A Story from Stone, Shattered Serenity

Chapters

[Chapter 1] Gaze into the Abyss
[Chapter 2] Loyal companions
[Chapter 3] The mare in the mirror
[Chapter 4] We are all strangers in a strange land, pt1
[Chapter 5] We are all strangers in a strange land, pt2
[ Prologue ] My head is bloody, but unbowed

[Chapter 1] Gaze into the Abyss

A Story from Stone
Shattered Serenity
BCBB

[Chapter 1] Gaze into the Abyss

[ 7002 After Tirek somewhere in the outskirts of Saddle Arabia]

The sound of hoof falls echoing down the ancient stone hallway and darkness smothered all light except a pink soft glow which radiated beneath the cloaked hooded figure, feeling her way down the corridor until she reached the end of the hallway. Pulling back her hood, a unicorn mare, with her dark violet coat and teal mane, gathered into a ponytail burst forward as though seeking freedom from her hood and her tired lace pink eyes darted as though she was looking for something familiar. Or perhaps determining safety. She looked at the wall mural and the image upon it was reflected on the open page of her book she had retrieved with magic from her saddlebags hidden beneath the cloak. It was the image of a monstrous figure with a slight resemblance of a pony form.

Her heart beat faster as she realized her search of two years had yielded her the fruit of her labor in finding the mural. She slipped the book into her saddle bag confident of its safety as she moved closer to examine the mural. She places her left forehoof on the black crystal located at the base of the image.

“To you who is sleeping in the darkness, the king of shadows, who wielded six powers, who took marks to give life to a new form but betrayed by those closest to you. Sealed within this dark void, arise, come forth and speak.” She paused and waited but there was only silence as the echo of her voice ceased to rebound through the hall.

Puzzled, she lowered her hoof “That should have worked, maybe I did not use the original translation---” before her thought was complete, she saw darkened shadows snaking towards her and locking her in place as they surrounded her body. The black tendrils at the base of her neck broke into spider veins which traveled to the base of her horn. When the first vein touched her horn the soft pink light of her magic vanished leaving her in unfathomable darkness, the spider sensation creeping through her mind seemed to last for an eternity as she stood unable to move or think. She began to choke as the darkness smothered her and she was unable to move or speak.

She felt the fear and the sense of drowning within the shadow's heaviness. It felt as though she was in this state for an eternity but the shadows receded into its darkness and she crumpled to the floor, trying to breath, to think and comprehend what had occured. She placed her hooves on the cold floor and raised her body upward, her horn shooting forth light as though it had a mind of its own.

“What… was that?” she said, struggling for her breath.Her horn brightly glowing with its attack spell, waiting for the next assault.

}}What a strange language this is that you speak{ echoed by an unknown voice.

The unknown voice was male in tone, that reverberated like the first sound of thunder followed by the sensation of a jagged knife being scraped against a dry whetstone.

“Who’s there!?” she gasped “Show yourself, if you dare!”

}You called to me little one{ resounded the unfamiliar voice.

“Are you the one, I seek?” she said shakenly, the glow from her horn diming. She started to bow in the direction she thought the voice was coming from, “My lord, I your humble servant beseech you to please help me wit-”

}Little one, I know what it is you seek. Your memories were revealed to me as I learned your language{the voice spoke with force.

“Then you know, she could not bring him back but you can, will you do this for me? She said, looking to identify the source of the voice.

}No, I will not grant your wish as there is only one true spell to bring back the dead and the price needed to cast that spell is not one, I'm willing to pay{

“B-But all my research says only a god can cast that spell. I have talked with all the gods I know and they refuse to tell me or don’t know how to use the spell,” she said dejectedly.

}You do not need to explain how that spell is accomplished as I'm the one who created it{ the voice resounded.

“What? That's Impossible, the origins of that spell originates in the golden age of the harpies. All evidence points to them creating it,” she responded, searching for the source of the voice, but it seemed to echo all around her.

It appeared as thought the voice noticed her darting eyes and replied }Stop looking around I do not exist on this plane; I can move my consciousness through the shadows in limited capacities and have done so for many centuries prior to the harpies{

Startled, her ears flattened as she stated, “My apologies, my lord, the shock of our connection and the time I have spent the last year trying to find my answers. Only to hear that you won’t do it is more than I can bear,” she said. She sat in silence with her despair flooding her mind and heart.

} It wounds me to feel your despair, so would you like to make a deal?{the voice whispered.

Her breath quickened and her ears perked up at the proposal “what kind of deal did you have in mind?” she asked.

}I grow tired of this dark prison and wish to return to the world; I am its rightful king. Under my rule my previous kingdom severied all threats, conquered them and with your help it can be so again{

“Before I can answer. Why did you create the spell of resurrection?”

}… HAHAHAHAAHA. Yes, you would ask that, very well. The spell was created to save the one I called friend, should he have unexpectedly passed. You see, you and I are one and the same, let me help you accomplish what I could not. I will not pay the price needed. My refusal does not mean the end for your desire{

She sat quietly considering his statement, “What would this deal entail and what guarantee do I have that you will not betray me,” she hesitantly inquired?

}Lying to you accomplishes nothing, however freely joining me will serve both of our needs. You are by far are the strongest magic user I have ever seen, but you could be more with my help and guidance{ the voice softly spoke

“If you've seen my memories as you state, then you know I'm not the strongest, because my mother holds that title,” she said bitterly.

}You seem to misunderstand me { the voice replied as it circled slowly around her.

}I speak of your potential, while your mother’s potential has been reached, yours is just beginning. Think about it, are you not the utmost forerunner in magical theory and applications?{ the voice said }did you not research and create a system to allow unicorns to use magic that they otherwise could not?{

“Y-Yes b-but the success rate was at such a critically low chance of working,” she spoke with hesitancy.

}Who was it that told such a thing to you and wouldn't even let you work to perfect it{ questioned the voice with a tinge of surprise.

“M-My mother, but she had good reasons to, the number of sacrifices would be too great,” she stammered.

}Sacrifice is a part of progress, was it not soldiers that sacrificed their lives to bring forth the chance to end that war?{ the voice seemed to move closer to her.

“I-I don’t-” she said as she stumbled with the confusion she felt.

}Ask yourself why, she stops you from pursuing a power that would push the boundaries of possibility with magic{ the voice was directly in front of her moving closer }the answer is simple{ the voice appeared to be directly over her shoulder }she is afraid of you{ the voice whispered softly into her ear.

Her eyes widened her mind racing to make the connections between her experiences and his statement. She crumpled to the ground “she lied to me, she refused to help me bring Rayfall back, but I did not question. I should have known” she sobbed. The silence rested heavily as neither one spoke as she lay on the ground weeping bitter tears of betrayal. She stopped, as she solidly planted her hooves, she arose with a visible change to her appearance “That bitch,” she stated flatly, “it's almost laughable at how naive I was, trusting her words of love, when she was afraid that I would surpass her.
She’s a relic from a bygone era, clinging to the statuesque,” she looked towards the ceiling, her eyes red and still wet from her tears, deeply sighing she inquired, “what would you have me do?”

The voice spoke with authority }Become my avatar, I will unlock your magical potential. Your power shall be equal to any gods With my help you will surpass the current regime. When I am free, all of Equss is mine, you shall be my heir. I don’t shy away from your potential; I embrace it and will help you break the limitations upon it{

“I am yours to command if you keep your promise to attain all I desire, I will faithfully serve as your avatar.”

}It shall be from this day forward{ the voice resounded }you shall accomplish what that insufferable cult could not. Nothing can stop our powers joined together{

The shadows crept towards her hooves where it formed a pool.,. }This will hurt but as your body is broken it will be rebuilt to accommodate your new power and unlimited magic{ the voice spoke as it appeared to surround her frame.

She firmly stated, “Understood, let it begin,” as she braced herself the shadows at her hooves formed tendrils tearing off cloak and saddlebags, wrapping tightly around her body. She felt herself being lifted by the tendrils encasing her body, expanding to create a cocoon of darkness. The chamber was silent, while in the cocoon she screamed against the pain of her flesh being ripped right down to the marrow of her bones. The darkness began to split her horn in half and her screams turned to laughter that only comes when all sanity ceases to exist. The darkness fell back towards the shadows and the unicorn was forever changed.
Her coat was black as the darkness with a faint glow of her remnant violet as thought to remind her of that which she had sacrificed. Her teal mane and tail, had the luster drained from it, leaving it a pale green color. Her beloved cutie mark, two seven pointed stars resting upon one another, the first star was the largest of the two and magenta colored, the second was slightly smaller than the first with it being a fuchsia color, the top points being longer than the others, caped with triangles, giving the appearance of clock hands had disappeared, in the transformation.

Her horn split in half, resting at the sides of her head and her pink lace eyes that were closed opened to a crimson-colored rage.

}Welcome back Little One{ the voice echoed.

“What have I become?” she asked.

You are as you always been, but as to your race, you are a bicorn, a species created by me in prior experiments{

“Is that the race which they sealed away with you?” she inquired.

}No, different, but no time to explain, as you must take time to acclimate your new body and powers.{ quickly spoke the voice.

“I see, so does that entail bed rest and training?” she said with a smirk.

}No, it won't take long for you to be at full power and we have much to accomplish in a short time{ the voice stated.

“Command me as you wish, my master.”

}You will travel southwest and build an army to assist us{ the voice commanded.

“Southwest? But only one thing exists in that direction and you cannot mean they will be the army?”

}No not them, there is more that exists there then you have known but I sense it. Follow my command unless you did not mean your words{ the voice thundered.

“Very well,” she said, picking up her cloak and saddlebags, “I will follow your command.”

}Before you start on your new life, from this day forward as you have been transformed you shall be called Eclipse -{ the voice spoke into the darkness around her.

“Sparkle, I shall be Eclipse Sparkle, my mother shall know she has created a force she cannot control with her lies,” she said as her face twisted with an evil grin.

~~~~~~~

[ Crystal Empire 7005 After Tirek ]

The entire Empire was abustle with excitement as the Equss games were getting underway and everyone waited with bated breath.

“Nox, did you know that the games have an interesting history?” asked Moonstone, a small dragonling, leaning against the back of his neck, her book open in her lap.

Smiling, Nox inquired, “I take it you found your next paper for Twilight, eh Moonstone?”
“One of us has to be the brains of our duo, and I need to keep the top student position in school,” Moonstone replied jokingly.

Nox laughed, Nox’s full name was Nox’sidus Drakon, a seven-foot tall, well-muscled dark gray pelted minor alicorn stallion, with a well-groomed, midnight blue mane and tail. His main was mid-length and the majority of it was pulled into a ‘warrior's wolf's tail’ with the rest of it hanging loose, his tail was mid-length as well. Nox’s orange eyes seemed to glow like fire in the sunlight. His cutie mark was two crossed white swords behind a white round shield, on the shield was a black one-winged dragon that rested above the one-winged golden dragon, its face bending down to face the opposite face of the golden dragon.

Moonstone was a silver scaled dragonling, with two onyx black horns running along her head. The tips slightly curving upward. Her eyes were a bright piercing blue and hinted at her inquisitive mind which sought knowledge.

Moonstone joined him in his chuckle and inquired, “You're entering the games? I thought you were never all that interested in them,” Moonstone said.

“I'm still not, but this year they have a combat tournament that's open to the public and that has my interest,” Nox excitedly exclaimed.

“Of course, you would want to be a part of that,” Moonstone closed her book, slipping it into the satchel at her left, standing upright on his back, “so we better get inside before it is filled.”

Nox smiled at her, knowing his partner knew him well. “Hold on tight!” Nox exclaimed springing into a gallop down the road to the colosseum, chuckling as Moonstone grabbed and gripped a clawful of his mane.

They reached the tournament registering station shocked to see a massive crowd waiting to register. Moonstone exclaimed, “By the stars all of them are signing up?”

“Let's see, Pony, Dragon, Kirin, Linorm, Griffon, Hippogriff, Zebra, Diamond Dog and Changeling. Haha.. looks like just about every race on Equss is here, this is going to be fun,” exclaimed Nox.

“Hahaha typical Nox, always ready for a fight,” a deep voice rumbled.

The pair looking at their right saw the gray dragon approaching. “Oh great, if it isn't the biggest buffoon I know,” Moonstone sighed.

“What was that you little half pint?” the gray dragon growled.

“Okay you two that's enough for now,” Nox said trying to stop them from arguing in public again, “good to see you Ash.” Nox spoke while raising his hoof toward Ash. Ash’s claw bumped his hoof in response to the gesture.

Ash's full name is known as Ashen Scales partially due to the gray scales being light enough to look like ash given shape with small specks of black and brown in random places. He appeared seven feet high, but his true height was twenty feet, as was known by friends and foes. On his head, a back sweeping crown with five ivory white horns, and the creative spark in his smoldering scarlet eyes.

“Good to see you too, Nox” Ash replied.

“Nox, while I love the fact that you can take the time to speak to this oaf, without losing brain cells,” Moonstone gestures at Ash, “but you should sign up before it's too late.”

“Letting that one go, half pint,” Ash growled. “Here Nox, I got you covered,” Ash said, holding out a clipboard to him.

“Thanks Ash,” Nox responded, taking the clipboard and pen in the white aura of his magic.

“You see that half pint?” Grinning, Ash responded as Moonstone sighed.

Moonstone rolled her eyes and refused to acknowledge the victory, “Even a blind squirrel can find a nut.”

Growling softly, Ash stopped, “You still can’t use size changing magic can you half pint?” Moonstone stared daggers at Ash, Ash returned her stare with his smirk.

“Let's see, general information,” Nox mutters, “Name: Nox’sidus Drakon Sparkle, age: 25, race: Minor Alicorn and hmm… a waiver form. Guess that's to be expected, the rules seem pretty simple, magic: low tier to mid-tier, flight is possible. Can’t fly out of the stadium, can dig under the ring but must remain within the confines, resurfacing out of the ring is a ring out, no personal weapons. Alright that should do it, now to go and turn this in.”

Nox turns his head noticeing Moonstone and Ash still in a deadlock. Nox sighs, “Not again,” as his magic grabs Moonstone, placing her on the ground, the only indication that she was moving was that never once did they break their deadlock. Making his way towards the sign-up station to turn in his form, muttering, “Every time those two get together this happens.”

Twilight Sparkle sat in her seat watching the populace taking their seats, she smiled at the excitement shining on every pony's face. She felt satisfied that she insisted the games continue on schedule at the last meeting. She was aware that with the addition of the new event, some argued a combat tournament was in poor taste following the war five years ago. The Storm War, what a mess that was, but the tournament was necessary to help relieve any anger or resentment that remained unaddressed.

“A gem for your thoughts?” Twilight turned her head to see a 13foot high, pink dragoness approaching her.

“Good to see you Lady Hearthscale, I am not sure the thoughts would be worth your gem. I take it others will not be here?”

Hearthscale sat down in her seat next to Twilight and grumbled, “The official excuse is they are busy with rebuilding. Unofficially, the other two Dragon Gods appear to enjoy arguing rather than to appear at the tournament.”

Twilight sighed, “During the last meeting it was changed to non-mandatory attendance this year. I had hoped all would choose to attend, thankfully at least you and Flurry Heart are here.”

“Speaking of the Empress, where is she and Princess Astra? They didn’t accompany you?”

“I had Astra stay in New Canterlot to take care of some trouble that arose at the last second. I did see Flurry Heart when I arrived this morning but haven’t seen her since that time.”

Before Hearthscale could reply, the sound of hurried hoof steps echoed toward them. “I'm so sorry aunty, that business just couldn't wait, but know I'm all yours toda-” Empress Flurry Heart’s voice trailed off, as the pink crystal pegicorn’s light opal eyes widen in surprise, “L-Lady Hearthscale, I-I- um when did you arrive?''

The pink dragoness looked at the Empress, who looked slightly pale. Hearthscale smiled, an idea forming in her mind “I must say this is a huge disrespect,” she said, crossing her arms. “The fact that only Princess Twilight got the royal welcome, while New Cindervale and the Crystal Empire are practically neighbors. So, was this business getting your mane done up with gems?”

Flurry Heart’s mouth fell open as she stammered incoherently, her purple and blue mane had strands sticking out.

“Honestly, stop teasing the poor filly,” Twilight sighed, “or are you that interested in meeting ‘Fury Heart’?” Twilight looked at Hearthscale and Flurry as though waiting for their responses.

Hearthscale sighed “Figured me out huh, I apologize Empress. I took my joke a little too far.”

Flurry composed herself “I do apologize Lady Hearthscale for my neglect, I wish to make it up to you. Now if you will excuse me, I will take my seat as the opening ceremony is beginning.”

Hearthscale nodded to the Empress, as Flurry Heart found her seat on the other side of Twilight. Hearthscale caught a fading red glow from the swirling mass of yellow crystal hearts that was the pink crystal pegicorns cutie mark. The beating sound of small wing caused the trio to look out to the crowd below, a small silver streak landed on the railing.

Moonstone bowed, “Princess Twilight, Empress Flurry Heart, Lady Hearthscale it's good to see you.”

“Moonstone, I thought you would be with Nox?” Twilight asked.

“The officials said only combatants were allowed in the waiting area, so Nox suggested that I watch with you,” Moonstone said sitting on the railing.

Twilight smiled, “You will have a great view, looks like it’s time for them to start,” Twilight said, taking note of the crowd gathering near the ring.

“Good day ladies and gentlecolts!” the yellow crystal pony with a red mane, “I'm your commentator and referee for the tournament, my name is Ruby Rose. Thank you for joining us today, we’ve got a lot of great events planned for you today. But first the lighting of the torch!” All eyes turned toward the large brazier. A red streak of fire fell from the sky, setting the brazier a flame, a second red streak lifted up from the brazier back into the sky.

A loud boom and a ring of red flame rippled across the sky before dissipating, while the crowd excitedly roared, “Lighting the torch this year, is Equestria’s very own Guard Caption Vermillion Wing! Now a quick announcement before the first event, the combat tournament will be postponed until later today as two hundred combatants sign up. We will be holding eight preliminares rounds throughout the day. The combatants will be grouped into twenty-five for a battle royal with only one winner,” Ruby Rose Inhaled and loudly announced, “with that being said, let this year's games begin!!”

*******

“That was disappointing,” Nox sighed, while he and seven other prelim finalists made their way towards the arena.

“Haha, you have to admit that only you could get the group that forfeits the second they find out who you are,” Ash laughs. “I'd say that you don’t have to worry about that happening again, not with this group.”

“Okay everypony, I want four of you on my right and the four others on my left, we will be starting in one moment,” Ruby Rose announced. As the eight combatants took their places as the crowd cheered. Ruby Rose adjusted her headset as her voice rang out, “Alright everypony the time you have been waiting for is here, your eight combatants are,”
Ruby gestured to her left side “from the Diamond Dog Warrens, we have the not so small Tiny,” the hulking mass of a diamond dog lifted his arms as the crowd roared with excitement, “we also have from our own Crystal Empire, the master of changing faces Mantis,” as though on cue, the pink maned, black unicorn changeling, shifted from his normal self to a pony sized bugbear, than a hydra and then returned to his original shape.
“We have from the Linorm Kingdom, Frozen Tundra,” the white linorm rocked back to stand on her hind legs, throwing her head back to let lose a roar of her freezing breath weapon, “from Gallopagos, we have the mistress of flame, Scorch,” flame rolled off the horn of the red furred and scaled kirin.

Ruby Red waited, until ther the cheering crowd quieted, before introducing the last four combatants, gustaring to the right, “From the Zebra Kingdom, we have a warrior only known as Riot,” Riot wore armor made of iron, shaped to look like an ursa major with a red crystal horn, removing the helmet and standing proudly was a young zebra unicorn stallion.

“From the Griffon Nation, Wingger,” the young dark brown griffon, flexed his wings showing off the black tiger stripes on his back half, “from New Cindervale, Ashen Scales,” Ash started to flex his muscles in various poses, the entire crowd went silent. Except for Moonstone who was laughing. Ruby Red hesitated and then spoke, “um… okay, and our last but certainly not least, is Equestria’s very own Nox’sidus Drakon Sparkle!” Before Nox could do anything, the crowd roared with absolute excitement.

Waiting once again for the crowd to quiet down enough for her to speak again, “Before the combatants came out to the arena, they were asked to take a lot that would determine the matchups. I will now revile the results of those lots and matchups,” Ruby cleared her throat, “round one: Tiny vs Wingger, for round two: Ashen Scales vs Mantis, for round three: Scorch vs Frozen Tundra and for round four: Nox’sidus Drakon Sparkle vs Riot. Combatants of the first round stay and the remaining contestants will make their way to the waiting area.”
Nox and the six others left the stage, leaving Tiny and Wingger to begin their match, “Are both combatants ready?” Ruby inquired of the two fighters, seeing no objections shouted excitedly “Then begin!”

Author's Note

when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you Friedrich W. Nietzsche
I removed the Apple scales, the reason being is that while I did like it, it became difficult to keep changing the sizing scale

[Chapter 2] Loyal companions

A Story from Stone
Shattered Serenity
BCBB

[Chapter 2] Loyal companions

Every bone in Nox’s body popped as he stretched, as Ash winced at each pop, “He hit you pretty hard, the last time I saw you get hit that hard was in basic,” said Ash.

“The rules said, no personal weapons. However, it didn’t say anything about using personal armor as a weapon. Geez, I’ve never seen anypony charge through my shields, guess that's why his name is Riot,” Nox groaned, as his bones responded to his last stretch.

Ash sighed with relief as the popping sounds ceased from Nox’s body. “Riot looked like he was using earth magic, but he's a unicorn zebra so that’s not possible.”

Nox sat and rubbed his aching horn, “He must have been a master at enchanting. He was smart to use pure iron on his armor in order to enchant and disenchant it.”

“Ashen Scales and Tiny to the stage to start the first round of the semifinals,” Ruby Rose announced. Ash moved to the stage to face the massive diamond dog.

“Wish me luck,” Ash called over his shoulder.

Nox stated, “You won’t need it.”

“Are both combatants ready - then let the match begin!” announced Ruby.

Behind Nox a husky voice stated “This match shouldn't take too long.”
He turned to see ice blue eyes staring into his, as a white feathery scaled linorm stood behind him and she appeared to be about two feet taller than himself.

“We have not been introduced, I am Frozen Tundra daughter of the Linorm god Glacier,” spoke the linorm.

Nox slightly bowing his head replied, “It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Nox-”

”Yes, I know “Nox’sidus Drakon Sparkle, son of Princess Twilight Sparkle, one of the Pony Gods,” Frozen Tundra inserted.

Nox flattened his ears in annoyance, “If you will excuse me, I'm trying to watch the match,” he said, as his gaze returned to the match. Ash had grown to Tiny’s size and was grappling with the massive diamond dog.

Frozen Tundra moved to the side of Nox, “I have a request for you,” she spoke.

“Oh, and what is it?” Nox replied, as his eyes remained on the match.

“I ask that you refrain from holding back in our match.”

“Wow that's insulting as I wasn't planning to hold back,” Nox sarcastically replied.

“I apologize if I offended you,” she said, sitting next to Nox. “Please allow me to explain. My father wishes to pass on the mantle of godhood, however only my brother and I are suitable to receive it. My brother is a traditionalist and would love to see dragons become our food again. In fact, to see every race as nothing more than food.”

Hearing this, Nox turned to look at Frozen Tundra. “The worst is there is a growing faction in Linorm, which believes as my brother does and is willing to back him.”

Nox sighed deeply, “You believe your brother would risk war with every race, if he became the next god?”

“Yes, many claim that he is the strongest of us and this is proof that he should be the next god.”

“So, by defeating me as I’m giving it my all, you prove them wrong? Have you considered what happens if you can’t beat me? Hopefully you do not think I’ll take a dive?” Nox asked, Returning his gaze to the match, he noted Tiny had Ash in a headlock.

“I would not ask that of you. If you defeat me, I believe many would remember going to war would be foolish.”

Nox and Frozen Tundra sat in silence as they watched Ash break free of the headlock and expand to his full size, which the ring barely accommodated. Grabbing Tiny, the twenty-foot-tall dragon, tossed the diamond dog out of the ring.

“Um… ? ring out, Ashen Scales will move to the finals,” Ruby Rose announced as Ash returned to his smaller size. Booing sounds from the stands relaid the discontent with the outcome.

“The next combatants, Nox’sidus Drakon Sparkle and Frozen Tundra to the ring,” Ruby announced.

Nox moved to the stage and passed Ash with a chuckle, “Knew you could do it, well not exactly that way.”

“Don’t you dare lose, Nox,” Ash chuckled. Nox took his spot on the stage facing Frozen Tundra as she landed on spot from her short flight.

“Are both combatants ready- Then let the fight begin,” announced Ruby.

Frozen Tundra wasted no time in her attack, the air was white as the freezing wave surged forward from her roar. Nox responded with lightning-fast reflexes, crouching down. His horn flared white as it created three shields. Two of the shields were two ponies wide by two ponies high hexagons, the last was a triangle only a pony wide and high. The shields locked together with the hexagons on the sides and the triangle in the middle, the freezing wave struck the shields, as Nox dove to his right.

Fighting linorms is tricky, to say the least as their freezing breath weapons made frontal assaults a bad idea. If you got past that, their thin, sharp claws would make close combat a nightmare, but attacking from behind was equally dangerous. Their manes were a collection of fine spines which grew thicker along their backs and ran down their serpentine tail as very thick spikes on a club-like tail. The best way to fight was using long range, but if you're feeling brave, attacking from the side was a risky surprise attack.

As Nox charged her right side, he unleashed a magic blast at her. Seeing the incoming blast, Frozen Tundra leapt into the air and dodged by using her bat-like wings. Frozen Tundra’s eyes scanned the ground as she was rising and locating Nox, she sent a blast of freezing cold which covered half of the stage. Ruby, diving off the stage, yelled ”They aren't paying me enough for this!!”

Icy mist covered half the stage as it was caught in the last blast. The mist started to fade, revealing several linked white hexagon panels. A quick glance revealed the way the panels were linked would allow for an escape behind her. Turning she saw Nox fire another magic blast. The blast was the size of a pumpkin, and before Frozen Tundra could react, the blast broke into several apple sized bolts, which expanded into a cone, cutting off any hope for an escape.

Unable to flee, Frozen Tundra felt the full brunt of the attack, she was sent spiraling downward to the stage floor. Moments before striking the stage floor, she snapped her wings open and curved back into the air searching for Nox. She heard a popping sound that came from her upper left. Turning she saw Nox had appeared into reality and used one of his shields as a springboard.

Vaulting from his shield towards Frozen Tundra, his wings tucked and magic from his horn channeled to his right forehoof. Frozen Tundra appeared transfixed on the power which was being displayed and then felt his hoof making contact with her jaw. The strong force of the hit sent her flying down to the stage and the loud boom echoed in the coliseum. The fierce look on Nox’s face changed to panic after he landed and saw Frozen Tundra.

“I knew I shouldn't have used that move. I created it last week, but I thought I had enough control. Can we get a medic!”

A white unicorn rushed onto the stage to examine Frozen Tundra's injuries and reported, “She’s okay, just knocked unconscious,” as his horn flared a pale blue.

“Nox’sidus Drakon Sparkle, the winner by knockout!,” announced Ruby Rose as the crowd ecstatic erupted and Princess Twilight and Moonstone voices were leading the cheering. Two crystal ponies came with a gurney and removed the unconscious Frozen Tundra.

The worry was evident on the face of Nox as he moved to them and asked, “Will she be, okay?”

The unicorn medic noticed the look of concern on Nox and reassured, “I’ve never heard of a pony knocking one out before but she will be fine. Linormas are incredibly durable.”
Nox let out a sigh of relief, “When she wakes, tell her that she fought well and she made a good hit in the last part,” requested Nox. He lifted his left wing, showing the underneath covered in ice.

The medic's eyes widened in disbelief, “How did you manage to fly with that damage?” he inquired.

“I didn't, that's what forced me to use spells I had not mastered yet and this is the result.”

“I can take care of the ice but you won’t be able to fly in time for the next match,” responded the medic.

“Please assist, my wing will be healed up later today,” Nox stated. The medic casts the ice thawing spell, along with a minor healing spell to assist with lingering pain. Nox folded his wing, noting the numbness but less pain.

“That should do it,” the medic said and Nox expressed his thanks.

“Could I get our two finalists on stage please!” Ruby Rose called as she stood on the stage.

Nox made his way back to the stage with Ruby and Ash.

“Okay, everypony the time you have been waiting for has arrived” Ruby announced “On my left we have the apprentice of the legendary dragonsmith, Hearthscale, a reserve member of the 666th Monster Hunters and one of the five heroes of the battle of the Appaloosa plains, Sargent Ashen Scales!” Ruby paused, as the crowd roared with approval.

“On my right, is the son of Princess Twilight Sparkle, a member of the Night Guard and one of the five heroes of the Appaloosa plains. Lieutenant Nox’sidus Drakon Sparkle!” The cheering of the crowd erupted after Nox was announced and Ruby waited for it to lessen- before speaking again. Looking at Ash and Nox, she inquired, "are both combatants ready - then let the match begin!!”

“Hold up!” Ash exclaimed as a hush set over the crowd.

“I-Is everything okay?” Ruby asked as her tone indicated her worry.

“I want to add a new element to our fight, after all it is the finals. Nox and I know most of each other’s moves, so can we get a couple of training blades to use?”
Ash grinned at Nox,

Nox chuckled, “I’m okay with it.”

“I-uh, um” Ruby stammered, “It's not that, the rules won’t allow it.”

“We will make an exception,” a voice bellowed, as a purple alicorn floated down and settled on the stage.

Nox and Ash snap to attention, as Ruby Rose dropped down into a bow, inquiring, “Princess Twilight, I-I. um how can I help you?”

“I have talked with the other nation leaders in attendance today, we have agreed to Ash’s request for blades.” Twilight's horn flared magenta and two training swords fazed into existence. The sword's blades were three foot long with a cross guard. One sword floated to Ash, who took it in his claw. The other floated to Nox who took it in his mouth. There was a flash of magenta as Twilight regained her seat in the audience.

Ruby quickly rose on her hooves and declared, “Alright, the okay has been given. We will begin the finals allowing the inclusion of swords, if both combatants are ready?” She looks to Ash, noticing he faces the left as he turns his body, his sword out in front of him and slightly raised. Turning toward Nox she sees he had crouched, turning his head to the left. The flat of the blade almost touched his back. He has one eye on Ash as his tense muscles are ready to spring into action.

Ruby steps back from the two as though sensing danger and shouts, “Then begin!”

The pair just stared at each other, holding their stances as the match began. The crowd was restless as the two stood holding their positions The crowd shouted out questions,
“What's going on here?” “Why are they just standing there?” “What are you doing reff?” They asked Rudy.

The audience’s complaints feel deaf on the ears of Nox and Ash, as well as Ruby, who stood transfixed on the two combatants.

Unknown to the audience. The fight had begun in the minds of the two combatants, as every move was being made and countered. The audience's anger was quickly turning into an uproar, as Nox sprang forward and his attack was met with Ash’s downward attack. The force of the clashing two swords sent up clouds of dust and a hush fell over the audience.

The two were grinning at each other as their swords locked. Nox was the first to move as he let his sword fall from his mouth to slip past Ash, his horn flared grabbing his sword before it touched the ground. Ash dove forward into a dodge roll as Nox’s sword made a sweep at his legs. Regaining his footing, he lunged at Nox with a thrust of his sword.

Nox barely had time to use the flat of his blade, knocking away the attack. While Ash was still reeling from his counter attack, Nox quickly took his sword in his mouth and leapt into the air. Using his one good wing and his body, he positioned himself to bring the full force of his overhead attack. Ash had no time to dodge, so he lifted his blade to intercept Nox’s attack.

The second Nox’s blade made contact with Ash’s, he tilted the blade, to use the force of the attack to redirect. Nox’s blade slid along the edge of Ash’s as he landed a short distance from Ash. Before he could rise and begin his counter attack, he felt a blade on the back of his neck. Nox dropped the blade from his mouth, chuckling, “Looks like I lost this one,” he announced.
“Nox, I know you were injured in your last fight, so say the word and I’ll forfeit” Ash whispered, removing his blade from Nox’s neck. Nox rose to his hooves, staring into the eyes of his friend. The cheering of the crowd and the announcements from Ruby Rose faded into the background, as he replied.

“You and I know that on a battlefield, injuries don’t matter, but if you feel that you can’t accept this win, then next year I’ll beat you without an injury” he said, walking off the stage.

Ash sighed and called out, “Hey Nox, I’ll see you in the ring next year,” Nox’s only response was raising his right wing.

Moonstone facepalmed as she stated, “Great, now the big lug will be full of himself for a while.”

Twilight chuckled, “I imagine that the ones who placed money on that match, are not pleased with the outcome.”

“I’ll say, I actually bet on Nox,” Hearthscale said offhandedly.

A cloaked figure stands in the shadows at the far end of the colosseum. Looking up towards the rafters where Princess Twilight was, stealing their resolve for what needed to be done tonight.

Author's Note

Loyal companions are an unequaled grace, stanching fear before it bleeds you numb, a reliable antidote for creeping despair Dean Koontz

[Chapter 3] The mare in the mirror

A Story from Stone
Shattered Serenity
BCBB

[Chapter 3] The mare in the mirror

[ Crystal Empire, dead of the night after the tournament ]

The cloaked figure steps out into the hallway, ducking behind corners every so often to avoid the guards. Making it to the door that they were heading for, slowly opening it and glancing around to make sure the room and its occupants were silent.
Slowly heading into the room and moving toward the bed with the nightstand, looking down at the bed, they didn’t recognize the purple mare that was asleep but that was irrelevant, what was relevant was the crown that sat on the nightstand.

Gripping the crown in an aqua aura, lifting it up into the cloak of the unknown figure, a note was drawn from their cloak to replace the empty spot that was left. Once the note was placed, the cloaked figure made their way back to the door and out into the hallway, moving quickly and silently as possible, back to where they started from. Suddenly crashing into a pony that had stepped out of a room a second before the cloaked figure could take notice, knocking both to the ground, “Well, that was a surprise,” Nox exclaimed.

Rising to his hooves, “You, okay?” Two things registered in his mind right away, first the pony that crashed into him was wearing a clock that kept them well hidden and second was the crown that was lying next to them looked exactly like Princess Twilights. “Who are you and why do you have that?!”

The cloaked figure said, “Get out of my way, I’m in a hurry.”

Suddenly the door beside them opened and a pony sized, ash gray dragon emerged- he grumbled, “Nox what in the name of Twilight's sparkly flank is going on out here?” His eyes widened as there was a flash of light and Nox was sent careening toward him as they crashed and tumbled across the floor. They came to rest spread eagle across from each other on the floor.

“Buck me, what was that?” Ash grumbles, Shaking his head to clear his thoughts.

“Low-level magic bolt, usually used for stunning, distraction and practice duals. Little magic cost and can be fired off in rapid succession with little to no effort,” Nox states matter-of-factly.

“Not what I meant!” Ash snaps.

“Sorry, old habit I picked up from my mother,” Nox said.

The pair get up off the floor “So what's the situation?” Ash asks.

“The short of it is, we have an intruder and she stole Twilight’s crown,” Nox replies.

“Wait ‘she’, you got a look at them?”

“Yeah, right when she blasted me. Not anypony I recognized though, come on she went this way,” Nox points down the hall with his fore hoof.

“Okay so we’re going with the usual plan, I go left, you go right?”

“Yeah, but remember she has Twilight’s crown and we don't know why, so hold back a bit,” Nox replied .

“Right, no roasting her yet,” quoted Ash as he flew down the hallway.

Nox chuckles, flying after the pair.

The cloaked intruder was a short distance from the original room and she thought she had lost the gray dragon and dark gray alicorn, although she admitted they had surprised her. She felt confident in reaching her goal until her ears perked and she heard the sound of wing beats as the alicorn and dragon were close to her in the hallway.

“Those two again, huh?” She said “Judging from their flying and positioning, I’d say their move is to try a pincer move in order to entrap me. The dragon will most likely use a reduced power of his breath weapon in hope I will stay focused on him and the alicorn will fire off a paralysis spell. A clever strategy, but too simple as your opponent, such as myself can see through it.”

Ash flew toward the cloaked intruder keeping to the left side and her attention on him. A deep inhale and accompanying roar of a silvery-white liquid metal erupts from the dragon's maw, spreading in a wide cone blocking all sight from the left to right. “Is that mercury?!” the cloaked figure shouts, taking that as his que, Nox wasted no time in firing seven bolts of the same energy spell she had used on him earlier.

The liquid metal fell as the seven bolts of magic strikes through it, only to impact on an aqua colored shield that she threw up in haste. Ash landed hard enough to crack the crystal floor, slamming his right claw onto the ground to help direct the earth magic he was channeling into the remains of his last attack. Tendrils burst from the pool of liquid metal, wrapping around and lifting the intruder off the ground.
“Gotcha,” Ash smiles.

Nox landed as the voices of the guards could be heard coming down the hallway, “That would be the guards, it's over. Why don't you save us some trouble and tell us why you did all this?” he enquired.

“Uh… Nox? Don’t you think you should use a stun spell on her?”

“Not really necessary, you have her restrained. You did make sure to harden the restraints, right?”

“Yeah, I have enough earth magic running through them to last an hour at least, but is that enough?”

Before Nox could answer a loud pop was heard the mare that was restrained had teleported out only leaving her cloak behind. She was now at the door that was previously behind her. She was a light amber colored unicorn mare with a red and brilliant yellow colored mane and tail which offset her aqua eyes, she had a pair of saddlebags and on her flank was a red and yellow shimmering sun cutie mark. She briefly looked back at them and with a smirk, “Bye boys,” and went through the door.

Nox and Ash raced toward the door and both arrived at the same time causing they to trip one another, seeing this, the unknown pony giggles, “As much as I enjoy a comedy routine, it's time for me to go,” as she approached the mirror located in the back of the store room and walked through it.

Jerking both of their heads up looking at each other, “Did she just walk through a mirror!?” the pair exclaimed in unison.

“Indeed, looks like there is a lot for us to discuss,” the pair both turn their heads back as far as they can to see who had spoken behind them. Princess Twilight and the small silvered scaled dragonling Moonstone on her back, Lady Hearth Scale, along with a company of crystal guards, looking down at the pair.

Princess Twilight, Moonstone, Lady Hearthscale and Empress Flurry Heart stood in the storeroom looking at each other and the mirror where the intruder had disappeared moments before. Turning toward Nox and Ash who were standing before her, Twilight inquired, “What happened here?”

Nox rubbed the back of his neck with his right forehoof, “Well I was heading back to my room from the little colt's room when I literally ran into the intruder, it pretty much went down from there.”

“Honestly Nox you should've been able to stop them, what happened? Oh, wait don't tell me, it was the lumbering oaf that got in your way,” Moonstone said with a glare at Ash.

“What was that you little half pint!?” Ash growled at the little dragonling sitting on Princess Twilight's back, shooting up to return the glare. Ware the glares locked sparks flared, until Hearthscale smacked Ash down with her tail.

“Sigh. Twilight did they take anything? The guards found evidence that they broke into your room,” Hearhscale said.

“Just a note saying that they were borrowing it and I would get it back in three days. But what I’m wondering is, how do we have another mirror that most likely leads to another world, care to explain, Flurry?” Twilight said, turning her head to look at Furry who was closest to the door.

“I, well, I found it a few days ago when this passage opened up to this room that had the mirror with research journals and was doing some preliminary investigation before I sent it to you. I was going to tell you about it yesterday after the games were done. After you arrived and with the set up for the Equss games, I forgot about it and last time I checked on it, it wasn't doing anything like this,” Flurry said sheepishly.

Twilight turned her head from the light pink crystal pegicorn that was trying to avoid the irritated look that Twilight currently had at her actions, the mirror was ten feet high by five feet wide, the mirror itself was a polished crystal with a multifaceted reflection, its standing was an arch made of rowan wood that somehow was growing multi colored crystal flowers that would wither and fall to the floor to shatter but would not leave an shards and then would regrow.

A polished obsidian sphere sat at the top of the arch that had a white light that pulsed internally at regular intervals.

Twilight turned toward Nox with full confidence he could describe the intruder as he has shown many times his ability to retain information even during a fight. She had a small smirk on her face and stated, "Nox please describe the intruder.”

Spearing a quick glance at his unconscious friend, began his description, “mare, about four to five feet high at most, fur color was a light amber or yellow color, eye color might have been aqua or a light green, mane and tail was red and yellow, her cutie mark was a red and yellow sun… “ Nox trailed off when he saw Twilight's shocked expression.

Moonstone caught the look, “Princess Twilight? Are you okay? "she asked with a bit of worry after she flew off of her back to stand next to Nox.

“It's not possible, it can’t be. She’s gone,” Twilight said to herself.

A concerned look crossed Nox's face as he stated, “Mom what do you mean?”

Twilight snapped at attention when she heard Nox call her that, there were very few times that Nox called her that despite her raising him since he was three, he only ever called her ‘mom’ when he was scared or worried about her.

Twilight looked at her adoptive son and relaxed a bit, “Her name was Sunset Shimmer Kaiser,” she said matter of factually. The entire room fell silent and the air was permeated with a mix of disbelief, shock, anxiety and fear.

“K-Kaiser? As in general Kaiser?” Nox said, paling at the memory of his and Ash’s basic training, Ash was still unconscious but upon hearing that name he shuddered.

“The very same, she was a student of mine that died in an accident years back,” Twilight said.

“Then could it have been a rogue changeling or perhaps somepony using a glamour spell?” Hearthscale said.

“Hmm the rogue changeling seems the most likely, given the hive mind and its vast stores of knowledge. However, I believe that Queen Luna would have informed us earlier,” Moonstone spoke up after checking on Nox who was still frozen in terror.

“Um … Moonstone do you think you can use your power to find out who this is? Perhaps by grabbing a book you wrote about this incident or some documents from the future?” Flurry spoke up, hoping that her idea would somewhat fix her mistake.

Moonstone crossed her arms thinking “hmmm…” the room was quiet in anticipation for Moonstone's answer. Her head snapped up and turned to look dramatically over her shoulder at Empress Flurry all in one fluid motion, “Nope not possible, I just don’t have the same amount of control that my father had. The best I could do is grab everything on Sunset Shimmer from now till the past.” Moonstone replied to a dejected looking Flurry Heart.

“Incidentally Princess Twilight, it occurred to me that you never specified what was taken, only what was left,” Heathscale interjected.

“Oh, it was my crown,” she said.

Nox snapped out of reliving the nightmare that was his basic training, “That's right! She did have her crown, if that was the Element of Magic, we have to stop her! Who knows what it could do in another world!” Nox shouted springing up and galloped at full speed towards the mirror.

His horn was about to touch the surface of the mirror when he was suddenly lifted up and away from it, Twilight's magic had encased him and brought him to eye level. Given that they were only a few inches apart it wasn't much, she had a brief flash of him as a five-year-old clot looking up at her in wonder, “Hold up, first of all Rhynthia was the last one to have the element of magic. She and her friends hid the elements somewhere safe until the time that they are needed again, second you do not need to charge off without hearing all the facts,” Twilight chided him.

The whole room sighed, “Well then no harm done then, by the way is someone going to wake the sleeping dolt up,” Moonstone said.

“Let him sleep, hopefully the welp finally learns his lesson,” Hearthscale said.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m enjoying the relative peace and quiet he's provided being knocked out. Just thought someone should ask,” Moonstone replied

“Although just because it wasn’t the Element of Magic, still does not mean that there isn't a problem,” offhoofly quipped Twilight.

“Wait, what do you… mother don’t tell you are saying what I think you are? Nox asked, Twilights response was a sideways glance. “It was, wasn't it?’ Sigh. You created another artifact!! Didn't you!?” He exclaimed

“Artifact? Where?” Ash inquiries waking up with his inquiry filled with a mixture of hope and worry as he sheepishly looks around.

“Oh, great the buffoon is awake,” sighed Moonstone.

“What was that you little-”

“I can’t believe you made another one, you know how I feel about them,” Nox exclaimed, cutting off Ash’s insult barrage.

“For your information, I created that one back during the war with the Storm Kingdom,” Twilight responded, “that was five years ago.”

Ash watched the two heatedly debating and lowered his head to whisper to Moonstone at eye level inquired of, “Okay explain, what did I miss?”

Moonstone glanced at him and sarcastically replied, "We'll find someone to explain it to you later, someone who can use small words that your small mind can comprehend.”

“Twerp,” Ash growled.

“Oaf,” replied Moonstone as they glared at each other again.

Twilight and Nox were in a deadlock in their argument and neither one speaking, Nox was the first to break, “This is getting us nowhere, so what does this one do?” he inquired as he glared at Twilight.

She closed her eyes, sighed while replying, “It was a receptacle for my magic, highly condensed in case I ever ran out,” she glanced at him and noticed his worried look.

“And how much magic is stored in there?” growled Nox.

“Enough that in the wrong hooves it could level a small city or half of the Crystal Empire,” replied Twilight, everyone turned toward their heads to the door at the sound of Flurry Heart fainting.

“Oh, I forgot she was here still,” Nox stated with a surprised tone.

Twilight sighed at her niece's dramatic action, “Nox, Ash, Moonstone,” Twilight called. Hearing their names, Nox and Ash stood at attention, while Moonstone flew up to stand on Nox’s back as Twilight continued, “the three of you will go to retrieve my crown before any damage can be done with it and you only have until the end of the third day, if my guess is accurate, that is the same amount of time you will have until the portal closes. If it does there is no way to determine when it will open again,” Twilight explained, “Any questions?”

“Umm I have a question,” Ash replied raising a claw, “Can someone tell me what exactly I missed!” he exclaims.

“I’ll explain it to you later buddy,” Nox reassures him, patting his shoulder with his right forehoof.

“Make sure it is in small words,” Moonstone quips, to which Ash growls at her with a glare and Nox just sighs heavily and states, “No time for this right now.”

“I have a question: Princess Twilight, why did you choose these three?” Hearthscale asks.

“Nox and Ash have both proven themselves in the Storm War, when it comes to having to use a small squad, you will not find a more effective pair and with adaptations to unknown situations, it is enhanced with Moonstone’s analytical knowledge. Together they should have little problem” Twilight explained.

Hearthscale studies the three before her, “Alright, you convinced me and I assume you and I will not be sitting here ideally.”

“That's correct,” Twilight replied as she spoke to the three, “alright you three it's time to go on your assigned mission.”

“Yes princess!” the three in unison replied. Nox with Moonstone on his back approaches the mirror, “Alright guys let's do this,” Nox says.

“We got this,” Ash exclaimed as he moved toward Nox.

“I have your back Nox,” Moonstone exclaims from her perch on his back. They looked back at Twilight and Lady Hearthscale and groggy looking Emprise Flurry Heart who woke to see them depart. Nox turns back to the mirror and walks right through it with Moonstone clinging to his back and Ash close behind him.

Author's Note

The girl in the mirror wasn't who I wanted to be and her life wasn't the one I wanted to have. Francesca Lia Block

this took some time to get this edited, working on the next chapter but life gets in the way at times

[Chapter 4] We are all strangers in a strange land, pt1

A Story from Stone
Shattered Serenity
BCBB

[Chapter 4] We are all strangers in a strange land, pt1

As the three companions sailed across the black void, an aurora of shifting colors surrounded them. The aurora disappeared as fast as it appeared, while the group found themselves beneath a hidden moon and a vast blanket of stars. While below them was the vast sea of churning water, which appeared as though in a blink of an eye to have swapped places. The sky took on a bright flash of white which sent the three tumbling into a grassy landing on their backs as they stared into a rose-colored sky, trying to gather their bearings.

The three raised from their positions and noticed one another, they remained silent as it seemed as though words were not sufficient to describe the occurrence and feelings of confusion and awe.

“What happened to you!!” they shouted in unison, while trying to regain their breath and sense of bearings. They noticed that changes had taken place, such as Moonstone’s size had gotten a little smaller than her original size. Her silver scales were now replaced by gray fur that had a sheen to it that looked like liquid silver. Her eyes were still bright blue and her wings had disappeared as well. Her fangs were now needle-like, her horns were gone and in their place was a pair of ears with the tips being black fur. Their amazement was interrupted by Moonstone's disbelieving exclamation.

“Can you believe this; I am a cat.”

“‘Look at me, what the heck happened to my body!!” Ash shouted out.

They noticed Ash’s size had changed considerably, his once large frame was now condensed to that of a small tree branch. His plate-like scales were so small that one would have to get very close to see. His horns, fangs and wings were gone, but his scarlet eyes remained and were balloon-like with shock and amazement. Dejectedly he Looked at Moonstone and pleadingly asked, “What am I? Please tell me!”

Moonstone covered her mouth with her paw up trying to stifle her laugh, “you're a - poofth a-a-a gecko,” as her laugher burst forward and she fell on her side and rolled to her back letting the laugher break forth as she choked out, “ahahahaha!! W-Who’s the pip squeak now!? Hahaha.”

Ash was not amused and his eyes were wide as he demanded, “stop laughing and someone tell me what's going on.”

Moonstone rolled onto her stomach, pounding the ground with paw, pleading with him, “p-please stop talking, Hahahah. I can't take it as your deep voice is coming from that small body. Hahaha!”

The conversation of Moonstone and Ash fell deft on Nox’s ears. He arose from the ground moving towards the glass doors directly behind the two-arguing pair. The first thing Nox noticed in the reflection of the glass doors was that he stood on his back hooves without trying to do it. His Second observation was his new body didn't have hooves and seeing his reflection in the glass, he wondered what he had become. Maybe he was some kind of hairless Diamond Dog. He noticed his mane color and style remained the same on this new body but his horn, fur and wings were missing and in their place was a slightly tanned but definitely white flesh. His orange eyes observed his new body and how the dark gray T shirt hugged his chest with the hint of his

chiseled muscles underneath, it was covered by his dark brown leather jacket and he had blue jeans cinched with a black leather belt and on his feet was black combat boots.

As his eyes were taking in his new look, his attention was drawn to his neck. Hanging around his neck was a chain with two metal tags whose edges were black rubber. With one tag hanging lower than the other. He reached and grabbed the tags, turning them over to get a better look at them. On the face of one tag were two white swords crossed behind a white round shield which held the design of a golden dragon. The other tag was similar except the dragon image was black in color.

“This looks like my cutie mark, but why is it divided into two tags?” He was startled from his train of thought by Moonstone's disgusted tone to Ash.

“Ew! What are you trying to do in front of me? Are you trying to defecate?”

Ash released his breath and straightened up from hunching over in order to help him obtain a deeper breath, “No, you half pint! I was trying to change my size, but I can't access my magic.” The statement resounded with all three as the realization that not only had their bodies changed but they had lost their magic abilities.

Moonstone’s eyes widened, as the realization set in on her and her gaze viewed her body while her ears flattened. Dejectedly she stated, “I can’t believe I didn't notice.”

Nox let go of the tags, squatting to speak with his smaller companions as he noted, “I can’t access my magic either but this body feels like I've always known how to use it.” There was silence until it was broken by Moonstone, as she crouched and sprung onto Nox’s shoulders and proceeded to stretch her body along his shoulder. “I could get used to this,” she quipped.

“What about me? I hope you don’t think your gonna ride on my back,” Ash lamented. Nox picked up the dragon turned gecko, placing him in the front pocket of his jacket. Ash popped his head out of the pocket and happily chirped, “well this is a nice change of pace.”

“Well now that's settled,” Nox commented as he stood to walk to the large stone pedestal. “At least we know where the portal is,” as he raised his hand to the stone’s surface. Beneath his fingertips on the stone were ripples forming. Dropping his hand from the surface and catching the gaze of his companions, stated, “it's right under the statue of this Alicorn. Wait, do Alicorns exist in this world?”

No one replied so Moonstone pulled herself upright onto his left shoulder, while wrapping her tail around his neck and pointing with her paw. “Hey, look over there it looks like an information board,” she exclaimed.

The trio made their way to the board and noted that it seemed as though daylight was glowing brighter. The board was a map with several buildings on it. Each building had a letter and a number associated with it. To the right of the map was a small section used for listing the name of each building, a combination of letters and numbers. Strangely it also stated what was stored in each building.

“Pegasos University,” Nox said, as he read the name at the top of the map. “So, this is a college, huh?”

“Pegasos seems like a weird name for a college,” Ash chimed, “hey pip squeak, you know what it means?”

Moonstone, knowing he was addressing her, replied, “It seems familiar, there are similarities to some other words, but I don’t recall seeing or hearing the word.”

Ash rolled his eyes and sarcastically quipped, “You are our Dragon of Knowledge but can’t remember the name or word that sounds familiar?” He shook his head in disbelief as Moonstone snapped back at him.

“You ignoramus, you know full well, I don’t forget anything with my eidetic memory and that includes every infuriating thing you have done or said- unfortunately.”

“Okay that's enough, I’m not having you two frozen in a deadlock; when I need you right now,” scolded Nox as his eyes snapped with irritation.

“Sorry Nox,” the pair said in unison as they made faces at one another.

Sighing, Nox turned his attention to the map, noticing a big red arrow with the inscription- ‘you are here’. Looking to the right of the board that listed names of the buildings he found their location which was the Main Hall. Examining the map, he examined the buildings. “Let's start finding information on where the crown thief is hiding,” stated Nox. Pointing to a building on the map, “The student lounge, if there is a good place to start obtaining information, it should be at that building.”

Ash and Moonstone nodded but glanced at each other with recognition. They should remain silent as Nox clearly was irritated with them. The three set off northward towards the student lounge, as the rose-colored sky brightened to usher in the day.

~~~~~~~

Several minutes later, the three arrived at the student lounge. The building was one story high and framed by maple trees which displayed the colors of autumn. Crouched in the walkway which led to the doors, a girl was picking up a bag of spilled contents. Nox noticed a book which appeared to have fallen from her and he picked it up and approached the girl in an effort to help with the spillage and return it to her.

He knelt and stated, “Excuse me but is this yours”, while stretching his arm which held the book.

“Eep!” the girl exclaimed as she scuttled away as though frightened by this encounter.

Ash, popping out Nox’s jacket pocket, inquired “Did she really just say ‘eep’?”

“Shh, you idiot, you will frighten her as animals don’t talk,” Moonstone scolded.

“I’m sorry if I frightened you.” Nox said. “I was just trying to return your book.”

The girl's eyes were downward as she struggled to steady her breathing. Slowly she lifted her eyes to the book that Nox held in his outstretched hand. Moving her eyes up, she spotted Moonstone. Her eyes widened, as she sprang to her feet and scampered over to Nox.

“Is this your kitty? What's her name? Can I pet her?” she asked excitedly as she raised her hand and stood on the balls of her feet to reach Moonstone.

“Uh, yes. Her name is Moonstone and you already are petting her,” Nox commented. Moonstone’s ears were slightly folded, her eyes closed and purred, as the girl rubbed her chin and worked her way up to behind her ears. The strange girl was engaged with petting Moonstone, so Nox focused on getting a better look at her. Her skin was the same color as his but minus the slight tan. The collar of a white blouse peaked out under her yellow sweater and her sleeves flowed to cover her knuckles. A long khaki skirt almost hid her yellow slippers. Her long light pink hair fell down past her shoulders, and was held by a pink butterfly hair clip that almost blended with her hair.

Her cyan eyes locked with Nox’s and a blush quickly spread across her cheeks. “I’m sorry,” she softly spoke to Nox who concentrated on hearing her low soft voice. Removing her hand from stroking a disappointed Moonstone, “but you really shouldn't have her out in the open on the university”.

“What do you mean?” Nox asked.

Before she had a chance to reply, someone called out to her.

“Darling, there you are. We were wondering what happened to you, when you didn’t show up”.

Exiting from the doors was a pair of girls. The girl on the right was slightly shorter than Nox and had an orange flannel shirt with the sleeves round up to her elbows, showing the tan on her arms until her elbows which had the same white color as the girl who had been petting Moonstone. A bright red apple belt and buckle held up her faded blue jeans with dirt and grass stains. Perhaps the stains were giving the smallest hint that she had worked in a field. Her jeans cover her cowgirl boots which were caked with mud. Her blond long hair tied in a ponytail tied at the ends with a red cord rested on her right shoulder, a well-worn faded light brown cowboy hat rested on the top of her head. Her sap green eyes curiously scanned Nox and the first girl as a glint of protectiveness flashed from her eyes.

The girl residing to the left of the cowgirl had her arm linked with her companion. She appeared shorter than a cowgirl and appeared to contrast in how she dressed. She had on a white button-down blouse, the sleeves ending three quarters down her arm and was open slightly at the collar, displaying the barest hint of her assets. She sported a white gold chain with three evenly spaced diamonds. Her blouse was tucked into a black pencil skirt which she paired with black stockings and white high heels. She wore her hair similar to her cowgirl companion, but most of it was ringlets which were resting on her left shoulder. Her azure eyes squinted at the scene of Nox holding out the book to her friend as a small smirk appeared on her lips.

“My, darling you do work fast,” she quipped teasingly, identifying her as the person who called out to the girl who petted Moonstone.

“Rarity!” the girl exclaimed with her face a bright red color as she looked up at Nox.

“I’m just teasing you a little darling,” Rarity replied.

“Uh, sugar cube, why is this fella holding a book out to ya? And why is your bag on the ground over there?” the cowgirl inquired.

The young girl took the book which Nox was patiently holding and softly murmured her thanks. Moving to her bag lying on the ground, she explained. “I had a run in with the Dazzlings.” She nodded to the cowgirl who approached to help collect her spilled things.

“Tsk, those three,” Rarity quipped as she walked over to Nox and extended her hand. “Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m Rarity Reignolds, but call me Rarity,” she said with a contagious smile.

Nox took her soft delicate hand in his roughed callused hand and chuckled as he replied, “I’m Nox’sidus Drakon, which can be a mouth full so please call me Nox.”

“It's a pleasure to meet you Nox,” Rarity said as she released Nox’s hand. “And these two are,” she said with a small gesture as the two girls approached after collecting the bag and its remaining spilled contents.

“Name is Applejack, but ya'll can call me AJ,” the cowgirl exclaimed. ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you Nox,” She extended her hand which Nox took, while small smiles spread across both of their faces in recognition of their hands which sported the roughness of calluses.

Releasing Applejack’s hand, he turned to the first girl he met and held out his hand to her. She was blushing as she stammered, “I’m Fluttershy, I’m sorry I did not introduce myself sooner,” as she tentatively took Nox’s hand.

“So, tell me Nox, are you a new student, although registration closed a couple of months ago and I don’t remember seeing you before, - do I need to call security?” Rarity joking quipped with a hint of warning in her tone.

Applejack and Fluttershy caught the subtle hint from Rarity’s voice and Applejack moved to put herself between Rarity and Nox. Fluttershy moved behind Applejack, just enough for protection and yet could be seen. Nox caught that subtle tone and smiled to himself for two reasons. The first was despite all his complaining years ago, he was glad that his mother had practically forced him to go through ambassador training. The second was Rarity had chosen an approach to throw off most, in order to protect her friends around strangers.

“You got me, I’m not now an official student,” Nox said, throwing up his hands and chuckling. “However, I did register some time ago but I couldn't attend because I was suddenly called away.”

Nox knew that his answer could be interpreted in two ways but he hoped that it would work to defuse the mistrust. What he said wasn't a lie as back in his own world his mother had asked him to go to college after he finished basic. Then the Storm war started and he was called into duty. He never registered again for college after the war was over.

Nox felt Moonstone tense on his shoulder and Ash in his pocket, the two of them posed for action if the three girls didn't believe him. Nox could see the wheels turning in Rarity’s mind, although her face sported a smile. Flutteryshy looked nervous and Applejack stared at him with a deep penetrating gaze as if looking to see if he was truthful.

Silence remained for what had seemed like hours, Nox was tensing to make a break for it, if the girls did not accept his reply as honest.

“You spent time in the military, didn’t you?” Applejack inquired.

Nox, visibly surprised by Applejack’s question, replied, “Y-yes I was, how did you know?”

“My brother was in the military, when he came home and he had the same look you have- like someone who has seen hell. Applejack replied.

Nox was visibly paling at the memories of the day for his greatest military accomplishment and the worst day of his life and it was all playing across his vision and face, from the last comment. Flutteryshy moved from behind Applejack while looking at Nox with tear filled eyes. She took a small step towards Nox as though to comfort but not knowing the best way to accomplish it. Applejack, looking a little guilty about her statement, moved with Rarity towards Nox.

Rarity reached out her hand and lightly placed it on Nox’s right arm and softly spoke, “Are you okay darling?”

Nox flinched at her soft touch, took a breath as he reached his left hand to pet Moonstone, who responded with purring and rubbing her head on Nox’s, as though to help calm him, “Sorry about that” Nox lightly chuckling, “that observation surprised me a bit, made me remember a bit of stuff I haven’t fully dealt with.”

“Sorry about that,” Applejack apologized. “I really didn't need to add that last part, my honesty can be a little blunt sometimes.”

Whatever tension was there evaporated, as everyone began to relax.

“By the way Fluttershy, what did you mean when you said, ‘I shouldn't have her out like that’?” Nox asked, still petting Moonstone.

“Oh, the college has rules about animals that aren't on a leash or don’t have a collar,” Fluttershy replied, wiping the tears from her eyes with the bottom of her sleeve. Both Nox and Moonstone looked surprised at that bit of information, Nox’s hand dropped from petting her.

Suppressing a giggle, Rarity spoke, “give me one second darling.” She turned back to the door of the student lounge and went inside.

“What’s she planning to do?” Nox asked.

“Ha, I reckon I don’t know, but just wait and see,” Applejack commented, smiling at Nox’s puzzled expression.

Nox noticed that Fluttershy was staring at Moonstone, like she wanted to hold and pet her, but was afraid to ask him. Smiling, Nox motioned to Moonstone about what Fluttershy might want and Moonstone, wordless, agreed with a small wink. Nox walked to Flutershy, who slightly flinched at his sudden approach. Nox keeled down a little in front of her so she could pick up Moonstone off his shoulder.

Her eyes widened and brightened, a big smile crossing her face, she picked up Moonstone and stroked her. Moonstone was happily purring as she snuggled in Fluttershy’s arms. A moment later, Rarity returned with a black satchel bag.

“Here you go darling,” she said handing Nox the bag, “there’s an unofficial rule, if an animal is small enough to fit into a bag, then the leash law isn’t enforced.”

“Thank you, but I don’t think I can pay you back for this,” he said handing the bag back to Rarity, “and we still have the collar rule to deal with.”

Rarity smiled, refusing to take the bag back, holding up her other hand, Nox noticed she was holding two dark blue woven bracelets with metal clasps at the ends of them.

“Don’t worry about paying me back, darling and for the collar, I had thought of that too and this is where these bracelets come in. I happen to know a certain lovely person that is quite good with her hands,” she said, casting a sly glance at Applejack.

Applejack smiled, “Alright, I’ll see what I can do,” she chuckled while taking the bracelets from Rarity’s arm she pulled out a small metal tool and set to work on the bracelets.

“Nox, so if you're wandering around campus, I’m guessing that the talks went well?” Rarity asked.

“That’s a secret,” Nox said with a wink as he adjusted the strap on the satchel, throwing it over his head, adjusting it across his chest, making sure it didn’t cover the pocket Ash rode in. “By the way, maybe you can help me… again,” Nox hesitantly inquired.

“Just ask, if it's something that we can help with of course we will,” Applejack spoke as she finished what she was doing and approached Fluttershy and Moonstone.

Nox was silent for a moment, knowing what he was about to ask was taking a gamble but he proceeded.

“The daughter of a family friend, attends here and she was supposed to show me around. I was wondering if you know her, her name is Sunset Shimmer Kaiser.”

All three of the girls looked stunned hearing that name. Nox felt that he made a mistake as he viewed their faces. Moonstone tensed quickly hopped from Fluttershy’s arms and scampered to Nox.

“Well, we know a Sunset Shimmer, but she doesn't have Kaiser in her name,” Applejack spoke hesitantly.

Hearing that, Nox decided to see if Sunset Shimmer was the thief that he was after and he described her “She has red and yellow hair, aqua eyes,” as he figured if he looked like this from going through the portal with some of his features remaining, then the chances were high that held true for her as well.

“That describes her,” Rarity said, “but… she’s part of the Dazzlings.” Noticing confusion on Nox’s face, she clarified, “or she was part of the Dazzlings, lately she’s been distancing herself from them.”

Nox bent down to let Moonstone hop into the bag. Standing he was trying to think about how to choose his words carefully to avoid suspicion.

“If I’m being honest, I only met her once in person, very briefly. I was told to find her, but …”

Applejack looked at Nox for a second, she looked to Rarity and nodded as she stated, “I believe she’s helping out with setting up the Fall Formal in the reception hall and we take you there or-”.

“Ahhh, we’re going to be late for class,” Fluteryshy cries as she grabbed her things and headed in the direction that Nox had come from prior.

Applejack took off after Fluteryshy, with a quick look to Nox and Rarity, “we should get going Hun, we can’t be late again.”

Sighing. Rarity looked after Applejack and Fluttershy as she quietly spoke, “a word of advice Nox, do everything you can to avoid the Dazzlings because you’ll know them when you see them. If you head in that direction,” she pointed to the northwest, “you should see a large building with the front of it made of glass. That's the reception hall and hopefully Sunset Shimmer is there. I hope we meet again, darling, we must see if we can find you something to wear that doesn't say combat,” She smiled and headed after the other two with a wave of her hand.

A moment later Ash and Moonstone popped their heads from their current locations.

Ash was the first to speak, “is it over, that took some time. Have you noticed females want to talk you ear off Nox when I’m clearly the better looking one?”

Ash’s joke fell on deaf ears as Nox was deep in thought, as he felt like he knew those three and especially their names. The more he thought the more frustrated he became about it. Some things were clear to him now and those things made the job all the more difficult.

“We need to finish this as soon as possible,” Nox commented. “I can’t be sure, but it seemed like Applejack could tell I was hiding something. There's half a chance they will let security know about us.”

The pair retreated to their hiding spots as Nox moved at a quick pace in the direction that Rarity pointed out to the northwest.

~~~~~~~

Several minutes later, Nox arrived at the building with the glass wall. Entering through the front door, he glanced at a small directory of rooms and numbers. Noticing the sign pointing to the ballroom, he figured a Fall Formal would most likely be held in that location. Walking down the hallway with doors on each side, Nox noticed an open double door at the end of the hallway. Nox passed through the door which opened into a large, dimly lit room which sported party decorations. Nox scanned the room and noticed three girls standing at opposite ends of the room.

The three girls appeared to be in conversation with two girls facing Nox’s direction and the third had her back to him. The girl on the right, facing toward him appeared to notice him and alerted the others. The girl facing away from him, turned and looked through aqua eyes, Nox smiled at himself and thought, gotcha.

Author's Note

Chapter 4: We are all strangers in a strange land, longing for home, but not quite knowing what or where home is. We glimpse it sometimes in our dreams, or as we turn a corner, and suddenly there is a strange, sweet familiarity that vanishes almost as soon as it comes. Madeleine L'Engle

I have to thank my editor who even though they have the flu and I told them just focus on getting better the went ahead and finished the edits

[Chapter 5] We are all strangers in a strange land, pt2

A Story from Stone
Shattered Serenity
BCBB

[Chapter 5] We are all strangers in a strange land, pt2

I can’t believe this luck, how is it that I said that we needed to finish this as soon as possible and here she is? Nox thought to himself. Oh well, sometimes you just don’t look down the dragon's maw. Heh, Moonstone really hates that saying. That being the case, when he first saw the red and brilliant yellow, long feathered hair down to her shoulders, he was not quite sure, but the second her aqua eyes met his, it was all but confirmed.

The possibility that this was not Sunset Shimmer or that it was but not the one he was looking for was still there. He would need to be smart about this, the two girls that flanked her were watching him. The girl on the right that had pointed him out was looking at Nox like she wanted to challenge him to something. She was definitely dressed quite less than the three he just met and the other two present, honestly he was slightly blushing and trying hard not to look at her twice over.

She had rainbow colored hair in a mid-length bob, with the tips barely touching her shoulders. Resting on her shoulders was a cyan sports jacket, leaving the jacket open to reveal a cyan sports bra. Moving down from there, following her skin that was the same color as Nox’s, only more tanned than his. Red sports shorts hugged her curvature quite well. Down on her feet, rested red running sneakers.

“Okay, who are you?” she spoke moving a little closer to Nox, cerise colored eyes held a hint of a competitive spark.

The movement caused her hair to sway, revealing for a split second a cloud with a rainbow lightning bolt in the shape of an earring in her left ear.

“Sorry, my name is Nox,” he replied, extending his hand. “Rarity told me that I might be able to find someone that I was looking for here.”

“Ooh! Rarity sent you!” a high-pitched voice sounded from the girl on the left. She bounced over to Nox, taking his hand in hers, “it’s a pleasure to meet you Nox.”

She was dressed by far the strangest that Nox had encountered. Her big, long, poofy pink hair framed her face to draw your forces to her bright blue eyes and goofy grin. A light pink T-shirt that had the image of a clown slipping on a banana peel, a notable addition that was made to the shirt was a white yarn string that led from the clown’s hand up to a button that had two blue balloons and one yellow. A bright pink poofy tutu, white and blue striped tights and blue high-tops completed her look.

“My name’s Pinkie Pie!” she exclaimed vigorously, shaking Nox’s hand, “are you here to help with the Gala? Oh, the Gala is what the Fall Formal is unofficially called. So, your pretty tall, so you could help hang some of the decorations, or since you also look pretty strong, lifting the heavy stuff, or you could-”

“PINKIE! LET THE GUY GET A WORD IN!” exclaimed the girl that Nox was talking to before Pinkie had introduced herself.

“Oops, sorry. You wanted to talk to him too, right Dashy,” Pinkie commented, letting go of Nox’s hand.

“Sigh, my name’s Rainbow Dash and you said that Rarity told you that someone you're looking for might be here?”

Regaining his composure after the enthusiastic greeting from Pinkie Pie, “That’s correct. I was looking for Sunset Shimmer.”

The two girls quickly glanced back at the girl who had yet to introduce herself. She pointed at herself in confusion, she was dressed in a black leather moto jacket. An amber shirt could be seen with the jacket open, black cut up jeans blended into black studded boots. A red and yellow sun pendant hung low around her neck.

“You’re looking for me? Why?” she said, giving Nox a quick once over, “I don’t think I know you.”

“That doesn't surprise me, the last time we were in the same room, I was on the floor after a ‘comedy routine’ Nox smiled, adding a little more emphasis on the last part.

Sunset’s eyes widened a little at that, noticing the curious looks the other two girls were giving her. She composed herself, “girls, could you give us a moment,” she said as she passed Nox and entered into the hallway.

Nox excused himself to follow after Sunset, with the sound of Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash discussing if he was a comedian. Sunset Shimmer walked a few paces ahead of the doors that lead to the hall. She stopped far enough in that their conversation wouldn't be heard by the others, but out close enough that she could be heard if she called for help. Turning around towards Nox, she knew only the one thing that could confirm her suspicions about who this was.

“Equestria,” she said flatly, waiting for his reply.

“Yes, that's where I’m from and where you’re from as well,” Nox replied.

Sighing, “you’re that Alicorn from the other night, you decided to come by yourself to try and get the crown back. You should've at least brought you dragon friend, if you really want to try and force it.”

“He did bring me,” a deep voice sounded from Nox’s front jacket pocket. A gecko's head popped out, “and if you're looking for a fight, I’m willing to oblige,” Ash threatened.

“Ignore the idiot,” a feminine voice with a slight husk spoke from the bag at Nox’s side. A cat’s head poked out from it, “my name's Moonstone, I’m Nox’s dragon partner. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sunset Shimmer.”

“Wait, the magic of the portal turned dragons into different animals? I wonder if the journals had a record about it,” Sunset pondered out loud.

“I’ll put in a word for you to look through them, as soon as you return the crown and come back to Equestria,” Nox said, trying to bring the conversation back to the original topic.

Sighing, Sunset ran her fingers quickly through her hair. She raised her left wrist to look at the watch she had turned around to her inner wrist. Taking note of the time she returned her gaze to Nox. “I don’t have the crown right now and I don’t have much time to talk about it right now. The library isn't far from here, wait for me there and I will explain everything to you.”

“And why should I believe you?” Nox said leveled.

“Two reasons,” she said, holding up two fingers. “The first is that I have all the information on where the crown is and I’m sure you're curious as to why I took it. As well as why I said it would be returned in three days. The second is that I’ve been in this world longer than you, one word from me and your mission is a failure,” she fished with no hint of humor.

Everyone was silent for a few seconds, Ash was the first to try and speck, but Nox cut him off before he could.

“You have one hour to meet us there, if you are a no show. I won’t care how long you’ve been here or what you can do, I will do whatever it takes to get that crown back,” he said calmly.

Sunset had to smile a little at that comment and the bravado that he was displaying, “I certainly can admire your conviction to your mission, we both know that we can’t use magic here. But I’ve always been a mare of my word, so I’ll see you at the library before that hour deadline is up,” she said walking past Nox and back into the ballroom.

~~~~~~~

“It’s been half an hour now! Where is she?” Ash yelled before Moonstone hushed him up by knocking him off the window nook with her tail.

A loud shush came from the librarian at the front desk, she could only see Nox and assumed he was the culprit who earned her admonishment. The library was a large two floor building, rows of bookshelves filled the space, accompanied by small step ladders to help get to the books on the higher shelves. Growing up with the Goddess of Books as your mother, taught Nox the importance of books and libraries. In fact, it's been whispered among the other guards that before her time as a Princess, the royal library had only taken the space of one room instead of the three rooms that it did now.

When Nox first entered the library, he quickly took note of the surroundings. He found this window nook fairly quickly. It was partly hidden on the right, so Moonstone and Ash could get out of their hiding spots to stretch out. He grabbed a couple of books on his way over, some for Moonstone and for him to make it look like he was reading while sitting at the spot on the nook that was visible, watching the front for Sunset.

Ash was complaining about what Moonstone did and Sunset not showing up, Moonstone would give him a quick insult and tell him to quiet down, all without looking up from her book. The squabble was background noise to Nox. He set his book aside long enough to take off his jacket, the temperature in the library made wearing it a bit uncomfortable. Returning to the book, Nox found it kind of interesting, but his mind would keep drifting to the girls he had met. Excluding Sunset, the others names would play over in his mind, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie. Each time the cycle of the names ended and started again, his frustration grew.

He could feel the names pulling at the strings of an old memory, every time he tried to grasp the memory, the strings would snap and add to his frustration. Why couldn't he remember what he was missing.

“Excuse me, are you done with that book?” a familiar voice asked.

Nox’s head snapped up, his eyes stared into intellectual violet eyes. He turned his head to the right, thinking he would have to think up a reason for Moonstone and Ash. They were gone, Nox’s bag was still on the floor open.

“Um, are you okay?”

Nox turned his attention back to the girl, standing up he was a head taller than her. Closing the book, he handed it to her, “Sorry, here you go.”

Taking the book from him she looked to Nox and thanked him. Looking at her, Nox had a small voice at the back of his mind about her. Her skin was white to the point of looking like it hadn't seen the sun much. Dark sapphire hair with a single purple and rose streak in it was gathered in a ponytail, looking very familiar to him. A purple blouse with a black vest and tie, was complemented with a dark blue and red pleated skirt. Following down from there, black cotton thigh high socks lead to black loafers. The thing that caught Nox’s eyes the most was the fuchsia colored six-pointed star tie pin in the center of her tie, he had seen that color and shape as a cutie mark.

A bead of sweat rolled down his temple, the realization hitting him like the time when the General did the first time in basic training.

“Are you okay?” she asked with a hint of worry.

Her voice was the same but missing the weight of eons that he was used to. Meeting her eyes, the worry in them struck him the same as always.

“Yeah I’m fine. Where are my manners, my name's Nox’sidus Drakon,” he extended his hand to her.

Grasping his hand, “Pleased to meet you, I’m Twilight Sparkle.”

A strange noise came from Nox’s jacket, which brought a quizzical look from Twilight. Before Nox could answer, a small commotion was happening at the front of the library. Three girls were there with one other student, who was slightly cowering in front of the three girls. Twilight was visibly annoyed with what was happening and she excused herself to deal with the commotion.

“Nox, just what is going on? Was that really Princess Twilight?” Ash hissed, coming out from under Nox’s jacket along with Moonstone.

“No that wasn’t her or at least the version of her that we know. We’re in a different world, the idea that historical figures from our past are alive and walking around shouldn't be far-fetched,” Nox replied.

“Wait there's more than just Princess Twilight?” Moonstone inquired.

“The other girls that we’ve met so far are from the stories that my mother would tell me when I was a foal.”

Before Moonstone could reply, the commotion grew louder. Nox told Ash and Moonstone to get back in his bag as he retrieved his jacket and put it on. Ash was grumbling about having to share a space with Moonstone instead of being in Nox’s jacket pocket. Nox quickly slang his bag over his shoulder as he made his way up front, spurred on by the feeling of helping this world's Twilight, even if the thought that she wasn't his mother was rattling in his head.

Nox reached the front, the student that was cowering in front of the three girls had left to find the librarian that was absent at the front, leaving Twilight to confront them. The three girls at the front had a unique air about them that felt somewhat familiar to Nox. The girl at the front stood a little bit farther ahead of the other two at her sides, giving the clear indication that she is the leader of the three of them. All three of them had the same pale olive skin and were very attractive.

The girl on the left had a ditsy look to her mulberry colored eyes. Her hair was a light arctic blue with streaks of moderate persian blue in a ponytail, a light arctic blue baby doll dress draped her body. A black and red worn plaid shirt hung open over the dress, ripped tights clung to her legs, ending in black chunky ankle boots.

The girl on the right had the same mulberry colored eyes, but she had a disinterested look. Her hair color was a moderate purple with streaks of light brilliant aquamarine, pulled back into pigtails and held by two large metal stars as ties. A black cut out crop top with an open light violet vest with frayed ends, hung on her torso. Black leather shorts began the trail of the fishnet stockings that disappeared into black knee-high boots.

The leader of the three had berry colored eyes as well, only hers was a raspberry color. Long luminous vivid orange hair with streaks of brilliant yellow, frames the sides of her face and falls down past her shoulder and down her back. Most of her hair is gathered and tied back with a black leather tie with spikes, the sight of it gave Nox the impression of a campfire in reverse. A black long sleeve hollow out buckle crop top clung to her chest, looking like it was barely containing her assets, a light gold leather jacket with silver spiked shoulders, draped over her top with the sleeves of the jacket ending at her elbows. Black leather paints hugged her hips, wrapped around half her waist, a dark red shimmering sheer skirt ran down her right leg, tapering off to a point to the top of her black platform boots, her left half of her side was left open, except for the small gold chain at the ends of the fabric that held the skirt in place.

Nox noticed that all three had black chokers with blood red gemstones that seemed to have a pale glow to Nox’s eyes.

“Well now, who is this? I don’t believe that I've seen you on compass before,” the supposed leader of the three inquired and she eyed Nox with a mix of hunger and intrigue.

Twilight noticed Nox, but turned her attention to the three girls, “we’re not done talking Adagio. You can’t just-”

She was cut off by Adagio raising her right hand to hover in front of her face.

“Yes we are Bookworm. Now do be quiet for a moment, while I talk to the new guy,” she said while not breaking eye contact with Nox.

Nox wasn't sure if Twilight was just shocked by that utter lack of respect or if that was something this world's Twilight was used to, but she did go quiet. He did not like that one bit, her mannerisms and speech were so similar to his mothers, that it filled him with anger. That small exchange between Twilight and Adagio, gave Nox a brief look into the two of them. This world’s Twilight biggest difference to his mother was the fire she had within her, his mothers was a bonfire that would turn into an inferno when what she held close to her was threatened, hers was smothered down to embers.

Adagio was a type that Nox knew all too well, the type that had craved power and control, gotten it, had lost it, but was getting it back one step at a time. Nox put on his beast diplomat face when he addressed her.

“Nox’sidus Drakon,” he said, reaching up with his left hand to take her hand she still had in front of Twilight’s face, “it’s a pleasure to meet you my lady,” he finished bringing her knuckles to his lips.

That brought the attention of the other two girls to him as well.

“My aren't you charming,” Adagio purred, slightly hesitating to remove her hand from Nox's “Adagio Dazzle,” she replied and placed her hand on her hip.

“Aria Blaze,” the girl on the right spoke with an affront of boredom.

“Sonata Dusk! Do you know if the cafeteria is serving tacos?” the girl on the left seriously questioned Nox.

“Can it, Sonata!” Aria chastised Sonata.

“Girls enough.” Adagio chastised them, turning her attention back to Nox. “Would I be correct in assuming that you are a new student? Then again, it is a bit late in the year.”

“I am new, there were some certain circumstances that prevented me from coming here earlier.”

Adagio moved closer to Nox after what he said, she tentatively placed her hand on Nox’s chest. The top of her middle finger just barely touching the base of one of his tags, “if you need someone to show you around, I would be willing to.”

Nox felt a slight tingle at the back of his neck, his thoughts fading with only a sliver of his consciousness noticing the brightening of the stone around her neck.

“That’s enough Adagio, he’s coming with me.”

Adagio dropped her hand from his chest, spinning to face who had spoken to her. “Sunset,” she said with a hint of malice and something mixed in.

The two girls stared at each other for a moment, Adagio broke away first pushing past Sunset, followed by Aria and Sonata.

“Thanks for the help Sunset.” Twilight said.

“No problem Twi,” Sunset said with a soft smile, “I’m here for this guy, forgot that I was supposed to show him around.” Sunset commented pointing at Nox.

“If you want, I can help you show him arou- “

“That’s okay Twi, I got it covered. See you later.” Sunset said, cutting off Twilight, grabbing Nox’s arm and leaving the library before Twilight could reply. When they were a good distance away, Sunset turned to Nox with a mixed look of worry and hope in equal measure.

“Hey, it’s okay, just listen to the sound of my voice,” She said soothingly, placing her hands on the side of his face gently, “Focus on breathing.”

Moonstone and Ash poked their heads from Nox’s bag, “What’s going on!? What are you doing to him!?” Ash was the first to speak.

“I need you to be silent for a bit,” she said, not breaking eye contact with Nox, “she didn’t have him long, but he had zero resistance.”

“What’re you talking abou- “Ash was cut off by Moonstone covering his mouth, she gave him a look that told him that he absolutely needed to be silent this time.

“Nox listen to me, I’m sorry that you met them. I should’ve warned you about them, but I didn’t think that you would meet them so soon. I should’ve met up with you sooner,” she shook her “no I should have gone with you when you first found me. What Adagio did, you can undo. It’s your mind, you can make the rules.” She said clearly but with a small hint of pleading.

Slowly Nox blinked, he lifted his left arm and placed his hand on top of Sunset’s hand. Sunset let her left arm fall from his face at the same time that Nox had placed his hand on hers. He blinked hard, leaning his head to both of their hands, as a small groan escaped his lips.

“Whoa, you’re okay.” Sunset said soothingly.

“Wha- what was that? I was somewhere dark, but I heard your voice calling me and then…” Nox trailed off.

“Looks like you’re going to have more questions.” Sunset said with a smile.

“Oh, just a few.” Nox chuckled.

Nox opened his eyes, meeting Sunset’s eyes. They stood like that for a minute, before Sunset spoke.

“Thirty minutes from here, there’s a café that we can talk at. It’s a good place for us not to be overheard.” A small smile formed on her lips, “can I get my hand back?” the barest hint of a blush colored her cheeks.

Nox smiled sheepishly, “Shall we?” he said with a sweep of his arm towards the exit. “I’ve been in this world for a couple of hours and already my head is spinning, I have a feeling that after we talk, I’m going to be dizzy.” He said, chuckling.

“Can we start talking again?” Ash asked.

“shh!” Moonstone directed towards Ash.

“I was wondering why you guys were so quiet, what’s going on?” Nox asked.

“Oh, nothing, just being curious.” Moonstone quickly said.

“Okay…” Nox pondered.

Sunset walked past Nox during his questioning of his friends. Before she got too far, she turned to him with a mischievous grin on her face.

“It’s a thirty-minute walk to the café, but if we take my bike we can cut it in half if maybe more.”

All three asked the same question “What’s a bike?”

Sunset's grin grows wider.

~~~~~~~

Nox had feared for his life more than once on Sunset’s bike. She explained that the technical name for it was a motorcycle, but most just called it a bike. Her explanation also included that it was like flying on the ground. How wrong that Nox felt could not be expressed in words, in the air there were multiple directions of evasions, on the ground, left or right. Not to mention Ash and Moonstone were actually clinging to each other in his bag. The speed at which she was going with the very limited options for dodging resulted in a couple of close misses and Nox wishing that he could fly again.

As a way for his mind to escape, he remembered back to his time in basic. He and the other flyers had to take an unofficial aptitude test on top of learning aerial combat. The two instructors had been representatives of the Wonderbolts and Shadowbolts. Not many came close to matching the Shadowbolt instructor, Nox was one of the very few that lasted for minutes, the instructor commented that if he could use his magic, he would have lasted a few seconds longer. He lasted three minutes with the Wonderbolt instructor. The rematch between the three of them was his favorite part of that day, the two female instructors had flexibility and he had reach.

On arrival, Nox snapped out of the memory and watched as Sunset got off the bike, removed her helmet and flashed him a brilliant smile.

Chuckling Sunset commented, “I had the same reaction when I first got on one.”

Nox remained silent as he removed his helmet, Ash and Moonstone just groaned a little from his bag.

“I’ll grab us something, over on the right-hand side, towards the back, is a window seat table. You can put your bag on the window ledge, but make sure your friends don’t come out of the bag. If anyone sees them, we're going to get kicked out,” Sunset said.

Nox nodded his head wordlessly and made his way to the table. He sat the bag that held his friends on the window seal, as he took his seat. “I know that you two would have a lot of questions for her as well, but in this setting, it may be best if I’m the one who talks and both of you watch for anything suspicious.” Nox said.

His friends didn’t have a chance to reply, as Sunset had reached the table. She sat a saucer and cup in front of him, the scent wafting off of it was instantly recognized as coffee. She sat across from him with her own cup.

“Didn’t know how you take your coffee, but we can get them if you’d like. I also got some food coming, I didn’t get a chance to eat breakfast this morning and I figured you and your friends would be hungry.” She said, leaning back a bit and smiling, “I'm glad that there aren’t too many people here, if we're careful, we can sneak some food to your friends here.”

Nox gave an appreciative smile as he lifted the cup, “This how I like anyways.” He said after taking a sip, “So, I have about a thousand questions, but I’ll settle with the most immediate one.” He said before taking another sip of his coffee, “Where is the crown?”

Sunset was quiet for a moment, answering only after she sat her cup down, “I don’t have it anymore” she said, not meeting his eyes. A second passed before she looked up, meeting his gaze, she could see the follow up question he wanted to ask reflected in his orange eyes. She appreciated that he gave her time to answer, despite what she said to him when he found her in this world, he was holding all the cards even if he didn’t know it, she needed his help and she made up her mind to tell him everything in order to get him to stay and help.

“After I left and came back to this world, I used the magic in the crown for about a second before I was almost seen using magic. Assistant Dean Luna has impeccable timing, and I had to play off that the crown in my hands was the replacement for the one that was broken last week.”

“Wait, Luna?” Nox said “Tell me if any of these names sound familiar, Jer’rahd Kaisur, Rhetoric Pelt, Starfall Silvertail, Velkorn Bleu Scale, Spike and Celestia.”

“I recognize all of them, Jer’rahd Kaisur is the chief of security on campus and Assistant Dean Luna’s husband, the crown is in his office, which makes getting it back almost impossible. Rhetoric Pelt is a professor of history and economics, his wife Velkorn is in charge of the entire medical department of the college. Starfall Silvertail is the coach of many of the girl’s sport teams, Bleu Scale runs the theater department. Twilight has a little dog named Spike, wait she has a brother named spike as well, he actually got her the dog and named it after himself. According to Twilight, he did it so she would always have her number one assistant with her and Celestia is the Dean of the college.” Sunset said with a quizzical look.

Nox looked out the window, a small smile on his face, “Just some names that I know, only ever knew two of them. I’m just glad that there’s more here that I somewhat know about.”

Sunset smiled at Nox’s statement, “I know the feeling,” she said lifting her cup to take a sip, “I was so glad that some names from my world were her too.”

Nox turned to her with a surprised look just as the waitress brought their food. Before Nox could ask, a loud ‘WHAT!?’ from his bag. The startled waitress looked towards the bag, then to Nox, a question forming on her lips.

“Sorry about that,” Sunset said with an apologetic smile to the waitress. “My boyfriend thinks that notification is funny, I can’t tell you how many times I asked him to change it,” she said with a little bit of exasperation.

The waitress gave a knowing smile to Sunset and a side eye to Nox before leaving.

Sunset whispered fury towards the bag, “Keep it down in there, we’re not gonna be able to explain two talking animals.” She looked towards Nox for his input, her voice stopped short in her throat when she saw Nox blushing heavily. Her own blush started at the realization of her statement to the waitress, “H-Hold on are you blushing because I called you my…” she trailed off. She and Nox looked away from each other, small smiles upon the faces as Sunset said quietly, Your cute.``

They were quiet for a few moments till Moonstone spoke, snapping both back to reality.

“Two questions, first question; why am I a cat when both of my parents are human. Second question and probably the most important one; what did you mean when you said ‘my world’?”

Ash inserted his agreements to Moonstone’s questions as she spoke.

Sunset looked to Nox for clarification about Moonstone’s first question.

“Her parents are Spike and Bleu, both of them were dragons in our world. But I am curious why Ash and Moonstone aren’t human.”

Sunset leaned back thinking, “As far as I can tell, they should have been too. I wonder if the magic from the crown somehow affected it…” Sunset trailed off. She looked at Nox, she could tell that he was waiting for her to answer the second question. She sighed, Not how I wanted this expiation to start with, she thought to herself. “You already know that I’m Sunset Shimmer, but I’m not the one from your world. In my world the leaders of the ponies were Celestia and Luna, there was a war going on when Princess Celestia sent me here through a different mirror, that was three years ago this world's time.”

She paused then continued, “Then four months ago I felt something change, when I went to the statue's pedestal, I could tell that a portal on the opposite side of the one I came through had opened. When I stepped through it, I was in your world. I spent a day reading as many of the journals that I could, luckily, I learned from the first journal that there was a time differentiation of thirty, one month here is a single day there. Whoever Solomon was, they are a genius for getting it figured down right to the seconds.” She said taking notice of Nox’s face at the mention of the name, “Someone else you know?”

“Only by reputation, he eventually went by a different name after an incident, it’s a long story. One thing that I’m still wondering about is the Dazzling’s, I’m guessing that there not from your world.” Nox replied.

Sighing, “There not, I think that there from yours. It was two years ago that I met them, it was only last year that I was hanging out with them. I think on some level we could sense that we went from this world and just gravitated towards each other. Adagio and I … we were close,” she trailed off. “I didn’t realize till three months ago that they could use magic, I think when the portal opened it let in tiny traces of magic and just like I noticed I think they did to. They were always a little bitchy, but they changed. What happened to you, I’ve seen happen to others, it happened to me once. It's why I moved out of their place and moved in with Twilight and her friends.” Sunset was silent for a moment, the weight of what she was about to say becoming real, “I believe that there the Sirens of your world.”

Everyone was silent, stunned by what was said. It was Ash that broke the silence.

“How is that possible, weren’t they destroyed eons ago by Starswirl the Bearded?”

“Not necessarily,” Moonstone replied, “It's documented that Starswirl and his companions fought them, but it’s a topic of debate on what the outcome was with the Sirens' defeat.”

“It’s possible, we are talking about the first Starswirl the Bearded,” Nox thought out loud, “he created most of the spells still used today. If he had a spell that could open a portal, maybe even it being powered by the Elements.” He stopped when he saw Sunset’s puzzled look. “We’ve had multiple Starswirl’s over the years.”

“Fascinating,” Sunset smiled.

“So, to recap,” Nox said, stretching. “You’re from another world and were stuck here till a little while ago. Wait a second, how did you know that Twilight’s crown was what you needed?”

“Oh, that. I had a spell of precognition from my world, it could only be used once, then it would be erased from your mind. It showed me Twilight and then her crown, it left the solution tied to it.” Sunset said.

“My turn to say Fascinating,” Nox smiled, “but that’s something for another time. Getting back to the topic at hand, a crown with highly condensed magic is locked up in an impregnable office. And to top it off, the three legendary Sirens are here and most likely noticed the power of the crown, but haven’t noticed that the portal or three individuals form their world are here.”

“That’s the long and sort of it, if they did notice the portal, I doubt that they would want to go back in a weakened state. So, it’s safe to say the crown is their target. With them being the ones to vote for, other than myself, they’ll probably get it.” Seeing Nox’s confused face she added, “This college is a little weird, it has its own version of prom royalty. It’s a tradition that’s been around for a while, it doesn’t have a whole lot of power, other than the winner becoming part of the student council.”

Moonstone started to ask some questions of Sunset, while Ash just asked for food. Nox sat back in contemplation, remembering the story about the Sirens and their power.

“’Their songs would cause strife and discord to all that hear them’, is that sentence still an apt description of their powers?” Nox asked Sunset.

“Yes, to a certain extent. I’ve seen them turn a group against each other, after a while they went back to normal and couldn’t remember why they were fighting, then there’s the enchantment that’s happened to us both. That one is their strongest and weakest power, they don’t need to sing for it to work, but they need to be in an arm’s reach. However, the good news is that it only lasts for a day or if they whacked out of it and it won’t work on you or I again, if you have a knowledge of magic and know what’s happening to you it won’t take a hold of you.” She paused remembering something, “Twilight and her friends… I think that they're immune to the Dazzling’s songs. That group I mentioned before, Twilight and her friends were within earshot of the song. It’s possible that because they weren’t the target, it didn’t affect them, but I’ve seen it influence others not involved before.”

An idea was starting to form in Nox’s mind, “I might have a plan, but I need to know a few things. First; is the Fall Formal within the time frame of the portal closing?”

“It's on the last night the portal would remain open, we would have till midnight. The fall Formal doesn’t start till five and the winner is crowned at eight.” Sunset answered.

“Second & third question; can people put forth their names up till the day of the formal and is there a limit on how many can enter?”

“It would be a week before the formal and there isn’t a limit.”

“Final question; can the Dazzling’s use their powers to influence the vote?”

“Not fully, they can control a few people to vote for them with their enchantment. I’ve only seen Adagio use it. If I thought that all three could use it, I wouldn’t have entered my name.”

Nox looked down at his now cool coffee, picking it up. He drained the contents before looking at Sunset, “We’re going to need help, I need you to get Twilight and her friends tougher so that we can talk.”

Sunset reached into her jacket for her phone, she realized what Nox’s plan was. She had thought about trying this plan before and decided against it. She decided to talk to Nox more while waiting for everyone. “Come on, let's go to my place.”

~~~~~~~

“You do know that this is a bad idea, right?” Sunset stated as she walked through the door of her home that she shared with Twilight and the others. Dropping her bag and slipping off her jacket, she turned to Nox, “I already considered this plan, I decided against it, because I didn’t want to get thrown in the looney bin.” She plopped down on the couch, she motioned to a chair that Nox could sit in. “I get that you’re new to this world, but this place doesn’t exactly believe in magic.” She sighed, putting her hands behind her head,” Make yourself at home, they’ll be here in a few minutes. Oh, and you can let your friends out, there are a few other animals here, but they're well behaved.”

Nox sat down the bag that held Moonstone and Ash, Moonstone hopped out looking slightly annoyed with Ash riding on her back. Nox took off his jacket and sat it next to Sunset’s, he made his way to the chair. “We don’t have much of a choice, besides there’s four of us now and two of them are talking animals. One thing that still doesn’t make sense, how are the Dazzling’s able to use magic when we can’t?”

“The Red crystal chokers, somehow magic in objects can be used when your own internal magic can’t.” Sunset replied. She was silent for a moment, “We didn’t talk about what happens when we get the crown back.”

Nox was watching Moonstone get up on the counter to look at a book that was left open, Ash just sat down beside her. “Assuming we get it back with time to spare, you can use it to try and open the portal to your world. But I need to know that whatever you're going to try doesn’t interfere with the portal to my world.”

Everyone was silent for the next few minutes, unsure about what to say. The sound of laughter could be heard at the front door. Applejack was the first through the door to see Nox sitting in a chair and Sunset laying on the couch. Sunset stretched and got up as the last person entered, she walked over and leaned against the counter.

She gestured to Nox, “So introductions first, if you haven’t met him yet, That’s Nox.”

The girls all said that they met him as they took up spots on the now vacant couch, Rarity stood next to Applejack with her sitting on the right arm of the couch.

Sunset smiled at Nox, “Someone was making the rounds looking for me. So, Nox, Moonstone and Ash,” She pointed to the cat and gecko that turned around to look at them, “are going to need to stay here for three months, I figure Nox could sleep on the couch or take a spot in Rarity’s studio. Applejack, I think that you have some of Big Mac's old clothing, hopefully Nox can borrow them. And before you start asking questions, Nox is going to tell you everything and what he’s about to say is true.” She paused for a second, “I should have told you the girls the truth sooner, I just didn’t know how to.” She turned to Nox, giving him the silent go ahead.

Nox took a deep breath, “My name is Nox’sidus Drakon Sparkle and I’m not from your world.”

~~~~~~~

It took a couple of hours for Nox’s explanation to be accepted by all, at one-point Rarity Swooned on to a red loveseat behind her, Nox swore that it had not been there a second ago. It took Moonstone and Ash talking to fully convince them.

“So, to clarify,” Applejack spoke, “Ya’ll are from two different worlds, but both ya’ll are ponies,” she said addressing Nox and Sunset. Pointing at Nox, “You’re a demigod and the son of a Princess,” addressing Moonstone and Ash next, “you’re a dragon god and the daughter of Spike and Bleu,” she said to a purring Moonstone, she climbed up into Fluttershy’s lap for her to pet when she looked like she was going to faint, it helped calm her.

“And you’re just a dragon,” she said to a board looking Ash. “And you Sunset,” Applejack said with a bit of edge in her voice, “despite living with us for months and knowing us for longer, you didn’t say anything. Instead, you go to another world to steal a crown, that belongs to Twilight, who is a Princess, a god and a pony,” gesturing to a still shell-shocked Twilight

“And that crown has an enough magical power to destroy the collage and a little bit of the surrounding area, if used in the wrong hands,” she took a deep breath, “If I did know ya’ll were telling the truth, I think we’d all gone crazy!” she exclaimed.

“Blood pressure, Darling,” Rarity soothed. “Still a prince… if there’s a way to keep that portal open, imagen the business opportunity.” Applejack shot her a look. “Oh, Darling, I’m just thinking of the future prospects.”

“So, the Dazzling’s are from your world Nox?” Pinkie Pie asked “That makes sense, they always seemed out of this world to me!”

“So, the crown is in Luna’s office,” Rainbow Dash said, everyone chose to ignore Pinkie pie’s joke, “why don’t you guys just go and grab it?”

“if you’re Jer’rahd Kaisur, is even close to what mine is like, breaking into that office is off the table,” Nox replied, Moonstone and Ash added in their agreements on that

“So, what do you need us to do for your plan to work?” Flutter Shy spoke up, “Please tell me that it’s not dangerous,” she said worriedly.

“I promise you won’t be in danger; we know that the crown is going to be at the formal. We just need it to a specific place.” Nox said. He got some confused looks, he continued, “all of you would just need to enter your names and hopefully either one of you or Sunset wins. In the event that one of the Dazzling’s wins, we’ll have a backup plan.”

The girls talked among themselves for a few moments. Twilight turned to Nox; she had a little bit of the fire that his mom had.

“We’ll do it, and you can stay here in the meantime. Rarity can give you a spot in her studio to sleep, so long as you help clean it out, Applejack has some of Big Mac’s old things that Rarity can alter or she can make something for you. The three of you can discuss that, and while you’re here, if you can help out around the place, it would be appreciated.” Twilight said.

Nox, Moonstone and Ash agreed to the terms of the living condition. Pinkie pie jumped up and shouted that there was going to be a welcome party for the new roommates, everyone clapped and cheered. Nox and Sunset shared a moment, this had gone easier than what had been expected and both knew that the hard part was about to happen.

Author's Note

So going to try a new idea, from now when this gets published (25th of July) till December 31st, I want all of you to send me messages on who you'd like to win the Fall Formal Crown.
your nominees are Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Rarity Reignolds, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Sunset Shimmer, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.

So, because the window for this going to be large, I plan to work on the next chapter to the point of the winner being chosen and as many of the fallowing ones. if this goes well, I may do something like this again. I want to try and push myself in my writing as much as possible.

We are all strangers in a strange land, longing for home, but not quite knowing what or where home is. We glimpse it sometimes in our dreams, or as we turn a corner, and suddenly there is a strange, sweet familiarity that vanishes almost as soon as it comes. Madeleine L'Engle

[ Prologue ] My head is bloody, but unbowed

A Story from Stone
Shattered Serenity
BCBB

[ Prologue ]

My head is bloody, but unbowed

Amidst the smoking craters were the flickering embers of dying fires, a lone Alicorn in medium night guard armor, wearing a scabbard on his left side as he walked the battlefield. As he trudged up a hill in this blasted and scorched landscape, a breeze blows a noticeable foul concoction of ozone, smoke, and blood. His breathing heavy, he ignores the excruciating pain of his missing torn off left wing. He knew he would have bled out hours earlier, if his best friend had not used the last of his own strength to save him by cauterizing the wound. He stumbles, and pauses for a few seconds, then he to rises on his hooves, and resumes his slow tortured climb toward the hilltop.

As every bone and muscle in his body burns, so do his last memories of his teacher, his mother, his friends, and this entire war with this bucking empire and he cannot stop the images flashing before his eyes.

As he nears the crest of the hill, his mind settles on one specific set of memories. Namely the ones about her smile, the color of her pelt and mane, the way her eyes shimmered when she found something interesting. He lingered on the regret and knowledge that he should have told her how he felt sooner, if he had, then perhaps the outcome would’ve been wholly different had he not hesitated. As he crested the top of the hill, what awaited him sickened him his very core and tears stung his eyes. The black armored enemy forces, accompanied by war beasts, along with two groups of monstrosities that were responsible for all this destruction.

One of fire and smoke took the guise of ponies, and another was the dark shadowy ponies, the deepest black that pulled all light around them, so not a single mote escaped. Behind the monsters and army stood the three leaders of these hordes, the dark armies Emperor and by his sides flanked the two traitors. Silhouetted against the eclipse hanging ominously over this unthinkable massacre, the Emperor carried the visage of the monster which nearly destroyed the world Centuries ago.

The traitor on his right was the former student of their former teacher, whose pelt was blacker than the darkest night and highlighted with the glow of violet, as though reminiscent of her former color, it appeared as though tendrils of oily darkness coiled off her. Her mane and tail were a pale sickly green, her horn split down the middle and came to rest at the sides of her head. Deep crimson eyes that spoke of barely contained rage. She had enslaved herself to an ancient dark god. She too bore responsibility for everything that happened, the invading empire, the eclipse, and the betrayal of one of the few closest to him.

On his left was the mare he loved, her pelt lost its vibrant color that used to comfort and excite him. Now her pelt is charcoal black, with only a smoldering glow of barely contained flame. Forming veins, erratically twisting across her form, shifting, wandering and flying off to spark in the air around her. Her mane and tail had undergone changes as well, what was once a two-toned reminder of the time of day when most ponies would stop and admire for a time, was now smoke and wafting slowly in an unseen breeze from an entirely wrong direction to the real wind. Her horn, no longer a spiral, was shaped now as a jagged rock glowing bright as metal taken from a forge, her eyes retained its brilliant liquid color.

“What now?” shouted the Alicorn.

“Hahaha... Is this all that's left of the once glorious equestrian army? All it had taken was one-tenth of my army to be sacrificed?” the emperor boasts.

“We wiped easily a third of your scum from this land, until you started to bolster your numbers using those abominations!”

Responding to his declaration, the smiling emperor slowly raises his arms with a taunt, “Say what you will, but soon all of Equss will be conquered. Then all shall kneel in submission before me.”

“You are just a slave to a dark god! All this death and destruction, all to accomplish what?!” the Alicorn shouted in reply.

“The one you call a dark god, has only asked for all Equss as his prize for his support,” the traitor spoke up “In return he grants much. When he returns to this world, he will grant his most loyal the honor of godhood and lands to rule as they see fit, this could be your gifts as well. After all you have nothing left, as your gods are powerless and broken, your friends are dead, the elements of harmony are destroyed, you're battered and torn, missing a wing and can't have much magic power left,” the traitor on the right spoke.

“You certainly offer a lot to your enemy, why?”

“Why not, you no longer pose a threat as you once did, but as an ally you would be one of the most powerful! Think about it, all you have left to fight with is that antique at your side, join us and you can be reunited with her,” the traitor gestures to her companion on her left.

The Alicorn looks to her and asks, “Was it worth it?” His cherished past companion momentarily meets his gaze and lowers hers. “I see then…” he pauses and then states” I have my answer for you.”

“Oh, and what is it?” the traitor smiles seductively at him in anticipation.

He breathes deeply “BUCK YOU!!!” in a royal canterlot voice, all are stunned as he continues “EVEN IF I’M THE LAST ONE STANDING, SOMEONE WILL TAKE MY PLACE AND BRING AN END TO YOU AND YOUR DELUSIONS!!” The three appear stunned and frozen in place with his announcement.

A white aura, that reminded those who had seen it previously of starlight, radiated from his horn and gripped the single edged, slightly curved, dark blue colored metal, dual bladed sword at his side, ripping from its sheath and leveling one of the swords points at the three.

“JOINING YOU WOULD BE AN INSULT TO MY FRIENDS WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES TO ENSURE THAT THE CITIZENS COULD ESCAPE!!”

He took the blades hilt in his mouth as the two-foot-long blades erupted in a dark blue fire and charged toward the arrogant three.

“Foolish choice,” says the emperor; he looks to his right and his left as he lowers his arms - with his command-“do it.”

The traitor on the right bows “As you wish,” she rises and a dark aura gathers with a faint violet glow in between her horns in a sphere, she fires it up into the air above herself. In a half-second it expands into ten times its size and hundreds of bolts of magic begin to cascade toward the Alicorn.

The mare on the left lowered her gaze as she muttered “I’m sorry”. She erupts in an inferno and from her horn shoots off a huge torrent of white-hot flame at the Alicorn.

Author's Note

I wanted to thank TDR, for letting me and my partner set our story in the Stories in Stone Series. The title of the chapter is form Invictus by William Ernest Henley.

Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeoning's of chance

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate,

I am the captain of my soul.