The emerald coated unicorn sprinted across the path within Everfree forest. The town seemed like thousands of miles away. It might as well have been. He heard the gruesome cracking of branches, or at least he hoped it was branches. The foul monster that had torn his cart and oxen apart was still somewhere in the realm behind him. Using his magic, he cast a spell to cut the tree branches in front of him, clearing a path he could jump through. As he bound over a log, his hoof snagged on a tendril. He went face-first into the dirt, biting his tongue hard enough to taste the copper-like bitterness of blood. He quickly tried to regain his ground but was shocked into a frozen stance of fear as a large figure swooped down directly in front of him. He trembled as it approached with a terrifying elegance. The laughter sounded like thousands of vampire bats screeching over the crying of dying animals. In a last-ditch effort, the unicorn shot a spell at the face of the monster. It stamped its hoof down onto his bolt, crashing it into the ground. Its wicked smile riveted his bones.

“Give into me, sweet child. Your power is nothing and must be yielded to those more deserving.”

The voice sounded like a pair of snakes slithering through his ears. The words were so heavy that he felt compelled to lay down and die before the tall and maleficent creature. As it approached, the moonlight lit its wicked face to reveal… “Starswirl the bearded? But I thought—” He was cut short as Starswirl’s mouth opened, a dark blue and luminescent tendril shot out and wrapped around the pony’s neck. It lifted him off the ground, strangling the breath from him. As he felt his life leaving him, his magic flowed through his body and came through the rope fastened to his neck. He glanced back to his cutie mark, watching the shattered hourglass slowly turn into a moon-shaped mark. He felt a cold air fill his lungs as Starswirl released him to fall to the ground. His leg broke on impact, but he could not bring himself to enough consciousness to cry out in pain.

“No, child of the sun. Starswirl’s weak frame has been filled with the power of the cosmos. Now, embrace your fate. Know that your power has been given to one more deserving. Die well, magic-bearer.”

The pony felt his eyes grow heavy as he registered the sounds of Timberwolves surrounding him. He raised his leaden head to watching the elongated unicorn walk away, looking taller than before. He let his eyes fall shut as he felt the sharp fangs of wood pierce his hide.

“You need to tell us everything you know.”

Stalight’s voice domineered the conversation between Celestia, Luna, Star Strider, and Twilight. They sat in the throne room of Twilight’s castle. Star Strider nodded and sighed.

“Yes, but I already have. There is not much else to know. The Lichen grows from power. It saps magic from all those around it, unicorn or not. Their marks are replaced by that of a weaning moon.”

“Significance. What is the significance of the moon?”

“Yes, if something is going to associate with my domain, it better have a reason.” Star Strider held his hoof up to cut off the ponies.

“The weaning moon is the final phase the moon passes by before becoming full. My guess would be the representation that the pony affected has lost their power to be forever on the precipice of discovering their magic. The Lichen cannot fully take the power as the original vessel must still exist on this plain so it can continue to feed from its physical embodiment. Death does not matter, so long as it took only some of the magic and did not fully envelop it. As for my student becoming possessed, I have no idea. It troubles me to know that the Lichen has inflicted this on him. It seems to be embodying him instead of holding its own form this time around.”

“I thought you said that it didn’t possess ponies?”

“From my experience, it did no such thing. Perhaps it has learned that a powerful physical vessel is more suited for its domination. Starswirl has always been the most powerful pony I know. I remember back to my final fight with the beast, it pursued him especially in comparison to me or my students. There must be something special it senses from him.” Celestia stood up and looked at Luna.

“Luna and I may know a little something of this. When Luna gave into her selfish desires and I was given a vision of mine, horrible alter-egos manifested in the forms of Nightmare Moon and Dawn Breaker. From the looks of our old friend, he shares many similar traits to how we looked. I think that the Lichen knows that power is easier to direct than control. It must be embodying Starswirl as a means to grow more in power. How will it and where will it appear are the remaining questions.”
The room sat in thought as Twilight shifted the map table to zoom closer on Ponyville.

“My friends have reported nothing strange yet, other than some of the caravan traders showing up late or not at all. The missing ones are the few who choose to traverse the Everfree forest. Delays are built into their schedule. If we don’t hear from our expected trader in about three days, we should expect something happened. Maybe we start by searching there? You did say that the forest is replicant of the Lichen.”

“A credible idea, princess Twilight. Though dangerous. We would need to take many precautions and form backup plans. I suggest detaching some of the royal guard down here to help. Is there anypony who knows the woods?”

“Zecora!” Twilight and Starlight shouted in unison. Star Strider furrowed his brow.

“Who?”

“A zebra friend of ours.” Twilight clarified. “She’s lived in the shallow parts of the forest for as long as I can remember. If anypony knew the twists of it, she would be our go to.”

“Alright. Allow us to employ this zebra and have the guards begin searching in the daybreak. Speed is of essence. If we allow the Lichen to absorb too much power, it will become unstoppable. I will do what I can, but my magic is still very weak. It does not seem to be recovering a pace that would provide use.” The group nodded to him as he rose and started out. They followed suit, exiting to their respective tasks. Luna followed Star Strider towards the heart of ponyville with Starlight and Twilight up ahead. She came closer to him to lower her voice.

“What if your magic doesn’t come back? Have you considered alternatives?”

“No. I have not considered failure an option.” He spoke in defiance. Luna scrunched her nose in confusion and annoyance.

“That’s not entirely up to you though. Your magic could be gone forever, and it would be smarter to plan for that and be ready than left with zero options.” Star Strider huffed at her, causing her to rear a little in shock.

“NO. My magic will come back. That is final.” He sped up to catch the other two as they approached town hall.

Wow, touchy much? Luna felt shocked at his outburst at her but understood his frustration. If she lost her magic… she could only imagine how awful she would feel. She pushed the incident from her mind and refocused on their task.

The four of them stood at the town center, Twilight already briefing Mayor Mare on their plan. She noticed the townponies slowing as they passed by Star Strider, some of them stopping entirely in awe. She hadn’t considered this was almost everypony here’s first time seeing the enormous and ancient stallion. Twilight’s friends approached and mounted by her side, all of them staring at the grizzled face of the pony. Luna felt stabs of jealousy as she watched Rarity lean over to whisper to Applejack. No doubt about his attractiveness. How could I blame them? He has something for everypony. She hung her head as she thought that all of Twilight’s friends probably had a better shot with him anyway. Rainbow dash hovered in the air, a skeptical look on her face.

As Twilight wrapped up her explanation, the mayor left to gather her staff and make an announcement to the town. The four ponies now had another five companions with them. Luna felt crowded. Rainbow dash was the first to speak among them.

“So… you’re super strong or something? Bet I could beat you in a hoof wrestle. One behind my back to make it fair of course.”

“Rainbow, easy now. We just met this guy and yer already pickin a fight.” Applejack grabbed her friend’s dangling hoof and dragged her to the ground. As Rainbow looked up to Star Strider, she realized just how big he actually was and gasped in shock.
“I guess he’s— I mean like maybe Big Mac would break a sweat with him. I’d be…” She trailed off as Star Strider approached her and brushed past the five friends without a word. He headed for the forest, and they all followed. Luna trailed behind, embarrassed for some reason. Why do I feel embarrassed by other ponies liking him? Her thoughts apparently broadcasted as Rarity saddled up next to her on their walk.

“Princess Luna, your new friend is awfully large and desperately handsome. Say again where you met him?”

“I didn’t.” Luna spat, much to her own surprise. Rarity saw the obvious signs and changed her dynamic.

“Well, I think you have found quite the stallion for yourself. We all envy you, even if nopony else will say it. You two make a beautiful pair darling.”

“What? We aren’t, together together. I mean not yet. Well, kind of. We both had something—”

“Ap ap ap ap dear shhhhh. A lady mustn’t explain the intricacies of her relationship to everypony. I understand how complicated they can be. But I must say, he seems worth it. And you don’t let the worthwhile ones go for anything. They are dreadfully hard to come by nowadays.” Rarity finished her talk and strutted off to catch up with her friends. Luna thought about what she said. He is worth it. Magic or not. Luna shook off her sorrow and replaced it with pride. Star Strider was proud to be with her, there was no reason for her to feel any different. Filled with a new and exciting energy, she sped up to stride in tow with the others.

Author's Note

I am so sorry for the delay. Life has a bad habit of catching up to me. I've been on a bit of a writing hiatus. Hope you guys enjoy what I can put out!