The Chronicle of Paradox
Ch# 1
Arrival of the stranger
“Strange? I was sure I saw something fall near the old palace.” the alabaster alicorn thought aloud, while re-entering her quarters.
Sending one of the royal guards to get the captain, her mind wandered back to what she'd seen, the darkness over the Everfree forest. If her sleep hadn't been interrupted by troubling dreams, she would've missed the foreboding sight, this made her anxious.
“The timing just seems too coincidental.” a sudden knock on the chamber doors broke her concentration as Strong Armor’s arrival was announced
"Let him enter"
Entering in full celestial guard armor, the blue unicorn gave a bow to her. Armor had become a trusted adviser and friend to her, since becoming captain. When his wife, Stellar Sparkle, had left the guard five years prior to raise their family, he had started to mention retiring to spend time with his wife during these peaceful times. The fact he could outsmart and outfight most stallions younger than him, made it a difficult decision to decide.
"Princess Celestia, I arrived as fast as I could when you summoned." He said formally, remaining on one knee
"Rise old friend. I would like you to assemble a search party. Darkness appeared over the Everfree forest and something about it worries me."
"Yes Princess Celestia, my ponies and I shall be assembled at the break of dawn to set out for the Everfree forest." Armor said standing straight.
With a wave of her hoof, the stallion turned and quickly trotted out of her chambers. Giving a yawn she returned to her bed to try and sleep. As she settled into the bed, her thoughts kept returning to the darkness and the dream of a black and a white pony that had awoken her.
“This is an interesting experience...” the being thought after finding itself in a crater. Placing a hoof on the ground to get up, he tried to get up. The result was quite different than expected.
"Ow! Real smooth move tripping over my own hooves." He hissed through gritted teeth.
While nursing his tender muzzle, he noticed just how tired he truly felt. Gripping some nearby roots, electric blue runes shone from the ankh on his forehead creating the shape of a horn. As a similar glow surrounding the roots, they began to wither. Slowly his clear,unkempt mane took on the appearance of vines, while the roots turned to dust. Feeling re-energized the glow receded back into the ankh and he tried to stand again.
With a successful second attempt, he climbed out of the crater for a better view. He quickly noticed the trail of destruction leading to the crater.
“I should probably get out of here.” he thought sheepishly, hoping that no pony was hurt by his collision with the forest.
Quickly trotted away in the opposite direction, an overgrown path came into sight. Following the path instead of wandering aimlessly, his mind started flitting over the same question; How did he end up in that crater and lose all his strength? Trying to make sense of it, he tried to recount the facts. “I seem to have landed in the Everfree Forest from the looks of it. I also managed not to break every bone in my body from a head on collision with the earth, some good news... Still doesn’t tell me how in the hay I got here!?” he thought, stomping a forehoof in frustration.
Feeling the ground under him start to wobble, the pony stood stock still. That’s when he noticed he’d made it halfway across a rickety old bridge. Cautiously he slowly lifted a forehoof from the rotting bridge planks surprised he hadn’t fallen through already.
Giving a sigh of relief when the bridge stopped creaking, he continued onwards. “That could’ve ended badly.” he thought with a smile, as one of the support ropes
snapped.
Quickly trying to grab onto the remaining rope support he plunged into the gorge.
“Oh Crabapples! Come on wings, Wings!”
Forcing the infinitias symbol on his back to activate, he created two translucent red wings with a bright flash. With hardly any movement the frail looking wings reversed his momentum and propelled him out onto the cliff edge. Landing in a heap, he tried to calm his nerves with deep breaths.
Can’t remember where you're from and almost fall to your death... keep up the great work foal,he thought before looking up and seeing the remains of a castle ruin.
It looked like the site of a war. The keeps’ roof was demolished and only one of the spires remained.
Forgetting about his near death experience he slowly got up and walked closer to investigate, with a look of wonder on his face.
Each step he took towards the doorway seemed more difficult than the last, as the mental fatigue finally started to set in. Getting only a few steps through the entranceway, he sprawled in front of 5 gems in an unconscious heap.
Hearing the sound of distant flapping and voices calling out, brought him out of his slumber, some time later. The sunlight streaming through a nearby window told him he'd been asleep for hours.
Placing his hooves beneath himself, he got up and walked over to one of the destroyed windows and peeked out, looking for the disturbance. It had been three pegasi drawn chariots coming in for a landing on a small strip of land nearby. Guess I made quite the commotion last night he thought seeing a familiar white alicorn dismounting the largest chariot.
While a blue unicorn began organizing the other armored pegasi, he backed away from the window starting to understand the situation.
Maybe being clothed would be for the best he thought looking over his abnormal appearance. Turning from the window he headed deeper into the keep, taking the passageway to the side of the gem-supporting statue.
As he exited the keep, the gems gave a faint flash.
Seems to link to the remaining spire he noticed, as a door bearing a crescent moon decal came into view. With a loud creak the door opened to reveal a strange sight. The bed was made, pictures of midnight scenery adorned the walls and a pony sized mirror lay cracked upon the wall. It seemed the occupants had just left. Walking into the room, the door closed silently behind him.
It feels wrong to be here, almost like being joyful at a funeral.
Seeing the closet beside the bed, he tentatively walked over and peered inside. Quickly sorting through the clothes, he figured the occupant had been a bit of a tomcolt from the amount of casual, mare sized outfits hanging from the walls. That's when he saw the perfect article of clothing; a dark blue hooded cloak. Quickly donning it, he exited the closet and checked himself out in the cracked mirror.
It'll suffice for now, pushing the hood down with a fore hoof, he walked back towards the main keep as a symbol briefly glowed through the fabric.
Heading down the spire’s staircase, Strong Armor headed back to the main chamber of the ancient castle. After the search party had found the crater and broken bridge, he'd gotten the unicorn and pegasus knights to scout the area surrounding the castle ruins. Celestia and him had entered the main chamber of the castle to check-up on the Elements of Harmony. When he'd seen her pained expression, he'd left to search the interior of the ruin alone. Reaching the bottom of the steps, his ears perked up.
"Who are you? What have you done with Strong Armor!"
Hearing Celestia's shout, he broke into a gallop until a cloaked pony came into view. Focusing magic in the tip of his horn, he quickly closed the distance to the pony.
“So we meet earlier than expected, Princess Celestia. I am...”
Releasing the magic, the blue ray flashed forward and hit the pony full on; Or would have if an aura of strange glowing runes hadn't stopped the magic.
“...Paradox?" the pony said perplexed, turning towards Armor.
Giving a glance toward Celestia, Armor verified she was safe before striding out of the passage, spear leveled and magic ready.
“Back away from the princess and surrender!”
“Do you believe you can hinder me, unicorn?” Paradox retorted, the runes fading.
“It doesn't matter, as the captain of the guards, I’ll stake my life on protecting the princess.”
Glancing towards the entrance, Armor wondered if the rest of the guards were alright.
With a chuckle, the cloaked pony sat on the floor, seeming to read his mind.
“An honest and loyal stallion you are captain. I mean no harm to your Princess Celestia or your ponies-in-arms. I concede surrender...but only if Celestia will allow me in Equestria.” apparently finished the pony turned it's head toward Celestia.
Seeing an opening, he lunged forward hoping to overpower the possible threat in hoof-to-hoof combat.
“Stop Strong Armor!” Celestia shouted while creating a barrier between Strong Armor and the stranger. “Your opponent isn’t to be taken lightly."
Turning to face the interloper, she looked him over carefully.
“You are not of our realm are you, Paradox. If you were you would know of the importance of this place.” she said, trying to hide the five Elements of Harmony behind her extended wings and body.
“I only came by following an old path. I ended up here by following that path." Paradox replied seemingly oblivious to her effort.
“How can we trust you? Maybe I should drag you back and find out the truth if you pose a threat to Equestria or not" Strong Armor remarked as he motioned for her to play along.
“I do not wish harm on my kingdom, just as much as you, Strong Armor. We have yet to know if we are met by ally or enemy. I believe we should let him remain.” She said, walking toward Paradox, hoping to be close enough to incapacitate him with magic is he became violent.
“Thank you for your hospitality Princess.” Paradox exclaimed cheerfully while bowing to her.
Surprised a bit by the passive reaction, she changed tactics. “Yes you may remain in Equestria but you will stay at the Canterlot castle. I cannot let you wander
free with the ponies of this realm until it has been confirmed that your intentions are as benevolent as you claim.”
Surrounded by contingent of guards, Paradox was escorted in a separate chariot, flying ahead of the two containing Armor and Celestia.
“Paradox seemed sincere when he said he meant no harm to Equestria, but it was smart to keep him confined to the castle. At least until his intentions are known." Armor replied, breaking the silence.
“I thought of that as well but I'm more concerned about where he came from. It should be impossible for an earth pony to use magic of any sort.” Celestia said, as her gaze shifted forward.
Following her gaze, he saw that Paradox was trying to start a conversation with the pegasi guards surrounding his chariot.
"Well Celestia, a wise pony once told me that mistrust has averted more disasters than trust ever will. With that I'd like to volunteer to monitor Paradox during his stay."
With a nod of acceptance Celestia agreed and the remainder of the trip was spent discussing how to accommodate Paradox at the castle.
Finally landing in the palace grounds, Princess Celestia disembarked from the pegasi drawn chariot and confronted Paradox, as the stallion exited his own.
“Hope you enjoyed the trip Paradox. This is to be where you shall be staying until we decide on letting you walk among the pony folk of my kingdom or not. Strong Armor, will be in charge of monitoring you. If you can manage to convince this stubborn unicorn, you’ll earn your freedom to roam the land of Equestria unimpeded. For the time being he will locate some shelter for you and ensure you are treated well during your stay.” Having finished her speech, Celestia left the herd of ponies and flew off.
“So it appears we’ll be spending a lot of time together, Armor.” Paradox remarked, extending a hoof in friendship.
"I'd like you to remember Paradox that I'm not your 'friend' here. I'm your warden! As such I'll ensure your treated well, but remember my duty is foremost to Equestria and Princess Celestia. Do I make myself clear..."
"I guess so?" Paradox replied a bit dejectedly.
“Good! Follow me, I'll give you a quick tour of the castle so you know where you're allowed to roam.”
Ordering some free guards to prepare accommodations for the unexpected guest, he started off at a trot with Paradox in tow.
As the sun neared the horizon Armor ended the tour at an old shack with a weed filled garden and scraggly oak tree.
“Welcome to your abode during the duration of your stay." Armor stated.
A little surprised by the condition, he walked over to the shed for a better look.
"It was originally used by our gardener, before an increase in duties. I've had some of the guards bring some furniture and food for your convenience." Armor said, before adding, "the princess thought it would be comfier than a cell in the dungeon”
After looking over the garden, tree and finally the shed itself he gave a satisfied nod.
“Armor these accommodations are more than generous. Maybe eating some food will be good for me. Please accept my thanks for this kindness and pass along my regards for the princess’s generous request."
Giving a quick wave of farewell, he entered the shed leaving Armor outside. Finally alone, he opened his hoof and looked through the seeds he'd picked up during the inspection.
Time to get to work, placing a seed against the shed wall.
"He seems rather benign and easy to please" Armor said with a chuckle, trotting off to notify the lunar guard of their additional duties.away.
As he rounded a corner, he missed the glow of magic slowly surrounding the shed.
The Chronicle of Paradox
Ch# 2
The Mystery of Magic
To the sound of his alarm clock ringing, Strong Armor hit it with a fore leg and got out of bed. Rubbing his eyes, he quietly made his way to the front door, preparing for his early morning trot. He usually did this to limber up before a training simulation, like the one happening later that morning, but he also wanted to check-up on his ward.
As he trotted over to Paradox’s shed, his mind kept wandering back to the previous night. After he’d left the strange stallion he’d tried to research the strange symbols at the Canterlot Archives, using his status to gain entry. After spending hours combing through the dusty books of ancient magic and even some on new spells, he learned no more about the runes that had blocked his magic than what he saw.
Lost in thought, Armor tripped over an exposed root as he got closer to the shed. With a few stumbling step he managed to keep his balance.
“Where did that come from.” looking at the root, he followed it back to its source, Paradox’s shed. “What in the world?”
He was so surprised by the changes he almost fell over from shock. The shed had been completely encased in a variety of plants. Not to mention the dying oak was budding and now had a ledge growing from it. The small garden hadn’t been left untouched either, it was filled with delicious looking vegetables and fruit hanging heavily from the intertwined branches growing from the shed’s roof.
“Guess he thought it needed some work....” Armor said in disbelief as he did a quick trot around the redesigned shed. Stopping at the door he raised a hoof to knock, before thinking better of it.
“No... there must be a reason he’d done this, afterall I did give him a rickety shed for a home.”
Eating a few strawberries from the garden as a snack, Armor continued his trot. He finally made it home just as the sun started to creep over the horizon. Entering the house to retrieve his armor, a lavender mare met him at the door.
"Seems you’ve got up early for training again, 'captain'." She remarked, giving him a quick peck on the cheek, his armor floating into view.
"Why wouldn’t I? Have to be prepared to protect Equestria, and everything I hold dear. The same oath you had taken, Stella" he said, brushing Sparkle’s mane over her ear.
Hearing him use her old nickname, Sparkle gave him a playful slap on the flank as she helped him tighten the straps.. "I remember just as well now as when we fought side-by-side. Only problem is that we can't have you reliving the old days with a family to watch over."
Strong Armor, finally suited up in his armor, gave Stellar Sparkle an affectionate nuzzle before galloping off to the sparring match.
Waking with a gasp, Paradox could still feel the presence from his dream. A silhouetted figure, that shone with the seven colours of the rainbow, had appeared in his dream beckoning him to return. Paradox had yelled questions at the figure but the only response he received was a flashback showing the statue from the ruins. After that he’d been forcefully pushed out of the dream and awoke covered in sweat
Trying to make sense of what happened, Paradox’s ears perked up. Coming from nearby was the muffled sounds of battle. Deciding to investigate, he quickly exited the reworked shed and hurried off. Paradox quickly found the source of commotion while traveling the castle grounds. It was Strong Armor and 15 armored unicorns facing off against a small squadron of pegasi.
“Mornin' Armor!... What are these ponies doing fighting among themselves?” he shouted over the noise, wincing as a pegasus crashed into one of the unicorns unceremoniously.
“I'm having my guards practice their anti-pegasi techniques to better protect Princess Celestia and Equestria if we're ever attacked.” Armor answered, while locking one of the pegasi’s wing together using magic.
A short time later Armor blew a whistle and the two herds stopped sparring and stood at attention before their captain.
“Excellent work today. All injured report to the first-aid tent and everypony else report to the mess hall for a well-deserved breakfast.” With a salute and cheer the ponies quickly dispersed leaving Armor and Paradox alone. “So what has you up so early in the morning Paradox?”
Giving a shrug Paradox proceeded to tell Armor about his dream. After finishing his story somepony spoke up from behind the conversing stallions.
“So I wasn't the only one that felt that magical power earlier.”
Turning to regard the speaker both, Paradox and Armor saw Celestia cantering over to them. Giving a bow, the two ponies greeted the ruler of Equestria.
"It was a strong magic that I've felt before. I thought to ask Strong Armor if he or any of the guards had felt it to." the princess explained as Paradox stood up.
Noting Armor’s confusion, Paradox watched as he told Celestia he'd heard nothing of the sort from anypony.
"Only our guest mentioned anything about this feeling you’re describing princess." Armor finally said nodding in Paradox’s direction
"I was just telling him about this strange figure that entered my dreams. It left me an image of that weird statue at the castle ruins." Remarked Paradox, noticing Celestia grew slightly pale at the news.
"We have no time to lose! Strong Armor, I need you to prepare your fastest pegasi for a journey to the castle at once. This could mean there is trouble with the Elements of Harmony!" Celestia exclaimed as she turned to leave. “Paradox, please follow me I’ll show you the way to the chariots. Having felt the power as well could mean you’re needed for whatever has happened.” Celestia called over her shoulder.
Giving a confused look at the obviously shaken ruler Paradox took a few hesitant steps before following behind her. Many questions went through his mind. Why had this presence entered his dream and what was Celestia hiding? Although possible answers kept coming to mind one question remained, what were the elements? After Celestia had referred to them he’d felt a jolt run through him but couldn’t discover why.
Noticing that Celestia was talking to him, he pushed these thoughts aside and refocused on her. “…and that was when the Elements of Harmony were found. Using its power, the three pony clans were unified by the elements of honesty, loyalty, laughter, kindness and generosity. Being so powerful, we placed the elements in the castle hoping they would remain a symbol of peace under our protection." An expression of sadness crept onto her face as she continued in a shaky voice. "I still remember the day I was called upon by ponykind to use the elements again."
Seeing tears welling up in her eyes, Paradox felt that same jolt run through his body, as he gently stopped her and hugged her sympathetically. He didn't know why he had done it but the hug had calmed the ruler greatly.
"Thank you for your act of kindness Paradox" Celestia said, blushing, while she rubbed the tears from her eyes and quickly pushed him away.
"It is not a problem. You need not continue with the story if it pains you so." Paradox exclaimed with a look of understanding and an extended hoof "Shall we continue to the chariots. I'm sure Strong Armor will be waiting for us there."
Still appearing a bit flustered the princess started off at a brisk trot. Hurrying to keep up, they arrived at the chariot launch in a matter of minutes
When the chariots neared the ancient castle, they started to descend toward a clear patch of land near it. When all three had touched down Armor got out of his chariot before walking over to Celestia and Paradox.
"So I don't know much about what is going on, but I think it would be for the best if me and the pegasi lead the way." he suggested.
Celestia gave a quick approval but Paradox simply leapt from the chariot and started striding towards the castle.
“What do you think you're doing!” Armor ordered, using magic chains to restrain Paradox.
"We must hurry. Something is agitating the elements." Paradox remarked, turning to Armor.
Something about Paradox suddenly didn’t sit right with Armor as he heard the pony speak. For a moment he was sure two voices had spoken the words instead of one.
"What do you mean agitating?" Armor said, keeping a steady flow of magic to the restraints.
"The feeling I'm getting seems like there is something forcing the elements to activate." he replied noncommittally.
As if to emphasize his point, a flash could be seen from one of the broken windows. Finally releasing the spell Armor watched Paradox slowly rose to his feet as him and the pegasus guards headed towards the entranceway. With a disciplined precision the pegasus guards stood the entrance in a defensive pattern while Strong Armor started a countdown. As soon as he said "zero" he turned and gave a mighty kick to the door. It buckled inwards as the guards rushed to enter the room.
From behind Armor, Paradox suddenly shouted something as a brilliant blaze of rainbow colored magic washed over the ponies.
Slowly Paradox opened his eyes. How long was I out for?, he thought to himself, as he rubbed his aching head. The last thing he remembered was flying towards the castle ruins.
"CELESTIA! STRONG ARMOR! IS ANYPONY OUT THERE!" Paradox shouted into the gloom as he tried to orient himself.
Looking around he noticed flickers of color appearing in the mist. Hoping it was another pony, he desperately chased the dancing color. He galloped with all his strength but still couldn't gain any distance.
"STOP PLEASE, I MEAN YOU NO HARM!" he shouted hysterically.
This featureless place was starting to affect him. Slowing down as exhaustion wore away at his stamina, he finally collapsed in a disheveled mess. His sides heaving from his heavy breathing as he looked towards the flickers and finally saw it’s true shape .
That's a moving picture, he thought as the flickers showed six mares he didn't recognize fighting a blue alicorn. As he watched the scenes changed with great speed before a familiar silhouette appeared.
Guardian of harmony, find the ponies of destiny. Only with their power will Equestria survive. The disharmonious one will rise again...
Trying to make sense of the message, Paradox's vision started to recede until only a small point of light remained.
As the pegasi flapped as hard as they could, Strong Armor ensured the unconscious pony didn't slide out of the chariot and fall to his death.
“You’re just full of surprises Paradox.”, Armor said silently looking at the unconscious pony.
As soon as the magic wave had started through the door, Paradox had appeared in front of the group in a protective stance, but something had been different. His aura had sent a cold sweat down Armor's back. It had felt like looking into an empty void, until the magic collided with Paradox and washed over the other ponies.
When Armor's sight returned, Paradox lay in a heap and the elements had changed from glittering gems to spherical stones. Armor had used healing magic on Paradox, while Celestia had tried to bring forth the elements power from the stones. Neither of the ponies had been successful so Celestia had ordered Strong Armor and his pegasi-in-arms to fly Paradox back to Canterlot. Leaving the details to Armor, she'd flown ahead to inform the Canterlot hospital of the emergency.
Where am I now, Paradox thought to himself as started to feel his senses return. He still couldn't open his eyes but the feel of pegasi down told him he was in a bed of some sort. Hearing some intelligible murmuring coming from his left side, he placed a hoof on the bed and pushed himself upright into a sitting position. Finally opening his eyes he saw Strong Armor, Celestia and a pony with a stethoscope cutie mark staring back at him.
"So how did I end up here?" He asked.
"We brought you here from the castle. Mind telling us what you did to the elements, Paradox." Strong Armor replied as the third pony left the room.
I did something to the elements?; He rubbed his head again trying to think when he felt it. Using his hoof he pushed the hair into view. It had every color of the rainbow. Startled he quickly looked at his tail to find the same hair had appeared there.
Visibly shaken he turned back to the two ponies. "It seems I've absorbed a great deal of energy."
"'It seems' you drained the elements energy?" Armor said, taking a few stride towards the bed as Celestia walked out of the room.
"I can't even remember seeing the elements, or entering the castle for that manner." Paradox stated truthfully seeing a dangerous gleam in the captain's eyes. "I only remember leaving the chariots and then waking up in a strange place."
"I can understand the hospital could seem weird, that still doesn't explain anything."
Noticing the confusion Paradox retold his visit to the mysterious place and the vision he'd seen. Hearing this explanation obviously perplexed Strong Armor as he started to pace at the foot of the hospital bed.
"That is quite the surprising explanation." Armor finally replied.
"It's really strange now that I think about it. If I powered up enough to grow a mane, I should feel the power. If I've drained the elements like you said, why don't I feel any different." He asked, as Armor continued to pace with that perplexed expression.
Eventually Armor stopped pacing and turned to Paradox. "I'm not sure how to answer that. For now just rest, I'll be back later to check-up on you."
Meeting up with Celestia later, Armor told her of the conversation he had. She looked surprised when he mentioned the sights Paradox had seen
"So he did do it then." Celestia said
She turned and quickly floated two small glass vials from a nearby table using her magic. Placing them in front of Armor, she waited as he stared at them.
"What am I looking at princess?" Armor asked finally when he couldn't figure out what was in the vials.
"Blood samples from me and Paradox. The left vial is mine." she said surprising her captain.
He could hardly believe her words. The liquid in each vial looked nothing like blood. The left vial had the appearance of liquid gold while the right looked similar clear water. What could it mean?, Armor wondered as he looked back at Celestia.
"I know it seems foreboding with all that has happened recently but Paradox still tried to defend us at the castle, even though the magic didn't affect us. I was hoping to give him a chance to experience some pony culture eventually as a test. Hearing about the vision Paradox had I feel the upcoming Nightmare Night would be the best time. He might learn something about his vision if I'm correct." Celestia said to Armor, letting him think it over.
Finally with a consensual bow Armor left to tell Paradox of the decision. In the back of his mind he still felt something about the vision bothering him but he couldn't place a hoof on it.