//-------------------------------------------------------// Sapphire Glow: A New Day? -by Princess Sapphire- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1: The Council //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1: The Council     Around six hundred years before the banishment of Nightmare Moon. Celestia and Luna were still getting used to their new roles as princesses. So they placed, Equestria under six different lords and mares. They are: Keeper of the forest to the north, “Silent Flock.” Guardian of the Desert, “Rough Ground.” Pegasus Champion and protector of the air, “Brave Buster.” Keeper of almighty secrets, “Star Swirl the Bearded.” The mayor of the Ponies, “Sapphire Glow.” While the other areas of the kingdom, the Princesses took direct command of, these were: The Ever-free forest, and plains around it.    Most ponies thought highly of these Lords, but not of Sapphire glow, due to her young age because of this she had to impose her position of power, and she became more than just a little corrupt.     It was an early morning in the city of Canterhoof, (Later changed to Canterlot), and Sapphire was getting ready to head to the office. When she heard shouting outside her “Small” Manor. “Come out you fiend,” “Give us our rights back you witch,” the shouting was loudly announcing. Shocked at why her people would say these things about her, she took her time to get ready. Then, proceeded to the entrance, after opening the door she noticed that every pony from the city has gathered here. She collected herself and shouted in a loud but, elegant manor, “ALL PONIES WHO DISAGREE WITH THE LAW WILL BE PUNISHED, I WILL ONLY accept complaints while in my office so, BE GONE YOU PEONS!”     The other lords have taken notice to the issue in her town, but they cannot do anything on what she is doing. Since the others live, and control other areas of Equestria. The only way is to get the princesses involved, but how would they do that when they're too busy dealing with the “Chaos void” that is coming close to Equestria.  But most of them agree that she needs to be put in her place, yet the Idea of doing that would be evil, and could damage the infrastructure of Equestria, if she was eliminated from power. Knowing they had no other choice they made an emergency meeting of the lords, to deal with the Chaos threat. The lord thought if they could remove Sapphire Glow from power, by sending her at the chaos.     “Miss Sapphire,” A young attendant of hers said quickly. “An emergency meeting has been called to deal with the chaos threat, which you are required to attend.” Now this is something that Sapphire Glow was interested in since she had to vote since the princesses aren't present. Which likely means they will vote against her, due to her supposed corruption.  Sapphire with her classic voice simply said, “Take me there.” The attendant, quickly nodded and at a quickened rate they reached, Sapphire's conference hall. “They are waiting,” the attendant had stated as she left. Sapphire willing to get this over with, went inside, and sat in a circle are the five other lords. “Be seated,” said Brave Buster, the Pegasus commander, and obviously not saying please due to this being a formal event. “We are here to discuss and vote on the ongoing threat of the chaos vortex, which has been on Equestria's borders for months now. We are required to take a defensive stance, or does one of us go to it and find what the issue is.” Said the one who always appears to be in charge since of his mastery of magic, Star Swirl the Bearded. After hours of debate of what they should do and who to send, they came on a majority. Star Swirl gave the Verdict, “Sapphire Glow, as one of the most powerful of us, you have been chosen to, go to the chaos vortex and figure out what is, going on. Dismissed.”     Having a small fit along her way she made it to the western edge of Equestria. Where she could see the chaos vortex. It looked like a storm with random faces and eyes popping out. With her most powerful attack she tried to hit the storm. But it simply laughed, Sapphire in rage yelled, “What are you, anyway!” The cloud answered with precision, “I'm Discord, embodiment of all chaos in the world, come for you're precious Equestria.” But before Sapphire could say anything, she vanished. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2: A New World //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2: A New World “Hello, anyone in there, we have some sweet treats for you.” A sweet voice in the background said. “Maybe she’s a zombie pony,” What sounded like a small colt talking. “No, Spike she’s seems just exhausted, she’ll be fine.” Another voice, but more calm and relaxed, we should take her to the Hospital they will take better care of her then we can. Slowly Sapphire too tired to move was helpless, to be picked up and taken by lesser ponies, to a hospital.     After a few hours she awoke, and noticed that the room she was in, was a sterile white with some colored curtains. Also, Sapphire had seen the necklace she must wear on the table next to her. After some time she got a grip, got off the bed and used some levitation to put the necklace back on. When suddenly, a light yellow colored Pegasus entered the room. Noticing that Sapphire was awake, she ran away. In what Sapphire could think was yelling, though very quietly.  When the staff heard this, they ran to Sapphires room, entering and seeing if the patient was alright.     Doctor Star Gazer, is what was written on the earth pony that spoke, “What are you doing up, you were supposed to be exhausted.” Sapphire not hearing the common “M'l Lady” or my lady. Sapphire calmly decreed, “Why do you not call me, lady, you do know who I am, yes?” All the ponies simply nodded no. By this, she was appalled how no pony could not know who she is, “Very well, I'm Sapphire Glow, Guardian of Canterhoof and Lady of its realm. Appointed by her Majesty Princess Celestia, and Princess Luna. Now please bow, and address me as my lady or something more formal.” Sapphire said this, while not noticing that there was an Alicorn standing in the room with them. Noticing that the group truly cared for her safety, she wanted to control all including those who she helped. Twilight slowly began to notice the resemblance to a book she read about, ancient Equestria. “Your Sapphire Glow!! Awesome it’s the ‘Lady’ who was lost after a journey to deal with a Chaos cloud.” Said the purple Alicorn that was standing in what looked like awe in the back. With an expression of more confusion then anything Sapphire nodded, “It seems you know who I am, you are a princess if I am not mistaken. Since only royalty are eligible to be an Alicorn.” "So, we should probably take you to the princess and tell her that your alright," elegantly stated Rarity. "That would be most kind" Sapphire had calmly said, as she got up. To herself she thought, ' they don't know who their true ruler is, it will be me!'      The group gathered, deciding it was for the best they would take her to Canterlot, and to the Princess they may find this interesting. Especially since the book mentioned she was one of the most trusted advisers of the royal court. Even if a little insane and bossy.  “To get to Canterlot we must head to the train station at about 8:00 in the morning. You can stay in my place, dear.” Stated who Sapphire learned was Rarity. “Thank you, my kind subjects.” Sapphire tried to do more of a kind voice though almost failed. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3: Blue Dust's Quest //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3: Blue Dust's Quest “What do you mean Sapphire hasn’t come back yet?” Speaks a sad looking though very happy Starswirl the Bearded. “Yeah she hasn’t come back for a few days now, and it’s not that far really.” Rough Ground said. Near when all the ponies said “umm” Starswirl came up with an idea, “We’ll need to find a replacement then…… I know how about me I have no other duties for a while and until we find someone more qualified it would be a good idea. All in favor, say I!” The council room howls, “I.” With only one who said, “Nay” being Sapphires attendant, who is sitting in for Sapphire. “This is an outrage, how can you declare her missing so early on we don’t know what actually happened out there.” Sapphire’s attendant Blue Dust cried. “I have sent Brave Buster to go search for her, and he is the fastest flyer in the entire kingdom, if he doesn’t find her no one can. Suggest you sit down, Miss Dust you are here simply on courtesy you don’t have any power to make demands.” Starswirl stated with a small grin. Now this was when Blue Dust had enough, she took drastic measures in saying what only Sapphire would dare say to the council. “F@&* that, you know as well as I, that she is one of the most powerful unicorns in Equestria, and if you disagree fine, I’ll just take it to the princesses.” “You can’t do that, they aren’t back from they’re trip yet,” Said one of the ponies that are watching, the meeting.  That just made her angrier, after that she stormed out of the council chambers to get ready for a long and dangerous journey to the outskirts of the Badlands. “Water check, Light weight equestrian chain mail check, Most of Lady Sapphire’s expensive goods (Which were few) check.” Soundly as Blue Dust checks through a check list, which was the very first one she made, “It looks like I have everything I need to get going, I hope my Lady Sapphire comes home soon.” Hesitantly sending herself off to Badlands which are around a 20 days walk from here, Sapphires looks with hope towards finding the Princesses before it’s too late. Right after Blue Dust left, she just had to get some sweets, her sweet tooth was immense and she knew that she would, never be able to make it without her favorite cookies. So after buying 3 dozen cookies she went on her way. Blue Dust started her trek towards the southern forest, where she would begin her search at the castle of the Princesses, if they were not there she would continue her way towards 'The Bad Lands.' The castle was almost empty, with the exception of a few spiders and snakes there was almost nothing in the castle. Since the castle was safe enough she decided to camp out for the night. What she didn’t know was that, she was being watched and followed all through the night. On foot even with her best spell, “Quick Hoof,” she only made it to a large open prairie like area, with small bushes and critters in four days. This meant she was going ever so closer to the rocky desert, where the mountains laid close. For her this felt like she wasn’t making any progress since, she hasn’t encountered the Princesses yet, and hasn’t found any trace of Sapphire. “If I can’t find the princesses, Sapphire might as well never come back…. But I can’t give up now even if I haven’t come very far.” This is what sapphire kept thinking in her mind as she travelled across the flat land, as the stranger kept getting closer and closer to her. Until Blue Dust grew tired of walking at a pace that some couldn’t even run, she set up camp and noticed the figure that was following her. Thinking it was someone of either great importance or even just lost, she asked where she saw the shadow. “Would you like to come sit down and have a bite to eat?” The Shadow confused since its stalked prey was now asking it if it was hungry, it came out this was a small but very cute fox, which simply wanted some food. At night the fox began to stir from its slumber near Blue Dust and decided to go search for that delicious smelling food that was emanating from her bag. It found the cookies that Blue Dust had kept and scurried off after eating them. In the morning she awoke to find the fox gone and all of her favorite cookies. ‘Why is life so cruel’ she ponders. Now she is even more in a hurry casting “Quick Hoof as fast and as powerful as she can muster. At this pace she thought, “I could reach the badlands at any time now.’ Around three days pass, and Blue dust makes it to the outskirts of the Badlands, now this was a problem since it is quite well known that dragons like to gather near here. So she calmly made it across the rocky crags. Finally with her breath almost extinguished she finds two, blue and white figures with manes that rival the sun and moons beauty. Now most of this is because she was exhausted from all the running she had to do to get here. They were actually two young dragons that were looking for a meal, and Blue Dust calls to them, the Dragons now have a new meal. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4: The day that Canterlot Bowed //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4: The day that Canterlot Bowed Slowly following Twilight and co. Sapphire learns that their group is extremely intertwined and had helped each other gain trust in on another. That was the final thing she needed to know, other than what the hell is what she was on this second. “Excuse me Princess, but what are we on anyway?” Questioned Sapphire due to her lack of knowledge. Twilight said, “We are on a train, it’s a means of travel faster than walking or running. Also you don’t have to call me princess just call me, Twilight.” “Oh thank you Prn…” Stopping herself she rethought that statement, “Twilight” On the Train as the company called it. Sapphire pondered, while she was worried what happened while she was gone and are the ponies in disarray. While these thoughts came to her Twilight came in and said, “It’s time for some shut eye we will be there in the morning, but you will be sleeping near the front of the train, I hope it isn’t very loud.” “It’ll be fine, besides it won’t be that bad,” Sapphire responded.  She was right for the most part it was actually quite soothing to hear the train go across the tracks and she fell asleep quite quickly. Arriving in the morning, Sapphire noticed the major differences from when she was in charge to now. These ponies appear stuck up, and all live in heavily painted homes. As they were walking she accidentally bumped into one of the richer ponies. “Excuse me sir,” Sapphire tried in a calm voice though almost panicking. Yet the pony simply said in a very uniform manor, “More from the outback, you aren’t worth our time.”  That pony reminded Sapphire on how much of a jerk the council was, no wonder she swore at them so much. Making their way through Canterlot at a very slow pace, since of Sapphire stopping almost every 25 seconds making a new observation and running into some form of trouble, weather be the royal guard, Rich ponies or otherwise. She simply said she was travelling with the princess and they dropped it. This gave more and more reason for her to stay with them and control them. They made it to the castle, it was about the same size as the one in the South Eastern Forest. They went in with little difficulty except for Sapphire who the guards did not recognize. With one word from Twilight though it was sorted out that she was here as a guest. Walking with an escort to the Throne Room. Sapphire realized that this would be the first time she actually see the princesses. Yes she was appointed but she was appointed through a messenger who eventually became her attendant, Blue Dust. The princess sat on her throne and next to her was Luna. After exchanging greetings twilight said, “Celestia, I have someone who would like to meet you.” In the most kind but disciplined manor you could ever get Celestia said, “Well who is it” “Her name is Sapphire Glow I hope you recognize her she was once one of your attendants. Come on there’s no reason that you can’t talk to her face to face.” Sapphire walked slowly and in awe at the most amazing pony she has ever seen. Looking at her and her sister both being majestic in nature and with flowing manes. When she came to a stop she bowed and said to them, “How may I be of service to your Majesties.”  After hearing the voice Celestia didn’t recognize her, but Luna noticed since she has been inside her dreams very often. Luna spoke up, “Please stand.” While sapphire was getting up Luna leaned over to her sister and said that this to her, “She was your chosen acolyte that was in charge of Canterlot.” Her sister responded, “Which one before the convergence we had two who ruled right.” “Yes, sister but she was the first one that the council sent to that, vortex.” After a long discussion and extremely one sided conversation from Luna to get her sister up to speed. They gave Sapphire quarters, while Twilight and Co. slept in the spare Princess Rooms, 3 in each. Though once night broke she heard the positions of guards changing. Since this was what she believed was her special talent.  As the guards moved Sapphire wanted to take a look around the castle being able to study exploits she could use to get around without, anyone noticing. She was almost caught on some occasions, but since the guards were almost complete and udder idiots. Sapphire was able to distract them somehow. Actually at almost sun up which was her normal time she went to sleep, for her 22 hour work day. As the sun came up the mane seven were called to the throne room yet again. “Sapphire Glow,” Princess Celestia called, “So you just woke up here right?” Sapphire responded, “Uhh... Yes your Highness.” “We do require proof that….” Before celestia could even finish Sapphire said, “The proof is the Amulet that shows what jurisdiction I controlled, and the name is engraved on it, as well only the wearer can schoose what it looks like and who can wear it.” Celestia was amazed at her memory, “So we hereby, give you over to Princess Twilight to be your mentor during these new times.” At this decision Twilight who was a little shocked, simply in a calm almost sterile voice said, “Alright I will do my best.” Celestia began anew, “Sapphire I hereby return the title of Baroness to you as aid and consultant to the monarchial powers.” Sapphire astonished at what just happened she thought it would take months maybe even years to get a title, no wonder the ponies loved her so much. Sapphire’s new mentor Twilight sigh in relief, as she stated to Sapphire, “That went better than expected, we should probably get back to Ponyville now.” Sapphire was astonished that a Royal would live in such a rural place, she said, “You don’t live here, isn’t this the place where royalty live?” Twilight not surprised one bit the reaction, “No, it’s not just me who doesn’t live in Canterlot, Princess Cadence doesn’t either.” Sapphire just nodded knowing there was much she would need to know before trying to command anyone. But as they left for Ponyville she pondered, how hard could it be to manipulate Twilight after learning a little more about her. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5: Dragons and Peace //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5: Dragons and Peace Dragons: Creatures of unforeseen power and strength, and what is more immortality. They age faster through their greed, it has been known that some Dragons can slowly get older and retain their skill with speech. Yet most dragons, including the ones that are about to make dinner out of Blue Dust. Got there age through greed. It also has not been shown how much or what kind of Dragon depends with greed, but most Dragons that are considered Teens, have a decent size pile, and most of them are flightless. “Hey, Ron.” Said one of the Dragons to the other, “What is it Rick?” “How do you want to eat this pony she looks so fluffy.” Rick stated, and Ron responded. “Let’s make a stew, it will last us a while.” Rick argued, “NO I want a nice pile of Pony pancakes.” “PONY PANCKAES!? Are you bonkers?” While the argument continued and less and less focus was toward Blue Dust as she awoke. Using a considered telekinesis spell. She escaped, running ever deeper into the Bad Lands. Once they noticed she was gone, it was far too late. “You let her escape!!” “No you did,” And thus their argument continued. “That was too close, I better watch out the next time I run into more Dragons.” Blue Dust gasps out. Quietly and quickly going ever deeper into the Badlands hoping to find the two Princesses of on Royal duty. She quickened her pace where she could trying her best to avoid any Dragons that might want a snack. Blue Dust was hungry especially after all that talk of food. If she could find them maybe they will give her something to eat. What she didn’t know was that the Princesses were in a little trouble as well, since they are in the Badlands to speak with the Leader of the Dragon migration. Since after the last Migration, the dragons stopped in the middle of a town and ate most of the Ponies living there. Democracy didn’t work, intimidation, especially with magic, didn’t work they’re out of idea. Until Luna came up with a trump card, Greed. Luna in her expressed voice, “WE THEN COME TO THOU WITH A NEW PROPOSITION, WE GIVE THOU, ALL THE GOLD AND JEWELS THAT WE CARRY IN EXCHANGE, THY MUST NOT STOP UNTIL REACHING THY LAND. DO THOU AGREE?” Once he heard gems it was over the princesses have won, since in exchange for all gold and gems they carried, they had to sacrifice their crowns as well. They began their return to Equestria, slightly more humble and wise because of it. Blue Dust walking and sort of jogging pace she slowly tired out deciding to set up a small camp for the night along what she called the princes way, since it wasn’t littered with bones like the rest of this Celestia forsaken landscape. Later at night she noticed the lack of Dragons coming her way. Likely since this maybe the same path the princesses took to get to their destination. She went to sleep keeping what she could of the fire lit since there was no Dragons in the area. Luna noticed, over in the distance a light, that was emanating along the path they had taken. So after debating it would be easier to sleep there and at the proper time get up. Once the two reached the camp, they noticed it was a young pony that they didn’t know.  Luna and Celestia went to sleep, and setting a spell known as Time Lock in place, to wake Celestia up at the time she needed to raise the sun. When the Time lock Spell went off Celestia and Luna got up, and lowered the moon, as well as raised the Sun.  Sapphire got up to the noise of some commotion, starting to think that more Dragons have trapped her, she started to cast, a restraining spell. ‘The spell is only as strong as the will to capture them, though more exhausting.’ Celestia and Luna noticed that their new companion has awoken. Celestia noticed the spell and quietly asked her to stop it. ‘Dragons don’t know when a pony is using magic right,’ Blue Dust thought to herself. Stopping the spell, she finally awoke, noticing two figures, one white coat, and a beautiful mane, and the other with a Dark Blue coat, and star-lit hair. They began to speak, “We are Princess, Celestia and Princess Luna, royal sisters of Equestria.” After hearing that she immediately bowed to them. Though she noticed they didn’t have crowns. “If you don’t mind me asking, why don’t you have your crowns?”   Blue Dust tried to ask kindly, though the stress of the long journey was apparent. Princess Celestia spoke with the royal “we,” she said, “We made a deal with the Dragons to have none of them, randomly eat our ponies. During the dragon migration, and the deal was to give all the gold and gems we had, that included, our crowns.” Luna continued her statement, “We have thou tried to make a more favourable deal, though thy dragons are rather … Stubborn.” Blue Dust realizing that no others would speak like this, spoke out to them, “Your majesties, your Royal attendant that you placed in charge of Canterhoof is now missing. I was her attendant Blue Dust.”  Celestia took notice, “Who is the pony you speak of, my dear?” Continuing, “She was sent to investigate a Chaos vortex that gathered, at the far reaches to the west, and she hasn’t returned since. All I know is the council is a foolish, mess believing my lady to be dead. "Please you must help me, that is why I came this far.” Celestia turned to Luna, they both saw the same, one young mare that wanted to save her master. “Therefore we should return to Canterhoof immediately, to speak with the council.” Blue Dust couldn’t contain her happiness, on the way back, but she wasn’t out of the woods yet, the most dangerous adventure awaited her in the near future, Politics.