The Sword of Harmony
Chapter 1: The Dark Hole
Winter Wrap Up had just concluded and the fresh warmth of Spring filled the air. It was time for Sweet Apple Acres to seed their annual harvests, time for all the animals to withdraw from hibernation, and time for the sun to shine brightly in the clear, blue sky. The first day of spring is always the loveliest day of the year, but on this joyful day, a dark secret lurks beneath the freshly plowed earth.
This year, the ponies down in Ponyville missed a few snow-topped trees back in the far reaches of Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack woke up early the next day, the first sunrise of Spring greeting her like a warm blanket. Twilight had given her the final task of shaking the snow off of the last few trees. Applejack walked proudly through the fields that morning, passing by all of her apple trees, spry with life after the long winter.
Soon enough she was at the small patch of snow covered trees. She immediately got to work bucking off the frost. The work was simple and the loose snow quickly melted in the warm sunlight. Nearing the end of the snowy patch, there was a particularly old tree nearly covered in snow. Applejack bucked the trunk and the snow ca me tumbling down. She looked back at the tree to find a strange and confusing sight: An odd, black dot on her beautiful apple tree!
“Ah don’t like the look of this.” The farm pony muttered, as she trotted around the tree. She rubbed the spot, trying to get it off with her hoof, but to no avail. “Alright thar’ little speck! Ah can’t have ya messin’ up my tree here.” She turned around and bucked the spot with her full strength. But when she looked back at the tree, the spot seemed to have become larger.
“Oh golly...” She mumbled. She stared at the spot for a moment in bewilderment. After a good deal of staring, Applejack decided to visit Twilight Sparkle. Certainly she would be able to help more than any other pony could. She set out right away for Ponyville.
Everypony seemed to be enjoying the first morning of spring, except for Applejack, of course, who had a little ‘speck’ problem. Applejack strode quickly, avoiding other ponies along the way as to get to Twilight's house as soon as possible. Eventually she reached Twilight's house and knocked softly on the door. She stood waiting for a moment, tapping her hoof impatiently, until finally Twilight opened the door.
“Why, good morning Applejack! Are you enjoying the beautiful spring weather?” She asked with a wide smile on her face.
“Well, er’, yes, Twilight, but ah seem to have a bit of a problem down at the farm and I can’t get rid of it. Ah was hopin’ that you and yer mighty fancy books might have sumtin' that could help me out!” Applejack said, expressing her dismay. Twilight Sparkle cocked her head in curiosity,
“Of course, Applejack! I'd be happy to help! What’s the issue?” She asked as her and Applejack started to walk back to the farm.
“Follow me.” She motioned for Twilight to come along.
“What in tarnation!?” Applejack rushed over to the tree, putting her hooves on the now large ‘speck’ as she called it still. Despite the blemish having nearly tripled in size, she still couldn’t feel it. The only thing she felt was the coarse texture of the tree.
“Is that it?!” Twilight put a hoof to her mouth in surprise. “What is that thing?”
“Hay if Ah know, Twi’. This thing just came along when Ah bucked all the snow off the apples trees back here.”
“If it was under the snow, then there's no way to know how long it’s been there. It could have been there all winter.” Twilight walked toward the tree, putting a hoof on the speck. “That’s strange… I don’t sense any kind of magic being used. I can assure you nopony is using magic to make this; but I can't come up with any other explanation.” She said without taking her eyes off of the speck, studying it intently.
“Well, what are we gonna do, Twi’?” Applejack asked, hoping Twilight would know the answer.
“There's only one thing we can do, Applejack.” She continued to study the large spot that had nearly encompassed the side of the tree. “We have to talk to Princess Celestia. If there's anypony who would know about this phenomenon, it's her.” She assured Applejack, who nodded in agreement.
***
“Spike, take a letter.” Twilight Sparkle said, pacing across the wooden floor. Applejack laid back against a pile of pillows that had been left out from a sleep over the other night.
“Dear Princess Celestia,” Twilight said aloud as Spike transcribed her words. “A strange phenomenon has manifested itself here in Ponyville. A large, black spot, the cause of which I cannot explain, has formed on one of Sweet Apple Acres' trees. I wish to request your aid in this matter. It is imperative that this issue be investigated and a solution found as soon as possible! Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.” She said, ending the letter. With a puff of green fire, Spike sent the letter off to the Princess.
“What is this ‘Black Spot' thing anyways?” Spike asked.
“It’s on one of Applejack’s apple trees.” She began. “It seems to resemble something I read about in one of my old astronomy books called a black hole. The book didn't have very many details, it just said it was a mysterious, black object in space. But I can’t put a hoof on what this spot actually is." She speculated.
Twilight couldn't come up with an explanation other than the spot actually being a black hole. If it was, what was one doing in Ponyville? And what could this mean for all of Equestria? She had read so many books, but was still unable to truly explain it.
The room was silent for a moment. Twilight contemplated the spot deeply. Applejack rested on the stack pillows, also engulfed in thought. Spike burped a plume of green flame as he received a response from the Princess, breaking the silence. Spike opened it up and began to read, Applejack and Twilight listening eagerly.
“Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student,” the letter began. “I fear that the nature of your issue is beyond even my knowledge.” Twilight sighed in disappointment. Spike continued besides the fact. “That is why, Twilight Sparkle, I am assigning you the task of investigating this phenomenon. Before you begin, however, we have something to discuss. I have sent a chariot to transport you and your friend to Canterlot. I will explain more once you arrive. I look forward to seeing you two very soon.”
Spike set the letter on a nearby table. Twilight Sparkle immediately began preparing herself for the trip. She slid a few books into her leather pouch and strapped it onto her back.
“Are you almost ready, Applejack?” Twilight Sparkle turned to Applejack, who was now laying on the pile of pillows.
“Ya’ll want me to go?” She asked. Twilight nodded her head.
“Princess Celestia did invite you. And besides, it’s your apple tree that’s plagued by this black spot, it seems only fair you get as much knowledge as I do about it.” She explained to Applejack, who nodded in return.
***
Soon the flying chariot arrived, and they were on their way to Canterlot. Applejack and Twilight Sparkle looked down at the ground as they moved quickly far above it.
“Twi’” Applejack began, Twilight turning to face her. “Do you reckon this’ll turn out alright? Ah know we don’t know yet if this thing is dangerous ‘er not, but Ah just can’t help and wonder.” Applejack slouched over the side of the chariot in dismay, continuing to watch the ground whiz by. Twilight put a hoof on Applejack's shoulder in an attempt to comfort her.
“Don't worry, Applejack. Everything's going to be alright” She assured her. They promptly arrived at the Royal Castle in Canterlot. Applejack and Twilight stepped out of the carriage, thanking the royal guards whom escorted them. The guards nodded as the two of them walked off. Soon, two more guards came to escort Twilight and Applejack into the throne room.
“Twilight Sparkle, my faithful student.” Princess Celestia addressed Twilight as she walked into the throne room, Applejack following alongside. “I glad to see you brought your friend, Applejack, a very kind and honest pony. It is delightful to see you both.” Applejack and Twilight bowed their heads in respect. “I brought you here, Twilight Sparkle, to visit the Canterlot academy, as I know you’re familiar with. The Academy is home to books on hundreds of subjects, and some of the brightest and best minds in all of Equestria, I have no doubt you will be able to find something to help you there. Before you begin your search, however, I believe I am able to provide you with a theory of my own.”
Princess Celestia led them out of the throne room, walking down the hall to a guarded, large double door. She nodded to the guards who then opened the door for her. Celestia, Twilight, and Applejack walked inside, the guards closing the doors behind them.
“This is the Royal Canterlot armory.” Princess Celestia said, introducing the room. Long shelves covered most of the walls, many sets of the traditional golden armor lined them. A few other things were contained inside the room as well. Weapon racks held swords, maces, and shields along the left side of the room. A sword, the sole adornment of the back wall, caught Twilight and Applejack’s eyes. The sword had a marvelously designed purple hilt with a yellow gem in the middle. The blade was polished clean and its edges ran sharp and true.
“I see you have already noticed what I brought you here to discuss.” Princess Celestia smiled, leading them over to it.
“This sword was recovered no more than a few days ago.” Celestia told them, her eyes running down the blade's length. “Its design is unlike anything I've ever seen. The blade is sharper than even the best sword smiths in Equestria can match. The hilt I find very interesting, to say the least. This is a sword unlike anything ever seen in Equestria. This weapon had to have been forged by a master craftsman, one who definitely had an eye for beauty.” Twilight took a step closer, looking at her reflection in the perfectly polished blade.
“The sword is beautiful, Princess Celestia, but how does it relate to the black spot?” Twilight brought up the point.
“It is only speculation, Twilight Sparkle, but I believe that this sword is connected somehow. The sword appeared only yesterday in the Everfree Forest, fairly close to Sweet Apple Acres. A very kind Zebra, who I believe is your friend as well, found it and brought it to a royal guard that was paying a visit to Ponyville. I suppose she thought the sword was Canterlot property and was simply returning it to us.”
“Ever since it arrived, however, nopony has ever seen it or knows who made it. It appeared as randomly as the black spot in Ponyville did.” Princess Celestia explained. “Because of this, Twilight Sparkle, I am giving the sword to you. I believe it will aid you in your mission to explain these recent strange happenings.”
“Thank you Princess, It's an honor to accept your task.” Twilight Sparkle agreed. “But Princess Celestia, why did you ask me to bring a friend if all I’m doing is studying?” Princess Celestia smiled.
“Applejack is here because I also have a mission for her.” Princess Celestia turned to Applejack, who previously had been listening quietly.
“What do ya need me to do, your highness?” Applejack gave Princess Celestia a determined look. “Anything to get that spot off of my apple tree.” She added.
“Keep Twilight company.” Princess Celestia smiled.
“Is that all?” Applejack asked. “Ah reckoned Ah’d be doing something more...”
“Twilight Sparkle also has another mission in progress, to study the magic of Friendship." The Princess kneeled down to whisper in Applejack's ear,
"Don’t let Twilight become too obsessed with her books. I think we both know she can get a little out of control.” Princess Celestia gave Applejack a wink as she stood up.
“Huh? What did I miss?” Twilight Sparkle shook her head. “Come on, Applejack. Let’s just get started. I have a lot of studying to do.”
“See what I mean?” Princess Celestia spoke quietly to Applejack. Princess Celestia took the sword off of the wall and sheathed the blade before securing it to Twilight's back.
“You’re all set. It’s important to study, but remember that it’s also important to take breaks. I know you, Twilight Sparkle, don’t get carried away.” Princess Celestia advised.
***
Applejack perused the Canterlot Academy Library, finding nothing of particular interest to her. Eventually she pulled a book from the shelf. Mathematical Attestation of the Multi-Apple Paradox the book's cover read in small black lettering. Applejack opened the book and skimmed through a few pages.
"These books are all just a bunch of hooey!" Applejack mumbled in frustration as she slid the book back into its shelf.
“What are ya’ readin now, Twi’?” Applejack asked, leaning on the table Twilight was studying at. Twilight had laid the sword across the table in front of her.
“Oh, hello Applejack, I’m reading a book on famous weapons and armor. I'm trying to find out where this sword came from. I think the Princess was right, and the sword is somehow linked to the spot on your tree. It's a good first step to figure out where this sword came from."
“Have ya found anything in that book about that sword?” Applejack inquired hopefully.
“Unfortunately, I haven’t. This is the last book I’ve found on the subject. I’ve also asked all of the ponies who know anything about weapons or history, and they've never seen or heard of anything like it. This sword truly is something out of this world.” The two friends stood in silence for a moment before Applejack spoke.
“Twi’ we’ve been here for a few hours, and it's gettin' late. Why don’t we go grab some grub and call it a night?”
“I’d love to Applejack, but there’s still a lot to figure out and-“
“Now Twilight." Applejack said in a scolding yet caring tone, "Don’t you remember what Princess Celestia told ya’? You can’t always be stuck in yer books.” Twilight smiled at her.
“You’re right. I’m sure it can go a night without my attention.” She slid the sword into its sheath and closed the book, leaving the library behind for a night on the town.
***
Twilight Sparkle and Applejack had finished eating at the Le’ Fancy, spending a half an hour sitting and talking.
“What’s this place called again?” Applejack asked.
“Le’ Fancy” Twilight told her, "Rarity recommended it, she said it's the best dining in all of Equestria! And she should know."
“Oh. Ah couldn’t really read that thar sign.” She pointed up to restaurant's marquee, unable to read the exquisite lettering.
“It’s just too… fancy.” Applejack said in a mild state of awe.
“Don't you mean it's... Le’ Fancy!” Twilight joked around, the name rolled off her tongue with a feeling of great elegance and class. The waiter walked up placed a bill on their table, bowing slightly as he walked away. Twilight reached into her leather bag to pull out some money. As she looked up from her bag to pay, there was already money on the table. Looking up to see where it came, she saw Princess Celestia smiling next to their table.
“I'm glad to see that you’re juggling your two missions well, Twilight Sparkle. I'm also happy to see your mission is going fine as well, Applejack.” She said to both of them with pride in her voice. They nodded in respect and as they looked up Princess Celestia placed a note on the table.
“This note states that you both may go anywhere you please, even the few places only my sister and I are allowed into. Carry it with you, Twilight Sparkle. I know it’ll serve you well."
"Thank you, Princess." Twilight said, bowing her head.
"But that’s not the only reason why I came here though.” The Princess added. A blue aura illuminated the Princess' horn, and after a second, a peculiar item appeared on the table.
“A…harp?” Twilight Sparkle stared at it.
“Well that’s the oddest harp Ah ever seen.” Applejack stated. The harp was quite small, only ten strings ran down its length. The base was a golden color with three triangles carved into it.
“What’s so special about a harp?” Applejack asked, unimpressed by the instrument.
“A fine point, Applejack. What IS important about this harp?” Celestia repeated the question. They both turned to Twilight Sparkle. Twilight examined it for a moment, the design catching her eye. Something clicked in her mind and she quickly unsheathed the sword.
“These symbols...” She pointed at a small symbol etched near the base of the blade, and then to the symbol on the base of the harp. “They’re the same!”
“Well done, Twilight Sparkle. They are the same. I bought it from a musical instrument collector. There was an exhibition today at the palace for odd objects and artifacts.”
“Did you put that on, Princess?” Twilight asked.
“It only took us a few hours to set up, surprisingly.” She chuckled, confirming Twilight’s speculation. “I had my guards deliver word to every city in Equestria that an ‘Artifact Extravaganza’, as I called it, was being held in Canterlot.” Celestia coughed nervously, and then returned to her explanation. “I set it up specifically so that I could try and find anything else that would help you, Twilight Sparkle. I saw this harp and I recognized the symbol from the one on your sword. The collector said he had found it just yesterday.”
“So, the harp and the sword are connected...” Twilight concluded. “They were both found very recently, and we only found the black spot this morning.” She thought about it for a moment. “We don’t know how long the spot has been under the snow, but maybe they're all connected…” Twilight sat there pondering silently, lost in thought.
“You should make sure she isn’t up all night thinking about this Applejack. Tomorrow is a perfect day to study, and a sleepy mind won’t help her find anything.” The Princess explained, Applejack nodded in acknowledgment. “I know Twilight will be just fine under your care.” She said with a proud smile.
***
Twilight laid both the harp and the sword together on a table. Their room was a disaster, books laid across the floor, Twilight's notes covering nearly every flat surface. Applejack was asleep in her bed, snoring in between her bouts of sleep-talking about apples.
“I know Applejack and the Princess told me I need to rest, but there's just too much to figure out, I can't stop thinking about it.” Twilight thought as she scoured the room for her book on occult weaponry. Earlier that night Applejack had finally convinced Twilight to go to sleep, but she waited until Applejack fell asleep to get up and continue studying. She laid a hoof on the base of the harp, “Whatever's going on here I'm certain it's got something to do with this symbol...”
***
In Sweet Apple Acres, the black spot laid dormant through half the night. The full moon rose into the sky, shining its pale light across the land. The moment the light reached the ominous spot, it began to glow faintly.
Almost immediately after the glow appeared, a plume of fire manifested from the spot. The flames spread across the ground, licking the trunks of the apple trees. Soon the entire back corner of Sweet Apple Acres was ablaze. The fire spread quickly, jumping effortlessly from tree to tree.
A pulse of dark rings shot out from the spot as it appeared to gain depth, sinking quickly into the side of the tree. Soon the spot had become a gaping hole, it's depths extending far beyond reach. From the hole emerged a dark, armored stallion. His mane showed red with the tinge of blood. The inferno that had overtaken Sweet Apple Acres parted as the stallion stepped toward it. As he stepped forward, the hole faded away behind him, leaving the tree's original side behind. The stallion's ear twitched and he turned toward the barn. He could hear the fearful screams of fleeing ponies as the fire overtook the farm. The black stallion fled the other direction, moving with incredible speed toward the Everfree Forest.
