Light Fades Fast

Strya lay reading under the light of her magic in the gloomy corner of the library. Lsy was quite right when he said pegasus and earth ponies would be cursed if they entered. There were many magical traps laid out to protect the ancient tomes. Strya snorted in frustration as yet another book failed to reveal any helpful information. How is it possible that such a terrible curse is not even hinted at? Are they stupid? Did no unicorn make the connection between these horrible events and dark magic?

Strya stood and paced the floor, pondering every possible scenario she could think of. This is neither the work of Discord nor Sombra, their magic does not involve death. Come to think of it, is there any power that can manipulate the balance of nature like this? Strya gazed down at her scythe, a deep rage building inside her. How dare they! I am the arbiter of death, no pony, no beast in this world has the power I possess! Just who is this phantom that thinks they can match my power? I will make them rue the day they ever set foot in this town and challenged me!

Fuming Strya looked at the desk laden high with books. I won’t find any information here. The only pony who possesses such extensive knowledge of dark magic is Celestia. Strya stomped her hoof hard against the stone sending echoes throughout the lonely library. I hate that mare! But I must speak with her if I am to learn of this curse. Strya left the library as quickly as the wind, exiting into the dawn light.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………........

Lsy shivered as he trudged through the knee deep snow sparkling in the morning sun. The bitter cold had caused a cough to settle deep in his lungs, making Lsy’s breath sting with every step. He glanced down the street where two fillies, a magenta unicorn and a blue earth pony were playing in the snow. Both were bundled up tightly in their wool jackets and thick boots. Lsy smiled as the two pranced and rolled with glee in their new found toy. They started to throw snow balls at each other when a wet cold fell on Lys’ back. Looking he noticed one of the balls had struck him.

“Sorry mister candle maker!” The magenta unicorn looked at Lsy with embarrassment.

“No worries Misty. You just keep having fun with Crystal.”

Together the two fillies hopped through the snow towards the small lot that doubled as a playground for the children of the street. Lsy could not help but be cheered by the fillies’ presence. At least some ponies are enjoying the weather, he certainly wasn’t. Perhaps when this curse is broken we can convince the pegasi to bring some descent weather our way. Lsy was cheered with the thought as he made his way out of the city.

As he walked Lsy mulled over what Strya had told him. Though he thought long and hard about her last night he could not stop. Strya, had spoken to him agreed to help him. But why? This can’t all be some kind of joke to her can it? Lsy shook his head remembering Strya’s tear-streaked face and knew that couldn’t be true. Strya wants to help every pony as much as I do. She’s lived for hundreds of years just like Celestia. She has to know about this curse. Or does she? What if it is some new dark magic? If that’s the case I hope the two of us are enough to stop it.

Lsy walked onto the ancient bridge and glanced down at the creek that marked the outer edge of the city. Despite the frigid temperature, the fast flowing water had no ice on its’ surface. For the first time in many moons he examined his reflection. The once glossy steel grey coat was now shaggy and unkempt, his mane long and choppy. He looked far too thin, each of his ribs were plainly visible making him appear weaker than he ever had before. Even if we do find out what is causing this how am I ever going to stop it? Strya is powerful to be sure but I can’t rely on her to solve all our problems. I’ve got to do my part too.

Time flew by and before long Lsy was standing outside of Brev’s small cottage on the very edge of the city nearing the countryside. Strya had told him to speak to the elders about the history of the city and Lsy knew no pony better than Brev’s grandfather. An old crafts pony himself, Star Blaze knew more about magic and history than any pony Lsy had met before. However, the old pony always seemed irritated by him so much that Lsy had been afraid to approach the old salt. Lsy sent up a prayer as he knocked on the door.

“Well if it isn’t Lsy hiself? Come on in there scrawny or yer’ll freeze to the step!”

Grateful Lsy stepped inside the warm cabin, knees shaking from the cold. Brev’s wife and two colts were playing a game on the floor using marbles and Star Blaze was sleeping in his rocker by the fire. Smiling the white unicorn stood shaking her long lilac mane out of her eyes, “Well Lsy, it’s been a while hasn’t it?”

“Yes it has Sapphire. How are you and the kids?”

“Oh just fine, the boys and I were having a quick game of marbles before they went out to play.” Turning to the boys, “Go on out and join the Cooper boys. Us adults want to catch up with some boring conversation.”

The largest green colt stood, “Sure Mom! Come on Larkspur or we’ll be late!” Together the colts grabbed their coats and trotted out of the door.

Sapphire stared at Lsy’s shaking legs and gave a start. “Why Lsy you didn’t come all the way out here without a coat did you? For heaven’s sake come and warm yourself by the fire!”

Grateful Lsy settled himself on the warm rug by the hearth and listened as Sapphire detailed the proceedings of the past few weeks. Lsy listened politely until Brev cut her off. “Fer heavin’s sake darlin’, ya want ter talk the kid’s ear off? He don’t give a hoot ‘bout the neighborly preceedin’s of yer filly friends.”

The mare gave a frustrated snort and moved to a door at the back of the cabin, “Guess I’ll go finish the mending. Let me know if you want something to drink Lsy.” Lsy smiled back as the mare left the room.

“Ah, that mare!” Brev chuckled softly. “So what ya come all the way out ‘ere fer Lsy? Ya getting’ eager ‘bout that project of ours?”

“No, I didn’t come about the cart Brev. I actually had more serious business.”

“Ah Lsy there ya go again. Bound and determined to turn a jolly ol’ situation into a right tragedy. This ‘bout that pegasus that got killed last morin’? I was just glad we decided ter stay home. Don’t want the boys ter see that kind of stuff. Aint right, ya know? They’re just too young…”

“Well yes and no…” Should I tell Brev about Strya? He probably wouldn’t believe me if I did. But it’s worth a shot. Lsy took a deep breath, glancing at Star Blaze with uncertainty. He lowered his voice, “you see Brev the other day I met this mare…”

Brev’s face spread to a wide smirk, “Aha! I knew it. Little Lsy has finally grown up! What she like anywho? What’s her name? She must be somethin’ for ya ter come all the way out here ter tell me ‘bout her.”

“It’s not like that Brev, just listen to what I’m saying. Her name is Strya, I met her the other night after the first storm.” Lsy paused remembering, “Brev I’ve never seen a mare like her, not once. She’s small but delicate, like a china figurine and as white as the purest snow. She spoke with such authority and yet had a gentleness that would soothe even the most troubled hearts. If only you had seen her Brev!”

“She sounds wonderful Lsy but why are ya such a dolt? Didn’t ya ask ter see her again?”

“You don’t understand Brev. She’s not the kind of pony you just meet and chat with. Strya is…she’s an alicorn Brev.”

“What? Now look ‘ere Lsy, there ain’t no way in all of Equestia that you met with an alicorn. After all, every pony who’s ever lived knows there are only two alicorns alive. One is trapped in the moon and the other sits in her peaceable little kingdom and watches the city burn. Now ya aint’ right in the head Lsy! If she weren’t Celestia than there’s no way that this Strya was an alicorn.”

“I’m telling you Brev she is an alicorn! I saw her I spoke to her. The reason why you’ve never heard of her is that she purposely stays invisible to the world. By some fluke of nature I was able to see her.”

“Oh really Lsy? Yer tellin’ me that for some reason unbeknown to the rest of the ponies of the world there’s this pretty little alicorn running around invisible? What’s her job then? She some kind of fairy grants wishes to us? Well she ain’t doin’ a very good job.”

Lsy stuttered, ears back submissively against Brev’s outburst, “Her job…her job is…”

“That’s right! She don’t have one does she? She’s just a figment of yer imagination. For God’s sake Lsy I knew you was weird but I never thought you was this weird. All this time I been stickin’ up fer’ ya tellin’ my Ma and Pa you was just lonely cause yer parent’s didn’t pay attention to ya. But this Lsy, this is just wrong! Ya think you’re so special that now you can see this little fairy pony that us dumb common ponies is too stupid ta notice. Well yer wrong! I’m just as smart as you mister ‘I have a promise mark’! I’ve had just about enough of yer yammerin'!”

There was a harsh clatter of banging pans then a loud voice, “Be quiet Brev!” Both stallions turned, shocked to see Star Blaze glowering at them and using his magic to bang the pans hanging from the ceiling together. Slowly the old unicorn walked up to Brev, “Ya don’t know the story Brev so don’t pretend to. This one…” He nodded to Lsy, “has a point. This mare ya saw Lsy, did she carry a scythe?”

Lsy flushed and stood, “Yes sir. Her promise mark was a scythe and she carried a large and ancient scythe.”

The old unicorn frowned knowingly. “So ya saw her. The mare of death. My Grandma used to tell me stories ‘bout her. ‘Bout how right before ya die ya see this beautiful pale horse and how she uses a scythe to take ya to the next world. Ya really are somethin’ Lsy-”

Star Blaze's voice grew cold, magic swirling around him, "-Ya saw the mare of death and have the gull to come darken my good family's doorstep! Don't ya know that any pony who sees her is doomed to cause death and misfortune to whoever they meet?"

Lsy stood backing away from the unicorn, ears flat. "I didn't know Star Blaze...I just thought...I thought I ought to tell Brev about her."

"I always knew ya was cursed Lsy but this confirms it! That mare is despair itself and ya been talking to her! I put up with ya cause Brev fancies ya but this is it! Get out and never darken this doorstep again!"

With a clatter Lsy cantered out the door. Brev stared incredulously at Star Blaze.“Ya’ mean to say he’s tellin’ the truth Grandpa?”

“Sure as I live and breathe he is Brev. Ya’ ought ter pay more attention ta my stories boy.” Turning the old stallion sat back down sullenly.

"But why would ya chase him out like that Grandpa? Lsy ain't done nothin' wrong! Ya saying you believe that he's cursed now?"

"Of course he's cursed Brev! Open yer eyes fer once! What other reason is there for that mark he has?"

Brev frowned and trotted towards the door, "Well I ain't as hard-headed as ya are Grandpa! Geez, even if he is cursed it ain't like he's tryin' ta' be!"

Lsy walked slowly back the road head hung low. Now he'd done it, and there was no chance to get the information Strya asked for. Star Blaze's words echoed in Lsy's head like the ringing of thousands of bells. Lsy shook all over, realization setting in. I am the only pony who can see Strya and the only pony in this entire town with a promise mark. Star Blaze is right, my seeing her can't be a good premonition. And yet... despite being the specter of death she seems to be the only pony willing to help.

Lsy started when he heard Brev's heavy steps in the snow. The blue unicorn huffed and and gasped for air. "Lsy, don't...don't go off and do somthin' rash!"

"Rash, what are you talking about Brev?"

"Well I figured ya had left to go talk ta that ghost mare of yours."

"Oh, so you believe me now do you?"

"Well I reckon I do... But really Lsy, Grandpa wouldn't have gone and warned us 'bout that mare if she weren't dangerous."

"Maybe, maybe not. All I know is that she's the only pony with enough power and knowledge to stop this city's suffering."

"Stop it? Lsy this city always been this way, one little mare ain't gonna change that!"

"No it hasn't Brev!  I discovered that this city was once as prosperous and healthy as Canterlot. It's obvious to any pony that looks around at all the buildings and shops."

"Well what happened then?"

"I don't know but that's what I intend to find out with her help."

Brev sighed, "Lsy ya just don't get it do ya? What if there isn't a cure? What then eh? Ya gonna sell your soul to that specter in the process?" Brev leaned down and smiled at Lsy. "I love ya like a brother Lsy. Just let this ol' mare out of yer head and live yer life to the fullest."

"I won't make any promises but I'll try."

"Good lad Lsy. I'll se ya later then!"

"Bye!"

Lsy continued back towards his stand, heart heavy. What would become of him if he kept working with Strya? The mare had told him to leave her be. But then... Lsy couldn't get the image of Strya's tears out of his head. How could a pony capable of such compassion at the same time bring misfortune on all she touches? Well, I'll just have to seek the truth for myself.