“...For those who accept the darkness, embrace the demons that live there, the light will always burn. For those who accept the light, and wish to fight the darkness, they must learn to accept it, and travel through it...”

The creatures backed away from the orb. Their skin, (or lack thereof) burned and flaked away in the presence of the light. Destiny's eyes fell upon the pony controlling the sphere. A mare with a purple coat so dark it was almost black, her eyes glowed the same gold as the orb, as did her horn. Her hair was white. Very. Almost translucent. Her gaze was fixed upon the creatures before them; a fierce scowl fixed upon what would have been a cute young face.

“Come with me.” she said again. “It'll be alright.” she held out her left foreleg to Destiny. Destiny looked at the mysterious mare and then at the shadow creatures. Those creatures clearly wanted to harm her. Maybe even kill her. But she had no idea who this mare was. What if she was one of them? With one last glance at the monsters before her she made her decision.

It was an easy choice.

Destiny took the mare's hoof and she was gently pulled to her hooves. “Stay behind me.” she told her. Destiny stepped behind the mare as two more orbs burst from her horn and floated towards the creatures. The monsters hissed even louder, and with one final curse they disappeared into the night. Their shadows faded, and the majesty of the night sky was revealed once again. The orbs likewise vanished, turning to vapor and flowing back into the mare's horn.

“Who are you?” Destiny asked, watching the light flow back into her horn. The mare turned to face her, revealing a jagged scar across her left eye. Destiny wasn't interested in the scar however; her gaze was fixated on the eyes themselves. Pure, brilliantly sparkling gold filled the iris.

“There is no time for introductions. More will be here soon.” she used her magic to bring the hood of a cloak over her head. “We need to get moving.”

“Wait. What are those things!?” Destiny almost squealed. Her heart was racing, and he legs trembling. The image of those monsters burned into her mind. Every time she blinked she saw them. The mare looked at Destiny with an odd mixture of sympathy and impatience.

“Those 'things' will be back soon, and in greater number. We need to go. I don't want to have to actually fight them with you around.” She began to trot into the night before stopping and adding, “No offense.” she continued her trot and didn't notice that Destiny hadn't followed her for nearly a hundred feet.

“Are you coming?” she asked. Destiny tried to swallow but she couldn't. More of those things were coming and the only pony who could help her would just leave her there? Destiny galloped to catch up with her, her eyes darting in all directions. Searching for any movement. The mare smiled, nodded curtly, then continued trotting. Destiny followed close behind.

Destiny followed the unicorn as she cut through back alleys, went behind houses and avoided the main roads entirely. Destiny had always walked on the main roads, she couldn't see why they weren't taking them now. With those creatures around one would think they should be on the well lit streets. When Destiny voiced her concerns the unicorn dismissed her with, “Trust me. I know what I'm doing.” they wound their way through the city, and then to Destiny's surprise, they left through the main gate of Canterlot and followed the road down the mountain.

“Where are we going?” Destiny asked, stopping in the middle of the road. She was thankful for the mare's help, but she wouldn't take a step further without answers. The unicorn turned to Destiny and raised an eyebrow.

“To see Xavier.” she explained as if it were the simplest thing in the world.

“Who's Xavier?” the mare dug at the ground with a hoof for a moment before answering.

“Xavier is my f...my master. He taught me how to use my magic. How to fight the Tenbr...the creatures you saw. He's the only one who can help you.”

“What do you mean?! I can't just leave the city. I live here! I have a job...” Wait...no I don't. The mare picked up on her hesitation. Stepping forward she took one of Destiny's hooves in her own.

“I know what happened at the castle. I was there.” Destiny winced, she must be one of the Guard ponies. “I saw what happened. It was wrong, but that doesn't matter now. Those creatures you saw? They know you now, and they know you know about them. They won't stop until they find you, and unless you know how to protect yourself they will catch you.” her face turned dark. “And you don't want to know what happens when they do.”

“Why? Why ado they want to hurt me? What are they?” Destiny asked, more confused than before. The mare inhaled deeply. When she spoke her words were even, and final.

“I can't tell you. I have to take you to Xavier. Until I do, I can't say anymore than I already have. Now, are you coming, or are you staying here?” Shaking, Destiny took one final look at Canterlot, the castle where she lived and worked, the park where she spent long hours reading. She even thought of the griffon, hoping that the monsters left the old drake alone. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed many small lights at the main gate. The glowing white eyes of the shadow monsters. Only there weren't the three that attacked her before.

There were dozens. Standing like eldritch statues just waiting for her to get far away from the unicorn that saved her life. And the second she did...

“Is this a dream?” she asked foalishly. Hoping beyond her wildest dream that she was. The mare looked at her sadly, shaking her head.

“I wish it was.”

With one final look at Canterlot, Destiny and the unicorn continued down the mountain. Leaving the city behind.

The climb down the mountain was, harrowing. Shadow creatures. Many dozens of them filled the sides of the road. Raking the ground with their claws. Hissing at the gold orb the mare created to keep them at bay. Destiny watched her the entire time. Her face was serious, her eyes filled with caution. Her expression never wavered, and no hint of fear ever crossed her face. Destiny felt safer with her so near, but she had never been so terrified in her entire life.

The night wind was drowned out by the ever present cracking and snapping of small bones as the monsters writhed and contorted into grotesque shapes. Staying just on the edge of the orbs glow. Those who ventured closer would be burned. “It's a very good thing there aren't any stronger ones here.” the mare said thankfully. “The orb wouldn't be able to keep them back, and I'd rather avoid fighting so many alone.” Destiny nodded in agreement, even though the unicorn wasn't looking at her. She couldn't imagine anypony (except maybe the princesses) fighting even one of those things alone.

After several hours they finally reached the base of the mountain. “Alright,” the unicorn said. She stopped and removed a long golden sword from under her cloak. The creatures bristled. Their growling and hissing growing so loud it hurt Destiny's ears. “we can't go any further like this.” Destiny opened her muzzle to ask what she meant when the mare used her magic to swing the sword...at the air. Much to her surprise a slash appeared in the air, opening into a swirling portal of flashing light. This was the final straw.

The shadow creatures lunged despite their flaky skin being scorched off by the combined energy of the orb and the newly formed portal. Destiny screamed, but was silenced by a hoof slap from the unicorn. She was forcibly pushed through the portal while the unicorn cut down any shadow creature that got close with her blade, and blasted them with energy from her horn. Destiny pulled herself off a black marble floor, rubbing her head. The unicorn jumped through the portal, landing roughly next to her. The portal closed, and the unicorn collapsed onto her knees. Destiny watched as many small wounds poured blood onto the floor.

“Oh my gosh!” she pulled the unicorn's cloak off, tore it and began tying pieces over the cuts. She was no expert, but she'd had enough accidents in the kitchen to know how to tie a bandage. The unicorn pushed her aside firmly but not roughly, then stood to her hooves.

“Thanks, but I'm fine,” Destiny began to protest but she was silenced by the glow of the unicorn's eyes. Like the rest of her magic her eyes glowed brilliant gold, as did her wounds as they sealed themselves. “Just a few scratches.” Destiny watched fascinated as the cuts fused back together, leaving flawless skin and coat in their place.

“Wow,” said Destiny, her mouth agape. “That's incredible. Xavier...taught you that?” Whoever this Xavier is, he must be a very powerful unicorn.

“Yes,” the mare said simply. “Now I must take you to him. Follow me.” Without another word she turned and galloped down the marble hall towards a pair of doors flanked by two large pillars belching gold fire. Destiny hesitated before following, but only for a moment. The hall around her was all made of the same ink black marble. There were torches hung at regular intervals all along the walls, but their golden light didn't make the hall any more inviting. It reminded her of the shadow creatures.

“They can't enter this place,” The unicorn told her as if she were reading Destiny's mind. “This is a sacred place. Inviolable. It hurts them to even come near here. Entering would destroy them.” if the fire acts as her magic did Destiny was certain she was right. While this eased her fears a little, she was still nervous about meeting Xavier.

“Who is Xavier?” Destiny asked. The mare sighed.

“I already told you, I can not explain anymore than I already have. You must speak with Xavier,” After a moment. “He will answer all your questions.”

“Why can't you?” Destiny inquired, confused by the mare's willingness to fight monsters while refusing to explain why.

“Because it's not my place,” she said, turning to her with a smug smile. “Now, no more talking.” Destiny silently followed the mare until she reached the doors. When they opened, her jaw dropped. The room inside was not was she was expecting. She hadn't even really known what she was expecting. More black marble maybe? What was actually there was far different.

And far greater.

A massive atrium stood before them. Made of solid white marble with magnificent golden trim. Statues of every creature imaginable were hung on the walls. Dragons, ponies, hippogriffs, griffons and dozens of others Destiny didn't recognize. Two golden griffons stood to either side of the doors, rearing on their hind-legs. A large spiral staircase stood proudly in the center of the atrium. Stretching at least fifty stories before ending at the ceiling. The room was lit by the same golden torches of the black hall. But even with the hundreds of torches the room felt pleasingly cool.

“It's beautiful isn't it?” the mare said. Her voice almost seeping with pride.

“Yes...it is.” Destiny was entranced. This place, wherever and whatever it was, put all of Canterlot to shame. It took Destiny almost a minute to realize that the unicorn continued on without her. Snapping back to reality she galloped to catch up to her. They went to the staircase and began their ascent. The stairs seemed to go on forever. By the time they were a quarter of the way up Destiny was panting hard, she had a stitch in her side and she felt like she was going to pass out. The unicorn however didn't look tired at all. As if this were just a walk in the park.

Destiny threw her foreleg on the rail and tried to steady herself. The unicorn turned back to her seeing her distress. Her eyes widened. “Oh crap! I'm sorry, I'm not used to traveling through here with outsiders,” She removed her sword from its sheath and slashed at the air, creating another portal. “This will take us right to the top.” Destiny held in a curse. She wasn't about to insult the pony who just saved her life. It's an honest mistake. Forgetting you can teleport... She thought bitterly. The unicorn gave her some water, which she drank greedily, then helped her through the portal.

The room she now found herself in had the same theme as the atrium but much smaller. A single room connected to the staircase with a pair of large golden doors at the other end. Just like the entrance to the atrium the door was flanked by griffon statues. “Xavier waits beyond the gate,” The unicorn said cryptically. “He will answer all your questions.” She turned to leave but Destiny stood in her path.

“Can I just ask you one thing?” The unicorn raised an eyebrow, but nodded her consent.

“What's your name?” The mare smiled warmly.

“My name is Violet.” Without another word she walked around Destiny and descended the spiraling staircase. Destiny watched as her tail disappeared before turning back to the doors. Xavier was in the room beyond those doors. The pony that wanted to see her. She thought about how only mere hours ago she was in Canterlot, catering to the monarchs and elite of the country. It felt so surreal being in the middle of some kind of temple. She didn't even want to think about the creatures that were stalking the streets of Canterlot. Destiny felt a pang of guilt. Who knew how many other ponies those creatures could be hurting right now. Maybe that's where Violet went? To help more ponies like she had helped her?

The doors opened, interrupting her thoughts. Bright light poured from inside, bathing her in warmth. Enter.She didn't hear the words with her ears. It felt more like they were spoken in her mind. Enter, Destiny. We have much to discuss. The words were powerful. They made her want to gallop straight in without a thought. But she restrained herself. “Why should I?” she said out loud. Because you want answers. I can provide them. “Xavier?” she asked quietly.

Come into the light, Destiny. Without another thought she walked through the doors, and into the unknown.

The light felt, good. Very good. It warmed her entire body, relaxed muscles Destiny didn't even know were tense. The fatigue she felt from the stairs was gone, replaced by an almost giddy energy. Her fear had melted away and all that remained was curiosity. She walked, seemingly on only light, for what felt like a long time; but she couldn't be sure. It was hard to tell. There seemed to only be light in every direction. It was a magnificent light. Unlike the moon, surrounded by darkness. Not like the sun either. It didn't hurt her eyes to stare into the light around her.

You're almost there.

Destiny sped up her pace. The voice, Xavier, sounded closer now. Very close. She forced herself into a gallop and soon found herself in a familiar place. The light around her transformed into the park she spent so many lazy days in. Everything was the same. The flowers, the bushes. Even the fountain of Princess Celestia stood in the center, surrounded by several benches. And sitting on one of those benches was the old griffon. He wasn't gold though. He was really there; everything from his shabby old cloak to his shabby gray body. He held a cane in his right fore-paw. When she approached, he turned to her.

“Hello, Destiny,” she had never heard him speak before. She always assumed that he couldn't, or if he did it would be raspy. Labored. But his voice was strong. Not youthful, he sounded maybe forty years old. There was a strange power to it. Almost as if it compelled her to listen. “How are you feeling?” he asked casually.

“What are you doing here?” Destiny asked, confused by his presence but also relieved to see a familiar face. As odd as it was. The griffon leaned back on the bench, stretching leisurely. He waved his paw and a platter with a tea pot and two cups appeared before him and hung in the air.

“Would you like a drink?” After a moment's thought she nodded. He passed her a cup and she repeated her question. Taking a sip he said, “Ah. Excellent tea. I must thank Violet for recommending the brand,” he turned to her. “As to your question, I am here because this is my home. My name is Xavier and I am the master of this place. I've been watching you for some time.”

“You've been watching me?..” Destiny asked, feeling more than a little uncomfortable. To her surprise the old drake laughed. It was a nice laugh; full of joy and warmth.

“That sounds far more creepy than I intended it to. But yes, I have been watching you. For quite a few years actually. Ever since the orphanage,” Destiny shuddered. She hated thinking of that place. Xavier seemed to read her mind, (Destiny began to wonder if he could. He did speak to her in her mind) because he tactfully changed the subject. “You've been on your own for some time. You've felt alone. Like you didn't belong anywhere,” Destiny nodded solemnly. “All of us have. At least, all who live here. The mare you met, her name is Violet, and before she came here she was an orphan in Vanhoover. Her parents were killed when she was very young.

“One night, I came to the orphanage and offered her a home. She accepted and today she is a proud mare,” he raised his talons, pride pouring off of him. “She could have stayed in that orphanage. Maybe been adopted. Maybe grew up there and struck out on her own. Instead, she joined our family. She joined the Templar.”

“Templar?” Destiny interrupted. Instead of being irritated, like Destiny thought he would, his eyes shined with excitement.

“The Templar is me. It is Violet. And it is many others. The Templar gives a home to the downtrodden, to the lonely and to the scared. We are the knights of the old world. We stand together, as brothers and sisters against the darkness that hides in the shadows of our world, and the darkness that lives within our very hearts,” he extended his left fore-paw to her. “You saw the Tenebri in the streets of Canterlot. Those are what we fight. Nothing can stand against them except the Templar. Not the Royal Guard. Not the Princesses. Not even Princess Twilight and the Elements of Harmony. They are only harmed by our magic. Nothing else can stop them.”

“Why do you want me!?” Destiny asked, terrified by the very thought of facing those things again. “I'm a servant! I wash dishes, I cook and clean! I'm not a fighter, I can't even use magic! I'm an earth pony!” Again, Xavier laughed.

“And I'm a griffon. I have no horn, yet I can use the magic of the Templar. All sentient beings possess magic. Unicorns just have an easier time of accessing it. Makes quite a few of them overconfident, actually,” her rubbed his beak thoughtfully. “No matter. I can teach you everything you need to know and more. Join with me, be a part of something greater than you ever imagined.” he held out his fore-paw again. Destiny looked into the griffon's old gray eyes, her mind racing a mile a minute. Violet told her that it was either come with her or the creatures...these Tenebri would kill her. Was she telling the truth? Would Xavier just throw her out to the Tenebri?

“What if I don't want to join the Templar? What if I just want to go back to Canterlot?” Xavier's eyes lost their shine, his face curling into a sad frown.

“Then that it your choice. I will erase your memory of this place, the Tenebri and all that has happened this day. I will have the same done to the ponies at the castle. You will have your job back, and you'll never know any of this happened.” Destiny's jaw dropped. Just like that? She could have her life back just like that? It seemed too easy.

“What about the Tenebri? Won't they still come after me?” the griffon shook his head.

“With the proper rituals I can place spells on you that keep them from recognizing you. They are numerous, but very stupid. I'll also be watching you, making sure you stay safe.” Destiny looked into his eyes. She saw the conviction, the strength he held behind those eyes. She believed that if she said no, he wouldn't question it. She could be back at the castle, cleaning up after royalty. Dull, but safe. But then she thought about Violet. The pony who stood stoically against monsters that nearly had Destiny peeing herself. She was so brave. There was a part of Destiny that wanted to be brave too. That wanted to be...accepted. It was just like Xavier said, she always felt alone.

In her entire life Destiny never felt like she mattered. As if she could just disappear one day and nopony would notice. That nopony would care. That's what happened at the castle. One broken bottle of wine and she was bucked to the curb. The princesses were supposed to be kind, but they let Etiquette fire her in a heartbeat. What do I really have to go back to?

Nothing. She thought resolutely.

“Alright,” she said, taking his paw with a hoof. “I'll do it.”

Author's Note

Hey Guys. Hope you're enjoying the story. Constructive criticism is always appreciated.