Obscure Unicorn History: Starswirl and the Magus Magnusby Miniscule LiteraryChaptersChapter OneChapter TwoChapter ThreeChapter One"Unacceptable!" The voice pierced the silence of the study, but Auburn already knew what the commotion was about. As Starswirl's assistant, the message from the Princess was brought to him first, and hearing his employer's reaction as such was far from surprising. The Princess had requested Starswirl curb his research; his study of the nature of magic had proven incredibly useful, but she believed that further knowledge was needed about the nature of the spells already conceived. In other words, she did not want Starswirl going any deeper into the nature of magic itself. And, of course, this upset the aging stallion greatly. "What is it, Starswirl?" Auburn asked innocently, feigning ignorance. "Auburn, have you seen this? Celestia has the audacity...the gall!...to ask me to stop everything I've worked for! Does one tell a blacksmith of old to work without a forge, simply because it is something new?" Starswirl fumed, pacing back and forth in front of a large window overlooking Canterlot. "We were so close, Auburn! Close to understanding the very nature of magic itself! We could've revolutionized the practice of magic throughout Equestria! And now we're supposed to quit? To give up on all we've worked for, so we can refine the use of parlor tricks?!" he spat angrily, casting his furious gaze onto Auburn. "Surely the Princess has her reasons." Starswirl snorted. "She may the ruler of Equestria, but I am no foal who needs tending. She doesn't understand the importance of what we've discovered, Auburn. If she did, she would not ask this of us." Auburn frowned at his mentor's words. Looking out of the window, into the darkened sky above, the colt couldn't help but stare at the moon that loomed above the city, the familiar image projected on its surface. The symbolism was not lost on either of them. "What about that new theory, about the magical power that comes from the bond between friends?" Auburn asked, trying to change the subject. "Please," Starswirl scoffed, waving a hoof dismissively. "The evidence to support these 'theories' relies on the study of the Elements of Harmony, and we all know they've been inert for decades. Let them debate the magical value of friendship; we've got more important things to do. Or, we did," The old stallion hissed, staring hatefully at the letter on the floor. As Starswirl continued to mumble angrily to himself, his assistant retrieved the letter and placed it upon the older stallion's desk. Although Starswirl taught him a lot about magic, Auburn could not put his teaching into practice. The two were an odd pair: Auburn, a reddish brown earth pony, destined to a life of note taking and study, which was reflected in the mark on his flank, which was a quill. And Starswirl, a blue-black unicorn and master of magic, which was also reflected in his mark: a grouping of three swirls of blue dust of varying shades. To many, this marking was confusing. But those who knew of Starswirl's accomplishments would know these were the prime ingredient in his conjuring techniques. This was made all the more astounding by the fact that Starswirl received his mark ten years before he created the technique it depicted. The study was an immaculate structure with shelves upon shelves of books, detailing spells of all kinds, many of which were written by Starswirl himself. A perpetual smell of fresh paper hung in the air, a smell the two had long since grown accustomed to. The cleanliness one would experience upon entering was by no means the result of Starswirl's actions; although the unicorn was very professional, he hardly paid any attention to keeping things tidy and organized, with the exception of his books. No, what visitors saw was the work of Auburn, but he received no recognition for his efforts, nor did he want them in the first place. Although very different, the two were a pair that worked well together, that much was sure. "Auburn, where are my notes on the amniamorphic spell?" the old stallion questioned, his graying beard swaying from side to side as he scanned the area around his desk. It was only then that Auburn realized his mentor's mood had shifted from anger to determination. "On the third shelf to the left, sir," Auburn responded, confusion evident in his tone. Starswirl knew where every piece of literature was, why was he- "It's not here," Starswirl said suddenly, gesturing toward the indicated shelf. "That's...where it always is..." Auburn mumbled as he approached, immediately spying the empty space amongst the books. The two kept everything organized, and if one didn't know where something was, the other surely did. "I put it there last," Starswirl stated, and Auburn nodded. The assistant hadn't touched the bundle of notes- a work in progress of his mentor- since it was placed there. "It seems we are the victims of a thief." Auburn scanned over the list of visitors to the study, which was a part of the Greater Canterlot Library, accounting for the presence of each and every pony that was on it. He was there, after all, for every single visit. To his knowledge, none showed any suspicious behavior, or were capable- as far as he knew -of any malicious intent. After discovering the missing material, the two had searched the study to see if anything else was missing. Much to their surprise, they discovered more absent literature from the study's stock. How or why a thief could steal these pieces, all of which were unfinished research material, was a mystery to both. "Look over the visitor log, Auburn. I've a meeting to attend with the Princess," Starswirl had instructed as he put on his traditional outfit: a large pointed blue hat and long blue robe, both of which were decorated with ornate bells and stars. The old stallion left without another word, and Auburn guessed the meeting was as much about the theft as it was about the letter. The former did little to distract his mentor from the latter, it seemed. After reviewing the log, Auburn could only conclude that the theft took place when the two had left the study, probably to sleep. But it was not without locks, nor was the library it was a part of without guards. How such a thing could happen under such security was beyond him... After informing the guards of what happened, and making sure the study was locked, Auburn gathered his things and left, heading toward the Canterlot market. He remembered hearing rumors of other thefts in the city, as well as things concerning the Everfree Forest. As a resident of Canterlot all his life, he had a few connections that could tell him more. Namely, his longtime friend Lightning Dancer. It wasn't long before he spotted the Pegasus pony arguing with a few others he did not recognize. "Light?" Auburn said as he approached, prompting the mare to turn. "Oh hey Auburn," 'Light' responded with a smile, completely abandoning the heated debate she was just a part of. The two ponies seemed offended by her sudden change of focus and stormed off in a huff. "What's up?" "Trying to find out where a few of Starswirl's books went." "Since its nearly impossible for you two to misplace any of your books, I'll assume you mean they were stolen." "That is correct," Auburn responded, frowning. "It isn't the first, as I told you a few days ago. A few of the stores down here have been losing ingredients daily. No matter what they do, they say it never keeps whoever is doing this out," the mare explained as the two began to walk slowly down the street. "And believe me, they've been trying." "Since this is the first we've been stolen from, I guess we should be thankful." The market district of Canterlot was not unlike those seen elsewhere: extravagant stalls were set up in all directions, their owners preaching about their incredibly rare and valuable wares. Shoppers crowded the street most hours of the day, usually dressed as incredibly as the stalls. Lightning Dancer and her ilk were one of the few not fond of fancy clothes, and perhaps that was why Auburn enjoyed her company as much as he did. Being the assistant of such a renowned unicorn as Starswirl, he had his fair share of dealing with Canterlot's high society. "Especially with all those pony folk going missing down in Dodge City." "Dodge City? That new settlement down by the desert?" Auburn asked with some disbelief. The barren lands around the town were slowly encroaching upon it. In time, he guessed, it would be a very pleasant place to live. He really questioned why those ponies had decided to build their livelihood there in the first place. "But its not the desert that is the problem, Auburn. It's the Everfree Forest. It's always been a dangerous place, but 3 ponies have gone missing just this week. They were all heading toward Los Pegasus, and then suddenly they were gone." Auburn's frown deepened as Light explained. It was unlikely the two incidents were related, but considering the strange nature of the thefts, perhaps they were. After chatting with the pegasus about unrelated things, mostly to give his mind a rest from the current problem, Auburn made his way back to the study, hoping Starswirl's meeting with Celestia would explain more. As he entered, he saw Starswirl, his hat tossed carelessly onto the desk, pacing back and forth once more. The assistant could tell from his expression alone that he was troubled. "We have a task, Auburn." The unicorn sounded disgusted by his own words, but Auburn did not question why. "The Princess wants us to investigate the issue down in Dodge City." "You mean, with the ponies going missing?" Starswirl gave a hesitant nod. Usually the old stallion was cheerful and passionate about his work. So far today, Auburn had only seen bitterness and frustration. "With our current pursuits suspended, the Princess believes this is an adequate use of our time." After a few silent moments, Starswirl's frustration turned completely into defeat. "Why is she doing this, Auburn? Why does she inhibit us when we are so close to greatness? I trust in her millennia of knowledge, but when I inquire about her decision, all she can give me is 'some things are better left unknown'," Starswirl explained as he slumped onto a bench near the desk, struggling to understand the reasons behind Celestia's decision. "What kind of an answer is that?" he added with a sigh. Auburn approached with a sympathetic frown. "I guess all we can do is trust in the Princess' decision." "I suppose...And a break from our research won't hurt either," Starswirl added after a moment, Auburn nodding encouragingly. "That's the spirit. Now let's get some rest. We have some sleuthing to do tomorrow." Chapter TwoThe chariot descended from Canterlot with clear determination, the two occupants inside looking out over the landscape as they made their way toward the small desert town on the outskirts of Equestrian territory. As this was dubbed 'royal business', the chariot was pulled by two of the Princess' royal guard, whose mastery of flight was almost unmatched. In short, there weren't more capable hooves for their journey. It wasn't long before the chariot touched down just outside Dodge City, and Starswirl and his assistant stepped out a moment later. The chariot, highly decorated and instantly recognizable as belonging to the royal family as it was, drew some attention from the inhabitants of the dusty town. Auburn smiled nervously at the growing crowd, while Starswirl, in his familiar clothing, looked around, clearly focused on his task. "Our manner of investigation is simple," the aging unicorn stated, completely ignorant of the murmuring crowd. "We emulate the journey to Los Pegasus, and hopefully discover the missing ponies." "Sir...are you sure that's wise?" Auburn asked quietly as he watched the crowd, unable to make out what some were saying. They seemed like a depressing lot of ponies. Their harsh way of life was etched across their features; the ponies looked upon them with sleep-deprived eyes and dirt-covered faces. Auburn, in his mix of uneasiness and confusion, felt bad for the denizens of Dodge. "I may be old, but I am far from defenseless, my friend. Make haste!" Starswirl said loudly, galloping away toward the Everfree Forest which loomed in the distance. Auburn, caught off-guard, followed after a few moments of hesitation, trying to keep up with his mentor. The crowd did not follow, but the chatter increased, and Auburn could understand why. They had made no explanation for their presence, and he knew Starswirl didn't intend to explain any time soon. "I've heard a lot of stories about this place..." Auburn said quietly as he approached Starswirl, who was standing at the edge of the Everfree Forest. "None of them were good." "In quality or tone?" Starswirl questioned sincerely. Auburn gave him a stern look, shaking his head. "...Just a bit of humor," Starswirl murmured, shrugging. "Shouldn't we ask around the town first?" "What's the point? We know the situation and what better way to discover the cause than to go in ourselves? It is a simple matter, really." "The hydras, dragons, and manticores would be inclined to disagree, sir." Starswirl chuckled. "I may spend my days writing and researching, Auburn, but I am one of the most experienced magi in Equestria. A few mere beasts are of no concern to us." "I hope you're right." The two slowly entered the Everfree Forest. It was much more like a swamp than a forest, Auburn found, damp and dark as it was. He had only been in the forest once before, and it was a very unpleasant experience that involved a family of bears. Needless to say, he was not looking forward to this journey, even though he did not doubt the abilities of his mentor. Starswirl was undeterred, however, and Auburn couldn't help but admire the old stallion's courage. Even the hardened residents of Dodge, close as they were to the forest, rarely ever ventured inside. They were content to deal with the dangers of the badlands rather than brave the forest. And here were two Canterlot scholars, searching for danger. Starswirl and Auburn both carried packs which contained essentials such as food and water, and, in the case of Starswirl, things of a more magical nature. The sound of birds was almost deafening as they ventured further into the forest. Quite a contrast to the barren scene in Dodge. Although it was morning, the density of the forest made it seem like dusk, and Auburn was thankful that, at least, they did not venture into it any later in the day. The thought of the forest at night was an unpleasant one indeed. Technically the two were on one of the more well-known paths through the forest: the path to Los Pegasus, the closest settlement to this particular region. Frequently traveled as it was, it was only popular by the forest's standards, which meant it averaged a few ponies every few years or so. The path was visible, but still overgrown with vegetation. The feeling of isolation was not lost on the two ponies, but if Starswirl was affected, he surely did not let it show. As the dank, dangerous nature of the place began to eat at Auburn after what seemed like hours of wandering, Starswirl suddenly stopped in his tracks. "W-What's the matter?" Auburn stammered, clearly shaken by their current surroundings. Starswirl's expression was of interest mixed with confusion. "I sense something..." was all the old stallion said, but it was enough to frighten his assistant. Anything capable of magic here was dangerous to them. For all they knew, it could be a cockatrice, a beast that could turn a pony to stone with a single look. Or perhaps a dragon, as some were rumored to be capable of magics of the strongest variety. "Calm yourself," Starswirl said suddenly, looking back at his trembling assistant with a smile. "I am certain we are not dealing with any beast here." Auburn was only slightly consoled by this fact. Normally, dealing with a fellow pony was better than dealing with one of the many creatures living in the forest. But one had to ask, what sort of pony lives out in the depths of such a place? "Rather than continue on blindly, I would rather know what we are dealing with. Give me a moment," Starswirl explained, searching the edges of the path for something. Finding what he was looking for, which appeared to be a rock, the old unicorn's horn began to glow, lifting the rock, which was about the size of his hoof, over their heads. In a small flash, the rock appeared to be covered in a translucent web of blue energy, with a large eye, made of the same material, at one end. Streaking up toward the canopy like a comet, the rock disappeared from sight beyond the treetops. Auburn looked to Starswirl for answers, and found him in a state of meditation, his eyes closed. "There is a structure," Starswirl said after a few silent moments, his eyes still closed. "A tower, due west from here." "But sir, hundreds of ponies have traveled this path over the years...none of them ever said anything about a tower, or any structures for that matter, for miles." Starswirl nodded, the glow surrounding his horn disappeared, as the rock plummeted from above a few feet away from them, creating a small crater as it landed. "I'm not sure what to make of it either, Auburn. But something tells me we should proceed carefully." Auburn could see why the recent travelers could not see the tower before they were upon it. If it weren't for Starswirl's earlier observation, he wouldn't have seen it either. The density of the forest made sure of that. But surely, something so close to the path would have been seen over the years? Auburn could feel, without any magical abilities, that something was off about the place. Even Starswirl's determined demeanor had become interest mixed with caution. "How do you wish to proceed?" Auburn asked, unsure whether he wanted to investigate further or not. "We find out who lives here," Starswirl responded simply. Auburn was about to question how his mentor knew anypony lived there, then remembered his earlier feeling. After a moment, Auburn nodded. The two made their way off the path and to the structure itself. It had no visible entrance from their current perspective, nor did it have any windows. It was harsh stone, unlike the mostly wooden structures of Dodge City. It seemed extremely old, despite not being seen any of the years prior. Vines snaked up the sides, while the base was overgrown with foliage. Starswirl made an inquisitive "hmm" and continued toward the other side, while Auburn continued to ponder the possibility such a large structure could be hidden for so long. "Auburn, there's a door here." The statement snapped the young colt to his senses, hurrying over to where his mentor stood. Sure enough, a simple wooden door was before them, though it lacked any sort of knocker. Clearly, whoever designed it did not expect visitors. Starswirl pounded on the door with a hoof, undeterred by the impossibility of the situation, or the uneasiness that surrounded them. Both of their eyes widened a bit, both feeling a change in their surroundings. "Get back, Auburn," Starswirl said suddenly, his expression changing to extreme focus. "What-" Auburn began, when he was suddenly lifted from the ground and tossed away like a ragdoll, Starswirl's horn glowing in response. Suddenly, the door swung open, and a bubble of energy appeared around Starswirl, blocking the doorway. A crackling sound emitted from the space between Starswirl and whatever was inside, and it was clear the old stallion was struggling. "I am no defenseless traveler. I will not be bested by such vulgar magicks," Starswirl snarled, pushing whatever was in front of him back further into the structure. "Ah, there is fight in this one!" another voice, one filled with spite, responded, as a bright flash of light engulfed the two, forcing the fallen Auburn to shield his eyes with a hoof. When the light subsided, the bubble was gone, and the colt could see Starswirl standing almost nose-to-nose with another unicorn. "This is what has become of those pony folk?" Starswirl questioned, his voice strained, and Auburn knew the two were still struggling, but in a way he could not see. "It is important I am not interrupted," the other unicorn growled. "They would have the Princess herself breathing down my neck if I had not interfered!" Like the structure, Auburn felt something was off about the pony. The unicorn was completely white in color and, perhaps the most distressing of all, were the pony's eyes, which appeared as if they were blind, the pupils blank and unseeing. It seemed far from a defenseless crippled unicorn, however. "And what do they call you? Do you even have a name, hermit?" The other unicorn laughed, a very harsh, unforgiving sound. "Long ago, perhaps. But time is not kind to an aging mind," the white unicorn sneered. "But you may call me 'the Magus'." "Now, for the matter of my stolen work," The statement was made so casually, yet Auburn was astounded. How long had Starswirl known the two events were connected? The two unicorns had only known each other for less than a minute... The other unicorn smirked. "Oh, I was unaware I was dealing with the acclaimed Starswirl the Bearded! Forgive me for my hostility." The two seemed to relax slightly, as if the struggle had ended. The Magus backed off, allowing the two entry. The old unicorn looked back at Auburn, who was finally on his hooves again, and gestured for him to follow them inside. Unsure, but taking comfort in his mentor's display of power seconds ago, Auburn followed. The tower, on the inside, was impossibly large for what he had seen moments ago. Everything he could see was as large as the library itself, and it only included one floor. It did not take a master of magic to know these dimensions were unnatural. The harsh, stone exterior was replaced by a surprisingly homely cabin feel inside, where shelves upon shelves of text stretched out in all directions. Auburn glanced upward, and the contents of the tower only continued to grow in size. He wondered just how much forgotten knowledge was contained in the wretched place. "What do you think? Its been a while since I've some guests." "Enough games. Where are the ponies you've kidnapped?" Starswirl responded, deadly serious. Auburn had rarely seen him so focused. "In due time, Starswirl. We need to get to know each other first, have a drink, share some laughs," the other unicorn said mockingly, clearly enjoying the presence of such a well-known pony. "Oh, and I assure you, your work has not gone to waste." "You have a lot of nerve." The other unicorn merely grinned, and Auburn couldn't help but be disgusted at the expression. Everything about this pony was unnatural, and made him uneasy. He wanted to leave...but he wasn't sure that was possible. As crazed as this one was about his secrecy, Auburn doubted he would let them leave peacefully, no matter how renowned Starswirl was. The owner of the tower gestured for them to follow, as they ascended one of the many grand staircases, heading toward what appeared to be a study. As they entered the study, both Auburn and Starswirl were amazed by the sheer number of books it, too, contained, putting Starswirl's own study, and the library it was a part of, to shame with just one room. At the end of the central aisle between bookcases was a large desk, with various instruments thrown about it, many of them things Auburn had never seen before. "You have quite the collection," Starswirl said after a few moments of silence. "Years of isolation give a pony lots of free time. I like to think this is the result of all that dedication," the Magus explained with the same condescending tone. "Pardon the cliche, but we are very much alike, Starswirl. Our goals, our aspirations, are much the same. Or, they were," the white unicorn continued with a mocking frown. Auburn's eyes widened. They had only received the letter from the Princess the day prior. Few in Canterlot would know about it, let alone a hermit living in the depths of the Everfree Forest. For that matter, how could this Magus take from the market, or the study, without leaving his tower? Regardless, Starswirl seemed unaffected by the remark. "Where are they?" was all he said, and the master of the tower sighed, clearly not happy with Starswirl's lack of participation in his little game. "They are safe. But they are not yet fit to leave," the Magus explained innocently. "And, I'm afraid, neither are you." Chapter Three"Oh, we'll be going," Starswirl stated in spite of what the other unicorn said. "But not without the ponies you've kidnapped." "Please Starswirl, I didn't want to do it, but they left me no choice!" the master of the tower lamented dramatically. "But after the tower enchantment failed, it wasn't as easy to hide. I couldn't just let them leave, to tell the world about my work. I had a right to protect it!" Auburn understood, now, why the tower had not been seen prior to this incident. Whatever this crazed individual did to it rendered it undetectable, or very nearly so. Although not a unicorn, his understanding of magic told him that such a feat was incredible indeed. "Then let's make a deal," Starswirl said suddenly, staring at the other unicorn evenly. "I'm listening." "We are evenly matched, that much we have both seen. If you let my assistant lead the ponies you've kept prisoner back to Ponyville, we can fight until one of us prevails. To the bitter end, if necessary," Starswirl explained, deadly serious. "Starswirl!" Auburn tried to argue, but Starswirl was having none of it. The master of the tower was deep in thought, considering his options. The chance to best a pony as well known as Starswirl was too tempting to resist, however, and he finally agreed. Starswirl turned to Auburn, his gaze softening considerably. "Go. We both know this is the only way," his mentor explained, bowing his head to his student. Again, Auburn couldn't help but admire the old stallion's determination, even if it was going to get him killed. With the pale glow of the Magus' horn, a section of the floor parted, revealing a small chamber. From within floated out three ponies, two mares and one colt, all of which seemed frozen in various states of surprise. "Time to go, child. The adults have business to attend to," The unicorn said dismissively, the floating ponies moving past them and out the door. Auburn looked to Starswirl. The old stallion gave him a reassuring nod. He had to trust his mentor's decision, as reckless as it seemed. As Auburn moved outside, the door slammed shut behind him, and the three ponies began to awake on the path. Starswirl, meanwhile, was lead to an empty chamber. It retained the harsh stone appearance of the exterior of the structure, and lacked any sort of furniture or other features. He assumed it was where the other unicorn practiced his magic. "Could you at least tell me your name? We might be here a while, after all." "Magnus. And no, we will not," the Magus responded with scowl. "Are you ready to begin, or should I give you a moment to collect yourself?" "Don't flatter yourself," Starswirl shot back with a scoff. "You do realize, even if you best me now, your work will be exposed for all to see?" "I don't intend to stick around," Magnus replied with a casual shrug. "The Everfree Forest was not my first home, and it surely won't be my last." Deadly silence filled the room as the two unicorns squared off on one another. Invisible energy sparked between them, like a manifestation of the tension that dominated the chamber. At once, the pale glow of the Magus' horn met with the blue-black of Starswirl's in a brilliant clash, like two bolts of lightning striking each other in some impossible display of nature. The two struggled in silence, the clash of energy pushing back and forth across the room until it finally dispersed in a violent flash of light, showering the both of them in starlight particles. Starswirl's pack flew open, a glob of what looked like dust floating out above him, before suddenly diving to the floor, where it exploded into a cloud that obscured Starswirl from view. The dust began to twist and snake around itself, slowly forming the gigantic head of some reptilian monstrosity. Each particle of its being began to change color rapidly, as if struck by varying degrees of light from every possible angle. This strange display did not cease even after the dust formed the head and neck of an enormous dragon, the beast's eyes falling on Magnus. Its maw opening in a terrifying roar, a billow of flames shot forward, engulfing the Magus entirely. The brilliant blue-black dragon waited patiently as the smoke settled, and to its amazement, the unicorn still stood, surrounded by a glistening sphere of pale light. Enraged over its failed attack, the dragon began to pull itself from the cloud, more of its body forming from the particles as it did. The Magus, in response, inhaled sharply, and exhaled with the force of a hurricane. The dragon's eyes widened in shock as its body was torn apart by the harsh winds. The old stallion was forced to shield his eyes from the dust, which seemed to disintegrate by the time the intense wind had ceased. "That was an entertaining warm-up, but I think it's time we got down to business." The air of the chamber began to change, like it was consumed by an electrical storm. The hair of Starswirl's mane stood up as the old stallion's eyes widened at the display. "We are not as evenly matched as you might think, Starswirl," Magnus sneered as his horn glowed brightly, lifting the unicorn off his hooves. "Your work has continued, Starswirl. Oh, it has reached its peak!" "My work-" Starswirl began, taking a tentative step back. "Has allowed me to transcend the boundaries between flesh and magic! Magic and I have become one!" Magnus roared, his voice becoming increasingly distorted, sightless eyes suddenly flaring brightly with raw power, the unicorn rising higher into the air as bolts of energy blasted apart the floor below him. "NOT EVEN CELESTIA CAN MATCH MY POWER NOW!" The Magus was engulfed in a light so bright that it nearly destroyed Starswirl's sight on the spot. The old stallion was forced to turn away, shielding his eyes with both of his front hooves, pressed against the corner of the chamber. The tower itself began to quake at the power spilling out from the unicorn. As the light began to dim, Starswirl could see Magnus was no more, and in his place was a being of raw energy, twisted into the shape of a unicorn. No flesh, no bone, the only thing that was left of the Magus that floated before him moments ago was a writhing pony made of brilliant blue-white energy. "You have come on a very special day, Starswirl; the day of my ultimate triumph. I cannot express the joy I feel in words, knowing somepony was here to witness my transcendence," the twisted voice of Magnus echoed throughout the room, his voice unnatural and synthetic, the 'mouth' of what he had become not moving while he spoke. Starswirl could barely stand the sight of his glowing enemy, but he could sense the unfathomable power that radiated from him. "There will be no more hiding. I will preach my work to the world with every terrible blow. I will act as a herald of a new age. One in which you have no place, Starswirl." Starswirl's mind began to race, grasping at any possible course of action. He was prepared to fight until the end, to prevent any further harm to the ponies of Equestria, but now it seemed as though he orchestrated its demise. His work...being used to turn the depraved hermit into a monster. Any hope of defeating the master of the tower now was gone. He had failed. Auburn, the Princess, and all of Equestria would suffer for his mistake. "No...!" Starswirl looked up at the Magus, his eyes burning. The situation may be hopeless, but he would NOT lie down and die. It was simply not his way. Getting to his hooves, the legendary Starswirl the Bearded stood defiant in the face of certain doom, his horn glowing brightly as he lashed out at his impossible enemy. A blue-black bolt of energy tore through the chamber toward Magnus the Ascended. The energy of Starswirl's attack seemed to pierce the energy that made up the Magus' body, swirling around inside before dispersing harmlessly. Magnus let out a mocking cackle at the pitiful attempt at an attack, but it did not last long. "What-What have you done, Starswirl?! What is happening to m-" Magnus roared as the energy that comprised his form began to arch off in random directions. With each terrible spark, entire portions of the tower exploded, showering the forest below with rubble. In such a raw state, the unicorn was made up of the same unstable power he wielded, and without flesh and blood to bind him, Starswirl's attack was enough to destabilize him. Starswirl's eyes widened as Magnus screamed in utter agony as his body and mind were destroyed. Shrouding himself in blue-black energy, Starswirl smashed through the sealed door of the chamber, and charged down the hall. The room behind him was engulfed in a light brighter than the sun, as Magnus' horrified screams were amplified a thousandfold. The sound rung out across the Everfree Forest, echoing for miles. The old stallion rushed to descend the stairs as the tower began to collapse. The destruction of the Magus had weakened the structure as a whole, and Starswirl could feel the stone crashing in on itself. Just as he bolted from the stairwell, several tons of rubble came crashed down into it. Starswirl was now on the first floor, looking around in a panic for the door he had used to enter. The ceiling hanging far above him, which represented another floor of the tower, began to give way. Massive chunks of rubble crashed down from above, blasting through the wooden floor with each blow. With each impact, splinters were thrown in all directions, cutting Starswirl in several places as he darted past. Adrenaline flowing through him, the old stallion was determined to escape. Wreathed in the blue-black translucent energy, Starswirl smashed through the front door with a loud crack, showering himself with the splintered fragments of the structure. Starswirl was propelled out of the structure and into the forest beyond, soaring several feet before hitting the ground, his cap thrown from his head as he slid across the muddy ground. The tower continued to collapse as he lay motionless before it, scattering debris in all directions. Starswirl awoke with a jolt, looking around in a panic. He found himself in a wooden structure he did not recognize. The room was lined with beds, some which were occupied. He recognized the three ponies he had seen at the tower almost instantly, and also noticed other ponies in uniform patrolling around the beds. Somehow he had made it to some sort of hospital. Looking down at himself, he noticed bandages across his legs and flank, where he had been cut in his escape. Relaxing slightly but still hopelessly confused, the old stallion almost didn't notice Auburn standing beside his bed. "And when exactly were you going to make your presence known?" "When you stopped looking like you'd fry the next pony to startle you," Auburn said with a smirk. "What happened, Auburn? Where is Magnus?" "The other unicorn? We couldn't find him. The tower's completely destroyed, and you were almost caught in the mess." Starswirl sat back, slowly remembering what had happened to the Magus. What he had become...and what had happened as a result. "How are the others? "They seemed well enough after they got out of the tower. When it collapsed, I told them to go back to Dodge and get help, and went back to look for you." Starswirl gave a small smile, thankful for his pupil's loyalty. With a sigh, he tried to get to his hooves, only to fall backward as a wave of nausea hit him. "You might want to rest a bit, Starswirl. You've been through a lot," Auburn said, giving the older pony a stern look. "Take a message, Auburn. For our report to the Princess." Auburn quickly retrieved his quill and parchment from his pack, which he still carried. "Tell her the problem is solved." "That's it?" Starswirl nodded. "I think it best left unsaid. Perhaps it is best the Magus stay forgotten." Auburn kept this promise for many years. After his mentor's passing, he wrote a series of novels detailing their adventures together, as well as a few stories Starswirl had told him before his time. Auburn knew why his mentor had wanted the story of the Magus Magnus to never see the light of day, but as the denizens of Equestria began to forget the incredible deeds of the old unicorn, he felt it best to show them. The story of Starswirl and the Magus Magnus would become one of the most popular stories in Canterlot, and served as a warning to those who sought nothing but power.
Chapter One"Unacceptable!" The voice pierced the silence of the study, but Auburn already knew what the commotion was about. As Starswirl's assistant, the message from the Princess was brought to him first, and hearing his employer's reaction as such was far from surprising. The Princess had requested Starswirl curb his research; his study of the nature of magic had proven incredibly useful, but she believed that further knowledge was needed about the nature of the spells already conceived. In other words, she did not want Starswirl going any deeper into the nature of magic itself. And, of course, this upset the aging stallion greatly. "What is it, Starswirl?" Auburn asked innocently, feigning ignorance. "Auburn, have you seen this? Celestia has the audacity...the gall!...to ask me to stop everything I've worked for! Does one tell a blacksmith of old to work without a forge, simply because it is something new?" Starswirl fumed, pacing back and forth in front of a large window overlooking Canterlot. "We were so close, Auburn! Close to understanding the very nature of magic itself! We could've revolutionized the practice of magic throughout Equestria! And now we're supposed to quit? To give up on all we've worked for, so we can refine the use of parlor tricks?!" he spat angrily, casting his furious gaze onto Auburn. "Surely the Princess has her reasons." Starswirl snorted. "She may the ruler of Equestria, but I am no foal who needs tending. She doesn't understand the importance of what we've discovered, Auburn. If she did, she would not ask this of us." Auburn frowned at his mentor's words. Looking out of the window, into the darkened sky above, the colt couldn't help but stare at the moon that loomed above the city, the familiar image projected on its surface. The symbolism was not lost on either of them. "What about that new theory, about the magical power that comes from the bond between friends?" Auburn asked, trying to change the subject. "Please," Starswirl scoffed, waving a hoof dismissively. "The evidence to support these 'theories' relies on the study of the Elements of Harmony, and we all know they've been inert for decades. Let them debate the magical value of friendship; we've got more important things to do. Or, we did," The old stallion hissed, staring hatefully at the letter on the floor. As Starswirl continued to mumble angrily to himself, his assistant retrieved the letter and placed it upon the older stallion's desk. Although Starswirl taught him a lot about magic, Auburn could not put his teaching into practice. The two were an odd pair: Auburn, a reddish brown earth pony, destined to a life of note taking and study, which was reflected in the mark on his flank, which was a quill. And Starswirl, a blue-black unicorn and master of magic, which was also reflected in his mark: a grouping of three swirls of blue dust of varying shades. To many, this marking was confusing. But those who knew of Starswirl's accomplishments would know these were the prime ingredient in his conjuring techniques. This was made all the more astounding by the fact that Starswirl received his mark ten years before he created the technique it depicted. The study was an immaculate structure with shelves upon shelves of books, detailing spells of all kinds, many of which were written by Starswirl himself. A perpetual smell of fresh paper hung in the air, a smell the two had long since grown accustomed to. The cleanliness one would experience upon entering was by no means the result of Starswirl's actions; although the unicorn was very professional, he hardly paid any attention to keeping things tidy and organized, with the exception of his books. No, what visitors saw was the work of Auburn, but he received no recognition for his efforts, nor did he want them in the first place. Although very different, the two were a pair that worked well together, that much was sure. "Auburn, where are my notes on the amniamorphic spell?" the old stallion questioned, his graying beard swaying from side to side as he scanned the area around his desk. It was only then that Auburn realized his mentor's mood had shifted from anger to determination. "On the third shelf to the left, sir," Auburn responded, confusion evident in his tone. Starswirl knew where every piece of literature was, why was he- "It's not here," Starswirl said suddenly, gesturing toward the indicated shelf. "That's...where it always is..." Auburn mumbled as he approached, immediately spying the empty space amongst the books. The two kept everything organized, and if one didn't know where something was, the other surely did. "I put it there last," Starswirl stated, and Auburn nodded. The assistant hadn't touched the bundle of notes- a work in progress of his mentor- since it was placed there. "It seems we are the victims of a thief." Auburn scanned over the list of visitors to the study, which was a part of the Greater Canterlot Library, accounting for the presence of each and every pony that was on it. He was there, after all, for every single visit. To his knowledge, none showed any suspicious behavior, or were capable- as far as he knew -of any malicious intent. After discovering the missing material, the two had searched the study to see if anything else was missing. Much to their surprise, they discovered more absent literature from the study's stock. How or why a thief could steal these pieces, all of which were unfinished research material, was a mystery to both. "Look over the visitor log, Auburn. I've a meeting to attend with the Princess," Starswirl had instructed as he put on his traditional outfit: a large pointed blue hat and long blue robe, both of which were decorated with ornate bells and stars. The old stallion left without another word, and Auburn guessed the meeting was as much about the theft as it was about the letter. The former did little to distract his mentor from the latter, it seemed. After reviewing the log, Auburn could only conclude that the theft took place when the two had left the study, probably to sleep. But it was not without locks, nor was the library it was a part of without guards. How such a thing could happen under such security was beyond him... After informing the guards of what happened, and making sure the study was locked, Auburn gathered his things and left, heading toward the Canterlot market. He remembered hearing rumors of other thefts in the city, as well as things concerning the Everfree Forest. As a resident of Canterlot all his life, he had a few connections that could tell him more. Namely, his longtime friend Lightning Dancer. It wasn't long before he spotted the Pegasus pony arguing with a few others he did not recognize. "Light?" Auburn said as he approached, prompting the mare to turn. "Oh hey Auburn," 'Light' responded with a smile, completely abandoning the heated debate she was just a part of. The two ponies seemed offended by her sudden change of focus and stormed off in a huff. "What's up?" "Trying to find out where a few of Starswirl's books went." "Since its nearly impossible for you two to misplace any of your books, I'll assume you mean they were stolen." "That is correct," Auburn responded, frowning. "It isn't the first, as I told you a few days ago. A few of the stores down here have been losing ingredients daily. No matter what they do, they say it never keeps whoever is doing this out," the mare explained as the two began to walk slowly down the street. "And believe me, they've been trying." "Since this is the first we've been stolen from, I guess we should be thankful." The market district of Canterlot was not unlike those seen elsewhere: extravagant stalls were set up in all directions, their owners preaching about their incredibly rare and valuable wares. Shoppers crowded the street most hours of the day, usually dressed as incredibly as the stalls. Lightning Dancer and her ilk were one of the few not fond of fancy clothes, and perhaps that was why Auburn enjoyed her company as much as he did. Being the assistant of such a renowned unicorn as Starswirl, he had his fair share of dealing with Canterlot's high society. "Especially with all those pony folk going missing down in Dodge City." "Dodge City? That new settlement down by the desert?" Auburn asked with some disbelief. The barren lands around the town were slowly encroaching upon it. In time, he guessed, it would be a very pleasant place to live. He really questioned why those ponies had decided to build their livelihood there in the first place. "But its not the desert that is the problem, Auburn. It's the Everfree Forest. It's always been a dangerous place, but 3 ponies have gone missing just this week. They were all heading toward Los Pegasus, and then suddenly they were gone." Auburn's frown deepened as Light explained. It was unlikely the two incidents were related, but considering the strange nature of the thefts, perhaps they were. After chatting with the pegasus about unrelated things, mostly to give his mind a rest from the current problem, Auburn made his way back to the study, hoping Starswirl's meeting with Celestia would explain more. As he entered, he saw Starswirl, his hat tossed carelessly onto the desk, pacing back and forth once more. The assistant could tell from his expression alone that he was troubled. "We have a task, Auburn." The unicorn sounded disgusted by his own words, but Auburn did not question why. "The Princess wants us to investigate the issue down in Dodge City." "You mean, with the ponies going missing?" Starswirl gave a hesitant nod. Usually the old stallion was cheerful and passionate about his work. So far today, Auburn had only seen bitterness and frustration. "With our current pursuits suspended, the Princess believes this is an adequate use of our time." After a few silent moments, Starswirl's frustration turned completely into defeat. "Why is she doing this, Auburn? Why does she inhibit us when we are so close to greatness? I trust in her millennia of knowledge, but when I inquire about her decision, all she can give me is 'some things are better left unknown'," Starswirl explained as he slumped onto a bench near the desk, struggling to understand the reasons behind Celestia's decision. "What kind of an answer is that?" he added with a sigh. Auburn approached with a sympathetic frown. "I guess all we can do is trust in the Princess' decision." "I suppose...And a break from our research won't hurt either," Starswirl added after a moment, Auburn nodding encouragingly. "That's the spirit. Now let's get some rest. We have some sleuthing to do tomorrow."
Chapter TwoThe chariot descended from Canterlot with clear determination, the two occupants inside looking out over the landscape as they made their way toward the small desert town on the outskirts of Equestrian territory. As this was dubbed 'royal business', the chariot was pulled by two of the Princess' royal guard, whose mastery of flight was almost unmatched. In short, there weren't more capable hooves for their journey. It wasn't long before the chariot touched down just outside Dodge City, and Starswirl and his assistant stepped out a moment later. The chariot, highly decorated and instantly recognizable as belonging to the royal family as it was, drew some attention from the inhabitants of the dusty town. Auburn smiled nervously at the growing crowd, while Starswirl, in his familiar clothing, looked around, clearly focused on his task. "Our manner of investigation is simple," the aging unicorn stated, completely ignorant of the murmuring crowd. "We emulate the journey to Los Pegasus, and hopefully discover the missing ponies." "Sir...are you sure that's wise?" Auburn asked quietly as he watched the crowd, unable to make out what some were saying. They seemed like a depressing lot of ponies. Their harsh way of life was etched across their features; the ponies looked upon them with sleep-deprived eyes and dirt-covered faces. Auburn, in his mix of uneasiness and confusion, felt bad for the denizens of Dodge. "I may be old, but I am far from defenseless, my friend. Make haste!" Starswirl said loudly, galloping away toward the Everfree Forest which loomed in the distance. Auburn, caught off-guard, followed after a few moments of hesitation, trying to keep up with his mentor. The crowd did not follow, but the chatter increased, and Auburn could understand why. They had made no explanation for their presence, and he knew Starswirl didn't intend to explain any time soon. "I've heard a lot of stories about this place..." Auburn said quietly as he approached Starswirl, who was standing at the edge of the Everfree Forest. "None of them were good." "In quality or tone?" Starswirl questioned sincerely. Auburn gave him a stern look, shaking his head. "...Just a bit of humor," Starswirl murmured, shrugging. "Shouldn't we ask around the town first?" "What's the point? We know the situation and what better way to discover the cause than to go in ourselves? It is a simple matter, really." "The hydras, dragons, and manticores would be inclined to disagree, sir." Starswirl chuckled. "I may spend my days writing and researching, Auburn, but I am one of the most experienced magi in Equestria. A few mere beasts are of no concern to us." "I hope you're right." The two slowly entered the Everfree Forest. It was much more like a swamp than a forest, Auburn found, damp and dark as it was. He had only been in the forest once before, and it was a very unpleasant experience that involved a family of bears. Needless to say, he was not looking forward to this journey, even though he did not doubt the abilities of his mentor. Starswirl was undeterred, however, and Auburn couldn't help but admire the old stallion's courage. Even the hardened residents of Dodge, close as they were to the forest, rarely ever ventured inside. They were content to deal with the dangers of the badlands rather than brave the forest. And here were two Canterlot scholars, searching for danger. Starswirl and Auburn both carried packs which contained essentials such as food and water, and, in the case of Starswirl, things of a more magical nature. The sound of birds was almost deafening as they ventured further into the forest. Quite a contrast to the barren scene in Dodge. Although it was morning, the density of the forest made it seem like dusk, and Auburn was thankful that, at least, they did not venture into it any later in the day. The thought of the forest at night was an unpleasant one indeed. Technically the two were on one of the more well-known paths through the forest: the path to Los Pegasus, the closest settlement to this particular region. Frequently traveled as it was, it was only popular by the forest's standards, which meant it averaged a few ponies every few years or so. The path was visible, but still overgrown with vegetation. The feeling of isolation was not lost on the two ponies, but if Starswirl was affected, he surely did not let it show. As the dank, dangerous nature of the place began to eat at Auburn after what seemed like hours of wandering, Starswirl suddenly stopped in his tracks. "W-What's the matter?" Auburn stammered, clearly shaken by their current surroundings. Starswirl's expression was of interest mixed with confusion. "I sense something..." was all the old stallion said, but it was enough to frighten his assistant. Anything capable of magic here was dangerous to them. For all they knew, it could be a cockatrice, a beast that could turn a pony to stone with a single look. Or perhaps a dragon, as some were rumored to be capable of magics of the strongest variety. "Calm yourself," Starswirl said suddenly, looking back at his trembling assistant with a smile. "I am certain we are not dealing with any beast here." Auburn was only slightly consoled by this fact. Normally, dealing with a fellow pony was better than dealing with one of the many creatures living in the forest. But one had to ask, what sort of pony lives out in the depths of such a place? "Rather than continue on blindly, I would rather know what we are dealing with. Give me a moment," Starswirl explained, searching the edges of the path for something. Finding what he was looking for, which appeared to be a rock, the old unicorn's horn began to glow, lifting the rock, which was about the size of his hoof, over their heads. In a small flash, the rock appeared to be covered in a translucent web of blue energy, with a large eye, made of the same material, at one end. Streaking up toward the canopy like a comet, the rock disappeared from sight beyond the treetops. Auburn looked to Starswirl for answers, and found him in a state of meditation, his eyes closed. "There is a structure," Starswirl said after a few silent moments, his eyes still closed. "A tower, due west from here." "But sir, hundreds of ponies have traveled this path over the years...none of them ever said anything about a tower, or any structures for that matter, for miles." Starswirl nodded, the glow surrounding his horn disappeared, as the rock plummeted from above a few feet away from them, creating a small crater as it landed. "I'm not sure what to make of it either, Auburn. But something tells me we should proceed carefully." Auburn could see why the recent travelers could not see the tower before they were upon it. If it weren't for Starswirl's earlier observation, he wouldn't have seen it either. The density of the forest made sure of that. But surely, something so close to the path would have been seen over the years? Auburn could feel, without any magical abilities, that something was off about the place. Even Starswirl's determined demeanor had become interest mixed with caution. "How do you wish to proceed?" Auburn asked, unsure whether he wanted to investigate further or not. "We find out who lives here," Starswirl responded simply. Auburn was about to question how his mentor knew anypony lived there, then remembered his earlier feeling. After a moment, Auburn nodded. The two made their way off the path and to the structure itself. It had no visible entrance from their current perspective, nor did it have any windows. It was harsh stone, unlike the mostly wooden structures of Dodge City. It seemed extremely old, despite not being seen any of the years prior. Vines snaked up the sides, while the base was overgrown with foliage. Starswirl made an inquisitive "hmm" and continued toward the other side, while Auburn continued to ponder the possibility such a large structure could be hidden for so long. "Auburn, there's a door here." The statement snapped the young colt to his senses, hurrying over to where his mentor stood. Sure enough, a simple wooden door was before them, though it lacked any sort of knocker. Clearly, whoever designed it did not expect visitors. Starswirl pounded on the door with a hoof, undeterred by the impossibility of the situation, or the uneasiness that surrounded them. Both of their eyes widened a bit, both feeling a change in their surroundings. "Get back, Auburn," Starswirl said suddenly, his expression changing to extreme focus. "What-" Auburn began, when he was suddenly lifted from the ground and tossed away like a ragdoll, Starswirl's horn glowing in response. Suddenly, the door swung open, and a bubble of energy appeared around Starswirl, blocking the doorway. A crackling sound emitted from the space between Starswirl and whatever was inside, and it was clear the old stallion was struggling. "I am no defenseless traveler. I will not be bested by such vulgar magicks," Starswirl snarled, pushing whatever was in front of him back further into the structure. "Ah, there is fight in this one!" another voice, one filled with spite, responded, as a bright flash of light engulfed the two, forcing the fallen Auburn to shield his eyes with a hoof. When the light subsided, the bubble was gone, and the colt could see Starswirl standing almost nose-to-nose with another unicorn. "This is what has become of those pony folk?" Starswirl questioned, his voice strained, and Auburn knew the two were still struggling, but in a way he could not see. "It is important I am not interrupted," the other unicorn growled. "They would have the Princess herself breathing down my neck if I had not interfered!" Like the structure, Auburn felt something was off about the pony. The unicorn was completely white in color and, perhaps the most distressing of all, were the pony's eyes, which appeared as if they were blind, the pupils blank and unseeing. It seemed far from a defenseless crippled unicorn, however. "And what do they call you? Do you even have a name, hermit?" The other unicorn laughed, a very harsh, unforgiving sound. "Long ago, perhaps. But time is not kind to an aging mind," the white unicorn sneered. "But you may call me 'the Magus'." "Now, for the matter of my stolen work," The statement was made so casually, yet Auburn was astounded. How long had Starswirl known the two events were connected? The two unicorns had only known each other for less than a minute... The other unicorn smirked. "Oh, I was unaware I was dealing with the acclaimed Starswirl the Bearded! Forgive me for my hostility." The two seemed to relax slightly, as if the struggle had ended. The Magus backed off, allowing the two entry. The old unicorn looked back at Auburn, who was finally on his hooves again, and gestured for him to follow them inside. Unsure, but taking comfort in his mentor's display of power seconds ago, Auburn followed. The tower, on the inside, was impossibly large for what he had seen moments ago. Everything he could see was as large as the library itself, and it only included one floor. It did not take a master of magic to know these dimensions were unnatural. The harsh, stone exterior was replaced by a surprisingly homely cabin feel inside, where shelves upon shelves of text stretched out in all directions. Auburn glanced upward, and the contents of the tower only continued to grow in size. He wondered just how much forgotten knowledge was contained in the wretched place. "What do you think? Its been a while since I've some guests." "Enough games. Where are the ponies you've kidnapped?" Starswirl responded, deadly serious. Auburn had rarely seen him so focused. "In due time, Starswirl. We need to get to know each other first, have a drink, share some laughs," the other unicorn said mockingly, clearly enjoying the presence of such a well-known pony. "Oh, and I assure you, your work has not gone to waste." "You have a lot of nerve." The other unicorn merely grinned, and Auburn couldn't help but be disgusted at the expression. Everything about this pony was unnatural, and made him uneasy. He wanted to leave...but he wasn't sure that was possible. As crazed as this one was about his secrecy, Auburn doubted he would let them leave peacefully, no matter how renowned Starswirl was. The owner of the tower gestured for them to follow, as they ascended one of the many grand staircases, heading toward what appeared to be a study. As they entered the study, both Auburn and Starswirl were amazed by the sheer number of books it, too, contained, putting Starswirl's own study, and the library it was a part of, to shame with just one room. At the end of the central aisle between bookcases was a large desk, with various instruments thrown about it, many of them things Auburn had never seen before. "You have quite the collection," Starswirl said after a few moments of silence. "Years of isolation give a pony lots of free time. I like to think this is the result of all that dedication," the Magus explained with the same condescending tone. "Pardon the cliche, but we are very much alike, Starswirl. Our goals, our aspirations, are much the same. Or, they were," the white unicorn continued with a mocking frown. Auburn's eyes widened. They had only received the letter from the Princess the day prior. Few in Canterlot would know about it, let alone a hermit living in the depths of the Everfree Forest. For that matter, how could this Magus take from the market, or the study, without leaving his tower? Regardless, Starswirl seemed unaffected by the remark. "Where are they?" was all he said, and the master of the tower sighed, clearly not happy with Starswirl's lack of participation in his little game. "They are safe. But they are not yet fit to leave," the Magus explained innocently. "And, I'm afraid, neither are you."
Chapter Three"Oh, we'll be going," Starswirl stated in spite of what the other unicorn said. "But not without the ponies you've kidnapped." "Please Starswirl, I didn't want to do it, but they left me no choice!" the master of the tower lamented dramatically. "But after the tower enchantment failed, it wasn't as easy to hide. I couldn't just let them leave, to tell the world about my work. I had a right to protect it!" Auburn understood, now, why the tower had not been seen prior to this incident. Whatever this crazed individual did to it rendered it undetectable, or very nearly so. Although not a unicorn, his understanding of magic told him that such a feat was incredible indeed. "Then let's make a deal," Starswirl said suddenly, staring at the other unicorn evenly. "I'm listening." "We are evenly matched, that much we have both seen. If you let my assistant lead the ponies you've kept prisoner back to Ponyville, we can fight until one of us prevails. To the bitter end, if necessary," Starswirl explained, deadly serious. "Starswirl!" Auburn tried to argue, but Starswirl was having none of it. The master of the tower was deep in thought, considering his options. The chance to best a pony as well known as Starswirl was too tempting to resist, however, and he finally agreed. Starswirl turned to Auburn, his gaze softening considerably. "Go. We both know this is the only way," his mentor explained, bowing his head to his student. Again, Auburn couldn't help but admire the old stallion's determination, even if it was going to get him killed. With the pale glow of the Magus' horn, a section of the floor parted, revealing a small chamber. From within floated out three ponies, two mares and one colt, all of which seemed frozen in various states of surprise. "Time to go, child. The adults have business to attend to," The unicorn said dismissively, the floating ponies moving past them and out the door. Auburn looked to Starswirl. The old stallion gave him a reassuring nod. He had to trust his mentor's decision, as reckless as it seemed. As Auburn moved outside, the door slammed shut behind him, and the three ponies began to awake on the path. Starswirl, meanwhile, was lead to an empty chamber. It retained the harsh stone appearance of the exterior of the structure, and lacked any sort of furniture or other features. He assumed it was where the other unicorn practiced his magic. "Could you at least tell me your name? We might be here a while, after all." "Magnus. And no, we will not," the Magus responded with scowl. "Are you ready to begin, or should I give you a moment to collect yourself?" "Don't flatter yourself," Starswirl shot back with a scoff. "You do realize, even if you best me now, your work will be exposed for all to see?" "I don't intend to stick around," Magnus replied with a casual shrug. "The Everfree Forest was not my first home, and it surely won't be my last." Deadly silence filled the room as the two unicorns squared off on one another. Invisible energy sparked between them, like a manifestation of the tension that dominated the chamber. At once, the pale glow of the Magus' horn met with the blue-black of Starswirl's in a brilliant clash, like two bolts of lightning striking each other in some impossible display of nature. The two struggled in silence, the clash of energy pushing back and forth across the room until it finally dispersed in a violent flash of light, showering the both of them in starlight particles. Starswirl's pack flew open, a glob of what looked like dust floating out above him, before suddenly diving to the floor, where it exploded into a cloud that obscured Starswirl from view. The dust began to twist and snake around itself, slowly forming the gigantic head of some reptilian monstrosity. Each particle of its being began to change color rapidly, as if struck by varying degrees of light from every possible angle. This strange display did not cease even after the dust formed the head and neck of an enormous dragon, the beast's eyes falling on Magnus. Its maw opening in a terrifying roar, a billow of flames shot forward, engulfing the Magus entirely. The brilliant blue-black dragon waited patiently as the smoke settled, and to its amazement, the unicorn still stood, surrounded by a glistening sphere of pale light. Enraged over its failed attack, the dragon began to pull itself from the cloud, more of its body forming from the particles as it did. The Magus, in response, inhaled sharply, and exhaled with the force of a hurricane. The dragon's eyes widened in shock as its body was torn apart by the harsh winds. The old stallion was forced to shield his eyes from the dust, which seemed to disintegrate by the time the intense wind had ceased. "That was an entertaining warm-up, but I think it's time we got down to business." The air of the chamber began to change, like it was consumed by an electrical storm. The hair of Starswirl's mane stood up as the old stallion's eyes widened at the display. "We are not as evenly matched as you might think, Starswirl," Magnus sneered as his horn glowed brightly, lifting the unicorn off his hooves. "Your work has continued, Starswirl. Oh, it has reached its peak!" "My work-" Starswirl began, taking a tentative step back. "Has allowed me to transcend the boundaries between flesh and magic! Magic and I have become one!" Magnus roared, his voice becoming increasingly distorted, sightless eyes suddenly flaring brightly with raw power, the unicorn rising higher into the air as bolts of energy blasted apart the floor below him. "NOT EVEN CELESTIA CAN MATCH MY POWER NOW!" The Magus was engulfed in a light so bright that it nearly destroyed Starswirl's sight on the spot. The old stallion was forced to turn away, shielding his eyes with both of his front hooves, pressed against the corner of the chamber. The tower itself began to quake at the power spilling out from the unicorn. As the light began to dim, Starswirl could see Magnus was no more, and in his place was a being of raw energy, twisted into the shape of a unicorn. No flesh, no bone, the only thing that was left of the Magus that floated before him moments ago was a writhing pony made of brilliant blue-white energy. "You have come on a very special day, Starswirl; the day of my ultimate triumph. I cannot express the joy I feel in words, knowing somepony was here to witness my transcendence," the twisted voice of Magnus echoed throughout the room, his voice unnatural and synthetic, the 'mouth' of what he had become not moving while he spoke. Starswirl could barely stand the sight of his glowing enemy, but he could sense the unfathomable power that radiated from him. "There will be no more hiding. I will preach my work to the world with every terrible blow. I will act as a herald of a new age. One in which you have no place, Starswirl." Starswirl's mind began to race, grasping at any possible course of action. He was prepared to fight until the end, to prevent any further harm to the ponies of Equestria, but now it seemed as though he orchestrated its demise. His work...being used to turn the depraved hermit into a monster. Any hope of defeating the master of the tower now was gone. He had failed. Auburn, the Princess, and all of Equestria would suffer for his mistake. "No...!" Starswirl looked up at the Magus, his eyes burning. The situation may be hopeless, but he would NOT lie down and die. It was simply not his way. Getting to his hooves, the legendary Starswirl the Bearded stood defiant in the face of certain doom, his horn glowing brightly as he lashed out at his impossible enemy. A blue-black bolt of energy tore through the chamber toward Magnus the Ascended. The energy of Starswirl's attack seemed to pierce the energy that made up the Magus' body, swirling around inside before dispersing harmlessly. Magnus let out a mocking cackle at the pitiful attempt at an attack, but it did not last long. "What-What have you done, Starswirl?! What is happening to m-" Magnus roared as the energy that comprised his form began to arch off in random directions. With each terrible spark, entire portions of the tower exploded, showering the forest below with rubble. In such a raw state, the unicorn was made up of the same unstable power he wielded, and without flesh and blood to bind him, Starswirl's attack was enough to destabilize him. Starswirl's eyes widened as Magnus screamed in utter agony as his body and mind were destroyed. Shrouding himself in blue-black energy, Starswirl smashed through the sealed door of the chamber, and charged down the hall. The room behind him was engulfed in a light brighter than the sun, as Magnus' horrified screams were amplified a thousandfold. The sound rung out across the Everfree Forest, echoing for miles. The old stallion rushed to descend the stairs as the tower began to collapse. The destruction of the Magus had weakened the structure as a whole, and Starswirl could feel the stone crashing in on itself. Just as he bolted from the stairwell, several tons of rubble came crashed down into it. Starswirl was now on the first floor, looking around in a panic for the door he had used to enter. The ceiling hanging far above him, which represented another floor of the tower, began to give way. Massive chunks of rubble crashed down from above, blasting through the wooden floor with each blow. With each impact, splinters were thrown in all directions, cutting Starswirl in several places as he darted past. Adrenaline flowing through him, the old stallion was determined to escape. Wreathed in the blue-black translucent energy, Starswirl smashed through the front door with a loud crack, showering himself with the splintered fragments of the structure. Starswirl was propelled out of the structure and into the forest beyond, soaring several feet before hitting the ground, his cap thrown from his head as he slid across the muddy ground. The tower continued to collapse as he lay motionless before it, scattering debris in all directions. Starswirl awoke with a jolt, looking around in a panic. He found himself in a wooden structure he did not recognize. The room was lined with beds, some which were occupied. He recognized the three ponies he had seen at the tower almost instantly, and also noticed other ponies in uniform patrolling around the beds. Somehow he had made it to some sort of hospital. Looking down at himself, he noticed bandages across his legs and flank, where he had been cut in his escape. Relaxing slightly but still hopelessly confused, the old stallion almost didn't notice Auburn standing beside his bed. "And when exactly were you going to make your presence known?" "When you stopped looking like you'd fry the next pony to startle you," Auburn said with a smirk. "What happened, Auburn? Where is Magnus?" "The other unicorn? We couldn't find him. The tower's completely destroyed, and you were almost caught in the mess." Starswirl sat back, slowly remembering what had happened to the Magus. What he had become...and what had happened as a result. "How are the others? "They seemed well enough after they got out of the tower. When it collapsed, I told them to go back to Dodge and get help, and went back to look for you." Starswirl gave a small smile, thankful for his pupil's loyalty. With a sigh, he tried to get to his hooves, only to fall backward as a wave of nausea hit him. "You might want to rest a bit, Starswirl. You've been through a lot," Auburn said, giving the older pony a stern look. "Take a message, Auburn. For our report to the Princess." Auburn quickly retrieved his quill and parchment from his pack, which he still carried. "Tell her the problem is solved." "That's it?" Starswirl nodded. "I think it best left unsaid. Perhaps it is best the Magus stay forgotten." Auburn kept this promise for many years. After his mentor's passing, he wrote a series of novels detailing their adventures together, as well as a few stories Starswirl had told him before his time. Auburn knew why his mentor had wanted the story of the Magus Magnus to never see the light of day, but as the denizens of Equestria began to forget the incredible deeds of the old unicorn, he felt it best to show them. The story of Starswirl and the Magus Magnus would become one of the most popular stories in Canterlot, and served as a warning to those who sought nothing but power.
