The elder voice laughed. “Yeah, for you but for me it works when I want it to; stand back and let me get this thing started.”
Spiraling clouds of purple smoke wrapped around the mirror and it grew in size till it was big enough for Jake to step through. Jake took one last look around Celestia’s room. Please let this not be a wild goose chase. And with that last thought he stepped through the mirror.
Jake’s life had been straight forward since coming to Equestria. He had his new body to learn about, which he set about doing almost instantly. He had mastered flight and learned quite a bit about his magic and how to control it. He was finally going back to Celestia now that he could make more of a contribution to the kingdom as a whole. Then this morning, Celestia and Luna’s magic being drained from them, which left them unconscious. On top of all that now he was following a strange voice through the mirror back to Earth, all just in the hope of solving his current problem. How did everything go sideways so fast?
On the other side he found a large room with book shelves that went from floor to ceiling. Several tables with papers on them and one table at the center of the room with two chairs and what looked like a tea pot and some cups. There were stairs that led to a second floor which overlooked the first floor beyond the table with the tea. Jake turned to see the mirror he had passed through. He could see Celestia’s room back in Canterlot on the other side which meant the portal was still open. He carefully walked towards the table.
“Oh quit moving like a senior citizen and have a seat. You want some tea?” The elder voice said.
“I would like to see my host, please?”
“Keep your horseshoes on. I was just getting a book and a map.” An old man appeared from the top floor coming down the stairs. He looked like he was a professor from some Ivy League school. He sat the stuff down on the table and picked up the pot and poured two cups of tea.
“You’re not surprised by my appearance?” Jake took a seat at the table
“Heavens no, in a way I’m just like you. You’re a human soul in an alicorn body and I’m really a unicorn disguised as a man. Well maybe not just like you…um, probably better if I show ya.” With that he pulled a pen from his pocket and clicked the top part of it. The pen became a wizard’s staff with a crescent moon top and a blue gem suspended in the center by nothing. The old man tapped the staff twice on the floor and he transformed into an old unicorn with a long white beard and a grey coat, with golden eyes. He wore a blue cape that was lined with bells and had stars and moons on it. He also wore this pointy blue hat with bells around it and one on the tip and stars and moons as well.
“My name is Star Swirl the Bearded, the greatest wizard in the history of pony kind.”
Jake remembered that name and just stared not believing his eyes. He was the one who built the mirror. He had a whole wing of the royal library dedicated to him. He had also supposedly been dead for over a thousand years.
“What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue or something?”
“Well no sir, it’s just that you’re supposed to be dead. And what are you doing on Earth? And…” Star Swirl held up a hoof to silence Jake.
“Tell ya what, this is going to go much faster if you just sit there and drink tea and let me do the talking. When I’m done you can ask some questions but we really don’t have a lot of time.”
Jake nodded and drank his cup of tea.
“I used to be the greatest wizard in the history of pony kind. Till one day I got recruited (more like drafted), by the Source of all magic to be part of a group known as the Celestial Guardians. Now for the record, you get asked to join not the other way around. If you are asked, no one ever says no. Now this group's job is to fight the forces of darkness. We do this two ways, the first way is subtle in which we try to influence a culture by introducing technology or ideas that can help for the better. The second way we fight them is with a good old fashion plot kicking. Now as you know or at least have guessed, there is evil everywhere in creation, Earth, Equestria, everywhere. Celestial Guardians are sent to places to combat evil and try to keep the balance in check. If we don’t evil would just take over. Then the balance of the universe would be thrown off…and yes that’s a bad thing.”
He took a long sip of tea and then after setting it down he continued. “So where was I, oh yes…getting drafted.” He said with disdain in his voice. “So I’m taken away from my home on Equestria and sent to the place I had been researching, Earth. For the record they think I disappeared and assumed I was dead. So, I came here during your Dark Age period in history. I was originally in England so I took on a human disguise and set to work. Let me tell you, chaos was everywhere. So I set about trying to establish a place similar to home with a good monarch. Ah I remember him to this day, good kid. A lot like you Jake if you don’t mind me saying so. His name was Arthur and he was King of the Britains.”
Jake raised his hoof as though he were a foal in school. “You mean the King Arthur?” The amazement was clear as day all over Jake’s face.
“Yea, was there another one I’m supposed to know about?”
“But if you knew King Arthur then who were you?”
“Well isn’t it obvious? I was Merlin the wizard of course. Anyways, Arthur and I set about putting together a kingdom of justice and we called it Camelot. Yes I know, not very original but I stuck with what I knew for the beginning.”
“But that was over a thousand years ago. How are you still alive and what do you mean not very original?”
Star Swirl raised one eyebrow. “You know you’re really bad about holding your questions till the end. First off Canterlot…Camelot, try to keep up son. When you become a Celestial Guardian time no longer affects you. I’m an immortal now. So long story short I’ve been different people throughout time, adding to mankind and trying to steer them or at least most of them towards the path of Harmony.”
Star Swirl could see the questions boiling up in Jake so he gave in. *sigh*, "Ok, you get two and then it’s down to business.”
“How many Celestial Guardians are on Earth and how does all this relate to me?”
Star Swirled smiled at Jake. “As for the first, there are a few but we are all over creation and not just ponies either. As for your second I occasionally look in on my home world, especially on Celestia and Luna. I knew them both when they were younger. I knew Luna before evil corrupted her and she had to be banished. She felt she was unloved and the only way to get the love she needed was to get more power. Thankfully after a thousand year time out on the moon and being blasted by the Elements of Harmony… twice, she’s back to her old self.
As for Celestia, she is something else. She cares for all and gives her all and takes nothing for herself. She was so lonely and there was nothing I could do.” At the mention of this Star Swirled seemed to be temporally lost in thought. Then he looked back and Jake could see sadness in his eyes.
“You see I can’t go home, Earth is home now and Celestia and Luna were the closest ponies I ever had to daughters. So I used my magic on this end to find a compatible soul for Celestia. That led me to you. You see I can look into any mirror or control the one I left behind which found its way into her room…by the way not my idea. After months of her misery I was afraid she would wind up like Luna. Nightmare Moon was bad but Luna is the younger of the two. Alicorns grow in strength with age, so if one of them had to go to the dark side I’m glad for the sake of pony kind it was her and not Celestia. So your little meeting was really arranged by me.
“Why didn’t you just speak with her then?” Jake asked even though that was question number three.
Star Swirl frowned and looked a little irritated. “You don’t know how to count either I see? Like I said I was looking for a likeminded soul. I can’t come out and tell her. The Celestial Guardian’s don’t really advertise. So material found on them is scarce at best.”
“So why are you telling me your life story then?” Jake said completely ignoring the question limit.
“Because it was my fault you died. You weren’t supposed to be killed defending her. Not only that, she fell in love with you which wasn’t supposed to happen either…way to go Casanova.” Star Swirl words were a mixture of guilt and sarcasm.
“If you didn’t want me to fall in love you should have sent a memo.” Jake said as he took another sip of tea to hide his smile.
Star Swirl just gave Jake a dead pan look. “As I was saying, she brought your body back and cast a spell to make a new one for you. Bad news is, she and Luna didn’t finish the spell. Your soul inhabits this powerful body but in order for it to keep functioning, it has to drain the magic out of Celestia and Luna. Once their magic is gone you will begin feeding on their life force and then they will die. When they die, then without a source of magic you will die too.”
Jake suddenly felt very empty inside. His mind seemed unable to process the fact that he was the root of the problem. “I’m the cause?”
Star Swirl ignored Jake and kept going. “You are in short, a spirit summoned into a magic doll. This also explains why you don’t have your cutie mark. It is because you are not real. You see, back during the tribal wars on Equestria, unicorns would create powerful dolls and call upon powerful spirits (demons mostly), to occupy them. Then these creatures were sent into battle to rain down all kinds of chaos on the enemy. The plus side great weapon, down side the doll would feed on its creator till either the spirit was released or it was destroyed.”
Jake felt his heart sink even lower. Star Swirl was basically telling him he was a monster. “So what you’re saying is the more magic I cast?”
“The faster you drain them. Also the level of the spell can come into play. Low level magic isn’t that bad but moving an entire star is huge. It will hit Celestia the hardest since she was the primary caster. Luna being the secondary will drain a little slower.” Star Swirl said
He opened the book to show Jake about the creatures. However in the next chapter over it talked about a similar spell when a permanent body could be created to house a soul and not affect the caster. Celestia in her haste and emotional state had stopped just shy of that spell. Now Jake was like a changeling feeding off of the girls.
“Why didn’t you contact us sooner? How long have you known about me?” Jake was feeling despair like he had never known before.
Star Swirl took a long sip from his tea cup before he answered Jake. “I didn’t know right away. I had my suspicions as I saw Celestia and Luna get more tired. That shouldn’t have happen, so I did some research and here we are. I’m just sorry I couldn’t get to you guys sooner.”
“Then all some pony has to do is release me? Then Celestia and Luna will be ok?”
“Don’t even begin to talk or think like that! The fallout from your death would kill Celestia and ruin countless more lives.” Star Swirl said as he slammed his tea cup down on the table.
He then took a few seconds to compose himself once more. “There is still hope, it's just going to be a little quest.” The old wizard said with a smile.
At the sound of this Jake perked up. “Quest?”
“Yup, it’s going to be dangerous but I know you won’t back down, will ya?”
“Absolutely not!” Jake said standing up with his front legs on the table.
“Ata boy! I knew I could count on you. So you are going to see the Source. That is the only power strong enough to fix the spell and make you normal.”
“You work for the Source why not just contact them?”
“Doesn’t work that way, you have to go in person. Lucky for you the Source can be reached through a route in Equestria, also before you ask, I can’t teleport you there either.” Star Swirl moved the rolled up map towards Jake.
“Can’t I just call upon the Celestial Guardians there in Equestria?” Jake asked
“First off, there are no Celestial Guardians on Equestria. Thanks to Celestia’s rule and the fact that she’s immortal, there’s no need for the Guardians. Besides you’ve got Twilight and her friends with their elements. There is no need for anymore guardians. You guys have enough. Secondly you need to plead your case in person. So there ya go.”
“What must I do?”
“Well I have a few things for you.” Star Swirl said as he levitated a box over to Jake.
When he opened it there was a silver ring inside with black stripes on it. “What’s this?”
“It’s a suppressor only more so. When you put this on all your magic except what you need to live will be suppressed. So you will shrink in size, slightly, you won’t have the strength of Earth ponies, no more cloud walking, and no unicorn magic.”
Jake just looked dumbfounded at Star Swirl. “So basically I’ll be defenseless?”
“Not true, come with me.” They walked around a book shelf to find a set of stairs going down. As they reached the bottom it opened into a room that looked like a storage facility. The wizard led Jake into one of the rooms where a sword was buried into a stone.
“This is going to sound stupid but is that…” Jake started to ask before the wizard cut him off.
“Excalibur, yes it is.” The jewel in Star Swirl’s staff glowed and the sword flew out of the stone and hovered before him.
“Well it’s about time you came to visit me.” Jake heard a voice out of nowhere.
He turned and looked around but saw no pony else. Yet he had heard the voice as clear as day. “Who said that?”
The wizard gave the alicorn a sideways glance. “Relax kid; it was just the sword talking.”
“Just the sword talking, like I’m just some plain old accessory. I am Excalibur, Holy Sword of Justice and King Maker!” Excalibur seemed to radiate with light and power causing Jake to avert his eyes from the brightness.
Star Swirled just rolled his eyes. “Would you knock off the light show already? I have a job for you.”
The light faded instantly. “You never did appreciate me.”
“You see Jake, Excalibur is speaking into your mind. I am sending him with you on your quest.”
“You can’t be serious. You’re sending me with that thing? And just how is that supposed to wield me? If that thing puts me in its mouth I’ll skewer the both of you right here.”
“Be quiet! He just happens to be royalty on a noble quest to save a couple of princesses. Also mind your manners or I’ll turn you into a tooth pick.
“You wouldn’t dare! This is payback for me beating you at our last game of chess. You were always a poor loser.”
“You cheated on our last game!”
“How can I cheat you nincompoop? I have no hands. I have to tell you where to move my pieces!”
“Ahem.” Jake cleared his throat.
“I bring company here and you’re being rude. Besides, you wanted to make an illegal move in that game!”
“This isn’t company. Beside I didn’t make an illegal move, you were just sore I beat you!”
“Excuse me?” Jake tried to get a word in.
“Would you prefer I just leave you here in storage?”
“What kind of choice is that?! Stay here in the dark alone or be banished to God knows where with this creature?”
“HEY! Do the two of you mind?” Jake was just now annoyed by their bickering.
The wizard looked at Jake in surprise. “Sorry about that.” Then he turned to the sword. “No listen you; you want the whole story just read the kid’s mind. It is part of the joining process so quit whining and get to it.”
“Joining process?” Jake looked confused.
“Yes, Excalibur cannot be held by just any one. He is joined to them to serve and protect but only a righteous person, (or in your case pony) can wield him. Beside you will need his help to see the Source. He will be like your ticket to get an audience.”
“What happens if I’m not righteous enough?” Jake said taking a step back as the sword floated toward him.
“Then I will burn you to a pile of ash with my power. Hold still please.”
The blade of the sword touched Jake’s horn his life flashed before his eyes. However not all of the scenes were from his life. There were images Jake did not recognize of a king, knights and of battles long ago.
Soon the images stopped and the sword withdrew. “Please accept my most humble of apologies good sir. You are indeed a noble man. Such honor and valor I’ve not seen is ages. You care for all of them even though you are not truly one of them. It would be my honor to accompany you on this noble quest. I will be your sword, your shield, your will made form. I am Excalibur and I am yours.”
Jake was without words. He looked to the wizard who was smiling. “Now that’s better. I knew you’d like him once you got to know him.”
“What just happened?”
“That was the joining ceremony. The sword looked at your soul and weighed your entire life in a matter of seconds.”
“But I saw images that weren’t from my life.”
“It’s part of the process. Those images were from the sword’s life. Now you are not defenseless anymore.”
“How am I supposed to carry him, uh it?”
Star Swirl laughed. “Him, works just fine, he is the spirit of justice bounded to the sword. The voice always sounded like a guy so there. As for carrying him…”
The wizard’s staff glowed and Excalibur was transposed to Jake’s flank as a cutie mark. It was a golden sword pointed up with angelic wings. “You will hear the sword in your mind and when needed, you may call upon him. This way he will be well hid in plain sight. As for fighting with him, he can do that on his own. So you don’t need to worry about using magic, (which you won’t be able to use anyways). And you won’t have to be in his mouth either.”
“Thank you for that courtesy.”
“Now that's all over with, it's time you get back home.” With that Star Swirl led them back upstairs.
As they came back up stair on the table where the tea pot had been were saddle bags. The wizard levitated them onto Jake’s back. “Now in here you have your map, book and the ring, which you can borrow. Give that book to my purple coated groupie and she’ll figure it out. If you try to explain it she’ll be totally lost.
“Purple coated groupie?” Jake looked puzzled.
“Twilight, give the book to Twilight Sparkle. Hey in this day and age it’s a miracle any pony even knows I existed, especially a cute mare. Also those saddle bags are magic. You can fill them with whatever and they feel like they’re empty. Now you’re only borrowing these items I want them all back.”
Jake turned and smiled at the old wizard. “I don’t know what to say, thank you.”
“Ah quit it kid, you’ll be fine. If any pony can do this it’s you. Now get going time’s a wastin.” And with that Star Swirl pushed Jake back through the portal with his magic.
Jake was back in Celestia’s room and as he turned he saw the mirror had returned to normal. He had been gone for what seemed like over an hour but in actuality he had only been gone for a few seconds. The time difference between words was to thank for this. One day Equestria time equaled one year Earth time.
He looked at the saddle bags. They were embroidered with Star Swirl’s cutie mark, a golden star with a crescent moon overlapping. Jake went straight to the library where he found the girls.
“Jake, you’re here good. Why don’t you start in that section over there?” Twilight pointed with her hoof not even looking up from the book she was reading.
“I have a better idea.” He pulled out the book from Star Swirl and put it under Twilight’s nose.
“What’s this?” She looked up at Jake.
“This is the answer we are looking for.” The others gathered round as Twilight read the cover.
"Ancient Spells & Their Purposes, By: Star Swirled The Bearded", Twilight's eyes seemed to widen when she saw who the author was.
"I don't understand where did you get this book?", Jake just raised a hoof to stop the questions and opened the book to the marked pages. She understood what Jake wanted her to do and went to reading the marked pages.
“I don’t understand. This would be fine if Celestia and Luna had made a magic doll but…” Twilights words trailed off as she looked up at Jake slowly. “Oh no, oh Jake please tell me this isn’t what I think this means.”
Jake slowly nodded. “I’m afraid it does. You see, they were trying to perform this spell.” He flipped to the next page and showed his teacher. “Instead they did the other spell by accident.”
“Well I could give it a try and fix you myself. With this book I’m sure I could do it.”
“No Twilight. I was created with alicorn magic, you’re not strong enough.”
A determined look crossed her face. “I may not be but the Elements of Harmony could do it.”
“Sorry, wrong again. Read that page.” Jake pointed with his hoof.
Twilight read the page quickly just under her breath and then fell quiet. She stayed that way for a several seconds before looking up at him. “According to this, the ones who can fix you are Celestia and Luna because they are in some kind of magical contract with you. If they can’t release you then the only other option is…is…” There were tears in his former mentor’s eyes for him.
“Not to despair there is one other way.” Jake reached into the saddle bag and produced the map. “This can tell me how to get to the Source of all magic. If I go before the Source they, or it can fix me.”
“What is this Source anyways?” Rarity asked.
“I’m not sure but the Source is the only thing powerful enough to fix this.”
“How do ya know all this anyhow?” Applejack looked from the map to him.
“Uh, would you believe me if I told you that it was Star Swirl the bearded? He was also the one who lent me that map, book, saddle bags, and one more item.”
Jake produced the box which contained the special magic suppressor in it. “This will buy me some time to complete my quest but it will take away all of my magic save for what’s keeping me alive.”
“Jake, Star Swirl died over a thousand years ago. There is no way it could have been him.” Twilight said still looking at the items.
“I think every pony better have a seat. I have a story to tell you.”
“Oh look! You finally got your cutie mark!” Pinkie pointed towards Jake’s flank.
“Um that’s not what it looks like. Let me tell you guys the story.”
A short time later Jake finished his story to the group of now wide eyed mares and one stupefied dragon.
“Oh…my…gosh, you mean to tell me you met the Star Swirl?” Twilight asked completely in awe.
“Yes, I did. Thanks to him we have a chance to save the princesses and me.”
“So what was he like? Was he wise, serious, funny, details please!”
“The wizard was right she IS a groupie” Jake could feel Excalibur’s surprise in his mind.
Wait? How come they can’t hear you but I can?
Jake felt uncertainty coming from the sword. “I…I don’t know. Hello can anyone, er, pony hear me?”
No pony answered. The only one who could hear the sword was Jake.
I don’t understand. Back on Earth we could hear you just fine.
“That #$%* wizard! This is all his fault. I don’t think they can hear me so long as I’m hiding as your butt tattoo.”
Jake’s eyes went wide. Cutie mark, it’s called a cutie mark, you’re not a tattoo.
“Riiiight. And that sounds even worse. So I guess the only time any pony can hear me is when we are not attached at the rear, literally.”
Just think of it as the hip. Technically you would have to keep…
Jake was cut off. “Stop, just stop. Look I see what you’re trying to do and thank you but this is embarrassing. I’m a mighty sword that can talk and I’m hiding a little too close to your southern end.”
This is normal here. Beside you’re supposed to be hiding remember? If you start flying around talking there are going to be a lot of questions and we just don’t have the time.
Jake felt a sigh of resignation inside his head. “You’re right.”
“Jake? Jaake?" Twilight was waving a hoof in front of his face. "You ok?” Twilight said after she noticed that Jake wasn't responding to her wave of questions.
“Hmm? Oh, sorry, the sword and I were having a moment.”
"Sword, what sword?" Spike asked. "You mean your cutie mark?"
"Yes, it looks like one but I can call it forth to manifest as a real sword."
“How come we can't hear it?” Rainbow asked.
“That was the point of our conversation. He is hidden like this; no one but myself can hear it so long as the sword remains as my cutie mark.”
Pinkie trotted over to Jake’s side and hugged his cutie mark. “Hi, I’m Pinkie Pie and I’m sooo glad you’re here.”
“Pinkie um, this looks weird and uh, could you please…”
Jake felt a awkward feeling in his head. “She’s hugging me? Why is she hugging me?”
At that moment a guard walked in. “Your Highness, Princess Cadence has…” The guard saw Pinkie embracing Jake’s flank. “Is this a bad time sir?”
Jake looked from the guard to Pinkie and took a hoof and gently pushed her off. “Ahem, no please continue.”
“As I was saying sir, Princess Cadence has arrived in Canterlot. Apparently she was scheduled to visit today.”
“Please inform me when she arrives at the castle and bring her to me.”
The guard bowed. “Yes, Your Highness.” And with that he left.
“I wonder why she is here today.” Jake asked aloud to himself.
“Oh my gosh. I forgot she was coming to visit me today. With everything that has happened this morning I completely forgot.” Twilight said remembering her former plans for the day.
“No, this will work. I sent a messenger to inform her but this is better.”
. . . . .
It was only mid-morning when the guard opened the door to the library and announced Princess Cadence.
The group looked up from their little planning area around a table to see the pink mare walk in. Everyone bowed including Jake, before Twilight walked up to welcome Cadence properly with a hug.
“It’s so good to see you again Twilight and the rest of you as well.”
Twilight laughed nervously as she release her sister-in-law. “It’s good to see you to.”
Cadence caught sight of Jake. “So you must be the mysterious stallion who has stolen my aunt’s heart?” She had an approving grin on her face. “Speaking of my aunt where is she?”
Every pony looked at one another not sure how to break the news. Finally Jake spoke up. “We will get to her in a minute but first I must ask, how much has Celestia told you about me?”
“Why what do you mean?” Cadence said as she looked from Jake to the others.
Jake followed her gaze and went back to her realizing she probably did know the truth about him. “It’s alright, they know and it’s safe to speak here. The library has been closed just for us.”
“She told me everything and I must say how romantic, love and friendship from another world.” She put a hoof to her chest as she remembered the story
Celestia had told her. “Now there’s a romance story for the history books. So how are you adjusting to life here in Equestria?”
“I was fine till this morning. Let me bring you up to speed.”
After Jake finished the story the Pink alicorn’s smile was gone and sadness was in her face. She just stared at them obviously unsure of what to say next. Finally she took a deep breath in with closed eyes and a hoof to her chest and then released it. “Alright, two things, first what can I do to help and secondly I want to see them.”
“Glad you asked.” Jake said with a smile. “Firstly I will need you to take over raising and lowing both sun and moon till I can fix this. I will also need you to do it here to keep up appearances that you are just filling in while the princesses take care of some important business.”
Cadence looked a little surprised by the part about her having to extend her stay. “But what about the Crystal Empire?”
“Your husband Shining Armor stayed behind. He can handle things for a while. I’m sorry to say that we are going to have to divide our forces till this gets fixed. I will try to return as quickly as possible.”
“Don’t you mean us?” Twilight asked.
“Oh no, Canterlot needs the Elements of Harmony. You are staying here.” Jake turned to the others.
“Sorry but we can’t do that.” Fluttershy said.
“You will need our help.” Rarity added.
“Besides family sticks together, if you think we’re just gonna sit back and send you off your outta your tree.” Applejack put in.
“This is what we do and it’s not like you can stop us.” Rainbow said as she hovered with her front legs crossed.
“If I may, let’s look at this from a logical point of view.” Spike put in. The little guy had been quiet for a while and it caught Jake off guard. “First we have two unicorns which can take care of magic. Two pegusi, which covers flight plus one of those, can talk to animals. And finally two earth ponies, one with great strength and a rope and another with sixth a sense that any super hero would be envious of.”
Jake found that he couldn’t argue with Spike’s logic. Not to mention even if he had said “No”, they would have still followed him. “Alright, alright, seems like I’m out voted on this one. So here is what we’re gonna do. Let’s go over the map once more, then Twilight I want you to oversee the preparations. Pinkie can help with the food, Applejack can do the gear. Rarity can looked into any protective clothes we might need. Spike can go with Twilight to work the checklist. The rest of you can help or get rest. We start in the morning. Princess Cadence please come with me.”
With that the group set to their tasks. Cadence and Jake walked to the hall were one of the royal guards was making sure the library stayed secure. “I need to speak with the Captains of both guards in the throne room as well as the royal advisors at once.”
The guard bowed and took off down the hallway. Cadence looked to Jake. “What are you going to do now?”
With a smile Jake responded. “I’m going to put you in charge.”
. . . . .
The meeting in the throne room had gone faster than Jake had thought. Only the ladies in waiting and the royal guards knew what was really going on. The advisors had been given some excuse why Celestia and Luna were absent and that Cadence would be filling in temporarily till they returned. Then Jake spoke directly with the Captains of guard alone and filled them in on the part of the plan to cure the two monarchs. After turning down a small regiment for an escort and explaining that secrecy was the key they relented grudgingly. Then Cadence accompanied Jake to Luna’s room where the sisters were.
As they approached the door to Luna’s hall two of her dark guards stood flanking the door. One was a massive earth pony and the other was a unicorn. When they caught sight of the royals coming towards them they came to attention and the door opened. Once Cadence and Jake had passed the door was secured behind to make sure no one could get in. There were two more guards flanking Luna’s bedroom doors. These were Celestia’s guards and they reacted the same way as the two approached. The hall way was quiet but in the room the two found Dusty picking up. She had brushed Celestia and Luna’s manes and cleaned them up in bed. She stopped what she was doing and bowed when Jake and Cadence walked in.
“How are they?” Jake asked.
“They mumble in their sleep but they still don’t wake up”, She looked worried.
Jake walked over and put a fore leg around Dusty and pulled her into a hug. At first she looked surprise but then returned it as the stress and worry came out of her in little tears. “W-what are we going to do? This has never happened before. I’ve never seen them like this.”
Jake squeezed the little mare tighter. “Calm down, it’s going to be ok. I have hopefully found a solution to the problem.”
Dusty looked up with hope in her eyes. “You have?! How did you…”
“It’s a long story, let just say there is a quest and hopefully a cure at the end. This actually is a result of that note you handed me earlier. Also I think if Luna’s lady in waiting can be trusted you might want to fill her in. The guards aren’t letting any pony down the hall and I don’t want her to panic.”
“So I helped find a cure?” She looked surprised.
“Yes, in a way you have helped out immensely once again.”
Dusty’s mood brightened almost instantly at the mention that she had been helpful. She quickly came back to the present when she realized that Jake had asked her another question. “I know of the pony you speak. Her name is Silver Shade and she can be trusted to keep a secret.”
Jake released Dusty so as to look her in the eyes. “Good then you two shall continue to attend them.”
Dusty wiped the tears from her eyes. “Of course My Lord.” She bowed and left the room.
Jake gazed upon the two sisters who appeared to be sleeping. Then he pulled the box from his saddle bag and set it on the bed. He opened it and there was the silver ring with black strips.
“What is that?” Cadence asked.
“Hopefully something that can buy us some more time. Please help me put this on.”
Cadence grabbed the ring with her magic and placed in upon Jake’s horn. Jake suddenly felt his strength leave him as the room began to spin. He shank in size till he was as big as Twilight. His legs were unsteady as he quickly sat down before he fell down.
“Are you alright? What just happened?” Cadence asked as she came to his side to steady him.
All Jake could do was hold onto her till the room stopped moving around him.
“Breath, I felt that too. You will be ok and this disorientation will pass.” Came Excalibur’s comforting words in his head. “The wizard should have told you that there would be an initial shock.”
I don’t understand. How did you feel it?
“I am a part of you. Not to mention all that magical energy being suppressed doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Soon the room stopped moving and Jake’s legs became steady once more. He let go of Cadence and put the box back in the bag. “That had a bit of a kick to it. I wonder if it did any good.”
The answer to Jake’s question came faster than he had expected as two pairs of eye opened slightly on the other end of the bed.
“Uhn.” Luna was groaning.
“W-what happened?” Celestia said in a weak voice.
Cadence raced to Luna’s side and Jake went to Celestia’s. “You’re awake.” Jake said as he nuzzled the side of Celestia’s head.
“What happened to us? There was enormous pain then nothing.” Luna said getting a bit better.
“Did you do it? Did you raise the sun?” Celestia looked at Jake as he leaned back to look at them both.
“Yes, and that’s when you both were hit.”
“Hit by what?” Celestia asked.
“I better tell you what happened.”
Jake recounted the events of that morning from the raising of the sun to the visit to Earth. To the very point when he put on the suppressor. When Jake finished Celestia held his hoof in hers.
“Then we have no choice. Luna and I will just get our strength back and we will fix this.”
“It’s too late. You won’t be getting your strength back. I think the only reason you woke up was because I put this thing on” as he pointed toward the ring.
“Now we have to do it the hard way.”
“I’m, we’re so sorry Jake. This is our fault. We should have known better but…but” Celestia was starting to tear up.
Jake put a hoof on the side of Celestia’s cheek. “Now stop that. I don’t blame either one. It was an accident and it will be fixed. No matter what you two will get better, that’s a promise.”
Luna shook her head trying to change the subject. “So that’s what happened to the old wizard.”
“I told you he was too crafty to die. To think this whole time he was on Earth…and still trying to look out for us.” Celestia said.
“Who is going to look after the kingdom while you’re gone?” Celestia asked.
“I will. I will take care of the sun and moon and be a temp fill-in till Jake gets back and you two are better.” Cadence chimed in.
“See, no worries. No, you guys need to get your rest. Dusty and Silver Shade will be in soon to check on you two. I leave with Twilight and others in the morning.”
Jake went to stand and just felt weak. “I think I better stay here for now. Please have Dusty bring some food and have some bedding sent up. I will be sleeping here tonight.”
Cadence was about to protest but understanding that even if Jake weren’t feeling the effects of the ring he would have remained by Celestia’s side. She just nodded and smiled and left the room.
Jake spent the rest of the day at the bedside of Celestia and Luna. Twilight had sent word that they would be ready and come get him in the morning. By evening Jake was still feeling out of it and bedding had been brought up. However it did not matter, thanks to Jake’s reduced size he was squeezed between the princesses as they held each other and drifted off to sleep.
Author's Note
I would like to thank Ariin once again for being my editor. Hopefully I will also have some cover art soon.
