Star Ocean: Their Only Hopeby Onyx HeartChaptersPrologue: The Vast Reaches of Space...Chapter 1: Introductions Are In OrderChapter 2: Let's Go and Meet the PrincessesPrologue: The Vast Reaches of Space...Theme Song ”In the vast reaches of space, there are many mysteries left to be discovered. Some can be benevolent, and some can be malevolent. When we received that mysterious signal... We thought it was going to be nothing more than a derelict ship, or something that is benevolent and waiting to join the Pangalactic Federation. How wrong we were... Now it has become a fight for survival from an evil that is trying to destroy the entire universe and rebuild it in their own image...” -Gideon Jerand, crew member of the PFSRF Calnus III Space... in a mid 20th television show it was called the “last frontier”. Nobody could be even more right. For the Pangalactic Federation, space has become an open territory to explore for new life and to find new advanced civilizations to add to it. Though have been under developed civilizations found. These civilizations are protected by the Universal Planetary Preservation Pact. A document that prevents advanced civilizations within the Federation to interact with these under developed civilizations. As in the past it lead to an alternate Earth to be destroyed, killing everyone inhabiting it. It caused the famous hero Edge Maverick, to help write the law. But that was hundreds of years ago. The UP3 continues to be in effect to this day. As the Earth and the rest of the Federation have mapped about 75% of the Milky Way Galaxy. Hoping to explore past the galaxy into other galaxies eventually. Meanwhile the Federation continues to explore to map all 100% of the galaxy. One day near the star system of Alpha Equulei, in the Equuleus constellation, a strange signal was picked up by a Federation battle ship called the Valor. It's transmission indicates that it is not anything they have in their databanks or from any known advanced civilization known currently. “Captain we've picked up a transmission.” said the communications officer. As she sits in front of her station's console. “It's currently unknown and we can't figure out who it belongs to...” “We should go investigate it none the less.” the male Captain Arthur Castor said. “But send a recording of this transmission to Federation Command on Earth.” “Yes sir.” Three weeks later The Calnus III recon star ship dropped out of light speed warp. It's crew ready for anything to come out and ambush them. On the bridge Captain Ronyx C. Kenny and his youngest child Ensign Aster Kenny looked on the main screen of their ship. Staring at the third planet of the Alpha Equulei system. An Earth like planet where the moon isn't orbiting the planet at all. Like something has to move it around the planet itself. “What a strange planet Captain.” Aster said getting formal with her father while they were on the bridge or see together among the rest of the crew. “I've told you that I don't like you being formal with me.” Ronyx said. “But I do appreciate that you are to keep up appearances with your superior officer.” “Captain...” said the Science Officer of the Calnus III, Ensign Gideon Jerand, a Featherfolk from the planet Roak. “We don't seem to be receiving any transmissions, but this planet is weird. The moon isn't even orbiting around the planet like our moon.” “That is strange indeed Ensign Jerand.” Ronyx said. “Everyone keep an eye out for any strange transmissions.” Just then a strange object appeared on the radar at Gideon's station. “Captain something just appeared. It's heading straight for us!” “All hands report to your battle stations! Set alert to Code Yellow! We may have hostiles incoming!” The incoming object grew closer and closer. Coming at them like a bullet. The crew on the bridge finally got a good look at what took out the Valor weeks ago... It was a dark cloud... With purple lightning? “What is that?” Ronyx asked aloud. “No idea Captain!” Gideon said. His fingers went all over the keyboard of his computer. The only they could see the black cloud is from the purple lightning exploding all over it. “Target and fire at the cloud!” Ronyx ordered. Though the orders were kind of idiotic. Considering that not even plasma torpedoes or beams will just pass right through it. The crew in charge of arming the weapons did as they were ordered and opened fir with everything they had at the cloud. Surprisingly they didn't even penetrate the cloud. The cloud merely dodged all shots fired, before continuing it's charge at the Calnus III. “Keep firing!” More and more shots were fired and the cloud slimmed down to dodge them. When the cloud expanded. It grew menacing fanged teeth, green and purple eyes with red slitted pupils and a curved red horn. Then it took shape of some kind of horse head as the mouth opened wide and engulfed the entire recon ship whole. On board all hell was breaking loose as time seemed to slow down to a crawl... –- Aster opened her eyes. She yawned and shook her head clear of her blurry vision. When perfect vision was restored. She found herself laying on the floor of an old abandoned castle laying in ruin. It looked to her like it was the throne room, and someone was working to clean it up as if they were going to use it. But most of the redecoration was destroyed by what Aster assumed was some kind of war that raged nearby recently. She looked around and saw Gideon investigating the throne room with his camera. Taking pictures and analyzing the ruins. “Oh hey you're awake.” he said before walking over to her and sitting down next to her. He flipped through the pictures on his camera. One such picture was of a winged unicorn statue in what is the library. Thousands of books were found to be located there. Suggesting they landed on a planet that is under developed. 'Where are we? What has happened to the rest of the crew? Did they escape the destruction of the Calnus?” Aster kept asking Gideon questions as he examined the pictures he took of the ruins. “Are you listening?” Aster asked. “Sorry!” Gideon puts his camera on the floor to acknowledge Aster. “I have no clue where we are, what happened to your father and the rest of the crew. I don't know anything beyond grabbing you and taking you to an escape shuttle as per your father's orders. You were knocked out during the attack, and as we escaped our shuttle crash landed in this alien forest. I found these ruins and brought you here while I explored this place.” “Find anything interesting?” “Yeah definitely interesting.” Gideon showed on picture to Aster. It was a star system globe of some kind. Only with five stone spheres with one larger stone sphere in the center. “I thought this was a map of the entire Alpha Equulei star system. But there is only three planets orbiting around Alpha Equulei, and this is the only one inhabited with life, last time I checked before we were attacked. Then I found this weird broken statue of a winged unicorn in the ruins library. It is some kind of strange equine creature. I don't know what it is but from the library filled with old books written in an alien language that the universal translator wasn't needed. I'd say we landed on an under developed planet.” “Alien language that the Universal Translator on our com units wasn't needed?” Aster asked. “Yeah it was like English. Yet it couldn't be English... English is an Earth language, being taught on every planet of the Federation.” “Weird...” Aster said. “You think we should get out of here and investigate. It's starting to get dark out...” Within the span of a few minutes, the sun sets and the moon rises, signaling night. The two Federation officers were literally in the dark. Until Gideon pulled a lantern from his pack only a few feet away. Once they had light they decided to leave the ruins and explore their new surroundings. Though first they should be properly equipped in case they are attacked. Luckily their shuttle has a machine to create any item they would need on any planet, and it was close to the ruins too. So it was best that they create simple weapons like a sword for Gideon, and a pair of cestus gauntlets for Aster. “Okay we should get weapons for us to defend ourselves.” Gideon said. “Something primitive in case we're on an under developed planet.” “Sounds good to me...” Aster said. Gideon created a longsword for him to wield, a weapon he is familiar with on his home planet of Roak. He used a wooden sword for training or to fend off Lesser Fellpools that tried to eat him. For his friend and comrade, he created a pair of titanium gauntlets. These to gauntlets were sturdy and strong, they even had a little mechanical device installed that will bring out metal claws. Once both were armed, they were going to explore the forest and find some civilization. That is if they didn't hear a loud roar coming from some bushes nearby, showing yellow menacing eyes as the creature was slowly making it's way out from it's hiding spot, to pounce on the two humanoids... Chapter 1: Introductions Are In OrderThe creature reveals itself. It is a large, ugly Ursa Major. A creature made out of magical energy, it's body contains the constellation Ursa Major, hence the name. Ursa Majors are known to be protective of their young, the Ursa Minors. However this Ursa Major is no where near it's nest. So the reason for attacking the two Federation officers is unknown. “Aster, let's do this...” Both humanoids sprang into action. Aster unlocked the metal claws on her gauntlets to do some heavy damage to the Ursa Major. “X Claw!” Aster cries out before leaping into the air, both gauntlets poised to strike. “Rising Blade!” Gideon cries out. Before their weapons could connect with the Ursa Major, a certain purple alicorn pony arrived without the humanoids' knowledge. The alicorn summoned a freeze spell, her horn glows a vivid purple light, as the spell engulfed the two humans and Ursa Major. “What the hell?” Gideon said, as he moves his eyes to focus on the recent arrival. “A living winged unicorn?” “There is no need for that...” the alicorn said. “Ursa Majors aren't really violent nor will attack without reason. They're more defensive of their cubs, the Ursa Minors, and their homes. This Ursa Major isn't anywhere near a cave. So comes to the conclusion that it is probably hunting or feels threatened from the meteor crash. Which I can conclude you two were inside your alien ship that crashed in the Everfree Forest.” Just then the Ursa Major broke through the spell, as it's eyes turned completely black and it's pupils turned a frightening glowing red. It now was free to harm anything within range and it just so happened that the only thing was two humanoids, and a purple alicorn. It chose to attack the alicorn, as it was the being that trapped it in that spell in the first place. The alicorn quickly released Aster and Gideon, to help her take down the Ursa Major. “Help me take this Ursa Major down without killing it!” the alicorn. Aster knew she was the only one to do the job without killing the Ursa Major. She retracted the claws on her gauntlets and brought her right arm back to deliver a powerful attack to knock out the Ursa Major in one blow. “SHOOTING STARS!” Aster throws her punch and instead of her fist connecting with the Ursa Major's belly, as it stood on it's hind legs to crush the alicorn. Her fist fires multiple blue chi strikes against the magical bear. The blows connect with it's belly, and knocks it down and out like a light. A black crystal then comes out of the Ursa Major's body, and shatters into a million of sand grain pieces. The bear creature wakes up and flees into the forest to find it's cub. Gideon and Aster faced the alicorn, as the alicorn walked into view of them. There they saw the “winged unicorn” in all of it's glory. It is a lavender purple mare, with a dark purple mane and tail that has a pink streak to both. On the alicorn's head was a gold tiara crown with five amethyst gemstones embedded on it. “Who are you two and what are you?” the alicorn mare asked. “My names is Gideon Jerand, I am a Featherfolk from Roak.” Gideon said. “I'm Aster R, Kenny. I am a human from Earth.” Aster said. “But what exactly are you?” “I am a alicorn, one of four rulers in this kingdom called Equestria. You may call me Princess Twilight Sparkle...” Chapter 2: Let's Go and Meet the PrincessesAster and Gideon sat on the train going to the capitol city of Equestria, Canterlot... Both received a lot of glares from other ponies of the three different races: earth, pegasus and unicorn. To both officers it was something out of a fairy tale book. But for Twilight and her friends that accompanied the trio. It was reality. Aster looked over Twilight's friends. A composition of the three races of pony. Fluttershy, a shy and kind yellow pegasus with a pink mane and tail. Applejack an orange earth pony with blonde mane and tail. Rarity, the white unicorn fashionista with a purple-ish blue mane and tail. Pinkie Pie, a pink earth pony with a fluffy pink mane and tail. Finally there is Rainbow Dash, the cyan blue pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail. All eight of them sat in Twilight's private train car as their journey to Canterlot, which is supposed to be taking at least half an hour trip to reach. All was silent as Twilight and Rainbow Dash were reading a different book than the other. Rainbow is reading a new Daring Do book, while Twilight is reading a book on extraterrestrials. Fluttershy was sleeping with her pet rabbit Angel, Rarity was going over some of her fashion designs for her next line, and Applejack is actually laying on her seat quietly. No one is talking. Aster and Gideon felt uncomfortable in this situation. Their minds screaming “Please say something!” “FINAL STOP: CANTERLOT!” came the cry of the conductor. It was finally time to disembark the train and head over to the Royal Palace. For Twilight, the letter she received from Princess Celestia, concerns the Mane Six and the two aliens Twilight found in the Everfree Forest. A grave matter that required them to travel on such short notice. “Well... Let's see what Princess Celestia wants.” Rainbow Dash said. Finally breaking the silence. –- “I called all of you here to explain what has been going on in Equestria for a while now.” Celestia said. Luna and Cadence stood next to Celestia as she cleared her throat. “It seems darkness is once again trying to take over this kingdom.” “Isn't always?” Rainbow Dash grumbled under her breath. “However this new threat has started in secret for some time. Ever since Tirek's defeat, wild animals from all over Equestria has become mysteriously violent against the ponies of this kingdom. Without even a simple reason for their strange behavior.” “Could this have anything to do with the Ursa Major that attacked these two last night?” Twilight motioned at Aster and Gideon. “It would seem so Twilight.” Celestia said grimly. “It seems something is causing these animals, magical or otherwise to become brave enough to leave their homes to attack ponies outright.” “when we fought that Ursa Major last night Your Highness.” Gideon said. “A strange black crystal came out of it once it was knocked out by Aster. It only hovered in the air for a few seconds before shattering into very tiny pieces.” “A black crystal...? The only pony we know of that would use black crystals with dark magic is King Sombra, but he has been slain by my niece Cadence.” “What if Sombra somehow managed to reform and revive himself after his previous defeat?” Aster asked. “It could be possible that he has powerful dark magic to resurrect from the dead.” “That isn't as far fetched sister.” Luna said. “It could be possible something else revived Sombra. However we would have to investigate the Crystal Empire to find out for sure.” “But we can't leave Canterlot, Luna.” Celestia said. “We can't leave the ponies defenseless in our territory.” “Nor can twilight leave her territory defenseless.” Cadence said. “Your Highness...” Gideon said to Celestia. “Maybe it might be possible for Aster and I to go to the Crystal Empire with Princess Cadence to investigate?” “That sounds like a better idea.” Cadence said. “I give you permission to return with me to investigate the possibility of Sombra's return.” “You may go, but I think you shouldn't go alone.” Celestia said. “Maybe with one of Twilight's friends.” “I'll go with them Princess!” Applejack said. “No!” Twilight said. “We need you back in Ponyville to help your brother in defense of the town. I suggest Rainbow Dash should go.” “Me!? Why Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Because the Wonderbolts will have sent some ponies to help us fend off an Ursa attack or an Manticore attack. Besides you can be a great help to them with your martial arts abilities. Remember you taught Apple Bloom Karate and Kung Fu?” Twilight added. “That was to help Apple Bloom to get a cutie mark before she had to go to Diamond Tiara's cutecenara.” “It doesn't matter! You're not only the best flier to come out of Cloudsdale, but you're also a damn good fighter when it comes to hoof and hoof combat.” “You're right...” Rainbow Dash admits to being a good fighter. “I am also sending a spell caster in Twilight's place to help as well.” Celestia said. “I've sent for her and she should have been here for this meeting...” “Sorry Trixie is late Your Highness. But the Great and Powerful Trixie missed the train and had to wait over a half hour for another train to be going to Canterlot!” Cried the voice of the new arrival. The Mane Six all face hoofed when they recognized her voice. “I take you know her?” Aster asked Rarity. “You have no idea darling?” Rarity said. It was none other than the “Great” and “Powerful” Trixie Lulamoon. Who wasn't seen since she used the Alicorn Amulet and took over Ponyville for a short time out of revenge for Twilight embarrassing her. It was in fact her two stupid underlings, Snips and Snails, who told the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Who in turn wrote about her in the Foal Free Press gossip column when Diamond Tiara was editor-in-chief. Now she is back and apparently going to come along with Rainbow, Aster and Gideon. “She will go with you. Her magic is rivaled by only Twilight's. So she is the best I can offer in terms of magic.” This may or may not end well...
Prologue: The Vast Reaches of Space...Theme Song ”In the vast reaches of space, there are many mysteries left to be discovered. Some can be benevolent, and some can be malevolent. When we received that mysterious signal... We thought it was going to be nothing more than a derelict ship, or something that is benevolent and waiting to join the Pangalactic Federation. How wrong we were... Now it has become a fight for survival from an evil that is trying to destroy the entire universe and rebuild it in their own image...” -Gideon Jerand, crew member of the PFSRF Calnus III Space... in a mid 20th television show it was called the “last frontier”. Nobody could be even more right. For the Pangalactic Federation, space has become an open territory to explore for new life and to find new advanced civilizations to add to it. Though have been under developed civilizations found. These civilizations are protected by the Universal Planetary Preservation Pact. A document that prevents advanced civilizations within the Federation to interact with these under developed civilizations. As in the past it lead to an alternate Earth to be destroyed, killing everyone inhabiting it. It caused the famous hero Edge Maverick, to help write the law. But that was hundreds of years ago. The UP3 continues to be in effect to this day. As the Earth and the rest of the Federation have mapped about 75% of the Milky Way Galaxy. Hoping to explore past the galaxy into other galaxies eventually. Meanwhile the Federation continues to explore to map all 100% of the galaxy. One day near the star system of Alpha Equulei, in the Equuleus constellation, a strange signal was picked up by a Federation battle ship called the Valor. It's transmission indicates that it is not anything they have in their databanks or from any known advanced civilization known currently. “Captain we've picked up a transmission.” said the communications officer. As she sits in front of her station's console. “It's currently unknown and we can't figure out who it belongs to...” “We should go investigate it none the less.” the male Captain Arthur Castor said. “But send a recording of this transmission to Federation Command on Earth.” “Yes sir.” Three weeks later The Calnus III recon star ship dropped out of light speed warp. It's crew ready for anything to come out and ambush them. On the bridge Captain Ronyx C. Kenny and his youngest child Ensign Aster Kenny looked on the main screen of their ship. Staring at the third planet of the Alpha Equulei system. An Earth like planet where the moon isn't orbiting the planet at all. Like something has to move it around the planet itself. “What a strange planet Captain.” Aster said getting formal with her father while they were on the bridge or see together among the rest of the crew. “I've told you that I don't like you being formal with me.” Ronyx said. “But I do appreciate that you are to keep up appearances with your superior officer.” “Captain...” said the Science Officer of the Calnus III, Ensign Gideon Jerand, a Featherfolk from the planet Roak. “We don't seem to be receiving any transmissions, but this planet is weird. The moon isn't even orbiting around the planet like our moon.” “That is strange indeed Ensign Jerand.” Ronyx said. “Everyone keep an eye out for any strange transmissions.” Just then a strange object appeared on the radar at Gideon's station. “Captain something just appeared. It's heading straight for us!” “All hands report to your battle stations! Set alert to Code Yellow! We may have hostiles incoming!” The incoming object grew closer and closer. Coming at them like a bullet. The crew on the bridge finally got a good look at what took out the Valor weeks ago... It was a dark cloud... With purple lightning? “What is that?” Ronyx asked aloud. “No idea Captain!” Gideon said. His fingers went all over the keyboard of his computer. The only they could see the black cloud is from the purple lightning exploding all over it. “Target and fire at the cloud!” Ronyx ordered. Though the orders were kind of idiotic. Considering that not even plasma torpedoes or beams will just pass right through it. The crew in charge of arming the weapons did as they were ordered and opened fir with everything they had at the cloud. Surprisingly they didn't even penetrate the cloud. The cloud merely dodged all shots fired, before continuing it's charge at the Calnus III. “Keep firing!” More and more shots were fired and the cloud slimmed down to dodge them. When the cloud expanded. It grew menacing fanged teeth, green and purple eyes with red slitted pupils and a curved red horn. Then it took shape of some kind of horse head as the mouth opened wide and engulfed the entire recon ship whole. On board all hell was breaking loose as time seemed to slow down to a crawl... –- Aster opened her eyes. She yawned and shook her head clear of her blurry vision. When perfect vision was restored. She found herself laying on the floor of an old abandoned castle laying in ruin. It looked to her like it was the throne room, and someone was working to clean it up as if they were going to use it. But most of the redecoration was destroyed by what Aster assumed was some kind of war that raged nearby recently. She looked around and saw Gideon investigating the throne room with his camera. Taking pictures and analyzing the ruins. “Oh hey you're awake.” he said before walking over to her and sitting down next to her. He flipped through the pictures on his camera. One such picture was of a winged unicorn statue in what is the library. Thousands of books were found to be located there. Suggesting they landed on a planet that is under developed. 'Where are we? What has happened to the rest of the crew? Did they escape the destruction of the Calnus?” Aster kept asking Gideon questions as he examined the pictures he took of the ruins. “Are you listening?” Aster asked. “Sorry!” Gideon puts his camera on the floor to acknowledge Aster. “I have no clue where we are, what happened to your father and the rest of the crew. I don't know anything beyond grabbing you and taking you to an escape shuttle as per your father's orders. You were knocked out during the attack, and as we escaped our shuttle crash landed in this alien forest. I found these ruins and brought you here while I explored this place.” “Find anything interesting?” “Yeah definitely interesting.” Gideon showed on picture to Aster. It was a star system globe of some kind. Only with five stone spheres with one larger stone sphere in the center. “I thought this was a map of the entire Alpha Equulei star system. But there is only three planets orbiting around Alpha Equulei, and this is the only one inhabited with life, last time I checked before we were attacked. Then I found this weird broken statue of a winged unicorn in the ruins library. It is some kind of strange equine creature. I don't know what it is but from the library filled with old books written in an alien language that the universal translator wasn't needed. I'd say we landed on an under developed planet.” “Alien language that the Universal Translator on our com units wasn't needed?” Aster asked. “Yeah it was like English. Yet it couldn't be English... English is an Earth language, being taught on every planet of the Federation.” “Weird...” Aster said. “You think we should get out of here and investigate. It's starting to get dark out...” Within the span of a few minutes, the sun sets and the moon rises, signaling night. The two Federation officers were literally in the dark. Until Gideon pulled a lantern from his pack only a few feet away. Once they had light they decided to leave the ruins and explore their new surroundings. Though first they should be properly equipped in case they are attacked. Luckily their shuttle has a machine to create any item they would need on any planet, and it was close to the ruins too. So it was best that they create simple weapons like a sword for Gideon, and a pair of cestus gauntlets for Aster. “Okay we should get weapons for us to defend ourselves.” Gideon said. “Something primitive in case we're on an under developed planet.” “Sounds good to me...” Aster said. Gideon created a longsword for him to wield, a weapon he is familiar with on his home planet of Roak. He used a wooden sword for training or to fend off Lesser Fellpools that tried to eat him. For his friend and comrade, he created a pair of titanium gauntlets. These to gauntlets were sturdy and strong, they even had a little mechanical device installed that will bring out metal claws. Once both were armed, they were going to explore the forest and find some civilization. That is if they didn't hear a loud roar coming from some bushes nearby, showing yellow menacing eyes as the creature was slowly making it's way out from it's hiding spot, to pounce on the two humanoids...
Chapter 1: Introductions Are In OrderThe creature reveals itself. It is a large, ugly Ursa Major. A creature made out of magical energy, it's body contains the constellation Ursa Major, hence the name. Ursa Majors are known to be protective of their young, the Ursa Minors. However this Ursa Major is no where near it's nest. So the reason for attacking the two Federation officers is unknown. “Aster, let's do this...” Both humanoids sprang into action. Aster unlocked the metal claws on her gauntlets to do some heavy damage to the Ursa Major. “X Claw!” Aster cries out before leaping into the air, both gauntlets poised to strike. “Rising Blade!” Gideon cries out. Before their weapons could connect with the Ursa Major, a certain purple alicorn pony arrived without the humanoids' knowledge. The alicorn summoned a freeze spell, her horn glows a vivid purple light, as the spell engulfed the two humans and Ursa Major. “What the hell?” Gideon said, as he moves his eyes to focus on the recent arrival. “A living winged unicorn?” “There is no need for that...” the alicorn said. “Ursa Majors aren't really violent nor will attack without reason. They're more defensive of their cubs, the Ursa Minors, and their homes. This Ursa Major isn't anywhere near a cave. So comes to the conclusion that it is probably hunting or feels threatened from the meteor crash. Which I can conclude you two were inside your alien ship that crashed in the Everfree Forest.” Just then the Ursa Major broke through the spell, as it's eyes turned completely black and it's pupils turned a frightening glowing red. It now was free to harm anything within range and it just so happened that the only thing was two humanoids, and a purple alicorn. It chose to attack the alicorn, as it was the being that trapped it in that spell in the first place. The alicorn quickly released Aster and Gideon, to help her take down the Ursa Major. “Help me take this Ursa Major down without killing it!” the alicorn. Aster knew she was the only one to do the job without killing the Ursa Major. She retracted the claws on her gauntlets and brought her right arm back to deliver a powerful attack to knock out the Ursa Major in one blow. “SHOOTING STARS!” Aster throws her punch and instead of her fist connecting with the Ursa Major's belly, as it stood on it's hind legs to crush the alicorn. Her fist fires multiple blue chi strikes against the magical bear. The blows connect with it's belly, and knocks it down and out like a light. A black crystal then comes out of the Ursa Major's body, and shatters into a million of sand grain pieces. The bear creature wakes up and flees into the forest to find it's cub. Gideon and Aster faced the alicorn, as the alicorn walked into view of them. There they saw the “winged unicorn” in all of it's glory. It is a lavender purple mare, with a dark purple mane and tail that has a pink streak to both. On the alicorn's head was a gold tiara crown with five amethyst gemstones embedded on it. “Who are you two and what are you?” the alicorn mare asked. “My names is Gideon Jerand, I am a Featherfolk from Roak.” Gideon said. “I'm Aster R, Kenny. I am a human from Earth.” Aster said. “But what exactly are you?” “I am a alicorn, one of four rulers in this kingdom called Equestria. You may call me Princess Twilight Sparkle...”
Chapter 2: Let's Go and Meet the PrincessesAster and Gideon sat on the train going to the capitol city of Equestria, Canterlot... Both received a lot of glares from other ponies of the three different races: earth, pegasus and unicorn. To both officers it was something out of a fairy tale book. But for Twilight and her friends that accompanied the trio. It was reality. Aster looked over Twilight's friends. A composition of the three races of pony. Fluttershy, a shy and kind yellow pegasus with a pink mane and tail. Applejack an orange earth pony with blonde mane and tail. Rarity, the white unicorn fashionista with a purple-ish blue mane and tail. Pinkie Pie, a pink earth pony with a fluffy pink mane and tail. Finally there is Rainbow Dash, the cyan blue pegasus with a rainbow colored mane and tail. All eight of them sat in Twilight's private train car as their journey to Canterlot, which is supposed to be taking at least half an hour trip to reach. All was silent as Twilight and Rainbow Dash were reading a different book than the other. Rainbow is reading a new Daring Do book, while Twilight is reading a book on extraterrestrials. Fluttershy was sleeping with her pet rabbit Angel, Rarity was going over some of her fashion designs for her next line, and Applejack is actually laying on her seat quietly. No one is talking. Aster and Gideon felt uncomfortable in this situation. Their minds screaming “Please say something!” “FINAL STOP: CANTERLOT!” came the cry of the conductor. It was finally time to disembark the train and head over to the Royal Palace. For Twilight, the letter she received from Princess Celestia, concerns the Mane Six and the two aliens Twilight found in the Everfree Forest. A grave matter that required them to travel on such short notice. “Well... Let's see what Princess Celestia wants.” Rainbow Dash said. Finally breaking the silence. –- “I called all of you here to explain what has been going on in Equestria for a while now.” Celestia said. Luna and Cadence stood next to Celestia as she cleared her throat. “It seems darkness is once again trying to take over this kingdom.” “Isn't always?” Rainbow Dash grumbled under her breath. “However this new threat has started in secret for some time. Ever since Tirek's defeat, wild animals from all over Equestria has become mysteriously violent against the ponies of this kingdom. Without even a simple reason for their strange behavior.” “Could this have anything to do with the Ursa Major that attacked these two last night?” Twilight motioned at Aster and Gideon. “It would seem so Twilight.” Celestia said grimly. “It seems something is causing these animals, magical or otherwise to become brave enough to leave their homes to attack ponies outright.” “when we fought that Ursa Major last night Your Highness.” Gideon said. “A strange black crystal came out of it once it was knocked out by Aster. It only hovered in the air for a few seconds before shattering into very tiny pieces.” “A black crystal...? The only pony we know of that would use black crystals with dark magic is King Sombra, but he has been slain by my niece Cadence.” “What if Sombra somehow managed to reform and revive himself after his previous defeat?” Aster asked. “It could be possible that he has powerful dark magic to resurrect from the dead.” “That isn't as far fetched sister.” Luna said. “It could be possible something else revived Sombra. However we would have to investigate the Crystal Empire to find out for sure.” “But we can't leave Canterlot, Luna.” Celestia said. “We can't leave the ponies defenseless in our territory.” “Nor can twilight leave her territory defenseless.” Cadence said. “Your Highness...” Gideon said to Celestia. “Maybe it might be possible for Aster and I to go to the Crystal Empire with Princess Cadence to investigate?” “That sounds like a better idea.” Cadence said. “I give you permission to return with me to investigate the possibility of Sombra's return.” “You may go, but I think you shouldn't go alone.” Celestia said. “Maybe with one of Twilight's friends.” “I'll go with them Princess!” Applejack said. “No!” Twilight said. “We need you back in Ponyville to help your brother in defense of the town. I suggest Rainbow Dash should go.” “Me!? Why Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Because the Wonderbolts will have sent some ponies to help us fend off an Ursa attack or an Manticore attack. Besides you can be a great help to them with your martial arts abilities. Remember you taught Apple Bloom Karate and Kung Fu?” Twilight added. “That was to help Apple Bloom to get a cutie mark before she had to go to Diamond Tiara's cutecenara.” “It doesn't matter! You're not only the best flier to come out of Cloudsdale, but you're also a damn good fighter when it comes to hoof and hoof combat.” “You're right...” Rainbow Dash admits to being a good fighter. “I am also sending a spell caster in Twilight's place to help as well.” Celestia said. “I've sent for her and she should have been here for this meeting...” “Sorry Trixie is late Your Highness. But the Great and Powerful Trixie missed the train and had to wait over a half hour for another train to be going to Canterlot!” Cried the voice of the new arrival. The Mane Six all face hoofed when they recognized her voice. “I take you know her?” Aster asked Rarity. “You have no idea darling?” Rarity said. It was none other than the “Great” and “Powerful” Trixie Lulamoon. Who wasn't seen since she used the Alicorn Amulet and took over Ponyville for a short time out of revenge for Twilight embarrassing her. It was in fact her two stupid underlings, Snips and Snails, who told the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Who in turn wrote about her in the Foal Free Press gossip column when Diamond Tiara was editor-in-chief. Now she is back and apparently going to come along with Rainbow, Aster and Gideon. “She will go with you. Her magic is rivaled by only Twilight's. So she is the best I can offer in terms of magic.” This may or may not end well...
