The Birth of a World

“...then we journeyed to the badlands and encountered a rather peculiar race called the changelings, they are divided into two kingdoms, one is ruled by a tyrant by the name of Chrysalis, and the other is ruled by a loving King called Barith, suffice to say the King has a larger kingdom and happier citizens, they even look different from Chrysalis brood so one might consider them almost separate species.”

 “Oh my gosh, Chryssy I know her! I was at the wedding where she smashed Celestia in battle then tried to take over Canterlot, though I wonder why she thought that was a good idea, I know Changelings feed on love, but there would not be much love in a city full of no fun, and no fun means *GASP* NO PARTIES, OH MY GOSH that is the worst thing ever.”

The elephant chuckled, “Yes Pinkie, no parties is a terrible thing, but the changeling do not feed on love persay it is more that they gain their ability to use magic through love, it is a energy like a unicorn's magic but refills on love. Get it?”

“Of course I Don....Oh hey Zebra-pony-I-saw-earlier-but-did-not-get-the-name-for.”

Saren held up his hoof as he gasped for air. He ran all the way from Sugarcube Corner to the library to the park after he realized he was going the wrong way again.

“Whoof, you're a hard pony to find, even though you are entirely pink.” Saren looked up to the elephant “Oh hello Agnota how are you?”

“I am doing quite well, what about yourself?”

“About to have those famous apples we have been hearing about, but I had to find the pink one first”

Pinkie started bouncing in place, as she listened to the friendly exchange, until she felt Agnota’s trunk rest on her shoulder. She gave him an apologetic look. He got a headache when she bounced, so in order to talk to him more she refrained from bouncing, but it was turning out harder than she anticipated.

“There yah are, Saren, was wonderin’ where yah got off too, lost yah after the library. Hey Pinkie pie and uh pardon mah rudeness but who might you be?”  Applejack and the others came walking up, and noticed the Elephant, Pinkie was...Standing patiently next to?

“Ahh you must be Miss Applejack, Pinkie here has gushed at your exploits and wonderful farm and how you do so well taking care of it, though I have got to say she was a little modest on how beautiful you really are. It is a pleasure to meet you my name is Agnota” Agnota swept into a bow, as much as his hulking frame would allow him anyways. Sweeping his trunk behind him he whipped it out with a bouquet of Summer lilies and presented them to her.

Applejack sat, her face turning as red as Big Mackintosh's coat at the unexpected compliment. Her "Thank you," was inaudible as as she fought down the heat in her cheeks.

“Ahh and do not think I have forgotten about the others, Sky Flowers for the Sleek, Athletic, and ruggedly Beautiful, Rainbow Dash.” Rainbow Dash’s usual fire failed her as she accepted the compliments and flowers. “Cherry blossoms for the adorably shy, cute pegasus Fluttershy.” Fluttershy, was surprisingly, not as shy, she managed to take the flowers from Agnota, and mumbled a thank you around the flowers despite the intense red on her muzzle. “and of course Rosa woodsii Lindl for the Adorkable and incredibly smart Twilight Sparkle. Hmm it seems we are missing one, no matter her flowers shall keep until I see her.”

Agnota stood looking down at all five mares, watching their mixed reactions, Twilight had levitated the flowers to her and kept repeating the name, along with “Adorkable is not a word....but it should be.”

Applejack, who was just recovering from the compliments started nibbling on one of her flowers. The orange mare thought about what had Agnota said, and how to repay him when it hit her. “Ouch! Pinkie stop throwing apples... Hey Agnota, ah am sure you are famished and all from hanging out with Pinkie Pie, would you like to join Saren and my friends for some old style Apple family cooking?”

“Yeah Agnota, you can hit on her grandmother and brother, hope you got more flowers in that trunk of yours, you hopeless romantic.” Saren bumped the Elephants shoulder,

The grey elephant fluttered his ear’s in annoyance and glared at Saren before replying “I would love to attend.Do not mind Saren he is just... odd thats all.”

“Hey, I am not odd... ALLONS-Y” The group looked at him with confusion. “You don’t know what that means... and well neither do I, but I think it’s Prench so... , WE ARE.”

Ears perked, Applejack, RD and Twilight shouted “Moving on!” With that Saren took off at a gallop towards Sweet Apple Acres. Everyone else trailed behind talking as they walked.

The sun was starting to dip past the horizon, it shot vibrant pinks and oranges across the sky, a signal to the coming end of the day. In the midst of a sea of apple trees, seven figures were spread out on a giant quilt .

Trays of apple treats were spread across the quilt; the zebra laid back and patted his ample belly. “Ahh, that was one of the.... no the most delicious meal I have ever had in centuries, up there right next to ‘Maderos en Gloria’, which is a delightful little dish that is made over in...”

“I don’t mean ta be rude but, yah did promise that yah would continue the story, if ah fed yah.” Applejack tilted her hat back and narrowed her eyes “And ah hope yah aren't thinking of going back on that promise”

Saren looked into the eyes that promised swift retribution, if he did not make good on his promise. Sighing he got comfortable, before stopping, eyes widening at the increase of audience members, Saren let out his signature sigh “Am I going to have to repeat the story?”

Without missing a beat Pinkie Pie jumped up “Oh, of course not, I know where we are. Alright so six Primordials descended onto a lost planet and decide ‘Hey I want to make this a really nice place, a place where we can have parties’ so they made the land sky wind water and the sun and the moon. There was some tension between a couple of them - but that is for later possible shipping purposes so I will not go into details - but anyways then the elements shot down from the sky all bright lighted and stuff, and said ‘this is a rather lame party lets liven things up’. Ohhh, but they haven’t said that yet so we gotta wait.”

Taking in a huge breath, the pink party pony planted herself on the quilt down with a grin on her face looking at all the wide eyed stares being thrown her way.

Saren tilted his head in curiosity as Pinkie told the abridged version of the story, With a confused look he replied slowly “Pink one. How you are not under study is beyond me, for as to what benevolent being would allow a mortal to possess such Paracognitive abilities is beyond me.”

“Pinkieus Piecus is already under study... and said study is on hold due to the craziness that befalls researchers when studying her.” Twilight spoke with finality as the memory of her study sessions plagued her mind.

Glancing over to the pained look on Twilight’s face, Saren gleaned all the information he needed.“Right, right I am getting off topic anyways...Alright so the Elements of Harmony had just landed and the Primordials are moving towards them...”

“Why are we here? We were passing by on our way then you said drop, but why?”

“I sensed a disturbance... an imbalance in this planet, like something is messing with natural progress.”

“What do you think is causing it, Harmony?”

“I do not know. The disturbance is like this planet, unlike any of the other worlds we visited. Not only is it alive when it clearly shouldn’t be,  but it is locked in a moment in time, standing still.”

Magica took in a breath before shuddering at the intense smell of magic. It was as Harmony said, Something she could not identify brushed her mind. It came again, more powerful in it’s repetition. The pressure felt random, like ten different things were all happening at once, chaotic was the only word for it. As the pressure got stronger Magica found it harder to concentrate, That’s it she thought as she raised her eyes to the horizon They are coming.

Magica slunk to the ground hand on head. Harmony cut her speech off as she noticed her friend fall. “Magica? What is it Magica?” Kneeling beside her friend she tried to offer what small comfort she could.

“Someone is coming.” she managed to whisper.

A Woman with hair a flowing scarlet approached Magica, laid a hand on her shoulder and spoke softly into her ear. A few minutes past and Magica rose from the ground and looked less in pain.

“Thank you Aequan your kindness knows no bounds.” Magica embraced her scarlet haired companion “Harmony, Someone is coming.  I know not who.”

Aequan moved back to the group allowing Harmony to lower her voice so only Magica could hear.

“Whoever these beings are they have immense power, I need you to find anything you can with a magic scan. I will speak with them, maybe they can be potential allies, but I doubt it as I believe they are the cause of the imbalance I sensed”

Magica gave her leader a terse nod, took a few steps back and prepared her magic, I will have to do this carefully, I do not want to lead them on to what I am doing. I hope Harmony knows what she is doing.

“Look, I just do not think it is a good idea that you want to go alone, something could happen.” Chaos pleaded with his sister to reconsider.

Looking over to her brother, he had been against the idea of her going alone from the start, Maybe he is right, what harm could it do to have everyone there. Order stopped and turned her kin.

“Alright I know some of you were against me, going alone others trusted me. Chaos has made an excellent case as to why you should accompany me, and you shall.” Order looked at each gathered before continuing. “But I will do the talking, all I want is for you to stay behind and listen. Is that clear?”  There was a muttered agreement between the five kinsmen.

Turning  to continue walking she saw the other group approaching. It looks like they are approaching as a group. I am glad Chaos talked me out of going alone. Donning an emotionless mask, Order spread her hands out at her side, as a sign of peace. The one she took as their leader mimicked her sign.

As they approached, Order examined leader, Her silver hair cascaded down her back, her eyes were filled with a brilliance of colors, her dress, a golden satin fluttering in the wind, covering a figure both lithe and muscular that of a dancer. Her movements reinforced her frame, moving with a fluidity and grace, that few could hope to match. Her piercing gaze, looked up and down Order’s figure, doing the same examination as she gave her. Gazing at one another, these two epitomes of beauty tried to find any weakness which to exploit in the coming battle.

Forcing herself to look away from her eyes, Order gave a tight lipped smile and a brief nod “Greetings, my name is Order, these are my kin, Chaos, Aether, Gaia, Furion, and Arwan” She pointed to each member of her party, they each gave a bow. “We are the shapers of this planet, and many others. We have never encountered someone with as magical power as yourself, may I inquire what you are doing here?”

Harmony listened, she studied the group behind the speaker. “It is wonderful to meet you. My name is Harmony, these are my kin, Aequanimitas, Magnuficentia, Damnasse, Risus, Varum, and Magica” Hearing her que, Magica began her scan enemy company.“We are here to facilitate the spiritual growth of this planet, and fix the imbalance that has be brought upon this land.”

Chaos felt a prickle on his skin, the familiar feel of magic. Whipping his head around to find the source, detecting the energies coming from the female, Magica. Hmm a Magic scan, this could be fun. The corner of his lips rising into a smile as Chaos worked a little magic of his own, snapping his fingers he turned the magic scan into a repelling spell, Magica had no time to react to this unexpected event and was flung backwards into Varum, the two collapsed onto the ground in a heap.

Order looked over to Chaos, and her face in a glare that if weaponized could kill. Chaos’s amusement withered under the look.

Turning back to Harmony, Order smiled “Imbalance, there is no Imbalance when order is used to create a utopia where life can flourish Do you know nothing?”

Scowling at the arrogant being in front of her Harmony pleaded her case “There is a Time Lock spell here, and it is stifling the growth of the mind of this land, certainly you can see that. If you continue to turn a blind eye to the stagnation, you will create not utopia, but dystopia.”

Order scoffed “Dystopia? Do you think I am blind? We, the great Primordials, have taken a barren dead planet and created the seeds of life, forever shall they live in their glory. Not only have we created life, but the sun and the moon orbit this world because of us. The very ground you stand upon was created by us. What have you done, besides scoff,  at our hard work and call it flawed, we have created something that will live forever.”

Harmony was failing to hammer home the gravity of their situation to Order. Voice starting to grow louder out of frustration. “How can you believe that this will last forever? This perfect world you say you have created will live a life of agony. Life is change, Change means death. It is what every living thing fears, but it is also the one thing that drives life to live, and what you have here means there is no room for competition, no room for Growth, these creatures and plants will forever be what they are, as they can not create their own life, only you so called stewards can do that.” Gesturing to the land around her, Harmony pointed out an example.

 Under the canopy of a copse of trees, ferns struggled to grow, and wilted brown, but since death was not an option, they revitalized only to wilt again. “You can already see it, Plants grow no taller, they do not seek the sun, they so need to live, they are constantly in pain, from your doing. These creatures they have no drive to reproduce, make more of themselves. There is no Harmony in this ‘nature’ you have created.”

Face darkening, Order chuckled darkly at the words spoken by this poser, “There is no such thing as harmony, only the elements that make a planet” Order swept her hands to her companions. “And if you stand in the way of our Creation, we will bring about your Destruction,.”

Harmony steeled herself “If you want to destroy what little chance you have at keeping what you created, so be it, but I will not see you destroy this blessing of nature, for your own petty ideals.” With a cold look in her eyes Harmony struck the nail home. “Let the scales be Balanced, we will not let you bring about the Destruction of this planet, we will defeat you and succeed where you failed. We will facilitate the growth of this planet. Not You”

Both leaders faced each other, ideals clashing against one another like armies on a battlefield. Angers ignited they each turned on their heels, and marched away.

They outnumber us, we need to strike the first blow Order thought as she walked away, She gave Chaos a nod, steel in her eyes, she sent magic power to Chaos..

Chaos smiled, gathering both his, and his sisters magic in his hands he traced a magic array in the air before him. This spell  annihilate their enemies, and leave them the victors. Power collected in the center of the array Chaos created, the black energy sent sparks of white as it finished collecting power, With a snap of his fingers, the energy leaped towards its master’s target, ready and willing to do his will.

The energy streaked its way towards the Elements, their backs turned they could not see the attack coming, but one heard the screech of power and whipped around determined to defend her friends. Taking a low stance Magica threw out her hands and readied a Dispelling shield to catch the energy streaming towards her, she was ready to sacrifice her life to save her friends.

 The power slammed into her palms forcing her back several feet, the magic tried to drill its way through her Dispelling shield, the purple shield bent under the pressure of the power, it seemed as if she might just stop it, but the power started to grow in strength. Black lightning streaked off, the white orb, slamming the shield in several places at once. Magica’s strength was fading, her shield cracking, she was going to fail, fail her friends.

The impact could be heard as it slammed into Magicas shield. Everyone turned at the sound, but one turned and ran towards her determined to assist her, seeing her shield weakening, he willed her to continue fighting, just as the shield was about to shatter, Varum reached her and laid a hand on her shoulder willing his power into her, and orange light mixed with the purple shield, starting from her hands and pulsing outwards was a orange light followed by purple then orange again, in vibrant waves.

The magic shot from Chaos finally dissipated on shield. Magica fell, Varum caught Magica, but had spent too much power and fell to the ground himself barely cushioning her fall. Varum wrapped his hand around Magica, and brushed her hair back, silently praying she would be alright.

Harmony looked to retaliate against the surprise attack but found the enemy gone. With a cry of anger she silently vowed vengeance against the ones who would become known as the Primordials.

Varum continued to hold Magica, in his arms until he noticed a slight fluttering in her eyes, She is coming to. Gently laying her on the ground, he awaited her eventual return to consciousness.

Slowly she reawakened, feeling drained. It felt like a percussion band was playing a orchestra in her head, I am going to feel this in the morning she thought as she opened her eyes to see Varum standing over her. The sight of the muscular man, skin seeming of molten bronze, and eyes steel grey, made her smile. He smiled back and assisted her into a seating position.

Holding a hand to her head in an attempt to silence the orchestra in her head, Magica leaned against Varum. “Thank you, if you had not come and helped me I-I...” She choked on the last words, they were too hard to think about

Putting a finger to her lips, he silently whispered to her “Do not even think about that, I would never let you leave us, never.” Brushing a stray wisp of hair behind her ear, he continued “

There is Strength in the truth, and that truth is what helped you to persevere, not to mention the love I feel for you, and your friends feel for you.” bringing her closer, Varum slipped a hand underneath her legs and hoisted himself up to walk toward Harmony.

“They fled in the midst of their attack those cowards” Varum sneered.

“Yes, and I fear I let pride get the best of me, but we must fix this imbalance, or else this world will be lost, and eventually die.” Reflecting on her earlier action Harmony could not but help think, What have I gotten us into? I hope I made the right decision

Looking to each with sad eyes, Harmony turned “Come we have much to prepare for, for we are at war.”

Saren finished talking stood up and stretched his sore muscles, he was not used to staying in one place for so long. Looking up at the moon high in the sky, he gave a yawn before addressing the crowd in front of him.

“Well it is late, I think it is time for bed.”

“What! Thats it? I have so many questions, like...” Twilight tried to protest before a similar yawn struck her. “Alright, you are right, I think it is time for bed. I will just write down some questions. Which reminds me where are you staying for the night?”

“Well me and Agnota usually share a tent, so I will be staying with him. Just on the outskirts of town is where the tent is set up I think.”

“Well most everyone is heading that way, do you think I can pick your brain a little until we hit the library?”

Sighing loudly, Saren agreed reluctantly . “Alright Agnota, Shuttershy”

“it’s Fluttershy.” Came a whisper, which no one heard.

Oblivious to the interruption Saren continued , “Twilight, and you, the pink one, let us....heh lettuce.” Pinkie started snickering at Saren’s little pun before bouncing down the path. “Let us follow the pink one shall we?

“Get home safe y’all, and Saren I expect to hear the rest of the story tomorrow, Night”

The rest of the group said their goodbyes and thank you’s before heading home for the night.