The Storm Aheadby Benevolent WolfChaptersFlight and FightNew Friends, Sad TalesMissionFlight and FightThe deep grey alicorn arose from his lying position on his bedroom floor and stomped his hoof. “No more. They can’t control me! I am my own pony!” He paced around, his pitch-black tail whacking his bed and knocking his pillow to the wood below. “I’ve stood around too long. I’ve let them fill my head with these lies. Well, it’s about time that I do something about it! I’m getting out of here!” The alicorn then realized that he’d shouted that last sentence, which wasn’t a good idea, considering that a guard was constantly posted right in front of his door. The flat slab of wood was pushed open as a familiar voice protested, “Oh, no, you’re not, Maelstrom Storm-Wind!” The soldier lunged for the other pony, but Maelstrom was prepared and jumped out of the way to send the guard crashing to the floor. “Sorry, Solitude,” the prisoner said as he used his magic to levitate a candle-holder, which, by a growth spell, became larger and larger until it would surely knock out somepony, if not kill them entirely upon impact. “But you won’t stop me this time, or anypony, ever again.” The levitation stopped, and a crash sent Solitude Fortress and the over-sized bronze utility through the floor to the next bedroom below, where the screams of two female alicorns who had just been talking together were painstakingly heard. That was Maelstrom’s cue to escape. The pony emerged through the glass window of his room, smashing it to pieces and leaving bleeding cuts across his body as he fell and landed on the stone layered ground below. He then turned his head back towards the place that had kept him hostage for so long, not because he would miss it; he wanted to see how many soldiers and teachers were after him. After four sets of eyes met his glowing yellow pair, he took off as fast as his long, sleek legs would take him. “Get back here!” Those demands only made Maelstrom run faster. He heard hoofsteps behind him, and it surprised him how quickly his pursuers were able to catch up to him. Even more calls were heard. “Maelstrom! Just tell us what’s happened! We’ll help you!” Maelstrom, knowing that he would surely be caught if he kept to the stone ground, suddenly spread his wings and flew off into the night sky, and his silhouette was outlined by the shining moon. It was brighter than usual tonight, and it has risen more slowly too, than it usually did. But unfortunately, it wasn’t to his advantage right now. He was trying to hide. Spying a dense forest below, he dove down into the trees, hoping his chasers wouldn’t follow. No one else would be foolish enough to dive straight into the Everfree Forest. *** Of all the ponies in Equestrian History, of the pegasi, unicorns, earth ponies, alicorns, and changelings, the Empaths are the most special… and the least known. They seemed like normal ponies, even though they were all alicorns, interacting with each other and making relationships. But they were actually quite different from the rest of the world. Because, you see, even though ponies made friends back then, and quite frequently in fact, there would always be a young filly silently crying out in desperation, searching all their life for someone to listen to them and play with them, but never found what they were looking for. They would feel all alone, until one night, they would hear a soft, gentle whisper in the darkness of their bedroom, within their tear-stained bed-sheets. “It’s alright, little one. You don’t have to be afraid. I have heard your sorrows and fears, and I am here to help you and be your guide.” The alicorn would speak. “But…” the young foal would reply. “W-who are you?” “I am Empathy.” “What’s that?” “I’m going to be your friend.” The Empath would smile and then sit down next to the filly or colt’s bed. “Now, tell me, what have you been going through?” Now the little one would talk for hours, through laughter, tears, or both combined, and they felt the Empath as just a normal friend, which was good. But they were actually even better. You see, when the Empath would hear the stories of the pony, his magic would allow him to sense exactly what the child was sensing at that moment. Then they could cry or laugh with their new friends, and actually know why. And before leaving, they would use their magic to leave a part of themselves with the pony, so they could talk to it whenever needed, for the rest of their years. But, you ask, what happens when an Empath has given out all of himself? Well, that’s the unfortunate part of this tale. The night an Empath gives out the last of their life to a young foal, their bodies die. This is why Empaths have such a small population—at least one dies every week. But their auras are ascended to the stars, where they will watch over the young ponies they have helped so long ago. But there is yet another thing you do not know about Empaths. Though most are joyful and willing to give their lives for others, there are some that are afraid. They are afraid to die. They are afraid to give up their very life. They hate their teachers and their ways, and they often attempt to escape the school they are taught in as young foals and teenagers. This is the story of one such Empath, a friendless one, all because he would not bow to the ways of his elders above him. He thought he would never die to the ways of his teachers, and brothers, and sisters. He thought he would never find a friend in his life. And so, he runs. *** “Hurry up, hurry up!” The young azure filly was becoming impatient. She irritably blew her sky blue mane out of her eyes as she watched the sun set behind the green hills far away. This was the night. The night she had waited for all her life was finally here! Oh, how the ponies below would dance! They would bask in her light, just like they did in her sister’s! But the sun couldn’t have set any slower. Suddenly, she heard her older sibling’s voice. “Luna! It is time!” Luna ran as fast as her tiny legs could take her outside of the castle walls and onto a balcony. An alicorn with a pink, sparkling mane set her hoof on the younger. “Are you ready, little sister?” “Yes, Tia.” Luna lowered her head and confidently smiled. “I am.” “Then go on ahead.” The little alicorn focused with all of her might on her horn, which, after an almost hopeless sigh from the older, started to glow. Progressively the aura around it grew brighter and brighter until both Tia and Luna could see a tad bit of white rising from behind them. Luna started to falter from weakness; she had never performed such powerful magic before, but her sister cheered her on. Maybe I should… Celestia started to think. Then she shook her head in disagreement with herself. No. This is Luna’s chance. She has waited long enough for this moment. After a few more moments of agonizing anticipation, the full white orb was fully aloft, high in the black sky, twinkling with stars. Luna collapsed immediately, but Tia caught her before a single small wing could graze the stone floor. Celestia started to worry, for her little sibling seemed unconscious, but then a small squeak made her smile. “D… Did I do it?” Tia embraced Luna tightly, saying, “Yes. You did little sister. You raised the moon!” The two jumped up and down in celebration, and after that, the dark blue alicorn looked down below. She was dismayed at her sight. “W… Where are the other ponies?” she asked, sadness creeping over her. The pink-haired pony answered tenderly. “They’re sleeping, Luna. They’ve all had a busy day. Just like you.” Tia nuzzled her sister, and then urged her off to bed. “Good night, little sister.” “Good night, big sister.” Luna blew out the candle in her room, leaving her in darkness. She was happy about what she had accomplished, but sad that ponies weren’t celebrating her moon like they did Celestia’s sun each morning. “I wish ponies would have parties for me.” She whispered as she drifted off into a dream. In her dream, the young filly saw another alicorn, a male, who was tall and dark, with pretty yellow eyes. “Who are you?” she called. The colt turned to her, and was alarmed. “Who are you?” he replied, astonished. He’d never seen this girl before, and he’d spied plenty of deep blue alicorns at the school he had run from. And she had a strange mark on her flank. It was an image of even darker blue splotches, with a white crescent moon within. “What is that, the image on your flank?” “My… flank?” Luna had no image on her flank. She hadn’t gotten her cutie mark yet. Celestia had, the first time she had raised the sun. Then the filly gasped and looked back on her plot. There was Clelestia’s cutie mark! No, it was just the same shape. This was dark blue, with a moon in the middle! It was a new cutie mark—Luna’s own cutie mark! And it was beautiful! “I got a cutie mark! I got a cutie mark! Hooray!” The alicorn bounced up and down gleefully. “Am I missing something?” the other pony asked, tilting his head. The younger filly stopped. “Well, don’t’ you know what a cutie mark is?” The grey alicorn smirked. “It sounds like something a child would make up.” Luna became defensive. “Well, it’s not! You get your cutie mark when you find your special talent! Haven’t you found your talent yet?” “I don’t have any talents,” The male pony frowned. “At least not any that are different from anypony else. Everypony I know is the same. They’re taught that way—brainwashed that way.” “Brainwashed in what way?” Luna curiously asked. The other lashed out. “I don’t have time for this! I’m waking myself up!” The princess’ eyes widened. “Wait, you know this is a dream?” “Of course I do! Can’t you feel it?” “Well, yes, but I didn’t know—” “Well now you know that I can sense dreams too! Good night, er, good morning!” The older pony levitated a rock over his head. Please wake me up, please wake me up… He stopped the levitation and the rock began to fall, but it stopped suddenly as another aura, a blue one instead of his yellow, formed around the rock, holding it in place. “What’s your name?” Luna demanded. Her eyes became slits. “Tell me.” “Maelstrom.” Maelstrom’s stronger magic took over Luna’s and he slammed the rock on his head, making him disappear without a trace. Luna smiled. “Bye, Maelstrom.” She closed her eyes tight. When she opened them again, she found herself in her bedroom, wide awake. She jumped out of bed and ran down the hall to her sister’s room, shouting, “Tia! Tia Tia Tia!” When she arrived, she jumped on Celestia. “Wake up!” “Uhn… Yes, Luna?” Celestia said drowsily. “Tia! I got my cutie mark! Then I went into someone else’s dream and he was this tall boy alicorn and his name was Maelstrom and he didn’t’ know what a cutie mark was, so I told him and then he woke himself up by dropping a rock on his head!” Luna laughed. “It was the funniest thing ever!” “That’s wonderful,” Celestia smiled. “Well, you can tell me even more in the morning. It’s still hours before I have to raise the sun!” She nuzzled her young sibling. “I love you, little sister.” “I love you too, big sister.” Then Luna was off to bed again, skipping merrily as she went. *** Maelstrom’s eyes opened. It was still dark. Served him right for waking himself up. But that little filly was way too curious, and annoying to boot. But, that’s just the way many foals are. It was certainly the way he once was. But he had no time to reminisce as he heard a rustling in some bushes not far away. Either it was a forest creature, or… The alicorn jumped to his hooves, ready to make a run for it. He leapt for a group of trees nearby, but another pony tackled him and pinned him to the grass. Before he could even think about speaking a word, a hoof thumped over his muzzle and stayed there. “Listen to me, Maelstrom Storm-Wind,” a female voice whispered. Maelstrom listened, not because he was afraid, but because there really was nothing else to do. His captor was a hooded pony, with a long horn much like Maelstrom’s own grey one but with a green tint to its color instead. Her wings, two bulges protruding from either side of her cape, showed, revealing her as an alicorn. She didn’t look like anypony Maelstrom had seen before, but she looked young enough to be a student. The green alicorn must have noticed that Maelstrom was off in his own world, because she shoved her free hoof into the other’s chest, and shout-whispered, “Pay attention! I can do one of two things, Maelstrom. First,” she illuminated her horn. “I could send up a signal flare so the soldiers know I’ve found you. Then we’ll take you back, put you in a detention cell, and possibly leave you there for longer than ever before.” The grey colt struggled under the female’s hostile hold, grunting while trying to break free. But she snarled. “Or!” That shut Maelstrom up. She continued in a less threatening voice and sighed. “Or, I could let you go to do all the moronic things you’ve dreamed of instead of going back, where they’ll just hold you until you’re grown, and you’ll never be happy. But, you can never return to the school, or, as a graduate and training soldier, I will be forced to take you in again.” The mention about being a graduate jerked Maelstrom’s memory. This wasn’t anypony he hadn’t met before. This was the first pony he’d seen when he was taken to the school. This was QuillHeart Strong-Hooves, his first real friend. But she was moved up in rank at the school a couple years later, and never seen again by Maelstrom. But now here she was. The only thing that confused him was why QuillHeart was a soldier trainee. Only the Empaths with no Empathy ability would be turned into soldiers, and they would stay at the school guarding until natural death was brought on them. But Quill had a lot of empathy. She knew exactly how Maelstrom was feeling when he’d talk to her, and she wasn’t lying because he could see the ability in her. Strange. Quill released her old friend and as Maelstrom stood, he was about to ask her why she was going to be a soldier when she interrupted. “One more thing, Maelstrom.” Then she wrapped her hoof around the grey alicorn’s neck and pushed her lips against his. A fiery feeling surged through both ponies, and both fell into it. It lasted for several seconds before QuillHeart let go. “Q-Quill!” Maelstrom stuttered, his heart racing. He had no idea she felt so passionate about him. He stumbled and looked behind him to balance himself out, and when he faced forward again, QuillHeart was gone. Go, he felt his heart telling him. He raced off into the forest without another thought. *** “Did you find him?” “He’s gone, Iron Trot.” Quillheart replied to her master, another alicorn but a light, dusty brown color, after she had flown back to where he hovered. He flew alone. The veteran soldier lowered his head. “That’s because you let him go.” Quill was surprised. Had he seen the whole conversation between her and Maelstrom? As she was about to protest, Iron Trot plunged into her, sending them both through the trees and onto the dirt below. The soldier pinned her down and his horn glowed bright. “You love him. You always did love him! I told you to let him go years back!” He shoved his hoof into the green pony’s chest, causing her breathing to become heavy. “I don’t understand. You lost your Empathy.” “I… may have lost my ability to empathize,” QuillHeart managed to squeak out. “But I still… have… my feelings in tact… Something that neither you… nor the other soldiers have managed to keep!” Quill then used her hind legs to kick Iron Trot into the air, and she flew upward, slamming him into the ground and hearing the sound of breaking wings. Feeling triumphant at first, she became ashamed of what she had just done to her trainer and friend from over the years, so she put her wing under his body and helped him to his feet, saying, “Forgive me, master. That was rash and foolish of me. I disobeyed orders and let my heart control me instead of my head.” Iron Trot weakly smiled painfully. “We all have our moments, young one,” the alicorn said forgivingly. But then his horn again lit up. “But that won’t matter when you’re gone.” Quill gasped and dropped Trot. “W… What are you saying?” she nervously asked, backing up towards some bushes. Iron Trot’s horn only grew brighter. “Take this as a favor, QuillHeart Strong-Hooves. They would only imprison you back at the institution.” The soldier started to laugh softly, then maniacally. “But I am sparing you all that. I am putting you out of your misery early!” Quill dug her fore-hooves into the ground, bracing herself for what was yet to come. *** Maelstrom had been flying, thinking about Quill, and the sudden kiss, when he heard a loud explosion from behind him. The sound knocked him one hundred feet again through the trees of the forest, and the impact of the growing influenced unconsciousness immediately. New Friends, Sad TalesMaelstrom awakened to the sound of singing birds. It was something that he’d never heard in the Empath Institution. It was… beautiful. The alicorn arose and started to observe his surroundings. Forest—that was all he saw. Trees, grass, flowers… wait. Those flowers looked strange. They had blue petals, each with one darker blue stripe down its middle. White stems came up from the middle. They didn’t look like any flowers maelstrom had encountered before, but… Rumble. The pony then realized how hungry he was. He didn’t usually eat flowers, only sometimes at the school when they were served as a dessert. But those flowers couldn’t compare to the beauty of these. They looked almost magical. Cautiously, Maelstrom leaned down and tore off a petal with his teeth. Slowly chewing, he found that the taste was even better than the appearance. He ate another petal, and another, until he had consumed five flowers wholly. They tasted magical, too. After a few seconds, the alicorn felt a pull. And this wasn’t an emotional pull—it was a literal push. He was suddenly being hurled backwards, and, even though he slammed into some trees painfully, he kept going. He was only astonished until he realized where he was actually being pulled—back towards the institution! It was quite a distance, but, at the speed he was going, he would be there in an hour, give or take a few minutes. Maelstrom wondered how this could happen, and it confused him out of his mind, but he was a bit more focused on stopping himself! He tried grabbing onto trees, but his grip would falter. He attempted holding his hooves on the ground, but they just dragged and, because of friction, nearly caught on fire! Taking his hooves off the ground immediately, he realized the last option he had left, at least in his mind. Maelstrom was heading for a giant boulder sitting amongst the trees of the forest. Not knowing what else to do, the alicorn lowered his head, now facing the rock, and braced for impact. But instead of what he thought would happen, which was his horn driving into the rock, stopping him from flinging any further, he was flung the other way! Then it hit him. Wherever his back was facing, that was where he would go. Although Maelstrom was relieved for a moment, the pain of hitting the same trees he had while going the other way made him wish there were another way to break this curse. Curse… magic… that’s it! The flowers didn’t just look and taste funny; they were funny, actually magical! Okay, that was all fine and dandy, except for the bulging pain in Maelstrom’s head, but how did he stop this hurtful plant prank? Not far off, a striped pony-like creature was preparing an herbal bath to soak in. But he was surprised when a much larger pony crashed into the mixture. The creature exclaimed, startled. But as the intruder stood up, the surprised feeling turned into awe. It was an alicorn. Maelstrom turned to the creature. “Heh heh. Sorry.” He slowly started to walk away, but the creature shouted. “Halt!” Maelstrom stopped dead in his tracks. “Do not worry, I’m not enflamed, but I just wish to know your name. You’re a species of pony I’ve seen before, but they’re extinct, by Equestrian lore.” The alicorn was confused by the rhymes of this being, but he answered, “My name is Maelstrom. I am an Empath.” “Ah, yes, yes, those ponies of old. But, hm, from what I’ve been told, an Empath flies around the world, helping little foal boys and girls.” The creature gasped. “Oh my, ha-have you run away, to flee from your old elders’ ways? For though a young one should follow their heart, to turn from their family is a bad start.” Maelstrom tilted his head. This… thing seemed to know about Empaths. But what was it, or he? “What are you?” “I am a zebra, from a far off place, but I came here for a different taste. For my family was so strange, but now I wish I would have stayed. My name is Zarcotan, and I live in this oak.” He directed his hoof to a wide tree behind him. “But all I can eat is poison joke. Therefore I must take this bath every day, to wash the plant’s cruel curse away.” Despite all the rhyme, which was a bit annoying, the story was quite confusing and sad. Maelstrom had to ask, “Why can you only eat poison joke?” Poison joke, the colt assumed, was that blue flower. “Why didn’t’ you stay in your home? What was your life like back then?” The alicorn silenced himself before he could say another word. Those were too many questions already. Zartoran stared Maelstrom in the eye and began his tale. *** Zarcotan was born to a peasant family of zebras. They lived in the savanna among others of their same type, and were watched over by a great master zebra, who they called “Inkosi”. Inkosi was a proud king, and, though not in bad pride, announced his tribe to the world. All the other tribes bowed. Inkosi’s tribe was the best in all the land, without a blemish in it… until a new foal was born. For generations, zebras only ate savanna grass, and they stayed away from the mysterious blie flowers that grew on the other side of the land. The new colt could not eat any of the usual grass, and therefore, his parents decided to feed him the new plant. The foal started to turn green and grow pink spots all over his body. All of the zebras tried to find a cure. It took weeks. While the weeks went by, other tribes started to notice something… different about Inkosi’s group. They were more withdrawn, because they were frequently searching for a cure for Zarcotan. But one fateful day, a leader from another tribe visited Inkosi; he wanted to see what his old friend had been up to. Playfully peering into other peasant’s huts, he suddenly spied a young colt alone in his home—and he was green and pink! The leader was frightened by this creature and ran back to his tribe as fast as he could. His people were very much afraid of strange creatures, and when they had learned of the colt, they told the other tribe leaders. Inkosi was not aware of this at all, for he was still searching with the other zebras. But, one day, he heard a zebra voice. “There he is! The king who let the monster into his tribe!” Inkosi turned immediately to see many other tribes before him, with weapons in hand. Inkosi’s friends all stopped scouring and, withdrawing spears, gathered around to defend him. The other tribes walked away, because even though there were many of them, Inkosi had the toughest fighters. They would not stop in a war until the enemy was dead. It was no use fighting an impossible battle. Zebras found herbs all over, and made baths that they made Zarcotan soak in, but they all failed until one peasant found the right plant. Zarcotan bathed and was healed. But everyone found that the “poison joke” was the only thing the foal could eat. Every other food would make him uncontrollably queasy and sick. So he would soak everyday and it would cure him of any disease, which, though no one would admit it, sometimes they were pretty funny. Everyone would hold back snickers if Zarcotan had hiccups that would spray sparkling dust everywhere. Inkosi’s tribe would always be frowned down upon through the years because of Zarcotan’s strange conditions. And the colt was tired of the zebra’s ways. He wanted to find new cultures and explore them! Plus, he was sick of being teased. Perhaps there was a place that wouldn’t look down on the now teenage zebra. So, in the night, he ran away, grabbing some of the poison joke and the herbs and stuffing them in a small sack he threw over his back. Then he was off. Zarcotan traveled everywhere. He met new creatures similar to him called ponies, and buffalo, and even encountered some dragons and hydras. Zarcotan would have liked to remember slicing them to bits and becoming the hero, but he actually ran away most of the time. When he didn’t, he was almost killed. So, his life became exciting, but depressing at the same time. Because, even though new cultures welcomed him in warmly, they soon discovered his condition, and shunned him away every single time. The ponies would make sure to tell their children and grandchildren to stray from these beings. The zebra became tired of being treated the same way he was at home, so he decided to build a house within a wide tree in a deep forest, where no one would find him and criticize him again. Zarcotan closed the old book he’d written in. “That is, I thought no one the zebra would find, until you came, oh stranger of kind.” Maelstrom nodded slowly, processing the new information. “So you ran away because you were judged, and you wanted to find a place where no one would judge you again, correct?” the pony exclaimed in pain as the book was again opened—and sharply closed on his nose. “Did you not listen to the ending, young colt?!” Zarcotan yelled. Maelstrom was about to shout in ager, but stopped and began to smile. “So… you can speak without rhyming.” The zebra sighed. “When my native language is translated to that of a pony’s, it naturally has a poetic tune. I simply choose, you see, to rhyme because of my people it does remind.” Zarcotan looked up at the taller alicorn. “Now, why did you run away? And where have you come from in your dismay?” “I came from an Empath Institution.” “A what?” “An Empath Institution; it’s where they train Empaths to become, well, Empaths or, if they lose their ability, soldiers.” Maelstrom answered. Zarcotan looked confused. “Never have I heard of such an idiotic idea! Empaths cannot lose their power! It can only be taken away by the strongest magic!” the zebra shook his head. “I have no idea what this place you speak of is, but, I tell you the truth, it is not a true Empath Institute.” Anfter some more pondering, he spoke again. “In fact, I have met Empaths, and they train their children at home! Never has there ever been a school for them.” Even though he disbelieved his new acquaintance, Maelstrom’s memory was suddenly jogged as he remembered what had really happened the day he was entered in the Institution. Young foal Maelstrom was sitting on the floor of his home, playing happily with his toys, and his mother was watching over him. His father had gone to war a month ago. Suddenly, two alicorns in armor burst in and grabbed the colt. His mother screamed as one soldier shouted, “Singing Breeze, neither you nor your husband shall see this child again!” When Singing Breeze tried to stop them from abducting her child, the other soldier took his spear and ran it through her, killing her instantly. They closed the door as blood seeped out of the bottom and flew off. “No!” Maelstrom screamed. He fell to the ground and sobbed. “No…” “It’s alright, young Empath.” Zacotan put his hoof on the colt. “It’s alright.” From that day on, Maelstrom vowed that he would avenge his mother’s murder, find his father, and overthrow the so-called “Institution”. And Zarcotan vowed to be his guide. *** And so, the years went by. Maelstrom trained under Zarcotan's mentorship. And, Princess Luna raised the moon every night, and watched the ponies sleep under it, wishing they would appreciate it as much as they did her sister's sun. But she would go into a pony’s dream every night as well and aid them. It was a just a small token of her power. The princess wished that she could show more, but her sister ruled in the day. She was kept silent. One night, the mare Luna found herself in a dream she found to be familiar. The settings were a dark forest at night—a setting she knew far too well from one other dream in her foalhood. Before her stood another sight she remotely knew: a tall grey alicorn stallion with black flowing hair, wings spread like a warrior ready to strike. A name came to Luna’s mind. “Maelstrom?” The stallion turned his head toward the princess. “You?! You were in that dream, from my—” “Foalhood!” Luna interrupted. She cleared her throat. “I… never introduced myself. My name is Luna, and I am, as some would say, the Princess of the Night. I raise the moon you see in your awake life after each sunset.” “I remember you completely.” Maelstrom chuckled a bit. “You were annoying.” Luna was taken aback. “I… I beg your pardon! Annoying?” She got in a defensive stance. “Who do you think you are?” The grey alicorn stood up proud and tall. “I am a warrior, princess. I am here to avenge what has been done to my family and vanquish the lies told to me as a colt; for I was once part of a colony that would fly across the world, giving up their lives for the children that were alone at night, with no one. Someday I wish to fulfill that, after my priorities have been cared for.” Luna was intrigued. So she asked more. Maelstrom answered more. "So, what colony is this that you speak of?" "My lady, I am an Empath. For thousands of years, we have flown across the worlds, aiding young ponies with troubles. We hear their cries and come to rescue them and become their friend." Luna hung her head. "If only you knew the troubles I have currently. I could use one of you to come to my rescue." She walked up close to Maelstrom and set her hoof on his chest. "Will you come to my aid tonight?" The grey alicorn shook his head sadly. "Forgive me, Luna. i have much training to do. I must find the conspirators of my parents' death and my own corruption." Luna was about to weep, but she held back her tears and held up her head. “It is time that I must go.” “I must, too, for it is time for my training.” The stallion started to walk away. “Wait!” the princess called. “Will you find me? After you have completed your goals?” Maelstrom nodded. “I promise.” He trotted off into the darkness, leaving Luna no choice but to blink back to her reality. Luna sighed as she awakened. “I shall cry every night for you.” MissionA pegasus soldier stood at the door of the Empath Institute, guarding his position with an emotionless face. Ever since the incident with the escaped student two years ago, security had been heightened ninety percent. The guard didn’t know why; no one had tried to rebel since. It was only that one student that had actually gotten away. There was really no need for worry. But his mind changed in a moment when a sack was thrown over his head and he was pulled into some bushes. “Help!” he tried to exclaim, but it ended up sound like “Mrph!” Maelstrom didn’t have much time. It would be moments before the others would discover their soldier was missing. So he would have to become the soldier himself. Tearing the sack off of his victim’s head, the guard started to shout. “Alert! Alert! Hel—” But using his unicorn horn, Maelstrom shut the soldier up—literally. His lips were stuck together, preventing any more calling for help. It wouldn’t last forever, but it would be just enough time to get the job done. After summoning some ropes with his magic, the grey alicorn bound the guard and stripped him of his armor, setting it on himself. It looked a bit awkward on him because, since this armor was custom-made for a Pegasus, his horn blocked the helmet from securely sitting upon Maelstrom’s head. “Now for a disguise spell,” Maelstrom murmured as once again his horn lit up and disappeared. Well, it disappeared at least to the naked eye. His helmet still was jerked back a bit, and the horn could still be spotted with magic, but though a magic frisk could happen to Maelstrom, he didn’t care. His intentions were not to completely infiltrate the school. His mission was much simpler. Taking his place at the real soldier’s post, he suddenly jumped when he felt a touch on his shoulder. “Alright, time for post switch. Take your place inside.” Another guard monotonously commanded. Maelstrom wasn’t going to argue. He saluted and marched inside the Institution, thinking to himself, phase one: complete. “So, what happened next?” Maelstrom came across two other soldiers conversing, a young recruit and an older veteran. The elder, an alicorn with one eye missing, had been telling a story to the other, a unicorn; the first unicorn soldier Maelstrom had seen in the Institution in all his years, in fact. All the others had either been alicorns, the students that had supposedly lost their Empathy or pegasi, which, from Maelstrom’s memory, had supposedly been recruits from the streets that the school leaders would find and hire. But, that had always seemed suspicious to the colt, for many of the pegasi he saw had resemblances to that of students he’d seen around the Institution. “Well, I called the filly up, chewed her out,” the brown alicorn paused and put up his hooves. “And gave her what for!” He punched the air, and though he was fierce, a loud cracking sound stopped him in his actions and sent him to the ground. “Oh, that old back!” “Iron Trot!” the unicorn chided. “You can’t keep jumping around like this! You’re not young anymore!” He helped the alicorn up from the ground. Iron Trot huffed as he brushed the colt off of him. “I know, I know. I just get overexcited. You know how much I love to tell my tales.” The soldier then cleared his throat. “Now, may I continue?” “Of course! What happened to QuillHeart?” Maelstrom burst out from behind the two ponies. “QuillHeart Strong-Hooves?!” The unicorn yelped in surprise and jumped behind Iron Trot. The old alicorn squinted at the pegasus with the off-balance helmet and growled. “A spy!” He slowly walked around Maelstrom, muttering to himself. “Come to listen in on my—” he pushed his face against the nervous, still pony’s own. “SECRETS?” Iron Trot’s horn glowed, and the grey alicorn knew that if he didn’t do something, he was going to be found out. Iron Trot, upon performing a magic frisk, would see Maelstrom’s horn, and would recognize the colt that he and his comrades had pursued those some years ago. And that would not be a good thing. “N-no, sir,” Maelstrom stuttered. “I was just taking my new post… And I overheard your conversation. Forgive me for intruding; I’m a new recruit.” The unicorn was skeptical as he said, “If you’re a new recruit, then how would you know about Iron Trot’s old apprentice?” Now the alicorn was in trouble. “Um, well, I’ve heard the name float around here sometimes. You know, overhearing conversations and the like.” A sheepish smile followed. Iron Trot was not amused. “Andro, seize him!” The brown alicorn commanded, and before Maelstrom could even think of getting away, multiple rings of blue magic bound his back and front hooves, and tightened over his muzzle. “That was a nice try for an excuse, Maelstrom Storm-Wind. But no one has spoken of QuillHeart since the day you left. And therefore, by order on the day of years ago, we are taking you in to the Council.” The grey alicorn shook his head violently and tried to charge the other pony, but lost his balance and fell to the ground. Iron Trot smiled. “There’s no need to struggle. No one is going to hurt you. That is…” The alicorn used his hoof to raise Maelstrom’s head. “Unless the Council decides to give you due punishment.” The emphasis on that last word indicated that the consequences for runaways were not merciful. Iron Trot and Andro dragged the subdued alicorn down a hidden flight of stairs. These, Maelstrom assumed, led to the Council’s court. But while descending, the young unicorn soldier faltered and some of his magic disappeared, freeing Maelstrom’s muzzle. Without hesitation, the captive demanded, “How were you sure it was me?!” “Silence!” Andro regained balance and was about to silence the alicorn once again, but his elder guard put a hoof up and smiled grimly. The unicorn took a step back, lowering his head a bit; this symbolized submission to his mentor. “Oh, dear Maelstrom, you really don’t know how close you two were, do you?” The brown alicorn put on a face of forged sympathy. “You see, I was once her mentor, and she told me everything.Everything. So I know quite a lot about you, you see. Such as, she told me your scent, your exact color, your personality…” Iron Trot’s voice was growing more excited and bold, almost maniacal. “I know EVERYTHING about you, Maelstrom Storm-Wind!” He laughed a terrifying laugh that made the prisoner shake, and even Andro backed away in fear. But after a few seconds more, Iron Trot calmed down and continued. “You know, QuillHeart said that you were the only one besides me that knew her last name. I suppose you know why, don’t you?” Most members of Quill’s family were outlaws among all of Equestria. Thankfully, she had told Maelstrom, she wandered into the Institution after running away from her home one night. The Council took her in and, even though she was just a normal Earth pony, made her an alicorn and granted her the ability to become an Empath. She was the most unique of all the students, for her beautiful green coat was unmatchable in appearance. But no one knew what family she belonged to, except for Iron Trot and Maelstrom themselves, her only true friends, for if anyone else found out, she would be taken away from everything. Her family, her friends, her life. “I was her only friend, beside you of course, and she confided in me every day. And I kept all of her secrets—until you ran away that fateful night.” The soldier tilted his head as a gleaming, crazy smile appeared on his face. “Did you ever wonder what caused that explosion the night you fled?” With no answer, Iron continued. “Well, I can tell you this: QuillHeart never did have a proper burial.” Maelstrom’s horn glowed brighter with magic than Andro had seen a horn glow ever in his life. The unicorn was a bit too late to teleport as he was blinded by white. *** The Institution Council had been in court holding a trial for an attempted runaway when an explosion occurred. One member shouted, “The god has returned in anger!” and the whole room was filled with light. Ponies screamed and tried to run, but all were engulfed. *** Zarcotan had been working on his herbal bath when an exploding boom from far away made him drop the herbs. “Heilige kak!” the zebra exclaimed. He would have said this in Equestrian, but the poison joke he had just eaten allowed him only to speak in a language from one of the tribes from his old home. “Wat aan die gang?” He looked to the sky and saw a ring of white light stream across the sky. Recognizing the aura from which the light had come, he said to himself. “Maalstroom.” Zarcotan ran from his home and out of the forest. After running for quite a long time, he came across a large pile of debris far up ahead. But he stopped to observe the body right in front of him. It was a blue unicorn, bruised and seemingly dead. “Nie, nie… Maalstroom gegaan het op ‘n rampage… Ek het geweet dat sy krag was onstabiel!” Zarcotan shook his head sadly and was about to move on when the unicorn stirred. Filled with sympathy, Zarcotan pulled the pony onto his back and went on toward the debris, finding dead ponies, mostly alicorns and some pegasi, dead on the ground. It saddened him. Had Maelstrom accidentally done this? Or had he… “Nie!” Zarcotan scolded himself. “Maalstroom nooit sou gedoen het doelbewus!” The zebra sighed. Or would he? Zarcotan continued on, searching for his friend and student, losing more hope with every step. *** “Hello? Is anyone here? Hello?” Come here, my child. “What? Who is this?” I am your father. “Pardon me, sir, but my father’s voice is not like that of yours.” No, no. I am your new father, child. A hoof pounded on the ground. “I will only have one father! And you are not him!” But a nervousness crept back. “Who… are you?” I am Regulus, Prince of the Stars. I aid the Princess of the Night from afar. You, my dear, have died, and you no longer dwell in the place of the living. But, if you will accept, I will become your new father, and watch over you with my other children that live with me among these stars. A black hoof outstretched, surrounded by mist and sparkling with stars. So, will you accept, QuillHeart Strong-Hooves? How in the world did this pony know the green alicorn's name? Why did he want her to be his child? But, she did seem to have died in the blast Iron Trot sent at her. She didn't have anypony to watch over her in this strange new world. After some thought, QuillHeart put her hoof in the other, and she and the king of the stars walked off into the mist. Even though Quill had died, she had found life again.
Flight and FightThe deep grey alicorn arose from his lying position on his bedroom floor and stomped his hoof. “No more. They can’t control me! I am my own pony!” He paced around, his pitch-black tail whacking his bed and knocking his pillow to the wood below. “I’ve stood around too long. I’ve let them fill my head with these lies. Well, it’s about time that I do something about it! I’m getting out of here!” The alicorn then realized that he’d shouted that last sentence, which wasn’t a good idea, considering that a guard was constantly posted right in front of his door. The flat slab of wood was pushed open as a familiar voice protested, “Oh, no, you’re not, Maelstrom Storm-Wind!” The soldier lunged for the other pony, but Maelstrom was prepared and jumped out of the way to send the guard crashing to the floor. “Sorry, Solitude,” the prisoner said as he used his magic to levitate a candle-holder, which, by a growth spell, became larger and larger until it would surely knock out somepony, if not kill them entirely upon impact. “But you won’t stop me this time, or anypony, ever again.” The levitation stopped, and a crash sent Solitude Fortress and the over-sized bronze utility through the floor to the next bedroom below, where the screams of two female alicorns who had just been talking together were painstakingly heard. That was Maelstrom’s cue to escape. The pony emerged through the glass window of his room, smashing it to pieces and leaving bleeding cuts across his body as he fell and landed on the stone layered ground below. He then turned his head back towards the place that had kept him hostage for so long, not because he would miss it; he wanted to see how many soldiers and teachers were after him. After four sets of eyes met his glowing yellow pair, he took off as fast as his long, sleek legs would take him. “Get back here!” Those demands only made Maelstrom run faster. He heard hoofsteps behind him, and it surprised him how quickly his pursuers were able to catch up to him. Even more calls were heard. “Maelstrom! Just tell us what’s happened! We’ll help you!” Maelstrom, knowing that he would surely be caught if he kept to the stone ground, suddenly spread his wings and flew off into the night sky, and his silhouette was outlined by the shining moon. It was brighter than usual tonight, and it has risen more slowly too, than it usually did. But unfortunately, it wasn’t to his advantage right now. He was trying to hide. Spying a dense forest below, he dove down into the trees, hoping his chasers wouldn’t follow. No one else would be foolish enough to dive straight into the Everfree Forest. *** Of all the ponies in Equestrian History, of the pegasi, unicorns, earth ponies, alicorns, and changelings, the Empaths are the most special… and the least known. They seemed like normal ponies, even though they were all alicorns, interacting with each other and making relationships. But they were actually quite different from the rest of the world. Because, you see, even though ponies made friends back then, and quite frequently in fact, there would always be a young filly silently crying out in desperation, searching all their life for someone to listen to them and play with them, but never found what they were looking for. They would feel all alone, until one night, they would hear a soft, gentle whisper in the darkness of their bedroom, within their tear-stained bed-sheets. “It’s alright, little one. You don’t have to be afraid. I have heard your sorrows and fears, and I am here to help you and be your guide.” The alicorn would speak. “But…” the young foal would reply. “W-who are you?” “I am Empathy.” “What’s that?” “I’m going to be your friend.” The Empath would smile and then sit down next to the filly or colt’s bed. “Now, tell me, what have you been going through?” Now the little one would talk for hours, through laughter, tears, or both combined, and they felt the Empath as just a normal friend, which was good. But they were actually even better. You see, when the Empath would hear the stories of the pony, his magic would allow him to sense exactly what the child was sensing at that moment. Then they could cry or laugh with their new friends, and actually know why. And before leaving, they would use their magic to leave a part of themselves with the pony, so they could talk to it whenever needed, for the rest of their years. But, you ask, what happens when an Empath has given out all of himself? Well, that’s the unfortunate part of this tale. The night an Empath gives out the last of their life to a young foal, their bodies die. This is why Empaths have such a small population—at least one dies every week. But their auras are ascended to the stars, where they will watch over the young ponies they have helped so long ago. But there is yet another thing you do not know about Empaths. Though most are joyful and willing to give their lives for others, there are some that are afraid. They are afraid to die. They are afraid to give up their very life. They hate their teachers and their ways, and they often attempt to escape the school they are taught in as young foals and teenagers. This is the story of one such Empath, a friendless one, all because he would not bow to the ways of his elders above him. He thought he would never die to the ways of his teachers, and brothers, and sisters. He thought he would never find a friend in his life. And so, he runs. *** “Hurry up, hurry up!” The young azure filly was becoming impatient. She irritably blew her sky blue mane out of her eyes as she watched the sun set behind the green hills far away. This was the night. The night she had waited for all her life was finally here! Oh, how the ponies below would dance! They would bask in her light, just like they did in her sister’s! But the sun couldn’t have set any slower. Suddenly, she heard her older sibling’s voice. “Luna! It is time!” Luna ran as fast as her tiny legs could take her outside of the castle walls and onto a balcony. An alicorn with a pink, sparkling mane set her hoof on the younger. “Are you ready, little sister?” “Yes, Tia.” Luna lowered her head and confidently smiled. “I am.” “Then go on ahead.” The little alicorn focused with all of her might on her horn, which, after an almost hopeless sigh from the older, started to glow. Progressively the aura around it grew brighter and brighter until both Tia and Luna could see a tad bit of white rising from behind them. Luna started to falter from weakness; she had never performed such powerful magic before, but her sister cheered her on. Maybe I should… Celestia started to think. Then she shook her head in disagreement with herself. No. This is Luna’s chance. She has waited long enough for this moment. After a few more moments of agonizing anticipation, the full white orb was fully aloft, high in the black sky, twinkling with stars. Luna collapsed immediately, but Tia caught her before a single small wing could graze the stone floor. Celestia started to worry, for her little sibling seemed unconscious, but then a small squeak made her smile. “D… Did I do it?” Tia embraced Luna tightly, saying, “Yes. You did little sister. You raised the moon!” The two jumped up and down in celebration, and after that, the dark blue alicorn looked down below. She was dismayed at her sight. “W… Where are the other ponies?” she asked, sadness creeping over her. The pink-haired pony answered tenderly. “They’re sleeping, Luna. They’ve all had a busy day. Just like you.” Tia nuzzled her sister, and then urged her off to bed. “Good night, little sister.” “Good night, big sister.” Luna blew out the candle in her room, leaving her in darkness. She was happy about what she had accomplished, but sad that ponies weren’t celebrating her moon like they did Celestia’s sun each morning. “I wish ponies would have parties for me.” She whispered as she drifted off into a dream. In her dream, the young filly saw another alicorn, a male, who was tall and dark, with pretty yellow eyes. “Who are you?” she called. The colt turned to her, and was alarmed. “Who are you?” he replied, astonished. He’d never seen this girl before, and he’d spied plenty of deep blue alicorns at the school he had run from. And she had a strange mark on her flank. It was an image of even darker blue splotches, with a white crescent moon within. “What is that, the image on your flank?” “My… flank?” Luna had no image on her flank. She hadn’t gotten her cutie mark yet. Celestia had, the first time she had raised the sun. Then the filly gasped and looked back on her plot. There was Clelestia’s cutie mark! No, it was just the same shape. This was dark blue, with a moon in the middle! It was a new cutie mark—Luna’s own cutie mark! And it was beautiful! “I got a cutie mark! I got a cutie mark! Hooray!” The alicorn bounced up and down gleefully. “Am I missing something?” the other pony asked, tilting his head. The younger filly stopped. “Well, don’t’ you know what a cutie mark is?” The grey alicorn smirked. “It sounds like something a child would make up.” Luna became defensive. “Well, it’s not! You get your cutie mark when you find your special talent! Haven’t you found your talent yet?” “I don’t have any talents,” The male pony frowned. “At least not any that are different from anypony else. Everypony I know is the same. They’re taught that way—brainwashed that way.” “Brainwashed in what way?” Luna curiously asked. The other lashed out. “I don’t have time for this! I’m waking myself up!” The princess’ eyes widened. “Wait, you know this is a dream?” “Of course I do! Can’t you feel it?” “Well, yes, but I didn’t know—” “Well now you know that I can sense dreams too! Good night, er, good morning!” The older pony levitated a rock over his head. Please wake me up, please wake me up… He stopped the levitation and the rock began to fall, but it stopped suddenly as another aura, a blue one instead of his yellow, formed around the rock, holding it in place. “What’s your name?” Luna demanded. Her eyes became slits. “Tell me.” “Maelstrom.” Maelstrom’s stronger magic took over Luna’s and he slammed the rock on his head, making him disappear without a trace. Luna smiled. “Bye, Maelstrom.” She closed her eyes tight. When she opened them again, she found herself in her bedroom, wide awake. She jumped out of bed and ran down the hall to her sister’s room, shouting, “Tia! Tia Tia Tia!” When she arrived, she jumped on Celestia. “Wake up!” “Uhn… Yes, Luna?” Celestia said drowsily. “Tia! I got my cutie mark! Then I went into someone else’s dream and he was this tall boy alicorn and his name was Maelstrom and he didn’t’ know what a cutie mark was, so I told him and then he woke himself up by dropping a rock on his head!” Luna laughed. “It was the funniest thing ever!” “That’s wonderful,” Celestia smiled. “Well, you can tell me even more in the morning. It’s still hours before I have to raise the sun!” She nuzzled her young sibling. “I love you, little sister.” “I love you too, big sister.” Then Luna was off to bed again, skipping merrily as she went. *** Maelstrom’s eyes opened. It was still dark. Served him right for waking himself up. But that little filly was way too curious, and annoying to boot. But, that’s just the way many foals are. It was certainly the way he once was. But he had no time to reminisce as he heard a rustling in some bushes not far away. Either it was a forest creature, or… The alicorn jumped to his hooves, ready to make a run for it. He leapt for a group of trees nearby, but another pony tackled him and pinned him to the grass. Before he could even think about speaking a word, a hoof thumped over his muzzle and stayed there. “Listen to me, Maelstrom Storm-Wind,” a female voice whispered. Maelstrom listened, not because he was afraid, but because there really was nothing else to do. His captor was a hooded pony, with a long horn much like Maelstrom’s own grey one but with a green tint to its color instead. Her wings, two bulges protruding from either side of her cape, showed, revealing her as an alicorn. She didn’t look like anypony Maelstrom had seen before, but she looked young enough to be a student. The green alicorn must have noticed that Maelstrom was off in his own world, because she shoved her free hoof into the other’s chest, and shout-whispered, “Pay attention! I can do one of two things, Maelstrom. First,” she illuminated her horn. “I could send up a signal flare so the soldiers know I’ve found you. Then we’ll take you back, put you in a detention cell, and possibly leave you there for longer than ever before.” The grey colt struggled under the female’s hostile hold, grunting while trying to break free. But she snarled. “Or!” That shut Maelstrom up. She continued in a less threatening voice and sighed. “Or, I could let you go to do all the moronic things you’ve dreamed of instead of going back, where they’ll just hold you until you’re grown, and you’ll never be happy. But, you can never return to the school, or, as a graduate and training soldier, I will be forced to take you in again.” The mention about being a graduate jerked Maelstrom’s memory. This wasn’t anypony he hadn’t met before. This was the first pony he’d seen when he was taken to the school. This was QuillHeart Strong-Hooves, his first real friend. But she was moved up in rank at the school a couple years later, and never seen again by Maelstrom. But now here she was. The only thing that confused him was why QuillHeart was a soldier trainee. Only the Empaths with no Empathy ability would be turned into soldiers, and they would stay at the school guarding until natural death was brought on them. But Quill had a lot of empathy. She knew exactly how Maelstrom was feeling when he’d talk to her, and she wasn’t lying because he could see the ability in her. Strange. Quill released her old friend and as Maelstrom stood, he was about to ask her why she was going to be a soldier when she interrupted. “One more thing, Maelstrom.” Then she wrapped her hoof around the grey alicorn’s neck and pushed her lips against his. A fiery feeling surged through both ponies, and both fell into it. It lasted for several seconds before QuillHeart let go. “Q-Quill!” Maelstrom stuttered, his heart racing. He had no idea she felt so passionate about him. He stumbled and looked behind him to balance himself out, and when he faced forward again, QuillHeart was gone. Go, he felt his heart telling him. He raced off into the forest without another thought. *** “Did you find him?” “He’s gone, Iron Trot.” Quillheart replied to her master, another alicorn but a light, dusty brown color, after she had flown back to where he hovered. He flew alone. The veteran soldier lowered his head. “That’s because you let him go.” Quill was surprised. Had he seen the whole conversation between her and Maelstrom? As she was about to protest, Iron Trot plunged into her, sending them both through the trees and onto the dirt below. The soldier pinned her down and his horn glowed bright. “You love him. You always did love him! I told you to let him go years back!” He shoved his hoof into the green pony’s chest, causing her breathing to become heavy. “I don’t understand. You lost your Empathy.” “I… may have lost my ability to empathize,” QuillHeart managed to squeak out. “But I still… have… my feelings in tact… Something that neither you… nor the other soldiers have managed to keep!” Quill then used her hind legs to kick Iron Trot into the air, and she flew upward, slamming him into the ground and hearing the sound of breaking wings. Feeling triumphant at first, she became ashamed of what she had just done to her trainer and friend from over the years, so she put her wing under his body and helped him to his feet, saying, “Forgive me, master. That was rash and foolish of me. I disobeyed orders and let my heart control me instead of my head.” Iron Trot weakly smiled painfully. “We all have our moments, young one,” the alicorn said forgivingly. But then his horn again lit up. “But that won’t matter when you’re gone.” Quill gasped and dropped Trot. “W… What are you saying?” she nervously asked, backing up towards some bushes. Iron Trot’s horn only grew brighter. “Take this as a favor, QuillHeart Strong-Hooves. They would only imprison you back at the institution.” The soldier started to laugh softly, then maniacally. “But I am sparing you all that. I am putting you out of your misery early!” Quill dug her fore-hooves into the ground, bracing herself for what was yet to come. *** Maelstrom had been flying, thinking about Quill, and the sudden kiss, when he heard a loud explosion from behind him. The sound knocked him one hundred feet again through the trees of the forest, and the impact of the growing influenced unconsciousness immediately.
New Friends, Sad TalesMaelstrom awakened to the sound of singing birds. It was something that he’d never heard in the Empath Institution. It was… beautiful. The alicorn arose and started to observe his surroundings. Forest—that was all he saw. Trees, grass, flowers… wait. Those flowers looked strange. They had blue petals, each with one darker blue stripe down its middle. White stems came up from the middle. They didn’t look like any flowers maelstrom had encountered before, but… Rumble. The pony then realized how hungry he was. He didn’t usually eat flowers, only sometimes at the school when they were served as a dessert. But those flowers couldn’t compare to the beauty of these. They looked almost magical. Cautiously, Maelstrom leaned down and tore off a petal with his teeth. Slowly chewing, he found that the taste was even better than the appearance. He ate another petal, and another, until he had consumed five flowers wholly. They tasted magical, too. After a few seconds, the alicorn felt a pull. And this wasn’t an emotional pull—it was a literal push. He was suddenly being hurled backwards, and, even though he slammed into some trees painfully, he kept going. He was only astonished until he realized where he was actually being pulled—back towards the institution! It was quite a distance, but, at the speed he was going, he would be there in an hour, give or take a few minutes. Maelstrom wondered how this could happen, and it confused him out of his mind, but he was a bit more focused on stopping himself! He tried grabbing onto trees, but his grip would falter. He attempted holding his hooves on the ground, but they just dragged and, because of friction, nearly caught on fire! Taking his hooves off the ground immediately, he realized the last option he had left, at least in his mind. Maelstrom was heading for a giant boulder sitting amongst the trees of the forest. Not knowing what else to do, the alicorn lowered his head, now facing the rock, and braced for impact. But instead of what he thought would happen, which was his horn driving into the rock, stopping him from flinging any further, he was flung the other way! Then it hit him. Wherever his back was facing, that was where he would go. Although Maelstrom was relieved for a moment, the pain of hitting the same trees he had while going the other way made him wish there were another way to break this curse. Curse… magic… that’s it! The flowers didn’t just look and taste funny; they were funny, actually magical! Okay, that was all fine and dandy, except for the bulging pain in Maelstrom’s head, but how did he stop this hurtful plant prank? Not far off, a striped pony-like creature was preparing an herbal bath to soak in. But he was surprised when a much larger pony crashed into the mixture. The creature exclaimed, startled. But as the intruder stood up, the surprised feeling turned into awe. It was an alicorn. Maelstrom turned to the creature. “Heh heh. Sorry.” He slowly started to walk away, but the creature shouted. “Halt!” Maelstrom stopped dead in his tracks. “Do not worry, I’m not enflamed, but I just wish to know your name. You’re a species of pony I’ve seen before, but they’re extinct, by Equestrian lore.” The alicorn was confused by the rhymes of this being, but he answered, “My name is Maelstrom. I am an Empath.” “Ah, yes, yes, those ponies of old. But, hm, from what I’ve been told, an Empath flies around the world, helping little foal boys and girls.” The creature gasped. “Oh my, ha-have you run away, to flee from your old elders’ ways? For though a young one should follow their heart, to turn from their family is a bad start.” Maelstrom tilted his head. This… thing seemed to know about Empaths. But what was it, or he? “What are you?” “I am a zebra, from a far off place, but I came here for a different taste. For my family was so strange, but now I wish I would have stayed. My name is Zarcotan, and I live in this oak.” He directed his hoof to a wide tree behind him. “But all I can eat is poison joke. Therefore I must take this bath every day, to wash the plant’s cruel curse away.” Despite all the rhyme, which was a bit annoying, the story was quite confusing and sad. Maelstrom had to ask, “Why can you only eat poison joke?” Poison joke, the colt assumed, was that blue flower. “Why didn’t’ you stay in your home? What was your life like back then?” The alicorn silenced himself before he could say another word. Those were too many questions already. Zartoran stared Maelstrom in the eye and began his tale. *** Zarcotan was born to a peasant family of zebras. They lived in the savanna among others of their same type, and were watched over by a great master zebra, who they called “Inkosi”. Inkosi was a proud king, and, though not in bad pride, announced his tribe to the world. All the other tribes bowed. Inkosi’s tribe was the best in all the land, without a blemish in it… until a new foal was born. For generations, zebras only ate savanna grass, and they stayed away from the mysterious blie flowers that grew on the other side of the land. The new colt could not eat any of the usual grass, and therefore, his parents decided to feed him the new plant. The foal started to turn green and grow pink spots all over his body. All of the zebras tried to find a cure. It took weeks. While the weeks went by, other tribes started to notice something… different about Inkosi’s group. They were more withdrawn, because they were frequently searching for a cure for Zarcotan. But one fateful day, a leader from another tribe visited Inkosi; he wanted to see what his old friend had been up to. Playfully peering into other peasant’s huts, he suddenly spied a young colt alone in his home—and he was green and pink! The leader was frightened by this creature and ran back to his tribe as fast as he could. His people were very much afraid of strange creatures, and when they had learned of the colt, they told the other tribe leaders. Inkosi was not aware of this at all, for he was still searching with the other zebras. But, one day, he heard a zebra voice. “There he is! The king who let the monster into his tribe!” Inkosi turned immediately to see many other tribes before him, with weapons in hand. Inkosi’s friends all stopped scouring and, withdrawing spears, gathered around to defend him. The other tribes walked away, because even though there were many of them, Inkosi had the toughest fighters. They would not stop in a war until the enemy was dead. It was no use fighting an impossible battle. Zebras found herbs all over, and made baths that they made Zarcotan soak in, but they all failed until one peasant found the right plant. Zarcotan bathed and was healed. But everyone found that the “poison joke” was the only thing the foal could eat. Every other food would make him uncontrollably queasy and sick. So he would soak everyday and it would cure him of any disease, which, though no one would admit it, sometimes they were pretty funny. Everyone would hold back snickers if Zarcotan had hiccups that would spray sparkling dust everywhere. Inkosi’s tribe would always be frowned down upon through the years because of Zarcotan’s strange conditions. And the colt was tired of the zebra’s ways. He wanted to find new cultures and explore them! Plus, he was sick of being teased. Perhaps there was a place that wouldn’t look down on the now teenage zebra. So, in the night, he ran away, grabbing some of the poison joke and the herbs and stuffing them in a small sack he threw over his back. Then he was off. Zarcotan traveled everywhere. He met new creatures similar to him called ponies, and buffalo, and even encountered some dragons and hydras. Zarcotan would have liked to remember slicing them to bits and becoming the hero, but he actually ran away most of the time. When he didn’t, he was almost killed. So, his life became exciting, but depressing at the same time. Because, even though new cultures welcomed him in warmly, they soon discovered his condition, and shunned him away every single time. The ponies would make sure to tell their children and grandchildren to stray from these beings. The zebra became tired of being treated the same way he was at home, so he decided to build a house within a wide tree in a deep forest, where no one would find him and criticize him again. Zarcotan closed the old book he’d written in. “That is, I thought no one the zebra would find, until you came, oh stranger of kind.” Maelstrom nodded slowly, processing the new information. “So you ran away because you were judged, and you wanted to find a place where no one would judge you again, correct?” the pony exclaimed in pain as the book was again opened—and sharply closed on his nose. “Did you not listen to the ending, young colt?!” Zarcotan yelled. Maelstrom was about to shout in ager, but stopped and began to smile. “So… you can speak without rhyming.” The zebra sighed. “When my native language is translated to that of a pony’s, it naturally has a poetic tune. I simply choose, you see, to rhyme because of my people it does remind.” Zarcotan looked up at the taller alicorn. “Now, why did you run away? And where have you come from in your dismay?” “I came from an Empath Institution.” “A what?” “An Empath Institution; it’s where they train Empaths to become, well, Empaths or, if they lose their ability, soldiers.” Maelstrom answered. Zarcotan looked confused. “Never have I heard of such an idiotic idea! Empaths cannot lose their power! It can only be taken away by the strongest magic!” the zebra shook his head. “I have no idea what this place you speak of is, but, I tell you the truth, it is not a true Empath Institute.” Anfter some more pondering, he spoke again. “In fact, I have met Empaths, and they train their children at home! Never has there ever been a school for them.” Even though he disbelieved his new acquaintance, Maelstrom’s memory was suddenly jogged as he remembered what had really happened the day he was entered in the Institution. Young foal Maelstrom was sitting on the floor of his home, playing happily with his toys, and his mother was watching over him. His father had gone to war a month ago. Suddenly, two alicorns in armor burst in and grabbed the colt. His mother screamed as one soldier shouted, “Singing Breeze, neither you nor your husband shall see this child again!” When Singing Breeze tried to stop them from abducting her child, the other soldier took his spear and ran it through her, killing her instantly. They closed the door as blood seeped out of the bottom and flew off. “No!” Maelstrom screamed. He fell to the ground and sobbed. “No…” “It’s alright, young Empath.” Zacotan put his hoof on the colt. “It’s alright.” From that day on, Maelstrom vowed that he would avenge his mother’s murder, find his father, and overthrow the so-called “Institution”. And Zarcotan vowed to be his guide. *** And so, the years went by. Maelstrom trained under Zarcotan's mentorship. And, Princess Luna raised the moon every night, and watched the ponies sleep under it, wishing they would appreciate it as much as they did her sister's sun. But she would go into a pony’s dream every night as well and aid them. It was a just a small token of her power. The princess wished that she could show more, but her sister ruled in the day. She was kept silent. One night, the mare Luna found herself in a dream she found to be familiar. The settings were a dark forest at night—a setting she knew far too well from one other dream in her foalhood. Before her stood another sight she remotely knew: a tall grey alicorn stallion with black flowing hair, wings spread like a warrior ready to strike. A name came to Luna’s mind. “Maelstrom?” The stallion turned his head toward the princess. “You?! You were in that dream, from my—” “Foalhood!” Luna interrupted. She cleared her throat. “I… never introduced myself. My name is Luna, and I am, as some would say, the Princess of the Night. I raise the moon you see in your awake life after each sunset.” “I remember you completely.” Maelstrom chuckled a bit. “You were annoying.” Luna was taken aback. “I… I beg your pardon! Annoying?” She got in a defensive stance. “Who do you think you are?” The grey alicorn stood up proud and tall. “I am a warrior, princess. I am here to avenge what has been done to my family and vanquish the lies told to me as a colt; for I was once part of a colony that would fly across the world, giving up their lives for the children that were alone at night, with no one. Someday I wish to fulfill that, after my priorities have been cared for.” Luna was intrigued. So she asked more. Maelstrom answered more. "So, what colony is this that you speak of?" "My lady, I am an Empath. For thousands of years, we have flown across the worlds, aiding young ponies with troubles. We hear their cries and come to rescue them and become their friend." Luna hung her head. "If only you knew the troubles I have currently. I could use one of you to come to my rescue." She walked up close to Maelstrom and set her hoof on his chest. "Will you come to my aid tonight?" The grey alicorn shook his head sadly. "Forgive me, Luna. i have much training to do. I must find the conspirators of my parents' death and my own corruption." Luna was about to weep, but she held back her tears and held up her head. “It is time that I must go.” “I must, too, for it is time for my training.” The stallion started to walk away. “Wait!” the princess called. “Will you find me? After you have completed your goals?” Maelstrom nodded. “I promise.” He trotted off into the darkness, leaving Luna no choice but to blink back to her reality. Luna sighed as she awakened. “I shall cry every night for you.”
MissionA pegasus soldier stood at the door of the Empath Institute, guarding his position with an emotionless face. Ever since the incident with the escaped student two years ago, security had been heightened ninety percent. The guard didn’t know why; no one had tried to rebel since. It was only that one student that had actually gotten away. There was really no need for worry. But his mind changed in a moment when a sack was thrown over his head and he was pulled into some bushes. “Help!” he tried to exclaim, but it ended up sound like “Mrph!” Maelstrom didn’t have much time. It would be moments before the others would discover their soldier was missing. So he would have to become the soldier himself. Tearing the sack off of his victim’s head, the guard started to shout. “Alert! Alert! Hel—” But using his unicorn horn, Maelstrom shut the soldier up—literally. His lips were stuck together, preventing any more calling for help. It wouldn’t last forever, but it would be just enough time to get the job done. After summoning some ropes with his magic, the grey alicorn bound the guard and stripped him of his armor, setting it on himself. It looked a bit awkward on him because, since this armor was custom-made for a Pegasus, his horn blocked the helmet from securely sitting upon Maelstrom’s head. “Now for a disguise spell,” Maelstrom murmured as once again his horn lit up and disappeared. Well, it disappeared at least to the naked eye. His helmet still was jerked back a bit, and the horn could still be spotted with magic, but though a magic frisk could happen to Maelstrom, he didn’t care. His intentions were not to completely infiltrate the school. His mission was much simpler. Taking his place at the real soldier’s post, he suddenly jumped when he felt a touch on his shoulder. “Alright, time for post switch. Take your place inside.” Another guard monotonously commanded. Maelstrom wasn’t going to argue. He saluted and marched inside the Institution, thinking to himself, phase one: complete. “So, what happened next?” Maelstrom came across two other soldiers conversing, a young recruit and an older veteran. The elder, an alicorn with one eye missing, had been telling a story to the other, a unicorn; the first unicorn soldier Maelstrom had seen in the Institution in all his years, in fact. All the others had either been alicorns, the students that had supposedly lost their Empathy or pegasi, which, from Maelstrom’s memory, had supposedly been recruits from the streets that the school leaders would find and hire. But, that had always seemed suspicious to the colt, for many of the pegasi he saw had resemblances to that of students he’d seen around the Institution. “Well, I called the filly up, chewed her out,” the brown alicorn paused and put up his hooves. “And gave her what for!” He punched the air, and though he was fierce, a loud cracking sound stopped him in his actions and sent him to the ground. “Oh, that old back!” “Iron Trot!” the unicorn chided. “You can’t keep jumping around like this! You’re not young anymore!” He helped the alicorn up from the ground. Iron Trot huffed as he brushed the colt off of him. “I know, I know. I just get overexcited. You know how much I love to tell my tales.” The soldier then cleared his throat. “Now, may I continue?” “Of course! What happened to QuillHeart?” Maelstrom burst out from behind the two ponies. “QuillHeart Strong-Hooves?!” The unicorn yelped in surprise and jumped behind Iron Trot. The old alicorn squinted at the pegasus with the off-balance helmet and growled. “A spy!” He slowly walked around Maelstrom, muttering to himself. “Come to listen in on my—” he pushed his face against the nervous, still pony’s own. “SECRETS?” Iron Trot’s horn glowed, and the grey alicorn knew that if he didn’t do something, he was going to be found out. Iron Trot, upon performing a magic frisk, would see Maelstrom’s horn, and would recognize the colt that he and his comrades had pursued those some years ago. And that would not be a good thing. “N-no, sir,” Maelstrom stuttered. “I was just taking my new post… And I overheard your conversation. Forgive me for intruding; I’m a new recruit.” The unicorn was skeptical as he said, “If you’re a new recruit, then how would you know about Iron Trot’s old apprentice?” Now the alicorn was in trouble. “Um, well, I’ve heard the name float around here sometimes. You know, overhearing conversations and the like.” A sheepish smile followed. Iron Trot was not amused. “Andro, seize him!” The brown alicorn commanded, and before Maelstrom could even think of getting away, multiple rings of blue magic bound his back and front hooves, and tightened over his muzzle. “That was a nice try for an excuse, Maelstrom Storm-Wind. But no one has spoken of QuillHeart since the day you left. And therefore, by order on the day of years ago, we are taking you in to the Council.” The grey alicorn shook his head violently and tried to charge the other pony, but lost his balance and fell to the ground. Iron Trot smiled. “There’s no need to struggle. No one is going to hurt you. That is…” The alicorn used his hoof to raise Maelstrom’s head. “Unless the Council decides to give you due punishment.” The emphasis on that last word indicated that the consequences for runaways were not merciful. Iron Trot and Andro dragged the subdued alicorn down a hidden flight of stairs. These, Maelstrom assumed, led to the Council’s court. But while descending, the young unicorn soldier faltered and some of his magic disappeared, freeing Maelstrom’s muzzle. Without hesitation, the captive demanded, “How were you sure it was me?!” “Silence!” Andro regained balance and was about to silence the alicorn once again, but his elder guard put a hoof up and smiled grimly. The unicorn took a step back, lowering his head a bit; this symbolized submission to his mentor. “Oh, dear Maelstrom, you really don’t know how close you two were, do you?” The brown alicorn put on a face of forged sympathy. “You see, I was once her mentor, and she told me everything.Everything. So I know quite a lot about you, you see. Such as, she told me your scent, your exact color, your personality…” Iron Trot’s voice was growing more excited and bold, almost maniacal. “I know EVERYTHING about you, Maelstrom Storm-Wind!” He laughed a terrifying laugh that made the prisoner shake, and even Andro backed away in fear. But after a few seconds more, Iron Trot calmed down and continued. “You know, QuillHeart said that you were the only one besides me that knew her last name. I suppose you know why, don’t you?” Most members of Quill’s family were outlaws among all of Equestria. Thankfully, she had told Maelstrom, she wandered into the Institution after running away from her home one night. The Council took her in and, even though she was just a normal Earth pony, made her an alicorn and granted her the ability to become an Empath. She was the most unique of all the students, for her beautiful green coat was unmatchable in appearance. But no one knew what family she belonged to, except for Iron Trot and Maelstrom themselves, her only true friends, for if anyone else found out, she would be taken away from everything. Her family, her friends, her life. “I was her only friend, beside you of course, and she confided in me every day. And I kept all of her secrets—until you ran away that fateful night.” The soldier tilted his head as a gleaming, crazy smile appeared on his face. “Did you ever wonder what caused that explosion the night you fled?” With no answer, Iron continued. “Well, I can tell you this: QuillHeart never did have a proper burial.” Maelstrom’s horn glowed brighter with magic than Andro had seen a horn glow ever in his life. The unicorn was a bit too late to teleport as he was blinded by white. *** The Institution Council had been in court holding a trial for an attempted runaway when an explosion occurred. One member shouted, “The god has returned in anger!” and the whole room was filled with light. Ponies screamed and tried to run, but all were engulfed. *** Zarcotan had been working on his herbal bath when an exploding boom from far away made him drop the herbs. “Heilige kak!” the zebra exclaimed. He would have said this in Equestrian, but the poison joke he had just eaten allowed him only to speak in a language from one of the tribes from his old home. “Wat aan die gang?” He looked to the sky and saw a ring of white light stream across the sky. Recognizing the aura from which the light had come, he said to himself. “Maalstroom.” Zarcotan ran from his home and out of the forest. After running for quite a long time, he came across a large pile of debris far up ahead. But he stopped to observe the body right in front of him. It was a blue unicorn, bruised and seemingly dead. “Nie, nie… Maalstroom gegaan het op ‘n rampage… Ek het geweet dat sy krag was onstabiel!” Zarcotan shook his head sadly and was about to move on when the unicorn stirred. Filled with sympathy, Zarcotan pulled the pony onto his back and went on toward the debris, finding dead ponies, mostly alicorns and some pegasi, dead on the ground. It saddened him. Had Maelstrom accidentally done this? Or had he… “Nie!” Zarcotan scolded himself. “Maalstroom nooit sou gedoen het doelbewus!” The zebra sighed. Or would he? Zarcotan continued on, searching for his friend and student, losing more hope with every step. *** “Hello? Is anyone here? Hello?” Come here, my child. “What? Who is this?” I am your father. “Pardon me, sir, but my father’s voice is not like that of yours.” No, no. I am your new father, child. A hoof pounded on the ground. “I will only have one father! And you are not him!” But a nervousness crept back. “Who… are you?” I am Regulus, Prince of the Stars. I aid the Princess of the Night from afar. You, my dear, have died, and you no longer dwell in the place of the living. But, if you will accept, I will become your new father, and watch over you with my other children that live with me among these stars. A black hoof outstretched, surrounded by mist and sparkling with stars. So, will you accept, QuillHeart Strong-Hooves? How in the world did this pony know the green alicorn's name? Why did he want her to be his child? But, she did seem to have died in the blast Iron Trot sent at her. She didn't have anypony to watch over her in this strange new world. After some thought, QuillHeart put her hoof in the other, and she and the king of the stars walked off into the mist. Even though Quill had died, she had found life again.
