The eternal blackness retreated. A dark background illuminated even darker forms. Tangled and twisted they loomed above. The masses began to sway. Individual branches moved about randomly. Then just as abruptly the trees remained still.
A throbbing pain enveloped her head. Each battering wave became more excruciating than the last. Every second another hammer blow fell upon her head as vices clamped down more tightly. No. This was coming from within. Her brain was pounding against her skull in a desperate attempt to break free. She reached up and vainly attempted to massage away the all-consuming agony –
Rustle.
Instantly she froze. That was not her who made the sound. She was not alone in the forest. Instinctively she held her breath, not daring to make a sound. Who knew what threatening and terrible nocturnal beasts lurked in the shadows of the forest, preying upon unsuspecting mares? Lying flat on her back, disoriented and in terrible pain, she would not stand a chance. Silently she prayed that her worst fears would not be realized.
Hesitantly the mare turned her head to gaze upon her attacker. What vicious beast was mere feet from her? But to her shock it was not some frightful beast of legend or a terrifying predator of the night. Lying on the ground next to her was a filly. A small, unicorn filly.
The mare rolled over onto her side.
The filly’s body tensed as her ears twitched at the noise. Slowly she turned her head and gazed wide-eyed at the mare.
Their eyes locked.
The little one pushed herself back, away from the mare.
Cautiously the mare rose to her unsteady hooves, but never broke eye contact with the filly.
Her ears pressed further upon her skull as her back arched in anticipation of a fight against the older mare that she could not possibly win. Her terror-filled eyes darted about in a vain attempt to find an escape route. Her limbs and tail trembled uncontrollably.
The mare stopped and allowed the filly to put a little more distance between them. She gave her best disarming smile at the little unicorn. After a long moment the mare lowered her head to the filly’s level and spoke in a gentle voice, “It’s alright dear, I’m not going to hurt you.”
The filly paused and stared back in disbelief.
After no response, she ventured, “Are you hurt?”
The filly continued to stare at the mare.
“This dreadful forest is no place for a pony, let alone a filly such as yourself. Are you lost?”
The filly, still cowering before the mare, nodded slightly.
The mare stood tall and suggested, “Well, why don’t we see about getting you home?”
Again the filly nodded but did not move.
She tenderly motioned for the filly to follow her. “Come, I imagine your family is worried sick.” The mare stood by, waiting for the younger one to come in her own time.
A minute passed, then two, until finally the filly took a hesitant step forward.
“That’s it, dear,” she encouraged.
The filly took a step, then another, until she stood just outside of the mare’s reach.
“We should go.” The mare turned but stopped short. Go where? She looked about the endless dark shadows surrounding them. There were no signs of civilization or a rough trail broken through the woods. Even the moon and stars were lost in the darkness. After a few moments, she took a cautious step forward, followed by the filly....
The mare kept constant vigil for any dangerous beasts that might be lurking in the shadows. Whenever they came upon a fallen tree or embankment, she would help the filly overcome the obstacle by lending a hoof, but never risked using her own horn to levitate the little one, lest her aura alert the beasts of the forest or frighten the filly.
The pair walked quietly through the wilderness for an hour until the forest thinned and they reached its edge. The clouds dispersed to reveal the pale moon and constellations of stars. Before them lay vast meadows bathed in soft moonlight. The mare scanned the landscape, finally noticing a faint light on the horizon. “That looks like a campfire,” she whispered, leaning close into the filly as she pointed off in the distance with her hoof.
The filly only nodded.
The pair continued their journey under the watchful gaze of the moon. Drawing nearer, a dark shape loomed around the light. As the two lost ponies approached, they discovered the light emanated from a window of a cabin. It was neither large nor elaborately decorated but appeared well-built and cared for. Nervously the mare approached the door as the filly sought protection behind her.
Knock!
A dull aura formed, and the door silently swung open. It revealed an elderly unicorn stallion, his mane and beard white. Though his features appeared weary, his piercing eyes still shone with strength.
“Yes?” he asked, his gruff voice not hiding its irritation. “Who comes to my home tonight?”
The mare cleared her throat. “I am so sorry for intruding upon you this evening. We were lost in the forest and saw your cabin from a distance. We were hoping to shelter inside until we can find our way in the morning.”
He eyed the mare suspiciously. “We?”
The mare glanced behind her. She gingerly stepped aside to reveal the filly, who gazed upon the stallion before lowering her eyes to the ground.
“Come in,” he said, moving out of the way, but never taking is eyes off the pair.
The mare stepped forward, but the filly remained still. “Come dear, we mustn’t turn away this gentlestallion’s hospitality. I assure you it will be alright.”
The filly looked at the mare before slowly stepping forward. As she passed through the doorway she darted past the stallion.
The mare gave the stallion an apologetic look as she followed the younger pony into the cabin. The door silently shut behind her.
“Would you like something to drink?” he offered, eyeing the filly which was now at the far end of the room.
The mare turned to her host, “Thank you.”
“I have a kettle on the stove,” he said, moving towards the kitchen.
“Tea would be lovely.” She cast a glance at the filly. “I’m sure a cup would do us both some good.”
The filly merely nodded.
The stallion grunted and stepped into an adjoining room. After a minute he reappeared, levitating a tray with three cups. He placed it upon the coffee table in the middle of the parlor and sat in a cozy chair. The mare took another chair and motioned for the filly who reluctantly climbed onto a couch.
Distributing the cups, the three sat quietly enjoying the tea.
Finally, their host broke the awkward silence. “My name is Star Swirl. Some have taken to calling me ‘The Bearded.’”
The mare smiled warmly. “It is a pleasure to meet you Star Swirl. I am –” She looked past the stallion, as if trying to see a distant memory. “I... I am afraid I do not remember my name.”
“Hmph,” he grunted. “What were you both doing in the forest tonight? It’s unsafe there. My skills with magic are renowned, yet I am still hesitant to enter the forest after dark. I dare say you two were in quite a lot of danger.”
The mare took another sip of tea. “I really don’t know. We just woke up in the forest.”
Star Swirl cast a glare at the youngest, who wilted under his examination. Turning back to the mare, he asked, “So you have no idea how you and your daughter came to the forest?”
She winced as something hit a nerve. Gazing at the filly sitting across from her, the mare opened her mouth several times, until at last she shook her head and said, “She is not my daughter.”
“No?”
“She....” The mare continued to study the filly. “...is my sister.”
“Yes,” said the filly, surprising the mare so much that she nearly dropped her cup and saucer.
“Your sister, you say? You cannot recall how you arrived in the forest or even your own name, yet you know she is your sister?”
“Yes. I don’t know how, but my heart tells me that she is my sister.”
“Do you remember anything before arriving in the forest?”
The mare sat in silent contemplation. “I feel as though there is something... but I’m afraid I cannot remember.”
Star Swirl stood up and approached the mare. “Allow me cast a memory spell. It may allow you to remember some of your past.”
She glanced over at the filly, who sat wide-eyed. The mare gave a comforting smile and nodded, then turned to him with determination. “I am ready.”
Star Swirl lit his horn, then leaned forward to touch hers....
Light. Light everywhere. A shimmering, golden light. Next to her stood a filly. Ahead were silhouettes, enveloped by the light. Ponies. Four. They had horns. Four unicorns. One spread her wings. An alicorn! Two alicorns! The light grew more intense becoming blinding, burning her eyes. The mare couldn’t breathe. Desperately she tried to get some air. She felt herself torn apart–
Celestia bolted upright. She held her blanket close as she gasped for every breath. Looking down, the bedsheets were soaked with sweat. She buried her face in her hooves as she continued to heave, fighting for air. Slowly tears pattered upon the blanket, and sobs echoed throughout the bedchamber.
Celestia cried until there were no more tears, wept until her voice grew weak. Silence took hold. Finally, she took a deep breath and looked up into the darkness of her bedroom. “You’re here,” she whispered.
“Yes,” replied a calm voice from the shadows.
“How did you know?” Celestia asked.
“You forget it is our job to guard dreams.”
Celestia sighed, “It is not a dream. It is my memory of the night....” She gazed off to the side.
“Of our arrival in Equestria,” finished Luna.
“Yes,” Celestia whispered.
“You have been experiencing this nightmare a lot recently, sister.”
Shaking her head, Celestia said, “This one was different.”
“How?”
“It was so much clearer than the other dreams. I could remember details that I couldn’t before. And....” She paused, fighting for the words. “...when Star Swirl tapped my horn, I received a vision from before our arrival.”
There was a soft gasp. “What did you see?”
“Not much... light mostly. A few figures, but I couldn’t make them out.”
“What does it mean?”
Gazing down, Celestia lamented, “The time has come.”
Taking a sip of tea, Celestia reflected on the scene before her. To her right sat Rarity, lost in conversation as she happily spread the latest Canterlot gossip. To Celestia’s left sat Twilight Sparkle – her pupil, her protégé, her... friend? Yes, Twilight was a friend – a lifelong friend – though Celestia hadn’t thought of her that way in years. Seated around the rest of the table were the remaining Elements of Harmony and Starlight Glimmer. Off in the corner of the dining room, at the Cutie Mark Crusader table, Princess Luna loomed large over the other three guests. The princess struggled as she attempted to keep up with the three little fillies, causing Celestia to slip a small smile.
“Princess, is everything alright?”
Startled out of her thoughts, Princess Celestia replied, “Yes Twilight, I was just admiring this wonderful luncheon you’re hosting.”
Twilight beamed under the praise her mentor had given.
Luna looked over and locked eyes with Celestia. Nodding in agreement, the dark alicorn rose from the table and ushered the boisterous Cutie Mark Crusaders over to the larger table hosting the adults. Knowing something was up, all talking ceased and expectant eyes fell upon Princess Celestia.
She cleared her throat. “Thank you all for coming. I’m so very happy you all could attend this marvelous lunch hosted by Twilight.” She gazed around at the assembled ponies. “However, I must admit, this is not a social gathering. There is a mission that must be carried out.”
Rainbow Dash leapt into the air. “Awwright!” she cheered in between summersaults.
Applejack adjusted her Stetson, “You can count on us, Princess. We’re more than ready.”
“Ooh, I wonder what I should pack,” mused Rarity.
Pinkie Pie blew some party horns and threw confetti into the air.
Princess Celestia smiled, “Thank you all for your willingness in undertaking this mission. Unfortunately,” she sighed, “not all of you will be going. I have selected the participants for this special assignment.”
The others around the room looked at her with surprise.
“Rarity –”
“Me?” asked the astonished unicorn.
Celestia nodded. “Yes, you and your sister Sweetie Belle.”
“Me?” echoed the younger sister as her two fellow Crusaders looked on in confusion.
“Yes, you two are uniquely qualified for this mission.”
The two unicorns exchanged glances.
Celestia quickly added, “Of course, you are free to decline.”
Sweetie Belle slowly nodded, and Rarity turned back to Celestia. “Of course we’d be happy to go. Anything we can do to help Equestria.”
Celestia looked back at Luna who solemnly nodded. “Very well,” she said.
“When will we be leaving?” asked Rarity.
“The sooner the better,” answered Celestia absently.
“Now!”
Celestia nodded, “Now.”
Rarity, shocked, nodded in acceptance. Princess Celestia smiled sadly as her friends gathered around to wish her well. Similarly, Princess Luna gazed longingly at the heartfelt farewells offered by Scootaloo and Apple Bloom. After a few minutes, Rarity turned to Celestia and said, “We are ready.”
“Very well,” she said rising from her seat. Princess Celestia turned to the group, “Twilight and Starlight, would you accompany us and help with some special preparations?”
The two surprised ponies nodded in assent. The two regal alicorns led the other four out of the room. Moments later they stood in the map room, locked to ensure privacy.
Princess Celestia addressed the group, “Now, we must prepare you for the journey.” She produced two glass jars that she placed before Rarity and Sweetie Belle. Turning to Starlight Glimmer, she said, “I need your special skills.”
Confused, Starlight said, “Of course, Princess.”
“I want you to remove their cutie marks.”
Gasps echoed throughout the room.
“You – you want me to do what?” stuttered Starlight.
“You want to take our cutie marks?” asked Sweetie Belle.
“Yes. I do not want you two recognized and…” she trailed off.
“Princess?” pressed Twilight.
Princess Celestia sighed. “It is best if you have a clean slate.”
“Are you sure this is absolutely necessary?” asked Rarity.
“Yes,” responded Luna.
Rarity and Sweetie Belle exchanged looks, then nodded their consent. Starlight, still struck that the royal sovereign wanted her to use her forbidden magic, took a deep breath then indicated she was ready. She lowered her horn and concentrated. A moment later her horn glowed along with the cutie marks. She focused, and the marks pulled a bit, then ripped off the flanks completely, like a band aid on a wound. Rarity and Sweetie Belle whimpered in pain for a moment as their marks were secured in the sealed jars.
After a minute to let them catch their breath, Princess Celestia said, “Now, we can send you on your way.”
“Will we be taking a train or a sky chariot?” asked Rarity.
Celestia shook her head, “No. We will send you directly there. If you would stand over there,” she pointed near the corner of the room, “we can begin.”
Rarity and Sweetie Belle took up their designated spot.
Princess Celestia turned to the others. “Princess Luna and I will direct the spell, but we will need you to provide extra magical energy for this to work.”
The two younger ponies nodded.
The four lowered their horns. The two alicorns shot beams of magic at the two unicorns, followed a moment later by Twilight and Starlight. The magic swirled around the pair in colored bands before coalescing into a golden sphere. As more and more magical energy was poured into the spell, the sphere glowed brightly.
“We need more energy,” said Princess Celestia through gritted teeth.
“Yes, sister,” responded Luna.
All four concentrated harder, pushing themselves to their utmost limit. Twilight and Starlight dug their hooves into the floor and they leaned forward in exertion. Celestia and Luna’s wings flared as they poured all their magic into the spell.
Suddenly there was a Bang! and the sphere flashed away.
Through heavy breaths, Princess Celestia announced, “It is done.”
“Is it far away?” asked Cookie Crumble.
Celestia shook her head, “No.”
“Will they be gone a long time?” asked Hondo Flanks.
Celestia sighed. “I do not know.” She took a sip of her tea, “I – I suppose they will return when they are ready.”
“But they will return be coming back?” pressed Hondo.
Celestia nodded, “Yes. But....”
“But what?” asked a concerned Cookie.
“Your daughters will not be the same as when they left.”
Cookie and Hondo exchanged worried glances.
“They will be changed, I think for the better. And the bonds of sisterhood, though strained in the experience, will come through even stronger than before.” She gazed out the window. “I believe you’ll be quite proud of them when they come back.”
Silence lingered over the room, before Celestia said, “Thank you for the cup of tea.” She rose from her seat. The others rose and bowed.
A few moments later Celestia was walking down the path in a rare moment of solitude.
“Sister,” came a voice.
Celestia turned to see an uncommon sight – the Princess of the Night out in broad daylight. She swooped down and landed next to her older sister.
“You should have waited for me,” reprimanded Luna.
Celestia shook her head, “I didn’t reveal the truth.” She looked back at the house in the distance. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to tell them the truth.”
Luna wrapped her sister in a hug, “Together, we’ve faced many challenges. Discord. Tirek. Sombra. And together, we will have the strength to tell them.”
Celestia hugged her sister fiercely as tears streamed down her cheeks. “Yes, together we will. Along with the Elements of Harmony. And the Crusaders.”
Author's Note
I finished some heavy writing, and I was looking for a break. I came across this story which I had worked on a while ago and got distracted. I had thought of letting it go, but the premise was just too interesting. So I cleaned it up a bit, but tried to keep the original tone and style (I feel I have improved since originally writing this) and decided to publish it. I hope you enjoyed it. Now, I still have Fluttershy, Rarity and Twilight to write The Secret Life of... stories for. In the meantime, keep an eye out for updates to some of my other ongoing stories.
Dreadnought
