The Princess Marks

Chapters

The Princess Marks, Part 1
The Princess Marks, Part 2
The Princess Marks, Part 3

The Princess Marks, Part 1

A note from the author: I just want to inform you before reading this that in the flashback story, the dialogue is done in a modern style. I did not use the traditional Canterlot speaking style, mainly because I felt a modern style would be easier to relate to. Thank you and enjoy!

“The Princess Marks, Part 1”

Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom were standing on the arch bridge just outside Ponyville. The three had their eyes cast upon the clear water of the gentle creek. The three Cutie Mark Crusaders had arrived at an impasse. They were no closer to earning their cutie marks and worst of all they had no new ideas on what they could even try.

Scootaloo let out a long exasperated sigh. “Huuuuuuuh! Well anyone have an idea?” She asked her fellow crusaders.

Apple Bloom perked up for a minute and raised her right hoof in the air. A hopeful and excited look flared up on her face. Opening her mouth she promptly replied, “I got nothing…” She dropped back to lean on the bridge.

“This stinks!” Sweetie Belle groused. “At this rate we’ll be old gray mares till we find out what our special talents are.”

“I reckon you’re right Sweetie Belle. But what in tarnation can we do?” The young Apple Bloom wondered. “Our last plan didn’t turn out so well.”

Scootaloo sighed again. “Don’t remind me. Cutie Mark Crusader “Pet Detectives” was a nightmare.”

“Tell me about it. What pony in their right mind keeps a skunk as a pet and then loses it?” Sweetie Belle inquired rhetorically.

“Guess we’d just better keep brainstormin’,” Apple Bloom announced.

“Yeah,” Scootaloo mumbled back. “I wonder if it was this hard for Princess Luna and Celestia to get their cutie marks.”

Just then Twilight Sparkle trotted along humming a happy tune. As she approached the lovely arched bridge, she noticed the three little ponies. Her hooves clacked as she started up the bridge. “Hi girls! Did I hear somepony talking about the princesses and their cutie marks?” The lavender unicorn inquired cheerfully.

“Yeah, so?” Remarked Scootaloo.

Twilight trotted up and joined them. “Well judging from your hangdog looks I’m thinking you three could use some fresh inspiration.”

“At this rate Twilight we’ll try anything,” Sweetie Belle said a strong frustration in her voice.

“The story of how Princess Celestia and Princess Luna got their cuties marks is just as exiting as how my friends and I got our cutie marks!” Twilight asserted confidently.

Apple Bloom perked up, “It is?”

“You better believe it!” Twilight declared with a playful giggle.

“Could you tell us the story Twilight?” Sweetie Belle asked batting her eyelashes.

“Yeah could you?” Scootaloo asked finally perking up.

“I could, but…if you really want to hear the tale properly…we should go to Canterlot and have the princesses tell us themselves!” Twilight suggested boldly.

The three Cutie Mark Crusaders all lit up in unison. “Canterlot!” They shouted.

“Yep. Come on let’s go take the train,” Twilight said as the three followed her to the train station.

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Twilight Sparkle and the three Cutie Mark Crusaders had arrived in Canterlot castle. The small group had been escorted to the throne room by palace guards. There, Princess Celestia greeted them. “Welcome to Canterlot my little ponies!” The princess declared regally. The guests bowed politely to her Royal Highness. She smiled thoughtfully at them. “Now tell me, what brings you to Canterlot?”

The three stood silently before the princess. This was the first time the three of them had ever been to Canterlot castle. Naturally they were feeling a little nervous. Twilight gave them each a gentle nudge and said softly, “Go on girls it’s okay.”

“Um, we wanted to hear how you and Princess Luna earned your cutie marks,” Scootaloo replied in a hopeful voice.

“Uh yeah, so would you tell us?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Please!” Sweetie Belle chimed in smiling.

“Why I’d be delighted to tell you,” Celestia replied joyfully. It was then that the sound of hooves lightly clacking on the marble floor filled the room. They belonged to the lovely Princess Luna. The regal alicorn walked up to the group curious as to why they were all there. “Oh, Luna! Your timing is perfect dear sister!”

Luna looked at Celestia, then at Twilight and the three little ponies. “What’s going on sis?” The younger princess inquired.

Celestia smiled politely before saying, “Twilight has brought these three young ones to Canterlot to hear the tale of how we got our cutie marks. For you see these three have been trying so very hard to earn theirs.”

Princess Luna’s face lit up as she recollected. “Oh right! You mentioned them to me after reading some of Twilight’s letters.”

“That’s right. Now dear sister…would you join me in telling them our story?” Celestia asked earnestly.

Luna looked at her sister then at the three little ones. “Please Princess Luna!” Pleaded Apple Bloom giving her puppy dog eyes.

“It’ll be great to hear it from both of you!” Sweetie Belle added with a cute little smile.

“Not to mention cooler!” Remarked Scootaloo with due enthusiasm.

Luna lowered her head slightly and smiled. “Well then how can I refuse. I’d be happy to share our story with you three. Oh and Twilight it’s good to see you,” the princess spoke happily.

“You too Princess Luna,” Twilight responded respectfully smiling jubilantly.

Celestia fluffed her long white elegant wings. “Now then Luna, would you start the story for us, please?” She asked her sibling.

“Of course,” Luna answered still smiling. The princess gathered her thoughts recalling the grand tale of her past. “It truly is a remarkable story. It happened about twenty-one hundred years ago. Celestia and I were still such little fillies. Much like yourselves. Though Celestia was indeed a bit bigger than me…”

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It was a turbulent time for Equestria. The King and Queen of Canterlot had vanquished the sinister villain Ghastaloom. However, many of his followers still roamed about the land. One of which took refuge in the Everfree Forest. There he plotted and planned to get revenge on the rulers that defeated his master.

The grand armies of Equestria were busy keeping the peace. Many skirmishes were still being fought as the waning cells of hostile resistance slowly came to an end. This made it a difficult time to be a young filly or colt. This was especially true if one was a crown princess of Canterlot.

Princess Luna was leaning against the edge of the banister of the throne room balcony. She stared out into the vastness of Equestria. The land, form a distance looked so calm and peaceful. It was hard to believe there was any danger at all. She let out a frustrated sigh and said out loud, “I’m so bored!”

That was when Luna heard a voice shout, “Hey Luna!”

Luna jumped in surprise. “Huh?” She gasped. Looking around and finally up she saw her sister Celestia flapping her wings hovering above the balcony. “Oh sis, you startled me.”

Celestia landed with a bit of a thud. Her tiara had shifted and was dangling from her horn. “Whoops!” She said fixing her tiara.

“Still getting used to landing?” Luna asked.

Grinning Celestia replied, “Yeah. But don’t worry. Before long I’ll be a master flier just like mom and dad. Oh and sorry for starling you sister.”

“That’s okay. So what’s up?”

“The usual. Every pony keeps telling me. Behave Celestia. Don’t go leaving the castle without an adult. Blah, blah, blah!” Celestia joined Luna in looking over the balcony. “It’s so boring always being told what to do Luna.”

“Yeah…tell me about,” she said letting out another sigh. “I wish I could think of something fun to do. But there just isn’t much to do in this castle…well that I haven’t done a zillion times.”

“I know what you mean,” the young pearl white alicorn replied. Then her face lit up as she gasped, “Uh, Luna I just had a great idea!”

Sadly Luna’s face did not display enthusiasm. “Oh boy here we go. So what fun idea to get us both in trouble did you come up with this time?” Luna asked.

“Oh come on. Why do you always assume my ideas are going to get us in trouble,” Celestia whined.

“Because they usually always do,” Luna replied snidely.

“Yes well this one shouldn’t!”

“Let’s hear it.”

Celestia opened her wings and walked back toward the castle. “Right now our parents and the guards are all busy. This is the perfect time to sneak out of the castle and go exploring!”

“And this won’t get us in trouble…how?” Luna asked sternly.

Celestia looked around shifting her eyes cautiously. Then moving close to her sister she said quietly, “Because we’ll use our secret passage. If they don’t see us leave and return…then how can we get in trouble?”

Luna just rolled her eyes and then shook her head. “Where do I begin…but anyway it does at least give us something exciting to do.”

“Exactly. I mean haven’t you ever wanted to go exploring in the Everfree Forest? I know I have,” Celestia remarked feeling adventurous.

Luna’s eyes widened. “Wait…you want to go there?! That place is a deathtrap. I may be bored…but I sure like living. And if mom and dad find out we went there…ooohhh,” Luna said shuttering. “I don’t even want to think about the punishment they’d give us.”

“Oh come on sis. Where’s your sense of adventure. Besides we’re princesses, one day we will rule Equestria. We owe it to our subjects to check out the forest. So what’d you say sister?”

Luna face-hoofed as she said, “I must be crazy. That’s what. Because I’m actually going to go with you.”

“That’s the spirit. Come on let’s go to the secret passage!” Though part of her was still reluctant, Luna followed her sister as they departed the balcony. Cautiously the two princesses made their way to the large castle courtyard. It had an elegant stone walkway, well-maintained green grass, bushes, and a wide array of lovely flowers. Luna followed her sister still feeling quite anxious. Finally the sisters arrived at the far end. Celestia looked around and saw no pony nearby. She grinned as she led Luna to a solitary statue of Apollo Might one of the great knights of Equestria. The elder alicorn slide his wing back till it clicked. A hidden door in the adjacent castle wall slid open making a soft scrapping noise. “Come on Luna inside,” whispered Celestia still keeping a diligent vigil for anyone that might see them.

“Okay,” Luna gulped darting into the door.

Celestia smiled as she repositioned Apollo’s wing. She too entered the passage and the door immediately slid shut behind her. “Phew! We did it little sister!” Celestia remarked wiping some sweat from her brow. “Now let’s go!”

“Right behind you sis,” Luna called following close behind. The purple alicorn looked around the passage. It was comprised of white stone brick much like the rest of the castle. It was devout of any windows and was illuminated by a series of torches. “Wow I can hardly believe the torches are still burning. Isn’t this a secret passage?”

“Uh yeah. But you know these are magic torches right?” Celestia asked hoping Luna didn’t mistake the obvious.

“Right but we didn’t light them. Somepony else did. Which means we aren’t the only ones to know about this passage,” Luna noted uneasily.

“Please Luna, try to stay focused. Haven’t you noticed all the cobwebs in here? This passage hasn’t seen many visitors in quite some time. Not since I found it a while back. Gah,” Celestia winced walking into a cobweb. She shook her head and brushed her face and pink mane trying to get it out. “See what I mean.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” Luna said trying to help her sister with the webbing. “Say if we go back right now I could wash your mane and style it for you.”

“Oh come on Luna, if you wash my mane and tail one more time the pink is gonna come right out of it. Besides I want to explore the forest together!” Celestia whined.

Luna smiled at her sister. Despite all the trouble her big sister had gotten her into in the past, she just could never say no to her. “You got me Tia. I just can’t say no to you big sis,” Luna replied shaking her head.

Celestia hugged Luna. “Thank you dear sister. Now come on let’s go!”

“Right behind you.” Luna trotted along side her sister. The path went straight for a few hundred yards then led to a long stairway going down. As they descended they could tell they were no longer inside the castle. The walls had become carved earth and the damp smell or wet dirt and rock filled their nostrils. The stairs however were made of stone and were in very good shape considering how derelict the passage appeared. Upon reaching the bottom some fifty feet later the princess ponies arrived at a large wooden door with metal hinges and handles.

Celestia examined the door and her face lit up with excitement. “This is it Luna. This door will take us to the land below Canterlot! We made it little sister!” She exclaimed delightedly.

Luna examined the door carefully. It didn’t appear to have any obvious locks on it. Though it did appear to look solidly crafted, which would almost certainly mean it was a heavy door. She walked up and popped the latch. Then she began to push…but nothing happened. The door creaked slightly but would not budge. “Celestia…the door won’t open,” cried Luna.

Smiling confidently, Celestia walked over to it. Like her sister, she gave it a good push. Still it didn’t budge. “Luna come here.” The younger sister returned to the door. “Help me push it.” Together the sisters pushed and the door slowly creaked open. Daylight poured into the passage as the door gave way revealing the land outside. “There. Thank you Luna.”

“No problem Tia,” Luna replied momentarily forgetting where they were heading.

The two ponies stepped outside the passage. The vast plains of Equestria sprawled out before them. There were fields of green grass, streams, small waterfalls, and grove after grove of trees. In the distance stood a proud mountain range. Craning her head upward Celestia saw the warm golden sun basking the land in its life-giving rays. Luna joined her sister in gazing across the vastness of the land. “Wow, it’s so beautiful.”

“See, aren’t you glad you came along. Had you not little sister, you would have missed this wondrous visage,” Celestia remarked.

“Yeah. Oh where were we heading again?” Luna asked momentarily sidetracked by the beauty of the land.

“To the Everfree Forest,” Celestia replied blatantly.

Luna’s eyes widened. “Oh,” she muttered drooping her head.

“Come on,” Celestia said pushing Luna from behind. “It’s gonna be great!”

“Alright, alright I can walk,” Luna cried. Her big sister stopped pushing her. The younger princess got her footing and flipped her soft blue tail.

Celestia giggled and said, “Hope I didn’t ruffle your feathers.”

“Tia!” Shouted Luna.

“Come on I’m just teasing you. Now let’s go!” The sisters trudged onward following the grassy fields. It wasn’t hard to find the Everfree Forest. It had a distinctive presence about it. Even from afar it stood out. Closer and closer they came to the entrance. “Here we go!” Celestia announced as they slowly entered the foreboding forest. Luna entered the forest but each step was more daunting than the last. She was hardly a coward but anypony with a shred of commonsense knew you steer clear of this vile place.

Celestia marched on proudly and fearless. She looked around with glee. The young alicorn could scarcely recall when she was this excited. “Isn’t this great Luna? Luna?” Celestia called out. Looking around she saw Luna trailing a good twenty paces behind her. Her little sister was taking baby steps and had her eyes shut tightly. “Oh Luna, come on now!” Celestia spoke spreading her wings and flying over to her sister. “It’s not that bad.”

Celestia placed a hoof on Luna’s shoulder. “Yikes!” Luna shouted as she took to the air. Opening her eyes she looked down and saw that it was only Celestia. “Oh Tia, it was only you.”

“Naturally. You should keep your eyes open. Now come on there’s a lot more of this place I wanna check out!”

Luna landed gracefully and followed her sister. As they walked the purple pony looked around feeling more and more anxious. The trees seemed to be moving. Other forms of life made harrowing noises that filled her with unrest. “Celestia I want to go back. You know even Starswirl the Bearded doesn’t come here unless he needs a rare herb or ingredient!” She whimpered.

“Oh all right your big fraidypony. We’ll go,” replied Celestia. A sudden rustle in the bushes caused the elder sister to grow silent.

“Huh, what was that?” Whispered Luna fearfully.

“Don’t know,” Celestia whispered back. For the first time since entering, Celestia felt uneasy. Anxiety quickly gripped her as the rustling in the bushes continued. “Get behind me Luna.” Luna did so and looked on filling with a sense of dread.

An earth pony emerged from the bushes. It was a blood red stallion. He had a short black mane and tail, dark purple eyes, and his cutie mark was a black skull. The stallion looked at the two ponies and smiled. “Oh thank heavens! Can you two fillies help me? I wandered into this forest and have been lost in here for days now,” he replied in a non-threatening voice.

Celestia looked at him curiously. She turned to glance at her sister. Luna was just blinking her eyes in confusion. “Hmmmm,” uttered Celestia.

“Come on Celestia, let’s go. Besides mother and father always told us to never talk to strangers,” Luna whimpered still feeling uneasy.

“That’s true Luna, but they also told us to be kind to those in need,” She said reminding her sister. Celestia walked cautiously over to the stallion. “Now sir how can we help you?”

“Do you know the way out of here?” He asked.

Luna’s head snapped up. She took a good long look at him. Immediately she noticed that his story didn’t seem to jive. He looked amazingly healthy and well groomed for somepony who’d been lost in such a dreadful place. Also his voice shouldn’t have sounded so calm. She knew the forest had her quivering with nearly every word she spoke. “Celestia!” Luna asserted.

“Not now Luna. I’m trying to help this stallion,” she replied abruptly. “Yes sir, I do know the way out of here.”

“Good, may I ask the names of two such helpful ponies?” He inquired.

“Why certainly,” she began.

“Celestia!” Yelled Luna.

“What is it Luna!” Shouted her big sister feeling quite annoyed.

“It’s him sis. His story doesn’t make sense. If he’s been here for days how come he looks so clean and healthy!” She whimpered.

Celestia looked at him and her eyes widened. “You’re right Luna. Who are you?” She inquired to the stallion.

He grinned at her and replied, “The young one is quite wise. Heh heh. Celestia and Luna huh. So you must be the crown princesses of Canterlot!”

“Yeah, so what’s it to you?” Growled Celestia filling with distrust.

“Just that my master will be pleased when I bring him your lifeless hides! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!!” Laughed the sinister stallion. His eyes began to glow as his pony façade melted away revealing his true body. Taking full form, the two princesses could he see that he was in fact a dark gray gargoyle! He had strong muscular legs and arms, proud leathery wings a pointed snout with a mouth full of sharp teeth, red eyes and a pair of nasty dark horns on his head.

Shaking her head Celestia stood her ground. She began to fill with aggression as she looked at her foe. “Who are you?” She called out demanding to know.

“Heh, heh! My name is Grelgin! I am the loyal servant of the mighty Ghastaloom. You’re meddling parents defeated my master. Now I shall exact my vengeance on you two!” Grelgin held his arms apart. Glowing spheres of energy appeared in them. He fired them at the two princesses.

“Run Luna!” Cried Celestia. The two alicorns scrambled narrowly evading the attack. The spheres slammed into the ground and exploded. Leaving small smoldering holes where they had landed.

“I knew we shouldn’t have come here!” Shouted Luna running and gasping for breath.

“Save it Luna!” Asserted Celestia and they both dodged another round of energy blasts. “Luna keep running. I’m going to try something.”

“Celestia!” Cried Luna still running.

The elder sister came to a halt and faced her attacker. She closed her eyes and focused. Her horn began to light up. Opening her eyes she leered her horn at Grelgin. “Take this she shouted!” Celestia was still only learning to use her magic, but she felt confident enough to try an offensive attack. She managed to unleash a bolt of energy from her horn. It struck the gargoyle. “Take that!”

The electrical energy zapped across Grelgin’s body. “Argh!” He growled in pain. However it was hardly enough to stop him. The fiend shook his head and glowered at Celestia. “That hurt you little pest! Now take this!” He yelled unleashing a blast of energy from his right hand.

Celestia froze in place unable to move. Her mouth dropped open as she saw the attack cruise right for her. Luna came back, galloping and tackled her full force knocking her out of the way. The beam flew into a tree reducing it to cinders. Luna gasped heavily for breath as both Celestia and she returned to their hooves. “You okay sis?”

“Yes…Luna, thank…y…you,” huffed Celestia still trying to regain her breath as well.

“We’ve gotta get out of here now!” Declared Luna.

Grelgin leapt from a tree and spread his mighty wings. He sailed over them and landed blocking them. “Just where do you think you’re going?” He snarled. The brute laughed at them and said, “Now to end this little farce! You two can never defeat me!” He charged energy spheres in his hands again and snickered at them. Grelgin slowly began walking toward them, chuckling with each step. Luna and Celestia continued to back away hoping to find an escape. Finally they had reversed as far as they could. One of Celestia’s back hooves discovered they were backed up to a steep cliff. The princesses looked back. There was no escape now. “Foolish little ponies! Now you have no where to run! Enjoy your trip to the afterlife! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!” Grelgin laughed maniacally throwing the energy spheres at them.

To Be Continued…

The Princess Marks, Part 2

“The Princess Marks, Part 2”
Written By: JaydexTheShadowKnight

It looked like the end for the two princesses as the energy balls whisked towards them. At the last moment two errant bolts of lightning dispersed the two projectiles. Grelgin looked upward searching for the source of the lightning. “What the…” He gasped.

Aloft in the air soared two alicorns the king and queen of Canterlot. The king’s long white mane and tail fluttered in the breeze made by his wings. He his deep purple almost blue eyes leered at the gargoyle. “Mother! Father!” Called Celestia in delight.

Her father glanced at her disapprovingly. Then he set his sights back on the gargoyle. “So we missed one of Ghastaloom’s minions it would seem,” announced the king boldly.

“Ah the rulers of Canterlot. This is perfect! My master will be most pleased when I kill you all!” He roared with evil delight.

“Good luck trying!” Replied the king valiantly.

Grelgin prepared another attack, but before he could launch it, the queen unleashed a powerful blast of energy that nailed the vile minion. “Take that! How dare you threaten my daughters!” Yelled the queen bitterly, her fiery orange mane and tail almost appeared to burn against the contrast of her soft white fur.

The gargoyle whimpered and grunted in pain. Unlike the young princess, her mother’s attack was immensely powerful. “Rarrrrghh! Bellowed Grelgin fully enraged. “This ends now!” He placed his hands together thrusting them upward. He powered up a larger sphere of energy and hurled it at the queen. The king gallantly flew in front of the queen and with a quick swat of his right hoof deflected it back at Grelgin. “Nooooo!” Cried the evildoer as his own attack smashed into him.

“And for good measures,” uttered the king. His horn illuminated a brilliant white light. The kingly alicorn unleashed a beam of light that collided with Grelgin. Shrieks of pain filled the air as the villain dropped to the ground.

Celestia looked on curiously and asked, “Is he…dead?”

Her father landed before her and shook his head. “No he is merely unconscious. Guards!” He called. A team of six guards landed before their ruler awaiting instructions. “Bind this beast and throw him in the castle dungeon. He’s just some weakling who could never be a real henchmen of Ghastaloom.”

“Yes sir,” replied the guard captain. The guards bound the gargoyle in chains and prepared to take him away.

Meanwhile the king and queen saw to their daughters. The king was not pleased at all. “What in Equestria were you two doing in this horrid place?” He inquired in a demanding tone.

Luna hid behind Celestia. “I’m sorry daddy,” she whimpered starting to cry. Her father’s voice was always scary when he got angry. Though he was usually quite loving, it was horrible when he got mad.

Celestia stood her ground, though her legs felt like jelly before her father. “We…were bored daddy, we just wanted to go exploring…I never meant any trouble,” she whimpered as tears formed in her magenta eyes.

“If it wouldn’t have been for Starswirl the Bearded’s viewing orb, we might not have found you in time. How many times must I tell you two to stay in the castle where it is safe? Believe me, I’d love to let you go exploring…but it’s dangerous out here! Do you think I want my only daughters to get hurt or worse killed?” He shook his head and looked at their mother. She nodded solemnly. He let out a deep sigh then said, “Come on, let’s get back to the castle. I will determine a suitable punishment for you two when we get back.”

Luna walked over to her mother. Tears were already pouring from her face. “Mommy!” she cried. Her mother placed her elegant shoe-covered hooves loving around the little princess. “I’m so sorry mommy. I didn’t want to go, but I couldn’t let big sis go alone!”

“There, there Luna. It will be all right child. Now let’s go home.”

“Come along Luna,” called her father trying so stifle his anger. She spread her wings and joined her father in the air.

The queen walked over to Celestia. She too was crying. Her mother hugged her closely and the elder princess’s water gates broke open. Tears rapidly streamed down her face. “Mother…I’m so sorry!” Sniffled Celestia.

Hugging her daughter tighter, the queen replied, “Calm yourself my child. It will be all right. Now come we must go home.”

Celestia wiped her eyes and sniffed. “Okay mom,” she whimpered. The two joined the king and Luna and then were accompanied by the guards and their prisoner. The group made their way back to Canterlot.

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Grelgin was locked away in the dungeon and the assigned guards kept a silent vigil. While in the throne room the king was saddled with the difficult burden of administering a suitable punishment for his two daughters.

Luna was trembling as she and Celestia stood before their father. He looked at them both and sighed. “What am I going to do with you two?” He asked rhetorically.

Celestia opened her mouth and said, “Father I…”

Her father promptly interrupted her. “Silence!” He bellowed. His voice resounding throughout the room. “Nothing and I mean nothing gives you the right to up and disobey the rules I’ve set for you. Though we’ve been through this many times it seems. So I’ll save you two the lecture this time. Hopefully the punishment will get through those thick heads of yours.” He shook his head before continuing, “You are both grounded for two months. You may only leave your rooms if your mother, a guard, a servant or myself personally escorts you. Is that clear?”

Celestia looked at her father’s stern face filled with dread from what she’d done. Quickly she glanced over at her mother and asked, “Mother aren’t you going to do something?”

Her mother joined their father. She let out a deep sigh and said, “No Celestia I am not. This time I can’t circumvent your father. Too many times now I’ve begged him for leniency and look where that’s gotten us.” The queen walked over to her daughter. “In a short while you’ll begin your adolescence. It’s time you learned the consequences of your actions.”

Celestia lowered her head and sighed. She knew her mother was right. “Yes, I understand mother. I accept this punishment,” the elder princess stated.

The king smiled at Celestia’s words. “Good. Now I hope you two know I’m only doing this because I love you both so dearly. It may seem cruel, but one day you’ll both understand,” their father spoke in a milder tone.

Celestia turned to her sister and said, “Luna I’m sorry I got you in trouble…again.” The pearl white alicorn was stunned when she saw Luna’s face. Her little sister had a look of disgust on her face. It was a very unsettling sight for her to behold. “Luna…what’s wrong?”

Luna was notably upset. Her fears had been brought to light. Once again she got in trouble thanks to another of her sister’s bright ideas. “What’s wrong is that I got in trouble again thanks to you! Gosh I am so stupid!” She bellowed angrily.

“I said I was sorry little sister. Won’t you forgive me…please?” Celestia asked an earnest look in her eyes.

She sneered at her elder sister. “Humph. Not this time! I…I hate you!” Shouted Luna her normally chipper voice now full of bitterness. Celestia’s eyes widened. She couldn’t believe her ears.

“Luna!” Scolded the queen.

“I’m going to my room! Guard!” She called.

“Hold it right there!” An older distinguished voice called from the doorway. Everyone looked up and there standing was Starswirl the Bearded. He entered the room clad in his robe and hat. The bells on the brim jingled with each step he took.

Celestia momentarily forgot what Luna had said, totally surprised by the unicorn wizard’s presence. “What are you doing here?” She asked.

“Well before they went to rescue you, I asked your parents if I might have a word with you two. And I am also here to take you both to your rooms, so sadly your punishment may begin. If you two would please follow me,” he replied.

Luna snubbed Celestia, turning her face up at her as she stormed over to Starswirl. Celestia dropped her head as she lightly walked after them.

The three strolled down the corridor on the way to their rooms. Celestia was still torn up by what Luna said. Though she was still curious as to what the wizard wanted to speak about. “So master Starswirl, what did you wish to speak about?” Celestia asked respectfully.

“While you parents raced to your aid, I observed you little battle with Grelgin. You two did amazingly well against such a staunch foe. In fact your little energy bolt was most impressive. Your magic is far more evolved than I originally thought. The same is true of you Princess Luna. When you came to your sister’s aid and pushed her out of the path of the energy beam, you two were using magic.” He paused to fluff his long beard with his right hoof. “I’d dare say you two are well on your way to unlocking your unique talents. I can’t help but wonder if you may follow in the path of the great unicorns of old,” he remarked still scratching his beard.

“Unicorns of old?” Questioned Celestia.

“Why yes. They were keepers of some of the most powerful magic in all of Equestria,” the wizard noted smiling at the princess.

“Wait, you mean Luan and I might be gifted like them?” Celestia asked.

“Exactly. Right now there’s no telling what the future holds for you two.” He remarked proudly.

“Wow, did you hear that Luna?” Celestia asked. Her sister just ignored her. They arrived at the doors to the chambers of the two princesses. Luna promptly entered her room and kicked the door shut with her rear right hoof. “Luna…” The elder sister’s pink hair drooped around her face from her sagging head.

Starswirl placed a supportive hoof on her shoulder. “Now, now princess. Luna will come around. She’s just upset right now. Give her time,” he said opening Celestia’s door.

“I will. Thank you master,” she replied walking half-heartedly into her room. Celestia gently closed the door behind her. She moved over to her bed and dropped down onto it displacing her stuffed animals and pillows. Grabbing a nearby pillow she buried her face in it and cried. Starswirl could hear her sobs. He shook his head and departed for his study.

A short time passed. Celestia opened the door to her room. There was no one outside, which she found puzzling. Though it didn’t matter, she walked over to see her sister. Knocking on the door, she asked, “Luna are you there?”

Luna promptly replied, “Go away I still don’t want to talk to you! I hate you remember.”

Celestia sighed as she returned to her room. She noticed how tired she felt from the day’s excitement. So she decided to lie down and get some rest.

______________________________________________________________________

The castle dungeon was dank and eerily quiet. A series of spaced out torches illuminated the corridor. Each cell also had a wall sconce with three burning candles to provide some light to the prisoners.

Grelgin had awoken. He saw that only two guards were patrolling the hall of his cell. The devious gargoyle grinned with glee as he used his strength to effortlessly break his shackles. “Heh, heh, heh! They though they could bind me. The fools! I’ll show them who the weakling is! How dare the king call me a wannabe henchman of Ghastaloom.” He grunted bitterly. Grelgin stretched his wings and contently swayed his tail. “Now for the main event! First however these cumbersome bars must go!” The fiend faced his cell bars. Unfolding his wings he shouted, “Gargoyle Curse!” Small orange circles of light appeared at the center both wings. A pair of small bright orange beams emerged from his wings and struck the cell bars. In mere moments the bars had turned to stone. Grelgin grinned and chuckled menacingly as he turned around and swatted the bars with a mighty swipe of his tail. They shattered and the pieces crackled to the stone floor. Wasting no time he promptly exited his cell still snickering under his breath.

The noise alerted the two guards who rapidly galloped to the scene of the disturbance. They both spotted Grelgin and quickly recovered their spears knowing a conflict would be imminent. “Halt!” Called one of the guards.

Again Grelgin laughed with glee. “Oh no I won’t be doing that!” He grinned.

“Then become shish-kabob!” Bellowed the other guard hurling his spear at the beast. The golden-tip long metal pole spear sailed toward its target. With amazing agility Grelgin jumped into the air and the projectile past by below. It clanged to rest on the corridor floor.

“You’ll have to do better than that to stop me. But why bother!” Laughed Grelgin unfolding his wings. “Gargoyle Curse!” He growled.

The guard looked around frantically as he noticed his body rapidly changing to stone. “What are you…ahhhh!” He cried as his body fully morphed to stone.

“What have you done?!” Roared the other guard angrily gripping his spear. “You shall pay for that demon!”

“Come and collect!” Taunted the gargoyle still snickering.

“Yahhhhhh!” Yelled the guard charging Grelgin. The loyal Canterlot soldier built up to a full gallop determined to fulfill his sworn duty and protect the inhabitants. The evil henchman stood his ground and drew back his right arm. Charging power in it, Grelgin unleashed a blast of bright purple energy. It slammed into the floor barely a few inches from the guard. The resulting explosion sent the sentry sailing into the air. He crashed with a loud thud onto the solid stone floor. Grunting in pain the soldier did his best to return to his hooves. Sadly he was too badly injured and collapsed falling unconscious.

“Well so much for them. Now for the royals! Ha-ha-ha!” Grelgin made his way out of the dungeon and to the throne room.

The king and queen were seated in their thrones. They had been speaking about their daughters and how grateful they were that Grelgin was locked up in the dungeon. After giving the matter due consideration the king said, “I wonder if I should go speak to the girls. Maybe I was too hard on them.”

The queen placed a loving hoof on his shoulder. “Dearest you did what you thought was best. Being a parent is never easy. In time Luna and Celestia will come to know that. Though it never hurts to talk. I’m sure they’d enjoy a visit. They both seemed very broken up,” she remarked hanging her head. “Especially Luna. I’ve never seen her so angry before. Perhaps it was due to the level of danger this time. It must have really frightened her.”

“You may be right honey. Well thankfully the tantrum Luna had isn’t uncommon for fillies her age. Besides siblings fight all the time. I’m sure she’ll come around,” the king stated rising to his feet. “Well at any rate I’m going to go check on them. Do you want to come with?”

“Sure,” replied the queen standing to join him.

A solitary sound of sarcastic clapping filled the throne room. “Bravo! Bravo on being such great parental figures for your daughters!” Declared a sinister voice.

“Who’s there?” Asked the king in a puzzled tone.

“ME!” Growled Grelgin stepping into the light.

“You!” The king replied incredulously. “But you were shackled and locked in a fortified dungeon cell!”

“I got out!” Grelgin replied blatantly.

“GUARDS!” Bellowed the king. In seconds a group of six guards stormed into the throne room answering the call of their monarch. They looked at the interloper and then to the king. “Seize him at ONCE!” Commanded the king.

“Sire!” Replied the guards as they rushed to subdue the beast.

“Oh goodie more target practice!” Declared Grelgin forming orbs of energy in his vile claws. He fired three shots at the group of guards. The guards did their best to dodge the attack but two were hit and render unconscious. The other four galloped onward showing no signs of ebbing. The fiendish Grelgin rubbed his hands together in anticipation. “Yes come…come to your doom!” He roared unfurling his mighty wings. “Gargoyle Curse!” Two more guards were put out of commission and were now stone statues adorning the throne room floor.

The remaining guards gasped as they looked back at their comrades. This only fueled their determination. The lone pair charged on. “Come on we’ll take him together!” Shouted the one soldier pony.

“Right!” Called out his cohort.

The gargoyle just shook his head and chuckled. “You just don’t learn do you!” Grelgin clenched both his fists tightly and held his arms out. Quickly he began running to intercept the castle guards. They moved closer and closer toward each other. Then finally they collided. Grelgin’s fists struck the tuft of both guards from below. He used his amazing strength and lifted them both upward flipping them onto their back with a violent crash. The gargoyle skidded to a halt some twenty paces past them. The guards endeavored to move but fell back to the ground silently. “Two more have bit the dust. Now for you my not so royal rulers!”

The king was beside himself. Six of his best guards had just been picked apart like they were rookies fresh from the Canterlot Academy at Gallop Point. The king’s face quickly filled with anger as he glowered bitterly at Grelgin. “This ends now!” He asserted dauntlessly.

“Ooh the king is made a me! Bwah-ha-ha-ha! Then come and get me!” The fiend spoke in a singsong voice. The king opened his wings and took to the air. He sailed toward Grelgin. His horn glowing furiously with white magical energy. “Ha!” Bellowed the king unleashing a series of lightning bolts. The bolts struck the foul gargoyle in succession. He grunted momentarily but quickly came to. “No way! How could you just shrug that off?” Questioned the king in disbelief.

“Simple! I…am…not…a…WEAKLING!” He roared at the monarch. Grelgin leapt up and sank his claws into a nearby pillar. Quickly the beast climbed. Then once he was high enough he jumped and spread his wings. The king’s eyes widened as Grelgin glided over to him. “So long your highness!” Exclaimed the gargoyle. Placing his hands together, he firmly struck the king knocking him out of the air. The dark blue alicorn flapped his wings furiously to hamper the speed of his descent. Unfortunately he still struck the floor with a considerable amount of force.

Not wasting a moment the queen sprang into action taking to the air. She wasn’t about to let Grelgin get chance to strike her husband while he was down. Her hair flicked bright almost like it was burning. This foul demon was really getting on her nerves. Her long white horn flared up with fiery light. The queen aimed and unleashed a volley of three sizable fireballs. Grelgin whisked them away like they were nothing. The queen’s moth dropped unable to fathom how he could so easily dismiss one of her more powerful attacks. “Blast you!” She groused in annoyance.

“Boo-hoo! Looks like we see, which of us is the weakling now! Mwa-ha-ha-ha!” Cackled the mighty gargoyle.

The king wasn’t finished. He rose up on all fours shaking his head. The fierce look of determination still burned across his face. This battle was hardly over yet. “You underestimate me!” Shouted the king standing in defiantly.

“Bring it on you majesty!” Snickered Grelgin. The king focused power in his horn and unleashed a massive bean of golden light. The beast grinned as he countered with a pink beam of dark energy. The two beams met vigorously trying to push back the other. Focusing all of his might the king began forcing Grelgin’s attack back toward him. But the loyal follower of Ghastaloom wasn’t about to lose. He channeled more of his dark power into his beam. The attack doubled in size and began plowing back the king’s attack. Even with all of his strength and more the king was no match for Grelgin. Before the gargoyle’s attack could reach him, the alicorn made a desperate move. He broke his beam and darted out of the way. Grelgin’s beam missed the king and smashed into the ground stirring up a wave of dust and debris. An arrant piece of stone flew toward the monarch. Just before it could strike, the rock vaporized into a falling veil of sparkling dust. The king looked across the room and saw his loyal friend and advisor, Starswirl the Bearded.

“Oh thank goodness,” The king huffed regaining his breath.

Grelgin looked back and turned to face the wizard. “So we have an old washed-up stallion who thinks he can turn the tide!” The beast announced showing an annoyed face.

“That’s right you foul demon! You rebellion ends here!” Declared Starswirl standing proudly.

“Oh yeah! Take this!” Bellowed the beast unleashing two energy orbs.

Starswirl stood his ground and erected a magical shield. The two orbs struck it and were dispersed harmlessly. “You’ll have to do better than that! Now it’s my turn!” The wizard pony announced. He closed his eyes. His horn crackled with lightning and rumbled with thunder. Light erupted from his eyes as the royal blue unicorn opened them. “Cry of the Celestial Heavens!” Shouted Starswirl a distinctly dominant echo in his voice. A dark gray storm cloud formed over Grelgin and struck him with a series of massive blue lighting bolts.

“Yarrrgh!” The gargoyle shrieked in pain. Residual bolts of lighting zapped across his body as they tapered off concluded Starswirl’s attack. “Not bad old man! Your reputation is most deserved. But I am no amateur!” Once again the gargoyle spread his leathery wings. He snickered as he bellowed, “Gargoyle Curse!” Orange beams charged out from his wings and streaked toward the magical unicorn.

“You never learn do you!” Remarked Starswirl re-raising his magic shield. The wizard’s purple eyes widened as the beams struck the shield and penetrated it. The attack impacted quickly turning Starswirl to stone.

“No! Starswirl!” Cried the king in terror.

“Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha! There is no one to save you now!” Cackled Grelgin triumphantly. He walked over to the king. The queen was standing in front of him ready lay down her life for her beloved.

“No my love, get back,” grunted the king.

Grelgin continued to snicker. “Oh please spare me the drama. I’m not going to kill either of you. In fact you have a choice to make. You can either be thrown in your own dungeon…or turned to stone. The choice for the moment…is yours!” Declared the vile fiend chuckling in the back of his throat.

The king considered the two options very carefully. Turned to stone would leave no hope of escape, but if he elected to be imprisoned, there could always be a chance to break out. Struggling he rose to his feet. “Grelgin, I have decided,” he replied.

“And…”

“We’ll take the dungeon,” the king concluded.

The gargoyle placed a hand to his chin. “I rather like it. The idea of you rotting in your own dungeon is priceless. Oh the irony,” Grelgin remarked with glee. He promptly took his prisoners to the dungeon. After hustling the king and queen and the injured guards into the cell, the gargoyle slammed the door shut behind them and locked it. “Now why you two rot in here…I’m going to search for those brats of yours. Once I eliminate you all, I can rummage through that old unicorn’s study. He most certainly will have some spell, potion or trinket, which I can use to revive my master. Enjoy your stay! Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!” Grelgin rolled with evil laughter as he left the rulers of Canterlot locked in their own dungeon.

To Be Continued…

The Princess Marks, Part 3

“The Princess Marks, Part 3”
Written by
JaydexTheShadowKnight

Meanwhile night had fallen, the two princesses were completely unaware of what had been transpiring. Their rooms were far enough away from the throne room that the sounds of battle never reached them. Celestia was asleep in her room. Luna on the other hand, had only take a short nap. She spent most of her time awake pondering the events of the day. She walked over to her vanity and looked in the mirror. Her hair was a royal mess. The young princess looked down at her brush. Using her magic she lifted it and began brushing her thick mane of long soft blue hair. As the brush pulled along her locks she began to think of her sister. Luna had been so mean to her and said such harsh things. Luna’s teal green eyes began to fill with tears. How could she have said such untrue things? She let out a deep sigh.

Setting down her brush, Luna decided it was time to go see her sister. Looking to a nearby wall she noticed the hour was getting late. She could hardly believe that no royal servants or let alone her parents had come to check on her for what must have been hours. This filled her with a sense of unease. Bulking up her courage Luna walked over and opened her door. Looking outside, she gazed down one side of the hall and then the other. All she saw was an empty lit corridor. The crackling of the burning torches was the only sound to be heard. Scratching her head she crept over to Celestia’s door. She knocked several times and asked, “Celestia, are you there?” There was no answer. Again Luna knocked. This time she knocked harder and asked again, “Celestia, sis are you there?”

Inside her room Celestia stirred form her slumber. Her ears perked up when she recognized Luna’s voice and noticed the knocking. “Luna?” She questioned softly. “Luna is that you?” She called out loudly.

“Yes Tia, it’s me!”

Celestia quickly rose to her hooves and walked over to the door. She opened it and sure enough Luna was on the other side. “Luna, why are you here? I thought you hated me?” Celestia inquired curiously.

Tears filled Luna’s eyes as she hugged her sister. “I’m so sorry Tia! I never meant any of those nasty things I said. Please forgive me!” Wailed the younger sibling.

Tears formed in Celestia’s eyes too as she returned her sister’s hug. “Awww Luna, it’s okay. I forgive you and I’m sorry too my dear sister,” Celestia spoke running her hoof along Luna’s back. It was then that the elder sister noticed her sibling was unescorted. “Luna why are you alone?”

“That’s the other reason I came. Has anyone checked on you in awhile?” Luna asked now becoming wide-eyed.

“Now that you mention it. I’ve not seen anyone since our dinner was brought to us,” Celestia remarked placing a hoof on her chin.

“Same here. And listen, the castle isn’t normally this quiet,” remarked the purple alicorn.

Celestia paused and took a long listen. “You’re right Luna. This is puzzling. Tell you what. Let’s got to the throne room. Mother and father are most likely there. Maybe they know what’s going on around here,” noted the elder sister.

“Good thinking Tia. Let’s go.” Together Princess Luna and Princess Celestia set off for the throne room. As they walked the path seemed to grow more and more eerie. Luna moved closer to her sister. Celestia smiled. She was so glad that her sister wasn’t mad at her anymore. A short time passed and the sisters emerged in the throne room. They encountered a mostly empty room. All they saw were what appeared to be three statues. “That’s odd. I don’t remember there being any statues of palace guards in here before,” Celestia commented scratching the back of her head.

Luna looked over and saw the third statue. “Whoa, Tia check this out. This one looks like Starswirl the Bearded,” Luna said walking around the statue examining it curiously.

Her big sister looked it over as well placing a hoof on her chin. “You’re right Luna. It does look just like Starswirl.”

“That’s because it is Starswirl…or rather me,” a voice spoke.

“Tia did that statue just talk?” Luna asked fearfully standing even closer to her sister.

“I don’t know. But it sounded like our magic teacher,” Celestia remarked concisely.

“That’s because it is me. An evil magic turned me to stone along with those poor castle guards,” said the petrified unicorn.

“How can you be talking?” Asked Luna her eyes now filling with intrigue.

“Uh…well being me certainly has its privileges. Besides you don’t create over 200 spells and not have some that come in handy in times like these,” he declared boastfully. Were the wizard not stone he would almost certainly have been grinning after a remark like that.

“What happened here?” Asked Celestia.

“I happened here!” Called out a sinister voice from amid the shadows.

“Huh,” gasped Celestia, “Who’s there?” Luna’s eyes widened as she joined her sister in searching for the owner of the creepy voice.

“Right here!” Called out Grelgin stepping into the light. “You’re parents thought they had defeated me in the Everfree Forest. Had the fools taken me seriously they’d have wised up to my plan from the start. I let myself get captured. It’s the oldest trick in the book!”

“Why you!” Growled Celestia leering at him.

“That’s right show me your angry face. Ha-ha! You can join your parents in the dungeon!” He remarked.

“You’re lying!” Shouted Luna. “No way my mom and dad would lose to a meany like you!”

Starswirl’s voice resounded, “I’m afraid it’s true little one. Now princesses run! Run away from him! And beware his Gargoyle Curse!”

“Gargoyle Curse?” Questioned Celestia.

“Why yes little princess. It allows me to turn my enemies to stone. Bwah-ha-ha-ha!” Cackled the heartless villain.

“Come on Luna! Run!” Shouted her sister.

“Right behind ya!” She clamored. The two raced toward the throne room door.

“Oh goodie, I love playing “Cat and Mouse”!” Remarked Grelgin pursuing them. “You can run my little ponies, but you can’t hide! I will find you!” He called out menacingly. The throne room was quite large. There was no easy avenue of escape for them. Looking up Celestia spied a long tapestry.

“Luna grab the other end!” Called out Celestia. Luna took the other end. Together they pulled the tapestry down just as Grelgin ran right into it, quickly becoming entangled.

“Blast you little brats!” Growled Grelgin.

The two sisters ran out of the throne room as quickly as they could. “What are we going to do Celestia?” Asked Luna as they ran down a long corridor.

The elder princess gave it some thought then it hit her. “Back to my room Luna. There’s a book I want to check quick,” she replied.

“You wanna read at a time like this?”

“No, but I think I may have an idea.”

“Okay then Tia, I trust you!” Luna replied as they continued galloping toward their rooms.

They entered Celestia’s room and made their way to her desk. “Now where is it,” Celestia spoke searching frantically. “Aha! There it is,” she said picking up a book which, read, “Vile Monsters and Demons – Junior Edition.”

“That’s the book?” Asked Luna skeptically.

“Yes,” Celestia responded opening it. Quickly she flipped the pages searching for a particular section. “Here we go!” She announced pointing to specific section.

Luna read the section title, “Gargoyle’s and their known weaknesses.”

Celestia smiled as she said, “Starswirl had me reading up on them as part of my studies. According to this book gargoyles are vulnerable to sunlight.”

Luna looked out the bedroom window. “There’s only one problem Tia. It’s the middle of the night. Dawn is hours away,” Luna remarked grimly.

Still Celestia smiled. “You remember what Starswirl said. We may be gifted like the unicorns of old.”

“Yeah so, how’s that help?”

“Simple Luna. We lower the moon and raise the sun ourselves,” answered her big sister.

Luna’s eyes widened. Looking at her big sister she asked, “How are we going to do that? We’d need the right spell and time to practice wouldn’t we?”

“Good point. Maybe we could find the right spell in Starswirl’s study,” suggested Celestia.

“Ah right you are my dear princess,” a familiar friendly voice sounded about the room.

“Starswirl? Is that you?” Asked Luna looking around knowing she probably wouldn’t find anypony.

“Why yes it is me. I’m so glad I created this Telepathy spell. Anyway, did I hear right. Have you two come up with a plan to stop that fiend Grelgin?” He asked.

“We have!” Declared Celestia feeling quite confident. “If Luna and I can somehow lower the moon and raise the sun, its light will help us defeat that monster.”

“Hmmm, good plan. Now it just so happens I have a book with the spells you need on the desk in my study. Go there and get the book. The rest I leave in your more than capable hooves. Good luck my dear ponies,” Starswirl said as his voice faded.

“Did you hear that sister?” Asked Celestia.

“Sure did Tia! Let’s go!” Luna enthusiastically replied.

The two princess ponies made their way cautiously to Starswirl the Bearded’s study. Upon arriving they quickly entered and searched for his desk. His study was quite large. Inside they found large wooden tables covered with potions, magical talismans that were glowing, scrolls of parchment, shelf after shelf teaming with books, tomes, scrolls and miscellaneous items commonly found in a wizard’s study. In the far corner they discovered his desk. It was made of a sturdy chestnut stained oak. The surface was covered with scrolls of parchment, and a series of books. There was also a quill and ink well resting at the desk’s head.

“Which of these books is it?” Asked Luna checking the four books. “Wait! I think I found it.” The purple alicorn held up a book titled, “Advanced Magic of Equestria”.

“Luna this is it!” Celestia gleefully asserted. Taking the book she opened it and scoured the table of contents hunting for the correct section. Once she found it the elder sister quickly turned to the correct page. Running her right hoof over the page she hunted for the right spell. “This is it!” She gasped. “How to raise and lower the sun and the moon.”

Luna joined Celestia in reading the directions for casting the spells and what all was involved in doing so. “Gee these spells don’t sound too complicated. But are you really sure we can do it Tia?” Luna asked trying to hide her lingering doubt.

Celestia offered her sister a heartwarming smile and responded, “We can. Besides dear sister, don’t you believe in miracles?”

“Of course I do,” she replied smiling back at her sister. The feeling of doubt began to ebb from Luna’s mind.

“Hmm now where should we go to cast these spells?” Celestia wondered.

The younger princess gave the matter some thought. Then her face lit up. “I’ve got it! The observation tower! It’s the tallest tower in the castle!” Luna expressed excitedly.

The smile on Celestia’s face grew. “Luna you’re a genius! That’s the perfect place. But time is short. So I think it’s high time we exercised our wings and flew!” The pearl white alicorn declared.

“Right behind ya sis!” Replied Luna unfolding her wings proudly. The two made their way out of the study and exited the corridor by a nearby door. The two sisters took to the air and flew to the skyrocketing observation tower. At the top was a spacious balcony. This made it the perfect place to put their plan into motion. Luna landed gracefully as always. Looking back she saw her sister come in for a landing. This time Celestia made a rather elegant landing herself. “Nice landing Tia.”

“Thank you Luna. I told you I’d get the hang of this whole flying business!” The older sister replied. “Now let’s get to work.” The two poured over the required spells contained with the book. “Okay Luna go on now. Lower the moon.”

Luna swallowed hard and took a deep breath. This was still going to be quite a monumental task for her. She moved close to the balcony guide-rail. The moon was still overhead casting down its gentle glow over the castle. The little alicorn closed her eyes and concentrated. Her horn began to glow with blue magical power. “Errrgh, uggh,” she grunted giving it her all. A soft blue glow began to envelop the moon.

“Come on Luna! You can do it! I know you can! Give it everything you have little sister!” Called Celestia providing all the moral support she could muster.

The little princess continued to grunt and groan. The encouraging words from her sister helped immensely. Suddenly she felt a power blossom within her. It was like a great weight pushing down had been removed. The light on her horn tripled in intensity. The glow encompassing the celestial body shined brighter. Finally it began sinking slowly toward the horizon. At first it only move a tiny bit, but as Luna focused she began to feel almost like the moon was gripped in her hooves. She began to imagine herself pushing the great heavenly body down using nothing but her hooves. “Come on! I can do it! I know I can!” Cried Luna unrelenting to any negativity trying to impede her.

A look of shear delight formed on the elder alicorn’s face. The moon was now descending at a much quicker rate. “That’s it Luna! You’re doing it! Keep it up!” Cheered Celestia. The moon started to sink below the horizon. Celestia knew it was time for her to do her part.

“Is it down?” Asked Luna opening a single eye to check. To her delight the moon was now below the horizon. She had succeeded. “I did it!” Her mouth dropped open with shear delight. “Wow!”

“You did wonderful little sister! Now it’s my turn!” Celestia walked to the balcony edge. She closed her eyes and began to focus. The alicorn filled her mind with thoughts of the sun. The warmth of its golden light, the brilliant shine it always gave off. Even the happy feeling she received every time she gazed upon it. Magic began to shine as a bright pink light formed along her horn.

“Go on Celestia! You can do it! My big sister can do anything!” Declared Luna cheering on her big sis.

Even with her eyes closed, Celestia smiled from Luna’s kind words. If her sister believed in her, then there was nothing she couldn’t accomplish. The warm loving sensation she got from her sister surrounded her with what reminded her of pure sunlight. Celestia could almost feel a radiating heat flowing around her. That was when she realized it was coming from within her. Like her sister, Celestia had awakened her inner power. The princess took a deep breath and focused even harder. “Harrrgh, grrrrr!” She grunted channeling even more power to her horn.

Luna looked to the horizon. Again her face lit up. A wide smattering of fiery orange, red and yellow colors began to burn on the horizon. Moments later a bright unmistakable light rolled up from the dawn. Followed immediately by the golden orb. The sun had begun to rise into the sky. “That’s it Celestia! That’s it! You’re doing it big sis!” Cried Luna full of joy flailing her hooves.

The sun ascended higher and higher into the air illuminating the sky to its beautiful shade of blue. Celestia knew she was succeeding because she could feel the warmth of the sun pouring over her. Opening her eyes she beheld the majestic sight of the life-giving sun. The two princesses had done it. The moon was set and the sun now held its place in the sky. “We did it Luna!” Exclaimed Celestia.

“We sure did! Now let’s go find Grelgin and end this!

“Right. He’s probably still in the throne room. It’d be the best place to start our search!”

“Let’s go!” Shouted Luna as the two sisters returned to the air bound for the throne room.

Meanwhile, Grelgin was still patrolling the castle halls. He was growing very angry. There was no sign of the two princesses. He scratched his head wondering where he could check next. “Blast it! Where are those two little brats!” He bellowed.

“Right here!” Announced Celestia. The gargoyle turned back and saw them both standing proudly in the doorway. He grinned with glee. “At last! Now we can end this little charade.” Grelgin formed spheres of dark pink energy in his hands. “Time you died!” He called out tossing the projectiles at them. Spreading their wings, the two alicorns flew to safety. The energy blast smacked into the floor creating two small holes.

“There’s no need to drag this out any further!” Declared Celestia a fierce look of determination gleaming in her eyes.

“You’re right Celestia! You distract him. I’ll do the rest!” Remarked Luna flying toward the covered windows of the throne room.

Celestia flew right for Grelgin. His eyes widen from surprise. “And what are you going to do. Attack me? That’s rich!” He cackled. She landed skidding to a halt before the vile fiend. Celestia turned around and bucked him hard with her back legs. “Raaaaaaghhh!” Shouted Grelgin as he flew across the room. He smacked into a nearby pillar causing it to crack slightly. He rose to his feet and clutched the back of his head. “That hurt!” He groused. Turning his sight to Celestia he wasn’t even trying to hide his rage. “That does it!” Grelgin declared unfurling his wings. “This time you…are…finished…Gargoyle…” But he was interrupted.

“Hey stupid! Over here!” Shouted Luna opening the curtains to a large throne room window. Sunlight immediately came beaming into the room.

Grelgin’s red eyes widened. “What!? It cannot be! The sun shouldn’t be up yet!” He remarked in fear. He quickly ran from the light toward the nearest shadow he could find.

“Oh no! You’re not getting away that easily!” Roared Luna tired of deal with this demon. She began opening all the curtains to every single window in the throne room. Celestia went to the other side and did the same. Daylight began filling the chamber leaving very few shadows and dark places behind.

Grelgin continued to run from the sunlight. “No get it away from me!” He wailed no longer sounding mighty. The gargoyle wasn’t paying attention to where he was running. His course took him right to the balcony. Emerging in the full light of day his body began to burn. “Arrgh! Nooo!!” His momentum kept him from stopping in time. Grelgin toppled over the balcony’s edge and began falling to the ground below. Luna and Celestia followed closely behind him and looked over side. As he fell his body burst into flames and quickly popped like a firework. Ash from his charred remains sprinkled down to the grassy courtyard below. It was finally over…Grelgin had been beaten.

The two sisters turned around dropped down on their flanks and let out a deep sigh. “It’s over Luna! We did it!” Celestia declared.

“Yeah, we did. Didn’t we big sis,” gasped Luna feeling like she’d just run a marathon.

The two rested for a moment before standing. Then the sisters walked into the throne room. There were just in time to see Starswirl and the two guards return to normal. With Grelgin beaten his Gargoyle Curse was lifted.

“Oh I say…what?” Uttered Starswirl feeling somewhat disoriented. Looking at his hooves he looked around. “Oh I’m no longer stone,” he added. Looking up he saw the two princesses enter. “My dear ponies. I take it you succeeded.”

“Why yes master Starswirl we did,” Replied Celestia being polite as always.

“We showed that creep who was boss!” Luna declared proudly stomping her right hoof on the floor.

“So what happened to him?” Looking around Starswirl noticed the sun was up. “I see you set the moon and raised the sun.”

“Yep. The sun made him burst into flames. Though I thought it was just supposed to weaken him,” Luna noted feeling a little puzzled.

Starswirl smiled. “Ah my dear Luna. Not all gargoyles are created equally. In fact I doubt Grelgin was originally a gargoyle in the first place. He may have once been a stallion or some other creature. It was Ghastaloom’s dark power that made him turn into that evil beast. Though it seemed that was the path Grelgin wanted. Anyway, splendid job you two!” He said congratulating them.

“We were just doing our duty as princesses of Canterlot,” Celestia said.

“That’s right we…what?” Luna gasped. A bright pink glow emerged on Celestia’s flanks. It took the form of a sun with curved beams. The light faded revealing a golden sun. “Tia! Look at your flank! Is that…is that what I think it is?” Luna asked incredulously.

Celestia turned to get a look at her side. Her mouth dropped open as she looked at Starswirl and Luna. “I got my cutie mark?” She asked in disbelief. Her eyes were then pulled to Luna. A bright purple light formed on her flanks. It began taking the shape of a crescent moon accompanied by three starts in small patch of night sky. The light faded revealing her newly formed cutie mark. “Oh my gosh Luna! Look at you!” Gasped Celestia.

Luna looked at her side and noticed the distinct mark. Her face lit up nearly bright as the sun. “I got my cutie mark too!” She exclaimed loudly.

“Oh my word dear children! This is indeed a most momentous day! Your parents will be so proud! Oh no! They’re still in the dungeon,” clamored the wizard.

“Not anymore!” Called the king. He and the queen had entered the throne room accompanied by the guards that had been turned to stone. “When the guards turned back to normal they freed us.”

“Well this day keeps getting better and better!” Declared Starswirl smiling with glee.

Then the king and queen walked up to their daughters and promptly hugged them. “My dear girls,” said the king. “You’ve done Canterlot proud!”

Their mother was so happy she had tears in her eyes. “My sweet little babies,” she cried. “I’m so glad you’re safe!”

“Mom please you’re embarrassing us,” whined Luna. Celestia just giggled. Then Luna said, “Oh mom look! Look!” She pointed to her flank and then to her sisters. “We got our cutie marks!”

Their father and mother both saw the distinguished marks. “Oh I’m so proud of you two!” Called their mother hugging them both again.

“Wow! That’s great you two. So tell me how did you manage to beat Grelgin?” Asked the king.

Luna leaned up against her father. “It’s a long story daddy! Now let me tell you!” Began Luna.

“Oh boy here we go!” Said Starswirl. He leaned over to the king and said, “You know there’s going to be no living with them after this…don’t you?”

The king playfully brushed him away and said, “Balderdash. Was I any different when I earned my cutie mark?”

“You’ve got a point there! Regardless this is certainly a time to celebrate! Perhaps a party is in order,” suggested the wizard.

“Good, good, as my trusted aid and advisor, why don’t you see to the preparations. Now if you’ll excuse me, my daughters have a story to tell me,” said the kindly monarch sitting down with his girls eager to hear their tale.

“You’re gonna love it father!” Said Celestia overflowing with excitement. The king smiled happily.

“I’ll start! There I was in my room…” Luna began.

________________________________________________________________________

“And now you know how Princess Luna and I earned our cutie marks,” explained Celestia concluding the story. There was an audible silence throughout the throne room following the princess’s words. Apple Bloom was sitting silent and wide-eyed. Sweetie Belle was literally smiling practically from ear to ear. And Scootaloo’s mouth hung open in disbelief.

Twilight Sparkle giggled softly placing a hoof over her mouth as she observed their priceless expressions. “I think you got them good princess,” Twilight remarked.

Luna smiled as she looked at the three cutie mark seekers. “It is quite a tale. Seems it always takes me by surprise,” the younger princess expressed.

Celestia joined her sister in smiling and let out a heart-warming chuckle. “How long has it been since we last regaled someone with this story?” She asked her sister.

Princess Luna placed a hoof on her chin and thought for a moment. Her eyes widened with shock as she answered, “The last time we share this was…over 1,000 years ago! Before my transformation and banishment.”

“Wow that was a long time ago,” Twilight responded. “Sounds like the experience brought you both really close together.”

“It did,” replied Celestia. “That’s why Luna’s descension took me so by surprise.”

Sensing her sister sudden anxiety, Luna did the one thing she felt best. She hugged her big sister and said, “I’m still so sorry about that.”

Celestia hugged Luna back. “Have no fear little sister. It wasn’t your fault. A dark force possessed you and preyed on your negative emotions. I’m just glad you’re back to normal and that we can rule together!”

“Awwwww!” Asserted Sweetie Belle. “That’s so sweet.”

The two princesses giggled. The youngest looked at Sweetie Belle. “So I see one of you is finally able to talk again. My sister and I were wondering how you enjoyed the story.” Explained Luna chuckling softly.

“I loved it!” Answered Sweetie Bell. “You two remind me of my sister and me. We’ve had our ups and downs. That’s for sure.”

“Yep, but like me and Applejack, you two managed to stick together through a really tough time,” Apple Bloom declared smiling happily.

The others all turned their eyes on Scootaloo. The young orange pegasus tilted her head up at the two princesses. Her mouth began to tremble as she exclaimed, “THAT WAS TOTALLY AWESOME!!” She dashed over to Celestia and said, “What a story! It had everything! Action, adventure, an evil monster, magic, a wizard, and that trip to the Everfree Forest! You two have led quite a life!”

Everyone laughed politely at Scootaloo’s abundant enthusiasm. Princess Celestia smiled thoughtfully at the young pony. “I’m glad you enjoyed the story. I hope it’s helped you and your friends find a new source of inspiration,” the pearl white alicorn conveyed.

“Oh you bet it has! Right guys?” Scootaloo asked looking to her fellow crusaders.

Apple Bloom nodded and added, “Oh yeah! That was quite a story! I can’t wait to tell my sister about it! Boy howdy!”

“I know I feel that anything is possible now!” Commented Sweetie Belle still all smiles.

“I’m glad to hear you say that. Just remember – weather you earn your cutie marks today or a couple years from now, as long as you have friends anything is possible!” Declared Celestia proudly.

Scootaloo smiled taking a long look at her two friends. “You know something princess. You’re right. This Cutie Mark Crusade wouldn’t be the same if I didn’t have these two great friends,” she asserted temporarily forgetting she’s not one for mushiness.

Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom both hugged their friend together. “Aww Scootaloo it’s so nice having you as our friend too!” She professed closing her eyes and smiling.

“Sweetie Belle’s right Scootaloo. Together I just know we’ll get our cutie marks and make everyone proud!” Avowed Apple Bloom a newfound inspiration bubbling over in her voice.

Twilight Sparkle smiled proudly. She had done it. The Cutie Mark Crusaders regained their edge and now they could go back to working on earning their cutie marks. “So girls it looks like this story did just as I said it would,” said Twilight still smiling.

“You sure are Twilight! That was such a great story! I fell like I can do anything now!” Exclaimed Scootaloo holding up her hooves in a display of might.

“Dar tootin’, “Replied Apple Bloom.

The three young ponies ran up to the princesses. “Thank Princess Celestia! Thank you Princess Luna!” They all said excitedly in unison.

“You are most welcome my little ponies,” said Celestia lowering her head still smiling as well.

Princess Luna opened her wings proudly and replied, “Glad we could help some of our young subjects. You three so remind me of Celestia and myself when we were your age.”

Twilight Sparkle and three Cutie Mark Crusaders waved good-bye to their beloved princesses as they left the castle. The four of them made they way to the train station. Following the train ride home, they arrived back in Ponyville where their little adventure had started. Twilight stood with them on the same arch bridge as before. “So have you three got any new plans now that you heard that story?” The lavender unicorn asked.

“Nah, not right now,” answered Scootaloo.

“Really?” Questioned Twilight blinking her eyes in confusion.

“She’s right,” added Apple Bloom.

“Yeah,” chimed Sweetie Belle.

“I don’t understand,” spoke Twilight.

“It’s simple,” began Scootaloo looking up at the unicorn. “Luna and Celestia’s story made us all realize something. Anything can happen, especially when you least expect it. So rather than waste the rest of this beautiful day agonizing over our cutie marks…I think we’re just going to go play! Right guys?”

“That sound delightful!” Said Sweetie Belle almost sounding like Rarity.

“Land sakes! Let’s go to the tree house and decide what fun games to play!” Suggested Apple Bloom.

“Race you slow pokes there!” Declared Scootaloo.

“You’re on!” Added Apple Bloom as she and Scootaloo took off down the road.

“Thanks again Twilight!” Sweetie Belle said kindly giving Twilight a big hug.

“Oh you’re very welcome!” Twilight replied jubilantly. “Now why don’t you go join your friends!”

She nodded then ran after Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. “Hey guys wait for me!” Sweetie Belle called after them.

Twilight Sparkle wore a big smile on her face as she walked to the sweet shop. There inside all her friends were gathered. “Hi every pony!” Asserted Twilight happy to see her friends.

“Hey there, sugar cube! We were wondering if you’d make it on time,” said Applejack.

“You know me…I always have time for my friends!” She remarked.

“So what were ya doing?” Asked Pinkie Pie.

“Oh just helping some young ones share the magic of friendship!” Twilight explained still smiling.