Sins of an Equestrian Empire: An Unexpected Journey

Chapter 6 – A Monument to all their Sins

Wreath herself could not believe it when she heard the news about where she was going for the next few days, Stalliongrad the capital of the empire and home to Emperor Lionheart himself along with his council. Her heart was beating at an alarming rate as she knew with her Grandmaster, she could possibly get to meet some of them along with maybe seeing the Emperors son, Crown Prince Storm Lionheart himself soon to lead the empire if the rumours where true. It was all weird to her she had never been this happy ever and with her exams finally finished it was a moment that deserved a party, she would not care who would have went even Coronet could not ruin this celebration, she dreamt for years on end of finishing her studies. Wreath finished her packing of all the essentials she would need except for a photo of her parents a necessity she missed all her life and one thorn that Coronet kept plucking at. Still she brushed this aside, finished her packing and left the dorm room knowing full well she would gladly never see it again as she slammed the door shut, locking away all the bad memories.

Wreath used her magic to lift up the case as she begun heading over to the main garden where Lavaliere and a carriage where waiting to escort her over to Stalliongrad for the next few days, the sun was shining and the only cloud in the sky was the city of Cloudsdale shimmering off in the distance. She continued to make her way past the old training grounds where she had her final test and off towards the garden that lied within the centre of the academy. There she saw Lavaliere standing next to the chariot with the Imperial Pegasus crew getting ready for take-off. Wreath made her way over making her presence fully known to the old bearded pony.

“Good afternoon Grandmaster, I am here as you requested and ready to fly.” Wreath not wanting to hide her overall joy of this special treatment she was receiving recently.

“Wreath you have arrived excellent, again congratulations on finishing your studies here at the academy, we are nearly ready just waiting for one more to join us.” Lavaliere also seemed overly happy and glad as well a trait he never showed often only when he had a card up his sleeve or a trick to play.

“Another? Who everyponies here there is you me the pilots…..” Wreath was beginning to piece it all together now as she heard a familiar voice across the garden.

“WHAT IS SHE DOING HERE?!.” Coronet shouted loudly at the sudden unexpected sight of Wreath standing beside the Grandmaster both next to the chariot.

Both ponies could only look awkwardly at each other as Coronet walked ever so slowly towards the other two. Wreath did not like this as much as Coronet did but yet again Lavaliere looked on with a devious smirk of playing these two ponies for fools yet again. Coronet finally made her way over settling her case over next to Wreaths one and begun facing the old pony himself.

“You said nothing about this commoner begin here it was not part of the deal” Wreath could usually see from Coronets way of talking that she had no notion of respecting authority towards any superiors,  to her they were all below her.

“Deal….Deal?” Lavaliere laughed right in the grey ponies face “There is not and will never be one and if there was, I certainly would never make one with you” Lavaliere enjoyed playing Coronet for the fool as always, Wreath always chuckled at her confused look she always gave back in return.

“Let us not waste time, we have a deadline to keep in check and Stalliongrad is a few hours away on the other side of the Kingswood Forest.” Lavaliere was beginning to step on the chariot first, the only one of the three not bringing any luggage it seemed.

“Well, Coronet.” Wreath begun to break silence between the two of them “Idiots first I always say.” The blue pony forgot to wind up Coronet after having not seen her at all today.

Coronet could only snarl at the response as she lifted her case and begun stepping on the chariot right next to Lavaliere. To Wreath she felt disheartened that her dream trip was to be ruined by one particular pony but then again seeing Coronet humiliated and hopefully doing it again in front of the Imperial Court also was a chance she did not want to miss. She learned at a young age to enjoy the little things and not let other ponies knock you down in your prime. She begun to lift her case as well and step onboard the opposite site of Coronet with Lavaliere separating them. The Grandmaster gave a commanding voice to the two Pegasus drivers in front to journey straight to Stalliongrad and right away he said. Both responded with a nod of approval as the carriage slowly begun to ascend lifting the chariot high into the sky dashing away from the academy in Hoofington.

Wreath looked behind as she closed her eyes and thanked whatever god that where still around that she could close this dark chapter in her life, Hoofington Academy was over. No more scheming and no more plotting to avoid the other students tricks and lies although she did enjoy foiling them. The carriage passed over the city and over the main gate leaving the academy off in the distance. Wreath could feel the cool air fly right past her mane along her face, when she opened her eyes again she could barely see the academy where she was looked up only to see it slowly disappear and finally gone from her sight, swallowed by the horizon.

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The journey to the capital took them over the Kingswood a forest that was almost as old as the Everfree itself but without any of the monsters or ancient ruins that lurked within. Many of the Stalliongrad Elite would hunt for the any unlucky animal that would cross there path others would mainly hold races that were available to the ponies that only received the proper invitation. The forest blanketed the entire landscape all the way to the capital, up high in the sky Wreath could see it all the landscape seemed like her oyster with all for her to see. To the North behind her laid her old academy with to the south was their current destination, to the West lied Canterlot Mountains with the ruined cities towers standing high above. Lastly to the East the small town of Derbyshire sister town to Ponyville lied on the other side of Equestria, a common dusty earth pony settlement on the border of the empire.

It was some time until they were even close to the capital which explained why Lavaliere wanted to leave early skipping breakfast and always wanting to get to the point only when matters concerned him as well in the slightest. The carriage begun to descend towards the capital finally, Wreath and Coronet have only heard of Stalliongrad but sheer amazement is what took them upon its sight.

A massive city bigger then Manehattan and Los Pegasus combined nestled right above a massive hill surrounded by strong thick walls that continued round the city and many more times as they climbed up the hill towards the grand palace all built on separate tiers. Truly this was a testament to the Empires might and they had three centuries to truly show what ponies where capable of when they came into power. Within the outer confines of the city was the common residential where markets, theatres and festivals where usually held, petals where falling from the rooftops and banners shinned high against the city walls, it was the last day of the summer sun celebration in the capital and the city was alive with music, laughter and cheering.

Above them stood the biggest wealthier part of Stalliongrad massive estates with finally detailed gardens looking down upon the common side of the city separated by the thick stone walls dividing classes of pony in a truly iconic fashion. Within the centre of everything stood the Imperial palace a shining gem across the landscape , statues of Pegasus, unicorns and earth ponies working together where displayed all over the Imperial gardens. The palace itself was built upon different levels each one getting smaller as the palace was raised to the sky. The walls where decorated with massive red banners that ran down the side of the castle displaying a Pegasus and an earth pony bearing a shield and sword standing back to back a symbol of the peacekeepers within the empire. The chariot descended onto the outer tier of the castle landing on the upper level gardens. A moment that seemed like eternity for the two students as they believed this was all simply the city of dreams.

The chariot landed at its desired destination next to the castles giant library, Lavaliere was the first to step off as he made his way forward towards the welcoming committee that was eager to meet him. Wreath and Coronet soon followed after admiring the lush garden they had just landed in taking in all it had to offer, along with taking all their cases with them.

“Councilor Lavaliere, I say it is an honour, we were expecting you but not this soon.” the Emperors representative replied to the old pony.

“Yes, well situations have arisen and I have to talk to the council right away, tell me are they ready to hold court?.” Lavaliere eager to get his message across as well as suitable demands if need be.

“Im afraid not Lavaliere but there will be one later as the festivities within the lower levels dies down, I do hear that the council themselves wish to speak with you on other pressing matters.” the representative said as a squad of escort guards arrived to oversee the welcoming.

“Very well, I will wait within my own personal quarters, also prepare two rooms as well under my name for these two ponies they will not be joining the meeting but are somewhat relevant hence why they are here for the council to see if need be.” Lavaliere began instructing with the representative bowing in agreement. The chariot behind them began to depart leaving the three ponies and their luggage behind them.

“Right away, councilor.” the guards as well as the other pony departed back the way they came eager to fulfil the councilors demands. The Grandmaster turned back to his two students each eager to know of their grandmasters other title.

“Councilor Lavaliere?.” Wreath looking confused towards the old pony.

“Your part of the Imperial Court?.” Coronet asked as well.

The old pony only looked disinterested as he begun to talk back against these accusations “Yes it is true amid the rumours within the academy, I’m more of how do we say part of the council but not really involved, politics has always bored a pony like me. Now’s not the time to bicker we must get inside and prepare.” Lavaliere walked away from them towards the interior of the castle ignoring any other questions the ponies brought up.

“Prepare for what?.” Coronet looked confused and annoyed towards all this.

“I do not know but I think we have come to a dangerous place.” Wreath thinking out loud about this city and wondered what dangers lurked under its massive stone walls.

Both made their way inside slightly following Lavaliere from behind as they went inside to the grand library. The bookcases rose high into the ceiling with books about anything a pony could ask for. Many desks where scattered throughout the centre of the room with scholars delving into whatever knowledge was contained within. The library had two levels with ponies walking up and down carrying stacks of books to be re-shelved or looked into. Wreath was eager to look at the secrets these books contained many still carrying the old Royal Celestial Badge on the cover many thought of being destroyed. Time was an issue here and reading was not on the agenda. Coronet herself looked completely disinterested in the whole affair since she mainly focused on honing her skills in the offensive nature rather than researching. She decided to pass the time walking through the library referring to everyone around her spouting constant insults all ending with an “egghead” remark. The three ponies from Hoofington begun to leave the library heading towards Lavalieres personnel chambers to face whatever outcome was waiting for them just around the corner.

They finally arrived at the desired destination as the old pony himself opened the two big wooden doors that stood before him, as it opened Wreath and Coronet were taken in awe at the size as well as the contents within the room.  Lavaliere’s personnel room was not used much due to his need to be constantly held up back in Hoofington Academy. His room within Stalliongrad was massive in comparison with a similar sized desk to his own one back in Hoofington. The windows rose from floor to ceiling pointing out towards the city with the two great towers in the distance linking the West side to the city from the East side. The walls of the room held countless amount of books some of which where taken from the library for the grandmasters own uses, against the back wall behind the desk a massive portrait of the known world was decorated for all to see. On the map contained the Equestrian empire, with the Dragon and Griffin Kingdoms, to the south over the sea held the zebra dynasty.

“Well we are here finally.” Lavaliere took a deep breath admiring the room he last remembered looked a bit smaller, whether this was up to his age remembering or his constant lack of attendance was a debate for another time.

“Wow if I lived in a place like this I would never leave, complementary cider case to the side not too shabby.” Coronet giving a slight compliment at the décor.

“Anyways both your rooms are down the hall, I suggest you prepare yourself for later I however will wait here until the meeting, you are both free to roam the grounds, I would suggest the training area down in the courtyard or at best the library we just came from.” Lavaliere said pointing towards the door in an act of dismissal.

Both were ushered out by the old pony as he closed the door in front of them leaving them in a massive castle unguarded and unsupervised. Both decided to walk to their rooms seeing the point of no longer carrying unnecessary luggage around all day. When they arrived to their rooms smiles and raised eyebrows rose across both of their faces. Giant sized beds all covered in expensive silk along with a wardrobe filled with elegant dresses to fit any size for a mare or stallion, balcony’s that looked out onto the countryside and down into the city itself still bustling with celebration. Wreath herself wished she could attend in a small manner as she lowered her head remembering what she wanted all this time, a party to be held or to attend but all she got was loneliness held up in a luxurious decorated cage. She dropped her case and proceeded to make her way to the library, if at most she could try to get lost in a book she thought to herself.

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Finally after the celebrations in the lower city had died down, Lavaliere knew it was time as he made his way down towards the council room to discuss his new agenda to be brought forth to the other committee members. He always held the office of magic and training but was rarely needed to attend if it only concerned any state affairs or was called on to precede with the Emperors plans to strengthen Equestria in times of war or military arguments between the other kingdoms. The two guards opened the doors that led into the great hall where portraits of various rulers before have sat on the seat of power controlling Equestria herself through their hooves, maybe someday Lavaliere thought to himself he would see himself up their but when and how was ideas that ran through his devious mind. The final door was opened as he stood in the same room with the most powerful ponies in Equestria, he made his way to his place as he sat next to the other councillors in silence. A cold look of discontent stared right at him from all angles as he made his way across the room, Lavaliere knew he was slightly not wanted but to him it did not matter the emperor along with a few councillors held him in high regard secretly and that was all he needed. Silence surrounded the entire room as the doors opened again as two Imperial guards walked in first to the room, all the councillors including Lavaliere stood as they greeted there supreme ruler, it was Emperor Lionheart the fifth in his name as he walked over slowly towards his seat at the other end of the room. Walking in from behind him was his son and soon to be heir to the empire, Crown Prince Storm Lionheart a fair looking pony with a passion for politics, military and old Equestrian magic.

The councillors that surrounded the emperor ranged from ponies from all corners of Equestria, each given power by the emperor to rule over certain aspects of society. For the Pegasus ponies there was two, Master Valor was head of the military and air force trained to combat the dragon or griffon kingdoms in the event of invasion. Councillor Starshine Flourish was in charge of intelligence in dealing with the underground of Equestrian crime as well as routing out any enemies that might undermine the empire. Two unicorns sat upon the council as well with Lavaliere himself in charge of magic and training of unicorns that upon graduation where sent for intelligence or peacekeeper activities dealing with putting down any small town resistance. The other was a young energetic unicorn called Lighting Rage directly in charge of research into the old artefacts left behind by Star Swirled and implementing them into the Empires personal army. The last two where normal earth ponies, Rain Twirl dealt with the treasury of Equestria allocating where it could be best suited as well as dealing with the farming over on the West side of Equestria near Ponyville. Lastly Brave Steed led the Empires Navy keeping the sea safe from pirates and other enemies across the known sea. All had a role to play and others took pride in their own manner both cruel or in a destructive manner.

Both the rulers finally found their seats as the emperor himself stood up and begun to speak.

“This meeting is now in session.” he said giving a commanding voice that echoed all across the room.

“Firstly I would like to thank Lavaliere himself for attending this meeting, we all know that his lack of attendance is for the continued survival of our society and I for one thank him personally.” The emperor sat down as all the councilors looked towards Lavaliere nodding his head in approval of the Emperors message. “But first we must deal with more pressing matters, since we have known in the past few years relations with our neighbouring kingdoms has diminished, we fear the worst about all of this we cannot allow the griffons and dragons to ally against us, the result would spell the worst of all out war in the North.”

Councillor Valor stood up to address this grown concern “Do not worry my lord, our air force is always combat ready we can be sure of one thing, if they do invade they will rule the day they settled foot on Equestrian soil.” Valor always did rush to any situation in brute force. “Backed up by the peacekeepers of both earth and unicorn ponies there can be no defeat or surrender.”

The other Pegasus pony stood up as well to voice his concern “I can assure my fellow councillors that my spies up in the North assure us that war is far from happening Valor, the problem is respect that they hold for us. They see our nation still as young and undisciplined since the dissolve of the old rule. Certainly dragons and griffons of their superior life span see us as a mother sees a child, young and reckless.” Starshine told the council with the emperor grumbling in agreement; it thankfully did not mean war but an insult upon him and his land all the same.

“Then we need one thing to show our might, weapons both new and old, something we should have had since we came into power, I do sense a lack of progress especially on Lighting Rages research” Valor accusing the young unicorn councilor directly. “Truly your eggheads have found something of use in those old stones we keep mining for you.” The Pegasus ponies sat back down letting the young unicorn address this concern.

“Indeed I agree my Pegasus friend, but we do lack one thing, your patience for one along with elemental stones and in its purest form the mining operations in Canterlot and in the mountains have only provided minuscule amounts at the slightest, if we are to finally unlock the secrets of these elemental weapons we need a viable power source, something you have trouble understanding. Oh if Star Swirled was alive, centuries would take years to accomplish. My research has found out the need to formulate a strong enough compounds could take decades, the dragon kingdoms are the most bountiful in gems and elemental stones, trading with them has become laborious.” Lighting Rage tearing apart Valors argument right before his very eyes as the Pegasus sat down slowly again.

Rain Twirl then sat up to begin addressing the ponies in the room “What we need here is to commit more towards these sort of rare findings, I can assure all of you the treasury can help allocate the necessary funding thanks to the Crown Prince Lionheart we can help finally refine better elemental materials to arm our military and still have enough for this winters harvest.” Rain always found ways to fund the empire if it were through taxing or arresting unknown lords for their valuables he always found a way.

Lavaliere watched on as they continued to bicker amongst one another as he lowered his head and stroked his beard, politics had always bored him as they threw more debates across the room as he finally began to speak up. “I for one have a solution.” The old pony said as they all stopped arguing and begun facing him.

“Do you now?, certainly an old scholar pony such as yourself has had an epiphany falling asleep on his chair as usual.” the young unicorn snapped back at him.

“Hardly, you’re not Star Swirled on that we can all agree. Through many years of research into magic I had developed a way to help refine the elemental that Councilor Rage does so require.” A devious smile ran across his face as the entire council rose their heads upon hearing this news.

“Truly you are joking old pony, unless you should be in my position rather than me” Rage talked back not caring for the words of an old pony.

“Do not worry boy, you will know soon enough. Through certain studies in Hoofington I have found elemental properties respond to the magic a unicorn’s horn when casting, the result ranges from low to very destructive properties. I just so happen to know of two test subjects that are ideal for testing your elemental weapons should you allow this to be authorised emperor.” Lavaliere smiled at the end of his argument knowing that the young councilor found him in a situation he could not refuse.

“Oh really more of your students should I imagine, are we seriously gonna go through with this fellow councilors?”. Rage looking for any sign of approval in the room the response however was not what he expected.

“Your research has not turned anything new since you or your predecessors took it upon themselves, the only thing you have to offer is excuses and failed experiments” the Crown Prince said to the young researcher who quickly fell back into line.

“If this is true then Lavaliere what do you plan to do?” the emperor asked the old pony directly with a raised eyebrow.

“Tests of course if we can find out more on all of this we can help produce the perfect soldier that will help finally establish us as a proper power in the eyes of the other kingdoms. A small step I can say, since unicorns at first could harness this rare stone but if we can refine it more we could arm all our peacekeepers with the Pegasus military for an all-out war if need be” Lavaliere explaining his intent as well as fulfilling the Emperors dream since he first came to the throne and his father before him. The room fell silent upon this new discovery with Starshine standing up once again showing off his intelligence.

“I can vouch for Lavaliere my lord, I have heard and read all about what he is all telling us, certain unicorns with traits can be used, the strength of the stones has nothing to do with but the catalyst is the bearer itself.” Starshine proudly displaying yet again his ability to hear whispers all though the land. Lavaliere did not look amused about his new found knowledge.

“And how would you know then Starshine?” Lavaliere looking disgusted by all of this suddenly thinking of who could be a potential informant back in the academy or elsewhere in Hoofington.

“I have my ways old pony, you seem to have just gotten yours as well I see.” Starshine sitting down across from Lavaliere a smug smile to the old unicorn.

“Then it is settled then, Rage show Lavaliere what he requires as for his test subjects,  the rest of us however need to discuss the peacekeeper crisis that plagues us. Starshine tells me that for one growing discontent have risen back again across towards Canterlot since the Ponyville uprising. Councilor Rain, would you mind explaining all of this?” the emperor looked down the neck of the earth pony addressing his failures at this new situation.

“It…it seems that in recent months, activities have arisen in the countryside of certain unfortunate situations, such as the attack and murder of an Imperial diplomat, constant raids of Imperial peacekeeper camps along with the theft of multiple weapons with known escapees aiding these ponies. They go by no name or purpose but to the locals they are known as The Order of the Celestial Brotherhood my lord.” sweat of nervous look ran down the face of the earth pony.

“A pretentious name for a band of outlaws Rain, they look like heroes and you look like nothing but a blubbering idiot to us in front of them, if you cant deal with common peasants we’ll find someone else who will.” Valor straight forward telling the pony off in front of the entire committee.

“I agree with Valor, Rain I want them dead, everyone. And if that is not the case burn the villages and the farms, let them know what it means to choose the wrong side. I will not have another uprising, not in my time.” the emperor said as he stood to on all four hooves.

“This meeting is adjourned, I will be looking for a quick response to this Rain or else we have no use for you.” the Crown Prince said as him and his father began to leave under escort yet again. The councilors still remained standing next to the great table waiting for one to throw the first comment.

“That went better than expected.” Starshine said out loud “As for your situation Rain best see me right after this I can assure you we can work to a mutual agreement. This Celestial Brotherhood or whatever is surely just a splinter group of the Ponyville rebellion” He said as he began to leave the room followed slowly by Rain and the rest until it was just Rage and Lavaliere left in the room.

Rage walked over and began to speak to the old pony “About time you found suitable test subjects, I have been looking forward to this since eight years ago the last subjects you sent me did not end up so well old pony.” The young unicorn trying out Lavalieres patience of the former students sent to Rage.

“They were a loose end nothing more, but this time we have what we finally have what we need to accomplish, the others must not know about this.” Lavaliere boldly looking into the eyes of the Rage as he talked his past dealings.

“I would not worry they have no idea, even Starshine thinks I hate your guts, but hey what he does not know cannot hurt him.” Rages winked towards Lavaliere “Never mind lead me to where I can see these new recruits and show me their profiles, I will be sure to show you the new toys I have cooked up since them.”

Both ponies smiled as they left the meeting room towards the research area of the castle and looked down towards Wreath and Coronet, Rage looked on towards both of them. Two test subjects who had combat magic and recent graduates of the academy.

Rage could only smile as he looked back at Lavaliere.

“They will do just fine.” As they both walked down towards Rage’s personal quarters.

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The sun was rising slowly back in Canterlot as Twilight and Steel were still chasing the mysterious living statue that sprang to life the second sunlight touched as it ran back into the castle. The last they saw of the statue now looked like a yellow unicorn with a light fiery red mane run across the castle gardens back into the ruined castle.

“How in the sam hell did that thing spring to life Twi?, second it was just standin there and now its runnin like a pig at an all you can eat buffet.” Steel running along Twilight.

“Beats me, Steel but that pony said the princesses’ names and whatever that could mean I have to know.” Twilight now running faster through the ruined corridors after the living unicorn statue determined to get answers out of it.

The unknown unicorn seemed to be running towards the throne room as Twilight and Steel could hear it running as quickly as possible. Both ponies had trouble trying to keep up with the mysterious pony. After a sharp turn they came to a collapsed roof with the unicorn pony looking at it thinking of its next move. Twilight and Steel saw it and begun to shout back at the pony.

“Stop, we want to talk to you.” Twilight said while running closer and closer within view of the living statue.

“You cannot stop me, I will not let you, the Princess needs me!” the unicorn said shouting back at Twilight. Within a moment the unicorn let out a strong light as she teleported away from Twilight and Steel.

Both of them stopped in awe of its power as Twilight knew fully well only ponies who trained in Celestia’s School could only be able to accomplish a feat like that.

Twilight stood exactly where the pony was standing not a few seconds ago and began pondering quickly where she could have went.

“She said that she needed to see the Princess” Twilight began pondering where the living statue could have gone.

“Not to break your concentration Twi, but if I was a runnin livin statue who came from some dark secret dungeon the last place I would want is to go back in.”  Steel thinking out loud as usual.

“The only place we have not tried is the throne room, so that is where we are heading, but the passage is blocked which means we have to.” Twilight now looked at now nervous Steel.

“Nuh-huh no I’m not teleportin again, that stuff messes with your head and I can guarantee that Twi.” The earth pony shakin his head from left to right.

“Now’s not the time to argue mister, where doing it and that is final.” Twilight began using all the power left in her horn and in a purple flash both ponies where gone and appeared upon what was left of the Princess Celestia’s throne, with it standing next to it was the mysterious unicorn pony now standing still. Both Steel and Twilight walked slowly towards the unicorn both not daring to speak in the event that they would scare her off again. They continued to walk but where interrupted by the unicorn as it began to talk back to them.

“It is gone; she is gone, the castles gone. WHAT HAPPENED HERE!!” the unicorn screamed at the top of her lungs as her voice echoed all across the grand hall. She finished shouting and begun to fall and cry upon the steps leading up to the throne.

“I do not know, it happened a long time ago I’m still adjusting so I know what you’re going through.” Twilight tried to learn and reason with this new pony.

“How would you know of pain, your entire world turned upside down? It was not an hour ago I was talking with the Princess within this very room, now to see it destroyed and left to rot, tell me how does a unicorn like you live with yourself” the unicorn talked back directly at Twilight.

“Now hold on here a minute here missy, we have all lost somethin cause of this empire. I do not know what kinda life style you and Twilight here have lived….” Steel was suddenly interrupted by the yellow coloured unicorn as the name she just heard rang a series of bells in her head.

The unicorn’s eyes opened up as she looked at Twilight and ran over next to her suddenly beginning to speak again. “YOUR Twilight Sparkle, like the famous Twilight Sparkle of Ponyville?. You went missing I remember now how did you end up in this sort of a mess.” the unicorn looked in amazement eager to await Twilights response.

“It is a long story already I can tell you and you must be?.” Twilight answered back awkwardly towards this suddenly friendly pony.

“Sorry, where are my manners I am Speed Reader I was once a personal student to Princess Celestia, the last one if I do recall, my it was a pleasure learning under her just like you once did. I remember seeing you once when I was a filly. I was so jealous of you.” Speed kept talking all about her past life but only one word kept hanging onto Twilight and that was “personal student”.

“You where the princesses personal student Speed?.”

“Yes I was, I also had a personal assistant his name was Scratch,Spork,Spunk?”

“Spike I’m assuming Speed.”

“Yes the dragon, really helpful he always felt sad for some reason.”

“ME gone missing, that was the reason Speed” Twilight began to look furious.

“Im sorry Twilight, this is just so much to take in, me standing in front of the Twilight Sparkle, I could have not wished for a more perfect setting. Minus the rubble of course.” Speed slightly laughed at her end response.

“Lets not get ahead of ourselves mares, let’s answer first of all, how did you become a statue? and second you seem to possibly be the pony who last lived here, what in the same hell happened to all of this?.” Steel eager for answers and none of which were being answered.

“That is right Steel, Speed do you know what happened with Celestia when I left, or more importantly what happened to my friends and Spike.”

Speed looked down and begun to think of what to say, her response was not what they wanted to hear.

“I’m sorry both of you I do not remember, I do remember bits and pieces I’m certain it will return in time. Until then I’m beginning to remember other things, something I must do and where I can look into it…..I think” Speed told both Steel and Twilight as she rubbed her head trying to remember even the slightest thing.

“That is good but where Speed?” Twilight asked hoping she would remember.

“Right here, I think I remember Celestia showing me this once. If I just go over here to the throne and push this in I can.” Just as Speed said the last word a secret hatch opened just behind the throne as a massive slab of the floor began to give way allowing a secret staircase to be revealed.

“I do believe we got it, at least my memories are still intact” Speed said proudly out loud.

“Again with the secret passages, cannot we go just one week without this happening?” Twilight complained out loud.

“What can I say Twi, third times a charm.” Steel said nudging Twilight as he made his way to the staircase.

All the three ponies prepared to descend down the hidden staircase to wherever it might of lead. Speed remembered one thing and that was at the end there was answers for all three, answers that explained why Equestria fell into this new age of depression. After sometime the staircase ended and darkness was to be seen all around. Speed used her horn to light the way as all three stayed close and continued down the long dark tunnel until they ran into a door at the other end of the staircase. The symbols on the door where similar to the ones Twilight encountered back in Star Swirled’s hidden library the symbol of the two goddesses encircling each other showing the rotations of day and night. Speed looked at the door with intrigue as she considered on how to open the massive door.

“Well gee’golly have not seen a door like this, must be at least hundreds of years old.” Steel said looking at Twilight who did not share his optimism.

“Steel this is a symbol of the old Equestrian Order, used secretly by Princess Celestia the last time I saw this weapons where on the other side, weapons I think that made Equestria the way it is.” Twilights said staring at the door and remembering the last time and what contents this one contained.

Speed inserted her horn into the hole in the door and begun casting her magic, within a second the door lit up and opened slowly. The ground rumbled slightly as the both doors gave way showing the room that Speed was looking for, she casted her magic as it shot into the room lighting all the gems and crystals that hung above the chandeliers. As the room lit up endless rows of tables lined the room with countless gems engraved within the wall. Speeds eyes lit up along with the gems that shined a bright white light as she turned around and begun to speak. Speed walked over to one of the gems that had a scroll beside with the words “Play Me” on the paper. Speed knew somehow the gem had a voice recording on it, she used her magic to play its contents and her voice started speaking from the gem.

Speed, it is me talking to you, weird right. Anyways this place contains everything you will need to learn why you were turned to stone. Remember this that it was a choice we made both you and the Princess. We need to fix whatever state Equestria is currently in, the weapons of Star Swirled the Bearded have been found by the ponies of Equestria and have begun using them against the Princess herself, we doubt that she will last long against this backlash. Gather friends and hope that any resistance if it still exists is around to help save Equestria. Please you must do this. I must go now they are looking for me. I will use this paralysis spell to encase myself in stone, only sunlight will free us. I hope if whoever frees you is kind enough to hear your plee.

Speed put down the recording as she began to jog her memory and remembered what the recording had to say.

“I remember now, here lies the last known archives of the Royal Equestrian History all the up to its downfall, I helped catalogue it up to the point right before I was encased in a statue, please come in I will show you Twilight everything you need to know.” Speed grabbed Twilight and led her into the archive room, Steel walked in following the two unicorns.

“As I said Twilight, I helped catalogue all this now I remember, it took months when I was Celestia’s student I began to do this, me and Spike. The Princess knew somehow this was to be useful in the future. I’m glad she was right” Speed walked down right next to one of the desks as it read on the table Princess Celestia commissions archives. “Here Twilight have a look.” Speed said as Twilight unwrapped the scroll and begun to read its contents.

My dearest student Speed Reader

These coming months have been dark and you for one know the sadness that grips my heart, my sister has left me angered over the secret that she has discovered somehow. I should have destroyed Star Swirled’s devices decades ago her guards have left as well leaving the castle at half strength, it has been years since I have heard from her and her whereabouts are unknown. The political courts want nothing more to deal with my enquiries. It is through the ponies of Canterlot along with Sir Fancy Pants that they do not rebel in full strength against my rule.

I fear this storm will not pass, not for countless decades.

I commission you my dear student to please document all of these messages, plans hatch within my mind and it is these plans that might save Equestria as we know it. If I do not survive this ordeal I have a mission for you, a mission that is ages in the planning.

PS: You remind me sometimes of her, I only wish she was still around. I could really use her help.

PPS: Forgive me, dribbling on useless talk.

Yours somewhat faithful ruler

former Princess Celestia of Equestria.

Twilight looked shocked with what the letter had to be told, she did not understand the sudden fall that the Princess had suffered. Twilight had put down the scroll and begun to talk back to Speed again.

“Princess Luna left, the royal court of Equestria wanted nothing to do with Celestia? What happened Speed, is there more of these letters?.” Twilight was desperate to know more.

“Yes there is over here, that was one of the last ones the Princess had sent me before they came to arrest here if I remember correctly, they led her to somewhere else a new capital the royal court called it, during that time the Princess was away sent to there from Canterlot to answer before the court. As she left Canterlot was attacked and Celestia was imprisoned.” Speed remembered more as she moved from one table to the next looking for more insight to show Twilight.

“Here Twi, here is another it seems to old and possibly an early one at best.” Steel said from the other end of the room looking through its contents. “Hey what do you know it has your name on it?”

Twilight ran over straight over to Steel. She grabbed the scroll straight from him and begun to read. “Its not a letter just a newsletter it seems.” As she began to read it fully.

To all relatives and friends of student Twilight sparkle

You are cordially invited to the remembrance ceremony in Canterlot Castle.

The ceremony is to commemorate the one year anniversary of her unfortunate disappearance.

It gives me great pleasure in this sad unfortunate event that the Star Swirled Wing will be renamed to the Twilight Sparkle Wing in honour of her selfless acts in saving Equestria  multiple times along with her friends from the town of Ponyville.

We Hope You Would Attend This Ceremony.

Your Ruler

Princess Celestia of Equestria

“I disappeared?” Twilight said as she lowered the scroll in confusion.

“That is right Twilight, no one knew what happened to you, Celestia, your friends no one at all. The last she remembered seeing you was in Canterlot Castle that very night.” Speed remembered what Celestia told her a long time ago.

“And what of the student Lighting Guise, he was with me that night, what happened to him?.” Twilight asked wanting to know what happened to that little pony.

“Lighting Guise, never heard of that name before Twilight sorry, some pony you knew maybe?” Speed trying to remember that name but not ringing any bells unfortunately. Twilight felt disappointed in not knowing what happened the last time she last saw him back in the Everfree.

“What happened to my friends Speed, is there anything on that here, the other elements of harmony?.” Twilight desperately flipping through random pages for answers.

“The elements of harmony, yes there was a catalogue about what happened to them, Princess Celestia seemed necessary to do so encase they where needed again.” Speed ran over to the wall as she shone more light revealing a gigantic portrait of all six ponies engraved upon the massive tall wall. Two gigantic scrolls ran from the wall all the way down between the engravings of Twilight and all her friends.

“Woah Twi, you were like famous or something?, you must have been rich or this Princess held you in high esteem.” Steel looked at each of the six stoned ponies nested within the wall.

“Famous Steel, I guess if you want to put it that way, but from this I guess the Princess held us all in high esteem.” Twilight admired the size of the massive portrait.

Speed walked over to one the giant parchments and begun examining its contents, after some time she broke silence “Here Twilight this chapter at the bottom should tell you all you need to know about your friends and their final whereabouts.”

Twilight walked over to the giant hanging scroll and took quite a read of both sides of the wall. It described everything that had happened since the summer sun celebration all the way to the Canterlot wedding. She walked over to the other side of the parchment reading it as it ran down the ceiling to the floor. It described fully the after events when Twilight disappeared, what she read was sadness of what happened to her friends after she left them. The chapter that it was under was called “The Breaking of the Elements.”

She read more of what happened to her friends, after the months they were brought together closer then ever all united over Twilights disappearance. They apparently met up always at the library with Spike to help remember Twilight as the months turned to years. Rainbow Dash kept the library in check with Spike in remembrance of Twilight possibly honouring her of helping Dash’s new found passion of reading. Rarity’s boutique closed down months later and she was offered to move to Canterlot to design dresses for the wealthy and Canterlot Elite.

“Looks like she became a very important pony” Twilight told herself.

Years later Pinkie Pie left for the big city of Los Pegasus the supposed party capital of Equestria, her whereabouts after that remain a mystery. Spike left permanently for Canterlot to help assist Speed Reader, Celestia’s new student and the Princess. Rainbow Dash tried to keep the library in check after Spike left Ponyville. Money became a main concern for the Pegasus and the library was soon turned into a museum in the centre of Ponyville by the town’s committee, after which Rainbow left for Cloudsdale apparently enlisting for the Wonderbolts. She soon apparently became the fastest flier within the land. Fluttershy settled down in Ponyville permanently outside the Everfree Forest and soon married to a certain special some pony.

“Thats four of them, the last one is Applejack.” Twilight kept reading towards the end.

The parchment skipped years later, Applejack sold the farm years after not seeing any of the others. Granny Smith passed away and Macintosh settled down as well. She apparently journeyed the lands visiting all the other ponies keeping them together. Rumour had it she settled down in Derbyshire on the other side of Equestria.

Twilight felt torn apart by this breaking of her friends by her absence. She read the last line on the parchment and walked away remembering what it said.

Without the magic of friendship the elements broke apart and with that so did Equestria.

“The elements are gone.” Twilight said to herself. “Celestia said she was alone, what happened to Luna.” Twilight asked Speed with raised eyebrows.

“There was a gem recording Celestia made about all of that, it was more of a personal confession may I remind you.” Speed said concerned about what it may have contained.

“Celestia is not around anymore.” Steel said. “I’m pretty sure what she would have had to say it may shed more light on what we need.”

Speed walked over to the main table where all the gem recordings where. She looked through them all and picked the one that was needed. Speed used her magic to turn on the gem recording. A voice begun to echo from the stone, it was Princess Celestia.

I’m so sorry Luna, I should have told you sooner about everything. It is strange talking into this stone about my deepest confessions. It is true I had Star Swirl make those elements but only in the best interest in saving you from yourself.

Those relics have haunted me every since you returned back to Equestria. With Twilight gone I feel this is all my fault and if anypony should suffer it is me and me alone.

I never kept them in the need should you ever return back in to that demon Nightmare Moon and I for one wish I could take it all back right away this instant. When you came before me angry and saddened learning of there existence, I never intended for you to feel betrayed by your own sister, all I wanted was us to rule together as mother and father intended.

If you ever come back home remember this, your big sister will always love you no matter what.

Your Loving Sister

Former Ruler of Equestria

Alicorn Celestia Sunshine.

“She gave up the throne even before she it was stripped from here.” Twilight stared at the gem saddened by its contents.

“Its true Twilight, the day Luna left Canterlot, Celestia was never herself. The last strain of hope after you left was solely placed within her younger sister. Of course the royal court saw this as a golden opportunity to further extend their rule over the Princess.” Speed look disgusted by the treatment the Princess suffered during the last years of her rule. “She spent the last days of her rule confined deep in the caves of Canterlot looking at that ancient cavern trying to solve matters that seemed distant.”

“The archive of the elements of harmony Speed, she was looking through it all for some sort of sign, possibly to avert the darkness that was predicted.” Twilight said as all suddenly became clear.

“Woah wait darkness, princesses and element of harmony, sounds oddly like a old ponies tail Twi. Listen forget all of this pony nonsense, we can still use the money we earned, get a boat and leave this land. Please Twi there’s nothing here to save anymore.” Steel trying to talk sense into the young purple unicorn.

“You do not understand earth pony, if this darkness is true no matter where we go it will find us.” Speed looked angrily at the earth pony.

Steel looked at Twilight waiting for a response from her only to respond by the same remark.

“It is true Steel, the Princess told me all about it years ago and it seems the time is fast approaching. If it is true there will be nothing that will stop it, we cannot rely on this empire to save us in the slightest.” The earth ponies’ response was a snort followed by a nod of agreement towards Twilight. He felt like she needed him all the way and wherever Twilight would follow so would Steel.

Speed looked more at the gems that lined the table all emerald coloured glistening with vibrant colours. She looked more that would help fill in the gaps needed to help remember her memories but of all that she found one part was missing, how to fix all of this was the missing part of the puzzle. Speed looked more at the other tables all emerald coloured gems until she found a ruby gem all different from the others. She remembered somehow this was the one that would tell her what was needed to be played as she used her magic to light up her horn.

Speed it is me Celestia by the time you hear this you will be encased in stone, listen I am heading to Stalliongrad to address this new council and hopefully sort out all of this nonsense once and for all. More then likely they will not listen and use the devices that I once used on my sister on myself. The result will be imprisoning me upon the very lunar prison I sent Luna. I may not be returning for some time and in my absence Equestria will tear itself apart slowly and be destroyed before I return. Make no mistake my student the darkness is coming and I have finally found the time it will arrive. It is no less then three hundred years in the future, I have made you prepare this entire archive for you to remember what must be done when you awaken.

Find allies that will help you and find the new elements of harmony. My research in the archives of the elements has found that they will return to fight this new threat. I am sad to say they will fail if it is not due to our intervention. Please my student I know this is a tall task to address but your maybe our only hope of saving what is left of Equestria. Use the scroll within the room next to this gem, each will contain the cutie mark of each pony and with that find them, unite them and use what I thought you to beat this evil.

I wish there was some other way.

Your Faithful Teacher

Celestia.

Speed dropped the gem and begun looking under the table for the very scroll that Celestia had described, upon minutes of looking she had found what was looking for. Upon opening the scroll six cutie marks were on the piece of paper. All three looked at this new discovery and the six marks that needed to be found. Upon looking Steel found an astonishing discovery his cutie mark was listed upon the piece of paper. The symbol of an hammer and an anvil was one of them.

“Well that is a good start I do say” Speed looked at Steel, the earths ponies response was confusion and denial.

“Woah wait here, let’s not all jump to conclusions here you two, no way am I being dragged into all of this magic nonsense.” Steel said quickly as Twilight and Speed began eyeing him.

“Its here in paper Steel.” Twilight said. “Like it or not you are one the ponies who might save Equestria.”

“Pain in the ass Twi, forget it.” The earth pony began to become annoyed at the sudden responsibility that was trusted upon him.

“Now’s not the time to argue you two, there is five more elements needed to be found and Equestria is a big place.” Speed folded back up the scroll as she begun to leave the room back upstairs to the throne room.