The Edge Of Harmony

by Alazak

Rating: everyone
Tags: Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Tragedy, Adventure, Sad, Main 6
Length: 69369

Pearl a pony with a head full of stories travels to Ponyville to meet her child hood hero.

Pearl, a pony with a head full of stories from her child hood hero travels to Ponyville to fulfill her dream of meeting Twilight Sparkle. But nothing would have prepared her for what would transpire.

Published 2012-04-05 20:54:03 UTC
Last updated 2013-02-09 13:38:57 UTC

CH 2

The train ride was excruciatingly long. Every moment was a moment that kept her away from her dream, but every passing mile was a mile closer to it. How many years had she dreamed of this, to meet Twilight Sparkle? From the moment she was told the story of Nightmare Moon and how Twilight had braved great dangers to gather the legendary Elements of Harmony to vanquish the everlasting night.

Pearl's mother had been in Canterlot years before she was born and had seen Twilight Sparkle and her companions in passing at a summer sun festival. Her mother had always told her that Twilight Sparkle was a real pony and the tales that Twilight had written in her book were true; the confrontation with an Ursa Minor, chasing away a dragon that threatened to cover Equestria with its darkening smoke. Pearl flipped through her treasure. She recounted the pages as they passed by, so many stories, each one bringing a torrent of pleasant memories.

“Oh my, that's a very thick book.” a soft velvet voice broke her reminiscing. Pearl shook her head and looked over to the owner. A light peach Pegasus hiding in her long golden blonde mane. “I'm sorry, my mother always told me it was rude to interrupt but I've never seen some one look so happy reading a book before.” She was a lot younger than Pearl, by at least a few years.

“It’s fine,” Pearl smiled to the stranger. “My mother always told me to speak your mind and reach out to new ponies.” Pearl put her book away and turned back to the peach Pegasus. “I'm Pearl, daughter of Coffee Pot and daughter of Tea Kettle; we run an antique store in the greater Manehatten area.” It was too much for her new friend, her head was swimming with attempting to process the info, “Oh my, are you alright?” Pearl got up and went to her.

“I'm... I'm Autumn Breeze, My father is...” Pearl stopped her.

“There is no need for all that; I get a little carried away,” Pearl's smile got even bigger. “Where will the train take you? I'm on my way to Ponyville. And why are you on a train?” Pearl thought for a moment, “I thought the Pegasus flew everywhere. I even heard they laugh at the earthbound ponies in their lack of 'freedom'?” Autumn blushed and hid in her hair.

“I can't fly.” Autumn said softer than a whisper. Pearl was taken aback. A Pegasus that can't fly, that's unheard of. “Well it’s not completely true, it’s more like I'm afraid to.” That was even more of a shock, could it be true. If this wasn’t happening in front of her she would have laughed it off.

The two sat in silence for a moment. Afraid to fly, no way, was it possible. She had always loved the stories of the fabulous Wonderbolts and actually saw them in Manehatten a few years ago, there captain was amazing. She can remember the rainbow trail left in her wake as she passed through the black storm clouds of her team. The fierce determination in her movements as if she could escape from the world, it was magical.

“Are you there?” Autumn was waving a hoof in front of Pearl's lost face. “Is it so shocking,” Pearl snapped from her memories and into a look of sheer will. Autumn cringed a little.

“Autumn Breeze,” Pearl stood on her hind legs, startling Autumn. “I have an eye for things that are more than they appear, and I can see more about you than you can ever realize. Come with me to Ponyville. Fear is only the dark keeping out the light of life.” Autumn had no idea what to say. Pearl held out her hoof to her. Autumn was completely caught up in the moment, her eyes widened to the spectacle in front of her. She took her hoof and stood with Pearl. “That a girl.” Pearl put her hoof around the peach Pegasus and pointed to the passing scenery. “Flight could surely be yours if you reach for it, mother always said there is nothing in the way of your dreams if you don’t let them distract you.”

“You’re a strange filly Pearl,” Pearl giggled and gave a toothy grin. “We'll see each other again, I promise.” Autumn freed herself from Pearls overzealous dream and trotted down the aisle to another cart and out of sight.
Passing her came an official pony wearing a blue transit uniform; his dark gray coat was nicely trimmed as was his short black and white mane, topped with a hat.

“Ponyville, next stop. Ponyville have all your belongings ready, and thank you for using The Manehattan Express.” This was it; Twilight Sparkle was only a few moments away.

The train pulled up to its destination. A quaint little place, the Ponyville train depot. The Manehatten station was massive compared to the brightly colored single arrival station in her new home to be. A lot less ponies filled the area than she expected and only a few exited the train also. She searched for Autumn Breeze but to no avail. How hard was a peach flightless Pegasus to find? She gathered her belongings from the terminal and headed into town. The excitement of all the new things to see and the beginning of her search were quickly met with fatigue. She hadn't eaten since she left this morning and the weight of her bags was sapping her strength and her excitement. She looked around and saw she had made it to the center of town. The buildings were an old colonial style, mix matched coloring was a pleasant view to the solid gray of her home town. The town reflected itself on to its residents, the bustle of the towns folk were lively and vibrant. They smiled and spoke in a sort of singsong roar.

Pearl sat in an open air cafe. The strain was too much; she needed food and a rest from the long trip. “Welcome to the Sugarcube Corner Cafe. Can I get you something?” Pearl rolled her head back to see a tall yellow stallion wearing a funny stripped hat.

“Uhh, yeah. A dandelion sandwich and water, please.” The waiter disappeared and left Pearl to her luggage and thoughts. “I'm finally here; I always imagined it to be exactly like this. And Twilight had described it well.” Pearl turned when she heard the waiter return and spill her water.

“Did you say, Twilight? As in Twilight Sparkle?” The waiter had a paler complexion to him.

“Yes I've moved here to find her,” Pearls eyes lit up. “Do you know her?” The waiter wiped up the water and replaced the glass with a spare. “My mother told me she still lived here in Ponyville.” She reached for her water and noticed a sparkler in a cupcake. “I don't remember ordering that. It's pretty though.”

“You’re new in town. I can tell and it's what she would have wanted. And yes, Twilight still lives in the old library, but that’s a lost cause.” He turned and left Pearl alone perplexed at his words and the sparkling sugary confection. “Welcome to Ponyville.” He called as the swinging doors closed behind him.

With her energy restored, Pearl took her things and set out in to the small town. It was all she could do to not race up to every one she saw and ask directions to her dream. It was a small town and according to the stories the elder oak tree that served as Twilight’s home was somewhere in the center of the square. Her mind still hung heavily on what the yellow stallion said 'lost cause'. What in Equestria could that mean? Her bag was still heavy though, maybe stopping by the junk store was a better idea. She could drop her things off and see where it was so she could resume the search on a lighter hoof. “More detours,” she said aloud as she pulled the address from her saddle bag and looked to her new destination. “Now if I was a junk store where would I be?” She scratched her head as she joked to herself.

“You would be across the bridge on the other side of the park. It's not far really,” There was that velvet voice again interrupting her train of thought.

“Autumn Breeze?” Pearl turned to see the peach Pegasus behind her. She happily trotted over to Autumn and gave her a hug. “I looked all over the station for you. You should have said you were getting off here and we could have come together.” Pearl looked over Autumn's shoulder to see an older cream yellow mare Pegasus behind her watching from a safe distance. “Hello?” Pearl called out to her.

“Pearl, this is my mother, Fluttershy. And mother, this is Pearl. She's the pony I meet on the train. She's going to be staying at the Pots Emporium that was opened in town.” Pearl looked at the two Pegasi side by side, a perfect match siding the color of their coats and mane, even down to the scared and weak look in their eyes. Not a helplessness that makes you feel bad for them but a look that you would sacrifice the world to protect.

“Fluttershy, why does that name sound so familiar?” Pearl looked at Fluttershy. There was something haunting about her; she was defiantly Autumn's mother. It kind of made Pearl chuckle to herself. Even the feel of the pony’s character felt like she’s known her whole life. “Pleased to meet you. Then maybe after I put my things up you can help me locate the Oak Tree Library?” Pearl looked at the pair of pegasi to see them stare blankly at her. “What? I'm sorry did... I … say something wrong?” Pearl cocked her head to one side as Fluttershy stepped forward.

“Autumn, love, take Pearl's things to the emporium and head home. I'd like to talk to your new friend.” Fluttershy gave them both a sad smile that filled Pearl with dread. Autumn did as she was told and hurried off with Pearl's things. “Don't worry Pearl, she’s a good pony and will get your things to your home without delay. But enough with that, tell me why would you want to find the old library?”

“I... I came all the way from Manehatten to meet my childhood hero, Twilight Sparkle.” The two ponies walked along through town and Fluttershy could only smile. The whole time putting Pearl a little on edge. “I grew up with the book she wrote and always wanted to meet her, because my mother had told me she was real and living in this town just like the book.” It was strange but Pearl felt as if she could tell this pony she had only meet a moment ago anything and feel safe.

“Oh, her book is what brought you all the way from Manehatten?” Fluttershy smiled again. “And what of her companions, Butterfly, Pink Smile, Beauty Gemstone, Rainbow Flash, and Apple Orchard?” Wait, she knew the characters from the book also, had she read it too? It was a bittersweet silence as they passed through town. The sun began to fall as they approached their destination. “Oh my, look, we're here.” They stopped in front of an ancient decrypt tree in the midst of town.

It looked horrid, its withered exterior clashed with the brightness of the surrounding town. The tree seemed to be dying; it was unkempt and gave off an aura that made Pearl shiver. It wasn't possible; the tree was nothing as she had read about. She tried to take in this new sight. Although the sign was set to open and the aged candle out front was lit to welcome visitors. It didn’t seem very inviting.

“I don't understand. This can’t be the old oak library I've read so much about.” Pearl reached for her book but remembered it was in her saddle bags that she gave to Autumn Breeze. But still, this couldn't be right.

“It does seem very wrong, right?” Fluttershy's voice trailed away into a sorrowful tone. Pearl began to approach the derelict tree in a sort of daze. “It's no use; the sign will change to closed if you get too close.” Fluttershy reached out to the distressed Pearl. And with that it did, as Pearl approached the open sign and the candle on the front door went out, looking as if no one was there to operate the establishment. “It's been like that for years. Even the door is locked and won't open even if you force it.” Fluttershy saw Pearl's eyes begin to water as if she was going to cry. “Oh, don't do that dear, you'll make me cry too.”

“This can't be right, everything is so wrong.” She stared at the tree in complete disbelief. Pearl fought back the tears. “That strange pony in the park with the hat was right.” She approached the door and tried to open it. Nothing. Not a budge. Not even movement in the old tree to tell if anyone was home. “I saved my whole life to come here and even convinced my father that I would fulfill my dream and be happy. I came this far I can’t let this stop me.” Pearl bucked the door a couple of times and still to no avail. After tiring herself out she leaned against the library door and began to sob softly. “The stories, they never said anything like this. To think, I was so naive to think it would be this easy.” She sat up and began to walk away from the tree toward Fluttershy who was waiting with tears of her own and open arms. Pearls face was stained with the tears of defeat. She only got a few feet from the shattered dream when the library door owned slightly, both Fluttershy and Pearl turned to look toward the darkness. A single purple hoof stretched through the crack, in it held a small book.

Fluttershy ran to the door, past Pearl, as the door slammed shut and locked again, dropping the book to the ground. “TWILIGHT, please come out. I miss you.” Fluttershy cried out as she beat her hoofs against the barrier. “You don’t need to do this to yourself anymore, please.” Fluttershy leaned against the door and cried.

Pearl was lost with the moment. A warning from her home town, a slight clue as she arrived, she even remembered Silver and Diamond from home they use to live here was it connected? There was more happening than she thought possible. What had happened to her hero? Fluttershy knew her and seemed very close to Twilight. Fluttershy had her own tears to wipe away as Pearl went to help the fallen mare up she kicked the book that was pushed from the darkness. 'The Fall of Friendship - by Twilight Sparkle' Pearl picked it up. She read the cover and thought to her collection. She had never heard of this one, it sounded much darker than all of her previous works. Was it a rare volume, perhaps an unreleased work? But that didn't matter at the moment. Fluttershy went to get up and Pearl rushed to her side.

“Just how long has she been in there like that, Ms. Fluttershy?” Pearl asked as the two ponies escaped from the tragic scene. It was all too disheartening for Pearl. This all couldn't be her hero. Twilight Sparkle, a hermit in the center of a town, and no one seeming to want to help. What had happened? The waiter at Sugarcube Corner giving a cryptic warning, the orange pony with the hat in Manehatten warning her even before coming this far. What was it all about?

“Along time dear, longer than it should be for any pony. Especially her.” Fluttershy answered as they approached a large light bluish building, her voice as distant as her eyes. “Pots Emporium,” She read out the sign, as she wiped her eyes. The Pots Emporium was a fitting match to the rest of the surrounding towns buildings a large front window was covered. “I take it this is yours?” they stood outside the front door. There were lights on in the place and they could hear someone trotting around on the inside. It had been some time and Luna’s moon had risen to cover Ponyville in its beauty. “That must be Autumn, I told that girl to head home.” Fluttershy laughed as she took a deep breath and went inside.

Pearl stepped into her new home; it reminded her of the junk store back home. Except there was an excitement about as Autumn looked at all of the antiques with excitement. It’s like she had never seen anything like it before. A lot were still in boxes but the larger pieces stood out and gained great admiration from the peach Pegasus. Pearl had finally noticed Autumn's cutie mark; three red maple leaves blowing across her flank Pearl thought to herself a calming mark for someone running about like a mad pony. It was nice to see her happy as Pearl had just been apart of miserable scene moments before.

“Mother, have you seen such wonderful things before?” Autumn cried out her voice louder than Pearl had ever heard it. “Clocks and spoons, and tea pots. Their all so pretty.” Pearl blushed a little; she had never seen a younger pony so excited about old junk.

“No Autumn, I haven't,” Fluttershy smiled to her daughter, Autumn hopped up to Fluttershy and her eyes were wild with excitement. Fluttershy brushed Autumn's misplaced hair from her face. “Well, Rarity had a fancy tea set a long time ago, but I think Sweetie Belle broke a couple of cups when she was learning magic.” Fluttershy giggled to herself as she recalled the memories of Rarity’s twisted face as she tried to encourage the young unicorn but wanted to cry for her tea cup. “And what about going home after running that errand?” Fluttershy gave Autumn a stern gaze that made the Pegasus cringe.

“I'm sorry mom. I just got caught up in all this.” Autumn held her hoof out and scanned the boxes. “There so wonderful, elegance of elder craftsmanship.” Autumn sat after the overexertion. “But I am sorry mother, you look distressed?” Autumn rushed to Fluttershy's side. “You didn't go there again, did you? That is a place of lost hope.” She held her mother tight. “Twilight is lost to us, a closed off champion that let a single mistake destroy her.” Autumn could feel the warm tears drop to her shoulder.

“This can't be. I dreamed for so long of meeting her and one day myself following her as a hero, to help those that need it to right wrongs that no one else can stand against.” Pearl held her head low as she passed the pair of Pegasi. “Am I a lost cause as well?” She closed the door to the upper living level of the store. Fluttershy and Autumn Breeze collected themselves and left Pearl to her thoughts.

How, how was this possible, so many things were processing through Pearls mind. She searched for the answer; she turned to the only comfort. She went back into the dark store to search out her book; surely it would bring her some comfort. She rummaged in the dark for her saddle bag, but as she thought about the book cold realization shot through her. How would the words of a recluse that closed herself off to the world bring her any comfort? She was lost in the darkness. She sat against the wall and sighed. She started to cry softly and kicked the bag violently. It flew across the room and dislodged the old tomb; it slid and landed next to another book. “Damn her, she did this. How did all this happen?” Pearl went to retrieve her treasure. “The Fall of Friendship?” the title slowly came to her. The tree and the darkness that gave forth the prize. “So tell me Twilight, how far did you fall?”

CH 3

A week had passed by and Pearl finally got her store set up thanks to her new friend, Autumn. There was junk everywhere, the jumbled mess of antiques reminded Pearl of her home in Manehatten. Every day, Autumn appeared and seemed to be overwhelming happy to help. She bound from here to there hastily placing objects on shelves. Her happy shy presence was little to break Pearl from her broken dream. A constant stream of questions from the peach pegasus about her Manehatten home to her family had flooded her days. She had a lot of time to talk to Fluttershy but she mainly spoke of her animals which she seemed to have a lot of wandering her home. Mostly injured and in need of attention and others that seemed to just linger in the warmth of the yellow pegasus' love. She had only visited a few times to see Autumn but every time was meet with a glare from about a half dozen white rabbits watching her every movement. It was funny that they intimidated her so, but Fluttershy told her it was their father that had done the same. Autumn called them guardian angels, a joke only Autumn and her mother seemed to understand.

Since the store had opened, she had a flood of the local town’s ponyfolk come to see the strange Manehatten wares. In a small way, the residents were able to welcome the new resident; they would give a happy welcome and browse her things. They meet her with happy cheery smiles and the best wishes, but Pearl only gave a dead hollow smile back. She tried with everything she had to make them feel as if she felt the same. But her mind was far off in a small paper world of betrayal and lies.

The tattered book Twilight had left her was confusing, it was mostly hoof/magic written, it followed no clear path and the words were hard to swallow. It was clear that she had driven those around her to despise her and hate her for something she couldn't decipher. A tragic decision that she had prepared for, but in its execution she failed to hold together. The book had read more as if it were a diary than a novel/story book. It was all so confusing, she would go on and on about the shattering of harmony. The book in its entirety was dark and grim at some points, it made Pearl shiver to think if it were real. That was until she came across a name that made her break into a cold sweat. One word leapt from the page and shook her to her very being, Fluttershy. It was Autumns mother. The yellow cream pegasus was mentioned several times throughout the jumbled work. The tiny tear stains smudged the hoof scratched writings 'I'm sorry'. Over and over next to it and other names as well; Rarity, which she recalled Fluttershy mentioning the name that first night, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash. She had spent her nights with the book trying to make out what the fall of friendship was and how it related to Twilight's situation.

In that week since moving to Ponyville, Pearl had gotten to know Autumn Breeze very well. If Pearl wasn't working during the morning or piecing together Twilight’s unusual book, she spent her days wandering Ponyville with her friend. Pearl had always wondered how Autumn's peers saw her as a flightless pegasus, Autumn really didn't seem to mind a few questions about her fear of flying. She said she had been in Cloudsdale when she was small and fell through a thin patch of cloud, she was saved by her father but it left her unable to use her wings since. Pearl felt bad for her friend but she seemed happy, Autumn said her mother didn't like flying much either so it wasn't all bad.

“So Autumn, where are we going today?” The two ponies traveled a dirt road that seemed to lead forever out of town and surrounded by the most beautiful apple orchard she had ever seen, not that she had seen many apple farms in her time. “It's a beautiful scene, to think something like this exists outside a book is breathtaking.” Pearl looked to the trees and inhaled the sweet sent of fresh apples.

“We're going to meet a friend of my mom's. Since mom doesn’t like to talk about Twilight, maybe she will.” Pearl gave Autumn a quizzical look, she only gave Pearl a little smile back, “I've only ever meet her once but she was...” Autumn sank into her hair as she recalled her encounter with her mother’s friend. “Well, mother said she wasn't always that way.” her voice barely a whisper. Finally they had come over a small hill and the farm had come into view 'Sweet Apple Acres,' a grand sign over the entrance gate read.

They looked over the farm, its’ very stylistic traditional buildings were straight out of a children’s picture book, Pearl giggled to herself. It was very cliché in its grandeur she thought to herself. But as Pearl looked more, the fields of apple trees spread further than she could even see. But the name still nagged at the back of Pearl's mind, she strained to think where she had heard it, a few good hoof taps to the noggin and then it finally came to her.

“I've heard of them.” Pearl finally recalled the name from a street vendor on her usual route to school back in Manehatten. It was only a single apple but the taste was magical, unforgettable even. “I had one of their apples back in Manehatten, it was indescribable.” she flashed back to that moment as one of the new vendors greeted her as she had purchased a random trinket and had offered her the shiny treat as thanks to his first customer. To think the place it came from was here in Ponyville.

As they approached the front gate they were met by a farmhand mare, Pearl figured. She was a light yellow that reminded her of Fluttershy but she had a deep red mane that was set in curls tied back in a bright red ribbon. A toolbox with a flower adorned her flank. The pony was a little older than Pearl herself. “Well howdy tha'r Autumn. What brings ya out ta Sweet Apple Acres?” The pony’s southern drawn accent struck her as very in place but not quite fitting with the rest of the townsfolk and also strangely familiar. She wiped the sweat from her brow and placed a hammer back into her tool box. “And who be yer new friend?” The farmhand looked Pearl over. “I'm Apple Bloom.” She held out a hoof to greet Pearl.

“I'm Pearl; I run the emporium in town.” Pearl shook hooves with Apple Bloom, she had a strong firm shake to her greeting.

“Is your sister back from her trip?” Autumn asked as the two finished their greeting. “We need to see her, it’s important.”

“Yep, just got back.” She picked up her toolbox and started for the farm house. “Come on now. We'll go see her together.” The two ponies followed and headed for the massive red farm house in the center of the main property. The farm house had stood the test of time and many trials. Pearl could tell from just looking at it. It was a well maintained home without much wear or tare. Most likely thanks to Apple Bloom, Pearl could feel she was good with a tool kit.
The three entered the house and were met by a massive pony, the likes of which Pearl had never seen. He was a huge red stallion that dwarfed all three of them. He wore a large yoke and had a half cut green apple mark on him. Autumn got closer to Pearl as he approached. He gave off a presence of pure authority; he looked to Pearl and smiled.

“Ya headed to the fields there Big Mac?” Apple Bloom asked as they approached.

“Eyup.” He responded as he passed them and went out in to the orchard. His voice was deep and assertive sealing his authority.

They went up the stairs and to a long hallway. Apple Bloom knocked on the door they stopped at. “Applejack? Ya got visitors.” Pearl felt a chill run down her spine as Apple Bloom called out that name, she had been named numerous times in the Fall Of Friendship. Hoof scratched apples danced across the pages that described how Twilight let honesty slip away from her life. Pearl looked at the door, three apples adorned the front of it and the strange red blotches that she saw on the pages started to make since. The door opened and more surprises hit her like a runaway apple cart.
“Well, I'll be hogtied and left in the rodeo. If it isn't that book filly from Manehatten.” There stood Applejack, who wore the same cowboy hat she had seen only a week earlier. She was the pony in the park after her graduation. The orange pony and Pearl could only stare at each other in shock.

“You know this here pony sis?” Both Apple Bloom and Autumn Breeze stared at the two ponies in question.
“Somethin like that. Come in, ya’ll didn't come all tha way from Manehatten just ta stand in ma doorway, now did ya?” The four ponies stepped into Applejacks office. The walls were covered in framed newspaper clippings and pictures with dozens of ponies. But one particular stood out from the rest, it had been turned around to face the wall. Papers were strung about and set into piles and organized chaos, if you would call it that. “So...” Pearl snapped out of her daze 'Pearl' she filled in her host's gap. “So, Pearl, what brings you all the way out to Ponyville from the big city bustle?” Applejack sat and so did the other three ponies.

“This,” Pearl retrieved her book from her saddle bag and laid it on Applejacks desk. “You’re Apple Orchard from the stories, aren’t you?” Apple Bloom looked nervous. Applejack looked to the old tome and leaned back in her chair. Pearl had a serious look to her as Applejack pulled the book closer.

“Ah told ya this thang would only bring tears.” She looked to Apple Bloom. She looked as if she could have killed her with her icy glare. “Why don't you take Autumn and go see the new pups. I'd like a moment with our new friend here.” Apple Bloom and Autumn both rushed from the office and closed the door behind them. “Ta think that filly Ah meet in Manehatten turned up at ma front door with this accursed thang in tow.” Applejack picked up the book and flipped through it lazily. “So yar a fan of 'ers, Ah see.” Applejack silently chuckled and sat the book down.

“That was the reason I came to Ponyville in the first place. I dreamed of meeting my foalhood hero.” Pearl was trying to gauge the cowpony's stern face.

“Oh,” Applejack set the book down; a sly smile crept to her face. “And how did that turn out?” she waited for the answer she already knew was coming.

“Tears,” Pearl shied away a little. “And this,” Pearl went back into her bag and pulled the beaten and battered book from its’ recess. “It all doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. I’ve tried to ask Autumn's mother, but she always changes the subject.” Applejack's smile died out a little and was replaced with sorrow.

“Poor Fluttershy, she took it hard.” Applejack reached for the new book, and hoofed through it. “Ah wasn't much tha egghead like Twilight, and this looks ta be a mess. What is it?” She returned the book to Pearl. “She was, is, one of ma very best friends. Twilight.” Pearl could almost see a tear form in the hardened pony’s eye. “Her and tha others. Fluttershy, Rainbow, Pinkie and that prissy Rarity. And Twilight was tha lynch pin that held us all together.” Applejack walked to the flipped picture and pulled it from the wall and handed it to Pearl. It was a bright and cheery photo of six friends standing in front of a lively oak tree library. There was more smiles and cheer in that photo than Pearl had ever thought possible, Pearl saw both Fluttershy and Applejack, they were so young and vibrant in their youth. “We had done so much good for Equestria, all tha stories in yer book there are true, to a point.” Applejack's voice became very somber as she stared out the window overlooking her farm. “After we had done so much for Equestria, they still hadn't really recognized tha heroes involved. So Twilight sought ta fit ta tell them all, in tha only way she knew how. So, she started ta write them stories. But, something went wrong. She had changed tha names of those involved except herself and made tha rest of us look like foals. We didn't understand, Twilight thought she had done tha right thing, but some of us lashed out at her viciously.” She stared at her hoof as tear fell to the floor. “Ah was no exception. Ah struck her, and it was tha most painful moment of ma life. But it paled in comparison with what had happened between Rainbow and Twi. After that, Twilight lost it.” Applejack looked to Pearl, she had just as many tears as did Pearl. The Falls words all started to make since.

“And I cut loyalty to the bone. They couldn't understand, I did it all for them. I did it...” Pearl began to recite the words from the Fall of Friendship but was cut short.

“It was a terrible day, please say no more. Now sugar cube, I’ve got work to finish.” Applejack opened the office door and both a sobbing Apple Bloom and Autumn fell into the room. Applejack didn't even acknowledge their presence as she watched Pearl leave. “Fluttershy can forgive 'er, but it’s in tha nature of kindness ta do so, and know it was all a mistake but,” Pearl turned and looked at her as she replaced the picture back facing the wall. “Until she can forgive herself, Ah'm not sure if she'll ever come back ta us.” Apple Bloom and Autumn rushed out of the office and into the hallway as Pearl shut the door leaving Applejack alone with her tears.

“Mother always told me Twilight wasn't a bad pony, just a little lost. We all get lost sometimes.” Autumn peeked from her long blonde mane.

“All my chores are done, wanna go get something to eat? I'm sure Sugar Cube Corner has a fresh batch of cupcakes ready by now.” Apple Bloom wiped the last of her tears away and gave a hollow smile; she picked up Autumn and held her so she would stop shaking.

Pearl agreed half heatedly and with saddle bag in tow, the three set out back to Ponyville.

As the three set out for the cafe to ward away bad thoughts of the last few moments, Pearl seemed distant. She had thought a lot about the words in Twilight’s books and the shattered truth of the Fall of Friendship. She thought back to so many lovely memories that were now tainted with the present. Autumn’s voice did little to bring her back to reality and the destination they had reached. They had asked Pearl if she was alright, but Pearl shrugged them off.
“There's something I need to get at the shop. Wait for me, I'll be right back.” She called to her companions as she galloped off. She knew she had lied to them, but they would forgive her, there was something important that had to be done.

Pearl hurried through the sparely crowded streets toward her destination. She rushed past a myriad of ponies all on their way here and there in the late afternoon. And in the distance she saw it, the dying tree that held its recluse fast and safe. Pearl came to a sliding stop in front of the door. It had changed itsself to close just as it did that night she first arrived but she didn't care. Pearl stood in front of the door and the look on her face could have bore a hole straight through the barricade. “I know your listening Twilight Sparkle. I read your ill-gotten attempt of a redemption and I must say, it was a sad attempt to make amends with those that would help.” Pearl continued her verbal assault of the door. “You were once my hero, I looked up to everything you wrote about. I felt a connection to you where I couldn't find with my friends. I felt I could tell you anything and even though you were only a book character, the real you seems more fictional than anything you ever wrote.” Tears of anger fell as a few ponies had hushed past the scene of the pearl white pony talking to the dead tree but Pearl didn't care. “I spoke to Applejack, she may have thought she was fooling me but I know there is more that she was letting on.” As Pearl finished her sentence, she felt an audible pop in the air as the world began to spin and gave Pearl a sickening feel.

“I lashed out that day.” A small voice came from behind Pearl, She wanted to turn but her gut wouldn't allow it. “I knew they were mad. I know that now, but I couldn't handle it then.” The onlooker ponies rushed from the town square as the world faded into darkness. “I didn't want them to feel the weight of being a celebrity, they had real lives to live,” Pearl felt the sickening feeling fade to a deep sorrow. She turned and came face to face with a deep purple unicorn; it was like nothing she had ever imagined her hero to be. The Twilight that stood before her was a shattered shell of a pony. Twilight was withered and her coat and mane were unkempt, long and tangled. She oozed with blacked purple energy. It dripped from her legs and in to the ground and it withered the grass and began to kill the very ground. “There was yelling,” Twilight turned away and Pearl felt the sickening feeling return as she was swallowed up by Twilight’s darkness. “To think, it all started so innocently.”

Suddenly grey images appeared in the darkness as if a memory was playing out in front of her.

CH 4

"They are quite lovely, Twilight," Rarity levitated a copy of a beautiful copy of a book with the adventures of Twilight Sparkle on its cover. "The name could have been a little better." She let it lay on the table and opened it to reveal the pages underneath. "I guess functionality over fasion as always."

"It's just a book, Rarity. Nothing that special," A quick tomboyish voice came from behind its owner's own copy of the book. "It's all gibberish to me." The cyan pegasus hovered above the group and twirled in circles at a sad attempt to make heads or tails of her new possession.

"That's 'cause it's upside down thar, Rainbow." Applejack flipped Rainbow Dash's book the correct way as she put her own copy in her bag. "Tis mighty good of ya'll to just give us ah copy of it like that." the cowpony gave her friend a hug. "Musta tak'n a heap of time ta write them all." Twilight just laughed at her friend and explained that she only wrote one copy and had the rest printed at the Canterlot publishing.

"It's very nice, but Twilight, I've looked it over cover to cover but I can't find my name anywhere. And who is this Pink Smile?" the chipper pink pony rolling on the floor stood up and walked to Twilight's desk. Pinkie had her copy and was furiously flipping through the pages at breakneck speeds. "I mean it's a funny name for a funny pony, but it all seems so familiar." She scratched her dark frayed pink mane, "But if you think she's funny, you should see the other four ponies." Pinkie had set the book down and started to laugh. "That silly Pink Smile and Rainbow Flash, they do the silliest things." Pinkie went to leave the library.

"Pinkie, I just gave you that book. Why leave it," Twilight called to her friend as Pinkie closed the library door and caused the memory to flicker. The Twilight from the scene had a confused look on her face as she faded from existence. "Don't you want it?" She sounded so sad as she reached out to the darkness.

The gray scene was gone, "It was funny looking back on it now." The real Twilight's voice filled the darkness. "It wasn't that she didn't want it..." she trailed off.

"She had already read it." Pearl remembered an entry from the torn book.

"I can remember it all so well. I had given the whole of Equestria our story," The gray screens flickered and flashed as they went by, as if watching a play. Pearl could recall the moments not only through the power of Twilight's spell but that she had read her books dozens of times. "But it wasn't until after Applejack finished the book things went wrong."

The darkness warped and the inside of the tree was all around Pearl. It wasn't a memory but the real thing. It was dingy and moss crept across the walls like vines of kudzu strangling the inside of the dying tree. It had invaded everything upon closer inspection, from the discarded tables to the shelves of corrupted books. The smell of age hung pungent in the air. How could Twilight live like this? Pearl was thrown for a loop. Why had Twilight taken her into the library? And then a faint glow of purple appeared next to the stairwell as it appeared from the dimly lit room, but it wasn't the Twilight she had seen before this Twilight was much healthier and had a smile that brightened up the dead room. And then other ponies began to appear. Their bright pastel colors clashing with the darkness. A low ghostly roar filled the inside of the library; the specters passed through Pearl and greeted the younger Twilight. Pearl recognized a lot of them from her trips into the town and some who frequented her shop.

"So busy today. So many will want their copy signed." Twilight smiled bigger and brighter than before. "Now, now, one at a time please and don't crowd the other patrons, please."

"It was so beautiful that day, all the ponies had come from as far off as Trottingham to get there books signed. I knew it would happen though, I tried to contain the overflow I saw coming since the book would be so popular. I changed the names of my friends to protect them." A solid, older Twilight stepped from shadows next to her past self. The ghosts poofed out of existence, and the real Twilight stepped away as another moment of her past came back to life.

Five ponies stood in a semicircle around a cornered scared Twilight. "How could you change the names like that, and on top of that you, made us look like foals." Applejacks words cut the Twilight deep as tears formed in her eyes. "No use in getting all misty eyed now. Why Twilight?" Applejack stood tall over Twilight. Very much like the Applejack she had met that afternoon, strong willed the cowpony gave off a menacing aura even though she was nothing more than a phantasm of the past.

"Please Applejack, I'm sure she had a reason," Pearl recognized the timid sound belonging to the cream yellow Pegasus. Fluttershy stepped between the enraged cowpony and the cowering Twilight. "Isn't that right, Twilight?" Fluttershy gave off a beautiful smile that seemed to break the tension.

"That was very brave for someone described as a spineless coward." Pearl stepped through the moment and next to the much younger Fluttershy. "And I turned kindness away, I can see it now." Pearl was taken back by the meaning of what she had read of the event. "If she was kindness, and what Applejack said was that you lashed out after..." Pearl turned to watch a cyan blur move through her and into Twilight's face.

"Well... or is her question not worth the great Twilight Sparkle's time," Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes calling out the cowering purple unicorn. Rainbow Dash hovered and poked Twilight in the chest demanding an answer from her distressed friend. Pearl could hear the thumps of the blue mare's assaults as her pressing question bruised the younger Twilight both mentally and physically. And time stood still.

"It was too much for me, I had done so much I thought was right and she dared to get in my face about it. I panicked," The real Twilight explained from the shadow of her shame as the memory started up again and Rainbow Dash was thrown across the library and into a shattered book shelf. The ghostly image vanished as it landed leaving only the present damaged area and a nasty deep stain in the wooded floor. 'Loyalty' the words were unable to escape Pearls dry lips. And at that moment a massive slap echoed in the room as well as long gasps. Pearl saw the standstill frozen memory of Applejack giving Twilight a powerful back hoof. "That was a painful hit," the real Twilight walked out and rubbed both her face and the past images cheek. "I think she was more disappointed in me than Celestia." All the images disappeared and the two ponies were left face to face. "I put Rainbow in the hospital for 2 months, after that she left Ponyville. And to think I never went to visit her once. I had lost it all, I stayed locked up here as atonement for my crimes against friendship. Fluttershy use to come by and tell me things that were happening on the outside world but I just didn't care anymore." Pearl thought back to Fluttershy beating the library door that first night. She seemed so determined to destroy the door that kept her friend prisoner and pull Twilight from her own darkness and into the light of her love and affection, like so many a strayed animals that gathered around her.

Pearl turned to Twilight. "Why me? Why tell me all this and go this far to make me understand?" Pearl was careful she didn't anger the aged mare. "To what end, Twilight Sparkle? Have you turned a blind eye to those who want to help you? Ms Fluttershy praticaly killed herself beating your door down." Pearl was confused, she felt betrayed by her foalhood. She only wished she had never idolized Twilight as much as she did. Her friends Silver Spoon, and Diamond Tiara never spoke of the events that occurred but she was beginning to understand why they had left for Manehatten so many years ago. There had been more to the book that Twilight didn't show her but she didn't need to see a reenactment to know its tragedy.

"I heard you the other night. Your cries, they were genuine. You lived on the very lies I feed the world to bolster myself. I have been in here for so long and the message began to pervert." Twilight gave a loving rub to a decapitated book. "Did I really write the story so that Equestria could see what we accomplished, or did I do it for myself? I changed their names to protect them from being confined to the roll of the book, to let them find others under their own power. Or was it all just a self image boost?" Twilight questioned herself and made Pearl wonder what she was getting at. "I don't think I could ever show my face to Fluttershy after what I had done to her, she had witnessed something no pony should have to see. Before Rarity left she told me that Fluttershy had gotten married, I didn't even shed a single tear for her happiness." Twilight waved a hoof and her past vanished as quickly as it came.

"You wrote that there are no bad ponies, just bad choices. As long as you can see they were bad you can make better choices and help heal the bad ones." Pearl thought back to the lessons at the end of the chapters of her childhood. "I know time heals all wounds, but you have to forgive yourself or time is nothing but a word." Pearl felt all high and mighty for a moment as she recalled the words mixed from Applejack and Twilight's.

"You saw me as a hero at one time, and you traveled all the way here just to meet me. Did you know any of the others by sight, or were they just the companions I wrote about so long ago?" Pearl was a little embarrassed and it showed, she had read the stories so many times but when she met the ones that filled it with light she could only see one pony. "It's written all over your face. It's alright, I don't blame you." Twilight slowly walked to the door. "Twilight Sparkle isn't a hero kid, I never was, and she's a dead husk of a pony. Now go home and forget about me, live your own life. Don't walk in the shadow of another pony, and don't strive to be a hero. Heroes only bring pain and suffering." Pearl went to say something, anything, to Twilight, but that sickening feeling came over her again before she could interject and Twilight suddenly vanished as did the tree library and it was all replaced with the sugar cube corner where Apple Bloom and Autumn Breeze were sitting staring at her.

"What in tarnation was that Pearl?" Apple Bloom rubbed her head at the sight of her sudden appearance. "I haven't seen somethin like that since..." she put a hoof to her lips to think. "Oh horseapples, you didn't go see her did you? It's the only explanation." Apple Bloom stood up from her seat and slammed her hooves to the table top, "Twilight's lost to us. Autumn's mom beat herself to death on that door for years to get her to come to her scenes. Meh big sis even tried to make amends to her and was met with nothing, not even a whisper or nothin." Apple Bloom was loud and other ponies began to stare. But Pearl was lost in a swirling daze of information. Her hero was gone, not physically, but mentally. "Pearl, listen to me. I've lost a lot of close friends to that madness that she brought that night. Scootaloo chased after that self-absorbed Rainbow, and Sweetie Belle was whisked away to Canterlot in the night. I never even got to say goodbye," Apple Bloom began to cry as she wiped her swollen rage-filled eyes.

Pearl was taken back by Apple Bloom. She had been indirectly hurt by Twilight, and it showed. Twilight had spouted off some deep stuff, and her new friends may have been able to help, but would they? She couldn't comprehend Apple Blooms expression "I'm so sorry girls to run off again, but there's too much happening. I need to think, I need to be alone." Both Apple Bloom and Autumn could only watch as their distressed friend left them in a slow, wispfull motion. As she went, she could her Autumn call to her. 'You don't have to go at it alone, you know.' it was enough to make her cry and run but Pearl sucked in the brooding emotion and kept at her pace.

The past few minutes raced through Pearls mind as she began to comprehend the whole of it all. The five ponies that confronted Twilight in the memory she recognized. Applejack and Fluttershy easily enough, and the other three were just as they had been described in the book and then from the picture in Applejack's office. Rainbow Dash, she reconized her. Yes, it had to be the very same from the Wonderbolts. Her rainbow mane was unique to her. No other pony could replicate it. She had even seen her in Manehatten years ago; she was spectacular, but nothing like Rainbow Flash. A tomboyish pony who feverishly chased a hapless dream from her cozy cloud bed. The mare she saw that day was strong and accomplished, and then again in the library, there she was again, an overconfident, quick to anger, just as she was in the book. Applejack had said it was all true but in the worst of ways, had Twilight published a farce of her friends only to make the main character seem that much more impressive? Or was the Twilight the same, nothing more than the worst version of herself? The Twilight she had met in the darkness was sheepish, cowardly. She didn't seem at all confident in herself or others. No, there was more to it than that. She truly believed that she had been doing her friends good by putting the life altering fame that was to come with the popularity on herself? Pearl had only known Fluttershy for a short time, but it was easy to see she wasn't far from the Butterfly of the book. Yes, Butterfly was spineless and depended upon Twilight to help her through the most trivial of things, but it wasn't far off the mark from what she knew of Autumn's mother. Timid to a fault and mostly scared of her own shadow. Autumn was only a little braver, but not by much, hiding away in her long mane like a hood on a cloak. But it had more to do with her father. From what Pearl had gathered from their cottage she had visited on occasion; Autumn's father was a Wonderbolt, as far as the only picture that Pearl could find of the three of them together would suggest. Pearl had always read and heard that the Wonderbolts were the bravest fliers in all of Equestria. To think, one would not only be Fluttershy's friend, but she'd marry one also. Pearl could only wonder if just maybe, it was an unacceptable truth that Twilight had written. Of course, the others would be upset when seeing themselves from a third persons prospective.

And then there was Applejack, a stern and upfront pony. Applejack had given her no reason not to believe she was the same Apple Orchard from the stories. The Apple Orchard character was always blunt and told Twilight what she thought of something whether or not it was needed. Abrasive and harsh to a fault, she was one of Pearl's least favorite side characters in any of the stories. But Applejack seemed to have more tact than her storybook counterpart. She had seemed deeply regretting the attack Pearl had witnessed moments before. I guess it really did take a true friend to tell you what was what, no matter how much it hurt. 'Honesty huh' Pearl thought to herself, it made a lot more since after meeting her in person.

The other two ponies; Beauty Gemstone must have been the white unicorn Fluttershy called Rarity; even Applejack mentioned the 'prissy' pony. Pearl thought to the storybook character and what could have made her like the others, Beauty Gemstone was always on and on about the proper way of going about things and getting wasn't always a bad thing. Pearl giggled to herself, thinking back to one story of the two of them arguing about how the sky would look much better in a light emerald green more so than the sapphire blue that it was. And then there was Pink Smile, the strangest of characters. She didn't seem as far off from the real Pinkie Pie that she saw in the past vision. Unpredictable and impulsive, Pink Smile was always the random comic relief of Twilight's books. Pearl had truly wondered if she was secretly a unicorn or there had to be some book liberties with her character.

'That's strange,' Pearl thought to herself the weather center didn't call for an overcast. Pearl looked to the darkening sky and realized she wasn't in Ponyville anymore. Pearl had been so lost in her thoughts that she entered the Everfree Forest without noticing. The Everfree Forest was dark and uninviting, it made sounds that confused and scared Pearl. It creaked from every direction and she swore she saw things moving in the distance. She warily looked behind her hoping to see her path out so she could just backtrack her way home, but it was no good. The slowly darkening forest seemed to devour all the visible paths leaving nothing but dead ends and endless wandering. Pearl had read many books on the Everfree and its dangers. Twilight's recount of the Everfree were both frightening and quizzical. But this wasn't the time nor the place to reminisce, she need to hurry out of the forest before it gobbled her also.

CH 5

Cast in the shroud of dark mystery, the Everfree forest is unlike any other place in Equestria. A dangerous place of nightmares that held those that would harm pony kind and feast upon any who were foolish enough to enter its domain unwittingly. It was said that the forest was once the home to the Alicorns, a powerful race of pony with both unicorn magic and graced with the flight of the pegasi. The Alicorns were scattered throughout pony history. Legend tells that they were Immortals, but a catastrophic event long ago destroyed their race, leaving only the God princesses to watch over pony kind. Not many books exist that predate Celestia or the mare in the moon. Pearl had heard whispers in the library that only in the deepest bowels of the Royal Canterlot archives survived the tombs of when Celestia's people existed and maybe what had happened to them.

Pearl was in a panic, she had to find her way out of the forest before night fell completely and the residents awoke to find a lost unfortunate soul to feast upon. Pearl began to run in panic, so many horror stories ran in the back of her mind. She passed so many twisted trees that seemed to reach out for her all wishing to devour her in her panic, and always the feel of a stalker that watched from the shadows. Cold sweat ran just as fast as she did. She turned, always watchful, not to be surprised any more than she was already. She cursed her daydreaming and all the trouble it’s caused in the past. Her day had started so pleasant until Twilight became a part of it, never could she have imagined that her hero would destroy her day time and time again. Every day had been great here in Ponyville until she researched Twilight and it all seemed to degrade from there.

Pearl could hear the cry of a strange beast as she ran, was it a timber wolf pack that had found her or worse, a celestial beast like a Ursa Minor, a Lupin pack, or any of the other monsters that were described to be made of the very stars in the nights sky. Again she could feel hungry eyes watching her as she ran; something had definitely found her and was lying in the darkness for the right time to strike. Pearl was determined not to give it that chance. She cleared her mind of the dangers and rushed head long into the forest hoping to find her way home.

She saw the dying light as she began to approach a clearing. This was it, she was home free. Or so she thought. Her hope had dashed away faster than a Wonderbolt race. Pearl passed the tree line to come face to face with a dead end, almost quite literarily. A ravine filled her view and her heart died as she knew she was completely lost. The deep gorge spanned a distance too far to jump and the depth was too dark to judge a fall in the dark. She couldn’t see a bridge in either direction. As Pearl negotiated her options, the dark depth to the front or the hungry forest to her back. Pearl began to lose hope, her eyes began to water, this couldn't be it. First, she had lost her hero, and then her way, soon her life would be forfeit also. It wasn't right, this wasn't right. Then again, in the last week, nothing seemed right. She recalled the tragic meeting with Twilight and the broken husk of a pony she had become. The book that Twilight had given her, ‘The Fall of Friendship’, even Twilights words that heroes truly don't exist. She thought to Applejack, the stubborn cowpony had given her enough reason to doubt herself. It all flooded her mind and seemed to swallow her up faster than the forest ever could. But then she remembered her family, their smiling encouraging faces seemed to cut away the sadness. And then there was Autumn Breeze and her mother, their shy hidden ways gave Pearl a new found hope. Fear was only the darkness shutting out the light of life she remembered. She had told Autumn the same thing. How could she just stop when there was so much to live for? Pearl felt she could run a little more even if she got more lost it was better than giving up. Pearl shook her head and got ready to face the hungry forest once again.

“It's so sad my dear, to see such a lost soul way out here. It almost brings me to tears about what could happen to it.” A terrible rumbling voice crept through the Everfree, Pearl froze solid. Her stalker finally made himself known. “Hmm, it’s been so long since I've tasted pony,” The voice laughed to itself. “If I remember right their very tender, especially the younger ones.” A pair of fiery red eyes began to glow from the darkness and in Pearl's fright, the massive lion's face pierced the darkness. “Lost in my forest after dark? And here I thought your princess taught your kind better.” The rest of the smiling face emerged. A great lion, his body dwarfed Pearl by a great deal. Even the red stallion she saw that morning was nothing compared to his immense size. A pair of leathery wings were folded to his side as he approached Pearl, who was stunned by terror. “Oh now, you shouldn't look so distressed, my dinner,” he passed her and his chitnous barbed tail brushed under her chin. “Because you’re the first pony I've had in some time, I'll eat you as painlessly as possible.” Pearl could watch her life flash before her eyes.

It was beautiful. The laughs with her friends, her mother’s face, even her father’s ranting about his junk. Even moments with her silent sister. The warm nights curled up with Twilight's book, Twilight's book. She remembered the lessons it taught about being afraid of monsters and how to be brave in the face of danger. Pearl shook away the fear the manticore emanated and regained her head. She hopped away from him and prepared to run or fight, no matter how futile it would be. The manticore perked up a little and reviled in his prey’s new sense of energy. She wanted to be a hero even if this would cost her life. Heroes don't stand scared, heroes stand against evil. And where she stood, nothing seemed more evil than this. Pearl readied herself against the menace and prepared for a fight or to run if she thought it would help at all. She took a deep breath and called out to her pursuer, “I cannot be eaten this night,” The manticore only smiled and licked his chops revealing a row of razor sharp teeth. Pearl resolve was a little shaken but there was no going back now. “If I'm going to be a hero, then I have to get past this.” With that, she lunged at the monster deciding a fight was better than cowardice.

The manticore's look soured as his meal spouted nonsense and jumped at him. Like a flash he dodged Pearl's attack and pinned her to the ground. His size betrayed his speed as the beast's claws cut into Pearl. “A hero?” he brought his stinger across and slammed it into the ground inches from Pearls face. “Throwing your life away is not the path of a hero," the angered monster yelled at his helpless victim. His crushing weight was too much for her and his words stung worse than his tail ever could. “Foolish pony, I was hoping for a meal to have the sweet taste of hopeless fear. I must say, it is most mouthwatering.” Drool dripped onto Pearl as she lay helpless under his paw. Sharp claws dug into her flesh and the dirt below her. “But you start with this hero talk,” his voice became dark. “A hero stands for a principle, a hero defeats a darkness that oppresses the ones they care for.” He leaned in close to her ear. “Tell me, what is it you stand for? Or even against for that matter, hero?” With a self-satisfied laugh he crushed her again knocking the air from her lungs and Pearl felt as if the beast above her broke one of her ribs. Pearl cried out in pain. “That’s more like it, hero. Cry for me, it'll make you that taste that much more delicious.” The monster pulled his stinger from the broken ground and drug it across Pearls face cutting open her cheek. It burned as his poison seeped into her blood stream; it was so painful as it began to go numb. Pearl had to think quick, the monster was right though. What was she thinking, attacking him when running wasn’t the most heroic move, but it may have left her in a less painful position.

“I...I stand for the hope of dreams.” Pearl reached deep into herself and managed to slip from her captors grasp and find her footing, but was cornered, the great beast between her and the forest. There had to be a way to get away, there had to be a way to survive and get back to those that mattered.

“The strangest things the damned will say before death.” The manticore inspected his claw that held Pearl, and licked it clean of her blood. “The hope of dreams? Maybe the poison is acting faster than I expected. You seem to be spouting gibberish, my supper.” He watched Pearl as she stumbled around and prepared for his meal. She bled from her wounds and blood stained the ground as she struggled against his poison. Still, the look of determination on her face angered him to no end. “You'll never leave this forest alive my little pony. Just give in to my poison and lay down for me. I wouldn't want you falling and getting all dirty.” The enraged manticore swung his tail into a nearby tree smashing it as if it were nothing.

Pearl was undetermined, but her vision began to blur. “No, I will stand for wh...what I believe. I came to Ponyville to meet my hero,” Pearl stumbled as she spoke. “It didn't matter what the reality of what she had become, she stood against the darkness that would hurt her friends no matter how much it hurt her.” That was it; she understood what Twilight had done. Twilight really was the hero she had always dreamed of. A new vitality overtook Pearl as she poured everything she had in to standing. She looked over her shoulder to the cliff. “Goodbye villain, you have given me a direction. Now, I must follow.” She smiled to the predator as she fell back over the cliff. It wasn’t her best idea but she took the chance that the ground would be more forgiving than the creatures’ razor maw.

Pearl could hear the monster let lose a defining roar as she slipped out of his view and into the darkness, the last thing she saw was the manticore looking down on her against the full moon. She tumbled against the sharp rocks every one sliced her coat staining it from its brilliant white. But Pearl felt none of it; her attackers poison numbed her entire body to the pain as she passed in to the abyss.

“I did it, I stood against the monster," she laughed to herself, “But what now? Lost was better than whatever my position is now.” Pearl rolled over to survey her surroundings. “Trees...more trees.” 'Well, it is a forest,' she thought to herself. The moonlight barely reached Pearl as she lay on the cold, thorny ground. “Well, at least I won't be eaten.” Pearl smiled and laughed but it was to much she struggled to breath and gave a violent cough, she could taste blood in her mouth. The manticore's poison had done its work, Pearl was almost completely paralyzed. She tried and tried again to will her battered limbs to move, but nothing.

She labored to breath, as she strained to listen for anyone or anything in the inky darkness. A few specks of lunar rays illuminated distant parts of the Everfree. A flash of a silvery object moved through the moon light. Pearl tried to move her head to see it better, but there was nothing, no movement. Just the spectral felling of motion. The shimmering figure came into view, a great pony stood before Pearl. His mane seemed to sparkle with the radiance of the heavens themselves, his regal stature was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. Maybe she didn’t survive the fall, was this the envoy to the other side? He was breathtaking; quite literally, Peal could feel herself slipping away into darkness.

Everywhere the world seemed to burn as the land and trees were scorched. Pearl stood amongst the mayhem, transfixed upon a mother holding her foal. The two cried out as the forest fell around them, tears evaporated as they left their eyes. The heat must have been unbearable, but Pearl could feel nothing as she watched. It was strange, all Pearl could do was watch the scene, but she felt no need to help the two ponies in their plight. Then the foal looked to Pearl. “Please come back to me, Pearl, wake up…” Pearl shook her head and the foal buried her head into her mother’s chest as a burning tree fell on the helpless victims.

“NOOOOOO” Pearl shot straight out of her bed and frantically looked around to see she was home and in her warm comfy bed. She put a hoof to her head and wiped the cold sweat from her brow, but found a cold cloth. She looked around to see a pair of pegasi cringing behind a chair across from her bed. “Ms. Fluttershy? Autumn? How did I get here? How am I alive?” Pearl quickly raced to a mirror to inspect her body. “I’m fine but how? The manticore, the fall? I thought I was a goner.” She patted herself all over, looking for any sign of the battle from the night before. Nothing, not a bruise, not even a scratch.

“Oh dear, you’ve been out for at least a day.” Pearl looked behind her in the mirror to see Fluttershy come from the chair and approach her. “Autumn said you went to Twilight the other night, and then left without saying anything.” That rang a bell but still no marks. “Autumn went to see you the next morning, but you didn’t answer the door or open the store. So we got worried and came in to find you asleep and tossing like you were dreaming of something terrible,” Fluttershy continued and Pearl thought back to the dream of a blazing inferno, but it was hazy. She shook her head to clear it, but when she opened her eyes there in the mirror was something out of place. A tall metal object that she had never seen before, but was so familiar. It filled her vision as she spun to see it but it was gone. Nothing occupied the space behind Fluttershy, just a blank power blue wall.

The blood had rushed to her head as she blankly stared past Fluttershy. The world went black and spun as Pearl fainted from the overexertion. Once again she sat up from her bed with a cold cloth on her forehead. “I see your awake. Feeling better?” Autumns soothing voice filled her ears and left a euphoric tone after words.

“Much, thank you,” She sat in bed holding the cool cloth in place. “So sorry for the scare, but it was the darndest thing.” Pearl looked for the shy, yellow caregiver, “Where’s your mother?”

“Cooking some celery soup,” Autumn handed Pearl a new cloth and took the old one from Pearl. “It’s my favorite when I’m feeling a little under the weather. Where did you go after the other night, I know it wasn’t here,” Autumn looked around carefully. “I know you went into the forest. I followed you, but was too scared to go in after you.” She whispered. “Did something happen?” Autumn gave Pearl a suspicious look, but before Pearl could answer, Fluttershy returned with a bowl of hot soup.

“So tell me Pearl, what did Twilight have to say. Was she looking alright?” The question caught Pearl off guard. She did see Twilight that night and what transpired wasn’t exactly a casual conversation. “You’re the first pony she’s spoken to in over ten years. It’s a wonder really, I never gave up on her. I knew one day she would reach out, but I was hoping it would be one of her friends,” Fluttershy got up from the chair she was sitting in. “At least what’s left of her friends.”

Pearl recalled the event as best she could, but had to stop a few times to comfort Fluttershy as all she could do was cry. Fluttershy would only wipe her tears and tell her to continue. By the time Pearl had gotten to the end, both Fluttershy and Autumn was a streaming fountain of sorrowful tears. After hearing it from her own lips, even Pearl was about in tears.

“Oh my, Pearl, it must have been tragic. I knew we had lost Twilight, but it sounds like she’s lost even to herself.” Fluttershy stared out a window toward where the Library would sit, wondering what her misunderstood friend was doing.

“Do you think Spike could bring her back, mom?” Autumn jumped up and rushed to Fluttershy. “You use to tell me how close they were. I know if she were to see him, she may come out finally.” Pearl was lost, who was Spike? She tried for all she was worth to think back to her books and a character like that.

“No, I don’t think Spike would come back. I haven’t seen him in half a decade.” Fluttershy pets her daughter's head, soothing her disappointment. “He’s very busy in Canterlot as Celestia's assistant. And they didn’t exactly leave on good terms.” Fluttershy started to cry a little from the memory of the past.

After an afternoon of unfortunate stories from the past, Pearl decided on some food. Sleeping for a whole day can build up quite the appetite. There were a couple of places to eat in Ponyville, but Sugarcube Corner was her favorite. It was something about the way they made an apple fritter that reminded her of her mother. Pearl walked with Autumn to the bakery. They had left Fulttershy to her own devices, she practically pushed them out the door so she could be alone. If Fluttershy was anything like Butterfly, then she was finding what little comfort in her animals that they could provide. She caught a moment of bliss just thinking of the cream Pegasus laying on her couch, covered in the six menacing white rabbits. Pearl told Autumn and they both had a laugh at Fluttershy's expense. As they walked, Pearl would see a glint out of the corner of her eye, a shimmer of metal seemed to follow her through town. She would turn to see what was there, but every time she did, nothing in the area could have produced enough reflection.

“Ever get that feeling your being followed?” Pearl leaned over to Autumn as they sat at the café. Autumn just looked at her as she chewed her dandelion sandwich. “No, seriously. And the worst part is that I don’t think it’s a pony that’s creeping around.”

“I know you went into the Everfree the other night, but I don’t think anything is lurking in the bright happy alleys of Ponyville.” Pearl wasn’t amused by Autumn's poke at her sanity. It was true though, she had escaped the manticore and he seemed really upset (to put it lightly) that she had gotten away. But she doubted he followed her to Ponyville. But it still didn’t explain that strange shimmer and the metal object that was just out of sight.

Pearl and Autumn finished their lunch and Autumn bid Pearl a sweet farewell. Pearl seemed to have developed a keen sense of paranoia as she made her way home. 'Maybe I’ll write mother and tell her everything is fine,' she thought to herself as she walked through the Ponyville Park. Her mother had written her a few times and she usually returned the message within a timely fashion. The Junk Man was happy for Pearl, having gotten the store up and running faster than he expected.

‘That is a terrible nickname for a parent’. Pearl froze in her tracks, who was that? Pearl warily looked around her to see where the voice came from. But there was no pony around. “Hello?” she sheepishly called out. “Is anypony there?” she had given caution to a small cluster to trees, was her assailant hiding among the background. ‘Don’t be so jumpy filly.’ There it was again, the voice was defiantly there, but it seemed to emanate from the back of her mind. “This is it, I’ve gone bonkers. I’m hearing voices.” She sat down on a park bench and laughed to herself. The stress of losing her dream had finally caught up to her. ‘Good then, you can finally hear me.’ The voice in her head spoke out again, ‘I’ve been trying to catch your attention all day.’ The voice sounded very annoyed with Pearl.

“Ok…” she looked around hoping no pony would see her sitting on the bench talking to herself. “And who are you then," she asked with her eyes looking up to the somewhat cloudy day. ‘My name is Gallitais, and I’m the one who you struck a deal with to save your miserable flank.’ Gallitais, what kind of name was that. She let a little chuckle loose. ‘It’s my name and we have an arrangement.’

Pearl was a little taken back his less than pleasurable tone. The liberties he took with her weren’t much to her liking, and what arrangement was he talking about. “Was it you who saved me from the Everfree?” she called out to a squirrel that happened to pass by. It may have looked silly but it was better than talking to nothing. The squirrel just looked at her with a cocked head.

'Yes’ it spoke to her and she felt her heart sink. ‘You lay dying on the forest floor, so we made a deal. I would use my power to save what was left of your life, and you would run a little errand for me.’ Pearl didn’t like where this was going. “What kind of errand are we talking about here; you need me to pick your laundry up?” It was in bad taste, her joke, but could you imagine a disembodied voice needing or even having cloths. Pearl chucked once again. ‘Something like that, yes.’ The voice didn’t sound very amused. ‘First, you’ll need to go to that dreadful place you call home and retrieve something.’ Pearl became very worried. ‘We’re going on a little trip.’ Pearl swallowed a hard lump in her throat.

CH 6

“A trip? Oh no, no, no. I can’t,” Pearl protested to herself, “I have a store to run and ponies that need my help.” she hoped her pleading would sway her new friend. ‘No my little pony, our business is but a simple task. You take me to see an old friend and retrieve something that belongs to me and you will be free to live what little life you have.’

‘Rude much,’ Pearl thought to herself as she approached her baby blue home. There was a pony standing out front looking in her store window. A tan mare with a silvered mane looked at a fine tea set that was on display. Pearl recognized her, it was the mayor. She turned as Pearl approached and gave a warm smile. “I hope you’re feeling better my dear,” Pearl nodded and returned the greeting. “I was hoping it wouldn’t be too much trouble, I’ve had my eye on this delightful set since you opened but could never find the time to stop by.” The mayor turned to the window and stared back to the six fine china tea cups and the large etched kettle that matched the set. “Are you open? I would very much like to purchase it.” Pearl stepped to the door to let the Mayor in so she could have the aged treasure, one less piece of junk the better.

But as she opened the door the world sank into darkness and she was standing outside of her body. The Mayor was looking at Pearls body in shock and a quiet gasp stretched across her face. There was no sound and then she was snapped back into her body. The Mayor had tears in her eyes.

“How could you say such a thing?” She turned away and ran off. Pearl was lost. What was going on? What had happened?

‘No, that was rude.’ And then it hit her. “What did you do,” she yelled to herself, “What did you say to her, she looked upset,” ‘Oh, just wanted to show you where you stood in our agreement.’ Gallitais’ voice had a hint of sadistic glee to it. ‘Now, inside. We have preparations to make.’

Pearl was worried. Gallitais was very pushy and it set Pearl on edge. She passed through her store and wondered if she would ever see her junk again. ‘Be a good pony and this will be over before you know it. Now upstairs, it waits for us.’ He wasn’t helping Pearl feel better about her situation.

She reached her room; the single room had only the basic necessities of living; a chair, her dresser with a few outfits she brought with her, and her bed. The simple wooden bed was provided with the store, probably her father looking out for his little filly. And lying on the top of the bed sat a mass of metal.

The object seemed alien to her, she has never seen anything like it. The massive object was as tall as Pearl, if she stood on her hind legs. It was shaped like a cross and came to a spade point. Strange etchings were written down the heft of the metal and the top was adorned with golden thread to make a handle of such. She stepped to the bed and inspected the strange thing that was in her room. It felt so familiar; she closed her eyes and tried to remember. Flashes of the object stirred in her memory, moments of earlier that day. The flicker of light that haunted her all morning, and even earlier when she saw it in the mirror behind Fluttershy, just before she had passed out a second time. And then as she strained to consternate an explosion of a memory that didn’t make sense. A crowd of ponies running from here to there in panic, as the city burned around them. Pearl began to sweat as more of the vision unfolded. A figure stepped into view, it was a tall silhouette, slender and arched. It raised its arms high and there she saw it, the shadowy form of the thing in her bed. She gasped as she came to.

“What was that,” she spoke to no pony. She was breathing heavily and trying to calm her racing heart.

“Nothing. And we finally meet face to face.” Pearl looked to the metal thing that lay in her bed, but it was now standing beside her bed. It was so tall, she thought to herself. She had figured it to be big, but this was somewhat overwhelming. And behind the thing sat a mass of smoke. It swirled around the thing and seemed to take a pseudo form as she watched it. “This is the sword of equestrian might. Crafted by the dragons centuries ago to fight the Alicorns. It is also my prison.” The smoke swirled around the blade and up to Pearl. It formed a face and stared Pearl in the eyes. “Take this and let us be off, we have a royal engagement to attend.”

Pearl was amazed at how light an object the size of the sword could be. She had to sneak out of Ponyville, she didn’t want to have to explain what she was carrying to any pony, especially Autumn, if she had bumped into her. Gallitais didn’t allow her much time, he was very pushy about leaving, so she was only able to pack a few bottles of water in her saddlebags and both her treasured book and the Fall of Friendship before he had her rushed out the door and into the open road. It had been about an hour out of Ponyville and she could still see Sweet Apple Acres orchards. It was so much bigger than she could comprehend. Not that comprehension was helping her right now.

“Who or what are you anyway Gal?” Pearl rolled her eyes over to the massive blade strapped to her back. The simple strap of rope was all she could find to secure the blade for travel. “Are you some kind of ghost or something? And what did you mean by a royal engagement? Who are we going to see?” Pearl had a lot of questions and Gallitais wasn’t a very talkative ghost sword thingy.

“You talk too much pony. There is little for me to tell you that is of consequence. Know this much, your role will be no more than that the rest of your life has been nor will be, a mere messenger. Deliver me to my prize and speak to me no more.” Pearl stopped on the road and pulled the sword from her back stabbing it into the dirt road. The blade drove its way into the dirt with ease.

“NO!” she yelled. “I may have agreed to take you on this little trip but you WILL NOT speak to me this way.” Pearl was breathing heavy as she stared at the sword. She saw her reflection in the polished surface as it stared back.

The smoke coiled from the sword and surrounded her. “Very well, pony. Retrieve my prison and we shall speak,” Pearl was skeptical but did as she was told. “Tell me what you remember of the forest.” His voice was all around her but was a bit softer.

Pearl traveled the lonely road as she made her way toward their destination. She managed to get the smoke to tell her a little about where they were going, Canterlot. Pearl was shocked at the sword, was he going there to hurt some pony? He did seem the type. He spoke of his long awaited retribution and how those that had forgotten would pay dearly. Dusk was upon them, they had traveled far that day, but Canterlot was still at least another day’s walk.

“Do not stop, pony,” Gallitais demanded as Pearl found a nice soft spot aside the road. “We must keep going.” Pearl just ignored the badgering smoke cloud and laid down. “If I have to, I will make you keep going.”

Pearl was just about to drift away to sleep when she shot up and took the swords handle in her mouth. With a great surge, she spun it around and cleaved it into a nearby tree. The blade sank into the dried withered tree. “NO, you may be some spectral vision from a past long ago, but I’m a living pony from the here and now. And the here and now is tired, stressed, and wants to go to sleep. We’ll go on your little journey of ‘revenge’ or whatever tomorrow.” With that she went back to the soft grassy portion of the road and went to sleep clutching her book.

“Very well then. Sweet dreams, Pearl.” Gallitais retreated back to his metal prison with what could only be described as a smile.

Pearl stood in a grand ball room, everything was bathed in a radiant white glow. Tapestries bearing an emblem she didn’t recognize hung from the walls and ceiling. There was no pony around, Pearl went to explore when she heard a voice from behind her.

“You should not be here.” A majestic soothing voice echoed from behind her.

“I’m sorry, father. It’s just I wanted to see the stars.” Pearl had turned to see who the voices belonged to but as she did the vision turned to a blazing inferno.

Pearl recognized this. The flames, the destruction, so much sorrow. “And now, with this, my kind shall rule Equestria.” Pearl became paralyzed with fear. That voice, it shook Pearl to the very core. It was a sly deep voice, much different than the one she had heard in the ballroom. She slowly went to turn and see who the voice belonged to. And as she did, a tall, slender, darkened figure towered over her and before she could react it dropped its arms and she could feel the cutting of something slice through her.

“AHHHHH!” Pearl shot up out of her dead sleep. She wiped a mass of sweat from her brow.

“Good morning pony.” She stopped and her expression turned sour.

“Oh, it’s you, Gal.” Pearl stood and shook herself free of the loose grass she had gathered while sleeping. “It felt so real, what was that,” she asked as she went to retrieve the sword from the wooden holder.

“I already told you it is none of your concern.” The smoky cloud crept across the ground and around the struggling white pony. “Now retrieve my prison posthaste and let us be on our way, pony.” Pearl felt a quick burst of strength as she freed the sword.

“Stop calling me pony. I have a name you know, and if we’re going to travel, you could at least use it,” Pearl huffed at her unsavory friend and sat on her flank with crossed arms.

“Again, you speak to me with such tone and make demands.” Pearl flinched for a moment but stood her ground, Gallitais spun in a furious tornado around the stubborn pony. “Your persistence on this annoys me to no end. If it shall make you move, then stand Pearl, and let us continue to the capitol.” Pearl shook her head as Gallitais retreated back into his Prison.

“See, that wasn't so hard, you silly puff of smoke,” Peal gave a chuckle and started back on the road. “Now that were friends again, tell me, why are we going to Canterlot?”

The road to Canterlot was long and boring. Pearl was getting nowhere with her shiny new sword. He had retreated to the featherweight weapon and refused to speak to her. She could see the city clearer than she had ever seen it before. Canterlot, the shining jewel of Equestria. From what Pearl could remember from her history class, it was built by the Unicorn tribe of old as a centerpiece to the rest of the Pony races and presented to Princess Celestia to watch over them. She had always wanted to visit someday, but now she’s being led by the nose by a smoky ghost in a silvery prison. Not exactly her idea of her first trip to the ivory capitol. The white marble towers reached to the heavens. Pearl had seen pictures of its grandeur, but even from this distance they did it no justice. She could only hope to even meet the Princess. 'Oh, what if Gallitais wants to see her? It would make sense, who else would be old enough for Gallitais to know.'

“Gal, tell me, have you ever met the princess," Pearl asked in a scared whisper. The blade dimmed in the dying sunlight. Gallitais didn’t respond, only a small trail of smoke feathered from behind Pearl; she never noticed it as they traveled.

Exhausted and more tired than she had been in her entire life. The road had turned from a dirty affair to a magnificent, straight, flat road that sort of made Pearl's hooves feel comfort like miles of her trip melting away. The cities walls stretched out in front of Pearl, the city behind them dazzled in the evening sky. Pearl was awestruck, so many times had she envisioned this moment in her dreams. The gates would open in front of her and the guards would escort her to the palace to see the princess. She would hold a grand ball in her honor after she would defend Equestria from some great threat. Twilight would be there at Celestia's side with her head held high as she gave Pearl a medal for her valor in the name of Equestria.

“Hold there, stranger.” Pearl was snapped out of her fantasy only to see her reality of closed gates and an angry guard blocking her process. “I asked, who are you and what’s your business in Canterlot?” The golden armored unicorn stood between Pearl and the gates that would lead her to her freedom from this accursed sword. Pearl looked over her shoulder to attempt an excuse to tell the guard about Gallitais’ metal prison. But it wasn’t there, with the weapon being so light she had forgotten it was even there.

“I’m here to see an old friend.” A sly smile crept in to Pearl’s face.

‘Damn it, Gal! How dare you take control of my body!?’ Pearl was once again standing outside her body, but she was surprised to be able to hear the conversation this time. The possessed Pearl and the guard exchanged a few words; the guard seemed to just glaze over as she/he, Gallitais, spoke to him. As Pearl watched the guard open the gate for Gallitais, he looked to Pearl and gave her a smile that froze her to her ethereal core.

“Thank you my dear. I’m sure my friend will be more than pleased to see me after all, we’ve been apart for so long.” Gallitais stroked the guard under his chin as they passed through the gates door and into the gilded city.

“I can’t believe you just flirted like that, and what was with that guards face?” Pearl trotted through the glistening gate door yelling at her possessed self when she noticed she was no longer standing or yelling next to herself, but to a confused crowd of onlookers. Pearl quickly turned red and hurried past the crowd. “You did it to me again,” Pearl whispered angrily at Gallitais.

After passing into the Equestrian capitol, Pearl had been overwhelmed by the many wondrous sights of the city. Her home city of Manehatten was built by the earth ponies, its rigid structures stood strong and tall. While Ponyville was also built by earth ponies, but it showed more of an olden styled town like its founders. But this was Canterlot, one of the very few unicorn cities ever built and one of the oldest cities in Equestria. Home to a large majority of high class, proper, socialite ponies and the court of Canterlot. Everything about the grand city cried out sophistication, from the smooth streets to the massive towers that pierced the very heavens.

“We have no time for your gawking, Pearl. Our destination lies toward the center of the city. I can feel her presence. She is close, but something seems off.” A trail of smoke formed a mouth next to Pearl's ear as he spoke to her. As much as she wanted to see the city, she had a mission to accomplish. But something put her in an off sense of security.

“Gal, I have a small question. Why hasn’t any pony stopped me and asked about your sword? It’s not something the average pony would just casually trot around with,” Pearl asked Gallitais as she slightly picked up her pace.

“Because I chose for them not to see it. Now, no more of your exhausting curiosity. We have arrived.” Without even realizing it she had traveled far into Canterlot and arrived in front of the grand palace of Celestia.

The pristine white walls stretched out in front of her, even the marble stairway was given the finest of detail. Its grandeur made Pearl feel so insignificant as she realized this was the home to the most famous and powerful pony in Equestria, Celestia. The mentor to her hero and on numerous occasions, the savior of pony kind. Celestia had been the feature of many pony tales; her most famous was the defeat of her fallen sister who threatened all of Equestria with the curse of eternal night. But many more legends and pony tales told of her astonishing power that she used to keep the inhabitants of the Everfree at bay. But just being in front of this bejeweled structure meant only one thing, Gallitais was here to see the Princess.

“Before we go to see your ‘friend’, tell me now. Is it the princess?” Pearl dreaded the answer she already knew.

“Something like that Pearl. Be happy, your journey is almost at its end. I will have something that is mine back and I will be released from this prison.” The sword began to vibrate as Gallitais spoke. The tone of his voice was borderline maniacal, even his laugh was unsettling and scared Pearl. “Now Pearl, lets go say hello to my Daughter.”

CH7

7.

“Oh Pearl how was your trip you left so suddenly? Oh you know Autumn I got conned into a little trip to Canterlot by a maniacal smoke ghost, took a little stroll through the palace to meet the princess.” Pearl tipped toed through the palace hallways whispering to herself in a mocking tone, trying to avoid any pony that would cross her or to a greater extent Gallitais.

“You protest too much Pearl, we would have been to the palace main hall ages ago, but your persistent whining about the lives of the guards has slowed our progress.” Gallitais tone was sharp and made Pearl angry. After entering the Palace they had encountered a few guards and Galliatais dispatched them in the blink of an eye, but as he floated his silvery prison to end their lives Pearl stepped in his way telling him she wouldn’t let him. Gallitais was unamused with his carrier but opted to knock them out and take a stealthier approach to keep her quiet. “Silence now pony we have arrived to the great hall of Celestia.” Gallatias grew to massive proportions to match the scale of the door in front of him. “I can see our home in its design.” A ghost hoof stroked the door. Pearl could fell an overwhelming sense of sorrow when the mass of smoke spoke.

“Princess good morning I see you are well.” A tall purple scaled dragon approached the throne of the great Alicorn ruler of Equestria. Tall and well groomed spike had grown in the past ten years, his refined speech and posture made him a good fit to be the Princesses assistant.

“And good morning to you Spike you look fine this day, tell me what is on the agenda to day?” The pristine white Princess gave her assistant a warm smile. “Tell me Spike have you heard from my sister as of late?” Spike scratched his vibrant green head fin.

“No princess, she lowered the moon and retreated to somewhere in the castle. Why? If you need I can send for a summons.” Spike was slightly off set by Celestias request. “Well any way the Palace will open and we must see to the ponies that need us.”

It was a usual routine that had occurred for a long time. The day would consist of a flood of distort ponies clamoring to the princess for her help. It was taxing on the sun goddess but Luna had returned to her and with some time she began to help her sister lessen the burden of leadership. And after Twilight Sparkle turned her back to the world Spike had returned to Canterlot. He had worked with Twilight Sparkle long enough to have learned how to deal with ponies and their problems. It would were thin at times the endless stream of pity problems, Spike held a greater resolve for the princess she had dealt with this for longer than any history book had told.

“Before we open for today,” Celestia stepped from her throne and to Spikes side. “I know you miss her.” Spike snapped from a slight doldrums stance and stood at attention to the inquiry. “Now no need to be like that, how long has it been since you’ve seen her or your friends?” Celestia put Spike at ease but only slightly.

“I left her to herself sacrifice long ago, I do fell a little pity for her, but blatant disregard for m… her friends lead her to where she is now. I tried princess I really did but she turned her back on us and even you.” Spike turned away from the sun goddess she reached out and put a hoof to his shoulder.

“One day she will come to her sense, as punishment I may have taken the Element of Magic from her but she still is one of the most talented unicorns I have ever met. She just needs some kind of push and she’ll come around.” Spike held Celestias hoof and sucked up the welling emotions that came with their conversations of Twilight. “Now let’s open these doors there are ponies that are in need of our counsel.” Celestia stepped to her throne and waved for the doors to be opened.

The doors flew open and a bellowing smoke filled the ball room. In the door way stood a white filly with a strange object on her back. She stood looking at the princess and gave a sheepish grin to the stunned on lookers. Pearl felt like vanishing from the scene, there sat Princess Celestia the ruler over all of Equestria. She stared at Pearl bewildered as Pearl slowly stepped in to better light as the smoke settled across the floor, it was thick and the floor was consumed by it.

“Identify yourself Pony!” Spike slid across the blacked out floor. His claws at the ready against the unknown intruder. “This is the sanctum of the sun, throw away your weapon and wait to be taken into custody.” His voice dripped with venom and his nostrils bellowed his signature green flames.

“I see your keeping company with Dragons these days Celestia.” A dark sinister voice filled Celestia's throne room. Every pony in the room spun in circles looking for its source, only the cringing white earth pony didn’t search for the voice. “It’s been so long since our last meeting. I feared you had forgotten me,” the smoke suddenly began to form into the form of a great stallion, Pearl had Seen Galliatais take pony form but nothing to this extent. “It truly is good to see you again, my child.”

Spike dropped his guard when the great smoke pony spoke to Celestia. Child, what could that mean? But there was no time to ponder the smoky pony spun unleashing a ring of smoke snaring the other guards and himself. They were slammed to the walls and unable to move.
“Gallitais, why have you come here? Not for casual visit or maybe to catch up for lost time I presume.” Celestia stood and walked to the smoke form of Galliatais. She was so tall Pearl thought to herself her mane flowed to a breeze that only she could comprehend. Like rivers of a pastel rainbow it was enchanting leaving Pearl in awe.

“Oh how the ages have passed Celestia you look more and more like your mother with every glance.” Gallatais began to circle Celestia. “I have returned to reclaim what I gave you and your sister so long ago,” Celestia's eyes narrowed as he spoke and a look of panic washed over her. “Return my harmony. Equestria has grown fat and lazy; its ponies forgetting the sacrifices that have been made to ensure their prosperity.” Pearl couldn’t believe what she was hearing, his harmony? She thought to Twilights book and the Elements of harmony that she had mentioned on numerous occasions. “Return them to me and I shall bring Equestria to its knees and show them what they have forgotten.”

“No,” Celestia stood firm against Gallatais. “The Elements of Harmony will never be yours again. You speak madness; you want to bring war to Equestria. As the protector of pony kind I will not allow that to happen. What happened to you, you were once our greatest champion? You fought off those that would bring the pain that you seek to return.” Celestia was sweating she could remember the ghost in his former glory and all his accomplishment toward peace and prosperity.

“I can feel it Celestia, you can’t give me what I want because you don’t have it.” Galliatais leaned in to Celestia’s ear and whispered something pearl couldn’t discern. “You are broken my child, a scar in your heart severs your ties to my elements. Was it your sister?” Celestia’s eyes narrowed as he spoke. “Yes I know all about it, you may have cast me away all those centuries ago but I could feel the disturbances in my power.” His smoky tail brushed under Celestia’s chin. “If you cannot give me what I want then I will have to search them out and take what is mine.” Celestia was stunned and couldn’t move the once great hero of her past had lost his way, he spoke of war and harming those the once sacrificed everything to protect. “But I’m sad to say dear child if you can’t return my gifts then you are no longer of need.”

Celestia closed her eyes and shed a tear she knew he would carry out his threat. And without the elements of harmony together there was no stopping him. Pearl went to cry out as he saw Gallatais lift the Great sword behind the princess of the sun and bring it down across her neck. She turned her head away so not to see Celestia’s end.

“YOU!” Pearl opened her eyes to see Celestia lying on her side looking up to the ghostly stallion and there stood the purple dragon that aided Celestia, he stood fast against the sword that he had caught in his claw. His scaled hand was ablaze with green fire as he stopped the sword from ending Celestia’s life. “HOW DARE YOU INTERFEAR!?” Gallatais raged at the dragon.

“I will not stand by and let you harm the princess.” Spike stood strong against Gallatais, with a swift motion he pushed the blade aside and unleashed a torrent of his emerald fire.

Gallatais sprouted black spectral wings and shielded himself from the fire, but to no avail his wings burned and he cried out as singed soot feathers fell to the ground. Spike wasted no time and followed up with a swipe of his flaming hand, the fire left his claw and traveled towards Gallatais but he dissipated as it reached him. Spike took a defensive stance as he waded through the inky smoke that covered the ground. Pearl watched Spike as he waited for Gallatais to reappear. Then she saw him like a monster rising from the smoke he appeared behind Spike, he rose and poised to attack bringing a hoof up and reforming into a jagged spike ready to strike at Spikes back.

Pearl and Celestia went to call out to the unwary dragon but as Gallatais went to strike his prey down Spike spun and burned a hole through Galatais and leapt at him with engulfed claws. The burning ghost cried out as Spike struck at him. But then Pearl saw it Gallatais gave a devilish grin and his sword rose from the smoke and lunged at Spikes exposed back. “This is your end dragon.” Gallatais’ face twisted into a maniacal smile as his blade drove its way into Spikes back Spike burst into an inferno of green flames. Pearl could feel her heart sink as the fire dissipated leaving nothing but a bloody sword.

“That was close.” Pearl heard a shaky voice in the smoke to her side. She turned and her sad face took a turn when she saw the purple figure stand out of the thick black smoke. “Sneaky ghost you’ll pay for that.” Pearl noticed him holding his shoulder, thick red blood flowed through his fingers. Celestia retreated to her throne as she also whipped a few tears from her eyes relived to see her champion still alive, wounded but alive. But how he was a good fifteen feet from the burned ghost pony. “Well I’m glad that worked I was a little worried.” Spike kept the pressure on his wound. “How you like me now Gallawhatever your name was?” he gave himself a sturdy laugh as he taunted the now angry Gallatais. Spike readied himself for the next wave.

The two battled for a few moments that seemed to stretch out for an eternity. Spike would strike at Gallatais with an inferno of emerald flames only to have him sink into his smoke covered floor and rise to strike at the dragon’s blind spot. Spikes wasn’t without a plan either again and again he would consume himself with his dragon fire and appear a distance away. Pearl was stunned this Spike was amazing his determination to protect the princess was inspiring, nothing Twilight had ever written spoke of him and she couldn’t figure out why. His bravery was worthy of great praise. Autumn Breeze had mentioned a Spike and he seemed close to Twilight but how? Pearl was wracking her brain trying to think back to The Fall of Friendship for any clues to the mention of a dragon in her life.

“You won’t be able to defeat him like that Spike.” A new voice filled the palace, the female voice was strong and athortive. “Father was the strongest among us. We doubt your current level will be sufficient.” Everyone in the room looked to the throne as a starlit mist formed next to the recovering sun goddess. Pearl couldn’t believe her eyes as the mist became Princess Luna. The princess of the night looked over to Gallatais and to Pearl. Pearl could feel her gaze pity her as if she knew she was only a pawn in her father’s game, but she also felt a hint of scorn for bringing him to them.

“Luna you knew?” Celestia looked to her sister with surprise.

“Of course we knew sister; we know a lot more than you give us credit for.” Luna stepped past her sister and into the smoky floor. “What do you want here? Celestia no longer has your elements so be gone with you return to the forest and go back to sleep.”

“It is good to see you too Luna, but no I will have what is mine. Equestria must change if it is to proceed for the better.” Gallatais turned his attention away from Celestia’s protector. “My dear children, I have awaken after so long thanks to this pony.” Smoke swirled around Pearl and all eyes turned to her. She felt so small and wanted to run away. “I have learned much from this one’s memories; the events that have occurred in my absence are disturbing.” He gathered himself and formed his previous form when speaking to Celestia. “Nightmare Moon, the destruction of my guardians and worse Discord still lives.” the smoke began to agate as he spoke. “He is a monster that stole the lives of not only countless ponies enslaving them to toil away in mines and to be food for his kind but he gathered power by stealing it away from the great progenitors of the other races.” What was all this Pearl couldn’t comprehend what Gallatais was talking about? Pony slaves? Progenitors nothing was making sense. And worse He wanted the Elements of Harmony the powerful artifacts that helped Twilight Sparkle defeat those that would harm those she swore to protect.

“We are not like him Gallatais; to have killed him would bring more harm than good. His imprisonment suffices the necessity that is needed.” Celestia had gained her composure and stepped up to Gallatais’ form. “You have lost much since you died father, just look at what you want and think about it. To bring war back to Equestria would make you no better than that which you died to prevent.” Gallatais lowered his head thinking about what Celestia said.

“Dying to protect. It’s funny looking back on it,” he raised his head to meet hers, “that day I left you two I gave you the Elements of Harmony to carry on my legacy of watching over those who needed it in case I didn’t prevail over the dragon lord.” The smoke started to rage and swirl once again and Gallatais voice became stronger. “But in doing so I sealed my own defeat. I died that day because I looked after my little foals and gave them the power to prevail, the very same power that would have allowed me to triumph that day.” Celestia began to back away from her father his tone becoming more menacing. “I died and was transformed into that which he used to bring destruction to my people and those I loved, but can anyone remember it. Was my sacrifice remembered in the songs of those that survived?” Both Celestia and Luna began to create a barrier as Gallatiais rage filled smoke became as razors that cut into the floor and the great white marble column that lined the throne room. “NO! I was forgotten and our people began to die out, It was all for not! I will find my elements and be whole again, I WILL bring war and suffering to Equestria once again and they will remember what was sacrificed to bring them happiness!”

“Then I will stop you.” Spike appeared in between the raging spirit and his princesses. “You have spoken of happiness and the protection of those you love, and now you rage on about bringing war and pain to those same ponies.” Gallatais looked down on Spike.

“Silence dragon you are ignorant to which you speak. The dragon lord was a tyrant and hungered for power, he enslaved ponies just to Sade his hatred of my people and slaughtered those that would stand against him. I watched my kind burn in his hell fire and even my love wasn’t spared his madness.”

“And would you do the same? Become the monster you died to stop?” Spike’s voice was that of sadness, and Pearl could feel his scencarity.

“Yes.”

Gallatais’ word struck every pony like a shard of ice through the heart. Pearl began to cry she had unleashed a terrible darkness over Equestria and she could feel her dream of becoming a hero overwhelmed by her mistake. Maybe she should have just died at the bottom of that riven. Pearl was broken from herself pity when she saw the room light up in a brilliant green fire. She looked to the source and saw Spike once again engulfed in his fire, behind him stood the princesses channeling magic into their champion. Spike stood a bit taller and looked more like a dragon than she had always envisioned one to look like his great scaled wings sprout from his back pushing back the smoky blades the ghost Pony was forming. Only slightly taller than before and a lot more fierce Spike stood against Gallatais and readied to defend Equestria as its champion.

Gallatais was no match for the powered up Spike; every attack was swatted away and returned tenfold. The floor had been cleared to his smoke as they fought. Every strike of the sword rang in Pearls ears as the two titans clashed in the throne room of the great pony sisters. Gallatais started to gain some footing against the teleporting dragon; every attack reminded him of the night of his death and every moment driving his anger even greater.

This fight was going on to long Gallatais thought to himself with the raw might the dragon possessed and the empowerment his children supplied the outcome was clear to him. Then he saw Pearl, she seemed mildly unaffected by the feedback from their overwhelming attacks. And with that Spike landed a direct hit to the ghost pony’s chest, Gallatais cried out and exploded into a fine white mist and settled in a thin layer on the floor. His sword flew and landed with an ear ringing clang vanishing into the mist. Both Spike and the Allicorn sisters looked around in relief, was it over? Had they won the throne room was silent except the soft sobbing of a white earth pony near the doors of the throne room.

Spike rushed to the distressed pony, Celestia and Luna released their power over him as he stood over Pearl. “It’s all right pony, he’s gone it’s all over.” He gave Pearl a soft smile and reached out to wipe a tear from her eye. His smile was replaced with a warm and cold feeling in his chest as he looked in to Pearls eyes and they looked back with deceit.

“It certainly is dragon.” Pearl held Spikes hand and brushed another hoof aside his face.

The Princess were unable to react fast enough even though it all seemed to move in slow motion. Spike had rushed to the unknown pony that lay crying in the distance. As he comforted her like a flash on lightning Gallatais’ sword sprang from the thin mist and pierced directly through Spikes back and pinned him to the floor. Gallatais had possessed Pearl at the end of the battle and faking his demise. The real Pearl stood outside her body screaming at the top of her ethereal lungs for Spike to run, she even turned to the Princesses and begged them to see her. But bow it was too late Spike had taken his last breath and stood with Gallatais blade through his back.

“Gallatais you Bastard!” She cried out to her possessed body, but he paid her no mind and walked toward the Princesses.

The possessed pony smiled to the princesses. “Your champion has fallen my children. The elements will be mine again and Equestria will be pushed into a new era.” The possessed pony slowly walked to the throne and made his decoration. But just as he felt accomplished the throne room shimmered in a purple light. And a loud pop echoed in the destroyed throne room.

Every pony turned to the fallen corpse of spike to see a withered purple unicorn holding his limp cold body. Twilight Pearl wanted to call out but her current form prevented her words from reaching any pony. “Oh Spike you were so brave, I’m so proud of you. And I’m sorry for pushing you away for all this time.” Nopony spoke as the purple unicorn held the fallen dragon. A stream of tears flowed from her eyes onto Spikes face, Twilight reached out and closed his eyes and with a quick flash she vanished with Spikes body leaving only a bloody sword. Another flash and she reappeared at the foot of the throne with the lifeless dragon. “Of all the ones I hurt the most it was Spike that I hurt the most. I had abused him and taken him for granted for so long that after that day I turned him away so he would come back to you and be watched over.” Twilight looked to the Princesses and they held back the torrent of tears that welled up for their fallen hero. Then she turned to see the possessed Pearl. “You, you’re not the same pony that came to me holding my book and a heart of hope, who are you?” Celestia and Luna just looked to each other in shock.

“You’re very perceptive,” he thought for a moment, sliding out of Pearls body and forming the dissipated smoky form of a face, “I am Gallatais progenitor of the Allicorn race. And you must be Twilight Sparkle current holder of my Element of Magic.” Pearl was unable to stand after Gallatais gave up her body, she felt so drained, she wanted to tell Twilight to run and that Gal was dangerous but she was barely able to stay conscious. Twilight didn’t flinch when Gallatais spoke to her she kept that cool headed look of anger as she faced Spikes killer. “Stay safe my dear element I will be coming for you soon, and when I do this will all seem like a trot in the park.” Pearl saw the sword pulled from the floor and dragged toward her as the world sank into darkness.

CH8

“Do it again, father,” a small filly's voice chirped. “Your sky looks so wonderful. Do you think I could make it like that some day?” The filly’s tiny voice was so warm and soft. The dark blue filly stared at her father in wonder, waiting for his answer. Hungering for his affection she leaned into his side and yawned.

“The night shall always be yours, my little Luna. And one day, the very heavens will shimmer in your image.” The stallion next to her returned her soft touch with a wing over her tired body. “But that is for another day. Now we need to get you off to bed, your mother always worries when we stargaze.” He stood and floated the small sleeping figure to his back. Tall and regal, the stallion looked to the starlit sky. “One day, the stars will shine for you and you alone my child.” He turned and headed toward a great castle.

“What are you doing here?” The stallion stood over another filly, the pure white filly brushed her soft pink hair from her face.

“I’m sorry father I just wanted to see the stars.” She shied away from the overbearing figure that was her father. “Their just so beautiful. Please, just this once.” She gave him a pout and made her eyes as big as saucers.

“If your mother finds…” He was cut short by a thud to the chest and a pair of hooves wrapped as far and as tight around his chest as best the filly could manage.

“You’re the best daddy ever.” the small white filly dashed past her father and out into the courtyard.

“Gallitais,” the spectral visitor watched the scene unfold before her. The hazy white mare turned to see the familiar sight she had only seen fragments of. “So this is the real you,” she spoke out loud to herself.

“I had always hoped only the best for my children and all my people.” The room filled with Gallitais’ voice. “It was so simple back then. I was the lord of the Alicorns. Their hope, their power. Through me, they were granted immortality. Power and prosperity. Yes, my people were truly blessed.” Pearl walked the empty room and found her way to where Celestia sat staring at the night’s sky. “We took a passive outlook over the younger races that appeared ages into our lives. The fast and cunning griffons. Minotaurs, strong and proud. Even the pony tribes. They were so much like ourselves, we favored them over all the other races.” Celestia's face glowed in the moon light as she stargazed, her big bright eyes darting from star cluster to star cluster and childishly counting out loud each one. “But there were others who saw only contempt for them, the Dragon King.” Pearl shivered at just the mentioning of the name. “Through his existence, his kind were also granted longevity and great power over those they saw below them. And from his order they began to conquer those lesser races. They tethered the griffins to the ground, clipping them of their wings, turning them into beasts that hunted the other races. Even the strength of the Minotaurs was no match for the Dragon King's hunger for power. He cast them into the deepest bowels of the earth, forcing them to guard his treasure trove, stripping them of their pride.” Pearl didn’t like where this was going. Gallitais speech overwhelming the scene as Celestia was swarmed by a mass of flickering fireflies. She happily chased them around the courtyard and giggled at their display of lights. “But it was the pony tribes that suffered the most. It was their likeness to my kind that enraged the Dragon King. Since time immortal, we had a shaky truce. Our pacifistic ways meant we did not seek lands and those that we wished to rule over. We merely watched over those we could guide into the new age. But the dragons, they took out their hatred for us on your kind, enslaving them to do his bidding. No pony was out of his reach. Entire villages of ponies burned to the ground and chained to their gem mines to harvest the ill-gotten gains the dragons so desired. Many died due to mistreatment, starvation, and the sheer hunger the dragons possessed for their flesh.” Pearl felt sick as he spoke. She had never heard of anything like this. It was true before the pony tribes worked together and established Equestria there wasn’t much in the way of history. “And to think this was his ultimate jest to your kind.” Suddenly Pearl felt a cold tingle across her flank, she turned to see nothing.

“What, my cutie mark,” she asked Gallitais disembodied voice.

“The mark of talent? Yes, the Dragon King found something unique with your kind. They seemed to excel at certain tasks, so in his cruel wisdom he would brand his slaves with dragon fire. A mark that would designate their place in his thrall.” Pearl was speechless. The cutie mark that every pony sought after as a foal was originally a mark of slavery so they could better serve a master with their special talent. She felt ill when she remembered back to when she acquired her special mark.

It was a summer morning and she was in the storefront with her father when she curiously followed an aged tan mare through their store. She would pick up an item and inspect it, shake her head in disappointment, and continue her search. Pearl would watch the old mare and started to feel bad for her, endlessly searching plates and dishes were looking for just the right piece. Finally, Pearl nudged her side and presented her with a dingy plate. She took it and gave a thankful smile, one that any pony would give to a child just trying to help. She had told her it wasn’t what she was looking for, but Pearl insisted she take it. The next day the mare returned and gave her father so much praise, and with tears in her eyes, she thanked Pearl. It turned out she had dropped a plate from her china set and shattered it. It was a gift from her mother and seemed irreplaceable, she had taken the plate home and washed away the dust and grime to reveal the unique pattern that she sought after for so long. Pearl would never forget the words of the tan mare with the golden scale cutie mark. “It’s not what you can see on the surface. It’s what’s beneath that really matters.”

More precious than any memory that she held, the day she got her cutie mark would always have a special place in her heart. But now, when she looked to her special mark she only saw it as a seared blemish to mark her place in with the rest of the slaves. “But why do we still bear the marks if it was the Dragon King who branded us in the first place,” Pearl cried out to the darkness.

The night’s sky flashed with brightness and Pearl shielded her eyes from the sudden flash. She was now standing in a throne room, bright windows of stained glass depicting the images of winged unicorns in various colors and stances. Cries of distorted ponies holding their loved ones as they tended to their burned and infected flanks. Rage filled cries for something to be done filled the room. Pearl looked to the head of the pack. Upon a seat of basic wood and cloth sat the pony from the night before. Gallitais, master and lord of Alicorns. His stern gaze was intimidating for one who was supposed to be a passive. He raised a hoof and the herd of ponies spanning from the large and fit earth ponies to the royal and well groomed unicorns fell silent.

“I understand your plight, the pony tribes have suffered under the tyrannical fist of the Dragon King for far too long. Now I can see he has gone as far as to mar your kind with a brand and he will continue to do so until he is stopped.” his great horn flashed a blinding dark blue and a wave of magic swept across the throne room. “From now until pony kind is no longer of use for this mark, every pony shall bare the mark of talent. Be it not for another to pass harm to your kind, to brand you to their bidding, but for each of you to find your own path and proudly show it to your fellow pony.” The entire room began to gasp as each of the ponies flanks shimmered with magic and a mark appeared. Unlike the mark given by the dragons, these marks of talent were painless as they appeared and gave a pleasant image to the eye. “We, the Alicorns, have sat by and taken a passive view upon the dragons and their misuse of the powers given to them. So I, Gallitais, shall march against the Dragon King and bring him to justice for his crimes.” The ponies began to cheer for their champion as he stood and walked to the throne doors.”

“I was such an idealistic foal back then. The Dragon King needed to be stopped, because it was only a matter of time before his hunger for power came to our door step.” Darkness filled the memory and Pearl stood in nothingness. “I fought many battles against the Dragon King, joined by Alicorns and pony folk alike. We won so many battles, driving the dragons further and further away from the lush lands the ponies called home; we even managed to free most of the other mortal fledgling races. It was the eve of our final victory. With this last battle, I would have destroyed the Dragon King and drove the dragons into the darkness to slowly die off without their progenitor.”

“Wait Gal, you mentioned that word before, prosomething. What is that?” Pearl was confused, she had never heard of such a thing.

“Progenitors, beings like myself and the Dragon King, are beacons of power to our people. We were the first, and with our existence, our kind would benefit from our immortality, power and aptitudes. Without us,” Gallitais drifted off. Pearl knew where he was going, there was a reason the Alicorns were no longer with us. “Luna and Celestia were spared after I died by the rest of our people. They sacrificed their very lives to grant them everlasting life and inexhaustible power, that, with the elements of harmony that I granted them on our last gathering, kept them alive to watch over the pony tribes just as planned.” Pearl had heard that the Alicorn sisters were pillars of extraordinary magical power, before them it would take many, many, unicorns to control the flow of the sun and moon so that the pegasi could move the skies to water the land that the earth ponies grew food on. It was a symbiotic relationship that had its ups and downs but they managed and have lasted for over millennia.

“So that’s what this is all about is it?” Pearl raised an eye to the darkness. “You want your elements back so you can take revenge on the dragons that destroyed you.” The inky blackness began to shake and a red glow surrounded Pearl.

“NO!” Pearl cringed away from the bellowing voice that seemed to come from nowhere. “If it were just revenge on the dragons I could have accomplished that without the Elements of Harmony. No this is bigger than that. We have been forgotten, cast aside, lost to time and those that would benefit from my, our, sacrifice. No pony, this is about reclaiming the glory of those that have and would sacrifice EVERY thing for a greater purpose.” Pearl was taken back. His words set her off balance. “Think about it, Pearl. I’ve seen your past and I’ve been bombarded with visions of one pony, the bearer of Magic. You have dreamed of her for as long as you can remember. The book you swoon over gave you her story, didn’t it?” Pearl didn’t like where this was going, but she nodded. “And do you know why she wrote that book?” Pearls face became sour; she knew what he was getting at. She realized it after deciphering the Fall of Friendship. She had saved Equestria, well her and her friends, but no one knew or understood what pain they had gone through to accomplish those tasks. Was Gal the same way? “We have been forgotten. What is the point in stopping the darkness if no one cares how many suffered to keep it at bay? I left that day to stop the Dragon King not to gain acclaim or awards for my deeds, but to be completely forgotten? Not just me, but all those that died from the plague that was the Dragon King's lust for power. Did their suffering mean nothing to those who survived? To what end did I die for?”

“I can understand your anguish, Gallitais. But in your quest to reclaim your elements, you were willing to kill Celestia.” Pearl shook off the butterflies in her stomach. “Your own daughter. You even killed Spike. And you USED ME to do it,” she raged at the blackness. “You’re no better than the Dragon King, the way I see it Gal.” she didn’t care if he lashed out at her she had a point to make. “You cry and yell about retribution for the past, but you only repeat it. If you were truly stronger than the Dragon King, you will stop this.”

“It’s too late, Pearl. The lever has been pulled, and the gears have been set into motion. I must find those that bear my elements and take them, so that I may bring strife to the land once more, and from the ashes of that, heroes will arise and those that survive will forever remember those that died and work for the betterment of their own pours. And you will be my instrument, my element of war.” Pearl sat back on her haunches; Gallitais spoke both truth and madness. Equestria had forgotten those that gave up their lives to save the rest from destruction, Twilight had given everything to save Equestria and was forgotten in an instant. And in an attempt to have her legacy preserved she gambled her friends and lost it all. “You’re beginning to see it my way. The dragon’s death will not in vain he will be remembered by those who were close to him,” Pearl thought back to the purple scaled dragon impaled right before her eyes. And then she saw twilight and the look on her face when she recognized Pearl.

“I will stop you Gal,” Pearl took a deep breath and spoke to the darkness her voice strong and clear. “I will not let you sacrifice another pony for your ambition.”

“Very well Pearl, you will still come with me to gather my fragmented elements.” And for the first time since she had entered the past visions Gallitais smoke form appeared to her. “The only way to stop me is to wield my elements against me. So come pony, let us fulfill the end of our bargain and see who is strong enough to be the victor.” Gallitais laughing smoke cloud grew and grew in size until it vanished in a burst of smoke.

“I think she’s coming around. Quick Sweetie, tend to her while I get some soup started. She’ll be hungry.” Pearl could hear voices around her just past the darkness.

Pearl slowly opened her eyes and found herself in a dimly lit room, was it night? No she could make out the soft glow of the sun being filtered through thick curtains. But where was she? She slowly turned her head to see another pony. The pony had a white coat, not unlike her own, and her stylish curled hair she could make out a horn, a unicorn?

“Where…”

“Don’t try to speak just yet. You’ve been out for days. We were afraid you’d never wake.” The mare’s voice was a symphony of sound and it felt like a choir of angels messaging her ears. The room came into focus as did her caretaker. The room was very pretty from what Pearl could make out in the dim light. And even the unicorn was beautiful, as angelic as her voice. She wore a very stylish outfit and Pearl guessed she must still be in Canterlot. Not many ponies wore clothes while not attending an event, and from the looks of the quality, this pony's family must be very well off. “My sister is making you some celery soup. It’s good for the soul and tastes delicious.” Pearl smiled to her savior and let a slight chuckle as this was the second time some pony made her celery soup after being unconscious. Pearl quickly realized something and shot up, franticly searching the room only to be restrained by the white unicorn. “Whoa there. Don’t do that, you’ll pass out again. Take it easy. Stay here and I’ll go see how my sister is coming with that soup.” The white unicorn went to the door and cracked it a bit not to let in too much light. “Oh, and by the way, I’m Sweetie Belle. It’s nice to meet you. Now don’t go anywhere.” With that Sweetie Belle disappeared into the hall way leaving Pearl alone in the most comfortable bed she had ever had the pleasure of sleeping in.

CH9

Pearl had finally regained enough strength to move about her saviors home. The unicorns lived in a huge manor filled with a great deal of antiques that Pearl thought her father would just love. The halls were lined in extravagant wallpapers Rarity lived in such luxury at least half a dozen rooms stretched across three floors of a hollow empty home. She had followed Sweetie Belle past many open rooms, a small library filled with old tombs, a massive study filled with dresses that shimmered in all the glory that their maker bestowed upon them. Sweetie spoke lightly of many of the rooms they passed and Pearl couldn’t help but notice the lack of attendants or any other ponies. Sweetie Belle said there hasn’t been a servant pony in their home in quite some time. But everywhere Pearl looked not a speck of dust was found.

Finally they arrived to a dazzling patio in the back of Rarity’s manson. It was breathtaking the sizeable deck held at least a half-dozen tables that overlooking a grand garden filled with rows upon rows of flowers, master sculpted statues, and a wide variety of topeary.

“Tell me... Pearl was it... yes i believe, so what in Equestria were you doing out in the dark all alone in an alley?” Rarity sat at a glass patio table alone among the empty tables and sipped tea from a cup Pearl could only guess cost more bits than she had ever seen in her life. Pearl recognized her from the picture on Applejack’s wall, she didn’t seem to age at all barely a wrinkle on her entire body.

Pearl searched for everything she was worth to give rarity an answer that wasn’t, oh helped an Alicorn ghost meet his daughters and killed a dragon. “I’m here visiting a friend of my fathers.” she gave the most convincing smile as she lied to Rarity. It always left a bad taste in Pearl’s mouth to lie to anyone and usually felt very wrong but this time it felt necessary, making it taste worse.

“My I will have to say darling when Sweetie Belle brought you here you were covered in blood and we thought the worst, but it turns out none of it was yours.” Thats right Pearl thought back to Spikes death and all the blood must have got on her from that wound. Rarity was quick one but she still just sat there sipping her tea. “I would have to say it would have been a shame to mar such a beautiful white coat. So rare to see a white earth pony.” Not many ponies had mentioned the color of her coat with such interest.

“And I’m sure you noticed I own a great deal of things but something new has shown up in my house.” Pearl felt her stomach tighten, she remembered Beauty Gemstone and how sly she was, the silver tongued amethyst Pearl would call her sometimes.. “It’s a very strange object indeed. Tall, metal, sharp you wouldn’t happen to know what it is do you... Pearl was it... yes Pearl.” Pearl wondered if the Rarity she was seeing in front of her gingerly sipping her tea casually asking difficult questions was always like this? In The fall of Friendship Twilight raved about the twisting of beauty and how generosity collapsed in on itself, the pages wrinkled and warped from the endless tears they had soaked up.

“Its an antique, brought it from Manehatten to a friend of my fathers.”

“Oh my how I do love antiques. Did you know I’ve traveled almost all of Equestria. I’ve seen many things and did remarkable things in my youth.” another sip from her tea. “But I will have to say I’ve never seen anything quite like that thing.” Pearl felt Rarity’s words begining to cut her like a knife, Rarity’s gaze seemed to pierce right through Pearl. “And the strangest thing we found on you was this.” Rarity waved for her sister who waited by the patio doors with a wrapped bundle of books. Pearl never thought that she could get any whiter if she tried but even the darkest pony would be like a ghost with the color that drained from her face when she saw the Adventures of Twilight Sparkle and Friends along with the battered Fall of Friendship in Sweetie Belle’s hooves.

“I’m sorry Rarity..”

“That’s Miss Rarity if you please.”

“I’m so sorry Miss Rarity but I need to have you hoof over the Element of Generosity, please before he comes to take it.” Rarity just stared at Pearl not thinking much about what Pearl had just said as real. “Please Miss Rarity you don’t understand.” Rarity just set her tea down and took the larger of the two books from her sister.

“The Adventures of Twilight Sparkle and Friends, ah it’s been so long since I’ve laid eyes on this. Ah so many memories defiled by who we thought was our friend. I have a copy in my library you know, and it’s signed by Twilight and the girls.” Pearl didn’t like how smug Rarity sounded, The Adventures of Twilight Sparkle was a popular book ages ago and having a copy wasn’t very uncommon, and even few of her friends in grade school had a copy. “And now you’re telling me you’re here for the Element of Generosity. You’re a very peculiar pony... Pearl was it?” Sweetie Belle turned to leave the pair of ponies feeling the conversation making her uncomfortable but stopped suddenly.

“Rarity when did you bring that thing out here?” Sweetie Belle’s voice stammered as her eyes stared in disbelief of the object in front of her.

Pearl and Rarity both looked to what Sweetie Belle was talking about. There laying against the wall on the patio was Gallatais’ prison.

“To think I found it sport to let you try and convince Generosity to give you the key to stopping me. I can see now that this one has not only rejected my element but has become devoid of it.” Pearl sat up from her seat as Gallatais began to seep from his sword.

“And here he is the guest of honor, Gallatais Lord of the Alicorns.” Rarity brought her tea up and finished what was left. “Sister my cup has run dry would you be a dear and fetch me another?” Weary Sweetie Belle did as she was told and rushed off the patio to retrieve her sister another cup of tea.

“You are either very brave or very foalish, Generosity.” Gallatais swirled around the two ponies. “And I see you know who I am.”

“Yes It was yesterday while... Pearl?... yes, Pearl slept that the princess arrived to warn me about a ghost and his prisoner that would be coming for me.” Rarity looked to Pearl and Pearl felt a cold shiver run down her back. The princess came yesterday but that would mean Pearl was unconscious in her house when the princess arrived, why didn’t Rarity tell her about them? “She told me you would be coming for this.” Rarity produced a brilliant necklace from a box sitting on the table. It was so beautiful the necklace, its golden band with a radiant sapphire in the center matching her cutie mark.

“You are a brave pony Generosity, but I’m not here for trinkets.” Gallatais’ face materialized in front of Rarity’s with a slight smile across it. “Do you really think that the very essence of harmony would be just a mere fashion statement?” Gallatais pushed the golden necklace to the floor shattering it.

“Then what is it? Will you kill me also like you did to Spike to take what you want?” Rarity got into Gallatais face crushing the crystal diamond beneath her hoof. “Will you take me away from my sister just like you took Spike from the ones that loved him?” Pearl could feel the waiver in Rarity’s voice, The dragon did she have feelings for him?

“Do not be absurd pony I can feel your heart and it is as stone, love and joy, care, these words mean nothing to you. Yes I killed the dragon, but he died a hero his actions will be written the archives of antiquity for generations. Look at you now so willing to give up the Element of Generosity, why?”

“I have lived only for myself for so long ghost. I held no ill will toward Twilight and her book. But it did open my eyes that staying where I was was getting me nowhere.” Rarity sat back in her chair as her sister brought her another cup of tea. “I poured everything into my work over the last decade sacrificing everything,” Rarity looked to her sister, “and every one to make my dream come true. I had heard Twilight had locked herself up in the library but I didn’t care, my best friend martyred herself for an ideal. And I didn’t even bat an eye. Spike came to me to see if I could get Twilight out of her self pity, but I pushed him away.”

“And generosity collapsed in on itself, But I don’t understand why didn’t you tell the princess I was here?” Pearl put a hoof on Rarity’s shoulder.

“Because I want it gone. Generosity, ha. every time I think back and see myself just giving and giving to my friends it hurt to look around myself now and see so much I’ve gained.” Gallatais settled and his smile became more sinister. “Even my own sister has had to suffer because of me.”

“She bears no mark of talent am I correct?” the three white ponies turned to Gallatais and then Pearl turned to Sweetie Belle who was shocked and stunned.

“That can’t be, to have gone through life not knowing your special place in the world but how.” Pearl was mystified she had never heard of such a thing. She remembered back to Applebloom telling her her best friends left one to follow her idol and the other taken in the night. “Oh Sweetie Belle I’m so sorry.” Pearl went to the crying unicorn and held her tight. It began to make since that she would wear a dress to cover her shame.

“Less like a sister more like a servant I see. How generous of you.” Gallatais once again began to swirl around Rarity. “You knew you had to be better than Magic because you thought you were better than her. So you ran from her and trampled anything that stood in the way of your dream, even the affection of the dragon.”

“Thats right ghost and I accomplished my dream I became so famous and rich.” Rarity stood from her seat. “The fashion world was tough but I was tougher, My sister made for the basis for my model and I used her to showcase my work. I killed the weak part of me and rose above the common crowd. Twilight was right, we had done so much for Equestria and they didn’t know who I, we, were. So if being generosity wasn’t getting me anywhere, I was going to be strong and I stepped on all the little ponies that stood in my way. Even the one whom I held highest in my heart walked away.”

“But in the end it cost you so many important things. Things like one dragons love, and the respect of a sister.” Gallatais was like a tornado around Rarity.

“A small price to pay for where I am now. Love, respect, in the end they meant nothing.” Rarity’s magic lashed out at the swirling smoke, knocking it away from her. “The only love that matters is the love of cold hard bits, and if my sister was too weak to find her own way in life all the fault falls on her back.” Rarity’s eyes were wild darting from side to side. “For so long I srounged the bottom of the socialite barrel in Ponyville, as much as I loved the simplicity that my hometown provided. it hindered my standing with in the elite which i so desired.” She spouted rants as she laughed still pushing away the encroaching smoke.

“The collapse of generosity has reached its peak, you were wise to keep me from my daughter so I may claim my prize.” Gallatais opened his spectral mouth wider than natural and a thin spike of ghostly energy pierced Rarity’s magical barrier and struck Raritys heart. Sweetie Belle struggled against Pearl’s grasp to run to her sister. “Rejoice for you will be freed of the burden that has burned away your very soul.” the teather began to glow a radiant blue as pulses of energy flowed from Rarity and into Gallatais’ form.

With a great burst of strength Sweetie Belle escaped Pearls grasp cring out and running to her sister, she threw her hooves around Rarity. “I’m sorry sister I don’t care about leaving Ponyville, I don’t care about not ever getting my cutie mark. As long as i’m with you that’s all that mattered to me.” Sweetie Belle cried out as she held Rarity, streams of tears were soaked up by her dress. Finally Gallatais finished with Rarity and her body went limp into her sisters embrace.

“And thus Generosity has fallen to its master,” two winged figures watch the events unfold in the distance on Rarity’s manson roof. “soon little one you will have to face a painful truth, what you will have to sacrifice may be too much.” The taller of the two spread its wings wide and flew away.

“I don’t care, I’ll save her no matter what.” The smaller jumped out of sight.

“It looks like after my sister recovers we may need a change of scenery,” Sweetie Belle slowly closed a door behind her. “I’m thinking it’s been far too long since we’ve been home. Our real home.” Pearl followed Sweetie Belle into the living room and sat at the table and began to drink some tea. “I can’t say I won’t miss all of this.” Sweetie Belle looked to all the trinkets and knick knacks. “My sister had lost sight of her work and began to stay in her room, but i kept silent. Over the years, I saw her slip further and further away from who she use to be. You know she really did love Spike.” Pearl had a flashback of the dragon champion falling to Galatais’ facade.

“But Spike told her it wasn’t meant to be, he had learned from Celestia that he would outlive her. She would grow old and die while he had only began his life.” Pearl felt a deep sadness for Rarity. “Over the years we saw less and less of him even though we lived practically next door. That’s when my sister started to see a age regression unicorn to preserve her looks for Spike.”

“I wanted him to always remember me just as I always was.” The two unicorns turned to see a weary Rarity leaning against the door frame. “He had grown up from the baby that always chased after my affection. To the most handsome dragon I had ever laid eyes on. It all seems a waste now that you killed him, you despicable ghost.” She stared past her sister and Pearl to the sword leaning against the wall.

“Celestia told me all about it when she was here. You tricked my love and killed him. Leave my home and never let me lay eyes upon you ever again.” sluggishly she turned and went to her room to rest. “And... Pearl... yes Pearl it was, I can feel you’re bound to him but you need to get out before tragedy strikes. And last but not least take this,” on the table a box opened revealing a copy of The Adventures of Twilight Sparkle. A pristine crisp copy sat before her. “of all my treasures this one holds a special place in my heart.” And then she vanished.

“We have a lot of problems here captain,” a rough female voice called out to her boss as she looked around an empty room. “Rainbow Dash you’re doing it again. Lazing about when there’s work to be done.” An orange pegasus searched the solid cloud office for her boss, peaking around doors and looking under desks. “Oh well I guess I’ll tell the others Rainbow Flash has taken over the Wonderbolts and practice is off.” She gave a sly smile and held her paperwork heading toward the office door.

“You little rascal, you know how I hate that name.” A streak of cyan streaked from the ceiling and pinned her assistant to the wall. The orange pegasus came face to face with a perturbed Rainbow Dash. “Scootaloo, your such a flirty little filly.” Scootaloo gave a grin and closed her eyes as Rainbow’s expression changed. Her frown curled into a smile as she leaned in giving her prisoner a deep kiss. Scootaloo dropped the stack of paperwork and threw herself into the kiss wrapping her arms around Rainbow Dash.

CH 10

It had been so long since I could remember being this happy. So many days with the one I have come to love. A warmth that only could come from being this close to Celeslia’s Sun. I had spent so much time thinking, waiting, for my dreams to become a reality. I had hoped and longed for the prestigious rank of a member of the Wonderbolts. I had longed for the day I would fly among the clouds and dazzle countless ponies with my amazing skills.

It was all but a foals dream that I longed for all those years ago. I had my head in the clouds but my hooves on the ground. I shudder to think back to all the time I had wasted on the cold hard unforgiving ground. I had always been so rash, but they accepted me so I gave them everything. I felt at peace all that time even though it meant sacrifice, but I was willing to accept it for them.

“Dashie, are you alright?” A voice broke me from my daydream. “You seem so distant today. are you thinking about her again?”

Scootaloo the one constant in my life. It’s funny to think back on it so long ago I saw nothing in her but a nuisance. A second tail that my only escape was in the clouds that she adored.

“No Scoots the only one I can think about anymore is the only one I can see.” I wasn’t very savvy with words but I managed to make her happy sometimes.

“Oh, Captain that’s so touching I think I’m going to cry.” Wait that’s not the voice of my tiny winged angel. I looked to the side and there standing too close for comfort was Stormcaller. That meddlesome stallion, he had joined the Wonderbolts just after me and was very good. Well Fulttershy thought so enough to marry the guy. “Hey now don’t be like that, I came with what I’m guessing is good news.” He held out an object I hadn’t seen in ages, a rolled scroll with the royal seal.

“A letter from the Princess? What could she want after all these years?” I took the letter and thought maybe a request to perform at the palace, but why not send it to Scootaloo?

“Question though,” Cloudcaller looked to Scoots “have you seen my wife? She wrote me a strange letter a while ago and said she’d be coming for a visit?”

“I’m not Fluttershys keeper, though it has been a while since her last visit.”Scootaloo gave a warm smile to the memory that she held for Fluttershy. Of all my ‘friends’ she was the only one I still saw from time to time.

“No? Oh well if you see her send her to me.” Stormcaller gave us a smile and vanished out the office door. “Oh and you two should really get a room.” he gave one last pop back into my office to taunt us.

Scoot only gave a laugh and a peck on the cheek as she also disappeared from my sight. I had grown to pity my poor little pegasus. So tragic After leaving Ponyville and chasing my dream she chased hers. I had pushed her away so many times telling her to go home and leave me alone I wasn’t ready for any more pain that I felt from Twilights betrayal.

I spent so much time with Twilight and we shared so many memories, done so many wondrous things that when that night happened it felt worse than the cut she left. Sometimes it hurts when I think about Twilight and her everlasting souvenir she gave me that night. I laugh it off if only to mask the real hurt.

“So princess, what’s the problem?” I sat back at my desk to rifle through some paperwork that had been piling up, and now the princess added just another pressing matter. It only took a few moments to decipher her letter. “SPIKE’S DEAD!?!?” I cried out and quickly put my hooves over my big loud mouth. But there it was in Celestials elegant magically written pen. I read on, what was she talking about some kind of ghost and what the buck is a sword. But Spike, he had finally grown so handsome, and this Gall... Galla what kind of name is that for a pony. I was enraged Spike was a good friend and even though he lived in Canterlot he had come to a lot of our shows, it was so cute him being there all hidden in the background not thinking I saw him there. I was dumbstruck I couldn’t bring myself to even think if the others found out, Fluttershy would be devastated “Fluttershy!”

I raced through the Wonderbolt compound. Stormcaller couldn’t have gotten far that obnoxious peach pegasus, I had to ask him about Fluttershy. I don’t think I could ever forgive myself if anything happened to her. “Stormcaller thank Celestia I found you.” I burst in on Stormcaller followed by a few good cheers. I had come into the mens changing room.

“So nice to see you again Cap, you know Scoots is gonna get jealous if you stay too long.” Again with the jokes.

“Fluttershy, when was the last time you heard from her?” I shook that moron for all he was worth. “I think something bad is coming and it may come for her.” all the others gave me a worried look. “oh pony-feathers come with me idiot.”

“Wait! Wait! Captain you’re not making any sense. What’s coming? And what do you mean it’s coming for my wife, have you met my wife? I’m not sure anything on Equestria would ever hurt her.” He was right for as long as I’ve known Fluttershy there was nothing she couldn’t handle, except: spiders, dragons, loud sudden noises, her own shadow. Who were we kidding she was scared of everything I shuddered to think if something or some pony wanted to hurt her. We got back to my office and Scootaloo was there reading the letter from Celestia her eyes filled with tears.

“Rainbow... Spike’s... he’s,” Scootaloo choked out what little she could before running to me giving me the strongest hug she could muster.

“I know I know,” I looked into her sad eyes, just like back then they held so much worry for me. “go home now, I need to take care of somethings. Go ahead and cancel my appearances for the next week, I know the Pony Press won’t like it but you can handle them.” with a sniffle she shook off the dreaded feelings and went out. Scootaloo had risen very high for a pegasus that couldn’t fly, not that she wasn’t good at it no, we found out after leaving Ponyville that she had what was called Underdeveloped Wing Syndrome. Her body grew as she aged but not her wings. It was also very rare, I had only seen one other pegasus with it but he was a little overbearing to begin with so I didn’t think much of it back then. But even with UWS she managed to get me on track and into the Wonderbolts and eventually she earned herself a place among the elite pegasus as our manager, that little filly sure had a way with coordination.

I can still remember the day her cutie mark appeared, I had just left Ponyville and needed to work out being tied up in the hospital for so long after Twilight and my falling out. I had decided to leave the ground behind and to never set hoof on it again,I did a few tricks just to get the kinks out of my routine and that’s when I saw her there just staring up at me with those big purple eyes.

“Go home kid I’ve got a goal to accomplish and there’s no room for tagalongs.”

“I don’t care there’s nothing to go back to, I’ve got a goal too ya know.” so obstinate that little filly.

She followed me for a few days just watching and taking notes on some paper she had brought with her. At night I would sleep a little lower to the ground and she would ask me the strangest questions. “Dash, do you hate Twilight? I heard she hurt you real bad, I don’t think I could ever forgive her for that.” I hadn’t thought about it much since getting out of the hospital. I was furious at her for what she did to me not only physically but that book. That accursed book, I really didn’t read it through before that night but laying up healing for so long gave me some time so I read it a little closer.

Rainbow Flash, man I hated that name it was so... so... well it was a little too close for comfort. She had lived my life, or so to speak, a lazy good for a forgettable laugh always causing trouble red pegasus. After reading that book at least a half-dozen times I really began to see the literary doppelganger in myself, I always thought I was soo cool. I could do anything, anything that was but accomplish my one goal in life, The Wonderbolts. Flash had the same dream, but she had let so many opportunities just pass her by. It was then I saw it, Flash was me and I hated me because of it, how many times had I let the Wonderbolt dream just pass me by? I had so much to offer but I only practiced to impress my friends and really didn’t try so I had fail year after year to join their coveted ranks.

“No kid I don’t hate her heck I kinda want to thank her, I’m not Rainbow Flash any more. Flash will forever sit on her cloud in a world of half truths, I’m going to Rainbow Dash the greatest Wonderbolt in Equestria.” I felt so good about myself that night.

It was over the next few weeks when I just couldn’t do it anymore, the long practices just didn’t seem to help and I had given up on Scoot leaving. She would take her notes and just watch every practice, she grew less and less amazed and more focused.

“Alright, I’ve got it Rainbow Dash.”

“Got what? And just Dash, please for the hundredth time.”

“Well Dash it’s your routine, I’ve got it figured out.” She held out that little note pad and I flipped through it. It was amazing it didn’t seem real she was just a little filly a school grade dropout and here I held a complex list of moves and feats that all seemed to fit so well together. “I know you probably think it’s stupid.”

It was a month later we went to a tryout and after putting that little piece of paper into action over and over again until it was perfect, I had finally done it. I was so overwhelmed i latched onto that little orange filly and kissed her for all it was worth. And after the initial shock was over it appeared her blank flank shimmered and a Microphone in the center of crisscrossing arrows appeared where it always waited. She had done it Scootaloo had broken me away from Rainbow Flash and turned me into Rainbow Dash. My dream had come true and it was all thanks to her, and I wasn’t letting her go any time soon.

“Storm what did Fluttershy’s letter say?” It had taken some coaxing but Scoots finally went home.

“It was strange she asked if Autumn had gotten here safe and if she wasn’t too scarred.” He thought back to his letter. Autumn Breeze was his and Fluttershy’s foal, and she was the spitting image of her mother including a personality to match, I never understood the attraction. Stormcaller was an obnoxious loudmouth and grew up in Cloudsdale, He joined the Wonderbolts from the academy right after I got in from a tryout. When Fluttershy came to see me graduate and dawn my uniform for the first time he swooped in and used that upperclass charm to sweep her off her hooves.

It was like a match made in a comic, the charismatic fool and the shy princess. Autumn had come to every show since she was old enough to watch and even ventured out to see us by herself. She had an accident when she was small and didn’t fly because of it, I always wondered if I was so good that I leached the flight of those around me. “I must have gotten it early because I haven’t seen Autumn since Manehatten a few weeks back. And whats wrong what had the manager so upset?”

I explained the letter and tried to do so that he would understand. He still didn’t get it. “For Celestias sake Storm there’s something coming after the element bearers and your wife is one. You know Kindness I'm sure she mentioned it at least once.”

“Well she is really kind, if ya know what I mean,” He winked and nudged me with an elbow, I wasn’t amused. “I mean, yeah I’ve heard the legends and read that book by the recluse. Loved the red pegasus by the way. Oh don’t give me that look, I kid, I kid.”

“Well if you see her I’m holding you personally responsible for her safety.” He stood at attention and gave a mocking salute.

*Huff* *Huff* “Well we’re here, finally now what?” I turned to see a sweaty white earth pony at my office door. I was stunned what the hay was this earth ponies can’t come up here. “Rainbow Dash I hope?” She asked me nearly passing out.

“Who are you and how did you get up here. Cloudsdale isn’t exactly a casual stroll for your kind.”

“Maybe she flew.” Stormcaller chimed in with more useless jokes.

“Ignore her, hello Loyalty,” and there it was the strangest thing I had ever seen a large metal object spew a black smoke and it spoke to me, at least I think it was speaking to me. “You have something that belongs to me and I have come to collect.” It was him the Gallasomething from the Princesses letter and the earth pony that accompanied him.

“You, you killed Spike!” I leapt from my desk and attacked the ghostly pony only to pass harmlessly through it. “Storm get out of here! Thats an order!” and like a flash he bolted out my office window. “You want my element to bad I don’t have it anymore. Go see Twilight I think maybe she still has it.” I gave him a smirk as I backed up to my desk. I hadn’t even thought about that chief artifact I had used to defeat gods and angry spirits, It would be nice right about now though.

“Again the bearer thinks of trinkets as the power of harmony,” the mass swirled in anger, what did he mean again has he met one of us before?

“If you have hurt Fluttershy I’ll.”

“Fluttershy?” It turned to the white pony, they exchanged some words and she seemed to shed a tear. “No Kindness, just a generous collection.” I swear I saw the thing smile at me. So it got Rarity, well see had become very estranged over the years. We held an event in Canterlot not long after I became captain after Sorin retired and Scoot begged me to go with her to see Sweetie Belle. I will have to say that mare was loaded, that manson was massive but there was nothing, no warmth no love. I remembered her old shop was never really into the whole fashion thing but it was so bright and inviting. Not that place it loomed over Canterlot and made us want to escape faster than I could fly.

“Well you still can’t have it I’m using it at the moment.”

“Another so attached to its belongings but never knowing what they have I see. Using it? No, it’s crying out for me I can feel its pain. So much betrayal.” It spoke to my very soul I could feel his words sink its fangs into my subconscious. my loyalty sustained by betrayal?

“No, you don’t know what you’re saying I’m loyal I have stayed true to my team and to the one I love. I’m still the element of loyalty and its going to stay that way now leave this place.”

“Oh but you reek of betrayal, the friends you abandoned so long ago and tossed aside to create new ‘loyalties’. It hurts sometimes doesn't it?” A smoky trail came and tangled across my scar. My scar, it was true that it burned when I thought about Twilight and the others. But I had Fluttershy, my oldest and most dearest friend. “even their elements hurt from your betrayal their loss of loyalty. Tell me Loyalty is changing your feathers that easy? just toss aside the old and fill the void with selfish needs?” the fangs sank deeper and I couldn’t think Twilight she lashed out at me and caused me so much pain but I never thought about her pain, we all turned on her in a hoofbeat and didn’t think of any pony else.

“Yes, I cut my ties with their loyalty, and replaced it with my own.” I couldn’t think my mind seemed to go blank as I watched the dark cloud surround me. It was so pleasant so calm, but no I’ve felt this before. “No!” I cried out and the smoke ghost dissipated. “I know this trick I’m no foal that monster Discord tried this turning us on each other and ourselves.” He retreated to the white mare. “No I have stayed strong to Loyalty and this burning mark reminds me every day of the life I left to pursue those that were in need of my loyalty.” He hissed at me and took a full pony form.

“Very well Loyalty I shall have to take you by force then.” He reared up and slammed his spectral hooves to my floor and it shook knocking me down.

“Wait I have a deal for you then.” He stopped. “You can have the element under one condition, In three days time you have to catch me.” This was my gambit, I was the fastest pegasus alive out running him for three days would be a snap.

“And if I lose?”

“You turn yourself over to the princesses.”

It stopped and thought for a moment. “Gal, she’s Rainbow Dash. THE Rainbow Dash, the fastest pegasus who ever lived. I want this over with as much as the next pony but...” that mare was right I am fast.

“I accept, but you cannot leave this city. you may hide but I will tell you know it will do you no good.”

“Fine and you can not harm another living soul while you’re here, you got that?” It nodded in agreement. i held out my hoof to seal our deal and he shook it.

“Three days Loyalty, now run run fast faster than you have ever run in your life.”

And I did just that, I flew like the wind It was tiring that damn ghost was everywhere it seemed, I would stop for a breather and from below me a tendril of black smoke would threaten to catch me. I knew what he was trying, he would just tire me out and then catch me when I passed out from exhaustion. But there was a reason I chose three days, I could last four days of rigorous training and nonstop speed flying without a break so three would be simple.

I went straight to Scoots that first day to tell her not to worry about me.

“I can’t believe you Dasie, why don’t you just send for the princess in the first place. He KILLED Spike! He was a good friend of mine also.”

“Do you really think he would go quietly? Don’t worry this will be a sinch, Remember that time I flew across Equestria? It’s still a record and no one will ever be able to beat it.” I boasted to my love, she worried but at least this way we will all be safe as long as he keeps his promise. “Woot, gotta dash it's here.”

I would check in on her from time to time, just to make sure. Stormcaller was no help he still hadn't seen Autumn or Fluttershy. He told me he’d look after Scoots also when I was away.

It was the second day and I swear that damn ghost was cheating. A thin wall of smoke hazed over Cloudsdale like a fog. Ha, a cloud over a cloud I figured Storm got a laugh out of the irony.

“Come quick it's Scoots.” Stormcaller had found me and Scoots needed my help, he must have taken some time off because he wasn’t in his uniform. His black mane complimented that peach coat so well, I can see Fluttershy fell for both charm and looks. I rushed home I didn’t care if it was a trap. If he did anything to my Scoot I’d... I’d... I don’t know but it wouldn’t be pretty.

“Scoots are you...!?” I burst in through our front door to find her and that white filly drinking tea. “alright?”

“Oh Pearl I’m so sorry to,” She gave that Pearl a hug and looked up at me. *squee* “Dashie sit have some tea.” Scootaloo had her eyes red and puffy from all the crying she had done. “Oh I’m fine I swear. This is Pearl and she’s that, sword’s?, prisoner.” The Filly gave me a weak sile and a wave. My eyes darted around looking for that sword and the black smoke.

“He’s not here. if that's what you're looking for. I’d rest he has plans for you tomorrow. Do you see the fog around Cloudsdale.” She sat there and pointed out the window. “It will begin to close tomorrow and you will be trapped.” That sneaky ghost. But I will admit its a hell of a plan.

“But get this Dashie there’s going to be a small opening just before it catches you. Its your only chance to escape him.” It was a speck of good news from Scoots.

“Why share that with Scoots you know she's going to tell me?”

“because I want out, I'm tapped worse in this than you can ever know. I owe him BIG. but if he loses tomorrow he will keep his word and leave me alone and go to the princesses.” That made since.

“So relax he’s spread too thin to play tricks on you right now.” I didn’t like this pearl she seemed to disillusioned, so lost.

“Tell me Pearl how in Equestria did you get up here?”

“Gallatais is an Alicorn ghost he's using his magic to let me walk on the clouds. That and we watched Scootaloo use cloud stairs to get here.” It was true since Scoots couldn’t fly we had made a set of stairs for her to get home from her trips to the ground. And the earth pony in Cloudsdale wasn’t new, Twilight and the girls did it ages ago to watch me fly for the princess. But even though it was a relief that he wasn’t running me ragged any more something was fishy. I couldn’t put a hoof on it but there was something very wrong, but I was too tired to question it any further.

Finally the last day arrived, and just like they said Gallatais began to close the fog over Cloudsdale I searched for where a possible opening would appear. I made Stormcaller look also, at least he would be good for something. The net had shrank and became more clear that ghastly face seemed to follow me across the inside of the bubble and mock me as it got smaller.

It took most of the day but It had finally gotten to the point I couldn’t run any more, Cloudsdale arena was the final point of his net. Pearl was waiting with a teary eyed Scootaloo. I readied for the final assault.

“It’s been a good chase Loyalty, but now we will put you element to its greatest test.” Test what was he talking about?

The bubble was at its end and He opened his mouth to strike me with some kind of weird spear thing from his mouth and from the opposite end a hole just big enough to slip out appeared.

“See ya ghost I win!” and I went to zoom out before he knew what hit him. But I went nowhere. I was held tight, I turned and in my horror Scootaloo held me fast and cried. “You tricked me you cheated what did you do you her? You Promised not to harm anypony!” I went to buck her off me. she may feel bad later but if she was possessed somehow she wouldn’t know anyway.

“No Dashie, He can fix me, he promised to make my deepest dream come true. I’m so sorry but he can give me wings.” I was stunned. We had tried and tried to fix her wings and even find an alternate solution for the problem but nothing was any good, UWS was incurable and I knew it ate her up knowing she would never know the joy of flight that every pegasus before her knew. It must have been her own personal hell to love the strongest flyer to ever live and never be able to share in their euphoria. “He can fix me he promised.” she held fast and cried out the same words.

“You can still save yourself Dash, just kick her away and you will be free.” That Pearl stood at the gap in the bubble taunting me, She seemed like she was a walking zombie, more of that Gallatais’ work I guessed.

“Is it true? Can you fix her?”

“Yes”

It was all I needed from the possessed Pearl. He was right though it was the ultimate test of loyalty, save myself and sacrifice the one I loved more than anything in the world. Or stay and lose, I hated losing. So I decided, I took Scootaloo by the chin and raised her face to mine. “All this time you have filled my dream with such reality, so for the you that made my dream come true I will sacrifice anything to make the one I loves dream come true.” It was so beautiful we held each other and I held her tight with a deep passionate kiss as I felt a sharp cold spike pierce my heart.

“I’m glad you were my element of loyalty Rainbow Dash. As per our deal you are no longer the element of loyalty. And the one known as Scootaloo as promised I have granted her the strongest fastest wings in equestria, wings that have gone down in history without equal.”

Gallatais’ words rang through my aching head. He was a smart ghost he knew I wouldn’t cast off Scootaloo to save myself. And at least she got the one thing I could never give her no matter how hard I tried. I awoke to the sound of a loud squee and a cloud shattering bang. I looked to the sky and it was like seeing my angel again for the first time. Her wings were massive, strong and looked like they could fly for days.

“I’m so sorry Dashie please forgive me, I just couldn’t resist. He fixed the for a moment and I felt the ground leave my hooves, it was intoxicating.” She gave me those puppy dog eyes and there was just no way to stay mad at her. “Please Dashie could you fly home with me It's something I’ve always wanted?”

“Sorry kiddo not today, go on ahead of me I’m pooped. Cook me up something special, you know what I like.” I gave her a weak smile and she did as she was told. “The strongest wings in Equestria hua. good for you kid.”

And on that day Rainbow Dash’s heart felt lighter than the very clouds she walked home on. She stretched her tiny wings and thought “It’s a good day to retire.”

CH 11

The trip to Los Pegasus was so long. It stretched further than Pearl had ever traveled. The forests and small lakes made for a very scenic adventure. It would take about 4 days to reach the strange city of perpetual light, and to where Laughter has taken up residence. Pearl had never wanted to visit Los Pegasus it reminded her of her home but more colorful. Gallatais seemed to have a pretty good lock on to his lost elements. He had ported them straight to Rarity, and her heart broken pleas to take the element of generocity from her. and then straight to Cloudsdale to Rainbow Dash’s Loyalty.

“Gal, You mentioned the Dragon King is the one that killed you right.”

“Yes Pearl for the dozenth time, He was the progenitor of the dragon race, we fought over the fate of the ponies and his lust for power. Ultimately he stole the power from the other progenitors and became the spirit of chaos you know as Discord.” He sounded more annoyed with Pearl than usual.

“Well since you won’t use your magic to take us to Los Pegasus, I figured we could talk.You want your deeds to be remembered so tell me more. Was there really a grand city in the Everfree Forest?”

“It was actually above the forest, and yes it was the height of Alicorn culture and sophistication. A mix of cloud and earth that pony kind won’t see for at least 100 years. The city sparkled in the darkest of nights and glowed with a radiant hope for all of Equestria.” When Gallatais spoke of his home Pearl felt warmth in his voice. “But its gone now, after my fall it crashed from the sky, all the while The Dragon King laughed as its people fell one by one to the might of the dragon race. The sky burned that day and balance died with me. many brave warriors defended the weak and dozens more perished to their cruelty.”

“But the history books say the princesses defeated Discord and lead the ponies to the unicorn capital Canterlot to start over.”

“Yes they did, with the combined power of the Elements of Harmony I left them and the remaining strength of the Alicorns they pulled victory away from The Dragon King.” Gallatais emerged from the sword and looked Pearl deep in the eyes. “I can see this has taken its toll on you but you must understand what we do is for the betterment of your pony folk. Pearl You told me you wished to become the hero that would impress your hero.

I can understand that, I took many ponies under my tutelage while I was still alive. They wished for he same thing, to change Equestria for the betterment of pony kind. And you’re no different than any one of them, I can feel the fire of determination burning within you. You just have to believe in that fire and realize that what we are doing will change Equestria for the better.” It was the first time Gallatais had ever spoken this much to her and it was inspiring. Pearl lifted her head as she walked.

“I can only pray that you’re right Gal. So many have had to suffer because of you,” Pearl closed her eyes and thought back to Spikes death, Rarity’s self-destruction, and how Rainbow and Scootaloo are doing. “because of me. I miss my family Gal, it’s been so long since I’ve contacted them and I left my father's shop in Ponyville abandoned.” She thought to her Father and the furious look he would give her when she finally came home. he thought about if they knew what she was doing, maybe her sister would say something. It wouldn’t exactly be happy words but at least they were words.

“Gallatais!” Pearl stopped in her tracks to a voice behind her. “Let her go...” Pearl knew that silky small voice. She quickly spun around to see a peach pegasus not too far behind them. Autumn stood fast and tall in the distance, Pearl could feel her eyes well up in happiness from seeing her friend. “Please.” Oh so close Autumn Breeze, that solitary moment of backbone was quickly extinguished by the mass of black smoke that made up Gallatais’ form.

“I’ve been waiting for you.” Gallatais slithered across the ground up to Autumn. “Ever since Ponyville you kept a distance watching us. What do you want?” Pearl couldn’t believe her ears, Ponyville, Autumn Breeze had been following her since the beginning?

“I can’t stand by anymore you're hurting Pearl and I want you to stop.” Autumn really did care it was so touching it brought a tear to Peal’s sapphire eyes. “You don’t need her to accomplish this Luna told me herself.”

“Oh did she now? Tell me pony what else did she tell you?”

“You’re killing her, with every passing day her heart breaks more and more, I can see it from here she looks ragged and its as if she’s wasting away. Now let her go!” Pearl stopped for a moment and hung her head in shame Autumn was right Spikes death weighed heavily on her conscious and tricking Rainbow and Scootaloo tore her heart out. She just masked the pain with a hollow smile. Nothing was right anymore, Gallatais told her it was all for the good of Equestria and she truly wanted to believe him.

“But you came to save her, touching but how do you propose to do that? She has a contract with me and I’m on a mission.” Autumn clearly hadn’t thought this out. “Nothing? Oh but don’t lose hope my little pony perhaps we both can have what we want.” Gallatais slithered up to the shivering pegasus and spoke into her ear. “You’re right she is dying from all the pain and sorrow that has come from this little adventure, but you can save her all you have to do is agee to my terms.” he pulled away and they both looked at Pearl.

“What do you want you monster?” Pearl couldn’t hear what Gallatais had told her but Autumn looked determined about what ever it was.

“Oh come now dearie it's nothing like that. I only require you to take the burden from your friend and become the bearer of sorrow.” Pearl heard that.

Pearl rushed to Autumns side. “NO! I won’t let you I’ll be fine it hurts but if I can’t handle a little pain what kind of hero would I be?” he hugged Autumn and cried o to her shoulder. “What would Fluttershy think? I haven’t even gotten around to helping you fly.” Autumn didn’t shed a tear with her friend she only stared past Pearl and at Gallatais.

“I’ll do it.” Pearl tried to stop her but it was too late and Gallatais shot his smoky spear through the two ponies bodies.

It was a warm feeling as if a powerful hose had been shut off inside of Pearl. No longer could she feel her heart and mind being overwhelmed by grief and worry. It was all replaced with the cessation of pure bliss. Pearl pulled away from Autumn and noticed her coat had gotten a shade lighter and her eyes filled with tears.

“Welcome my bearer of Pain and lament, I’m sure you can feel it already all that suffering from those around you? I know it must be heavy the burden but once I finish my task you shall be free.” Pearl held Autumn tighter as she could feel the warmth of her tears drip onto her shoulder. “Now tell me pony what has my child of the night told you of me?”

“She admitted that Celestia had left large portions of the history surrounding the Alicorn sisters omitted so that her utopian society would have no need for the knowledge of such tragedies.” Autumn relayed what little information that The Princess Luna had told her in their meeting after she found her sneaking around the castle's outer walls when Spike had been slain. “Even information on Princess Luna had been slightly obscured to help hide the actual events.”

“Yes, I can see that from what I’ve gathered from Pearl’s memory of history my child of the sun has been busy covering up history but why.” Gallatais thought for a moment. “At any pace it matters not, my lost Laughter awaits.”

“So I said , Hey! Thats not my mane that’s my scarf.” The chipper happy voice filled the room and it responded with a burst of laughter and cheers. “Look at all the ponies out there tonight you know I lived on a rock farm when I was little? Crazy thing was It was all rock but no roll.” another burst of laughs erupted. “I’ve lived here in Las Pegasus for a few years now and I’ve noticed man the electric bill here must be crazier than Discord.” She looked around to see all the smiling faces and It made the pink comedian fill with glee.

“And something else about this town that makes my fuzzy mane tingle is the food, a hundred restaurants and not one can make a decent pie.” The crowd went silent and from the side sage a pie flew across the stage and hit the Pink stand up directly in the face. “See look at this not a one can stay together for the entire trip to me.” and again the crowd went into hysterics as she licked the entirety of the mess from her face. “Good though.” she gave them a smile and waved them goodnight leaving the stage.

“Thank you Pinkie Pie and that wraps it up for tonight ladies and gentle colts. Enjoy your time in our fine establishments and don’t forget to tip your waitress.” the announcer waved the cheering audience off as the curtains closed.

“Another fine show Pinkie,” The announcer meet Pinkie backstage as she cleaned off the little remaining pie leftover. “Are you still upset about that letter you got the other day? I could tell you were a little off tonight.” He gave Pinkie a stern look. A short pony the announcer a light tan in color with a red mane he wore a showy suit and tie.

“Don’t be such a worry pony my little cupcake,” Pinkie walked over and rubbed his cheeks together. “Spike was a good friend and it’s a tragedy to hear what happened but it’s nothing the Princesses couldn’t handle.” Pinkie could see that the worry hadn’t left his face. “Come on Mike, there’s nothing to fear. Yah I was the element of Laughter back before I came to Las Pegasus but I left that thing in Ponyville with the rest of those party-poopers.” Pinkie giggled as she spun back to her dressing room mirror. “I’m getting too old for this Mike, sure the laughs keep my spirit up and your support keeps me going but I think it may be time for me to go back and settle down.”

“Ha! You settle down?” Mike could only laugh at the thought of the bouncy energetic pony he had come to know calmly sitting in a rocking chair with a foal running about. “this coming from the only pony I know who ingests more sugar than a kindergarten at a party.”

Pinkie gave him a raspberry and punched him in the shoulder. “I could do it you know, I’m actually really good with children” Pinkie thought of the cake twins and all the fun times they had together. “And you mister know-It-all I think I could do it, my Grammy Pie always told me I could become anything as long as I put my mind to it.”

“So you’d leave all this glory for a quiet life in some rinky dink town?”

“Come with me Mike, together we have enough bits to live the rest of our lives together and not have to worry about anything.” Pinkie shot up and took Mike by the hooves she danced him around in a circle. Mike couldn’t help but want to say yes to the most stable crazy thing in his life. he remembered the last seven years he’s spent with his best act, and at one time he wouldn’t have hesitated to say yes but that time had past, He and Pinkie had a lot of fun together but in the end that's all it was, fun.

“And so I said, Hey! That’s not my mane that’s my scarf.” Another show and another crowd of cherrie faces. Pinkie was a little sad that mike had rejected her the day before but it was for the best, as much as she wanted to settle down and return to Ponyville there was just no way she would be able to do it with Mike. She went through the motions, the jokes and the cheers cushioned the blow a little and made her feel alot better about the rejection and suddenly she felt a sharp pinch in her knee.

‘Oh boy’ she scanned the crowd looking for the source of the sensation that she explained to Mike once she called Pinkie Sense, but he just thought she had a little too much sugar. noting out of the ordinary until she came in eye contact with a white filly and both her knees went ballistic.

The white filly had no expression on her face nor did the pegasus she was with. And then Pinkie thought she recognized the pegasus. ‘Autumn Breeze?’ Fluttershy little filly way out here without Fluttershy? But there it was again the pinchie knee, this wasn’t good.

“Welp folks I’ve got bad news for you today.” The crowd went silent as they hung on Pinkies words. “This is my last show, I’m retiring and moving on it’s been a joy making you all laugh for all these years but all good things must come to an end.” The collective aww made Pinkies heart melt like butter on a warm muffin. She wiped the last of the airborne pie off her face as she gave them a bow and exited off stage.

“Your last show! you shouldn't say things like that without discussing it with me first Pinke.” Mike was furious with Pinkie as she cleaned herself up.

“Oh you big softy we did talk about this yesterday remember?” She gave him a kiss on the forehead and proceed back to the stage.

“So I see you’re still here.” Pinkie stepped out onto her stage like she had for the last 4 years, te hard wood floors were so clean the pie was nowhere to be seen, her curtains matched her mane perfectly and the neon sign that spelled out her name was everything she had ever wanted after leaving Ponyville.

Across from her sat Pearl and Autumn Breeze they had waited after the crowds had left. “It’s so nice to finally meet the famous Pink Smile I’ve read about all these years.” Pinkie put a hoof to her lips.

“Oh, Oh you’ve read Twilight book too it’s been so long since any pony made the connection between the two.” Pinkie bounced around in a circle. “But I’m surprised Fluttershy let you come here Autumn,” Pinkie looked straight at the peach pegasus and she shied away. “yep that’s Autumn allright, I use to foal sit for her when Fluttershy would go to Cloudsdale to see her father.” Pearl never cracked a smile. “I noticed you never laughed at my show, and that's no good. You know I use to be the Element of Laughter a long time ago. I could bring a smile to any ponies face with a little time even a stubborn donkey.” Still nothing from the steadfast white pony. “I know what you want Gallatais thats your name right? The letter said you were a ghost though, you look pretty solid to me. Or are ghosts solid? I mean I’ve never meet one so I guess they could be a liquid for all I know.” Pinkie pondered and Mike put a hoof to his face.

“Pinkie what are you doing call security already.” He called out to her from the sidelines.

“Don’t be silly Mikey this guy killed Spike and he was a dragon what do you think some rent-a-cops could do to him? But its weird, the letter said Gallatais was a guy but this pony is definitely a girl.”Pinkie shielded the stage lights from her eyes to get a better look at Pearl. “Yep a girl indeed.”

Pearl got up and walked to the stage. “Tell me Laughter it must be so tiring day in and day out the same tired jokes for the same faceless ponies?” Pinkie stumbled back the fillies voice was definitely a males voice, and she didn’t like the question. “You look so unfulfilled as if there was one face that never smiled for you any more.” Pinkie’s entire body began to spasm, her Pinkie Since was going nuts, something big was coming. She thought back to the cheers and smiling happy ponies she had made over the years. “Now now Laughter you can try to hide in the memory of so many smiles but what about all the sadness that you could never stop, all the tears that will never dry.” In Pinkies mind the mass of smiles slowly melted away and there she saw countless Fluttershys beating on the dying Oak Tree Library trying to get Twilight to come out and on the other side of the door she saw just as many Twilights crying into a small book.

“Stop it, it wasn’t my fault Twilight! I liked your book but it was Applejack and Rainbow that couldn’t handle it they made her cry, I tried to make it better but that door would never open.” Mike rushed to Pinkies side. He held the shaking pink pony. “Oh Mike even you, I tried to make you happy but I could never be the mare you wanted.” She held him back. Mike gave Pearl a cold look and stroked Pinkies hair.

“Smiles and happiness wasn’t for them my Laughter but I make it all better, I can make the crying ponies disappear. The ponies that pushed away your smile and good cheer, I can make them silent.” Pearl was now standing over the huddled ponies with an extended hoof. “You’ve run so far from their suffering that you could never rectify and came to the furthest reaches of Equestria to bring your smile to hundreds of faces every day but they still followed didn’t they? No matter how many happy faces you piled on top of them the tears that would never dry always seemed to resurface.”

Mike couldn’t hold on any longer he leapt at Pearl in an attempt to stop him from hurting Pinkie any longer. But it was in vain, Pearl stepped back and watched Pinkies would be savior trip forward. Pearl reared up and stomped him into the stage. “This is not your place or time hero.” Pinkie could only recoil in fear as she watched Pearl stand on Mikes unconscious body. “How many more will suffer? You can stop this Laughter take my hoof and you can be free from this heartache.” As Pinkie watched Mikes broken body bleed she closed her eyes and held out a hoof shaklee towards Pearls.

“Remember Pinkie some days are dark and lonely,” She pulled back when she heard Mike's voice. “just smile for me thats all I really needed.” Pinkie looked at Mike he was a bloody mess but he still held on to a smile for her. Pinkie rushed past Pearl and held onto Mike rocking him through the pain.

“My mother use to tell me so many stories from when you and the rest of her friends were so close.” Pinkie looked up to see Autumn standing over them. “she said I was too young to remember but you would throw the most extravagant parties for me on my birthdays. She said she would go to the Old Library and talk to Twilight trying to get her to come, she said she would never miss a Pinkie party.” Autumn’s voice danced across the stage and filled pinkie with pleasant memories. “You can have that again, Just reach out and Gallatais will bring all that back.”

Pinkie had known Autumn since she came home from the hospital always shy even as a baby, timid as her mother Fluttershy was so proud, and Pinkie was just a little jealous, she had always thought about being a parent but no pony in Ponyville could stay more than a few weeks with her before she wore them out with her daily routine. Could Gallatais make this happen? She held mike he had passed out humming Pinkies favorite song in an attempt to give her some strength.

“Just answer me this Gallatais.” She looked up at Pearl, “If you could see yourself now what would you tell yourself?”

Pearl only smiled at Pinkie. “Remember the ones that have fallen for you and those that would stand with you now. Tell them I’m sorry.”

Pinkie held out her hoof to Pearl. “Made you smile.”

Gallatais left Pearls body and enveloped Pinkies body with his smoke. Pinkie smiled as she could feel the weight of all the tears in her memories have less of an impact on her soul. A brilliant flash of pink and Pinkie passed out on the stage with Mike still holding him in her arms.

“Will she be alright?” Pearl walked the dusty road once again back to the greens of eastern Equestria.

“The burden of Laughter made the sadness in the ponies around her torment her so she tried to run as far as she could, she will still feel their sadness but it will no longer be any more than empathy that she feels for them.” Gallatais swirled around the Pair of ponies as they traveled.

“So... I take that as a yes.” Pearl rolled her eyes at him. “ And for the last time stop possessing me it’s really annoying and it makes me look like a villain when you speak for me.”

CH12

The beauty of the nights sky stretched far across Equestria, the moon was a mass of white among the vastness of a starless sky. In the center of a ruined temple sat a lone white Alicon staring up into the emptiness that felt more like herself than the brightest, warmest, day.

“The nights sky is so empty to night sister is there a reason?” Celestia spoke to the darkness never pulling her eyes away from the sky as she searched for a single pin of light to guide her.

“My stars shine for those who would see them.” Celestia turned her head to see Luna step into view. Luna looked at the same sky to see thousands of stars that no other pony would ever see, constellations and worlds that made up the shimmering night she controlled now and since her father gave it to her so long ago. “How many can you see? Just the singularity of my ancient prison, or can you see the vast beauty of the heavens?” Celestia closed her eyes and turned away.

“Its been ages since I’ve seen more than just the moon. I would look up for centuries and wonder if I did the right thing all that time ago. You say you forgave me but did you really forgive me?” Celestia stood and stood face to face with the Princess of the Night.

“I forgave you a long time after my banishment, The darkness that I created rebelled with me for along time and it finally took over my soft heart. I forgave you because I saw from my prison all that you lost. I saw fathers elements reject you like they did me and I cried for you.”

Luna stood like a fortress against her sister, it felt like it did 1000 years ago. She lashed out at Celestia for underestimating her for so long and she had felt cheated by the ponies that her father sacrificed, no her entire race sacrificed for them just to lay about in Celestias warmth and neglect the darkness that they had escaped.

“In the time I have been back I have had a good amount to time to see the Equestria that left me behind. I wandered the land in disguise and attended schools as a foal to better learn and bridge the time gap. But in all my research and experience I have found things missing.” Celestia backed up from her sister. “I expected to see great murals of our kind in their glory and vast libraries of our wisdom for all of pony kind to better themselves as father had always hoped for them.” Luna went to a fallen pillar and stroked it remembering it in all of its glory, because she knew what it felt like to be forgotten.

“But instead I find so many tales of the great Princesses Celestias triumphs over the darkness in Equestria. Massive tomes dedicated to you. I’m disappointed in you sister, I came home from the darkness hoping to have finally escape my own prison only to step into yours.” Luna looked to her sister.

“It’s no good anymore Luna I’m not father and I never will be. He did so many great things for us, our shining capitol that floated among the clouds now nothing more than rubble. He banished away the dragons to the great mountains beyond the lush forests, he even sacrificed the greatest part of his power to help preserve his legacy.” Celestia shied away from her sister in shame. “After you lost your connection to the elements all that power was thrust on to me. I could barely contain it and soon when we fought it broke my heart to send you away.”

“And the elements abandoned you also.” Luna finished.

“I wanted to give the ponies some thing to understand about what had happened, I comforted them and told the stories of father driving the darkness away that threatened their lives and to never worry a long as I was there.”

“But the stories had a different hero didn’t they? Not a grand Alicorn of the cosmos but a white filly of the sun.” Luna watched as Celestias eyes began to overflow with tears. “Now, now, don’t be like that sister. I know you did it for a good reason. With only you to protect them you had to make it look as if your power was unquestionable. This I can understand, what is the dragons were to find out you had nothing left? No power to stop them and even the monsters of the Everfree would rise up against you.” Celestia was surprised to hear this from her sister.

“You know Celestia a long time ago I met a very peculiar unicorn who father taught a great deal of things. He was so handsome and I was smitten with him for a long time, his talent was overwhelming I never thought I would meet another quite like him.” Celestia thought back to the golden days of the Alicorns. “Star Swirl,” Celestia remembered the great bearded unicorn for so long ago and remembered him helping Celestia create the great library of magic unicorns used today. But Luna, this was news to her. “that insane charismatic nut. I would follow him around like a lost puppy both father and Star thought it was cute.” Luna blushed a little thinking back on the time he caught her peeking in on him while he fiddled with new magics.

“But I did find another who had his charm for magic.” Celestia shook her head.

“No, don’t say.” Celestia was afraid to hear the answer.

“You raised her well sister, with better resources I could only imagine what she could accomplish. Perhaps prefect Stars final spell.”

Celestia wanted to run, Luna spoke madness.

“You are a fool Star Swirl, that kind of magic is not meant for the mortal races.” Celestia’s voice boomed through the ancient unicorns laboratory.

“This is no longer your call my dear, your father entrusted this knowledge to me and I plan to see it through. It’s the least I can do for my fallen teacher.” Star Swirl flipped through an ocean of archaic pages deciphering complex formulas and scribbling messy notes on to others.

“Prophecy is one thing Star, but to see the future is wrong.” Celestia begged Star Swirl to stop. “Father told me once that to see the future is to set it in stone. No future should have to be that way, ponies should have a choice in their destines.” more pleading did nothing for the aged wizard.

“If I had this back then I may have been able to save him and both our races would ascend into legend, not get buried in the myths of time.” Star stopped for a moment of silence for his teacher. “What about your sister I know she would agree with me.” He shot Celestia a cold stare that gave the great ruler a pause.

“My sister is a dreamer as much as you and father, she can not possibly understand the complexities of rulership.” Star Swirl Stopped dead in his work and a mountain of floating papers fell from his telekinetic grasp rustling to the floor.

Star Swirl marched across the paper floor and up to Celestia’s face. “How far will you go to stop me Celestia? Kill me? Maybe banish me to the dragon lands to become food for their hunger? My magic has laid the foundation for the rest of my tribe and will for generations to come. The earth tribe will only strengthen their bond with the very land and nurture it to feed all of our race. Even the pegasi have mastered the very skies they call home. All this was possible thanks to a single sacrifice that may or may not have had to happen.

And what of your father what have you done with his prison? Last I saw your sister held it and cried for days, have you attempted to rip that away also?” Star Swirl was as forceful as he was powerful, Celestia had no answer for him. “I thought so, you silence tells me everything. Now go sun goddess the court of the sun will be opening soon and there are still ponies that need your guidance, if you can call it that.” He turned away from Celestia, scattering the papers from his hooves to clear his way.

Celestia turned bright red in anger at the unicorn, how dare he talk to her like that? He may have been her father's pupil but he was gone now and this upstart would question her judgement? “Star Swirl the Bearded I, Celestia, Princess of the sun and eldest daughter of the late Gallatais Order a cease and desist of this crime against my kind!” Star Swirl stopped stunned at what Celestia was saying. “By the power invested in me by the Elements of Harmony, I hear by pass down upon you the same punishment that all those before you who have trespassed on the power of the Alicorns.”

Star Swirl quickly went to defend himself against what was to come, but it was of no use her power was too overwhelming. “Good bye Star Swirl you should have never tread were Gods slumber.” And to that her horn sparkled with a radiant light as if she had summoned the very sun she rose on a daily basis. Star Swirl prepared himself for the conclusion and as the light enveloped him he began to harden and petrify into a stone statue, as was the Dragon King she had done before. The light died out leaving only the glorious white marble figure of the great unicorn wizard standing in a dignified pose.

“I’m sorry Star but that couldn’t have saved my kind before, nor would it save any one else's, and as a final act to your punishment I’ll leave you to watch all your work burn before your stoned gaze. My dear Luna please forgive me.” Celestia shed a single tear that hit the floor and ignited the ground. The dry books of notes and magical tombs light up like kindling, cracking and burning away centuries of knowledge. “This new Equestria will have no need for such dangerous power.”

“What have you done Luna?” Celestia rushed to her sister.

“I haven’t done anything really it was all her.” Luna nodded in the direction of a large rock.

“Hello teacher it’s been a long time.” Twilight Sparkle sat on the rock and watched the sisters quarrel. “please don’t think badly of Princesses Luna.” Twilight was ragged and showed her age from becoming a hermit, her tangled mane and deep wrinkles raced across her weathered face. “It was about a decade and some change ago, I found the most peculiar book while exploring these ruins.” Celestias heart seemed to die a little. “It was a little burnt but still legible and with some time I managed to transcribe the whole thing.”

“Star Swirls final spell,” Celestia sat in defeat. “Farseeing.” Celesta spoke barely above a whisper.

“I wanted to show you what I had found, after all you of all ponies would have needed to see it.”

“But I stopped her.” Luna approached Twilight. “You stopped Star once without consulting me I wasn't going to let you do It again.”

“Luna, Twilight you can’t possibly understand what that spell does.” Celestia pleaded with them, the act reminded her once again of that night.

“You're right, well at least you would have been right about twenty years ago, I was so green and there was no way to have been able to have comprehended what Star Swirl was researching.” Twilight pulled a massive book from her bag. It looked different from all those centuries ago, but it still had the magical taint surrounding it. “It took some time to perfect and understand what I was perceiving. The very fabric of time is complex and it took time to sort out what I really was looking for.” Twilight put the book away.

“Princess I saw so many wondrous things. Equestria shined like a star in the darkness a brilliant gem that gave all ponies a shimmering hopeful future. And I also saw horrible things that no words could describe. Terrors that haunted the deepest story book come to devour the land and all those who stood in the way. I saw all of Equestria burn I saw the dead rise their endless hunger consumed Equestria and you were nowhere to be found, it was all so scary.” Twilight shivered at the memory of what she had seen.

“But with a little help she managed to filter the spell and find the answers to the real questions.” Luna cut in. “You once said the future is set in stone if you look into it.” Celestia nodded, Luna had always remembered the old soothsayers saying such things. Beasts now known as Diamond Dogs used gemstones to gaze into the void to direct their tribe to riches and survival. But even they couldn’t stop their own destruction at the claws of Discord.

“But it’s not true. Star Swirl was onto something well beyond the scope of simple visions. Paradox lines is what he found, instead of one future you could search out hundreds.” Twilight sounded so happy as she rushed to her teacher side.

“But how does our father fit into all of this?”

“I searched the dozens upon dozens of timelines and found my kind failing to proceed in a fashion that suited us. The ponies would live out the next one hundred years on a kind of stasis, we would progress only so far and then stop. We had become lazy and no longer had anything to look forward to because we had nothing to fall back on, our history was stale and brittle.”

“I gave you a thousand years of peace Twilight, only your safety mattered.” Celestia stood up towering over Twilight.

“No Celestia, your father gave us a thousand years of peace. And we achieved that peace because you pushed us away from that pain he died for.” Celestia looked to Luna for support but found none. “I thought I had gone mad when I found the path that would save my kind. It lie with a single pony and a ghost. I tore apart that path for years searching for a way to make it happen any other way, but it was no use. The path was had so much heartbreak so much pain I pleaded with Princess Luna for it not to be.”

Twilight began to cry and Celestia held her. “Spike’s dead because of me he died once before your eyes, but for me I saw it happen a thousand times over, whether he was with me or he had come to you it always ended the same. And the worst is yet to come.” Twilight pulled away from her longtime teacher and turned away. “He will be coming back to Ponyville soon. He has three of the elements and I will be the last darkness will fall over Equestria the gears are in motion and like every path it will all lie in the hooves of a dreamer.” and with that Twilight vanished in a sphere of purple light.

“Luna I don’t understand.” Celestia looked to her sister. “What have I done wrong, tell me what have I done to cause you to go this far?” She pleaded to the Princess of the Night.

“This is not punishment for wrongs, this is for the betterment of Equestria. This is the path that was entrusted to us by our father, our race, and my lost Star.” Luna looked to her moon and sighed, “I can still see them in my dreams Tia.” A tear rolled from her blue eyes. “Father, mother, the council and even my friends, they smile warmly and tell me not to cry. They never truly died the day the dragons attacked, they live on inside us giving us strength to do what is needed.” Celestia was alone once again as Luna dissolved into black starry myst.

Twilight returned to her library of solitude wrapped in darkness and silence she cast her magic on a bookshelf. It began to glow wrapped in her magic and slid open to reveal a staircase leading to the basement. It was a poor secrect when the library was filled with light and laughter, she had taken Pinkie to discover just what made her ‘Pinkie Sense’ work and failed miserably. But after she discovered Star Swirls book she hid the entrance and buried herself into the research of his mysterious grimorum.

It had been one of the very few times Twilight ventured into the Everfree to gather information on the lost Alicorn empire that the Princesses once belonged to. She had very little documentation on their society while she grew up in Canterlot. A lot of pony tales surrounded them and she had debunked them for nothing more than what they were, stories. But after discovering the lost city deep in the Everfree she began to see more and more of their glory, a few ancient pages from destroyed books could be found and carefully deciphered. The Alicorns language was much like the elder unicorn language and Twilight had spent many summer nights learning the old dead words.

It had been a usual day a quick rush to find a mural shattered across the woodland floor like a puzzle or maybe some aged standing window that still held a remnant of their stained glass that the Alicorns were famous for having in every home. It had been pretty usual this time a few broken pieces of furniture and the sutch, that was until she moved a battered door and discovered a whole book. At least it was more whole than anything she had previously discovered in the ruins.

Burnt but strangely still somewhat new, the book seemed so out of place and after closer examination she thought she had died and gone to heaven. There on what was left of the cover was Star Swirls insignia. Twilight couldn’t believe it, recently she had been able to scour his research and understand their teachings. She no longer cared about her original quest so she took a second and made a quick jump home.

***

“It’s all gibberish.” Twilight pushed her prize aside. “Nothing makes sense. Ughh.” It had taken her a week to restore the pages to a point she could actually read them and even after a dozen trips to the Royal Library she was unable to locate anything remotely similar to what she had found. “Nothing, its like a notebook more than a spell book pages upon pages of gibberish, formulas and other nonsensical mumbo jumbo.” she was ready to admit her defeat to the long dead wizard.

“If its a notebook then why not read it like a notebook?” A laugh from Spike made her stop dead in thought. Spike had been on a ladder putting up cast away books in Twilights frantic research.

“That’s it!” Twilight jumped up and ran to the basement slamming the door nearly knocking the little dragon off his ladder. “I’ve been going at this all wrong it is a notebook and if that's so.” Twilight cringed as she focused her magic into the and ripped all the pages from it.

It was really heartbreaking to destroy such a find but if she was right, Twilight began to scatter the pages about the room connecting to make what seemed like a spider's web of pages. Slowly the incomplete formulas began to finish, the obscure diagrams gave way to full blueprints of something much greater. “Oh you clever old goat. Gotcha.” Twilight smiled as it all came together.

***

Now after twelve years she had it. The walls were plastered with diagrams and hundreds of calculation some scribbled in to paper and others etched into the walls giving off a faint green glow. A massive runic circle was burned into the floor and in the center of the room sat a mirror. Surrounded by more notebooks and singed scrolls the mirror was very plain and didn't look like anything more than a general store full body mirror. More glowing green etchings covered the outer edges of the mirror.

It had been so many years that she had first gazed into the final spell of Star Swirl it now only seemed like a dream. It was all so new, fascinating and ultimately frightening. She played with the power of the Gods and it slowly began to edge away her sanity. It was here she saw Equestrias end at the hands of countless horrors that existed in the Everfree and beyond the borders of their fair land. She watched her friends lives played out in the blink of an eye, some happy and fulfilling others sad and tragic. After deciphering what Star Swirl had discovered she began to understand how to controll it and find a different way. She could focus on one pony and watch a million decisions played out simultaneously and follow their outcome. It was sometimes too much to take in.

It was also here she found she would have to do the worst thing imaginable to help Equestria flourish.

CH 13

“You know Autumn, the worst part about any adventure that the books all seem to skip is all the walking involved.” Pearl and Autumn had traveled the grueling three day walk from Las Pegasus. After the bitter-sweet defeat of Laughter and Autumn joining her little quest she had mixed feelings. On one hoof she was just a few steps closer to having all of this over, but then again she was destroying her foalhood heroes.

After meeting Rarity she was everything but nothing like Beauty Gestone, She greedily clamored to the illusion of her youth for the attention of one that had to painfully move on and died for his Princess. Beauty Gemstone would falter to make an impact in the stories as she would be a self centered character that would manipulate the others and those around her to get what she wanted. In the end she always turned out to have a heart of gold and would sacrifice the world for Twilight. When Pearl was young she would sometimes get into her mother's makeup and sun hats and prance around the house calling everypony ‘Darling’ with the best stuck up tone she could muster. As Pearl grew up she figured Gemstones lesson was that giving was always better than receiving. Pearl wondered what Sweetie Belle was doing right now? Would they return to Ponyville and reopen the old boutique? Pearl had visited it once or twice in between errands while she was in Ponyville.

Rainbow Dash was a surprise. She had always looked up to her before knowing who she really was. The Wonderbolts captain and fastest pegasus alive. It was said that she raced Celestias sun across Equestria and won. It was a big event said to be ‘The Fastest Day In Equestria’ was what the posters said. Even when they arrived to take her element she seemed strong, like it didn’t matter what they were there to do. She was a far cry from the layabout that Pearl had grown up with. Rainbow Flash was nothing like Dash, Flash was lazy and only saw things her way, she would argue with the other characters just for something to do sometimes. Alway looking to be the center of attention at the cost of those around her. She would give up halfway through a thought or action if it no longer interested her and would endlessly obsess over the failed dream of joining he Wonderbolts. Peal had always wondered if Rainbow Flash aspired to be Rainbow Dash, funny how true that became.

And then there was Pinkie Pie, or Pink Smile. other than Twilight herself Pink Smile was Pearl's favorite character from the books. Random, unusual and always with a song to brighten up her friends day. Pink and Pinkie didn’t seem that far off from each other. Pearl had learned from a pair of mischievous twins that Pinkie was the last to leave Ponyville and was their foalsitter. They told her she had become sad she couldn’t help her friends and could no longer take the sadness she could feel every where she went. Fluttershy had told her that Pinkie had made it pretty big as a comedian in Las Pegasus, it's kind of how they found her.

And now they would have to take Applejack, Fluttershy and finally Twilight’s elements to make Gallatais whole. He told her that his plan was for the betterment of Equestria, by bringing back war to the ponies they would grow stronger because they would have a history to stand on. The princess will stand against him and lead the ponies to victory. Pearl really didn’t like his plan, it involved so much pain and history may not look so kindly on her for bringing this pain to her kind. But Galliatais assured Pearl that her part would leave the history books calling her a hero, Twilight defeated two gods and got nothing but a footnote in the history books. Barely a paragraph as Parl could remember from her recent history class in school, it was quite disheartening how quickly she had been forgotten.

Pearl thought about Autumn and how she would deal with confronting her own mother and to take away her kindness. Gallatais called Autumn the bearer of Pain, and thinking about it now it seemed appropriate, to do such a thing even to think about doing it would put a massive strain on her fragile psyche. Pearl had only known Autumn for a short month so ultimately she really couldn’t understand why Autumn was going through all of this for almost a stranger.

“Before we get to Ponyville I have to know why why are you really doing this for me?” Parl asked with a heavy heart. “You barely know me, I don’t understand. I mean I”m grateful really I am but.”

“You’re my only friend.” Pearl stopped. What, no way Autumn was the sweetest filly she had ever meet. “It’s true, Because I can’t fly I was never accepted when I lived in Cloudsdale with dad, so mom took me and home schooled me in the cottage. I tried to make friends but the other kids were so mean. I would come home crying to mother and all she could do was hold me and tell me stories of her youth.” Pearl wanted to cry but nothing came. “And after living in seclusion for so long you came along, You didn’t judge me the way the others did, you accepted me for all my flaws and even proclaimed to help me. I was beyond moved never thinking I could never repay you, until.” Autumn finished her story and felt Pearl embrace her tightly.

“You poor thing, but what about Applebloom? She seemed to like you well enough?”

“Only because of mother and Applejack. She's a lot older than me and was always busy with the farm. Applejack told me once not to take her to heart when she was distant with me, she had lost her best friends and felt betrayed by them for so long.” Pearl thought back to that fateful day when Applebloom scolded her and mentioned her friends that left her. Sweetie Belle had been taken with her sister and became a hollow soul of a pony. While Scootaloo chased her dream leaving everything behind finding happiness.

“But will you be able to stand against your own mother, I’m not sure I can?”

“So far nopony has really been hurt in Gallatais’ quest to return his elements. And I’m hoping it’ll stay that way.”

“Spoken like a true idealist.” Gallatais emerged from his sword and joined the conversation. “But this is Kindness we’re talking about, it’s a frail and brittle element that has always needed the utmost care in maintaining.” Pearl didn’t like his input on the subject. “Before your mother It belonged to Celestia, she would work its magic on the pony tribes and put them at ease. She was, is, a truly kind soul.”

“What other Elements did she possess?” Autumn looked to Gallatais as they continued.

“She could wield any of the six great elements of harmony, as could Luna. They weren't like your mother and her friends locked to one particular pony. No my harmony was much more than a simple object that one carried around, heightening its wielders personality actions or abilities. It was a force of nature.” Pearl could hear the pride in his voice bream as he spoke of the Elements of Harmony. “But they are also fickle and if those who can wield them become tainted or detached from their light they would no longer answer your call.”

“Is that what happened between the sisters?” Autumn chimed in. “Mother told me the story of the Royal Pony Sisters and the Rise of Nightmare Moon.” Pearl had also heard the stories about how Luna became angry at the ponies for turning away from her beautiful night only enjoying the warmth of her sisters sun. So distort she forged archaic magics and her hatred turned her into a monster that threatened all of Equestria with eternal night. But in the end she was defeated by Celestia and the Elements, locking Luna away in the moon for a thousand years.

“There is more to the story but you would have to ask my daughters about it.” Gallatais began to form himself into his Alicorn body. After gaining Pinkie Pie’s element he had regained much of his former look, instead of being mostly smoke Pearl could make out small glimmering stars dancing across his misty coat and his eyes sparkled like moonlight. “We have arrived at our destination.” The girls stopped as the trail before them lead directly into the Everfree Forest.

Pearl swallowed a hard lump in her throat. “I thought we were heading to Ponyville to confront Apple Jack?” her mind raced with terrible memories of the Everfree and the monsters that lie within.

“We are but there is something in the forest I must retrieve before we take Twilight. She may not look it but she holds unfathomable power.” Pearl felt a little pride in her worship of Twilight for a moment. But what could Gallatatais need to fight her? Was it some mystic item hidden in the forest, perhaps a magical charm to protect him from the Element of Magic? “In the forest of darkness lies the braer of Hatred, As you two are the bearers of the Elements of War there is but one more.”

“Hatred? What’s that supposed to mean?” Pearl gave Gallatais a puzzled look. “I don’t think I can do this with a monster with us.” her voice quivered as she entered the forest and she could feel a thousand eyes watching her just like before.

“A monster? Yes, I guess she could be called that. Hatred has lived for nothing else but revenge on the Element of Magic, I could feel her presence in the forest more than any other creature that inhabited the Everfree.” Galliatais seemed much bigger while in the forest, Pearl wasn’t sure if it was the closed in space that she and Autumn huddled together in or if returning to this place made him more powerful.

Pearl couldn’t help but give quite squeaks of surprise when ever something moved in the shadows, she looked to Autumn and she didn’t fair any better. A mass of sweat streamed down her face, Fluttershy had always told her disturbing stories of the Everfree and its ghastly inhabitants. The closest she had ever gotten to the forest's edge was her backyard always seeing piercing red eyes looking back from the shadows.

The trio ventured further into the forest and entered a clearing. “Here we are. This should work fine.” The clearing had a large opening in the tree ceiling and Autumn looked up to the passing clouds, it was still quite early probably about ten or eleven. All around them Pearl searched for signs of life. A rustle of bushes startled her and the ever presence of hungry eye felt like they were everywhere. “Come out now, Master of the Forest.” Was this who Gallatais was looking for, this ‘Master of the Forest’.

A crack of tree branches and Pearls heart died as she witnessed a great lions head emerge from its hiding place. She could feel tears form as the great manticore stepped into the clearing. It was him, the one that killed her, was this the Bearer of Hatred that Gallatais spoke of? Pearl hid behind Gallatais.

“So my elusive meal has returned.” The great beast began to circle them. “Have you come for another taste of my poison?” His tail lashed out cutting into the ground and leaving large gashes in the dirt. “But what’s this? I see you’ve brought me an appetizer. Yes a little Pegasus, how quaint. And here I thought I had lost you that day. My little pony I was worried when I got to the bottom of that rivin a was unable to find a corpse.” He made no gesture toward Gallatais, could he not see him? Or did Gallatais not want the manticore to see him? “Are we still spouting nonsense of being a hero? It was so cute last time.”His circle became tighter. “But what's this my my I haven’t seen one of those since the fall of the Alicorns.” The monster lifted a sharp claw and pointed to the sword strapped across Pearls back.

That’s right Pearl had Gallatais’ sword. She wasn’t much with it but it was better than nothing like last time and she knew he was faster than he let on. Perhaps she had a chance this time. “No monster not this time, I came here not for you.” Pearl stepped from behind Gallitais. “But now that you’re here we have unsettled business.” Pearl reached around and took the handle in her mouth. With a determined look in her eye she readied for his assault.

“Oh my, you look so brave this time. But what of your friend can you protect her also?” Pearl slowly stepped between Autumn and the manticore. Autumn could feel Pearls determination to defeat the monster before her and keep it from harming her. The manticore lowered his head reading for a charge as did Pearl.

It was as if time had slowed to a halt as Autumn watched the two enemies stare each other down. Gallatais made no moves to help but a small wisp split off him and wandered into the forest. Autumn blinked and it started, Pearl charged the manticore and held the sword poised to strike as did the manticore. The two closed the large gap in a matter of moments, Pearl bringing the blade up and over slashing the air with a metallic ‘shink’ as it met the manticores own strike. His massive claw made contact with the sword and knocked it from Pearls grip, it flew only a short distance and stuck into the dirt. Pearl was disarmed but unfettered she quickly composed herself and rolled out of the way of the deadly stinger as it came crashing down on her. stopping next to the blade she retrieved it and brought it to block just as the beasts fangs bit at her. He retreated and spat a little blood to the grass, she had managed to cut his cheek in the successful block. It was now a stand off, slightly winded from huling the blade around she quickly regained her breathing. he manticore likced his cheek and gave her a bloody smile. Pearls eyes went wide as his tail lashed out in Autumn’s direction. Autumn instinctively ducked to the side but was knocked to the ground.

“You dirty monster you’ll pay!” Pearl cried out as she went in for another charge. The manticore spread his wings and leapt straight into the air to avoid Pearls rage. She passed beneath him and slid to a stop just as the manticore landed. He spun around and caught Pearl across the side knocking her to the ground next to Autumn. “Are you okay?” Pearl once again stood between the manticore and Autumn.

With a raspy response Autumn told Pearl she was fine it was just a little cut. Pearl dropped the sword as she turned to see Autumn had been hit by the attack. A large gash across her side bleed over Autumn’s hooves and onto the grass. The poison must be taking effect Autumn couldn't see straight every thing seemed blurry to her and she felt cold. She looked to Pearl and smiled but it was weak, and then to Gallatais who hadn’t moved since the start of the fight. “So this is the burden I must bear, this pain of having to die?” She asked Gallatais.

“No child this is not the pain you must bear, it is much worse.”

“Gallatais you bastard help me! Or she will die and so will I!” The manticore looked to the spot Gallatais stood.

“Did you say Gallatais? The Lord of the Alicorns is dead, I saw it happen over a millenia ago. Now you two shall die and I will feast like the king I am.” The manticore charged Pearl and before she could react swatted her aside like a fly. “I will start with you, so young so tender I will enjoy every bite.” Pearl struggled to her hooves and ran to save Autumn as the manticore brought his great stinger down on Autumn.

It was so peaceful, the warmth of her blood covered Autumns body darkness filled the world around her, she wondered if Pearl felt this peaceful when she died. It was strange it didn’t even hurt, was it the poison numbing the pain? She thought for an instant to everyone she was leaving: Pearl her only friend, she had only known her for a short time but she felt so close to her but she didn’t know why. And to to her father, he would be so sad she was gone but Autumn was okay with that. And then as she thought to her mother she thought she could hear her voice tell her to wake up she had to live on and keep on going.

Autumn opened her eyes as she felt small warm drops of water land on her face. There above her wasn’t the manticores hungry maw but a smiling teary Fluttershy.

The world rushed back in an instant. The Everfree was all around her the roar of the manticore filled the background and above her was her mother. “But how I don’t...” Autumn reached up to her mother crying face.

Fluttershy fell on top of her daughter, and began to bleed from the massive hole in her back.

For Pearl it was like a nightmare, The manticore had just knocked her way and went to strike down the helpless pegasi, Pearl cried out for a miracle to save her friend. Just then a streak of yellow blocked took strike. The manticore’s tail sank deep into Fluttershy as she took the attack to save her only child. Pearl was stunned for a moment, even the manticore took a surprised step back. Pearl saw her moment, in his confusion Pearl darted for the sword and drove it up through his chest. The blade cut easily through the monsters flesh and between his ribs, a mass of blood poured from the wound as if a faucet had broken off. With an ear shattering roar he cried out and died instantly. Pearl’s white coat had been drenched in the crimson stink of the monsters blood as she stood and watched Fluttershy collapse on top of Autumn as Gallatais approached the sad scene.

“And thus the ultimate act of kindness brings her to a close.” Gallatais reformed to smoke and enveloped the two ponies, a quick pulse of yellow and it was all over.

“You! You planned this all along didn’t you!?” Pearl lashed out at Gallatais when he reformed, her erratic slashed with his sword passed right through him leaving nothing more than smoke trails as it left his body. “Couldn’t you have taken the element some other way? Did she have to die?” Pearl huffed and tired herself out striking at nothingness that was Gallatais finally collapsing to the ground in tears.

“It doesn't hurt, Gallatais. The pain its numbi. I can’t feel anything any more.” Autumn rolled her lifeless mother off her and stood over her. Tears were flowed like water from her eyes. “My eyes, they won’t stop crying.” Her voice seemed dead and lifeless. “Was this the pain I must endure?” Gallatais gave no answer.

CH 14

For as long as anypony could recall Equestria had lived in the shimmering light of Harmony, a great and powerful force that was said to have brought all things into being. I was the first known as the Seer of Eternity I was to watch history unfold and record it for future generations to learn from the wisdom of the past. I looked out across the vastness of the universe and saw all its splendor long before the land had form and the water washed the world clean. I was one with Harmony and felt peace, serenity, and most of all I felt happy.

But Harmony had other plans for its wonder, soon came the other great forces of power; Balance found that the universe was good all was in its rightful place and needed nothing. I loved the overwhelming joy that Harmony and Balance brought to the universe. Then along came Chaos, a blackness that argued with the other forces that the universe was too big to be so predictable, and thus came the creatures of the land sea and air. They amassed across the universe, some staying where the forces spent their power and others ventured out into the cosmos to find their own path. Chaos reviled in the sher confusion that the new beings had brought, Harmony and Balance spread their touch to them and they began to live in a coordinated way.

Chaos lashed out at the creatures and began to break their minds. With Chaos’ influence they brought forth the force of War. Empowered by Chaos, as Harmony sought the comfort of Balance, War would create strife in th beings and cause them to turn form Harmony and embrace Chaos. After watching the four great forces wage their senseless struggle with each other the final force appeared, when one being stamped out the life of another Death appeared.

Vastly different than the other forces Death did not care for anything, it did not see the beings as playthings like Chaos and War, nor did it see those who brought structure into the world as Harmony and Balance, it only saw it self in the beings. Death scared the other forces, it would stand over the beings and give its gift to them as it saw fit and the beings would no longer exist.

The other forces were outraged they couldn’t understand Deaths design, it was nothing like them but it emcombased all of them as one. So the forces each created a guardian for the beings and called them Progenitors. Balance created the Great Snake, Ouroboros, a monstrous creature who for all eternity would devour itself so to stay off Death. War Gave birth to the Bat King, Hazzarak, bringer of conflict and the great instigator. Chaos sought to take its rightful place in the universe and created The Dragon King, Discord, vicious and so hungry for power he coveted everything. And finally Harmony turned to me.

“I have chosen you to safeguard against death.” I can remember the force’s soft voice, it filled the vast darkness of space and made me feel whole.

I protested, I was but a watcher in all of this I came long before the other forces made their marks and I should keep watching to recount for those who would come after.

“I have chosen you, Gallatais, Seer of Eternity you have seen the universe before the beings and now you must watch over them and bring harmony to them. Create your children so they may teach others of the unity of the five forces.”

And so I did, myself and the other Progenitors reached out across the world and brought forth many children. Oroborus created his children and hid them away under the earth so death wouldn’t bless them with his gift. Hazzarak Created thousands of his bat children more than any could count and smaller than most beings, they would whisper deceit in the ears of beings and break them for the other forces. The Dragon King laughed as he created the great dragons and gave them his lust for material possession believing all belonged to him and his children. And then I looked out to the land and the beings that were scattered across it and I decided not to hide from them or death, not to conquer them and not to pit them against each other, but to teach them and bring them harmony. I was Gallatais, Seer of Eternity, no more I was now Gallatais, Lord of the Alicorns.

It was early afternoon when Fluttershy got back from Cloudsdale, she had hoped to see if Stormcaller had helped Autumn get through losing her only friend. Pearl had suddenly vanished one day after seeing Twilight, an accomplishment even she couldn’t achieve, and then a sudden surprise visit from Princess Celestia herself put her on edge.

“My dear Fluttershy it’s been far too long since I’ve seen you.” Celestia Stood at Fluttershy doorway.

“Oh my Princess, it has been too long.” Fluttershy gave a quick curtsy and stepped aside so the Princess could enter her small cottage.

“I wish to I could have come under better circumstances.” The princess sat and let out a sigh. “I can remember the last time I came here all those years ago I believe it was to celebrate the birth of your foal?” Fluttershy gave a warm smile. The cottage had changed drastically since Autumn’s birth, another ground floor room was added and a large amount of the animals had moved to a nearby tree that Fluttershy and Storm built for them. “It’s tragic really; an ancient spirit has awoken and will be coming for the Elements of Harmony.” Fluttershy had no reaction to the news. “He has made it quite clear on his intentions, and to prove his point he made an attempt on my life.” Fluttershy Walked to the kitchen and retrieved some tea to calm the Princess as he relayed the rest of her story.

“It must have been so scary.” She put a concerned hoof on Celestias shoulder.

“It was only by the heroic deeds of Spike that I can sit here and tell you this news. It was unfortunate that he did not survive the battle. The spirit took over his cairer and cut Spike down with trickery.” Celestia waved a concerned hoof in front of a stunned Fluttershy.

“Spike, oh my is he really gone? Our Spike, no he was so young.” Fluttershy began to shed a river of tears for her fallen friend. “How could anypony harm such a gentle soul?”

“He’s not just anypony he’s my... father.” Fluttershy stopped crying and stared at the princess. “I know how it sounds, but he is misguided and sees this as the only way of saving Equestria. And I’m afraid he may be right.” Celestia turned away as Fluttershy went to comfort her. “It was his sacrifice that gave Luna and myself the strength over a millennia ago to defeat Discord and even my own sister when she fell to the darkness in her own heart.” Fluttershy didn’t understand her princess’ tears and the pain behind them but tried the best she could.

“No you must listen Fluttershy; he will come for you as he will for the others I’m not sure who he has already gotten but I fear this may be too much for you to handle.” Celestia held on to the worry struck pegasus. “My father isn’t Discord; he won’t play games with you to get what he wants, he will use the very essence of what you are to obtain his element.”

“But what if we all got back together we could use the Elements of Harmony to stop him just like... before.” Fluttershy excitement died as she thought about what it would mean for her friends to return to Ponyville and to face Twilight. Pinkie would come Fluttershy knew that but Rarity and Rainbow wouldn’t return let alone attempt to patch things up with Twilight.

As Celestia went to leave she imparted a final piece of wisdom to her subject. “It would take a miracle for the Elements to return to their former harmony. And maybe a miracle is what we’ll get.” and with that the princess was gone.

***

“That filly I swear, I ask her to do something as simple as get some supplies and she runs off to to see Stormcaller.” Fluttershy sighed as she walked through the market, that morning she had went to feed the animals only to find the pantry empty.

It had been a few days since Autumn had left for Cloudsdale to see her father. It wasn’t unusual for her to go out of the blue, she must want to tell him about her new friend. Speaking of Pearl the Emporium had been abandoned since Pearl’s accident. Fluttershy gathered some supplies and decided to stop by Pearls store to see if either of the girls were there.

Fluttershy got to the odd little blue store, but it was as it had been: vacant and so lonely. “To think it took me over a year to gather the resources to build this place and here it is just becoming an antique all on its own.” Fluttershy jumped at the voice behind her. She turned around to see a deep brown coated stallion with a cream mane standing behind her. “Hello, my dear you must be Fluttershy. Sorry to startle you I’m Coffee Pot.”

“How did... you know my...wait, Pot!” Fluttershy’s head was swimming in confusion. “Your Mr. Pots as in Pots Emporium?” Fluttershy pointed to the store sigh and shook her head clear. She looked to Mr. Pots to see him open the front door and invite her in.

“I’m going to apologize for my daughter she a dreamer, and had always dreamed of meeting her hero.” Fluttershy and Mr. Pots sat in Pearls living room and shared a cup of tea. “I’m sure you’ve heard this from her herself. She wrote us about you and the others she had meet.” Fluttershy nodded it was all Parl spoke of even after seeing what Twilight had become. “So tell me is Twilight still locked up in the library?” Fluttershy stopped, “Yes I know all about you and the other Heroes of Equestria, and your relation to the book.” beads of sweat began to run down Fluttershy’ face. “It may sound strange but I knew all about it a year or so ago, I had read that book enough times to recite it. And after my daughter came to me and begged to move here after finishing school, I looked into this place.”

“Wait, if you had been here before Pearl, then you know about Twilight?” Fluttershy was confused by Pearl’s father.

“Yes, I talked to an Applejack; she explained it to me in detail. I love my daughter, I really do but she needs to grow up. Her love for those stories was stagnating her and preventing from growing. She needed to see her hero as she really was.” Mr. Pots hung his head low. “But I fear my plan may have caused more harm than good, the letters she sent were stained in tears and seemed so sad. And lately they have all but stopped.” Mr. Pots looked around. “Where is my daughter?”

***

It didn’t take as long to reach Cloudsdale as Fluttershy could remember, but then again she had never traveled with such purpose before. After her talk with Pearl’s father she realized that Autumn wasn’t in Cloudsdale visiting her father, but she had to be sure for herself and maybe if she got there in time she could help Dash, she would run away with her back to Ponyville, and convince Twilight to come out and stop this ghost pony Celestia was so afraid of.

Tears streamed from her eyes as she flew at speeds that would even impress Dash, never much for flying Fluttershy prefered to stay grounded and left the flying to the pros. And then to see Stormcaller would be nice; he hadn’t come home in months. The Wonderbolts were getting ready for a big event that would need most of his attention. Fluttershy never minded the long periods away from her husband of thirteen years, since she refused to move to Cloudsdale to be closer to the compound. He was a wonderful husband having many traits that Fluttershy liked in a stallion; he had a sense of humor that could always make make her smile, somehow he always reminded her of Pinkie in that sense. And then there was his charm since the moment they met his radiant personality made her heart flutter like a swarm of butterflies, he always knew just what to say to make her fall head over heals in love with him. The day she married Stormcaller was the happiest day of her life, for a long time she had fell into depression over Twilight and her friends leaving Ponyville one by one until she met him and relit the light in her darkness.

Fluttershy was filled with both dread for Dash and overwhelming worry for her foal. Autumn Breeze was born in Cloudsdale and at that time Dash, Stormcaller, and even Scootaloo were part of the Wonderbolts, so the celebration was a grand event, not many of the other members were married and even less had foals of their own so it was rare and caused quite the ruckus. Reporters and a mass of magazines traveled far and wide to get a little piece of the event, and to top the cake some of the photographers remembered Fluttershy from when she was a model for a short time. So much had happened for Fluttershy’s new family, she never really knew her parents and it seemed like that for most pegasus, but she was determined to keep her new life safe and not lose it to the tragedy of the past.

She had finally arrived in Cloudsdale and it moved as if nothing was out of the ordinary pegasi went from cloud to cloud, a race would break out and zip across the sky, nothing seemed out of the ordinary for the bustling city. Until she passed a large billboard with a Wonderbolts picture with the massive red words ‘cancelled’ across it.

The billboard was one of the larger in Cloudsdale showing off their pride and joy, The Wonderbolts, it was a listing of upcoming events the group would be holding and where. But all of them had been cancelled. It wasn’t a good sign. Fluttershy stopped a passing pegasus.

“Uhh, I’m sorry to bother you but why are all of these shows cancelled?” Fluttershy shyly asked the red stallion with a white mane.

“It’s the strangest thing I’ll tell ya, Captain Rainbow Dash resigned yesterday and the Bolts are inducting a last minute surprise and they need a new captain.” Fluttershy couldn’t believe what she was hearing Dash quit? “Rumor has it that something big went down there days ago and then just yesterday she quits and here's the crazy part,” He leaned in to whisper. “The manager is supposed to take over as acting captain.” Fluttershy just stood there in shock. She had known Scootaloo since she was a school filly and she also knew there was no way for her to BE a wonderbolt let alone their captain. With her UWS (Underdeveloped Wing Syndrome), she was unable to fly but she did manage the Wonderbolts, Scootaloo was an inspiration to all pegasus showing that the ability to fly isn’t what makes a pegasus great; it’s what they do that defines them. “I know crazy right? Wait, haven’t I seen you before?” he put a hoof to his lips in thought.

“Nope, uh... thanks for your time.” Fluttershy dashed off before he could recognize her. Fluttershy being the wife of a wonderbolt brought her lot more attention than she cared for at times, turns out living on the ground and in a secluded cabin has its advantages.

She rushed through Cloudsdale to the Wonderbolt compound to find it gated up and a mass of reporters and mering to get a story. Two of Canterlot’s pegasus guards stood at the gate not permitting any entry to anypony including her. Fluttershy headed back into the city; maybe Dash would be home and it wasn’t too far away.

Nothing, it was deserted and clean. Not empty, just clean. This was weird for Dash and Scoot, they weren't the tidiest pegasi in Equestria. Fluttershy entered the midsized cloud home of the Wonderbolt captain. Most of Dashie’s belonging were gone leaving only a mildly lived in house with no pictures to be found and no clothes, not that they had any to start with.

“You just missed them.” Fluttershy squeaked and dashed under a nearby table. “Celestia I love when you do that, it’s so cute.” Fluttershy jumped from under the table when she realized it was Stormcaller. She zipped across the room and hugged him tight. “Whoa, there sweetheart I’m fine now turn off the water works and sit down I got a tale for you.”

After a nice pot of tea and an hour long story Fluttershy was left dumbstruck. “And that’s all that I know, the Captain and the Manager gathered a few things and left yesterday to return to Ponyville and from the look of it they're taking the scenic route on hoof.” Stormcaller tried to relay the events the best he could, but not a lot of it made sense to him. Fluttershy on the other hoof had seen the unbelievable power of magic first hoof and could better believe what she was being told.

“Poor Dashie, her wings meant everything to her, I can only imagine how hard it must be no longer being able to fly.” She shed a few tears for her friend. “Wait, you said they're on their way back to Ponyville?” Storm stopped in mid sip and nodded. “I have to get back home, what if they need me?” Fluttershy jumped up from the table and rushed the door only to have Stormcaller blocking her path.

“Where is Autumn? She never came to Cloudsdale like you said in her letter, and she wasn’t with that white filly either.” Fluttershy realized she had forgotten her purpose in coming to Cloudsdale in the first place.

“I’m sure she’s with pearl now. That filly, I’ll ground her for so long we’ll have grand foals before she’s off my list!” Fluttershy clenched a hoof and her eyes set ablaze.

“Hah, that doesn't even make sense. you’re right though, go to the cottage and meet up with the Captain. All of our shows are cancelled for the foreseeable future until we get a new captain, so I’ll look for Autumn and this Pearl. I’ve seen her so I know who I’m looking for. Any Ideas on where they may have gone to?” Storm Stood proud and gave Fluttershy a heroic pose.

“Well, Pearl’s looking for the girls, and you said the ghost mentioned Generosity so Rarity is out. That leaves Ponyville and...” Fluttershy stopped for a second and her head filled with visions of the bouncing pink pony. “Pinkie!”

“Wait as in Pinkie Pie? Didn't you say she lived in Las Pegasus?” Storm’s pose deflated as Fluttershy nodded to confirm. “Thats like a two day flight. and I’m not the Captain so it's more like two and a half.” He wanted to cry, it was a long trip that he wasn’t looking forward to.

“Aww, thats my hero. Now hurry there’s little time and it’s running out.” Fluttershy gave Storm a kiss on the forehead and he rushed to the door. “Storm before you go,” He stopped in mid flight. “is it true? Is Scoot going to be the new Captain?”

Stormcaller only smiled as he left. “We can only be so lucky.”

***

Fluttershy had never flown for as long as she did that day. A speedy trip to Cloudsdale and back to Ponyville was too much on the yellow pegasus, she quickly learned the error of being a grounded pegasus and rarely flying at all. She had to make a stop and rest she was angry with herself for having the means of speedy travel but not the power. As she rested under a nearby tree she laughed at herself as she thought Dash could have made both trips and not have broken a sweat. That's when she realized Dash would never fly again. Her mind flooded with grief knowing that the greatest flier in Equestria would never leave the ground again. it was like a greek tragedy, Storm had told her Dash explained it was like, it was giving back to some one who gave everything for her. Fluttershy really didn’t understand it. But then she thought: what would she give for Autumn to be safe?

After that thought entered her mind Fluttershy was renewed with vigor and she set off on her quest to Ponyville.

It was nightfall by the time she had gotten home and everything was as she left it. Her guardians stood watch over the other animals while she was gone and as much as she wanted to find anypony she was so tired she passed out in the floor.

“Do you wish to save Autumn?” A voice filled the darkness of Fluttershy’s dream. She stood alone in an empty room, nothing or no pony in sight. “Tell me Kindness.” Fluttershy shook off her worry. The voice was female and seemed very familiar.

“I would give anything to save my daughter.” She stood brave against the darkness.

“Then you must follow where the white rabbit dances with the frog to the blue circle in green, here red will cover yellow and warm rain will fall with the final Kindness.” Fluttershy didn’t understand; rabbit dancing with frogs, warm rain, and blue circles in green.

“I don’t understand, what does it all mean?”

“Battle and Pain will seek out Hatred only to find the past that haunts. Do not be fooled by the spirit of things to come, it is blinded by its own sight.” Riddles made Fluttershy’s head hurt and didn’t make a lot of sense. “When the Princess’ dance the waltz three steps, seek the lost and you will make your choice.”

Fluttershy startled awake and looked around her small cottage, there was no pony here no Autumn, no Stormcaller no one. The voice from her dream still lingered in the back of her sleepy head.

Fluttershy was a mess she had passed out in the floor that night and felt stiff all over. Her wings were so sore and refused to let her fly, she had overdone it and would need time to recuperate , but that wouldn't stop her from walking.

“Oh My Celestia Fluttershy! Fluttershy?” Her door burst open and a Yellow filly stood in her doorway out of breath and looking quizzically to the shaking yellow pegasus latched on to the ceiling.

“I’m so sorry Fluttershy, I didn’t mean to scare you like that, but the most incredible thing happened yesterday while you were gone.” It was Applebloom she danced around Fluttershy barely able to tell Fluttershy what had happened.

“Rainbow and Scootaloo came back to Ponyville?” Applebloom stopped suddenly.

“How’d... never mind that. It wasn’t just them, I was in town and saw the Carousel Boutique had some pony in it.” She was so excited she had seen Scootaloo and Dash the day before but was too afraid to approach them, and now if the boutique was alive again maybe Sweetie Belle had returned also with Rarity.

“Maybe a miracle is what we got Celestia.” Fluttershy whispered to herself and gave Applebloom a big hug. “What about grumpy, does she know?”

“Oh, uh, well I kinda didn’t tell her. Last Time she and Dash spoke it didn’t end well from what I gathered and only Celestia knows how she'll react to Rarity.” Applebloom looked around to see if anyone was watching. “I ain't too sure but either Sweetie Belle looks just like her sister, or Rarity hasn’t aged a day since she left Ponyville.” Fluttershy laughed at the thought of Sweetie Belle all done up with Rarity’s mane style. “Because I swear the pony I saw in the boutique looked just like the Rarity that I remember from when I was a kid.” Well Rarity was always a little vain maybe she did something to look young. Fluttershy had heard Rarity had become one of the most wealthy unicorns in Equestria.

“Applebloom sweetie, where is Dash now? I need to see her!”

“In your doorway.” A strong voice interrupted their conversation and Fluttershy looked up to see none other than Rainbow Dash darkening her doorway. “I’d figure Stormcaller would be here, that lazy good for nothing.” Dash looked around the quaint cottage and gave the two ponies a happy smile.

“I’m so glad you’re safe I was so worried.” Fluttershy wrapped herself around her longtime friend and began to cry.

“Always with the waterworks eh?” Dash patted her sobbing friend on the head. “Hey runt, I’m sure Scoots would love to see you. I think she’s down at the lake, practicing.” Dash gave her a warm smile and Applebloom zipped out past them and to the lake to see her lost friend.

***

It had been two days since Rainbow and Scootaloo had returned to Ponyville. Fluttershy was still worried about Autumn but Storm would find her, he always did have a knack for hunting her down when she would wander off. Fluttershy was overjoyed to see most of her friends in the same town but others didn’t see it that way. Applejack refused to leave the farm and catch up for the last decade, Rarity was in town Fluttershy had seen the boutique with somepony in it from time to time and even caught Sweetie Belle at the market. Sweetie was happy to be back but she said Rarity wouldn’t come out just yet she needed to get over herself and get the shop ready for its grand return.

All that was left was Pinkie and to somehow get Twilight out of her home and together they may be able to stop this ghost before he can complete his quest.

“I’m not sure it’s possible Fluttershy,” Rainbow sat out front of the sugar cube corner and munched on a cupcake. “man I’ve missed these things, but that Galla-what’s-his-face took my element and Rarity’s. I’m sure he got Pinkie by now and is on his way here to get Applejack and you.” Fluttershy sighed in defeat.

“I guess you’re right Dash, is there nothing we can do?” The two mares brainstormed for about half an hour before calling it quits. “Have you tried to see Applejack?”

“Oh ya I’ve tried but she won’t see me. Even Big Mac was happy to see me again, but she refused to even talk to me from the other side of her office. Some ponies never change.” And with that Rainbow stretched out her arms, legs and gave her belittled wings a speedy flapping that sounded like a swarm of bees. “I’ll tell you Fluttershy I’ll never be able to get over that Scoots had these things her whole life and still managed to smile. I don’t hate them but no longer being able to feel the wind in my mane and the cool feeling of passing through a cloud again, It kinda feels like I’m stuck in a nightmare.”

Fluttershy returned home she thought about what Dash said about her wings, Rainbow Dash was the fastest and one of the greatest fliers in all of Equestria. She had made it into history books and held numerous records for speed and endurance, but when she spoke of losing the one thing that made her special Fluttershy never heard a complaint or speck of regret for what she gave up. It made Fluttershy respect her friend on a whole different level than before.

She went and laid on her bed, the horde of white rabbits piled on her to give her comfort. Her little guardian angels always there for her when she needed a friend, companion or someone to tell her thoughts to. She had lost Angel a few years back and it broke her heart to see him go; she would look at his picture and remember the stern gaze that helped her through tough decisions, and the way he wouldn’t budge on a decision. He always found a way to fill the gap in her life with authority.

“Goodnight boys don’t cause too much trouble.” She smiled and drifted off to sleep.

“Seek that which is lost.”

Fluttershy shot out of bed scattering the rabbits about the room. The regathered on the bed and stared at her. “Oh my.” She covered her mouth when she noticed one of the rabbits was gone. “Michael!” She sprang from her bed and searched her home for the missing rabbit. “Gabriel where is Michael?” She picked up one of the rabbits and he pointed outside. “Oh my the suns comin up soon I’ll have to go get him. All of you stay here.” She gave a stern glare at her rabbits and the five of them dashed under the bed.

The sun had finally broke over the Everfree and morning had come before Fluttershy found her missing bunny. He was hopping back and forth punching at nothing, he’d stop hopp a little bit and do it again. Fluttershy was both confused and a little entertained but what was he doing? AS she got a little closer she saw a large toad in the grass and the rabbit boxing at it.

Fluttershy scooped up the rabbit and popped him on the head. “You scared me Michael, don’t wander off like that again.”

“I could feel her presence in the forest more than any other creature that inhabited the Everfree.” Fluttershy froze when she heard another voice near the Everfree she went to inspect who would be all the way out here and near the everfree. After a moment she stood stunned she quickly dashed behind a tree when she saw three ponies enter the forest. It was Autumn and Pearl but she didn’t recognize the third pony with them. From where she stood she looked to be a unicorn but he was much taller than either Autumn or Pearl. Could he be Celestias father?

“Michael I need you to go home, be quick and don’t pick any fights on the way.” She set down the little white rabbit and took to the air following the trio’s voices into the Everfree.

It had taken a few moments for her to find them, she had lost them in the thicket, but when the sounds of combat rang throughout the forest and menacing birds flew to escape the commotion Fluttershy gasped in horror watching a massive Manticore attack Pearl. She readied herself to jump in to help the distressed fillies but a glowing Purple ball appeared infront of her path.

“This is the choice you must make Fluttershy.” It was the same voice from her dream. “Will Kindness save the one she loves, or will you turn away and carry on to battle the Past?”

“To stand by would just be wrong. Even if I wasn’t Kindness the choice would still be the same.” Fluttershy watched as the Manticore knocked Pearl to the side and stood over her daughter ready to strike.

“Goodbye my friend.” the orb vanished as Fluttershy zipped past it and in the path of the stinger.

It all happened so fast, the orb the manticores strike and Fluttershy could hear somepony calling her name. The stinger had pierced deep into her back, she could feel the warm sensation of blood covering her body. But looking down and seeing her daughter safe made her smile. She finally understood how Dash must have felt when she gave up her wings, Fluttershy felt overwhelming joy for having done something that she never thought she would be capable of. She could hear the manticore die behind her as Pearl slew him, she wept tears of happiness. In the last moments before the creeping darkness set in she leaned into Autumn’s ear and whispered.

“Don’t be sad ear, Kindness can never really die. Look deep into your heart and you will find the strength when you need it the most. I love you Autumn Breeze.” And then Gallatais swept in engulfing the ponies in his smoke taking his prize.

CH 15

Pearl and Autumn exited the Everfree Forest; the death of Fluttershy weighed heavily on them, she lay still and smiling to them as if she forgave them for what happened, Autumn held her mother's lifeless body tight she wanted to do more than cry for her but Fluttershy simply faded away in a cloud of brightly colored butterflies. They scattered to the four winds leaving the two ponies distraught and left to carry on without her.

Pearl stumbled over a root and dropped Gallatais’ blood covered sword, she reached for it and caught a reflection of herself. Her once pristine white coat had seen a lot of wear and tear over the course of her journey, tattered and dirty she could see the small cuts and bruises scattered across her small malnourished body, and the Manticores blood left a deep stain. She hadn’t felt the need to eat or drink in the last few days, just the quest at hoof was all that filled every desire. Was it her desire to obtain her freedom, or was it Gallatais’ quest to reclaim his lost power overwhelming her thoughts?

“So your little adventure has taken you this far, Pearl?” Pearl looked up to see Applejack standing in her orchard. The exit to the Everfree must have lead them to Sweet Apple Acres. Was this more of Gallatais doing? “I knew you’d come fer me some time. But look at you, you’re a mess of a filly.”

“Applejack,” Pearl stumbled and looked to Applejack. “I don’t want to fight with you please just give me the element.”

“Yes Honesty, just give in. Magic will fall soon I can feel her struggle against fate, and herself as we speak.” Applejack and the other two ponies looked at the nearly completed Gallatais confused.

“So Fluttershy fell to your tricks hua?” Applejack readied for a fight.

Pearl wanted to cry at the mention of the fallen element but nothing came to her. “She’s dead,” Applejack took a step back. “she died to protect Autumn.”

Applejack shook herself and regained focus. “That foal of a mare, to think she would go and get herself killed. Fine ghost you want my element you can have it .” Gallatais smiled. “But Pearl has to take it, if its a fight you want Pearl will show me your determination.”

“I don’t want to fight you,” Pearl backed into Gallatais. “Is there some other way?” She turned to Gallatais and pleaded for an answer. But he only stood by with what Pearl could only guess was a smile. She took a defeated turn back to Applejack just in time to see her rush her.

Not fast enough to dodge, the charging mare plowed into Pearl’s side knocking her to the ground sending the sword sticking into the ground next to her. Autumn winced as Pearl came to a stop. “You want this here Element or not Pearl?” Pearl gasped for air and attempted to stand, she felt weak all over and Applejack looked as if she meant business. “Well stand Pearl show me just how much you want an adventure.” She lowered her head and grunted ready for another strike.

This is what I wanted? I just don’t know anymore. Pearl’s mind raced with doubt about what she really wanted. Was this how an adventure was supposed to end? She had confronted her foalhood heroes and faced their demons. Even though she was taken over by Gallatais a little part of her felt the thrill of the conquest. And now Applejack stood before her and more than willing to fight for a cause.

“Fine Apple Orchard I’ll take your element and I’ll put a stop to my captors plans. “ Pearl stood with renewed vigor. “This story only needs one hero and you fell long ago.” Applejack curled a sly smile, it was good to see her as determined as she was but now she needed what every child needs now and again.

Applejack rushed Pearl, they trampled dirt and grass spraying their remains behind them as they gain speed. Pearl looked to the sword, no, she thought no need Applejack was strong; years of hard labor would give her the advantage but she was also old, slowing her reaction time. Pearl would use this to her advantage. Applejack closed the distance faster than Pearl anticipated but she held back at the last moment, what was she doing? Applejack landed another solid headbutt into Pearls side, sending her flying, but she quickly recovered and lunged back at the orange cowmare.

A solid strike to the top of Applejack’s head, after rearing up and returning the headbutt. “Your old Apple Orchard, I’ve always known so much about you and all the others.” Applejack shook away the dizzying strike and dodged another aimed for her exposed side.

“And you’re still just a confused filly I meet in Manehatten.” Another skillful doge and a counter attack aimed at both Pearl’s front leg and her mental state. Applejack never worried about becoming old, she took it quite well actually. When the wrinkles began to set in and the lines around her eyes became more prominent she took it as a memento of a life well lived. Unlike some other ponies her age who desperately clung to their youth and clawed at every chance to maintain it. “This facade has gone on long enough. Look at yourself, finally out in the wide Equestria and what have you accomplished so far.” More strikes but Applejack didn’t dodge this time every one landed bruising her but it was nothing.

“Shut up, I tried to accomplish my dream. I set out on my own, I came all the way out to Ponyville even though I was scared. I tried to do things my way but I failed.” Pearl began to become flustered. “NO! I didn’t fail me, it was...TWILIGHT!” Pearl spun and gave Applejack a strong buck to the front chest. It was painful and knocked the wind from her lungs but she didn't budge.

“Now we’re blaming others for your shortcomings. Thats just pathetic. You know I met your father when he came to Ponyville about a year ago.” Pearl froze. “Ya, he found out about Twilight and he was even smart enough to figure out who me and Fluttershy were.” Applejack began to close in on Pearl as Pearl began to retreat. “He told me about how you adored that darn book and wanted nothing more than to meet Twilight, thats when I told him our little tragedy. But it was the strangest thing, I’ll tell ya he never told you about it or you’d have known me that day in the park.”

“You knew me?”

“Eyup. I struggled with telling you right then everything so you would do some fool headed thing like all of this.
But it was something your pa said to me.” Applejack picked up her dusty old hat that had fallen off in the scuffle. “All children must find their own way even if it means falling flat on their faces. It may not be the best way, but only they can tell you in the end if it was worth it or not.” Pearl was shocked, did her father really say all that? “Well Pearl, was it worth it?”

Pearl fell back in thought. Sitting on the torn up ground she thought back to the last few weeks. All the adventures she had, the heartache and sadness that she imposed upon herself. She felt as if she had been thrust into a scheme that she had no control over and it had spiraled out of control. Bringing war to Equestria? Was it all for the progress that he promised and how was he to be stopped if he was lying.

“Well?” Pearl snapped out of her daze and looked up to see Applejack holding out a hoof to help her up.

She smiled and took the helping hoof up. “A brutal honesty, and yes it will all be worth it.”

Pearl realized it too late Gallatais had possessed her once again and left Pearl to watch as her puppet of a body held Applejack tight and a massive black smoke blade pierced through her cest. The black blade glew orange and dissipated back into Gallatais body.

His once spectral ghost like appearance had slowly become more and more consistent with what Pearl had seen in her visions to the past. Gallatais coat was now almost complete very starlit sky adorned his body while his mane burned of cosmic fire. He was truly a wonder to behold. Gallatais spread his massive wings to reveal more hidden wonders of the universe that seemed to stretch further than anypony could ever imagine. A glimpse of shooting stars raced across his body from time to time but still incomplete his horn was still ghostly and looked to be the final missing piece to his resurrection.

Applejack lay on the ground, Pearl had regained her body and rushed to her side. She was still alive but she was passed out, more of Gallatais tricks she suspected.

“Gallatais! That wasn’t necessary, you’re a monster you know that? You just use and use just to better your own goals. Am I nothing more than a tool for your enjoyment?” Pearl grabbed up the sword and pointed it at the massive Alicorn’s newly formed throat. He only stood tall against her rant and gave her a menacing glare.

“A monster Pearl?” He took a step closer to Pearl the sword now in direct contact with throat. “Yes perhaps I am, I would say to you that I only have you and your kind at heart.” He turned his attention to the sleeping Applejack. “Now my favorite tool we have to hurry,” Gallatais smiled and stepped through Pearl and her empty protest. Pearl dropped watch Gallatais begin to head into the orchard toward Ponyville. “the finally is about overwith and I wouldn’t want to miss its outcome.”

In the depths of the Everfree lives a mass of long forgotten horrors that once haunted the Equestrian landscape. Feral creatures driven mad by hunger for the flesh of the living, but the smoke wisp was seeking a much more dangerous prize. The bearer of Hatred live deep in the forest, brooding and boiling hating the world and everypony in it.

Swift and precise the wisp made it’s way to its target. Over fallen rotting trees and through the twisted pathways it searched until it came to a single mass of trees all etched with blue runes.

The clearing stretched out and gave an aura of unwelcome. The wisp avoided the glowing runes, they felt as if they were traps to ward off unwelcome visitors. In the center lie a large old oak tree with a door cut into the front bearing a symbol of its owner. Careful not to trip any of the runes and feeling for other other hidden traps.

“Oh I see, something strange has trespassed on to our home.” The wisp froze as the voice appeared behind it. “Oh, a fragment of power. But this facade of form is below the Great Trixie.”

The wisp spun in a circle exuding a mass of light smoke that gave way to Gallatais full form. Trixie just stood unimpressed. Her light blue coat seemed dull against the darkness and the glow of her trap runes. She wore a massive purple pointed cap embroidered with stars and moons, Gallatais’ form began to circle Trixie. A matching tattered cape dragged the muddy ground but never seemed to be dirty.

“You are clever my Hatred. But how long have you locked yourself away in my forest plotting, training, hiding?” Gallatais stopped behind her.

“Trixie does not hide!” She spun around and stood on her tip hooves to come eye to spectral eye. “How dare you accuse us of such things! And this is Trixie’s forest, even those so called Lords have all bowed to Trixies power.” She gave a smirk and backed off turning toward her home. “Begone spirit, Trixie will have no more of your ramblings.” She huffed in self assurance, only to stop when she saw th wisp between her and the door.

“Ten years is a long time away from your kin.” Trixie backed away from Gallatais. “Oh now now Hatred, I have felt you for a long time. So much fury, every day training.”

Trixie stopped and gathered herself. “Yes ten years,” She took an offensive stance, her whole body began to glow with a solid blue aura. From under her hat a light began to form. “let Trixie show you why she’s called the Great and Powerful.” A sudden burst of energy, erupted from her body. A loud bang filled the clearing and sending nearby birds spinning away. The blue wave of energy sparkled and cut into surrounding trees and passed directly through Gallatais.

“Impressive but I can feel hesitation in your power what holds you back my Hatred?”

“Stop calling us that!” She changed Gallatais her horn emitting a brilliant light. “We are Trixie, the Great and POWERFUL!”

***

“I can still feel the hesitation. It dulls your resolve and takes the edge out of your power, It’s not even close to enough to face her.” Gallatais stood over the broken unicorn. She stirred and stumbled to her feet.

“You vile cretin.” She stumbled a bit as she tried to regain her composure. Her cape and hat were torn to ribbons. “Know your place, I am powerful.”

“But you are still no match for her.” Gallatais stepped in close to Trixie and whispered into her ear. “But I can change that.”

Trixie’s eyes widened. She backed away taking in what the ghost had told her. “And what do you know of HER? Twilight Sparkle, that blessed child of magic, she has stepped on my road of magical prowess and destroyed my climb to the top. It started with the that debacle in Ponyville, if those two fools hadn’t stuck their little fanboy noses into my business we would have made it to Canterlot and gained entrance to Celestia’s higher academy.” Trixie slammed a hoof into the soft floor around her and made it splinter with blue light. “It took us months of practice and scrounging to reclaim our prestige in the eyes of the common pony folk.”

“It is to be expected from the last of Starswirl’s legacy after all.” Trixie deepened her glare. “Not surprised I see, I knew Starswirl he was my first student outside of my children.” Trixie tilted her head in confusion.

“Now you’re telling Trixie ponytales ghost, Starswirl may have been my ancestor but the legends tell his teacher was magic itself, the very essence of harmony.” Trixie huffed and shook her head in a futile attempt at fixing her frazzled mane. “The power that now resides in that trollop Twilight Sparkle.” She turned away from Gallatais and started back for her home.

“And it’ll be just like that that then. Will you go on with hiding while Twilight gets away with her transgression.”

“Transgression!? She destroyed Trixie! Her and that accursed book!” Trixie kept walking fuming in her own rage. “And now you come here with hollow promises of power, Trixie maybe powerfull but she is no fool. After I found that we were in her book. We came back to Ponyville. I had made it into Celestia's school but after the professors read it and made the connection I was ousted and set back to square one. ME, the Great and Powerful Trixie! Cast out to the streets, reduced to a common unicorn.” She passed directly through Gallatais and proceed to her home. “I hate Twilight, it took a year to get back to Ponyville but when I got there, she had locked herself in her little library. I called her out on what she had done to us but NO, she only sat by and waited for the world to pass her by as every one suffered.” SHe sighed and turned to Gallatais, tears began to form as he opened her door.

“So you tied to force her out.” He smiled as Trixie turned away. “And from that I can tell you failed. She is the Element of Magic after all.”

“That is no excuse! I trained and trained my whole life and she gets a free ride just because she bares the Element of Magic!”

“But can’t the same be said of you? The last of Starswirl’s legacy has given you an unfair advantage over your peers. I took a great interest in him because I could feel a deep running connection to Harmony.”

“That has nothing to do with it! Celestia even took her under her tutelage and she had access to the vast royal libraries, she had one hand out after another. But I became a star under my own power, I had never met another pony that could even match my magic. Long hard nights slaving over ancient lost tombs passed through my family. I even lost my family and was left alone. I had nothing, but I still became great and powerful, while she just trotted through life surrounded by smiles, warmth, and so much love. Just to throw it all away over some foalish book.” Tears now puddled below her. Trixie was desperate to get away from Gallatais but he kept prodding and poking at her pride.

“But it just wasn’t enough to stand up to her. All your training even after your time in Celestia's school, you still fell short a second time and ran away.”

Trixie’s eyes narrowed and she scowled. “Trixie does NOT run!” The door slammed behind her and rushed back to Gallatais.

“Then tell me, if the only thing she has is the power of an element, perhaps an even playing field can show us who truly is ‘great and powerful’?”

Twilight sat in the darkness of her library and cried, her hoof on the large mirror that pulsed with a dull white light. “I’m so sorry Fluttershy. I tried to save you but losing Autumn was never the path that you would take was it?” Twilight had been watching the path her spell had shown her. Just like Spike she had seen this moment hundreds of times each played out in the death of her friends. “But now Gallatais has her element and will soon find Applejack.” She waved her hoof at the mirror and watched as it shattered into thousands of pieces each one showing the fight with Applejack. Twilight took the largest of the shards and looked deep into it. “So this is how Applejack falls? Be safe my friend this will all be over soon.” She let the shard float away and watched Pearl and Applejack battle.

“Oh now Twilight,” A mass of shimmering blue smoke formed behind the mirior. “you have to remember that this IS all for the good of Equestria after all.”

“Begone, I have a world to save and I don’t have time to listen to your ramblings princess.” Twilight waved the newly formed princess of the night away. “Ever since I finished that spell you have insisted that our actions would herald in a new era for the ponies.” Twilight reached for a small sliver of the shattered mirror, she looked and watched as Pearl took up Gallatais sword and slew her in a single strike. She winced at the scene and let a tears began to form. “But why princess do I have to hurt the ones I love. Spike didn’t deserve to die nor Fluttershy! Tell me princess, I know you want some megar sense of twisted revenge against your sister for taking Starswirl away from you. But all of this why did you stop me from showing her what I had found all those years ago?”

“Hush now Twilight dry away your tears you must always keep those we lose in our hearts. I did love Starswirl but this isn’t against my sister or to torture you and your friends. Separation makes the heart grow fond and its true. A thousand years I watched Equestria from my prison, I hated Celestia for looking down on me for my whole life always deciding what was best for me and your kin, but as time drew on I began to pity her.

We lost our families so long ago that its nothing more than a ponytale now, and then Celestia lost me to my madness, I may have been lonely but she had to watch every pony that she loved whither away and die in her arms.” Twilight had always know that Celestia had prized Unicorns and exceptional students long before her, but it never truly occurred to her that Celestia and Luna were Immortal and would far out live her and her friends.

“I had no idea.” Princess Luna gave her a reassuring smile. “I can understand that but why all of this I asked you that over ten years ago but you never answered me, you only told me to do as the spell said and I did.”

Luna waved a hoof in front of the mirror and it reformed. “Our time is coming to an end Twilight Sparkle, soon the ponies will need to stand on their own hooves and do for themselves what Celestia has done for centuries.” The mirror shattered once again and random images began to play out across the various shards. “As it stands now this shard is the largest and will most likely be the outcome for your kind.” Twilight looked into it and saw a prosperous nation of ponies each working toward the pinnacle of their kind.” Ten years ago this was but a sliver of a future that may have never been.”

She released the shard and it floated back to the collective. “The ponies will move on after us and hold their heads high knowing they are strong and capable because of ponies like your friends, and others that have and will follow in your hoof prints.” The shards flickered and a mass of single images began to fill the shards, each a pony of various kinds and colors, all connected in the center by a single white earth pony. “it will be from her that others will stand and look back to those that have laid the path for them to follow.” Luna held Twilight tight. “Fluttershy nor Spike shall ever be forgotten, but you have to be strong for when my father comes for you, you will need to convince the dreamer to make the choice to save Equestria no matter the cost.” Twilight held her back and gave her a warm smile.

“For Equestria it is then.”

“My sister did herself good with you Twilight Sparkle. Good luck to you and be strong.” Luna faded away leaving only Twilight and her mirror.

She looked into her magic mirror and saw what she had become over the last fifteen years. The mirror flickered and stayed solid showing various moments i her life, warmth and smiles embodied every memory and she smiled.

*BOOM!*

A massive explosion shook her home knocking books from their shelves and scattering papers all about the room. Twilight gathered herself from the floor, she had been knocked over when a shelf fell on her. She rushed to the top of the stairs and into her living room only to find a large hole.

“Long time Twilight, now why don’t you come out and play.” The outside was bright and Twilight was momentarily blinded by the sudden brightness. But she recognized the voice. How long had it been since she heard it last? Her eyes adjusted and she saw standing outside of the missing wall the light blue unicorn draped in her iconic starred hat and cape. “Trixie’s back.”

CH 16

“Oh my Twilight it has been a long time. I see you’ve added a few new tricks.” Trixie circled Twilight as she emerged from the gaping hole in her home. “But they were no match for me, the great and powerful Trixie.”

Twilight couldn’t wrap her head around what she was seeing. Never once did the mirror show Trixie returning, and this powerful. “How did you break my shield?” Trixie only widened her grin showing of her pearly whites. “I don’t have time for this now, what do you want?”

Trixie stopped to Twilights left side, “No TIME! How dare you presume yourself above Trixie and tell her such things in that selfighous tone.” Trixie became enraged and let a blast of magic fly from her horn to strike Twilight across the face for her insult.

Twilight only gave her defence a moment of thought, instantly dissipating the attack before it hit her. The magic died in an array of blue and purple sparkles that seemed to just linger in mid air. “That is exactly how I see this Trixie. Now what do you want?”

Enraged, Trixie stomped the ground and sent a wave of magical energies across all of Ponyville. The spell was massive, a large spell circle etched with archaic runes and patterns that Twilight didn’t recognize. Trixie didn’t flinch while creating the spell she only glared at Twilight and scowled. Twilight began to back away from the powered up unicorn, how was this happening what was she up to? Twilight’s mind raced with questions and why now. The spell stopped growing and suddenly began to turn and shift as the towns folk looked on in wonder of what was transpiring.

“A gift for you Twilight,” Trixie smiled as her spell began to intensify. “what kind of reunion would this be if you were the only one around to enjoy it?” Twilight didn’t understand what Trixie was talking about, then suddenly glowing masses of light began to form. “I have suffered for so long because of you! I was cast out of town after town! I struggled like you could NEVER understand! That day fifteen years ago changed Trixie, it was true I used a lie to gain admiration to the lesser ponies that I put my little show on for. But then YOU ruined it, the humiliation I suffered that day took a long time to recover from and I even changed my ways and became a better mare, I climbed back into the good graces of my peers through diligence and back breaking work.” Trixie raged at Twilight and her spell became more and more erratic. The balls of light began to take shape and she could see ponies in them. Trixie stamped her hoof again to gain Twilights attention.

“You will listen to Trixie!” She raved and let loose a torrent of wind that knocked Twilight over. “As I was saying I made it back to my former glory and finished my journey to Canterlot and was accepted by the Celestia’s School for my talents, but even there Trixie played second fiddle to YOU! Every day I would gain my professors admiration, only to hear ‘Almost as talented as Twilight.’ ALMOST!” Trixie began to burn with white fire Twilight became scared, she knew that she was once held in the highest regards among Canterlots professors. “That was of course until you wrote that book.”

Twilight cringed when the mention of her book came in to the conversation. For days she peered into that mirror and it told her time and time again that it was the fastest way to achieve her goal. Even writing it made her feel sick at times, but it was all for a greater purpose. She knew the book was both inspirational to those who would learn from it and take away the lessons of friendship and what those that saved all of Equestria had gone through. But it was also meant to show her friends who they really were, the mirror showed it as the knife that would drive them apart but they would become better ponies for it. And for a time she thought she could accept the responsibility that was given to her. But when the moment came to shoulder that responsibility she choked and hurt a friend.

“That book destroyed the life I fought so hard to rebuild, you assassinated me with your thoughtless words and I paid for it. I had risen above the Trixie I once was, I had become a better mare and deserved the respect that was owed to me. But they couldn’t see past that book and your portrayal of me. I read that thing hundreds of times beating myself up for being that pony, but then I realized I wasn’t that pony any more and deserved an apology.” Trixie Finished her spell and the orbs of shimmering light formed and became her friends. She was taken back when they suddenly appeared from nowhere. All of them stood in a circle around her except Fluttershy. And Twilight noticed them held captive in what looked like stockades.

This was all wrong there was something wrong with all of this, never once did foresight show this outcome. Was it hidden from Twilight? She gazed at her friends Rainbow struggled against the wooden prison and shook side to side complaining. Pinkie didn’t seem to mind and just stared at Twilight with a goofy look on her face like she had the last ten years of stories to tell her as if nothing had happened. Rarity on the other hand looked exactly the same as she did the day she left, except her eyes were older and Twilight could feel her staring straight through her. Then she saw Applejack, she was battered and bruised as if she had just been in a fight and lost, Gallatais, she thought to herself. Now the scene made more sense to her, this all must be his doing. Did he mess with the mirror somehow and hide this outcome from her?

“Good now that everypony is here lets get this over with.” Trixie stamped her hoof again this time causing a massive pulse to envelop the surrounding area. “Now everypony will see the Great and Powerful Trixie defeat Twilight Sparkle, the Element of Magic, and I will prove to them all that you are nothing more than just a pony that got lucky and was handed everything that she took for granted.”

“Trixie I am sorry for everything,” Twilight dropped her head to Trixie. “I know that book hurt a lot of ponies, most of which I cared for. But it was necessary. Over the years I’ve meet so many ponies that have stood outside my door and thanked me for giving them hope that determination and a strong belief in their friends would help them conquer any problem. So many shed tears for me and those in the book, but I just turned them away and hid like a coward I couldn’t face them knowing what impact it had on those that would suffer because of it.” Trixie became enraged at the apology, it wasn’t enough. She had been shunned for so long for her mistake and even after working herself to the bone to fix it, it still wasn't enough once it came back to haunt her. “I don’t want to fight you, I know you’re strong but in the end I am the Element of Magic and it will decide the victor. No amount of training will close that gap, no strategy will give you an advantage that the element can’t overcome. I’ve seen it time and time again. Now please take my apology and let my friends go before something terrible happens.” Twilight had lowered herself to her knees in front of Trixie in the hopes she would give up this fight.

“Oh my Magic, it is quite unfortunate that you think that way.” Twilight recognized the new voice and shot up to see a small wisp of smoke sitting on Trixies shoulder. “It was a noble gesture though. But did you know the Element of Magic isn’t anymore powerful or important than any other element. Each plays off its bearers strength and magnifies it to a pinnacle that if neglected or abused it turns on it’s holder.” Twilight frowned at Gallatais’ wisp, he must have gone to Trixie and convinced her to battle her to draw out the element. Trixie was a talented mare but there was no way she could stand against Twilights element. “So now Magic I would like to introduce you to Hatred.” It was then Twilight realized what was happening, Trixie was no longer just a talented unicorn she was now an element bearer and powerful enough to truly challenge her.

“Don’t look so surprised, did you truly think Harmony was the only force in the universe? Don’t be so naive. There are so many forces that govern the world and universe that even the most talented could never truly understand.”

“That may be ghost but I still do not want a fight.” Twilight turned away from Trixie and Gallatais. “I am truly sorry Trixie I hurt so many ponies in this futile quest of mine I’d rather not repeat it.”

“So it’s like that is it Twilight Sparkle? You would turn your back on me just like that? No, you’re not just turning your back on me but your friends.” Trixie looked to the four captives who just stared at what transpired. “I don’t know what you’ve been up to in that hole for all this time and I'm sure I don’t care, but I have come to take my revenge for all the misery you have caused, and looking around it seems I’m not the only one I’m doing this for. Your apology is hollow and heartless, you lack the remorse that could have saved you this humiliation. If you do not turn and fight I will destroy Ponyville and everything in it.” Trixie gave a slight twist to her hoof and a massive light beam shot from the magical circle she had created vaporizing a nearby building. “Since you have failed to show us that you truly care about this little town and those ponies in it, I will destroy it and crush you beneath my hoof and make you watch as everything you once held dear vanishes before your eyes.”

Twilight's mouth hung open as she watched another building vanish in white light. “TRIXIE, stop this madness!” Twilight gathered a jolt of raw magical energies and fired it at Trixie as she reveled in her destruction. The flew swiftly and precise, but just as Twilight did to Trixie before the attack was met with little more than a thought before it dissipated.

Trixie just smiled under her hat as she had finally gained her battle to reap her revenge.

****

A line in the sand had been crossed, Trixie Stood proud and ready for anything Twilight had to offer. All the years of preparation fill finally come to fruition this day. Twilight looked to her captive friends and see their mixed emotions on what was happening, they seemed happy to see her but at the same time Twilight could see the distaste behind their eyes at her for letting all of this get out of hoof. She wanted to speak to them but the realistic threat Trixie posed was enough to keep Twilight’s head in the battle.

“Very well if you won’t make the first move Twilight, allow Trixie.” Twilight readied for the assault Trixies horn shimmered and Twilight could feel the ground beneath her become warm to the touch, Twilight popped out of the way just as a red pillar of light engulfed the spot she stood a moment earlier. “I still see teleportation is your speciality Twilight, oh how they raved about you at the school.”

Twilight appeared behind trixie and let loose a sparkling ring of magic to trap Trixie, Twilight hoped she could end this battle fast and without harming the enraged unicorn. The circle hit its mark and Trixie fell to the ground with a heavy thud, her hat falling to the side.

“Oh my that was a wonderful shot Twilight, too bad it didn’t hit.” Twilight was caught off guard as Trixies voice came from beside her, the ensnared Trixie burst into a torrent of light and colors. Twilight barely managed to dodge another bolt of magic erupting from the ground. “Did you know you can determine a teleports end by feeling out vibrations in the air?” Trixie had appeared once again right next to Twilight as she came out of a teleport. She spun and launched a quick stunning spell at the sudden Trixie. It hit its mark and Trixie reared back crying out then passing out. “Oh, poor... Rarity was it?” Twilight’s eyes widened as the unconscious Trixie faded into the bound white unicorn. “I told you once Twilight you will suffer.” A tear rolled down Twilights eye as she looked around and saw a dozen Trixies laughing at her.

The battle had raged for what seemed like an eternity every Trixie Twilight defeated turned out to be nothing more than an illusion. “You seem tired Twilight, don’t tell me you’re about done? Is this all the mighty Element of Magic is capable of?” Another in a long line of taunts from the hidden Trixie.

“Stay calm Twilight, she’s a show mare and illusions seem to be her thing.” Twilight whispered to herself to help calm her down. She had never battled another pony in a one on one duel of sorts.Trixie had lived in the everfree for years and battled the inhabitants for supremacy, so she was much better at fighting than she was. Another pillar of light, Twilight dodged it but she knew she couldn’t keep up dodging forever she had to think of something fast.

“Stunns, disabling magics?” Twilight jumped at Gallatais’ voice net to her. “You can’t seriously believe that you can stop her without getting a little violent?” The tiny wisp had latched onto Twilight and began a new round of taunting.

“This is your fault, you could have come for me yourself, but no you had to get more ponies involved. I hate you Gallatais.” Twilight shook her head and Gallatais dissipated.

“Hate is such a strong word Magic. I told you in the Palace I would come for you last, Hatred will defeat you and your element will be mine. Just give in you can’t beat me.” Twilight’s face burned with anger as the herd of Trixies laughed at her.

“Fine Trixie, Gallatais! You want a fight,” Twilight stopped as a pillar of light engulfed her. “Lets fight.” The pillar exploded and Twilight stood unharmed, her eyes began to glow a brilliant white and an aura of pulsating purple magic surrounded her.

She vanished and with a massive *pop* Twilight appeared and vanished faster than Trixie could keep track of as Twilight assaulted each of her clones. Each gave out a short yelp as they burst into shards of glassy light. It only took a split second but all the fake Tixies had vanished leaving nothing but a colorful battleground and her friends. Twilight looked around to find the real trixie, no more Illusions were going to distract her. No more miss nice pony, Twilight had resolved against actually fighting Trixie but it looks as if that plan was no longer an option. Twilight hated herself almost as much as Gallatais for going this far but there was little choice left to her.

“Good now that you have accepted this goodbye Twilight.” Twilight turned to her house and saw Trixie, the real Trixie, step out.

Twilight concentrated and gathered a massive amount of magical energies. In her self appointed exile she had seen a timeline in which she was a warrior. she watched the broken version of herself and remembered the spells that the other her used to battle some strange unknown enemy. At first the version of her scared her, but after time it was like watching herself become the strong mare she needed to be. Trixie didn’t even flinch at the feeling of the air being drawn into Twilight’s spell, she just slowly calmly walked toward her and prepared a spell of her own she had developed battling the few dragons that inhabited the Everfree. Unicorn magic was powerful but nothing compared to the deep, vast, well of might the dragons controlled.

Trixie had trained and trained by herself for a long time but never really had any combat experience, she had ran and hid from the denizens of the Everfree for a long time, she was confident of her skill but knew better than to take a beast head on without a little preparation. So she started small, she found the Timberwolves were among the best to test battle, quick skilled and would kill her if she choked. So he watched and found that their were lone wolves that she could fight and not have an entire pack surround her and take her out. Her first fight was as scary and unnerving as she expected, the beast didn’t have any care for her theatrics and her illusions proved useless against the beasts sense of smell, it was a long fight but invaluable in experience. After that she no longer feared battle she craved it finding larger and larger monsters to fight.

That was until she found a dragon, It was much different than the other dragons she had read about. It’s scales glistened with a silver sheen and it had an elegant speech pattern. She had read that dragons were a beastial race that wanted nothing more than to hoard treasure and eat whatever or whomever they found. But this creature proved to be much more than just a beast, she confronted him and boasted her power over the other creatures i the forest but he didn’t care and would ignore the tiny yapping pony. Infuriated she unleashed her magic at the dragon only to have him swat her power away as if waving away a fly. She left the dragons presence after her power seemed to have no effect on the dragon, Trixie poured herself into her books and pratice day after day challenging the dragon and being swatted away each time. For months she honed her skills until when she challenged the dragon she managed to shatter one of his silver scales. She readied for a counterattack but the dragon only spread his wings scooped up his treasure and flew off. Trixie didn’t understand, he didn’t seem mad at her nor did he want revenge at her attack, he just left with all of his treasure. All of it except a single book.

Trixie watched as Twilight’s spell came to it’s peak, a mass of wind and light swirled above her a spark of purple lightning would arc out and scorch the ground around Trixie but she stood fast. “No more illusions I see, you could have accepted my apology and i wouldn’t have to come down to this Trixie. Remember you brought this upon yourself.” Twilight let loose the ball and shed a tear for resorting to violence once again.

“No Twilight just one more illusion.” Twilight didn’t understand it but it seemed as if the ball was coming right for her instead. Twilight panicked was this another trick or had Trixie done something. there was no time with the ball coming closer she could feel the wind blowing her mane and cutting at her body. In a panic she teleported away to face Trixie.

A deafening explosion and the world went silent the ball had hit its mark the shattered Library was torn to shreds in the blast and her friends were ripped from their prisons and tossed asunder. Trixie stood over Twilights broken body and smiled at her. “What, how? *cough*” Twilight had been hit at ground zero and lay in a crater injuries scattered across her body.

Trixie stepped into the crater and enveloped Twilight with her magic lifting her off the ground. Twilight cried out in pain it was too much she had sustained too her cry filled with blood and she coughed it out. “My, my that doesn’t sound very pleasant I’m glad it didn’t hit me. And for how? Well lets just say the final illusion is going to knock your socks off.” Trixie began an uncontrollable laugh as Twilight watched the world around her melt away and ponyville come into view. The real Ponyville, no creator the Oak Tree Library was still there with a large hole in it and her friends had vanished from laying on the ground and were now standing fine watching with wide eyes as was all of Ponyville.

“She truly is something isn’t she Twilight? To think all she needed was just a little push.” Twilight looked and saw Gallatais, the real Gallatais, standing in the towns square along with Pearl, Autumn Breeze, and the Princesses. “And now childern I will take what is mine and the dawn of a new era will begin!” Gallatais stepped up to Twilight and took her from Trixie. “As promised you have proven yourself better than Twilight and have earned your place as the greatest unicorn in Equeria. Stand at my side now Hate and let us usher in my rule.” Trixie stepped up to Gallatais and stood with him. “Now Magic your element is mine.” Gallatais closed the aura around Twilight and it stopped at her center, she fell to the hard ground. All present gasped as she coughed up another spout of blood. Gallatais held the ball of element energy. “Pearl I have gathered my elements and you are now free, but will you go to the flock or will you stay here and rule with me?”

“I... I can’t I told you before I would find a way to stop you. That hasn’t changed.” Gallatais gave her a disgusted look and turned away from her. Pearl rushed to Twilight’s side and held her in her hooves. “I’m soo sorry Twilight, I never thought it would come to this. I’m sorry.” Pearl held her and cried softly. The others had rushed to her side as well Applejack had woke up from her unconscious state to watch the events unfold. Pinkie Pie cried with her and looked to the other three. Both Princesses had arrived Gallatais broadcasted Twilight and Trixies battle over every city in Equestria. Pearl looked at the others “I don’t think I can ever ask for your forgiveness after what I did to each of you but know this I will do anything to make it right.” Pearl gave an icy stare at Gallatais, she watched as he absorbed the last element and returned to his true glory.

Gallatais could feel the world around him for the first time in over a millennia, he could feel the wind as it passed through his glistening coat it left a slight tingle on his fresh skin. The ponies around him could only stare and the Princesses went pale as they felt a wave of focused magic wash over them. It was exhilarating the feeling of life after all this time after gathering the other elements and gaining a solid form he was still lacking this sensation this feeling of life. Autumn Breeze Stood next to the reformed Alicorn, she stood only staring at Pearl holding a defeated Twilight.

“It’s a wonderful day to be alive again, But Pearl my champion I’m disappointed in you. I knew you were stubborn but look around you my plan has come to fruition and the bearers of harmony lay defeated at my hooves. Come now give up on this fantasy of defeating me and join us, It will only take a matter of days before Equestria falls and I once again stand watch over the ponies as I once did all those centuries ago.”

“No Pearl, don’t listen to him,” everyone looked as Twilight stood up from Pearls arms. She was still in shell shock from taking the brunt of her own attack but she stood strong. “we will fight you Gallatais. I know we can defeat you, no matter how long it takes.” Gallatais only smiled and brushed his starry mane from his face.

“Now Twilight look at you, broken defeated and yet you still think you can fight me? I have your element and those of your friends, surely they won’t try to fight me?” He gave a sly smile at the troupe of huddled former element holders.

“Hey her name is Twilight Sparkle not Shirley.” Everyone looked to see Pinkie Pie step forth. “And you seem really sure of yourself mister ghost. But I know a secret.” Pinkie gave the confused Twilight a warm welcoming smile.

“What are you babbling about you ninny?” Trixie Stepped up.

“Well if I told you it wouldn’t be a very good secret now would it?” Pinkie only waved a hoof at her. Trixie began to burn with rage.

“Hah, you are still quite the laugh aren't you my little pony?” Gallatais stepped between Trixie and Twilight group. “Pearl I will not ask again, stand with me and live forever as a hero or fall now and be forgotten as your hero did so long ago?”

“No.” Pearl stood up to Gallatais and took a deep breath. She knew he would follow up on his promise of taking her out for defying him but she didn’t care. Weather she would be remembered for releasing him on Equestria for the rest of eternity or just the first in a long line of ponies that will fall denying him she didn’t care this was her choice and she was proud to make it.

“Very well, if this is your choice then so be it, good bye Battle.” With that a massive light encircled Pearl and she vanished.

CH 17

Gallatais sat at the head of the Canterlot court he had achieved his goal, Equestria lay in a perpetual state of battle as the pony folk struggle against the once trapped residents of the Everfree Forest. He watched as cities fell to rubble, unable to defend themselves from the foreign threat. Without Celestia the monsters ran rampant and felt their freedom after the centuries of banishment, left to rot in the dark forest prison.
“Is it everything you hoped it would be father?” Gallatais cocked an eyebrow to his visitor. “My sister still puts up a resistance with the former element holders. Her merry band of miscreants have been hiding themselves well this last year.” Princess Luna stepped from the shadows, once again she donned the regalia of Nightmare Moon. No longer a slave to the darkness she once was Luna stepped up to her father and softly placed her head on his shoulder.
“Your sister is resourceful, she may no longer be the overwhelming force that carved 1000 years of peace. But she has her student and her friends.” Gallatais stroked his daughters flowing mane as they spoke.
“They are broken and of no concern any longer.” A brash voice broke the serene moment. “I have proven myself against that trollop Twilight, time and time again. Even now I have her mirror and it is only a matter of time before I, The Great And Powerful Trixie, learn its mysteries.” Trixie materialized in the center of the room, she held herself proud and gave off an aura that made the guards shutter a little.
“Ah, yes my greatest champion.” Gallatais stood and greeted Trixie. “Have you brought me good news?”
“On the outskirts of Apploosa reports came in of a white earth pony wielding a metal object and drove off a manticore invasion.” Trixie brushed her long silvery hair aside as she delivered her report. “Trixie doesn't understand why you are so worried in finding this pony. She rejected yo...” Trixie was cut off as she was flung through the air slamming hard into a nearby marble statue of the former ruler of Equestria.
“Know your place, Hatred! That PONY still holds the fate of Equestria in her hooves as long as she is alive! She is a threat to me and every thing I wish to accomplish!” Gallatais burned with rage his whole being flared like a supernova causing the court guards, Trixie and even Luna turn away from his rage. Trixie cowered and crawled away in shame from Gallatais as his rage subsided. “Go, find where they are hiding I have given you enough time to master that mirror.”

A little over a year had passed since Gallatais gathered the six Elements of Harmony. In the moment of his victory he went to snuff out Pearl as she defied him in front of all of Equestria. But Celestia satched away his victory and hid away, cloaked from his vision. But all was not well across the once peaceful lands of Equestria, with Celestia no longer the threat that held the Everfree denizens at bay, they flooded Equestria tearing away what little resistance the residents put up.
One by one they fell, the larger cities managed to hold out longer than most but that was until the larger monsters arrived to stomp out entire buildings in a single swipe. Even the great Pegasus Cloud Cities were no match for the hordes of ancient fliers that blackened out the skies, decimating the smaller cities until Cloudsdale was left as the only remaining bastion that the Pegasus had left.

****
“Commander, we have gotten reports of that white earth pony again.” Stormcaller stepped into a large command room.
“Where is she this time? And stop calling me that.” The orange pegasus stepped out from her desk and ruffled her wings.
“Manager just doesn't fit these days and before you ask no there haven’t been any sightings of the captain.” Storm stepped beside Scootaloo and put his hoof on her shoulder. “I can see it in your eyes that you miss her believe me i know how you feel, but at least she’s still out there.” Stormcaller turned away from her to hide his tears.
“Have we had any word from our spies in the court of the king?” Scootaloo looked to another one of her soldiers.
“Our last contact told us that Trixie has yet to figure out the mirror Twilight Sparkle created, but the king is putting pressure on finding this mysterious mare.” The female pegasus gave her report. “If I may be so bold Commander, its been over a year since we've had contact with the captain and with the increase in attacks across Equestria do you really think she could still be alive?”
“Its not hard to believe that Dash is still alive, what's hard to believe is that she’s laid this low for as long as she has.” Scootaloo gave a sly smile to the pegasus. “Dismissed everypony and for the millionth time stop calling me that.”

****
“Soooo bored.” A older power blue mare lay on a small bed. “If I had known it was going to be this boring I would have stayed in Ponyville.” Rainbow Dash hopped out of the bed and rushed across the large underground room. “Common Princess I may not be a grand flier any more but I’m still Rainbow Dash, I'm an athlete through and through.” Rainbow Dash had been cooped up in the hidden lair for months and contributed little in the way of tactics for the resistance that the former ruler lead.
“I can understand your stress Rainbow Dash but now is not the time. Even if you were to go out you don’t exactly blend in with the populous and what if you get caught?” Celestia leaned in close to the pegasus and whispered, “I know one filly that would be very upset with me if I let anything happen to you.” dash blushed a bright shade of red contrasting heavily against her blue coat.
“She’s right sugarcube, I’ve got ponies that I wanna see myself, but it would put them in too much danger.” Applejack entered the room with a large stack of papers. “I still don’t understand it though princess. What in tarnation are we waitin fer? That Pearl seems to have yer daddies forces tied up and chasing their own tails searching fer her. Twilights been messing with that mirror throwing Trixie off and if it wasn’t fer Raritys vast fortune this little resistance would have never happened.”
“My father knows we intend to stop him and he knows the only way to do that is with the Elements of Harmony. But according to Twilight this dreamer holds the key and I don’t know what that means.”
“Your father now controls the elements, and we know Pearl is the Dreamer. and even if we can take them kindness is,” Applejack turned away thinking of her fallen friend. “Fluttershy is gone.” Even Dash shed a tear for their fallen friend. “Speaking of ponies going off and doing foolheaded things where’s Pinkie and Mike?”

A short distance away in the village of Bridlehoof a disguised pinkie and Mike Shetland sat in an open air cafe. “See silly I told you coming back to Ponyville with me would be exciting.”
“Even though we’ll have to talk about that definition of exciting at a later date, you know we aren't allowed to wander from the base what if we get caught?” Mike leaned in to whispered to Pinkie.
“I find it nice to get out once and awhile, besides with these fancy disguises nopony would recognize us.” Pinkie leaned back and stretched her flour covered coat making her look white and with a little magic barret her bouncy mane turned a bright blonde. “And we can gather intel on the current events. Look ,a news paper! Pinkie reached out and swiped a nearby stallions reading material.
“Hey!” he gave the thief a angry look as Mike returned the pilfered paper and apologise for Pinkies action.
“Dear, things have changed we have to be more careful.” Mike sighed, he had known Pinkie long enough to know talking since to her was fruitless.
“You’re darn tut’in we gotta be careful,” Pinkie had kept a small section of the paper and put in Mike’s face. “Have you seen the value of hay these days? Outrageous!” Mike just leaned back in his seat in defeat. Until he noticed a small article in the corner of the paper.

‘White mare strikes again!’ It read, Mike took the paper and began reading. ‘Sources have indicated that the mysterious white mare has struck at the very heart of Lord Gallatais forces near what was once the township of Ponyville. While details are limited, towns ponies are stating that she appeared seemingly out of nowhere. The white mare then defeated a standing guard of a dozen of the Lords forces and robbed an old library that once belonged to the recluse Twilight Sparkle. With the forces of the Alicorn Lord no longer in Ponyville the towns ponies have started to regain a small portion of their daily lives.’
Mike was bewildered by the article. He could remember meeting Pearl on more than one occasion since her arrival in Las Pegasus to pilfer Pinkies Element. After the princess rescued her from annihilation that day a year ago he could remember she was deeply depressed and distant from the others that joined Celestia's rebellion.Pinkie seemed to like her though, she would spend hours with the distraught pony attempting to cheer her up and look at the bright side of things. That was until one day out of the blue she just vanished from the base and started her one pony crusade to take back Equestria. Mike mulled over the article again. If she liberated Ponyville and took something from the old library she may be...
“Pin... Dear we have to go, it’s important.” Mike stood up from his lunch and grabbed Pinkie. “I think we're having a guest this evening.”
“Ohh a guest I love guests I'll have to set out something nice.”

The battle Pearl fought was a difficult uphill struggle for the last nine months, after coming to terms with her own failures. She focused hard and put into motion a plan that would right the wrongs she had created. She knew the only way to stop Gallatais was with the element of harmony but as long as Gallatais controlled them she had to come up with a new plan. So in her resolve she took up Gallatais’ old prison and set out into the battered Equestria and began to defeat the evils that took hold over the towns and villages she came across.

“Twilight we need to find a way of coordinating with Cloudsdale. It’s the largest base of resistance besides us. With their combined forces we could take back the larger cities crippling my fathers forces and strengthening our front.” Celestia paced the command room. Twilight sat across looking over a large map of Equestria. She had finally reconnected to her mentor after months of awkward moments and shy speeches.
“But how? If we leave the bubble I’ve put up to block out the vision of the mirror our little forces would be crushed.” Twilight lit up a small area on the map showing Celestia the reach of her protection.
“We set bait.”
Twilight turned to see where the new voice came from. The small room wasn’t brightly lit, but Twilight could tell right away from the silhouette. “Pearl, you know coming here dangerous.” She scowled as she spoke to Pearl.
“Dangerous! Twilight for the last year you have hid yourself away, again, while you send out meager little forces to deal with the problem at hoof. I know danger Twilight, I was there in Trottingham when the Ursa major leveled the city. I watched a foal get torn to shreds by a pack of timberwolves. Do not speak of danger to me!” Pearl stepped into the rooms light, Twilight choked back the sight of Pearls massive scar stretching from left of her lower jaw across her eye.
“Now my little ponies, please these are trying times we live in. We all have losses, but Pearl Twilight is right coming here is dangerous.” Celestia stepped between the feuding ponies.
“I went to Ponyville,” both Celestia and Twilight went silent. “It was a mess, it was rot with Gal’s forces but no longer.” Pearl gave a smile revealing a few broken teeth. “I went to the old library and found nothing. That mirror of yours was gone, along with everything went with it. Sweet Apple Acres still stands, a testament to its founders you can tell Applejack her sister and brother are safe. They defended the townsfolk for months, even after the initial flood of beasts devoured most of the township but it was only a matter of time until Trixie and her ilk came for the mirror.” Pearl stepped around the command room, giving dead glances to her hero.
“Pearl, what did you mean by bait?” Celestia cut between them again.
“Oh,” Pearl smiled again. “I’ve found the best way to catch your target is with something they want.” She chuckled and walked over to a closed door. “And I think you’ve been holding on to the one thing Cloudsdale wants more than anything in all of Equestria.” She opened the door and stepped aside to let the spying blue and multi-maned Rainbow Dash tumble into the room.
“Uh... hey Pearl when did you get back?” She rubbed her head and chuckled at the staring room.

****

The underground base had taken on a new life when Pearl arrived. Pinkie had thrown a large welcome back party in Pearls honor. The cold dark base was littered with bright streamers and an inexplicable amount of cake. Pearl walked the halls that honeycombed underneath Equestria. She thought back to the long months she had spent under Celestia's watch and care, it was hard to come to terms with what she had done. She reminisced about the the time she had gotten to spend with those she had hurt. She looked into the dark empty rooms with nothing more than a simple bed and a small chest for the few belongings the ponies had.
“Heya Pearl!” Pearl’s train of thought was derailed by an explosion of pink. “Glad to see you come back, me and Mike were so worried.” Pinkie danced around Pearl and placed a small cone party hat on her.
“Why would anypony be glad to see me? I’ve done nothing worth celebrating.” She slowly began to walk away and removed her hat letting to drop to the cold stone floor.
“Aww, so modest I see. No worries, look around you pearly what is it you see? Common tell ol’ Pink Smile.” Pinkie placed an arm around Pearl and pointed around the base.
“I see the slow decay of Equestria I brought on all of you. I see a group of ponies that hate me and I deserve it. No matter how hard I work to correct this I can never be forgiven.” She removed Pinkies arm and began to walk away. “And stop calling yourself that it's embarrassing.”
“Oh, is that all you see Pearly?” Pinkie bounced back in front of Pearl and spun her around. “Like I told you that last time I forgive you, and I see all my friends in one place. You managed to get all of them together working toward a common goal for the first time in over a decade.” Pearl stopped and saw what Pinkie was talking about. Twilight and Applejack sat at a table with the Princess and laughed about something she couldn’t hear. Rainbow Dash and Rarity were talking to Mike planning a strategy to get Dash back to Cloudsdale. “I can see smiles once again even the worst of us can smile once again thanks to you.” Pearl felt dizzy as Pinkie suddenly spun her back to face her. “What happened to the Pearl I meet in Las Pegasus?” she squinted thinking real hard. Then like a light bulb she reached into her hair and pulled out a wrapped circular object. “I know, you’re missing something Important.” She handed Pearl the package and dashed off to mingle with her reunited friends.
“Missing something hua?” Pearl rolled the strange gift around inspecting it. “That one has always made me feel off and at the same time just right.” Pearl laughed to herself and sat on one of the many empty beds scattered about the base. She cautiously tore away the bright pink and yellow patterned paper, ‘Where did she get such a thing these days?’ Pearl laughed to herself as she wondered about the paper itself. Pearl was caught off guard completely by the contents and nearly dropped the present as the words ‘The Adventures of Twilight Sparkle’ revealed themselves.
It was a copy of Twilight’s book. pearl held it tight and close to her heart. She had lost her copy a long time ago and finding one proved nearly impossible since Equestria fell. Trixie Had made it her Mission to destroy every copy she could find. Pearl was only momentarily concerned with the face Pinkie had hidden a rectangular book in a round package with no extra work. She sat in the dark and opened the book, she had read the stories so many times in her youth but after losing the book she felt an eptyness that it once filled. Pearl could feel her eyes water as she opened the book and saw an small photo inside the book. It was her family in Manehatten, they all smiled warmly and she could remember the day she left for Ponyville. All the tearful goodbyes and the message from her sister was still on the back in crayon
‘Big sister Pearl, through the darkest nights and the hottest days, may your dreams never let you forget that home is where the heart lies.’

CH 19

Trixie stepped into the throne room in Canterlot with her head held high. “Lord Gallatais I, The Great and Powerful Trixie, present you the mirror of foresight directly from Ponyville.” Trixie gave a bow and moved aside as a pair of dark coated palace guards clad in black armor pulled a cart into the throne room with Twilights mirror in all of it’s glory.
“Ah, yes my greatest champion. I see you have accomplished your mission.” Gallatais walked down from his high throne and to the mirror. “So splendid, I can feel it’s energy. So much trapped archaic energy, I can remember teaching this to Starswirl so long ago.” Gallatais stroked the mirror lost in the past.
“I have set up a room with Twilight's notes and inscribed the proper runes.” Trixie gave a proud laugh.
“Good, you have done well. Now my daughter and I have a meeting that needs attention, and I need you to go and visit Sorrow.” Gallatais shot Trixie a sharp glare. Trixie began to bow and back off. Trixie left and the night guards dragged the mirror away. “She’s gone you can reveal your self now.”
From the darkness of the throne room a cloaked pony emerged. “You’re a harsh master, I can see not much has changed.” The pony walked around Gallatais, her voice perked a smile from Gallatais. She wore a dark cloak that hid most of her features but Gallatais knew.
“Tell me my amethyst pearl where has my daughter hidden herself away to?” Gallatais had returned to his throne.
“You fiend, of all the despicable things to do. Give me my sister immediately.” The female pulled back her hood to reveal a stressed and angry Rarity, She stood strong with all her youthful glory. “I can see that you have what you wanted including Twilight’s silly mirror.”
“Oh no my dear, it’s not that easy. You see your little friends that have hidden themselves away have put me a bad position. They are hiding something that belongs to me.”
“Oh, and what would that be? That silly sword Pearl carried around everywhere? Too bad oh Lord whatever but she took it with her when she left.” Rarity flipped her hair and rolled her eyes as she looked around the throne room.
“Oh yes the sword,” Gallatais smiled. “a tragic loss I’m sure. I will reward this tidbit of information, Luna my child bring our new friend her prize.” Gallatais waved a hoof to another corner of the throne room and a spectral starlit Pony stepped into the light. Rarity took a step back in shock as she gazed upon the princess of the night.
Luna had slowly made the transition back to the armored queen that Rarity remembered from her youth. With the exception of her eyes being a normal shape for an alicorn she gave off an eerie feeling from her time as Nightmare Moon. “Ah, Rarity, it is so good to see you again. We have something here for you.” Luna gave a flap of her wing and a fog of stars set in a moonless night rose up, Rarity looked and began to see the shape of a pony form in the haze.
“Sister!” A sudden burst of happiness erupted from the fog as Sweetie Belle ran to her sisters side. “I was so scared, one second I’m in the boutique and suddenly these ponies came and snatched me up. I... I just didn’t know what had happened to you.” Sweetie Belle cried into her sisters cloak.
“It’s okay, it’s all going to be alright. I’m here now and we’re going home.” Rarity stroked her weeping sisters mane and tried her best to comfort her.
“Perhaps we've misunderstood the deal.” Gallatais dissolved into smoke and crept across the floor to the unicorn sisters. “You may leave this place freely but my prisoner stays.” The two ponies turned shocking glances to Gallatais who had reformed towering above them. “The information you have given me is not good enough to completely exchange this sweet,” Gallatais brushed his cosmic tail under Sweetie’s chin. “innocent bargaining chip.”
Rarity swept her sister behind her and stood up as close to Gallatais’ face as she could. “Now you see here you vile ruffian, I passed you information that hurt to give and now I WILL have my sister and leave this dreadful place.” She tried to back slowly to the palace doors but was cut off by Luna.
“Don’t be like that Miss Rarity, I will give you your sister, in time. But I will need more information before I do so.” He shot a glance to Luna who gave him a smile back. “If you tell me where my dear Celestia and your ex-friends are hiding, the two of you are free to leave right now. But if you insist on not telling me,” He paused for a dramatic second. “I’ll give you these little visitations for little information.” Gallatais nodded his head and Luna gave another flap of her wings summoning another bellow of mist to snatch away Sweetie Belle.
Rarity cried out as she went to grab her sister. “You BASTARD! Bring my sister back this instant!” Rarity began to glow a soft blue, tears began to stream down her face and her face began to turn red with rage.
Gallatais’ face twisted as Rarity spouted more threats. He began to scowl and tense up while he watched Rarity scream at him. “ENOUGH!” Rarity choked back the rest of her argument as Gallatais began to glow and radiate a low heat. “Know this child, your sister will be safe under my care. If you wish to keep her that way you will feed me information, unless you wish to divulge the whereabouts of my daughter than you may take her here and now.”
Rarity took a scared step back as Gallatais spoke. She shied away when she heard what Gallatais wanted from her. “I can’t do that, I can’t just betray them like that.” Rarity’s face dropped to the floor. “Will you keep her safe?” Both Luna and Gallatais exchanged a smile. “Do you promise!?” Gallatais slipped his tail under her chin and brought her eyes to his.
“We have a deal then.” Gallatais gazed deep into Rarity’s red, tear stained eyes and smiled.

“This isn’t real.” Pearl tried her best to put her spinning head around what she had been told. “Starswirl is... has been...dead.” Her head began to ache as she looked upon the robed unicorn.
“And I still am. But that’s a story for another time.” Starswirl just gave her a goofy smile.
“How did I get here? Last thing I remember was fighting Trixie and everything started to get heavy.” Pearl could feel the sharp sting coming from her face and remembering shards of stained glass embedded in her flesh.
“And boy did she do a number over on you. No you were brought here by a Pegasus. She begged me to help you, and it was close. Trixie must not have been very thorough. You were practically dead when you arrived.” Starswirl turned and levitated a steaming cup of tea and held it for Pearl as she tried to drink what she could. “Ah,ah now drink it all. It’ll help regain some strength.” As Pearl drank Starswirl sat on a large mushroom and sighed deeply. “I’m sorry Pearl but all of this is my fault. A long, long, time ago I did something most regrettable and it set into motion a tragic series of events that you are now in the middle of. It caught up the royal family and it even stretched far into my lineage.” Pearl watched the old stallion look to the passing clouds. “I just didn’t create the spell that powered the mirror that Twilight Sparkle used to cause all of this, I used it myself.” Pearl didn’t know what to say, she thought that only Twilight had successfully used the Foresight spell and saw the events that lead the ponies to oblivion and attempted to stop it. “Well to be more accurate, I used just the spell and not the mirror.”
“I still don’t understand how you are here. let alone how I’m here.” Pearl’s mind raced a mile a minute with so many questions.
“Whoa there calm yourself before you pass out again. I know it’s hard to take in but when I gazed into the fractured future one thing stuck out more than anything else, the mirror. I had to create the formula and blueprints for it, because well every possible future said I did it.” Starswirl laughed. “to think I created Equestrias greatest spell only because the future said I did.” Pearl didn’t get his joke. “What no? Nothing, man you’re a tough crowd.” Pearl shook her head slowly and Starswirl just sighed. “But enough with that you need some r&r, we'll get to making you a hero tomorrow.” Pearl went to protest but Starswirl just waved a hoof at her and she passed out. “Sleep sound, dreamer.”

______________________________

Far above the shattered lands of Equestria soared a orange and purple streak. It darted the skies and would on occasion swoop in closer to the earth for a better look. The speed and precision was spectacular like an aerial show the orange dot would doge in and out of cloud cover not to be discovered by passing predators. Since the disappearance of Princess Celestia the skies had been littered with airborne menaces and the ground was extremely dangerous to stay on for more than a few moments.
“She has to be here somewhere.” Scootaloo spoke softly to herself. She wanted to avoid any contact with monsters even though she could lose them in a flash. “Common Dash where are you?”
It had been a happy day when she and Dash arrived in Ponyville, dozens of ponies had gathered around to admire Rainbow Dash, former captain of the elite Wonderbolts. And even a few gave Scootaloo some congratulations on her stack of achievements. She had come home after so long but it felt as if she had never left, she and Dash found that Dashes old home only had minor neglect to it, Dash thought that Fluttershy kept the place together as best she could. Even the long overdue reunion with her crusader friends was warm and welcoming. But just as they began to feel at home, the tragedy of Trixie appeared. Dash had vanished as did the others and Scootaloo was beside herself when she found out Fluttershy had come to pass.
It was hard to not cry as she flew, it had been about a week since Dash was whisked away from her. Scootaloo with a heavy heart left Ponyville to search for her, even Cloudsdale was put into the back of her mind as she flew as fast as she could to find her lost love.
She searched all the hidden places Rainbow Dash had taken her on their little getaways. She soared to the highest peaks of Dragon infested mountain tops, to deep into the darkest of Diamond Dog passages. But nothing, not a rumor only glimmers of the past. Scootaloo decided to rest in an ancient Pegasus city long abandoned since before Celestia came to power. The city had been the one great Pegasus capital that trained the warriors of old to fight hordes of griffin aggressors to even entire flights of dragons. But since Celestia banished away those that would bring about the destruction of her Equestria there had been no need for it in over 1000 years. She slowly walked through the city admiring the craftsmanship of the old Pegasi that built it so long ago, it was a marvel that it managed to stay together and not drift away after so many centuries. Faded murals of Pegasi history detailing ancient victories over the dragons and portraits of heroes long lost in history. She never knew their names but they stood so strong in their portraits, clad in shimmering armor and with a glare that made Scootaloo feel slightly uncomfortable.
“He was the grand general Storm Hammer.” Scootaloo jumped at the sound of the voice that broke the silence. She turned and there stood the Lord of the Alicorns himself Gallatais. “I remember him well. He lead many victories against the Dragon King.” Scootaloo readied for him to come for her and backed away as he approached the faded and torn painting. “He died at the claws of the Dragon King. I was there I can never repay him for his bravery that fateful day, I owed him my life.” Scootaloo gave Gallatais a strange look as he began to rebuild the painting making it look brand new. She could see General Storm Hammer more clearly, his orange coat was perfect and gleamed with pride. His deep pink eyes stared deep into her soul as she looked closer she could feel his inspiring presence even though the painting.
“How did you find me here?” Scootaloo snapped at him.
“Oh, I’m looking for the same thing you are my dear. The ex element of Loyalty, Rainbow Dash.” Scootaloo went back into her offensive stance and wanted to flee so bad but she thought it would be no use. “Now, now my little pony, I have Twilight’s mirror in my possession. I will have to say I’ve looked into it for so long I just don’t get it. Every time I look for my missing daughter and her miscreants I keep getting blocked. It’s as if something is jamming the future.”
“Aww, too bad for you that your little toy is broke.” Scootaloo didn’t understand where he was going but a little taunt wasn’t going to kill her.
“Oh yes, but not broke you see that’s where you come in my orange little tart. In every instance just before I lose sight of them I see,” Gallatais looked to another mostly destroyed painting. It had a calmer elegance to it than most of the others. All the pegasi lay frolicking in a large cloud bank each one had a crown of sky lilies, a very rare and exotic flower that only grew in the clouds. Nopony knew exactly why but their sapphire blue color was sought after by many, Scootaloo had one for a long time Dash said she had flown to the end of Equestria just to find it for her. And then Gallatais turned to Scootaloo like a lightning bolt. It was so fast it startled her for a moment. “you. I wonder why that is?”
“Because I’m going to find her just you watch.”
“Will you now?” Gallatais smile a crooked little smile and went back to the painting of Storm Hammer. “Scootaloo, do you know why I respected Storm Hammer?” Scootaloo cocked her head to the side confused. “I respected Storm Hammer because he was a pony that truly knew what was important. You see Storm Hammer lost his daughter in a battle a long long time ago, She was a fierce warrior just like her father and wanted to prove herself every moment she got. She would put herself at high risk and somehow always come out on top. she made Storm hammer extremely proud, but deep down he died little by little knowing that she may not be so lucky one day. And then that day came a horde of dragons attacked the lands you know call Equestria and I came and asked for his help in its defense. He agreed and sent two hundred of his finest with his daughter at the command. The war was long but one dark moonless night a surprise attack caught us off guard Storm and his daughter rose to the occasion and defended the troops as they readied for battle, but while Storm Hammer saw victory that day his daughter fell from the heavens.” Scootaloo slowly began to shed a tear as she listened to Gallatais story. “Now you see child he could have saved her that night but lost the battle. But he knew what was truly important, he loved his daughter more than I had ever seen anypony love their child but he gave her up to secure the future she died to create.”
“That was so sad, but I don’t understand what that has to do with me?” Scootaloo wiped away her tears.
“It has everything to do with you, think back to the one you search for did she teach you nothing? She held her loyalties in check after all those years. Her dreams, her team, even deep down the friends that she had thought betrayed her, and even you. But look at you what unselfless loyalties have you kept?” Scootaloo wrapped her wing around and began to stroke to remembering what had been given up for her.
As she sat in that moment of silence a flood of memories began filling her head; flashes of the past, laughter with her team, nights with her love, wave after wave crashed into her mind. All the long nights she worked herself to sleep on routines, the heartbreak finding out that she would never truly fly. A fountain of tears poured from her eyes as Scootaloo realized. “I’m her Equestria. She could have saved her self that day but instead she passed it on to me.”
“Very good child, you know I have never lied to you, so when I say you will find her again you can know it to be the truth.” Gallatais stood over the teary Pegasus waiting for her to move.
“My team needs me, Cloudsdale needs me.” She shot up and gave Gallatais a stern look. “Mark my words you may conquer Equestria and have your little victory but you shall never have Cloudsdale. I will find Rainbow Dash and when I do, she WILL have a city to come home to.” And with that Scootaloo spread her wings wide and rocketed out of the city and back towards Cloudsdale.

“I don’t understand father, why go through all of that?” From Gallatais’ shadow Princess Luna began to materialize.
“Oh, you see my child there is more to the story. Storm Hammers daughter didn’t die that day. No she was found by a very troublesome apprentice of mine and brought back to health. Unfortunately he never lived long enough to see her again. She did follow in her fathers hoofsteps though and helped create Equestria.” Gallatais walked up to a one last portrait and hit it with a bit of magic recreating the image of a blue power Pegasus with the name Commander Hurricane inscribed at the bottom in a shining golden tag. “No, that little love struck filly will find her way in this new Equestria and it will lead her to her prize and mine.” He smiled to himself as he watched the streak of purple and orange fade into the distance.

CH 1

CH 1

Prolouge

The world had turned on its top and land masses seemed to melt like warm butter on toast as the confused citizens of the once peaceful Ponyville scattered, searching for some familiarity. Clouds of fluffy pink cotton candy stretched across the sky as they delivered their payload of chocolate rain to the masses below, the most visible symbols of how nothing had made sense for the last day. Or days, as it seemed the sun and moon would rise and fall at random, even appearing at the same time. The ponies raced about only to slam into invisible walls and sought shelter in flat cardboard homes. Not many had known that the mass chaos was the cause of the deranged ancient spirit, Discord, that had found freedom from his stone prison. The land had turned to rolling hills of multi-colored grass and twisted horrors that were once trees. A sinister laugh could be heard for miles as it echoed in its glorious triumph. The ponies all searched for an answer to their distress, they pleaded for salvation from their plight. They needed a hero.

"Your time is at an end, Discord." A brave voice stood against the powerful spirit. Only laughter met her feeble attempt to stop him. The lavender heroine stood fast against his chaotic assaults of power that seemed to bend the very world around her. translucent rays of magic streaked across the sky seeking out their target. She readied her magic.

"You will not torment my people or my friends any longer." The purple unicorn stamped a hoof to the rippling ground, shattering the chaos and returning it to its natural state. Her golden tiara shimmered with her power as it tore away at the Spirit's might. From behind her approached five other ponies, each bearing a magical amulet.

"Come now, girls. We've been through this already," the spirit taunted. He sat upon his throne and basked in his opponents' attempts to usurp him again. He twirled his paw, summoning a pink cloud for refreshment. "You know as well as I that your silly trinkets didn't work on me the first time, nor will they work a second." He held out his clawed hand and pulled one of them to him, the orange earth pony struggling helplessly against his power. He smiled at her plight."You see I'm much more powerful than any one of you." He flicked his wrist and the pony was hurled to the ground.

"Maybe your power rivals one of us, but not all of us." With that, the leader’s horn lit up as her tremendous power erupted in a blinding light, Discord looked on in horror as the six ponies floated into the air. Their artifacts joined as one and hurled their magic encasing him once again in his stony prison.

Twilight Sparkle and her companions had finally defeated the greatest threat to all of Equestria and brought peace to the land and its Ponies.

"Mommy, Twilight Sparkle is a real hero, isn't she?" the young foal, tucked safely in her bed asked her mother, her big sapphire eyes full of questions.

Her mother closed the book and looked at her foal. "Yes dear, she is, and you need to go to sleep. You have a big day tomorrow." The foal's mother put away the thick storybook, titled The Adventures of Twilight Sparkle and Friends, alongside many others, their worn bindings having seen many bedtimes.

"Mommy? Can I become a real hero too?" Her tired body yawned as the question came out.

As she drifted off, her mother smiled. "Yes, of course you can, Pearl. Goodnight, my little hero."

1.

"Good morning, Father. How go the junk sales?" The excited earth filly trotted out past the kitchen and toward the door, the fragrance of breakfast was heavy in the morning air as the silvery white filly raced through the door. She could hear her father yell "THEY'RE NOT JUNK, THEY'RE ANTIQUES!" She only laughed as the door shut behind her.

Pearl entered the store and into shelves of the oldest collection of odds and ends anypony had ever seen. She retrieved her saddlebags and pushed her gray mane aside with its lone white stripe running through the center, offsetting it, giving her mane a defining look."Good morning, Mother." She smiled and stopped short of the front counter to see another pony. "And to you too, Ms. Goldscale." The well aged old mare, a regular in their store, had a brown coat that showed its nobility with a golden weighing scale on its flank. Her silvered white mane brushed into a straight style down her side. Pearl bowed her head as part of her greeting.

As she greeted the two older ponies, her mother was wrapping up a fine tea set for Ms. Goldscale. They greeted her back with a smile. "You know," she put a hoof to her lips in thought. "Ms. Goldscale, your new tea set would look great with a scone tray." Before she could say anything, Pearl disappeared around a corner and reappeared with an old fancy, three-tiered, metal rack embossed with gold and silver.

Ms. Goldscale focused her aged eyes on the piece. "It's a bit tarnished, don't you think, Dearie?"

Pearl looked into the mare's wrinkled face; she could see her give a little. "Twenty bits and we'll have Daddy polish it up and deliver within the hour." Pearl smiled with a devious grin.

"Seventeen, and it had better sparkle." Goldscale had known Pearl since she was a little foal and if Pearl recommended it, it was a keeper. She turned to Pearl's mother and opened her purse, giving her a warm smile. She heard Pearl open the front store doors as she was leaving.

"Like Twilight."

"She certainly is something else isn't she, Tea Kettle?" Pearl's mother nodded. Ms. Goldscale took her tea set and began to leave. "It's too bad she's leaving for the country soon." Pearl's mother looked a little sad from the reminder.

Pearl raced out into the busy Manehattan streets. The city bustled with ponies of all colors as though a pastel rainbow had exploded amongst the common folk. She sped along her usual route through the side streets, street vendors yelling out congratulations to her as she passed, breaking their otherwise unceasing patter. Brilliant jewelry, lacey saddles and all sorts of knick knacks flooded the vendor's alley as she passed. How many years had she come this way? How many vendors had she seen peddle their wares? She knew them all by name and by what they were selling. Mister Shoe would claim to have the finest ironwork shoe this side of Equestria and Pearl had bought one or two sets over the years. Another trot and she would find the lady Pogonia, a dressmaker whose styles never really seemed to catch Pearls fancy, but she had at least one of her dresses stowed away for a special event. and many many more.

She would take in the fragrant breeze of bakeries and open air restaurants, each one stirring a beautiful memory that she would cherish forever; lunches with her friends, a party for her sister. Over the worn Manehattan Bridge, she would stop and look out over the Hoofson River, tranquil and serene the vast river a deep blue with white spots of sail boats going across Equestria or coming from an adventure that Pearl had only dreamt of.

Through the massive park that she had played with her friends and sister for many summers, and of course the Grand Celestia Arch. It was a famous landmark for the local residents, it had been built in the beginning of Manehatten to thank Princess Celestia for her guidance in choosing the land for the founders.

Finally the school had appeared as if a gleaming bastion to Pearl, Manehatten Finishing School. Its hallowed doorways crowded with colts and fillies awaiting their final day of schooling before venturing out into the wide world to take their place among the other ponies as equals. But Pearl had only one plan and it only took her whole life to convince her father to make it a reality.

Pearl greeted her friends . They embraced her as if it were the last time they were ever going to see her. The magenta and gray fillies insisted she come visit them when she got to their hometown. The teachers all greeted her with hopes that her dreams would be fulfilled.

She entered the schoolhouse and walked the halls with her friends. Their last day, it was so exciting. One last day to be a child, one last day to be what everypony expected you to be. School had a way of bringing bad memories to Pearl, bad grades and the constant scolding for her daydreaming. But she glossed them over with what was to lie ahead. The fillies and colts all gathered with their respective classes and put on their graduation caps and gowns as they entered the massive auditorium. A great platform stood in the back of the room as they piled into position. The wait seemed to stretch for hours before the ceremony began. Pearl looked out to the crowds to see her mother and sister in among the other families. She giggled to herself when she spotted Ms. Goldscale among the onlookers.

The lights dimmed and a tall stallion with a pair of crossed rulers adoring his flank stepped up to the podium. "To the graduating class, I, Principal Straight Rule, congratulate you all on a job well done. To you, the students of Manehattan Finishing School. Four years may seem a trudge through the slowest moments in life. But to an educator, it is but a drop in a vast pool of time that we hold very dear. May your lives be as plentiful as you have made mine and your teachers." The tall stallion tipped his hat as he had for all the years Pearl had known him, a special greeting and courtesy that he was well known for.

All the students cheered as they exited the school for the final time. They had done it. They were no longer fillies and colts, but mares and stallions. They had their whole lives ahead of them, their own dreams to accomplish and live out. Pearl stood out in the courtyard with the other families and found her mother, sister and Ms. Goldscale.

"Where's the junkman, Mom?" she giggled, but she then caught a cold gleam from her sister. "Okay, okay, I get it. Where's Dad?" She smiled at Ms. Goldscale, sharing the joke they both thought was very funny at Mister Potts expense.

"The 'Junk Man' is getting your trip ready, young lady," answered her mother. "Remember, you may be a grownup to the whole world but to me, you'll always be my little pony." The two embraced as sweet tears ran down Tea Kettle's cheeks and Ms. Goldscale's.

Pearl wandered the Manehattan streets as her own pony for the first time. Celestia's sun had shone brightly in the sky as it illuminated the vast city in front of her. 'My own pony, huh?' she thought to herself. She reaching into her saddle bags and pulled out her favorite keepsake. A well worn leather bound book from her childhood. 'Is my dream silly? Am I making the wrong decision? What if this all turns out to be wrong and I'm meant to stay here?' Self doubt filled her head as she sat and read a passage from her book, slowly drowning out the irrational thoughts as they appeared. She was so lost in thought she hadn't noticed she had found her way to her favorite tree in the park. She sat alone and skimmed the aged pages looking for answers.

"Thar's a book ah ain't seen in years." Pearl's concentration and wanderlust was broken by an unusual voice. She looked up to see an orange mare with blonde mane tied into a ponytail. "Ah'd reckon anypony still reading that thang to be a lot younger." Her accent was funny, not at all like the locals nor like anything she had heard before. The mare's green eyes met hers and Pearl put away her book to greet the stranger.

"Oh, it's my favorite book. I sometimes read it to take my mind off my worries." Pearl inspected the new pony. She had a brown cowboy hat atop her head and three red apples adorned her flank. She was also very well built, muscular the stranger seemed to be a labor. It struck Pearl as very familiar. She held out a hoof. "I’m Pearl, pleased to meet you."

"Well Pearl, Ah didn't mean ta interrupt ya there, but ya wouldn't happen t'know where Ah can find tha local Bank of Equestria, would ya?" Pearl smiled and pointed her in the direction she asked for. As the orange pony went to leave, she turned and tipped her hat to Pearl, it reminded her of Principal Straight Rule. And as she left and was nearly out of earshot the stranger with the cowboy hat stopped and called out to her, "Don't go lookin too hard in that thar book, it'll only lead ta heartache." Her words made Pearl freeze in her tracks. What did she mean? How can a book do that to a pony? Did she know something about the book? Her head started to hurt with all the questions buzzing around after that bizarre encounter.

The sun had sunk into the tall buildings, leaving a hazy silhouette that told her she needed to return home. Her parents would be worried. And she had packing to do.

The storefront light was on, but the store was closed. She knew she was in for it now. The unusual encounter had left her in a stupor and made her later than she intended. She opened the front door to the store and found it dark and the antiques cast frightening shadows. Pearl shook her head, she had just graduated and she was a mare now, not the little foal that was afraid of every little shadow as if it was going to eat her. She giggled to herself as she passed through the store. 'Just like Twilight would have done.' She could smell sweet sent of cake as she approached the house door. 'A party, huh?' A combination going away congratulation party, she suspected.

She burst through the door in a counter surprise tacit only to find her parents, sister, and her two friends sitting on the living room couch eating a brightly decorated cake.

"Hey, no surprise?" she whined.

"Surprise... Miss Tardy Pants, like we were going to wait forever." Her grey friend from school leaned against a wall with her cake and stuck out her tongue at Pearl. "And this cake is so good too." She went back to her cake.

"Ah, Silver—" Pearl protested but was cut off by her father.

"One day as an adult and you’re out gallivanting Manehattan making us wait," he joked at her. "Tisk tisk." He took another bite of his cake.

"I didn't mean to be out this late, honest." She walked to the kitchen to find a single piece of cake left for her. "But I ran into the strangest pony at the park," Pearl explained as she dug into her cake. "She only needed directions but she was strangely familiar. Like we had met somewhere before."

"Maybe she's a character out of one of those books you’re always reading," Pearl looked to her magenta friend with a sneer. "I swear you’re just like that one pony from home, always with a book." She laughed as she brushed a stray piece of cake away from her face. Pearl knew they were from Ponyville, where her hero resided, but was never brave enough to ask them about her as they tended to stray away from the topic. Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon were her best friends, but they had told her once that something terrible had happened in their hometown and their parents decided to move to Manehattan.

After sharing a few laughs and stories of school days of old, Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon departed when their family coach arrived to escort them home. Strange how two of the most well-off heiresses she had ever met would be her friends; they'd seemed so different from the others when she found them all those years ago. But as Father always told her, everything is like his antiques, you never really know what you've got until you look past the surface. After the goodbyes and the tears, Pearl's father told her how her new adventure was going to start.

He had only agreed to letting her chase her silly dream of moving to Ponyville if she agreed to open a store in its borders. He had spent the last year arranging a building and supplies to be delivered to his new store. It was ready for Pearl as soon as she got to her destination. It wasn't how she pictured her new life, a junk shop owner. She was too far lost in the pony tales that she grew up in: adventure, mystery, and danger. But Mr. Potts insisted that you can have all that and a stable fallback plan. So she agreed to it after much poutting and pleading.

It was a little after noon when Pearl arrived at the train station, she set down her bags to greet a few of her friends. They had all came to bid her goodbye. It was a sweet, sorrowful farewell. Her mother and father had arrived to wish her off on her journey.

The train was all loaded and her bags packed. She looked out to the city that she knew better than anything else outside a book. The smoke and steam of the train made for a misty goodbye as if out of a story itself. Her sister was absent from the departure, probably at home crying into her pillow, too embarrassed to come say goodbye herself.

"You will write as soon as you arrive, right sweetie?" her mother called. Pearl blew her a kiss and assured her she would.

"All aboard," the station manager called. "ALL ABOARD FOR PONYVILLE, ALL ABOARD!"

Pearl reached into her carry-on to find her book only to find something she didn’t expect, a photo of her family. Her sister smiling as she rarely did, and a note attached: "Big sister Pearl, through the darkest nights and the hottest days, may your dreams never let you forget that home is where the heart lies." Pearl shed a tear. It was beautiful and scribbled in crayon. Her sister had a special way with words even if she never spoke.

"This was it," she giggled to herself after the note was securely tucked away in her saddlebag. "I'm finally going to meet her." She rummaged again for her target. "My hero." She pulled a book from her bag and ran her hoof over the gold inlaid cover that read The Adventures of Twilight Sparkle.

CH 18

Pearl held the gift close to her heart and shed a tear for the first time since her time with Gallatais. She thought of the last year, she was so desperate to meet Twilight Sparkle that she let every thing blind her to the obvious signs that something was amiss with Ponyville. Maybe speaking with Diamond and Silver about their hometown and why they left. And the largest clue that something was out of place was the fact that since the release of her book she disappeared from the public eye. She opened the lost keepsake and began to lose herself in it as she had so many times.

****

Pearl stood before Celestia, the sun Goddess leered down on the downtrodden pony. “Pearl you stand before me now as a criminal to all of Equestria. I saved you from your ultimate demise at the hands of my father so you may redeem yourself.” Pearl raised her head to look Celestia in the eye. Celestia’s stance held so much power, her very presence overwhelmed Pearl and even though she lost her Godlike power she still commanded vast amounts of magic. “Are you willing to fix what is broken? Are you prepared to do what is necessary?”

“But how, Gallatais has the Elements and we have nothing?” Pearl took a step back confused at what Celestia presented her with. “Look around you Princess, your sister is on his side. Twilight was beaten, and we’ve lost...” Pearl choked back tears that would never come. “Kindness.”

“But we do have hope.” A new voice pierced the darkness and Applejack stepped beside the Princess. “Ah told you once that you needed to make yer own decisions. So what’s it going to be?” She pulled off her hat and reached into the darkness. “You going to walk away,” Pearl took a step back as Applejack pulled Gallatas sword into the light. “or take some responsibility?”
Pearl reached out and took the sword she had held for so long and felt reinvigorated. It lacked the power that once inhabited the deep prison. But Pearl thought it strange that it still had no weight to it. “That’s a lot of Equestria to fix out there.” Pearl gave Celestia and Applejack a smile.
“It’s a lot of responsibility.” A new voice and Rarity stepped into the light. “To think we would meet again.” Still as young as ever, Rarity paced around Celestia. “Good to see some other ponies also.” She gave a glare to Applejack and then to the Princess.
“And I must speak with you Rarity.” Celestia gave Rarity the same stare that ran shivers down Pearls spine.
“Very well Princess I will be around this... place.” Rarity gave a disgusted look around. “Oh, and … Pearl was it, I have a something for you.” As Rarity left a small package dropped from the darkness.

****

“So Pearl where will you start.” Rainbow Dash hovered about two inches off the ground around Pearl. “Man this is hard, huf, I mean the princess has been getting word that cities all over Equestria are falling like dominos.” She stopped flapping and landed out of breath as Pearl loaded a saddle bag getting ready to venture across Equestria.
“Well Dash,” Pearl pulled her bags tight and turned to Dash. “I have a friend to rescue.” Pearl pulled a large cloak over herself and strapped the sword to her back. “Tell Rarity thanks for the gift.” And with that Pearl left the resistance.

“Look Hatred, Equestria is mine once again.” Gallatais stepped into the throne room followed by both Luna and a proud robed Trixie. The guards reluctantly bowed before the new ruler of Equestria. “Ahh, it feels so good to be alive again.” Gallatais sat at the throne, a sudden burst of power and a shimmering crown of glittering stars settled atop his head. “Now, onto more pressing matters. Hatred, the beasts of Everfree will ravage the land in a matter of moments.” He waved a hoof in the air creating a pulse of magic and a map of Equestria appeared filling the room. The map seemed alive with small flocks of birds passing over the windswept forests.
“Ponyville will be the first to fall, and I want Twilight’s mirror.” Trixie stopped in mid pace and looked at Gallatais confused. “Oh I’m sorry, perhaps the flattening of Ponyville maybe a delight to you. But even if it was the town that ruined you, it still holds Twilights mirror.” Trixie felt a little uneasy as Gallatais spoke down to her. “It is key to ensuring my reign over Equestria, with it I will have a heads up on any who would attempt to usurp me. And with it I can lead your kind to their prosperity.”
“Trixie has already bested Twilight and can surely just rebuild this mirror once Ponyville is nothing but a memory.” Trixie gave a proud speech to her liege.
“Oh,” Gallatais cocked an eyebrow as he watched Trixie step up to the map and survey what was going to be ancient history. “rebuild a precise artifact that took the personal student of Celestia, a prodigy that hasn’t graced the face of Equestria in generations, over a year to build and a decade to even decipher.” A sudden loss of color left Trixie's face a pale white. “Do I need to continue?”
Trixie backed toward the door bowing and sweating, heavily.

****

Ponyville was rampant with chaos as the residents ran about in a panic. A small pack of Timberwolves had breached the forest and entered the town. The moment Celestia vanished with Pearl and company, the beasts felt her presence vanish and began their assault. A deep piercing howl and the trampling of branched paws echoed throughout the township, the Timberwolves sniffed out the hiding residents as they ran for the safety of their homes.
In a back alley a foal ran for it’s life, sweat raced down the young ponies face as fast as she could run. She looked back to see if she had lost her pressure, a timberwolf had noticed the young pony had separated from the herd as they ran for cover, it savored for the taste of pony flesh after so long being trapped in the darkness of the forest. A cautious moment of relief passed until the foal ran head first into a trash can knocking it over in a loud crash alerting the wolf of her location. The foal panicked as she saw the alley was a dead end, tears began to well up as she heard the wooden scraping of the wolves branchy legs enter the alley. The foal saw the timber wolves glowing red eyes stare directly at her from it’s dark thorny face another threatning moment and came a loud bark at her. It’s tone cut through her paralyzing her in place unable to do anything.
“Man what is with these things there every where?” The wolf stopped and turned to the new voice.
“Well dua, Pound it’s an invasion.” Two ponies stood at the alleys entrance looking at it.
“Hey! I know it’s an en..ava..whatever, shut up Pumpkin.” The wolf focused and saw a pair of ponies arguing with each other, a male pegasus and female unicorn, bickering back and forth.
“It’s not fair Pound we finally get pinkie back and before you know it, she's whisked away before we could throw her a party.” The female gave a showy faint into the others arms.
The wolf snarled as it watched the two taunt it. Again they began to talk nonsense to one another until the wolf became fed up with listening and readied to strike while they were distracted.
“Hey Pumpkin why are you always so... so dra... overly... Ghhha get off me.” Pound pushed his sister away and they began arguing again. The timberwolf lunged at the pair of siblings fangs at the ready and wanting blood. It sailed through the alley and right into the back of Pumpkin and directly through her and Pound. The wolf crashed into the street and shook itself off.
“I don’t know Pound I thought timberwolves would be smarter?” The wolf shook off the fall only to see the devilish grins of the two tricksters.
“Ah, Pumpkin don’t be so presumptuous I mean look at it. It’s nothing more than a wild animal, aww look Pumpkin I think it’s mad.” Pound stroked his sisters head as she leaned it on his shoulder. The timberwolf growled and lunged again at the duo passing harmlessly through them once again.
“Hey kid get home, this is going to get ugly.” Pumpkin gave the cowering foal a warm smile and messed her mane up. The foal stopped shaking for a moment and collected herself. “There you go sweetie, now run home and hide.” Pumpkin shooed the foal out of the alley and she took off toward her home where her mother looked worry for her. “Aww Pound, did you see that?” Pumpkin wiped a tear from her face as the wolf lunged at her passing through her once again.
“Fer all thats holy! Pound Pumpkin get rid of that thing and git to the farm on the double!” Both Pound and Pumpkin came to attention at the sound of authority. The wolf took advantage of their distracted stillness and attacked Pound hoping to land a hit, pound only smiled and grabbed a nearby trashcan covering the wolves head in it.
“Ha! Pumpkin if you would.” They gave one last grin at each other as the timberwolf struggled to free itself from the metallic prison. A quick smile and a touch of magic Pumpkin levitated a small pipe and began to bang the trashcan causing the timberwolf to cry out in pain and run for the hills.
The pair erupted in laughter as they watched it slam into a nearby building. “I told you Pound bait and trap would work.” Pumpkin nudged her brother.
“Bait and trap? I thought we were doing good cop bad cop?” Pound gave his sister a confused look. She only turned away with a hoof to her face and a silent shaking.

“Those two some time ah swear they're related to Pinkie.” Applebloom looked around to the chaos that fell her hometown and thought about to do to defend it.
In her thought she didn’t see a stray wolf sneak up on her flank. It waited until Applebloom had dropped her guard to strike.
It was too late the unaware pony heard the snarle too late as she turned to see a snout of teeth headed directly at her. Applebloom held up a hoof and attempted to block in a futile move to save herself, but the bite never came. Applebloom slowly opened her eyes to see the beast's maw inches from her face but hanging in mid flight. “It’s not safe to stand around like that Applebloom.”
Applebloom recognized the voice. She took a step back to see the wolf had been impaled with a large metal object, and a pony covered in a large flowing cloak.
“So ya came back hua,” Applebloom wearly stepped to the side of the dead wolf and approached the cloaked pony. “Pearl.” Pearl pulled back the cloth covering her face and looked at Applebloom with a sad face. “Anypony else know you’re here? And even so haven’t you done enough damage?”
“I...” Pearl found it hard to talk. A hard lump choked her as she fought to say something to Applebloom. “I should have listened to you that day.” Pearl tried to shed a tear but nothing. “I was mad, I lost sight of what really mattered, but I wanted...” Pearl stopped as Applebloom placed a hoof on her mouth.
“Water under tha bridge Pearl.” She gave a smile. “Is mah sis alright? After that fancy light show Celestia put on we didn’t know what to think.” Pearl nodded.
“She’s fine, she even knocked some sense into this thick head of mine.” Pearl smiled as did Applebloom. “But Applebloom I need to know where is Autumn Breeze? I need to make things right again and I figure starting with her would be a good start.”
“I think Gallatais took her to Canterlot after your Houdini act. So are ya really going to try and fix all of this Pearl? What could one Pony really do?” Applebloom gave Pearl a worried look.
“I’ve found it’s amazing what one pony can do.”

Dark clouds loomed over Canterlot, deep menacing shadows lurked in every alley. Nopony was seen in the streets that once bustled with the upper crust of pony society, now populated by ghostly apparitions of scouting ghouls from the underworld. Glowing red eyes leered at the single soul that dared to walk the deserted street. A thin fog creeped along the ground masking the cobblestone that once shone brilliant in the midday sun. Pearl glanced around from ghast to menacing ghast, they would hiss at her as she passed and slither through the mist in an attempt to sneak up on her but never coming too close.
Pearl stopped as she reached her destination, a massive old church stood before Pearl. Stained glass told the glory of Celestias glow over the ponies she watched over. Abandoned after Celestia's disappearance like the rest of Canterlots lesser residential area, the local residents fled for safer towns hoping to stay out of the larger cities in fear of being caught in a cross fire with monsters toppling buildings, Pearl recalled a tragedy in Fillydelphia where a hydra knocked over a small building on top of a group of fleeing ponies killing them.
It had taken a little time to bribe and beat information out of various ponies in canterlot to find where Gallatais was holding Autumn Breeze. Pearl looked up and down the street expecting to see more than just specters and vacant homes. She approached the aged door as a single candle lit up a nearby window, Pearl took a cautious step back and waited to see who opened the door.
“Pearl, is that you?” Pearl felt tears well up in her eyes for the first time in ages. It was Autumn Breeze, Pearl instantly recognized the velvet voice of the lost angel. “What...how?” Autumn was taken back when Pearl lunged through the doorway and embraced Autumn in a crushing hug.
“I found you Autumn!” Pearl began to cry and strangle Autumn. “But wait, we have to get out of here.” Pearl sprang into action, she galloped around the small dusty room in a panic.
“Calm down, Battle.” Pearl froze when she heard the new voice. The shrill harsh voice cut Pearl deep, it was as if a massive spear was driven into Pearls heart when she turn to see none other than Trixie standing at the head of the cathedral. “Why in such a rush? You should sit and stay a while, relax and take a load off those stained hooves.” Trixie made her way toward Pearl and Autumn knocking aside the rickety pews that stood in her path. Pearl took a defencive stance and readied the blade from her back. Trixie stopped. “Oh... come now Battle don’t be like that, we are the bearers of War, we shouldn’t fight with each other.” Trixie tilted her head as she spoke and began a wide circle around Pearl.
“I don’t want to hear anything you have to say Trixie, I’m taking Autumn from here and leaving. you can tell your master I will find a way to defeat him even if it is with my dying breath he wil be stopped.” Trixie stopped and began to laugh.
“Come now Battle, if you keep saying such outlandish things ponies will think you’re off your rocker. Twilight has been defeated and I have the mirror in my possession, it is only a matter of time before The Great and Powerful Trixie learns it’s secrets and crushes the resistance and Finishes Twilight like the dog she is.” Pearl felt a rush of anger as Trixie spoke, she lunged at the laughing pony in an attempt to cut her down where she stood.
“Silence!” Pearl shouted as her blade struck home and Trixie just stood there unaffected. Pearl took a step back and saw a thin blue aura between the two ponies.
“So rash, even without Lord Gallatais’ element that would have been nothing. And there is one more thing you should know before you embarrass yourself further.” Pearl and Trixie circled one another cautiously watching what the others next move would be. “Even if you managed to slip a fast one over Trixie Autumn would not follow you anyway. Isn’t that right Sorrow?” Both Trixie and Pearl looked to Autumn Breeze.
Autumn began to fluster and stuttered nervously trying to tell Pearl something. Pearl rushed to her and tried to calm her. “Autumn what does she mean you won’t come with me?”
“Well... it’s just... I...” Autumn backed out of Pearl’s grasp and took a deep breath. A sudden crash of thunder and lighting startled the two ponies as it began to rain. “I can’t leave here Pearl I just can’t. There is something important I must take care of. Please understand. You have to run from Gallatais, he means to hurt a lot of ponies you must run and...” Another crash of thunder broke out and light hoof steps could be heard near a set of stairs leading to the upper floor of the church.
Pearl’s eyes grew when she saw a small foal emerge from the stairs. A young pegasus filly with an orange coat and curly red and light blue two toned mane peeked at the three ponies standing in the main church. her eyes were filled with fear and her cheeks streaked with fresh tears. Autumn galloped over to the crying child and held her tight petting her head and trying to calm her down.
“There, there Lucky it’s just a little storm nothing to be afraid of it like all things will pass.” The foal seemed to take her words to heart as she stopped crying as began to yawn and rubbed her tired eyes. “That’s a good girl now run along to the others and go to sleep I will be there in a moment.” Pearl was dumbstruck, what was going on? Others, what had happened to her friend?
“They’re orphans,” Trixie snuck up to Pearl and spoke softly into her ear. “some from before and some fresh from the mass exodus that befell Canterlot and other small towns. They flocked to Sorrow and begged for her to help them. It was all so touching.” Pearl felt her legs give out as she listened to Trixie talk. “I can relate really, I was also an orphan in a time long long ago.”
“I’m sorry Pearl I... I can’t just leave them. Of all the pain and sorrow in Equestria theirs is the greatest.” Another crack of thunder and Autumn turned to the stairs, she began to ascend as she turned to her friend. “Run from here Pearl never give up, I know you can beat Gallatais you just have to believe.” And with that she was gone.
“So sweet the pain of absence.” Trixie began again. “Lord Gallatais want’s you dead Battle, you betrayed him that day and made him look like a fool in front of all Equestria. I can’t blame him really Trixie knows of this humiliation and what it can do to a pony, God or otherwise.”
Pearl jumped away from Trixie and readied her sword once again. “Gall is only using your weakness to control you Trixie. He will toss you away as soon as you have ceased to be useful.”
“Come now, that wasn’t very nice of you to say such a thing.” Tixie taunted as she put a hoof to her head pretending to look hurt. “Lord Gallatais has a great plan for Equestria and just to be apart of it has elevated me to a higher state. Even IF he wishes to toss Trixie aside all of Equestria will have known that I was apart of it all. I helped bring Equestria into a shining new era! Yes Pearl Trixie knows that Lord Gallatais shall throw me away in time but until then Trixie shall play her role and master Twilight’s mirror, and finally crushing her like the insignificant bug she is.” Trixie laughed cackling maniacally.
Pearl couldn’t listen to Trixie any longer she knew her strike may be blocked by Trixie's magic but it didn’t matter she had to try and put a stop to Trixie here and now. While Trixie was caught up in her own victory she struck. Clutching the sword in her teeth Pearl thought only of the fight at hand and stopping Trixie.
“Foal, you have failed once at striking The Great and Po...” Trixie’s eyes narrowed as her magical barrier was shattered in Pearls swing. Trixie was slow to react but managed to teleport a short distance away. Pearl finished her swing and felt it connect with the empowered magican, an audible popping sound and Trixie vanished only to reappear a short distance away clutching her chest and torn cape. “It hurts Trixie! You monster how DARE you strike The Great...” Again she was interrupted as Pearl followed up with another focused strike.
Pearl passed through another barrier and Trixie barely dodged a direct attack to her neck, a few strands of hair scattered in the air as Trixie evaded. Trixie stomped a hoof brimming with magic sending out a wave of force causing Pearl to slide away from Trixie. Trixie thought fast seeing Pearl begin a sprint to her once again, a quick burst of magic flew from her horn at an attempt to retaliate against her attacker but it was easily knocked away. Pearl was on top of Trixie before she could mount another spell, Pearl began to swing her sword with a precision that surprised both Trixie and Pearl. Every stab, lunge and slash was barely evaded and some took a little bit of Trixie with them. It looked to be a one sided fight with Pearl on the defensive and Trixie doing all she could just to stay alive.
“Trixie doesn't understand. How is this happening?” The battle had wound up at the top of the church altar, Trixie was panicked as she was barely able to land a single blow to her attacker. Pearl never felt so focused but unable to bring herself to land a vital blow to Trixie. She wanted to finish Trixie so bad, she wanted to end the life of the one who destroyed and humiliated her foal hood hero. She thought back to Gallatais and how he used her and now he was using Trixie. Pearl shook her head clear and realized she was standing over Trixie with the sword to her throat, Pearl saw the scared look in Trixie's eyes. She could feel her fear as she watched sweat roll down Trixies light blue forehead.
“Finish Trixie now.” Trixie put up a brave front to hide how scared she was.
“No, I won’t be used again.” Pearl backed away. “Look at us Trixie. Gall has us jumping through his hoops, and for what?”
Trixie gathered herself and dusted off what was left of her cape. “For Equestria.”
Pearl was caught off guard by Trixie’s answer, she felt the harsh stab that was the gravity of Trixie’s purpose. She willingly gave into Gallatais’ insane plan working for the betterment of Equestria and what was Pearl doing? She was stunned for a moment attempting to take in what was happening right before her, Trixie took advantage of the moment and struck out at Pearl.

A loud crash of lightning struck a nearby tree splitting it in half sending burning sparks into the street. And with a shattering of glass Pearl was cast into the rainy street. Trixie stood in the church laughing at Pearl through the broken stained glass window. Pearl reached for her sword and saw her hoof covered in blood. Her eyes blurred as rain fell into them and she felt sharp pain in her face. Trixies began to taunt her but she was drowned out by a loud ringing in her ears and the pounding of the rain all around her. Pearl went to stand but a blast from Trixie sent her flying into the burning tree, She hit it hard and a loose branch fell on Pearls leg trapping her beneath the smoldering heat. She cried out and was answered by a clap of thunder.
“And to all the brightest lights, your final moment will be nothing more than a flicker in a sea of darkness.” Trixie stepped through the stormy night her magic keeping the cold harsh rain off of her. “Good bye Battle, it was a fun ride but now it ends.” Trixie flooded the area with a sparkling blue magic, Pearl struggled to free herself but she slowly realized she was unable to breathe.
Pearl gasped for air as it became thicker and harder to take in. A quite pop in her ear and Pearl could feel the pressure begin to crush her slowly. Pearl felt tight and everything became numb as she drifted into unconsciousness. This was the end of her adventure, she laughed to herself as she thought back to her friends and family only to realize the struggle they must be going through now that Equestria was on its end with monsters and nopony to defend them.

“Wakey, wakey there sleepy head.” Pearl stirred to a chipper male voice calling out to her. “Time to get up and face the day!” The voice called again. she went to open her eyes but only one seemed to obey the command. “Ah, there she is. You took quite the beating back there.” Pearl was startled to feel alive, every nerve in her broken body screamed as she tried to move about. “Whoa there nelly, I wouldn’t try that so soon. That Trixie did you something fierce.” Pearl tried to gather her location out of her one good eye. It was blurry but from what she could tell she was safe and the sun was up. Beams of sunlight shone through cracks in the trees and she could see what looked like tiny lights dance on red toadstools littered about the area.
“Wher...” She went to sit up again but was meet with a rush of pain causing her to black out momentarily.
“The Everfree forest.” Pearls one eye narrowed as she heard the news. “Calm your self Filly you’re safe I promise.” She still hadn't seen the owner of the voice but he did sound reassuring to her as she lay on the soft ground. “That's a good girl just lay there and rest.” Pearl gave in to the comforting warmth that surrounded her. Then she saw him, her savior came into view. A tall light blue coated stallion sporting a cape and pointy hat cascading with dazzling stars seemed almost alive, in the back of her mind it reminded her of Gallatais’ coat. She watched him levitate a vial of something around and figured him to be a unicorn. “Oh, dear where are my manners.” He stopped as he saw Pearl staring at him in silence he mouth hinged in shock. “My good lady I am none other than Starswirl the magnificent!” A small display of whirling stars spun around him and exploded into a burst of cosmic dust. He held a pose for a moment waiting for her to react, but all Pearl could do was faint. “Not exactly the reaction I was hoping for.”