"We've got more coming from Canterlot, Twilight!" Spike yelled out from across the hallway.
"Okay, Spike!" She answered, organising her books from A-Z in their respective categories; action, adventure, dark, sci-fi, history and others that don't need mentioning. It was just like a normal library except the shelves were much taller and everything was packed into one whole, crystal room.
Grunts were heard slowly approaching the castle's library as Twilight lifted Spike's load with ease to place on the shelf. And then again, then again and then finally, the deliveries stopped.
"There's no more, Spike?" Twilight called out, "Spike!" Before she called out once more, she found Spike resting his head on a stack of history books.
"Better get him to bed. I'll just-" She floated the books over to the shelf and organised them neatly into their new slots before she caught a glimpse of a peculiar title - The Conquest of Equestria.
"The... Conquest?" She questioned the book, "It's probably just some fiction," She rubbed her head, "Though it does sound quite interesting. A different take of how Equestria was united?"
She gazed carefully at the blurb of the book whilst carrying Spike using her magic. It read:
Based on true events about The Great Conquest II or better known as The Conquest for Equestria.
This book is about The Early Times when everypony wanted Equestria to be theirs. Blood was spread across the vast plains, soldiers were violently slaughtered, young stallions were sent to their deaths and Equestria's inhabitants were furious.
The main leaders who fought in The Great Conquest was brought up once again in another bloodbath - Their only hope after The Conquest for Equestria ended was no more wars. This was reinforced by a new princess to rule over the land in peace.
Although The Conquest of Equestria was a frightening event to many, it had left some good benefits for today's life like new methods of transport, spells and legends.
"There is no way that this a work of non-fiction. It just isn't!" Twilight protested, "The Conquest for Equestria? Princess Celestia must know, right? She's probably sleeping right now so I probably shouldn't bother her but still..."
Her excitement turned into confusion and curiosity, trying to figure out whether The Conquest for Equestria was an actual time. She turned to the cover, revealing nothing but a golden title of the book and the featured ponies - Prince Canterlot, Commander Baron, Emperor Arcane. Strangely, the fourth and final name was scratched off like they didn't want anypony to know who else wrote the book.
Finally, Twilight reached Spike's room plopping him on his comfy dragon bed. It had a dark blue bedding with a lighter shade as his blanket. Nothing too special but Spike liked it better than his smaller bed he had moving into Ponyville.
"Goodnight, Spike. You did well today." She admired as she trotted off to her own room, just a few more rooms forward.
The crystal walls were cold, as well as the cool floor. The only audible sounds you could have heard was Twilight's echoing hoof-steps clopping towards her bedroom and her magic, carrying her mysterious book.
She swung the door snail-like as she was focused analysing the old book that was somewhat written ages ago. Twilight sat down on the edge of her bouncy bed as she flipped to the first page - it was the title, like any other book she's read.
Twilight shut the door with her magic while shimmying into her blankets like how Rarity would as to not mess up the covers. This time, Twilight's reading her book while performing her action.
Finally, she was fully comfortable in her bed and she flicked the lights off everywhere in the castle. From her knowledge, Starlight was out in Canterlot studying with Sunburst so everypony in the castle was safe from running into a wall.
She read:
Chapter I: Finding Another Continent
It was Late Bloom and the leader of the Serrated Voyagers decided to set sail for the Mane Empire, north-west of their homeland. Their leader, Captain Sharp Edge, stocked up many supplies for the trip and to trade for a limited time. He even allowed his crew members and some common folk to embark on the long journey as well.
Their adventure began with a large storm, threatening everypony with its swift flashes and dashes. During the time, they had believed the gods were against them that day because of what their captain did during The Eastern Stalemate (It had occurred during The Great Conquest I). Unfortunately, several ponies, both crew and folk, died during the storm. Some ponies had fallen over the ship due to high waves towering over them. They fought the waves while more supplies went off-board and into the dark, deep sea. Their struggles were not in vain as they had lost nearly all their belongings and supplies for the trade.
Once the storm had died down, they collected themselves, counted all the ponies left on-board, secured their only supplies and reinforced their ship with extra planks they brought along. Fortunately, they still had a magic powered compass, leading them to the Mane Empire - They only had to point the compass north-west and sail for a several hours.
It was a cool night with clear gems scattered across the dark sky. The ship’s bard was singing and drinks were being had, not cider though, no, their sober selves controlled the amount of beverages that were served. The candle lights provided little lighting setting a campfire-like mood around the ship. The captain, however, wasn’t in the feast - he was on the lookout.
Sharp Edge had noted that the waves were becoming taller and crashing onto the ship more often. They weren’t violent waves, just a little too high to be comfortable with. From his experiences, they usually meant a submarine was going at high speed - usually to signal, “Run,” or “Help us fight back!” - or large ships were on the way to their position. His thoughts were broken by the sight of a dome-shaped warhead headed towards the ship.
“Everypony! Brace for impact!” He yelled, the presumed warhead smashed into the ship. However, it wasn’t a missile.
Suddenly, the shape emerged from the salty sea and an enormous Squidhead (Kraken-like monster) appeared, displaying its massive tentacles, ready to attack on the ship.
“Full speed!” Sharp Edge demanded as the Squidhead raised his tentacles in attack.
With immense force, the Squidhead brutally smashed the stern, sending some ponies out to sea, killing some in the process. Dripping blood could be seen from the vicious tentacle as the Squidhead readied for another attack, this time to the bow.
“Unicorns, the tentacle!”
Swiftly, the unicorns aboard blasted a fire spell on the oncoming tentacle, ceasing its attack but sending the limp tentacle down onto the deck, creating an oversized dent.
“Fire the cannons!”
With a swift motion, cannons were taken out from below and the crew lit the gunpowder and cannons exploded a stone ball, hitting the Squidhead in all areas - head and all.
Suddenly, Captain Sharp Edge tore out his sword, pounced from the railings and stabbed the mighty beast, sending it back into the ocean. He retrieved his weapon, leaped back onto the damaged ship. All that was shown was blood, on Sharp Edge and around his ship. He had struck his blow on the creature’s heart.
“What do we do now, captain?” A crewmember asked anxiously, “We’ve nearly lost everything and we’re not even near the Mane Empire.”
Captain Sharp sighed in disappointment, “First, we try to fix the boat, account everything that is still on the ship and finally,” he paused, “We head to the Mane Empire.”
Groans and sighs filled the broken deck after the announcement was made, “I know, ponies, it isn’t what we want but it’s for the best. The Mane Empire is the closest we’ve got but we’ll have to rebuild this ship for us to get there. Furthermore, we’ll have to stay there for a while until we earn bits to get back.”
The unicorns accounted everypony and their remaining supplies, the pegasi gathered some retrievable debris and supplies for the ship and the earth ponies helped fix the ship. Their struggles were not in vain as in 83 minutes, they had accounted 13 ponies, barrels of fruit, loaves of bread, 2 large jugs of water, 3 jugs of milk, 9 tools, 8 sheets and 7 beds, and they fixed most of their ship. And as always they played their part with a song that boosted their production and morale.
“Raise our ride, raise our ride, one, two, three, four. Together we can raise our ride, one, two, three, four…” They all sung together in perfect harmony.
They ended, “We are the Serated.. Voy-a-gers!”
“Alright, nice job, everypony! Set sail for the Mane Empire!” Captain Sharp Edge ordered with hope.
The crew and common folk cried out with hope as their ship pushed the small waves towards the Mane Empire.
Dull, countless hours had passed and ponies were getting restless to the fact that they didn't want to go on the long journey anymore. It had turned out that nopony had been using magic on the compass and they were headed north-east instead of north-west. Tired and annoyed, Captain Sharp Edge ordered his crew to head to Unicorpia, East of their location and was probably the closest. It was also to recover any lost sales-items and for ponies to rest for the next voyage.
After more several hours had passed, Captain Sharp Edge gazed upon the northern horizon (their magic-powered compass had been working now since they realised no one was using it) and found something peculiar - the horizon was serrated-like. He snatched a telescope and there were more strange outlines. Suddenly, the small serrated-like edges became taller, darker shapes. However, it was different from Unicorpia but they didn't know that. Land was in sight and hopes were high.
Finally, they had arrived near the coast but there were no seaports. There was only untouched vegetation, yellow, sodden sand and green grass around their surroundings. This emitted a light inside their captain's head.
They had found new land.
"Interesting..." Twilight analysed the text, "This is how they found Equestria? Fascinating!" She admired, still glancing at the pages left to go.
It was a thick book - one of Twilight's favourites - filled with hundreds of historical information. Using her magic, she checked the time; 12:35am, "Wow, I was sorting books and reading for that long?" She asked herself, amazed, "I should have some shut-eye. Goodnight everypony." She gazed out her cool, open windows and slowly shut her eyes, dreaming about what is to come next in The Conquest of Equestria.
Author's Note
Alrighty, another project I'm working on. Don't worry, I'm still working on my other main stories and my mini-series. In fact, I'm nearly finished writing and editing my second book for the Pony Per Book. A lot of work with my school studies too but I can manage. All I ask is for everyone to be patient.
Thank you!
Oh yes, and one final note. I put in a parody song in this chapter and I found it really cringey of how I had put it together. But now it's there and I decided to keep it because why not?
As always, enjoy reading!
-Mr User
As Celestia's sun curved over the horizon, Twilight was snuggling soundly in her sheets. That was until the morning rays shun through her window and potentially blinded her. She moaned, sitting up to close the curtain with her magic. Twilight plopped down on her soft, but messy, pillows to rest once more but she had also landed on the books she had been reading last night, The Conquest for Equestria.
She gasped excitedly at the sight of the book and was about to read it until Spike burst through the door yelling, "Sorry to interrupt, Twilight, but Princess Celestia is coming to visit the castle-"
Twilight jumped out of bed from the excitement and nervousness of loyalty. Though one herself, she had always considered herself to be a 'lower-class' than she is to Princess Cadence or Princess Luna. The princesses had told her repetitively that she was as equal as them but Twilight's picture of that was just a plain blur.
She straightened her mane and combed her, now tidy, coat. Twilight dashed to the bathroom to cleanse her hooves. There was no reason to do it, but hearing the incoming presence of Princess Celestia, she had to be the best for her. It had only taken her a few minutes to prepare but it was better than being late.
Spike grunted after chasing her around the castle (except the bathroom), "Slow down, Twilight. I wasn't even finished."
"Oh," She sheepishly giggled, "Sorry, Spike. What else is there?"
"She told me that she was coming to teach you a new spell - here, take a look." Spike handed the letter accordingly.
Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle,
I, Princess Celestia, shall be having a temporary visit at your castle to assess it's appearance (especially your library), stability and residence of Ponyville. With the visit, I shall offer a new spell I have been waiting to teach ever since Starburst had shown me. Unfortunately, he is unable to accompany me as he is busy with some current affairs occurring in the Crystal Empire. I shall be arriving promptly outside your castle.
Signed, Princess Celestia
"A new spell?" She heaved a breath, hooves clamped her face in excitement, "Spike, make a list of anything that is in need of cleaning like my bookshelves or the cutie map and maybe even the royal kitchen."
"Uh, Twilight?" She turned to face Spike, "They're already done - we don't really touch any of them at all and the library just got cleaned last night when we were arranging books."
Twilight gave a childish smile of embarrassment, "Oh.. well then, I guess we wait for the Princess. But what if she doesn't think it's good enough? Or what if she wants to learn more about humans? Did she miss that in her entry? Oh no, oh no!" She scrambled about, exchanging breaths for every step.
"Don't worry, Twilight. It's just an occasional visit from Princess Celestia. I don't think she'll be bothered by anything wrong."
"That's the thing - it's an occasional visit! We need everything to be as perfect as it can be." Her eyes darted for things out-of-place or messy.
Spike, knowing he wouldn't win the conversation, sighed, "Alright, go do your thing - just know that everything is fine and there is nothing to worry about."
Just then, the sound of flapping wings and chariot wheels were heard outside of Twilight's castle. In slight panic, Twilight zoomed around the castle for anything untidy. But in doing so, received a wing-workout since Spike wasn't lying - the whole castle seemed to be unused except for the library.
Using her magic, she straightened her mane as it was and pushed the doors open to make a grand entrance for the princess. As expected, she was there - sitting in the chariot, waving to the two. She carefully cantered out from her ride to the castle, sending the pegasi back to Canterlot.
Instinctively, Twilight Sparkle bowed in the presence of Princess Celestia. She chuckled slightly at this remark and placed a hoof under her chin to bring it up.
"You know you don't have to do that, Twilight. You are a princess too," Princess Celestia reminded as Twilight stared at her wings, embarrassed at her actions, "Ah, but don't worry about that, Twilight. I have come here to view the castle and Ponyville."
"And teach Twilight about that new spell, right?" Spike interjected, Princess Celestia nodded in her response.
She had also noted of Twilight's giddy excitement in the corner of her eye, bouncing about unsteadily in her idle body. Her eyes then trailed towards the interior of the castle, sending Twilight's mood into a more serious one.
Twilight and Spike trailed the princess around the castle, ending the journey with the library. She had scanned the arrangement of books, noticing some books out of place, some even missing. Twilight's eyes shot open, realising this disaster, but Princess Celestia didn't mind. She ambled outside the library ready to give an opinion.
"Twilight, you have done well in maintaining this castle ever since it has dawned. The library is neatly arranged, the rooms are quite alright and everything else is just splendid," Twilight exhaled deeply, letting her stress rush out and feel relaxed, "Since I am still available at this time, I think it is appropriate to teach my student something new."
Twilight gasped while she contained her excitement. The thought of something new to learn while being an alicorn was absolutely thrilling! Before, she had thought that being an alicorn meant that you already knew about anything. Turns out, it just meant that you were more royal and powerful.
"I am going to teach you a spell," Twilight was about to burst her bubble hearing those few words.
She gleefully tapped her hooves on the crystal floor and waited for Princess Celestia's one-of-a-kind teachings. Princess Celestia asked Twilight to find a historic book and she had already knew of one that stuck with her thoughts endlessly.
Nodding her head, she sped off to her bedroom in search for the book. Obviously, it wasn't hard to find since it was just lying on her bed. Hastily, she trotted eagerly to the princess and presented the book, giving Princess Celestia a worried but glad expression.
"Ah. I see you have found this title," Princess Celestia seemed impressed, "How is it so far?"
"It has its questions but I'm really excited to read all of it. Is this spell going to help me understand this book, princess?" She started before stating every possible function of the new, unknown spell.
Princess Celestia raised her hand in silence before Twilight apologised, waiting for her next instruction.
"This complex spell requires a developed mind of history, great logistics but a fine imagination. I imagine you have all of those traits, Twilight," She winked, "First, levitate the book in the air, slowly flipping through pages."
She did so, already skipping from where she had begun.
"Now, hoist the book in the air and spin it while flipping through it pages." She quickly ordered, slowly forming the limited pages to thousands and then to millions.
"Chant the book's name." She announced.
"The Conquest of Equestria!" Twilight shouted, making her eyes glow a bright orange.
This caused a couple of sparks escape her eyes and onto her coat, suddenly failing the spell. The book shot from her horn and the pages quickly turned to its usual. Twilight laid on the floor, her chest pumped her spine up and down.
"It's okay, Twilight. Receiving such long passages of information is quite difficult. However, I do not fail to see why you chose that book. Try again." She levitated the book back to her in anticipation of her taking it.
She transferred the magic over to Twilight and she began once more. The steady whirring of her horn illuminated the hallways while the book flew in the air. Its pages flipped furiously and Twilight's closed, concentrated eyes lit up and forced themselves open, revealing her bright state once again. She chanted her words and a flash shielded her eyes.
Twilight's vision turned white and what soon appeared was a clear portrait in front of her with moving pictures and audible voices. She blinked a couple of times until she reassured her surroundings.
Princess Celestia was still standing beside her, Spike was sitting down and the book was nowhere to be seen. All of them were still in the castle and this new entity facing them was a whole new mystery to Twilight. She observed it closer, detailing what she could see.
Various ponies, merchants, guards and common folk were boarding a ship with a variety of items. Soon, they set sail for the journey ahead. Next, a few complications rose, some being similar to a certain book she read last night. And finally, an ending with their ship ending at a new area.
The missing copy of The Conquest for Equestria, the moving objects in front of them, similar events to a certain book. This was a visual representation of that book - an uninterrupted world in which ponies can watch what unfolded in the past.
This was only the beginning of the book. Many pages lie unseen, ready to be read.
Author's Note
Hope you've had a good read. From the schedule, Odd Beginnings should be next. However, I think I'll take a break from writing (only for a few days, really) because school is up and I need to focus on my upcoming exams. Good luck to those that have assessments coming up.
But as always, enjoy reading!
-Mr User
