Castles

It might have been nine o’clock anywhere else in Equestria, but here in the Everfree forest any time of night feels like midnight. Trees darkened the path to the ruined castle, and I did not have my friends to guide me tonight. I did not want to explain to them what all was going on. Not until I could figure it out for myself. I searched my surroundings, trying to find some visual clue to where I was. I crossed the river a while back, so I should be fairly close.

I had been fortunate to not encounter any monsters before, but my luck had run out. A rustle in the bushes gave way to a monster. A small but dangerous monster, a cockatrice, appeared. I averted my eyes and ran. I ran in the direction I believed to be toward the castle. Branches hit my face, but I did not care. It was better to keep going than to try and fight it. I hit something solid. Wait, make that someponies. I looked down to see who I had run into; three familiar fillies, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.

“What are you three doing here?” I asked, forgetting why I was running.

“Cutie Mark Crusaders chicken rescuers!” They exclaimed in response.

“We were stayin’ at Fluttershy’s place when one of her chickens got loose.” Applebloom explained. “We had to get it back!”

“Why are you here?” Scootaloo asked.

“I was- I was heading to the castle through here, but that is not important now. It is too dangerous in here for you three! Monsters are-!” a rustle in the bushes reminded me of why I was running. “Oh no! Girls, this way, hurry!” I exclaimed, herding them away.

“What about the chicken?”  Sweetie Belle asked, hurrying along.

“Trust me,” I said, “we would be better off not looking for it. A cockatrice looks a bit like a chicken, to both confuse others and lower their guard.” The trees cleared as we saw the castle. It was still beautiful, even in its ruined state. Stones that were once ivory white were now dark gray and covered with vines. You could see the wonder on their faces on their faces as we crossed the rope bridge.

“What is this place?” Scootaloo asked me.

“It is the Palace of the Royal Pony Sisters. But for now, we can use it to hide from the monster.”

“But-,” Sweetie Belle tried to protest.

“I will explain more when we go inside,” I said. “Once we are safe.” They followed along, trying to take in everything at once.  Fortunately, most of the magical protections have faded over time, and the rest were broken when the Elements of Harmony were found. Getting in would be fine, but keeping most monsters out should be more difficult. They might avoid it out of habit, or they might figure out they can now enter and use it as their own.

I began to check for signs of disturbance, but I could not do it. My memories acted up again, worse than the last time. It was like looking through a broken stained-glass window, two different images clashing together, colors mixing, shapes obscured. We were back in the throne room. I saw both the abandoned thrones, and the regally decorated ones.

I felt the same cold fear in my chest like the last time I had been here. It became heavier and heavier. Last time, the power of the Elements of Harmony kept it at bay. Now, I do not think it would stop. I could not breathe, I could not think.

Scootaloo asked me something, I think it was “what is this place?” Sweetie Belle looked at me with concern. She seemed to be asking “What’s wrong?” I tried to answer them, but my mouth could barely form words. My vision was clearing, but I was not seeing the room I should. The decorations I saw were intensifying. I noticed that it was more decorated than usual, like a party was about to be celebrated.

With that thought, everything broke.

*   *      *

There was nothing for a minute, but soon the room returned. Yet there was life in it, other ponies were decorating. There were a two Alicorns, like me, Unicorns, Pegasai, and Earth ponies, as well. There were a few types I did not recognize, some were a bit insect-like, some seemed like living crystals. There was even a creature I had never seen, or more accurately, one that was a conglomeration of other creatures, who was hindering the progress.

My focus shifted to the Alicorn in the middle, a beautiful mare. I almost thought it was Cadence, with the  light rose-tinted coat, her mane blonde, pink, and purple, but the tips were black. There was a spark in her bright blue eyes as the mare looked around. It was a spark I had seen in only one other pony, a pony who is the Grand Master of Parties.

“Starswirl!” she yelled to a gray unicorn by the thrones. “Put the blue balloons by Luna, the red ones go by Mira! Amber!” she turned to a pony with a gem-like orange coat. “Take Rini and get a few more streamers. Go through the kitchens, turn west, and it will be third on the right.” I watched as the one she called Amber nodded to one of the insect-like ponies and they ran off. Looking up, I saw that medley of a creature above, undoing the ropes on a banner reading “Happy Birthday Luna”.

“DISSI!!” the mare yelled in half-hearted annoyance, or maybe exasperation, as the banner fell onto her. “Can you stop for one night and be helpful?” but the creature just cackled with glee.

I was surprised as I began to talk. “Azura, if you can manage to get him to do that, I would eat every single one of the most sugar filled cakes you can create!” We all laughed at it, a joke I did not truly understand. I realized how warm I felt, I felt at home, like I did when with Pinkie and Twilight and the others. The medley creature came down and wrapped comfortably around me in a hug, still giggling at his mischief. I did not notice before, but my body felt bigger than usual, not nearly at Celestia’s height, but bigger than most ponies. The pink mare nearly matched my height.

These ponies, they seemed so familiar, like I knew them, but I could not place them. It was like meeting an old friend you had not seen since fillyhood, you knew them, but you could not place a specific name or event to them. A more familiar looking Alicorn floated down from the ceiling. Her coat, an almost white pink, complimented her multicolored ethereal mane in ways I could not describe. I could not believe who I saw.

“Feria, you eat all of her cakes anyway!” the mare I reconized laughed.  “Dissi listens to you. Can you get him to stop his shenanigans!” she giggled. Her violet eyes met mine, and I wanted to say something, but my mouth would not let me. It was as if everything was a play in motion, you could not stop it now.

I giggled again. “I think Luna will like tomorrow’s party.”

“I know!” Azura bounced, not noticing my obvious change of subject. “She said she didn’t want a party, but who wouldn’t want a party on their birthday? I mean, duh? Birthdays are something to celebrate! And tomorrow is the day we show them the super special surprise project of-”

“Azura!” I cut her off. “Do not give them too much about that until the morning! Dissi,” I said, looking at that creature, “if you attempt to find it out again, you will spend the next month in a frilly pink skirt!” It seems like a threat I made all the time, but I never used it in reality. I should file that away for future use.

He just smirked at me, snapping his claw and making the skirt I had envisioned appear around his waist as if he did not have a care in the world. We all stood there together, laughing. These ponies are familiar, yet I never met them. They knew me.  I wanted this to last forever, but that cold fear came back to me. It all began to fade again. Then everything shattered, like breaking glass.

*    * *

I woke up on the floor, three concerned fillies around me. I remembered where I was, the throne room of a now ruined castle. We were hiding from a monster. My breath was stabilizing, but still a bit shallow. I tried standing back up, a bit shakily, but able. I nearly fell again, but I remembered these fillies are here. As much as I would like to hide away somewhere, I need to be strong, if only for them.

“I am sorry.” I said to them, my voice hurting a bit. “Was I out long?”

“No, only a few minutes,” Sweetie Belle replied.

“What in tarnation was that?” Applebloom asked.

“I am not completely sure, myself,” I replied. “I noticed that some places have a strange effect on me. Best way I can explain it, is that it lets me see somepony else’s memory.”

“That’s so cool!” Scootaloo exclaimed. The other two gave her a glare and she corrected herself. “I mean, if you didn’t pass out all the time. Is that your special talent?”

“I do not have much experience with it,” I said thoughtfully. “The only time it happened had been during Nightmare Moon’s return. It had been a slight déjà vu, overlapping images, or just simply knowing where thing should be. Maybe it is the place? Anyway, that is not my special talent. My talent is, how did I put it? Sensing the magical energy between ponies.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” Scootaloo asked, confusion easily sown on her face.

“In the most basic terms, each living thing has a magical energy, called a soul. I am very connected to souls, somehow, and can sense them in such a way that I can use it. It works best when it is two or more souls that are connected, and sharing their energy. I guess that energy usually occurs most commonly between friends, so the famous ‘Fire of Friendship’ makes an appropriate cutie mark shape.” I glanced back at my own flank, beautiful pinks standing out against the black of my coat.

“Must be nice,” Applebloom said, glancing toward her own flank. “havin’ a Cutie Mark an’ all.”

“Meh,” I replied. “It depends on the Cutie Mark. Some are useful in real life, but sometimes it does not help you get by in life. Do you think a talent for juggling helps in reality? Maybe the pony whose talent is music wants to make candies and confections, but her life is set.  Sometimes, a cutie mark will appear without a complete understanding of the pony’s talent. I did not fully understand what I could do until Nightmare Moon came back.” I walked them toward the end of the room, avoiding their inquisitive looks.  “Those two ponies who tease you, what were their names?”

“You mean Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon?” Sweetie Bell replied, even just saying the names bothered her.

“Yes, them. Can you tell me what their special talents are?” I waited, knowing they would not answer. “Well, ask next time they come around making fun,” I said, silently laughing at their expressions of realization.

We reached the thrones at the end of the room. They were the same ones I had seen in the memory, but worn out, like the rest of the castle, yet you could still see the decorations. Each was crafted for a specific pony, for their specific likes and dislikes. I smiled at them, but I was a little sad. There were five ponies I would never meet, five members gone from my family long ago.

“Who’re these thrones for” Applebloom asked, walking toward the one second from the left. I saw Sweetie Belle had moved to the one right of the middle, and Scootaloo was inspecting the far right. I giggled, noticing their placement. I headed over to Scootaloo to begin.

“Each of these was made for the first Alicorns, the Royal Pony Sisters, hence, the castle’s name. Each was born with magic greater than even the most skilled of Unicorns. It probably would have taken a group the size of ponyville to do what just one of them could. They had also been the bearers of the Elements of Harmony, previous to our current group.” I gestured to the throne Scootaloo stood in front of. It was shaped like clouds and lightning. “Reminds you of Rainbow Dash, does it not?” I asked, knowing of the filly’s idolization of my friend. “This throne belonged to Tornata. She was the one who controlled the weather before the Pegasai.”

“Pegasai have always controlled the weather!” the filly protested.

“We are talking of a time about two thousand years ago.” I replied calmly. “It probably happened even before the Hearth’s Warming story.” I stopped to think about why these ponies were not mentioned in history lessons before returning my words to the throne. “Tornata was brave, a bit competitive and overconfident, but she always made time for her friends.”

“That sounds a lot like Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo said, fluttering her small wings.

“Well they were both the Element of Loyalty.” I said, moving to the next throne. This one was colorful. Rocks, gems, and crystals were arranged in ways that were somehow both random and in patterns. “Azura was the one who sat in this throne. She was bright and bubbly, one of those ponies who did everything in her own way, even if others could not understand it. She made everypony smile, created great parties, and was very well deserving of the Element of Laughter. I believe she was particularly good at focusing magic through gems and crystals to magnify their power.”

“Who sat is this one?” Applebloom called, not yet moved from the other throne. I trotted over and studied it for a minute. I thought, at first, that it was like most things in the castle, overgrown. But as I really looked, I could see it was made out of mostly wood, delicately carved with trees and flowers and vines.

“This was Flora’s throne,” I said, smiling. “She was always a bit stubborn, and did not care much for the more formal parts of being in charge. She had a way with plants and cooking. Some complained that she was a bit blunt with her opinions, but the Element of Honesty usually is.”

I moved down the line to the far left throne. It was stone, but painted. Carved creatures decorated the backrest. It had bunnies, dogs, even a dragon. “This was Mira’s throne. She had been calm and sweet pony. She was able to diffuse almost any argument, and even get most animals to cooperate with her. The Element of Kindness was always one to welcome.”

“How do you know all this stuff?” Scootaloo asked, attempting to seem not interested.

“I learned a few things from Tia- Er, ‘Princess Celestia’. Some things came from those memories, I think.”

“You still haven’t told us who these thrones belonged to!” Sweetie belle yelled out, a bit impatiently. I trotted over and took a momentary glance at the three in the middle. They were the most simple, but in my mind they were also the most beautiful.

“I think you should be able to figure out the two on the sides,” I said as they gathered around me. One was golden, decorated as the sun, and the other was silver, created to be like the moon.

“Princesses Celestia and Luna?”Applebloom guessed.

I nodded as I walked to the one in the middle. It was beautiful. It seemed to be only stone, but upon closer inspection I could see gold, silver and bronze embedded into it. Wings extended from the top, and in between them was a stone flame. I felt like it was calling to me. These three in the middle radiated warmth and magic, but this one was so familiar. I wanted to go up and sit on it, see the room from her point of view.

“This one,” I began, “This is the one Celestia named me after. She said that the previous Feria and I were very alike. I saw her once, in a statue elsewhere in the castle. We look very alike too. Of course, she was also the Element of Love.”

“Ya know,” Applebloom began, “ ‘Ah always thought Princess Cadence was the Princess of Love or somethin’ like that.”

“She technically is, but she only works with romantic love. The Element is a bit more about all types of love, really.” I wandered toward the wall behind the thrones; a painted door was almost completely hidden by growth. I cleared away some of it, could not see a way to open the door, so I left it for now.

“So if each princess was an Element, which were Princesses Celestia and Luna?” Scootaloo asked.

“Generosity and Magic are left, right?” Sweetie Belle questioned.

“Luna was Magic and Tia was Generosity.” I answered “Almost everypony forgot it, but Luna had always been better at magic than Tia was, although, as she was locked in the moon for one thousand years, that bit of forgetfulness is forgivable. Actually,” I stopped walking, “Luna’s return might be quite helpful. There are probably spells she remembers that had been lost.”

As I said that, I realized I had stopped in front of an odd section of the wall. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a door. It had no handle or any sort, so I assumed it would only open with a specific spell. Realizing the time, I decided now was not a time to try out multiple spells.

“I think we should be going now.” I said to the three fillies, who immediately protested. “Be calm, it is very late, and you three should not be here in the first place.” I herded them back toward the main entrance, but the looks on their faces made me feel so sad. I guess I can understand their curiosity. I remember pestering Tia about her sisters when I first learned of them. If it was not for the sadness it caused her, I probably would not have relented so easily.

“Maybe, another day, you can come back.” I said, watching their faces light up. “Not too soon, I would like to investigate here, make sure no dangers lurk around these corners, but I was planning on showing a few ponies this place, and I think you three deserve to be with that group.”

They went on for a while after we left, enjoying the idea of exploring this area, thinking if they can get Cutie Marks for it. I was not lying about what I said, I really do think they deserve to know this, but tonight is too soon for them. I decided to take them home and come back another night.

“Girls?GIRLS!” I heard a familiar voice yelling after a few minutes of walking.

“Fluttershy?” I called up toward the voice. The yellow Pegasus landed in front of us panicking.

“Girls! Thank goodness! We have to leave now! There’s a cockatrice on the loose!” Fluttershy exclaimed.

“Oh yeah,” Applebloom said. “That’s why we were out here! That chicken!”

“Applebloom, listen to Fluttershy and leave now.” I said. “I told you how dangerous and deceptive that creature is.”

“Feria?”Fluttershy asked. “Why are you out here?”

“It is a long story.” I replied.

“She found us out here and showed us this beautiful castle hidden that way!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. “She said we might come back again sometime!”

I sighed as Fluttershy gave me as much of an annoyed look as she could. It said ‘you brought them somewhere like that? Why not take them home?’

“I ran into the cockatrice, tried to get away, and tripped over these three” I explained, gesturing to the fillies. “The castle was the closest form of safety.” Her expression relaxed, realizing that was more responsible than it sounded. “I will explain later, but right now, you need to take them home.”

“Aren’t you coming?” they all asked in unison.

“Not yet, I still need to do what I came here for. But I will be okay. Fluttershy, you can handle any monster that is in this forest, so I trust you to lead them safely. Do not worry, I will be fine.” With that, I walked off, heading back to the castle. I felt bad for leaving them, but I needed to be at that castle. I could not explain why, but I had to be there.

I was lucky again, not running into monsters, but I felt scared now. I was alone, and my memory issues were escalating. What would I do if that memory blackout hits me while I am being attacked by a monster? I told them I would be fine, but I am not completely sure anymore.

*   * *

I walked back through the throne room, ignoring everything and heading straight for the door at the back. Looking closer, I saw now-faded pictures painted into the wood. They might have once told a story. They showed the seven Alicorn sisters, ponies from all races I knew, and a few I did not. I felt the magical wards still protecting it.

I ran my hoof along the door’s’ edge, hoping to find out how to open it. As I reached the bottom, I heard a click. The physical lock was undone, but the magic was still there. I closed my eyes and tried to remember the feeling of the memory blackout. I felt something similar, but kinder. I guess because I invited it in instead of trying to push it away. My horn sparked, letting out a spell I did not recognize.

The door opened, and the air once sealed away rushed out. I stared down into the darkness, scared yet invited. Spiral stairs led downward. I lit the tip of my horn and walked on in. The air was not as cold as I expected. In the fear was also mystery. I did not know what I would find here.

I did not have to go down far, but in this loneliness it felt further. When I reached the bottom, I felt a similar feeling. I believe it was old resonations of magical energy. Without thinking, I connected to it and cast a spell. Everything was soon bright, but soft and not painful, as if ponies had lit lanterns at intervals throughout the room.

As I took in what all was here, I realized that is almost what had happened. The spell I cast had been absorbed and magnified into crystals and gems around the room, giving the room a soft glow. It almost seemed like the colorful patterns were changing my coat, making it look like another crystal. The room itself was large, almost the size of the throne room, and had doors on each wall. On the side opposite me was a passageway, probably leading to more rooms like this.

This place was dusty, but untouched. The magical wards once protecting these rooms were either worn out, or not set again as the things they protected are now in Canterlot.  But one room looked like it had been used. The dust leading to it was not as thick as the others. It would be a good place to start. I entered, not knowing what to expect, but I never thought I would find what I did.

A large blue crystal rose out of the floor. This one was not lit like the others, yet it was pulsing with magic. Nothing else was in this room except for a few empty bookshelves. I do not think I would have noticed if there were things on them.

I approached the crystal, entranced by its beauty. I almost thought it was getting brighter. Its magical pulse spiked, and I found myself looking into bright blue eyes.

I stifled a scream as I jumped backwards, nearly tripping over my own hooves. It looked like a thought projection, but it was coming from the crystal? Coming back to rational thought, I realized this was the mare from my memory blackout. Azura, I believe. Her pink coat and multicolored mane, I realized, remind me of Cadence, they even have a similar Cutie Mark. She looked a bit crystalized, as if she was just another part of the giant crystal. She began to speak.

“Is this working?” she asked, her voice clear and bubbly. “Well, obviously it is working as somepony is watching this. Silly me! Anyway, this is my newest attempt at keeping a record of my life for others. No secrets will be put here unless they are to be announced the next day and will be completely irrelevant, so Dissi if you are the one listening, this won’t be much fun.

First, I would like to explain how this is working. I have been able to figure out how to absorb and magnify magic using crystals. It is a bit more difficult than it looks, as you have to cast, for example, a light spell specifically crafted to be used with the crystal. Right now I am using a thought projection spell on this crystal. Hopefully this will keep a record of what I say.

This is not even my best use of this spell yet, and I have even bigger plans!

Her form flickered for a few moments. I had to pause myself for a second to comprehend what this pony was saying. Magic with crystals and gems? I had read theories on it, but never had it ever been implemented in a way like this! Yet she had this years ago!

“Two days from now is my sister Luna’s birthday. Feria and I have planned on our best project yet! It involves a really big crystal and Feria’s type of magic, or more specifically, her element! I cannot say too much now, but it is something great!”

Her form flickered again. I assume this means the date changed. Before I could wonder what this surprise could be, she began to speak.

“Today is Luna’s birthday,” she said her voice no longer vibrant. “I wish today never happened. We had set up for a party, we planned to laugh and dance and eat, just celebrate today, before we would reveal our project. That was the plan, yet, things happen.

Feria is dead. It happened sometime in the night .We found her in the throne room, in front of her throne. I cannot get the image out of my mind. A pool of blood surrounding her, blending with her mane, her neck open like that” She shook her head, trying to focus.

“We already have known about death, we figured we all would die sometime, but none of us thought of this. Honestly, I thought we would be prepared. Each of us seven Alicorns held a power, called the Elements of Harmony. After we understood ‘death’ I decided to figure out how to ensure that the Elements would not disappear over time. I fused the Elements’ power into seven necklaces for us each to wear, but it was not enough. Feria’s Element, the Element of Love is shattered. Its power is gone.

I have not even mentioned how the others are. Luna locked herself in her room after the discovery, Tornata is yelling about how unfair this day was, but she is too busy comforting Laruta to do much about it. And Dissi, oh poor Dissi. He and Feria were extremely close. Even I did not know how deep their relationship was. His reaction to her death scares me. When I last saw, he was in a fit of rage and mindlessly changing random inanimate objects into other things. In between those stages he is yelling, and probably crying, although he tries not to let us see. I think he might be descending into madness.

There has been one subject I have been avoiding. I-I cannot-”  she had been holding in tears this whole time, probably since before she started the crystal’s magic, and she let it all out. “Feria did not just die, she was killed! We never could have imagined another pony could do something like this.  We will find out who did this!”

With that, she flickered again and left me with the image of her tears. Murdered? I had known most of the first Alicorns were dead, but, murdered? I sat down, my breathing heavy and my heart quickening. I felt so cold. Why would Tia not tell me about this? I had to know.

Before I could build up the courage to leave, the crystal glowed again. The same mare appeared, but she had aged. She looked much older than previously, about the same age as my friends’ parents.

“I have not done this for a long time. Nearly four hundred years since the previous entry. I wish that were not true. My sisters, well most of us, discovered our immortality. When Feria was killed, I would always console myself with the fact that I would eventually die and join her, or at least not feel the pain anymore. We do not yet know what happens after death. I hope it is something wonderful, like a nonstop party where you never get tired or sick! I guess some ponies would prefer a quiet library, though. Luna thinks it is like the dream realm she walks at night.

Years after Feria’s death, we noticed our friends growing older while we remained the same. I thought we would never die. I found comfort in the fact that we would always be together, but even that did not last. We could give up our immortality, if we truly wanted to.

At first, we were scared. Things had changed so much in the shockwaves of Feria’s death. Friends abandoned us, or became enemies. They are still able to be used, but not like they once were. We thought if any more of us died, the world would fall further. Like cowards, we hid in our castle attempting to not be connected to our world.

We grew restless and lonely, soon returning to those we knew. We lost Tornata first. ‘Lost’ is not the right word. She fell in love with a Pegasus named Hurricane. They wanted to spend their lives together, but she was immortal. The idea of living without him was too much for her, and she gave up her immortality. Flora followed soon after by falling for an Earth Pony Puddinghead, and Mira had a Unicorn called Jade Myst. Nothing has gotten worse than it has. Maybe because the rest of us left on our own terms.

After losing the seventh Element of Harmony, we have tried many times to bring its power back. I know we cannot have Feria back, but we felt the world would be lost without her power. It never worked. After Tornata gave up her immortality, I persuaded my sisters to protect the remaining powers. I was able to put them into a crystal that will hopefully regulate the magic as long as they remain in the crystal. The Elements can be found and used again, if we need concentrated magic. I hope we will not need that.

I am running out of time here, so I should begin to wrap this up now. If you have seen my previous entries, you can tell I’ve aged. My Stone Symphony, my love, is the reason for that. I gave up immortality. Before that Unicorn, I never knew why I would give it up. I had seen many friends come and go, but he is special. I feel free. I will be able to see my friends again, Starswirl and Amber. My Feria.

So far, no other ponies have been immortal. Not even my sisters’ children, although only two were Alicorns like us. My own daughter, Sapphire is one too, but she is too young for me to know if she will live forever. I do not expect her to.

She began to cry again, but not sobbing like last time. “This will probably be my last entry. I would like to apologize to all those I left behind, and all those I will never get to meet. I wish that if there is a place after life, you will be my friends there. I apologize to Feria. I never was able to find out who killed you, and they are most likely dead by now. Maybe I will learn if I see you again? Most of all, Celestia and Luna, I love you both. I am sorry for leaving you alone. You have each other now, but I hope that whether you are together or apart, be happy. Smile and laugh! But do not completely hide what you feel before it is too late to go back. Goodbye, my friends. Goodbye, my sisters. Goodbye, my family.”

The crystal dimmed, and her form dissolved away. I found myself crying. Luna’s birthday. Was that not the party they were setting up for in my memory blackout? Nothing seemed wrong in that. How did this happen? What happened to those she left behind? I needed to know.

I ran. I ran away from that room, out of the castle, and into the EverfreeForest. I was scared. I was confused. I kept on crying. I do not know when, but I began to fly to Canterlot. Celestia would give me the answers I needed, even if they would not be answers I wanted.

I arrived just after sunrise, meaning Celestia and Luna could be anywhere in the castle. I looked down as the Lunar and Solar Guards changed shifts, silver and gold armors mixed together. Some ponies only had half their armor on, and the illusion spells that made them look identical were not activated yet, or were deactivating in the case of the Lunar Guard. I looked for somepony who might know where my sisters were.

I stumbled as I landed, hitting the ground much harder than I meant to. In front of me were the Guard Captains exchanging reports of what had happened during the night. The Lunar Captain took notice to me first.

“Princess Feria!” She exclaimed, standing up in an immediate salute. The Solar Captain followed her lead. I knew these two fairly well, but they insisted on formalities. Looking between the Pegasus mare and the Unicorn stallion, I tried to recompose myself. My heartbeat was still going quite fast.

“Please,” I stammered, “You do not have to be like that.” I smiled at them reassuringly. “Hello Gale Strike, hello Shining Armor. I… do either of you know where my sisters are?”

“I believe they decided to have an early morning tea in the astronomy tower,” Gale answered.

“Are you alright, Princess?” Shining asked me, noticing the tear stains left in my coat.

“I am fine.” I said, knowing full well that I am not. “I just really need to see my sisters now.” I went to leave, but turned back for a moment. “By the way, Shining, you really do not have to call me ‘Princess’. Especially because, the way I hear it, you are joining the family soon!”

As he slightly blushed at my last comment, I trotted away. I could hear Gale congratulating him on my way out. Nodding to some ponies around the castle, I made my way up to the tower. I kept up the façade of all being normal for a while, but I could not hold it long. By the time I got up to the astronomy tower, I was trembling at Fluttershy levels.

I knocked on the door before walking in. It was a peaceful sight, seeing the Sun and Moon Princesses together again. Celestia was the same as usual, white coat and multi-colored mane. Odd, it was only pink in the memory. Luna was looking quite different than when I last saw her. She had grown taller, and her coat and mane had become a darker shade of blue. She did not have the ethereal mane Celestia was known for, but given a bit more time I think it might turn.

“Feria!”Celestia exclaimed, I wondered if it was from surprise at seeing me, or surprise at seeing me like this. Luna quietly turned away. She was still slightly awkward around me. Considering I looked like someone she knew to be dead, it does not come as a surprise.

“I- I am sorry to interrupt” I said shakily, almost breaking down right there. “I- I just…!”

“Come with me,” Celestia said, walking me into the next room. She looked over her shoulder “I will be back in a minute, Luna” She closed the door and I broke down in tears. She pulled me close and let me cry it out.

“I-I went back to your old castle in Everfree” I told her when they finally stopped. She looked at me in confusion, trying to find the words to say. I saw her question in her eyes before she spoke. It was one question that I was unsure of.

“I do not know why I went there,” I replied. “It felt, almost as if it called to me. When I first got there, I… I blacked out. I saw a dream. Actually, I think a memory? One that… well… It was not mine! It could not have been mine! I left for a bit, but I came back to the castle, and I found the door behind the thrones. There was a large crystal and-”

“You activated the crystal, didn’t you?” Celestia asked me. I felt her body tense up in slight fear. “It played Azura’s messages for you, just as it did for me. Tell me more about the memory.”

I swallowed, trying to take in how calm she was being compared to me. “I saw it as if I were there, like I was looking through my own eyes. You were there, so was that pony, Azura. She was talking about… about a party for Luna. She said something about a secret project to be revealed the next day. There were other ponies too; some were races I did not recognize. And a creature that was, how do I say it? He was a combination of other animals. We were all talking and laughing together. What is happening?”

“I am not sure what to think,” Celestia said contemplating my story. “If what you saw was, indeed, a memory, I believe it might have been from the previous Feria. It was the night… The night she died.”

“The night she was killed,” I interrupted. “You can say it, I know. That mare in the crystal already told me. Why… You only ever said that she died. You never told me how.”

She looked at me surprised. “I’m sorry for that. I should have, but I kept putting it off when you asked. I felt you were too young at the time, but then you left to live on your own, and it never came up. But you are right. She was killed. As you know from the crystal message, we never discovered who had done it. Why did you not ask me instead of going to the castle?”

“I remembered that look you would get whenever I asked you about your past. It was so sad and full of regret. I did not want to see you like that.” She smiled at me, shaking her head.

“You would rather go blindly into trouble than see me mildly upset,” She replied. “I would like to look into memory magic later. I wonder how you were able to see that after all of these years. Many ponies have walked through that castle, but none have reported anything. Although, maybe the reactivation to her Element is causing old magic to pop up.”

I nodded in agreement, but I had other theories in mind. My ponies are not connected by sharing an Element of Harmony. If that were true, Twilight Sparkle would have more of a connection to Luna. I think my soul is connected more than the Element.

Everything got darker. The sun just rose, did it not? Why is it so dark? I tried to focus on Celestia, but even she was being faded out. Does it not bother her that the light is disappearing? She does not notice. How can she not notice? Then I felt it. That cold fear had come back. Why now? I was nowhere near the Everfree Castle. The feeling got heavier as my vision blurred.

“It-it is coming back!” I exclaimed hoping to take myself back to reality. “Tia, help me!” With that, she disappeared completely, leaving me with an image of her terrified face reaching out to me.

* * *

Everything was dark. I was crying again. I was back in a memory. I hated this darkness! It was more terrifying than anything I had encountered. I light up my horn in an attempt to give myself comfort, or did the pony whose memory I was in light their horn? Either way, there was nothing to see. I was outside, but it was neither day nor night. There was no moon in the sky, just darkness. Looking down, I could tell I was just a filly now, around the same age as the Cutie Mark Crusaders. To my right was a bit of water, but I could not tell if it was a river or a lake. Perhaps it was just a puddle.

I could tell time was going faster. I do not know how I knew, as there were no days to count by, but I knew each day was about a minute to me. Every few minutes, a new filly would appear. First was a Pegasus, then a Unicorn who lit his horn with mine in an attempt to give us light. Third was an Earth Pony. The next two were races from the other memory, a pony like a bug and a pony like a gem. On the next week a Zebra appeared with us.

One day, just before what I assumed was morning, a bright light appeared before us. It was unlike anything we had ever seen, so kind and warm. When it subsided, there was another filly, an Alicorn with a white coat, a pink mane, and familiar violet eyes.

Then the unexpected happened. The filly ignited her magic, attempting to join in with the Unicorn and I. Instead of making a light, she made the day. The sun rose into the sky, which became a lovely light blue. We could finally see the world we were in. Green grass was below our hooves, and a lake shimmered by us.

It was dark again, the pattern repeating as it had before. The sun always rose in the morning, but was replaced by that first darkness. First a Pegasus appeared, then a Unicorn, an Earth Pony, the bug pony, the gem pony and a Zebra, then the bright light. The next light revealed a blue coated Alicorn. She looked at us, and something I had only seen Pegasai do; she flew up and grabbed a cloud out of nothing, making it rain down on us and refill the lake. She laughed at our soaked figures, but we knew it meant no harm.

The following weeks were the same. Pegasus, Unicorn, Earth pony, Bug pony, Gem pony, Zebra, light. Thrice did the light come, each bringing an Alicorn. The next was a pink one with multicolored hair. Then a brown one who made trees and plants grow around us, becoming a forest with us and the lake in the large clearing. Finally a plum colored mare that brought into existence many animals, from the small bunnies to large dragons.

The pattern changed after the plum Alicorn. After the Zebra, no bright light appeared to give forth a new Alicorn. The sun still rose, but gave way to darkness. The weeks repeated as usual, Pegasus, Unicorn, Earth pony, Bug pony, Gem pony, Zebra. We were a bit confused, wondering if fillies would keep appearing.

The pattern stopped. The bright light came again, creating another Alicorn. Yet this was a different Alicorn. She was like the bug ponies, but the wings and horn stood out too much to call her anything else. The other bug ponies seemed to flock to her almost immediately.

The Bright light reappeared the next week. None of us knew what to make of this creature. It was a much younger version of the medley of a creature from the memory at Everfree. We avoided him at first, but I walked up to him, actually, the pony whose memory this is walked up to him and held out a hoof in friendship. He accepted it.

We waited another week, hoping for something. We loved when the sun came up, because it banished the complete darkness. The day was hot, and we could not look at the sky properly, but we relished in every minute of it. We wondered if the sun would overpower the darkness one day, yet we hoped it did not, as it would be difficult to sleep with its brightness.

When the sun began to set, the bright light appeared once more. A dark blue Alicorn filly came from it. She was not a different type of Alicorn, like the Bug Alicorn, but a normal one like the previous. She watched the setting sun, and lit her horn. We expected the darkness to come back again.

This filly banished the darkness for good. Yes, it became darker, but it was also filled with soft light. The moon and stars came out to keep us safe. As much as we loved the day, we cheered for the night that this filly created. For the first time since this memory began, the fillies could dream.

Another week passed, but when its end came, no new fillies came with it. I counted up the days, and realized a year had passed. It was minutes to me, but they had lived like this for a year. They spent a year in either horrid darkness or complete daylight. Some spent time together in complete darkness, no sun to find comfort in, just each other.

* * *

I awoke in a bed in my old room at Canterlot Castle; everything in there was as I left it. Celestia was standing by me, asking me something as she realized I was awake. My mind was still very disoriented, but I understood what she said. She brought me here when I blacked out, and waited to see if I was alright.

“How long was I out? Did I do anything strange?” I asked. My throat hurt, as if I had been yelling for hours, and from the pain in my shoulder I could assume I thrashed around a bit.

Celestia sighed, trying to think of what to say. “You yelled a lot in your unconscious state. To others, it was just a list of names. To those who knew those ponies, it is a whole different meaning. I caught on after you said the second name. You were yelling out the names of ponies, some names still common around the world, but most were ones that very few of us still remember. It was the names of those of us who were first created”

“Created how?! You are not making sense Tia!” I said as loud as I dared. “You mentioned that you were ‘created’ instead of ‘born’ before this, but what does that mean? Please, tell me, Tia!”

“First, tell me of your dream. While it is fresh in your mind.” She replied. There was an emotion in her voice I could not place. Was it fear? Maybe it was a glimmer of hope. It told me that I could not argue this with her. I sighed in defeat.

“There was a darkness. Horrid and terrifying,” I began. I told her all that I saw, and every single feeling that went through me.She let me speak without interruption, and gave support in the form of a kind embrace. I leaned into her for comfort. As much as I was afraid of what was going on with my mind, she had lived through the things I saw. As real as it felt for me, it was truly real for her. After a while, I wondered who was comforting who.

“What you saw was truth.” Celestia said, pulling away after hearing my story. “I do not know how you are doing it, but that was the creation of us. The creation of the first ponies in Equestria is something very few remember. I assumed as much, from the names you yelled. Morning Aura. That was the first name you yelled. She was the first Pegasus.”

She walked toward the window, giving me a moment to wonder. “You were most likely watching through the eyes of the previous Feria. Why that memory was triggered here, a place the previous Feria had never been, is my question.”

“Can you… Can you please stop referring to her as ‘the previous Feria’?” I asked her. Not waiting for a response I continued. “You told me about her heart resonating with others, and her ability to remind ponies of forgotten love. I-I think there was more to it than you realized at the time. I mean, a lot of information has been uncovered about the world since then, and I think that it was- Well I was reading some research and- It was-” I sighed. “I have the same abilities. It took me a long time to understand it, but that is all I can come up with. But, I think her talent was not really ‘love’ as much as it is the Magic of Souls. She could see, feel and manipulate the magical energy created by living things, and so can I. “

“You always say how I look and act just like she did,” I continued. “My abilities, my personality and appearance, my memories, the only thing that makes us different is when we were alive. I… I just cannot think of us as just two ponies that are just coincidently similar. I feel like she and I somehow are the same pony.”

I had never seen her look so shocked. Then again, what is there to say about that? It was ridiculous to think of it as true, but it is the only solution I could come up with. I could not predict what her response to this would be. Would she be angry? Or would she believe me out of hope for bringing back the dead?Celestia walked toward the balcony, weighing her options.

“I can’t rule that out,” she finally said. “It seems illogical, but Alicorns never followed the rules very well.” She sighed, turning and walking back to me. “I wish I could give you an answer. For all the research being done, most of what we have on souls have been lost, forgotten, or are still theories that never got a chance to be tested out. Whether a soul can be reborn or not remains to be seen. I will try looking into it more, when I can. Maybe I can get a few of the Gifted Unicorns on a research team?”

She began pacing, thinking of which ponies she should put on the team. I could not believe this. She was making this a priority. She was hoofpicking ponies to help me. I appreciated the effort, but does she not have other things to do? Even though she is my sister, she is still Princess. She began talking to me again before I could ask her.

“As for the memories,” She said, “I know of a pony who might be able to help you, but it will take some convincing. I suggest you go back to Ponyville for the time being.” I tried to protest to that, but she cut me off. “Feria, I know you want to explore and figure this out, but please, stay in Ponyville, and stay out of danger. Even if you could remember everything from… back then, things in that castle have changed. It was reconstructed many times, places added on or changed, multiple traps had been set up in the few hundred years leading up to moving to Canterlot. A completely new throne room was created for Luna and I, just to name a change. Besides, the Everfree Forest is a dangerous place. Magics were left there that make it act unnaturally. I know you can handle yourself well, but what would you do if you blacked out in Everfree, surrounded by monsters?”

I stayed quiet for a minute. She was right; as soon as I calmed down I would have walked right back into the Everfree Forest without much thought to it. I thought I was lucky before, but to not have had that already happen in the forest was almost a miracle, considering the place.

“Alright,” I agreed. “I will stay in Ponyville for now, as long as you answer two questions. First, why are you making this a priority to you?  I know you are my sister, and you love me, but there have to be more important things. You did that when I was younger too, always putting me first no matter the problem. I am not saying I do not appreciate it, but why?”

The question surprised her a bit, but she quickly found the answer. “There were many factors to the creation of Nightmare Moon, one being my ignorance. In the months leading up to it, I had noticed her unhappiness, but I felt that . Really, the limelight got to me, as it would to most ponies. I want to make sure Nightmare Moon, or anything similar, ever happens again.”

The sad look on her made me feel guilty for asking. Why did I not think of that? I guess I have only known her as the Celestia of now, the one who does pay attention, so I never thought somepony so generous could be so selfish. Well, if my theories are right, I did know Celestia before Nightmare Moon, but none of them are in an accessible part of my mind.

“Next question,” I sighed. “If what I see is from Equestria’s beginning, why is none of it in the history books?”Celestia’s expression darkened at the idea, reminding me just how much of history she has seen.

“Ponies do not like remembering the darker parts of the past. They rewrite history to put to rest their regrets. The world we know is two thousand years old, the stories get rewritten, and those who remember the truth die. Or, they give up on trying to correct it. Even a princess and not fully control the people when they want something.”

We made our way down to the main courtyard. I wanted to ask more questions, but I think I’ve learned enough for today. She insisted that a guard escorted me back. I told her she was worrying too much, but I went along with it anyway. At least she let me pick which guard to take.

I chose a Pegasus guard, as I felt like flying back. He seemed awkward around me, like most ponies are when alone with a pony they do not know, and even more so when that pony is a princess. I picked him because his aura seemed fun, somewhere between Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. I needed some lighthearted conversation.

“So,” I began mid flight. “What is your name?” it seemed to startle him. Why would somepony so high up need to know the name of a single simple guard? It was a question ponies asked themselves whenever I tried to be friendly.

“Iridescent Blade,” he replied after the original shock wore off.

“Nice name.” I commented.  “I know the uniforms make you all look the similar, so what do you really look like?”

“I don’t think that’s relevant to the mission, Princess,” He said.

“It is alright,” I giggled. “You do not have to be all protocol and rules around me. Please refer to me as just ‘Feria’, and be free to speak your mind. Truthfully, I would welcome conversation.”

“If you insist.” He said in defeat. He unhooked a piece of the armor, breaking the spell on it. I watched as his white coat became mahogany brown, his mane and tail changed from blue to white, and his eyes were a beautiful amber color. Something was off though.

“Your mane seems to be changing colors!” I exclaimed. I spiraled around him to get a better look. “Over here it looks blue, but from over here it is orange! Now it is pink!”

He grumbled and readjusted his armor, activating the spell. This time, I sighed in defeat.  Ponyville was underneath us now, and I would say goodbye anyway. Before we could begin our decent, a blur of colors zoomed up, almost knocking Iridescent off course.

“Where have you been!” the colors I now recognize as Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Fluttershy’s had us looking all over for you!”

“What are you thinking?” Iridescent exclaimed once he regained his composure. “You nearly gave me a freaking heart attack!” They began to argue, and I could not help but laugh at them. It was just so normal compared to everything else. No spastic memories or lost magics, no secrets or hidden truths, just two ponies having an argument over recklessness.

“Thank you for the escort, Iridescent,” I said breaking up the fight. “We are back in Ponyville after all. Please tell Celestia that I am safe.” I knew he would report back to her anyway, but it felt right to say it.

“I will, Feria.” He replied with a smile. It surprised me, but I quickly smiled back at him. I slowly spiraled down with Rainbow Dash as I watched Iridescent fly back the way we came. By the time we landed at the Golden Oaks Library, he was just a dot in the distance.

“Oh my goodness! You’re okay!” Fluttershy exclaimed when I entered the building. She ran up to hug me. Everypony had gathered here already, each calming from their own ways of worriny.

“What happened?” Twilight asked. “Fluttershy said you ran off in the Everfree Forest, but we couldn’t find you/”

I sighed. “I am sorry. I was… working through quite a few things. I was at the old castle for a while. I meant to come home earlier, but I…. I found some things there I did not expect.”

“Oh dear, you didn’t get attacked, did you?” Rarity asked.

“No it was…” I stopped for a minute. How could I explain this to them? I cannot lie to my friends, but I do not think I am ready for them to know the full truth.

“I have been having… visions of the past. I cannot fully explain it, but I need to figure them out.” I began pacing around the room. “After my investigation at the Everfree Castle, I had headed up to Canterlot. Tia was helpful and I spent most of today there with her. She is trying to help.” I can leave out the part about actually having the visions, right?

I could not read their reactions. I guess they were just trying to accept it all. I probably seemed crazy to them. Tia believed me because she was there during the memories I saw. She knew more about the magics of the world than these young ponies. I would not have minded if they did not believe me. It might even keep them safe.

“Hey! Cheer up!” Pinkie Pie squeaked. “Investigating this sounds fun! I can’t wait to get started! Oh! What do I bring? I know where I can get a magnifying glass! And we’ll need food for when we go out to places without restaurants! What kind of cupcakes go well with mystery? I was thinking chocolate strawberry ones with mint filling and a little fondant puzzle pieces on top! ”

“Y-you want to help?” I asked, quite shocked.

“Of course we would!” Applejack replied. “Y’all need help with this.”

I smiled at the rest said their pieces of agreement. I truly could not believe it. That warm tingle started up again. They did not just believe me, they believe in me. Each eventually wandered home, thinking of how they can help. As I walked back to my own home, I took a moment to enjoy the sun’s warmth. I had seen the first sunrise. I had seen the hope each new dawn brings to a pony. I knew that this is something I would not have to do alone.