’?” Applejack surprised at Rainbow’s idea.

“I don’t need the prize money you can have it, coz’ it turns out this year’s winner gets a chance of being a part of the Wonderbolts.” Rainbow Dash breaks out her news.

“But still, you know how Ah’ feel when Ah’m in somepony’s debt.” Applejack disagreeing with Rainbow’s idea.

“Think of it as a…” Rainbow Dash trying to think of an excuse to convince Applejack to take her offer “advanced birthday gift.” Rainbow Dash at first was proud of her statement but she soon realized that it was a pathetic excuse, she knew how stubborn her friend is when accepting gifts like this but deep down she wants to redeem herself for not being there to stop the fire.

“Okay RD…” Applejack humbly accepted the offer after seeing that Rainbow really wants to help her out and it would be rude of her to brush off aid especially when she needs it and besides it doesn’t seem one-sided.

“If you also need any help, I’ll be there…” Fluttershy also offered to help Applejack and her family as well.

“Thanks guys…” Applejack sniffed as tears of joy started to roll down her cheek.

*********

“Vhat?!” Draco slammed his desk in his anger. “He should know vell vhat happens vhen you steal from me! I thought you ver in charge of security Spineles!” He then directs his furious stare upon his helpless attendant Spineles.

“I’m really sorry sir, it’s just that I was overpowered by that pony.” Spineles whimpering out on his master.

“I simply cannot believe that—“Draco raising his hoof furious over his attendant’s incompetence.

“Sir! Somepony is coming, wouldn’t want them to see you like this.” Scaleful with his usual indifferent expression suddenly stepped-in.

“Begone from my sight before I rip you into shreds!” Draco shouted as both attendants jumped off the window avoiding the incoming visitor and their master’s wrath.

“Knock Knock Knock” the door thudded as soon as both Spineles and Scaleful were gone. “Lord Draco, may I come in?” a familiar sophisticated voice called at the other side of the door.

“Ah… Rarity, do come in; I vas just thinking of coming over to your vorkplace to visit.” Draco suddenly shifted his mood from furious to his façade of smiles and composure. “So how are you and you’re new vorkplace?”

“Everything here is splendid, the equipment the materials and not to mention the food here is simply marvelous.” Rarity enjoying her stay at the Manor.

“Zat’s good newz, So vhat brings you here?” Draco asked.

“If it’s okay with you, I going to take some measurements for your suit.” Rarity replied firmly stating her purpose.

Draco nodded in agreement and Rarity started to take measurements for Draco’s suit. She took out her measuring tape and started taking down measurement after each time she measures each part including the neck, croup, dock, haunch, shoulders and hip. After she was done, she returned back to her workplace and started her work.

“I still miss working at my own place, but I must do this, I must!” Rarity pep talking herself and resumed her work until she was distracted by a green spine protruding behind the cabinet beside the bed.

“Oh my, what in Equestria is this?” She approached the thing of interest and upon closer inspection she saw none other

than Spike. “SPIKE?!”

*********

“Hmm… According to Princess Celestia, if I pinpoint the location of her battle against Cosmos, it should point-out here.” Twilight back to her research in the Library after she got the books she requested her mentor the moment she got back, she encircles a spot in the map showing a mountain-area just west of Canterlot. “Forgotten Woods Barrow”

“Sorry that Ah’m not gonna be able tah’ help ya’ this time sugarcube.” Applejack suddenly approached Twilight.

“That’s ok Applejack, you’re top priority is settling in first so that you guys can start rebuilding Sweet Apple Acres” Twilight replied.

“I know, anyway I really thank ya’ for stoppin’ me yesterday.” Applejack replied. “I mean if ya’ weren’t there to knock me down with yer’ magic then I would hav’ probably jumped off in the fire. I mean I was a real mess back there.”

“I’m really sorry for that, but I had to it.” Twilight still harboring guilt for knocking down Applejack.

“Ya’ had to do what ya’ had do.” Applejack replied hoping to clear away her friend’s guilt “Ya’ sure ya’ don’t need help in this here mission of yers?”

“Thank for the offer but I can’t just drag you guys after making plans like that and all; and besides I can always teleport back here if in case something happened.” Twilight replied putting Applejack at ease with her worries.

“Yeah, she’s right AJ. There’s nothing they can do to my— I mean our Twilight.” Rainbow Dash reassuring Applejack that there is nothing to worry about.

“And what are you still doing here?” Applejack curiously asked.

“Helping?” Rainbow Dash responded with a flimsy excuse.

“But Ah’ve already finished movin’ in hours ago.” Applejack pressing Rainbow Dash with a playful smile on her face “So

whatcha’ helping now with?” After a brief pause and seeing Rainbow Dash lost for an excuse Applejack ended her joke “Just kidding, Thanks.”

“uh… No Problem!” Rainbow Dash got back up her usual confident pose. “So Twilight, where’re you headed to?” she turned to Twilight afterwards.

“To Forgotten Woods Barrow.” Twilight replied while she grabbed her satchel. “Its original name was supposed to Green Woods Barrow but after an incident happened there many years ago, it was soon abandoned and now known as Forgotten Woods Barrow. There’s a nearby town there so I’ll be going there first before going to the barrow itself.”

“I wish I could join you Twilight, but you know…” Rainbow Dash replied scratching her head feeling sorry that she couldn’t be in two places in one time.

“That’s ok Rainbow, Good luck on the Competition.” Twilight bids farewell to her friends as she exited the Library and headed towards Friendship Express. “Now where is that Spike.” She mumbled on her way out.

“Good luck to you to Twilight!” Both Applejack and Rainbow Dash waved goodbye.

*********

“Good thing that I still made it for the last trip.” Twilight feeling a bit relieved as she waits for the train to arrive coming from Manehattan and bound for Canterlot.

Not long, the train was soon spotted nearing the station, the metal wheels screeched loudly as it attempts to brake just about right for passengers to board the train from the station platform. Steam scattered all over the platform the moment it stopped. With the engine still running for its last trip, Twilight boarded the train and at the same time an bright orange earth pony got off from the next carriage. The train soon left after verifying that there were no more ponies boarding.

“It’s been a few years since I last went here.” The orange pony remarked. “I wonder how’s Sweet Apple Acres is doing not to mention her.”

Chapter12- Various Meetings

The Alicorn of the Stars

Chapter 12 – Various Meetings

“Whoosh! Whish! Zoom!” Rainbow Dash soars through the blue sky beaming her signature rainbow trail. Loops and turns, she goes around various cloud formations. Rising above the clouds, she braces herself for her Sonic Rainboom finale. With all her speed, she dashes through the skies towards the ground. Sparks crackling alongside her as she passes through the sound barrier; she gritted her teeth for more focus as she maintains her course.

“Boom!” a rainbow-colored sonic boom scattered all over the place the moment she succeeded. With the sonic rainboom boosting her, she tilted upward and spinning rapidly projecting a rainbow-colored streak around her. It would be a spectacular finish but unfortunately her consciousness couldn’t take the speed and rotation pushing her senses to the limit. Her momentum was soon put to a halt by the time she lost her consciousness. Instantly the effects died down and Rainbow Dash falls down from the sky. Rainbow Dash unknowingly plummets down to her death.

“Uhh…” Everything was still hazy the moment Rainbow Dash opened her eyes “Where am I?” As her vision clears, she clearly notices the same sky, trees, clouds and landscape realizing that she is still in the same spot.

“You’re finally awake.” A gentle voice from behind suddenly spoke.

“Who’s there?” Rainbow Dash suddenly turned back startled by the sudden approach. She noticed a green-eyed silver-coated Pegasus mare with a side-swept style white mane holding a water canister.

“Relax, I don’t bite.” The mare chuckled. “But seriously you were this close, if I wasn’t there on time.” The mare using her free hoof emphasized Rainbow’s close call. “You really should be careful; after all you just have one life. Here” She then handed Rainbow Dash the water canister after she finished her sentence.

“Uhh… Thanks…” Rainbow reluctantly accepts the canister. “So what were you doing here?” she suddenly asked after taking a sip from the canister. It was her typical behavior to doubt every pony she meets as if they had an ulterior motive that prompted her to even question her savior.

“You really should be more trusting of other ponies.” the silver mare sighed “For starters, I’m also looking for a place to practice for the incoming Flyer’s Competition.”

“Well I’m also participating for the competition.” Rainbow proudly declares. “It’s just so happens that I need a move twenty percent if not FIFTY percent more cooler than the Sonic Rainboom and that prize is mine, no offense.” Rainbow, the usual, started bragging her stuff.

“That is a cool move, so do you already have a partner?” the mare asked.

“A partner pfft! What for?” Rainbow smirks at the question.

“For this!” the mare popped out a flyer showing the details regarding the incoming Flyer’s Competition.

Rainbow glances through the flyer. At first, she remained calm since she already knew the time, venue mechanics and the prize but what shocked her is to see the recent changes in the mechanics that it requires a pair to participate. “What?! Why would they do this?” Rainbow suddenly grabbed the flyer and stared at that certain statement.

“Well, I heard that the Wonderbolts are looking for somepony that can easily work in a team.” The mare started to explain.

“But the good thing is that there might be two ponies that can actually be in the Wonderbolts this time.”

“Does that mean that the prize money is split as well?” Rainbow Dash concerned since she offered to give all of the prize

money to Applejack.

“Obviously…” the mare replied “Do you really need that money?”

“Well, it’s for my friend, her home caught fire and I was hoping to use all of the prize money to help her.” Rainbow Dash humbly explained her reasons.

“If that’s the case, why don’t you pair up with me?” the mare offered. “I don’t really need the prize money that much as long as we win the competition that’s good enough for me.”

“Hmm…” Rainbow giving thought to the offer. “Well as long as you don’t slow me down, I guess it’s okay.” She was putting on airs again despite her failed attempt earlier.

“Challenge Accepted.” The mare replied as she flew up the sky preparing to show Rainbow Dash some of her moves.

Her eyes focused and wings prepped, she speeds through the sky like a bullet. With just a few seconds, sparks were crackling already similar when doing a sonic rainboom, but her direction is different on how Rainbow Dash does it. In her case, she was doing it while moving across the skies. Rainbow could already see the sound barrier building up as the mare continues to build up speed.

“Boom!” the sound echoed throughout the area leaving Rainbow Dash jaw-dropped. She knew the level of difficulty of doing a Sonic Rainboom at that horizontally like that. For in her case, gravity was on her side increasing her speed when doing that, but on the mare’s case there was no gravity to assist her it was her pure acceleration and speed that did the Sonic Rainboom. The mare’s speed continued to increase as she passed through the speed of sound. Yet despite the immense, speed she was still under control and managed to stop just beside Rainbow Dash.

“Although not at much colorful as yours but still that’s why I just call it Sonic Boom.” the mare chuckled after seeing Rainbow Dash’s expression. “So did you like that?”

“Not as cool as mine but still it’s awesome.” Rainbow Dash replied maintaining her cool and calm demeanor after she shook her head removing her awe-stricken face.

“I like you, I’m Silverstar” the mare extends her hoof. “What’s yours?”

“The name’s Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow Dash shook hooves with Silverstar accepting her partnership.

******

“This can’t be right…” an orange pony scratching his head with a puzzled look on his face said as he looks over the remains of the burned farm. “From what I remember Sweet Apple Acres is supposed to be here.” He then stood here confounded at the site.

“What in tarnation are ya’ doin’ here?” A familiar voice spoke from behind as she approached the dumbfounded pony.

“Hmmm?” the pony turns around recognizing that familiar accent. Those green eyes, the light orange coat and the cowpony hat, but what gave away her identity was her freckles. “Applejack!” the pony gleefully approached the cowpony.

“Who are ya’ again?” Applejack unfamiliar with the sudden friendliness of the pony in front of her.

“It’s me, Sly, Sly Crossmane.” The pony excitedly introduced himself.

“Sly… Sly…” Applejack pins her head trying to recall that name for she was sure that she knew that name long ago but
where and when.

“Back from Manehattan…” Sly responded after he saw Applejack taking time gathering ther memories.

“Oh yea… yer that pony Ah’ met when Ah’ was still livin’ with ma’h Uncle and Aunt Orange.” Applejack finally remembered.

“Phew… For a second there I thought you forgot all about me.” Sly feeling a bit relieved. “Although that was a long time ago, but still I remember those days like yesterday.”

“Eeyup! We had fun back then along with those two.” Applejack chuckled a bit.

“Remember the time that I saved you from those bullies?” Sly replied.

“Oh come now, ya’ know that it was those two who did all the fightin’” Applejack replied “That reminds me, what’re those two up tah’ now?”

“Aster and Bran? Well they’re doing their own thing. Now much news after we’ve went our separate ways.” Sly replied yet he was feeling unsure of his answer since even he himself doesn’t know the answer.

“Ya’ll three were a trio back then right?” Applejack said.

“Yup, despite me being an earth pony, Aster a pegasus and Bran a unicorn, although we did some crazy stuff back then, we all got along just fine.” Sly replied feeling proud of his band of friends.

“Just like me and mah’ friends here.” Applejack replied feeling the same sentiment.

“I’m just wondering.” Sly turns his attention towards the barren burnt field. “What happened here? Before I left there was this huge apple farm here.”

“Well…” Applejack’s expression suddenly turned bitter “some nasty forest fire burned the whole place down.”

“Oh…” Sly replied also feeling down “I’m sorry for bringing that up”

“That’s okay.” Applejack replied.

“Is there any way I can help?” Sly tries to offer his help.

“Thanks Sly, but right now Ah’ got the situation under control, although it might take time and beside ma’h friends are here tah’ help me.” Applejack replied regaining her joyful mood earlier.

“That’s good to hear. “ Sly also catching Applejack’s optimism “It’s good to have friends who’re there to help you when you need it.”

“Ah’m really lucky to have friends like ‘em” Applejack replied. “So what brings ya’ here?”

“Vacation, and what better way to spend it than come home after being gone for a long time.” Sly answered smiling back.

******

“Spike?!” Rarity shocked to see the baby dragon hiding behind the cabinet. “What in Equestria are you doing here?”

“Hi Rarity…” Spike waving with a flimsy grin on his face as he comes out of his hiding place.

“Does Twilight know about this?” Rarity asked the baby dragon while looking left and right worried that somepony might see Spike.

“Ugh…Y-yeah.” Spike replied as he laughs of awkwardly. “i-in fact she even let me off in a… uh.. vacation.”

“Tell me the truth…” Rarity replied hardly believing Spike’s words as she peers into Spike’s eyes and not to mention Spike stuttering in his reply earlier.

“Ugh… Ugh…” Spike started to become angst with Rarity staring at him like that. Beads of sweat started to roll down his
cheek and back as he feels nervous of what would Rarity say if he told her the truth but he had no choice, not when Rarity
was looking at him like that.

“I—I followed you here.” Spike spoke his mind feeling a bit nervous on how Rarity will reply. “To be honest, I don’t really trust this guy, I mean sure he’s rich, powerful and a noble and all but there’s something about him that makes me feel uneasy about him. He’s seems like those bad pony and not to mention scary.”

“Good Heavens, Spike! What in Equestria are you saying? Lord Draco is a renowned noble pony who serves directly under her majesty as her official monster slayers. And not to mention he is also a member of the Royal Court. Surely the princess wouldn't employ bad ponies to serve her.” Rarity reprimands Spike feeling shocked and disappointed in Spike.

Spike paused for a moment to muster up his courage. “I don’t want to see you go away. Everypony would be sad, I would be sad.” He finally confessed his true feelings as he felt that Rarity would be gone.

Rarity smiled back at Spike “Spike deary, you have nothing to worry about, I’m just here for work.”

“Okay…” Spike replied reluctantly

“How about this, if you promised me that you’ll go home right away and wait for my return, I’ll go with you to the Summer
Harvest Ball.” Rarity replied to put the dragon’s worry to rest.

“Really?!” Spike jumped up in excitement.

“Pinkie Promise.” Rarity replied.

“Cross my heart and hope to fly—“Spike answered.

“—Stick a cupcake to my eye.” Rarity continued enacting the statement.

Feeling satisfied and relieved, Spike snuck away from the room hoping that no pony saw him. As he nears the front gate of the manor he was greeted off by none other than Draco himself.

“Ugh… Hello?” Spike awkwardly waved his claws at the noble pony.

“and just vhere do you think you’re going Dragon?” Draco draws out his sword, staring down at Spike with his murderous eyes. “You do know zat you are trespassing ont my property, Dragon”

Spike shivers in fear as he felt defenseless over Draco. Motionless and scared, Spike couldn’t even shout out the words “Help”. Falling down on the ground, Spike tried to back away from Draco.

“Just kidding…” Draco sheathed his blade over the frightened Spike as he chuckles at Spike’s reaction. “I know you are Frau Rarity’s friend, but also keep in mind zat you are still trespassing.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Spike sighs in relief. “Well I have to get home now; ugh I guess it was nice meeting you.” Spike
brushes of the dirt from as he runs off outside the gates.

“Van second.” Draco called out to Spike stopping the baby dragon. Before he approached Spike, he waved some sort of signal to some ponies inside the manor

“W-what is it?” Spike turned back feeling nervous as to what Draco wants.

“I’m just sending in van of my carriages to fetch you back to Ponyville, you vorry to much.” Draco stood by Spike side as both of them waits for the carriage to come. “I don’t vant Rarity to vorry about you.”

“Thanks…” Spike thanked Draco yet he still feels awkward around him.

As soon as the carriage arrived Spike got on it. Before it left the manor, Draco approached Spike from the window. “She vill be mine.” Draco whispered behind Spike’s ear.

The carriage soon left after Draco’s whisper. Spike hastily turned back seeing Draco’s malicious smirk; but it was too late as Draco and his manor becomes smaller and smaller as the carriage drives back to Ponyville. Feeling helpless and worried, he sat down and stared at the bright red sun as it goes down the mountain ranges.

His worries soon found a small glimmer of hope as he remembered Rarity’s words earlier before his departure. Smiling softly he rested on his seat knowing that Rarity will surely come back.

******

“Hmm… I wonder where that book went. I’ve search everywhere, it can’t just go disappear into thin air. How could I lose it, it had all the information I need.” Twilight speaking to herself as she walks across the streets of GroveTown not minding of
what is in front of her in her deep thought.

In her carelessness, she accidentally bumped into a certain green mare. “Watch where you’re going!” the mare shouted at Twilight.

“Sorry about that, I was just thinking and—“Twilight apologized but she was interrupted to moment she saw who she bumped into.

“YOU!” both Fran and Twilight pointed at each other at the same time.

Chapter13- Green and Purple Don't Mix

The Alicorn of the Stars

Chapter 13 – Green and Purple Don’t Mix

“I told you I’m busy” said Rainbow Dash, feeling agitated with Fluttershy constantly following her. “How ‘bout next time, okay?”

“But… tomorrow’s the day when the famous Centidrangeas will finally blooms in the Canterlot Royal Garden, it is said that only blooms for every one hundred years.” Fluttershy, with her usual soft and timid voice, tries to persuade Rainbow Dash. “I just can’t miss out on that... Pretty Please…” Fluttershy grins in hopes to sway her friend into coming with her.

“I’m really sorry Fluttershy, but I really have to practice, this Competition is also coming up. and winning here means so much to me not to mention Applejack.” Replied the blue Pegasus as she starts to take off. “Besides, you still owe me for ditching me watch the Dragon Migration last time.”

“But I’m really scared of big fire breathing mean dragons.” Fluttershy follows Rainbow Dash. “I’ll do whatever you want if you go with me here, Please…”

“Look, I just can’t come with you this time, okay? There are too many things on the line for me in this Competition.” Rainbow Dash held the yellow mare’s shoulders as she looked her straight in the eye. “I’ll try to make it up to you somehow after this, I promise.”

“Okay…” Fluttershy, knowing that she could no longer convince Rainbow Dash, finally agreed to put off her request feeling disappointed. She stood there in front of her hut as she watches her friend greeted by a certain silver mare as they both flew away disappearing from her sights in a few seconds.

“if only I was more athletic, then maybe I could fly with Rainbow like that…” said Fluttershy as she blames herself further feeling depressed and sad unnoticing a certain pink pony creeping up behind her.

“Surprise Fluttershy!” Pinkie Pie popped up behind her surprising the mare down to the ground.

“You startled me…” Fluttershy responded after recovering.

“Well that was the point, of course that wouldn’t be a surprise if you weren’t surprised.” Pinkie Pie said with a beaming grin on her face as she helped Fluttershy get back on her hooves. “Besides, you were feeling awfully down, and it’s my duty to ensure the smiles in all of Ponyville.”

“Thanks…” Fluttershy meekly smiles catching the infectious positive energy of the pink mare. “It’s good to see you back. How was your trip?”

“Well it was great, seeing those orphaned fillies and colts smile and laugh. It really brings happiness to my heart, especially knowing that my Laughter bringing Powers can reach beyond Ponyville.” Pinkie Pie replied feeling ecstatic.

“That’s nice…” Fluttershy replied with her usual tone.

“Is everything all right? You seem really down.” Pinkie Pie inquires after she can’t help herself but notice the constant frown on Fluttershy.

“It’s nothing…” Fluttershy seemed reclusive in her reply.

“Come on, you can tell dear ol’ Pinkie Pie all your problems.” Pinkie Pie insisted.

“Well, I guess it’s okay, but don’t tell anypony about this.” Fluttershy starts to open up.

“Pinkie Promise.” Pinkie Pie promises enacting her pinkie promise quote.

“It’s about Rainbow Dash” Fluttershy starts her statement.

“What about Dashie?” Pinkie Pie curiously inquires.

“Well, ever since she met this Silver Star after Twilight left, she is been somewhat distance from us and more and more

closer to her as if she is like forgetting us. I know it’s a bit selfish of me for trying to disturb her practice since I know how important the competition is for her but will she forget about us after she wins and becomes one of the Wonderbolts with Silver Star?” said the yellow mare.

“Of course not! We are her friends and it will always be.” Pinkie Pie sighs in relief.” Who knows maybe we’ll get front row tickets to see her perform as a Wonderbolt.”

“Thanks.” Fluttershy feeling a sense of security from her pink friend’s words. “But, what will I do for tomorrow? I don’t want to go to Canterlot alone but I also don’t want to miss the centennial bloom of the Centidrangeas.” Again, Fluttershy starts to worry with a new set of concerns.

“Hmmm… How ‘bout I come along?” Pinkie Pie suggested. “Let me see my schedule…” She pulls out a planner randomly flipping the pages “I think I’m…” Pinkie Pie suspending her final words, as Fluttershy comes closer. “NOT busy tomorrow. To Canterlot it is.”

Fluttershy smiled, feeling a bit relieved that she’s not going to Canterlot alone, but she was still a bit disappointed that Rainbow Dash can’t come with her but it’s better rather than going to Canterlot alone.

“You! What are you doing here?” asked Twilight, as she was surprised to see Fran, of all ponies, here in Grovetown.

“I should be the one asking you that question.” Fran scoffed at Twilight.

“Well, for your information…” Twilight started to brag about her mission but she stopped the moment she recalled that the Princess specifically instructed her that aside from her friends she must not tell other ponies that she was sent there by the princess herself.

“Pray tell, I’m soo interested in what you’re going to say.” Fran smirks.

“I ugh… “Twilight looks left and right trying to find an excuse but to her disappointment she found none “Well I don’t have to explain myself to you.”

“Let me guess, here to steal another pony’s stallion perhaps?” Fran started to jeer.

“How dare you!” Twilight replied enraged at Fran’s insult on her dignity. “Well, why don’t you watch your worthless boyfriend better.” Twilight also starts to mock Fran and her relationship with Ovan “Watch out, he might flirt with other mares as we speak.”

“Honestly, I don’t know why of all ponies, he cheats on me with you.” Fran retaliates as she scoffs at Twilight’s remark “Tell me, what did you do? Love Potion? Drugs? Seduction?”

“You really have some nerve telling me that I did something. For your information he came to me not the other way around “replied Twilight feeling distraught about that comment.

“And why should I believe you?” Fran replied.

“Well, from what I heard from him, he did mention wanting to get away from a certain pony, I think he meant you.” Twilight begins to lose it, as she starts to invent lies just to get the one up from Fran forgetting her previous admonishment towards Ovan.

“You take that back…” Fran’s eyes were like daggers as she stares at Twilight.

“I don’t blame him though, with somepony like you, I guess it’s only natural that he deserves somepony better, somepony like me.” Twilight continues on ignoring Fran.

“Get this in your pompous little head of yours, you’re just a fling, I’m the legal one.” Fran replied pushing her hoof against Twilight.

“Well it looks like it will just be a matter of time before I become the official one and you in the history list.” Twilight replied after she swats Fran’s hoof off her as they both stare down in intense loathing for each other.

“SMACK!” The sound echoed throughout town as the ponies started to gather encircling the two in the middle of the town. Twilight’s words soon got the best over Fran, without hesitation she slapped Twilight on the cheek. Fran, heavily breathing, in disbelief that she actually slapped Twilight stood in silence. Twilight, still in shock, felt her cheek red and soar. Emotions were rising and bubbling inside the purple mare as she can no longer contain her scorn and abhorrence towards the green earth pony. And in one fell swoop, Twilight lunges at Fran.

“Hmmm?” a pony wearing a Royal Guard armor wonders at the crowd of ponies gathered in the middle of the town. Hearing familiar voices shouting and screaming from the center of the crowd, he pressed himself against the crowd to get to the center and take a better look on what has attracted the attention of most of the ponies in Grovetown and also who are responsible for that racket.

“By Celestia’s mane!” Sharpeye eye’s widened and jaws agape the moment he saw the two mares tearing each other apart.

“Stop it you two!” he suddenly rushed in between the two splitting them apart. Both mares were struggling away from

Sharpeye’s grasp calling each other names and shouting at one another until he gave a loud shout. “Will you two SHUT UP!” his load roaring voice brought the two back into place.

“She started it!” Twilight points the blame towards Fran

“You attacked me!” Fran pointing back.

Sharpeye sighed as his reply to the two.

“Damn it Fran! What were you thinking?” Sharpeye slammed the table in frustration as he tells off Fran. “Do you even know who that was?”

The two were soon relocated into a room. A typical room in an inn designed like a log cabin, completely furnished with a bed, dresser, tables and a cabinet. The walls have two windows placed beside each other for ventilation and light.

“Just a pompous thief, who doesn’t know her place.” Fran replied unmindful of her words.

“That was Twilight Sparkle.” Sharpeye pressed his head with hooves in his disbelief of Fran’s reply “the Princess’ prized
pupil I might add.”

“Pupil schmupil.” Fran feeled a bit annoyed at Sharpeye’s patronage of Twilight “Does it look like I care?”

“For starters, we’re here for a mission, and we can’t afford having our enemies know that we’re here just because you can’t control yourself from making a ruckus.” Sharpeye replied. “Besides weren’t you the one who keeps telling me that you’re gonna tell Twilight the truth about you and Ovan? Care to explain what happened?”

Fran’s mood started to calm down after Sharpeye’s statement. She starts to breathe normally and her adrenaline starts to die down. “I know, It’s just that I don’t what came over me back then.”

“What kind of a reply is that?” Sharpeye criticizes Fran’s answer.

“I don’t know it’s just that whenever I see her, I imagine her with Ovan together and it makes me feel so… jealous, I know it’s wrong for me to go and do that but I don’t want to lose him.” Fran confessed her thoughts.

“Get some rest, tomorrow I’m going to continue surveying the StarShine Manor. You on the other hand resume investigating the townspeople here.” Sharpeye replied in a stern direct tone exiting the room leaving Fran alone to reflect on her actions.

“This is why I hated having you as a teammate…” Fran pouted as soon as Sharpeye left the room.

Chapter 14- The Ashen Remains

The Alicorn of the Stars

Chapter 14 – The Ashen Remains

~Grovetown Inn~

“I can’t believe I just did that!” Twilight frantic in her speech walks to and fro around her room. She decided to run back to her room, she rented in the Grovetown inn, after the scandalous scene she made earlier.

“I know she started it, but if the Princess knew of what I did she would be disappointed in me.” Twilight soon starts to monologue, reciting her preposterous assumptions like that time. “If the Princess knew about this, she might think that I’m disregarding all my lessons about Friendship. And she might send me back for further reeducation, thus making me a failure. I can’t go back to Canterlot as a failure.”

Twilight was soon all over the place as she talks to herself, her mane roughed up, bags under her eyes were starting to darken due to lack of rest, her thoughts starts to become chaotic thinking of every punishment the Princess might do.

“Twilight?” a familiar voice knocks behind the door.

“IT WASN’T MY FAULT!!” Twilight suddenly screeched and hastily hid under the bed.

“You left the door open.” Sharpeye slowly opened the door and peeks through the small gap hoping to find Twilight inside. “Twilight, are you okay?”

“C-Captain Sharpeye?” Twilight reveals a portion of her head under the bed to greet the stallion.

“It’s been a while since I saw you before you got sent to Ponyville.” Sharpeye, looking happy rather than his usual irritable self, welcomes Twilight

"Please don’t tell Princess Celestia about this. If she knew that I—“ Twilight again starts to panic over her predicament.

“It’s only natural to get angry at other ponies. Heck I always do it to my subordinates.” Sharpeye laughs off “As long as you don’t do it again, it’s all good.”

“Thanks…” Twilight calms down and starts to breath normally. “What are you doing here anyway? Did the Princess send you here?”

“Well sort of.” Sharpeye nods “I’m just here to investigate an incident that happened here 10 years ago, I know it’s too late to investigate something that happened in the past decade or so but about on how the case was handled, I’d say it was done pretty fast.”

“Perfect timing!” Twilight suddenly burst out in excitement. “I’m also trying to learn more about the manor that was burned down 10 years ago.”

“You what?” Sharpeye’s tone suddenly dropped after hearing the mare’s objective. “You… you can’t it’s still under the Royal Guard Security. You need to have proper procedures before you enter.”

“Really? Last time I checked that place was abandoned…” replied Twilight wondering about the Guard’s claim.

The Captain’s eyes starts to wander off and beads of sweat formed behind his head.. “Ugh… by my right as Captain, I’m placing that site under Royal Guard Security.” Sharpeye suddenly declared for he can no longer come up with an excuse to prevent the mare from going to the manor and quickly leaves the room to prevent further questions. “Well, hope to see you back in Canterlot soon. I really have a busy schedule ahead of me.”

“Bye?” Twilight’s farewell was cut short since Sharpeye quicky slammed the door upon his exit. “Strange…” she begins to doubt the Sharpeye’s words and resumes investigating the matter on her own ignoring the captain’s words.

~Canterlot streets~

“Thanks, Pinkie. I mean I don’t what would I do if you hadn’t come along.” Fluttershy thanked the pink pony beside her as they stroll around Canterlot after leaving the Royal Garden.

It was a wondrous moment for Fluttershy, being able to see the Centennial bloom of the Centidrangeas. The blooming itself was like an instant burst of magnificence from seeing grand fireworks combined with the awe-inspiring beauty of the nature itself. There was no like other flowers compared to what both mares saw in the Garden earlier the hundred year of constant tending and waiting made it all worth it. For Fluttershy the only thing that was missing there was Rainbow Dash at her side.

“No Problemo. That’s what I’m here for.” Pinkie Pie replied with her usual smile.

“Too bad Rainbow Dash wasn’t able to make it today.” Fluttershy feeling a bit depressed.

“Aww, I know you feel about Dashie but sometimes you just have to patient.” Pinkie Pie replied with a comforting tone.

“You do?! I mean—i-it’s not what you think, I just—“ Fluttershy staggers to find the right words while she turns red over Pinkie Pie’s words. “Really we’re just good friends, nothing more… really.”

“Oh, Fluttershy It’s written all over you face, I mean—“ Pinkie Pie suddenly stopped after she spotted a nearby confectionery store beside them. Without hesitation, she rushed inside and comes back out with a huge cake on her hooves. All at once, she gobbled the cake leaving only the white icing scattered all over her lips. She finishes her sudden purchase by licking the remaining icing clean off. “What was that again?” she resumed back to Fluttershy like nothing happened.

“Oh… Pinkie Pie.” Fluttershy slightly chuckles on the pink pony’s antics. “I guess you’re right, I do have feelings for Rainbow Dash, but please don’t tell her. I don’t want her getting awkward with me.”

“Okay!” Pinkie Pie grins and laughs “I’m the safest pony to have your secrets kept.”

Pinkie and Fluttershy laughed and continued to chat as they walk around Canterlot hoping to find some souvenirs before they go home, until they caught glimpse of a mischievous purple filly stomping on a bush of flowers just outside a house nearby.

“Didn’t I tell you that hated these?” The filly yelled as she continues to stomp on the bush.

“Oh my…” Fluttershy’s heart sank seeing the innocent flower bush got flattened just like that.

“Please Ely, stop that.” A pony from inside the suddenly came out reprimanding the mischievous filly, which appears to be the caretaker of that house.

“Or else what?” the young filly provokes the caretaker. “You can’t do anything anyway. So I’ll just do whatever I want.” She then shrugs off the caretaker going back inside the house.

“Ay Karamba! She certainly has an attitude.” Pinkie Pie suddenly remarks at the scene.

“I’m sure she is just misunderstood.” Fluttershy replied at Pinkie’s remark.

Both ponies decide to approach the caretaker, while the she was busy cleaning up the mess that Ely made earlier.

~ Forest near Grovetown~

“Nothing in particular…” Sharpeye reports to himself while patrolling the skies around the forest near Grovetown. His impatience is starting to get the best of him after going round and round the forest, mountain and even the manor itself and nothing came out. He wiped off the sweat on his forehead and decides to do another last round before heading back.

After a few minutes, Sharpeye’s decision proved to be rewarding. From a bird’s eye view, he saw two figures walking within the forest trail towards the burnt manor up ahead. Upon closer inspection, he could now verify some features like the color of the coat and what race of pony were they. He slowly trailed the two from the sky while going closer and closer to reveal their identities.

“By Celestia’s—“ He whispered to himself in shock, after he recognized the familiar dark blue coated unicorn treading along the path. It was none other than Nova himself accompanied by a magenta coated mare. Confirming the target’s destination, he slowly and silently backed away, as he flew back to town hoping that nopony saw him.

“Are you just going to let him go?” the mare asked Nova as her eyes moved towards the retreating guard.

“They can’t do anything to me anyway.” Nova smirked. “Besides it would be fun, so we’ll just let them do what they want for now.”

The mare in turn, smiled back to the confidence of Nova “Oh! By the way, I just heard that there’s this pony you might take an interest just roaming around town.” She then whispered behind Nova’s ear, revealing a picture in front of Nova afterwards.

“That is really a sight to see, tell you what I’ll take you to the Summer Harvest Ball if you bring her to me. I want to speak with this Element of Magic.” Nova replied as they were continuously walking towards the manor ruins.

“Isn’t that a given already?” the mare chuckled in a seductive tone. “Anything for you…” she kissed Nova on the cheek then flew off in the opposite direction leaving Nova heading towards the ruins alone.

The ruins of the burnt manor were already in Nova’s sight. Just in front of the once majestic gates of the manor now black and sullied stood a familiar pony wearing a lab coat with his back leaning against the former walls of the gate with his arms shrugged along his chest.

“Professor, it’s good that you made it.” Nova greeted the crazed pony.

“And I thought you were never going to make it.” Kaust replied. “I had to hide myself from that Pegasus that was flying around and around earlier this morning.”

“I had to take a few turns to avoid detection but I just grew tired of it so I just simply went head-on; as if there was a need to conceal myself.” Nova scoffs at the efforts of Sharpeye.

“Getting back to business, these bloodstones I had to make are these really necessary?” Kaust points out a bag beside him filled with the malicious red gemstones.

“What’s with the sudden inquiry professor?” Nova wonders about the professor’s sudden change of heart.

“Nothing in particular, I just think that it would really be a waste of ‘materials’ if these aren’t going to be used.” Kaust
remarked as his tone seemed regretful.

“There’s nothing to worry about. A bag full of bloodstones won’t suffice. I need more, for what I am about to do will show everypony in Equestria that Cosmos has returned more powerful than ever.” Nova clenched his hoof in sheer determination for his plan.

“More you say...” Kaust readied himself for departure leaving his bag of bloodstones behind. “Then more it is…” Kaust
whispered to himself after turning his back on Nova, leaving the vicinity with a sickening grin on his face.

~ Sugarcube Corner~

“So how’s the odd jobs life coming along?” Sly asked.

“Ah’ guess it’s comin’ along just fine.” Applejack replied while she was busy mixing some mixture for the day’s batch of

cupcakes.

“Still I can’t believe that you guys went through that tragedy in just a few days.” Sly remarked at the mare’s optimism.

“Well, it’s no use thinkin’ about the past.” Applejack slides the tray of dough into the oven and shuts it tight. “All we havta’ do now is work harder.” she sets the timer and the temperature to the right setting. “So right now, me and Big Macintosh are accepting all kinds of work.” She wiped off the sweat on her forehead using the apron she was wearing. “Be it small or big, anythin’” She pulls out a sack of flour underneath the pantry with her teeth and slides it towards the counter. “We can’t be picky right now, if we want to restore Sweet Apple Acres.” She slams the sack over the countertop. “Besides we have our friends to help us, like Twilight offerin’ us to stay at her place, RD with her prize money, Pinkie Pie who gave me this part time work, Fluttershy and Rarity offered Big Macintosh some work.”

“Like I said, I’m really jealous of you having friends like them.” Sly replied. “In my case, I don’t even know where they are right now. Knowing those guys they’re probably goofing off somewhere in Las Pegasus and running from their debtors.” Sly laughed out

“Lively bunch of friends you have there.” Applejack starts to prepare another batch, she suddenly popped the moment she thought of an idea “Say, Have ya’ ever tried baking?” she suddenly asked Sly.

“Ugh… not yet… I suppose.” Sly reluctantly replied.

“Perfect Timin’ Now let’s get you started.” Applejack suddenly pushed the stallion to wear an apron and start baking.

After a few mixes and trials, the kitchen turned out similar to when Applebloom started to bake a batch back then when she was trying to get a cupcake cutie mark. Cupcake mixtures and flour markings were all over the place, and several burnt samples were in the trash bin. As the smell of burned confectionery reeked all over the kitchen, two ponies were on the
countertop enjoying themselves.

“I guess I’m not cut out to be a baker after.” Sly laughed out loud, with his face covered in cupcake mix.

“I reckon’ ya’ll be good at eatin’ them.” Applejack also laughs out in response.

“Back in Manehattan, I’m considered to be the cupcake eating champion.” Sly boasted.

“Then Ah’ guess ya’ll be the first in line when those comes out.” Applejack points over to the oven as the cupcakes were getting ready to be done.

“I’m already here first in line before they are finished baking.” Sly chuckled.

“Ah’ really missed ya’ Sly.” Applejack turned to the cupcake covered stallion and looked deeply in his eyes.

“I also missed you…” Sly replied returning Applejack’s gaze. “Would go to the Summer Harvest Ball with me?”

“Ya’ sure with that?” Applejack averted her eyes. “I mean we’re downright poor and all especially in these times.”

“I don’t care about that.” Sly suddenly grabbed the mare’s hooves “I just want to be with you. Even back then, after you left, I kept hoping that we’ll meet again someday. It’s just that my father doesn’t want me to ‘hook’ up with some farmer pony, but none of that matters now.”

“Sly… I—“ Applejack turned red, time was stopping as the two ponies stared deeply into each other. But the smell of a burning batch of cupcake proved to be more powerful. “The cupcakes!” Applejack suddenly rushed towards the oven, to her disappointment, she wasn’t able to save that batch.

“Applejack!” Mrs. Cakes suddenly stormed in after the scent of burnt cupcakes kept on pestering her.

“Don’t worry Ma’am it’s my fault, I’ll vouch for that.” Sly raised his hoof waving the responsibility from Applejack.

~GroveTown Bazaar Area~

“Sir, Can you tell me more about that mansion up in the mountains?” Twilight approaches a mare nearby hoping to get some answers regarding the manor.

“No idea, all I know is that place got burned down.” the pony replied and went on her way.

Twilight looks around the bazaar area of the town, similar to the market place of Ponyville, where ponies sell their wares to other ponies, hoping to find some pony who could answer her questions. Twilight gave out a depressing sigh after asking ten ponies yet no pony can give her a desirable answer. She suddenly jumped after some pony poked her from behind.

“I heard you were looking information about that mansion up there?” a magenta coated Pegasus mare approached her.

“Yes, but how did you know?” Twilight wondered about the mare’s knowledge about her inquiry.

“You were sticking like a sore thumb asking here and there about the same thing. Of course some pony is bound to notice.” The mare jokingly replied.

“Well I guess that makes sense.” Twilight chuckles in embarrassment. “You told me you know something about that place. Can you tell me?”

“Why would I approach you If I don’t plan on telling you silly.” She waved her hoof laughing at Twilight’s question.

“Care to tell me now?” Twilight replied, she was getting impatient from the mare’s consistent chortle.

“Fine fine, sheesh some ponies.” she stopped laughing and started to look more straight and serious. “Well for starters, that mansion used to be called as Starshine Manor.”

“Star—shine?” Twilight recognizing the name.

“Yup! Well it used to be a favorite spot for stargazing but after the incident ten years ago, ponies stopped coming there thinking that the place is haunted by the ghost of the Starshine family who died along the fire.”

“What caused the fire?” Twilight curiously inquires.

“Not sure, but there were several rumors about it, one is like enemies of that family burned it down. or they were caught in some sort of conspiracy so they were eliminated or others were similar but those two topped the notch.” The mare explained.

“Enemies? Do you have an idea on who they were?” Twilight asked.

“I don’t really know the details but I also plan to get to the bottom of this, so I planning to investigate that area now. Would you like to come along?” the mare reached out her hoof.

“But I was told it was under Royal Guard Protection.” Twilight suddenly recalled what Sharpeye told her.

“Royal what now? Who in Equestria told you that? The place has been abandoned for years, no pony is there right now.” the mare scoffed at Twilight’s word.

“But… never mind.” Twilight brushed off the idea of insisting the captain’s word. “By the way, may I know who you are?”

“Sorry that was rude of me.” The mare apologized. “The name’s Paine. You are?”

“Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight shakes Paine’s hoof “Nice to meet you.”

“Well then Twilight Sparkle, shall we?” Paine replied.

Chapter 15- A Paineful Trap

The Alicorn of the Stars

Chapter 15 – A Paineful Trap

~Ghastly Gorge~

“Rainbow Dash! You’re falling behind!” Silverstar calls out to the blue pegasus behind her, as she was getting farther and farther in their high-speed race.

Across the treacherous valleys and dangerous creatures lurking within the Ghastly Gorge, two pegasi were racing throughout the gorge day in and out practicing for the incoming competition. For the past two days, both mares were always neck and neck refusing to yield to one another earning the respect of each other in terms of speed, agility and guts.

“Huh?” Rainbow Dash surprised to see Silver gaining distance between them. Increasing the strength of her wings, she gained instantaneous acceleration to close the widening gap between them. “Sorry about that, there are a lot going through my mind recently. It all just came to me just now.” Rainbow Dash finally caught up on the silver mare ahead of her earlier.

“Let’s take a break over there.” Silverstar suddenly suggested while pointing towards the edge of the cliff beside them.

“Why? I ain’t tired yet.” Rainbow Dash replied feeling a bit perplexed on the sudden time-out.

“Just follow me” Silverstar giving no room for Rainbow to argue, swerved towards the spot she pointed earlier.

Silverstar folded her wings upon her landing, and Rainbow soon follows suite. Still confused and a bit irritated at Silverstar for ignoring her, without hesitation she started her inquiry “Why are we wasting time?”

Silverstar took a deep breath before she confronted Rainbow “Tell me, what’s on going on?”

“I told you, it’s nothing! Just some personal stuffs.” Rainbow shrugs off Silver “Now that is over can we go back to practice?”

Silver gave out a deep sigh “Look Rainbow, I know it’s rude for me to pry on your private life” she paused for a moment and gives out another sigh “I hate to say to but, you’re slowing me down.”

“WHAT?!” Rainbow Dash suddenly burst out. Feeling insulted with that comment, she grabbed Silver by the collar. “Slowing you down?”

“I know that you have an average wing power of 16.5. Trust me, that’s a huge number but if you’re not focused at all it’s just as good as having a 9.0 or below wing power in the competition especially when the first part is a race.” Silver replied calmly to the mare, remaining unfazed despite Rainbow’s sudden outburst.

Rainbow Dash slowly loosened her grip after hearing Silver’s comment and also she, herself realizing that her partner was right. Her thought were getting in the way of her focus. She turned away from Silverstar and gazed upon the vast valley, acknowledging Silver’s observation about her. “You’re right, I’m sorry about earlier.”

“Whew! I thought you ain’t gonna let go. It’s starting to get harder for me breathe back there.” Silverstar replied holding her neck and tries to pace her breathe. “Although we just met a few days ago, we’re still partners in this competition, so helping one another is a given.”

“Thanks…” Rainbow Dash walked towards the edge of the cliff. “I guess I could tell you the gist of it.” She brushes off some of the dirt that got on her coat and wings.

“So what seems to be bothering you?” Silverstar approached RD from behind.

“Well, there are two things,” RD slowly takes a deep breath as she starts to open up on her new found friend “There’s this friend of mine, well she kinda left on an important mission and I wish I was there, but If I go then I would miss the competition.” she gave out a depressing sigh “I could always join next year but—“RD stopped without finishing her sentence.

Silver beamed out a comforting smile towards the confused Pegasus “Listen, I know its hard but you’ve already made your choice, besides what about your other friend the one who you promised to prize money? Well, I’m just saying you have to believe in her. She’ll come back and what better way to welcome her back than to show her your acceptance badge from the Wonderbolts?”

“I know… it’s just that I want to be with her.” Rainbow Dash replied “as a friend I mean…” she suddenly blurted it out hoping that Silverstar doesn’t misunderstand her intentions.

“Don’t worry she’ll come back.” Silverstar replied confidently “And what’s the other thing? Her stern look changed to curiously after recalling that RD said that there were two things that were bothering her.

“Oh… The other one is about another friend.” Rainbow Dash replied.

“My my… You have a lot of ‘friends’” Silverstar teases Rainbow Dash.

“What?!” Rainbow Dash suddenly turned red.

“Just kidding, really you’re kind of fun to tease…” Silver gave out a soft chuckle. “Please continue on.”

“As I was saying, she was kind of disappointed that I wasn’t able to come with her in some flower looking event.” Rainbow Dash continued her story.

“What seems to be the problem about that?” Silver wonders about how her partner is at fault.

“Well, it seems that that flower only blooms once in every hundred years. It’s not that I did something wrong, it’s just that I feel guilty, even I owe her a lot after she saved Ponyville from embarrassment during our turn to provide water to Cloudsdale. It’s just that everything had to happen that fast especially when one of the greatest opportunities for me to fulfill my dream came.” Rainbow Dash replied again feeling depressed.

“Well, I just that you just have to make some sacrifices.” Silverstar patted RD on the shoulder. “As long as you stay true and loyal to your friend even after you fulfilled your dream, it’s all good.”

“Thanks… I guess I really need to get that load off my chest.” Rainbow Dash replied feeling a bit relieved

“Now that that’s cleared out, let’s get back to practice, hopefully we can finish early and get some rest. The big day is tomorrow after all.” Silverstar getting pumped up.

“See you at the finish line.” Rainbow Dash cheerfully blasted off.

“Not if I can help it.” Silverstar followed.

~Grovetown Square~

“I’m now wondering if they just sent us in a wild goose chase.” Fran starts to complain about the lack of excitement happening around town. It’s all trees, log cabin designed structures ranging from the local shops to its town hall, and persistent vendor trying to sell her their wares left and right. Still unable to brush off of what happened yesterday, she had mixed feeling regarding the matter with Twilight. Her disappointment and confusion soon took a different turn upon seeing Sharpeye incoming fast towards her from the sky.

“Fran! There’s a sudden change in plans.” Sharpeye calls out while striding fast towards the green mare.

“What happened? Why are you in a hurry?” Fran curiously inquires, shocked to see Sharpeye in such a state.

“Of all the ponies,” Sharpeye huffs and pants trying to regain his breathe. “He had to come here personally.”

“Who?” Fran suddenly frisks Sharpeye for talking in riddles.

“Who else?” Sharpeye brushed off Fran’s hooves on him “But the leader of the Signers himself, Nova’s here.”

Upon the mention of the name ‘Nova’, Fran suddenly recalled something from her past. A scene of fire, blood, ponies dying and her hometown destroyed flashed through her mind like a movie projector. And the phrase ‘Hate me, Detest me, Feel Despair in my presence’ spoken from those malicious grin of that accursed unicorn suddenly ran through her mind.

Vengeance, desire for revenge and hatred bubbled through her veins as she clenches her hooves. She is starting to lose herself to her emotions until she was snapped back by none other than Sharpeye.

“Get a grip Fran!” Sharpeye said while shaking Fran back to her senses. “I know that he murdered everypony in your village, but as painful as it seems, you can’t let your emotions cloud your judgement especially not right now.”

Fortunately for Sharpeye, he was able to keep Fran in check with his method. Seeing Fran returning to her senses as she wipes her tears with her hooves, he gave out his instructions to the mare. “Listen, I’m going to report to Quince. Hopefully he could come here personally but we can’t let this chance slip by. You are to stay in Grovetown till I get back just monitor if ever there are ponies going in and out of the forest from here. Is that clear?”

“Understood.” Fran without resistance acknowledged her orders.

“Good, I must make haste. Who knows when will they be leaving.” Sharpeye hurriedly flew off and left the village.

Leaving Fran behind to await for orders, she tried resuming back to getting information about the manor up in the mountain, since she was side tracked due to a certain event yesterday.

“Excuse me, do you know something about the StarShine Manor?” she politely approached a familiar looking pony finished buying some apples in the stand nearby.

“I thought I told you, that all I know is that place got burnt“the stallion replied unnoticing that it’s a different pony that was asking him until he turned around. “Oh sorry, I thought you were that other mare who was asking me about that manor.”

“Other mare?” Fran curiously inquired.

“Yea, a unicorn, she had a purple coat. Her mane’s color is a bit dark but I had a pink line on it.” The stallion replied.

“I see…” Fran forming the image in her mind and with those features given, she only one pony who matched the description.

“Do you know where she is right now?” she hoped that the stallion knew where Twilight, curious and all as to why would Twilight ask about StarShine Manor aside from the fact that Ovan’s last name is StarShine.

“Well, there was one other mare that came here earlier. She was the one who answered her questions, heck they even went there.” he replied.

“Can you describe this other mare you speak of?” Fran asked, unable to get rid of that disturbing feeling she had upon the mention of ‘that other mare’ that knows about the manor.

“Well, I think she had this, dark pinkish purply coat was it? and had a braided purple mane. I guess that’s all I could remember; and before I forget she had wings. Did that helped?” he replied.

The image that popped into her head terrified her. That mare, she knew she encountered her before. Trying to recall the stallion in front of her is starting to look concern over her worried expression.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Yea… Thanks for the info that really helped.” She waved goodbye to the stallion and started walking towards the forest.

“But it can’t be right; Sharpeye told us that he hit her, but he did mention that the body wasn’t found.” Fran is starting to lose control over herself worrying about Twilight’s company. “I would be disobeying orders but, I must…” unable to perish the thought of something bad might happen, she raced outside the village and into the forest, ignoring Sharpeye’s orders.

~The Forgotten Woods~

“So how many years have you been researching on this?” Twilight asked Paine while walking on a dirt trail leading towards the manor up ahead with Paine leading the way.

“I kinda forgot, you know, I have been doing this for a long time. Time just quickly pass by without me knowing it.” Paine replied while laughing away to hide her excuse.

“I know right, when you are so immersed in something, time really flies away.” Twilight started to become chatty and her eyes started to twinkle. “I mean back then, when I was still studying in Canterlot, when there were subject that I didn’t understand, I would read almost all of the books in the Library until I got my answers. By the time I know it, 4 days have already passed.” Twilight giggling in-between her narration. “Well it was somewhat embarrassing that the Princess found me sleeping on the hallways the next day.”

“Interesting story you have there.” Paine replied while trying to feign interest in Twilight’s story as she leads the way towards the manor.

“So how did you manage to end up investigating this?” Twilight suddenly became curious to Paine’s origin.

“Ugh… Well… I… heard that this place used to be a hot spot for star gazing.” Paine suddenly came up with an excuse. “Yes… there was one time that I really wanted to see the awesome night sky, but I just heard that it was burned down. So here I am, doing my own investigation as to why such a place was burned down.”

“I never thought that you like stargazing… No offense.” Twilight replied

“That’s okay; you’re not the only pony who told me that.” Paine replied while laughing off Twilight’s remark.

“So which star constellations is your favorite?” Twilight asked as she suddenly galloped besides Paine interested in the mare’s reply.

“Me? I’m not really much into constellations, but I’m more of into novas” Paine replied, although her thoughts are thinking of a different kind of nova compared to the one Twilight has in mind.

“You mean like a super nova?” Twilight remained oblivious to the mare’s wordplay.

“You could say that…” Paine replied with a smirk on her face.

“Well for me, I’m more into constellations rather than super nova.” Twilight replied while staring across the skies unnoticing Paine’s expression. “I really like all sorts of constellation. I even had a belt made from Orion’s belt.” Twilight continued on about her prattle about stars, constellations and the various activities she had regarding stars and Paine consistently nodded at every word Twilight said pretending to be interested; and Twilight still remained oblivious to the mare’s feign of interest.

“—I even remembered that there was one time I had to observed every star alignment for signs and prophecies just because I had a message from the future. Can you believe that?” Twilight finally finished with her story, laughing while looking at Paine with those huge and sparkling innocent eyes of hers. “Like I was saying—“she was suddenly interrupted by the rustling sound in the bushes nearby; and not a moment too soon, a familiar green mare jumped out of the bushes to the middle of the trail.

“Twilight! It’s a trap!” Fran suddenly cried out from behind forcing both mare’s to turn around towards her.

“Fran?! What are you doing here?” Twilight asked with her eyebrows coming together, obviously not happy to see Fran again after the fiasco at the town center yesterday.

“Listen, I have to time to explain. Just come with me.” Fran hurriedly tried to grab Twilight’s hoof hoping to drag her away from the imminent danger.

“Well, I have no time for you as well. I came here for an important mission and I don’t you want anypony, especially you getting in the way.” Twilight replied, beginning to lose her temper.

“Are you an idiot? Don’t you understand the one behind you is—“ Fran yelled back at Twilight but before she finished her sentence, there was a loud ‘BANG’ that came from behind. The sound echoed throughout the forest, birds flew away from their nests and animals ran away and hid from the source of the sound. Twilight left a blank face after hearing the roaring sound of the weapon that came behind her. The moment she came to her senses, she saw Fran groveling on the ground, blood flowing out from her body, her face wringing in pain as the projectile pierced through her body like a spear.

“Well, so much for ‘bloodless’” Paine nonchalantly remarked polishing a familiar looking weapon with her hoof. “Since the cat is out of the bag, might as well go with Plan B” she pointed the weapon towards Twilight’s head.

Twilight slowly turned back to Paine, quickly noticing the weapon used. It mainly consisted of a barrel, handle and a trigger. The handle was made of wood and metal with several golden patterns engraved on it. The barrel was mainly a well polished metal cylinder with a cylindrical cavity in the center. The trigger was large enough to be held and used with a hoof. Paine stayed afloat on her spot, with her wings loudly flapping back and forth while aiming the weapon on Twilight.

“Y-you… you…” Twilight shivers in fear, recognizing the weapon Paine was holding as Paine looks at her with a malicious smile full of murderous intent. She recalled she saw that weapon from the Canterlot archives; it was used in the 2nd Equestrian war or the Discord War. Since the Draconequus had unparalleled magic compared to the ponies, they had to use something as a mean to overcome that weakness; and the answer arrived was that weapon, known as the ‘Musket’. Although weaker, it had a faster firing rate compared to magic so the ponies were able to fight back and win the war.

“How could you?” Twilight cried out “You could almost kill her.”

“Well that was the point.” Paine replied with a smug look in her face. “Anyway, you’re coming with me and don’t even bother using your magic, unless you want to get hurt though.”

Leaving Twilight with no choice, Fran was left for dead on the trail. Despite her wanting to aid Fran, she had to comply with the sick mare’s demands. With the cold barrel poking her flank and Paine guarding her every move from behind, she continued walking up the trail until she saw the ruins of the manor. Just past the broken down gate, she saw a dark blue unicorn with a white mane, in the middle of the ruins, reading some sort of book, surrounded by an ominous blue glow, levitating to the stallion’s eye level.

“Thud” the book slammed shut, the moment they entered the ruins. “What took you so long?” the stallion asked Paine while he casted the book out of sight by dissipating it into thin air.

“Well there was a bit of ‘road block’ and i was hoping to get this done with the least amount of blood spill.” Paine smirked.

Twilight’s eyes were full of disbelief. How can there be ponies like this; ponies who can hurt other ponies and feel enjoyment over it. Just one look on the stallion, gave away his identity as a villain. Yet she looked at him with fear and anxiety worried to what will this ‘monster’ do to her.

“You must be Ms. Twilight Sparkle, or should I say Ms. Element of Magic.” his words alone sent shivers down her spine not to mention the fact that he knows her ties to the Elements of Harmony. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Nova, Nova Starshine.”

Chapter 16- Imprisonment

The Alicorn of the Stars
Chapter 16 – Imprisonment

~Cloudsdale~

The sound of fireworks popping can be heard through the festive city of Cloudsdale. The weather was perfect for the competition to be held, courtesy of Cloudsdale’s own weather factory. And the sky was also graced with the sun princess’ beaming sunshine. Pegasi, both competitors and spectators, from all over Equestria gathered upon this festive day for the Annual Best Flyer’s Competition. For the crowd, it’s a contest to see the best flyer in all of Equestria; for the promising contestants, it’s a sure ticket to the doors of the Wonderbolts. Various airships and hot-air balloons were also seen floating around Cloudsdale for non-pegasus ponies to see the spectacle. Some were privately owned while others were rented out, and among the airships incoming Cloudsdale was a majestic-looking one with a dragon-like insignia stitched on the mast slowly approaching Cloudsdale.

Inside the bustling city, crowds were swarming in the stadium and the stand beside them selling various goods, souvenirs, and even some Wonderbolt paraphernalia. To cater to the non-pegasus ponies, several airships and balloons were designated to roam around the skies carting their wares.

Rainbow Dash, along with Fluttershy, excitedly roams around the busy clouds of Cloudsdale while waiting for their friends to come. Yet despite the excitement running around, there was still a hint of nervousness lingering within her veins for this competition is the door to her dreams and aspirations and the pressure alone was already slowly getting the best of her.

“Don’t worry Rainbow Dash, I know you can do it…” Fluttershy spoke in her usual soft voice trying to cheer her friend up after noticing RD getting nervous.

“Thanks Fluttershy…” RD replied with her tension easing up a bit.

“Hey, Rainbow ready for the competition?” a silver Pegasus came flying fast towards them.

“Of course I am! Who do you think you’re talking to?” Rainbow getting her air of confidence back replied.

“That’s good, from what I heard the competition is a three part. Among the eight teams, the top four times will be chosen to proceed to the next round in the Semi-Final and—“ Silverstar catches her breath while trying to explain the mechanics of the competition. She suddenly paused after noticing a yellow mare hiding behind her partner. “Who’s this?” she points towards Fluttershy sneaking behind RD’s back.

“This is my friend Fluttershy.” RD moves out revealing Fluttershy. “and Fluttershy this is my partner of the competition, Silverstar.”

“Oh, Hi there.” Silverstar extends her hoof.

Fluttershy in turn stood timidly on the clouds, trying to find the proper greeting which was her usual problem when meeting new ponies.

“She’s just a bit shy…” RD sheepishly grins, breaking the awkward silence between the two.

“No worries… “ Silverstar returned her hoof back “Sorry for suddenly appearing out of nowhere, it’s a habit of mine.”

“That’s okay…” Fluttershy replied softly “Well it was rude of me to just stand there while you offer a hoofshake.” Fluttershy extended her hoof as a sign of apology and greeting as well. “I’m Fluttershy. It’s nice to meet you.”

Rainbow Dash’s eyes widen with surprise after seeing Fluttershy like that. Inside she felt happy and proud seeing her friend becoming more assertive and confidence in herself to actually greet a stranger like that.

“The pleasure’s all mine.” Silverstar accepted the hoofshake.

“Yoohoo! Missed me?” a familiar well-accented voice called out to them from up above.

“Rarity?!” Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash both surprised to see Rarity waving at them while riding on a deluxe airship slowly descending towards them.

“I thought you’d never make it!” Rainbow Dash quickly flew up towards the deck of the ship along with the Fluttershy and Silverstar. “This is my partner for the competition, her name’s Silverstar.” Rainbow Dash pointed towards the silver Pegasus. “And this is one of my good friends Rarity.” She pointed back towards her friend.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Rarity extends her hoof in greeting. “Please take care of our Dashie she tends to be reckless sometimes.” She let out a small giggle after her comment.

“I know.” Silverstar shakes hooves with Rarity.

“Hey!” Rainbow Dash suddenly barged in on the conversation which ended up with most ponies laughing.

“I wonder where Pinkie Pie is? She said she was going to catch up.” Fluttershy started looking around the impromptu parking lot around Cloudsdale looking for any sign of their pink friend.

“Sorry I’m late! I guess my other guest won’t be coming.” Pinkie Pie suddenly shouted from a balloon ride coming up.

“I see… What about Applejack? Is she still coming?” Rarity asked.

“Nah… She said she’ll be really busy baking all those pies.” Pinkie Pie replied. “her pies really became famous after Soarin’ endorsed them.”

“Yeah… who would forget that night…” Rainbow Dash suddenly said.

A loud parade music suddenly played signifying the start of the anticipated-event. Both Rainbow Dash and Silverstar waved goodbye and their friends in turn waved good luck as they separated ways, Fluttershy stayed with Rarity on Draco’s ship, and Pinkie Pie with her balloon coasted along Draco’s airship.

~Ponyville Outskirts~

“What did she meant by ‘a doozy’?” Ovan with a puzzled looked on his face recalls Pinkie’s reaction earlier. Pinkie suddenly popped up and down shook left and right and her hooves and mane doing random things while shaking around the house. “She did say that something of a ‘doozy’ will happen at some Forgotten Woods Manor and it may involve some pony that he knows, but honestly who would name their manor ‘Forgotten Woods Manor.?” Ovan tries to go back to his experiments while trying to figure out what the pink pony meant by her words and ‘Pinkie sense’.

Around the room, there were some black dusts, probably disintegrated to the point of being too unrecognizable to figure out its original form, while also there were several apples lying around. mountains and spreads of scrolls were scattered around one corner of the room and some half-opened books were on the other side. On his table, there is a circular ring charged with a layer of magical sheet inside the ring. and on the floor just beside the table on the side where the ring is attached more black soot, powder and dust were seen.

Ovan himself was already a mess both physically and mentally, due to days of non-stop research and experiments. He soon found himself unable to control the urge to know this ‘Forgotten Woods Manor’ and to figure out what Pinkie Pie’s words mean; so he decided to take an atlas of Equestria piled along the book scattered all over the floor.

His vision turned grim and his expression darkened after seeing the location of the said place. The memories of his home burning, the death of both his parents and his dear brother flashed across his mind. He slowly backed away from the book trying to shake off those horrible memories from his mind.

“Of all places…” Ovan fell down sitting on the floor with a huge disbelief on his face. “Here? This must be the place where Quince sent Fran.”

Ovan rubbed his hoof against his forehead thinking of how will he accomplish both the spell and check up on Fran worried about Pinkie’s message.”There’s no time, I’ll just have to gamble on it.”

~Under the ruins of StarShine Manor~

“Ugh…” Twilight regains consciousness as she finds herself inside a dungeon like area. Her hooves are still staggering making hard for her to maintain balance as she tries to get up. Her vision was still hazy at the moment but she can still figure out what kind of place she was in after seeing blurry images of iron bars, pony bones, balls and chains and shaking her head only made the image clearer.

She tried to move her hoof forward but the sound of the chains clanking as it pulled her back made it impossible to simply walk away. Looking around the place, she noticed that there were no ponies in the area so the next thing she thought was cutting the steel shackles but, as soon as she starts charging her horn, a familiar ‘click’ sounded near her.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you…” Paine pointed the musket over Twilight’s head while slowly shaking her head left and right as she walks towards Twilight.

“I wouldn’t want to waste that sweet flank of yours now would i?” She whispered behind Twilight’s ear while pushing the barrel upward against Twilight’s chin as she slowly slithers her hoof over Twilight’s flank in a seductive manner. “Nova wouldn’t like that either.” She pushed Twilight to the ground laughing afterwards.

“Why is he doing this? What does he want?” Twilight getting agitated after her confrontation with Nova yesterday asked.

“If I were to tell you that he wants to obtain the power of Cosmos what would you do?” Paine snickering back replied.

“But that would cause…” Twilight shocked to hear the stallion’s plan.

“A lot of fun don’t you say?” Paine interrupted Twilight and stared at her with a a maddening look in her eyes.

“How can that be fun?” Twilight tried to argue.

“You have to go out more, see new sights, meet new ponies and broaden your horizon.” Paine replied in a cheerful manner.

Her reply only left Twilight more perplex on what’s wrong with those ponies. “How can anypony be happy seeing others suffer and die” she thought. As she stood there helpless while seeing the crazy mare prance around about the wonder ‘joys’, her will to stop these ponies became more adamant than ever but the chains on her hooves prevents her from doing so.

“Well I have other things to take care of.” Paine called out some ponies to watch over Twilight. Two armored ponies equipped with spears marched towards their prisoner and stood still watching her every move. “If she tries anything funny don’t hesitate to show her the consequences.” She instructed the two. “Well tat-ta… I hope you enjoy your new company.” She grimaced while stroking Twilight’s mane before she left the room leaving Twilight alone at the mercy of the two ponies assigned to watch over her.

Chapter 17- Ovan and Nova (Part 1)

The Alicorn of the Stars
Chapter 17 – Ovan and Nova (Part 1)

~Under the ruins of StarShine Manor~

“Not bad for a pony who is bred in peace and harmony.” Nova looks over his front right hoof. It had scorch marks all over after blocking it with Twilight’s spell yesterday during their first encounter. “But still too weak for me to use…” His monologue was soon interrupted by the arrival of the seductive partner in crime approaching him from behind.

“Shall I take care of that?” Paine suddenly grabbed Nova’s injured hoof and slowly caresses it as she deeply stares into Nova’s eyes.

“Maybe later but right now we have more important things to do.” Nova replied.

“As you wish…” Paine slowly lets go of the hoof. “I was wondering what in Equestria makes this place interesting for you?” She looks around the basement floor only noticing piles of rubble and debris, panels of charred tiles and ceiling and not to mention the dark and murky surroundings.

“You see one of the keys we need lies within this place.” Nova started walking towards a dark corridor up ahead. “Coincidentally it’s also one of Cosmos’ treasured relics, although it doesn’t compare to the Elements but still it’s very valuable to our plan.” Nova continuously walks as he explains his motive. “Aside from the production of massive quantities of Bloodstones, we also have to use that relic for the creation of the new Elements…”

Paine simply smirked and snickered throughout Nova’s explanation with full understanding of her tasks for the completion of their plan as both ponies walked into the darkness and slowly disappearing from sight.

Twilight sat down on the floor recalling what happened yesterday during her encounter with the unicorn named Nova. Her mind is still puzzled after learning the unicorn’s name, not to mention on how powerful Nova’s magic was compared to hers. Her most powerful offensive spell only left nothing but scratches to the unicorn’s after blocking it bare-hoof. And he in turn just tossed her left and right like some ragdoll without giving her a chance to counter back. And the red gemstone he was flicking and playing with, it sent chills down to her spine from merely looking at it. Most importantly how is he related to Ovan, having both Starshine as their last name. Such thoughts plagued her mind the entire time after Paine left.

The two earth stallions started talking the moment Paine left. One was more of bulky build, he had a light brown coat and a darker brown mane, while the other one was of leaner and smaller build, he had a distinct yet familiar green coat and purple mane. Both of them were wearing leather-type armor equipped with iron helmets along with spears as their weapon.

“Hey it looks like Nova gave us a new toy to play with.” The bulkier one suddenly said while grinning maliciously staring at Twilight’s flank. “What do you say let’s have a little with our ‘guest’?” he then looked over to his co-henchpony.

“Cut it out man, we’re not here to do this…” the other one replied.

“That’s probably what you’re thinking, but for me, this is one of the perks for being assigned as guard for captives especially mares.” he turned back to Twilight with a perverted grin on his face. “Besides if she tries to do something all the more reason for us to hit her.” He slowly approaches Twilight the moment he finished talking.

“Dude, cut it out. If you want some ‘fun’ you can always go to ‘those’ places.” The other one stopped his co-henchpony. “She’s already helpless come on…” he spoke in a calm manner hoping to persuade his partner to control his urges.

“Too bad, I don’t give a flying feather.” He replied rashly while brushing off his co-henchpony’s hoof. “Besides, those places are boring… I can’t get enough kicks in ‘those’ places.” He then clenched his hoof and pushed it against the other pony’s cheek. “Now get out of my way and if you touch me again and you’ll get it.” He pushed him away and went back stalking his prey “Now where was I?”

“Seriously cut it out!” he suddenly grabbed his partner’s shoulder.

Without hesitation, he suddenly punched his partner’s face knocking him down. “Oh just shut up!” he yelled. “Even if we’re on the same team, it doesn’t mean we’re gonna be buddy-buddies.”

Twilight’s face was full of shock after seeing two ponies fight despite being on the same team. “Aren’t you two allies? How could you hit your friend like that?” she suddenly cried out.

“Friend?” he suddenly burst out laughing. “We just barely met, in fact I don’t even give a flying feather about him, he could rot in here for all I care. Heck I don’t even know his name.” His mood turned perverted “Now enough about him, let’s have some fun” he resumed pacing slowly towards Twilight.

It was infuriating, in all of her life, she never seen such behavior before, ponies desiring to hurt or kill others for their goals, ponies who never cared for each other. Deep inside, she could no longer take the audacity of these ponies, blemishing the princess’ teachings. As much as she wants, she couldn’t do a thing due to her circumstance; her own helplessness only added fuel to the fire.

“What’s the matter, I won’t bite.” The stallion played around.

Twilight tried to back away from the perverted stallion but the chain on her hooves prevented her. The stallion kept getting closer and closer and his presence kept growing and growing. With no second to spare, he suddenly grabbed Twilight’s shoulder. His firm grasp only meant pain for the mare. His sweaty face and rancid stench kept slowly getting closer and closer by the second with his lips all puckered up. Twilight tried to resist the stallion but he was able to physically hold her down. Her heart was racing, trembling in fear. Without any second thought she charged her horn in desperate attempts to save herself, but before she could fire her spell, a loud ‘Thud’ came from behind the stallion.

It was as if time paused itself just for Twilight to catch her breath. Her entire body was still trembling slowly recovering from being nearly violated. The glow in her horn slowly dissipated along with her shaking. The moment she came around, she saw the other henchpony armed with a blunt weapon. Although she felt a bit relieved at the moment, the nervousness inside her still lingered around, oblivious to the other stallion’s motive.

“Are you okay?” he asked slowly approaching Twilight.

“Don’t touch me!” Twilight suddenly shrieked still grasping for air.

“Suit yourself.” He replied with dragging the other henchpony’s body away “Although it would be nice to show a bit of appreciation for saving your ‘life’” he tied the stallion and pushed his unconscious body to the corner of the room.

“Why are you doing this?” Twilight suddenly asked, with a lot of questions bugging her mind.

“Let’s just say I had a traumatic experience when it comes to this so… I guess that was the reason why I helped you.” he calmly replied. “But don’t get the wrong idea. You’re still our captive.”

“No I mean, you seem like a good pony, why are you with these bad ponies?” Twilight corrected herself.

“Victim of the circumstance, I guess.” He sat down in front of Twilight reinstating his presence to the captive as a guard. “With nowhere to go, and after my village was burned down and being the only survivor, they sort of found me and recruited me then that’s that.”

“They?” Twilight asked.

“The Signers of course…” he replied.

“But they are a group of bad ponies, they want to destroy Equestria, doesn’t that at least disturb you?” Twilight tried to persuade the stallion.

“It does a little, but like I said I have nowhere to go.” He turned his back on Twilight. “My parents were brutally murdered along with my fellow villagers a year ago. Besides, I have done crimes against Equestria so where should I go.”

Twilight felt silent after hearing the stallion’s story. Her mind was blank to reply anything to him. She was filled with mixed emotions of pity, curiosity and her sense of righteousness. “But still… running away from your crimes won’t solve anything.”

“It’s better than rotting in jail though.” He coldly answered back.

“But you’re only hurting yourself, I can see that you want to live a peaceful life but you’re afraid of paying for the crimes you did. I can sense there’s conflict within you.” Twilight replied with a stern look in her face.

He slowly shook his head in reply, that alone gave Twilight the idea that she won’t be able to persuade the stallion. “May I at least know your name?” Twilight responded.

“It’s Duran.” He replied. “Now I have to get back to work.”

“Thanks for earlier Duran…” Twilight smiled in relief for the stallion’s aid earlier. “Please reconsider what I said earlier.” Twilight said still not giving up hope towards the stallion. She soon sat down on the dusty floor after her statement and left the stallion in silence.

~Cloudsdale~

“Princess Celestia!” Rainbow Dash suddenly bumped into the Sun Princess spilling her drink onto the princess’s glistening white coat. “I’m sorry about that…” she hurriedly apologized while trying to wipe off the mess she made.

“That’s okay” Princess Celestia felt a bit awkward, having some other pony wipe her coat, slightly pushed Rainbow Dash with her magic. “Really I don’t mind.”

“I’m really sorry…” Rainbow Dash continues to apologize “A lot has been going through my head recently and I~”

“You should relax for a bit.” Celestia replied “It won’t do you good for the competition; I heard that it’s more competitive than last year.”

“Thanks…” Rainbow Dash sheepishly grins “But I really wished that Twilight was here; I was hoping to show her some of my awesome moves”

“Well I’m expecting a wonderful performance from you.” Celestia chuckled in her reply.

Both mares ended up laughing like nothing happened, before they parted their ways, a white Pegasus fully equipped in golden armor suddenly approached Princess Celestia and whispered something to her ear. The princess’ expression darkened while the guard relays the message. Rainbow Dash can barely make sense of what the guard told the princess but there was one word that she heard crystal clear, which was ‘Forgotten Wood Barrow’

Recalling what Twilight said to them the past few days, she suddenly approached the princess with a heavy concerned look on her face. “W-What’s going on in that place?”

“Everything’s fine, they just gave me a weekly update about Forgotten Woods Barrow.” The princess in turn not wanting to make Rainbow Dash worry maintained her calm composure

“But…” Rainbow Dash tried to argue but she was interrupted by the princess sudden tap on her shoulder.

“Trust me” Princess Celestia ensures the worried Pegasus beaming a confident and adamant look on her face.

A loud echoing ‘honk’ suddenly sounded the start of the event, startling Rainbow Dash.

“Don’t worry, I’ve already sent my best soldiers out there, I also don’t want anything to happen to Twilight.” Celestia continued shortly after the end of the horn. “I’ll soon follow after the event.”

Rainbow Dash nodded slowly and silently agreeing to the princess’s word. She quickly headed back to her partner with a heavy heart still worried-sick over her friend despite the princess’ assurance.

“So Pinkie Pie I heard that you expected a guest coming along…” Rarity asked unable to keep her ‘gossip’ senses intact “May we know who’s this new ‘friend’ of yours?”

“Nope!” Pinkie replied with her usually cheerful mood.

“What?!” Rarity shocked to hear the pink pony’s reply “Just a little, teeny weensy bit of detail?” she continued persuading Pinkie.

“Can’t tell I Pinkie Promised.” Pinkie replied with a huge smile on her face.

Rarity lost her enthusiasm after seeing Pinkie Pie grin like that and knowing that Pinkie would never ever break a Pinkie Promise. She turned to Fluttershy afterwards. “I don’t see our ‘green’ friend, I wonder what happened to her after I left?”

“She also left afterwards; she said something about being relocated by her boss.” Fluttershy replied.

“That’s too bad, she could have at least joined us.” Rarity replied. “What about Spike? I haven’t seen him after his surprise visit a few days ago.”

“Hmm… I think he said that he was going to watch over the Library while most of us are gone.” Pinkie Pie replied.

“That Spike, Honestly, he could have at least taken the day off. I’m sure he’s going to enjoy watching the competition.” Rarity pouted feeling a bit disappointed.

“Come to think of it, how’s your work Rarity?” Fluttershy asked moments shortly.

“That? It’s coming along fine, Good food, ambience and the ponies visiting. And having tea in his garden it’s simply to die for. Although not as grand as the one in Canterlot Palace but still…” Rarity regaining back her energy replied.

“That’s nice…” Fluttershy replied.

“So where’s that uhm… Baron Drake-O something?” Pinkie Pie asked while looking left and right trying to find the noble pony in her sights.

“I think he said that he’s going to attend his business first with the Princess.” Rarity replied trying to recall the Baron’s words.

“That’s too bad, I was hoping to see him personally.” Fluttershy replied.

“How about later?” Rarity suggested “After all this is his ship, so he’s bound to come back here.”

“That would be nice…” Fluttershy replied smiling a bit.

“Oh by the way, I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to accompany you to see the Centidrangeas bloom. I was so busy with work.” Rarity suddenly recalled Fluttershy’s trip and apologized.

“That’s okay, Pinkie Pie went with me, although too bad Rainbow Dash wasn’t able to come…” Fluttershy replied.

Rarity could sense the feeling of disappointment after Fluttershy’s tone suddenly dropped the moment she mentioned the cyan pegasus’ name.

“And then, before we went home, there was this filly. She started stomping on some flowers.” Pinkie Pie suddenly popped out reenacting the scene.

“She wasn’t that bad…” Fluttershy responded.

“Honestly, some pony should teach that filly a thing or two.” Rarity replied. “Unlike my Sweetie Belle, she the most caring lovable sweet little sister any pony could ask for.” She started singing praises for her younger sister after hearing Pinkie’s narration.

“Uhm… about Sweetie Belle…” Fluttershy tried to avoid eye-contact with Rarity after hearing how much Rarity holds so much praise for Sweetie Belle.

“Yeah! She… “ Pinkie Pie tried to continue but she was quickly muffled by Fluttershy before she could mention more. “… your shop”

“What about Sweetie Belle and my shop?” Rarity’s mood turned curious after realizing that the two were hiding something from her.

“She uh…” Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie started backing away but Rarity pressed them both. “She…” with not much choice Pinkie Pie spilled the beans regarding what happened to Sweetie Belle and Carousel Boutique.

“SHE DID WHAT?!” Rarity screamed in tears after hearing a shocking revelation “My Precious Carousel Boutique… When I get back…” She started grumbling and gritting in her temper. But her mood suddenly changed upon the signaling horn of the start of the Competition.

~Forgotten Woods Barrow~

The whole forest was at a still until violent winds suddenly blew out of where. Cracks of lightning appeared out of the void. And sparks flew from the center. A white light shone in center as if space was being torn apart. In a flash of white light, appeared a familiar blue pony.

“Whew! Glad I’m still in one piece.” Ovan said still feeling the after effects of long range teleportation. “Hooves still complete mane and tail still there. And fortunately ‘they’ are still intact” Ovan checking his respectively body parts. He then gazed towards the peak of the mountain, feeling both nostalgia and anxiety as the memories of his past tries to eat him alive.

“No this is not the time to be scared.” He shook his head bracing himself for anything that he might encounter up ahead. “Pinkie Pie also told me that Twilight is here somewhere, I just hope she didn’t wander off here.” He first checked his saddle bag revealing several multi-colored gemstones inside. “I hope these are enough.” He quickly headed towards the ruined manor up ahead.

“Is something the matter?” Paine suddenly asked Nova after noticing him suddenly smiling. It was a mixture of both warm and malice, confusing the mare.

“Nothing…” Nova replied as he continued to smile “It’s just that I love reunions, especially heartwarming reunions.” He then stared faraway while both of them continues to walk forwards in search for the artifact.

Chapter 18- Ovan and Nova (Part 2)

The Alicorn of the Stars
Chapter 18 – Ovan and Nova (Part 2)

~Starshine Manor~

Duran suddenly drove his spear towards one of the chains links binding Twilight. “Kachink!” the sound of the chains shattering echoed throughout the room shocking Twilight of the sudden turn of events.

“Why?” Twilight asked puzzled with Duran’s actions.

“Now you owe me twice…” he replied coldly.

“I don’t get it. Why are you helping me?” Twilight continues to ask while looking at Duran’s eyes directly.

“Just get out of here. I’ll just pretend that you caught me off guard with your magic and all. Now Go!” he ignored the mare’s questions as he turns away from Twilight’s eyes.

“But what will happen to you if they knew about this?” Twilight asked feeling a bit of concern for the stallion.

“Aren’t you listening? I said go before I change my mind.” He continued to ignore Twilight’s inquiry as he slowly steps away from.

“O-ok… “Twilight heeded the stallion’s words as she slowly steps towards the exit of the room “Thanks.” Those were her final words before she finally left the room leaving Duran with the unconscious henchpony.

Twilight wandered around the underground hallway finding an exit or some sort of hint. But after seeing the place, she can’t help herself but be amazed seeing the massive structure that is constructed underneath a once majestic manor. The ancient stone walls held together like bricks stood for thousands and thousands of years without corroding the entire structure. The ever extending hallways lit by consistently placed torches placed on the walls proved that finding a way out in no easy task. Without other choices left she treaded along the massive hallway unknown what lies ahead.

With her aimless wandering, she suddenly found herself in front of a massive stone carving. Upon her closer inspection, she could depict some images that she found disturbing. Within the carving she saw an alicorn in the center along with two other smaller alicorns forming a triangle-like formation. Below them were carvings of ponies worshipping the three alicorn on top. Encircling the trio were six vaguely familiar carvings. But what she found most disturbing is the carving in the farthest corner of the carving. Although vague, it depicted a massive entity watching over the entire carving. Watching them with its malicious stare but it was also depicted that the six pieces, encircling the three and the ponies, acts as some sort of barrier separating the entity and the rest of the stone carving.

While Twilight was entranced by the massive stone carving, several footsteps coming from the opposite end from where she came was soon heard. Twilight quickly look around the room hoping to find somewhere to hide, to her disappointment, it was her and just the stone carving was all in the room. The group of ponies soon found her and pointed their spears towards her attempting to seized her back.

“What are you doing here?” one of the henchpony said.

“Just looking around?” Twilight replied slowly backing away from the group of ponies.

“Aren’t you that prisoner?” the group started stalking her attempting to corner her.

Without hesitation, Twilight suddenly teleported herself behind the group and ran towards where the group of henchponies came from, leaving puffs of smoke in the henchponies sight giving her a makeshift distraction for an escape.

Running as fast as she can, she soon found herself endlessly running along the hallways of the massive underground structure. She soon heard footsteps coming from behind, and unlike Applejack or Rainbow Dash, her stamina wasn’t as high as those two. She soon found herself running out of breathe slowing down in the process. Looking around with no sign of an exit, she continued to run forward. Hearing the henchponies’ footsteps getting louder and louder and their voices as well, she was soon forced into a dead end with no escape. She leaned against the wall as she braced herself for combat until suddenly a hoof came from the wall and grabbed her dragging her inside the wall.

The henchponies soon came to the dead end finding no trace of Twilight. Puzzled with her suddenly disappearance, they soon dispersed in attempts to find their escaped prisoner.

Twilight soon found herself muffled in a dark narrow passage. She struggled herself to get free removing the hoof from her mouth. The moment she turned around she was shocked to see none other than Ovan himself.

~Cloudsdale~

With Twilight’s safety all in her mind, Rainbow Dash mindlessly wanders her thought away from the competition.

The first event was declared to be a rally race along with its mechanics. The race starts with one of the two dashes along a straight path at the end of the path lies a huge button signaling their partner to start their course. The other course contains more curves and hairpin turns compared to the first one and the end of the course, another button is pressed to signal the other member to go race back from where they started. The first four to finish the course will be entitled to participate in the semi-finals.

In the special area of the coliseum, Princess Celestia is seen standing there along with two of her Royal Guards. Spitfire, captain of the Wonderbolts, approaches her from behind.

“You have certainly outdone yourself this year captain.” Princess Celestia praised Spitfire.

“Thanks, but this idea came from Soarin’ including that we make this year’s competition to be team-based skills. He also said that this event is to see that if each team knows the strengths and weaknesses of each other.” She replied.

“Is that so? Well I’m looking forward for this year’s results.” The princess replied turning her attention back to the course.

“But what about ‘him’?” Spitfire asked.

“I don’t want them to get suspicious. By pretending that I haven’t noticed their actions, we might get this chance to capture their leader.” Celestia replied

“I’ll be the starter, since we know that you’re more skilled when it comes to corners and stuff. “ Silverstar told her plan to her partner.

“Yeah sure…” Rainbow Dash nonchalantly replied with the concern for Twilight still lingering in her mind. Soon after her replied she proceeded towards her designated position without saying another word to her partner.

“I wonder what’s wrong, she would usually argue with me.” Silverstar started to notice her partner’s strange behavior “Well as long as she does her part.” She ignored Rainbow’s plight and headed towards her starting position as well.

~Grovetown Inn~

“Ugh…” Fran finally gained consciousness after getting shot that day. She suddenly got up but the pain from yesterday’s wounds seared throughout her body. She noticed that the wound is already dressed and bandaged the moment she touched her wound. Looking left to right, she found herself in a familiar place.

“You’re already up huh?” Sharpeye entered the room.

“Y-You’re back…” Fran replied feeling a bit of relief from seeing a friendly face as she laid herself back to the bed.

“Normally I’m supposed to get mad at you for disobeying orders, but I’ll save it for later” Sharpeye placed a bowl of fruit on the desk nearby. “What happened? “

“She was there…” Fran replied “They got Twilight Sparkle”

“Who is this she?” the stallion’s expression turned serious upon the mention of Twilight’s involvement. “What happened to Twilight?”

“Remember the robbery at Canterlot Treasury? The same mare who infiltrated the facility works for the Signers. “ Fran explained “and she lured Twilight towards the Manor. The moment I saw her she pulled out some sort of weapon and the next thing I know I’m back here.”

“I see.” Sharpeye closed his eyes for a second trying to connect the pieces.

“I’m sorry, that’s all I know. If only I wasn’t caught off guard.” Fran started to blame herself for her failure. “So did you managed to contact the boss?”

“Barely, I suddenly got this disturbing feeling so I came back, the next thing I knew you were down for the count all bloody and messed up.” Sharpeye regretfully told Fran his side. “But I still managed to send a message to her Majesty, I hope that reinforcements come soon.”

“I’m really sorry for this mess-up.” Fran apologized.

“It’s all said and done but what concerns me is the projectile that hit you.” Sharpeye pulls out a bullet-like object and showed it to Fran.

“What about it?” Fran asked curious over Sharpeye’s concern.

“Well, it’s made of dragonbone, same as my arrowheads. With such rare material, I’m more concerned on where she got this.” Sharpeye replied observing the bullet.

“You think Nova has connections to the higher-ups of Canterlot?” Fran asked.

“Let’s not jump into conclusions yet. Hopefully that’s just your imagination, but still it could be a possibility.” Sharpeye replied.

~Starshine Manor~

“Let me go!” Twilight said while pushing the blue stallion away from her.

“Shhh! They can still hear us.” Ovan told Twilight while looking at the wall Twilight came from. The wall seemed transparent from their side. With just the stretching hall in sight, Ovan rubbed his hoof on his forehead feeling a huge relief.

“After what you did to me, how dare you show your face here? Why are you here? Are you following me? How did you know these ‘secret’ passages?” Twilight suddenly became ballistic pushied her hoof against the stallion’s chest while asking him a series of questions

“Wait calm down, i’ll get to that soon.” He grabbed Twilight’s shoulders gently “but right now we need to get out of here.” He looked towards the path opposite of the wall.

“No! I’m not moving from this spot till you answer my question.” Twilight being persistent stood her ground.

“Fine! But there’s one thing you’re mistaken about, Fran is not my girlfriend, we’re just friends.” OVan replied.

“Right… as if I’ll believe that. Now answer my question. How did you managed to get here?” Twilight brushed off Ovan’s resuming back to her inquiry.

“Well, I used to live here.” Ovan sighed.

“I know that, I have heard that this manor was used to be named Starshine Manor. What I mean is, how did you get through all of the guards inside this ‘place’?” Twilight shook her head.

Ovan turned away from Twilight, as he sighed, “My brother and I used to play around this ruins when I was just a colt. We almost do things together, that is until that day he sacrificed himself to save my life.” He said with a painful sorrow in his face.

“I’m sorry… I was just so confused, There were lots of things bugging me the moment I came here. I’m sorry that I tried to take it out on you.” Twilight approached Ovan, remembering all her time with her brother as well and on how both of them were the same when it comes to their older brother.

“That’s okay…” he turned back to Twilight “It was all in the past.”

“But these ruins, they kind of like know a lot of this Cosmos, just what is he anyway?” Twilight turned her attention towards the room she saw the large carving.

“The truth is, my family was part of the Signers.” Ovan said with a straight face.

“What?!” Twilight shocked hearing the sudden revelation. “But that means…”

“No no no…” Ovan waved his hooves.”That’s not it. Back then Signers have never done something like this, we were just protecting Cosmos’ power until the Foal of Prophecy arrives. That was until ‘he’ came.” His face turned grim the moment he mentions the particular pony.

“But the history books said that Cosmos was evil. He tried to destroy Equestria.” Twilight confused trying to fit Ovan’s story with the books she has read.

“He is not really downright evil, he was just tempted.” He slowly shook his head. “besides the power that we were guarding was his power before he was corrupted. But like I said the Signer’s role changed ever since ‘he arrived.”

“You mean Nova?” Twilight realized “Come to think of it, he has the same last name as you do? I mean what is he? How is he related to you? I mean Ovan, Nova; his name is like a jumbled up version of yours”

“That I do not know why. He came out of nowhere, possessing incredible powers; Powers that could somehow rival that of the princess. All I know is he must be stopped.” Ovan replied.

“The truth is, i kind of fought him yesterday.” Twilight said

“You fought him?” Ovan’s eyes widened shocked to hear that.

“Yes” Twilight looked down in shame “His powers surpassed mine. He just tossed me around like a rag doll and catching my spell like some ball.” She closed her eyes “if only Princess Celestia were here she could—“

“I wish either both of them could confront him, but knowing him, he won’t take that chance. He’ll flee the moment he hears at least one of the regal sisters is personally coming for him.” Ovan sighed “We won’t get anywhere; we have to get out of here right now.” Ovan started walking towards the way he came from.

“No we can’t, we have to go back.” Twilight grabbed Ovan’s shoulder and turned him facing her.

“What?! Why?!” Ovan confused and shock as he asked.

“There is somepony here I want to save.” Twilight looked at him straightly in the eyes.

“Who in Equestria is that? There’s no pony here but us and those Signers.” Ovan replied.

“Well he kind of saved my life, if it wasn’t for him I won’t probably get here.” Twilight replied. “Please, help me…”

“But…” Ovan tried to reject Twilight’s suggestion but seeing her all sad and worried over this pony, he changed his mind. “Okay… Just this one pony. Normally I won’t be doing this, but since you did say that he saved you then I guess it’s time to return the favor”

“Thanks.” Twilight turned back towards where she was locked up followed by Ovan “You’re not such a bad pony after all, if it weren’t for ‘that’”

“I told you, she is not my girlfriend. She’s simply a good friend of mine” Ovan strongly replied.

“Whatever now let’s go!” Twilight hid her smile from Ovan as they left the hidden passage and onwards back hoping to find Duran.

“You do know what happens to ponies who betray us right?” Paine cracks the whip in her hooves as she floats left and right in front of Duran.

Duran all chained, with his front hooves stretched out towards the ceiling with each hoof shackled and chained and his back hooves shackled on the ground. He looked at Paine with deep disdain as she lashed out the whip in her hooves intensely after each rhetoric question.

“Do you know I had to leave my precious Nova for this?” she lashed out another thunderous whip towards the shackled stallion.

He screamed in pain as the thick leather whip slashed his body. His body is already coated with several whiplashes, bruises and burns as well. The pain was already searing and tearing his body.

“Look at you now… If you just closed your eyes then you’re probably having some hay right now.” the fellow henchpony that was with him earlier frisked him. “And this is of the what you did earlier..” he suddenly clenched his hooves and delivered a swift yet powerful punch right in Duran’s face. “Oops, I already punched you earlier that, but I don’t mind having doubles.” He laughs out loud afterwards.

“Nice punch there…” Paine swiftly glanced over to the stallion beside her. “If you just followed orders…” She pushed the handle of the whip against Duran’s cheek smirking at the pony’s pain for her pleasure.

Running through the ever-extending halls, Twilight and Ovan suddenly heard screams echoing throughout the halls. Twilight’s concern grew the moment she realized the source of those painful cries. They quickly rushed towards the sound; they soon saw a lit room. As they approach the room they noticed about two shadows were creeping underneath the slightly opened door and actively moving. Twilight decided to take a peep before entering the room to avoid herself from jumping towards the wrong room.

Her eyes widened in shock to see none other than Duran, battered, bruised and chained and in front of him are two familiar ponies giving out punishment. Struggling with her thoughts to either jump in or wait until the two tire out, she became hesitant with herself.

“Is something wrong?” Ovan whispered while looking out for any incoming guards. They were most fortunate for getting that far without spotting any guards but Ovan didn’t want to push their luck, although he agreed to aid this pony but deep inside, he somehow regretted that action for back then they were near the exit.

With her mind made up, she stormed the room catching the two off guard. She quickly jumped and pinned Paine to the ground. As the stallion tried to subdue Twilight, she blasted him with a spell sending him crashing to the wall. She violently stared at Paine pinned on the ground.

“This is a surprise…” Paine smiling back unfazed with the mare’s sudden attack.

“Twilight! I told you to get out of here!” Duran raised his voice.

“Not without you… You saved me now it’s my turn.” Twilight replied still trying to catch her breath due to the sudden action.

“Too bad I’m not here to stick around.” Paine suddenly kicked Twilight in the mid-section flipping her over. She immediately rushed towards the exit until a blue beam from outside blasted her back in.

“At least tell me when you’re going to attack.” Ovan went in the room “Fran?” he shook his head upon realizing that the bound pony was a stallion and not a mare. But still he was surprised of the huge resemblance, same green coat and same purple mane. “Is this the guy?” he turned to Twilight.

“Yes…” Twilight replied while shattering the chains with her magic. “Now let’s go…” She soon said after shattering the last bindings.

The moment Duran tried to stand up, the pain of his injuries jolted throughout his body sending him back on the floor. “I c-can’t, I’m sorry that I took your time. I told you to get away from here. Now you’re dooming us all.” He said trying to resist the pain.

“No, we’re getting out together.” Twilight rushed to the stallion’s aid, she carefully slung Duran’s hoof over her shoulder and tried to carry him and drag him away from this place. Being a mare, Duran’s weight proved to be a burden Twilight may not handle alone. The thought of being captured struck her mind but she paid no heed to that thought as she continuously drags Duran towards the exit of the room.

“I have a better solution.” Ovan approached the two of them gaining the attention of both ponies.

“It’s soon going to be complete.” Nova stares at the red and darkening horizon as the sun goes down. The darkness of the night starts to slowly embrace the lands of Equetria. He turns his attention towards a shining blue orb surrounded with several golden rings with an emblem symbolizing the sun in its center. He channeled magic into his horn giving it a dark blue glow “We’re leaving soon; I fear that our business here got us too much attention to our enemies.”

“It seems that your prisoner has escaped, along with that ungrateful bastard and of course ‘he’ is here as well” Paine’s voice soon reached the stallion’s ears.

“This day is going to be…” Nova smiled his usual evil grin “Perfect…”

Chapter 19- When Two Stars Meet

Chapter 19 – When Two Stars Meet

~Starshine Manor

Ovan, Twilight and Duran quickly dashed out of the room after Ovan casted his spell on Duran’s injuries. The wounds and injuries on Duran’s body were all covered in a layer of blue shade. The blue layers of magic served as pain relievers to the stallion. The once searing pain felt no more as he placed his body back in action. With Ovan leading the way, the once labyrinth-like structure felt like they were heading towards a direction.

“Just how did you know of such spell?” Twilight looked at Ovan perplexed, as they ran across the halls of the underground ruins

“My mentor, Professor Kaust, taught me.” OVan replied with his attention focused on the pathway ahead.

“But this kind of spell, I heard that only medical unicorns are allowed to be taught of such spells. She looked at Ovan questionably

“The spell was kind of taught to me indirectly.” Ovan sheepishly replied.

“What do you mean indirectly?” Twilight’s with her eyebrows crossed

“Well it all started with the lessons in Sense Blocking.” Ovan replied slightly turning his head towards Twilight. “After knowing the theories and foundations behind those sorts of spells, I managed to replicate the anesthetic spell.”

“Considering your talents I guess that would be possible” Twilight gave his words some thought. “But still I’m amazed that you managed to perfectly replicate a spell without being taught the actual spell.” She turned to him amazed. “Not that I’m really impressed… Since you have her to do that for you” she quickly recalled her ‘incident’ with the stallion as her bright mood turned bitter.

“I told you, she’s not my girlfriend. We’re just good friends that’s all.” Ovan gave out a sigh hoping that his words will get to the mare someday.

“Whatever.” Twilight dismissed his claims.

“So let me get this straight, I’m running on some anesthetic that will unexpectedly wear off?” Duran suddenly spoke the moment Twilight ended her statement.

“Not exactly I’ll give it about ten to fifteen minutes.” OVan turned towards Duran.

“Just fifteen minutes?” Duran’s eyebrows crossed “Isn’t that a bit too short?”

“Sadly, that’s the best I could do.” Ovan replied ignoring Duran’s expression. “But If I put more mana in the spell, your whole body is going to become numb.”

“As much as I hate to admit it, He’s right.” Twilight agreed with Ovan. “It IS an anesthetic type of spell.”

“Anycase, I guess I should thank you both for helping me, especially you Twilight.” Duran turned and looked at the mare beside him.

“You’re welcome, you did helped me earlier. So I’m kind of returning the favor.” She smiled back towards Duran.

“Okay…” Ovan suddenly interrupted the conversation. “So how did you ended up here anyway Twilight?”

Twilight was at first hesitant to answer the question, Giving it some thought, she stopped on her tracks with both stallions also stopped. “I was told not to tell any other pony but I guess it’s only fair that I should let you know, since you did save me from being captured again.” Twilight replied. “The princess told me to do a little investigation in this area. And the moment I realized I was up facing him.” She recalled her defeat. “His powers were unlike anyunicorn I have seen before.”

“I know…I too have fought him and it didn’t turned-out well.” Ovan recalled their depressing loss against Nova in the past. Picturing the image back, he saw several of his fellow guardians drop dead in blood as Nova stepped on their bodies like some welcome rag. It was frustrating, he was frustrated in his lack of power his lack of resolve to even face him but it was all in the past

“I see…” Twilight gave a depressing look, feeling guilty of herself thinking that her words may have brought back some unpleasant memories. “I’m sorry that I made you remember such awful things..”

“That’s okay…” Ovan replied

“Okay! We’re getting off-tracked!” Duran suddenly interrupted “Right now, we just have to get away from this place ASAP!” The three soon continued running after Duran's interruption.

“Right!” Ovan snapped back to his usual self continuing to head towards the same entry point he used. The walls and torches felt like they were also moving as the trio kept moving forward. A strange sensation invaded suddenly invaded Ovan’s senses.

“Ugh!” Ovan quickly grabbed his head as he clenched his teeth writhing in pain; sending the stallion into a full stop.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight quickly hurried to Ovan’s side.

“Some pony was just trying to mess with my head.” Ovan soon regained control. “This area…” he murmured while looking around their surroundings, they were in the same chamber that Twilight was before Ovan found her.

Ovan quickly gave out a depressing sigh. “I want you two to take this route” He suddenly slammed his hoof against the wall.

"What are you talking about?” Twilight curiously asked.

“Hold on…” Duran’s eyes widened with Ovan’s suggestion “you want us—“he pointed to himself “to ram ourselves into that wall…What are you nuts?” he raised his hooves in his frustration and confusion.

Soon after, bits of rocks started to crumble down at the edge of the ceiling on the wall Ovan slammed onto. Line-like cracks started to form on the wall like some sort of entryway fit for two ponies side by side to enter. The wall soon crumbled down into debris after a few moments, revealing the entire entry. “So that’s what you mean” Duran stood shock as the unexpected passageway revealed unto them heading on first inside.

“If you keep on heading this way you’ll end up in the far side of this manor.Although a bit far from town but at least you won’t encounter Nova.” Ovan pointed towards the stretching path. The walls of the pathway were illuminating in a bluish green glow but the end was still shrouded in shadows and darkness.

“What makes you say that?” Twilight curiously asked.

“Well, I can’t explain it. It’s just that I can sense his presence and vice versa.” Ovan reluctantly replied. “The more I stay with you the more I endanger us all. “ his mood brightened up a bit hoping to convince the group to leave him “Don’t worry about me, I’ll find another way.”

“But what if—“Twilight asked with a worried look on her face. Her forgotten feelings for the stallion were starting to rise again.

“This is my fight. I never really wanted to drag you into this mess.” He interrupted the mare as he tightly held on her shoulder. “I want to settle things with Nova right here right now and I don’t want you getting hurt. “He looked at her deeply in the eyes.

Twilight too was getting immersed in his gaze. Forget the ‘incident’ forget the business with Fran and all. All Twilight wanted was for them to come home together but before she could even protest or argue, Ovan quickly pushed her inside the pathway and the debris that laid dormant on the ground rose up and form back the wall like they were on reverse mode. The last thing she saw was the smile painted on Ovan’s face waving goodbye and farewell.

~CLOUDSDALE~

“WHAT WAS THAT ALL ABOUT RAINBOW DASH!” Silverstar screamed at Rainbow Dash. The time board located in the far left of the track posted the results of the race.

3:35 – Team Hurricane 3:43 – Team RocketBlast
3:37 – Team Flash 3:45 – Team Fantastic
3:38 – Team WonderJr. 3:46 – Team Zoom
3:42 – Team RainbowStar 3:50 – Team ReallyFast

“I’m sorry okay? I was thinking of lots of stuffs.” Rainbow Dash brushed off her companion ignoring her and heading straight to the Princess. “We’re still IN the competition, I don’t see the problem.”

“The problem is we were barely in, another performance like that and we won’t be so lucky next time.” Silverstar answered back, frustrated as she felt the insensitivity of her partner’s words.

“If you just went Sonic Boom mode in the race then you could have won it hands down.” Rainbow Dash argued back un-wanting to back down from the argument.

“Don’t you go putting the blame on me!” she suddenly frisked Rainbow Dash offended by the mare’s implication. “I have my reasons.”

Both mares stared at each other not backing down from one another despite being team mates. As Silverstar glared at Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash also glared at her with the same intensity. Silverstar’s frustration soon died down as she dropped her hooves. “Look we’ll have a long talk after this. Go to your friends and settle your business or whatever.” She waved farewell and left the stage.

Rainbow wasn’t feeling the same sentiment as her partner. She was downright angry. Angry at Silverstar for not understanding her situation, angry at Princess Celestia for prioritizing the event rather than Twilight and also for leaving her behind the moment the event was over, angry at the others for prioritizing their own agendas than Twilight and angry at herself for being unable to be there when it counts. She clenched her hoof and gritted her teeth as she punched the wall beside her in her frustrations.

“How were the negotiations with Princess Celestia?” Rarity approached Draco from behind as his ship was starting to take off from Cloudsdale territory. The engines roared as it starts to warm-up and propel the ship. The mast was hoisted revealing the full insignia of the Dragonshire family.

“Zey ver going along smoothly, but ze princess had left sooner zan expected.” Draco replied.

“I heard that there was some urgent business she had to take care of personally.” Rarity replied recalling the princess’ message to them earlier before they separated.

“I zee, Zat iz most unfortunate and quite intriguing.” Draco replied looking towards the sun setting in on the horizon as they flew back to Dragonshire manor, hiding an evil smirk on his face.”

~Starshine Manor~

Ovan was finally able to find his way back outside the underground ruins. Seeing the steadily darkening skies, it felt to him like he was sealed and buried for a thousand years. Slowly climbing up the stairs, he knew his inevitable encounter with Nova was coming. He had to leave behind Twilight in Duran’s care. He cared for the mare; he didn’t want her to be dragged into his battle. As for her friends, they were also not ready for this kind of battle. Sure they might have defeated Nightmare Moon and Discord but it wasn’t at all life threatening. Nightmare Moon just wanted an eternal night while Discord just wanted to have fun whereas Nova he wants to KILL.

The steps seemed like an eternity as he battled with his inner thoughts along the way. And endless thought of what if’s and maybe ran through his mind back and forth. “Maybe he should have brought the Elements of Harmony, What if Nova already planned through all of this? Maybe it’s best that he should have had at least some back-up. What if his back-up died?” The moment he decided to flush those thoughts he realized that he already finished climbing the stairs. There he is the pony whom Ovan feared the most, sitting on top of a broken down pillar smirking at him, jeering at him with those malicious eyes of his. He was like some predator waiting for his prey.

“It’s been awhile Ovan…” Nova spoke. His words alone sent chills down on Ovan’s spine. “Come now, why are you so afraid of me?” he instantly teleported besides Ovan. “After all we do share the same fate.” He slung his hoof over Ovan’s shoulder.

Ovan was speechless; his hooves were shaking and staggering the moment Nova got close to him. Sweat rolled down his cheeks as he felt something sharp poking behind his neck. Fear was already getting the best of him. “Of all the times to show yourself, why now?” Ovan said with a stern look on his face ignoring the fear inside him.

“I wanted to meet the famed Element of Magic.” he chuckled as he gave Ovan a sharp look “She’s quite the mare don’t you think?” he grinned with such malicious intent. “I could use two or more ‘assistants’, if you know what I mean.”

The words alones made Ovan boil inside but Nova’s hoof over his shoulder kept him in check from doing anything rash as it grips tighter and tighter the moment he even attempts to move. “Don’t you dare…“his eyebrows crossed and his eyes narrowed-in on Nova.

“You’re so tense…” Nova jeered and smirked at Ovan’s threats “Besides her value is much much more than just some comfort pony, I’m also interested in her friends and the Elements of Harmony.”

“Just what do you want them for?” Ovan replied.

“What’s wrong in taking them back where they belong?” Nova chuckled. “After all, they were made by Cosmos and now I AM Cosmos.”

“You’re not yet Cosmos…” Ovan argued back. “and your plan to merge with him, The Regal Sisters, The Elements of Harmony and even the Guardians are all on your tracks. You have the entire Equestria as your enemy and they will stop at nothing to prevent you.”

“That’s what makes it interesting.” Nova’s eyes widened as he grinned in excitement and glee. “It’s like a game the more challenging the more exciting. Don’t you agree?”

“You can’t be serious?” Ovan shocked in disbelief in what he is hearing from Nova.

“And that’s your problem…” Nova slowly crept beside Ovan’s ear. “Why - so - serious?” he slowly whispered the words one by one behind Ovan’s ear grinning the moment he finished his statement. He suddenly released Ovan from his grasp moments sooner as things got silent. Walking ten paces forwards he turned back to Ovan “It seems we have guests” he said.

After hearing Nova’s words, Ovan quickly turned back. He saw feint silhouettes of two ponies rushing in. to his shock, it was none other than Twilight and Duran running towards them.

“What are you doing here? I told you to—“ Ovan blared at the two.

“That was my plan but she insisted” Duran replied pointing over to Twilight beside him.

“And what? You’re going to face him” she pointed at Nova “Alone? Are you out of your mind?” she screamed back at Ovan.

“That was the plan!” Ovan argued back.

“And I don’t plan in seeing your name in the Obituaries in tomorrow’s paper.” Twilight pressed her hoof against Ovan chest.

Ovan stood in silence after hearing Twilight for He had no words to reply to that statement. He fully knew that he might die in the process. “Tch! Fine! We’ll take him together!” Ovan swallowed his pride and turned back to Nova. Taking a quick glimpse at Twilight he smiled and said with a soft voice. “Thanks…”

“Don’t get the wrong idea!” Twilight turned red

“This is unexpected. After you so loyally served me, you’re actually going to take their side Duran?” Nova glared at the green stallion.”What happened to the times we spent, the killings and the ‘harvest’ hmmm?”

“Harvest?” Twilight wondered about the term. “What did he meant by that?” she turned to Duran.

“That’s was then. All along I was planning to get away from you and now I have that chance.” He ignored Twilight’s questions and answered back.

“No matter… one two three ponies.” he said strutting towards the three. “Well? What are you waiting for? Come at me.” He stopped and smiled at them with a smug look.

~Ponyville~

“What in tarnation are yah’ talkin’ about Sly?” Applejack said with a confused look on her face.

“Why not? There’s a lot of opportunities there than here.” Sly replied as he comes closer to Applejack.

“But Ah’ just don’t feel like going back there. Ah’d rather earn small here…” Applejack replied.

“I know you’re going out of your comfort zone but it’s probably the best way to earn back your farm.” Sly suddenly held her hoof. “Please think about it…”

Applejack quickly released her hoof from Sly “Ah have lots to think about.” she turned her back on the stallion. “Give me some time to think about it okay?” she gave a small glance to Sly “Ah’ll give you mah’ answer tomorrow…” she trotted off the moment she finished her sentence.

“Think about it carefull AJ!” Sly shouted. His voice was slowly fading from Applejack’s ears but his message was clearly stuck on her head.

Chapter 20- Where Things End

Chapter 20 – Where Things End

~Starshine Manor~

On the ruins of the Starshine Manor stood Twilight, Ovan and Duran faced with one unicorn who stood before them with such confidence and arrogance. The chilling winds seemed to respond with Nova’s air of confidence as he stares at his enemies with a smug look on his face. The three of them knew they had the numbers advantage but there was something within their foe that made them all shiver and feel uneasy. Both parties stood vigilant and stared down at each other waiting for some pony to do the first move.

The three braced themselves in a fighting stance while Nova simply stood complacent in response.

“This is getting us nowhere…” Duran broke the silence as he drove his hoof on the ground preparing to attack the unicorn. Without warning, Duran quickly rushed at Nova. Positioning himself into a tackling position, he plans to mow down the unicorn with all of his momentum.

“Duran wait!” Ovan tried to prevent the earth pony’s rash decided but he was too late, Duran was already halfway towards Nova.

RAHHH!” he shouted as he tried to ram Nova with his head. His plan soon backfired when he found himself resisted by an unknown force. He looked up wondering what could have stopped his charge to his surprise it was none other than Nova hooves. Nova was pushing him back. His eyes were filled with disbelief to see a unicorn overpower an earth pony.

“What?” Nova smirked. “Did you really think that I am some run of the mill unicorn?” he wrestled the earth pony down.

“Duran!” Twilight cried.

“This is bad.” Ovan quickly dashed towards the two with his horn charged with magic.

Before Duran could get up, Nova stepped on all four of his limbs and stood on top of him. “You should really reconsider before changing sides…” Nova slowly shook his head mocking Duran’s decision. he quickly darted his sights on the approaching unicorns. Charging his horn with a spell, he blasted Ovan with a ball of made of mana sending Ovan flying back to Twilight’s side.

“Quite the fascinating spell you did here Ovan.” He noticed the blue layered coatings on Duran’s body. “I’ll deal with you later.” He waved his glowing horn all over across Duran.

His whole body was soon coated by a dark blue glow. The spell on Duran’s body slowly dissipated into the air and the pain quickly jolted across Duran as if he was getting torn limb from limb. The moment Duran was getting tortured by his own injuries; Nova quickly delivered a heavy stomp with his back hoof on Duran’s ankle.

“That will put you out.” Nova smirked and got off of Duran.

Duran screamed in pain as he felt his bones of his ankle shattered. His face was writhing in pain as he felt helplessly on the mercy of Nova.

“I usually kill off the likes of you now, but…” He turned his attention towards the two unicorns across. “I have bigger ponies to fry…” he grinned and walked towards the two. “Literally…”

“Ovan! Get up!” Twilight called out to Ovan as she shakes him left and right to consciousness.

Without warning, Nova suddenly teleported himself besides them and swatted Ovan away, sending him crashing into a tree leaving Twilight one on one with him.

“Stay back!” Twilight with her voice stammering charged her horn and aimed at Nova.

“Relax Twilight; I just want to talk…” Nova calmly said with a smug look. He slowly walked towards the mare like a predator closing in on his prey.

“I said, STAY BACK!” Twilight suddenly blasted Nova with a purple ball of mana. The ball exploded as soon as it made contact with Nova. Puffs of smokes clouded Twilight’s vision of Nova as she recovers her breath after the surprise attack. Staring at the cloud of smoke as it dissipates and hoping that her attack did some damage, she remained vigilant on her hooves.

“At least that one had some backbone in it…” Nova soon responded the moment the smoke cleared out. To Twilight’s surprise, there was no scratch nor burned marks, as if nothing happened.

“It can’t be…” her eyes widened and jaws agape, said full of disbelief stared on the unwounded Nova.

“What? I can’t use barrier spells?” Nova calmly replied, a dark blue layer shined around the stallion as he continued to stalk Twilight. “At least you’ve managed to force me to erect a barrier unlike last time.” he scoffed and reminded Twilight of their earlier encounter. “Trust me I’m more capable than this…” His eyes narrowed down on the mare preparing to strike.

Twilight soon felt an invisible force gripping her throat. It was tight enough to render her helpless and soft but not strong enough choke her to death. She was then helplessly levitated by Nova’s magic. Lifted a few inches up in the air; she tried to struggling against his spell while the stallion complacently paces in front of her left and right.

“Don’t bother that hold is too much for you…” Nova spoke ignoring the mare’s struggles. “But I say, this is so disappointing.” He let out a sigh. “Then again, it was because of the Elements of Harmony that you’ve managed to defeat Nightmare Moon and Discord.” He pouted and a sick smile soon crept on his mouth. “I wonder how your friends will react if I paid them a visit…” he stared at Twilight full of malicious intent on his words.

“Don’t you dare harm my friends!” Twilight cried as she forcibly broke free of Nova’s grasp. Without giving the stallion room to retaliate, she quickly blasted him with the same spell she used earlier. Still feeling complacent, Nova simply erected the same barrier he used to deflect the spell earlier. his barrier was easily overpowered by Twilight’s spell, shattering like glass.

Caught in the explosion of the spell, Nova quickly backed away from Twilight with several burn marks on his coat. “Not bad…” he said shaking his head. The moment he darted his attention back to Twilight, several volleys of purple beams were already heading his way giving him no time to defend himself. Nova was sent flying and crashing into the remains of the ruins.

“To think you still had it in you…” Nova raised his head as he smirked. His mane was already a mess as well as his coat. He slowly reached for something behind his back as the mare approaches him.

Twilight charged at Nova like a rampaging bull with all of her magic pumped up in her horn. Her mind was blankly focused on killing the stallion in front of her until somepony suddenly grabbed her from behind.

“Stop Twilight!” Ovan quickly grabbed the rampaging mare. “I know you want to stop him from hurting your friends but not like this…” he called out to the mare hoping that it will bring her back.

“Let me go!” Twilight pushed and struggled her way out. “I will destroy him!”

Ovan ignored Twilight’s words and kept on holding her. Twilight’s struggle proved to be harder than he thought. The mare whisked him left and right and tried to drag the stallion with her to get in range with her target to deliver the finishing blow.

“Twilight, listen to me!” Ovan turned her over to his side. Twilight continued to struggle trying to free herself from Ovan’s hold “He has to pay for his crimes but not like this not through senseless rampage…” Ovan looked at her straight in the eyes.

Looking at the stallion's eyes she saw a vivid reflection of herself,but what she saw wasn’t the same mare she always sees in the mirror. It was a monster, a monster posing as herself. Her eyes full of hate and desire to make Nova suffer, her desire and will to punish the stallion through death, she saw everything in her very own reflection. As she started to calm down, she was slowly feeling the strain on her body during her rampage. Ovan loosened his hold on the mare as he gently puts her down.

“Well that was a bore.” Nova snorted his discontent. “You just had to settle her down.” Nova stood up dusting off his coat. “Way to go…” he said flatly, brushing his messed-up mane back in order. He quickly paced himself and ran inside the forest, leaving the three as he makes his escape.

“Stay right here” Ovan told Twilight “I have some unfinished business with him.” He let go of the mare and quickly made pursuit.

Into the forest with his target in sight, Ovan sidestepped left and right dodging all obstacles in his way as he dashed through the thick forest.

“Can’t keep up Ovan?” Nova shouted blasting a lightning bolt spell from his horn towards Ovan.

“Shut up! I’ll chase you to the ends of Equestria if I must” Ovan ducking his head in time to evade the lightning bolt sent at him. Knowing that he can’t use his signature fire spells with the dense forest he remained defensive in his pursuit.

Nova soon slowed down and started to walk the moment they reached a familiar forest clearing with Ovan still following his trail. Nova soon stopped the moment he was beside the lake and Ovan also stopped but remained on guard. Ovan looked around the clearing felt a bit nostalgia lingering around the air. It was the same small lake in the center where he and his brother used to swim in and play. It was the same clearing that he and his brother stopped by to take a quick rest from their pursuers ten years ago. But that was all in the past, he thought. He shook his head and turned all his focus towards the unicorn in front of him.

“What are you planning with Twilight?” Ovan asked. “I know you can easily defend against attacks like that yet you purposely let yourself get beaten down. What’s your purpose?”

“Guilty as charged.” Nova smiled “True, I could defend against those attacks but I had something planned for her.” He paced around left and right in his statement. “Yet, I’m not the only devious pony around here, you’re quite the schemer too Ovan.” He pointed towards Ovan

“What are you talking about?” Ovan’s eyebrows crossed at the accusation.

“Don’t feign ignorance.” Nova strongly declared. “You pretended to be down with that feeble attack and watched me do what I want to Twilight; sacrificing the poor mare just to give light to some of my plans.” He smirked. “Don’t you think that’s a tad bit cruel?” A malicious smile loomed all over Nova’s face.

Ovan simply stood in silence in response, staring at the enemy in front him in full alert of every movement Nova makes.

“O come on, don’t give me that look.” Nova scoffed and chuckled at Ovan’s seriousness “We’re one and the same, like Yin and Yang. Polar opposites yet we must both exist. My origin is also the same as yours.”

“I don’t care if we ARE the same pony.” Ovan raised his voice emphasizing his vengeful tone. “You’re going to pay for what you did to my family and Fran’s village as well.” he drove his hoof steadily on the ground.

“Ah… the massacre last year. I don’t really remember the details but I’m sure I’ve stocked up some precious resources at that time. “He laughed out loud. “But sadly things must come to an end.” He turned his back on Ovan. “And that time is NOW!” he quickly turned back with his horn all charged up. Massive amount of water suddenly rose up and flooded the area where Ovan was standing, gushing everything in its path.

Ovan ducked and casted a blue colored barrier around shielding himself from the flood. The moment he brought the barrier down, Nova was already charging at him sending him straight into a tree behind him. Without giving him time to rest, Nova pinned two of his hooves on the tree.

A sinister smile painted on Nova’s face after he pinned down Ovan. His horn glowed an ominous dark blue shade and out of thin air, he conjured his signature rapier pointed at Ovan’s head. “I guess it’s time to end this charade.” Nova said in a deep dark tone.

Not to let Nova get the best of him, Ovan kicked Nova in the midsection tumbling the dark blue unicorn down. Nova retaliated by sending his conjured rapier straight to Ovan’s head. Ovan tilted his head in time to averting himself from the danger and quickly charged towards Nova. Nova quickly got up on his hooves and mimicked Ovan’s plan of attack. Both unicorns soon found themselves pushing one another with their horns crossing like swords.

Caught in a stalemate, neither unicorn backed down as they try to push one another. “This is a surprise…” Nova smirked. “But clearly we know who’s gonna win when it comes to shear strength.” Nova was starting to overpower his foe. Ovan’s knees were slowly getting weaker and weaker the more he resisted Nova’s force. Unable to further resist Nova’s sheer strength, Ovan quickly teleported himself a few yards back restarting their match back to square one.

Both unicorns paced themselves in a circular manner stalking each other waiting for one another to make their move. The silence of the night provided the perfect sound for their battle and the fullness of the moon hanging above the clear night sky was like the spotlight for their stage. The trees surrounding them acted as enclosure in their personal ring in the forest clearing. The warm humid night continues on as they start their round two.

Prologue

Two hours after dawn, two ponies are seen dashing deeper and deeper into the woods. The elder one is a dark blue coated adult Pegasus while the younger one is a sky blue coated unicorn colt. Both of them are exhausted from running away, scratches and bruises were all over their body and the elder one seems to have his wings broken. As they looked behind, to know if their pursuers are still behind them, they can still see their home now set ablaze and not far from them were torch lights coming in the direction from where they came.

Without a care to where they will end up just as long as they can evade their pursuers, the brothers went further deep inside the forest. The brothers see nothing in front of them except for a mix of withered, young, full-grown trees as they ran aimlessly.

“Brother where are we going?” the younger unicorn asked.

“I don’t know, just keep running” the elder Pegasus replied as they kept running.

Amidst their aimless escape, they soon found themselves in a lake within the forest. The brothers decided to take a few moments to take a breather from the chase and refresh themselves before they start running again. All was silent, not even hoof steps from their pursuers can be heard at that moment, for the brothers that was the only peaceful time in this night of theirs.

“What happened brother? Why are they chasing us” the unicorn asked “What about father and mother? What’s going to happen to us?” before the younger one knew it he was bombarding his brother with questions in his confusion as to why those ponies want to capture them to the point of burning their house down and unknowingly was also stressing out his brother. And before he starts his next question his brother shouted.

“I DON’T KNOW!” the elder Pegasus lashed out. The younger one in panic and lost in confusion cried out after his brother shouted at him. “I’m sorry…” the Pegasus calmed down knowing that lashing out at his brother won’t do any good “It’s just that many things have happened so suddenly.” He patted the head of his younger brother and the younger one in turn slowly stopped crying. “We just need to get out of here and figure out what are we going to do next.” The Pegasus ensuring his brother that they will get out of this mess.

After their conversation, they soon heard hoof steps, thundering hoofs steps of their pursuers. Due to the noise they made earlier, they were tracked down and to their regret they must again run, run to wherever the forest may take them.

Trees nothing but trees, as they dashed quickly towards the end of the forest, the brothers soon saw a piece of the night sky pointing the end of the forest. Hope was finally in their eyes which was soon turned to despair as they found themselves on the edge of a cliff. Braking just in the nick of time, before they fell but they were soon greeted by the ponies who were after them at the opposite side.

Looking at the far side at the end of the cliff, the elder brother saw a town not far from foot of the cliff. he stepped forth in attempt to shield his brother from any incoming attack

In an instant the elder brother kicked the younger one down the cliff but before he could follow-up to catch his brother, one of their pursuers threw a spear, piercing his thigh and planting him on the edge of the cliff. All he could see was his brother falling to his death. As he falls into despair and sadness feeling responsible for sending his brother to his death, a shadow, showing the silhouette of a unicorn, in the midst of the group of ponies appeared which seems to be the leader of the group shocking the pegasus despite his current stature.

Falling fast, the younger one in shock and confusion as to why would his brother kicked him at the edge of the cliff. In his desperation to survive, his horn glowed violently and suddenly he erected a barrier that broke his fall, crushing some of the trees and branches as he fell. He slowly opened his eyes after landing to see if he still survived, still feeling exhausted with a little bit of relief he quickly looked up to see what happened his brother in the edge of the cliff.

A flash of magical explosion burst on the edge leaving no traces of any ponies surviving. “BROTHER!!” the unicorn colt cried out. After a few moments, the young colt soon wandered aimlessly with only despair and loneliness accompanying him. Exhaustion soon paced itself, leaving him unconscious in front of the town his brother saw earlier.

“Where are hay you going?” a green coated earth mare called out.

“Just there?” the once unicorn colt, now a full-grown stallion answered while pointing randomly.

“What do you mean just there? Get back right here this instant, this gem generator project is your biggest project ever and we need you to manage this site. We just started this project for a few weeks and it needs all the help from its members especially you since you’re the founder.” The green mare responds.

“I just need a break; afterall I have been working for this project twenty four-seven.” The unicorn smiles innocently hoping to persuade his colleague. “Please?”

“Ugh fine, just one hour.” The green mare agreed and went back to the site.

“One hour got it!” the unicorn confirmed. After walking for a few minutes, he soon found himself admiring the wondrous scenery of the mountain range. While he was admiring them, he notices some dusts forming on top of the mountains.

Chapter2- Diamonds Among the Sapphires

The Alicorn of the Stars
Chapter 2: Diamonds Among the Sapphires

The stallion then approached Rarity and helped her get up from the ground. Rarity was relieved to the stallion’s timely arrival. “O thank you, thank you, thank you!” she immediately hugged the stallion as she was really happy that Twilight is safe and the avalanche is finally over and they can finally rest and recuperate. After saying her thanks, she gazed at the medium built unicorn stallion. His coat is sky blue, his unkempt blue ,with a white stripe, mane and tail, his drooped expression in his blue eyes and his cutie mark of an opened scroll with four yellow four-point stars on the corners of the scroll. “It’s like everything in him is blue.” Rarity thought to herself. “Who is this pony? What is he doing here?” she knows that it was rude of her to doubt their savior, but she just can help herself. “Twilight!” she suddenly remembers that her friend is still inside that cage of boulders. She suddenly rushed over and hopes to see Twilight okay and the stallion also followed her.

Rarity checked inside the boulders hoping to see Twilight alright. “Twilight!” she was relief to see her friend still in one piece after that explosion. She then quickly went inside and helped her friend get up.

“Ugh…” Twilight still feeling dozy, she was beneath the explosion. Twilight then shook her head to regain her consciousness and vision. “Rarity? Did you do that?” Twilight asked while Rarity is escorting her out of the boulder cage.

“Ohohoho...Twilight darling surely you jest.” Rarity answered back with a smile of laughter on her face “but it would be amazing if I were the one to do that…”

“If you didn’t, then who did?” Twilight asked again and as soon as they were out Twilight immediately sees the blue unicorn “And who’s that?”

“Why, he is our savior my dear.” Rarity proudly presents to Twilight their savior “If it were not for him them who knows what would have happened.” “Thank you, uhm…” Twilight tried to thank the stallion but she was paused to silence since she doesn’t know his name.

“Ovan” the stallion continued.

“Come again?” Twilight sudden struck with the stallion’s immediate response.

“My name, Ovan Starshine” the unicorn replied.

“In that case, thank you Sir Ovan Starshine.” Twilight, now knowing his name, thanked the stallion properly. “S-sir?” Ovan was kind of embarrassed to be addressed as “Sir”, he was not a knight of some sort and was definitely not of noble lineage, so being addressed as a “Sir” was kind of uncomfortable for him. “You can just call me Ovan, I’m not really comfortable with the Sir. Since you know, I’m no knight or some nobleman”

“Oh but you are, for us maybe.” Rarity insists “After all you did save our lives.”

“No really, that was nothing…” Ovan scratches his head in embarrassment.

“We are really grateful for your timely arrival.” Twilight approaches the knocked down Spike where Rarity laid him down earlier. “But that spell you used, what was it?”

“That? That was just simply a fire ball.” Ovan answered back.

“Simply just a fire ball spell?” Twilight skeptic about his answer, in all her years of studying magic there was no way that a simply fire ball spell would blast a pile of boulders into smithereens. “No need to be shy. With that level of magnitude and if you say it was a fire spell, then it has to be a level of a Flare ball spell.”

“A flare ball?” Ovan denying Twilight’s claim “No-no-no-no… I simply cannot cast a spell of that level, although I do know how to cast it but I just can’t.”

“Magic talk” who would have known that there was a pony that is also into magic as that of Twilight, Rarity thought while trying to wake up Spike while the two were arguing about what spell was used in their rescue and laughing at the two’s argument.

“I told you, given the level of power that a fire ball has, it has barely enough power of punch a crack on a boulder.” Twilight sternly objects Ovan’s claims. “Well I could show you how, but the thing I used is already in shambles.” Ovan points towards a pile of cracked red gems near the boulders.

“What the hay is that?” Twilight curiously approaches the shattered gem.

“It’s a broken catalyst, a fire Ruby to be exact” Ovan responds.

Upon hearing the word shattered gems, Rarity quickly rushed over to the pile of shattered gems “you poor-poor thing” Rarity caressing the broken gems while tears are falling in her eyes “You vile fiend!” Rarity hissed at Ovan.

“Ehehehe… Don’t mind her, she’s just like that.” Twilight was slightly embarrassed at Rarity’s behavior and labeling their savior as a vile fiend. “No worries, I get that a lot” Ovan assures Twilight that it didn’t bothered him one bit.

A few moments later, Spike finally came through “Ugh… Don’t worry Rarity! I’ll save you!” Spike thinking that the crisis is still ongoing but was soon disappointed upon seeing that the situation is already resolved “Is it over?” the group just then laughed at Spike disappointing realization. After taking a break, the group, with Ovan tagging along, left the area and soon reached the foot of the other side of the mountains.

“If only I wasn’t knocked out by that rock, I could have saved everypony” Spike, riding over Twilight back, still grumpy about being unconscious the whole time of the avalanche incident.

“It’s just isn’t your time to be hero yet Spike.” Twilight cheers Spike up. Twilight, Rarity, Spike and Ovan walks further up north after going through the mountain range.

“What were you guys doing there anyway? Ms.—” Ovan curiously asked the group, since after they left it was bugging him to see ponies passing through those dangerous mountains.

“Oh right! How rude of us, we still haven’t introduced ourselves. My name’s Twilight, Twilight Sparkle” Twilight responds while also pointing out those she was introducing “and this is my assistant Spike, this is my good friend Rarity.” Rarity slightly bows her head after being introduced.

“Okay. So Ms. Twilight Sparkle, what are you guys doing there anyway?” Ovan finished his question earlier.

“Just call me Twilight” Twilight slightly embarrassed by being addressed so formally. “We’re trying to find this Icy Sapphire mine just nearby those mountain ranges.”

“For?” Ovan follows-up his question.

“Pretty interrogative pony, if you asked me.” Rarity whispered to Twilight.

“You can’t blame him, any pony would be curious as to why would we fling ourselves to danger without any reason.” Twilight whispers back.

“You got a point there, but it’s still rude to ask so many questions to a lady” Rarity whispers.

“Sorry about that,” Twilight apologizes for the delay for reply to Ovan’s question. “I’m planning to use them for a magical experiment. And my friend here wants to use them for her new dresses.”

“I understand the magic part, but dresses?” Ovan’s right eyebrow rose.

“I prefer to call them ensemble” Rarity corrects the two.

“I don’t really know about that, I just use them as catalysts for my magic.” Ovan is somewhat skeptical about Rarity’s plan on the Sapphires.

“You and Twilight are so alike, magic this and magic that, you two should go out sometime.” Rarity jokingly answers after realizing that Ovan and Twilight are so into magic.

“Ahahaha. Don’t mind her, she’s just being Rarity” Twilight quickly interrupts in slight emabrassment before Rarity says something more “Now that I remembered, you used a catalyst earlier ago?” Twilight changes the topic.

“What about it?” Ovan responds.

“Well you seem pretty skilled in using those.” Twilight complimented Ovan.

“Well… I’m not really skilled but more of used to using them.” Ovan humbly denies.

“No, I mean it…” Twilight insists “Calculating the impact and magnitude so that I won’t get hurt while I’m still in the area, knowing how much of the catalyst you will use, that‘s just brilliant and amazing. To be able to pull it off, you must have lots of experience in that field.”

Ovan can’t help but smile after hearing Twilight’s compliment. In all of his life, that was his first time getting praised in his field. Usually he was belittled due to his dependency of catalyst in his spells. Most unicorns from where he came from were magically gifted so they can cast advanced level spells. For his case, he can barely cast an intermediate level, however he does know even the master level spells, their formulas and theories involved but he has no practice, which made him the laughing stock of his university. “Thank you…” Ovan embarrassingly thanks Twilight.

“I just can’t wait to start those experiments.” Twilight is really eager to test out the new things she learned from that book. “According to this map, it should be in sight right now.” Twilight pulls out her map and scans where they are and their goal.

“Let me have a look see on that map.” Ovan curiously peers into Twilight’s map “Well for starters the coordinates are somewhat off.” Ovan points out.

“But the book said—“Twilight argues.

“It’s more of the site was initially there but it was soon relocated into a more sustainable environment.” Ovan then draws out a circle on the new location of the site.

“But how can you move a whole mining site? And how do you know about that?” Twilight skeptically questions.

“It’s because I’m one of the ponies responsible for doing that. Although this was declared a mining site, the Icy Sapphires actually found here were only 3 out of the hundreds of gems that were rooted out.” Ovan explains and also justifies their reason for altering the nature of the mine “So we did an experiment, we altered the nature of the ground planted the Sapphires and Boom! Although it just only produces five gems per quarter, we managed to make Icy Sapphires more acquirable, but it was made a law that the gems here were only to be used for magical experiments and never for economical practices since it may derailed the system so it is a kept secret to most regular ponies, and Icy Sapphires are quite expensive so we can’t go busting everyone of those gems when we do trial and error.”

“That seems logical” Twilight slowly nods her head in agreement; but on the other hand Rarity seems to disagree with Ovan’s method of generating the exquisite gems. For her, it destroys the value, rarity and the exquisiteness of the gem itself.

“That’s just wrong!” Rarity objects “With what you ponies are doing, it just ruins the beauty and rarity of the gem. I mean this is a travesty.”

“I know, that is why we put markers on the gems, for one pony to sell a gem that is labeled under the Catalyst Abundance Propagation Program, it must go certain check points. If it is found with a marker, then it is either declared unsellable. Our team is tasked to ensure that these gems are strictly used for magic and no other else.” Ovan knew where Rarity was going at so he tried his best to ensure her that the sanctity of the gems is still kept despite their program to increase the production artificially.

After a heated argument regarding the nature of the CAP Program, the group headed into the new mining site. From the outside one could already see the chunk of rock that was magically enchanted to generate the gems. Twilight, Spike and even Rarity despite her objection earlier stood in awe of the magnificence of the just the glimpse of the generator. In the entrance of the mining site, there is a huge wooden arch with “NEO SAPPHIRE MINE” inscribed on it. Besides the arch there is a wooden board which Ovan pointed out as the rules of the place that must be observed upon entry, mining and exit.

Rule 1: All ponies must first register their name, address and intent before entry to the mine and must await further instructions afterwards.
Rule 2: All ponies must be escorted by an authorized member of the Catalyst Abundance Propagation Program at all times.
Rule 3: Each Pony can only acquire one Icy Sapphire in the process
Rule 4: All ponies are subject to inspection before leaving the area.
Rule 5: ALL ponies can only visit the mining site ONCE
Failure to comply may result to Arrest and Jail time for 6 months.

“There is it.” Ovan shows them the place. “We prefer to make the rules short since most ponies don’t really read top to bottom; we just show them what they need to know. Since I’ll be the one escorting you guys and I already know who and where you guys are from, I think there’s no need for the first rule” The group walked towards the giant generator in the middle but as soon as they were approaching the center, Ovan noticed something was off and paused for a moment thinking. There were no guards stations, not even fellow members, it’s like the place has been abandoned and yet the generator is still running.

“Is there something wrong?” Twilight asked as soon as Ovan quickly stopped walking.

“There is, this place can’t be this empty.” Ovan told the group while looking around the barren office shacks near the entrance, empty walkways. “Something must have happened.” That was only thing Ovan could think of regarding the situation.

“Well it was kind of weird seeing that this place is empty after the way you described it earlier.” Twilight also agrees to Ovan’s deduction.

“Maybe they took a coffee break?” Rarity tries to ease up the tension.

“Coffee break or not at least somepony must remain.” Ovan not in the mood of jokes after getting a hunch that something bad happened while he was away.

“Let’s just try and look around for some clues.” Twilight suggests.

As the group walks towards the center, they also braced themselves of what awaits them there, Twilight, Rarity and Ovan ignited their horns in case of surprise attackers and Spike sharpened his senses and readied his claws in case for an attack.

“You again!” a rough and raspy voice out of the blue suddenly called to them. The group was startled searching for wherever that voice came from. From the roof of the office shacks jumped three dog silhouettes. Twilight, Spike and Rarity immediately recognized the three. In front of them were three dogs all wearing different colored jackets but wearing the same gem-studded collar except for the one in the middle since that one had a gold piece hanging like a pendant in the middle of the collar.

Ovan, being the only one in the group to first ever see these dogs, stared at them top to bottom. He knew that they are the Diamond Dogs, a group of ruffian miners who would steal other pony’s land to drain all of its resources. He has read about them in articles and papers but this is his first in actually seeing one. “You do know that this is a violation of Equestrian laws.” Ovan asserted himself only to be laughed at by the Diamond Dogs.

“Hahahaha!” The one in the middle started laughing to be followed by his companions. “We are the Diamond Dogs and I say the gems in this place are now ours.”

“Yeah! It’s ours! So buzz off! Isn’t that right Rover?” the small one followed up while looking at middle dog.

“Ugh… Yeah… The boss said so…” The big one also followed-up. That statement alone ticked off Ovan , he knew that these are ruffians but he never expected these dogs to be like this. He slowly braced himself to pick a brawl with the Diamond Dogs

“You must be patient with them Ovan my dear.” Rarity calms Ovan down as she saw that Ovan was subtly casting his magic “They are really like that.”

Ovan started to calm down however when he saw that each dog flashed one Icy Sapphire in each of their paw, he blew it. If at least two gems where not present in the generator and after a few hours the generator will collapse and deactivate permanently. That was the main reason why only four Icy Sapphires were allowed to be mined within the quarter. The generator can only generate six at max. His year’s worth of research and work will be wasted by just some idiots and they could no longer rebuild one due to lack of resources since the program just started a few weeks ago. “Put Those Down!” Ovan charged his horn and Rover in turn cracked his fist as a sign of accepting Ovan’s challenge.

“This is perfect. Now me and my boys can get back at you ponies for humiliating us last time.” Rover declared with a huge smile and confidence in his face. “Spot!” Rover looked to the smaller dog “Fido!” he then switched to the bigger one. “Let’s show these ponies that you don’t cross the Diamond Dogs”.

“You’re gonna get now, the boss is pretty scary when angry.” Spot followed and he seems confident in their boss.

“You’re really going to fight here?” Twilight tries to prevent the brawl from taking place. “Well it’s either this or my entire project goes bye-bye.” Ovan justifies his actions.

“Well in that case” Spike assumes a fighting stance “Let’s bring it!”

“Oh come now, do you really expect a lady to fight?” Rarity tries to back away from the front line.

“Don’t worry Rarity, This time I’ll protect you.” Spike shielding Rarity from the front.

“That’s sweet of you Spike.” Rarity commends on Spike noble words.

“Don’t worry it’s four of us and three of them.” Ovan ensures that they are going to win since they have the number advantage. “We’ll see about that!” Rover snaps his fingers and on corner, alley and the mining site itself, came out a dozen of muscular looking dogs wearing metal armors.

“Oh great! We have the numbers advantage huh?” Twilight sarcastically comments about the sudden turn of events.

“Don’t have much of a choice do we?” Ovan replies. They can’t just walk away from this so fighting was their only option, to save Ovan’s project and also to acquire some Icy Sapphires.

“Any plans?” Ovan inquired the group as they soon found themselves surrounded.

“You’re the one who provoked them.” Twilight blaming Ovan for she was slightly annoyed of her fortune, not only she was in danger once but twice on a single day on different scenario.

“Well, I thought that-" Ovan tries to reason but was soon interrupted by Spike.

“Guys, this is not the time to have a little Lovers’ Quarrel.” Spike interrupts.

“We’re not lovers!” Twilight and Ovan, in synch, denies.

“Tch! Fine” Ovan with no choice tries to stir up a plan using a spell he knows that can instantly solve this problem. Although he knew of a spell that could send these dogs away, he didn’t have that much of magic capacity to do so. Before he scrapped that plan, he remembered Twilight holding on to lifting those tons of boulders earlier, maybe with that it will suffice.

“Twilight, you know a teleportation spell?” Ovan whispers to Twilight.

“Yeah, we could get out but it can’t be used to expel these dogs.” Twilight responds.

“Good! We just have to modify it a bit.” Ovan continuously whispers to Twilight’s ear regarding on his modification on the teleport spell.

“Not to the time to be keeping conversations.” Spike tries to battle of some of the thugs. Spike constantly swings his tail, swipes them with his claws and rolls up like a hedgehog and tackles them but despite his efforts, these dogs seems to have toughen up compared to last time.

“GWAHAHAHA! I guess that enchantment paid off” Rover proudly announced. “After that humiliation, we decided to take revenge on you ponies and how lucky of us to meet here and get all these precious gems at the same time.” The three confident in their numbers didn’t even move from their spot and just let their grunts do all the fighting.

“But that’s a little—“Twilight, skeptic about Ovan’s modification.

"Trust me, it’s going to work.” Ovan assures.

“If you’re done there, mind a little help here.” Rarity cries as she and Spike were getting being backed into a corner as she levitates and throws stones to the dogs showing no effect at all

Twilight and Ovan nodded and teleported to in front of Rarity and Spike at the same time and casted a force back spell sending some of the grunt dogs flying away.

“Thanks heavens, you made it.” Rarity thanked the two. “It’s still not over yet.” Ovan points out the dogs quickly recovering after being flung away in such a short time.

“Buy Twilight time to finish the spell I just taught her and this will be over.” Ovan instructed. Rarity and Spike relieved to finally know that there is a plan and both of them nodded in agreement of what they have to do.

The four of them split up, with Twilight getting a safe place to hide her casting, Spike accompanied Rarity and Ovan was on his own. The grunts also split up to pursue different targets thus reducing their number.

Ovan charged his horn while running from about four thugs. He then pointed his horn to the ground and a small lump of rock popped out in the middle of path just in front of the thugs, tripping them over and sends them falling flat one by one. He then follows-up casting a spell that raised ground of the surrounding area which traps the thugs in a stone cage. He knew that it isn’t going to hold that much and he ran quickly to aid Spike and Rarity.

Spike, on the other hand is curled up into a ball and Rarity uses her magic to toss him around and around towards the Diamond Dog thugs knocking them one by one but to no avail they just quickly recover after falling down.

“Ugh…” Spike feeling nauseous after being bounced off several times.

“Sorry about that Spike, you’re more effective than rocks.” Rarity apologizes.

“Hehehe… No problem…” Spike pretending to be fine but he is still feeling dozy.

The grunts, snickering, are slowly stepping forward pressing the two on a wall and confident that they are going to get their share of fun. Their confident resulted in their carelessness to not notice that they were already in Ovan’s line of sight for his spell.

The grunts’ feet were suddenly swallowed by a pink bubble. They instantly flipped with their heads now on the floor and feet towards the sky and slowly levitated giving Spike and Rarity the needed space to escape and regroup with Ovan. After levitating a few feet, the bubble pops send the grunts back into the ground.

. “Imbeciles! Can’t even catch a few ponies by yourselves” Rover lashed out after losing his patience as he sees his grunts are being single handedly toyed by Ovan. “You two! Tell those useless idiots that there’s a change of plan.”

“Yes Boss!” the other two nodded together and dug a hole and headed towards different directions.

“Almost there…” Twilight hiding inside one of the office shacks nearby. As she peeps through the window beside her, she can see what was going on outside from Ovan’s barrage of spells to Spike’s devoted protection for Rarity and Rarity’s struggle since despite not being the combat type. All she can do now is concentrate and hasten the spell casting. As she was nearing the end of the spell, a tragic realization soon came to her mind. “Oh my…” Twilight suddenly forgot the last part Ovan told her on how to finish casting the spell.

“Is the spell ready?” Rarity feeling a bit impatient as to why Twilight taking longer.

“I don’t know the spell should be ready as this rate.” Ovan is also wondering why.

“Hahaha, maybe she forgot the spell.” Spike jokes around unknowingly that his joke is the reason.

“Impossible, OUR Twilight forgetting a spell?” Rarity defending Twilight.

“I sure hope so…” Ovan worriedly replies.

Ovan, Spike and Rarity are hiding and creeping around the alleyways in search for any signs of those Diamond Dogs. To their surprise, it was like the entire place has been abandoned. No sign of any Diamond Dogs. Going out of the alley towards the main path of the site, they were surprised by Rover jumping in front of them.

“NOW!!” after Rover commanded.

The grunts that they were searching earlier suddenly rose from the ground surrounding them in an instant and behind Ovan came out a burrowed Spot holding a mace. “Look out!” Rarity cried out upon seeing Spot. However it was too late, before Ovan could even do anything, Spot delivered a knock-out blow striking Ovan down. “Now it’s payback time” Rover maliciously declares his intent.

“Now that pesky unicorn is out of the picture—“before Rover could finish his statement Fido appeared behind Spike and pulled up his tail and tying him up. “It’s the dragon’s turn.” Rover finished.

Rarity now alone, finds herself surrounded by the Diamond Dogs. “TWILIGHT HELP!!” Rarity cries out in hopes of Twilight coming out to her rescue. But despite her shout, Twilight didn’t show up like she always does when ponies need her help.

Twilight, on the other hand, sees the situation from her hiding place. “Casting an unfinished spell? What should I do? If I go help Rarity now, I myself am not pretty much sure I can take them all by myself. But If I finished this spell then I’m sure… but it will be too late by then” Twilight was at first in a dilemma, until she realized that it was her friend that’s in trouble; screw the unfinished spell, how can she even think of leaving Rarity there. Clearing her doubts, she charged outside to confront the entire Diamond Dogs with just her unfinished spell.

“You Stay away from Rarity!” Twilight demanded.

“Or else what?” Rover instigated.

“Or else this!” Twilight charging the spell and decides to blast it towards the lot. A purplish aura suddenly swirled all over Twilight and purple balls flicked in and out of her glowing horn. These balls soon grew bigger and fired themselves directly towards each of the Diamond Dogs. In just a second the entire Diamond Dogs teleported away to who knows where they will end up.

Twilight scans the area for any trace of the Diamond Dogs, to her relieve it was only them that are in the site at that time. The empty roads, the abandoned office shacks, the huge gem generator, the gems that the Diamond Dogs left behind; there was no sign of hostiles anymore.

“You- you did it!” Rarity still breathing heavily from her nearly horrifying experience quickly embraced Twilight in joy. “You did it! Thank Celestia!”

Twilight also relieved to see that it was over, although deep inside her, she was curious as to where she sent the Diamond Dogs but it didn’t matter since all she cared about that time is she was able to protect her friends.

With the sun setting and nighttime starting, Twilight and her friends just want to go back to Ponyville after a long day. So many have happened within just one afternoon, from the avalanche to this, they just wanted to get a good night sleep. But after realizing that it will take them an hour go back and with Ovan still lying unconscious.

Final Chapter- Symphony of Fire and Lightning

Chapter 21 Symphony of Fire and Lightning

“I have to say,” Nova suddenly broke the silence “This is getting quite dull.” He paced left and right provoking the white unicorn in front of him to attack. “Shall we take it up a notch?” he stopped and smirked.

Ovan simply stood in silence unfazed and unprovoked by the dark blue unicorn’s words.

“What’s with the silent treatment?” Nova continued. “If you continue to act like that,” Nova turned his head away concealing his horn. “You might as well DIE!” Nova quickly sent a bolt of lightning coming from his horn the moment he finished his statement.

Ovan ducked his entire body evading the attack like he anticipated it. The lightning bolt struck a nearby tree behind the white unicorn sending the tree cracking and falling down in flames. Retaliating back, Ovan charged his own brand of spell. His horn was quickly covered in a blue aura. A small ember started to form in front of his horn and it grows larger and larger up into a size of a beach ball. With no hesitation, Ovan shot the ball of flame rushing towards his enemy.

“Pathetic!” Nova swatted the burning ball with his hoof like some fly approaching him sending the fire spreading all over.

Ovan gritted his teeth in frustration that his spell was simply dealt with like that. He summoned a larger fireball in response.

“Come on Ovan!” Nova stood smirking provoking the unicorn to dish out a more powerful attack. “Surely you can do better than that?”

“Then take THIS!” Ovan hurled the massive ball of flames towards Nova.

Nova smirked as the ball of flame slowly approaches him burning everything in its wake. He stood firmly on his ground as dark blue lightning-like projections sparked all over his horn. He aimed his horn at the massive fireball and fired a more concentrated lightning shot.

The thunderous roar of the shot echoed throughout the forest. The massive ball of fire exploded mid –air before it could even reach its target. A bluish-white streak of lightning burst from the midst of the forest gaining the attention of ponies from nearby towns spotting the phenomenon even from miles away.

“It can’t be” Ovan looked at the scenario with his eyes filled with shock and despair. He resumed his stance after shaking out every fear and hopelessness he felt during that time.

“What’s the matter?” Nova scoffed at Ovan’s attacks “Shocked?”

“Guess I have to do this.” Ovan flickered a small light through his horn. A brown leather satchel instantly poofed in front of him like it was teleported in front of him.

“Out with your small bag of tricks?” Nova jested at Ovan’s attempts.

“You’ll see.” Ovan replied and smirked with an air of confidence brewing back. Grasping the contents of the bag, he took a hoof-sized glittering red rock. It had fiery shades of red and a burning aura emanating from it. Ovan stretched his hoof backwards and lobbed the fiery gemstone over Nova’s position. It glistened and flickered in red as it flies in the air arcing towards its target.

Sensing a bit of imminent danger, Nova quickly teleported out of target’s trajectory to a more far location from the point. Upon contact, the gem burst into flames incinerating all in its explosive radius. A fiery dome-shaped blast exploded from the point of the contact with a size of roughly 10 yards. The wind and leaves rustled disturbed by the sudden force, the neighboring trees were unfortunate enough to be caught in the blast reduced to ashes. Some of the leaves also caught a small ember from the spreading fires. The ground was ashen black after the explosion.

Nova stared deeply at the black incinerated ground. “This is more interesting,” he shifting his stare towards the blue unicorn within the area. “I did forget that you’re sort of an expert on this field of magic.” he smirked. “The spell formula used in crafting catalytic bombs were fortified and perfected the moment you dabbled yourself in that field due to your lack of magical capacity.” He bumped his forehead thinking of his next line. “Would you care to teach me how to make those?” he reached out his hoof towards Ovan with a playful and joking tone in his offer.

“How ‘bout I’ll teach you when you’re dead,” Ovan took out another of his fiery bomb stones.

Without moments to spare, Nova instantly vanished in smokes then reappearing again now besides his enemy. Quickly grabbing the blue unicorn’s hoof holding the red gemstone, Nova stopped the momentum building within Ovan’s next attack.

“Too bad I’ll be taking that!” Nova’s eyes widened with excitement as he attempts to grab the gem.

“Who said anything about throwing this again?” Ovan said as he cracked the gem within his hoof. Following the sudden cracking sound, within the damaged gem generated another fiery dome-shaped explosion burning everything within including the two stallions inside.

Both stallions jumped outside the incinerating dome to safety. Both had burned marks all over their bodies, their coat messed-up and some were burned black. Their mane and tail also fared no better than their coat.

Ovan stood on the ground panting trying to regain himself after the self-inflicted damage he dealt to both of them.

“That was quite unexpected.” Nova started laughing despite the wounds. He frenzied himself to an evil grin as dark blue sparks crackled within his horn. “I really love it when my foe gives me a bit of entertainment.” The lightning charging in his horn was set. “Well, allow me to show you a new trick of my own,” he placed his right hoof directly on his lightning charged horn. A dark-blue streak of lightning followed Nova’s hoof as he moved his right hoof pointing towards Ovan.

“Like you and your resistance to fire-based magic, I also have a resistance to lightning-based magic.” he said while maintaining the electrical link between his horn and his hoof. He slowly stretched his right hoof towards his left shoulder and waved it with full force sending the dark-lightning everywhere in front of him spreading outward like a cone.

Ovan braced himself unable to dodge the attack. He screamed in pain as the attack landed; the jolting pain tearing his flesh inside-out, the burning sensation delivered by the electrical current coursing through his body burning him in and out, out and in. The punishment-like attack finally died down leaving Ovan burnt, electrocuted and weak. Staggering to stand himself again, Ovan can feel his legs dying down limping on every attempt he made to rise.

Nova slowly walked forward towards his injured opponent. He smiled with a pitiful look on his face yet there was an arrogant air all over his expression. His horn glowed an intense dark-blue aura the moment he was directly in front of his blue foe. “It is quite unfortunate that I must end our little squabble like this,” he slowly lifted while choking the blue unicorn upward with his magic. “Sad that you won’t witness Twilight’s transformation if she was given the chance of using a bloodstone,” He rolled his eyes. “But I assure you, you’ll get all the juicy details in your grave, and I’ll start it with Dear Ovan…” he was slowly tightening his grip choking Ovan to death while laughing an evil-sound tone of laughter. “How does that sound?”

Ovan simply smirked as a reply earning an eyebrow-raising expression from Nova. “Buck off!” Ovan immediately planted one of his fiery red rocks directly on Nova’s face. The sudden explosion sent the blue unicorn flying a few yards back away from the explosion. Ovan took a glimpse of his black and burnt hoof and hoping that the point blank explosion in the face was enough to finish Nova off.

A dark grayish smoke almost filled the entire clearing after moments of the explosion. Barely seeing the surrounding area, Ovan slowly limpered away to a more smoke-free part of the clearing. Finding that spot in the edges of the clearing; Ovan rested himself on one of the trees. “Just die already.” He hoped as he began regaining his breath back.

The smoke was finally clearing out giving a more vivid view of what remains in the clearing. The once lively and green clearing now turned barren and black. The pond that was once filled with cleaning crystal clear water now filled with dirt, ashes and burned grasses and leaves. The vast majority of the smoke has finally cleared out leaving the center still smoke-filled gray and obscure.

“Ovan…” a voice came from within the smoky center followed by a mocking applause. “not only hitting me with big attack like that but you did it twice.” The smoke in the center finally cleared out revealing Nova still standing and breathing. But his appearance looked more damaged and messed-up. The burn marks and scars have multiplied and trails of blood were dripping from his mouth. “Sad that you weren’t able to finish me off with that but you did one thing though.” Using his hoof, he wiped off the blood dripping off. “You have made me a bit angry,” His expression changed from playful arrogance to a more serious and darker one. The moment he said his last word, he instantly charged up another lightning through his horn. The charging process had more intensity paling in comparison to his earlier attacks. With Ovan now weak and unable to move, he helplessly sat against the tree he was resting on staring at the bright light in front of him. It was over, it was his final turn.

A beam of roaring thunder and lightning slashed its way towards the downed blue unicorn stallion, ravaging anything in its path. The white light flashed in Ovan’s blue pupils as it gets closer and closer as if it was like the white light that every pony sees before they die. A white flash of explosion roared throughout the area, sparks flew all over; the grass covered land now looked like a trench has been roughly dug across.

Nova stared blankly at the remodeling he made in the clearing patiently awaiting the fate of Ovan after that attack. He squinted his eyes towards the blanket of dust and smoke seeing a small glimmer of purple light sparkling from within.

“Who dares interrupt?” he asked with a serious tone and a killing intent.

“This is as far as you go.” A familiar voice spoke from within the forest area.

“A sparkling mare in a shining armor If I may assume?” Nova’s mood began to lighten up as Twilight appeared from the dark depths of the forest. “That was quite amazing that you were able to block off an attack of that magnitude.” Nova added.

“I’m actually quite surprised,” Twilight slowly walked towards Ovan’s side. “To actually witness Jupiter’s Bolt.” She turned her focus towards the dark blue unicorn. “Tell me,” she narrowed down her eyes. “Who are you really or what are you?”

“Surely you jest at the question my dear Twilight.” Nova replied waving off the purple unicorn’s implications. “I am but a simple unicorn,” he pointed at himself. “Although bent of destroying lives and using ponies against their free will but regardless just a simple unicorn” He said with a playful tone in his voice.

“Jupiter’s Bolt,” she paced left and right. “A spell that you must have at least an Alicorn-grade magical capacity to cast” She stopped and turned back to Nova. “And now even after casting use feat, you’re still able to stand straight and not feel the even the slightest hint of fatigue.” She paused for a few seconds “Surely that is NOT something that a simple unicorn can do.”

“Of course I am at the limit,” Nova brushed up his white mane. “I just prefer to look fabulous all the time.” he continued.

“It’s just sad, a unicorn this powerful like yourself could have helped many ponies.” Twilight started to look pitiful towards the dark blue unicorn “Why?” she asked “Why must you commit these heinous acts?” she added her question.

“I don’t really call them heinous,” he looked away from Twilight. “I’d rather call them.” He paused and placed a hoof under his chin. “Resource Acquisition,” he looked at Twilight firmly with his eyes serious of his answer. Nova followed his statement with an evil smirk creeping from the sides of his mouth.

Twilight was taken aback by the reply. She could feel a malicious aura seeping through the very veins of the unicorn in front of her. “Ovan was right, he has to be stopped right here right now” she thought. Realizing that Ovan was down for the count, she knew it was her turn but a small glimmer of hope came from the fact that he was injured and wounded by the time she came.

“Twilight why did you?” Ovan was too weak to even finish his question.

“I just can’t abandon you like this.” Twilight firmly replied while maintaining her sights on Nova.

“So we’re on good terms now?” Ovan tried to put on a smile.

“Fine!” her tone seemed disagreeing with Ovan. “Besides,” she turned towards the wounded stallion. “I still owe you one for saving me back there.” She smiled a warm smile before turning back to Nova with a look ready for combat.

“I guess this is round 3?” Nova smirked.

“How about this for a starter?” Twilight suddenly charged her horn with a purple energy brewing within.

“How many times must you repeat that same spell?” Nova arrogantly casted the same barrier spell he used against Twilight’s beam earlier.

“You’ll see,” Twilight continued to charge her beam with a confident smile on her face.

Taking advantage of Nova’s arrogance, Twilight fired her spell directly towards the dark colored unicorn. A purple beam blasted from her horn flying straight towards Nova. Nova simply stood on his firmly on the ground unfazed by the incoming shot.

A loud impact was generated the moment Twilight’s purple beam contacted the surface of the blue barrier. Nova smirked seeing the same results and comparing their earlier encounter to now. Red hot sparks flew around the barrier as the beam tries to dig its way in searing every bit of magical energy in the barrier. Nova’s expression eventually shifted the moment he realized something is wrong and different from their past fight. The bright purple beam began tearing its way through the barrier breaking the barrier like glass. Nova caught within the destructive beam of light was sent along through the path sending the dark blue stallion crashing to a tree behind him.

A loud crashing sound echoed throughout the clearing upon Nova’s impact due to Twilight’s beam spell. Nova’s wound from his battle Ovan reopened and blood has started dripping again from his mouth. “Just when did you learn such a spell like that?” He smirked retaining the blood stained mouth. “You imply that I am no ordinary pony yet yourself know such spells like Plasma.”

“Truth to be told, I already knew those spells before hand,” Twilight raised her head upright. “It’s just that I don’t really prefer using them since they are labeled under harmful spells.” She added.

“I’m just wondering, why you didn’t use that spell earlier?” he asked while remaining seated against the broken down tree he crashed on. “You could have saved Ovan the trouble.”

“I am quite ashamed of myself letting him get hurt like that for my weakness.” She replied with a stern tone. “As much as I hate to admit it, I was afraid of you.” she looked away from the dark-blue unicorn. “But,” she turned her attention back “I won’t let you or give you the even the slightest chance of hurting my friends.” She declared to Nova with a determined and resolute look. “You’ve hurt so many ponies and as Ovan said, this has to end right now.”

Nova started laughing maniacally after hearing Twilight’s words. Tears were breaking from his eyes due to the loud laughter he did. “This has never been so amusing,” he wiped of the tears forming in eyes. “You and that pile of dead meat over there should really get together.” he chuckled. “Truth to be told I never expected to exert this much effort,” he stood up dusting his flank, shoulders and parts of his hoof and wiping of the blood on his lips after. “I guess I really have to give it my all this time.” he started murmuring. His lips were moving silently speaking in a pattern even Twilight couldn’t recognize despite her knowledge in foreign and ancient texts and languages.

Nova gave out a huge cheerful sigh the moment he stopped chanting. He slowly chuckled to a grin and narrowed his blood-red eyes towards the purple unicorn mare in front of him.

“Just what are you planning?” Twilight puzzled by Nova’s stare. “Well whatever it is it ends now,” Twilight bowed down pointing her horn to her target with sparks of purple charging forming around.

Nova simple stood and smirked at Twilight still unaware of his spell.

With her spell fully charged, Twilight readies herself to fire the next blast. She was dead set on ending the battle until the grassy land she was standing upon turned murky black like some dark puddle forming on her hooves.

“Ugha!” Twilight tried to struggle free with the purple glow on her horn dissipating. “What in Equestria is this?” She asked as she tries to lift her each of her hooves upward. Despite her struggle everytime she lifted her hoof the black puddle draws her back; soon black tentacle-like abominations started creeping up from her hooves.

“It’s what you call BLACK MAGIC.” Nova smiles on the success of his spell and seeing Twilight uselessly struggles to free herself from the abysmal puddle binding her movements.

“Black Magic?” Twilight continues to struggle.

“It’s a form of recital spells, which I assume that you know what a recital spell is,” he slowly paces left and right in front the struggling purple unicorn. “But what makes black magic different is the cost of the spell.” He continued on. “Recital spells are used for spells with preparations and such that you need to invoke an enchantment or some sort to activate the spell itself,” he turned his back on Twilight. “But for the branch of Black magic, it requires a more devious source such as…” Nova started tapping his chin with his right hoof thinking of the next word to add. “Lives and bodies.” He grinned.

Twilight’s eyes widened in shock to hear and realize that the puddle she was currently standing used lives of ponies, innocent or not. “How could you do this?” her disdain for the dark-colored unicorn was escalating.

“Well, Thank one of my brilliant advisors,” he waved his hoof “It was his suggestion that I use the empty bodies of the ponies I used in the production of the Blood Stone.” He snickered “Honestly that stallion had a sicker mind than I do,” He pointed at himself. “Even sicker than me and my ‘secretary’ combined.” He started laughing. “But it’s a more economical solution than simply using those bodies as fertilizer for my garden. You should consider taking a visit I’m sure you’re going to love it there,” he stared at Twilight with his red-blood eyes like a deranged pony.

“How dare you toy with innocent lives like that!” Twilight cried vigorously trying to escape the murky clutches of the black abyss swallowing her.

“Then again, I’ll just probably kill you here,” Nova tapped his chin ignoring the mare’s plight and struggle. Nova then took out a small red rock glowing ominously and eerily. He stared at the rock with much malice and ill-begotten feeling, grinning manically as the glow intensifies. “Of course I won’t be really killing you, more of simply crippling you to the point of you yourself would want to me to kill you,” he threw the blood-red rock upwards as he charged his horn. Spinning around and around in the air, Nova patiently charges his horn with intense electrical energy gathering within waiting for the red rock to align with the tip of his horn.

Seeing the imminent danger, Twilight intensifies her struggle against the abysmal murky puddle but to no avail. The light was getting brighter and brighter and the stone nearing Nova’s horn. Twilight closed her eyes and braced herself hoping that she would still survive the impact.

A bright warm glow flashed a few yards besides Nova. Noticing the glow, Nova quickly turned his head over to the source of the glow. A bright red hot massive ball of fire was waiting to be fired from Ovan’s horn. Nova quickly darted his attention to the tree that Ovan was resting on earlier to find no pony was there and turned back to the source. A blood-red glow shined from the middle of the massive ball of fire. The bloodstone that Nova tossed was gone and now to be used by Ovan in his Fireball. Before Nova could even react, Ovan blasted his spell amplified by the bloodstone. Burning with more intensity than before, the ball of fire burned everything in its wake turning all in to ashes. Caught by the spell, Nova was sent burning away along with the direction of the fireball. After it travelled a distance from the clearing, the entire mass of fire exploded burning an entire area of the forest into crisp turning it from green to black.

The murky black puddle liquefied into an ink-like substance losing its grip on Twilight. Finally free of its grasp Twilight quickly galloped herself towards Ovan. Ovan quickly loses his balance and immediately falls hard into the ground due to his weariness. His breathe was getting slower and slower by the time Twilight got to his side. his pulse weakening and his body slowly getting colder. In a state of panic of not losing Ovan, Twilight focused all her power into healing the blue unicorn just to a bare minimum to survive.

A loud and huge shockwave suddenly came from the explosion point of Ovan’s massive spell blowing everything away. Trees were uprooted and flew, the fire caught by the branches and leaves were blown out, the ground turned into a crater-like hole due to the massive shockwave that came.

“I will destroy you…” a soft maniacal voice came echoing from the destroyed path.”I will kill you…” each passing second the voice grows louder and louder. “I will tear you limb from limb.” Nova finally shows himself, all bruised and burned, his white mane had burnt marks all over each strand, his dark blue coat had some areas black. He looked at the two with intense malice and hatred, with his teeth gritted with such intensity that it could even break from it.

“THE TWO OF YOU SHOULD JUST DIE!” He cried as he let the largest lightning bolt he did in the entire evening and immediately fired it towards the two ponies.

Helpless to stop such intense spell, Twilight tightly embraces the unconscious stallion beside her hoping some form of salvation.

A thunderous roar blasted the entire clearing as a golden light shielded the two from the imminent destruction.

“WHO DARES—“Nova’s statement was immediately cut off upon the slow descend of Twilight’s savior.

A large towering figure slowly descended slowly flapping her majestic white wings. To Twilight’s surprise, her mentor, her teacher and friend has come to save them.

“You did great Twilight,” Princess Celestia patted her long white hoof over Twilight’s head.

“If it isn’t the Big White Boss Lady,” Nova slowly loses his frenzied appearance.

“Nova Starshine,” Princess Celestia stared down on the dark-colored unicorn imposing her figure “You have eluded me time and time after committing heinous crimes against Equestria.” her tone seemed dominating even for Nova “And today is the day where you pay for those crimes,” she slowly approaches the dark-colored unicorn with Nova in turn backing away from the majestic white alicorn.

“The big White Boss Lady has finally decided to come out after years and years of planning and hiding behind the scenes,” Nova continues to back away. “But still, It was cruel of you to simply wait out for your beloved student to have a near-death experience Twice before showing up.”

“I have faith in Twilight Sparkle.” She replied as she continues to stalk down Nova “I knew she would be able to stand her ground even to the likes of you.” she continued on. “And tonight is the night where justice shall be delivered.”

“You can be serious now?” Nova chuckled.” So you are…” he stopped chuckled after noticing Princess Celestia’s stare against him. “I’ll guess I’ll be—“his statement was suddenly interrupted by the sudden appearance of twelve unicorn all equipped in a golden armor showing their status as members of the Royal Guard surrounding him and positioned like the numbers on the clock. “—going nowhere.” Nova tone dropped.

“This is quite unfair,” Nova started complaining “I had myself drained on a handicapped match earlier and now this? Twelve and the big white boss lady against moi?” he pointed at himself.

“Silence!” Princess Celestia shouted with a tone similar to the Traditional Royal Canterlot voice as she stomped her hoof on the ground.

Nova simply chuckled knowing that the sun princess is serious. His chuckle was slowly dying down until there was dead silent around the clearing. In his final laugh, Nova, in one fell swoop, blasted a Royal Guard in his 3 ‘o clock position sending the unicorn flying back tossed like a rag doll.

“Seize Him!” Princess Celestia commanded as the guard promptly bound the dark-colored unicorn with a bright light conjured from their horns the moment the command was given leaving Nova no room to even make his move.

“As much as I hate to admit it,” Princess Celestia approaches the downed Nova. “I cannot directly end your life despite justice screams for it.” she looks down on Nova with her magenta eyes mixed with anger and pity. “It’s such a waste to see a unicorn so talented as you, even after going through those battles earlier, you still manage to injure one of my guards even though there are equipped with mythril-based armor,” she darted her attention towards the guard Nova shot down. “As I said killing is prohibited within Equestria,” she turned back to the bound unicorn. “I hereby banish you to the far stretches of the stars as punishment for the cause of innumerable deaths and destruction in the lands of Equestria,” the Princess Celestia’s horn suddenly glowed a divine yellow color as she pointed it towards Nova.

“ So this is how it ends huh?” Nova started laughing chuckling as his hooves started dissipating into yellow fragments of light. He stared upward looking at his banisher with intense disdain as the yellow light gradually consumes him. His egotiscal and maniacal laugh continued on until his banishment was complete and his voice was soon just an echo.

“It’s finally over.” Princess Celestia sighed and turned towards her student.

“Princess!” Tears were flowing out of Twilight’s eyes as she quickly embraced the towering alicorn. “I’m so glad…” She was crying on the princess’ white coat.

“I’m sorry that I had to wait out until it was the right time to reveal myself.” Princess Celestia apologized. “But it’s all over Twilight Sparkle, you can rest easy.” She said hoping to soothe down the purple unicorn.

“I’m just glad it’s over.” Twilight finally relaxed looking at her mentor with a warm smile on her face. “Right Ovan?” she quickly turned back to Ovan only to have her brightening mood turned grim realizing that it’s not over.

“Ovan?!” Twilight quickly rushed to Ovan side.

“What’s wrong with him?” Princess Celestia immediately followed her student.

“I-I think he is dying…” Twilight’s eyes suddenly burst into tears feeling Ovan’s pulse weakening and his breath getting shorter and shorter.

The Alicorn of the Stars - End