Equestrian Wasteland: Zodiac Ruins

Prologue: The Legend of the Celestial Bearing

Before war, strife, and radiation poisoned the once beautiful lands of Equestria, there was another war that had taken place. This war is not spoken of in history books; no testament is left within the physical world. This war has been ongoing since the dawn of creature kind. No one has been left unscarred by the force that has threatened us since the Goddesses Birth.

The Miasma; it is a poison that invades even the strongest of all beings and brings them down to groveling husks. It is a creature of unimaginable power, and it continues to evolve every day.

Long ago the Goddess of the Moon went to her wise Sorcerer and Sorceress and asked them to set up a communing circle so she may seek guidance from the Old Beasts.

The Old Beasts were the ones who fashioned the Races; each and every living creature owes their existence to them, even the Goddesses would not exist without their power. Now most would assume that such powerful beings wouldn’t care about their creations, and if they were any other deity, they would be correct.  The Old Beasts though were kind, and loved their creations, so when the Moon sought her guidance from them they gave her council amongst the stars.

The Moon cried and pled for help against the Miasma, a creature that the Old Beasts had made for the purpose of taking away fear from their creations. Alas, the Miasma had started to develop beyond what they had made it for. For all it had known for eons was pain, fear, heartache, and a multitude of other emotions that would drive a lesser being insane.

The Old Beasts, at first, did not believe what the Moon had said. They argued that their creation would never have turned away from its original purpose. The Moon though begged them with tears of stars falling from her eyes to look upon the world of Equiss. Taking pity and still with a slight amount of disbelief they looked down for the first time in millennia, and saw the blackened taint within Equiss. So shocked were they that the heavens roared in fury and Equiss shook with sadness as the Old Beasts wept for the torment their creatures were enduring.

Though the Old Beasts were powerful, they had to abide by the laws of the cosmos. They could give counsel to the Moon, and her sister the Sun, but could no longer interfere directly with the problem. That was the agreement they had made when the cosmos was first designed. So they told the Moon as such, while their own heavenly bodies split apart in their own grief.

Her eyes glowed with the darkness of the void and her hands trembled while she fought to calm herself. Unfortunately even all the patience of her years could not contain her rage. She slammed her hooves of night down with all the fury her body possessed, her coat creating sparks of deep aquamarine magic as she let the rage explode out of her. The stars themselves exploded in light as she unleashed the full might of her power. Her voice roaring out the injustice and torment her people were being subjected to.

The Old Beasts let her work her fury out of herself, not even flinching as the galaxy around them responded to her rage. When she ended, space itself going dark as the stars drained of light, her beautiful aquamarine coat sagging with the weight of her guilt, the Old Beasts turned to themselves to discuss what could be done.

Taurus and Scorpio argued against their brothers and sisters for days about the old laws. Saying that they should have no part in the affairs of mortal creatures.  Capricorn, with all her patience managed to calm down her brothers by negotiating a compromise. Taurus and Scorpio though still angered by the idea and gall of their siblings, grudgingly agreed to the compromise so long as none of their siblings interfered directly with the mortals.

Leo stepped forward forming into a mountain of a lion. His mane was the sun’s holy fire; brighter than anything the Moon’s sister could conjure and she was the Sun incarnate; His paws the size of planets. With every step he took he shifted, constantly changing. One moment he was the galaxy, the next a small child, another he was a proud Gryphon. When he came to a stop in front of the Moon she bowed her body, forcefully bent underneath his warm and overpowering gaze.

Leo’s voice shook space and time itself as he gave the Old Beasts’ answer.

"We are not allowed to interfere on behalf of our creatures’ destinies directly. One thing we are allowed to grant. It is but a simple token. We are allowed to grant our mark upon any worthy creature, and they shall have a portion of our power to fight against the beast of fear and its armies.

When you awake, a spell shall be inside of your mind from my sister Capricorn. Give this spell to Starswirl the Bearded and Clover the Clever, have them help you cast this Celestial Spell and a portion of our power will be used for as long as the Miasma lives.

Another piece of advice our beloved Moon. Go to the lands bathed in shadow, past the seas and Gryphon territories. There you will come upon a cave of black crystal; inside you will find an army that will defend your subjects while your sister sleeps."

The Moon trembled as the power of Leo’s voice broke over her. Quivering in an equal amount of fear and respect, she bowed and thanked them for their gratuitous help. They nodded back and with a blink, she awoke.

Panting as her body shot up; pain rocketing her nerves and a throat dryer than the Arabian deserts, the two guards stationed by her bedside forced the weakened deity back down and lifted water to her muzzle. Gulping the succulent sustenance down, she looked over to the stallion and mare of the Solari Guard that stood valiantly by her bedside before rising to her hooves shakily.

The Goddess’s body had survived off nothing but the very aether around her and a mixture of honey and healing potion given to her in small doses. According to the guards, she had been convening with the Old Beasts for almost two weeks trying to gain their help. With a triumphant but shaky smirk, she stood and sent the two Solari guards to fetch Starswirl and Clover.

As she waited, she tested her weak body by forcing her legs to move towards the moonlit veranda  on the opposite side of the lavishly furnished room. Taking her first step outside since her unconsciousness two weeks ago, she let the moon’s sweet light bathe her sweat soaked fur in relief. Taking a lungful of cool night air, she felt her strength slowly returning.

The smell of burning ozone and the sound of a small explosion alerted her to the arrival of her most trusted mages in all of Equiss. Rapidly arriving the two powerful mages appeared in a flash of dazzling magic and power.

Starswirl stayed bowed before his Goddess awaiting her signal to rise. He was dressed in a flowing midnight blue cape bespattered in the constellations themselves, his coat a thick pure white, with a beard and mane of silvery gray. Starswirl was in his mid fifties, but most would guess his late forties since his eyes still lit up when discussing magic and his body could beat that of most younger stallions. Beside him bowing respectively was his apprentice Clover.

Starswirl had chosen her as his successor to the crowns Supreme Magi of the Royal Court as a result of a spell during the Magi duel. He’d seen her invent a new spell on the fly to dodge another Mage’s lightning bolt spell. Both astonished and excited, he stopped the duel and declared Clover his apprentice. Since then he hadn’t doubted for a moment that she’d be an even better Supreme Magi then even he was.

In hindsight, Clover was the complete opposite of Starswirl. Just barely over 23 years old and fresh out of magi school, she was a young and frankly brash mare. That didn’t mean she wasn’t smart though. Jokingly called Clover the Clever throughout her training by her previous classmates, she was as clever as a cat was curious. Her coat was a light fluffy magenta, clothed in a dark red cloak to offset the deep purple of her eyes that shined with mischievousness. She loved to learn new spells to show the other stallions that a mare could do it better. She too stayed bowed before her Goddess. Although the shiver that ran through her could be attested to the brisk night air, or the excitement of being before a living Deity.

Luna turned to Starswirl and Clover looking them over carefully. Though she had seen countless subjects come and go throughout her lifetime with her Sister Celestia, these two were special to her. It had been ages since she had simply been able to have a conversation on spell formulae without the other party cowering in fear. She hoped that the Old Beasts were right and that they would be able to handle the spell.

“Starswirl and Clover, my dearest friends, you need not bow before me. Arise and I shall tell you why I have summoned thee here this late at night,” she spoke with a soft but commanding tone. Clover shot up and just managed to keep herself from toppling over in her excitement before helping Starswirl up.

“Princess Luna. What may Master and I help you with?” Clover asked, barely reigning in her excitement. The young mare was practically bouncing on her hooves while she kept her hands twisted together beneath her cloak.

Starswirl and Luna shared a look before giving low resounding chuckles at the look of eagerness on Clovers face.

“I have summoned thee here for the matter of saving Equiss,” she paused, focusing her efforts on maintaining her balance. She raised a blue furred hand to stop Starswirl from rushing to her side.

“Fear not my friend for I am just tired, alas the Miasma will not wait much longer. I have finished communing with the Old Beasts and they have granted us two saving graces. One is a new spell called the Celestial Bearing. I will need parchment, quills, and ink to gather the spell together. Second, I will be taking a small excursion of myself and some Solari Guards to a cave of Dark Crystal past the Eastern Seas and Gryphon territories. Starswirl, I will need you to speak with the old Gryphon king and ask for passage through his kingdom.” She took some small sips of water and moved back into her room to lay upon her divan.

Starswirl and Clover followed after having conjured some parchment for themselves to take down notes as the Princess spoke. Taking a seat for themselves across from Luna, Starswirl cleared his throat before crossing his hooves and threading his fingers together to watch Luna carefully.

“Your highness if this old Magi might pose a suggestion?” he asked politely waiting for Luna to give her acquiescence. After receiving an exhausted nod he continued.

“I suggest our first course of action to be getting the Celestial Bearing on parchment and going over the spell to make sure we are able to cast it safely. Whilst Clover and I are going over the spell, you may take your expedition and discover this ‘army’ of yours. When you return the spell will be prepared with all of its components and we may cast it upon your return,” he finished keeping his eyes locked upon those of her highness.

Clover perked up at the mention of the new spell and possible army before settling back down, waiting to be addressed. She kept herself occupied by watching the now silent exchange of glances and looks being passed between her Master and her Princess.

Luna nodded her agreement and Starswirl let out a long breath of relief. Luna turned and gave Clover a small smile.

“Clover if thou might summon parchment, quill, and ink, we must get started.”

Clover jumped to attention eagerly before pulling out her paints. Making sure she had the correct ones, she painted a small circle that’s partner was painted in their supply room. Quickly summoning almost a hundred rolls of parchment, they set about to writing down the Celestial Bearing. After almost three hours of constant scribbling and making sure the others had the spell written exactly right, they looked to their Goddess for further instruction.

Luna was shaking by the time they were done, and her sister’s light was slowly encroaching upon her room. Covering a yawn with the back of her hand she flicked her fingers to close the curtains, before rising to her hooves.

“This is where we shall turn in. I leave the spell in your capable hands Starswirl. I leave at first Moonfall for the Dark Crystal Cave” she forced through a yawn. Starswirl nodded his acceptance and quickly rushed Clover out of the deity’s room.

The Next Night

Luna strode from her room clad in her regalia armor with a purposeful stride. Her hooves struck sharply against the granite floors causing small sparks to fly into existence. She stopped in front of the Throne room doors taking a small shuddering breath before pushing past them.

Sitting upon the Sun emblazoned throne was her elder sister, Celestia. Her face was buried in her hands, shoulders sagging with the weight of their shared kingdom. Luna stopped her face falling out of the mask she had placed upon it. She reverted back to the shy younger sister that she was as she walked up and sat between her sister’s legs. Carefully taking her hands between her own she rubbed them gently.

“Tia? Please I need to do this” Luna plead, her voice cracking as she stared into the pain filled magenta eyes. Tears sprung forth in response in her own as she nudged herself into her Celestia’s arms. Celestia shivered pulling her closer to her chest running her white furred fingers through her sister’s ethereal mane.

“Oh my Lulu I know, but it doesn’t mean I must agree to it. Why can you not send the Captain of the Guard? Or even his lieutenant… Anyone but you sister,” she tearfully whispered into her sister’s ear.

Luna shook her head in disagreement.

“I must be the one to do this Tia. You have your Solari, it is time that the night have a fighting chance. Your guards are weak to the magicks that fill the void. I must go to this Dark Cavern and find what lies in wait there… I would like it if you would grant me thine blessing upon this journey,” Luna whispered back before pulling away. Celestia moved forward trying to pull Luna back into her arms before biting her bottom lip in reluctance as she turned her face away.

“I.... May the Sun guide your steps and light your path. Know that you are always welcome beneath my light,” she murmured. Luna smiled softly before walking back to the doors of the Throne room. Keeping her back turned she spoke her reply.

“Thank you Tia… I will be home before thine knows of it,” she said confidently. The door slowly closed behind her, before she collapsed against it. Wrapping her arms around herself, she heard her sister’s cries through the door.

“I will return Tia; with an Army of vengeance against this beast,” she promised to the winds before heading for the entrance to the castle. Once she exited the doors she met up with the few guards that would be joining her on this journey. The Solari guards were situated in two lines of nine. Decked out in light leather armor, they were emblazoned with her sister’s symbol of power. One of them broke off to deliver the Goddess of the Moon her lance. Luna accepted the weighted weapon giving it a few test thrusts before being satisfied. She turned to face the stallions and mares who stood before her.

“Guards! Tonight we journey forth in search of the Dark Cavern foretold to me by the Old Beasts. There you will meet your new brother and sisters in arms. I ask that you keep your minds and hearts open and extend to whomever or whatever we find there friendship and companionship!” Luna let the guards cheer before signaling for silence.

“I will not lie. This journey is given to us at a most inopportune time. This war has been ongoing for a century. I will not fault any stallion or mare who wishes to stay behind and help guard Equestria and their families.” She looked around and while some of their looks turned to sadness they stayed, hooves planted firmly and fire burning in their eyes. She gave the smallest of smiles in pride at her Guards.

“That was your last chance to turn back. Henceforth we ride upon the winds my Pegasi Brethren. To the Eastern Seas and past the Gryphon kingdom!” her wings flared open and she took to the skies, eighteen pegasi warriors joining her in flight as she headed toward the Eastern Seas. A small glance back and she saw her sister bathed in her moonlight, her white fur bare for only her eyes to see as she shed tears watching her leave.

‘I will find my army, I will cast the Celestial Bearing and I will end the Miasma. This I swear as the Goddess of the Moon,’ Luna thought as she turned back, face set in rabid determination.

…………………………………………………………………………….

“And that is where we will end the story today young fillies and colts,” our school teacher said as she closed the leather wrapped book. A chorus of groans rose up from our class as we tried our best to get Miss Legendia to continue with the story.

I smiled softly, as I kept my head propped up with my hand.

Now that I look back upon that time, I suppose you could say that it all started with that book. A book that most ponies in Vault 69 considered legend. The book that no one would think was actually real, or that the Celestial Bearing would become reality. If only we had paid closer attention to the rest of that book, maybe we wouldn’t have missed the signs… Maybe we would’ve been more prepared for the tragedy that would soon wreck our little vault built into Neighagra Falls.

Perhaps I would have been more prepared to face my destiny...