Chapters It was a dark night in Ponyville, like almost every other night that we ever had. It was spring so it was fairly warm, and my room window was open to let in the small amount of breeze that was blowing into my room. The night sky was lit with stars and bugs, and I could see the full moon from my bed.
I couldn't sleep, I rarely ever did. Insomnia was always quite difficult to deal with, especially when my mind was overrun with darkness. When I slept on that I always saw a shadow, a mare on the moon. I knew who it was, but I didn't want her pity. Besides, she never did anything, and I couldn't help but feel that it was someone or something else.
Hopping off my well-made bed I walked over to my desk and pulled out my sketchbook. Flipping it open I scanned the dresses and suits that I had made -quickly sketching a few updates to a few of them- before landing on a blank page. Gently biting my lip, I started my sketch. It was a fairly simple design, my thoughts on how to improve the quality of the guard's armour. Not that it really mattered, I wouldn't be able to do anything with it. I delt with fabric and not with metal, even when I was rarely ever allowed to use any of my family's materials. I wasn't 'good enough' for them, I probably never would be.
Letting out a soft sigh I walked over to my window. From my room, I had a somewhat clear view of the library, which was one of my favourite places to visit during the day, and it was somewhere I could work in peice. It was nice and had some design books that I quite enjoyed. It was a very safe place for me. It was gone now, replaced with the crystal palace of Twilight Sparkle, Princess of friendship.
It wasn't the same, but sometimes she alowed people to visit and to read her personal collection. It was a break from the normal, and it sort of saved me. My home life was nothing to enjoy, and in fact, was normally quite horrible. Mom was rarely ever home, and when she was me and my siblings were never her priority. Dad was less than kind and was rather harsh. He favoured my siblings -Ruby with her jewelry, Track with his racing and medals- but I was lesser. I wasn't Rarity, and I couldn't do what was expected of me right off the bat. I wasn't a master of fashion, and I wasn't great with materials. Sometimes I wondered if there was more to my talent than just what was obvious.
With my enjoyment of design, I understood why some would think that I was meant to be like Rarity, but in my heart, I knew it wasn't right. I didn't make the cloaths, and as I got older I started to care less about that part. I just never truly knew what I was meant to do, and that was hard to figure out when my entire family was already certain of what I was meant to do.
And yet the Princess does nothing about the torment, I thought, chest tightening ever so slightly. My chest was warm and somewhat tight. Letting out a small snarl, I glared towards the large building. She probably doesn't even notice anything that's right under her nose.
I shuddered, a small chill running down my spine at the thought. Twilight was a kind pony, she cared about a lot of people. I never told anypony about the abuse or the high standads, why would they even suspect that he wasn't exactly the nicest or beings. However, on the other hoof, he was never exactly subtle about it. He was openly cold and cruel towards me, and my siblings are often not much better.
Not to mention the special adventures, I could feel my horn light up, could feel the magic pulsing in my blood. It felt different like I wasn't really the one casting the spell. As the beam of teal left my horn, I let out a small chuckle as large vines started growing up the side of the castle.
It felt good, watching the small number of vines crawling up the side of the building. It was strangely satisfying watching the vines grow and even block the door. She very easily could have noticed that something was wrong, and pulling the vines felt worth it.
Perhaps there is a way for me to become even stronger, to get the revenge I so deserve. Not only of the false idol of Friendship but on my father as well. I smirked, walking over to my bed. Perhaps a visit to Twilight to ask about magic enhancement in the morning is needed.
Collapsing into my bed I let out a small chuckle, smile spreading across my cheeks. My father was going to pay for everything he did to me, everything that he made me into.
As my eyes opened I was shocked to find myself staring up at a very full moon through the thick of a forest. The mare on the moon was glowing a brilliant green. It was beautiful, captivating my attention. There was something about it that I didn't understand, but at the same time, I couldn't look away.
"Hooded figure of the dark, reveal your self to me!" The voice was familiar, but strangely so. I couldn't place it as I turned, biting my lip as I saw Princess Luna. "Who are you and why do you seek the gem of the forest?"
"I seek only revenge on those who have wronged me, dear Princess." The voice was not mine, but it came from my mouth. It was colder and somewhat startled me. I would never talk to a Princess like that, no matter how mad I was at them.
"The gem of the forest, how do you expect that to help with your goal?" She asked, eyes glowing ever so slightly. "And further why do you think that I will let you go after it?"
"Princess Luna, this is merely a dream realm, you do not think that I know how to simply wake up?" I asked, quickly taking note of the pressure on my face. I was in a mask. "I suppose we will meet again however dear Luna. I need to look into this gem that you have mentioned."
Smirking I quickly jolted up in bed. There was a small amount of sun flooding into my window, and I had some idea of something that could help me. The gem of the forest, whatever it was Luna knew about it and knew exactly what it was.
I will definitely visit Twilight to ask about that. I thought, smirking as I started packing my bag. Gem of the forest, you will be mine.
Heading out into town I smiled as I walked up to Twilight's castle. It was actually quite beautiful, a tree of crystals. A sight to behold, and a fairly beautiful one at that. Twisting up into the sky, branches of crystal sending rays of rainbow light over the streets. It was a nice temple, and it was fitting of such a princess.
Raising a hoof I quickly knocked, backing up as the door quickly swung open. In front of me was the still somewhat small form of her dragon butler Spike. He was smiling quite brightly a bow tie around his neck. It looked nice on him and he seemed quite happy to be able to help.
"Hello Spike," I said with a small bow. "I'm here to see Princess Twilight, I have some questions about magical artifacts. I feel like they would be able to help me in my studies."
"Of course sir, Prince correct?" He asked tilting his head. "I will inform her that you have come to see her." Spike walked into the palace and I followed him into the hall. It was quite large and nice as I remembered it. It was beautiful and it was lovely. It wasn't quite the library, but it was all still nice.
"Oh, hello Prince!" Twilight said walking up with a smile. "I heard you're doing research on some artifacts, I'm quite interested. Perhaps we could go to my library and I could help you find what you are looking for. " I nodded following the young princess into the large room. Following her to the table I sat watching as she started pulling book after off the shelf and placing it in front of me on the table. As the stacks grew I began sorting them, placing the ones that likely had gems in them in one pile and the rest in the second. When we were done Twilight smiled, sitting beside me.
"So what exactly are you looking for?" Twilight asked smiling lightly. Her eyes held warmth and kindness and momentarily my heart broke. I knew what I was planning, and she was being extremely sweet.
"Something called the Gem of the forest," I responded opening one of the books and pulling over a long scroll. Twilight nodded, levitating a second book to her. We sat here for several hours reading books, and jotting notes about the gems. Apparently, there were four of them the gem of the forest could control the earth, the gem of the sea could control water, the gem of the sky could control the wind, and the gem of the volcano could control fire. They were all quite powerful, and all quite hard to find. Hidden deep into several different places that I had never heard of before.
"Well from what I can tell these empower anyone who uses them, and they are definitely interesting to study. Are you going to look for them? If so perhaps you should be careful, these are not safe places." Twilight said with a small smile. "However, you can take whatever you kneed for your journey, and Rarity can hook you up with something to help keep you safe."
"Thank you, Princess, I will be sure to return when I find them," I responded, turning to leave the library. "I always appreciate your hospitality, I will be seeing you eventually."
Heading out of the building I glanced up at the sky. Part of me knew that Luna would be searching for me, and Celestia would probably as well if Luna told her about my plan. I didn't see anything, but I couldn't be certain that they were not simply beginning their search.
Dropping my sight to right in front of me I quickly made my way towards the boutique, smirking ever so slightly. They don't know what you look like, not really. As long as you have that you can't be seen.
Pushing the door open I walked into the small shop and started looking around There were some masks and one caught my eye. It was somewhat pink silver and it was elegant looking. Levitating it up I paced it on my face, turning as someone started walking up.
"Oh, hello darling! What brings you here?" Rarity asked, smiling brightly.
"I merely wish to purchase this mask, a saddle bag and a cloak for a journey that I am going to take. I am searching for the gems of the world, and it is quite a dangerous trip." I responded with a small smile, pausing as Rarity gently pushed me towards the center of her stage. "It doesn't have to be custom Rarity."
"Oh, of course, it should be love, you are going to be going thru a lot. Enhancements could potentially help protect you, but I'm not very good at them. The least I can do is give you something that looks nice on your teal coat." She responded smiling happily. "However if you wish, I could make it somewhat basic, one colour, some detailing on the back perhaps."
"Alright, thank you Rarity. How much do you want for it?" I asked, tilting my head as Rarity started to get to work. The fabric was nice against my fur, and it was a fairly nice shade of pink-purple. The saddle bag was a warm brown with silver buckles. It was all so beautiful, and I couldn't help but love it.
"Not too much, maybe a hundred ten bits." She responded, walking over to her sewing machine. It didn't take too long before she was levitating the items to fit me. They fit perfectly and comfortably, quietly I handed over the bits. Smiling, I quickly walked out of the shop and back towards my house.
"Where on earth have you been?" My father snarled as I entered, grabbing my leg tight with his magic. "And why are you dressed like that?"
"Oh, I'm preparing for a quest to find some magical artifacts father. " I responded flicking my tail, smacking his cheek hard. A chill ran down my spine at the tone in my own voice and my own actions. "You're holding on me will not last any longer, you will get what you deserve." The magic tightened around my ankle and it became quite warm. It was burning and painful.
"You are quite a stupid child," He hissed storming up to me, eyes glowing a dark. "You belong to me and their is nothing you can do about it. Your useless talent and pathetic magic will get you nowhere! You are nothing and you will gain nothing but death! Get out of my house and never return, you are no longer my child, you have one day to pack and leave."
I flinched tail falling between my legs, eyes tearing up in fear. As the magic diminished I bolted u to my room and began packing, my coin purse, drawing a writing supply, a quickly sketched map from memory of the locations of the gems, my sketchbook. Placing the three objects beside me I crawled into bed and fell asleep.
As I walked into the green glowing forest of dreams I paused, everything was somewhat heavier and I knew that I had more things with me. I was more prepared in my dream, but I could also feel the burn on my ankle from my father's magic. it was somewhat painful, and walking was a bit difficult. It was a tell for certain, and I knew Luna was likely watching me once more.
Taking a deep breath I shook my head, ramming a hoof into a nearby tree. Pain shot up my leg and I let out a small curse. It was stupid and really painful, and I was just making the situation worse. I was adding more tells, and I hated it. I hated the fear that I still felt in my heart, even knowing that I was going to get me revenge against the jackass.
And yet I will likely still be without a home. I thought with a small sigh kicking the dirt. You are going to be wanted for attacking a princess and your family.
Letting out a small huff I shook my head and alowed myself to fall to the ground, curling up against one of the nearby trees. The glow that was coming through the trees increased, but I didn't care. I didn't want to face Luna, I just wanted to sleep peacefully for once without an overshadowing figure.
"This is a new side of you young cloaked stallion, and quite an early time for you to be resting," Luna said walking up to me slowly. I could hear the concern in her voice. It was unusual and somewhat uncomfortable. It was sort of scary, and frightening.
"What do you care Princess?" I asked, not even bothering to look up and away from the tree. "You have everything you kneed."
"There is a reason I have taken a kindling to you, that I have been watching you so closely. I am concerned about your mental health." She admitted letting out a small sigh. "I don't want you going as far I did, or that several others have. I don't want you to do anything regrettable."
I clenched my jaw, chest tightening as I quickly turned to face her. Magic was pulsing through my body and my blood boiling as I snarled. I could see Luna's ears flatten, magic surrounding her in a shield. I didn't care as I started drawing the vines around her. They were thick and powerful and for a moment I thought that I would be able to dispell her from my dreams this way, but that was quickly crushed. Her horn began glowing, and the vines very quickly broke away.
"I do not know what you are trying to accomplish, but it is foolish to think that you can get away with attacking the Princess of the Night," Luna said, voice loud and holding frightening power. "This is the realm of dreams, I am the one in control, and I will find out who you are and what your ultimate goal is."
"You don't need to know that Princess, besides I already told you! I want revenge!" I hissed, anger filling my voice. Everything was warm as I shot a ball of fire towards the Princess.
Jolting awake I quickly hopped out of bed and dashed out of the house grabbing a few final things before making my way into the Everfree forest, slowing only when I was fairly deep in and only stopping when I came to a small clearing. There were no trees, but it was still small enough that the surrounding ones provided cover and shade. The grass was tall but soft and the moon was just enough to allow me to see what I was doing as I began wrapping my injured leg.
Placing the kit back in my saddle bag, I pulled out my map quickly scanning it to see where I had to go. It was a long trip and no matter where I wen I could have the possibility of running into a princess. Four Princesses, four gems not only that but there were others.
Alright, the closest one is the gem of the air, located on Mount Lhorse. However, that is one of the two most likely places that they would expect me. I thought, quickly flipping thru the paged. The other two are going to be more difficult. One is in a cave at the bottom of the ocean and one was in the belly of a volcano. Further, it would seem that they are connected, made more powerful in connection with each other.
Letting out a small sigh I placed the maps in my bag and stood, walking away from the tree. I couldn't stay in one place for long, I couldn't let anyone get a good idea where I was staying. I needed to be on my way to find the Gems of the World, starting with the gem of the Earth.
As I made my way further into Everfree a small chill ran down my spine, something was following me I could feel it. Turning quickly my breath hitched as no one was there, there was nothing I could see. I was at a disadvantage. Illuminating my horn I picked up my pace, constantly looking behind me as I ran. My breath was hitching and I tripped over an ever so slightly exposed root.
Letting out a small whimper, I turned to pull myself up shuddering. I could feel eyes on me, but I couldn't tell from where. Glancing up I noticed a house in the stump of a large tree. Zecora's house if the memory was serving correctly then she would likely know what was following me or at least be willing to help me on my search and heal my ankle. Pulling myself I walked forward and knocked, flinching as the door swung open with a creak. It was really quite frightening, and it was hard to enter the room of the powerful Zebra.
Walking forward I was met with the glow of a potion on fire and the smell of strange herbs and potions. Overwhelming smells that assaulted my nose and fumes that burnt at my eyes. It was a little painful and overwhelming all at once. I could see Zecora standing over the potion but I could bearly move, I could bearly breath. We momentarily met eyes as she stirred the potion.
"You are here on quite the quest, but are your certain that your hearts the best?" Zecora asked looking back at her potion. "If it is my help you seek, then your hearts truth you must be willing to speak."
I paused tilting my head ever so slightly, biting my lip as I levitated my mask to a nearby shelf. I don't really know why I did it, but it felt nice to be open. I felt odd almost like I could no longer hide what I was feeling, or my innermost self. It was uncomfortable and frightening, but at the same time, I felt safe.
"I fear something in my mind, a part of me that feels like it wants to go too far," I whispered, dropping my head. "I'm scared that what I intend to be a freeing trip may become vengeful, and nor just vengeful. It feels dark and evil. I don't want to hurt anypony, not truly. I'm just scared that I might give them what they gave me in a tenfold." I could feel my eyes tearing up, I could feel the sadness and the fear of myself taking hold in my heart. My breathing hitched and my vision blurred ever so slightly.
