Princess's most faithful student.

by FlamingMane

Rating: teen
Tags: Dark, Adventure
Length: 4983

Sequel of my "Friend of Shadow". Two years passed and I was put into dangerous mission.

Work in progress. All four published chapters (it's all i have right now) will be edited a bit to improve whole story. I feel that there is something missing in some parts of that story. But I don't mind if you read it before submitting, editing or anything else. I'm mainly improving consistency of story.

Universe have very bad habit in punishing those, whose pride and self-confidence is too big. After series of very sucessful missions in various towns, I was sent to part of Everfree forest, which was not so distant from Ponyville. And this disharmony have kicked my over-self-confident head. After my defeat, there was only one pony, I could turn on. The purple mare from library, which letters I have been reading for a few years.

It will be really good time for acquiring some friends. What about Princess Celestia? Sometimes there are tasks, which requies more than one pony, but I was forbidden to show myself. Would I be able to make bonds strong enough to earn enough trust? And how can Twilight deal with fact, that she is not only one student of Celestia? Is Celestia really honest with everyone or there are more secrets and lies? And what about Princess Luna? How she can deal with being mistrusted by her sister?

And not a single ship was given that day… (No I don't want to make shipping from that one so you wouldn't be worried)

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-05-20 23:33:24 UTC

(1) Punishment

* after events of Canterlot wedding and banishing Chrysalis and changelings *

So many years. I was under the command of princess Celestia. Ever since she recognized my talent in dealing with corruption and disharmony the hard way. Well, it's not talent like other ponies discover. That talent was gained through deep dive into the corruption. I reached many triumphs, but sadly, I'm not as powerful as i thought. That day was my lesson about powers, which were beyond my own.

I was sent to Everfree forest to investigate some sort of disharmony. Princess Celestia was worried about me. She said that I'm taking more than I can chew. She was damn right. But before that lesson, I was sure about my success. Or at least about that, I can escape without harm. Maybe over self-confidence blinded me. I was so sure and all wrong. At least I listened to Princess, when she told me about contacting her Ponyville student, if something will go wrong. If I haven't been listening to her, I would have been surely dead by now.

It was a dark night. Perfect for my work. I'm working under straight command of my Princess as a secret agent. No one knows about me. Even princess Luna has no idea, why I'm sometimes with Celestia locked inside her quarters in Canterlot. Sometimes I feel bad about this, but at least I live. Without my strong will, I would be imprisoned as stone statue like Discord. Also I didn't want someone to know about my special gift in the past. I have two cutie marks. One is my own. As most of unicorns, my own special talent is connected with magic. My cutie mark is flame. It means my special talent is fire itself and fire spells. Second cutie mark is from Shadow of another pony, who was consumed by disharmony and attacked me, when I was a bit younger. This cutie mark is far from harmony and friendship. It allows me to conjure and control a grim-looking sword. Also it gives me some sort of talent in fighting with it.

I was so proud, when I tamed that Shadow, which wanted to control me. When I realized that I was unable to completely drive him from inside of me. I offered him something, what he doesn't know. I offered him to be his friend. After some time, he was talking to me and after few days, he told me everything he remembered about himself. To be honest, that Shadow was a mare. But not only a mare, she was student of the famous Star Swirl the Bearded. She offered to share her powers with me, if I will never abandon her. After a few days, princess Celestia appeared before me. I have never seen such beauty. After few moments of investigation she aquire the knowledge about me and she was about to strike me with power of the Elements. I was so full of fear, that I started to run with wild use of magic used instinctively. After a few minutes, she determined, that I was right. She have taken me to Canterlot and observed me for a few days. She gained some sort of trust in me and started to teach me. She taught me about harmony and friendship. Not only me, but also my inner demon. After a few years, I changed my inner demon into powerful and understanding ally. She changed mostly in understanding of life. Someone could say, that she is white Shadow now.

But that day in Everfree forest, it was very hard. I was slashing through some timber wolves, when I felt it. Source of that corruption. I headed that way as fast as I could. It was far more stronger than it looked at first. Even when I was so far, I felt it strongly. When I could see it, disharmony was so strong, that even Everfree forest has been changed by it. I have never seen such an abomination in my life. It looked like normal Shadow of somepony, but it was devouring another Shadow and somehow it was gaining strength through this process. Few moments later, it noticed my presence. Even though my sword was primary for fighting with these things, I cannot hold it long under such powerful bucks and attacks from that Shadow. After a few moments, I was unable to hold my sword summoned. My sword burned out as always, when I unsummon it, but this time it was from lack of power. I was looking at that little show, which always amaze me. Long, black sword with brightly glowing red runes burning like a paper. Shape of sword have been always that strange. One third was hilt, which is wrapped in leather ended with black, simple head in shape of ring. On the other side, blade as long as pony. Blade without tip look like it was cut in half, but I know it's because this sword is for slashing but no for stabing. Blade is sharp only on one side.

It looked like that Shadow drained nearly all my power. Few minutes of fighting and i had felt like i had been fighting for hours. Without sword, I was nearly deffenseless and surprised by sudden disapperance of my sword. Shadow bucked me to head. I flew like bale of hay. That buck was as strong as being hit by a train. After I crashed in the tree, I was barely alive. With remaining power I had, I tried to cast escape spell with only one thought. Ponyville. Last thing I saw was a Ponyville library.

„Whoo“

„What's happening, Owloysius?“

„Whoo“

„Ok, I'm following you.“

Very quiet sound of wings and legs clopping could be heard from inside of library then the sound of opening of the doors.

„What in Equestria...!“

(2) Time of Revelation

After a few minutes, I've gained enough strength and woke myself up. I felt that, I was lying in library with pillow under head. When I opened my eyes, I've seen a purple mare with dark mane and tail, which was reading some book. She was also a unicorn as me.

„Uhm...hello. I have very important message for you and Celestia.“ I said. There was no doubt about it. She was Twilight Sparkle. And the pain from something broken inside me nearly kicked me into unconsciousness again when I tried to move.

Twilight seems to be surprised. „Eeeh, I'm glad you are alive, but be still. You must have gone through something terrible.“ she said.

I have spotted a scroll, prepared to be written on and a quill on the other side of library. I grabbed it and wrote everyting as best as I could from my actual position and then grabbed the scroll and showed it to Twilight.

„Wow, you must be very good if you can write even if you don't clearly see, what are you writing.“ she said. She have taken the scroll by her magic and started to reading it.

„But...but that is impossible. How? We should know about something like that. Princess would send us a letter. Or she would come with the Elements to help us.“ she started to ask, „And what do you know about me? How? Who are you and why are you...so...strange?“ She looked confused a lot .

„I think, that can wait a while until...“ I was unable to finish what I was tried to say. Darkness shrouds me and all the pain has been gone.

I woke up in Ponyville hospital. Sun was high on sky. Somepony was arguing quietly near my bed. When I have opened my eyes, I spotted Twilight and Celestia.

„Why have you never told me about him? He appeared in front of library in the middle of the night, beaten nearly to death. If there wasn't my owl, I have never noticed him and he should not make it to morning. I thought you believed me. And also I don't understand why he must be kept in secret.“ said Twilight.

„It's not that I don't believe you. You must understand that there are powers, which must be used very wisely and he is a key. Many ponies are driven by desire of being powerful, but they are not as special as him. His...appereance is a big clue itself. He even agreed with me about being kept in secret at the very begining. I want only to protect my subjects from even trying, what he had completed in past. Look at him. He even has two cutie marks. It is very hard to hide them with talents which are simply too different.“ said Celestia.

„Yes. You must understand, that not everypony has strong mind to hold back corruption with his own will.“ I said quietly.

„Oops...I'm so sorry we woke you up.“ said Twilight, „I think you both are right. I'm sorry Princess.“

„That's all right, Twilight. Now, when we have settled this, you can go to bring your friends. They should hear it.“ said Celestia.

After Twillight left the room, Celestia looked at me, „I think it's time to reveal your identity to someponies, who deserve to know it.“

„Yeah...you are right, my highness. Do you think Princess Luna is also prepared?“ I asked.

„I think she is. At least Twilight and her friends are. But about the forest. I hoped it will be a smaller problem. I'm glad, you are still alive. From what you had written yesterday, our problem seems to be bigger then even I can handle.“ said Celestia with little worries in her face.

„Are Elements here? I have a plan, but I need to be healty. It looked like it was draining my power only after it noticed me. So I can make distraction long enough. I can prepare some shield too.“ I was thinking loudly.

„Yes, I brought Elements here. Looks like quite good plan. I think it will work well.“ said Princess.

„My highness, do you think, that I should learn Twilight more about her cutie mark? I mean that she can perform every spell known and even unknown in Equestria without nearly any training?“ I asked.

„I think it can wait. She is too young for it.“ Celestia replied.

„Are you sure, that information is not in that library?“ I asked. I don't specified which library, but it was obvious, which I had in my mind.

„Even if that information is there, I completely trust her. She have enough responsibility...“ Celestia stopped when doors opened.

Six mares went into my room and closed door. Twilight Sparkle, purple unicorn. Rainbow dash, blue pegasus with rainbow colored mane. Applejack, orange earth pony with yellow mane. Rarity, white unicorn with purple mane. Pinkie pie, smiling earth pony which is whole pink and Fluttershy. Pegasus with yellow body and pink mane, which looked like she didn't want to be here.

„Hello, girls. My name is Flaiming Mane. Me and Princess agreed with that you deserve to know me and my story, but It's permitted only for you.“ I started with quick version of story of my life.

„But...what is that Shadow you are talking about? It's something like a...soul...of pony?“ asked Twilight after I finished my story.

„You are close. Let us show you." I said and let my Shadow vent out from me. My Shadow greeted them.

"Aaaaah! A GHOST!" Pinkie started panicking and she cowered in one corner of room. My Shadow came to her and whispered her that she have nothing to be afraid of. Pinkie started with quiet giggling.

"It's soul of anyone, who refuse harmony. I was busy with cleaning after Discord's madness, but it seems none of these foul souls have been spotted. They often feel so much pain, it's easy to put them into rest, but this one...it lookes like it is enjoying that power and I'm only one pony. I can create distraction, but that's all I can do against it.“ I continued.

„I think I understand. I almost forget. I also masked your second cutie mark in library after you fainted so you can stay here in hospital until you will be fine, but be careful near unicorns. I only hope, that we can stop this...Shadow in Everfree forest.“ Twilight said.

„Thanks. Maybe I will stay in Ponyville for a while to know you all better if you teach me that spell. We will be sometimes working together so I want to know my partners.“ I said.

„I will bring you book with that spell tomorrow, if you want.“ Said Twilight with smile.

„And I will make a party for you! It will be fun!“ Pinkie cheerfully said with big smile. She was giggling with my Shadow. They often whispered something one another.

"I didn't know that there is so much fun with ghosts!" Pinkie said. I have never known, what they was whispering, but I think it was about my 'ignite myself' problem.

„Thank you. I think that's all, what I can say about myself or our problem. Any questions?“ I asked.

„It lookes like there is everything prepared so I can return to Canterlot. Let me know if there will be any problem. Goodbye everypony.“ said Celestia and left.

(3) Chitchat

I looked out of the window. It was day.

„How many days I slept?“ I asked.

„Only fourteen hours.“ Rarity said.

„I'm wondering, what are you capable of. You were nearly dead, when you landed before my library and only few hours after, you look like nothing happend.“ said Twilight.

„It looks some of my protections are working. They healing me really fast. I will be ready after tomorrow. It looks like it really drains away nearly all of my energy and I need rest to gain it back. You should be prepared for fast action, because even if I shield myself from draining energy, that creature is really powerful. That injuries was from single buck.“ I said.

„That means I should look for some protection spells?“ Twilight asked. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie was trying how much ethereal is body of my Shadow.

„It's no use. I know one, which helps a bit, but not much. I must go nearly unprotected to be sure it will attack me and not you, while you will be using Elements.“ I said, „I saw you once, when you were using them. You are unprotected while you are unleashing their powers and that Shadow is too fast.“

„What in a hay? Were ya spying on us?“ Applejack asked with bit of anger.

„I'm sorry. That was Princessess orders. I was ordered to look over you and help you defeat Nightmare moon. After all our Princess was trapped and only Nightmare knew where. You were never wondering, why there were no Timber wolves or another creatures in Everfree forest, when you were here?“ I answered.

„But this only proves, that Princess have no trust in us.“ Twilight said with a small stomp.

„I don't think so. She really cares about everypony. Yes, I was spying on you and that's why you deserve to know me, what I am and aspecially my apology. But I have done this only because Princess was really worried. She nearly begged me to save you if you would got into serious danger.“ I said, „But with Discord...it was different. Discord have really strong influence on me. After all I'm something like opposite of what he always wanted to make. I had to hide myself from him. Last think I had done for Princess was sending letter with informations and why I had to leave. He found me, but it was late for him. You imprisoned him just in time. I really don't want to know, what he was planning with me.“

„I understand, but still I can't believe, what Princess have done.“ Twilight said.

„Another thing is your letters. Princess have been giving tham to me for reading and learning. I think, she feels guilty about that and that's real reason, why she left a while ago. But I think you should forgive her.“ I said.

„I know, I'm not mad, but...diappointed.“ said Twilight. She seemed to be a bit sad.

„If she wont write you about it, I will talk to her about it.“ I said.

„Thanks, but I will write her a letter about it.“ Twilight said.

„Twilight, have you ever read book Greatest Marks?“ I asked. I knew, I have been forbidden to talk about her cutie mark directly, but I could give her this clue.

„No, why?“ Twilight asked. She seemed to be a bit confused by unexpected change of topic.

„Consider this tip as my apology. But please, don't tell anypony, I told you about this book. You will understand me, while you read it. I'm forbidden to talk directly about this. But your cutie mark is really unique and you don't know it's true power. I think, you don't have it in library, because it's very valuable book about cutie marks, which are appearing through history and have great influence on everypony around ones, with one of the Marks from book. Celestia and Luna have their marks inside this book too.“ I said.

Twilight smiled, when she realized, who was the one, who forbid me to talk about it.

„Another secret?“ Twilight asked.

„I worry about that not only Equestria is full of secrets. Why? Because secrets protect. But you cannot be protected by secrets, Twilight. You are a lot like me. You're smart with good perception. But be careful. Some secrets have good reason to be hidden.“ I said.

„Where were you when Canterlot was under attack of changelings?“ Rainbow Dash asked me, „You would had been quite good with helping us to get to the Elements. As you know we failed to get them.“

„That was my failure. I was on false lead too far from Canterlot. Even if I felt, that it was dead-end, I foolishly followed that lead, because it looked promising. When I heard breaking of shield, it was late.“ I said. Bitter memory made me sad for a moment, „After repeling them, I was ordered to eliminate changelings, who refused to leave Equestria.“

After a moment of silence, I continued, „After all, I gave you that tip on book, for situations like that. With knowledge from that book, you would had been able to get to the Elements.“

„What a pity, I don't have to send Spike to Canterlot for that book. I'm not able to send letter to Celestia alone. That's Spikes job.“ Twilight gave a sigh.

„I can, but be patient. It would be obvious, who gave you that tip if you will borrow that book tomorrow or without reason.“ I said.

„I had experience with cutie pox and I want to know if the affected one had some special cutie mark.“ Twilight said with smile.

„Still it would be obvious. Day after meeting me and you mysteriously gain knowledge about that book?“ I asked.

„Yeah...he's right.“ Rainbow Dash said.

„Let's make agreement. I'll make sure to get this book or copy of this book to you after we banish that Shadow from Everfree forest. What do you say, Twilight?“ I asked.

„I agree. It must be something quite dangerous, if Princess want to wait with that information.“ Twilight said.

„Believe me, it's very dangerous, but Princess trusts you. She only see no real reason to give you this information. Apart from her, I see reason. Many reasons. Remember Chrysalis, queen of changelings? If she had imprisoned you all immediately after capturing you, you would never have chance to set Cadence free to help your brother, Twilight. We are just lucky and Princess still don't want you to know about it. I refuse to give my life into that lotery again, but be very cautious and use that knowledge wisely.“ I said.

Twilight only nodded.

„Hmm... Is my mark in that book too?“ Rainbow Dash asked me.

„Yes, but you know nearly everything about it. It marks you with talent of doing Sonic Rainboom and fly really fast. There were only few, with the same cutie mark as you and all of them was good flyiers and friends. Problem is, that everypony with your cutie mark had...an accident. They all died by crashing, so be careful or you will join them.“ I said with a little harcher voice. Rainbow only smiled, but she is bad actor. It had been obvious, that she is scared of fate of her predecessors.

„Now, I don't know if I want to know, what my mark really mean.“ Twilight looked a it shaken.

„Don't worry. It's not bad. Only if you chose to use it in bad way, but I think you had enough lessons to know how to use such powers.“ I said to Twilight, but it not helped much.

„And that's it! I don't know what I will do.“ Twilight said.

„We trust you. That means, we don't know either, but we believe, that you will do, what is right. We believe that you will always follow your heart and conscience.“ I said with slight smile.

Twilight nodded with smile, „And I have to try to not disapoint you all. Yes, that's what friendship is.“

„Not only friendship. Everyone with some kind of power should use it wisely.“ I said.

„I think, we should return to our work and let you rest. I will come back tomorrow and bring you that book, you wanted. Or do you want any other book?“ Twilight asked.

„No, thanks. One should be enough for one day. But I think I will be able to walk by evening. Can I stay at your library for a day?“ I asked.

„WHAT?! Being able to walk after twenty hours? Have you gone mad?“ Twilight nearly yelled and looked frightened. The other mares looked just as she looked.

„No. As I said, I have my own magic protection, which is healing me really fast. After all, I'm physically healthy. Remember that, I was trained for this. After all, that was only few ribs.“ I smiled. She looked ridiculous.

„But...but...“ She started to slightly press the ribs, which was broken, but they healed through my sleep. „...but how is it possible?“

„Magic, dear Twilight, magic.“ I said and laughed. „But of course, I'm still a bit weak for walking. Sleep give me amazing healing powers. And when I feel, that something is bad with me, I'm often tired. I don't want to destroy myself.“

„It look like ya were try'in.“ Applejack finally said something. She was listening all time.

„Well then, I will be expecting you in the evening, but I must warn you, that I often stay awake and study trough night.“ Twilight said looking a bit angry and confused.

Then Twilight whispered „If you do something like this again, I promise, that I will do you much worse wounds. You scared me.“

„I know, but I like to scare everypony with my wounds. I think it's my bad habit. I'm sorry. I should have told you this sooner.“ I said.

„So...see you in the evening, Flaiming Mane.“ Twilight said.

„Bye, girls. Have a nice rest of the day.“ I said.

Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Applejack said „Bye.“

(4) Kind mare and unexpected idea

After they left my room, I felt sudenly so alone. After a while, my shadow talked to me inside my mind as always.

They are all special. What we will be doing next few hours to regain our strength? She asked me.

Yes, they are. What about to try meditation? Are you able to make everything like in forest for me so I can focus on fight? If you can make some time shift too, we should be able to make a decent number of attempts. I replied silently to her.

Yes, but don't blame me if it will be easier, then in real fight. I still don't fully understand that ability to drain power. She said.

One moment after I closed my eyes, I had been standing before that creature from forest, created by my inner demon by controling my dreams. My meditation is the best training ground ever. But it's only good for tactics. My plan is to keep attention as long as I can. And for that, I need to know every movement, what that beast can do. I had one question. Why is this beast able to fight with me without sword. After a few tries, I noticed it. That creature had horseshoes. From the same material as my sword. That was, why it didn't try to headbutt me. It was clever creature and that's what I was afraid of.

When evening came, doctor came to my room and started to examine my ribs.

„You look quite good for someone, who had broken half of his ribs. I think, you can go, but be careful next time.“ Doctor said.

„Thank you, doctor, but I have dangerous work. I feel that we will surely see each other again.“ I said with smile. „After all that's why I have healing spells and protections around myself.“

Doctor didn't looked happy with my statement. It was beutiful evening. Fresh air smells of apples. I walked slowly through Ponyville. What a peaceful and quiet village. I slowly stretched myself. Quiet cracking from my joints forced me to a little giggle. After a while I was before library. She was waiting for me.

„Hi, so they really let you go.“ she greeted me.

„Hi, why not? As I said, I'm fine, but a little weak.“ I smiled at her.

„Well then, come inside, if you are hungry, there is some food, make yourself at home." she said, „I have something else to read."

„Thank you very much, Twilight.“ I said and walked inside, „ I must admit that I hate hospitals, so thank you for letting me stay here.“

„It's nothing, really. I hope, that you don't mind a little mess. I'm in the middle of something. Let me know if you need something.“ she said. There was many books outside of bookshelves. Some stacked on table in the middle of round room, some even on ground.

„It's nothing. I have a similar mess in Canterlot. After all I prefer mess. I hate high bookshelves and when I need something quicky and often, I keep it near my worktable.“ I said, smiled and grabbed an apple. It was juicy and sweet.

Door opened and a little purple dragon walked inside library. He looked a bit tired. „Hi, Spike. We have a guest as I told you before. Spike, this is Flaiming Mane. Flaiming mane, this is Spike.“ Twilight said.

„Nice to meet you. So you are the one, with...you know.“ Spike said and pointed at his flank.

„Yes, I think, there is no point in hiding it before you too.“ I said and cast a simple dispeling spell at myself. Above my own flame mark appeared another one.

„I know how you got that. Twilight already told me. Can I see your sword?“ Spike asked with nearly childich joy.

„Fine, but don't touch it, ok?“ I sighed and conjured my sword from flames as always.

„Woow, that's creepy.“ Spike quietly told and looked on my sword. Twilight was looking a bit diferent. Shocked to be exact. After few moments, I unsummoned my sword.

„Sheesh, what a creepy weapon, but kinda beutiful.“ Twilight said and returned back to her work. After few minutes, I eated my apple and Twilight said, „I almost forgot. The book with spell, you wanted to know.“ and started to looking for it. Few minutes after she brought me a thin, blue book named Simple spells for practical use.

„It contains simple spell for home use. Something about repairing, protecting, hiding and other else. That one, you wanted...well I improved it a bit. It's written inside, you will see.“ she said, smiled and returned to her work.

Is it possible that she is using her gift without knowing? I knew it was a simple spell, but improving spell only by after a few hours? I thought.

Well, according that book, she is one of the most powerful unicorns known through whole history of Equestria. Have you expected something less? My Shadow asked me.

I think, you've got the point. I answered. I liked the way we can talk with my Shadow. It's most private way known to me.

I had that book read before midnight. That spell was obviously very easy. I asked Twilight if I can help her with something, but she had nothing, so I told her good night and left her in library. As she said, my bed was prepared. But then an idea came. I can magicaly separate myself from this world. It wouldn't be easy, but I can. I thought and ran back to down library.

"I figured it out. I know how can I fight it long enough." I said to Twilight, "I can magicaly sepparate myself from world."

"I...it is possible, but...how are you able to fight then? It's dangerous for us to stay isolated for more then few minutes and magic even shorten this time." she said. She looked like she was thinking about that.

"I can concentrate magical energy to my limit and if I summon few of my gems, I would be able to store huge amount of that energy into them and keep them isolated with myself. But don't hesitate to use Elements. Every single second lost in fearing about me will be wasting of my time. Keep this in your mind. Don't hesitate even if I would be in line of strike. I'm fast enough." I said and started to summon the most precious gems from my own stash inside Canterlot.