A young woman wearing a light yellow cotton robes walked along a small dirt path. Her light pink hair that shined under the brilliant yellow sun. A soft smile on her lips as the song birds seemed to follow her as she walked along the grassy road. She was following a few caravans that moved between the two hubs known as Canterlot and Manehatten, their carriages loaded with goods. One older man offered her a spot on his carriage, but she gave him a soft small and refused saying she didn't want to burden him or his old horse, He insisted but she walked along side not saying a word.
The glimmering city known as Canterlot shined over a small hill, the city built into a cliff face. The white and blue walls surrounding the city almost glowing under the bright sun. The many tall white towers capped with blue and gold roofs rising up like magic scepters, colorful banners wafting in the breeze from the top of the spires. A large white and gold dome jutted out of the nearby mountainside and loomed over the pristine skyline, a series of smaller towers branched off from the dome and seemed to defy gravity as they hung in open air.
“First time in Canterlot little Missy?” The old asked turning his bearded gaze to the young woman. She meekly nodded as she looked at the cityscape. “Well let me verse you with some history. Hop on up dear. You must be tired from walking all the way.” The girl nodded feeling a dull ache pulse through her legs. As she climbed up and sat down beside the old man cleared his throat and ushered the horse forward. “Well this city was founded by the Arch Magus Celestia over four centuries ago. She chose this spot because it was a perfect spot to be a trade hub. I also heard that there was some magic dew-hickies in the mountain side, but that is just wild rumor. I guess all those fancy nobles got nothing better to do than start rumors.” He laughed loudly slapping a knee, the woman smiled weakly not sharing the same humor. “Any ways, Canterlot grew and became a symbol for the people of Equestria as the common ground to show that everyone is equal. All roads lead to Canterlot is one saying for us traders. So... what brings a young lass like yourself to this great city?” He asked glancing at the young woman as she fidgeted trying to answer him.
“I left my village to find my place.” She replied poking two fingers together. “I had tried doing many jobs but I had no talent for any of them. I had heard that Canterlot was the best place to find anything...” She mumbled looking down at the horse.
“Well that is certainly true. You can find the Thaumaturge Collage near the base of the mountain, weird magic types more interested in books and fire than is healthy. The Temple of the Two, home of Conjurers and Paladins. There is even a Gladiatorial arena on the back side of that dome.” The girl looked shocked at the mention of an arena. “Don't worry deary they are all trained warriors that can be healed up by the local mages. Nobody has been badly hurt in close to fifty years or so.”
“That is good.” She brightened up as the old man smiled.
The pair entered a large golden gate, the statues of heroes lining the interior of the large archway. Guards dressed in gold and white lined the path each eying the carts as they passed. Some with long spears others with sword and shield, one large guard held a behemoth axe as if it was a twig. The sight of the heavily armed soldiers made the woman shiver under their gazes. The large guard seemed to notice the shiver and kept her eye on the butter robed woman. Coming to a three way intersection the carriage stopped causing the distracted woman to nearly fall, she gave a confused look to the old man who smiled to her.
“Up those stairs you will find the Adventurers Guild. They are always looking for people to help out, you may find work with them.” He said pointing to a rounded staircase leading to a pair of large red doors. She quivered at the thoughts of being sent out to kill monsters, the old man seemed to noticed and chuckled. “They have many jobs that can be anywhere from killing monsters to helping with local crops. They just call it the Adventurers Guild because most of the clients are the adventurous types.”
She sighed with relief as she hopped off the carriage. “Thank you sir. I won't forget your kindness.”
“Just one second little miss. I have something to give you.” The old man reached behind and into the carriage.
“I don't need anything you have helped me enough.” She held her hands up in protest, the old man ignored her and held out a small wooden box to her shaking hands.
“Something in these old bones tells me that you will need this.” He pushed the box into her hands, as she took it he nodded. “Think of it as payment for listening to this old coot ramble in your ear.”
“Thank you again. I will treasure it.” She smiled and held the box close to her, waving to the old man as he gave the reigns a light snap and lurched away from the butter robed woman.
She turned to the large building her courage slammed hard in her throat, Her knees began to shake as she put one foot in front of the other. Before she knew it the large doors loomed over her, The large brass handles shimmering in the light. Swallowing a lump in her throat her hand grabbed the handle and pulled. She opened the door a bit and poked her head inside.
An elaborate open area room was on the other side decorated in banners of different cities and countries hung from a dome in the center of the ceiling. Four golden pillars held the dome, red painted wooden tables sat at their bases with a few different people talking, sharing a few drinks, and gambling. The far wall was lined with large booths made of heavy wood, one had heavy glass in front of it with a surly looking earthen man handing out a bag as a line of people gave him an item from their hunts. Another held a small elvish woman, her jet black hair pulled up into a bun. Her pale eyes scanned the ledger in front of her.
The robed woman made her way to the elven lady and motioned to get her attention. “Excuse me.” She said quietly getting the clerk to glance up from her book and raise an eyebrow.
“You don't exactly look the adventurous type miss.” The raven haired clerk said with a smirk, the pink haired woman blushed as she fidgeted under her gaze. “What business do you have miss. Hiring an adventurer or applying?”
“I want to work. I don't think I would be very good at the whole adventure thing though.” The woman commented almost shrinking as a pair of large earthen soldiers walked by her, their armor showing signs of damage.“Is there work as a less dangerous job.”
“Write your name here. I can see what we have just a second.” The elven woman said pointing to an open book with a quill nearby, as she turned and moved to a pair of large cabinets behind her. She returned a few seconds later with a small file. “Alright Miss..Fluttershy Firewing. Ah an Angelic, we don't get a whole lot of your kind here.” The pink haired Fluttershy blushed a bit and looked at the elven woman slightly offended. “Don't take it that way. Angelics seem to enjoy the open skies and your floating cities to this place.” She opened her arms wide gesturing to the open room. “It is kind of nice to see a few of you don't have swollen heads.” She gave a soft smile as she handed the file to Fluttershy. “The Mages have requested a 'gopher' for messages to and from the Thaumaturge College and the Temple of the Two. The mage you are to contact a Twilight Sparkle. She is a little... odd. So any questions?”
“It isn't the animal gopher is it?” Fluttershy asked giving a knowing look to the clerk but earning an eye roll.
“I will put it on your file, no clowning or comedy jobs.”
“On my way. Thank you. The College is to the left as I exit correct?” Fluttershy said quickly backing up from the desk as the clerk nodded. Fluttershy gave a weak wave and turned towards the door making a swift but almost silent exit.
Fluttershy sighed as she exited the guild pressing a hand to her heart. Her knees were shivering as the adrenaline of talking to another person for so long wore off. She slowly breathed regaining her composure, thinking about her first job she concentrated on her back as a pair of golden ethereal wings appeared on her back. Giving the new appendages a few flaps and levitating a few feet off the ground she moved to fly down the road to the college, but was stopped by a held up hand from a guard. She looked at the guard and couldn't help but feel like she had saw them before. The guard motioned for Fluttershy to land who did as instructed.
Fluttershy got a good look at the guard the large axe on their back and golden armor jogging her memory, the guard cleared their throat. “Ma'am we have a few rules about flying round here." Pulling a small book from their belt and opening it to a certain page. "No flying with heavy parcels fifty pounds or more. No magics, No open clothing, and no messing with weather systems." Snapping the book shut and returning it to their belt, the guard looked up to Fluttershy. "I saw ya come in bout five minutes or so, was figurin' you wouldn't know.”
“That is very kind of you, but why did I stand out? Don't you guards see hundreds of people come through the gates?” Fluttershy asked landing and standing a half a foot shorter than the guard.
“Well ta be honest. We are told ta look for suspicious folk and one of the tells is they won't look ya in the eyes. Ya did that when ya came in the gate.” The guard said removing the large helmet, a blonde pony tail flopped free, her face was tanned and brought out the small freckles on her cheeks. She leaned her head left and right giving some loud pops causing Fluttershy to slightly cringe. “That helmet is too dang heavy.” The guard smiled at Fluttershy. “Alright now that that is out of the way. Can I ask ya what you are doing in this city.”Fluttershy trembled before looking down to the ground, her voice was mumbled as she spoke into the ground. “Sorry ma'am I didn't catch that.”
“I wanted work, and find my place.” Fluttershy spoke up holding herself close. “I got a job at the Adventurer's Guild and was going to do it when you stopped me.” The guard raised an eyebrow in a surprised look from the smaller woman, Fluttershy meanwhile blushed wildly and almost physically shrunk under the gaze. “I'm sorry. I am just nervous about this and..” The guard cut her off by holding up a hand.
“It is alright partner. I understand, ya were just tryin' ta get by and I was bugging ya worse than horse flies in the summer.” Holding out a hand to the butter clothed woman the guard smiled warmly. “My name is Applejack Apple. I'm sorry for bugging ya like that.”
“Fluttershy Firewing.” Fluttershy mumbled as she took the hand hesitantly. Applejack firmly grabbed the smaller hand and gave it a few shakes, causing Fluttershy to rub her hand as it was returned from the vice like grip.
“I will let ya go Fluttershy. Y'all have a job ta do and I've kept ya long enough. If ya need anything, a place ta stay fer a while don't think anything ta ask. My family owns one of the farms outside the walls, and I would like to make it up to ya, cause I accused ya of bein' suspicious an all.” Applejack chuckled as she placed the golden helmet on her head, turning away and giving a friendly wave. Fluttershy returned the wave but the guard was already turned away returning to her post.
Fluttershy let out a long sigh as her knees shivered. “She was nice.” She smiled as she turned to head to her job. Walking through a few crowded streets of people, salesmen pushing their produce. Fluttershy arrived at the towering building that was the Mage's College. The massive golden runes on the doors matched the rest of the building. Tall gold and obsidian arches loomed overhead giving it a Gothic feel, banners of house sigils hung from a few arches lit by torches of arcane energy. Fluttershy was amazed not noticing a small elven mage approach her.
“Excuse me, Miss.” The mage coughed causing the yellow robed angelic to jump with a startled yelp. “May I ask you what business you have here? I am Bright Spark.” He bowed slightly to the now blushing woman.
“Yes, I...um...was hired by adventurers guild...for a Twilight Sparkle.” Fluttershy stammered as the mage nodded.
“Ah yes. I was told to be expecting someone. Come this way, she is in the East Library.” He smiled heading down a hallway with Fluttershy quietly following. “Not to sound rude. You don't exactly look the adventurous type.”
“I'm not really. I would rather be home, but I need work.” Fluttershy whimpered almost shrinking under the question.
“Understandable. She should be in here. Look for the purple hat.” Bright smiled as he opened a large wooden door. Fluttershy nodded to him and entered giving him a thank you.
The room was tall, twenty foot arched ceilings. Each wall was lined with bookshelves, in the center were tables with towers of books stacked ten or so books high. Fluttershy wondered how many books were in this wing, reminding herself that Bright Spark had said it was the East Library, was there a west? A glimpse of purple made her stop as the top of a pointed hat twitched behind a wall of books.
Moving close let out a quiet 'Excuse me.' The hat stopped moving for a few seconds before moving back into the rhythm. Clearing her throat and pushing out her chest, she spoke a little louder. “Excuse me. I'm looking for a Twilight Sparkle.”
The hat stopped and rose to see a pair of violet eyes peeking over the stack of books. “I am Twilight. May I help you?”
“You requested assistance from the Adventurer's Guild?” Fluttershy asked shrinking as the mage rose in her seat.
“Oh yes! I got distracted by this History of the Races of Terra. Very interesting, that the three races of humans each have unique traits but are all created equal due to our faults.” Twilight smiled as she looked back down at the book, her head suddenly shot up a shocked look on her face. “I was getting distracted again. I need you to deliver a letter to my brother Spike at the Temple of the Two. We normally keep in contact through a magical spell linked with each other, but there has been a lot of interference. As if there is a rise in the aetherical energies. I should look into that it is a curious phenomenon.” Twilight turned to the rather stunned woman. “Oh right. The letter. If you see a tall paladin in white and steel that is my other brother, Shining Armor. He is looking after Spike, you can also give the letter to him to give to Spike.”
Fluttershy walked around the tower of books to get a good look at the mage as she prepared the letter. Medium length purple hair with a stripe of pink, matching the colours of her high collared robes, her pointed ears showing slightly under the wide brimmed hat. Her dark skin make her large purple eyes almost glow as her eyes scanned the lines on the parchment. A small six pointed star shaped scepter was attached to her belt, a small spell book on her other hip.
She held out the slip and gave Fluttershy a soft smile. “I just realized I didn't catch your name.”
Fluttershy blushed and looked to the floor, as she took the letter. “Fluttershy Firewing.”
“Thank you for doing this Miss Firewing. I kind of felt lost without contact with Spike.”
“It is no problem, and Fluttershy is fine no need for formalities.”
“Alright Fluttershy. I will have your reward as soon as you deliver this and will send it to the guild.” Twilight smiled about to sit down but stopped herself. “Are you going to be able to get out of here or do you need help? This place can be a maze some days.”
“I think I can make it. Thank you.” Fluttershy nodded backing away from the mage who smiled and sat down returning to her book.
Fluttershy left silently past Bright Spark who gave her a slight wave. As she exited the building she let out a breath that she didn't realize she was holding. Tucking the letter into her bag, she couldn't help but give a smirk. “Well that could have gone a lot worse. This day is looking bright.” Fluttershy giggled as she skipped down the steps of the college.
Fluttershy swiftly dodged through the marketplace filled with earthen and elven as they shouted their wares. A few guards had appeared mediating an argument between two vendors as the butter robed woman slipped past. Sneaking through the crowded bazaar, she sighed with relief as a large sign pointed her to a large white building.
Rather modest compared to most of the buildings in Canterlot. The chapel had simple white walls with large stained glass windows, the large wooden door felt welcoming to the exhausted traveler. Pushing the door open revealed a large arched room with a silver and blue carpet leading up to a large altar. A large stained window of a pair of women one with long blonde hair the other with red hair holding a planet with out stretched arms. Rows of candles flickered on the altar lighting up the many rows of wooden pews.
Fluttershy stood her mouth wide looking at the serene building until a light cough made her flinch. Turning quickly to see a pale woman dressed head to toe in white robes, with small red triangles on her sleeves and framing her face of her hood.
“May I welcome a traveler that wishes to bathe in the serenity of the two makers?” She spoke in a slow and calming voice.
“Oh well.. I.. am.. supposed to deliver a letter.” Fluttershy fumbled with her satchel and withdrew the small parchment. “I was told a Spike is here, this is from Twilight Sparkle. I am to deliver it to him.”
The woman seemed to sneer slightly at the mention of Twilight, her face returned to a stoic facade as she motioned to a nearby door. Opening it was welcoming Fluttershy in she moved in front of Fluttershy and moved down a stone hallway. “Squire Spike was doing a cleansing of magics to prepare himself to become a paladin. His knight has taken him to a room farther into the chapel.” Fluttershy nodded as she quietly followed behind as the woman made some twists and turns and down some stairs. “You should see a knight in white and silver armor. That is Shining Armor, he is Spike's mentor. He will deem the letter necessary.” She said pointing down a hallway and quickly lifting her nose up and moving up the nearby stairs.
Peeking around a corner Fluttershy noticed a large elven man leaning against a door frame. His silver and white plate armor almost glowed in the dimly lit hallway. His short but shaggy blue hair seemed to be keeping his attention as played with it.
“Excuse me.” Fluttershy coughed making the knight stand straight and quickly reach for his sword on his hip, with a panicked squeak she dove into a crouch. This action made the paladin sigh and relax as he moved to the trembling mass.
“My I help you? I am sorry for scaring you.” He reached out a shiny gauntlet to help her up. “You are a little out of the way down here.”
“I was asked to deliver a letter to a Spike.” Fluttershy said quickly, she opened her satchel and dug out the plain looking letter. Shining armor gently took the letter and smirked.
“Twilly sent this. She always was the worry wort.” Shining chuckled as he passed it back to Fluttershy. “Spike has been pacing in the room back there, rather than meditating. I think you are perfectly fine to go in. Just be quick.”
Fluttershy nodded as she moved to the door, glancing back at the knight who motioned her to go in. Knocking she heard a few panicked shuffles as if the person inside rushed back into place. A muffled enter was heard. Pushing the old door open she saw a small figure kneeling in front of a large glass image of the two woman from before. Fluttershy entered closing the door softly behind her, the small figure turned revealing his long reptilian head. Fluttershy was slightly taken back by the young man as he stood up and turned her.
Spike was a Dragonian, a race of dragon humanoid, a rare sight in the Equestria. He was coated in purple scales, and a small row of green scales made a fringe on the top of his head. His large green eyes watched his visitor curiously, but showed no signs of harmful thoughts. He wore silver chain mail with a white tabard that hung low on his short frame. A short purple tail tipped with an arrowhead like spike swung lazily behind him.
“Hi.” He said with a small wave. “You don't look like one of the clerics. Did you sneak in here or something?”
Fluttershy panicked slightly reaching for the letter and quickly thrusting it out to the boy in front of her. “Twilight Sparkle said to deliver this to Spike.”
“Oh!” Spike smirked as he walked up and grabbed the letter giving her a nod before turning around. “Twilight is such a worry wart. She would burn a library down if it wasn't ordered correctly.” Spike laughed as he opened the letter quickly reading it. “I am old enough to not write her for... um... I don't know how long I've been down here. A day or two.” He huffed as he moved to a small desk that Fluttershy never noticed before, he started scribbling on a piece of paper as he finished he gave the paper a flip and motioned for Fluttershy to come over.
Fluttershy gave the room a quick look over as she moved to his side. Low hanging lamps dangled from the ceiling, the walls were lined with bookshelves and on each side wall was a wooden door that she assumed lead to a bathroom and sleeping area.
“You can take this back to her for me right?” Spike smirked holding out the letter.
“Yes I can do that.” Fluttershy squeaked as she took the letter and tucked into her satchel. “Is there anything else that I can do?”
“I don't think..” Spike started but was silenced as the room started to tremble.
The small dragonian stumbled backwards and flopped to the ground under the image. Fluttershy had wobbled and grabbed the desk to keep herself upright. The pair looked at each other confused for few seconds as the rumble stopped, they both let out a breath as Fluttershy moved to offer Spike a hand to stand.
“I wonder what all that was about.” Spike commented getting to his feet and brushing some dust from his rear, he was interrupted once again by another quake and a quick scale crushing hug from the taller woman. Spike glanced up at the woman that grabbed him into a death grip, her eyes were screwed shut and was trembling. Past her head he noticed one of the lamps swing dangerously, in a flash of a second he watched as the lamp unhooked itself from the shaking and sail into the large glass image of the creators. He yelped as he was suddenly turned away from the shattering glass and tossed away.
Spike landed with a thud towards the door, regaining his bearings he looked up to the image of the creators, a shattered frame of iron and a crumpled yellow form in front of it. The young dragonian leaped to his feet and rushed to his the form and looked over her for injuries.
A few shards of glass speckled her back. One had stabbed into her back by her right shoulder, another on her left midsection. She was unconscious but breathing, Spike swept the smaller pieces away and positioned himself under her and lifted. He was rather surprised by her lightness as he moved to the door, swinging it open he saw Shining Armor quickly rushing around the corner at the end of the hall.
“What happened?”
“I will explain later lets get her to Cleric Redheart.” Spike answered getting a nod from the knight.
…
A darkness filled Fluttershy's vision but felt a solid surface under her feet, as if she stood in a field on a moonless night. The air was warm and calming, setting the woman at ease.
“Greetings child.” A soft but nearly deafening voice spoke from behind, Fluttershy could feel the voice vibrate through her bones. It was warm and comforting like a warm fire on a cold day.
Turning to the voice Fluttershy couldn't help but gasp as she looked upon an enormous crystal. The Crystal was a bright white and towered over the small angelic. The walls of Canterlot could not hold the size of the crystal that seemed to hover weightlessly in the dark sky. Many smaller crystals seemed to orbit the mother crystal, each the size of a large building themselves.
“Am I ..d...de...dead?” Fluttershy asked the large crystal. She could almost feel the object smile warmly at her.
“No. Your time is not come. I have foreseen much for you and the ones that will fight by your side.” The soothing voice spoke. “You are the voice for the rage. Let them speak and you will be able to protect many.”
Fluttershy scratched her head as she looked to her feet. Looking back up to the crystal the mammoth object was gone, replaced by ten outlines of monstrous beasts. She staggered back as the monsters seemed to loom over her. One stepped forward it's limbs looking like a starving hound with skin stretched over a molten frame, a pair of fiery horns curved over his head, looked at the woman in front of him and growled. It roared at her with a fiery bellow, Fluttershy screamed.
…
Fluttershy screamed as she pushed herself up from her spot. As her heart slowed down she got a look at her surroundings. A white medical room a privacy curtain was pulled between her and the rest of the room but she could see a medicine cabinet and a small sink. Her boots and satchel sat on a nearby chair. She was laying face down on a small bed before the sudden scare, a small tingle of pain stabbed at her left and on her shoulder.
“Well did you rest well?” A monotone female voice asked from behind. Fluttershy turned to see a pale earthen woman with light pink hair in long white robes. “You were injured when the earthquake hit, some glass cut you in a few spots. Nothing serious.” She said calmly cutting off Fluttershy's question before it was asked. “Spike brought you in. I removed the glass and healed you up. They should sting a little but you are free to move around.”
“Thank you.” Fluttershy smiled as she moved to get out of bed but felt the blanket on bare skin and stopped. Blushing wildly she relaxed back down to the bed.
“Also your robe was damaged so I was fixing it. Sorry about the blood stains, I know how to my way around a needle and thread not around the laundry tricks.” As Cleric Redheart held out a yellow robe. “Don't be too embarrassed, I have seen a lot of naked bodies here.” She dryly said causing Fluttershy to blush even more reaching out for her clothes. “I will leave you. Spike wanted to talk to you after recovered. I will go tell him you are up.”
“Thank you again.” Fluttershy squeaked as she tried to put on the robe underneath the blanket. Slipping it on she noticed the dried stain on red on her right shoulder and on her left side, she sighed as she looked at the beaten robes. “I will have to get new clothes soon, these are starting to get raggedy.” She commented to herself as she noticed a fer other tears and small holes in her sleeves.
The silhouette of a young dragonian and an earthen woman appeared on the curtain making Fluttershy to quickly give herself a once over again. “Are you decent?” The monotone woman asked.
“Y...yes.” Fluttershy said with a crimson blush. Spike's head popped around the corner of the curtain an embarrassed look on his face.
“I came to say thank you for trying to protect me from the glass. I am sure my scales would have protected me but, I oh crap. That didn't come out right.” Spike stumbled over his words making the two woman in the room smile.
“It is okay Spike. I am sure you would have done the same if the roles were reversed.” Fluttershy said standing and moving next to the young man. “I need to deliver your letter to Twilight now.” Fluttershy said patting him on the shoulder as she reached the chair with her things.
“There is no need.” Spike said turning as Fluttershy slipped into her boots, she looked to him confused. “Twilight showed up after the earthquake looking for us. I told her what was on the letter while Redheart here patched you up. She took it as well as a big sister worried about her little brother would react.” He shrugged getting a few giggles from Fluttershy. Reaching behind him Spike withdrew a leather tome holding it to Fluttershy. “She also asked me to give this to you. I don't know what it is Twilight is strange with books.”
Taking the book she eyed the cover. A simple brown cover engraved with a shape of a crystal. A small bronze clasp in the shape of a butterfly held the tome shut. Flipping the clasp open the book jumped to life, the sudden movement made the skittish woman nearly to drop it as it began flipping to the center of the pages. It stopped on a pair of pages, etched in a silver ink were a set of runes.
Spike looked over the edge of the book curiously as Fluttershy run a finger over the chromed writing. “That looks like a bunch on nonsense to me. So Twilight gave you creepy book. Why am I not really surprised.” He chuckled even getting a slight chuckle from Redheart.
“It isn't nonsense Spike.” Fluttershy blushed as it came out a little harsher than she intended. “Sorry. It is a spell. Let me try to cast it.”
Fluttershy concentrated on the page closing her eyes she felt the spot on her back where her wings would extend pulse with energy. She ignored a shocked yelp as the surge of energy focused onto the book and leapt from the pages. She opened her eyes to see a small runic circle appear to her right, with a burst of white light a small rabbit like creature bounced from the center of the circle.
It sat on its back legs and crossed it's small forelegs across its small chest. Its large pointed ears twitched as it scanned the room. The long flat tail seemed to twitch and gently wave in a nonexistent wind. The small dark eyes narrowed on the yellow robed woman and gave a slight nod to her.
The small group looked to the creature in a shocked silence. Slowly turning to each other and then back to the glowing animal. Fluttershy turned to Spike as he returned the look. “We have to get tell Twilight.” They both said in unison.
“I don't care where you take it. Just get it out of my sterile medical room.” Redheart growled causing the group to quickly rush to the door as the cleric's face seemed to glow as red as the triangles on her robes.
…
Spike stepped into the Thaumaturge library peeking around the edge of the door eying a familiar set of purple robed woman sorting a shelf while magically flipping the pages of a book in her other hand. Stepping in he motioned to the other in his party who moved silently as she clutched the glowing creature tightly to her chest.
Clearing his throat, the mage recognized him but did not turn around. “Spike you returned. Did you give the book to Miss Firewing? I hope she approved of the reward, if not I will exchange it for bits.”
“Yea, about that book Twilight.” Spike scratched his ear with a smirk. “Did you know what it would do?”
“No actually. It was given to the College from an older merchant. He traded it for a few crystals we had left over. Did something happen to it?” Twilight asked turning around to see Fluttershy and her glowing pet. The purple mage's eyes lit up in excitement and confusion. “I was trying to figure out why we had the earthquake but this is much more fascinating.”
Twilight seemed to close the gap instantly, Fluttershy jumped at the quick movement of the mage, the magical creature did as well pushing from her arms and hopping up onto the shoulders of the pink haired woman giving the invading woman a dark glare. As Twilight took a step back and watched the pair they both seemed to relax a little.
“That book was an illegible mess. How did this happen?” Twilight asked with a cock of her head watching as the creature never let its gaze stray from the purple mage.
“I gave her the book, she read something from it, and poof.” Spike scoffed as he passed his adoptive sister moving some books to the shelves. “You know what it is?”
“I haven't an idea.” Twilight said scratching her chin. “I don't recognize it from the manual of monsters and magics. That has nearly every creature on Terra.”
Just as she was about to speak a knock of the door behind Fluttershy made the group spin to the door. A pair of heavily armored Elven men stepped through and saluted causing the timid woman to quick step behind the purple mage she was avoiding a few second prior. The two men stepped aside to reveal a tall elegant Elven woman, her long gold and white robes flowed like water to the floor. She held a tall staff topped with a large golden sun. Her light cerulean hair seemed to wave in nonexistent breeze.
“Twilight my faithful student, have you been able to figure out the source of the aetherial disturbance.” The Arch Magus asked stepping into the room, taking a quick glance around the room she raised an eyebrow. “I didn't know you had guests. Pardon the interruption but this is priority, I believe that the earthquake and the disturbance are connected.”
“Yes, Arch Magus I had figured out a rough area where the disturbance originated. It was near the Smokey Mountain.” Twilight replied straightening her back as she spoke.
Celestia brought a hand up to her chin in thought. “Dragon lands...” She whispered aloud causing her student to step forward.
“I was trying to pinpoint the source of the earthquake as well, but I was finding that the energies were pointing towards Ghastly Gorge. Those readings are still need to be replicated to be sure.” Twilight said quickly noticing the concerned look on her teacher's face. “Is there something wrong?”
“If I am correct we will have to mobilize the armies. I pray I am wrong.” Celestia said seeing the glowing rabbit a smirk spread on her lips. “So a Summoner is still around after all.”
The small group looked at each other and then back to powerful mage. The Arch Mage walked past Twilight and held out a comforting hand to the creature who sniffed it earning a small scratch under his chin. “I take it you are the summoner miss.” Celestia asked looking at Fluttershy who fidgeted under her gaze.
“Yes, Fluttershy summoned this creature from a book I gave her as a reward for helping me. I thought the book was inert of all magic. That was mistake I admit, it will not happen again.” Twilight pointed out as she watched her teacher seem to ignore her student and begin to pet the glowing creature on the shoulder of the terrified woman.
“I see.” Celestia said giving her student a quick glance. “So this Carbuncle was summoned by Miss Fluttershy here. I am happy to see the talent has not died out.”
“What do you mean Miss Arch Magus Celesita ma'am.” Fluttershy squeaked as the taller woman moved away.
“Summoners were very powerful mages that could call and control powerful creatures to do their bidding. With such a strange yet powerful ability, Summoners were either praised or exiled. The ones that were praised grew prideful and complacent.” Celestia said crossing her arms across her chest. “Those wastes of magic were usually destroyed by the creatures they ordered around.” The room fell silent as they thought over the Arch Magus's words, Twilight was the first to speak up.
“So what does Fluttershy being a Summoner have to do with the aetherical abnormalities?”
“A Summoner may be the key to setting everything back to normal and stopping the Primal that has awoken.” Celestia said calmly, the others in the room looked shocked. Fluttershy proceeded to faint.
