Eternal Darkness

Chapters

Prologue
Vortex
Cloudchaser Of Manehattan
A History Lesson
Journeys Begin

Prologue

A long time ago, before the world was created, there was Chaos. Chaos ruled the universe and from Chaos came Cronos. Cronos was lord of space and time, and made sure both space and time were as confusing as Chaos wished it to be. Chaos was corrupted by the power he wielded and turned evil, making the inhabitants of the universe suffer.

But for Chaos to exist, Order must also exist. And from Order came the goddess Gaia. Gaia was taught by Order to be gentle and kind, and so she became the goddess of love and earth. Order herself wished for the universe to be freed from the grasp of Chaos, at least partly, but would not fight. She instead sent her daughter out to care for the many worlds of the universe. However all the worlds in the universe were entirely corrupted by Chaos, and so Gaia set out to free them, one by one. Every world she visited she treated the inhabitants with grace and kindness, and taught them the way of Order. Slowly Chaos and Order began to balance each other out. Chaos saw this and was not happy. So he sent his son out to stop Gaia and return the worlds she had visited to Chaos.

Yet when Cronos met Gaia he saw in her a peace he had never felt before, and she saw in him a wildness she had never experienced. So the two fell in love and left their feuding parents behind. They fled to an obscure part of the universe and using Cronos's Chaos created Equestria. Gaia populated it with the ponies using her Order, and they watched over their creation for many years.

But Chaos had gained back all the power Gaia had stole from him by turning the worlds to Order, and was furiously searching for the two. When he found them he corrupted Equestria, which had been made using the powers his son had inherited from him. Seeing the danger their creation was in, Cronos and Gaia took mortal form in order to come down to Equestria. They fended off Chaos and united the ponies of Equestria. They ruled for many years and a Golden Age came over the land. It was during this time that they birthed their two children, Luna and Celestia. This is their tale.

Vortex

"Mooooooom, Celestia won't play with me!" the dark blue filly whined, dashing into her parents room. Her mother looked up, a soft smile gracing her kind features at the sight of her youngest daughter.

"I'm sure she has her reasons, Luna dear," the Queen responded softly. Luna snuggled into her mother, peering up at her with large, puppy dog eyes. Luna always thought of her mother as beautiful. She had a long green mane that flowed and shimmered. Luna always hoped that someday her mane would become like that. Right now, however, she was distracted by thoughts of her sister shooing her away like a bug.

"She does not! She's just being a meanie!" Luna pouted, flopping her hindquarters to the floor.

"Now Luna, I'm sure your sister will play when she has time. Can't you find something to do by yourself?" a different, deeper voice came from the doorway Luna herself had entered just a minute ago. The filly looked up eagerly as her father trotted into the room. She looked more like him then her mother, what with the dark mane and fur. She jumped up and ran over to the King, slamming into his legs.

"Now, Luna, don't hurt your father," her mother teased gently, slowly following her daughter to greet her husband.

"Oh, Gaia, I think she broke my leg. I might not be able to make it to that banquet," Cronos groaned, collapsing to the floor in fake pain.

"Oh, really? I suppose you won't be able to have any blueberry tarts then. Such a shame," Gaia sighed.

"My my, would you look at that? I seem to be suddenly better!" the King replied in mock amazement.

"It's a miracle," the Queen said dryly. Annoyed at being ignored by her parents, Luna began hopping up and down in between them.

"Mom, when will I get my cutie mark?" Luna asked, pausing for a moment to peer at her blank flank. Gaia glanced over at her husband before responding.

"When you find out what makes you special, my little pony," Gaia said softly. Cronos trotted over to stand next to his wife and she leaned against him, letting out a sigh of contentment. Luna wrinkled her nose at the lovey dovey scene, but was soon distracted by the cutie marks on her parents flanks. Her mother had the entire world of Equestria and her father had an hourglass surrounded by stars.

"So what do yours mean? What makes you special?" Luna asked, curious. She saw her parents share a look before answering her question.

"We'll tell you someday, when you're older," her father said gently. Luna stuck out her tongue at him and was just about to retort when another voice interrupted them.

"There you are, Luna. When you ran off earlier I was worried you'd get into some sort of trouble," Celestia sounded more like Gaia, soft and gentle. Luna took after Cronos more, in her coloring and tone of voice.

"I don't need you to look after me Celestia. I'm not a baby," Luna said, turning her face away from her sister. Celestia rolled her eyes and trotted up to the trio standing there.

"Sure, that's why you came whining to Mom and Dad when I was too busy to play with you," Celestia replied sarcastically. Luna hmphed and stuck her tongue out at her sister.

"Not babyish at all."

"Mom, tell Celestia to stop calling me a baby!"

"Now, Celestia, be nicer to your sister."

"But she was the one whining about it! She came here to rat me out!"

"She just wanted to play with you," Cronos interjected, looking down at his daughter kindly. Celestia simply sighed, then turned to Luna with a look of defeat on her face.

"What do you wanna play?" the white filly asked with another sigh. Luna immediately perked up, bouncing towards the door. Celestia followed at a more sedate pace, a grudging look on her face.

"They are so much like you," Gaia murmured, watching her two daughters leave. The King and Queen turned away from the door and towards the window.

"Oh no, I definitely see more of you in them. Or at least Celestia," Cronos quietly responded. The two leaned against each other in silence for a moment before Cronos broke it.

"Shouldn't we tell them soon where we came from? They'll need to know," Cronos commented, almost absent mindedly as he stared out the window.

"Let's just wait a little bit longer. They don't need to bear that load just yet," Gaia answered quietly, worry filling her gentle eyes. Cronos looked over at his wife and nuzzled her shoulder.

"It will all be okay, I'm sure of it." Gaia smiled up at her husband and the two stood there in peaceful, companionable silence. Meanwhile, Luna was dashing through the hallways of the castle, followed by her slow moving sister. Several times the younger filly had to stop and wait for her older sibling.

"Will you hurry up Celestia? At this rate it'll be nighttime before we even make it outside," Luna huffed in annoyance.

"I thought you liked the night," Celestia replied, carefully keeping to the side of the hallway. Luna rolled her eyes at Celestia's caution.

"Yeah, but Mom always makes me go to bed. We'll have no time to play. Now come ON!" Luna shouted the last word in frustration. Celestia paused for a moment to glare at Luna, before starting to walk again. She picked up the pace slightly, but still stuck to the wall like glue. She knew that as oldest sibling she'd be the one to someday rule, but she just couldn't get used to the idea. To walk down the middle of these halls and have everyone bow out of her way? To know that she owned this place, that she was one and only Queen? She didn't think she could ever do that. Maybe she could just let Luna rule instead. Luna had the confidence, and the energy, to be Queen. Celestia was just sure that somehow a mistake had been made, and that she wasn't meant to be Queen.

"Finally," Luna groaned as they reached a door to a courtyard. She bounced through, squinting at the sunny sky. Celestia trotted through the doorway after Luna, luxuriating in the warmth the sun brought. Luna whirled on her sister, haunches up and grinning widely. Celestia sighed and rolled her eyes, fighting back a smile at her sisters playfulness.

"Okay, you be the the damsel is distress," Luna directed. Celestia just shook her head before putting a hoof to her forehead.

"Oh no, oh my! Ohhhhhh, will someone please help me!" Celestia wailed. Luna paused for a second to make a face at her sisters over the top acting before striking a heroic pose.

"I shall save you, Princess!" Luna thundered. Celestia held back a giggle, but kept playing along.

"Oh, but you could never defeat the ferocious dragon guarding me!" Celestia cried out in a high pitched voice.

"Where is this slimy creature? I'll tear it apart piece by piece!" Luna shouted, glaring around for her 'enemy'.

"Umm, I'd say r-right th-there!" Celestia gasped, dropping the falsetto, eyes widening. Luna stared at her sister for a moment before slowly turning.

"C-Celestia, what's that?" Luna asked, her voice a whisper. She was talking about the shadow circling the sky. Celestia grabbed her sister's shoulder with one hoof and dragged her back towards the doorway.

"Get inside now, Luna," Celestia directed, her voice hard. After a moment Luna turned and dashed inside, closely followed by Celestia.

"W-What do we do?" Luna gasped, pressing against her sister as a troop of Guards rushed by. Celestia looked down at her terrified sibling and spread a wing protectively over her.

"Let's go find Mom and Dad," Celestia murmured, trying to make her voice as soothing as possible. She began to slip down the halls, Luna sticking to her side and shaking like a leaf. As they walked Celestia kept murmuring to Luna, trying to keep her little sister calm.

"Celestia? Luna?" Celestia looked around as she heard various voices calling out their names. A Guard stopped next to the two sisters, having obviously been sent out to search for them.

"Come with me. Your parents wish for you to be escorted to a safe location," the Guard pony growled, his voice deep. But Celestia hesitated, glancing back to where she had heard her parents calling.

"What about Mom and Dad? Where are they going?" Celestia asked. The Guard glanced around as more ponies hurried by, panic obviously overtaking the castle.

"Your parents will be fine, now come along, Princesses," the Guard replied. Celestia turned away, however, and ran down the halls, pushing against the traffic. A loud roar echoed around the castle, followed by a scraping sound. Celestia glanced around to see Luna following her.

"Luna, you go with the Guard," Celestia ordered. Luna shot her sister a glare and shook her head stubbornly. Celestia let out a sigh, but another roar let her know that there was no time to argue. Celestia turned and continued pushing through the crowd. Instinctively she made her way towards the Throne Room. Another roar echoed around the castle, shaking the stone walls.

"T-there's a s-shortcut t-through there," Luna managed to stutter out, gesturing with a hoof towards a small servants corridor. Celestia glanced at her sister before shoving through the traffic to go through the corridor. It was deserted except for one or two servants rushing by. Celestia's and Luna's hoof steps echoed through the deserted hallway.

"How do you know this is a shortcut?" Celestia asked, trying to keep the silence from engulfing them.

"W-while you were s-studying I was ex-exploring," Luna replied, trotting ahead to show her sister which way to take in a fork. Suddenly another roar exploded through the tiny hallway, echoing and deafening the ponies. The two siblings glanced at each other in a panic before taking off in a full sprint, Luna taking the lead. Soon enough they reached a door. Sharing yet another panicked look, the two sisters hesitated. After a very long moment, during which they heard many grumbles from the other side of the door, Celestia pushed the door. It opened behind the thrones and Luna and Celestia peered through. The first thing they saw was their parents, standing side by side.

"Mom! Dad!" Luna gasped out, immediately dashing through the doorway.

"Luna, no!" Celestia cried, trying to stop her sister. Gaia and Cronos didn't seem to hear them, standing still and staring upwards. Luna froze in her tracks, following their line of sight. On the mountain just above the castle was a huge jet black dragon. Celestia screeched to a halt next to her sister, eyes wide as she stared at the dragon. It was so black it was like a vortex, swallowing all the light around it and it seemed to be talking to the King and Queen.

"You knew this day would come. You couldn't hide from Him forever," the dragon growled.

"You will not hurt these ponies. We will protect Equestria," Gaia replied, her voice strong. She and Cronos seemed to be glowing with an ethereal radiance.

"M-mom?" Luna cried out, her eyes wide with panic. This time they seemed to have heard her. Cronos and Gaia looked around, surprise and then panic in their eyes.

"You two shouldn't be here!" Cronos said. A very loud rumble came from the dragon, vibrating the floor of the Throne Room. He was laughing, although one couldn't tell by looking at his face. The features were as black as the rest of him, making his face a gaping mystery.

"Children? You have children? Oh, this is too good. He will be happy about this. Two daughters? They are pretty," the dragons voice was filled with mirth.

"Get out of here. Now," Cronos ordered his children, nearly growling at them. Luna stared up at her father, eyes filled with tears.

"Daddy! What's going on? Who is that?" Luna asked, stepping even closer.

"Luna-" Celestia started reproachfully.

"No! I want to know what's going on!" Luna yelled, stomping a hoof as the tears spilled over.

"As fun as this is, I must complete my mission now," the dragon interrupted. He struck at the castle, aiming at the two siblings.
"No!" Cronos yelled, jumping in front of the claw.

"Daddy!" Luna screamed. An explosion of light lit the room, making the dragon hiss and withdraw. Cronos was gone, leaving only Gaia, Luna, and Celestia standing there. Gaia seemed to be deflated, her shoulders down. The absence of her mate seemed to have sapped her strength. Celestia had tears running down her cheeks as she stood by her sister, spreading a wing over the young filly.

"Oh, Gaia, listen to your children cry. There's nothing you can do to help them," the dragon taunted. Gaia looked up, glaring at her attacker.

"You will not hurt them, Vortex. They, at least, will be safe," Gaia said, keeping her voice calm and level. She turned her back on Vortex and trotted to her two daughters. She bent her head to whisper to them.

"I will distract him and you two will run. You will get out of here and you will go somewhere safe," Gaia ordered the two, "I love you."

"Mom, what's happening? Who is this?" Celestia asked, finally speaking up. Gaia stared at her offspring, sadness in her eyes.

"Go see Cloudchaser, in Manehattan. She will make it all clear," Gaia replied. She gently touched her horn to Celestia's shoulders.

"Take care of your sister. I'm counting on you," Gaia murmured. Vortex let out another growl, impatience clearly getting the better of him.

"Stop your whispering! Nothing will save them, or you, Gaia," Vortex snarled, raising his claw once more. Gaia closed her eyes and a look of fierce concentration came over her. Her horn began to glow and she spread her vast wings, shielding the two terrified fillies. Her eyes snapped open and they were white, pure white. Cracks began to spread over her body, light shining from them and flood the room. Vortex hissed and spat, but could not reach through the light.

"Run, girls, run!" Gaia screamed. Tears streaming down her face, Celestia tugged Luna away from the scene and pushed her through the door.

"Mom! MOM!" Luna cried out, desperately trying to get back to her mother. Celestia turned to shut the door and caught a glimpse of her mother shattering into pieces and a ghostly image of her floating towards the heavens before. Celestia's horn glowed and the door slammed shut on the scene. She turned towards Luna, who was crying silently now.

"Where's the nearest exit?" Celestia asked, her voice firm. Luna simply shook her head, shoulders shaking and fear making her body freeze. Celestia stomped a hoof and stared angrily at her little sister.

"Luna! Mom wanted us to be safe. We have to go, now!" Luna nodded and turned away, leading her sister through the servants halls. She had spent most of her time back here, exploring hidden ways to spy on people and escape. Although the escaping back then had been from her teachers and chores. The two sisters walked in silence, shock making them numb. Their parents couldn't be gone. It was all a cruel joke someone had decided to play. Any moment now they'd hear their mother laughing at one of their fathers jokes, or their familiar voices calling out their names. Luna stopped in front of another door, this one smaller and made of stone.

"This leads to a path down the mountain, but after that I don't know," Luna muttered, horn glowing as the door opened. Celestia peered out to see a rocky path going straight for a few feet before abruptly dropping into a steep slope. She trotted out, keeping Luna back with a flick of her tail. She looked up and gasped, retreating quickly. Just above them was Vortex, staring into the castle. He seemed to be speaking to it's inhabitants.

"Greetings, Ponies. I am your new King, and this is the start of a new age. If you want to live, you will obey me! For this is the age of Darkness!" Vortex roared, letting out a horrid laugh. He spread his wings and a shadow fell over the castle. But it wasn't a shadow, it was more like a pool of darkness, and it seemed to be spreading. It overtook the suns weak rays, even as it fell to let the moon come up and stars come out. But these lights too were blown out, as easily as if they were a candle. Soon the heavens were completely black.

"Celestia?" Luna whispered, peering into the complete darkness. There were a few pinpoints of light coming from candles in the castle, but she couldn't see her hoof in front of her face. Suddenly a glowing came directly in front of her and she let out a sigh of relief. It was Celestia, lighting the way with her horn.

"Come on, Luna. We have to get out of here," Celestia directed, turning away from her sister and starting down the path. Luna paused to look back up at the castle. There as nothing left for her there, nothing at all.

"Goodbye." The whispered word was all that was left on the tiny ledge, filled with pain and confusion, but also determination. A determination to find this Cloudchaser and find their parents biggest secret.

Cloudchaser Of Manehattan

Luna wriggled slightly, trying to get comfortable. Clearly she had left something in her bed, because it was sticking into her back awkwardly. In fact, the whole bed was uncomfortable. It felt like rock. Suddenly Luna's eyes snapped open and she found herself staring into pitch black. It was rock. Celestia was lying by her side, a wing spread over her, and they were sleeping on the path that led to the surrounding countryside. Luna let out a whimper. She couldn't see her hoof in front of her face. She didn't like this darkness. It was true that she enjoyed the night, but that was when the gentle glow of the moon and stars bathed everything in it's silvery light. Everything seemed magical at night. Now it was just frightening, like there were monsters that could jump out at you at every turn. She pulled herself closer to Celestia, disturbing the older filly.

"Oh, Luna, you're up. We should get going soon," Celestia murmured. She shifted and stood, stretching. Luna looked up at her sister, although she couldn't see her. Luna concentrated hard and soon her horn began to glow, surrounding her with a bluish light. She wobbled to her hooves, yawning and trotted closer to her sister. Her stomach rumbled loudly and Celestia couldn't help but let out a giggle.

"Come on, we have to get going," Celestia told her sister gently. Her sleep had been fitful and restless, images of her father exploding and her mother shattering haunting her dreams. But she had to keep strong for Luna. For now she would just focus on what they had to do, which was to get to Manehattan and find Cloudchaser, as Gaia had instructed. Celestia focused and then her horn began to glow, widening the circle of light and making it brighter. Still, Luna huddled by Celestia, her eyes wide as she stared around.

"But I'm hungry," Luna whined. Celestia ignored this and started trotting down the path, her horn pointed in front of her to illuminate the path in front of them. Their hooves made a quiet click click as the two fillies made their way down the rocky, mountain path. It was only a few minutes before Luna spoke again.

"Where are we going?" Luna asked, staring up at Celestia. She nearly tripped over a rock, but spread her wings and regained her balance.

"Manehattan, to find a friend of moms," Celestia replied. She was focused on the road in front of them. It was steep, and both ponies already had several scrapes from stumbling down. Luna was close to tears. She had only managed a few hours rest and she was hungry and achey. All she wanted was her parents back, but they were gone. For forever. The thought made Luna's heart twist in pain and she quickly shoved it to the back of her mind. Instead she focused on putting one hoof in front of the other. Celestia glanced down at her sister and saw the sparkle of tears in her eyes. With a sigh the pink maned filly began to sing softly.

"Just put one hoof in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking 'cross the floor. Just put one hoof in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking out the door," Celestia sang softly. Luna blinked up at her sister and giggled before joining in.

"You never will get where you're going, if you don't get up on your hooves. Come on, there's a good tail wind blowing!" Luna paused for a breath, grinning up at her sister.

"A fast walking pony is hard to beat!" the two sisters chorused, not even noticing that their hooves were moving faster and faster as they sang. Soon they were dashing down the rocky path, singing loudly and laughing. It was almost like they were running home for dinner, and their parents were waiting eagerly.

It was an hour more before the path began to level out. The two ponies were scrambling ahead almost blindly, the way lit only by their horns. Luna's hooves were aching and her throat was hoarse from singing. She was thirsty and hungry. Luna was determined not to complain however. Celestia had been running alongside her this entire time and she had kept quiet.
The path began to straighten and level as they heard the base of the mountain. Luna and Celestia slowed, coming to a stop just as the path broke away from the mountain entirely and headed out into the darkness. Luna gulped, nervous. She had never been this far from home before. Luna had always been deemed too young to accompany her parents when they went out and visited the towns surrounding Canterlot. Celestia stared off into the darkness, trying to hide the fear that was knotting her belly. She had been to visit other towns before, but never without her mother and father alongside her.

"Celestia? Are we going to find that pony Mom told us about?" Luna asked, peering up at the white filly. Celestia looked down at her darker sibling, shoulders heavy with the weight of responsibility.

"Yes. We'll get some real answers," Celestia replied, her voice determined. Luna hesitated for half a moment, then smiled and nodded. She turned to face the darkness ahead, eyes narrowed as if challenging it to stop her. Celestia watched and smiled. Her mother had told her to take care of Luna, and that was what she would do. For the rest of her life, if she had to. Celestia looked up at the sky, another wave of pain coarsing through her. Her parents were gone.... Forever. Celestia felt her eyes sting and her water. However, she quickly swallowed back the knot of sadness in her throat. She couldn't break down, not now. She had a little sister to look after. Luna would need her to be the strong big sister.

"Celestia..... How far away is Manehattan?" Luna whispered, not looking at Celestia. The white pony also looked ahead, trying to keep her eyes dry.

"It's not too far. Mo- They took me there a lot because it was so close," Celestia replied, unable to mutter the phrase Mom and Dad. Celestia clenched her teeth and trotted forwards, determined to drive away the sadness that permeated her every thought. Luna hesitated as Celestia walked ahead of her, then followed, her head low. She wanted this to all be a painful dream.....

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The following journey was filled with sad, haunted silence. Darkness pressed around the two ponies, barely held off by the meager light of their two horns. Celestia had long since memorized the path to Manehattan. It was pretty straightforward. No twists or turns she had to navigate. Luna followed her sister in silence, head hanging down. Although neither filly would admit it, both of them were thinking about their parents and the last they had seen of them. The fact that they would never return. With such thoughts dragging at their hooves, the following journey seemed to take longer then the short time it actually did. Neither felt much like flying; such an activity would reacquire more energy then their aching muscles could give them. Luna could hear her stomach grumbling again.

Finally, Celestia looked up and saw lights in the distance. Lamps, hundreds of lamps, had been lit in the wake of the darkness that had choked out the sun, moon, and stars. She nudged Luna, pointing to the sign of civilization that was quickly approaching. Suddenly light-hoofed the two ponies began to run. The prospect of seeing any pony other then themselves had their hearts soaring. The lights steadily grew bigger and bigger as they came nearer and nearer to the town. It wasn't long before they were trotting on a sidewalk as other ponies bustled around them. Panicked voices were crying out, and everyone seemed to be looking for someone else. Celestia and Luna let their horns go out and looked around for someone who might be able to give them directions.

"Excuse me, miss, do you know Cloudchaser?" Celestia asked, stopping the next pony to pass her by. It ended up being a light yellow mare with several orange slices on her flank. The pony stared at her for a moment, before nodding.

"Oh, of course I know Cloudchaser! Every pony knows her," the mare responded. Her voice was haughty and she stared at the two Princesses like they were country bumpkins.

"That's great! Could you tell us where to find her?" Celestia sighed in relief. The mare proceeded to give them very detailed instructions, along with several lengthy tangents whenever she had to say a street name that had an important pony living on it. Apparently, in Manehattan, every street had an important pony living on it. When she had finally finished and hurried off to find her husband, Celestia and Luna began to make their way through the streets. There were so many ponies, and all of them looked like the Nobles that Celestia and Luna were used to seeing everyday at the castle. It all just served to make them even more homesick. Celestia peered closely at the buildings they passed, searching for the right one. Her mother had told her specifically to go see Cloudchaser, and that she would give them answers. Answers to what? All Celestia was wondering was whether or not Cloudchaser could spare some food.

"Here it is. Come on, Luna," Celestia spoke again, trotting up to a door with the number 63 on it. She used her horn to make the knocker slam on the door three times. For a moment, there was silence. Then the door was flung open and a blue pony stood in the square of light shed by the doorway. She looked down at the two fillies and grinned as though she had been expecting them.

"Why, I heard from my old friend Mrs. Orange that two lovely ponies were asking after me. Come inside, come inside. You're Gaia's girls, yes? Oh my, we were friends back in the day! Shut the door now, don't wanna let in all that noise. You must be exhausted. Here, take a rest on these couches while I go make some tea!" As soon as Luna's and Celestia's heads hit the cushions on the couches, they were out. Cloudchaser looked down at the two, noting the combination of horns and wings. She nodded, smiling to herself.

"Well, Gaia, I'll take care of 'em for you. Like I always promised," Cloudchaser murmured. She trotted off to find blankets for the sisters, her mind filling with memories of old times.

A History Lesson

Once more Luna found herself waking in a strange place. She couldn't help but wonder why this was happening so much to her lately. She could barely even remember making it through the door and onto the couch. Then, of course, nothing until the first moment when she became aware of the blanket lying over her. Luna slowly raised her head up, blinking blearily. Though sleep blurred eyes she could make out a flickering fire, with a mare sitting by it and a book spread out in front of her. Luna glanced around and saw Celestia curled up on the other end of the couch.

Luna stretched, arching her back and spreading her wings. The motion made the blanket tumble off her and onto the ground. At the sudden movement and the creakings it created in the old couch, the mare by the fire looked around. Immediately a warm smile spread over her face and she stood to help Luna to her hooves. When the young filly was once again steady, she took a moment to closely study Cloudchaser. She was a full grown Pegasus mare and her fur was as blue as a clear sky. Her short, wavy mane and tail of a slightly darker shade of blue matched her eyes. Cloudchaser smiled down at Luna as the pony looked up at her. Luna could see many years in those eyes. Years of pain and joy, happiness and anger. It was clear that Cloudchaser had lived a long life.

"You're up! Before your sister too. Of course, us younger sisters always have more energy," Cloudchaser spoke first. Her kind, quiet voice broke the silence that had built up in the time Luna had studied her host. The young filly quickly broke her gaze away from Cloudchaser and instead directed it to the floor, embarrassed to have been staring. Cloudchaser let out a soft chuckle, amused at the apparent bashfulness of the pony.

"Oh, don't be embarrassed, dear. Come, sit by the fire and stare all you want," Cloudchaser encouraged. She kept her voice low so as not to disturb the white filly still sleeping peacefully on the couch. Cloudchaser turned and resumed her place by the crackling fire. She placed a hoof on the book spread in front of her. Luna hesitated, then stepped closer to peer at it. Another step and she could tell it was a photo album opened to a picture of two ponies. Cloudchaser saw where Luna was staring and lifted her hoof to beckon her closer. Luna hesitated but her curiosity got the better of her. She ended up standing right next to Cloudchaser and staring down at the picture. Her eyes widened at what she saw there.

"That's me with your mother. This was taken so many years ago....." Cloudchaser trailed off, her eyes misting over with memories. There were two young fillies in the picture, grinning and playing. One was sky blue with wings, and the other had a green mane, white fur, a horn and wings. Luna studied her mother as a filly, eyes wide in amazement. She had never considered Gaia as existing before the way she was now. Kind, motherly, and all grown up. But here, in this picture, she had a mischievous glint in her eyes and a sly grin. Young, carefree, and a prankster.

"You two..... knew each other?" Luna gasped. She glanced up at Cloudchaser to see a sad, reminiscent smile on her face.

"We were the best of friends as filly's. I went with her on the Voyage," Cloudchaser replied. Just then a new voice spoke up from the couch.

"The Voyage? You were there?" Celestia asked, shock and awe in her tone and expression. She shook the blanket off and gently jumped off the couch to join Luna and Cloudchaser by the fire.

"Yes, I was there," Cloudchaser said proudly. Luna looked between the two, brow furrowed in confusion.

"Am I the only one here who doesn't know what's going on?" Luna commented a little grumpily. She didn't like feeling left out, and the way the two were talking about this Voyage thing was making her feel like she should know what it was. Luna squirmed as Celestia turned a disapproving older sister look on her.

"Honestly Luna, did you pay any attention to the tutor?" Celestia shook her head in exasperation. Luna glared at Celestia's condescending remark and was just opening her mouth for a snarky retort when Cloudchaser interceded.

"Now, Celestia, I'm sure even you could do with a refresher. Besides, those dusty old snobs don't know the real story," Cloudchaser said. Luna smirked with satisfaction that Cloudchaser was on her side, but Celestia was shocked once more. The real story? As far as Celestia knew, the Voyage was a journey by Gaia and Cronos to find a gem they had used to drive back the forces of Chaos that used to rule Equestria. There had been companions, but they had faded into obscurity as years passed and no pony remembered who they were. Cronos and Gaia had been elected to rule after that. Was there any more to the old tale?

"What do you mean, the real story?" Celestia questioned. She glanced down at the picture of Gaia and Cloudchaser as fillies, playing together. She'd never heard her mother mention Cloudchaser before. If it hadn't been for the picture, it would've been possible that Cloudchaser was simply tricking them. But Gaia had told Luna and Celestia to go see Cloudchaser of Manehattan, and that she would have the answers. Perhaps this was what Gaia had meant by that.

"I'll tell you the whole story, the real story," Cloudchaser offered just as the kettle began to whistle. Cloudchaser rose gracefully to her hooves and smiled down at the two fillies.

"As soon as I serve the tea, of course." It was several minutes of getting out teacups and pouring tea and adding just the right amount of milk and sugar before the three were back by the fire. Now Luna and Celestia were sitting in front of Cloudchaser, sipping on their tea while she stared into the fire. Both waited expectantly, staring at the Pegasus. A minute went by, then another, then another. Finally, just as Celestia was about to break the silence, Cloudchaser began to speak.

"Long, long ago, back before there was any Equestria or ponies, there was Chaos...." Cloudchaser's became a soft lullaby to the sisters as they listened to her describe the reign of Chaos and Order. She described Gaia coming from Order and traveling from planet to planet, freeing them. They listened to their parents meet and fall in love before escaping to make their own world.

"A world where Order and Chaos coexisted peacefully, as yet unheard of. For many years they allowed the denizens of Equestria to roam free and wild as they watched as god and goddess. However, such peace did not last. Chaos found their world and slowly began to corrupt the joy there. Darkness took over and it seemed all hope was lost for Equestria. However, Gaia and Cronos saw that their ponies needed them and so they made the ultimate sacrifice. They gave up their status as god, their memories, and even each other to be born of mortal parents on Equestria."

"Each were born as one of those that are rarest among our kind; a pony with both horns and wings. Neither remembered the other, or the love they had once shared and for the first years if their life they never even met. Each one felt something missing within them, however. They looked on the world that was ruled by Chaos and felt a deep instinct that they would be the ones to change it. Gaia grew up in Cloudsdale and her life was hard. She was looked upon as a freak by those around her, except for one Pegasus who became her friend."

"I remember that Gaia was always talking about how Equestria was not meant to be like this. I, being around her age, had never known a time before Chaos and thought it could not be stopped. Gaia never believed that, however, and she spent her days researching what powers could be used to save Equestria. One day she came to me, talking of something she had learned about. A jewel that contained within it power much greater then any else the Universe held. I tried to talk her out of it, but Gaia insisted on going to find the jewel. I went with her, along with an Earth pony by the name of Silver Runner. He was the fastest pony in all of Equestria, and we only met him by accident one day."

"I don't know how Cronos ended up on the same trail we did. I assume his tale was much like Gaia's. All I do know is that the instant those two met, they fell in love. They were as opposite as fire and water, yet they fit together perfectly. In all my life I've never seen any two ponies as perfect for each other as those two."

"Accompanying Cronos was two other creatures. One was a young dragon named Lephisto and the other was a gryphon named Celtus. Together, the six of us journeyed far and wide searching for that jewel. It was elusive and the only clues we had were whispered rumors and old tales passed down by generations. This was the journey that would later be known as the Voyage in all those books, although my part and the parts of Silver Runner, Lephisto, and Celtus were mostly cut out. It took years, and many losses before we found the jewel. When we did finally find it, Gaia and Cronos were the ones to enter the cavern in which it lay. I never knew what happened in there, but when they came out they were..... different. Less like normal ponies and more like gods. They had regained their memories then, and their powers, which they used to drive away Chaos."

"We were hailed as heroes, Gaia and Cronos considered gods. They were elected to rule and they brought together the land. The power of that jewel was great, and it left with each of us a different gift. Mine was a life longer then most ponies. I am not immortal, far from it, but I age slowly. The others in our group have passed away after living fulfilling lives. Sometimes I envy them. How I wish I could see them all again and now it appears I am the only one left alive."

Cloudchaser's voice faded away, leaving nothing but the crackling fire to fill the silence it left behind. Luna was staring, wide eyed, at the mare with a new respect. Celestia, on the other hoof, had directed her gaze to the fire and seemed to be pondering what Cloudchaser had told them. So many new facts, so many things she had never known about her parents. They were gods. Did that mean that she and Luna were part-god?

"Wait, so we're the children of gods?" Luna spoke. Her eyes were still wide as saucers as she stared at Cloudchaser. The mare let out a soft chuckle, her own eyes gleaming with misty memories.

"That you are, my little pony. Gaia knew this day would come, and she made plans to keep you two safe," Cloudchaser responded. Suddenly Celestia's head jerked around and she stared at Cloudchaser.

"Keep us safe? How can I just hide while my ponies suffer in darkness?" Celestia demanded. She stood, eyes narrowing as she looked down at the still sitting Cloudchaser and Luna. Her mother and father had sacrificed so much to make sure that all the ponies lived in peace and happiness. Now they were gone and Chaos once more ruled the land. Celestia couldn't just leave her ponies to this fate if there was even a chance of saving them.

"What could you do, Celestia?" Cloudchaser murmured. Her voice was tired, worn and defeated. Too many years had weathered away the courage that once held strong in her. Now she was an old mare, waiting to rejoin those she loved in the afterlife. Luna bit her lip, staring as the two faced off. Celestia paused, wondering what exactly she could do. But then inspiration struck and her resolve was strengthened once more.

"The jewel; what happened to it?" Celestia inquired.

"It should still be in the cavern where we found it. None of us ever told anyone where it was," Cloudchaser informed her, at first confused. Then her eyes widened as she realized what Celestia was thinking. Slowly life began to return to the old mare and she too stood. Cloudchaser began to pace in between the seated Luna and the standing Celestia. Her tail flicked behind her as she thought.

"It might work.... You definitely have godlike powers that you haven't tapped into.... The jewel could awaken those and it might be enough to defeat Vortex," Cloudchaser thought aloud. Celestia nodded along, although she hadn't really known what she would've used the jewel for when she first suggested it.

"Right! You'll look after Luna, and I'll go find the jewel," Celestia said, determination clear in every fiber of her being. Just then Luna jumped up, her hooves clattering noisily on the floor. Celestia and Cloudchaser turned go look at her in surprise and were met with a glare. Luna approached the two of them, staring up defiantly.

"I am going with you, Celestia. They were my parents too, and you can't do this on your own! I won't leave you," Luna exclaimed. Celestia opened her mouth to protest, then hesitated at the look on Luna's face. Finally she relaxed and a smile spread across her features.

"I'm glad. It would've been lonely to do this without you, sister," Celestia murmured. She bent her head down to nuzzle Luna's shoulder and Luna pressed herself against her sister's legs. Cloudchaser watched the scene with a smile. It brought back memories of her own family and those times she had played with Gaia. Cloudchaser allowed the moment to go on for a little while longer before gently interrupting.

"Well, there's no point in starting off now. It's already eleven o'clock at night and there's a lot to do," Cloudchaser pointed out. Luna backed away from Celestia a hoof step and shared a look with her sister. Celestia turned to Cloudchaser with a determined look.

"Let's start preparing, then."

Journeys Begin

A special Author's note to thank Isha! Isha Is my editor, and helped me out with this chapter. Also, Isha is amazing. So, thank you soooo much!!

"Alright then! We'll need a proper meal in you two before we set off, and provisions for the journey, of course," Cloudchaser chimed cheerily, trotting to and fro in the house. Celestia and Luna were seated in the kitchen, watching Cloudchaser as she bustled around busily. In a moment two plates were deposited in front of them, piled high with fruits and vegetables. Luna peered down at it, then stuck her face in the food and began devouring it. She hadn't realized until that very moment how desperately hungry she was. Cloudchaser was still talking, but her voice had faded to a background buzz as she moved into the recesses of the house.

Celestia, on the other hoof, was picking at the food. She would levitate a piece of lettuce to her mouth, nibble at it, then replace it. Luna glanced up at her sister, watching her repeat the motion several times. She paused in her gorging to shoot Celestia a concerned glance. It wasn't like her to be so quiet. Usually Celestia would've scolded Luna on her eating habits by now.

"Is something wrong, Tia?" Luna asked, using the nickname she had come up with when she was even younger. At the sound of this warm, familiar name, Celestia looked up at her sister. She could feel her heart twist in her chest. The bittersweet feeling caused her eyes to water.

"No. I'm fine, Luna, just not very hungry," Celestia replied quietly. Luna continued to stare at her sister, unconvinced by the sentiment. She knew for a fact that Celestia had gone without eating for an even longer time than she had. She'd been too wrapped up in her studies to stop for lunch. And yesterday evening.... Well, neither of them had had a chance for dinner. Luna shivered at the memory, ducking her head down and staring at the scraps of food left on her plate.

"Of course, lots of water. Do you two know how to fight? I'll just leave a couple knives in here. They'll probably come in handy," Cloudchaser's voice once more became audible as she reappeared in the kitchen, two packs slung on her back. Celestia looked up at the mare, and gasped.

The saddle bags were beautifully crafted and looked like they'd been made specifically for the sisters. One was pure white with a golden clasp and a loopy golden design that seemed to form many suns locked together. The other was dark blue and sprinkled with silvery dots that shimmered like stars. Luna leaped from her seat and dashed towards Cloudchaser, eager to put on the blue one. She levitated the blue pack off of Cloudchaser’s back and quickly slipped into it. Celestia stood more gracefully and followed suit, finding that the white pack was a perfect fit.

"Where did you get these? They're beautiful!" Celestia gasped. She craned her head around and looked over at the bags, examining the way the threading of the needlepoint design almost looked like it was real gold. Luna on the other hoof was jumping around and around, letting the sparkly silver threads on her own bags throw reflected firelight all around the room. The walls looked like they were covered with constantly shifting stars.

"Gaia gave them to me years ago, right after Luna was born. She asked me to keep them safe for her," Cloudchaser explained. She smiled fondly at the two fillies, so different. It was hard to believe that they were even related. But then Luna paused in her antics and directed a wide eyed gaze towards Cloudchaser that mirrored the one Celestia was giving her too. It was times like these that their parents would shine through them, and it was clear they were sisters. Just then a thought seemed to strike Celestia and a frown creased her muzzle.

"Wait, there's only two packs.... Aren't you coming?" Celestia inquired, surprise and worry in her tone. Cloudchaser was the one who knew where the jewel was, and she could guide them through shortcuts. It would be undoubtedly easier than the sisters struggling along on their own. However, it wasn't just her knowledge that made Celestia yearn for the old mare's company. It was the fact that with Cloudchaser around, Celestia felt like she could act like the filly she was. It wasn't all up to her to keep Luna safe from harm. That responsibility would fall on the eldest and Celestia would be off the hook. Even as these thoughts tumbled through her mind, Celestia felt a wave of guilt. How could she want to shove her dear little sister off on someone else like that? Luna was the only family Celestia had left. Luna was her responsibility, Gaia had told her so. Celestia was not going to let her mother down. She wasn't going to ignore Gaia's final wish. All this passed through Celestia's mind in the moment before Cloudchaser replied.

"My own pack is still up in the attic. I haven't dug it out in years," Cloudchaser explained, her voice wistful. She had always longed for adventures and excitement. It was what had driven her to Las Pegasus, where she had met her best friend. Not that that particular story was of any importance. Cloudchaser simply liked to revel in her memories of days gone by, and of moments spent with those she loved. Now, however, she had to focus on the present and the two fillies looking at her with earnest eyes. She had promised Gaia many years ago that if her children ever required assistance, Cloudchaser would do everything in her power to help.

"Oh," Celestia sighed with relief before quickly adding, "because we don't know where the cave is." Luna nodded in agreement before smiling shyly up at Cloudchaser. Despite the fact that she barely knew the Pegasus, both sisters felt that trusting her was a smart decision. It was the way she treated the both of them with a motherly kindness, and the way that when Cloudchaser was in the room there was no doubt about who the adult was. The two little fillies didn't have to worry about anything because Cloudchaser was going to be the adult and take care of it all. Luna capered over to the sky blue mare and pressed herself against the Pegasus, grinning up at her. Celestia stayed back and watched her sister's joy with relief.

"I should probably go get my own saddlebags. I think you'll find those filled with plenty of provisions," Cloudchaser reminded the two gently and gestured at the saddlebags. Luna backed away from Cloudchaser a little sheepishly but still grinning. Cloudchaser smiled back and trotted out of the room. Silence filled the kitchen in her absence as the two sisters sat, involved in their own thoughts.

I promised mom I would take care of Luna.... But so did Cloudchaser, and she made her promise first. Besides, she's a full grown mare. Luna's in much better hooves with her, Celestia reasoned to herself, trying to assuage the guilt that had come with her relief at Cloudchaser accompanying them. She still loved Luna, but she didn't want to be a mother this young. But Luna was her sister, how could she not want to do her best to take care of the little filly?

Where are we going? What's this jewel? Mom and Dad are Gods? Doesn't that mean we're Gods? How does that even work? Luna's thoughts were of a more practical nature for once. The whole Gods being parents thing just didn't make sense to her. Still, Luna knew she'd get the chance to question Cloudchaser more about what it all meant. Luna wanted to know everything about the journey, and how her parents had interacted. All of it was important to her. The filly was bouncing on her hooves, eagerly awaiting Cloudchaser's return from the attic while her mind buzzed with constantly multiplying questions.

"Here we are. I haven't worn this in years," Cloudchaser said fondly, trotting in while she wriggled the saddlebag onto her back. Her bag was undoubtedly of lower standards than that of the two that the sisters wore. The material was much more rough, and stained with the dust of travel. Many years had worn at the design that had been painted onto it at one point. Now only a vague spot of white could be seen and even that was barely visible against the light blue cloth. The saddlebag could not even compare to the shining brilliance of the rich ones that Celestia and Luna wore. However, the wear and tear on it brought feelings of joy and warmth that often came with much used things.

"Is that- I mean, were those...." Celestia trailed off, staring at the bags with wide eyes. Cloudchaser let out a chuckle, grasping what the filly was trying to get at. Gaia had mentioned in her letters that Celestia was a studious one, and loved learning about the history of Equestria.

"Yes. These are the very same ones I used on the Voyage. This burn mark actually came from Lephisto after the two of us got into an argument," Cloudchaser mused, gesturing at a black part on one corner of the saddlebags. She looked back at Celestia and Luna, noting the eager expressions on their faces. Both clearly wanted to learn more, but there was no more time to waste.

"But those are old memories. Come along, we have a long way to go and it's best to make a journey with an early start on a full stomach and rested hooves," Cloudchaser suggested. Celestia, clearly disappointed, nodded in agreement as Luna began to bounce in circles.

"This is going to be so much fun!" Luna squealed happily. She knew the seriousness of the situation, but she couldn't help being excited. Although Luna wasn't much of reader, at least not as much as Celestia, there had always been one type of book that she would eagerly listen to. Cronos would sit her down in his lap by the fireplace and open up a nice adventure that told of risk taking and daring escapades. Now she would finally be able to go on her very own adventure. Luna's smile dimmed slightly at the memory of Cronos's voice in her ear as she slowly dozed off in the warmth of the fire, describing heroic actions and all the challenges such heroes must face.

I'll face this challenge, Daddy. I won't let you down! Luna thought in determination. She bounded after Cloudchaser and Celestia as the two older mare's trotted from the kitchen and towards the front door. They peered out into the dark street. Lamps had been lit and others were being placed by the Pegasi as they swooped in the sky. Slowly the city was regaining some of its light. All the Unicorns had their horns aglow and were working to light all the candles as quickly as they could.

"What are we going to do about light?" Celestia whispered, turning to look up at the older mare. Cloudchaser looked down at her as they trotted out onto the streets of Manehattan.

"I packed candles in the bags, and if you two wouldn't mind using you horns every now and then, we'll do just fine," Cloudchaser murmured in reply before adding "Besides, I'm sure the ponies have set up some sort of light system on the roads. That'll get us at least halfway there."

"Speaking of there, where are we going?" Luna spoke up from behind the conversing pair. She grinned up innocently at them as they glanced back at her, Celestia with an admonishing glare and Cloudchaser with a small smile.

"Luna! Not so loud," Celestia hissed, darting a glance around. She couldn't help but feel highly uneasy. They'd slept for a long while, and no doubt Vortex would want them to be found. Maybe he had already sent out spies to capture the Princesses. The thought caused a knot of tension to form in Celestia's stomach.

"Relax, Celestia. I know everypony in Manehattan and I doubt anypony here would betray the Princesses. Luna, how about on our next rest I draw you a map? That way you can make sure we're staying on course," Cloudchaser interceded, interrupting an argument she sensed was about to spark between the two sisters. Her words calmed Celestia's fear and brought a rather un-Princess like squeak of excitement from Luna. Not only was she going on an adventure, she'd be in control of the map! Maps were always a huge part of adventures, Luna knew. In all of the stories her father had read her, a map had helped out immensely and now Luna was going to be able to look after one in her very own adventure. It was all very exciting for such a young filly.

Cloudchaser looked around at the streets and all the ponies rushing by. She recognized them all. Cloudchaser had lived here a very long time, and she'd even seen a couple of them when they were tiny babies. Now, for the first time in a long time, she was leaving it all behind. The ponies were much too busy to notice her as they trotted by, muttering about light and what had happened in Canterlot. Some of the news had traveled but it would take several days before they all realized what exactly had happened. Cloudchaser led the two fillies through the streets, taking in as many sights as she could. Cloudchaser had long since memorized every stone in the streets, every creaky step, every detail. She had stored them with all the memories in her dusty tomb of a mind, prepared to bring them out whenever she needed them. Some would be left alone for years and years, and others Cloudchaser relived every day.

Cloudchaser was so buried in thought that she barely noticed when she led Celestia and Luna out of the city and onto a dirt road. Pegasi, Earth ponies, and Unicorns were all working busily to light it up with candles and lamps. Celestia trotted just behind Cloudchaser, her mind wandering. She was scanning through her mental library, looking for some way to help the ponies. Surely there was a spell that could bring back the sun.... For that was what they needed desperately. Without the sun the crops wouldn't grow, and all of Equestria would starve!

Luna bounded up past her sister to walk alongside Cloudchaser. The sky blue Pegasus looked down in surprise at the newcomer before smiling at her. Luna grinned back up at her, but for the moment didn't say anything. She was sorting through all the questions in her mind, trying to find the perfect opening one. Finally, Luna settled on a rather broad question that would surely keep Cloudchaser talking.

"Can you tell me more about the voyage?" Luna asked, darting a glance at Cloudchaser. She was a little worried that the older mare would be angered by her curiosity but Cloudchaser simply nodded as if she'd been expecting it.

"Of course, little one. How about I start with when I first met Gaia?" Cloudchaser responded. Luna nodded eagerly, and Cloudchaser began her story. That was how the first day of travel for the three companions went. Celestia, busy with her thoughts, didn't listen as Cloudchaser explained the details of the Voyage to Luna.

Hours and miles passed unnoticed under their hooves and it wasn't until Luna began to drift off while she was walking that Cloudchaser realized they had been traveling for quite a while. In fact, she was pretty sure Luna hadn't been listening to the last couple minutes of her story. The dark blue filly didn't even notice when Cloudchaser trailed off. With a sigh she turned her head to look at Celestia, who didn't seem to notice the look.

"We've been traveling for a while," Cloudchaser commented, raising her voice to snap the pure white filly out of her reverie. Celestia jumped and looked at Cloudchaser with widened eyes. Before she could muster up a reply, a huge yawn separated her jaws.

"There's a village not too far away. We can make it within the hour," Cloudchaser said, gently encouraging Celestia to keep moving. The exhausted filly nodded and kept plodding along. Luna had barely taken notice of the exchange and instead simply kept trotting in a stupor. Cloudchaser's estimate was right and the three ponies soon saw the lights of a village approaching. Cloudchaser could remember the last time she was here. The villagers had no inn and instead simply let anypony who was passing through rest in one of their houses. It had been a warm and welcoming place, and she hoped it was the same. She felt that hope disappearing, however, when she saw the wall that had sprouted up around the village. A rough looking stallion was standing at the gate, clearly a farmer who had been temporarily recruited for the task.

"Excuse me. We're travelers who need a place to rest," Cloudchaser told the guard as they neared and stopped in front of him. The stallion looked at Cloudchaser, then at the two fillies swaying where they stood behind her. He flicked his brown tail, chewing on a piece of hay in his mouth in consternation. He obviously had little idea what he was actually supposed to do when standing out here. Cloudchaser noted the pitchfork cutie mark on his orange flank and grinned.

"Orange Slice! Is that you? I remember stopping by here just when you got your cutie mark!" Cloudchaser noted conversationally. Orange Slice's eyes widened as he recognized the Pegasus.

"Cloudchaser! It's been too long. Come in, come in. Brawny Boulder's just inside and I know he'll be delighted to see you!" Orange cried, eagerly shoving open the gate. Cloudchaser hesitated, her smile fading slightly.

"What's with the gate, Orange?" Immediately the friendly stallion's cheerful expression dimmed. He glanced up at the sky fearfully before turning wide brown eyes on the mare once more. He shook his head and ushered the three through the gate.

"Brawny will explain," Orange called after them. Then the gate slammed shut and the three were left standing and staring out over the ghost town of a village. There were no ponies out on the street. Except for one.

A huge, muscular brown earth pony was glaring down at a scroll placed on a small wooden table. The table was positioned so that it was the first thing seen by anypony who walked through the gates. The earth pony let out a huff, causing a lock of black mane that had settled over one of his eyes to gently floated up before resuming it's original position. Cloudchaser approached the table with Celestia and Luna following dumbly.

"Brawny Boulder?" Cloudchaser asked. The earth pony, presumably Brawny Boulder, looked up. Immediately his sour expression broke into one of pure joy that fit his features much better. He trotted around the table, revealing a cutie mark of three rocks.

"Cloudchaser! Been a while, been a while. Nice to see you back here!" Brawny cried jovially. Cloudchaser let out a chuckle and accepted his booming greetings with a nod of her head and a hug. After a moment Brawny released her and took a step back to study the mare.

"Still the same, I see. And you've dug out those dusty saddlebags again. I recall you swearing that you'd never wear them again," Brawny boomed out. He was the kind of pony that always seemed to be shouting when he spoke and was completely incapable of being any quieter.

"Old habits die hard, Brawny," Cloudchaser responded lightly. She glanced around at the towering wall before returning her gaze to the massive pony before her.

"What happened to this place?" Cloudchaser questioned. Brawny’s expression faded into one of solemn sorrow and he shook his head unhappily, exactly as Orange Slice had.

"It's bad times for us, Cloud. We've got Dragon trouble," Brawny grumbled.

"Dragons?"

"Technically one Dragon. Always flies overhead and tries to touch down. It's been hard fending it off," Brawny explained. Cloudchaser shook her head, upset at the news. These were some of the most honest, hardworking ponies she'd ever met. To have them be tormented by a Dragon every day was unacceptable. She would clearly have to do something about it.

"You ponies have done so much for me… Maybe I can help," Cloudchaser offered. Brawny was already shaking his head by the time she finished.

"It's too dangerous, Cloud. We can’t ask you to do that for us," Brawny protested. Cloudchaser waved a hoof dismissively.

"Oh, please. It'll be a snap. I'll just need some rest first and then I'll go take care of that pesky little Dragon," Cloudchaser replied breezily. She was careful to act like it was no big thing, but she knew he saw through the facade. He was about to respond, but he hesitated. Anypony who had ever met Cloudchaser knew that if she got an idea in her head, there was no stopping her. Brawny Boulder sighed but dropped the issue.

"Come to my house. The wife'll be glad to see you, and I can get some grub in you and your friends," Brawny said, for the first time glancing at the two fillies accompanying Cloudchaser. Celestia looked up at him blearily and Luna simply kept her head down and yawned.

In the flickering candlelight their wings couldn't be seen and to Brawny Boulder they were simply two young fillies who looked desperately in need of a bed and food. Cloudchaser was glad for the cover of darkness. She figured explaining why she had the two Princesses with her would be a pain and perhaps even dangerous to the sisters. After all, who knew what that monstrous creature was sending after them right at that moment. Cloudchaser had only heard his voice and seen a vague shape on the mountain before all had gone black. As far as she could tell it was a dragon who had now claimed himself King. Luna had informed her that he'd been called Vortex by Gaia and Cronos.

"That's very kind of you. It's been a while since I've seen Thistle Bloom. How is she?" Cloudchaser asked, accepting the change in topic easily. The two ponies chatted about the years that had passed since Cloudchaser's last visit until they reached Brawny’s house where they were both greeted cheerfully by the sweet mare inside. She was light pink with a yellow mane and a chrysanthemum cutie mark. Soon enough Luna and Celestia were curled up in a spare bed with a blanket spread over them, and the three older ponies were seated by a crackling fire.

"So, what else can you tell me about this Dragon?" Cloudchaser inquired. Thistle let out a tiny gasp before turning her head away to stare at the flames. Brawny turned a sad gaze on Cloudchaser.

"The beast always comes from those hills over yonder," here he gestured with his hoof to illustrate where yonder was, "And swoops over the village. Tries to land, maybe even attempts to snatch up a pony. So far we've got no casualties but I don't know how much longer we can hold out. Especially if it heads for our crops." Brawny shook his head unhappily and mournfully gazed at Thistle.

"Well, tomorrow I'll head out to the hills and see what I can find," Cloudchaser announced. Thistle looked up from the fire with the intent of arguing, but Brawny shook his head gently. No amount of words was going to keep Cloudchaser from going. Thistle bit her lip before clambering to her hooves.

"Well, you'd better get some rest. I'll make sure to have a hearty breakfast ready for you tomorrow," she said to Cloudchaser. She ignored Cloudchaser's protests as she showed her to the only other bed in the small house and settled her there. Thistle Bloom paused in the doorway to look back at her friend.

"You have a brave heart, Cloudchaser. Be careful that it’s not to your downfall."