The Traverser Part IIby TheTwinsChaptersThe Past Reminds UsThe Preparation For The CrusadeThe ReunionThe Past Reminds Us“The Traverser Part II Chapter I” “For so long I waited for the time when I would breathe fresh air once again. I kept track of the days and slowly they became longer merging together into an endless instance. To exist but be without freedom was a cruel torture that no creature should face despite their evils. Every creature that is but I. The pony that destroyed friendships, betrayed trusts and worst of all made a deal with a trickster causing the desolation of so much. I truly deserved this fate. I pitied Discord and his similar ensnarement. I knew not what fate awaited me at that time. But what I did know was what lead me to this. I a creature having lived for over two thousand years had made a deal with a dark creature known as Silence. I wanted power and in exchange, I gave up my freedom and the lives of countless creatures. I eventually found myself in the world of the ponies and the land of Equestria. My heart having grown cold I wished to wait until Silence came calling. However, I was eventually convinced by these ponies to help in their own battles. One pony in particular, Princess Luna made an impact on my heart. However, in the midst of combat, I made a selfish decision harming my closest friend Simon and betraying his trust. To make matters worse, in the end, I lost Princess Luna to her own darkness and became trapped myself. Of course, that only lasted so long. A very long time yet I was about to meet the newest ponies who would impact my heart. Perhaps they would pull me from my darkness and erase the silence.” I remained silent and unmoving in my cold stone prison. My mind had long gone into a trance-like state to keep myself from insanity. I no longer observed my surroundings after what had to be the first hundred years below the ground. But at this moment my mind was stirred and I observed my surroundings. To my amazement, I was clearly not in the caverns below the two sisters castle any longer. It was dark wherever I was but I could make out what appeared to be a large room. In front of the now stone body I had been given, I saw a plaque. It was not like most signs I had seen, but it was made of a shiny marble of sorts and had very clear and precise markings on it. I thought to myself that I must be in a building of sorts, but as I started to examine my surroundings more closely, I heard a loud crack. Looking around I assumed somepony was nearby. If only I had the ability to speak, I would call somepony to rescue me. Another loud cracking sound comes from somewhere I could not place and to my astonishment, I begin to see light coming from me. Again, another crack sound is made and this time a crack ripples up my face. Finally, after all these years it seems I would be free from this imprisonment. Waiting in anticipation, cracks continue to form and beams of light grow stronger until a large rainbow shoots out of my chest and circles the room. The rainbow seems to be acting on its own and I make out several shapes. I see a small rainbow, a set of diamonds, three balloons, butterflies, apples, and finally a star. The rainbow makes a loop and rushes forward and all around me. It surrounds my body and before I knew it, my body reverted back to its long since organic form. My body goes limp as it searches for the strength to move. Slowly breathing and blinking as my mind becomes clearly aware and all of my senses return. Tensing my soft and tired muscles, I stand on my hooves and look around once more. “Am I truly back? Its been so long since that night.” Looking back to where I had been, I can read the plaque clearly. It reads something about medieval pony stonework and it makes me realize that whoever found me must have not known anything about me. Looking closer, I read some nonsense about sculpting and in the bottom corner I read a date. My mouth hangs open and I read it once more assuring myself that what I was reading was true. “I’ve been imprisoned for a thousand years…’’ I hang my head not believing that I had now lived for over three thousand years. A third spent on this world of ponies imprisoned by my friend Luna. I snarl as I realized what I was thinking. Then tears began to drip slowly. “Luna left me here for a thousand years… I trusted another creature yet again and it ended like this. I can’t believe I fell for friendship again.” Rubbing my eyes, I clear my throat. “No more friends for Silver Watch, I trust no pony anymore.” As I stood there thinking of the madness that I had just endured, I think about a simple fact. In all of the time that I have been in Equestria, Silence hasn’t taken me for his bidding. Perhaps my fight with him had injured him. Shaking my head, I realize that his powers were much greater than the trivial wound I inflicted. “Simon, status analysis please.” I wait for him to simply appear but no sign of his existence manifests. Swallowing a knot in my throat I realize that my partner Simon, the tiny pony that traversed the worlds with me had left me for betraying and harming him. “Simon, I am so sorry” As I was contemplating my position, A pony enters the room shining his horn in my eye. “Hey! The museum is closed buster.” I turn and hold my forehooves in front of me to see. The pony came into a clearer view He wore a blue uniform and a badge on his chest read security. His red coat stood out against his white mane and his expression was unpleasant. He began to approach me and his horn charged up in what was obviously a confrontational manner. I saw his body and noticed it was older and worn. I also noticed his body shaking. He was scared and weak. So, I did the best thing at the time. Turning around, I ran towards the wall on the far right. Getting closer I tensed my muscles and sprang head first into the solid construct. Luckily, even though I was weaker, I had a little strength left. The wall crumbled from my might and I exited on the opposite side feeling the rush of fresh air. “Thank goodness the open world” I waited just a moment until the dust settled and to my amazement, there were ponies everywhere. Trotting the streets and pulling carts. Some were looking on in shock at the pony smashing through the building. Quickly I analyzed the area and saw a large building. I tensed my muscles once more and instantly jumped to the top not so gracefully landing. My body in its long slumber had grown weaker and needed nourishment and training. I breather heavily while I looked down on the streets. Magical lights were everywhere, and more ponies than I could count walked about. Eventually, a crowd formed around the building. Reading the sign, I came to find that I was being put on display at the Manehatten museum of art. “Honestly, these ponies had no idea they were putting Silver Watch, the Captain…or former Captain of the Royal guard and The Traverser destroyer of universes on display?” I took a few hours to simply watch the city and take in the new Equestria. It had advanced so much since I last saw it. There were lights that didn’t use magic, very orderly villages that had become huge cities. I was truly lost by the way things had become. But after my time of contemplation, I came to a conclusion. “If I am lost to the ways of these ponies, and my only real pony friend has betrayed me, then I will return to the everfree and seclude myself. I will train and wait for the sad day when Silence comes. I must find a way to stop him. For Simon's sake and existence.” After my day of awakening, I cloaked myself and followed the stars. On my journey back to the everfree, I saw many things. Huge cities full of ponies and smaller villages like I was used to. The ponies had advanced so far in their knowledge and abilities. I was at the same time proud as I was mourning for the loss they might soon come to endure. Finally, I made my way to the everfree. I passed through the pony town known as Ponyville and traveled into the forest to discover it had shrunk due to ponies needing more space and the creatures were much more docile than before. Not friendly but nothing as terrifying as the creatures before. My heart sank as I came to the castle of the two sisters. It lay collapsing in on itself and slowly eroding away. I walked to halls and revisited the courtyard where I had faced Princess Luna who had transformed into the terrible Nightmare Moon. It took every fiber of my being not to use every ounce of my power to level the area. But I came to find myself simply hollow when I stood there. There were scorches from what appeared to be a recent conflict and the smell of magic heavy in the air. So, to avoid the chance of anypony finding me, I traveled to the same spot me and Simon had stayed so long ago. The cave where we had stayed after visiting Trotting Pass. Where he had looked over my weapons and made sure we were prepared for anything. Laying on the same stone I had a thousand years before, I imagine how he would act now. Sighing, I hold my hoof up and try to conjure my blades. “Shooting star, Peacemaker,” I say dully for what must have been the thousandth time. “Just great, I even managed to lose my prized swords in all of this mess. Somewhere out there is the key to unlocking enough power to end a universe and I have no idea where it is.” I bang my head into the rock and star up at the sky. “What could I have done to fix this Simon?” Staring at the moon, I think of how Luna truly loved it and all the ponies. I began to think how by using my powers I had brought despair to her and my partner. “I guess it’s a good thing I’m all alone with no swords…no one to hurt now. Except for him.” “Being alone had given me a time to reflect on what I had done with the three thousand years I had lived. Betrayal, death, and sadness came around every corner like the hands of a clock spinning past the same numbers over and over. My family had been destroyed, I had been given a task that was due to my selfish desires, and sent on a journey where all of my time was spent fighting and learning only to destroy the world I had grown attached to. In Equestria I have learned little in the ways of fighting, but I had let my guard down yet again and gained a real friend. Perhaps she had become more than just that and yet it was all for not as my curse continues to lead me to sorrow. But one thing had been made clear. Now that I had fought Silence, I knew that however small, there was a chance to fight back. I remembered my promise to Simon and the monster that was Silence. I knew that even though I would spend the rest of my days in Silence for my sins, that the days of Silence had to be stopped. If only I knew what had to happen for it to be realized.” Author's Note Hey! I know this chapter is a little short, but I feel it is a good size to get the ball rolling. I would love to hear what everypony thinks! The Preparation For The Crusade“The Traverser Part II Chapter 2 “The months that followed my return to the everfree were marked with reflection. A thousand years may have offered much time for contemplation, but the isolation of the living forest gave shape to the past. Shadows offered visions of those I had wronged, dreams come true, and nightmares to be realized. But perhaps the most painful of all was the reality that just as the everfree was shrinking, my time in solitude would one day come to an end. Little did I know that it would be in the shape of three fillies searching for their destinies.” Awakening from my sleep, I slowly stretched my body and breathed the fresh morning air. Having been the material for a thousand years had made sleeping on a stone floor quite easily. I rose from the ground and began to exit the cave now serving as my home. It was clean, quiet, and free of other creatures. The best possible combination. “Another day of training. Yippee.” As I exited the cave a blinding light struck my eyes the way it had every morning. The clouds in the sky were pearl white and it was going to be a warm day for certain. Trotting ahead, I eventually came to an edge of a cliff. Before me, I could see for miles. The beautiful yet daunting sight of the everfree that no pony was able to see but I. I could see small shapes that were the making of pony homes very far away. Thankfully these ponies feared the everfree and therefore I have had my peace. “Enough relaxing, its time to get started.” Tensing my muscles, I smirked before launching my previously weak body into the air. I soared into the sky gracefully. Though I was only able to fly after unlocking so much of my power against Discord, my legs were plenty strong enough to grant me the illusion of flight. As my ascension slowed, I pointed my limbs toward the clearing I had been using for practice. My body fell faster and faster until my hooves slammed into the ground. “Very good landing Silver!” I said in a voice clearly mimicking a certain green pony. The clearing was very green, the vegetation kept the trees from growing in the area just enough to create a circle where I could train without notice. “Alright, let us see how many we can break today.” Walking to the center of the clearing, I turn and focus on the immense trees before me. Their bark thick and strong. Wider than some cottages and older than most creatures in these lands. I focus my energy into my core slowly breathing in and out causing steam to escape from my nostrils. With a sudden jolt, the sheer build-up of energy rocks the ground. With a swift movement, I dash forward into the first tree smashing the base completely through. The force from my blow causes the trees around to shake and the assaulted tree to crack open. I jump back to the spot and crack my neck. “Ok, let's hoof it up a notch.” I release blasts of energy from my hooves in the direction all around me aiming for the bases of the trees but keeping my focus so that they are split and not simply breaking. After releasing the volley of attacks, I retire from the assault and wait for the trees to begin to fall. And just like predicted, the great trees slowly begin to topple in unison. I close my eyes and grin as they are halfway to the end of their journey to the ground. Suddenly, I am caught off guard by a scream. “Help!” A trio of fillies’ yell in the distance. From the corner of the opening, there appears to be a small white, orange, and crème colored group of fillies. “Somepony save us!” For some reason, the instinct to save these ponies surfaced. I knew it was my fault that they had been placed in danger. The speed I moved had made time seem like a simple plaything. In less than an instant, I grasped the trio of ponies and had them back in the safety of the clearing. They continued to scream even after opening their eyes. They were only quieted by the thunderous roar of newly toppled trees meeting the ground. “Ok, Ok, Ok! You are safe now!” The ponies slowly come to the realization that they were no longer in peril and pat each other to make sure it was no dream. The red maned earth pony filly breathes out heavily. “Goodness sake, I can’t believe we’re ok. Scootaloo, are all your feathers ok? The Pegasus still shaking checks her rather small wings and nods. “Uhm, yeah but I think Sweetie belle may be in shock.” The purple maned filly snaps her hooves in front of the white filly with pink and light purple hair. The little pony continues to stare forward not reacting to her friends with an eye twitching. The others try and get her to react but to no avail. After a second, the little white pony raises her hoof and points it at me. “Who are you?” The clearly shook pony blinks into reality as the other two looks in my direction and jump when they finally notice my presence. I face hoof and frown. “What the hay are you girls doing this deep in the forest!” The ponies still unsure of me huddle together. I realize perhaps I should be calmer. “Look… I am Silver Watch, I live in this forest and you three need to be more careful ok. What if I had hurt you?” The red maned pony shakes her head and frowns. “Wait an apple picking minute. You’re the one who almost turned us into pancakes!” The three looks at one another and give a simultaneous. “Yeah! What’s the idea?” My mouth opens and I shake my head. “Wait, you're blaming me for this? You shouldn’t even be here!” The white pony looks around at the devastation and tilts her head. “How did you do this anyway?” Looking around I see that it was clear that no ordinary pony could cause this kind of damage. I scratch my hoof and laugh. “Uhm, Dynamite…” The little pony stares and asked me where the holes from the explosion were. “Hey, you ask too many questions filly. Who are you three?” The three had already shaken off their experience and began to become curious about me instead. One by one they introduced themselves. I came to know that the two fillies’ names I had heard before were the Pegasus Scootaloo, and the unicorn Sweetie Belle. The red maned earth pony was known as Apple Bloom. After a few moments of watching the fillies’ debate between themselves of my origin story, I begin to get frustrated. “Uhm, excuse me everypony, but I still want to know why the hay you three are so deep in the everfree without an adult!” I scream and then take a moment to calm myself. Apple Bloom steps forward quickly. “Why that’s easy, we are the cutie mark crusaders and we’re looking for our cutie marks!” The three smiled big making a small performance out of the ordeal. I face hoof and look at them. “Well did you really need to come out here to do that? What could you have to do that requires you to risk your hooves for it?” I look at them trying to understand their antics. Scootaloo steps forward. “Well you see, we thought that we might get our cutie marks in something dangerous. My idea, of course, so we decided we were going to be deep wilderness explorers. And that’s pretty much how we ended up here.” The others nod their heads. I take her words in and sigh. “Well, that seems like a lot to process. Anyways, you three need to get home soon. So…. you know.” I wave my hoof attempting to get the message across. “Shoo-shoo please.” The three looks at me and around themselves for a minute. Sweetie Belle scratches her forehoof awkwardly and I understand immediate. “Ok look, follow me. Don’t speak, don’t laugh, and especially don’t ask questions.” The three ponies smile and line up as I start towards Ponyville. As we are trotting, the three start to whisper of course. I hear something about my cutie mark and such. “You know, not only are you breaking both rule one and three but its very rude to talk about other ponies. They stop for a moment but as we continue, I can feel my flank getting eye holes burned into them. Scootaloo groans and jumps in front of me walking backward. “So…. how did you earn your cutie mark? I open my mouth to speak but am interrupted. “Do you make watches? Or maybe you sell watches? Or do you like time or something?” I hold out a hoof to muffle her voice. “Look, I didn’t do anything to earn my cutie mark ok.” Obviously not satisfied with my answer, I am bombarded with questions about how I obtained my silver watch. I stop and look at them. “Look, some ponies earn their marks through the things they have talents for. And some ponies are cursed ok!” Sweetie Belle looks at me with her eyes watering. “Am I going to be cursed?” Her friends console her and look at me. I breathe in and give a small smile. “Look Sweetie Belle, I didn’t earn this mark through my talents. I’m sure you will have yours soon enough for a special talent.” She seems to calm down for the moment as we trot into the opening to the forest. It had gotten darker but there was plenty of light in the sky to help them on their way home. I stop and motion for them to go on. “This is where I stop, great to meet you three, but please be careful from now on.” The fillies nod but as they start to leave, Apple Bloom turns to me. “Where do you live in the forest?” I smile and look at her. “I have a cave deep within. Do not worry about me.” I start to turn but she runs over and taps my leg. “Well, I wouldn’t mind if you came home for some food. Granny would be mighty happy to meet you and say thanks.” I was quickly ready to say no thank you but the combination of her pleading and my stomach growling made me give in. “Well, I suppose for just a little food.” She bounces up and down and turns to the other girls to invite them as well. Before I knew it, I was following them to Apple Bloom's home. Come to find out, as with her name, she was living on her family’s apple farm. When I walked into the little rustic house, I came face to face with perhaps the biggest earth pony I had met. He looked at me and raised an eyebrow. Apple Bloom steps in front of me and smiles. “Big Mac! This is Silver Watch. He helped us find out way out of the everfree.” He looked at her obviously mad at the girls for venturing into the woods. But her then smiles and hands me a hoof to shake. “Thank you, sir, I am sorry for my sister and her friends troubling you.” I give a shake of my hand and explain it was no trouble. My stomach growls loudly causing the girls to laugh. I blush as a little green pony walks in and smiles with her false teeth. “Well everypony, dinner is served!” The grandmother also thanked me and the meal was great. Lots of apple related dishes of course. Towards the end of the dinner, the older mare who was called Granny Smith asked me how I was living in the everfree. I explained to her my situation and she offered me the barn. I politely declined but thanked her for her offer. Sweetie Belle raised her hand as we were finishing and asked me a question. “So why don’t you live in ponyville then Mr. Silver?” I frown and look at her sincerely. “Well you see, I really like my privacy, and my past has made me need to hide from ponies.” Granny Smith frowns. “Now I have to ask, you aren’t a criminal running from the law are ya?” I shake my head. “No ma’am, I just have a lot of history. The history you ponies might not even believe.” Granny Smith smiles and looks towards a chair next to the fireplace. “You know, stories are pretty good after a nice meal.” I think about what she says and shake my head. “Well, you have shown me such hospitality. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. But I doubt you will believe me as I said. We make our way to the chair and I clear my throat. “You should also know, this is a sad story.” They look at me nodding but I could see the curiosity in their eyes. Scootaloo raises her hoof. “Is there adventure? I hope this isn’t a love story.” I laugh slightly. “There is a lot of adventure, but I will let you all decide the rest. I catch my breath and become serious. “You see, my name is Silver Watch. I began my journey in Equestria over a thousand moons ago. It was a much less civil time. The land was controlled by a monster by the name of discord. At the time, I was also living in the everfree forest. But my help was enlisted by a princess, she needed my power to defeat the monster. Eventually, having become a royal knight, I helped imprison the beast and was promoted to the title of Captain of the royal guard.” It was obvious that they were entranced by my story so I continued. “Having risen to the top of pony society, I had faced my obstacles and battles. However, my fate was sealed when my best friend.” I paused and frowned. “When my best friend fell to the darkness and I was imprisoned in stone for a thousand years. Until I awakened in the modern Equestria. On top of that… I caused my partner pain that he should not have had.” I stop telling my story and get lost in thought. Looking down, I see they are all tearing up. “I’m sorry everypony for ruining the mood.” Sweetie Belle gets up and gives me a hug. “I believe you Mr. Silver Watch. It must have been terrible to be trapped in stone.” I smile as she tries to console me but Apple Bloom tilts her head. “Who was the princess you helped?” I look at her and frown. “Well, she was named Princess Luna, but she was Nightmare Moon the last I saw of her.” The three fillies looked at one another and gasp. “Princess Luna!” They smile at me and Apple Bloom yells. “Princess Luna was saved from being Nightmare Moon! She is in Canterlot with Princess Celestia!” I shake my head and stand up. “You mean the two sisters are still alive!” They nod and explain that they now have a capital called Canterlot. Scootaloo locks at me and asks. “So, are you going to go visit them?” I breathe in a sad sigh. “Well Scootaloo, there are reasons I haven’t tried to find them. The only thing I wish I had was my swords. But I lost those when Luna fell.” The three huddles together for a moment and then look at me. “Well…” the three say in unison. “Why don’t we go ask them for help!” They cheer and look at me brightly. “The cutie mark crusaders sword locating mission!’’ I hold my hoof up. “Woah now, you three shouldn’t be getting involved. Besides, do you think granny would be happy with you three leaving.” They look at her as she is wiping her face with a tissue. “Well, it is the weekend, can you have them back before school?” I stand there with my mouth open. “What? Is this the responsible thing to do?” She shrugs and stands. “After that story, I am sure these youngins would try and help you anyways. Isn’t that right Captain Silver Watch.” I look at her and think for a moment. After considering my needs, I think of Luna but I get angry. “Fine, but you will do as I say and we will just be going to Celestia for information. Got it?” The three jumps up and down and speed off to prepare for their trip. “Great, glad that’s clear.” “The next day was spent preparing for our journey. At the time, I clearly had strong negative feelings towards what I now knew was the original Luna. I couldn’t believe what she had done to me. I could not have known the trouble to come, however.” The Reunion“The Traverser Part II Chapter 3” As we slowly made our way into the city, I grew more and more anxious in anticipation of my reunion with the princess. The three fillies and I dressed in robes to cover ourselves as not to be identified. This, however, seemed to be more of a game to the girls as they were playing with each other at all times. I, however, feared that Princess Luna would spot a familiar face. I was not prepared for that. I was even less prepared for what I might do to this cruel friend I had at one time. Walking around the city it was obvious that these ponies had long since become advanced in technology and created a prosperous kingdom. The city was paved with bricks and shops lined ever ally and corner for miles. Of course, the main feature of Canterlot was the Canterlot Castle. Home to the rulers of this kingdom. It was there I knew that we would come face to face with an old face I needed to see. “Remember girls, we are here just to talk to Celestia. Nothing more. We leave when we are done.” The three fillies’ muzzles showed from under their hoods and they were clearly nodding back. Apple Bloom bounced forward and hummed to herself before looking my way. “So uh, maybe its just me, but isn’t there an easier way to speak to Celestia than walking to the front door in scary cult robes?” I laugh and then look forward at a cart with delicious apples. “Maybe, but I wish to not be seen by certain ponies. So, I will try to talk to her without being found out.” I look again at the pile of delicious fruit and hear several stomachs growl. The other two hold her mouth and look at me sadly. “Forget that, if we don’t get some grub we are going to shrivel up before meeting anypony,” Scootaloo says in a less than graceful manner. I turn to the cart and smile as I see the juiciest apple. I pick it up and take a nice big bite. “Yum, that’s delicious. How much for some apples miss?” The shopkeeper turns to me and frowns seeing I had already taken a bite. “Well sir, that’s three bits for half a dozen.” I look at her confused and then freeze realizing my mistake. I didn’t think about needing pony money. I open my bag and held out a precious stone. “Well, the funny thing is miss I just assumed that I could trade for the apple.” The three fillies begin to look around nervously. The lady begins to look mad and folds her forearms. “Sir, we do not trade wares in Canterlot, you must have me confused with some medieval pony. That will be three bits please.” I smile slowly and try again. “Unfortunately, I do not have any on me miss, are you sure you cannot trade?” I look at the fillies who shake their heads and gulp. The mare looks absolutely furious. “Oh no, I am not letting another pony steal from my cart again. She pans the area and sees a royal guard. “Excuse me, guard! Somepony is trying to steal my apples!” I face hoof and start to back up looking at the angry guard quickly making his way towards us. I kneel down and look at the crusaders. “Girls, get on and don’t let your hoods fly up.” Sweetie Belle looks shocked and squeaks as she retorts. “What! You want to run from the guards!” The other two quickly catch on as they pull her onto my back. I see the guard is now seconds away and another two around the corner. Tightening my muscles, I apologize to the mare once more and leave the stone as I jump onto the top of the nearest building quickly. The force of my jump sends the ponies on the ground to their feet and the guards look up amazed at the feat just performed. The earth pony guard calls for support and the Pegasus continue the pursuit. I quickly make for the castle jumping from rooftop to rooftop. Making my way toward the castle gate, we evade dive bombing guards while making way to another large opening before the city directs itself into a bottleneck leading to the castle. “Girls, when I tell you I want you three to brace yourselves!” I grit my teeth and high jump into a crowd of ponies beginning to clear the area. We land less than gracefully as I turn around seeing the Pegasus and earth pony guards’ seconds from making contact. Their faces showing that there would be no conversation. “Now girls!” “Oh, applesauce!” Apple Bloom yells as they hug my neck tightly. Seeing no other method of clearing the area, I tense my body and gather my aura to my chest up until the final second. Then as the guards are drawing their swords, I stamp the ground before me sending a giant wave of energy out before us. The guard’s expressions quickly change to shock as the energy wave consumes them. The ground before me and the ponies begin to fly away from my position. I realize that there might be some injuries but in order to escape, I see no other method working as quickly. To my surprise, as the guards and rubble fly away, they suddenly become enveloped in blue magic. They slow down and come to a stop before slowly falling back to the ground. I knew this magic. I had sensed it hundreds of times and even felt my flesh ripped apart once or twice. But more than that, I had felt this magics perverse alter ego most recently. To say that, I mean the effects of Nightmare Moons curse. “Its Princess Luna!” A random pony yells as I turn around to see the form of an old friend facing mine. She appears in the light as she was before her fall. Her body as pristine as I can recall, but her face like the day I had seen her last, was smeared with anger. This anger perhaps out of fear of her people, but it struck a chord within me. A cord I thought I had learned to control quite a long time ago. As I felt myself teeter over the edge, I looked over my shoulder at the Crusaders in shock of the events and scared. “Go far away from here now!” The three looks at me through my hood and quickly roll off. Sweetie Belle stops before running away and whispers to me. “She was a friend, please don’t hurt a friend” Her words, however, fell upon death ears as they attempted to get out of the way. A pair of guards surround them quickly and begin to get closer. My body starts towards them as a bolt of blue magic strikes to block my movement. I turn again towards her with my hood hiding my face. “Do not worry about your friend’s fiend. They are the least of your concerns right now.” The blue pony spoke as she began to trot towards me. “By the order of the princesses, you are under arrest for assault of the ponies of Equestria.” My body remained still as she spoke, but within me, darkness swelled. I felt anger and it burned me to the point of pain to my very soul. I look at this traitor of friendship as speak. “Do you know who I am?” The princess raises an eyebrow and scoffs. “You are no friend of me or any other pony. You should be ashamed of your actions. Have ye no friends to steer your heart in the way of love?” Her words beckon to my soul and the anger begins to mix with an emotion I have long known to be dangerous. As tears run down my face, black ooze begins to surface around me. “No friend to anypony? You really just said this. The princess of the Night, Nightmare Moon who did so many foul deeds has called me a friend to none.” I grit my teeth but then as if the waters had calmed, I took a breath and looked to the silent sky knowing I had broken. “Yes… you are right, I am no friend to a pony. And I am hell to you, Luna.” Princess Luna continues her advance but stops as she begins to feel the dark presence building. She conjures her long since utilized sword in preparation of her battle. “What are you pony?” As my darkness builds, I slowly advance with an evil calmness. The earth below being swallowed up as I trail the path towards the traitor. “I am no pony; this form means nothing but a shell of the monster you have awakened Luna.” Luna deridingly makes the first move against her cloaked adversary. She teleports to my rear and swings her great blade for my neck. But as she strikes, black tendrils block her swing. My head slowly turns to look at her. “This is a mere fraction of my power, it has been brought to the surface by my emotions. You have brought ruin to yourself, Princess.” My voice had grown dark yet my tears trailed down my muzzle quickly. Luna teleports back in front of me charging her magic and sending a signal in the air. Without a thought, I rush towards her headbutting her chest plate and sending her flying into the large fountain in the center of the town square. My body follows and I am standing over her body instantly. The side of the fountain had caved in and water flowed into the streets. Her chest plate had caved in and she was obviously hurt. The darkness quickly surrounded her body and ate away at her energy. Her eyes opened slowly as she attempted to stand. Her efforts infuriated me, and I stomped her face to keep her down. “You kept me there for a thousand years!” The princess looked up from her haze of pain and questioned me. “What… are you saying?” She began to get up once again and before I could react, her horn had stabbed my chest and charged with magic. My head slowly looked at what she had done and pain coursed through me. I staggered back but before dislodging the horn, she released a large blast of magic. This opened a large hole in my chest and forced me to fall to my knees. I screamed in pain and anger again overtook me. “You hurt me again!” The darkness surrounded my body and healed me slowly. I looked to the pony before me as she staggered to her feet. A gust of wind came to us blowing her beautiful but fierce mane and my hood over my head revealing my face. But as the shock set in Luna's face, the darkness inside of me refused to stop feeding my anger. I looked at the blood dripping horn as Luna spoke. “Is that you Silver?” For whatever reason her saying my name made me even more enraged. I had lost control many times before, but those were different. Before, it was Silence exhorting himself for his destruction of all. As my mind rang out in anger, my limbs moved on their own. This was my own conscious work; my anger had become so much that it even influenced my actions without the need for my input. I also had one more emotion flowing. Perhaps this was what Silence had felt every time her destroyed life. I felt a great fear of my own power. Fear of what I could do. I doubt however that a tyrant such as Silence feared his own actions, however. The trembling princess in front of me began to focus her magic. But as she did, a smirk formed on my face and black tendrils grabbed her horn. “This magic of yours has hurt me long enough. I shall take it from you now before I strike you down.” A chill ran up my pony body as these words conjured from a dark place came forth. Luna looked at me with great fear. “Please…. Silver do not do this…” She spoke weakly as blood trickled down her face. But out of control emotions began to tighten the tendrils until a snap was heard. Down her horn ripples of magic could be seen and sparks flew as her eyes widened. She spoke no words as the pain took her. Her eyes rolled back into her head and slowly her body grew limp. “A broken horn for a broken heart Luna.” The tendrils receded and formed a dark spear. From inside me, I screamed for myself to cease, but to no avail. The spear quickly shot towards Luna's chest. I could not look away or change my actions. My mind was still as I looked forward at the body of the Princess of the night. My anger subsided but a pit grew within me. I had regained control, but unable to alter the black spear piercing the chest of the princess. “Luna, I did not mean to go this….” A green flash of light begins to shine at the tip of the spear. It intensifies and the spear falls down and dissipates into nothingness. This greenlight seems to have guarded her against the attack. The force that did not feel like magic began to envelop her and heal her wounds. Even the broken horn began to quickly mend and strengthen. In an instant, her body appeared to be perfect. She was breathing and sleeping as the green light moved towards me and formed a small fuzzy body. I could not make out a being but as it spoke, I gasped. “Please…. Silver Watch. Control your emotions.” The small green figure said in a broken speech. I could tell that these were the words of no other but Simon. “Simon! Please tell me that’s you!” I rush forward to grab the figure but its form was not solid. My body passed through it and as it did, I caught a glimpse of what looked like a smile before the body absorbed back into me. “Simon…. Are you really alive?” Behind me, gravel shook and an intense heat scorched my fur. I turned around to see the pure white wings of Princess Celestia and the intense flames the sun had brought her. I also saw six ponies sharing the angry but concerned face as the princess. To my amazement, their cutie marks reminded me of the time I was freed from my stone prison. I felt there must be a connection. But as Celestia landed on her hooves and moved closer, her eyes widened when she saw my face. “Silver Watch… Where have you been for the last thousand years?” Author's Note Sorry, it has taken so long to get more written, been busy but I plan for the whole story to be finished before the new season is over.
The Past Reminds Us“The Traverser Part II Chapter I” “For so long I waited for the time when I would breathe fresh air once again. I kept track of the days and slowly they became longer merging together into an endless instance. To exist but be without freedom was a cruel torture that no creature should face despite their evils. Every creature that is but I. The pony that destroyed friendships, betrayed trusts and worst of all made a deal with a trickster causing the desolation of so much. I truly deserved this fate. I pitied Discord and his similar ensnarement. I knew not what fate awaited me at that time. But what I did know was what lead me to this. I a creature having lived for over two thousand years had made a deal with a dark creature known as Silence. I wanted power and in exchange, I gave up my freedom and the lives of countless creatures. I eventually found myself in the world of the ponies and the land of Equestria. My heart having grown cold I wished to wait until Silence came calling. However, I was eventually convinced by these ponies to help in their own battles. One pony in particular, Princess Luna made an impact on my heart. However, in the midst of combat, I made a selfish decision harming my closest friend Simon and betraying his trust. To make matters worse, in the end, I lost Princess Luna to her own darkness and became trapped myself. Of course, that only lasted so long. A very long time yet I was about to meet the newest ponies who would impact my heart. Perhaps they would pull me from my darkness and erase the silence.” I remained silent and unmoving in my cold stone prison. My mind had long gone into a trance-like state to keep myself from insanity. I no longer observed my surroundings after what had to be the first hundred years below the ground. But at this moment my mind was stirred and I observed my surroundings. To my amazement, I was clearly not in the caverns below the two sisters castle any longer. It was dark wherever I was but I could make out what appeared to be a large room. In front of the now stone body I had been given, I saw a plaque. It was not like most signs I had seen, but it was made of a shiny marble of sorts and had very clear and precise markings on it. I thought to myself that I must be in a building of sorts, but as I started to examine my surroundings more closely, I heard a loud crack. Looking around I assumed somepony was nearby. If only I had the ability to speak, I would call somepony to rescue me. Another loud cracking sound comes from somewhere I could not place and to my astonishment, I begin to see light coming from me. Again, another crack sound is made and this time a crack ripples up my face. Finally, after all these years it seems I would be free from this imprisonment. Waiting in anticipation, cracks continue to form and beams of light grow stronger until a large rainbow shoots out of my chest and circles the room. The rainbow seems to be acting on its own and I make out several shapes. I see a small rainbow, a set of diamonds, three balloons, butterflies, apples, and finally a star. The rainbow makes a loop and rushes forward and all around me. It surrounds my body and before I knew it, my body reverted back to its long since organic form. My body goes limp as it searches for the strength to move. Slowly breathing and blinking as my mind becomes clearly aware and all of my senses return. Tensing my soft and tired muscles, I stand on my hooves and look around once more. “Am I truly back? Its been so long since that night.” Looking back to where I had been, I can read the plaque clearly. It reads something about medieval pony stonework and it makes me realize that whoever found me must have not known anything about me. Looking closer, I read some nonsense about sculpting and in the bottom corner I read a date. My mouth hangs open and I read it once more assuring myself that what I was reading was true. “I’ve been imprisoned for a thousand years…’’ I hang my head not believing that I had now lived for over three thousand years. A third spent on this world of ponies imprisoned by my friend Luna. I snarl as I realized what I was thinking. Then tears began to drip slowly. “Luna left me here for a thousand years… I trusted another creature yet again and it ended like this. I can’t believe I fell for friendship again.” Rubbing my eyes, I clear my throat. “No more friends for Silver Watch, I trust no pony anymore.” As I stood there thinking of the madness that I had just endured, I think about a simple fact. In all of the time that I have been in Equestria, Silence hasn’t taken me for his bidding. Perhaps my fight with him had injured him. Shaking my head, I realize that his powers were much greater than the trivial wound I inflicted. “Simon, status analysis please.” I wait for him to simply appear but no sign of his existence manifests. Swallowing a knot in my throat I realize that my partner Simon, the tiny pony that traversed the worlds with me had left me for betraying and harming him. “Simon, I am so sorry” As I was contemplating my position, A pony enters the room shining his horn in my eye. “Hey! The museum is closed buster.” I turn and hold my forehooves in front of me to see. The pony came into a clearer view He wore a blue uniform and a badge on his chest read security. His red coat stood out against his white mane and his expression was unpleasant. He began to approach me and his horn charged up in what was obviously a confrontational manner. I saw his body and noticed it was older and worn. I also noticed his body shaking. He was scared and weak. So, I did the best thing at the time. Turning around, I ran towards the wall on the far right. Getting closer I tensed my muscles and sprang head first into the solid construct. Luckily, even though I was weaker, I had a little strength left. The wall crumbled from my might and I exited on the opposite side feeling the rush of fresh air. “Thank goodness the open world” I waited just a moment until the dust settled and to my amazement, there were ponies everywhere. Trotting the streets and pulling carts. Some were looking on in shock at the pony smashing through the building. Quickly I analyzed the area and saw a large building. I tensed my muscles once more and instantly jumped to the top not so gracefully landing. My body in its long slumber had grown weaker and needed nourishment and training. I breather heavily while I looked down on the streets. Magical lights were everywhere, and more ponies than I could count walked about. Eventually, a crowd formed around the building. Reading the sign, I came to find that I was being put on display at the Manehatten museum of art. “Honestly, these ponies had no idea they were putting Silver Watch, the Captain…or former Captain of the Royal guard and The Traverser destroyer of universes on display?” I took a few hours to simply watch the city and take in the new Equestria. It had advanced so much since I last saw it. There were lights that didn’t use magic, very orderly villages that had become huge cities. I was truly lost by the way things had become. But after my time of contemplation, I came to a conclusion. “If I am lost to the ways of these ponies, and my only real pony friend has betrayed me, then I will return to the everfree and seclude myself. I will train and wait for the sad day when Silence comes. I must find a way to stop him. For Simon's sake and existence.” After my day of awakening, I cloaked myself and followed the stars. On my journey back to the everfree, I saw many things. Huge cities full of ponies and smaller villages like I was used to. The ponies had advanced so far in their knowledge and abilities. I was at the same time proud as I was mourning for the loss they might soon come to endure. Finally, I made my way to the everfree. I passed through the pony town known as Ponyville and traveled into the forest to discover it had shrunk due to ponies needing more space and the creatures were much more docile than before. Not friendly but nothing as terrifying as the creatures before. My heart sank as I came to the castle of the two sisters. It lay collapsing in on itself and slowly eroding away. I walked to halls and revisited the courtyard where I had faced Princess Luna who had transformed into the terrible Nightmare Moon. It took every fiber of my being not to use every ounce of my power to level the area. But I came to find myself simply hollow when I stood there. There were scorches from what appeared to be a recent conflict and the smell of magic heavy in the air. So, to avoid the chance of anypony finding me, I traveled to the same spot me and Simon had stayed so long ago. The cave where we had stayed after visiting Trotting Pass. Where he had looked over my weapons and made sure we were prepared for anything. Laying on the same stone I had a thousand years before, I imagine how he would act now. Sighing, I hold my hoof up and try to conjure my blades. “Shooting star, Peacemaker,” I say dully for what must have been the thousandth time. “Just great, I even managed to lose my prized swords in all of this mess. Somewhere out there is the key to unlocking enough power to end a universe and I have no idea where it is.” I bang my head into the rock and star up at the sky. “What could I have done to fix this Simon?” Staring at the moon, I think of how Luna truly loved it and all the ponies. I began to think how by using my powers I had brought despair to her and my partner. “I guess it’s a good thing I’m all alone with no swords…no one to hurt now. Except for him.” “Being alone had given me a time to reflect on what I had done with the three thousand years I had lived. Betrayal, death, and sadness came around every corner like the hands of a clock spinning past the same numbers over and over. My family had been destroyed, I had been given a task that was due to my selfish desires, and sent on a journey where all of my time was spent fighting and learning only to destroy the world I had grown attached to. In Equestria I have learned little in the ways of fighting, but I had let my guard down yet again and gained a real friend. Perhaps she had become more than just that and yet it was all for not as my curse continues to lead me to sorrow. But one thing had been made clear. Now that I had fought Silence, I knew that however small, there was a chance to fight back. I remembered my promise to Simon and the monster that was Silence. I knew that even though I would spend the rest of my days in Silence for my sins, that the days of Silence had to be stopped. If only I knew what had to happen for it to be realized.” Author's Note Hey! I know this chapter is a little short, but I feel it is a good size to get the ball rolling. I would love to hear what everypony thinks!
The Preparation For The Crusade“The Traverser Part II Chapter 2 “The months that followed my return to the everfree were marked with reflection. A thousand years may have offered much time for contemplation, but the isolation of the living forest gave shape to the past. Shadows offered visions of those I had wronged, dreams come true, and nightmares to be realized. But perhaps the most painful of all was the reality that just as the everfree was shrinking, my time in solitude would one day come to an end. Little did I know that it would be in the shape of three fillies searching for their destinies.” Awakening from my sleep, I slowly stretched my body and breathed the fresh morning air. Having been the material for a thousand years had made sleeping on a stone floor quite easily. I rose from the ground and began to exit the cave now serving as my home. It was clean, quiet, and free of other creatures. The best possible combination. “Another day of training. Yippee.” As I exited the cave a blinding light struck my eyes the way it had every morning. The clouds in the sky were pearl white and it was going to be a warm day for certain. Trotting ahead, I eventually came to an edge of a cliff. Before me, I could see for miles. The beautiful yet daunting sight of the everfree that no pony was able to see but I. I could see small shapes that were the making of pony homes very far away. Thankfully these ponies feared the everfree and therefore I have had my peace. “Enough relaxing, its time to get started.” Tensing my muscles, I smirked before launching my previously weak body into the air. I soared into the sky gracefully. Though I was only able to fly after unlocking so much of my power against Discord, my legs were plenty strong enough to grant me the illusion of flight. As my ascension slowed, I pointed my limbs toward the clearing I had been using for practice. My body fell faster and faster until my hooves slammed into the ground. “Very good landing Silver!” I said in a voice clearly mimicking a certain green pony. The clearing was very green, the vegetation kept the trees from growing in the area just enough to create a circle where I could train without notice. “Alright, let us see how many we can break today.” Walking to the center of the clearing, I turn and focus on the immense trees before me. Their bark thick and strong. Wider than some cottages and older than most creatures in these lands. I focus my energy into my core slowly breathing in and out causing steam to escape from my nostrils. With a sudden jolt, the sheer build-up of energy rocks the ground. With a swift movement, I dash forward into the first tree smashing the base completely through. The force from my blow causes the trees around to shake and the assaulted tree to crack open. I jump back to the spot and crack my neck. “Ok, let's hoof it up a notch.” I release blasts of energy from my hooves in the direction all around me aiming for the bases of the trees but keeping my focus so that they are split and not simply breaking. After releasing the volley of attacks, I retire from the assault and wait for the trees to begin to fall. And just like predicted, the great trees slowly begin to topple in unison. I close my eyes and grin as they are halfway to the end of their journey to the ground. Suddenly, I am caught off guard by a scream. “Help!” A trio of fillies’ yell in the distance. From the corner of the opening, there appears to be a small white, orange, and crème colored group of fillies. “Somepony save us!” For some reason, the instinct to save these ponies surfaced. I knew it was my fault that they had been placed in danger. The speed I moved had made time seem like a simple plaything. In less than an instant, I grasped the trio of ponies and had them back in the safety of the clearing. They continued to scream even after opening their eyes. They were only quieted by the thunderous roar of newly toppled trees meeting the ground. “Ok, Ok, Ok! You are safe now!” The ponies slowly come to the realization that they were no longer in peril and pat each other to make sure it was no dream. The red maned earth pony filly breathes out heavily. “Goodness sake, I can’t believe we’re ok. Scootaloo, are all your feathers ok? The Pegasus still shaking checks her rather small wings and nods. “Uhm, yeah but I think Sweetie belle may be in shock.” The purple maned filly snaps her hooves in front of the white filly with pink and light purple hair. The little pony continues to stare forward not reacting to her friends with an eye twitching. The others try and get her to react but to no avail. After a second, the little white pony raises her hoof and points it at me. “Who are you?” The clearly shook pony blinks into reality as the other two looks in my direction and jump when they finally notice my presence. I face hoof and frown. “What the hay are you girls doing this deep in the forest!” The ponies still unsure of me huddle together. I realize perhaps I should be calmer. “Look… I am Silver Watch, I live in this forest and you three need to be more careful ok. What if I had hurt you?” The red maned pony shakes her head and frowns. “Wait an apple picking minute. You’re the one who almost turned us into pancakes!” The three looks at one another and give a simultaneous. “Yeah! What’s the idea?” My mouth opens and I shake my head. “Wait, you're blaming me for this? You shouldn’t even be here!” The white pony looks around at the devastation and tilts her head. “How did you do this anyway?” Looking around I see that it was clear that no ordinary pony could cause this kind of damage. I scratch my hoof and laugh. “Uhm, Dynamite…” The little pony stares and asked me where the holes from the explosion were. “Hey, you ask too many questions filly. Who are you three?” The three had already shaken off their experience and began to become curious about me instead. One by one they introduced themselves. I came to know that the two fillies’ names I had heard before were the Pegasus Scootaloo, and the unicorn Sweetie Belle. The red maned earth pony was known as Apple Bloom. After a few moments of watching the fillies’ debate between themselves of my origin story, I begin to get frustrated. “Uhm, excuse me everypony, but I still want to know why the hay you three are so deep in the everfree without an adult!” I scream and then take a moment to calm myself. Apple Bloom steps forward quickly. “Why that’s easy, we are the cutie mark crusaders and we’re looking for our cutie marks!” The three smiled big making a small performance out of the ordeal. I face hoof and look at them. “Well did you really need to come out here to do that? What could you have to do that requires you to risk your hooves for it?” I look at them trying to understand their antics. Scootaloo steps forward. “Well you see, we thought that we might get our cutie marks in something dangerous. My idea, of course, so we decided we were going to be deep wilderness explorers. And that’s pretty much how we ended up here.” The others nod their heads. I take her words in and sigh. “Well, that seems like a lot to process. Anyways, you three need to get home soon. So…. you know.” I wave my hoof attempting to get the message across. “Shoo-shoo please.” The three looks at me and around themselves for a minute. Sweetie Belle scratches her forehoof awkwardly and I understand immediate. “Ok look, follow me. Don’t speak, don’t laugh, and especially don’t ask questions.” The three ponies smile and line up as I start towards Ponyville. As we are trotting, the three start to whisper of course. I hear something about my cutie mark and such. “You know, not only are you breaking both rule one and three but its very rude to talk about other ponies. They stop for a moment but as we continue, I can feel my flank getting eye holes burned into them. Scootaloo groans and jumps in front of me walking backward. “So…. how did you earn your cutie mark? I open my mouth to speak but am interrupted. “Do you make watches? Or maybe you sell watches? Or do you like time or something?” I hold out a hoof to muffle her voice. “Look, I didn’t do anything to earn my cutie mark ok.” Obviously not satisfied with my answer, I am bombarded with questions about how I obtained my silver watch. I stop and look at them. “Look, some ponies earn their marks through the things they have talents for. And some ponies are cursed ok!” Sweetie Belle looks at me with her eyes watering. “Am I going to be cursed?” Her friends console her and look at me. I breathe in and give a small smile. “Look Sweetie Belle, I didn’t earn this mark through my talents. I’m sure you will have yours soon enough for a special talent.” She seems to calm down for the moment as we trot into the opening to the forest. It had gotten darker but there was plenty of light in the sky to help them on their way home. I stop and motion for them to go on. “This is where I stop, great to meet you three, but please be careful from now on.” The fillies nod but as they start to leave, Apple Bloom turns to me. “Where do you live in the forest?” I smile and look at her. “I have a cave deep within. Do not worry about me.” I start to turn but she runs over and taps my leg. “Well, I wouldn’t mind if you came home for some food. Granny would be mighty happy to meet you and say thanks.” I was quickly ready to say no thank you but the combination of her pleading and my stomach growling made me give in. “Well, I suppose for just a little food.” She bounces up and down and turns to the other girls to invite them as well. Before I knew it, I was following them to Apple Bloom's home. Come to find out, as with her name, she was living on her family’s apple farm. When I walked into the little rustic house, I came face to face with perhaps the biggest earth pony I had met. He looked at me and raised an eyebrow. Apple Bloom steps in front of me and smiles. “Big Mac! This is Silver Watch. He helped us find out way out of the everfree.” He looked at her obviously mad at the girls for venturing into the woods. But her then smiles and hands me a hoof to shake. “Thank you, sir, I am sorry for my sister and her friends troubling you.” I give a shake of my hand and explain it was no trouble. My stomach growls loudly causing the girls to laugh. I blush as a little green pony walks in and smiles with her false teeth. “Well everypony, dinner is served!” The grandmother also thanked me and the meal was great. Lots of apple related dishes of course. Towards the end of the dinner, the older mare who was called Granny Smith asked me how I was living in the everfree. I explained to her my situation and she offered me the barn. I politely declined but thanked her for her offer. Sweetie Belle raised her hand as we were finishing and asked me a question. “So why don’t you live in ponyville then Mr. Silver?” I frown and look at her sincerely. “Well you see, I really like my privacy, and my past has made me need to hide from ponies.” Granny Smith frowns. “Now I have to ask, you aren’t a criminal running from the law are ya?” I shake my head. “No ma’am, I just have a lot of history. The history you ponies might not even believe.” Granny Smith smiles and looks towards a chair next to the fireplace. “You know, stories are pretty good after a nice meal.” I think about what she says and shake my head. “Well, you have shown me such hospitality. I suppose it wouldn’t hurt. But I doubt you will believe me as I said. We make our way to the chair and I clear my throat. “You should also know, this is a sad story.” They look at me nodding but I could see the curiosity in their eyes. Scootaloo raises her hoof. “Is there adventure? I hope this isn’t a love story.” I laugh slightly. “There is a lot of adventure, but I will let you all decide the rest. I catch my breath and become serious. “You see, my name is Silver Watch. I began my journey in Equestria over a thousand moons ago. It was a much less civil time. The land was controlled by a monster by the name of discord. At the time, I was also living in the everfree forest. But my help was enlisted by a princess, she needed my power to defeat the monster. Eventually, having become a royal knight, I helped imprison the beast and was promoted to the title of Captain of the royal guard.” It was obvious that they were entranced by my story so I continued. “Having risen to the top of pony society, I had faced my obstacles and battles. However, my fate was sealed when my best friend.” I paused and frowned. “When my best friend fell to the darkness and I was imprisoned in stone for a thousand years. Until I awakened in the modern Equestria. On top of that… I caused my partner pain that he should not have had.” I stop telling my story and get lost in thought. Looking down, I see they are all tearing up. “I’m sorry everypony for ruining the mood.” Sweetie Belle gets up and gives me a hug. “I believe you Mr. Silver Watch. It must have been terrible to be trapped in stone.” I smile as she tries to console me but Apple Bloom tilts her head. “Who was the princess you helped?” I look at her and frown. “Well, she was named Princess Luna, but she was Nightmare Moon the last I saw of her.” The three fillies looked at one another and gasp. “Princess Luna!” They smile at me and Apple Bloom yells. “Princess Luna was saved from being Nightmare Moon! She is in Canterlot with Princess Celestia!” I shake my head and stand up. “You mean the two sisters are still alive!” They nod and explain that they now have a capital called Canterlot. Scootaloo locks at me and asks. “So, are you going to go visit them?” I breathe in a sad sigh. “Well Scootaloo, there are reasons I haven’t tried to find them. The only thing I wish I had was my swords. But I lost those when Luna fell.” The three huddles together for a moment and then look at me. “Well…” the three say in unison. “Why don’t we go ask them for help!” They cheer and look at me brightly. “The cutie mark crusaders sword locating mission!’’ I hold my hoof up. “Woah now, you three shouldn’t be getting involved. Besides, do you think granny would be happy with you three leaving.” They look at her as she is wiping her face with a tissue. “Well, it is the weekend, can you have them back before school?” I stand there with my mouth open. “What? Is this the responsible thing to do?” She shrugs and stands. “After that story, I am sure these youngins would try and help you anyways. Isn’t that right Captain Silver Watch.” I look at her and think for a moment. After considering my needs, I think of Luna but I get angry. “Fine, but you will do as I say and we will just be going to Celestia for information. Got it?” The three jumps up and down and speed off to prepare for their trip. “Great, glad that’s clear.” “The next day was spent preparing for our journey. At the time, I clearly had strong negative feelings towards what I now knew was the original Luna. I couldn’t believe what she had done to me. I could not have known the trouble to come, however.”
The Reunion“The Traverser Part II Chapter 3” As we slowly made our way into the city, I grew more and more anxious in anticipation of my reunion with the princess. The three fillies and I dressed in robes to cover ourselves as not to be identified. This, however, seemed to be more of a game to the girls as they were playing with each other at all times. I, however, feared that Princess Luna would spot a familiar face. I was not prepared for that. I was even less prepared for what I might do to this cruel friend I had at one time. Walking around the city it was obvious that these ponies had long since become advanced in technology and created a prosperous kingdom. The city was paved with bricks and shops lined ever ally and corner for miles. Of course, the main feature of Canterlot was the Canterlot Castle. Home to the rulers of this kingdom. It was there I knew that we would come face to face with an old face I needed to see. “Remember girls, we are here just to talk to Celestia. Nothing more. We leave when we are done.” The three fillies’ muzzles showed from under their hoods and they were clearly nodding back. Apple Bloom bounced forward and hummed to herself before looking my way. “So uh, maybe its just me, but isn’t there an easier way to speak to Celestia than walking to the front door in scary cult robes?” I laugh and then look forward at a cart with delicious apples. “Maybe, but I wish to not be seen by certain ponies. So, I will try to talk to her without being found out.” I look again at the pile of delicious fruit and hear several stomachs growl. The other two hold her mouth and look at me sadly. “Forget that, if we don’t get some grub we are going to shrivel up before meeting anypony,” Scootaloo says in a less than graceful manner. I turn to the cart and smile as I see the juiciest apple. I pick it up and take a nice big bite. “Yum, that’s delicious. How much for some apples miss?” The shopkeeper turns to me and frowns seeing I had already taken a bite. “Well sir, that’s three bits for half a dozen.” I look at her confused and then freeze realizing my mistake. I didn’t think about needing pony money. I open my bag and held out a precious stone. “Well, the funny thing is miss I just assumed that I could trade for the apple.” The three fillies begin to look around nervously. The lady begins to look mad and folds her forearms. “Sir, we do not trade wares in Canterlot, you must have me confused with some medieval pony. That will be three bits please.” I smile slowly and try again. “Unfortunately, I do not have any on me miss, are you sure you cannot trade?” I look at the fillies who shake their heads and gulp. The mare looks absolutely furious. “Oh no, I am not letting another pony steal from my cart again. She pans the area and sees a royal guard. “Excuse me, guard! Somepony is trying to steal my apples!” I face hoof and start to back up looking at the angry guard quickly making his way towards us. I kneel down and look at the crusaders. “Girls, get on and don’t let your hoods fly up.” Sweetie Belle looks shocked and squeaks as she retorts. “What! You want to run from the guards!” The other two quickly catch on as they pull her onto my back. I see the guard is now seconds away and another two around the corner. Tightening my muscles, I apologize to the mare once more and leave the stone as I jump onto the top of the nearest building quickly. The force of my jump sends the ponies on the ground to their feet and the guards look up amazed at the feat just performed. The earth pony guard calls for support and the Pegasus continue the pursuit. I quickly make for the castle jumping from rooftop to rooftop. Making my way toward the castle gate, we evade dive bombing guards while making way to another large opening before the city directs itself into a bottleneck leading to the castle. “Girls, when I tell you I want you three to brace yourselves!” I grit my teeth and high jump into a crowd of ponies beginning to clear the area. We land less than gracefully as I turn around seeing the Pegasus and earth pony guards’ seconds from making contact. Their faces showing that there would be no conversation. “Now girls!” “Oh, applesauce!” Apple Bloom yells as they hug my neck tightly. Seeing no other method of clearing the area, I tense my body and gather my aura to my chest up until the final second. Then as the guards are drawing their swords, I stamp the ground before me sending a giant wave of energy out before us. The guard’s expressions quickly change to shock as the energy wave consumes them. The ground before me and the ponies begin to fly away from my position. I realize that there might be some injuries but in order to escape, I see no other method working as quickly. To my surprise, as the guards and rubble fly away, they suddenly become enveloped in blue magic. They slow down and come to a stop before slowly falling back to the ground. I knew this magic. I had sensed it hundreds of times and even felt my flesh ripped apart once or twice. But more than that, I had felt this magics perverse alter ego most recently. To say that, I mean the effects of Nightmare Moons curse. “Its Princess Luna!” A random pony yells as I turn around to see the form of an old friend facing mine. She appears in the light as she was before her fall. Her body as pristine as I can recall, but her face like the day I had seen her last, was smeared with anger. This anger perhaps out of fear of her people, but it struck a chord within me. A cord I thought I had learned to control quite a long time ago. As I felt myself teeter over the edge, I looked over my shoulder at the Crusaders in shock of the events and scared. “Go far away from here now!” The three looks at me through my hood and quickly roll off. Sweetie Belle stops before running away and whispers to me. “She was a friend, please don’t hurt a friend” Her words, however, fell upon death ears as they attempted to get out of the way. A pair of guards surround them quickly and begin to get closer. My body starts towards them as a bolt of blue magic strikes to block my movement. I turn again towards her with my hood hiding my face. “Do not worry about your friend’s fiend. They are the least of your concerns right now.” The blue pony spoke as she began to trot towards me. “By the order of the princesses, you are under arrest for assault of the ponies of Equestria.” My body remained still as she spoke, but within me, darkness swelled. I felt anger and it burned me to the point of pain to my very soul. I look at this traitor of friendship as speak. “Do you know who I am?” The princess raises an eyebrow and scoffs. “You are no friend of me or any other pony. You should be ashamed of your actions. Have ye no friends to steer your heart in the way of love?” Her words beckon to my soul and the anger begins to mix with an emotion I have long known to be dangerous. As tears run down my face, black ooze begins to surface around me. “No friend to anypony? You really just said this. The princess of the Night, Nightmare Moon who did so many foul deeds has called me a friend to none.” I grit my teeth but then as if the waters had calmed, I took a breath and looked to the silent sky knowing I had broken. “Yes… you are right, I am no friend to a pony. And I am hell to you, Luna.” Princess Luna continues her advance but stops as she begins to feel the dark presence building. She conjures her long since utilized sword in preparation of her battle. “What are you pony?” As my darkness builds, I slowly advance with an evil calmness. The earth below being swallowed up as I trail the path towards the traitor. “I am no pony; this form means nothing but a shell of the monster you have awakened Luna.” Luna deridingly makes the first move against her cloaked adversary. She teleports to my rear and swings her great blade for my neck. But as she strikes, black tendrils block her swing. My head slowly turns to look at her. “This is a mere fraction of my power, it has been brought to the surface by my emotions. You have brought ruin to yourself, Princess.” My voice had grown dark yet my tears trailed down my muzzle quickly. Luna teleports back in front of me charging her magic and sending a signal in the air. Without a thought, I rush towards her headbutting her chest plate and sending her flying into the large fountain in the center of the town square. My body follows and I am standing over her body instantly. The side of the fountain had caved in and water flowed into the streets. Her chest plate had caved in and she was obviously hurt. The darkness quickly surrounded her body and ate away at her energy. Her eyes opened slowly as she attempted to stand. Her efforts infuriated me, and I stomped her face to keep her down. “You kept me there for a thousand years!” The princess looked up from her haze of pain and questioned me. “What… are you saying?” She began to get up once again and before I could react, her horn had stabbed my chest and charged with magic. My head slowly looked at what she had done and pain coursed through me. I staggered back but before dislodging the horn, she released a large blast of magic. This opened a large hole in my chest and forced me to fall to my knees. I screamed in pain and anger again overtook me. “You hurt me again!” The darkness surrounded my body and healed me slowly. I looked to the pony before me as she staggered to her feet. A gust of wind came to us blowing her beautiful but fierce mane and my hood over my head revealing my face. But as the shock set in Luna's face, the darkness inside of me refused to stop feeding my anger. I looked at the blood dripping horn as Luna spoke. “Is that you Silver?” For whatever reason her saying my name made me even more enraged. I had lost control many times before, but those were different. Before, it was Silence exhorting himself for his destruction of all. As my mind rang out in anger, my limbs moved on their own. This was my own conscious work; my anger had become so much that it even influenced my actions without the need for my input. I also had one more emotion flowing. Perhaps this was what Silence had felt every time her destroyed life. I felt a great fear of my own power. Fear of what I could do. I doubt however that a tyrant such as Silence feared his own actions, however. The trembling princess in front of me began to focus her magic. But as she did, a smirk formed on my face and black tendrils grabbed her horn. “This magic of yours has hurt me long enough. I shall take it from you now before I strike you down.” A chill ran up my pony body as these words conjured from a dark place came forth. Luna looked at me with great fear. “Please…. Silver do not do this…” She spoke weakly as blood trickled down her face. But out of control emotions began to tighten the tendrils until a snap was heard. Down her horn ripples of magic could be seen and sparks flew as her eyes widened. She spoke no words as the pain took her. Her eyes rolled back into her head and slowly her body grew limp. “A broken horn for a broken heart Luna.” The tendrils receded and formed a dark spear. From inside me, I screamed for myself to cease, but to no avail. The spear quickly shot towards Luna's chest. I could not look away or change my actions. My mind was still as I looked forward at the body of the Princess of the night. My anger subsided but a pit grew within me. I had regained control, but unable to alter the black spear piercing the chest of the princess. “Luna, I did not mean to go this….” A green flash of light begins to shine at the tip of the spear. It intensifies and the spear falls down and dissipates into nothingness. This greenlight seems to have guarded her against the attack. The force that did not feel like magic began to envelop her and heal her wounds. Even the broken horn began to quickly mend and strengthen. In an instant, her body appeared to be perfect. She was breathing and sleeping as the green light moved towards me and formed a small fuzzy body. I could not make out a being but as it spoke, I gasped. “Please…. Silver Watch. Control your emotions.” The small green figure said in a broken speech. I could tell that these were the words of no other but Simon. “Simon! Please tell me that’s you!” I rush forward to grab the figure but its form was not solid. My body passed through it and as it did, I caught a glimpse of what looked like a smile before the body absorbed back into me. “Simon…. Are you really alive?” Behind me, gravel shook and an intense heat scorched my fur. I turned around to see the pure white wings of Princess Celestia and the intense flames the sun had brought her. I also saw six ponies sharing the angry but concerned face as the princess. To my amazement, their cutie marks reminded me of the time I was freed from my stone prison. I felt there must be a connection. But as Celestia landed on her hooves and moved closer, her eyes widened when she saw my face. “Silver Watch… Where have you been for the last thousand years?” Author's Note Sorry, it has taken so long to get more written, been busy but I plan for the whole story to be finished before the new season is over.
