Branches were snapping rapidly, as the gray earth pony ran through the woods as fast as he could. I have to get there, no matter what. The thought of another one of his dear pupils meeting an early end only worked to quicken his pace. The cackling of the monster grew louder as he came closer to his destination. He passed a wounded colt as he ran, hesitating only a moment.

“Help me sir… I’m cold and don’t know where I am!”

The gray stallion slowed his traversal, as he gazed at the young unicorn that lay before him. He peered closer, careful not to get too close. He looked at the colt’s flank for his cutie mark, noticing the sheared off portions of fur along his back. As he looked upon the spot where the colt’s cutie mark should have been, he saw the all-too familiar and sickening blue glow in the shape of a weaning moon where the mark should have been. The gray pony reared back and continued his pace with haste. Come on, you’re smarter than that. In what world is a young unicorn not able to conjure up some sort of magic to heal or at least lessen the pain?

In this one. He shivered, hoping it was not too late to save his student, and defeat the true horror behind the impersonating ponies.

As he finally crossed a clearing in the trees, he saw what he feared most; the large shimmering-blue figure was closing in on a young gray unicorn, who did not look all too different from himself. The figure was on a quick course to envelop the poor colt before a moment’s notice. I have to get there NOW! He sprang from his stance and ran faster than he thought possible for any earth pony. As he ran, he began reciting the incantation he hoped would work. As he closed the gap, a young unicorn looked up and saw him.

“Star-strider DON’T!” was about all he could yell out before his master had placed his now glowing hoof against the menacing entity. As his hoof made contact, Star-Strider cried out in what seemed to be the most painful cry ever mustered. A large, purple energy field shot out from his body, enveloping him and the creature in a massive orb of magic. The creature was letting out a ghastly scream of pain, as it saw its conquest slipping away. The young pony ran towards the orb, attempting to summon his own unicorn magic to open some crack for his beloved master to escape, but he knew better and this would not work. He heard his master yell something, but from the cries of agony to the barreling storm of magic surrounding him, he could only make out a part of it.

“Swirl!—Don’t… you need to find!”

“Master! I can’t understand you! please stop this and come back! We can defeat the Lichen together!”

“LISTEN! Find—friend—Cel… When you can!”

“Master!”

With a loud clicking sound, the entire orb began to shrink, pulling massive winds into it. The young unicorn could only watch in horror as the orb went to being smaller than the figure, to smaller than his master. With one final spin, the orb closed itself away from reality.

The unicorn had been so focused on the screaming and trying to listen, he failed to notice the tears pouring down his face, or the fact that the sun had now risen, and the woodland creatures emerged to investigate what the ruckus was from the previous night. He had been sitting there for what he could only guess was hours. He slowly sat up, closing his jaw, and fastening his robe closer to his body. He looked down as it rustled and jingled with the bells of an apprentice.

How am I going to do anything when I couldn’t even hear you? He felt himself welling up again. But I will do everything in my power to bring you back master. Everything. With one final glance at the clearing the epic storm had just taken place over, the unicorn turned and began trotting back to his observatory in the mountains of Equestria. He knew whatever spell his master conjured was not of permanence. And I want my teacher back. He paused as he thought, I want my friend back. And he would stop at nothing to do just that.

Author's Note

Jumping in straight to some action for a little tease of what is going on. I have chapters 1-9 written and will be releasing weekly! Let me know if you want more content earlier or have any suggestions. Feedback very much appreciated. Thanks for reading!