//-------------------------------------------------------// A Silver Lining -by Silvers 93- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// A stormy night. //-------------------------------------------------------// A stormy night. In the throne room of Canterlot, Princess Celestia was all alone. This was odd however; even the royal guards weren't present. "Where is everypony today?"Celestia thought to herself. A sudden crash caught her attention. One of the tall windows had shattered into a million pieces. Celestia rose from her seat and strode with grace over to the now open hole where the glass had been. Outside was only darkness, no sun, moon or stars covered the sky at all. Celestia thought it was odd. She was certain it had been in the middle of day. "Guards, Luna!?" Nopony answered her. Something was seriously wrong today. With a loud crashing sound, the rest of the windows blew into pieces as well. Now, however, a dark fog began pouring in from every shattered window along the room. It quickly covered the floor as it made its way towards the princess of the sun. Celestia tried to fly away from the fog, but found she couldn’t use her wings at all. By now, the entire room was embraced by the mysterious darkness and Celestia found herself trapped, for the fog she stood in made it impossible to move her legs as well. "What is happening around here?!" She screamed, starting to feel the panic coming closer. A deep voice filled the otherwise silent darkness with a laugh, cold as ice. "Ah, my dear Celestia, there is no need to panic. This is but a dream after all." "A- a dream?" Celestia wondered if this was a prank from her sister Luna. The voice chuckled, apparently amused. A pair of dark red eyes appeared in front of Celestia, giving her a feeling of absolute despair. "Indeed it is, little one. And this is no mere prank by your baby sister, oh no, this is so much more......" Whoever this "shadow" was, it was capable of reading her thoughts and enter dreams, something that Luna should be doing at this very moment. But if this wasn't Luna, then who was it? Celestia’s thoughts were interrupted as she saw the eyes study what appeared to be some sort of photos, photos of......... Twilight!? Not only Twilight, but her friends as well. Celestia caught a short glimpse of Luna and herself as well. She tried to use her magic, but to no use. Her horn didn't even glow. "Uh uh uh, Celestia. That won't work here. You´re in MY domain now." Those last word's sent a chill down Celestia’s spine. What did the shadow mean by "MY" domain? The cold voice chuckled once again. The darkness started creeping up her body, encasing her, making it hard to breathe. "Sister!!" "AAHH!!" Celestia woke up, breathing heavily and sat straight up in her bed. It really was just a nightmare. "Are you alright sister?" Luna looked worried as she stood beside Celestias bed. "Yes, I'm ok", Celestia murmured. "Did you see?" She asked Luna. "Yes sister." "What do you think it was?" "I am not sure sister. But whatever it was, it is gone now, just a dream." Celestia wasn't so sure. "Luna, I don't think this was just a dream." "Hmm, I suppose, but aside from us, nopony is capable of entering others dreams. It's simply not.........." Luna was interrupted by a sudden flash of lightning, followed closely by a crack of thunder. "...possible." The two sisters walked over to the nearest window. A thunderstorm raged outside. "This is no natural storm", said Celestia. "I agree sister. I also believe I know who is responsible for your nightmare" The sisters nodded towards each other. "It could only be HIM", said Celestia. "But why now? And what is he after?" "Indeed sister, it could not be anypony else. He did teach us everything we know after all." Luna looked even more worried now than before. "We must send for Twilight Sparkle immediately", said Celestia and turned towards the nearest guard. "Increase security all over Canterlot and send word to the Crystal Empire as well." "Yes Princess", the guard said, saluted and went to do as he had been ordered. Luna looked out the window and sighed. She thought back at the good memories she and her sister had of their old mentor. His calm eyes and gentle voice, strict but the kindest of ponies. She shuddered when she thought about the voice in Celestia’s dream. So cold, menacing and yet......so sad. What could possibly had happened to change him so much? Not far from there, atop a tall mountain, a dark figure with dark red eyes grinned, exposing sharp fangs. Ever since he had exited Celestia’s dreams, he had listened to every word his old protégés had said. Everything was going according to his plans. He chuckled to himself. The board was set, ready for the first move to be made He now turned his attention towards Ponyville, unsuspecting, unaware of what was coming. Up until now he had been a quiet observer. Always watching, but rarely taking action on his own. Those who knew him respected, looked up to and even feared him, not necessarily in that order. Even Discord behaved in his presence, mostly out of fear. Celestia and Luna, of course, had great respect for him as their mentor. That respect had probably turned to fear by now he thought. His silver mane fluttered in the storm he had summoned. Darkness and nightmares resided in his heart. After all this time, he was ready to make his presence known. He unfolded his large, dragon like wings, ready to take to the dark skies above. His eyes glowed intensely and the large stallion took flight into the night. "Well then, let the game BEGIN." Author's Note This is my first fanfic. I really hope you like it. Please leave many comments for me. Your Swedish Brony. //-------------------------------------------------------// A plan in motion. //-------------------------------------------------------// A plan in motion. Fluttershy let out a big yawn. It was early morning in her tiny cottage and it was time to begin her daily chores. The sky was covered with dark storm clouds this morning, but that didn't bother Fluttershy. She started humming a merry little tune as she visited all of her little friend's around her home. Soon she started to sing with her soft, but beautiful voice, accompanied with the many birds she took care of. Something caught her eye, or rather somepony. Not far from her cottage stood a large unicorn stallion, staring straight at her. "Eep!!" She bolted into her cottage and slammed the door shut. Had he heard her sing? She wasn’t very comfortable letting other ponies hear her sing, aside from her closest friends of course. The stallion must be quite confused or even upset after seeing her run away like that. A loud crash broke the silence and startled her. "Oh dear, what was that?" She opened the door slightly and looked outside. Nothing unusual in sight. Stepping out again, she looked around and found that the pony who she had spotted earlier had collapsed on the ground. Her pet bunny, Angel, hopped over to the stallion to take a closer look. Fluttershy followed slowly, as did many of the other animals. The stallion lay on his side, seemingly unconscious. He was much larger than any other pony she had met before, roughly five or six times her size. His coat was pitch black, with a silver mane and tail. "O-oh dear." She suddenly noticed two fresh wound's across his stomach. They looked like claw marks, most probably from a timber wolf. She had to help him, stranger or not. Unfortunately, he was much too heavy for her to carry alone. "Please everypony, we have to help him into my cottage." A big bear moved over to the large stallion with the other animals following soon after. With their combined strength, they managed to move the black unicorn into Fluttershy's cottage. Once inside, they all felt the exhaustion, the stallion had been heavier than expected. "Oh, where did I put the bandages?" Fluttershy looked all over the cottage, but seemed to be out of bandages to use. She had to get a doctor and fast. "Um, if you don't mind, could you please look after him while I get the doctor?" Angel nodded and pointed her towards the door while tapping his little foot, as if to say: "Yes we will, now get going already." "O-ok, thanks everypony." Fluttershy rushed out. There was no time to lose. A pony’s life might lie in her hooves. Back in the cottage, the black unicorn opened his dark red eyes. The animals that surrounded him all looked at him with curiosity. A little white bunny that was sitting the closest to him looked at him as if he had done something wrong. "Heh, don't worry little one, I won't hurt ya." His voice was soft, almost like a melody from a harp. The bunny looked sternly at him again as if he was telling the stallion to stay put. "Come here little one, why don't you look deep into my Eyes?" Locking eyes with the bunny, the stallion’s voice changed to a deep, cold tone. The animals started to panic, flying, hopping and running all over the cottage. A dark red aura locked all the windows and doors. "Ah ha ha ha, don't run everypony.......... THERE IS NO ESCAPE!!!" A flash lit up the entire cottage. The animals had all calmed down again, as if nothing has happened. Grinning, the massive stallion stood up. These animals was under his control now, ready to do his bidding. His plan was going quite well so far. It was easy to fool Fluttershy into believing he was wounded. This was simple foals play for him. She would return soon, so he had to make this quick. Fluttershy had been lucky. She had run into Applejack and Big Mac while galloping towards the hospital. Seeing her so worked up, Applejack dropped everything and set off after her friend. Big Mac followed too. As they ran, Applejack asked what was up. Fluttershy explained and almost ran past the hospital doing so. Soon, Fluttershy, Applejack, Big Mac, the doctor and five nurses galloped at full speed towards Fluttershy's cottage. When they arrived and slammed open the door, Fluttershy found all of her animals standing where she left them. Angel hopped over to them. "H- how is he, has he awakened?" Angel shook his head. "Let's get him to the hospital, quickly now." The doctor took charge and soon the massive stallion was being pulled towards the Ponyville hospital. Fluttershy and Applejack stayed behind for a bit. "Ah wonder what coulda happened to the big guy, looked like timber wolf claws to me." "Oh, I....I really hope he is okay." "Ahm sure he is, sugar cube." Applejack didn't say it, but she was a little worried about this stallion. If his wounds did come from a timber wolf, what business did he have in the Everfree forest? Right now, it was zapp apple season, however the first sign, the timber wolves howling, hadn't occured yet. However, this morning, the second sign came in before Applejack and Big Mac left the farm. "Ah have a bad feelin about all this", Applejack thought. Author's Note Odd, is it not? What could be happening around Ponyville? Well I'll keep working on it. Your Swedish brony. //-------------------------------------------------------// Kindness, generosity and laughter. //-------------------------------------------------------// Kindness, generosity and laughter. "How is he, nurse?" "He seems to be healthy, aside from some bruises and cuts, he seems to just be exhausted." The large stallion lay perfectly still, just listening to the voices around him. They seemed to belong to a doctor and a nurse. "That is quite the relief to hear, isn't it Fluttershy darling?" "Yes, it really is Rari-..." "WOW, you weren't kidding, he is huge, I mean REALLY huge!! Have you guys ever seen such a big pony, because I sure have never...." "SHH, the patient is sleeping, so PLEASE Miss Pie, BE QUIET!!" The nurse sounded really annoyed. Aside from the doctor and nurse, there seemed to be at least three more ponies in the room. Fluttershy, Rari....well, it probably was Rarity, and a Miss Pie, most likely Pinkie Pie. This would do. The stallion moaned ever so slightly, gaining the attention of everypony present. He slowly opened his eyes. "Oh oh, he's waking up!" "Where........am I?" "You are at the Ponyville hospital", the doctor answered. The large stallion sat up. "Hmm, well that explains the bandages, but how the hay did I get here?" The doctor nodded in the direction of a yellow Pegasus with a pink mane and tail. "This young lady found you passed out and called for help, then we brought you over here. I have to apologize for the inconvenience of the beds, but you are simply much larger than our average patients, Mister....." "Silvers Clawdust, but Silvers is fine, doc. And don't worry about the bed, you seem to have solved it without much trouble." Silvers looked down at his resting place, three mattresses put together and several blankets and pillows. He felt rather comfy. "By the way, doctor, what is the status of my injuries?" The doctor cleared his throat. "Hmrhmm, yes, you only seem to have minor injuries, no more than bruises actually. Well, aside from the wound on your stomach." "What about it?" "We aren't really sure, seeing as it is bigger and deeper than your other injuries. Do you have any memory of how you might have gotten it, Mister Silvers?" "Wrestling a few timberwolves." The room felt silent. "Timbervolves, wrestling"? The doctor looked pale. Everypony else stood with open mouths. "Um, darling, you do know that timberwolves are outrageously dangerous creatures, right?" The white unicorn with purple mane and tail, both very stylish, looked at Silvers as if he was either the bravest pony she had ever met or completely insane. "I don't believe we have been introduced Miss." "Oh, of course, sorry. My name is Rarity, Mister Silvers." "Miss Rarity, pleasure to meet such a lovely pony." Silvers bowed his head in Rarity's direction. She blushed and giggled a little, then returning to her casual, yet fabulous expression. "Returning to your question, yes, I am aware of how dangerous those timberwolves are. I only wrestled with them to scare them off." The doctor spoke up. "Yes, well, that clears up how you got hurt, as well as your exhaustion." "So how long do I have to rest, doc?" "You don't need to stay in the hospital any longer, as far as you take it easy and avoid stressful activities." Silvers nodded and stood up slowly. He had been at the same height as the others while lying down. Now, however, he towered over them all, being easily five or six times their size. "Very well then, I will take my leave. I thank you for all the help." Silvers bowed his his head towards them all. He then turned to Fluttershy last. "I am deeply grateful to you for finding me, Miss Fluttershy, I might have been much worse off if you hadn't." Fluttershy blushed deeply and tried to hide behind her mane. "Oh, um, i- it was nothing." "Hold on, wasn't there another pony here?" Everypony looked around, noticing that one particular pink pony was missing. "Oh, no need to worry darling, that is just how Pinkie Pie is." "Uh, you mean the pink pony who bounced up and down like a beach ball?" "That is Pinkie to the letter." Silvers burst out in laughter. His laugh was warm and filled the others with joy and comfort. "Ahhahahahaha, well I'll be, one second she's here, then she's gone, I bet she had something important to do." Rarity and Fluttershy glanced at each other, having realized what Pinkie was up to. Silvers looked around. He and the two mares had left the hospital together as he was not familiar with Ponyville and could use a guide. Being the generous pony she was, Rarity took the lead. "Well then, Mister Silvers, what would you like to see first?" At that moment, Silvers stomach started growling. He looked to his stomach and then back at Rarity, who quickly understood. "Oh, yes of course you would be rather hungry, then I suggest we go to Sugarcube Corner for something to eat." Silvers nodded approvingly. "Please lead the way Miss Rarity." "Oh, please, just Rarity is fine." "Very well, then please, Silvers is enough for me. By the way, where did Miss Fluttershy go." The two looked around. A tiny voice spoke up. "Um, if it wouldn't be to much trouble........." Silvers and Rarity looked in the direction of the voice, which came from below Silvers right hoof. Fluttershy had the massive Hoof on her back. Silvers had stepped on her tail, making her trip and had then stopped at her back when he had wondered where she had gone of to. He quickly stepped of from her. "Oh dear, I'm so sorry, I didn't see you." "Oh no, no no no, it wasn't your fault, I shouldn't have walked in front of you, I'm just in everypony's way." "No, accident or no, I should have watched my step, I insist on treating you and Rarity for something to eat." Oh, you really don........." "I INSIST!!" "Come now darling, he is being such a gentlecolt to us." "Oh, okay, if you insist." Silvers' horn started to glow and his magic enveloped Fluttershy. He gently levitated her and put her on his own back. "At least I can let you rest for a bit after I almost made a pancake out of you." Once they arrived at Sugarcube Corner, Fluttershy got off of Silvers' back and apologized for the trouble. "No need for that, it was the least I could do." Silvers let the two mares enter before he did, just in case he wouldn't fit through the door. With some careful manoeuvring, Silvers got into the shop without getting stuck or having to break the door frame. He was met by loud screams and crying. Two baby ponies, one Pegasus and one unicorn, was apparently very cranky and wouldn't go to sleep like their parents wanted. Silvers sighed and walked past his two companions, who stood back to let Mr and Mrs Cake put their Babies to sleep. He placed himself in the center of the room and started to sing. His voice was deep and calm. The song didn't have any words but still gave the audience a feeling of peace and made them all a little drowsy. As was the intent, the two small foals stopped screaming and looked in wonder at the singing giant. Soon they started yawning and fell asleep soon after. Mr Cake walked up to Silvers to thank him. "That was amazing, you're a real lifesaver Mister." "Silvers, and no trouble at all." "My name is Carrot Cake. Now as thanks for the help, we will give you whatever you want, on the house." Before Silvers could answer, Pinkie Pie appeared in a blur of pink and balloons. "SURPRISE!!!" "For what?" "For your welcome to Ponyville and getting out of the hospital party silly." Pinkie gave a fast and complicated explanation of her thoughts about him being new and getting out of the hospital. And of course this caused her to rush out and start prepare for the party. "Well, Mr Cake, if it wouldn't be too much trouble........" Carrot Cake understood. Silvers had his stomach full of cake, pie and a lot of other various foods. He wasn't much of a party pony, but it was rather fun to let loose a bit. It was okay if he could get what he wanted out of it. For the duration of the party, he had met a lot of interesting ponies. Among these were Rarity's little sister, Sweetie Belle, and her friends, a fast pony named Rainbow Dash and even a zebra named Zecora. Right now, he was talking to a small dragon named Spike. "It's a shame that your princess couldn't attend." "Yeah, she got summoned to Canterlot this morning for a royal summit or other." "Any idea why?" "No, but it seemed really important, she was even asked to come without us." "Very interesting Spike. Pardon me, but I have to thank Pinkie Pie for the party." He left Spike and walked over to Pinkie Pie, who was right in the middle of blowing more balloons. "Great party Pinkie!!" "Thanks, I'm so glad you like it." "Oh yes, I'm having so much fun. It really is a shame it has to end." Pinkie stopped making balloons and just stared at him. Her eyes flashed red for a second or so. "Yeah..........It really is a shame it has to end." Silvers smiled and walked out, leaving the pink pony to her thoughts. The night air felt cool. Silvers plans was proceeding as they should. Gaining the trust of Ponyville had proven a little more exhausting than he thought, but it was well worth it. He had planted a little spell in Pinkies mind with his words "it really is a shame it has to end". This would soon take effect, throwing Ponyville into chaos. But for now, he had to wait, as well as making sure that Twilight Sparkle wouldn't interfere, not that she could do much to stop him. Now, he concentrated his magic, preparing to launch his spell. In a brilliant flash of red, he fired a magical sphere into the sky. It stopped in mid-air and exploded, but didn't make a sound. "Hey, what are ya doing out here alone?" It was Applejack. "Hm, needed some air." She walked up to him. "So, where ya from Silvers?" "Far away". "What are ya doin in Ponyville?" "Traveling through." "Traveler huh, so ya got nowhere to stay?" "Can't say I do." Applejack looked a little guilty. "Ah just have to apologize to ya." "What for?" "Well, I felt a bit suspicious about ya, but seeing ya being so nice and helpful to mah friends.........." Silvers smiled and stopped her. "Your an honest pony, Applejack, was it? That is an important and valuable strength to have, especially among friends." "So no offence?" "None taken, friend." They shook hooves, then returned to the party, as friends. Silvers thought to himself that Applejack reminded him of a very special pony he had once known, one he missed every day and night. Author's Note Chapter three now done. It would be really nice to know what you guys Think so far and get some feedback on my work. Be honest like AJ. Your Swedish brony. //-------------------------------------------------------// Royal summit. //-------------------------------------------------------// Royal summit. Twilight Sparkle felt confused. This morning, she received a summon to a royal summit from Princess Celestia. Oddly enough, it was much less formal and seemed a bit rushed compared to earlier letters from her former mentor. But a summon is still a summon, so she took the next train to Canterlot. Once she arrived, she was escorted to a chamber where her sister in law, Princess Cadance, happily greeted her. "So you got summoned too huh?" "Yes Twilight, but I have no idea what this summit is about, it did seem very urgent though." "I'm sure Princess Celestia has her reasons." "Indeed she does, Twilight Sparkle." Luna had just entered the chamber. "Princess Luna, what is this all about?" "I am not certain myself, Twilight Sparkle, but we have much to dicuss this day." Luna then explained that several problems had been piling up all morning and would keep Princess Celestia busy all day. Twilight and Cadance would have to keep themselves entertained until it was all sorted out. This worked out great for them as they normally didn't meet as much as they wanted. Several hours later, Celestia had finished her work for the day. One problem after the other had been piling up all morning, almost as if some evil force tried to keep her from attending the summit she had called together. Now that she thought about it, that could very well be the case. "Sister, finally you join us." "I'm so sorry to keep you waiting everypony." "Well, at least now we can begin the royal summit." Now all the four princesses were present. Celestia cleared her throat. "I suppose you are wondering why we called you to this summit." Twilight and Cadance nodded. "We believe that Lord Silvers has returned." Twilight glanced at Cadance who shrugged. "Um, Lord who?" Luna nodded. "I am not suprised you do not know who Lord Silvers is, few ponies these days do." "Then........who is Lord Silvers?" Celestia and Luna looked very sad. "He.........he is our old mentor." "Your mentor!?" Twilight was curious and confused. "But......isn't that something good? I mean, if he was your mentor, then it should be a good thing that he has returned." "Normally yes, but I fear he is not the pony he used to be anymore." Celestia then told her fellow princesses how the shadow had invaded her dreams and how it seemed to foreshadow a coming darkness. Twilight asked if it was possible that Silvers could be possessed by some unknown evil. Luna shook her head. "No, I do not think so. He seemed sad and regretful about what he was doing." "Then it stands to reason that he has his reasons. If only we knew why." The room fell silent. Twilight broke the silence. "If he is up to something, then we have to find out what and try to stop him if we have to." Cadance nodded. "I agree with Twilight." Luna and Celestia shared another look. Celestia sighed. "That is IF we can stop him." Twilight looked worried. "W-what do you mean?" "You don't know him like we do. He is much more powerful than anything you have ever seen before." Twilight gulped. Celestia then told Twilight and Cadance how Silvers had once been. How kind and wise he was. The many fond memories she had of her old mentor and friend. "I do not know how much he has changed, but we have to be careful from now on." The other princesses nodded. "I should return to Ponyville at once." "And I to The Crystal Empire." "Luna and I will look through the royal library for something to help us. Good luck everypony." Twilight and Cadance rushed out, said a swift goodbye and parted ways. Jumping from the nearest balcony, Twilight took flight into the night. Next stop: Ponyville. While flying, Twilight tried to process everything she had learned from Princess Celestia. Silvers sounded like an amazing pony, so what could possibly had caused him to turn on his old ways? She suddenly crashed right into something, something invicible and hard as steel. "What the......." She stretched out her leg and tapped on the invisible surface. A barrier? She was at the outskirts of Ponyville, but couldn't go any further. "Problem, Princess?" She turned around, only to find Discord hovering beside her. "Oh, Discord, what are you doing here?" Discord made a few loops. "Well, I was trying to visit my friends in town, only to find that I can't even enter. There appears to be some sort of force field surrounding Ponyville. Odd, isn't it?" "Yes, very odd." "Hmm, well it's to be expected, seeing as Silvers has come back." "What!? You know about Silvers?" Discord huffed. "Well of course I do, he is THE most powerful alicorn in pony history. Not somepony you want to mess around with, trust me, I know." "So you have seen this barrier before?" "It's rather hard to see something that is invicible, but I have indeed faced this barrier before." "Is there any way to get past it?" "No, not unless the pony who cast the spell want you to get in. I only know of one pony who knows how to cast this spell and that is Silvers himself." "But can't somepony spot us from the inside?" "Oh no, that is not possible either, you can look in but not out." "Then what am I gonna do?" Twilight felt really despaired. "You know, it seems rather convenient that you where at that Royal summit when you........." Discord was interrupted by Twilights loud gasp. "What? Did I say something funny?" "Oh no, no no no no, it can't be. He fooled us all." Discord looked confused. "Don't you see, Silvers planned all this, Princess Celestias nightmare, the Royal summit, Everything." Discord started to understand as well. "Well then, there is no time to lose. We have to inform Celestia at once." Twilight nodded and set of at high speed towards Canterlot, followed closely by Discord. Silvers chukled. He had observed how Twilight crashed straight into his barrier and had followed the entire conversation high above him. Now it was time for his next move, without any silly fillie interupting him. "Hey, ya comin big fella?" He turned towards Applejack and followed her back to her farm. She had been kind enough to offer him someplace to sleep. He smirked behind Applejacks back. Tomorrow would be an eventful day. Author's Note Maybe not my best chapter, but I felt that we had to see what was going on with the princesses. Hope you bronies like my story so far. Helpful feedback is welcome. Your Swedish brony.