Princesses of Equestria

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter16
Chapter 9

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Only if You Wish to Hear it

The sun began to descend over Equestria, allowing the night’s stars and moon to shine in its place. A white Alicorn stood on the balcony of the north tower gazing up at the night sky. Her long light colored rainbow mane flowed softly as if it was caught in endless wave like motion. In the distance another Alicorn flew above making her way toward the castle. This Alicorn unlike her sister was a dark blue color. Her long dark blue mane and tail flowed behind her as she drew close to the balcony. She landed ever so gracefully and bowed her head in respect to her sister.

“I shall take over from here sister,” she said.

“Luna, have you heard the news?” asked the white Alicorn.

“News?” repeated Luna questionably.

“Yes, it appears that some old acquaintances are near by,” replied her sister. “I received a letter stating that they would be leaving Manehattan to board a train that would take them to Ponyville.”

Luna stood in silence pondering on what friends of theirs could possibly still be alive after a thousand years. For all she knew is that if there were any other Alicorns like the two of them, then surly they would still be alive. Then, as if her sister had read her mind she smiled and said; “Oh, no… these are only a couple descendants of those we once knew.”

“You seem to be making a big deal out of it Celestia,” said Luna.

“Why not,” said Celestia. “They’ve been telling our story to their family for ages.”

“Wait you don’t mean… I thought The Mare in the Moon, and Discord were the only stories you agreed on?” said Luna surprised at this new information.

“We did, but I think that our old friend has made it his goal to tell the whole story to his children. And then they would tell it to theirs and so on…”

“What should we do sister?” asked Luna.

“Eh?” said Celestia.

“Are you seriously considering that they should tell it if they come here?” questioned Luna looking worried.

“Luna…” began Celestia but her sister cut her off.

“I know," Luna spoke up and began pacing. "We’ll just tell everypony that we don’t know them if they start…”

“Luna, I know what it would mean especially to you if they tell it. But things are different now. Everypony forgives you… Especially me. After I realized what that monster must have done to you…”

“No, stop it!" Luna shouted in her most commanding royal voice. "I don’t want to hear anymore!”

“Luna…" Began Celestia as she moved closer to comfort her frightened sister. "For to long we have let the Mare in the Moon and Discord be the shortest ways of summing up our story. I think its time they heard it again… only this time from the beginning.”

Luna didn’t answer. She turned her back to her sister before she could put a wing on her shoulder and stared out into the horizon. Celestia thinking that it would be best to back off to give her little sister time to think, left the tower and headed down the staircase to the main halls below. With each step she took, it felt like she was about to be transported back to a time where she wasn’t always the way her kingdom have seen her. She knew that having their story be told would give the ponies of Canterlot and Equestria a new perspective on their Princesses. The moon shun it’s light down on the city and it’s neighboring town. The light went through the bars of the tower lighting the front half of her as she stood in silence.

“Yes,” she thought to herself. “Let them tell it… But only if they wish to hear it.”

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

The Book

The Friendship Express arrived in Ponyville giving off a loud whistle as it came to a stop. The steam that had once bean trailing behind had started to rise in a single area. The passengers inside made to get their belongings as the conductor welcomed them to Ponyville. A brown earth pony with a red mane and tail was helping his elderly companion with his luggage while those behind moved passed him to leave. His mark was a baseball bat.

“Now, Be carful with that Berry,” said the old stallion twirling his hat nervously.

He was green, and like his son, he wore a suit for the occasion except with the addition of an old beat up cowboy hat that he insisted on wearing regardless if it didn’t match with his suit. His mark was dancing shoes.

“It’ll be fine dad,” said Berry standing on his hind legs in order to reach the suitcase above him.

Bringing his neck forward he grabbed the handle with his mouth and brought both it and himself to the isle. The old stallion put his hat back on and followed his son off the train. When he looked around he saw not the city of Canterlot, but a small town. Berry led him into town where the inhabitants were going about their business like any other day.

“My,” began the old Stallion in amazement. “I remember when this place was just being built! Haven’t been back since the first settlement was finished. So much has changed since then.”

“Right, look if you wanted to go to Canterlot dad, then I’m afraid we’ll have to get back on the train.” said Berry to the best of his ability with having his fathers bag dangling from his mouth.

“Ah, I suppose your right, but it would be a shame to leave now. I wonder if the apple family are still in business?”

Berry rolled his eyes; the mentioning of his fathers past was of no interest to him at all. He set the suitcase down and asked what they should do.

“I would like to see if they still live here,” said the old stallion thoughtfully.

“Ok, tell you what. Why don’t we just ask around and if there is a chance of them still living here then we might be able to drop by for a quick hello before going to Canterlot.”

His father agreed grinning happily as the two set off to ask anyone if they knew where they could find the Apple family. They didn’t have to ask more than once. Immediately they were given directions and soon they found themselves at the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres. The two made their way to the barn and saw tall red earth pony working on the fields. He had an orange mane and tale with freckles on his snout and a mark that was half of a green apple. Berry approach field where the red pony was busy plowing and called over to him.

“Excuse me sir, can you help us out?”

The pony stopped what he was doing and went over to see what the new comers wanted.

“Sorry to disturb your work,” said Berry apologetically. “Is this where the Apple family lives?”

“Eeeyep,” replied the red pony.

“Oh, good are they around?”

“Yep,” said the pony again.

“Could you tell me where I can find them?”

“Looken at one,”

“Ok. That’s great! Do you know if there are more around?”

“Yep.”

“And that would be where exactly?” asked Berry starting to wonder if this pony would be of any help to him at all.

“Big Mac, who are ya’ll talkin to?”

“Oh good somepony who doesn’t respond in one phrase,” said Berry aloud instead of keeping his thoughts to himself.

“Hello there new ponies!” said the pony who had just trotted up.

She was orange with a blond mane and tail that were tied in red ponytails and freckles on her cheeks. She wore cowboy hat, but unlike Berry’s fathers, hers wasn’t wrinkled and bent. She had three red apples for her cutie mark.

“Are y’all looking fore somepony? Maybe I can help.”

“If you would be so kind, we are…”

“They’re lookin for the rest of the family Apple Jack,” said Big Mac. “Why don’t you take them to see Granny Smith?”

“Right on it Big Mac!” said Apple Jack. “Come on new ponies! I’ll take ya to her!”

“Thank you kindly,” said the old stallion.

“Aint nothing to it!” said Apple jack with a friendly wink.

She lead the two ponies up to the house where she invited them in. After setting the suitcase down by the door, Berry caught up with the pair in the kitchen.

“Granny? Granny Smith we have visitors!” said Apple Jack Happily.

“Eh? Visitors? Who could... O… Oliver?”

“I wondered when I’d be seeing you again Ms. Smith,” said Oliver taking off his hat and beamed at her.

Granny Smith stared at Oliver for a good ten seconds before she went over and hugged him. After they broke apart, Berry, Oliver, and Granny Smith took seats in the living room while Apple Jack insisted that she would bring them drinks and snacks.

“Sorry we can’t stay for too long,” said Berry checking his watch. “We have to board the train to Canterlot shortly so…”

“Oh pish posh!” said Oliver waiving the matter aside with his hoof. “The train can wait! Ms. Smith, I’m surprised that the Sweet Apple Acres is still in business after all these years.”

“We’re still here ya old dog, and still growing strong!” said Granny smith proudly.

“Let’s hope so! Don’t want all those hours spent on building this farm go to waist.” said Oliver

“Aint that the truth.” said Granny Smith.

The two started laughing amongst themselves, To Berry it was clear that they were reminiscing about the past. Apple Jack came back with a tray of cider and wheat chips.

“So what brings ya here?” she asked as she made to sit in an empty chair.

“We were on our way to Canterlot,” said Berry. “Oh, Sorry, my name’s Berry. Berry Crisp.” he said shooting up from his chair and held up his hoof to shake Apple Jack’s.

“Well, nice to meet ya Berry! Sorry to say this to ya, but I’m afraid if you left now, ya’ll won’t be able to catch the train on time."

“Oh dear,” said Oliver. “Sorry Berry, but it looks like we’re stuck in ponyville until tomorrow.”

“It’s… It’s fine dad,” said Berry restraining his disappointment.

“Oh no, I’d feel bad to let you two go without any place to stay when little old me held ya back from schedule.”

“Think nothing of it Ms. Smith,” said Oliver kindly. “We’ll make due with finding somewhere to stay. I think I saw some apartments when we arrived.”

“I know, why don’t ya’ll bunk here for the night?” suggested Granny Smith.

“We wouldn’t want to impose,” said Berry.

“Never mind him Ms. Smith,” said Oliver. “We would be honored to stay.”

“Then it’s settled,” said Granny Smith before Berry could speak.

“You and Berry can sleep in Apple Blooms room. She’s at a sleepover with her friends.”

Berry knew that it was no use trying to change the old mares mind and so, Apple Jack showed him and Oliver to their room. It was a decent size room with a desk, mirror, wardrobe, bedside table with a lamp and bed that had light yellow sheets with pink patterns edged across. On the desk laid scraps of paper that had sketched out ideas for some type of group. Before she left, Apple Jack asked Berry if he could help Big Mac out with carrying the apple sacks in while she helped Granny Smith with dinner. Before Berry could respond his dad said that he’d be happy to.

“Berry, I have two words of advise for you,” he said setting his suitcase on the bed.

“What would that be?” said Berry raising an eyebrow.

“When somepony offers you a place to stay, don’t pass it down,”

“And Two?”

“You might want to take your suit off. It won’t do you any good tomorrow if it’s all dirty.”

When Berry went back downstairs he met Apple Jack by the front door. She told him that he would find her brother by the apple trees. He thanked her wishing amongst anything that she would accompany him so he wouldn’t be left with a pony who’s only response to strangers is, “Yep”

“Hey Big Mac!” Berry called over to the red pony when he spotted him. “Apple Jack sent me to help you out. Do I just follow you then?”

“Yep,” said Big Mac hoisting two barrels filled with apples on his back and began his way to the open barn.
Berry tried to pick up the same amount as Big mac but could only manage to carry one barrels worth.

“How in Equestria does this one do it?” he thought as he followed Big Mac to the barn.

“So, B.M. You don’t mind if I call you that right?”

“Nnnope,” said Big Mac putting his barrel down and headed back for the rest.

Berry did try to start a conversation with Big Mac, but all he could get out of him was either a “Yep.” or “Nope.” When he asked if Apple Jack was his sister he responded with, “Yep.” Berry soon gave up on trying to get anything else out of Big Mac and continued with helping him in silence. When they had finished he couldn’t wait to get back inside where conversations were more likely to exist. After taking a shower he helped set up the table and in no time they were eating and sharing stories. Most of them were on what Oliver and Granny Smith had to tell each other.

“So, a baseball player huh?” said Apple Jack amused.

“Yes, I play for the Manehattan Badgers,” said Berry.

“Your family sounds nice,”

“Yeah, little Key Lime has a lot of potential for the arts.

“The only thing she’s missing is for you to tell her a bed time story,” said Oliver taking a swig of apple cider.

“I told you dad I’m not good with that type of stuff!” said Berry embarrassed.

“It doesn’t matter if your good or not!" said Oliver matter-of-factly. "Trust me, she won’t care how good it is as long as it’s you telling it,”

“Oh, and I suppose you have plenty of stories to tell?” said Berry challengingly.

“You’d be surprised,” said Oliver and he looked at his cup as if he was seeing something only he could see inside it. “Yes, come tomorrow I think everypony will want to hear...”

“What do you mean by that?” asked Apple Jack.

“He’s wanted to go to Canterlot for some time now,” said Berry. “Our Family tree goes back quite a ways. Apparently, one of my great grandfathers knew the Princesses and has kept something for them for safe keeping. My dad thinks it’s about time he gave it back.”

“So that’s what’s in the luggage,” said Apple Jack.

“It has been passed down for generation, from one stallion to the next." said Berry dreamily. "You should attend tomorrow I think the princesses will allow me to tell you…”

“Dad…” said Berry in disbelief, “I don’t think that they’ll want you to. If it’s something important to them I’m sure they’ll let everypony know when they are ready,”

“Don’t be to sure about that Berry. You’ll see. Yes, you’ll see…”

The next day came with the sun shining bright as ever! The Apple family rose before the sun had risen and woke Berry up with the sound of the sinks running. After he and his father had put their suits back on, they headed downstairs and had a quick bite to eat before they left. Oliver took Granny Smith’s hooves in his, thanked her for letting them stay and invited her and her grandchildren to come to Canterlot when they had any free time during the day. The two earth ponies left, waving goodbye to Apple Jack and Big Mac as they passed by. Waiting on the train to arrive didn’t take as long as it did in Manehattan and before they knew it, they were off again! this time to Canterlot!

“Dad, I don't want you to get your hopes up,” said Berry seriously as the train entered the mouth of a tunnel. “They don’t let just anypony see the Princesses.”

“Berry, Berry. You underestimate me,” said Oliver chuckling. “Why, where there’s a will, there’s a way! Especially if your will happens to be something that has been kept safe for a over thousand years!”

“You really think that suit case of yours will be all you need to get an invitation?” asked Berry completely unconvinced.

“Yes I do,” said Oliver cheekily. “Ah, would you look at that we’re almost there.”

Looking out the window they saw in the distance a castle hanging over a cliff with a waterfall that flowed swiftly down the mountain and off the edge beside it. The train came to a stop in the city where, once again, the whistle rang out announcing their arrival. After leaving the train, Berry and Oliver made their way through the vast city. The ponies here were very different indeed from their neighbors back in Ponyville. Looking around they noticed that they blended in easily with the crowds of nicely dressed ponies; however, maybe it was due to the fact that they too were wearing suits. Oliver feeling a tad bit self-conscious took off his old cowboy hat and gave his mane a quick brush. They soon figured out that it wasn’t just the way these ponies dressed. The way they talked ate and drank suggested that they were of higher class. The City proved to be more difficult to navigate in than they had originally thought. When they finally realized that they might be lost, Berry decided to ask a nearby unicorn for directions.

“Excuse me,” said Berry to the unicorn who turned to face him.

“Yes, What do you want?” he asked holding his head high.

“My father and I are lost and we wanted to know how to get to the castle?”

“Ah, of course, let’s see… you need to head back several blocks, then make a right turn and head straight. You shouldn’t miss it after that.”

“Oh, so that’s why the castle seemed to be farther away than I thought. Thank you,”

When Berry and Oliver had followed the directions the unicorn had given them they looked up at the vast structure. Built out of white bricks, the castle stood high looking down on the city below.

“Well, here we go,” said Oliver taking a deep breath and marching forward.

A guard stopped them as they reached the front gates.

“Halt! what are you doing here?!” he questioned.

“Excuse us sir, but we are here to see the Princesses,” said Oliver casually.

“Do you have an appointment?”

They didn’t, but Berry could tell that his father had already thought out a plan before they left their home in Manehattan. With his suitcase being held in his mouth, Oliver placed it down and pointed a hoof notably at it.

“Trust me, in this luggage, I have something the Princesses want.”

When the guard wasn’t fazed by his words he added with a hint of letting someone in on a secret, “What if I were to tell you that I know a story that even you don’t know about her highnesses?”

“You couldn’t possibly know anything about them!” said the guard aghast.

“Wouldn’t I?” challenged Oliver.

To Berry’s surprise the guard’s eyes darted from looking at his father to the briefcase at his hooves. The guard sighed and reached out a hoof to take the bag.

“Oh, no you don’t lady!” said Oliver seriously. “This here is for my families eyes as well as the Princesses!”

“I would most certainly hope so!” said an amused voice from behind the guard.

The Guard jumped and staid at attention as Princess Celestia came walking up to meet the two earth ponies. Both Berry and Oliver bowed to her as she approached them. She glanced down at the two and then at the briefcase.
“It's Ok." she assured the now stiff guard. "They do intact have an appointment with my sister and I."

Celestia smiled warmly at the two and added. "So this is where it is now."

She brought the two up to the castle and let them inside. Berry was especially surprised that Celestia wasn’t mad at his father for being all open about his supposed treasure. Celestia led them to the throne room where she and Oliver got down to business. Berry watched in aw as they exchanged friendly greetings and his father had a wing touch his shoulder in a sign of gratitude for keeping what ever was in the briefcase safe for all this time. Celestia glanced down at Oliver’s luggage as if she wanted more than anything to see what was inside.

“May I?” she asked.

“Your highness,” began Oliver. “If anypony has the right to look at it first, it’s you.”

Celestia felt her heart beat as her horn glowed. She handled the package carefully as if it was made of glass and the briefcase opened gently under the spell cast upon it. Both Celestia and Berry gave out a gasp of shock as they saw what was inside it. An old book. Other than the brown color cover fading away, it was completely intact and as far as they could see, unmarked in any way. Celestia felt her stomach drop as once again she saw before her eyes an image of herself as a filly. Her eyes began to water and she quickly closed the bag in order to save the book from being touched by her tears.

“We have been keeping it safe for you two,” said Oliver softly. “As you can see, we took pride in making sure that it stayed intact.”

“Yes, I can see that,” said Celestia her voice going horse. “Thank you,”

“It was our job, Princess,” said Oliver bowing his head. “Think nothing of it.”

“Are you alright Princess?” Berry asked concerned by the teary eyed Princess.

“Yes, I’ll be ok,” said Celestia wiping her eyes dry and brought her voice back to normal.

“Dad, was that what I think it was?” asked Berry pointing his hoof at his father’s luggage.

“Yes, Berry it is,” said Oliver smiling at his son. “I told you that I had something that the Princesses would want back.”

“But those bed time stories you told me... You can’t possibly mean that they were all true?”

“In deed they are!” said Oliver proudly. “Your great grandfather took on a huge responsibility in his time and since then it has been our families duty to insure that the story was kept safe until the time was right! Until know only our family and the two Princesses are the only ones that know the whole story.”

“I can’t tell you how much it means to us that your family has kept their word all this time,” said Celestia gratefully.

“Of course, we would never go back on a promise!” said Oliver completely glowing with pride now.

Celestia asked if she could hold onto the book for the time being while she and her sister set up a time to allow their story to be told. Oliver allowed her to do so and he and his son were sent back to Ponyville where they were instructed to wait until tomorrow when they would be given approval from the Princesses.

“I thought we already discussed this sister?!” said an annoyed Luna later that night to Celestia who had just finished telling her what had happened during the day.

“Luna…” began Celestia calmly. “I know how it must make you feel, but they have to know at some point.”

“I know sister,” said Luna sighing. In her head doubt and fear were fighting over truth and pride. Finally she seemed to have come to a decision and asked, “Are they in there too?”

“Yes,” said Celestia who had skimmed through the pages until she found the names that here sister was referring to. She approached her sister. This time she was grateful that Luna did not back away when her wing made to touched her shoulder. “Luna, this desistion is not just mine to make, but yours as well. If you feel uncomfortable, I will tell Berry that the story is not ready to be heard yet.”

Something inside Luna awoke. She too was contemplating on if having not just her story be told, but her sister's as well. The thought of hearing the names that she had kept deep in her memory for a thousand years swam into thought. She saw their happy faces clearly visible in her mind’s eye. Like her sister Luna felt her eyes water and she felt tears running down her face. Those she loved and those she had hurt appeared before her.

“I can tell Oliver to leave out those ponies if it will make you feel any better. I’m sure he would be willing to if I explain our reasons.” said Celestia thoughtfully.

“No,” said Luna her voice cracking slightly. “If we are going do this, we should do it properly. Alright sister, we will allow this Berry to tell our story.”

Celestia wrapped her sister into her open wings and the two stayed there together for sometime, allowing them selves to shed silent tears. Luna ended her night watch early in order to have a look at the ancient book. She turned each page gingerly, scared that if she turned the pieces of paper to hard they would tear off. At long last she had found the names she was looking for. Her eyes scanned the two names of the two Alicorns she once knew. Her vision became blurry as she quickly wiped away fresh tears and looked outside her window.

“Yes,” she thought to herself. “They deserve to know.”

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

A Stage if you please

Back in Ponyville, having nowhere else to stay, Berry and Oliver were welcomed back inside the Apple Family’s house for an extra night. Apple Jack had brought over her friend Twilight Sparkle to meet them. Twilight was a young purple Alicorn and had been dubbed the third Princess of Canterlot. When Berry and Oliver met her they bowed in respect and shook her hoof. When she asked how their visit to Canterlot went, Oliver smiled and replied, “Better than expected! Celestia and Luna will let us know tomorrow about their decision!”

“Don’t get too excited dad,” said Berry frowning at his fathers over hyped attitude.

“Don’t be so negative Berry,” said Oliver kiddingly. “The Princesses will want this to happen and its time these ponies knew their story.”

“Hold on,” said Twilight stopping the old stallion there. “Story?”

“Yes, Princess,” said Oliver excitedly. “The story of how Celestia and Luna became who they are today!”

“I thought that everything about them are in the history book on Equestria?”

Oliver stared at Twilight observantly as if he had expected this from her and nodded understandably.

“Tell me Princess, Celestia has taught you ways of magic, but has she ever told about her and Luna’s past?”

“I don’t have to worry about that,” replied Twilight as if the matter wasn't of any big concern. “Princess Celestia told me everything I needed to know.”

“Well, what if I were to tell you that she hasn’t told you everything?”

“Dad!” Berry hissed. “Don’t talk to her highness like that! I’m sorry Princess, he can be a loose cannon sometimes.”

Twilight felt her heart drop. Did Oliver really believe that Celestia had kept something a secret from her student let alone the whole of Equestria. Trying to find a logical explanation for Celestia’s secrecy, Twilight thought that if it was true, it wasn’t her place to ask her or Luna about their past. After all, everything she knew was in the book she had read. It was the same book that had the tale of the “Mare in the Moon". Celestia had told her that it was just a bedtime story only to find out that her suspicions were correct and Nightmare Moon did come back to take her revenge. Even after all that, she and her friends found out from Celestia that an old foe that she and Luna fought back when they ruled together had risen from his imprisonment to once again bring Equestria into chaos. Was there another story from their past that Celestia hadn’t told her student about yet? What could it be? The possibilities were either another ancient monster from long ago, or another cursed kingdom that has been hidden from them and if fate would have it; she and her friends would have to find and possibly save it.

“What could you know that I don’t?” Twilight asked Oliver finally after a long pause.

She had hopped the question sounded like a casual throw away question, but she had a feeling that Oliver saw a trace of longing desire in her tone.

“Ahhh… That princess, will have to wait until tomorrow. For this story you won't find in any of your library books.” said Oliver, a slight twinkle formed in his eyes. “No need to spoil the surprise after all.”

That night when Twilight had returned to her tree house home, she lied awake wondering what Oliver had in store for her and the rest of Ponyville to hear? The more she thought about it the harder it was to fall asleep. It wasn’t until she felt her eyes begin shut on her did she finally drift off to sleep. The next day, Oliver and Berry had received a visit from Celestia. The Apple Family bowed to the white Alicorn who smiled sweetly at them and requested to have a word with Oliver alone.

“So, what do you want to ask me Princess?” asked Oliver once they were alone outside walking around the apple acres.

“It’s like this,” began Celestia. “Luna and I want to have our story told, but…”

“You’re not sure how everypony will take it,” Oliver finished for her. “I see what you mean. OK then, I think I know what to do.”

When Celestia and Oliver returned from their walk, she insisted that the Apple family meet the rest of Ponyville in the town square within the next hour and she will let the mayor know what is about to happen so there would be a crowd.

“Sounds like ya’ll have a plan!” said Granny Smith happily.

“Yes, we do!” replied Oliver just as excited. “Now that I have approval from the Princesses everything should come together easily.”

With the help of Twilight, she had been able borrow a blue unicorn’s stage she had usually used for her magic acts. She managed to convince her to lend it when she told her that it would be epicenter of history. The idea of her stage being a tool used to be apart of such an important event intrigued the unicorn and with an all to familiar selfish grin, she happily gave Twilight the stage. The ponies of Ponyville gathered around the town square as requested by the mayor and waited in silence. Princess Luna and Celestia arrived and thinking that this was the reason for the town meeting, the citizens of Ponyville bowed to them. When the two didn’t head to stage and took seats amongst the crowd the more curious the situation became. The Mayor came out on stage and addressed the town.

“Welcome everypony to an important historical event! Today we will be the first ever ponies of Equestria to hear about something the Princesses have just received after a thousand years of waiting!”

An uproar of thoughtful and excited murmurs spread through out the crowd and when the talking stopped Oliver came out on stage and took over for the Mayor. He looked out into the audience that had their full attention on him. He saw that Appple Bloom and several other fillies had made their way to the front and were looking up expectedly.

“Before I begin,” started Oliver. “I must ask if you are ready to hear something that has been known only to a few for the last thousand years?”

Again the crowd broke out in silent agreements towards one another.

“What I’m about to tell you is a story of how Princess Celestia and Luna became the rulers you all know today!”

He lifted up the old book he had brought with him on stage and held it up so the spectators could see it.

“But Mister, I thought that “The Mare in the Moon” was the tale of Princess Celsestia and Luna?” said Apple Bloom sharing the same confusion as the rest of Oliver’s audience.

“Indeed that is true,” said Oliver smiling down at her. “But that story is one of three that have been shortened.”

“You mean there’s more?” asked a white unicorn filly looking interested.

“Oh, yes, there is more…” replied Oliver, his eyes twinkling.

No one spoke and when Oliver looked around at the crowd he had drawn in. He patted the ancient book with his hoof and waited for a moment thinking on what he was about to do. He didn’t need to open the book for he had memorized every page.

“Very well,” he began to say with a smile. “Let’s start at the beginning, when the two sisters were still very young and had no idea that one day they too would rule over their land like their parents before them. The day when they would become Princesses of Equestria…”

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Two Fillies One Destiny

In the early hours of night, the white castle with purple pointed roofs stood tall gazing down at the horizon and forest below. The inhabitants of the kingdom’s city were just starting to turn in for the night. In the library, of the castle, the king, a black Alicorn with a grey mane and tail sat at his studies; his golden eyes scanned through the pages of his book of enchantments. The candle gave an appropriate amount of light so he could see what he was reading. He was about to turn the page when, from the cracked doors, he saw something slide across the floor. He stared at the supposedly empty room and waited for the tall tell signs of his queen galloping down the halls at the same speed. Sure enough, a second Alicorn darted passed the cracked doors chasing after what looked like a cloud with wings.

“Celestia!” the Queen cried out to the air born filly. “Careful you might hurt yourself!”

The sound of their daughter’s laughs echoed in the halls as the king stopped reading and stood to assist his wife. Upon approaching the doors he once again turned his head to face the place where the object from before was hiding. With a sigh his horn glowed dark blue and he aimed his spell at the spot where the thing was and out came hovering toward him was a stuffed animal. He opened the doors of the library and was immediately greeted by the sound of flapping wings as his wife soared passed the railing still in hot pursuit of their daughter. The filly laughed cheerfully as she preformed a number of dangerous stunts that were sure to give her mother a heart attack.

“I guess it’s Celestia’s turn for flying this time around?” he called out to his wife as she shot him a mean look before chasing the delighted filly into the throne room.

From the halls behind him the king sensed that he wasn’t alone and turned to see a second filly. This one was dark blue with a small navy blue mane and tail. Her once light blue eyes were solid white. Her small horn glowed and with a small pop, she teleported and reappeared at the top the stairs. Dropping the toy, the king approached his second daughter with caution. It was quite common for newly born unicorns to go through a spark of strong magic, but in both of their daughter’s cases they went through moments of immense power from magic or being able to fly without any problems what so ever thanks to their wings. The kings horn glowed again as he cast an orb that gently encased the blue filly inside it and he carefully rocked the ball back and forth. The filly inside relaxed and closed her eyes drifting off into a peaceful sleep. Smiling to himself the king brought the magical orb to him. He looked at his youngest daughter in wonder as from the throne room, the sound of something crashing into the wall was heard and a few seconds later the laughter died out.

His wife came walking out with her crown tilted on the left side of her head and part of her golden mane hid a part of her face that was breathing heavily. Before he could make a remark she flew past him with the white filly tucked under her hooves. Back in the kids’ room, they gingerly placed the two fillies in their crib.

“These two are going to grow to be great flyers,” said the king thoughtfully.

“What makes you say that?” asked his queen a little waspishly.

“Did you see what our Celestia did back there?”

“Yes, and I’m glad I caught her when I did!” said the queen frowning. “I swear I almost fainted when she managed to pull out of her dive in time.”

The king thought he might laugh, but the look his wife gave him made him think twice before doing so. The two fillies turned in their sleep and muttered hard to understand words under their breath. The king and queen nuzzled their children before leaving and once they were back in the halls they stared at each other.

“Dear,” said the queen. “I’ve been thinking…”

“Oh, have you?” asked the king smiling at her. “What is it this time?”

“I think once the girls are old enough we should let them live like everypony else.”

“But they are not like everypony else,” said the king frowning. “They are born under royalty and above all, they are Alicorns.”

“Night Shade, I want them to have a chance at a normal life,” said the queen

“With their abilities?” questioned Night Shade. “Star Bright, it will be difficult for them to fit in. You’ve seen what they are capable of especially when it comes to magic.”

“Which is why they might be better off growing up without that knowledge!” replied Star Bright stepping in front of her husband so he could look her in the eyes.

“So in other words you want them to test their fate?” questioned Night Shade wondering if letting their daughters grow without their destinies was a good idea.

“I want them to live their lives as they see fit,” said Star Bright.

The two stared at each other. They wanted the best for their daughters of course, but having the two grow up with little knowledge about their true destinies was hard to swallow. Star Bright knew that one day one of their daughters would find out and when that happened what would they tell them?

“Come with me,” said Night Shade placing a wing on his queens shoulders.

Star Bright was hesitant at first, but she allowed her husband to guid her to the library where he levitated a book down from the highest shelf. Upon opening it, Star Bright saw the cover titled, “Alicorn Mythos” She had a sneaking suspicion of what this was all about and before she could say something to Night Shade the page he was looking for was found.

“Look at this,” he told her noting the title of the chapter, “Destinies after Birth”.

“Night Shade, you can’t be serious!” said Star Bright appalled by his meaning for bringing her to the library. “This is… It can’t be right! This book is…”

“Our races history.” Night Shade finished for her patiently. “While, granted some accusations are beyond the norm, most of what’s in hear is accurate.”

“I think your getting ahead of yourself dear." said Star Bright, her eyes were only on the black Alicorn in front of her. "The girls aren’t even of age yet.”

“But they will be and as their magic grows with them, it will only be a matter of time before it’s decided.”

Star Bright didn’t speak. She begrudgingly looked at the chapter in the only history book they had about their race as if it was something unpleasant she had found on her horseshoe. According to the legend, Alicorns don’t know their purpose until their magical abilities decide that for them; however, if they are not destined, then they will live normally without having to carry such a heavy burden. Well… As abnormal as it gets considering they have horns and wings instead of one specialty. Not to mention they live longer than anypony else. Night Shade sighed and closed the book.

“Listen, maybe you’re right. Maybe we should let them have a chance at a normal life.”

“Thank you,” said Star Bright, happy that he had seen reason and the two nuzzled each other.

Night Shade told his wife that he would be in their bedroom in just a few minutes before she left him to his studies. The king was lost in thought as the chapter on destiny under royalty kept popping up in his head. If their Daughters were to live without knowing of their supposed destinies then this book would have to hidden from them until the time was right.

Ten years later….

For the longest time, Celestia and Luna lived their lives without a care in the world. Celestia was known to her friends as a proud leader, but maybe, a bit too proud. While her abilities to stand out in front of the crowd brought happiness to her admiring fans. It also brought out a narcissistic side to Celestia. Luna on the other hoof was quiet and kept to herself most of the time, but even she had limits. When she wanted to be heard, she made absolutely sure of it when her voice rang out. This startled most ponies since they would have never expected such a small and quiet filly to be capable of such a powerful voice. When she and Celestia were being bullied she would use her vocals as her ultimate weapon against ponies that knew how to talk the talk but not in force it. Despite being Alicorns, the two girls had managed just fine. They had their share of friends and together they stuck up for each other and were willing to give a helping hoof to anypony in need.

One afternoon in Canterlot, Celestia and Luna had just finished with their magic training and galloped off to get started with their flying lessons. Since the two were Alicorns they had no choice but to take two classes instead of one like their friends. In order for this to work, their parents let them study magic under a blissful unicorn who seemed far too lost in dream land that it was a wonder of how she kept a serious attitude when the two girls had her lessons. Their flight training was being handled by the captain of the royal guard’s right hooved man, Snap Shot or as Celestia liked to call him, “Captain Grump.” Snap Shot was a young brown Pegasus with green eyes with a blue mane and tail. His armored chest plate and hooves shined in the suns light.

“All right everypony!” boomed Snap Shot who marched around the open field they were on. “Last week we worked on our wing strength. This time I want you to actually fly!”

“Alright!” Celestia said excitedly to Luna. “Now we can finally get started!”

“But once you are air born I want you to follow me, and pay close attention! Can I trust you can manage that Celestia?” he asked the white Alicorn who looked up at her instructor.

“I said, can I expect your full attention this time?” repeated Snap Shot.

“Of course, why would I ever want to stray off course?” Celestia implied.

This made Snap Shot glare at her before he backed away, spread his wings and began to stretch them.

“I trust you two have been preforming the wing exorcizes I wanted you to do.”

“Oh yeah,” said Celestia grinning sheepishly. “Wing ups, that thing where we have to stay in place for a while before we allow ourselves to drop and so on..”

“We’ll see about that,” said Snap Shot a little waspishly.

With one last stretch he began to pump his wings up and down in fluid motion. The two Alicorns followed his actions and began to flap their wings too.

“That’s it you two! Keep it up! Not too fast or you’ll be too tired to go anywhere once your off the ground! Good, now kick yourselves off the ground and… YOU’RE OFF!”

Snap Shot bent his knees down and once he sprung back up, he was hoisted into the air and soared gracefully above the two aw inspired Alicorns. The two girls did as they were told and bent their knees readying to kick off at a moments notice. As they concentrated they felt something growing strong from inside them and their heads felt light.

“Come on,” said Snap Shot eagerly. “We’re burning daylight!”

Celestia was the first to lift herself off the ground. She gave a small shriek as her body felt like it might fall, but when she opened her eyes and looked at what she was doing it was impossible to hold back her excitement.

“WAHOO! Luna you have got to try this! Its great! I feel so free up here!”

Luna looked up at her sister and she too kicked off the ground and joined the two ponies above her. It took a while for the two to gain balance and once they did, Snap Shot told them to fallow him. The two flew after their instructor as he led them through the sky. They flew past clouds and started to make turns. Turning at first was harder than flying in a straight path. The girls turned but stayed there for too long and plummeted only to be saved by Snap Shot who began teach them how to maintain balance when they turned. He watched them carefully incase they lost control and started hurdling to the ground again.

“Wait, this time for sure! I know I can do this Snap Shot!” said Celestia with a determined look.

Celestia made to turn again, this time she felt her body begin to tilt a little harder than it was supposed to and she pulled to the left a little to even out of the wind moving through her wings and coat. She felt as if she was a gliding on a cloud as the wind flowed across her body making her mane and tail flow behind her. The cold air made her face feel chilly but she didn’t care. Spreading her hooves out, she glided through the sky like knife through butter. Taking advantage of the moment, she climbed higher so she was inches from a cloud and wondered what it must feel like to go through one. She casually spun on her back and faced the large white flake. Reaching her hoof out she brushed the cloud making a line form as she soared passed it. She felt as if her hoof had just brushed up against the surface of a lake. She then turned back on her stomach and flew to her instructor and sister who eyed her with impression. Before Snap Shot could say anything, Celestia came speeding toward them and in an instant she zoomed by leaving a beleaguered instructor behind in the dust.

“Celestia, get back here!” he hollered after her. “You’re going too fast!”

Celestia couldn’t hear him and the farther away she went the more she wanted to find out what else she could do. She turned back and headed toward the two stationary ponies. The closer she got to them, she heard Snap Shot’s enraged voice call out to her as she flew passed them once again. This time she ascended, going as high as her wings would take her. She stopped when she felt the air thicken and she hovered there for a while taking in the sights. The Castle was seen clear as day and in the horizon behind her the Everfree Forest lied undisturbed. She aimed herself to where she thought her sister and Snap Shot were and dove. She felt the icy air fly passed her as she gained speed. Before she knew it she felt like something was thickening around her. It was becoming more difficult to stay in control! She tried to stop, but it was no use! The air locked around her and the next thing she knew was that she was sent hurling in the opposite direction like being shot from an enormous slingshot. The world was spinning and try as she might she couldn’t regain control. Celestia stopped spinning but she was out cold by this point and her body was plummeting to the ground below. Snap Shot saw that something was wrong and quickly sprung into action and zoomed after the falling filly! Luna cried out to her sister feeling completely useless as she watched her head in for a crash landing. Suddenly Celestia’s eyes opened a fraction to see the sun. Her eyes focused on it as her head felt light again. Her eyes closed and her wings reacted on their own. They spread out and she soared up just in time to Snap Shot’s height!

“Celestia are you alri… Hey!”

Celestia glided above him and stopped. She hovered facing the sun. She raised her front hooves and looked up at the sky. Snap Shot stared worriedly at Celestia, but then to his disbelief the sun started to lower and in a matter of seconds it was pitch black and they were stuck in a dark starless night.

“Luna! Luna, where are you?!” hollered Snap Shot.

He didn’t have to wait long for a reply. He heard the sound of somepony crying and quickly headed to the source. His outstretched hoof found something soft and he felt around for a hoof to take.

“It’s ok Luna, I’ve got you,” he reassured the filly that stopped crying. “Come on we need to find your sister.”

He pulled, but Luna didn’t budge. He tried again with no result. Before he could ask what was the matter he saw two bright white eyes staring directly at him. He yelled and let go of Luna’s hoof. The dark Blue Alicorn just hovered there like her sister and before he could reach out to her again, she raised her front hooves out as well and a new source of light was slowly making its way into view. The moon started to rise and with it, the stars followed; scattering across the blackened sky. The sisters drifted to the ground gently and the moment their hooves touched the grass they snapped out of their trance. Celestia was the first to open her eyes and speak.

“Wha… What just happened? I, what a minute... When did the moon come out?!”

Snap Shot stood frozen to the spot. He couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed. He looked at Celestia trying to find the right words, but Luna gave a soft groan and she too opened her eyes, which were back to normal.

“Snap Shot, what happened?” Asked Celestia again and added with grin. “Mom and dad won’t be happy with you if we trained till night fall!”

Suddenly the outline of two larger ponies came into view. They landed gracefully on the grass field, but their neat landing didn’t match their serious looks of purpose.

“Your majesties!” cried Snap Shot as he bowed to the two Alicorns who had just arrived.

“Mom, Dad!” said Celestia surprised by their sudden arrival. “What are you doing out…”

“Which one of you did it?” asked Night Shade.

Author's Note

Sorry for the delay in these next chapters. We have been very busy these past weeks. Hopefully we will be able to bring two more chapters out this weekend.

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

The Sun and Moon

Although their parent’s expressions were serious, their father’s question was asked in a calm and curious manner. Celestia gave her parents a confused look while her sister was beside herself completely horrified as she tried to remember how she got back on field. Snap Shot finally stood up and looked at his king and queen with concern.

“Which one of you did it?” repeated Night Shade to his daughters.

“Did what?” asked Celestia. “Dad what’s going…”

“The Sun,” said Night Shade “Was it you who did that Luna?”

“I… I don’t think so,” said Luna in a frightened voice. “Mom what is he talking about?”

“Snap Shot, what happened?” questioned Star Bright.

“My queen, we were in the middle training when Celestia was eager to advance on to the next stage! Not that its any surprise of course, but…”

“Hey! It’s not my fault that I’m a fast learner!” Celestia retorted shooting him a glare.

“If you had just followed my lead, then none of this would have happened!” Snap Shot snapped back.

The two were staring daggers at each other before the queen intervened.

“Snap Shot!” Star Bright spoke up.

“Right," replied Snap shot looking away from Celestia's angered eyes. "Any way... Celestia lost control of her speed and when she fell out of sky she… I don't know how its even possible, but her wings reacted on their own and she stretched her hooves out like this.” Snap Shot lifted him self off the ground in order to imitate what he had witnessed. “Suddenly it was as if the Sun was in her control and it started to set.”

“So it was you Celestia,” said Night Shade correcting himself. “You made the day go and night rise?”

“Actually your highness,” Snap Shot said nervously. “It was Luna that made the moon rise in the sun’s place.”

“Mom, what’s he talking about?” Inquired Luna looking worried.

“It’s nothing to be ashamed of honey.” Star Bright told her youngest daughter.

“Your mother’s right,” said Night Shade standing tall. “It was bound to happen at some point.”

“What was bound to happen?” asked Celestia.

“Snap Shot, you may return to your uh… sleeping courters for the night,” said Night Shade. “We will take our daughters from here. Celestia, Luna, you need to come with us. There is something we need to discuss.”

Back in the castle Celestia and Luna followed their parents down to the lower parts of the palace where they led them passed a room they had never seen or been in before. Celestia stopped and saw that the room was long and was lit by eerie blue lights that shun through the ceiling. Stretching down the center were shelves stacked with books, scrolls and other unknown sheets of paper.

“Not here,” said Night Shade diverting his eldest daughter’s attention away from the blue room by coming back to lead her away.

The king and queen led the two sisters to a different room that had a black-steel door. Night Shade muttered something under his breath as his horn glowed bright red. There was a loud clicking sound and the door opened making heavy metallic sounds. As Celestia and Luna followed their parents into the dimly lit room, they saw that it was like the throne room above them. The windows were made out of the same stained glass as those they had upstairs. The only difference was that these had colorful illustrations on them. A dark red carpet stretched across the floor leading to the center where a large fountain stood. The king and queen walked over to the fountain and beckoned their stunned daughters over to join them. Once Celestia and Luna reached the fountain Night Shade looked at Star Bright and nodded with an all-knowing attitude.

“Where are we?” asked Celestia still looking around.

“We are where the past lives on in memory and the future is yet to be made,” said Night Shade to his two daughters. “You said you wanted to know what was going on? Well, here, your answers will be found.”

“Snap Shot said that I made the sun fall and Luna made the moon rise. Why?”

Night Shade and Star Bright looked at each other again before the queen decided to answer her eldest daughter.

“Celestia, you and Luna are born under royalty, but as Alicorns you have been granted with special gifts. In this case, this ability.”

She pointed a hoof at one of the windows showing a picture of an Alicorn who had her wings spread and hooves stretched out. Behind her the sun was shown setting while the moon was shown rising

“Normally it is possible for one Alicorn to be able to control both the moon and sun, but in your case… Celestia, the sun is in your control while Luna has power over the moon and stars.”

“But how could we be?” asked Luna. “Why us? Why did Snap Shot look so, scared?”

“Because you two are the first in a thousand years to have been given these powers.” answered Night Shade. “The last Princess of Equestria was able to bring forth both the day and night, but after her passing, nopony else has been given her powers.”

“Until now,’ said Celestia unsure if she liked the idea of her having these newfound powers.

“Yes,” said Star Bright and she gave her husband a knowing look.

“Celestia, Luna… you are our heirs to the throne and when your time comes, you must lead and watch over the ponies of Equestria like the rulers before you.

The two sisters stared at their parents in disbelief. Why didn’t they tell them all of this until now? They didn’t know what to think of this situation. Panic sounded like an appropriate response. Shouting in frustration didn’t seem so bad either. They couldn’t see why their mother and father looked so at ease about this. It was easy on them of course though. They weren’t carrying a heavy burden. The more the realization of their predicament hammered away into their minds, the more they wanted to scream, run away, to hide. They wanted desperately to forget. Under desperation they thought that if they could just go back to their rooms and have a good nights sleep, they would wake up only to find out that the whole ordeal of destinies and ruling over Equestria when they were older was all a dream.

“We understand that this must be a lot to take in,” said Night Shade seeing how concerned his daughters looked. “But don’t worry. Your mother and I know what to do. You must master your gifts and thanks to these…” He gestured at the fountain behind him and conjured up an old book out of thin air.

“You should have no problem.”

And so, the future Princess Celestia and Luna’s royal training began. Night Shade would be helping Luna with her task of bringing forth the night, while Star Bright would take Celestia under her wing and teach her how to bring the day. They had been training for over a week. Suddenly things like friends and doing other things that would be considered normal took a back seat.

“Concentrate dear,” said Star Bright to Celestia as she was trying to raise the sun one night.

“I am,” said Celestia through gritted teeth. “Ugh! How did the last Princess manage to put up with this every day?!”

“I can not say,” said Star Bright patiently. “But if anypony can do what she did, it is you and Luna.”

Celestia focused on the horizon as instructed but nothing like before happened. The pressure she had been feeling for weeks finally took over and she couldn’t take it anymore. Lowering her hooves, she landed on the balcony. Everything she and Luna had known about themselves had been turned upside down within a single day and to hear her mother tell her that she believed in them was over whelming! Losing her temper, she stomped her hoof on the platform and lowered her head.

“Celestia, what…”

“I didn’t want this!” she roared. “I didn’t ask to be this way!”

“Celestia, I understa…”

“Do not tell me you understand!" The young Alicorn roared and turned to face her mother who had just stood up and tried to comfort her. "You and dad don’t have to be burdened with this! It was bad enough that Luna and I are born different from eveypony else and now you expect us to rule over Equestria one day as Princesses of the sun and moon!?”

Star Bright opened her mouth to speak but no words came out. Her daughter glared at her with tears in her eyes.

“We don’t even have our Cutie Marks yet and from the looks of things, this isn’t the only thing you didn’t tell us! Dad said the last princess of equestrian lived a millennia ago right? So does that mean we too will live for that long while our friends and those we know now will...”

Celestia couldn’t bring herself to finish her sentence. A saddened pain built up inside her as the weight of reality began to dawn on her. She and her sister will live longer than their friends and possibly family. It was after all their gift as Alicorns. Their curse…

Celestia sighed and with a much calmer, but horse voice asked, “How can you expect us to live like that? When were you going to tell us this?”

“You are right,” said Star Bright softly and embraced Celestia in a tight hug. “There will come times when your lives will seem lonely, but no matter what happens, you two will cherish the your memories you had with your friends as we have. And as long as you hold on to all the times you have spent with them in your heart, they will never truly leave.”

In a blackened room Luna gave a horrified shriek as her father turned out the lights once again and they were placed in everlasting darkness. Try as she might, Luna’s light spell couldn’t help extinguish her fears. The lights turned on and Night Shade stood by himself and found his daughter hiding under the carpet.

“I think,” he began to say. “We aught to go over what we had discussed.”

“No!” said Luna loudly as she stood back up. “Sorry, it’s not that I didn’t understand why we need to do this. Its just that...”

She couldn’t bring herself to say it. Her true feelings were practically screaming to be released, but she didn’t want to disappoint her father by failing at such an important task.

“If you are ready, then we shall try again." said Night Shade, his horn glowing again. "Get ready and try to remember, fear in the end is choice we make. And just like our decision to let it take over us we also must choose to overpower it.”

“Wait!” shouted Luna before her father could turn out the lights. “I… I don’t think I can.”

“Luna…” said Night Shade feeling sorry for the young Alicorn in front of him.

“I don’t think I have it in me! Come on, me? Princess of the night? I can’t even sleep with out the lantern on still!”

“Come here Luna,” said Night Shade.

He put a comforting wing over his daughter’s shoulder and escorted her to the fountain. In it, water lied undisturbed. The bottom of the fountain wasn’t seen leaving the coloration black.

“There is nothing to fear about the dark,” said Night Shade as his horn glowed once again and instantly they were covered in blackness.

Luna shrieked and made to back away, but she felt her father’s soft wing being placed on her.

“The dark can teach us many things Luna. And once you realize there is nothing to fear…”

Luna heard something touch the water in the fountain and a light started to shine from inside it. Curious, Luna hoisted herself on the fountain’s edge and looked at the water that went black again.

“You will see that the night can offer beauty in ways the day can not.”

Luna frowned.

“Beauty?” criticized Luna. “What beauty is there in such a thing as night?”

“Hmmm, why don’t you tell me what you see?” asked Night Shade egging his daughter on.

Luna focused her eyes on the black surface. Her reflection was barely visible as she stared sadly into the abyss.

“I can’t see anything,” she said in disappointment as she placed her left hoof into the fountain and twirled the liquid around.

The water was cold and continued to swirl when she stopped stirring. As soon as she was about to leave, the water started to give off light again. She stared into the fountain as she saw the source of light. A small speck was swimming around in it. Before she could reach for it another speck floated into view, then another and another. Luna’s eyes widened as the once blackened water was being filled with the tiny dots of light. She couldn’t pull her eyes away from what was happening. Each of the tiny specks of light twinkled at her as they swam around in their watery home. She soon picked out a few images they were making and found herself in aw of the show.

“Tell me,” said Night Shade smiling warmly at her. “What do you see now?”

Only one thing came to Luna’s mind at that moment as the fear she had felt moments ago was vaporized.

It’s so… Beautiful…

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Nimph

In a small village outside of Canterlot, An orange unicorn wearing spectacles with a lusty red mane, tail and yellow eyes sat in her house reading over the one thing she had left of her teacher’s work. While he was still alive, she had assisted him in creating magic for future generations to use. Her teacher was an old unicorn, who was skilled in the ways of spell casting. Before he died, he was working on one of his many secret spells. When she offered to help him, he turned her down saying that the spell was not for her to ever attempt and refused to let her in on what he called “dangerous spells” from then on. When he did pass away, she felt that it was her job to pick up where he left off. Late one night she snuck into his secret stash and took out a single scroll. Before she could get the rest of his creations, representatives of the Higher Class Unicorns Guild, came and looted the old spell caster’s house. Enraged by this sudden interference, She wrote a letter of complaint to where the guild was rumored to be stationed. She didn’t have to wait long for a response. She received a letter the next day requesting her to bring her case forward. Upon her arrival to a wide house she approached a red earth pony who looked at her with raised eyebrows.

“May I help you?” she asked.

“Yes, My name’s Nimph,” said the orange unicorn. “The Unicorns Guild has requested that I come here to discuss what they have stolen from me.”

In order to make her appearance look more professional she had brushed her mane and put it in a ponytail. The Earth pony eyed her skeptically and was about to call for somepony to escort her out when a blue unicorn in a green cloak called out to them.

“What is happening over here?!” he asked harshly to the earth pony. “I thought I told you to not let anypony enter without permission!”

“Here’s your permission,” Nimph growled shoving the letter at his snout. “Now tell her that I’m here by your guild’s orders!”

“I’m so sorry Romulus!” the earth pony said worriedly. “I’ll have her leave at once!”

“No, no…” said Romulus eyeing Nimph with a cold expression. “She’s speaks the truth. Well then, follow me Ms. Nimph. We have been expecting you.”

Nimph followed Romulus to the back of the house where the room he led her to was built more like a small court. The unicorns inside were talking ecstatically to one another when the two entered. Romulus cleared his throat and two of the unicorns dressed in white cloaks stopped talking. Once the rest saw what they were looking at they too grew silent.

“Gentlecolts, Mares, I bring to you Ms. Nimph, we received a letter from her the other day,” said Romulus to the cloaked unicorns on the benches.

“Ah, so this is the one who claims they knew the great caster,” said one of the white-cloaked unicorns. Her voice was stern, but she gave off a peaceful presence. “Come now Ms. Nimph, tell us your reason for being here.”

Nimph took the stage and began to tell the unicorns how she knew her teacher and that his spells they have taken should belong to her now that he is gone.

“And that’s why I ask the council’s permission to continue my studies in the ways I see fit,” She finished telling to the table of noblemares and stallions.

She adjusted her spectacles as she felt them slide down her snout due to sweat from nerves. The mares and stallions looked down at her with skepticism and doubt that the earth pony in the entry room had given her permission to enter their domain. Try as she might, Nimph couldn’t afford to look away now. She stared up at them patiently awaiting their decision.

“Does your purpose for being here have to do with one of his unfinished works?” asked a purple unicorn.

“Yes, it does,” Nimph replied.

The solemn party started to talk amongst each other. One of the unicorns nodded in agreement as his colleague told him what he had thought. The tensed unicorn picked at the ground with her hoof. Her yellow eyes darted from one side of the room to the next. The muffled sounds of the council’s whispering taunted her. At last they stopped their hard drawn out discussions and returned their full attention on the anxious unicorn before them.

“We have reached a decision Nimph,” A white unicorn spoke up near the head of the table. “Although you and Star Swirl have provided us with magic beyond our wildest dreams, and from what you have told us, you helped him a number of times to achieve what others would have considered ludicrous. However, I’m afraid we can not allow you to fulfill your desire.”

“I don’t understand,” said Nimph in utter disbelief. “If it wasn’t for him and me you wouldn’t have gained anything you have learned!”

She felt angry and betrayed by the outcome of her visit. Why did she ever believe that they would ever let her teacher’s magic belong to her after his death?

“You can’t do this,” said Nimph, a slight bit of panic in her voice. “You owe Star Swirl! And you owe me! What makes you think you can decide what to do with his magic?!”

Nimph glared up at them and added under her breath, “I am his apprentice! If anypony has the rights to use his magic it should be me!”

“Nimph…” the same unicorn spoke up once more. “If you are his apprentice then why didn’t he ever mention you?”

“I… How would I know that?!” roared Nimph. “He was a very secretive unicorn was he not?”

“Indeed, he was. But he must have had a reason why his assistant was never brought up.”

Nimph couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Did the guild really expect her to buy into their claims? If they were trying to get under her skin it was working. Star Swirl had taught her magic in ways these foolish ponies could never even begin to fully grasp! Unbeknownst to them she did manage to take one of her teachers unfinished spells before they came in like Vultures and picked Star Swirl’s house clean of all of it’s treasures. She had only come here to try and convince them that she was in fact Star Swirl’s only student. So much for that! It seemed like not a single one of these thieving scum were willing to give back what they have taken from her!

“I am sorry Ms. Nimph,” said the head of the table.

“Don’t be,” said Nimph politely bowing to them. “My apologies for taking up your time.”

She left the enlarged house leaving most of the guild confused as to why she was so acceptant of the outcome. Only Romulus saw the truth behind her mask. Nimph's expressions may have been blank and her attitude pleasant, but he could see she wasn't happy with the outcome at all and her blood had been set to the boiling point. When Nimph arrived back home, she untied her mane, went to her studies and pulled out the only piece of her teacher’s magic she had in her possession. Nimph slammed her hoof on the desk as she felt anger toward the Higher Class Unicorns. Most particularly she hated her teacher for denying her existence in his life. She lowered her head allowing red strings of hair to cover the upper part of her face.

“Star Swirl, your magic will be mine! One way or another… IT WILL BE MINE!”

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

The Defiler

“Auntie Nimph! Antie Nimph!”

The sleeping mare was awoken by the sudden excited squeals from the filly that sat beside her, poking her side as she spoke aloud.

“Auntie Nimph wake up! Todays the day!”

“Wh… What?” Inquired Nimph still half asleep.

“Come on,” pouted the filly. “Don’t tell me you forgot! You said you would help me earn my cutie mark member?”

Nimph nodded sweetly in her sleep in agreement before drifting off. The door to Nimph’s house opened and a stallion stepped inside. He was ocean blue with silver eyes and a short yellow mane and tail. He frowned at his daughter in disapproval at her rude intrusion on his sister in law.

“Rose Petal!” he called over to her. “You can’t just come into someponies house like that!”

“But dad, she promised!” said Rose, her ears lowing in disappointment.

“It doesn’t matter what she promised!” said Rose’s father seriously. “From the looks of things she might be too tired today. Come on Rose, let her rest.”

Before Rose left her aunts side a gentle hoof rustled her blue mane. Looking up in delight she saw Nimph smiling down at her with one eye open.

“I’m sorry about the intrusion Nimph," the stallion apologized. "We’ll let you go back to sleep. Come on Rose.”

“Oh, sleep smeep,” said Nimph stretching herself awake. “I did promise Rose after all.”

“You mean you will help me after all?” asked Rose perking up at once.

“Of course,” said Nimph rubbing her eyes. “Would I ever go back on my word?”

Rose was over the moon with delight as she bounced up and down, grinning from ear to ear! Her father frowned at his daughter for her behavior, but Nimph simply beamed at the filly and held up a hoof at her brother in law.

“No, no, think nothing of it Lightning,” she said waving him off. “You head along now,”

“Well, alright,” said Lightning. “Rose you behave for aunt Nimph.”

“I will dad!” Rose said happily still bouncing around the house in delight.

“What are you waiting for?” asked Nimph to Lightning who had just stopped before placing his outstretched hoof on the door. “We’ll be fine. I’m perfectly capable of doing this type of thing.”

“I know,” said Lightning grinning at her. “You might want to check your face before you carry on though. You seemed to have gotten too attached to your work.”

Nimph quickly felt her face and found that a piece of paper was stuck on her cheek. She pealed it off and glanced at the notes she had taken last night. She placed her unfinished work neatly on her desk and went to her kitchen to make herself some tea. Rose bounced happily next to her and waited patiently as she and her aunt drank their beverages. Once the two had finished, Nimph took her niece outside to begin their quest. Nimph like many ponies thought that a cutie mark appears on its own accord, but she could understand why the fillies and colts were eager to get their marks and played along with Rose’s attempts to earn hers.

“What did you have in mind for helping me?” asked Rose trotting alongside her aunt.

“I thought I would let you decide what we would be doing,” said Nimph thoughtfully. “After all, it is your cutie mark that we are trying to discover.”

“How did you do to get yours? I bet it was something cool!” said Rose looking up admiringly at her aunts cutie mark.

A single red puzzle piece was shown on her left flank. Nimph felt her face turn pink but she couldn’t help but to smile at Rose’s comment.

“It wasn’t anything too spectacular.” She said simply. “I was just good at solving puzzles when I was your age.”

“If you were so good at puzzles then why did you take a job as an assistant?”

Nimph thought for a moment. Rose was mature for age. Asking these types of questions was to be expected from ponies older than her, but to hear her ask them… She truly was something else. Nimph saw the curious look her niece was giving her and smiled warmly at her.

“Sometimes we all need our side hobbies,” she said rustling the filly’s mane again. “Now, enough about me. Come on, what should we do about you?”

“I hear that help is needed to paint the new towns shops. Maybe we can start there!” said Rose happily.

“You are quite an artsy one,” replied Nimph.

“Yeah, and maybe my cutie mark will be a paint brush or a pallet!”

The two started off with just that. Nimph was requested to paint the higher floors while Rose was stationed at the front door. Together the working teams followed their instructions and began to bring color to the bland structure. When they were done, the lower floor was yellow while the upper part was copper. Rose was busy adding finishing touches to the front door while a Pegasus watched in nervous silence as the filly stood back to admire here completed work.

“Well, it’s… uh… unique that’s for sure,” he said scratching his head.

“No need to thank me,” said Rose proudly. “Just here to help!”

“What in the name of Equestria is this!” said a frantic voice from behind.

Nimph hurried over to the scene and stood close to Rose as the earth pony observed the front door. What Rose saw as art, he saw the polar opposite of his design. The door was painted a light tan color, but instead of leaving it as only that. Rose had taken things a step farther by adding black markings on it that stretched in an ark. The top of the door had flowery patterns on the corners.

“No, no, no!” said the pony dramatically. “This is wrong! This is all wrong!”

“I don’t see what the big deal is,” said Nimph observing the door for herself. “I think it gives the place a little more character.”

“But the original design wasn’t meant for such things!” said the pony in a panic. “I was given specific orders to leave the door in a single color and do nothing else to it!”

“Oh, well, what’s the harm in a little creativity here an there?” Nimph pointed out.

She couldn’t see what the problem was and neither could the filly beside her.

“Did I do something wrong?” asked Rose.

“So, it was you who did this!” said the angered pony accusingly.

“No Rose, you didn’t do anything wrong,” said Nimph reassuringly to the worried little filly.

“Excuse me, madam, but did you not see what she has done?!” inquired the stallion in outrage.

“Yes, and if you ask me, I think its fine the way it is,” said Nimph standing up straight and glaring back at the stallion before her. “It’s just a door! And if you don’t like it, you can take it down latter!”

“I will do just that then!” said the stallion still glaring at the two of them.

Nimph led Rose away from the scene before the enraged stallion could criticize anypony else. As the two left Nimph heard the stallion mutter something rude under his breath. Hoping to brush aside the sticky situation Nimph put a gentle hoof on Rose’s shoulder.

“Don’t worry,” said Nimph. “You did nothing wrong. How about we try to find something else to do. There’s got to be somepony around who needs help.”

The two walked around town in search for opportunities to help out. Rose saw ponies playing games of chess and volunteered to become one of the challengers. She didn’t do so well however. It took her opponent 15 turns to win. After her defeat in chess she moved on to something she thought she might be good at… Building. Unfortunately, her team looked like they knew what they were doing while she simply handed them the tools they needed from the sidelines. Rose’s next idea was having her aunt show her how to solve puzzles. This turned out to be nothing short of complicated. Rose was so confused by the end of the lecture that she was more interested by drawing doodles on her note pad than build the broken sphere she was handed. By the end of their mission, Rose was with out a cutie mark, but she was satisfied none-the-less for having done something for the day. Nimph dropped Rose off at her house and made to leave fast so she could continue to get in a bit more work on solving her teacher’s unfinished work before she too called it a day. On her way home she saw that the building they were helping out with at the beginning of the day had been completed. To her delight she saw that the door her niece had completed was still there. It was nice to know that the one buying the small complex liked the door enough to keep it. Back at her house, Nimph set her teacher’s notes beside a blank piece of paper and got to work on deciphering it.

"Come on Nimph you can solve this!" she told herself as frustration started to kick in after the sixth attempt on solving her teacher's work.

She read the scroll over again and like before she was at a loss on what to add next to the script. She went over what she had just read. Putting piece to piece together, trying to see if there was something in her teacher’s writing that could provide her with a clue. She felt like the answer was dangling above her head just waiting to be snatched. She refused to let the scroll beat her! If she could solve the scroll then maybe she could use it to prove to the guild that she was Star Swirl’s apprentice and it would be enough for them to hand over the rest of his creations both complete and incomplete. A nock at the door made her loose focus and forget what she was about to write down next. Nimph opened her front door a fraction to see a hooded unicorn waiting to be allowed inside.

“Who are you? What do you want?” she asked raising an eyebrow at the sudden visitor.

“Sorry for disturbing you Ms. Nimph,” said a rough voice as the cloaked stranger lowered his hood.

“Romulus!” Nimph exclaimed. “What are you…”

“I would prefer to discuss this inside,” said Romulus.

Nimph let him in and offered him tea, but he held up a hoof in refusal. He looked like he was in a hurry to get what ever he wanted to say out of the way.

“I would like it if we get straight down to business,” he said seriously. “You said that you are Star Swirl’s apprentice are you not?”

“Yes, I am, but why…”

But before she could finish, Romulus cut her off.“And from what I have gathered on you, solving puzzles comes naturally to you.”

It was statement, not a question. Nimph nodded slowly at the now relaxed unicorn. He nodded to himself and looked to her desk where the scroll was.

“What brings you here?” asked Nimph trying to divert Romulus’s attention away from her studies. “I thought you and your guild have told me that I couldn’t have my teacher’s creations or have you all had a change of heart.”

“Change of heart? Ha!” Romulus roared coldly. “Those fools aren’t keen to change their minds so easily once a decision is made! However, I think there is a way for you to have what you desire. That is, if you are willing to help me out first.”

“And why would I do that?” asked Nimph frowning.

“Because if we succeed, the guild will have no choice but to give you Star Swirl’s work.”

Nimph’s eyes widened at the possibilities. What it could mean to have her teacher’s experiments in her possession. She saw herself mastering the spells her mentor had created. The power to have that amount of knowledge would be useful to her. She had always been just as hungry for knowledge as she was with solving puzzles.

“Ms. Nimph,” came Romulus’s voice snapping her out of her day dreaming. “Do we have a deal?”

“Wha… What do you need me to do?” Nimph asked.

“What you are best at." Romulus said with a smirk. "Solving puzzles.”

Romulus’s horn glowed red and a scroll he had kept hidden in his cloak floated in front of them. He unrolled the scroll and together they read the instructions that have been written down.

First make a symbol of The Calling, take a dragon egg like no other, then place the egg in the center and draw The Mark of the Defiler on it. Once everything is complete, light candles around the egg and bring forth the fire.

Nimph finished reading a second before Romulus did and sat there in thought.

“Well?” said Romulus excitedly. “What do you think?”

“It’s… I, well… I think we are dealing with a summoning spell,” said Nimph thoughtfully. “The words speak for themselves. The Calling is something I learned from my studies. It is something you use whenever you are preforming this type of magic. As for Mark of the Defiler, I don’t know what that could be, but it all sounds pretty dark for a summoning spell.”

“Yes, it does,” said Romulus more to himself than to the mare in front of him. “I think I know where to find each mark, but how are we going to find a dragon egg?”

“Wait,” said Nimph abruptly. “You aren’t actually going to cast the spell?”

“Nimph,” began Romulus, his eager attitude showing in the dimly lit house. “As unicorns with knowledge about this type of magic, it is our duty to discover them. And in doing so, every now and then we have test them out.”

“But, but we can’t just do that! What if something goes wrong!?”

“Those cowards at the guild said the same thing,” growled Romulus. “If you want Star Swirl's magic so bad, do you have a better idea on how to obtain it? Once we cast the spell, we will quickly destroy it before things get out of control! If we pull it off, the guild will grant you what you desire!”

“Do you really think so?” asked Nimph still unsure.

“My dear," said Romulus holding a hoof out for her to take. "I know so.”

So it was decided; the two shook and made to gather the things they needed in order for the spell to work. Romulus galloped off to get what he believed would have the symbols they needed to mimic while Nimph went out in search for a good location to preform the spell. In the end, she found a spot on the top of a hill. What she didn’t count on was Romulus returning to her with all the necessary items needed.

“Where did you get that!?” she gasped pointing at the dragon egg.

“Why does it matter where I found it?” Romulus said impatiently. “Now, where do we place the egg again? Ah, that’s right, in the center. What are you waiting for? Let’s get to work!”

Together they drew the symbol of The Calling, lit the candles and placed them in the center where the egg would go. Romulus got to work engraving The Mark of the Defiler on the egg with a knife. Once he was finished he placed the egg in the circle of candles with the mark facing him.

“Now what?” asked Nimph.

“Now, we begin,” said Romulus, and before Nimph could ask how they would do that, he started to speak in a tongue she couldn’t understand.

Around them the once quiet night began to awaken with the sounds of strong winds. The candles flickered dangerously. A cold chill crept down Nimph’s spine that had nothing to do with the intense winds. With one last loud word being said, the wind died out and the egg lay motionless on the grass field. Nimph looked at the egg, expecting something to happen, but it just lied there. Romulus smirked at her with amusement.

“You see Ms. Nimph!” he said showing his yellow teeth. “Most of the time, dark magic like this turn out to be duds.”

“What did you just say!?” Nimph yelled at him clearly enraged.

“You heard me,” said Romulus still grinning with satisfaction. “Dark magic while at times can be I must admit, intimidating can often be proven as fake. Spells like these are created to scar away those who are serious about studying dark magic.”

“I know, and we just succeeded in casting one!” Nimph shouted still shocked at what she had just helped mad Unicorn with. “Why didn’t you tell me it was dark magic!?”

“Would you have helped me if I did?” Romulus argued. “That’s why I had to hide that information from you. I already made the mistake of telling the guild that it was dark magic. They were scared of the possibilities of it being the real thing. Ha! Cowards! The whole lot of them! No spine at all!”

“Fine! you had your fun!” Nimph said still angry. “Now lets get rid of the sign before… Hey, are you listening?!”

Romulus didn’t answer. He was rooted to the spot and his eyes were fixated on the dragon egg that began to give off steam. Nimph and the terrified blue unicorn watched as the dragon egg began to twitch and The Mark of the Defiler began to burn bright red. Before they could react, the egg rose into the sky. The once gold and white shell began to turn solid black. Steam pored out of it, as the shell covering the un-hatched dragon inside, began to melt away. The black liquid now circled around the thing inside. Romulus began to back away as the blackened circle began to give off red light from inside. The jet-black circle hovered in mid air for some time before without warning, a loud deafening roar burst out! The mighty beast from inside grew to it’s full potential before it spread out its vast wings and broke through its enclosure! The two unicorns watched in fright as the massive dragon, black as the night itself soared above them! Its piercing red eyes found them and with an earthshattering roar, it landed on the hill and glared down at them.

Author's Note

At first I thought the introduction of Nimph would be in one chapter, but then I thought, why not let readers get to know her a little.

Chapter 8

Chapter 8

A Home Lost

Nimph stared open mouthed at the large reptile’s ruby eyes. Romulus had given up trying to retreat and sank to the field with his front hooves covering his eyes. Nimph saw the two of them reflected in the dragon’s eyes as it snarled at them in disgust. He lowered its head so he would be looking down at them. When he spoke it was in a dominant threatening tone.

“Little ponies, where is the one who summoned me?” he asked coldly.

“W… We d… did,” said Romulus shaking

“Speak up!” demanded the dragon.

Romulus shrunk back in his fetal position too scared to say another word. The Dragon turned his gaze on the horizon and saw the lighted town in the distance. His mouth opened slightly to show razor sharp teeth. His eyes had flames dancing in them them as he licked his lips intently at the small town. Nimph saw this and quickly tried to get the dragon’s attention back on them.

“So, you’re the Defiler?” she asked in a frightened voice.

The Dragon looked down at the brave mare that was daring to speak to him.

“Yes, I am,” he said. “And I suppose it doesn't matter who summoned me! Whoever it was, they were foolish enough to release me from my imprisonment! For far too long I have waited for someone to bring me back to this miserable place. And now that I am free…”

The Defiler looked up at the night sky and smoke started to flow out of his nose and mouth. He opened his mouth as if he was about to breath fire, but what happened was a huge cloud of smoke shot into the sky covering the stars. The Defiler spread his wings and took off into the night becoming lost in his own smoke. For a second the vast black reptile was seen overhead as the he flew out of the smoke cloud and headed directly for the town. Nimph looked after the enormous creature as fear and guilt took over her. With legs shaking, she forced herself to gallop off leaving a cowering Romulus behind. Maybe she could find something in her studies that could help her fix the problem before it was too late! Back in the quite town the citizens awoke from their peaceful sleep unaware of the giant threat that approached them.

“Did anypony else hear that?” asked a worried earth pony.

“I did," replied another. "It sounded like it was close, what ever it was. And Why do I smell smoke?”

Suddenly they heard the frantic screams of somepony heading toward them from the dark. Romulus galloped passed them at top speed shouting at the top of his lungs.

“Run! Quick! Get out of here! Dragon!”

“Romulus!” spoke up a voice from one the guild members who had just left his house to see what all the commotion was about. “What are you talking abou…”

Just then a loud flapping sound was heard and before any of them could react the sky above them was filled with red and orange heat that came crashing down on the small town. There was pandemonium everywhere as ponies scattered in terror trying to get way from the oncoming firestorm. Nimph flung her front door open and hurried to her studies as the terrified screams from the ponies outside met her ears. Trying to drown them out, she searched through her books, trying to find a counter spell to send The Defiler back to his imprisonment! Try as she might, she found nothing! In sure panic Nimph let out a scream as her house shook from a nearby explosion of heat!

“Nimph, What are you doing?! We have to evacuate!” shouted a mare that had just ran inside the open house.

“Big sister!” exclaimed Nimph. “I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean for this to happen!”

“What are you talking about!?” Nimph’s older sister asked looking scared as the house shook again; this time dust came falling from the ceiling.

“I promise, I will fix this!” Nimph said as she took what she wanted and left with her sister.

Outside the sky was filled with the roars and flames from The Defiler. Panicked ponies ran and flew as far as legs and wings could carry them. The Higher Class Unicorn’s Guild argued with each other, as they too seemed to have the same idea as Nimph.

“I can’t find a counter spell!” shouted a worried member flipping through the book they made out of Star Swirl’s work. “Which idiot was dense enough to cast such a spell!?”

His answer was given to him by the shouts he heard Romulus give out to the sky. The dragon landed on the roof of one of the houses falling straight through it and lowered his head down to the unicorn’s level so they were face to face.

“What was that you said little one?” The Defiler asked amused at Romulus’ daring.

“I… I said as the one who summoned you, I o… Order you to st… Stop!”

What ever courage Romulus had found was gravely diminished by the harsh laughter The Defiler gave him.

“You? Summon me? I take orders from no one!”

“H… Hey! Yu… You can’t d… Do that!” Romulus shouted back and started to speak in the same tongue he had used to cast the spell that released the dragon from his prison.

What ever he was saying to it, The Defiler glared at him and with another loud roar he reached out his hand wrapping his claws around the unicorn and brought him up to his level, feet above the ground. With an evil grin The Defiler talked back to him in the same tongue.

“Algbo hak, shala ve ekess retort.”

Romulus was tossed in the air like a gold piece and as his shrieking body came falling down The Defiler’s mouth closed in on him! Swallowing his small snack whole, The Defiler looked down at the frightened ponies and breathed more fire onto the already torched town. When he was done, the town was nothing but a weak pile of greatly singed rubble and debris. The Defiler took flight once more, his roars echoed through the sky as his darkened image became lost in black of night! The ponies that had escaped watched in horror as their home was reduced to a burnt wasteland.

“Romulus you idiot,” growled one of the guild members angrily. “You have no idea of what you have done? Letting a thing like that loose upon Equestria.”

Nimph was beside herself. She knew that she too was responsible for releasing the dragon of destruction and felt tears start to run down her face. Her older sister looked at her in disbelief. She didn’t want to believe that her little sister was also responsible for what had just happened. Rose approached her saddened aunt.

“Auntie Nimph what was that thing?” she asked in shock. “What happened to our home?”

“Don’t you worry Rose,” Nimph told her with a weak smile. “Like I said to your mother, I will fix this, I promise!”

Author's Note

For the Defiler's language I took what I have looked up on dragon language.

Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Princess of the Night

The door to the room of the past was closed. The room itself was built for the sole purpose of having no windows to the outside which suit the young mare perfectly for it would allow her to continue her training in isolation as well as being left in darkened silence. Every now and then a bright light shun from inside the darkened training grounds of the soon to be Princess of the night. While her big sister would be training with their mother before sunrise, Luna would be below the castle before sun set to start her studies. Before her father had left, he left her instructions on what she should continue practicing while he was away. The blackened room shimmered bright again as Luna put her hoof in the fountain moving it around until the small dots of light swam into view. She then went over what her father had instructed her to do in her head. With her horn glowing she focused on the specks of light and began to draw a picture in her minds eye. For a moment the dots remained stationary, but then to her amazement, they started to drift into formation and begin to form the shape she was imagining. Before her eyes she saw that an outline of a bird was drifting peacefully in its watery home. Intrigued by her success so far, Luna continued to picture more images for the dots to form. The bird broke apart and became stallion then it stretched out to become a snake. Deeply amazed by her accomplishments Luna had an idea, but she wasn’t sure if it would work. She placed her hoof back in icy water where the snake continued to shimmer. She touched the tail and felt something soft and fragile like snow brushing against her hoof. Startled by the experience she lifted her hoof out of the water afraid that she might damage the specks.

To her surprise as drops of water fell back into the fountain, the dots of light shot up from the depts. And rose to the ceiling and stayed their undamaged and giving off the impression that Luna was outside right now looking up at the night sky. Her hoof remained raised as she carefully moved it to the left. The dots of light followed her movement and in a matter of seconds Luna was making them take the shape of a number of things that she could think of. A heart shun bright in the corner while a diamond hovered to the side. The dots took on the forms of animals along with shapes and constellations that she already knew were in the night’s sky. When she was done, she lowed her hoof and the dots drifted back down into the depths of the water. The next thing she was entrusted to do was to try out what she has been practicing on the real thing. Luna thought for a moment on how she was supposed to do that when her sister couldn’t even raise the sun yet. Still, she headed outside where the sun was just starting to set. Luna flew up and concentrated hard on what she had to do. Her horn glowed as she spread her hooves out and closed her eyes.

“I am the Princess of the night,” she recited in her head. “It is my duty to raise the moon and the stars. I will fulfill my destiny, I will… I will…”

But she couldn’t finish the rest of her thoughts. Her horn dimmed out and she lowered her hooves exhausted from casting her earlier magic. She hovered in the sky watching the sun disappear behind the mountains. The moon began to rise somewhere in the east, casting its light upon the grounds of the city. Luna lowered her head sighing in disappointment.

“You shouldn’t be so hard on yourself,” said a comforting voice from behind.

“Shouldn’t you be sleeping sister?” Luna asked as the white Alicorn approached her.

“Yes, but I thought you might want somepony out here with you since dad isn’t here,” said Celestia coming to a stop beside her little sister.

Luna flushed at this. Didn’t her big sister think she was perfectly capable of practicing her duties on her own? Just because she was younger didn’t mean that she wasn’t able to be on her own at night! Did it? It was her duty to one day bring forth the night after all. a more important thought surfaced. Why was her big sister out here?

“I’m perfectly fine doing this on my own sister,” said Luna taking a proud stand.

“Relax Luna, I wasn’t coming all the way out here to play the role of ‘Teacher’." said Celestia jokingly. "I wanted to show you something! Come on, follow me!”

Frowning slightly, but curious, Luna tailed her sister up to a cloud drifting near by. The two rose up to it and Celestia told her sister to land on it. Luna raised an eyebrow. She couldn’t be serious, but after her sister held her confident expression she did as she was told. Luna drifted down until she was inches from the cloud’s surface.

“Go on,” Celestia said egging her little sister on. “Trust me, it’s so cool!”

Luna hovered over he cloud for a few more seconds before her hoofs touched the white sheet. It was like she was on solid ground. Luna lifted a hoof in amazement! Trails of the cloud rose up with her action.

“See, what did I tell you!” said Celestia landing on the cloud happily. “Isn’t this the coolest!?”

“How did you know about this?” asked Luna trotting in place to see if the cloud would remain intact. “Wait, did you come out here to fly on your own without Snap Shot instructing you?”

“I might have done that once… Or twice,” Celestia said sheepishly.

“Why do you continue to do things like that?” Luna asked frowning at her sister.

“Oh come on Luna,” said Celestia waving the matter aside lazily with her hoof. “Why should finding out about this stuff be left to studies when we can go out and seek it ourselves?”

“I don’t understand you,” said Luna. “How can you be so nonchalant?”

“Is that what you see in me?” Celestia asked.

“I don’t know, forget it,” said Luna sighing. “You already have your Cutie Mark and yet you still act the same as usual. How can you when our destinies are so… big?”

Celestia didn’t say anything for a bit. She was considering her sisters question. It was true that she acts so calm and collected in situations where anyone else would panic. Even when she got her Cutie Mark, she still treated it as nothing particularly important. Sure she was proud of it, but she didn’t think much on what the mark represented. She sat and stared off into the distance pondering until she finally had an answer.

“I think the reason why I do it, is because I too am afraid,” she said smiling warmly at her sister. “I may not look it on the outside, but on the inside it’s a completely different story.”

“Really?” questioned Luna raising an eyebrow.

“Trust me little sister. When we found out about our destinies I felt like I could scream. I didn’t know what to think, I felt so lost. I didn’t know how I was going to fulfill any of it. But I think, and I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but… Snap Shot is right about one thing. When the time comes for us to show Equestria who we are, we will know and I think we will be able to preform our duties.”

Luna knew she could trust her big sister. She and Celestia looked up at the sky, their thoughts on the day when they would be able to raze the sun, moon and stars. Luna could tell that the topic of doubt upset her sister, so in order to change the subject, she let magic flow through her making her horn glow once again. With confidence she raised her hoof and started to draw something in the sky. She knew that this time she could control stars, and before their eyes a patch of stars began to obey Luna’s commands and formed the picture she was thinking of. The stars reflected back in Luna’s eyes as she continued to draw something in the sky. Celestia felt a smile form as the two looked up at the constellation Luna had made.

“That’s right, we will rule over Equestria together. Just you wait.”

Above them, the image of four Alicorns twinkled in the night sky. The two sisters stayed out for some time. They amused each other by discussing what they would do once they became Princesses of Equestria. Celestia seemed to have gained back her old cocky attitude as she let her sister know what she would do when she became Princess. Luna entertained them both by making more constellations appear in the night sky. Before too long, the two headed back to the castle where they drifted off, their dreams filled with smiling ponies as they cheerfully welcomed their new Princesses of Equestria. While she wasn't aware of it while she was asleep, something began to take form on Luna's flank. She turned in her sleep and there fully fledged on her flank was what looked like a dark blue cloud and spots and in the center of the cloud was a white crescent moon.

Chapter 11

Chapter 11

A Risky Task

It was a clear day. The sun shun down on a traveling merchant as his travels lead him to neighboring villages. He was grey with dark eyes, and a blond mane and tail. His facial hair had been growing ever since his departure from the last village. His wagon was filled with supplies ready to be sold once he reached the next town. Tired after two days of trekking down the road, he pulled over to the side of the trail for a well-deserved rest. He had taken this rout many times in the past so it was no trouble for him to know where he was supposed to go after his nap. Settling down inside his wagon, the earth pony laid on his bed waiting for sleep to come.

Deep in the woods, Nimph, the exiled unicorn and former student of the deceased Star Swirl the Bearded, laid out the scroll she had taken from her house before it along with the rest of her town was burnt to the ground. The scroll she had taken was one of many unfinished works her teacher had begun before his passing. Along with the scroll she had brought, she also had a few spell books handy and a wooden water bottle. All of which were stuffed in her rough sack with a blanket she had completely forgotten to take out after the last time she had traveled to a far away town. Once again she tried to make out what the scroll meant, but try as she might, she couldn’t find anything resembling the language that had been written down. This wasn’t the first time she had come face to face with an unknown tongue. Romulus, the now dead member of the Higher Class Unicorn’s Guild, had spoken in a language she had never heard before when the two of them preformed a summoning spell that released The Defiler from his prison. She tried to decipher the scroll once before, but had no luck. Flipping through the pages of one of her books she tried to find something, anything that could help her solve the scroll.

Nimph had been traveling for three weeks now. She kept her distance from neighboring towns incase they too would be in danger from The Defiler’s wrath. She came across small rivers and lakes along the way, which she took full advantage of when her water bottle was coming close to being empty. Despite having something to sleep under during the long dark and sometimes dangerous nights, Nimph couldn’t help but wonder how the rest of the town ponies were doing. Had they found help during her absence? Did they receive help from neighboring towns once word had spread out about a fire that had covered their homeland? Most importantly her thoughts went to her family. Are they alright? Are they even thinking about her? She wanted to believe so, but after what she had done, it wouldn’t be no surprise if anyone wasn’t thinking kindly of her after what had happened. After all, it was all hers and Romulus' fault that their homes were gone. Their fault that such a terrible beast is now free to cause terror wherever he chooses. Nimph had once thought that having Star Swirl’s magic at her disposal would mean not only absolute respect from her peers, but she could continue her teachers work in helping ponies discover new spells that could help them all in the future. Now she wasn’t so sure. How could her mentor have made such a dangerous spell? Star Swirl was thought as a wise old caster, but rumors of him seeking darker power had begun to pop up before his passing. It became clear to Nimph that The Defiler was in fact living proof of that now.

Nimph let these feelings of fear and hatred toward her former teacher give her the strength she needed to carry on with her important task to set things right! She wouldn’t let anyone else suffer in the same way she had! She must solve the scroll she had in her possession. Maybe it could help bring her one step closer in stopping The Defiler! Sometimes in the middle of the night, she awoke from nightmares that involved her coming close to the dragon and at times she thought she could hear the distant flapping of the beasts enormous wings as he flew overhead unaware of the last threat daring to challenge him. Exhausted from another sleepless night, Nimph's travels lead her to a wagon that was pulled over on the side of a beaten down path. The green roof seemed to beckon her near. The wheels remained tightly secured and whoever was pulling it must be inside. Nimph felt her eyes closing on her, but still she continued to approach the doors. She had just reached the ladder when she felt her legs give way and her body fell to the ground. There came the sound of someone moving from inside the wagon. The doors opened and an earth pony came galloping out.

“Miss. Hey Miss! Can you hear me?!”

The pony looked around to make sure the fainted mare wasn’t being followed or that this was some sort of trick from bandits before he lifted her up on his back and took her inside.

Nimph felt something wet on her forehead. She woke to see that the once clear sky was now filled with rain clouds. She looked around to see that she was back in her village. It was still in ruins. She spotted an all too familiar filly in the distance and hurried over to her. Once the filly saw Nimph she backed away glaring at her.

“Stay back!” she demanded raising up a hoof.

Her eyes were red from crying and her face was livid with rage!

“Auntie Nimph, how could you do this to us!?” demanded the upset child.

“Rose Petal… I’m so sorry… Oh Rose, You have to believe me! I never wanted this to happen!”

Nimph pleaded with her niece feeling tears begin to fall down her cheeks.

“You Stay away from my daughter!” roared Nimph’s older sister as she galloped toward them and stepped in front of the crying filly. “You stay away from my family!”

“Sister please, I can fix this! I know I can! If you give me some time I…”

“No Nimph,” came a saddened voice.

Nimphs brother in law came into view. He too blocked Rose Petal from view and he and his wife glared down at Nimph.

“Stay away from us!” he growled. “I don’t want you come near our daughter again!”

“No, Please! I can fix this! Sister please, I know I can!”

Nimph’s tears fell, but the two in front of her looked down in disgust and turned away. The two place a hoof on their daughter and left the sobbing unicorn where she was. As the helpless mare continued to sob, she cried out after the retreating backs.

“Rose Petal! I’m Sorry! I…”

But before she could finish she heard the deep growls of something drawing close in the shadows. Nimph had a horrible feeling of who it was and just when she was about to warn the retreating family of three, there was a loud roar and the ponies were covered in red and orange flames. There was no time for them to scream, no time to escape! The fire covered them and in seconds they were gone!

“NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!”

Nimph shot up with her hoof outstretched! She wasn’t back in her village; she had been having nightmares again! Tears continued to fall as she continued to shake in fear. Once she had finally calmed down, she looked around trying to figure out where she was. It was a cramped place. The room was stacked with items ready for selling on the sides. She had been laying on a bed. Its red sheets neatly pressed and a feeling of warmth behind her told her that there was a window beside her. The sun’s warmth shun through the small living courters. The doors stood closed straight ahead. Despite the small space, there was a small kitchen inside as well. Before she could take anything else in, the front doors opened and an earth pony holding a bucket in his mouth stepped in.

“Ah, you’re awake!” he said after placing the bucket on the counter. “Good thing too, you had me worried for a moment there for a moment! Thrashing around in your sleep like that, sweating and all; I thought you had come down with something!”

“Where am I?” Nimph asked getting out of bed.

“Your in my wagon,” replied the pony poring water in a pot. “Your welcome to stay and eat. I was just about to switch the soup with this.”

“I don’t want to be any more trouble,” said Nimph making to leave the bed.

“Think nothing of it," said the pony casually. "I was happy to help!"

Before he picked the pot up to go back he stopped and asked, "What were you doing out there anyway?”

“Traveling,” said Nimph simply.

“Aren’t we all?” said the pony kindly. “You must have your reasons? As for me, I’m just your average run-of-the-mill merchant.”

Nimph said nothing. The pony took the pot outside while Nimph remained silent. She didn’t want to hang around any longer. She had to keep her distance from other ponies so they too wouldn’t be in danger if she comes face to face with The Defiler.

“Where’s my sack?” She asked looking around for her belongings.

“They're safe, don’t worry,” said the merchant coming back inside for a couple bowls and cups. “Hmmm... You appear to be well. That’s good, well at least have a drink before you leave.”

“Ok. I suppose I can,” said Nimph thinking that a drink sounded like just the thing she needed.

Outside the wagon he lead her to a campfire he had started. A pot full of soup was steaming. The scent of warm food made Nimph’s mouth water. The merchant stirred the soup and sampled a taste. Scratching his chin thoughtfully he added a few herbs to it before proclaiming it good enough to eat and sat the pot filled with water over the fire. He caught Nimph eyeing the soup out the corner of his eyes and made to pour them both a bowl.

“Go on,” suggested the merchant handing her a bowl. “Eat up, you look like you need it.”

“I don’t! Really its fine, I’ll just have a drink.”

Even as she said it, Nimph’s stomach growled and she blushed. The Merchant held out the bowl again, this time Nimph took it and started to eat. The spoon levitated up to her mouth as she took a bite.

“The tea should be a while, but have as much soup as you like in the mean time,” said the merchant smiling at her.

“Thank you,” said Nimph.

The two ate in silence before the water was brought to a boil and Nimph offered to help with the tea. She levitated the pot, moving it away from the fire and poured them each a cup. She then placed crumpled up tea leaves inside the hot water and let the merchant’s cup hover over to him.

“You Unicorns always fascinate me!” he said happily as he drank.

“It's nothing too great,” said Nimph blushing slightly.

“Are you kidding?!” exclaimed the earth pony. “I only wish I could do the things you are able to do! It would make lifting things a lot easier! Carrying hot things can be a real pain when your mouth and hooves are all you got!”

“I suppose you got me there,” said Nimph thoughtfully. “Oh, my name is Nimph by the way. What can I call you Mister Merchant?”

“Nothing, like I said I’m just a merchant!”

Nimph couldn’t help but to like this pony, he was a kind fellow who had gone out of his way to help her and the least she could do now was to leave before she brought trouble down on him. Before she left she thanked the earth pony for his kind hospitality. He told her that it wasn’t any trouble and offered to give her a ride to the next town. Originally Nimph wanted to avoid doing that, but when she had finally explained to him what she was out there doing. Of course she avoided telling him too much and went with the story of traveling to see the dragon migration. The merchant told her that she might find someone in the next town who might be willing to help. So against her better judgment, she took the merchant up on his offer again and together they traveled to the next village where she left the pony with a kind smile and headed off to the area he had told her about. She came across the very place that she was directed toward. A small village watering hole was open. Upon entering she was greeted by loud talking as ponies drank and discussed matters over salt licks; while others laughed at jokes being cracked. It was truly, a noisy place!

Nimph was about try somewhere else when she spotted a unicorn that was beside himself apparently resting. He was leaning on his stool with his back against the wall, his black hat had a ruffled feather and two holes in it. His horn was poking out of the second hole where it laid tilted down covering his eyes.

“What can I get ya?” asked one of the ponies passing by with a tray on her back.

“Oh, water will be fine,” said Nimph taken aback by the sudden approach.

The mare nodded in understanding and resumed her way toward the table filled with laughing earth ponies. Nimph sat next to the sleeping unicorn and continued to look around for someone who looked like they might be willing to help her. Now that she was close to the sleeping stallion she saw that he was red. his short blue tail twitched as he continued to snore. His hooves were folded and along with his black hat, he wore a black vest. Suddenly the unicorn’s snoring stopped and for a brief second Nimph thought he was still sleeping, but then…

“May Ah help you?” asked a female voice.

Nimph was startled by the stallion’s…. No, mares sudden notice of her. Had she known that she was sitting beside her all this time?

“Not unless you can tell me where I could find somepony who can help me,” said Nimph.

“Well, that depends,” said the mare sitting up and leaving her hat where it was.

“Sorry?” said Nimph confused.

“What Ah mean is, why else would y’all be approachen me if you haven’t anything to ask of me?”

Nimph stared at her. Was this mare for real? Why would she assume that the only reason she sat next to her was so she could ask her for help? Unless…

“I suppose you couldn’t tell me what any of this means,” said Nimph taking the scroll out of her sack and sliding it across the table.

The red unicorn plucked her hat up in order to read the scroll once she had unfolded it. Nimph waited while the red unicorn continued to read what was given to her. Nimph’s water arrived before the red unicorn passed the scroll back.

“Well, what do you think?” asked Nimph hopefully.

“Ah have no idea what any of it means,” said the unicorn rubbing her eyes.

“Great,” said Nimph disappointed. “I guess you don’t know anypony who might? Excuse me, did you…”

“Hold that thought,” said the unicorn now eyeing one of the earth ponies who had just risen form his seat.

He saw the two staring at him and turned around wanting more than anything to leave, but the unicorn made a slight “Tch” sound as she too made to leave. Her horn glowed and the stallion stood frozen on the spot. His body turned back facing the two mares and the red unicorn stood up from her seat and approached the rigid stallion. Around them ponies looked over to see why the stallion had been stopped, but when they saw the red unicorn making her way toward him, they went back to their business as if nothing was wrong. Nimph had a feeling that this unicorn meant business and she might have asked the wrong mare to help her after all. Although he was unable to move he was more than capable of speaking his mind. A sly grin edged across his face as the two exchanged a few words. Nimph could tell that his words came out as more fearful then calm. In one swift movement the unicorn made the earth pony float upside down and shook him until a money sack fell from his pocket. Letting him float in mid air she took the sack and took out several gold bits before placing the sack back in her captive’s pocket. She winked at him before releasing her spell that sent him crumbling to the floor. Rubbing his head, the stallion stood up and galloped out of the bar at top speed.

Nimph stared bewildered as the unicorn made her way back to their table. Her horn was now poking through the first hole. Her ruby eyes were now noticeable as she sat back down.

“Sorry about that,” she said as if they had been rudely interrupted. “Now, where were we?”

“What was that all about?” asked Nimph unsure if she wanted to hear the answer.

“Oh, that?” questioned the red unicorn smirking. “Just another client refusing to pay me for mah services.”

“By services you mean?” began Nimph.

“Ah have no problem helpen out anypony who asks, but there are some things that require payment for mah help. For instance that fellow who just left… Yah see, Ah helped him out with his problem dealing with some nasty critters back at the farm. And Ah expect payment for mah work.”

She took her hat off revealing her short blue mane. She looked at the second hole frowning at it as if she had endured a heavy loss. “Yah see, those rodents bit a hole in mah hat and Ah really like this hat.”

She let out a long sigh before placing the hat back on.

“But enough about that. You wanted to know if Ah knew anypony who might know what your…. What ever that is, means yes?”

“That’s right,” said Nimph. “Do you know anypony that can help me?”

“No, I’m afraid Ah don’t,” said the red unicorn apologetically.

Even though Nimph had expected that answer, it came as real blow nonetheless. The red mare looked at her curiously and asked why she wanted help with the scroll. It was then, that Nimph knew that the only way she was going to get any help was to tell the whole story. Taking a deep breath she began to tell the unicorn about how she was a student of Star Swirl the Bearded and how she was tricked into helping Romulus with the spell that released The Defiler on their town. The red Unicorn listened closely, her expression serious. When Nimph had finished her tale. The mare was beside herself.

“Well, that’s quite a story Ms. Nimph,” said the unicorn taking pity on her. “Ah might know a way for you to find out what that scroll means…”

“Really? What is it?” asked Nimph feeling excited.

“Yes, but it's risky.” replied the unicorn nervously.

“Please, I will do anything to make things right.”

“Ah have no doubt in that darlin’ but… Shoot! Yah ain’t the first pony to mention dragons this week.”

“Is that so?” asked Nimph interested.

“Yep, Ah had royalty come up to me and ask if Ah knew where he could find any dragons around. Well, Ah told him where Ah thought they might be hiding. After what y’all told me, its starting to make since. That would explain why they haven’t started migrating yet. Ah recon they might be scared of that Defiler thing!”

“I can understand why,” said Nimph her eyes shrinking as the thought of The Defiler frightened her. “But, why was somepony of royalty looking for them? What do the rest of the dragons have to do with… with…”

Then the answer came to her with the force that no spell could reenact. She let the spell levitating her cup fade and with a clang the remaining water spread on the table.

“What?” asked the red unicorn worriedly.

“That’s what the scroll is… Of course! Oh, Nimph, you're such a fool! Why didn’t you see it sooner?!”

“See what?” asked the unicorn.

Nimph leaned forward so they wouldn't be overheard.

“The language on the scroll is the same kind Romulus spoke to The Defiler and Star Swirl knew the language too! And if The Defiler understood it, then that would mean so do the rest of the dragons!”

“Yah think so? Well, if that's true, that would mean y’all would have ta…”

“Find the dragons in hiding,” finished Nimph feeling her legs shake as she said it.

“Alright, if you're sure about this come on. I’ll point you in the right direction.” said the red unicorn rising from her seat.

Once outside she lead Nimph to the edge of town where she pointed her hoof up in the mountains where a cave was. Nimph knew that the only way to end this, was to understand what the scroll meant; and to do that she must come face to face with a dragon!

“Be brave Nimph,” said the unicorn beside her. “You can do this! If a royal Alicorn can go up there and succeed, so can you!”

“Thank you,” said Nimph gratefully to the unicorn. “Oh, I guess you want to be paid right? How much do I owe you?”

“Now why would anypony want to be paid for given directions?” said the unicorn winking at her. “ It was mah pleasure Ms. Nimph and if yah need help from anypony in town next time around, just ask for Whip Lash!”

And with that, Whip Lash galloped off back into town where no doubt she had other ponies in need of assistance! Nimph stared off into the direction of the mountains ahead of her and she too galloped off in search for the cave that Whip Lash had told her about. Finding the cave proved to be easier said than done. While the last pony searching was an Alicorn and had wings to help him have a better view of his surroundings, Nimph was a unicorn, which meant she was going to have to rely on teleportation, but she didn’t want to over jump and miss the cave. If that happened who knows how long she would be wondering around without ever finding it. Luckily it only took her two attempts with teleporting before she found what she was looking for. The mouth of the cave stretched out of the ground. The rocky surface had been covered by moss and tree roots. She approached the cave, her horn began to glow as she prepared to venture onward. The cave on the inside was dark and damp. Water leaked from the cracks in the walls. If there were any dragons near by she would have found one by now. Still, she continued on her path, the cave deepened and the smell of something rotting filled her snout. She followed the smell until it led her to a dead end. The scent turned out to be the skeletal remains of fish. She looked around the part of the cave that she was in. Nimph had come down a slope that led her to the end of the cave. Water had filled up a part of the cave making the way down slippery. The water continued to flow across to the rocky floor where a large puddle had formed. Nimph leaned against the wall and wondered if the dragons were not here, then where were they? As she thought on where to go next, the wall behind her inflated. She turned to the wall noticing something different about it. Around her the rest of the walls were solid and smooth while this part was rough and... moving…

Nimph's light from her horn shun on the wall in front of her that continued to rise up and down. Oh no, the wall wasn’t a wall at all the more she looked at it! It was all scaly and began to shift. Nimph backed away slowly as the thing in front of her turned. A long neck came into view. The light from Nimph’s horn shun on it making the thing growl as one of its eyes opened showing a shrunken black pupil. The dragon’s neck rose to the ceiling and it stared down at the scared stiff unicorn. The dragon snarled at her then lowered its head to her height sniffing her.

“You're far from the village little one,” it said in a low grumble. “Tell me, why have you come where you are not wanted?”

Nimph could smell the dragon’s fishy breath. With her legs shaking she spoke.

“I… I came here t… To ask a favor,”

“Favor you say?” inquired the dragon humorously. “And why would I want to help you?”

“Be… Because I know the thing you fear is wondering around outside at this very moment! And if you can’t help me, we won’t be able to get rid of him!”

“Him?” growled the dragon questionably.

“Yes, he is the reason why you’re not migrating isn’t he. You’re all scared of him aren’t you? The Defiler…”

“Do not use that name in front of me little pony!” the Dragon snarled showing his long sharp teeth.

Nimph could practically see the fire dancing in the creatures emerald eyes as the The Defiler was mentioned. Nimph knew she was too far down the rabbit hole to run now. She stood her ground and glared back at the dragon.

“That monster destroyed my home!” she said angrily. “You are all scared of him because you don’t know how he was stopped last time!”

“You are treading on very thin ice little one!” the dragon growled bending his neck back as though at any moment he could attack her if he wanted to.

“If your going to eat me, it would be the least I deserve for releasing him!” she shot back. “But before you do that, I want you to see something I brought for you!”

The dragon watched as Nimph levitated the scroll out of her rough sack and let it drift up to the dragon’s eyes and unfold. He snarled again and began to read.

“Where did you get this?” he said growing madder.

It wasn’t a question. He demanded to know how she came across the scroll.

“It was my teachers, he made it! Star Swirl the Bearded.”

“No," said the dragon in disbelief. "I have seen this only once, but it was in its original form. carved in stone deep within the caverns of the mountains! How did he find it?!”

“I don’t know,” said NImph truthfully. “But if you want to see The Defiler finished, you need to help me! What does it say?”

The dragon snorted. He had seen the words on the scroll only once, but this time it had been scrambled and reimagined. This time it was meant for a counter spell. The very thing that could be able to stop The Defiler!

“I don’t know how this Star Swirl could have found it, but what he did to it… It might be just the thing we need.”

“You mean,” said Nimph looking up at the dragon feeling accomplished.

“Yes,” replied the dragon intrigued by this discovery. “Very well, I will help you. But in return you must promise that you will hand this scroll over to the dragons when it is done.”

“Wait, aren’t you going to help?” asked Nimph taken aback.

“I will help you translate the scroll, but I can’t cast the spell. We dragons know nothing about casting magic.”

“I understand. Thank you,” said Nimph feeling glad that she was at last getting somewhere.

“I will not only tell you what it means, but I will also teach you how to say the spell in our tongue. The spell needs the caster to speak the language of the dragons in order for it to work."

"Do you really think you can teach me you language in such a short amount of time?" asked Nimph skeptically.

"Enel ve." said the dragon chuckling.

"What does that mean?"

"Consider that your first lesson." the dragon said smiling. "It means, "Trust me."

Once the dragon told Nimph what the spell meant, it was the exact same thing as the spell used to summon The Defiler except this time, at the end she would have to say, “Thric throdenilt, qe gethrisja” which translated to, “No more, be gone.” The dragon also informed her that the words were originally intended to be a part of a lullaby, but Star Swirl had taken what he had learned about the song and turned it into dark magic. This counter spell meant only one thing. In order to send The Defiler back to his prison, Nimph would have to give the spell something else as an offering in order for it to work. What that thing was, dawned on her. The dragon noticed Nimph’s silence and understood what had to be done for the spell to work.

“Be brave little pony," he said lifting her chin up gently with his pointy fingernail. "You have the power to end this.”

“I know,” said Nimph in understanding. “Thank you for your help.”

“No, thank you little pony,” said the dragon bowing his scaly head to her. “Good luck and “Nomag hesi paths morshin tenamalo creol kear.”

“And I wish the same too you. What ever that meant.” said Nimph smiling at the giant reptile before her.

Just when Nimph was about to leave, a low growl met her ears. The dragon shot his head up; his eyes shrank again. This time they were filled with fear. He sniffed the air and growled back at the approaching thing coming toward them.

“What is it?” asked Nimph looking up at the slope behind her; the sound of water shifting drew close. “More dragons?”

“He is no Dragon!” snarled the large reptile through gritted teeth. “Hurry you must hide!”

Author's Note

Thank you all for sticking with the story so far! After this, only five chapters remain!

Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Race to Canterlot

One hour earlier….

The great winged beast soared through the sky. His snout took in the air. Hoping that at some point he would catch the scent of another dragon. With every passing minute his search turned into something he did not want… A hunt.

His red eyes scanned the passing valleys and forests below. Perhaps he needed to make his presence known once again for them to get the picture. If they were too cowardly to show themselves to him then he would have to make them reveal themselves. The attack on the last town was short lived, but The Defiler had enjoyed every second of it. The screams of terrified ponies were like music to his ears. The sight of an entire village falling before his great power was to him nothing short of a masterpiece. A feeling of power rushed through him as he continued on his course. He wanted more, he wanted to feel that same feeling again. The Defiler smiled wickedly to himself as he thought that the next town he came across would be just the thing he needed to suffice his thirst of dominance. Flying low he broke through the cover of clouds and circled around an object that caught his eye. It was a small shack on wheels. The pony living inside it had just come outside with an empty bucket. his campfire he had made for cooking was still a blaze. As the Defiler continued to observe, his stomach began to long for this pony. It would be all to easy. Swooping down on his prey, and one closed jaw later he and his home would be gone. No, he would have to wait. One pony would not be enough for the mighty Defiler. So with a great flap of his enormous wings he lifted off into the sky again. His shadow passed over the pony below and made the lucky soul look up just in time to catch the sight of black reptile before it vanished in the distance.

The Defiler was growing impatient with the rest of the dragons. Truly they must be fearful of him. As they should for if he found them they would have to suffer his wrath for the last time his plans of world conquest was brought to an end by a unicorn like no other. Her power was unlike anything he had faced before. Before his quest for power was complete she interfered! And with her sacrifice he was sent to that accursed prison where she kept watch over it! Wether it was her ghost or soul he did not know, but during his imprisonment he feel he gaze on him. Never lifting, always on the watch. This scared the Defiler more than anything and most importantly it sent a strong surge of hatred down to his core. He would not allow that to happen again! This time he would prevail and no one would ever question his abilities again!

About twenty-five minutes after Nimph arrived in a neighboring town…

The small town lay undisturbed. The ponies walked around in the busy streets like any other given day going about their business or to the local watering hole for a salt lick. Whip Lash had just arrived back in town ready to start her daily routine of helping any one who asked for it. She tipped her hat to passing fillies who beamed up at the mare. Back inside the watering hole, she shared a few salts with friends before heading out. Whip Lash was immediately asked to help another farm out. This time, to much of her relief, she had to assist the elderly couple with plowing the fields. Being a unicorn, she used her magic to make quick work of the fields. The heat of the sun came down on the mare as she looked up at the clear sky. In the distance she saw that the forest was filled with clouds while where she was, there were none. While looking out in the distance, she saw what looked like something moving in one spot for a period of time before changing course. From the forest came the sound of birds calling out as they soared out of their habitat and in one massive unit they flew overhead passing by the town.

“Ah,” exclaimed one of the town ponies happily looking up at the retreating birds. “The dragons must be preparing to migrate at last! It took them long enough! Wonder why they held back this long?”

“I would say so!” came the voice of the merchant.

The earth pony pulled his wagon down the road making it come to a stop by the watering hole. He made to open up his small shop as the inhabitants continued to stare at the sky waiting to see the signs of any other dragons in flight. Then, to everyone’s amazement, a dark silhouette came into view. The creature was enormous! The dragon glided in their direction until its shadow passed overhead.

“Just one?” questioned a filly watching as the tail of the giant reptile passed by.

“It must be looking for the rest,” said one the earth ponies in the crowd of on lookers. “It should be able to find them in no time though. Dragons have been said to have strong noses.”

The town watched in aw as the black dragon circled around their town a few more minutes before coming to a stop where it hovered in place. Its head turned this way and that. Coming out of his wagon, the merchant stumbled as he quickly made to find a spot to begin what he had come out to do. He mustn’t let an opportunity like this go to waste! When he found a place to set up his supplies he couldn’t have picked a better location. From this angle he could just make out the majestic creature’s features. While the dragon stayed hovering above the town the merchant spread his mat on the ground and rolled out a piece of paper where he quickly began making his art. He drew the outline carefully before drawing the rest. When he was done he had an image of the black dragon on the piece of paper.

“Your pretty good at that,” said Whip Lash at last when she was sure that she could speak.

“What? Oh, yes, I suppose,” replied the merchant kindly. “I know somepony who is good at making stained glass and this drawing here will be something he has been willing to try but never quite managed to create!”

“So you’re going to give it to him?” asked Whip Lash impressed by the illustration.

“Yes, I will." said the merchant adding a few finishing touches. "He resides is in the city of Canterlot.”

“That’s quite a ways out there.”

“I have traveled down this path many times before. I’m sure if the old girl has made it this long without a single hiccup, she can manage.”

“Are you talking about your wagon?”

“There, that should do it," the merchant announced happily and put his drawing instrument away. "Why yes, she has been through a lot over the years, but she’s still kicking!”

Whip Lash had just noticed something that stuck out to her in the drawing and when she moved in for a closer look her eyes widened. She looked up at the sky where the dragon’s head was still turning and back to the picture again.

“What is it?” asked the merchant.

“Oh, its nothing,” said Whip Lash still eyeing the dragon above them with suspicion. “Ah must bee over thinkin things is all.”

The merchant looked up at the sky as well and shook his head in amusement.

“You know I have seen the dragons flying around before at this time of the seasons, but I have never seen one that big before.”

“What?” said Whip Lash as a bad feeling come over her.

“Why yes,” said the merchant again. “I saw the dragon not to long ago as I was setting out to fill a bucket of water when I saw him. He was huge! I Never saw anything like it! It looks like he’s causing quite a racket amongst the birds though.”

But Whip Lash didn’t hear anymore of what she was being told. She had noticed that the dragons eyes in the picture were red and just then, the crowd gasped in delight as the dragon above them had its sights on the mountains in the distance. Knowing where to go The Defiler growled as he caught the scent of one of his own hiding out somewhere in the mountains. Flapping his vast wings he flew away. Whip Lash knew where he was heading! She had to act fast! She had to hurry before it was too late!

“Mr. Merchant, I need you to do me a huge favor when I get back!”

“Oh, uh… What kind of favor?”

“There’s no time to explain, but do y’all know of a unicorn that goes by the name of Nimph?”

“Nimph eh? Yes, I can say I have heard of her. Why? What’s…”

“When I get back with her I need you to get her outta here!”

And before the merchant could respond, Whip Lash tore off down the road in hot pursuit of the dragon.

The Defiler could smell his target as he approached the mountains. His cowardly kins' fear of him made his hunger grow. Flying low, he began to circle the mountain until his eyes were fixated on one spot hidden by the trees canopies. Unaware that he was being fallowed, the unicorn below waited in the cover of the forest grounds until she heard the dragon come to a landing. The Defiler eyed the mouth of the cave in disappointment. Did the dragon hiding out in there really think it was going keep him safe? The smell of fish met his snout as he breathed in deeply. Along with the fish, another scent met him. This scent was tough to make out, but whatever it was, the other dragon wasn’t alone inside the cave. Snarling, The Defiler headed in with caution expecting something to happen, but nothing did. Once his head had reached the spot in the cave where water began to flow down to deeper parts of the cave he let out a low growl as he drank his fill. He heard his language being spoken in the shadows and saw a light in the distance. He followed the strange occurrence; the water shifted as his feet splashed around the cave. All the noise the noise he was making had alerted the dragon in hiding. He growled back at the shadows of the cave and turned to face his visitor. Telling the unicorn he was teaching to hide, he took a more dominant pose and waited to see the Defiler make his appearance known to him.

Present Time...

The black dragon reached the slope and looked down for the source of the light and saw the red dragon glaring up at him. A smile spread across The Defilers face as he headed down the slope and rose to his kins height.

“So, This is where I find you,” he said in triumph. “Did you think masking your scent with fish would prevent me from finding you?”

“Who ever said I was masking anything,” said the red dragon back standing his ground.

“Do not lie to me!” The Defiler snarled. “You and the rest of those cowards in the mountain have lived in fear of my return for ages! As you should! Who were you talking too?”

“I’m afraid I have no idea what you’re talking about,” said the red dragon, refusing to look away from the black dragon's ominous gaze.

“Do not lie! I heard the language of our kind as I entered! I smelled another presence here! I saw a light go out! Tell me, Who else is here?!”

The Defilers tail darted to the hill of fish remains and slammed on the cave floor making the pile of bones come crashing down! Nimph’s head was in clear sight now. She avoided being pocked by the swishing tail of the angry dragon as she ducked out of sight behind what remained of her hiding place.

“I must say." said the red dragon unfazed by The Defilers outburst "After all the time you spent in your prison, it hasn’t done anything to improve your patients,”

“And I have all of you to thank for that!” The Defiler growled back showing his teeth. “If you had helped me, this world could have been ours!”

“It would have belonged only to you and you know it,” said the red dragon calmly.

Nimph was beside herself. Was the red dragon asking for a fight? With each word he shot back at The Defiler it did nothing but make his situation worse. The Defiler snorted at his kin and smiled once more at him.

“I would want nothing more than to make all of you pay for what you did to me, but I’m willing to look past your mistakes. I have come to offer you redemption. Join me and accomplish what we have set out to do all those years ago. Together we will destroy the very place that imprisoned me!”

“We will... DO NO SUCH THING!” said the red dragon firmly.

“You fool! The last ruler of Equestria is gone!" The Defiler spat. "She gave her life to save those she cared about by imprisoning me! And now that I am free, there is no one else living who can stand up to me! Why do you refuse my offer!?”

“Because during your absents, two new rulers have been chosen to rule over Equestria! And I doubt they will let a monster like you take control!”

The Defiler stayed where he was. Was it true? Was there another unicorn like the last ruler of Equestria? Could there be one last threat he didn’t count on? True, his banishment meant that he did miss out on a lot of things, but to his knowledge the unnatural unicorn that beat him was one of the last ponies to have known his language. His pondering stopped and he snickered at his smaller brethren.

“That matters not! I happen to know that the only two that could have stopped me are now dead! So how could these new rulers pose any threat to me when they don’t even speak our tongue? So you see, “Wux re wer ir, svaust ui ekik di apzen.”

“Si tir ti siofme zyak.” The red dragon shot back at him.

His movements becoming that of one preparing to pounce.

“Then you can die along with them!” The Defiler roared back in fury.

Nimph didn’t have time to react. Suddenly the ground shook and the two dragons were locked in combat! They were biting, scratching and whipping every part of the opponent’s body they could reach. Curled in a large cramped ball, the two dragons landed in the water! The Defiler’s tail swayed violently, as it came crashing down on the slope. In the midst of the chaos unfolding, Nimph made a break for it! She darted up the slope narrowly avoiding a red tail that twirled around the cave like a lasso before slamming against the cave ceiling. The mad roars continued to fallow her as she galloped to the exit. A strong feeling of heat was felt as she turned back to see orange and red light coming toward her. She ran as fast as her hooves could carry her! The heat intensified and the sound of the roaring fire drew close! Nimph could see the light of day ahead and with one last boost of energy, she flung herself out of the cave and rolled down the mountain’s incline as the flames spat out of the caves mouth! Landing hard on her back, she looked up at the cave where the fire had died out. She couldn’t rest! Even when every muscle in her legs were screaming in protest she couldn’t afford to waist any time! She had to reach Canterlot before The Defiler did! Getting back on her hooves, she was about to gallop off when she heard someone coming down the hill behind her. To her amazement she saw Whip Lash hurrying toward her. Sliding to a stop, she pat Nimph on the back and told her to follow her lead. The two mares reached the town where the merchant was negotiating with a buyer on a blanket he had for sale.

“Nimph, there you are! What in the name of Equestria happened to you this time?! You look like you’ve been running for your life.”

“Here… She is… Mr… Merchant,” said Whip Lash panting. “Now as promised, ah need you ta get her outta here as fast as possible!”

“Yes it is a quality blanket sir! Yes, that will be twenty bits! I’m sorry Nimph, but I’m afraid no can do! I have work here! I can’t leave until I’ve made enough trades you see!”

“Your trades can wait!” retorted Whip Lash.

“What’s gotten into you?! You sound like you’ve come face to face with a…”

“Dragon!” cried one of the town’s ponies in delight as she pointed a hoof up at the sky.

Sure enough, The Defiler was flying away from the mountains, his sights on the horizon and his mind set on one place… Canterlot!

“Like ah said before, there is no time to explain! Nimph has to get to Canterlot before The Defiler does!”

Now the merchant’s happy expressions turned to one of fear and seriousness.

“Hold on there, Ms. Lash!” he began raising a hoof to silence her next outburst. “You can’t be saying things like that! Its nothing to joke about!”

“It aint no joke! The Defiler has returned and if he reaches Canterlot before Nimph… Didn’t you say that y’all have never seen a dragon like that before in your life?”

“Yes, I did say that but…”

“Then why are you denying the facts?!”

“Whip Lash…” began Nimph but she was unheard do to the increasing argument between Whip Lash and the merchant.

She couldn’t afford to waist any more time! With a loud whistle, she made the two stare at her.

“Whip Lash, thank you for coming to get me, but I don’t think the merchant believes you. Mr. Merchant what I’m about to ask will seem like a personal invasion of privacy, but I need to look into your memories. If I can find an image of Canterlot in there, I will be able to teleport myself there instead.”

The Merchant stared blankly at Nimph for few seconds before shaking his head.

“Now why would I allow you to do that?” he said frowning at her.

But before he could return back to his business, his body became stiff. Whip Lash had her horn glowing and nodded at Nimph.

“Mr. merchant, I’m sorry, but I have to do this. I promise I’m only looking for a memory of Canterlot.”

If the merchant could protest he would, but he found himself being unable to speak and Nimph touched his forehead with her glowing horn. A barrage of images flashed before her eyes. A grown stallion was teaching his son the art of trading, the little colt was playing out in the fields with the family dog. A family of three traveled across country. The family arrived in many towns and cities. Finally Nimph saw it! She saw Canterlot! Its white castle was towering over the city and the vast Everfree Forest below its summit. Blinking, Nimph shook her head knowing where she had to go.

“Did you see it?” asked Whip Lash her spell still cast on the bewildered merchant.

“Yes, I know where to go! Thank you Whip Lash.”

Whip Lash nodded and let her spell go. The Merchant still baffled by this forceful intrusion on his memories stormed off clearly upset muttering angrily under his breath as he returned to his wagon.

“He’ll get over it,” said Whip Lash reassuringly. “Now, you need ta get a move on!”

“Yes of course, Whip Lash, I don’t know how I can thank…”

“Don’t ya be thanken me yet,” said Whip Lash holding up a hoof. “Get goin already! Canterlot aint gonna to save itself!”

Nimph smiled at the red unicorn and closed her eyes picturing what she had just seen in the merchants’ memories. The image of Canterlot came into view. Focusing hard on her destination, Nimph felt her body become light and in a matter of seconds, she vanished.

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

All For Nothing

King Night Shade returned to Canterlot lost in his thoughts. The dragons were afraid of someone or something that has awakened and his name was The Defiler. “The Defiler?” Why did that name sound so familiar? He knew he had heard that name from somewhere. Night Shade turned to his studies. Perhaps he could find something that could shed some light on their situation. Flipping through the pages of "Equestrian History" he landed on the chapter of the past Alicorns who had once ruled over Equestria. He looked over the names until he found the one who ruled before him and his wife.

Princess Beatrix, widely known for her rule over Equestria a thousand years ago; her greatest triumph was her victory over a power hungry tyrant. His real name is unknown to pony kind, but to the dragons he is known as The Defiler. Although we are not sure how she did it, the only one who might know could be none other than Star Swirl the Bearded. Even though Star Swirl would deny having helped her majesty, those who don’t by into the sage’s loner attitude believe that when he was young, he did have something to do with the Defiler’s defeat. (See pages 107-109 for more detail about Star Swirl the Bearded.)

“So that’s why that name sounded so familiar,” Night Shade thought to himself staring down at the page. “Her Majesty sacrificed herself to save Equestria by banishing The Defiler and herself to a magical prison. But now the spell is broken and he is free to finish what he started.”

If that was the case, he would have to figure out how the creature was beaten last time, but the only one who would know was no longer around to tell. Star Swirl is gone meaning that he and his queen were on their own. Or were they? Night Shade had heard that the Higher Unicorn’s Guild had taken Star Swirls work for safe keeping after his passing. Maybe they could help? Star Bright approached her king with news that had appeared before her by a letter that one the returning guards had written.

“The guards are coming back from their assignment dear,” she said to him.

“Good, So I take it that they were successful?” he asked as he closed the book.

“Yes, and they have informed me that they won’t be alone when they get here.”

Night Shade looked up from his studies at his queen. What had happened when they reached the village? What did they see? It was as if Star Bright had read the kings mind and answered his unasked question.

“When they arrived at the village it was worse than we had originally thought. A fire of that scale wasn’t caused by accident or by natural events. Somepony or something had started it!”

Night Shade felt his heart drop. Could this village have been where The Defiler was released? While he put on a brave face his mind was working in overdrive. If this was The Defiler’s work, then they could be in serious trouble! If the monster decides to target the kingdom next...

“Night, what’s wrong?” Star Bright asked. “What did you find?”

“Star, we have a problem. I think I know why the dragons haven’t migrated, but I need to be sure first. It might be a long shot, but I need to find the Unicorn’s Guild.”

“You’re in luck Night,” said Star Bright. “Along with the inhabitants of the village, the Unicorn’s Guild is coming to Canterlot too. They told the guards that they needed to speak with us.”

At the entrance of city there was loud pop and Nimph appeared out of thin air. Too her relief, the city was quiet and unharmed. She galloped into the city at top speed. She had to warn the king and queen before it was too late! In the streets, the inhabitants went about their business unaware of the approaching danger. Looking around the city, Nimph couldn’t see the castle anywhere. Not wanting to waist any time, she asked the first pony she came across to point her in the right direction. A pare of earth ponies were happily talking to each other as they walked down the street when Nimph approached them.

“Excuse me, I need to know where the castle is! Do you know how I can find it?”

The group eyed Nimph with the look someone would give a pile of unwashed laundry, but when they saw the look of superiority Nimph was giving them, one of the mares cleared her throat before replying.

“Castle? Let’s see… You need to head down there,” she indicated pointing her hoof behind her. “Take a left after several blocks and just keep going straight.”

“Thank you,” Nimph said before galloping off; the group watched her in bewilderment.

She could see the castle in the distance. She must reach it before…

“MAKE WAY EVERYPONY!” came a commanding voice from behind.

Nimphs eyes widened as she saw who was headed her way. Diving behind a market stand, she waited as a number of hooves and flapping wings galloped and flew by. When the hurried commotion drew farther away, Nimph poked her head out of the stand to see the cloaks of the Unicorn’s Guild swaying behind them as they fallowed their flying escorts to the castle.

“Um… Miss…” came a curious voice from behind. “What are you doing?”

“Sorry,” Nimph said jumping up and leaving the stand before the confused pony could question her further.

Her gallop from before had now turned into a trot as she moved down the streets of the city. She was now unsure if she should follow them up to the castle. If the Unicorn's Guild was here, would they tell the king and queen what she had done or would they have found it in their hearts to trust her at last and help back her up?

“If I go up there now they’ll probably silence me, but if I don’t they won't know that The Defiler is on his way, I must risk it! But either way, if they are here…”

But she couldn’t finish the rest of her thoughts, for behind her came the worried and comforting voices of many ponies. She turned around to see a large crowd gathered around an exhausted herd of ponies that had come with the Guild and the Royal Guards. She didn’t know why she was doing it, but her legs turned her around and with blending into the crowed of ponies who had come rushing out to help, she drew closer to the herd of her fellow villagers. She didn’t dare get any closer than she already had. She waited with the rest of the worried eyes of spectators as someone called out from the crowd to fetch water. After returning with a tray of filled mugs, the herd thanked the hospitality of the city ponies and were asked what had happened.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for us to be out here in the open like this!” came a worried voice from the herd. “What if that thing comes back!?”

“Don’t be an idiot!” snapped one of the older stallions. “We’re safe now! The King and Queen will know what to do! Why else would the Guild want to speak with them?”

In the crowd, Nimph watched as she made out the ponies from the village. They looked an awful mess now that they were out in broad daylight. Singed form ash and soot the herd looked scared to be out in the open, but were grateful to be somewhere where they thought it would be safe.

“What do you think he meant by thing?” asked a thoughtful voice from beside Nimph.

When no one replied, Nimph turned to look at the white Alicorn beside her. Her mouth opened but no words came out. She was in the presents of royalty! Although Celestia and Luna didn’t go by the title of “Princess,” everyone knew who they really were.

“Pri… Princess…” was all Nimph could say before her attention was drawn back to the herd before them.

A filly was with her parents looking around for someone in the crowd.

“Where is Nimph? Mommy," she said nudging her mothers side with her hoof. "Where is she?”

“Don’t worry Rose,” said her mother softly. “I’m sure she’s around somewhere,”

Nimph wanted at that moment to make herself known to them when an angered voice rang out from the tired herd.

“Nimph?!” he cried out. “Who cares about what happens to her?!”

“Be quiet!” barked Lightning glaring at the pony that had spoken.

“Why should I!” he roared back. “Its because of her that we’re in this mess!”

The two stared daggers at each other as Lightning’s wife put a hoof on his flexed leg muscles trying to calm him down.

“Now, now, everypony calm down!” said the Pegasus who had brought out the water filled mugs. “What’s going on? I heard that you guys had a nasty fire break out.”

“We did,” said Lightning relaxing his muscles at last.

Although, he still looked over at the angry stallion as if daring him to say another word. “And that thing we are referring too is the cause of it.”

Nimph was beside herself. She knew what she had to do and she had to act fast! The Guild will have no doubt had already told the king and queen their side of the story, but she must make sure that she can be trusted with the task she was about to start. Turning back to Celestia she looked into her eyes. She spoke to her in a way that only she could hear her.

“Princess, I need you to do me a favor! Tell your parents that they need to get everypony to safety!”

“Why?" asked Celestia, taking Nimphs request seriously. "What’s going on?”

“There is no time to explain, just do it! The Defiler is coming! And if he gets here while we are all out in the open… Just tell them to get everypony out of the city and that they need to trust me!”

“I don’t understand,” said Celestia, wondering what in Equestria was this unicorn talking about? “Who’s coming?”

“Princess, I need your word on this!” Nimph pleaded.

Celestia looked at Nimph. She looked scared and had to hurry before this “Defiler” whoever he was, came around. They stared at each other trying to find any hint of doubt in their expressions. Finally, Celestia nodded at the unicorn who sighed in relief before making to leave.

“Wait!” Celestia called out to her. “Who do I say sent me?”

“Tell them that it was Nimph who sent you and I know how to stop him!”

Before Celestia could respond back, Nimph had torn off down the street.

“So you see your majesties,” finished the head of the Unicorn's Guild when she had come to the end of her story. “We need your help! The Defiler is back! He was defeated last time by an Alicorn, so why shouldn’t this time be any different?”

“For one,” began Star Bright frowning at the guild before her and Night Shade. “You are asking us to help you in a way we know nothing about. And second the spell that banished The Defiler doesn’t sound like any normal magic we are accustomed to.”

“That’s where we come in your highness,” said the head of the guild acknowledging herself and her colleagues. “We have Star Swirls magic in our possession and are ready to use it!”

The two rulers looked at one another before a book was conjured out of one of the guild members’ cloaks and floated toward the king and queen. The book opened showing them page after page of Star Swirl’s work.

“This is impressive!” said Night Shade glancing over a few spells that caught his eye.

“We have taken the liberty of making the book ourselves after the mage’s untimely death,” said one of the guild members proudly. “We learned so much from him and we pass this knowledge onto you in hopes that you can help us stop The Defiler!”

“I see,” said Star Bright scanning over a spell that wasn’t complete.

From what she could tell, it had to do with destinies and the one thing that Star Swirl had never acknowledged… Friendship.

“There appears to be a lot of missing words.” She said finally.

“Yes, well, we have no idea what the old mage was thinking when he started making these spells,” said the leader of the guild sheepishly. “He never let us help him no matter how many times we offered.”

“That sounds like him,” noted Night Shade, rolling his eyes. “Stubborn old mule.”

“Now, down to the business at hand!” began the head of the guild. “Will you help us?”

“I have already answered your question,” said Star Bright seriously. “We could, but we have no idea how The Defiler was beaten last time. And if any of you know, now would be the time to speak up.”

The guild looked at one another reflecting the same disappointment that was given to them by the king and queen. Suddenly someone from the back spoke up.

“I know somepony who might, but she isn’t with us!”

“You’re not seriously saying who I think you’re thinking about!” said another member impatiently.

“Well, why not?” said the unicorn from before shrugging. “She said that she needed time! So, maybe she has found out how to stop him by now!”

“Must I remind you that it is because of her that we are all in danger!” his protestor shot back.

“Who is this pony you speak of?” asked Star Bright over the arguing.

“She is, was, Star Swirl’s apprentice,” said the head of the guild. “She is the Unicorn I told you about. I suspect she didn’t like the outcome of how her teachers spells were not given to her and thought that impressing us might help change our minds on the matter. But Star Swirl had already told us to not give her his work. He thought that she wasn’t ready to have so much power at her disposal.”

“I can see why,” said Star Bright looking back at the book where another incomplete spell was shown with the turn of a page. “A lot of these spells are very advanced even for the most experienced of casters. Where is this Nimph now?”

“Who knows,” replied the head of the guild. “She could be anywhere.”

“She’s here in the City!” called out a voice from behind the guild.

Celestia came galloping into the throne room. All heads turned to the young mare that slowed down upon reaching the group of surprised guild members. The cloaked unicorns began whispering to each other. No doubt they were discussing this new information.

“Celestia, where is she?” asked Star Bright to her daughter.

“Mom, she told me to tell you and dad that she knows how to stop The Defiler, but we need to get everypony to safety because he is on his way here!”

A Cold silence took over. The Unicorn’s Guild stood frozen to the spot while Night Shade and Star Bright looked at their daughter carefully. When they saw that she was telling the truth, they stood tall and took charge. Night Shade’s voice rang out!

“Captain we need your service!”

The doors opened again, this time, an armored stallion came galloping in at top speed.

“I’m here your majesties, what do you need?” He said saluting them.

“The kingdom has been threatened! gather your forces Captain! We need to get everypony in the city to safety!”

“My king, where do we take them all?” the captain asked looking alert.

“Down to the catacombs of the castle!” answered Star Bright. “They will be safe there! Now hurry! Get your men and start evacuating!”

“Yes of course!” said the Captain of the guard saluting one more time before he galloped out of the throne room.

“Celestia, did Nimph tell you how she was going to face the Defiler?” Star Bright asked turning her focus back on her daughter.

“No,” said Celestia. “She was all worried when she told me. All she asked was that you trust her.”

“Trust her?” The guild leader spoke up. “Why? What does she plan on do…

Her horn glowed and Star Swirl’s book came zooming toward her. She flipped through the pages until she spotted something.

“What is it? What did you find?” asked one of the guild members trying to get a good look at the page the leader was on.

“That’s just the thing,” she said slamming the book shut. “I found nothing! Who was the one in charge of copying down Star Swirl’s work!?”

“That would be me!” came a voice from the back.

“And you copied all of his work even the unfinished ones?”

“Yes, that’s all there was when the spells were handed over to me!”

“I think…” began Night Shade, a slight suspicion in his tone. “You didn’t tell us everything you knew about Star Swirl’s work guild leader. If you want our help, you need to start being truthful to us!”

“Very well…” sighed the leader of the Unicorn’s Guild . “Before his passing, Star Swirl did come to me. He said that he had done something horrible and was trying to correct it. When I asked what he had done, he told me that in his studies I would find a scroll that would tell me everything. He said if I wanted to know, seek the dragons for guidance.”

“I think we just found out what his mistake was,” said Night Shade darkly. “Could it be a counter spell?”

“Maybe…” said the guild leader thoughtfully. “You there, girl! Did Nimph have anything on her when she spoke to you?”

“Just a rough sack,” replied Celestia thinking back. “Dad what’s going on? Should I find Luna?”

“Yes Celestia, go find your sister,” said Star Bright seriously. “Once you find her, head straight back here! Do you understand?”

Seeing the look her mother was giving her, Celestia nodded in agreement and galloped out of the throne room leaving the adults to talk about how they were going to approach Nimph.

“This isn’t good,” said the head of the guild. “Nimph is too inexperienced! She doesn’t know what she’s doing! How could she have taken that scroll?!”

“We have to stop her!” shouted a member. “She’s no Alicorn! If anything she might make things worse if she tries to cast that spell!”

There was a roar of agreement around the room. Night Shade and Star Bright looked at each other in understanding. Conjuring up a piece of paper, quill, and ink, Star Bright wrote a letter to Snap Shot and sent it out with a small pop. As the bickering continued around them Night Shade placed a hoof to his temple and with his horn glowing the magic from within gave off a loud bang and everyone went silent. Night Shade looked down at the Unicorn’s Guild and said in his utmost dominant tone.

“If you are all done with your discussions, we have a city to evacuate and rest assured! Nimph will be dealt with, but we need all of you to follow the rest of the cities inhabitants to the catacombs of this castle!”

There was another small pop and a letter appeared hovering in front of Star Bright. She read it to herself before saying, “And not a moment too soon. Snap Shot and a small group of guards found her!”

In a burst of hurried hoof steps, the Unicorn’s guild stormed out of the castle and met up with the small group of Royal Guards leading an irate Nimph toward the castle. Her spectacles were slanted and her rough sack was hovering out of reach. The guards pushed her forward, and the Unicorn’s Guild glared at the approaching Unicorn.

“Nimph, do you have any idea what you were about to do?!” demanded the head of the guild.

“Yes, do you?!” Nimph shot back shacking off the guards trying to restrain her. “I was about to start to put an end to this whole ordeal, when these guards came and interrupted me!”

“No Nimph! The only thing you would have done is put more innocent lives in harms way!" The guild's leader said madly. "We had to stop you before you endangered everypony here including yourself!”

“I told you I could fix this and I can!” said Nimph and took a moment before continuing on in a more clamming voice. “I know how to stop The Defiler. I’ve seen a dragon that taught me how to do it. If you give me a chance I…”

“NO NIMPH!” said the guild leader again in such finality, that declared the topic to be dropped. “I already told you that you could not do this! I’m sorry, but we cannot allow you to cast that counter spell. Yes, we know what it is. Please, give the scroll over to somepony who can cast it.”

From behind her, King Night Shade and Queen Star Bright came walking up. Their expressions weren’t like the rest of the guild; cold and hateful. Theirs was that of understanding and pity. Star Bright came down the steps and approached the orange unicorn. The guards made to restrain Nimph, but Star Bright held up a hoof insisting that they don’t.

“Nimph is it?” she asked looking down at the panicked unicorn. “Nimph may I see the scroll you took?”

“Yes, but can you read what it says?” Nimph asked back.

Star bright levitated the scroll and began to read the dragon language written on it.

“Yes, but how in Equestria did Star Swirl manage this?”

“Even I don't know, but that's not important! If we don't hurry, The Defiler will...”

“I know whats coming Nimph." said Star Bright softly. "And that is why I need the second scroll you have.”

“But, but I can do it,” said Nimph pleadingly. “I know how to! Please, I came all this way! It can’t have all been for nothing! If I…”

“Nimph, what you have done to try and fix things goes beyond bravery." said Star Bright placing her wing gently on the unicorns shoulder. "Trust me it won’t be for nothing. Please, let me take it from here.”

“You don’t understand," Nimph said, shaking her head. "knowing what it means isn’t enough, you have to speak the language in order for it to work properly,”

“I can speak this language.”

Suddenly, Star Bright spoke in the same tongue Nimph had practiced during her time in the dragon cave. However, when the queen spoke, the words that came out were so flawless that Nimph could only pick up the sentence, “Enel ve.” Which meant, “Trust me.”

“You’ve done all you can Nimph. Now, allow me to take the scrolls from here.”

Nimph wanted to protest, but she couldn’t bring herself to. She lowered her head and allowed her teachers work to be taken away.

"Wait," said Nimph making a third piece of paper emerge from her sack. "The Mark you will see on here is the key to everything. Once you've made that, have the counter spell ready for when The Defiler arrives."

“Thank you Nimph," said Star Bright. "Guards, escort Nimph down to the Catacomes with the others!”

From outside of the castle, they saw a herd of ponies headed toward them. The Royal Guards escorting them, told them to keep moving and stay calm. Making their way past the herd was Celestia and Luna. When the two sisters approached their parents, they looked back at the moving herd as they disappeared behind the castle.

“Mom what’s going on?” asked Luna looking worried. “Celestia didn’t tell me anything! And the guards came to every house and shop telling everypony to follow them!”

“The kingdom has been threatened,” said Night Shade feeling that it was best to tell the truth. “We have to get everypony to safety! That includes you two!”

“Wait, what are you going to do?” asked Celestia looking up at her father who looked into the distance as if to expect something to appear in the sky.

“The kingdom needs to be protected! Your mother and I and the rest of the Royal Guards will do what we can from here! You two need to stay with the others in the catacombs!”

“No, we won’t let you do this alone!” argued Celestia.

“Celestia, this is not an option!” said Night Shade with the same finality in his tone. “You and Luna will stay hidden with the rest of the city! I need you two to promise us that you will stay there!”

“I…”

“Celestia…” said Star Bright giving her eldest daughter a sharp look.

“Fine, I’ll stay hidden,” said Celestia begrudgingly.

“Luna…”

“You’ll be alright though?” asked Luna looking up at them. “You and the guards?”

“Once you two are there try to reassure every pony.” said Night Shade.

“Mom? You will be alright won’t you?” Luna asked again.

“Come on Luna,” said Celestia placing her wing around her little sister.

“But…”

“Come on! They’ll be fine! but we won’t if we stay here!”

Just then, the sound of birds crying out came from the mountains and spread through the Everfree Forest! Birds came flying out from the trees and flew upwards to the castle and out of sight. Even though they couldn’t see them, they soon heard the scared sounds of the forest life moving far away from their environment. The little light day began to fade and as soon as the sun had vanished behind the mountains the kingdom was dropped into a deafening dark silence. The Royal Guards remaining outside looked to one another. Celestia and Luna stayed where they were. Star Bright and Night Shade’s gaze were fixed on the mountains. Everyone stayed where they were and right when Celestia was about to say something to her parents, a loud roar called out to them from the mountains!

“It’s him!” cried a voice of one of the ponies in the retreating herd.

The guards tried to reassure everyone, but the herd had ran down the steps and vanished underground.

“Celestia, Luna, go back inside the castle and wait until we cause a diversion!” ordered Star Bright. “Snap Shot, you to look after them for us and keep them safe!”

“Yes my queen!” Snap Shot said looking important. “Celestia, Luna, this way!”

Celestia followed Snap Shot inside the opened doors. Luna looked at her parents for a few seconds before she too ran inside. The doors slammed shut behind them and with the speed of a cheetah Snap Shot flew up to the top of the stairs where he went through each room closing the windows to the balconies before doing the same to the throne room below. Celestia and Luna helped with making sure that each door was closed shut before the three gathered in the throne room where they waited to hear what was going on outside.

In the Catacombs below the Castle, the Royal Guards escorting Nimph laid on the rocky floor. They had no time to react, they didn’t suspect her to turn on them so fast. Before any of them knew what had hit them, they were all unconscious. Nimphs horn was glowing bright, providing her with light to see where she was. Her eyes had angry flames dancing in them. She could not, would not let anyone else take the fall for her mistake. Knowing that heading back the way she came would only cause more panic, she headed off on her own in search for a way out. Letting her magic act as a detector she followed the faint hint of water near by. Looking around the signal became lost, but when she looked up the source of water was felt. Knowing where she had to go she closed her eyes and let her horn guide her to the water.

“This is it! It has to be me!” she thought to herself as she felt her body go light. “I will cast the counter spell! And this time… Nopony will stop me!”

Nimph’s horn glowed bright before she vanished out of the underground prison and out of sight!

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Saving Equestria

Outside the castle, King Night Shade and Queen Star Bright were finishing giving their captain of the royal guard his duties and when he nodded his head in understanding he saluted them. The two rulers took flight and headed to meet the oncoming force of The Defiler. Celestia and Luna watched their parents leave from the window of the closed off balcony. Celestia bucked a vase in frustration causing it to shatter violently.

“Big sister…” began Luna shocked by the act.

“I’m sorry Luna,” said Celestia remembering her promise to be brave for the two of them. “They should be fine right? I mean its mom and dad after all.”

Even as she said it, a horrible feeling of doubt crept over her. Just then, Snap Shot and small force of the castle guards appeared at the entry to the throne room and told the two they need to go with him where it would be safe. The two sisters agreed to follow. Luna reacting a little quicker to go with the guards than her big sister. As they began their decent down the halls to the lower parts of the castle they heard from the opened door a horrifying cry of rage echo out from mountains outside Canterlot. At the bottom of the stairs, the guards led the two sisters to a large painting of the past Princess of Equestria. Snap Shot reached out his hoof and lowered a hanging torch. The Painting swung open allowing them to enter a hole in the wall. Celestia and Luna followed the guards, going deeper than they have ever gone under the castle. The guards had to light lanterns in order to see where they were going after that. Celestia and Luna provided extra light by allowing their horns to cast beams of light. The sound of frantic talking met their ears as they drew closer to the end of the passage. They found themselves in an underground cavern. Ponies from the city were hiding down here from the fight that would commence outside. Some of the frightened ponies turned their heads at the new arrivals.

“Snap, What’s going on?! Is it over?!” asked an earth pony hopefully.

“Everypony remain calm!” ordered Snap Shot. “Let King Night Shade, Queen Star Bright, and the rest of the Royal Guard handle things on higher ground! Don't worry, we’ll be out of here in no time!”

Amongst the outburst from fearful citizens and reassuring’s from the small group of guards, Celestia and Luna spotted their friends in the crowd of confused and scared ponies and headed over. They were relieved to see that they all made it… Well, at least almost all of them. Tick and Tock were missing!

“Celestia, Luna What’s happening!?” exclaimed Wind Chime.

“We’re sorry Wind Chime, we will explain it to you later, but for now…”

“Forget later!” said Wind Chime frowning. “First we are all approached by the Royal Guard ordering us to evacuate the city! And the next thing we know, is that we are told stay in this gloomy place while they handle things outside! Come on you two, what’s going on?”

“Chime, I swear I will tell you later, but for now, you’re going to have to trust us ok?” said Celestia hoping that her friend would be able to take her word on it, but the angered pegasus didn’t look very likely to do so.

“Black Wood, where are Tick and Tock?” asked Luna breaking the nasty silence.

“They’re here of course,” said Black Wood. “Right over…. Uh… Oh no, they did it again!”

“What?!” spoke up Wind Chime looking around for the two unicorns. “Oh for the love of Equestria, this isn’t the time for them to go wondering off!”

“Who says we’re wondering off?” asked a voice from a reappearing red unicorn.

“Tock's right!” said a second reappearing caster. “It’s not like we’re teleporting our way around all willy nilly! Besides, wait till you hear what we have found.”

“Tick, don’t try and justify yourselves with telling us that this was just another exploration!" Wind Chime flustered up. "I don’t think now is the time or place for your nonsensical antics!”

“Fine,” said Tock shrugging her off. “If you don’t want to hear where the lake is, then we won’t tell.”

“Wait, you found it?” asked Celestia in interest.

“Aha!” Tock piped up. “Somepony who’s interested I see! Fine, we will tell you then.”

Tock beckoned Celestia to come closer so he could tell only her. When she was close, Tick spoke for his brother.

“While the rest of Canterlot were waiting around, we figured we might as well have a look around seeing that we were going to be here for a while. Little did we know that as soon as we started searching, our horns censed water nearby! We followed the signal until it became strong enough for us to teleport directly to it.”

“Where is it?” asked Celestia.

“Directly above us,” said Tock pointing his hoof at the ceiling. “We think it could be inside the rest of the mountain behind the castle. We could take you there if you’d like! We think it might be inside the rest of the mountain beside the castle! Who knows, we might even meet up with that other unicorn we saw.”

“Other Unicorn?” said Celestia confused.

“Yeah, we saw her when we went to investigate,” said Tick.

“The trouble is…” began Tock starting to look suspicious. “She told us to scram as soon as we reached her. She told us that she didn’t want anypony to intrude. I wonder why that is?”

Celestia’s eyes widened as she knew exactly who Tick and Tock must have seen. Nimph was at the underground lake! She must have escaped the guards during all of the panicked commotion! Celestia had a feeling that whatever Nimph was doing near the lake, it wasn’t bound to be anything good. Not wanting to tell Tick and Tock her worries, Celestia acted just as puzzled they were by Nimph’s oddity towards them and went over to tell Luna what she had just learned.

“What is it big sister?” Luna asked when she was pulled aside by Celestia.

“Nimph has escaped!” said Celestia, “We have to stop her before she does anything else to place Equestria at risk!”

“Ok. Lets go!” said Luna ready for action.

“No, you need to stay here!” said Celestia.

“No way! We go together!” argued Luna.

“Listen to me Luna!" said Celestia placing both her front hooves on her little sister's shoulders. "You have to stay behind incase Nimph tries to make a run for it!”

“Oh,” said Luna catching onto the plan. “I see what you mean, ok. I got it, but won’t you need any help?”

“Hey, who do you think I am anyway little sister?" Celestia said grinning confidently. "I’ll manage well on my own.”

Celestia waited until Snap Shot’s gaze was off of them until she acted. Tick and Tock told her that teleporting once she had censed the water source should do the trick, and when asked if she wanted them to accompany her; she refused raising a demanding hoof. The brothers looked at her, a little offended, but when they saw her unnatural sense of urgency they said nothing to protest and nodded to her in understanding. Smiling at the two of them, she headed off on her own doing exactly as they instructed. Once the signal of water was strong enough, Celestia closed her eyes and thought of the place she wanted to go to. Her horn glowed pink, there was the sound of a soft popping noise and she was gone. When she opened her eyes again, Celestia found herself on a slope and directly below her, she heard Nimph talking to herself. Looking over her cover, Celestia saw Nimph pacing the lake trying to figure out a perfect spot to put her plan into motion.

“This has to work,” Nimph spoke aloud looking up at the ceiling as if she could see something that Celestia couldn’t. “It just has too! You said I wasn’t ready! You told them that I wouldn’t be able to handle it! Well, we’ll see who was wrong after tonight Star Swirl!”

Nimph raised her hoof up in the air and began to shake it. Her eyes shrank and she looked quite deranged as she began to draw something in the sand with a stone she had levitated from the shore.

“I can solve this, I know I can! I am a master at solving puzzles after all… I’ll show you! I can save them all! I made a promise and… I… NEVER… GO… BACK… ON… MY…”

“Stop!” cried out Celestia from her incline. “Nimph, You have to stop! Let the king and queen handle this!”

Nimph glared at Celestia. With her horn glowing, she shot a beam of red light that missed Celestia by inches and hit the ceiling above her creating a big hole. The force of the spell caused the ceiling to form a long crack making small rays of light and stalactites hit the surface of the lake. Now that Celestia could see a little more properly the light that hit Nimph made her look positively insane. Through the cracked spectacles she saw that Nimph’s eyes had shrunk and in her panicked and enraged state, she wasn’t going to let Celestia get in her way of doing what she thought was right! She was beyond reason! Celestia spread her wings and was about to fly toward the crazed unicorn when the two of them heard the sound of a distant explosion. The stalactites above them shook, threatening to drop at any given moment.

“No!” yelled Nimph. “I can’t afford to waist anymore time!”

Turning her back on Celestia, she levitated the stone again and picked up where she had left off on her drawing. Taking her momentary distraction to her advantage, Celestia flew at Nimph and tackled her. The two mares wrestled on the shore. Nimph tried to kick Celestia off, but she was tightly wrapped in her wings. In desperation, Nimph bit into Celstia’s wing making her cry out in pain! With the Alicorn’s grip loosening, Nimph blasted her attacker away with a strong burst of magic! Celestia hit the water with a loud splash! Nimph got up and with her horn glowing bright red, she cast her spell at the ceiling. The beam of red light carved a hole straight through the mountain and in a matter of seconds unseen water that lied undisturbed above them came crashing down flooding the underground lake! Nimph struggled, trying to keep afloat but in no time she felt herself sink. The water was rising! The sure amount that Nimph had unleashed upon them was unclear! As the water continued to poor down on the underground lake, from the depths came the outline of the two mares. One was as still as the frozen watery grave itself while the other was kicking franticly to the surface! With one last push Celestia’s horn broke the surface and when her wings came up she lifted both herself and the immobile body of Nimph out of the rising waters! Hovering above the rapidly rising lake, Celestia looked around for an exit! Everywhere was blocked… Everywhere except up! Groaning at the only option they had left, Celestia landed back in the water and waited for the down poor to end. Taking a deep breath she felt her horn glow as she and Nimph dove underneath the surface. The flooding came to a halt and with her horn lighting the way, Celestia with Nimph held tightly in her front hooves, she kicked for the surface above! When Celestia felt her snout breach the surface she let out a loud gasp! Coughing and relieved that she had made it, she tried once again to spread her wings, but this time, she was out of luck. They had gathered too much water and were like carrying an extra pair of unnecessary weights. She thought she saw the shore not to far ahead and swam to it, dragging Nimph behind. When she reached the edge of the deep end she made Nimph hover limply beside her with a levitation spell. Finally, her hooves reached solid ground and she shrunk to her knees panting. She lowered Nimphs body onto the mountain and went over to see how high they were. The air felt dense and when Celestia reached the edge of the mountain, she saw that they were at the peak. She saw the roof of the castle below and beyond that she saw to her horror, black smoke emitting from the Everfree Forest. The smell of burning wood met her snout. A horrible roar came from the sky. The sound of enormous wings flew somewhere close by. Nimph stirred awake gagging as the water she had swallowed pored out of her mouth. Coughing herself back to consciousness, Nimph looked around, petrified at what she had done. The sound of The Defiler’s roar met their ears again, this time it was followed by flashes of multi colored light.

“Mom! Dad!” Celestia called out in worry.

“No…” said Nimph. “No! I… I can still fix this… I...” but her fight had left her and she sank to the floor.

Celestia could hear her say something to someone who wasn’t there.

“Star Swirl, I’m sorry! You were right! I wasn’t ready! I… I should have refused to help Romulus from the start!”

Celestia thought that all she could feel for Nimph after what she has put Equestria through would be hate, but after seeing the Unicorn in such a defeated and helpless state she only felt pity. Even as the smell of smoke covered the land and who knows how many towns and other kingdoms would be at risk if The Defiler wins, Celestia couldn’t bring herself to hate her. She could tell that she was trying to correct her mistake no matter what the cost. Sighing, Celestia approached the saddened unicorn. Her spectacles had fallen off and strands of her red mane covered the upper part of her face as drops of water or fresh tears hit the mountain peak. Celestia approached the sobbing mare and held out her hoof.

“I don’t understand,” said Nimph shakily, refusing to look up at the Alicorn. “Weren’t you just trying to stop me before I did any more harm than good?”

“Yes I was, but… Didn’t you say you wanted to fix things?” asked Celestia.

“But…”

Before Nimph could reply another loud roar echoed across the land as two dots fell from the sky and crashed into the Everfree Forest. Celestia’s eyes widened as she saw a wave of fire come crashing down on the forest turning the trees into a towering inferno. The Defiler circled around the fiery prison of his prey before he let loose another blast of flame. This time, the fire hit the land outside of the forest. Celestia felt her legs shaking as the smell of burning wood and grass hit her nostrils. She turned back to Nimph who had shrunk to the rocky floor and covered her ears with her hooves trying to tune out the sounds of the dragon’s cries of fury. Celestia made her horn glow and tried to cast her own spells at the bit of The Defiler she could see through the smoke, but no matter what she cast at him, it might as well had tickled than do any harm. The grounds below were in flames, the forest fire was spreading and Celestia’s parents were somewhere in the chaos! Trapped or worse…

Celestia was about to cast another spell when she saw something flying toward her. For one terrifying moment she thought it was The Defiler, but as the dot grew closer she saw the dark blue outline of her little sister! Celestia didn’t know weather to be happy or maddened by the sudden appearance.

“Big Sister!” Luna called out to her as she made to land on the mountain peak.

“Luna, I told you to stay behind!” said Celestia keeping her voice calm but her glare didn’t match her tone.

“I know, but I couldn’t just sit down there doing nothing while my family was out here fighting!” Luna said just as serious.

“That’s not the point!” retorted Celestia.

“Isn’t it?” challenged Luna. “Face it big sister, mom and dad need our help! And from the looks of things, you need me by your side on this!”

Luna peered over her sister’s shoulder and spotted Nimph shaking with fright.

“Is that her?” she asked frowning.

“Yeah, it is,” said Celestia also looking back. “I think she shouldn’t be any harm to anypony now,”

“I would think not!” said Luna in disgust. “Look what she has brought upon us!”

“Luna…” began Celestia, but Luna cut her off.

“Come on big sister, we need to help our mom and dad!”

“You cannot stop him,” came Nimph’s cracked voice.

“Sais you!” Luna said waspishly. “Come on Celstia! leave her! We’re wasting time!”

“Hold on Luna," said Celestia patiently and stepped toward the terrified unicorn. "Nimph, what was that symbol you were making before?”

“It was his mark,” said Nimph sniffing. “If that is what brought him here in the first place then it could be just the thing to put him back.”

“Then there is a way!” said Celestia excitedly. “Please, if you know then you have to tell us how we can put an end to this!”

“You don’t understand,” said Nimph worriedly. “This is no ordinary magic. My teacher, Star Swirl began a counter spell before his passing, but he never got the chance to finish it. I might have solved it, but… I fear what might happen if I try to use it. You were right to stop me Celestia. I should have never attempted to cast it. Not again. The queen said she knows how to speak to The Defiler. I should just let her do it.”

“But the spell before was a Calling. This new one is a counter spell!” said Celestia encouragingly.

“I... I… No! I don’t want to cause anypony else more pain!” Shrieked Nimph, looking up at Celestia.

Her eyes were reddened; her expression was of utter most fear of the possibilities for attempting to cast another spell having to do with The Defiler.

“You won’t, but we will,” said Celestia taking a stand.

“Celestia, no!” said Luna warningly. “Don’t trust her!”

“There is no other way Luna!” said Celestia looking at her cautious sister. “We have to try this! This could be our only hope!”

“And if it’s not?” Luna retorted glaring down at Nimph.

“Nimph, please… Tell us the spell.”

Nimph looked at the two young Alicorns. How could they be so willing to fight a lost battle? Had she stumbled so far down her rabbit hole that she was forever lost inside it? Swallowing, she thought about what she had heard her teacher say to her once. The words came to mind as if Star Swirl was there himself.

“Some of the greatest challenges we all face are those we cannot face alone. Trust in yourself Nimph, and don’t be afraid of letting others be your guide.”

Nimph smiled to herself. The irony of that speech came from a mage who couldn’t even follow his own advice. Picking herself up Nimph levitated her cracked spectacles back on her snout and walked over to the edge of the peak and stared down at the sea of fire below. The smell of smoke made her sick and with out hesitation she galloped over to the edge of the lake. And started to draw an invisible line from where she stood to the peak’s cliff.

“Yes,” she said to herself in a newfound confidence. “That should do it!”

“What should do it?” asked Celestia wondering what the unicorn was planning this time.

“Forget it sister!” said Luna lifting herself off the ground. “She’s a lost cause!”

Before Celestia could retort, Nimph spoke up again,

“I know how we can stop him, but you need to give me time!”

“Time for what?” Luna asked skeptically. “I don’t like this sister!”

“Neither do I Luna,” said Celestia shamefully. “But what other choice do we have? How much time do you need Nimph?”

“As much as I can get! I might know a way to put out the fire too, but you have to keep The Defiler busy while I get everything ready!”

“Ok!” said Celestia nodding in understanding. “Thank…”

“Don’t thank me yet,” said Nimph returning to trace the invisible line with her eyes. “Get going! Equestria isn’t going to save itself!”

Celestia nodded again and spread her wings. Once she was at Luna’s level the two hovered over the mountain for a brief moment before they dove. Within a matter of seconds they flew passed trees and mist. Reaching the city below them, the shouts of shocked royal guards called out to them. Whether it was words of encouragement or worry they didn’t care. The only thing they were focused on as they soared toward the Everfree Forest was the enormous cloud of smoke hovering above the burning land.

“Do you see them!?” Luna asked looking down at the forest fire.

Flying above the forest, all the two young Alicorns could see was nothing but bright orange and red flames. The smoke rising from the flames made their eyes water as they tried to see past it.

“I don’t see anyth… Luna, quick, hide!”

Luna didn’t have time to respond. From behind her something pointy was poking out from the black smoke. She and Celestia lowered themselves into hazardous cloud as the spinney tail of the mighty beast drifted passed. Descending further down, the two mares felt the heat from the fire increase as their hooves touched torched soil. Finding each other in the heat, the two sisters hurried through the forest fire! Before it would have been difficult to navigate in the dark forest do to lack of light, but now, the canopy above had changed into a dangerous fiery ceiling! The once strong branches were reduced to falling fragile igniters! With a sickening crunch, the branches hit the forest floor letting new fire spread. Above them they heard the faint sounds of The Defiler passing by. Celestia and Luna continued their way under cover of the flames. In the distance, Celestia thought she could hear someone calling out for another who wasn’t there. Celestia galloped off, Luna trailing close behind. To their relief they saw their dad making his way through his fiery prison with a water spell. When he spotted his daughters, he felt his heart drop.

“What are you two doing here?!” he demanded. “I thought I told you to stay behind where it was safe!”

“It’s good to see you too dad,” said Celestia annoyed.

Night Shade was a mess. Although it was tough to spot with his black coat, he did have singed spots and long cuts had been made on his body where the claws of The Defiler had made contact including a rather nasty one on his snout. He appeared to be limping on one leg and his once shining crown had been cracked and covered in soot. “Where’s mom?! I thought I saw you two fall in together!”

“We did, but that beast sent another blast a fire down on us before we could recover!” said Night Shade taking the moment to glance up to make sure the dragon wasn't directly above them. “Star Bright! If you can hear me fallow my voice!”

“Dad, you need to be quiet!” said Luna looking up at the flames. “The Defiler could be back any second!"

“I don’t know how you two escaped the protection of the underground," said Nigh Shade in disappointment. "But you need to head back! Your mother and I will handle things here!”

“We are not going anywhere dad!” said Celestia angrily. “Didn’t you once say that as Princesses of Equestria, we have to protect everypony from danger?”

“You’re still too young for any of that!” argued Night Shade furiously. “Please go back! You shouldn’t have come here! What were you thinking?!”

“Dad, we know how to stop The Defiler!” Luna spoke up. “We have a plan, but we have to stall the dragon while Nimph…”

“Nimph?!” roared Night Shade. “Why on earth did you two put your trust in her?! She is the reason why we are in this mess!”

“And she will be the one to get us out!” protested Celestia surprisingly calm. “Dad, please trust us, we know what we're doing. We can do this together! I know we can! Now come on, let us help you find mom.”

“No need Celestia. I am here,” said a soft voice from behind.

Through the smoke came Star Bright, her long gold mane was now at neck level. Like her husband, she too wore battle scares that were more visible on her bright colored coat. Luna hurried over to her mother who hugged her youngest daughter in her wings and nuzzled her affectionately.

“Dear, it is time we let these two become who they are destined to be" She said Sweetly. "Trust them.”

Night Shade looked at his wife then at his two daughters. He neither agreed nor forbid the two sisters to help them. He only sighed and approached his wife and youngest daughter.

“Very well,” he said with a light smile. “What did you two have in mind Luna?”

“It’s like Celestia said dad. We have to keep The Defiler focused on us while Nimph gets a counter spell ready!”

“That shouldn’t be too hard,” said Star Bright knowingly. “Your father and I have been doing a pretty good job of that so far haven’t we dear?”

“Yes we have,” said Night Shade smiling at her.

Seeing that his wife was alright and ready for action, it gave him a boost of confidence. Celestia would have loved to run at her father and embrace him for accepting that he had to trust his daughters, but that little moment would have to wait. Just then, a low growl was heard from above them as The Defiler drew close.

“Little ponies,” he snarled as he inhaled deeply. “Where are you? I can smell your fear. Oh, the sweet scent of it makes me hunger for your demise! If you do not come out and face me, then I will see if I can spot your chard remains along with your land and precious kingdom once you are all burnt to the ground! Let’s see if the screams of your city will make you appear.”

As the Defiler flew passed the spot where the Alicorn family was hidden, the flames parted as the king protected by his invisible bubble shield rose up and shot toward the monstrous creature. With his horn glowing red, he aimed a blast of magic at the dragons retreating spine. The spell hit The Defiler making his head turn. His red eye saw his attacker and he quickly turned to face the king. His sharp teeth showed a wicked smile as he breathed in readying himself for another attack.

“If you want the kingdom, you’ll have to go through me first!” shouted Night Shade as his horn glowed again.

The Defiler glared at the Alicorn before him. His mouth opened showing a bright light climbing up his throat. Night Shade shot his spell out just in time as the blast of fire from the dragon darted toward him. The spell collided with the flame covering the space between them in steam. The Defiler closed his mouth and looked around for the king who had taken the opportunity to disappear. The black dragon’s red eyes scanned his surroundings as he hovered in place. A blue orb hit his tail as an image of something flew passed his closing jaw. Another orb hit his back as he turned to shoot a burst of flame at his attacker. The image of two winged ponies flew passed his line of sight as once again he sent a jet of fire at them. While The Defiler was being distracted by the king and queen, Celestia came out of the forest and landed on the spine of the gargantuan monster! Steadying herself, she galloped up the scaly spiny back! When she reached the dragon’s head she focused her magic and sent a strong burst of pink light down on the beasts noggin! The defiler raised his head up to see what had hit him. He had a vision of a white Alicorn hovering inches from his snout and with a flash of yellow light, the Defiler cried out in pain covering his left eye with his clawed hand! With his one good eye he roared with rage sending out more fire at the retreating white body! Celestia felt the heat of the flames draw close, but as quickly as the heat came it left when a shield was cast between her and the threatening flames.

“Stay away from my sister!” Luna shouted as she shot out from the forest fire.

Luna dove under the dragons closing claws sending a burst of blue light at his stomach. Enraged by the ambush, The defiler growled and began to flap his enormous wings. The strong breeze lifted the steam and smoke around them leaving only the blue Alicorn in sight! Luna flew directly at the dragon’s good eye and shot her own spell at it! It didn’t work. The Defiler tilted his head over and reached out to seas his prize! Holding Luna by the horn with just two of his long pointy fingernails he brought her to eye level. Glaring at the Alicorn, he examined one of his attackers with interest.

“You’re a fool for getting this close to me little one,” he snarled. “And now, what shall I do with you? Eating you would be too merciful. No, I would rather let you watch as your kingdom burns!”

With a simple flick he tossed Luna aside sending her hurdling toward the city! Luna spun out of control, as the sounds of the bangs from battle became silent echoes.

Chapter 15

Chapter 15

A Prison For Two

“What do you mean you didn’t see them in the caverns?!” demanded Snap Shot to his unit.

He and his team had left the underground shelter when they couldn’t find the two Princesses that were supposed to be in hiding with the rest of the city’s inhabitants. Their search led them back outside where the smell of smoke met their snouts. The city grounds were abandoned. To their knowledge, they were the only guards who were wondering around the empty streets.

“Sir, we didn’t see them down there with the others!” said one of the unit members. “We thought they went to see their friends amongst the crowd and after that we only saw Luna, but shortly after she vanished too.”

Snap shot placed his hoof on the bit of forehead that wasn’t covered by his helmet and groaned. How was he supposed to keep an eye on the two Princesses when they weren’t even around? The shouts of worried guards drew closer as they saw a herd of Royal Guards both galloping and flying in their direction.

“We need to get to safety!” shouted one the terrified guards flying past them.

“Not until we find the Princesses!” shouted Snap Shot.

“Um, sir?” questioned one of the pegaguards as he pointed a hoof at something above him. “Would that be one of them?”

Snap shot looked to where his comrade was pointing and saw a body slam right through the roof of one of the empty houses. Flying up to the hole, Snap Shot peered inside and saw Luna rubbing her head after sitting up on the bedroom floor. He landed beside her to help.

“Where in Equestria’s name have you been?!” he said relieved but annoyed.

“Fighting, what have you been doing?” she asked back shaking debris off her wing.

“Looking for you and your sister!” said Snap Shot unamused. “We need to get you to safety your high… Hey!”

Luna swatted Snap Shot’s hoof away and stood up. Seeing the hurt look he was giving her she apologized and made to leave, but was stopped by her tail being grabbed.

“Let go Snap Shot!” ordered Luna.

“Not on your life!” retorted Snap shot hanging on to Luna’s tail with his teeth.

“I have no time to explain Snap!” shouted Luna. “I need to get back and help my family!”

“Snap Shot! We found the prisoner!” called out one of the guards.

“She escaped?! It doesn't matter, just go arrest her!”

“No!” said Luna and she landed on the city grounds with Snap Shot.

Seeing that Luna wasn’t going to fly off again at anytime soon by having been told this new information, Snap Shot let go of her tail.

“Um, Princess, you do know what she did right?” he asked unsure if he heard right.

“Yes, I am aware of what she did!” said Luna impatiently. “Look, I don’t have time to explain, just go assist with whatever it is she's doing would you?”

“Go help a unicorn like her?! No way!” Snap Shot spat back.

Luna’s anger got the best of her and she let her voice ring out to the guards that stiffened up immediately.

“Snap Shot, as Princess of Equestria, I am ordering you and your soldiers to help Nimph!”

“But… Your highness,” began Snap Shot but Luna cut him off and in a calmer tone tried her best to explained their situation.

“Snap Shot, you have to trust me on this. Nimph knows what she’s doing! Now please, go and do whatever you can to help her.”

“Alright your highness,” said Snap Shot bowing to Luna “But, what about you?”

“I am needed out there," said Luna looking up at the sky. "I must assist my family!”

Snap Shot didn’t like what he had heard, but the new authority the young Princess was emitting gave him no choice but to trust her. With a meaningful salute to Luna he and his unit galloped off to where Nimph was spotted. Luna flew back to the Everfree Forest where sure enough, she could hear the sounds of The Defiler’s cries of fury at the Alicorns who dared to attack him. The dragon’s right eye showed a misty color while his left remained unmarked. Try as he might, the Alicorns ducked, dove and flew out of range from his blows! Growing impatient by his lack of success in defeating them, he began to spin while breathing out fire. In a matter of seconds, the air around him became a spinning great ball of fire! The Alicorn family retreated as the flaming wheel grew and tried to catch them. Luna soared overhead and landed beside her sister.

“Luna, Thank heavens! Where were you?” Celestia asked relived that she wasn't in any real pain.

“Telling Snap Shot to help Nimph,” said Luna simply.

“And he did what you asked of him?” said Celestia impressed.

“I might have used a more suitable approach for the situation,” Luna said matching her sister’s grin.

“No more games little ponies!” The Defiler shouted when the fireball died out. “I was going to let you have front row seat to the destruction of your kingdom. But now I think I will spare myself the trouble!”

“Luna, tell me Nimph was ready to cast the counter spell,” said Celestia looking up worriedly.

“I don’t know." replied Luna also looking up. "We’ll just have to give her more time!”

“We won’t have enough time for ourselves if he’s planning on ending it here and now!” said Celestia masking her fear.

“Counter Spell? What counter spell?” growled The Defiler stopping his last attack short.

Seeing that the talk of a plan of defeating the dragon had distracted him, Celestia pressed on.

“Oh, didn’t you know?” she asked slyly. “I thought a great and powerful dragon like yourself would have known that even someone as strong and ferocious as you could be stopped?”

“Lies!” The Defiler roared. “No one can stop me now that I have been released! No one!”

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” said Celestia waving her hoof lazily. “What if I were to tell you, we know how to stop you?”

“What childish trick is this?” The Defiler demanded showing his rows of pointed teeth.

“No tricks here,” said Celestia seriously. “I wouldn’t be surprised if by now, our accomplice has finished solving the spell and is ready to use it at our command!”

The Defiler looked scared now. His eyes shrank and for a moment he puzzled on how the Alicorns could possibly know a way to defeat him. His sense of panic left him as something in his memory came to light. He grinned at the white Alicorn challengingly and snickered.

“Does your so called help happen to be that weak little worm from the village? By the time I was done with her home, it was nothing but a ruined wasteland at my feet! And I already got rid of the only one who could have stopped me! By the end of tonight, no one will ever dare to defy me again!”

The Defiler opened his mouth again and prepared to send the final blow when from somewhere from the edge of the forest came a voice calling out to them. It started out faint, but then grew in volume. The Defiler could make out the words being said and he quickly flew toward the source of the language he could understand. Nimph had found a clearing in the burnt down forest and began to draw the mark of The Defiler in the blackened ground as she recited the spell aloud. When she was done, she waited for the dragon to find her. She didn’t have to wait long. The giant reptile came zooming toward her at an alarming speed before coming to a halt at the spot where the large burnt clearing had formed.

“You!” he snarled at the orange unicorn. “How did you do this?! I got rid the last pony who could have known how to speak my tongue!”

“It wasn’t hard,” said Nimph, glaring up at the dragon. “I am an expert of solving puzzles after all! And by the way, “Si mi stronger loupon si vorq”

“Stop that!” The Defiler spat.

“Thric throdenilt, qe gethrisja," "I will send you back from whence you came!”

“You will do no such thing!” The Defiler shot back.

He was about to dive at her when a strong flash of red light hit him in the face making him turn to see Night Shade and his family swoop in and cast their spells at him. Nimph stood in the center of the mark and focused her magic while the dragon was being distracted. Her horn began to emit bright blue light and the mark itself responded I the same color.

“That’s it!" she cried out excitedly. "Celestia lead The Defiler over here!”

At once, all four Alicorns were swiped aside by a clawed hand and fell into the burning forest again leaving the Defiler and Nimph alone; Face to face! The dragon showed his teeth at her and smoke began to rise from his snout and mouth just like it had done the night he was summoned.

“You dare to stop me? A scared little weakling like you?! Do you really think this will make up for what you have done? Where was all this energy when I destroyed your village? You cannot stop me! You are not ready for this type of magic! You cannot win!”

“You’re right,” said Nimph refusing to brake eye contact. “I am scared and I’m not ready for this branch of magic! Star Swirl was right to deny me his knowledge! But if you think I will stand aside and not do anything, you’re wrong!”

The Defiler began to prepare himself for the dive and Nimph waited for the inevitable. The dragon took one last deep breath before his jaw opened wide and the heat of the fire came crashing down on the Unicorn. Nimph’s horn was still glowing but nothing else was happening! She couldn’t understand, the symbol was supposed to create a type of funnel around her at this point. She could feel the heat of the flames, closed her eyes and… Nothing happened. Nimph opened her eyes to see the tall stature of Queen Star Bright standing in front of her! Her horn glowed bright as an invisible shield was cast protecting her, Nimph, and the symbol from the flames.

“Allow me to help you!” she said still holding up the shield and with the combined magic of the two mares, the symbol in the ground glowed brighter than ever.

Once The Defiler closed his mouth allowing the fire to die out; Star Bright released her shield spell. Nimph was now standing beside her. They could feel the power of the symbol practically fighting to be released. The Defiler snarled at them and prepared to launch himself at them.

“Nimph, you did well, now leave the rest to me!” said Star Bright ready to do what had to be done.

“Sorry your majesty, but I can’t allow you to do this,” said Nimph sadly.

Before Star Bright could respond She felt herself go light and a second later, she teleported away from Nimph reappearing on the far side of the clearing. From the moment Nimph had teleported the queen to safety she felt the weight of the spell fighting her but she had to keep its power in check until the right moment.

“What did you do?” Demanded The Defiler.

“Never mind that,” said Nimph glaring up at the dragon in front of her. “Now its just you and me! So, lets settle this shall we?”

The Defiler hissed at her and after lifting himself off the ground he shot himself at the unicorn, prepared to swallow her hole. Nimph didn’t move, she waited until the dragon was inches away from the glowing symbol. It was now or never! She couldn’t have held the power back any longer. she spoke the counter spell aloud and this time, a large beam of blue light emerged from the ground around her. The Defiler collided with it and was instantly sucked into it. He felt his body become heavy as he looked down at the unicorn whose eyes were glowing along with her horn.

“There’s a reason why this is dark magic Defiler,” said Nimph rising to his eyes level. “But you already know this don’t you? You will be sent back your imprisonment, but this time I will join you just like the last Alicorn who vanquished you! And after tonight, nopony will ever release you again!”

“You would actually sacrifice yourself for them?” questioned The Defiler his lip twitching with rage. “Truly, the bravery of your race never ceases to amaze me. But you must know… I will not go back quietly!”

The Defiler snapped and clawed at his blue cage. His clawed hand reached the outside, but only for a brief moment before the blue beam began to burn his wrist. In desperation he breathed fire down on the unicorn, but a strong magical shield she had cast protected her from the flame and they were both engulfed in a fiery blue funnel. Nimph lowered her head as she felt the spell begin to take affect and from the terrified roars The Defiler began to give off, she knew that he was being effected as well. The powerful black dragon let out one last cry of rage as his voice died out and only Nimph remained. She felt herself become light like a feather as her body began to wither away like leaves in the autumn breeze. She didn’t feel any pain. No she was completely relaxed as she looked up into the little bit of night sky she could see out of the blue funnel. she closed her eyes and thought,

"Big sister, I told you I could fix this, and I never go back on my word."

Nimph smiled to herself as a single tear ran down her cheek.

"Rose Petal, Your Auntie has done it. I will miss you all and I have but only one regret. One that I can’t say to you now… goodbye…"

The remaining bit of Nimph vanished and along with it, so did the blue beam of light.

Author's Note

Next weekend, the final Chapter will be posted! :) Thank you all for sticking with the story!

Chapter16

Chapter 16

The Real Hero

Celestia, Luna, and Night Shade immerged from the forest expecting to see The Defiler and Nimph but with adrenalin still flowing through their bodies, they hadn't notice that they were both gone.

“Sister, Where did she go?" asked Luna, looking around for any signs of either of them. "Where is The Defiler?”

“I don’t believe it,” exclaimed Celestia coughing. “She did it…She did it!”

“Yeah? But where is she now?" said Luna, starting to get worried. "Where’s mom?”

“I’m here Luna,” came Star Bright's voice as she flew over and nuzzled her husband.

“I think, the counter spell is behind that,” said Night Shade walking over to the symbol in the ground to examine it. “This is very strong magic. Very dark too. How could she have known how to cast such a powerful spell?”

“Star Swirl…” said Celestia out loud.

“What was that?” asked Night Shade.

“Star Swirl,” repeated Celestia. “Nimph told us that she was Star Swirl the Bearded’s apprentice. I guess she wasn’t lying after all.”

“I see,” said Night Shade glancing back at the symbol. “So the old caster did know his way around dark magic after all.”

“Night Shade, it isn’t over yet!” said Star Bright noting the forest fire behind them.

“Right, now how do we put out this much fire?” quested Night Shade also looking at the fire.

“Your Highnesses!” shouted a voice approaching them.

Snap Shot came swooping down to meet them and when he landed he bowed, panting as he said between breaths; “We have… A way… To put out… The fire!”

“There’s no time to loose Snap Shot! Show us!” Night Shade said urgently.

Snap Shot nodded to him and pointed his hoof up in the direction of the castle. Teleporting their way back to the city, the royal family followed Snap Shot to where the rest of the Canterlot guards and the citizens stood. They were gathered around a deep line they had made. It spread from where they stood to the edge of the cliff.

“There’s more of that nearing the top of the mountain your majesties!” said Snap Shot looking important. “Nimph told us where to start digging and by the end of it, we came up with this!”

“And this will help in what way?” asked Night Shade.

“That’s where you come in, we need somepony to release the water up there!”

He pointed his hoof up at the peak of the mountain where the lake was.

“Do that and let the trail we dug do the rest!”

Wanting to waste no more time, the Alicorns teleported to the top of the mountain where they reappeared by the edge of the cliff. Celestia reached the lake first and tried to remember what she and her sister had learned about casting water spells. Night Shade and Star Bright looked over the edge to see the path made for them by the ponies of Canterlot. Star Bright flew around the peek finding spots that would be ideal to release the water trapped within the mountain. Finding a spot, her horn glowed and she began to tare away at the rocky shell. Water began to leak from the cracks being made and soon a hole was made! Water came pouring out and flowed down the mountain becoming a small waterfall. Celestia and Luna approached the lake and focused their magic. Together, they began to control the lake’s surface as a wall of water shot up and staid stationary.

“Where do you want us to drop it dad?” asked Luna through gritted teeth.

“Over here!” said Night Shade lifting himself off the ground and guided his daughters to the mountain’s ledge. “Ok. A little more! Good!”

Celestia and Luna released their spell and not a moment too soon either. The wall of water came crashing down and spread across the mountain’s peak! The trial led the gallons of water down the mountain and just as planned, the guards saw the newly formed river come into sight crashing into the hole they had made. It quickly filled up and the rest of the path that had been made led the rising water right over the cliff and fell down to the forest grounds below. Another large bubble of water floated passed them as the Alicorn guiding it came to a stop at the burnt ground at the mouth of the forest. Star Bright released her spell and the body of water came crashing to the ground and spread across the forest putting out the fire! The rest of the ponies that were once hiding underground came out to lend a helping hoof! Pegasi flew to their queen and formed rain clouds that covered the expansion of the forest fire. Hopping on the newly formed moist clouds, the winged ponies made rain fall down on the flames below. Once the fire was extinguished the Pegasus congratulated each other and the rest of the ponies in the city cheered in celebration! The river formed from the mountains had made a large waterfall over the edge of the cities cliff. Making sure that the river staid flowing, Celestia and Luna carved away a trail for the lake to follow at the top of the peak. When they landed in the city, their friends who cried out in delight embraced them.

“You did it Celestia!” boomed Wind Chime. “You did it!”

“Nice going you two!” said Tick smiling broadly.

“Yeah, never doubted you for a moment!” said Tock winking.

“Lets not forget who helped the guards with making the river!” said Black Wood proudly. “We earth ponies are very useful when it comes to stuff like that!”

“Your right about that!” said Snap Shot coming into view from the crowd. “We couldn’t have done it without you guys!”

The overcast lifted and the Pegasus ponies along with Star Bright flew back to the cheering ponies of Canterlot. Celestia and Luna made way past the crowd and flung themselves at their parents. Realizing what they have done a little too late, they let them go and stood proudly looking up at them. Blushing slightly Celestia cleared her throat and tried to act more restrictive as a princess.

“Princess Celestia,” said Star Bright warmly to her oldest daughter.

“Princess…” repeated Tick with a knowing smile.

Luna grinned sheepishly as she and her sister were met with smiles and grateful bows from the Royal Guard and the city’s inhabitants…

“Wow!” said a white unicorn filly in aw. “What happened next?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” said a yellow filly sitting next to her. “Princess Celestia and Luna became Princesses of Equestria after that!”

“Indeed they did!” boomed Oliver closing the ancient book which page was now on the next chapter in the two sister’s lives. The crowd that grew in the day began to talk amongst each other. Some of the older ponies were dabbing their eyes with tissues while others were paying so much attention to the story that they hadn’t realized that it had finished. Celestia and Luna looked at Oliver, giving him a kind nod of appreciation.

“But Oliver, what ever happened to Nimph after that?” asked an earth pony from the crowd. “Did Princess Celestia or Luna find a way to bring her back?”

“Allas no,” said Oliver sadly. “Poor Nimph, like Princess Beatrix had sacrificed herself to make sure The Defiler stayed in his prison.”

“That poor child,” said a mare from the crowd. “I hope she and her family are ok.”

“They are,” said Princess Celestia reassuringly.

At once all heads turned to her and her sister.

“It was hard for us to tell them what had happened, but it had to be done. At the time Rose didn’t understand why her aunt had left them and her parents weren’t sure how to brake the news to her.”

“She did find out right?” asked Twilight her ears down and expression worried.

“I suspected that she caught on or had suspected what had happened to Nimph, but at the time I didn’t know how to tell Rose what had become of her aunt so I said; and if my memory is right, “Don’t worry, where ever your aunt is, she won’t be alone.”

“The story you all have heard before may have stated that my sister and I were the ones that saved Equestria,” began Luna. “But that was only with Discord and Sombra. I can assure you all that the real hero of that night wasn’t us. It was Nimph. It was all her…”

Luna felt tears form in her eyes as the memory of the unicorn sent a wave of pity and sadness through her.

“There, there, Luna,” said Celestia wrapping a wing around her little sister. “She will at long last be recognized as a hero. We owe her that much.”

“What about the rest of the ponies Nimph met on her travels?” asked Applejack.

“They were hard to find as it turned out!” answered Oliver. “I can tell you that the writer of this book must of had quite a job on his hooves when he took the assignment! It took him a while to persuade each of them to tell him what they knew, what they remembered. But at long last he had gathered enough information from each pony and was ready to begin the story of the two sisters!”

“We can’t thank you enough for doing this Oliver,” said Celestia appreciatively.

“Think nothing of it your majesty!” said Oliver bowing his head.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in silence as Ponyville had obviously a lot of thinking to go through. After all, until just recently a forgotten hero of Equestria was revealed to them. Celestia and Luna brought the ancient book back to their castle where it would be placed on its very own stool in the library so that any one could find and read it if they wished to do so. Celestia and Luna then decided to go below the castle to the place where their journey to becoming Princesses began. In the darkened room the fountain laid undisturbed. Stained glass windows covering the wall showed the past rulers of Equestria. They smiled up at the two Alicorns they recognized as their parents. Finally they came to one window in particular and bowed their heads in respect to it.

“You were recognized today,” Luna said as she straightened herself up.

The two sisters looked up at the art before them. It showed a burning forest and in the sky an orange unicorn with her eyes closed, arms held out and a black dragon glaring down at her.

“It took some time, but at long last you will be known for what you did,” said Celestia finally coming up from her bow, “And we promise you will be remembered for great things, not the bad.”

“I wish the glass could be up there with the rest of them,” said Luna frowning.

“So do I sister,” said Celestai in agreement. “Maybe, it still can. I'll send a letter to an old friend and see what he can do about it.”

“Yes, I think that would be the best thing to do,” said Luna smiling.

The two gave one last bow to their parent’s before they left. The isolated room that had once felt cold and gloomy for some time didn’t appear that way anymore.

“Now, y’all be sure to come and visit again!” said Granny Smith to the two stallions boarding the train early the next day.

“Of course Ms. Smith,” said Oliver taking her hoof and kissing it.

The old green mare blushed and giggled.

“You still got it yah old kidder,”

“And don’t you forget it neither!” said Oliver happily. “Well, come along Berry!”

“R… Right,” said Berry who had been quiet for the remainder of their time spent in Ponyville.

They waved goodbye to the apple family from their car and once the train was reaching its final remaining minutes until it arrived in Manehattan, Oliver asked his son why he had been so quiet. Berry simply shrugged and thought long and hard about what he had just witnessed his father do in Ponyville. Their family had been the protectors of the Princesses’ book for ages. Passing on from one generation to the next. Each time, the eldest child would tell the story to their children and then they would do the same with their offspring and the family tradition remained… It would remain.

“Dad I need to know something,” said Berry suddenly.

“Go ahead,” said Oliver putting down a magazine he was reading.

“Why did our family keep the book? I mean, why did we continue to tell the story even though nopony else would know about it until now? I always thought it was just a bed time story, you know a myth, a fairytale even.”

Oliver sat up and smiled at his son.

“Berry, a good story rather it be fiction or not deserves to be told. And just like any other story it deserves to live on no matter how few know about it. And in time if luck may have it, the story’s existence will grow.”

Berry didn’t have anything to say to that and he sat back in his seat pondering about what he had just heard. His family for as long as he could remember, had always kept the story of the two Princesses with them. Even though they were the only ones apart from Celestia and Luna to know about it, they were responsible for keeping their story alive. Keeping their story alive… Suddenly Berry understood and saw the knowing smile his father was giving him. Once Berry had dropped his dad off at his house and made his way back to his own, he knew what had to be done.

“Berry!” his wife greeted him with a kiss. “How was it? Your dad didn’t cause too much trouble with her highnesses I hope?”

“No, of course not. Actually, the Princesses were very pleased to see him.”

When he had finished telling his wife what his father had brought to the Princesses, she stared open mouthed at him.

“Really?" she questioned curiously. "I thought you told me that the book was nothing but an overly extensive fairytale.”

“Yyyyes, I thought so too at one point,” said Berry sheepishly. “Is Key Lime around?”

“She’s upstairs painting,” his wife said, still wondering why her husband had this change of heart about the old book. “But, what do you mean you thought so too?”

“It’s a long story,” said Berry truthfully. “But I think I can tell you all about it within a few nights or so.”

And with that, he hurried upstairs to find his daughter working on a painting she had already sketched out and was about to add on paint. She turned when the bedroom door opened and she met her father’s eyes.

“Hi dad,” she said smiling at him before returning to her work. “Did grandpa give the book back to the Princesses?”

“Yeah, he did,” said Berry walking over to look at the artwork his daughter was making. “I hear that you wanted your mother or myself to tell you story.”

“That’s right, but you don’t have to if you don’t want to, I’ll understand if you think mom’s the best at telling them.”

“You know what,” said Berry thoughtfully. “I think I might know just the story to tell both you and your mother.”

Key Lime looked at her father perplexed as to what he could have in mind to tell them. Her first thought was some great achievement his baseball team made or even more practical, a short conversation about how his trip to Ponyville went. Intrigued none-the-less Key Lime wondered what he had in mind. That night after dinner and talking about how his father introduced him to the Apple family, Berry sat his family down on the couch and prepared to tell them all the beginning tale of The Two Sisters.

“Before I begin ladies,” Berry said in a would be mysterious manner. “Are you familiar with the story of the two Princesses of Equestria?”

“Yes,” said his wife. “We do know the story of Princess Celestia and Luna. Key Lime has already heard about it at school and last night I told her the story of “The Mare In The Moon.”

“Well, my dear,” began Berry grinning at her. “What if I were to tell you two that I knew a story that you haven’t heard of just yet?”

“You Mean there’s more?” asked Key Lime looking excited.

“Oh yes, there’s more. What if I were to tell you two that I know of a book that has not just the tale of “The Mare In The Moon” but it also has the story of how Celestia and Luna became Princesses of Equestria?”

“But dad, I thought the book in our school’s library had already told us everything there is to know about Princess Celestia and Luna?” said Key Lime curiously.

Berry smiled at his daughter and remembered the words his father had told a just as curious Princess Twilight Sparkle.

“Ah, well, this story you won’t find in any of your library books...”

Author's Note

And that concludes the first in the trilogy of "Princesses of Equestria"! I hope you all enjoyed reading, There will be more stories to come, although, they will be mini stories until I'm ready to tackle another long story like this one or the next part of the (What if story arc.)
So until next time guys, thanks so much for sticking with the story until the end or just dropping by to read one chapter! :)

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

‘Migration Delaytion’

“What was that you said?!” demanded one of the Unicorn’s Guild. “What did you say?!”

“Never mind them!” said another. “We need to figure out what to do about that beast!”

“Not until we get rid one last traitor!” the unicorn roared back.

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m saying that Ms. Nimph has a good ideal about how that monster got here!” His angered blue eyes found the guilty yellow. “Well. Ms. Nimph, is there something you wish to share with us?!”

“I…I… He said that after it was done, you would have no choice but to give me Star Swirl’s work!” Nimph said ashamed of herself.

Around her, the ponies of the town were looking at her along with the guild that groaned in disbelief.

“And you took his word on that?” said the white mare saddened by what she had just heard.

“He said that it was a fake. Romulus said…”

“Oh, Romulus said did he?!” boomed one of the guild members. “And did he tell you that the spell he was planning on casting was dark magic?”

“No!” Nimph shouted back. “He knew that I would never have agreed to his plan if he did! Please you have understand, I never wanted this to happen!”

“Oh, we understand alright!” roared another guild member. “Your own desires mean more to you than the rest of us!”

“No, that’s not true!” argued Nimph. “I would have never agreed with Romulus if I knew that spell was dark magic! Don’t worry! I already said that I would fix this! And as Star Swirls apprentice…”

“Enough,” said the white unicorn firmly.

Her voice was strong, but patient as she had eyes only for the guilty mare before them.

“We know that you are Star Swirls student Nimph, but did you ever find it odd that he never mentioned you to us?”

Nimph had indeed thought about this. She only thought he never mentioned her because of his stubborn attitude to work alone and never let it slip that he had help along the way. Now, hearing one of the Unicorn’s Guild members tell her that they knew she was Star Swirl’s pupil gave her a sense of dread. She didn’t want to hear what the tall mare had to say next.

“The reason why we refused to let you have his work is because he told us so himself. He felt that you were not ready to have that much power at your disposal. And after tonight, I see why. His creations, his spells will never be yours.”

Nimph stood frozen to the spot. She couldn’t believe it. She didn’t want it to be true. In desperation she spoke out, this time her eyes swam with tears that were in danger of falling.

“Please, I know I can help you fix this! If you lend me his work I know that in time, I can find a counter spell!”

“No Nimph! You’ve already done enough! I’m sorry, but I think for now, you should leave.”

“Hold on!” said Nimph’s big sister. “By leave you mean stay low until you sort things out right?”

“You know what they mean big sister,” said Nimph, her tears finally falling. “If that is what they wish then… I will leave, but I swear to you, I will find a counter spell!”

“You have no idea what you are getting yourself into Nimph,” said the white unicorn warningly. “I implore you to not pursue your goal.”

Nimph glared at the tall mare as she felt hatred towards her and the rest of the guild. She levitated her ruff sack on her back and made to leave the towns ponies behind. They stepped aside allowing her to leave, watching her as she walked passed them. When she looked back at them, she saw the guild was once again talking about ways they could defeat The Defiler. Amongst the crowd of scared ponies, she could have sworn that she saw her big sister, niece and brother in law watching her as she left. Nimph knew that if anypony was going to have a chance of defeating The Defiler, it would be her! She was Star Swirl’s student after all and she knew magic that the guild had no knowledge of. She felt her blood boil as she thought back to what she had just learned. How could her teacher think that she wasn’t ready to continue his studies after he was gone? Hadn’t she already proven to him that she was worthy of carrying on his title? No, according to the guild, Star Swirl didn’t think that and he didn’t want her to either. A new feeling of anger and determination flowed through her, stronger than any spell she had ever cast! She will show them all that she was worthy!

Back at Canterlot, the king stood on the balcony. He stared out into the horizon in deep thought. He didn’t know why, but for a moment he felt like something was wrong. Breathing in fresh air his gaze stayed on the mountains beyond the Everfree Forest.

“Night Shade,” said a soft voice from behind him.

As his queen nuzzled his neck, he knew that she must have been looking for him.

“Shouldn’t you be sleeping dear?” he asked.

“Shouldn’t you know that you can’t hide your feelings from me,” she said sweetly. “What is it? You’ve been awfully quiet.”

“I don’t know,” said Night Shade still looking at the mountains that remained undisturbed. “I thought I heard something.”

“Oh?” questioned Star Bright. “Like what?”

“Nothing, forget it. It’s probably just my imagination,” said Night Shade.

“Imagination or not, you have to go with your gut feeling,” Star Bright said kissing him on the cheek. “While your gaze is on the mountains, you do know what tomorrow is right?”

“Yes, the Dragons will begin migrating. Perhaps we should let the girls see it.”

“Yes, I think your right,” replied Star Bright stepping closer to her king and laying her head on his crest and rubbing against it sweetly.

The king returned her affection with placing his wing around her shoulder and together they stared out into the distance for a while longer before they headed back inside the castle.

“Celestia are you paying attention?” came the misty voice of her magic teacher.

Celestia was staring out into the horizon in deep thought while the unicorn was explaining to her and Luna about how far magic can stretch and where the line between possible and improbable meet. The two sisters at this point were reaching their second stage of magic training and soon they would be ready to do things that they had only dreamed of. Celestia blinked out of her daydream and looked at her teacher completely relaxed and ready to be asked a question.

“I said would you mind demonstrating how water can be used by magic?”

Celestia stood up and walked to the center of the almost completely empty room and focused her magic until she felt her horn emit yellow light. With magic briskly flowing through her, she concentrated on the image of water until she saw in her minds eye an underground lake in the mountain their castle had been built on. Opening her eyes in surprise she let her horn dim out and started to explain how the gap of magic works.

“When casting you have to keep a calm and steady form. While it is possible to conjure up materials or objects, the caster must be able to visualize the thing they want before it appears. Things like food are one of a handful of things that cannot be made out of thin air. By the way Madam Quill, I didn’t know that there was an underground lake around here.”

“Oh, yes!” said Madam Quill dreamily. “There is indeed a lake around these parts! In fact I too had just discovered it myself when I came here to teach you two the ways of magic! It would explain where you get your water source from and I must say, that I’m surprised that nopony has bothered to explore the mountain this castle stands on! Perhaps there could be a secret entrance somewhere leading to it! or perhaps, it is nearly impossible to find it because there is no hidden cave.”

“You told us that materials can be conjured,” began Luna. “But is there a limit as to how much can be brought up.”

“Ahhh…” said Madam Quill impressed. “That my dear, is where two horns are better than one. While magic can be cast by a single unicorn or in both of your cases, Alicorn, magic uses energy. The stronger the spell the more energy is needed to preform.”

Luna listened intently at what was being said. She found herself being fascinated by learning about the many ways magic can be used. Her sister on the other hoof, preferred to make these new discoveries on her own. In her eyes there was no sense of surprise or excitement of finding out these new ways of casting magic if you have already been told how they work. To her, it just took all the fun out of finding such things out on her own. While their magic training and flight lessons were going as well as they could expect the fact still remained that they would have to master their power over the sun and moon. At first Celestia thought that deliberately throwing herself into harms way would awaken her newfound powers and help her succeed in lowering the sun again. This theory only led to a worried little sister and an irate Snap Shot who told her off on several occasions when she tried recreate what she had done before to make the sun set.

“Princess, you will master your powers in time, but for now just for the love of Equestia, don’t do anything too rash!”

“Come on “Captain Grump!” Celestia argued back after he had stopped her from preforming another dangerous stunt involving a dive bomb at the ground.

The idea was to dive at the ground only to pull away seconds before impact.

“How am I supposed to master the sun if I can’t even make it move!”

“I don’t know!” said Snap Shot shouting back at her.

The two hovered in the same spot for some time while they glared at each other. Once Snap Shot had calmed down a bit he said in a more relaxed tone, “I don’t know when you two will be able to control the sun and moon willingly, but what I do know is that when the time comes, I have a feeling that you will know. And…”

“And what?” Celestia asked her cheeks still red.

“Nothing, forget it,” said Snap Shot turning away from her. “Luna, take your reckless sister and go over what we have learned today!”

“Reckless?!” Celestia shot back and before she could start another fight, Luna grabbed her tail and pulled her away from the retreating Pegasus.

The next day, Celestia woke up early before the sun had even begun to rise. Luna was fast asleep in her room having being worn out from learning about stars and what she could do with them once she could raze the moon. Celestia snuck out of the castle and galloped her way down the empty streets of the city until she came to a stop near the edge of the cliff overseeing the Everfree Forest below. The night was warm, scattered clouds hung above the forest. If it weren’t for the vast canopy, the clouds would have cast their full shadow over the forest grounds. Celestia stepped close to the edge and looked down. Only now she had realized just how high they were from the kingdom’s lands below. She kicked a small rock over the edge with her hoof and watched it disappear into the canopy. She then looked out into the horizon. The stars above her twinkled in her eyes. The crescent moon; shun its remaining light down on the mountains surrounding the land. Celestia backed away from the cliff in order to distance herself. With a determined look she walked back taking each stride with purpose. Upon reaching the edge of the cliff she closed her eyes and visualized herself taking flight with her sister as they prepared to fulfill their duties to Equestria. She was now inches away from leaving the ground. With a deep breath she reached out a hoof and allowed herself to fall. The wind brushed her coat and feathers as she fell further down. Her shadow followed her decent until she let her wings spread and she pulled out of her dive and soared up into the sky. Once again the feeling of freedom took over her, she opened her eyes too let out an excited laugh as she climbed higher. Her wings carried her to the clouds where she made to dive through them.

Splat!

Celestia felt her head and upper body sink into the cloud while the lower part stuck out, trapped in the never-ending dive. Despite having landed face first into the cloud she felt no pain upon impact. In fact the whole ordeal was like falling into a pile mud, soft and wet. The only difference here is that she didn’t feel disgusted after having done the latter and where there would be nothing but brown being seen before your vision goes black; she saw a white blanket of mist. Lowering herself she felt her hind legs touched the cloud and she began to pull herself free. At last her head popped out leaving an imprint of where she once was. To her amazement she realized that she was walking on the cloud! To her, it felt the same way as it would if she was back on solid ground. She started off walking down the cloud, then she tried trotting and finally with her excitement building she broke off in a gallop. As she reached the end of the cloud she found herself not wanting to stop before she leapt.

Nearing the end of her white platform, she jumped and landed with ease on another cloud. Celestia began to laugh. And once started it was impossible to stop. She rolled around on the white surface as the joy she was feeling came full circle. Her laughing became nothing but small giggles after words. She laid on her soft floating blanket and looked up at the stars. Sitting up she saw that a hint of pink and orange was creeping up on the horizon. The sun must be getting ready to rise. Once more Celestia set her sights on where the day’s light was coming from and closed her eyes to envision herself rising with it. She felt the warmth of the sun as its light hit her face and following its steady rise she two felt herself rise with it. She didn’t even stop her wings from spreading as her body gently lifted from the cloud and like before she spread her hooves out and rose with the sun. She hovered there for some time until she let her herself come back to reality.

"One day. Just you wait," She thought to herself with pride. "I will bring forth the sun!

Celestia flew back to the castle and landed on her bedroom’s balcony. She headed back inside to begin the day when something caught her eye as she was passing by her mirror. At first she thought that her eyes were playing tricks on her, but then she looked at her flank where sure enough clear as the day itself an image of a sun was seen!

Star Bright was the first to notice her oldest daughter’s cutie mark. The reason behind this… Celestia came down to breakfast that morning with such a smug feature on, that it aught to have been banned. Smiling to herself Celestia wasted no time in showing off her new feature to anypony who would notice.

“Wow!” exclaimed one of her friends when she showed it to them later that day. “How did you get it?”

“I have no idea!” said Celestia proudly. “But what ever I did, it worked!”

“Big deal,” said a stallion next to the mare who was admiring the cutie mark. “It’s just a sun.”

“And yours, may I add is what again BlackWood? Shears?”

“Yeah, what about them?” asked Black Wood, a little flushed.

“Oh, nothing,” replied the mare with a devious smirk. “Well, what do you think it means Celestia?”

“I… Don’t know,” replied Celestia wondering the same thing. “It could mean anything?”

“Well, at least I know what mine stands for,” said Black Wood grinning to himself.

“Yes, we all do. The shears are in fact proof of your “Shear dimwittedness,” the mare pronounced.

“Careful Wind Chime," said Black Wood in a teasing manner. "Or I’ll be sure to give you demonstration of one of my bad mane cuts,”

This shut her up as she quickly made to protect herself from the mischievous stallion before her. Both Celestia and Black Wood laughed.

“Don’t worry Wind Chime," said Celestia patting her friend on the back. "I highly doubt he would follow through with that threat,”

“Who’s to say I wouldn’t,” protested Black Wood smiling broadly at the two young mares. “While I have tried my techniques out on sheep, I have yet to try them on ponies,” he said the last bit so quietly that only Wind Chime could hear him.

Celsestia was sure that Black Wood did it intentionally.

“Anyway,” she said clearing her throat. “What about you Black Wood?”

“What about me?”

“Wind Chime has flying lessons, Tick and Tock have magic training, Luna and I have be able to do both, what about earth ponies?”

“There’s nothing to it really,” said Black Wood and he added with his chest puffed out with pride. “We may not have horns or wings, but we do have spunk.”

Wind Chime snorted sarcastically at this claim, but Black Wood only beamed with pride as he pounded his chest. The four spent their time together talking more about cutie marks and how they have such a huge impact on their lives once they have them. Cutie marks have been believed to have a type mystical element about them. It was as if once a pony earned theirs, the individual would not only have a marking on their flanks, but that marking would become a symbol of their destiny. Although Celestia had a pretty good idea of what her cutie mark meant, she and Luna decided ahead of time to keep their roles as future Princesses of Equestria away from their friends until they felt ready to tell them. Something about their friends calling them “Princess” didn’t quite feel right. At least to Luna it didn’t. Celestia on the other hoof, once she had accepted her duties, she felt a tinge of excitement whenever the word “Princess” was brought up. Luckily she did agree with Luna to keep that part of them a secret, but that didn’t stop her from grinning widely whenever she discovered another thing she thought was interesting about their future roles to the kingdom. That afternoon, Celestia and Luna along with their parents and friends waited near the edge of the city to witness the dragons migrating from the west. Luna spotted Tick and Tock talking heavily about the event. Tock was a red unicorn with silver eyes and an odd mane and tail color. His little brother Tick was a light blue unicorn with black eyes and like his bother; his mane and tail had a unique color. The reason behind this was that the two considered themselves as the inventive type. Highly creative and willing to take risks on certain things that many would think twice before going through with it. Ticks cutie mark was a clock with only its short hand facing to the right; while his brother Tocks, was a clock with only its long hand facing the left. Tock pointed his hoof up at the sky and moved it around while trying to explain something to his brother. When Tick spotted Luna he and Tock made their way over.

“Ah, Luna glad you’re here too,” said Tock happily. “Please tell my brother I’m right.”

“No Tock,” said Tick nudging his big brother aside. “Luna can you please tell him that in this case he could be mistaking.”

“How could I tell any of you what I think when I don’t even know what your talking about?” said Luna wondering what in Equestria's name could they be up to this time.

“Yes, well, you know how this is the time for dragons to be migrating right?” Tock began explaining. “I was just telling Tick here that we should be taking cover incase a chance of fire.”

“You shouldn’t even be joking about that Tock!” exclaimed Luna. “The dragons won’t bother us as long as we don’t do anything to upset them!”

“That’s what I said,” said Tick in agreement. “But Tock thinks one of us might give one of them the wrong impression.”

“You wouldn’t dare!” Luna rounded on Tock.

“I wasn’t going to do anything,” said Tock innocently. “But what if…”

“What ever it is your scheming Tock, it will be the last thing you ever do.” Luna said seriously.

“Relax Luna,” said Tock putting a hoof on the Alicorns shoulder and patting it. “Even if I was planning on experimenting with something, I probably won’t get the chance to.”

When Luna eyed the unicorn sternly he added casually, “It looks like they are late this time around.”

He was right. Not only was there no sign of the dragons, but the clear sky continued to remain empty. Usually the dragons would take this window of opportunity to head out. Clear skies meant better flying conditions and for the ponies it meant having the chance to see the majestic creatures soar by. The Pegasus had once again been requested to stay grounded while the event was in motion so the dragons could continue their path without being disturbed. Night Shade’s gaze was fixed on the west where the dragons would be seen. The minutes turned to hours and finally the event was called off.

“Where are they dad?” asked Celestia.

“They must be running behind schedule this year,” said Night Shade. “We’ll hold the event tomorrow and see what happens.”

They did just that and even when the inhabitants showed up for the show a second time, they were let down by the absence of the mighty winged reptiles. A full week had passed and still there was no sight of the majestic creatures. To add to the mysterious absents of the dragons, word had reached Canterlot that a mighty fire had taken out an entire village in the north. Of course the king sent his troops to aid the ponies that have lost their homes, but something didn’t feel right. Night Shade was growing concerned and more curious as to why the dragons were missing in action. One night after training a highly amused Luna on how to create constellations with the stars, he set out on his own in search for answers. He flew passed valleys and explored ravines with no luck. Finally his search led him to the top of one of the mountains that were last rumored to have dragons roaming on them. By the cover of night, Night Shade made his way to the top of the mountains. What he found there was not what he had expected. He was only expecting to see an average twenty dragons or so. Instead, he saw a good fifty huddled at one mountaintop and forty more at the neighboring peak. One dragon stood watch at the edge of each peak. Night Shade hovered overhead blending in with the night. What in the name of Equestria was going on here?

He began to descend, hoping that his crown wouldn’t be reflected in the moonlight. The dragon’s long snout breathed in the air as its horned head turned from one side to the next. Night Shade landed gently on the rocky surface of the mountain and thought about the best way to approach the massive creatures. Even though he was tall himself, he only reached the shins of the mighty beasts. He carefully approached the one keeping watch while the rest behind him slept. Taking each step slowly the king drew closer to the dragon, but before he could make himself known it spoke with a low rumbling voice.

“You traveled far little one. Why have you come here? Your majesty?”

His orange eyes found the king but his head remained fixated on the horizon.

“I want to know why you and the rest of the dragons haven’t migrated yet?” said Nigh Shade looking up at great reptile.

So the dragon had smelt him coming, but why did he wait to speak until now?

“It is dangerous for you to be here alone,” said the dragon growling deeply. “If my kin sense you, they may not be so willing to speak with you like I am doing now.”

“Is there something wrong with the weather?” asked Night Shade. “If that is the case, then I could ask the Pegasus to make the weather more to your liking.”

“No,” said the dragon, “No, it has nothing to do with the weather.”

“Well, what then?”

The Dragon breathed in again. His eyes turned back to the horizon as if he had sensed something that the king could not. His eyes narrowed as he let out a low angry growl.

“It is a bad time for us to be roaming where ever we please. We can no longer do so. Not with him out there…”

“Who?” asked Night Shade.

“There is a great evil out there,” began the dragon, his gaze still fixed on something the king could not see. “He moves in the shadows, waiting for us to come to him, but we will not!”

“Is he another dragon like you?”

At this, the dragon turned his head to face the king and glared down at him.

“He is not one of us!” he snarled. “He is nothing, but a bloodthirsty monster!”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to offend you!” said Night Shade worried that he had gone to far.

“That thing out there is nothing like us,” said the dragon returning to his low growl. “Such darkness is upon this land now. We will not venture out while he is at long last free to do what he tried to accomplish last time.”

“What did that thing try to do? Who is he?”

“He is a monstrous creature, bent on nothing but causing others suffering under his rule. He is what I and the rest of my race call… The Defiler. As long as he is around, this land and all those surrounding it will not be safe.”

“How can I help you put a stop to this?”

“Little pony, you are on your own. We will not risk another confrontation with The Defiler.”

“Hang on!” said the king loudly.

The sleeping dragons behind him stirred in their sleep. The dragon on the mountains edge beside them looked over to see who had spoke aloud.

“Calm yourself,” said the dragon to his fellow kin. “He won’t be around much longer.”

“How can you expect us to take on a creature that has scared even you?”

“That, we leave to you,” said the dragon regrettably.

“There was a fire in a village to the north,” said Night Shade. “Do you think it could have been him?”

“Hmmm, was the fire large in size?” asked the dragon.

“It was big enough to take out the homes of all the inhabitants.”

“If it was him then his symbol would be there too. I hope for your sakes that it wasn’t. Because if it was, then it has already begun. This world will be covered in flames and all those living will parish in the firestorm.”

“There has to be a way to stop him!” demanded Night Shade.

“There is, but we dragons know nothing of how he was stopped before. If we did, we would have stopped him ourselves by now.” The dragon said with another snarl. “I wish you and your kind the best of luck.”

“So that’s it then,” said Night Shade, his ears sinking. “You’re giving up?”

“Have courage little one. You will need it…”

Night Shade spread his wings and kicked off the ground leaving the dragons behind. The large reptile watched as the king flew higher and disappeared into the night. As he flew away the dragon saw in the distance a brief outline of something large moving through the starry sky. A sharp shiver went down the long spine as his eyes followed the winged beasts movement. The Defiler continued on his path in search for those who would not assist him in his conquest. The dragons dreaded what would happen to them if they didn’t help, but their minds were already made up. They would rather burn with the rest of the world, than take part of the rising flames.