The Foal, The Princess, and the Student.

by Saro0fdemonz

Rating: everyone
Tags: Romance, Original Character, Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle, Random, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 5912

It was a night like any other for Celestia, until she discovered a foal abandoned in front of the castle.

Title is subject to change if I think of a better one
This is a story about my OC (see my profile pic, minus the headset) that I finally decided to write and give a name to my OC. Art by honestlydishonest of deviantart. I suppose this is technically a self insert story but who cares? If you do then please go read something else.

Published 2013-01-15 00:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-01-17 09:19:22 UTC

Discovery

Warning: This is a story about an OC, more specifically the OC that is my profile picture, minus the headset around his neck. This OC is me ponified and for the longest time I have had no name for him or background story. While chatting with some friends the idea for this came to me and fair warning it is one of those "Raised by Celestia" sort of things so if you hate that then stop reading now and go drink your applejuice. Alright lets get this show started.

It had been a quiet evening for Celestia, the day court had gone smoothly with almost every issue presented having been solved and everypony leaving happy. All except one lone Princess. She sighed, once again forcing herself to look upon the door that marked her younger sisters bedroom.

"Someday Luna...Someday I will free you..." she always told herself as she left the door behind. Nopony had set hoof beyond the door since Nightmare Moons banishment. As she made her usual trip toward her room something strange caught her attention. A guardspony carrying a basket in her teeth and marching towards her.

"Oh well, thank you but I am not hungry" Celestia said, waving the guard away with a hoof. The guard remained and set the basket down in front of her.

"This was found by the front gate your majesty, it is not a picnic basket..." the guard said sadly, pulling back the blanket to reveal a sleeping unicorn.

"Oh my goodness..." Celestia looked down at the foal and sighed softly.

"Thank you for bringing this to my attention. But why not take the foal to an orphanage where it can be cared for?" Celestia said, lifting the basket in her magic.

"Because it is not a normal foal Princess." the guard pulled the blanket back a bit more to reveal wings on its back. Celestia blinked, almost losing her grip on the basket.

"That's impossible..."

"That is what we said Princess. We thought it best that the child be brought to you immediately."

"You did well, keep this quiet and return to your post." the guard nodded and quietly marched away. Celestia peeked into the basket once more, the foal waking up and beginning to cry loudly.

"Oh no, shhh, its okay little one." Celestia walked into her room, carrying the basket in her magic and setting it aside. She gently lifted the foal out of the basket as she lay in her bed, letting the foal curl up against her and fall asleep once more. She smiled as his wings fluttered a little.

"To abandon a foal...what sort of pony would do such a thing?"

The sound of a crying foal woke Celestia early that morning. She pulled the foal close and smiled as he slowly began to relax. Slowly he opened his eyes, two deep pools of emerald looking up at her. Slowly the foals lip began to wobble as again he broke out into tears. She scooped him up in her hooves, cradling him. Still the foal cried and flailed his hooves. For all the years she had cared for the ponies of Equestria she had no idea how to care for a foal. A head poked into Celestia's chamber.

"Oh my goodness Princess!" the mare pushed her way into the room, staring at the foal with wide eyes.

"I had no idea you were a mother!" the unicorn said excitedly.

"You misunderstand, the foal is not mine, it was found abandoned."

"But..his wings and horn..."

"I am as surprised as you Star. Do you think you can help me?" Celestia asked, a bit emberassed to be asking such a thing.

"Why of course Princess, it sounds like the poor thing is hungry. Shining was the same way." Celestia let the unicorn take the foal, her friend laying on her side and letting the foal whimper and nudge her before finally finding her teet and latching onto it.

"Ooh! He's a strong one isn't he? What are you going to do about him Princess?"

"Well you seem more than fit to care for him my friend." Celestia said with a small smile.

"M-Me Princess? Oh no I couldn't...I think he should stay with you Princess. Just look at him." Star brushed a hoof against the foal's wings as he pulled away, sighing and yawning quietly. The foal sat up, looking over at Celestia and giggling happily. He stood shakily and wobbled over to her, falling onto his face in front of her.

"Star...I don't know the first thing about raising a foal."

"Well then I'll help you Princess." Her friend spoke up as she stood.

"Though first things first, you should probably raise the sun. Everypony is going to think something is wrong."

"Oh my goodness!" Celestia quickly rushed to her balcony and began to raise the sun, her horn glowing dimly as she raised her head. A bright burning ball of energy began to rise over the horizon and slowly arch its way over the world, bringing light to Equestria. Star smiled at her flustered friend, carrying the foal on her back.

"It seems I will most definitely need your help. I cannot take him with me to perform my duties Star. Can I count on you to watch after him?" the Princess asked.

"Of course Princess, but at the end of the day this little bundle of joy is all yours. I still have my own family to care for you know." The unicorn said with a small laugh. Very few ponies would dare speak to her like that. It was a refreshing experience to have a pony around that wasn't afraid to speak her mind.

"Thank you Star. I must be off."

"I have a question though Princess." Star said as Celestia headed for the door.

"Yes?"

"Whats the little guys name?"

Four years later

"Hello" Celestia said slowly, looking into two deep pools of emerald. The figure who held them slowly worked its mouth.

"Haaaaalllllloooooooo" it spoke, struggling with the word. It pained Celestia to think it, but the colts voice sounded like claws on a chalkboard echoing in a long empty hallway. His voice had always been strange, even as a foal. Celestia still didn't understand the echo behind his voice or why he was so lacking in speech but excelled at so many other things.

"We'll stop there for now." The colt nodded, smiling up at her. At times she worried something might be seriously wrong with him, almost nothing seemed to upset the colt and at the strangest times he would simply smile at her. But she had grown fond of his smiles and over the years she felt the colt had truly become family.

A gentle knock at the door, followed by two beats and another knock signaled the arrival of Star Sparkle, a mare whom without Celestia would have been lost when it came to the colt before her.

As the unicorn entered with her own son in tow the young brown colt before Celestia quickly shifted behind her, peeking out shyly and giving Star a small smile. It was only his second time meeting Shining Armor, the colt being only two years older than him. The two weren't exactly close, but they both cared for Star Sparkle and that was all that mattered.

"Don't be shy, greet out guests." Celestia said softly. The colt opened his mouth to speak, Star quickly holding up a quill and parchment. The colt pouted a little and took the materials in his hooves, scribbling out a sentence.

I know my voice sounds horrible but I've been practicing Mother Star.

"I'm sure you have dear, but your voice is what it is. Your a strange little colt but I love you all the same." she pulled him into a hug and smiled as he began writing again.

Well everypony is strange in their own way. I haven't seen anypony who looks at all like mom. Are we the only ones like this? Star smiled, ruffling the colts mess of a mane.

"I'm glad to see he's grown so attached to you Princess. And no, there are others. But they live in other places. Haven't you tried asking the Princess?" Star asked, sitting down and smiling as Shining took a seat beside her, keeping his eyes on the colt near his mother. The young colt blinked and lowered his head, scribbling on the parchment.

I was afraid to ask...

"Why would you be afraid?" Star looked up at Celestia, the Princess turning her head and refusing to meet her friends eyes. The colt set the quill down, his ears tucked back.

"Celestia, what did you do?" Star said, letting her anger show in her voice.

"It was not my intention but..."

"But what? You know he's sensitive Princess."

"He asked me if he could go out and play with the unicorns." Celestia said softly. Star blinked, turning to the colt.

"Oh dear...He just wants some friends."

"You know why I can't let him do that."

"Nopony said he had to speak to them."

"How will it look if an Alicorn colt wanders around Canterlot scribbling on parchment in an attempt to communicate with anypony?" Celestia snapped, causing said Alicorn to wince and shrink backwards slightly, though the unicorn mare in the room was unfazed by the outburst.

"I admit it would appear strange, but you can't keep him cooped up in here Princess. I know its for his protection but the boy needs interaction and you don't have the time or the energy and...well neither do I." Star said, placing a hoof over her stomach. Both colts blinked, looking at Star as she smiled.

"You mean...? Oh, Congratulations Star." Celestia beamed.

"Don't think this excuses anything. I'm still angry and the fact that I'm carrying a foal isn't helping me relax much these days." The brown colt blinked, gently pushing his hoof against Star's stomach. He recoiled and screamed, clutching his head as his horn began to glow. Star pushed Shining behind her as Celestia threw a barrier around the colt, both reacting on instinct as the colt fell to the ground, clutching his head. Slowly his screams died down and he sat up, his eyes glowing brightly as he began to speak, his voice echoing as it filled the room.

"A Mare of great power, born of a Star and a Night shall come, bringing forth the return and demise of the Nightmare of days long gone. One will become six and six will become one as the stones curse is undone. Friendship will rise and the Nightmare will fall. A mare of great power comes to save us all" his eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed within Celestia's barrier, the entire room silent.

"P-Princess...wha...what just happened?" Star asked, breaking the silence.

"I...I'm not sure Star..." Celestia blinked, turning to her friend then back to the colt.

"Star. A star. Not just a Star, but a pony named Star" Celestia mused, her horn glowing dimly. An illusion appeared, mimicking what had just happened moments ago. Celestia lifted some parchment and a quill and quickly wrote down each word the colt spoke.

"I think...it is a prophecy. StarSwirl the Bearded predicted his own downfall in much the same manner." Celestia quickly explained, reading it over once more.

"A mare of great power, born of a Star and a Night." She mumbled.

"Isn't your husbands name 'Nightwish'?" Celestia asked with a small smile. Star Sparkle blinked.

"Why...yes it is. Do you mean to say that this prophecy has something to do with my family?"

"I believe it has to do with your daughter."

Celestia sighed in relief as his eyes opened.

"Are you alright?" she asked him. He gave a weak nod, putting a hoof against his head. She held out a piece of parchment and a quill for him in her magic. He grabbed the quill in his teeth, scribbling slowly. Celestia sat beside him, reading as he wrote.

What was that I saw?

"Saw? You saw something?" He nodded and looked around, realizing Shining Armor and Star were gone. His ears tucked back a bit as he sighed, turning back to the parchment.

My head started hurting and I was standing in some ruins. There were a bunch of ponies floating in the air and there was a bright light

"What did the ponies look like?" Celestia asked. The colt shook his head, unable to remember. She held back a sigh as she kissed his forehead.

"Its alright. I think we have discovered something special about you. What you saw is most likely something that hasn't happened yet but is going to happen. You took a look into the future and while you were watching you spoke to us." she held out the parchment with his prophecy. He read over it and winced, putting his hoof against his head.

"Elllllemmmmmeeeents" he said slowly. Celestia pulled him close.

"The Elements of Harmony. It must be." She spoke softly. he looked up at her and she smiled down at him.

"I believe I have finally thought of a name for you" the colt tilted his head to the side confused.

"Oracle." she touched his nose with her hoof and he sneezed, making her laugh.

why oracle? he scribbled onto his parchment.

"An oracle is one who predicts the future. There hasn't been a unicorn with such abilities in many many years. Its a dangerous power, knowing what is to come at any giving moment."

How is it dangerous? Isn't it a good power? Couldn't it help?

"It could, but it could also be abused or misunderstood." she explained. The colt nodded and sat up, glancing over at the prophecy again.

What does it mean? he asked. Celestia was silent for a moment as she thought of his question.

"I'm not entirely sure. But I think it is related to Star Sparkle. Oracle, I think you are ready to begin learning magic."

Magic? Why? he was truly confused now, feeling his head spin as he read over words he didn't even remember saying. Celestia smiled, her horn glowing dimly, causing words to appear in the air before him.

So that I can teach you things like this. it said before fading away. His eyes widened and he turned to her, the Alicorn smiling at him. He gave a small nod and their lessons began.

"Hey, c'mon wake up!" Shining yelled into the colts ear. He jolted and fell out of bed, glaring at his friend. The unicorn chuckled.

"'Bout time you got up. We're gonna be late." Shining Armor spoke up. The colt continued to glare, his horn glowing dimly, words appearing in the air.

'No, you are going to be late. I'm not allowed to go remember?'

"Aw c'mon, you can't spend your whole life locked up in here Oracle." Shining argued. Oracle rolled his eyes, the words fading and quickly replaced with more.

'We'll get in trouble if I leave, you know that and you know why I can't leave. Remember my last vision? I almost set fire to the castle! What if that happens at the ceremony?

"Oracle, aren't you tired of sitting up here all the time? You need to have some fun every once and a while."

'Oh and sitting quietly during a ceremony to make you an official guard is at the top of my fun list, la de da. Oracle wrote in the air, giving Shining his best sarcastic stare.

'Besides, I'm sort of gonna stand out like a dragon in a herd of sheep out there. I'll just watch from here. It was Shinings' turn to roll his eyes.

"I thought of that. I've been practicing this illusion charm. Watch this." Shining Armor backed up a bit, his horn glowing brightly and filling the room with light. Oracle gasped, feeling himself being lifted into the air. The light vanished and Oracle fell onto his head, groaning and sitting up slowly. He glared at the unicorn in front of him.

"HA! It worked, sort of. Take a look" Shining pointed to a mirror. Oracle raised an eyebrow and looked at himself. He had the appearance of one of Celestia's Elite Guards. The armor and all. He held up his wings, noticing the illusion fade just slightly if he moved them too quickly.

'Okay there are so many things wrong with this plan. 1: the illusion is weak and could break at any moment. 2: What if I'm expected to act like a guard, I don't know anything about being a guard! and 3: What if I have to speak?' He asked, jabbing his hoof into Shining's chest.

"Just be one of those tough guards that grunts in response to everything and don't move your wings so fast. All you have to do is stand there and no one will know! You want out of here right?" Shining asked. Oracle sighed and gave a small nod.

"Alright then, lets go. Just uh...let me do the talking." Oracle gave him a flat stare causing the Unicorn to chuckle nervously as they exited the room. The walk to the ceremony was quiet, a guard passing by every now and again and giving Oracle a salute, the alicorn quickly returning it so the guard would pass. At least until...

"Heh, taking Shining Armor to his ceremony?" A pegasus guard asked casually. Oracle gulped, instantly recognizing the voice. It was Chrome Mist, one of Celestia's most trusted and loyal guards.

"Hm, whats your name soldier?" The pegasus asked, looking into Oracle's emerald eyes.

"Uh sir, he's taken a vow of silence for the day in honor of his sister who passed away." Shining blurted out quickly.

"Ah I see. Well that's noble of you. Keep an eye on the recruit and make sure he doesn't get into trouble." Oracle gave a nod and saluted, holding his breath until Chrome Mist was gone. Oracle turned, glaring at Shining.

'Vow of silence because my sister died? Really?'

"Hey it worked didn't it?"

'Lets just go.' they quickly made their way to the Ceremony, Oracle taking his place on the stand close to Shining Armor and spreading his wings out slowly in time with the other guards.

In truth he had watched several of these ceremonies and knew what to do, he had often practiced when he was alone, silently wishing for a day when he could become one of Celestia's Royal Guards. but he knew the day would never come, not with his gift. He panicked realizing his cutiemark was probably showing, turning his head quickly and noticing it had been replaced with the image of a sun.

He gave an audible sigh of relief, turning his attention back to the ceremony. He caught sight of a young unicorn standing beside Shining Armor. He watched as his friend saluted, Celestia herself casting the spell to place the royal armor on him, though his eyes drifted back to the young unicorn. Her coat was a dull dark purple and she had no cutiemark.

But those eyes, he recognized those eyes. Oracle groaned, putting a hoof against his head as the vision slowly began to return. He gritted his teeth, forcing the vision away and blinking as Celestia filled his vision. She looked down at him in silence, though her eyes spoke volumes. He was in trouble.

Training

Silence filled the room as Celestia paced back and forth. Oracle sat there with his head down and his ears tucked back, trying to think of a way to explain himself.

"I'm dissapointed in you Oracle. What would have happened if you had lost control back there? It already seemed strange enough that there were thirteen guards present and even stranger still that one would break military bearing to deal with a headache. What were you thinking?" She asked, turning to him.

'I wasn't thinking, I was just tired of being alone up here'

"I'm sorry Oracle. I know you want to leave and I have been looking into it. But I have found no spells to aid your voice or to halt your explosive visions. I also know that you can't perform illusionary magic yet." She turned her head to a curtain, her horn glowing dimly and pulling it to the side to reveal Shining Armor hiding behind it.

"Princess! I...um..."

'Mom wait! Its not his fault, I asked him to do it. He told me it was a bad idea but I begged him to let me come' Oracle projected, throwing himself between Celestia and Shining Armor.

"Is this true Shining?" Celestia asked. The newly appointed guard looked at his friend, standing there between himself and the Princess, defending him so he wouldn't be removed from the guard.

"Yes Princess." the lie felt horrible on his tongue, but he had worked so hard to become a guard and Oracle was doing his best to protect him.

"I see. Please leave us and tend to your duties."

"But Princess!" Celestia held up her hoof, silencing the unicorn. Shining Armor saluted and left, giving his friend an apologetic glance before the doors closed behind him. Celestia turned her attention back to Oracle.

"I've warned you Oracle. It is dangerous for you to go out there."

'Nothing bad happened. One little guard looked stupid, thats all'

"And what if something had happened?"

'But it didn't! You always tell me something horrible could happen but you never even give me the chance to leave. My whole life has been this room!

"Oracle, I am sorry. But if you cannot listen to me then..."

'Then what?! You'll ground me to my room?! I'm already stuck in here! the Alicorn fumed, glaring up at her for a moment before turning away from her and crossing his hooves. Celestia could only stand there stunned at the colts reaction. She looked around the room, realizing for the first time how small it was, especially for a growing Alicorn. She reached out to place a hoof on his shoulder, only to have him scoot away from her.

"Oracle...would you like to go to school?" She asked softly. The colt slowly looked at her from over his shoulder.

'Do you mean it?' The words lingered for a moment as he turned to face her.

'What if I have a vision in the middle of class? What would everyone think?!' he asked, glaring up at her.

"Oracle, today you showed me you have control over your power. I want you to practice and if you can prove to me you can control your visions then I will let you attend school."

'I'm a bit old to start school...' he attempted to argue, hanging his head.

"Well you would start in your age group. You already know the basics of magic." She said, sitting beside him. She smiled as the colt scooted closer to her, gently draping her wing over him. He took a slow breath and sat upright, choosing his next few words carefully.

'I want to be a guard like Shining'. Celestia blinked, pulling the colt closer to her.

"Its hard work being a guard. Shining Armor only just became a recruit. Are you sure about this Oracle?" The colt nodded, standing and walking in front of her.

'My whole life I've been stuck here with you protecting me from the world. I can't stay up here forever. Maybe if I was a guard nopony would think it weird that I have both wings and a horn. Maybe...maybe I could protect you for a change.' he lowered his head, scuffing his hoof against the ground.

"Oracle...is this about...'that' again?" she asked. He sighed and gave a light nod. For some time now the same vision had been playing out in his mind again and again. A horrible mare with dragon eyes and batlike wings sealing Celestia away in the sun. The horrible vision came to him each and every night, he felt so helpless.

'If I was a guard I could protect you from her! I could fight back!' he argued, tears in his eyes. She pulled the colt close with her hooves, rubbing her cheek against his.

"Shh, listen to me Oracle. In your vision, you witnessed her defeat did you not?" Celestia spoke softly. Oracle looked up at her, sniffing quietly.

"Then I will be alright. But if you are determined to become a guard then I suppose you could start training with Chrome Mist and Shining Armor. Before that, we will begin practicing illusionary magic. Equestria is not yet ready for an Alicorn like you, but someday it will be." He smiled, standing in front of her and flaring open his wings.

'I'm ready'

Run faster, run faster, run faster, he had to run faster! He rolled under a blade, gasping and leaping backwards as another nearly clipped his horn.

"COME ON KID! Get in gear!" His mentor yelled. The 'unicorn' sighed and rolled his eyes, ducking under the swinging blades and running forward. His first time through he had blasted his way through several of the obstacles and was scolded for it.

No magic allowed, this test was made for earth ponies and pegasi! When would he ever have to do this without magic?! He leapt through the last obstacle, tumbling over the finish line and panting heavily.

"TIME! Not bad kid. You could be a bit faster but thats passing. Hit the showers and suit up. You'll be workin' on your sword skills with Sergent Shining Armor's Battalion." His mentor said with a small grin.

"Good luck kid!" Oracle nodded, running off toward the lockers. He ignored the stallions goofing around and headed directly for the showers. A small glow surrounded the tip of his horn, grabbing hold of the knobs for the water and spinning them slowly.

He tested the water with his hoof, adjusting it until he was happy and stepped into it, letting out a soft sigh as the water poured down onto him. He let his eyes close slowly, a small smile appearing on his face as he let himself relax, the water matting his coat against his body. Sweat and dirt dripping off him and swirling down the drain.

The past year had been pretty tough on him. He saw less and less of Celestia due to her having taken a Private student. He had only seen the filly once but once was all he needed to realize why Celestia had taken such an interest in her. After all she was the mare from his vision.

"Room for one more?" a voice spoke up, pushing in beside him. Oracle blinked, looking over at the stallion sharing the shower with him. He blushed slightly and forced himself not to hug him. Instead he gave his old friend a playful punch to the shoulder, Shining returning it with a chuckle.

"I never thought you'd really make it." Shining said. Oracle raised an eyebrow.

"Thats not what I meant! I just meant...well..uh..." Oracle rolled his eyes and smiled, letting his friend know he wasn't mad. Shining sighed in relief, stepping out of the water and draping a towel over his neck.

"Its hard work ya know. I'm surprised the Captain is taking it so hard on you. I guess cause the Princess herself admitted you. He feels like you gotta earn it." Shining said as he dried himself off. Oracle sat with the water still flowing around him, watching his friend. He looked around before turning back to Shining, letting his magic fill the air in front of his friend..

'Well I wouldn't feel right unless I earned it. Besides I get to be here with you. You're suppose to teach me to use a sword today.' Shining chuckled, tossing the towel at Oracle who deftly caught it in his magic, shutting off the water and drying off slowly.

"Yea yea, don't expect me to go easy on ya though. You'll have to learn like everypony else did. The hard way." Oracle grinned, bumping his flank into Shining's, a few stallions snickering behind them. Oracle turned, glaring at them. They had been like that ever since he had joined the guards. What was so funny? Shining Armor cleared his throat, the locker room falling silent.

"You all find somethin funny?" he asked quietly. Murmurs of 'no sir' filled the air.

"Quit foolin around and get back to training." they all stared at him blankly.

"MOVE!" he barked, stallions stumbling over each other as they rushed out of the locker room. Shining sighed, slipping into his armor.

"C'mon Oracle." he ordered, heading for the exit.

'Sorry...they were laughing at me weren't they?' Oracle asked, his ears tucked back.

"You're different Oracle, thats all. Come on." his friend said softly. Oracle silently followed after his friend, wondering what he meant by 'different'. He had always been 'different'. He had always been strange. It was just how he was born. Was that so horrible? Was he destined to be laughed at for the rest of his life?

'Of course not, that's just stupid. I thought I would be trapped in that room forever and look where I am now!' he thought to himself. Shining Armor walked out into a large circle, his soldiers saluting him as he walked over to the weapon rack. Oracle took his place in the circle, standing at attention and awaiting orders.

"Today we practice Sparring and Hoofwork. Get into your pairings. Oracle you're with me." Each stallion moved into position, a few bumping into Oracle and muttering under their breath.

"Freak"

"Teachers pet"

"Colt Cuddler." the last knocked him to the ground, aiming a well timed kick to his head.

"HEY!" Shining barked, drawing all eyes to him. It was a lucky break for Oracle, the blow throwing his focus off and momentarily breaking his illusion. He shook himself and stood, forcing the illusion back into place. A quick look behind him showed that his wings were still well hidden.

"Mind your hooves, stick to your partners and quit pickin on the recruit. Any more of that and you'll deal with me, Understood?!"

"Sir yes sir!" Shining made his way through the soldiers to Oracle, leading him outside the circle.

"You alright buddy?" Shining asked quietly. Oracle shook his head, looking over at the sparring stallions.

'Shining, I think I should pass today. I'm drawing too much attention' his wings fluttered a bit, letting his friend see his illusion was failing. Shining Armor nodded.

"Alright, get to the Princess and get some rest, we'll try again after nightfall." Oracle smiled a little, giving a small nod before leaving. He hung his head once he was out of sight, slowly making his way toward his room. Princess Celestia would be busy tutoring Twilight Sparkle at this hour.

So he had hours of time to himself, one of many things Oracle hated. When he was alone his mind wandered and when that happened the visions would come. He always made sure to have an enchanted parchment nearby in case he saw something important and kept track of each vision. Though as of late all he saw were stronger and stronger visions of Nightmare Moons return. His own research had led him to discover that she would escape her prison in only a few years. If his vision was right then Celestia would also be sealed in the sun upon the villains return. He had to be ready by then.

He had sworn to himself that he would protect Celestia no matter the cost. He would fight Nightmare Moon himself if need be! But that was what bothered him the most. Nowhere in his visions did he ever see himself. Where was he during all of this? Why would he not be there to help? Questions like this had a habit of keeping him up at night, as well as his own nightmares. His last peaceful sleep had been in Celestia's bed nearly a month ago and that space was now taken by Twilight.

All he had these days was his lonely room and Shining Armor. Though he noticed his childhood friend had been keeping an eye on a certain princess and he already knew what that look meant. Shining Armor was in love. The thought made him happy and sad all at once.

His was happy for his friend and at the same time felt he was losing him. Shining Armor had been the only pony who knew the truth about him and accepted him over the years. He was his only friend. Oracle sighed as his head bumped into his bedroom door. Maybe the real problem was that he was jealous.

The 'unicorn' pushed the door open and stepped inside, waiting until the magical locks were set in place before letting his illusion fade away, collapsing onto his bed with a loud sigh. He looked around his room, piles of parchment on one side and several scrolls of his own writing and spell making on the other. Words had always been his talent, but it wasn't until a few years ago that he discovered just how powerful words could be. He had made several spells that required no magic, only the proper words. His problem with this though was his lack of ability to test them.

It was constantly frustrating and at times he felt his talent was useless. Until Celestia discovered his scrolls and began using them in her school. Looking over at the scrolls now brought a smile to his face. It was one of few accomplishments he had made in life and one which he held close to his heart.

Slowly he sat up and stretched, spreading his wings wide. It was tiring keeping them hidden all the time. It would be a long time before he earned Celestia's Enchanted Armor and until then he would have to keep up the illusion. He blinked as he heard knocking on his door, quickly casting his illusion and walking over to the door.

"Hello? is there anypony here?" a voice called out.

"Twilight! What did I tell you about wandering?" Princess Celestia's voice called out from behind the door. Oracle pressed his ear against it, holding his breath as he listened.

"I'm sorry Princess...I was just curious. I've never seen this part of the castle before."

"This is a part of the guards tower Twilight. Its not a place for little fillies. What if you had gotten hurt?"

"I'm sorry..."

"Its ok Twilight. I just worry about you sometimes. Your mother would never forgive me if I let something happen to you. You're very dear to me." Oracle bit his lip as he pulled away from the door. There it was again, that same ache he had felt when he first caught Shining Armor gazing at Princess Mi'amore Cadenza.

He was losing his friend and his mother. He buried his face in his hooves as the realization sunk in. All he cared about in life was slowly being taken away from him and there was nothing he could do. Slowly the image of Nightmare Moon filled his mind, his head throbbing. He clutched his head and screamed in agony. Outside the door, two ponies stood in shock as a scream filled the air, followed by a loud thud.