Spark: Book One

Spark

Chapter 13

The weird sounds, the creepy atmosphere, the branches getting stuck in my mane… All of these sensations were familiar. Adventure. Something I had experienced since young. Because of this, I felt very nostalgic as I walked through the dark Everfree Forest. And as any thoughtful and cautious adventurer would, I took a pair of saddlebags, just in case.

While I did have a guide, it was not Fluttershy, but Silver Quill instead. She had told me Fluttershy was busy at the moment so she asked her to accompany me in her stead. It seemed like they had both ventured this forest, together or by themselves, enough times to know their way around and to understand it. At first we were silent, until I noticed something really strange…

“A-ah!” another spider had tried to bite me. I quickly brushed it off and kept walking behind Silver.

“Another one?” asked my guide, still walking without looking back at me.

“Yeah… So far I’ve had three frogs suddenly jumping on me, ten mosquito bites, four birds pecking my head, two spiders sneaking up in my mane and seven squirrels throwing nuts at me” that had been happening a lot ever since I came to Ponyville. Even in Fluttershy’s cottage animals constantly attacked me.

“You’ve been counting them?” she suddenly stopped and shot me a look of amazement, though I wasn't sure if it was genuine.

“I pay attention to my surroundings…” I rolled my eyes as I answered.

“Heh… the same thing used to happen to me…” she kept walking “maybe the animals see you as a… threat.”

“Huh?” suddenly, a light purple magical aura brushed aside the stands of mane that covered my left eye, and Silver turned to look at me.

“You’re a changeling.” she deadpanned, glaring at me with a suspicious look.

“No” I sighed and stared back at Silver fearlessly as I fixed my mane back to its original position “I’ve been infected. I need to find a cure before I turn into a changeling”

“So that’s why you wanted to see Zecora…”

“But what kind of threat are you?” I asked her, returning her suspicious stare.

“Don’t worry. They all know, and I don’t plan to harm anyone” she answered with a gentle smile, and I decided she was really telling the truth “Hey, if I was plotting anything I wouldn’t bear knowing I was lying to them!”

“I see… Then let’s continue…” Silver nodded and we resumed our walking.

“But I do believe you owe them an explanation.”

“I know... I-I can't, it’s too dangerous”

“You can’t do this alone” Silver turned to look at me sternly again. I was silent. I knew that, and I was told that many times in many different ways. But I didn’t want to harm anybody else.

“Look… the first time I decided to accept help did not end well. It used to be a city, a city that believed in me, but now days it is nothing but ruins and dense vegetation.” A suppressed the tears that came with the painful memories “and so was the Movement’s fate… They all died, or ran away, or killed themselves when they returned home and discovered their families had been murdered! Murdered by my father, just because they believed in me!”

“A city you say?”

“I… I used to be a princess in a different kingdom. I had a very bad reputation through most of the territory. The ponies in that city were the only ones who chose to believe me…”

“See? You’re slowly telling me more and more about yourself” Silver stopped walking once again and looked at me gently “you need somepony to trust. You need to get all of this off your chest. We can take care of ourselves pretty well, and you should be very aware of that already”

“I won’t take any risks…” I refused to meet Silvers motherly gaze and looked at all the different insects that passed all over the soil. I thought how this mature and motherly behavior of Silver’s contradicted her playful behavior of the previous day.

“I wouldn’t want to know how this ends…” she suddenly commented with disappointment and distress. She turned around once again to the path ahead.

“What do you mean?” I asked, my gaze turning to her once again and she stopped in her tracks. Her ears perked up; she seemed to perceive a sound my ears couldn’t.

“Run.”

In the blink of an eye, I was running away with all my might from a Manticore, two bears and a pack of timberwolves. They didn’t seem to be chasing Silver; their attention was fully directed at me. I explored my options. I couldn’t run forever, nor I could attack them using magical spells due to my lack of magic (and also because Fluttershy would probably get upset for hurting them). I had no choice but to keep running until an opportunity presented itself.

I was running so fast I didn’t notice the exotic blue flowers scattered around the dark forest.

After some considerable time running, I seemed to have lost the predators chasing me. Not because I was faster than them (which I personally believe is impossible) but because I had crossed a very fragile and narrow wooden bridge that connected the two sides of a cliff. The mist also helped in hiding from them.

I sighed and took a small break. After catching my breath I decided to continue and look for some shelter, since I had no option of turning back. I walked slowly, watching how the mist dissipated to reveal some ruins.

I… don’t remember Luna or ‘Tia ever mentioning this…

The sun was still high in the sky, which indicated it was around noon. It seemed like I had lost track of time because of the darkness in the forest. I decided to enter the ruins and explore a little bit until help arrived. I wanted to be selfish for once and obey my curiosity.

I entered the roofless place and saw a pillar in the center of the room which seemed to have held 6 objects in the past. It reminded me of the story Luna told me about how Twilight and her friends had found the elements of harmony and managed to free her from Nightmare Moon.

This was the place…

I explored the place until I found a staircase that lead somewhere underground. I did not hesitate to follow it. Each step I gave lifted a cloud of dust and submerged me into more and more darkness. I used a light spell, which didn’t consume much energy, and the soft red light revealed a huge chamber. There was luxurious bed, a desk, a fireplace and endless bookshelves. There were many different crystals and other materials over the floor and some of the bookshelves.

There was a single item on the desk; a leather book that seemed to be very old. I carefully lifted it telekinetically and opened it. The first page said a single word, or better said, a name.

“Origin”

My heart beats stopped for a second and I gasped. The idea that maybe, just maybe, this was some sort of diary kept bouncing and bouncing inside my head. The simple thought of having the opportunity to take a peek inside my tyrant father’s mind right in front of me seemed almost unbelievable. I passed to the next page. The text was written in an ancient form of writing, but I could decipher it without problem, even after so much time without reading anything written with it.

“Well, Andromeda gave me this so I could write down… stuff… I guess. She said it was going to be helpful. I still don’t understand why, but she’s always been right. No point questioning stuff.

Today I just arrived at Cosmos and Solaria’s planet with my dear Andromeda and I must say it is a very big difference from ‘space’, as ponies here like to call it for some reason. Though I don’t mean it is bad! It’s a very beautiful place! All the green is very lively! And the ‘flowers’ smell very nice!

Oh, I also met young Celestia and her little sister Luna, who’s still just a cute baby. I’m sure both will grow up to be beautiful and talented mares!

Right now we’re getting settled down in a spot right next to a kingdom named, Equestria. It’s still very young, according to what I learned from what the Spark showed me about _h_ _n___r__.

Speaking of Equestria, tomorrow Cosmos will show us around… He says the ponies there respect and worship them for some reason…

And there’s this idea I’ve been toying around with for the past hours ever since I met the sisters… I’d like to have a child of my own. I think I’ll discuss this idea with my darling later.

Also I’d like to ask her if I’d look good with a beard. Nah, maybe it will make me look old.

But returning to the child subject, I don’t think I have any preferences in the gender. I’ll love them no matter what. If it’s a filly, I’d like her to resemble her mother though… both in body and mind. Andromeda is just the most beautiful creature that will ever exist…

Hah! If she ever caught me writing this she’d be laughing-“

I slammed the book shut as tears streamed down my face; however, my expression was emotionless. Was this really Origin? If he used to be such a kind and cheerful colt, what could have happened to him to turn into… the monster he was now?

I had to know.

I reopened the book and skimmed through some pages. I randomly chose one and began reading.

“This voice. This voice won’t stop bothering me. It had made me do such terrible things. I asked the Spark to stop giving me power to protect Andromeda, Dawn, and our future child, Passion. I fled Nicardia and now I am in my old shelter in Equestria. I can’t believe how much territory this kingdom has gained since it was created… Cosmos and Solaria sure were good rulers...

But that doesn’t matter right now. I can feel how I lose control over my actions, only a small thread of sanity keeping me from obeying that dark voice any further.

There are many threats in this world now days… I used to aid the other kings, queens, princes and princesses to defeat these threats, but I can no longer do this. I don’t trust myself in this condition. That’s why I have decided to create some sort of weapon that will help them, but that will not turn against them. I shall entrust these weapons to the Royal Sisters.

However, I fear of what may happen after I have created these weapons, since it will consume all my magic, which is the other thing pushing away that evil voice… There’s only one option. I will have to end my life.

Andromeda, honey, if you happen to find this I want you to forgive me for whatever happened, for whatever happens, or whatever will happen. I will always love you, and tell that to our little Dawn Shine too. Oh, and also to Passion. I have a good feeling about that filly.”

Next, there was some sort of spell written, than seemed to activate something in this chamber. The wave of conflicting emotions made me perform it without bothering to think of the possible consequences.

A crystal encrusted in the table that I didn't notice before, because it was previously covered by the book, started shinning and a projection formed right above the table. It showed him, Origin. His mane used to resemble a nebula; it was blue, but it seemed to be a little… dim. His eyes showed how sleep deprived he was, and how much he had been crying. However, his image still held a certain power and majesty.

“Princess Celestia of the Sun and Princess Luna of the Moon” His deep voice boomed “I, King Origin of Nicardia entrust you with the last remnants of my power and sanity…”

“The Elements of Harmony” Origin and a second voice spoke in unison. I slowly turned around and saw…

“Celes...tia…” I muttered, unable to believe what I saw in front of me. However, there was something that wasn’t right about her image; it cast no shadow, and the light passed right through it “D-did you-?!” she lift a hoof, silencing my words.

“I will be fine” her expression was solemn “…Your father used to be a noble colt. His heart was a manifestation of pureness, and happiness seemed to bloom in every step he gave”

“’Tia… I don’t get it…”I fell on my haunches and let the tears flow; I had no more strength left to hold them back. I felt a warm current of air against my back and saw the ghostly image of Celestia wrapping a wing around me.

“You will, soon enough. You're very smart, my little pony.”

“But… where are you?!” I asked desperately, just like I did with Luna. Celestia, mimicking her sister’s actions, gave me a warm smile.

“Don’t worry about me. About us. I think you should pay more attention to yourself though…” she gave me a nervous chuckle to which I responded with a confused look “You should be going now. And also, you should really visit Zecora.” She stood up and walked towards the chamber’s exit.

“Wait!” Celestia stopped and I stood up “…I… ‘Tia… Thank you for supporting me when I was a child. And for doing so now also.” I smiled, and Celestia returned the gesture. Her image slowly faded away, leaving two words behind.

“Me too”

I walked up the stairs, but there was something that made me look behind. I took the leather book that had fallen and placed it inside one of my saddlebags.

“Passion!” I heard Silver’s voice call me from the distance. The sun rays hit my face and I squinted at the sudden light after so much time in the darkness of the underground room.

“Wait! Don’t cross! I’ll get there” when I crossed the bridge and the mist surrounding it I met the sight of a stern looking Fluttershy lecturing the animals about how it was wrong to attack her friends, and Silver looking at her with a proud grin. When they noticed my arrival they both turned to look at me and then gasped.

Why does everything look so... huge?

“What?” I asked the two mares. The blue eyed unicorn suddenly burst in laughter.

And does my voice sound so... odd?

“Oh for Celestia’s flank!” my cheeks turned a deep shade of bronze “you should really take a look at yourself!”

“’T-Tia’s what?” I muttered as I found sudden interest in my hooves.

“O-oh! Sorry! I take it you’re kinda close to the princess” she apologized, scratching the back of her neck in embarrassment.

“It's okay”

“P-Passion” Fluttershy walked next to me after finishing her lecture with the animals “We should get to Zecora right now…”

“Why?” the two other mares shot nervous glances at each other.

I can’t believe this…

I walked through the dark streets of Ponyville with a gloomy face that would scare anyone in my path regardless of my current state.

This couldn’t get any worse…

Unless I lost these herbs Zecora gave me…

I carried a small bag with my magic, which contained special herbs that would cure… my condition, and some instructions on how to apply it which Zecora had given me (rhymes included). I had spoken with the shaman about my infection, but she didn't seem to have an answer. Fluttershy was surprised and stated that she had always had the cure for any illness. Until now.

“What is a young little filly doing wandering alone in the dark corners of Ponyville?” suddenly asked an unknown stallion’s voice. I immediately stopped walking and prepared for whatever he was planning, glaring daggers at him “H-hey! I’m not gonna do anything to you! I swear!” The pegasus stallion had white coat and brown curly mane. He had green eyes and he had a candle for a cutie mark.

“I’m… not exactly a filly” I spoke up finally, relaxing a little bit. “Who are you?”

“I’m Jaunty Soul. And just in case you’ve met before, I’m Silver Quill’s friend” he said, fixing his glasses.

“So. You’re right now under a poison joke’s effect and that’s why you actually look like a little filly” I nodded my head, indicating him he had understood correctly what I had just told him, as we entered the library. It was until now that I noticed he was balancing a brown bag with his wings.

“What’s that?” I said, pointing at the bag with my snout.

“Oh, just some chocolate coo-“

“Ch-chocolate?!” I suddenly said in disbelief, my eyes shining at the delightful word that entered my ears and made my mouth water from anticipation.

“Haha! So, you’re a little filly at heart too?” Jaunty giggled as he took a cookie from the bag with his hooves and offered it. I did not hesitate to scarf it down in less than a second.

“Wh-why are you laughing?” I asked in embarrassment when I realized what I did.

“You have cookie crumbs all over your face!” as he kept laughing shamelessly I did nothing but sigh and avoid his gaze “Ha, ha. I reckon you should take that herbal bath before you really become a filly. Don’t worry about me, I’ll find the book I was looking for with no problem.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yah! I’m fine, I’m fine. I’ve been here a ton of times for… many reasons.” He scratched the back of his head and forced a smile. I noticed the fairly visible red on his white cheeks.

“Alright” I decided to ignore his nervousness and started heading upstairs “if you need any help just call me, okay?”

“Sure thing! Just go and relax. I can tell you need it… You’re very tense all the time y’know…” he said with corncern. His attention was already occupied fully by his search for whichever book he was looking for.

“What are you looking for? Need any help?” asked Jaunty as he saw me searching one of the bookshelves.

“No. I think I already found it” I levitated the book, which was too high to reach in my current condition, out of the bookshelf and opened it.

So she did have it.

“What’s that?” he loomed over me to take a peek at the book “Passion. Lunar Love. By: D’Oro.” My cheeks suddenly started warming up while he read the embarrassing words written on the first page “Hm… why does this sound so familiar?”

“I wrote it”

“Really? An overly romantic book about somepony madly in love with Princess Luna?” I glared him with annoyance.

“Yes”

“Oh… do you mean you’re madly in love with Princess Luna?”

“…Yes”

“That’s cute!” silence and tension filled the room. I couldn’t contain the annoyance that my stern gaze irradiated, and even if I looked like a little innocent filly the stallion started sweating bullets “…Um… Y’know, you really should do something to relax. Like, for example, you could try writing some more poetry or… I dunno…”

“That I used to write poetry and such doesn’t mean I actually enjoy doing so” I said after a sigh and relaxed my expression “I was just forced to learn those things by my father so I was kept occupied. I wrote those books to earn some bits without having to reveal my face to the public and run the danger of being found” I magically returned the book back to its spot.

“Sounds like a tough life you got there…” I walked towards the window, my head hung low, mentally thanking Jaunty for not questioning anything any further. I sighed as my gaze lost itself in the sea of stars.

Luna must be okay.

A small smile made its way into my face. I could hear hoofsteps approaching me.

“So… Is there anything you actually enjoy doing?”

“Well… perhaps-“

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. I had intended to open it myself, but Jaunty insisted on doing it, revealing Rarity, who carried a pair of saddlebags and an elegant smile on her face.

“Why hello, Jaunty my dear!” Rarity said with delight.

“Heya! How’s it going?”

“Oh, busy, busy, busy. Just like always.” She looked around the library, but didn’t seem to notice my presence “but, right now I’m looking for Golden Passion. Have you, by any chance, met her already?”

“Oh! Yeah! She’s right over there!” he pointed at where I was standing, but she overlooked me entirely.

“U-um… I’m sorry dear, I can’t quite see her…” said Rarity, squinting. I approached her, but she still didn’t seem to notice me.

“I’m here” I said flatly with an annoyed expression. Rarity finally looked down at me and gasped in what seemed to be horror.

“Uh… Rarity?” Jaunty waved a hoof in front of her, but no reaction came. The next instant, I was trapped in a bear hug by the fashonista.

“OH. DEAR. CELESTIA! YOU’RE JUST TOO ADORABLE FOR MORTAL EYES TO GAZE UPON YOU!” she kept nuzzling me uncontrollably and I shot pleading glances at Jaunty. A clear of his throat was all that Rarity needed to come back to Equestria.

“Ahem… I’m sorry” she let me go and giggled nervously “I… kind of… lost myself for a second there. But anyway!” she said, as if nothing had happened in the first place “I wanted to give you something… And, I’d also like to have a small chat with you, if you don’t mind.”

“A’ight!” suddenly, Jaunty spoke up “I guess you two need space for your girl chat and stuff. So I guess I’ll see ya around! Night!” he waved his hoof.

“Have a pleasant evening!” Rarity waved back and Jaunty left the library, but I felt something was being left unfinished. I ran for the door and opened it right in time before the Pegasus could fly off.

“Hey! Jaunty!”

“Yeah?” he looked back at me with curiosity.

"S-sorry for my behavior back there..." I apologized with shame, my head hung low. The stallion aproached me and lifted my chin with a hoof.

"Hey, don't worry!" he whispered soothingly "I deal with Silver all the time. So that was just a cake walk!" I laughed at his statement, asking myself 'Is it that bad?'. "So, was there anything else you wanted to tell me?"

“Oh, yeah! Um... Remember when you asked what I really enjoy doing?” he nodded vigorously, his eyes showed how much he wanted to know the answer. I smiled gently and looked up to the starry sky.

"I enjoy stargazing"

Chapter 13

Stars

Closed