The Last Mage

by Time Squid

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Comedy, Adventure, Human, Alternate Universe
Length: 22218

He had been running for years now. He could escape, but when he did it was to somewhere familiar.

After years of running from a crazed religious group the last human mage finally finds a way to escape the world that has been hunting him. Using the last of the fading energy at the well of power known as Stonehenge, he nearly escapes. A bullet through the chest intends to stop him. Can you guess where the undirected spell takes him? Of course you can.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-01-27 06:34:54 UTC

Chapter 1: Departing

The Last Mage

Chapter 1: Departing

Have to make it! Have to make it! I thought as I ran. I was tired, but if I stopped, I died. I-I'm not gonna make it... wait! There it is! I pushed off with the last bit of energy I had left. The sight had filled me with hope that I may still make it out. The ancient circle of stones, many broken or missing, was the sight that brought me this hope, Stonehenge; ancient calender, place of druidic rituals, and the last well of magical energy strong enough to get me out of this. As I ran I heard the unmistakeable crack of a gunshot. The bullet flew past my head, embedding itself in one of the ancient stones as I ran past. I reached the central stone of the ancient well of power. I turned to see three jeeps racing toward me, at least one person with a gun hanging out the doorless sides.

Fuck! Gotta hurry! I pulled out the old gnarled staff that had been resting along my backpack and began to concentrate. I felt the power in the old stones, resonating with the power of the earth itself. The power was vast, but I could tell that it was slowly dyeing. The magic on earth had been dyeing for centuries, and a rare few were born these days that could so much as feel the power let alone use it. I was one of the beings that could use it. The only one that could for more than one or two unconscious things anyway. My ability was the reason there was now a group of people in jeeps holding guns coming right at me. They were some half-assed religious group that thought that anything like what I could do was 'evil'. Ironic seeing as I've only ever harmed people that tried to harm me first. But they had gunned down groups of people to make sure that they got the one they wanted. I had lost a few friends that I've made over the years that way.

My staff began to thrum in my hands, the power was building but they were too close. I hurried and with as much force I could I brought the staff down on the central slab. The staff shattered but the power erupted out. I started to think I had made it. To think that the spell had worked and now I could escape to another world. A bullet through my chest proved me wrong. I fell and my life flashed by. All my accomplishments, my dreams, then my regrets. Oddly enough, the last of the regrets was a rather simple thought. Crap. I'm never going to get to watch season three of My Little Pony. Then there was darkness. Or at least there was to me. To the ones watching, a massive column of white light shot up from the center of the circle, and when it ceased, there was nothing left to indicate I had ever been there.

Meanwhile, in the – relatively – peaceful town of Ponyville, a strange crackling of electricity began right in the middle of the market. Everypony stopped what they were doing to look for the source of the sound, including one purple unicorn, and two pegasi. The electricity intensified, white bolt flying about. Then as the energy was at it's most furious there was a sound half-way between metal tearing, and a dry wind blowing across sand. There was a flash of light and when the spots cleared from everypony's eyes, there was a strange creature sprawled out on the ground. It was wearing some type of clothing and had what appeared to be a sack of some kind on it's back. Pieces of smoking wood were all around it. And there was blood. The hold in the creatures chest was clearly visible through the large amounts of blood that covered it's front and was now pooling around it. Twilight Sparkle, the most well known purple unicorn in Equestria, was the first to snap out of it. She shouted to the cyan and cream colored pegasi next to her and began to levitate the strange creature toward Ponyville Hospital. It was closer than Fluttershy's cabin, and the creature's wounds were too severe for the timid pegasus, that even now flew along side her friends, to treat.

Chapter 2: Hello, My Name is Istar

The Last Mage

Chapter 2: Hello, My Name is Istar

POV Switch to Narrative by author. Takes place between episodes 5 and 6 of season 1.

Twilight Sparkle, the bearer of the Element of Magic, and personal student of Princess Celestia, was walking to the Ponyville Hospital. She had done so every day for the last three days, checking on the strange creature that had appeared in the market. It hadn't woken up in those three days, but the medical staff had managed to stop the bleeding of the wound. As far as they could tell, it hadn't hit anything vital, but then again, what might be vital to such a strange creature?

“Good morning Nurse Redheart!” said Twilight.

“Oh, good morning Twilight. I have some good news. Our guest has finally woken up.” said the nurse.

“Really? Was it dangerous?” asked the purple unicorn, now a bit concerned.

“Well it wouldn't be good news if he did, now would it?” replied the nurse.

“Oh, right. Wait, he?” asked Twilight, catching the nurse's words.

“Yes, he. And he is very polite actually. Only panicked for a few seconds. We spoke a bit and he requested to speak to you when next you came.” answered Nurse Redheart.

“Okay. Can I go now?” asked Twilight.

“Of course. You know where the room is.”

“Bye Nurse Redheart.”

One walk through a hospital later.

Twilight finally arrived at the room the creature was staying in. She knocked and before her hoof fell the third time a clearly male voice answered.

“Come in.” it said.

Twilight opened the door, and there was the creature, sitting up in the bed, a clean bandage around it's chest. It turned to her and smiled.

“Welcome Miss Sparkle. It is good to finally meet you.”

“Uh. Hi? How do you know my name? And who, or what are you?” asked Twilight.

“Would it suffice to say for the time being that back on my world I had a means by which to observe this one?” he asked. She only nodded, filing that bit away for later.

“Okay, but who or what are you?”

“My name... I haven't used my birth name in a while. I can't even remember it actually. Simply call me Istar. It is the name I have used for the past few years. As for what I am? Once I would have said I was a human. Now I'm not so sure.” said Istar.

“What do you mean 'once you would have said?'” inquired Twilight.

“I'm not so sure. I show signs of being more like beings from a fictional series of books than a human.” he replied.

“What books?” she asked.

“You most likely will not know them. They're called the Lord of the Rings trilogy.” he answered.

“Can't say I've heard of them. Now what was with the appearance in the market? It seemed like magic, but you're not a unicorn.” she asked.

“It was magic. Old magic. Some of the last on Earth.” he said sadly.

“Last on Earth? What do you mean?” asked Twilight.

“Earth, my world, has virtually no magic left. And even fewer can so much as sense it. I was one that could not only feel it but use it. This brought the hatred of a crazed religious group. Don't ask.” he said when he saw she was about to do just that. “I used the last of the magic in the ancient well of power at Stonehenge, but before I could finish, I was shot through the chest. Didn't hit anything vital, but I would have died of blood loss if not for your actions. For that I am grateful.”

“Uh, it's fine.” she said, slightly nervous after hearing about being shot.

“The funny thing is that I never realized your world was real. We don't have unicorns or pegasi on Earth. Not anymore at least. Though we have ponies, but they're non-sentient and not multicolored like you all are.” he said.

“Now, if I may ask some questions of my own?” he asked her.

“Of course.”

“First off, what is the most recent event that has occurred for you and/or your friends?” he queried.

“Uh, well there was this griffin that was causing some trouble...” she said, sounding rather unsure.

“Ah, her name was Gilda if I remember correctly. Well Miss Sparkle, it would seem that I have knowledge of future events. And before you ask, no I'm not telling you anything. The Doctor has a hard enough time without needing to clean up a bunch of temporal paradoxes.”

At that exact moment in a not-so-distant reach of the multiverse a certain man in a blue box suddenly felt more appreciated...

“Second question, where will I be staying once I get out of the hospital?” he asked.

“Uh, well I guess you could stay with me at the Ponyville Library. And please, call me Twilight.” said the unicorn.

“Wonderful! Thank you Twilight. I will help to take care of the library in return. I'm going to need to find another job as well. I know that librarians don't make that much.” he answered. She stayed silent, thanking him as indeed, she only made enough to support herself and Spike with a little left over.

“Last question, where can I get a Light Pipe?” he asked her eagerly.

“A what? You smoke?” She asked, slightly disappointed.

“No! A light pipe doesn't make smoke. It makes light that one can manipulate, usually to tell stories. But honestly, you don't know how to make them? You ponies are among the most magically capable beings I've ever seen and you don't even know how to make a Light Pipe!? Well I guess I'll just have to make one. And I'll need to get a new staff as well.” he said, switching from surprise, to disappointment, to happiness in a few seconds.

“Um... Are you insane?” asked Twilight, beginning to become slightly afraid.

“No, I'm Istar.” he said with a grin that made the joke clear. They both laughed for a few minutes, and resumed their talking until visiting hours were over.

Chapter 3: A New Staff and a Revelation

**The Last Mage

Chapter 3: A New Staff and a Revelation**

It had been a week since Istar awoke. That very day he would be leaving the hospital with Twilight to both meet the rest of the Mane 6 and to pick up a few items on a checklist that Istar had put together the day after his awakening. Only Twilight and Nurse Redheart knew anything extensive about him. At his request, Twilight had avoided giving any details about him to her friends. In other words, they didn't even know that he was an intelligent creature. When she had asked him why he had smiled and said:

“Because I love cliché introductions.” and left it at that. He was intelligent and one of the few people able to hold a conversation with her for any length of time, but he could also be insufferable, cryptic, and just downright annoying at times.

Istar was waiting in his hospital room for Twilight to arrive. They had decided that if he were to be seen by anyone that wasn't herself or Nurse Redheart there would most likely be panic. That was why he was waiting for her, who better to be accompanied by than the Element of Magic herself if you were attempting to avoid causing panic among easily excitable ponies?

The door opened and there stood the familiar purple unicorn.

“Hey, ready to go?” she asked.

“The better question is, are you?” he asked back with a grin.

“Shut it, smart flank.” she replied, with a smile of her own. They had ribbed each other in their own ways almost every time Twilight had visited. It was all in good fun obviously. They began to make their way to the front desk where Istar could sign out.

One slightly more eventful trip through a hospital later...

They stepped up to the front desk and waited for the mare behind it to finish filing some papers. She finally finished and turned to face the two waiting.

“Hello, how may I help yoOOOUUU!?” she squealed upon seeing Istar. She had heard that there was a strange creature being taken care of in room 36A but she hadn't thought much of it.

“Hello, I would like to sign out, if that would be alright?” said Istar. She just nodded dumbly and passed him the release forms, a quill, and ink. He noticed that a family name was required on the form.

“Hmm... I need a surname... How about... Yeah why not?” he muttered to himself before inking down his family name as 'Stormcrow'.

“Stormcrow?” asked Twilight.

“Yeah. I figured that since my first name is a reference, then why not use one from the same place as a surname?”

“Um, okay.” said Twilight.

As they stepped outside Istar's first vision of Ponyville was cut off by a temporary fit of blindness. As his vision cleared his eyes widened. Twilight giggled at his reaction.

“May I be the first to say, 'Welcome to Ponyville!'” Said Twilight. Istar just blinked. It's... Just as colorful as in the show... Wow.

“Wow.” was the part of that thought that made it's way to his vocal chords. Twilight just giggled again.

“Well we better get going if we're going to introduce you to the girls and pick up what you need.” she said.

“Yeah. First on the list is a staff. Hmm... There's something that I want to check. Can we stop by your library first? And it technically is your library since you live there and take care of it.” he said.

“Okay, the library is this way.” she replied, pointing her hoof forward and to the right. “We'll have to go through the market though. Oh! Applejack should be at the stall right now, so we can introduce you to her on the way!” she said. Istar just nodded. They began to walk through the market and obviously the presence of the strange creature that had appeared in a flash of light walking through town with the Element of Magic drew their attention.

“Hold on Twahlight! I'll save ya!” came the easily recognized voice of Applejack. Aaaanddd I'm about to be bucked, aren't I? Thought the human as he turned to see none other than said orange cow-pony about to kick him. His instincts took over and the skill he had developed all those years running from the religious nuts was put to use as he executed a far from perfect, but effective, front flip over Applejack. She continued her buck, not realizing that he was now on the other side of her, and promptly lost her balance and fell.

“Hello, you must be Applejack. Nice to meet you.” Said Istar, offering her a hand up. She blinked then accepted it.

“What the hay are ya'? Ah ain't never seen nothin' like you before.” said the farm pony.

“I'm a human, and a friend of Twilight's. We were actually coming to meet you before stopping at the library.” he answered her.

“Uh, okay? Twi, why didn't you tell us about this?” she asked.

“Because I asked her not to.” said Istar.

“Why?”

“Because I love cliché introductions.” he smiled.

One short talk and a promise for an explanation later in the day later...

“So what do you think of Applejack?” asked Twilight.

“She's nice. Definitely needs to learn to tell one situation from another, but nice. I'm surprised I haven't been tackled by Rainbow Dash yet.” he said.

“Yeah. Well here we are.” she said. “So what book do you want?” she asked him.

“None. I need to talk to your house.” he said it like it was an everyday occurance.

“What?” she said.

“Just watch.” he replied. He then proceeded to place his hand on the tree house, closed his eyes, and bent his head.

POV switch. Istar narrative.

I felt it. The immense power flowing from the depths of the earth, flowing into this ancient life-form, that now held a massive store of knowledge.

Hear me, O Ancient One! I thought at the tree.

I hear you, Last of the Istari. Came the reply. The voice was ancient. As if a mountain were speaking.

How do you mean? I am not of the Maiar, though my power is alike to theirs.

One needs not be a servant of the Valar to be of the Istari. It is by the hand of fate that you bear now this weight. But this was not your reason for coming to me. You require a staff. A true staff, worthy of a Wizard. I shall give you one of my branches, imbued with my might, and the strength of the Forest.

I thank you, Ancient. Thank you for these gifts. The knowledge that I am that which I presumed to use as a guide, and for a staff, borne of your own limbs. I shall bear it with wisdom worth of the Istari!

As you shall. Go now, Last of the Wizards. Go forth and shape this land, as it shall shape you.

I retracted my consciousness from the tree and looked at Twilight. She had an expression that made her opinion of my sanity obvious. We both turned to look as one of the branches overhead cracked and fell into my hands. As we watched, it straightened, becoming slender, the bark peeling away to reveal white wood underneath, and the top formed into a shape reminiscent of Gandalf the White's staff, except there were no gaps between the three sides, and the pattern on it was more of a diagonal cross-hatching than an actual design. I turned and saw a large crowd of ponies behind Twilight, all sharing the same look of disbelief. And there among them was the remainder of the Mane 6, all standing together directly behind Twilight.

“What? I told you I needed a staff.” I said with complete seriousness. Okay some of it was faked.

Chapter 4: The Rest of the Equipment

**The Last Mage

Chapter 4: The Rest of the Equipment**

The crowd of ponies stared at him. A good many of them had their jaws hanging open. None of them said anything or even moved. It looked like some of them had even stopped breathing. This would be funny if it weren't so awkward, thought Istar. Finally the silence was broken by Twilight.

“Wha? bu- how? How did you do that? I've never seen magic do something like that before.” she managed to say.

“It wasn't magic. At least not on my part. I asked the tree for a branch for a new staff. It agreed and gave me one. Simple as that.” he answered.

“But how could a tree give you one of it's branches?” she asked, now a bit more composed.

“Because trees are aware. Their thought processes are slower than animals because they have no need to think any faster than they already do. Some however think at a level on par or even surpassing animals. Such an example would be your library. It's an Elder Oak. One of the most ancient and powerful magical lifeforms in several worlds.” he said it with such finality that she couldn't bring herself to argue. The crowd of ponies apparently found this the best explanation they were going to get seeing as they all began to leave. After a few minutes it was just Istar and the Mane 6.

“...Well... I think that we should get a move on if we want to finish my checklist before the day is over.” said Istar in an attempt to end the awkward silence that had begun. “Oh, and it's very nice to meet you four. My name is Istar Stormcrow. And you are?” he asked.

“Oh, where are my manners? Hello darling. As you seem to know, I am Rarity, owner of Carousel Boutique. It's a pleasure to meet you.” said Rarity.

“I'm Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in Equestria, and future Wonderbolt.” said Rainbow with a smug look.

“Hi I'm Pinkie Pie!” Shouted Pinkie, now invading his personal space. “Do you like p-” He cut her off with a hand over her mouth.

“Nice to meet you Pinkie. Yes I like parties and cupcakes. But I'm afraid that we can't have a welcome party right now, I still have some things that I need to pick up. Later will be fine though.” he said. The others were looking on with surprised faces. Apparently they had not believed him to be prepared for the natural disaster known as Pinkie Pie.

“YAY! I'll go get my party cannon!” she shouted. Istar stopped her.

“No need. It's right here.” he then proceeded to pull said cannon out from behind one of her ears. Pinkie's eyes shined and grew wider than they already were. The others once again looked dumbstruck.

“Wha-?” was Twilight's ever so intelligent response.

“I'm the only one that even remotely understands how Pinkie works. That's how I did it.” he said.

“Um... I'm Fluttershy...” said everyone's favorite timid yellow pegasus.

“Hello Fluttershy, nice to meet you.” he said with a warm smile. She continued to hide behind her mane and even began to shake. His smile became a concerned frown.

“Oh, don't mind her, she's just, well, shy.” said Twilight. He ignored her and walked over to the cowering Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy. Look at me. Please.” he said. After a few moments she complied. He locked his gaze with hers and spoke in a voice that sounded both ancient and kind. “Fluttershy, no matter what, be yourself and people will like you for who you are. You have no reason to fear them or their judgments. Stand proud and let them judge. All that matters is how you see yourself and that your friends love you.” By now she had stopped shaking and was looking, wide(er) eyed at him.

“You have nice eyes.” were the next words out of the butter-colored pegasus' mouth. He grinned as she blushed.

“Why thank you Fluttershy. Now I should get back to my checklist. Oh, Rarity, could I bother you to make me some clothing? I only have one change in my bag, and I've been wanting to get a new cloak as well.” he said, completely changing subjects.

“Oh, uh, of course dear. Just come to the Boutique and I'll get your measurements.” said Rarity as she snapped out of the trance he had accidentally put her in. As a matter of fact, all of the Mane 6 except Fluttershy had been in a type of trance while he had spoken.

“Well we can do that now, if you're not too busy. And I know you all have questions, so just come by the library later and I'll try to answer them. Yes, I'm staying with Twilight.” he told them. “After that I just need to see if there's a wood-worker in town.”

“Oh, you could go and see Mr. Whittler. He makes all of my birdhouses.” suggested Fluttershy.

“I'll do just that Fluttershy.” he said with another kindly smile.

One trip to Carousel Boutique later in which the most eventful thing was when Istar answered why humans wear clothes all the time;

'To be honest, it's because humans have no natural way to hide our genitals.' This prompted severe blushing from both Rarity and Twilight.

“Thank you for the new cloak Rarity!” called Istar as they left. It was as exact a copy as possible of Gandalf the Grey's cloak. “Well now I just need to speak to this Whittler about getting a Light Pipe made.”

“He lives over that way. Come on, I'll show you.” said Twilight. Not a minute later they arrived at a rather normal – by pony standards – house. Istar knocked three times then waited. A few moments later the door was opened by an old unicorn with a rust red coat and mane.

“Hello, I take it you're Whittler?” asked Istar. The unicorn just nodded. “I came to see about getting a special type of pipe made. Think you could do it?”

“Son, there isn't a single thing I can't make given enough time.” replied Whittler. “So, you got a design for this pipe in mind?”

“Yes, the design is right here.” Istar replied, pulling a binder out of his backpack, snapping open the rings, and removing an old piece of paper with various angles of a pipe, paragraphs, and strings of arcane symbols.

“Seems like this pipe is supposed to do something magical.” said Whittler after looking over the designs.

“Indeed. It projects light to tell stories.” replied Istar.

“Hmm. Seems useful. How'll you pay?” Asked Whittler.

“Would the design for the pipe itself suffice? I don't have need of it beyond making myself one.” queried the human.

“It'll work.” grunted the old unicorn.

Two and a half hours later...

“Finally!” exclaimed Istar. “It's been too long since I've had a Light Pipe.” he then placed the tip of the ornate pipe to his lips and, rather than inhale, he blew into it, and out of the bowl came a stream of lights. It seemed like the aurora borealis in smoke form. The light shaped into an exact replica of the pipe itself – a long stemmed piece of brown polished wood, worked to look like a legless dragon was holding the bowl with it's wings, while a sting or arcane symbols ran up the stem – before dissipating into nothingness.

“It works!” He happily shouted. “Now ponies will like my stories! Well, thank you Whittler. C'mon Twi, let's get going.”

I already like his stories... Thought Twilight as they left.

Chapter 5: Tales of The Doctor and Meeting Royalty

**The Last Mage

Chapter 5: Tales of The Doctor and Meeting Royalty**

POV switch, narrative by The Author. “Hello, I'm The Author. Think of me as the multiverse's version of The Doctor.”

When Twilight and Istar finally arrived back at the library, they found the rest of the girls waiting for them. Apparently while they had been at Whittler's the other five mares had decided to have a sleepover at Twilight's to get to know their new resident human better.

“A sleepover? I'm fine with the idea, but it is Twilight's library. It's her call.” said Istar.

“I'm fine with it. I've always wanted to have a slumber party!” squealed said purple unicorn.

“Well then, let's all get inside. And Twilight, hard as it is to believe, books aren't always right. Especially about things that differ depending on who you are or who you're doing something with.” said Istar in as wise a voice as he could muster. It was actually a pretty good imitation of Gandalf the Grey. Twilight's eyes went wide at his words, but she didn't say anything.

“Now, I'm guessing that everypony in town is currently in the library waiting to spring a surprise party on us courtesy of Pinkie Pie?” he continued. Once again, shocked mares stood before him.

“How did y'all know that?” asked Applejack.

“Yeah, are you a-” he cut off Rainbow with a raised hand.

“The same way I pulled Pinkie's Party Cannon out from behind her ear. And no, I am not a spy.” he said.

“If you're not a spy, then what are you?” asked Rainbow in a heated tone.

“Why, I'm a Wizard of course! What did you think 'Istar' meant? It's not just my name, it's my title!” he replied in a rather happy tone, almost as though he enjoyed explaining this to them.

“You're a wizard? But how do you use magic without a horn?” asked Rarity.

“Did you think that my staff was just a fancy walking stick?” he grinned. “Now, onwards to party and cake! I hope it's not a lie...” Pinkie, being the fourth wall breaking rascal that she is, got the reference and replied.

“Don't worry! There's no way that I would be mean like that giant computer thingy! She was a meanie mean pants! Lieing about cake! Whywouldsomeonelieaboutsomethingasamazingascake!?!? shrilled the pink pony.

“I have no idea why someone would lie about something as amazing as cake Pinkie.” replied Istar.

“Wait, you actually understood that?” asked Rainbow.

“What do you not get about being a Wizard? Pinkie is actually pretty easy to understand when compared to some of the things I've had to talk to before.”

They finally walked into the tree library, and were met with a massive roar of “SURPRISE!!”. The mares – except Pinkie – jumped at the noise, but Istar had remembered what was waiting within. He smiled along with Pinkie, and as one, they yelled;

“LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!!”

After the party, in which Istar had been introduced to Spike for the first time, and had tried one of Pinkie's famous cupcakes. It was like eating a bag of sugar condensed down into the size of a... well... a cupcake. The party finally ended just as the sun was setting. The girls, Spike, and Istar cleaned up the party mess and then began to set up the slumber party. Istar decided to take the floor, the spare bed and the bed from the guest room – which he would be occupying starting the next day – were moved into Twilight's loft area and each of the girls went two to a bed. Istar actually had to argue with them to let him sleep on the floor. It was growing late, so they only had time for one large activity, or a few small ones.

“I know, let's tell stories!” suggested Pinkie.

“Good idea sugarcube.” replied AJ.

“Who wants to go?” asked Twilight.

“I'll go.” said Istar as he pulled out his Light Pipe. All of the girls except Twilight and Pinkie looked a bit disappointed when he pulled it out.

“Oh dear, you smoke?” asked Rarity, looking appalled.

“Of course not. This is a Light Pipe. A magical pipe used to tell stories.” To prove his point, Istar placed it in the corner of his mouth and it began to produce it's light-smoke.

“Oh....” was the collective reply of most of the mares.

“Now, I shall tell you a story of a being both feared and loved throughout the universe. This being has many names, and many faces. He is known as the Oncoming Storm, the Lonely God, and the madman in a box. This is the story, of The Doctor.”

**********

“And so, The Doctor, with no other choice remaining, sealed the entire planet in a quantum lock. Effectively trapping the Time Lords in a fold of time itself, neither alive nor dead, existing or not existing.” Istar concluded. His story had held the attention of all of them, even Spike had stayed awake, and Pinkie had also been transfixed by the tale.

“Woah... that Doctor guy sounds awesome!” said Rainbow.

“I wouldn' wanna get on his bad side.” responded Applejack.

“Well girls, it's time for bed. I'll tell you all another story at a later date.” with that, he pulled one large breath through the pipe, pulling the color puppets out of the air and into the bowl. He pulled it away and blew a ring of multicolored lights that soon dissipated.

“Goodnight girls.”

“Goodnight.” was the collective reply.

About an hour later, Istar was still awake. He just couldn't sleep, so he decided to go out for some air. He took the door out to Twilight's star gazing deck and sat down, simply looking into the light-specked void of space. Then, for no apparent reason, he began to sing.

“Gil-galad was an Elven-king.

Of him the harpers sadly sing:

the last whose realm was fair and free

between the Mountains and the Sea.

His sword was long, his lance was keen,

His shining helm afar was seen;

the countless stars of heaven's field

were mirrored in his silver shield.

But long ago he rode away,

and where he dwelleth none can say;

for into darkness fell his star

in Mordor where the shadows are.”

As he had sang, the ponies in the town heard, and the voice that sounded as though it came from an ancient, yet kind, being reached them, and soon the fell into the bliss of sleep. The sound of his voice banished nightmares from the minds of young foals and those that tossed and turned in the night, soon grew still in contentment.

Suddenly, he heard the slight sound of wings flapping nearby. He turned, and there, silhouetted against the full moon, was none other than Princess Luna herself. She began to descend to the observation deck even as he watched.

POV Change. Istar narrative.

“Hello Princess Luna.” I said to the nearly landed alicorn.

“Greetings. What manner of creature art thou?” she asked, still using Old Equestrian.

“I am of the species human, by title I am Wizard, and by name I am Istar Stormcrow.” I answered her.

“Was it thou that was singing so beautifully?” she inquired.

“Indeed it was your majesty. I could not sleep so I came to look at your night sky. A wonderful job by the way.” I replied.

“We thank thee Istar Stormcrow.” she said.

“Please, just Istar. And that particular dialect of Equestrian is no longer used. Nor is the Royal Canterlot Voice, or the royal 'We' for that matter.” I told her.

“Very well Istar. You may call us Luna. And how didst thou know that we yet use the Royal Canterlot Voice? We have not used it this night.” she asked.

“Back in my old world I had a means by which to divine the future to a degree. I saw the events that may transpire on Nightmare Night. I would simply give you a head start on learning the new way of speaking. It did not turn out well when you arrived and everypony believed that you were shouting at them.” I told her. This oddly enough elicited a blush from her.

“You are wise, though you are clearly young. Pray tell us mortal, how didst thou come by such wisdom?” she asked.

“I am wise when I must be, as is my duty as a Wizard, my kind have always advised royalty. And mortal? Who ever said that I was mortal?” I asked, a mischievous glint in my eye.

“What dost thou mean? Thou art not an alicorn. Surely thou art mortal.” she said.

“Nay, for though I was not born of the Maiar, that which the Istari first were, I am a Wizard, and thereby I possess their immortality. I may be slain, though I cannot fall to disease nor time.” I answered her.

“Thou art like we alicorns... Oh happy day! We hast found another with which we may be friends!” said Luna, nearly slipping into the RCV. “Of course... Unless thou dost not want to be our friend... so many hate us after we became Nightmare Moon... we understand if thou wouldst rather not be affiliated with us...” she said sadly.

“Luna! Of course I want to be your friend. And what happened in the past is a part of the past. Let it stay that way and turn your eyes to the future, for there we may find that anything can come to be.” I told her.

“Y-yes. You are right.” she sniffled a bit. Had she actually stopped with the whole Old Equestrian thing? And she was about to cry. Cannot... resist... must... hug!

“Eep!” she squealed as I hugged her. She flailed around for a few moments before realizing that it was a hug. Once she did she returned it gladly. We spent the rest of the night talking to each other before bidding each other goodbye for now.

“You must come visit in Canterlot!” said Luna.

“I plan on it. Unfortunately there is a rather annoying showmare that will be arriving in a few days and I intend to teach her some respect before she leaves.” I told her as I waved. Well, that was a night well spent.

********************************************************

Note: I won't be able to get anymore chapters out for a while due to the god-forsaken shit hole that they dare call an institution of learning that I have to go to. (It's High School.) so until Christmas time don't expect any steady updating. sorry but life=bullshit.

Chapter 6: Istar vs. Trixie Part 1

The Last Mage

Chapter 6: Istar vs. Trixie Part 1

The next day Istar awoke to the sounds of six mares lightly snoring near him. Well, five were lightly snoring, Pinkie sounded like a car engine that was about to explode. A bit of a sniffling snore made him turn a bit. Spike was still asleep too. I know, I'll make the seven of them breakfast! What better way to say thank you for being so kind? And I think that Spike deserves a bit of a break.

With that he ghosted out of the room and to the kitchen. Looking in the pantry he found that most of the same supplies as on earth were here. Minus meat products and plus things like grass and daisies. But they had what he was looking for. Pancake mix, blueberries, a bowl of gems, and syrup. Better get working.

Just as the pancakes finished, he heard the sounds of six sets of hooves and a pair of reptilian feet heading down the stairs.

“Oh, that smells great! Nice job Spike.” came Twilight's voice.

“But, I'm right here Twi.” Replied the groggy voice of the dragon.

“Then who....? Where's Istar?” said Twilight.

“Right here Twi. I thought that I'd make you girls breakfast, and give Spike a break so early in the morning.” the wizard said as he stepped out of the kitchen. The tired Rainbow Dash instantly woke up when she saw what he was wearing.

“Is that a... pffft. Bahahaha!” she broke down into laughter.

“Yes, it is an apron. I'd rather not get my only current pair of clothes dirty. As it were, how are you girls this morning?” he replied as he led them into the kitchen. Their eyes widened at the sight before them. Seven sets of blueberry pancakes, one of which had the glint of gemstones in it.

“Did you... You didn't have to do all this for us!” exclaimed Twilight once she had stopped staring.

“I didn't have to, but I wanted to. A way to say thank you to you girls for being so kind. And as I said, to give Spike a break, I know how hard you work him Twilight.” at the last part Istar smirked at her. She began to blush.

“Well, thanks for this.” she said.

“I'll say! These are awesome!” came the voice of Rainbow. They looked and saw the other girls and Spike already at the table eating their food.

“Thanks man!” said Spike.

“Simply wonderful!” Rarity told him.

“Super-duper-delicious!” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Thank ya kindly sugarcube.” came the voice of Applejack.

“Um... Thank you.” Fluttershy said, just loud enough to hear.

“You are all very welcome. Well, I'll be seeing you later girls. I'm off to find a job.” said Istar.

“You should have breakfast first.” Said Twilight. Istar grinned at them.

“I've been awake for two hours. I already ate.” and with that he grabbed his cloak and staff from their places by the door and left.

POV change. Istar narrative.

I began to head into town, looking for the large structure of the Town Hall. The ponies looked at me strangely, but not with fear. After about five minutes I managed to locate the Town Hall. It wasn't too hard since it was the largest structure in the town. I finally arrived.

“Hello. I was wondering if there were any job openings available?” I asked the mare behind the desk.

“Well, they're always looking for help down at Sweet Apple Acres, Colgate is looking for a dentistry assistant, there's a position open for town story teller, the Cakes are hiring-” she said, listing off available jobs from a list.

“Hm, I would like to apply for Town Storyteller.” I said.

“I'll just let the Mayor know. She handles official positions.” said the mare.

“Thank you.” I told her as she walked over to a door with the word 'Mayor' on a plaque on it. She opened it and stuck her head in. I heard muffled voices before she pulled her head out and turned to me.

“They Mayor will see you now.” she told me.

“Thank you again.”

“Hello, I'm Mayor Mare. Index tells me that you would like to apply for the position of Town Storyteller?” said the Mayor as I stepped into her office.

“Hello, I'm Istar Stormcrow, and yes I would like to apply for the position. If you like I could demonstrate my abilities with a story?” I asked.

“Of course. Start whenever you're ready.” she answered.

One story later. Don't worry I'll have one you can actually read for the Nightmare Night chapter. It won't be too long in waiting.

“He's like fire and ice and rage. He's like the night and the storm in the heart of the sun. Ancient and forever. He burns at the center of time and he can see the turn of the universe. And... he's wonderful. He is the last Time Lord. He is... The Doctor.” With that I concluded my story about, you guessed it, the Doctor.

“Well, that was certainly a riveting tale. I say that you are certainly the... human... for the job. You're hired.” the Mayor said with a smile.

“Thank you Mayor. Just inform me when my services will be needed and I'll be ready. I'm staying with Twilight Sparkle at her library for the time being.” I told the Mayor. She nodded to me with another smile, and I left. As I left the Town Hall, I heard a familiar voice.

“Come one, come all, witness the show-stopping abilities of the Great and Powerful Trixie!” said the voice.

“It's about time you showed up.” I muttered as I began to head towards the source of the voice.

Chapter 7: Istar vs. Trixie

The Last Mage

Chapter 7: Istar vs. Trixie Part 2

Istar stepped around the Town Hall and there, on the other side was, sure enough,  the the fold out stage that belonged to Trixie. And of course she was standing on stage, boasting and weaving tall tales, and not actually doing any magic beyond simple parlor tricks. When he got to the crowd the girls were already there. Twilight saw him and waved him over.

“There's nothing wrong with being talented, is there?” asked Twilight when he got to them.

“Nothin' at all, 'cept in when someone goes around showin' it off like a school filly with fancy new ribbons.” said AJ.

“Just because one has the ability to perform lots of magic does not make one better than the rest of us.” declared Rarity.

“Especially when ya got me around being better than the rest of us.” said Rainbow, laughing until Applejack gave her a wither look. “Eh, I mean, yeah, uh, magic shmagic. Boo!”

“Well, well, well, it seems we have some neighsayers in the audience. Who is so ignorant as to challenge the magical ability of the Great and Powerful Trixie? Do they not know that they're in the presence of the most magical unicorn in all of Equestria?” At this point, Istar decided to try and avoid anymore trouble, and end this all now.

“I will face you.” Istar said.

“Who, and what, are you to challenge the Great and Powerful Trixie?” declared the narcissistic showmare.

“I am Istar Stormcrow, last of the Wizards, and I am of the race of humans.” stated Istar, in a voice that none of them had heard before. It was solid, powerful, and sounded ancient.

“Very well, I shall accept your challenge. How shall we go about this?” asked Trixie.

“I propose a three-step contest. First, a contest of illusion. Second, a test of levitation. Last, a test of raw power. My magic against yours head on.” said Istar.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie accepts these terms.” stated the third-person-speaking mare.

“Then let us prepare.” he replied.

POV Change. Istar Narrative.

“What are you doing Istar!? They'll think that you're showing off just like Trixie!” Twilight furiously whispered to me after we had arrived back at the library.

“Twi, there is a difference between flaunting your skills and proving you have them. Trixie lords her abilities over others, I intend to stop that. One must know the difference between boasting and taking pride in what you can do.” I told her, and as I looked I saw her eyes shrink down, then get larger than before, then a spark appeared in them for a moment. Just like when she figured out how the Elements of Harmony really work.

“Istar, I think I understand now. Go beat Trixie and then we can write a friendship report to the Princess together.” she said, now smiling and having a strangely determined look to her. I will never understand the thought process she went through to resolve that so quickly.

“Of course.” I told her. We had arrived at a cafe, having decided to stop for lunch. After about an hour of enjoying our food, and each others company, I spoke up.

“Now, I think that Trixie should be ready by now, so let's get going. Hope you enjoy the show Twi.” I told her with a grin. She blushed. Wait, is she starting to like me? As in like me like me? Well... this is now awkward... or I'm just imagining things.

We arrived back at the stage, Trixie was not there yet, but the crowd had reformed after the hour-long wait. I climbed onstage and Twilight went to join the rest of the girls, once again at the front of the crowd. The girls all waved to me and I nodded to them. There was a puff of smoke and as it cleared Trixie stood there.

“The Great and Powerful Trixie will now awe you with her magic as she defeats this human.” she declared, still using the third person.

“Let us begin. You may cast your illusion first.” I told her. She sniffed before levitating her hat off, revealing her horn. It began to glow brightly, then there was a flash and a pop and there stood... the most pathetic depiction of an Ursa that I'd ever seen. It looked like the fireworks she had used earlier, but more crudely done. A few applause were heard, and Snips and Snails were losing it at the sight of this 'great magic'.

“My turn.” I said as I pulled out my Light Pipe. The girls smiled, knowing after last night's story what I could do with it. I placed the stem between my lips, inhaled through my nose, and blew into the pipe. Out came a cascade of colors that flowed for a moment before settling into three shapes. They seemed to be statues of winged women with flowing robes, covering their faces with their hands. The girls and the Mayor gasped, seeing as I had described the Weeping Angels in the stories I had told both of them. I grinned at Trixie.

“Don't blink.” I told her. And can you guess what she did? She blinked. The Angels were surrounding her, now reaching for her with hideous toothed maws open. She screamed.

“Weeping Angels,” I said. “Are almost as old as time itself. They have developed the perfect defense mechanism: a quantum lock, while you look at them, they're nothing more than statues. But the moment you look away, they will move faster than you can imagine. They can either break your neck, or take you back in time and feed off of your potential. They can feed off of any type of energy. And you can't kill them.” I finished my lesson, and waved the hand that held the Light Pipe in it through the Angels, dispelling the illusion.

“Onto levitation!” I said.

Trixie had recovered from the Angel scare and was now looking as dignified as she could. Which is to say she was blushing furiously and looked pissed off.

“Trixie will not lose this one!” she half yelled. With that her horn began to glow again and so did the crowd. Soon everypony that had come for the show was floating in the air, surrounded by Trixie's magical aura. They began to fly about and started screaming.

“That is enough Trixie, you are frightening them.” I said. She ignored me. And nopony will cause problems for Ponyville if I have a say in the matter. I made a pushing down motion with my hand, and just like that the aura was gone, and everypony dropped safely to the ground, free of Trixie's magic. They glared at her. “Now I'll go.”

I held my left hand as though I had something resting on it, and began to bring it upward. A phantom wind began to whip against my hair and cloak. Then they saw it. A tree from the Everfree Forest, levitating, with no magical aura about it, across the town. I held it above us for a moment before turning my hand, palm facing outward, and made a pushing motion. The tree was launched back to the Everfree. Everypony there stamped their hooves in applause.

“Onto the last challenge.” I said. Trixie just nodded, looking defeated, before she seemed to realize something and gave me a determined glare. She took her place at the far left side of her stage, and I at the right. “Pinkie, my staff?” I asked, having left said staff with her before the contest began.

“Okie dokie lokie!” she said, throwing my staff to me from apparently nowhere.

“Thank you Pinkie.” I told her, as I turned to face Trixie. “Begin when you are ready.” I told her as I raised my staff a bit. She said nothing, but her horn began to glow, and the a bolt of what looked like lightning shot out of it in a stream. I raised my staff the rest of the way and a white light began to shine through the gaps in the head. Trixie's beam seemed to hit an invisible wall, as the phantom wind returned, with greater force, giving me the appearance of standing in the middle of a windstorm. She was visibly struggling. I shifted my staff and her beam of magic began to be forced back toward her. Withing moments it was at her horn, and when it touched there was a flash and Trixie flew backwards. The crowd applauded, then began to disperse, the winner clear. My friends rushed up to me and began to congratulate me on winning. But I heard something over their compliments. I turned and saw Trixie, hunched over and... crying.

I walked over and sat down next to her. She wasn't just crying, she was sobbing. I placed a hand on her back and she tensed up.

“Why are you crying little one?” I asked her in a gentle tone. She turned to look at me with her tear stained face. She saw that I was actually concerned, then buried her face in my chest and resumed sobbing, but this time she started to choke out her story.

“T-Trixie's parent's never thought that she was g-good enough. T-they always told her she was worthless and that... that they were ashamed to have Trixie as their daughter!” she began to sob harder. “Trixie tried to make them love her, by being better than the others but they never did! And nopony wanted to be around Trixie when she was acting like that.” she sniffled and continued. “Trixie never had any friends, she thought that they didn't want to be around a nopony like her. A useless pony with no talent. Trixie thought that if she told lies, that if she could impress them they would like her. It-it didn't work. Trixie is still alone, still useless, just like her parents said.” she finished.

“Trixie Lulamoon!” I said, the shock of hearing me use her full name stopping her crying for now. “You are by no means worthless. You are talented, and if you would simply stop humiliating others and telling tall tales then you can have friends. And I'll tell you what, you can start with me. I'll be your friend, if you want me to be.” I told her in a gentler voice. Her eyes widened and she simply nodded before once again bursting into tears and hugging me around my neck. I simply held her there for a few minutes before her crying stopped. I looked and saw that she had fallen asleep, understandable with how much magic she had used combined with a breakdown.

I turned to Twilight and asked a silent question. She seemed to understand as she nodded with a small smile. The other girls shared that smile. Except Pinkie who had her usual manic grin. She opened her mouth to begin ranting but I cut her off.

“Wait until tomorrow for the party Pinkie.” she nodded. We began to head back to the library, Luna's moon beginning to rise in the distance. Huh, that day really flew by. Didn't seem like that much time had passed. I took the sleeping Trixie up to my room in Twilight's library then  tucked her in. I smiled as I looked at her before turning and heading back down, taking my place on the couch. Twilight was just having Spike send a friendship report to Celestia. I yawned.

“Goodnight Twilight. Spike, you too.” I said.

“Goodnight Istar.” said Twilight, heading up to her room.

“Night man.” said Spike, following Twilight up.

Things turned out better than I though today. I thought to myself as I drifted off to sleep.

Chapter 8: Meeting Zecora Part 1

The Last Mage

Chapter 8: Meeting Zecora Part 1

Yeah, it turns out that the whole problem with the dragon had only taken one day to resolve. Rarity was just really bad at tick-tack-toe. I mean really bad. I had stayed behind to keep an eye on Trixie, and to get to know her better. It had turned out rather well, she had still been a bit arrogant, or at least attempted to appear that way, but what was I going to do? She had been keeping up that facade for years. So I spent most of the day teaching her how to act normally. I.E. don't run around telling tales and boasting. Be sociable, and just try to get along with others. She was learning. Oh, and yesterday Twilight had her first slumber party. I didn't really join in anything, though I did pull Twi out of the way before she could be covered in pillows, though personally I think that scene made her look even more adorable.

Yep, two episodes worth of events in only three days, which leaves us here. We had just left the library, Trixie still sleeping. I had left a note to tell her what we were doing.

“Wow, what a gorgeous day!” said Twilight.

“Rainbow Dash must have gotten up early for once and cleared all the clouds away.” commented Spike.

“I bet all of Ponyville is going to be out enjoying the sunshine. What? Where is everypony?” asked Twilight, once she had noticed that there was nopony out.

“Is it some sort of pony holiday?” Spike asked her.

“Not that I know of.” she replied.

“Does my breath stink?” Spike asked, then belched a flame, sniffing the air to test if his breath did stink.

“Not more than usual.” said Twilight with a smirk.

“Is it... zombies?!” said Spike, a hint of panic creeping into his voice.

“Not likely.” I said. “I haven't seen anything that would indicate it.”

“You believe in something so childish as zombies?” asked Twilight, a hint of something in her voice.

“Believe in them? I've had to fight them before. Corpses given a rudimentary copy of life by the most foul of all magics; Necromancy.” I said, spitting out the word 'necromancy' with as much spite as I could. Twilight's eyes widened, realizing that something she had thought to be nothing more than a fictional being actually existed.

“Psst! Twilight! Spike! Istar! Come here! Come! Here! Hurry! Before she gets you!” came Pinkies voice. We saw here waving from the top half of Sugarcube Corner's door. That was only about five feet away. We jumped inside and Twilight groaned.

“Who?! The zombie pony?”

“Spike! What did I say? There are no signs of zombies. And I doubt that there are many if any necromancers in Equestria.

“Pinkie, what are you doing here alone in the dark?” asked Twilight, seeing as I had already reprimanded Spike about the zombies.

“I'm not alone in the dark.” said Pinkie as the rest of our friends and Applebloom stepped forward a bit. Twi gasped.

“Okay then, what are you all doing here in the dark?” she asked them.

“We're hidin' from her!” said AJ as she pointed out the window. There was a hooded pony digging at the ground with a hoof. Evil sounding music began to play when she looked up.

“Not helping.” I said towards the ceiling and the music abruptly cut out. They all looked at me with a look halfway between what they give Pinkie and a look that said, 'How the hay did you do that!?'.

At this point I just tuned them out while Twilight explained what a Zebra was. The crash that Spike caused in the kitchen brought me back.

“Spike!” yelled Twilight.

“Uh, sorry.” Spike said.

“The Everfree Forest just ain't natural. The plants grow...” Said AJ.

“Animals care for themselves...” added Fluttershy.

“And the clouds move...” said Rainbow Dash.

“All on their own!” they said in unison. At this point I burst out laughing.

“What the hay are you laughing at!?” said Rainbow, obviously thinking I was laughing at her.

“It's just that the Everfree Forest works exactly like my entire planet.” I told them with a grin. “Well, I'll see you girls later. I have something I want to take care of.” I told them and then walked out the door before they could protest. I headed in the direction of the Everfree. I saw Zecora walking ahead, and behind her, a poorly hidden Applebloom.

I followed. Down the path in the Everfree, and there it was. The Poison Joke field. Applebloom had the sense to use the path. I just cast a minor frost spell and walked over the, now iced, Poison Joke. I climbed a tree and waited. Soon enough the girls came running along, yelling to Applebloom to stop. And then Zecora's reply came.

“Beware! Beware, you pony folk! Those petals of blue are not a joke!” well that was enough for me. I knew how this played out, so it was back to the library to read for the day. Twilight came back later and asked how I was. I told her I was fine, and then asked how she was. She blushed and replied that she was fine too. And so we went to sleep.

The next day I awoke to the sounds of Twilight freaking out. Guess the Poison Joke finally kicked in.

“Twi, you okay?” I asked.

“No! I'm not okay! Look at my horn! I checked, double checked, and triple checked, every book on unicorn ailments we have!” she said. I walked over to her and began to stroke her back.

“Shhh. It'll be fine. This will all be resolved, but you have to do it on you own.” I told her. She calmed down and leaned against me. A few moments later she blushed and pulled away.

“Uh, sorry!” she said.

“It's fine Twi.” I responded with a blush of my own. Suddenly the door burst open and the rest of the 'joked' Mane Six came rushing in. Oh, this is going to be a long day.

Chapter 9 Meeting Zecora Part 2

The Last Mage

Chapter 9: Meeting Zecora Part 2

I sighed upon seeing them. Spike began to laugh and was about to start calling them names, but I bopped him on the head with my staff before he could and fixed him with a disapproving gaze.

“I think we'll find a cure to this curse at Zecora's place!” said Rainbow.

“It's not a curse! Curses don't exist!” yelled Twilight.

“Actually Twilight, curses do exist, I know a few myself, but remember – you were all running through the Everfree Forest, it's possible you may have been affected by something else and not noticed.” I told them. At the mention of knowing a few curses their eyes widened. “Well, if you'll excuse me I have an appointment today. I'll see you all soon.” with that I grabbed my staff and cloak and left them, still staring after me.

As I walked through the Everfree, on the path to Zecora's home, I came across a pack of Timber Wolves. They stared at me a moment... then bowed! They bowed like the the ponies do when one of the princesses is around. I blinked in surprise, then nodded to them and continued walking. Once I had passed they ran back into the depths of the Forest. Nearly shit myself at first. So, apparently being a Wizard gets the respect of Timber Wolves. That can be useful.

I finally came upon Zecora's hut. I walked to the door and knocked three times.

“What is this? A visitor at my door? One was a surprise, I never expected more!” came the rhyming voice that belonged to Zecora herself. She opened the door and stared up at me for a moment.

“Hello Miss Zecora. I'm Istar Stormcrow, and I would like to apologize for the behavior of the citizens of Ponyville.” I told her.

“Ah, so you are the strange one of which I have heard tell, you are welcome here just as well.” she replied with a smile.

“Thank you. I take it Applebloom is here and has told you about the Poison Joke?” I asked her.

“Indeed she has told me of the folk, that have been afflicted by Poison Joke.” she answered.

“Zecora? Who's there?” came the voice of one Applebloom.

“Ah there you are Applebloom.” I said. “I take it you were about to go and collect some ingredients for the Poison Joke cure?”

“Uh, yeah. Why're ya' here Mister Istar?” she asked.

“I'm a Wizard it's my job to be in places.” I answered cryptically. “Oh, and before you go, take this.” I pulled out an old necklace, I carry various bits and bobs on me, and began to focus my power into it. It glowed white for a moment, before fading.

“There. The Timber Wolves should at the very least leave you alone now. At the most they should help you.” I said as I handed the necklace to her. She just nodded and took it. Guess she didn't want to be bothered with an explanation about my magic right now.

“I cannot help but wonder, that staff carries power like thunder.” said Zecora once Applebloom had left.

“Indeed. This is my focus, my symbol of office, and a darn good walking stick.” we both chuckled at the last one. “But you're correct, the staff itself possesses great power, but only I can actually use it. So no worries.”

“That puts my mind at ease, would you like to try some teas?” she asked.

“My rhyming friend I would love some tea, are there questions you would ask me?” I rhymed back with a grin that she returned.

Time Lapse.

We had been talking and drinking tea for about an hour when I heard a noise outside. I stood up and pulled the cauldron with the Poison Joke antidote in it out of the way just as a currently flight-challenged Rainbow Dash came in, followed by the rest of the girls.

“It's about time you six showed up. Applebloom is almost back with the last ingredient to the antidote.” I said as nonchalantly as I could.

“The antidote for this curse!” said Twilight of all ponies.

“No, the antidote for the Poison Joke that you all ran through yesterday. Zecora even warned you about it.” I sighed at them.

“Poison... Joke? You mean these were all just-” Twilight began.

“Little magical jokes, yes.” I replied.

“Wait, where's Applebloom!?” yelled the still shrunken Applejack.

“Out getting the rest of the ingredients. Don't worry the Timber Wolves are watching over her for me. Turns out they can tell I'm a Wizard and actually listen to me.” I told them. Applejack was about to reply when we heard said filly come back. We looked out and there was a Timber Wolf, padding along happily beside her. The girls and Zecora looked on dumbstruck. Applebloom giggled and I smirked.

“Told you.” I said, walking over to the Timber Wolf. “Now what is your name young one?” I asked it in the secret tongue of wolves. It replied and said it's name was Rootclaw.

“Well Rootclaw, how would you like to be my familiar?” I asked him. He looked surprised, then pleased. He bowed his head and answered that it would be an honor. I smiled down and him and began to build power in my left hand.

“Very well, then I name you Rootclaw, Friend of Stormcrow!” I intoned as I brought my hand to his forehead. The transformation was noticeable. First, his bark skin smoothed out, the moss became more uniform and covered his entire back, like fur. And last a white flame shape appeared on his forehead where I had placed my palm, and his eyes changed from yellow to white.

“It is done. Speak now with the Voice I have given you.” I said in English. He understood now and we all heard his reply.

“Um, hello?” came a gruff, but young voice that seemed to have an echo quality. I smiled at their surprised looks.

“Well. Let's go and cure that Poison Joke!” I said.

One walk to Ponyville Day Spa later.

The walk had been rather annoying. Everyone had run upon seeing either Zecora or Rootclaw. Eventually I had had enough and bellowed an announcement to the mob that had formed.

“Enough!” I roared at them. “First, Zecora is not an 'evil enchantress' she is an herbalist! Second, the girls have been afflicted with Poison Joke, which we are currently on our way to cure! Lastly, the  Timber Wolf is with me! He is my familiar and will not harm any of you!” I declared. Everypony looked on in shock at the magnitude of my voice. The buildings nearby had literally been shaking from the force. The crowd simply left in a daze. The others looked at me in wonder.

“Before you even ask, it's called the Voice of the Mountain, and it's roughly five times more powerful than the Traditional Royal Canterlot Voice.” I said as I began walking towards the spa. About an hour later, and another less loud explanation for the spa staff, the girls were all back to normal. They all thoroughly apologized to both Zecora and Applebloom, and Twilight learned not to judge a book by it's cover after Zecora showed her what 'Supernaturals' was about. All in all it was a good day, and Spike only freaked out a little when Rootclaw came home with us. Well, today was eventful, that's for sure.

Chapter 10 (filler): Eternity's Lullaby

The Last Mage

Chapter 10: Eternity's Lullaby

It had been two hours since we had all gone to bed. Well, all but myself of course. I just couldn't sleep, so I was laying on the bed and staring at the ceiling. Rootclaw was snoring on the left side of the bed, on a type of pallet made up of extra blankets and what not. Trixie had decided to move her wagon near the library and resume living in it, though close enough to visit her new friends whenever. I was about to get up and find a book to read to pass the time, when a scream rang through the library. Twilight! I thought. I was at the threshold of the door that linked our rooms in moments, Spike was out of his basket, looking concernedly at Twilight's bed. She was sitting up and sobbing.

“Twilight, whats wrong?” I asked as I went over to her. I sat next to her and, unexpectedly, she hugged me tightly, like I was the only thing that could keep her alive.

“I-I had a d-dream. It was terrible! All of my friends were getting hurt and I c-couldn't help them!” she sobbed into me again for a bit before finding her voice. “A-and the worst part was that you were there, and I couldn't help you either!” she wailed this part.

“Twilight. It was just a nightmare, a bad dream. And why would not being able to help me be the worst part?” I asked her. She blushed and buried her head in my chest again. At least she had stopped crying. I sighed. “You're not going to be able to go back to sleep are you?” she shook her head.

“When I had bad dreams as a filly my mom would sing to me.” she offered. I sighed again.

“Then there's nothing for it. I'll just have to sing to you.” at my declaration she blushed again, even though it was pretty much her idea. I tucked her back in and continued to sit at the edge of the bed. I remembered the perfect song.

“I come in sleep, bringing dreams,

I'm old as mountains, New as dawn,

Not all you know is as it seems,

Before you wake I'll have gone,

I sing my song while you sleep,

As you fly through sky, and swim in deep,

Before you wake I'll have gone,

But not before I sing my song,

Not all you know is as it seems,

I leave you with these pleasant dreams.

While you sleep I'll go away,

But this is surely not the end,

I'll come back some other day,

I'll be waiting round the bend,

While you dream of mountains high,

While you dream of oceans deep,

While you dream of endless sky,

I leave you with this song to keep,

Though I'll be gone, one thing I'll say,

I will come back to you some day.”

As I concluded my song, I heard a slight whump come from the balcony. Twilight and Spike where both sleeping again, this time with smiles on their faces. Or muzzles. Or snouts. Or... Snuzzles? I'll just call them faces.  I turned and walked out onto the balcony. Just as I had suspected Princess Luna was sitting there, waiting for me.

“Hello Luna.” I said.

“Hello Istar.” she replied with a smile. “'Twas a beautiful song you sang. Is it a piece from thy world?” she asked. I also noticed she was starting to drop the Old Canterlot Speech.

“In a way.” I answered her. “I made it myself. It's called Eternity's Lullaby.” she looked surprised that I was the one that had created the song.

“What was thy inspiration my friends?” she asked me.

“There wasn't any. It just started to come to me and I wrote it down. Simple.” I told her. We spent the rest of the night just talking. I helped her a bit with her speech and by the end, she could speak mostly normally. She still had to pause and think for the proper word at times, but she w as improving. Unlike last time, we scheduled a visit for the future, so that I would know to expect her. She would be ready by Nightmare Night.

************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Author's Note: I did write the Eternity's Lullaby myself. And it really did just come to me. Anyway Next chapter will include a list of episodes I'll be writing about. Also: here's a planned part from 'A Canterlot Wedding'.

"We need cupcakes!" Shrieked Pinkie.

"Pinkie, is now really the time!?" yelled Twilight.

"Twilight! Do not question the physics defying pink pony!" I said.

"I think we need some bananas!" interjected --- ------.

"What? No! We need cupcakes!" Pinkie yelled.

"Pinkie! Do not question the ---- ------- year old ---- ----!" I said. "Now we need some waffles."

"I thought we were getting bananas." asked --- ------.

"------! Do not question the wizard!" I said. "Now we'll get banana-waffle flavored cupcakes, after we stop the changelings!"

I purposely hid the name and anything that might give it away. :Trollestia:

Chapter 11: The Adorkableness has been Doubled!

The Last Mage

Chapter 11: The Adorkableness has been Doubled!

You remember that episode where Rarity and Applejack get stuck having a sleepover with Twilight because of a storm and wind up more or less reconciling their differences? Yeah turns out the show got it in the wrong order: The sleepover happened after the events with Zecora, not before. So that's why once Luna had left and Twilight began to wake up – on a side note, it turns out that Luna and Celestia do have to do that flying thing to raise or lower their respective heavenly bodies – that I along with the other residents of Ponyville were preparing for the storm. After a few hours of work, I went back to the library to find, you guessed it, Twilight reading a book and Spike was apparently in Canterlot.

“Hey Twi.” I said.

“Oh, hey Istar. Um... Thanks for... last night.” she said, looking up with a blush on her face.

“Not a problem Twi. Everyone has bad dreams sometimes. I'd be happy to do it again if need be.” I told her with a smile that she returned. “Oh, and AJ and Rarity are both hiding under a picnic table to avoid the storm. We should probably get them.”

“Applejack! Rarity!” she yelled before rushing to the door. “Applejack! Rarity! Applejack! Rarity!”

“Twilight?” they called in unison.

“Come inside girls, quick.” Twilight called back.

“Whoa, nelly. Is inside a tree really the best place to be in a lightning storm?

“Magic lightning rod.” I interjected from the couch.

“Hah! We are most grateful for your invitation.” said Rarity.

“Thank ya kindly for yer hospitality.” said AJ as she tracked mud on the floor.

“Uh, do be a polite house guest and go wash up please, won't you?” asked Rarity in an annoyed tone.

“If I gotta spend one more second with that fussbudget Rarity today, I can't be held responsible for what I'm gonna do.” grumbled Applejack.

“Some storm, huh? The Pegasus ponies sure have outdone themselves this time. I hope you and Applejack don't have any trouble getting home.” said Twilight in a concerned tone.

“It may indeed be a problem.” said Rarity.

“Well, you're welcome to stay if need be. Spike is away in Canterlot on royal business. It's just me and Istar here tonight. You and Applejack should totally sleep over! We'll have a slumber party! I've never had one before and that time you all stayed to get to know Istar doesn't count.” Declared Twilight.

“Oh! Uh, goodness. Uh, I do believe I have another engagement scheduled for this evening that completely slipped my mind until just now.” Rarity laughs nervously. “Ah, silly me, I can't possibly stay here all night -- with Applejack.”

“Slumber 101: All You've Ever Wanted to Know About Slumber Parties But Were Afraid to Ask.” Rarity reads off as the book is levitated to her.

“My own personal copy. It's a fantastic reference guide. You should see the table of contents. I've been waiting for a chance to use it, and today is the day! This is gonna be so great!” Twilight said. Oh gods she is fucking adorkable!

“Yes, uh, great.” Rarity laughs nervously again.

“What in tarnation... Now wait just a goll-darn minute. Ya make me wash the mud off my hooves, but it's okay for y'all to have mud all over yer faces?” said and incredulous Applejack.

“Silly! This is called a mud mask. It's to refresh and rejuvenate your complexion.” said Rarity.

“We're giving each other makeovers! Eee-hee! We have to do it, it says so in the book.” Squeed Twilight.

“Slumber 101: Everything You... Oh hey, heh, would'ja look at the time. I gotta skidaddle on home quick. I'm powerful late for, uh, fer somethin'.” said Applejack. I pulled her back with my magic.

“C'mon AJ, even I'm doing. If nothing else do if for Twi. Please?” I begged her.

“Alright I'll stay.” she said while crossing her for... arms I guess.

“Hurray slumber party!” Said Twilight.

“Blahch. What in the world is this for?”

“To reduce the puffiness around one's eyes, of course.” Replied Rarity.

“Puffiness-schmuffiness! That's good eatin'!” exclaimed AJ as she ate one of the cucumber slices.

“Hee-hee! Isn't this exciting? We'll do everything by the book, and that will make my slumber party officially fun.”

“Did you hear that, Applejack? You certainly would not want to do anything that would ruin Twilight's very first slumber party, would you?” insinuated Rarity.

“Before you two get into it, just stop. You two are going to stay here and get along until you reconcile your differences. Believe me, the last one to ignore a wizards advice wound up getting killed because he became obsessed with a magic ring.” I said, rolling my eyes. They just stared at me before getting back to it. This is going to be a long night. I just tuned them out until Twi began to tell her story. I took out my Light Pipe and began to weave a puppet...

One ghost story later.

“...and just when the last pony thought she was safe, there, standing right behind her, just inches away was -- the Headless Horse!” finished Twilight. As she did I made the form of the Headless Horse appear behind her. Rarity and Applejack screamed and clung to each other. Then the illusion dissipated, and they realized what they were doing, and quickly pulled away. Twilight and I were laughing.

“Ghost story, check. Now, who wants s'mores?” asked Twilight. I had a few with them, but for the most part I was reading about various forms  of magic to try out.

“I, uh, I think we should check off Truth or Dare and move on. Let's see what our next fun-fun-fun thing is, shall we? Hm, what does this mean? Pillow fight?”

“Oh, please. I am not at all interested in participating in something so crude.” said Rarity, the very image of self importance. Until a pillow hit her in the face. “Oh! It! Is! On!?

“Oh, I get it! Pillow, fight! Fun!” Said Twilight before being buried under a pile of pillows. She popped back up and she looked adorable.

“Twilight Sparkle.” I said in a serious voice. They turned to look at me. “I did not think that it was possible for you to be any more adorable. I was wrong.” I said with a grin. Twilight blushed then spat out the feathers in her mouth. The adorkableness has been doubled!

“Maybe we should just call it a night and get some sleep?” suggested Twilight, still blushing.

Rarity and Applejack began to argue about the bed. Of course, and they woke up Twilight.

“I hope you're happy, both of you. You've ruined my very first slumber party. The makeover, the s'mores, Truth or Dare, the pillow fight... I mean, is there anything else that could possibly go wrong?” yelled Twilight, hooves waving in the air. Then lightning happened. “Sorry I asked.”

“Murphy's Law Twi! If something can go wrong it will!” I yelled down from my room. The girls gasped upon seeing the damaged tree.

“Ya see? That's why we needed to take down all those loose branches in town, not spiffy 'em up.” said AJ.

“But I--” tried Rarity.

“Outta my way, missy! Time's a-wastin'.” declared AJ as she pulled out a lasso from... wherever these ponies keep stuff.

“Wait! Stop! Don't!” yelled Rarity.

“No waitin'! No stoppin'! Doin'!” said AJ, lassoing the tree...  and then pulling on it. “And that, my friends, is what we call gettin' 'er done.” Rarity and Twilight yelled as the tree came crashing in.

“I tried to tell you it would come crashing down in here.” cried Rarity.

“Well, ya should'a tried harder. I'm mighty sorry, Twilight.” AJ sighed at Twi.

“It's... Well, it's not okay. There's a giant tree branch in the middle of my bedroom, and the book doesn't say anything about having a giant tree branch at your slumber party. Or at least I haven't found that entry yet. Ooh... ah!” said Twilight as she began to frantically look through her book.

“What in tarnation are y'all doin' over there?” asked AJ as she saw Rarity trying to tidy up a small shelf in the room.

“Cleaning up this mess some pony made. Who was that again? Oh, right, that's you.” Rarity said.

“We gotta do somethin'!” yelled AJ.

“Baking... BFFs... Brothers... There's nothing in here about branches.” shouted Twilight.

“Rarity, for pony's sake, stop sweatin' the small stuff and help me get rid of this thing! I said hussle over here and help me! Look, I'm sorry, alright?” said AJ in desperation.

“What was that?” asked a shocked Rarity.

“I said I'm sorry! I should'a listened to you when you noticed where this here branch would end up. Yer annoyin' attention to detail would'a saved us from this whole mess. But right now, ya need to stop bein' so dang fussy pickin' up all the little things and help me move the one big thing in here that actually matters! Please!” yelled AJ.

“Uh. Uh, but I'll get all icky.” complained Rarity.

“Consarnit! What the... eh... you... I mean, yes, ickiness is often a side effect of hard work. But y'all need to get over it, on account I just can't fix this mess I made myself. I need your help.” said AJ, trying to convince Rarity.

“Oh. Let's do this.” replied the white unicorn.

“Well, they do have a section about backyard slumber parties. Is that what we're doing right now? Does this count as camping?” Asked Twilight as she began to become frantic. AJ and Rarity grunted as they worked at the tree. Finally Rarity converted the branch into several hedge-trimming like things.

“U-ugh. Oh, I look awful.” complained Rarity. AJ walked over and put some cucumber slices over her eyes.

“Better?” she asked.

“Hmph, thanks.” replied Rarity. They both smiled. A while before I had come down to try and calm Twilight as she had completely freaked out. She looked up and saw the hedge things.

“Oh, pretty! Where did these come from? They're not in the book either.” She sniffled out. We all laughed.

“Well you'll probably have trouble sleeping again after this. Want me to sing to you again?” I asked Twi. She nodded, blushing. “Alright girls, back to bed.”

“What's going on? Singing?” asked Rarity as she and AJ got back in bed.

“Yeah.” was Twilight's sheepish reply. I began to sing.

“I come in sleep, bringing dreams,

I'm old as mountains, New as dawn,

Not all you know is as it seems,

Before you wake I'll have gone,

I sing my song while you sleep,

As you fly through sky, and swim in deep,

Before you wake I'll have gone,

But not before I sing my song,

Not all you know is as it seems,

I leave you with these pleasant dreams.

While you sleep I'll go away,

But this is surely not the end,

I'll come back some other day,

I'll be waiting round the bend,

While you dream of mountains high,

While you dream of oceans deep,

While you dream of endless sky,

I leave you with this song to keep,

Though I'll be gone, one thing I'll say,

I will come back to you some day.”

By the time I had finished they were all sleeping. Another good day, I just hope they last.

************************************************************************************************************************************************************

Author's Note: Here's that episode List I promised.

Swarm of the Century

Winter Wrap Up

Fall Weather Friends

Feeling Pinkie Keen

Sonic Rainboom

A Dog and Pony Show

The Cutie Mark Chronicles

The Best Night Ever

Return of Harmony

Lesson Zero

Luna Eclipsed

Hearth's Warming Eve

Heart's and Hooves Day (Special gift for Twilight.)

It's About Time

A Canterlot Wedding

there will be Non-episode chapters as well. Also: we'll be getting a bit of troll/molestia soon enough. /wink.

Chapter 12: A New Friend and Revelations Part 1

The Last Mage

Chapter 12: A New Friend and Revelations Part 1

“Istar! Wake up!” came the frantic voice of one Twilight Sparkle. The sleepover had been two days ago. Luna's visit was the night after tomorrow.

“Ugh. What is it Twi? Are the parasprites here?” I asked her groggily.

“What's a parasprite? Wait, not important, I just got a letter from the Princess! She's requested to see you, me, and the girls in Canterlot! Now get up and get ready!” she yelled.

“Well it's about time that she's requested to meet me.” I muttered to myself. As much as I wanted to sleep in, I got up, took a shower – their bathtubs are actually really big – and brushed my teeth. After I put on the gray robe that I had Rarity make. Hmm... I wonder if I could bother her for a hat? May as well complete the Gandalf look. And that's just what I decided to do I grabbed the cloak that I always wore outside, and my staff, and then yelled to Twilight that I would be back soon and left before she could get a word in. A few minutes later I was standing outside of the Carousel Boutique. It was still open so I just walked in.

“Pardon me Rarity, but if you've finished your preparations could I bother you for a hat?” I called into the shop.

“Oh, Istar is that you darling? Of course, I just finished packing, now let me get some supplies.” soon after she came walking down the stairs with several tools of her trade in her magical grip. “Now what kind of hat would you like dear? Perhaps a-”

“I would like one similar to Trixie's. Only the same gray as my cloak and robe and with no embroidery and such. My apologies Rarity, but I prefer things to be simple.” I informed. Her smile was a bit forced.

“Of... course darling. It should be ready in a few minutes. Just take a seat and relax.” she said.

“Thank you Rarity. And this time I am paying you. A hat is not a challenge and so I will be reimbursing you for this.” I said firmly. She wanted to argue but knew that it would only waste time, so she just nodded and went to work. True to her word, within five minutes the hat was done. I tried it on and looked in one of Rarity's many mirrors – she is the vainest pony I know – and whistled. I looked like a younger version of Gandalf the Gray. Which is exactly what I was going for.

“Thank you Rarity. Here, and remember, you can't say no.” I told her with a grin as I handed her some bits. Mayor Mare had given me my first payment in advance after we had planned out a schedule. The second Saturday of every month would be the towns story day, though I would also perform for various holidays and if somepony wanted to hire me they could. Needless to say, one-hundred-and-eighty bits was more than I thought I would be getting.

“Of course darling, and it looks wonderful on you if I do say so myself.” Rarity said.

“Well, best not keep our friends waiting. I'll carry some of your luggage. I know that you have a lot.” I said with a smile.

We – and by 'we' I mean 'I' – finished putting Rarity's ludicrous amount of luggage into the train car. I bent backwards, hands on my lower spine.

“Oh, I haven't been this stiff since I was paralyzed by that one lizard in New Zealand. The hell was that guy thinking anyway? Importing dangerous animals...” I said out loud. The girls were already on board. The conductor came and let the platform know the train was about to depart. I hurried into the compartment, and found the girls huddled together, whispering about something. When I came in they stopped, all of them sharing a look between guilt, sorrow, and nervousness.

“What's wrong girls?” I asked them.

“Nothing!” said Twilight hurriedly. The others were close behind her.

“I know that you're all lying to me. But if you don't want me to know then I won't pry. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go lie down.” I told them. They just nodded and looked anywhere but at me or each other. I lay down on the too small bed and soon enough dozed off. The next thing I knew, we were in Canterlot.

“Oh, goody. In the city of pompous snobs and politicians.” I muttered to myself.

One annoying walk through Canterlot later...

We were almost to the castle and once again we were barraged by exclamations of 'What is that thing?' and 'Who would allow such filth into Canterlot?' the girls were getting angry, that was rather obvious. I decided to calm them down and put a dent in these so called 'nobles' self image.

“Gil-galad was an Elven-king.

Of him the harpers sadly sing:

the last whose realm was fair and free

between the Mountains and the Sea.

His sword was long, his lance was keen,

his shining helm afar was seen;

the countless stars of heaven's field

were mirrored in his silver shield.

But long ago he rode away,

and where he dwelleth none can say;

for into darkness fell his star

in Mordor where the shadows are.”

The girls calmed down at the sound of my song, and the citizens that had previously been insulting me now stood, mouths agape staring in wonder rather than disgust. The voice of a wizard can seriously change someone's tune.

“Here we are, Canterlot Castle!” declared Twilight as we arrived at the gates. The girls were still being troubled by something. We were guided in silence through the Castle. Soon we arrived at the iconic golden doors of the throne room. They opened, seemingly of their own accord, and I saw her for the first time. Princess Celestia, Co-ruler of Equestria and Goddess of the Sun. She was impressive obviously, but not exactly... godly. The girls bowed in that way that ponies do. I bent the upper portion of my body nearly diagonal in a more... wizardly bow.

“Please, rise.” said Celestia. So we did. Well, the ponies rose, I just straightened myself. Celestia stepped down from her throne, nuzzling Twilight, before proceeding to look at me sadly, as did the rest of the girls.

“I take it that there is some bad news?” I asked. They nodded.

“Istar...” said Twilight. “The Princess wanted to meet you and we decided that we should tell you something we recently found out while we're here.”

“And that would be...?” I prompted.

“Well the Elements of Harmony are... Eternal. Like the sun and the moon. Which means...” Twilight trailed off. Celestia picked up for her.

“My student and her friends will eventually become alicorns.” she said. They all closed their eyes in anticipation of the emotions they were sure I would display.

“Is that all?” I asked. They looked at me in surprise.

“Whaddya mean 'Is that all'!?” yelled Rainbow Dash. “We just told you that we were going to outlive all of our friends, including you!” I smirked.

“Did you girls really think you could get rid of me with something as simple as old age?” I asked them. “A fact I may have neglected to mention, is that wizards are basically the human equivalent of alicorns. I can be killed, but I can't die of old age or disease and the like.” they just stared.

“Well if you're not going to say it, then I will: IT'S TIME TO PARTAY!!!” I shouted.

Chapter 13: A New Friend and Revelations Part 2

The Last Mage

Chapter 13: A New Friend and Revelations Part 2

They were silent and just stared at me.

“Okay... I thought that at least Pinkie would perk up at that.” I said, lowering my arms from their place over my head. I sighed. “Girls, letting this make you depressed isn't going to help anything. Live your lives and make the lives of those around you better. Cherish your loved ones and make sure that when their song does end, they are content and happy with themselves.” as I spoke my voice changed, it became ancient and wise. This was the power of Wisdom at work. The girls all visibly perked up at this. When Wisdom speaks, it's words pierce the heart and soul of those that hear.

“Hey Istar?” asked Pinkie. She was starting to become happy again.

“Yes?” I replied.

“Why does your voice change like that?” she asked. Huh, I was wondering if they would ever ask.

“I will answer the questions of all seven of you tomorrow. It's getting late and I would like to sleep. If that's okay with you Princess?” I said.

“Of course. Guard,” she said, addressing one of the guards posted near her throne. “Could you please escort Istar to his room?” she asked. Not commanded, asked.

“Of course Princess.” replied the guard in that voice only they have. As I left I heard Celestia.

“Girls, could you stay for a moment? I need to speak with you.” she said. I just shrugged it off and continued following the guard. The room was like one of those really expensive hotel rooms. I placed my staff in a corner near the door, hung my cloak and hat on the top of it and got into the ridiculously soft bed. Well, the fics definitely got some things right...

POV Switch. 3rd person, Throne room.

“Girls,” said Celestia. “Could you stay for a moment?”

“Of course Princess.” said Twilight. They had all recovered from the depression that had been setting in after that little speech by the human. Never had she seen something bring somepony back from the brink of darkness like that. It had even affected her. She wanted answers, and she wasn't going to wait until tomorrow.

“Girls, I plan on entering Istar's dreams tonight. I cannot risk him hiding any information. I understand he is your friend, but he may know something important and not even realize it.” Celestia said quickly, preparing for the tirade of negatives. It never came.

“Okay.” said Twilight. Celestia just blinked for a moment before it registered.

“What?” she asked.

“I said okay.” repeated Twilight. The others just nodded.

“W-why? Shouldn't you be against going into your friend's head against his will?” she asked them. They all started to blush.

“Actually Princess, we were kinda... Going to do that already.” Twilight said the second part quickly. Celestia just blinked again. Her student had changed a bit since moving to Ponyville.

“Uh, okay then. Meet me in my chambers at midnight so that I can perform the spell.” said the Princess.

You know the time skip drill by this point.

Midnight finally rolled around and the girls arrived, knocking on the sun-emblazoned door. It opened quickly and they hurried inside.

“Alright, we should do this quickly.” said Celestia. The girls nodded and gathered around their Princess as her horn began to glow. There was a flash and then they were... somewhere else. There was just darkness for a moment before suddenly they were standing in a very large valley. All manner of animals and plant surrounded them. They stood on a hardened dirt path leading down to a metal arch. The Princess's eyes widened.

“We aren't in a dream. We were sent directly into his mind.” she said.

“Ain't that a good thing?” asked Applejack.

“Yes, and no. We don't know what might be here.” replied the Princess.

“Well, since there's nothing here, should we just follow the path?” asked Twilight.

“Yes.” replied their Princess, who had been surprised too many times today. They began to walk and soon reached the arch. As they passed through the world changed. They were suddenly standing on a floating island of stone, the world below was a mass of mist, jagged stone spires sticking out of it. Other stones floated through the air in the distance. Some held more of the arches. And on the central island there was a structure that awed them. It was like a fountain base, but a pillar of white fire shot up out of the center into the sky, which itself was a massive vortex swirling around the point at which the fire pillar reached it. Silent lightning would occasionally strike one of the spires.

“W-what is this p-place?” squeaked  Fluttershy.

“His well of power. The source of his magic. Though it's unlike any that I've ever seen.” said the Princess.

“Yeah, mine is a giant library.” said Twilight.

“Yeah, definitely didn't see that one coming.” said Rainbow Dash, laying on the sarcasm thick.

“If'n you don't mind tellin' Princess, what's yours like?” asked Applejack. The Princess blushed.

“Cake. It involves a lot of cake.” she said. They stepped closer to the edge of the island they were on and jumped back when other stones floated forward, joining together to form a bridge. They hesitantly walked across. Upon reaching the main island the stone bridge fell apart. They had not noticed from a distance, but there were four standing stone like structures around the well. They had a constellation like design on them and a name plate. They all had a hole in the top and two of them had the constellation fully lit, and had a beam of light coming from the top, joining the well's energy in the sky.

“Power, Wisdom, Wrath, Love.” read off Pinkie. The Power stone depicted a staff and was fully lit, the Wisdom stone depicted a hat, like the one that Istar had Rarity make, The Wrath stone showed a skyward facing sword, and only the bottom most star was lit, and the Love stone had one of those stylized hearts, with the curling tops, and was a little less than half ignited.

“What are they? I've never read about anything like this.” asked Twilight. Before anyone could answer a familiar voice called out.

“They're Doomstones. Each one ignites and grants it's power to me.” Said one Istar Stormcrow, as a he floated over. He was sitting in a chair, affixed to a floating stone. Gravity seemed not to apply. “Well, it's rather rude to simply barge into someone's head, but I forgive you. Might as well give you your answers now, since it's technically tomorrow.”

“Uh...” was all any of them managed.

“C'mon everypony. Through this arch to answer your first ever question. 'How do I know the future?'” said Istar. They just complied, too shocked at how he was acting to say anything coherent. They followed and were in a living room with a large couch and some chairs. They sat down, and Istar waved his hand. In front of them a TV appeared. That was enough to get one of them out of the shock.

“You know about TV?” asked Twilight. Istar looked surprised.

“I didn't know that you knew about it.” he replied.

“They're really expensive, so only a few nobles and the Princesses have them.”

“Huh, well onto the show!” he exclaimed. This Istar seemed a lot more... spontaneous than the normal one. Then the music began.

“My little pony, my little pony, ahhhhhh ahhhhh ahhhhhh!”

************************************************************************************************************************************************************There will be a part 3 to this, concluding it. And I don't mean concluding the story. And for those of you who have complained about Istar being op or whatever, there will soon be problems he can't solve. And comedically  awkward and painful situations for him in the near future. Parasprites apparently enjoy eating clothes. And wizards.

Chapter 15: Apprentice and Another Job

The Last Mage

Chapter 15: Apprentices and Another Job

The girls awoke with Celestia, as her instinct to raise the sun roused her. At some point they had all been moved to the Princess's sizable bed. Without a word, they all trotted off to their own rooms and cleaned up. Half an hour later they regrouped at the doors to the Princess's private dining chambers.

“Has anypony seen Ist – I mean Auriel?” asked Twilight, still getting a bit tripped up with using his real name despite multiple reminders in the dreamscape.

“Didn't see him on the way here. His loss.” said Rainbow Dash nonchalantly. They stepped inside the chamber, only to be surprised by the presence of the illusive wizard. And sitting at the head of the table, in front of Celestia's seat, was a triple layer, banana cake, just like from the dreamscape. Her mouth began to water at the sight of it. The others were preoccupied by the appearance of their friend. He had shaved off his beard, though it was little more than stubble before, and now he was wearing black dress pants, slip on shoes, and a light gray T-shirt. And on top of his curly brown hair rested an inconspicuous black fedora.

“Is – Auriel? Where did you get those clothes? And that cake?” asked Twilight.

“The clothes? Oh, right I forgot to show you before we arrived.” he said. Even his voice sounded... happier. Twilight liked this new tone. It was evident the others did too.

“Show us what?” she asked.

“I enchanted my robes and hat. Watch.” with that he gestured with his hand and was once again wearing the gray robes, cloak, and peaked hat. He gestured again and was wearing the other outfit. “Handy enchantment, but I have to add a layer for each form it can take. Can get tedious.” he said.

“And the cake?” said Rainbow Dash, pointing her hoof at the banana cake that Princess Celestia had begun to dig into while they were talking.

“Oh, I borrowed that from Pinkie Space.” he said nonchalantly.

“HOW DO YOU KNOW ABOUT PINKIE SPACE!?” shrieked the pink party pony.

“It would be hard not to notice the only other extra-planar storage dimension in Equestria.” he replied calmly.

“What do you mean!?” shouted Twilight.

“Extra-planar storage dimensions. Essentially it's like a TARDIS, just for storage only. Pinkie's is an instability plane, capable of generating matter at the price of it's integral stability. Mine is an aether cache, the linking point being my bag.” he said, gesturing to said bag, that they could swear wasn't sitting next to him a moment ago. Even Pinkie looked surprised. They would have questioned further but at that moment the waiters came in. They didn't seem surprised at the sight of Princess Celestia gorging herself on banana cake. They all ordered breakfast, Auriel getting the least at some toast, and finished at pretty much the same time. Even Celestia finally finished the large cake. As the waiters were taking their dishes to the kitchens for cleaning, they heard a yell.

“Ah! It's broken again!” came a mare's voice. They all went to see what the problem was. There we found a golden mare with a red mane and tail. She looked like a bit like Applebloom only whereas Applebloom was Fluttershy yellow, this mare was actually golden in color.

“What seems to be the problem my little pony?” asked Celestia. The mare froze up before turning and bowing. The front view of her revealed that she was a unicorn.

“P-Princess Celestia! I'm sorry, it's just that this dish washer's enchantments have given out again.” she said, gesturing to a metal box that looked like an actual dish washer.

“Enchantments? Let me take a look.” said Auriel. He looked at the magical device for a moment, his eyes seemed to flash blue instead of their normal brown and then he took a step back. “Yep, easy fix.” he held up one finger on his right hand and a small white flame burst to life at it's tip. He began to trace shapes in the air, leaving glowing white symbols of power floating in the the air. He finished tracing withing about six seconds and then the symbols floated into the device and faded into it.

“There, now try it.” he said. The mare levitated the dishes into the device and before she even set them down the remnants of breakfast on them disappeared. All of the kitchen staff watched in amazement.

“I-it works better than before!” she exclaimed. He smiled at her.

“What's your name?” he asked. She looked at him, smiling.

“Gilded Lily but everypony calls me Golden Scrolls because of my cutie mark.” she stated, pointing to her flank. On it was a depiction of a lily with a golden scroll wrapped around it in a spiral.

“Well Miss Scrolls, how would you like to become my apprentice?” he asked her. Everypony was silent as what he'd said registered. Golden's eyes widened. “That is, if it's okay with Celestia?” he added, looking to the alicorn.

“Of course, I can think of no reason not to allow it.” she said with a smile.

“B-but why me!?” asked the mare.

“You have the potential to become great. It's in the eyes, like a fire just behind the iris, burning with power.” to demonstrate his point he pulled down the lower part of his right eye and it turned icy blue, and one could literally see fire in it, dancing like a reflection. He let go and it changed back.

“So, do you accept?” he asked.

“Yes! Of course!” she squealed. “Oh, but I have to tell my parents and pack my things!”

“Of course. A carriage will be ready to take you to Ponyville in, oh, two days?” he said, looking to Celestia. She nodded with a smile.

“Thankyouthankyouthankyou!” screamed Golden before dashing out of the kitchens, most likely to her room. Auriel turned to Celestia.

“So, am I right in my assumption that you don't have an enchanter anymore?” asked the Wizard. Celestia nodded.

“Yes, nopony has qualified for the job. Why, do you want it? After that display I'd say that you qualify.” she said.

“Exactly why I asked. A job that I only have to do once a month is nice, but I don't think it's enough to live on. I'll take the job. Just send me what I need to enchant, or call me if you can't.” he said. And before anypony could say more he had walked out of the kitchen.

“He's insane.” said the Princess.

“Only as much as I need to be!” came the shouted reply.

Chapter 16: Dueling Blueblood

The Last Mage

Chapter 17: Dueling Blueblood Part 2

After about thirty seconds I walked back into the kitchen.

“I have no idea where I was going.” I said. Everypony started laughing. I smiled, embarrassed.

“We should go to the throne room, there are still a few things that I would like to speak to you about before you go back to Ponyville.” said Celestia.

“Right, well let's get going then!” I replied, once again grinning. They all just smiled right back as the solar princess began leading them to the throne room. They were already getting used to my new behavior. The trip was uneventful and we soon arrived in the throne room. Turns out that it was the giant set of golden doors to the right when leaving the dining hall. Hard to miss, but of course I managed it.

“Guards, please wait outside.” said Celestia once we arrived. They obeyed without question and left, closing the doors behind them. “Well my little ponies, there is something that Twilight and I have been meaning to tell you.” she looked to her previously mentioned student. Twilight took a breath first, mentally preparing herself for what she was about to say.

“Well... Princess Celestia is... my mother.” she said. The girls gasped, especially Pinkie and Rarity.

“Well it's about time you told them.” I said. They looked at me, shocked.

“H-how did you...?” Celestia asked. I waved my hand in the air and the words 'Fan Speculation' appeared in white fire in the air for a few moments.

“W-well, I suppose that we should move on to the next matter at hoof?” asked the still slightly shocked solar princess.

“Indeed. And girls you can wait to squeal about Twilight's status until we're on the train can't you?” was my reply.

“Well then, Auriel here is your first order.” she said, teleporting a sealed scroll to her. I took it an stuffed it into a pocket.

“Wonderful, but now there's the matter of where I'm going to live. Can't be pestering Twilight with all my noise now that I have a proper job. And I'll be needing a forge. And reinforced walls most likely.” I told her. Twilight seemed to wilt a bit when she heard me.

“Of course. I can provide materials and workers if you like, but I will have to cut your pay to provide for it.” said the princess.

“Of course Celly! Not like I have much need of a large amount of bits at the moment anyway. Or in the foreseeable future.”

“Very well, I believe that is all fo-” began Celestia.

“Auntie!” came a voice. A voice I recognized. A voice that angered me like few others.

“What is it nephew?” asked Celestia in a voice laden with annoyance.

“Auntie, a commoner refused to bow in my presence, so I ordered the guards to have him put in the dungeons but they refused! I demand that the guards and the commoner be imprisoned!” said Blueblood.

“Neph-” Celestia began, but again he cut her off. This guy is even more of an arrogant dick than I had believed possible!

“Peasants! What is filth like you doing here? Bow to your prince!” he said. “And what manner of thing is that? Does it not realize it is in the presence of royalty?” he asked, the second part directed at me. The girls reluctantly bowed, Rarity looked slightly crushed, realizing that her 'prince charming' was a self-centered twat.

“I will not bow to an arrogant fool who is less deserving of his title than the lowliest drunkard.” I said. The girls looked up in surprise and flinched at what they saw. My face was cold and full of anger, my eyes had become the flames of power again, but this time it was cold power. The kind created by raw fury.

“How dare you! You insolent-” he began.

“Blueblood, I challenge thee to a duel in one hour's time.” I said. My turn to interrupt you, bitch.

“Very well, I hope you're prepared to die, filthy beast!” he said before storming out.

“One hour before he witnesses the Wrath of a Wizard. Just one hour...” I muttered to myself.

One Hour Later...

The girls had been trying in vain to convince me not to fight Blueblood. I was somewhat saddened by their lack of faith in me – and that is what it was – but I didn't really mind seeing as they had never seen me fight. Apparently Blueblood was a rather adequate swordspony. Can you guess what I was? A master of staff based combat. All that time when other kids would be playing or doing some sport, I spent practicing with a homemade quarter staff.

They were still trying to convince me when the announcement for the match's beginning came. I handed my staff to Pinkie, as per the usual, and then placed my fedora on Twilight's head.

“Take care of that. You're the only pony I trust with it.” I told her with a smile. Unless I was seeing things she blushed before nodding. The rest of my friends finally understood that they could do nothing to stop me from going through with this. I stepped out into the old arena, and was met with ponies. They filled the bleachers all around the arena. It was like the coliseum but smaller. And the entrance to the prep room was just two doors down from the throne room. Apparently this place had seen more use before Luna's banishment.

The arrogant princeling stepped out of the other side. I glared. I knew that he wasn't the nicest of ponies from the Gala episode, but in person, er pony, he was worse. An absolute dick. We approached the stallion dressed as a referee in the middle of the area. A referee? This is definitely not what I was expecting.

“All right you two, I want a clean fight. No magic beyond basic levitation on weapons only,” this was aimed at Blueblood. “No outside interference allowed, no general cheating, and no blackmail.” The last part was again aimed at Blueblood. We nodded our consent and chose our weapons. Blueblood took a saber and I took a seven foot long quarter staff. I preferred to have a staff taller than I was. The referee took the mobile weapons rack with him and we retreated to opposite ends of the field. Then a bell rang. A bell? A referee? This seems more like boxing than a duel.

Blueblood levitated his sword out in front of himself and charged me. …If that's the best he can do then they were really exaggerating when they said he was adequate. I just sidestepped him and let him crash into the wall.

“Are you really so stupid? Or are you just messing with me?” I asked in as bored a tone as I could manage. He just growled and swung as he turned. I just stepped back.

“Just die you filthy beast!” yelled the Prince of Fail.

“You first!” I taunted, dodging another shit swing. He is pathetic.

“I'm going to kill you and then those pathetic whores that you call friends!” he bellowed. And with that I snapped. Before anyone could think I had dropped the staff, ripped the saber out of his levitation, grabbed him by the neck, lifted him into the air and held the saber against his neck.

“Listen you pathetic piece of shit,” my voice was easily heard through the arena, despite my normal tone. “You can insult me, you can threaten me, you can try to kill me, but the instant you dare to insult or threaten my friends, the instant you insult Twilight, is the instant that I make you regret existing.” My voice was ancient and cold. And the worst part was that you could literally feel the rage in it.

“I think we're done here.” I threw him and dropped the saber, and turned to leave. I was half way back to the door when a scream warned me of an incoming projectile. I jumped to the side only for a fireball to hit where I was just standing. I turned back and saw that bastard with a surprised look on his face.

“BLUEBLOOD!!” bellowed Celestia from her balcony. Hadn't noticed her show up. I raised my hand towards her.

“Let me handle this Celestia.” she looked uncertain before nodding to me. I turned back the Bastard – on a related note, Blueblood shall henceforth be referred to as the Bastard – and grinned with as much malice as I could. “So it's a duel of magic you want, eh? Well that's what you'll get!”

There was an audible gasp as my hands were engulfed in white fire. Oh, fuck yes! I've always hoped I could do this!

“Karyū no Tekken!” was what everypony heard me yell right before I slammed my burning fist into the Bastard's face. He was sent back across the remainder of the arena from the sheer force behind the hit.

“Vinyl, track six please.” I called up. Everypony looked and there was none other than DJ PON3, a.k.a. Vinyl Scratch, with her turntable on a balcony. She waved and the Fairy Tail battle music began to play. The ensuing battle was fierce and felt like it lasted hours, but was only about fifteen minutes. It was essentially me and the Bastard trading magical blows, though it was still the most epic fight the citizens of Canterlot would likely ever see.

“Royalty is supposed to care for and protect their subjects, not abuse and walk all over them!” I roared. “You don't deserve to be a Prince! You don't deserve to be anything but the shit you are! And this is for all of the ponies that you've ever harmed! Metsuryū Ōgi: Guren Karyū Ken!” With that I unleashed the power of the Fire Dragon's Fists. He was utterly wasted by it but managed to pull himself together for one last attack. He fired a beam of magic that radiated what I recognized as Death Magic. The Bastard was using forbidden magic to fight now.

“AND THIS IS FOR TWILIGHT!” I bellowed. “Karyū no Hōkō!” I poured all of the Wrath power I had into that one attack, what could be considered Natsu Dragneel's most signature attack, the Fire Dragon's Roar. My fire met the Bastard's forbidden magic and they strained against each other. And, as the hero, my power managed to over whelm his, shattering his horn in the process. He passed out from the pain. I just stood there panting for a few moments before I collapsed and began to black out, more from exhaustion than injuries. I heard my name yelled. Oh, shit. When I wake up there will be a lot of explaining to do.

**********************************************************************

Author's Note: no need to worry about him being OP. He will explain how he did that and why he can't do it again next chapter. It has to do with the Wrath stone. See you next time!

Chapter 17: Enter Romance

**Chapter 17:

Enter Romance**

I finally began to come to an unspecified amount of time later. The first thing I noticed was the feeling of something warm and fuzzy wrapped around my right arm. I opened my eyes, which led to the second thing that I noticed: I was in a hospital room. However I didn't feel injured. Magic? Probably. Then there was the third thing. That warm and fuzzy thing wrapped around my arm? It was Twilight. And she looked like she had been crying. I mentally smacked myself a few times. I'm a fucking idiot. I made her cry. And now I feel like a complete asshole. I decided not to wake her. I had no indicator of how long I was out, so she could very well have been awake for quite a while. However, my plan amounted to nothing as, when I tried to sit up a bit, my shifting caused Twilight to stir. She blinked a bit before looking over and seeing that I was awake.

“You're okay!” she shouted before jumping and wrapping her arms around my neck, hugging me, as she began to sob again. “I-I was so worried, the doctor said you'd be okay, but – but I just felt like I might lose you! I just-” she never finished as she kissed me. Yep, kissed me. On the lips, still crying, holding on like I was the only thing keeping her from flying away. I just sat there in shock, and before I could continue she realized what she was doing and jumped back, sobbing all the more strongly.

“Twilight...” I began.

“I-I'm sorry! Oh you must hate me now, I'm sorry I just couldn't control myself, I was just so scared and I missed you! Oh please don't hate me!” she begged. She was freaking out, afraid that I would hate her... for kissing me? I didn't think before I spoke and just let my heart guide me. Or rather the Love Doomstone.

“Twilight,” I said, gently taking her face in my hand and making her look at me. “Was that your first kiss?” I asked her. She nodded and I smiled. “Well that makes two of us then.” she looked shocked at what I had said before I pulled her into a hug.

“Y-you don't hate me?” she asked.

“Twilight, I could never hate you. And in all  honesty? I've kinda had feelings for you for a while.” I said, pulling out of the hug and blushing. Great, now I'm going to start imitating a tomato.

“Oh, really? Well, uh, same here.” she said with a blush of her own.

“Yeah, I'm pretty sure the whole first kiss thing was an indicator of that.” I said with what could be described as a cheeky grin. She smiled back at me, her tears having stopped.

“Speaking of which, what did you mean by 'that makes two of us'?” she asked.

“Oh, uhh, well I've never kissed a girl before that.” I said, blushing even more due to the drastic increase in embarrassment levels. She smiled sheepishly at me.

“Sooo, how long have I been here?” I asked, trying to avoid more awkward.

“About two hours. After you passed out mom brought you here personally.” she answered.

“Mom? Oh, right I forgot about that for a second there.” I said, truly having forgot about Celestia's relationship with Twilight.

“Yeah. Everypony else went to get something to eat after the doctor said you would be okay.” she told me.

“Well, that's good. Um, Twilight, now that our feelings about each other are out, would you like to, uh, maybe, go out for dinner?” I asked, almost slipping into an impression of Fluttershy.

“I would love to.” she answered, hugging me once again.

“Really? I was afraid you would say no. And now I'm afraid of how Celestia will react once she finds out.” I said.

“The funny thing is, for once I'm not worried about what she'll think. I'm just happy to finally find somepony to care about me.” Twilight mumbled into my shoulder before drawing back. She leaned forward and kissed me again. And this time I kissed back. And it was great. Up until the girls and Celestia came in.

“Twilight we're – oh my.” Said Celestia.

*************************************************************************

Author's Note:

Sorry it's so short, but it's almost 3 am and I'm tired. Also: this is pretty much just a sparking chapter, where I finally introduce romance. Twilight already developed feelings for him previously and this near death situation pushed her to the point where she just broke down and admitted it. No species based issues here! There will be no romance with others and chapter 19 or so should be the chapter involving their first date, where thing that caused the feelings are outlined a bit more. Some will not have been in previous chapters. Enjoy little mortals!

Chapter 18: A Surprising Reaction and Parasprites

Chapter 18: A Surprising Reaction and Parasprites

“… This… is probably exactly what it looks like.” I said, the ponies all looking at me with blank expressions. Except Pinkie, she just kept hopping with that Cheshire grin. “Soooo, am I going to be banished to the moon now?” May as well avoid dancing around it.

“It’s about time you two told each other.” Pinkie said.

“It was that obvious? Wow.” I responded, looking at the ceiling.

I turned to look at them again. “So, about that banishme –.” I cut off as I saw the look on Celestia’s face. One would expect disapproval, anger, or regal fury. What one would not expect was the look of uncontrolled joy.

“FINALLY!!” She bellowed in the Royal Canterlot Voice. “Oh, Twilight, you have no idea how long I’ve been waiting for you to find a special somepony! This is wonderful! ImeanIknowthathe’snotaponybutthat’snotimportantbecauseyoufinally-!”

“CELESTIA.” I Said, unleashing a bit of my power into my voice to silence her. She stopped and stared. “You were starting to sound like Pinkie.” She blushed at this.

“Um, yes, well. I’m happy.” She said, looking at the wall.

“Understatement~” Pinkie sang.

“Can I get out of this bed now? I have a feeling that I’m going to wind up in one exactly like it very often.” I said, trying to steer the conversation in a progressive direction.

“Oh, I’ll get off of you.” Twilight said, having finally pulled her red tinged face off of my chest. I raised an eyebrow at her.

“I said I wanted to get out of the bed, not that I wanted you to get off of me.” And with that I picked her up and swung myself off of the bed, all in the same motion too. And I definitely didn’t get dizzy and nearly fall. Nope, definitely not.

Anyhow, after another, shorter conversation that was pretty much just us making Rarity Pinkie Promise not to go gossiping about what had happened the last two days, I was walking down the hall, in nothing but a conveniently existing pair of pants, still cradling Twilight, when I remembered something important.

“Pinkie, where’s my staff and hat?” her ears suddenly drooped and her mane went about halfway ‘Pinkamena’.

“Well, when you were fighting that meany mean pants Blueblood, it started glowing and then at the end when things got all flashy and fire-ish, it kinda… got explodey.” I just sighed.

“Of course, strong as dragon scale, but still not a very good magic conductor. It tried to pull in the excess energy I was letting off, but couldn’t handle it, so it got, as you said Pinkie, explodey. Two staves in less than year.” Maybe Saruman had the right idea with a metal staff… Something to look into.

“Yer hat survived though.” Applejack said.

“My hat? Well at least the more important of the two made it.” I told the air.

“How is headgear more important than your magic focus?” asked Twilight.

“Well, you see it – .”

“We’re here.” Celestia called. I looked up and saw her standing near a door at the end of the hall.

“Oh, good, will the train be leaving soon?” I asked. She giggled at me.

“We’re not taking the train, we’re taking the carriage.” She said. We walked out and saw what may have been the biggest sky carriage ever. It was more like a gilded train car with a team of ten pegasi hitched to it.

“Oh. Wait, ‘we’?” I questioned, just catching the wording.

“I’m coming with you. I was supposed to visit Ponyville today anyway.” I frowned. Why did that sound so familiar?

The ride was uneventful, unless you count AJ and Rarity getting into an argument about whatever. Twilight and I spent the time just sitting together in comfortable silence. Much better than awkward Silence. I feel sorry for that guy, nobody being able to remember him. Oh, right, wrong Silence.

About half an hour later – only five pegasi were needed to move the Super Carriage, as I have dubbed it – we touched down in Ponyville, stepping out of the large doors, only to be met with what else than Parasprites. Parasprites everywhere. We later found out that it was Lyra that brought them in, since Fluttershy was in Canterlot with us. Pinkie and I looked at each other in an unimpressed manner.

“Mind if I take this one?” I asked the Fourth Wall breaker.

“Be my guest.” She replied. I nodded and pulled a flute out of nowhere. I held it to my lips and began to play a song. It instantly got the Parasprite’s attention as the all began to bob along and follow. I never asked where the other musicians came from, as they just showed up and started playing perfectly. And that is the how I led the Parasprites to the Everfree Forest while dancing and playing a flute.

“How did you know to play music?” asked Rarity once all was sung and done.

“Remind me to show you all Swarm of the Century some time.” They nodded the affirmative.

“What was that song called anyway?” asked Celestia.

“Either In the House of Tom Bombadil, or Let’s Sing Together. I can’t remember which.” I answered.

“Who’s Tom Bomba-whatever?” asked Rainbow Dash, saying her first semi-relevant thing of the day.

“Old Tom Bombadil was a merry fellow;

Bright blue his jacket was and his boots were yellow,

Green were his girdle and his breeches all of leather;

He wore in his tall hat a swan-wing feather.

He lived up under Hill, where the Withywindle

Ran from a grassy well down into the dingle.”

I sang to them. However they were only more confused by the end. “Right, add Lord of the Rings, movies and books, to the list. You know, why don’t we just set up a movie night sometime next week. Celestia, you’re invited too. Come to the library and we’ll all go inside my head. I have a memory theatre there. Also: Twilight, I’m surprised you haven’t gotten to that part in Fellowship of the Ring yet!” she blushed at me.

“I’ve been… busy.” At that moment a house decided to fall over.

“I think we’re all gonna be busy for a while.” I deadpanned.

Chapter 14: A New Friend and Revelations Part 3 (AKA: a quick wrap up)

**The Last Mage

Chapter 14: A New Friend and Revelations Part 3**

Twilight had wound up sitting next to Istar on the couch. Nopony noticed, however, as they were all too busy being transfixed by what they were seeing. They were a TV show! They just stared in slack-jawed disbelief. Finally the end of Bridle Gossip came around. Istar clicked the power button on a remote that hadn't been there before and the TV turned off.

“Well, that was... enlightening.” said Celestia, who was now sitting on Istar's left, while Twilight was now on his right where the end of the couch had previously been.

“Yes it was!” replied Istar in a happy tone.

“Umm, Istar... You seem a bit more... Spontaneous... than usual. Any reason why?” asked Twilight.

“It's my mind. Last time I checked I was allowed to be myself in my mind. You know  how it is don't you Celly? I know that you can't enjoy acting like royalty all the time. It's the same being a Wizard. More taxing than others realize.” Istar spouted off. The girls gasped at hearing him name their Princess as such, but Celestia only began to laugh. Istar did too, and soon the Wizard and the Princess were hanging off of each other, laughing it up like old friends.

“Oh, you have no idea how good it is to find somepony else who understands.” said the Princess, her laughter abating.

“Yes I do.” responded Istar with a smile.

“I like you like this Istar Stormcrow.” said Celestia.

“Me too! You're super fun like this!” interjected Pinkie.

“I... actually kind of like you like this too.” said Twilight.

“Well then, I'll just be myself from now on then!” exclaimed the Wizard, pointing upward in a dramatic pose.

“We should be going. Time is sporadic in one's head.” said Celestia.

“No. You're all staying for cake.” said Istar. “Besides, who gets up at two in the morning?” he said, pointing to a large clock that accurately displayed the time.

“Well, I suppose we can stay then.” said Celestia. So many times caught by surprise today, She thought.

“Banana cake for you Celly?” asked Istar. Her eyes widened and she began to drool a bit as the cake appeared before her. That was when they all realized that they were now sitting on a picnic blanket and all had a slice of cake in front of them.

“Now it's time to have fun!” Declared the newly facade-less wizard. And so they spent the rest of the night having fun, eating thought-food, and playing various games. Istar would no longer be so reserved and he had made a new friend. His second royal friend to be precise. He was going to be himself from then on, and his first order of business once they got back to Ponyville: get a new outfit for everyday wear. Look out Equis, Istar Stormcrow is gone. I am Auriel again, and Equestria is my charge.