The Stars Shall Aid in Her Escape

The Stars Shall Aid in Her Escape

Prologue

It was dark.

Normally this would hardly be worth mentioning since it’s always dark in the middle of the night. Yet, there was something different about this darkness. It wasn’t so much a sight as it was a feeling. It was damp and thick, almost as though it was attempting to suffocate all signs of life in the library it enveloped. Nothing seemed able to fully penetrate it. Not the moonlight peeking through the window, or the stars gleaming above. Not even the small candle in the corner was able to illuminate any more than a few feet around it, just enough to reveal the area in front of the only sign of life within the library, a pony searching through a rather large stack of books.

Although you couldn’t clearly see her face in the darkness, it was obvious that the pony was frustrated. The way that she quickly fanned through book after book, tossing them aside after her search of their contents turned futile gave away her true feelings. Just as quickly as she got rid of one book she’d have levitated another into its place and began scanning its pages. This process continued, as book after book briefly graced the table in front of her before being thrown away. Over time, the books began to be tossed with more and more force, as books were speedily being moved from one pile to another. Finally with a grunt of exasperation, the pony hurled the last book at the others.

Frustration no longer accurately described the pony’s expression. Anger had replaced that emotion several books ago. Fool! She thought to herself. How could you have let yourself be beaten twice?

She had every reason to be angry with herself. It had been just over a year since she had set her devilish plan in motion. It had been an incredibly risky plan as well, releasing such great and powerful evils into the world, but it was the only way that she could obtain the power that they held. Through clenched teeth she scowled at herself. If only I’d had more time, she brooded. But no, Celestia and her little pets had to step in and foil everything!

In her fury, she kicked the pile of books she’d collected next to her, scattering the pile with several loud thuds. From the corner of the room, a small bundle snorted and stirred from the noise. Instantly, the pony tensed up and held her breath, eyeing the small creature carefully. Thankfully though, the baby dragon’s love for sleep overcame his interest in the ruckus, and he soon was softly snoring again.

Once she was certain the creature was sleeping again, she allowed herself to relax, even managing a small chuckle in the process. Relax, she consoled herself. Not everything is completely lost. After all, neither Celestia nor her precious Elements of Harmony have suspected me or my true intentions.

The thought of the Elements of Harmony turned her mood slightly sour again. Clearly they were the source of all of her troubles. She would have to figure out some way to deal with them, and soon, before they ruined everything again. An evil smile spread on her face as she imagined the sort of evils she would subject them to once she obtained the ultimate power. It was only a matter of time after all. Each day brought her one step closer to bringing forth eternal darkness and the power that came with it. And once she had it, there would be no pony in Equestria that could bring her down. Even the great and powerful Celestia would be forced to bow before her at that day.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a distant rooster crowing, signifying the end of the night and the breaking dawn. The pony grimaced at the sound. Her time that evening was over. Quickly and quietly she gathered up the books scattered across the floor and returned them to their proper place on each shelf. Once satisfied, she returned to the desk and reorganized it, leaving no trace of her nights studies. As she did she attempted to rebuild her resolve. Patience, she told herself. You’ve waited almost 500 years for this day, another couple of months won’t kill you. Soon enough the very power of the devil will be in your hooves. She couldn’t help was laugh softly at the thought. Leaning in to the desk, her distinct purple mane with pink highlights glowed in the candlelight. She gave an evil grin, and uttered a single word before blowing out the candle.

“Soon.”

Orion awoke with a start.