Chapters It was a normal day in Ponyville.
The sun beat down on Applejack and her sister as they bucked the trees of Sweet
It was a normal day in ponyville.
The clouds floated through the sky, peacefully resting on air. Nature had
It was a normal day in Ponyville.
Fluttershy was just beginning her daily chores. She had already fed Angel, the
It was a normal day in Ponyville.
Rainbow Dash trotted into Sugarcube Corner. It was the same as always. Same
It was a normal day in Ponyville.
Rarity was just putting the final touches on her newest creation. It was an
Applejack was tired. She finished a full day's work in a morning, and she didn't
Fluttershy put down her copy of Nature Nurtures with a contented sigh.
Rarity was exhausted from cleaning up her little sister's mess. Sweetie Bell was
High up in the clouds, Rainbow Dash was preparing for her daily nap. Her usual
In the back room of Sugarcube Corner, a bright pink pony stood completely still,
Five ponies, all far from each other, grabbed five scrolls. Five ponies broke
PONIES,
Luna
Twilight Sparkle opened her door to see her five friends standing before her.
"Careful now, Twi," Applejack warned as Luna rose from the pile of volumes,
A slight smile crept across Luna's face as she assumed a regal pose.
Twilight racked her brain. Zodiac magic? She had no memory of this type of
"Now, lets talk, shall we?" Luna said, stepping forward, "Like I said before,
Gasps were heard from the six mares. Rarity collapsed melodramatically, landing
"Is there a revolt going on?" asked Rainbow. She smacked her fist against her
Twilight Sparkle was aghast. "Princess Luna," she asked, amazed, "Are you saying
The dark pony looked into the young unicorns eyes. "Of course I support it. I
The six ponies were once again shocked by Luna's revelation.
"But, Princess..." Applejack looked up at the royal figure. "Why?"
Luna nodded. "All nations on the Equestrian peninsula. Now what is Equestria's
"The Solar Empire of Equestria."
Luna glared at Twilight "Empire. Not a Democracy, not a Republic, an Empire. It
Twilight spoke up. "But Celestia has never harmed another pony! She hasn't
Luna turned on the student, her fury overcoming her demeanor. "And what about
"Hey! That's not true. I chose to be on the weather team." Rainbow shouted.
Luna was silent for a moment. Her expression seemed... Troubled. Sad, almost.
Rainbow was startled. "A painter? C'mon, Princess, no Wonderbolt would ever do
"But she does. She's rather good at it, too. When she speaks about her passion
For the first time that night, Rainbow was speechless. Spitfire, Captain of theAn artist? But Celestia wouldn't let her? Could it be true?
Much to Rainbow's surprise, Luna nodded. "Yes. I do want power. And I have the
But Luna shook her head. "No, Rainbow. The Wonderbolts have wanted you for
W-what? The Wonderbolts asked for me? "Then why didn't I make the team?" Rainbow demanded, "What is holding me back?"
Luna repeated her last sentence. "They have been begging Celestia to let
"Wait...! You mean..." Rainbow suddenly understood.
"You are an asset to her, Rainbow." said Luna, "A weapon. A tool. She doesn't
Twilight bristled with rage. "I AM NOT HER ENEMY!" She screamed.
"Sister always was a master at planning," said Luna, "I rarely could beat her in
Rainbow Dash thought hard. "Well, I did get expelled from Advanced Flight
Luna cut in, "And you were good friends with Fluttershy at this time, correct?"
Luna nodded once more. "These three ponies all happen to report directly to one
"Now hold yer horses, Luna." Applejack stepped in, "I've lived in Ponyville my
Luna turned to the stout farmer. "Yes. You were the stationary piece. It was you
"What about me, Princess?" Twilight asked angrily.
"And meeeee?" Pinkie asked happily.
Luna chuckled. "Knowing my sister, she probably would have just told you that
"Ohhhhhhhh. So Celestia was the pony with the mustache!"
Typical, Thought Twilight, All it would take to convince Pinkie to move was a party. Then a thought struck her. "Princess," Twilight was
"There are two reasons why I came to you ponies specifically. First," a familiar
"Princess! Those are the Elements of Harmony!" Shouted Twilight, "You stole them
"These Elements belong to you six. Celestia had no right to hoard them."
"Uh, Princess? These don't look like the Elements of Harmony."
"For the Element of Laughter," Luna pulled a bright pink trumpet from the case.
"I don't like it," said Pinkie Pie matter-of-factly.
Pinkie turned up her nose at the princess. "I. don't. like. it. You can keep it.boring. "
Luna slumped. "Fine, Pinkie, I'll turn it into an ocarina." And that was that.
"Yay!" giggled the pink pony, "You're the best!" Before Luna could react, Pinkie
"Hey!" she exclaimed, coming to a realization, "This is the prop I wore on
Luna confirmed the blue pony's assessment. "Correct. That is indeed Commander
Twilight stared dumbfounded. "But they could never find any artifacts from the
"Perhaps you don't understand. This is not a bribe, Applejack."
Now then, for the Element of Generosity," Luna lifted a familiar necklace from
"And finally, for my sister's 'dear' pupil," Luna turned to face Twilight. "The
Twilight reached out again, now with her foreleg. She laid a hoof on the
Do you wish to make the covenant?
Twilight Sparkle stood groggily. Darkness surrounded her. She saw nothing butDo you wish to make the covenant?
That voice again. It was definitely a mare's. It rang on all sides of Twilight.Do you wish to make the covenant?
"What covenant? Who are you? Why am I here?" Twilight stamped her hoof in
The figure was silent for a moment.Do you wish to make- ...What a shame. I cannot tell you that. You may call me Clover. What do you last remember? Then you are in Ponyville Library. Correct. Touching the staff of the High Astronomer forms an empathy link with the guardian. Star-Swirl was the founder and first High Astronomer of our order. ...I have said more than I should have. Mention our meeting to no one. Farewell, Twilight Sparkle.
Twilight stood in the library. Her hoof clutched the staff of Star-Swirl. Her
Of course. The encounter had taken no time at all. Such was usually the case
Clover… she called herself the guardian. Guardian of what?Should I confront her? Wondered the farmpony. No. She was probably hiding something from Luna. I'll just ask her about it later.
"My ponies," said Luna, "Whichever side you choose today, these Elements are
It was a map of Equestria. Twilight was puzzled. What did this have to do with
She took a closer look. It was definitely Equestria, but the map was altered.
"Ponyville," Twilight whispered. Luna nodded. "Your town will be at the center
"It is directly southwest of Canterlot. If I took it, I would threaten the
"No! We ain't joining you!" Applejack shouted, "You're a traitor, Luna! We stand
Fluttershy broke down into tears. Sobbing, she said, "I just... I don't want to
All ponies stared at Fluttershy. They had forgotten that such a sensitive pony
"Now look at what you've done," said Applejack, "You want us to pick sides? What
Luna ignored the seething farmpony. She approached the small yellow pony who lay
Pinkie giggled triumphantly. "Then I'm gonna make cupcakes!"
Hmm, thought Twilight, so Pinkie Pie will be neutral too. "Rarity? What about
Rarity was looking at the floor, but the conflict in her mind was clear. "I'm
"Are you worried about your friends, Rarity? Worried that you won't all stay
Applejack bucked the Princess in the jaw. The force sent Luna flying into
Applejack got her karmic dues as Rainbow knocked her away from the Princess with
"Stopping you from killing Princess Luna!" Rainbow angrily said in reply.
If they keep this up, I'll have to re-shelve the whole library, thought
Applejack lunged at Rainbow, narrowly missing the Pegasus as she soared higher.Daring Do
Luna stood. Her horn glowed softly. Rainbow Dash plummeted as her wings failed
"Ponies, please, there is no need for violence."Princess is trying to overthrow Celestia-""SILENCE!"
The ponies complied. Luna cleared her throat. "Thank you. As I was saying, your
"I-I have, your highness. I will stay with Celestia." Luna frowned,
Applejack stared at her, aghast. "Rainbow! What the hay are you doing?
Rainbow whirled around to face her friend, eyes blazing. "And what do you knowPrincess? " She spat, "What hasShe did. Some ponies would be happy with Celestia controlling their
"Well," said Luna, "I am glad you have chosen the Lunar Republic, miss Dash.
"Get up, Spike. We're leaving."
Spike awoke with a start. "Wha...? What?" He rubbed his eyes and yawned.
Twilight hastily packed her saddlebags. "I don't know. Somewhere. Anywhere."
"Wait, Twilight!" said Spike, stumbling out of bed, "What happened?"
Twilight went back to packing. She had little space in her saddlebags. What toEgghead, E, E... There! The Egghead'sMoney, check. Food, check. Clothes? TwilightCheck. The bags were now bulging. She had a bit ofThe map!
Twilight rushed back to the library and looked at the table. It was still there,Empathy link... Twilight had little knowledge on the subject of empathy links. SheEncyclopedia Magica: E-D from theEmpathy... Empathy... There! Twilight read the short paragraph.
Empathy links are spells that form a mental bond with two ponies. Once formed, the ponies can telepathically reach out to one another to activate the link. While the empathy link is activated, both ponies will be in the mind of one of the ponies. That pony has near absolute power, as it is their own mind. However, if either pony is harmed in this mental landscape, the link will be severed. Empathy links are very difficult to form, and can cause psychological damage if performed poorly. The empathy link was invented by Dr. Bab E. Lon, as one spell in his famous research of language enchantments.
"Interesting..." Twilight glanced back to the staff. It hadn't moved.How can a pony be inside an item? Questions rose to the surface of herI'll ask Clover. She has to be able to tell me something, right? Twilight looked back at Starswirl's staff, focusing her
Twilight opened her eyes to see blackness everywhere.Do you wish to-
"No, Clover. I am here for answers. And I won't stop until I get some."
Clover was silent for a moment. Then, her cloaked form shimmered in front ofAsk, she said.
Twilight had so many questions. More than she could count. She blurted out the
Clover stared blankly. Twilight could sense her expression, even though she
This garment has always been in my possession. If you have seen it, it must have been after I passed on.
Clover nodded. When I agreed to become guardian of the High Astronomer's staff, a part of my soul was extracted from my body. The soul fragment was imparted upon the staff, such that I would be able to provide counsel and guidance to its owner, the High Astronomer. The rest of my soul lives on, or more likely, lived on in my original body.
"When did this happen? How long ago?"
I do not know the present date, but I have been here since 207 D.R. It was ruled that I should guard the staff at The Third Council of Minneapony.
"D.R.?! As in Discord's Reign? That was over a thousand years ago!"A thousand years...? I wonder, does my order still survive?
"That was my next question. What is the order you are talking about?"I cannot say. We are sworn to secrecy, to never tell an outsider.
Twilight was getting impatient. "Clover, by the sound of things, your order is
Clover didn't speak. She seemed to be pondering something. Finally she said,Lets make a deal, Twilight Sparkle. You are as curious about the order as I am of its fate. I am bound to not speak of them to an outsider. However, you may come to learn about them.
I will give you directions, and if you follow them, you will learn all you wish about the order. I, in turn, will learn what had become of them.
Two silhouettes moved down a dirt road. One was clearly equine, though he couldn't tell if it was a stallion or a mare. It carried a long staff with a jewel set into the top, emitting a light glow. The other was a tiny fellow, slouched across the pony's back and snoring loudly enough to awaken a deaf pony. He wasn't deaf though. In fact, he was quite a light sleeper, with excellent hearing. It took him less than a second to size up the two of them. Travelers, no doubt, but not fighters. That was the important bit. A good highwaypony could tell in an instant whether or not a pony would fight back. If they did, he would be in trouble. He wasn't a fighter. Why should he be? It was the threat of force that convinces ponies, not the application. And he was good at convincing ponies. The silhouette of the pony started to speak. “Alright Spike, this looks like a good place to stop.” A mare's voice. He grinned. Even better. Mares never fought back. These two would make him a nice little profit to bring to Mr. Ranger.
The mare laid her belongings in a small clearing beside the road. The small figure named Spike groggily assisted her. Her horn began to glow. 'A magician,' he thought, surprised. The ground around the two figures warped, and large tree branches emerged from the soil. They rapidly grew to form a tiny hut of leaves and branches. 'And a powerful one at that.' He shook his head. 'No matter,' he thought, 'Even powerful wizards are usually cowards.' He watched as the two began to move their things into the makeshift shelter. 'Now or never.' He stepped out of the bushes calmly. “Hello there, young miss!” Rapparee Rookwood said brightly, “I have come to relieve you of your purse.”
Twilight Sparkle turned to face her foe. It was an elegant looking pony, with a steel blue coat and a golden mane. His face was difficult to see in the dark night, but it was clear that he held a rather sharp rapier, and even clearer that the sharp end of the weapon was pointed directly at her. She thought furiously for a moment. She couldn't afford to lose her money. She considered trying to talk him out of it, but dismissed the thought immediately. He was probably used to ponies trying to convince him that he shouldn't take their life savings at sword point. She glanced at Starswirl's staff. It was a few feet away, its lower end peeking out of her shelter. Twilight didn't know many combat spells. In fact, she only knew one. Magic Missile. Looking back at the highwaypony, she knew that it wouldn't be enough. She was exhausted from a long night of walking, and had little strength. But if she could reach her staff... “O-ok,” Twilight said, trying her best to sound shaky, “M-my bits are in my shelter.” She moved to get them, but a sharp rapier pressed itself against her neck. “I think I am capable of fetching them myself, don't you?”
'Not good,' thought Twilight. There was no way she could get to Starswirl's staff now. Raparree moved around Twilight, keeping his eye on her hooves and his sword on her neck. He stopped. He now stood directly between Twilight and the staff.
The highwaypony let out a sudden yelp. He turned his head to see a small but determined baby dragon, its jaws clamped around his tail. Twilight smiled. Spike could always be counted on. “Get off me, you foul lizard!” shouted the highwaypony, shaking his tail to try to dislodge Spike. Twilight ran past him and grabbed Starswirl's staff. She let her magical energy flow through her and into the staff. She turned and fired a bolt of energy right at the attacker. It hit him in the chest, sending him flying. He hit the ground with a thud, unconscious.
Rapparee Rookwood opened his eyes. He felt a soft warmth on his side. “Oh, you're awake,” came a voice. He sat up groggily. He was sitting next to a fire, the first rays of dawn breaking through the clouds. A purple-coated pony was moving towards him. “I was wondering when you would get up.” He squinted. She seemed vaguely familiar. He tried to think of where he had seen her before. His head throbbed. Dear Celestia, what had happened? His eyes widened as he remembered. “You...!” He gasped, scrambled back defensively. “Hey, it's OK,” she said, smiling, “I won't hurt you. Well, not unless I have to. Again.” Rapparee looked around for his sword. It was nowhere to be seen. Meanwhile, the purple mare was still coming towards him, with a friendly expression on her face. “Calm down. My name is Twilight Sparkle.” She stuck out her hoof. He shook it hesitantly “Rapparee. Rapparee Rookwood.” 'Why was she being so kind to him?' he wondered, 'I tried to rob her! And then she nearly killed me!' He tried to get his bearings. They were in the same small clearing that he had been knocked unconscious in. Twilight's staff lay on the other side of it, with her other belongings. It was a powerful weapon, but it would do him no good. He was an earth pony. It would be as useful as a stick. In fact, in his hooves, it was a stick.
Twilight held out a small plate to him. “Here. You must be hungry. I found a wild fig tree nearby, so I have food to spare. Go on.” Rapparee ate the proffered fruit. He was beginning to feel better. “What time is it?” He asked between bites. “About 6:30,” replied Twilight, “Though you have been out for more than a day.” Rapparee stopped with the food still in his mouth. “You mean...? You mean I've been here for over 30 hours?” This was not good. He was supposed to check in with Mr. Ranger every day. They would be out looking for him soon. “Listen, Twilight,” he said urgently, dropping the plate, “You need to get out of here. Fast. Leave me here and run.” If the boys found out that he had been beaten by a naive young mare like Twilight, he would be out of the gang for sure. And Mr. Ranger didn't like loose ends. “I can't just leave you here to terrorize this road,” said Twilight, “I am going to turn you in.”
'Turn me in...' thought Rapparee, 'It would at least be an alternative to facing Mr. Ranger.' “OK then,” he said quickly, “You can turn me in to the royal guard at the next town. Lets get moving then.” He stood up.
“Leaving so soon, Rookie?” Twilight and Rapparee turned to see a rapier wielding pony standing on the road. “J-Jack! You, uh...” he gulped, “what are you, uh... I was just about to check in with the boss, but I uh...”
“Oh, do be quiet, Rookie,” said the gray coated highwaypony, “You know the rules. If you don't check in with the boss every day, I come looking.” His face brightened he saw Twilight. “Why, hello there young miss! And what are you doing with a big, bad highwaypony like Rookie here?”
Twilight faced him determinedly. “I am turning him in.”
'Oh, Celestia,' thought Rapparee, 'Is she really that foolish?'
Jack seemed amused. “Oh, Are you now?” he said with a grin, “Well, Mr. Ranger doesn't like it when one of his boys gets arrested. So I'm afraid I can't let you do that.”
“Surely we could come to some arrangement,” said Rapparee quickly. “Perhaps she can buy my contract?” 'Everyone has a price,' he thought, and for the first time in his life he hoped his was low. He had only a bit of pocket cash, and when the truth got out he wanted to be either miles away from the boss or not his problem anymore. He would prefer the latter. Mr. Ranger found things out fast, and Rapparee didn't like running.
“I think I had better take you two to see the boss,” said Jack slowly.
The three ponies arrived at a small barn. Jack trotted up to the barn doors and knocked five times. “Six-String Jack?” came a voice from the inside. “The one and only,” replied Jack with a smile. The door swung open. He turned to the ponies behind him. “Don't even consider running,” he said. They considered it anyways.
The three ponies trotted into the single room of the barn. Seated on various hay bales, barrels and woodpiles were ponies of every type and color. Some were playing cards, some were eating, some were sleeping. A few even held instruments, playing tunes for the others to general apathy. They did not seem mean, or brutish. They actually carried themselves about with an air of gentleness. “Mr. Ranger!” Shouted Six-String Jack, “I've got a pony here who wants to buy Rookie's contract!”
A large figure dropped down from the rafters, hitting the ground with a thud. It was a golden stallion with a dark brown mane. He wore a large stetson. “That so?” said the pony, grinning toothily, “Ace, mate! I can always make a heap of moolah when a bloke buys his contract!” Twilight furrowed her brow. Even with her extensive vocabulary, she only understood about half of that sentence. “The name's Bush,” said the stallion, ”Bush Ranger.”
Mr. Ranger was not what Twilight had expected at all. She imagined a cigar smoking, suit wearing mob boss with no sense of humor and a necktie that cost more than her house. Admittedly, she got the house for free. Still, for a pony with no job, free was at least a year's wages. Instead, she got a grinning, energetic young stallion with a Sydneigh accent.
“Don't mistake him,” said Rapparee under his breath, “He's ruthless. The friendly energy is just an act. Stay on your guard.” he glanced around before adding, “And be ready to run.”
“Where are my manners? I'm lairing it up! Jack, grab me a stubby and get these folks some tea.”
“Yes, right away sir,” said Jack with a slight smile.
“Now, where were we? Oh yeah! Buying his contract, eh?” asked Mr. Ranger, “You little ripper!”
“Er, sir,” said Jack hesitantly, “The teapot is broken.”
Mr. Ranger's face fell. “The billy's cactus? Crikey, I thought it would last. No drama, get our friends some damper. And my stubby.” He turned back to his guests. “Sorry about old jack, the ocker's not the full quid, eh? Now,” He settled into a hay bale, “Let's talk price. What do you say to...” he thought for a moment, “4,000 bits.”
Twilight's mouth dropped. “4,000? Are you serious? I don't even own-” Rapparee placed a hoof over her mouth, cutting her off.
“C'mon, uh, mate,” said Rapparee desperately, “That's pretty, er, exy. Can't you, uh, give a bloke a fair go?”
Bush Ranger was silent for a time. He stared at them blankly. Then his face broke into a grin. “Ah, Rookie. You know I love a dag. Alright,” He crossed his forelegs, “make me an offer, and we can haggle.”
“How much money did you say you had?” whispered Rapparee out of the corner of his mouth. “1,200,” said Twilight.
“2,400!” said Rapparee.
“3,500” replied Bush.
Rapparee gulped. “2,600”
Bush Ranger narrowed his eyes. “3,200”
“2,700”
“3,000”
“Get ready to run,” Rapparee whispered to Twilight.
“2,700”
“2,900”
“2,800”
“Deal”
Rapparee nudged Twilight. “Now,” he whispered.
“Pleasure doing business with you,” he said to Bush Ranger with a smile. He looked at Twilight. Without another word, they turned, took a few casual steps towards the door, and took off in the approximate direction of not here.
