Author's Note

No excuses why this is so late, read if you want.

Journey of the Past (Final Edit)

CHAPTER III

JOURNEY OF THE PAST

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The trek up the mountain was arduous, but the mission the four ponies had could not wait for better conditions. Not many would willingly go up Canterlot mountain without a serious reason. The home of the Alicorns was far beyond where most ponies could live, but their magical prowess and flight ability was enough to make it to the top without much effort. Pegasi could not handle the gale force winds that reached 100 mph or more on irregular intervals. The Unicorns could not teleport or use any spell that wouldn’t deplete their magical reserves on the way up. Earth ponies could handle the weather, but the inability to find food would make it difficult to reach the top. Some had made it; how else could the ponies know about the Alicorns that made the precipice of ‘Alicorn Mountain’ their sanctuary.

“How much farther to the top Master!?” A voice called out over the howling winds to the Unicorn leading up front. He turned to look at the group following him. They were nearly frost bitten and looked like they had trouble keeping their balance from the lack of food and uneven ground.

“Not far now my little ponies! A half days walk and we will reach our destination!” He plodded on using a small shield over his face to block the howling winds. The group groaned in exasperation of the situation. A week of walking with three days of this grueling snow and wind had taken a toll on their moral. Numb muzzles and frogs for over two days would deter many of the most hardened earth ponies. They continued on though, trusting in the old unicorn who led them. He was the most powerful of all unicorns, nearly capable of moving the moon on his own. It would take many unicorns to do even the amount he was able too. His apprentice was always in awe at his achievements, he could only hope to touch some of the power he displayed so freely.

“I don’t… I don’t think I can go on!” The Pegasus of the group fell forward into the snow collapsing from exhaustion. She was the frailest of the ponies and she held out longer than the others thought. The Earth pony trotted over and laid beside her trying to warm the little Pegasus’ wings. “I-I can’t… I can’t feel my w-wings…” She shivered and laid her head down on the Earth mares light cream forelegs.

“We need to take a break! She can’t even move anymore!” The Earth mare screamed to the two unicorn ponies who were a bit ahead.

“We cannot stop now little ones, this storm isn’t going to get better. We need to get through it before it claims us this night!” The older Unicorn used a shield to block the group from the storm so they could have a reprieve. “I am powerful yes, but even my magic reserves are near their end. I cannot maintain this shield for long. Rest, but we move in 15 minutes.”

“We will do as you say Master.” The tan Unicorn with brown hair cast a small flame spell to warm the ponies for a while. The older Unicorn walked over to the ledge leaving the three small ponies alone. “I know he can seem rough, but he isn’t wrong about the storm. We will be at the top soon and then we can rest.”

“Are we sure that these Alicorns will help us?” The Earth mare said concerned, brushing her mixed green hair from her face.

“What do you mean? From the research I’ve done, the Alicorns are a peaceful race. They will help us, I’m sure of it.” The Unicorn said as he looked off towards the top of the mountain that was hidden behind snow clouds.

“I hope so, I don’t think Pansy is going to make it much farther.” The Earth mare petted her Pegasus friends orange and yellow hair lightly trying to comfort her as best she could.

“I know Cookie and if what my Master said is true, then we will have help down the mountain and won’t suffer through all of this again.” That fact seemed to help Pansy’s worries, she smiled at the thought of all this being over.

“I hope so Clover, I don’t know if I could take all this again.” Pansy sighed basking in the warmth of the fire getting a little feeling back in her cream feathered wings.

The old Unicorn sat near the edge of the mountain looking out towards the direction of the small town below. He could see a small amount of it when the clouds parted briefly. He sighed as he knew if the path they’d chosen wasn’t fruitful he could not protect them from what was coming. He alone wasn’t enough to stop the war and who knew what would happen to the ponies he watched over. Only the Alicorns could help them, the power they wielded was unmatched and the war would be tipped in their favor. At least that’s what he was hoping for, he knew that the Alicorns were peaceful and asking them to join a war would be a hefty request. He sighed once more and looked back at his apprentice and his friends. They needed to reach the top before night fell lest they be caught in the storm with no way to move. They were young and inexperienced, but that didn’t stop them when they found this new land together. A perilous journey wasn’t outside of their realm and he knew they could continue on. They were stronger than they knew. After all, they represented the very things that made harmony in Equestr---

A large rumble resounded through the mountain causing the ponies to stir. Quickly the old Unicorn joined the three mares and increased his shields strength.

“AVALANCHE! BRACE YOURSELVES!!!” He screamed as the group cowered under his shield. The snow approached faster than they thought possible and crashed around them. It pounded his shield straining it severely. He grunted as his magic tried to maintain itself from the onslaught of nature. If it had happened earlier on in the journey he might not have a problem, but he was already at his limit and he knew it. The shield began to fail and the old unicorn threw himself over the group hoping that his larger body would be enough to protect them. As the snow fell over and over again, the four were buried beneath many feet of snow powder. Clover the Clever, Private Pansy and Smart Cookie braced themselves and watched as the darkness slowly formed around them leaving them to their snowy fate.

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A hoof pushes the snow aside quickly as yellow magic takes a large rock away. Eventually a pointy blue hat springs forth revealing an older pony with two mares and a stallion.

“What dost thou suppose possess’d them to climb our mountain sister?” The smaller Alicorn asked.

“We knoweth not sister, we shalt findeth out soon. We shalt taketh these ponies to safety first.” The larger Alicorn enveloped the 4 ponies in her yellow aura lifting them up as they soared towards the top of the mountain. For a moment, Clover opened her eyes to see the outline of his savior. It is the single most beautiful thing he has ever witnessed in his short life.

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The sun rises and its gentle warming light basks upon the ponies. Clover stirs from his slumber feeling more content than he has in days.

“Where… Where am I? Am I dead?” Clover looked out the window to see a lavish kingdom built of gold, whites and purples. Spires higher than anything he had seen built by pony kind. It was warm and comforting, far different than what he last remembered before losing consciousness. Suddenly he recalled who he was with, taking a quick glance around looking for the others. He was alone in a bedroom decorated with similar colors and materials of the buildings he saw outside. Velvet blankets upon the bed with silk sheets and pillows. He knew he had to be dead.

“Thou art awake?” Came a soothing voice from the doorway. Clover turned and gaped at what stood there. A pony that was taller than anypony he had ever met with long pink hair and white fur. A slender build with wings tucked to her sides. Her horn was longer than his own, but similar in size to his masters. “Doth thou speaketh?” The Alicorn approached him slowly but Clover still tensed and backed up to the window. He was frightened but he didn’t know why. Perhaps it was the new sight, or maybe the overwhelming power rippling off of the being. He stopped as he felt the window sill tap his flank. With nowhere left to run he sat down and got as low to the ground as possible a sign of submission. “Please, do not be frightened. Art thou well little pony?”

“Who – or what are you?” It was the only thing he could think of, his curiosity winning out over his fear, if only slightly.

“Thou may call us Celestia, we art an Alicorn.” She sat down in front of Clover to act non-threatening. The small pony was obviously intimidated or scared of her and she didn’t want him jumping out the window in fear. Clover nodded and let out a breath that he had been holding.

“I’m sorry, I thought maybe I was dead. I remember being crushed by the avalanche and then… nothing.” Clover was now transfixed on the Alicorn taking in all the details he could.

“We found thee and thy companions buried on the mountain side. We thought the worst when we dug thee out.” The Alicorn walked over to the nightstand and brought out a tea set. “Wouldst thou like some warm tea?” Clover nodded without taking his eyes off her. He sat down at the little table with Celestia watching her make tea in an instant floating a cup over to her.

“My friends that were with me, are they alright?” Clover asked before lifting the tea to his lips.

“Thy friend’s art resting downstairs, the older stallion twas injured though not severely. Pray tell, why hast thee cometh to our mountain little one?” The Alicorn sipped her tea as well seeking answers from Clover.

“My master wished to speak with your kind over an urgent matter that may involve all ponydom. If he is capable to do so, I’ll let him explain if you don’t mind?” Clover finished his tea enjoying the warmth that it brought.

“Master? Thou hast a master? Nopony should rule another, tis unnatural.” Celestia frowned and finished her tea as well.

“He doesn’t own me! I am his apprentice in magic, he is merely a teacher!” Clover was off put by the notion that his master was a slave owner.

“Oh! We apologize, twas our mistake to assume thy master wast thy owner.” She bowed her head down to Clover his frown growing deeper.

“It’s alright, I should have just called him our leader or my teacher. You couldn’t have known what I meant. Can we go see him now?” Clover stood up from the table and looked to the door that Celestia had entered from.

“Aye let us reunite thee and thy friends.” Celestia opened the door to a hallway. They moved down a set of stairs to a hall where Smart Cookie, Private Pansy and his master waited.

“Thank the creators you’re all right!” Clover dashed over to his friends embracing them in a tight hug. He turned and bowed to his master as well to acknowledge him. “I’m glad you didn’t suffer any severe injuries master.”

“Yes, the Alicorns healing magic seems to be above anything our Unicorns have come up with. My ribs were broken and healed within hours apparently. Miraculous to say the least.” He placed a hoof to his chest admiring the handy work done on him.

“We believe thou art this little one’s ‘master’?” Celestia approached him from behind pointing to Clover.

“Ahem, yes, let me introduce myself and my companions. I am Starswirl the Bearded. This is my apprentice Clover the Clever whom you’ve already met, along with Private Pansy of the Pegasus tribe and Smart Cookie of the Earth Ponies. We have come with urgent news that I wish to speak with you about.” Starswirl stood in front of the group as he introduced them one by one. Private Pansy hid behind Smart Cookie as she was introduced, intimidated by Celestia’s size and appearance. Smart Cookie nodded her hat in recognition. Clover blushed as he was introduced and made a little wave with his hoof.

“We art Celestia Sol the Alicorn, thou can call me Celestia. Tis a pleasure to meet all of thee. Twas under less than stellar circumstances, but we wish to welcome thee to our home of Canterlot.” Celestia bowed and then waved to the heaven’s showing the ponies her home. It was a tad intimidating since the closest thing to compare it to was the home of the Unicorn Kingdom the Unicorn Castle. Every building in the city was like this! “Young Clover informs us that thee wish to speak of an urgent matter. I will take thee to the Alicorn Council, our wisest and highest order in the kingdom.”

The group follows Celestia out into the city staring at the magnificent beauty of it all. Alicorns busy themselves around everywhere throwing glances at the newcomers. It isn’t often that ponies from below the mountain show themselves in Canterlot. Eventually they arrive at a small structure with 5 Alicorns speaking to each other on the day’s events.

“Excuse art intrusion on this fine morn Council, this one would ask of thou’s time on a matter of urgency.” Celestia spoke to the 5 Alicorns who turned their focus on her. The group made their way to seats at a horseshoe shaped desk before they all nodded together for her to proceed. “Thank you for thou time. We wish for thee to hear these ponies plea.” Celestia moved aside letting Starswirl the Bearded to come forward. The 5 Alicorns seemed to work as one as they furrowed their brows at him all at once taking in his appearance.

“Thank you for listening to me Gentlecolts and Gentlemares, I come baring grave news for all of pony kind!” Starswirl took his trademark hat off as he bowed before the 5 Alicorns.

“Not Gentlecolts, not Gentlemares young pony, we art known as Council. Though we may seem separate, we speak as one.” The Alicorn 2nd from the right spoke.

“Young!? My, I have not been called that in a long time! You don’t seem that much older than I gent- um, Council was it?” Starswirl was confused at the Council’s words.

“What thou judge as old is merely perception. Council is timeless, since the land wouldst appear from the oceans hath we existed. Young Celestia eclipses thou even now.” The lone mare 2nd from the left pointed a hoof towards Celestia.

“Tis true little ponies, We art four hundred and fifteen of thou years. Barely a foal to Council.” The group gaped at her and the Council unable to fathom their agelessness. Starswirl was already in his 70’s and considered old among the ponies. How old was Council if his looks compared to theirs?

“What do you mean ‘since the land appeared from the ocean’s?” Clover inquired.

“Not now apprentice! We came for a reason; we can ask questions later if the time allows. It may be perception here but for us it is precious.” Starswirl hushed Clover’s questioning nature in favor of their real goal. “Council, the news I have may not only affect us but you all as well. As we speak a force plots against all of the ponies below here. Should they have their way we will all be destroyed and then they will move against you and every creature on this world!”

“Whom dost thou speak of pony?” The Alicorn 1st on the left asks.

“Let me start from the beginning if you please? When we moved to this land below the mountain we did not know we would share it with another intelligent species. Should they have been friendly we would not have any quarrels. However, they seem intent on removing us from where we have settled. The creatures feel they own all the land below this mountain to the Everfree forest!” His hoof stamped in frustration. “No matter how much we speak to them they care not for compromise. Action seems to be the only thing they care about. Worst of all, every pony we have sent to speak with them has disappeared and we fear what has become of them.”

“Again we ask thou, whom dost thou speak of pony?” The Alicorn 1st on the right asks.

“They call themselves, Humans.” Starswirl looked down in disgust as did the group he was with. Celestia tilted her head in confusion before looking to the Council for any ideas. They all nodded solemnly before the Alicorn in the middle sat back.

“We knoweth of these creatures thee speaketh of. We hath met them in some of our expeditions to the main land below. They wast a small tribe that mostly hath kept to themselves. They wast afraid of our presence at which hour we revealed ourselves to them. What thee speaketh of? Sounds nothing like them.” He leaned forward and clopped his hoof onto the desk they were sat at.

“I am not sure when the last time was you interacted with them but they have expanded exponentially! I would put their numbers in the thousands!” Smart Cookie said looking between the five ponies. “Some of the Unicorns in the kingdom used scanning spells to find all of their locations. About 3 cities in total with a lot of them in each.”

“Regardless. What maketh them a threat to all of thee? Didst thee do something to anger them? Also, the species hath no magic. Unicorns would defeat them easily no?” The 1st Alicorn on the left said.

“We didn’t do anything to them! We didn’t take anything that they couldn’t have shared. They claim we stole their land and have been using resources they laid claim to. We had no idea, and they didn’t approach us when we arrived in Equestria. Nor did they say anything to us before we built our first city.” Clover the Clever stamped a hoof on the marble floor. “They are savage, they know nothing about harmony or co-existence. Selfish is the nicest word we can find for them.” He turned his nose up at the thought of the humans.

“Thee speaketh as if 't be true thee hath met them ‘fore little one?” The 2nd Alicorn from the left inquired.

“I have Council, I was part of the first conference with them. The 3 representatives they sent were all males of the species. Kings of the Humans is what they called themselves. They looked down at us from the start and told us to leave Equestria immediately. When we asked for a peaceful resolution to the situation where we could all live in harmony and peace they scoffed. They claimed what I said earlier, then said if we didn’t leave there would be consequences. After they left we sent 4 more envoys to speak but as my master said, they haven’t returned. We fear the worst.” A single tear ran down his cheek after the explanation.

“While we concur that they has't no claim on the land, if 't be true they wast there first they can do as they please.” The 2nd Alicorn from the right placed his hoofs under his chin. “What would thou has't us do?”

“Please, we ask that you speak with them. Maybe if you do, they will listen to reason?” Pansy bowed before the Alicorns hoping that prostrating herself would help a little bit. They stared for longer than she wished but she didn’t move. If this was needed to get the help of these powerful beings, she would do what is needed.

“Nay we shalt not speak with them.” All of the ponies were shocked, mouths agape.

“Did you not hear us!? They threaten not only us, but all creatures!” Clover shouted.

“No, thee only told us they wast against thee living on their land. Where wast the threat to others? Us?”

“Is there nothing we can say to convince you to speak with them council?” Starswirl asked.

“Nay, we wilt not leave our station for anything. We has't gazed over the land hither for thousands of years and wilt continue so.” The Council all clopped their hooves onto their sound blocks signaling their final verdict.

“That is that then. If it is your decision we won’t argue further.” Starswirl hung his head in defeat.

“MASTER!? We can’t leave without their help!” Clover was beside herself.

“Apprentice! Hold your tongue, this is their land and their rules. They have made their choice and we have to abide by it.”

“Thee didn’t alloweth us to finish. We wilt not speaketh to them but we wilt has't an Alicorn represent us. Thee wilt accompany them, Celestia.” The Alicorn in the middle nodded in her direction.

“Me? Why me Council?” Celestia proceeded forward moving in front of the ponies.

“Thy political skills must be tested, if 't be true thou art to join Council in the future. A prime opportunity hath presented itself meeting these ponies. Council trusts in thou’s ability to diffuse this situation.” The middle Alicorn informs.

“If 't be true thou trust in me then ’t shalt be done. I has't but one request though?”

“Indeed?”

“I wouldst ask that mine sister Luna accompany me, so as she too will learn from the experience. She hath shown a desire as of late to join the political game. Would this be too much to ask?” Celestia bowed her head a little.

“Let ‘t be done. If 't be true Luna truly wishes to learn, then far be ‘t for Council to forbid. Thy request is granted Celestia Sol. Do us proud.” Council banged their wooden blocks again and dispersed in different directions.

Celestia took a deep breath and thrust her front leg out in a sweeping motion in front of her several times. It seemed odd to the others gathered but they waited until she had finished her little routine. She turned and faced Starswirl and nodded in affirmation. “It looks as though I wilt be thy support. Allow us see if 't be true Luna wilt join us on our journey to the lower land’s, shalt we?” She motioned for the group to follow her.

“Celestia, I must say I appreciate this more than words can describe! I wonder though, is your sister truly interested in any of this?” Clover wasn’t named clever for nothing it seemed.

Celestia tittered as she turned and looked down to the little pony who had a look on his face that told her all she needed to know. “She is interested in mine work, but is she interested in joining the Council? No.” Clover nodded in understanding.

“Then why are you inviting her along?” Pansy floated over into Celestia’s view.

“She wants her sister with her to be her 'rock' as it were.” Clover answered for her.

“Huh?” Smart Cookie shook her head. “What do you mean 'rock'?”

“Please take no offense with what I am about to say here Celestia; she is nervous about this mission Council has given her and needs support from her family girls.” Celestia smiled as they entered a small homestead.

“Thy name sake is a valorous one Clover the Clever and no offense taken. I must admit you’re right in that I am rather intimidated by this request Council hath given me. T'will be mine first true test in the political game. Having mine sister with me wilt maketh the situation a gross amount more bearable. She is also not a bad negotiator herself.” The group sat down in a quaint little living space. A small fire crackled in the corner and the sound of humming could be heard coming from upstairs.

“If you believe you need the support then I see no reason why she cannot come along. The more the merrier in this situation I say!” Starswirl smiled her way giving his own support.

“We’ll support you as well! Right everypony!?” Pansy rarely got loud but she was happy the Alicorns decided to help with the Humans. The group nodded and smiled at Celestia as well. She smiled in turn realizing these ponies were quick to friendship and that wasn’t a bad thing. It was one of the main tenants of the Council’s teachings after all.

“What’s with all the noise down hither! I am trying to work on mine spell forming!” Luna barged down the stairs looking around at the group gathered. Her sister giggled as a blush formed over Luna’s face. “OH! Mine most humblest apologies. We didst not knoweth there wast going to be anypony hither besides mine sister.” She shuffled forward and bowed to the ponies in the room before throwing Celestia a glare of indignation. “Why wouldst thee bringeth guests and not inform me Tia!?”

“Mine most humblest apologies sister, twas a spur of the moment thing. We cometh with news from Council pertaining to these ponies from the lower lands.” She sat next to Luna on a lounge.

“Oh? I thought they wast merely wayward travelers like those that cameth before. Hath something happened Tia?” Luna had calmed.

“Forsooth sister, alloweth me maketh introductions first though. This is Starswirl the Bearded, Smart Cookie, Private Pansy and Clover the Clever.” Celestia pointed to each of the ponies each giving a curt nod in response. “When we saved these folk from the snow we assumed they hadst gotten lost but we wast so wrong. These ponies has’t a situation going on that they needed to seek out our help. However, Council saw fit to sendeth me in their stead.” Luna nodded and furrowed her brow.

“Thee will needeth provisions for the journey I’m sure. I wilt help thee prepare for this new quest sister.” Luna sat up and started towards the stairs only to have her shoulder pulled back slightly with a bit of magic.

“Nay sister, this journey is not mine and our new friends alone. The council hath seen fit to sendeth thee with us. Isn’t that wonderful?” Celestia gave a crooked smile as she nervously chuckled to no one in particular. Luna stared at her wide eyed for a few moments before inhaling deeply.

“WWWHHHAAATTT!!!???” The room shook and the ponies in the room were sure the entire city had heard her cry. Also, they were now probably deaf. “Sister! Thee hast better not be joking with me!” She stamped her hoof cracking the ground below it.

“Please Luna, not in front of the guests.” Celestia trotted over to her and pulled her along up the stairs. “We’ll discuss this in private and wilt return shortly okay?” She flashed the crooked smile at the small group of ponies and shut the door at the top of the stairs.

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Private Pansy nervously tapped her front hooves together as everypony felt a tad uncomfortable.

“Well, that was intense huh?” Smart Cookie huffed.

“Yes well, we will let Celestia sort it out and then get on our way.” Starswirl stroked his beard as he contemplated their next move.

“I’m sure she was just surprised and will be okay after their talk.” Clover patted Pansy on the shoulder to comfort her.

“I hope so, she sounded REALLY angry. I wonder if Luna wants to leave at all.” She got her answer as Celestia and Luna came back downstairs none the worse looking. Luna gave a shy look at the group before coughing into a hoof.

“I apologize for mine outburst earlier, I wast caught off guard by mine sister’s proclamation. I wilt be happy to accompany thee all on this endeavor.” She smiled though a bit halfheartedly.

“That’s wonderful!” Clover exclaimed. “I have one question though?”

“Yes, mine little pony?” Celestia asked.

“How will we be getting down the mountain? We had so much trouble getting up it and the time we took was more than we could afford!” Clover pointed towards the edge of the mountain looking as worried as Pansy.

“Oh, well we can get us down in no time. We’ll simply teleport down to the base with all of thee in tow.” Luna smiled walking around her and Celestia’s home gathering supplies.

“Teleport you say? Oh well…” Starswirl hummed as he continued to stroke his beard.
“WWWHHHAAATTT!!!???” He jumped from his seat in alarm causing the others to jump as well from his outburst.

“That’s impossible! Teleporting such a distance has never been done before! The farthest anyone ever did was Starswirl, and he only went several hundred feet!” Clover shook his head in disbelief. There was no way it was possible that these Alicorn’s could do that… Was there?

“When we travel down the mountain side to the base of ‘t we always teleport. If ’t be true we wast scouting the mountain itself we would fly, but we can’t doth that with all of thee either so…” Celestia picked her saddlebags up and placed them on herself and Luna. The ponies just gaped at them as they were rounded up and escorted out of the little home.

They were taken to a platform near the edge of the mountain and city. The Council was there waiting along with a few other Alicorn’s to bid them farewell. The platform was made from a crystal none of the ponies could identify, when they stepped on it they could feel a deep hum go through their hooves. Clover and Starswirl guessed it had to have been a magic amplifier of some sort. After some short goodbyes to the Council and others gathered they all stood in the center of the circle. Celestia and Luna charged their horns and the platform hummed even more. Pansy grabbed onto Smart Cookie nervous something bad would happen. Clover watched in awe as the Alicorn’s powered their spell up noticing that the magic in the air was different from his own. Not only that but it was different than any Unicorn’s he had ever encountered before as well. It was more raw and powerful, it tingled down his own horn and made him feel an immense pressure. It was as if he were in the presence of something unpony like. No not even mortal… Gods.

The tingling sensation suddenly vanished along with them from the platform. It took only a moment but they reappeared alive and well at the bottom of the mountain at the edge of the forest that the ponies had camped at before heading up. What took them nearly a week had taken the Alicorn’s all of seconds to traverse. It seemed impossible but there they were, Clover looked around shocked. Smart Cookie let out a low whistle nodding in approval while a stiff as a board Pansy let go of her leg and fell onto the grass. Clover looked to his master to see his reaction but didn’t find him in the same spot he stood seconds before. He quickly caught sight of him as he walked up to the two Alicorn’s.

“I must say that I am beyond impressed! Was it your own magic that brought us here, or was it a combination of that and the platform we were on?” He seemed awestruck as Clover did but was capable of gaining his senses much faster. Celestia smiled and turned to him.

“Twas a combination of the two. Very perceptive Starswirl, you’re very well versed in magic I see?” He gave an affirmative as she sighed. “We could only maketh ‘t about three quarters of the way down by our own power. The platform wast madeth of mithril and helped in fueling our magic to maketh the last quarter of the way down. When we returneth we must fly our way back up after we teleport as far as our own magic can taketh us.” Starswirl nodded looking to his apprentice and back to Celestia.

“Do you suppose you could teach that spell to me or my student? It could prove useful in the future.” He smiled at her.

“I suppose a long-distance teleport could be possible for a powerful unicorn. Though I am not sure if ‘t be true thee could get the distance we can achieve. I don’t see why not though?” She smiled back. “However, we could not doth so now under the circumstances. Even if ‘t be true we wanted to, we art now drained of magic for at least half a day. I’m sure thee all are eager to returneth home after such an arduous trip.”

“Yes, for another time I suppose. We should be heading to the Equestrian border then before nightfall.” Starswirl pointed in the direction they were to head to. Everypony gathered themselves and began the slow trek back to the pony city of Equestria.

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It was close to nightfall as the group entered the city of Equestria. Not a single pony was out as a curfew had been instituted in the wake of the Human’s ultimatum. Starswirl figured it for the best so as not to alarm anypony with the presence of the two Alicorn’s. Arriving at the small castle that was built in the center of the city the guards at the gate were startled by the group.

“Gentlecolts, please allow us passage so we may speak to the tribal leaders. We have brought help back from our journey up the mountain.” Starswirl announced to the two guards. They simply nodded not taking their eyes off the two Alicorn’s as they passed by and through the gates. Celestia and Luna gave each other a look of worry as they walked in behind the ponies. It seemed the group they were with weren’t the norm for the little ponies.

Upon reaching the main gate Starswirl stopped the group before entering. “We will meet with the tribal leaders now, they were the ones to make the decision to send us up the mountain. Just a warning for you two, they are pretty headstrong. In the end though, they want what’s best for all of us here.” The girls nodded and Starswirl opened the gate to the main hall.

It wasn’t very large but there was an upper balcony for spectators to watch below as the main petitioners met with the three tribal leaders. A table in the center with three chairs were the only decorations save for a flag on the back wall that had a symbol representing each of the pony tribes. In the chairs sat three ponies who were discussing something other than what was about to come. The white Unicorn with pink mane and green eyes saw their approach and looked up. She gasped when she spotted the two Alicorn’s coming behind the group of four. A pink colored Earth pony stallion with brown colored mane looked over and shot up out of his chair in surprise. Finally, a white Pegasus stallion with yellow mane looked over and made a grunt.

“Honorable ponies, we have returned from our journey up the Canterlot mountain and have brought back help. As requested we met with the Alicorn’s of legend and they saw fit to send two of their own to see if they can assist in the current situation.” He moved aside as the two Alicorn’s moved up and bowed.

“I am Celestia Sol of the Alicorn’s.” She introduced herself.

“I am Luna Selene of the Alicorn’s.” She did as well.

“It is an honor to meet the two of you.” The Unicorn stood up and moved from behind the table. “I am the representative of the Unicorn tribe, Princess Diamond Platinum.” She bowed in return.

“Oh! Me next, me next!” The Earth pony jumped over the table and landed in a bowing position as well. “Chancellor Swirly Puddinghead at your pleasure!”

The Pegasus grunted and sat up out of his chair before coming over to where the others were bowing. He saluted in a militaristic fashion. “I am Commander Hurricane Force.”

Celestia and Luna both smiled at the three ponies. Celestia stepped forward motioning for them to stop bowing and saluting. “It’s a pleasure to meet thee all as well. There is no needeth to posture yourselves for us, we art just ponies like thee. Now then, I believeth we has’t much to discuss tonight. Shalt we begin?”

END CHAPTER III