Dark Ascension

Chapters

Chapter 1: Introductions
Chapter 2: Preparations
Chapter 3: Departure Part 1
Chapter 4: Departure Part 2
Chapter 5: Advancement
Chapter 6: Slumber
Chapter 7: Secrets
Chapter 8: Confessions

Chapter 1: Introductions

Hi there. I am known as Super Effective. I'm a unicorn studying magic under my mentor Starswirl the Bearded. He is widely known throughout Equestria as a powerful mage. Now as for myself, I am simply known as Starswirl’s bumbling apprentice and for the most part people are right. Starswirl has another apprentice known as Clover the Clever, and Clever she is. She’s a beautiful mare who sometimes even rivals Starswirl’s expertise. I on the other hand am still learning. You see, Equestria isn't exactly in it’s best of times. Starswirl sometimes takes us out and we explore Equestria. Most of the places we go to are through mountains and ravines, and very dark, so Starswirl usually brings along his special candle. It’s amazing! He uses his magic to levitate it and keep it lit with a tiny flame spell. Once we were in this dark cave and we saw a pack of 4 ursa minor! We had to fight them off though I kinda felt bad… all they did was get mad for being interrupted in their sleep. Although Starswirl didn't seem to take it well either... it looked like Clover was about to cry, her love has always been fauna and I guess she was upset to have to fight 4 innocent ursa away. As for Starswirl... it's like he was enraged at them. As soon as they attacked he was shouting as if he was on a battlefield, roaring as he blasted beams of ice and lightning at them. It was truly a shocking sight.

I have to say though, times aren't good nowadays. The economy is falling apart without a democratic society or a monarch. Someday, I feel that Starswirl will become The King of Equestria or something. Would that make me a prince? I couldn't bare such a position! All that paperwork and meetings, I couldn't handle that stuff. I just want to study magic and become a great mage like Starswirl, maybe then I could do something about Equestria. Being a political figure like King isn't for me, but I would be suited to something like an advisor I guess. I hope to travel further than just equestria and discover untold mysteries and tell stories of my own someday.

Recently Starswirl has been getting restless. He has a secret pet project he has been working on for years and he might be near it’s finish. It is supposed to grant the user immortality and power, but why would he want that anyway? Sure we are working to become better magi but living forever kind of misses the point of working hard for it. When the spell is used, he says it is supposed to summon some sort of amulet he has dubbed “The Alicorn Amulet”. Alicorns are basically ponies with both a horn and wings but they are very rare. It is even said there are none alive today, they are the stuff of legends. I might ask Starswirl what all this is about. He says it is supposed to grant the wearer of the necklace great power and immortality, but does that mean he doesn't care about watching us die? No… That couldn't possibly be right. Starswirl cares so deeply for us that… well I can’t even think about what I would do if he really didn't. Oh it must sound blissfully trite, but I really do believe he genuinely cares for me and Clover.

But I’ll tell you, Clover is a funny one. She always wears this light khaki coloured cloak for some reason, held together by mere string. She’s not the shy type and has never had identity issues, so I really can’t muster the knowledge as to why she would want to conceal herself, almost like a shadow. Between you and me, I don’t really have… intimate feelings towards her, no, I mean it! Well… what I mean is I love her. In the way a friend loves another. But really, Clover is a lot more dedicated to Starswirl’s wisdom than I am. One day you might find her reading books with him while I am outside experimenting with practical application, I guess I’m more of a do’er not a thinker, well maybe bits of both. It makes me think that if some kind of battle occurs in the most clichéd way possible, I would be the one delivering most of the blows compared to Clover and Starswirl.

But enough about me or them, tomorrow is something special. It would normally be another day where we travel through caves, exploring for magical artefacts yet to be archived, but Starswirl has claimed that it is something much different. Apparently a source of great power has been located and he wants to get some information on it. All we know is that it is very powerful and very dark. When unicorns try to harness the magic, the usually bright sparkle of their coloured magic beams (myself having a luscious yellow) transform into some kind of putrid, sickly black and purple shade, like nothing I've ever seen before. But it seems tomorrow will be the day we travel to see it. I just hope no one would be silly enough to try and tamper with it.

I guess I've procrastinated my sleep for long enough. I don't know why but I don't want to sleep. I feel like tomorrow is not going to go well. Ugh. I bet something will happen. I don't know why but I can just... feel it. It feels like the same dark energy from whatever that source is, is coming to me... tempting me. Ha. Like any dark magic would be able to ward me off the path I've set in stone for my future. I want to become the best mage that Equestria has ever seen. I want to make history. I want to be someone in this world. As Cliché as it sounds, it's true. But still, this dark energy I'm feeling can't be a coincidence. Whatever... I guess I'll... find out tomorrow...

"Little does he realize... that he will find out more than he bargained for..."

Chapter 2: Preparations

I woke up to the odd sound of some kind of bug, like a cricket or a grass hopper. I unveiled my curtains to let the bright shine of the sun seep into my chamber, it entering almost like it was trapped and waiting to be freed. Today is the day we set off for the source of dark energy that Starswirl has been frantic about lately. This won't be any ordinary trip through the mountains however. Being a source of evil magic, it is quite clear that it will be under high guard from the forces that would defend such magic. I also suspect we might not be the only ones daring enough to make the trip.

Before I began to prepare, I went to check on Clover and Starswirl. Clover was reading books as usual, but not the type she normally reads. One was entitled "The Ancient Mysteries of the Crystal Empire" presumably a book about the old civilization of Crystal Ponies which even we have yet to see. It would be a sight wouldn't it! Imagine what a pony shining like Crystals would look like. Well... it wouldn't help to sleep when you would be lit up like a salt bar on Friday night, but it still must be beautiful. When I checked on Starswirl, he was looking out from his balcony like he always does, but he too seemed... different. Usually he would look upon the distant lands with a smile, but his face was far from optimistic. It looked like a dreary feeling had frisked away his happiness, and left nothing but a husk of anger, his expression just screamed anger for some reason... I didn't dare to ask him.

It's about time I prepared for this trip. I have a lot of essentials I can take, but it doesn't seem like I can take everything with the small saddle bag I have. In front of me lay 7 healing potions, 5 energy herbs, a vial of eminent magicka (giving your offensive spells a temporary boost) and a medallion passed down through my family, granting the wearer of such amulet a large boost to their magic pool, meaning they can cast more spells than usual. All this makes 14 items, while my saddle bag can only contain 10...

Now I had to contemplate the best course of action. Alongside a short sword I always carry on me, I have a good array of spells that can help me and my allies, ranging from your basic offensive fireballs and lightning attacks to defensive shields that protect you from harm. So I could either take the offensive healer route by taking more healing potions, the swift attacker by taking more herbs, or the all purpose mage by taking the 2 magic boosting items and a few herbs/potions added in.

After a long thought, I decided I would stay true to my lineage, with the offensive healer path. You see, my heritage has always had a special affinity for healing magic, making us less effective at combat, myself included. This does mean however that I can support my allies to make them fight more effectively.

I packed my saddle bag with the 7 potions, the medallion and 2 energy herbs. With the herbs I can at least be quick on my hooves in a pinch, my potions allowing me to heal myself more often to stay fighting and also the medallion to boost my healing magic for Starswirl and Clover. I feel really nervous now... I mean we go on explorations all the time but this... this feels different from before. It feels like this is a win or die mission, that we are going through all this trouble just to archive information on a bit of dark magic.

Starswirl, Clover and I rushed through the entrance and re-assured each other we would make it through this. "We won't fail. I promise," Starswirl uttered, albeit hesitantly from the crack in his voice. "I'd rather come out alive than dead, that is for sure!" I quickly replied, hoping to boost morale a bit. "Alright then," Clover exclaimed. "Let's go!"

Chapter 3: Departure Part 1

"Look out!"

It nearly crushed me! We left barely an hour ago and already I could have been killed from a mere boulder falling from the cliff. If it wasn't for Starswirl's quick lightning bolt striking it in half, it would have crushed me to. Well after that... shocking event (ugh. I'm a terrible comedian) we went on through the cave we usually do go through which we dubbed "Rocky Ravine" for how many rocks have fallen to nearly kill us...

"Left side clear" Clover called out. "Right side clear too" I called in response. We awaited the clear from Starswirl but... nothing. "Starswirl? STARSWIRL!" we both screamed. Bad. This is really bad! Why isn't he calling out!? I got out one of my energy herbs just in case I needed a boost. "Clover, I'm going to find Starswirl, you coming?" I inquired quickly. "Yeah, I'm on my way. We need to find him"

I traced left and right through the middle sector of the cavern. Nothing except a few travelers like us, thankfully heading in the opposite direction of us. I was feeling really reluctant to turn back, but I couldn't find Starswirl... I didn't want us to get hurt here. "Super get over here quick! I found Starswirl!" Clover called out. I zipped out of the right sector and reached them. Starswirl was unconscious, we had no idea why. Luckily he wasn't wounded, probably he got hit in the head by something... or someone. "Wha..." came a voice. Starswirl! "What... happened... Clover? Super?" he asked us slowly.

"We don't know what happened, but at least you are ok" Clover replied to him. "No matter... we should press on. Let's move guys" I added.

We left Rocky Ravine and came out onto a vibrant green field, sword-like blades of grass as far as our eyes could muster. The grass felt like soft cushions as our hooves brushed across them. Clover actually stopped a few times, looking at the insects that inhabit grassland. I ran forward to scout around and- "Sorry but I can't let you pass" said a random pony blocking my way. I jumped back in alarm. "And why's that?" I replied. He had a sinister look in his eye. I braced myself just in case he made a move. "You are Super Effective, studying under Starswirl the Bearded aren't you?". A shiver ran through my spine. How the hell did he know who I was? I could understand Starswirl but me? I'm not known at all. "No... I'm just a traveller. I'm sorry if I caused you any trouble" I replied nervously. Now I was more than suspicious, he was reaching for something.

"I'm sorry, but I know you are lying, and I can't let you cause trouble for us" he smirked evilly as he continued reaching into his cloak. "Us? Who's Us?" I attempted to press him before something happened. "There's no point in telling a dead man information, now is there?" I dashed back in time, a dark blade just barely scraping on my saddle bag, luckily no cuts.

"Starswirl! I need some help here!" no one responded.

My foe laughed at my call for help as if it was futile. "Pathetic. Do you really think I'd face 3 of you alone?"

His voice partially muffled by the sword being in his mouth. That is bad. He isn't a unicorn obviously, or he would hold the sword with magic, but that means he could be a Pegasus. If he is, this could turn ugly for me, as I've never fought a Pegasus before, only grounded foes.

"Since I'm about to kill you, you might as well know who I am. I'm simply known as DA-1"

What the hell does DA-1 even mean? But I can't think about this now. He lunges at me with his blade in tow. His blade was like a blade of midnight, made out of solid ebony, one of the rarest and most lethal metals you could ever use to forge a blade.

It gleamed in the dawn. A streak of white sunlight seeped right down the blade swiftly, letting me know this guy was seriously intent on killing me. I sidestepped to the right just in time, he slipped right past me, but he didn't seem fazed. He swivelled around and the blade streaked across my hair. Before he could attack again, I unsheathed my short sword, our blades clashed like two storms battling for ownership over the sky. He leaped into the sky then jabbed straight down with his hind legs, I tried to swipe my sword up but to no avail, he clashed it out of my mouth with his own blade and tripped me right over, slamming me into the ground.

"I would say any last words... but you aren't deserving of them," he swiveled in a 360 motion, as if taunting me, then lunged straight down.

"Did you think it would be this easy?" I taunted him, trying to boost my own morale. With my hind legs, I jabbed upwards and he lost his footing, now was my only chance. Get away or strike now? I would need help, so I dashed back to where Starswirl and Clover were then- What!? How the.... I can't move! Something was holding me. I looked around to see a sickly black and purple aura holding me, like the dark magic we are seeking out. Now I knew, I was being held by magic! But who was- "Looks can be deceiving, can't they?" that voice... my foe! He revealed that he was a unicorn, but how!? Why would he hold his sword in his mouth?

"It's basic diversion tactics... do you not even know that? Letting enemies know you can use magic means they can easily create counter strategies towards your magic,"

What he said just then... made sense. Concealing your identity to trick your foes. But that means... Clover! That must be why she- Why am I thinking of this now!? I'll ask her later. The pony starting bringing me towards him with his magic, his sword being held by the same.

I drew my blade, ready for action. I wasn't going to fall to scum like him! "Come on then! Is this magic all you have!?"

The aura faded. And we both charged.

Chapter 4: Departure Part 2

Clover... Super... I'm sorry but this could be it. I've been your mentor for many years, and to fall in battle like this would be an honorable death, but only if you were to survive... "Who are you. Why do you stand in my way?" I shouted at my attacker. "You need not know that Old Man. You can know this, I am only referred to as DA-2" DA-2... it sounds familiar... but I can't quite put my hoof on it. No matter, I need to get rid of him so I can assist the others.

"You are brave, I'll give you that Old Fool. But I am no fool. Your magic is widely known, a bad aspect for you sadly. It isn't hard to guess what you can do. So don't think your magic will help you."

Damn. My Magic will not be good here. I could try to mix some spells to add unpredictability but I don't think he would be stupid enough to fall for it. I'll have to resort to close-range assault it seems. Luckily for me I didn't only learn magic from my master. He taught me the ways of the blade as well, should the real need arise for it.

"I tell you what Starswirl, I've always been a fighter of honor, unlike my... associates. I'll let you draw your weapon. Call it an act of mercy before I slay you..." he glanced over at me, not knowing that he will get more than he bargained for. "You presume much my friend... calling me old. Old I may be, but this body is far from decay, far from ruin! I may die here today but I have planted the seeds of the future for my apprentices. Don't think that they will fall to your colleagues, they are not weak. They are not cowardly. They are strong, valiant and brave. And I will stand against you, if it means I can still be with them after this day! Enough talk. I think it's about time we got this started" I summon the blade given to me by my mentor, which he has not given a name. He stated that "A blade's name can only be found in the wielder" and I never knew what he meant. Did it mean it was called Starswirl? No... Now I know. This blade. A silver streak of metal the glistens in the sunlight, has a name. And I WILL find it.

I charge at the foe who also charges in retaliation. This is my chance to divert him. I blast a bolt of fire at him then sidestep to the left, hoping the fireball will avert his attention away from him. "A Simple fireball? You are losing your touch old man," he taunted me. A blast of water smashed right through the fire and was poised to strike my hind legs; still in the way of the assault. I tried to bring them in but I was too slow, the water bolt blasted my legs and I was forced to the earth. "Age getting the better of you?" more folly taunting. He lunged his dark blade toward me but I dodged just in time. I bucked his underbelly and sent him flying, enough time to counterattack with a lightning strike. I intended to paralyze him with this attack but he somehow got up without being fazed, as if he hasn't even moved yet.

"How? How do you persist this much? I can understand that you wouldn't fall yet, but you look as if you've just had a heal spell cast on you. I know you haven't either. What are you...?"

The Pony merely laughed at me. He smashed the ground with his hooves, while his horn was flashing. This must be an earth manipulation spell. I leap into the air to avoid any ground manipulation, appendages or other. But nothing... Had he feigned me out? I took this chance to fire a bolt of ice at his feet, anything to try and keep him in 1 spot to finish him off. The blue sparkle left my horn and dashed right for his position, poised to strike. It connected! He was froze on the spot. I raced towards him, blade in tow and my attack had connected. Smoke? All that appeared was smoke when I attacked. Then his entire body... evaporated into smoke, but that isn't possible unless... he was a fake?

"It's what I like to call a dead ringer..."

Right behind me, sword to my back, he grinned. This was it. Do or Die. I gripped my sword with my magic as hard as I could to apply maximum force and swiveled around. "One Strike Will Decide our fate!"

This can't be happening now. We haven't traveled for more than 2 hours and already, foes approach us. I hope Starswirl and Super are alright. "Who are you? Why are you attacking me for no reason? And where are my friends?"

The figure was in some kind of black cloak, similar to mine except for the color. Was he trying to hide as well? I always conceal my identity for combat purposes. If people don't know I am a Unicorn, they can't expect magic right away. Is that his plan too?

"Little Girl, why don't you go on home. I'll give you this one chance to walk away, since your friends declined our offer,"

Our? Who else did- No! He must have allies attacking the others! I have to get to them. Now.

"I hear your magical skills are quite different to your friends. You don't use offensive spells do you, Mrs. Clover?" He knows me... this seems really bad but I can't think now.

"Yes, it's true. My magic is... different from them. While they may cast fire and ice, I don't cast at all. I fight with allies." My magic... some would say it is cruel, but I really don't think it is, as I can use offensive spells, but I only use this magic in dire consequences, like now. "Why don't you demonstrate little girl. There is a deer right there. Go ahead." He's taunting me. Does he want to see my magic so he can somehow imitate it? It's a risk I can't take, but I need all the help I can get. I channel the magic through my veins, then shoot a beam of bright yellow and green towards the deer, connecting both of us.

"Clo... ver..." the deer stutterly pronounces. "Clover" again it says. "My friend, you have heard my plea for help. Please, I beg of your assistance in combat against this foe," I try to ask the deer for help in the battle. It may seem folly. A Wild deer couldn't do much could it? But this spell? No. This spell enhances the capabilities of animals to make them more experienced in fighting, but not offensively. Defensively. Protecting what they love, this deer wishes to protect it's natural habitat and I wish to protect my friends.

"Fascinating... You can control nature. It seems like a cruel twist of fate for this poor creature. It could have escaped with it's life, but now I have to cut this poor deer down along with you, now don't I?"

!!!

He... he knew I could do this. He is trying to warp me. But why? I thought he wanted to- KILL ME!

A blade seeped across my cloak as I backed out of the way, nearly cutting the binds keeping it on me. But then again, what was the point. He knows I am a magic user.

I shoot some fire and ice attacks at the foe to try and avert his attention, just like Starswirl taught us, but it didn't work. He simply flew straight past- Flew straight past them! He is a Pegasus!

This changes everything. I have to think smart about this, his aerial movement means he can attack me swiftly from any direction, but likely means he can't take many hits before falling. I envelop myself in a ring of ice swirling around me to prevent him from attacking at close range. He came prepared though, a bow and arrows in hoof as he draws and fires.

The arrow is stopped clean by my ice barrier, but he will likely try applying fire to counter this.

In one hoof I hold a fireball, ready to throw at him at the right moment, and with magic a blade for quick melee strikes if necessary. He zaps down at me, and his blade enveloped in fire crushes my barrier.

"You fight well girl. You would do well for us. DA-1, DA-2 and Me, DA-3. I'm sure soon... you will get to know us,"

"Go to hell! I'm not going to fall to scum like you today," I screamed in retaliation.

"Oh Girl... I admire your resolve... your bravery. But Hell? Why, I'm already there!"

The Deer charges towards him in an attempt to ram him down, but it only takes a blast of fire to defeat the deer. How!? The spell is supposed to help these animals protect, not be defeated. Then again, magic is only as strong as it's user. This likely means I haven't perfected the spell.

I shoot an ice bolt at him and he swerves around, I quickly shoot another making him rebound it back with his blade, but the quick reaction makes him fall to the ground. I take this chance to hurl the fireball at him, it connects!

A large blast of bright orange spreads around him, it looks like I have won. But I can't assume, so I grip the sword just in case.

Nothing. He's gone. Ok, time to find the others. To my right, I hear Starswirl's battlecry, to my left Super's magic blasting away, so where should I go first? "Hm... I think Starswirl can handle himself, so I better go help-"

"Maybe you should help yourself first.... girl"

Behind- his sword to my throat, his free hoof holding me by the neck. My blade falls to the floor.

"I... am DA-1, we will meet again soon, Super Effective"

What the hell is he talking about!? "What do you mean, soon? Finish the fight coward!" No effect, he sends me flying, right back to where I was before.

"I... am DA-2, we will meet again soon, Starswirl the Bearded"

Meet again soon...? "What are you implying? That you intend to flee and leave me alive?

"You are observant and very intelligent, I'll give you that Old Man. I relish at the chance to fight you again soon..."

He dissipates almost as quick as he appeared. I can think about this later, I must find out what happened to the others. I turn back to go to where we split up.

"I... am DA-3, we will meet again, Clover the Clever"

We will meet again? Does that mean he is not done? "Wait. One thing. Why are you leaving me alive? And if you are, you better leave my friends too,"

"Do not ask questions.... they will only lead you to your ruin faster. Your path of wisdom and mastering the arcane is filled with lies, betrayal and you don't even know it yet..."

DA-3 Flies off before I can get a proper answer. He shoots one last warning arrow, I guess to assure me he isn't joking. I can't stay and think about what he is or what he is doing. I have to find the others. I turn back and walk to the center of the field.

Oh... Ow... My head hurt from the impact. I had smashed into a tree thanks to my foe who sent me flying, though you probably know that already. I saw the others coming back towards me and they stated they were attacked by foes very similar to mine.

"So... they were all wearing black cloaks and all had a kind of dark, ebony sword," Starswirl stated.

Clover followed up, saying "Also from what we have gathered, two were unicorns while the one I fought was a Pegasus, yet he was able to be as deadly as the magic users"

I had to state the obvious. "But what does DA mean? Why do they have numbers, like they are only categorized in the certain DA?"

Starswirl himself had no answer for this. "I do not know Super, but I know this, they are deadly, they are intent on seeing us dead and they will come back. The only thing we don't know, is why," I also had to say this. "Did anyone else notice their voices? They sounded... hellish. Like, bugs or something," I added. Clover was clueless. "I heard that too, but I've not heard it's like before. Have you Starswirl?" she inquired. "No... I haven't. And I'm glad I didn't because those voices sounded more than hellish, they sounded lost. Black. Like all emotion had been taken away. Like husks," We finished talking and went to check out stocks.

I checked my saddle back for supplies after that last fight. 4 healing potions, 1 herb and the medallion left.

This is bad, considering we have barely traveled a quarter of the length there. But as long as we conserve our resources, we can make it. Starswirl would take us back now if he didn't believe we could make it, and it is certain he believes we can. But now we have the threat of these... DA ponies coming back to attack us.

We finish preparations and set off across the field.

Chapter 5: Advancement

We'd made it out of the grassy field and into another cave. Starswirl seemed more alert than before, remembering getting knocked out. That must have got to Clover too. "Starswirl, do you think it was one of those DA guys that knocked you unconscious?" she inquired. "Could be Clover... but we can't think about those 3 now. However if they assault us again, we will be ready for them," he replied.

We had barely talked since the fighting, we just ran... I felt like I should say something, just to lighten the mood. "So Starswirl... What do you intend to do when we get to this source of power?" I asked him. He didn't even glance when I said this.

"Clover, do you think Starswirl is feeling alright?" I had to ask what she thought on all this.

"I... I don't know Super, he's been really quiet all day. He's only talked about what happened earlier and barely anything else,"

"Okay... thanks for telling me what you think,"

I veered back to Starswirl's right so we could keep formation while running. We did this with Starswirl in the middle and Clover on the left so that we could try to divide threats between us. It seemed to work with the threat back there, but only because I ran ahead and nearly compromised us. I'm lucky that the 3 foes didn't gang up on me.

"Left Clear!" Clover Called Out. "Same on the Right!" I responded. "Middle Clear, Move to the exit!" Starswirl called out. Lucky. I thought he would be knocked out again or something. We exited the second cave to come onto a cliff. The moment I stepped outside I could feel stones cracking on the surface and falling into a chasm below us. "Whoa. That's a really long fall..." I thought to myself.

Starswirl's horn started glowing. Magic no doubt. "Don't worry. I can cast a spell to keep us from falling. I will cast a shield spell but only have 1 side shielded, meaning we will not fall," this was a good idea to keep us safe. I ran ahead to scout out, see if anyone would be around, luckily for us, there weren't any. Left was a stone wall. Right, an endless plummet, to the void.

"Alright guys lets-" Clover! The ground right underneath us split like an Axe cutting a tree right down. Starswirl lost focus and his shield faded. We fell.

Wh...what? Starswirl... saved us. He was able to project a shield down to prevent us from falling. But how would we get out? "I can raise the shield up, us along with it," it was a risky plan. If so much as a stone hit him, he would lose concentration. The motion of the Shield scraping the walls vibrated across the chasm, causing rocks to fall from above. Starswirl can't shield the top when he is moving a shield. Clover and I had to keep him protected. I blasted several stones to the right with a water bolt, Clover covering the left with ice. The rocks all blasted over Starswirl and dissolve on impact with the shield.

Nearly there, just a bit higher to go then we-

NO! Starswirl had been hit! The shield below us faded.

Chapter 6: Slumber

Plummet. That's all that crossed my mind. Starswirl's shield faded and we all fell.

"Everyone..." I said. "Looks like this is-" Wait! I still have an energy herb left. I rushed into my saddle bag and quickly consumed the herb. I felt a sudden boost of physical capability in my muscles, I had the strength to be able to move again.

I clamped all 4 of my legs onto the walls and held Starswirl and Clover on top of me, the energy herb making it barely possible for me to hold the weight of two ponies. Now we were stuck, we needed a plan before the herb off. One minute to think.

60.

"I.. I don't know what to do!" Clover stated nervously. I couldn't blame her, I was just as scared as she was.

"I have an idea you two, but it's risky," Starswirl added. This was our chance. He had an idea, we had to try it no matter what the-

"One of us might have to fall, but I can blast a bolt of wind down as soon as Super lets go, propelling us up. We can all cast this spell but I fear the caster won't be pushed up due to immunity from their own spells.

30.

It was do or die. One of us might have to sacrifice our self to get out. It was imperative that Starswirl get to the source of power and I couldn't put this on poor Clover's shoulders. She would do it for us, sure. But I don't want her to die for me... This is it.

10.

"I'll do it." I screamed almost instantly. I created a wave of silence, like all noise was killed off right then and there.

"You can't Super, You can't! Please... there must be another way!" Clover was close to tears. I couldn't bear to see her like this.

"Super... you've always been an apprentice worth teaching. The fact that you would risk your life for me and Clover proves to me I've taught you in the right path. Thank you Super..."

I fell. I cast a whirlwind spell to propel Starswirl and Clover right out of the chasm, onto a nearby cliff leading to the exit. I have done the right thing an- Wait!

The Medallion. If I can boost the wind spell using the Medallion, I can probably avert the spell immunity due to the spell being over-charged. This was it.

"I may die, but not today! Hiyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah"

A gust of wind blasted down, then dashed right up just as swiftly, sky-rocketing me far into the sky. I fell right to the cliff where Starswirl had landed, just barely missing another fall.

"Well done Super. You have used your Family's artefact adeptly. You may yet be on the path to becoming the greatest mage that Equestria has seen. Now I'm glad to say we can move out. As a group again!" Those words boosted my morale so high from Starswirl. I had the confidence to prevail!

"Alright, enough talk guys. Let's get moving! We've stalled long enough in this chasm thanks to the split," Clover was right. We better move.

Hours had passed. Night was coming on. It has been a dangerous, but exhilarating day. I could feel the pressure from the energy herb weighing me down. I had over-done it from rescuing the others and it was putting a strain on my muscles. Starswirl lit a camp fire and Clover had used her weird Nature spell to ask the nearby creatures to help her build shelters for us.

"Thank you my friends. You've assisted me greatly. Please accept this food as a token of my gratitude," The creatures took the food she offered and left, though they looked reluctant to leave. They looked quite scared, likely because we are getting closer to the Source of dark power and it's influence will start spreading out to areas close to it. Those without the strong willpower to get through will be consumed by darkness. I won't let that happen to any of us.

"Today has been perilous, huh?" I stated, trying to spark conversation.

Clover had gone to sleep already, so Starswirl replied only with "Yes... but we must trek on. You get some rest Super, I'll keep watch over the camp," He was right. I would help him but like I said, the energy herb has put a number on me...

I slowly drifted off to silent solitude, awaiting the morning where we would begin our journey once again.

Chapter 7: Secrets

Dawn. It was early, bright light spread my eyes open, like a crowbar forcing a crate open with sheer force and strength. Clover lay next to me, still sleeping soundly. I didn't wake her, she deserved her rest after what happened yesterday. Starswirl was up, almost unexpectedly, pacing in a circle around the now unlit campfire. He had left a groove in the dirt he paced through, a binding circle just keeping him locked in an endless spiral.

"Starswirl? Something wrong?"

As soon as I spoke, he halted in place, then stepped towards me slowly.

"I wanted to talk to you while Clover was asleep. I didn't think she could bear what I'm about to tell you. You may know that we are getting closer to the dark source with every step we take and with that, we get closer to it's influence. You know what it does. I... neglected to tell her. Well that isn't entirely true. We both know she has a love for nature, she would be broken to see creatures around her falling to the dark influence, which inevitably will happen. Creatures don't have... well, willpower as strong as sentient beings do. She knows that but doesn't know what this power does. She will have to find out soon Super... I want you to be the one to tell her. She trusts you the most. She won't take it easy from anyone, but you have a better chance than any. I entrust you with this Super,"

This was a mission I don't think I could bear the weight of. Starswirl truly think I'm the only one capable of telling Clover this? Why not himself? Well, when he talks about it he can get angry, that wouldn't help. He is right. This is my mission now. But I can't do it so early. I have to give it some time, let Clover begin to see what it is first.

Long after, we'd had some food thanks to Clover, who asked the animals to assist in finding suitable food for us. We received an assortment of berries and fruits which we were able to make even more luscious to eat by tending them with small flames via magic.

I couldn't eat, pondering my thoughts about what Starswirl had entrusted me to do. I occasionally looked up at Clover who responded with nothing but silence. "Something wrong Super?" I was speechless. I was sweating like a bullet. I tried my hardest not to sound suspicious. "Oh Uh, nothing. I just thought I saw something in the uh... bush behind-"

A black knife, aimed right at Clover, pierced through the bush and connected, penetrating Clover in the right hind-leg! "AHH! What ha-- GAHHHH! huff... huff.. hu-" Blood gushed out of Clover's wound.

"LOOK OUT!" I yelled. Starswirl grabbed Clover with Magic and along with be back-dashed behind nearby trees. Clover was badly hurt and bleeding badly. I tossed a healing potion to Starswirl. "Look after her, I'll handle whoever is out there!" He didn't respond. He dashed into a nearby cave, Clover in tow and I shouted out. "If you are going to attack, why not have the dignity to make your presence known? Who are you, stranger?"

No response. Just silence... Was it a quick-attack before they fled? A Diversion? All thoughts of that cleared when I heard a voice. "Oh... I thought the significance of the knife would show who I am, but I suppose it must be voice and blade that identify myself to you, a second time. Does this bear any resemblance?"

I saw a dark blade, a white shine streaking through as it moved. No doubt, it was the ebony blade from those DA freaks again. But which one was- "No need to ask. I am the one who fought you, DA-1. I thought you and your group would have died from the chasm, but I suppose it was a little... weak of us. Forgive me, I'll kill you personally this time, boy!"

"Why are you attacking us? What quarrel do you have with us? Are you seeking what we are as well? The source of dark energy everyone is hearing about?"

"Ah, smarter than you look my friend. Yes, our group is interested in this, source of power. But not to study it. Not even to control it. We have a goal, a goal that will change the grand scheme of Equestria, you won't keep it from us. I suppose it is time I introduced myself formally, rather than just DA-1 anymore."

He reached under his cloak and retrieved the blade again, and slashed the binds keeping his cloak concealing him to shreds. The blackness however, did not fade. The cloak was nothing more, but all that stood before me, was a monster. Holes in his legs, a sickly bug-like voice, void-like eyes with no pupils, and putrid wings and horn. I was terrified of this monster not because of his appearance, but because I knew what he was and what he could do. He's...

"A changeling. Yes, my incompetent friend. The voice usually gives it away... a pity it took you this long to catch on. This does of course mean my associates are changelings too, but oh I forget. Where are they? Probably tending to your friends right now. Your little strategy of limiting danger between you won't work, because it only takes one of us to take all three of you, we've just been ordered to go easy on you pups. So enjoy the fact that none of you will die today, but your friend will die soon. That knife was merely a petty injury, but she will be the first to die, you can know that right here and now. Don't think I'm lying to you, to make you angry and resent me because I know you already do. What do I have to gain by lying? I'm afraid we've stayed our welcome for too long. We'll be seeing your little bravado of Magi again soon. You can count on it..."

The other two appeared right beside him, then they all faded away just as quickly. I had no time to waste, I had to get to Clover now! But something had come over me. A hidden feeling of fear had rushed through my bones, temporarily paralysing me, leaving me to think. We are dealing with changelings. Horrifying creatures, devoid of any emotion, except hatred. They live only to take away Love and care from a pony and make them just like a shell... They devour all love inside you, then leave you as a husk, waiting until all your emotions are ripped from your body, then you become just like them, a fate worse than death.

"Starswirl! How is Clover? Is she alright?"

"She's fine. She took the healing potion not long after we came in, then passed out, likely from the pain. Thank the divines she is still alive. What happened out there? I didn't hear fighting."

I couldn't bring myself to say it. I had witnessed something that had brought my entire body to a halt, but I had to.

"Changelings... Those DA Freaks are changelings Starswirl. I'm sorry but... it's true. I saw him in all his terrifying detail, right down to that sickly voice."

What Super had just told me, struck me greatly. This journey had become much more dangerous than what I originally thought. We were dealing with changelings intent on seeing us all dead. Those... heartless beings, the divines themselves condemn those vile abominations, yet they roam free even today. I was unsure whether I could even continue. I had let one of my apprentices nearly die today because of my foolishness as a master.

"Super. I think... I think we should just go back. Clover is hurt and we are dealing with a much bigger threat here. Those changelings want us dead and they have the strength to do so. We aren't weak, I know that. But I fear that they are beyond our strength. We fought them and barely did anything to them. It would be best to-"

"No Starswirl. By returning, we'd be proving ourselves to be weak. Sure, they would stop hounding us, but why should pathetic beings like them scare us? We fought against them and you say it like it was for nothing. But it wasn't. We defended each other, we didn't fall that day. Whether they intended to let us win or not is not a matter. The point is, we are a match for them. Together we can take them down. We have the strength inside each and every one of us to do great things Starswirl. You've always taught us that. Now, this once, I am going to teach YOU something. Never give up on us. No matter how great this risk is, no matter how folly it looks, you should never doubt us. If we truly believed we shouldn't be on this journey, we would tell you. You know that. So I am going to tell you this. Believe in us. Believe in us like you always have Starswirl!"

Chapter 8: Confessions

We'd travelled for days on end. The changelings had not attacked us since Clover was injured. She's fine now, but I still haven't been able to tell her about...

We'd come to a small clearing, a dirt road piercing through the trees making a pretty obvious pathway. I looked around me and I saw animals fighting each other over food and shelter. It was inevitable. We are closer to the source of dark power, it was evident in how the animals were reacting to the smallest things. But it was more evident in their eyes. They were hopeless voids of white. Nothing contained. I could tell that Clover might be catching onto what is happening to these innocent creatures. She occasionally stopped to try and stop the fighting she saw, but no effect.

Now was a better time than any. I had to tell Clover about all this. It would break her heart, she would be crushed, but I had to... I just couldn't though. I forced myself to ask her to talk.

"Clover. Can I talk to you for a second?"

She stopped abruptly, then swivelled around slowly, looking suspicious. "What's wrong Super?" She inquired.

Starswirl had told us to walk on ahead, likely so that we could be alone to talk. He simply slowed to a walking pace, slow enough to stray behind us.

"Clover... You've noticed the animals, right? How something is happening to them. They fight over nothing but simple ordeals like food and shelter when there is more than enough for all of them in this habitat. Well, do you know why this is happening to them?"

I tried to ease her into the conversation, so that when it hits, I can try to make it easier for both of us. She, very rarely doing so, took off her hood and talked to me unconcealed. Her bright purple main glistening in the sunlight. For once in a lifetime, I saw her beautiful lavender skin shine. But I lost all nice thoughts when I remembered what I was about to do.

"I... I don't know. But it hurts me, you know. Seeing all these lovely creatures fighting each other. I..." She shed tears. She broke down to the floor just like that. I crouched down and curved my hoof around her head, trying to calm her down. Now wasn't the time to tell her. I couldn't hurt her any more than she already is. Starswirl caught up to us and stood silent.

"Clover, I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I... they are doing this to each other and it's breaking you apart. Nothing has hurt me more to see you in tears as you are. Don't take this harshly, because I know how bad you feel. I'm sorry, but we must keep going. As disheartening as this is we can't let it break our wills. We've come so far, we can't fail now. You're a strong girl Clover, fight against your tears!"

Those words came out like a canon. Words stormed out of my mouth before I even thought to say them, faster than lightning.

"We can't let it... break our wills... huh... I feel like my will is broken already, Super. I've always been the shy and reserved pony in our group... Never really showing my emotions to either you or Starswirl. Yet look at me, a broken wreck. I can't bear seeing the fauna acting like this... How can I possibly cope?" I couldn't blame her for how she feels... She's always had a love for animals, it's practically her defining trait alongside her affinity for spell craft. Seeing her like this is... devastating... I had to speak. "I know it's... hard... but you have to be strong, Clover. We can find out why this is happening to the animals and we can stop it together, I'll always help you. But for now we have to press on. Be strong Clover!"

Clover slowly but steadily stood up, still shaken but strong. She wiped her tears away then concealed herself with her hood again, looking like she'd never take it down again.

"Thank you Super... You're always there for me when I need you. Always trying to help me when I'm like this. Someday, I need to return you the favour..."

I felt stronger for what Clover had just said to me. She walked towards me, then raised her hoof to cross my body. I repeated this action, resulting in a hug. It felt amazing to be able to be so close to Clover, i-in the friendship sense. She was still crying, but this time with a wide smile. She was crying... happily? It was confusing... sadness and happiness were two emotions that could almost never be together at once. She was sadly happy? Happily sad? I couldn't explain it. Suddenly my muzzle felt damp, I groped for a hoof-kerchief. But on further inspection, it wasn't my muzzle. It was my eyes. I was... crying? But I would have known that I was...