Peace Through Harmony

Peace through Harmony

Chapter 2

“Come on! You can do it!”

“I’m trying, I’m trying!”

“You can do it! Just push a little harder!”

“I don’t think I can do this!”

“Yes you can, you just got to believe!”

“I can’t! I’m never going to be able to lift things in my life!”

“Nonsense! You’re doing it now!”

Equinox gasped in surprise. He was indeed lifting the stone ball that lay before him telekinetically, albeit just a few inches of the ground. He looked at his tutor, Morning Star. He gave an encouraging smile. His spectacles shined in the dim glow of the chandelier that hung overhead.

They were in a study of sorts. Numerous bookcases lined the walls which complimented the royal red carpets on the floor. Many books and trinkets inhabited the bookshelf, most of them relics from a time not too long ago. A large golden chandelier hung overhead. It was richly decorated with candles, glimmering like small stars in the sky. In front of a large window that overlooked most of the compound, a grand table stood with a complimentary chair with red cushions. Numerous gadgets and gizmos lay on the table, some Equinox couldn’t even name. A quill and parchment sat at the center of the table, ready to be used.

They stood at the middle of the circular room, directly under the chandelier. Equinox, a gray unicorn with a wild black mane, stood at the center, focusing all of his magical energy into the stone ball. His mentor, Morning Star, who was a blue unicorn with a well kept silver mane stood beside him, watching his student.

Equinox was a young colt, probably in his teens. He was old enough to have a cutie mark, which was a shooting star. His mentor was a little older and had a six sided star cutie mark. He had a pair of silver rimmed glasses on his snout which sparkled while he stared at his clipboard, writing down his observations in today’s session.

“Okay, can you lift it higher?” Morning Star asked, pushing back his mane which strayed a little too close to his eyes. Equinox didn’t hear his mentor, still concentrating on keeping the ball afloat. With all his might he concentrated, just to keep the ball three inches off the ground.

He tried lifting the ball a little higher, applying a little more effort. Sweat began to pour down his face as the ball lifted a few more millimeters, shaking wildly. He tried to lift it more, but it was too much to handle.

He collapsed, dropping the ball on the floor with a loud thud. He lay on the floor, exhausted. His teacher walked up to him, looking down with a smiling face.

“That was great work, your improving.” Morning Star said, helping his student up from the ground.

“What’s the use? The other colts and fillies in my class can probably fling that up in the sky by now. I’ve only managed to lift it up a few inches. I’m such a loser.” Equinox slumped, looking at the floor.

“Hey, just because you are not as magically gifted as your other classmates yet doesn’t mean you’re a loser.” Morning Star comforted, laying a hoof on his student shoulder. “Progress is progress Equinox, and you’re making a lot of it.” He let out a small smile.

“I still have no idea why they accepted me into this school anyway. Isn’t this a school for gifted unicorns?” Equinox pouted, now looking at his teacher’s chestnut colored eyes.

“The last time I remembered, you made quite a stir in your entrance exam. You were the subject of gossip for months!” Morning Star smiled, looking at his student sincerely.

“I highly doubt one magical outburst shows the potential of oneself.” Equinox frowned.

“Well, you successfully turned all the proctors into little foals and made a gigantic tree out of the test plant. Not to mention you shattered all the windows in the school, broke a hole in the roof and made all the flowers and trees in the garden bloom beautifully, even the ones that died a long time ago. You even cured all the people in the medical ward of their sicknesses. You have more talent than you think.” His mentor let out a grin. “Besides, why would I, the headmaster of the Princess Celestia’s school for gifted unicorns, take you as his private student if you had no talent?”

“Because you’re nuts?” Equinox looked at his mentor with a straight face. Morning Star smiled and gave a light chuckle. He knew his student well, always being quite the pessimist.

“So shall we retire for the day?” Morning Star asked, looking at the sundial behind his chair. Equinox gave a little nod and picked up his heavy saddlebag in the corner.

“We meet this upcoming Thursday, do we not?” Morning star reminded, storing away the stone ball that they used just a few minutes ago. Equinox gave another little nod, and continued to walk towards the big brass doors at the other side of the room.

“May Celestia protect you.” Morning Star settled himself behind his table, bidding farewell to his student.

“Celestia protect you to.” Equinox replied softly, shutting the door behind him.

He walked out into the courtyard, which lead to the entrance of the school. It was a chilly day in Canterlot, the sun was already setting in the horizon. The sky was blue and cloudless. The weather ponies outdone themselves today he thought to himself, enjoying the nice blue sky.

He reached the wrought iron gates that signified the entrance of the school. The gray walls were fairly clean, since the school was only established a few years ago.

In its first few years of existence, the school has acquired many great talented unicorns. He knew a unicorn that could fly with ease, floating himself up telekinetically. He often saw him flying around the corridors of the school, seeming to be having the time of his life. There was also another unicorn that could control the elements themselves, able to conjure fire and water with ease. She could make the earth shake or sprout beautiful plants at will. He wished he had some wonderful talent like they did. He wished he had something special that defined him, something that made him look like he had some talent in him. But those are all just dreams. He sighed.

Then he saw her. A beautiful charcoal black unicorn with a white and blue mane waved at him. He waved back and started to approach her.

“Took a little longer than usual, did you?” the filly said with a chuckle, meeting her friend. Equinox nodded, and together they walked towards the inner district of Canterlot.

He looked at his friend with a smile as she started to babble about Equestria-knows-what. She had a tendency to babble, but he didn’t mind. He actually found it a little cute. He closed his eyes for a bit as he remembered how they became friends in the first place.

He sat alone during lunch period, minding his own business. He didn’t have any friends so he had no one to talk to. Most of his classmates laughed and made fun of him for his utter lack of magical talent, so being friends with them was out of the question. He felt kind of sad but he could live.

So one day, during one of his lonely lunch periods, the young filly, who’s name is Rhapsody, approached him and started talking to him. She introduced herself in a perky manner and asked for his name. He was flustered a little bit because he wasn’t used to talking to fillies then. He was able to utter his name though, albeit softly. That was enough for Rhapsody though, as she continued to chatter throughout the period. She seemed content to just talk and talk and talk. It still makes him wonder where the bubbly filly got so many topics, but he learned overtime not to worry about it.

After that day, Rhapsody just sort of started hanging out with him. They spent lunch time together and they walked to and from school together, which was understandable because they lived so close. She became his closest and only friend, something he was happy for.

Rhapsody chattered about her day as they walked home. The unicorn never seemed to run out of breath, assaulting Equinox with a flurry of words. He played his usual part, asking the occasional question and voicing his opinions. As they walked down the rocky road, birds chirped in the distance as the sun set in the horizon. It was peaceful, even in the constant babbling of his filly friend. Canterlot was far away from the front lines for it was the capital of the Solar Empire. He let out another sigh.

For as long as he lived, Equestria has been in a state of war. The land was technically split into two sides, one side belonged to the Solar empire commanded by Princess Celestia. The other side was under the Lunar Republic, commanded by Nightmare Moon, formerly Princess Luna, Celestia’s younger sister. Canterlot is under Celestia’s power, being the grand capital and center of her regime.

No one knew where Nightmare Moon’s capital is. There are some reports that she lives in a castle that she built herself, raising it out of the ground with pure will power. They say her castle is made out of shadows, only appearing to the naked eye under a full moon. Others say that she lives underground, having a network of caverns all over Equestria. Some say the moon itself was her base of operations, speculating that she has built some weapon of mass destruction and was about to wipe Equestria off the face of the planet. Of course, this is all speculation. No one really knows where Nightmare Moon lives except for the ones highest in her ranks. It was a complete mystery which was waiting to be solved.

“What’s wrong, Noxy? You look sad. Well you always look sad but sadder than usual.” Rhapsody stopped her babbling, looking at her frowning friend with concern. Equinox looked up at his friend and shook his head.

“It’s okay. I’m fine.” Equinox pulled off the least convincing smile in the world.

“Come on! You can tell good ‘ol Rhapy anything! What’s on your nerves, or do I have to tickle you to death again?” Rhapsody let out a malicious smile. Equinox grinned back. He could always count on his friend to cheer him up.

He winced a little bit and started to hoof the ground. It was embarrassing, letting his friend see him in such a state. He was a little hesitant at first, but when he looked at her smiling face it gave him a little courage. He took a deep breath and started talking.

He told her how untalented he felt. He also told her that he was annoyed at how weak he was in magic, and that he didn’t feel like he deserved to be in such a prestigious school. Rhapsody listened and nodded slowly. When Equinox was done talking, she let out a warm smile and put a hoof around him comfortingly.

“You silly filly! My mom says you just gotta give it time! You think I got good with instruments without practicing?” She questioned, looking at Equinox with twinkling eyes.

“Rhapsody, your special talent is music. You’re the only exception to the practice makes perfect rule, which is why your cutie mark is a G clef.” Equinox smirked, looking at his friend.

“That’s not the point! You just gotta give it time Noxy! All your magical wonderfulness will show in time.” Rhapsody jabbed Equinox in the ribs, making him flinch.

“But what happens if it never comes? What happens if I disappoint everyone? What happens if I lose my scholarship? What happens if-“

Rhapsody stuck a hoof on his mouth, shushing him. “Don’t be such a pessimistic pessimist! You got to believe!”
“Please don’t si-“suddenly, Rhapsody burst out in song, her cheerful voice ringing through the afternoon air.

When little things don’t go your way,

When things make you angry and make you neigh,

All you have to do is eat some hay,

And then everything will be okay!

“So you’re saying I should eat, and my problems should go away?” Equinox raised an eyebrow at his friend, who had a wide grin on her face.

“Nah, I thought a song would cheer you up! Did it?” Rhapsody looked at Equinox inquisitively, eager to see the results of her song.

“Yes, I guess it did a little.” Equinox let out a little chuckle, smiling his first sincere smile of the day.

Rhapsody grinned, happy that she was able to make her usually very serious friend smile.

By now, they have reached the deeper part of Canterlot. They walked down the usually clean streets. Many ponies walked by, some lugging carts behind them. Other’s carried saddlebags, walking to wherever their destination was. A papercolt was selling newspapers at the side “Newspapers! Newspapers! Get your fresh newspapers!” the papercolt hollered, raising piles of freshly written newspapers in the air.

The streets were lined with old buildings. Some were simple general shops, selling all sorts of commodities and peripherals that a pony might find useful. Others shops ranged from apothecaries, boutiques, bakeries, bookstores, and all the shops one might expect from a busy market district such as this.

Equinox read the signs that protruded from the buildings around him. Scribble’s quills and wells said one, Umbrell’s boutique said another. Badger’s Best Books and Tomes announced one of the signs. It was a long row of signs, most of them he already memorized by heart.

They reached the end of the street, coming to a large building. It was a brown building with a brown roof and was about two stories high. The style was reminiscent of a log cabin, even up to the log walls and roof. One could hear the chatter of ponies from inside, the sound of laughter and singing could be heard from beyond the door. Above the wooden door, a sign was etched in bold letters. Soprano’s house of song it announced proudly.

“Well, here’s my stop! See you tomorrow Noxy!” Rhapsody gave out a little wave and hugged her friend tightly. He blushed a little bit, enjoying the warmth of the hug. She detached herself slowly and opened the door to the building, disappearing inside.

When she was inside, he sighed. He felt much more depressed now that she was gone. After staying still for a while, he continued walking, now going towards his own home.

The door opened with a loud creak as Equinox stepped into his home. He closed the door behind him, setting his saddlebag on a small brown table that stood next to the door.

His house was a small bungalow which his father had bought. It was in the housing district of Canterlot, where most ponies went home every night to spend time with their family. The house was big enough, having the basic commodities such as a kitchen, a bedroom and of course, a bathroom. It had a few luxuries to, such as a small library and a study. It was a serviceable home after all, for he has been living here for quite a while.

He was mostly alone in the house. His father was a royal soldier of the Empire, and was often missing in the household. His mother passed away a few years ago.

He became sad thinking of his mother. It was hard to forget her. She was the greatest thing in Equinox’s young life, taking care of him since birth. She loved him and he loved her and back then, it was all that mattered to him.

He still remembers that day well, as much as he despised it. He remembered coming home one bright and cheerful day, a smile across his face. He shouted his mother’s name. She preferred to be called by her name instead of a title, which is one of the things he loved so much. When nopony answered him, he walked to the kitchen.

He remembers it so vividly. He saw his mother on the floor, a pool of crimson blood leaking out from her. The body was mangled and stabbed multiple times. A bloody blade lay on the floor next to her, its sharp blade shining in the sunlight.
He remembers lying there, screaming in horror. He wailed as loud as his little voice could carry, screaming his mother’s name over and over again, as if she was in the deep trance of sleep. He prodded the cold, lifeless body, tears streaming down his face.

A neighbor came by, checking what all the commotion was. A look of horror enveloped his face when he found Equinox in a fit of tears next to his mother’s mangled body.

It took Equinox a while to realize that he was crying. He wiped a tear from his face. It was long ago yet it felt like it happened yesterday. No one knew who killed her and why. It was a complete mystery. Suspecting it was some sort of assassin, he and his father moved here to Canterlot after the incident, so they could be watched and protected better. He’s been living here ever since.

Equinox let out one his trademark sighs and went to the kitchen to grab a bite. He wasn’t very hungry, but he needed comfort food. He suspected he would whip up something light for dinner, maybe just toast and jam or a daffodil sandwich.
He dragged himself into the kitchen and opened one of the drawers. Most of the cupboards were empty, holding the occasional can of beans or fruit. He scanned the drawers, looking for something to quench his hunger. He decided he’ll just eat a few pieces of toast tonight. After all, he wasn’t very hungry anyway.

He retrieved a loaf of bread from one of the many green cupboards and placed it on the table. He grabbed a knife and started to slice into the brown crusty bread, creating three thin slices. After stowing away the loaf of bread, he bit into one of the bland slices and chewed slowly.

He sat there, in total silence, chewing that slice of bread. This has been the routine everyday ever since his father left to fight in the war. He gets up, goes to school, goes home, eats, does work, and goes to bed. It’s the same boring routine every day, in all its monotony. He didn’t expect it to change any time soon.

After finishing his toast, he decided that he was going to go straight to bed. He didn’t have anything urgent to finish, so he should take the night off. He dragged his feet into the master’s bedroom. Ever since his dad left, he had the privilege of sleeping in his dad’s nice soft bed every night. He liked the bed and heard it cooing his name, trying to suck him into deep slumber, which he graciously accepted.

After reaching his bed, he tossed himself onto it, not even bothering to pull the covers over him. He was totally exhausted for some reason. Then again, he always felt exhausted.

He felt the world deteriorating around him. He let out a soft yawn, slowly closing his eyes and drifting into the realms of dreams.

He was frolicking through a lush green garden. He skipped in every step, enjoying the warm tickle of the flowers around him. He felt happy, happier than he has ever felt in his life.

He looked to his right. He saw his mother smiling at him softly, her gentle brown eyes looking into his. Beside her, his father sat. He was a muscular white unicorn who sat with an upright posture, a looming figure over his mother. He smiled at him, showing his white teeth. He smiled back.

He saw Rhapsody galloping towards him. One she was in range, she tackled him and kissed him softly. He closed his eyes as a warm sensation enveloped his body. He kissed back, putting a hoof on Rhapsody’s soft cheek.

He stood up and picked one of the many roses around him, handing it to Rhapsody. She smiled and accepted the token. She placed it under her nose and took a big whiff, now handing it to Equinox to smell.

He held it in his hooves and took a big whiff.

It smelt like…

Like…

Smoke?

Equinox woke up with a start. He sat upright and looked around. A grey haze stained the air. Was the house burning? He started to panic. He didn’t hear the sound of fire crackling.

At least, he thinks he didn’t.

He quickly ran out of the house. A look of horror enveloped his face as he observed the world around him.
All the houses were burning with magical fire. A green inferno erupted around him, like the jaws of a hydra clicking and crackling for its next prey. Ponies ran around, scared and confused. He saw families trying to scurry to safety, young foals in hoof. He saw the local district leader trying to calm every pony, raising his hooves in the air trying to quell the townsponies.

It was a scene of complete anarchy.

While trying to muster up what was happening, a preposterous idea popped up in his head.

Was the city under attack? He asked himself, looking around. He shook his head vigorously.

Of course not! The city is too deep into Solar territory! That’s impossible! He assured himself, but something was about to prove him wrong.

Up in the sky, he saw them. He saw pegasi and black forms of gas rocketing toward the town. They hit the ground with a loud thud, the black forms of gas solidifying into unicorns. They were wearing armor as black as night with shadowy cloaks covering their faces. He looked in terror. He recognizes who these ponies are. These were the Children of Nighmare, soldiers from Nightmare Moon’s army.

Before they could spot him, he ran in the opposite direction, towards the market district. The only thought that ran through his mind was that of Rhapsody. She had to be okay. She just had to.

Upon reaching the market district, he found that it was similar to the housing district. Buildings were aflame as green fire erupted from them like tall towers.

He ducked as a ball of magical fire zoomed past him. Canterlot’s guards were fighting the Children of Nightmare on the street. He heard the sharp clang of metal upon metal and the swish of spells being cast. He saw a guard being roasted alive as his murderer laughed maniacally, only to be shot in the head with an arrow. In the clearness of the night sky, a battle erupted in the once peaceful streets of Canterlot, taking the lives of ponies in its wake.

Equinox ran up toward the end of the block, sincerely hoping that Rhapsody’s family was unharmed. He gasped in horror as he saw the inn where she lived in in a column of flames. He shook his head, not accepting that she was gone. She had to find her, or so help him he didn’t know what he was going to do.

Suddenly, he dodged an arrow that flew past him. He looked in the direction the arrow came from. His face was skewed in a look of horror when he saw what lay before him.

A Child of Nightmare stood before him, a shadowy cloak covering his eyes. He held a sword in his teeth and his wings were open. He saw that in the tips of the wings, sharp blades sat, gleaming with blood. Blood also dripped from the blade and the rest of his body, like he jumped into a pool of the crimson liquid.

The Child started to approach him slowly, blade in mouth. He backed up in fear. Was this how it was going to end, him becoming yet another victim to this senseless war? Was he going to die right here? If he was, he wasn’t going down without a fight.

Before he could do anything, a white blur shot down from the sky, landing on the Child. The Child gasped and a blade was plunged through the back of his throat, blood leaking through the deep laceration. The Child dropped on the floor, now devoid of life.

A white pegasus in golden armor appeared from behind the body. He was drenched in blood in the same manner of that of the Child that tried to kill Equinox. He had multiple scratches and seemed to be out of breath. Equinox looked at his savior, mouth agape. The pegausus looked at him.

“Are you alright? Are you hurt?” the pegasus asked, out of breath. Equinox could tell the pegasus was badly hurt, his legs were quivering from his weight.

“I’m okay, but you certainly aren’t. You need help.” Equinox said, looking at the guard worryingly.

“Nonsense, I’m… I’m-“ the guard collapsed on the floor. He dropped with a loud thud, his metal clanging on the stone road.

Equinox rushed toward his side and helped him up, putting the guard’s right arm over his shoulder.

“What are you doing?” the guard asked weakly, looking at Equinox with half-closed eyes.

“I’m returning the favor. Where do they tend to the injured?” Equinox asked, trying to keep calm.

“… It’s in the bakery across town, near the ramp that leads up to the castle.” The guard admitted, too weak to argue.

Equinox nodded, now walking with the guard slowly to the bakery. Before he did anything, he needs to help this guard get somewhere safe.

He just hoped Rhapsody was okay…