Chapters Chapter 1-Juvenile Heiresses
O ne dawn Astrum and Morpheus brought their daughters outside to watch Astrum raise the sun. But before she did a small grin came across her lips as she looked to Celestia, who at the moment was in wonder of how large the sun actually was.
“Celestia, would you like to give it a try?” Astrum smiled as she nudged her filly to get up.
“..Oh..kay.” Celestia hesitated. She trusted her mother’s wisdom and closed her eyes. She pointed her horn to the sun and mustered all her energy into raising the sun. As Celestia opened her eyes to see the sun hadn’t moved. Astrum gave a light hearted chuckle.
“Moving the sun is more than what it looks like.” Leaning close to embrace her, she rested her filly’s neck on her own. “Pretend that the sun is a mirror. Then you raise the mirror to look at yourself. This time I will help.”
“Yes momma.” Celestia smiled.
“Make sure to keep your eyes open, or else you can’t see yourself in the mirror..”
”Okay..”
Together they lifted the sun from the horizon and Luna gawked as Celestia got to raise the sun with her mother. She turned her eyes to Morpheus.
“Dad-” He smiled to her and held a hoof softly to her muzzle.
“Don’t worry Luna. You’ll get your chance at dusk. I promise.” Then Astrum and Morpheus placed a filly on each of their backs and flew back to their castle in Canterlot. When they returned the princesses ran off to play and the two looked to each other.
“You know what this means, right, Morpheus?”Astrum spoke with her head hung low.
“Celestia will be a fine protégé for you?” Morpheus joked. He turned back to see her gloomy poise.
“Let’s be serious, please dear.” She spoke frankly as she glanced over to her playful somepony with scolding eyes.
“Astrum, what’s the matter?...I just watched you teach one of your daughters to raise the sun!” He raised his forehooves into in the air with jubilation.
“I think alicorns grow up by using their powers.” Morpheus dropped his hooves heavily, leaving his hind pointed up. Scrambling to look presentable, he walked into the castle and headed to their bedroom. Astrum followed.
“How are you sure?” He asked as he moved his head to watch her reaction.
“I noticed it...for a split second her body sparkled pink.This only makes me more nervous to somepony who has been using their power for much longer.”She admitted. Her eyes glanced over to The Evergreen Forest. They walked to their bedroom’s private balcony.
“You’re worried about him aren’t you?”
“He is our responsibility...”
“He’s more an earth pony than anything. He’s fine-”
“He might have the heart of an earth pony, but he’s a born alicorn. I just want to check up on him Morpheus, that’s all.”
“Better be back before the sun fully sets or else you’ll miss Luna lift the moon.” Morpheus teased as he moved back into the bedroom. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Astrum lifted off heading towards The Evergreen Forest.
The Evergreen Forest was filled with all sorts of creatures, from the smallest of bees to the cutest of bunnies. Somehow all the creatures understood their part of nature. This was all thanks to an alicorn who called himself Pan. The last time Astrum had seen Pan he was the size of a juvenile pony. “Pan....?” She called out to a large hollow tree. This was what she remembered Pan called home. She yelled again, then a rustle came from the bushes. “Pan, come on out, it’s me Astrum. I came to check up on you.” What appeared out of the bushes was a pack of wild dogs made from twigs. “...What in Equestria?!” Astrum gasped. She had never seen a creature so crazed and dark spirited. Soon more of the yellow-eyed dogs started climbing out of the bushes to greet their snack. Their backs hung low to the ground as they began to nip at her hooves.
“Timber wolves!” A loud yell boomed in the distance, it was a male voice that some of the timber pups feared and hid back into the bushes. “Tim-ber-Wolves!” Soon the speaker came into view.
He had a coat brown as dry soil and his hair matched the colors of soft budding pine needles around them. There was a short beard growing from his chin. He had spots of a darker brown on his hooves, ears and horn.
“This is Pan? He’s as tall as a common Earth pony!” Astrum thought. The timber wolves whined into the deep forest as he charged towards them.
“Sorry ‘bout that.” Pan blushed. “They’re supposed to help keep the fallen branches from cluttering the ground. They’ve gotten a bit of a mean streak set in them somehow.” Astrum walked to Pan curling her wings around him, she gave him a tight hug.
"How has it been living here, in the forest?" Her voice full of sorrow for how long it had been.
“It has been a rather long time...I’ve been busy keeping the forest safe” Pan assured her.
“I can see dear.” She smiled. But she wasn’t comfortable with this new creature Pan had created. “...About these ‘Timber wolves’-is there a reason they are mean?” She asked with a pause to think of the correct words to say.
“I hadn’t thought about their motives too much. I like to let them figure out what they are. You didn’t see me fiddling around with the buffalo or zebra’s ideas or emotions did you?”
“That’s true, I wasn’t implying you had done a bad job Pan. I was merely asking-”
“They stay in the forest...They keep the ponies away!”
“Why do you want to keep the other ponies away?!” Astrum looked into Pan’s eyes. He was hurting, but she didn’t understand way. He was the one that didn’t like the rules of Canterlot, so he ran away to the Evergreen forest. This was where he belonged, in nature.
“To keep the Royal winged pegasi’s family secret safe...plus you have no clue where I came from. But you do know where Luna and Celestia are from.” Pan slumped his body to the grass dramatically with a hoof covering his eyes. “I’m just the estranged ruler of nature...and creatures.” Astrum looked to Pan she played along with him with a subtle smirk.
“That’s true. I do know where my daughters came from...but I have no idea who my mother or father is. I don’t think having a mother or father is the reason you’re unhappy Pan. Is it?”
“It’s so boring in the forest! In the beginning it was full of wonder and adventure, but then I started getting bored I wanted creatures to be....more than cute.”
“I see. Do you want to come back to Canterlot?”
“No! I mean. I-I just don’t feel comfortable in Canterlot. I’d have to wear my royal armor, plus I have to re-remember all that unicorn etiquette.” Astrum giggled as Pan rambled on about normal Canterlot things.
Astrum looked up to the sky. “Oh, shooting star! Pan I have to go...I’ll meet up with you tomorrow morning.”
“But you only just got here...Morpheus can take care of the moon and stars.” Pan stepped in front of her and arced down like a timber-wolf’s to follow her if she flew.
“Pan. You can’t follow me! You have to stay here....at least until the girls learn how to raise the sun and moon.” Her tone was becoming motherly.
“That’s just a kinder way of saying forever!” Pan gave an innocent pout.
“Fine! You can come and see them....So long as you stay hidden!” She caved only to get out of the forest on time.
“You have my word Mother Astrum.” Pan gave an odd giggle. Then the galaxy alicorn flew to the royal gardens while Pan used his wings to fly through the gaps in the trees.
T he Zebra tribes of the stripped savanna distanced themselves far from one another. For what one tribe excelled in another might deem taboo in the strictest of ways. One tribe in particular had quite the taboo on their hooves. An adventurous unicorn had fallen in love with a zebra of the clan. At the foal’s birth it was easy to see why it didn't belong. The hybrid had color only a pony could have. His hair followed his mother’s, a mix between reds and browns and his body was a combination of the parents. He had a zebra head with the expected stripes, and these stripes faded at his neck. The tribe chieftain gave him the name Grue, like the tales of creatures that lived in the dark. This tribe believed pure magic was the darkest of energy. Grue would grow up with only a guardian in his memories, as his father was forced to leave by orders of the tribe chieftain. His mother was banished to The Brush for loving one from the pony tribes. Even though the tribes people spaced themselves out from Grue and his guardian, he was still allowed to learn the zebra ways. What Grue lacked in herbology, he made up for in magic.
“Grue, dear can ya tell me ‘de difference between heart’s desire and lover’s lotus?” The herb teacher asked.
“Isn’t the lotus found by waterbeds?....I think it’s a summer plant.” Grue mumbled.
“A nice guess Grue..” The teacher nodded to him. The sound of classmates giggling at his lack of knowledge surrounded him.
“Hush! Heart’s desire keeps one’s talents in focus and lover’s lotus is used to keep cold hooved ponies calm on their wedding day. You are right about it being a summer plant. But it is found by the shade, not water...” The zebra smiled to Grue.
“Keep up in your studies please, even a spell sometimes needs a potion to make it work right.” “Yes, herbalist Maua.”
“Now class let us go find some Lover’s lotus so ‘de worried ponies can have de’er beautiful wedding. It is a white flo-” The teacher would go on. Grue stayed behind to write the new facts he had learned, talking as he scribbled.
“And the flower is found in shaded areas. Okay Maua!....” He looked up to see the class was already in The Brush finding the plant. “Mmm...I should stay close to the village, rather than get lost in The Brush.” He thought. As he turned around he saw another classmate had stayed behind. “Oh, Fahdil.” He tried to act casual. She was a tan zebra, known for her kindness. It was something Grue was glad about in this instance, as he had stayed back other times and had spectators that were not so friendly.
“Hey Grue...I’m to get you for Teacher Uchawi.” She didn’t speak fluent Pony.
“Ah sante.” Grue replied in respect. It made Fahdil giggle, which to Grue’s ears was beautiful. The two trotted to Uchawi’s hut.
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Morpheus glanced his eyes over to the window. “Com’n dear, Don’t keep Luna waiting.” He thought. He was sitting relaxed on the throne, since he had finished listening to the unicorn’s complaints. It had been a full hour. He really did feel useless without her by his side, then it clicked to his mind. Now would be a perfect time to play with my fillies! He raced through the empty halls, to meet up with them.
“One must always remember to be calm and po-Pho-Phoised!” Luna repeated. She gave a curtsy, then a bow and raised her horn. It grew a ball of condensed blue energy, then fizzled out like a firecracker. “Drat!” Luna huffed. She folded her arms and flopped onto her bedding.
“You’re going all about it wrong sis’. Magic isn’t something you can force. You have to know what you want to do. Watch this!” Celestia explained. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes for a moment. Then she pointed to one of Luna’s pillows and shot out a beam of yellow energy. The purple square pillow jumped into the sky, then the fabric pulled and ripped, as it fell it sewed itself back up.
“So, you told my prized pillow to jump in the air, tear itself up and then sew back together?” Luna whimpered. A tear began to form for her pillow.
“I made it a moon.” Celestia rebutted. She lifted the renovated pillow to her saddened sister.
“ ‘Tia!” Luna bawled out as she grabbed Celestia in a tight hug. “It’s beautiful!” She added. Celestia smiled, proud of her abilities. She hugged her sister back.
“Who wants to do something fun!” Morpheus cheered. The princesses jumped as he spoke. They turned to see him resting on the marble banister of Luna’s balcony.
“I do!” Luna jumped.
“Then let’s see how well you’ve been training your wings!” The sisters looked to each other rolling their eyes. Dad just didn’t know what fun was. “Come on you two, humor your dear father for a moment?”
“Okay” They softly sighed. The princesses trotted to the balcony and opened their wings. Luna went first catching up to her father who had cheated a good mile on the two fillies. Celestia was doing a decent job since she didn't fly as much as Luna did. Luna had caught up to Morpheus by the time Celestia had gotten to her top wingspeed. But Celestia wasn't actually trying, her focus was on how dense the pine forest around the castle was. The more she gazed at the forest she wondered why Luna and her never actually went in.
" ‘Tia!"
Celestia's ears twitched and she turned her head to Luna waving to her to catch up. When the three landed in what seem like the middle of nowhere Morpheus gave the girls a playful smile. "It's almost time Luna, are you ready?!" Morpheus jumped in the air so high he had to use his wings to land.
"You bet!" Luna squeaked.
"Where's mother?" Celestia asked while she created a nest of grass from the over growing field. "She's on her way honey-just had to check up on a friend. Come on over here in the mowed grass Celes'..."
"Why can't I check out the forest until Mom comes home?"
"Celestia! Please don’t go in the forest without somepony. I haven't been in there while to make sure it's safe. You wouldn't want to be rude to your sister? It is her first time helping me raise the moon." Morpheus looked to her sternly. He understood she just curious but his gut told him, no forced him against it. She sighed flopping on the groomed green while Morpheus began to teach Luna how to lift the night's lights.
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Astrum had made it back to the garden just in the nick of time. The sun was still in the sky aching to get some rest, due to the fact the she had made the sun to move slower for her sake. She looked around the castle grounds, then she remembered Morpheus liked to teach Luna in a secluded field, She made her way there.
“Just in time honey,” Morpheus chuckled. He got closer to whisper.“How is he?”
“He’s doing fine, besides a bit of boredom.” A half truth to keep her husband’s questions at bay. This was a moment she didn’t want to keep from Luna. Secretly Astrum hoped Luna could raise the moon fast enough before Pan made it close to the fields.
“Could you focus on just the moon for today’s lesson, Morpheus.” Her voice was blunt, but she smiled sweetly hoping to hide her motives.
“Oh...well the moon on the first day seems fair. But Luna spent the better part of the afternoon in her room painting stars. I kinda told her that’s what I imagine doing. She’s all psyched to lift the moon and make stars.” Astrum’s ears lowered.
“I’d hate to waste Luna’s enthusiasm....” She smiled and got comfortable while she talked.
“Today-I mean tonight's the night, right Luna?”
“Yes daddy!”
“You remember what your mother said to Celestia for the sun?”
“It’s a biiiiig mirror!...and...and I must watch it and lift it like I want to see my reflection!”
“Correct...now just ease the moon in. I hope you don’t get unhappy that I already changed the phase of the moon. That’s a lesson for another night.”
“Like this?” Luna gave a strong huff and squeezed every ounce of power from her horn, her cheeks started turning red.
“Don’t forget to breath, honey.” Astrum added softly, hiding a soft giggle. Celestia wasn’t too focused on her sister’s big day. She had noticed an odd creature poking its head out of the bushes by the tree line. She Inched herself closer to get a peek of the strange critter. Celestia had never heard of any forest creature that wanted to harm a pony nevermind a royal alicorn. But as she got close the creature ran at top speed into The Evergreen forest. The pink haired princess followed in pursuit.
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“Finally my star pupil!” The old witch doctor grinned his half missing smile to Grue. “ I need your help casting a spell for Upepo.” Uchawi hobbled over to a wooden podium, his left hoof pointed Grue at the other podium across him.
“Right away Uchawi” as he made his way to the podium, his eyes glanced the spell. It was a healing spell, but this one was one of the tribes more sacred and hidden techniques. These techniques required alchemy, if a spell caster went without the extra power they would likely die. Grue started reading the list, all ingredients he had heard of before. But Grue wasn’t the best at remembering things about plants. “Uchawi....I-I don’t think I know where most of these are found.”
“Of course! I forget you’re a novice at herbology!..Take Fahdil with you, quick! Opepo will be here in the hour!..” The two galloped out of the hut towards The Brush.
“What were the items?” The tan zebra asked.
“Shade’s wort, frog’s gut and heart’s desire...Fahdil.”
“Yes?”
“Have you ever thought about outside of the tribe?”
“I haven’t had to, but I can understand why you would.” Grue wanted to smile. She really was a caring zebra, not many of the other zebra classmates even responded to his questions. She always seemed more understanding.
“I guess..”
“Is it hard?...without...a...a”
“A dad? I wouldn’t know if it was or not, not knowing what having a dad feels like.”
“Just imagine having two moms, but one is pony...”
“And gets banished? It doesn’t help that I don’t even know who my real mother is.”
“S-sorry, strange topic.” She stopped galloping, taking a quick break.
“This tree. Good spot for Shade’s wort. Just make sure not to use hooves. It has horrible smell.” She was right, even in her broken Pony prose. It reeked of stagnant water and skunk spray and he hadn’t lifted a hoof to the indigo fungus. Grue picked up a durable stick with his muzzle, giving a strong swing at its stem, it made a hollow *pop *.
“Got it. Now how are we going to carry it without the whole tribe smelling it?”
“I think if we used...” Fahdil searched a nearby bush “These leaves, from this bush should conceal the smell. Mothers wrap their newborns in it.”
Fahdil picked some of the bigger leaves and placed it to the ground and Grue nudged the mushroom on the leaves. Then the tan zebra wrapped it tight, and she placed it in Grue’s saddle bag. She lead the way for the next ingredient. As they reached the heart’s desire Grue got ready to pick it up when Fahdil yelled to him. “Wait!” Grue followed her pointing hoof to see the tall grass was hiding poison joke. It didn’t help that the sun had gone down, it took forever to fall when they were heading into the thickest part.
“Quick save, thank you.” Grue gave an odd smile. He didn’t smile often so it looked more like a silly grin. Fahdil giggled.
“Can I ask why you don’t like the other zebras?”
“Sure.” Grue grinned. He was trying to joke with her, which hung over him as a sign that he was getting a little too comfortable around the Fahdil.
“Oh...why do you not l-”
“Shh...” Grue whispered.
C elestia had been running after that odd colored figure for quite sometime. Curiosity that had fully taking the filly. She ran until she realized just how far away she was from the gardens, but with the creature’s footsteps still audible she followed the noise. She found herself standing in front of a worn castle. Celestia wondered if it was a safe idea to go into such a spooky looking place, she was alone after all. But her mind was made up when she heard the sound of howling creatures close by. Her gold hoofed slippers made a high pitch *tink * noises as she trotted slowly further into the castle. With closer inspection it looked more like the castle was half built, then forgotten about, like its creator was too bored to finish. Celestia reasoned, though, that if there was a castle being built in the forest, then there may be a pony nearby. She judged solely by the shiny stained glass, and the fairly polished marble accents around her. The little princess marvelled at one of the stain glass windows that was shining due to the moon’s light.
It depicted a brown alicorn smiling at two smaller ponies. One of them was a white pegasus and the other a violet unicorn. She could tell they were good friends from the grinning smiles carved on their muzzles.With even closer inspection she noticed that somepony had cut into the glass and placed clear glass in for teeth. She wondered what the other windows had on them. Then an echo of hooves could be heard and the filly turned sharply to the noise. “He-hello?!” She asked meekly. A group of birds cawed and made their escape to the grand archway, where royal guests would have walked in if it was complete. Celestia watched them fly away, she took a step back only to step on something stiff, her head slowly turning to see what she had done.
“You are the first filly to find my sorry excuse of a home, dear Celestia.”
“Y-you know my name?...”
“Yes, Princess.”
“Who are you, then?”
“I’m an old friend.”
“Old friend of who?”
“..Well of yours of course!” The night was making it hard to figure out just who this being was, what she stepped on felt stiff like a hoof. None of the window’s light reached where she looked. A goat walked into the moonlight with its crossed eyes staring at Celestia. It gave a loud *Bahh * at her and walked away.
“I-I don't remember you...” Celestia ducked her head and squinted to see if that would help.
“Of course, you wouldn’t remember an old goat...That, however isn’t me. Don’t you see, It’s a little puzzle!” The voice gave an odd cackle.
“But..I don’t have time to play puzzles...I think my parents are going to get worried.”
“Your par-whents....They’ll be fine without you...They’ve been doing fine without me, Oh-” The voice started to giggle as if he given away a secret.
“My parents know you’re here?”
“Who do you think brought ponies to help build my castle? I’m so far away from peering pony eyes I can almost understand why your parents seem to fumble around. It’s as if-if every important pony isn’t in the Canterlot palace, they just don’t exist!”
“Don’t make fun of my parents! I’m sorry if they don’t see you often maybe you should move to Canterlot if you really miss them.”
“You’re missing my point little filly...Maybe it’s best you go back to your royal cushions...” The voice became bitter to her innocence.
Celestia saw a bright green glow around her soon she was surrounded by a swarm of butterflies.“Wait!..Who are you!...”
“The Guardian of these forests.”
She could feel the magic through these insects. Whatever he was he could make creatures with magic! The young princess floated with the aid of the flying insects out of the thick woods, to the edge of the forest. She watched the forest’s fauna spring to life as she passed by. It had to of been from the green magic below her, since she had a hard time interacting with animals.
“Celest!” Morpheus exclaimed in apprehension. “I’m glad you’re safe, wandering in the forests at night! Don’t you remember, the forests are guarded by unfriendly creatures?!” He stomped a hoof. It was just a tough act so that Celestia would learn better but as he saw the tears start to flow from his daughter, his ears lowered.
“D-Daddy!” Celestia hugged Morpheus’ foreleg. “I’ll never do it again...I’m sorry!” The pink haired princess started to hiccup from the stress of her tears.
“Dear...oh...Celestia...Celest’. Calm down dear.” His voice soothing as a soft rain. He used his mane to lift Celestia, rocking her in a cradle-like motion. It calmed the filly down, so they could hear the baby frogs and crickets chirp.
“She did a nice job....There’s so many stars!”Celestia smiled widely at just how her sister had outdone her father’s night sky.
“Luna and I had a blast. Maybe someday soon I can teach both of you how to paint stars...I still have quite a bit of open space that needs some bit of light.”
“You don’t think Luna would mind?”
“I’ll just have to show you in the morning when the moon is still out, that way it’s still ‘your turn’.” The night alicorn chuckled. He didn’t forget that she had been placed outside the forest by Pan’s magic, he wondered just how much she knew.
“Celestia before I forget to ask. Did you meet a pony in the forest?”
“No.” Her head shook as she spoke.
“You...didn’t? But I saw you float out of the forest on a field of glowing butterflies.”
“I saw nopony. I did see a goat, and heard a voice call himself The Guardian of the forest.”
‘That’s Pan for you,’ Morpheus thought. “But you saw no pony..only a goat?” He asked once more, just to make sure as his voice became soft. He worried about interrogating his little filly outside of Pan’s forest.
“I promise.” She smiled looking to her father’s eyes she noticed that he was worried.“Who is he daddy?”
“Exactly what he told you dear, the protector of the forest, that’s all.” Morpheus was impressed how Pan had not thrown himself freely to Celestia, but he did reveal his powerful magic. It was unlike Pan, he craved attention! Morpheus put his worries to aside for now. He had a daughter to take care of. “I think it’s time for us to get some shut eye, don’t you think?”
“Yeah..” Her answer lead to a stretched out yawn, her eyes wiggling from closed to mid-open. Morpheus was helping her along, using his mane to calm her mind, it was one of the added perks of ruling the dream world. He wanted to visit the nature alicorn himself. With his wings out he got a running start and flew to the castle, Celestia was in a deep sleep by the time he made it over the entrance of Canterlot.
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Grue looked the zebras dead in the eyes, but they still hadn’t seen the hybrid. He was frozen stiff unsure if he should desert Fahdil in fear or still collect the items. “What’s the matter Grue?” She whispered back to him. She didn’t understand how serious of a situation Grue was actually in.
“I see Hofu’s gang..” He replied.
“You can get da’ desire though?” Fahdil asked in a hushed voice. Now she understood why he was nervous. If Grue could get that ingredient then they could get to the frog pond which was far away from Hofu.
“Yes...” He picked the flower with his muzzle and softly walked to Fahdil, but as he reached Fahdil she turned her head and her eyes winced.
“You-There’s... Poison joke all over you Grue..” She had been trying hard to hide any giggles of laughter in light of the situation.
“I’m sure Uchawi will have a cure.” She smiled sheepishly. Grue’s eyes were focused more on the blue spores that coated him like powdered sugar.
“Fadi-I don’t feel so well.” His eyes were becoming blurry.
“Grue? This isn’t a good time to fall asleep. Grue!” She watched his body become motionless as he thudded the ground. The tan zebra panicked but still understood what she needed to do. She wrapped him up in a improvised leaf gurney. A thick leaf was placed to keep him steady, while fluffy flower heads and nested up grass was used as bedding. She tied vines around Grue to keep him to the nature bed as she tried her best to tug him back to the village.
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An inverted colored zebra turned his ears to the sound of an odd thud on the ground and later a young zebra, his teeth almost jutting out to make room for a wicked grin. He knew just who it was grunting around in the thick brush so late at night. He gave a click with his tongue to signal his crew and headed to the noise. Fahdil was dragging something heavy and Hofu couldn’t make out what she would need to carry that was so heavy in the middle of the forest. He assembled his group of four zebras to sneak around her so they could barricade her in. With the plan in motion the gang scattered into the bushes. They gave her a moment since she was almost entirely out of breath, then they all struck. Jumping out of the bushes,while some of the group started booing at her spookily.
“Well, well boys....We’ve got a lost maiden in the woods!” Hofu cackled. Fahdil wasn’t afraid of the bully zebras however. She understood they tried their hardest to pick on whatever they could, if they thought it was weak.
“I’m not lost! I’m on my way home, after I bring the supplies Uchawi needed.” She stated assertively still trying to move her leaf gurney.
“That seems like an awful lot of ingredients...” He placed his black and white hoof on one of the dragging leaves.
“You don’t need to hurry just yet....It’s a beautiful night, Right guys?” His lackeys chuckling on cue. The tan zebra kept her guard up. She’d yet to fall for his tricks.
“I’m in quite a hurry, as I am-I’m already late.” Her teeth tugged hard, making Hofu slip and fall. One of his gang jumped in to catch the dark zebra from falling.
“What a kind zebra you are!”
“I’m not forced to be kind all the time and I’m certainly not kind to bullies like you!”
“...Let me fix that for you then.” The gang gathered around like hungry wolves. Half of the group targeted her leaf “bag”. The rest followed Hofu charging at Fahdil. She was only one zebra and not known for her speed or strength. Although she gave them a good run for their money, they ended up catching up to her. Then they gave a combined gasp of shock they noticed the heavy load she was carrying so diligently, but the gangs shock slowly built up in a fit of laughter to the unconscious Grue.
“I think I found your problem Fahdeek...You’ve got the blue freak taking a nap in your bag.”
“He’s not napping, he’s sick!”
“What if I took him off your hooves?”
“He’s got poison joke, I wouldn’t suggest touching him.”
“I wouldn’t suggest touching him either...He’s not even one of us. That’s why my father banished his. We should drag him all the way to his pony-kind!”
“That seems harsh even from you Hofu. Why do you hate him so much?”
“My reasons are my own! Hoof over the freak!”
“Neigh-ver!”
“What is going on over here!” A group of adult zebras made their way to the commotion.
“I’m glad we got some adults to help us out. Fahdil was just about to take Grue into the forest and wrapped him up in this leaf thing!” He gave a menacing grin to the tan zebra. “You’re through!” He whispered.
“Why would Fahdil do such a thing?”
“Maybe she’s only nice to Zebras? I can understand her motives but I doubt Grue could survive very long in the forest. He’s not very good at remembering the properties of plants.”
“Mmm...Your father brought that up, it’s one of the reasons he still lives with us.”
“I don’t want to hurt Grue...I’m trying to help him..” She spoke sheepishly since she found it hard to be assertive near adults.
“Come with us, young one...Hofu it’s good to see you come out of your shell. Make sure he gets to Uchawi’s if he is sick.” The adult zebras formed around Fahdil, they started trotting to the chieftain's hut. Fahdil’s head was dragging on the ground in shame. She was powerless against her elder-kind and she hoped when she explained her story to the chieftain he wouldn’t look with biased eyes to her case. Most of all she hoped she could tell Grue she was sorry, for all the trouble she had gotten him into.With the adults safely out of view, the gang reaped their spoils. A defenseless, different and unwanted Grue.
H ofu was having the hardest time not giving his most sinister of laughs. His elder kind were so blind to trust him, but it was easy to trust the words of a young zebra when his father could banish them into The Brush with his son’s sudden suggestion. He was spoiled and he loved how easy it was to rally the tribe to his aid with his father’s power not too far away.
“Come on! The moon is half way to setting, move faster!” He barked at his lackeys. They were all younger than him, with parents who had little to no respect from the chieftain. This made them an easy target for Hofu since he could trick them all into believing if they teamed up with him, that he would put a good word in to his father and, in turn would give their parents more say in the tribe. But it was all just a lie. It was all Hofu was truly good at.
“We’re trying Hofu! But Grue’s heavy!” A lackey moaned.
“Like I care if he is heavy...you all wanna be living under rocks and chewing on dry weeds? No?!?! Then move. That. Freak. Faster!” He barked. The sound alone felt like a whip to the young zebras as they gripped with their teeth on the leaves and tugged the faint hybrid. Their backs up high as they moved as fast as they could backwards. Hofu gave a low nicker. “They’re so dumb.” He thought to himself. His mood changed when he saw the clearing, but more importantly the river. His muzzle gave a disturbing stretch, he couldn’t hold in his emotions anymore. “You’ve done enough you lazy dolts. I’ll be the one to get the job done right!”
He made sure the river had a strong current by placing one of the leaves from the gurney into the water. It floated fast enough speed for him. “Go hide in the bushes. Go on!” His gang gave concerned glances at each other; they didn’t feel too comfortable with the idea their bossy leader had in mind. But they all followed his orders begrudgingly. Hofu trotted behind the leaf bag and gave a strong buck. With the force of it Grue was sent shooting out of the gurney into the river. As he submerged in the brisk waters Grue’s eyes opened, he tried his hardest to stay above water. “Goodbye and good riddance!” Hofu spat, as he snorted wildly.
Meanwhile Grue had gotten his muzzle out of the river. His mind was a blur trying to understand how Hofu had gotten him. He remembered passing out by Fahdil, and hearing voices. He shook his head, this wasn’t the time to remember!
“You almost drowned in a river, remember Grue?” He scolded himself, now focusing on getting out. The river had gained speed since he was forced in, but it was still swimmable. Grue had made it to the river’s edge in ten minutes or so, as he climbed onto land he panted wildly, plopping his body with a soft *thud *. “Now....what in Chrysos’ trickery is going on...” He sighed loudly as his memories begin to flood his mind.
“I would love to know as well.” A voice came from around the forest’s edge, and out stepped his teacher.
“Maua!” Grue gasped.
“Grue, how did you get so far away from home?....What seems to be the problem?”
“I-I’m not sure where to start Herbal-”
“Please, just Maua is fine. We aren’t in school and I don’t think I should be worried about trusting your word just yet. I see someone who is cold, sick and possibly hungry. If you’re able, please follow me to my hut.” She gave a soft smile. It was the smile that helped Grue remember about Fahdil, and he told her his adventure right after Herbalist Maua had complimented him at the edge of the village. He told her everything he remembered; Uchawi’s request, getting two of the ingredients but getting covered in poison joke. And the teacher listened well to his tale, her brow moved from interest to disappointment as he spoke. “That is quite a story Grue” She admitted.
“You believe me right?” He wondered.
“Well....I was wondering why your coat seemed lighter than usual. You have poison joke
all over you!”
“It was a pretty healthy field of them, under the thick grass I was in.”
“I can see.” She nodded in agreement, her muzzle motioned to his saddle bags.
“There should be a Shade’s wort and a heart’s desire in there.”
“That sounds like the start of some very strong poison!” Maua said her eyes widening.
“The last ingredient Uchawi wanted was a toad’s gut...”
“That’s...disturbing news Grue...and you are sure he claimed it was a healing remedy?”
“Yes...for Upepo.”
“Then we both have a reason to go back to the tribe. First however,we should get that poison joke off of you and maybe a quick bite to eat?”
“That would be great.”
Grue felt safe by Maua. They spent an hours time getting the ingredients for his herbal bubble bath. To help the embarrassing moment go by faster Maua gave Grue a little pop quiz on the ingredients they had gone over in the morning. The young hybrid repeated verbatim of what he had jotted down on his notes about the lover’s lotus and heart’s desire.
“You’ll make a great herbalist yet Grue...and an even greater witch doctor.” She admitted with a wide smile.
“Thank you Maua.” Grue smiled back.
“As dire as the situation may be at the village. I think a well rested mind would do us good,we should wait until morning.”
“That makes sense...could we leave a bit early then? I can’t help but feel Fahdil is in big trouble.”
“A little after dawn it is. Good night Grue.”
“Night-” He yawned, Grue turned to the guest room, with a soft and inviting bed awaiting him. Now that he thought about it, it seemed a bit strange that Maua had an extra bedroom. Grue didn’t sleep well however, no matter how comfortable his guest bed was, or the abundant hospitality of his teacher. Grue couldn’t help feel sickened with himself for not rushing back to help the only zebra friend he had.
Chapter 5-Second Thoughts
M orpheus had put Celestia to bed, covering her in only the softest of sheets. She had given him little hassle even when trying her hardest to stay awake for her dad. He was usually busy with a unicorn’s complaint or suggestion. He picked up on her reluctance to sleep, and began telling tales he remembered being told to him. They sated the filly’s desire, and she fell asleep with a soft smile of sweet dreams. It was a smile that made Morpheus forget all about seeing his daughter leave the Evergreen Forest. With the star king’s mind in a state peace, he trotted to his chambers to rest with his somepony.
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Luna however, could do anything but sleep. She wasn’t sure why but when the moon was out all she’d want to do was watch it glow in the sky. She pictured things hidden in her stars. A lion and scorpion fused together,or maybe a giant bear made out of stars. She had never seen the things she came up with, and to be honest she was glad she didn’t. The iris blue princess gave a soft sigh she had taken one of her mother’s circle cushions to her private balcony. It helped her sleep, since she couldn’t always ask her parents if she could sleep in their bed. “Oh, Celestia...”, her mind remembering a few hours ago. “Did you not like my stars? Is that why you ran away?”
“Excuse me, princess.”
Luna looked around for the voice. It was soft almost timid. “Hello....who-who’s there?” A soft pat came from behind her, her head almost snapping to the fuzzy paw. There stood a brown lagomorph dressed in copper toned armor and dark green and yellow clothes. “A royal.....bunny?” She give a soft giggle.
“That’s hare, please...Princess Luna.” He gave a corrective tone, with a clear of the throat.
“How..are you talking?” She questioned.
“Now, now you live in a world filled with much more magical things then a talking hare. May I get back to the subject at hoof, please? My lord sent me.”
“A lord? Lord of what? How haven’t I seen him? All royalty lives in Canterlot, or at least visits-” Harrington coughed loudly at her, and she closed her mouth, blushing softly.
“My lord wishes to stay a secret. He does wish for you to know however if you want to see him, he is in the Evergreen forest.”
“Isn’t that dangerous? The Evergreen forest has these creatures called timber wolves!”
“He is aware, they do not frighten him. Well I guess that is all,it was nice meeting the “quiet moon princess” .”
“...Quiet moon princess?”
“Oh, I’m sorry...I’m taking somepony’s description of you out of context. It was ‘Quite useless moon princess’.terribly sorry...now I just sound rude!” The hare gave a bow in apology.
“WHO-...I mean who dares call me useless?”
“I-I’m sorry my princess but I’m not sure who...I was just over hearing my lord talk about what ponies think of the royal family. I really must go, so sorry again.” The outfitted lagomorph then gave a jump off her balcony to Luna’s surprise. She gasped and lunged to save him from the fall, but he had escaped her reach. She didn’t hear a sound of his fall.
This talk of her being useless danced around in her head. She wouldn’t dare go in the forest alone. She found herself resting comfortably on her mother’s cushion, after working so hard on so many new stars, and constellations. It was her body and maybe the scent of her mother’s hair that coaxed Luna into drifting into a good night's sleep.
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Celestia gave a well rested yawn and stretched as she got out of bed. She could smell that the chef was preparing some sweet cream and rose popovers, though she wasn’t sure why he was making food so early in the morning. She looked outside her balcony to see a fully risen sun. She had overslept. “I slept til’ noon!” She yelped, galloping out of her room to find her parents.
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“My liege...The earth ponies are demanding the sun be up faster...I understand you have foals of your own...But it must. The sun must be up on time!”
“DO NOT RAISE YOUR VOICE TO ME!” Morpheus boomed.
“Morpheus!” Astrum nudged her hoof on his. “I think you need to get yourself some refreshments,maybe some food? You know how cranky you get, without proper diet.” She whispered. Morpheus gave a heavy sigh, nodding his head to the both. Searching for Celestia last night had taken away from Morpheus’ sleep, not to mention there were these strange memories trying to pry out of his subconscious. after leaving the throne room, his mind began to linger on these thoughts. “My deepest apologies Sir Harbinger. My daughter was late to wake today. It will not happen again.”she gave one of her signature smiles that made even the most heated of arguments seem pleasant. “Please on your way out help yourself to the mess hall.” She added. The messenger pegasus smiled back and trotted to the mess hall.
“Mommy why was dad yelling?” A pouty-faced Luna asked.
“Your father...oh.. He was using the Royal Canterlot voice dear. Some subjects however...” Astrum paused to make sure her words sounded right to tell such a young filly.
“It’s like giving a hoofshake to a pony you’ve known for a long time. It’s discourteous to not only your friend’s feelings but to their reputation.” She explained.
“So...Harbinger thinks he’s being talked down to?” Luna replied. She gave a smiling,for understanding so quickly.
“Mother?” Celestia asked as she entered the throne room. Luna’s eyes looked to her sister who was interrupting a rare break to speak with her mom.
“If it isn’t the sleeping mare.” Astrum gave a joking chuckle.“How was your extra rest?” she added.
“Mother,I’m sorry! I’m so-so-so-so-”
“Whoa-there my little pony. I don’t believe you’ll make a habit of sleeping in late. A growing mare does need her beauty sleep though.” The galaxy alicorn smiled to Celestia, turning her head fully so Luna could not see her wink of understanding. It was the sign that later she was going to get a stern talking to later. But not now, in the beginning of the afternoon since she had just woken up. Luna gave a soft cough, hoping to attract her mother’s attention again.
“Right momma?” She asked again, still holding her smile.
“What?-Oh,sort of dear...It was disrespectful to talk in the Royal Canterlot Voice because Sir Harbinger is a pony with a high reputation around Canterlot.”
“Oooooh....it wasn’t about talking down...it was about his pride!?” she rebutted in question.
“Kinda, Luna..” Celestia tried to help in the conversation. “You know how our seamstress has the reputation for being high class? She doesn’t talk to people from other towns because they aren’t of the same class!"
"Celest'-!” Astrum coughed. The white filly’s ears fell limp from her mother’s disapproval. “Maybe I should be the one to teach Luna? I thank you for trying though,would you mind if you found your father for me please?” her eyes pointing to the mess hall as she told Celestia.
“Oh...okay.” She trotted along the red carpet to her father.
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Morpheus had been in and out of it today. When he went to bed yesterday his mind drifted to the issue he has so easily forgotten,that little secret that Canterlot couldn’t recall. There was a young brown colt who had been a guest of the palace. He was a nameless Alicorn,who barely ate his fancified meals,or associated with other ponies. Which came under the name Pan because 'He liked the way it sounded.' No Morpheus’ mind had not been kind to him, always stirring with details he had a blurry view of. He wondered why no pony ever asked, they had to of known, had to of seen the little alicorn.
“Father?” A familiar voice broke his fixated thoughts. He lifted his head to meet the voice.
“Hello Celestia. Is everything alright?”
“You tell me father...you don’t look okay.” Her eyes were on the verge of tears. Celestia had a strong empathic connection with other ponies emotions. It was strange because she shared so much in common with her mother, and her mother had a hard time gauging just how others felt around her. Empathy was a trait she shared with her father, it kept her sensitive. It’s why she was usually the filly Astrum and Morpheus kept a closer eye on. But in this protectiveness they had left Luna in a troubled state. She was unsure what to make of herself and how to talk to other ponies, her closest friend was her sister because of this.
“I’ve had a lot to think about Celes'...Like if I should punish you for running off for starters.”
“Punish me!?”
“One, you ran away. Two, you ran into the forbidden part of the forest.”
“It’s because I met him isn’t it?”
“Ye- I mean. No...you didn’t meet anypony.” He started to whisper.
“I heard his voice...What’s so bad about him?” Celestia wondered.
“Should I really tell a filly?” Morpheus thought. That alicorn wasn’t right, it wasn’t that he was different Morpheus could respect Pan’s 'uniqueness'. It was because whenever Morpheus thought of Pan a part of his gut felt bitter and cold. He wanted unspeakable things to happen to him. He felt that way when his eyes glanced on the sleeping colt years ago.
“I’m just protective over you dear. That pony in the forest...He’s not a kind one.”
“If he isn’t a kind pony...Then why is he so close to Canterlot? Do you see him as a threat to our subjects?”
“Aethere no, Celestia!” He remarked shocked and a bit impressed with her royal tone to the challenge she thought he faced. “He’s not a threat dear. He doesn’t want to hurt people. He just causes a lot of...-Of trouble. I wouldn’t want you to get caught up in his trouble. I’d rather you stayed more focus in your studies with magic and raising the sun that’s all.” Morpheus felt rather confident as his word corrected what seemed like a cold war,into that of a mean spirited nuisance. Which was how Morpheus fully realized Pan was, just a nuisance.
“Did I fail Equestria today,Daddy?” Celestia said in a shaky voice and if tears were not too far behind.
“No. You didn’t Celestia. You just slept in a bit late, Tomorrow is a new day.” He chuckled giving a joking wink.
“Mother wanted to see if you were alright. She sent me to find you by the way.”
“Oh did she now? You don’t want to talk to your father all by yourself?”
“Of course I do!-You just-you’re always busy....” Celestia admitted. Morpheus gave a soft sigh.
“I’m sorry Celestia. It really isn’t fair to you or your sister,me being busy so long. I’ll bring it up with your mother later,but for now....” He said while rising from his table in the private section of the mess hall. “I should resume my royal obligations. Wish me luck!” Morpheus added as he made his way out of the mess hall. Celestia looked around to the maids and palace workers all chatting and having a good time with themselves. The princess promised herself if she was ever to rule Equestria she would want not only want her palace helpers to be content as they were now, but she would not use a private room where only royalty ate.
With her father out of view she cantered over to one of the tables where a group or serfs were talking. The ponies themselves where earth ponies, but Celestia wasn’t biased of what type of pony she met. She gave a timid smile to the older helpers. “Hello there! Is the food good today?” She asked innocently. All of the ponies stopped their conversation, looking to her with such a stare it made the princess take a few steps back. But the youngest pony grunted a bit.
“For our food? It’s better than most days. I’m sure you wouldn’t know anything about commoner’s food. Would you, my grace?!” the mare’s voice gave a snobbish whine as he ended his answer. Celestia however didn’t understand what the mare was talking about,she turned her eyes to their food. It was the darkest of leaf greens with what she assumed was rose petals.
“Isn’t that a red rose and evergreen lettuce sandwich?-It is if not one of the most heartiest sandwiches our chef serves, it is most definitely one of the simplest meals he makes. All the ingredients are hoof grown, locally by Canterlot! I don’t understand why you are unhappy." She confessed, with a calm but authoritative tone.
“Princess,we didn’t plate this food for ourselves.”The annoyed mare replied.
“You..you didn’t? Then wh-”
“Your father gave us this food, as soon as your chef saw him trot in he was seated and given over ten plates of overflowing food. The uncanny part is his majesty did not eat nor sip a single serving of food the chef prepared."
“My father left without eating then?!” She gasped.
“Not exactly,princess. He asked us for our food...and in return gave us his. We shared the extra with anypony who was hungry.” He replied.
“I’m sorry for my earlier attitude then sir. What is your name,if I may ask?” Celestia blushed as she heard what happened before she got to the mess hall.
“It’s quite alright princess I’m sure I would have acted the same. My name is Sir Damson,princess.” He gave a smile to her as she acknowledged her mistake. it was a trait he saw little of in Canterlot.
“Thee Damson,of Theee Plum family?!”Celestia gave a gasp.
“Hush! Yes,yes...I’m the Damson.I’m trying not to attract attention though, from the usual Canterlot fair.” Damson gave a wink.
“You can understand wanting to be normal for a day or two,right?” He smiled nervously to her hoping she didn’t blow his cover.
“Not, personally sir....-vent.” she noticed a suspicious pony trot by the table trying their best to listen in.
“I’m ssshhhso-sorry to disturb ya then,ye gracccceee.” Damson gave an odd whistle and aged tone to play his role. He moved his head under his dirtied robe to hide his muzzle.
“ ‘Tis fine servant,carry on then.” Celestia said throwing her words in a haughty manner,then she pranced with her head almost staring to the ceiling as she walked out. She hoped her over dramatic exit put less suspicion on Sir Damson.
“OOHUF! Watch where you’re going!”
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The birds had been chirping louder then ever in the forest. They all tried their best to wake up their restless father. Little did they know he was awake, trying his hardest to stay in bed.
“My lord?”
“What is it Harrington?”
“I have told Luna.”
“I know you did, you are a part of me.” Pan sighed in aggravation.
“But..you told me to come straight to you as when I finished my task!”
“...I was hoping The princess would follow you...sweet Astrum I’m bored!” Pan grunted.
“Are you really bored?...or are you just unhappy you don’t know the princesses?”
“I’m not sure Harrington. I’m am certain that MY BIRDS ARE DRIVING ME NUTS.”-Pan roared, shifting his head into a lion’s. The birds fluttering away in fright.
“What do you suggest we do, Lord Pan?”
“Maybe Luna just needs a reason to forget her parent’s lessons....”The brown alicorn wondered out loud.
“But..how?” Harrington asked.
“Have you ever wanted to be something bigger Harrington?” Pan’s horn gave a dark green glow as he turned his head mischiefly at his little assistant.
“Lord....Pa-Pan! Think first my liege!”
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“Terribly sorry Ma’am!” Celestia hastily apologized.
“Ma’am?-..what are you doing sis?” a bemused Luna asked getting herself off the floor.
“Oh,uhhhh- Nothing follow me sis.” Celestia nudged at one of her sister’s forelegs.
“But I was on my way to get some food!” Luna whined.
“Com’n sis there’s no need to whine about it.” The white filly turned to where Damson was and took one of the extra sandwiches, floating it to her sister. “There, now come on and keep up!” Celestia giggled getting to a running gallop. Luna was falling behind pacing herself with her food and making sure her sister was in view. She wasn’t as good at telekinesis spells unlike her sister but she could keep the food by her side as she followed along. It looked like Celestia was going to their secret room, knowing this Luna’s speed quickened. When she caught up to sister Luna had finished the sandwich, Celestia closed the door then the two started giggling in the old water room.
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“There you are!”Astrum sighed as she caught up to him.
“What’s the rush dear?”
“It’s hard to explain and if I tell you, you’ll stare at me strangely. It’s best to just see it for your own eyes.”-She explained her hooves getting ready to gallop as she started to tell him. Morpheus gave her a bemused look. The two alicorns made it to the throne room, watching serfs and noble ponies scream in horror. “What could be so frightening!?” Morpheus thought. Then before his eyes he found his answer. A giant creature made of the stars themselves!
“It’s the same constellation that Luna made last night.” Astrum whispered to him.
“How are we going to play this through dear?” he asked.
“With fairness,and a calm attitude. It’s not hostile, just...sitting.”She replied.
“What did Luna call it again...Ursa..”
“Major, It’s Ursa major. It looks just like other ursa...maybe this is the mother?”
He wasn’t sure just what to make of the ursa sitting in the middle on their throne room. It’s back was arched, unable to move it had dozed off. “Hello, Mrs. Ursa?”
“Morpheus are you trying to get her angry!” Astrum stressed her whisper trying to convey her seriousness but still be quiet.
“I’m sorry dear, I’m not you know who -wait! Astrum you don’t think-”
“He wouldn’t! It would jeopardize his secrecy!”
“What if he’s tired of being a secret? What if Pan wants to be known?”
“Then this would be just the thing he would do...putting a space bear mother in the throne room.”
“How did even think her up, you don’t suppose he talked to Luna do you?”
“That’s a very good question. Where is Luna...”
“Where are our daughters!” They yelled in unison.
“Morpheus I’m going to search the castle for them”
“No. That is just what he wants! Pan wants to separate us, He’s always been able to talk to you more freely. We stick together.”
“This isn’t the time to dispute about Pan, our children could be-”
“Could be what? Most likely they are together because it’s impossible to keep them apart. They have each other’s company, they are safe. Remember Astrum. A calm and level head?”
Astrum gave a deep breath it was only natural for a mother to be protective of her young, and with her foals being alicorns it meant she had to be even more protective. “Alright dear,how should we handle this?”
“Like leaders, dear. Let’s get this Ursa out of the castle for starters” He said with a smile they connected their horns combining their magic to make a ribbon ,which wrapped around the bear. The ursa didn’t seem to mind too much although, she did give a low roar in shock as she lifted off of the marble floor. “We can’t let a star bear roam around the forests,Morpheus stated. “Why not? She hasn’t done any harm to us.”Astrum questioned.
“If she’s any bit protective of her young like you are,she’s a danger to the towns near the forest.”
“I guess the only logical thing to do, is to go to the pony that made her.”
“It seems we have to.” Morpheus sighed uneasy about the idea. He was trying his best to be a good leader, not forgetting how a poor a father and even worse stallion he felt he was for stopping his mare from finding her foals. Together the two flew to the forest.
Chapter 6-Fables and Mythos
M aua and Grue had made good progress through The Brush. They could almost see the village, but it seemed unnervingly crowded. The village had the ceremonial bonfire lit, the colors of its flames changing from blue to a bright green. “Maua...what is the fire for?” Grue whispered.
“It’s an alarm. It means someone is being put on trial. The Chieftain is going way too far I fear.” She turned her head making sure he was looking at her as she continued. “Whatever happens, I need you to promise to stay strong, and not to let anyone force your destiny.” Her voice sounded more lovingly than a teacher should sound. It made Grue question why she was so interested in him.
“I’ll try my best Maua.”, unsure of his own abilities.
“We shouldn't wait any longer.” Maua’s neck raised up high, her hooves stepping hard with purpose as she entered the village with Grue right behind her, they started to overhear The Chieftain.
“...The most severe of crimes! To grip at a life, and wish to end it before it’s path of memories was over. This zebra claims not only to conspire to kill one of our members, but they hid their motives until now because of fear! Fear...such a deadly poison. Now with haste we will hear this testimony. I hope none of you take the victim or the accused lightly. Come on out Fahdil.”
What walked out from The Chieftain's hut was a small zebra, and anyone who looked quickly at her would simply believe this was Fahdil. But Grue looked with almost a hypnotic gaze at her eyes. They were purple. It wasn’t just the iris either, all but the pupil was tinted purple.
“Is what I feared. That poison I was talking about...It poisons the mind, making it easier to distort the facts. Fahdil is being framed.” She whispered.
“Tell us the truth. Little one.” The Chieftain commanded. Fahdil took a big gulp, tears building in her eyes as she started to speak, she closed her eyes and yelled
“No!” The crowd gasped.
“You defy your leader, nay your tribe of the truth?! Speak! Little one-Or your very silence is proof of your intent!” Sabra roared.
“I -I never cared about Grue! He’s my best friend----so I let him think. I couldn’t wait to hurt him! If Hofu had just shut up about it! He’s the reason that freak is still around!”
“Is that so!” Grue yelled. Part of the crowd turned with gasps of shock and confusion.
“Grue don’t take her words too s-” The herbalist tried to tell the enrage hybrid, but she noticed Grue was not angry at all. He only yelled so the whole crowd could hear.
“Yes. Every. word!” Her once cute giggle became warped and sinister.
“Is that why the Fahdil I know warned be about the poison joke? You could’ve told Hofu where I was in The Brush. But. Instead you made me a gurney when I got sick,you brought me back here. Is that something, you would do to a being you hate?” He asked thinking he had caught whatever dark magic against her.
“I was tricking you-you stupid half pony!”She went into a wild cackle.
“Grue?! It’s good to see you are unharmed, but what are you talking about? The story Fahdil and my son told me said nothing about a gurney or you being ill at the time?”
“Can I give you the truth then, sir?”
“Please do, Grue.”
“I was on an errand for Uchawi and Fahdil was helping lead me to the ingredients, since I have trouble remembering. But when we got to the second one, heart’s desire it was nighttime. I noticed through some bushes, Hofu and his friends. Since Hofu likes to bully me I tried my best to be quiet. I forgot that in the grass around the heart’s Desire was poison joke. The poison joke coated me, I could feel it everywhere ,it made me look like I fell asleep.”
“Look like?” The Chieftain questioned.
“The poison joke had made my eyes heavy, my muzzle numb, and my legs weak.”Grue answered, then continued. “My ears heard everything. Like the sound of Fahdil gathering leaves and pulling me into the gurney....and her softly crying, saying it was all her fault, that she didn’t warn me about the poison joke again. I heard the sound of many hooves jumping in and out of bushes and then jumping all at once scaring Fahdil to drop the gurney. But I think the sound that will help you the most, the sound I heard for what felt like hours. Was the sound of the gurney dragging on wet dirt.”
“Which would have left a mark.” Sabra was catching onto Grue’s words.
“It will explain why I haven’t told my story until now, who was left with me? Fahdil had been brought to you. which leaves Hofu and his gang alone with me.”
“I know in the past my colt hasn’t treated you kindly, I saw it as him roughing you up a bit Grue. You always seemed a bit sensitive.”The Chieftain's eyes looked over to Maua.
“There are things that if you knew, truly knew. You wouldn’t feel so safe out on your own, isn’t that right Maua?” Sabra barked as if insulting her with the innocence of the village not understanding just what he meant.
“Being on your own is safe, dear Sabra. What’s unsafe is everyone else's motives.” Her lips smirking as she answered. Her words made Sabra’s head turn and he gritted his teeth in anger.
“Fahdil, have you lied to me?”
“No,sir.”
“What do you think of Maua?”
“What sir?”
“Your herbalist,do you like her, Is she a great teacher?”
“No, she’s horrible at teaching.”
The Chieftain gave a sigh, turning to his villagers with a mournful face.“I-I must apologize to you all. It seems Fahdil is unwell. We will begin this trial from the beginning, for now a recess of...of...next afternoon. The evidence has changed.” With that two zebras picked up Fahdil, who hung limp as they carried her. They followed The Chieftain, who walked over to Grue and Maua.
“Who’s hoofcraft is this?”
“The ingredients I was supposed to get, Shade’s wort, heart’s desire and a frog’s gut.”
“Which...is something Uchawi would use?”
Maua leaned her muzzle close to The Chieftain telling him just what the ingredients were for. His heart beared heavy news. With this new information, he put Fahdil in Maua’s care. Then he and Grue walked back to where the trouble began.
“It’s getting dark out, little one.”Sabra said calmly.
“Just like last night, sir.”Grue admitted.The elder zebra smiled even giving a chuckle or two, for a moment he couldn’t remember why he didn’t like Grue.
“My tribe, It hasn’t been too hard on you has it?”
“No one looks me in the eye, not even my guardian. They think-I don’t know what they think.”
“I think they have been misinformed. Your heart seems to be for the tribe. That is something I can respect.”
“I-I’m not sure how to say this, without losing your respect...respect I probably just earned. But I don’t believe you. In fact don’t believe anything you tell me right now. My best friend just told me she wanted to kill me. How do I know these are your true feelings?”
“Trust isn’t easily earned, I’m aware. Right now I bet the jury and spectators are groaning about how I wasted their whole afternoon on a story that with your evidence isn’t real at all. Though it’s probably the most interesting thing to happen to this village in a long time.”
“Like the day a pony entered your village?”
“Please. That is old news-”
“It’s not old for me, sir...you made it so I couldn’t see my father. That’s a part of my life, maybe he can tell me why I don’t have stripes, or a mark yet?”
“Grue...I know my motives seem out of place. But I hope you know I’ve tried my hardest to keep you, and your mother safe.”
“My mother?....What are you trying to keep us safe from?”
“Look! The marks from the gurney..they lead away from town? This isn’t the path Fahdil used?”
“I know you want to keep us safe...I’m going to ask you this later and I’d like answers chieftain. I won’t be any safer with secrets.”
“Perhaps you are right, secrets have done a number on our tribe as it is.”
There were times when The Chieftain didn’t seem like he was himself. This wasn’t the tribe leader Grue knew, he was mean and abhorred the thought of talking to Grue. Grue guessed because of his pony traits, but he was never truly sure. Here he was almost spewing with more details about why he didn’t know his parents then the hybrid had ever heard his whole life. “Could this be the right chieftain,he has to be bewitched or drugged like Fahdil!” Grue thought,he turned his head to the tracks “Fahdil was bring me back to the village,these marks are fresher. These are the tracks of Hofu, bringing me to Lily’s lake.”
“Lily’s lake is three miles away, not to mention. Pony territory .” His voice darkening with the very thought of more than one pony. “Well he didn’t walk all the way there I assure you. He just kicked me in, from the current of this river.” Grue insisted, his hooves imitating the motions as he told him. “Little one! Do you mean to tell me my son kicked you in the river while you were in that 'gurney'?” The Chieftain’s voice wasn’t one of shock or anger, just the dreaded feeling of disappointment. Grue nodded. “..and you heard him talk?” The elder zebra asked. “...I did.” Grue moved his brow in confusion, how did he know?
“Little one! I fear there are even bigger evils at work, then what I first believed. I am not sure I am able to prevent this evil, since they have clouded my son’s judgement...There are some things you need to know before we end up butting heads again.” The elder’s voice was tense almost scared as he spoke. “Okay, tell me!”Grue insisted eager to know just who was behind all of this new trouble in his quiet village. “There was a unicorn by the name of Sirius Dusk. He was, at the time with a group of other races, griffons,and mules, and the like..They came here proclaiming the greatness of the Solus heirs. These two winged unicorns controlled night and day, protected your dreams and the land of Equestria with every power in their hoof. They wanted us to ally with them...but I think you are more interested with your father, Sirius Dusk aren’t you?” The Chieftain smiled watching Grue’s head violently shake.
“We declined, but in a friendly manner offering them in exchange rest and food for their trip back home, Sirius was determined to prove to us it was foolish not to ally with Equestria. 'Zebra kind are almost equines, ‘part from the stripes that is,' In his words. I was just ushered in as the new chieftain close to that time...I couldn’t help feel uncomfortable around the unicorn. It wasn’t what he was, being a pony..but his magic. It was always frightening to see him use it, and if you looked at his eyes as he was using his powers. It was horrifying.” The elder zebra took a break, his memories of the past were haunting him, these were parts you could tell he wished he could forget. “My father scared you, because he was magical? I don't understand how it is scary..we use magic all the time.”
“Little one, the magic we use is of the plants, and from the Earth. Sometimes a stronger spell calls on using the energy from our own bodies, but those aren’t the type of spells I do not condone using.”
“Then you really need to talk to Uchawi, sir.”
“After I’m finished talking with you, I’ll be sure to. Now..he stayed for a month, charming over a lot of the tribe with acts of kindness. When I felt compelled to throw him out, I would have been thrown out instead. It was that night that I saw a strange magic, it glowed and ebbed so bright I could see it shine through my hut, waking me up. Interested, I went to investigate, only to see Sirius with his glowing eyes and horn over my chosen, Maua.”
“Wha-!” Grue started to yell, but Sabra shoved his hoof to the hybrid’s mouth before he could go any further, when Grue calmed down he started again. “What!? you were mates with Maua?....my father was using his magic on her?” Grue felt his insides tighten, horrified at the idea his father was a bad pony. “Being the Chieftain I had the right to mate with whom I wanted to. I choose Maua...for many reasons, Mostly for her smarts and compassion for young ones. As for Sirius Dusk I gave him a good buck in the head for touching her like that!”
“But-why was he doing it?” Grue asked.
“I assumed he was doing it....for you.” The Chieftain’s eyes drifted to the sky as he spoke. It was a beautiful day out, he never did spend much time away from his hut. At the moment however he was trying his hardest to find a distraction for his mind, he couldn’t bare to look into Grue eyes after telling him such a despicable thing. “...Does Maua love me out of fear?” Grue asked a tear forming when he did.
“She loves you, like how every mother loves their young. I can tell when she looks at you, can’t you? There is no fear, not even malice for you.”
“What about you? Is there any malice for me?”
“For you...-”
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“What’s the new gossip 'Tia?” Luna softly giggled. “Did you know Uncle Damson is in the castle!” Almost jumping as she told her. “Damson?..oh the nice earth pony who gave mom and dad the wine?” Luna said sheepishly, she saw that Celestia was excited that he was here,but she didn’t understand why. It wasn’t that Sir Damson wasn’t a nice pony,she just didn’t remember many of the trips and adventures that Celestia talked about with him,that supposedly Luna had also been a part of.
“Okay I told you my gossip,tell me some of yours!?”
“I-I hear that some of the ponies in Canterlot don’t like us....In fact I was called the-”The Quite Useless Moon Princess”..” Luna hesitated as she told Celestia, it didn’t follow the gossip rules they had made, but she didn’t want to bring up meeting a talking hare at night. “What?..Who would call you useless? I don’t believe you. Did you just not have any good gossip?”Celestia smiled, taking Luna’s words lightly. It would have been a different matter if she knew who was making such mean comments about her family, but since she didn’t, what could she do but put it behind her? “Well...there was something..” Luna mumbled. “What?..Come on tell me! I don't wanna guess!” Celestia begged.
“ A bunny talked to me last night.”
“You....what?”
“Actually it was a hare...but it doesn’t matter. He said something about Lord Pain,or Pan..”
“Pan!? What about him?”
“Oh...you know Pan?”
“He’s the reason I went into the woods last night.”
“You went in the woods! Alone! A-and you’re not grounded...How?!”
“Dad is still thinking about how to punish me, Mom already gave me the 'We are going to have a long talk wink' So my punishment is still on hold. Pan is weird..he’s happy, then sad..then angry...and what makes him even weirder is he is like us.”
“He’s..a girl? That doesn’t make sense!”
“Not a girl, I meant he’s an alicorn Luna!”
“Wow..an alicorn alone in the Evergreen forest? He must be quite brave, and lonely.”
“He has this unfinished castle with pretty windows...oh,I guess he would be kinda lonely, now that you mention it. I noticed that dad doesn’t like him, because he causes trouble. But I think it is more then that, He’s just being protective.”
*Knock-Knock !* The princesses clung to each other, keeping as quiet as they could. “My apologizes for Interrupting you two, But if you wouldn’t mind getting out. I need to make sure you stay safe.”The voice asked. “Who is it?” The two asked in unison. “Why,It is Damson of course, We don’t have time for this I am afraid, I need to bring you somewhere safe.” His voice becoming more urgent. Celestia gave a smile to her worried sister, using her magic to unlock the door, as it open there stood Damson,though he seemed to be wearing some of the royal guard's armor.
“What’s the problem, Uncle?” Celestia asked, finally breaking free of Luna’s hold. The princesses followed behind him as he tried his best to explain. “Your parents were last seen flying to the forest. Which means if they both left without somepony to protect you, it is a serious matter. I’m going to take you to a part of the castle only the royal family knows about...it should keep you safe.” By the time he had finished explaining they had made it to the mess hall in the Royal family’s wine and mead cellar. Damson took out a ten year old bottle of plum wine. He gave a smile to it, remembering giving this to Astrum on her honeymoon.
“Would you two mind striking some of your magic on the rune?”
The two looked at the bottle, sure enough there was a inscribed rune, they both looked to each other, then looked back shooting out a small ray of magic. The rune glowed a lavender hue, and the fruit wine brewer placed the bottle back in. Then the sound of a tight *click * and arcane magic came from behind a banner of the Solus family crest, revealing a passageway made entirely out of crystals. “Whoa.” Luna gasped, taking a step back. “Are you sure this is safe Uncle?” Celestia questioned. “Of course it is, what? Now you don't trust me? What about that time we visited the Gryphon capital?”
“And you had me cast a feather spell on you, every six hours? What about it?”
“It looked dangerous, at some points was a little dangerous....But we are still walking and flying...”
“You seem very adventurous, for a wine seller.” Luna wondered giving him a curious expression. “Well what can I say, other then people want my wine, and I make sure I personally give a bottle to any potential buyer. But it’s more then just me trying to be a savvy salespony, it gets dreadfully boring in the tame lands of Equestria. That is how I met up with Astrum and Morpheus, how I found my somepony. If I stayed in one place, and was content in just Equestria, my life would be a lot less. Less fun I’d say.” The maroon pony admitted. The three ponies descended down the old path, the fillies gazing at the crystal walls and ceiling. “This place is so pretty. Why aren’t people allowed to go down here all the time.”Celestia asked, with a sparkle in her eye. “I would assume it is because these crystals haven’t been properly examined by your parents, or a strong enough unicorn. That means, please do not touch them.” looking to Luna with her tongue extended, he raised his eyebrow for a moment but gave a playful smile. “How about, I tell you the tale 'Aethereum and the Earth'? I’ve been told I tell pretty good stories.” his hoof slid over his bangs as he boasted his talent and began to chuckle.
“Aether-whoo?”
“My tale will explain it all, princesses. Some believe before even the three pony tribes were made, when the earth itself was being made, there was an alicorn bigger than the sun, he was the very space between your beautiful stars, Luna.”
“Thank you”
“Your welcome, The great Aethereum. Lord of all space and things. Ae-ther-ey-um!, Maker of both you and me.” Damson started to sing, the princesses giggled. The earth pony gave a clear of the throat, realizing he had gone a bit too far. “Excuse me, The tale goes, on the eve of the earth’s creation, he had made two other ponies; Crystalline, and Aeaeae. They would serve as a type of conscious, to help mold the creatures of this world. He looked to Crystalline and asked her “Who do you think should rule the land?”
“Great Aethereum! nothing but the strongest and bravest of creatures!” She revealed a horn, and used her magic to create what would be known as the Gryphon, Dragon, and Minotaurs. “Interesting creatures! What do you think Aeaeae?” He mused. “Shouldn’t you have creatures that can relate to you?” She spouted a horn and created-”
“Oh!-Oh I know!”
“Do you now, Luna?”
“She made us! Unicorns,and Pegasi and earth ponies!”
“Ha-ha, Indeed she made the three pony tribes! Aethereum gave a wide grin to his creations, both had good ideas. But he had come up with a true test for them. “What should these subjects care for the most?”, a question that would surely define his creations. Aeaeae turned away thinking deeply, but Crystalline giggled playfully
“Why nothing but the most beautiful gems and ores, Clearly the hoof work of a benevolence above!”
“No! Material things? that’s preposterous! I hope that my creations would follow the basic principles of harmony.”
“Harmony, Aeaeae. What is that?” Crystalline scoffed in vain.
“Honesty, Kindness, Laughter, Generosity, Loyalty and most importantly Magic.”
“That Ehe-E-Ah seems to very nice.”
“You have no idea Celestia, But please, let me continue.”
“Calm yourselves! You two...you have good ideas, but still seem fixated on yourselves! Crystalline do you really want your creations to care about gems..or should I say crystals? And you, Aeaeae,you are the very essence of magic..and you think it should rank higher than caring for another of your beings? This is disappointing!” The two looked to each other ,Crystalline was indeed pure crystal. embedded in her opaque body was smaller crystals of all sorts of colors. Aeaeae was a deep magenta pony. Her body would trail off like smoke and only her head and neck seemed not to ripple like disturbed water.
“If we seem to fixated on what we are, maybe it is because we know ourselves.” They explained.
“True. Being made out of magic and crystal, you value your worth...maybe there is hope for you two yet.” and The three would help shape our world as we know it today..."" Damson ended glancing at the two fillies.
“Is that all of the story?” Luna remarked almost disappointed it had ended.
“For this part of the story, it is. Look we've made it.” Damson smiled as he opened a dust-caked door. The two fillies used their horns as lights. “Thank you girls, now...ah here we are!” his voice sounding eager. He had brought them the lowest point in the forgotten caves, and what he had finally lead them to was a door, that felt like it had been there before the castle’s construction. “I fear, that for you two I have not been terribly honest. I mean to keep you safe, I could tell your parents had something urgent awaiting them. But I, myself am on a quest, I would be highly appreciative if you would help me.” He asked.
1“I don't mind helping you uncle, I just don’t understand why you had to keep it a secret.” said Celestia.
“Yea-why do we have to help you?” Luna added in.
“The engravement here says that only when the moon and sun join will the door unlock. I am confident that after many years traveling to other capitals, hearing the same tale told in different tongues that this is it! This is where I will find my answers.” Damson’s eyes became large and wild.
“I-I don't understand Uncle. What answers, I thought you were happy. You have your somepony, a job you like...what else do you want?” Celestia asked, her heart was beginning to beat fast, she could almost sense that her uncle wasn’t the same.
"That is just it! I don't know what else I could need. I was happy...until, I met a unicorn by the name of Sirius Dusk.” Damson took a seat. His words were becoming hard to understand with the stress he showed. He was stricken with such sorrow, which it had been held in for years.
“Sirius Dusk...wasn’t he the strange pony, that went off against our parents wishes on a crusade to conquer 'the farthest reaches of intelligent life' ?” said Luna.
“Oh yeahhhh, the unicorn with the fascination for bells and stars?”
“No, dear Celest. That would be Star Swirl.”
“Oh...What did Sirius Dusk do?”
“He visited me a decade and three years ago, and asked me if I was comfortable living a lie.”
“How does he know you were living a lie?” asked Celestia.
“He only told me to 'Find the Solus heirs. Talk to Her Majesty, and realize the truth' .”
“So what happened when you talked to Mom?” Luna asked, assuming he had confused Astrum's title.
“I felt....a life’s worth of grief, sorrow and betrayal fill inside me.” Damson admitted. He let his tears flow freely, puddling in the dirt he sat on.
“Didn't..you know my mom before she was Her Grace?” Luna asked. Damson limped over in pain, his hooves trying to grip around his head.
“Before? There never was a before...”
“That makes no sense...I’m sure our parents weren't immediately the Rulers of Equestria.” Celestia wondered.
“Aaahh. Nope, always were, never different!”His voice almost squealing in pain. The two looked at their uncle, he looked like he was going to faint at anytime, but they weren't sure what to do.
“Obviously talking about the past isn’t helping him, let’s try opening the door Luna.”
“The sun and the moon...together?” Luna repeated.
“Like an eclipse!?” They said together.
“But..I don't even know what time it is!”Luna sighed.
“That’s okay Luna, just picture your moon. A big white marble, and you want it to rise up! On three you lift the moon and I lift the sun together. One! Two! Three!” They closed their eyes, finding themselves floating in space. They glanced at their respective orb, then their eyes opened and became solid white. They felt the moon and sun rise with them. Taking off, the two kept close to one another, until they felt the world’s gaze upon them, then Luna hugged her sister tight.
Damson watched in awe, his mind had let him go from his crippling thoughts. His eyes looked to the door which burst with magic. He peered in with jubilation, but was met with a bittersweet surprise. Here laid a slime covered egg “Aethereum, what monstrosity rests in that!” Damson reveled in disgust. Putting his vanity aside, he looked around for something worthwhile. Was there something, anything! other then that egg was the cause of all this trouble. With the bright light the princesses were making he was only able to find ruined books littering the dust soaked room, and a single readable paper. It had a symbol of sprout on and a crude drawing of what looked like a male alicorn.
“Fillies?..Celestia.” He trotted out the see that the once clear crystals had turned to jet, this intrigued the adventurous side of Damson. But he wasn’t naive, he could tell it was a sign to leave. “Princesses!” The two had gotten carried away with the new height of their power, flying over their orbs as if it was an alternate dimension.
“Fillies!” Slowly they felt a vacuum suck them up. It was reality grabbing hold of them and bringing them back to their worried uncle. As the princesses saw just how far they had flown, they noticed the crystal’s new colors and returned to their uncle.
“What’s going on Uncle Damson?” They asked.
“I’m sure it can’t be good news. Quickly we should head upstairs!” Nudging at their flanks with his snout.
“Did you find your answer?” Luna asked.
“Only more questions,Sadly.”
Chapter 7-Coming Full Eclipse
“D ear, how far have we been carrying this Ursa with us?” Morpheus asked, almost whining.
“Long enough to put the bear to sleep, it seems.” She softly chuckled. With more than enough daylight to spare, they had reached Pan’s part of the forest. Taking a quick rest, the two walked close in The Evergreen Forest. Even with it being so bright outside, the trees were so unnaturally tall here that it felt like nighttime. There it was, the castle that Celestia had found yesterday. “I don’t remember there being a castle, here...”Astrum mused, her eyes looked concerned to her somepony, had she forgotten something?
“It looks like the workers forgot too, look!” He paused for a moment to outline where the end of the castle's turrets should go with his hoof.
“Is this why Pan seemed so sad when I saw him last?”Astrum thought to herself. They decided to explore, just a bit of this landmark they had been unaware of. Astrum’s eyes grew wide, and she gave a loud gasp, to a tree that looked rather sickly. “Morpheus, I’ve never seen leaves red and yellow before!”
“M-mhmm!?!” The night stallion squinted as he still held the bear, the ribbon turning a deep purple.
“Oh, sorry dear.” She returned her magic to Morpheus'.
“An Ursa!” A familiar voice shouted out. What came into view was a Pan that looked as if he was molting.
“Good Aethereum, what happened to your wings?!”Astrum asked, once again forgetting the bear and rushing to Pan’s side.
“It’s...it’s horrible. I wanted to go and fly to you, see if you could help me...but I can’t fly.”
“THHH-aaAAaa..nnnn...waLk thERe!” Morpheus groaned, he couldn’t believe a bear weighed this much.
“I. I don’t know my way out.” Pan admitted, he was ready to cry.
“There, there. No reason to cry. Just tell us what should happen with the Ursa minor.”Astrum said calmly. Her voice put Pan in a focused state,he closed his eyes and tried to imagine what he would do if he was a Ursa minor. In a flash of green magic he shifted into one, though he was the color of his magic. He woke up the sleeping cub. It roared, and whined as if rejoined with family. Pan scooped the little ursa in his paws, rocking it back and forth. He used the magic to create a bottle of honey. The cub took it, sensing it was food. With the cub full of space honey he placed it down, and gave a combinations of groans and low roars, the cub then ran into the forest. Pan woke up resting in his castle, with Astrum by his side.
“Welcome back. You had us scared for a moment, it didn't look like you wanted to turn back to normal.”
“Normal?”
“Are you alright Pan? A lot of things have been going on.” Her voice was motherly, and soft.
“I don’t feel well, miss.” He glanced over to the white alicorn, with a concerned look.
“Miss?..Pan you don’t remember me?” He sounded hoarse and fearful of this alicorn beside him.
“No miss...This is the first time I’ve met you.”
“Somehow...I don’t believe you, I can feel you are lying to me.” Astrum’s voice lost all warmth as she spoke, this wasn’t Pan. She got up from her once lax pose, and stared angrily at the imposter before her.
“WHERE is he!” She belted in rage, her emotions where building up so strong that magic was flickering out of her horn. The imposter scrambled up and made a beeline to the entrance.
“I don’t know who he is!? Why are you angry with -Aouf!” The doppelganger thudded right into Morpheus. The night pony looked below,without a flinch at the pony who was shifting. The colors swirled and ebbed from Pan’s light brown to a solid shade of black.
“Is..is this what I think it is dear?” Morpheus said in disbelief, his expression filled with worry.
“It’s one of Crystalline’s ”
“I thought they were all wiped out...”
“It’s getting a little hectic, Morpheus. I can’t help but feel leaving our fillies to fend for themselves-”
“-Was just what Pan wanted.” Morpheus admitted, his voice growled low. His own logic had been defeated. They didn’t need to say what was next on their mind. The two of them split up Morpheus went to look for his daughters while Astrum secured Crystalline’s child and followed soon after. As they flew, they realized something odd. There was not a sun or moon up, but but both. Their hearts began to beat even faster. What had their children done, and what was Pan planning?
=====================================================================
“My eyes!” The chieftain hollered. Grue winced hearing the sizzle from the chieftain’s sockets. Grue noticed the instant darkness, and an odd glow in the sky
“It must be from whatever is going on in the sky! Sir do you want me to guide you to the village?” Grue asked, though it was more of a statement. By the time the chieftain had agreed Grue had already slung his hoof around his neck. A shadowy cackle loomed from behind. “Sir, we aren’t alone.” Grue whispered.
“What?..I-I didn’t hear a thing?” The Chieftain said, his head moved side to side, not realizing he was still blind. Then a hoof lunged out of the bushes, hitting Grue square in the muzzle with enough force to knock him back.
“Ehehehehehehehe....Lookie lookie I found. Gruesome!” Hofu snorted impishly, letting his upper jaw jet out as he did.
“Son! Son what is the meaning of this!” The Chieftain yelled.
“I’ll take care of him” A seductive, but cold voice commented. With a sound of a kiss the Chieftain’s words began to lose their audibility. He turned into a rambling senile elder. Grue tried to open his eyes but they felt glued shut. “Now, now! Grue, is it? You don’t think I would spoil the fun, of letting you see me. Not so soon!” He felt her get close to him, and kiss his cheek. His cheek became numb and around her kiss became stiff from coldness. Grue felt an overwhelming pain in his body, as if his ribs were inflating. “Grue, I want you to forget that quaint talk you had with your oaf of a chieftain. Forget it all, and that growing pain will not only disappear but you will feel better then you have your whole life! Forget about Fahdil’s friendliness. Most. Importantly. Remember, Remember every snicker and lie and name you’ve been called while you live with these....selfish animals!” Her voice put Grue into a light trance as she spoke,
Grue felt all his trust with Fahdil wash away, and all this misguided hate for his village grow. It felt almost natural, as if it had been his life since birth, like his destiny called for him to follow the female voice’s every whim. Grue bit hard on his lower lip forcing himself to remember what he had so eagerly wish to learn of his parents. He wasn’t about to lose all he had learned for whoever this female was. Grue took a deep breath,and began chanting to himself. It was the same way Uchawi had taught him how to build up his life energy. Whenever Grue did so he could feel nothing but himself standing still in a soothing energy that felt as serene as the moon itself. His body limped over as he faded into his protective meditation.
“That’s not very fair, calling my tribe selfish animals!” Hofu whined.
“Quiet you weak-hearted brat! Or do you want me to end your father’s reign of power? Do you want to be over run with ponies again?”
“No...”
“Then take your half-brother to your doctor’s aid, and keep your trap shut! I need some time to reword your mule of a father’s mess!”
=====================================================================
The three of them had finally made it out of the underground caverns, The girls were overjoyed that they had lifted the sun and moon all on their own! “What was the sun like?!” Luna squeaked.
“Very warm, and bright! Good thing I didn’t tan.” Celestia and Luna giggled.
“What about the moon?” Celestia added.
“Just the opposite! It was cold and hard to see, good thing the sun close to it.” Luna smiled, the two fillies hugged. *[b]Ktshhhhhh * The two gasped, letting go as Damson threw a bottle to the ground, they looked closer. It was the bottle that had unlocked the door. He gave a strong stomp to the bottom of the bottle, the rune now broken. The two watched as the passage closed.
“Why’d you do that?” Luna asked.
“You want to get in trouble for going somewhere forbidden?”
“You never told us that!” The two whined.
“With good reason!” He said, covering his ears.
“Damson...There was sand in the bottle!” Celestia pointed out,wiggling one of her hooves to the floor.
“Sand?” The earth pony pushed some away to see a note tied up.
“Find the truth. Seek out Her Majesty, Then you will understand what you hid years ago. -P.S. I hope you find this note. I want to believe in you, But my patience has never been a strong virtue. I am going to find him.- S. Dusk”
The sound of hoofs galloping could be heard down the hall. “I think you two have done quite enough.” A stern voice called out, it was Morpheus.
“Dad! You’re alright!” Celestia gasped, hopping as she spoke. His fillies hugged him,but as they held tight they could feel this was not the time. Morpheus exhaled a deep breath, as he stared at who he knew was Pan.
“Go to your rooms, you two. I can tell you both are in big, big trouble.” The princesses galloped as fast as they could down the hall, Celestia was halfway to tears, were as Luna only hung her head in shame. “Now, to show my true emotions.” Morpheus sneered at Pan, gripping his fore hooves around his neck, Pan was in total shock Morpheus lunged his hoof to Pan’s eye. He winded his hoof for another strong punch to Pan’s face.
“Why are you hurting me Midnight Star?!” Pan cried out, his face turning to deflect the hit. Morpheus stepped back. He let go of Pan.
“Is this another of your silly games, Pan? You were told to never to put my family in danger!” His voice yelled. Somehow Morpheus felt he had said this once before to Pan.
====================================================================
Celestia and Luna were in their rooms before their mother had reached the castle. She turned her horn to the sky, lowering the sun to rest. When she secured Crystalline’s child half, she walked to Luna’s room. With a polite knock to her door. Luna mumbled “ ’tis open.” Astrum opened the door, closing it behind her with her magic.
“Are we going back to medieval prose, now?” Astrum chuckled softly, to not seem rude.
“I just started reading some of my old tomes, 'tis all.” Luna admitted, closing her book.
“ ‘How to unlock your true magic?’ What in Equestria would make you want to study up on such straining magic?” Astrum asked worriedly.
“You said you would...when I could lift the moon on my own. But you’ve been busy and-and I didn’t want to impose....” Luna started to stutter, unsure if she had done something wrong.
“Luna, I’m proud that you lifted the moon, it’s just-I am not sure why you made the eclipse, your magic is very powerful. You need to be mindful to not only your subjects, but the world. When you did that, who knows who or what you could have hurt. The Earth depends on the sun and moon.” As she spoke Astrum curled a wing around her little filly. Astrum was genuinely proud of her daughter, but she didn’t feel she understood just how much responsibility rested in such an event.
“Now I’m in big trouble like ‘Tia.” Luna mumbled, she sniffled holding back her tears.
“Yes, you are. But I promise that even though you’re in trouble, I make sure you get a special, but small party.” Astrum smiled, getting ready to leave.
“A party, for what?” Luna stared, mouth gaping.
Astrum winked. “Oh, and stay in your room. Please.” She added, and closed the door behind her. She headed across the hall to Celestia’s room.
=====================================================================
With this a force of memories flooded into his mind, finally his hours of idling staring into serf’s food would end. All the missing answers and inexplicable questions he had thought were stitching together like a pair of hoof-me-downs, his memory was returning. Morpheus stumbled backwards from the force of his repressed memories.
“Why did you do it Pan?”
“I had to keep you safe. You were the only friends I had. I didn’t mean to cause all this harm to you. I’m truly sorry.” Pan used his magic to change to his normal form. He was still the picture of poor health. His feathers were puffy, and untamed. All sorts of twigs and leaves, and sap was stuck in his hair.
“You can’t solve your problems alone. Isn’t that why you looked to us in the first place.”
“It is, but...my mother was right. I should have never have placed such a heavy burden on my friends.”
“Then why make me remember? I don’t understand, I was happy with my family, we were doing well as royalty. Equestria is a strong nation.” Morpheus stared at Pan in confusion.
“I’m not sure you are aware, but I can sense an animal’s feelings, no offence. I knew that you were going to relapse, if I let you stare too long and wonder, you would have gone mad. My doppelganger-” Pan would try to explain.
“One of Crystalline’s kind.” Morpheus said coldly,cutting off Pan.
“I’ve been watching over her. I’ve helped the little one grow up, and use her powers. But it wasn’t until recently that I felt that she was eating at my emotions...making me very bitter.”
“That’s what they do Pan. They feed on emotions, the stronger it is the more they’ll want it.”
“I-I wanted to help her. It doesn’t seem fair for her to be hated, because of bad design.”
“You want to play her primal feelings, scramble her around like she’s a piece of clockwork? Did you not witness how well that worked for us!” Morpheus sneered.
“I can’t change her like that. The one who did make her however, knows about us.” Pan told him, his voice was fading in and out. “I need you to know now, since I fear I am changing.” He added, coughing as he explained.
“Crystalline....She’s alive?!” Morpheus’ voice quaked in fear.
“I-I admit I could not kill her, all I could do was split her power.” Pan told him between wheezes.
“You...kept her close, and banished yourself to keep Crystalline from reaching her other half?” The night stallion pieced together.
“We always did think alike, If it doesn’t hurt you too bad. It was you who came up with the idea in the first place....This is just deja vu, However, now you are talking to someone closer to your age....before I was about the age of this rock.” Pan smiled at one of the pebbles in the sand.
“Pan I need to know everything, Maybe together we can hold her back?”
“No, dear friend! We tried that and she almost turned you against me. We have battled for many years against her, and her ways. The only way to keep her in the dark, was to wipe our memories, and to keep any trace of your families in Equestria. But I fear...Your brother’s patience has caused me to undo all of this, it is better now for you to know who you were before I gave you...your royalty. So you know what I have done to keep you safe.” As he spoke, slowly his feathers started to fall, his coat hanging color. “Pan?...What are you changing into?”
“Before I could split her power, she cursed me. Now I change, like the season do. I was never good at gauging what time the leaves fell, Since I live in a pine forest. That is why I left a tree that would mark the ending days of autumn. Before I change completely, I must admit I do not know how I will act in autumn. All I can say is do not trust me so easily. In winter I will be better off to face her..”
====================================================================
“Celestia? We need to have a serious talk honey.” Astrum called to the door.
“I’m sorry about everything I did, just leave me alone.” Celestia begged, her voice was hoarse from hours of crying.
“No, Celestia. I have some things you need to hear.” Her voice deep in authority. It was a tune every mother gave when she was getting ready for a talk , determined to help or teach a lesson but still calm enough not to yell.
“So be it...” Celestia huffed, her voice sounded as if she had the hiccups.
“Celestia why are you crying dear?” Astrum opened the door with haste, only to hear Celestia hide herself in a mass of pillows, books and blankets.
“I-I-*hic * I’m not crying..everything is fine!*hic! *” If she wasn’t under all the pillows she would have been yelling.
“Dear, I have something you need to know, to keep Luna and yourself safe. Now I’m not sure how to tell you all of this, but I do know that you have to take my word very seriously.” Astrum said, her voice wavering between a confident lesson and worry. Celestia heard her mother’s tone, her head popped out instantly.
“Mother?” Celestia asked. Her snout was almost red from soreness.
“Celestia. This castle we are living now-” *Slam! * Celestia jumped clear off the floor to the sound for five seconds,taking her books and pillows with her in a spurt of magic.
“Mom!” Luna yelled
“The sun...The whole sun.” Celestia thought.
“Luna, please be quiet. It is night time!” Astrum insisted.
“Oops.” Luna whispered.
“I stole my mother’s job because I was greedy. I’m sorry Mother. I’m not a good princess, I wish-I wish I Ne-” Astrum placed her hoof to her filly’s muzzle.
“Don’t you dare finish that thought, It’s alright that you know how to raise the sun, and I’m proud that you could do so all on your own. If you and Luna can take care of the moon at sun. It’ll give your father and I some more time to do other things, like teach you harder magic.” Astrum explained.
“So, it’s alright!” Celestia looked up almost feeling silly for crying over nothing.
“But, you’d still have to raise the sun in your room. You ran away, leaving us all very worried!” Her voice was becoming too loving to feel like a real scolding.
“Am I going to lift the moon in my room too?” Luna asked.
“Yes.” Astrum replied. “Now why did you leave your room Luna, when I asked you to stay in your room?”
“Dad is yelling and fighting with someone downstairs!”
“-You both get some rest, no running across the hall, or flying across to either other’s balconies. Astrum felt her heart ache, as she heard the yelling getting louder from down stairs. “Remember what I said you two, straight to bed!” Astrum galloped to the sounds.
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Pan gave a whaling yell, new dark brown feathers were forming straight from the bone, forcing his old feathers to fall out. Morpheus wasn’t sure what to do, if he relied on his new memories he would grab his old friend and bring him to a healer or somepony to lessen his pain. However, here were these clouded memories that felt imprinted as his own. With these memories he wanted to watch him grovel in pain.
“Pan! What’s going on dear! We have to help him.” Astrum looking to him with tears in her eyes, but Morpheus took a step back.
“We don’t have to do anything, Brightly. Pan threw us into this mess. He put our families in danger I-”
“Listen Morpheus Aeon or, Midnight Star, whomever you feel identifying as. He is our friend , He gave us our two beautiful fillies....You owe him!” Astrum ordered.
“He’s nothing but trouble and lies!” Morpheus growled back defiantly. Pan’s hair flashed through gradients of green,yellow and orange, before settling on a rosy red.
“Things were fine before he was ever created! We never needed an alicorn of nature!” Morpheus began shouting wildly. Astrum winced, her ears flopping. *Kctsh! * Morpheus fell to the the floor.
“I think I’ve heard enough of obnoxious Midnight Star.” Pan gave a chuckle that ended in a groan.
“Is there anything thing that I can do to help?”
“Bright-”
“I can never go back to being my former self, Pan. Please call me Astrum.”
“Astrum, I need you to stop the eclipse. One last thing, before it all. I’d like to return to the castle.”Pan’s voice was charming, almost inviting.
“Why now?-Not that I’m unhappy, in fact I’m thrilled.” Astrum said.
“I just have this most annoying tick on my neck, like a premonition that I need to stay close to you all.”
“I’m just not sure I trust you living with us, even if I did. How will we explain this to Equestria?”
“Equestria, will always be none the wiser as it is better the keep it that way. We only need a small amount of ponies in-the-know. Since I can’t gauge how powerful Crystalline has become in our absence.” Pan explained.
“Now can I see your fillies?” Pan added with an almost too gleeful smile.
“Let me make this clear to you, Pan. These are my fillies, my family. What you did was reckless-an eclipse!” Astrum began to yell, throwing her voice heavily on the alicorn almost double her age. Pan only watched, slowly he began to crack a smile from his once serious face.
“It’s good to see you stick up for what you value. I remember it was hard for your younger self to do the same.”
Astrum raised her hoof getting ready to backhoof him, but a purple energy gripped at her hoof.
“Control yourself, dear. Don’t want to be too impolite to our uninvited guest.” Morpheus told her, he had gotten a small cut on his forehead from the bottle. “I think we should all get some rest...all this new drama is a strain on our nerves. Pan, follow me to your guest room.” he said
“Yes, old friend.” Pan spoke hastily almost glad he had woken up, he would be sure not to test Astrum’s maternal nature again. He had a lot of patching up to do with his old friends. The two ascended the stairway, in Morpheus’ eyes he remembered walking up the same steps to face a greater evil, a force that dared to destroy everything he loved.
“Do you know where Crystalline is?” Morpheus asked.
“She’s not in Equestria. Must be feeding off of some poor creature’s greed or hate. I have to imagine she’s not as powerful as she used to be, at least I have to hope, for my sake.” Pan said, his head sulking to the floor in defeat.
“I believe what you did was right, friend. You meant only the best for us. Thank you.” Morpheus told him, offering some gratitude to his friend.
They paused by a door that was covered in recently disturbed webs. “Aethereum...you aren’t keeping her in there are you?” Pan roared, his breath mimicking an angry bull.
“She’s not one of us Pan. She’s dangerous, and for all you know just what Crystal-” Pan stopped Morpheus quickly.
“You must never say that name in her presence.” He insisted, with a parental tone.
Morpheus motioned his eyebrows. “You’ve grown too attached to her.” He scolded.
“I love her like my own, friend...If I am not there for her, who will be?” The nature alicorn began to argue, but he heard the muffled noises from inside. Pan motioned his ear to the door, in his eyes was a torrent of anger building inside him. Like one of the days of his youth, he felt his body warm without the sun in sight. “YOU HOLD, NO RIGHT!” Pan yelled, his horn stabbing into the door. The wooden door liquefied from his magic, as the water traced down his body he saw his only friend while he stayed in the forest. A grey filly wrapped in magical binds and chains to keep her from moving or shape-shifting. “What a twisted use of your magic, You are no better than her !” Pan reasoned. He galloped to her. His green magic coated the bindings, and they disappeared in smoke.
“Pan! Stop!” Morpheus yelled, but there was no changing Pan when he became this enraged form.
“Daddy!” The young Crystalline whined. A white tear scrolled to her cheek, as it fell it turned into solid quartz and gave a *clinc * to the stone floor.
“I’m here, honey. There’s just been a mix up that’s all, my friends mistook you for a very mean pony.” Pan spoke his once overflowing rage turning into pure warmth. Morpheus could almost feel the emotion radiating out of his old friend, it put a smile to his face without him even noticing.
“He’s the one who knocked me out, dad.” she told him.
“Oh, is he now? I guess he figured out our little game.” Pan chuckled goofishly.
“It was the female one who knew, like she sensed I wasn’t you, daddy!” she giggled. Morpheus turned away in disgust, all he could remember was how Crystalline giggled. Even when she threatened to kill his mare-to-be, before she birthed his beautiful fillies. He couldn’t help it, everything about this other half reminded him of the one who almost tore his world apart. It wasn’t that she needed to, that was the part that sicked Morpheus the most. She did it out of pure sport. As he looked back to this lighter shade of Crystalline, he realized she not only feed off emotions, she could amplify them.
Chapter 8-Transparent Goals
I t had taken sometime before the voice had disappeared from Grue’s mind, still haunting him as he slept. His eyes opened in the middle of Uchawi’s hut. He could hear his teacher whispering under his breath. With more scrutinous eyes, he searched for any clues to why he had ended up there.
“Grue, you’re up!” Uchawi’s voice squawked as he spoke, as if in shock.
“Yes, what time is it teacher?....I need to find Maua.” Grue could remember the need, but not the reason.
“Foolish oaf, I asked for those ingredients that’s all, now we have to deal with the chieftain’s reign for how many more years!” The elder zebra whacked Grue in the back.
“Ow! You asked me to bring you what would've made a deadly poison! I am glad I didn't find them.” Grue rebutted
“If I added them together, you insignificant heep-a bones! Those where ingredients I had run low on!” The witch doctor explained.
“Go on, get out of here and don’t never come back. I’ll just ask Hofu from now on.” He added, swatting his cane like a broom. Grue galloped until he had made it to The Brush.
“Hofu...He’s a lot better at herbology than I am. It’s why he can skip whole days of Maua’s lessons.” He thought. Meanwhile a dark smoke drifted into The Brush, Grue looked up and the smoke caught his eyes, he followed it.
It lead him to a hole ridden tent hidden behind thick and thorny bushes. He trotted close to until *Cruntch! *, he had stepped on what looked like a black glowing gem. It had to been rather frail for Grue to break it so easily, then he heard voices. A figure phased through the overgrown shrubbery like a ghost.
“It seems the fables are true Sirius. These Zebras are the last race our creator made before hiding herself.” The figure that spoke was a griffon. beside the war-scarred griffon was a navy blue unicorn, he gave a hearty chuckle to the griffon and wrapped a forehoof around him like an old friend.
“I promise you Hawktalon, the Pegasi will be good friends with you, just as I have. You no longer need Crystalline to be as strong as you are now, The Solus heirs have done great in their reign, albeit short so far. It brought a tear to my eye to see all of our races getting along so well.Which is wh-”
“I vowed to make sure no other race lived in fear of hunger, or tyranny.” Hawktalon recited mimicing Sirius’ motion as the words sounded heavily forced, but still truthful.
“Let us rest until sun!” He hollered ending in a loud caw. The other party members cheering with him, They all retreated to their tents. Sirius’ illusion walked to the tent beside Grue. As he walked in Grue peered in to see Maua was already waiting for him.
“I dank you-for-” Maua started. She seemed a lot younger, as if she had just passed her Rites of Memory. The sound of her zebra accent was thick. It only further confirmed Grue’s suspicions of her age. Sirius smiled, with his magic he moved the hair out of her eyes.
“I thought after I made a mess of things for you and your chieftain that you would never talk to me again, love.” He whispered, moving his body close to her, rubbing his muzzle to hers.
“The chieftain is not my love, he forced me.” Maua said, longingly. The two began to kiss, Grue looked away, It wasn’t that he was grossed out. He felt one of the illusions phase through him, It was the chieftain. The chieftain’s face was a mix of horror and malice. This must have been the seed to all of his distrust in ponies. But he wasn’t sure if Sirius’ magic was brainwashing her to love him, or if it was her own raw emotion. The figure galloped away, but not after hearing Sirius take his chosen’s desire fully away from him, as she cried the unicorn’s name.
“It’s a beautiful story isn’t.” Grue turned to face a disfigured unicorn, she had holes in her hooves, and in her aquamarine hair.
“Who are you?” Grue asked, taking a step back.
“I could be many things, little enigma, your kind call me Chrysos. But more importantly, do you really believe Zebra and Pony could love one another?” The black unicorn asked.
“Why not? It’s not like you’re asking the sun and moon to never rise.” Grue said. She smiled back curious to his answer.
“In a way of speaking....it is. Zebras are one of my creations, while the pony tribes were made by the very thing I despise, Magica. The two are made with different magics and because of that, shouldn’t be able to mix, like oil and water.” She explained.
“But they have, and now you-You are the only of your kind.” Crystalline grinned.
“But I am half zebra, the tribe could still see that.” Grue stated.
“You’ll find in this world. half is half too short. A whole being is what you need to be! I could fix that, right now, right here!” Her voice began to trail to him like a siren’s, repeating. “I could fix that!”
Grue waved his hooves around his ears to rid the voices. “I’m not interested in your magic, the very thing you hate about yourself.” His body turned away from her getting ready to walk. Crystalline gave a lick of her upper lip, she loved it when her prey played hard to get.
“Here I am, an embodiment of monsters and the dark itself, and little Grue wants nothing to do with me? It almost has a uplifting honor to it. I doubt that is what you see being your defining aspect, little hybrid. Your Rites of Memory will be a whole tribe staring at you, fearing if they touch you they will be poisoned by the magic you hold.” She gave a drawn out evil chuckle, but Grue continued walking.
Crystalline stared menacingly to the hybrid. “He didn’t even turn back. Foolish mortal!” She thought to herself, then her lips grew wide as she remembered his little secret. Her body floated to keep up with him, landing in front of him. “Isn’t it getting painful? Your ribs look like they’re about to burst, I know how to fix that little Grue...You’re a well of magic. Do you want to know what happens to stagnant magic? I wish it was as peaceful as stagnant water.” Crystalline began to ramble on.
“Leave me alone. You already took my happiness away, please just let me go!” Grue yelled to her, charging in a furious rage. Crystalline split her body in a cloud of smoke to avoid being trampled as the hybrid went postal. She could feel the sorrow and anger stepping off of him like a beckoning meal, her stomach growled to the sweet scent of his melancholy. Her eyes followed Grue until she realized he was going 'home'.
“Perfect.” She whispered coldly, forming back into a smoke trail, she drifted to the lone hut in The Brush.
When he had made it to the steps of Maua’s hut, he clenched his ribs. The pain was becoming unbearable. “I made it, I just have to ask Maua if she’s my mother...then I can let go of my memories.” Grue thought to himself, as he entered the hut. Fahdil was sleeping, her forehead was wrapped in a damp cloth and Maua was in her kitchen stirring a brew in her cauldron. “Maua. I need to ask you about something very important.” Grue insisted.
“In a moment Grue, this is very complicated.” Maua replied.
“I don’t think I can wait for this answer Maua.” Grue groaned from the pain. She turned to glance Grue the mixture turning a pale white when she stopped mixing.
“Now I’ve messed up a remedy that takes days to procure. What is so important!” She turned in anger.
“I’m really sorry about your potion, but I need to ask you if you are my mother.” Grue’s body slumped, the pain was moving across his body. His skin felt like it was twisting in knots.
“A question like this...It’s hard to explain.” The lights blew out.
“What a wind!” Maua exclaimed, giving a lighthearted chuckle. Then the lights flickered back on. The fire was green and blue, just like the alarm had been at the trial. There stood Crystalline holding Maua, who was passed out. Crystalline’s hooves phased into the zebra’s head, the hole ridden unicorn glared devilishly to Grue.
“Leave her alone!” Grue yelled.
“Such a pity...this zebra. You’d probably go all across the word for this one zebra?” Crystalline teased. She motioned Maua’s head back and forth like a marionette
“She’s my mother isn’t she! You won’t give me a satisfaction of knowing for sure that she’s my mother!” Grue shouted, it began to sound as if he was begging.
“How do you know for sure though?” Crystalline chuckled, shifting her form into Maua. “Maybe I tempted your father so well he couldn’t tell the difference.” Crystalline’s voice had morphed into his beloved teacher’s. “It is not the chieftain I love....” She moaned out as she used Maua's like a marionette mocking Grue, teasing his memories. He wasn’t sure who to love, and what to trust.
“Enough! I HATE YOU!” Grue screamed. “I -I DON’T CARE I WANT MAUA!” He begged, falling to the ground sobbing.
“You really want this teacher, Then that’s just what I’ll take away from you!” Crystalline forced her hooves together until Maua became a cloud of black smoke.
“Mother!” Grue yelled as he tried forcing his legs up, but his body couldn’t take anymore of the pain. He felt cuts begin to slice across his chest, he blacked out.
Fahdil was hyperventilating. A friend she had made sure to smile and laugh with laid on the floor below her. What replayed in her mind was Grue lunging at her and screaming wildly for Maua. He had gripped her and choked her violently, so she was forced the grab a nearby kris and stab him, but it got worse. She could feel her hooves moving on their own, she took the knife out of his chest and cut him again, and again until her friend gave out. Fahdil could feel a form float out of her, but as she looked for anything to make sense, all she she was able to do was cry for what she had done.
Crystalline took in deep breaths, finally some potent emotions that could feed her starved body. Frivolous sibling rivalry could offer only so much, adding in a leader who needed his hoof held to do a good job and she wasn’t going to rise to her omnipotent status anytime soon. A vengeful son, and confused friend could have a lot more promise. She rested on the roof as she feasted on the years of work for a delicious meal. She couldn’t wait to find the bratty mud covered alicorn that tricked her into eating emotions, but for now she scarfed down as much emotion as she could, feeling her holes fill as she did.
================================================================
Morpheus mind was one again at ease after showing Pan to his room, and making sure Crystalline’s half was friendly, for now. It seemed the two needed each other at the moment, with Pan’s moods changing like the autumn leaves, this other half seemed to counteract his negative feelings into positive. But now the night alicorn had to uphold his second duty to Equestria. With his wings outstretched he guided a magical form of himself in a world full of dreams. He guided a cat down from a tree to a crying filly below, helped buck some of the last plums for a troubled mare, than soared across the tree line that separated Equestria from the rest of the continent. As he was getting ready to fly back home for a peaceful rest, he heard an echo for help.
His head turned to the Savannah of The Stripes, a land clearly owned by Crystalline. Morpheus turned to aid the creature in need. He made it to a small hut with a female zebra. She was about Luna’s size, but she wasn’t sleeping, his eyes glanced over a blue zebra that reminded him of his once beloved friend Sirius Dusk.
“What have you been up too,blood brother.” Morpheus wondered. Then he heard the male zebra call out once more in a hushed groan
“H--help...father!” Morpheus wasn’t the zebra’s father,but he was sure to help him if he could. There were gashes all along his chest but they didn’t look too deep, just enough to draw blood. Morpheus made a small ball of magic at the end of his horn,and sealed the wounds shut.
“There you go,little guy.” Morpheus said giving a smile to the healed zebra.
“Father?...is that you father?” Grue asked. Morpheus looked in shock,this zebra could see and hear him? Only a pony with powerful magic could see him in this form. He wondered if somehow Sirius’ genes had given his son magic, but with no horn the zebra was just a walking magic pool. Knowing this Morpheus knew Crystalline was close by, there was no way she would pass a chance to take this zebra’s hidden magic.
Crystalline gave a spit in disgust,her scrumptious despair had turned sweet and hopeful on her. What an unsavory taste! Crystalline sniffed around, she sensed a magic that was dense and was trying it’s best to feel less powerful. “Aeaeae’s pet, perhaps!” Crystalline wished, flipping her body over to peer into the hut. “Better, a stronger Midnight Star!” her jaw opening to salivate. Morpheus flew out of the window, flapping his wings wildly. “What’s the big hurry Midnight?” Crystalline whispered,s he appeared in front of him. Larger than she actually was, in the dreamworld she could manipulate his mind to believing anything she desired, it was a grey area of power between Aeaeae and herself. Morpheus stared as she grew to a monstrous size, he knew that if he flew home, Equestria would be in danger.
So he aimed to the Griffon capital. Crystalline had made normal sized versions of herself to catch up to Morpheus. One of the clones managed to catch up to him. It exploded into a ball of black smoke, coating the night alicorn’s wings, seeping into his feathers. A group of her clones had been trailing closely behind Morpheus, he could hear them cackle wildly. He pushed his wings to flap harder since the smoke had made them stiff, as if below freezing. He pushed his wings to fly up the steep mountain. He gave a short smile, the clones had given up. He couldn’t feel their looming coldness. But as he made it to the top of the mountain, he shed a single tear.
Crystalline had already outstretched her monstrous mouth, and camouflaged her body with bright lights. She waited for Midnight Star to set his hooves on the mountain’s peak before she lunged her mouth, capturing the pesky dream drifter. He was under her control now, since she had taken the very essence of Morpheus’ magical power. She replaced Aeaeae’s softer magic, with her own. Casting the magenta hued magic out of his body, like sucking the poison out of a wound.
“Who’s a good colt?” She asked, giving her signature dark giggle.
Morpheus whimpered longingly.
“Won’t you help out your Queen? I need to find my other half, pet. Show me where your old friend is keeping her!”
Morpheus nodded his head wildly letting drool hang from his panting lower jaw.
“Off you go then.”
=============================================================
Morpheus rose from his plush bedding. He cantered out of the royal bedroom. His head bobbing oddly as he moved, his body thudded into the old wooden door. As he unlocked it with his magic. Pan had been sleeping by the younger Crystalline, he sneaked back to her room when Pan could tell Morpheus was sleeping. When he heard the door open with Morpheus entering, he assumed his friend was coming to apologize for earlier.
“Hello, friend. She’s doing much better-” Pan looked to Morpheus’ eyes, or where his eyes would be. His figure was as dark as a shadow, it didn’t even reflect the light from Pan’s magic.
“My Queen needs to be complete!” Morpheus moaned as he lumbered over to Pan.
“Halt! I won’t let you take her!” Pan rose to the situation, his body was low to the ground, magic at the ready.
“Move aside, you muddy oaf or your friend will cease to exist!” Crystalline said, controlling Morpheus’ body.
“Daddy? Why is Morpheus talking like mommy?” A soft voice asked. Pan eyes grew wide. She knew about Crystalline!? When? He had spent his new life protecting her, giving her alias’ like Harrington so she would never hear her other half’s name.
“Dear I need to you remember the time I brought you your first balloon.”Pan said.
“Right now?, it’s really late.”
“Yes dear, remember everything, remember how the first balloon I brought popped?
“You spent a whole day finding me a new one.” The half giggled, her body beginning to glow a pink aura.
“What?” Crystalline harped. He had tainted her magic! making her other half good somehow.
“Remember the day,I-I showed you how to fly!” Pan chuckled.
“Yes, yes! it’s one of my favorite memories.” She chuckled heartily, her horn spurting fireworks of magenta energy.
“Now honey, I want you to remember everything I’ve done for you. I’m going to ask you to channel all your energy at Morpheus. Think about giving him a big hug!” Pan insisted, he motioned his body as he instructed, first up straight, then with a hoof bent, then with both eyes closed.
“How dare you use her against me, you insignificant whelp!” Crystalline hollered, she casted her magic through Morpheus’ horn.
“No!” Her pure half cried out, she jumped in front of her guardian, unleashing a typhoon of raw magic filled with red and purple hues the waves slowly blended together, her magic aimed to the deflect the opposing ray, she shot again at his side.
“Hah! You missed!”, than Crystalline felt her host become warm. Her other half had Morpheus in a tight hug, with such a loving display of emotion it took over like a fever on the possessed liege’s body.
“Come back home, Morpheus!” The half cried out. Soon the night alicorn regained his body, his head wobbling in dizziness.
“I feel ill.” Morpheus stated, holding a hoof to the back of his head, as his rubbed it.
“No more dream trips, my liege.” Pan insisted, his voice sounding more caring than usual.
“I only make big mistakes once, now that I know Cry- she’s out there.” Morpheus said, making sure to follow Pan’s advice. He sat down and gave the kinder half a tight hug.
“Thank you very much!” his voice softened for her, like how he talked to his children.
“You can call me Chrysalis, your majesty.” The gray unicorn responded.
“C hrysalis?” Astrum repeated. She was resting close to her somepony as he groaned in pain. Her eyes fixated on him as she spoke.
“Yes, your grace?” Chrysalis’ voice had an air of royalty to it. As she talked almost any listener felt they had been friends since childhood. It was easier for Astrum to accept this half of Crystalline was good then Morpheus. Astrum was never taunted or cursed by the dark magic Crystalline harnessed, so she couldn’t see how alarming similar this half acted.
“What do you know about your mother ?”
“My father doesn’t seem to like her very much and after seeing what she did to his majesty, I do not blame him. Who is she?”
“She...She feels that we, All of Equestria shouldn’t exist.”
“That doesn’t seem fair, I mean we are both ponies. It can’t be that she doesn’t like ponies.”
Astrum smiled to the pony-like filly. She wasn’t sure if Chrysalis could tell her expression was fake, But as she turned to read her expression. Astrum realized Chrysalis didn't know that she wasn't a pony. What had Pan actually told her and what did Chrysalis actually believe was true?
“You’re worried about something...have I said something to upset you, your grace?” Astrum's glanced over Chrysalis' slight change in color. Was this normal?
“No,I’m fine. How long have you known Pan?”
“Ever since he found me in the forest....” Chrysalis tilted her head slightly.
“Her Grace doesn’t know when Pan found me? That seems odd Pan always told me you were one of his closest friends.” The filly remarked. Astrum gave a grin and then sighed in disappointment. Her eyes morphed into aqua lizard-like eyes.
“It’s a pity you’re so up-to-date with who that pathetic worm of magic cares for.” Crystalline snickered.
“My father is not pathetic nor a worm!” Chrysalis roared with a stump of her hoof, her jade eyes twinkled with a pink magic.
“Now would you look at that...That foal of an alicorn found the littlest piece of Aeaeae’s magic.” Crystalline gave a hearty chuckle finishing with a giggle that hurt the ears with its high pitched squawks.
“I am impressed with how gullible and loyal you are to him. But maybe. Maybe this is because he's been whistling you along like a loyal mutt?!” Crystalline whispered to her. The dark half’s voice echoed in the room which lost its mirage of the well lit royal bedroom and became an empty space. She could hear the sound of wind and the smell of dirt and mold. Slowly Crystalline cantered over to her smaller half. “You know where we are, don’t you?”
“It feels familiar.” Chrysalis replied, her grey ears drooping. She was not only scared of this raving unicorn but she felt an uneasy connection to her.
“Is she my mother?” She thought, and the more she thought about it she realized that was the feminine voice that came from His Majesty.
“Are you my mother?”
“I suppose in a way I could be your mother. I bet it’s just the little loop hole he has been using. You really have no clue of who I am?” Crystalline gave her smaller half no chance to answer. “I’m you!”
Chrysalis looked wildly to the black pony. “Well to be correct you are a part of me-” Crystalline turned her head to the small pony. She watched as her jade pony eyes shifted to dragon pupils for a split second. Her eyes stared with scrutiny over the taller pony’s hair, eyes, hoof holes and body.
“Pan split us in half.” Chrysalis’ voice was monotone as she spoke the truth.
“You’re the candy coated shell of me. The only thing this 'Pan' didn't do was to tell you the truth .” Crystalline folded her forelegs to cushion her head as she spoke her body floated on a cloud of dark magic. “I still don’t understand why you want to destroy Equestria...”
“My smaller half...I have no plans on moving even a brick of this 'Equestria'.”
“You...don’t?” Chrysalis tilted her head once more. Her voice sounded more childish than refined.
“Yes. I am more then a weeks away from reaching Equestria. If anyone is going to turn your home into rubble, look only to your darling 'father'..” She chuckled playfully.
“My father is a good pony!”
"Now you listen to me young one. He is far from good, his true nature is something only fathomable in giant scale. But here we are, stuck on a small scaled world filled with even smaller scaled problems. Wouldn't you say?"
"You wanted to ruin Equestria once before,I saw it on the glass."
"He always was one to hide answers in plain sight. And good on you for wanting to learn more then his lips will speak. How about I show you somethings he might have forgotten." Crystalline made a ball of dark blue magic appear. They seemed to be in a dark cave with black gem encrusted walls. Crystalline roped a hoof around her naive counterpart to push her forward. “This is where I was tricked by Phaun Arboreous, The winged unicorn you believe to be your father.” The orb expelled a opaque fog that took the form of several silhouettes. Chrysalis watched as the magic portrayed her father as a scared and frantic wimp. He was cornered in what looked like a library. It was hard to make out because Crystalline had put more detail into Pan and her silhouette then in the room itself.
She noticed that there were three other ponies severely beaten on the floor and her father seemed to be cowering before the dark alicorn almost double in size. Crystalline’s mirage reared her body, and cackled at what seemed like total victory, but Pan’s cloud-made doppelganger opened his eyes wildly, and lunged his horn straight into her gut.
“That’s for My Mother!” Pan screamed. His voice was hoarse, like how he talked now. Crystalline’s silhouette staggered to the floor as Pan's rose. Pan wasn’t his Spring or Autumn form. Chrysalis wasn’t sure at first if it was the magic acting like smoke, but after looking around at the scene and seeing no other magic with the same effect. It was safe to assume this was Pan’s winter form.
His hair was pure snow, even his eyebrows seemed to be made of snow! Which had a wave of dry ice-like smoke fall freely to his hooves. He stood with such poise you would expect from an aged and valiant king. “It is not my place, not even my right to choose what a creature; Pony, Griffin, Dragon et hoc genus omne will become. It is also not within your right to force a nation to believe you are Aeaeae. But I do know that I alone have the power to prevent your evil reign. Crystalline of Aether. You are banished from Equestria!” Pan roared.
As the seasoned alicorn spoke his wisdom, his eyes began to glow with a pink hue. His body motioned a polite bow, which felt unnerving as Crystalline’s blood pooled to the tip of his horn. Then he cast a mist of mixed green colored magic over her. “You?! As if you stood a chan--” Crystalline paused. She felt his magic not only go through her but try to tear her apart. “How amusing! You’re using Aeaeae’s good magic to try and what? Hurt me? I am dark magic! No creature could dare destroy me!” Crystalline cawed. As she began to motion her body to get up, Pan rammed a hoof into her wound. She gave a innocent cry, which played tricks on Pan’s mind. Standing this close to Crystalline he could feel his mind crave not only her pain but to watch her, with all of her power be just as weak as his beaten friends.
There it was, the small but potent energy that Aeaeae and her shared. Pan focused his magic to it, roping it in like a net, he whipped his neck back. Crystalline was forced to go into her smoke form, if she hadn't she would have surely cried out in anguish.
“That white ball of energy...” Chrysalis whispered.
“Is the energy that Aeaeae and I were first made of. It is the magic of our father, Aethereum. My father’s magic only knows how to create. So you were created.” Crystalline explained.
“Why bother explaining this to me?” Chrysalis wondered.
“So you know your place. You are a part of me, and Arboreus plans to use you-”
“My father would never use me!”
“Explain how you managed to conjure up all that power then? Also...you were told to use all that magic Arboreus so gladly helped you make, to what? That’s right he asked you to try and kill a part of you!”
“But you were in His Majesty, you wanted to hurt me and father.”
“Why would I hurt you? I just want my other half back. You were never even meant to exist, mind you. So isn’t it fair that I asked an old friend to help me find my other half?” Crystalline began to whine. Her hoofs making a horrible clinking noise to whatever the dark void was made out of.
Chrysalis felt her body become warm, slowly she felt a sensation on her shoulder. It grew from a gentle presence to a violent shake.
=====================================================================
“Oua--gh..my head.” Grue moaned. His eyes began focusing on a sleeping Fahdil. Her face was a heavy red and looked damp.
“Were you crying?” He wondered. Grue gave a loud sneeze that shocked Fahdil out of her sleep.
“Auhhh!” Grue seized again which unleashed a more powerful sneeze which caused him to fly backwards.
“Grue!” Fahdil shrieked. Her voice lasted longer then her body as she charged out of the hut.
“Wait!” Grue called. He tried to catch up to her. Normally she wasn’t this fast at all Grue could only reason that Fahdil had seen something that made her feel her life was endangered if she stayed too close to him.
“Fahdil please, I need your help!” Grue wheezed. His lungs felt a corrosive smoke cling to the walls as he panted for air, the smoke was building in him making it hard even air to enter. “Crystalline....What did I ever do to deserve this pain?” He moaned as his legs gave out.
“JuSssssttt...forget her...She’ssSsss worthless to you!” An aqua-bellied snake whispered to him.
“She’s...she’s my best friend..” Grue’s eyes squinted. He gave a deep breath in as he felt his mind be consumed in a cold and welcoming embrace. He eyes stared in a daze as his body began to feel rejuvenated as he forgot just why he was unhappy. As he laid in the soothing euphoria his eyes flickered with reptile pupils.
“Grue?” Fahdil called. She walked through the snake, which dispersed into sand colored dust.
“Huh?” His head shook wildly as he looked up to her.
“Who were you talkingto?” Fahdil asked.
“...Myself. With so much going on...It has been hard to contain my thoughts.” Grue lied. He couldn’t tell her that there was what seemed to be an ancient unicorn that was cursing him to forget every good thing he loved, not yet. “What happen?” Grue sighed he held a hoof to his head in pain. Crystalline was doing her best to thwart her trickery.
“Y-you attacked me. I tried to push you away..but-” Fahdil let her hind legs fall and she started to cry in pure shame. Grue wanted to console her, but she motioned away when he tried.
“Then I cut you! A-and you didn’t give up!...I-I care about you! I never meant to hurt you!” She cupped her fore-hooves to her eyes as she bawled the truth to him. Grue took a moment to scan his legs, they were fine. His eyebrows motioned in his confusion. “Then you fell to the floor bleeding!.....I don’t know how long I stood there motionless as I held that knife in my hoof. But I do know that an orb of blue light danced around you....and your cuts were, were gone!” She gave a soft hiccup.
“You’re scared of what you think is my magic then...”He observed.
“I knew you were different, because no one is the same. B-but...Magic...” Fahdil whimpered.
“Fahdil, Magic-users have horns. If my father is Sirius Dusk, he was a unicorn. Only a unicorn can use magic like you described....Even if I was able to make orbs of light. I wasn’t awake remember?”
“Maybe it was your father?” Fahdil gasped.
“I don’t believe my father’s spirit would come back for me...” Grue turned sadly. “If it was him though...I wish-”
“Stop it Grue!” Fahdil pleaded. He looked to her from the corner of his eye. He had almost forgot that it was Fahdil that cut him, or so she believed. Grue knew however it was all Crystalline, whether Fahdil’s hoof was the one to break skin didn't change this to Grue. He sighed.
“I’m sorry for bringing you into all of this trouble Fahdil.”
“You’re still my friend right?” She asked as she lowered her head to make eye contact.
“Yes. Why do you ask?” Grue smiled.
“I just thought you were going to say “I wish I never met you” because you seem very unhappy.” She admitted.
“Fahdil, you are my one and only friend. I am the luckiest Zebra...half Zebra that ever lived! The only wish I have, is that you never met me. ” Fahdil gasped wrapping her forehooves around him.
“What are we going to do?” Fahdil asked.
“You are going home, to your family. I’m not welcome in the village anymore. Uchawi would rather have Hofu work with him. And the Chieftain...I don’t need to verbally hear him banish me.” Grue looked away but Fahdil followed his gaze.
“I’m staying with you. You don’t know what flower is what, remember?” Her voice was sympathetic to him. Grue could only hear that adult zebra chanting. “It’s one of the reasons he still lives with us!”
“I--I’ll be fine Fahdil!”
“Oh really! Bliss root, what is it?!”
“A..It’s part of the Bliss fruit tree!”
“What about Ali thistle?”
“It’s a weed that causes stomach pain to zebras and relieves a unicorn’s headache.”
“Sun spindle!”
“Helps you see at night.”
“Willow’s weep?!”
"It’s a tree not a flower.”
“What about. -Uh...About...” Fahdil was out of rehashed lessons Maua had taught. Grue looked to Fahdil with a wide smile. It was because of the tribe coddling him that he had a hard time learning.
“Because I need to know.”
“What?”
“I need to remember every word Maua taught me if I want to survive in The Brush. I don’t need you getting hurt anymore from me. Now please go home Fahdil.”
“If that’s what you want Grue....”
The two hugged tighter than ever before, then they turned and walked their separate paths. Only one of them looked back and her eyes watered to the friend who really cared for her despite what she had done.
=====================================================================
“Dear wake up!” Pan wheezed frantically. His eyes were bloodshot from sleep deprivation.
“Thank goodness, You are okay!” Pan hugged her as she rested on a plush bed.
“Where are we father?” Chrysalis asked shyly.
“In the company of family and friends dear.” He answered.
“You are a guest of the Solus family Chrysalis. You will be staying in our protection now that-”
“Now that Crystalline is out there.”The little filly asked.
“Yes. She’s not only poisoned my husband, but the king. She might see this quick victory as Equestria being weak.”
“She doesn’t want to hurt Equestria....I heard her in my dream. She wants me back.”
Astrum looked to Pan. The two of them stared for a while trying to plan how to interrogate Chrysalis for more of this 'dream' she had. Pan motioned a loving smile, while Astrum’s eyebrows almost slammed into her eyes in anger. It was clear that Astrum wanted the facts no matter the toll it would cause to Chrysalis’ psyche. She had subjects, a family to protect and with her somepony in such a grave state she couldn’t be her old self. In her heart she ached for a chance to be Brightly-lit Days, life was so simple when she was a Pegasus.
“What did she tell you Chrysalis. My husband’s life hangs on your words.” Astrum asked coldly. Her head lowered to cover her eyes as she spoke.
“She has no plans on leaving wherever she is. She thinks father will-will destroy Equestria.” Chrysalis tried to hide herself under the blanket covering her flank, but Astrum flung the blanket away with her magic. Pan jumped up to grab it in his teeth, he covered it back over her.
“Astrum Galaxia! Stop acting like a spoiled noble. This is not how royalty treats a guest, no matter the stress or fears you hold!” He scolded.
“He’s my husband!” She cried.
“-And my dearest friend. I feel your pain Astrum I do...But near Chrysalis you have to be happy.”
“My stomach hurts daddy.” Chrysalis whined. She gripped her chest tightly, curling her hind legs together in a feeble attempt to stop the pain.
“Chrysalis still has the curse . Whatever bad feelings loom inside her, They will make her just as ill as Morpheus is.” He turned to whisper to Astrum.
“Please do not waste my years of care and fatherhood in one night. The worse she is treated...She’ll become just like her real form.”
“What about my fillies? I can’t control how they react.” Astrum whispered back.
“Let us hope Aethereum has mercy on Equestria.” He snickered with an uncomfortable humor.
“I’m sorry Chrysalis. If I may blame anything on my bad manners, let it be lack of sleep. I know something that will cheer you up dear. Have you ever seen a sunrise?”
“I live in a forest...with tall trees.”
“Then you are in for a real treat. I have a daughter that can lift the sun. Why don’t we go wake her up and see the sunrise?” Astrum smiled. She hoped her overexerted hospitality would help Chrysalis out of her pain. Now that she was forced to be cordial to Chrysalis she couldn’t help but feel admiration for Pan. He had to spend years with her and always made sure to put on his best face? He knew more about being royalty then she thought.
“I’d like that Your Grace.” Chrysalis smiled as she wiped a tear away.
G rue had been travelling for some time, his eyes ached for a quick rest and Grue obliged by resting his hooves in the stream he had spent the rest of the night searching for. “How ironic that I end up right back here, Hofu was right. I don’t belong with The Zebra.” Grue sighed. His legs stretched out as he laid back. The soothing sounds of the water teased his ears as he remembered how hungry and thirsty he was. “Maybe you were right Fahdil....I might even eat some poison joke with how hungry I am.” He groaned.
“That’sSss nonsensSsse...Look here...Food!” The snake from before whispered to him. Grue turned his head to a safou tree.
He didn’t need his body to growl once before he had already eaten a whole fruit,tossing the pit as he stuffed his belly. He had been eaten so many of the fruit that his belly gave a pleasant gurgle. He flopped lazily to the floor. “That’ssssSss a good Grue...Now take a nicCce Resst.” The cobra morphed into a rattlesnake and began bobbing it’s head to a soothing rhythm accompanied by synchronized rattles. It was overkill to Grue’s consciousness that already yirned for rest. If it wasn’t for the beautiful view which would be the first sunrise Grue would witness, he would’ve fell fast asleep.
================================================================
“Celestia? Wake up dear.” Astrum asked. She knocked softly on the door to Celestia’s room.
“It’s dawn already?” Celestia yawned. She opened the door with her magic to greet her mother,only to stare at the white unicorn behind her.
“who is-”
“This is Pan’s Daughter, Chrysalis.”
“It’s an honor to meet Her Serenity, Celestia!” Chrysalis gave a respectful bow, leaning her body as she did. Celestia blushed,her eyes moved to her mother since she wasn’t sure what to do. Astrum gave a light pat to Chrysalis’ shoulder, she added a gentle cough just to make sure she would end her bow.
“Would you mind if Chrysalis watched you raise the sun? Living in the forest she’s never seen one before.”
“Of course not.” Celestia smiled. She motioned an inviting wave to Chrysalis, who squealed with joy as she entered.
“Wow....This room is-is....certainly fit for Your Serenity!”
“Oh. Ah, thank you. You can have a seat on whichever pillow you like.”
“Wow! What a view!” Chrysalis’ muzzle dropped in awe. She zoomed to the balcony. Celestia only watched as the white filly’s head turned in every direction gasping and giggling. Her eyes looked out to the sun finally peaking it’s warmth. Celestia started to hum a calming tone, even Luna wasn’t this hyperactive. She wasn’t sure why her mother wanted this other pony to watch her, raising the sun was hard enough to do without a loud pony giggling at the view! Maybe it was a lesson in concentration?
Celestia was trying her hardest to concentrate, but Chrysalis’ voice began to grate on her nerves. “Can’t you oogle at the view after I lift the sun?” Celestia whined.
“Oh....I’m sorry Your Serenity!” She zoomed back to a pillow to watch. Celestia took a deep breath, lifting her head to the sky. As she moved her head her horn shimmered with a yellow aura. The sun rose sluggishly to wake up all who dared to sleep in its warm glow.
“That’s amazing Your se-”
“Just call me Celestia, please. “
“But...I am not royalty.”
“You’re my friend, also your related to Pan right? Pan is the reason my family is royalty...he’s practically my foalfather.”
“Wow...he’s like a foalfather!...” Chrysalis guessed they shared a close friendship, but not that close.
“What’s it like in the forests?”
“Well the animals don’t get too close to me, but I’ve seen my father straight up hug an ursa before!”
“Whoa! Was it a big bear?!” She gasped.
“The biggest! Other than that it’s pine needle air, clean water...and completely boring.” Chrysalis giggled.
“What about that rundown castle?” Celestia grinned. She finally had somepony who could tell her about the stained glass murals.
“Father doesn’t let me explore too much of it...I have seen some of the beautiful murals he made.”
“Really what were they of!”
“I-I can’t say! I promised my father..I’m sorry.”
“Oh-well okay....” Celestia sighed.
“Is there a reason you have to stay in your room?”
“It’s my punishment for making an eclipse...and going to the Evergreen forest.”
“They punished you doing stuff on your own? That’s sounds odd.” Chrysalis tilted her head bemused.
“Did they punished Her Se-I mean Luna as well?”
“You do know what an eclipse is, right ?”
“Oh...I guess Luna raises the moon then?”
“It seems only fitting, she’s my sister after all.”
“Don’t you ever get scared?” Chrysalis’ eyes turned to the princess as she fiddled with her tail timidly.
“Sometimes...I wondered if I’ll have to take up my mother’s responsibilities. I mean I was given the task of the sun...to help ease the burden put on my mother. There are nights I truly get scared....What if they are teaching us their roles because they want us to take over?” Celestia’s eyes stared out the balcony’s view. “I have never heard of a King or Queen keeping their kingdom forever. There’s always a greedy dragon or evil witch that wants what others hold dear.” Celestia mused.
“But princess those are just fables, They are made up to excite and enchant.” Chrysalis reasoned.
“...I guess. But when you live in a castle yourself, are called princess and have seen a few dragon migrations. I guess you can easily mistake what is real or fake.”
“I can understand that. Like the first time I met my father...He seemed almost unearthly. He can become any creature he creates,and make whole trees with his magic. Not to mention the fact he talked with the magic pony, Aeaeae!” Chrysalis smiled widely. She loved talking about her father ,though this was mostly due to the fact he was the only pony she knew ‘til now. Celestia’s head turned with such speed her neck gave a *pop *
“Aeaeae! Daughter of Aethereum....The creator of the world?!” Celestia screamed.
“I know right!” Chrysalis was practically bouncing as she yelled back. Celestia gripped on to Chrysalis, her hooves began shaking the white unicorn by her shoulders.
“Do you know how old that makes my parents!”
“Uhh....no. Na-aoot rea-eally...” She answered as Celestia shook her.
“My parents...are the first King and Queen of Equestria! Its been over one hundred years since Equestria was founded...Add another hundred years being born, falling in love....How did they manage to bring the three pony tribes together?”
“ And not to be crude, but have time to make your sister and you?”
“You know...I’ve never really asked about how I got here, and why I am a princess.”
The two fillies starred to each other awkwardly. Celestia barely knew this unicorn, and yet she not only wondered new things about Equestria’s past, but her own livelihood. That was just how Chrysalis was. She excited the mind and left the speaker whether friend or acquaintance feeling elated. Pan was always leary of the day that she would cross paths with someone not so cheery as Astrum or Celestia. Celestia looked intently at the filly,as if she would open like a puzzle box. Usually she could read ponies so well, she understood if she had made a mistake and had more time to correct herself.
Chrysalis’ head tilted slightly since she didn’t understand what Celetia was doing. “You’re pretty focused on staring at me. Do... Do you want me to leave?” Chrysalis motioned her body upward, but Celestia gave a soft
“No." Celestia added with a smile. "Why don’t you tell me more about Pan?” Her horn glowed making the pillows span out across the balcony and the princess laid down sprawled out to stare at the clouds. Chrysalis would lay next to the princess, face towards the sky and she told Celestia everything she loved about her father.
=====================================================================
Grue flung his head up, using his hooves to scan the area. He gave a heavy sigh. Last he remembered he had eaten himself full of butter fruit. Now it looked like he was in a house of some kind, the bed he laid on was made of plush cloth, like Maua’s! “Maua!”Grue yelled.
“Sir! The Zebra is awake!” A voice shouted from outside the room. A group of clopping noises headed toward him.
“Are you not the most fascinating Zebra I’ve seen! What’s your name ?” A pony wearing a stethoscope asked.
“Grue...”
“Grew? Do you know you’re in pony territory?”
“...No”
“Hah! You walked right into my house and started scarfing down my food!”
“I thought I ate from a Safou tree?” Grue questioned. His eyes watched as the snake slithered in the hallway, it carried a rat in its mouth. Grue closed his eyes, as he started to whimper in gasps of pain. All the hybrid could hear was the doctor’s yells. “Grew?...GREW...SOMEPONY!”
=====================================================================
With both her fillies grounded Astrum could not only address Canterlot about Morpheus, but keep her fillies from finding out. She told Sir Harbinger that last night’s incidents where Luna and Celestia’s powers developing. Luna had created a bear of stars and Celestia accidentally raised the moon at night. These two incidences would not repeat as it was just them showing they had gained their true calling. She leaned her head to the pegasus and asked. “I need you to help me out. Morpheus is in need of the strongest unicorns. He is working hard on a new spell and needs some insight.”
“I hope he recovers quickly, My Grace. I will send word to every academy, magician and alchemist! They will be here within four days.” The messenger pony could see right through Astrum’s words to the truth. There was a reason he was good at his job.
“Your Grace.” Astrum turned to the voice, smiling to the fruit wine brewer.
“Is that really you Damson?” Astrum chuckled. She rose from her throne to greet him.
“This is quite the castle...I can tell why you chose Midnight Star over me...” He grinned.
“I loved Midnight Star before the war Damson.” She replied.
“Yes...well, No one else really knows that...do they?” his eyebrows hinted to his growing anger.
“Why are you really here Damson? It can’t be to bicker about the past.” She asked plainly.
“No. You are right...I came to tell you, I don’t know what this letter means!” He scoffed. His hoof slapped a note to the floor, it was Sirius Dusk’s note.
“Well I am not usually referred to as Her Majesty...Sirius Dusk, I wonder what he has been getting into. I haven’t seen him since my Honeymoon.”
“Yes when I personally hoofed a bottle of my plum and blackberry fruit wine...That’s the bottle...” Damson’s eyes watched as a cloaked pony walked down the stairs slowly.
“My grace...I...I will come back later.” He galloped out of the room.
“You there!” Astrum called to the cloaked pony, who turned and smiled. She could see Pan’s green eyes. Astrum gave a soft sigh, she headed back to her throne. She knew Pan was trying to stay hidden, and she didn’t want him to feel like a prisoner.
“That Damson is one clever pony.” The pony chuckled. The voice, was not Pan’s. As quick as she turned her head the figure was gone.
Astrum wasn’t used to all this drama and suspense she had been living in recently. She had to second guess if her oldest friends were just a disguised Pan,or a naive Chrysalis following her father’s mysterious plans. How could a single pony stop Crystalline? How did Pan plan what he had? An eclipse that would make Morpheus and her remember their past...Why did he even let them live without knowing that their false paradise could be crushed at anytime? She chuckled to herself as she realized how she was dazing off in question, just like Morpheus did. “Morpheus...” She sighed, as tears reached her muzzle.
*K nock-Knock* “Dame Eventide, It is me Omen Harbinger. We need to talk.” The wooden door creaked slowly as an aged elder pony moved her head into view.
“It’s not even rooster hour!” Her raspy voice grunted.
“With reason Dame Eventide. There is trouble at the castle, and The Solus Heirs require Sirius’ help.”
“How dare you ask me to throw my grandson to those monsters again! Get off of my grounds before I show you some of the Dusk family magic!” Her words were hot in rage, as she readied to slam the door.
“Nebula! Please his so-”
“By Aethere! Get in, now!” She barked to him, locking the door as he entered.
“My grandcolt has a son?! Why is this news to me? I should’ve already known!” Her body dissolved in a fine mist.
“Dame?!”
“You didn’t think in times like these I’d show up to the door, did ya Omen?” He gave a warm chuckle as she rocked in a worn out chair by the fireplace.
“I thought you were more trusting of your neighbors.” He asked plainly ,as he trotted to a seat next to her.
“My neighbors are fine. It’s the other, younger ones I don’t trust dear Omen. Do you remember when we were enemies?”
“...That’s an odd request. Why would you want to remember back then?”
“Because everyone understood themselves back then. We all had our heritage. And with our heritage bloomed our pride! It just feels like Equestria is a fire that has spent too long alive with the aid of a bellow.”
“Bellows, huh... I would say that it is the citizens of Equestria that keep the fire alive.”
“Then their breaths are losing air! Because I can feel the world around us. It’s growing up but where are we? Stuck in the dark ages with no heritage to hold onto!”
“Dame Eventide, I feel you’re using the word heritage to imply something else. The world around us is fine, but change is a part of life. Change can influence our culture.”
Eventide Nebula’s body shook as if she was overcome with a draft of polar breeze. “Change has made us weak my old enemy. Now you are a treasured friend and I fear the sands of the Savannah will sweep across our sanctuary.” Omen moved closer to Eventide resting a knee to the warm stone of the fireplace.
“I’ve heard The Dusk’s do not look into the cosmos, but the world around them. Is this true my lady?”
“It’s nonsense dear Harbinger. The lies ponies will spit to feel proud of their castes!” She huffed. Her head turned quickly to the fire beside her. A beautiful blue and aqua flame entranced Omen as he left Dame Eventide’s gaze. “It’s a special blend of minerals and magic called Sea Flame. When The Unicorn King still believed we were soldiers and not magic users. There was a wizard that made this color fire a symbol of pride and magic prowess. That wizard was the only one known to make the Sea Flame with pure magic. Since back in the day they had no knowledge of said minerals.”
“That wizard sounds quite powerful. Did anyone end up figuring out their name?”
“No one cared to ask. It was around the time when Magic users were still considered dangerous. Most magic users felt a strange calling to the fire. Fillies started to disappear and only a handful of them had been found in good health...”
“Is-is there a point to this story?...” Omen gave a few beads of sweat. He hated ghost stories.
“Yes...yes..There is always a point to my stories dear friend. The other fillies who had been found had only chanted a few sayings....others were transformed into pure gemstone statues...It’s was then that The Unicorn King realized the winged unicorn named Crystalline was no myth. ”
“Crystalline! But she was cast away-”
“ ‘Into the sands with no time’ Yes, I’m aware of how the fable goes. But that fable does not know everything. I was one of the fillies Crystalline liked. She talked to me, taught me magic...She told me The Unicorn King let her take us!”
“Nebula!” A dark voice growled. A band of red magic covered her muzzle that tried to yell.
“It has been too long Omen. Tell me why I should not throw you out off my grounds.”
“My apologies Sir Polaris. The Solus heirs would like Siri-”
“Never. Now get out of my observatory and do not rest a hoof on any land owned by the Dusk family.”
“Then I am ordered by the Solus heirs’ decree that in state of crisis or war you and your family are hereby called to the castle at once!”
“On what grounds!?”
“Sirius may be the only one who knows their whereabouts of his son!”
“My grandson has never given an heir!”
“He has a son from the Savannah.”
“THE SAND IT IS BLOWING!” Eventide screamed breaking through Polaris’ magic. She gasped to breath through her muzzle and noise. Polaris looked to his somepony worried that he had covered her nose. It so hard to see with such little light in the room. He quickly glanced at the fireplace. All that remained was an amber glowing log.
“Calm yourself dear, these are merely your dreams...they aren’t real.” Polaris turned to his somepony rubbing a hoof to her feverish forehead.
“She’s not well?”
“She been ill for many years Omen. Ever since Sirius came back from whatever glory parade your Solus heirs put him through..”
“Maybe it’s an illness from earlier in life...Eventide was just telling me that Crystalline-”
Polaris flung his pale red hoof into Harbinger’s jaw. “How dare you turn my sick mare’s words into some quest. There is no Crystalline!” Omen felt his heartbeat grow wild.
“The King has met her first hoof...he is sick! Your grandson!” Omen took a few deep breaths, he stared into the unicorn’s jaded eyes. “Sirius. His child, he is also sick from her.”
“How can that be Pegasus?!..My grandson hasn't left childhood.”
“Eve...do you know The Unicorn King is dead?...”
“Wha-..When!” Polaris scanned the messenger pony for any inkling of deception.
“He fell...to an illness. Most of Equestria was kept out of the dark about it. But I can tell by your tone. You don’t remember when the pony tribes joined as one..do you?”
“Do you really think me a mule Omen?”
“I don’t Sir....”
Omen couldn’t help but look to Polaris and Eventide. They were two of the oldest unicorns in Canterlot. They might be the only remaining that remembered The Unicorn King when he ruled in their old homeland. His muzzle smiled softly to them. “She lurks in the fire of the sea. Her heart lies in everyponies greed. She’s a reflection of our darker dreams, what we crave the most. Crystalline!” Omen hummed as he remembered the poem 'The Diamond that turned Jet'.
“ What are you hymning about Pegasus!?”
“ Do you see the Sea Flame, Polaris?”
“ Neigh...It’s dark as pitch in here.”
“ I see in the fireplace; an aqua and emerald flame.”
“ You jest! You’re pulling at old straws Pegasus!” The auburn colored unicorn turned his scolding face to Omen. His eyes glowed with the light of the fireplace.
“ Ethere-!” Omen’s eyes grew in horror to what he witnessed. Polaris’ coat began to shed to reveal a deformed leg. It was riddled with varying sizes of holes and as black as the void.
Omen heard Eventide begin to cry. “Crystalline was once kind and nurturing. She gave the ponies currency and gems...But her sister wanted to keep the pony tribes from falling for gifts of greed. We were her creations, and she wasn’t about to let her sister turn her creations into manipulable toys!” She gasped for air.
“Dame Eventide...”
“No....Let me finish! Crystalline’s sister gave us her power...Magic. She gave Pegasi the ability to manipulate clouds and Earth ponies their empathetic connection to plants and animals.”
“And...the unicorns.”
“We were given the strongest dose of magic, but by that time it was too late... Crystalline had moved the unicorn’s favor with the beauty of gold and diamonds. The Unicorn King was given a very special gem. called The Equinus Sugilite.”
“What did it do?”
“It let The Unicorn King get away with letting countless fillies freely give themselves to Crystalline...That was the deal. She required innocent fillies, and he was desperate for the respect of a king. I spent years with Crystalline, as she pushed her sister’s magic out of me. You were right Omen. I was using heritage wrongly, but what I meant was I do not feel like the rest. I’m not a unicorn.”
With her words her guise disappeared. Eventide had changed into a black pony-like creature. Her eyes were as blue as the fire behind them and without irises.“Omen...Crystalline is watching us. She is watching you...I can feel her thoughts ,and she isn’t afraid of Equestria. She glances over our nation as but a blemish to the world!”
“Then Crystalline would be wiser than I thought. It suits her well to send pawns and lost causes. Should a truly powerful being Crystalline actually be...I wouldn’t expect her to show her face at all. Could Equestria be so lucky to never hear of her again! May her tales become a blemish in the history of Earth!” Omen bent his legs low to the ground so he could balance himself between the ceiling and floor. He pushed his wings hard to create enough wind force the fire almost blew out.
“Pegasus! Your wind can not quiet The Sea Flame!”
“Is that so!” Omen flew through the archway and up the stairs. He remembered that the observatory was also their home. He opened his muzzle and held a bucket turning his body to their bath. As he filled the bucket with water he made sure to turn the knob tightly off and returned to the fire place. The two changing unicorn looked in fear at the bucket Omen held.
“What if the Sea Flame controls how we change...and we are stuck as monsters forever.” Polaris sighed.
“Then you will have to live with your affliction,maybe it will remind you to think twice before treating friends as lowly criminals.”Omen smiled softly to them both.
“But I have done nothing to deserve this Omen! I was but a filly!”
“And what are you now? I am sorry for the pain that has been caused to you, but you should have warned somepony earlier! Am I the first to see you true form? If so then you and family have been hiding important news. No, life saving information! Please follow me to the castle.”
“As you wish dear friend.”
Chapter 13-The Longest Sunset
L una tried to break free from whatever illness her father was in. She felt the “ground” ebb and flow like water, but never move. It flowed with magic which felt unnatural to Luna. It was like a black cloud. It called to her. But as the cloud tried to seep into Luna, a dim glow radiated from her frame. It was the magic of Aeaeae. She realized it wasn’t safe here, she had to find her father.
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“This isn’t right Morpheus,” Midnight gazed around the dream, his eyes saw a light flicker closeby. “I fear we have company.”
“Company from wh-”Morpheus stopped, and closed his eyes. There was a warm breeze that drifted around him.
“That is the warmth only a child can bring. One of your fillies needs you.” Midnight remarked.
“Father?!” A soft voice yelled in the distance.“I’m here Luna!” Morpheus started to run, but his chest seize up with a frost that grew from his lungs to freeze his mouth, setting a chilling pain to his gums. “Run, run, run little Midnight Star!” His younger form shifted into an ebony skinned stallion. “Behold what your blindness as changed us into!”
“I’m am not that abomination!” Morpheus thought.
“And you would be right...If you hadn’t so easily let me into your soul, little Midnight.” The voice became feminine.
“You’re looking rather opaque my queen.” Morpheus moaned unwillingly.
“Ah, yes. Thank you for noticing! Hahah-” Crystalline gave a firm clear of the throat. “Now, back to business. You are stuck in the dream world, your daughter is in the dream world...How about?! I set you free, if I get your sweet little daughter.”
“Ye--How dare you force me to agree!”
“I’m sorry Midnight but I couldn’t help notice that particular gem on your chest armor.....”
Crystalline’s eyes glistened to its sight.
“It’s called the E-”
“I know what’s it called!” Crystalline hissed. “I made it!....for The late Unicorn King.”
“The Diamond turned Jet...” Morpheus whispered
“Is a fitting bard’s song to the tale.” Crystalline remarked to him.
“So that’s how you’ve been keeping Equestria so easily under your rule!” Crystalline squawked in laughter. Morpheus starred frantically at the gemstone. “Have I really been forcing Equestria to listen to my words?”
“Yes. Now just like The Unicorn King, I will have the sacrifice the gemstone requires! Your daughter's magic!”
“No! I would never give my daughter to you!”
“What if I offer you this bit of insight. If you’re the crown, and you’ve been ruling with the aid of my magic. You know manipulation...Just how well do you think your citizens are doing? You don’t even know about that little curse I put on it do you?!” Crystalline nickered.
“And I should believe anything you say queen manipulation?”Morpheus stomped a hoof contestingly.
“Fair enough. But there’s a reason The Unicorn King is no more.”
“If it’s magic you need, then take mine.” Morpheus insisted.
“You wish to give me control of the night?”
“No. I wish you to leave my family alone.”
“Such a wish can not be made from a pony so high in power. You will always be a target. It’s part of your role, part of being king.”
“....That’s what I’ve learned to accept, but-”
“But Aeaeae’s helper decided that for you. Didn’t he?”
“Leave Pan out of this.”
“Is that what he likes being called? Not Arboreus?” Crystalline mused. Morpheus heard the sound of crunching snow behind him, he turned to face Luna.
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Astrum gasped, placing a hoof her to chest. “I must have fallen asleep.” She thought to herself as she looked around the dimly lit throne room. She took a deep breath, she knew for sure she was not dreaming anymore. “What a terrible dream...Morpheus!” Astrum galloped making her way towards the royal bedroom upstairs. As she turned to a separate hallway she heard panicked whispering, she went to investigate.
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“Is...that true?” Luna whimpered with tears falling from her pale cheeks. “Is what true?” He wondered. “Pan made you the king...an-and you’ve been using that gem to rule Equestria?!” Luna scolded. Her eyes were focused on Crystalline. When Morpheus turned to face her, had was disguised as him.
“Luna-”
“It’s alright Midnight...I just want to talk to my father.”
“How!-” Morpheus glared darkly to Crystalline. He felt unsure of the game she was ringing them through, and how long she had planned this. Luna felt safe near Midnight Star, but did she really know who Midnight Star was? She couldn’t know, with the look in her eyes she viewed Morpheus and Midnight as separate ponies. “I’m sorry you had to find out this way Luna. But while in the dream plane it can get very hard to hide the truth. I’ve had a guilt growing in me, burning at my thoughts.”
“Have you been using the dream plane to just think?”
“No, Unfortunately. While in the dream plane I met a very sick pony, named Crystalline.”
“Like the ballad?”
“Exactly. At the time I didn’t realize it was her...I touched her, and then-”
“You got ill.”
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“I received word an old friend needed me. What is it you require Phaun?”
“I-I’m just surprised you’re actually showing your face to me.”
“What’s done is done old friend, but do not mistake my haste for forgiveness. Is it true, about Crystalline?”
“From what your sources can find? Probably all of it is true...”
“And just what are his sources telling him Pan?” Astrum walked into the moonlight provided by the archway of glass.
“Majesty!” The hooded pony bowed, but Pan smiled softly in admiration of her ability in stealth. He did not even sense her presence, until now.
“There’s no need to whisper in secrecy, for now I will not ask again what information of Crystalline needed to be hushed over. I need both of you to follow me to the royal bedroom.”Astrum stated, her cheeks blushed softly as she repeated her words in her mind, then added. “For Morpheus sake, His illness is getting worse.” The two followed Astrum, they had trouble keeping up with her speed, since both of them were still trying to be secretive. They were still fugitives.
=====================================================================
Morpheus could only stare blankly at Crystalline. What was she planning? Crystalline had only one agenda he thought; which was to worm her way into everything. Much like a grub works its way to chew at the root of crops. What delicate game of chess was Crystalline playing with him and his daughter? He felt the air around him become stiff; Luna stood motionless.
“Are you still keeping to your offer? Using the sugilite’s power for so long is bound to cause some dependency in your subjects.” Crystalline asked plainly.
“What’s your game! Why do you now suddenly care for others!” Morpheus yelled.
“Dad!” Luna shouted. She close her eyes and winced in fear.
“What Luna!” Morpheus roared. “I am busy!” He clenched his muzzle as if he could stop his misguided anger from heading to Luna. A steady stream of tears fell from her cheeks.
“Is..that how you see me? I’m... I am just another chore!” She cried. Crystalline grinned pleasantly as she disappeared.
“No, you’re my daughter. I love you Luna! Crystalline...”
“As much as I know you are sick right now, I’ve always felt unwanted. You love Celestia more. Both of you have!” Luna whined. Morpheus noticed her baby blue mane radiate a purple smoke. “Luna...I’m sorry but you have to calm down please...Crystal-”
“Enough about her! It’s always about everyone else! About mom or ‘Tia or this Crystalline! WHAT ABOUT ME!” Luna screamed. Morpheus felt the coldness seep into his blood. The sickness forcing it’s way free from his body like sludge. It fashioned itself many tendrils longing to infect the moon princess. “Luna!” Morpheus heaved he felt he heart growing cold, losing strength. He let out a shrieking wail that made his daughter's heart stop in fear as her father's sickness fought to consume her as well.
"Given the chance Luna I grown to doubt everything I have ever done to this day..." Morpheus panted. "but I never once thought you would be any less then your sister. You, are like me dear. Don't let the moon's shadow turn you cold." He screamed again placing a hoof to his chest trying to keep the sickness at bay,but he was far too fatigued. The Dreamworld was no place for a pony to stay for long,even one gifted solely to its protection could feel it crave for his slumber. The curse had become too much for the king to handle now,it had feasted off doubts spanning as far as Morpheus' childhood,he felt it become it own being and with one final leech of he's most recent doubts of being a good father,he wouldn't be able to stop the monster building inside of him.
=====================================================================
Celestia opened her eyes. What had she done with her whole day? Oh, that’s right she had spent it with Chrysalis. Being grounded didn’t feel so bad, if she really was being grounded. Luna was in her room all alone, it’s true she loves her books more than talking to ponies, but even Luna would respect not being forced to her quarters for an unknown time alone. “Celestia, what’s the matter?” A groggy eyed Chrysalis asked. “I feel bad for my sister...I can feel it in my gut that she’s unhappy.”
“Then why don’t you go check up on her?”
“Mother said to stay in my room.”
“Your mother is very nice, I’m sure she will understand if you want to help your sister. It’s alright. I’ll stay here in case she needs you.” Chrysalis smiled, waving her hoof to go.
“Lulu?. Luna?”Celestia whispered with no reply, Luna wasn’t in her room. “Chrysalis, she isn’t up here!” Celestia heard a sharp scream come from her room, she flew down to see her friend clutching her body in pain.
“No! Stay Away! you need to get you mother quickly,Your father is in trouble!” She moaned. Celestia took a deep breath and ran out to find her mother, yelling her name wildly down the hall.
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“What were you before Phuan helped you? A pegasus or unicorn...or maybe you were nothing special at all!” Crystalline whispered in his ears. “A lowly dirt digging earth pony I presume.” She cackled teasingly.
“Shut up you miserable mule! I won’t let you take my daughter...”
“Take your daughter! Why in Equestria would I want her? She’s weak. JusSst like you. I’ve always found a certain malleability in ponies who deal with dark places. Like Dusk, or you Midnight.”
“Crystalline...please. Take my power! Just leave my filly...Leave Luna out of this!”
“You just don’t understand do you? I. Could. Care. less about your sniveling foals. I’m here only for you! I’m going to let you fear me. I’m going to make you suffer. Then I’ll think about letting your sickness leave.” Her eyes glowed into his as she commanded the sickness to feed on any doubt still cantabile in him.
“Leave my father alone!” Luna protested.
=====================================================================
Astrum and the other two had the Royal bedroom’s doors in sight,but Astrum’s breath became low and she whispered orders to them. “Pan, you and your guest tend to Morpheus, I have a filly who won’t listen.” She walked towards the stairs,waiting for Celestia to make her way to her so they could talk in private. Pan twitched his head inside,opening the door as the both entered,Pan closed the door tightly. There was a dim blue flame melting away at a rather thick candle by Morpheus’ end table. “What did you sources tell you, Sirius.” Pan asked,resuming their conversation.
“That my queen is ready to rule once again!”
“Sirius...you’re ill. Where is Crystalline, colt?”
“My queen? She is everywhere. She is your concern, she is Morpheus’ pain...She is Luna’s fear! I am not ill Phaun Arboreus. I am the only one in this castle that knows, the truth!”
“You always were the coward when the lines were made. This time you think siding with her will change what little truth you may know?”
“I know! I know what you did to Brightly! I know you let Midnight Star marry her! I Was supposed to be king! Now,I will become king!”
“Sirius...not only have you told me you aided in the death of Equestria’s king,you’ve also claimed you treason worthwhile to a creature that cares little for your needs,but lives only to feed on emotions. The only way you can become king,is defeating Crystalline’s hold over your petty wishes.”
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“Mother!” Celestia’s squeaked out of breath.
“I am very angry at you Celestia. Not only did I tell you to watch out for Chrysalis...but I also told you to stay in your room.” Astrum scolded her filly.
“That’s just it momma. She’s sick...” Celestia roped her fore hooves around her mom and tugged at her. “I know I disobeyed you, a lot these few days but please,help her!”
“I’ll get Pan-”
“No...She told me to check on Luna! and Luna isn’t in her room!”
“So you disobeyed both of my requests!”
“I’m scared mom! I only wanted to see if she was okay since she was all alone in her room. Now Chrysalis is sick and Luna is missing...Dad’s sick too. Am I going to get sick?”
“Not if you had stayed in your room and kept Chrysalis safe and happy,she’s an emphatic dear. She feels how other feel very easily..so now that she’s alone and everyone is nervous-”
“I’ll run right back to her, I’ll help her, I’m sorry momma!” Celestia ran back as fast as she could. Astrum smiled softly, and moved back to her bedroom doors.
=====================================================================
“Luna...stay back please. Your father isn’t himself right now.” Crystalline’s voice shifted to a younger Morpheus. “Midnight! Please you have to help him. I think Crystalline is here and I have to raise the moon before ponies start to ask questions.” She pleaded. “I’m not sure how well I can help him. Crystalline has already-”
“Shut up! Leave my daughter alone!” Morpheus felt his heart pour with rage. Crystalline was feeding him this emotion. His magic surged out from his horn and engulfed Crystalline. “Daddy, No!”
What was wrong with him, was this the work of Crystalline? That looming darkness that ebbed from her father, it had to be The Lingerius Dubbi Curse. She remembered reading about it from the restricted library quarters. It was a spell that required an unnatural amount of magic to even attempt and it grew in a pony’s doubt. He was teetering in final stages, where he would be driven mad by questioning everything he remembered. Punishment of even whispering about the curse was banishment to the Dragon’s Throat Cavern. “Luna I need you to find a way out of here. Do you know what your father is sick with?” Midnight asked.
“It looks like a curse...but the name I don’t think I know it.” Luna lied.
“I assumed a curse dear. Do you remember anytime when your father behaved aggressively?”
“Luna. Don’t tell her it’s a trick! Crystalline!” Morpheus groaned painfully as his chest became numb. “If you dare lash out again I will curse your filly to the same fate as you!” Crystalline screamed. the air grew still once again as Crystalline coerced Morpheus’ silence. “I know that the day I raised the moon with his help dad got in a fight with Harbinger. But before then? The first day I got to lift the moon with him, he was very unhappy that Celestia wanted to go into the forest.”
“Is this true Morpheus? You’re yelling at your fillies?” Crystalline smirked to him.
“I’ve never yelled to my children. Do not twist Luna’s words.” Morpheus groaned. She was forcing the sickness even closer to his heart.
“Do you know what happens when your own heart becomes emotionally and physically numb Morpheus?”
“I’ll die.” He coughed. He felt the stirring of warmth rise from his throat. He coughed violently as drops of dark magic mixed with blood sprayed on Midnight’s front hooves. “You’ve been sick for quite some time Morpheus. Long before you found out about me and her . You meddled your way in Brightly’s life, and changed her destiny. If not for you and Phaun she would have lived a peaceful life, well, relatively. She would have had pegasi colts, and married a wine brewer. She would have died a loved, wealthy mare. She would have had an easy life. But what is she now Morpheus? Two alicorn fillies, burdened with the task of raising a family and a country! She was never destined to become royalty. She was never meant to love you! How da-”
“And yet, we did!” Morpheus heaved. The pain became too much for the king, he dropped to the floor. Crystalline stared in shock, feeling a shiver pulse through her. She knew she was a vile creature, she accepted her fate as unloved and feared. But in this moment, she couldn’t accept it. She felt her magic turn on her.
“FATHER!” Luna cried in horror. She felt her mind cease up, she couldn’t handle losing him.
“Your father is dead Luna.”
Luna dropped to her father’s body. She remembered that victims of The Lingerius Dubbi curse could pass it by touch, but she didn’t care. For all she knew she was already infected, she had already touched his head while he slept. She slung her hooves around her father’s neck. “He’s still warm...I-I can feel his heart beating!” She lied.
“Luna, please-”
“No. He can’t leave me...I’m not old enough! Come back! Stop being so selfish Daddy! I need you!”
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“Chrysalis,are you alright?” Celestia asked as she peeked into her room. The once white filly was midnight black, as she sobbed on the floor.
“I failed everypony....I-I failed my father...” She heaved in long gasps and hiccups. “Failed? You haven’t failed anyone Chrysalis.”
“I made a promise to keep you and your family safe, and I failed.”
“Dad is just a little under the weather,that’s all.”
“My mother cursed him, and only I can break his curse! But my dad doesn’t think I’m strong enough!”
“That’s silly! If I can raised the sun, without my mother’s help. You can break the curse!”
“But...I’m not as powerful as you Celestia...”
“Nonsense you have a horn..and wings-”
“You can see my wings!” Chrysalis backed herself into a corner of Celestia's room to hide her insect wings. “It’s alright...you don't have to hide them, I think they’re beautiful.” Celestia admitted, she was trying her hardest to make her happy. “My mother has a pair of wings just like them, I was told. Everypony I’ve shown them to thinks I am her.”
“Are you?”
“No! My mother is a bully,who hurts ponies and ruins their lives. I don’t want to hurt anypony.”
“Then next time somepony assumes, tell them that. I’ve learned to never judge somepony by how they look, but by how they act.” Celestia smiled to her as Chrysalis’ fur turned to a light grey. “But what about your father?” She whispered.
“You are only one filly. I can’t blame you if you can’t take care of everypony. Don’t get too sad Chrysalis. My mother and your father are going to help him get better.”
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Crystalline felt her heart ache. It wasn’t her emotions, she did not feel such things, She only consumed them. But she felt as if she had a clot of some emotions that could not feed her. “Luna. you are but so pathetic, much more than your father. I should have killed him sooner! Then I wouldn't have needed that pathetic zebra.” She thought.
“Why did you let him die Midnight Star!?”
Crystalline's eyes widened, she could digest sadness easier than anger, and she could see the anger growing around her. Luna’s mane began to wisp and flow like violet smoke in brisk night air, her coat growing darker by the second. “Why did you let him die! I trust you! You said you were here to help me!” Luna cried, she seemed unaware of her transformation. Crystalline moved close to Luna whispering. “I just thought, you needed to grow up. Your father was holding you back dear Luna.”
“I. Hate you! I Hate you Midnight Star!” Luna screamed as she lunged her horn at Crystalline’s neck. Luna saw the black blood drip to the floor. Crystalline stumbled back. She balanced herself uneasily forcing her magic to the hole and staying in disguise. “That may be so Luna. But if you want to be anything like your father, you’ll need to embrace some harsh lessons. You can always expect nights to be cold and with it, their ruler must also be cold.”
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“Can you taste it Phuan? That is pure anger growing inside Luna, as we speak my queen shapes Serenity into the perfect vessel for her plan.” Sirius Dusk began to chuckle sporadically with a twitch in his right eye.
“Dusk have you lost yourself completely in your emotions, can you not see the outcome if Crystalline is able to go through with this!”
“That can’t be the Sirius Dusk my somepony would give his life for.” Astrum said. There was a coldness to her words, that even Sirius in his manic state sensed and feared.
“You are but a pawn of our dear friend Phaun, Brightly!”
“So you choose Crystalline over the death of me and Midnight? You choose to use my daughter for some sick plan. Is this your deluded fantasy of getting revenge on us. By killing your best friend!”
“The day he stole you from my life, he became my sworn rival! I glad he is dead!”
Astrum’s pupils grew wide as Sirius yelled, she backhoof him with all her forleg’s strength and moved to comfort Morpheus. Her hoof to rubbing Morpheus’ forehead softly. He was right, by the time Astrum had put her hoof to him he gave a final brisk exhale. “Morpheus.” Astrum rested her neck to Morpheus’ and gave a soft kiss to his cheek. “Goodbye, my love.” Astrum whispered. Pan closed his eyes, making a ball of green magic to cover Sirius’ mouth, it roped around his neck. “I have one last question Sirius and you will not tell me what I want to hear, only the truth. Why did you hide the note in Damson’s wine bottle.” Pan lifted the magic from his mouth, and loosen it a bit from his neck as his eyes narrowed to Sirius’.
“What note?” Sirius’ mumbled.
“The note read ‘that you had given up waiting and you were going talk to ‘her majesty’ for the truth’.”
“That isn’t my note. But her majesty is our true queen, Crystalline! The truth is something you forced yourself to forget, when you killed the queen of ma-.” Phaun tightened his magic around Sirius’ neck, he flatten it’s edges to become sharp and dug them into Sirius’ shoulders.
“Pan. Let him go.” Astrum ordered.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that your majesty. He knows too much.”
“Enough to incriminate you for the death of someone quite powerful.” Astrum motioned her horn to Sirius, revealing his masking spell. “This is not my love’s friend, but his son.”
Pan stepped back, dispelling his magic instantly. “Sirius C. Dusk....Where is your father! Where is Sirius B. Dusk!”
“Becoming the greatest king of Equestria!” Sirius C. screamed wildly.
“Lingerius Dubbi.” Astrum said scoldingly.
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“I! Midnight are you alright?!”
“I’m fine dear, not my first time being stabbed.”
“Why must their rulers be cold?”
“The life you live is a painful one. You are expected to serve this world and receive little if any gratification for it. You are doomed to living in the shadow of your sister, your younger sister.”
“Only by an hour.” Luna mumbled. “But Celestia loves me, and so does my mother. Please don't kill my mother!”
“Luna. I take no joy in ending his life. I-I could not stand by and let him suffer any longer! He has been plagued by that curse for quite sometime.” Crystalline said, but her true feeling were inverted. She was happy Morpheus was dead, some of her older magic had been restored to her but she couldn’t use Luna’s anger. Had she mixed opposing magics? Now what was she supposed to do with Luna, Crystalline hadn’t expected Morpheus’ condition to be so severe.
She gave him too much credit, just because he had the might of a pegasi and the magic of a unicorn didn’t make him anymore omnipotent like herself. He was but a child unknowingly blessed with deity like powers. Maybe Luna could be useful, she had over exerted her option to tame Grue’s mind. What the fool needed was a heart to cling to, to aid him. Two weary hearts to mend whole? It felt sickening enough to work.
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“Pan-”
“I got him.” he assured her, focusing his magic until a white shimmering potion appeared. Astrum lifted half of the solution out of the flask and poured it into her late husband’s mouth.
“Do not steal the truth from my eyes, I know of-” Sirius began to yell, Pan splashed the rest of the potion on Sirius’ face. “No the truth...I do not want to be blind again!” Sirius fell to the carpeted floor, groaning in pain.
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“Luna. I fear that I haven’t been completely honest with you. Though your father may have willing helped Crystalline there was another that was cursed by him. Your father wouldn’t listen to reason when I cautioned him. I fear that this cursed soul might become a rather large thorn to Equestria.” Midnight explained. “And,what am I supposed to do? I can’t leave my home. What would Celestia and my mother say or do if I left?”
“They would most likely search for you. All I ask is you become his friend. I’ve seen that a close friendship can pause the curse’s progress. He is alone and scared and sick. He does not trust me because of my age but maybe he will trust you.”
“Midnight. I can’t leave my mother and sister to worry about me.”
“Luna! do you even hear what I’m telling you. Your kingdom is close to collapse! You have no king, you have no Magic gemstone to help docile your denizens. What I am asking you to do will keep a threat from crumbling your castle walls. I’m keeping your from utter chaos!”
“I will not leave my family! They are all I have!”
“Then you leave me no choice foal!”Crystalline thought. Midnight’s eyes glowed dark blue. Crystalline had just about enough of acting coy to her. She motioned the space around the filly to freeze and casted a ball of magic to Morpheus’ body. What awaken was the final form of the Lingerus Dubbi curse. It was a husk of what her father was in appearance. Its eyes shimmered like flat Turquoise, and its body from the neck down became clouds of smoke that with just a stray touch could leave a pony’s heart in the lowest of despair.
Luna gave out a high pitched scream when the air thawed, she stumbled backwards as her eyes locked to what her father had become. “This is what will happen to your family! You can choose to remain silent to the fact you and your family are in danger, you can choose to let your family become Sorrow...” Midnight’s sclera became an vile green, his irises a fiery red as his horn poured out more magic to create a version a dark version of her family. He made Astrum mane droop as her form began to melt like wax as she cried. “Hatred..” An older Celestia on Luna’s other side pounded her hooves with their full weight, it made her tail and mane of fire jet light blue flame as her eyes turned to Luna with an apathetic scowl. “or Chaos.” Then a crazed version of Pan appeared behind her. Each iris had a different shape and his sclera was a light yellow. With emotions that were as sporadic like seasons he changed into. “The united belief in Harmony and the elements that power that peace can not be created if there is no one strong enough to power it!” Midnight lectured.
Luna stared hopelessly to Midnight Star’s abominations of her family. “Where should I go then?” Her head sulked as she obeyed. “You should make sure that the zebra is not allowed to reach his full power. If he realizes what it may be, your family will be doomed.” Midnight created a portal that grew out from the clouds of the dream world and Luna made her way mournfully through the portal, she looked back slowly as the creature her father had become mixed into the clouds of the dreamworld.
“Perfect. With the filly out of Equestria, she can help become the final element. Jealousy.” Crystalline giggled happily on how her plan was unfolding nicely. But what was this? Crystalline felt her presence being rejected out of Midnight’s body. It felt like snowflakes stinging and burning her out of him, she withdrew, interested to see what, if anything Phaun could do with him.
Chapter 14-Lost Hoofprints
“C rystalline!” Grue heaved meekly. He felt like he had been there for days, sliding his body against the wall the tried once more to find the doorway. He heard the sound of dark crackling, followed by a soft tap of hooves. “Hello?” Grue yelled. A faint mumble came from the hallway and feminine scream. “Please help me! Someone!” He yelled again, the clopping of hooves got louder.
“What happened here!” Luna whimpered. There had to of been ten to fifteen mangled and scared bodies laying with faces frozen in terror and anguish. Pieces of every race laid in piles of mismatched colors in puddles of blood. Splatters of blood were on every wall and some still dripped from the ceiling. Luna moved herself further into the building, her mouth opened, a survivor? Or was he the murderer? He was rather thin but completely clean, besides a few smears on his haunches. “Excuse me.” Luna said.
Grue turned sharply to the voice. “Thank you. I am so glad someone else is here!” Grue moaned already in tears. She looked to his eyes, they were faded. Did that mean he was blind?
“What’s your name...” She asked tip-hoofing over to him.
“My tribe called me Grue.” He said, sulking in shame.
“Oh, what does that mean?” She asked, almost reaching him. Grue extended a hoof out, the back of it traced from her neck up to her chin.
“You’re different from the other ponies. Like me, I was different from the other zebra. They called me Grue to tease me for being different, to single me out from my tribe.” Grue had spend far too long over thinking his life.
“That explains your stripes, and your accent. My name is Luna.” Luna smiled to him, she move his hoof off her face softly. “I apologize if I sound rude asking, but are you blind?”
“It’s not rude at all Luna, I am blind. I have magic that I can not use.”
“I never knew Zebras had magic.”
“Normally they do not. Zebras prefer the properties of herbs and flora over pure magic.”
“...Why is that?”
“Because of an old Zebra tale of a goddess called Chrysos. She was tasked with painting the world with color. She wished the sky blue, and the grass to be green. Then she wish the rivers blue, and leaves green as well. Her sister looked and asked her for a new color, so Chrysos made the colors red and purple. But she did not like the colors red and purple so she mix the two together.
“And made pink?”
“Magenta, but some could see them the same.”
“But how did the color create your peoples hate for magic?”
“It was the color of Chrysos’ sister, or at least the color she made herself when she saw Chrysos fall in love with magenta. Her sister only wished to be loved like the color Chrysos created and Chrysos wanted to paint the sky,the trees and the rivers in it. So her sister, hidden in this new magenta colored world, snuck up on Chrysos and used all of her magic to take away Chrysos’ power of color, which left Chrysos black as the night sky.”
“That’s a very sad tale. So Chrysos’ love for the color drove her to paint our whole world it, and her sister wanted it to stay the way it was so she took away her power?”
“With magic. Her sister took away the very core of Chrysos’ joy, since then Chrysos or as you probably know her by, Crystalline has been shrouded in anger and a desire to curse anyone who is happy.”
“I wonder if that’s why she’s after you Grue...”Luna thought. Maybe if she brought him back to his tribe he could be happy again, that could cure him, at least Luna hoped. “Maybe there’s a Zebra that can help you Grue? Is there anyone in your tribe that you trust.”
“I promised I’d never go back.”
“I have a feeling that if we go back there I can stop Crystalline.”
“Why? Will you use your magic and banish her?”
“No. I have another idea Grue.”
Grue wasn’t sure of his new friend, he had no reason to trust her but no reason to doubt her intentions pure. He gave a smile to her, “I guess there is no harm in trying, but there is one problem. You do not know the Zebra’s savannah, and I am blind.”
“Then how did you get here?”
“I told you Luna, the magic is cursing my eyes. Zebra are not meant for such things.”
“What if I took some of your magic out?”Luna insisted.
“For the last ti-Wait...you want to take it?”Grue had started to hear Crystalline’s voice echoing in the back of his head. ‘Let me grant you some of my magic Grue dear!’ He shook his head, hoping to end her plaguing whispers.
“Is that a no, Grue?”
“No, Wait...This could be a trap Luna.”
“A trap, by who?”
“Chr-Crystalline. She’s been begging me to take her magic, she wanted me to grow a horn.”
“That’s not very safe at all Grue. A unicorn foal is a hoofful, you are almost an adult and you have never casted magic as a unicorn. You would-”
“What? What happens!”
“Go insane.”Luna gulped, shaking as she began to create a theory to the dead ponies around her. Crystalline had tried to make him a unicorn, and somehow he grew a horn. Maybe his body rejected the horn, and he was left blinded with the remnants of her magic. It seemed possible, almost too easy to stick together. Midnight Star had told her that Crystalline had infected both her father and Grue. But Grue seemed well, other than contracting blindness. And if Grue was now blind, how could he even become a threat to Equestria? He couldn’t see where he was heading.
“Are you still there Luna?”
“Y-Yes Grue. I’m still here, I guess I’ll just lead you home.”She trotted to his side and put one of his forehooves around hers. They had almost made it out of the building until, *Thunk* Grue had slipped on one of the bodies. Luna flipped on her back to the floor, and Grue had landed face first in one of the rotting piles of body parts.
“Chrysos, it wasn’t a dream?!” Grue screamed. “I-I thought it was a dream!” He pulled himself up and began to sob.
“Grue, you knew about the bodies?” Luna asked, rubbing her back.
“All I could do was hear them cry or scream. I couldn’t see what was going on, so I just thought it was just another bad dream. I just don't understand Luna...Why did they die?”
The more Luna found out about Grue the weirder the whole situation became. He had dreams of death, and not only death but hearing ponies die and him being helpless. Maybe there was another being locked in him? Grue didn’t seem capable of what laid around them, he was already in tears when he found out his nightmares were very real. Luna casted her magic around the bodies, rooms and finally to Grue. It was a spell that picked up on traces of magic and hoof prints. Grue got up and tried his best to make it to Luna by following the low hum her spell transmitted. Luna’s heart began to beat wildly, it couldn’t be. None of Grue's hoofprints where even remotely near the bodies or the blood smears, but his body radiated with an almost blinding light of magic. The two didn’t add up, if Grue had magic then the spell should show his prints. She was certain her spell was working correctly,since it wasn’t her first time using it. It only furthered her suspicions that Grue may not be the only witness to what happened in here.
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Astrum opened her lids to reveal bloodshot eyes. Her eyes had stayed open all night watching the door that held Sirius inside. She hoped by now Pan..or was it Phaun, had found some reasoning behind Sirius’ betrayal. Little did she know Pan had known Sirius’ intent without many moons passing. What he spent his time doing since then was roping around any hole in his latest alibi.
Sirius C. Dusk had found out much in the years the Dusk family name fell to ruin, they used to own this part of land and much more when Spectral Dusk ruled. But to look at them now, it was pitiful. They owned three acres of land and in that land a three bedroom loft. Pan gave a deep sigh as he looked to the sky, it was his fault for their misfortune.
“Astrum, in her youth was an adventurous and wild filly, and her parents in all their wisdom decided the only way to harness her potential as much more than an adventurous mare was to arrange a marriage with two promising candidates.There was Damson Elderberry a colt primed and picked much like the fruit he distilled to be a suave gentlecolt, or Sirius B. Dusk. Now in my time around Brightly and Midnight there was never a pony I felt deserved less than he owned quite like this Sirius. He was a trimming of his father’s tree, the only difference one could make was his mother’s heterochromia gene. Only in the final moments of Astrum’s old life did I see how different he was to his father.
He hid his true self to only the ones he trusted, and as you could guess he did not trust me. The day I made Brightly and Midnight into Astrum and Morpheus was the day your father fully explained to me what I had done was not my right to choose. It was one of the highest moments of my failure as a friend and a protector of harmony.” Pan turned to gaze at Sirius C. “If it wasn’t for my ignorance, however, your father would have never of married Lily Drop.” Pan whispered.
“You’re the reason I was born?” The navy colt asked.
“Damson brought her to your father, and I led the way.” Pan smiled.
"So you admit to tricking Damson to give up on the love of his life, and sending some flower mare to dirty my bloodline!” Sirius spat in Pan’s eyes. Pan lowered his head as the silvia puddled into a drop on his snout, he wiped the excess away and gave a soft groan.
“I’ll admit, Crystalline has spent quite some time with you Sirius C. You know a lot more than any colt should. But what is it you want me to tell you?”
“You’re still interested in my needs Phaun? What of yours?! There’s a cold dark secret held up in your throat. When the time is right you will scream it, yell it so loud that everyone who dared to trust you will know, just. Who. You. Are. The sickening part of it all is you will be happy, you will be glad that you killed her.”
Pan stepped back from Sirius who was now moaning in pain as Crystalline’s magic tried to battle its way out of the young stallion. The potion Pan had created kept it locked in Sirius’ body. “The Lingerius Dubbi can be cured Sirius C. Dusk! But only if you tell me what your mind is stuck on, what doubt lingers in your mind?”
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“Grue, how long have you been here?”
“I...I don't remember Luna. I couldn’t see the sun or moon to keep track.”
“What time was it when you were here, and could see?”
“Dusk.”
“So the sun had already set, and you came inside for shelter? Do you live here?”
“No...I live about three days away. One would just have to follow Lilypad Lake to reach my tribe. But I was running away, I didn’t want Crystalline to hurt anyone else.”
“Crystalline hurt someone you love?”
“I’m not certain, but I can tell the zebra Crystalline took away from me was my mother.”
“I’m sure your father-”
“I’ve never met my father Luna.”
Luna felt her throat swell, was this how it was for all Zebra? She couldn’t help feeling disgusted in her kingdom, until she realized. She was judging her mother and father’s abilities. Why did they sit-oh that's right. Zebra considered magic evil. “That’s-horrible Grue. Forgive me if I sound preachy but I would rather be with the ones I love than alone. There’s nothing worse than believing you are alone. Let’s go back to your tribe and we will make sure you can stay in your tribe.” Luna protested with new found vigor, she stood up tall and resumed her walk with Grue’s forehoof slung by her side. Grue could tell Luna wouldn’t take no for an answer. He hoped that she could make things right, but he couldn’t help feeling that the very sight of her would drive the chieftain in a wild rage.
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“What lingers in my mind is why you have Brightly outside this door, she should be in here. Oh and why everyone calls you by your last name, not even your real last name, but some skewed version of it. What is the great Arborous Phaun hiding from the queen of Equestria?”
“Nothing is hidden from me Sirius.” Astrum responded in his mind.
“I thought it best to keep Her Grace closeby, but not in the same room Sirius. You did declare regicide after all, one would take certain measures.” Pan remarked with a cocky smirk.
“Then why not let Brightly rest all together? She will need her strength of she hopes for a fighting chance against Cosmos.” Sirius barked as he squirmed his body violently in the magic binds roped tightly to him.
“Because as you stated she should be here listening in, for your and my sake. Now are you upset about your father? He choose his stance and was willing to give his crown to Morpheus.”
“Yes...he did. He gave Midnight his own chest armor, and the brash fool wore it ‘til his dying day!” Sirius snorted a bit as he couldn't control his laughter. Pan gave a hopeful smile to the colt, this was the laugh he remembered, he felt he was close to saving him.
“What about the armor Sirius?”Pan asked turning his gaze to the potion.
“What! you know know about it!?” Sirius gasped softly. “Then my queen has not wished you to learn of her plan! I shan't say another word of it!”
“Is that so? I guess you just need a bit more Hopius potion then, I was hoping you would cure yourself and just tell me...but I guess If I have to force the real Sirius to tell me, so be it.” With his magic Pan flicked the potion, spraying the top of Sirius’ forehead and mane. He gave a ear numbing wail as the potion seeped in. The two magics fought each other for control of Sirius’ body, each demanding their place. Sirius could feel his organs and limbs become numb and then throb with a fiery heat.This was happening all across his body, bringing the colt to an out pour of tears.
“Phaun Help! My queen-She plans-you will never kill her, never win-I’m sorry!”
“Concentrate Sirius! What is your queen planning!”
“She’s setting up Luna! She will become a perfect princess! No, no...she wants her to change, like Midnight!” Sirius panted, shaking his head in hopes to clear his thoughts.
Astrum held her breath, she felt her tears flood to her cheeks as she pieced together her old memories. When Midnight was subdued by Crystalline he changed his form into a cloud of black smoke. He wished himself to be the night itself, as it was his life’s ambition to touch the moon. But how would she be able to? Midnight changed because he was told the only way to defeat Crystalline and protect Equestria was to change into Sombra. But in changing into Sombra he let his magic become altered, yes he did it for the right reasons, but his reasoning became so easily distorted when he let Crystalline change him that any trace of good intention mean little under her control. What angle did she have to make Luna change? She loved her sister and even though Astrum had grounded Luna, Astrum was sure Luna understood it was a temporary solution. She was still very proud of her magic abilities, she was going to give her a party because of it.
“Thank you Sirius, I have one final question, for both of you. Where is your father?”
“In-His...on his old throne!” Sirius gasped out, he began to scream louder as the potion wore off. Pan gave a soft smile to him. “Forgive me Sirius.” Pan bowed his head as he created another full flask of the potion, and poured both it and the rest of the old potion onto Sirius’ horn and mane. Sirius scream grew from a shocked yelp to a growing roar of sorrow. Pan was glad the dungeon floor was built with magic imbued materials to dampen sound from the rest of the castle. In other words the only way Astrum would have known that Sirius or Pan were in there was because she had casted a spell beforehoof to listen.
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Finally the air was fresh and Luna could feel Grue’s body shivering as they trotted farther from the ghost town. It was almost out of view, but the further Grue got the more violent his shaking became. Luna turned only to see he had been biting his lower jaw so hard that it had softly bled ,his eyes lids were locked so tightly pressed that his head was shaking. “Grue?”
“River. That-way!” Grue lifted his shaking hoof west.
“Why are you shaking Grue?” Luna asked.
“I didn’t leave that building-spent three maybe five days in there-”
Luna gave a firm clear of the throat, “So you’re thirsty?” Luna could feel her own stomach groan for substance.
“More hunger than thirst, Wait!”
Luna stopped sharply. “I feel grass below us, thick grass. Stay alert for a blue flower, bell or star shaped, it is poisonous.” Grue didn’t want anymore memories of that foul weed.
“Will do, any plants I should be looking for?”
“It’s rare close to Lily’s lake, but if you find any white cup-shaped flower,clover shaped leaves and it is usually blue on the tips.some of that would be nice.”
Luna gave another smile to Grue, she hadn’t fully fathomed that Grue was blind, and so her attempts at being friendly wouldn’t be seen. Grue took slow breaths trying to force himself into a meditative state, he was finding it hard to do. Anytime he had almost reached until he felt a biting cold push him awake, it was starting to get Grue angry, so angry he began chewing his lower lip.
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“Pan-”
“Yes, Astrum I feel it.” There was a mass of dark magic heading towards the caste, could it be Crystalline?
“I do not think this is a wise idea Pegasus.”Polaris growled low. Him and Eventide had long cloaks on, with Omen in front the castle guards did not ask any question, but still held their suspicions.
“It was unwise to hide in your home as if this was a simple illness, what you have needs the utmost attention and you will not get that by simply sitting at home.-Your serenity, Celestia!” Omen rushed to the filly. As Celestia stopped and looked to Omen she could see the puffy bags under his eyes, then she sensed it. her mind flooded with voices and whispers all around her all telling her one thing.'Help me!'
“What’s going on here!” Celestia ordered.
“Celestia? Are you alright?” Omen moved closer lifting a hoof rubbing her shoulder comfortingly.
The voices growled louder “Help us!”
“Who is doing that!?” Celestia stumbled backwards, some of the guards moved to the princess, leaving their posts.
“Your grace what is the matter?” one of the guards asked.
“Somepony is using magic, they’re putting voices in my head. They’re asking for help. Whoever needs help can just ask my mother, you don’t need to use telepathy.”
“Everything hurts...I’m sorry Celes’ I never meant to hurt you...”
“Father!” Celestia whispered. Her eyes stared to Omen as she stood up straight once more. “Thank you kindly.” She yelped and ran upstairs to her room.
“Did she just say father?” One of the guards asked another.
“She must be coping her father’s death pretty harshly...I can’t say I blame the filly.”
“What happen to His majesty?” Omen asked.
“He passed three days ago...where have you been?”
“In Prancington looking for Sirius...”
“Well good news he came to us, bad news is he’s infected with the curse.”
“Lingerius.” Eve moaned.
“Who are those hooded ponies behind you?”
“They’re prisoners of war. Please return to your posts, all of you.” Omen urged stepping in front of Eve and Polaris before a guard could unmask them. “Com’n you two to Dragon’s Throat!” Omen trotted to the dungeons, keeping the two Dusks in front of him.
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“Daddy? Come back! Talk to me!” Celestia cried.
“I’m here,I hear you Celes’. I need to know if you mom told you about what happened.”
“With...you...she told me Crystalline did it.”
“Good. You know the truth, so you know what that means right?”
“No. What are you asking of me father?”
“I need to borrow your body.”
“You’re not my father....are you Crystalline? Where’s my sister!”
“Crystalline has her dear. I know you’re sad and you don’t know who to trust anymore. Your mother never told you how I died, did she?”
“Does that really matter?”
“In this instance, yes. I died in the dream world. Every being dreams, even a daydream is still a dream. So I searched and searched for your essence.” Celestia felt her eyes become heavy. “I just need a few more moments dear...I need your help.”
“Yes...Father.” Celestia’s eyes opened to reveal purple irises as her father’s magic forced her filly frame to mature. Her gait mimicked her father’s as best as her female frame would allow, as they headed toward Pan’s bedroom.
Chapter 15-Forgotten Heroes
“C lover!?” A light blue unicorn yelled. A dirt caked unicorn replied just as loud.
“Yes Swirl?”
“I can’t find my notes on jet magic and Lingerius’ victims from-”
“West wing, under your book of Dark Magics: Hexes and Other Evils.”
“Oh! So it is, you saved my hide yet again dear Clover.”
“Can you reach it alright? I need to let this potion ferment a whole three hours before I can combine the next ingredients.” Clover asked, turning to gaze Star Swirl.
“I’m not crippled Clover, I’ll. be-fff-fine.” Each word stressed as the pony stretched to reach the book. “Why must these desks be so tall!” Star pouted, Clover had since crept over to Star Swirl.
“Because these desks were bought for adults, I don’t think the Solus kingdom expected a filly prodigy. Here.” Clover raised the book with his magic. Star gave a high pitched grunt, biting onto her notes, then she started to sniff around and sighed heavily.
“Clover you forgot to turn the heat down, and you added three tablespoons of cinnamon when the tea calls for only two teaspoons.”
Clover gasped, running the pot he took three of the burning logs out of the fireplace dosing them with water. His eyes stared intently to the recipe. “Please be right, please be right, please-” He kept whispering.
“Clover. That tea recipe is the one my grandmother made when I was teething, my family has been using that recipe since stars first popped into the sky. If you can’t make a four ingredient tea, how am supposed to trust you with rare herbs?!”
“Because you decided you were so smart you got jet crystal on your horn and now you can’t use magic anymore! Or maybe because I’m your apprentice, and as such I have to learn?”
“I learned that you have problems reading basic instructions.” Star Swirl scoffed.
“I learned that you’ve been drinking too much tea Star.”
“Nonsense Clover, tone can never drink too much tea. It is not nly healthy but can also be a hot or cold beverage, you can’t say the same to your fermented fruit juice. Clover, can you assist me again?”
“What do you need this time?” Clover teased trotting to the sound of her voice.
“Omen? It’s a royal letter asking for help.”
“I’m impressed the Solus court remembered our address! Does it say what for?” Clover grinned softly at the stack of books Star Swirl had made to reach the letter box. With his magic he placed all the books neatly back in alphabetical order to their sections in the grand library.
“To all exceptionally gifted unicorns, you are hereby called by your kingdom to uphold your pledge to aid in a disclosed and challenging mysterious ailment that has befallen a pony with high renown...”Star began to mumble on as she read the rest.
Clover had never paid much attention to mail they received, he was never given any since his parents were long since past and since he was a beggar in his old hometown. Lets just say he didn’t have any pen pals to wish him luck in his studies.
“Star...I don’t think we have to pack. There’s another letter here. Midnight Star is dead.” Star Swirl gave a disbelieving gasp,yanking the letter so hard Clover fumbled to stand straight. She tore the top with one of the sharp crystals embedded to her horn and as she read more and more of the letter her eyes watered,
“Read the rest of the mail, every single one.” Star Swirl galloped to her private study, holding back her tears. Clover motioned a hoof to grab the filly, but he pulled it back and followed along with her orders. Most of the letters were menial findings reports or theories on the looming angst that was growing in the kingdom. a hoofful of the letters were specifically written to Star Swirl.
“Star Swirl, what should I do with the letters addressed to you personally?”
“Every. Single. One!” Star repeated, Clover had interrupted one of her emotion tantrums. He could hear his young mentor’s wailing echo from the extended walls of the library.
“Poor thing.” He whispered. He resumed reading Star’s personal mail, a couple were incomplete drafts to elixirs hoping Star Swirl would know the last ingredient. But one of them caught Clover’s keen eye, he trotted to Star’s private study, using his magic to motion the door knocker. In an instant the child’s sobbing was hushed, Clover could hear items being shuffled, and Star gulping down something. She opened the door.
“What does it say Clover?”
“I..I didn’t read all of it Star, it’s from Sirius Dusk.”
“Interesting...do you know which one?”
“No...I have no clue.”
“Let me see then.”Star smiled taking the paper with an added delicacy to apologize for her last hasty grab. “Ahh, Zebras. This is clearly the work of Sirius C Dusk, he’s always had a fascination with their culture.”
“I believe Sirius C has found your answer to your theories on jet-”
“It is not a theory Clover, I have reports from Saddle Arabia to the Crystal Empire confirming my findings!”
“I’m sorry Star Swirl, I bet there are other wizards in your situation as well.”
“Not likely...When I met The Council of Harmonics, their horns were clean.” Star lowered the letter and locked her eyes to her apprentice. “ I know what I did was wrong Clover. I put you and Equestria in potentail danger with my arrogance, I understand now that even though I maybe smart, it doesn’t mean I am without flaws.”
“Thank you, Star.” Clover picked the filly up and hugged her tight. “Do you need more time to grieve for Midnight?”
“No, I’ve spent enough time thinking about him. What I need is to work, could you find all the texts related to myths and legends?” She asked. “Make sure they are pre-Spectral War, any knowledge on Zebras would help most definitely as well!” Clover gave a wave and he started to climb up the tallest ladder to the ‘ancients and myths’ wing as her eyes scanned the letter re-reading it to memorize its prose and ink pools.
‘In one Zebra myth Crystalline(known to the Zebra as Chrysos) created the colors for the world we live in. Yet some of our own myths claim she is the embodiment of greed, that she created ores and gems as currency. But what if these Zebra and Pony myths were indeed true, not only that, what if they were the same or relate able?
It is no secret that there is another ruling kingdom, run by ponies. They are the Crystal Empire, and their whole world is a mirror to our own, only everything there is crystal-like. What if Crystalline created this empire in her innocence and when her sister, torn between taking away the very thing young Crystalline lovingly created or submitting the whole world to become Crystalline's favorite color, She chose the lives of many lesser beings. She chose us.
With her new found anger and betrayal Crystalline devoted herself to our suffering, she planned to take harmony itself and locked its very essence away from our grasp. She plunged our faith in each other and molded our mortal hearts to greed. We lost our neighborly disposition and locked our doors. We are heading to dark times fellow ponies, if we do not act in both heart and mind... -Sirius Dusk’
“It seems Sirius never finished writing this.”Star sighed disappointingly.
“He was probably taken into custody before he could. I heard he and his father looked almost identical, adding to the fact they have a different surname that not many know of. I have to ask Star, how do you know so much about them?” Clover bellowed so she could hear, he had found the last tome called ‘Innocent and epic ballads of ol’ tymes’.
“I’m related to them.” She mumbled her cheeks reflecting her embarrassment.
“Are you serious!?” Clover turned to her as sacred texts fell like rain, he mustered his magic to collect the tomes before they hit the floor.
“Why would I lie about family?” Star asked.
“Most ponies would lie about family, especially if a family member committed treason and-”
“You may see him as a tyrant, but he only wished to serve his country. The measure he took to achieve his powers were wrong and immoral, I agree but the Equinus Sugilite was only able to work because he was not only willing to do whatever it took,but his heart was yearned to lead.” Star preached as if this wasn’t the first time she had to defend his actions.
“Star I’m not judging your family, it would be natural to hide such things without lying though.” Clover had made it down the last wooden step. “Here’s all the books I can recall with the topics you mentioned.” He floated them close so she could examine his findings.
“‘Taboo tricks of the Savanna?’” Star mused.
“Oddly named, yes but it is a book on herbs and the ways they are used in different Zebra tribes.” Clover stated.
“Good find Clover, I’ve yet to read all the books we own. How about this one? ‘Chrysos or Crystals?’”
“Summarizes magical properties found in different crystal and ore samples, it struck me because of the name used. Sirius used the word Chrysos didn’t he?”
“Yes. Excellent work tying gut feeling and reason! Chrysos is the Zebra’s lost deity, said to have ‘painted the world with color’.”
“Star Swirl, do you think we should be getting involved in this? If Midnight’s death is somehow related to Sirius...”
“We don't have an option on this Clover, Midnight isn’t just a close friend. He was the King of Equestria and we signed an oath to protect our kingdom in times of war or immediate threat to the throne.”
"You are related to the perpetrator, I don’t want anyone hurting you because of that connection.”
“I may be related, Thank you for your concern but we were are being summoned to help. I won’t let family sway my obligatory duties to my kingdom.”
“But some might not know your heart is for your kingdom.”
“Clover, most of Equestria thinks I am a wise but death-faced stallion. The ponies that I give my attention to are the ones who know otherwise. Why don’t you try you luck on my Gran’s cinnamon rose tea while I study these books.”
“This time I will use three teaspoons of cinnamon.”
=====================================================================
“Is this the only way you could talk to me father?”
“I was not sure if Luna...if she could control the moon still.”
“Because of Crystalline.”
“Exactly, though I do not mean to harm your new friend I do not trust her powers. She could because another tool for Crystalline to manipulate.”
“Dad, I have to talk about somepony.”
“About who Celes’?”
“Your old friend Sirius, Why did he do it?”
“What exactly do you think he did.”
“He killed his father, gave innocent lives to Crystalline to hurt or worse and when he lost he pretended he wouldn’t be blamed for it.”
“Heh...I was hoping you meant his son. Sirius believed in what Crystalline stands for power, greed, illusion, fear-you name it, if it defies The Six Principles of Harmony. She will find a way to twist a creature to it’s darker path, as she did with me. “
“Father...I don’t blame you for anything that has happened. I love you, and I wouldn’t want any other pony to my father.”
“I just wish...I could’ve been Midnight Star, The king of Equestria. I don’t know why Pan thought adding a new personality in me would make me a better ruler.”
“Maybe...because he still had to hid your memories and past so Crystalline couldn’t use you again.”
“Then why not take my dark memories and Crystalline’s magic instead.”
“Because forgetting your mistakes will lead you to repeat them.”
“Ha-ha! Quoting your own father’s lessons back to him! And you’re right, I’m a fool for not seeing Pan for what he really is. Come now, we have some investigating to do.”
Celestia felt her wings flap open. “Where are we going?”
“To the place I tried to keep you away from. Everfree Castle.”
The sun was still high and watching the earth in its protective warmth. It had sunk far enough that the clouds Celestia flew above mimicked the princess’ now flowing mane and tail. She felt her father’s guiding hooves motion her legs close together, and tapped her shoulders to tense her wings once more.
“I never did teach you much about flying did I?”
“No. But I got most of my flying technique down when I helped Uncle Damson.”
“Ah yes, Damson. He’s that plum seller and you go on little adventures with him.”
“Yes. My-not-imaginary-wine-selling-almost-married-mother-adventure-seeking-Uncle Damson.”
Morpheus pushed out a heavy cough from Celestia’s lungs. “I never doubted my Celes’ adventurous displays of selflessness, just be sure not to tell me if Damson ever got you in harm’s way.”
“Agreed. Now why are we heading to the castle? And why do you need me?”
“Because I fear my unwanted gift is not only a sign that your mother and I were purposely blinded by Pan’s truth. But my old friend is not as late as Equestria believes The Unicorn King to be. You see Pan has an illness or two, or so I first thought as I tried to befriend him. The first being his social skills; A lack of trust, he feels safer when there’s fewer beings around him, he was cursed by Crystalline to change like the seasons. Although I have only recently seen all four seasons I remember vividly winter, spring and summer.”
“And the fourth?”
“Autumn. It is when the leaves fall, which makes Pan an uneasy ally. I do not trust him, nor should you.”
“Then is it wise to leave mother and him in the castle?”
“Your mother even after birthing you and Luna, saving Equestria from Sirius B. Still had enough power to fly you two to each of our hometowns. I doubt even Crystalline can hold your mother back if giving a reason to fight for. It’s just how she was raised as a Pegasus. No, what is pressing me, or should I say your mind right now is the sanity of my friend. The first time I had met him he went by Phaun. Something must have happened since the second time I found him. He was the size of you or Luna. It was then I started to feel hate and anger towards him, but the day of the Eclipse he revealed that he had instilled that hate in my newer personality so that he wouldn't be trusted so easily.”
“What caused him to get so protective.”
“And, what cause him to leave. I still haven't figured those out, I was searching for those answers in the bowl of serf’s stew.”
“I interrupted you.”
“Actually when you asked if he was a threat to Equestria, you gave me an epiphany. He was a threat to Equestria and I’m not sure if Chrysalis, Crystalline or even Pan himself knows why."
Through the time Celestia talked to her father he had been guiding her through the disheveled Everfree Castle to Pan’s throne. With Celestia’s magic he made the sun’s rays illuminate the darkness in a gentle glow. Celestia gasped to the artistic perfection of multi-colored glass-etched murals that stood two stories high in a pillar.
“This is a Unicorn tradition, the mosaic windows. They not only represent a willingness to have the past remembered, but it helped the older families to never be forgotten. When a rival family walked into the castle to dispute the authenticity of a deed, they would bring a sheet of crystal with him or her. But there are always the less reputable in nobility that would rather throw stones to whichever mosaic they did not believe, and with the help of a magic detect spell the master or mistress of the rival house would be forced lance.”
“Would..what?”
“Lance...joust. They would duel.”
“I thought you were trying to say one word to mean another, like when you told Bitter Malus that you would look into his smashed fruit.”
“Bitter is...He has a unique way of sensing trouble, but let's just say over the years Bitter Malus has been pointing more hooves then proof. You can’t just claim somepony a thief or bad on the past alone. If my bad choices were taken without seeing the good I aimed to achieve.” Morpheus phased himself out of Celestia.
“I understand. It would’ve meant you not becoming king. But what if Bitter Malus asked you as a final resort. What if he knew who did it, even watched them cause the problem but couldn’t face them alone, they needed someone stronger.”
“Wow Celestia, is there something we need to talk about?”
“I think your darling daughter does not only understand matters long since forgotten, but that it was very nice of you to bring the child right to my hoofs.”
“N o. I saw you executed, and your body turned to ash!”
“And you would be right dear king...but you’ll find my seeming cowardice that day unfitting of my true nature.”
“He used a decoy.”
“Yet again your daughter sees the truth, I wonder if maybe she has been blessed with wisdom of her ancestor....”
“Sirius, friend what is it you intend to do?”
“Our friendship was forgotten the day you took my crown and armor. I am glad they served you well to your death and now that my past contract with Crystalline has been fulfilled I can begin a plan years in cultivating. Now be a good filly and hoof Morpheus to the rightful king.”
“Did Pan make Morpheus for you?”Celestia asked.
“That’s a question you’d have to ask when you’ve fully grasped his true nature.”
“Then please, tell me if Chrysalis will be unharmed!” she pleaded.
“It isn’t wise to befriend a soul whose heart can change like the breeze.”
“Then I will become a wall! I’ll keep the air from changing her.”
“Celestia.” Sirius B gave a low chuckle to the young mare. “Would you deny Chrysalis the ability to make mistakes and learn from them as well? All she knows is to sway where power lies. It is her mother’s ideology, a trait that no matter the warmth you bring can not melt nor shake from her, Cosmos nor Aethereum could strike these flaws from her.
“Cosmos?”
“Heh. One of the first Chrysos. I don’t expect you to know nor-”
“Aethereum...is everything, and Cosmos is nothing.” Celestia whispered.
“Midnight! I never would have expected you teaching your daughter the laws of old.”
“I Didn’t.”
================================================================================
Pan felt his chest grow cold. “I am tired of your pettiness Sirius C. I thought you wanted your son safe, but maybe you would rather forget about that night.”
“You leave my colt out of this you monster!” In the edges of Sirius’ eyes Pan noticed his sclera was reverting to normal.
“Yes! Yes you’re worried about your son! Where was he last, who can I contact to help him!?”
“He’s in danger? No that can’t be I left him in safe hooves, with his mother in the Savannah.”
“The very same savannah the king traveled to and got the curse from? Great..”
“If Crystalline is there. That must mean he’s a unicorn then.”
================================================================================
“Are you certain this is wise Luna?” Grue asked as he clutched his hoof around her extended one. “You said to follow the stream, that it would lead you home.” Luna stated.
“Yes but we don’t have to be in the stream to follow it. I’ve slipped so many times your hoof is shaking from fatigue.”
“Then maybe we just need a little rest? It’s not easy scouting the forest for every flower climbing upstream.”
“Just stay away from the blue star shaped ones.”
“What about....gold ones?”
“Chrysanthemum? You found a Chrysanthemum! Where is it, describe please?”
“Uhhh....it’s in a sunny spot, by some vines away from the water...a bunch of the petals are drooped down, but the top looks like a dandelion would.”
“And is there some type of aster by it...near a cave.”
“Is it bad, if I say yes?”
“If there is any crystals or smoke, or..animals in sight then we should run, fast if possible.”
“Start running then.” Luna whispered. She saw the gold chrysanthemum overcrowded by daisies and cosmos of pinks and purples and in the break of the surrounding flowers a trail of black crystals, like those in the castle’s cave lead to a small hole that could lead to a cave. But most of those details slipped easily from Luna’s mind as she concentrated on running as Grue gave directions.
“The smoke should lead us to somewhere safe. It has to be a grass hut, not an old campsite.”
================================================================================
From the shadows hanging over the throne Celestia could make a devilishly wide grin of the former king. “Sometimes I wonder just how you defeated me so easily before Midnight. Now it seems you can’t even tell plans have been made behind you and Brightly. It’s as if you given up so meekly and given all this responsibility to you Poor. Little. Daughter. It’s sickening even. Com’n Midnight Star! You fight so hard to claim Equestria and know you can’t even tell the lies and schemes going on in your very court!”
Sirius B. gave two stomps to the worn throne he sat on as an army of hooves galloped towards them. “Celest’!” Her father echoed ,as she felt her father’s power leaving her.Celestia turned to the chant being hummed.
“Time now sees there was only one true king. And futures would revel over the many titles his legacy will bring. Be it Sirius or Unicorn king, Morpheus or Sombra. His power absolute, he’s mercy our law. It is now spoken, it is now true. It has been witnessed, through time will this hold due.”
“Please, stop. That’s my father!” Celestia cried. She screamed and jumped into the crowd as a ball of fire crashed through the castle.The castle was still for a moment as Celestia whispered. “H-hello. Dad? Sirius?” Her eyes began to open slowly to the stinging smoke wisped slowly from a blue fire, and from this fire emerged a silhouette. An earth pony who felt different from the others Celestia had met. “You must be the Queen to be. I am, no. I was, no. You may call me a-guardian of sorts. I wouldn’t want to confuse you with petty details like names and such,but if you are willing to trust that I am here to get you out.”
“You crashed through the castle.”
“Very good! I’m glad to see I didn’t hurt you on the way down. I make a little slip of the rhyme and I end up plummeting like a meteor.”
“What about my father?”
“What father? Oh. I guess I was a bit late in timing,have you met Sirius A, how about B..and F? I’m just kidding there is not Sirius F. Well not while you’re alive, That’s another princess’ problem. I’m sorry I haven’t seen another pony in, what year is it? No matter in an unfathomable amount of seconds, and minutes maybe even years.”
“Uhhh...”
“Well I would have never of guess I would leave Princess Celestia without a wit of words to speak, though you seem shorter than I remember last time. Goodness what am I doing in this castle?”
“You said you were my guardian, and you were going to save me.”
“Well aren’t you lucky to have another pair of eyes to watch over you,yes I’m sure that will leave your sister riving in jealousy! Mind if I ask one more question before I send you out of here?”
“Sen-”
“Ex-cellent! What form have I been given?”
“You look like an earth pony.”
“But looking isn’t the same as being, and I certainly don’t feel very earthy. I feel, misplaced.” The guardian placed her hoof to Celestia’s shoulder and began singing. “Now let us both leave this evil forest. Let Celestia’s heart be at rest at her home. Let me follow said princess, in the guise of the florist and still remember my mission for Sombra’s tome.”
=================================================================================
“What’s in that cave...why-why are we running.” Luna panted.
“It’s...where Chrysos lives.”
“You know where your goddess lives?!”
“She...she’s not my goddess. She’s tortured me long enough to see that I do not belong with the zebras. They fear my power,they’re scared of what they do not know. But you know Luna...You know magic is not scary.”
“Magic is...is very scary. If the wielder means harm than someone will be hurt. I can try to help,I can relieve the pressure. I don't think you can help guide us anywhere...when all I see is sand.”
“How far did we run? I don’t want to hurt you Luna are you sure taking my magic is safe.”
“I know how to use magic Grue,and we need some shelter. I can see the sun beginning to set.”
“Moon. Luna, sister of Solstia. Daughter of Aster. You-You’re the Luna!”
“I don’t know about that,but I am named Luna.”
“You’re the Queen of the night.”
“...I’m just the princess of the Moon Grue.”
“The moon can not shine without the night’s darkness, Princess.” A voice whispered to Luna. “I have brought you to this land to find such darkness. It not only lies in Grue’s heart but also in the havoc Crystalline has left his tribe under. It makes sense for him to be scared, but I wonder if you alone have the power to save his village with just the moon.” As Luna listened to Midnight Star she couldn’t help but feel outmatched to whomever Crystalline was. A gentle tap made Luna snap out of her worries. Grue had brushed by her and was heading to a hut extended off the muddy ground, under the thick tree’s canopy.
“ Whose home is this?” Luna asked.
“If Crystalline is true to her word, it used to be Maua’s.”
“There’s blood here.” Luna whispered.
“Don’t worry, it’s mine.” Grue blushed embarrassed.
“My father healed you here...that’s when he got sick.” Luna thought to herself. She started to scan the home, then she glanced outside.
“We should be safe in here for the night, I doubt Crystalline will be coming back here.”
“Just. Just how did she take Maua?”
“She turned her into smoke. Why?”
“Because there’s a Zebra heading for the hut.”
================================================================================
“Now little pretty princess tell me where Aster is! ‘else I’ll have to sing up some stories you’d wish you could forget!” She grinned fiercely to Celestia. The guardian rubbed her forehooves nervously as one of her eyes twitched.
“I-I don’t know anypony by the name of Aster” Celestia said gulping softly she scooted hed her body quickly in one of the corners of her room.
“How hasty of me dear Celestia! But you see. Time. Is. Critical for me,or it was when I was where I was. Heh heh- I just simply have no time for games I can sense Aster’s magic everywhere! From the castle bricks, to the food you eat, and most of all she radiates on you Princess. So are you hiding her, or have you-” The guardian's pupils disappeared as her eyes became a sea of white, the sound of a condensed *Zap* cracked from behind her.
“Queen Celestia?” A voice asked as an sea emerald eyed Griffon came into view as the guardian fell to the floor. The griffon bowed her head in respect kneeling her right legs.
“I’m not Queen. Who are you,and who is that-.”Celestia gasped as the earth pony’s frame glistened for a moment, then disappeared in a flash of purple light.
“She, and I are the same. My name has been lost to me,but through the ages there have been people who call me a Time Weaver. I don’t per say weave time itself,but I have been conscripted to nudge certain events from happening.”
“And is one of your nudged events my death?”
“Earth-pony me wasn’t going to kill you. I am rather tense on how unstable I became.I wonder how old she was.”
“She was asking for Aster, who is Aster?”
“Aster... I’m not sure I can tell-” The Time Weaver closed her eyes and smiled. “Aster is magic. When I knew her she was trying to restore harmony and with the help of Crystalline she had almost succeeded.”
“How is that possible, I mean I’m always hopeful that everyone has a good side to them,but Crystalline killed my father and...took my sister.”
“This dimension of young Equestria...it feels.” The Time Weaver stepped out to the balcony. “Princess I must warn you away from leaving your room.”
“Why, What’s going on?”
“Something your father’s death predicted. The rise of an ancient evil, older than this castle’s construction. I know of only one unicorn who has the capabilities to help you Princess. Star Swirl.”
“W e should be safe now, I’m sorry to have had to drag you down here. You are anything but prisoners, and I will make sure Her Grace can not only help you but give your family the healing it deserves.” Omen assured them. The two took a deep heave of air in unison and one nodded. Their muzzles had lost any distinction of being equine, now they only held a dark odorless smoke-drifting from. Omen gave a hesitant gulp. “You two alright?”
“You wish to heal now Pegasus?! When my wife asked in horror why you scolded her, you did not hold such mercy.”
“I was not thinking clearly Polaris.” Omen shook his head, raising a hoof over his bangs. “ Like now, I feel a magic that disorients me.”
“I feel it too Polaris, Sirius is close!”
“The Unicorn king is not dead foolish Pegasus!” Polaris gave low chuckle and with every exhale clouds of black smoke left his body. “As you requested my queen, here lies a soul dedicated in loyalty.”
From the onyx line caves came a voice that sounded nothing like Crystalline. When the two flared up their magic to see the imposter they had just served, they grew unconcerned when it was in the final stage of the curse. It was just a shadow in the form of an equine, but the light did show that its essence was formed by the onyx crystals. Pillars of smoke drifted from the walls adding more form to the creature.
“As true as his loyalty maybe, it is not the soul I asked for.” Omen turned to lock eyes to something much larger than his own. The creature's newly shaped claws cupped him before he could even react. He felt his heart rendered frozen, his body inert and the Dusks grovelled as belittling as possible to their master. “Though you have not failed me completely, you two shall receive what has been promised to you. Polaris...You shall become my messenger of ill omen. Letus shall be your new name, but such choices should not be made in vein of the truth, isn’t that right Eventide?”
The creature took a strong inhale and forced the essence of Omen out of him. It was a bright orange light that zapped its energy through the beast. “From his life’s Honesty I can only make one a Chrysos. Eventide if you can capture the Solus’ court wizard then you may join Letus. Take this blade, it is eager to hold the power of Loyalty.”
"It will be easy, I have a promise to keep." Eventide bowed. She turned for only a moment to watch her husband's body begin to mutate.
=====================================================================
“Why are you getting so soft? Are you scared of what you are, what you did to Aster or would you rather I call her Aureal? Just because I fled to the savannah, I- I didn’t forget where I was born. I didn’t forget my friends and family. I couldn’t stand to see what you had done to them and how you had changed. I’m a coward and a fool for not staying, for letting my fears hold me captive. But if there is anyone I love most of all, it is my son Arboreus! I couldn’t-No I can’t bear the thought of him hurt!”-Sirius C. forced his magic around him in a shield from the purification potion. Pan felt the corrupt magic ripple throughout Sirius, it was not holding him captive. It was holding him together.
“What happened in the savannah Sirius...what are you hiding from your friends?”
“I met Cosmos. He cursed me because I couldn’t tell him what he needed to know. He was going to turn my son into some monster...I couldn’t let that happen. I-I hid him in one of the only Zebra tribes that used magic, the Grutua clan. When I returned to the clan they were under new leadership and had marked me as a defiled creature, my son was now a degenerate of both worlds. Now magic was seen as a plague and any of their kind gifted in magic, were killed. So what else could I do old friend, but use my magic.” Sirius broke down in tears, his magic crackling out as he sobbed. “I erased my love’s memories, of us and of Grue’s ‘blight’ I hoped that he would not be given magic, and that he would grow up well without me.”
“And what did Cosmos’ curse do to you?”
“I...am cursed to see my son everywhere I go, but never know his name, and never recognized my own son. For when the day comes that I speak his name all the magic Crystalline holds over my family will disappear.”
“Is it true what they say about the Dusk’s magic, Sirius.”
“In my experience, yes. We are all linked to the power my father took from Crystalline. It’s unwise for anyone of us to overuse our magic, because her magic was not meant for pony-kind to harbor.”
“And what of your son? What happens when he amasses so much magic he is unable to use, Sirius. Before Morpheus’ passing he told me of the navy zebra who looked like you. His visit to your son got him killed! Now snap out of whatever hold her curse has on you and Save. Your. Son!!”
=====================================================================
“Quick Luna hide!” Luna looked around the room and hid herself in one of the straw woven baskets. As the zebra entered Grue gave a heartfelt sob. “Maua! I’m so glad you’re safe.”
“So am I Grue! Why did you run away, no matter you’ve missed much in class. Now why don’t you tell your friend to get out of my basket, hmm?” Her smile turned to concern as Grue sat on the floor and began to cry. “Maua...I can’t see.”
“I was going to ask about that, did you get some pollen to your eyes? Don’t think that you can sidetrack me Grue, I know someone else is here.”
“And I’m sorry for entering your home unannounced Maua. Please do not hold Grue accountable, it is my fault.” Luna whined, peeking her head out of the basket.
“And why would I do th-” Maua’s stare grew wider. “Grue, You bring a Chrysos into my house!”
“Her name is Luna.”
“Serenity.” Maua whispered. “Queen of everlasting darkness...” The Zebra shook as she stared horrified at Luna.
“Maua, she doesn’t want to harm us. She’s my friend, she’s going to help me.”
“Wait there’s more than one Chrysos? and what makes me a chrysos anyway!”Luna demanded.
“Hush Luna, You'll wake the mother of gold! It is not wise to speak the name so freely, it is a sacred word to us and also a word that brings the most fear-For a being to possess such raw untapped magic.” Maua’s voice left her as she tried to explain.
“It goes along with the legend of color Luna.” Grue stated.
“Naw! You didn’t tell her the story, you know!” Maua looked menacing to Grue, as he gulped, smiling meekly afterwards. “I have a tendency to not tell the story with the right amount of emphasis, and I can make the most revered tale it sound more like the mother gold got her toy taken from her...rather than the truth.”
Luna winced her eyes as Grue’s voice changed slightly when he said ‘the truth’, she guess it was just fatigue settling in. “I didn’t think it was told badly, I’ve made stars before and if Chr- if she actually made the colors then I can understand her pain.” She replied, her eyes straining to look at Maua and Grue.
“But it isn’t just that you see. When you make the stars are they also a part of you, or is it a thing only you could have arranged?”
“I don’t know.”
“When Chrysos first opened her eyes our world was but a ball of ever drifting sand and wind, and as the wind blew it spat the hot sand into her eyes. She cried the first drop of rain, and cupped its clear essence. She smiled softly as the water evaporated in the heat and dipped a hoof into the hot sand turning it into a river. She sculpted the mountains, valleys and gorges from the newly formed clay. After she had grown tired she began to think of a way to make her creations to stand out. So she looked into the water’s reflection and saw embedded in her diamond frame were colors; red, green, blue and yellow. They were gems just like her and as she tried to remove a sapphire from her leg she noticed the scarring sand did not make her cry. She dipped the sapphire into the water and called it blue. That is the way the story is supposed to be told Luna.” Maua explained. “I bet Grue chalked her sister as greedy pony who wanted the ‘power of magenta’, Right?”
Grue turned away sheepishly, a hoof raised to hide his eyes and cheeks of embarrassment, Luna moved beside him. “Grue came to you for protection, now I can see that you aren’t totally against him but you don’t seem too nice either, Maua if you will not help-”
“Now hold your tongue little Chrys-” Maua tilted her head with a smirk. “You want me to summon the gold mother don’t ya! You’re as dark as the night you command, no matter ya size!” Maua began to shout. Grue leaned his body to Luna’s, wrapping a foreleg to one of hers. “Maua, Shut up and tell me if you are my mother.”
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“Pan! Something’s happen outside!” Astrum unlocked the reinforced door. “Sirius, I don’t know how well you are, but if you have any memories of Equestria-Please help us!” The queen leaned her fatigued body to the door.
A loud booming crack followed by a violent quake rattled the chains and cuffs in the empty cells. Everypony winced to the sounds of metal squeaks and distant shrieks of panics in the streets above. Sirius nodded to Astrum and Pan when the noise had settled
“I have to find my son, keep him safe. But for now I'll stay focused on Canterlot."
When the three reached the surface a hooffull of guards ran to the Queen. “Your Grace, a dragon has emerged from Dragon’s Throat!”
“How is that possible?!” Astrum was sure she locked the last dragon egg in. She turned her gaze to Pan. “You knew about the egg, Didn’t you?”
“Now Astrum this might look perplexing right now, but maybe we should-” Astrum’s eyes glowed with a glint of dark magic as she seethed in rage. Pan coward in fear throwing his hooves over his face as he pleaded for her to think this over.
Her magic faded as Sirius put a hoof to her shoulder “Now is not the time my Queen.” He spoke calmly.
“Where is Cosmos now?” her attention turned back to the fearful guards. “It was seen last in the market square.”
=====================================================================
“Me? mother a unicorn!” Maua’s lips began to wiggle in eerie suspense as she let out cackles of booming laughter. “One does not simply make love to a unicorn, Grue! You were given to the tribe by a unicorn more worried about his father’s approval that his own son!”
“How can you be so spiteful!” Luna roared.
“Because Serenity, he said something so random I couldn’t help but laugh.”
“But don’t you remember? I went to your hut and asked the same question...and-” Grue began to cry. “I don’t know how you are looking at me now, but when I could see-you wanted to tell me something important. I could sense it, the way you moved and used a softer voice. You were going to say yes.”Grue felt the wetness of his tears stick to his eyes, a flicker of coldness flashed over him. His heart slowed as he exhaled a breath of winter air. Crystalline’s curse had broken through his promise. He let go. “ We should leave Luna, we aren’t welcome.” He spoke bitterly.
“Yes, please do.” Maua snarled, as her purple irises began to seep similarly colored vapors. Luna tightened her foreleg and helped Grue out of Maua’s hut.
“Now where should we go?” Luna asked.
“Do you see now Luna? I’m not wanted here, if you bring me to the village only worse things will happen.”
=====================================================================
“I think we are ready Star, I mean-I’m not sure you can cram another leaf or root in the bag.” Clover smirked.
“And that’s only reagents from ‘a’ through ‘c’. I must make a device that can hold multiple objects but only weighs the devices total mass...hmm. Well I guess there is nothing left to do Clover but visit the queen.” Star sighed sheepishly, trying to pull herself into her role. *Clank-Smash*
“Ow! Weaver were the horse feather’s did you take me?!” Celestia yelled.
“Astrum?” Clover asked, the two wizards walked to the noise. A white and gold robed griffon and a white mare looked to the two wizards. “Star Swirl your oath to the crown has been called upon!” The young griffon commanded.
“We were just about to leave, who are you two?” Clover asked.
“I am Celestia...though I don’t feel like myself, and this is-ughh...”
“Time Weaver. Star Swirl I come from the passive dimension to give you warning that your life is in danger!”
Celestia groaned in pain as she felt the spans if eons strengthen her magic. “Weaver what did we crash into?”
“My life exchange experiment!” Star gasped, years of cultivation and fermenting a decade long process, ruined in a second. “Do you always let your apprentice formulate high tier potions?” Celestia wondered. Clover grinned nervously “It’s her yearly exam, your serenity. More importantly we should dampen if not stop the potions progression. S-I mean Clover The book on-”
“Got it Mr.Swirl!” Star Swirl said as she pretended to read one of the packed books. “Reverse the effects by joining hoof or claw and telling another a truth that only the true host would know.”
Time weaver sighed “I’ve barely met the princess, and I’m no position to tell others my guarded truths.”
“I love my sister, I will do anything to see her safe again!” Celestia shouted. Time Weaver sighed softly, it wasn’t really her call to make she realized. Plus keeping the princess stuck in her ‘situation’ would surely cause problems later on.
“I love my daughter, so much so I gave away my freedom of true identity to find her.”
“Good now you two must stay committed to these truths or else the potion will revert. It's going to take a bit of time for the safe code to register in and keep in mind that the Safe code it is essentially keeping your two minds apart.” A soft humming emanated from the two as they joined hoof and claw, another loud crash echoed in the library halls.
“What if we don’t.” Celestia whimpered.
“Then for approximately one thousand years you two will be living disjointed lives. But as Time weaver just recently stated, that’s not new to her. Now I’m going to go check on that noise.” Clover walked away from the two. “Doesn’t anyone know how to knock! Isn’t that why we invented knockers!”
“Knock knock.” An elder pony tauntingly whispered to Clover. “Tell me, are you the pony that dare slander my child’s name?!” Clover felt a blade slide up his neck, slowly shaving the fur as it stopped at his chin.
“Clover, you must make sure that Star swirl doesn’t die. If Star Swirl where to die the princesses of magic and love would never return, you would be ruled over by Chaos and the elements that feed off it forever.” Time Weaver said. “Someone is already planning to steal your elements. I can feel how weak they are in this dimension. It won’t be long until Cosmos finds the ponies that hold the purest essences of Harmony.”
“Clover” Star mumbled, Her head whipped backwards to find her most loyal apprentice.
“That’s right Lady Eventide. I used the title to gain the respect I so well deserved. Even after I helped found Equestria, no one gave me the respect I craved. Go ahead Eventide. End my charade.” Clover gave a chuckle that lacked any air if evil, but Eventide fueled by her anger and greed to join Letus in godhood needed little enticing to kill one who would tarnish her lost child’s name.
“Please. Don’t kill him.” Star asked, as a tear beaded down her face.
“Your voice!”- Eventide’s eyes darted to the glowing blade and then to the voice. “Who are you?”
“I am the court wizard of this tower, and that is my apprentice.” Star Swirl kept her body hidden while she honed in all her magic.
“This tower is owned by the Solus hiers, a corrupt and diseased family. They rose to power by unfair means and now my family and I have planned to stop them. First we must become even more powerful. So I will only ask you once Solus pawn, Where is the child you took from me!” Eventide charged wildly to Star Swirl but when her eyes turned behind the bookcase she was petrified. There stood a stallion that was the picture of Dusk family regalty. “Is-” Eventide dropped the blade and outstretched her arms.
“Star Swirl?” Celestia asked.
=====================================================================
“Where are we going now Grue?” Luna asked.
“I’m not going anywhere with you .” A sudden chill crept up on Luna, her eyes flickered in and out of vision.
“What is- What’s going on Grue?”-She stumbled backwards.
“I accept your offer Luna. You want my magic so badly?!” Grue yelled, pushing the princess to the dry earth. He pressing his forehead to her horn and began to groan as the tainted magic poured out of him like a freshly cut limb.
“Grue I don’t want it! I just want to help!”
“And you have done well princess Luna, But now you must let Grue help you. He will help you see the true strength of the dark.” Midnight’s voice whispered to her.
“I don't want to be blind Midnight, I just want Grue to be happy!” Luna cried, she felt her body being pulled, sucked down into another world void of light. When she opened her eyes they became the only source of light. Luna took a single step of faith as the ground began to ripple with white light. It was dim at first but its radiance increased in the distance it tracked. That is until the white water crashed into a rock of onyx. Luna tilted her head, her curiosity getting the better of her. She took another step. Then she readied herself and made a full on dash, though it felt like the faster she ran the further she was from the stone. And when Luna stopped to find where the stone was she was forced to close her eyes. The sheer brightness of her steps had cause the ripples to lose all traces of darkness.
“If you continue to run princess you will never find it. Can you still see, or is your light blinding your path? Take a deeper breath, reflect on your sorrows and the pains of others. Then the waters will fade of light, you’ll see.”
=====================================================================
Astrum and the others made their way to the marketplace, but they could see the dragon long before they left the castle grounds. His figure was growing rapidly as if he was a balloon still trying to fill in his full form, by the time the Queen, Sirius C., Pan and the extra guards had made it to Cosmos he was the height of the tallest castle balcony. Astrum turned to the guards “I need all of you to secure princess Celestia at all costs! Pan you are the only one here besides me with wings. I’m going to trust you to fly to Star Tower and get Star Swirl’s aid. Sirius give me an abridged lesson about Cosmos and the Zebra.”
Everypony followed through with their orders. When Sirius finally concluded all of his knowledge of Cosmos in Zebra culture Astrum only stood in shock. “Cosmos is linked to Aureal? How are you so sure?"
" That night when Midnight left, I followed him and it didn’t take long to see that Midnight was bewitched. The Zebra call Cosmos by another name, Discord.”
“And Discord is cited as the first caster of the Lingering Doubt.” Astrum added.
“Discord wasn’t a wizard, my queen. He is the Lingering Doubt.”-Sirius C. stared mortified at the ever growing creature.
“That’s why Midnight became Sombra, Does Cosmos’ return mean that Sombra is alive?!”
“There’s only one Pony foolish enough to think the Lingerious Dubbi is some tamable spell, My father.”
=====================================================================
Luna didn’t question Midnight’s knowledge. She thought of Grue, and how he lacked a home and a true family. Sure enough the receding water from the stone became dark once more.
“Where am I?” Luna asked.
“Where color ceases to exist, but emotions blend into one. Where a single drop of sadness can churn into an ocean of void of reason. And with each step an innocent takes in such darkness, slowly they become the only one who can soak up the tears. This is your realm Luna, the realm of Serenity. Of course your realm might look a bit different than you might have expected, but that is only because you were born in a world of feigned light.” Luna felt the water start to climb up her fur.
“You are much like my own sister forced to balance every sensation, every emotion so delicately. If you were to say slip, maybe even boil over in rage, think of the waves you would create here, in Serenity.”
“But. You killed my father, you made me slip!” Luna protested.
“And even so, you follow my instruction. You walked through the portal, you met your fate. One such as you can not choose neutrality. You must either become blinded by the light or stumble in the darkness.”
“What if I stayed bright enough to see,and dark enough...”
“Yes..you are seeing it now, is it truly the light that helps you see? Only the weak crave light. Close your eyes Princess, stop pretending that your path is something that can only be seen with light! Embrace your true magic. Embrace Night!”
“I won’t let you hurt Grue, I won’t let you take away any chances of him being happy!” Luna yelled. Waves began to crash into Luna, taking her by surprise. She was freed from the tar like fluid trying to encase her.
“I ate your father’s hopes, little princess. Don’t think you’re innocence will shield you forever!” Midnight growled.
Luna felt her legs give out and she fell into the black water. She tried to scream, she tried to kick but the brightness of her eyes was dimming. Then she stated poetically as the water distorted her voice. “I hate my sister, I hate her light, I envy her life. I wish I could live blindly in the light.” And with her tears released, she felt the oceans of sadness flood into her very being. As the water surged into her throat Luna felt no urge to cough or choke. She had given into the darkness, much like Grue. But only with Grue's added magic could her magic become pure. Her figure elongated, voice matured. Her fur became the darkness itself, she closed her eyes and sighed one final breath of warmth.
=====================================================================
The dragon gave a deafening wail as it took flight. “Follow it my Queen, don’t let it out of your sight!” Sirius C. yelled. Astrum winced her eyes from the shear speed she had to fly to keep up with Cosmos. She stopped hesitantly as she saw just where he was heading. The Savannah. “It is my duty keep Equestria safe.” She repeated to herself as she kept her course into The Zebra’s land.
Chapter 18-What the Past Presents
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 20-Striped Memories
Something has gone wrong. We don't seem to have an archived copy of that chapter. Chapter 11- Ill Equilibrium
“M idnight? Dear...Midnight Star!”
“Calm yourself Lavender Dreams....He has been studying all night!”
Morpheus opened his eyes as he fixated his view his parents walked closer to him. His mother was a lavender unicorn with magenta eye shadow. The scent of the latest fragrance from some foreign pony country danced around her perfect mane. Her baby blue eyes looked over to her somepony worriedly. His father gave a lighthearted smile to his sleepy colt. His chiseled muzzle was barbered to make him look older then he truly was. He wore a fine tailored waistcoat with silver buttons which complemented his dark blue coat.
“M...Mother?...Father?”
“Why you seem almost surprised that we came to check up on you!” His mother huffed,turning her head in feigned sadness.
“It’s not like that at all mother,I merely surprised to see you in the Observatory.”
“Luminous, I think our son is ill!”
“Dear colt. You left the observatory years ago! Said you had to find Nova Dusk’s son for something. What was his name again...?”
“Sirius, Sirius Dusk” Morpheus whispered. As he whispered his old friend’s name the ground below moved, the whole room began to smear and run like paint. Morpheus’ first instinct was to jump and protect his parents, but even they joined the room’s illusion, puddling like hot colored wax.
“Where am I ?.....”
“....The darkest part of the Dreamworld.”
Morpheus tried to turn his body to the voice, but his hooves were beginning to melt like his parents.
“Do not let your fears consume you...In the dream world-in here you need to remember who you are.”
“I am Morpheus Aeon! King to Equestria, Lord of Dreams and Night!”
“Are you really? You were furious when you found out Pan hid your past. Are you really ready to give up it. To give up on me?” The voice become louder as if it was drawing closer to him. From the muddy colors of the illusion appeared Midnight Star.
“But....I. how can there be two of me?” Morpheus gasped as his eyes grew wide. He scanned this doppelganger as if it was one of Crystalline’s tricks.
“Remember what I said? We are in the dream world...Crystalline caught you in here, and now we are trapped.”
“We....you are a part of me-”
“I wish I was, seeing how you still do not call yourself Midnight Star. Pan means well, I assure you he isn’t like Crystalline. But if you can’t remember me, and accept your past...Equestria will need a new king.”
“Why am I being told to remember my past...from my past self?”
“Your subconscious was tampered with when Pan made us into Morpheus Aeon. You play the role of the dutiful king, Because that is how Pan altered us to be. Do you remember the day he asked if you wanted to help found Equestria?”
Morpheus turned away, he couldn’t remember anything. All Morpheus felt when he tried to remember was the cold distrust he felt for his former friend. “I don’t.”
“Don’t feel what Crystalline wants you to. Remember your children?..remember Brightly?....Remember your family?”
“I-I don't feel anything...but cold and numb. Here I am stuck in the dream world, talking to my former self who is trying to get me to remember why I exist...I don’t. I don’t feel well.”
“It’s not the same place when you’re not saving people from nightmares is it?”
“No, no it isn’t. Now I feel like I am in a nightmare of my own. I’ve got to snap out of it for Astrum’s sake...We need wake up. How can I do that?”
Midnight gave a wide smile. “Now we’re talking!”
====================================================================
Luna yawned. As she opened her eyes to the sunset. Celestia had to of been giving Luna some extra rest. Or maybe she was so used to her father raising the moon. She rose from her pillow and walked over to her balcony. she was ready to yell a thank you to her sister when she saw she wasn’t alone. “I thought we were being punished. Why does Tia’ get to have friends over?” Luna sighed. She forced her eyes to the sky and pushed the moon to it’s spot. But it did not budge.
“....Why won’t you set!? I am the moon princess! Rise!”
====================================================================
Celestia and Chrysalis chuckled innocently. “That sunset is so pretty!” Chrysalis gawked.
“I know! I don’t understand why the sky can’t always look like that.”Celestia wondered.
“Well if it always looked so pretty, wouldn't it get boring? You’d be used to it”
“You’re right....It’s beautiful because you don’t see it all the time.”Celestia smiled to her new friend.
“I think it’s time to let Luna raise the moon before somepony notices.”
=====================================================================
“Maybe dad can help.” Luna told herself as she opened her door and headed to the royal bedroom. Mother had said that he wasn’t feeling well. “Maybe I could cheer him up!” Luna opened the door to the bedroom. She knew mother would understand if she left her room if it was an emergency. She trotted slowly into the dark room, she could make out that somepony was sleeping. As she got closer she saw her father, he didn’t look the same.
His whole body looked like a piece cut from the night sky, even small white lights glowed. These lights were too dim to provide much light though. Luna’s first instinct was to wake up her father and ask for help, but the longer she stood watching him sleep. She could knew, he was ill. His body was giving off a cold breeze. He groaned softly, his eyelid clenching in pain. “Dad-” Luna whispered. She had never seen her father in pain before. He was the king, a proud and dedicated leader. Luna took off a silver slipper,and placed her bare hoof to his forehead.
=====================================================================
The Moon flew in to the center of the sky sucking the vibrant sunset’s rainbow from existence. The stars grew wildly in the night’s air. Soon there was little space free of the white dots that speckled the black sky.
“Whoa! your sister doesn’t waste anytime does she!” Chrysalis giggled.
“No...That does seem right. My sister and I just recently learn how..”
“Is she better at magic?”
“I don’t think so. She’s always getting flying lessons with father.”
=====================================================================
“Your grace...I’ve just received some disturbing news near the Savannah border of a pony village being....”Sir Harbinger began to tell her, then moved his mouth closer with more secret details.
“Aethereum, I’ve never heard of such a thing!”
“Should I give news to apprehend the criminal to the inns?”
“No...instead send this letter to the Dusk Observatory and make sure only Sirius reads it. Thank you Sir Harbinger.”
“As..as you wish Your Grace.” Sir Harbinger eye’s looked worried to his queen. Why did she not want to act on such horrific news? He had made sure to tell her at night to keep the Canterlot residence from spreading the news like a wild fire through Equestria. As he looked into her still eyes, he saw no sympathy. The only way he could gauge she actually heard him was from her shocked response...but yet. No, who was he to question the queen?
Pan stared coldly to Harbinger. He felt his chest twist and reel, falling to the messenger's arms in tears. Curse Crystalline, her curse was driving him mad. he wasn’t sure know how long he could fake being Astrum. “I can sense. You think I am being quite insensitive old friend. I-I don’t mean to be. In fact I’m finding it hard to keep my tears aside.”
“Astrum...How long have you known me? You think I would cast you off as weak if you cried? I can tell your husband is ill. He was one of the head unicorns at Dusk’s observatory. Which means there’s no way he would need other unicorns to help him with whatever “spell” you tried to tell me about. I just want you to know, It’s alright to cry. You might be more powerful than when we first met, but alone even I couldn’t handle the burden placed on you. No Pegasus I know deserves to be pardoned more than you Brightly.”
Pan tilted his head, This harbinger remembered her? How? Though he would have liked to retrace his spell’s effect, he didn’t have the chance right now. He gave a soft gasp that he choked on as he cried softly, embracing a shocked Harbinger’s arms. “I...I’m not sure how I can help him. While trying to keep my fillies unaware.”
“That does seem rather hard. Those two like to get in whatever trouble they can. ‘Giant-ursas-made-of-space-and-eclipse-making-kind-of-trouble’.” He chuckled lightly trying his best to comfort her. Pan gave a dark smile. “Clever Astrum. Blame your children for my trouble. Though it seems Equestria would rather believe that, then remember me.” Pan thought.
“Harbinger...Do you think I am a good role model?” Pan seized some salty water to his eyes as he motioned his eyebrows as pathetically as plausible.
“Y-yes...my queen. Not only are you a fine role model for your children, but for Equestria’s youth.” Harbinger motioned himself closer to Astrum, his voice sprang up a overbearing charm that could spill over as if extracted perfume. He got close enough he could feel the dew of Astrum’s breath. Then he rammed into her head, using his wings as added force. Pan fell flat to the floor like a scared goat. Harbinger’s eyes grew in fear as he watched his friend change into a brown alicorn. “Treason!....Imposter! YOUR GRACE!” He began to yell until he heard the sound of hoof steps coming towards him.
“Sir Harbinger calm yourself! What is the meaning for yelling at such an hour?”
“Your grace this pony..he-”
“Is a loyal friend to the throne, and I am sorry that I had to trick you....But I’ve been spending my time taking care of my husband.”
“I have important news! A settlement has been-”
“I know...Even though I was not here when you told it, I could feel it in my gut. Something dark is heading towards us. I ask that you follow what my double instructed. I don’t want anyone in Canterlot questioning my abilities. Understood Sir Harbinger?”
“Y-yes my queen.” Harbinger’s eyes glared to this Astrum. How many doppelganger’s did she have he wondered? But it had been such hard work getting there that he couldn’t spare any more energy to question this Astrum’s word. He raised a hoof in a salute, then gave a royal bow and exited. Pan gave a low groan. “I never knew Pegasi hit like buffalos. Aethe-Hello Astrum.”
“We meet again old friend..”
“No.....after all this time!”
================================================================
Grue stretched his limbs which flexed with an unusual vitality in them. “..that’s odd I never feel this good.” He thought.
“SSsssuprised on how a little bit of magic can help eaSsse your burden.”
“I...I remember you. I don’t think I’m supposed to trust you.”
“TrusSst is sSsomthing I care little for Grue....Do you know that you are out of the Savannah?”
“..Yes..that pony doc-” Grue’s heart started to beat wildly as he strained his forehead’s muscles to open his eyes.
“It’s not your eyes that are closed SsssSilly Grue. It’s your sight! You’re blind!”
“Blind!..how!?”
“Let’ssSs just be glad There’sss a cure!...do you want it?”
“I---I do.”
“Well that would be a problem wouldn’t it Grue!...you’ve got a belly full of untapped magic....and no horn to usSse it!”
“Magic!...That’s evil!”
Crystalline perked her eyes. “I guess the fool really absorbed those simpleton’s lessons.” She giggled to herself, slithering her body close to Grue’s ear.
“Well it seems only fitting! They named you after the very thing they fear! The cold...dark...evil...Ssshadow that you are! Grue..A creature of the dark.”
It felt right, the words resonating in his heart as she spoke. His name was a cold stab at what his father had made him, a creature of magic in a culture that believed it was vile.
“Grue...Why don’t you prove to them just how dark you are?”Crystalline whispered in a drawn out hiss.
“I still need a horn, right?..how do I get one of those?”
“What if I offered you a tasSste of my magic?”
“No! I only need a horn,to rid myself of this sinful magic!”
“When will you embrace your nature Grue? Sssirius Dusk was one of the brightest unicorns. It’s a shame to wish it away so senselessly!” Her serpent-like voice cracked to her true voice, destroying the illusion she had plunged him into so meticulously.
“Because my father isn’t here now...I was born with the Zebras! That is what I believe I am!” His young voice squeaked in protest.
“Then you will die savage, naive and blind. Die like a Zebra, until you beg for my help!”
It took awhile for Grue to relax his body. It pulsed with power which grasped longingly at Grue’s essence. Like oil to water, without a horn Grue was just a ponified mana well. Which was paying a toll on Grue’s overall health. He was always fatigued, always far behind in his lessons. His muscles, all of them ached as he moved. “Anypony?....Someone!” Grue yelled. His own voice scratched at his ear drums. He couldn’t help it, he seized into tears as he felt the salt burn against his face.
Crystalline gave a thankful sigh. “Took you long enough Grue. Please, keep crying!” She giggled darkly to herself siphoning the sorrow in her mouth like spaghetti.
