Tomb of Magic

Chapters

Chapter 1: A Friend of Yours...
Chapter 2: ...May Not Be a Friend of Mine
Chapter 3: Bloodshed
Chapter 4: Sharing Knowledge
Chapter 5: Cadance's Advice
Chapter 6: Waking Purple Eyesore
Chapter 7: Three Runic Journals
Chapter 8: The Wonderful Hat
Chapter 9: Apprentices and Grimoires
Chapter 10: Blue Berries
Chapter 12: Hunter and the Hunted
Chapter 13: Black Hearts and Wolf Blood
Chapter 14: Shadows of All Kinds
Chapter 15: Best Three Out of Four
Chapter 16: Twilight's Hero
Chapter 17: The Possession of Twilight Sparkle
Chapter 18: Sombra
Chapter 19: Onyx
Epilogue: The Game of Life
Prologue: With My Friends
Chapter 11: Anything but a Silent Night

Chapter 1: A Friend of Yours...

I looked at my round table of friends.

"What do you mean none of you can come?!"

Rarity was the first to speak.

"Twilight…we know how long you have been planning this three month trip gallivanting across Equestria and we know how much this means to you but darling….some things have come up for each of us. I'm sorry, but we can’t go." She gave me a sympathetic look.

I scrutinized all of my friends.

"Where do you guys have to be for so long?"

A strand of my mane came out of place as Rainbow Dash began.

"My Aunt Bifrost in Germaneigh sent a notice that my grandfather had died out to all the relatives. She needs help sorting the estate he left and I happened to be the only one free who could help her."

I nodded slowly. This was a perfectly good reason, though it wasn't exactly what I had hoped to hear.

"Now…why can’t the rest of you come?"

"Well," Applejack began, "Braeburn mailed a letter to the farm last week wondering if Big Mac and I can come down for a few months to help dig some irrigation routes and aid in the harvest."

I rested my gaze on Rarity. "What about you?"

Her blue eyes gleamed.

"Well, Twilight, Sapphire Shores thought my previous wardrobe for her was such a success that she invited me to design her entire wardrobe for a tour of Prance! Prance! I have always wanted to go to Prance and...well..." She appeared to wilt slightly. "I just couldn't refuse her offer. I am sorry, Twilight, if that interfered with your travel plans."

I bit my lip. At least she had apologized but I wasn't exactly upset...maybe disappointed. Two more left to ask. Spike wasn't coming on this trip so he and I had arranged for him to stay with the Cakes since the castle was still quite new. Part of the deal was that he would have to swing by and check on the place.

As my thoughts settled, Fluttershy gazed around the chamber nervously, since she hadn't yet gotten used to this place either.

"Fluttershy?"

My question must have startled her since she jumped slightly.

"I-I was invited to help add new information to the Equestrian Environmental organizations meetings in Manehatten so that I could get some new plants and animals officially recognized at a science and taxonomy convention in a different city."

A small smile crept onto my face, science and taxonomy conventions sounded really interesting. Too bad I wouldn't be able to go. The small smile crept back off my face.

"Okay, Fluttershy. Thank you for explaining. Now Pinkie Pie, why can't you come?"

I was secretly hoping Pinkie Pie might be able to come when the others told me that the couldn't. It was especially hard when I found out Cadance and Shining Armor could not go with me.

"Okie dokie Twilight, ya see, Maud invited me to name one of her new rocks and go on a month long trip with her before I come back to help with Sweet Apple Acres since only Granny Smith and Apple Bloom will be there. Oh - I forgot to mention that Gummy will help and I'm going to teach him how to pick apples and make cider and create crop circles and-"

The thought of Gummy making crop circles was pretty funny, but I had to cut her off before she really got going.

"Okay Pinkie, I understand your point. In fact, I understand all your points and predicaments. All I wish is you would tell me these things before it came down to a last minute notice scenario such as this. I will go on my trip alone, I guess but I'll still have fun. I think we'll all have adventures now and adventures to come. Hopefully we will all come back with stories to share. I wish you all good luck on your trips!"

I smiled as best I could, silently panicking inside. I'd been planning this for so long how could I not go? If they found out I was going to act... panicky or irrational, they would encourage me to stay, and I can't have that happen.

I bid everypony farewell as I decided how I would repack my supplies. It did make me feel a bit better when A.J. explained how she would not be leaving until the day after tomorrow. Even Spike and Owlowiscious would be gone by then.

That night I silently still hoped this trip would be as exciting as I had planned.

...

Two unpacked saddlebags gazed up at me like empty eye sockets.

The knowledge that I was going into the Arctic was common among my friends, yet I still felt unprepared and lacked any suitable gear, such as a warm scarf. It was 10:32 in the morning, and everypony but A.J. had left yesterday. I was the only one in the castle.

I was still trying to figure out what to pack.

Twilight, you need advice.

That was it! Advice!

I grabbed a quill, ink bottle, and some parchment and upon its papery surface poured out all of my current troubles: my lack of gear, how none of my friends could come, all my uncertainty, the desire for knowledge, and most of all the wish for somepony to share an adventure.

Dear Princess Celestia...

One spell later, I already yearned for the reply.

At 11:00 sharp the sigil on the throne room floor began to glow and pulse, causing me to look up from my book, just in time to see a large box materialize.

Oh?

With a flourish I placed the book down with a sudden loss of interest and flew over to my mail, ripping off Celestia & Luna's royal seal.

Inside I found an entire set of clothing: a pointed hat with a wide brim and belled tip, and magnificently patterned center band inlaid with a clear crystal in a golden frame which a small cluster of feathers sprouted out of. Following the hat were two boots of a similar style with polished stone buttons and a rune foreign to me stitched in each. Everything was made out of a thick wellspun material, like high quality drapes. Under that was a richly sown robe with a swirl pattern and exaggerated sleeves. Its collar was adorned with another, larger gem with a single tassel trailing from it and a modest amount of pearls.

Each sleeve was accompanied by a pair of metal legbands etched with a spiral pattern, these were carefully placed at the bottom along with some smaller objects: a thick parcel, a small pouch sized book, and a scroll.

Grasping the scroll in magic I broke the seal with a quick spell and began to read hungrily:

Dearest Twilight,

I am sorry to hear your distress. Never fear, for by my power as one of the Two High Princesses of Equestria, I have located a companion for you. They are a close confidante of Princess Cadance and have many magical abilities. I wrote this as I gathered a care package for you, to help compensate for the lack of gear mentioned in your letter. Luna aided in the stitching of the runes on your garments.

Regarding your journey, in the parcel I sent you are the following objects:

A Royal Order explaining anything your companion may need to know, please present it to them

-Two temporary passports, good for six to eight months, in case you need to cross any borders

Map and coordinates for locating appointed follower

-Two tickets to The Grand Trottish Museum, and a request to be presented to an employee that certain artifacts be placed in your care

Two train passes
(Outside of parcel) a book depicting clearly printed images of runes, please memorize them in your spare time

Lastly, please do not open any sealed documents or they might be marked as tampered and could hinder the process of your trip. Cadance also mailed me wondering if you could stop by at some point when you pick up your new acquaintance.

Good Luck, Fair travel, and may you find what you are looking for,

H.R.H. Princess Celestia

Celestia Regis Filia

...

"So who do you think they are?" I asked Applejack, dismissing any nervousness as best as I could.

According to Princess Celestia's coordinates I would need to head part way into the desert and since A.J. also had to go south toward the desert, I was able to have somepony to talk to on the train. Only on the train though.

I breathed out a sigh as subtly as possible. Would this pony...presuming it's a pony...even be nice? Tolerable?

Currently, I didn't even know their gender.

"So...who do you think it is?"

Applejack lifted her gaze from the window and cast another thoughtful glance at my new garb.

"Hmm...maybe Trixie?"

Could it be her? I hadn't counted her as a probable choice.

"I don't think so. It says that this is somepony who is a friend of Cadance's."

Unfortunately, I wasn't very sure of who her friends were currently.

"Wait a second!" Applejack exclaimed, "I think I might know who it is."

"Yes?" I breathed, nervous with anticipation.

"What if its Somb-"

"WHAT?!"

I fell of the seat and silently thanked that we were in our own car.

"Calm down, Twi," said A.J. shooting me a mild worried look, "I'm just going to point out that we only met him once, plus it's not like he is dead - Cadance acknowledges him as a friend. He does seem to be good at magic as far as I can tell, and lastly Celestia did send him into the desert...remember?"

No.

Applejack was right. How could I have forgotten?

No.

Why would Celestia do this? How could Sombra help me?

I rummaged through my saddlebags and pulled out the coordinates.

They lead to an area roughly south of Appleoosa.

Far south. In the desert.

In the middle of 'nowhere'.

No...I wouldn't go through with this. I can control my own quests.

Nowhere...

I got up and walked toward the sleeper car, my rigid strides obvious to a nonexistent audience.

Stop your heavy breathing! Grit your teeth quieter. Why did this feel like a betrayal?

"I think I'll be going to bed early, Applejack."

She nodded slowly. "Twilight are you alright? You seem off. Do you need to talk?"

I grasped the door handle with my magic.

"It's just so shocking to think that I will be traveling with a pony like...him. Otherwise, I think I'll be fine with some sleep."

Lies.

This is why I wasn't the Element of Honesty.

Now, I can prepare my leave-taking so I can do this quest.

Alone.

All I have to do is leave a moving train unnoticed. Once inside I teleported to the outer balcony of the caboose as quickly as possible, gear and all.

...

It was quite windy, which would make it harder to fly considering I was not Equestria's #1 aviator.That didn't matter right now I had to get to Canterlot and talk to Celestia to try and clear up this mess.

She could have picked anypony, right? Anypony but him, that is.

I flapped my wings and lifted off strongly, trying to fight the winds.

Focus Twilight Sparkle, try to keep your eye on the horizon. Look, see!

...What a lovely sunset.

Whizz!

Something grazed my wing.

But what? What was that? I started an illumination spell, magic sparking to life, and looked around as I pushed against the wind.

Whizz-fwoo!

Something zipped by once more, but unlike the last time i was able to see what it was.

An arrow. Crudely made, but deadly accurate.

The train was long gone now even if I did need help. This didn't stop me from turning to face the direction it had gone in. What I mistake I had made! Another 'whizz' followed with a sickening tear in flesh and jagged stems of searing pain.

My wing!

Faster then I realized I was falling toward the tracks and desert landscape. The only noise I could hear was that of my own pained screaming. i tried to prepare spells but lacked any concentration causing them all to fizzle as soon as I attempted to create them. All I recalled in magic was overshadowed by the horrible pain of impact.

My last vision was that of crimson spots unearthly dancing before my eyes before being consumed by darkness.

Chapter 2: ...May Not Be a Friend of Mine

Searing pain.

That was the first thing I felt surging through me as I slowly opened my crust-sealed eyes. Stars and spots of red danced along my line of sight, masking silhouettes of cacti which were further obscured with pulsing yellow and black spots fluttering across my line of vision. Beside all the spots, I tasted dried blood in my mouth (which was even drier). Nearby mumbling, muffled and nonchalant, caught the attention of my scraped ears.

Voices!

Slowly, I shifted my open eyes toward two outlines; ponies who were talking beside a small fire on the opposite end of the desert clearing. Nearby was all of my gear and clothes in a neat pile next to some settled plant life, long dried out. Due to the darkness, these ponies hadn't noticed my open eyes. Since this worked in my favor I decided it would be foolish not to listen to their conversation considering I couldn't perform any magic with an injured head, chipped horn, broken leg and other injuries.

They spoke freely, still believing I was in a comatose state.

"So how much d'ya think we can get from her?" a male voice grumbled.

"Not sure, but it better be worth the effort draggin' her forty miles this far south," a gruff female voice snapped to her companion.

"Huh, you're tellin' me. Did ya hear what happened to those desparados out closer to 'loosa?"

The mare gasped. "Were they the ones who were ambushed by the Dusk Duper?"

"...and killed." Added the stallion.

I gulped silently, and perked up.

Bandits killing bandits?

How much trouble was I going to get in?!

"Guess what?" A third voice said mockingly.

The two bandits immediately shot up and grabbed the very bows they used to shoot me down. As they stood to do so, I could see that both were earth ponies, thus explaining their combat and weapon choice.

The third voice, also unknown to me, was that of a young male, and gave a sinister chuckle.

"You've been 'duped'."

The male bandit gulped nervously and I lay paralyzed in pain.

"S-show y-yourself!" he cried.

A dark cloud suddenly swept into the clearing, extinguishing the fire. When it dispersed, a figure in a ragged cloak wearing a large hood stood in its place, near the bandits. The mare bandit thumped her bow in an aggressive manner, almost as if goading the intruder to fight. Rumbling occurred and a strange rock erupted out of the dusty ground impaling her at such a speed she exploded into carnage. Her companion screamed which muffled my horrified squeak, as the remains landed on me.

I couldn't run. I couldn't fly. I couldn't do magic. I was so paralyzed from injury and blood loss that I had no choice to remain a 'mute' lump.

Like a corpse.

The male was quickly cornered by this strange ambusher. In the distance the sun was slowly coming up but despite Celestia's light my vision still remained dark. A gentle sunbeam touched my face, I closed my eyes in pain as the dots amplified, continuing their cruel performance. Wherever he was, the outlaw stallion let loose a scream which was his last as a fresh wave of gore hit my face.

Out of both disgust and injury I felt my self beginning to faint as I let loose one full scream that caused my dry, dry throat to excrete a foamy blood.

...

In my dream there was laughter. This wasn't happy laughter like Pinkie Pie's constant giggles, but a crazed and maniacal laughter that was coming from the earth itself and matched the ambusher in the clearing.

A sudden earthquake rippled through the landscape.

"Aah!" I gasped as I bolted upward and ran a hoof through my sweaty bangs.

Huh?

Blinking at the light and trying to make the effects of sleep dissipate, I looked around, confused by my new surroundings. I was in a small two room hut with wooden shelves adorning the walls in the first room, which I was currently in. With this was a 'bed' composed entirely out of burlap sacks...

In the next room was a plain, crudely made table and chair, wooden utensils, a crude telescope that probably didn't work, and two barrels. As I observed this, giving a second glance at the wooden spoons, I noticed a large chest with... all my stuff resting on top. When I reached for my hat I noticed myself, or my present condition to be exact. My wings, coat, skin, and horn were all completely healed. My coat was dusty, but free of scars. The only ailments I suffered from were thirst a slight headache, and some wooziness.

Groowwl!

Oh, and apparently I was quite hungry.

I got up from the chair I had been sitting in to search for some food since the house seemed to lack any edibles, and tripped on some small iron shoes, like those of a guard, on the way out.

When I quietly slipped outside the smell of smoke greeted my nostrils.

Was somepony, perhaps the owner and my rescuer, cooking?

"Burn you monstrosity! I'll murder your families!"

My stomach felt like it was going to do a flip, for outside burning cacti was...the pony. The very same possibly sadistic pony who ambushed the other bandits.

Their voices matched.

Matched...

Everything seemed...to...

...match.

"Uhh... hi, I'm going to leave now..."

I unfolded my wings and was just about to take off a dark, winding unseen force that could only be a paralysis charm grabbed hold of me, black charged crimson aura twining around me like shadowy waltzers. The pony-he-walked up to me,using his slightly superior height almost as a mute excuse to gloat. A hood was pulled over his head, hiding all possible identification.

The cloak was red, dark dark red - like blood - with a small harness for a saddle bag, sheath, and a clip for a bed roll. The cloak appeared to have been longer once but was jaggedly cut until it came to only about knee length and was poorly patched with fabrics of dull grays and browns. The poorly done cutting job revealed legs adorned with reddish cloth wraps topped with plain metal bracers trimmed with sandy hued fur. Matching these was a chestplate with the same trim.

A blade, as black as dried blood and as crystalline as the Empire, gleamed in a partial sheath. Its pommel and cross bar winking with blood rubies while the structural metal shone with pure gold.

I felt choked, submitting further to the powerful charm squeezing at me...where had I seen that blade before?

Canterlot.

Shining Armor complaining about his foreleg in a cast.

Cadance with a faint scar on her wing along with a far away and fierce gaze. Admirable to any adventurer.

"I know that sword..."

The words, choked out and as painful as getting teeth pulled, did nothing to amuse him.

"You should know it, Twilight Sparkle."

Sombra seemed to toy slightly with my name, as if it were an unfamiliar food.

"It would be unwise to forget such an item as Phobos..."

A pause? Phobos?

With a small spark he divided his spell and telekinetically pulled his sword partway out of its sheath.

"...especially unfortunate to forget who wields it."

With one jerk of his hoof the hood was removed.

"Sombra."

He sneered. "Goody, you know my name. I bet mummy is so proud. Now give me a good reason why I shouldn't kill you."

Chapter 3: Bloodshed

"I have a reason!" I cried, wincing as the charm loosened. Now, how persuade him not to kill me?

"You'd better."

He was friends with Cadance so maybe this might...

"I'm Cadance's sister-in-law."

He snorted, "Not helping you."

He is a fairly power hungry individual right?

"I'm the Spark of Magic?"

He rolled his eyes. "And I can just as easily spark a fire. Does this make me a Spark too? Where's my reward?"

He has a sense of humor? Think, Twilight! How do you persuade a murderous, sarcastic, power hungry individual not to kill you? Although its not like I'm going to let him if only I could just get a plan ready and then a back-up plan and a back-up plan for the back-up plan...

"Because-"

"Hmm, one more poor answer and I get a reason to be sadistic." He smiled wickedly as if to acknowledge what I thought of him.

Okay...what should I try now? I could just tell him what I was doing there is only so much he can do to stop me...

I'd better get a power surge or a spell breaker going as a back-up somehow...

Sombra shrugged slightly and blew a lock of his mane out of his face as if to say 'any day now'.

Here goes nothing...take a deep breath as best as you can and-

"I'm going-on-a-quest-to-find-Starswirl-the-Bearded's-stronghold-and-lost-works. I-am-also-quite-sure-that-Celestia-ordered-you-to-be-my- accomplice."

I paused quickly, breathing rapidly before continuing at a faster pace adding anything it might take to persuade him.

"We-get-to-go-to-Trotland-ride-trains-and-read-old-books-and-I-know-you-are-friends-with-Cadance-and-wouldn't-you-know-a-visit-to-Cadance-is-right-in-the-schedule."

I stopped and started to pant a bit, hoping I came out legible and noticed that the charm and aura were gone. Next, to show proof I teleported my bags outside and showed him the order and the letter from the Princess.

He skeptically read them before putting them back into my saddlepacks.

"Okay," he muttered in an unamused manner, "What exactly do you want me to do?"

I was taken back by his response. Was he always this aloof and bizarre with Cadance? She never specified his exact behavior very much.

"Where do you want to board a train?" he grumbled.

"Huh?"

"Are you deaf or just plain incompetent?! I asked you where you wanted to board a train."

What kind of a question was that? The closest city was Appleloosa...he had been living around here for a while, right? So for him to ask an odd question like this and rule out Appleloosa made no sense to me.

"Appleloosa is the closest station," I began, "but if we combine both our powers while still being exhausted, also considering you are a unicorn and I'm not an Alicorn like Celestia and Luna... although, Canterlot has a nice-"

"Canterlot?" Sombra interjected.

"Yes, Canterlot, haven't you been-"

"Okay Purple Eyesore, get ready."

"Wait, get ready for-"

POOF

...

"Sombra?" I inquired nervously.

"Yes?" he looked at me in that manner somewhere between annoyance and sarcasm, aura clasping his sword hilt.

"We are in Canterlot alive, from a spell you performed solo that should have killed us or worse! Even I can't perform a spell to that extent!"

He immediately shot me a dismissive look. "Listen, Purple Eyesore, I just performed a normal teleporting spell. Now be quiet and let's just board a train."

Is he mad? How can he just dismiss a spell like that? Something is very wrong here!

I made a mental note to ask Cadance where he learned magic like that.

After boarding a private first class train car - because apparently there was something wrong with the second class cars - with the use of our passes I donned my new garb and returned quickly to make sure Sombra wasn't stabbing anypony.

He wasn't. Instead he was just nonchalantly looking out a window.

Except, when you stare nonchalantly you don't visually nitpick every little blade of grass furiously...

I plopped down at the small table the car featured, staring at an insignificant plate with a few crumbs scattered on it.

Maybe I could try to talk to him. If I could work my way from banter to personal questions about how he learned magic and where, I might be able to learn something valuable and research it!

"Why were you burning cacti?"

He looked away from the window. "Why was I...oh, the cacti? I'm from the north so any plant I see I considered food or an herb. I tried to eat the first cactus I saw."

He tried to eat a cactus? Still odd, considering they have visible prickles, and the Empire did have plants, so he must have interacted with them in some way. The only kind of cause to generate that reaction, at least to my thinking, is that he must have lived somewhere with little to no vegetation which is not the Empire...but isn't that where he is from?

Okay, back to questions.

"Why did you rescue me from the bandits and how did you-"

"Are you going to be asking me the questions of a lack-wit this entire voyage? I recognized you from the few times I saw you before, I'm not a fool you know."

He put his head in his hoof and shot me a dirty look, which I promptly ignored.

"Will you continue calling me 'Purple Eyesore'? I'd appreciate it if you would stop."

I'd heard of glaring daggers, and to stare knives at somepony, etc. but the look he was giving me now made me wish he was staring daggers at me.

It would be less uncomfortable, for one thing.

"Why? Would you like me to come up with something better? How about 'Lavender Loudmouth'? Will that work you little-"

"Why don't you use heavy decorum when speaking? Cadance wrote to me about her trip and she never mentioned you using any kind of decorum." I blurted this out as quickly as possible cutting him off, hoping to distract him, maybe even puzzle him.

It did anything but that.

Sombra stiffened his posture and growled in a low voice: "That is a personal question and I would deter from asking those if you wish to keep all your internal organs."

"You say that like you've killed ponies before, other than those bandits!"

His scleræ began to turn green and his teeth elongating into sharp fangs while his pupils and irises began to acquire a demon shape.

I stood my ground.

"Oh, yes, Purple Eyesore, would you like to add yourself to that list?"

After all I had put up with from him I was fuming. He can't kill me! This was MY quest and he wasn't going to sabotage it.

"An old saying is 'Kill once mourn 'ever, kill twice mourn never'! But in your case you are just a mindless sadist who doesn't even know how to mourn!"

He gritted his teeth. "Somepony just doesn't know when to quit!!!"

I flinched and suddenly, I felt a sharp pain on my cheek and a warm wet stickiness.

After all I had been through these past few days I just couldn't hold it in anymore.

I snapped and began to cry. One or two small tears leaked out of my wet eyes making a dark depressing orange that flowed down my face.

Sombra stood there blankly for a moment, slowly reverting back to normal, before registering what had happened.

His sword was still in midair, grasped in aura, blood trickling down the black blade which gleamed cruelly.

Drip.

My blood.

His face grew ashen and he got a strange look in his now restored eyes with their crimson color. Suddenly, he ran into the sleeper car and began yelling at himself.

I stood up, rising from the floor, and slumped into a nearby chair, placing a hoof on my cheek. I began to start a healing spell, knowing I was lucky the cut wasn't very deep.

Was it my fault?

No, perhaps...I just provoked him.

Or...

Wiping the last bits of blood from my cheek I wondered if I should apologize. Not only was it my question but if I didn't apologize I doubt he would.

It might help to keep us from fighting...at least for a little bit. I quietly padded over to the bunk car and pressed my ear up against it. He had obviously cast a muffling spell which was inappropriate considering it only muffled his screaming instead of completely silencing it.

I still couldn't hear a word he said.

I went back to the table and reached into my bags. With my magic I pulled out a pen and scrap of paper and wrote 'I'M SORRY'. I sneakily slipped it under the door before going back to the table and curling up on one of the chairs and counted the days until we reached the Crystal Empire.

What were my friends doing?

Surely anything else would be better than this.

I sat and stargazed for a while before my eyelids became heavy.

Chapter 4: Sharing Knowledge

When I woke up, the sun was shining on the mountains and hills of Equestria, and Sombra was staring blankly at me as I hoisted myself right side up.

"Good morning?" I offered.

"How do you sleep like that?"

He must have caught a glimpse of his reflection in the window, because he smoothed his ragged mane a bit so it didn't look quite as ruffled.

"Were you watching me sleep?" I asked, extremely creeped out.

He reeled back in what seemed to be suppressed anger.

"NO! I was waiting for you to wake up, there is a difference."

Creep.

"Okay well I'm awake now."

You're a creep Sombra. An awful horrid creep. I hope he didn't do this to Cadance.

He cleared his throat very loudly.

"Listen Purple Eyesore, I got your message..."

And is he here to apologize? I sat up a bit straighter.

"...and I came up with the solution."

I wilted at this and watched as he gestured to the table on the opposite side of the car where a disturbing amount of bottles were strewn on the floor. What struck me as strange was not how I didn't notice this immediately but that the cup on the table was filled with the most unholy looking concoction of liquid I had ever laid eyes on...

By Luna and Celestia and all of Equestria....

Sombra rolled his eyes. "Yes, I was going to get to that if you were patient."

"What exactly do-"

"Quiet. Now. I'm talking. How does anypony ever put up with you?"

I wonder the same about you.

Better let him blowhard on I guess, though hopefully I can find out what he plans to do with that...potion.

"Since according to the letter and other objects you have that I looked through when you weren't paying attention-"

He did not...

"-Celestia wants me to teach you these runes..."

He magically grabbed the book from my bag and dangled it in front of my face.

"...and since neither of us can seem to, ah, cooperate, I decided to make this."

His magic aura enveloped the strange drink for emphasis.

"Which is what?"

He sighed and grumbled something to himself.

"This is a combination of measured liquids from that car containing food...because you just had to have a passenger train...that based on the contents should make the drinker very drowsy and slow their reactions. It also might make you throw up."

"What?! Are you saying you want me to drink that?"

"Yes."

"Why can't it be you? Why does this need to be ingested by anyone in the first place?"

His expression went from unamused to annoyed.

"Disoriented teachers don't function for one, two I need a student I can put up with if I am to teach you anything, three I'm the last pony in the world you would ever want to see after they consume this."

"But that still doesn't excuse-"

His 'I'm fed up with this' expression softened and changed, but not exactly in a way helpful to my situation. Instead he now looked like his normal scheming, cocky, unamused self.

"You know you are completely lost without me."

"And why is that?"

"Because I know exactly where Starswirl the Bearded's refuge is."

That did it. I stood up and walked across the car, smashing my hat onto my head.

Hopefully this will end well...

"Any day now, Purple Eyesore."

...or at least not as messily as I'm anticipating it to be.

I drank it.

...

Hic.

Sweet Celestia, Matron of Equestria, what did he put in this?

My stomach feels like a hamster wheel filled with rocks, my throat is on fire, I can no longer feel my eyes, and my ears can taste the flavor pineapple.

"Purple Eyesore, I am not over there. Focus on the paper." said Sombra, who was sitting across from me.

"Wh-a-at did you put in this?"

"Dish soap and some other stuff, that's not important."

"That's poisonous! How much did you put in?"

"Only enough to make you sick but if you want me to kill you I can do that later."

I stared down at the paper in front of me.

"Now this rune here...wait, do you remember anything I just told?"

Hic.

"I feel dizzy."

He frowned.

"Maybe making you drink that was a bad idea, this is starting to become inconvenient."

Hic.

Ugh, I really do feel like I'm going to puke. I don't even know any spells to reverse this.

"Do you learn well through lecture?"

I nodded.

"Okay now drink this, it will reverse the effects of the other potion, if one can call it that."

His horn lit up and a mug appeared, filled with a substance that looked like mashed bananas and smelled like crayons. I pulled it close and began to slowly drink it, like one would cocoa by a hearth.

"These runes are an ancient alphabet of a language, one that I am not sure is spoken anymore in your present time. Its original speakers are unknown as it can only be traced back to the Unicorn Court in the time of the three tribes. Arcane magic is heavily complicated and requires years of study. This pony magic can be performed by any kind of pony, since some aspects require only runes an incantation and a power surge. Although it is most potent when wielded by unicorns and was for years considered a unicorn magic only, like most arcane arts at the time. The only other species known to wield it well are Alicorns...and the lesser alicorns as well, but we didn't exactly have...I digress. This magic is mostly limited to traps, curses, summoning, combat, scrying, and enchanting. Charms are also possible. I am one of the few ponies that can perform this kind of magic."

I sipped my drink further as I listened to this, my mind had cleared at least, and my stomach had quieted.

"Sombra?"

He snapped back from whatever vision of the past he was thinking of.

"Yes?"

"Could you show me an example?"

He nodded and grabbed his sword. Quickly he traced an outline on the ground until an intricate glowing circle appeared.

"Now Purple Eyesore, an Arcane Master doesn't have to use an incantation. And an Arcane...Demigod? Okay, I can't quite think of a proper term, but somepony at this status would have both extreme knowledge and power, enough to summon circles, runes, and everything else from memory or via power surge."

I stepped closer to the circle.

"Write that rune I taught you inside the circle."

He passed his sword to me. Shakily, I began to trace out the symbol in wobbly lines. A wide triangle with a cross, like that on an ambulance, on the bottom.

"See this?" Sombra asked showing me a small piece of torn notebook paper with some of these peculiar runes on it.

I slowly nodded, curious to where this was heading.

"Now throw it in the circle."

With my magic I gingerly grasped the paper eyeing Sombra's writing: legible but scratchy, which was impressive, considering he wrote with a pen in his mouth instead of using magic to hold writing utensils.

As the paper landed in the circle I watched the glow change from its normal white to green, then to blue, then to orange, and so on.

"Wow..."

"That was nothing," Sombra said. "The rune you drew in the circle is found in ninety percent of spells in Arcane magic. Literally transcribed into other alphabets it means 'six'."

Six. Six Elements of Harmony. Magic is the Sixth, The Spark. That's why its so useful.

"So every time I write that it activates a spell?"

"It activates most."

"So if you can use magic why do you write with your mouth?"

He turned toward me, eyes flashing with wrath.

How did I do something wrong...? How was that a bad question...?

"Don't ever ask me that again, lesson over," He snarled and stormed into the sleeper car.

Why was this pony so sensitive?

The so called 'drowsy' potion must have not had its effects completely reversed, because I fainted.

...

Sombra was the most dysfunctionally anti-social pony I knew. My lessons continued in an even more austere an distant way. As long as I asked him no questions I was allowed to 'learn' this difficult new subject despite its general familiarity of being magic. This lack of being able ask questions has led me to do most of my studying on my own.

Two good things came out of this: he kept 'Phobos' in its sheath and I did not have to down any more strange beverages. Other than that, we still had a way to go before we ended up in the Crystal Empire.

I enjoyed walking around the train which definitely had a long route, considering the large amounts of stops it had and it also contained tour groups. No other ponies talked to me much outside of a friendly 'hello'. I was still nervous and slightly ashamed of what I did back in Appleloosa Territory and wondered if I was marked as 'Missing' in Ponyville or if Applejack wondered where I went or...

Deep breaths, Twilight Sparkle, deep breaths.

This regret may explain if I acquired a temporary reclusive attitude.

I began to keep a journal, which was no more than some tied parchment under one of the chair cushions.

Today's entry:

Only five more days until I see Cadance and Shining Armor. Though I wonder if he is in Canterlot so his broken leg can be checked out again. Last I heard it was getting better. My rune progress is coming along well. I can't wait to talk to Cadance. Not only will it be nice to talk to a sister but I can ask her if Sombra tried to poison her as well. Maybe he was the one that gave her the faint scar on her wing. I bet its gone now, last time I saw her it was barely even visible. That made hardly even worthy of the name scar.

Though, regarding Sombra, I swear that evil pony is just waiting to skin me. Princess Celestia said she trusted him to protect me but how can he do that if he can't even shield me from his own temper?! He is clearly paranoid, out of his mind, unable to reply in a socially acceptable manner to simple questions. All he is is some mindless sadist who has read a bit about magic. I'll have to watch him to see if he does any more strange things.

T.S.

My entries continued in this manner for about two days before I felt the need to add some more of Sombra's mannerisms: a twitch in his left eye, and a lack of diurnal behaviors. I don't think he does anything but sleep during the day.

As we neared the Empire, I began to write less and less and instead devoted my time to my solitary lessons, as frustrating as they were.

Curiously, on the day before we arrived in the Empire, I actually got a chance to sleep in the bunk car instead of on the chair. Why Sombra let me I don't know.

At least my back doesn't hurt as much anymore.

...

When I woke up, it was to a bell announcing the train's arrival. I gathered up my things and burst into the common car where a few days before I had seen a circle glow.

Sombra, and all traces of him were gone.

Guessing he woke up early, I flipped up the special chair cushion to get my journal.

It was gone.

Frantically I checked the other chairs in the car before running outside.

...

"Where is Cadance? Is my brother here?" I panted. Cadance was supposed to meet me by the Heart Square, which is where I was. A Crystal guard stood where my sister-in-law should be.

"Your brother is not here, Princess," said the guard, "I have been sent to tell you that when you arrived you should head up to the meeting room closest to the throne room."

I nodded my thanks and rushed up to the throne room, taking a few turns before coming to the door of said meeting room.

Why was it closed?

Chapter 5: Cadance's Advice

I pressed my ear to the door.

"-just look at what she wrote about me!" Sombra's voice shouted.

Wait, Sombra?!

I slumped to the ground, which caused a soft thumping noise to occur.

Hoofsteps came closer from the other side. Was somepony preparing to open the door?

I felt the cold crystal door's presence behind me vanish.

"Twilight?" asked a soft voice.

I turned around, looked up, and smiled. "Cadance!"

I immediately bolted up, exclaiming: "Sunshine, sunshine-"

Cadance shook her head slightly and made a dismissive gesture with her hoof.

"Twilight, can you come in?"

Why was she being so serious?

"Okay..."

But our hoofshake...

I followed her inside and put my saddlebags into the nearest corner.

The room was almost exactly how I remembered it: round table, small book shelves, etc. The difference was that Cadance and Sombra were sitting at opposite sides of the table, with Cadance being the closer to me.

A smashed crystal bust lay on the floor.

"Hi," I whispered.

He growled and the next thing I knew a familiar sword was up to my throat, hilt clasped with magic aura.

Sombra stood behind it, his crimson eyes half hidden by ragged bangs.

"Make one more move. I dare you. Say one more word. Breathe one more breath and you'll see-"

"STOP!" Cadance yelled, panic shining in her purple eyes.

I looked up into his eyes and realized that he would kill me.

No hesitation this time.

I looked over to Cadance, who was visibly distraught.

She then walked over to Sombra who must have been deciding the best way to fillet me, and whispered something I couldn't catch. It must have been important because he teleported back to his seat at the table, eyes filled with firey mania.

Was he...

...biting his lip...?

It was to restrain himself, he truly would have killed me.

Cadance noticed my frozen postion.

"Come sit next to me, Twilight," she offered gently.

Despite her warm tone, I knew it was something I had to do.

Deep breaths...

I nervously padded and sat close to her.

Sombra's gaze continued to bore into me so I ducked my head, lowered my eyes, and scooted closer to Cadance.

"So, Sombra and Twilight, I would like both of you to separately explain what happened to you two. Tell this to me, not each other, no more fighting okay?"

I let Sombra go first, considering had it been otherwise, he would have skinned me.

"I was ambushing a bandit camp," began Sombra, "which is probably going to get me in trouble later but- oh, never mind. While I was doing this, I found her of all ponies there. With wings. Near dead. I still don't understand why she has wings, but I doubt just anypony becomes...or is it ascends?...to alicorn status. So, I decided to take her with me because dead alicorns are inconvenient, which is why I had to spend large amounts of energy healing her while she is out for seven days and nights-"

Cadance was actively listening and nodding, when I realized...if I was out for a week and we were on the train for roughly two weeks, that means not only was I out for much longer then I thought, but I have been putting up with Sombra for almost a month.

"-and the way she repays me for saving her oh-so-precious life and teaching her a dead magic is by making me seem like a mindless sadist when clearly I'm not! You know I'm not, Princess Amore. Why don't you tell her, or- oh confound it all! I can just show her-"

Cadance turned to me as if he wasn't even there, looking as calm as ever.

"Twilight, it's your turn."

I wanted to tell her that interrupting him was a terrible idea and that she might meet the wrong end of his sword, but all he did was grumble and roll his eyes before taking a sudden interest in what was happening outside.

Although I was still avoiding Sombra's gaze, this didn't stop me from turning to Cadance and telling her everything.

Everything.

She listened patiently, growing more concerned with every word until her face broke out into an expression of pity. But strangely she didn't look surprised.

"I think I know what is wrong here," Cadance mused.

"And what might that be?" Sombra muttered sarcastically.

"Do you want my advice or not?" Cadance asked sternly, arching one eyebrow.

An understanding seemed to pass between them before Sombra rolled his eyes as if to say 'go on' and gave her a 'give it all you've got but I don't care too much one way or the other' look.

Cadance cleared her throat and made sure that we were both paying attention.

"I think the main issue is miscommunication. You both are smart, powerful, headstrong, and stubborn leader-type ponies, but mark my words: the similarities end there. Sombra, you have horrible communication skills, are easily provoked, a surefire loner, and have a sadistic streak-"

He's also a complete jerk, I added silently.

"-but Twilight, I don't think that anything he did to you was right, although not everything you wrote was right either. Sombra, could you also try to tell her what kind of questions are off-limits, and perhaps...threaten to kill her less? It isn't a smart move for somepony who carries themselves like a genius, and the more obvious reason is it's just plain wrong."

I lifted my eyes from the glossy surface of the table to find Sombra staring at the floor.

"Now, Sombra, you can go, but Twilight, I'd like to talk to you for a moment."

He shrugged nonchalantly and left without a second glance.

Cadance turned and faced me.

"Twilight...I think you're digging pretty deep here for his taste, and even for mine. We may not know anything about his past, but I know him and you've certainly got him pretty angry. Angrier than he was with me. I wish I could tell you more about him...but he is my friend and he has his share of secrets that I've sworn myself not to tell. But I can tell you this: you can trust him. I'm sure you'll find Starswirl's things, especially if you let him help you."

She gave me one last worried smile as I plopped my items on my back. What she just told me was certainly hard to believe.

I nodded and bid her goodbye, hugging her tightly.

...

I gazed longingly out the window towards the Empire as the train to Trotland chugged away....

"I wouldn't be missing that place too much if I were you."

Without needing to guess, I turned around, heart already back to feeling like a sunken ship.

"Did you ever have a home?"

He shrugged.

"So, are you going to help me on my quest?"

"If I have to..."

Silence. I went back to watching the the Gemheart Mountains recede.

"Purple Eyesore?"

Ugh, what could he possibly want now?

"Yes?"

"Can you read this?" he asked, passing me me a small slip of parchment with a single line of runes written on it.

I looked down at the slip, grasping it in my aura.

"It says 'somber', right?"

He shook his head. "Not quite. It says 'Sombra'. I thought since I taught you to write your own name in runes I should show you mine."

I didn't even give the paper a second glance as I shoved it in my bags. "Thank you," I lied. "Is it alright if I ask you a question?"

He didn't answer.

"Since you only write with your mouth, I was wondering if you might let me teach you how to write using levitation magic, like I do."

I turned to look over at him. "Well...?"

He snapped back and most of the confusion disappeared from his eyes.

"Yeah...we could try that."

...

"Can I go back to writing with my mouth?

"NO!"

We had three days until we arrived in Trottingham, Trotland's capital, and Sombra's penmanship when he wasn't writing with his mouth was the worst I had ever laid eyes upon.

"Sombra I told you to write the word 'cat', not draw squiggles all over the place."

"This is harder than it looks!"

Hard? For a master unicorn?

"No need to yell, at least your 'C's' don't look like quadruple loops anymore," I said as I peered across the small table in the train car to examine his work.

"They look like octuple loops now," he pointed out.

"I just thought that a powerful unicorn like you would know basic magic any unicorn under the heavens had already memorized."

His gaze burned like embers through his shaggy mane.

"It's not my fault! Maybe if you weren't so racist we could accomplish something for once!"

He magically grasped his sword which was nearby, eliciting a wince from me, and stormed into the sleeper car.

Racist?

How could I be racist when we are both unicorns? I may be an alicorn now, but there were times when I still felt like a unicorn.

I adjusted my new hat, running a hoof over the soft gray brim, and stared out at the wild Trottish landscape of rolling green hills, small clouds of fog, winding creeks, snow dotted mountains, and stones and the occasional copse dotting the earthen canvas.

All I knew about Sombra was minor information from Princess Celestia. Besides that I had no knowledge of him, other than what I could guess.

Even more mysterious was Starswirl the Bearded, who was the whole reason this trip was taking place.

Although now that I think about it...Sombra and Starswirl did have a lot of similarities. Both of their names start with 'S' even though that is an insignificant detail. They existed around the same time in history and seem to possess immense knowledge in various types of magic. Starswirl never had an officially recorded birthdate and their is no proof of a death date, so legally he never died. Both have a connection with Celestia and Luna. Weirdest of all is that Starswirl stops being mentioned in all canon history records when the figure known as 'Sombra' emerged.

Was I travelling with my corrupted idol? Maybe his cloak was concealing the obvious cutie mark?

But then there were two minor flaws to my theory: Starswirl knew how to write with magic, and Sombra-possibly-Starswirl seems a bit too young to fit Starswirl's description of being the master conjurer.

But he was a master wizard...

...

Two days later.

As late dawn light shone through the train, soon to stop, I rapped the sleeper car's door gingerly.

Was this pony ever going to get up? I swear he wasn't diurnal.

"Sombra?"

I heard an annoyed grumble from within.

"We are approaching Trottingham now. Do you want to come out and catch a glimpse of the scenery?"

Perhaps, not be such a creep, hiding in there all the time?

"I have a nice view from in here."

"Sombra, there aren't any windows in there."

I heard what sounded like a sigh.

"Fine. You got me. I'm coming out; you will need me in about five minutes anyway."

Chapter 6: Waking Purple Eyesore

Unfortunately, he was right.

I did need him. We had been walking through the impressive stonework that was Trottingham asking if anypony knew where the Trottish museum was, only for my search to be fruitless.

After asking the fifth pony I was ready to break down, and it must have showed, because behind me I heard Sombra-possibly-Starswirl trying to muffle one of his snarky chuckles.

Fuming, I stopped abruptly and turned around, strands of my mane and tail beginning to curl away in disarray.

"What do you find so-o-o funny?!"

His suppressed demeanor cracked and he burst into a bout of laughter in a manner that made me immediately think of Rainbow Dash. But that still didn't mean he sounded exactly like her; you could still hear shreds of what could easily go from jeering delight to maniacal at the drop of a pin.

"Purple Eyesore, you really are dense," he began, quickly gathering what may have been left of his wits and going back to his usual irritated look.

"Everypony here is speaking Trottish, and not Equestrian. Since I rule you incompetent until further notice, you should just follow me."

He turned and trotted away leaving behind one very irritated 'Purple Eyesore'. I made another mental note in my Sombra-swirl theory: Sombra's behaviors, as annoying to me as they were, did not seem consistent with some of Starswirl's traits. He not only displayed a lack of sternness but was also not completely humorless, as some of the only records with Starswirl make him out to be. Sombra was far from austere. Not to mention that he didn't show any signs of ever having the signature beard. Cadance's letter to me puts him around Shining Armor's age, which may even be too young, but if he wasn't Starswirl the Bearded - he has to be - who was he, and what was he doing on my quest?

He was Starswirl. I had a perfectly valid theory.

'Sombra' was Starswirl the-

"Purple Eyesore! Are you going to come over here or do I have to drag your lazy flank over? I assure you that if you make me choose the latter. I will make it extra painful! Won't that be nice?"

I blew my ruffled bangs out of my face with a sharp aggravated breath and quickly cantered over to where Sombra had waved over a pony.

It was an average sized earth pony with a wild looking fluffy, curly orange mane and tail. She had a pastel pink coat and pale yellow eyes with swirly blue paint underneath that seemed to schematically point to her earrings: two silver studs in one ear, one green hoop in another.

Her cutie mark was the image of two white ballet shoes. One of her hooves was twirling the fringes of a plaid scarf while purple bangle bracelets slid up and down her hoof.

Suddenly a wave of reddish-gray aura enveloped all of us and flashed briefly, which tore my eyes away from those silly neon bracelets. Neon had never been a favorite theme of mine.

"Wha-?"

Sombra rolled his eyes and grumbled.

"I have just cast a spell that will allow all of us to communicate without language restrictions. To the pony next to you it will sound like you are speaking their birth language and dialect. This will last for about five minutes before I would need to attempt to recast the spell," he said looking from me to the Trottish mare.

"Unfortunately, I don't think our names will translate. Purple Eyesore and I just want to ask you some questions," he concluded obviously directing the last part at this stranger.

The pink mare nodded. "My name is Eala, how can I help you?"

Sombra briefly turned to the mid-morning sky with a snarky look of gratitude on his face as if to say 'finally somepony is listening to me'.

"Well, Purple Eyesore and I are looking for a large museum around here but I haven't seen any. You wouldn't happen to have any of those-"

Okay if this spell works like he said then this would be my best chance to breach his spell and change it.

I dragged my hoof in a seemingly absentminded manner in a patch of dirt, trying to disguise the fact that I was drawing runes that would allow me to hear what Sombra-swirl heard based on the workings of his spell.

If I could hear what it sounded like for an average who pony spoke Sombra's native dialect using more distinct formal words I might be able to better place the era he originally existed in.

As the runes were completed I heard a small crackling noise.

Did it work...?

A swift wave of nausea overcame me and I stumbled, gasping.

The mare, Eala, stopped talking saw me and ran off, looking frightened. Sombra immediately turned over to where I was, a look of horror spread across his face.

The vision in my left eye started to grow dark, slowly turning into a void.

Sombra, or at least what part of him I could see with one eye, encircled me in aura when I stumbled again, and my skull threatened to hit the cobbles of the pavilion.

He turned to me with this baffled expression on his face, as I began to feel woozier. It looked like a mix between uncertainty and anger.

"What hast thou done?" he said.

Huh? Was Luna here?

I tried to grasp what was happening around me once more, but my last bit of consciousness slipped away...

I guess the spell did work.

...Sombra:

Why was this one so nosy?

I sat down on the steps of the museum, which I had finally reached, despite the inconvenience that was Purple Eyesore.

Can I just have the pink one back? At least I could work with her.

Though at least ponies didn't look at me funny here, even if they knew who I was. I wouldn't have been able to get directions otherwise.

No doubt that Purple Eyesore had large amounts of magical ability if she was able to control a magic surge so big that it enabled her to view two time periods at the same time.

Pretty impressive, for a novice like herself.

I looked down on the steps at the purple shape next to me and cast a quick rousing spell. If she wasn't dead she would wake up in few minutes.

I don't think I'll have to kill her.

At least my counter spell was able to block anything she shouldn't have seen.

Anything I didn't want her to see.

I've spent too long avoiding that valley and I'm not about to go back quite so willingly as Purple Eyesore wants me to.

He'll find me, there is no doubt about that.

I will just have to deal with him like I did the last time we met.

The fool never saw it coming.

There can only be one Starswirl the Bearded and he ceased to exist long ago.

I was lucky once if 'luck' is what it can be called.

But I don't need luck this time.

I may be nothing but a monster to some, all the blood won't wash away.

Because I have some blood to spill, another shot at revenge, and no purple princess is going to get in the way of that.

A coughing noise over to my left startled me.

"Oh...you're awake now."

"Yeah," Purple Eyesore said hoarsely, "thou art awakened, or something of that sort."

I hate her excuse for a sense of humor.

Chapter 7: Three Runic Journals

Sombra and I entered the large building as soon as I had stood up.

Inside the sun-lit stone rotunda tapestries and murals of tremendous historic value greeted us, woven and painted Trottish ponies seeming to wink and invite us in.

"Are you seeing all of this?" I whispered in awe, at home among such artifacts and almost believing our quarrels could be ignored.

At least for now.

When I received no reply, I turned around to find an indifferent Sombra.

"What could you possibly need in all of this?" he asked, not even appearing to find anything slightly impressive.

Ignoring his tasteless remark, I began to rummage through my saddle bags when a third voice, with a heavy accent, joined us.

"Hullo there, may I help you?"

I turned excitedly, glad to see another pony beside Sombra.

A matronly-looking earth pony mare with a light brown coat stood near one of a blue velvet rope. Her green and white mane was pulled into a loose professional looking chignon and her pale gray eyes twinkled jollily, matching her silver employee's vest.

"You speak Equestrian?"

"Aye," she said, nodding.

A bit of hope rose in my chest.

No more translating spells.

Sombra's left eye twitched slightly - going unnoticed by the mare - as he leaned toward me somewhat to read the paper I had pulled, currently grasped in aura.

"We have a request from Princess Celestia to put-"

I cut him off abruptly, much to his disdain, causing him to grit his teeth angrily.

"-'The Runic Journals' into my care."

Further ignoring a fuming Sombra, I cooly passed the document to her.

She checked the seal, and passed it back to me once more with a curt nod of approval.

"I can help ya with that but Aye would at least like ta know yer friend's name, Princess Twilight Sparkle."

Friend?! More like fiend!

Sombra-swirl made a face looking somewhere between disgust and confusion as to why she would ask that.

"My name is Sombra."

It wasn't as if he was subtle with his identity.

I was still a little surprised he was able walk around in the street without hassle. After all, Trotland is right next to the Crystal Empire. I don't think they would have taken too kindly to their neighbors being cursed all those years ago.

With a nod of her head toward one of the many clean and well-kept halls our new acquaintance indicated we should follow her.

As we padded past precious relics, hoof-falls softened by carpet, the grey-eyed mare introduced herself as Studio Art and passed time in the maze of corridors with cheerful banter while I read the detailed plaques, and admired the displays.

I'm not sure if anypony out there could understand how wonderful it was to have a silent Sombra and no longer have to listen to his snark.

...At least for now.

"I'm an artist by trade 'ya see," chirped Studio Art, "love to paint the displays in my spare time. Everypony around here calls me 'Merry Stew Art' though, since I make a mean carrot stew."

This continued until we came to a door-filled hallway all with 'EMPLOYEES ONLY' signs asserting themselves, with their gleaming brass letters.

Studio Art removed a key ring from her vest and sorted through their golden shapes until finding the correct one.

"Now 'fore I go in here I would like you both to say 'Pretty Pony Pepper Possesses a Plethora of Purple Plums'. But not at the same time. Aye?"

Hmm, an unusual request but not an absurd one.

Both Sombra and I said the phrase without trouble.

Studio Art turned to me.

"You are from Canterlot, City of the Sisters, by your accent."

She turned to face Sombra, thoughtful look on her jolly face.

"Now you were a bit harder to guess, being very non-distinct, but I think I detect an accent similar to that found in Crystal Ponies...although yours sounds off."

I was astounded at her ability to recognize accents while Sombra stood there aloofly, not even looking impressed in the slightest. Not even a shrug.

Studio Art flashed a smile before she entered the restricted room.

"Was she right?" I asked.

He met my gaze. "About the accents? I suppose she was close enough."

He returned to staring at the murals on the ceiling, with a somewhat distant look in his eyes.

I gazed down the hall watching the occasional tour group pass in the distance, wondering what sorts of Trottish culture they were learning about.

Art? Language? Literature? History?

The sound of a closing door alerted me of Studio's return, with her hoof she passed me a small bag containing three ancient books with crooked pages, faded covers, and random loose leaves and other assorted parchments sticking out.

"Good luck reading 'em. I'm not sure if there is a pony alive who can."

Sombra took one look at the books and looked as if he was going to puke.

What did he have against a few old spellbooks, being a master conjurer himself?

...

As soon as we were out of the stone city and among the landscape, which was beginning to turn into tundra the farther north we went. I decided to attempt to 'hit the books'.

"No wonder she wished me luck reading these! They are all written in runes!"

But I could manage.

"Don't care. Unlike you, Purple Eyesore, I'm trying to find proper routes up into Arctic territory, after all you wanted to go up there."

I noticed he was reading the scroll I had occasionally seen him read on the train.

"What does that say?"

He didn't turn his gaze away.

"It's just a simple, one of a kind, ancient, highly detailed, thousand plus year old map of mine of some territory up north of here. Roughly. There was a suspicious valley that was always rumored to be Starswirl's and that he lived there and all his written knowledge is there. Typical stuff like that."

"Oh."

That seemed a little too descriptive to be true. Maybe later I'll nab it to see if it's true. Some nice revenge for my poor journal.

I still can't believe he did that. He even showed it to Cadan-

Suddenly, Sombra swiped my hat.

"Hey! Give that back!" I tried to grab it from him with my magic but he teleported away, seeing what I was about to do.

Now he had his sword out.

Nervous, I teleported over to him.

He poised the sword under my hat, both enveloped in aura.

"Stop!"

He shoved the sword in my hat.

It disappeared.

"What did you do!"

He looked over towards me.

"Calm down, there's nothing wrong."

He gave me my hat, which I promptly snatched from him.

"Nothing wrong! How did you do that?! Where is your sword? Why did you just do that-"

"My sword is in your hat."

"How? You didn't even perform a spell on either object, you just stuck the thing up my poor hat! This is a gift you know."

Sombra-swirl rolled his eyes.

"Here let me spell this out for you: I-D-O-N-O-T-C-A-R-E. Now will you let me explain something to you, or will you just sit there and yell about your hat all day? I thought you wanted to find the Oh-So-Powerful Starswirl the Bearded's sanctuary."

The last part was mimicked in a terrible falsetto, which barely did anything to disguise his contemptuous tone.

"Fine."

"Well thank you ever so much." he smirked, again with the falsetto. "Why I thought you'd simply never shut up dearie. Now, will you LET ME SPEAK FOR ONE BLOODY MOMENT?!"

I stepped back, startled by his shouting.

"Yes-! I said you could - go on - please do - lecture me on the magical properties of my own hat."

My trembling voice was only lightened by a slight bit of sarcasam.

"Finally," he muttered.

His gaze shifted away from me, refusing to make direct eye contact.

"I suspected you had an enchanted hat when it never came off unless you wanted to, provided you were focused and conscious, you had let your guard down so I took it from you and noticed runes carved in the gold rim around the gem."

"So my hat can store things inside?"

He shook his head.

"Your hat has a different enchantment. My saddlebags have the bonus you are thinking of, this hat has a much more complex spell."

"Could you show me...?"

He nodded and snatched the hat back from its place on my head.

From his bag he produced a charcoal stick and drew the 'six' rune that activates spells on it. He then placed it on his head, cocking it forward with a hoof. With his magic he lit up the rune and the hat began to grow bigger and bigger before it fell and swallowed him.

I stared as it landed softly on a patch of thin snow, rune no longer glowing.

I picked up the hat and shoved it my bag, hearing it crumple next to some of my papers. Now I could finally get something done and have some peace of mind.

Spreading my wings I decided to follow the general direction toward the valley on Sombra's map which he dropped when he decided to steal my hat.

The wind was favorable and I had at least six hours before I even had to consider making camp.

I didn't even have to feel ashamed if I was spotted. Trotland is very deserted in the north east.

And that's just where I was.

In the North east.

Alone.

Without my friends.

...

Freezing.

The chilly tundra weather was not much more like that of the Arctic.

And it was freezing!

I was now stuck in the middle of a landscape that was nothing more than desolate frost ridden rolling hills with nothing as was beginning to darken.

I didn't even have any good gear!

Landing with a thud, I laid out everything I had and levitated the objects around me.

The Runic Journals?

No.

Scarf?

Another 'no'.

Bag of crackers?

Empty.

Wormy apple cores that I somehow did not notice?

Sombra's fault.

Important documents, train passes, and other things Celestia sent me?

Not helpful.

Crumpled sticky note reminding me to obtain outdoor gear?

Irony.

Magic hat with Sombra inside?

No.

Wait-why was the crystal, a clear diamond, glowing like firelight?

I levitated the hat closer to my face, almost pressing the gem to my eye. It didn't seem to reflect fabric on the other side, like it should have been able to.

Now that I think about...when was I ever able to see the fabric on the other side?

That glow did look awfully warm...

I examined the brim of Sombra (or Starswirl's?) rune which was unsmudged.

I knew complex enchantments could exist, but exactly what kind of enchantment was it?

Hoping to get answerers, I pulled out the books from the museum. These were probably spellbooks and would be able to explain something about mystery hats. Flipping through a tattered gray-silver volume and skimming over the runes, a small slip of paper fell out.

Worried that it may be a note or book mark I picked it up in aura, carefully examining its ancient appearance.

It wasn't a bookmark. The runes on it translated roughly to 'activate' and were definitely not written in Sombra's script.

Maybe this had a useful enchantment on it?

It wasn't in Sombra's writing and it came from a book Princess Celestia recommended.

On the train one of the things Sombra told me that brief spells like this could only be cast by arcane masters who were somewhat immune, due to their mental ability, of foolishly ambiguous spells and wouldn't perish in a power surge.

I put everything down in the sparse snow, dusk was almost over. Concentrating on triggering the spell I watched as my swirling magenta aura flashed with sparks of white, a symbol of arcane magic.

Nothing happened.

Was it a dud?

A cold wind and the further sinking of Celestia's sun caused me to snap back to my original focus: the hat.

I reexamined the gem's gilded frame border, noting all the carved runes.

According to my little rune guide book the runes laid into this gold spelled out something along the line of '...dwell comfortably within...'

How that works on a hat...well it was time to find out before I froze solid.

I placed it on my head and tilted it back after putting all of my things back in my saddle bags.

My horn lit in aura, charcoal rune glowing pure, flaming white.

Here goes nothing...

...

"I thought you would never figure it out." Sombra said.

Dazed, I blinked my eyes a few times and stood up slowly.

Apparently, my tundra surroundings had been replaced by a circular gray-walled room with a giant sigil in the middle of the floor on which many fragmented images were layered and distorted by the cosmic snowstorm appearance.

The image varied in aesthetic but all had one similarity. All were maps: topographic, aerial shots, weather reports, groundwater diagrams, and even a complex outline of where Sombra and I had been travelling and a rather kooky looking compass.

Although the room was large it was furnished quite modestly. At the northernmost point (according to the compass) was a large many faceted window and all sorts of pullstrings, astrolabes, clockwork mechanics,levers, and more compasses.

Towards the right in the following order was a large chest, a polished wood bar table where a dish of hot apple pie and two spigots protruding from twin barrels. Next to those were small stacks of neatly ordered cutlery.

Next, to the eastern part was a single untouched bed with plain covers. Then there was an enormous bookshelf with sixty tidy books, all in order.

Just like my library...

Focus. Directly to the right of said shelf was a round table, like you would find in a kicthen, but no chairs.

Nearby, stood a chimneyless open hearth, curiously emitting no smoke, which was casting a deep yellow-and-shadow glow across this...place.

Adjacent to the hearth was a very plain couch.

Finally, pleased with my surroundings I took a step away from the center sigil's edge and drooped my saddle bags on the floor.

"So what bizarre pocket dimension is this?"

Sombra, who had been examining the sigil's offered maps, directed another one of his eye-rolls at me.

"All hail Purple Eyesore, Sovereign Queen of Lack-Wits. Esteemed Lady of I Cannot Distinguish That I Am No Longer In The Trottish Wilds But My Own Dear Hat."

I sighed.

It seemed as if nothing would change.

Chapter 8: The Wonderful Hat

I turned over to look at Sombra, noticing that from when I last saw him hours ago before entering the hat, he had aqurried a bloodshot tinge to his sclera.

"Are you drunk?! In my hat? Are you drunk in my hat?!"

He glanced over to the bar table.

"Boo-hoo, I don't think your hat cares wheather I may have threw up in it-"

He was kidding right? Anypony with a grin that egotistical in appearence was obviously joking.

Right...?

"-and being sealed in ice for 1,100 years makes it rather hard to remember exactly how much cider makes a pony sick. Beside, have you seen the selection of consumables your hat offers? Its either unlimited cider or...water."

"Are you telling me you wouldn't drink an unlimited supply of water?!"

He reeled back. "Water is the liquid of sickness and contamination!"

I trotted up to the glowing hearth to warm up, utterly disgusted with his behaviour.

"I thought you drank water when you were with Cadance."

Sombra snorted. "Just because I was magiclly sealed into an iceberg, which is one of the main causes of my currently prolonged life does not mean I'm immortal or completely immune to salmonella. Any water she gave me I faked consuming."

But they were out there for month...how? Magic?

"How long could you have survived without consuming water?"

He might make an interesting subject if a) I had my equipment that didn't survive the library's demise and b) I weren't tremendously disgusted.

"If you really must know Purple Eyesore, I can survive exactly 47 days and 5 solar hours without consuming water in any form."

Liar. Dirty liar. Narcisstic liar. Violent liar. Hat thief liar. Pukes in my hat liar.

Smile. Just smile and wave. Be nice Twilight Sparkle, be the better pony.

"How do you know this? In what way could you explain this conclusion of yours? What data has this study produced and how was it gathered? Did you, perhaps stab anypony to get it?"

I watched as he rolled his eyes, there was no way he could come up with a reasonable way to back up his claim. The only reaction he would get from me would be a 'hah!'. Yes, nopony, not even this tyrant can usurp the scientific theroy!

"Self-experimentation."

Oh no...he did not. I felt vomit touch the back of my throat. What did he do to himself? How? No, wait I don't want to know.

"Sombra what kind sick irresponsable adult pony does that?!"

For once his snarky expression was replaced with a look of surprise I had not seen him use along with a snarkless monotone.

"I was only eleven, which isn't adulthood in any I society I know of."

He then shrugged this off as normal.

How warped was this pony?!

"I'm going to sleep," I huffed tired of snark, vomit inducing experiments, the Trottish language, and the worst thing ever- a certain crimson eyed pony.

"Fine but I get the couch."

I ignored him and stalked over to the bed with all my bags and books.

Perhaps, tomorrow I would the enchanting wonders of this hat.

...

Outside the Arctic Wind carried the call into the vale-where-blood-has-been-spilled. It whistled ice bits and Windigo breath searching, for the spirit who lives in undeath.

'The runes have been lit in aura. The two-voiced one returns...'

It searched farther upon finding no response until at last it found its destination, a clearing of ice and stone humming with old magics.

'The runes have been lit in aura. The two-voiced one returns to face their bane.'

The ground stirred and cracked seeping an ancient mist. The tendril tips emerged commanding further incantation.

'A fabled southern element finds its way to certain death. The script of unseen runes awakens thee.'

Snow was stirred blurring even the wind's view. Tremors unheard to the North shook the land.

Unbeknownst to two adventurers sleeping in a hat.

Unnoticed to two sisters with a plethora of odysseys as a past.

Unknown to a primordial goddess sleeping in her tree, blind to the plight of her prophet.

...

Sombra really likes that couch.

I trotted over to the beverage barrels of my hat to grab a slice apple pie, making note how little the couch cusion fort moved.

I smacked into something solid in my way and a hot chunky goop was dumped on my head.

"Ow! O-w-w-w-ow-ow!" I yelled leaping backward.

A small glob fell into my open mouth.

Apple pie?

"Well I see I won't be getting any breakfast this morning."

Shaking off some of the offending substance, I faced front.

"Sombra?"

It was just my luck that my grumpy 'room mate' was awake instead of asleep like I thought...

He glared at the mug he still clutched in magic aura.

"Thanks for ruining my first meal of the day," he grumbled

"Listen, I'm sorry I bumped into you, but you do understand it is unlimited right-?"

Sombra continued to glare armies at me. "You know what, I don't think I'm hungry anymore."

He then proceeded to dump the steaming cider on my head before exiting the hat.

Nopony heard me scream.

...

I tried my best to remove all of the food, knowing that if I went outside like this I could have frozen food stuck to me.

I'm just lucky that this didn't go any farther then a major 'ouchie' and that I know a couple of spells to help out with this. I want to cry and quit, I really do...but I've gone too far and am now stuck in tundra territory with this tyrant.

I'm too far in right...?

Why did Celestia even suggest this monster? I swear he's a sadist a few chapters short of a novel.

...

I went to peer out the crystal-window and was able to glimpse the dull scene below like a gypsy with a crystal sphere.

It was clearly day and snowing slightly. Sombra was trudging through snow. I couldn't see his face at the angle the image was presented but purple smoke was visiable.

He was angry, but about what?

Shouldn't I be the angry one?

The hat, which was presenting this scrying view was affixed to the clip that used to hold his map.

He didn't have his map. Starswirl didn't need to have a map to find his refuge.

The compasses in my hat read northeast.

You can't escape me, Starswirl.

Chapter 9: Apprentices and Grimoires

With Sombra still outside-thank goodness-I had to do something. Gazing around I looked at my rune guide and the books from the museam spilled around the floor near the bed.

Sombra's lessons did help...I should be able to read them. Now or never. Who knew when I would get another chance? They may contain some useful spells, although that did not explain why they were referred to as 'journals'.

Levitating everything over to the table, I curled up on a chair. Apparently, the table magically spawned them whenever somepony moved to sit down. The plush recliner was covered in soft felt and just right for avid reading.

I picked up the first journal, gently lifting the aged cover and began to read its graceful, flowing runes:

To-day, after a sun-cycle, We write from the Tower observing this desolate vale. Not a thing of interest happened, although that ragamuffin of a chimney sweep, Kawblance is still missing.

We have no news of the Courts since 'Mina has not returned. This could prove dreadful. What if another war breaks out? How will such a thing affect the heavenly motions? If such an event occurs We would have to defend the Other. There are only so many things I can do to aide her, even if she does not know it.

Above all We-I-are meant to rule. We must never forget that.

Clover said that We should be studying arcane knowledge, but We shall not being more powerful then her and having better things to do since a trip to the Unicorn Court was rumored and We will need to look presentable: our iron circlet, lacy gown and ribbon boots will do. The rare dyes We made and added to the fabric will stun the lords and ladies.

We-I-will need to curb some of the mannerisms if success is to be achieved. The game of the tribes is both cloak and dagger, both subtle and flamboyant. And if I am to win anything in this tournament of deception I will need to play my cards carefully.

More importantly, I will need to continue to play this game alone and its rewards will be mine alone.

It is time for my star to shine,

Solara

...

I decided to take a peek into another one of the journals seeing as this one was a little to cryptic and this Solara almost gloating his or her political standpoint. I bet Sombra-swirl and this pony would get along a little too well.

This next journal, just as ancient was written in plain almost dull script. Though what they had to say was anything but dull.

...

We now start our third volume of recordings. Since this is a new book maybe We should introduce ourself again, for We feel as if We should, for anew journal is a new friend. We think...

The name I write is Selene, I am a student of magics in the Magicspire. I was young when my home and family vanished and foreign to this segregated land. My tone may be formal but inside I am scared. I, or 'We' as you will read, frequently write using this plural. It mirrors our speech.

The Magicspire is home to a unicorn named Starswirl the Bearded who is powerful among his kind. He holds us in this vale like a manticore holds prey. Perhaps even like a glacier holds its secrets. There are many glaciers here. Do these ponies have naught but glaciers every-where?

By 'us' We 'speak' of the other apprentices. Solara, who is our elder and changed. Next is Kawblance a mean spirited pony of crystal from another country neither of us have been to.

Although Starswirl has.

Clover is the third but she will graduate soon and keeps no journals, off to the Unicorn Court she will go. But even there she will not be free.

More to-marrow.

...

To-day We have more time to write, and can tell you more about myself and where We dwell. Our 'name' as you already know is 'Selene'. My parents are lost. The tower We live in is in a small vale, a days flight in either direction but is plagued by constant winds. We have a small room in which my few belongings are located: quills, inks, a few scrolls, my blade, and a cloak.

This tower, as previously stated, is home to the unicorn wizard Starswirl. He is haughty and cruel. Before this We were a wanderer in lands far south but 'decided' to stay and learn magics. This journal is charmed by myself so We can keep it from prying eyes like the lore-greedy ones of Starswirl.

Despite Starswirl having his own 'names' for each of us We refuse to write my true name it is private and a demon like Starswirl deserves no knowledge of it.

My skills involve arcane magics, combat, and blade fighting, though I have more. We are dark in color with a medium length mane that curls slightly at the tips.

Little book We shall call you Grimoire.

...

Grimoire to-day while We were out strolling in the woods without Banshee, our wolf friend We heard a noise among the trees. This was deeper then most ponies of the vale dare to go so We were a bit startled. Mayhap it was Kawblance who is Starswirl's servant.

We do not know much about him other then that Starswirl went to an exotic country looking for a servant and came back with a young pony that was Kawblance. He is slightly shorter then an average grown pony but is the shortest amongst us. His coat is always sooty and I can't tell what color he would be under it. He often wears a tattered brown-hued robe.

Solara and I have been apprentices longer then he has.

Kawblance is about eleven winters old. We do not remember an exact date.

When Mother and Father were still here things were done differently. Ages were measured in years not winters.

Nopony but Solara and I know what a year is.

Strange...

Chapter 10: Blue Berries

"Oh look, aren't these nice?" I looked down at Banshee who was dragging his paws through the thinning snow.

Most of the forest was barren of clearings lacking in snow, so I was quite lucky. As I stared at the bush and its ripe blue berries. Gingerly, I plucked one and cradled it ever so gently in my hoof.

"'Tis edible, we have no worries."

Banshee flicked his tail, knowing that my flora judging abilities were proficient due to years of foraging.

The soft taste and delicate skin burst in my mouth when I tossed it in, giving way to a sort of implacable sweet tartness I had no care for.

But mayhap another pony would...

I picked another hoof-full of berries and placed them in a wyrmscale sack, tying the strings to my cloak's belt.

"Mayhap we should give these to an acquaintance?" I muttered under my breath, my gaze searching for predator creatures. This guardian of the forest may be needing more wyrmscale pouches.

Banshee scratched at the dirt.

"We know he is not very nice...but Kaw-"

Banshee tilted his head slightly and let loose a brief howl.

"Banshee, shhh!!! If Starswirl hears you, you know what he will do - he will kill you Bannie, and make you into a rug. A very lifeless rug."

He huffed and blinked his large brown eyes.

"We know that 'Kawblance' is not his real name, but We forget what his real name is."

I turned back away from the thick frosty pines and reluctantly headed back, trotting towards the tip of a waiting tower, an unfortunate residence, but not a home.

Homes do not make dread blossom in the throat, the stomach full of stones, and the chest full of stone.

I may not be brave yet, but I am no coward. "We wish We could leave this place and go south to look for our parents, or to simply live alone..."

As I let loose a deep sigh, Banshee ran up to my foreleg and nibbled at the edges of my thick cloak.

I giggled, "You make our stay all the more bearable, indeed. We shall go check the runes before We are required to leave you."

I stroked his fur for a moment before trotting off through the pathless and evergreen realm, fur rimmed forehoof boots leaving silent marks as I prowled like a feral feline, exchanging banter with Banshee.

"'Tis remarkable how Kaw' ran away in these woods even deeper then We go for nigh five-and-ten days surviving on nothing, yet evading all pursuers. He looks so skinny now. If We give him these berries he might stop mocking us."

I rubbed a hoof over my cheek where, a few cycles ago, he had stitched thorny burrs into my pillow and laughed while I screamed. The wound had fading to nothingness now.

Curse his merciless taunting. Just because 'Solara' berates us both does not mean he needed to perform such actions.

One day I will-

Find my family...?

I am not even sure any more, if I will ever go back south. 'Solara' split up the trio. She split the duo too.

But I will make my own duo! By the stars, I will make a party of one if needed, if-

If I didn't have anypony I would have to leave behind.

Oh, confound it all! Might I be trapped here forever?

No. I will see Mama and Daddy again.

Mama...I am starting to forget my mother.

Tonight in my Grimoire I shall write all I remember of her.

Nay, I shall carve her likeness in a tree. She would like that, she always loved trees.

I remember that Daddy always called her Lulu.

...

An angelic light radiated from the graceful colossus that was my mother, only adding to the gentle feel of paradise in the cool stone halls elaborately carved as effortlessly as lace.

This was one of the rare moments before the travels that I was playing alone, something I took enjoyment in, although from foalhood onwards I was normally with my sister, though that did not make me her mirror. I was but a wee tyke and stared up watching as my mother's alabaster face smiled, revealing deep laugh-lines on her pale coat even though to a not-quite-filly like me she seemed ageless.

A warm breeze drifted by from the gardens outside the breezeway and I recall putting the kitten I was playing with down.

Why were Mama's eyes worried?

"Do you know about shadows, Luna?"

I gazed down at my faithful gray silhouette. "We are unsure if you speak of the same shadows We are thinking of, Mama."

She chuckled, voice like bells, soft and clear and with a sweeping gesture she sat down. Attempting to mirror her elegant gesture, I plopped down too, without any of her grace though.

"A dear friend of ours-" I called it. "-has reminded us of the importance of educating you and your sister about shadows."

"But not the kind that follow us around."

"Exactly," she murmured, eyes distant as she tugged a piece of her luminous mane behind her ear in an almost nervous fashion.

"Are these shadows mean, Mama? Will they steal my butterscotch candies?"

As she spoke, the kitten, vying for attention, crawled into my lap and purred.

"Luna, these shadows fall into two types: mean shadows, you must stay away from them. Their hearts are a dreadful black darkness that mocks the glorious night with its evil notions and lack of harmony. The second are good, they will be your guardians, your allies and you protectors despite their melancholy souls. Mayhap you can bring them laughter."

The mist continued to march across her gaze.

"Mama, these shadows sound like ponies and creatures," I said as I stroked the silver furred kitten whose fern colored eyes gazed into mine.

"They are, Luna, in some unfortunate ways they are."

"Mama, what if there is a shadow who is not good or mean? Do they not exist as well?"

"Yes, my wise one, they do exist, I suppose," She sounded a little skeptical.

"Do you think they have a sense of humor?"

"A shadow with a sense of humor?" Her clouded eyes travelled to the window, watching as the sun set. Daddy must be tilting the axis of Midgard.

"Yeah, mayhap they tell jokes."

Her eyes lingered on me for a moment, no longer concerned for the orange-gold sun. "We don't think so, Luna. A shadow like that would be a real rarity."

In a moment just as fluid as when she sat down, Mama rose in a single movement. Her curly tail seemed to sweep a protective circle around her.

"Mama why are you not happy?"

"Luna, to-morrow your father and Ourself...we will be going on a trip...a long one out of our Everfree and you and Cellie...we need you to take care of yourselves after to-morrow."

"Are you going on vacation like Aunt Corah and Uncle Ponn?"

She looked scared for a second, I could almost swear she was second guessing herself. "Yes Luna, your we will be meeting up with them."

"Can Tia and...I...go see cousin Neptune?"

"No."

"What about Aunt Pani and Uncle Kami? Will they be there? Will Flora, Terra, and Fauna be able to come over?"

"Yes they will be there and no you will not be able to see your other cousins. They are not between-aged anymore. So no foalsitting...they will be coming with us."

Why was she so frightened? Vacations are nice. It is not like you never see somepony who goes on a vacation.

"Luna, you will remember this, will you not? Not all shadows are good."

I nodded eagerly. "Yes, Mama."

As she turned to leave, her face still set in a distant seriousness, I could not help but ask one more question.

"Mama, you and Daddy will come back, right?"

She stopped walking but did not turn around.

"Luna, do not ask such a silly question. We have things to do, so be ready to say farewell to-morrow." That was not what I wanted to hear.

...

That was one of the last memories I had of my mother. She had used my real name as well, not Starswirl's false name for me.

Banshee and I entered the clearing and I quickly trotted up to one of the ancient oaks, a rare sight amongst the evergreen.

Picking out the correct one, a knobby twisted tree, I whispered to it:

"Hidden in the glen, runes of the knight

when a-glow assist those who fight."

The runes hidden in the bark did not glow flashily but only hummed at the potency spell. For years now, I would come here and lay more layers of power enchantments to deepen the ability of the spell network I was weaving.

The ponies here, 'the three tribes' of this northern place were constantly feuding with pitiful militias that passed for armies.

Mine would be far from pitiful.

Strange how so much was lost. These ponies have such a primitive culture. What exactly was the cause of them to take such backward strides? So much knowledge, inventions, tactics, crafts, art, music, maths, magics, and technology just seemed to...vanish.

Even the calendar system is changed. A night and a day used to be called a cycle but now are only referred to as 'days'.

'Solara' and I owe allegiance to no tribe. She wants to rule them for reasons unknown to me. I once brought up moving back south. Not only do they not know cardinal direction but the ponies here that do vaguely know this world even have a notion that the south was ravaged by unspeakable destruction. I have been there, I was born there! 'Twas a lie!

'Solara' then told me to 'hold thine tongue'.

Even now nopony listens to me...

I add whatever trace of my mother I can recall to the well etched runes and hold back tears, Banshee lolling his tongue out.

I can do this, I am an independent pony. None of 'Solara's' blathering about codependency is true.

...

I emerged alone from the woods, Banshee safe inside, walking up the woodsy slopes until I came to the familiar clearing perched on a hill. Spire and all.

Outside in the surrounding yard of the Magispire, 'Solara' and Kawblance were engaged in a combat lesson with Starswirl overseeing it.

Starswirl just needs an excuse to yell at ponies as they swing weapons at each other.

'Solara' was clearly frustrated that her barely dulled weapon was not striking anything. Kawblance could not perform any of the magics known to crystal ponies such as Crystalkiniesis. He could however perform a limited amount of basic arcane spells.

I stepped into the perimeter, making little effort to conceal my woodsy exploit other than to brush pine needles from my thick fur-collared cloak, which was dotted with snow. Both duelers stopped. Kawblance's arcane aura-encircled dagger he wielded in his mouth lost all magical effects and reverted back to being a rusty piece of metal, and 'Solara' lowered her enormous battleaxe wrought in emblems of flame.

Starswirl raised his head and gazed at me.

"So the frivolous student, no better than a filthy mud-pony emerges."

I noticed a twig in my mane but didn't pull it out and firmly stood my ground trying to remain aloof, which was not too hard. I would not give him any satisfaction. Kaw' who despite his earth pony appurtenance (Crystal ponies were reported, from what I knew to glow like quartz) took offense to this and spat at Starswirl's hooves before quickly dashing off to sulk somewhere, lest Starswirl strike him. Probably off to plan one of his sadistic excuses for a prank.

They always treated me like this! Starswirl with his typical unicorn racism towards all others, 'Lara with her pride, and Kaw' with his sadism and contempt.

I unwillingly swallowed my anger: Soon 'Lara and I would graduate and be free to head back toward the south.

Feeling my anger rise despite the swallow, I knew I had to carefully choose my words. One of Clover 'the Clever's' parables rang in my mind:

On occasion it is wise to guard thy tongue, lest around the neck a ring of rope be hung.

Sometimes I wish I could tell Clover some of the secrets of the world that I have not forgotten. The ones that Starswirl will forever search in vain for.

Is there really such a thing as to speak too little, like a mute?

Foolish question, of course there is. I should know better than anypony.

I am not mute.

Chapter 12: Hunter and the Hunted

Chapter 12: Hunter and The Hunted

"What is this?!" screamed a shrill voice.

Instantly battle ready, I popped out of bed like sparks out of a fire and grabbed my sword.

Kaw was at it again. Same mood. Same rage-filled colt. Different catalyst.

Starswirl and Celestia had left the night before to visit Clover at the Unicorn Court. She had gotten a position as an advisor to the unicorn princess. This left me and Kaw as the only two equines in this ward-trapped valley.

I walked down the stairs as quickly as possible, keeping my sword ready in case he tried to pull one of his self-proclaimed 'pranks'. After going down a few floors, I came to what was designated as Kaw's chamber according to the ...rabbit blood... smudged all over the door. Inside was a large abandoned room riddled with cobwebs and a large but useless fireplace which already had a few stones missing.

"What is it that you called me for?" I asked, keeping my voice natural.

A sooty, slightly taller than normal colt stood in the middle of the floor, tapping his hoof like mad and wearing a ragged excuse for a robe that resembled what happens when you take fire, blade, and weathering to a flour sack. It hung on his thin frame and the rag-belt it was tied with swung in the cold air of the unforgiving tower. His raging brown-red eyes bored into my still form, framed by a tangled mane which was probably never brushed.

Unlike normal, his scrappy robe was covered in an icky purple sludge that was also smeared across his 'bed', nothing more than an old poorly made box with old flour and burlap sacks and other useless cloth scraps.

Further angered by the silence, he gritted his teeth and screamed. "Well woods-witch, what do you think?! Somepony ruined this sorry excuse for a bed!!!"

I remained still but also tried to deduce the source of the stain. Kaw only got like this when he cannot get something to hurt.

My best bet was to avoid being a catalyst for him to suddenly lash out.

My mouth sank into a slight analytical frown as I cast a glance between him and the crate.

"We are both young adults...why do we not try to work this out maturely?"

It was true that in this society we would both be considered adults. If we were not already wards, that is.

He snickered and rolled his eyes with a mocking look, brown eyes burning with something disturbing.

"Don't contort your features like that, Black-heart, unless you wish to be mistaken for a monster."

As quickly as he could move, he stood up on the tips of his hooves and moved his face mere inches from my own and whispered. "...Not that you already aren't."

His twisted and highly informal contractions hit me like stones along with the insult as he stumbled before sauntering back to his former pose, gaunt face leering at me.

I grew flustered, for what pony would not be offended at being mocked by what should be a child?

"Do not go there! Keep your words to yourself!"

His mouth twitched upward in a cruel smile at the knowledge he had preyed on another’s insecurities. Then, I swiped a wing-tip through the grime and brought it closer to my eyes.

Kaw's small grin vanished and turned into an inquisitive gaze, followed by a annoyed snort. "Well privy-eyes, what is it?"

I would have bitten my lip and held my tongue. I should have bitten my lip and held my tongue.

"Our berries..."

How could I have been so loose in thought?! Such a stupid mistake! I made such an effort to conceal the berries from Starswirl that I ruled out the fact that Kaw might squish them. As awkward as it was to do so, I guiltily looked over to him.

"We are sorry..." I choked out, growing nervous as he slowly began to go back to appearing angered. "These are our berries, and we meant..."

There it was: gaunt face etched into a look of stomach churning rage, eyes like an inferno shining with his partially buried sadism I knew him to be capable of. Mouth tugged somewhere between a scream of rage and a wicked grin.

"Foolish witch!" he screamed as best as a pony his age could. "Stupid chant-uttering outcast! You use your brewing components to ruin the only cloak and bed that I own! You think Starswirl will let me mend these?!"

"We are not a witch," I whispered practically tasting the wrath I felt coming from him.

The small bit of joy he seemed to coddle a minute before was gone, replaced by his sharp tongue and mountains of rage, pure, pure rage.

"Oh yes you are! Worse than those sirens-creatures the 'ever-so-powerful' Starswirl dealt with! You are a monster!"

I broke. In my rage, my wings shot out, ready for flight and exposing my sword whose silver body I had so carefully concealed.

"DO NOT EVEN COMPARE ME TO THOSE MONSTERS!"

Unfazed, he snickered evilly. "So, demon mare, what are you going to do about? Seduce me like those serpent-ponies?"

NO. That was the limit, to think I had even attempted to be civil to him.

"SHUT UP!!!"

I grabbed my readied sword and jumped, catching him by surprise and bludgeoning him.

"SHUT UP! SHUT UP! SHUT UP!"

He rolled out from under me where I had pinned him, jumped up and bit my ear.

"Ow-w-w-w!!!"

I flipped around and bucked him against wall and put in a slice with my sword.

He groaned a bit before he quickly rubbed the deep cut on his cheek. As his hoof touched the blood, a violent gleam filled his eyes.

For a brief moment, our gazes were locked until he broke the connection and spit out a tooth.

"I hope you enjoy cuts just as much as I do," he snarled.

I prepared to bash him back against the wall and strike him off guard in his stomach with the blunt edge of my sword. He anticipated the strike and dodged then stumbled over to the fireplace and grabbed a poker, attempting to perform a heavy slam into me.

Wrong move.

Both of us were lightweight ponies, although I was the larger. Though he was taller than the average foal but shorter than an adult whereas I was taller than an average adult.

I jumped and angled my wings and did a flying flip, kicking off the wall to propel myself and shooting over towards the open window, standing poised and ready on its frame.

Lifting the poker higher, he shifted his weight into what he believed would be a successful strike. When he came close enough, neck raised as clumsily he tried to manage the heavy piece of metal with his mouth, I did a few flying summersaults, nimbly gliding over him and angling my blade so the blunt side of my sword would push him out of the fourth story window.

It worked, a look of shock in his eyes as he tripped and then was pushed out-a brief note of panic in his eyes as he screamed and screamed, falling farther and farther.

Biting my lip, I stuck out my tongue to test the wind before tearing off my thick cloak and leaping out the window.

It almost felt like fall gust in this cold land.

My blade was aimed perfectly as I folded my wings into a hawk-like dive before I glided downwards near the third story to catch the falling Kawblance.

He was about halfway down when my teeth grasped his robe's collar causing the outer part to tear as I flipped him onto my back. To 'fix' this, I shifted into a barrel roll and tilted sideways and let the panicked colt slip off again before diving down and catching him and tossing him once more on my back.

Under his cloak was a ripped and ragged shirt that was too big for him.

I flew towards the Magicspire's stone brick walls and slammed him against it. Kaw screamed and I tossed him up again and let him fall. He attempted to holler out a spell. This time, I let him get within eighteen feet of the ground before darting downward and grabbing him between my front hooves in a way that prohibited movement.

"Gotcha," I taunted

He was out of breath and wheezing, quivering like mad, and *very* beat up. His eyes were as large as saucers.

I tilted his shaking form downward and forced him to look at the clearing below, darkened by the spire's piercing shadow.

I dropped him again before swooping down and catching him once more, then yet another time, this time even faster. Kaw screamed as if all Tartarus was let loose.

At six feet, I drove him into the ground.

Dusting off, I poised my blade at his throat and glared down at him. Kaw drew up as best he could in his present condition. I looked him in the eye harder as if daring him to do anything and saw...shock, fear, and a sickening awe. Not at me, but at the violence I had displayed.

My stomach churned and I seemed to shrink as the realization hit me like a gale hits a lone bird.

I almost killed a pony. A colt no less. I found myself breathing heavily eyes widening I nervously backed toward the North Woods, throat dry and contracting.

Kawblance stood as still as stone, some buried amusement emerging as the right corner of his mouth tugged upward.

I am a monster. I almost murdered somepony.

A voice from the west was followed by quickening hoofsteps.

"WHAT HAS OCCURED HERE?!?!" Starswirl shouted as he approached, glaring from Kawblance to me.

By the stars...

I was hyperventilating now. Celestia was not with him but he seemed to possess enough confusion for two entities, after all I had never demonstrated combat of this kind in training. The only time I had ever shown such strength was in the woods where nopony watched.

As if by a miracle, my heart began to beat even faster.

What have I done?

I really am a monster.

My choked voice came out as a stuttering whisper as my eyes leaked out tears.

"W-we-we ar-are so-sorry..."

A look so horrifying deepened in Starswirl's merciless eyes.

In the woods, wolf howls acted as the chorus of a mournful melody. Although when my ears swiveled back, one voice emerged clearer than all the others.

Banshee.

I did the only thing I knew.

I ran into the woods faster than these two could even blink, my sobbing blending with the melancholy tune.

Nopony would find me.

Nopony could save me.

But perhaps somepony-my sister-could join me in time, after all, good things come to those who wait.

My choked cries turned into screaming laughter, as the forest's shadows embraced me, swallowing me up.

Chapter 13: Black Hearts and Wolf Blood

For the first time in hours, I looked up from the Runic journals. The entries in the second book stopped after Selene's third entry. No explanation was given. All the pages were simply blank, as if I was the only pony who'd touched them in all these years.

The hat was very quiet and perfect for reading. It was almost like Sombra had never existed.

Sombra! Where was he?!

"Sombra?" I called, pressing my face to the crystal window.

No reply of course, but it looks like we were still moving.

Well, I could always read the third book...

Hmm, books or Sombra. What a difficult choice. I curled up in the chair I had been sitting, refitting myself back into the Twilight Sparkle-shaped groove I had made.

My magenta aura brought the third book, which really fit the description of ancient-looking, to rest on my forelegs. The runes were scratchy and weren't as legible as the previous journals but still clear enough for me to read the thoughts of the one they called Kawblance...

...

Brutal! Bloodthirsty! Pure evil! Who knew 'Lene could be so sadistic? Sure it is not very nice being in so much PAIN, but wow... I can respect a deed that cruel.

But it was amazing! She, the funny speaker like 'Lara attempts murder then runs into the woods.

I wish I could kill others like that...I am working on it, though...

...

I cannot believe that nopony has found her yet even after three months. 'Lara is still attending the Unicorn Court which means I get plenty of time to myself.

Starswirl has no care for me and the old coot does not even teach me anything like he promised. He has an almost endless amount of books. One of them I now claim as my own.

For over a year since I got here, I have been working on reading it.

It is quite magical, considering every time I open it the title and content will change, although if I wanted to I could go back and re-read parts.

Today it is teaching me how to change my appearance.

An hour later, Starswirl stomps down from the upper floors and I gingerly slip the book away into an empty nook where a brick in the fireplace used to be. Instantly, it shrinks and its blackish color lightens to a gray.

"Quit your idle behavior! I have to go and look for that wild runaway and I will not have the chimney this filthy!" He passed me the chimney sweeping brush, impatiently waiting for me to take it.

"I can't sweep anything, I have a broken shoulder!"

Did he think my 'skirmish' with 'Lene resulted in no injury?!

Starswirl's eyes flared. "OH YES YOU WILL!" He cracked me over the head and before I even had time to adjust my sling and I was incased in a teleportation spell.

Is it really a wonder that I think murder is therapeutic?

The again, isn't it our hobbies that relax us the most?

...

Great.

Where better to teleport the colt with a broken shoulder then, I don't know...the roof?!

The Magicspire didn't have a very steep roof so I was lucky there and with all the soot on my coat all I had to do was creep over to the edge of the tower's roof and wait in an awkward crouch until Starswirl left. A few minutes later, I saw his form leave.

Perfect.

Once he was gone, I climbed up to the chimney and pulled out a small box hidden there among the dirty bricks. In it were the only things I had: my book which teleported here, a white shirt that was too big for me, and a string of rough gem pieces, a small twinkling sapphire in the center. Those two objects were the only clues I had to who the mangy curs my parents were. I'd had the necklace and shirt for as long as I could remember, and oh the things I remember.

There was so much soot on my coat, the original color was almost impossible to make out, which was a rather sharp contrast to the untouched state of these objects.

Once during a portrait the Ever So Stuffy Starswirl commissioned, I was able to get most of the soot off with the exceptions of a few patches.

That was a year ago.

Reluctantly, I put my things away and lowered myself into the ashy maw of the chimney, which acted as my passage through the tower.

When I find my parents, I will kill them.

And I will enjoy it.

...

Screams exploded from the woods hours later: an angry shout followed by a heartbroken shriek and the howl of a wolf. Eagerly wanting to see what happened, I slid down the chimney, which was unbroken by fireplaces by whatever stupid architect built this place. At the main floor I found Starswirl clutching a bloody sword in his aura. He threw down the broken corpse of a white wolf whose yellow eyes were hollow and glassy with death.

"Curse those animals!" he shouted to nopony in particular.

I turned around and backed toward the fireplace from where I came. He always does this and I wouldn't let him catch me, especially since I still hadn't recovered from 'Lene's beating or my 'trip' to the woods.

The echoes of Starswirl's screams climbed higher as I inched upward through the sooty, sooty, hollow. He couldn't get me in here.

"That wolf let her get away!"

Away? 'Lene found a way out? But how...?

So it is possible. There is a possibility of escape. Well then, it seems as if things have changed.

Soon Ol' Starswirl will see his folly.

I'll kill him. I'll be the last sight he'll ever see.

But everything takes time, including murder, and patience isn't a very familiar concept to me. Though this will all be worth it. I grinned wickedly in this dark recess and whispered to nopony but myself.

"It's such a crime isn't it?"

Chapter 14: Shadows of All Kinds