Forgotten Timeby DrattaarcanaChaptersChapter 1 AwakeningChapter 2: PonishChapter 3 The Future….?Chapter 4 Evil in StarlightChapter 1 AwakeningIt was a sunny day in Equestria. In the Unicorn Range, just north of the Smokey Mountains. laid a forest almost completely unexplored by ponykind. Knowledge of this region was scarce, yet that didn’t stop the occasional traveler or uninformed pony from wandering in. It was around this time that Flight Hoof, a pegasus with a light green coat, light brown mane and tail found himself trekking through the woods, a saddlebag with various fruits and vegetables strapped to his back. He was searching for ingredients for food and some medicine, among the wilds of the Unicorn Range. He and his wife preferred the solitude over the social society of regular ponies. As his search for medicinal plants continued, he noticed that many of the herbs had not grown back from last year. Flight Hoof started thinking of his wife Silky Sky, a beautiful mare with a light sapphire coat,light green mane and tail with a pink highlight; who had come down with a cold she got at Princess Twilight Sparkle’s coronation in Canterlot. He was looking for herbs to help build immune response. Normally, he wouldn’t travel this far into the Unicorn Range, as he was quite far from his home by this point, but you do things you must for those you love. He was starting to worry he would not locate any herbs to help his wife and was considering just heading home. As if by thought alone there by a tree was some echinacea which is what he was searching for as the herb was known for its immune-boosting properties. As Flight Hoof began picking the herbs he noticed something was not right. He felt a cold chill in the air. On such a warm day, a chill in the air was unnatural for this time of year. He decided to investigate as it was clear it was magic. He started moving in the direction of the mild chill. Flight Hoof proceeded wearily as he never really understood magic, but knew to be careful. He eventually came across a creek with a bend. He moved around the bend of this small creek as he pressed though a few Conifers and a few shrubs. He came across a clearing. In this clearing there looked to be a weird phenomenon. The air had a visual presence and was warping around in a kind a swirling pattern, it had tendrils all coming from a circle of air on the grass. The air did not feel right and something was off. Flight Hoof knew magic could be dangerous so he was cautious of it, but something drew him towards the phenomenon. Was it curiosity or magic? The temptation to solve this mystery started overwhelming him. Flight Hoof always had an unquenchable curiosity being a scientist, his cutie mark was a single butterfly over a dandelion marking him as a wildlife biologist, which is the main reason he lived in the Unicorn Range. This magic still felt out of place and soon he walked up to it. He placed his hoof into the air. The air parted and it felt like his hoof entered another dimension, he pulled his hoof pack suddenly in absolute shock and fear. This was a rift of some kind, he was sure. Just then a sudden blinding light flashed from the rift blinding him for a few minutes. When he was finally able to see, the rift had vanished and in its place was an unconscious pony; at least Flight Hoof assumed it was a pony. This pony had a silver coat with white fur around the hooves. On the ponies front two hooves there looked to be two bracelets with a sapphire gem in each and what looked like a silver band with a majestic weaving pattern. This pony had two wings each silver like the coat, with gold tips on the feathers. The mane and tail were white with a sky blue stripe in the middle it shimmered magically like they were made of starlight. As Flight Hoof continued to examine this pony he noticed a horn that started straight and curved up at the last second, but the most intriguing thing about this pony’s horn was that it was shattered in two places along its length, the pony looked to be in its early thirties. The ponies cutie mark was a silver and blue star with three stars encircling it one green, one yellow, and one red. Flight Hoof did not know what to do at first, he decided he should try and wake this pony. He started shaking him and asked “hey are you okay?” Arcana felt himself being shaken and heard some creature speaking a strange foreign language, it sounded like a type of ponish, but it did not make any sense, he thought he heard something like “neigh ol hay nigh.” When he opened his eyes he saw a pegasus with a light green coat with a light brown mane and tail. When Arcana finally got his bearings, he saw he was in a forest he became confused as this was not the castle grounds of the great castle Alicorn Peak in the great city of Alicornia. He knew he had cast his time stopping spell, it seemed he had become stuck in time for many moons, but it felt he been gone for only mere seconds. Arcana tried to ask the pony who woke him up “when am I and where are we?” the pony replied and all Arcana heard was “Hay no Solusi Frino.” It was obvious to Arcana he did not speak the same language as this pony and thought to himself I cannot understand this pony and I am drained of all my magic power so I am defenseless, I hope this land is peaceful otherwise all this will have been for naught. Feeling extremely drained Arcana felt himself drifting into a deep sleep. Flight Hoof unsure of how to communicate with this pony who spoke in a very obscure tongue, decided that he should bring this pony back to his wife Silky Sky, she was a medical pony and would know what to do. Flight Hoof seeing the pony fall back to sleep, then realizing that he would need to carry this pony back to the house. After a few hours carrying this pony who was extremely heavy on his back he arrived at home. A very modest home with a simple wood triangular roof and four walls and a nice wooden deck. Silky Sky was outside she gave a slight sneeze, when she perked her head up she saw Flight Hoof and was very happy to see her husband return so soon before she could ask if he found an immunity boosting plant she saw the strange pony. Being a medical pony and despite her cold she jumped into action. She rushed over to help her husband bring the pony inside, they laid the pony on the bed in the extra bedroom to sleep. When Arcana awoke from his sleep he was in a comfortable bed, it felt much nicer than his bed at the great castle, though the room was definitely not in the same quality or size. The room was much smaller with only the bed and a chair for furniture. He heard two voices from the next room, but was unable to make them out, there was a cloth on his head right under his horn and he felt he had been sweating. He was able to deduce that he had a fever that finally receded. He still did not have any magic power, and his bracelets were still on his hooves, which was good because he did not want to drain magic power from any pony, least he incidentally harm those who were kind enough to let him sleep in their bed. He tried to get out of bed, but was unable to move his body, his limbs refused to obey his mind. Coming to the realization he was still too weak from the spell, he had regained his consciousness and yet he did not have the strength to move. Arcana concluded it would be a very long time to regain his former strength. He was not able to determine the time of day, but he knew one thing unless he learned to communicate with these ponies he was going to have issues, it was clear the language he knew would be of no use to him. He thought to himself how much time has passed since I cast my spell for the language to have changed this much I’ll need to master this new language. The question became how to communicate that to these new ponies. That was something he did not know how to do. It was then that a female pegasus entered his room she pulled over a chair with a book that had strange writing. Arcana did not understand the writing on the cover. Arcana was very knowledgeable in language and reading. He had learned nearly every spell, and was an exceptionally quick study. Knowing it was important to be able to communicate with this fine mare he tried to use his horn to try and move the book a little to signal that he wanted to look at it. He was barely able to activate his horn. It took an enormous amount of focus and mental strength. He strained his mind as hard as he could and managed to move the book in the direction of his nose. The mare looked shocked as the book moved toward his nose. She called out in that strange tongue and said something through the door, another voice answered, which Arcana still did not understand. Arcana tried again to move the book becoming frustrated. The book moved slightly toward his nose. The pony finally got the hint and showed him the book. it looked like an herbal book with images of flowers. The words were written in a foreign language that Arcana was unable to read, but he was determined to learn this language. With much mental energy he tried to say the first word on the page, it was a strange word from the book and through force of will he managed to say “Floral.” The female looked absolutely ecstatic that he was able to quickly grasp a word she could understand. That is how in his crippled state he started learning modern ponish with Silky Sky. Chapter 2: Ponish“How much time had gone by?” Arcana asked himself. He was in bed unable to move for a long time. His magic still had not returned and he still was unable to move. The Female Pegasus continued to come by with soups and a special medicinal liquid that seemed to stimulate his muscles. When she came by she would start saying the same phrase over and over. Then she would bring a book over and let him look at it. Though most of it was unclear and still an issue he started associating words with pictures and actions. When a pony starts a conversation the typical response was to say “Hello”. After what felt like weeks of this routine, one morning she entered and she said “Hello, how are you feeling today”. Arcana was finally able to say “Hello, I am feeling fine.” Understanding in his eyes he understood at least the basics of this new language. The pony seemed so happy that he was able to grasp this basic concept. She brought over a book and showed it to him. It was a dictionary with the Alphabet. Arcana started saying the Alphabet each day. He still could not move, but now he had something he could do to past the time. He started by putting the letters H,E,L,L,O as Hello which was a greeting. This language was so different from his own, but he could start to see similarities between them. Though the similarities were subtle it was clear ponish had gone through many changes in the time he was gone. After what seemed like weeks, if not months. Arcana was starting to gather the basics of the language and was able to hold some kind of conversation. One Morning the Pegasus asked “How are you feeling this morning?” Arcana responded “I am unable to move, but thanks for asking.” Arcana tried to move his leg but his body was still not responding. Arcana decided to think of his past and what had happened before this series of events. He saw himself in the throne room of Alicorn peak, before him were four Alicorns then one of them said “my lord, the forces of the dead are upon us, we have been fighting this war for almost a thousand years we must perform the ritual.” Arcana with a stern gaze responds “I will not sacrifice the lives of the ponies, granting death to stop death is a last resort.” Arcana remembers he was forced to give in, despite rejecting the plan. Arcana is awoken suddenly by the Male Pegasus who looked worried “My wife has been by your side a lot, but she had to go into town and will be gone for a couple days.” Arcana asked “tell me when are we and where” the pony looked him with a confused expression and asked “when?” he responds with “yes I don’t know the year at all.” The pony responds “it’s one thousand and eleven years after Celestia raised the sun.” Arcana couldn’t understand the name of the pony mentioned, it sounded strange and unfamiliar. But he could gather it’s been a thousand years “where are we?” This question also seemed to confuse the pony however the pony had a smile and replied “we are in the Unicorn Range, located in the land of Equestria” Arcana was able to comprehend that Alicornia no longer existed. Arcana still exhausted decided to fall back asleep. He finally awoke and wasn’t sure how long he was asleep, but he was finally able to move his body and he could feel his back hooves. He started thinking I am starting to get feeling back in my body, but I still cannot move. The female Pegasus enter the room and smiles arcana manages to move his hoof she said “so you’re getting your movement back I see.” Arcana replies “I am still unable to move my full body, but I am getting there--only time will tell.” The female pony said “Well, the medicinal herbs have been helping, My name is Silky Sky and what is your name.” it was clear to Arcana he had never known these ponies names and they been taking care of him, he wondered what kind of land is Equestria that ponies would openly allow strangers into their homes. He replied to Silky Sky “My name is Arcana Moon.” The Pegasus seemed pleased and happy and she replied happily “Arcana Moon what a nice name, and in the name of Celestia how did you end up in this state and in the Unicorn Range.” Arcana remembered how he used a special ritual to absorb life force as magic power to seal himself in time, this of course was not something he wanted to openly admit to this Pegasus. So Arcana replied to her question with “all I know is I must atone for my crimes” the Pegasus looked at him confused and said “you slipped into your old language Arcana I didn’t understand any of what you said” Arcana felt himself drifting again and fell asleep. After several months of being in bed and unable to move the day came when Arcana felt his full body and he tried to get out of bed, and he was able to move. He still felt weak but he was able to actually walk he went up to the bedroom door and pushed it open. Silky Sky was sitting on a couch and Flight Hoof was setting in a chair and when they saw Arcana they were shocked to see him moving about. Silky Sky got up to help Arcana as he was limping, pointing his nose toward the door as he wanted to go outside Silky sky understood and helped him toward the door it was a sunny day, but a little chilly it seemed winter was approaching. It felt good to be outside, there was a chair on the porch. Arcana tried to move it with magic, but his horn wouldn’t activate, he concentrated harder and was able to move it about an inch, sighing he tried to access his wings but they simply did not respond, it was clear he had lost his flight and unicorn magic, as an alicorn he possessed the magic of Pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies, but he currently only had his earth pony magic. Arcana felt this was a blessing, after months of self-reflection he felt magic was dangerous and this world didn’t need his power. If he ever regained his former strength it could plunge this new land into darkness. Focusing back on the present, he looked around and noticed this couple did not have a garden so he asked Silky Sky “how do you get your food, there’s no garden.” She explained how Flight hoof would go out every other day to gather fruits and vegetables to eat and make meals. They gathered what they needed from the forest. Arcana thought he would start a garden, having ruled over a kingdom he thought that he never understood the growth of food and the thrill of creating life so he mentioned his idea to silky Sky and she explained that the thought never crossed their minds, since they were both pegasi they did not understand farming like the earth ponies. Arcana didn’t understand how pegasi couldn’t farm, as everypony back in Alicornia had the ability to farm and grow crops. He explained to Silky Sky that he would be willing to teach them how to farm as pegasi, but also explained he had never been a farmer so they would learn together. Flight Hoof overheard the conversation stepped out and said “I like the idea Arcana, I think your right starting a little farm would be a wonderful idea.” With that decided they went back inside. Chapter 3 The Future….?In the town of Ponyville Twilight Sparkle a pony with a Lavender coat with A dark Indigo Mane and Tail with a purple stripe, with a unicorn horn and wings is sitting at her throne in her old castle. Twilight was making trips frequently to Ponyville and her old castle even though she was now living in Canterlot castle as ruler of Equestria. It had been two years after the battle against Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Queen Chrysalis. Twilight had been mystified by the constant activation of the Cutie Map in the throne room which was showing her cutie mark over a remote region in the Unicorn Range. Twilight was sitting in her throne next to spike who was also sitting in his throne. In front of them was at least fifteen different books with several scrolls and various reports finally after a long moment twilight spoke with worry in her eyes “Spike it still bothers me, two years ago Celestia and Luna felt the effects of magic across the land it was like a massive discharge of magic, and worst most unicorns became unconscious all at once; I fear something big is going to happen; and since the map has had my cutie mark active on it for the last two years which means that we yet to resolve the friendship problem.” Twilight sighs then starts talking again “Celestia and Luna assisted with our trip to the section of the unicorn range but found nothing; it was just another clearing of trees; however we were able to detect a faint trace of temporal magic or time magic even Starlight was unable to figure out this time magic.” Twilight Sighs again, then Continues “we contacted Star Swirl and even he is not familiar with this spell and if Star swirl doesn’t know this type of Magic that means we aren’t dealing with old ponish magic. We are dealing with Lost magic also known as Ancient Magic same as the Wendigos.” Twilight seemed even more worried than normal for if this was ancient magic it would be far more powerful than anything Equestria has known. Spike a young purple dragon with green spikes seeing Twilight in uncertainty and having a confident demeaner to help calm his sister and best friend and reply’s to her worries with “Twilight I think that your over thinking this, there has to be a reason the cutie mark map is behaving this way, after all it is never wrong and its connected to the elements of harmony, plus you’re the element of magic so you will figure out, after all there is no pony better with magic.” While twilight and spike were talking Starlight Glimmer walked in a pony with a lilac coat and a purple and teal mane and tail with a unicorn Horn. Starlight was fairly tired, and decided to speak up for it seemed Twilight and Spike did not notice she was standing right in front of them “Twilight I have been searching for the last couple days for any spell that could leave that level of magic, I think I may have found something, but I am worried what it means” Twilight and spike now with worry in their eyes stayed silent but were anxiously awaiting Starlight’s finding. Starlight looked worried and said “after researching I found only one spell that could cause a time rift like that, I couldn’t find the spell in any book; outside of a very old tome that sunburst had, he said that it belonged to Gusty the Great which means its older than Star swirl the Bearded” the shock in twilights face was apparent. Starlight continued with “the tome is a list of spells known as Ancient Magic through I am sure you already knew that. it was nearly impossible to decipher, but we were able to have a breakthrough learning A language older the Old Ponish.” Twilight still shocked by this finding asked “a spell tome from an era older than Star Swirl that means this tome existed before the pillars of Equestria that means it has to be older than a thousand years. There aren’t any ponies who can use such magic. This means the spell require ancient magic which has not existed since the appearance of the Wendigos which are ancient magic.” Twilight was now freaking out and panting very heavy for such magic could bring the world to ruin. However, it was now clear why time was fractured in that location. Starlight sensing what twilight was thinking and stated “the spell I am referring to is called Time Seal, it apparently freezes time, but it is a very complicated spell and requires a lot of energy. No ordinary unicorn could cast it, in fact I highly doubt I could perform it. I am certain that even Alicorn magic cannot perform the spell.” Starlight face turned dead serious and continued “the risk of casting such a spell would take its toll on any pony and would have terrible consequences for the caster. With that in mind the spell would not explode like that unless the magic used in the spell was pulled from over thousands of unicorns.” Twilight face grew dark she looked like she was about to cry for if the spell used took the lives of actual ponies then the castor must be evil and that means they could be dealing with a threat even more powerful than Grogar. Starlight seeing her friends face continued with “we are dealing with magic power that exceeds our understanding.” Twilight still looking dark and with lots of sadness responds with “a spell that freezes time at the cost of lives? I did not think such a spell existed; I had investigated the whole star swirl the bearded section for a spell like this. I need to send a scroll to star swirl and the princesses to notify them, while I am thinking of it, how is the school doing starlight?” Starlight feeling happy “the school is doing great, the teachers we have are teaching friendship to all creatures and many of the students are excited that you’re in Ponyville.” That seemed to cheer twilight up a little and she was looking at Starlight with the ok what do you want from me look. Starlight knowing that look continued with “I like for you to come by and teach a magic class if its ok with you.” Starlight knew the answer would be no but felt she should ask anyway; it was important they solved this mystery as soon as possible. Then there was a sunder chill in the air. Starlight was reacting with fear and it wasn’t just her twilight seemed to notice it to. Starlight started to ask “how could it be cold insid..? then an image of Twilight appeared over the cutie map. Then twilight and starlight as well as spike heard twilights voice it felt odd and spoke from nowhere, it seemed to be in their minds and yet out loud, it was cold yet friendly “I am the tree of Harmony I have a warning for Equestria. He who brings about eternal light will soon be found, the darkness gathers, evil has returned and with it comes that which can pave a future of light, all shall fall before all can be saved” Twilight asked with fear in her heart “Great tree what does that mean? what is it you’re trying to tell us.” The voice spoke again “search for the kingdom of Alicornia, for only there can the answers you seek be unraveled” then the trees voice went silent. As sudden as the voice left the room the room became warm again. Starlight trying to puzzle out what the tree of harmony just said finally asked “What is Alicornia, a kingdom, I have never heard of it. I did not know there was such a place it’s not on any maps what could this mean.” Twilight looking at her friend with a kind expression while suppressing her own fears. To try and comfort her Twilight replied to Starlight’s worry “I am not sure, but obviously something bad is about to happen, I need to send a letter to the Princess Celestia and Princess Luna and another to Star Swirl maybe they will have an answer.” Twilight paused a moment with a terrible thought in her mind “I thought all evil was dealt with when we defeated Cozy Glow, Tirek and Queen Chrysalis. Also, who is this light the voice spoke of, is it a pony, maybe another alicorn I am not sure.” Starlight came to a realization and decided to share her thought with her friend “it makes sense now”, looking through the tome again “what if an Alicorn harnessed the power of every pony in a city to use the spell Time Seal the residual magic could theoretically cause an explosion of magical power which in turn would cause a rift in time. “ Twilight looking at Starlight in confusion and wondering why she had the tome but wasn’t giving it to her to look at. Starlight continued “Think about it we found evidence of a time rift in the unicorn range. What would happen if a pony maybe an alicorn sealed themselves in time and was set free by an explosion of magic? The residual energy would cause an explosive that would disrupt any who use magic themselves over a large distance; but if this is true for what reason was such an intricate combination used for. What was this individual hoping to accomplish?” Just then Star Swirl the breaded entered the room via teleport with fear in his voice “Princess Twilight I came as soon as the voice spoke, Equestria could be in danger, Alicornia is a lost city of legend, I did not believe it actually existed as most books that reference the city have long since been destroyed and only fragments of the Civilization remains, the only tomes to have survived existed in the crystal empire.” The whole room went silent with mouths agape, star Swirl continued “I know it may sound shocking, but the crystal empire was actually a very small kingdom at one point and one year every pony disappeared which left the city abandoned until the first crystal princess rediscover the city and made it her home but some of the tomes did survive. I suggested to princess Luna and princess Celestia go to see Princess Cadence about this, they agreed to leave silver shores to follow the story more closely and they told me to tell you twilight that you should return to your duties in Canterlot and leave this investigation to them.” Starswirl Continue by explaining Princess Celestia and Princess Luna plan to return to the Unicorn range to seek Alicornia. Twilight nodded accepting that she had duties to uphold replied “I shall return to Canterlot at once, I shall leave this to Celestia and Luna, thank you star swirl I shall return to my duties after I give a magic lesson at the school of friendship.” Turning to starlight who seemed super excited “ Starlight, I am honored to give a magic lesson to the students lets prepare the notes together maybe we can discuss temporal Magic.” With that twilight sparkle left the castle with Starlight glimmer toward the school of friendship. Chapter 4 Evil in StarlightIt was nighttime in the Unicorn Range and Princess Luna, an Alicorn with a dark blue coat and light blue Mane and tail that shimmered like starlight, was laying on her camping bed which was very uncomfortable. She never really enjoyed camping, but it was night time and the moon was out. She enjoyed looking at the moon to remind her of her old duties to Equestria. Next to her was a pony with a white coat and a mane and tail with cerulean, turquoise, cobalt, and heliotrope stripes, this was her sister Princess Celestia. Celestia was sound asleep, and Luna thought for a moment to enter her sisters dream to pull a prank but decided not to. The forest was quiet, and she started to think about their mission to find Alicornia. The tree of harmony was clear —find the lost city. Luna started drifting as she fell asleep her dreams seemed pleasant but then suddenly, she was awoken by her sister. As Luna opened her eyes, she noticed that Celestia had erected a barrier of light magic. Luna, having been in many battles, knew immediately something was wrong and they were surrounded by strange ponies; they were part shadow and part living. They had black eyes with no pupils and had black coats with gray fire mane and tails and they all looked identical. For a moment Luna thought she was dreaming a nightmare until Celestia screamed “Luna hurry, wake up we are surrounded! This isn’t a dream my magic doesn’t work on them for some reason, and I can’t hurt them physically.” When Luna was finally on her feet she immediately asked, “What are these creatures? They seem like magic itself, and if your magic doesn’t work then they must be like the wendigos. They are ancient magic.” Luna was afraid but she needed to help defend so she also erected a barrier with her lunar magic and a light barrier. Maybe when the sun comes up, they would disappear. Somewhere else In the Unicorn Range Arcana was looking at the garden he and Flight Hoof made several months ago, and the crops were doing well. He had gotten a lot of his magic back and he was able to use a portion of his power. In Alicornia, his magical abilities would be considered that of a regular alicorn but at his height he was so powerful most of the alicorns could not compete with his strength; that was a big reason he was chosen by them to end the war. Of course, he did not tell Flight Hoof or Silky Sky that he was traveling into the forest and using his innate power, the ability to absorb magic from the surrounding area and take it into himself. Because Arcana had chosen to absorb the Core of light to banish one of Alicornia’s enemies it came with a great curse; the ability to drain the life force of those around him and turn it into magic. His bracelets prevent all magic from outside his body from affecting him, but they absorb magic into themselves as well but don’t steal magic from living being this allows him to control a vast amount of magic where he can keep others safe. While he was out this night, he tried opening a nexus, the source of the sun. He wanted to see if he could access his other powers; the ability to use the powers of creation. When he opened the nexus, he heard a voice and it said “my magic doesn’t work on them for some reason and I can’t hurt them physically.” Arcana immediately sensed that he would have to use magic again. In his mind he was conflicted; he knew these creatures; they were known as shadow fiends, a product of his magic, but could Arcana use his power once again. The power of the ascended is dangerous and not long for this world, but if he has returned then Arcana must do what is needed. He used his powers of foresight. Arcana possesses the ability of True Sight which is the ability to see the correct future and was always accurate. Using this ability, he was able to determine the voices’ location. He saw two alicorns, which he assumed they must be Princess Celestia and Princess Luna; with the location confirmed he teleported to them. Back in the unicorn range Luna and Celestia kept up the barrier for as long as they could and just as the barrier was weakening a stallion appeared before them. They could not believe their eyes as it was an alicorn who just appeared before them. Then they heard a foreign language which sounded like “hi ca so da niegh crag ora siu syrn ra calig toragatha” at this moment a massive white magic circle appeared blocking out the moon and the stars it was massive within this circle were hundreds of smaller circles and the amount of magic was incredible Luna’s coat shivered by its power. Something was off about this alicorn as powerful as the spell was the pony itself seemed to have no power at all as if he were void of magic completely. Then suddenly Luna’s horn started to fail; it was magic interference. A very rare occurrence where a spell’s magic energy was so strong it caused other spells to fail and the barrier protecting them broke completely. Then the pony spoke other words “helio shildeon” Luna could not believe her eyes this alicorn just casted a spell while casting another spell and this new spell provided a light shield that seemed to heal her at the same time. The next words out of the pony’s mouth were in modern ponish and he said, “stay put the shield spell I cast will protect you from the creatures and the damage of my spell.” Then beams of light poured from the small circles. These beams when they hit the ground shook the ground and created mini earthquakes and after several minutes the spell dissolved. The creatures had vanished into ash. With the creatures finally gone Luna could now see the pony standing before them clearly it was a silver alicorn stallion. At this moment Luna had a million question but was speechless. She looked at her sister who also was slacked jawed and didn’t seem to be able to speak. This is understandable for the power they just witnessed was unreal. If magic like that existed there would be no evil who could compete with this power, was this the Pony of Light spoken about by the Tree of Harmony. Arcana broke the silence first “hello I am Arcana Moon, I am the ascended Alicorn of destiny.” Celestia and Luna were still speechless, and Arcana seemed to be waiting patiently. Luna finally regained her senses and began to speak “wha, whaaat were those things.” Stuttering because of the shock. Arcana replied with a stern face “Those were Shadow Fiends, they are dark magic creatures that serve the Calamity, I thought I had destroyed him in my time.” This time Celestia spoke with the air of a leader “We were tasked to find the kingdom of Alicornia and the pony of light. Are you perhaps the pony of light from Alicornia?” Arcana Moons expression just grew sad and solemn “Alicornia no longer exists as it was destroyed by war and I am the only survivor, as for the pony of light I have no clue what you’re talking about, I may have some insight that you need and answers to many question, however let’s get somewhere a little safer, I am currently staying with two Pegasi who saved my life.” With that the three Alicorns started traveling toward a small house in the forest. Once they came into sight of the cottage, Silky sky and Flight Hoof were stunned when Princess Luna and Princess Celestia showed up with Arcana Moon. Arcana asked very politely “Can you give the three of us some privacy. Flight Hoof and Silky Sky nodded and went inside. Arcana then turned to the sisters and asked, “So, what do you want to know?” It was Celestia who spoke first “That spell you just used, what was that spell? It was so strong my horn stopped working.” Arcana seemed to soften a little but looked very thoughtful as if asking about the spell put him at ease. Arcana Responded with “The spell is known as toragatha, though in your tongue I guess it translates to Holy Judgement, it is a common spell for dealing with unholy enemies. As for why your horn failed, that just had to do with the energy I used to cast it, it’s known as the tridofa effect or in your tongue the overflow effect, basically the magic causes those who cannot withstand the amount of magic basically induces a state of magic interference. Those affected are overflowed with magic from the caster; it disables the horns of other unicorns or in this case Alicorns.” Arcana started to feel sympathy as he had never seen Alicorns as weak as these two or maybe spells of such magnitude had to do with the fact the nexuses have been closed to the world for so long that magic users can no longer use such spells. Putting it out of his mind he returned his attention to the sisters and said, “Now it is my turn to ask a question, why do you seek the Forgotten City of Alicornia?” It was Luna who answered, “We seek the Pony of light, as the tree of harmony tasked us with locating the pony of light so that’s why we are seeking Alicornia. You stated you know nothing of the Pony of Light, but you seemed to be a very powerful mage, any chance you could help us locate this pony of light?” Arcana seemed to be struggling over the question, after a moment he said “I cannot help you, I have chosen to save you because of the shadow fiends, but no I am sorry my time is finished, I cannot allow my power to corrupt the world once more, my crimes are numerous and my power has ended many lives, if I had perished by the time seal spell I would have atoned for my crimes but since I was freed I can no longer die as such I do not want my power to influence the current state of the world. I would have been content to lose my soul to the time seal spell but alas fate had other options. I am content to live the rest of my days as a simple farmer nothing more.” Celestia and Luna were completely taken aback. He basically was saying that he doesn’t want to use his magic. Before either of them could respond Arcana continued with “I refuse to leave Silky Sky and Flight Hoof. They have done so much for me and I still need to repay that debt.” And after a moment of thought he said “I am weary, let's get some rest and continue this in the morning.” With that they entered the house of the two Pegasi.
Chapter 1 AwakeningIt was a sunny day in Equestria. In the Unicorn Range, just north of the Smokey Mountains. laid a forest almost completely unexplored by ponykind. Knowledge of this region was scarce, yet that didn’t stop the occasional traveler or uninformed pony from wandering in. It was around this time that Flight Hoof, a pegasus with a light green coat, light brown mane and tail found himself trekking through the woods, a saddlebag with various fruits and vegetables strapped to his back. He was searching for ingredients for food and some medicine, among the wilds of the Unicorn Range. He and his wife preferred the solitude over the social society of regular ponies. As his search for medicinal plants continued, he noticed that many of the herbs had not grown back from last year. Flight Hoof started thinking of his wife Silky Sky, a beautiful mare with a light sapphire coat,light green mane and tail with a pink highlight; who had come down with a cold she got at Princess Twilight Sparkle’s coronation in Canterlot. He was looking for herbs to help build immune response. Normally, he wouldn’t travel this far into the Unicorn Range, as he was quite far from his home by this point, but you do things you must for those you love. He was starting to worry he would not locate any herbs to help his wife and was considering just heading home. As if by thought alone there by a tree was some echinacea which is what he was searching for as the herb was known for its immune-boosting properties. As Flight Hoof began picking the herbs he noticed something was not right. He felt a cold chill in the air. On such a warm day, a chill in the air was unnatural for this time of year. He decided to investigate as it was clear it was magic. He started moving in the direction of the mild chill. Flight Hoof proceeded wearily as he never really understood magic, but knew to be careful. He eventually came across a creek with a bend. He moved around the bend of this small creek as he pressed though a few Conifers and a few shrubs. He came across a clearing. In this clearing there looked to be a weird phenomenon. The air had a visual presence and was warping around in a kind a swirling pattern, it had tendrils all coming from a circle of air on the grass. The air did not feel right and something was off. Flight Hoof knew magic could be dangerous so he was cautious of it, but something drew him towards the phenomenon. Was it curiosity or magic? The temptation to solve this mystery started overwhelming him. Flight Hoof always had an unquenchable curiosity being a scientist, his cutie mark was a single butterfly over a dandelion marking him as a wildlife biologist, which is the main reason he lived in the Unicorn Range. This magic still felt out of place and soon he walked up to it. He placed his hoof into the air. The air parted and it felt like his hoof entered another dimension, he pulled his hoof pack suddenly in absolute shock and fear. This was a rift of some kind, he was sure. Just then a sudden blinding light flashed from the rift blinding him for a few minutes. When he was finally able to see, the rift had vanished and in its place was an unconscious pony; at least Flight Hoof assumed it was a pony. This pony had a silver coat with white fur around the hooves. On the ponies front two hooves there looked to be two bracelets with a sapphire gem in each and what looked like a silver band with a majestic weaving pattern. This pony had two wings each silver like the coat, with gold tips on the feathers. The mane and tail were white with a sky blue stripe in the middle it shimmered magically like they were made of starlight. As Flight Hoof continued to examine this pony he noticed a horn that started straight and curved up at the last second, but the most intriguing thing about this pony’s horn was that it was shattered in two places along its length, the pony looked to be in its early thirties. The ponies cutie mark was a silver and blue star with three stars encircling it one green, one yellow, and one red. Flight Hoof did not know what to do at first, he decided he should try and wake this pony. He started shaking him and asked “hey are you okay?” Arcana felt himself being shaken and heard some creature speaking a strange foreign language, it sounded like a type of ponish, but it did not make any sense, he thought he heard something like “neigh ol hay nigh.” When he opened his eyes he saw a pegasus with a light green coat with a light brown mane and tail. When Arcana finally got his bearings, he saw he was in a forest he became confused as this was not the castle grounds of the great castle Alicorn Peak in the great city of Alicornia. He knew he had cast his time stopping spell, it seemed he had become stuck in time for many moons, but it felt he been gone for only mere seconds. Arcana tried to ask the pony who woke him up “when am I and where are we?” the pony replied and all Arcana heard was “Hay no Solusi Frino.” It was obvious to Arcana he did not speak the same language as this pony and thought to himself I cannot understand this pony and I am drained of all my magic power so I am defenseless, I hope this land is peaceful otherwise all this will have been for naught. Feeling extremely drained Arcana felt himself drifting into a deep sleep. Flight Hoof unsure of how to communicate with this pony who spoke in a very obscure tongue, decided that he should bring this pony back to his wife Silky Sky, she was a medical pony and would know what to do. Flight Hoof seeing the pony fall back to sleep, then realizing that he would need to carry this pony back to the house. After a few hours carrying this pony who was extremely heavy on his back he arrived at home. A very modest home with a simple wood triangular roof and four walls and a nice wooden deck. Silky Sky was outside she gave a slight sneeze, when she perked her head up she saw Flight Hoof and was very happy to see her husband return so soon before she could ask if he found an immunity boosting plant she saw the strange pony. Being a medical pony and despite her cold she jumped into action. She rushed over to help her husband bring the pony inside, they laid the pony on the bed in the extra bedroom to sleep. When Arcana awoke from his sleep he was in a comfortable bed, it felt much nicer than his bed at the great castle, though the room was definitely not in the same quality or size. The room was much smaller with only the bed and a chair for furniture. He heard two voices from the next room, but was unable to make them out, there was a cloth on his head right under his horn and he felt he had been sweating. He was able to deduce that he had a fever that finally receded. He still did not have any magic power, and his bracelets were still on his hooves, which was good because he did not want to drain magic power from any pony, least he incidentally harm those who were kind enough to let him sleep in their bed. He tried to get out of bed, but was unable to move his body, his limbs refused to obey his mind. Coming to the realization he was still too weak from the spell, he had regained his consciousness and yet he did not have the strength to move. Arcana concluded it would be a very long time to regain his former strength. He was not able to determine the time of day, but he knew one thing unless he learned to communicate with these ponies he was going to have issues, it was clear the language he knew would be of no use to him. He thought to himself how much time has passed since I cast my spell for the language to have changed this much I’ll need to master this new language. The question became how to communicate that to these new ponies. That was something he did not know how to do. It was then that a female pegasus entered his room she pulled over a chair with a book that had strange writing. Arcana did not understand the writing on the cover. Arcana was very knowledgeable in language and reading. He had learned nearly every spell, and was an exceptionally quick study. Knowing it was important to be able to communicate with this fine mare he tried to use his horn to try and move the book a little to signal that he wanted to look at it. He was barely able to activate his horn. It took an enormous amount of focus and mental strength. He strained his mind as hard as he could and managed to move the book in the direction of his nose. The mare looked shocked as the book moved toward his nose. She called out in that strange tongue and said something through the door, another voice answered, which Arcana still did not understand. Arcana tried again to move the book becoming frustrated. The book moved slightly toward his nose. The pony finally got the hint and showed him the book. it looked like an herbal book with images of flowers. The words were written in a foreign language that Arcana was unable to read, but he was determined to learn this language. With much mental energy he tried to say the first word on the page, it was a strange word from the book and through force of will he managed to say “Floral.” The female looked absolutely ecstatic that he was able to quickly grasp a word she could understand. That is how in his crippled state he started learning modern ponish with Silky Sky.
Chapter 2: Ponish“How much time had gone by?” Arcana asked himself. He was in bed unable to move for a long time. His magic still had not returned and he still was unable to move. The Female Pegasus continued to come by with soups and a special medicinal liquid that seemed to stimulate his muscles. When she came by she would start saying the same phrase over and over. Then she would bring a book over and let him look at it. Though most of it was unclear and still an issue he started associating words with pictures and actions. When a pony starts a conversation the typical response was to say “Hello”. After what felt like weeks of this routine, one morning she entered and she said “Hello, how are you feeling today”. Arcana was finally able to say “Hello, I am feeling fine.” Understanding in his eyes he understood at least the basics of this new language. The pony seemed so happy that he was able to grasp this basic concept. She brought over a book and showed it to him. It was a dictionary with the Alphabet. Arcana started saying the Alphabet each day. He still could not move, but now he had something he could do to past the time. He started by putting the letters H,E,L,L,O as Hello which was a greeting. This language was so different from his own, but he could start to see similarities between them. Though the similarities were subtle it was clear ponish had gone through many changes in the time he was gone. After what seemed like weeks, if not months. Arcana was starting to gather the basics of the language and was able to hold some kind of conversation. One Morning the Pegasus asked “How are you feeling this morning?” Arcana responded “I am unable to move, but thanks for asking.” Arcana tried to move his leg but his body was still not responding. Arcana decided to think of his past and what had happened before this series of events. He saw himself in the throne room of Alicorn peak, before him were four Alicorns then one of them said “my lord, the forces of the dead are upon us, we have been fighting this war for almost a thousand years we must perform the ritual.” Arcana with a stern gaze responds “I will not sacrifice the lives of the ponies, granting death to stop death is a last resort.” Arcana remembers he was forced to give in, despite rejecting the plan. Arcana is awoken suddenly by the Male Pegasus who looked worried “My wife has been by your side a lot, but she had to go into town and will be gone for a couple days.” Arcana asked “tell me when are we and where” the pony looked him with a confused expression and asked “when?” he responds with “yes I don’t know the year at all.” The pony responds “it’s one thousand and eleven years after Celestia raised the sun.” Arcana couldn’t understand the name of the pony mentioned, it sounded strange and unfamiliar. But he could gather it’s been a thousand years “where are we?” This question also seemed to confuse the pony however the pony had a smile and replied “we are in the Unicorn Range, located in the land of Equestria” Arcana was able to comprehend that Alicornia no longer existed. Arcana still exhausted decided to fall back asleep. He finally awoke and wasn’t sure how long he was asleep, but he was finally able to move his body and he could feel his back hooves. He started thinking I am starting to get feeling back in my body, but I still cannot move. The female Pegasus enter the room and smiles arcana manages to move his hoof she said “so you’re getting your movement back I see.” Arcana replies “I am still unable to move my full body, but I am getting there--only time will tell.” The female pony said “Well, the medicinal herbs have been helping, My name is Silky Sky and what is your name.” it was clear to Arcana he had never known these ponies names and they been taking care of him, he wondered what kind of land is Equestria that ponies would openly allow strangers into their homes. He replied to Silky Sky “My name is Arcana Moon.” The Pegasus seemed pleased and happy and she replied happily “Arcana Moon what a nice name, and in the name of Celestia how did you end up in this state and in the Unicorn Range.” Arcana remembered how he used a special ritual to absorb life force as magic power to seal himself in time, this of course was not something he wanted to openly admit to this Pegasus. So Arcana replied to her question with “all I know is I must atone for my crimes” the Pegasus looked at him confused and said “you slipped into your old language Arcana I didn’t understand any of what you said” Arcana felt himself drifting again and fell asleep. After several months of being in bed and unable to move the day came when Arcana felt his full body and he tried to get out of bed, and he was able to move. He still felt weak but he was able to actually walk he went up to the bedroom door and pushed it open. Silky Sky was sitting on a couch and Flight Hoof was setting in a chair and when they saw Arcana they were shocked to see him moving about. Silky Sky got up to help Arcana as he was limping, pointing his nose toward the door as he wanted to go outside Silky sky understood and helped him toward the door it was a sunny day, but a little chilly it seemed winter was approaching. It felt good to be outside, there was a chair on the porch. Arcana tried to move it with magic, but his horn wouldn’t activate, he concentrated harder and was able to move it about an inch, sighing he tried to access his wings but they simply did not respond, it was clear he had lost his flight and unicorn magic, as an alicorn he possessed the magic of Pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies, but he currently only had his earth pony magic. Arcana felt this was a blessing, after months of self-reflection he felt magic was dangerous and this world didn’t need his power. If he ever regained his former strength it could plunge this new land into darkness. Focusing back on the present, he looked around and noticed this couple did not have a garden so he asked Silky Sky “how do you get your food, there’s no garden.” She explained how Flight hoof would go out every other day to gather fruits and vegetables to eat and make meals. They gathered what they needed from the forest. Arcana thought he would start a garden, having ruled over a kingdom he thought that he never understood the growth of food and the thrill of creating life so he mentioned his idea to silky Sky and she explained that the thought never crossed their minds, since they were both pegasi they did not understand farming like the earth ponies. Arcana didn’t understand how pegasi couldn’t farm, as everypony back in Alicornia had the ability to farm and grow crops. He explained to Silky Sky that he would be willing to teach them how to farm as pegasi, but also explained he had never been a farmer so they would learn together. Flight Hoof overheard the conversation stepped out and said “I like the idea Arcana, I think your right starting a little farm would be a wonderful idea.” With that decided they went back inside.
Chapter 3 The Future….?In the town of Ponyville Twilight Sparkle a pony with a Lavender coat with A dark Indigo Mane and Tail with a purple stripe, with a unicorn horn and wings is sitting at her throne in her old castle. Twilight was making trips frequently to Ponyville and her old castle even though she was now living in Canterlot castle as ruler of Equestria. It had been two years after the battle against Tirek, Cozy Glow, and Queen Chrysalis. Twilight had been mystified by the constant activation of the Cutie Map in the throne room which was showing her cutie mark over a remote region in the Unicorn Range. Twilight was sitting in her throne next to spike who was also sitting in his throne. In front of them was at least fifteen different books with several scrolls and various reports finally after a long moment twilight spoke with worry in her eyes “Spike it still bothers me, two years ago Celestia and Luna felt the effects of magic across the land it was like a massive discharge of magic, and worst most unicorns became unconscious all at once; I fear something big is going to happen; and since the map has had my cutie mark active on it for the last two years which means that we yet to resolve the friendship problem.” Twilight sighs then starts talking again “Celestia and Luna assisted with our trip to the section of the unicorn range but found nothing; it was just another clearing of trees; however we were able to detect a faint trace of temporal magic or time magic even Starlight was unable to figure out this time magic.” Twilight Sighs again, then Continues “we contacted Star Swirl and even he is not familiar with this spell and if Star swirl doesn’t know this type of Magic that means we aren’t dealing with old ponish magic. We are dealing with Lost magic also known as Ancient Magic same as the Wendigos.” Twilight seemed even more worried than normal for if this was ancient magic it would be far more powerful than anything Equestria has known. Spike a young purple dragon with green spikes seeing Twilight in uncertainty and having a confident demeaner to help calm his sister and best friend and reply’s to her worries with “Twilight I think that your over thinking this, there has to be a reason the cutie mark map is behaving this way, after all it is never wrong and its connected to the elements of harmony, plus you’re the element of magic so you will figure out, after all there is no pony better with magic.” While twilight and spike were talking Starlight Glimmer walked in a pony with a lilac coat and a purple and teal mane and tail with a unicorn Horn. Starlight was fairly tired, and decided to speak up for it seemed Twilight and Spike did not notice she was standing right in front of them “Twilight I have been searching for the last couple days for any spell that could leave that level of magic, I think I may have found something, but I am worried what it means” Twilight and spike now with worry in their eyes stayed silent but were anxiously awaiting Starlight’s finding. Starlight looked worried and said “after researching I found only one spell that could cause a time rift like that, I couldn’t find the spell in any book; outside of a very old tome that sunburst had, he said that it belonged to Gusty the Great which means its older than Star swirl the Bearded” the shock in twilights face was apparent. Starlight continued with “the tome is a list of spells known as Ancient Magic through I am sure you already knew that. it was nearly impossible to decipher, but we were able to have a breakthrough learning A language older the Old Ponish.” Twilight still shocked by this finding asked “a spell tome from an era older than Star Swirl that means this tome existed before the pillars of Equestria that means it has to be older than a thousand years. There aren’t any ponies who can use such magic. This means the spell require ancient magic which has not existed since the appearance of the Wendigos which are ancient magic.” Twilight was now freaking out and panting very heavy for such magic could bring the world to ruin. However, it was now clear why time was fractured in that location. Starlight sensing what twilight was thinking and stated “the spell I am referring to is called Time Seal, it apparently freezes time, but it is a very complicated spell and requires a lot of energy. No ordinary unicorn could cast it, in fact I highly doubt I could perform it. I am certain that even Alicorn magic cannot perform the spell.” Starlight face turned dead serious and continued “the risk of casting such a spell would take its toll on any pony and would have terrible consequences for the caster. With that in mind the spell would not explode like that unless the magic used in the spell was pulled from over thousands of unicorns.” Twilight face grew dark she looked like she was about to cry for if the spell used took the lives of actual ponies then the castor must be evil and that means they could be dealing with a threat even more powerful than Grogar. Starlight seeing her friends face continued with “we are dealing with magic power that exceeds our understanding.” Twilight still looking dark and with lots of sadness responds with “a spell that freezes time at the cost of lives? I did not think such a spell existed; I had investigated the whole star swirl the bearded section for a spell like this. I need to send a scroll to star swirl and the princesses to notify them, while I am thinking of it, how is the school doing starlight?” Starlight feeling happy “the school is doing great, the teachers we have are teaching friendship to all creatures and many of the students are excited that you’re in Ponyville.” That seemed to cheer twilight up a little and she was looking at Starlight with the ok what do you want from me look. Starlight knowing that look continued with “I like for you to come by and teach a magic class if its ok with you.” Starlight knew the answer would be no but felt she should ask anyway; it was important they solved this mystery as soon as possible. Then there was a sunder chill in the air. Starlight was reacting with fear and it wasn’t just her twilight seemed to notice it to. Starlight started to ask “how could it be cold insid..? then an image of Twilight appeared over the cutie map. Then twilight and starlight as well as spike heard twilights voice it felt odd and spoke from nowhere, it seemed to be in their minds and yet out loud, it was cold yet friendly “I am the tree of Harmony I have a warning for Equestria. He who brings about eternal light will soon be found, the darkness gathers, evil has returned and with it comes that which can pave a future of light, all shall fall before all can be saved” Twilight asked with fear in her heart “Great tree what does that mean? what is it you’re trying to tell us.” The voice spoke again “search for the kingdom of Alicornia, for only there can the answers you seek be unraveled” then the trees voice went silent. As sudden as the voice left the room the room became warm again. Starlight trying to puzzle out what the tree of harmony just said finally asked “What is Alicornia, a kingdom, I have never heard of it. I did not know there was such a place it’s not on any maps what could this mean.” Twilight looking at her friend with a kind expression while suppressing her own fears. To try and comfort her Twilight replied to Starlight’s worry “I am not sure, but obviously something bad is about to happen, I need to send a letter to the Princess Celestia and Princess Luna and another to Star Swirl maybe they will have an answer.” Twilight paused a moment with a terrible thought in her mind “I thought all evil was dealt with when we defeated Cozy Glow, Tirek and Queen Chrysalis. Also, who is this light the voice spoke of, is it a pony, maybe another alicorn I am not sure.” Starlight came to a realization and decided to share her thought with her friend “it makes sense now”, looking through the tome again “what if an Alicorn harnessed the power of every pony in a city to use the spell Time Seal the residual magic could theoretically cause an explosion of magical power which in turn would cause a rift in time. “ Twilight looking at Starlight in confusion and wondering why she had the tome but wasn’t giving it to her to look at. Starlight continued “Think about it we found evidence of a time rift in the unicorn range. What would happen if a pony maybe an alicorn sealed themselves in time and was set free by an explosion of magic? The residual energy would cause an explosive that would disrupt any who use magic themselves over a large distance; but if this is true for what reason was such an intricate combination used for. What was this individual hoping to accomplish?” Just then Star Swirl the breaded entered the room via teleport with fear in his voice “Princess Twilight I came as soon as the voice spoke, Equestria could be in danger, Alicornia is a lost city of legend, I did not believe it actually existed as most books that reference the city have long since been destroyed and only fragments of the Civilization remains, the only tomes to have survived existed in the crystal empire.” The whole room went silent with mouths agape, star Swirl continued “I know it may sound shocking, but the crystal empire was actually a very small kingdom at one point and one year every pony disappeared which left the city abandoned until the first crystal princess rediscover the city and made it her home but some of the tomes did survive. I suggested to princess Luna and princess Celestia go to see Princess Cadence about this, they agreed to leave silver shores to follow the story more closely and they told me to tell you twilight that you should return to your duties in Canterlot and leave this investigation to them.” Starswirl Continue by explaining Princess Celestia and Princess Luna plan to return to the Unicorn range to seek Alicornia. Twilight nodded accepting that she had duties to uphold replied “I shall return to Canterlot at once, I shall leave this to Celestia and Luna, thank you star swirl I shall return to my duties after I give a magic lesson at the school of friendship.” Turning to starlight who seemed super excited “ Starlight, I am honored to give a magic lesson to the students lets prepare the notes together maybe we can discuss temporal Magic.” With that twilight sparkle left the castle with Starlight glimmer toward the school of friendship.
Chapter 4 Evil in StarlightIt was nighttime in the Unicorn Range and Princess Luna, an Alicorn with a dark blue coat and light blue Mane and tail that shimmered like starlight, was laying on her camping bed which was very uncomfortable. She never really enjoyed camping, but it was night time and the moon was out. She enjoyed looking at the moon to remind her of her old duties to Equestria. Next to her was a pony with a white coat and a mane and tail with cerulean, turquoise, cobalt, and heliotrope stripes, this was her sister Princess Celestia. Celestia was sound asleep, and Luna thought for a moment to enter her sisters dream to pull a prank but decided not to. The forest was quiet, and she started to think about their mission to find Alicornia. The tree of harmony was clear —find the lost city. Luna started drifting as she fell asleep her dreams seemed pleasant but then suddenly, she was awoken by her sister. As Luna opened her eyes, she noticed that Celestia had erected a barrier of light magic. Luna, having been in many battles, knew immediately something was wrong and they were surrounded by strange ponies; they were part shadow and part living. They had black eyes with no pupils and had black coats with gray fire mane and tails and they all looked identical. For a moment Luna thought she was dreaming a nightmare until Celestia screamed “Luna hurry, wake up we are surrounded! This isn’t a dream my magic doesn’t work on them for some reason, and I can’t hurt them physically.” When Luna was finally on her feet she immediately asked, “What are these creatures? They seem like magic itself, and if your magic doesn’t work then they must be like the wendigos. They are ancient magic.” Luna was afraid but she needed to help defend so she also erected a barrier with her lunar magic and a light barrier. Maybe when the sun comes up, they would disappear. Somewhere else In the Unicorn Range Arcana was looking at the garden he and Flight Hoof made several months ago, and the crops were doing well. He had gotten a lot of his magic back and he was able to use a portion of his power. In Alicornia, his magical abilities would be considered that of a regular alicorn but at his height he was so powerful most of the alicorns could not compete with his strength; that was a big reason he was chosen by them to end the war. Of course, he did not tell Flight Hoof or Silky Sky that he was traveling into the forest and using his innate power, the ability to absorb magic from the surrounding area and take it into himself. Because Arcana had chosen to absorb the Core of light to banish one of Alicornia’s enemies it came with a great curse; the ability to drain the life force of those around him and turn it into magic. His bracelets prevent all magic from outside his body from affecting him, but they absorb magic into themselves as well but don’t steal magic from living being this allows him to control a vast amount of magic where he can keep others safe. While he was out this night, he tried opening a nexus, the source of the sun. He wanted to see if he could access his other powers; the ability to use the powers of creation. When he opened the nexus, he heard a voice and it said “my magic doesn’t work on them for some reason and I can’t hurt them physically.” Arcana immediately sensed that he would have to use magic again. In his mind he was conflicted; he knew these creatures; they were known as shadow fiends, a product of his magic, but could Arcana use his power once again. The power of the ascended is dangerous and not long for this world, but if he has returned then Arcana must do what is needed. He used his powers of foresight. Arcana possesses the ability of True Sight which is the ability to see the correct future and was always accurate. Using this ability, he was able to determine the voices’ location. He saw two alicorns, which he assumed they must be Princess Celestia and Princess Luna; with the location confirmed he teleported to them. Back in the unicorn range Luna and Celestia kept up the barrier for as long as they could and just as the barrier was weakening a stallion appeared before them. They could not believe their eyes as it was an alicorn who just appeared before them. Then they heard a foreign language which sounded like “hi ca so da niegh crag ora siu syrn ra calig toragatha” at this moment a massive white magic circle appeared blocking out the moon and the stars it was massive within this circle were hundreds of smaller circles and the amount of magic was incredible Luna’s coat shivered by its power. Something was off about this alicorn as powerful as the spell was the pony itself seemed to have no power at all as if he were void of magic completely. Then suddenly Luna’s horn started to fail; it was magic interference. A very rare occurrence where a spell’s magic energy was so strong it caused other spells to fail and the barrier protecting them broke completely. Then the pony spoke other words “helio shildeon” Luna could not believe her eyes this alicorn just casted a spell while casting another spell and this new spell provided a light shield that seemed to heal her at the same time. The next words out of the pony’s mouth were in modern ponish and he said, “stay put the shield spell I cast will protect you from the creatures and the damage of my spell.” Then beams of light poured from the small circles. These beams when they hit the ground shook the ground and created mini earthquakes and after several minutes the spell dissolved. The creatures had vanished into ash. With the creatures finally gone Luna could now see the pony standing before them clearly it was a silver alicorn stallion. At this moment Luna had a million question but was speechless. She looked at her sister who also was slacked jawed and didn’t seem to be able to speak. This is understandable for the power they just witnessed was unreal. If magic like that existed there would be no evil who could compete with this power, was this the Pony of Light spoken about by the Tree of Harmony. Arcana broke the silence first “hello I am Arcana Moon, I am the ascended Alicorn of destiny.” Celestia and Luna were still speechless, and Arcana seemed to be waiting patiently. Luna finally regained her senses and began to speak “wha, whaaat were those things.” Stuttering because of the shock. Arcana replied with a stern face “Those were Shadow Fiends, they are dark magic creatures that serve the Calamity, I thought I had destroyed him in my time.” This time Celestia spoke with the air of a leader “We were tasked to find the kingdom of Alicornia and the pony of light. Are you perhaps the pony of light from Alicornia?” Arcana Moons expression just grew sad and solemn “Alicornia no longer exists as it was destroyed by war and I am the only survivor, as for the pony of light I have no clue what you’re talking about, I may have some insight that you need and answers to many question, however let’s get somewhere a little safer, I am currently staying with two Pegasi who saved my life.” With that the three Alicorns started traveling toward a small house in the forest. Once they came into sight of the cottage, Silky sky and Flight Hoof were stunned when Princess Luna and Princess Celestia showed up with Arcana Moon. Arcana asked very politely “Can you give the three of us some privacy. Flight Hoof and Silky Sky nodded and went inside. Arcana then turned to the sisters and asked, “So, what do you want to know?” It was Celestia who spoke first “That spell you just used, what was that spell? It was so strong my horn stopped working.” Arcana seemed to soften a little but looked very thoughtful as if asking about the spell put him at ease. Arcana Responded with “The spell is known as toragatha, though in your tongue I guess it translates to Holy Judgement, it is a common spell for dealing with unholy enemies. As for why your horn failed, that just had to do with the energy I used to cast it, it’s known as the tridofa effect or in your tongue the overflow effect, basically the magic causes those who cannot withstand the amount of magic basically induces a state of magic interference. Those affected are overflowed with magic from the caster; it disables the horns of other unicorns or in this case Alicorns.” Arcana started to feel sympathy as he had never seen Alicorns as weak as these two or maybe spells of such magnitude had to do with the fact the nexuses have been closed to the world for so long that magic users can no longer use such spells. Putting it out of his mind he returned his attention to the sisters and said, “Now it is my turn to ask a question, why do you seek the Forgotten City of Alicornia?” It was Luna who answered, “We seek the Pony of light, as the tree of harmony tasked us with locating the pony of light so that’s why we are seeking Alicornia. You stated you know nothing of the Pony of Light, but you seemed to be a very powerful mage, any chance you could help us locate this pony of light?” Arcana seemed to be struggling over the question, after a moment he said “I cannot help you, I have chosen to save you because of the shadow fiends, but no I am sorry my time is finished, I cannot allow my power to corrupt the world once more, my crimes are numerous and my power has ended many lives, if I had perished by the time seal spell I would have atoned for my crimes but since I was freed I can no longer die as such I do not want my power to influence the current state of the world. I would have been content to lose my soul to the time seal spell but alas fate had other options. I am content to live the rest of my days as a simple farmer nothing more.” Celestia and Luna were completely taken aback. He basically was saying that he doesn’t want to use his magic. Before either of them could respond Arcana continued with “I refuse to leave Silky Sky and Flight Hoof. They have done so much for me and I still need to repay that debt.” And after a moment of thought he said “I am weary, let's get some rest and continue this in the morning.” With that they entered the house of the two Pegasi.
