Scattered Memories

Chapters

Prologue
Chapter 1: Welcoming
Chapter 2: Awakening
Chapter 3: Descend
Chapter 4: Into the Slumber of Darkness

Prologue

Prologue: Darkness Rising

The faint orange light of dawn pierced the veil of darkness. The morning light shined through the windows of the Canterlot Castle bathing the halls in golden light. The lieutenant led his group marching through the sunlit halls and into the library wing. The guards gathered in the library’s center surrounded by endless rows of towering bookshelves filled to the brim. A few of the guards mumbled and groaned, their eyes drooped from exhaustion. Fighting a vicious manticore blinded seemed to be far more enjoyable than the task they were about to carry out. The lieutenant turned to his soldiers smiling and let out a sigh, assuring them that he too understood what they were feeling.

“Alright gentlecolts, we have our orders,” said the lieutenant. “Let’s see we have one, two, three...twelve members...excellent! Split into two teams and ensure every spell book is accounted for, any questions?”

“Uhh um...Lieutenant Steelwing, sir,” one hoof shot up into the air from within the group.

“Front and center soldier!” The dreadful sound of metal banging together grew as the soldier drew closer to the front of the group. Finally the soldier in question stood before Steelwing as well as the origin of the sound. Steelwing’s eyes scanned the soldier. The armor was far too large for it's bearer, the helmet concealed the soldier’s eyes.

“What’s your name soldier?”

“Sir!” The soldier removed her helmet, her black mane rolled down her face. The white unicorn’s sapphire eyes concentrated on her superior. “Private Epee, soldier third rank,”

“Ah, yes the new recruit”

“Sir! Why are we tasked with book checking? Should we be out in the field looking for Changelings?” asked Epee.

The gray stallion smiled at the mare. “Yes this task is more suited for the librarians, but our orders came straight from Princess Celestia herself! We as the Royal Guard are proud to heed the Princess’s call. In addition, in this wing reside many powerful spell books especially the Tome. I need not remind everyone of you that what we see here must not be made public, understood?”

“Yes sir!”

“Well then, what are we waiting for? Lets get to it!” The guards split into their teams and commenced their task.

The morning sun rose high into the sky as the hours went by into noon, yet only half of the collection was secure. The guards grew tired of their task, their frustration present in their faces. The hours continued to go by as the sun gave way into the late night. Only the flickering of the torches on the wall lighted the library. The head of the guards bobbed up and down attempting to stay awake. One final spell book remained, the Tome.

“Everypony regroup!” ordered Steelwing. The two teams regrouped into one unit and followed their superior to a wall at the end of the library. The lieutenant scanned the attentively searching for something; the guards waited patiently all except for Epee who furiously stared up and down attempting to figure out what the lieutenant was searching for. The thoughts of her lumpy bed began to fill the mare’s mind; once this task was over she could sleep to her heart’s content. A loud click awoke her from her trance; the lieutenant pushed his hoof into the wall. The library wall separated revealing another wall made of marble, the crest of the Equestrian Empire engraved in it's center. The marble wall slowly began to open. Joy began to fill their bodies, certain that the mission was at its end. Their jaws dropped as their joy was quickly shattered. The chamber was empty.

“What?!”

“I-Impossible!”

“What are we gonna do?!”

“Maintain your composure!” ordered Steelwing. I want every inch of that chamber searched! There has to be a clue, something left behind...now go!”

The guards entered the chamber frantically searching for clues. Yet everything appeared untouched as if there was nothing there to begin with. The guards nervously looked back at their superior, their findings written in their eyes.

“Nothing?!” exclaimed the Lieutenant. “There has to be something, a break-in point, anything!”

“Sir, this could have been an inside job,” stated Epee. “The Changelings did manage to infiltrate us, they could be behind this,”

“But the changelings were defeated in their attack, why didn’t they use the Tome then?” asked a guard.

“Could the attack have been a ruse?” suggested the mare.

“Speculation is going to get us nowhere,” sighed Steelwing. “Record any findings and give them to me i will give them to the princess myself, all of you will rest and await further orders, do I make myself clear?”

“Yes sir!” Each soldier carried a look of uncertainty as they handed their reports to the lieutenant. Steelwing remained stone faced as each soldier passed and saluted knowing full well all he could do was remain calm as the leader. All the guards departed the library, all except for one, Epee stood before the lieutenant. “Sir, what exactly is the Tome?”

“Go to your quarters kid,”

“But sir! What makes that book so important?! What’s in it?!”

“Go back to your quarters! Thats an order!” demanded Steelwing.

“No...” Epee stood her ground, her gaze fully fixated on the lieutenant. Her heartbeat in her chest like a mighty drum, uncertain of what consequences her choice has brought upon her. The lieutenant simply stared back at her, his nostrils flared with rage, yet he remained silent as the night. His eyes fixated on her as if looking for a sign of weakness or perhaps an answer, a small smile formed on his lips having found what he was searching for.

“Kid, I was a lot like you in the early days, stubborn as a mule. Whatever you do don’t lose that attitude, it's going to make you a great commander someday,” chuckled the gray stallion. “Go get some rest, tomorrow is a busy day,”

“B-But... yes sir,” sighed Epee. The white unicorn saluted and left the library confused and defeated. The lieutenant heavily sighed once the mare was no longer in view, as he departed to the throne room he too wondered what dangers now lay in the darkness.

It was deep into the night as Steelwing walked the halls of the castle. The moonlight shined through the stained glass windows bathing the halls in a faint white glow. He was hopeful that Princess Celestia was still awake as he arrived at the doors to the throne, yet part of him prayed that she wasn’t. The two gray stallions guarding the door greeted Steelwing. Their golden eyes glowed in the moonlight as they focused on the lieutenant, their armor deep blue as the night with the crescent moon engraved on the chestplate.

“Is the princess awake?” asked the lieutenant.

“Yes, she is reviewing the damage reports,” said the first guard. “What business do you with her?”

“I have a report that she needs to see,” replied Steelwing.

“Is it that urgent?” asked the second guard.

“Very urgent,” The guards nodded their heads and opened the doors. Steelwing marched into the throne room, the crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling illuminating the throne. The lieutenant stood before Princess Celestia at the bottom of the steps to the throne. A mountainous pile of scrolls lay at her side; the white alicorn was so immersed in a scroll oblivious to the stallion that stood below.

“Ahem...your highness,” said the lieutenant.

Celestia’s eyes darted to the guard and focused back on the scroll. “Hello lieutenant, I assume that the books were not too much of a daunting task?”

“It’s nothing we couldn’t handle your majesty.” Steelwing gave a weak smile. “Princess...the Tome is missing,”

A faint blue glow enveloped the report lifting it out of the lieutenant’s hooves and into Celestia’s possession. The princess rapidly flipped through the pages, she coldly stared at the soldier as she examined the last page. “Any evidence as to whom?”

“It is suggested that it might be the work of the Changelings,” Lieutenant Steelwing bowed his head. “Unfortunately we have no other leads, forgive me your highness,”

“I see...thank you lieutenant. Tomorrow you will prepare your troops for a mission briefing along with others. Lastly, please inform my sister that I wish to speak with her in the watchtower. You may leave,” said the princess.

“Yes your majesty,” saluted the lieutenant and departed.

The princess climbed the spiraling steps of the watchtower, her mind lost in the report. There was no clear answer no matter how many times she repeatedly looked over the report. Celestia was so immersed in the report she had not realized that she was already at the balcony atop of the tower. Her sister, Princess Luna, was already waiting for on the balcony gazing at the night sky. Celestia sat beside Luna, both sisters stared at the vast land below them, illuminated by the light of the full moon and the sky set ablaze by the stars.

“Do you like it, Tia?” asked the princess of the night, her gaze lost in the sea of stars in the sky.

“Yes Lulu, the night is beautiful at this time. Luna, there is something I must discuss with you,” said Celestia.

“About the tome, correct? We always come to this place when there are problems, do we have any leads?” asked the dark blue alicorn.

“It is theorized that perhaps the Changelings are responsible, but that is not what concerns me. The tome is protected by a spell barrier, a spell of which only three beings carry the knowledge to undo it. One of them is petrified in stone. You and I are the only ones left.” said the princess of the sun.

“What do you mean?” Luna stared at her older sister with a puzzled look. Celestia remained expressionless, her magenta eyes coldly staring at the mare. Luna’s eyes widened as her older sister’s words connected in her mind. Luna stared down at the floor, stung by her sister’s words. “You think it was I that took it?”

“...” Celestia shamefully looked away from the dark blue alicorn. As much as she despised what she thought it seemed only logical. Celestia’s action finally drove Luna over the edge; the princess of the night buried her face in her hooves attempting to conceal her tears but to no avail.

“After all this time! After everything! You still do not trust me...” sobbed Luna.

“Luna please tell me, where were you when the Changelings attacked? questioned Celestia.

“Why does it matter?! Either way you won’t believe me!” cried the princess of the night. “So what will it be, Imprisonment in the moon once more? Or will I join Discord as the newest statue in the garden?!”

Luna’s poisonous words pierced her older sister like a sword. Luna drove her hoof across Celestia’s face with great force, the impact echoed through the calm of the night. Celestia remained silent, dumbfounded by the throbbing pain in her cheek. Her heart sank as she saw the pain in Luna’s face as she continued weeping; she looked away shamefully, she was the reason for her sister’s tears just as it was in the past.

The sins of the past weighed heavily in Celestia’s heart. Somewhere in her heart she knew that perhaps she was the reason why they lost their home, their kingdom, and most importantly why she lost Luna to the darkness. Celestia embraced her Luna tightly fearing she would disappear into the darkness again, the tears began to stream down her face as well. “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry, I shouldn’t accuse like this. I should have more trust in you, please, I cannot do this alone, I need you,”

“Tia-,”

“Please I don’t want to lose you again,” wept Celestia.

Celestia’s word crashed onto Luna like a thunderous wave, never before had she heard her sister say those words. “Sister...its alright, you can let go now. I have something to show you,”

Luna slowly unwrapped the dark blue cloth that was at her side. “I saw what looked like a star fall into the land far away, so I left to investigate. When I arrived there was a small crater in the ground, I saw fragments of metal scattered everywhere. I took a piece with me and decided to return to the castle, when I returned I ordered the night guard to go and salvage the site. “Sister, look at this piece,”

Celestia held up the object into the night sky. The black metal gleamed in the moonlight, it's edges jagged and twisted. A scorched crest in the form of a star lay in it's center. The two sisters looked at the vast land with worry certain that somewhere their enemy awaited.

“Yes, that little foal will pay.”

“Yes, all of them will pay.”

“And her, especially her, she will pay.”

The crystal cave echoed with the Changeling Queen’s ramblings as she paced back and forth in the central chamber. No matter how much she planned her revenge it would not erase the defeat that hung over her. The faint glow of the crystals imbedded in the rocky walls provided little comfort for Chrysalis. “Princess Cadenza,” the mere thought of the mare filled Chrysalis to the brim with rage.

“Cadenza...” seethed Chrysalis. “Do not worry my children we will take Canterlot and have a home worthy of us and not this filthy cave! We will have all the love we could feast on and Cadenza will suffer for making a mockery of us!”

The Changeling Queen’s children cheered their mother’s words cursing the name “Cadenza”. Their cheers echoed throughout the tunnels, however, something other than the Changelings was echoing in the caves as well. The Changelings fell silent as the sounds grew closer. Chrysalis focused on the echoing tunnel, she wondered who had been foolish enough to enter this far into the cave. Finally the source emerged from the darkness, two shadowy figures walked into view. Both donned coats black as the night. The first figure was larger than it's companion walking on all fours, the second figure was slim appearing to walk on two legs. The Changelings hissed at the mysterious figures cowering in their presence. Chrysalis remained unfazed.

“Still seething with rage, Chrysalis? I must say selecting the crystal caves as your refuge is a little too gloomy for my taste,” said the first mysterious figure.

“Identify yourself!” demanded Chrysalis.

“You may call me, Dia,” the mysterious figure courteously bowed. “I have a proposition for you, my dear,”

“I am not interested,” Chrysalis said bluntly.

“Are you certain? You and I could do so much together. Absolute power, all of Equestria under our rule, and how could we forget? Revenge on six certain ponies and three princesses,” teased Dia.

“Just who are you exactly?” Questioned the Changeling Queen.

The mysterious figure took off it's hood, a deep blue starry mane flowed down her back. The face of a blue alicorn gave a small smile; her emerald eyes glowed in the dim light of the crystals. “I am one with similar interests as you,”

Chrysalis gave a small grin. “Hello princess of the night,”

“I despise that name,” growled Dia. “ No matter, I will become something far greater than princess, greater than Celestia. For I have this!”

The dark mare pulled out an object wrapped in a dark blue cloth placing it in front of the Changeling Queen. Chrysalis unwrapped the silky cloth; the crimson markings gleamed in the dim light. The Changeling Queen stroked the crest that lay in the center of the cover, her eyes widened with disbelief. The ancient book was in her possession.

“The Tome of Tartarus!” exclaimed the Changeling Queen. “How did you get it?!”

“How I obtained it is irrelevant,” said the mare. “What is your choice, my dear?”

“Perhaps I was a little too rash with my decision. I believe we can forge an alliance,” grinned Chrysalis.

“I thought you might reconsider. Together not even the Elements will stop us,” smiled Dia.

Chrysalis’s emerald eyes focused on the figure beside Dia. It had remained still and silent as a statue since the two had arrived. “And how will your friend be helping us?”

“Are you aware of the story of the Nightmare Knight? asked Dia as she pulled her companion’s hood off revealing a young man’s face.

“I-Impossible!” Chrysalis stood with mouth agape at the sight of the creature. “I thought beings like him were just a myth!”

“Myths are stories forgotten by time and folk alike. The Nightmare Knight is no exception; this puppet will play his part. Now then, shall we begin?” said Dia.

The trees rustled to the slow breeze of the wind. The full moon shone high in the night sky, the forest bathed in it's radiance. Footsteps echoed in the calm night as the mysterious figure treaded along the dirt path exhausted from the weight he carried on his shoulders. The body proved to be more of a nuisance to carry.

“I don’t understand why you’re alive,” said the mysterious figure. “No matter, we have arrived,”

The mysterious figure paused, the entrance to a massive farmland lay before him. The figure knelt to the ground placing the body on the soft earth, both figures donning coats black as the night. The mysterious figure looked into the night sky, the faint rumbling of the thunderclouds echoed in the air. He lowered his head treading into the dense forest and melting away into the darkness. “May the crystal of your heart be as strong as the Crystal Mountains, Lux,”

Author's Note

Many thanks to JohnPerry and Deft Pon3 for helping me fix the story.

Chapter 1: Welcoming

The morning sun slowly rose in ponyville, it's golden rays pierced the veil of the night beginning a new day. Applejack slowly rose to the sound of a rooster’s crow and the sound of water dripping from the leaky roof. The earth pony knew various tasks awaited her as she tied her straw-colored mane into a ponytail: applebucking, repairing the roof and fixing the barn...again. Yet none of this bothered her, it was just another day at Sweet Apple Acres.

“Applejack!” called out her grandmother from downstairs. “ Come on down! Breakfast is ready!”

“Comin’ Granny Smith!” said the mare.

Applejack rushed down the stairs and into the dining room, the smell of freshly cut apples filled the room. Her stomach roared demanding her to eat the plate of warm toast slathered with apple jam and the side of freshly cut apples that was waiting for her. But more importantly, her little sister Applebloom, her older brother Big Macintosh and Granny Smith, were waiting for her.

“Mornin’ everypony!” happily said Applejack as she took her seat next to Applebloom. Applejack bit down on a slice of apple, the sweet juices bombarded her taste buds like a Sonic Rainboom. Everypony was enjoying their breakfast, everypony except Applebloom. Applejack stared at her little sister, her mane was an entangled mess such that a certain fashionista pony would faint at the very sight of it. Applebloom’s exhaustion was present in the dark circles under her eyes.

“Had a bad night?” asked Applejack as she fixed her sister’s mane.

“Uh-huh...” Applebloom slowly nodded. “ The storm kept me up and I swear I saw a monster from my window.”

“Relax lil’sis, you just had a sleepless night,” assured Applejack as she rose from her seat swallowing her last piece of toast. “Thanks Granny Smith, breakfast was delicious!”

“You’re welcome deary,” smiled Granny Smith.

“Go get ready for school, Applebloom,” said Applejack as she headed towards the stairs. “ Wait for me outside, I’ll be there real quick I just gotta go get my hat. Try not to get too muddy out there,”

Applejack trotted back back into her room. Her hat lay on her table next to a photo of a mare and and stallion together side by side smiling. The earth pony smiled as she fit her hat snug on her head. She held the photo close to her as she read the writing on the back of the photo.

To the apple of our eye

“Love you ma... love you pa...”

“APPLEJAAACK!” cried Applebloom. Applejack dashed out of her room and down the stairs, her heart raced as she feared what could have happened to her little sister. Applejack and Big McIntosh galloped out the door, both ignoring the massive amounts of mud splashing onto them. They finally got to their little sister, Applebloom was silent and shaking, her face had turned a pale yellow.

“Applebloom! What’s wrong?!” Applejack’s heart rapidly beat in her chest like a hammer to a nail.

The young filly remained silent, raising a trembling hoof forward. The two stared toward where their sister pointed to, both gasping as they saw what lay only a few feet away from them. A shadowy figure lay in the mud motionless. Applejack cautiously approached the figure, her heartbeat increased with every step she took. She breathed deeply as she placed a hoof on the figure and for a moment her heart stopped as she felt the figure’s heart beat slowly, the figure was warm to the touch.

“W-What is that thing?” said Applebloom as she hid behind her sister.

“I don’t know, I ain’t never seen something like it,” Applejack took a sigh of relief as she lifted her hat and scratched her head. “Where’d it come from?”

“I got no clue,” said Big McIntosh.

“Looks like this fella could use some help,” said Granny Smith as she finally reached the group. She focused on the figure, her eyes filled with amazement and astonishment. “Bring it inside, Applejack,”

“Granny Smith... are you sure thats a good idea? Applejack turned to Granny Smith with a concerned look. “We don’t know what it is,”

“Don’t worry, Applejack,” Granny Smith turned around and walked towards the house. “ Lets hurry and bring it in, it might get sick if we leave it out here any longer,”

“Yes Granny Smith,” Applejack turned back to the figure, placing it's arms around her. “Come on, Big Mac, help me get it inside,”

“Lux...”

“Wake up...”

“Lux?”

“Lux... is that your name?” asked a small voice.

He slowly opened his eyes, the golden rays of sunlight squeezed through the farm’s ceiling, bathing him in light. The cool earth he lay upon soothed his aching body, aromas of morning dew and damp earth filled the air. He slowly turned his head towards the small voice, a small creature sat before him, its coat was a light yellow and its mane a cherry red with a rosy pink bow tied behind it. Her amber eyes stared at him with curiosity. “Hi!”

The young man struggled as he attempted to stand. His mind was in a thick haze, the faint echoes of a dream still lingering in his mind. The throbbing pain in his head increased the more he attempted to make sense of the voices. “Where am I?”

“Take it easy! You were lying on the ground unconscious when we found you, luckily Granny Smith was able to make you better! Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres! My name is Applebloom, it's nice to meet you Lux! ...That is your name, right?”

“Lux...” said the young man. The echoes of his dream repeated that name as if they were calling to him. “I am... Lux”

“I’ll take that as a yes,” smiled Applebloom, her eyes focused onto his form. “Lux, what are you exactly? You don’t look like any critter I’ve seen before,”

Lux held out his hands in the sunlight to find not only his hands donning black gloves, he himself donning a coat black as night, it was as if he was born from the shadows. “I’m...”

“A monster...” whispered a voice in his head.

“Human”

“A ‘hew-man’?” Applebloom tilted her head in confusion. “Never heard of a ‘hew-man’ before, where did you come from?”

“I...” Lux winced as pain shot through his head, as much as he tried to remember it was to no avail, the pages of his memory were blank. “I don’t remember,”

“You don’t remember?” Applebloom stared at the ground, her mind lost in thought. Suddenly, Applebloom’s eyes light up with ideas. “Stay here! I’ll go get you some food!”

“Wait til Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle get a load of this!” said the earth pony as she dashed out the farm door. Lux shielded his eyes from the light that poured through the open door as he stepped forward into the sunlight, as if guided by an unknown force.

Once his eyes adjusted to the light Lux stood still in amazement. Countless apple trees stretched across for miles as far as he could see, he wondered what lay beyond the fields. Lux searched the clouds as a faint rumbling echoed across the cerulean sky. A streak of rainbow dashed across the sky with a mighty boom, fading into the sky as quickly as it had appeared. Lux looked back towards the barn remembering what the young filly had told him. However, he could not deny his curiosity and followed the direction of the rainbow down the dirt path, uncertain where it would lead him.

“Sorry I took so long, Lux,” Applebloom entered the barn carrying baskets overflowing with food on her back. “You hungry? I got apples, apple pie, apple bread, apple fritters... Lux?” Applebloom stopped as she realized the barn was empty. Applebloom ran out of the barn dropping the food as she ran frantically searching for the young man. She paused as she saw an odd pair of tracks in the mud caught her eyes. “Oh, horseapples!” The young filly began following the trail and into Ponyville.

Countless cottages and shops filled the streets of the town, ponies went about their day without worry, somehow oblivious to the stranger who had just wandered into town. The atmosphere of the town gave Lux an unsettling feeling in his heart. Some of the ponies that walked the streets were different than Applebloom; some with horns, others with wings, all of them a variety of colors. Having lost track of the rainbow, Lux wandered the town aimlessly. Lux paused as the sound of faint giggling reached his ears, he could hear the giggling echo around him but no pony seemed to notice the sound. All of them still going about their day without worry. The giggles finally ceased as a lone pink cart rolled in front of him as if pushed by an invisible force, the scent of cotton candy began fill the air. Intrigued, Lux approached the cart despite the nagging feeling that something was watching him.

Lux suddenly jumped back as the pink cart began to shake violently, the sound of cranking gears grew louder and louder then instantly fell silent. Explosions of confetti and streamers shot out like cannon fire showering lux in bright colors while music and balloons followed afterwards pouring out of the cart like a grand parade. Lux’s eyes focused on the banners that flowed out of the cart as well. “Welcome to Ponyville!”

“Ponyville?”

“Did you like it?” asked a cheery voice.

“Huh?” The young man turned around to find a pink earth pony happily bouncing up and down, her aquamarine eyes never once breaking away from Lux. “Y-Yes who are you?”

“I’m your best friend, Pinkie Pie!” said the pink earth pony.

“Laughter...”

“My best friend?” questioned Lux. “We know each other?”

“Nope! I’ve never met you before!” giggled Pinkie Pie.

Lux scratched his head carrying a confused look on his face. “You’re my best friend but we have never met before?”

“I’m your best friend and you’re my new best friend! It's as simple as that!” smiled the pink earth pony. “And if you’re my best friend that means...”

Pinkie Pie suddenly gasped, her eyes grew wide as idea went off in her head like an alarm clock. “You’regonnastayinponyville, right? Good!” The pink pony dashed away in a pink blur.

“W-Wait! Where are you going?!” Lux called out to the earth pony but Pinkie Pie was far gone to hear him. And so, Lux was left with more questions than answers.

“ Pinkie Pie... Laughter...?” wondered the young man. “We are best friends?”

“Friends...”

“Lies... she will betray you just like the rest...”

Lux winced in pain; the echoes of the voice grew louder numbing his mind. The echoes suddenly fell silent as Lux felt something clasp his hand; he turned to find a mint green pony examining his hand.

“One... two... three.. four... FIVE!” The mint green pony’s smile grew wide as a mile bringing his hand closer to her face. Her eyes gleamed with glee and curiosity. “I knew it! You are real!’

“Where did he go?” Applebloom shuddered as she imagined what punishment would lie in store if Applejack discovered that she let the creature loose, let alone talk to it. “Come on Applebloom, think!”

Applebloom wandered through town square oblivious to the gossip of the citizens of Ponyville. “Did you see Pinkie Pie’s welcoming cart?”

“Yeah, I bet another party is coming up soon,”

“Maybe Twilight has seen him,” thought Applebloom as she neared the wooden doors of a large tree where the Golden Oaks Library and the librarian resided. Applebloom knocked door, a faint voice echoed from inside. “Come in!”

“Hi Twi...” Applebloom entered the library only to stand in awe, nearly the entire collection of books levitating in the air, enveloped by a magical lavender hue. While the rest of the books lay on the ground piled high on one another forming towers of books. Twilight Sparkle had a tendency for perfection and the small details; being the Princess Celestia’s protégé would do that to a pony, but even this seemed a little much for the lavender unicorn.

“Uh... Twilight, what are you doing?” said Applebloom, her eyes still fixated on the books that rotated in air.

“Oh hi Applebloom, I’m just doing a little spring-cleaning,” said Twilight. Her eyes completely immersed on the book in front of her, never once looking back at the young filly.

“A little “spring-cleaning”?” complained Spike who sat atop a mountainous pile of books. “This is the third time this week!”

“Awww, is my number one assistant tired? I guess if you’re tired we won’t go to Sugarcube Corner and get that Banana cream cake that you love so much,” teased the lavender unicorn.

“Alright fine,” the baby dragon rolled his eyes. “But that cake better not be a lie!’

“So, Applebloom, how can I help? asked Twilight Sparkle.

“Well... I was wonderin’ if...” Applebloom began to draw circles on the floor. “I was wonderin’ if you’ve seen a new friend of mine,”

“A new friend? What does your new friend look like?”

“Um... he’s tall and wears a black coat,” replied Applebloom with an uneasy smile.

“Black coat?” Twilight turned to the young filly. “I haven’t seen anypony in a black coat,”

“Yeah and it's spring why would anypony walk around in a black coat?” chuckled Spike.

“Uh... yeah!” Applebloom nervously chuckled. “I-I’m gonna go find Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle,”

“Good, I’m still safe... for now,” thought Applebloom.

“Alright have fun! I hope you find your friend,” Twilight focused back on her book. Just as Applebloom neared the door a mighty crash shook the library breaking Twilight’s hold on the books and sending a storm of falling books upon the three with a mighty thud.

“TwilightTwilight! You gotta help me!” Pinkie Pie burst through the doors oblivious to the flood of books at her hooves.

“Hm?” Pinkie Pie paused finally noticing the books. “Ooh! Are you throwing a book party? Can I join? Can I?! Can I?!”

“Ugh...” Twilight slowly wobbled out of the books attempting to ease the throbbing pain in her head. “Pinkie Pie, why didn’t you just knock? And it's not a book party! I’m still reading on how to plan one,”

“Well if it's not a book party then what is it?” asked the pink earth pony.

“It’s “Spring-Cleaning”,” Spike rubbed his head as he emerged from the pile.

“How do you clean a season? Was it dirty to start with? “ Pinkie Pie cocked her head to the side.

“Pinkie...” Twilight facehoofed. “What do you need help with?”

“I need help planning a party!” Pinkie Pie happily bounced up and down. “I made a new friend!”

“That’s great Pinkie Pie!” smiled Twilight. “Who is the new friend?”

Pinkie Pie ceased bouncing as a smile began to widen on her face, she fell onto the floor giggling. “ I forgot to ask his name!”

“You forgot to ask his name?” chuckled Twilight. “How are you gonna find him for the party?”

“Well, he was wearing a black coat.” recalled Pinkie Pie.

“Lux!!” Applebloom finally popped out of the sea books. “Where did you see him?!”

“So his name is Lux?” smiled Pinkie Pie. “ I’ll call him Lulu,”

“Pinkie Pie! Where did you see him?!” asked Applebloom once more.

“Well he was around sugar cube corner,” replied the party pony.

Applebloom rushed out the door at a blazing speed. “Thanks Pinkie Pie, thanks Twilight! I’ll see you girls later!”

“Glad I could help?” Twilight scratched her head while carrying a confused look on her face. “So this Lux was the friend Applebloom was looking for?”

“Lulu!” happily said Pinkie Pie.

“Lulu...” smiled Twilight. Alright let’s start planning that party!”

Applebloom ran as fast as her hooves could carry her. Time was running out to find Lux, more importantly time was running out before Applejack would find out. Applebloom came to a sudden stop as Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle came into view, both filles noticed Applebloom’s exhausted expression.

“What’s the rush Applebloom?” asked Scootaloo.

“Yeah! We got new ideas for cutie marks!” added Sweetie Belle as her horn flickered with excitement.

“Sorry girls...” Applebloom panted. “I’ve been looking for uh... something,”

“Something?” The orange pegasus raised her eyebrow. “Something like what?”

“Uh... Well I’m looking for...” Applebloom scratched her head, unsure of what to tell her friends. “A hue-man, he’s wearing a black coat, he walks on two legs and he talks too!”

“A who-man?” Sweetie Belle tilted her head. “I’ve never heard of a who-man before, is it some kind of monster?”

“That is so cool!” Scootaloo’s wings buzzed in interest. “We can get our cutie marks in monster catching!”

“That sounds like a good idea...” Applebloom smiled for a brief second only to remember her impending troubles. “Thats not the point!” She shook her head. “ I’m gonna be in so much trouble is Applejack finds out I let him loose, please girls you gotta help me find him!”

“Sure we’ll help!” Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle saluted. “Just one question,”

“What?”

“Can we still be monster catchers?”

“Sure,”

“Cutie Mark Crusaders Monster Catchers, YAY!” cheered Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle.

“Hey!” Lux pulled away from the mint green unicorn, startled by her advancement.

“Oh... I’m sorry,” the mare stared at the ground with flattened ears. She extended her hoof with an embarrassed smile. “We got off on the wrong hoof. Hi, I’m Lyra Heartstrings, what’s your name?”

Lux slowly extended his hand and shook the mint green pony’s hoof while still keeping his focus on her movements. “Lux,”

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!” Lyra jumped up and down as she felt his hand shake her hoof. “I knew the stories I read were true!”

“Stories?”

“Oh! Are there more of you? Where did you come from?” asked Lyra.

“N-ngh..” Lux looked down at the ground. The pain surged through his mind the more he searched for his memories, the more he searched the more distant and unclear it became. “I can’t remember...”

“No memories?” Lyra stopped bouncing and gave Lux an assuring smile, “Hey don’t worry, I’m sure your memory will come back to you,” Lyra’s eyes flickered with excitement once again. “How about you come over to my house? I can’t wait until I show you to Bon Bon!”

“Bon-”

“There you are Lyra!” a cream colored pony carrying an annoyed expression approached the mare, her mane a navy blue with a rosy pink streak. “Lyra, I’ve been looking for you! I send you to pick up a few things and you disappear!”

“Oh yeah! I could have sworn I forgot something,” said Lyra.

“Lyra!” exclaimed the earth pony.

“Sorry Bon Bon,” Lyra scratched at the ground. “ But I have a good reason!”

Like what?”

Lyra stood on her hind legs and presented the young man. “Ta-da! it's a human!”

Bon Bon raised her eyebrow, unamused at the sight. “Nice try Lyra but I wasn’t born yesterday,”

“But he is real Bon Bon! Look at him!”

Bon Bon rolled her eyes and sighed. “Lyra, we’ve been through this already; there are no such things as humans! You just dressed somepony in a costume!”

“It's not somepony in a costume!” protested Lyra .

“Lyra...” Bon Bon sighed. Her patience waning for her friend, “ There is no such thing!”

“Yes there is!”

“Humans don’t exist!”

“Yes they do! One is right in front of you!”

“ENOUGH!!” Bon Bon slowly made her way to the young man, her eyes full of rage and determination to prove her friend wrong. Bon Bon grabbed his arm and began to pull. “Watch Lyra, I’ll prove it's a costume and when I do, I’ll, I’ll...”

No matter how hard she pulled at the arm she could not remove it, she could feel warmth in the arm. Bon Bon’s jaw dropped as she saw the young man’s blue eyes staring at her, his hand shaking her hoof. “Nice to meet you Bon Bon,”

“Y-You’re real...” Bon Bon let go in disbelief, the rest of her words stuck in her throat, Lyra’s smile grew wide knowing she had been proven wrong.

“Told you he was real,” said Lyra with a smug smile.

“Fine, you’re right, he’s real,” grumbled the mare. Bon Bon regained her composure and focused back on Lyra. “Let’s go, we’ve got things to do,”

“Can he stay with us Bon Bon, pleease?” Lyra grovelled with puppy dog eyes. Bon Bon sighed looking away to avoid Lyra’s gaze. “Lyra, Pinkie Pie is planning another party so that means I need your help back at the shop. You’ll get distracted if we bring him along,”

“B-But!”

“He’s your friend right? You’ll see him again, I’m sure of it,” Bon Bon stared at Lux with a small smile. “You’re staying in town right?”

“Huh?”

“Yes! Promise me you’ll stay!” Lyra stared at the young man with shimmering eyes. She eagerly awaited his answer.

“I guess,” replied Lux.

“Yesyesyesyesyes!” Lyra wrapped her forelegs around the young man hugging him tightly. “We’ll be best friends forever!

“Alright Lyra, lets go,” Bon Bon gave Lyra a small nudge. Lyra let go of the young man and began to walk with the cream colored mare.

“See you around Lux and if you disappear I’m gonna hunt you down!!” called out Lyra. Lux waved at the two mares as they vanished into the distance.

“How does she know about me?” thought Lux.

“There you are!” called out a familiar voice, Lux turned to find an exhausted Applebloom and two other fillies approach him. The two fillies stood in awe while Applebloom paused to catch her breath.

“Wow!” exclaimed the two fillies.

“I’ve been looking all over for you!” said Applebloom disgruntled. “Why’d you leave!?”

“I looked outside and I saw a rainbow dash across the sky, I followed it and ended up here. I’m sorry,” replied Lix.

“It’s okay...” sighed Applebloom. “We found you and thats what counts, come on Lux, lets get back to Sweet Apple Acres before Applejack finds out,”

“Applejack?”

“She’s my sister!” smiled Applebloom. The light of the sunset shined brightly and briefly marking the day’s end and night’s beginning. “Oh, Lux, this is Scootaloo,” Applebloom pointed towards the orange pegasus with the cerise mane. “And this is Sweetie Belle,” Applebloom then pointed towards the white unicorn whose mane was lavender with a light gray rose streak. The two fillies smiled at the young man. “Girls, this is Lux,”

“A hue-man! This is so cool!” Scootaloo buzzed around in excitement. “We caught a monster! Do we have our cutie marks yet?!”

The three fillies spun around trying to find the marks on their flanks. But the three only only found disappointment as they found their flanks remained blank.

“I don’t know Scootaloo,” Sweetie Belle’s light harlequin eyes scanned him up and down. “He doesn’t look like a monster. Lux, where are you from?”

“I’m afraid I can’t remember,” replied Lux.

“Maybe Zecora can help,” suggested Scootaloo. “She does come from a faraway place maybe she has a remedy for memories,”

“Good idea!” exclaimed Sweetie Belle. “What do you think Applebloom?”

“Sounds like a plan,” said Applebloom. The group could finally see Sweet Apple Acres up ahead. The ringing of the crickets welcomed the night. The moon slowly rose illuminating the land in azure light. A loud grumble broke the tranquility of the night; the three fillies turned towards the source of the sound, Lux gave a nervous laugh as he held his stomach in embarrassment. In all the things he saw in this world he had forgotten his nagging stomach, the three fillies giggled at the young man. The group finally arrived at the farm, countless stars shined brightly in the night sky. “Whew... We’re here, and Applejack didn’t find out,” said Applebloom with relief.

“Are you sure about that?” called out an all too familiar voice. The three girls froze as they saw Applejack approach them, her green eyes full of anger. The same familiar feeling with the pink earth pony rose within Lux as he saw the mare.

“Honesty”

“H-Hi Applejack,” Applebloom swallowed hard and nervously smiled as she attempted to maintain her composure. “I-I can explain!”

“I don’t wanna hear it!” exclaimed Applejack. “What in Equestria were you thinking letting it loose and running after it?! Do you know how worried I was?! We don’t know how dangerous that creature could be!”

“Soups on!” called out an elderly mare from the window of the house. She smiled as she saw the three fillies and the young man. “Ah good, you found him! Applejack, lets not keep our guests waiting. All of you come on and eat!”

“We’ll talk about this later,” Applejack sternly stared at Applebloom. Her eyes focused on Lux for a brief second, a flash of distrust present in her eyes. Light and warmth filled their bodies as the group entered the home. The aroma of apples and bread was strong in the dining room; the table was set with several massive plates of food in the center. The three fillies and the mare took their seat, as did a large red stallion with a light gamboge mane, his flank bearing a mark of a green apple cut in half. The elderly mare sat next to him; her coat was a light lime green bearing the mark of an apple pie and her hair a snowy white. She looked towards Lux with an endearing smile. “Well have a seat, little colt!”

“Little colt?” Lux thought to himself as he sat down next to Sweetie Belle with a plate in front of him.

“Hold on there little one, we don’t wear coats at the dinner table,” said the elder mare.

“Do they even wear clothes?” Lux wondered. Lux slowly removed his cowl and unzipped his coat placing it on the chair; the three fillies stared at him with fascination. Lux donned a blood red uniform with the sigil of a white star on the left side of his chest. His jet-black hair reaching down his back, his skin a light brown and his eyes an ocean blue. Applejack remained silent with her mouth agape while the stallion remained cool as ice; the elder mare chuckled at Applejack’s dumbfounded expression.

“Oh! Where are my manners,” chuckled the mare. “We forgot to introduce ourselves! You’ve met the three girls and Applejack, the gentlecolt here is Big McIntosh, and I’m Granny Smith,”

“Howdy,” said the stallion.

“Now then, what’s your name little colt?” asked Granny Smith.

“Lux...” replied the young man.

“Well Lux, it's a pleasure to have you eat with us tonight!” smiled Granny Smith. “Now let’s eat!”

“Can Lux stay with us?” asked Applebloom. The room fell silent as her question reached everypony’s ears.

“Applebloom!” hushed Applebloom.

“But he’s got nowhere to go!” exclaimed Applebloom. “Can’t he stay with us please?

“Well it's his choice if wants to stay,” said Granny Smith. Applejack and Big McIntosh stared at their grandmother with worry.

“Please stay with us!” begged Applebloom with a puppy dog stare. “Pleeease?”

“I shouldn’t intrude like this,” said Lux.

“Pleease?” said the three fillies together in unison. All three of them giving Lux the puppy dog stare.

“Settle down now girls,” said Granny Smith. She focused her gaze on the young man. “He has the final say, although...” Granny Smith smiled at the young man. “I’m sure he knows it's not nice to disappoint a little filly,”

“...” Lux took a deep breath as he averted his eyes from the three pairs of eyes giving him the cute stare, “May I stay here?”

“Of course dear! Stay as long as you need to!” smiled Granny Smith.

“Yay!” cheered the three fillies.

“Now that that’s settled,” said Granny Smith. “Let’s eat!”

“It's over there Lux,” Lux stretched his arms out to the night sky as he and Applebloom walked out of the house, both reminiscing of Granny Smith’s homemade Apple Pie. The night sky was ablaze with stars and the moon bathing the land in a blue glow. Lux recognized the barn that came into view, it was the same barn he had awoken in.

“You said your name was Lux, right?” called out a familiar voice just as Applebloom and the young man reached the barn door. The two turned to find Applejack approaching them, Applejack took a deep breath and took off her hat crossing across her chest. “I wanted to apologize for thinking wrongly of you. Especially only meeting you once,”

“There’s no need to apologize,” smiled Lux. “I’m the one who ran off not knowing where I was. Applebloom ran after me to make sure that I didn’t get into trouble, please don’t be angry with her,” Lux bowed his head.

“I’m sorry for snapping at you like that too Applebloom,” Applejack smiled apologetically at her sister.

“It's alright Applejack,” smiled the little filly. “Let’s go show Lux his bed!”

The three entered the barn, azure light of the moon shined through the cracks in the ceiling falling upon a hoof-stitched hammock tied to two posts.

“We made a bed for you Lux,” smiled Applebloom, “Hope you like it!”

“Applejack, Applebloom, thank you for everything,” Lux stared at the hoof-stitched hammock, the very sight of it made him drowsy.

“Looks like you’re ready to go!” chuckled Applejack. She took a look at her little sister who had the same drowsy eyes as the young man. Applejack picked up the little filly and placed her on her back. “We’re gonna go hit the hay too, goodnight Lux,”

“Goodnight”

“Yeah, us too... goodnight Lu... zzz” Applebloom slowly closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep. The two ponies closed the door as headed out the barn. The hammock slowly swayed as Lux lay in it, beams of moonlight shined on him. Lux closed his eyes as he drifted into the darkness of sleep, the dreams whispered to him.

“Lux...”

“You can’t run from us...”

“From yourself...”

Chrysalis stared at the board, all the chess pieces on her desired positions. The opponent doomed and victory in her grasp yet, she felt unsatisfied. “Why are we doing this Dia?”

The dark mare looked up from the chessboard. “What’s wrong Chrysalis? I thought you love to play games,”

“Are you even trying?” questioned Chrysalis. “My army is in position to overtake your kingdom yet here you are smiling. Better yet how is that boy going to be of use to us, I don’t see how you plan to stop the Elements of Harmony,”

“Chrysalis, Chrysalis, you worry too much my dear,” said the mare. “The elements of harmony will be helping the boy, they are after all one and the same. All we need to do is guide him,”

“Thanatos!” called out Dia.

“Yes, your majesty? The cloaked figure emerged from the shadows and knelt before the two.

“I need you to go to Canterlot,” ordered the mare. “No doubt my sister has realized the tome has gone missing, find out what she is planning,”

“It will be done your highness,” the young man faded into the darkness once more.

“So now what is the next step?” questioned the Changeling Queen.

“Prepare your children, Chrysalis,” smiled Dia. “We begin,”

Light beamed through the stained glass windows of the castle, bathing the halls in radiant light. Luna and Celestia walked the illuminated halls, both of them filled with unease from the recent events.

“Please sister, allow me to handle this matter,” Luna stared dismally at the ground. “I left the castle when you needed me the most,”

“Luna, do not burden yourself with guilt,” Celestia gave her sister a comforting nuzzle. “I can manage the briefing myself,”

Shocked, Luna stopped before the doors to the briefing room, her mouth agape. “Sister... but why?”

“I need you to help Cadenza oversee repairs to Canterlot,” replied Celestia.

“V-very well...” Luna walked away carrying a sorrowful expression on her face. Celestia pushed through the doors into the briefing room. Rows and rows of gathered soldiers bowed in her presence.

“Welcome back, Shining Armor,” said Celestia as she took her place in front of the group alongside the captain of the Royal Guard. “I take it the honeymoon went well?”

“Neighagra falls was beautiful, thank you Princess Celestia,” The white stallion courteously bowed. “ Will Cadenza and Princess Luna not be joining us?”

“I asked Luna and Cadenza to take care of a few things for me,” said the Princess of the Sun. “Shall we begin?”

“Of course, Princess,”

“Listen up!” The guards stood attentive and still as they heard the captain’s voice, each of them eagerly awaiting their mission. Princess Celestia cleared her throat, her gentle demeanor replaced by a somber look on her face radiating thousands of years worth of rule. “An Item known as the Tome of Tartarus was stolen from a sealed part of the castle library. It is said to carry such terrible dark magic that it was deemed far too dangerous for any being to wield, thus the choice was made to keep it hidden from the world safe within the possession of what was then the Equestrian Republic and now the Equestrian Empire. But I am afraid that is no longer the case. I urge you to find it quickly before innocents are hurt,”

“Yes your majesty!”

“Thank you Princess Celestia,” Shining Armor cleared his throat. “Listen up gentlecolts! Our only lead currently is the Changeling Queen, we must be cautious of her copy ability and that of her minions. Lastly, given the sensitivity of the mission, we will use a combined effort between select teams of the Royal Guard and the Luna Guard. The public must not know about this mission do I make myself clear?”

“Yes sir!”

“Dismissed!”

The guards bowed and exited the room in groups. A white stallion with an illustrious blond mane entered the room with a pouncet box levitating closely to his nose not once looking at the guards that looked at him with disdain. “Ugh, when was the last time any of you had a proper bath?!”

“Hello, Captain,” said the stallion as he made his way to Shining Armor and Princess Celestia.

“Hello, Prince Blueblood,” replied Shining Armor calmly. “You missed the briefing,”

“Quite the contrary, Captain, I am aware that the tome is missing,” Blueblood shot an annoyed look at the captain, “ I heard enough of your plan and I don’t think it is very efficient but fear not I have a better plan,

“My dear nephew,” said Celestia. “Surely you did not come here just to gloat,”

“Oh Aunt Celestia you know me so well,” smiled Blueblood. “I wish to speak with you about the Elements of Harmony”

“What about the Elements?” interjected Shining Armor. “What is concern with Twilight and her friends?”

“I do not understand why you are here, Captain,” sneered the prince. “This is none of your concern,”

“Twilight is the bearer of the Element of Magic and my sister,” Shining Armor stared down the prince. “If there is a concern with her I am to be involved!”

“Enough both of you,” Celestia remained cool and unaffected by the tension between the two stallions. “We will discuss this tomorrow and Shining Armor will be present, is that clear, Blueblood?”

“Yes, Auntie Celestia,”

Author's Note

Sorry for not uploading in such a long time. I had the most horrible case of writer's block! That aside I hope you like this chapter and expect the next chapter to come soon. Feel free to leave feedback!

Chapter 2: Awakening

“Absolutely not! I will never allow this!”

“I was not asking for your opinion, captain, nor was I asking for your permission,” the air was all but peaceful in the princess’ throne room. Shining Armor stared at the prince with a furious gaze, the prince simply looked past the captain’s gaze.

“Blueblood, may I ask what has driven you to propose such a plan?” said Princess Celestia with a bit of concern in her voice.

“Auntie Celestia, look around you,” Blueblood stared at the stained glass windows, each one depicting a piece of Equestria’s history. “The empire still stands thanks to your leadership and the Elements of Harmony... yet I am not at ease. The Changeling attack was the third time that Equestria was in danger and it nearly cost you your life. But what happens if next time is different? I propose that the Elements become Equestria’s sword and shield and allow them to find the tome!”

“Leave my sister alone...” Shining Armor drew close to the prince. His heart filled with anger as he stared down the prince. “Leave her friends out of this as well.”

“Stand down, Shining Armor,” said Princess Celestia.

“Princess-”

“Stand down,”

“My dear nephew...” Celestia stared at the stained glass windows, reminiscing of each memory before setting her eyes back on Blueblood. “I appreciate your concern for me but I cannot allow this plan to go through. The Elements should never be used as weapons, this was agreed upon between Equestria and the other nations. To do this would be to betray Twilight and betray what the Elements stand for.

“B-But...”

“Your Highness,” the guardspony entered and bowed before the Princess of the Sun. “It is the scientists, they ask for your presence in the laboratory,”

“Thank you for the message,” replied Celestia as she rose from her throne. “You may go. Shining Armor, Blueblood, shall we?

“Of course, princess,” the captain joined the princess’ side. The prince, however, began to walk away giving a sneer at the captain. “Just leave a copy of the report in my chamber. I just remembered there are things I must attend to,”

“Very well, nephew...”

The laboratory bustled with countless scientists in white lab coats moving about. Various fragments of the metal were laid across the many tables of the lab, while other fragments floated in jars filled with colorful liquid. The scientists paused and bowed as they saw Princess Celestia and Shining Armor entered the laboratory.

“Sister!” Luna said happily as she approached Celestia. “The scientists summoned you as well didn’t they? I wonder what they have found?”

“Yes sister, as do I,” Celestia slightly smiled. “Now I wonder where is the lead scientist”?

“I am here your highness!” the scientist emerged from her office and bowed before the princesses. The sisters smiled at the scientist only to stare in disbelief at her tattered and disorganized brown mane that was held together by a pair of wide-eyed goggles. The bags under her green eyes and her coat with the coffee-stained sleeves displayed countless days of grueling work. “I am Doctor Code Breaker. I have news about the fragments that were found,”

“Oh?”

“The fragments are actually pieces of armor,”said the gray mare. “The strange thing is that the armor is made up of a combination of crystals from the crystal north and metals found throughout our land, the armor is of Equestrian origin!”

“WHAT?!” Luna’s voice boomed throughout the laboratory, her eyes wide with disbelief. “That is impossible! I saw it fall from the sky! Check again!”

“Y-Your Majesty!” Code Breaker quivered before the Princess of the Moon. “We tested the armor three times! The results came out the same, the armor is Equestrian!”

“That can’t be...” Luna stared at the fragments then shook her head in dismay. “It came from the stars I am sure of it...”

“It’s alright, Luna,” Celestia placed a hoof on her sister’s shoulder. “There is still so much we do not know but we at least know something now. Is there anything else, Doctor Code Breaker?”

“There is one more thing,” said Code Breaker. “I believe I found a strange property in one of the fragments. Please observe.”

Codebreaker pointed upward, where a young scientist dangled from the ceiling. The fragment of armor shook in his trembling hooves and his green eyes stared at ground immense fear.

“Ready, young one?” called out the mare. Shining Armor and the two sisters stared at the ceiling dumbfounded.

“Umm...” the scientist began to sweat profusely. “Are you sure about this will work, Doctor Code Breaker?”

“Let us find out! Cut the rope!!” She ordered. The rope snapped in two and the young stallion began to free-fall. All the scientists in the lab paused and watch their colleague's rapid descent, even the princesses stood flabbergasted only able to watch along with the rest of the scientists.

The falling stallion clutched the fragment close to his chest. Suddenly, the fragment began to glow a light green enveloping the scientist in the light. The light shot down to the ground. Everypony except Code Breaker had shut their eyes expecting to hear the horrendous sound of a body impacting the ground, yet no sound came. They opened their eyes and stared in awe along with Code Breaker as the young stallion floated to the ground within the force field unharmed.

“Wow...” the scientists began to talk among themselves.

“As you can see, your highnesses,” the scientist petted her colleague’s head as he shook like a frightened foal.”This particular piece carries a form of defensive force field, allowing the wearer to land without harm,”

“A defensive field?” questioned Shining Armor. “Was this armor protecting something?”

“That is still unknown, this is all we have found at the current moment. I am sorry, Captain,” replied Code Breaker. “We will notify if there are new findings,”

“Thank you,” said Celestia. The Princess of the sun turned and departed from the laboratory. “Carry on,”

“Sister, where are you going?” Luna asked with unease in her voice.

“I have to tend to a few things...” Celestia vanished into the castle halls; her mind grew more restless with this recent finding.

Unlike the chaos from within the castle the garden of the castle was tranquil, the cerulean sky was clear and the gentle breeze of the wind flowed through her mane. Vibrant roses and tulips were in full bloom enriching the garden with color and life. Celestia walked towards one of the various statues in garden. The statue of the Draconequus carried a look of fear in it's face. Celestia sat before the statue and breathed a heavy sigh allowing the wind to carry it away. She stared at the sky her worries weighing heavily in her mind.

“Awww... why the long face?” teased the familiar voice that echoed in her mind.

“I am not in the mood for your jokes, Discord,” Celestia shot a vexed look at the statue.

“You can fool others but you can’t fool me,” said Discord. “We both know why you come here...”

Celestia stared at the ground for a moment, as much as she despised the fact she could not deny it. He understood her more than anypony.

“For starters, you lost the Tome of Tartarus,” said the Draconequus.

Celestia stared at the statue with astonishment. “How did you-,”

“ The little prince passed by grumbling about the “stupid captain” and his “stupid plan to reclaim the tome,” chuckled Discord.

“Blueblood...” sighed Celestia as she put her hoof to her face.

“But that’s not what is troubling you, is it?” he asked.

“No, it is not,” Celestia’s eyes filled with sadness. Her heart grew heavy as she spoke. “It's Luna... I feel like I don’t know her anymore...”

“I see...” said Discord. “It seems the rift between both of you is still great. If I do recall this is how it was the last time,”

“No...” Celestia shook her head remembering the pain of the past. “This time will be different,”

“We will see, Celestia,” said Discord. “To protect your dear sister or the subjects you love? Will you become the savior, the traitor and the tyrant once more?”

The Princess of the Sun gave another cross look to the Draconequus. “There is something I want to know, Discord,”

“I might be able to answer you, maybe...” replied Discord.

“Why didn’t you use the Tome of Tartarus against Luna and I back then?” questioned the Princess.

“Heh... I probably should have,” chuckled Discord. “If I had used it I would have destroyed all of you and there would be nopony left to have fun with me,”

Celestia stared at the statue unamused at the Draconequus’ response.

“You have no sense of humor. I made a promise to Starswirl that if I ever came across the tome I would never use it,” added Discord. “There is no telling what the thief plans to do with it, happy now?”

“You knew Starswirl the Bearded?”

“Yes, I knew him before he passed on,” replied the Draconequus. “We were like friends...”

“Interesting...” said Celestia to herself as she began to walk away from the statue and into the castle. “Thank you, Discord,”

“One last thing, Celestia,”

“Yes?”

“How about more variety of flowers in the garden? It gets really dull just staring at the same roses and tulips,” said Discord. “Ooh, how about some Columbines?”

“We are not Crystal Knights...”

“We are beasts and nothing more...”

“Don’t you see, Lux?”

“Wake up sleepyhead!”

“Ah!” Lux awoke abruptly to Applebloom shaking his hammock back and forth. “Ugh... just five more minutes,” protested the young man.

“Come’ on, Lux! You’re late for breakfast!” exclaimed the filly as she shook the hammock more vigorously.

“Fine...” Lux sighed in defeat. He slowly rose out of his hammock, feeling less drained since he last awoke. The strange echoes had been hounding him had ceased as well. Lux quickly tied his boots and zipped up his coat joining Applebloom as the two walked towards the open barn door. Lux shielded his eyes from the bright rays of the morning sun.

“Don’t you feel hot in that coat?” Applebloom stared at the shadowy coat.

“I’d feel cold without it,” replied Lux.

“Cold?” Applebloom carried a puzzled look on her face. “But it's Spring!”

The two entered the house and into the dining room. The rest of the Apple family was seated at the table waiting for Applebloom and Lux while Winona; Applejack’s work dog, lay underneath the table patiently waiting for the delicious scraps to fall from above.

“Well Good Morning, little colt!” smiled Granny Smith as she pushed an enormous plate of fresh cut apples towards his plate. “Have a seat,”

“Good Mornining everybo- I mean everypony,” Lux sat down and smiled at the family.

“Good Mornin’!” replied Applejack and Big Mac. The room immediately fell silent; everypony put their hooves together and bowed their heads. Lux looked around perplexed by the Apple family.

“Thank you for the food!” Everypony said in unison. The young man stared at them with an even more dumbfounded look. “Let’s eat!”

“It's an Apple family custom, Lux,” Granny Smith chuckled seeing the young man’s clueless face. “It’s to appreciate the food and the chance of being together,”

“Appreciate being together...” Lux pondered to himself.

“So, Lux, How’d you sleep last night?” asked Applejack with a mouth full of apples.

“I felt like I could sleep forever!” smiled Lux reminiscing of the relaxing sway of the hammock,

“Well, We can’t have you doing that!” chuckled the mare. “We still need to show you the ropes!”

“The ropes?” questioned the young man.

“Oh! Can I teach him too?!” Applebloom stood from her seat her eyes flickered with excitement.

“Nope, you need to go to school, Sugarcube,” said the mare as she finished the last of her breakfast. “Go get ready for school, Big Mac will walk you there this time. Lux, I’ll see ya outside.

“Awww, no fair!” Applebloom’s ears flattened in disappointment. The Apple family rose out of their seats to begin the day’s tasks. The filly walked towards Lux gesturing him to come closer. “Let’s go see Zecora after the girls and I get back from school, okay?”

“Okay,”

Lux walked towards Applejack, who stood with an empty bushel underneath the apple tree.

“Applejack?”

The earth pony quickly turned around and thrust her powerful back legs into the trunk of the tree. The leaves of the tree shook and dropped it's apples into the bushel perfectly. Applejack turned towards the young man man with a confident smile on her face. “That’s Applebucking for ya!”

“Apple-what?” he tilted his head in confusion.

“Applebucking!” smiled the mare. “This is how we gather apples! Give it a try, Lux,”

“Seems simple enough...” the young man stared at the tree.

“Sure is! Just relax and kick!”

Lux took a step and took a deep breath. He focused his gaze on the tree and gathered his strength. The young man raised his leg and thrust it onto the tree with all his strength, the leaves of the apple tree barely quivered. Lux knelt to the ground clutching his leg as pain shot through it.

“Are you alright, Lux?” the mare stared in concern.

“I’m fine,” Lux stood once more ignoring the throbbing pain his leg. He inhaled deeply and exhaled. His mind burned with great determination to drop the apples from the tree. Lux gathered his strength and thrust his leg onto the tree again but to no avail.

“Maybe applebucking isn’t for you,”

“Just give me one more try,” panted Lux. He focused once more on the tree despite the pain and the beads of sweat that were running down his face. “Apples in the bushel,” he said to himself. Lux mustered all his strength and thrust his leg into the tree but again the apples did not fall. Frustrated, he thrust his leg into the tree over and over only to come to the same end. ”Come on!” Lux gave one last thrust, finally, the leaves rustled and a single apple fell into the bushel.

“Seriously?!” Lux stared at the lone apple in disappointment.

“Chin up, Lux!” the earth pony picked up the apple and smiled at the young man. “Applebucking may not be for you but you gave it your best shot,” Applejack tossed the apple towards Lux. “Tell you what, I buck and you carry the bushels into the house. “Does that sound good?”

Lux sat down on the steps to the house sore and exhausted from the bushels and the heat of the sun. He unzipped his coat happy to finally rest.

“Not bad, Lux!” Applejack trotted towards him carrying a tray with two glasses of apple cider on her back. ”Here ya go,” the earth pony gave him a glass and set the tray on the on the steps taking the other glass for herself. “You certainly got a bit of the Apple family spirit in you!”

“All I did was carry bushels, Applejack,” said Lux. He took a drink of the cold cider, its sweet taste refreshed his body bringing a smile to his face. “I’ve tasted this before...” Lux thought to himself.

“Nonsense, Lux!” Applejack gave him a nudge. “You helped me take those bushels to the house and helping each other is what family is all about. You can relax for today and I’ll handle the rest, okay?” Applejack stood up and trotted back into the fields.

“Lux!” called out the three fillies as they arrived running towards the young man. “Come on! Let’s go to Zercora’s!”

“Already?” Lux stared at the girls dumbfounded. “ But all of you just got here,”

“The faster we get to Zecora’s means more time for Cutie Mark crusading!” happily exclaimed Sweetie Belle.

“Yeah! And more crusading means more chances to find our Cutie Marks!” added Scootaloo.

“Plus the sooner we get there the sooner you’ll get your memories back,” said Applebloom.” Don’t you want your memories already?

“Well... yes.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”

Lux looked around as he and the three fillies treaded the dirt path deeper into the forest. The light of day began wan from the towering trees that obscured the sun. Bushes and plant life of various green grew wherever there was space, vines grew on the ground and wrapped around the trees like snakes. It was nothing like Ponyville, a distant world untamed and alive.

“What is this place?” asked Lux. He could not help but feel something was watching him in the shadows of the forest.

“This is the Everfree Forest,” replied Applebloom as she led the group unfazed by the forest. “Lots of ponies are afraid of this place,”

“How come?”

“All the trees and plants grow on their own,” said Sweetie Belle. “Clouds move on their own and animals take care of themselves,”

“I hear there are ghosts wandering deep in the forest!” Scootaloo happily smiled. “Oh! We could get our Cutie Marks in ghosts!”

“Cutie Mark Ghostbusters!” grinned the white unicorn. “That has a nice ring to it,”

“What are Cutie Marks?” asked the young man. “ All of you get so excited when you bring it up,”

“Cutie Marks show a pony’s special talent, “ the earth pony turned to Lux. “Everypony gets one when they discover themselves.”

“Finding out who you are? Like purpose?”

“Yeah something like that,” replied Applebloom.

“Nearly everypony in our class has theirs expect us...” frowned Sweetie Belle. “Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon keep calling us “Blank Flanks” because of it,”

“We’ll show them! We’re going get our Cutie Marks soon!” Scootaloo cheered with determination.

“Is that star on your uniform your Cutie Mark, Lux?” Sweetie Belle asked the young man.

“I don’t think I have a cutie mark,” replied the young man. “I’m not certain why I have this uniform in the first place. Everything is still blank...”

“Don’t worry about it! I’m sure Zecora can help,” said the orange pegasus. “We’re almost there!”

“Ngh!” Lux fell to his knees clutching his head at the sharp pain that manifested itself once more. The world around him began to blur and the voices began to echo in his mind again.

“The darkness is coming...”

“The heart is the key...”

“Lux, what’s wrong?!” the girls rushed towards the young man. Suddenly, the echoes fell silent and world was clear again. The young man raised his head to find a young blue filly standing behind the three girls. Her coat was deep blue with an azure mane; her cyan eyes gleamed in the dim light. She carried the wings of a Pegasus and the horn of a unicorn; the filly was unlike any of the ponies Lux had seen before. Tears were streaming down her face like a waterfall.

“Why did you abandon me?” wept the blue filly. “You promised me that...” she closed her eyes running off deeper into the forest. Lux immediately rose to his feet and chased after the filly.

“Lux, stop! Where are you going?!” called out Sweetie Belle. The three girls chased after the young man following him deeper into the darkness of the forest. The twisted and curled branches were extended as if they arms dragging the group into darkness. No matter how fast Lux ran the blue filly was always ahead, the distance between them increasing with every moment. He could feel it in his heart this filly was somehow familiar.

Lux’s heart skipped a beat as he felt the ground beneath him vanish. He tumbled down a tall ridge and landed with a mighty thud. He stumbled to his feet, his mind spinning from the fall. His coat was now covered with dirt and mud with several tears to his uniform. The girls squealed as they too tumbled down the ridge. The three fillies slowly rose covered in mud with branches entangled in their now messy manes.

“Why were you running?!” Applebloom exclaimed angrily.

“Where did she go?” Lux looked around oblivious to Applebloom’s rage.

“Where did who go?” Scootaloo spat dirt out of her mouth. “There’s nopony here except us!”

“I saw her!” exclaimed the young man. She was there behind all you! She was crying...”

“I didn’t hear any crying,” said Sweetie Belle as she attempted to pull the twigs out of her mane. “Where are we exactly?”

The group looked around, a grassy open field lay before them. The light of day had died and the sky was now black with the ominous yellow glow of the moon.

“This isn’t right...” Applebloom stared at the moon with disbelief. “We haven’t been in the forest that long!”

“Come out wherever you are!” Lux called out as he moved into the open field. “You don’t have to be afraid, we won’t hurt you!”

“Lux, we have to get out of here!” exclaimed Applebloom. “There’s nopony here!”

“She is here, I’m sure of it!” Lux turned to the three fillies, their eyes widening and their faces frozen with fear.

“Girls?” Lux turned to see what caused the girls to fall silent. A large inky shadow-like creature towered over him, the creature’s fangs glistened with saliva it's glowing emerald eyes stared down at the young man. Lux froze in fear as the creature raised it's massive barrel-like arm into the air and brought it down on him breaking the ground with a mighty crash. Lux was flung to the ground like a ragdoll.

“Lux!!” the girls rushed to the young man fearing they had lost their friend. Lux struggled to get to his knees, his body went numb with pain and the warm crimson blood began to trickle down the side of his face. The shadow let an earth-shaking roar that echoed throughout the vast forest. Suddenly, two wolf-like shadows slowly emerged out of the ground as if answering the beast’s call. The shadows slowly began to close in knowing escape for the group was nigh. The wolf-like shadows snarled and charged in for the kill. Lux could feel the world around him slow down to a stop, it seemed everything had fallen silent except for a voice that echoed in his mind

“If you truly seek answers...”

“Awaken...”

“Open your eyes...”

The young man could feel something in his hand, a sapphire blue crystal rested in his palm. Lux clutched the crystal tightly, a cool sensation began to run through his body.

“Crystal Heart...” Lux slowly arose. The crystal began to glow as Lux’s grip tightened. “GIVE ME STRENGTH!!”

The crystal shattered enveloping Lux in a blue glow. His heart began to beat rapidly as a newfound power surged through his veins. His eyes glowed with an azure light and his jet-black hair transformed into a celestial blue.

“Aegis!” called out the young man. A wall of magic emerged out the air and shielded the group. The two shadows crashed against the magical wall and recoiled in pain.

“L-Lux...?” Applebloom’s voice shook with fear as she stared at him.

“Girls, stay back,” Lux stared back at the three fillies. He held out his hand as an elegant saber materialized in his grasp. The hilt of sword was a starry blue and the guard was in the form of a crescent moon connected to a star. The magical wall slowly began to fade as Lux raised his sword at the shadows. “Stay away from my friends!”

The two wolf-like shadows roared with rage and charged towards the young man, Lux dashed towards the shadows and swung his sword slicing one shadow in half. The shadow disintegrated into the air. The other shadow lunged at him from the side pinning Lux on the ground. The young man barely raised his sword causing the creature to clamp its razor sharp fangs on the blade. Lux winced in pain as the claws of the creature began to dig into his chest. The shadow violently jerked it's head as it attempted to pull the sword out of his hands.

“Get off of me!” Lux kicked his into the shadow’s stomach throwing the creature off of him. The shadow quickly lunged at Lux again only to run into the blade as the young man thrust the sword into the creature’s head, the shadow disintegrated as he twisted the blade.

“Lux, look out!” cried Sweetie Belle.

The ogre-like shadow charged towards the young man with it's massive arm raised in the air. Lux immediately stepped to the side avoiding the hammer-like strike that crushed the ground. Lux’s eyes gleamed as he saw an opening and slashed the creature’s arm severing the limb. The shadow howled in pain and staggered backwards clutching its wounded shoulder.

“Let your lightning become the light that pierces the darkness...” Lux began to recite as he extended his hand. A magical ring formed around his hand as light gathered in his palm, his entire arm began to crackle with energy as he felt the power reach its peak. “Mjolnir!”

A blast of magic shot forth from his hand like lightning in the storm. The ogre-like shadow howled as the blast of magic enveloped it. Once the blast of magic faded the shadow was no more.

“Crystal Heart...” Lux fell to the ground. The power that had coursed through him had subsided leaving his body drained and weak. His eyes returned to their sapphire blue color and his hair reverted to jet-black. The world around him began to darken as he faded into unconsciousness.

“Lux?!”

“Wake up, Lux!”

“Wake up!”

Author's Note

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic is property of Hasbro.

No copyright infringement intended.

Your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Chapter 3: Descend

Descend

“Ugh...” Lux slowly awoke to the crackling of the wood in the fireplace and the bubbling of the cauldron. He struggled against the overwhelming exhaustion in his body that desired him to shut his eyes once more. Light flickered from the flames of the fire casting shadows on the various masks that decorated the ceiling and the walls. The masks seemed to eerily stare down at him as is awakened by the fire and his presence. Lux could feel a shadow loom over him he turned his head meeting the cyan eyes of a zebra.

“Welcome...”

“Lux, you’re awake!” The three fillies ran to the bedside. The young man slowly sat up from the bed holding his side, his torso bare and covered in bandages. The memories of the battle were still hazy in his mind. Applebloom tilted her head in curiosity. “You don’t have any fur! How do you stay warm?”

“Huh?!” Lux stared at his chest immediately covering him self with the bed sheet his face turning red as cherry. “W-Where is the rest of my uniform?”

The zebra placed herself between the girls and the young man, carrying his jacket on her foreleg. “Girls, turn around! Does your curiosity know no bound?”

“Why are you so embarrassed, Lux?” smiled Sweetie Belle. The girls turned around giggling as they closed their eyes.

“...” Lux took his jacket and put it on once more. Numerous tears were spread out through the uniform. “Where are we? Who are you?”

“I am Zecora,” smiled the zebra. Her deep cyan eyes were full of wisdom beyond her years. The gold rings around her neck and right leg glimmered in the light of the flames. “This is my home, here you are safe from the unknown,”

The zebra grabbed a wooden bowl from the table and filled the bowl with the liquid of the cauldron. “Drink this brew and feel once again new,”

Lux stared at the bowl in his hands, a sharp odor of herbs and garlic emanated from the murky green liquid in the bowl. He looked up at Zecora who only stared back at him with a hint of curiosity in her eyes. Knowing he had no choice the young man took a deep breath bringing the bowl to his lips and took a large drink of the liquid. Lux’s face scrunched as the green liquid ran down his throat, a horrid taste lingered in his mouth.

“Yes the taste is full of dread,” chuckled Zecora. “It is still better than being dead,”

“What happened?” Lux touched the soft bandage that covered the side his head. “Those things showed up and then...”

“IT WAS SO AWESOME!” Scootaloo jumped up and down excitedly. “The way you cut down those shadows was so cool!” Scootaloo stood on her hind legs swinging her forelegs like a sword. “Then you blasted that last one away with magic!”

“Then you passed out!” added Sweetie Belle. “Thats when Zecora found us, she carried you here,”

“How’d you do that, Lux?” asked Applebloom. “You didn’t tell us you knew how to use magic,”

“I didn’t know I could either,” Lux’s mind echoed with the words that spoke to him before the attack. The image of the sapphire crystal glowing played in his mind. “Where did that crystal come from?”

“You mean the one you had in your hand?” questioned Sweetie Belle. “We put it in your coat pocket when Zecora found us,”

“May I see it?” asked Lux.

“I’ll get it for you,” Sweetie Belle went into the coat that lay on the floor. Only her shape was visible in the black as she moved about in the coat. She finally emerged from the coat holding a sapphire crystal in her mouth. The crystal began glow as she approached the young man. The sudden glow startled the young filly causing her to drop the crystal.

“That glow...” Lux picked the crystal off the ground. A faint blue glow pulsated in his hand. The crystal was warm to the touch. “Crystal Heart...”

“It's so pretty!” Sweetie Belle stared at the crystal entranced by it's glow. “Rarity would go crazy over something like this! Can I touch it, Lux?”

“Sure you can,” Lux extended the crystal towards her. Just as Sweetie Belle placed her hoof on the crystal it began to pulsate faster. The bright glow diminished to its faint state as she withdrew her hoof away from the crystal.

‘Whoa...do that again!” exclaimed Scootaloo.

Sweetie Belle extended her hoof and placed it on the crystal once more. Again the crystal brightly glowed with the touch of the boy and the unicorn.

“Can I try?” Applebloom walked towards the two and placed her hoof on the crystal. The strength of the glow increased. Scootaloo followed and placed her hoof on the crystal as well. The crystal no longer glowed but shined brightly.

“Is it reacting to all of us?” asked Applebloom.

“Lux, Could it be your friend’s light gave you the power to stand and fight?” said Zecora. “ There is much I do not know but perhaps your power has yet to grow,”

“This power...” Lux stared at the crystal remembering the voice that echoed in his mind.

“The heart is the key...”

“What does this all mean?” Lux wondered.

“Lux!” Applebloom’s ears perked up. “What about your memories?”

“I almost forgot!” Lux’s heart began to beat quickly in his chest. “Zecora, Do you know how retrieve memories?”

“Memories?”

“Lux can’t remember anything about who he is,” added Sweetie Belle.

“I see... to help reconnect your memories I would do so gladly,” Zecora’s smile quickly faded. “But it is something I am unable to do sadly,”

“Oh...” the young man and the three fillies stared down at the floor defeated. The answer was still far away.

“Do not think that defeat is for sure,” said Zecora. “I can assure even in the darkest night there is still light. You seek to fill the pages of your memory that are blank just as the girls seek the cutie mark on their flank. It is up to you to reconnect the key and in turn find out who you may be,”

“Don’t worry we’ll find out together!” Applebloom smiled at the young man. “Won’t we, Lux?”

“You girls want to help me?”

“Of course silly!” exclaimed Sweetie Belle. “Aren’t we friends?”

“Yeah and friends help each other out no matter what!” Scootaloo pounded her hooves together.

“Thanks, girls,” Lux smiled at the three fillies. A warm feeling rushed over his heart. “I must thank you as well Zecora, for saving me,”

“Do not thank me for the deed, I am happy to help friends in need,” smiled Zecora. “Now it is time to go be at home instead of out here alone,”

“But what about you, Zecora?” asked Lux.

“I will be fine,” assured Zecora. “It is not yet my time,”

“Is it safe to go out there?” asked Sweetie Belle. “What about those monsters?”
“Do not be afraid Sweetie Belle, the lights I have set along the path shall illuminate the way but from the lights do not stray,” replied Zecora as she opened the door to the outside.

Zecora came closer to Lux whispering to him as the girls left the hut first. “Beware the darkness’ veil, for following it will only lead to the end of your tale,”

“What darkness?” Lux pondered the reason for her advice. Lux nodded his head at the Zebra and rejoined the group. “Goodbye Zecora, thanks for everything!”

The group departed from the hut and followed the glow of Zecora’s magenta lanterns that hung from the trees. Despite the safety of the illuminated path Lux could help but feel he was being watched.

“We’re here!” Applebloom happily cheered as the light from the house at Sweet Apple Acres came into view like a lighthouse in the dark. The group happily raced to the farm relieved to leave the darkness of the forest. From the light of the house the familiar form of a mare ran towards them, her green eyes filling with tears.

“Applejack!” Applebloom happily embraced her older sister. Applejack held her little sister tightly in her forelegs.

“Do y’all know how late it is?!” Applejack pointed her hoof towards the moon in the night sky. “I’ve been looking been looking around everywhere worried sick! Where did y’all go this time?!”

“R-Relax, Applejack,” Applebloom gave a nervous smile. “We went to go see Zecora, We thought maybe Zecora could help Lux get his memories back. I guess we lost track of time,”

“Y’all just happen to forget seeing’ the sun go down?” Applejack’s eyes darted towards the young man with a displeased gaze. Displeasement soon turned to confusion as she noticed the bandage on the side of his head and the several tears to his coat. Her eyes moved towards the three fillies, noticing their dirt covered faces and leaves that were strewn in their matted manes.

“What happened?” said Applejack with a stern expression.

“We got attacked by inky monsters and Lux fought them off with magic! You shou-” Scootaloo covered her mouth and swallowed hard. Her ears flattened as Applejack gave a furious gaze in her direction.

“INSIDE NOW!!” ordered an enraged Applejack. Her patience for the group had reached its end.

The girls shook at the sound of Applejack’s voice. Obediently, the girls began to walk towards the house. “Lets go, Lux,”

“No, Lux stays. I need to have a talk with him alone and y’all are already in enough trouble as it is. Especially you, Applebloom,” Applejack stared at her sister with a cross look on her face. “I ain’t gonna repeat myself again, inside now,”

Applebloom lowered her head in shame. The girls walked into the house looking back at their friend with sadness in their eyes. Applejack watched and waited as the three vanished into the house before placing her focus on the young man.

“Who are you really?” questioned the earth pony. “You just show up out of nowhere, you say don’t remember anything and now you know how to use magic?”

“I wish I knew the answer as well, Applejack,” replied Lux. “Applebloom and the girls wanted to help and that’s why we went into the Everfree Forest and then we got attacked by a group of strange monsters. Thats when I discovered I could use magic. The blame falls on me not them and I will leave if thats what you see fit,”

“No...” Applejack shook her head and sighed. “That’s not what I want,”

“What?”

“You can stay,” Applejack smile softly smiled at Lux. “I don’t think I could go on if I lost my little sister. You saved her and her friends, thank you...”

“I’m sorry for endangering them,” Lux stared at the ground. “I should have said no when they offered to help,”

“It's alright, sugarcube,” Applejack extended her hoof towards him. “Just promise me no more trips into Everfree Forest,”

“Promise,” smiled Lux as he bumped his fist against her hoof.

“Go get some rest, we’ve all had a long day,” Applejack trotted back into the house, “Goodnight, sugarcube!”

“Goodnight!”

Lux slowly made his way back into the barn; the door creaked loudly as it shut behind him. He traversed the dark barn to his hammock guided by the rays of moonlight that shone through the cracked ceiling. He breathed a sigh of relief as he lied down happy that his tired and beat up body was finally able to rest. Everything now seemed to be a dream in the distance. He quickly drifted off into the darkness of sleep, voices whispering to him once more.

“Lux...”

“Silence her...”

Author's Note

My apologies again for the long delay for this chapter. Self-doubt, writer's block, work, and school are an unpleasant plate to deal with. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter and feel free to leave feedback and critique. Have an excellent day! :twilightsmile:

Chapter 4: Into the Slumber of Darkness

Into the Darkness of Slumber

“Ancestors, please hear me!”

“I have to warn them! But where could it be?”

Zecora rapidly flipped through the pages of the book unable to find the answer she sought. She placed the book back on the self and grabbed another. Yet, with each book after book that she read through yielded no result. Zecora rubbed her head in frustration as she closed the last book.

“It has to be somewhere...” Zecora stared at one of the masks that hung on her wall. A strange shadow was cast within the mask by flames that flickered from the fireplace. “Could it be there?”

Zecora moved towards the mask and slowly removed it from its place on the wall. A large scroll was stuck to the mask. She lightly blew on the scroll kicking up a cloud of dust in the air. The papyrus itself frail and wrinkled worn out by the flow of time. Numerous faded hieroglyphs and drawings were written as she carefully unwrapped the scroll. Her heart began to sink further and further as she continued analyzing the writing.

“The gift of the goddess and the Tome of Tarta-”

A loud knock echoed through the hut breaking Zecora’s focus. She cautiously walked towards the door and opened it to find a familiar young man standing before her.

“Lux? Why are you here at my home all alone?” asked the zebra with a puzzled expression.

“...” The young man extended his hand. Zecora crashed against the wall launched by a blast of shadowy magic. She shook as she struggled to rise to her hooves. The young man extended his hand once more a large dark shadowy hand materialized constricting Zecora and pinning her to the wall.

“Y-You are not Lux...” said Zecora as she struggled to free herself.

“You should have learned to mind your own business,” replied the young man. “I had a feeling you knew a little too much, not many individuals know about the power of a crystal of the heart.

“Those monsters... I should have known!” Zecora stared at the glowing emerald eyes of the young man. “What are you planning to do with the tome?!”

“If you are so eager to know then perhaps you should see for yourself,” grinned the young man.

“Stop this! It is not too late!” Zecora pleaded with the boy. “Do not chain yourself to this fate!”

“Such hypocrisy! You creatures pride yourselves on the very aspect of chaining to fate!” exclaimed the young man as he turned away from the zebra. His eyes captivated by the dancing flames of the fireplace. He focused back on the zebra with a small smile on his face. “Don’t worry, you will come to appreciate what I am trying to accomplish,”

A portal black as night formed next to the young man. Zecora thrashed about as she began to inch closer to the void dragged by the boy’s magic.

“Goodnight, Zecora,” said the young man as he watched Zecora consumed by the darkness.

The young man picked up the scroll that lay on the floor where the zebra once was and tossed it into the fireplace. The scroll crackled as the flames slowly devoured it. A large smile grew on his face as he left the hut.

“Bound by fate or by bonds. Either way it will all vanish in the end”

Moonlight poured through the windows of the castle as the moon sat high in the night sky. The halls of the castle were silent and peaceful but the tranquility did nothing to quell the anger of the prince that walked the halls.

“”Absolutely not! I will never allow this!” Bah!” mumbled the prince. “The nerve of that... that, that brute! How dare he reject a plan as perfect as mine?!”

Blueblood paused and sat next to a stained glass window, the window carrying the image of Princess Celestia using the Elements of Harmony to banish Nightmare Moon. The image of Shining Armor manifested itself in his mind; he did not care for what the captain thought of him and his proposal or what anypony’s view of him was as well. He stepped back staring at the image for a last time and continued on onward down the hall.

“Oh auntie,” sighed the prince as he opened the golden doors of his room. “How long can you continue fighting on your own?”

Only the moonlight that came through the windows faintly illuminated the room casting shadows on every part of it. The faint ticking of a grandfather clock echoed through the room. The prince slowly walked through the room an uneasy feeling overwhelmed him.

“W-Who’s there?!” muttered Blueblood attempting to peer into the shadows. “Show yourself!”

Blueblood breathed a heavy sigh as only the ticking of the clock reached his ears. “Just my imagin-”

“Why are you so nervous?” a voice echoed behind the prince. Blueblood spun around as fast as he could and set his eyes on the voice. The shadowy silhouette of a bipedal creature stood before with its cold green eyes focused on him. The prince staggered backwards struggling to muster the courage to speak.

“G-Guards! Guards!” called out Blueblood. “There is an intruder in my chamber!”

The creature tossed an object in the air. The object fell to the floor with a loud clang as it rolled towards the prince. Blueblood’s eyes widened with shock as the object came into the moonlight. A cracked sapphire helm gleamed in the light.

“Your guards are taking a well deserved rest,” smiled the creature.

The prince bolted towards the door not once looking back, his heart beating in his chest like a hammer to a nail. The prince lunged at the door only to crash against it. Prince Blueblood fell backwards the pain of the impact spreading through his body; he stared at the door dumbfounded. A wall of ink-like shadow was now covering the door. The creature emerged from the shadows carrying the same cold looking in his eyes as before.

“Your guards told me a lot about you, Prince Blueblood of Equestria,” said the creature. “I ask that you stay awhile, we have some things to discuss,”

“W-What are you?” muttered Blueblood failing to conceal the fear in his voice. “What do you want?”

“It's nice to meet you, your highness. I am Thanatos Di Selene,” replied the creature with a courteous bow. “Princess Celestia is aware that the tome is missing correct? Would you happen to know how she plans to retrieve it?”

“You... You are the one who stole the Tome of Tartarus!” exclaimed Prince Blueblood.

“Perhaps...” shrugged Thanatos. “But that is not important, you know don’t you?”

“So what if I do?” snorted Blueblood. “Do you think I will tell you because I will do no such thing!”

“You are in no position to be testing me,” Thanatos’ eyes filled with murderous intent. Shadows in the form of swords materialized around the prince, the blades began to float towards him.

“A-Alright!” Blueblood muttered as the swords pressed against his neck. “They left the file in my writing desk!”

“Good,” Thanatos raised his hand disintegrating the swords around the prince’s neck. “Bring it to me,”

Prince Blueblood cautiously made his way to his writing desk. He pointed his horn at the file; a blue hue enveloped the file lifting it into the air. The prince walked back to the young man, his head hung low in shame.

“Here...” Blueblood averted his eyes away from the young man as the file floated towards him.

“Hm...” Thanatos flipped through the various pages of the file. A small file formed on his face. “Thank you your highness. Now then, I have an offer for you,”

“What?!” Prince Blueblood looked up at the young man with confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Join us, Prince Blueblood,” replied Thanatos. “You can help shepherd the inhabitants of this world to something far better. You have the potential to become the hero that could save the empire,”

“Lead the world into something better?”

“I can be a hero?”

The thoughts slowly crept into Blueblood’s mind. He smiled entertaining the idea of his subjects adoring him, showering him with gifts, praising him. However, the warm memories of his aunt appeared in his mind bringing him back to reality.

“No! I will never betray Aunt Celestia!”

“I see... that is unfortunate,” sighed Thanatos as he stared at the prince with a calm demeanor. Blueblood attempted to back away only to find the shadows wrapped around his body like snakes tieing him to floor. “Your loyalty is admirable but ill-placed,”

“Let me go!” cried the prince.

“Do not be afraid, you will not feel a thing,” Thanatos placed his hand on the prince’s head. Blueblood’s eyes widened with horror as a green light began to glow from the hand. The flash of a green light flickered in the room.

“Good night, your highness,” the young man melted away into the darkness.

The cobblestone streets of Canterlot echoed with the footsteps of Thanatos, he stared at the moon that illuminated the sleeping city.

“Master, the night is beautiful just as you have always made them,” Thanatos basked in the moon’s radiance. “This wretched place does not deserve to be in the presence of your night,”

“You... You’re human aren’t you?” said a voice.

Thanatos turned towards the voice that had spoke. A mare with cyan eyes stared at him, her coat was a light amber and her mane a a mix of yellow and blazing crimson. A brown cloak covered the rest of her body.

“Maybe you are correct,” Thanatos placed his hands behind his head with a smile on his face. “I’m impressed, I didn’t think there were others in this world who know about humans,”

“How do you know about this world?” questioned the mare. “Aren’t you from the high school?”

“What’s High School?” The young man tilted his head in wonder.

“What?!” a dumbfounded expression grew across her face. “You’re not from the mirror world?”

“Sorry, I really have no idea what you’re talking about,” Thanatos lowered his hands. He coldly stared at the mare. “I can’t have you wandering about with all that knowledge you have so you’re coming with me,”

“Why don’t you make me?”

“As you wish,” Thanatos’ eyes glowed with excitement. The young man charged towards the mare at full speed. The mare confidently stepped back and pointed her horn towards the young man. A cyan hue enveloped her horn as a blast of magic shot forth hitting the young man in the chest. His body fell to the ground and lay motionless.

“You should’ve known better than to underestimate me,” said the mare with a poised smile.

“Could have said it better myself!” her heart stopped as the young man’s voice echoed behind her. She quickly turned readying another magic blast but it was too late, the shadows wrapped around her tightly dragging her into a dark void.

“Keep moving,” the shadowy swords hovered around her limiting her movement as she and the young man continued further and further down the cave. The cave howled with the echoes of the wind from the outside. The faint light of the crystals embedded in the walls of the cave illuminated their path.

“Where are we going?” the mare looked back at the young man.

“You’ll see...” replied Thanatos. The two walked into a large chamber. The walls were embedded with crystals making the chamber vibrant with light. The mare could see the glowing eyes of the Changelings as they peered out of the other tunnels curious to see their guest or their next meal. A cold bead of sweat rolled down the side of her face, this many Changelings could only mean one thing; their queen was nearby. The young man halted in the center of the chamber forcing the mare to stop as well. She looked past the swords that were still pointed at her and set her eyes to the end of the chamber.

The two figures that sat atop thrones carved out of rock stared back at her; the insect-like wings and jagged horn of the first figure were all too familiar. The green eyes of the Changeling Queen stared at the mare with distaste. The second figure donned the same black coat and glowing cat-like eyes of Thanatos.

“Welcome back, Thanatos,” said the figure as it stared her with interest. “I see you have brought a guest. I take it everything went well?”

“Yes master, it did,” Thanatos pulled the file out of his coat and held it out as he knelt before the figure. A dark green hue enveloped the file lifting it into the air and towards the figure. “I even made a few friends especially her. She speaks of a mirror world,”

“That is quite interesting, you have done well,” said the figure. “Now then, why don’t you make our guest feel at home?”

“Yes, master,” Thanatos extended his hand melting away the shadowy swords that had surrounded her.

“Introduce yourself my dear,”

“My name is Sunset Shimmer,” the mare walked forward. “And who are you?”

“You may call me, Dia,” answered the figure. “This is my friend, Chrys-”

“I already know who she is,” Sunset Shimmer stared at the Changeling Queen with apathy. “So this is where the mighty Changeling Queen is hiding. In a cave,”

“I’d watch my tongue if I were you, little foal,” Chrysalis said with a venomous glare.

“Answer me, Dia,” Sunset Shimmer focused on the figure. “What are you planning?”

“To liberate this world from the darkness that plagues it, from Celestia,” replied Dia.

“Whatever,” Sunset Shimmer rolled her eyes. “You can’t beat her, in the end you will end up like Chrysalis, here pitifully licking your wounds,”

“Why you insolent little rat!” seethed Chrysalis.

“Enough,” Dia raised her hoof calming the Changeling Queen. She arose from her throne and approached the young mare. Sunset Shimmer slowly took a step back mesmerized by her emerald eyes.

“I sense vast potential in you,” said Dia. “I can help you awaken to your full potential. Join us, Sunset Shimmer,”

“You’re just empty promises...” Sunset Shimmer looked away in rancor, “Empty promises just like Celestia,”

“Ah, I see...” Dia’s eyes gleamed with curiosity. “You were my sister’s pupil before Twilight Sparkle. “She is a more malleable replacement it would seem,”

“Shut up...” Sunset shimmer gritted her teeth. “Whatever her abilities are they are nothing compared to mine,”

“It's alright,” Dia extended her hoof towards her. “ I understand your pain,”

“You know nothing!!” Sunset Shimmer slapped Dia’s hoof away. Her eyes filled with tears. “To be replaced and forgotten like some kind of old toy! You don’t know what it's like to be forgotten by the only one you ever cared about!”

“But I do, Sunset Shimmer,” Dia slowly pulled off her cowl letting her starry blue mane flow freely. “I too know the pain of being forgotten,”

“Princess Luna?!” Sunset Shimmer’s mouth dropped as the princess of the night stood before her. “But you and Celestia made amends!”

“Yet things are the same as they were thousands of years ago, I am still nothing more than a shadow to the sun,” Dia wrapped her forelegs around Sunset Shimmer bringing the young mare close her. “I will guide the world to the light of a new era where nopony is forgotten and alone bound to their fate. It will be a world where everypony is happy,”

Dia guided Sunset Shimmer towards a large mirror-like crystal embedded in the wall. The young mare stared into the crystal, the reflection of an alicorn princess donning a star-like crown gently smiled at her.

“I need a successor to reign over the new world,” Dia stared at Sunset Shimmer. “I believe you can be that successor. The choice is yours to make, young one,”

“I’ll do it,” Sunset Shimmer stared at Dia with newfound hope in her eyes. “What do I need to do?”

“Just close your eyes...” Dia whispered sweetly.

Author's Note

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Feel free to leave critique and feedback. Have a lovely night and Season 5! :twilightsmile: